Though most consumers may not notice the differences on tubes, cans and bottles of sunscreen this summer, the FDA and those packaging such products are well aware of the changes.  From a packaging perspective, it appears that the current changes will effect only the label and labeling process.  However, proposed regulations still under consideration by the FDA may effect more than just sunscreen labels in the future...Read more

There are literally thousands of new beverages that hit the market each year.  Some of these beverages are new twists on old favorites from the brand name beverage companies.  Other drinks stem from new beverage companies with a distinctive flavor, innovative mix of ingredients or some other unique factor.  New bottled water companies may simply stem from the discovery of a new source of water.  Running a distillery may be a hobby turned into the dream of running a business.  Whatever the reason, there will never be a drought of choices in the beverage market for the simple fact that human beings need, and enjoy, beverages.  Of course, the number of cans or bottles produced for a given beverage will depend on the demand for that beverage and the region served, be it local, national or international.  The type of bottling equipment used for any particular beverage will also depend on these factors and a few others as well...Read more

Just a quick reminder from Liquid Packaging Solutions that turntables remain on sale from now until May 31st!  We are currently offering 45" stainless steel turntables, either loading or accumulating, for only $3,300.00.  Of course, both the loading and the accumulating turntables can be manufactured with top diameters different from the 45" being offered this month.  However, with a little persuasion, we can probably offer other sizes at reduced prices as well. (Don't tell our accounting department!)..Read more

Like any person or machine that is good at a job, spindle capping machines, once correctly set up, make the sealing or closing process look easy.  The concept seems simple enough, bottles and caps pass through several sets of matched disks, each set of disks adding torque to tighten the cap.  Automatic spindle cappers can continuously, and reliably, tighten caps throughout an entire production period.  There are, however, more than a couple of tricks to the set up process that ensure the effectiveness of the capping machine...Read more

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Integration in the packaging industry can probably be defined in several different ways.  Many times, integration will refer to bringing together packaging machinery manufactured by several different companies to form a complete, turnkey system.  However, integration can also be defined as introducing a new automatic packaging machine to an existing packaging line.  As we have discussed before, not all packaging facilities begin with - or make the move to - a fully automatic packaging line all at once.  Many start with a single automatic machine, such as a liquid filler, capping machine or labeling machine.  Automating a single aspect of a packaging line can still improve efficiency and production rates without completely destroying cash flow.  In other words, automating a packaging line one machine at a time can be an economical and effective solution for many packagers...Read more

Stainless steel is the construction material of choice for a majority of packaging machines, including liquid filling machines.  Whether an overflow filler, gravity filler, pump or piston filler, almost every filling machine encountered will be manufactured using stainless steel for the frame and a number of components.  The reason for this is simple.  Stainless steel is a material that will play well without almost any product being packaged.  Almost any product.  Like stumbling over a four leaf clover, packaging machine manufacturers will, from time to time, come across a product that simply does not interact well with stainless steel.  In these instances, the manufacturer will look to an alternative material for the construction of the filling machines, which of course interact with the product itself more than any other packaging machine...Read more

Springtime, when a packager's fancy turns to thoughts of...maintenance?  Spring cleaning, unfortunately, need not be relegated just to the house and yard.  As the cold months end and managers and workers alike begin to crave the sunshine, now is a good time to thoroughly check your liquid filler to ensure smooth production runs throughout the summer months...Read more