Campbell Steps Up Investments in Baked Snacks and Healthy Beverages; Highlights Plans for Simple Meals

CAMDEN, N.J., Jul 12, 2010 -- Campbell Soup Company /quotes/comstock/13*!cpb/quotes/nls/cpb (CPB 35.88, -0.15, -0.42%) today outlined long-term growth plans for its core businesses in healthy beverages, baked snacks and simple meals during a meeting with investors at its recently completed Campbell Employee Center. A Web cast of the presentation is available at www.investor.campbellsoupcompany.com.

Douglas R. Conant, Campbell's President and Chief Executive Officer, opened the meeting with an overview of the company's strategies, recent performance and key success factors.

Conant said, "We have made great progress over the last five years, and we are winning in the workplace, in the marketplace and in the community. We believe in the power of being a focused food company and have sharpened our portfolio around three large and growing categories: healthy beverages, baked snacks and simple meals. I am confident that over time we can win in these categories by leveraging our leading brands, regional scale, world-class product technologies, financial strength and organizational excellence and vitality. We have clear strategies to drive our growth going forward."

Conant outlined Campbell's key success factors for long-term growth:

-- Drive superior sales growth in healthy beverages and baked snacks through increased innovation, including wellness, and higher levels of marketing support.

-- Improve sales growth in simple meals by: -- Expanding its global soup leadership position with regional business building efforts, stepped up innovation and increasing emphasis on emerging markets for long-term growth.

-- Increasing its focus on meal makers such as broth, sauces and cooking soups.

Campbell outlined growth plans for healthy beverages, anchored by "V8" juices, and baked snacks, anchored by Pepperidge Farm and Arnott's, and said it intended to increase its focus on these businesses.

Healthy Beverages Well Positioned To Capitalize on Health & Wellness Trend

Sean Connolly, President, Campbell USA, described upcoming innovations in Campbell's U.S. beverages business, including:

-- Building on the Success of "V8 V-Fusion," Campbell will launch three new varieties of "V8 V-Fusion" plus Tea products. Campbell also plans to extend the "V-Fusion" line by adding new varieties, such as Concord Grape Raspberry.

-- Campbell will enhance the "V8" line with new products, such as sweet carrot juice and lower sodium spicy hot "V8" juice, and introduce a new, more contemporary package design.

Campbell estimates the U.S. healthy beverages market to be nearly $34 billion annually. Campbell's U.S. "V8" portfolio accounts for $1 billion in annual retail sales.

Connolly said, "An increasing number of people are turning to beverages as a way to get more vegetables into their diets. As this focus on health and wellness continues, Campbell's beverage portfolio remains well positioned."

Increased Innovation To Drive Growth in Baked Snacks

Mark Alexander, President North America Baking and Snacking and Chief Customer Officer, described growth plans for Campbell's businesses that compete in the $95 billion global baked snacks market:

-- Increase momentum in the core crackers business with a focus on "Goldfish" in North America and "Shapes" crackers in Asia Pacific through increased marketing.

-- Drive growth in fresh bread through continued premium innovation and a focus on health and wellness trends.

-- Significantly increase R&D investments to drive innovation and create new products across Campbell's baked snacks business.

-- Accelerate collaboration across geographies, building on the success of recent efforts, such as the introduction of "Tim Tam" biscuits in the U.S.

Alexander said, "Our baking and snacking business has a track record of strong financial results, and we see a very promising future for these businesses based on our leading brands and our investments designed to drive continued innovation."

Potential for Soup within Simple Meals

Carl Johnson, Campbell's Chief Strategy Officer, Larry McWilliams, President, Campbell International, and Denise Morrison, President North America Soup, Sauces and Beverages, described the Campbell's participation in $421 billion global simple meals category as being in two broad segments: meal makers, which include products such as "Campbell's" condensed cooking soups, "Swanson" broth, "Prego" and "Pace" sauces and "Domashnaya Klassika" concentrated broths; and meals, which include products such as "Campbell's" condensed eating soups and "Campbell's Chunky," "Campbell's Select Harvest" and "Erasco" ready-to-serve soups.

Johnson said, "The growth outlook for simple meals is very favorable with in-home eating at an 18-year high. The breadth of Campbell's products used to prepare meals provides us with a competitive advantage in meal makers, the faster growing segment of the simple meals category."

McWilliams described key initiatives in meal makers for fiscal 2011 including:

-- Increase marketing efforts of cooking and meal preparation across geographies with a focus on easy dinner ideas and other meals.

-- Boost innovation around meal occasions and attract new consumers by introducing new products, such as premium sauces and concentrated broths, in several markets.

-- Establish businesses in emerging markets such as Russia and China.

McWilliams said, "We see enormous potential for soup within simple meals across meal occasions, geographies and consumer needs, and we plan to increase our participation in the global meal makers category."

Morrison described Campbell's plans for soup in fiscal 2011. As previously announced, Campbell will reposition its U.S. condensed soup line with enhanced ingredients, improved taste, more contemporary packaging and further sodium reduction. Other initiatives include:

-- Improve the competitiveness of the U.S. ready-to-serve soup business through product enhancements, new varieties, competitive pricing and promotions and improved marketing. Outside the U.S., Campbell will focus on its ready-to-serve business in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France and Germany.

-- Expand soup as a meal in emerging geographies and channels by launching and testing ready-to-serve soups in several markets. Campbell also will work to grow the fresh soup category and expand distribution in restaurants, schools and other out-of-home locations.

-- Increase innovation by extending sodium reduction leadership and leveraging expertise in vegetable nutrition to introduce new products.

Morrison also described Campbell's plans to introduce an umbrella advertising campaign to reposition "Campbell's" soup in simple meals and support its entire U.S. soup portfolio. This effort will combine the budget of Campbell's U.S. soup brands and deliver an integrated campaign with spending levels well above $100 million.

Morrison said, "Soup provides great value, variety and versatility compared to other options consumers have for lunch and dinner. Campbell will continuously remind people of all the amazing things soup can do."

Campbell's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer Craig Owens closed the meeting by saying, "We intend to deliver sustainably good performance in our primary businesses and plan to grow them over the long term by broadening our innovation, increasing marketing support for our leading brands, fully establishing our businesses in emerging markets and pursuing a disciplined approach to acquisitions that will complement our existing portfolio."

About Campbell Soup Company

Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality foods and simple meals, including soup and sauces, baked snacks and healthy beverages. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of market-leading brands, including "Campbell's," "Pepperidge Farm," "Arnott's" and "V8." Through its corporate social responsibility program, the company strives to make a positive impact in the workplace, in the marketplace and in the communities in which it operates. Campbell is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. For more information, visit www.campbellsoup.com.

Forward Looking Statement

This release contains "forward-looking statements" that reflect the company's current expectations about the impact of its future plans and performance on sales, earnings, and margins. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates that could be inaccurate and which are subject to risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause the company's actual results to vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement include (1) the impact of strong competitive responses to the company's efforts to leverage its brand power in the market; (2) the risks associated with trade and consumer acceptance of the company's initiatives; (3) the company's ability to realize projected cost savings and benefits; (4) the company's ability to manage changes to its business processes; (5) the increased significance of certain of the company's key trade customers; (6) the impact of fluctuations in the supply or costs of energy and raw and packaging materials; (7) the risks associated with portfolio changes; (8) the uncertainties of litigation; (9) the impact of changes in currency exchange rates, tax rates, interest rates, debt and equity markets, inflation rates, economic conditions and other external factors; (10) the impact of unforeseen business disruptions in one or more of the company's markets due to political instability, civil disobedience, armed hostilities, natural disasters or other calamities; and (11) other factors described in the company's most recent Form 10-K and subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

SOURCE: Campbell Soup Company

Campbell Soup Company
Anthony Sanzio (Media)
(856) 968-4390

or

Jennifer Driscoll (Analysts)
(856) 342-6081



PACK EXPO exhibitors present new containers and materials that combine attention-grabbing appearance and greater functionality with a positive environmental profile.

Today’s brand owners must contend with shrinking margins, globalization and shifts in consumer needs. Remaining profitable requires delivering innovative and value-added products and reducing environmental impact.

Attendees at PACK EXPO International 2010 (October 31-November 3; McCormick Place, Chicago, IL) (www.packexpo.com) will see for themselves how they can use packaging to accomplish their objectives.

And they will be especially interested in The Brand Zone, which debuts in Chicago this year. This special area of the show will feature a variety of innovative containers and materials that brand managers can use to make products stand out on the shelf, enhance convenience and functionality and better satisfy sustainability-related requirements.

Because changes in containers and materials affect equipment, developments are often the result of a collaborative effort. “It makes sense to find a partner with similar goals and attributes,” says Ron Puvak, director business development and marketing at Plastic Technologies, Inc. (PTI) (Holland, OH; Booth # 5030). “We’re very open to collaborative efforts. It not only brings complementary strengths together, but also shares the risk.” 

Sustainable Shelf Impact

Some of the newest packaging designs meet demands for both shelf impact and environmental attributes. “Sustainability has to be part of the conversation today,” says Neil Kozarsky, president of T.H.E.M. (Marlton, NJ; Booth # 4330).

The Zipbox™ from T.H.E.M. is a good example. The pouch/folding carton hybrid combines the cube efficiency and stable, upright stance of a folding carton with the easy-open and -reclose and freshness-preserving features of a zippered pouch.

On demo lines at T.H.E.M.’s headquarters, carton converting equipment from Yeaman Machine Technologies, Inc. (Elk Grove Village, IL; Booth # 4443) with zipper/material assembly applicators from Zip-Pak (Manteno, IL; Booth # 1902) seals zippered pouch material to carton blanks at up to 120 per minute today, with higher speeds anticipated on the next machines. Filling on the Yeaman occurs through the bottom of the carton. Its quick-change buckets and rails permit size changeover in less than one hour.

For higher-volume needs, a carton converter, such as Malnove Packaging Systems Group (Jacksonville, FL), would install the Zip-Pak unit right after the folder/gluer.

The process is compatible with a variety of materials including poly-coated paperboard and poly/foil/paperboard laminations for the carton and heat-sealable film with zippers for the pouch portion.

“Phase one targets grocery and convenience store applications in the less than 5-pound range while club store packs of products like pet food or other dry products in the 8-10-pound range appear to be right around the bend,” says Steve Belko, vice president at T.H.E.M., the primary inventor of the hybrid concept.

In addition to standing out on the shelf, Zipbox also offers sustainability benefits. Since its rectangular or square shape fills gaps found between canister or pouch packs, at least 30 percent more product fits on a pallet.

“This means fewer trucks, fewer pallets, less fuel and a smaller carbon footprint,” adds Kozarsky. Although the Zipbox is likely to weigh more than an equivalent size pouch, this heavier tare weight may be offset by reductions in corrugated distribution packaging.

“We’re still collecting data, but with some Zipbox designs it may be possible to reduce or even eliminate corrugated distribution packaging,” he predicts.

Product differentiation is one goal of the oPTI™ bottle foamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container from PTI. “Everyone is looking for uniqueness,” notes Puvak. Based on MuCell^® microcellular foam injection molding technology, the foamed bottles are made in a few basic steps:

• Nitrogen is injected into the melt through the barrel on a modified preform molding machine to form a single-phase solution of polymer and gas.
• Foam is produced as cavity-fill pressure is dropped below nucleation pressure during the injection cycle.
• Foam cells expand as gas is diffused into bubbles. Processing conditions are used to control cell growth in the finished preform.

Foaming the PET not only results in a unique look and texture, but also imparts stiffness, enabling lightweighting of up to 5 percent without any loss in performance. Container clarity can be specified from almost clear to opaque enough to block up to 50 percent of transmitted light. The foaming process results in a more prominent appearance for details like embossed logos and makes it possible to produce white or silvery colors without additives that can impact the clear PET recycling process. Although capable of producing bottles in a variety of colors, it should be noted that most U.S. recycling programs only recycle clear, blue or green containers.

Likely applications involve foods or beverages, including hot-filled juices. In addition to PET, the foam bottle technology is applicable to other resins such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene naphthalate. 

In-mold label (IML) technology as a package decoration option from Airlite Plastics Co. (Omaha, NE; Booth # 8131) integrates the label into the container and/or lid itself. Printed offset, gravure, flexographically or digitally, IMLs offer graphic quality superior to traditional direct decorating methods like silk screening or dry offset printing.

Since the label is applied as the container is being injection molded, the two fuse together, creating a permanent bond that is resistant to cold, wet environments. There are environmental benefits, as well. Generally, the IML and the injection-molded container consist of the same resin, frequently polypropylene. This mono-material construction simplifies recycling or reuse once the contents of the container have been consumed.

In addition, since the label imparts some structural integrity, container walls often can be downgauged. Combining labeling with container making also eliminates the labeling operation on the packaging line along with related material and transportation costs, as well as waste like pressure-sensitive liner material.

“IML is also compatible with non-round containers, giving designers the opportunity to make alternate shapes to call consumer attention on the shelf,” says Mike Corrigan, vice president sales & marketing at Airlite.

Many brand owners are transitioning from round to non-round containers to meet sustainability objectives and demands for “greener” products from retailers like Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (Bentonville, AR). “Non-round containers cube better, permitting more product to fit on the pallet and on the store shelf,” explains Jackie Kuehlmann, marketing manager at Inland Label (La Crosse, WI; Booth # 8126), a supplier of several types of labels including two styles of injection IMLs, traditional cut-and-stack and roll-fed. Relatively new to the United States, roll-fed IMLs are cut in place just prior to being positioned in the mold and streamline the IML process. Roll-fed IMLs also possess an enhanced environmental profile because the converting process requires fewer finishing steps and generates less waste.

In some cases, an IML package replaces secondary packaging and results in substantial source reduction. Moving all dietary and product information to IMLs on bowls and lids from Airlite made it possible for Lloyd’s Barbeque Co., a division of Hormel Foods Corp. (Austin, MN), to eliminate the paperboard sleeve that previously carried this information. The conversion saves 973 tons of paper per year.

Greater Functionality

Sometimes product differentiation involves a new silhouette or greater functionality. The E-Z Zip stand-up pouch from Ampac Flexibles (Cincinnati, OH; Booth # 2919) delivers easier opening/reclosing. The E-Z Zip combines tabbed tear strip opening with a dual-track zipper reclosure. Pulling the tab opens the front panel of the pouch. “The tear strip is integral to the zipper material so the outside of the pouch is never compromised until the tab is pulled,” explains Sal Pellingra, innovation and marketing director for Ampac.

On the filling line, the E-Z Zip design eliminates problems with closed zippers as well as product-contaminated zippers. For consumers, there’s no need to use a knife or scissors to open the package, nor are there any uneven tears to remove the header to access the zipper. Leaving the header intact increases the package’s post-opening billboard and presents a more finished looking package through multiple openings and reclosings. 

Originally introduced on pre-formed stand-up pouches, the E-Z Zip reclosable zipper now also may be applied on horizontal form-fill-seal (HFFS) equipment through a collaboration with KHS USA, Inc. (Waukesha, WI; Booth # 812). “This fall at PACK EXPO International in Chicago, KHS Bartelt will have a form-fill-seal machine in its booth to show how the tear strip and zipper are attached,” says Pellingra. The retrofittable conversion kit for Bartelt HFFS machines applies the E-Z Zip zipper/tear strip combination and punches out the pull tab. The E-Z Zip zipper/tear strip is compatible with two- and three-layer pouch materials including those with foil or metallized layers. Tab size and shape may be customized. Filling occurs through the top of the pouch.

A cleaner opening also is the goal behind Torayfan TreaTear PP directional-tear sealant films from Toray Plastics (America), Inc. (North Kingstown, RI; Booth # 2935), a supplier of PP and PET films, including metallized structures. Designed as a drop-in replacement for cast polypropylene (CPP) and low-density polyethylene sealant webs, the clear films offer high seal strength and tear straight for neat, spill-resistant opening of retort and non-retort gusseted and non-gusseted pouches. The tear function works so well, there’s no need for laser scoring, perforations or V notches. A simple slit provides the starting point of the tear. Since the films are stiffer than CPP, there’s potential for downgauging and cost reduction.

“Combining precise straight directional tear with seal strength for retort applications is a significant development in the evolution of flexible packaging,” says Matt Brown, operations manager, Toray Plastics (America). “Pouches made with TreaTear film bring value to the consumer by enhancing ease-of-use and reducing spillage. Converters benefit from improved pouch performance, greater production efficiencies, potentially better yields and sustainability advantages.”

The first members of the TreaTear family include TreaTear DR02 film for retort pouches that require 100 percent ink coverage, and TreaTear DR22 film for retort applications that require high strength as well as high clarity to provide product visibility. Available as thin as 30 microns (1.2 mil) TreaTear films offer yield advantages over traditional 60- or 70-micron sealant webs. Additional source reduction may be possible if the TreaTear sealant film also can replace a layer like oriented nylon, which was included in the lamination solely for its directional tear capability. TreaTear DR02 and DR22 sealant films are available in clear and white in gauges from 30 to 100 microns. Applications include seafood, chicken, rice, prepared entrees, Meals Ready-to-Eat military rations and pet food. 

Upscale Image

Shaped cans from Silgan Containers (Woodland Hills, CA; Booth # 4043) coupled with a complementary color palette help contemporize metal packaging and the products they contain. “In many cases, shaped cans boost sales through product differentiation and enhanced functionality,” says Carolyn Takata, director of marketing at Silgan Containers. With today’s improved production efficiencies and quality, the cost of shaped cans in either aluminum or steel, competes favorably with traditional metal packaging.

Recent research from IBM Global Business Services (Armonk, NY) indicates growth for consumer packaged goods companies will depend on high volumes or highly differentiated products that appeal to upscale buyers. “The upscale positioning will be driven by strong emotional attachment,” says Takata, adding, “We believe that one way to create that connection is by using shaped cans to evoke emotions triggered by visual cues.”

‘Greener’ Packaging

Eliminating, lightweighting or downgauging packaging material, a practice called source reduction, is a popular way to increase sustainability. That’s why Zip-Pak developed the downsized Slider Advantage zipper. The new design, which is compatible with virtually any form-fill-seal or pre-made pouch/bag holding up to about 2 pounds (1 kilogram), is about 60 percent smaller than the original Slider design, which is still available for larger packages. The Slider Advantage zipper costs less too. “At about 2.5 cents for a 12-inch pouch, the Slider Advantage zipper costs about 50 percent less than its larger predecessor,” says Robert Hogan, director international sales and marketing for Zip-Pak.

With the Slider Advantage zipper, brand owners can add a slider, increase package functionality and meet sustainability requirements at lower costs than previously possible and without any loss of functionality. “Testing shows the smaller clip is not harder for young children or older consumers to manipulate,” reports Hogan. The transition isn’t difficult for the packaging line either. Adopting the Slider Advantage zipper requires a few change parts and a simple on-site retrofit of the zipper application unit. 

Sustainable packaging also may consist of materials derived from recycled and/or renewable sources like the EcoLogical Line of Packaging™ from CardPak, Inc. (Solon, OH; Booth # 5939). It consists primarily of fiber-based material, minimizes plastic and can be specified with recycled content or virgin content from managed forests.

“Demand is strong for packaging derived from recycled and/or renewable materials,” reports Tony Petrelli, president of CardPak. “Our EcoLogical Line of Packaging is experiencing a 30 percent annual growth rate in a paperboard packaging market that has been stagnant. In three years, it has grown from zero to one-third of our product mix,” he adds, noting CardPak has embraced sustainability as a corporate objective. “In addition to being ISO 14001 certified, we measure and manage our carbon footprint monthly and have upgraded our lighting systems to reduce energy consumption 66 percent,” says Petrelli.

The EcoLogical Line of Packaging currently includes three primary products, ClubPak™, SustainPak™ and ShelfPak™. The ClubPak products were developed to provide an alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) clamshells. It traps a smaller plastic blister between two pieces of fiber-based materials such as paperboard and/or fluted material to reduce plastic content up to 85 percent in some applications, yet maintains a good billboard for shelf impact. “Most applications also reduce total overall package weight 25 percent to 30 percent,” says Petrelli. Variations include ClubPak 2, which lengthens the flange on the blister to eliminate the need to heat-seal it to the paperboard, thereby minimizing fiber contamination and potential recycling issues; ClubPak 3, which sandwiches a corrugated pad between the paperboard layers for a pillow effect; ClubPak HD 1, a bleached board construction, which replaces the paperboard for the front card with E- or F-Flute corrugated; and ClubPak HD 2, which replaces front and back paperboard layers with corrugated for heavy-duty applications.

The SustainPak concept reproduces the ClubPak in paperboard with 100 percent recycled content and blisters formed from 100 percent recycled PET. One early user of SustainPak packaging is GE Lighting (Cleveland, Ohio) for its Energy Smart brand compact fluorescent light bulbs. Packages, which hold multiple bulbs, feature perforated “doors” to provide access for easy removal of each one.

“We need to be very careful when selecting either virgin or recycled materials for our product applications,” reports Petrelli. “Recycled material is great for promoting the use of post-consumer recycled content but may not function as well structurally for the package attributes necessary for stacking, storing and dispensing. In addition, cost and lead-times may be a consideration as well with a greater demand occurring for recycled content use in the general folding carton market. The use of virgin materials may be necessary for structural considerations and can now be promoted as a renewable resource coming from managed forests and promoting a neutral carbon footprint claim,” he explains.

The newest member of the EcoLogical line, the ShelfPak club-store package, also combines paperboard with a plastic blister, but relies on a footed design so packs stand on their own and eliminate the need for a slotted display tray. The ShelfPak design also can incorporate easy-opening features. Its first commercial user is Beiersdorf Inc. (Wilton, CT) for a Nivea for Men skincare product kit.

Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. (Elk Grove Village, IL; Booth # 213) also advocates use of renewable materials and offers a variety of EarthClear flexible packaging materials created from modified Ingeo PLA from NatureWorks, LLC (Minnetonka, MN). One structure with over 90 percent plant-based content debuted in April 2010 for three flavors of Organic Pretzel Sticks from Snyder’s of Hanover (Hanover, PA).

A year of development effort was needed to optimize the material for pretzel packaging.  “It’s important to develop the know-how to create a material with the proper blend of machinability and barrier properties,” says Roman Forowycz, chief marketing officer at Clear Lam. A bright yellow graphic on the upper right of the front panel of the 8-ounce bags helps differentiate the package and directs the consumer to the back panel for more information about the benefits of the renewable packaging. 

Another concept from Clear Lam, the PrimaPak, is a flexible, stackable package produced from a single roll of film with a rigid fitment that acts as a reclosable feature. In addition, compared to glass or PET jars or composite cans, the PrimaPak provides enhanced stackability for optimum merchandising and increasing shelf utilization up to 32 percent. “Stand-up pouches are harder to merchandise,” notes Forowycz. The form-fill-seal pack is designed to replace heavier rigid packaging such as glass jars and aluminum cans, which eliminates the issue of transporting empty containers to packers cutting costs for both the manufacturer and the consumer. The PrimaPak is formed, filled and sealed on equipment from Rovema Packaging Machines (Lawrenceville, GA; Booth # 3839). The first commercial application for Clear Lam’s PrimaPak form-fill-seal package is likely to be a private-label product.

In the protective packaging arena, sustainable options also are in demand, and materials derived from renewable sources like wood fiber- and bioplastics are readily available. Other offerings like Astro-Bubble ® Green from Pregis Corp. (Deerfield, IL; Booth # 2823) contain recycled content. In fact levels of recycled content have been increasing steadily. One material, Polyplank ® Renew ™ plank foam contains up to 100 percent recycled content. “Recycled-content products are identical in performance and quality, but are better for the environment,” notes Josephine Fish, director of marketing at Pregis, which recently acquired IntelliPack, a supplier of foam-in-place systems.

The IntelliPack foam-in-place system, scheduled to be formally launched at PACK EXPO International, works in real-time to form a custom protective shell around a product. Ideal for larger, heavier, irregularly shaped objects, the system dispenses two liquid foams into a low-density polyethylene bag or film positioned around the product. When the two liquids come together, a chemical reaction generates rapidly expanding polyurethane foam. A sophisticated software and controls system reads the product’s bar code and adjusts itself to preset parameters to dispense the proper size bag and volume of liquid foam. Eliminating the guesswork about how much material to use not only reduces waste, but also minimizes operator training requirements. The self- diagnostic telemetry system also documents how much material is used and features an ergonomic design that reduces repetitive motion for operators.

StreamTwo, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lidstock from Rollprint Packaging Products, Inc. (Addison, IL; Booth # 8118), is designed to seal to HDPE cups and trays to create more easily recycled monomaterial packages. The coextruded or extrusion-coated all-HDPE multilayer material joins StreamOne, an all-polyester lidstock. Rollprint’s Allegro L sealant provides a wide sealing window and smooth peeling performance for easy removal.

Rollprint also plans to showcase its transparent aluminum-oxide-coated ClearFoil X and ClearFoil Z polyester. “We see a growing demand for product visibility,” says Dhuanne Dodrill, president of Rollprint. The clear materials not only provide product visibility, but also exhibit a higher barrier at a thinner gauge than barrier materials relying on aluminum foil laminates. In addition, Dodrill notes, “Foil-free materials don’t interfere with the performance of metal detectors or radio frequency identification tags and readers.”

ClearFoil® Z is said to be the first transparent, non-foil, flexible structure to reach ultra-high oxygen barrier properties of 0.0008 cc/100 in²/24 hours and water vapor barrier properties of 0.0008 g /100in²/24 hrs. ClearFoil® X is designed for less stringent applications with an OTR of 0.004 cc/100in²/24 hrs and a WVTR of 0.004 g/100in²/24 hrs.

To register for PACK EXPO International 2010 or obtain more information, visit www.packexpo.com or contact PMMI’s Show Department: 703.243.8555; fax: 703.243.8556; or e-mail expo@pmmi.org.

About PMMI
PMMI is a trade association of 560 plus member companies that manufacture packaging, processing and related converting machinery in the United States or Canada; machinery components and packaging containers and materials. PMMI’s vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging, and its mission is to improve and promote members' abilities to meet the needs of their customers.

PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and EXPO PACK México, connecting participants in the packaging and processing supply chaing with their customers around the world. Coming in 2010: EXPO PACK México in Mexico City, June 22–25, and PACK EXPO International, Oct. 31–Nov. 3, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. PACK EXPO Las Vegas returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center Sept. 26–28, 2011.

Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.

URL List

Airlite Plastics Co., www.airliteplastics.com

Ampac Flexibles, www.ampaconline.com

CardPak, Inc., www.cardpak.com

Clear Lam Packaging, Inc., www.clearlam.com

Inland Label, www.inlandlabel.com

KHS USA, Inc., www.khs.com/us

Malnove Packaging Systems Group, www.malnove.com

NatureWorks, LLC, www.natureworksllc.com 

Plastic Technologies, Inc., www.plastictechnologies.com

Pregis, www.pregis.com

Rollprint Packaging Products, Inc., www.rollprint.com

Rovema Packaging Machines, www.rovema.com

Silgan Containers, www.silgancontainers.com 

T.H.E.M., www.them.net

Toray Plastics (America), Inc., www.torayfilms.com

Yeaman Machine Technologies, Inc., www.yeamanmachine.net

Zip-Pak, www.zippak.com

Miller Lite is unveiling limited-edition packaging to celebrate the summer of soccer as fans prepare for South Africa 2010. The packaging, available now through August, is part of the brand's ongoing commitment to giving soccer fans a way to live their passion for the sport, from the team colors they wear to the beer they drink.

The commemorative packaging is centered on 8-ounce cans of Miller Lite that feature laser-etched designs of globally renowned players. The four designs in Miller Lite blue and gold capture the players executing their signature moves. The featured players are:

  --  Carlos Bocanegra, captain of the U.S. national team
  --  Rafael Marquez, captain of the Mexican national team and Barcelona
      center back
  --  Carlos Salcido, Mexican national team center back
  --  Fabio Cannavaro, captain of the Italian national team and player with
      the most international caps
 
 

With the ever-growing enthusiasm for soccer, particularly among Hispanic consumers, Miller Lite has strengthened its support of soccer tournaments and properties in its quest to be the "official beer of soccer." The brand has sponsored the CONCACAF Gold Cup(TM) since 2005 and previously has featured stars such as Roberto Baggio, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Omar Bravo, Luis Garcia, Tab Ramos and Carlos Valderrama on commemorative packaging.

"Miller Lite is excited to partner with these players for our commemorative cans," said Al Patel, vice president of multicultural marketing at MillerCoors. "Like Bocanegra, Marquez, Salcido and Cannavaro, we're bringing our 'A game' this summer and helping legal-drinking-age consumers live their passion alongside the brand they know will bring them closer to the sport they love."

In addition to the 8-ounce cans, the designs will be featured on 24-ounce cans available in select markets. Secondary packaging for 8-packs of 7-ounce bottles and 24-packs of 8-ounce cans will feature soccer-themed graphics and bilingual messaging.

A consumer promotion offered at point-of-sale, on-pack and online, runs from now through August 13 and gives consumers a chance to win ultimate fan prizes, including big-screen televisions, foosball tables and fan kits featuring soccer balls, vuvuzelas and jerseys.

  For more information, visit www.MillerLite.com/soccer.
 
  About MillerCoors

Built on a foundation of great beer brands and more than 288 years of brewing heritage, MillerCoors continues the commitment of its founders to brew the highest quality beers. MillerCoors is the second largest beer company in America, capturing nearly 30 percent of U.S. beer sales. Led by two of the best-selling beers in the industry, MillerCoors has a broad portfolio of highly complementary brands across every major industry segment. Miller Lite is the great tasting beer that established the American light beer category in 1975, and Coors Light is the brand that introduced consumers to refreshment as cold as the Rockies. MGD 64 completes the company's premium light beer portfolio, offering consumers fresh, crisp taste at just 64 calories. MillerCoors brews premium beers Coors Banquet and Miller Genuine Draft; and economy brands Miller High Life and Keystone Light. The company also imports Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch and Molson Canadian and offers innovative products such as Miller Chill and Sparks. MillerCoors features craft brews from the Jacob Leinenkugel Company, Blue Moon Brewing Company and the Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Company. MillerCoors operates eight major breweries in the U.S., as well as the Leinenkugel's craft brewery in Chippewa Falls, WI and two microbreweries, the 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee and the Blue Moon Brewing Company at Coors Field in Denver. MillerCoors vision is to create America's best beer company by driving profitable industry growth. MillerCoors insists on building its brands the right way through brewing quality, responsible marketing and environmental and community impact. MillerCoors is a joint venture of SABMiller plc and Molson Coors Brewing Company.

Source: Miller Lite



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