Future Links February 5th

PepsiCo’s new chips packaging turns into a bowl
Under the Walkers label, PepsiCo has launched a new line of potato chips. The packaging of the ‘Tear ‘n Share’ chips turns into a bowl when the bag is opened, thus adding functionality to the packaging. The new packaging concept is aimed at consumers who enjoy sharing chips with friends or family members.
More at Just Food

FDA approves 3D printed titanium implants
Medical 3D printing has made considerable progress in recent years. Now, the regulatory offices are clearing the path for further advancements. BioArchitects has announced FDA approval of a patient-specific titanium cranial/craniofacial plate implant. This is the first time, a titanium cranial/craniofacial plate received clearance. 3D printed with Arcam’s EBM technology, the implants are made from biocompatible titanium.  Because the implants are designed using CT and MRI scans from individual patients, they can be 3D printed to fit individual patients.
More at 3D Printing Industry

Marijuana packaging is a growth market
The demand for legal marihuana in the U.S. is growing. Several analysts have estimated the demand and forecast 6.7 billion USD in legal sales this year. The report summary said that by 2020, legal market sales were expected to be 21.8 billion USD. This translates into a rising demand for packaging. Especially plastic packaging seems to benefit. “Plastic is a huge part of the packaging dynamic in the cannabis industry, and it’s only getting bigger,” says Chris Walsh, managing editor of the Marijuana Business Daily. “And that’s because a lot of states are finally introducing regulations around packaging.”
More at Plastic News

Sappi launches heavyweight packaging line
Sappi North America has announced the expansion of its LusterCote packaging line. The new heavyweight LusterCote product is available in 70, 80 and 95lb. They are suited for Offset, Flexographic and Gravure printing, including wide-format, multi-color sheetfed presses. The new LusterCote products will be produced at Sappi’s manufacturing mill in Cloquet, Minnesota, a fully integrated facility that generates over 80 percent of its energy from renewable resources.
More at Printing News

Constantia Flexibles expands capacities in Spain with narrow web press
Constantia Flexibles is investing in new capacity at its manufacturing site in Burgos, Spain, including the installation of a narrow web press. The installation of the conventional narrow web press, as well as a narrow web adhesive lamination machine, will be completed by mid-2017. The investment will total 4 million Euros and will serve growing demand from the home and personal care industry for high-quality packaging used especially in cosmetics.
More at Labels & Labeling

U.S. buyers believe custom packaging makes product more valuable
Custom-designed packaging can drive repeat purchases, according to January 2016 research. In a survey among 422 digital buyers ages 18 and older, more than half said they believe customized packaging makes a product more valuable. 44 percent of digital buyers who spend more than 201 USD on average a month said they would purchase from a retailer again based on customized packaging, suggesting this feature appeals to more affluent shoppers.
More at eMarketer

Panalpina explores the use of 3D printing in logistics
Logistics company Panalpina is working with Cardiff Business School to identify and develop new ways in which 3D printing can increase efficiencies in the supply chain and add value for Panalpina’s customers. Mike Wilson, global head of logistics at Panalpina, said of the 3D research: “We have a supply chain specialist and an engineer working together with leading experts at Cardiff Business School. The findings of this exciting new project will find their way into our wider offering of Logistics Manufacturing Services.”
More at Air Cargo News