PulPac, a leader in sustainable packaging innovation, and LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW, the Danish premium confectionery brand on a mission to make the world love liquorice, are excited to unveil their collaboration on a tailor-made Dry Molded Fiber outer shell packaging for LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW’s 2024 LARGE ADVENT CALENDAR. First announced in May, the project progressed at a remarkable speed, demonstrating the versatility and efficiency of PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber technology, which brings to life bespoke, deep-drawn designs with a premium feel.

From concept to pre-order availability, the project quickly moved through product design, tool design, tool construction, sampling, and production. PulPac’s product development team guided the design and production process, ensuring the outer shell met LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW’s exacting standards, while their Modula production line in Gothenburg facilitated efficient production. The final product includes a variety of components, with PulPac contributing the outer shell, crafted using Dry Molded Fiber.

Sanna Fager, Chief Commercial Officer at PulPac, stated: "It’s fantastic to work with passionate frontrunners like LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW, challenging us to further explore the possibilities of Dry Molded Fiber. The LARGE ADVENT CALENDAR is a perfect example of the flexibility of the technology, enabling tailor-made, deep-drawn designs with premium quality and unique color options that align with LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW’s brand identity."

The close collaboration between LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW, PulPac, and product design studio Office of Possibilities ensured the packaging not only embodies the innovative design language of LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW but also stays true to their commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

Johan Bülow, Founder and Creative Director at LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW, added: "Our LARGE ADVENT CALENDAR is the result of an intense creative journey. In collaboration with PulPac, we have reimagined the packaging to resemble our iconic liquorice jars, aiming to capture the essence of Christmas and create an experience that brings people together in December. Each detail, from the flavours inside to the packaging, has been thoughtfully crafted to introduce a fresh, innovative design that reflects our commitment to both quality and sustainability."

PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber technology offers a resource-efficient, cost-competitive alternative to plastic and other fiber-based packaging solutions, with significantly reduced environmental impact. This project demonstrates that sustainable fiber-based packaging is not just suited for high-volume mass production, but also has a crucial role to play in the future of bespoke, high-end, premium packaging.

Regina, Saskatchewan, October 1, 2024 – Sales of sugar, confectionary products and non-alcoholic soft drinks are expected to lead growth in the food and beverage sector in the coming months, with sugar and confectionary sales anticipated to increase 16.9 per cent when compared to 2023, according to the Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Food and Beverage Report mid-year update.  

The growth is attributed to higher volumes and prices, resulting from stronger demand and higher costs of inputs.  

“Canadians are starting to spend more on food and non-alcoholic beverages when compared to last year,” said Amanda Norris, FCC senior economist. “But even with slowing inflation and interest rate cuts, retail prices remain significantly higher compared to four years ago, so the overall consumption trend is mixed.” 

Sales in the food and beverage sector were estimated at the beginning of the year to fall 1.4 per cent, but sales are now expected to decline 0.7 per cent. 

In the first half of 2024, food manufacturing sales were up across several food product categories including bakery and tortilla products, dairy, fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food, meat products, seafood preparation, and notably, sugar and confectionery, but declines are likely in the second half. After large gains, mainly due to inflationary pressures, grains and oilseeds will see sales drop closer to the long-term historical trend as lower commodity prices work their way through the supply chain.  

In beverage manufacturing, sales declined 6.6 per cent in the first half of the year. Strong non-alcoholic soft drink sales in the second half of 2024 and first half of 2025 will help the sector recover, as alcohol sales continue to struggle. Wine sales are expected to decline in 2024 towards 2019 levels after large gains from 2020-22. Distilleries can boost sales by taking advantage of the growing ready-to-drink market and loosening restrictions around the sale of alcohol in Ontario.  

“Looking forward, we’re anticipating overall soft sales in the food and beverage sector in the second half of 2024 and going into 2025, as inflationary pressures ease and consumers remain under pressure due to high debt servicing,” said Norris. “Manufacturers and retailers are finding ways to meet consumer needs through opportunities such as discount stores, private labels and value-size offerings.” 

Food and beverage manufacturing gross margins also remain under pressure. The index of gross profit margin is anticipated to improve 0.5 per cent on average this year, slightly below earlier predictions of 1.5 per cent. This is largely due to persistent high input costs, including wages and benefits. However, margins are expected to improve significantly in 2025 as costs moderate.

New show feature Emerging Brands Central offers free educational sessions and one-on-one consultations for businesses looking to scale up.

Growing brands looking to scale up and expand operations can find valuable information and resources to help at the new Emerging Brands Central at PACK EXPO International 2024 (Nov. 3-6; McCormick Place, Chicago). Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the show is the most expansive, comprehensive packaging and processing show expecting over 45,000 attendees, 2,600 exhibitors, and solutions for 40+ vertical markets.

The new Emerging Brands Central, located in the West Building, Booth W-20049, will feature free educational sessions with industry experts, designed for brands that are growing their manufacturing operations. The free 30-minute sessions will cover topics such as:

Brand Growth Strategies: How companies can effectively scale operations through value engineering and incremental automation.\

Sustainability and Innovation: Focused discussions on sustainable packaging, materials, and processes, plus utilizing innovations in manufacturing and packaging.

Navigating Market Challenges: Insights into market trends, overcoming entry barriers and supply chain challenges for new brands.

Expert advisors also will be available for complimentary one-on-one consultations on-site during the show. The advisors have decades of combined consumer packaged goods experience with companies like PepsiCo, Dannon, General Mills, Del Monte, Nestlé, and Kraft. Meet the advisors and schedule appointments here.

“The addition of Emerging Brands Central to PACK EXPO International shows that companies of all sizes and backgrounds have a place at the largest packaging and processing event in the manufacturing industry,” says Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows, PMMI. “Growing brands seeking to expand can use this time to learn, get expert advice, and network with their peers. The possibilities of the types of connections that can be made are endless.”

Emerging brands also can take advantage of being introduced to thousands of manufacturing solutions located within seven pavilions that can help as they scale up and expand operations. In addition, there are a total of 150+ educational sessions available at the show featuring topics such as sustainability, AI, automation, robotics, food safety, production, and many more. Brands also have ample opportunity to connect with other businesses at the many networking and special events. 

Emerging Brands Central is sponsored by Accredo Packaging Inc., Bizerba, Esko, Matthews Marketing Systems, Oxipital AI, Patterson Fan Co., PMMI ProSource, ProSys, Selig Group, Sonoco Products Company, and Smurfit Westrock.

Registration for PACK EXPO International is $30 until Oct. 11. The price then increases to $130. To register and learn more, visit packexpointernational.com.

North Canton, Ohio (September 13, 2024) – Combi Packaging Systems, LLC, a leading U.S. manufacturer of end-of-line packaging equipment, is pleased to announce the hire of Mike Cargill as Director of Technical Services and Aftermarket Support.

Mike joins Combi from the automotive industry, with broad experience ranging from precision manufacturing to high-volume manufacturing and distribution. In his new role, Mike’s primary focus will be on customer success and implementing world-class programs to help customers improve their efficiencies and reduce costs, particularly as the world of automation, including end-of-line packaging, continues to evolve.

Among his responsibilities will be leading the field service, technical support, training and spare parts functions, in addition to continuously improving value-added services for Combi customers related to Preventive Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance and Service Level Agreements. Mike and his team will work closely to extend Combi’s value proposition beyond set-up and training by expanding Combi’s capabilities, and empowering customers to maintain and service their machinery beyond the warranty period.

“We are happy to welcome Mike to Combi, especially as we continue to grow and innovate to meet the ever-increasing demand for automation and turn-key solutions,” said Gary Starks, President and CEO of Combi Packaging Solutions. “He is a results-driven leader who brings broad industrial experience, as well as a dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, which are critical building blocks as we continue to deliver custom packaging solutions to our customers.”

"I am excited to join Combi’s leadership team at such a pivotal moment for both the company and the industry," said Cargill. "As customers face many different challenges in their industries, packaging automation provides enormous benefits, and Combi’s commitment to support our customer’s operations by providing training, technical support, field service, and uptime programs is something customers need and value. I look forward to collaborating with my team to ensure that this increase in demand and technology reflects the same level of quality and customer satisfaction that Combi is known for.”

A native of Los Angeles, Cargill holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Marketing, as well as a Master of Business Administration, both from Western Governors University, Millcreek, Utah. A resident of Canton, Ohio, he is a patron of the local arts community and spends his free time keeping bees, as well as renovating his 19^th century home.

The addition of Mike to the CombiNation reinforces the company’s commitment to being a comprehensive solution provider, solidifying its position as an industry leader in innovation, value and customer service. This move aligns with the company’s dedication to solving customer’s EOL packaging challenges by expanding its portfolio of solutions.

Combi recently announced the expansion of its end-of-line packaging automation solutions with the introduction of Siat’s world-class load containment products. The BeeWrap+™, an advanced mobile, robotic, semi-automatic stretch wrapper, along with the OneWrap and ProWrap+ are the first Siat^® product range directly marketed in North America under the Combi^® brand. This addition allows Combi to offer a comprehensive suite of high-quality case erecting, packing, sealing, palletizing and wrapping systems, all supported by the best technical and aftermarket service in the industry.