This Month in Packaging... [July 2023]

Packaging News July 2023

Welcome to the July edition of Rocket Industrial’s ‘This Month in Packaging’ blog series, a monthly wrap-up of packaging related content that catches our eye.

From RFID transforming healthcare packaging to digital twin technology in automation, here are five things that caught our attention this month.


FDA to Test Nutrition Labels on Packaging

Grocery Store

WHO: FDA

WHAT: To give shoppers better access to nutrition information, the FDA will test out labels on the front of food packaging. The front of package labels would complement, not replace, traditional nutrition fact labels.

WHY IT MATTERS: The goal is to address diet-related chronic diseases by empowering consumers to identify healthier food choices more easily and for the food industry to produce healthier food options.


RFID Transforming Healthcare Packaging

RFID

WHO: Healthcare Industry

WHAT: Improvements in radiofrequency identification (RFDI), which uses radio waves to transmit and receive data, have resulted in important applications in pharmaceutical and medical device packaging.

WHY IT MATTERS: Packaging with this technology can reduce medical errors that occur in hospital operating rooms and help solve black-market drug counterfeiting.


Misleading Marketing of Food Packaging

THC Food Packaging

WHO: Federal Trade Commission

WHAT: The FTC, along with the FDA, sent cease-and-desist letters to six companies marketing edible THC products in packaging that is almost identical to snacks and candy that children eat, including Doritos, Cheetos, Oreos, Jolly Ranchers, and Pop Tarts.

WHY IT MATTERS: These edible THC products can cause illness and even hospitalization if consumed by children. The letters demand that the companies stop using packaging that is likely to appeal to young children.


Digital Twin Technology in Packaging

computer screen

WHO: ABB Robotics 

WHAT: Originally associated with the design and simulation of products, digital twin technology has evolved into packaging. ABB Robotics is using digital twin tools in its PickMaster robotic software to test production digitally before implementation.

WHY IT MATTERS: The technology tests robotic configurations on virtual production lines before physical lines are built, which can optimize the production line, shorten commissioning time, and speed changeovers.


Rocket Industrial Achieves Highest BRC Rating

BRC Certificiation

WHO: Rocket Industrial

WHAT: To confirm our commitment to safety and quality, our Wausau facility has achieved an “AA” rating for our 2023 BRCGS audit. BRC Certification assures our customers that the products we provide are of high quality and comply with all regulations.

WHY IT MATTERS: The “AA” certification is the highest possible rating for a BRC planned audit and is a standard that is recognized worldwide.


Submit to the Monthly Packaging Wrap-Up

Do you have a packaging example, industry news article, or idea that your peers should see? Share it with us here! Our blog team will pick a few suggestions to mention in our This Month in Packaging blog series at the end of each month. If your suggestion is used, we will send you a Rocket hat!

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