November’s top stories: DHL’s new system, French neutral packaging laws for cigarettes

DHL Supply Chain installs new system in Liverpool facility to accelerate packaging services

Deutsche Post DHL unit DHL Supply Chain installed a new CW3 combined checkweighing and metal detection unit at its Liverpool centre in the UK, with the aim of increasing its packaging service capabilities.

The new CW3 system installation was the second at the facility and is in line with DHL’s intention to expand into contract manufacturing for the food industry.

In order to continue its expansion, the firm is currently focusing on the evaluation of its quality management and safety control processes in line with food safety and quality standards, including BRC.

UK MHRA to support user-friendly packaging creation for Alzheimer’s medicines

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK is supporting the pharmaceutical industry for developing user-friendly packaging for medicines prescribed for Alzheimer’s patients.

The new packaging is expected to remind consumers on their medicine intake, helping them to be as independent as possible.

Alzheimer’s medicines, including galantamine, rivastigmine, donepezil and memantine, will include the days of the week clearly on the blister packs.

More than 100 women file lawsuit against Qualitest over packaging error in birth control pills

More than 100 women filed a lawsuit against Qualitest, a subsidiary of US-based Endo Pharmaceuticals, claiming that the birth control pills failed to prevent their pregnancies due to a packaging error.

A total of 113 women from 23 states filed a case against Qualitest and sought million of dollars in damages for medical expenses, pain, lost wages, and even child rearing costs.

According to the lawsuit, the birth control pills were packaged in a wrong way. When the package was rotated 180°, it reversed the the way pills should be taken, in other words, women consumed placebo pills when they should take active tablets, reported ABC News.

Waitrose to replace glass jars for Passata range with SIG Combibloc’s combisafe carton packs

UK supermarket giant Waitrose selected SIG Combibloc’s heat-resistant combisafe carton pack for its Passata range, which previously used glass jars.

Instead of a 680g glass jar, the firm’s Passata with Basil, and Passata with Garlic and Onion products will now come in 500ml combisafe carton packs.

The pack features SIG Combibloc’s flexible filling technology with an opening at the top that is sealed ultrasonically.

France introduces neutral packaging regulations for cigarettes

A new law was recently passed in the French Parliament, which introduces plain packaging for cigarettes.

The initiative is in response to the smoking-related deaths in the country and intends to reduce the numbers of smokers, especially teenagers.

The new packaging law for cigarettes will be put into effect from next May.

EcoCortec launches recyclable Corpak Static Dissipative Bubble film

Specialist packaging producer EcoCortec extended its product range with the launch of its multifunctional Corpak Static Dissipative Bubble film.

Corpak Static Dissipative Bubble film has volatile corrosion inhibitors with cushioning packaging bubbles that offer protection for sensitive or delicate parts without leaving any residue on packaged items.

Claimed to be the only bubble film produced with Nano-VpCI technology in Europe, the film comes with cushioning and multimetal corrosion protection for packaging applications.

Israel condemns new EU labelling rules for products

Israel termed the new European Union regulations for labelling of products from areas in Palestine to be ‘an exceptional and discriminatory step’.

The EU labelling regulations have been imposed on products sourced from areas in Palestine that have been under Israeli control since 1967.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "Israel regrets that the EU has chosen, for political reasons, to take such an exceptional and discriminatory step, inspired by the boycott movement, at a time when Israel is confronting a wave of terrorism targeting any and all of its citizens."

Bosch Packaging announces new equipment models for pre-sterilised syringes

Germany-based Bosch Packaging Technology will be improving the filling and processing for its pre-sterilised syringes in order to strengthen its downstream portfolio.

The firm intends to benefit from a seamless, fully integrated and efficient packaging process and has introduced new equipment use to achieve line competence.

Bosch Packaging Technology product manager Klaus Ullherr said: "After successfully establishing our fill-finish portfolio, we also strengthen our line competence in downstream processes.