Herndon, Va. PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, announced the finalists for the 2023 Technology Excellence Awards.
The awards, divided into four categories, honor innovations in packaging and processing. Winners will be announced at PACK Expo Las Vegas (September 11-13).
The finalists in the Food/Beverage category are:
, many – A device designed for the beverage industry that empties liquids from drums, barrels or jerrycans and uses an artificial vision system to detect holes on lids.
• JBT Corporation – The Avure servo drive for high pressure processing machinery features a pump system known for its efficiency, which uses “Direct Servo” technology that is compact and controllable.
, Graco, Inc. – The electric diaphragm pump, called the Quantim, was designed to eliminate the need for compressed air found in conventional pneumatic pumps. The Quantum uses an electric drive for efficiency, which the company says results in significant energy savings.
The finalists in the General Packaging & Processing category are:
, Harpak-Ulma Packaging, LLC The company’s technology provides an augmented reality using artificial intelligence to transform packaging operations. Detailed data is needed to recommend solutions and optimize decision making.
, amcor rigid packaging DairySeal, with ClearCore technology, is a packaging line for brands in the nutritional, dairy substitute and ready-to-drink segments. The line focuses on shelf life, ideal size options for convenience store shelves and packaging that addresses sustainability goals.
, Somic Packaging, Inc. The company’s next-generation case packer features Rockwell’s new AmorKinetics. Per somic, the functional units can be individually adapted to the desired format ranges. And the frame was designed so that the case packing process runs in a smooth straight line, providing layout advantages.
The Personal Care/Pharma finalists are:
, Amcor Healthcare Packaging – Child resistant reclosable, high barrier pouch was designed to replace pill bottles. The pouch is ready to recycle with a high moisture barrier, and the company said that consumer testing indicated that the pouch was preferred over traditional pill bottles.
, Xyntek, Inc., a CXV Global Company – The CXV Global SmartFactory LineClearance Assistant incorporates fixed position cameras along the entire line, including hazardous and hard-to-reach areas. The company said its product inspects a line in seconds and highlights areas where defective components are detected.
, Pester USA Inc. – The PEWO-Pack 600 High-Speed StretchWrapper features high-end stretching technology for up to 60 cycles and flexible handling for consumer products. The machine was developed to perform faster format changeovers and better efficiency than conventional shrink wrapping.
The sustainability finalists are:
, Amcor Healthcare Packaging – Recycle ready pouch made from metallized polyolefin material for use in lamination, which provides competitive barrier properties. This polyethylene film is compatible with the recycling stream and can be used in a variety of package formats.
, IMA North America Inc. – Delta OF-360
, Plastipak Packaging, Inc. – SprayPET Revolution is a 100% recyclable polymer aerosol. Unlike previous PET aerosol containers with metal valves, the product is metal free. The innovation is available in dip tube and bag-on-valve options.
PMMI said that more than 80 suppliers have submitted nominations for this year’s awards. Full details of the finalist’s products can be found on the Pack Expo Las Vegas website.
Pack Expo organizers encouraged attendees to visit the booths for the finalists and experience the different technologies in person, and then vote for their favorites. Voting through the show’s app or website will be open till noon on September 12.
More information about Pack Expo Las Vegas is available on the show’s website,