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CIRAS Partner Provides Industry Access to Premier Packaging Expertise
With the help of: Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS)
About
The Challenge
Multi Packaging and Printing, Inc. was having trouble with bags of cheese bursting after being filled with cheese, sealed, and dropped 20 feet into a tote. When the Newton-based company turned to CIRAS, part of the MEP National Network™, they had the perfect resource to address the problem-- a collaboration with the Polymer and Food Protection Consortium (PFPC).
We can take our product directly to the consortium. Being able to be there and relay to them what our customer tells us is a real benefit.
MEP's Role
CIRAS Strategic Advisor Rachel Hahn was able to evaluate the problem and identify PFPC as a resource. The consortium focuses on various issues relating to food packaging, including regulatory compliance, post-consumer polymer recycling, shelf-life extension, and biobased feedstocks for packaging. Funding sources for this work include government agencies, grants from industry, and nongovernmental organizations. The work has become increasingly important as companies face more regulation related to PFAS, a group of chemicals used in packaging materials that may harm human health.
PFPC has evolved into a premier packaging research institute. Its world-class research facility in Iowa State has ten labs, manufacturing labs, and state-of-the-art technology. Multiple tests and sampling were conducted to identify the problem. Keith Vorst, Director of PFPC, collaborated with Rachel to research the bags and recommended adjustments to the manufacturing process to ensure that sufficient adhesive and heat were applied. The solution helped retain a valued customer.