The 2024 Technology Excellence Awards were announced at PACK EXPO International, held from November 3-6, 2024, at McCormick Place, Chicago. This prestigious event, organized by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, celebrates notable innovations in packaging and processing. This year, industry professionals attending the expo voted to determine the winners, who showcased groundbreaking advancements across several categories. The awards emphasized the industry’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, commemorating achievements that push the boundaries of technology and improve various industry standards.
General Packaging & Processing
Fogg Filler Company’s PF Series Pressure Filler
In the General Packaging & Processing category, the PF Series Pressure Filler by Fogg Filler Company emerged as the industry favorite. This innovative hybrid filling system brings together contactless electronic metering and closed-loop controls to enhance the hygiene and maintenance aspects of the filling process. Such a combination lends itself perfectly to applications involving distilled spirits and hot-fill beverages. The PF Series represents a step forward in filling technology, addressing common concerns such as cross-contamination and maintenance challenges. By leveraging advanced technology, Fogg Filler has provided a solution that meets the stringent requirements of modern beverage production.
The PF Series Pressure Filler’s ability to maintain high sanitation standards while offering efficient filling processes sets it apart from existing solutions. Its closed-loop controls ensure consistent product quality by monitoring and adjusting various parameters in real-time. This precision leads not only to improved product safety but also to reduced wastage, making the system both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The system’s adaptability across different beverage types and conditions further highlights Fogg Filler Company’s commitment to innovation and meeting industry needs. The recognition at the Technology Excellence Awards underscores the significance of these advancements in the packaging and processing sector.
Food & Beverage
Food Radar’s Patented Detection Technology
Food Radar’s patented detection technology, Food Radar®, took top honors in the Food & Beverage category, demonstrating significant improvements in food safety. Utilizing low-power microwaves, Food Radar® can detect low-density foreign bodies such as plastic, rubber, and wood in food products. This advancement marks a pivotal enhancement over traditional detection methods, which often fail to identify such contaminants. By integrating Food Radar® into food processing lines, manufacturers can elevate their quality control measures, ensuring that consumers receive safer, higher-quality products.
The ability of Food Radar® to identify previously undetectable contaminants has profound implications for the food industry. Traditional detection systems, such as metal detectors and X-ray systems, often struggle with non-metallic foreign bodies embedded in food products. By employing low-power microwaves, Food Radar® detects these low-density materials with high accuracy, thereby preventing potential health hazards. This innovation not only reduces product recalls and food waste but also reinforces consumer trust in food safety standards. The accolade from the Technology Excellence Awards solidifies Food Radar® as a groundbreaking solution in the ongoing quest to enhance food safety.
Personal Care & Pharma
Pace Packaging’s Omni-IR™ Series
In the Personal Care & Pharma category, Pace Packaging, LLC’s Omni-IR™ series secured the top spot for its remarkable capabilities. This high-speed linear unscrambler can process up to 650 bottles per minute, offering a versatile and cost-effective solution for handling various container types. Its adaptability makes it suitable for applications in personal care, automotive, and other industries requiring quick and precise packaging solutions. The Omni-IR™ series exemplifies innovation in ensuring efficient operations without compromising on the quality or reliability of the packaging process.
The Omni-IR™ series differentiates itself through its high-speed operations and adaptability, addressing the diverse needs of multiple industries. By processing various container types swiftly and effectively, the series reduces downtime and increases productivity, benefiting manufacturers and end-users alike. Its precision in handling containers ensures consistent quality, thereby minimizing defects and enhancing the overall packaging process. The Technology Excellence Awards recognized the Omni-IR™ series for these contributions, highlighting its role in transforming packaging operations within the personal care and pharma sectors.
Sustainability
Plastipak Packaging’s PPK Natura
Plastipak Packaging’s PPK Natura was recognized for its innovative approach to sustainability. The 2024 Technology Excellence Awards were unveiled at PACK EXPO International, which took place from November 3-6, 2024, at McCormick Place in Chicago. This highly esteemed event, organized by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, highlights significant innovations in the packaging and processing industry. This year, expo attendees, consisting of industry professionals, played an active role in selecting the winners. These winners presented groundbreaking advancements across various categories, demonstrating their dedication to pushing the technological envelope. The awards underscore the industry’s persistent dedication to innovation and quality, celebrating achievements that not only set new technological benchmarks but also elevate various industry standards. This annual recognition symbolizes the continuous evolution and collaboration within the packaging and processing sectors, promoting a culture of improvement and excellence.
