As a consumer I love the convenience of a dispensing closure. Whether I'm pouring out a salad dressing or shaking a spice, dispensing closures by folks like Weatherchem and Gateway Plastics continue to grow in popularity and functionality.

I recently ran across a new innovation by our friends at Meyer Seals in Germany. They've added a new technology to their arsenal that allows them to laser cut dispensing features into an induction seal. In addition they can also provide these special heat induction seals that have reseal capabilities. Check out more on this new innovation in induction cap sealing on WebPackaging.com

I'm in the process of working my way back to Milwaukee from Charlotte where I attended the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers' (APR) Fall Meeting. OK, I admit not your typical cocktail party conversation, but let me tell you these guys are doing some great things to increase the amount of plastic being recycled.

The days of only being able to recycle those products with a resin code of #1 or #2 are fading in most communities. It is a growing trend to be able to throw all plastic containers & closures into your recycle bin. In addition tubs & trays, such as yogurt cups are becoming more commonly accepted. APR has made a concerted effort to help make this happen.

Another push which will likely increase recycling rates is the push to a single stream for recyclable materials. As with the broadened range of resin codes accepted, single stream if not currently in your community is likely coming soon.

My visit to the APR's meeting was in combination with the Closure & Container Manufacturers Association (CCMA.) One of CCMA's major efforts right now is to find ways to increase cap & closure recycling. We've found there are a lot of mixed messages out there. Do you leave the cap on the bottle or do you take it off before recycling?

The message for years said take it off. In reality, that's the exact opposite thing we should be doing. Whether it is a polyethylene or polypropylene closure, there is a market for recycled closures.  You'll be seeing a big push in the coming months to Leave the Cap On!

Next time you recycle a plastic bottle, be sure to screw that closure back on top & throw it into your recycle bin.

Looking for a way to add a little pizazz to your package? We're all used to opening up an induction sealed packaged and seeing the familiar silver or white seal. Ever wished you could do a little more with that real estate?

Well, the creative folks over at Selig Sealing Products recently introduced a new technology that adds a bit of wow to the heat induction seal. If you haven't seen the new materials they've come up with, be sure to check out this technical paper which demonstrates all the exciting things you can now do to promote your brand under the cap!