HomeEric GreenbergContributing Editor, Packaging WorldCannabisCatch 22s and Opportunity in Cannabis PackagingAn established brand owner says, ‘…if you're a small brand trying to get started, especially with bootstrap money like ours,’ minimum order quantities represent a hurdle.HomeQuick Hits: Weight Loss Drug Linked to CancerClinical trials showed an increased risk of cancer in patients who took an oral medication intended for obese adults.HomeQuick Hits: Medtronic Insulin Pumps RecalledMalfunctions of the MiniMed600 Series insulin pumps could cause serious injury or death, and have prompted a Class I recall.Machinery & materialsMachine-Agnostic VR Comes to Sterile Manufacturing EducationYou’ve heard of OEMs offering augmented reality tools, but virtual reality has come to pharmaceutical processing training. How does improved critical thinking impact the bottom line?HomeQuick Hits: Skin Yarn is the Newest Way to Treat WoundsFrench researchers have created yarn made from human skin cells that integrates with the body to promote healing.HomePortable Lab Diagnoses IllnessesResearchers at University of Cincinnati have developed a small portable lab that connects to a smartphone and communicates directly with doctors.HomeQuick Hits: Robots Draw Blood Better Than HumansA robotic blood drawing and testing device outperformed healthcare professionals in a clinical trial.HomePioneering New Cannabis Packaging StandardsA myriad of challenges face cannabis packagers, from state-to-state regulatory requirements to adapting machinery and processes specifically to the cannabis market.Supplier NewsHoffmann Neopac Strengthens Market PositionThe company acquires hinged lid can production lines from Trivium Packaging.HomeQuick Hits: “Breakthrough” Cancer Drugs Take Too Long to Reach NHSA new study found that “breakthrough” cancer drugs take 22 years to reach patients on the National Health Service.HomeQuick Hits: New Implant Bypasses Eyes to Help The Blind SeeResearchers have developed a device that plugs directly into the brain to give blind people rudimentary vision.HomeQuick Hits: FDA Approves Peanut Allergy DrugThe FDA just approved the first drug to treat life-threatening peanut allergies in children.HomePreviewing PACK EXPO East 2020With one-third of the nation’s CPGs, and many pharma manufacturers, located within 200 miles of Philadelphia, PACK EXPO East 2020 promises the full PACK EXPO vibe in an easy-to-get-to location.HomeQuick Hits: New Device Uses Sweat for Real-Time Well-Being DataScientists at North Carolina State University created a sweat-sensing wearable that gathers health information.RegulatoryHoneywell Collaborates With AI Specialist Bigfinite to Speed Medical TherapiesThe collaboration will focus on helping biotech and pharma industries understand and make use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enable faster development.HomeOEMs Needed for $32 Billion Budding Cannabis IndustryAutomated operations are the wave of the future in a growing industry that is expected to reach $32 billion globally by 2024, with a CAGR of 28%. Off the record, OEMs report cannabis companies get sticker shock!HomeWeather Stresses LogisticsResponding to consumer demands to “get it to my doorstep in a day,” the nation’s supply chain leaders now have to adjust to crazy climate events around the globe. Reusable transport packaging could hold one key to a more sustainable future.HomeIntegrated Labeling Strategy Helps Cannabis Company GrowMedical marijuana startup Grow Ohio employs a combination of label software, printing systems, and label materials to meet compliance regulations and branding for six different packaging formats.HomeQuick Hits: FDA Prioritizes Coronavirus Diagnostic TestLast week, the FDA issued emergency approval for a coronavirus diagnostic test to expedite diagnoses in the US.MarketsTake the 2020 IoPP Salary Survey!The Institute of Packaging Professionals’ (IoPP) annual Salary Survey is the packaging industry’s definitive economic/employment survey. Packaging field professionals are invited to participate.
