INTELLIGENT PACKAGING CIBA has developed the latest generation of ONVU TIME-TEMPERATURE INDICATORS for 'the label that makes freshness visible".

"Consumers often prefer transparent packaging, as it allows them to see what they are buying and whether the package is full," says Denis Keller, marketing manager packaging, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. "Transparency also enhances the appeal of the goods, as it indicates freshness, cleanliness and visibility. However, transparent packaging is especially prone to content damage: Ciba offers special barrier technology to help protect packaging contents and prevent discoloration."

OnVu TTIs allow producers, retailers and consumers to check at a glance whether perishable goods have been stored and transported properly, says the supplier.

Designed for "the label that makes freshness visible"--Ciba OnVu time--temperature indicators

Tel: +41 61 636 4444

Or visit: http:// www.ciba.com/packaging

CUTTING

FUTURA has developed a trim cutter and log saw combination which optimizes the number of toilet rolls which can be cut from a log of tissue. It is suitable for log rolls of diameters up to 260 mm.

The results of using Futura's F SERIES TRIM CUTTER AMD LOG SAW depend on the individual mill set up and on the equipment being replaced, but the technology has already proved its ability to extract an extra roll from every log in a recent installation at Papelera San Andres de Giles in Argentina.

The Futura cutting system is also designed to improve the quality of the cut, which allows rolls to sit better in their packaging, and to increase processing speed compared with conventional alternatives.

Tel: +39 0583 94911

Or visit: http://www.futuraconverting.com

NANOCELLULOSIC TECHNOLOGIES

The VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE of Finland, the HELSINKI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY TKK, and UPM have established a FINNISH CENTRE FOR NANOCELLULOSIC TECHNOLOGIES. It aims to create new applications for cellulose as a raw material, substance and end product. Cellulose-based nanofibers can be used to alter the structure of the material and create products that better correspond to future market needs.

The Finnish Centre for Nanocellulosic Technologies started operating in March 2008 in Otaniemi, Espoo. The center will employ approximately 40 researchers. It is an equal consortium of the three partners. The operations are being financed by public and private investments.

Cellulose fibers (30 micrometers wide, 2-3 mm long) consist of nanofibrils with dimensions about one-thousand times smaller. One of the challenges in research is to produce large quantities of nanofibrils of even quality. Nanofibrils provide a number of possibilities for treating wood fiber materials and adding completely new properties to them. The mechanical properties of raw materials can be improved, their moisture behaviour controlled, electrical properties changed or optical properties adjusted.