Automated Packaging Systems, the world leader in high-reliability packaging systems, has received a prestigious product design award for its AirPouch void-fill air pillows with EZ-Tear™ perforations. The award was presented by the National Institute of Packaging, Handling and Logistics Engineers (NIPHLE) at its annual conference, June 7, 2006 in Baltimore Maryland.

AirPouch received the award in the 2006 NIPHLE Design Competition`s Short-Life Packaging category for the exceptional ergonomic and productivity design features of its EZ-Tear perforations, which are unique in the void-fill and air pillow industry.

The EZ-Tear perforation design consists of a cut part way through the regular perforation, making it extremely easy for packers to grab a strip of air pillows and quickly tear off as many as they need. Additionally, the EZ-Tear feature allows the pillows to inflate more completely for a higher material yield that reduces costs.

The AirPouch Express 3 system is among the fastest in the industry, producing strips of air pillows at speeds over 50 feet per minute. This compact, tabletop unit is lightweight, has a small footprint, and features an all electric design that does not require compressed air.

Air pillows offer many advantages over other packing materials because they are cleaner, lighter, more user-friendly, and they do not hide the product inside the box. Matt Lerner, Executive Vice President said, ``We are quite pleased to have received this award from an organization as prestigious as NIPHLE. We designed our air pillows with many operational advantages and it is nice to see the industry recognize this.``

About NIPHLE

The National Institute of Packaging, Handling, and Logistics Engineers (NIPHLE), an organization comprised of experts in its title disciplines from government agencies, industry, and academia, celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Baltimore Conference. While the organization focuses on the packaging, handling, and logistics needs of government agencies, especially the military, it provides a unique forum for idea exchange related to the shipping and storing of all industrial goods. Among its activities, NIPHLE sponsors this annual Design Competition to honor outstanding development work in four Categories, Long-life Packaging, Short-life Packaging, Material Handling, and Computer Software Programs/Systems.More information about the organization, including the Design Competition, can be found on the NIPHLE web site http://www.niphle.org.

About Automated Packaging

Automated Packaging Systems is a world leader in high-reliability packaging systems and has been designing and manufacturing original Autobag®, SidePouch™ and AirPouch™ systems and products for more than 40 years. With more than 25,000 packaging systems in operation and a national service organization, Automated Packaging Systems delivers a total systems approach for ultimate customer satisfaction. Many years ago, some of our customers began using our baggers to create void-fill. The AirPouch product line was a natural extension from this idea.

AIRPOUCH™ Division of Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
1-888-288-6224
www.airpouch.com