Alison Keane, President and CEO of the Flexible Packaging Association for eight years, is leaving her position on August 1. We want to express our appreciation for her work at FPA and her willingness to offer guidance on industry matters.

AMERIPEN supports Minnesota’s packaging EPR law for a number of reasons, most important of which is that it provides for true shared responsibility for recycling costs instead of putting the onus entirely on producers.

The plant-based food trend has been building for a few years. In 2020, its appeal broadened to a larger audience, reflecting consumers’ amplified health concerns. Recognizing this movement, grocers and CPGs are introducing programs to capitalize on the market potential. Those efforts will expand as consumers continue looking for ways to incorporate more plant-based foods in their diets.  

The ten year roadmap aims for beverage cartons made from renewable and/or recycled material. 

The bottles have an on-pack call to action "Recycle Me Again" message and will also drive consumer awareness with "100% recycled PET bottle" displayed on the pack.

All beverage bottles and cans collected will be recycled and remade into new food-grade packaging.

Packaging and consumer goods companies are accelerating their efforts to adopt new innovative materials and processes to replace plastic in product packaging to help meet their plastic reduction goals

As we see consumer preference grow for high-protein products, Direct UHT (ultra-high temperature) becomes the stand-out processing method for its gentler treatment of protein-rich formulations, alongside other benefits.

Company will have a team of experts on-site to showcase innovative equipment additions such as the Tetra Pak A1 1100 Filling Machine and the new Tetra Pak Direct UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) unit.

With over 15 years of experience in the manufacturing and operations sector, Ben brings a wealth of expertise to the new role.

Bringing sweet tea and juice to the market requires palletizing the cases filled with respective bottles to be palletized for transportation to retail outlets. Due to their perishable nature, they are stored in cold rooms.

CPG companies are turning to warehouse automation solutions such as palletizers and mobile robots, according to the PMMI report.

Learn more about these exciting new developments in automation and robotics.

The metering conveyor, by Multi-Conveyor, feeds a series of servo belt conveyors to gap two lanes of product into a single lane flow using DARB technology.

Created by PKG Brand Design, the new brand logo connects directly to the Bumble Bee company heritage.

Company’s PCS700-IOT performs high-speed pressure and gas measurement for carbonated, nitrogen-dosed and hot-filled beverages to detect leaks and optimize the process.

In this interview, Inovar’s Bill Kral explains how digital printing has evolved, why some brand managers are still reluctant to switch to digital printing, and why many who have made the leap are reaping rewards.

MCS Inc. President David Loos says high-speed inkjet printers eliminate the need for adhesive labels by printing tracking codes, special offers and other promotional messages directly on secondary packaging.

What is known of marriage in early Virginia Indian society is limited to the observations of Jamestown colonists, visiting English observers, and later American historians, and is mostly applicable to the Algonquian-speaking Powhatans of Tsenacomoco, a paramount chiefdom of twenty-eight to thirty-two groups living in Tidewater Virginia. Marriage was crucial for survival in Indian society, because men and women needed to work as partners in order to accomplish their many daily and seasonal tasks. The man initiated courtship and looked for a woman who would perform her assigned tasks well. The woman could decline a marriage offer, but if she did choose to accept it, her parents also needed to approve the offer. The groom's parents, meanwhile, paid a bridewealth, or marriage payment, to the bride's parents to compensate them for her lost labor. Men were allowed to have additional wives, so long as the husband could afford to provide for them; for chiefs especially, these wives served as symbols of wealth. It is estimated that the paramount chief Powhatan (Wahunsonacock) had as many as one hundred wives during his lifetime. While a man's first marriage was expected to last for life, additional marriages were likely negotiated for shorter terms. Unless a woman was married to a chief, she was allowed to conduct extramarital affairs, provided she had her husband's permission (which was usually given). Punishment for dishonesty on this score could be severe, however. Virginia Indians held onto their marriage traditions long after contact with the English, and marriage between Indians and the English was rare.
Thu, 29 Oct 2020 17:44:08 EST

Early Virginia Indians spoke dialects of Algic, Iroquoian, or Siouan, three large linguistic families that include many of the more than eight hundred indigenous languages in North America. Among Virginia's Algic-speakers were the Powhatan Indians, who lived in the Tidewater and encountered the Jamestown settlers in 1607. Little is known of their language—a form of Algic known as Virginia Algonquian—although Captain John Smith and William Strachey both composed influential vocabulary lists. The Nottoways and the Meherrins lived south of the James near the fall line and spoke Iroquoian. Although the Meherrin language was never recorded, it has been identified as Iroquoian based on geography. In 1820, John Wood interviewed the elderly Nottoway "queen" Edie Turner and created a word list that eventually was recognized as Iroquoian. Virginia's Siouan-speakers, meanwhile, largely lived west of the fall line and included the Monacans, the Mannahoacs, and the Saponis. Many Virginia Indians, encouraged by the requirements of trade, diplomacy, and warfare, spoke multiple languages, and when the English arrived, they and the Powhatans eagerly exchanged boys to learn each other's language and serve as interpreters. By the twentieth century, most if not all Virginia Indian languages had become extinct, meaning that no native speakers survived. In 2005, the Terrence Malick film The New World presented a form of Algonquian based on the Smith and Strachey lists and the work of the linguist Blair Rudes.
Thu, 29 Oct 2020 18:20:19 EST

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Australia data - Wage Price Index for Q3 2024:

+0.8% q/q for the third consecutive quarter

• expected +0.9%, prior +0.8%
• Both the private sector and the public sector rose 0.8%, seasonally adjusted, for the quarter.

+3.5% y/y, lowest annual rise for the series since December quarter 2022 and followed four consecutive quarters of annual wage growth equal to or above 4%.

• expected +3.6%, prior +4.1%

---

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publishes the Wage Price Index (WPI) quarterly, measuring changes in the price of labor, unaffected by shifts in workforce composition, hours worked, or employee characteristics.

The ABS provides detailed WPI data, including breakdowns by industry and sector, offering insights into wage trends across Australia's economy.

CreationNetwork.ai, a groundbreaking digital platform, today announces its public launch, redefining digital engagement for businesses, content creators, and influencers. As an all-in-one solution for content creation, e-commerce, social media management, and digital marketing, CreationNetwork.ai combines 22+ proprietary AI-powered tools and 29+ platform integrations to deliver the most extensive digital ecosystem available.

Empowering Digital Transformation with 22+ AI-Powered Tools

CreationNetwork.ai’s suite of tools spans every facet of digital engagement, equipping users with powerful AI technologies to streamline operations, engage audiences, and optimize performance. Each tool is meticulously designed to enhance productivity and efficiency, making it easy to create, manage, and analyze content across multiple channels. Key tools include:

• AI Copywriter: Generates high-quality, unique content for blogs, social media, and business communications.
• AI Page Maker: Simplifies landing page creation with zero design or coding knowledge.
• AI Trend Briefs: Provides market insights and trends, positioning users at the forefront of innovation.
• AI Bot Maker: Creates intelligent chatbots for seamless user interaction and customer support.
• AI Video Maker: Produces captivating, brand-aligned promotional videos.
• AI Video Ambassador: Transforms text scripts into spokesperson videos with customizable avatars.
• AI Voiceovers Studio: Offers lifelike voiceovers in multiple languages and accents.
• AI SmartVoice Replicator: Clones voices to maintain brand consistency across content.
• AI Voice Modifier: Enhances voice recordings, elevating audio quality effortlessly.
• AI SmartTranscriber: Converts audio into text with accuracy, ideal for transcription and subtitles.
• AI Design Studio: Enables professional-quality graphic creation without design skills.
• AI BrandMagic: Instantly creates essential brand assets like logos and business cards.
• AI Banners: Tailors banners for digital platforms and campaigns.
• Art Academy - Image Genius: Allows text-to-image transformation, animations, and editing with AI.
• Social Metrics Analytics: Offers detailed insights on social media performance metrics.
• Social SmartEngagement: Increases engagement through targeted AI-driven insights.
• Social PublishMaster: Automates social publishing with optimized timing and platform synchronization.
• Social Listen Monitor: Tracks brand mentions and audience sentiment across social media.
• Social Automation Optimize: Automates repetitive tasks, improving workflow and engagement.
• Social CollaborationPro: Fosters team collaboration, managing content creation and approval processes.
• AI & Automation: Integrates AI-driven insights across content creation, engagement, and analytics.
• Team-Powered Branding: Amplifies brand messaging through employee advocacy.

Each of these tools is designed to optimize digital engagement, reduce manual workload, and enable users to focus on impactful, strategic actions. CreationNetwork.ai’s suite harnesses the transformative power of AI and blockchain, fostering both creativity and precision.

Comprehensive Integration Network: 29+ Platform Connections for Maximum Reach

One of the most distinguishing features of CreationNetwork.ai is its extensive integration network. With over 29 integrations, users can synchronize their digital activities across major social media, e-commerce, and content platforms, providing centralized management and engagement capabilities.

Social Media Integrations: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, and Snapchat.

E-commerce Integrations: Google Business Profile, Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, BigCommerce, Ecwid, and Wix Commerce, supporting online retailers with seamless inventory and order management.

Content Creation Integrations: Canva, Grammarly, Airtable, Zapier, Make, Adobe Express, Unsplash, Giphy, Pexels, Pixabay, and Dropbox allow users to access resources for content creation and file management without leaving the CreationNetwork.ai platform.

This integration network empowers users to manage their brand presence across platforms from a single, unified dashboard, significantly enhancing efficiency and reach.

Community Incentives: CRNT Token Airdrop and ICO Whitelisting

In preparation for its Initial Coin Offering (ICO), CreationNetwork.ai is launching a $750,000 CRNT Token Airdrop to reward early supporters and incentivize participation in the CreationNetwork.ai ecosystem. Qualified participants can secure their position by following CreationNetwork.ai’s social media accounts and completing the whitelist form available on the official website. This initiative highlights CreationNetwork.ai’s commitment to building a strong, engaged community.

CreationNetwork.ai: The Future of Digital Content and Marketing

CreationNetwork.ai is also a comprehensive digital ecosystem for businesses, creators, and marketers. Combining the power of AI and blockchain, CreationNetwork.ai redefines how users manage their digital presence, from crafting content to engaging with audiences across diverse channels. Its suite of tools, extensive integrations, and commitment to community-building make CreationNetwork.ai a leading solution for digital transformation.

“CreationNetwork.ai is built to set a new benchmark in digital engagement,” said Ali Demir, CEO of CreationNetwork.ai. “We’re providing creators and businesses with an all-encompassing solution that combines innovative AI, deep platform integrations, and automation. Our platform is truly one of a kind, empowering users to harness the full potential of digital technology.”

About CreationNetwork.ai

CreationNetwork.ai (https://creationnetwork.ai/) is a leader in AI-driven content creation, social media management, and e-commerce solutions, leveraging blockchain technology to empower its users with advanced digital engagement tools. Through a broad spectrum of AI tools and extensive integrations, CreationNetwork.ai is dedicated to transforming the way brands, businesses, and creators connect with audiences in an ever-evolving digital world.

In brief from WPAC's note:

• September quarter Wage Price Index below the RBA’s expectation which pointed to a 0.9%qtr rise in both the September and December quarters of 2024
• Wage inflation peaked at 4.3%yr in December 2023 and has been drifting lower through 2024
• Wage Price Index (WPI) rose 0.8% (3.5%yr) ... The RBA is currently forecasting annual wages growth to print 3.4%yr for end 2024 and hold at that rate through to June 2025.

***

The WPI should easily come in under that RBA forecast by end 2024. While some will point to slowing wages as a reason to cut rates the RBA is in no hurry, still war of elevated demand and inflation likely to pop back above the top of the 2 - 3% target band once government cost of living subsidies roll off.

Japan's Seven & i Holdings is considering a management buyout to take itself private with funding from banks, Itochu Corp. and the founding Ito family in a transaction that could be worth US$58 billion

"People with knowledge of the matter" cited in the reports via Nikkei and Bloomberg.

The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven is considering going private by buying back its own shares in a bid to avoid a takeover attempt by Canadian rival Alimentation Couche-Tard, the news report says.

• There are still noticeable price pressures, especially in services sector
• Trump's tariffs may cause German economy to contract
• If tariffs come into effect, it could cost Germany 1% in economic output

And therein lies the dilemma for the ECB heading into next year I guess. The good news is that the disinflation process is still progressing, albeit with a few bumps along the way. All else being equal, the argument for further rate cuts should hold heading into 2025.

Washington, D.C. -- Radio and television stations are not adequately compensated for their news content on technology platforms because of an imbalance in market power, according to a new study released today by BIA Advisory Services. The study found that each year broadcasters lose nearly $2 billion in value that they generate for two of the largest technology platforms through publication of their valuable content – particularly local news.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to passage of the MEDIA Diversity Act of 2021 (H.R. 1754) and a resolution reaffirming Congress's commitment to media diversity and pledging to work with the private sector on solutions eliminating barriers to media diversity (H.Res. 277), the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Senate Commerce Committee of the Low Power Protection Act, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:

Washington, D.C. -- Social media star and fitness instructor Cody Rigsby will discuss his focus on making exercise fun and Peloton’s impact on the multi-billion-dollar fitness industry during an NAB Show Main Stage session titled “You’re Doing Great, Boo: A Conversation With Cody Rigsby” on Tuesday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. in Las Vegas, Nev.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to yesterday's passage by the House Judiciary Committee of H.R.4330 - Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), which would establish protections for journalists at the federal level regarding the revelation of their confidential sources except in defined circumstances such as threats to national security, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:

Washington, D.C. – Award-winning journalist Ashleigh Banfield, host of “Banfield” on NewsNation, will reunite with her former MSNBC co-anchor, Lester Holt, the NBC Nightly News anchor and managing editor. Holt will join her “Rising Tide: The Value in Mentoring Others” series during the NAB Show Opening Main Stage session on Sunday, April 24 at 1:15 p.m. in Las Vegas, NV.

Washington, D.C. – The House Appropriations Committee advanced the FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill which included language that would prevent the FCC from taking administrative action against broadcasters that accept cannabis advertisements consistent with the law of the state or jurisdiction in which the station is licensed.

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, which included language that would prevent the FCC from taking administrative action against broadcasters that accept cannabis advertisements consistent with the law of the state or jurisdiction in which the station is licensed.

Washington, D.C. -- PILOT, the innovation arm of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), today announced it is conducting a program with support of the Google News Initiative to improve direct-to-consumer audience engagement to better serve local audiences. The six-month program is designed to support broadcaster education as well as the implementation of first-party data and direct-to-consumer business models.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to today's House of Representatives passage of H.R.4330 - Protect Reporters from Exploitative State Spying Act (PRESS Act), which would establish protections for journalists at the federal level regarding the revelation of their confidential sources except in defined circumstances such as threats to national security, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:

Washington, D.C. – A strong lineup of keynote sessions, insightful conversations and award ceremonies is confirmed for NAB Show New York’s Content Theater. Located within the Experiential Zone on the show floor, the Content Theater will serve as the event’s main hub for collaboration and education October 19-20, 2022 at the Javits Center.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to passage by the Senate Judiciary Committee of the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, the following statement can be attributed to NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt:

NAB Show New York attendees will have the opportunity to interact directly with exhibiting companies about their brands and products through sessions on the Tech Chat Stage, part of a new immersive show floor experience. NAB Show New York returns in-person October 19-20, 2022 at the Javits Center.

Washington, D.C. -- In response to congressional passage of the Low Power Protection Act, which provides eligible low power television stations a long-overdue opportunity to obtain interference protections, the following can be attributed to NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt:

Washington, D.C.— NAB Show is collaborating with StoryTech to launch three unique attendees tour experiences at the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas. The tours explore three central themes: managing data, innovation in virtual production and the evolution of video. Group and individual tours are offered Sunday, April 16 through Tuesday, April 18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Washington, D.C. -- NAB Show will explore how the increasing adoption of advanced technology is revolutionizing immersive storytelling experiences in a Main Stage session open to all attendees on Tuesday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Washington, D.C. -- NAB Show will focus on the rapidly growing FAST TV business in "Fast Channels and Furious Growth," a Main Stage session open to all attendees on April 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Leaders in streaming and digital distribution will discuss their strategies to harness the worldwide audience's appetite for free, ad-supported television, which hit revenues of roughly $4 billion in the U.S. last year and is projected to triple over the next five years.

Washington, D.C. -- The 2023 NAB Show will host an intimate conversation with the creative team behind the Academy Award-winning animated short film, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse," on Sunday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. on the Main Stage, open to all attendees. "How to Win an Oscar With a Fully Remote Creative Team" will feature visual artists for the production, which first aired in December 2022, on the BBC, to more than seven million live viewers.

Washington, D.C. -- Award-winning actor, writer and producer Brett Goldstein will take NAB Show into his process in creating compelling content that resonates with audiences and that has made him one of Hollywood's most sought-after multihyphenates in a fireside chat on April 17 at 4:00 p.m. on the Main Stage of the 2023 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nev.