Uniquely curated two-day event inspires and educates creatives in the beer and beverage space.

This cutting-edge machine is poised to attract pharmaceutical professionals and companies eager to enhance production efficiency and maintain compliance with stringent industry standards.

Learn more about how these companies are leading the charge when it comes to developing and offering innovative and sustainable cannabis packaging solutions.

Entering its 16th year, Converters Expo is once again bringing converters of paper, film, plastics, and nonwovens together with industry buyers, specialists and suppliers in what is sure to be one of the biggest industry events of the year. 

During the exhibition, attendees can view curated videos showcasing how Bradman Lake's equipment seamlessly integrates across different packaging processes.

The plastic and PFAS-free coating will be manufactured at scale at the 2M Group of Companies facility in Milton Keynes and supplied under its new business venture, Sustainable Packaging Technologies.

Catena Solutions helped a global snack food company render its repack operations less costly and more efficient.

SkinnyDipped has become a brand synonymous with delicious, better-for-you snacks since its launch in 2016 and the next chapter in the brand’s identity is here.

HexcelPack’s Mini Packing Station can be used to dispense the company’s sustainable HexcelWrap cushioning paper.

Packaging Strategies’ recent reporting on PACK EXPO International 2024 – though extensive – represents a mere fraction of the networking and expertise sharing that will take place at the event.

Acquisition allows ProMach to establish a powerful position in the food and pet care sectors where can filling and sterilization are required.

In this interview, Stout Collective’s Matt Tanaka explains the inspiration behind the BOPP Beer and Design Conference, now in its third year.

Winners included Smurfit Westrock’s PETCollar™ Shield Plus, a sustainable alternative to plastic in the multi-pack beverage segment.

Soft-fruit containers made with MONOAIR™ cushion technology now include square, large rectangular and standard versions.

While some groups say that fresh produce packaging is unnecessary and should be removed, British Apples & Pears Limited says the protective and shelf-life enhancing properties of packaging should be considered.

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

Ossid, a ProMach brand, is a leading manufacturer of sustainable, efficient tray packaging, flow wrapping, thermoforming fill seal, industrial scale and labeling machinery for the food, e-commerce and medical device industries.

 Police Innovations LLC eliminates damage in transit with orbital wrapper.

Wrapper prevents loads from sliding off the pallet and adds protection from damage in transit.

Strapping systems can be a great solution for packaging temperature-sensitive products by providing load breathability, which is essential for maintaining cold temperatures in transit.

Manufactured through a process of Structural Foam Injection, the pallet boasts exceptional durability and reliability, making it an optimal choice for use within the industrial and automotive sectors.

The Preview Week event, Nov. 2-6, will kick-off with a webinar, Helpful Hints for Navigating PACK EXPO Connects, on Nov. 2, at 10 a.m. CT. It will provide tips and tricks for using the platform and offer Q&A with attendees to help them make the most out of their PACK EXPO Connects experience.

Regulatory legislation such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has been the driving force behind food manufacturers and packagers taking a closer look at their conveyor systems to ensure compliance and hygienic standards are making the grade.

Attendees are invited to visit stand C100 to witness the renowned FT120 Flow Wrapper in action, now featuring the latest integrated sealing module designed for horizontal sealing.

Sustainable retail packaging solution replaces expanded polystyrene on processor production lines.

Based on the company’s “Test Before You Invest” program, the center enables companies to test their products on inspection systems.

Around half the sheetfed offset presses Heidelberg sells go to packaging customers, and the folding carton market is a strategic growth segment for Heidelberg.

With April 20 approaching, we look at how cannabis producers can partner with local printers to create high-quality packaging that adheres to local laws and regulations while also establishing brand identity and increasing brand recognition.

In this insightful article, Beth Zipko of Source Wurx makes the case that no element of private label products has improved more rapidly and dramatically than packaging, which has evolved from eyeroll-inducing to eye-catching. 

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.

Richmond Fed Pres. parking is speaking and says:

• Fed is in position to respond appropriately regardless of how economy involves.
• US economy looks pretty good
• Labor market is resilient.
• From here, labor market mighty be fine or may continue to weaken.
• Inflation might be coming under control or might risk getting stuck above Fed 2% target.
• Feds focus may turn to upside inflation risks or to downside employment risks, depending on how economy develops.

The market is pricing a 65% chance of a 25 basis point cut in December. That is down over the last week or so (it was in the high 70%s last week).

US yields are higher but off their highest levels:

• 2-year 4.314%, +6.1 basis points
• 5-year 4.269%, +7.6 basis points
• 10-year 4.370%, +6.3 basis points
• 30 year 4.516%, +3.7 basis points

Justin had the news from the People's Bank of China here on Monday:

• PBOC governor will maintain yuan exchange rate at a reasonable, balanced level

The PBOC governor Pan Gongsheng emphasized that the Bank will not let the yuan plummet without a fight:

• Will step up countercyclical adjustment
• Should resolutely guard against the risk of exchange rate overshoot

Today is an example of the Bank pushing back on yuan weakness, with the reference rate set 300+ points stronger for the CNY than was expected (in the Reuters model).

Offshore yuan has jumped (lower USD/CNH as shown in the chart below):

Gold futures warning: bull flag breakdown points to further downside risk for GC traders ????

Gold futures (GC) have recently broken out of a significant bull flag formation, and after a strong rally, prices have now pulled back, raising concerns among traders and investors. Let’s dive into the details and what it means for those holding or trading gold.

Understanding the measured move: a key level for professional traders ????

After breaking out of the yellow bull flag on the 4-hour chart, gold prices made a “measured move” from the low point A to the top of the bull flag pole at B, reaching as high as C. In trading, a measured move is a projection based on the initial rally (or decline) within a pattern, allowing traders to estimate where the price might head next. This level often aligns with Fibonacci retracements, with the 50% level in this case acting as a key decision-making point for professional traders and algorithms, who tend to sell at the completion of a measured move.

In this case, the measured move fulfilled its target, and prices began to pull back, signaling that some traders are locking in gains and potentially positioning for a reversal. This is often seen as an exhaustion point, where buyers lose steam, and sellers start stepping in.

Retesting the broken bull flag: signs of weakness? ????

Now, gold is retesting the previously broken bull flag, a critical area that could either act as support or become a point of resistance. As of the latest data, GC futures are trading below the Value Area Low (VAL) of approximately 2635-2636, adding further bearish pressure to the outlook. If prices close below this level today, it may signal that support is not holding—a significant concern for gold bulls.

What traders should watch ????

• Closing price relative to VAL (2635-2636): A close below this level today would be a bearish signal, indicating that the support zone is failing to hold.
• Consecutive closes below VAL: If today and tomorrow both close below 2635-2636, it could reinforce a bearish trend, making it even harder for gold to recover in the short term.
• Bull flag as potential resistance: Now that the bull flag is broken, it may act as a new resistance point, which could further press down on prices.

Bottom line: is gold at risk of further downside? ⚠️

The recent breakdown from the bull flag, the completion of the measured move, and the failure to hold above the Value Area Low are all red flags for gold bulls. Should prices continue to close below 2635-2636, it could signal a stronger bearish trend for GC futures. As always, traders should approach with caution and assess their risk, as the market could face additional selling pressure if these support levels fail to hold. Trade at your own risk and visit ForexLive.com for additional views.

Gold has been trending higher for a while now as traders hopped on the risk/safety trade going into the US election. Also higher inflation fear may have conttibuted. Finally, technicals were a help.

Looking at the daily chart below, apart from a day or two in February, the price has traded above the 100-day MA (blue line on the chart below) for every other day of the 2024 year. That MA is still well below at $2534.81. The current price is at $2619.79. Getting below it would be needed to give the sellers more control from a longer-term perspective.

Drilling down to the hourly chart below, the price trend move to the upside has seen corrective moves this year. More specifically, the price has alternated from trending with the price trading above the 100 and 200-hour moving averages, to correcting when the price fell below those moving averages.

On October 31st the price moved back below its 100-hour moving average. On November 1, and again on November 6 and November 8, the price retested the 100-hour moving average (on upside corrective moves) and found willing sellers against that moving average level. The sellers stayed in control at least in the short term (see three red arrows on the chart below).

In trading today, the momentum has increased to the downside with the price moving from a high of around $2675, to a low of $2610.52. The price is currently trading at $2619 down -$64 or -2.38%.

What next?

Looking at the hourly chart, the price is approaching a swing area going back to September and October (see red numbered circles and yellow area on the chart below) that area comes between $2598 and $2604. Also in play is the 38.2% of the move up from the June 2024 low to the October 30 high. That level comes in at $2598.06.

Getting below the 38.2% retracement is the minimum retracement target that shows the seller's mean business. Absent that, and the correction is just a normal correction in a trending market.

Traders will be watching that area for short and medium-term clues today and going forward. A move below will have traders looking toward the 50% midpoint at $2538.70 area. Around that area is also the rising 100 day moving average at $2534.80 increasing the areas importance. Be aware.

Japanese wholesale prices, the PPI or CGPI:

+0.2% m/m

• expected 0.0%, prior 0.0%

+3.4% y/y

• expected +3.0%, prior +2.8%

The higher results will be a bit of a tailwind for the yen, at the margin. Not too much though, there is the huge monetary policy divergence that is weighing on the hapless yen to contend with.

Of note is that renewed yen falls pushed up import costs for some goods

The Bank of Japan is wary of yen weakness pushing up prices, the Bank wants inflation but not like that. The Bank wants inflation coming from wage growth pushing up demand. The Bank has said it'll consider raising rates to help slow or stop the yen decline. But political pressure is on the Bank not to hike until wages are seen rising at the next round of wage negotiations in (Japan's) spring.

---

The Producer Price Index (PPI) in Japan is also known as the Corporate Goods Price Index (CGPI)

• its a measure of the average change over time in the selling prices received by domestic producers for their output
• is calculated by the Bank of Japan

Unlike the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the price change that consumers see for a basket of goods and services, the CGPI focuses on the change in the prices of goods sold by companies.

The PPI reflects some of cost pressures faced by producers

• its based on a basket of goods that represents the range of products produced within the Japanese economy, including items such as:
  • raw materials like metals and chemicals
  • semi-finished goods
  • and finished products
  • different weights are assigned to each category within the index based on its contribution to the overall economy.
• it does not account for the quality improvements in goods and services over time, which might lead to overestimation of inflation
  • additionally, it reflects only the prices of domestically produced goods, leaving out the impact of imported goods

The PPI can be used as a guide to inflationary pressures in the economy:

• If producers are facing higher costs, they may pass these on to consumers, leading to higher consumer prices.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – RaMona Alexander, vice president and general manager of WDBD, and Dan York, president and chief executive officer of Cox Media Group (CMG), were appointed to the NAB Television Board of Directors, and Rob Babin, senior vice president, head of radio for CMG, was appointed to the NAB Radio Board of Directors, effectively immediately. The appointments were made by NAB TV Board Chair Emily Barr and NAB Radio Board Chair Dave Santrella, respectively, in accordance with NAB bylaws.

WASHINGTON, DC -- A bipartisan coalition of 77 members of the House of Represenatives and eight Senators have joined together to introduce resolutions in Congress opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) signals members of Congress's opposition to any potential legislation that would impose new performance royalties on broadcast radio stations for music airplay.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Eight members of the House of Representatives have added their support to a resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), which signals members of Congress's opposition to any potential legislation that imposes new performance royalties on broadcast radio stations for music airplay, now has 87 cosponsors in the House and eight in the Senate.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Twelve members of the House of Representatives and one Senator have added their support to a resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), which signals members of Congress's opposition to any potential legislation that imposes new performance royalties on broadcast radio stations for music airplay, now has 124 cosponsors in the House and 15 in the Senate.

Washington, D.C. -- As founding members of the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 Community Corps, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is urging all local radio and television stations to participate in a National Month of Action beginning June 4 to provide COVID-19 vaccine education and help ensure all Americans understand the importance of getting vaccinated.

Washington, D.C. -- PILOT, NAB's technology innovation initiative, will be accepting submissions for the PILOT Innovation Challenge through 5 p.m. ET on July 9. The program will provide mentorship and promotion to winning proposals, along with an opportunity to demonstrate their products at NAB Show in Las Vegas, October 9-13, 2021. 

WASHINGTON, DC -- Fourteen members of the House of Representatives and three Senators have added their support to the Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations bringing the number of cosponsors to 138 in the House and 18 in the Senate. The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) expressed their support for the resolution, which signals members of Congress's opposition to any potential legislation that imposes new performance royalties on broadcast radio stations for music airplay, in a letter to congressional leaders on June 11.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Eleven members of the House of Representatives have added their support to a resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA), which signals members of Congress's opposition to any potential legislation that imposes new performance royalties on broadcast radio stations for music airplay, now has 149 cosponsors in the House and 18 in the Senate.

Washington, D.C. -- David Griffin, president and CEO of Griffin Communications, has been named to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Television Board of Directors by Television Board Chair Perry Sook in accordance with NAB by-laws. The appointment is effective immediately.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nick Radziul, senior vice president of Distribution and Government Affairs for Hearst Television, has been named to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Television Board of Directors by Television Board Chair Perry Sook in accordance with NAB by-laws. The appointment is effective immediately.

Washington, D.C. -- PILOT, NAB's technology innovation initiative, is now accepting submissions for the PILOT Innovation Challenge through 5 p.m. ET on January 31. The program will provide mentorship and promotion to winning proposals, along with an opportunity to demonstrate their products at NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 23-27, 2022.

Washington, D.C. -- The 2022 NAB Show will explore the ongoing deployment of Next Gen TV in broadcast television markets across the country and how broadcasters are utilizing the cutting-edge transmission standard to develop consumer-friendly features, capitalize on new content opportunities and unlock new revenue streams. Next Gen TV exhibits, demonstrations and sessions will take place throughout NAB Show, held April 23–27 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Washington, D.C. -- The NAB Leadership Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023 Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) program through May 31. The BLT program is designed to prepare senior-level broadcast executives to advance as group executives or station owners. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.

Washington, D.C. – The 2022 NAB Show will feature NABiQ, a new networking series focused on innovation. Taking place April 23 – 27, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nev., each NABiQ challenge will relate to NAB Show’s content pillars: Create, Connect and Capitalize.