The Performance Innovation Award is for design innovations that improve product performance, and was awarded to the InCycle cup for its insulation and durability, and the vast increase in functional temperature range MicroGREEN’s proprietary technology gives to recycled PET.

For our Best of 2013 feature, we want to share with you some of the highlights from this last year, in case you missed them.

Ecopax Inc. announces the completion of a $3.7 million equipment and facilities expansion that will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity and add 15 new full-time employees.

Sealed Air Corporation is offering a range of lightweight polypropylene (PP) trays and pots with high clarity for chilled foods thanks to Milliken’s clarifying innovation Millad® NX™ 8000.

A to-go container made with sugarcane took home the top honor at the 2013 Foodservice Packaging Award ceremony held by Foodservice Packaging Institute, Inc.

Stay tuned for our September issue, coming to your doorstep and our website within the week.

Manufactured with EcoStar® food-safe recycled PET, Placon (www.placon.com) introduces its new Fresh ‘n Clear™ CaterEase plastic catering tray and bowl line.

Barton Group, Inc. has announced the development of Squeezy Straw™ – a new single-serve dispensing pouch with its own built-in, integral sipping straw.

World demand for cups and lids is projected to rise 5.0 percent per year to nearly $26 billion in 2017. Advances will be driven by above average gains for food and beverage packaging cups as well as a favorable outlook for global foodservice revenues. In particular, increases will be fueled by growth in the quick service restaurant industry, which will remain the primary user of disposable cups and lids.