Is it red? Is it yellow? Or is it blue? When it comes to a new web-coating technology, your first impression depends on your viewpoint.

Color-shift layers on plastic film (so called "Fabry Perot Filter") can now reportedly be economically produced via TOPBEAM™ electron-beam evaporation from metallizing-machinery maker Applied Films (www.appliedfilms.com). Chosen over 16 other entries, the process won the 2005 Innovation Award at last fall's Intl. Converting Exhibition in Munich, Germany.

Applied Films' proprietary "Fabry Perot Filter" consists of a three-layer stack. A thick metallic base layer on the plastic film acts as a mirror (aluminum). A middle transparent oxide layer (Al₂O₃) which, depending on its thickness, allows the light to reflect in different colors, and a top semi-transparent, thin metallic layer (aluminum) complete the structure. The TOPBEAM system can produce the color-shift film efficiently with a typical, effective coating speed of 100 fpm. Standard sputter web-coating technology is typically in the range of 10 fpm, the supplier says.

When viewed from different angles, these color-shift layers (below) change their reflected color making them very attractive for decorative packaging and security-label applications.

The Tetra Wedge™ Aseptic Clear from Vernon Hills, IL-based converter Tetra Pak® (www.tetrapakusa.com) is reportedly the world's first high-barrier, totally clear aseptic package. Beverage maker Jumex® launched its Nautix line of kids' drinks (at right) in the new container into the Mexican market last May. The package is said to provide consumers with 100-percent transparency to see the product, a patented barrier technology to protect the product, and aseptic processing which seals in taste and nutrition.

"The initial response in Mexico to this new product, distributed initially through Wal-Mart, has been great," says Jeff Kellar, vice president of strategic business development at Tetra Pak. "And, the response from US consumers we surveyed has been equally promising, with the most common reaction among kids being 'Wow! I've never seen anything like this.'"

The Wedge Aseptic Clear allows for both high- and low-acid applications, making pouch-style, shelf-stable packaging a new possibility for the dairy and soy industries, Tetra Pak says. Ergonomically, the Wedge Aseptic Clear was designed with smooth sides and no sharp edges, unlike current standup pouches. Since its debut in Mexico, Tetra Pak is planning on bringing the Wedge Aseptic Clear technology to the US, anticipating commercialization sometime later this year.

Clackamas, OR-based pet-products maker Pet Appeal, Inc., partners with the 100% Recycled Paperboard Alliance (www.rpa100.com) to convert its Organix and Good Buddy dog-treats boxes (at left) from virgin solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard to 100-percent recycled substrate. The move not only appeals to the brands' environmentally conscious consumers, it also aligns the packaging with Pet Appeal's sustainability focus.

"There is a synergy between our natural products and environmentally friendly packaging," says Shelley Gunton, "Top Dog" and co-owner of Pet Appeal. "Our choice to switch to 100-percent recycled paperboard speaks to the caring philosophy of our consumers and our company. At the same time, it offers the same performance attributes as other options in folding cartons."

Smurfit-Stone Container Corp.'s Santa Clara, CA, mill (www.smurfit-stone.com) supplies the recycled board, and Rose City Printing & Packaging (Portland, OR), (www.rcpp.com) is the converter.