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Weatherchem has announced it made recent investments to produce a lighter 110mm pet food Flapper closure, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainability.
Changes to the ordering and production process include:
• When an order is placed, what used to be printed on paper to create this order is now done entirely electronically via Weatherchem’s ERP system. Through paperless purchasing and order processing, Weatherchem's letter-size paper consumption decreased 10 percent through the first half of 2012.
• When this order makes its way to the production floor, it will be produced on a new press that Weatherchem recently invested in, which consumes 30 percent less electricity.
• Because of the new lightweight 110mm design, 20 percent less plastic will be used compared to the previous design. Using less plastic also requires smaller amounts of color to be added to the resin, while reduced cycle times for this process contribute additional energy savings.
• Machinery to stack the finished caps and automate the packaging process was added, enabling 80 more pieces to fit in each box of 110mm Flapper caps – an increase of 40 percent over the previous packaging method.
• The amount of packing material needed to securely fill the box is reduced with more caps per box, pallet and truckload. On average, transportation of Weatherchem’s annual volume of 110mm caps will now require 11 fewer truckloads.
FOSS has donated two near infrared analyzers to Kansas State University's Department of Grain Science and Industry for use in classroom teaching and research.
One of the machines, the Profoss in-line flour analyzer, is installed in the Hal Ross Flour Mill on the University's Grain Science Innovation Campus. The other machine is a NIRS DS2500 flour analyzer that will be used at the mill as well as in the Shellenberger Hall teaching and experimental milling laboratory.
“It is always great to have new technology in the flour mill to enhance our teaching for our students and industry professionals who come to Kansas State for training,” says Mark Fowler, associate director and flour milling curricula manager for the International Grains Program.
Pet food brand Eukanuba recently donated to Canine Companions for Independence at its national graduation ceremony, in which the group graduated its 4,000th assistance dog team.
At the graduation ceremony, Eukanuba presented a check to Canine Companions for US$100,000 to sponsor a litter of puppies, called the "E-Litter," and build awareness for the need of volunteer puppy raisers. The puppies, once graduated as Canine Companions, go to people with disabilities to help them live independently.
“We are very thankful for our partnership with Eukanuba and are always looking for creative ways to increase our volunteer base of puppy raisers to help with our mission,” said Jeanine Konopelski, marketing director for Canine Companions for Independence. “Eukanuba’s E-Litter has become very popular with our existing supporters and has helped us gain first time donations from new fans."
As the "E-Litter" of puppies lives with their puppy raisers, the Eukanuba and Canine Companions' Facebook pages will feature video, pictures and updates so Facebook fans can follow the dogs.
Magnolia Bird Farm Inc. is recalling Raw and Roasted In-shell Peanuts and Magnolia Bird Farm Bird seed mixes that contain peanuts, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The peanuts in the mixes are among those being recalled by Sunland Inc.
Specific products included in the recall are 2-, 3-, 5-, 10-,25- and 50-pound bags of Sunland Peanuts in Shell, Hulled Peanuts, Magnolia Bird Farm Conure Mix, Magnolia Bird Farm Large Hookbill, Magnolia Bird Farm Hookbill Supreme and Magnolia Bird Farm Parrot Mix.
The bird seed and peanut products were distributed in the US from October 12, 2011, through October 12, 2012. Peanuts in the original Sunland yellow mesh bag will have either "best by" dates from October 12, 2012, through October 12, 2013, on the packaging, or a “Crop Year” marking on the package of 2011 or 2012.
No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers who have purchased these recalled products are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose of them immediately. Consumers with questions may contact Magnolia Bird Farm at +1.714.527.3387 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +1.714.527.3387 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
Global Pet Food Stores Inc. is reportedly planning to expand its natural and organic pet food stores into the western Canadian market.
The company, which currently operates two stores in the US and 155 stores in Canada, recently opened its latest store in Calgary, Canada. President Jim Walker said the region could also see another four to six stores open within the next 18 months. “Western Canada has been the fastest growing portion (of the chain’s expansion) over the course of the last probably 18 months,” said Walker.
Jay de Nance and Michael Kehoe, of Fairfield Commercial Real Estate Inc., are currently looking for space for the company’s expansion.
Cal Poly Pomona has created a new feeding trial for JustFoodForDogs, which the pet food company says prioritizes the quality of life of the dogs involved in the feeding trail as well as still provides real-world data from the volunteer pets and pet owners.
Cal Poly Pomona's Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department helped design the method to satisfy Association of American Feed Control Officials' requirements. The study utilized volunteer dogs living normal canine lives in their own homes throughout the testing. Participants included 2 dogs of various sizes and breeds between 1 and 5 years old, who were studied throughout the 182-day feeding trial and tested three of the company's pet food recipes. AAFCO requires testing of four blood parameters, but this trial tested a complete blood cell count and chemistry panel looking at more than 25 blood parameters.
"The field method we developed takes significantly more effort than the standard industry approach, but to JustFoodForDogs it was absolutely worth it. The dogs are happy and the data is scientifically valid," said Dr. Broc Sandelin, chair of the Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department.
Pet360 Inc. has launched the next generation of Pet360.com, a website for pet owners that contains expert articles and resources, an community of other pet owners and a large online selection of pet supply brands.
The site provides a personalized experience for each member based on their pet's type, breed, gender, age, size and medical conditions. New features include:
- Pet360 Library, containing educational resources developed by veterinarians and other pet care experts, as well as a series of blogs;
- Pet360 Community, a place for members to meet others with similar pets, share their experiences and photos, ask questions, give advice, promote and support animal shelters and rescue groups;
- Pet360 Shop, which provides members suggestions for pet food, treats, toys and medications that are right for their pets; and
- Pet360 Safety Center, which alerts members when a brand or product they use has been recalled, as well as enables members to set reminders for vet appointments, flea and tick applications, prescription refills and more.
