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#1 Antibacterial hand soap launched in biodegradable paper bottles

Choose Packaging is an Edinburgh packaging development company that has introduced a new hand soap concept incorporating innovative paper-based packaging.  The company has announced the launch of antibacterial hand soap in their new biodegradable paper bottles. The Innovation Zone has tracked several paper-based initiatives of this nature. See for example World’s first paper beer bottle a step closer to reality.  The bottles are reported to be completely plastic-free as well as biodegradable and are made from recycled newspapers and other ‘naturally sustainable’ materials. It is not clear how the moisture barrier is achieved although claims of being plastic-free would indicate that it will be organic in nature.  Choose are working on other plastic-free alternatives to everyday products to increase their portfolio.

#2 Oval tube delivers distinctive point of difference

New technology developed by US-based AptarGroup subsidiary Aptar Food + Beverage has been created to aid the protection of food against several infectious pathogens. Their InvisiShield technology will protect food such as fruit, vegetables and fish from transmissible pathogens like bacteria, fungi and viruses. The solution prevents pathogen growth without adversely affecting the contents or come into contact with the product itself. It is activated in sealed packs to release a specific amount of an antipathogenic substance that reduces the significant growth of pathogens that may have been introduced along the supply chain. The substance is not detectable by consumers and disappears up to 48 hours after activation. The technology also means that the risk of cross-contamination in the sealed pack is significantly reduced. Third-party research has shown that the technology is up to 99.9% effective against the most common foodborne pathogens that includes E. coli, salmonella, listeria and norovirus. A pilot programme with tomatoes alongside Atlanta, Georgia based Royal Fresh Cuts is underway wit plans to commercialise a roll out on successful completion of the trials. See also PE composite foodwrap has antibacterial properties.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Lenticular animation brings shoebox packaging to life

More info in The Innovation Zone.

Please visit ThePackHub or call us on +44(0)118 963 9990 to find out more about the range of packaging innovation services we offer. We’ve delivered projects for a number of brand owner, retailer and packaging suppliers.

Until next time. Happy innovating.

This Friday
Webinar and report download package
Packaging Innovation Briefing Report – March

ThePackHub’s Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for March 2020 is a comprehensive and unique review of the month’s global packaging innovations that ensures you and your team are kept up to speed and fully informed of all the latest packaging innovations. The comprehensive review covers innovations from around the world with 60 new packaging innovations for the month.

We are bringing the 100-page report to life via 1-hour webinars at a very special price.

UK & Europe – Friday 27th March 2020 – 10:00 GMT
North & South America – Friday 27th March 2020 – 13:00 EDT

The cost is just £79 + VAT including receipt of the full 100-page report in PDF format. The report on its own is usually £99 + VAT so this offer is not to be missed.

Book your webinar and report combo here.

#1No-spill coffee cup concept edges towards market launch

An inventive and convenient way to prevent coffee cups from spilling has been created that also taps into the growing reusable packaging trend. The ‘Magic Coffee Cup’ concept has been invented by a UK start-up and has received additional funding to help make a reality. The coffee mug has been designed to make it difficult to knock over and uses a suction pad to keep the cup in place on a variety of different surfaces when not being used. The thermal qualities of the mug will also help keep the contents warm. Limited quantities of prototypes have been developed, which have subsequently sold out and the ‘Magic Suction Mug’ has been trademarked with a view to an eventual market introduction.

#2 Reusable netting replaces single-use plastic stretch wrap

Californian officials have recently put measures in place to outlaw the use of plastic bottles for hotel amenities from 2023. This is generating a creative challenge for suppliers. Premier guest care products supplier Hotel Emporium is on the case with a new solution. Eco Pod is a personal care packaging solution range for the hospitality and leisure sector that could have applications outside of California and across the rest of the world. Eco Pod is single-use, compostable and compact and is an ideal replacement to the miniature plastic bottles. It is made from a combination of sugar cane, bamboo and wood fibres. The product range, includes shampoo, conditioner and body wash and contains up to four uses in powder-based formulation. The empty containers will naturally break down into organic matter over time. It is not clear under what conditions biodegradability is optimised.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Fibre-based spoon developed to replace plastic

International packaging business Schur employs around 850 people across facilities in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Australia and the US. The business is set to tap into the plastic-reduction and the EU directive to ban the use of plastic spoons with the introduction of a new fibre-based spoon as a sustainable alternative to similar plastic offerings in the market. The new patent-pending Schur Spoon is made of natural cardboard fibre and is intended to replace plastic spoons used for yoghurt pots.  The Schur Technology arm of the business is currently developing the machine to fold the spoons. Schur Pack is working with stakeholders to further improve the concept. See Biodegradable utensils promise to compost in just 10 days and Foldable spoon with teabag reduces plastic use.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

Please visit ThePackHub or call us on +44(0)118 963 9990 to find out more about the range of packaging innovation services we offer. We’ve delivered projects for a number of brand owner, retailer and packaging suppliers.

Until next time. Happy innovating.

Two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download. The in-depth review includes a unique and comprehensive summary of over 500 of the latest sustainable packaging innovations

Sustainable Packaging Compendium 2020 comprises more than 600 pages across two volumes and is available now.

Find out more and order here.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for March 2020 is out now. This comprehensive and unique review of the month’s global packaging innovations ensures you and your team are kept up to speed on all the latest packaging innovations.

#1 100,000 unique designs transform vodka brand

Vilnius, Lithuania-based packaging agency Étiquette has designed the first variable packaging design project Lithuania. Lithuanian Vodka issues limited editions every year and this year they have used digital print technology to create something quite different. A 1 m² illustration has been transformed into 100,000 unique packages via HP’s SmartStream Mosaic algorithm. The technology has been used to automatically generate unique graphics from a selection of different images to produce one-of-a-kind prints.  The graphical elements used in the design are associated with Lithuanian fairy tales and is part of the celebration of spring. The impactful variable data digital print sleeves have a unique number on each one to further emphasis the one-of-a-kind nature of the execution.

#2 V-shaped water bottle concept meets sustainability goals

It has been estimated that Canadians use about a billion drinking straws every year. The format has become the ‘poster child’ for anti-plastic sentiment with more and more markets with plans to ban plastic drinking straws including the Canadian federal government. Montreal based McGill University have developed a new plastic-free straw alternative that nonetheless looks and feels like plastic. The organic and compostable material is made from cellulose, which is a renewable material and doesn’t taste like wet paper or feel like paper. The Cellophax material feels like plastic and won’t become soaked and lose form when wet. Cellulose is transformed into a malleable liquid and regenerated. The process could also make the straw transparent. Once it’s used, a cellulose-based straw can be recycled and made into other straws or other products or can be composted. The material could also have other applications for a variety of other single-use products, such as grocery bags.  A company called TreeMaTech has been formed to further develop the solution.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Dissolvable tablets enable refillable mouthwash system

A new way to eliminate plastic has been introduced for the oral care market. The solution comes from sustainable personal care brand By Humankind as a way to help reduce single-use plastic waste in consumers’ daily routines. The new mouthwash pack comprises a refillable and reusable glass cup combined with dissolvable tablets.  There is also a useful refillable silicone tablet holder that nests inside the cup. Users fill the cup up to the designated line with warm water and drop in one tablet. Once dissolved, the optimal amount and consistency of mouthwash is created.  The $10 mouthwash set includes 60 tablets, with refills available online. It has been estimated that each refill eliminates 2.91-ounces (82.5g) of single-use plastic. Subscriber content: See also New deodorant range relies on refills to reduce plastic usage.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

Please visit ThePackHub or call us on +44(0)118 963 9990 to find out more about the range of packaging innovation services we offer. We’ve delivered projects for a number of brand owner, retailer and packaging suppliers.

Until next time. Happy innovating.

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub. ThePackHub collates up to 20 new packaging innovations every week for our Innovation Zone database (book a one-to-one online demo here). We have selected four new initiatives for you today. ThePackHub will be exhibiting at Packaging Innovations Birmingham this 26th and 27th February. Register to attend here. Come and see ThePackHub team at stand M48 and also take a look our The Trend Zone featuring examples of the latest packaging innovations. Coming to see us? Let us know. Available Now Sustainable Packaging Compendium 2020

Two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download. The in-depth review includes a unique and comprehensive summary of over 500 of the latest sustainable packaging innovations

Sustainable Packaging Compendium 2020 comprises more than 600 pages across two volumes and is available now.

Find out more and order here.

Book a director of ThePackHub (Paul Jenkins or Barrington Pamplin) to present a comprehensive overview of the key outputs and trends of the Compendium to you and your team at a venue of your choice. Ideal for team meetings and innovation sessions. Get those questions answered and get inspired in an interactive and engaging format.

Available in the UK and Europe for £1,250 + VAT, which includes receipt of two volumes of the Sustainable Packaging Compendium in both hard copies and PDF. Rest of the world pricing available on request.

Find out more and order here.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for February 2020 is out now. This comprehensive and unique review of the month’s global packaging innovations ensures you and your team are kept up to speed on all the latest packaging innovations.

#1 Paper-based bag for frozen soup brand has CO2 reduction advantages

Italian frozen food brand Frosta is shaking up the soup market with the introduction of a packaging first. They have recently delivered the first soup in a paper-based bag for the frozen food market in Italy. Their Ecobag format has been launched for the Valle degli Orti Minestrone soup variant and uses a mix of materials to reduce environmental impact. The recyclable pack sees the creation of a paper-based bag that is estimated to reduce the use of plastic by more than 70% of plastic as well as a reduction CO2 produced by about 40% compared to previous packs made from PET / PE plastic. The new bag is made of cellulose with a minimum amount of PE that acts as a thin inner layer to protect the contents. The technology makes it possible for the bag to be resistant to moisture and grease. Even if the products thaw slightly, the bag will not fall apart. The pack is within the parameters for disposal in the paper recycling stream although special processes are required to separate the materials, which are not available everywhere. The new Frosta bag is made using kraft paper and has not been bleached or coated.

#2 Reusable straw can be clicked open for easy cleaning

Regular visitors to the pages of the Innovation Zone will observe that significant effort is being paid to sustainability. It is a driver for packaging innovation change as brands and retailers focus their endeavours on delivering stretching environmental targets. Packaging that delivers other added functionality benefits like portion control still remains important and thankfully still come to our attention. This concept from designer Alesia Lurtcevich sees a new spaghetti pack format introduced as a concept. It can often be difficult to estimate how much spaghetti is required during preparation resulting in lots of leftovers or the quantity sometimes not being enough. The new concept attempts to solve this with six separate compartments to deliver spaghetti with built-in portion control. Each trapezoidal segment contains the right amount of spaghetti for one portion.  The packaging is a conventional cardboard box with three tear marks on each side to serve spaghetti for six servings.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Tracking chips for vaping products could keep young users in check

The vaping market has grown significantly in recent years and offers a seemingly healthier alternative to tobacco products for millions of smokers. The industry is in high growth, which has lead to a challenge with underage consumption. A former vape manufacturer has developed a new solution that could see vaping products fitted with an RFID chip to help track the usage of younger consumers. The Trace/Verify technology has a chip embedded directly into the vapes themselves. Each chip has a unique number that applies to each specific vape. When a vape is purchased, the user’s ID is scanned and linked to it. Data about the place of issue and the customer’s age is saved. If adopted across the US, a police officer could scan any minor’s vape using a smartphone to track the source.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

Please visit ThePackHub or call us on +44(0)118 963 9990 to find out more about the range of packaging innovation services we offer. We’ve delivered projects for a number of brand owner, retailer and packaging suppliers.

Until next time. Happy innovating.