Innovation Zone Snapshot – Biosensors monitor ethylene levels to predict fruit ripeness
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please forward to your friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news. They can click here to subscribe.
#1 Biosensors monitor ethylene levels to predict fruit ripeness
Strella Biotechnology is a Philadelphia startup that has developed biosensors to monitor ethylene level in fruit to predict ripeness. Founder Katherine Sizov was inspired to create a solution while studying molecular biotechnology where she learned that an estimated 40% of fresh food goes to waste. Strella’s biosensors were successfully trialled with apples at a packing plant and were subsequently tested on pears. The biosensors are being used to monitor the ethylene level being given off and can identify when a product has reached the required ripeness and is ready for packing and distributing to stores. It has been estimated that reducing the amount of food waste by 15% could feed 25 million people in the US per annum. Strella have been awarded the President’s Innovation Prize from the University of Pennsylvania, the grand prize at the Arizona State University Innovation Open, and the Venture Award at O3 World’s 1682 conference.
#2 World’s first compostable stretch film with corrosion inhibiting attributes launched
Minnesota-based corrosion protection product manufacturers, Cortec Corporation have released what it claims is the world’s first compostable stretch film which also has corrosion inhibiting attributes. The new patent-pending machine-grade film, called EcoStretch, contains an additive called Nano VpCI (Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor Technology) which prevents corrosion across various metal types, including aluminium, steel, copper, brass and cast iron. The film conforms to the ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 standards for commercial composting. The film can be used as a direct replacement for standard PE (polyethylene) stretch film and is said to have excellent elastic properties, but with the added advantages of protecting products from rust, dust, dirt and moisture. Suggested areas of use are in the following industries: automotive, electronics, energy, engine and turbine, marine, mining, steel, tubing and piping.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#3 Switch to clear PET Bottles improves recyclability
Japanese-owned beverage company Frucor Suntory has switched the colour of its 7Up PET (polyethylene terepthelate) bottles from green to clear for the Australia market. The initiative that they say will help consumers recognise that the bottle is recyclable. The cap remains green, and the label artwork utilises a lemon and lime wedge so that consumers are made aware that 7Up is a lemonade product. The move is part of Frucor Suntory’s 2030 sustainability ambitions, by which time they aim to achieve the following: all packaging to be 100% recyclable, all manufacturing sites to have zero waste to landfill, CO2 emissions to be reduced by 35%, water usage reduced by 20%, and 33% of its drinks to be low or no sugar variants. More than half of its beverages are now sold in recyclable aluminium, which contain 66% recycled material.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#4 Laundry refill station makes Australian retail debut
Brands continue to trial refillable pack formats with retail partners as a way to test ways to meet their sustainability objectives. Unilever have been active in this area. This time Unilever Australia has announced the introduction of its first in-store laundry liquid refill station in partnership with Coles. Australia’s second-largest supermarket chain’s concept store in Moonee Ponds in Melbourne now allows shoppers to refill used bottles of Omo, Surf and Sukin laundry liquid brands in store. According to Unilever, the station’s aim is to save 20 plastic bottles each week through the initiative. Unilever are trialling various approaches to tackle the issue of single-use plastic with refillable solutions very much part of the strategy. They claim that it is unlikely that there will be a “one-size-fits-all” solution to meeting their environmental goals.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
Watch our latest ThePackhub Expert Interview
Ian Beresford, Head of Marketing & Development of Essentra Tapes discusses their recent consumer research results that highlights some of packaging’s frustrations and delights as well as delving into the company’s range of tapes that Open, Close, Inform and Protect.
Packaging question of the week
With improvements, could paper bottles present a viable packaging alternative? What do you think? Vote and comment now.
Last time, 88% thought the reason for the Green Dot symbol on packaging was not understood by consumers.
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.
