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March 2024

Unstoppable? The Persistent Rise of Recycling and Recycled Packaging Innovations

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Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

by Zac Jenkins, Marketing Manager of ThePackHub.
I’m Zac and pleased to share with you an Innovation Zone snapshot update, which provides a glimpse into the emerging trends on ThePackHub’s global packaging innovation platform.

We have three new reports out! More information below.

The Innovation Zone database platform is a reliable destination for keeping up-to-date with the latest global packaging initiatives. With a comprehensive collection of packaging innovations worldwide (8,212 as of this morning), you can stay informed about the latest developments and advancements in packaging.

Visit our platform today to learn more.

Don’t keep the latest in packaging innovation to yourself! Share the knowledge with your colleagues and friends by forwarding this newsletter to them.  Click here to subscribe.

Unstoppable? The Persistent Rise of Recycling and Recycled Packaging Innovations

This week, we’re taking a deep dive into another leading packaging trend. We continue to track many ‘recycling resurgence’ examples in ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone platform. In fact, more than half (57%) of the initiatives have focused on recycling over the last three months. It’s one of the four major sustainable packaging trends that we have identified.

A recent survey by Every Can Counts showed that 69% anticipate increased recycling with Ireland’s DRS, with 78% in the Republic of Ireland preferring purchasing recyclable drink containers. 29% express uncertainty about navigating the new system.

More analysis by Biffa shows that more than 50% of UK retail decision-makers acknowledge their role in the circular economy, with almost 90% recognizing the importance of waste management and particularly recycling in combating climate change. 63% of surveyed retail businesses have established sustainability strategies, with larger businesses demonstrating increased commitment. The key barriers to sustainability efforts include costs (48%), competing priorities (30%), and infrastructure gaps (29%).

The packaging industry is experiencing significant advancements in recycling technologies, as detailed in a recent report by the nova-Institute, titled ‘Mapping of advanced plastic waste recycling technologies and their global capacities.’ This study highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the sector, showcasing over 130 technologies, including chemical recycling and other advanced methods aimed at overcoming the limitations of mechanical recycling.

GIVE ME FIVE!

Here are five new recycling initiatives you should know about recently posted to the Innovation Zone.

1. UK health and beauty retailer Boots has launched a blister pack recycling pilot in over 100 stores across London and South East England as part of the Recycle at Boots initiative. This scheme invites customers to recycle used blister packs made from PVC, PET, and aluminium at specific collection points, rewarding Boots Advantage Card holders. Aiming to reduce landfill waste, this effort extends Boots’ commitment to sustainability, building on the 3.1 million products recycled since the initiative began in 2020.

2. Waitrose has updated its food-to-go range with new packaging and extended offerings. The range now includes items like Spicy Bean & Sweet Potato Wrap and Chicken Shawarma Wrap. The revamped packaging, featuring bold colours, highlights the use of higher-welfare British and Irish-sourced meats. The redesigned packs are more recyclable, with the window being recyclable at home with paper and board.

3. The Australian Organic Food Co. introduces an innovative, 100% recyclable retort pouch for soup, a first for Australasia. Developed in collaboration with Flavour Makers and Toppan Inc., the pouch uses a barrier PP technology by Toppan, enabling heat sterilization above 119°C without PET or aluminium foil. The pouch structure achieves advancements in recyclability, microwave safety, and shelf life while reducing material weight by 20.9%. This breakthrough addresses challenges in removing non-recyclable materials and ensures packaging efficiency.

4. The Easy Flow bag by Embaquim, a Brazilian company, uses an oleophobic additive to reduce product adhesion to bag walls, improving product flow. This innovation cuts residual content weight by 40%, saving 6,000 kg per year per production line. The bag’s monomaterial composition and compatibility with LLDPE make it 100% recyclable, addressing challenges in post-consumer recycling. This solution is crucial in Brazil, where waste management issues persist, with limited recycling and significant landfill reliance.

5. Avery Dennison Label and Packaging, based in Mentor, Ohio, becomes the first label manufacturer to receive certification from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for its clear BOPP film labels used in pressure-sensitive labels. This certification ensures compliance with APR’s Critical Guidance Protocol for recycling HDPE containers, simplifying the recycling process by allowing labels to remain on containers. This development is especially relevant for brands in personal care and beauty sectors, offering a solution to meet consumer demands for recyclable packaging.The number of recycling initiatives coming to our attention continues to be high, as it has been for the last three or four years. In this month’s Packaging Innovation Briefing Report, we reported 30 recycling and/or recycled initiatives. Despite developments in other packaging innovation areas like reuse and biomaterials, recycling will continue to be a vibrant and significant area for packaging development in the future.

New Reports to Enhance Your Packaging Knowledge

Expert Interview
Alexander Sobolenko – Releaf Paper

Releaf Paper were one of six winners of ThePackHub’s inaugural Packaging Startup Awards.

Releaf Paper is the world’s first producer of pulp and paper made from green waste. They use fibres of fallen leaves to produce materials for packaging manufacturing. Releaf Paper is produced from raw materials collected by public utilities within urban areas. As a result, they are not only disposing of waste but processing it into incredibly sustainable paper and materials for packaging manufacturing.

We speak to CEO Alexander Sobolenko about their initiative in this recent interview.

Leading brand owners, retailers, and packaging suppliers trust the Innovation Zone to stay ahead with the latest packaging innovations. Contact us to learn how a Hubscription can enhance your company’s understanding.
Until next time. Happy innovating!

March 2024

Packaging Innovations, Birmingham – what did we find?

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

by Zac Jenkins, Marketing Manager of ThePackHub.
I’m pleased to share with you our Innovation Zone snapshot update, which provides a glimpse into the emerging trends on ThePackHub’s global packaging innovation platform.

We have three new reports out! More information below.

The Innovation Zone database platform is a reliable destination for keeping up-to-date with the latest global packaging initiatives. With a comprehensive collection of packaging innovations worldwide (8,184 as of this morning), you can stay informed about the latest developments and advancements in packaging.

Visit our platform today to learn more.

Don’t keep the latest in packaging innovation to yourself! Share the knowledge with your colleagues and friends by forwarding this newsletter to them.  Click here to subscribe.

Packaging Innovations, Birmingham – what did we find?

This week, we’re taking a deep dive into what we saw at Packaging Innovations & Empack, at the NEC last month, which we were delighted to attend.
We took the opportunity for most of ‘ThePackHubbers’ team to have an in-person meeting (Wetherspoons don’t judge), whilst we were at the show.

We found the quality of the networking at the show second to none, with many conversations had with connections old and new. The presentation content seemed to be even better than in previous years, with standing room only at every talk we visited. With a record-breaking 450 + exhibitors, it was hard to visit as many stands as we would have liked over the full two days. We will make an extra effort to ‘walk the floor’ more next time!

Before we know it, it will be London Packaging Week (11th & 12th September at ExCeL). ThePackHub will announce the winners of our Packaging Startup Award winners there, which is very exciting! More information on that is coming soon.

GIVE ME FIVE!
Here are five initiatives that were on show in Birmingham and all feature in ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone.
1. Anglesey-based PlantSea, founded by three Aberystwyth University PhD students, is leading the charge against plastic pollution with seaweed-based bioplastics. Their focus on low-carbon biomaterials spans applications like agricultural mulch film, with plans for wider market penetration. SMART Innovation’s guidance has been pivotal in their journey, aiding in design, manufacturing, and intellectual property. With ongoing expansion and collaborations, PlantSea embodies innovation, circular economy, and eco-sustainability, combating plastic waste while promoting carbon capture through seaweed aquaculture.

2. Xampla, a spin-off from the University of Cambridge, is pioneering sustainable food packaging with its microplastics technology. Their plant protein material, set to replace single-use plastic, mimics conventional synthetic polymers but decomposes naturally without harming the environment. The breakthrough involves creating plastic from plants, with the first product being a fragrance-preserving ‘microcapsule.’ This innovation eliminates the need for plastic microcapsules and is safe for microbes and marine life. Xampla’s initial focus is on hair care and laundry products, with prototypes for bags, sachets, and sandwich boxes.

3. London-based Cauli, founded in 2019 with its CauliBox reusable lunch box scheme, were showcasing CauliCup, a reusable and recyclable coffee cup programme. Made from injection-moulded PP, these cups can be reused up multiple times before being recycled into new products. Available in 10oz (284ml) and 12oz sizes, with plans for 16oz cups, Cauli has secured orders from Barts Health NHS Trust and banks in Canary Wharf. Within their closed-loop system, containers are returned to CauliKiosks, washed, and reused. Users earn CauliCoins for each use, redeemable for sustainable discounts and rewards.

4. Papair, a German packaging company based in Hannover, offers an alternative to traditional plastic bubble wrap. They recived the most votes on the Innovation Gallery at the show. Their bubble wrap is crafted from 100% recycled paper, devoid of plastics or adhesives. With each paper fibre recyclable up to eight times,
Papair’s unique geometric bubble shape and two-layer paper processing ensure exceptional cushioning and stability. Claimed to be cost-neutral compared to plastic versions, Papair aims to undercut prices in the future, leveraging increasing costs for conventional manufacturers due to regulations like the Plastic Packaging Act and CO2 taxes. Papair products are available in wrapping, bags, or boxes.

5. Biopak, a UK supplier of sustainable packaging, presents Aqueous Single Wall Biocups, disposable coffee cups with a water-based coating certified to NF T51-800 home compostable standards. Available in four sizes with plant-fibre lids, they offer leak and grease-proof properties while being fully compostable at home or industrially. Biopak holds various certifications and operates manufacturing facilities in China.It was inspiring to see the many innovations showcased at Birmingham Innovations and Empack 2024. The event highlighted the range of creative solutions driving progress in packaging and beyond. Looking forward to attending next year!

Brand new Compendium Volume 3

We are delighted to announce ThePackHub’s Refillable & Reusable Packaging Compendium Volume 3, your essential guide to navigating the booming refillable and reusable packaging sector. Authored by ThePackHub’s Refill & Reuse Specialist, Wayne Barron, this comprehensive 200-page report offers an in-depth analysis of global trends, showcasing over 150 innovative reuse solutions across a variety of consumer categories.

Find out more and save here.

Everything you need to know about the latest stand-out packaging patents!

Researched and analysed by ThePackHub’s Katie Roselaar, the report includes an interactive launch webinar where Katie reviews each invention independently, then brings it back to the Innovation Zone showing related launched products.We invite you to join us in our first monthly review of packaging patents from around the world.  Our hope is that these can inspire, educate and ultimately help you innovate.

More Information and order here

Researched and analysed by ThePackHub’s Katie Roselaar, the report includes an interactive launch webinar where Katie reviews each invention independently, then brings it back to the Innovation Zone showing related launched products.

Analysis and comment from ThePackHub’s Robyn Copley-Wilkins.Robyn reviews innovations across these packaging trend areas:

  • Recycling Resurgence
  • Refill Revolution
  • Paperisation
  • Bio Alternative Breakthrough
  • Enhanced User Experience

Click here to find out more and order.

Expert Interview
Stanley Mitchell, Xampla and James Nelson, 2M Group of Companies

We are joined by Stanley Mitchell from Xampla, who was recently been interviewed by the BBC, on how their exciting range of natural materials, Morro can help to eliminate the most polluting plastics. Morro is a plant-based drop-in solution that is fully biodegradable and even edible in some scenarios.

James Nelson from 2M Group of Companies also joins us to discuss the importance of technologies like Morro and how natural materials can play a huge role in the future of packaging innovation. James shares some of the work 2M are doing to develop an innovation portfolio of sustainable technologies that can help companies deliver on their net zero pledges.

Leading brand owners, retailers, and packaging suppliers trust the Innovation Zone to stay ahead with the latest packaging innovations. Contact us to learn how membership can enhance your company’s understanding.
Until next time. Happy innovating!

February 2024

From Plastic to Paper: The Rising Tide of Paperisation

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub.
I’m pleased to share with you an Innovation Zone snapshot update, which provides a glimpse into the emerging trends on ThePackHub’s global packaging innovation platform.

We have a brand new report out soon! Check out Refill & Reuse Compendium Vol 3

The Innovation Zone database platform is a reliable destination for keeping up-to-date with the latest global packaging initiatives. With a comprehensive collection of packaging innovations worldwide (8,106 as of this morning), you can stay informed about the latest developments and advancements in packaging.

Visit our platform today to learn more.

Don’t keep the latest in packaging innovation to yourself! Share the knowledge with your colleagues and friends by forwarding this newsletter to them.  Click here to subscribe.

From Plastic to Paper: The Rising Tide of Paperisation

This week, we’re taking a deep dive into another leading packaging trend in terms of the phenomenon of ‘paperisation’. We continue to track many examples of products switching from plastic to paper-based solutions with ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone platform seeing 18% of the innovations focusing on paperisation over the last three months. It’s one of our four major sustainable packaging trends that we have identified.

As well as many new paperisation innovations (more on them below), we’ve also checked recent research and report findings to support this growth claim. For example, a recent survey by Two Sides Europe, ‘Trend Tracker Survey 2023’, showed that 76% of respondents view paper-based packaging as home compostable, while 55% perceive it as more environmentally friendly.

More analysis by Two Sides Europe shows that European consumers have strong preferences for sustainability in their paper product choices, with 67% prioritizing items from sustainably managed forests and 37% paying attention to forestry certification labels like Love Paper. Additionally, 67% advocate for recycled paper usage, while 41% are inclined to avoid retailers not reducing single-use, non-recyclable packaging. Notably, the preference for printed magazines among European consumers has risen to 51% from 35%.

GIVE ME FIVE!
Here are five new paperisation packaging initiatives you should know about recently posted to the Innovation Zone.
1. Drewsen Spezialpapiere, based in Lachendorf, Germany, has introduced PROSEAL Heat Sealable Paper, tackling plastic reduction in packaging for dry and non-food items. With a water-based coating for seamless sealing, it’s reported as ideal for various applications, including food and non-food packaging. Certified for food contact and recyclable, it offers optional FSC or PEFC certifications. Compatible with flexo and gravure printing, it ensures smooth processing for manufacturers.

2. Spiro Pack is a paper void fill replacing polystyrene. Its spiral tissue design offers a unique alternative to traditional crinkle fill and packing peanuts. Occupying 80% less space than crinkle shred, it simplifies packing and cleanup. Spiro Pack expands to ten times its size, reducing handling and staff time. Comparative studies reveal its reported superiority, filling 1,200% more boxes than Crinkle Cut. This efficiency yields significant cost savings. It is customizable for colour and printing options.

3. UK retailer Marks & Spencer has slashed plastic use by 79% in their Café sandwiches with new recyclable paper and FSC board packaging, cutting 4.5 million units of plastic. Aligned with their Plan A to reduce 1 billion plastic units by 2027, aiming for net zero by 2040. This follows the removal of 75 million plastic units ahead of target in 2023/24.

4. Germany’s Monta has introduced a new paper tape in its Greenline range, promoting recyclable packaging. Made at Monta’s German plant, it features a natural rubber adhesive and chlorine-free bleached pulp carrier from sustainable forestry. It is designed to seal cardboard boxes and mail pouches and offers strong adhesion and moisture resistance up to 60°C. Silicone-free and compatible with water-based ink for printing, it comes in brown (843) and white (852) variants. A plastic-free option, it can be recycled with cartons, targeting organic producers and e-commerce.

5. Smurfit Kappa has introduced a packaging solution for Biobest, replacing EPS packs for transporting live bumblebees with AquaStop paper and hexacomb fitments. Passing outdoor durability tests for 6-8 weeks ensures bee safety for pollination. Aligned with Biobest’s sustainability commitment, Smurfit Kappa emphasizes AquaStop’s recyclability as a Styrofoam alternative and their broader range of paper-based solutions for regulatory compliance.

We have seen a slight slowing down of the paperisation trend from its peak around two or three years ago. Operators are acknowledging (again) the inexpensive benefits of plastic to reduce waste and carbon footprint in certain applications.

Brand new Compendium Volume 3
Save – now taking early bird orders

We are delighted to announce ThePackHub’s Refillable & Reusable Packaging Compendium Volume 3, your essential guide to navigating the booming refillable and reusable packaging sector. Authored by ThePackHub’s Refill & Reuse Specialist, Wayne Barron, this comprehensive 200-page report offers an in-depth analysis of global trends, showcasing over 150 innovative reuse solutions across a variety of consumer categories.

Discover the leading brands, retailers, and suppliers pioneering in this space and gain insights to grow in this rapidly growing market. Featuring exclusive interviews with ten industry experts and detailed case studies on Dizzie’s successful prefill business model and the Refill Coalition’s Aldi trial, this report is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make an impact in the reusable packaging landscape.

Find out more and save here.

Everything you need to know about the latest stand-out packaging patents!

Researched and analysed by ThePackHub’s Katie Roselaar.

More information coming soon.

Expert Interview
Alexander Sobolenko – Releaf Paper

Releaf Paper were one of six winners of ThePackHub’s inaugural Packaging Startup Awards.

Releaf Paper is the world’s first producer of pulp and paper made from green waste. They use fibres of fallen leaves to produce materials for packaging manufacturing. Releaf Paper is produced from raw materials collected by public utilities within urban areas. As a result, they are not only disposing of waste but processing it into incredibly sustainable paper and materials for packaging manufacturing.

We speak to CEO Alexander Sobolenko about their initiative in this recent interview.

Leading brand owners, retailers, and packaging suppliers trust the Innovation Zone to stay ahead with the latest packaging innovations. Contact us to learn how membership can enhance your company’s understanding.
Until next time. Happy innovating!

February 2024

Refill and Reuse: The Growing Movement in Sustainable Packaging

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

Leading brand owners, retailers, and packaging suppliers trust the Innovation Zone to stay ahead with the latest packaging innovations. Contact us to learn how membership can enhance your company’s understanding.

ThePackHub Startup Snapshot

by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub.

I’m pleased to share with you an Innovation Zone snapshot update, which provides a glimpse into the emerging trends on ThePackHub’s global packaging innovation platform. We have a brand new report out soon! Check out Refill & Reuse Compendium Vol 3

 

 

 

 

Don’t keep the latest in packaging innovation to yourself! Share the knowledge with your colleagues and friends by forwarding this newsletter to them.  They can click here to subscribe.

Refill and Reuse: The Growing Movement in Sustainable Packaging

This week, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of refillable and reusable packaging. Our Innovation Zone platform continues to see many new initiatives, with 15% of our innovations focusing on refill and reuse over the last three months. It’s one of our identified four major sustainable packaging trends.

As well as many new refill & reuse innovations (more on them below), we’ve also checked recent research and report findings to support this growth claim. For example, a recent Ellen MacArthur Foundation study shows 89% public approval for reusable packaging in aluminium. 86% of respondents express the likelihood of buying preferred brands in reusable aluminium if priced the same as plastic. An overwhelming 93% indicate a likelihood to return reusable aluminium packaging.

Market analysis by the U.S. Plastics Pact and Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy reveals that respondents emphasize the importance of brands offering reusable products and packaging. 56% of respondents deem it important for brands to offer reusable products and packaging, and 47% use reusable products or services weekly. 45% describe the price of reusable solutions as about the same as a single-use product.

Research from City to Sea shows that a significant 69% of consumers express readiness to embrace products in returnable packaging, highlighting a growing interest in sustainable alternatives. Moreover, over half (53%) show a preference for brands offering prefilled returnable packaging, with this figure soaring to 84% among those who have previously engaged with such packaging solutions.

GIVE ME FIVE!

Here are five new refillable and reusable packaging initiatives we think you should know about recently posted to the Innovation Zone.

 

 

  1. Gilac, a French plastic food container manufacturer, introduces a sustainable alternative to traditional cardboard packaging for pizzas and cakes. Spearheaded by GM Martin Bouthiaux, their reusable, recyclable round box, made from HDPE, boasts longevity and recyclability. With a ribbed bottom for food freshness and vents to prevent condensation, it comes in seven colours and offers customization opportunities. Manufactured in Gilac’s Ain factory, this initiative helps to promote sustainability and waste reduction in the food industry.
  2. Reuseabox, a UK-based supplier, offers sustainable packaging solutions with used, new, and recycled cardboard boxes, including single-wall, double-wall, pallet boxes, and Octabins. They promote the circular economy, aiming to reduce environmental impact and waste by encouraging cardboard box reuse. Collaborating with the University of Lincoln, their 2022 Impact Report shows significant benefits. Reusing cardboard saves 5 trees, 0.7 tonnes of carbon, 4,315 KWH of energy, and 148,352 litres of water per tonne, demonstrating its environmental effectiveness over recycling.
  3. JDE Peet’s, known for brands like Kenco and Douwe Egberts, has introduced home-recyclable paper refill packs for instant coffee in the UK and Ireland, shifting from plastic to paper. With over 85% paper content, the packaging aims to ease consumer adoption of reusable options and can be recycled at home. After a year of development, the packs offer a 96% reduction in packaging compared to a standard glass jar and a 15-month freshness guarantee. This initiative extends to Kenco and Douwe Egberts packs and introduces L’or to the refill format for the first time.
  4. TOMRA, in partnership with the city of Aarhus in Denmark, has launched a pioneering three-year pilot for reusable takeaway packaging. It’s the world’s first open-managed system, shifting the city from single-use to reusable containers via automated collection points. Businesses and consumers benefit from 24/7 returns with monetary incentives. Initially targeting drink containers, TOMRA aims to expand to other materials, promoting resource efficiency and reducing litter and emissions. Collaboration with Visa, MasterCard, and Shift4 ensures seamless payments. Automated collection and sanitization enables scalability as well as local job creation.
  5. Bower Collective (see interview below), a UK-based leader in reusable packaging, has introduced Packaging As A Service, expanding its circular system to home and personal care brands. Established in 2020, Bower aims to combat plastic waste through its BowerPack system, integrating innovative packaging design, software, and automation. With support from Innovate UK, Bower has served over 110,000 households, eliminating 90,000 kg of single-use plastic. The system boasts an 80% return rate and over 4,300 5-star reviews. Bower aims to offer its sustainable solution to the wider market, featuring end-to-end tracking, real-time data, bespoke design, turnkey management, and potential carbon emissions savings up to 90%.

The resurgence in refillable and reusable initiatives is starting to reshape industries like cosmetics, food, beverage and household. As companies continue to innovate, the market is likely to accelerate. We are still seeing lots of pilots and trials, but we anticipate larger-scale initiatives coming through the innovation pipeline in 2024.

Brand new Compendium Volume 3
Save – now taking early bird orders

We are delighted to announce ThePackHub’s Refillable & Reusable Packaging Compendium Volume 3, your essential guide to navigating the booming refillable and reusable packaging sector. Authored by ThePackHub’s Refill & Reuse Specialist, Wayne Barron, this comprehensive 200-page report offers an in-depth analysis of global trends, showcasing over 150 innovative reuse solutions across a variety of consumer categories.

Discover the leading brands, retailers, and suppliers pioneering in this space and gain insights to grow in this rapidly growing market. Featuring exclusive interviews with ten industry experts and detailed case studies on Dizzie’s successful prefill business model and the Refill Coalition’s Aldi trial, this report is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make an impact in the reusable packaging landscape.

Find out more and save here

Refill Expert Interview
Nick Torday of Bower Collective

We recently took the opportunity to talk to Nick Torday at Bower Collective. In this 15-minute conversation, Nick talks us through his Bowerpack reusable packaging system.

Until next time. Happy innovating.


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