Innovation Zone Snapshot – Plastic lid-free on-the-go coffee cups save 44 tonnes of annual plastic waste
Welcome to this week’s ThePackHub Innovation Zone snapshot.
ThePackHub collates 20 new packaging innovations each week and we have picked four recent examples for you to peruse below.
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#1 Plastic lid-free on-the-go coffee cups save 44 tonnes of annual plastic waste
German hypermarket chain Kaufland operates more than 660 branches nationwide and is tackling the challenge of single-use plastic use with a new innovation for their own-brand K-to-go coffee cups. The retailer has integrated a drinking port in the aluminium closure making it not only easier for consumers to drink on-the-go but also does away with a plastic lid. It is reported that the change not only reduces waste but also saves around 44 tons of plastic per year. Kaufland also wants to take the disposable tableware from the range later this year. See also Strawless lid will eliminate one billion Starbucks straws a year.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#2 Biodegradable paper pouches perfect for horse supplement brand’s needs
Thurston, Suffolk based Hack Up is an equine supplement business on a mission to reduce the amount of plastic in its packaging. The business has switched to paper-based pouches that will benefit from customer disposal behaviour. The 1kg heat-sealed wax paper pouches can be placed post-use in a muck heap to completely biodegrade in around six weeks.The packaging overhaul also sees the business switch out of plastic tubs into retro-style tin pails. The plastic pot is hard to recycle due to the lack of capability at council facilities. The company had also been able to absorb the costs of the packaging switch. The lining of the pouches have an oxidising accelerator so that they degrade faster than ordinary paper.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#3 Fruit sticker increases shelf life by up to two weeks
A Seattle business is partnering with a Malaysian inventor on a new way to help keep fruit products fresher for longer. The new solution is a sticker that is placed on the produce that can help increase the freshness of fruit by up to two weeks. Stixfresh is a label which can be applied directly to fruit that generate ethylene as they ripen. The sticker’s coating is made up of a formula of beeswax and ionised sodium chloride. The compounds work to create a protective layer around the fruit. The innovation is set to have a positive impact on a variety of fruit that require long travels in the supply chain. The sticker was originally invented to target mangoes but can also apply to fruit such as apples, pears, kiwis, avocados and oranges. The sticker does not need to be removed as it is edible and can be eaten. Stixfresh have launched a crowdfunding campaign via Indiegogo.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#4 Biodegradable water bottle has six months shelf life
Cove is a new water brand that is being launched in a biopolymer-based bottle. Cove is claimed to be the first bottle of water made entirely of a biodegradable material. The Cove bottle and cap is made from PHA, which is 100% compostable and breaks down into organic waste when placed in a compost bin. The bottle label is made of paper using non-toxic inks and adhesives.The BPA-free bottle is claimed to safely break down in soil, fresh water and the sea. Cove has been undertaking tests and estimate that the container will take about five years to biodegrade in soil. Cove’s strategy includes working with big water brands in due course to switch to its PHA bottles. The shelf life of the bottle is reported to be six months and be be reused and refilled up to the use by date. A 500 ml bottle of Cove water is priced at $2 (£1.52). See also Compostable water bottle created in unique design format.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
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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.
