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#1 Grey recycled plastic positioned as a positive

Reckitt Benckiser (RB) has made continued efforts towards fulfilling its pledge to make 100% of its packaging recyclable and for it to contain at least 25% recycled content by 2025. The global brand owner has seized the opportunity to exploit the potential for recycled polypropylene (rPP) content. The material has not been that popular to date as it tends to be available in an unconventional grey colour. This is a consequence of mixing up and recycling different colours of plastics. It is claimed that RB is the first big brand to use it undyed at scale for their leading Finish Quantum Ultimate product. The new Finish tubs have a 30% rPP content and are visibly grey. No attempts have been made to use masking pigments or masterbatch additives to make it look more black. On the contrary, RB is promoting the colour as a positive. RB are taking what can often become waste and upcycling it to help create a circular economy.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Impactful tape allows consumers to reseal multi-portion pack to keep product fresh

UK retailer Morrisons has announced the introduction of cleaning products available in refill pods as a measure to reduce single-use plastics use. In what is a first for a UK supermarket, the plan is for an initial small test of seven stores to sell a range of cleaning products in refill pods. The OceanSaver pods will allow customers to reuse their existing spray bottles just by adding the pods and mixing them with water. The cost of individual pods is £1.50. A starter pack that also includes a ‘Bottle for Life’ with a pod inside is £2.50. The reusable Bottle for Life is recyclable. The dilution process at home ensures that Morrisons will transport 99% less water significantly reducing supply chain costs and carbon emissions. Extra reading. See Morrison’s Corporate Responsibility Report. See also At-home refill system shakes up cleaning spray market.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Block butter packaging makes comeback in reclosable box

Arla Foods are responding to consumer frustrations for  the conventional butter pack formats with new block butter packaging for Lurpak brand. The introduction into the UK market sees a response based on compelling consumer research results that revealed that 45% of consumers agree that block butter packaging is messy to use and over half (57%) would be more likely to purchase said packaging if it was easier to open and reseal.  The new Lurpak Butterbox adds value to the block butter category via a useful reclosable box to help overcome the challenges of perceived messiness and inconvenience. The Lurpak Butterbox is available in Asda stores in the UK in a 12 x 225g format. See also Aluminium-free butter wrap offers sustainable alternative.

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.

You can click here to subscribe to ThePackHub’s regular packaging blogs.

#1 Cardboard sleeves replace plastic shrink film for tinned tuna

Aldi will become the first supermarket in the UK to replace plastic packaging on multipacks of tinned tuna. If the short trial is successful, it will be rolled out nationally saving more than 11 tonnes of plastic every year. The German supermarket chain is to start selling four-packs of their own-label canned tuna chunks in cardboard sleeves instead of plastic. The initiative is a first for the sector in the UK. This is part of an ongoing sustainable packaging programme that sees Aldi on track to reduce plastic packaging by 25% by the end of 2023 as well as make all their own label packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2022. If the trial is successful, it will be rolled out across the company’s 830 UK store estate. See also Cardboard steak pack trial aims to cut plastic waste.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Recyclable plastic film for vegan pizza brand

Global leader in metal packaging for beverage, food and aerosol products Ball Corporation have announced the launch of a metal alternative to single-use paper cups. The last 12 months of so has seen an increase in activity from the beverage industry to progressed ways to improve the recyclability of paper-based cups as well as instigate reusable options. Ball is leaning on its expertise in aluminium packaging products with the pilot launch of infinitely recyclable aluminium cups in the U.S. Ball developed the aluminium cup as an alternative to plastic cups. Just like the ubiquitous aluminium can, aluminium cups can be easily recycled. The pilot will produce a limited supply of aluminium cups at major U.S. venues to replace their plastic cups with aluminium ones. Ball’s internal research has revealed that two thirds of consumers surveyed say they would visit a venue more often if aluminium cups are used instead of plastic. The cool to the touch cups are available in a 20-ounce size (568ml) and can be customized with surface graphics. Ball hopes to expand the offering to restaurants, bars, convenience stores and other retail locations in due course.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Bottle cap promises to keep beer fresher for longer

It is not always easy to create a point of differentiation through packaging in the beverage industry and the task in hand is increasingly sustainability based. Carlsberg have undertaken several environmentally-focused initiatives over the last few months including Plastic rings to be replaced by glue system for global beer brand.  They have a different focus for their latest innovation which aims to improve the longevity of their products with a new initiative via their bottle cap. Carlsberg’s view is that ‘fresher beer equals better beer’. Their Fresh Cap innovation has been designed to reduce oxidation via an oxygen scavenger inside the liner of the cap. This results in less oxygen in the bottle actively absorbs oxygen, removing it from the head space in the bottle. The reduction of flavour oxidation ensures that the beer that tastes fresher for longer. The solution promises up to a 15% longer freshness period compared to other conventional caps on the market.

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.

You can click here to subscribe to ThePackHub’s regular packaging blogs.

#1 Box-in-box system improves unpacking experience

The e-commerce market continues to go from strength to strength with many new packaging developments being introduced to improve functionality, increase sustainability as well as to ensure that the unboxing experience supports brand values. DS Smith continues to dominate in this area and have introduced a new packaging format with the introduction of their all-in-one E@Box solution. It combines product and shipping packaging via a box-in-box system that creates a two stage unpacking experience for consumers. When the two halves are lifted apart, they gradually reveal the inner section. This solution for Foodnewsgermany includes an brightly designed inner box. The box-in-box system helps improve the packing process as the inner and outer pack are connected so can be erected, filled and sealed quickly and easily. It has been designed to ensure that the inner packaging and product inside is protected. An easy open tearing thread helps improve pack accessibility. See also One-piece corrugated box can be turned inside-out for returns or gifting.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Wine shipping system aims to expand beyond Italy

A new sustainable non-biobased food packaging alternative is in development by researchers from Spain-based ITENE (The Technological Institute of Packaging, Transport and Logistics). The solution is being developed within the framework of the SINSOST project. Packaging materials have been developed using cellulose nanofibres obtained from sawdust residues and the remains of tomato plants.  The researchers have created microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) agroindustrial waste.  Cellulose containers are usually for secondary packaging applications and do not have the functional barrier performance to preserve food that oil-based polymers do. This results in the need to combine cellulose with non-biobased materials, which then makes the packaging harder to recycle. The MFC developed from nanocomposites, delivers an alternative thanks to a combination of good strength, rigidity, low weight and biodegradability. The project has been financed by the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE) through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)..

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Bio composite drinks lids reduces carbon footprint by 60%

Two leading Finnish businesses have collaborated on a trial of reusable bio composite lids for the Finland market. Manufacturer of pulp, paper and other forest products Stora Enso and manufacturer of dairy products Valio are testing how the new material works in combination with food packaging as a way to encourage consumers to reduce their food waste. Stora Enso’s Durasense bio composite is made of wood fibre and can be used to replace fossil-based plastics. The solution promises to reduce a product’s carbon footprint by up to 60% compared to conventional plastic.  The reusable lids are dishwasher proof. The durable and hygienic lid is part of a collectible campaign distributed to 10,000 Finnish households. The aim is to encourage consumers to store leftovers in a cooler with this lid instead of throwing it away. The new lid can be reused after washing. See also Wood-fibre based alternative to plastic can also be recycled. 

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.