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ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

More information on our Innovation Zone packaging database – https://www.thepackhub.com/the-innovation-zone/

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#1 Beauty company develops refillable toothpaste dispenser

The Innovation Zone has documented several businesses switching to refillable and reusable packaging as a sustainable alternative to recyclable packs. Yet another example of a change of this kind is claimed to be a ‘world first’ from UK beauty product company Happier Beauty. The business has developed a refillable toothpaste dispenser, made from a combination of aluminium and recycled plastic, refilled by biodegradable refill capsules. The brand has previously developed fully recyclable aluminium toothpaste tubes, but now is moving to a refillable format. Consumers will be sent the refillable dispenser and subsequently the refill capsules as part of the subscription service offered by the company.

#2 Patented paper cushion technology makes for sustainable alternative to plastic

British packaging company HexcelPack have launched a fully biodegradable and curbside-recyclable protective barrier made from paper, under the brand name Hexcel’ope. Using the company’s patented slit paper technology to expand the PEFC-certified paper into a three dimensional rigid cushion, the protection offers a strong and sustainable alternative to plastic-based bubble envelopes, which are notoriously difficult to recycle. Many companies are working on paper-based solutions for this reason. This answer is most suitable for e-commerce, as it provides the necessary protection for the delivery and shipment of fragile products.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Ergonomic PET jar is easier to handle

Shinoda Alimentos is one of Brazil’s largest producer of eggs and egg-based products. It has announced the development of a new packaging format for its Albu Protein food supplement line with FuturePack. The new pack is a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) jar, supplied by Moltec, which replaces the previous stand-up pouch format. The new pack is designed to appeal to its main target audiences, of people over 50 who consume albumin, and gym-goers. The unique shape of the new PET jar was designed to make it stand out on shelf and has ergonomic ribbing on the sidewalls that facilitate handling. It also has a wide mouth to enable the consumer to easily dispense the product with a spoon or scoop. The clear jar enables the consumer to see the product easily and is suitable for reuse. The stand-up pouch will still be available but as a refill pack.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Nanofilm extends banana shelf life

Packaging question of the week

Are you more optimistic for your business in the year ahead compared to this time last year? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 87% think there will be more innovation in the packaging industry in 2022 compared to last year. See votes and comments here.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

More information on our Innovation Zone packaging database – https://www.thepackhub.com/the-innovation-zone/

Book on our next packaging webinar

Book your free place here.

#1 Nestle to supply brands for Argentinian packaging-free chain

Cero Market, which makes the claim of being the first packaging-free supermarket chain in Argentina, has entered into a partnership with Nestlé to supply three of its biggest brands without packaging. Nestlé will supply its Maggi puree, Nescafé instant coffee and Nesquik cocoa powder to Cero Market, whose slogan is  ‘Zero containers, zero waste and zero minimum quantities’. Selling items by weight, the customer takes exactly the amount they need, promoting zero waste. The initiative helps Nestlé in their sustainability goals. They are aiming for their packaging to be 100% recyclable or reusable by 2025, thus ensuring that none of their packaging ends up in landfill. Cero Market currently has twelve stores, selling, among other items, hygiene products, cleaning, infusions, seeds, legumes, flours, jams and sweets.

#2 Fragrance closure made from rPET

Texen is a leading French supplier of product solutions for the luxury & beauty markets. Luxury beauty and fragrance brand Chanel were looking for a more environmentally-friendly option for their jar closures. Texen were able to offer an rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), made from recycled PET bottles. The cap contains a black dye that was specifically developed to make it detectable in optical recycling streams, aiding recycling of the component and allowing better management throughout its life cycle. The new cap was developed using Texen’s polycondensation technology, and gives the same mechanical and sensory properties as the previous cap. Texen claim to be able to produce the raw material and manufacture a finished component in less than twenty minutes. The new cap will be used on Chanel’s Le Lift and Hydra Beauty skincare lines.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Biodegradable corn-based material helps increase food shelf life

A newly developed packaging material could help reduce the amount of spoiled food that gets discarded by making produce last longer. The biodegradable development is being overseen by scientists from Harvard University and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) of Singapore. The material is made via an electrospinning process. Its fibres consist of a zein corn protein combined with starch, cellulose and some other naturally-derived polymers. The zein is acquired from corn gluten, a waste by-product from ethanol production. The fibres are ingrained with antibacterial compounds such as thyme, citric acid and acetic acid. The compounds stay within the fibres when the film is wrapped around food. If enzymes are produced by bacteria, the compounds are released that then kill the bacteria and any fungi that may be present. In tests, strawberries wrapped in the new film stayed mould-free for seven days compared to four days for fruit kept in conventional fruit baskets.  The material is still some way from any market commercialisation.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Supermarket trial of refillable draught beer concept commences

Packaging question of the week

Will there be more innovation in the packaging industry in 2022 compared to last year? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last time, In terms of sustainability, 69% believe that the packaging industry is pulling in the same direction more now than in 2020. See votes and comments here.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

More information on our Innovation Zone packaging database – https://www.thepackhub.com/the-innovation-zone/

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#1 External coating increases lighter bottle strength

Luxembourg-based glass and metal products manufacturer Ardagh Group has announced a collaboration with French software company Dassault Systèmes and Malaysian consultancy EXXERGY. The three-way partnership will conduct trials to produce lighter glass bottles, the focus of which will be the bottle’s external coating. The coating is expected to increase strength, meaning that the weight of the glass used in the bottles can be decreased. The external coating is said to not affect the recyclability of the bottles. During the project, Ardagh Group and EXXERGY will focus on the research and development of the coatings, while Dassault Systèmes will offer contract research services using its BIOVIA software applications. The initial trial will be conducted on Diageo’s Johnnie Walker whisky bottles and if successful they intend to commence product testing in the summer.

#2 Recyclable bottle label contain seeds to match contents

Italian packaging design agency Gentlebrand have announced a new labelling concept for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) beverage bottles. Called the Aroma bottle, it features a paper label that is attached to the neck of the bottle. Gentlebrand decided to focus on the issue of bottle labels as they can be difficult to remove for recycling, and if left on, the inks, adhesives and substrate used can contaminate the recycling stream. The Aroma concept eliminates the need for adhesives, the labels themselves are made of organic paper, and the inks used are vegetable-based. The labels also contain seeds that match the flavour of the beverage, and when the label is removed it can be planted. The label is large enough to contain any legal or allergen information required, as well as marketing messages and branding. Through a partner company, Salles-d’Angles, France-based Competek, the recycled PET bottle can be embossed with writing or decoration.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Switch to recyclable plastic cups for fast-food chain

US fast-food chain Wendy’s is collaborating with Berry Global and multinational chemical company LyondellBasell, to make their packaging more sustainable. They are replacing their current non-recyclable plastic-lined paper cups with a single-substrate recyclable plastic cup. The new cups will also contain 20% recycled plastic, accredited with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). The move to the new plastic cups is estimated to save 10 million pounds (4.54 million kgs) of waste going to landfill. The new cups will be introduced in the US and Canada first and then globally by 2023. Wendy’s aims to have all of their customer-facing packaging manufactured in more sustainable materials by 2026, and the aim of the collaboration with Berry Global and LyondellBasell is to co-create sustainable packaging solutions. In 2019 Wendy’s joined the NextGen Consortium, which develops and commercialises sustainable packaging solutions, as a supporting partner. Wendy’s currently operates more than 6,800 restaurants worldwide.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Reusable container scheme launch for Italian restaurants

Latest ThePackHub Expert Interview

Packaging question of the week

Should there be more regulation to help reduce greenwashing in packaging? Vote and comment now. 

Last week, 88% thought there was more greenwashing in 2021.