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January 2023

Innovation Zone Snapshot – New flip top avoids ‘glued on’ lids for German honey brand

Read more ›
Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot
Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations monthly for our unique Innovation Zone platform.

We now have 6,705 searchable initiatives listed. We’ve uploaded 953 new initiatives so far in 2022. We have recently uploaded initiatives from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain, UK and USA.

There are four new ideas for you today.

Do you want to see 25 new innovations a week rather than four? Find out more here – https://www.thepackhub.com/the-innovation-zone/
 

We are excited to unveil the “Exhibition Stories” report service, brought to you by industry leaders Ariane Van Mancius of Now New Next B.V. and Paul Jenkins of ThePackHub.

This service recognizes that not everyone has the ability to attend every packaging exhibition but still wants to stay informed on the latest trends and innovations in their field. “Exhibition Stories” offers reports on Europe’s largest and smallest packaging trade fairs from experts in trends and packaging, NowNewNext and ThePackHub.

Kicking off with LuxePack, held in Monaco for its 35th year, bringing together the entire world of luxury packaging. Upcoming “Exhibition Stories” will cover the Dutch catering trade fair Horecava in Amsterdam in January 2023 and Empack Netherlands in April of next year.

The first Exhibition Story is available free of charge and can be downloaded for free here:
https://lnkd.in/d6J3DzkF

ThePackHub’s Refillable & Reusable Packaging Compendium Volume 2 is out now. The most comprehensive reuse packaging trend summary available. Find out more and order here.

NEW – Book on our next free webinar
FREE one-hour webinar. Catch up on the latest e-commerce packaging innovation trends with this whistle-stop tour of the latest initiatives. We will cover many recent in-market and developmental examples to inspire you and keep you up to speed.

We will also be joined by Ian Beresford of Head of Marketing & Development at Essentra Tapes, who will be discussing how packaging can create that vital first impression of an E-commerce business for customers and therefore plays a crucial role in consumer perceptions of their sustainability status.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub.

Register here.

#1 New flip top avoids ‘glued on’ lids for German honey brand

Munich-based Breitsamer Honey has introduced a new flip-top lid for part of its product range. The flip top lid was developed as a way of making sticky jars a thing of the past. Traditional metal screw top lids suffer from becoming glued to the jar if the consumer is not diligent when replacing the lid, making it difficult to open on the next occasion. Because of the lid’s design, no honey comes into contact with the screw top. The new lid also features an integrated scraper edge, meaning none of the product is wasted, and the consumer does not have to hold the spoon in their hand until it is clean enough to be put down. The new format features a foil seal that is required to be peeled before replacing the flip top lid. Both the glass jar and lid can be recycled separately and easily.

 

#2 Natural coating improves shelf life of fruit and vegetables

Akorn Technology is a California-based supplier of natural coatings that maintain product quality and extend a products’ shelf life. Their all-natural edible food coatings are made from upcycled by-products of non-GMO corn. The company says that their coatings reduce moisture loss to prevent wilting, shrivelling, and loss of texture and flavour. They control oxygen exchange to slow down the ripening while maintaining flavour. They also enhance the fruits’ natural gloss and increase resistance to mechanical damage, and maintain the produce’s perfect texture for a better eating experience. The coatings are suitable for a wide range of products, including temperate and tropical fruits, vegetables, cut fruit, vegetable products, and shelled nuts. Other functional additives can be incorporated, such as vitamins, nutrients and flavours. They are also compatible with essential oils and other all-natural antimicrobials to inhibit the growth of foodborne pathogens.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Closed-loop alternative to single-use corrugated boxes

Pact Retail Accessories, based in St. Albans, UK, specialises in reusable products such as garment hangers and security sensors. They have introduced the PolyBox, a polymer-based box that is a substitute for corrugated packaging, enabling garment boxes to be reused and no longer discarded for recycling after one use. Although the initial creation of a PolyBox has a larger carbon footprint than a corrugated cardboard box, it is reported that after just one reuse, the greenhouse gas emissions become lower than those for single-use board containers. The PolyBox comes in a variety of box sizes that are available for production use, and can be customised for a retailer’s needs. Reusing an item multiple times creates a carbon footprint that is up to 64% lower than a comparable single-use option. It also uses up to 86% less water. Pact launched the PolyBox in 2022 with successful retail trials at merchants in the United Kingdom and Australia.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Patented pouch innovation reduces excess packaging
Toronto-based Arranti has launched a new product called the Beyond Spout Pouch, which the company calls “the pouch without the spout”. The new flexible valve technology provides controlled dispensing and spill-proof containment of liquids in flexible packaging. The flexible valve yields when squeezed, and pressure is applied to the product compartment, which then enables controlled dispensing. When pressure is released, the valve reoccupies and closes the dispensing channel. Dispensing is said to be easy and convenient, with one-handed functionality. The Beyond Spout Pouch is also stated to be efficient for in-line production applications. This patent-pending innovation is available with either digital or gravure print. It is also available in 100% recyclable material. The pouch boasts a myriad of uses, including shampoo & conditioner, lotions & gels, soap & body wash, hand sanitiser, household cleaners & detergents and liquid refills.

 
Please visit ThePackHub or call us on +44(0)118 963 9990 to find out more about our range of packaging innovation services.
Until next time. Happy innovating.
June 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Paper-based beer bottles to be trialled across Europe

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot
Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 6,050 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

More information on our Innovation Zone packaging database – https://www.thepackhub.com/the-innovation-zone/
Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

NEW – Watch our latest
Expert Interview
Elef Kassianidis, Sales Director, of flexible packaging specialists Hatzopoulos discusses how his company is solving several packaging sustainability challenges.

#1 Paper-based beer bottles to be trialled across Europe

Danish multinational brewer Carlsberg have announced that they plan to trial 8,000 paper-based beer bottles across several European countries. The brand owner had first publicised their intention to introduce a paper bottle as reported in the Innovation Zone as far back as February 2015. The initiative continues to edge nearer to market introduction. The bottles are made from sustainably sourced wood fibre, with a plant-based polymer lining supplied by Carlsberg’s partner, Amsterdam-based chemical technology company, Avantium. The bottles are fully recyclable. The cap of the bottle is not bio-based, but it is still recyclable. Carlsberg will use customer feedback to judge the level of success of the trial although the sample sizes are still relatively small speed across eight markets.

 

#2 Laser coding collaboration for compostable film starts

Cambridge-based Domino Printing Sciences has collaborated with compostable and biodegradable films specialist Futamura to assess the suitability of laser coding for its NatureFlex compostable film products. Domino has launched its D-Series CO2 laser coders, which it says provide an additive-free solution for manufacturers that use Futamura’s NatureFlex compostable cellulose films. Using Domino’s new laser coders, Futamura reported a clean, crisp, white code on its NatureFlex compostable film with no impact on film integrity or chemical composition. Moisture barrier properties were also unaffected. The companies say that the option of laser coding a message onto the NatureFlex flexible film is an attractive prospect as the coding method does not require adding any additional materials onto the compostable substrate, which could complicate final certification. Futamura says that many of their customers want to show the final packaging’s certification and additional disposal information on the film to help inform end consumers.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Wooden lipstick is easy to refill

Two European beauty packaging suppliers have collaborated to develop a refillable wooden lipstick. Quadpack, based in Spain, has combined its expertise in wooden packaging with the French company Aptar, which supplied the lipstick mechanism technology. Called the “Iconic Woodacity Lipstick”, the new packaging solution was designed for minimal impact and maximum consumer engagement. It combines Aptar’s Iconic mechanism with Quadpack’s Woodacity full-wood patented technology. Attached to an aluminium tube, the mechanism is contained in a mono material wooden casing custom-designed and manufactured by Quadpack. Aptar’s mechanism is POM-free (acetal), glue-free and lubricant-free, offering a smooth, constant and precise rotation. The lipstick is refillable with ease: consumers simply pull out the used mechanism and snap in the new one. It is also possible to use refills of different colours simultaneously with one single casing to further reduce the pack’s impact. The 100% certified ash wood brings a natural touch and a sensory dimension to the pack.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Isothermal meal box change delivers 20% more efficiency
Canadian sustainable packaging manufacturer Cascades has announced the development of a new isothermal meal box that is claimed to be 20% more efficient than its current home delivery solution. This new solution, known as the northbox XTEND is said to create a moisture barrier that helps keep the insulation rigid. The packaging keeps food fresh during long transit times and in regions with higher temperatures and requires less ice. The XTEND packaging solution is made of recycled cardboard and was determined to be recyclable by an external laboratory and prequalified by How2Recycle. The company is also commissioning a new production site for its northbox product line: Cascades Enviropac, in York, Pennsylvania. This facility is the second in four months to be opened to support Cascades’ growth in the isothermal packaging solutions market.

 

Packaging question of the week

Recent reports from the BBC suggest that Wales might ban single-use plastic bags. Is this the right move? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 54% stated that they had used reusable packaging in the last 24 hours.
June 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Patented technology allows consumer’s name to be scratched on their water bottle

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot
Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 6,025 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

More information on our Innovation Zone packaging database – https://www.thepackhub.com/the-innovation-zone/
Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

NEW – Watch our latest
Expert Interview
Elef Kassianidis, Sales Director, of flexible packaging specialists Hatzopoulos discusses how his company is solving several packaging sustainability challenges.

#1 Patented technology allows consumer’s name to be scratched on their water bottle

Detroit-based premium water company Agua Plus has added patented technology to its bottles, which allows the consumer to scratch their name, initials and image or identifying marks directly on their bottle of water. The technology, called All-Scratch!, is a reaction to what the company says is often confusion over who a bottle belongs to, which they claim leads to a staggering amount of excess product and packaging being wasted every day. They also assert that It leads to the potential for increased transmission of germs, viruses and bacteria when you can’t be sure which bottle is yours, leading to an elevated health risk. Agua Plus 4, 8 and 24-Packs come in boxes with a unique product window that allows shoppers to see the bottles. The packaging also clearly communicates the Agua Plus commitment to sustainability and the benefits of All-Scratch!. A pack of four 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) bottles retails for $7.72 (£6.29).

 

#2 Herb and spice brand moves to bio-based plastic lids

Kockens AB is one of Sweden’s leading distributors of dried herbs and spices. The business recently announced that the snap lids for their small spice jars are now made of bio-based plastic that is 100% recyclable. The weight of the lid has also been reduced by 10.5%. They say that the snap lids can be opened with one hand. The amount of glass used for the bottle has also been reduced by 6.3% which means a reduced glass consumption by 33 tons per year and a reduced carbon dioxide emission by 28 tons. All of Kocken’s spice glasses also consist of 55-60% recycled glass, collected from sorting plants. The graphic design of the packaging has also changed with a focus on a more stripped-down, natural and simple design. Kockens has an ongoing goal to make all of their packaging completely recyclable by 2025.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Delivery brand partnership sees more products in reusable packaging

UK-based reusable packaging-focused delivery company Good Club have announced the commencement of their first ever partnership with a retail company. They will be assisting Muller-owned delivery company Milk & More expand their range of zero waste packaging grocery lines. The collaboration, aptly named ‘Good Club at Milk & More’, will offer to customers a new range, comprising ten product lines, including tea, coffee, sugar and cereals. There is also pasta and rice, and glass jars for storage, which join the already-vast range of products delivered to customers’ doorsteps by 7am. According to Good Club, this use of over 100 million one-pint glass bottles will prevent the use of over 1,600 tonnes of plastic waste.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 AR development aids visually impaired in retail environments
London-based Zappar is a leading company that specialises in AR (Augmented Reality) creation. Their latest development is Zapvision, which has been designed to aid the visually impaired in a retail environment. Zapvision uses D3 QR codes (so-called because of their ‘dot-dot-dash’ pattern), to read out whatever relevant information the brand has chosen to provide. These D3 QR codes can be scanned at over five times the distance (115cm) of a normal QR code scanned through the camera on a smartphone, the company says. This single code scheme can service both the partially sighted and sighted audiences. Zappar recently showcased this innovative adaptation of QR technology at the AWE (Augmented World Expo) exhibition, helping the visually impaired to navigate the shopping experience, enabling them to find products on supermarket shelves while providing them easy access to vital product, price and brand information in real-time.

 

Packaging question of the week

Have you used reusable packaging in the last 24 hours? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 45% stated that they place their compostable packaging in their home compost bin.
June 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Cheese pack redesign with side opening reduces packaging use

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot
Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
6000 up!

ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 6,000 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

More information on our Innovation Zone packaging database – https://www.thepackhub.com/the-innovation-zone/
Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

Watch our recent
Recyclable Packaging Innovations Webinar
Catch up on the latest recyclable packaging innovation trends with this whistle-stop tour of the latest initiatives. We will cover many recent in-market and developmental examples to inspire you and keep you up to speed.

Any questions about the innovations discussed or ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone, please contact paul.jenkins@thepackhub.com.

#1 Cheese pack redesign with side opening reduces packaging use

Saputo Dairy UK has announced that it is moving its market-leading cheddar cheese to a side-opening format, in a move that it claims will save 40 tonnes of plastic annually. The dairy giant is in the process of moving its Cathedral City cheddar to the new format across the entire range. The innovation is said to reduce plastic content by 6% per pack. Research carried out by the company suggests that over 60% of consumers preferred the new side opening format. The side opening is claimed to give consumers the ability to slide the cheese in and out of the pack without touching the bare cheese block, so they can slice or grate it straight from the packet. The research also says that 73% of consumers felt the zip lock would also keep their cheddar fresher and would be easy to open and reclose multiple times.

 

#2 Plastic-free paper soap pack makes Brazilian introduction

A Brazilian manufacturer of personal care products has announced that it is moving its bars of soap into plastic-free paper packaging. Luky is switching its range of Nips All Day soap into Gualapack Brazil’s Green Pack paper-based packaging. It uses plant resins to make the wrap waterproof and effectively seal the packs without the use of plastics. This eliminates the traditional plastic layer usually required for sealing and moisture resistance and means that the packaging is compostable and recyclable. The paper-based packaging will be used on Luky’s Fennel and Green Tea soap products. Gualapack announced the acquisition of Brazilian packaging company Teruel Embalagens – Papéis Amália Ltda, producers of Green Pack and specialists in flexible paper solutions, in September 2021. Green Pack is also suitable for food products, across various packaging formats, including flow wraps, pouches and sachets.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Foamable PP touted as viable expanded polystyrene alternative

Texas-based multinational oil and gas corporation Exxon Mobil has announced the launch of a foamable PP (polypropylene) product as an alternative to EPS (expanded polystyrene). Achieve Advanced PP is said to be an affordable alternative to EPS as less raw material is required to produce the final product, thanks to what Exxon Mobil claims is its excellent structural integrity at low densities. The company also says that Achieve Advanced PP runs well on modified polystyrene foam equipment. It also offers excellent thermal insulation at a broad range of temperatures. Achieve Advanced PP allows post-industrial and post-consumer recycling, (where appropriate collection and recycling facilities exist), reducing footprint and cost without compromising product integrity. It utilises PP product attributes to resist moisture, grease and common detergents for long-lasting performance. Suggested uses include insulated food and beverage packaging such as cups, tops, clamshells and trays, produced on modified polystyrene foam equipment.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Individual beer labels created to celebrate Pride Week
Digital print continues to be used to create engaging and differentiated content. The technology has been adopted to create some packaging noise in support of Pride Week in Israel. BeerBazaar have launched BeerColada, which is a sweet beer with coconut and pineapple flavour hints and has been released in eye-catching special edition packaging. Each pack has a different character on each label to help celebrate the versatility and beauty of the week. The So B What You Wanna B(eer) campaign has been brought to market via digital print heavyweights HP. Each beer label is unique and denotes a distinct character with different skin tone, clothing, earrings, glasses, hairstyle and facial hair ensuring that no two designs are the same. It has been achieved using the randomisation technology of HP Mosaic. Incredibly, it is reported that the labels took less than one week to create. They were printed at Israel-based Kinneret Press.

 

Packaging question of the week

If your packaging states that it is compostable, what do you do with it? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 66% were confident that they know what household packaging they can recycle.
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