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ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

NEW – Watch our latest
Expert Interview

#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

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.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

NEW – Watch our latest
Expert Interview

#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

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.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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/

Watch our recent
Recyclable Packaging Innovations Webinar

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

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.