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May 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Partnership sees tracking of reuse scheme through innovative tech

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 5,935 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

ThePackHub team is attending the Packaging Innovations show at NEC, Birmingham this Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th May. Come and say hello at stand J122 next to the Ecopack stage.

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 last week’s
Recyclable Packaging 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.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub.

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

This week

Innovation & Design Stage – Powered by ThePackHub

ThePackHub is delighted to help curate content for the Innovation & Design Stage at the upcoming Packaging Innovations at NEC on 25th & 26th May. The stage will host discussions and debates to uncover the latest trends and innovations in design and product packaging.

Get inspired by thought leaders and begin to shape your future packs with discussions such as innovations driven by the packaging tax, the refill/reuse revolution, the importance of trend scanning and much more!

ThePackHub will present four sessions consisting of keynote speakers and case studies from leading brand owners, retailers and FMCG companies.

We’ll keep you updated on speaker announcements over the next few weeks and we can’t wait!

You can register your free place here.

#1 Partnership sees tracking of reuse scheme through innovative tech

Multinational food and drink brand owners Nestlé has collaborated with London-based startup Nozama which will see a partnership utilising the latter’s innovative tracking technology to track Nestlé’s Dolce Gusto coffee capsules.  The trackers ensure proper participation in the reuse schemes offered by Nestlé, and prevent property loss. Consumers can take part in the scheme by downloading the Dolce Gusto recycling app, available on most smartphones. It allows consumers to digitally track the number of capsules they deposit at the recycling dropoff, and the app in turn shows them the environmental impact they are having by doing this. Through the consistent use of the app, users can earn rewards and discounts for Nestlé products.

 

#2 Wet-wipes in a bottle aims to cut waste

Wype is a gel-based product that, when applied to toilet paper, works as a sustainable alternative to wet-wipes. After moving from Italy to the UK, and missing her bidet, inventor Giorgia turned to conventional wet-wipes, unaware of the problems that they could cause to pipes and waterways. So, with a partner, they wondered if they could come up with an alternative to the wet-wipe, something that provided the clean feeling of a bidet while being gentle to the body and good for the planet. Following two years of research, Wype is the result. It is an aluminium bottle which dispenses a cleansing gel onto toilet paper. It features an attached overcap which keeps the applicator head clean and prevents any leakages, a circular hole pattern which allows the gel to spread evenly, along with a one-touch design which allows the user to open and operate the applicator single-handed.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 New pouch introduced to meet plastic packaging tax legislation

Leeds-based flexible packaging manufacturer Roberts Mart & Co Ltd have collaborated with McBride, producer of private label products for the cleaning and hygiene markets, to launch a new stand-up pouch for supermarkets across Europe. It will be used for own-brand laundry capsules and dishwasher tablets. The pouch is made from 30% recycled plastic, which meets the requirements set by the recently introduced UK Plastic Packaging Tax, which requires a tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content threshold. Roberts & Mart aim to build on the progress made so far with an aim to increase further the level of inclusion of Post Consumer Recyclate (PCR) plastic beyond the 30% mark.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Patent-pending alternative to beverage PE shrink wrap in development

Nordson India creates dispensing equipment for consumer and industrial adhesives, sealants and coatings. The business has announced the launch of an adhesive-based, patent-pending alternative to single-use PE (polyethylene) shrink wrap for product collating applications. Adhesive beads are applied to both sides of a board or textile carrier via an automated machine. The product is then placed onto the adhesive and assembled into a collated bundle. The patent defines numerous shapes and sizes of the carrier, along with the kinds of products that could be collated and numerous arrangements within the bundle. Expected uses are for beverages, personal care and even books, among other items. On removing products from the carrier, the adhesive remains on the carrier, as a residual adhesive on the product after its separation from the bundle would make it unsaleable. A similar technology also finds an opportunity for applications in pallet stabilisation, where pallets are currently stacked and wrapped with stretch film.

 

Packaging question of the week

How are packaging supply chain issues affecting your business compared to a month ago? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 67% said they will be participating in The Big Plastic Count.


May 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Recyclable paper ketchup bottle prototype starts development

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 5,910 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 Plastic Packaging Webinar

Catch up on the latest recyclable plastic 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 are delighted to also be joined by Dr. Elef Kassianidis, Sales Director, UK & Ireland of flexible packaging experts Hatzopoulos.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

For any questions or enquiries about Elef Kassianidis of Hatzopolous’ presentation, you can contact him as follows:

kassianidis@hatzopoulos.co.uk
+44 (0) 7572 12 6964

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

This week
Recyclable Plastic Packaging webinar

FREE one hour 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.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

Book your free place here.

Innovation & Design Stage – Powered by ThePackHub

ThePackHub is delighted to help curate content for the Innovation & Design Stage at the upcoming Packaging Innovations at NEC on 25th & 26th May. The stage will host discussions and debates to uncover the latest trends and innovations in design and product packaging.

Get inspired by thought leaders and begin to shape your future packs with discussions such as innovations driven by the packaging tax, the refill/reuse revolution, the importance of trend scanning and much more!

ThePackHub will present four sessions consisting of keynote speakers and case studies from leading brand owners, retailers and FMCG companies.

We’ll keep you updated on speaker announcements over the next few weeks and we can’t wait!

You can register your free place here.

#1 Recyclable paper ketchup bottle prototype starts development

UK sustainable packaging creator Pulpex is developing an industry-first sustainable packaging solution with multinational food brand owner Kraft Heinz, for the latter’s world-famous Heinz brand of ketchup. The team-up has resulted in the early exploration of a prototype paper-based and recyclable ketchup bottle made from renewable resources of sustainably sourced wood pulp. The initiative would launch in an opaque bottle, breaking the traditional ketchup bottle packaging rules of transparency. The prototype is just one development in a range that is helping Kraft Heinz work towards their company goals of making all of their packaging globally recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. The company has previously introduced recyclable caps for its plastic squeezy sauce bottles, which contains 30% recycled content.

 

#2 NFC pack aids post-purchase engagement

Clinique Laboratories, the US manufacturer of high-end skincare, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances, have recently launched a limited edition version of their Moisture Surge 100H moisturiser. It features an NFC (near field communication) chip on the base of the jar. By tapping the chip, consumers can access a range of digital content and services. The limited edition ‘More Than You Think’ pack enables consumers to “find out what dehydrators may be affecting their skin; get advice from Clinique’s experts; then share the experience with others. NFC technology is a set of communication protocols that enables communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm or less and is now commonly used for payment at supermarket checkouts. The Limited Edition Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator retails at £39 ($48) for a 50ml jar.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Hybrid wood and corrugated board box offers weight advantages

The Spanish division of International Paper (IP) has developed a hybrid box solution that combines wood with corrugated board to offer a more sustainable and lightweight product. Instead of being made completely from wood, the conventional bottom previously made of wood fibre is replaced with a corrugated board base. By doing this, the company has managed to considerably reduce the weight of its boxes, thus improving and optimising the logistics processes of its customers with a lighter solution for transporting its products, while using a material with greater availability in the market. IP says that in Iberian Peninsula stocks of wood fibre have been limited for 12 months due to an increase in demand and the global shortage crisis. This situation has worsened, even more, hence the development of the hybrid box. The new box is available in multiple sizes and is specially designed for the transport of different fruit and vegetable products.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Paper-based child-proof detergent box delivers 40% carbon reduction

Global paper-based packaging specialists Smurfit Kappa has announced the launch of a patented paper-based and child-proof detergent box. Called the TopLock Box, it has been designed for detergent pods and capsules with child-proof features. Smurfit says that the TopLock Box is 100% plastic-free and made entirely from FSC-certified (Forestry Stewardship Council) paper-based packaging. This means that the TopLock Box is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. The new paper-based laundry box solution is said to give a 40% carbon footprint reduction compared to traditional rigid plastic alternatives. Smurfit says that the TopLock Box’s opening mechanism also makes it a safe and convenient solution for companies seeking a more sustainable alternative for child-proof packaging. The paper-based solution is apparently also leak-proof. The TopLock Box can be delivered as a flat, single item for inbound logistics and storage savings, while the dimensions of the pack can also be tailored to increase supply chain efficiency.

 

Packaging question of the week

The Big Plastic Count starts in the UK this week and runs for seven days. Would you participate if it took place in your country? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 40% think that the biggest brands are most to blame for packaging waste.


May 2022

Next Week – Recyclable Packaging Webinar

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

Next Week – Recyclable Packaging webinar

Thursday 19th May – 3pm UK (10am ET)

FREE one hour 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.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

Book your free place here.

NEW – Watch our last webinar

Recyclable Plastic Packaging Innovations webinar from ThePackHub with Hatzopoulos. Broadcast 5th May 2022.
Please forward to your friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

May 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Air capsule packaging alternative to conventional corrugated shipping cases

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 5,885 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 last week’s
Recyclable Plastic Packaging Webinar

Catch up on the latest recyclable plastic 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 are delighted to also be joined by Dr. Elef Kassianidis, Sales Director, UK & Ireland of flexible packaging experts Hatzopoulos.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

For any questions or enquiries about Elef Kassianidis of Hatzopolous’ presentation, you can contact him as follows:

kassianidis@hatzopoulos.co.uk
+44 (0) 7572 12 6964

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

Recyclable Plastic Packaging webinar

FREE one hour 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.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

Book your free place here.

Sustainable Packaging Podcast

ThePackHub’s Paul Jenkins talks with sustainable packaging expert Cory Connors in his latest podcast.

Listen on Spotify.

Listen on Apple.

Innovation & Design Stage – Powered by ThePackHub

ThePackHub is delighted to help curate content for the Innovation & Design Stage at the upcoming Packaging Innovations at NEC on 25th & 26th May. The stage will host discussions and debates to uncover the latest trends and innovations in design and product packaging.

Get inspired by thought leaders and begin to shape your future packs with discussions such as innovations driven by the packaging tax, the refill/reuse revolution, the importance of trend scanning and much more!

ThePackHub will present four sessions consisting of keynote speakers and case studies from leading brand owners, retailers and FMCG companies.

We’ll keep you updated on speaker announcements over the next few weeks and we can’t wait!

You can register your free place here.

#1 Air capsule packaging alternative to conventional corrugated shipping cases

Procter & Gamble China has revealed a novel packaging solution called  Air Capsule Express packaging. The development was recently shared by their R&D Technology General Manager, and is being touted as an alternative to conventional corrugated board shipping cases for protecting fragile items in the last mile of delivery, and reducing the quantity of packaging.  Air Capsule is P&G’s patented invention where they are finding industry partners to collect it for recycling. The Air Capsule Express packaging is made from a single material that is inflated with air, is waterproof, recyclable, and weighs 40% less than a normal shipping case. Procter & Gamble China joined the GRPG (Green Recycled Plastics Supply Chain Joint Working Group) to investigate waste separation recycling and plastic recycling enterprises. The Air Capsule Express was developed jointly with the GRPG, who together carried out pilot trials for recycling of the Air Capsule Express as a way of promoting a greener circular economy.

 

#2 PCR paperboard blister packs developed

Ohio-based Rohrer has announced the launch of two new blister pack options with an eye very much on the environment. All-Paper Blister is a packaging solution, as the name implies, made entirely of paper. All-Paper Blister cards and inserts are made using paperboard derived from post-consumer waste (65% PCW) sources, or from Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified paperboard. The other option, the ecoCombo, features thermoformed blisters that are created using post-consumer recycled PET (50% PCR). Both blister pack solutions are said to run on current production lines with existing heat-sealing equipment, and can be ordered in convenient quantities, ie. 5,000 to 100,000. Superior print and decoration is available on a variety of substrates, including Rohrer’s Process+ seven-colour processing.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Edible film in development made from pineapple waste

A team of researchers from the Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of Alicante in Spain have developed a new packaging material made from pineapple waste. Both the core and peel are used to make the plastic-like material. The new packaging format effectively thwarts potential pineapple food waste where as much as half of each fruit is wasted with the rind and core being the parts most commonly discarded.  It is said to have properties which can increase the level of preservation of the food it holds, increasing shelf life. The end goal of the development is to have created an edible film that can be used to control the shelf-life of susceptible foods such as red meat.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Mono-material PET blister lidding solution meets industry requirements

Huhtamäki Oyj is a global packaging specialist based in Finland. They have announced a first-to-market, mono-material PET (polyethylene terephthalate) lidding material aimed at the global healthcare industry. Developed as a replacement to the industry standard of aluminium lidding, Huhtamaki’s Push Tab blister lid is designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of highly regulated pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging, and provides the industry with a recyclable alternative to traditional push-through blister packaging. When combined with Klöckner Pentaplast Next™ R1 bottom rigid film, it is a plug and play solution, proven to run on existing blister packaging lines, without modifications or extra investment required, and without having to compromise on speed. Push Tab® blister lid has superior optical clarity, and Its PET-Heat Sealing structure is printable using all standard technologies. This new development is said to make PET based lid film pushable and enables easy access to the tablet for the consumer.

 

ThePackHub Expert Interview

Sustainability and climate change expert Tom Wood, Carbon Accounting Lead, of net-zero carbon specialists Emitwise talks about the growing demand for carbon emission reduction insight.

Packaging question of the week

Planet Patrol say 10 brands account for half of the UK’s packaging litter. Are the biggest brands most to blame for the waste? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 61% think that fast food reusable packaging, like Burger King’s trial, will stay.


ThePackHub Ltd Albany House, 14 Shute End, Wokingham, Berks, RG40 1BJ. Tel: 0118 963 9990 . Email us >