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May 2022

Next Week – Recyclable Packaging Webinar

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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.


May 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Marker technology helps recycling separation process

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 5,860 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.

This Thursday – Recyclable Plastic Packaging webinar

FREE one hour 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.

Book your free place here.

Watch ThePackHub’s last webinar

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 Marker technology helps recycling separation process

Recycling optimisation and sorting company Polysecure have collaborated with plastic producers Röchling to create a new innovation called SmartMarker, which is designed to aid in the process of separating specific plastics in order to recycle more efficiently. The solution is not only useful for recycling – the SmartMarker tech can offer counterfeit protection as well. It works by giving their plastic products a unique identifier made of tiny marker particles, which are fully transparent and do not affect the properties of the product in any way. This allows them to track the origins of the material as well as separate it from other materials for easier recycling.

 

#2 Flavour-adjusting electric chopsticks make low-salt food taste salty

Japanese manufacturer of beverages and pharmaceutical products, Kirin Holdings has partnered with Tokyo-based Meiji University researchers to demonstrate a set of electric chopsticks that can boost people’s perception of saltiness. The researchers say that the “electric taste sensation” system pairs one regular chopstick with another that’s connected to a wrist-worn power supply and control computer. Apparently, the system uses very weak electricity, not enough to affect the human body – to adjust the function of ions such as sodium chloride and sodium glutamate to change the perception of taste by making food seem to taste stronger or weaker. Gel “food” samples were given to participants, with precisely measured salt levels representing “normal” salted food and a reduced-salt version with some 30% less salt in it. When the device was turned on, subjects rated the reduced-salt food as slightly saltier than the “normal” food, on a “saltiness intensity evaluation point” scale.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Collectable lego-like packaging for new cannabis brand

New York design studios MA-MA and Pràctica have come together for the rebranding of Canadian actor and comedian Seth Rogen’s Houseplant cannabis brand. The new packaging is comprised of stackable containers that resemble Lego bricks. Along with the lego-like cannabis containers, MA-MA and Pràctica designed a custom typeface and modernist line illustrations of Houseplant products for the package rebranding. The cube-shaped containers come in three bold colours, green, pink and orange, against a blue background, corresponding to the different strains of cannabis they contain. The lids have a circular protrusion, making them stackable like Lego. Houseplant were keen on having the flower container be something people would want to display on their shelves as a collectable keepsake. The design is said to subtly reference the nostalgic imagery of classic modernist product design packaging, with product shapes dictating the visuals.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Digitally-enabled tracking tool for pharmaceutical manufacturers launched

Munich-based Schreiner MediPharm has launched its upgraded Smart Blister Wallet – a digitally-enabled tool that allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to track compliance with clinical trial participants automatically and with greater flexibility. This new version has doubled the number of cavities available from 32 to 64. Featuring twice as many cavities, it can be implemented for all blister designs as well as for two or multiple-fold blisters. This prolongs the period of time during which the wallet can be used, and enables extended integration of several dosage strengths. Schreiner MediPharm supplies the cardboard box including the integrated conductive tracks and printed circuit board to the pharmaceutical manufacturer or contract manufacturing organization (CMO). Schreiner says that the solution is convenient, with an easy push-through removal of tablets, and simple NFC-based (near field communication) data reading at one point on the wallet, irrespective of the number of blister cards it contains.

 

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

Burger King’s trial of reusable packaging in some UK outlets is one of several pilots globally, do you think this method will stay? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 76% say the UK Plastic Packaging Tax needs to be changed/amended.


April 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Anti-counterfeiting technology encrypts signature on pack artwork

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 5,820 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.

Today – Designing an Effective E-Commerce Package in Today’s Competitive Packaging Landscape

Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Time: 10:00AM-11:00AM CT (16:00-17:00 UK)

In this webinar, you’ll learn:
• How to satisfy both product protection and sustainability for an effective package
• How COVID-19 played a part in the e-commerce boom
• How to address issues like porch piracy, anti-counterfeiting and authentication
• The best new e-commerce and omnichannel methods and strategies for your next project

Book your free place here.

New – Recyclable Plastic Packaging webinar

FREE one hour 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.

Book your free place here.

Watch ThePackHub’s last webinar

Catch up on the latest sustainable packaging innovation trends with this whistle-stop tour of the latest initiatives. We cover many of the recent important in-market and developmental sustainable examples to inspire you and keep you up to speed.

We are joined by Mauro Cozzi CEO and co-founder of carbon footprint reduction experts Emitwise. Hosted by Paul Jenkins and Barrington Pamplin of ThePackHub.

Sustainable Packaging Innovations webinar from ThePackHub with Emitwise. Broadcast 24th February 2022.

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 Anti-counterfeiting technology encrypts signature on pack artwork

Ennoventure are a US anti-counterfeiting technology company that was set up in 2018 with the aims of developing digital solutions, using advanced technologies like AI, blockchain and embedded solutions. Their patented anti-counterfeiting solutions can encrypt cryptographic signature on artwork of the package making the pack digital. The encrypted signature is invisible to the naked eye and can be retrieved using any smartphone, eliminating the need for extensive changes in the production process, including significant CAPEX and operating expenses investments. Their technology can be used for a number of purposes including anti-counterfeiting, converting analogue packs into smart and intelligent packs, global tracking of products, customer engagement for promotions, competitions etc, and warranty management. It can also be used as a tool to make packaging friendly for the visually impaired. The carbon footprint of companies can also be reduced as the technology can remove the need for paper instruction booklets and enable eLeaflets.

 

#2 Cocoa-based paper for Easter egg packaging

Dengo Chocolates is an ethical Brazilian cocoa and chocolate producer. As part of its range of Easter eggs, the paper for the packaging used was produced using cocoa seed husks. About 20% of cocoa beans are husks and using it on ‘cocoa paper’ is one of the best ways to make full use of it, avoiding the need for materials like plastic. The paper was printed by Brazilian flexible packaging company Camargo Embalagens. The 100% compostable natural paper was used on its ‘Classicos’ range of Easter eggs. Going forward, the intention is to adopt this packaging material in regular line products as well. Dengo works with small and medium producers of high quality cocoa, generating good income by paying more for cocoa producers and providing agricultural technical training for producers.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 PET aerosol container has raw material carbon footprint half of aluminium

Part of the Tetra Laval Group, Sidel is a provider of equipment, services and complete solutions for packaging liquids, foods, home and personal care products in PET (polyethylene terephthalate). They have now launched the PressureSAFE, a new safe PET aerosol container offering brands an alternative substrate and potential competitive edge. PressureSAFE is approved for the traditional PET recycling stream. The expected uses are for products such as perfumes and deodorants. PressureSAFE is said to offer home and personal care brands a more competitive choice of pressurised container than the traditional metal aerosol container. The average PET market price is almost half that of aluminium, in addition, PET has a raw material carbon footprint that is said to be half that of aluminium and is 100% recyclable within the PET stream. The transparency of PET also offers consumers direct visibility of the product and enhanced marketing with decorative options such as a partial or full body sleeve.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Beer brand celebrates anniversary with a champagne bottle

With 2022 being the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Carlsberg brewery, the brand owner is celebrating with a limited edition beer, bottled in a 750ml ‘champagne bottle’. The beer, which will be limited to 2,000 bottles, will be sold in the Swedish state-run Systembolaget chain of liquor stores. Carlsberg describes Anniversary Beer as a low-hop “Brut Beer”, brewed with wheat malt, and then fermented with Montrachet yeast. The result is an aromatic and crunchy beer with clear mineral tones and hints of grapefruit, yuzu and rose water. It is then packaged in an elegant 750ml glass bottle and closed with a traditional champagne cork. The alcohol content of Anniversary Beer is 6%. In addition, a Special Porter was also produced by Carlsberg Falkenberg in collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery.

 

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

Does the UK Plastic Packaging Tax need to be changed/amended? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 25% say they home compost their compostable & packaging. 57% put in waste bin.


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