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ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

This Thursday – Recyclable Plastic Packaging webinar

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

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

ThePackHub Expert Interview

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.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

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

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

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

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.

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

ThePackHub Expert Interview

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 Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

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

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

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

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.

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 Personalised chocolate packaging encourages consumers to be more colourful

Multinational digital print experts HP have collaborated on digital print projects with global confectionery company Mondelez several times over the years. This time, they are working together again to develop the personalisable ‘Color Your Break’ campaign in Belgium for the Milka chocolate brand. The campaign will see the Milka LEO variant embellished with colourful designs using HP’s digital print technology. The companies commissioned twelve artists to create almost 300 designs for the packaging. The designs are only half coloured in, with the thought that consumers will take a break and finish the colouring themselves. Additionally, consumers can go to a dedicated website and be able to co-create their own designs using the hundreds of different pieces of art to customise their own versions.

#2 PP material switch from aluminium lidding might improve material sorting

MCC Verstraete is a Belgian company specialising in IMLs (in mould labels). They have launched a new product called SealPPeel, designed as a replacement for aluminium lidding. SealPPeel is a PP (polypropylene) heat seal die-cut lidding option designed to optimise the recyclability, consumer convenience and shelf appeal of PP packaging. By using SealPPeel in combination with a PP tub, the packaging becomes a mono-material, ensuring the complete pack is easily sorted and recycled as consumers no longer need to separate the tub and seal to correctly throw the empty packaging away. MCC claim that due to the offset printing technique, the cost of printing and producing multiple SealPPeel SKU’s is much lower compared to aluminium lidding, and can be colour-matched to the container. It is claimed that SealPPeel also easily peels off without tearing nor leaving residues, contrary to aluminium lidding. It is also suitable for microwave use and has high puncture resistance.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Packaging material created from cucumber peel

The development of alternatives for the use of plastic in food packaging continues. Another example comes via researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, who have developed a new packaging material made from cucumber peel. They managed to extract cellulose nano-crystals from the peel, which can be turned into a strong substitute for single-use plastics, due to their potential for modification and biodegradability. The advantage of using cucumber peels to get cellulose nano-crystals instead of other sources is that they have a greater cellulose content of 18% more than other peel wastes.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Sliced loaf range introduced in paper packaging

ThePackHub Expert Interview

Packaging question of the week

Packaging that is designed to be composted. Where does it go in your household? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 66% say that they are seeing more carbon neutral/negative promoted packaging introductions.