Category: Disruptive

August 2020

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Shower care range start refill trial in German drugstores

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Innovation Zone ThePackHub - thepackhub.com

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.

ThePackHub collates up to 20 new packaging innovations every week for our Innovation Zone database (book a one-to-one online demo here).

We have selected four new initiatives for you today.

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#1 Shower care range start refill trial in German drugstores

dm is the largest drugstore chain in Germany with nearly 2,000 outlets. The Karlsruhe headquartered retailer is offering its customers the opportunity to refill Nivea Creme Soft and Nivea Creme Sensitive care shower products. The pilot in three retail outlets will be trialled for up to eight months. dm is working with Nivea owner Beiersdorf to share consumer feedback with a longer-term view to save on packaging use to help promote a more circular economy.  Specially developed Nivea care shower refill stations have been created. Shoppers can fill up empty bottles of Nivea care up to three times. After the third use, they will be asked to replace the bottles so that the packaging can be checked for quality and hygiene standards. In return, they receive a new bottle and a free refill free of charge.

 

More info in The Innovation Zone.


#2 Plant-based cling wrap breaks down in home compost

Following hot on the heels of Auckland-based Compostic (see Home compostable cling film is a global first), Great Wrap is an Australian start-up that has introduced a plant-based alternative to cling film. The material can go straight into consumers’ home composting or green-waste bin once used.  They have made marketing claims that the Great Wrap clingfilm is so effective at breaking down that is actually quicker than orange peel, which is approximately six months. The business first launched a compostable and biodegradable industrial pallet wrap earlier this year, for wine industry applications. Both wraps have compostable certification from Germany’s leading certifying body Din Certco. That means they break down within 180 days and leave no toxins behind. Great Wrap is made entirely from plant-based resins and cornstarch acids. Further developments sees a 600-metre commercial roll for use in restaurants to be released later this year.  Manufacture is undertaken in China with plans in place to shift to Australia. Great Wrap costs $8 (£4.40) and is available online.

#3 Smart containers can automatically reorder refills

Vesta Smart Packaging is a new approach to the provision and storage of products. Vesta’s smart containers know when they’re empty and automatically reorder environmentally friendly refills. The solution provides a complete auto-replenishment packaging service that provides efficient ‘just in time’ supply through an automated refill ordering system to provide continuous supply for consumers. Packages are weight-based and connected through Wi-Fi. The platform controls the refill and access to user data. An app provides end-user management. The distribution model helps companies reduce their reliance on long-life packaging.  Vesta packages have an energy-saving activation that has led to estimated battery lifetimes of up to 20 years on a single charge based on a live activation of eight months. A platform called Smart Supply hosts and manages Vesta’s proprietary refill algorithm, which ingests user data and predicts the days remaining until the next outage. The algorithm incorporates machine-learning technology that gets more accurate over time. The app has two primary functions  It enables end-users to register new Vesta packs with a single scan of the QR code imprinted on the base of the pack. It also provides a channel to manage alert notifications and reordering confirmation. Store Room also provides a branded environment through which brands can interact with their end-users.  Vesta is rolling out trials with several manufacturers and expects to start delivering consumer trials. See also Smart olive oil bottle alerts user to re-order.

 

More info in The Innovation Zone.


#4 Personalised pack opportunity extends to computing products

Personalisation in packaging is an established tool offering brands the opportunity to engage with consumers as well as create a distinctive point of difference that can also enjoy a price premium. The market has calmed down of late having seemingly peaked in popularity around a couple of years ago. Most executions tend to be food, beverage and health and beauty examples but this time we see a less conventional sector join the game. Computer brand Compaq has started its ‘My Hero Is High Tech’ promotion. Shoppers can personalize the packaging of Compaq’s CQ-25 notebook to give as a gift for the recent Brazil fathers day celebrations (that’s quite a gift!) The personalisation process is through three simple steps. They purchase the product at the Sincstore retailer, upload a photo and then a message. It is also possible to add a video link that can be accessed via a QR Code also printed on the pack via the recipient’s smartphone.

 

More info in The Innovation Zone.


Please visit ThePackHub or call us on +44(0)118 963 9990 to find out more about the range of packaging innovation services we offer. We’ve delivered projects for a number of brand owner, retailer and packaging suppliers.

Until next time. Happy innovating.


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