Category: Smart packaging

You will receive two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download.

Order today and save £180. Offer ends this week.

Sustainable Packaging Compendium 2020 comprises more than 600 pages across two volumes and is available now.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for January 2020 is out now. This comprehensive and unique review of the month’s global packaging innovations ensures you and your team are kept up to speed on all the latest packaging innovations.

#1 Paper-based chocolate wrapper prototypes ready for consumer testing

German chocolate brand Ritter Sport is testing a new paper-based wrapper in a response to consumer feedback about the use of plastic in their packaging. The brand has taken a big step in the development of a paper solution and wants to get the opinion of consumers for their ‘In Papier’ prototype. The existing single-material film used for their products is currently recyclable in Germany but the business still feels there is room for improvement hence the introduction of alternative packaging with a newly developed special paper. The brand is reaching out to 500 testers via their blog who will then feedback on how the packaging performs. Subscriber content: See also Chocolate wrapper free of foils, laminates or plastics makes trial debut.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Turmeric oil-based biopolymer film stops food fungus growth

Charlotte, Carolina headquartered Sealed Air has manufactured the original Bubble Wrap protective packaging since its invention in 1957. The company’s proprietary technology helped to transform the parcel industry and support the safe distribution of billions of items in the e-commerce channel worldwide each year. The recycled content used to make the newest version of Bubble Wrap is sourced from post-industrial materials that would otherwise finish up in landfills. The post-consumer recycled content is at least 90%. The product can be recycled at store drop-off locations. Recycled-content Bubble Wrap offers the same level of protection and air retention as the original yet apparently reduces carbon footprint by 30%.  The solutions have been approved by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition to carry the How2Recycle label for recycling at store drop-off locations alongside shopping and bread bags.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Paper-based ice-cream pack made with renewable sugarcane derived coating launched

Oatly Non-dairy Frozen Dessert is made from oats instead of cow’s milk. The brand is supporting is natural positioning with the introduction of a renewable ice cream board. The solution is from global specialist in plant-based packaging solutions Evergreen Packaging with their Sentinel offering. Evergreen combined with its packaging converting partner Smithville, Ontario-based Stanpac Packaging. The solution is described as a first of its kind that sees a paper-based ice-cream pack made with an innovative renewable PE coating derived from sugarcane. It comes from renewable resources, paper derived from trees where overall growth exceeds use. The Sentinel solution does not require any changes to existing converting equipment. Subscriber content: See also Fully recyclable ice cream packaging makes UK launch.

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.

You will receive two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download.

Order today and save £180

Sustainable Packaging Compendium 2020 comprises more than 600 pages across two volumes and is available now.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for January 2020 is out now. This comprehensive and unique review of the month’s global packaging innovations ensures you and your team are kept up to speed on all the latest packaging innovations.

#1 First-ever recyclable toothpaste tube starts market roll-out

Toothpaste tubes are notoriously a pain to recycle. They are made from a combination of different plastic laminates that are sandwiched around a thin layer of aluminium. The mix of materials makes it almost impossible to recycle through conventional methods. The Innovation Zone has previously tracked Colgate-Palmolive’s progress in developing a recyclable HDPE toothpaste tube. See Recyclable toothpaste tube improves long-standing challenge. The brand is rolling out the first-ever recyclable toothpaste tube recognised by RecyClass for the Smile for Good brand. The pack is made from HDPE. Its heavy use as the plastic for milk packs assures that the material is widely recyclable. A major technical challenge was overcome to be able to combine different thicknesses of HDPE laminate whilst still being recyclable as well as ensuring that it still protected the product and was easily squeezable. As previously noted, Colgate-Palmolive is sharing its technology to help ensure that all toothpaste tubes can be recycled.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Reusable water bottle doubles as foam roller

Manufacturer of dairy products and one of the largest companies in Finland, Valio has united with pulp and paper manufacturer Stora Enso to test wood fibre-based reusable lids created from a biocomposite material. 10,000 reusable lids will be distributed to test the wood-based solution for food packaging applications. The programme will assist the companies to understand how the lids react when in contact with food. The lid has been designed to protect unused crème fraiche and quark products. The packs are a part of Valio extensive plans to reduce the carbon footprint of milk to zero by 2035. The lids are made from Stora Enso’s DuraSense, a biocomposite that combines wood fibres and polymers. The lids are both durable and can be washed and reused. See Wood-fibre based alternative to plastic can also be recycled. It is claimed that the biocomposite helps to reduce carbon footprint as it cuts plastic content by half. The lid is designed to protect the food from going out of date during storage and therefore reducing waste. See also Bio composite drinks lids reduces carbon footprint by 60%.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Window removed from pie brand makes pack plastic-free

The drive to reduce the amount of plastic used in packaging continues at pace. One area of resistance to change is the view that plastic with its transparent properties helps shoppers see the product inside. Plastic windows, therefore, can create an important role to communicate what the product looks like.  UK pie brand Pukka is going against this trend with the introduction of recyclable, plastic-free packaging with a window-free box. The change is being implemented alongside a brand design tweak as well as updated recipes. The change is being rolled out across Pukka’s chilled single and sharing portfolio, the packs are made from FSC-certified cardboard. The removal of the plastic window saves 11.4 tonnes of plastic annually.

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.

You will receive two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download.

Order today and save £180

Sustainable Packaging Compendium 2020 comprises more than 600 pages across two volumes and is available now.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for January 2020 is out now. This comprehensive and unique review of the month’s global packaging innovations ensures you and your team are kept up to speed on all the latest packaging innovations.

#1 Fully recyclable ice cream packaging makes UK launch

Like coffee cups, many ice-cream containers are paper-based but cannot be easily recycled due to a plastic barrier lining that is hard to separate. However, UK ice cream brand Northern Bloc has announced the introduction of recyclable packaging for their new salted caramel and almond swirl vegan flavour variant. The new tubs achieve moisture barrier protected with an organic coating, rather than using plastic. This allows the packs to be recycled in conventional kerbside recycling facilities.  The barrier’s natural compound is made from sugarcane, the by-product of which is fully reusable and breaks down naturally. The new variant is available in UK Co-op stores for £5. No information on the recyclability of the cap is available.  See also: Compostable and recyclable ice cream pack saves 500 tons of plastic annually.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Easily removable label improves yoghurt packaging recycling

Salisbury, Maryland headquartered Perdue Farms is one of the largest meat processing firms in the United States. Packaging plays a significant role for the business to deliver preservation and protection of the product and consequent demands on the environment. The non-recyclable foam packaging for meat products is a pain point for consumers. To move in the right direction, Perdue Farms has announced that it will start packaging some of its products using a compostable foam made of cornstarch. The material promises to disintegrate under running water making a new and novel way for consumers to dispose of their packaging. If consumers do not want to pour cornstarch down their drain, the foam will dissolve in landfill. The new packaging will be available initially for online sales. The meat shipped is encased in a recyclable box and a foam cooler made from the water-soluble cornstarch. Perdue Farms aims to make all of its packaging recyclable in due course.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Water brand gets noticed with dumbbell-shaped bottle

Disruptive pack shapes can be a key tool to help create stand out and get noticed on shelf. This is further enhanced when the shape helps to enhance and communicate the product proposition.  This is the case with Flexwater, which is a US fitness and wellness water brand that comes in three product-lines. The brand turns heads with a trademarked dumbbell-shaped 24-ounce (710ml) bottle that doesn’t follow water bottle packaging convention. The shape of a weight-lifting item helps to communicate the fitness aspect of the proposition. It also acts to help drinkers easily hold the bottle. Flexwater has a retail price of $2.99. See also PET beer bottles shaped for success.

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.

Find out which brands, retailers and suppliers are bringing new sustainable innovations to market as well as those universities and research institutions working on the sustainable packaging of the future.  The Sustainable Packaging Compendium 2020 also includes a supplier contacts directory featuring a comprehensive list of names and contact details of the top suppliers in sustainable packaging.

You will receive a printed copy delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download.

Pre-order today and save £200

Sustainable Packaging Compendium 2020 comprises more than 600 pages and is available on Friday 10th January.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for January 2020 is out this week. This comprehensive and unique review of the month’s global packaging innovations ensures you and your team are kept up to speed on all the latest packaging innovations.

#1 Honeycomb-shaped filling material effective at absorbing shocks

A new packaging concept has been introduced made from cardboard that has good filling material functionality and offers a good alternative to plastic-based bubble wrap. The distinctive pack initiative was developed for Ikea Russia and uses leftover packaging waste from local distribution centres and sales outlets. Structurally, the material is reminiscent of honeycomb-shaped egg cartons. The flexible substrate does a good job as a protective packing material and effectively absorbs external shocks. The concept looks almost ‘homemade’ in its design. It is easy to fold and bend and easily wraps flexibly around goods of many shapes and sizes.  The “Aggkopp” concept from Soemz won a Red Dot Award for Brands & Communication Design.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Refillable popcorn bucket keeps cinemagoers loyal

Some product categories are harder to switch out of plastic than others. The toothpaste industry is one that has not seen significant switching out of the under-fire material. Toothpaste tubes have been plastic-based for many years and are made from using many layers making them tricky to recycle. A way around this has often been to offer bespoke recycling processes. See Difficult to recycle oral care packaging made possible through collection scheme. It is estimated that more than 900 million toothpaste tubes are thrown out every year across the globe. Progress has been made with this format. See Recyclable toothpaste tube makes US debut. Change Toothpaste has developed a proposition as an answer to reducing the amount of plastic used. The pack consists of one month supply of 65 toothpaste tablets in a 100% compostable pouch that is deemed perfect for everyday use including airplane travel (no liquids). The tablets are made in Edmonton, Alberta. Users simply place one tablet in their mouth, chew it, wet their toothbrush and brush as normal. The compostable pouch breaks down within 12 months although no information is available on what conditions are necessary to make this a reality.   See also A new way to dispense toothpaste reduces plastic use.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Hair bleach container weighs less and needs less space

Cincinnati, Ohio headquartered pouch specialists ProAmpac has helped L’Oréal develop a new flexible packaging solution for the brand owner’s Redken Flash hair bleach offering. Two of the three rigid containers in the range have been replaced with a flexible bag with a spout nozzle. The solution has both environmental and functional advantages. The disruptive design delivers a distinctive look and feel for the category. The new container requires less space and weighs less than the rigid packaging it replaces. The new pack improves manufacturing efficiencies as well as reducing distribution and storage costs.  Research indicated that users did not usually seal the tube lid, so the previous solution was not effective in maximizing the product’s shelf life. Another factor that prompted the change was a desire to improve sustainability through a format that would take up less space and be easier to transport.

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.

#1 Chocolate wrapper free of foils, laminates or plastics makes trial debut

Mondelez International declared its strategy back in 2018 to make all of its packaging fully recyclable by 2025. A significant step in that direction may on the horizon with the announcement of a world-first for the business via the trial of a paper confectionery wrapper. The packaging is free of foils, laminates or any plastic. The exciting test launch for the New Zealand market is for its Cadbury Energy bar and will roadtest the ‘durability and effectiveness’ of 100% paper packaging. The pack is 100% recyclable and uses sustainably-sourced paper. Mondelez notes that many other paper-based packs on the market have a thin plastic film.  See also Paper snack bar packaging set to shake up the confectionery sector.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 New fragrance refillable in 200 stations across UK

Wrag Wrap is a UK business selling reusable gift-wrap as an alternative to the often unrecyclable single-use version. The business is expanding its offering with the introduction of a collection of 11 new designs for its reusable fabric gift-wrap. The new range has been launched for the Christmas gifting period and is made from 100% recycled plastic bottle waste. Most single-use paper gift wrap is either not recycled or cannot be recycled and consequently ends up in landfill. Each of the new Reversible Crackle Wraps from Wrag Wrap is made from the recycling of around 12 plastic bottles. Each durable wrap is completely reusable and is estimated that it could save over 100 metres of traditional single-use paper gift wrap over its lifetime if used to its full potential. The double-sided designs have a Christmas print on one side and a design for all occasions on the other.  At the end of the wrap’s usable life, Wrag Wrap will take it back for refurbishment or for recycling.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Reusable egg cartons make food store debut

US organic egg brand Pete and Gerry’s is embracing the rise in popularity for reusable packaging with the introduction of a new egg carton offering. It has been introduced the recycled BPA-free plastic containers to Co-Op Food Stores in New Hampshire and Vermont. The cartons retail for $2.99 (£2.30) and are refillable from a display of loose eggs in store. The eggs have a small discount to give shoppers some compensation for the initial cost of the reusable packaging. Pete and Gerry’s objective is to moving consumer behaviour from recycling to reuse. The cartons are designed to be sturdier than the single-use packaging they replace.  It has been reported that the company has sold 500 reusable cartons during the pilot so far. Pete and Gerry’s cartons are intended to be washed at home by the user and it is not clear about the potential health consequences of any pathogen contamination created as a consequence.

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.

#1 Fibrous material from tequila-making process used to make drinking straws

The world’s best-selling tequila brand Jose Cuervo has used fibrous material left over from their tequila-making process to develop an alternative to the much maligned plastic straw. The solution has been created in partnership with BioSolutions Mexico and Penka. The agave-based straws are fully biodegrade in landfill within one to five years.  The straws will be rolled out across the US and Mexico markets. The agave plant takes several years to reach maturity to harvest for tequila production so the use of waste agave fibres is seen as a good use of resources. The agave-based straws have a texture similar to traditional plastic straws.  See also Plant used to produce tequila may have packaging applications.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Paper-based lipstick makes market debut

Coca Cola are pushing technical boundaries with the introduction of engaging labels for the Singapore market. The soft drinks brand is promoting the premiere of the Star Wars film with the introduction of bottles that light up for shoppers. The bottles have Star Wars’ ubiquitous Lightsabers that shine and glow thanks to an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panel. When the bottle is held in a consumer’s hand, the lightsabers begin to glow.  Berlin startup Inuru created “smart surface technology”, which is based on a very thin layer of printed electronics that can be applied to any surface. There is also a “printed battery” supplying power to the OLED panel.  After touching the label, the electrical circuit closes, making the OLED panel glow.  The label will activate around 500 times before it will stop working. Coca-Cola is produce 8,000 promotional bottles for the Singapore market. See also OLED technology brings beverage bottle to life.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Pizza box transforms into miniature tabletop game post-use

Pizza Pizza has more than 750 outlets across Canada. The restaurant chain has created a “GameBox” that transforms their humble corrugated pizza packaging into an interactive experience.  The box has a second life via perforated cut-outs which assemble into a miniature tabletop basketball game, complete with game pieces. It’s a simple way for family and friends to play together as a group and gives the packaging a much welcome second-use. Pizza Pizza is one of the longest standing partners of the Toronto Raptors basketball team. The GameBox design was created as a way to drive pizza customers and Raptors fan engagement. The special edition box is available with any large pizza purchase. See also You don’t need to get out of bed to eat your next pizza.

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.

#1 Limited edition vodka bottle created with parts of broken, recycled glass

Absolut are one of the leading brands in the art of delivering stand out and head-turning limited editions and their latest efforts looks to keep that trend going. Absolut Comeback is a new special edition bottle that commemorates recycling and the circular economy through the use of parts of broken and recycled glass. The glass bottle that you will to want to keep for ever is positioned as the bottle that highlights the need to recycle. Absolut Company worked with glass packaging manufacturer Ardagh Glass and their design team on the bottle that ‘celebrates recycling’. The intention was to create a bottle design based on recycled glass to promote and visualize the benefits of recycling. The solution sounds like a potential health and safety nightmare with at least 40% of the bottle consisting of recycled glass with actual parts of broken glass included. See also Limited edition spirit pack delivers distinctive pack shape.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Vanilla-flavoured, edible coffee cups take to the sky

Embutidos España has announced the launch of a new meat proposition in an unusual pack format. The container for gourmet Iberian sausage has been specifically designed for the Christmas season and comes in its own recyclable tube. The solution came as a response to consumer research that indicated that there was demand for a seasonal and premium offering in distinctive and differentiated packaging.  The 400 g containers is already on sale in some retail stores, where it is being well received by shoppers.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Laundry bags dissolve safely in hot water

The laundry bag market is getting a functional overhaul with the introduction of hot water-soluble bags for the Australia market. The new proposition has been introduced by New South Wales based Australian distributor, DB Packaging. The bags are made using technology devised by Birmingham, UK plastic technology experts Aquapak. They have developed their Hydropol polymer that is non-toxic and marine-safe. It’s a biodegradable material that is soluble in warm or hot water. See also Clothing brand launches bags that break down naturally in soil and in water. The bags will be used to contain dirty and/or contaminated laundry and then put directly into washing machines without any direct human contact. The bags dissolve in hot water with no plastic residue to dispose. The new solution retains all the functionality of traditional plastic bags. DB Packaging has worked with Advent Packaging to bring the range of laundry and food waste bags to market.

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.

#1 New technique deodorises plastic to improve recycling

Recycling remains an important sustainability activity and methods to improve its efficacy continues across universities and research institutions around the world. A new process is in development that tackles the odour left in some plastic due for recycling. The smells absorbed by plastic from odorous substances can make it unsuitable for recycling. A development from Spain’s University of Alicante is able to remove the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted by a plastic container’s contents and absorbed by its polymer matrix. Deodorizing is currently not possible via conventional washing and recycling methods. The patented process sees used plastic containers crushed into small particles and then chemically-washed with a special cleaning substance and then rinsed and dried. A ‘steam stripping’ process removes the odour via the technique of passing steam through a material. As that steam rises, it carries VOCs that were in the material with it. The resulting VOC-laden liquid can then be separated.  It is reported that several organisations are interested in commercialising the technology in due course. See also Partnership one step closer to restore post-consumer PP plastic to virgin-like resin.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Compostable cap for beauty sector launched

The UK market gets through around seven million disposable coffee cups with lids every day. The global situation is much bigger number of course. The impact on the environment is significant with the vast majority of the cups and lids not being recycled. An Ellen MacArthur Foundation supported initiative aims to have a difference. Unocup is made from that same plastic-lined paper material as conventional coffee cups. A folding paper-based design has been created to deliver a takeaway coffee cup option without the need for a plastic lid. The Unocup has been compared to a paper noodle box with the contents secured inside a paper chamber via folding flaps, which come together to create a spout at one end. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched to generate investment funds and further interest. See also All-paper spill-free cup removes plastic lid requirement and One piece coffee cup eliminates plastic lid.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Oxygen-free tubular pack reduces plastic and increases meat shelf-life

Danish Crown is a meat processing company and is Europe’s largest pork producer. The business has announced a new pack format that ticks boxes for the environment as well as for the extension of product shelf life. The new pack has been launched for the foodservice sector and is presented in a cylindrical tube container. The change from a tray format with lidding film is said to reduce the amount of plastic used by 85%.  The minced meat is packed without oxygen, which ensures that the shelf life is doubled extending from 7 days to two weeks. The meat will not appear quite as red in the new packaging as the oxygen used in the traditional trays helps the meat retain its red colour. As this is a foodservices product, it is anticipated that the professional trade will not see this as an issue.

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.

#1 Shrink wrap phase out saves plastic and CO2

Coca-Cola has announced another plastic-reduction initiative as part of their comprehensive sustainability programme. Its European bottling partners will remove shrink wrap from its can multipacks to be replaced with a recyclable paperboard packaging solution from Graphic Packaging International (GPI). The €15m investment will end the use of shrink-wrapped plastics across all can multipacks sold in the UK. GPI’s KeelClip is a minimal material paper fastener that replaces plastic rings, tops and shrink wrap. See also 850 tonnes of plastic go in switch to paper-based wrap solution from AB Inbev. The roll out will encompass all of Coca-Cola’s EU markets. It is claimed that the initiative will save around 2,000 tonnes of plastic as well as 3,000 tonnes of CO2 per asnnum.  Larger multipacks will have their shrink wrap replaced by a carton pack as announced recently. See Plastic shrink-wrap replaced with cardboard for consumer multipacks. More than 30 million packs in total each year will no longer be wrapped in plastic.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Alphanumeric printed code created as alternative to QR

Eden Prairie, Minnesota headquartered Robinson Fresh has introduced a new tray that has been designed to slow down avocado ripening. The ethylene absorbing tray promises to extend the shelf life of the fruit by more than 21% compared to how the product is conventionally packed. The tray is lined with a film that absorbs ethylene to delay the ripening process. Robinson Fresh will trial the new packaging with a view to a wider roll out in due course on their Happy Chameleon avocados. The use of ethylene-filtering technology is also seen here New carton doubles avocado shelf life.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Crystal lined boxes add some bling to takeaway market

The packaging for Burger King’s Chicken Fries might catch the eye of magpies as well as consumers with the introduction of limited edition boxes studded with crystals. Yes you read that right. Recycling rates are sure to drop with this new initiative originally available in Chmielna 20 Lab in Warsaw, Poland but sold out within three hours. The use of Swarovski crystals for packaging has been reported before. See Customised champagne bottles created using Swarovski crystals. The campaign was also promoted via a photo session where the special BK Chicken Fries box sat side by side with equally desirable items from the world of fashion.

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.

#1 Vacuum-sealed jars now 40% easier to open with push of a button

Despite the recent focus on sustainable packaging innovations, pack accessibility continues to be a pressing concern as well as an opportunity. It is reported that about a third of consumers can’t open a glass jar easily and with an ageing population coupled with an increasingly competitive market place there is a chance to make a difference . Dayton, Ohio based beverage and food service packaging providers Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT) think they might be on to something with a new way to open glass jars. It is claimed to be the first significant innovation for the metal jar lid industry in 75 years although the Innovation Zone has reported on Two part metal closure reduces opening torque in the past. CCT has introduced the patented EEASY Lid. The new technology is said to make opening vacuum-sealed jars up to 40% easier and works via the push of a button. The pressing of a button on the lid opens a tiny slit that breaks the seal and release the vacuumed air. To keep the contents fresh after use, the lid is reclosed by pressing the button from the inside of the lid. The lids provide a stable hermetic seal. Pennsylvania-based Boyer’s markets will use the lids for its Darci’s brand pasta sauce.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Hand-wrapped gift set box sleeve made from crushed grapes

The world’s largest can manufacturer Ball Corporation has announced the introduction of a redesign of its special effects range with new two stage temperature-reactive technology. The special effects have been designed as a tool to help brands capture the attention of consumers with a 360-degree branding space. Recyclable opportunities are not compromised with the new embellishments. Ball’s latest Thermochromic Reveal technology is in the pre-launch trial phase but signs are promising for a roll out for beverage brand owners in due course, The new technology reacts to ambient temperature changes with a two-stage Thermochromic effect, allowing multiple engagement opportunities across the consumer journey at the point of sale, when the can is refrigerated as well as at the time of consumption. At the first stage, the special cans can alert consumers when their beverage is at the optimum drinking temperatures. At the second stage during consumption, the design can reveal hidden images and messages as the temperature changes. See also Blank design beverage can transforms when cold.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Refill station starts Czech Republic roll out

Brand owner Henkel and drug store chain Rossmann have joined forces to launch a refill station format with branded products. Consumers can buy their favourite brands in refill bottles in selected Rossmann Czech Republic stores and then go back and use the packaging to refill it again. A range of Henkel brand products such as Persil Gel detergent, Silan Sensitive fabric softener and Fa Hand Liquid Soap will be available to refill.  Upon arrival at a participating store, the shopper chooses an empty bottle of any product and scans its code at the filling station.This generates a label with expiration date details. All container sizes are sold on first purchase for a price of 19.90 CZK (£0.67). See also Detergent refill station aims to reduce single-use plastic waste.

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.