Category: Smart packaging

#1 Antibacterial hand soap launched in biodegradable paper bottles

Choose Packaging is an Edinburgh packaging development company that has introduced a new hand soap concept incorporating innovative paper-based packaging.  The company has announced the launch of antibacterial hand soap in their new biodegradable paper bottles. The Innovation Zone has tracked several paper-based initiatives of this nature. See for example World’s first paper beer bottle a step closer to reality.  The bottles are reported to be completely plastic-free as well as biodegradable and are made from recycled newspapers and other ‘naturally sustainable’ materials. It is not clear how the moisture barrier is achieved although claims of being plastic-free would indicate that it will be organic in nature.  Choose are working on other plastic-free alternatives to everyday products to increase their portfolio.

#2 Oval tube delivers distinctive point of difference

New technology developed by US-based AptarGroup subsidiary Aptar Food + Beverage has been created to aid the protection of food against several infectious pathogens. Their InvisiShield technology will protect food such as fruit, vegetables and fish from transmissible pathogens like bacteria, fungi and viruses. The solution prevents pathogen growth without adversely affecting the contents or come into contact with the product itself. It is activated in sealed packs to release a specific amount of an antipathogenic substance that reduces the significant growth of pathogens that may have been introduced along the supply chain. The substance is not detectable by consumers and disappears up to 48 hours after activation. The technology also means that the risk of cross-contamination in the sealed pack is significantly reduced. Third-party research has shown that the technology is up to 99.9% effective against the most common foodborne pathogens that includes E. coli, salmonella, listeria and norovirus. A pilot programme with tomatoes alongside Atlanta, Georgia based Royal Fresh Cuts is underway wit plans to commercialise a roll out on successful completion of the trials. See also PE composite foodwrap has antibacterial properties.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Lenticular animation brings shoebox packaging to life

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.

This Friday
Webinar and report download package
Packaging Innovation Briefing Report – March

ThePackHub’s Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for March 2020 is a comprehensive and unique review of the month’s global packaging innovations that ensures you and your team are kept up to speed and fully informed of all the latest packaging innovations. The comprehensive review covers innovations from around the world with 60 new packaging innovations for the month.

We are bringing the 100-page report to life via 1-hour webinars at a very special price.

UK & Europe – Friday 27th March 2020 – 10:00 GMT
North & South America – Friday 27th March 2020 – 13:00 EDT

The cost is just £79 + VAT including receipt of the full 100-page report in PDF format. The report on its own is usually £99 + VAT so this offer is not to be missed.

Book your webinar and report combo here.

#1No-spill coffee cup concept edges towards market launch

An inventive and convenient way to prevent coffee cups from spilling has been created that also taps into the growing reusable packaging trend. The ‘Magic Coffee Cup’ concept has been invented by a UK start-up and has received additional funding to help make a reality. The coffee mug has been designed to make it difficult to knock over and uses a suction pad to keep the cup in place on a variety of different surfaces when not being used. The thermal qualities of the mug will also help keep the contents warm. Limited quantities of prototypes have been developed, which have subsequently sold out and the ‘Magic Suction Mug’ has been trademarked with a view to an eventual market introduction.

#2 Reusable netting replaces single-use plastic stretch wrap

Californian officials have recently put measures in place to outlaw the use of plastic bottles for hotel amenities from 2023. This is generating a creative challenge for suppliers. Premier guest care products supplier Hotel Emporium is on the case with a new solution. Eco Pod is a personal care packaging solution range for the hospitality and leisure sector that could have applications outside of California and across the rest of the world. Eco Pod is single-use, compostable and compact and is an ideal replacement to the miniature plastic bottles. It is made from a combination of sugar cane, bamboo and wood fibres. The product range, includes shampoo, conditioner and body wash and contains up to four uses in powder-based formulation. The empty containers will naturally break down into organic matter over time. It is not clear under what conditions biodegradability is optimised.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Fibre-based spoon developed to replace plastic

International packaging business Schur employs around 850 people across facilities in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Australia and the US. The business is set to tap into the plastic-reduction and the EU directive to ban the use of plastic spoons with the introduction of a new fibre-based spoon as a sustainable alternative to similar plastic offerings in the market. The new patent-pending Schur Spoon is made of natural cardboard fibre and is intended to replace plastic spoons used for yoghurt pots.  The Schur Technology arm of the business is currently developing the machine to fold the spoons. Schur Pack is working with stakeholders to further improve the concept. See Biodegradable utensils promise to compost in just 10 days and Foldable spoon with teabag reduces plastic use.

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.

Two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download. The in-depth review includes a unique and comprehensive summary of over 500 of the latest sustainable packaging innovations

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

Find out more and order here.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for March 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.

#1 100,000 unique designs transform vodka brand

Vilnius, Lithuania-based packaging agency Étiquette has designed the first variable packaging design project Lithuania. Lithuanian Vodka issues limited editions every year and this year they have used digital print technology to create something quite different. A 1 m² illustration has been transformed into 100,000 unique packages via HP’s SmartStream Mosaic algorithm. The technology has been used to automatically generate unique graphics from a selection of different images to produce one-of-a-kind prints.  The graphical elements used in the design are associated with Lithuanian fairy tales and is part of the celebration of spring. The impactful variable data digital print sleeves have a unique number on each one to further emphasis the one-of-a-kind nature of the execution.

#2 V-shaped water bottle concept meets sustainability goals

It has been estimated that Canadians use about a billion drinking straws every year. The format has become the ‘poster child’ for anti-plastic sentiment with more and more markets with plans to ban plastic drinking straws including the Canadian federal government. Montreal based McGill University have developed a new plastic-free straw alternative that nonetheless looks and feels like plastic. The organic and compostable material is made from cellulose, which is a renewable material and doesn’t taste like wet paper or feel like paper. The Cellophax material feels like plastic and won’t become soaked and lose form when wet. Cellulose is transformed into a malleable liquid and regenerated. The process could also make the straw transparent. Once it’s used, a cellulose-based straw can be recycled and made into other straws or other products or can be composted. The material could also have other applications for a variety of other single-use products, such as grocery bags.  A company called TreeMaTech has been formed to further develop the solution.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Dissolvable tablets enable refillable mouthwash system

A new way to eliminate plastic has been introduced for the oral care market. The solution comes from sustainable personal care brand By Humankind as a way to help reduce single-use plastic waste in consumers’ daily routines. The new mouthwash pack comprises a refillable and reusable glass cup combined with dissolvable tablets.  There is also a useful refillable silicone tablet holder that nests inside the cup. Users fill the cup up to the designated line with warm water and drop in one tablet. Once dissolved, the optimal amount and consistency of mouthwash is created.  The $10 mouthwash set includes 60 tablets, with refills available online. It has been estimated that each refill eliminates 2.91-ounces (82.5g) of single-use plastic. Subscriber content: See also New deodorant range relies on refills to reduce plastic usage.

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.

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. ThePackHub will be exhibiting at Packaging Innovations Birmingham this 26th and 27th February. Register to attend here. Come and see ThePackHub team at stand M48 and also take a look our The Trend Zone featuring examples of the latest packaging innovations. Coming to see us? Let us know. Available Now Sustainable Packaging Compendium 2020

Two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download. The in-depth review includes a unique and comprehensive summary of over 500 of the latest sustainable packaging innovations

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

Find out more and order here.

Book a director of ThePackHub (Paul Jenkins or Barrington Pamplin) to present a comprehensive overview of the key outputs and trends of the Compendium to you and your team at a venue of your choice. Ideal for team meetings and innovation sessions. Get those questions answered and get inspired in an interactive and engaging format.

Available in the UK and Europe for £1,250 + VAT, which includes receipt of two volumes of the Sustainable Packaging Compendium in both hard copies and PDF. Rest of the world pricing available on request.

Find out more and order here.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for February 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 bag for frozen soup brand has CO2 reduction advantages

Italian frozen food brand Frosta is shaking up the soup market with the introduction of a packaging first. They have recently delivered the first soup in a paper-based bag for the frozen food market in Italy. Their Ecobag format has been launched for the Valle degli Orti Minestrone soup variant and uses a mix of materials to reduce environmental impact. The recyclable pack sees the creation of a paper-based bag that is estimated to reduce the use of plastic by more than 70% of plastic as well as a reduction CO2 produced by about 40% compared to previous packs made from PET / PE plastic. The new bag is made of cellulose with a minimum amount of PE that acts as a thin inner layer to protect the contents. The technology makes it possible for the bag to be resistant to moisture and grease. Even if the products thaw slightly, the bag will not fall apart. The pack is within the parameters for disposal in the paper recycling stream although special processes are required to separate the materials, which are not available everywhere. The new Frosta bag is made using kraft paper and has not been bleached or coated.

#2 Reusable straw can be clicked open for easy cleaning

Regular visitors to the pages of the Innovation Zone will observe that significant effort is being paid to sustainability. It is a driver for packaging innovation change as brands and retailers focus their endeavours on delivering stretching environmental targets. Packaging that delivers other added functionality benefits like portion control still remains important and thankfully still come to our attention. This concept from designer Alesia Lurtcevich sees a new spaghetti pack format introduced as a concept. It can often be difficult to estimate how much spaghetti is required during preparation resulting in lots of leftovers or the quantity sometimes not being enough. The new concept attempts to solve this with six separate compartments to deliver spaghetti with built-in portion control. Each trapezoidal segment contains the right amount of spaghetti for one portion.  The packaging is a conventional cardboard box with three tear marks on each side to serve spaghetti for six servings.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Tracking chips for vaping products could keep young users in check

The vaping market has grown significantly in recent years and offers a seemingly healthier alternative to tobacco products for millions of smokers. The industry is in high growth, which has lead to a challenge with underage consumption. A former vape manufacturer has developed a new solution that could see vaping products fitted with an RFID chip to help track the usage of younger consumers. The Trace/Verify technology has a chip embedded directly into the vapes themselves. Each chip has a unique number that applies to each specific vape. When a vape is purchased, the user’s ID is scanned and linked to it. Data about the place of issue and the customer’s age is saved. If adopted across the US, a police officer could scan any minor’s vape using a smartphone to track the source.

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.

Two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download. The in-depth review includes a unique and comprehensive summary of over 500 of the latest sustainable packaging innovations

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

Find out more and order here.

Book a director of ThePackHub (Paul Jenkins or Barrington Pamplin) to present a comprehensive overview of the key outputs and trends of the Compendium to you and your team at a venue of your choice. Ideal for team meetings and innovation sessions. Get those questions answered and get inspired in an interactive and engaging format.

Available in the UK and Europe for £1,250 + VAT, which includes receipt of two volumes of the Sustainable Packaging Compendium in both hard copies and PDF. Rest of the world pricing available on request.

Find out more and order here.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for February 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 Rollable packaging ensures crease-free clothing

The quantity of clothes delivered through the e-commerce channel has grown significantly in recent times. The transportation process is often not ideal with products that can crease easily and they are not always packed optimally for their size with items given too much space or crammed inside. However, a creative new way to deliver clothes has been designed by Den Haag, The Netherlands based Rollor Packaging.  Their offering sees items rolled up together with the packaging, which rolls over elevated ridges instead of the actual clothing to create a pressure-free space. The clothes stay in perfect shape during the shipment process and can then be worn straight away by the recipient with no need for ironing. The customer also gets an unusual and engaging unpacking experience. The packaging is delivered stacked on 1800 x 1200 mm pallets, the same depth as standard Euro pallets. Rollor Packaging is fully customisable with the option to add branding and advertising messaging printed in full colour. An additional handle can be provided if required. Rollor have collaborared with Smurfit-Kappa to bring this solution to market.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 PLA-based biodegradable tub created for organic beauty market

Italian compostable bioplastics manufacturer Novamont has developed a new improved cling film solution made from its leading Mater-Bi bioplastic. We reported on this initial development back in 2014. See Bio-plastic biodegradable food wrapping launched. The bioplastic cling film is compatible with most packaging machines and is designed to be used for the packaging of fresh produce as well as for large-scale retail trade and packaging centres. Novamont maintains that the new product has excellent technical properties including strong breathability, high transparency, anti-fog capabilities and good mechanical strength. Novamont’s Mater-Bi bioplastics are compliant with the 13432 standards for biodegradability and compostability and can be recycled along with the organic waste. The solution is obtained via established Novamont technologies using starches, cellulose and vegetable oils. The product has been tested adopting the same process used for conventional cling films materials (PE and PVC) and delivered similar performance results. Mater-Bi bioplastic is currently used for a range of compostable products, including flexible packaging as well as carrier bags, plates and cups.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 One-piece paper pack reduces carbon footprint

More than two years of research and development has led to champagne brand Maison Ruinart presenting a new packaging format for their brand. Pressed wood-cut bowls will replace the existing champagne cardboard packaging with a new outer packaging that is completely recyclable and nine times lighter than what it replaces. It also reportedly reduces carbon footprint by around 60%. The new plastic-free packaging is completely recyclable and will be introduced in the brand’s major Western European markets. The new packaging format has been designed to hug the bottle like a second skin and consists of natural wood fibres that come from sustainably managed forests. The packaging neatly follows the lines and contours of the bottle and is distinguishable by the lack of any sharp edges. The new packaging was developed in collaboration with the luxury brand agency Chic, French folding box manufacturer Pusterla 1880 and fibre packaging experts James Cropper.

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.

Two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download. The in-depth review includes a unique and comprehensive summary of over 500 of the latest sustainable packaging innovations

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

Find out more and order here.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for February 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 Concentrated shaving cream promotes reduce, reuse, recycle principles

UK-based men’s cosmetic brand men-ü sustainability strategy is based on the well-known principles of reduce, reuse and recycle. These pillars have transcended into a new pack format that uses smaller, more compact packaging as its new format. The range is even called the 3R Grooming line to further reinforce the reduce, reuse, recycle ethos. The product has a formula so concentrated that 100 ml of shaving cream can apparently deliver more than 165 shaves, a scenario that delivers a lot less packaging per usage that competitors products. Men-ü has also introduced refills for its products. The product development breakthrough to deliver an ultra-concentration means a lot more functional product is in a small bottle. The bottle uses fully-recyclable plastics. At just 21 gm, the weight of what is recycled from the packaging is claimed to be more than 90% less than the equivalent in aerosol shavers. The products are currently sold both in high street stores as well as online.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Compostable and biobased cling film developed for fresh food packaging

Many toy brands are working to reduce or completely remove the plastic in their packaging. For example, leading brand Hasbro has an aspiration to phase out their plastic boxes by 2022. But reuse goes a step farther. Toy company Educational Insights have been busy with a solution that ticks boxes for sustainability. Their new toy rocket ship product comes packaged in a cardboard box that isn’t supposed to be recycled or thrown away.  Rather, the company transformed its packaging to transform into something that can be played with. The box for their rocket toy unfolds to unveil a scene that enhances the playing experience including a control centre and launch tower. Another product in the range sees a toy recycling truck that comes in a box that turns into a recycling centre. The use of full-colour pop-up graphics onto what would have been throwaway cardboard trays helps to extend packaging use. The new set of boxes also double as long-term storage for toys. See also Secondary packaging transforms into jetpack after the kids’ clothes have been unpacked.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 High-tech aeronautic material poised for perfume and cosmetic packaging applications

The research team from the Selangor based International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) have developed a biodegradable food pack utilising the skin of the durian fruit. The material also has applications as a filament for 3D printing. Durian is generally found throughout Southeast Asia and has a thick and pulpy exterior. The new material, which helps to support the university’s circular economy aspirations, was created by IIUM researchers through the mixing of durian skin fibres with epoxidized palm oil. The resulting biodegradable polymer can be moulded into packaging containers for food. Following tests where the material was buried in soil for three months, approximately 83% of the packaging had degraded. The Durian skin fibre-based biocomposite could be an alternative material for 3D printing, which is biodegradable and utilizes durian skin waste. Future work will concentrate on ways to reduce the cost of the new polymer.

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.

Two printed volumes delivered free of charge plus a searchable PDF to download. The in-depth review includes a unique and comprehensive summary of over 500 of the latest sustainable packaging innovations

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

Find out more and order here.

Our Packaging Innovation Briefing Report for February 2020 is out on Friday. 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 Organic food delivery service switches to returnable, refillable packaging in new scheme

UK Organic food delivery company Abel & Cole is responding to increased customer demand to reduce the amount of single-use packaging in its supply chain with a brand new initiative. The change sees a new opt-in scheme in which grocery deliveries are sent in returnable, refillable packaging. The Club Zero membership service is claimed to be the first of its kind in the UK, which sees a variety of groceries delivered in returnable pots.  Abel & Cole collects the containers and will reuse them for the next delivery. There is a small membership fee to join the scheme to help cover the costs for the changes in operations in order to get the refills ready and dropped to customers’ doorsteps.  Abel & Cole are encouraging their suppliers to send their good to them in the largest bulk packaging possible so it can then be decanted into the reusable pots.  The returnable containers have been penned VIP (‘Very Important Pot’).  Abel & Cole are in the early stages of this new idea.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#2 Compostable barrier bag aims to meet coffee market needs

Leaders in glass bottle manufacturing for the perfume and cosmetics industries, Verescence has partnered with French start-up What Matters to launch a range of 100% recyclable bottles with a difference. The changes reflect a move towards more glass bottles that are replacing plastic in the bathroom. However, slippage of glass bottles is an increasing safety problem. Veresence’s new product utilises a soft-touch coating as a ‘second skin’, which gives a non-slip effect on the glass surface. A very thin layer of polymer is applied to the glass surface to allow it to absorb shocks and potentially contain fragments. This characteristic makes the bottle twice as resistant as conventional glass. The bottles remain 100% recyclable. The hydro-based coating reportedly contains neither solvents nor PVC.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Durian fruit fibres may have packaging and 3D printing applications

The research team from the Selangor based International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) have developed a biodegradable food pack utilising the skin of the durian fruit. The material also has applications as a filament for 3D printing. Durian is generally found throughout Southeast Asia and has a thick and pulpy exterior. The new material, which helps to support the university’s circular economy aspirations, was created by IIUM researchers through the mixing of durian skin fibres with epoxidized palm oil. The resulting biodegradable polymer can be moulded into packaging containers for food. Following tests where the material was buried in soil for three months, approximately 83% of the packaging had degraded. The Durian skin fibre-based biocomposite could be an alternative material for 3D printing, which is biodegradable and utilizes durian skin waste. Future work will concentrate on ways to reduce the cost of the new polymer.

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. 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.