Category: Uncategorised

March 2024

Unstoppable? The Persistent Rise of Recycling and Recycled Packaging Innovations

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Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

by Zac Jenkins, Marketing Manager of ThePackHub.
I’m Zac and pleased to share with you an Innovation Zone snapshot update, which provides a glimpse into the emerging trends on ThePackHub’s global packaging innovation platform.

We have three new reports out! More information below.

The Innovation Zone database platform is a reliable destination for keeping up-to-date with the latest global packaging initiatives. With a comprehensive collection of packaging innovations worldwide (8,212 as of this morning), you can stay informed about the latest developments and advancements in packaging.

Visit our platform today to learn more.

Don’t keep the latest in packaging innovation to yourself! Share the knowledge with your colleagues and friends by forwarding this newsletter to them.  Click here to subscribe.

Unstoppable? The Persistent Rise of Recycling and Recycled Packaging Innovations

This week, we’re taking a deep dive into another leading packaging trend. We continue to track many ‘recycling resurgence’ examples in ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone platform. In fact, more than half (57%) of the initiatives have focused on recycling over the last three months. It’s one of the four major sustainable packaging trends that we have identified.

A recent survey by Every Can Counts showed that 69% anticipate increased recycling with Ireland’s DRS, with 78% in the Republic of Ireland preferring purchasing recyclable drink containers. 29% express uncertainty about navigating the new system.

More analysis by Biffa shows that more than 50% of UK retail decision-makers acknowledge their role in the circular economy, with almost 90% recognizing the importance of waste management and particularly recycling in combating climate change. 63% of surveyed retail businesses have established sustainability strategies, with larger businesses demonstrating increased commitment. The key barriers to sustainability efforts include costs (48%), competing priorities (30%), and infrastructure gaps (29%).

The packaging industry is experiencing significant advancements in recycling technologies, as detailed in a recent report by the nova-Institute, titled ‘Mapping of advanced plastic waste recycling technologies and their global capacities.’ This study highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the sector, showcasing over 130 technologies, including chemical recycling and other advanced methods aimed at overcoming the limitations of mechanical recycling.

GIVE ME FIVE!

Here are five new recycling initiatives you should know about recently posted to the Innovation Zone.

1. UK health and beauty retailer Boots has launched a blister pack recycling pilot in over 100 stores across London and South East England as part of the Recycle at Boots initiative. This scheme invites customers to recycle used blister packs made from PVC, PET, and aluminium at specific collection points, rewarding Boots Advantage Card holders. Aiming to reduce landfill waste, this effort extends Boots’ commitment to sustainability, building on the 3.1 million products recycled since the initiative began in 2020.

2. Waitrose has updated its food-to-go range with new packaging and extended offerings. The range now includes items like Spicy Bean & Sweet Potato Wrap and Chicken Shawarma Wrap. The revamped packaging, featuring bold colours, highlights the use of higher-welfare British and Irish-sourced meats. The redesigned packs are more recyclable, with the window being recyclable at home with paper and board.

3. The Australian Organic Food Co. introduces an innovative, 100% recyclable retort pouch for soup, a first for Australasia. Developed in collaboration with Flavour Makers and Toppan Inc., the pouch uses a barrier PP technology by Toppan, enabling heat sterilization above 119°C without PET or aluminium foil. The pouch structure achieves advancements in recyclability, microwave safety, and shelf life while reducing material weight by 20.9%. This breakthrough addresses challenges in removing non-recyclable materials and ensures packaging efficiency.

4. The Easy Flow bag by Embaquim, a Brazilian company, uses an oleophobic additive to reduce product adhesion to bag walls, improving product flow. This innovation cuts residual content weight by 40%, saving 6,000 kg per year per production line. The bag’s monomaterial composition and compatibility with LLDPE make it 100% recyclable, addressing challenges in post-consumer recycling. This solution is crucial in Brazil, where waste management issues persist, with limited recycling and significant landfill reliance.

5. Avery Dennison Label and Packaging, based in Mentor, Ohio, becomes the first label manufacturer to receive certification from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for its clear BOPP film labels used in pressure-sensitive labels. This certification ensures compliance with APR’s Critical Guidance Protocol for recycling HDPE containers, simplifying the recycling process by allowing labels to remain on containers. This development is especially relevant for brands in personal care and beauty sectors, offering a solution to meet consumer demands for recyclable packaging.The number of recycling initiatives coming to our attention continues to be high, as it has been for the last three or four years. In this month’s Packaging Innovation Briefing Report, we reported 30 recycling and/or recycled initiatives. Despite developments in other packaging innovation areas like reuse and biomaterials, recycling will continue to be a vibrant and significant area for packaging development in the future.

New Reports to Enhance Your Packaging Knowledge

Expert Interview
Alexander Sobolenko – Releaf Paper

Releaf Paper were one of six winners of ThePackHub’s inaugural Packaging Startup Awards.

Releaf Paper is the world’s first producer of pulp and paper made from green waste. They use fibres of fallen leaves to produce materials for packaging manufacturing. Releaf Paper is produced from raw materials collected by public utilities within urban areas. As a result, they are not only disposing of waste but processing it into incredibly sustainable paper and materials for packaging manufacturing.

We speak to CEO Alexander Sobolenko about their initiative in this recent interview.

Leading brand owners, retailers, and packaging suppliers trust the Innovation Zone to stay ahead with the latest packaging innovations. Contact us to learn how a Hubscription can enhance your company’s understanding.
Until next time. Happy innovating!

March 2024

Packaging Innovations, Birmingham – what did we find?

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Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

by Zac Jenkins, Marketing Manager of ThePackHub.
I’m pleased to share with you our Innovation Zone snapshot update, which provides a glimpse into the emerging trends on ThePackHub’s global packaging innovation platform.

We have three new reports out! More information below.

The Innovation Zone database platform is a reliable destination for keeping up-to-date with the latest global packaging initiatives. With a comprehensive collection of packaging innovations worldwide (8,184 as of this morning), you can stay informed about the latest developments and advancements in packaging.

Visit our platform today to learn more.

Don’t keep the latest in packaging innovation to yourself! Share the knowledge with your colleagues and friends by forwarding this newsletter to them.  Click here to subscribe.

Packaging Innovations, Birmingham – what did we find?

This week, we’re taking a deep dive into what we saw at Packaging Innovations & Empack, at the NEC last month, which we were delighted to attend.
We took the opportunity for most of ‘ThePackHubbers’ team to have an in-person meeting (Wetherspoons don’t judge), whilst we were at the show.

We found the quality of the networking at the show second to none, with many conversations had with connections old and new. The presentation content seemed to be even better than in previous years, with standing room only at every talk we visited. With a record-breaking 450 + exhibitors, it was hard to visit as many stands as we would have liked over the full two days. We will make an extra effort to ‘walk the floor’ more next time!

Before we know it, it will be London Packaging Week (11th & 12th September at ExCeL). ThePackHub will announce the winners of our Packaging Startup Award winners there, which is very exciting! More information on that is coming soon.

GIVE ME FIVE!
Here are five initiatives that were on show in Birmingham and all feature in ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone.
1. Anglesey-based PlantSea, founded by three Aberystwyth University PhD students, is leading the charge against plastic pollution with seaweed-based bioplastics. Their focus on low-carbon biomaterials spans applications like agricultural mulch film, with plans for wider market penetration. SMART Innovation’s guidance has been pivotal in their journey, aiding in design, manufacturing, and intellectual property. With ongoing expansion and collaborations, PlantSea embodies innovation, circular economy, and eco-sustainability, combating plastic waste while promoting carbon capture through seaweed aquaculture.

2. Xampla, a spin-off from the University of Cambridge, is pioneering sustainable food packaging with its microplastics technology. Their plant protein material, set to replace single-use plastic, mimics conventional synthetic polymers but decomposes naturally without harming the environment. The breakthrough involves creating plastic from plants, with the first product being a fragrance-preserving ‘microcapsule.’ This innovation eliminates the need for plastic microcapsules and is safe for microbes and marine life. Xampla’s initial focus is on hair care and laundry products, with prototypes for bags, sachets, and sandwich boxes.

3. London-based Cauli, founded in 2019 with its CauliBox reusable lunch box scheme, were showcasing CauliCup, a reusable and recyclable coffee cup programme. Made from injection-moulded PP, these cups can be reused up multiple times before being recycled into new products. Available in 10oz (284ml) and 12oz sizes, with plans for 16oz cups, Cauli has secured orders from Barts Health NHS Trust and banks in Canary Wharf. Within their closed-loop system, containers are returned to CauliKiosks, washed, and reused. Users earn CauliCoins for each use, redeemable for sustainable discounts and rewards.

4. Papair, a German packaging company based in Hannover, offers an alternative to traditional plastic bubble wrap. They recived the most votes on the Innovation Gallery at the show. Their bubble wrap is crafted from 100% recycled paper, devoid of plastics or adhesives. With each paper fibre recyclable up to eight times,
Papair’s unique geometric bubble shape and two-layer paper processing ensure exceptional cushioning and stability. Claimed to be cost-neutral compared to plastic versions, Papair aims to undercut prices in the future, leveraging increasing costs for conventional manufacturers due to regulations like the Plastic Packaging Act and CO2 taxes. Papair products are available in wrapping, bags, or boxes.

5. Biopak, a UK supplier of sustainable packaging, presents Aqueous Single Wall Biocups, disposable coffee cups with a water-based coating certified to NF T51-800 home compostable standards. Available in four sizes with plant-fibre lids, they offer leak and grease-proof properties while being fully compostable at home or industrially. Biopak holds various certifications and operates manufacturing facilities in China.It was inspiring to see the many innovations showcased at Birmingham Innovations and Empack 2024. The event highlighted the range of creative solutions driving progress in packaging and beyond. Looking forward to attending next year!

Brand new Compendium Volume 3

We are delighted to announce ThePackHub’s Refillable & Reusable Packaging Compendium Volume 3, your essential guide to navigating the booming refillable and reusable packaging sector. Authored by ThePackHub’s Refill & Reuse Specialist, Wayne Barron, this comprehensive 200-page report offers an in-depth analysis of global trends, showcasing over 150 innovative reuse solutions across a variety of consumer categories.

Find out more and save here.

Everything you need to know about the latest stand-out packaging patents!

Researched and analysed by ThePackHub’s Katie Roselaar, the report includes an interactive launch webinar where Katie reviews each invention independently, then brings it back to the Innovation Zone showing related launched products.We invite you to join us in our first monthly review of packaging patents from around the world.  Our hope is that these can inspire, educate and ultimately help you innovate.

More Information and order here

Researched and analysed by ThePackHub’s Katie Roselaar, the report includes an interactive launch webinar where Katie reviews each invention independently, then brings it back to the Innovation Zone showing related launched products.

Analysis and comment from ThePackHub’s Robyn Copley-Wilkins.Robyn reviews innovations across these packaging trend areas:

  • Recycling Resurgence
  • Refill Revolution
  • Paperisation
  • Bio Alternative Breakthrough
  • Enhanced User Experience

Click here to find out more and order.

Expert Interview
Stanley Mitchell, Xampla and James Nelson, 2M Group of Companies

We are joined by Stanley Mitchell from Xampla, who was recently been interviewed by the BBC, on how their exciting range of natural materials, Morro can help to eliminate the most polluting plastics. Morro is a plant-based drop-in solution that is fully biodegradable and even edible in some scenarios.

James Nelson from 2M Group of Companies also joins us to discuss the importance of technologies like Morro and how natural materials can play a huge role in the future of packaging innovation. James shares some of the work 2M are doing to develop an innovation portfolio of sustainable technologies that can help companies deliver on their net zero pledges.

Leading brand owners, retailers, and packaging suppliers trust the Innovation Zone to stay ahead with the latest packaging innovations. Contact us to learn how membership can enhance your company’s understanding.
Until next time. Happy innovating!

June 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Paper-based beer bottles to be trialled across Europe

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Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 6,050 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

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

Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

NEW – Watch our latest
Expert Interview

Elef Kassianidis, Sales Director, of flexible packaging specialists Hatzopoulos discusses how his company is solving several packaging sustainability challenges.

#1 Paper-based beer bottles to be trialled across Europe

Danish multinational brewer Carlsberg have announced that they plan to trial 8,000 paper-based beer bottles across several European countries. The brand owner had first publicised their intention to introduce a paper bottle as reported in the Innovation Zone as far back as February 2015. The initiative continues to edge nearer to market introduction. The bottles are made from sustainably sourced wood fibre, with a plant-based polymer lining supplied by Carlsberg’s partner, Amsterdam-based chemical technology company, Avantium. The bottles are fully recyclable. The cap of the bottle is not bio-based, but it is still recyclable. Carlsberg will use customer feedback to judge the level of success of the trial although the sample sizes are still relatively small speed across eight markets.

 

#2 Laser coding collaboration for compostable film starts

Cambridge-based Domino Printing Sciences has collaborated with compostable and biodegradable films specialist Futamura to assess the suitability of laser coding for its NatureFlex compostable film products. Domino has launched its D-Series CO2 laser coders, which it says provide an additive-free solution for manufacturers that use Futamura’s NatureFlex compostable cellulose films. Using Domino’s new laser coders, Futamura reported a clean, crisp, white code on its NatureFlex compostable film with no impact on film integrity or chemical composition. Moisture barrier properties were also unaffected. The companies say that the option of laser coding a message onto the NatureFlex flexible film is an attractive prospect as the coding method does not require adding any additional materials onto the compostable substrate, which could complicate final certification. Futamura says that many of their customers want to show the final packaging’s certification and additional disposal information on the film to help inform end consumers.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Wooden lipstick is easy to refill

Two European beauty packaging suppliers have collaborated to develop a refillable wooden lipstick. Quadpack, based in Spain, has combined its expertise in wooden packaging with the French company Aptar, which supplied the lipstick mechanism technology. Called the “Iconic Woodacity Lipstick”, the new packaging solution was designed for minimal impact and maximum consumer engagement. It combines Aptar’s Iconic mechanism with Quadpack’s Woodacity full-wood patented technology. Attached to an aluminium tube, the mechanism is contained in a mono material wooden casing custom-designed and manufactured by Quadpack. Aptar’s mechanism is POM-free (acetal), glue-free and lubricant-free, offering a smooth, constant and precise rotation. The lipstick is refillable with ease: consumers simply pull out the used mechanism and snap in the new one. It is also possible to use refills of different colours simultaneously with one single casing to further reduce the pack’s impact. The 100% certified ash wood brings a natural touch and a sensory dimension to the pack.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Isothermal meal box change delivers 20% more efficiency

Canadian sustainable packaging manufacturer Cascades has announced the development of a new isothermal meal box that is claimed to be 20% more efficient than its current home delivery solution. This new solution, known as the northbox XTEND is said to create a moisture barrier that helps keep the insulation rigid. The packaging keeps food fresh during long transit times and in regions with higher temperatures and requires less ice. The XTEND packaging solution is made of recycled cardboard and was determined to be recyclable by an external laboratory and prequalified by How2Recycle. The company is also commissioning a new production site for its northbox product line: Cascades Enviropac, in York, Pennsylvania. This facility is the second in four months to be opened to support Cascades’ growth in the isothermal packaging solutions market.

 

Packaging question of the week

Recent reports from the BBC suggest that Wales might ban single-use plastic bags. Is this the right move? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 54% stated that they had used reusable packaging in the last 24 hours.


June 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Patented technology allows consumer’s name to be scratched on their water bottle

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 6,025 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

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

Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

NEW – Watch our latest
Expert Interview

Elef Kassianidis, Sales Director, of flexible packaging specialists Hatzopoulos discusses how his company is solving several packaging sustainability challenges.

#1 Patented technology allows consumer’s name to be scratched on their water bottle

Detroit-based premium water company Agua Plus has added patented technology to its bottles, which allows the consumer to scratch their name, initials and image or identifying marks directly on their bottle of water. The technology, called All-Scratch!, is a reaction to what the company says is often confusion over who a bottle belongs to, which they claim leads to a staggering amount of excess product and packaging being wasted every day. They also assert that It leads to the potential for increased transmission of germs, viruses and bacteria when you can’t be sure which bottle is yours, leading to an elevated health risk. Agua Plus 4, 8 and 24-Packs come in boxes with a unique product window that allows shoppers to see the bottles. The packaging also clearly communicates the Agua Plus commitment to sustainability and the benefits of All-Scratch!. A pack of four 16.9 fl oz (500 ml) bottles retails for $7.72 (£6.29).

 

#2 Herb and spice brand moves to bio-based plastic lids

Kockens AB is one of Sweden’s leading distributors of dried herbs and spices. The business recently announced that the snap lids for their small spice jars are now made of bio-based plastic that is 100% recyclable. The weight of the lid has also been reduced by 10.5%. They say that the snap lids can be opened with one hand. The amount of glass used for the bottle has also been reduced by 6.3% which means a reduced glass consumption by 33 tons per year and a reduced carbon dioxide emission by 28 tons. All of Kocken’s spice glasses also consist of 55-60% recycled glass, collected from sorting plants. The graphic design of the packaging has also changed with a focus on a more stripped-down, natural and simple design. Kockens has an ongoing goal to make all of their packaging completely recyclable by 2025.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Delivery brand partnership sees more products in reusable packaging

UK-based reusable packaging-focused delivery company Good Club have announced the commencement of their first ever partnership with a retail company. They will be assisting Muller-owned delivery company Milk & More expand their range of zero waste packaging grocery lines. The collaboration, aptly named ‘Good Club at Milk & More’, will offer to customers a new range, comprising ten product lines, including tea, coffee, sugar and cereals. There is also pasta and rice, and glass jars for storage, which join the already-vast range of products delivered to customers’ doorsteps by 7am. According to Good Club, this use of over 100 million one-pint glass bottles will prevent the use of over 1,600 tonnes of plastic waste.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 AR development aids visually impaired in retail environments

London-based Zappar is a leading company that specialises in AR (Augmented Reality) creation. Their latest development is Zapvision, which has been designed to aid the visually impaired in a retail environment. Zapvision uses D3 QR codes (so-called because of their ‘dot-dot-dash’ pattern), to read out whatever relevant information the brand has chosen to provide. These D3 QR codes can be scanned at over five times the distance (115cm) of a normal QR code scanned through the camera on a smartphone, the company says. This single code scheme can service both the partially sighted and sighted audiences. Zappar recently showcased this innovative adaptation of QR technology at the AWE (Augmented World Expo) exhibition, helping the visually impaired to navigate the shopping experience, enabling them to find products on supermarket shelves while providing them easy access to vital product, price and brand information in real-time.

 

Packaging question of the week

Have you used reusable packaging in the last 24 hours? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 45% stated that they place their compostable packaging in their home compost bin.


June 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Cheese pack redesign with side opening reduces packaging use

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
6000 up!

ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 6,000 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

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

Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

Watch our recent
Recyclable Packaging Innovations Webinar

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

Any questions about the innovations discussed or ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone, please contact paul.jenkins@thepackhub.com.

#1 Cheese pack redesign with side opening reduces packaging use

Saputo Dairy UK has announced that it is moving its market-leading cheddar cheese to a side-opening format, in a move that it claims will save 40 tonnes of plastic annually. The dairy giant is in the process of moving its Cathedral City cheddar to the new format across the entire range. The innovation is said to reduce plastic content by 6% per pack. Research carried out by the company suggests that over 60% of consumers preferred the new side opening format. The side opening is claimed to give consumers the ability to slide the cheese in and out of the pack without touching the bare cheese block, so they can slice or grate it straight from the packet. The research also says that 73% of consumers felt the zip lock would also keep their cheddar fresher and would be easy to open and reclose multiple times.

 

#2 Plastic-free paper soap pack makes Brazilian introduction

A Brazilian manufacturer of personal care products has announced that it is moving its bars of soap into plastic-free paper packaging. Luky is switching its range of Nips All Day soap into Gualapack Brazil’s Green Pack paper-based packaging. It uses plant resins to make the wrap waterproof and effectively seal the packs without the use of plastics. This eliminates the traditional plastic layer usually required for sealing and moisture resistance and means that the packaging is compostable and recyclable. The paper-based packaging will be used on Luky’s Fennel and Green Tea soap products. Gualapack announced the acquisition of Brazilian packaging company Teruel Embalagens – Papéis Amália Ltda, producers of Green Pack and specialists in flexible paper solutions, in September 2021. Green Pack is also suitable for food products, across various packaging formats, including flow wraps, pouches and sachets.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Foamable PP touted as viable expanded polystyrene alternative

Texas-based multinational oil and gas corporation Exxon Mobil has announced the launch of a foamable PP (polypropylene) product as an alternative to EPS (expanded polystyrene). Achieve Advanced PP is said to be an affordable alternative to EPS as less raw material is required to produce the final product, thanks to what Exxon Mobil claims is its excellent structural integrity at low densities. The company also says that Achieve Advanced PP runs well on modified polystyrene foam equipment. It also offers excellent thermal insulation at a broad range of temperatures. Achieve Advanced PP allows post-industrial and post-consumer recycling, (where appropriate collection and recycling facilities exist), reducing footprint and cost without compromising product integrity. It utilises PP product attributes to resist moisture, grease and common detergents for long-lasting performance. Suggested uses include insulated food and beverage packaging such as cups, tops, clamshells and trays, produced on modified polystyrene foam equipment.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Individual beer labels created to celebrate Pride Week

Digital print continues to be used to create engaging and differentiated content. The technology has been adopted to create some packaging noise in support of Pride Week in Israel. BeerBazaar have launched BeerColada, which is a sweet beer with coconut and pineapple flavour hints and has been released in eye-catching special edition packaging. Each pack has a different character on each label to help celebrate the versatility and beauty of the week. The So B What You Wanna B(eer) campaign has been brought to market via digital print heavyweights HP. Each beer label is unique and denotes a distinct character with different skin tone, clothing, earrings, glasses, hairstyle and facial hair ensuring that no two designs are the same. It has been achieved using the randomisation technology of HP Mosaic. Incredibly, it is reported that the labels took less than one week to create. They were printed at Israel-based Kinneret Press.

 

Packaging question of the week

If your packaging states that it is compostable, what do you do with it? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 66% were confident that they know what household packaging they can recycle.


June 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Australian milk bottle made from 50% recycled plastic

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 5,975 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

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

Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

Watch our recent
Recyclable Packaging Innovations Webinar

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

Any questions about the innovations discussed or ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone, please contact paul.jenkins@thepackhub.com.

#1 Australian milk bottle made from 50% recycled plastic

Visy is an American-Australian packaging company that claims to be a global leader in packaging and resource recovery. Following a $29 million (£16.45m) investment in a state-of-the-art recycling facility, it says it is able to produce a milk bottle manufactured from 50% recycled plastic. The investment is said to be diverting up to 1.9 billion plastic bottles from landfill and export each year, and keeping more plastics in the circular economy to be re-made locally into food grade products. Previously milk bottles manufactured at the Visy facility only contained a maximum of 20% recycled material. Visy currently recycles around 98,000 tonnes of plastic annually, most of which is derived from kerbside collections. The new process is said to have taken a great deal of development but has now been approved for food grade recycling.

 

#2 Refillable glass bottle switch in French hospitality sector

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) France plans to distribute all of its packaged beverages to hotels, restaurants and cafes in returnable glass bottles by the end of 2022. Coca-Cola says the new bottles can be refilled up to 25 times, saving more than 15 million single-use glass bottles and the associated energy use. The 250 ml returnable glass bottle will be used for the Fuze Tea, Tropico, Sprite, Fanta and Minute Maid brands. They join the Coca-Cola Original, Coca-Cola Zero and Coca-Cola Cherry brands in their iconic 330 ml glass bottles. Once empty, the bottles are stored in their own crates and collected for return to the factory to be cleaned and refilled. CCEP says a refillable glass bottle boasts a greenhouse gas impact three times lower than that of a single-use glass bottle. Coca-Cola says that packaging accounts for 43% of their total value chain emissions.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Sweden sees launch of tequila in cardboard bottle

Mexican tequila brand Buen Vato has announced the launch of what is claimed to be the world’s first tequila in a cardboard bottle. It is made from 94% recycled material and produces 84% less CO2 emissions per kg. Production of the bottle uses six times less energy, and 1.9 litres less water than conventional glass tequila bottles. Transport costs are also reduced by 0.52 kg/C02 less per litre of tequila. Buen Vato’s goal for 2022 is to produce 20,000 bottles which will reduce CO2 emissions by 24600 kg. Inside the board bottle is a plastic liner which is easily removed for recycling purposes. The Swedish government, which operates a monopoly on retail sales of alcoholic beverages, will be the first retailer in the world to launch and sell this unique product. Buen Vato will be officially unveiled at the ProWein fair in Germany.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 World’s first aluminium lug lid is easy to open

Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT), based in Dayton, Ohio has announced an aluminium lug version of its patented EEASY Lid, which allows consumers to release a jar’s vacuum by pressing a button on the lid to enable easier opening. The new aluminium version partners with their previous steel version (see link below), and CCT claims that this EEASY lid will be the world’s first aluminium lug lid, making it a more sustainable option. CCT say that the EEASY Lid reduces the amount of torque needed to twist off a jar lid by more than 58% for traditional lug lids and 40% compared to standard continuous thread (CT) lids. The EEASY lid was developed after a lengthy eight years of R&D, with accessibility for disabled consumers or consumers with reduced mobility at the forefront of the innovation

 

Packaging question of the week

Are you confident that you know what household packaging you can recycle and what should just get thrown away? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 22% think that COVID is impacting their business a lot. 45% a little and 33% not at all.


May 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Partnership sees tracking of reuse scheme through innovative tech

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 5,935 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

ThePackHub team is attending the Packaging Innovations show at NEC, Birmingham this Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th May. Come and say hello at stand J122 next to the Ecopack stage.

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

Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

New – Watch last week’s
Recyclable Packaging Webinar

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

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub.

Any questions about the innovations discussed or ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone, please contact paul.jenkins@thepackhub.com.

This week

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 Partnership sees tracking of reuse scheme through innovative tech

Multinational food and drink brand owners Nestlé has collaborated with London-based startup Nozama which will see a partnership utilising the latter’s innovative tracking technology to track Nestlé’s Dolce Gusto coffee capsules.  The trackers ensure proper participation in the reuse schemes offered by Nestlé, and prevent property loss. Consumers can take part in the scheme by downloading the Dolce Gusto recycling app, available on most smartphones. It allows consumers to digitally track the number of capsules they deposit at the recycling dropoff, and the app in turn shows them the environmental impact they are having by doing this. Through the consistent use of the app, users can earn rewards and discounts for Nestlé products.

 

#2 Wet-wipes in a bottle aims to cut waste

Wype is a gel-based product that, when applied to toilet paper, works as a sustainable alternative to wet-wipes. After moving from Italy to the UK, and missing her bidet, inventor Giorgia turned to conventional wet-wipes, unaware of the problems that they could cause to pipes and waterways. So, with a partner, they wondered if they could come up with an alternative to the wet-wipe, something that provided the clean feeling of a bidet while being gentle to the body and good for the planet. Following two years of research, Wype is the result. It is an aluminium bottle which dispenses a cleansing gel onto toilet paper. It features an attached overcap which keeps the applicator head clean and prevents any leakages, a circular hole pattern which allows the gel to spread evenly, along with a one-touch design which allows the user to open and operate the applicator single-handed.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 New pouch introduced to meet plastic packaging tax legislation

Leeds-based flexible packaging manufacturer Roberts Mart & Co Ltd have collaborated with McBride, producer of private label products for the cleaning and hygiene markets, to launch a new stand-up pouch for supermarkets across Europe. It will be used for own-brand laundry capsules and dishwasher tablets. The pouch is made from 30% recycled plastic, which meets the requirements set by the recently introduced UK Plastic Packaging Tax, which requires a tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content threshold. Roberts & Mart aim to build on the progress made so far with an aim to increase further the level of inclusion of Post Consumer Recyclate (PCR) plastic beyond the 30% mark.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Patent-pending alternative to beverage PE shrink wrap in development

Nordson India creates dispensing equipment for consumer and industrial adhesives, sealants and coatings. The business has announced the launch of an adhesive-based, patent-pending alternative to single-use PE (polyethylene) shrink wrap for product collating applications. Adhesive beads are applied to both sides of a board or textile carrier via an automated machine. The product is then placed onto the adhesive and assembled into a collated bundle. The patent defines numerous shapes and sizes of the carrier, along with the kinds of products that could be collated and numerous arrangements within the bundle. Expected uses are for beverages, personal care and even books, among other items. On removing products from the carrier, the adhesive remains on the carrier, as a residual adhesive on the product after its separation from the bundle would make it unsaleable. A similar technology also finds an opportunity for applications in pallet stabilisation, where pallets are currently stacked and wrapped with stretch film.

 

Packaging question of the week

How are packaging supply chain issues affecting your business compared to a month ago? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 67% said they will be participating in The Big Plastic Count.


May 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Recyclable paper ketchup bottle prototype starts development

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 5,910 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

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

Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

Watch our recent
Recyclable Plastic Packaging Webinar

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

We are delighted to also be joined by Dr. Elef Kassianidis, Sales Director, UK & Ireland of flexible packaging experts Hatzopoulos.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

For any questions or enquiries about Elef Kassianidis of Hatzopolous’ presentation, you can contact him as follows:

kassianidis@hatzopoulos.co.uk
+44 (0) 7572 12 6964

Any questions about the innovations discussed or ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone, please contact paul.jenkins@thepackhub.com.

This week
Recyclable Plastic Packaging webinar

FREE one hour webinar. Catch up on the latest recyclable packaging innovation trends with this whistle-stop tour of the latest initiatives. We will cover many recent in-market and developmental examples to inspire you and keep you up to speed.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

Book your free place here.

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 Recyclable paper ketchup bottle prototype starts development

UK sustainable packaging creator Pulpex is developing an industry-first sustainable packaging solution with multinational food brand owner Kraft Heinz, for the latter’s world-famous Heinz brand of ketchup. The team-up has resulted in the early exploration of a prototype paper-based and recyclable ketchup bottle made from renewable resources of sustainably sourced wood pulp. The initiative would launch in an opaque bottle, breaking the traditional ketchup bottle packaging rules of transparency. The prototype is just one development in a range that is helping Kraft Heinz work towards their company goals of making all of their packaging globally recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. The company has previously introduced recyclable caps for its plastic squeezy sauce bottles, which contains 30% recycled content.

 

#2 NFC pack aids post-purchase engagement

Clinique Laboratories, the US manufacturer of high-end skincare, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances, have recently launched a limited edition version of their Moisture Surge 100H moisturiser. It features an NFC (near field communication) chip on the base of the jar. By tapping the chip, consumers can access a range of digital content and services. The limited edition ‘More Than You Think’ pack enables consumers to “find out what dehydrators may be affecting their skin; get advice from Clinique’s experts; then share the experience with others. NFC technology is a set of communication protocols that enables communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm or less and is now commonly used for payment at supermarket checkouts. The Limited Edition Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator retails at £39 ($48) for a 50ml jar.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Hybrid wood and corrugated board box offers weight advantages

The Spanish division of International Paper (IP) has developed a hybrid box solution that combines wood with corrugated board to offer a more sustainable and lightweight product. Instead of being made completely from wood, the conventional bottom previously made of wood fibre is replaced with a corrugated board base. By doing this, the company has managed to considerably reduce the weight of its boxes, thus improving and optimising the logistics processes of its customers with a lighter solution for transporting its products, while using a material with greater availability in the market. IP says that in Iberian Peninsula stocks of wood fibre have been limited for 12 months due to an increase in demand and the global shortage crisis. This situation has worsened, even more, hence the development of the hybrid box. The new box is available in multiple sizes and is specially designed for the transport of different fruit and vegetable products.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Paper-based child-proof detergent box delivers 40% carbon reduction

Global paper-based packaging specialists Smurfit Kappa has announced the launch of a patented paper-based and child-proof detergent box. Called the TopLock Box, it has been designed for detergent pods and capsules with child-proof features. Smurfit says that the TopLock Box is 100% plastic-free and made entirely from FSC-certified (Forestry Stewardship Council) paper-based packaging. This means that the TopLock Box is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. The new paper-based laundry box solution is said to give a 40% carbon footprint reduction compared to traditional rigid plastic alternatives. Smurfit says that the TopLock Box’s opening mechanism also makes it a safe and convenient solution for companies seeking a more sustainable alternative for child-proof packaging. The paper-based solution is apparently also leak-proof. The TopLock Box can be delivered as a flat, single item for inbound logistics and storage savings, while the dimensions of the pack can also be tailored to increase supply chain efficiency.

 

Packaging question of the week

The Big Plastic Count starts in the UK this week and runs for seven days. Would you participate if it took place in your country? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 40% think that the biggest brands are most to blame for packaging waste.


May 2022

Next Week – Recyclable Packaging Webinar

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

Next Week – Recyclable Packaging webinar

Thursday 19th May – 3pm UK (10am ET)

FREE one hour webinar. Catch up on the latest recyclable packaging innovation trends with this whistle-stop tour of the latest initiatives. We will cover many recent in-market and developmental examples to inspire you and keep you up to speed.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

Book your free place here.

NEW – Watch our last webinar

Recyclable Plastic Packaging Innovations webinar from ThePackHub with Hatzopoulos. Broadcast 5th May 2022.
Please forward to your friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

May 2022

Innovation Zone Snapshot – Air capsule packaging alternative to conventional corrugated shipping cases

Read more ›

Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates more than 100 new packaging innovations every month for our unique Innovation Zone platform. We now have 5,885 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new ideas for you today.

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

Please forward to your packaging friends and colleagues to stay up to date with the latest packaging innovation news.  They can click here to subscribe.

Watch last week’s
Recyclable Plastic Packaging Webinar

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

We are delighted to also be joined by Dr. Elef Kassianidis, Sales Director, UK & Ireland of flexible packaging experts Hatzopoulos.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

For any questions or enquiries about Elef Kassianidis of Hatzopolous’ presentation, you can contact him as follows:

kassianidis@hatzopoulos.co.uk
+44 (0) 7572 12 6964

Any questions about the innovations discussed or ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone, please contact paul.jenkins@thepackhub.com.

Recyclable Plastic Packaging webinar

FREE one hour webinar. Catch up on the latest recyclable packaging innovation trends with this whistle-stop tour of the latest initiatives. We will cover many recent in-market and developmental examples to inspire you and keep you up to speed.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

Book your free place here.

Sustainable Packaging Podcast

ThePackHub’s Paul Jenkins talks with sustainable packaging expert Cory Connors in his latest podcast.

Listen on Spotify.

Listen on Apple.

Innovation & Design Stage – Powered by ThePackHub

ThePackHub is delighted to help curate content for the Innovation & Design Stage at the upcoming Packaging Innovations at NEC on 25th & 26th May. The stage will host discussions and debates to uncover the latest trends and innovations in design and product packaging.

Get inspired by thought leaders and begin to shape your future packs with discussions such as innovations driven by the packaging tax, the refill/reuse revolution, the importance of trend scanning and much more!

ThePackHub will present four sessions consisting of keynote speakers and case studies from leading brand owners, retailers and FMCG companies.

We’ll keep you updated on speaker announcements over the next few weeks and we can’t wait!

You can register your free place here.

#1 Air capsule packaging alternative to conventional corrugated shipping cases

Procter & Gamble China has revealed a novel packaging solution called  Air Capsule Express packaging. The development was recently shared by their R&D Technology General Manager, and is being touted as an alternative to conventional corrugated board shipping cases for protecting fragile items in the last mile of delivery, and reducing the quantity of packaging.  Air Capsule is P&G’s patented invention where they are finding industry partners to collect it for recycling. The Air Capsule Express packaging is made from a single material that is inflated with air, is waterproof, recyclable, and weighs 40% less than a normal shipping case. Procter & Gamble China joined the GRPG (Green Recycled Plastics Supply Chain Joint Working Group) to investigate waste separation recycling and plastic recycling enterprises. The Air Capsule Express was developed jointly with the GRPG, who together carried out pilot trials for recycling of the Air Capsule Express as a way of promoting a greener circular economy.

 

#2 PCR paperboard blister packs developed

Ohio-based Rohrer has announced the launch of two new blister pack options with an eye very much on the environment. All-Paper Blister is a packaging solution, as the name implies, made entirely of paper. All-Paper Blister cards and inserts are made using paperboard derived from post-consumer waste (65% PCW) sources, or from Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified paperboard. The other option, the ecoCombo, features thermoformed blisters that are created using post-consumer recycled PET (50% PCR). Both blister pack solutions are said to run on current production lines with existing heat-sealing equipment, and can be ordered in convenient quantities, ie. 5,000 to 100,000. Superior print and decoration is available on a variety of substrates, including Rohrer’s Process+ seven-colour processing.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Edible film in development made from pineapple waste

A team of researchers from the Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of Alicante in Spain have developed a new packaging material made from pineapple waste. Both the core and peel are used to make the plastic-like material. The new packaging format effectively thwarts potential pineapple food waste where as much as half of each fruit is wasted with the rind and core being the parts most commonly discarded.  It is said to have properties which can increase the level of preservation of the food it holds, increasing shelf life. The end goal of the development is to have created an edible film that can be used to control the shelf-life of susceptible foods such as red meat.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Mono-material PET blister lidding solution meets industry requirements

Huhtamäki Oyj is a global packaging specialist based in Finland. They have announced a first-to-market, mono-material PET (polyethylene terephthalate) lidding material aimed at the global healthcare industry. Developed as a replacement to the industry standard of aluminium lidding, Huhtamaki’s Push Tab blister lid is designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of highly regulated pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging, and provides the industry with a recyclable alternative to traditional push-through blister packaging. When combined with Klöckner Pentaplast Next™ R1 bottom rigid film, it is a plug and play solution, proven to run on existing blister packaging lines, without modifications or extra investment required, and without having to compromise on speed. Push Tab® blister lid has superior optical clarity, and Its PET-Heat Sealing structure is printable using all standard technologies. This new development is said to make PET based lid film pushable and enables easy access to the tablet for the consumer.

 

ThePackHub Expert Interview

Sustainability and climate change expert Tom Wood, Carbon Accounting Lead, of net-zero carbon specialists Emitwise talks about the growing demand for carbon emission reduction insight.

Packaging question of the week

Planet Patrol say 10 brands account for half of the UK’s packaging litter. Are the biggest brands most to blame for the waste? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 61% think that fast food reusable packaging, like Burger King’s trial, will stay.


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