Category: Uncategorised

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

NEW – Watch our latest
Expert Interview

#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

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.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

NEW – Watch our latest
Expert Interview

#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

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.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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/

Watch our recent
Recyclable Packaging Innovations Webinar

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

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.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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/

New – Watch last week’s
Recyclable Packaging Webinar

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

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.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

Watch our recent
Recyclable Plastic Packaging Webinar

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

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

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

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

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.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

Watch last week’s
Recyclable Plastic Packaging Webinar

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

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

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

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

Book your free place here.

Sustainable Packaging Podcast

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

ThePackHub Expert Interview

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 Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

This Thursday – Recyclable Plastic Packaging webinar

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

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

Book your free place here.

Watch ThePackHub’s last webinar

Innovation & Design Stage – Powered by ThePackHub

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

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

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

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

You can register your free place here.

#1 Marker technology helps recycling separation process

Recycling optimisation and sorting company Polysecure have collaborated with plastic producers Röchling to create a new innovation called SmartMarker, which is designed to aid in the process of separating specific plastics in order to recycle more efficiently. The solution is not only useful for recycling – the SmartMarker tech can offer counterfeit protection as well. It works by giving their plastic products a unique identifier made of tiny marker particles, which are fully transparent and do not affect the properties of the product in any way. This allows them to track the origins of the material as well as separate it from other materials for easier recycling.

#2 Flavour-adjusting electric chopsticks make low-salt food taste salty

Japanese manufacturer of beverages and pharmaceutical products, Kirin Holdings has partnered with Tokyo-based Meiji University researchers to demonstrate a set of electric chopsticks that can boost people’s perception of saltiness. The researchers say that the “electric taste sensation” system pairs one regular chopstick with another that’s connected to a wrist-worn power supply and control computer. Apparently, the system uses very weak electricity, not enough to affect the human body – to adjust the function of ions such as sodium chloride and sodium glutamate to change the perception of taste by making food seem to taste stronger or weaker. Gel “food” samples were given to participants, with precisely measured salt levels representing “normal” salted food and a reduced-salt version with some 30% less salt in it. When the device was turned on, subjects rated the reduced-salt food as slightly saltier than the “normal” food, on a “saltiness intensity evaluation point” scale.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Collectable lego-like packaging for new cannabis brand

New York design studios MA-MA and Pràctica have come together for the rebranding of Canadian actor and comedian Seth Rogen’s Houseplant cannabis brand. The new packaging is comprised of stackable containers that resemble Lego bricks. Along with the lego-like cannabis containers, MA-MA and Pràctica designed a custom typeface and modernist line illustrations of Houseplant products for the package rebranding. The cube-shaped containers come in three bold colours, green, pink and orange, against a blue background, corresponding to the different strains of cannabis they contain. The lids have a circular protrusion, making them stackable like Lego. Houseplant were keen on having the flower container be something people would want to display on their shelves as a collectable keepsake. The design is said to subtly reference the nostalgic imagery of classic modernist product design packaging, with product shapes dictating the visuals.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Digitally-enabled tracking tool for pharmaceutical manufacturers launched

ThePackHub Expert Interview

Packaging question of the week

Burger King’s trial of reusable packaging in some UK outlets is one of several pilots globally, do you think this method will stay? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 76% say the UK Plastic Packaging Tax needs to be changed/amended.

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

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

In this webinar, you’ll learn:
• How to satisfy both product protection and sustainability for an effective package
• How COVID-19 played a part in the e-commerce boom
• How to address issues like porch piracy, anti-counterfeiting and authentication
• The best new e-commerce and omnichannel methods and strategies for your next project

Book your free place here.

New – Recyclable Plastic Packaging webinar

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

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

Book your free place here.

Watch ThePackHub’s last webinar

We are joined by Mauro Cozzi CEO and co-founder of carbon footprint reduction experts Emitwise. Hosted by Paul Jenkins and Barrington Pamplin of ThePackHub.

Innovation & Design Stage – Powered by ThePackHub

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

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

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

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

You can register your free place here.

#1 Anti-counterfeiting technology encrypts signature on pack artwork

Ennoventure are a US anti-counterfeiting technology company that was set up in 2018 with the aims of developing digital solutions, using advanced technologies like AI, blockchain and embedded solutions. Their patented anti-counterfeiting solutions can encrypt cryptographic signature on artwork of the package making the pack digital. The encrypted signature is invisible to the naked eye and can be retrieved using any smartphone, eliminating the need for extensive changes in the production process, including significant CAPEX and operating expenses investments. Their technology can be used for a number of purposes including anti-counterfeiting, converting analogue packs into smart and intelligent packs, global tracking of products, customer engagement for promotions, competitions etc, and warranty management. It can also be used as a tool to make packaging friendly for the visually impaired. The carbon footprint of companies can also be reduced as the technology can remove the need for paper instruction booklets and enable eLeaflets.

#2 Cocoa-based paper for Easter egg packaging

Dengo Chocolates is an ethical Brazilian cocoa and chocolate producer. As part of its range of Easter eggs, the paper for the packaging used was produced using cocoa seed husks. About 20% of cocoa beans are husks and using it on ‘cocoa paper’ is one of the best ways to make full use of it, avoiding the need for materials like plastic. The paper was printed by Brazilian flexible packaging company Camargo Embalagens. The 100% compostable natural paper was used on its ‘Classicos’ range of Easter eggs. Going forward, the intention is to adopt this packaging material in regular line products as well. Dengo works with small and medium producers of high quality cocoa, generating good income by paying more for cocoa producers and providing agricultural technical training for producers.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 PET aerosol container has raw material carbon footprint half of aluminium

Part of the Tetra Laval Group, Sidel is a provider of equipment, services and complete solutions for packaging liquids, foods, home and personal care products in PET (polyethylene terephthalate). They have now launched the PressureSAFE, a new safe PET aerosol container offering brands an alternative substrate and potential competitive edge. PressureSAFE is approved for the traditional PET recycling stream. The expected uses are for products such as perfumes and deodorants. PressureSAFE is said to offer home and personal care brands a more competitive choice of pressurised container than the traditional metal aerosol container. The average PET market price is almost half that of aluminium, in addition, PET has a raw material carbon footprint that is said to be half that of aluminium and is 100% recyclable within the PET stream. The transparency of PET also offers consumers direct visibility of the product and enhanced marketing with decorative options such as a partial or full body sleeve.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Beer brand celebrates anniversary with a champagne bottle

ThePackHub Expert Interview

Packaging question of the week

Does the UK Plastic Packaging Tax need to be changed/amended? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 25% say they home compost their compostable & packaging. 57% put in waste bin.