Innovation Zone

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

Welcome to this week’s Innovation Zone snapshot from ThePackHub.
ThePackHub collates 20 new packaging innovations every week for our Innovation Zone database. We now have 5,324 searchable initiatives listed. We have selected four new initiatives for you today.

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

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#1 Child-proof blister pack is easier to open by older people

Packlock is an innovative blister pack designed to be child-resistant, but also easy to open by older people. In Germany, it is reported that 200,000 children are poisoned annually, with around 60% being caused by medication. Also, 77% of medicines are taken by people over 60 years of age. The design of the Packlock requires both ends to be squeezed at once, while then pushing the tablet out of the blister, meaning it is difficult for children to access the medication. Packlock is not a fundamentally new medication packaging, the existing blister packaging is merely modified and further processed. The packaging process requires an additional step in which the blisters are folded and sealed. It is also available in a biodegradable packaging variant made of cast fibre and monofilm. The packaging is provided with a closure seal and can be hung on the usual shelves in retail stores. Packlock is also suitable for packing button cell batteries.

 

#2 Powder technology makes for very accurate dosing

Netherlands-based packaging development company Mezzo International have been busy with several new designs and concepts as reported in the Innovation Zone recently. They are on the innovation trail once again, with a new powder dosing technology. The concept involves a custom-built tub that can accurately dispense powdered goods at a pre-determined level. All the user needs to do is tilt the tub, which will fill the dosing chamber that holds up to 20 grams of powder. The dosing accuracy is +/- 5%, giving users safe and accurate dosing. The new concept pack could have applications in the pharmaceutical market and for food products. It can be designed bespoke to the needs of the brand, allowing for many customisation and unique-to-the-market options. There is also a similar technology by the Mezzo team in development for pharmaceutical tablet dosing.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Prototype face cream lid enhances accessibility

Olay North America has announced the launch of a new prototype lid, which it says will improve accessibility for disabled people. The new lid, called the Easy Open Lid, incorporates a winged cap that allows for easier opening. Other features include an extra grip on the raised lid, a high contrast product label, and braille text that reads “face cream” to allow consumers to differentiate between products. The new lid will be available on four of their most popular products: Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturiser, Retinol 24 Face Moisturiser, and Collagen Peptide 24 Face Moisturiser.  P&G’s Olay have made the decision not to patent the new lid, as they feel that others may join them in making products more accessible to the disabled. The Easy Open Lid will be offered to consumers at no additional cost, with the purchase of any of the four Olay moisturisers with the new design.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Mono-material bread pack with smart drawstring developed

There continues to be a lot of activity in the development of mono-material packaging. Here we see a new innovation from Austrian packaging company Schur Flexibles who combines improved recyclability with increased user functionality. They have developed a drawstring solution for bread packaging, called EcoString. The drawstring is made from the same material as the rest of the pack (either PE or PP), which will allow the pack to be fully mono-material, and thus more easily recycled. Along with sustainability, the convenience of the pack should not go unnoticed. It allows consumers to easily keep their bread fresh and then simply recycle the pack through standard recycling streams when finished.

Latest ThePackHub Expert Interview

Marika Knorr of CCL Label discusses her company’s Ecofloat sleeve material can enable brands to meet their recycling targets.

Packaging question of the week

Do you prefer to refill your products at home or on the go? Vote and comment now. 

Last week, following COP 26, 70% think we will see more plastic packaging activity to meet the carbon reduction objectives.

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