Innovation Zone Snapshot – Post consumer recycled PP refill tubs reduce supply chain carbon footprint

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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#1 Post consumer recycled PP refill tubs reduce supply chain carbon footprint

French natural skincare, beauty and organic cosmetics producer L’Occitane en Provence has collaborated with VPI, part of the Faiveley Plast group, who specialise in injection moulded plastic parts for use in luxury goods. Together they have developed a new refill tub made from 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) PP (polypropylene). The companies say that the 100% PCR PP reuses fossil resources, thus reducing the use of virgin fossil-based plastics. In addition, the lightweight rPP reportedly offers a lower carbon footprint across the entire supply chain. The refill method means consumers initially purchase the tub along with aluminium packaging that the tub fits inside. The heat-sealed tubs can then be replaced and reloaded into the aluminium packaging for future purchases. The design of the grip creates an unsnapping and re-snapping closure, which reportedly ensures a user-friendly and pleasant mode of use. The refill tub will be used for its Shea Ultra Rich Body Cream.

#2 Lidless cup starts Canadian rollout

Fast-food chain A&W Canada is piloting a fully recyclable, compostable coffee cup. The solution, from UK-based company Butterfly Cup, has no straw, lid or plastic lining and is suitable for hot and cold beverages. A&W claims to be the first quick-service restaurant in North America to pilot the Butterfly Cup. The Butterfly Cup has numerous worldwide patents, is said to biodegrade naturally and quickly in the right conditions, can be recycled with other paper-based products, and is also said to be cost-effective. The board used to manufacture the Butterfly Cup is both FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) approved. The pilot initiative was rolled out in participating restaurants across the Greater Toronto area earlier this week.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Mobile refill scheme goes direct to Orlando communities

Good Fills is an Orlando Florida start-up that started in January 2022 and offers a mobile refill service for soaps and laundry items, among other household items. The mobile service visits community and farmer’s markets in the Orlando area, with times and dates available on the Good Fills website. For first time customers, they offer bottles for sale that meet FTC and FDA regulations. If you’re a returning customer, they ask you to bring back your bottles. If you’re done with your bottles, they will buy them back for $2. They sell their products by weight, but are happy to approximate any volume you desire. The container weight is subtracted out so you only pay for what you need. Good Fills is a mobile zero-waste store aiming to reduce plastic consumption by refilling family-friendly soaps, detergents, and cleaners, and have curated a selection of eco-friendly positioned national brands and boutique hand-crafted local brands.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Dry moulded fibre coffee lid makes Swedish introduction

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