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#1 Recycled food grade soft plastic packaging is a cheese market first
According to the 2019 UK Household Plastic Collection Survey, just over 5% of soft plastic is collected to be recycled into new material and that is non-food grade only. UK supermarket leaders Tesco plan to change that with the introduction of the first recycled food-grade soft plastic packaging from materials returned by their customers. A trial will see the retailer’s own label cheese brand use the recycled packaging via their supplier Bradburys. It will contain a minimum of 30% recycled material. Recycling collection points specifically for soft plastics were introduced in 10 south-west Tesco stores with a view to identifying ways to create a closed-loop recycling system. The material is sent to London-based leading chemical recycling company Plastic Energy. They used packaging is converted into oil through pyrolysis. This recycled oil is then used by SABIC in their production process to make new plastic pellets. Sealed Air produced the new packaging for seven different cheese variants. Work is ongoing to access scalability.
#2 Market leader makes snack tube switch to improve recycling
It has been estimated that three million Pringles tubes are sold every day across Europe. The distinctive pack is being re-designed due to it being very hard to recycle. The composition of the ubiquitous tube is complex comprising of a metal base, metal tear-off freshness lid, foil-lined cardboard sleeve topped off with a plastic cap. The combination of these materials is necessary to maintain a 15-month shelf life but makes it impossible to recycle through existing waste systems. New packs have been developed and are being tested in selected Tesco stores and made of 90% paper. The rest is made of polyAl (PE and aluminium combination) plastic barrier to protect the contents against both oxygen and moisture. Both recyclable plastic and paper lid options are also on trial. Both will still produce the distinctive ‘pop’ sound strongly associated with the brand. The new designs have been in development for a year. See also Introduction of 100% recyclable own-label crisp tube is a UK retailer first.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#3 Easy opening pack allows for controlled dispense and accurate dosing
Forest Glenn, Queensland-based Snapsil Corporation is an Australian leader in easy to use packaging technology. They have developed a distinctive and innovative new way to open medical devices with ease. Their patented technology for the Centre Snap Powder pack is most suitable for medical and pharmaceutical applications for easy opening, controlled dispense and accurate dosing. Suitable for powdered products, the pack design makes it easy for consumers to check for any residual powder that might be left to help reduce product wastage and ensure all is used. It offers a one-stop continuous dispense and delivers excellent and efficient evacuation of product. The pack is small and easy to carry making it perfect for on-the-go usage. The easy to open pack is available in a range of customizable shapes and sizes.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#4 Paper beverage packaging testing switches to vodka bottles
Absolut Company is examining alternative to glass bottle formats with the announcement that it is testing a small quantity of paper-based bottles. The activity is part of its collaboration with Paboco, a joint venture between Swedish pulp and paper manufacturer BillerudKorsnäs and bottle manufacturer Alpla Group. Paboco’s other partners include Coca-Cola, Carlsberg and L’Oréal. The first production of 2,000 prototypes will be submitted for controlled testing in Sweden and then the UK. The latest model is made from a combination of 57% paper and 43% plastic. The whole bottle is recyclable and is made of 100% recycled content. Following initial feedback from consumers, a second pilot production run is planned. Absolut Vodka and Absolut Mixt will be the first two products tested in the paper bottles. The recycled plastic makes up the single barrier layer for the bottle, which can successfully be recycled with processing systems for this material are already in place. The next stage of development is striving towards the ultimate goal of a fully bio-based bottle.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
Packaging question of the week
The growth of the refillable and reusable packaging market is a big opportunity for packaging suppliers? Vote and comment now.
Last week: 43% say paper-based bottles is the format for the future for the beverage industry.
Please visit ThePackHub or call us on +44(0)118 963 9990 to find out more about the range of packaging innovation services we offer. We’ve delivered projects for a number of brand owner, retailer and packaging suppliers.
Until next time. Happy innovating.
