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#1 Reusable e-commerce packaging makes French introduction
Online shopping has increased significantly over the last decade or so further fuelled by changes to consumer behaviour due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This has increased the need for sustainable packaging and ways to mitigate the amount of extra waste created. French e-commerce company CDiscount is collaborating with startup Hipli to offer their online customers reusable packaging that can be used up to 100 times to avoid 25 kilograms of waste per reusable pack. The packaging has been delivered with versatility in mind in terms of the number of items it can carry. It can fold and unfold to fit through letterboxes. After consumers have had their products delivered, they can send the pack back at no cost to them.
#2 Alternative fast food packaging starts German trial
McDonald’s Germany is currently trialling alternative packaging in 30 stores. The current board packaging has been replaced with thin paper wrappers, which it says equates to a saving of around 70% of material. The trial will run for a few months in order to give customers the opportunity to give feedback on the alternative packaging. If feedback is positive, the new format could be rolled out across all German restaurants quickly. Since May 2021, the “Deutschlandburger” and McWraps have been sold in paper containing a percentage of grass, rather than board boxes. Plastic straws have also been eliminated and replaced by paper versions, and plastic dessert packaging has also been replaced with a plastic-free alternative. Also, since 2020 McDonald’s Happy Meals toys no longer contain batteries and are increasingly packed in paper.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#3 Patented recyclable PE film helps keep chicken fresh
Michigan-based Dow Chemicals has launched its Phormanto™, PE (polyethylene) film offering into the Colombian chilled chicken market. The solution is said to keep chicken fresh for up to two weeks, while also offering reliability, hygiene and safety. It is also recyclable. The thermoformable PE Phormanto™ technology is patented and has a breathable structure and has a high transparency. Fresh chicken is the latest product to be packed successfully in Phormanto™, thanks to the collaboration with packaging machinery manufacturers Ulma. The packs are said to be leak-proof, have improved visual appearance and can be presented vertically on supermarket shelves. It has been calculated that using this format, in-store waste can be reduced by an estimated 40%. Previous products packed in Phormanto™ include cheese, sausages and snacks.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#4 Chromic ink technology helps spirit brand stand out
Phillips Distilling Company, based in Minneapolis in the States, has announced the launch of two new ink-based packaging innovations. The first is a vodka called UV, which has a photochromic design that activates a spectrum of colours when exposed to UV sunlight. When exposed to light, colourful wave designs appear on the neck and primary label. When removed from light the colours disappear leaving the black UV logo. According to research, sunlight-activated inks drive a purchase intent of 64%. The second innovation is that of a vodka called Cubist which is said to be the first “Freezer Vodka™”. This vodka is specifically designed to be stored in the freezer and has a thermochromic label that changes blue when the vodka has reached its optimum temperature, zero degrees Celsius, or lower. Research has shown that vodka drinkers prefer their vodka ice cold and often store it in the freezer.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
Packaging question of the week
Do you find it easy to recycle on the go? Vote and comment now.
Last week, 57% have used reusable takeaway packaging.
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.
