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#1 Scottish brand uses aluminium cans for coffee beans
ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone have been documenting several occurrences of aluminium drinks cans being used for products outside of the beverage industry. See for example Cakes in aluminium cans appeal to on-the-go consumers. Another example of a brand doing this is a new innovation from Manifesto Coffee, based in Perth, Scotland. The innovation centres around the typical waste generated from coffee, and how the founder of Manifesto disliked the lack of perceived sustainability created. The brand has launched coffee beans in drinks cans, allowing coffee packaging to be fully recycled as well as creating a distinctive point of difference in store.
#2 Alternative fast food packaging starts German trial
Chilean circular economy company Algramo facilitates consumers to purchase affordable, refillable containers as part of a circular and sustainable model. The model began in Santiago with packs being refilled in mobile units close to consumers’ homes. Following an injection of $8.5 million, they are now looking to expand further within Chile, as well as starting pilot schemes in Mexico, Colombia and the United Kingdom. Using point of sale dispensing displays, consumers use their purchased reusable packaging to refill with any one of a range of products, including dry products such as rice, chickpeas, lentils, sugar and pet food, and also wet products such as laundry detergents and conditioners. An online site, along with a mobile app and reusable smart packaging are combined with a digitally verified top-up option known as PaaW (Packaging as a Wallet). Unilever and Purina are currently on board, and advanced talks are in progress with Colgate Palmolive and Walmart.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#3 Process to recycle black plastic in development
Global manufacturer of personal, home care, and foods products, Unilever has announced that they have patented a process whereby products made from coloured PCR (post-consumer resin) can be successfully recycled. Black plastic packaging has been problematic for recycling systems using NIR (near infra-red) sorting, but by using a new multilayer format, Unilever’s new process allows these to be successfully recycled. The outer layer is made up of black coloured 95% PCR HDPE (high density polyethylene). A NIR coloured masterbatch enabled a more intense colour to be achieved. A thinner outer layer of the N-PCR (natural plastic recyclate) is then combined with a thicker inner layer of at least 50% coloured plastic waste (J-PCR). In order to avoid malodours associated with J-PCR, an additional inner layer of N-PCR can be added. Both materials are readily available, N-PCR being derived from milk and dairy bottles, and J-PCR from coloured bottles used in other consumer applications.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
#4 Plastic and recycled board combination blister pack launched
German thermoforming machinery manufacturer Illig have brought to market a plastic and recycled board combination blister pack as an alternative to conventional all plastic structures. The new solution, called I-Pack, reduces plastic content by over 50%. Illig’s HSU 35b system is suitable for blister packs that are a combination of board/plastic/board, known as a double card blister, or solid board, suitable for non-food items. It is available in a number of blister heights and can be configured with 3, 6, 8, 10 or 12 cavities. The board sections of the pack are easily separated for ease of recycling, while a large sealing edge allows for an airtight closure. A number of equipment options are available such as automatic product feed, carton blister fixation, brochure inserts, marking and coding systems. The system is modular, allowing flexibility and efficiency for owners and co-packers.
More info in The Innovation Zone.
Packaging question of the week
Do you have home composting? Vote and comment now.
Last week, 61% do not find it easy to recycle on the go.
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.
