Innovation Zone Snapshot – World-first paper cap created for paper tubes

ThePackHub Innovation Zone Snapshot

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

This Thursday – Book on our next packaging webinar

We will be joined by Mauro Cozzi – CEO and Co-founder of Emitwise – accounting for carbon in packaging innovation.

Hosted by Paul Jenkins, Managing Director and Barrington Pamplin, Technical Director of ThePackHub.

This Thursday 24th February at 3pm UK.

Book your free place here.

More upcoming webinars to book

Innovation & Design Stage – Powered by ThePackHub

ThePackHub is delighted to help curate content for the Innovation & Design Stage at the upcoming Packaging Innovations at NEC on 25th & 26th May. The stage will host discussions and debates to uncover the latest trends and innovations in design and product packaging.

Get inspired by thought leaders and begin to shape your future packs with discussions such as innovations driven by the packaging tax, the refill/reuse revolution, the importance of trend scanning and much more!

ThePackHub will present four sessions consisting of keynote speakers and case studies from leading brand owners, retailers and FMCG companies.

We’ll keep you updated on speaker announcements over the next few weeks and we can’t wait!

You can register your free place here.

#1 World-first paper cap created for paper tubes

There have ongoing developments reported in the Innovation Zone to improve the recyclability of tubes of various formats. However, the caps that accompany their use are perhaps a little behind in terms of optimising their end-of-life design. Swedish manufacturer of paper cores, tubes, bobbins and cylindrical packaging, Scandicore have collaborated with PulPac to create what is reported to be the world’s first caps for paper tubes that are made of paper themselves. PulPac’s Dry Moulded Fiber technology is patented and is available to be licensed to producers through the PulPac Modula standardized machine platform, available at their PulPac Tech Centre for sample and bridge volume production. Dry Molded Fiber products boast high physical strength combined with efficient use of water and energy as well as substantial reductions of CO2. The cap is expected to reach consumers in the first half of 2022, via a number of Europe’s leading online stores.

#2 Magnetic ink technology delivers efficient recycling material separation

US recycling optimisation business Magnomer are the proud developers of special ink technology, allowing for easier and more efficient separation of shrink labels from PET in the recycling process. Called Magmark SS, the ink is used in the shrink labels to magnetise them, meaning they can be seamlessly pulled from the PET flakes in the recycling process using a magnetic pulley structure. This has a 99.5% accuracy. The inks reportedly do not interfere with optical sort or magnets in MRFs (material recycling facilities) and front-end reclaimer operations. They are bleed-resistant and are designed to survive caustic washing. The company have already secured partnership pilots with the likes of PepsiCo and Fuji Seal.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#3 Locally-sourced hay used to protect garden tools

Tool manufacturer Stihl France is changing its protective packaging for its garden tools from crumpled kraft paper to hay. The hay, which provides the mechanical protection needed to transport the products, can then be used as bedding for animals, to make decorative objects, or reused again to protect another package. Stihl state that nearly three-quarters (72%) of customers claim to have reused the hay packing material. The hay comes from a farm located just 10 km from the Stihl logistics centre in Quincy-Voisins (Seine-et-Marne), which from a carbon emissions point of view is better than transporting kraft paper that comes, in most cases, from Northern European paper mills. The move has been well received by consumers, with 98% approving of the change. Using hay has also turned out to be more cost effective than kraft, as it is 34% cheaper.

More info in The Innovation Zone.

#4 Long term aim of 25% reusable packaging announced

Packaging question of the week

The Global Recycling Foundation will hold its annual Global Recycling Day for the 5th time on Friday 18 March. Will you be participating? Vote and comment on LinkedIn now. 

Last week, 65% thought that refillable or returnable bottles were the future of the beverage market.