ThePackHub

Roll out of takeaway cup lids enhance drinking experience Malmö, based Duni Group, in partnership with Swedish startup LipLid, is introducing an innovative lid for takeaway cups, marking a significant step in their commitment to sustainability and smart packaging solutions. This collaboration brings to market LipLid’s award-winning design, which enhances the drinking experience by allowing consumers to drink directly from the cup rim, thereby reducing spillage and material use. The lids are created without PFAS substances, aligning with Duni Group’s policy against these chemicals. Manufactured from either a blend of bamboo and bagasse or pure wood fibres, the lids are both compostable and recyclable, supporting Duni Group’s goals to minimize plastic use and maximize the use of renewable resources. Via ThePackHub Innovation Zone #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability

Can multipack removes need for additional outer packaging John West Foods, a division of the Thai Union Group PCL., has introduced its ECOTWIST packaging for tuna products in the UK, now available at all Asda stores. This new packaging solution is part of John West’s commitment to transitioning all its products to sustainable packaging by the end of next year. ECOTWIST is designed to minimize waste and is fully recyclable, featuring a patent-pending can tower structure held together by a SmartStrip, which removes the need for additional outer packaging. The innovative can design not only retains the same tuna capacity but also achieves significant resource savings, reducing steel usage by over 400 tonnes annually. Additionally, the smaller and lighter can design leads to a further reduction of 1,500 tonnes of ingredients like sunflower oil, spring water, or brine each year, enhancing the overall sustainability of the packaging and aligning with global environmental goals. Via ThePackHub Innovation Zone #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability

Trial of sustainable rounded-corner multipack reduces carbon footprint Carlsberg Group Poland is testing a new Round Wrap packaging design for its beer ranges, including Carlsberg, Garage, and Somersby, aiming to enhance sustainability and efficiency. This packaging, developed by DS Smith using Arcwise technology, features rounded corners, which reduce the need for shrink film on pallets and are designed to maintain their integrity during transport. The Round Wrap is expected to decrease CO2 emissions by 224 tons annually in the Poland market compared to traditional corrugated multipacks. Additionally, the packaging includes a perforated top panel that simplifies access to the contents and doubles as a container for holding empty cans or bottles for recycling. The unique rounded shape not only protects the product but also offers enhanced 360-degree branding opportunities, potentially increasing consumer appeal. This move is part of Carlsberg Poland’s broader strategy to minimize environmental impact, supported by DS Smith’s Circular Design Metrics which assess the sustainability performance of the packaging. This trial represents an important step in Carlsberg’s ongoing efforts to innovate in packaging while reducing its carbon footprint. Via ThePackHub Innovation Zone #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability

Reusable trolley sleeves launched in push for mail delivery sustainability Royal Mail, the UK postal service, has introduced reusable trolley sleeves, known internally as ‘Yorks’, crafted from fully recyclable corrugated plastic that includes 30% recycled material. These durable sleeves, designed to last up to four years, are set to replace single-use cardboard and traditional fabric inserts across mail centres and delivery offices, aligning with Royal Mail’s sustainability initiatives. Introducing these sleeves reportedly contributed to a 10% reduction in waste and helped Royal Mail exceed its waste reduction target, achieving a 27% decrease against the 2020/21 base year, seven years ahead of schedule. In addition to the trolley sleeves, Royal Mail has implemented a reuse programme for pallets and switched from single-use plastic cable ties to reusable hook and loop straps for securing mail bags. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to reducing environmental impact, with goals including a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and maintaining the lowest emissions per parcel among UK couriers. Via ThePackHub Innovation Zone #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability

Differentiated egg packaging solution launched for US market Cascades, a US-based packaging supplier, has launched a new egg packaging solution, Cascades Fresh Guard EnVision, designed to enhance both product visibility and protection while boosting brand visibility on store shelves. The packaging, which is made from 100% recycled fibres, includes a moulded pulp base and a sleeve of coated recycled board, providing a robust structure that significantly improves the rigidity and stacking strength of the packaging. This has been rigorously tested for durability throughout transportation and shelf stocking. The design features innovative sleeve openings and high-quality printing, deviating from traditional egg packaging formats and aiming to cater to the egg industry’s need for both aesthetic appeal and functional robustness. This initiative is part of Cascades’ broader commitment to delivering sustainable, efficient, and attractive packaging solutions across the food industry. Via ThePackHub Innovation Zone #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability

Shock-absorbing material derived from mycelium introduced Brno, Czechia, based Myco has introduced The Myco 4Pack system, which utilises Myco SafePads to offer a versatile and sustainable packaging solution. These paper capsules are filled with a shock-absorbing material derived from mycelium and can be used independently or combined with cardboard, enhancing their utility and adaptability. Designed for automation, the SafePads efficiently absorb shocks and vibrations, are compatible with automatic lines, and can be easily tailored to fit various products while being stackable. This system finds application across various industries, offering protection for items like construction products, sensors, intercoms, shaft pins, and refurbished electronics. It also provides solutions for edge and corner protection, and thermal insulation. Highlighting its environmental credentials, the mycelium-based material is biodegradable, free from harmful chemicals and microplastics, and is produced using local waste materials such as sawdust with minimal energy and water. Additionally, for bulk orders, the Myco SafePads can be custom printed, allowing companies to use this feature for branding purposes. Via ThePackHub Innovation Zone #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability

Reusable cups introduced in fast-food outlets across Finland Sulapac Ltd, a Finnish material innovation company, has launched reusable cups at selected Burger King outlets across Finland as part of a pilot programme by Restel Oy, a Finnish restaurant and catering company. These cups are made from Sulapac Solid, a 100% biobased, recyclable and industrially compostable material designed specifically for reusable tableware without requiring hazardous chemicals in its production. Certified as compostable, the cups are intended to avoid contributing to microplastic pollution as they can be broken down by natural microbes after up to 200 uses. It is seen that this initiative represents a significant advancement in the fast-food industry’s environmental efforts, showcasing a shift towards more sustainable practices. Burger King’s adoption of these biobased cups enhances its commitment to reducing environmental impacts and promoting a circular economy. Furthermore, Sulapac’s implementation of a closed-loop service, recycling used cups into new ones, is seen as epitomising a sustainable, circular solution. Via ThePackHub Innovation Zone #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability

Check out our latest ThePackHub LinkedIn newsletter. Packaging facts inside: - 68% of Brazilians prefer to buy products with recyclable packaging. - 42% of Polish consumers plan to return packaging weekly, and 31% prefer several times a week. - In 2022, 45% of skin packaging innovations focused on sustianable materials, with recyclable films becoming prominent. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, if you haven't already. #packaging #packagingresearch #packaginginsight #research #insight #packaginginnovation

Recycled plastic in crisp packaging is a UK first Aldi UK is pioneering the use of recycled plastic in its own-label crisp packaging, marking a first for UK supermarkets. The discounter will incorporate at least 35% recycled content in its Specially Selected Hand Cooked range, already available nationwide, with its own-label popcorn and lentil chips set to follow later this year. This initiative is expected to eliminate 78 tonnes of virgin plastic annually and aligns with Aldi’s goal to include 50% recycled content in its plastic packaging by 2025. These steps reflect Aldi’s ongoing commitment to reducing plastic waste and developing sustainable packaging solutions. Via ThePackHub Innovation Zone #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability

Partnership for capsule recycling in São Paulo Nescafé Dolce Gusto, a Nestlé brand known for its multi-beverage capsule machines, has announced a strategic partnership with the OXXO convenience store chain, part of the Grupo Nós, and the waste management startup MUSA, to enhance capsule recycling in São Paulo. Twelve Oxxo locations will feature collection boxes for capsule recycling, with all collected materials sent to Nestlé’s dedicated Recycling Centre in Osasco on the western outskirts of São Paulo. This initiative aims to make recycling more convenient for consumers and promote sustainable habits. The partnership is seen as a crucial step in expanding collection points and raising recycling awareness. Musa will manage the logistics of collecting and transporting the capsules, ensuring responsible disposal and recycling. In addition to Dolce Gusto capsules, the collection points will accept capsules from all brands. Currently, there are 322 collection points throughout Brazil, listed on the brand’s website. Via ThePackHub Innovation Zone #packaging #packaginginnovation #sustainability #recycling #coffee