Trends

Supermarket chain Aldi has announced that it will no longer use plastic packaging for its own-label four-packs of beer and cider. The plastic shrink wrap and rings that had previously been used to hold the cans together have been replaced with a cardboard alternative. Aldi estimates that the switch will remove some 95 tonnes of plastic packaging per year.

Berlin Packaging has partnered with the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) on a sample bottle program to assist in the design and testing of recyclable PET plastic packaging. Under the partnership, Berlin now offers small quantities of specific PET bottles required to conduct PET recyclability test protocols at third party testing labs to receive APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition.

Fres-co Systems’ FSU800RTC is ideal for the food service and food and beverage sectors, providing a versatile and reliable option for products that demand uncompromised shelf stability. Its advanced sealing technologies, clean-in-place controls, high production throughput, and increased product safety make it an excellent and proven option for producing packages for retort processing when paired with Fres-co’s proven flexible films.

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has announced that its entire portfolio of kraft papers for packaging has been certified as home or industrially compostable.

Researchers at Clarkson University in New York, US, have received a $42,000 grant from The New York State Pollution Prevention Institute as part of an inaugural student and faculty research program: food spoilage mitigation through packaging.

PAC Machinery announces the 250C Combo L-Bar Sealer and Tunnel Combination Shrink System will replace the Clamco 120/240C Shrink System that has been discontinued. The 250C Combo Series includes standard features and unique advantages not found on competitive systems in the same class.

An European Union push towards bloc-wide rules on recyclable packaging to cut plastic and other waste got initial support in the European Parliament on Tuesday.

The EcoeFISHent project comes into play to promote a demonstrable and replicable cluster implementing systemic solutions through multilevel circular value chains for eco-efficient valorization of fishing and fish industries side- streams.

Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has signed a deal to help boost its use of recycled raw materials. The Clinique and La Mer owner is partnering with SK chemicals to develop packaging made from the South Korean company’s materials from advanced recycling.

Brunel University London recently announced their new findings concerning two enzymes that can break down one of the most common single-use plastics, in a study published in the Biofilms and Microbiomes journal.

Key Technology unveiled an innovative vibratory conveying system for feeding pick-and-place robots on packaging lines. Depending on the application, each set of integrated conveyors meters, separates, singulates, and/or aligns products to give optimal product separation, speed, and orientation for ideal presentation to the robotic system for pick-up.

Ukrainian startup Releaf has been celebrated as the first worldwide producer of paper packaging from fallen leaves. The company processes leaves gathered by local city authorities – that would typically be left for decomposition – and turns them into pulp and paper for the packaging industry.

New study finds that while 77% of European consumers hold a positive view on reusable packaging, 78% express concerns about packaging cleanliness and only 30% fully understand the concept.

Michigan State University’s School of Packaging is developing a new, compostable material to help cut down on waste. Rafael Auras, a professor and researcher at MSU, believes that composting is a key component to reducing waste. Auras has been working for almost 20 years on biodegradable material, looking to create a plastic alternative that can be composted.

Dymapak, the leading global manufacturer of innovative child-resistant packaging solutions designed for a variety of applications and industries, today launched their new 'Squeeze and Turn Tin,' a revolutionary, 100% curbside recyclable child-resistant CPG packaging solution.

Sainsbury’s is the first UK retailer to announce it is switching from plastic to paper packaging across its entire own-brand toilet paper and kitchen towel ranges.