The KM Knowledge - Edition 19
In our latest Wrap-Up … Project to enhance safety of recycled flexible food packaging. ?EU's new rules push packaging overhaul. Crunch investment for crisps. WRAP pushes for refill revolution. Cutting-edge tech for sustainable food packaging. And more …
FOR STARTERS …
Project to enhance safety of recycled flexible food packaging
Science and industry experts have partnered to launch "Flex Forward" to assess the safety and performance of recycled PE and PP film for food contact, focusing on contaminant removal through dissolution (solvent-based) recycling.
The project, driven by upcoming legislation, aims to improve flexible plastic packaging quality over four years.
MEANWHILE …
EU's new rules push packaging overhaul
Packaging producers must meet new reuse and refill targets, adhere to substance restrictions, and achieve high waste collection rates to comply with the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), reports Produce Business.
Companies may face major overhauls in materials, strategies, and infrastructure upgrades to meet the requirements that will be introduced by next year.
BRAND NEW …
Plastic goal now 'designed for' recycling
Nestle has recently changed its plastic packaging goals from using "100% recyclable or reusable packaging" to using plastic "designed for" recycling by 2025. The company cites infrastructure barriers for not achieving its original aim.
Crunch investment for crisps
PepsiCo is set to invest ￡13 million to upgrade its Doritos manufacturing facility in Coventry, where production has been ongoing since 1994. The upgrades will include replacing a manufacturing line and enhancing staff facilities, ensuring the plant continues to produce up to 3600 bags of Doritos per hour efficiently.
Packaging separates in an instant
Food producer Symington's has introduced new packaging for its Oatburst instant porridge brand to facilitate easier recycling. The innovative design includes a self-separating mechanism that ensures the cardboard and plastic components automatically detach before reaching recycling facilities' near-infrared detection systems.
This advancement enhances the accuracy of sorting and recycling processes, ensuring that materials are correctly directed to their respective recycling streams for efficient processing.
SHOP TALK …
Trying to be better everyday
Aldi has introduced paper packaging for its Everyday Essentials Porridge Oats to reduce plastic usage.
It has also become the first supermarket in the UK to use recycled plastic packaging for its own-label potato chips.
Additionally, as part of its goal to reduce plastic packaging by 50% by 2025, Aldi is trialling a paper band to replace plastic bags on several banana lines.
All of which follows the discount supermarket’s introduction of a new recyclable wrap for its own-label butter products,
New tray slashes plastic
A new carton-board pack has been developed for Sainsbury's. The "PaperSeal Shape" tray uses 72-82% less plastic, depending on the pack size.
WRAP pushes for refill revolution
UK supermarkets are being urged by WRAP to sell 30% of products as refills by 2035, with a call for regulations to incentivise the shift towards reusable packaging.
New chicken bags dripping with complaints Customers of Costco in the US have taken to social media to gripe about the new plastic bag wrapping of its rotisserie chicken, claiming that it's leaking oily grease.
RECYCLING NEWS …
New investment to give soft plastics a second chance
The Australian Government has invested ￡10 million in advanced recycling technology to divert over 14,000 tonnes of soft plastics from landfills annually. This project will produce feedstock for new packaging and is part of the Recycling Modernisation Fund, alongside new laws mandating recyclable packaging designs.
Cutting-edge tech for sustainable food packaging
A $40 million sustainable packaging production facility is set to be constructed on Singapore's Jurong Island.
This new plant will incorporate advanced mechanical recycling technology to enhance the production of EVAL, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) resin recognised for its effective barrier properties in food packaging.
Shell pulls plug on waste pledge
Shell has retracted its pledge to convert 1 million tonnes of plastic waste into oil annually by 2025 using advanced recycling. Despite investing in pyrolysis (the process of thermal decomposition of materials at elevated temperatures) since 2019, the company deemed the target unfeasible in its latest sustainability report.
Europe's recycling report card
European industry associations have been reporting recycling rates for packaging materials. Results include paper and board at 70% and plastic at 40%. Despite progress, there are concerns about meeting future EU recycling targets.
Low demand for recycled materials hampers progress
CEFLEX has been exploring the practice and economics of increasing recycled content. It highlights that the primary challenge lies in the insufficient demand for recycled materials due to quality and cost issues.
AI robots recycle 5 million cartons
Panda, an Ireland-based recycling specialist, has implemented advanced robotic AI sorting technology at its Dublin facility, funded by ACE Ireland, enabling the successful recycling of around 5 million beverage cartons.
INDUSTRY SNIPPETS …
Going green with plant-based coating
Huhtamaki and 2M Group of Companies have partnered to utilise Xampla's plant-based Morro Coating polymer in takeaway packaging. This coating, made from plant protein, is biodegradable, home-compostable, and free from plastics and harmful substances.
Packing a punch with paper
Saica Group and Mondelez have collaborated to introduce a new recyclable paper-based packaging product for multipack confectionery, biscuits, and chocolate. This initiative aligns with their sustainability goals, aiming to reduce plastic use and enhance recycling efforts by 2025.
Environmental crossroads for packaging
The packaging industry is at a crossroads, according to Packaging Gateway. It states the industry must innovate with sustainable materials, adopt circular economy practices, and engage consumers to address environmental concerns and evolving regulations. ?
Countdown to the big show
Final preparations are underway for London Packaging Week. Taking place on 11-12 at ExCeL, the event will feature over 190 exhibitors and attract more than 4500 visitors.
Tray is a breath of fresh air
A new plastic food tray, the ProActive Recyclable Fresh Tray FT-1000, has been introduced. It is lightweight and classified as plastic #5 (polypropylene). It is 90% air, making it significantly lighter and easier to recycle.
SUSTAINABLE TOPICS …
Labels boost composting if facilities exist
A study by Hubbub and the University of Sheffield has found that clear instructions and consistent labelling improve compostable packaging disposal. However, the conclusion is that such packaging is viable only where industrial composting facilities exist.
Paper crisp bags lead the pack
FoodBev's list of top sustainable packaging innovations for 2024 has highlighted several advancements, including Walkers' paper outer bags for crisps.
Fresh start for packaging guidelines
Western Growers and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association have formed a working group to create unified, sustainable packaging guidelines for the North American fresh produce supply chain. The Sustainable Produce Packaging Alignment (SPPA) aims to address evolving packaging requirements, with goals set for completion by December 2025.
Beet-based plastic is barley there
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have created a 100% biodegradable plastic from barley starch and sugar beet waste. Decomposing within two months, it aims to cut plastic pollution and carbon footprints. The biocomposite, suitable for food packaging, is being patented and commercialised.
IN TRAYS …
High-speed sealing for top productivity
Packaging Automation has introduced the Rev5 High-Speed Tray Sealer, designed to enhance packaging efficiency. This innovation promises faster sealing speeds and improved productivity for various packaging applications.
KM NEWS …
Packaging role bears fruit for Matt
Meet our new Business Development Manager, Matt Gilks. But don’t mention tomatoes! We’re also pleased to introduce Martin Penney who has joined us as a Customer Operations Specialist.
We’re celebrating!
Look out for our exciting milestone coming soon.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY …
From the KM team … protecting, presenting, and preserving your products.