The KM Knowledge - Edition 23

In our latest Wrap-Up … New packaging pact to cover more materials. Own-brand packaging gets refresh. Plastic packaging tax changes support chemical recycling but raise costs. Plastics key to closing the recycling loop. Confusion grows over EPR fee rules. And more …

FOR STARTERS ...

New packaging pact to cover more materials

The UK’s post-2025 Plastics Pact will broaden its scope beyond single-use plastics to include targets for paper, aluminium, compostables, and glass packaging. This shift addresses wider circularity challenges, aligns with legislative changes, and supports sustainability goals.

MEANWHILE …

Defra drafts battle plan for plastic challenges

In preparation for the upcoming UN Plastic Treaty negotiations, the UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has convened a roundtable to discuss strategies for reducing plastic pollution.

Tax rules get a balanced boost but costs increase

The UK government will accept fuel-exempt mass-balanced chemical recycling under the Plastic Packaging Tax, encouraging further use of recycled materials.

The Food and Drink Federation has welcomed the decision. However, the PPT rates will rise on April 1, 2025, increasing the levy on companies that do not use sufficient recycled material in their packaging.

The new rate of PPT will be ￡223.69 per tonne and will apply to plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic that is manufactured and imported into the UK.

SHOP TALK …

Own brand green initiative – 1

Aldi has released its annual sustainability report. By the end of 2025, the retailer aims to make 100% of its exclusive-brand primary packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

Own brand green initiative – 2

Waitrose has relaunched its premium No.1 product range with refreshed packaging and a focus on sustainability improvements.

ALSO …

• Recycled fish trays make a splash: Following the success of its fresh meat trays, Lidl has rolled out fish trays made with 80% recycled PET (rPET).
• Fruity new packaging: Tesco and Zespri have collaborated to launch new recyclable packaging for kiwi fruit.
• Snacking on pillow-sized packs: Proper Snacks, in partnership with Netflix, has introduced a new pillow-sized pack at Tesco.

RECYCLING NEWS …

Plastics key to closing the loop

Putting recycled plastics to better use in more products is essential for realising the circular economy, according to the Economics of Increasing Recycled Content. The report explores challenges like material quality and costs but concludes that collaboration and innovation are driving progress.

AND …

• Spike in waste exports raises questions: Plastic waste exports from the UK to Turkey have increased by 60% between 2022 and 2023, raising concerns over effective waste management.
• AI is taking recycling to the next level: Artificial intelligence is revolutionising waste management, with systems improving recycling efficiency by 30% and reducing contamination rates.
• Call to bin misleading claims: ClientEarth is calling for stricter regulations to tackle misleading claims about plastic packaging recyclability.
• EU wants to get tough on recession: A recent EU Commission report highlights the need for tougher regulations in response to the ongoing recession in the plastics recycling sector.

INDUSTRY SNIPPETS …

Confusion grows over packaging fee rules

There has been a call for greater clarity around the UK Defra's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fee structure amidst confusion during the data collection phase.

ALSO …

• Smart tech raises food safety standards: Polysaccharides-based biosensors are showing promising applications in food packaging, enhancing food safety and reducing waste.
• Call for labels that spill the beans: The World Health Organisation has recommended that food packaging prominently display health impact labels, aiming to provide consumers with more precise information about the nutritional content of food products.

SUSTAINABLE TOPICS …

• Weighing up the waste: According to Eurostat, 41% of plastic packaging waste was recycled across the EU in 2022.
• New rules set to shake up packaging: Australia is set to overhaul its packaging regulations, focusing on increased sustainability and stricter producer responsibility.
• Big money backs circular plastic drive: Infinity Recycling, LyondellBasell, and Chevron Phillips Chemical are investing in plastic circularity, indicating a broader industry push toward improved recycling technologies.
• News laws pack a punch: France has introduced new packaging laws that impose stricter regulations on single-use plastics, presenting challenges and opportunities for manufacturers.
• Bag tax scrapped despite growing concerns: Sweden has decided to abolish its plastic bag tax despite warnings that this may increase plastic bag usage across the country.
• New hub tackles greener packaging goals: Mondi has opened an innovation hub to co-create sustainable flexible packaging solutions, focusing on new materials and waste reduction initiatives.
• Packaging sustains integrity: ExxonMobil has created new thermoformed packaging containing 95% polyethylene, designed to improve sustainability while maintaining functional integrity.
• Funding boost for bio development: Notpla has raised €23 million to further develop its innovative biodegradable packaging, which aims to replace traditional plastics in multiple industries.
• Getting saucy with paper: MasterFoods in Australia is trialling paper-based packaging for its tomato sauce products to reduce plastic usage.
• Thumbs up for laminates: A recent study has highlighted paper-aluminium laminates as a viable alternative to traditional plastics.
• Shoppers will pay more for greener packs: A recent survey found that 72% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging.

ALTERNATIVELY …

• Fibre to replace plastic: Yangi has introduced a new dry-formed fibre-based tray, designed as a plastic replacement.
• Coated paper wraps up new solutions: UPM and Eastman have collaborated on biopolymer-coated paper packaging designed for the food industry, offering a compostable alternative to plastic.
• Microbes show major promise: Korean researchers are leveraging microbes to develop eco-friendly alternatives to PET plastics

IN TRAYS …

Innovations in the spotlight

G.Mondini has highlighted how it is transforming food packaging with innovations in on-site tray production and high-performance sealing. These solutions enhance sustainability, reduce costs, and extend shelf life while setting new standards in efficiency and automation.

Speeding ahead with sealing

Packaging Automation's REV3 is redefining tray sealing with rapid speeds, energy efficiency, and sustainability at its core. This cutting-edge innovation offers improved performance and reduced environmental impact, setting new benchmarks in packaging technology.

KM NEWS …

We're hiring a Business Development Manager

We're looking for a dynamic Business Development Manager to drive UK sales, manage existing accounts, and onboard new clients. With responsibilities across various markets, this role provides an opportunity to develop within a supportive and forward-thinking team at KM Packaging.

To apply, submit your CV and cover letter via our online form or email us at [email protected]

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY …

• Paris Packaging Week 2025: 28-29 January 2025, Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles.
• Fruit Logistica, 5-7 February 2025, Berlin.
• Packaging Innovations & Empack: 12-13 February 2025, NEC, Birmingham.

?From the KM team … protecting, presenting, and preserving your products.?