UK – Smurfit Kappa, one of the leading paper-based packaging companies in the world, has registered with the Vegan Society scheme, becoming the first vegan-certified packaging company.

According to Smurfit Kappa, the certification was made possible thanks to the packaging company’s Markham Vale site in the United Kingdom.

Its vegan certified packaging products are produced using corrugated solutions, which are both vegan and environmentally friendly.

Mark Robinson, Senior Business Development Manager at Smurfit Kappa Markham Vale, said: “At Smurfit Kappa, we pride ourselves on providing innovative and sustainable packaging.

This accreditation will give reassurances to customers with a preference for vegan products that all components of our finished products are cruelty-freeand not from animal origin.”

Smurfit Kappa operates across 36 countries, with 48,000 employees. Its vegan-approved packaging options are suitable for products including fashion, cosmetics, confectionery, food and drinks.

Food packaging could contain potentially harmful chemicals

Meanwhile, there is rising concern over the presence of thousands of potentially harmful chemicals in food packaging, processing equipment, reusable containers, and kitchen utensils.

A study cited in Critical Reviews in Food, Science and Nutrition journal notes that food contact materials (FCMs) such as packaging could be “a source of hazardous chemicals migrating into foodstuffs”.

Assessing the potential implications of these substances on human health “requires a comprehensive identification of the chemicals they contain”, according to the journal.

The study revealed that only one-third of more than 3,000 so-called food contact chemicals (FCCs) were previously known to be used in the manufacture of food contact materials (FCMs) such as packaging.

Some 60% of the studies were centered on plastics, with 1,976 different chemicals detected, according to the journal, which has compiled the FCCmigex database, a directory of the FCCs.

“All FCCs in the database were investigated either for their presence in food contact materials or for their propensity to transfer into food under real-world conditions, thus making human exposure to these chemicals highly probable,” the scientists wrote.

The UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) responding to claims made by the report said: “Everything that could normally come into contact with food or drink must meet legal requirements on its chemical safety and suitability.

“None of the materials of the finished item can be dangerous to health, change food or drink in a detrimental way, or reduce its desirability by tainting it with an odd taste or smell, or alter its texture.”

Meanwhile, industry body FoodDrinkEurope said that it will need to look into this report before commenting on it directly.

It however sought to reassure consumers by reminding them that EU food-safety regulations are some of the highest – and most effective – in the world adding that the body will continue to investigate and mitigate any risks that are identified.

Source

Smurfit Kappa becomes first vegan-certified packaging company amid rising concern over chemicals in food packaging

AUSTRALIA – MOO Premium Foods, an Australian manufacturer of premium yogurt and dairy products, has announced its sustainability efforts of using plastic washed up on beaches and found in oceans in its tubs and lids.

The yogurt and dairy products company worked closely with Adelaide-based packaging converter TechnoPlas to develop the new sustainability focused packaging.

With the new innovation, MOO becomes the first company in Australia to use food-grade packaging that has been made from 100 percent reclaimed Ocean Bound Plastic.

Ocean Bound Plastic is the term used to describe all the plastic waste that has ended up in the ocean, as well as plastic rubbish found within 50km of a coastline that is not managed and at risk of ending up as marine debris.

MOO Premium Foods co-founder Mick Sanders said the idea for the yogurt tubs manufactured from 100 percent reclaimed Ocean Bound Plastic came from a barrage of questions he received from nine-year-olds at a primary school talk.

The discovery of a Malaysian company converting plastic collected from the ocean, beaches, and waterways into a food-grade plastic resin also became a game-changer for the entire industry.

That discovery sparked the idea of an opportunity to finally help clean up plastic pollution and make a real difference.

Sanders stated: “At the very least, we knew we’d be able to make a yogurt tub from a mix of new and reclaimed plastic, but we wanted to push the boundaries.

To finally see the resin and realize it could successfully be made into 100 percent reclaimed Ocean Bound Plastic tubs were fantastic.”

The change in packaging attracted the attention of major partners like Woolworth, which is partnering with MOO as part of its commitment to ‘growing greener’. 

According to Sanders, about 100 tonnes of plastic, which is the equivalent of 1.1 million plastic bottles will be removed from beaches, oceans, and waterways this year alone by MOO.

The collected plastic is then sorted, crushed, washed, and ‘melted’ down into resin, which then goes through a decontamination process that meets food-grade US FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 test compliance.

MOO imports the food-grade plastic resin (US FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 test compliant) and takes the products to the local manufacturer, TechnoPlas, to mold into the yogurt tubs and lids.

The company further noted that the tub, lid, and foil are 100 percent recycled and 100 percent recyclable and just need rinsing before being placed in curbside recycling bins for the process to start over again.

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MOO becomes first Australian company to use food-grade packaging made from 100 percent ocean bound plastic

Crown reveals why metal packaging is trending and discusses the trends and challenges facing the beverage industry

Veronique Curulla, marketing and business development director at Crown Bevcan Europe & Middle East talks to Packaging Gateway about the trends and challenges driving today’s drinks market and why metal packaging is increasingly the format of choice.

The European beverage market today is continuing to adapt and evolve at an accelerated rate due to the pandemic. Just a few short years ago, the beverage landscape looked considerably different from what we see today. New and exciting drinks concepts are breaking through with increasing levels of success – provided they meet the stringent criteria of today’s more well-informed consumer base. 

Elements including health and wellness support are more important than ever before, particularly in light of the pandemic, which has further focused the minds of consumers on their own wellbeing, the sustainability of the products they buy and also new ways of consuming at home via e-commerce platforms.

Healthy drinks take the driver’s seat

A category that is seeing major growth is functional beverages. Some of these products may be defined as delivering tangible health benefits and improving performance energy. 

Some also claim to help alleviate stress, aid rest and improve mental health. For example, functional waters are enhanced through the addition of vitamins, minerals, fruits or vegetables – to deliver a wide range of perceived health benefits. This market alone is set to achieve a CAGR of 7.9% in the EMEA region between 2020 and 2025 , and many major brands are seeking entry, either through mergers and acquisitions or by launching new offerings to the market themselves. Seeing the huge focus on this area globally, there is a high chance that these products will become increasingly popular in the European market.

The growth of non-alcoholic beverages  

The mindfulness element is clearly having an impact on how people consume drinks, and this is particularly the case where alcohol is concerned. The non-alcoholic market is burgeoning and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.95% to 2025 in terms of revenue. One brand that is leading the charge in new beverage options is Seedlip, which, in essence, has pioneered an entirely new drinks category with its non-alcoholic distillates.

Seedlip offers a rare flavourful and sophisticated alternative to spirits such as gin or vodka for example, and the company recently partnered with Crown to launch its RTD Seedlip and tonic cocktails in 25ml cans – a design that became a finalist at the Luxury Packaging Awards in November 2020. Nowadays, more brands are effectively seeking to offer more complex non-alcoholic alternatives, and the number of new products is flourishing.

The non-alcoholic beer category has also seen incredible growth – with the European market expected to reach a value of approximately $6bn by 2024. Brands such as craft brewer Brewdog have embraced the trend. Brewdog now produces alcohol-free versions of its iconic Punk IPA, Lost Lager and the entirely unique Nanny State. Today, it is rare for major beer brands not to have an alcohol-free option and the vast majority are available in cans. They are a convenient format for online shopping due to their robustness, provide good volume levels for sharing opportunities in the home, and also ensure the product reaches the consumer in the condition the brewer intended due to superior barrier qualities against both light and oxygen.

Finally, the US trend for hard seltzers is reaching the UK and is slowly making its presence felt across Europe’s shores. Often low in terms of alcohol by volume (ABV), they are also low in calories – which appeals to the health-conscious consumer looking to enjoy something different, outside of the soft drinks category – and many are suitable for a vegan diet, making them accessible to all of legal drinking age.

New categories equal new packaging formats

Packaging, of course, is a key element in the overall picture, and growth is steady. As it happens, new categories are mainly emerging housed in the design chameleon that is metal packaging, with its versatility in terms of form and sizing. Some of these new products are transforming the landscape as great alternatives for health-conscious consumers. From flavoured and enhanced waters, to natural tonics, alcohol-free beers and Ready-to-Drink products (RTD) – all are gaining a foothold.

Despite a period of uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, beverage cans have experienced a year of strength and appreciation, both in Europe and beyond. There is currently an estimated global demand of more than 350 billion units, solidifying the can’s position as the preferred format in both established and emerging markets. In North America alone, current growth rates are tracking above 6% – nearly double the rate observed between 2018 and 2019, while all European markets have also seen their can consumption market boom. GlobalData is predicting the consumption in units of beverage cans in Europe and the Middle East to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% to 2025, based on its Primary Packaging and Outers Volume with 5 Year Category Forecast data that was published in March last year (2021). 

The pandemic has certainly had a part to play in this growth, particularly as consumers look to packaging that is sustainable, but also provides a hermetic seal to external elements, which makes the products shelf-stable and extends their storage times. 

 Here are three key areas of focus that are leading brands to select metal packaging as a preferred option both today and looking into the future.

changing times and lifestyles drive new consumption habits

The focus on mindfulness today dictates that brands must consider every element of a product carefully – from its source ingredients to its packaging. Due to the current climate, consumers are spending most of their time at home, and many are becoming more focused on the environmental impact of the products they buy and their overall lifestyles. A healthy product packaged in an unsustainable packaging option is unlikely to appeal to a large swath of consumers, so metal continues to be a go-to option given its ability to more than tick the sustainability boxes.

As a result, metal remains the first choice for many brands looking for a dependable, multi-faceted option, with unequalled sustainable credentials, infinitely recyclable with zero loss of properties, and back on the shelves in as little as 60 days, regardless of design and ink selection. The increasing concerns over sustainability are even shaking some aspects of categories that were well settled in different formats. Basic products, such as packaged water, have been increasingly switching to cans in recent years, as metal packaging helps brands clearly stay on track with their commitment to the environment.

For example, Italian water brand WAMI has added a twist on this approach, aiming to turn the ordinary act of drinking water into something extraordinary by providing 100 litres of water to people who lack access to clean water every time a product is purchased.

Entering the market in July 2020, WAMI water is available in 0.44cl aluminium cans. A QR code, which is cleverly integrated into the design and decoration of the can, enables consumers to discover exact details of where their contribution has made a difference – sometimes identifying the individual family that received the water. Most live in isolated rural areas and need to walk long distances to retrieve drinkable water for the survival of their families.

Cans are seen as a given in consumers daily lives

For those looking to consume beverages on the go or out of home, cans are ideal as they offer convenience, robustness, and keep the beverage chilled for a longer period of time. This trend has been driven by the faster-paced lifestyles of the younger generation. In Turkey, for example, cold coffee gained ground with younger consumers in the mid-2000s, with the arrival of international retail chains, and it has taken off from there. These retailers experienced fast growth, encouraging Turkish brands to expand their own portfolios to capitalise on the trend. Today, it is estimated the local coffee market is being driven by over 61 chain companies.

On-the-go experiences were stymied by the Covid in 2020, however, the functionality and convenience elements will continue to remain a strong focus going forward, as many of the benefits enjoyed by consumers on the go can also be applied in the home. Portion control is also important when applied to the health and wellness trend, while those working from home, for example, may choose coffee in a can for an energy boost during the day.

Regardless of the current global situation, the beverage sector continues to expand and diversify through new and exciting sub-categories, and brands looking to strike the perfect balance in terms of packaging continue to select metal as the best all-round solution. Knowledgeable consumers are demanding far more than simply great-tasting beverages, and metal packaging’s ability to deliver effortless sustainability, design flexibility and on-the-go convenience ticks all of the boxes within a 21st-century lifestyle.

Source:

https://www.packaging-gateway.com/analysis/metal-packaging-makes-a-splash-in-the-new-drinks-categories/

Nestlé has announced that the Starbucks At Home by Nespresso coffee capsules are now made using 80% recycled aluminum – a first for the range. The move is designed to help Nestlé meet its 2025 ambition to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable.

Aluminium is one of the most widely recycled materials in the world. Nestlé states that the benefit of using recycled aluminium is linked to the amount of energy saved in the production of aluminum and that it’s well suited to the circular economy.

Nicole Roos, business executive officer for beverages at Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region explains, “With every material we use to produce the capsules, we are committed to ensuring that none of our packaging ends up in landfill or as litter and aim to minimise the impact of our packaging on the environment.

“This includes advocating for adequate recycling infrastructure for coffee capsules regardless of the material used. In addition, aluminium can be re-melted and reused infinitely, giving it a second life.”

Preserving freshness, aromas

The recycled aluminum comes from a variety of sources including post-consumer scrap as well as scrap recovered during the production processes.

Using 80% recycled aluminium is not only better for the environment, but aluminum is also one of the best materials to keep freshness and protect the aromas of coffee, notes Nestlé, adding that it provides an exceptional barrier to oxygen, light and humidity and is therefore an excellent choice to protect volatile aromas and freshness for a long time.

“By using 80% recycled aluminum, we demonstrate the recyclability of aluminium and want to encourage our consumers to recycle their aluminium capsules. When you recycle the Starbucks At Home by Nespresso coffee capsules, you also help decrease the carbon footprint of your cup of coffee.

“This is a key aspect of the Nestlé ESAR RE initiative that focuses on three key pillars Rethink, Reduce and Repurpose to tackle sustainability issues,” concludes Roos.

The Starbucks At Home by Nespresso range is available in selected stores including Checkers, Pick n Pay, Spar and Makro as well as online platforms including Takealot, Checkers Sixty60 and Pick n Pay Online.

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/178/229722.html

Agrochemicals play an important role in global food production as they’re used to increase agricultural yields and protect crops from pests. However, because of their generally hazardous nature, operational logistics for their transportation and storage are particularly complex. Because of this, high-quality packaging coding is essential.

The continuous inkjet (CIJ) 9029 printer from Markem-Imaje, locally available from Pyrotec PackMark, is ideal for harsh conditions. It operates reliably, it’s easy to install, and its total cost of ownership is low. CIJ printers are ideal for printing onto HDPE, PET, and other bottle substrates because they offer superior print quality on rounded smooth surfaces. Additionally, accurate and consistent marking of batch codes and numbers, lot codes, and manufacture dates ensure brand owners remain within regulation guidelines.

For manufacturers who want a trustworthy printer that helps secure products with quality, cost-effective codes; assurance that equipment is easy to order, install, use, and maintain; and coding that can quickly be brought online, even after storage and in challenging environments, the 9029 is ideal.

Key benefits include:

• Easy installation.
• Quality, cost-effective coding.
• The 9029 can be moved anywhere it’s needed thanks to its robust IP55 fully stainless-steel design.
• Messages are easy to create and implement.
• Creating and uploading codes is quick, thanks to its user interface and USB connection.
• It’s easy to run and smart to operate. The M6’ all-in-one ink circuit runs for approximately 8,000 hours*, and the time it takes to change consumables is fully optimised. Changeover takes less than six minutes and no additional maintenance is needed.
• This coder’s intuitive online guide makes managing daily coding highly efficient.

Print features include up to four lines of print at a speed of 4.4m/s, and font heights from 5 to 24 dots. Character heights range from 1.8 to 8.7mm with a wide array of character options. The message library stores up to 100 messages, and the WYSIWYG backlit blue screen offers an international operator interface with a choice of 31 languages.

*Recommended preventative maintenance procedure: 8,000 hours

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/178/230025.html

Packaging for the agrochemical sector is crucial because fertilisers and pesticides are generally toxic. Advanced packaging, with excellent sealing abilities, help reduce the risk of accidental handling, storing, and transport damage. But how can the product’s label also help mitigate risks?

Agrochemical labels are governed by stringent legal requirements for product labelling because of their hazardous chemical compositions. It’s this information that ensures the product’s safe handling, storage, and usage.

However, with standard label solutions, the available space is normally too small for mandatory text such as dosage and storage instructions, contraindications, and product descriptions to be legible. The result is often information-cluttered primary packaging and a separate insert inside the product’s secondary pack.

Pyrotec PackMedia’s solution to this challenge is a multipage label that’s cost-effective and provides an extended area for information within the space normally used by an adhesive label.

Multipage labels are permanently secured to the product’s packaging for its entire usable life. This means that the label can’t be lost or accidentally discarded, as can happen with a separate leaflet. Having clear, detailed, information – including text, charts, and diagrams – attached directly onto the container is ideal for protecting personnel and consumers.

These multipage labels can also include special characteristics such as moisture resistance, high durability, and the ability to withstand harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and a variety of storage conditions. These are important attributes given the tough environment the containers often withstand in the agrochemical sector.

Another added benefit is cost-cutting. Multipage labels can be designed to include extensive information in multiple languages while eliminating the need for separate labels for each language. They streamline production and simplify the management of inventories and distribution channels.

In a nutshell, the benefits of using multipage labels for agrochemical products include:

• Clear, legible on-pack guidelines that encourage the correct use of products and meet regulatory requirements.
• Reproduced information in multiple languages that significantly extends on-pack communication.
• Doing away with separate packaging, leaflets, or labels, particularly for a wide product range, to reduce the cost of packaging waste and inventory costs.
• Automatic application because multipage labels are supplied on-reel and can be applied using standard labelling machinery. This results in uninterrupted production lines.

For more information about the benefits of multipage labels for agrochemical products, visit www.pyrotec.co.za.

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/178/230053.html