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News & Updates Sustainability

Planters Nuts Packaging: More Peanut-Like, Less Plastic

As savvy brands know, shape is a potent packaging design option that can trigger an emotional response from consumers.

One way to further leverage the visual impact and engagement is to have the packaging’s shape associated with the product.https://2f392b32a84f8d6542c038c7c03f7dd0.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

That’s why the redesigned packaging for America’s #1 selling peanut brand, Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts, works effectively on several levels — and with a sustainable improvement.

While curvier and more peanut-like looking than before, the new 16-ounce PET containers also reduce the amount of plastic required. The bottles use 8% less polymer than the prior bottle, saving up to 220 tons of PET plastic yearly.

“Our new packaging allows us to truly stand out with a unique ‘shell’ that is just as premium and satisfying as the delicious [nuts] within,” says Allie Abney, associate brand manager. “Now snack lovers can enjoy their favorite peanuts in an even better, crave-worthy bottle that puts flavor in the spotlight.”

The redesign makes the bottle’s two rounded sections more pronounced than before when the bottle’s upper section was flat.Image courtesy of PlantersPlanters-Peanuts-Bottles-New-Old-replace.png

“The peanut-shaped hourglass bottle more closely resembles a legume than the original 16-ounce bottle,” Abney points out.

Along with the bottle’s physical change, the brand redesigned the label graphics.

“The new labels spotlight one supersized peanut rather than a pile of peanuts, so snack-nut fans can easily see the detail and appetite appeal of each respective flavor,” Abney tells us. “Mr. Peanut is still front and center, and we’ve reduced the label surface area so shoppers can get a better glimpse of what’s inside the clear bottle. New typography emphasizes the dry roasted preparation of the product.”

Maintaining the same amount of peanuts in the redesigned bottle was a key challenge, according to Abney.

Kudos to Hormel for maintaining the net weight status quo in this era of rampant shrinkflation.

The peanutier bottle is rolling nationwide for three product varieties, salted, honey roasted, and sweet & spicy.

Hormel’s other sustainable moves.

Like the diminutive peanut, small changes like reduced plastic can help make a big impact.

This packaging update is part of ongoing efforts by the brand’s parent company Hormel Foods in which the packaging team’s sustainability initiatives reduced product packaging by more than 727,000 pounds in 2021.

According to Hormel, that resulted from initiating 25 projects and completing 13 projects last year.

Hormel reports that more than 80% of packaging by weight is recyclable, with more than 30% made from recycled materials.

Some examples:

  • Justin’s PET jars are using 30% less plastic in 2022. The new jars, which were redesigned, tested, and approved in 2021, will save more than 165,000 pounds of material annually.
  • Hormel fully cooked entrees packaging was redesigned to include 25% of material from post-consumer recycling (PCR), which saves more than 382,000 pounds of virgin material each year.
  • Club Part Trays reduced the height of the PET plastic trays and eliminated the shrink sleeve from the tray locking design. This saved more than 23,000 pounds of plastic annually for a club party tray product.
  • Improving the palletization pattern of Columbus turkey bacon reduced the number of pallets and trucks needed to ship the product, saving more than 114,000 pounds of material annually.

Last, but not least, Hormel also added How2Recycle labels to more than 250 items in 2021.

Source:

https://www.packagingdigest.com/food-beverage/planters-nuts-packaging-more-peanut-less-plastic

Categories
News & Updates Sustainability

Recyclable Polypropylene Stand-Up Pouches with Barrier Debut

Stand-up pouches are among the most popular flexible packaging concepts for dried sausages and meat, cheese snacks, coffee, tea, spices, and sweets.

Now this format is moving into sustainable alternatives, including pouches with zipper or other reseal features.https://a06539b773baa1b7088919573a9313da.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Südpack has developed an innovative packaging concept for this product market with a new mono-plastic solution, a polypropylene (PP)-based pouch that supports regulatory demand for recyclable packaging and with the same functionality of standard pouches.

“In addition to reducing the carbon footprint by substituting aluminum, the principal goal of this development was also to optimize recyclability and improve material efficiency,” says Holger Hoss, Südpack product manager.

The material is highly rigid and offers all the properties necessary for the efficient and safe packaging of food products. Depending on the products, the films can be supplied with different barrier properties for aroma, oxygen, moisture, or UV light.

By substituting the aluminum barrier with a coextruded barrier layer, the shelf life of salami sticks, for example, could be guaranteed for up to 70 days during a pilot project for brand owner zur Mühlen Group.

And with an integrated transparent window, consumers have a clear view at the packaged product.

PP pouches are 26% lighter in weight and highly machinable.

Another important aspect is that film thickness is reduced by about 10% for a 26% weight savings versus conventional packaging.

In addition to the above attributes, these high-performance films also boast excellent machinability, resulting in a high level of process and packaging reliability.

That’s because “single-material solutions require much more sensitive processing, in most cases the design of current machine peripherals isn’t suitable for such packaging materials,” Hoss explains.

However, due to its wide transparent seal, Südpack’s new material can essentially with or without minor adjustments be used on current lines that are designed for processing aluminum composites.

At the same time, the structure of the sealing layer ensures the simple and efficient integration of polyolefin resealing systems such as zippers made with widely available PP or polyethylene (PE) plastics.

The packaging film is printed using the company’s Sustainable Print Quality (SPQ) technology reduces ink and solvent consumption while significantly improving print quality.

“The substitution of aluminum with our recyclable monomaterial solution, combined with excellent material efficiency and sustainable printing technology, results in an overall improvement in the carbon footprint of every single [pouch],” says Hoss.

The all-plastic pouch also directly addresses an aluminum shortage.

Source:

https://www.packagingdigest.com/food-beverage/recyclable-polypropylene-stand-pouches-barrier-debut

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News & Updates

Plastics Recyclers Europe: High energy prices could drive recycling companies out of business

Plastics Recyclers Europe has warned that plastic recycling companies could be driven out of business by skyrocketing energy prices, with energy reportedly now representing up to 70% of operational costs.

According to the organisation, plastic recycling facilities run 24 hours, 7 days a week, which means that energy utilities are among the three major cost factors after labour and maintenance. Energy typically represents 15-20% of total operational costs for plastic recyclers.

However, Plastics Recyclers Europe says that, in line with a 400% increase in prices in Europe, energy costs have become the number one expenditure for plastic recyclers, apparently now representing up to 70% of their operational expenditure. The organisation claims that this makes it nearly impossible for recycling companies to break even and warns that without intervention from the European Commission and the EU Member States, many companies may have to close.

In Italy, for example, Assorimap, the National Association of companies that recycle plastics, has announced that 40% of recycling activities have been suspended due to unsustainable energy costs. The Association is renewing calls on the Italian government for urgent intervention.

Plastics Recyclers Europe adds that the energy crisis could put the transition towards a circular economy in Europe at risk. Fluctuations in energy prices undermine recent EU policy and global developments that have boosted investment in plastic recycling capacities in Europe, according to the organisation.

As such, the organisation cautions that there could be “disastrous implications” for the European recycling industry as a result of high energy prices. The organisation says this could have ripple effects on the EU’s low-carbon economy targets for 2050, as it argues recycling has the lowest carbon footprint compared to other waste management options like incineration and landfill. 

Ton Emans, president of Plastics Recyclers Europe, comments: “Stopping the recycling activities will have an immediate, negative impact on the plastic waste management in Europe.

“If we want to drive a circular economy in Europeplastic recycling must be considered a key industry sector to be targeted by Member States’ efforts to protect from the impact of high electricity prices.”

Earlier this year, Plastics Recyclers Europe reported that the total installed plastics recycling capacity in Europe increased by 1.1MT in 2020, representing a 13% rise from the previous year. However, the organisation has also warned that the availability of sorted plastic waste is currently low enough to be negatively impacting the operations of plastic recyclers across Europe. ICIS suggests that rising energy and transport costs are also playing a role in this issue, potentially leading to as much as a 70% year-on-year increase in the cost of collecting, sorting, and recycling waste.

European Plastics Convertors (EuPC) has also released a statement warning that the surge in energy prices will negatively impact conversion in Europe, warning that some companies are considering a halt in operations. The organisation is calling on the EU to push for short-term solutions to the energy crisis. 

Source:

https://packagingeurope.com/news/plastics-recyclers-europe-high-energy-prices-could-drive-recycling-companies-out-of-business/8759.article

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News & Updates

Mondi designs recyclable, vacuum-sealed PP packaging for Handl Tyrol bacon

Mondi has produced a mono-material, high barrier solution to vacuum-package Handl Tyrol bacon on supermarket shelves, keeping the food fresh and contributing towards plastic circulation.

Designed to resemble a wooden chopping board, the packaging features a polypropylene (PP) film that is recyclable in existing streams for mixed polyolefins. It preserves the bacon within a ‘second skin’ that is securely sealed by a high-barrier top and bottom film.

The design was also shortlisted for this year’s Green Packaging Star Award.

Daniel Maier, head of Procurement at Handl Tyrol, claims that the packaging “works within existing recycling guidelines for retailers across Europe and is a great example of more sustainable packaging with no compromises: it still provides the highest level of food protection which of course is always our priority.”

According to Jan-Mark Wilke, business development manager of Fresh Food for Consumer Flexibles at Mondi, “33% of the world’s food is lost or wasted every year – and this accounts for 7% of GHG emissions. Sustainable packaging can play a vital role in minimising food waste. It reduces the environmental impact of the food industry by preventing food from spoiling before it reaches the table.

“With our mono-material PP packaging for Handl Tyrol, we have been able to deliver another fresh food packaging solution that protects the product effectively and can be recycled into existing recycling streams for mixed polyolefins.”

The news comes shortly after Mondi announced its €5 million investment in the construction of a new R&D facility at its Mondi Steinfeld plant in Germany. The new location is set to incorporate customers into the development of new projects, and serve as a partner to its recycling and food safety laboratories in Austria.

The company has also launched Hug&Hold, a shrink wrap alternative that is supposedly compatible with existing paper waste streams throughout Europe.

Source:

https://packagingeurope.com/news/mondi-designs-recyclable-vacuum-sealed-pp-packaging-for-handl-tyrol-bacon/8766.article