Day: March 7, 2023

Exploring bioplastic biodegradability and how it will impact our future

According to Report Insights, the biodegradable plastics market was worth 7.65 billion USD in 2022 and is projected to exceed 22.12 billion USD by 2030. While the appetite for plastics made from natural feedstocks is increasing, what can we expect for the future of bioplastic research? Here Dr Ashlee Jahnke, head of research and development  at plastic substitute specialist Teysha Technologies, discusses common problems with bioplastics and how recent innovations in biodegradability will shape our future.

Many commercial developments show promising results and improvements in the technologies used to produce bio-based materials. For example, ABB has set out to automate NatureWorks’ bioplastics plant in Thailand, which could improve production throughput and help accelerate consumer uptake in bioplastics. What’s more, continued research has led to new and innovative products, such as the Röchling Group’s latest sustainable bioplastics, Röchling-BioBoom and Röchling-ReLoop, which are manufactured using renewable raw materials like cellulose.

While this is certainly commendable progress expected to strengthen the sustainability of recycled materials and bioplastics, questions remain over just how sustainable some bioplastics truly are. For example, many bio-based plastics still use petroleum-derived plasticiser additives to give them mechanical properties akin to traditional plastics.

Not only does this continue to rely on the availability of fossil-fuels, it also greatly affects the material’s biodegradability and environmental impacts. These materials will still require industrial processing to be recycled or broken down, potentially involving energy-intensive processes like catalytic pyrolysis. It’s important that future innovations tackle these issues so that the entire lifecycle of a bio-material can be considered truly sustainable. With this in mind, what can we expect from future bioplastic research?

Great expectations

One expected development is more companies working to make improvements in the large-scale processes required to source and produce bio-based materials, increasing opportunities for further testing and certifications through collaborations with strategic partners. Additionally, continued research will build upon 2022’s successes, where access to new polymer compositions greatly increased. The current library includes polymers containing a single carbohydrate-based monomer unit, multiple carbohydrate-based monomers, and other comonomers derived from natural sources such as agricultural waste.

Perhaps the biggest recent advancement has been in the development of natural polymer materials with tuneable thermal, mechanical, and degradation properties. For example, polymers containing varying percentages of the same two comonomers have demonstrated a range of glass transition temperatures from -40 to 60 degrees Celsius. These thermal transition properties are indicative of mechanical properties, like stiffness, elasticity and brittleness. By demonstrating varying transition temperatures, while maintaining molar mass, dispersity and thermal stability, certain characteristics of the resulting materials can be chemically designed and tuned to suit the needs of a given application.

Importantly, the advantages of more specialised, higher-cost monomers can be obtained by incorporating only partial percentages of the monomer into the final polymer structure. The enhanced tunability that this strategy allows will have a significant impact on the ultimate breadth of applications that these materials can be used in.

These important steps in the search for a truly sustainable bioplastic have been conducted by biodegradable biopolymer specialist, Teysha Technologies. The company’s material family, AggiePol, has a wide range of properties, and some have been designed with the target of achieving biodegradation on the timeline required for OECD 310 Ready Biodegradability Certification. This assesses the aerobic biodegradability of organic substances in freshwater environments and was achieved by an AggiePol material in June 2022.

As the appetite for biodegradable bioplastics continues to grow, this research indicates that the future of bioplastics need not rely on harmful, finite fossil fuels or energy-intensive degradation processes.

To find out more about Teysha Technologies and it’s research, head to www.teyshatech.co.uk.

Source:

https://spnews.com/biodegradability/

By Charles Haverfield, Packaging Executive for US Packaging & Wrapping

Nestle recently announced a packaging makeover for one of its most recognizable products, KitKat. In Australia, the sweet treat will be trialled with recyclable paper wrappers as part of the company’s pledge to slash the use of virgin plastics by a third by 2025.

I explore whether paper-based alternatives are the best long-term solution over traditional plastic packaging for food products.

Weighing up costs

Packaging design and materials will inevitably be dominated by cost, with plastic remaining the most popular choice for many brands thanks to its durability, versatility and cost-effectiveness.

However, plastic is one of the biggest contributors to the global waste problem. The OECD predicts the amount of plastic waste produced globally is projected to triple to 1,231 million tonnes by 2060.

As a result, the government has set new regulations to tackle plastic packaging waste, such as the Plastic Packaging Tax, with brands facing costly fines should they not adhere to the new rules.

And with research finding 86 percent of under 45s are willing to pay more for sustainably packaged products, choosing paper-based packaging alternatives could not only avoid

Balanced branding

For most consumers, the packaging is the first interaction with a brand’s product and can make or break a sale. Manufacturers will therefore have to carefully consider how to avoid compromising brand identity when changing packaging.

Take Nestle as an example. The brand came under fire last year for changing the packaging for one of its most iconic and beloved chocolates, Quality Street. Nestle swapped its dual aluminium foil and cellulose to vegetable-based recyclable paper wrappers.

Other brands outside of the food packaging industry have seen greater success, such as L’Oreal developing a cardboard tube for La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios sunscreen.

However, it may be some time before we see 100 percent paper-based packaging and longer yet before this translates widespread across the beauty and food packaging industries.

Preserving products

Despite paper food packaging seeming like the more environmentally friendly option for its biodegradable properties, its poor barrier properties make food products more susceptible to light, oxygen and microbial degradation.

Food packaging manufacturers will therefore need to consider how paper-based alternatives can realistically match plastic packaging for food preservation without impacting its sustainable credentials.

Emerging technologies, such as water-based dispersion coatings, are hoping to provide improved barrier solutions for paper packaging. Unlike traditional plastic, aluminium or chemical coatings, dispersion coatings allow paper packaging to be fully recycled without separation processes while providing resistance to liquid and grease.

https://uspackagingandwrapping.com/

Source:

https://spnews.com/paper-based-alternatives/

A new report from Root reveals the top 5 challenges brands face when implementing a reuse and refill strategy and provides guidance on how to navigate them in this edition of the Spotlight.

‘Reuse and refill’ is a laudable aim – an environmental nirvana whereby customers make repeat in-store purchases using a single re-useable container. Less waste, less carbon, great customer experience, lower compliance fees, a better planet, and reassured shareholders – everyone’s a winner. Right?

Unfortunately not. The reality is that reuse and refill is still very much in its infancy. Any brands stepping into the arena right now will find themselves at the forefront of pioneering change in how consumers shop. Although brands have been discussing reuse and refill for some time, the simple fact is that whilst the ambition might be there, brands cannot do it alone. The practicalities of reuse and refill require the willingness and collaboration of global policymakers, manufacturers, supply chain partners, retailers, and, of course, customers to all play their part in making it happen.

At Root, we’ve worked with brands and producers looking to make the required changes to their business model. And for many brands, a successful transition involves completely reengineering their business and packaging strategy. It’s not something to be entered into lightly, and there will be challenges along the way.

Challenge 1: Lack of guidelines could result in more unsubstantiated ‘greenwashing’ claims

Policy guidelines are still in development and lack the detail needed to enable brands to develop a long-term reuse and refill strategy. The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Proposal has proposed new targets for specific industries. Still, with varying global definitions of ‘reuse’, i.e. the minimum times packaging can be refilled and when and how it should be cleaned, there are no clear and consistent guidelines for brands to follow. This could result in different brands, sectors, and markets interpreting the rules as they see fit, potentially leading to misleading ‘greenwash’ claims and operational chaos.

Challenge 2: Lack of clarity on lifecycle analysis can lead to the wrong action

Industry guidelines about what must be included in a reuse and refill lifecycle analysis are sparse. As a result, brands and retailers are coming up with their own methodologies to prove the worth of their programmes, and many are missing essential elements that could ultimately completely change the results. For instance, refillable packs need to be washed using water, heat, and chemicals. But many LCA studies completely leave this out of their analysis, instead focusing solely on select metrics, like the volume of material and carbon use.

Challenge 3: Reuse and refill is not just a bolt-on; it could require a fundamental change to your business model

Successfully transitioning to a reuse and refill model is not something that can be done half-heartedly. It requires commitment, a dedicated team, significant investment, and the right mindset across the entire business. Many brands have tried and failed, often because they haven’t put the right level of resources into making it happen, and even those that have, haven’t found it easy. It’s not just a case of bolting it on as a ‘nice to have’ – it needs to be placed at the centre of your product and packaging strategy.

Challenge 4: Consumers will accept or reject reuse and refill based on how easy it is for them to engage

For many brands that have trialled reuse and refill programmes, consumer buy-in was the final hurdle that tripped them up. Consumers will only engage with a reuse and refill programme if it’s simple and easy to use. Most consumers are keen to do the right thing, often choosing brands that fit their personal ethos and values, such as the desire for a more sustainable planet. But if the consumer experience is not entirely frictionless, previous trials have shown that many consumers revert back to buying ‘single use’, simply because reuse and refill was too complicated, expensive, or required too much effort.

Challenge 5: Brands need to collaborate and learn – even with their competitors

It’s not easy to be open and honest about the challenges you encounter, especially when your customers and competitors are watching. But reuse and refill is new territory for everyone, and the fastest route to success is to share experiences and best practice to avoid making the same costly mistakes. There are plenty of people and businesses out there already sharing their experiences and collaborating with each other. Through their willingness to have open and frank discussions in the public arena, together we can ensure reuse and refill becomes a reality that everyone can benefit from.

Download the free report – ‘Getting to the Root of Reuse + Refill’

Root’s team of packaging and sustainability experts has compiled a new report, ‘Getting to the Root of Reuse + Refill’, that takes a closer look at each of these challenges, with links to valuable frameworks, reports, and case studies from organisations, retailers and brands currently pioneering the reuse and refill concept.

To download the free report ‘Getting to the Root of Reuse + Refill’ go to https://root-innovation.com/getting-to-the-root-of-reuse-and-refill-report/.

Source:

https://packagingeurope.com/why-brands-are-failing-at-reuse-and-refill

Sainsbury’s has substituted the tray packaging of its beef mince range with vacuum packs in a move expected to reduce 55% of plastic per product and an overall 450 tonnes of plastic annually.

As it involves the complete removal of oxygen, the new packaging is expected to preserve the product’s freshness for longer. Furthermore, while the amount of beef mince inside the pack will remain the same, the smaller packaging volume hopes to enable consumers to use their fridge and freezer space more efficiently when storing the product at home.

“We know our customers expect us to be reducing the use of plastic across our products are and we’re constantly looking for new ways to innovate to meet our Plan for Better plastic reduction targets,” says Claire Hughes, director of Product and Innovation at Sainsbury’s. “We strive to be bold in the changes we are making, which is why we’re pleased to be the first UK retailer to vacuum pack all our beef mince range without impacting the quantity or great quality of product that our customers expect.

“This is the latest in a long line of changes we have pioneered in the space working collaboratively with our suppliers, and customers can expect much more to come from Sainsbury’s.”

Now available both in-store and online, the vacuum-packed beef mince is anticipated to bring the retailer closer to its goal of halving the use of plastic packaging in its own-brand products by 2025. A previous contribution saw Sainsbury’s repackage its own-brand coffee pod range in aluminium – a decision hoped to keep ten million pieces of plastic out of landfill every year.

Handl Tyrol has also switched its bacon packaging to Mondi’s mono-material, high-barrier vacuum-pack solution in pursuit of optimal product freshness and a circular economy for plastics.

Earlier this year, Amcor released its PrimeSeal and Dairy-Seal Recycle-Ready Thermoforming Films with memory retention technology. These solutions are expected to lower the carbon footprints of standard PA and PE films by 80% and are set to be applied to meat, fish, and dairy products.

Source:

https://packagingeurope.com/news/sainsburys-to-vacuum-pack-beef-mince-range-with-plans-to-save-450-tonnes-of-plastic-every-year