Day: July 4, 2023

Food and beverage brands can find alternatives to “forever chemicals” that ensure high performance of paper and paperboard packaging that also meets sustainability goals.

States like California, New York, and Maine started the year with bans going into effect for food packaging that contains chemicals of concern, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” This leaves packaging manufacturers with the challenge of producing sustainable and chemical-free packaging that delivers the needs of its food and beverage customers. PFAS has been found to significantly affect humans, animals, and the environment, and the presence of PFAS is now raising alarm bells as they’re used in a variety of consumer products, packaging, and clothing.

As a result, manufacturers of paper and paperboard packaging are now tasked with helping food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands find suitable alternatives that meet their unique needs in performance — while also helping them achieve their sustainability goals with better-for-the-environment solutions. Additionally, the food industry faces unique hurdles in delivering on packaging that meets the criteria to withstand freezers, microwaves, ovens, and more.

Yet solutions that are more sustainable don’t have to impact performance. New technologies and chemistries are emerging to combine the performance criteria and PFAS-free packaging needs of the CPG industry. This demand for alternative options has put an emphasis on the barrier coatings of various wrappers, containers, single-use products, and other types of packaging. New coatings developed without the use of PFAS will need to perform just as well. But making the switch will allow packaging manufacturers to support their clients’ long-term sustainability goals.

Manufacturers must consider coating’s applications and efficiency.

Efficiency is always top of mind for packaging manufacturers, especially those in the food and beverage CPG industry. When developing sustainable packaging, identifying the coatings that will mimic the performance of previously used PFAS-infused coatings is critical. Luckily, providers of new technologies are able to design PFAS-free coatings that are still liquid and grease repellant.

When identifying the right coating for your package, the product inside must first be considered. Each food and beverage product or foodservice organization has unique needs. Moisture-sensitive fresh foods, reheatable foods, single-serve coffee cups, and even bakery paper each have a unique need. Determining the food product’s unique needs allows packaging teams to better test and select the appropriate coatings needed for a brand’s final packaging design.

Focus on plastic-free rises alongside PFAS-free packaging.

Concerns about the effects of plastic on the environment is a highly discussed topic. Just as regulation and demand has occurred for PFAS-free packaging, so too has the demand to see the elimination of plastic packaging as well. Consider how the state of California signed SB 54 last June, which includes cutting plastic packaging by 25% in 10 years. The need to reduce plastic from the food industry specifically even made its way to a global stage at last year’s COP 27 in Egypt.

Food packaging has heavily relied upon plastic but is now leading the transition to environmental-friendly alternatives. Paper packaging is a prominent solution because of its ability to biodegrade and decompose quickly. Paper also can be made from renewable resources and can be recycled which allows a continual cycle of production without using up the earth’s resources.

Packaging plays a role in CPG’s sustainability initiatives.

While PFAS-related regulations have ushered in new urgency to make shifts within packaging, it has also put further pressure on food brands to look more closely at the entire supply chain. As more companies put further emphasis on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and are subject to potential ESG disclosure rules, upgrades will be made across the entire value chain.

New research shows the pay-off for the brands who make the commitment. According to McKinsey, consumer spending overall has shifted toward products with ESG-related claims. Those within packaging have the opportunity to support more sustainable, safer food packaging products that will meet brands overall ESG goals, but also support consumer demand for products making advancements to offer better options.

Manufacturers will face challenges relating to performance, production, and design. But access to new technologies and chemistries can aid them in their pursuit of a more sustainable packaging process. Alternatives like paper are accessible and meet regulations and consumer expectations, which is why it is important to communicate eco-friendly changes that are made. Packaging is a vital part of any product and manufacturers need to acknowledge and meet expectations in the evolving packaging industry.

States like California, New York, and Maine started the year with bans going into effect for food packaging that contains chemicals of concern, specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” This leaves packaging manufacturers with the challenge of producing sustainable and chemical-free packaging that delivers the needs of its food and beverage customers. PFAS has been found to significantly affect humans, animals, and the environment, and the presence of PFAS is now raising alarm bells as they’re used in a variety of consumer products, packaging, and clothing.

As a result, manufacturers of paper and paperboard packaging are now tasked with helping food and beverage consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands find suitable alternatives that meet their unique needs in performance — while also helping them achieve their sustainability goals with better-for-the-environment solutions. Additionally, the food industry faces unique hurdles in delivering on packaging that meets the criteria to withstand freezers, microwaves, ovens, and more.https://acd06921a3687c0ba20807c9d7a55870.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

Yet solutions that are more sustainable don’t have to impact performance. New technologies and chemistries are emerging to combine the performance criteria and PFAS-free packaging needs of the CPG industry. This demand for alternative options has put an emphasis on the barrier coatings of various wrappers, containers, single-use products, and other types of packaging. New coatings developed without the use of PFAS will need to perform just as well. But making the switch will allow packaging manufacturers to support their clients’ long-term sustainability goals.

Manufacturers must consider coating’s applications and efficiency.

Efficiency is always top of mind for packaging manufacturers, especially those in the food and beverage CPG industry. When developing sustainable packaging, identifying the coatings that will mimic the performance of previously used PFAS-infused coatings is critical. Luckily, providers of new technologies are able to design PFAS-free coatings that are still liquid and grease repellant.

When identifying the right coating for your package, the product inside must first be considered. Each food and beverage product or foodservice organization has unique needs. Moisture-sensitive fresh foods, reheatable foods, single-serve coffee cups, and even bakery paper each have a unique need. Determining the food product’s unique needs allows packaging teams to better test and select the appropriate coatings needed for a brand’s final packaging design.

Focus on plastic-free rises alongside PFAS-free packaging.

Concerns about the effects of plastic on the environment is a highly discussed topic. Just as regulation and demand has occurred for PFAS-free packaging, so too has the demand to see the elimination of plastic packaging as well. Consider how the state of California signed SB 54 last June, which includes cutting plastic packaging by 25% in 10 years. The need to reduce plastic from the food industry specifically even made its way to a global stage at last year’s COP 27 in Egypt.

Food packaging has heavily relied upon plastic but is now leading the transition to environmental-friendly alternatives. Paper packaging is a prominent solution because of its ability to biodegrade and decompose quickly. Paper also can be made from renewable resources and can be recycled which allows a continual cycle of production without using up the earth’s resources.

Packaging plays a role in CPG’s sustainability initiatives.

While PFAS-related regulations have ushered in new urgency to make shifts within packaging, it has also put further pressure on food brands to look more closely at the entire supply chain. As more companies put further emphasis on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and are subject to potential ESG disclosure rules, upgrades will be made across the entire value chain.

New research shows the pay-off for the brands who make the commitment. According to McKinsey, consumer spending overall has shifted toward products with ESG-related claims. Those within packaging have the opportunity to support more sustainable, safer food packaging products that will meet brands overall ESG goals, but also support consumer demand for products making advancements to offer better options.

Manufacturers will face challenges relating to performance, production, and design. But access to new technologies and chemistries can aid them in their pursuit of a more sustainable packaging process. Alternatives like paper are accessible and meet regulations and consumer expectations, which is why it is important to communicate eco-friendly changes that are made. Packaging is a vital part of any product and manufacturers need to acknowledge and meet expectations in the evolving packaging industry.

The solution is replacing PFAS packaging.

With PFAS historically being the default solution to withstand water, grease, and temperature fluctuations, a new sustainable solution has to become its replacement. Innovative companies are inciting change for manufacturer and CPG brands by matching these performance needs without the use of toxic chemicals.Impermea Materials

As food and beverage manufacturers steadily move away from PFAS in their packaging to avoid health, sustainability, and environmental risks, they must look towards solutions that are safer, durable, and ultimately more cost effective. Through creative designs with ordinary materials, brands from all industries will be able to work with safer solutions to revolutionize packaging on an industrial scale.

Source:

https://www.packagingdigest.com/food-packaging/coatings-create-sustainable-option-pfas-free-packaging

ZenWTR to add aluminum and glass bottles to the brand’s flagship made-from-ocean-bound recycled PET (rPET) bottles to meet consumers’ packaging preference.

ZenWTR staked a claim when it entered the crowded water market in 2020 as the world’s first beverage in a bottle made from 100% recycled, certified ocean-bound PET (rPET) plastic. The start-up brand launched the ultra-pure, vapor-distilled alkaline water in three rPET bottle sizes at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide on June 11, 2020.

Three years later the company is now expanding the brand’s packaging options to include aluminum and glass bottles. The reason behind the diversification is simple: give the customer what he or she wants in a sustainable package.

“Our vision is for ZenWTR to be a ‘Pantheon of Sustainability’ and consumers’ go-to brand for sustainable, premium packaged water,” Jessy Qussar, the Zen VP of marketing, informs us. “These new formats provide additional sustainable options for consumers to enjoy ZenWTR, so that, whatever your preferred package is, we have something for you.”

Consumers are not necessarily tied to a particular format; an intended use occasion may influence their choice as well.

“Acknowledging that there are a variety of factors that influencer consumers’ selections when it comes to bottled water packaging — for instance, glass bottles are not allowed on most beaches — with these new formats, we’re able to offer the water our consumers love in additional sustainable packages to meets their specific needs,” Qussar points out.

Each of the three materials has its own strengths, which are highlighted on the bottle. For example, the flagship rPET bottles call attention to the 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic on the front panel.

“We’ve also devoted space on the back panel to defining what Ocean-Bound Plastic is, and the positive impact of each ZenWTR bottle — that each is made from up to 5 recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles, that were prevented from polluting the ocean,” Qussar explains. “This is still a fairly new proposition and general awareness is relatively low.”

ZenWTR is well on its way to the goal of supporting the diversion of 50 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic by 2025. The brand lays claim as the first beverage to achieve Plastic Negative Certification and donates 1% of all sales to credible organizations focused on ocean conservation and recycling advancement in the US.

ZenWTR staked a claim when it entered the crowded water market in 2020 as the world’s first beverage in a bottle made from 100% recycled, certified ocean-bound PET (rPET) plastic. The start-up brand launched the ultra-pure, vapor-distilled alkaline water in three rPET bottle sizes at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide on June 11, 2020.

Three years later the company is now expanding the brand’s packaging options to include aluminum and glass bottles. The reason behind the diversification is simple: give the customer what he or she wants in a sustainable package.https://d365710d60baf094f7a9ac40c042fe47.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-40/html/container.html

“Our vision is for ZenWTR to be a ‘Pantheon of Sustainability’ and consumers’ go-to brand for sustainable, premium packaged water,” Jessy Qussar, the Zen VP of marketing, informs us. “These new formats provide additional sustainable options for consumers to enjoy ZenWTR, so that, whatever your preferred package is, we have something for you.”

Consumers are not necessarily tied to a particular format; an intended use occasion may influence their choice as well.

“Acknowledging that there are a variety of factors that influencer consumers’ selections when it comes to bottled water packaging — for instance, glass bottles are not allowed on most beaches — with these new formats, we’re able to offer the water our consumers love in additional sustainable packages to meets their specific needs,” Qussar points out.

Each of the three materials has its own strengths, which are highlighted on the bottle. For example, the flagship rPET bottles call attention to the 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic on the front panel.

“We’ve also devoted space on the back panel to defining what Ocean-Bound Plastic is, and the positive impact of each ZenWTR bottle — that each is made from up to 5 recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles, that were prevented from polluting the ocean,” Qussar explains. “This is still a fairly new proposition and general awareness is relatively low.”

ZenWTR is well on its way to the goal of supporting the diversion of 50 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic by 2025. The brand lays claim as the first beverage to achieve Plastic Negative Certification and donates 1% of all sales to credible organizations focused on ocean conservation and recycling advancement in the US.

16-ounce aluminum bottle is the water brand’s first alternative packaging format.

The first option to the rPET bottle will be a 16-ounce Alumi-Tek bottle supplied by Ball.

“We’ll be testing the new, 100% infinitely recycled Alumi-Tek bottle at retail this year with a larger rollout in 2024,” Qussar says.

The metal bottle is also aligned with the company’s mission to help preserve our oceans.

“Although this package isn’t made from rescued ocean-bound plastic like our flagship rPET bottles, we’re working with the Plastic Credit Exchange to support programs that rescue and recycle the equivalent of five ocean-bound plastic bottles for every Alumi-Tek bottle sold,” Qussar says.

The bottles are direct printed including with copy stating they are made from “Infinitely Recyclable Aluminum.”

The brand will be adding a 1-Liter glass bottle to their product lineup as well.

The packaging design is not yet final for the glass bottle option. However, “we plan to include on-package messaging of its sustainability as well,” Qussar points out.

There’s always the risk a line extension or new stock-keeping unit could erode current sales volumes. However, Qussar doesn’t anticipate the new bottle formats will cannibalize rPET bottle sales, but instead expects quite the opposite.

“We anticipate incremental sales among consumers and retailers seeking bottled water in these additional formats,” she says.

Brand and packaging design refresh accompanied by new marketing campaign.

To support the brand refresh, ZenWTR is rolling out a new integrated marketing campaign, featuring the new packaging and the message that ZenWTR “Tastes Good, Does Good and Feels Good.”

It will include out-of-home advertising, retail and shopper marketing, and national field marketing efforts.

“We are thrilled to unveil this brand refresh, with our taste-forward and mission-centric messaging front and center,” says Lance Collins, ZenWTR founder and beverage industry veteran. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability and ensuring that every sip of ZenWTR supports positive change. We know our fans love ZenWTR for our crisp, ultra-pure taste and because we make it easy to for them to do a little better for our planet. That sentiment is at the heart of our new campaign, and we plan to have some fun bringing it to life this summer.”

Source:

https://www.packagingdigest.com/beverage-packaging/plastic-metal-or-glass-zenwtr-diversifies-bottled-water-packaging