Category: News & Updates

Industrial and consumer goods company, Henkel South Africa, has expanded into Zimbabwe through a partnership with Cluster Diagnostics. Officially launched in Harare on 26 January 2023, the partnership will see Cluster Diagnostics in Zimbabwe distribute Henkel industrial adhesives to the local market.

Cluster Diagnostics was established to provide diagnostic solutions to areas in the SADC region with limited resources. The company has been signed on as a Henkel Premium Partner, and as such, will have access to technical support and training, up-to-date marketing material, and products and solutions that will benefit customers.

The partnership is an expansion of the Henkel business and is aimed at growing the customer base in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.

Packaging and labelling

The industries of interest are the packaging and labelling industries, with a possibility of expanding into others as the business grows. Cluster Diagnostics will distribute the industrial adhesives Technomelt and Aquence used for end-of-line packaging and labelling applications. Plus, service products in the form of Technomelt liquid and solid cleaners, used to remove residual adhesive, grease, and grime before the next manufacturing application.

“Henkel South Africa has been looking for a partner to expand into the Zimbabwean market for a while. The partnership with Cluster Diagnostics is a couple of years in the making, and we are thrilled to officially welcome them on board,” says Trevor Bolton, Adhesive Technologies sales manager, Henkel South Africa. “The timing is also quite auspicious, as Henkel celebrates 100 years of adhesives globally,” he adds.

Siphiwe Mthembu, head of the adhesives division for Cluster Diagnostics, comments, “We are proud to be associated with the world’s number one adhesives producer. As part of our value proposition, we want to be a support centre for all Henkel customers in the country and facilitate the seamless movement of Henkel products between countries. This is a great opportunity for Henkel to grow their footprint and to have in-country support for their customers through Cluster Diagnostics.”

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.co.zw/Article/238/178/235423.html#

Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA) is rolling out its 2L returnable bottle, also known as its refillable PET bottle (RefPET), in Mangaung in the Free State and Northern Cape, as part of its stated commitment to reduce plastic waste.Source: Supplied

Since 2019, CCBSA has successfully launched RefPET in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, North-West, Mpumalanga and parts of the Free State and plans to expand this offering in a bid to include consumers as an important part of the recycling value chain.

Food and beverage packaging is important to ensure food safety and reduce food waste, but packaging has also created an environmental waste problem that requires a comprehensive response.

As part of its responsibility to help address this challenge, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) and a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company, has committed to help collect a bottle or can for every single one it sells by 2030.

It will also use 50% recycled content in all packaging and make 25% of its packaging reusable by 2030, while making all its packaging 100% recyclable by 2025.

“We are very excited by this progressive phase of our RefPET rollout in the two provinces. This innovation is part of our World Without Waste Vision 2030, which relies on partnerships with customers, consumers, communities, industry, and governments to succeed. Our vision and annual targets are ambitious, but our results have shown us that it is possible to make a meaningful contribution towards helping create a waste-free planet,” said Velaphi Ratshefola, CCBSA’s managing director.

Ratshefola added that the consumer response to the new 2L returnable PET bottles has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Where we have launched RefPET, we have seen consumers switching to purchasing the returnable 2L bottles and returning them after consumption. This is what we envisioned with this innovation, to encourage consumers to return the bottles for reuse, for as long as the bottle passes the quality test. We are excited about this next phase of the project in the two provinces,” says Ratshefola.

How the system works

The returnable PET bottles are identifiable by a paper label, with ‘RETURNABLE’ appearing in green on the front of the bottle. To start the communities and households on this loop, the company will give each household a 2L RefPET sample that they can exchange for a deposit when they buy any of the products available in a 2L RefPET from the local store.

The recommended retail price for the 2L Coca-Cola Original Taste – Less Sugar beverage is R16, which excludes a R9 deposit. Other brands, like Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite and Fanta, are also available in the new 2L returnable PET plastic bottle at a recommended retail price of R14 excluding the R9 deposit. This means a saving of around R9 per bottle, depending on where a customer purchases their favourite beverage.

Once a bottle is returned to CCBSA, it goes on a looped journey to be cleaned in accordance with Coca-Cola’s stringent measures and requirements, then refilled to start its next lifecycle. When the bottle reaches the end of its useable lifecycle, it joins the recycling value chain and is repurposed into another PET product.

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/178/235897.html#

Looking at brands, consumers tend to focus on logos, but the distinctiveness of product’s shape or its packaging can be just as important in identifying a brand. The South African Trade Marks Act specifically includes both “shapes and containers” in the definition of what may constitute a ‘mark’. Trade mark practitioners get excited when the shape of a product finds itself at the centre of a trade mark dispute.

With this in mind, we review the trade mark dispute between Dart Industries Incorporated and Another v Botle Buhle Brands (Pty) Ltd and Another [2022] (1 December 2022). As Judge Makgoka, who delivered this judgment, described it: “This is a trade mark dispute about a shape of a water bottle.”

Dart Industries Inc was the registered proprietor of a trade mark filed in 2015, registered for: ‘Household containers; kitchen containers; water bottles sold empty; insulated bags and containers for beverages for domestic use; beverageware; drinking vessels.’ It was endorsed as consisting of ‘a container for goods’, and was represented as follows on the trade marks register:

Tupperware Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd, and its South African representative and licencee in South Africa were the second Appellant. Tupperware had been selling a plastic bottle, in the shape for which it has been registered, as a trade mark since 2011, marketed as the ‘Eco Bottle’.Tupperware Eco Bottles

In 2019, Botle Buhle Brands started to market and sell the following bottle:

Tupperware approached the high court to restrain Buhle Brands from infringing its registered trade mark and sought a restraining order based on passing off.

In response, Buhle Brands launched a counter-application for the removal of Tupperware’s trade mark registration. Initially, the High Court found that Tupperware’s registered trade mark was neither inherently distinctive nor had acquired distinctiveness as a result of prior use, and Tupperware’s application was dismissed and Buhle Brands’ counter application was granted. This made it unnesessary for the High Court to decide the infringement issue or Buhle Brands’ other grounds. On deciding the passing-off issue, the court found that, although the bottles were virtually identical, taking into consideration the sales model used by both parties, there was no likelihood of deception or confusion.

The matter then went to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), where the court first considered whether the shape of Tupperware’s Eco Bottle as a mark should to be removed from the register, specifically considering the bottle shape’s inherent distictiveness or acquired distinctiveness.

Inherent distinctiveness

In considering the question of whether Tupperware’s mark was inherently distinctive or not, the court had to consider that the function of a trade mark is to indicate the origin of the goods or services. (In the case of shape marks, the perception of the public is crucial. If the public relies on the distinctiveness of the shape as an indicator of the source of the goods, that then denotes the shape of a product as a trade mark.) The question therefore had to be asked, whether the public would perceive the container to be a badge of origin and not merely another vessel.

Tupperware contended that its Eco Bottle, ‘departs significantly’ from the shape of other water bottles in the market. They also claimed that the use of the specific hourglass shape with indentations was unique and unknown to the market at the time the bottle was launched in South Africa. The court then applied three steps in deciding whether the mark differed significantly from the norms and customs of the sector: Firstly, one needed to determine what the sector was. Secondly, to identify any common norms and customs of that sector and lastly to decide whether the mark departed significantly from those norms or customs. There was no evidence before the court that consumers appreciated that the bottle conveyed trade mark significance.

The court was not convinced that customers would consider the shape of the Eco Bottle alone as a guarantee that it was produced by Tupperware, as ‘containers and shapes generally do not serve as sources of origin.’ The SCA agreed with the High Court that the Eco Bottle did not have an inherently distictive character.

Distinctiveness as a result of prior use

There was no evidence before the court that the purchasers of the Eco Bottle perceive the shape of the bottle as an indicator that it originated from Tupperware. Tupperware also never marketed, promoted or sold the bottle with reference to its shape.

The Eco Bottle is also embossed with the Tupperware trade mark on its side and the court was of the mind that the public might rather perceive the bottle as originating from Tupperware because of the well-known embossed trade mark and not because of the shape of the bottle.

In conclusion, the court found that

the shape of Tupperware’s Eco Bottle did not distinguish it from water bottles sold by others and therefore was not distinctive, and the High Court was correct to uphold Buhle Brands’ counterclaim by ordering the cancellation of Tupperware’s registered mark.

Passing off

The court also had to determine whether Buhle Brands was passing off its water bottle as being Tupperware’s Eco Bottle. Passing off implies that in a representation by one person, that his business or merchandise, is that of another, or that it is associated with that of another’.

In passing-off proceedings, the court must consider many factors in determining whether there is a likelihood of confusion between products and brands. The court considered the shape, colour, material, and the caps of the bottles, as well as the placement of the respective ‘Tupperware’ and ‘Botle Buhle’ trade marks embossed on the side of the bottles.

Below are representations of the respective water bottles:Tupperware Eco BottlesBotle Buhle bottles

The requirements for a successful passing off action also require proof of reputation or goodwill, and a reasonable likelihood that members of the public may be confused into believing that the business of one is, or is connected with, that of another.

The Tupperware Eco Bottle had been promoted extensively in catalogues, newsletters and promotional leaflets. Considering the extensive and undisputed sales figures and marketing information, both the High Court and the SCA, found that Tupperware had established the necessary reputation in the Eco Bottle.

Both courts were in agreement that the bottles of both parties were ‘virtually identical’, with the only significant difference between the two competing bottles being the embossing of the words ‘Tupperware’ and ‘Botle Buhle’ on the side and cap of the bottles. The embossing was considered by the court to be “inconspicuous, and does little or nothing to distinguish the two products.” The High Court concluded that given the sales model, there was no likelihood of confusion. The High Court confined its enquiry, however, to Tupperware’s unique sales model – commonly referred to as ‘Tupperware parties’ – which includes the hosting of parties by a magnitude of consultants, predominantly at their homes.

Judge Makgoka remarked, quite firmly as follows: “It seems to me that the overall design of the Buhle Brands’ water bottle was not to distinguish it from that of Tupperware, but rather to associate the two. In other words, Buhle seems to have strained every nerve to associate its water bottle with the Eco Bottle.”

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The Judge remarked that the enquiry whether a likelihood of confusion exists should extend beyond the Tupperware parties. Consumers may encounter the competing bottles at a party where both products are sold. Both the competing products were also marketed online, and in some instances catalogues of both products are depicted side by side. This, in the view of the court established the likelihood of confusion between the two products. It was therefore very likely that a customer would encounter the two competing bottles side by side and make an association between them – this is even more likely when making online purchases.

The SCA also remarked that, “This type of confusion, which results in consumers purchasing one product thinking that it is the one they know, or is associated with it, is at the heart of the action of passing-off.” The court found that the likelihood of confusion therefore did exist.

The third issue in passing-off is damage to a brand. Regarding damages, the court remarked that

by adopting the same marketing strategy as Tupperware, Buhle Brands had sought to associate its product in every respect, with that of Tupperware. This would enable Buhle Brands to trade its water bottle upon and benefit from the reputation of Tupperware’s Eco Bottle. The damage to Tupperware is inevitable.

Conclusion

This case is another great example of how shapes and containers (or even a combination of the two) clearly can serve a distinguishing function. It remains however, important for the owners of these shapes and shape trade marks to consider carefully the way in which they wish to protect their products and how they wish to distinguish their goods from those of competitors. It remains clear that relying only on shape as a trade mark can be tenuous and should be considered only part of a product’s identity.

Pick n Pay has removed all plastic barrier bags from its till points, claiming to be the first retailer in South Africa to do so. The supermarket group notes that the move will prevent over 20 million of these small bags from entering the environment.

Barrier bags are traditionally used by stores to separate selected products, such as fresh produce, toiletries or cleaning products, from other groceries.

Vaughan Pierce, executive: ESG at Pick n Pay, says that the company has been on a journey to reduce problematic single-use plastic packaging. “These small clear plastic barrier bags are not currently recycled effectively, and by removing these at till points, we can play a part in reducing reliance on unnecessary single-use plastic.”

Pick n Pay will still have barrier bags in its fruit and vegetable section for loose produce but continues to encourage customers to use alternatives, such as re-useable netted produce bags, which it stocks in all its stores nationwide.

This latest development is part of Pick n Pay’s journey towards its 2025 plastic waste reduction targets. Over the past five years, more than 10,000 tonnes of plastic have been removed from the environment to make Pick n Pay’s 100% recyclable blue plastic bags, and over 11 million plastic bottles have been recycled to manufacture the retailer’s reusable shopping bags since 2018.

Pick n Pay is a founding member of the SA Plastics Pact, launched in January 2020 to establish a collective commitment to ensure plastic never becomes waste or pollution in the country. As part of this, the retailer committed to various 2025 targets, which include ensuring that 100% of its private label packaging is reusable or recyclable. This number has shifted from 67% to 80% in the past two years through various changes.

“We all need to accelerate the transition from a linear to a circular economy of packaging as this will drive positive change on a much larger scale,” says Pierce. “Packaging, particularly plastic, plays an important role in protecting products and reducing food waste. By committing to creating a system where packaging is treated as a valuable resource that can be used, re-used, collected and recycled in a closed loop, it supports the principles of a circular economy,” explains Pierce.

Beyond groceries

Pierce adds that Pick n Pay’s commitment to recycling extends to increasing the use of recycled materials in clothing products and store refurbs. In 2021, Pick n Pay Clothing sold 1.5 million items of clothing that included recycled content.

He says that repurposing plastic extends beyond simply helping the planet; it also supports local charities and creates jobs through the informal economy as waste pickers generate income from recycled plastic.

“We regularly introduce new reusable plastic bags, which are 100% made from locally recycled plastic bottles. Each with a unique design, these promote sustainable shopping habits as customers reuse the same shopping bag. But the designs also create awareness and funding for local non-profit organisations as proceeds from these bag sales go to selected charities.”

For February – the month of love – Pick n Pay has introduced a rainbow-coloured ‘Love Bag’ celebrating love, inclusion and acceptance, and the proceeds from the sales will go to the Other Foundation.

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/178/235971.html

A simple packaging solution that makes sense.

Our fully IML-labelled Octagon range optimises on-shelf brand exposure, boasts exceptional versatility across a wide range of industries and product categories; and offers maximum decorating space to align with your product vision.

vailable in 250g and 500g, and being fridge and freezer friendly, the Octagon tub is truly versatile across markets and product categories. With the introduction of larger sizes later in 2022, this product range boasts maximum on-shelf brand exposure as both the tub and lid are fully IML wrapped and available in a vast range of colour and label designs.

The nestable design optimises transport and warehousing, and the tub and lid is produced from fully recyclable polypropylene. With its interlocking rim, the tub is leak proof. The tamper evident tab stays attached to the tub when broken, making it compliant to EPR regulations.

View the product in our online catalogue here.

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/178/236037.html#

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) recently published new requirements and guidelines for the marking and identification of environmentally-friendly production and processing of degradable plastics and plastic products. ‘Degradable plastics’ include but are not limited to biodegradable, compostable, oxo-biodegradable and water-soluble plastics.

The new South African National Standard (SANS) 1728 was published by SABS to ensure that proper testing and certification are followed before manufacturers can make claims that plastics are environment-friendly or non-polluting.

Dr Sadhvir Bissoon, acting CEO of the SABS explains that vague environmental claims such as ‘environmentally safe’, ‘environmentally friendly, ‘earth friendly’, ‘non-polluting’, ‘green’, ‘ozone friendly’, plastic ‘free’, etc., are specifically cautioned against in SANS 1728.

“Manufacturers that wish to claim their plastic packaging are degradable need to subject the packaging to the relevant testing and certification requirements,” he says.

SANS 1728 advises consumers to recognise the correct markings and to be aware that any product that claims to have biodegradable plastic packaged, needs to be verified according to the standard, which is aligned with global requirements.

Material identification code

SANS 1728 requires that the plastic material used in the packaging must be presented on the packaging, using a material identification code from 1-7, and contained in a triangle.

• 1 = PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
• 2 = PEHD (High-density polyethylene)
• 3 = PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
• 4 = PELD (Low density polyethylene)
• 5 = PP (Polypropylene)
• 6 = PS (Polystyrene)
• 7 = all other materials (e.g. ABS, PLA, SAN, etc.)

Should the plastic packaging be of a degradable nature, it will be indicated below the triangle.

“Currently, in South Africa there are no products that have been certified by the SABS as compliant or meeting the requirements of SANS 1728 and consumers are urged to be vigilant when purchasing plastic products that make false claims of being degradable or ‘environmentally friendly’ or plastic free.

“Basically, manufacturers need to ensure that they have verified the type of plastic in their packaging before they can make any claims about their products,” says Bissoon.

In South Africa, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment holds the authority and regulatory power over packaging. In May 2021, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recommendations became regulations and include requirements for packaging and correct labelling of products and packaging.

Source:

https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/178/236506.html#

As the world looks more towards sustainability, brands are constantly trying to innovate packaging. With two-thirds of consumers considering the recyclability of packaging important when buying a new product, brands can’t afford to fall behind.

That’s why we’ve created this list of 15 innovations in packaging materials we’re excited about.

1. Bottles Made From Recycled Fishing Nets

Did you know up to one million tonnes of ghost fishing nets enter our oceans each year? With so many at our disposal, it only makes sense to try to innovate with the material.

Denmark’s Rema 1000 teamed up with Green Plastic manufacturer Plastix to create dark green packaging from recycled fishing nets for its dishwasher detergent bottles. Plastix collects and recycles plastics from the fishing industry. They convert the fibres from fishing nets, trawls and ropes into high-grade green plastic raw materials that can be used for new products.

2. Seaweed Packaging

Seaweed has been hailed as a sustainable solution for single-use packaging for several years. One company making a statement is London-based start-up Notpla, which manufactures packaging from natural ingredients like seaweed. 

Image Credit: Notpla

They’ve even partnered with delivery service Just Eat to provide seaweed-lined takeaway containers. This seaweed packaging is not only a great replacement for single-use packaging, but it’s also 100% edible and biodegradable. 

3. Creating Raw Material From Waste

Italian start-up Ecoplasteam has developed a method to turn rubbish into an environmentally-friendly raw material used to produce packing bottles. The material, called EcoAllene, is an infinitely recyclable material made up of polyethene and aluminium and has been used in the fashion and building industries.

4. Water-Soluble Packaging

Water-soluble packaging is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and will dissolve when in contact with hot water. Here at Weavabel, we offer water-soluble packaging for our high-quality eco-friendly garment bags, so your products are protected and highly sustainable. 

5. 3D-Printed Packaging

3D printing technology has seen increasing adoption in various industries, from transport to healthcare. New innovations mean it can now be used in the packaging industry. 

US-based Knurls has developed KnurlPack, a patented 3D-printing process for packaging made with plastic, metal or ceramics for retail, shipment or storage. This technology means the packaging can be partially or completely printed around the product with plastic, so only the necessary material is used.

https://www.weavabel.com/garment-bags

6. Cellulose-Based Materials

Canadian nanotechnology company CelluloTech has developed a cellulose-based, 100% renewable mono-material designed to replace plastic coatings on packaging. 

The green chemical technique — called Chromatogeny — makes any cellulose-based product permanently hydrophobic, so products remain protected without sacrificing sustainability.

7. Paper Used for Cosmetics

BillerudKorsnäs has created the innovative FibreForm paper tube for its toothpaste, cosmetics and products. FibreForm is a low-carbon, cold-formable material requiring less energy in production than plastics. 

The material is also very customisable, allowing for 10 times deeper embossing than regular paper. It can create unique 3D effects to provide consumers with a tactile experience.

8. Moulded Fibre Printing

While moulded fibre packaging has been around for years for products like egg boxes, trays and electronics, new printing techniques have made it possible to print high-resolution coloured graphics directly on the packaging eliminating the need for glue-based labels. 

Known as Molded Fiber Labeling (MFL), this method allows for customisation with different materials, inks and lacquers while remaining recyclable and waste-free.

9. Grass Cardboard

For grass cardboard, the groundwood pulp found in regular cardboard’s structure is replaced by processed grass fibres sourced from places like nature reserves. An alternative to plastic packaging, grass cardboard is both 100% recyclable and compostable, with chemical-free raw material processing and significant energy and water-saving manufacturing operations.

10. Plantable Packaging

Plantable seed packaging has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years, particularly in the packaging industry as a zero-waste solution to single-use plastic. Fully biodegradable seed paper is created using recycled paper and wild seeds, so when the packaging reaches the end of its lifecycle, it can be planted to grow new life. 

Image Credit: Pangea Organics

Weavabel offers seed paper as an option for compostable swing tags so you can communicate your sustainable brand philosophy throughout your products.

11. UV and EB Curable Inks

An aspect of packaging many may not consider is ink. The choice of ink used in packaging printing can make all the difference for its sustainability. Inks curable by ultraviolet (UV) and electronic beam (EB) are unique because they don’t emit harmful chemicals and have no solvents. Using these processes will dry ink quickly, with less wastage and a significant reduction in energy consumption.

12. Packaging Made From Cow Manure

Cow manure has plenty of uses in the agriculture industry, but its application in creating packaging for plant life is less known. US-based CowPots has found a way to make plastic-free packaging out of cow manure, making it a renewable resource in their circular farm strategy. 

CowPots can also prototype and custom-build products for packaging in other industries.

13. Biodegradable Packing Peanuts

Polystyrene packing peanuts have been a scourge on sustainable packaging for a long time, so many businesses have attempted to curb this issue with innovative solutions. 

Boxtopia has created biodegradable packing peanuts from all-natural products like maise grit, water and herbal extracts. While these products look like traditional polystyrene packing peanuts, they dissolve into harmless substances when exposed to water.

14. Oyster Paper

Made using recycled waste products, oyster paper is made from discarded residue from the leather manufacturing process. Weavabel’s Eco3 Range takes advantage of this material for our swing tags and packaging to make these kinder alternatives more accessible for your brand.

15. Corn Plastic

Fully biodegradable, corn plastic is made from polylactic acid (PLA) and sourced from fermented plant starch. This material has been used to make biodegradable packaging materials, including food bags, as a natural alternative to regular plastic. Corn plastic isn’t only carbon neutral as a renewable material, but it also won’t emit any toxic fumes when incinerated.  

From cow manure to 3D printing, innovations in packaging materials show no signs of slowing down. To keep up with sustainability goals and encourage sales from eco-conscious consumers, brands have to stay on top of the game regarding packaging.

Take a Look at Our Packaging Toolkit

Want to stay on top of the trends but not sure how? Our packaging toolkit gives you everything you need to know about the materials offered by Weavabel and what we can do with them. Download the toolkit today and take the first steps towards sustainable packaging.

Source:

https://www.weavabel.com/blog/innovations-in-packaging-materials-were-excited-about

Keeping up with the latest product packaging design trends can feel a bit like high school. Every year there seem to be new, hip, and edgy ways to make a packaging statement. These trends in packaging make you feel as if you need to either keep up or move away from the “cool kids.”

We’re here to tell you that while trendy packaging design ideas may garner media attention, trendiness only sometimes leads to greater revenues from retail store shelves. While we recommend that you review the latest packaging design trends when during your concept phase, leave the final verdict to packaging design testing. Test to determine how these packaging trends impact consumer purchase intent and whether they help your product stand out on store shelves.

Here’s a look at trendy packaging in 2023 and our experience helping brands decide which of these top packaging design trends is worthy of packaging consideration. 

Sustainable Packaging Materials

According to National Geographic, 18 billion pounds of plastic enter the ocean every year, and there’s a floating plastic patch in the Pacific Ocean roughly the size of Texas. Sustainability isn’t just a packaging design trend; it’s a global trend. More and more people are becoming environmentally aware, opting to reduce our carbon footprints to create a more sustainable future.

One way to accomplish this is by reducing packaging waste. The trend toward sustainability has created a massive anti-plastic movement that’s taken hold around the world. Using plastic packaging isn’t cool anymore. It makes businesses seem out of touch and anti-environmental (and how could anyone be against the Earth?).

Many brands are swapping out their harmful, anti-sea turtle plastic packaging for more environmentally friendly materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable:

• Paper
• Metal
• Glass
• Cloth
• Wood
• Pulp

Sustainability is quickly surpassing the level of being a packaging design trend and is becoming a packaging design expectation. People don’t want to see plastic on retail shelves. Swap to more sustainable packaging materials to keep up with the times and save some PR points.

Since sustainability is more of an expectation, like other white noise terms such as organic and non-GMO, shelf differentiation becomes more complex. Shifting towards sustainability from a marketing angle is the wrong move. If you have better intentions but want sustainability to be a part of your brand resonance, you must spin your messaging in a new way. 

Otherwise, it becomes a part of your brand story that nobody remembers. How can you innovatively approach sustainability? What does your brand do differently from other brands? How can you express these innovations and differences on your package so that it creates consumer interest?

These are all questions to ask when going all-in on this packaging design trend. 

Transparent Packaging Material

Transparency through windows and product wrapping has been a part of the packaging industry for decades and is a common design element used in food packaging design. But transparent packaging is seeing a resurgence thanks to the demand for transparency in ingredients, the minimalist design trend, and innovations in custom packaging. 

The downside to transparent packaging is that the more consumers see your products, the less you can convince them with messaging. Using transparent materials is like walking a tightrope with your design. Having a skilled packaging designer who can consider each viewpoint to determine how design elements interact with the natural product, is the only way for this trend to work. 

Natural, Earthy Colors

Along with eliminating environment-harming plastics, many brands are taking the eco-trend further by using natural, earthy colors.

Earth tones have been popular in niche industries like organic foods and are common with cosmetics packaging. But lately, brands outside the organic market are using natural colors to capitalize on the sustainability movement.

Because organic products have been using that color palette for years, it’s become synonymous with “healthy” and “natural.” Use colors like low-saturated browns, blues, and greens to show off your sustainable product packaging and your brand’s dedication to the Earth.

Illustrated Designs

In many ways, we have entered the creative economy. Even the left-brain oriented individual is becoming more expressive throughout their daily lives. In packaging, the lines between creativity and commerce are blurring, changing the landscape and where brands play. 

Creative illustrations will continue to rise in popularity as we enter CPG in web 3.0, and many brands are taking notice. Whether it’s new companies wanting a creative brand identity with illustrative graphics or established brands reinvent themselves with updated illustration methods, an increasing number of brands are leaning into this. 

The trend for hand-written typography, graphic design resembling more of a sketch, and cartoonish characters are a joy to view, but do they belong on consumer packaged goods? Using illustrations in packaging design depends on the category and competitive landscape. Shelf differentiation is impossible if you look like everyone else. 

Suppose illustration is a part of your design theme; perform testing to determine which of these brand assets have the greatest appeal and that you can include without cluttering the package. Reserve your package design for only what is distinct and definitive, then let the messaging drive consumers pick up your product from the shelf. 

Clean and Simple Minimalist Designs

Minimalism is nothing new. Minimalistic themes have been in art since the 1950s. Brands like Apple and Nike have used them since their inception. The minimalism trend has come and gone several times but seems to have now found a permanent home in select CPG categories. 

Minimalist packaging designs create a direct, no-frills experience with a product. Crazy designs or patterns do not overwhelm customers who look at your packaging. Everything is straight to the point. It shows cleanliness, neatness, organization, and clarity-all things that make consumers feel warm and fuzzy.

The difficulty with minimalist designs comes with differentiating your brand from the pack. How will you stand out from the neighboring product if the category theme is a plain, white layout with a black serif font? Hard to do when your packaging follows the same pattern.

Many brands incorporate color into their minimalist designs, helping them break away from the pack. Some brands like Denada Sugar-Free Ice Cream use alternating natural earth tones (double design trend!) to help them stand out. In contrast, others like Quaker Oats take a brighter approach by adding a splash of exuberant color to their minimalist designs, so they stand out on the shelves.

Maximalist Designs

Some brands decided that minimalism was so last year and have gone in the opposite direction.

Maximalism is a more recent trend in the product design industry that has to do with everything in excess. These “more is better” packaging designs have more frills, bright colors, flourishes, and clashing patterns to give consumers a feast for the eyes. In categories where minimalism has become the norm, when compared to the competition, maximalist designs can make products seem exceptional.

Brands that embrace the idea of maximalism, like Star Union Spirits, fill as much packaging space as possible with patterns, typography, and colors. It’s a bold move, but sometimes, bold moves are the ones people remember.

Retro Styling With Throwback Appeal

Things aren’t always great in the modern-day. That’s why many brands are leaning on retro designs that evoke nostalgia. The old-timey trends remind people of a simpler time before cell phones, and laptops ruled their lives.

Retro styling makes products seem steady and enduring, like they’ve stood the test of time. It gives consumers a sense of security and invokes feelings of the good old days.

Brands with long histories can especially capitalize on a vintage design with retro styling by taking cues from their old packaging designs, although a long history isn’t a requirement. Many contemporary companies like Sonoma Brothers Distilling use retro designs to sell products. Although its website and packaging look retro, the company began in 2012.

Since retro covers many eras, a vintage design can include one or more of the other packaging design trends. Those whose brand identity latches onto proprietors of the 1920s may cross-pollinate stylistic typography with a minimal design. Brands looking to identify with the 1950s may include flat colors, thick fonts, and “to-die-for” messaging.

Brands looking to match a particular time must be cautious with subjectivity in the packaging design process. Consumers may disagree with your design choice, causing your products to become vintage in their own right as it appears more like shelf-stagnant art.

Textured Packaging

Tactile texturing in packaging design is a trend on which only some brands are capitalizing. That sounds contradictory as a popular trend, but a lack of brand acceptance suggests it isn’t. The limiting factor for textured packaging is the cost. Raised typography isn’t free and can slow down the supply chain. 

Supply chain issues are a no-no for big-name brands with significant product demand. It’s also a no-go for small brands with limited capital that cannot justify the added cost. 

With careful planning, cross-team communication, and a brand strategy to support additional costs and labor demands, textured packaging can increase your shelf conversation rate. Unlike trends encouraging consumers to pull your product off shelves, textured packaging increases your conversation rate at the point of buyer consideration.

Personalized Packaging

Advancements in customization technology and consumer demand for “how does this benefit me” make personalization a packaging trend for every brand must consider. Whether personalization is a custom packaging design targeting a specific consumer or designs that solve a problem, personalizing your product creates a deeper-rooted reason for buying your product. 

Let’s use the hypothetical example of a brand selling premium organic small-batch roasted coffee. This brand creates a customized packaging box made of recyclable materials reusable as a small pot for plants. When you connect the packaging experience dots, this brand creates a personalized experience for the consumer who enjoys at-home leisure.

Smart Packaging

Smart packaging is a CPG marketing trend that crosses over to packaging design. Serving two purposes, smart packaging technologies such as QR codes can improve the packaging experience and lead to future consumer interaction. 

One food packaging design trend is using smart packaging to take consumers to done-for-you recipes. In a more advanced use of technology, brands are preparing for an immersive experience where consumers go from package to augmented reality. 

Smart packaging is more than a design trend; it’s a brand strategy that can come at a small or ever-growing cost. Look to the future if you consider connected packaging, where consumers take your product into a digital world. Consider both the advancements and the amount of capital and resources needed to keep this design element alive and well. 

Keep Up with the Latest Packaging Design Trends

Packaging design trends change with the seasons. One year, bold geometric designs and clashing colors are in; the next, it’s all earth tones and minimalism. If you want your packaging to stay relevant, it’s all about sustainability, earth tones, minimalism, maximalism, and retro styling.

Since some 2023 packaging design trends seem to clash (looking at you, minimalism, and maximalism), ensure you learn what speaks to your customers. A maximalist trend may not be the best bet if you’re a natural product brand looking to show how clean and organic you are. Learn what your customers like, then use the latest trends to influence the rest of your decisions.

Package design that’s proven to perform.

SmashBrand is the only packaging design agency that guarantees shelf performance. Our consumer testing process and packaging design methodology provide brand confidence and retailer relief, knowing how your product will perform once it lands on the shelf. 

Book a time to discuss your project with our team. 

Source:

https://www.smashbrand.com/articles/packaging-design-trends/

Are you curious about which packaging industry trends & startups will soon impact your business? Explore our in-depth industry research on 2 907 packaging startups & scaleups and get data-driven insights into technology-based solutions in our Packaging Innovation Map!

The packaging industry is adopting smart and sustainable solutions to make product packaging more consumer-, brand-, and environmentally friendly. The major packaging industry trends that enable smart packaging are the internet of packaging, active packaging, and nanotechnology. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic has kept people in their homes, packaging from online shopping creates the serious challenge of waste production. Hence, startups and scaleups accelerate innovations around biodegradable, recyclable, and edible packaging. At the same time, the deployment of 3D printing and robotic packaging simplifies packaging processes and reduces costs for consumer companies.

Innovation Map outlines the Top 10 Packaging Industry Trends & 20 Promising Startups

For this in-depth research on the Top Packaging Industry Trends & Startups, we analyzed a sample of 2 907 global startups and scaleups. The result of this research is data-driven innovation intelligence that improves strategic decision-making by giving you an overview of emerging technologies & startups in the packaging industry. These insights are derived by working with our Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 2 500 000+ startups & scaleups globally. The platform quickly delivers an exhaustive overview of emerging technologies within a specific field as well as identifies relevant startups & scaleups early on.

In the Innovation Map below, you get an overview of the Top 10 Packaging Industry Trends & Innovations that impact packaging companies worldwide. Moreover, the Packaging Innovation Map reveals 20 hand-picked startups, all working on emerging technologies that advance their field. To explore custom insights, simply get in touch with us.

Tree Map reveals the Impact of the Top 10 Packaging Industry Trends

Based on the Packaging Innovation Map, the tree map below illustrates the impact of the top 10 packaging industry trends. Startups innovate to make the packaging more smart, connected, and interactive. This is done through QR codes, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, augmented reality (AR), and the internet of things (IoT)-based food spoilage detection sensors. Increasing consumer awareness encourages companies to adopt circular packaging solutions by using biodegradable and recyclable materials such as post-consumer resins, bagasse, hemp, and polylactic acid (PLA). Digital printing on the packaging is another big trend impacting packaging supply chains. With AI-assisted robots carrying out the monotonous packaging processes of picking, placing, palletizing, and inspection, packaging automation is also disrupting the industry. Food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharma industries incorporate active packaging to tackle the challenge of product spoilage. Further, 3D printing and customized packaging enable brands to stand out and attract more consumers.

Global Startup Heat Map covers 2 907 Packaging Startups & Scaleups

The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights the global distribution of the 2 907 exemplary startups & scaleups that we analyzed for this research. Created through the StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, the Heat Map reveals that the United States is home to most of these companies while we also observe increased activity in Europe, particularly the UK, as well India.

Below, you get to meet 20 out of these 2 907 promising startups & scaleups as well as the solutions they develop. These 20 startups were hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, and more. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.

Top 10 Packaging Industry Trends in 2023

1. Internet of Packaging

Internet of packaging brings technological disruption to traditional packaging and allows consumers to better connect with brands. Smart packaging leverages technology such as QR codes, smart labels, RFID, and near field communication (NFC) chips. These cutting-edge solutions offer value-added benefits of security, authentication, and connectivity, making the product packaging a data carrier and digital tool. AR packaging provides companies an opportunity to better engage with customers by introducing them to a range of product content, discount codes, and video tutorials. Further, IoT devices allow brands to integrate diagnostic and indicator functionalities in their packaging, providing customers with real-time product conditions.

Langgeng Sukses Abadi Technology offers Anti-Counterfeit Solutions

Indonesian startup Langgeng Sukses Abadi Technology offers QTRUST, an anti-counterfeit solution. The startup integrates QR codes and cloud computing to allow brand owners and customers to verify product authenticity. The startup installs unique security codes on each product that allows brand owners and retailers to track items throughout the supply chain. This is done through its web-based portal and applications. QTRUST enables brands to interact with customers, deliver the correct brand story, and run customer survey campaigns. The startup’s mobile app enables users to check the product information, location of shops, transaction history, and get reward points.

TrackLegit enables Product Tracking

Slovenian startup TrackLegit builds an IoT-based smart packaging solution for product tracking. It combines near-field communication (NFC) tags on product packaging, blockchain, and a cloud software platform to track products throughout the supply chain. This allows brands to identify counterfeiting activities, detect deviations, and verify product authenticity. Besides, the startup provides a mobile app for customers to verify this supply chain data, enabling a new communication channel for customer engagement in the food, pharma, and textile industries.

2. Biodegradable Packaging

Plastic is the most commonly used packaging material since the early 20th century. However, its slow decomposition rate causes widespread environmental problems. As consumers become more aware of the negative consequences of single-use plastic packaging, they demand eco-friendly alternatives. Biodegradable packaging and films gain traction and are suitable replacements for traditional plastic packaging. For example, starch, cellulose, PLA, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and other biopolymers. Apart from this, plant-based packaging from sugarcane, coconut, hemp, and corn starch also replaces plastic packaging. These innovations are economical for businesses to adopt and reduce the environmental impacts of the packaging sector.

OCEANIUM develops Compostable Seaweed Packaging

OCEANIUM is a UK-based startup that manufactures products from sustainably farmed seaweed. The startup procures seaweed and then utilizes refinery technology and marine science to extract maximum value out of the plant. It produces a bio-packaging material, OCEAN WARE, an all-natural, home compostable bio-packaging that replaces traditional use-and-throw packaging. The earliest version of its packaging is made to be composted for soil health or for anaerobic digestion to generate energy.

LAM’ON produces Corn-based Foil Packaging

Bulgarian startup LAM’ON produces 100% compostable and biodegradable lamination film and foil packaging. The startup produces a packaging foil made of polylactic acid (PLA), PACK’ON, derived from corn. The use of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial additives in the foil and its oxygen barrier properties make the solution suitable for food packaging. The film and foil break down in natural materials such as water, carbon dioxide, and composite. The polymer threads of the product are biaxially oriented and, hence, make it durable and less prone to tearing. Moreover, PACK’ON indicates no migration of oils and other elements, making the product safe for food and cosmetics packing.

3. Digital Printing

The process of printing on packaging comes with many challenges, some of which are accuracy, low color quality, and high labor costs. This offers the opportunity to innovate the process with digital printing, making it one of the top packaging industry trends. Unlike traditional offset or flexo printing techniques, it does not require separate plates for different prints. All the content is printed in a single pass in digital printing, making it less laborious. Modern digital printing has a limited impact on the environment as it eliminates the need for prepress procedures or additional labeling, reducing waste and inventory requirements. With less turnaround time and more flexibility, digital printing enables customized packaging for brands to cater to different subgroups of consumers. Direct thermal printing is another printing technique that uses thermal imaging and is used to print labels and flexible packaging, without the use of inks.

Flexible Pack offers Digital Printing for Flexible Packaging

Flexible Pack is a US-based startup that offers digital printing for flexible packaging. It uses an HP Indigo digital press for printing on flexible packages, pouches, shrink sleeves, and labels. The startup’s technology offers gravure-matching quality along with a wide color scale, increased productivity, and high-quality automated finishing. The technique also makes it easier to print variable data such as barcodes or QR codes. The startup also supports printing on heat-sensitive materials as well.

Copy4LessNY provides Package & Label Printing Services

US-based startup Copy4LessNY provides printing services for packaged products and labels. It offers digital printing for corrugated boxes, cartons, and films with fast turnaround times. Further, the startup offers custom printed labels for products.

4. Packaging Automation

The major challenges associated with packaging are productivity, precision, and quality control. Automating the packaging processes, such as depanning, filling, packing, and palletizing, is a big packaging industry trend. Packaging automation with the use of robotic arms and grippers not only eliminates human errors but also ensures the safe handling of delicate products. Finally, startups also develop AI-powered vision systems that take pictures of the finished goods to analyze the package quality. These vision-assisted robots automate processes such as product sorting, quality control, and inspection to increase overall efficiency.

Wootzano makes Dexterous Robotic Systems for Food & Vegetable Packaging

Wootzano is a UK-based startup that makes robotic systems to handle extremely delicate objects. The startup’s robotic system is capable of performing functions like trimming, picking, and packing fresh produce including tomatoes and grapes. The robots use machine learning algorithms to execute their tasks and adapt to changing environments. Further, LiDAR is used for inspection automation and weight estimation. The robot’s hand covered with electronic skin has high sensing capabilities, allowing it to handle delicate produce without squeezing them. It also predicts product shelf life, which, in turn, allows manufacturers to reduce wastage.

CoRobotics provides Co-bots for Packaging and Palletization

Polish startup CoRobotics builds packing robots to perform a wide range of repetitive packaging tasks. Their SmartPalletizer is an easy-to-program robotic solution that automates the entire palletizing and depalletizing process. The configuration is done through user-friendly software with palletizing parameters. It is also possible to replicate layers or set up different palletizing schemes. Additionally, the user has to enter the size and number of pallets, as well as the position of the robot and use of spacers, on the touch screen. Additionally, the SmartPalletizer configures and executes the palletization or depalletization of one or two pallets. Other features of the robot include sensors to detect the pallet and cardboard presence at the end of the line.

5. Active Packaging

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one-third of all the food produced for consumption is wasted globally. Food waste is a big challenge to be addressed as companies often incur huge losses because of the same. Active packaging increases the shelf life of the product and is a growing packaging industry trend, finding applications in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. For example, modified atmospheric packaging uses oxygen or ethylene absorbers and moisture regulators to keep food fresh. Another example of active packaging releases antimicrobial agents to prevent bacterial growth in the product.

SoFresh manufactures Active Packaging Films & Containers

SoFresh is a US-based packaging startup that develops food-saving packaging. The startup develops techniques for infusing food-grade natural extracts into film or containers that release controlled active vapor in the food item. Mold spores absorb the vapor, slowing down their metabolism to the point that they struggle to survive. SoFresh’s packaging products include bread and bakery packaging, over-wrap films, lid stock materials, and barrier laminations. Its active packaging solution enables companies to extend food travel life, shelf life, and consumption time so as to mitigate spoilage and wastage.

Impactful Health R&D develops Compostable Active Packaging for Fish

Canadian startup Impactful Health R&D develops a packaging solution to prolong the shelf life of fresh fish. The startup offers an active film-based technology with naturally derived anti-bacterial components. The film is biodegradable and is compliant with the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) oxygen transmission rate requirement. Further, it is useful in vacuum packaging applications and preserves the texture of the fish. The startup’s solution is capable of increasing the shelf life of fish by a considerable amount of time. This allows fish sellers, re-sellers, and the aquaculture industry to minimize losses.

6. Custom Packaging

The appearance of a product plays a big role in attracting consumers to a product. Hence, the packaging holds as much importance as the product itself as a marketing tool for businesses. The challenge for the brands is to make the packaging eye-catching to boost sales. Making the unboxing experience more personalized and unique is the key to creating a lasting impact so that customers come back to the brand. A good example is Coca-Cola’s popular “Share a Coke” campaign which had names printed on the packaging to give it a personal touch.

PACKMOJO designs 3D Models for Custom Packaging

PACKMOJO is a Chinese startup that allows businesses to design their custom packaging on its online platform without hiring a designer. Also, the platform makes it possible for the brand to preview its design in 3D and get instant price quotes. The startup promotes sustainability by using packaging material made from 50% post-consumer waste. Further, they use eco-friendly inks like soy ink, for printing and water-based varnish instead of lamination to seal the ink.

HUIDE PACKAGING manufactures Kraft Paper Bags & Boxes

HUIDE PACKAGING is a Chinese startup that designs and manufactures custom paper packaging solutions. The startup’s in-house packaging engineers specialize in creating a structure that protects the item from damages. Also, the graphic team creates a design that aligns with the branding strategy of the company and showcases a 3D mock-up of the final design. Before the mass production of custom packaging, the startup turns the packaging ideas into tangible prototypes. It also offers fast manufacturing of custom packaging with automated machinery and 8-color, water-based flexo press printing. Finally, designing and decoration on the packaging are done with machines capable of foil-stamping, spot UV, debossing and embossing, gloss lamination, varnish, etc.

7. Recyclable Packaging

With countries banning single-use plastic, businesses now look for alternative materials for product packaging to comply with the regulations. The use of recyclable materials is one such packaging solution that enables businesses to integrate circular packaging practices. For example, post-consumer resins (PCR) are recyclable packaging material derived from post-consumer waste. Other than this, startups develop easily recyclable mono-material packaging instead of multi-layer packaging.

Boostani develops Mono-Material Packaging

Dutch startup Boostani develops mono-material barrier packaging to replace the non-recyclable multilayer packaging and reduce plastic waste. Boostani provides masterbatches and compounds for monomaterial packaging with barrier properties. It uses additives in small proportions to create a barrier, instead of different layers of plastic, which makes it recyclable. All the materials used by the startup are FDA-approved and suitable for food packaging.

Ecoplasteam derives Raw Material from Waste

Ecoplasteam is an Italian startup that makes an ecological raw material from waste. The startup produces EcoAllen, a regenerated granule based on polyethylene and aluminum. It is derived by using proprietary technology to recycle tetra packs, which are made of layers of cellulose, plastic, and aluminum. EcoAllene is an infinitely recyclable material, it is colorable, and has a glittery texture. The material has high moldability and, hence, is used to make packaging bottles. EcoAllene also finds applications in the fashion, construction, and consumer product industries.

8. Edible Packaging

Packaging follows the use-dispose model, and so largely contributes towards solid waste and ends up either in landfills or water bodies. This is why, over the last decade, businesses and consumers are moving towards sustainable packaging. The challenge for businesses is to opt for packaging that satisfies this basic functionality and also reduces or eliminates solid waste. Edible packaging is a revolutionary packaging industry trend that addresses these challenges and also enables a closed-loop for packaging. A good example is packaging made from milk protein used as casein film around food products. These films are better at keeping food fresh, compared to plastic. Also, startups making edible spoons, straws, or other cutlery items provide restaurant chains, cafes, or ice cream parlors with plastic replacements.

Decomer Technology makes Edible Packaging Material

Decomer Technology is an Estonian BioTech startup that offers a plant-based edible and water-soluble packaging material. The startup’s material is tasteless, transparent, and hypoallergenic, and finds use in food, detergent, pharmaceutical, and agriculture packaging. Its product, HoneyDrop, is honey packaged in edible packaging material. BlenDay is another product by the startup, a blendable plant-based superfood pillow pack, which is consumable by blending into smoothies. The outer layer of BlenDay is made of pectin and colorful superfood powders.

Kulero makes Edible Cutlery

Kulero is a German startup that produces edible cutlery. The startup meets the demand for disposable cutlery with its edible and sustainable cutlery alternatives. The edible cutlery is made from multi-grain flour, salt, and water. In addition, spices, herbs, or cocoa powder are used to add flavors. Kulero’s vegan spoons are durable and last 30 minutes in hot liquids or soups and 60 minutes in cold meals. The startup has managed to replace 5 million plastic spoons already. It currently offers a range of products including edible spoons, edible straws, and cups, as well as compostable bowls and plates.

9. 3D Printing

3D printing is a growing packaging industry trend that allows companies to construct different prototypes and innovate their packaging line in near real-time. Brands often experiment with packaging designs, which are costly, time-consuming, and produce waste. 3D printing technology mitigates these issues and facilitates personalized packaging, with zero contribution towards plastic waste. The technology offers greater design freedom to engineers and designers and empowers them to produce high-quality products. Additive manufacturing technology is also used by manufacturers to make prototypes of packaging machinery parts, for example, by printing robotic arms for a certain packaging line.

tForm creates Thermoformed Plastic Packaging Solutions

US-based startup tForm creates hassle-free and fast custom solutions for thermoformed packaging. To optimize packaging solutions while lowering lead times, tForm combines computer-aided design (CAD), 3D modeling, 3D printing, proprietary mold designs, and lean manufacturing techniques. The startup utilizes the most easily recyclable plastic to minimize its environmental impact. It offers packaging solutions for medical, automotive, industrial, and electronics markets. Additionally, the startup sells stock shipping trays which have industrial and medical applications via its online store.

Knurls creates 3D-Printed Packaging

Knurls is a US-based startup that produces 3D-printed packaging. The startup’s technology, KnurlPack, is used for packaging locally crafted or manufactured products in 3D printed packaging. The packaging can either be printed partly or fully around the product. The printing process uses materials like plastic, metal, or ceramic.

10. Nanotechnology

From packaging material to product safety, authentication, and tracking, nanotechnology has applications at various phases of the packaging supply chain. The use of nanoparticles mixed with polymer chains enhances package barrier properties and tensile strength. It also enables tracking and anti-counterfeiting for brands and packaging companies. Additionally, nanotech has a big impact on the food packaging industry by addressing the rising concern of food safety. Applying nanocoatings on the packaging surface keeps it safe from dirt, dust, and stains. Lastly, several types of nanosensors are useful to monitor the freshness of the food and detect any chemical changes.

CelluloTech makes Cellulose-based Materials

CelluloTech is a Canadian nanotechnology startup that focuses on cellulose-based materials. The startup’s solution replaces plastic coatings for different types of packaging with a fully renewable mono-material alternative. Its proprietary technology replaces plastics, waxes, and other non-biodegradable materials used in packaging with cellulose. Additionally, CelluloTech’s green-chemistry process, CHROMATOGENY, makes any cellulose-based material, such as paper or cotton, permanently hydrophobic.

Arylla develops Invisible Inks for Connected Products

Canadian startup Arylla provides smartphone readable invisible ink to make products traceable. Its proprietary ink uses nanotechnology and is completely undetectable by sight and touch. Label suppliers use the ink to print unique identifiers or tags with Arylla’s low-cost, small-footprint inkjet stations. Its tag platform integrates with third-party software to offer personalized customer experiences, fight counterfeit, and improve traceability. The ink is printable on different materials including woven labels, packaging, hand tags, and patches. Its use in luxury items facilitates product authentication and prevents counterfeiting.

Discover all Packaging Technologies & Startups

The Top 10 Packaging Industry Trends bring about innovative changes in the packaging industry. Soon, product packaging will feature advanced functionalities along with serving its fundamental purpose. The innovations surrounding LED embedded illuminating packaging, color-changing packaging as well as oxygen and moisture scavengers will transform the packaging industry. Further, subscription-based models for refillable or returnable packaging will significantly reduce waste production and fight single-use plastics. The use of sustainable inks, such as soy-based, water-based, and UV inks, for printing will also become more widespread.

The Packaging Industry Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our in-depth research. Among others, smart packaging, interactive and custom packaging will transform the sector as we know it today. Identifying new opportunities and emerging technologies to implement into your business early on goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage. Get in touch to easily and exhaustively scout relevant technologies & startups that matter to you.

Source:

https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/top-10-packaging-industry-trends-innovations-in-2021/#:~:text=The%20major%20packaging%20industry%20trends,serious%20challenge%20of%20waste%20production.

Award-winning peanut butter brand, ManiLife, will be moving its core range into new bespoke designed, fully recyclable and reusable glass jars from January 2023. 

Rolling out exclusively into Sainsbury’s stores from 2^nd January, all six peanut butter varieties will be available in new premium glass jars, which are made from 60% recycled glass material, and are infinitely recyclable. From 16^th January, ManiLife fans will be able to purchase directly through the website and from 30^th January, the glass jars will be available nationwide across all its retailers. 

The exciting part of the move to glass jars is not the glass alone. On the launch, founder Stu Macdonald commented: “We’ve designed these jars for the ultimate peanut butter experience. They’re short and wide which means stirring is genuinely a pleasure and spooning every last morsel out of it is utter bliss. It can be common for the standard thought process for brands in food and drink to go tall and thin because it can give the impression that the pack is bigger than it is – it’s nice to be authentically going against the grain!”

The new core glass jars (275g) will feature a bolder label design to improve standout on shelf. The new label design will be rolled out across the existing fully recyclable 1kg tubs and mini pots during 2023. 

The move was driven by consumer research and insight. Consumers continue to ask for glass packaging which will elevate perceptions on the brand’s premium quality and help contribute to a more sustainable future, where the hope is to build a reusable packaging loop.

Stu Macdonald said: “I think the masses will probably be thinking ‘finally!’ as it’s taken a while to put our peanut butter into to glass; but we had to make sure we got it right. We’ve had so many messages from customers asking us to move into glass, so we listened. Our existing jars, lids and labels are all 100% recyclable, so our glass jars needed to be up to the same standard. 

“ManiLife is made in small batches with the finest Argentinian peanuts. We believe it is the highest quality nut butter on the market, proven by being awarded the most ‘Great Taste’ stars of any other peanut butter, something we’re super proud of. We had many reasons for the move to glass, but we didn’t want to pick any old jar. It had to be bespoke, designed for the ultimate ManiLife experience. I think we’ve got there and I cannot wait for people to try it” 

Produced by a supplier that uses electricity from 100% renewable sources and practices fully circular design with zero waste production, the glass jars are recyclable and microwave safe, so customers can reuse their glass jars over and over again in ways such as making sauces, overnight oats and granola pots. 

As well as the 275g jars, the ManiLife mini pots, which are included in well over one million recipe boxes per year through their partnerships with Gousto, Mindful Chef and more recently Grubby, have also been redesigned. The new pots will be 100% recycled, 100% recyclable and will biodegrade if they happen to end up in the ocean or landfill.

Source:

https://spnews.com/manilife-recyclable-jars/