Mondi says that Hug&Hold – its recyclable, paper-based shrink wrap alternative – reduces carbon footprint by 43% compared to LDPE shrink wrap. We recently spoke with Jakub Vilánek, packaging innovation scale manager for flexible packaging at Mondi, to learn more.
Hug&Hold represents a significant advancement in the packaging industry, designed specifically for the safe transport and stacking of beverage bottle bundles. This innovative solution consists of two primary components: a patent-pending kraft paper sleeve and a corrugated clip. The sleeve, crafted from Advantage SpringPack Plus material, boasts exceptional tensile strength, allowing it to securely strap and stabilize bottles during transit. Meanwhile, the clip encircles the neck of the bottles, enhancing stability and adding an optional integrated handle for convenient transport. This design ensures that consumers can easily access individual bottles from the bundle, promoting practicality and ease of use.
Comparatively, Hug&Hold presents distinct functional advantages over traditional plastic alternatives. While many plastic wraps can be prone to damage and environmental concerns, Hug&Hold is engineered from renewable and fully recyclable materials, ensuring its suitability for existing paper waste streams throughout Europe. In terms of strength, it offers robust performance without the susceptibility to water damage associated with some plastic products.
To further substantiate its environmental credentials, Mondi commissioned a life cycle assessment (LCA) that adhered to ISO standards and employed the Environmental Footprint method. This rigorous study assessed 16 indicators, evaluating the life cycle impact from raw material acquisition to end-of-life treatment. The results were compelling: Hug&Hold demonstrated a 43% lower carbon footprint compared to average LDPE virgin plastic shrink wrap and a 15% lower footprint than LDPE shrink wrap with 100% recycled content. This highlights Hug&Hold’s capability to mitigate climate change impacts while delivering a robust packaging solution.
Mondi’s commitment to transparency and objectivity in the LCA process was paramount. Collaborating with a well-regarded LCA consultancy, the study underwent critical review by a panel of three independent experts throughout all phases, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate assessment. Their oversight included the definition of objectives, data collection, and evaluation of results, reinforcing the integrity of the findings.
In summary, Hug&Hold represents an innovative, sustainable alternative in beverage packaging, combining effectiveness and environmental responsibility. As companies increasingly seek to reduce their ecological footprint, solutions like Hug&Hold pave the way for a more sustainable future in packaging.
Trinseo’s high-solids acrylic waterborne emulsion can enhance performance, efficiency, and sustainability for food-contact applications.
Trinseo, a leading specialty materials solutions provider headquartered in Wayne, PA, has announced the launch of Ligos A 9200, an innovative acrylic waterborne adhesive specifically engineered for the dry lamination of flexible packaging structures intended for food contact.
Ligos A 9200 is adept at bonding a variety of substrates, including paper, polyolefins, polyvinylidene chloride-coated materials, metalized films, as well as polyamide and polyester films. The unique polymer formulation of this emulsion provides exceptional initial shear and bond strength, making it an indispensable solution for film converters in the flexible packaging industry. With a high solids content of 62%, Ligos A 9200 facilitates faster lamination speeds and ensures efficient drying processes, enhancing overall operational efficiency. The emulsion also supports rapid slitting in post-lamination activities, further contributing to productivity gains.
In line with growing sustainability goals, Ligos A 9200 has received certification for recyclability from Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS), an independent research institute of the German paper industry. According to the CEPI Recyclability Laboratory Test Method, Version 2, PTS’s testing confirms that over 99% of the paper fibers in structures utilizing this new adhesive are effectively recovered in standard mill recycling processes.
Trinseo’s Ligos A 9200 represents a significant advancement in adhesives for food-safe flexible packaging, blending high performance with sustainability—a crucial consideration in today’s packaging landscape..
Switching from plastic to paper packaging for Dole Smoothie Bowls reduces the lineup’s plastic use by 97%.
Dole Packaged Foods is making significant strides in sustainability by transitioning its popular Dole Smoothie Bowls from traditional petrochemical-based plastic packaging to a new, environmentally friendly paper-based design. This redesign supports Dole’s ambitious goal of phasing out petrochemical plastics by 2025.
Introduced in July 2024 and currently available in select U.S. retailers, including Walmart, Publix, and Wegmans, the new packaging replaces the previous plastic tub and lid. The innovative paperboard container and lid are crafted from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified materials, demonstrating Dole’s commitment to responsible sourcing. This change is projected to eliminate an astonishing 130 metric tons of plastic annually, as the new packaging design reduces plastic usage by 97%.
Dole Smoothie Bowls are frozen fruit-based products topped with honey-oat granola, previously packaged with a rigid plastic insert for separation. While the new design retains a plastic, tamper-evident film for sealing and continues to include a plastic topping pouch, the majority of the packaging has successfully transitioned to paper.
To inform consumers of this significant change, the new packaging prominently features a green call-out stating, “New! Paper Based Bowl.” Although the Smoothie Bowl packaging does not currently display the How2Recycle label due to varying local recycling guidelines, Dole is actively collaborating with partners to explore future packaging enhancements and optimizations.
Through these initiatives, Dole Packaged Foods is taking substantial steps towards reducing its environmental footprint and fostering a more sustainable future.
Blue Bunny’s preference for polypropylene containers points to a growing trend, according to packaging supplier Berry Global.
As summer reaches its zenith, so too does the anticipation of delightful frozen treats, particularly during National Ice Cream Month in July. One notable participant in the festivities is Wells Enterprises, Inc., which has expanded its Blue Bunny brand to include single-serve ice cream containers in a bid to enhance consumer experience and sustainability.
In partnership with packaging supplier Berry Global, Wells has opted for clear plastic polypropylene pints rather than traditional paperboard. This decision was driven by the desire to provide consumers with a visually appealing product that showcases the intricately layered contents, mimicking the brand’s popular 48-ounce scoopable versions in a more manageable form.
Moreover, this shift towards clear plastic packaging is grounded in a commitment to sustainability. As Matt Chase, director of sales at Berry Global, emphasizes, the demand for innovative, recyclable packaging is intensifying. “Through strong value-chain partnerships…we are designing products more effectively to foster cleaner communities for future generations without compromising on convenience or shelf appeal,” he states.
Julee Zugel, director of strategic sourcing at Wells, echoes this sentiment, commending Berry Global for its proactive approach in addressing the evolving needs of sustainable packaging. The collaborative effort has highlighted the importance of innovation in supporting environmental objectives within the frozen dessert sector.
Traditionally, ice cream packaging made from paperboard has faced significant recycling challenges. The inclusion of a thin polymer barrier necessary to maintain product integrity complicates the recyclability of these materials. As noted by Chase, many recycling programs exclude ice cream containers due to these complexities, often designating them as “Not Yet Recyclable.”
As consumer preferences shift towards more sustainable options, the transition from paper to plastic packaging is increasingly common. The new Twist pint containers are now available in a variety of flavors, including strawberries & cream and mint chocolate, at major retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, Food Lion, and Publix.
In conclusion, as the ice cream industry adapts to evolving sustainability demands, the collaboration between Wells Enterprises and Berry Global stands as a testament to the potential for innovation to enhance both product appeal and environmental responsibility. This summer, consumers can enjoy their favorite frozen treats with the added assurance of more sustainable packaging.
Air Wick’s Botanica brand has launched a new premium range, Botanica Origins.
In a remarkable collaboration with Design Bridge and Partners, a new core brand strategy has emerged, intricately weaving the themes of people, places, and plants. Central to this initiative is the concept of terroir, which has significantly influenced the visual expression of the newly launched product range.
The packaging design draws inspiration from the aesthetic of a botanist’s scrapbook, resulting in a collage that harmoniously combines photography, abstract watercolours, and graphical elements. This meticulous design process reflects a profound dedication to craftsmanship, embodying a true labour of love.
Accompanying the striking packaging is a refreshed brand identity that features a new logo. Drawing from the beauty of the natural world, the logo showcases elegant flicks and flourishes reminiscent of unfurling leaves. This design not only encapsulates the essence of the brand but also reinforces its commitment to nature.
Additional branding elements include a distinctive ‘B’ monogram and a beautifully illustrated stamp device, signaling the brand’s promise of offering fragrances infused with natural and responsibly sourced ingredients. This thoughtful integration of design and philosophy positions the brand as a leader in sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
In summary, this collaborative effort underscores the powerful intersection of design and nature, crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with consumers.
KP Snacks’ Discos packs have been redesigned with a ‘modern’ look for the brand, starting with its Prawn Cocktail flavour.
In a dynamic retail landscape, the importance of visually striking packaging cannot be overstated. This principle is exemplified by the recent launch of new packs for Discos, which feature vibrant colours and carry the evocative tagline “Feel the Zing.” Such a redesign aims to significantly enhance shelf presence, attracting both loyal customers and new consumers alike.
Pauline Warren, Heritage Portfolio Manager at KP Snacks, articulated the brand’s commitment to evolution, stating, “Discos is a familiar and well-loved brand that has been providing great tasting snacks for decades. We are thrilled to be refreshing this iconic brand with a bold packaging redesign, continuing to support its growth and relevance within the category.”
This strategic move not only modernizes the brand but also reinforces Discos’ standing in an increasingly competitive snack market. The fresh aesthetic is poised to resonate with consumers seeking both nostalgia and novelty in their snacking choices, ensuring that Discos remains a delightful staple on the shelves.
Tropicana has revamped its iconic packaging design working with Sunhouse.
Tropicana has recently unveiled a striking redesign that places the iconic orange back at the center of its identity, reaffirming its commitment to quality and heritage. The evolved brand mark features a distinctive horizon arch, punctuated by an orange accent on the ‘i,’ and is paired with the tagline “The Original since 1947.” This integration not only enriches the brand’s narrative but also reinforces its authenticity and promise of superior quality.
The visual identity of Tropicana has been enhanced with the classic symbol of a whole orange and a red-and-white straw, which has been refined to heighten its taste appeal. This updated graphic embodies a more robust shape language, underscoring the brand’s dedication to delivering juice straight from the source.
Final touches to the design include founder Anthony T. Rossi’s signature, a hand-drawn illustration of oranges, and a photograph of the original grove, all of which amplify Tropicana’s craftsmanship and authenticity.
Mick van Ettinger, chief marketing officer of Tropicana Europe, emphasized the significance of this redesign, stating, “This marks a pivotal moment for Tropicana. It represents an opportunity to blend modern iconicity with decades of heritage, reinforcing our leadership in the juice category.” He noted the collaborative effort with Sunhouse to reconnect with the brand’s roots and celebrate its enduring identity.
James Giles, executive creative director at Sunhouse, pointed out the goal of rejuvenating the brand’s visual assets, highlighting the compelling stories behind Tropicana to convey the message that “Not All Juices are Created Equal.”
In essence, Tropicana’s new design serves not just as a visual update, but as a profound acknowledgment of its rich history and unwavering commitment to quality, embodying the essence of “pure, delicious natural goodness straight from the source.”
Maison Hennessy has launched a special collection of Hennessy X.O cognac exclusive travel edition featuring meticulously crafted packaging by independent design agency Knockout.
In an innovative collaboration, Knockout has been entrusted with the design of a limited-edition collection that celebrates ‘nine extraordinary destinations’ cherished by Hennessy. These locales—Macau, Hainan, Singapore, Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Shenzhen, and a bespoke offering for Harrods—serve as the brand’s homes away from home.
At the core of this project lies a commitment to sustainability, guiding the design towards a forward-thinking approach that departs from traditional packaging. The collection features bottles protected by cases crafted entirely from recyclable paper pulp, molded to reflect the elegant silhouette of the Hennessy X.O bottle. This unique casing not only offers protection but also enhances the visual allure of each bottle, characterized by fluid lines that echo the bottle’s distinctive form.
A luxurious leather luggage tag accompanies each bottle, embossed with patterns inspired by the architectural marvels of their respective destinations. The labels further amplify the design’s richness, showcasing bespoke illustrations that encapsulate the vibrant energy and character of each locale. A thoughtfully curated color palette injects a sense of dynamism into the collection, merging tradition with modernity.
The Paris edition of this collection debuted in conjunction with the 2024 Olympics, encapsulating the city’s classical elegance through a stunning illustration of its iconic landmarks.
“Beyond its sustainability, the beauty of this material lies in its ability to imbue depth and drama, enriching the brand’s narrative,” remarked Dom Burke, founder and executive creative director of Knockout. “Through the marriage of sustainable materials and premium treatment, the design embodies the ethos of sustainable luxury, achieving a harmonious blend of striking beauty and environmental responsibility.”
This endeavor not only highlights Hennessy’s commitment to sustainability but also reinforces its status as a purveyor of luxury, showcasing how conscientious design can enhance the experience of premium products while respecting our planet.
The Label Makers has worked with Halfpenny Green Wine Estate to produce a new look sustainable label for their oak-aged Solaris wine.
The wine industry continues to evolve, and at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, an exciting update is on the horizon. The signature coin featured prominently on the estate’s labels— a hallmark of its premium offerings— is set to be rolled out across other premium range bottles. This enhancement not only accentuates the brand’s identity but also exemplifies a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Crafted from uncoated white matt, wood-free printing paper with a felt-marked finish, the new labels marry aesthetic excellence with environmental responsibility. Designed to endure challenging conditions, these labels boast wet strength and a fungicidal treatment, ensuring they remain pristine even when submerged in ice buckets.
The innovation does not stop there. The laminate used in the production of these labels comprises 70% post-consumer recycled content, reflecting both The Label Makers’ and their clientele’s dedication to sustainability.
Furthermore, the labels are designed using advanced printing techniques, including a full-colour digital print, intricate line work, foils, embossing, and high-build spot varnish. This results in a visually striking appeal, particularly evident in the attention to detail found in the coin elements and vibrant colours.
Julian Sollom, head of sales at Halfpenny Green Wine Estate, praised The Label Makers for their proficiency in producing high-quality labels tailored for the wine sector. He remarked, “They really understand drinks labels, producing consistently high-quality products, such as scuff-resistant labels that maintain their integrity in shipping and in ice buckets.”
As Halfpenny Green Wine Estate prepares to unveil these redesigned labels, it reinforces its commitment to excellence and sustainability in the ever-competitive wine market.
The NextLooPP initiative’s success and breakthroughs across the Atlantic and an FDA Letter of No Objection to 14 companies bode well for food-grade PP recycling on American shores.
At a Glance
Research suggests PP residual contamination levels one-tenth of HDPE milk bottles and one-hundredth of PET.
2024 trials of recycled PP achieved food-grade purity levels exceeding 95% in packaging applications.
New performance standards and an automatic sorting technology breakthrough will ease market acceptance.
In May 2023, we published an article in Packaging Digest announcing the NextLooPP initiative’s success with food-grade recycled polypropylene (rPP) in the UK and EU, and our decision to replicate that success in the Americas. Since launching the project in 2020, 53 participants across the plastics supply chain have steadily broken through most of the barriers to producing recycled food-grade polypropylene (FGrPP) from post-consumer waste. We continue to share our science-based findings and expertise with US organizations.
Since that 2023 article, the FDA has given its Letter of No Objection (LNO) to 14 companies in North America, Asia, and Europe to use their recycled resin products for food-contact packaging. Yet, so far, there is no information or publicity on applications of recycled food-grade Polypropylene (PP) resin that are actually being used in food-contact packaging.
It didn’t take long to understand why, given that PP is just embarking on its recyclability journey. If we consider the most widely recycled polymers to date — PET and HDPE — their recycling journey was not an immediate overnight success, either.
I recall when we were first producing food-grade rPET (in the UK) there was considerable reluctance to its use in food-contact packaging, and it required extensive trialing before being adopted for standard production. Now this is an everyday occurrence.
PP is currently going through the exact same phase.
Recycled food-grade PP is at the starting gate.
PP accounts for more than 20% of global plastics production and food packaging is one of its primary products. In the USA PP is one of the most converted polymers with a market share of about 20% (in 2018) yet it is also one of the least recycled (3% to 5%) mainly due to its use in non-bottle packaging, such as cups, tubs, and trays.
To understand why recycled food-grade PP resin is still dithering on the sidelines, even with an LNO, we need only check PET and HDPE’s first, tentative recycling steps. The reticence to accept a new resin’s safety is wholly understandable. It comes from a lack of experience and awareness that this food-grade recycled material can be safely used in consumer food-contact packaging.
The challenge with recycled polypropylene (rPP) is that until now it has not been possible to accurately differentiate between PP packaging that once contained non-food products from those containing food. Consequently, FGrPP has been limited to closed-loop recycling, hand sorting or advanced recycling technology processes based on mass balance (which is not yet recognized as recycling in the EU).
Characterizing residual contamination levels in rPP.
Progress is rapidly catching up, however, through science-based explorations to close the loop on post-consumer food-grade PP. Achieving this has meant methodically addressing every roadblock along the way and diving into the specific sorting and decontamination requirements for the recycling processes for PP. This led to NextLooPP’s investigation to determine the residual contamination levels of post-consumer PP packaging, which up until now, have never been characterized.
A lack of data showing the misuse/mis-selection rate within PP feedstocks prevented any reliable way of defining the residual levels that could potentially migrate into food, and any understanding of which molecules to target via decontamination processes. NextLooPP’s study aimed to identify substances that might cause samples of rPP to be outliers from the expected input stream that could represent challenges to the final safety of the recycled plastics. The key issue was to check whether the substances observed could potentially be genotoxic.
Considerations include the shape of the package.
Although being olefinic, the packaging format of consumer PP packaging reduces the chances of it being in such a consumer-misuse scenario. A large proportion of PET packaging is relatively durable, with a tight closure, making it a container of choice when used for storing hazardous materials. Likewise, HDPE packaging is also in bottle form with a closure meaning it, too, may be used in such a scenario. PP food containers, on the other hand, are less likely to come in bottle form and much more likely to be pots, tubs, or trays with limited closure capability, making them a less likely candidate for consumer misuse.
Characterizing the residues in post-consumer packaging that have been sorted into mono-polymer fractions was done by analyzing and testing multiple batches of food and non-food samples to see what molecules are present and if there are any areas of concern.
To achieve this, our team of scientists worked on 20-tonne (US 22.5-ton) batches of PP bales sourced from a UK-based materials recovery facility (MRF). Using automatic optical sorters to separate color fractions of natural (clear), white, and colored articles, each color fraction was hand-sorted to separate articles from food and non-food applications. The analytical study involved 700 tests, representing approximately 17,500 different PP packs based on 25 significantly sized flakes per test. This was estimated to be a cross-sectional representation of 7% of the packs from the combination of batches of 260,000 packs.
Following this contamination study, researchers characterized the contamination levels in PP, concluding that they are on the order of 10 times less than that which we expect in HDPE milk bottles; and 100 times less than that expected in PET. This is not surprising given the applications that select PP as the packaging material.
“Finding validated local end-of-life solutions for post-consumer food-grade PP packaging has been the driving force behind NextLooPP’s participants.”
New food-grade resins challenge the status quo.
This study marked a turning point in the NextLooPP project, giving us the confidence to use our PPristine food-grade rPP resins in food-contact packaging.
The performance standards we have now developed will enable us to help organizations reach a high level of technical performance as well as commercial and legal confidence in food-grade rPP. By deploying NextLooPP’s expertise and technical backup, we aim to license the technology to ensure that the resin standards can be fast-tracked into US-produced rPP food-grade packaging.
Finding validated local end-of-life solutions for post-consumer food-grade PP packaging has been the driving force behind NextLooPP’s participants, who continue to produce and trial a range of unique grades of high-quality food-grade recycled PP resins produced using Nextek’s patented PPristine decontamination technology.
Commercialized trials prove the concept.
Eighteen of NextLooPP’s brand and converter participants have now finalized 55 commercialization trials using five PPristine resin grades: Natural food-grade IM, Natural food-grade, White food-grade, Mixed Color food-grade, and non-food grade Mixed Color INRT. The results have been outstanding. For example, trials using 30% of PPristine resins in both extrusion and thermoforming trays achieved product quality comparable with the virgin products with no changes in processing conditions.
Breakthroughs lead the project toward the finish line.
The multi-participant project fine-tunes resin quality standards that are poised to become standard for food-grade recycled PP, and the success continues.
Sorting trials conducted in February by NextLooPP together with Tomra Recycling have confirmed a major breakthrough in the automatic sorting of food-grade PP packaging. The trials combined Tomra’s near-infrared visual spectrometry and GAINnext deep-learning technology. The trials achieved food-grade purity levels exceeding 95% in packaging applications. This is an exciting development and an invaluable boost to the NextLooPP project.
The technology has the potential to be rolled out to all PP packaging sorting facilities and will help produce valuable food-grade, post-consumer recycled PP streams. By providing a sorted food-grade PP PCR stream, GAINnext will enable the NextLooPP decontamination process to be carried out in many more recycling operations globally.
After nearly four years of intense collaboration, the NextLooPP participants are now breaking down the final barriers to producing food-grade recycled PP from post-consumer packaging into new circular economy products, and the initiative is looking forward to launching the NextLooPP Americas project to achieve similar outstanding results.
