Category: News & Updates

StormBrands has partnered with Morrisons to redesign the supermarket giant’s organic range of products.

The brief for Storm was to rejuvenate Morrisons organic offering across the entire range of SKUs in line with a refreshed brand positioning and changing consumer behaviour around consumption of organically produced products.  The agency was also asked to help educate consumers on what organic stood for by defining a distinctive and disruptive identity.

The resulting design showcases a new organic illustration, using natural earthy colours linked to the landscape. In addition, the “flexible label layout has an artisanal ‘batch’ feel, while each variant has its own colourway to aid navigation and differentiation, comprising three tones: a light top layer, an earthy core and a rich base”.

Zoe Phillipson, StormBrands creative director, said: “Having defined wider sources of inspiration driving both shopper and consumer awareness and consideration, we’ve now elevated the Morrisons organic range from following legacy category codes at a value for money price to setting new standards that respond to increasing consumer experimentation and aspiration around food, diet and supply chain. The resulting design system is fresh and contemporary with a beautifully crafted logo that encapsulates the Morrisons organic brand story.”

StormBrands worked with Morrisons on the redesign of its Counted range of calorie-controlled products.

Source:

https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/design/stormbrands-behind-refreshed-design-for-morrisons-organic-range

United Caps has worked with start-up Mimica to produce a unique closure displaying freshness indicators for food.

Mimica was able to calibrate a gel that never comes into contact with the product yet enables a specialised label to change from smooth to bumpy based on storage conditions and food profile.

The United Caps and Mimica teams were able to develop a fully recyclable cap that does not affect bottle recyclability yet offers a fast, easy way for a consumer to ensure food quality is still good.

The closure consists of a base cap and over cap, a bumps tray and the top foil label that becomes bumpy as food deteriorates.

The Mimica cap arrives at the filling line in two parts: The base cap, which has been tested by key filling line manufacturers and requires only minimal changes to the filling line; and the over cap which is applied after the filling process with a dedicated machine integrated into the production flow like other modules such as labelling or film wrapping. The top cap, where the bumps will appear is dormant until it is activated by the consumer which happens automatically when the cap is twisted open for the first time.

The cap is currently undergoing a pilot project in the UK with an orange juice brand.

United Caps claims in the UK alone thee is up to 121 million kilograms of total annual waste of juice, and the new Mimica Touchcap has a waste reduction potential of 44%, equating to 53 million kilograms annually of juice.

Benoit Henckes, chief executive of United Caps, said: “We look at solutions like this in a holistic fashion,” Henckes added. “Is it innovative? Is it sustainable? What is the ROI for a brand who adopts it? Are there changes that need to be made on filling lines? What happens to the cap at end of life? The Mimica TOUCHCAP ticked all those boxes. If just two days of shelf life could be added to food products, retail waste could be cut by 50%, and home waste of perishable products could be cut by 63%. Brands who adopt this technology could increase sales by at least 10%, including the willingness of consumers to purchase larger containers of products, such as orange juice, without worrying as much about spoilage prior to full consumption.”

Source:

https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/markets/food/united-caps-and-mimica-partner-to-produce-intelligent-cap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source:

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

Brand identity agency Bloom has revamped the packaging for Richmond.

The new design is aimed to build on the brand’s heritage in a contemporary and emotive ways. Richmond, owned by Pilgrim’s Food Masters, has developed its brand beyond pork sausages over the last three years.

According to Bloom, the evolved visual design retains Richmond’s recognisable green rolling hills and rich colours, but now with more warmth and depth in design. The agency added that “sweeping banners provide a modern touch whilst ensuring differentiation between products, while the iconic Richmond house has been reimagined with more detail, now incorporating the brand’s ‘Nation’s Favourite’ status clearly on pack”.

Jonny Harris, design director at Bloom, said: “Our focus was to evolve Richmond’s brand identity into a vibrant and modern visual space whilst creating a new range navigation system that is fit for the future. Our design and illustration team developed a world filled with craft and pride, bringing to life Richmond’s rich Irish heritage and a sense of rural freshness. The whole range has been updated with a suite of new assets and modernised photography, and the result is a new identity full of meaning that instils a sense of belonging and a warm welcome.”

Chris Doe, marketing controller for Pilgrim’s Food Masters added: “We are thrilled to show off this new packaging for Richmond; the first strategic redesign we’ve undertaken in more than five years. The growth and maturity of the Richmond brand has been astounding – we’re now as famous in meat-free as we are in pork sausages. This new, modern design marks the start of a new era for us and is more reflective of where we are now as a brand. It’s an exciting time as we continue to launch into new categories, and this design supports us by providing a contemporary, cohesive look and feel. We’ve also taken the opportunity to make our packaging more sustainable, ensuring this refresh matches our goals as a business.”

Source:

https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/design/bloom-redesigns-identity-for-richmond

Wellness company Cellular Goods has launched three new products in a campaign fronted by international supermodel Helena Christensen.

The new range features Rejuvenating Night Cream, the SPF 25 Rejuvenating Day Cream and the Rejuvenating Day Mousse, complementing the Company’s Rejuvenating Cannabinoid Serum, the first and only product in the UK to use novel CBG to provide age-preventative benefits.

The black and white packs are effective matter-of-fact designs, giving a clear and no-nonsense science-led feel.

Anna Chokina, chief executive, said: “Our brand-new campaign with Helena, someone who shares our passion for high-performance science-backed skincare, is an incredible opportunity for Cellular to harness her massive online and social media presence to boost public awareness and credibility of the amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of CBG and CBD.”

Source:

https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/design/new-packs/cellular-goods-launches-new-skincare-products

Drinks design specialist Denomination has created new packaging for the latest wine varietal from House of Brown.

It is the second label from Brown Estate, Napa Valley’s first Black-owned estate winery.

Margaret Nolan, creative director at Denomination, said: “We were asked to instigate a House of Brown ‘movement’ by designing distinct, stand-out packaging that evokes a sense of belonging.

“These are values that consumers are finding increasingly important. People care what their drinks choices say about them, and picking a House of Brown bottle to share with family and friends needed to communicate a modern perspective on society – welcoming, accepting, contemporary – as well as a discerning palate and appreciation of great quality.”

Deneen Brown, president of Brown Estate, added: “There is no ‘other’ at the House of Brown. Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do, and we love Denomination’s visually arresting interpretation of our principles.

“This stunning and innovative packaging is a powerful platform for growing House of Brown’s audience, and the ‘human x nature’ collages embody an expansive brand identity that knows no bounds.”

Source:

https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/design/denomination-behind-new-packs-for-house-of-brown

TIPA has unveiled a new thin compostable film for crisps and nuts.

The company said that the 312MET film has “superior sealing properties and a particularly high barrier that enables quick converting without the need for an additional sealing layer”.

Dr Eli Lancry, TIPA’s chief technology officer, said: “TIPA endeavours to always remain on the forefront of developing innovative, planet-friendly technology. We are proud to launch a film that performs just like traditional plastic with an extremely high barrier, offering customers convenience and reassurance that the quality of their product will be protected. This is only one of many novelty products we have and will produce in our R&D centre.”

The UK is the third highest consumer of crisps and salty snacks worldwide, with six billion packs consumed each year. WRAP said that the UK disposes of 290,000 tonnes of flexible packaging each year. It is claimed that only 6% is being recycled.

Source:

https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/tipa-targets-crisps-and-nuts-with-new-compostable-film