Weekly Roundup: Stora Enso introduces sustainable RAIN (RFID) labels, Berry Global expands specialty films platform in North America

17 Jan 2020 --- This week in packaging, Stora Enso Intelligent Packaging introduced the first sustainable RAIN Radio-frequency identification (RFID) labels. Meanwhile, Stora Enso is also collaborating with Finnish dairy company Valio to distribute 10,000 wood-fiber-based biocomposite lids to encourage consumers to reduce their food waste. Lastly, Berry Global Group announced plans to expand its hygiene, healthcare, and specialty films platform in North America.

In brief: Launches
Stora Enso Intelligent Packaging introduced what is marketed as the first sustainable RAIN Radio-frequency identification (RFID) labels that combine the unique ECO RFID Tag Technology and the new Impinj M700 series integrated circuit (IC). Together, they enable the most wideband performance and frequency insensitivity in multiple materials. The new IC family provides a longer read range and wider coverage, while also increasing the sustainability of the ECO RFID tags even further with the smaller chip size and improved assembly process efficiency with 300 mm/ 2-inch wafers. The new chip family is first introduced with the ECO Hanger and ECO Rack RFID labels, which are specifically designed for retail-applications, such as hang tags. According to LCA studies, ECO RFID tags provide up to 40 percent decrease in carbon footprint. They are also competitive with traditional inlay options in both performance and cost making them the sustainable choice for companies that care about their ecological footprint.

In brief: Business news
Stora Enso and Finnish dairy company Valio are to distribute 10,000 wood fiber-based biocomposite lids to encourage consumers to reduce their food waste. The reusable lids also pilot a new biocomposite food package application. The lids will be distributed at Valio’s sales demonstrations in Finland this month.  Roughly one-third of the food produced in the world for human consumption is thrown away or wasted every year, the company says. This wastes resources and produces unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming. Both the packaging and the lid play an important role in reducing food loss and waste by protecting the food items during transportation and storage. “With this pilot project, we want to encourage people to take small concrete actions to prevent food waste. The lid helps to cover any leftover crème fraiche and quark in the cups and this way to prevent food waste,” says Jussi-Pekka Lumme, Packaging Development Manager at Valio.

 AQUAhydrate innovats  with a bottle that helps address the growing concern of plastic packaging.Manufacturer of plastic packaging products Berry Global Group announced plans to expand its hygiene, healthcare and specialty films platform in North America. The company’s investment addresses both extrusion and printing capabilities, in support of growing breathable film and sustainable product market demands in the North American region. The investment will include added capacity for Berry’s proprietary Sof-Flex technology and the addition of the newest flexographic printing equipment. The Sof-Flex technology allows for the sustainable, down-weighting of breathable films while maintaining best-in-class performance. “As a global player in films and nonwovens, we are continuing to invest around the world. Our focus on serving the North American market with advanced technology remains a high priority for our business,” notes Curt Begle, President of Berry’s Health, Hygiene and Specialties Division.

Flexible packaging company Glenroy has joined the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) and How2Recycle label program. The membership allows Glenroy to expand its sustainable packaging portfolio with How2Recycle labeled store drop-off recyclable flexible packaging options. “As a company solely focused on flexible packaging, we are excited to collaborate with the SPC’s How2Recycle program to clearly educate consumers on how to recycle our sustainable packaging,” says Steve Nichols, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Glenroy. 

In brief: Sustainability
Crown Holdings committed to a new environmental sustainability goal to reduce water usage in its global operations by 20 percent from 2019 levels by the end of 2025. These efforts will decrease the company’s water usage by over 500 million gallons annually. The goal continues the progression of water usage reduction activities that have been underway in Crown’s global facilities since 2016. “We recognize the global urgency around water conservation and the responsibility we have as a business to help protect this invaluable resource,” says Jerry Gifford, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Crown. “With the accomplishment of our first external sustainability goals well within our reach by the end of 2020, we are raising the bar for our future performance targets.” Crown’s 54 global beverage can plants will take the lead in implementing efficiency improvements to achieve the targeted water reductions. The improvements will serve as best practices for water utilization and be shared company-wide to maximize progress.

US-based AQUAhydrate announced the launch of a new aluminum package. As a key player in high-performance alkaline water, AQUAhydrate strives to innovate with this unique bottle that helps address the growing concern of plastic packaging. Aluminum is more environmentally-friendly than plastic, being truly sustainable and 100 percent recyclable in all US states.

By Kristiana Lalou