Beyond The Headlines: Amcor creates “greener” aluminum caps, Constantia Flexibles commits to net zero by 2050

27 Oct 2023 --- This week in industry news, Amcor adjusted its Stelvin aluminum screw cap range to be more eco-friendly and Constantia Flexibles reported that it is committed to net zero emissions. Meanwhile, Releaf Paper released two new packaging collections from fallen leaves.

In brief: Business news
Amcor Capsules, developing responsible closures for wine and spirits, improved its Stelvin aluminum screw cap range, making themthe first low-carbon emission screw caps on the market following upgrades to the product’s environmental sustainability performance. The change contributes to a 35% reduction in the carbon footprint of all Stelvin and 30H60 screw caps produced in Europe, North America and South America for wine and spirit brands. This is made possible by using up to 46% recycled and low-carbon primary aluminum during the manufacturing process.

Releaf Paper uses fallen leaves to make paper bags.Constantia Flexibles committed to net zero emissions according to the Science Based Targets Initiative standards by 2050. The company set science-based targets and drove R&D to innovate even more environmentally sustainable solutions to reduce GHG emissions and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, which the company says must be a key objective of any manufacturing company. Since 2018, the company has an approved, science-based GHG emissions reduction target and is consistently working towards the goal of reducing GHG emissions across all three scopes by 24% by 2030.

Glass packaging producer Vetropack Group hosted the inauguration ceremony of its Boffalora sopra Ticino site in northern Italy. The event marked the official commencement of operations at the facility and was attended by key business partners, customers and notable representatives from the local Italian government. The event aims to celebrate the achievement of Vetropack and its partners alongside the continuous investment in the expansion and modernization of the plant. The plant in Boffalora has been operational since May, starting with the initial heat-up of the melting furnaces. Since its launch, the plant has been transitioning into serial production. The strategic investment in Boffalora has been centered on integrating high-performance and smart technologies.

Carbios was granted the building permit and operating authorization for the “world’s first” PET bio-recycling plant, allowing construction to start. The facility, scheduled for commissioning in 2025, will fight against plastic pollution by providing an industrial-scale enzymatic recycling solution for PET waste. Carbios’ technology enables PET circularity and offers an alternative raw material to virgin fossil-based monomers, allowing PET producers, chemical companies, waste management firms, public entities and brands to have an effective solution to meet regulatory requirements and fulfill their sustainability commitments. The plant will have a processing capacity of 50,000 metric tons of post-consumer PET waste per year (primarily non-recyclable mechanically, equivalent to 2 billion colored PET bottles or 2.5 billion PET food trays).Borealis uses renewable electricity from a Finnish wind farm.

In brief: Product launches
Releaf Paper, producing eco-friendly paper products and packaging from fallen leaves, announced its latest offerings: The Fallen Leaf Collection and Natural Kraft Collection. The line of products includes eco-friendly bags and paper sheets. The Fallen Leaf Collection and Natural Kraft Collection are designed to inspire eco-conscious consumers with environmentally sustainable craftsmanship and features. The collection is made from paper derived from fallen leaves without felling the trees. It is fully recyclable and biodegradable within 40-55 days.

Vegware, a plant-based compostable foodservice packaging specialist, released its second impact report, reaffirming its dedication to environmentally sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. The report details that in 2022, Vegware’s waste consultancy service helped 45 clients set up new composting schemes, from large catered offices and universities to independent cafes. These clients include the Royal Opera House and Fife College, UK. The Vegware Community Fund supported 180 projects with monthly grants or product donations.

In brief: Partnerships and acquisitions
Borealis entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with Alpiq, a Swiss energy services provider and European electricity producer, to source renewable electricity from the Finnish wind farm Merkkikallio, owned by Renewable Power Capital. As of the beginning of 2024, Alpiq will supply around 90 gigawatt hours per year of renewable energy to power Borealis’ production facilities in Porvoo, Finland, over nine years. This partnership takes Borealis and Alpiq closer to achieving their climate neutrality goals.

Constantia Flexibles says it will achieve net zero emissions by 2050.Ultra Clean Holdings (UCT) closed the acquisition of HIS Innovations Group, a privately held company based in Oregon, US. HIS is a supplier to the semiconductor sub-fab segment, including the design, manufacturing and integration of components, process solutions, and fully integrated sub-systems. Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, UCT paid US$50 million in upfront cash consideration for HIS, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. UCT would be required to pay up to an additional US$50 million in cash earn-out consideration based on HIS’ achievement of adjusted EBITDA for the 2023 fiscal year.

PolyCycle Innovation developed a PCR resin, PolyCycle. Using its proprietary technology, recycled plastics are sourced from the company’s partners in North American recycling organizations and processed into a PCR resin that can be used in food and beverage closures. Through its exclusive partnership with Closure Systems International, caps and closures made with up to 100% PolyCycle are on the market and are available in many different products.

In brief: Legislation
Greenpeace USA took to the streets in Washington, D.C., with a guerilla advertising campaign highlighting the harmful effects of plastic toxicity on human health. The campaign included a satirical image of President Biden along with constituents impacted by toxic plastic. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and urge the Biden Administration to take action by supporting a strong Global Plastics Treaty. This treaty should reduce plastic production, protect human health, safeguard biodiversity, and provide a just transition for workers and frontline communities. The next round of negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty will begin on November 12, 2023.

By Sabine Waldeck