Liquibox unveils rebranded mono-material bag-in-box range ahead of first sustainability report

01 Feb 2021 --- US-based liquid packaging company LiquiBox is releasing a rebranded line of mono-material bag-in-box solutions, highlighting its environmental sustainability credentials to dairy customers.

Branded Liquipure, the latest portfolio consists of packaging products aligning with global design guidelines for flexible packaging, such as those laid out by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Ceflex and Association of Plastics Recyclers.

By utilizing the latest in advanced resin technology, the company designed a “never-before-seen” flexible bag for liquids providing strong barrier properties without the need for nylon or metalized polyester (metPET) – meaning the bag is fully recyclable. 

The portfolio includes options for both barrier and non-barrier needs. 

“Customers no longer have to choose between packaging that meets sustainability objectives and packaging that provides consistent product protection,” says Ken Swanson, Liquibox president and CEO.

“Liquipure is the solution for companies who want it all: sustainability and high-quality performance.”

Designed for liquid products
The range of packages now on offer includes Liquipure lite, a 100 percent polyethylene (PE) structure suitable for liquid products not requiring oxygen barriers, such as dairy or edible oil. 

While this is not an innovation, Liquibox believes rebranding its standard dairy film as a part of the Liquipure range will highlight the “significant sustainability benefits its dairy customers have experienced for years” through the use of the Liquibox PE bags.

By early spring, the company plans to launch Liquipure ultra, its “revolutionary” mono-material solution for liquids requiring a medium to high barrier. 

The solution will be comparable to the nylon alternatives currently used for beverages, such as post-mix, juice and water, says a company spokesperson. 

This is the first recyclable bag-in-box packaging on the market when it comes to these types of products, claims the company. LiquiBox is releasing a rebranded line of mono-material bag-in-box solutions ahead of its first sustainability report.

Riding the e-commerce wave
Given the huge drive in online retail seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, Liquibox is aiming primarily at e-commerce, retail and foodservice providers. 

Liquipure offering is available in various bag sizes, and Liquipure lite is already being offered in dairy markets worldwide. 

Liquipure ultra has yet to hit the market and will commercially launch in the US in the coming weeks. 

The product will be available to European customers later in 2021. Liquibox plans to expand the offering as it develops new structures incorporating bio-based material and post-consumer content.

“Liquipure supports Liquibox’s broader commitment to delivering packaging that is ready for the future – by reducing the amount of material needed and ensuring packaging meets recyclability guidelines,” the company states. 

Liquibox is set to release its first sustainability report in 2021. 

DS Smith sale
Last year, the company acquired UK packaging group DS Smith’s Plastics Division for US$400 million. 

As part of the agreement, Liqui-Box divested selected DS Smith/Rapak bag-in-box businesses in the US, including two manufacturing facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana and Union City, California.

The Plastics Division consists of sustainable, flexible packaging and dispensing solutions, extruded plastic sheet products, returnable injection-molded crates and molded foam products. 

Edited

By Louis Gore-Langton