Weekly Roundup: Ampacet launches plastic masterbatch to help detect contaminants

09 Aug 2019 --- This week in packaging, Ampacet introduced a metal detectable masterbatch for plastic, 1000818-E, that aids in the detection of plastic containments. The masterbatch can result in enhanced food safety and minimized food recalls for plastic contamination. Ardagh North America partnered with Mountain Culture Kombucha to introduce a new 12oz glass bottle design for its kombucha, which features a convenient, twist-off cap. Henkel made its software tool for evaluating the recyclability of packaging, EasyD4R, publically available in a bid to encourage value chain cooperation and a circular economy.

In brief: Sustainability action
Ampacet unveiled a masterbatch that makes plastics detectable with conventional metal detectors. When added to plastic parts, 1000818-E enables detection of plastic contamination using conventional metal detectors already installed on food processing lines. Benefits include the ability to use plastic tools and equipment while minimizing the risk of contamination and eliminating the need to invest in additional detection equipment. Ampacet’s 1000818-E is recommended for a wide range of plastic tools used in the food industry to package raw materials and finished products, such as crates, housings, trays, lids, flexible packaging film, clips and ties, as well as food processing tools.

Mountain Culture Kombucha's new new 12oz glass bottle design.Recyclable packaging is a prerequisite for a functioning circular economy. In order to quickly and reliably determine the recyclability of new packaging, Henkel uses its specially developed software tool EasyD4R. Henkel has now made this assessment tool publicly available on its website so that more companies and organizations can use it and more easily develop sustainable packaging solutions. “We want to promote open collaboration, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy,” says Dr. Thorsten Leopold, Head of International Packaging Development for Home Care products at Henkel. “This can only succeed if all participants along the value chain cooperate – especially with clear definitions and consistent evaluations. By sharing our assessment tool, we want to contribute to the recyclability of packaging.” The software tool EasyD4R is based on public and recognized criteria catalogs, such as those from Plastics Recyclers Europe, and is used by Henkel throughout the company. The goal is to quickly and accurately assess the recyclability of packaging during the early stages of product development.

Innovia Films worked with Interseroh, an independent German recycling and consulting company, to have its newly launched high barrier BOPP Propafilm Strata SL film evaluated. The film was given a “very good” rating and awarded the “Made for recycling” logo. Interseroh analyzes and evaluates the packaging based on criteria, along with the entire after-life processes (collection, sorting, recycling and processing). Alasdair McEwen, Global Product Manager Packaging, Innovia Films explains: “This certification proves the recyclability of our new Strata BOPP film. As it is a mono structure, the film performs much better in recycling than composite films and can be added to the PP closed-loop and reused.”

In brief: Pack launches
Ardagh North America partnered with Mountain Culture Kombucha to introduce a new 12oz glass bottle design for its kombucha, which features a convenient, twist-off cap. In the non-alcoholic craft beverage world, easily resealable 12oz clear bottles are the most popular choice, the supplier says. To differentiate its products, Mountain Culture Kombucha chose to package its product in a 12oz glass amber bottle that would offer UV protection for the live organisms within the kombucha. “Connecting with Ardagh Group, and their willingness to produce the exact bottle we have been searching for during the better part of a decade, has been a game-changer for us,” notes Peter Roderick, Owner of Mountain Culture Kombucha.

Lunchskins' Unbleached + Non-Wax Food Storage Bags.Lunchskins, the inventor of the Recyclable + Sealable Paper Food Storage Bags and the Reusable Food-Safe, Dishwasher-Safe Food Storage Bag, announced a new addition to the brand's paper bag line. The new Lunchskins Unbleached + Non-Wax Food Storage Bags will be on shelves at Container Stores nationwide and available on Amazon.com for back-to-school 2019. “This innovative Lunchskins bag represents a new paradigm in plastic-bag-free food storage. Every Lunchskins product helps heal the planet and promote consumer wellbeing, while also delivering on convenience, affordability, and style,” says Kirsten Quigley, CEO and Founder of Lunchskins. “Consumers can feel good knowing that our bags help reduce the use and disposal of planet-damaging, single-use plastic food storage bags.”

In brief: Business news
Innovia's high barrier BOPP Propafilm Strata SL film.Green Cell Foam, the completely biodegradable and compostable packaging material, has expanded its international business by becoming the exclusive supplier of insulated coolers for NIKU Farms. The Toronto-based company will be the first meat delivery service to bring the ground-breaking shipping material to Canada for its farm-to-door meat subscription boxes. This new acquisition will greatly increase Green Cell Foam's existing Canadian business and will add to the growing numbers of direct-to-consumer food companies worldwide who trust the 100 percent water-soluble shipping inserts to safely and sustainably deliver their products to their customers.

BW Packaging Systems — The packaging machinery arm of Barry-Wehmiller, a US$3 billion global supplier of engineering, consulting and manufacturing technology, recently augmented its investment in the Russian packaging market by establishing Moscow-based sales, parts and field service teams to better serve both new and existing Russian customers.

Edited by Joshua Poole