Weekly Roundup: Aptar launches recyclable bottle pump, HSMG introduces biodegradable cup barrier, Elopak targets Oslo Stock Exchange

28 May 2021 --- In packaging news this week, Aptar Beauty + Home unveiled its first fully recyclable mono-material pump for the beauty and personal care industries, designed using polyethylene (PE). HSMG launched Protēan Cupkote, a barrier system for replacing the plastic lining in paper cups with recyclable, biodegradable coatings. Elopak announced it is applying for listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange, with the goal of being listed this June.

In brief: Eco-friendly plastic initiatives
Aptar Beauty + Home, part of the Aptar Group, launched its first fully recyclable mono-material pump for the beauty and personal care industries, called Future. The pump was designed using PE mono-material only to facilitate recycling. Future is certified by Cyclos-HTP, the institute for Recyclability and Product Responsibility. The innovation is also recognized “A” by RecyClass – a comprehensive cross-industry initiative that works to establish a harmonized recycling approach and traceability in Europe.

The UK Plastics Pact, managed by WRAP, launched a new membership category to enable SMEs, start-up businesses and businesses with smaller plastic packaging portfolios to join the plastic reduction program. Sixteen UK Plastics Pact Associate Members are now on board, representing businesses across various sectors, including F&B, retail and packaging. These companies include Jokey, Wipak UK and Waddington Europe.

The On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) amended its labeling Rules to include PP films from January 1, 2022, bringing PP flexible packaging into line with PE films to significantly broaden the range of soft packaging consumers can recycle at front of store. The amendment comes after recent announcements of major industry initiatives seeking to drive up the recycling of plastic bags and wraps.Multivac‘s full wrap labeling solution.

In brief: Bio-based innovation
HSMG unveiled Protēan Cupkote, a barrier system for replacing the plastic lining in paper cups with recyclable, biodegradable coatings. CupKote is now available for licensing to manufacturers, converters and brand owners outside of the US. The solution includes a top coat and a base coat, novel blends of plant-derived additives and selected latex. Each coating is applied by rod, blade or other coater by the cupstock manufacturer or cup converter. The Protēan blend enhances the barrier properties of latex while eliminating blocking and sticking, issues largely inhibiting the use of latex as water and grease barriers to date. It is estimated that half a million disposable drink cups are littered around the globe every day. While many of these cups are made from paper, almost all include a plastic inner lining that does not break down in the environment. Even when properly disposed of, the plastic lining presents difficulties for recycling and is not compostable.

Dunn Paper introduced a sustainable coated paper technology called BiOrigin. BiOrigin is a one-of-a-kind Fluorocarbon-free (PFAS-free) product platform employing an innovative barrier and containment technology without the use of harmful chemicals. This industry-leading technology utilizes bio-based polymers as a sealing agent, protecting from outside elements while promoting product freshness. BiOrigin paper is also printable, enabling package producers to utilize eye-catching graphics with this viable alternative to plastic.

Multivac promoted a full wrap labeling solution for recyclable, plastic-free fruit and vegetable packaging. The solution requires just one wraparound label to securely seal the packs and provide product presentation. With its L 310 full wrap conveyor belt labeler, Multivac can offer an efficient solution for the attractive presentation of fresh fruit and vegetables in trays, which are stable and straight-walled without any product protrusion, or alternatively in trays with side flaps, if there is some degree of product protrusion.DS Smith’s brand-coherent counter display.

DS Smith created a counter display in cooperation with Beiersdorf and the marketing agency bmp Shopper United to showcase cosmetics products in a retail setting. A highlight of the original secondary placement is the wave-shaped pedestal. The high-quality printed cardboard wrapping of the display, laminated with silver foil, underlines the premium quality of the product range. The jury of this year’s POPAI D-A-CH Awards awarded DS Smith’s brand-coherent counter display with gold.

In brief: Business news
Elopak revealed it is preparing to apply for listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange, with the goal of being listed this June. The initial public offering (IPO) will ensure access to capital markets that can support the company’s innovation and growth ambitions. After the listing, Oslo Stock Exchange will have a new and solid industrial ESG share with a clear dividend profile. Elopak is a leading supplier of carton packaging and filling machines, best known for its strong track record in the beverages and liquid food segment. It sells 14 billion cartons annually in over 70 markets worldwide.

Graphic Packaging concluded its partnership with International Paper. The final tranche of the membership interests held by International Paper in Graphic Packaging International Partners was exchanged for an equivalent number of shares of Graphic Packaging common stock. As a result, Graphic Packaging now owns 100 percent of the partnership. “The partnership with International Paper played an important role as we established our leadership position in fiber-based consumer packaging across all three paperboard substrates,” says Michael Doss, Graphic Packaging’s president and CEO. Graphic Packaging recently agreed to acquire AR Packaging for approximately US$1.45 billion in cash.Elopak is preparing to apply for listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange.

In brief: Reusable metal cup
Ball announced its first-of-its-kind Ball Aluminum Cup is now available for purchase at major retailers in all 50 states across the US. Between May and June, the cups will be available for the first time in more than 18,000 food, drug and mass retailers, including Kroger, Target, Albertsons and CVS. “The Ball Aluminum Cup is a truly innovative product that has the potential to advance sustainability and reduce plastic waste at gatherings big and small,” says Sebastian Siethoff, general manager for cups at Ball. “As we expand the cups’ availability to major retailers nationwide, we are seeing very strong consumer adoption and performance in the marketplace as we are launching this new, exciting product line.”

In brief: Production expansions
Huhtamaki revealed it is setting up a new manufacturing unit in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to serve its existing and new egg packaging customers in the region with a broad range of locally produced packaging solutions. The new facility will be located close to one of South Africa’s main export ports, enabling competitive exports of egg packaging for customers across East Africa. “The new facility sets us up to better meet the growth of the fiber packaging sector and future demand for sustainable packaging. It also strengthens our position in the region significantly,” comments Eric Le Lay, president for fiber foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania at Huhtamaki.The Ball Aluminum Cup.

Smurfit Kappa announced it is expanding its converting capacity at four manufacturing plants across the Czech Republic and Slovakia with a €20 million (US$24 million) investment. The investment consists of four major projects, three undertaken in the Czech Republic at Smurfit Kappa facilities in Žebrák, Žimrovice, and Olomouc, and one in Slovakia at Smurfit Kappa Štúrovo. All four projects are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Sappi started producing label papers at its flagship site in Gratkorn, Austria, expanding its capacity in this field. The ultra-modern site is reportedly one of the largest paper mills in Europe. With the portfolio expansion, Sappi meets customer demands for base papers for non-wet-strength wet-glue and self-adhesive labels and keeps pace with market growth, it indicates. With over 400 years of experience in paper production, the site in Gratkorn is renowned for high-quality, multi-coated fine papers used for graphical applications.

By Joshua Poole