Weekly Roundup: Crown targets ambitious Paris Agreement goals, Molson Coors rolls out recycled multipack rings

24 Jul 2020 --- In packaging news this week, Crown secured Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approval for its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The rigid metal packaging leader has committed to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50 percent and decrease absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 16 percent by 2030. Also with carbon reduction in mind, Ball Corporation announced that it has executed two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in Europe, and US beer brand Molson Coors adopted 50 percent recycled content plastic rings for multipacks.

In brief: Carbon reduction measures
Crown became one of only eight companies in the global containers and packaging sector to have its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets approved by the SBTi as consistent with reductions required to keep warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement. Specifically, Crown has committed to reducing absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 50 percent by 2030 (using a 2019 baseline) and decreasing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 16 percent over the same target period.

Ball Corporation announced that it has executed two (VPPAs in Europe – one for the Corral Nuevo project with wpd and one for the Brattmyrliden project with Falck Renewables – for a total of 93.4 megawatts (MW) of additional wind energy. These agreements are a testament to Ball's long-term commitment to achieve and maintain 100 percent renewable energy in Europe and allow the company to address approximately 63 percent of the European electricity load utilized in its aluminum beverage packaging plants (excluding Russia) with new renewable energy.Ball executed two VPPAs in Europe as it targets 100 percent renewable energy.

Molson Coors beer brand adopted RingCycles plastic rings that contain more than 50 percent recycled content as part of an ongoing pilot program. Manufactured by US-based Hi-Cone, the rings represent a reduction in waste and an increase in the use of sustainable elements in the company’s supply chain and packaging, which is now 99 percent reusable or recyclable, according to its newly released “Our Imprint 2020 Report.”

Ardagh Group, Glass – North America partnered with Lenny Boy Brewing Co. to introduce a new 14 oz kombucha bottle, manufactured locally in North Carolina, US. The partnership connects Charlotte’s Lenny Boy Brewing Co. with Ardagh’s Wilson, North Carolina, glass production facility, helping to keep the brewery’s promise to stay local and sustainable by reducing its environmental footprint. The 14 oz glass kombucha bottle was designed by Ardagh and is manufactured in the US using 100 percent and endlessly recyclable flint (clear) glass.

In brief: Renewable revolution
US-based Numi Organic Tea adopted an overwrap for individual tea bags that is certified compostable in commercial composting facilities according to ASTM D6868 standards. The three-layer adhesive lamination solution was developed by Elk Packaging and contains paper, Natureflex cellophane and polylactic acid. The clear cast Natureflex film layer comes courtesy of UK-based Futamura, a renewable wood pulp packaging specialist.Molson Coors' 50 percent recycled plastic rings.

Mondi partnered with One Young World for a second consecutive year as a sponsor of Lead2030. Lead2030 was launched by One Young World, the global forum for young leaders, in November 2018 to support youth-led innovation to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As a challenge partner, Mondi supports the achievement of the SDG12 (responsible production and consumption), with the ultimate aim to turn packaging waste into raw materials of inherent value. This year’s winning project comes from Genecis Bioindustries, a Canadian-based start-up that makes compostable plastic from food waste. Genecis has been awarded US$50,000 from Mondi as well as 12 months of corporate mentorship focused on business development, marketing/communications support and technical mentorship on the potential market applications of PHA polymers in packaging.

Stora Enso and Helsinki Olympic Stadium signed a partnership agreement to develop low-carbon, eco-friendly operations at the stadium by promoting the use of renewable materials and circular economy solutions. Stora Enso explores reusing products and recycling used materials to give high-quality wood fibers a second life in new products that will be available at the stadium for different services and operations.

In brief: Business news
Ecolean, a global producer of unique lightweight packages and efficient filling systems for chilled and ambient distribution, announced its expansion into Brazil. A partnership with Betânia Lácteos, the largest dairy producer in north-eastern Brazil, has resulted in the launch of the first product in an Ecolean package on the Brazilian market, a nutritious Bat Gut vitamin smoothie-type product. The Bat Gut brand was a flexible packaging pioneer in the 1990s and the brand has innovated again with the unique Ecolean packaging concept.Ecolean's packaging for the Brazilian Bat Gut smoothie product.

Kenya-based Dune Packaging partnered with Mondi to grow its market share by offering more complex, multicolor designs on its open mouth paper bag packaging. Dune Packaging is now using Mondi's Advantage Kraft White Print paper to produce high-quality packaging for consumer food produce including flour, maize and grain. The current market norm in East Africa is two-colour flexo printing, thereby “limiting the shelf appeal for consumers.” Dune Packaging can now supply bags of higher value to its growing customer base by investing in improved machinery and upgrading the bleached kraft paper it uses.

AMB Spa, headquartered in San Daniele del Friuli, Italy, announced the acquisition of German PTS – Prime Tray System – Packaging from Gauting, Bavaria, Germany. PTS develops innovative industrial packaging solutions with products from various well-known manufacturers for its customers in the German and international markets. Amongst other activities, PTS has been responsible for sales of the AMB product range for around 20 years. With the takeover of the German packaging expert, the international AMB is strengthening its market position, particularly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

By Joshua Poole