Weekly Roundup: Dow and partners launch recyclable plastic packaging, Novolex brand Duro lands BPI certification

28 Oct 2022 --- This week in industry news, Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics, W&H and B&B announced the launch of their joint innovation in recyclable plastic packaging at the K 2022 fair in Düsseldorf, Germany. Meanwhile, Duro, a Novolex brand, has earned the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification and Sonoco received the Supply Chain Solution of the Year Award.

In brief: Launches and updates 
Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics and machine manufacturers W&H and B&B announced the launch of their joint innovation in recyclable plastic packaging at the K 2022 fair, the world’s leading trade fair for plastics processing. Through new technology, resin and machinery innovation, the collaboration successfully led to developing the recyclable wide-format MDO-PE bag. Using only PE and a minimal layer of EVOH ensures recyclability while delivering the same performance and properties of multi-material packages combined with outstanding gloss, transparency and haptics, says the company.

Duro’s Dubl Life line of paper bags and sacks.Reckitt launched paper-based packaging for Finish, considered “a first” for automatic dishwashing products. The packaging will reduce plastic by 75% in its stand-up pouch. Once rolled out, the innovation could eliminate over 2,000 metric tons of plastic yearly, equivalent to 50 million one liter bottles. By working with Mondi, the new Finish packaging has successfully replaced three-quarters of the plastic with responsibly sourced paper. The remaining plastic is used to strengthen the paper structure and provide protection to ensure quality and safety with a reclosable seal. Besides reducing plastic, the new packaging is expected to generate 15% less CO2 emissions across the packaging lifecycle versus prior versions.

Gerresheimer, a provider of healthcare solutions and drug delivery systems for pharma, biotech and cosmetics and Merck KGaA, a science and technology company, developed a digital twin solution for improved traceability along the pharmaceutical supply chain. The proof of concept aims to transform the pharma supply chain by creating digital twins for primary packaging. Through a single interconnected network, participants will benefit from full traceability and digital trust, resulting in cost savings, improved quality and new business models attributable to process automation.

The Alkaline Water Company and the Clean Beverage company provided an update on the growing success of the Alkaline88 two liter bottle. The Company has received orders for the 2liter, available as an individual unit or in the 6-pack Shaq Paq, from over 8,000 stores since the beginning of the year. 

In brief: Certifications and awardsSonoco’s Bisto Gravy paperboard drum solution.
Duro, a Novolex brand, has earned the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification for numerous products in its Dubl Life line of paper bags and sacks. The products are among the first on the market to receive this leading certification, further expanding the portfolio of certified compostable products offered by Novolex. The bags will also feature the How2Compost and How2Recycle labels, which inform consumers how to dispose of the packaging after use. 

SIG’s Signature Evo, the “world’s first” full barrier packaging material without an aluminum layer for aseptic carton packs, won the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2022 in the “Best Sustainable Product” category. Signature Evo, which will be presented at the Gulfood Manufacturing 2022 trade fair from November 8-10 at Dubai World Trade Centre, represents “one of the most sustainable solutions in aseptic packaging.” Signature Evo extends SIG’s lower-carbon packaging materials without an aluminum layer – already available for plain white milk – for wider use with oxygen-sensitive products such as fruit juices, nectars, flavored milk or plant-based beverages.

Sonoco received the Supply Chain Solution of the Year Award at the UK Packaging Awards, on October 19, 2022. The award recognized the success of the newly sized Bisto Gravy paperboard drum solution, helping Premier Foods to lower its brand’s environmental impact by reducing the height of the drum, which was launched in the UK market last year. Bisto Gravy paperboard drums, produced by Sonoco, are made from recycled paper fiber and include a paperboard end. All inks and adhesives are water-based, and all materials used in the packaging are easily separable within the recycling process. 

By Natalie Schwertheim