Weekly Roundup: DS Smith launches Circular Design Principles, Greiner unveils reusable yogurt lids

08 May 2020 --- This week in packaging news, DS Smith published its new Circular Design Principles to help companies design reuse and recyclability into their packaging. A DS Smith study found that confusion over recycling contributes to more than 2.5 million tons of rubbish going to landfill in the UK. In product launches, Greiner unveiled reusable lids for yogurt pots that are dishwasher-safe and extend shelf life. Also, Wentus Kunststoff introduced a high-barrier film solution made from polyolefin polymers which reduces material usage by up to 35 percent.

In brief: New releases
Greiner Packaging introduced reusable lids for yogurt pots. Schärdinger, Tirol Milch and Stainzer brands have been using the new snap-on lid since April. Manufactured using the injection molding process, the lid is dishwasher-safe and has a 95 ml diameter that fits most standard yogurt cups on the market. Since it can be reused, the lid helps save plastic while also sealing the cup and helping to extend the shelf life of the product inside.Greiner Packaging's reusable yogurt pot lids.

Wentus Kunststoff launched a film solution that reportedly reduces material usage by up to 35 percent. Designed for a wide range of products including red meat and vegan alternatives, the film boasts enhanced oxygen barrier and anti-fog properties. Wentoplex Ultra consists entirely of polyolefin, a type of polymer produced from a simple olefin. According to Wentus, polyolefin offers better recyclability than PET or polyamide. The film can be used for trays as well as flow-wrap packs.

Novolex brands Bagcraft and Burrows Packaging unveiled new non-fluorinated, grease-resistant wraps and clamshells. Applications include sandwich wraps, sandwich bags, bakery bags, chip bags, deli bags and micro-flute clamshells. These new non-fluorinated products all offer performance quality comparable to grease-resistant products made with conventional materials, Novolex confirms.Novolex's non-fluorinated, grease-resistant clamshell.

VPF, a specialist for adhesive materials for security solutions, expanded its product portfolio of PVC-free, destructible acrylate security films, available in transparent and white. Until now, the production of these special materials has mainly been based on PVC or acetate technology, although this is associated with considerable drawbacks, such as limited storage life, the emission of volatile plasticisers or residual solvents and odor nuisance. As an alternative, VPF developed two ultra-destructible security films based on innovative acrylate technology. With the same functionality, they not only are free of plasticizers and PVC but also exhibit a longer storage life while being odorless.

Swedish grocery retailer Coop, in association with food producer Grön Ko, began offering Micvac’s new round pack for chilled ready meals, suitable for 300 g. Coop currently has around a dozen products in Micvac packs in its private label range and many more for other brands. One of the meals in this new pack is mushroom risotto by Grön Ko, launched in mid-April. Coop has chosen to invest in a new pack to create more differentiation in its convenience food department, as a good range of sizes, shapes and dishes makes for an interesting, attractive display, Micvac says.

In brief: Circular economy action
DS Smith revealed its new Circular Design Principles, developed with input from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to drive environmental sustainability in packaging. The principles have been designed to support companies design reuse and recyclability into their packaging and come as a new study from DS Smith reveals that confusion over recycling contributes to more than 2.5 million tons of rubbish going to landfill in the UK. It is important to maintain recycling during the COVID-19 crisis as recycled materials are important for production across the supply chain, DS Smith affirms. According to the study, 30 percent of Brits put things in the recycling bin, despite not knowing if it can be recycled.Micvic's new round pack for chilled ready meals.

Stora Enso introduced Box Inc, a digital B2B marketplace for corrugated packaging made of renewable materials. Box Inc is a new platform business designed to help companies source packaging easily online while enabling suppliers to access new customers without having to create their digital presence. Box Inc launched in Germany, the largest European market for corrugated packaging, with plans to expand to other markets in Europe.

VPF expanded its product portfolio of PVC-free, destructible acrylate security films.Stora Enso also signed a joint agreement with Cordenka to develop precursors for bio-based carbon fiber. The co-development is driven by the need for high-performance carbon fiber in transportation, construction and power generation. Stora Enso has been developing the technology for manufacturing carbon fiber from wood-based raw materials, i.e. dissolving pulp and lignin, at laboratory scale.

ProAmpac joined the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), a trade association representing companies responsible for more than 90 percent of the post-consumer plastic processing capacity in North America. APR works to set standards and enhance the quality and quantity of recycled materials through technology, testing, design and training. Through education and collaboration with APR and its members, ProAmpac is continuing to progress its ProActive Sustainability platform towards a more circular economy.

By Joshua Poole