Weekly Roundup: DS Smith opens first hybrid Customer Innovation Hub, UK Treasury publishes Plastic Packaging Tax amendments

29 Oct 2021 --- In packaging news this week, DS Smith opened its first hybrid Customer Innovation Hub, enabling collaborative packaging innovation through state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. Meanwhile, DS Smith and Liquibox unveiled bag-in-box solutions. Also, the UK Treasury published six amendments to its Plastic Packaging Tax.

In brief: Collaborative packaging design
DS Smith opened its first hybrid Customer Innovation Hub. Based in Lisbon, Portugal, the center is equipped to support collaborative innovation and design sessions for customers in face-to-face, online and hybrid settings. The center boasts state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, including PTZ (pan-zoom-tilt) cameras to produce detailed e-commerce unboxing experiences and presentations, along with a LED wall for online sessions and augmented reality capabilities.

In brief: Bag-in-box solutions
DS Smith created a bag-in-box format for Lahqua premium spring water, available in 5, 10, and 15 L. The solution is compact and convenient for stationery consumption. Vacuum pressure technology keeps oxygen from entering the package, preventing bacteria from developing while preserving the product’s taste and freshness. Bag-in-box packaging is made of 3 and 5-layer cardboard, with offset and flexographic printing.Liquibox’s e-commerce bag-in-box solution for HEX Performance’s liquid laundry detergent.

Liquibox developed an e-commerce bag-in-box solution for HEX Performance’s new 3 L liquid laundry detergent. According to an EcoImpact Life Cycle Assessment, the HEX Eco Bag-in-Box Package drastically cuts carbon footprint by offering a 58% reduction in fossil fuel use, 47% reduction in GHG emissions, and 25% reduction in water use. The solution also contains 60% less plastic than traditional 100-ounce rigid detergent bottles.

In brief: Circular plastics economy
Pact Group produced the packaging for Woolworths’ Macro brand’s new environmentally sustainable cleaning products range in Australia and New Zealand. The packaging is primarily composed of post-consumer rHDPE or rPET and expected to see approximately 45 tons of recycled post-consumer plastics reused and diverted from landfill annually. The product range includes 1 L Macro laundry liquid made from 75% rHDPE and a 500 ml dishwashing liquid, 500 ml multipurpose cleaner and a 500 ml bath and shower cleaning product packaged in bottles made from 100% rPET.

Berry Superfos announced it can now offer food industry customers rigid packaging made from recycled polypropylene with the same quality as virgin materials. “Already, we are working on viable projects and starting production together with customers in several different food sub-sectors, including confectionery, dips and dressings, ice-cream, dairy, seafood and cakes and biscuits,” says Søren Rohleder, Berry Superfos’ CEO.BillerudKorsnäs’ Frövi mill is powering Sweden’s largest tomato greenhouse with redirected production heat.

Oji Holdings developed a biaxially oriented polypropylene film containing plant-derived polylactic acid resin. Oji conducted a mass-production trial on the solution, acquiring mass balance certification. The film maintains conventional features, including strength and heat resistance, while reducing petroleum-derived polypropylene.

In brief: Climate change action
BillerudKorsnäs’ mill in Frövi, Sweden, redirected heat from production to power a 20-hectare industrial estate, including Sweden’s largest tomato greenhouse. The company signed an agreement with WA3RM, which develops circular solutions using factory waste streams such as surplus heat. “Our business concept is to challenge conventional packaging, but it’s also important for BillerudKorsnäs to contribute to the fight against climate change,” said Richard Morén, factory manager in Frövi. “Today, 97% of BillerudKorsnäs’ operations are completely fossil-free, and we’re happy to work with companies working toward a carbon-neutral society.”

In brief: Policy and regulation
The UK Treasury published six amendments to its Plastic Packaging Tax, due to come into force in April 2022 and stipulate a £200 (US$276) per metric ton tax rate for plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic produced or imported into the UK. The amendments will:

• Allow HMRC to make provisions to modify the timing of an import, and the meaning of import and customs formalities, using secondary legislation.
• Ensure businesses below the de minimis threshold, who currently do not have a liability to register, do not have to pay the tax.
• Provide tax reliefs for persons enjoying certain immunities and privileges, such as visiting forces and diplomats, with provision to set administrative requirements in secondary legislation.
• Transfers the obligations and entitlements of Plastic Packaging Tax group members, such as completing returns, to the group’s representative member.
• Require HMRC to notify the representative member of a Plastic Packaging Tax group of the date that applications for and modification of group treatment will take effect.
• Change certain terms used to describe unincorporated bodies to ensure consistency throughout the legislation.

By Joshua Poole