Weekly Roundup: Graphic Packaging launches dual-ovenable paperboard tray, Ardagh unveils reusable jam jar

02 Jul 2021 --- In packaging news this week, Graphic Packaging International unveiled a dual-ovenable paperboard tray as part of its award-winning PaperSeal tray range. Also, Ardagh produced a reusable jar for Zentis’ NaturRein brand of jams and fruit spreads, while Stora Enso equipped Fisherman with the EcoFishBox for plastic and carbon reductions.

In brief: Fiber-based innovation
Graphic Packaging International introduced the third addition to its award-winning PaperSeal tray range – a new dual-ovenable version branded PaperSeal Cook. The PaperSeal tray technology is designed for oven- and microwave-ready chilled and frozen food applications. PaperSeal Cook reduces plastic by 80 percent compared to traditional trays, the supplier noted.

Stora Enso replaced Fisherman’s traditional fish packaging with the EcoFishBox, helping the fishery reduce its plastic and carbon footprint. The EcoFishBox is a waterproof corrugated-board box made of mainly renewable materials. It is recyclable and, according to Stora Enso’s LCA study, the modeled cases show up to 40-73 percent lower carbon emissions, depending on packaging size and location.Stora Enso’s EcoFishBox for Fisherman.

DS Smith supported La Coopérative Agricole de Noirmoutier in replacing single-use plastic in its potato packaging by developing a 100 percent recyclable corrugated board solution. The main difficulty was to keep the potatoes in good condition without plastic. DS Smith succeeded in creating a corrugated board solution that guarantees the conservation and visibility of the potatoes.

TEQ announced its sub-brand Fibrepak can now use pulp made from 100 percent recovered waste paper in the manufacturing process of its sustainable packaging products. The pulp – from a supplier in France – is made from office waste paper, archives and shredded books, and boasts a post-consumer paper percentage of over 90 percent.

In brief: Reusable jam jar
Ardagh made a reusable jar for fruit processing company Zentis’ NaturRein brand of jams and fruit spreads. The new jars are designed with rounded edges to fit snugly in hand and feature a cork lid over the vacuum closure. The design creates multiple opportunities for reuse, such as turning the jars into vases, spice jars or gift packaging and repurposing the cork lids as coasters.DS Smith created a recyclable corrugated board solution for La Coopérative Agricole de Noirmoutier’s potatoes.

In brief: Acquisitions and investments
BASF closed the divestiture of its global pigments business to the chemical company DIC following the fulfillment of clearance conditions. The purchase price on a cash and debt-free basis is €1.15 billion (US$1.36 billion). BASF and DIC had reached an agreement on acquiring BASF’s global pigments business with about 2,600 employees on August 29, 2019. DIC is a Japanese company listed at the Tokyo Stock Exchange with approximately 20,000 employees globally.

Schur Flexibles acquired Termoplast in Italy, expanding its recyclable packaging portfolio. Termoplast‘s recyclable MDO-PE film offers enhanced processing qualities for all printing technologies and special applications for industrial companies and food, medical and pharma sectors. Termoplast also operates its own recycling company, processing post-industrial waste.Ardagh’s reusable jar for Zentis’ NaturRein jams and fruit spreads.

ProAmpac acquired Ultimate Packaging, a pioneer in flexographic and digitally-printed flexible packaging based in the UK. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Ultimate Packaging is one of the largest independent flexible packaging manufacturers in the UK, specializing in developing innovative packaging for increasing product shelf life, convenience and recyclability across a range of food and other sectors.

Trioworld Group agreed to acquire the Dutch company Flexoplast, a leading player in solutions for high-performance food, beverage and industrial packaging, from the Clondalkin Group. “Flexoplast has shown very strong development over the past years, also during COVID times, supporting customers with high-performance packaging solutions,” said Andreas Malmberg, Trioworld Group CEO. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory requirements and approvals. The Trioworld Group will, after the transaction is completed, own 100 percent of the shares.

Novolex acquired the business of Flexo Converters USA and certain of its affiliates. Flexo is a family-owned manufacturer of stock, custom and recycled paper bags and sacks. It is headquartered and has a manufacturing facility in Meriden, Connecticut. and an additional plant in Monroe, Georgia. Flexo products will be sold under the Novolex Duro Bag brand.TEQ announced its sub-brand Fibrepak can now use pulp made from 100% recovered waste paper.

Pregis announced an investment of more than US$14 million in a new manufacturing facility in the Atlanta area to support e-commerce growth in the US Southeast. The new 298,000 square foot facility will be located in McDonough, Georgia and is the latest in a series of investments in protective packaging manufacturing facilities to support e-commerce demand. Pregis recently announced two manufacturing facilities in Texas, one in Bethel, Pennsylvania, and an existing facility in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

By Joshua Poole