Weekly Roundup: HolyGrail 2.0 validates prototype detection sorting unit, Ardagh equips Pip & Nut with 50% recycled glass jars

17 Sep 2021 --- In packaging news this week, the HolyGrail 2.0 digital watermark recycling enhancement project revealed it has validated its first prototype detection sorting unit, with a more than 95% ejection success rate. Meanwhile, Ardagh Glass Packaging transferred Pip & Nut from plastic to 50% recycled glass jars. Also, Ecolean announced it is now sourcing 100% renewable electricity globally after switching its Pakistani and Chinese production plants to green electricity.

In brief: Recycling efficiencies
HolyGrail 2.0 announced it has successfully validated its first prototype detection sorting unit. The prototype was developed by digital watermark experts Digimarc and machine vendor Pellenc ST. The combined digital watermarks and NIR/VIS infrared for sorting technology reportedly achieved a more than 95% ejection rate. The news follows after the project announced it had hit a semi-industrial milestone, with Copenhagen preparing city-wide recycling trials.

In brief: Recycled glass jar
Ardagh Glass Packaging equipped nut butter specialist Pip & Nut with new glass jars containing over 50% recycled content. Pip & Nut has transitioned its whole but nutter range from plastic to embossed glass jars, following “consistent feedback from the company’s active consumer community.” “With the move to glass jars, we’ve improved the recyclability of our products as glass is more widely recycled in the UK than plastic,” commented Pip & Nut founder Pip Murray. The jars are also designed for reuse.Ardagh’s 50% recycled glass jar for Pip & Nut.

In brief: Green energy
Ecolean revealed it is now sourcing 100% renewable electricity globally by switching its production plants in Pakistan and China to green electricity. One of the key highlights from the Ecolean Sustainability Report 2020 was the company completing the shift to only purchase renewable electricity, amounting to a 95% reduction of its Scope 2 carbon emissions compared to its 2018 base year. Ecolean’s packages are 50-60% lighter than other types of liquid food packaging, reducing environmental impact throughout the package’s lifecycle, the company highlights.

In brief: Healthcare packaging
Berry Healthcare announced its Vistop PP36 patented tamper-evident closure for autoclave sterilization can now be specified for incorporating advanced recycling resin in both circular PP and PE. The move meets customer demands for more environmentally sustainable packaging while maintaining the closure’s high product protection and user safety standards.

Berry Global also unveiled what it calls the US’ first comprehensive, commercial-scale clean room for nine-layer blown film manufacturing. The move supports its growing healthcare business in rigorous healthcare and pharmaceutical applications. The installation further enhances Berry’s ability to supply more sensitive applications such as sterile intravenous solution bags, pharmaceutical packaging, medical equipment manufacturing, and microchip packaging.Berry Global unveiled a commercial-scale clean room for nine-layer blown film manufacturing.

In brief: Product launches and expansions
Spectra introduced ten new capacity options to several existing bottle ranges along with two new closures. The company’s current Tubular ranges are “arguably the largest on the market.” However, the addition of three new bottles means the design can further satisfy a wide range of product applications, Specta says. For example, its ranges now include a new 30 ml pack, boasting 20/410 and 20/415 neck options. Similarly, its Short Tubular collection has increased with a new 300 ml version with the same neck variants. A new 20/410 and 20/415 75 ml Non-Aerosol pack has also been added, giving ithe PET and HDPE Non-Aerosol offering 18 options.

Accraply, a global designer and manufacturer of shrink sleeve converting equipment, revealed it would launch the Accraply Revolve seamers line at Label Congress 2021 (booth 91), September 29-30 in Chicago, US. The new modular shrink sleeve seamers include three machine configurations engineered to make shrink sleeve seaming simpler and more efficient. The Accraply Revolve machines leverage next-generation controls and an intuitive human-machine interface (HMI) to simplify operations. Through the HMI, operators can access step-by-step help guides, diagnostic reporting, preventive maintenance alerts, on-board parts ordering and several additional resources. Also, advanced machine design features eliminate operator error.

Bizerba and Italianpack responded to the growing demand for goods packed directly on-site in supermarkets with a commercial partnership centered on semi- and fully-automatic tray sealing machines. The partners combine devices from Bizerba and trays sealers manufactured by Italianpack into complete lines for slicing, packaging, inspection, and weighing and labeling. These solutions are superior to the competition, especially in confined spaces, the companies say. Worldwide sales are handled exclusively by Bizerba.The Accraply Revolve seamers line.

In brief: Acquisition
TricorBraun agreed to acquire Cormack Packaging, a leading packaging supplier in Australia and New Zealand, establishing the company's footprint in the region. Cormack primarily serves the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, industrial, and household cleaning industries. TricorBraun has partnered with management teams to successfully acquire and accelerate growth for more than 25 packaging companies. Cormack marks TricorBraun’s third acquisition this year.

In brief: Packaging education
The Indian government proposed to declare the Indian Institute of Packaging as an institution of national importance in a draft bill. The declaration would enable the institute to establish and conduct graduate and postgraduate degrees and post-doctoral courses focused on international packaging. India’s department of commerce has recommended creating a 21-member governing body representing the entire packaging value chain.

By Joshua Poole

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