Weekly Roundup: KP Snacks and TerraCycle launch recycling partnership, Nestlé joins paper packaging trail

08 Mar 2019 --- In packaging news this week, KP Snacks partnered with TerraCycle to launch a UK-wide recycling program which will allow all of its potato chips, nuts, popcorn and pretzels packets to be recycled for the first time. Also in sustainability news, Nestlé brand Nesquik has launched its new All Natural powder in a recyclable paper pouch. In a week dominated by new launches, RPC Superfos unveiled its Paintainer Perfect For Picky Cats and RPC Bramlage introduced its lightweight Touch & Slide Slidissime jar in the beauty sector.

In brief: Sustainability action
KP Snacks introduced a nationwide recycling scheme for nuts, popcorn, chips and pretzels packets. Working with recycling specialist TerraCycle, the scheme will convert the packets into recycled material which will ultimately be turned into new plastic items such as outdoor furniture, plastic lumber, waste bins or storage boxes. Individuals must register to the program before receiving a collection bin. The “collection point administrator” can download a free shipping label from the TerraCycle website. To incentivize larger shipments, the scheme offers charity points for shipments over 2 kg in weight (approximately 600 packets). “This initiative is just one part of our pacKPromise; a three-stage plan to reduce our packaging impact,” notes Mark Thorpe, KP Snacks CEO. “Phase One ofThe KP Snacks-TerraCycle recycling scheme will convert plastic packets into outdoor furniture.KP’s pacKPromise is to use less packaging. We have invested significantly in our Hula Hoops factory and are now using 23 percent less packaging in our Hula Hoops multipacks. Phase Two is to provide a short-term recycling solution, which we are doing with the launch of this new program with TerraCycle. Phase Three is for our plastic packaging to be fully recyclable by 2025 as part of our membership of the UK Plastics Pact.”

Nestlé launched a new Nesquik All Natural powder in a recyclable paper pouch. It features a simplified, natural ingredients list and is available in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The new pouch is made of a coated paper that is recyclable in paper streams. The paper derives from sustainable sources, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The pouches have been extensively tested to make sure they keep the Nesquik powder in perfect condition during transport and storage. The launch comes less than two months after Nestlé’s commitment to accelerate action to tackle plastic waste. “The recyclable paper pouch is the first of its kind, one of our key initiatives towards providing more sustainable packaging across our product portfolio,” comments Yasser Abdul Malak, Head of the Dairy category for Europe, Middle East and North Africa. “Moving from plastic to paper is a big challenge, but an important step in designing the food packaging of the future.”RPC's Paintainer Perfect For Picky Cats.

In brief: New packaging launches
RPC Superfos introduced a new container for fussy cats which keeps their food fresher for longer. The Paintainer Perfect For Picky Cats also provides enhanced ease of use, sustainability and an attractive design for Swiss pet food company, Petzeba. The five-liter Paintainer, which can hold 2.5 kg of cat food, features a convenient handle and yellow and black artwork that shows playful cats chasing butterflies. It comes with UniPak measuring cups from RPC Superfos, which help Petzeba’s customers serve the right quantities. The fact that the Paintainer pail keeps oxygen out, safeguarding the freshness and taste of the contents, is the key element for Petzeba, says Markus Zemp, Founder and Managing Director of Petzeba. “Cats are very picky eaters and ever so sensitive to freshness. That’s why it is so important to keep out the oxygen. Our emphasis is very much on best quality ingredients and we appreciate that our cat food can remain intact in the Paintainer pail.”

In the beauty sector, RPC Bramlage launched the Touch & Slide Slidissime jar. It offers consumers a “tactile opening sensation” while also ensuring that fingers do not come into contact with the cream in the jar for more hygienic usage. A swipe of the index finger dispenses the product and provides fast and efficient access while not detracting from the sensuality of the gesture, which is further reinforced by the jar’s soft touch finish. RPC says that the format “delivers a strong emotional experience for the end-user, in particular, the ‘Wow RPC's Touch & Slide Slidissime jar.effect,’ and provides the perfect e-commerce packaging solution.” Equally important, the Slidissime quartz version chosen by L’Oréal is certified by Ecocert, a control and certification organization, for its strong environmental credentials. The jar offers a lighter weight and more compact design than traditional jars.

Bemis has been honored with the Highest Achievement Award and six additional gold and silver awards by the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) for three products. The winning entries are Molson Coors 12 Pack Cooler Bag featuring portable convenience, ConAgra Slim Jim Premium Smoked Sticks featuring textured film technology, and JBS-Swift Printed Ovenable Meat Packaging (OvenRite) featuring oven-safe technology. The Molson Coors 12 Pack Cooler Bag delivers consumer convenience with a pouch that expands into a larger, reusable bag that can go directly into the refrigerator or cooler.

By Joshua Poole