Weekly Roundup: Lurpak launches “Butterbox,” Mondi’s e-commerce pack wins ScanStar 2019 award

06 Sep 2019 --- In packaging news this week, butter brand Lurpak launched its first block packaging innovation since 1957. Known as “Butterbox,” the new design is a convenient reclosable box that addresses the consumer barriers and frustrations with Block Butter in foil. Meanwhile, Mondi’s “SizeMeMailer” was honored with a ScanStar 2019 award, with the jury highlighting the positive environmental credentials that this slimline pack can offer e-retailers. In a busy week for BillerudKorsnäs, the fiber-based packaging supplier acquired a minority holding in the recycling company Recycl3R and completed the sale of its majority stake in Bergvik Skog Öst forest land to pension company AMF for a capital gain of approximately SEK 5.6 billion (US$890 million).

In brief: Business news
BillerudKorsnäs invested in recycling by acquiring a minority holding in Recycl3R. Recycl3R has developed a digital solution to increase the recycling rates of single-use packaging. The company builds a database with information about what packaging material different consumer products consist of. They also understand the different recycling regulations and requirements around the world. This knowledge is used to guide consumers to the nearest recycling station and help them recycle correctly. The solution also makes it possible for producers and distributors to give consumers incentive to recycle more with gamification and by connecting value such as deposits or loyalty points to different packaging materials.Aptar partnered with Loop, a global circular shopping platform from TerraCycle.

BillerudKorsnäs also completed the sale of 89.9 percent of the shares in Bergvik Skog Öst Swedish forest land to the pension company AMF. The divestment effects BillerudKorsnäs’ cash flow positively by approximately SEK 7.9 billion (US$890 million). The capital gain of approximately SEK 5.6 billion (US$580 million) will be recognized under the heading Profit from discontinued operations in the interim report for the third quarter.

Aptar, a global leader in dispensing, drug delivery and active packaging solutions, entered into a partnership with Loop, a global circular shopping platform from TerraCycle that delivers consumer products in reusable containers. As part of the partnership agreement, Aptar’s President of Food + Beverage, Marc Prieur, will sit on Loop’s advisory board. “Aptar is a very important and strategic partner for Loop,” notes Tom Szaky, TerraCycle CEO. “Working with Aptar to provide durable dispensing solutions to the world’s leading CPG companies is going to have a significant positive effect on the entire Loop platform.”Mondi's award-winning “SizeMeMailer” e-commerce pack.

Berlin Packaging, a German supplier of glass, plastic and metal containers and closures, announced the acquisition of Vincap B.V. and Adolfse Packaging B.V. (jointly, Vincap & Adolfse), a packaging supplier in Utrecht, Netherlands. Vincap & Adolfse brings extensive experience in food and beverage closures and pharmaceutical packaging and well-established operations in Northern Europe, Berlin Packaging says.

In brief: New packs
Lurpak butter brand unveiled the first block butter packaging innovation in 60 years with the launch of its “Butterbox”. Foil packaging was first introduced in 1957 but with no major innovation since then, consumer insight revealed that 45 percent of consumers agree that block butter packaging is messy to use, and 57 percent of consumers said they would be more likely to purchase Block Butter if the packaging was easier to open and reseal, Lurpak notes. Aiming to add value into the block butter category, the Lurpak “Butterbox” is a convenient reclosable box that addresses the consumer barriers and frustrations with Block Butter in foil.Allure Wine's new “glimmering” glass bottle, created by Ardagh.

Mondi’s “SizeMeMailer” e-commerce pack won the ScanStar 2019 award for reducing environmental footprint for online shopping. “SizeMeMailer” is 100 percent recyclable and made from sustainably-sourced corrugated material. The pack adjusts to three different height levels depending on the product to be inserted in the packaging and e-retailers spend less on transport and shipping costs as it takes up less space. It is also tamper-resistant due to its integrated sidewalls. 

Ardagh created a wine bottle with “star quality” for Allure Wine’s Merlot Rosé, Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon. The design is inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s iconic song “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Brand owner Zimmermann-Graeff & Müller (ZGM), briefed Ardagh to create “glimmering” design concepts for its wine bottle, seeking customer feedback on the concepts to help shape the final design.

Edited by Joshua Poole