Weekly Roundup: Mondi and Fiorini International create recyclable pasta packaging solution, Sidel introduces integrated blow-fill-cap

29 Jul 2022 --- This week in industry news, Mondi and Fiorini International partnered to create a new paper packaging solution for Antico Pastificio Umbro, an Italian manufacturer of premium pasta products. Meanwhile, Sidel announced the introduction of its Aseptic Predis X4 at Drinktec 2022 and Costa Coffee and McDonald’s UK joined forces with motorway service area operator, Roadchef, to co-fund a cup recycling program.

In brief: Packaging recycling and reduction
Mondi and converter Fiorini International partnered to create a new paper packaging solution for Antico Pastificio Umbro, an Italian manufacturer of premium pasta products. The packaging is fully recyclable and when rolled out across the full pasta range, will eliminate up to 20 metric tons of plastic every year. The packaging also features a paper window allowing the consumer to see the products, and was included in The Waste Age Exhibition hosted by the London Design Museum and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (October 2021 - February 2022).

Beyond Plastics released a guide to help restaurants reduce their use of plastic and to communicate these changes to improve customer loyalty and attract new diners, find funding to help cover start-up costs of reusable dish and take-out ware, and save money. The guide, called “Hold The Plastic, Please – A Restaurant’s Guide To Reducing Plastic,” offers restaurants detailed and practical advice on how to reduce plastic use in their operations. 

Consumers can use the new units to easily separate their cups, lids, and any leftover drinks before sending them off for recycling. Costa Coffee and McDonald’s UK joined forces with motorway service area operator, Roadchef, to co-fund an innovative cup recycling program at all 30 Roadchef sites across the UK. It is the latest project run by members of the National Cup Recycling Scheme, which aims to accelerate takeaway cup recycling across the UK. The companies say Roadchef is one of the most recognized stopping points for drivers across the UK. Its service areas see over 50 million visitors every year, presenting a big opportunity to help solve the challenge of collecting and recycling paper takeaway cups on-the-go, while also tackling roadside litter. 

Mars Thailand entered the second year of its SWAP Recycling Program, allowing pet parents to swap their empty bags of dry or wet pet food of any brand for a discount on the purchase of any of our pet food brands like Pedigree, Whiskas, Iams, Cesar or Sheba. Mars Thailand says it has seen an “impressive” level of engagement from Thai consumers, with a rapid increase in return rates during recent months. More than 150,000 bags of used plastic packaging have been collected and converted into useful products. Additionally, the company used cat-shaped paving blocks made of waste plastic to pave outdoor areas of its new pet food manufacturing plant in Chonburi, Thailand. 

In brief: Drinktec 2022
Sidel announced the introduction of its Aseptic Predis X4 at Drinktec 2022 in Munich, Germany, this September. The new system combines food safety standards, ease of use, maximum flexibility and environmental footprint. The Aseptic Predis X4 is an integrated blow-fill-cap solution that incorporates consolidated Predis dry preform sterilization, making it “ideal” for the growing market of sensitive beverages in PET bottles. It builds on Sidel’s aseptic technology and introduces further innovation in design and digitalization.

In brief: Plant-based Sidel’s Aseptic Predis X4.packs
Sambazon, a supplier of certified fair trade and organic Açaí, pledged to achieve plant-based and post-consumer recycled packaging for all US retail products by 2025. In its inaugural Impact report, the popular brand of Açaí-based F&B has stated that at the end of 2021, 64% of its US retail packaging was made from post-consumer recycled or plant-based materials. That is almost double the figure that the certified fair-trade and organic brand reported in 2019.

In brief: Business news 
M. Holland Company, an international distributor of thermoplastic resins and ancillary materials, obtained Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals compliance for its proprietary Mtegrity line of materials. The certification granted by the European Chemicals Agency ensures that M. Holland’s materials are compliant with EU regulation. This level of certification positions the company as a strategic business partner for European original equipment manufacturers and plastics manufacturers. 

By Natalie Schwertheim