Weekly Roundup: Mondi roll packs mattresses in paper, WestRock closes US paper mill

05 May 2023 --- This week in industry news, Mondi manufactured a recyclable paper bag solution to roll pack mattresses. Also, WestRock Company announced it will permanently close its paper mill in North Charleston, US, and AeroSafe Global launched its Patient and Provider Services at the Asembia Summit in Las Vegas, US.

In brief: Paper-based packaging
Mondi created Protector Bag ExpandForm, a paper bag solution with an expandable feature to safely roll pack mattresses, from its kraft paper. Protector Bag ExpandForm replaces typical plastic packaging with a flexible, recyclable alternative. The customizable solution can expand to different sizes while securely holding the mattress. It is puncture resistant and suitable for printing, meaning brands can customize their deliveries with a high-quality finish. Unlike plastic, the paper layers are breathable and emit a gas that can evaporate easily. 

Koehler Paper and HDG-Verpackungsmaschinen launched paper bags produced and filled on horizontal form-fill-seal machines. Using the “pressure seal module” for the RB-300 HDG packing machine and the specially developed “NexPlus MC” packaging paper from Koehler Paper, the solution features high mechanical strength and no sealing layer. Possible formats are 3-edge sealing bags, folding flat-bottom bags (fully sealed) and double bags with a bag length of up to 250 mm and a width of 50 mm. The new packaging option can be used for all products that do not require an additional barrier and secondary packaging for dry products.

Koehler Paper and HDG-Verpackungsmaschinen’s paper bags are produced and filled on HFFS machines.In brief: Business news 
WestRock Company announced it will permanently cease operating its paper mill in North Charleston, South Carolina, US, on August 31, 2023. The North Charleston mill produces containerboard, uncoated kraft paper (KraftPak) and unbleached saturating kraft paper (DuraSorb), with a combined annual capacity of 550,000 metric tons. Containerboard and uncoated kraft produced at the mill will be manufactured at other WestRock facilities. The company said it intends to exit the unbleached saturating kraft paper business when the mill shutdown is completed.

Trilliant Food & Nutrition, a US roaster, blender and packer of coffee, announced distribution of its Victor Allen’s coffee brand in a ready-to-drink iced coffee latte format at retailer Walmart. Shoppers at over 500 select Walmart stores throughout the country can find Victor Allen's Coffee 8 oz. cans of ready-to-drink iced coffee lattes. New packaging graphics are also showcased on-shelf with the new Victor Allen’s Coffee Brand look that features a new brand logo and updated can packaging graphics.

AeroSafe Global, a provider of cold chain services for safe and sustainable delivery of biopharmaceuticals, launched its Patient and Provider Services at the Asembia Summit, the preeminent B2B conference in the pharmaceutical industry in Las Vegas, US. Patient and Provider Services, which comprise Control Tower and Personalized Engagement, enable proactive monitoring of the delivery process with the personalized patient and provider engagement to minimize risk and improve the customer experience. Control Tower enables manufacturers and specialty pharma to validate safe delivery by monitoring, measuring and modeling transit data, explains the company.

Victor Allen’s coffee brand in a ready-to-drink iced coffee latte format.In brief: Awards, campaigns and limited editions
Ahlstrom received the S.T.A.R. Award (Supplier – Tracking – Assessment – Recognition) for packaging contributions to the Taco Bell brand. Ahlstrom leveraged its FluoroFree and trulyNatural technologies in the development of environmentally sustainable packaging solutions for Taco Bell. The S.T.A.R. Awards use company-wide audits built to qualify supplier performance in several categories, including packaging.

Jim Beam bourbon whiskey revealed its new global brand campaign to celebrate the notion that “People Are Good For You.” The campaign, which includes a new website, advertising and the rollout of a new visual identity and packaging, kicks off the brand’s strategy to reinvigorate and drive an emotional connection between Jim Beam and the next consumer generation. The company said its new visual identity started with exploring Jim Beam through the generations. It continues the down-to-earth warmth and welcoming informality that the brand is known for. From its logo featuring the iconic rosette, packaging, website and all consumer touchpoints, the visual identity will debut in the US and Japan in June and then globally.

Jolly Rancher Gummies announced a limited edition pack featuring designs from street artists, including Danielle Mastrion from New York, Joe Starkweather from Miami and Evan Farrell (KidWiseman) from Los Angeles. Building on the brand’s appreciation for street art, the new designs update the aesthetic to kick off the sunny season in bold, eye-catching and colorful ways. The limited edition features a mix of flavors, including green apple, blue raspberry, cherry, grape and watermelon and is available in three designs in 7 oz and 13 oz pouches at US retailers.

Skittles unveiled its limited edition 2023 Pride packs for its 2023 Pride program. The packs will swap the brand’s signature rainbow for original designs by artists within the LGBTQ+ community. US$1 from each pack sold (up to US$100,000) will go to GLAAD to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to work through media to support and increase visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. More details on the full 2023 Pride program will be shared ahead of June, including several partnerships and collaborations to support the LGBTQ+ community.

By Natalie Schwertheim