Weekly Roundup: Neopac and Thyssenkrupp launch RecyCan, Berry M&H reveal rPET juice bottle range

19 Jun 2020 --- In packaging news this week, a Hoffmann Neopac and Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein collaboration unveiled the RecyCan – a 100 percent recyclable and recyclable steel-based tinplate solution. Ideal for a variety of premium organic and specialty products including organic infant nutrition, coffee, tea, dry or pasty cosmetics and tooth powder, RecyCan tins are available as three-piece, two-piece or deep-draw cans that protect against light, oxygen and moisture. Also, Berry M&H launched the SQROUND PET and recycled PET (rPET) as it reports that the global fruit juice market hit a volume of 46.3 billion liters in 2019 and is on course to reach a volume of 51.8 billion liters by 2025. BillerudKorsnäs announced plans to implement a simplified organizational structure as of August 1, 2020.

In brief: Product launches
Hoffmann Neopac and Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein jointly produced a food-compliant tinplate can made from 100 percent recycled steel, called RecyCan. The RecyCan gives manufacturers the possibility to put their environmentally-sustainable products in high-grade recycled packaging, which can be recycled almost endlessly, the companies highlight. The yearly quantity is reportedly restricted due to the availability of the recycle fraction and the new processing route.

Berry M&H launched the SQROUND range of bottles produced from PET and rPET, specifically designed for the juice and non-alcoholic drinks markets. Available from the supplier’s Llantrisant site in Wales, the bottles are fully recyclable, lightweight, clear in appearance and provide a good barrier to gases and liquids. This new range is available in four sizes, 250 ml, 300 ml, 500ml, 750ml and 1 L sizes.Berry M&H's SQROUND PET and rPET bottle range.

Ampacet introduced Laser Mark 1001074-E and Laser Mark 1001088-E, two cost-effective solutions that enable high definition, high contrast laser marking on clear and dark surfaces using NdYAG laser systems. Laser marking is widely used for marking logos, barcodes, graphics, expiration dates and serial numbers in several industries including food packaging and medical packaging.

Bostik global adhesive specialist introduced a range of innovative engineering adhesives designed for “by-the-dot” bonding applications in selected industries, such as luxury packaging and medical devices. The first wave of products launched under the Born2Bond sub-brand will focus on MECA-based instant engineering adhesives, driven by the recent acquisitions of Nitta Gelatin – specialists in UV system technology, and Afinitica – specialists in cyanoacrylate instant adhesive technology.

In brief: Environmental sustainability action
Ecolean published its 2019 Sustainability Report, highlighting that it used 81 percent renewable electricity at its packaging material production sites and filling line equipment manufacturing plant globally during the year. The beverage, dairy and liquid food packaging supplier is targeting 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. Ecolean is also committed to offering its customers a product range designed for recycling by 2025, fitting into present post-consumer recycling systems.Fazer's oat snacks reduced plastic by more than half by adopting Stora Enso packaging.

Stora Enso supplied paperboard cups for Finnish food company Fazer’s Fazer Aito and Fazer Yosa oat snacks. The new cups reduce plastic by more than half compared with the former packaging, the supplier indicates. Also, the carbon footprint of the Fazer Yosa 200 g reportedly produces 56 percent less CO2 emissions throughout its life cycle.

DuPont Teijin Films joined Solar Power Europe and became an active member of the organization’s environmental sustainability task force. The supplier believes that, as a leading supplier of halogen-free backsheet material, its Mylar UVHPET range will play an increasingly important role in ensuring safer and more environmentally sustainable end of life recycling without compromising module performance.

NatureWorks, Flo, and the Italian Composting and Biogas Association (CIC) teamed up to conduct a composting field trial with Ingeo-based Gea coffee capsules in an industrial composting facility. The goal was to evaluate the compostability of the capsules over 83-days. Field testing demonstrated that the coffee capsules pass the EU Standard for Disintegration in Composting.

In brief: Business developments
BillerudKorsnäs announced plans to implement a simplified organizational structure as of August 1, 2020. The new organization will be built along the business flow around three functional areas: Wood Supply, Operations and Commercial. In parallel, the resources for sustainability and innovation will be grouped in a common new function, Sustainability & Strategic Development.Flo's Gea coffee capsule gained compostability certification from CIC.

Coveris took a “gigantic leap” forward to modernize its medical packaging production facilities. The €10 million investment at the Halle site, Germany, will upgrade extrusion, printing, laminating and converting technology to industry 4.0 standards. Next to an upgrading of production equipment, Coveris plans to operate this machinery with industry-leading safety-and cleanliness standards.

Senbis in Emmen, the Netherlands, revealed a €5.5 million three-year investment through its new subsidiary SPIC Facilities in a testing facility for the development of environmentally sustainable plastics. The wide range of R&D and production facilities, industrial knowledge and access to the Chemport Europe network provides Senbis with a unique offer for the plastic industry in Europe, the innovation cluster says.

UNITED CAPS, an international manufacturer of caps and closures, completed a period of consolidation and integration, resulting in an enhanced portfolio of caps and closures for edible oils and vinegars. The manufacturer acquired Spanish closure manufacturer Embalatap in April.

By Joshua Poole