Weekly Roundup: Nestlé launches packaging research institute, United Caps celebrates 10 billionth closure milestone
07 Dec 2018 --- In packaging news this week, Nestlé has launched the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, dedicated to the discovery and development of functional, safe and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions. United Caps has celebrated the manufacture of its 10 billionth closure over the past 12 months at its Hungary plant, while Smurfit Kappa has come out on top in two categories at the Estrella del Sur Awards, organized by the Argentina Institute of Packaging.
In brief: Research studies
Mussels readily take in microplastic fibers from the ocean, but quickly flush most of them out again, according to a Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences study. Published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, the findings add to the growing body of knowledge of how individual species process microplastics present in the marine environment. The team found that the mussels quickly rejected most of the fibers they took up by coating them in mucus and expelling them. However, the mussels did ingest nearly one in 10 fibers, accumulating them in their body tissue. Moving those mussels to clean water, the scientists found, allowed them to flush out most of the accumulated fibers. “Because the ocean is so vast, microplastics aren't actually that concentrated. But no one knows the full impact they have. The bottom line is, we need data to help us make informed decisions,” says Bigelow Laboratory Senior Research Scientist Paty Matrai, one of the study’s authors.
In brief: Appointments and retirements
Print technology company Xerox has appointed Suzan Morno-Wade as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. “Xerox’s DNA is built on innovation driven by our talented employees solving complex problems for our clients, often through the development of game-changing technologies. Suzan’s global human resources expertise is critical to our company as we reinvigorate the innovation engine, ensuring that we have the best people with the right capabilities, leadership skills and culture to bring our vision to life,” says John Visentin, Vice Chairman and CEO, Xerox.
In brief: Miscellaneous
Nestlé has launched the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, dedicated to the discovery and development of functional, safe and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions. The institute, which is part of Nestlé’s global research organization, will be located in Switzerland. It will employ around 50 people and include a state-of-the-art laboratory complex as well as facilities for rapid prototyping. Research focus areas will include recyclable, biodegradable or compostable polymers, functional paper, as well as new packaging concepts and technologies to increase the recyclability of plastic packaging. The new solutions will be tested in various product categories before they are rolled out across Nestlé’s global portfolio.
United Caps has celebrated the manufacture of its 10 billionth closure this year, marking the highest annual level of output for the company. United Caps celebrated the achievement with an event at its plant in Dunavarsány, Hungary, where the 10 billionth closure was manufactured. The event featured talks by CEO Benoit Henckes and the Dunavarsány Plant Director Szabolcs Szili. “It is a major milestone that highlights the faith the market puts in United Caps. It’s a sign of reliability, a badge of honor,” says Henckes.
Smurfit Kappa has come out on top in two categories at the Estrella del Sur Awards, run by the Argentina Institute of Packaging. The packaging company’s innovative bulk tray for blueberries triumphed in both the Food and Sustainable Packaging categories. The tray eliminates the need for plastic and is made entirely from recycled cardboard. The packaging can transport 3kg of blueberries, protecting the fruit throughout the supply chain and reducing logistics costs. The outer layer is flexographically printed with water-based inks to increase the visibility of the brand.
By Laxmi Haigh
To contact our editorial team please email us at editorial@cnsmedia.com
Subscribe now to receive the latest news directly into your inbox.