Weekly Roundup: Nestlé rPET water bottles feature DC superheroes, Avantium-R&F Chemical partnership yields plant-based polymers

01 Nov 2019 --- In packaging news this week, Nestlé Pure Life launched a four-part line of 100 percent recycled PET (rPET) water bottles featuring DC-iconic superheroes to encourage children to drink water. Avantium’s recent partnership with R&F Chemical is set to yield plant-based and fully recyclable performance polymers. Jumping on the sustainability bandwagon, Colgate launched a bamboo toothbrush in plastic-free packaging, while Celebration introduced a range of recyclable paper cutlery. Coca-Cola European Partners invested in two startup companies’ industry-shaping projects in a bid to drive change across the FMCG sector.

In brief: Business
Technology development company Avantium Renewable Polymers partnered with R&F Chemical to develop high-value markets for polyethylene furanoate (PEF), 100 percent plant-based and fully recyclable performance polymer, based on Avantium’s proprietary YXY plants-to-plastics technology. Through R&F Chemical, Avantium Renewable Polymers expects to enter the markets for high-value applications such as electronics and smart packaging. 

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) invested in two startup companies through its innovation investment fund CCEP Ventures. Kol, an on-demand beverage delivery service in Paris, France and TeleRetail, a Swiss self-driving technology company, both use intelligent systems for drinks delivery. The two startups adopt digital-first approaches to tackle a set of common logistical challenges faced by CCEP. These partnerships exemplify how CCEP Ventures, having launched in February 2019, can bring new ideas and technologies into CCEP. In addition to these investments, CCEP Ventures states it is actively scouting for other entrepreneurs and start-ups who are focussed on finding a multitude of solutions to key industry challenges.

The Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) joined OPRL’s guarantors to add aluminum packaging recycling to the partnership of paper and card, cartons and plastic packaging recycling organizations alongside local authority and brand and retailer recycling interests. The shared ambition of all of OPRL’s guarantor organizations is to establish a truly circular economy by creating more effective recycling of packaging materials. In the past, OPRL developed a range of tools to support members in designing and producing recyclable packaging, engaging consumers in recycling it effectively and creating local infrastructure to facilitate its collection.

 Colgate's bamboo-based toothbrush.Finnish Stora Enso is constructing a new headquarters in the country’s capital. Leasing part of the building, the new office will showcase world-class modern wooden architecture. Pension insurance company Varma is set to collaborate with Stora Enso in the construction process and organize and architecture competition for the building’s design as well as apply for a LEED Platinum environmental certification. “Wood is the only construction material suitable for large-scale construction that is both fully recyclable, renewable and reusable. By using wood, we can help cut carbon emissions by up to 75 percent. I am very excited to put our know-how and experience in wooden construction into use and contribute to creating a new landmark building in Helsinki,” says Jari Suominen, Head of Stora Enso’s Wood Products division. The building is expected to be completed in 2023.

In brief: Launches
Nestlé Pure Life added a line of 330ml children-friendly plastic bottles featuring DC superheroes to its portfolio. Both the bottle and the cap are made from 100 percent rPET. The new “DC Collection” includes four popular DC characters – Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman and Shazam. Additionally, the bottles have a fun superhero symbol on the side of the bottle to encourage kids to finish drinking their water. Once done, they can shine a flashlight through the bottle to project each respective superhero’s iconic symbol on a wall. “By featuring characters kids look up to, along with an entirely recyclable bottle made with 100 percent recycled plastic, we’re doing our part to help keep both families and the planet healthy,” says Yumi Clevenger-Lee, Chief Marketing Officer at Nestlé Waters North America.

Celebration's paper-based cutlery set.Dental hygiene giant Colgate brought a toothbrush line made of 100 percent natural, biodegradable and compostable bamboo to the market. Having been waterproofed with beeswax to minimize water absorption, the toothbrush arrives in plastic-free packaging and its bristles are infused with Binchotan charcoal to ensure gentle usage. 

Celebration introduced a new range of recyclable paper cutlery under its EnviroWare brand. The paper cutlery is made from paper produced from sustainable forestry and has full Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain of custody accreditations. The cutlery’s test results meet relevant EU regulations for paper products in direct contact with food and are certified Bisphenol A-free. The paper knife, fork and spoon sets are available in two sizes, plus a paper ice cream spade. The cutlery can be custom printed and is either bulk packed in bags of 100, ten bags per carton or can be individually wrapped and packed in cartons. Other forms of packaging are also available.

UFlex's aseptic packaging with 3D effects.SIG, an aseptic packaging provider, launched a unique combistyle carton pack. Featuring a distinctively shaped corner to stand out on the shelf, combistyle offers “an aesthetic consumer appeal, added functionality and more convenience.” The combistyle carton pack’s distinctively shaped corner provides a more comfortable and safer grip. In addition, combistyle features SIG’s new combiMaxx closure is fully resealable and leak-proof. It allows for easier opening and better pouring, all within an eco-friendly design. The combistyle carton is available in a 1L format, with a 0,5L format soon to come. 

India-based flexible packaging materials and solution company UFlex launched an aseptic packaging solution called “Asepto Eye” for beverages. Asepto Eye is a ripple concave lens and single-lens technology that enhances aseptic packs with 3D effects. These lenses come in various sizes and shapes and offer bespoke artwork, as per the clients’ requirements. Likewise, UFlex also inaugurated Asepto Flexpress 10000 Machine, a filling machine, which anticipates the outcome of aseptic packaging. The machinery offers high flexibility for all-in-one portion packs from 90 to 200ml as well as high output with minimal machine downtime. 

By Anni Schleicher