Weekly Roundup: Novolex launches compostable beverage cups, Mondi creates plastic-free pallet wrapping system

18 Jun 2021 --- In packaging news this week, Novolex launched a production line for manufacturing compostable cold beverage cups. Meanwhile, Mondi teamed up with the Italian machine producer ACMI to create a new wrapping system for pallets using paper instead of plastic. Also, WestRock introduced the EverGrow fiber-based fresh produce packaging collection, and Berry Healthcare released an enhanced design for its multidose eye dropper.

In brief: Bioplastics
Novolex launched a production line for manufacturing compostable cold beverage cups made from plant-based plastic in Tennessee, US. The clear cups are made using polylactic acid (PLA), a plastic polymer created from starch-based plants such as corn, sugarcane and wheat straw. The cups will be available from Novolex brand Eco-Products, a provider of foodservice packaging made from renewable and recycled resources.

Braskem launched the “world’s first” renewable-source polyethylene wax, used to produce adhesives, cosmetics, coatings and compounds. The product is commonly used as a viscosity modifying agent in diverse formulations. It has the same properties and performance as fossil-based polyethylene alternatives. Produced from sugarcane ethanol, the new solution is recyclable and reduces CO2 footprint.WestRock’s EverGrow fiber-based produce packaging (Image credit: WestRock).

In brief: Fiber-based launches
WestRock introduced the EverGrow fiber-based fresh produce packaging collection. EverGrow packaging is curbside recyclable when emptied and flattened, supporting the company’s ambition to reduce waste and build a 100 percent reusable, recyclable and compostable portfolio. The collection includes baskets, carriers, punnets and tills.

Mondi teamed up with the Italian machine producer ACMI to create a new wrapping system for pallets using paper instead of plastic. Advantage StretchWrap reduces the supply chain’s reliance on plastic and moves to a renewable and fully recyclable material. Mondi’s patent-pending new lightweight paper grade is made specially for wrapping pallets. It can stretch and resist punctures, providing robust protection for goods during transit.Mondi and ACMI’s Advantage StretchWrap (Image credit: Mondi).

SIG extended its combibloc EcoPlus packaging material to the combiblocMidi format. “By extending combibloc EcoPlus – our world-first aluminum-free packaging material for aseptic cartons – to our fastest-growing family pack format, we are giving dairy companies more opportunities to differentiate their products and shape the trend toward squarish cartons for long-life milk while choosing the most sustainable solutions on the market,” explained Ana Ruiz del Árbol, marketing manager Iberia at SIG.

In brief: Environmental sustainability initiatives
Sidel set carbon reduction targets in line with the UN Paris Agreement. The Science Based Targets initiative-certified targets are a 30 percent CO2 reduction across Sidel’s sites and facilities and a 25 percent CO2 reduction in sourcing and usage of the company’s equipment by 2030.Berry Healthcare’s enhanced Rispharm R2 multidose eyedropper (Image credit: Berry Healthcare).

Gerber, an early childhood nutrition leader, partnered with international recycling specialist TerraCycle on a recycling program for baby food packaging. The program invites parents to sign up and mail in baby food packaging that is not municipally recyclable, including flexible plastic bags, pouches and inner bags, using a prepaid shipping label. Once collected, the packaging is cleaned, melted down and then remolded to make new products.

In brief: Miscellaneous
Berry Healthcare released an enhanced design for its Rispharm R2 multidose eyedropper. The updated design provides an improved patient experience of safety and convenience while maintaining its drug protection and delivery performance without changes to pharma companies’ existing filling lines. The eyedropper meets the latest FDA recommendations, ensuring the tamper-evident ring stays connected to the bottle after opening with no risk of it falling off into the patient’s eye during administration.

DS Smith developed a flexible modular display portfolio for Mondelēz International’s Milka chocolate brand. The system has a load capacity of up to 108 kg and can be individually adapted to any sales campaign without lengthy lead times through various equipment options and interchangeable panels. The smart display solution received a bronze POPAI Award, which celebrates creativity, innovation and excellence in-store and throughout the shopper experience.DS Smith developed a flexible modular display for Mondelēz’s Milka chocolate brand (Image credit: DS Smith).

By Joshua Poole