Weekly Roundup: ProAmpac launches curbside recyclable paper-based packaging, Huhtamaki makes €19M acquisition

24 Feb 2023 --- This week in industry news, ProAmpac launched its latest addition to the ProActive Recyclable series of products and Huhtamaki gained ownership of Huhtamaki Tailored Packaging. Meanwhile, Mondi published its full-year 2002 results, demonstrating strong financial performance from continuing operations.

In brief: Launches and releases 
ProAmpac launched ProActive Recyclable Paper-1000, the newest addition to the ProActive Recyclable series of products. Recyclable Paper (RP)-1000 is the first product launched in a series of new curbside recyclable paper-based packaging solutions that are heat-sealable with a good moisture barrier and “excellent” directional tear properties. A replacement for non-sustainable conventional multi-material laminates, RP-1000 is suited for frozen food applications such as ready-to-eat meals and vegetables. RP-1000 can also be used for dry foods and secondary packaging applications such as confectionery. Pre-qualified for curbside recycling, RP-1000 can be recycled in both paper and mixed streams. 

The Spearhead Group launched Bottle2Bag, a luxury textile bag solution from recycled plastic bottles. Through an innovative production process, Bottle2Bag converts used plastic bottles (rPET) into luxury textiles to make premium product bags. The Spearhead Group has managed a vertically integrated textile bag assembly production facility for many years. The latest addition of rPET fabrication allows Spearhead to offer one of the largest and most affordable sustainable textile options today. The Spearhead Group says the Bottle2Bag is “unique” in the industry because the fabrics are directly woven onsite from rPET without a separate fabric supplier, increasing the traceability and uniformity of the end product.

The Spearhead Group’s Bottle2Bag.In brief: Business news  
Huhtamaki acquired full ownership of Huhtamaki Tailored Packaging (HTP), an Australian foodservice packaging distribution and wholesale group. HTP employs more than 130 people and is one of the largest importers and distributors of food service packaging in Australia, serving a wide network of customers, including metropolitan and regional packaging wholesalers, food wholesalers, club and hospitality suppliers and national quick service restaurant businesses.

Mondi published its full-year 2002 results. The packaging and paper provider demonstrated strong financial performance from continuing operations, with underlying Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) of €1.85 million (US$1.9 million), up 60% (2021: €1.16 million, US$1.2 million), with underlying EBITDA margin of 20.8% (2021: 16.6%). Profit before tax was €1.56 million (US$1.7 million) in 2022, up 119% (2021: €712 million, US$754 million). Return on capital employed was registered at 23.7%, compared to 13.9% in 2021. Mondi said it made good progress on its sustainability roadmap – Mondi Action Plan 2030. Furthermore, its science-based net-zero targets were validated and the sale of the personal care components business was completed. Additionally, The sale of Russian assets was agreed on, with a regulatory approval process ongoing. 

In brief: Certifications and awards
Following independent testing in accordance with the RecyClass Recyclability Evaluation Protocol, Neopac Polyfoil MMB 545/645 tube is approved as fully compatible with the European rigid high-density PE (HDPE) recycling stream. This HDPE tube is paired with HDPE shoulders and cap and suitable for cosmetic, dental and pharmaceutical applications. Polyfoil MMB 545/645 laminated tube was tested with its white HDPE cap on and decorated through direct printing. Advanced barrier properties of the tube are ensured by the presence of an organic novel lacquer technology applied on the central machine-direction oriented-PE film protected within the tube body structure and based on a low amount of modified polyvinyl alcohol composition. Canapa by Paxiom’s PrimoCombi weigh filling system. 

Canapa by Paxiom’s PrimoCombi weigh filling system was awarded the NTEP Certificate of Conformance from the National Conference on Weights and Measures. After rigorous, repetitive testing in-house, in the field and in a temperature-controlled chamber, the PrimoCombi Multi-head weighing system has received NCWM’s Accuracy Class II certificate, used for laboratory weighing products ranging from cannabis to precious metals. Engineered to accurately weigh and dispense cannabis flower, the PrimoCombi is “the industry’s leading choice”, claimed the company. Features include 14 head weigh filling system, semi-automatic zero setting mechanism, stainless steel construction, liquid crystal display, touch screen, Windows interface, free online support via digital camera, embedded production reporting and Category three event logger. 

In brief: Collaborations and research 
DS Smith revealed research into destructive G-force pressures on packages. To help understand the tough environment that packages withstand to reach consumers in perfect condition, DS Smith is experimenting with “accelerometers.” The devices track the package through its journey and provide data that can then explain the damage it sustains. The DS Smith research indicated that some packages could face short-term G-forces measuring up to 50 Gs. In tandem, the DS Smith DISCS facility, which tests packages for drop, impact, shock, crush and shake, regularly performs tests to put packages to the limits to understand the forces boxes need to withstand. The research will inform designs to protect from the knocks, drops and shocks that packages experience en route to homes and businesses.

Mespack and Famartec partnered to develop a high-quality integrated solution for the pharmaceutical sector. The solution will integrate primary and secondary packaging. The growing demand from pharmaceutical customers for a complete solution to address their production needs encouraged both leading machinery manufacturing companies to join forces in order to respond to the market. In reference to this first collaboration, Mespack and Famartec presented the development of a complete solution for pharmaceutical specialties. The joint project consists of a new vertical form-fill-seal machine for producing stick-pack sachets, which are integrated into a cartoning module that groups the sachets before inserting them into the carton. 

Sainsbury’s new vacuum packaging for beef mince. Sainsbury announced it is swapping traditional, plastic tray packaging for a new vacuum-packed alternative across its beef mince range, saving 450 metric tons of plastic annually. A “supermarket-first,” the new packaging will result in a minimum 55% reduction in plastic per product. The change will be across all Sainsbury’s beef mince products, currently retailing from £1.99 (US$2.4) for 500 g. Customers can now purchase beef mince in the revamped packaging in-store and online from today. The beef mince products will be vacuum-packed for freshness by removing all oxygen which typically causes a product to spoil eventually. 

In brief: Workshops and tradeshows 
Terminus announced it would offer an industrial workshop to address the latest innovative packaging solutions. The workshop will take place on April 12-13 at Clermont Auvergne INP, France. Terminus aims at unlocking the recycling challenge for multi-layer and multi-material  packaging with the use of enzyme-containing adhesives and tie-layers, which would enable for the separation of different layers upon triggering. The different materials can then be processed via conventional recycling routes. At the workshop, the consortium partners will illustrate the innovative results obtained throughout the project and portray the means of integrating Terminus into conventional waste management infrastructures. The program will be complemented with insights from other initiatives and stakeholders working on advancing the circularity of plastic used in this sector.

Xeikon announced it would participate in CCE International, March 14-16 in Munich, Germany. In stand 2038, Xeikon will showcase the capabilities of IDERA, a fully integrated and comprehensive digital print platform that is said to make corrugated package printing easy, adaptable and sustainable. CCE Europe is the region’s key event for the corrugated and folding carton industry, covering the entire supply chain in producing and processing corrugated and carton material. Visitors at the stand can review samples and gather insights into how integrating the IDERA solution will maximize their current flexo business and facilitate a profitable entry into digital printing for personalized, on-demand jobs.

By Natalie Schwertheim