Weekly Roundup: PulPac and Bio-Lutions collaborate to eliminate single-use plastic, Henkel launches beauty refill system

27 May 2022 --- This week in industry news, PulPac partnered with Bio-Lutions to create single-use plastic alternative packaging, and Henkel launched a new refill system for its beauty cosmetics line. Meanwhile, US researchers determined that consumers and producers must share the burden of responsibility for packaging waste. 

In brief: Business news 
German cleantech startup Bio-Lutions partnered with PulPac to replace single-use plastics globally. Together with machine suppliers, the collaboration has developed a Dry Molded Fiber production line, set to start production in Germany this summer. Bio-Lutions mechanically converts agricultural residues into unique, self-binding, durable fibcro natural fibers. This patented method eliminates the need for binding agents or chemical cellulose isolation, as the whole fiber is used. From these fibers, together with the dry molding technology, Bio-Lutions will produce a variety of environmentally sustainable single-use disposable products such as service food items (cutlery and tableware) and protein, fruit and vegetable packaging. 

Ardagh Group and logistics provider Buske Logistics partnered with Shoppa’s Material Handling to convert its current fleet of propane vehicles to electric vehicles at its distribution center in Fairfield, California, US. By converting a fleet of forklifts and other vehicles to energy-efficient electric vehicles, the Fairfield distribution center will save approximately 30,000 gallons of liquid propane and prevent more than 60 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year.

TekniPlex PET Processor Trays.In brief: Launches and releases 
Henkel’s Authentic Beauty Concept (ABC) brand launched a new generation of its “Refill Bar.” After expert consultation, salon clients receive their prescribed ABC product in a 250ml retail bottle made from 90% post-consumer recycled plastic. The bottles also come with Forest Film labels (the “first wood-based film label material in the market,” certified by ISCC). Once they’ve used it all up, the bottle doesn’t go into the bin, or even the recycling – instead, it's brought back to the salon to be refilled and the cycle starts again.

Reusable bag system company Goatote began piloting its system in select CVS Pharmacy and Target stores across New Jersey, US, advancing reusable bag alternatives as the state enacted a ban on single-use plastic bags. Goatote’s reusable bag kiosks are available in stores across the region, and the company is partnering with environmental sustainability company 99Bridges for the technology platform that powers its reusable bag system.

TekniPlex Consumer Products launched a new 100% PET Processor Trays offering premium product display while addressing common packaging challenges prevalent in the poultry industry – particularly higher-end products such as those labeled organic, non-GMO or sustainably sourced. The new trays also contain up to 50% post-industrial recycled content and are 100% recyclable.

In brief: Awards and nominations 
Emily Frieden from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York triumphed in BillerudKorsnäs’ USA Packaging Design Impact Award and earned this year’s Gold Award. Her entry “Lavash” impressed the jury most with its “attention to detail in every aspect of the brand, design, and execution. Lavash is a volcano-shaped package for a shower set. The design features all stages of volcanic activity – dormant, active, and extinct. The typography also mimics volcanic eruptions.

In brief: Research and studies 
An international team of researchers from the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, US, found that three countries: the US, Brazil and China, are the top suppliers of plastic waste. The study finds that high protein foods that require substantial plastic packaging are to blame, and the researchers conclude producers and consumers must share responsibility and costs.

By Louis Gore-Langton

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