Weekly Roundup: SABIC chemically recycles ocean-bound plastic, Bombay Sapphire releases Baquiat-inspired bottle design

06 Jan 2023 --- This week in industry news, SABIC collaborated with Scientex to create the “world’s first” advanced recycled ocean bound plastic material. JBM Packaging launched a plastic-free windowed paper package line, and Bombay Sapphire released a special edition bottle with a design inspired by US artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

In brief: Launches and releases 
SABIC announced it is collaborating with Scientex to develop material for what it says is the world’s first flexible food packaging made from advanced recycled ocean-bound plastic (OBP), using Sabic-certified circular PP. The material is being pilot-tested in premium noodle brand packaging in Malaysia. OBP is abandoned plastic waste found in areas up to 50 km inland from waterways that may eventually be washed into the ocean by rainfall, rivers or tides. 

Bombay Sapphire and the Basquiat Estate released the third edition of the brand’s artist-designed special edition bottle, which pays homage to cultural icon and prolific artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Together, Bombay Sapphire and the Basquiat Estate released a bottle that shines a light on Basquiat’s “fearless creativity” and the companies’ joint mission to make the art world more accessible to “all who have a passion for self-expression,” a part of the brand’s ongoing 'Stir Creativity’ platform.

The Club Colombia beer designed by Canpak.JBM Packaging, a manufacturer of flexible packaging solutions, launched EcoView, a new, plastic-free, windowed paper package line. Engineered to give businesses an alternative to “poly” film packages made from non-renewable resources, EcoView features Fiberfilm, a clear biodegradable film made from wood and cotton-seed fibers. 

Canpack began a collaboration with Bavaria (ABI Colombia) on a limited edition launch of its Club Colombia beer. Bavaria aims to pay tribute to Colombia’s “rich and diverse” heritage through the brand. The new limited edition of Bavaria’s traditional Dorada recipe is called Una Historia Nonuya. Its branding is inspired by the work of artist and activist Abel Rodríguez of the Nonuya ethnic group. Recognized for his depictions of Amazonian flora and fauna, he describes himself as a “sabador,” a carrier of tribal wisdom about the plants of the rainforest.

In brief: Business news 
Global rigid container and life sciences packaging distributor, Novvia Group, acquired the packaging distribution division JF Shelton from Ravago Chemicals. JF Shelton Packaging Distribution is a Washington, US-based distributor of bottles, drums, IBCs, and other rigid packaging solutions. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.

In brief: Sustainability initiatives 
Materials leader Geno announced that it joined the United Nations Global Compact initiative – the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, with over 15,000 companies and 3,800 non-business signatories in over 160 countries. Geno’s mission is to accelerate the materials transition – at scale, creating traceable, transparent and responsibly sourced supply chains that replace unsustainable sources. “Over the past 22 years, Geno has been on a mission to create ingredients from renewable sources to reduce the use of fossil fuels. By scaling our biotechnologies globally, we can cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90% compared to conventional production,” said Geno CEO Christophe Schilling. 

By Louis Gore-Langton