Weekly Roundup: Sana launches ocean plastic lid for cannabis, Skittles celebrates space flight with intergalactic pack design

23 Jul 2021 --- In packaging news this week, Sana Packaging introduced the cannabis industry’s “first” concentrate lid made entirely from “ocean-bound” and reclaimed ocean plastic. Meanwhile, Mars Wrigley unveiled a limited edition Zero-G Skittles “intergalactic” aluminum pack to commemorate its first trip into space. Also, Solenis joined the Pulpex consortium to develop chemical solutions for the Pulpex PET-free paper bottle.

In brief: Cannabis industry
Sana Packaging launched the cannabis industry’s “first” concentrate lid made entirely from “ocean-bound” and reclaimed ocean plastic. “Our customers have been waiting for this product, and we’re thrilled to finally be able to service the cannabis concentrates market,” commented Sana Packaging’s co-founder and CSO, James Eichner. “Across the country [the US], cannabis concentrates sales grew more than 40 percent last year, and we’re confident this trend will continue to grow as state markets continue to mature.” The new Sana Ocean Concentrate Screw-Top Lid is available in black and white, fits 7 mL and 9 mL jars with 38-400 standard threading and comes with pre-inserted foam and foil liners with other sealing options also available. All Sana Packaging products are child-resistant certified, recyclable and food-grade certified. Sana Packaging also offers custom printing and labeling.

In brief: Space-inspired packaging
Mars Wrigley unveiled a limited edition Zero-G Skittles “intergalactic” aluminum pack to commemorate the brand’s first trip into space earlier this week. “Skittles is always looking for ways to surprise fans, both earthlings and extraterrestrials, with shocking innovation,” said Fernando Rodrigues, Mars Wrigley senior brand manager for Skittles. “We're thrilled to bring better moments to fans by marking Skittles’ first trip to space with limited edition packs and look forward to pushing the boundaries of confectionery space exploration.”The Zero-G Skittles “intergalactic” aluminum pack.

In brief: Paper bottles
Solenis, a global producer of specialty chemicals, partnered with Pulpex and its global consortium partners on developing the Pulpex paper bottle. The bottle is reportedly the world’s first widely recyclable PET-free paper bottle made from sustainably sourced pulp. As a technology partner, Solenis will provide chemical solutions to optimize the PET-free paper bottle, including surface treatments for enhancing its functional and visual properties. The Pulpex technology allows for embossing, debossing, labeling and direct printing with food-safe colored pigments and dyes to fit brand needs. Pulpex was established by venture management firm Pilot Lite and spirits producer Diageo.

In brief: Acquisitions
ProAmpac, a flexible packaging and material science company, acquired APC Paper, a producer of recycled paper packaging products for foodservice and retail markets. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. APC Paper specializes in the production of 100 percent recycled kraft paper products. The company primarily serves foodservice packaging, consumer products, e-commerce, industrial and home improvement markets. With this acquisition, ProAmpac expands its paper manufacturing capabilities and strengthens its market position in the recycled product categories.

TricorBraun, reportedly North America’s largest distributor of primary packaging, acquired New Jersey-based SGB Packaging in the US, strengthening its presence in the fast-growing cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and personal care industries. Additionally, the acquisition further expands TricorBraun’s robust global supplier network. “SGB Packaging has been a mainstay in cosmetics, fragrance, personal care, and skincare packaging for a quarter of a century,” noted Shoshana Gibli, SGB Packaging’s founder and president. “We are excited to explore new growth opportunities with TricorBraun, and we are thrilled to offer expanded services to customers – including TricorBraun’s custom design capabilities – helping to cement our business as a packaging one-stop shop.”The Pulpex paper bottle.

In brief: Business moves
Pregis, a global manufacturer of protective packaging, invested US$80 million in a new, state-of-the-art blown film extrusion facility in Anderson, South Carolina, US. The 168,000 square foot facility will feature multiple newly-installed lines for producing films for food, CPG and medical device applications. The plant will also include a world-class film laboratory to develop and test materials. “We believe that this new facility will be the most technologically advanced extrusion facility in North America. The facility has been staffed with technology and market leaders who are focused on developing extruded films that have been engineered to meet market-driven performance requirements,” said Kevin Baudhuin, Pregis’ president and CEO.

TriMas Packaging, a developer and manufacturer of specialty dispensing and closure products, announced a new organizational approach for its global business. Effective immediately, TriMas Packaging is shifting from a market-centric organizational structure toward a product-focused structure. The reorganization ensures a consistent customer experience and product offering across all markets and regions globally. TriMas Packaging’s new structure reorganizes the Rieke, Taplast, Affaba & Ferrari, Plastic and Rapak brands into three main product categories: Dispensing Systems, Closures and Flexibles.

In brief: Recycling services
Antalis, a Japan-based paper and packaging supplier, formed an alliance with Reconomy to support customers with managing their waste and recycling. The joint service approach can help customers access current waste management practices, get advice on reducing waste and making more sustainable product choices, and receive proposals about how to manage their waste more cost-effectively. “Printers inherently like to control their waste streams, especially where there is revenue involved,” explained Chris Green, director of visual communications at Antalis UK. “This practice, however, can take valuable resources away from the core activities of the business. Outsourcing this service allows our customers to put waste management in the hands of industry experts you can trust and ensures the best environmental solution in handling different types of material waste.”

By Joshua Poole