Weekly Roundup: Sappi and Rovema partner on cereal pouches, Budweiser trials Smurfit Kappa’s TopClip

11 Sep 2020 --- In packaging news this week, Sappi and Rovema collaborated on sealable barrier pouches for a cereal manufacturer. Budweiser Budvar UK is trialing Smurfit Kappa’s TopClip packaging solution, while SIG’s combidome packaging is featured in the UK brand’s plant-based protein shakes. Lessebo Paper reported a drastic decrease in CO2 emissions for 2019, whileAldi plans to launch refillable, own-brand cleaning liquids, saving 550 metric tons of single-use plastic per year.

In brief: Business news
Machine manufacturer Rovema and specialty paper manufacturer Sappi have entered into a strategic partnership. The two companies have announced their first successfully completed project for a well-known cereal manufacturer that transitioned its fully automated production to paper-based, sealable barrier pouches. Rovema says it strives for continuous development as a “sustainable company.” In addition to its approach to optimizing existing machine technology, such as the service life of wear parts and general recycling management, Rovema also supports that it pays special attention to the idea of transitioning packaging materials. This involves reducing the use of plastic film and moving towards paper-based solutions and recyclable plastic materials.

Lessebo Paper reports a drastic decrease in CO2 emissions. Czech beer brand Budweiser Budvar’s UK arm is trialing Smurfit Kappa’s TopClip packaging solution. Completely renewable, recyclable and biodegradable, the TopClip offers a viable alternative to conventional plastic shrink wrap, which is typically unrecyclable in existing recycling infrastructure. It can hold six 330 ml cans of Budweiser Budvar Original Czech Lager and it will be available in Waitrose shops, across the UK.

Lessebo Paper has launched the environmental declaration of the year 2020, based on 2019 data, and reports a drastic decrease in CO2 emissions. The production of pulp and paper emits only 22 kg per metric ton finished product from Lessebo Paper, resulting in placing the company as one of the lowest CO2 emitters in the paper industry. As a Swedish producer of paper, Lessebo Paper develops high-performance and environmentally-responsible papers and boards to international markets. The figures are accredited by an external auditor and in accordance with current standards. On average, a producer of equivalent products emits 616 kg CO2 per metric ton finished paper, according to the European Association of Graphic Paper Producers. 

In brief: Launches and releases
Supermarket chain Aldi is touted as the first retailer to launch its own-brand, refillable, concentrated cleaning liquids that can be refilled up to four times. This move will save roughly 500 metric tons of single-use plastic from reaching the environment annually. The range includes six products intended for the shower, kitchen, bathroom and window, and they will be available starting September 24. Each bottle allows consumers to mix their concentrate with tap water. Aldi seeks to make all of its own-label packaging recyclable, reusable, compostable or refillable by 2022 and aims to slash the amount of plastic packaging it sells by half by 2025. 

UK brand Grounded has partnered with SIG to turn its concept for a 100 percent natural range of plant-based protein shakes, aimed at health-conscious mobile consumers, into a commercial reality. As there are few start-up companies that will be able to invest in their own production plant from the beginning, Grounded benefits from the capabilities in SIG’s combiLab as well as the sponsorship of the SIGubator– SIG’s accelerator program for start-ups with innovative and promising product concepts. Grounded will use SIG’s unique carton bottle combidome 500 ml. It features an eye-catching design for modern, sustainable on-the-go consumption. Combidome is mainly made from paperboard from the renewable raw material of wood. 

Beverage brand Skye Energy is entering international markets with a new set of cans that give consumers a mood-boosting buzz even before they open the pack. The company employed Ardagh’s graphics team, bringing them the vision of a dynamic, multi-screened print with perfect contrast and color fidelity. The vibrant red, orange and dark red printed can body, with electric blue-glow highlights, delivers a dramatic visual jolt that anticipates the uplift and excitement of the drink itself. The tricky graphics necessitated the print of an orange, red and dark red color in a very tight alignment, demanding the utmost precision in setting up the printing decorator.

By Kristiana Lalou