Weekly Roundup: Schreiner MediPharm unveils NFC-Label for diabetes patients, Versalis Revive launches 75% PCR polystyrene food tray

09 Apr 2021 --- In packaging news this week, Schreiner MediPharm developed an NFC label enabling diabetes patients to administer insulin medication to themselves more effectively. Meanwhile, Versalis Revive launched a 75 percent domestic post-consumer polystyrene food tray, and Elevate Packaging announced its Pure Labels MC White compostable pressure-sensitive adhesive labels are now BPI-certified.

In brief: Labels innovation
Schreiner MediPharm developed an NFC label for Ypsomed’s UnoPen, helping patients more effectively utilize the device and adhere to therapy plans in combination with the SmartPilot add-on. Diabetes patients depending on lifelong insulin treatment must administer the vital medication to themselves using insulin pumps, syringes or pens. Ypsomed offers UnoPen, a disposable pen with variable dose setting. Schreiner MediPharm’s NFC-Label serves as a communication interface between the injector and an electronic pen add-on called SmartPilot. The solution comprises a smart device interactively supporting patients in using the pen.

Elevate Packaging announced its Pure Labels MC White compostable pressure-sensitive adhesive labels are now BPI-certified – including full-color printing and coatings – in a “world first.” The Biodegradable Products Institute certifies compostable products that meet ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 standards for composability. Through rigorous lab testing, BPI Certification proves a material will safely compost in a composting facility, leaving behind no toxic residue or microplastics. Compostable stickers and labels can aid in the diversion of food waste away from landfills.

In brief: Sustainable materials
Versalis, Eni’s chemical company, expanded its range of circular products made from recycled raw materials. The Versalis Revive portfolio will now include a new product for food packaging made with 75 percent domestic post-consumer polystyrene. The product – referred to as Versalis Revive PS Air F - Series Forever – results from an existing collaboration with Forever Plast, a leading Italian company in the recycling of post-consumer products into high-quality raw materials. The solution has been developed as part of a collaborative project with various players in the polystyrene industry value chain, namely Corepla, ProFood and Unionplast. The tray consists of an inner layer containing Versalis Revive PS Air F - Series Forever and two outer layers made from virgin polystyrene. The functional barrier design and stringent testing were developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging.Willowton switched to in-house PET bottle production for sunflower oil using Sidel blowers.

Tupperware Brands expanded its Eco+ product portfolio with two new products, Lunch-It Containers and Sandwich Keepers. The company also secured a new material partner in Tritan Renew from Eastman. Tritan Renew will enable Tupperware to further expand Eco+ to select products requiring a clear, glass-like design. Tupperware first introduced Eco+ in 2019 with a new material using mixed plastic waste otherwise destined for incineration or landfill as a source. This initial circular material has resulted in the avoidance of more than 100 tons of CO2 emissions from diverted waste, Tupperware says.

In brief: New production
Willowton Group switched to in-house PET bottle production for sunflower oil using Sidel blowers. After working for many years with local converters, Willowton in South Africa increased its production volumes and “revolutionized” its sunflower oil brand, Sunfoil, through Sidel’s expertise in PET blowing and packaging design. To increase its yearly production volumes and differentiate its Sunfoil brand from traditional edible oil brands with generic container shapes, Willowton decided to partner with Sidel to produce its PET containers in-house. To achieve this, the company acquired two Sidel EvoBlow standalone blowers and relied on Sidel’s packaging design skills to develop customized family bottle shapes.Jokey Treplás moved into a new production facility, now operating under the new name Jokey Iberica.

Jokey Treplás moved into its newly completed production facility, where it will operate under the new name Jokey Iberica. Despite the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction work was completed within 14 months, largely on schedule. At 10,000 square meters, the new factory is twice as large as the old plant in Molina de Segura, 16 km away. The special height of the new building can accommodate more than 50 large, state-of-the-art injection-molding machines.

In brief: Acquisition
Berlin Packaging acquired Glass Line, a Savona, Italy-based supplier of glass and metal packaging specializing in food and beverage end-markets. As a family-run business, Glass Line has forged strong customer relationships and has significant expertise in the wine and olive oil markets. The company is co-led by Umberto Berruti and Patrizia Zoppi and has an established presence across Northwest Italy, including two warehouses in Liguria. This is Berlin Packaging’s thirteenth acquisition in Europe since 2016, supporting its commitment to offering packaging solutions in all segments of the European market.

By Joshua Poole