P360 Editor

Polystyrene

Polystyrene to be phased out next year

Conservation groups have welcomed many aspects of the plan, which also includes an end to polystyrene food and beverage containers by the end of 2022, but also criticised its largely voluntary approach to reaching ambitious goals, calling for those targets to be mandated.

The Morrison government also announced it would support “coordinated global action to address marine plastic” through the United Nations, which is developing a treaty on the issue.

Magic Mushroom

Plastic-free Packaging Made From Mushrooms

The 100% biodegradable alternative to polystyrene is already being snapped up by major brands, as the company sets its sights set on rapid European expansion. The Magical Mushroom Company (MMC), today announces the launch of large-scale production of its mushroom-derived biodegradable packaging, a plastic-free alternative that can be broken up to biodegrade on a home compost heap or flowerbed. Uniquely, this new packaging offers the same performance, at comparable cost, to traditional polystyrene, and is already being used to protect goods ranging from cookers, to cosmetics and a huge variety of everyday consumer products, including Diageo’s non-alcoholic gin brand, Seedlip.

Centre moots single-use plastic ban next year

Seeking to make India single-use plastic-free by next year, the Centre has proposed a ban on use of such items in two phases beginning January 1, 2022 and issued a draft notification giving timelines of the staggered plan so that it doesn’t affect small businesses and traders. In order to deal with the menace of huge uncollected plastic waste across the country, the Centre has also decided to increase thickness of polythene bags from 50 microns to 120 microns rom September 30 this year. Currently, polythene bags of less than 50 microns are banned in the country.

ultra-thin-walled injection molded containers

Toppan Leverages Supercritical Fluid to Develop Ultra-Thin-Walled Injection Molded Container

Toppan Printing (Toppan) (TYO: 7911), a global leader in communication, security, packaging, décor materials, and electronics solutions, has used supercritical fluid1 and its original molding technology to develop an ultra-thin-walled container roughly 30% thinner than conventional injection molded plastic. The new container is an addition to Toppan’s “SUSTAINABLE-VALUE™ Packaging” lineup, which is part of the recently launched “TOPPAN S-VALUE™ Packaging” range targeting added value for society and fulfilling living. Samples will be made available in Japan from February 24 for manufacturers in the foods and toiletries sectors.

resealable packaging

Two Bostik packaging adhesives approved for recycling by Recyclass

Sustainability has become the primary focus of the packaging industry, at each level of the value chain. As a result of this engagement and the continuous work done to contribute to packaging circular economy, Bostik has obtained the approval by Recyclass that two Bostik adhesives are compatible with the polyethylene (PE) film recycling stream. With one of the largest range of available technologies in house, more than 130 years of experience, and a global presence, Bostik, the Adhesive solutions segment of Arkema, is well positioned and deeply engaged in helping its customers and all members of the value chain to solve this challenge.

innovative refill solution

Greiner Packaging develops innovative refill solution that reduces use of plastics

The newly developed 200-milliliter refill bottle is made of HDPE, PP, or PET material and weighs just around 16 grams in its original form. It contains 200 ml of concentrate, which later produces ten times its liquid volume across four spray bottle refills. Each safe, 50 ml dose can also be adjusted to 30 ml or 40 ml. This is done through a special valve and a guiding nozzle that fits into all standard spray bottles. Thanks to their shape, the new refill bottles make it easy for consumers to squeeze out their contents in consistent doses – plus, they can be provided with an attractive label. In addition, the nonremovable, hinged snap-on lid is fitted with a safety lock. And a user-friendly level indicator completes the list of practical features. As a result, the newly designed bottle is well placed to meet all current market requirements.

feedstock recycling of used plastic

BP and Sabic Embark on New Cooperation

bp and SABIC have just signed a new agreement to work together to drive circular economy in the petrochemical activities at the Gelsenkirchen (Germany) chemical complex. Building on a long established relationship between the two companies at the production site, the new collaboration will help to increase production of certified circular products that take used mixed plastics to make feedstock, thereby reducing the amount of fossil resources needed in the petrochemical plants at the site.

Packaged food companies request FSSAI to keep some products out of front-of-pack labelling regulations

Packaged food companies have requested the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to keep some products like juices, cookies, confectionery among others out of the front-of-pack labelling regulations that insist on display of detailed nutritional information prominently citing “practical issues”. “We have requested the authority to leave out certain products as they will fall under the unhealthy category due to practical issues. They should be kept out of the list at least in the first phase of implementation,” said a senior official of a packaged food company. For instance, any food item with more than 10% sugar will have to be labelled as a high sugar product. In most juices 90% of calories are from naturally occurring sugars and hence they will have to be labelled as high sugar or unhealthy, he said explaining the practical issues the industry is facing.

Consumption of packaged consumer goods set to double in India

Consumption of packaged consumer goods is set to double in India with the bottom-of-pyramid segment shrinking, younger people coming into the workforce, the divide between rural and urban consumers diminishing and a meteoric rise of the digital workforce, Nestle India chairman Suresh Narayanan said on Friday. Narayanan, who leads India’s largest packaged foods company, said 140 million households are expected to be added to the aspiring and affluent set of consumers by 2030, which is “clear indication” of the growth potential of packaged consumer-facing brands.

Marking beverage cups

New marking requirement for disposable plastic beverage cups

From July 3, 2021, “cups for beverages” that are placed on the market in the EU will be required to bear an informative marking in accordance with the Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904). This is a specific symbol in a particular shape, size, and color, with text in the language of the country in which the cup is being marketed. Directive (EU) 2019/904 requires marking for certain disposable plastic items that are often disposed of improperly. This marking is intended to inform consumers about the presence of plastic in the product as well as the negative impacts of littering resulting from inappropriate disposal of the product.

SWM combiMaxx

Schwarzwaldmilch first to opt for SIG’S Innovative Combimaxx Closure

The first commercial launch of SIG’s innovative and highly convenient closure combiMaxx has taken place in partnership with well-known German dairy Schwarzwaldmilch. Consumer demand for more convenience in packaging is constantly growing. SIG’s new wider closure combiMaxx is a solution which takes convenience to a new level, while also ensuring smooth and easy implementation on existing SIG filling lines. Schwarzwaldmilch now offers combiMaxx on all its dairy products in SIG’s combiblocSlimline 1,000ml carton packs. Due to its large opening with a 25mm inner diameter, the new closure offers optimal product flow, perfect stream controllability and easy handling. Other benefits include a tamper-proof ring and the reassurance of resealable and leak-proof storage.

TOPPAN

Toppan Develops TOPMER™ Adhesive for Digital Printing

Toppan recently announced “SOCIAL-VALUE™ Packaging,” part of the “TOPPAN S-VALUE™ Packaging” range targeting added value for society and fulfilling living. The SOCIAL-VALUE™ lineup includes the Toppan FP Digital Solution, which was launched in 2016 to provide flexible packaging optimized for multiple product types in small lots in response to the evolution of market needs from traditional mass production. Toppan FP Digital Solution also addresses the increasing number of roles packages are expected to fulfill to enhance differentiation from rival products in stores. The COVID-19 pandemic, meanwhile, has changed consumer attitudes, driving growth of markets related to home cooking, pre-prepared foods, take-out, and delivery. This has therefore increased demand for products that can be prepared simply and quickly.

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