Packaging: sustainable solutions at the heart of innovation

 

Introduction

If there's one industry-related topic that has dominated the media since the spring, it's packaging in custom boxes and plastics. And for a good reason - the share of plastic in food packaging is 98%! And it seems that consumers are positioning themselves as a driver of change.

According to a Nielsen survey, the latter say they are ready to change their packaging habits (73% of respondents). In addition, according to an agro-media survey, the proportion of consumers saying they are prepared to use compostable packaging (consider and treat as organic waste) amounts to 79% of respondents! A finding that leads IAA professionals to innovate to offer solutions that respond to current environmental issues.

Bio-based packaging, recycling solutions, composting… How to meet their expectations? Insight and examples of innovation, from VigiPack n ° 24 newsletters to inspire you.

Materials

End of plastic packaging for ice cream sticks

In the sense of custom packaging for small business ice creams are now stored in recyclable cardboard packaging. Each stick has its compartment, and plastic packaging is no longer necessary. This new packaging contains less than 5% plastic (cardboard coated with a layer of polyethylene).

The taste characteristics are preserved while ensuring the excellent conservation of the ice cream. To ensure that this format meets consumer expectations, Unilever only offers this new packaging in limited quantities. Through this packaging process, the company aims to reduce its use of plastic and related waste.

Recycling Polypropylene Film

Mondi has developed a polypropylene film for packaging under modified atmosphere or vacuum. This film reduces the carbon footprint of packaging using it by 23% (compared to existing similar packaging).

Resistant to oxygen, humidity, and perforation, its internal layer provides the necessary barrier properties. Mondi also notes the hermetic nature of the film.

Bio-based and recyclable paper packaging for cereal and fruit bars

After 12 months of development, Nestlé presents its new packaging for its cereal and fruit bars. This is made of paper suitable for high-speed bagging machine lines (designed to handle plastic) and guarantees the quality and freshness of the product. Numerous tests have made it possible to ensure the protection of the bars (thanks to an aqueous coating that coats the paper)

Composite carton for packaging fresh food

The joint work of the companies LEIPA Georg Leinfelder GmbH, Koehler Paper Group, and Multivac has made it possible to develop a packaging (composite cardboard) composed of 90% recyclable materials. This tray meets expectations in terms of rigidity and barriers. The consumer can easily separate the plastic film from the cardboard to recycling the latter.

It is suitable for vacuum packaging production thanks to its ability to be handled by a thermoforming machine and allows brands to stand out through printing.

Individual plastic-free, compostable ice cream packaging

SM Custom Packaging has developed packaging that breaks down in 12 weeks in a food waste bin or compost. Based on plant materials and in particular cellulose, it also breaks down in the ocean.

This packaging promotes the development of recyclable packaging and is approved by the A Plastic Planet association.

Research and development

A compostable film for food packaging

Waitrose and Canted are testing a new film on different foods for an upcoming release. This flexible, transparent, and compostable film (at home or in an industrial environment) has antimicrobial properties.

Designed using scampi shells through a biological fermentation process that extracts chitin from the body, this film aims to reduce the use of plastic and avoid landfilling of sub- products.

A recyclable mono-material film

Designed using technology developed by IMovie, this film has qualities identical to a multilayer film. It is made from different polymers mixed in a single extrusion and is recyclable.

Tests are underway to assess the shelf life of various foods packaged with this film. But, for now, this film already has essential characteristics for food packaging and recyclability: chlorine-free, the barrier to aromas, mineral oils, and oxygen, and transparency.

Machinable and printable: Prop film Strata SL film is intended to package various products ranging from dried fruits to coffee and tea.