In our latest Wrap-Up … Trailblazing trial to increase shelf life. Unwrapping the houmous packaging debate. Government expected to reduce tax and EPR fees updated. Supermarket bakes off plastic. US pact publishes playbooks. Our 40 years of innovation and excellence. And more …
For Starters ...
Trailblazing packaging trial to increase shelf life
A UK-based food tech pioneer is trialling ground-breaking anti-microbial packaging technology in collaboration with 21 commercial partners across various global markets to significantly extend fresh produce's shelf life.
OSY Group’s innovative “Xtend” technology utilises microscopic pins on packaging surfaces to eliminate harmful microbes and increase shelf life by up to 40%.
The trials, funded by Innovate UK, seek to enhance food safety and sustainability within the world’s food industry.
MEANWHILE …
Unwrapping the houmous packaging debate
Tesco and Sainsbury’s have replaced hard plastic lids on private-label houmous with thinner lidding film, sparking mixed reactions. In a blog article, we have explored the balance between caring for the environment and consumer behaviour.
Government expected to cut tax
The UK government is reviewing the proposed £1bn extended producer responsibility (EPR) packaging tax after industry leaders argued it would be financially damaging. While illustrative base fees have already been published, the government is expected to reduce charges across most packaging types but insists the plan will still boost recycling efforts and shift waste costs to producers.
BRAND NEW ...
Mince in a vacuum
Sainsbury’s is swapping traditional, plastic tray packaging for a new vacuum-packed alternative across its entire fresh lamb mince range, saving 26 tonnes of plastic annually.
The new packaging will result in a minimum 65% reduction in plastic per product.
Say cheese for a sustainable change
Cabot Creamery is set to introduce sustainable packaging made from 30% post-consumer recycled film for its cheeses. This change is expected to reduce fossil fuel emissions by 23% and water usage by 19% per bar.
Pawsitive packaging
Schmackos has unveiled new packaging made with 60% recycled plastic in an initiative expected to save 40 tonnes of virgin plastic annually. The dog treats made by Pedigree are currently available at Coles supermarkets in Australia, with broader distribution planned later this year.
SHOP TALK …
Plastic bake-off
Sainsbury’s is reducing plastic waste by switching its in-store bakery product packaging from plastic to cardboard and paper, aiming to cut over 560 tonnes annually. This initiative supports its goal of halving plastic use by 2025.
Penny pinching prices
German discounter Penny has launched a new "Big on Small Prices" marketing strategy featuring oversized price-marked packs to highlight affordability. However, there is concern the move will add to the pressure on manufacturers’ already tight margins.
RECYCLING NEWS …
Shock landfill figures
Environmental organisation CleanHub has revealed that 91% of global plastic waste isn't recycled, primarily due to high recycling costs and inadequate infrastructure. The report warns that landfill plastic waste could reach 12 billion metric tons by 2050.
Meanwhile, a BBC news report has tracked flexible plastic dropped off at supermarkets and found some of it was being converted into fuel.
In response, the British Plastics Federation (BPF) has said: “Using plastic waste to create energy is not the optimal way of dealing with this material.
“Although 'closed-loop' recycling is the most desirable route, it is not feasible in all applications, sometimes due to regulations. Recycling plastic into other products still has great benefits in terms of saving energy and reducing the use of virgin material.”
Criminal activity
The European Court of Auditors has raised alarms about plastic packaging waste reported as recycled, suggesting it may be incinerated or sent to landfills instead. Low prosecution rates for illegal disposal have made this activity appealing to organised crime.
Waste watchers
Polytag has received over £100,000 from the Welsh Government’s Small Business Research Initiative to install four Plastic Detection Units across Wales. These units will track recycled materials using UV watermarks on packaging, providing insights into the recycling waste stream.
Optical advancements
A plastics recycling facility in Victoria, Australia, has benefitted from a £3 million investment to expand operations. The upgrade introduces optical sorting technology, enabling the processing of 40,000 tonnes of PET bottles annually and producing 17,300 tonnes of food-grade PET flake.
INDUSTRY SNIPPETS …
Scrapping labels
The UK government has scrapped plans for mandatory recycling labels set for April 2027, following objections from the EU. While some industry insiders see this as pragmatic, it has sparked criticism over the UK’s environmental agenda post-Brexit.
Playbooks for progress
The US Plastics Pact has introduced three new playbooks focused on Design for Recyclability, Reuse, and Compostability to promote sustainable practices and enhance the circular economy for plastics.
Chemical alert
The food industry faces heightened scrutiny over PFAS, or “forever chemicals”, in packaging as global regulations tighten. Several US states have enacted bans with studies linking PFAS to health risks, while the EU is considering extensive restrictions.
Inkcredibly resilient print
A recent test of continuous inkjet inks for recyclable food packaging films has demonstrated that the printed text remains legible after steam sterilisation at 121°C. This advancement ensures suitability for food-contact applications and aligns with EU regulations for recyclable packaging by 2030.
Thumbs up for testing
A new report indicates that 50% of packaging professionals in the food and beverage sector believe their testing processes have improved significantly over the past five years.
Irish packaging predicament
The EU’s new packaging and recycling laws could extend to Northern Ireland, complicating operations for local food businesses. These regulations include packaging reduction targets and bans on specific plastics, affecting costs and labelling requirements.
Growth for a greener tomorrow
UK-based sustainable packaging startup Notpla has raised £20m to grow its plastic-free solutions in the US. Known for its seaweed-coated food containers and edible liquid capsules, Notpla aims to scale manufacturing amid tightening regulations on single-use plastics.
IN TRAYS …
Dynamic denesting
Mondini has showcased its advanced denesting systems that handle various tray materials, ensuring precise placement to optimise packaging lines and reduce downtime.
Swift sealing solution
Winterwood Farms has partnered with Packaging Automation to enhance operations using the Rev5 tray sealer with Syncroflex Pro technology. Outcomes include increased output to 150 packs per minute, reduced energy consumption, and improved scalability.
British and proud
JBT Proseal has announced its "Made in Britain" registration status. Jon Garner, President of the Packaging Group, said: “We are proud to be officially recognised, reflecting our commitment to manufacturing excellence and supporting the local economy.”
KM NEWS …
40 years of innovation and excellence
We are celebrating 40 years of delivering cutting-edge flexible packaging across diverse sectors, including fresh produce, chilled foods, and snacks. This milestone underscores our dedication and strong partnerships, coinciding with achieving the prestigious AA grade in our BRCGS Audit for the seventh consecutive year.
We’re hiring – Marketing Manager
We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Marketing Manager to develop and implement KM Packaging's marketing strategy, supporting business growth objectives and driving profitable expansion in new and existing markets globally.
To apply, submit your CV and cover letter via our online form or email us at [email protected]
Mike departs after expansion success
KM has announced the departure of Mike Aho and wish him well. Over the past 12 months, Aho has successfully led the company's expansion into North America.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
From the KM team … protecting, presenting, and preserving your products.