KMKnowledge

FOR STARTERS … PACKAGING & FOOD WASTE

Innovation is key to success

Innovation in packaging is highlighted as being key to reducing household food waste in an article with Philip Simpson, commercial director at recycling company ReFood.

Some of the most effective solutions are identified as:

• Intelligent packaging – to show consumers how long packaging has been open.
• Snap-packs – with single-person portions.
• Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) – to preserve colour and taste, and increase shelf life.
• Active packaging – with chemical additives to preserve food.
• Resealable packaging – to further increase product shelf life.

RECYCLING FLEXIBLES

Animated information: The latest info-animation from Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE) focuses on the recycling of flexible packaging.

Model examples: CEFLEX have republished their webinar on collection models for flexible packaging in a circular economy.

BIODEGRADABLES

Bio-diversity means choice

An EU report on biodegradable plastics in the environment was recently published. It included a recommendation to limit the use of biodegradable plastics to specific applications for which reduction, reuse, and recycling are not feasible.

Of course, there are many instances where biodegradable packaging is the right choice depending on specific brand or product requirements.

And, as illustrated by organic veg box company Riverford, packaging that is home-compostable or returned to the "farm" provides customer satisfaction, and justifies additional investment to enable usage of the new materials.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

• Moral fibre: Kraft Heinz is developing its first-ever recyclable fibre-based microwavable cup for its macaroni and cheese brand.
• Thrive alive: Waitrose launched their new Thrive range, a mix of 11 meals designed to offer a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.
• Vegging out: The Independent has published a round-up of the best meat alternatives for Veganuary and beyond.
• Good grub: Mealworms have been approved for human consumption by the EFSA, which could help insect-based foods flourish within the EU.

TRAY SEALING 

The top tray sealing companies focused this week on the efficiencies, shelf-life extension, and product presentation benefits of tray sealing …

• Cheesy does it: Proseal featured the wide variety of options for cheese.
• Chick flick: Packaging Automation showed us the technology of chicken being sealed.

DOWN UNDER

Packaging progress

The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has released its latest report, which maps out the current state of the industry. Key takeaways include:

• Overall trends are positive towards the target for 100 per cent of packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
• Currently, 89 per cent of packaging on the market is recyclable.
• Significant progress is still required to meet the targets in the recovery of plastics.

Action pact: The ANZPAC Plastic Pact is now live with a shared vision to tackle waste and pollution.

Accessibility by design: Ensuring packaging is accessible to all users is a key consideration when designing packaging, with "Design for Accessibility" making up one of APCO's 10 Sustainable Packaging Principles.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

• interpack – new dates just released.
• Webinar – "Unlocking the flexible packaging dilemma" – register for free. 

From the KM team … stay safe, keep up the good work, and value plastic.