Meeting demand for mono-material food packaging
Many manufacturers face the problem of how to move to more mono-material food packaging solutions.
We're helping to meet the demand with mono polymer structure lidding films. As reported in the press this week, our films have an all-polyester structure and are available with a high-oxygen barrier.
Read our Press Release >>
Key ingredients of designing for a circular economy
The "Designing for a Circular Economy" guidelines were recently published by CEFLEX. And, this week, the organisation's project lead Liz Morrish has shared some insight into the guidelines.
Liz says the guidelines provide practical advice and support so that flexible packaging is suitable to be collected, sorted, and recycled.
She added: "We have focused on providing advice and information on the key elements of a flexible packaging structure including the materials used, barrier layers and coatings, the size and shape, inks, and adhesives."
Read the interview >>
In Germany – single-use plastic products are banned
The German Cabinet has agreed to end the sale of single-use plastic straws, cotton buds, and food containers from July next year, bringing it in line with a European Union directive intended to reduce the amount of plastic waste.
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In the States – a plastics recycling bill has been introduced
Lawmakers in the US have introduced legislation focused on reducing plastic waste and bolstering plastics recycling.
The Bill's summary includes a directive to create a new programme to "improve the global competitiveness of the US plastics recycling industry, ensure US leadership in plastics waste reduction and recycling research, and reduce the harmful effects of plastic waste."
Read more >>
In California – plastic bag ban has been reinstated
A single-use plastic bag ban and reusable bag recycled-content mandate is back in force in California after being temporarily lifted because of COVID-19.
Read more >>
In Australia – the new normal and single use plastic avoidance
Downunder, it has been highlighted that avoiding single-use plastic was becoming normal, until coronavirus.
But The Conversation has reported: "The good news is we can return to our plastic-avoiding habits. It just might look a little a different." The recommendations include:
• Pack shopping in reusable bags.
• Make a coffee at home in a reusable cup.
• Carry reusable straws when we go out.
Read more >>
In the UK – the new normal and local shopping
During the coronavirus crisis, more consumers here in the UK have been buying from local shops and food producers.
The BBC has now asked the question: "Is the UK on the brink of a revolution in how we buy food?".
Liz Bowles, Associate Director for Farming and Land Use at the Soil Association, said: "I think a lot of people are feeling more connected to food and really thinking about where it comes from."
Read more >>
In our homes – will frozen food lead to less waste?
Britain's new-found appreciation of frozen food could lead to a long-term reduction in food waste. Sales of frozen food have surged during the pandemic and research has found that frozen food generates 47% less waste than non-frozen food.
The British Frozen Food Federation has suggested that: "If the frozen food sector can successfully drive its sustainability message and maintain consumer interest, a dramatic reduction in food waste could be among these environmental wins."
Read more >>
In the supermarkets …
Tesco reports shoppers buying more during fewer trips
Tesco has said that, while the number of trips made by shoppers fell by nearly a third in the 13 weeks to 30 May, the amount of items being bought rose 64%.
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Waitrose expands "wonky" veg offer
Waitrose has relaxed its size and shape guidelines for carrots, parsnips, and asparagus to make sure as much of the UK crop is available to customers and help suppliers during a tough time.
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And says it will never stock chlorinated chicken
The boss of Waitrose has said the supermarket will never stock chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef, as he backed calls to prevent the potential weakening of food standards in the UK under a post-Brexit trade deal with the US.
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"If 2020 was a food, what would it be?"
There's been a huge response to Aldi's tweet "If 2020 was a food, what would it be?" Answers include Eton mess, offal, and marmite.
More >>
And finally …
Recycling the un-recyclable
Revisit the Codex Talk from Adrian Griffiths, CEO, Recycling Technologies.
Watch now >>
From the KM team … Stay Safe, Keep up the Good Work, Help Others and don't throw on the go.