FOR STARTERS …
‘LESS IS MORE’ FOR RECYCLING VIABILITY
Greater standardisation in design and less variety are the best ways to make it worthwhile economically to recycle flexible packaging, according to an industry expert.
Joaquim Quoden, managing director of the Extended Producer Responsibility Alliance (EXPRA), has said that flexible packaging currently has low value for recyclers because of insufficient volumes and the multitude of different packaging types that need to be sorted after collection.
He said: “If we have four or five different kinds [of flexible packaging], I think we can then have enough volume so that recycling makes sense, both economically and environmentally speaking.”
Supporting Joaquim’s views, another article has highlighted that, according to CEFLEX’s guidelines for eco-design, products should have at least 90% of the same plastic to be fully compatible with recycling facilities.
That is why more manufacturers are moving to packaging with mono materials, including our lidding films designed for recyclability.
RECYCLING IN POLL POSITION
CEFLEX have run a poll asking the question, “What is 2022's key ingredient for the circular economy?”
And the clear answer is “More recycling infrastructure”, with 59 per cent of the vote, well ahead of “Legislation”, “Accelerating better design”, and “End markets for recycled content”.
CALL FOR SOFT TARGETS
Policymakers are being urged by PepsiCo Europe to deliver specific targets to drive the collection, sorting, and recycling of soft flexible packaging.
Silviu Popovici, PepsiCo Europe’s CEO, said that the industry needs “an appropriate regulatory landscape in place so that packaging never becomes waste”.
The food and drinks giant plans to eliminate virgin fossil-based plastic from its crisp and chip bags by 2030.
The change will apply to brands including Walkers, Doritos, and Lay’s. It will be delivered using 100 per cent renewable or recycled plastic (like the post-consumer recycled content we can supply in our lidding films).
TAX GETS MINISTER’S VOTE
The steps the UK government has taken to increase plastics recycling have been outlined by the Recycling Minister, Jo Churchill.
She cited the imminent Plastic Packaging Tax, measures such as the deposit return scheme, and government investment in chemical recycling projects as good examples.
GLOBAL BRAGGING RIGHTS
Fife is set to claim itself as the first place in the world where all plastic waste can be recycled.
Yes Recycling is completing work on a new recycling centre in the Scottish region which will recycle 15,000 tonnes of all kinds of low-grade post-consumer plastic each year.
Director Omer Kutluoglu said: “Fife will be the first place in the world, I think, where residents can put every bit of plastic into their bin, and it will all be recycled.”
Supermarket chain Morrisons and the food and drink company Nestlé have invested in the facility.
BLACK TRAYS ON BLACKLIST
The US Plastics Pact has identified 11 plastic packaging items in its new “Problematic and Unnecessary Materials” list that are not currently reusable, recyclable, or compostable at scale and likely will not be by 2025.
PVC, PS, PFAS-containing packaging, and packaging with non-detectable pigments (such as carbon black trays) are among the items targeted for phase-out.
PORTION-CONTROL PACKAGING FOR CHOCS
A new portion-control packaging solution is being released by Cadbury. It will allow consumers to twist and seal the wrapping and save half their chocolate bar for later.
The packaging is made using a memory technology solution and is designed to preserve flavour, texture, and shape.
It is being rolled out across Wispa, Wispa Gold, Boost, Double Decker, and Dairy Milk.
GETTING TEETH INTO TRAYS
A mono-material recyclable meat tray has been launched that is sealed using a series of raised teeth instead of applying a layer of polyethylene or adhesive.
The teeth in the “Piranha” tray are said to maintain the seal’s integrity even if the flange becomes contaminated by fat, which can interfere with closure on traditional packaging.
PACK TO THE FUTURE
Fully recyclable packs are now being used for Aldi’s own-brand rice. The move supports Aldi’s aim for 100 per cent of its own-label packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by the end of this year.
HEALTHY AND COMPOSTABLE
Health food wholesaler Mintons is introducing compostable packaging for its range of pulses, beans, cereals, and dried fruit.
The packaging incorporates a duplex compostable laminate and is designed to “break down within 26 weeks in a home composting environment”.
SCIENTISTS GET FRESH
Scientists have come up with alternative ways to keep produce fresh for longer. The new developments are:
- A biodegradable food packaging using zein which is produced from corn gluten meal.
- A cellulose protective coating based on renewable raw materials that does not change the appearance of the produce.
FISHY WITH EGGSHELLS
One of the world’s leading organic salmon producers is launching a new plastic-free, compostable packaging solution. The packaging developed for Organic Sea Harvest uses high levels of carbonite calcium, a material found in eggshells.
KM – OUR ‘SPECIAL’ PEOPLE
Our Managing Director Charles Smithson has overseen the growth and success of KM Packaging since 2007. He has spoken candidly about the business, industry matters, and his career, revealing how the KM people give the company its special edge.
KM – YOU CAN BE A SPECIAL ONE
We have a vacancy for an International Business Development Manager, due to continuing growth in our business. This is an exciting opportunity to test your sales and management skills with an international client base and in different business cultures.
AND FINALLY
- Action pact: Some of the world’s largest brands have called for the creation of an international pact to address plastic pollution.
- Staff sickies: A survey of members of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) has found that 78% of companies have staff absences due to the COVID-19, with an average of 8% of their workforce unable to work.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
From the KM team … stay safe, keep up the good work, and value plastic.