FOR STARTERS ...
Call for fresh produce plastic ban
Anti-waste charity Wrap has called for a government ban on plastic packaging for fresh produce in supermarkets so we can go back to shopping "like our nan". The proposal comes in response to statistics showing that UK households discard nearly 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging annually, and approximately 30% of purchased fresh produce ends up in the bin.
Wrap estimates that banning packaging on the specified items when sold in amounts less than 1.5kg could eliminate 100,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables from waste annually and reduce single-use plastic film by 13,000 tonnes.
MEANWHILE …
Federation denies EPR delay claims
The Food & Drink Federation has denied claims in a report suggesting British food companies lobbied to delay the £1.7 billion plastic packaging tax. The report claims the companies aimed to postpone the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, designed to curb waste by holding companies accountable.
Meanwhile, the UK government has confirmed the appointment of a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) as a key element of the EPR scheme.
BRAND NEW …
Festive flavours unwrapped
Walkers has launched a seasonal range featuring festive packaging made from recyclable materials. The range includes limited-edition flavours like turkey and stuffing.
Sweet test of paper tubs
Nestlé has trialled paper-based tubs for Quality Street chocolates at select Tesco stores. The new packaging aims to reduce plastic use while maintaining freshness.
Smart recycling programme
PetSmart has introduced a recycling programme in the US for pet food bags, encouraging consumers to return used packaging.
Social commitment at work, rest, and play
Mars UK has committed to reducing unnecessary packaging. It has become the UK's first consumer packaged goods (CPG) company to adopt the Social Value TOM System, a holistic measurement of its social, environmental, and economic value.
SHOP TALK …
Fake recycling claims
Tesco and Sainsbury’s have faced criticism over claims that their in-store recycling schemes mislead consumers. Environmental groups argue that the supermarkets overstate the effectiveness of these programmes, creating a false impression of their environmental contributions.
Plastic elements out the window
Aldi UK has removed plastic windows and trays from several savoury product lines to reduce packaging waste.
RECYCLING NEWS …
New roadmap and targets
The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has launched the second edition of its Recycling Roadmap. This document outlines progress in plastic recycling and sets new targets for further improving UK recycling rates. It emphasises innovation, investment in infrastructure, and policy guidance for meeting ambitious recycling goals.
Confusion blamed for rates drop
The UK’s household recycling rate has fallen to 44.1%. The decline is linked to confusion over recycling guidelines and changes in local collection schemes.
Tractor model is proposed
An article from Circular Online suggests introducing a certification system similar to the "Red Tractor" standards for recycled plastic packaging. This approach could enhance transparency regarding recycled content and stimulate demand for high-quality recycled materials.
Pet project a huge success
A TerraCycle partnership has enabled pet stores in the US to recycle 27,000 pounds of plastic packaging in its first year. The initiative has focused on diverting used pet food bags from landfills, offering convenient drop-off points for customers.
Upgrade to flexible plastic process
Berry Global has upgraded its flexible plastic recycling processes to improve efficiency and quality. The company's efforts come amid growing scrutiny of supermarket recycling schemes (see Fake recycling claims above), emphasising providing more transparent and effective solutions for handling flexible plastics.
Microwave power plans
West Virginia University is developing a microwave-based recycling method for polypropylene, aiming to convert plastic waste back into propylene more efficiently. Supported by a $1 million grant, this technology could enable lower-temperature processing and improved energy use.
INDUSTRY SNIPPETS …
Sustainable partnership
A new partnership has been formed to create more sustainable packaging solutions. The collaboration of SABIC, Lamb Weston, and Opackgroup focuses on materials that lower carbon footprints and enhance recyclability.
Accessible packaging concern
Inconsistent access to accessible packaging has put visually impaired consumers at risk, according to Premier Construction News. Its report highlights how variations in packaging design make it difficult for these consumers to identify products safely, calling for industry-wide standards to ensure consistent, accessible design.
Dan’s the man
Dan Felton has been appointed to lead a key Flexible Packaging Group in the US to drive innovation and best practices in the sector. He will focus on advancing the group's initiatives around sustainability and recycling, ensuring the industry remains competitive and aligned with environmental goals.
Fresh approach to waste reduction
A report from EY has examined strategies to keep food fresh without creating lasting waste. It explores materials that preserve products while degrading faster post-use, aiming to balance the benefits of extended shelf life with the environmental impacts of packaging.
Design approach to waste reduction
A Food Processing article discusses how packaging design can reduce food and packaging waste. It concludes that balancing the need to extend shelf life with cutting down on material usage requires collaboration between engineers and sustainability experts, ensuring designs align with environmental goals.
Technical approach to waste reduction
A report has highlighted packaging’s role in reducing food waste. The article emphasises that improving packaging technologies is key to balancing food safety, freshness, and sustainability goals, providing opportunities for innovation in the flexible packaging industry.
SUSTAINABLE TOPICS …
Tightening the loopholes
The Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) has urged the UK government to tighten enforcement of single-use plastic (SUP) bans. They highlighted loopholes that allow some businesses to bypass restrictions, undermining the law’s intent.
Boomerang action sought
The Boomerang Alliance in Australia has called for stricter regulations on soft plastic packaging, criticising current measures as insufficient. They have urged the Australian government to take tougher action to curb plastic waste and highlighted recycling shortfalls.
Reusable packaging review
The Food Packaging Forum has examined the current status of reusable food packaging across Europe. The report explores challenges, regulatory frameworks, and successful initiatives that support reusable systems. It underscores the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to achieve a shift towards a circular economy in the food packaging sector.
Single layer solution
Henkel and Panverta have collaborated to create a sustainable packaging solution for dry foods. The new material enables the use of a single-layer polypropylene (PP) film and aims to reduce packaging’s environmental footprint while maintaining product quality.
Task force makes progress
The Soft Plastics Task Force in Australia has reported progress in addressing recycling challenges. The task force aims to reduce landfill waste by focusing on collection points and public awareness.
IN TRAYS …
- Zero scrap skin packaging: Mondini has highlighted its successful collaboration with Mowi, a global leader in seafood, which has implemented its innovative skin packaging solution with 100% top film utilisation.
- Tipping the scales: Packaging Automation has emphasised that its MiWeigh Retrofit Kit factory-scale system allows customers to upgrade their operations without a significant investment.
ALTERNATIVELY …
Researchers know their onions
Researchers have explored using onion skins as a sustainable packaging material, transforming them into biodegradable film. This innovation could reduce reliance on plastic while offering similar protective qualities.
Scientists flex their mussels
Scientists have bioengineered microorganisms inspired by mussels to improve the breakdown of PET plastics. This advancement could lead to more efficient recycling processes, helping reduce plastic waste in the environment.
KM NEWS …
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From the KM team … protecting, presenting, and preserving your products.