FOR STARTERS …
FLEXIBLE PACKAGING IS A TWITTER TREND-SETTER
The top tweeted packaging terms in quarter two of this year saw "flexible packaging" at number four, just behind "sustainability" and ahead of "plastics".
And our business unit director John Shipley was cited as a key influencer as he added to the discussion about the recyclability and sustainability of flexible packaging.
IN-STORE INSIGHTS
Zero waste (1)
Lidl, which has a "Zero Waste Commitment", is launching a trial plastics bag and wrapping recycling scheme across stores in the West Midlands with a plan to expand the project nationwide if successful.
Zero waste (2)
Morrisons plans to launch six "zero waste" stores with the aim to recycle all packaging and unsold food by 2025. As part of the initiative, more unsold goods will be offered through the supermarket's Too Good To Go app, where surplus food is sold at a heavy discount.
Zero prep
A new range of chilled vegan ready meals from BOSH! is being launched in Morrisons. BOSH! have said that the "zero-prep" meals make it" easier than ever to eat greener".
Zero checkouts
Amazon has opened its sixth checkout-less Fresh store in the UK. Customers use an Amazon app to enter the store in Dalston, London, and are automatically billed as they leave.
RECYCLING MATERIAL
Films and flexibles - sorted
Plastics recycling company Eurokey has announced plans to invest £15 million in a "supermarket sorting line". The facility is being developed specifically to recover films and flexible plastics from the grocery and retail sectors.
Three cheers for SUEZ
SUEZ is celebrating being shortlisted for three National Recycling Awards. The categories are Recycling Facility of the Year, Partnership Excellence – Public/Private Sector, and Partnership Excellence – Commercial.
Producers' plastics target
European plastics producers have called for a mandatory 30% recycled content target for plastics packaging by 2030.
To meet the targets, it is believed that it's necessary to have new systems thinking, mindsets and behavioural changes, higher-performing products, eco-design innovation, and new infrastructure.
LIDL LESS PLASTIC
Lidl is set to replace all single-use fruit and vegetable plastic bags in its stores with compostable alternatives as part of its plastic reduction and recycling programme.
SHOWCASING IN THE STATES
- Summit Special: Packaging Automation are launching their most advanced machine ever at PMA Fresh Summit next month.
- Advanced expo-sure: Proseal are showcasing their advanced tray sealing machines at Pack Expo in Las Vegas later this month.
LABELLING ITEMS
Single-minded petition
The On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme has started a petition for clear and consistent recycling labelling in the form of a single label for every brand and retailer.
Sustainable Mash
Mash Direct have launched a new line of ecological packaging designed to allow consumers to make more sustainable choices easily. The packaging displays a traffic light system of the product's ecological sustainability and gives an overall "grade" to provide an at-a-glance score.
SWEET SPOTS
- Trick and treats: Our Halloween candy pouches are a monstrous success with consumers in the US.
- Happy Christmas: Nestlé has launched its new Christmas range packed with a host of festive favourites as well as exciting new products from its iconic brands.
- Recycled wrappers: Around a third of plastic used to wrap Cadbury chocolate blocks will come from recycled sources in Australia by next year.
- Boxing clever: The Ferrero Group has introduced a new eco-designed box for its iconic Ferrero Rocher range. The move is part of its commitment to make 100% of its packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
From the KM team … stay safe, keep up the good work, and value plastic.