News

Iceland is launching more own-label products with heavily reduced plastic packaging, as the supermarket continues to tackle the issue of plastic. The supermarket is launching carton board Seda packaging for its `Made in Italy` ice-cream range, which will see a 92% plastic reduction compared to the previous packaging and deliver an 84.5 tonnes annual plastic reduction. Iceland will monitor customer feedback for its new packaging across stores, continuing to gather insights into how consumers respond to plastic-free packaging alternatives. Richard Walker, managing director of Iceland, said: [Reducing our plastic footprint continues to remain a high priority for Iceland as we redevelop our own-label packaging. Our team of experts and suppliers are developing innovations that are leading the way in our industry." [Despite the challenges we have faced reducing our plastic packaging, we are still showing other businesses that it is possible to significantly reduce plastic packaging across products that were once covered in the material. This is a long journey and we are still striving towards a future without the heavy reliance on plastic."

TIPA and G. Mondini are to partner to produce home compostable wet food container, as a solution for hard-to-recycle packaging. The partnership will see G. Mondini offer paper-based, fully compostable Paperseal packaging solutions optimized for wet, chilled, frozen and fresh food products. The TIPA film will then act as a liner to create a barrier against oxygen, moisture and humidity. These compostable films and paper solutions carry food waste to compost in line with Italy`s EU-leading regulatory regime, which sees compostable plastics collected with organic waste. The new packaging solution lined with TIPA films can be placed together into organic waste, keeping plastic out of landfills and the environment. Chen Katz, chief revenue officer at TIPA, said: [In our joint breakthrough innovation, we are creating packaging applications that can address some of the industry`s most pressing needs: sustainably packaging wet, chilled and frozen foods. We will be working closely with G. Mondini to deliver on this unique design that drives the compostable movement forwards." Paolo Mondini, general manager, G. Mondini, said: [Member states across the EU are leading the way with sustainable practices and together with TIPA, a leader in certified compostable films, we are developing innovations which will drive a future-proofed level of sustainable packaging products."

New legislation banning single-use plastic items in Scotland represents an `alarm bell` for food processors when it comes to the adoption of sustainable packaging methods, according to ULMA Packaging. It follows the Scottish government`s move to outlaw items such as cups, lids and takeaway containers made from expanded polystyrene in online and in-store sales regardless of being free or paid-for. The sustainability-minded move to ban these items is a further warning the food industry needs to be aware of and plan for accordingly in their packaging infrastructure. With laws surrounding the use of such materials likely to become even more stringent, ULMA is highlighting the difference in plastics used in packaging, and the importance of implementing machinery to work with sustainable solutions. With laws surrounding the use of such materials likely to become even more stringent, ULMA is highlighting the difference in plastics used in packaging, and the importance of implementing machinery to work with sustainable solutions. Ed Williams, sales director at ULMA Packaging UK, said: [It is important to note that not all plastics are the same, and when implemented in a considerate and sustainable manner, it can offer sustainability benefits to the supply chain. For instance, its protective barrier qualities extend food spoilage times, reducing waste while reducing contamination risks to levels mandated in modern processing environments. [However, for this to happen, the sealing process cannot be impaired, and this has long been an issue with greener plastics. Yet by adopting sealing technologies such as our own Better-Seal system into new and existing machinery, these materials can be implemented into packaging lines, addressing both sustainability and hygiene concerns." This is according to ULMA, encouraging processors in the sector to audit their existing packaging machinery to ensure compatibility with recyclable and compostable plastics. Williams added that developments such as this and the UK Plastic Packaging Tax highlight how the industry cannot afford to stand still in this ongoing drive towards more sustainable practices. [While this ban may only cover smaller implements currently, we are confident predicting this is just the latest step in governmental sustainability strategy, with plastic packaging likely to come under further scrutiny."

The deadline for entries to this year`s UK Packaging Awards has been extended to 24 June. The big event returns to the Grosvenor House Hotel, on London`s Park Lane, on Wednesday 19 October. It promises to be a night of celebration, raising a glass to the very best packs, companies and individuals in the packaging industry. The judges will be eagerly assessing the best that the supply chain can offer. This year`s panel will be represented by representatives from brands, retailers and industry associations including Tesco, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, RB, Pret a Manger, Nestlè, Ocado, the Packaging Federation, the Foodservice Packing Association and INCPEN.

Southgate Global has reported a successful appearance at this year`s Packaging Innovations show at the NEC in Birmingham last month. Over the two-day event Southgate showcased its range of new product launches, with a focus on sustainability. Products on display included: the RSW6 Robotic Pallet Wrapper, BP555 Tape Dispenser, PWN4 Air Pillow System, OP320 Optimax Shredder and Xtegra Tegrabond Water Activated Tape Case Taper. Visitors were able to watch the RSW6 Robotic Pallet Wrapper being demonstrated – ideal for palletised loads that are too large, heavy, or unstable to be wrapped on a traditional turntable machine. The OP320 Optimax Shredder was also on stand, showing how old carboard packaging can be turned into high-bulk void fill. Darren Smith, head of marketing at Southgate, said: [We were blown away with the response we received at Packaging Innovations. We were very excited to be exhibiting again after the success of the 2020 event, and once more, it proved itself to be the best place to showcase e-commerce packaging solutions. As demand continues to increase for sustainable alternatives for secondary and protective packaging, it provided the perfect platform to display our expanding range." Smith added that since the new Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) was announced, Southgate has been advising businesses on how to reduce waste and plastic use. [In the lead up to the tax being introduced, we have been working hard developing NPD which meets the criteria and offers an environmentally friendly alternative. Our goal has been to have an eco-friendly alternative for all our packaging products, which we made sure to demonstrate at the exhibition."

The UK Packaging Awards are back for 2022 and there is just one week left for you to enter. The big event returns to the Grosvenor House Hotel, on London`s Park Lane, on Wednesday 19 October. It promises to be a night of celebration, raising a glass to the very best packs, companies and individuals in the packaging industry. Deadline for entries is 17 June and the judges will be eagerly assessing the best that the supply chain can offer. This year`s panel will be represented by representatives from brands, retailers and industry associations including Tesco, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, RB, Pret a Manger, Nestlè, Ocado, the Packaging Federation, the Foodservice Packing Association and INCPEN. The shortlist will be revealed online at the end of July.

Flexographic press manufacturer Mark Andy is to extend its Digital Pro (DPro) line with the integration of Konica Minolta`s Accurio Label 400. Mark Andy will be the exclusive provider of Konica Minolta`s toner-based print technology and is developing its first five-colour toner end-to-end label and converting solution. The new press is designed to create a [single-pass, high-quality, fast, and cost-effective solution for the mid-to-high volume label market". The press will run at 140 feet per minute. Mark Andy said that the addition of a digital white toner means that customers can use clear or metallic substrates for short-run label work without the need for a flexo plate. Jason Desai, Mark Andy chief executive, said: [Incorporating Konica Minolta digital marking technology with Mark Andy`s expertise in converting allows for business expansion and improved customer value for the label converters. This partnership is transforming the industry with the highest quality, most reliable, and cost-effective solutions as demonstrated by more than 300 digital press installations. And today, we continue to pursue practical technology solutions for converters of all sizes at a realizable price point." William Troxil, Konica Minolta president, industrial print and production print, North America, added: [Our organizations share a strong partnership that continues to respond to, and anticipate, the needs of a growing industry. While our partnership with Mark Andy has established our production print technology in a uniquely advantaged position, the true beneficiaries are label and packaging converters industry wide. Integrating our technologies and overall strengths provides a right-sized solution for the industry, allowing for ease of entry into the Digital Transformation (DX) journey."

Packaging Innovations and Empack 2022 will introduce two brand-new interactive features, The Big Debate and the Sustainability Trail, when it returns to Birmingham`s NEC on 25 and 26 May. The features are designed to address the challenges being faced by industry professionals at every point of the packaging journey, from conception to consumer. The Big Debate, the event`s headline feature, will take place across both days where it will seek to voice new perspectives on the Government`s latest packaging regulations affecting suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers. The expert panel will be made up of industry-leading names, including OPRL`s executive chair and director, Jane Bevis; the UKRI`s challenge director of smart sustainable plastics packaging, Paul Davidson; and head of compliance at Clarity Environmental, Martin Trigg-Knight. Key challenges around reducing the industry`s carbon footprint will be addressed by the event`s brand-new Sustainability Trail. The guide will provide visitors with an `eco-roadmap` of the most innovative `green` products from the show floor. Only qualifying exhibitors that have been vetted by judges and fulfil a host of sustainable criteria will feature. Alongside the two brand-new features for 2022, the event will host an array of other exciting elements, taking visitor involvement and interaction to new levels, including The Innovation Showcase. Here, 12 new concepts will compete against each other to win the coveted prize of `Most Innovative Pack`, with the winner crowned via a public vote. The interactive element of the competition will be sure to excite the event`s thousands of visitors, as they will be able to get up close to some of the most cutting-edge solutions on the market. Alongside these interactive features, the event will host a new and improved seminar programme set across three stages, featuring a raft of the industry`s biggest and most inspiring experts, including speakers from Ocado, Nestlé, and HP. Sustainability will be the central focus of the Ecopack Stage where experts will explore `the win-win of sustainably designed packaging` and Extended Producer Responsibility. In addition, the Ecopack Challenge will provide a stern test for innovators, as participants seek to create a novel and sustainable packaging solution. Meanwhile, the Innovation and Design Stage will discuss how to turn bespoke packaging into R&D Tax Credits, and welcome The Refills Forum, focusing on the key factors in delivering refillable and reusable packaging. Finally, the Empack Technology Stage will cover a range of forward-thinking topics, from packaging for e-fulfilment, and how to embrace digital technology changes within a business, through to using technology to maximise sustainability in a growing packaging market. Renan Joel, Easyfairs` divisional director, commented: [The interactive show features at Packaging Innovations and Empack are something our visitors look forward to year-on-year and are a key part of what sets us apart from other industry events. Our new features, the Sustainability Trail and The Big Debate, showcase our industry`s central pledge to reduce its environmental impact and how we can achieve this. [Meanwhile, our seminar programme contains a glittering array of industry names, poised to share their wisdom and know-how to our visitors across three stages. Every session will aim to educate and inspire our guests, as our panels and speakers tackle the challenges and developments affecting our industry right now. [The packaging landscape is changing so quickly, and we are delighted to have such a broad range of sessions suited to every possible packaging need, from the design stage through to the shelf. We cannot wait to open the doors in May!"

The demand for sustainable and 100% recyclable packaging is growing like never before, and this includes in the premium spirits market. Smurfit Kappa`s new drinks packaging solution, the Smurfit Kappa Eco-Tube, was recently developed to provide a more sustainable paper tube packaging solution which allows the traditional paper tube to be 100% recyclable within normal consumer recycling schemes. The Eco-Tube, devised under the Smurfit Kappa Better Planet Packaging initiative, means that premium spirit packaging can be fully recyclable, [so companies don`t have to choose between quality and sustainability". The Smurfit Kappa Composites team recently completed a fully branded, 100% recyclable drinks packaging solution for The Clydeside Distillery, the first that Smurfit Kappa has launched for the whisky market. [When The Clydeside team first came to us, they wanted the traditional values of tube packaging including strength and shelf presence," explained a Smurfit Kappa spokesperson. [The opportunity to have all this as a fully recyclable option was exactly what they were looking for. [The packaging for Stobcross was our first branded Eco-Tube launched to market. The finished result is a stylish tube which carefully protects the product and stands out on shelves and in stores. The Clydeside Distillery opted for a design that represents the maritime history of Glasgow, which truly reflects their brand and product." [Our paper based tube performs in exactly the same way as traditional premium packaging solutions, with no compromising on strength or aesthetics. At Smurfit Kappa, we believe the Eco-Tube is the answer to meeting the ever-changing buying behaviours of consumers. Not only that, but it can assist businesses in meeting their sustainability goals and initiatives." Stobcross is currently sold in The Clydeside Distillery shop and on the company`s website, and it is planning an international rollout over the coming months.

Westfalia Fruit`s business in France, has launched a new range of environmentally and consumer friendly packaging for avocados. The multinational group said the new packaging dramatically reduces and replaces the use of plastic, eliminating altogether the use of black plastic, whilst successfully maintaining fruit quality. These initiatives were stringently researched and developed in advance of a new law banning plastic packaging on most fruit and vegetables, which came into effect in France from New Year`s Day 2022. Cucumbers, lemons and oranges are among the 30 varieties banned from being wrapped in plastic according to the new law. These alternative solutions include options with no plastic, or a significant reduction in plastic. Zero plastic options include a cardboard tray with a paper label or a paper band, that are fully compostable. Both are made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) materials, guaranteeing that the cardboard used has been sourced from sustainably managed forests that consider people, wildlife and the environment in the long term. The FSC is the only timber certification scheme endorsed by the conservation organisation WWF. A heat seal film option includes recyclable plastic which contains a QR code on the packaging directing consumers to details of where they can recycle their plastic rubbish. A paper lid is also in development for this packaging. Additional solutions include an FSC certified string bag and zero packaging natural laser marking on the skin of the avocado itself permitting logo & messaging placement. [We have worked hard to remove plastic from our packaging to contribute to solving the plastic waste challenge and to lower our carbon footprint. We are delighted to take a proactive approach in implementing industry leading initiatives, enabling compliance to respective laws whilst offering a host of solutions for our customers and consumers," said Johnathan Sutton, group safety & environmental executive at Westfalia Fruit. The packaging initiatives have been introduced and adopted as solutions by a wide range of retailers in France.

Global packaging provider Sealed Air will be showcasing their range of automated protective and food packaging solutions on stand C10 at this year`s Packaging Innovations & Empack. Sealed Air will also welcome to the stand the newly acquired Foxpak Flexibles, a pioneer in digital and graphics packaging. Foxpak teams up with leading brands to deliver highly decorated packaging solutions; stand-up and spout pouches, and sachets that serve a variety of markets including food retail, pet food, seafood, and snacks. Sealed Air`s focus on automation starts with the popular range of Autobag brand automated packing solutions that include systems designed to improve productivity in mail order fulfilment and primary packing solutions. The Autobag brand systems include an integrated printer capable of printing high resolution graphics, text and barcodes directly onto the bags, saving both time and consumables. Systems on display include the table-top Autobag brand PS 125, and the Autobag brand 850S, with a touch screen and the ability to run bags up to 550mm wide. Features such as secure bag opening and positioning, integrated printing and compact footprints makes the Autobag brand range suitable for any efficient fulfilment operation. Visitors to the stand can also see the range of Sealed Air brand and Bubble Wrap brand inflatable packaging systems for void fill and cushioning – including films containing a minimum of 50% recycled content. Included in the wide range of paper packaging on display will be the recently-launched Sealed Air brand FasFil Jr. This paper void fill system is `plug and play` with a super small footprint, fully integrated user-friendly controls, toolless jam clearing and anti-jam sensors. It can create custom void fill material using 100% recycled fanfold paper, which is also responsibly sourced. Following the successful launch of recycle-ready Sealed Air brand Mail Lite mailers, the company will be showcasing its new PickPack format, which replaces corrugated boxes used to ship the Mail Lite mailers. The PickPack format uses up to 60% less packaging weight, and also transforms into a dispensing unit for both retail and packing areas. Food packaging will be represented by a range of Cryovac brand solutions including Cryovac brand Darfresh family of thermoforming vacuum skin packaging, demonstrating a reduction in plastic use and longer shelf life. Packaging Innovations & Empack takes place 25 – 26 May at NEC, Birmingham, UK.

Xeikon will be showcasing its digital innovations at Labelexpo 2022 at the Brussels Expo, 26-29 April 2022, and has launched new labelling technology. The digital print giant will be exhibiting its 520mm wide-web CX500 digital label press running at printing at speeds of up to 30m/min with a resolution of 1200dpi, as well as its - Xeikon will be showcasing its digital innovations at Labelexpo 2022 at the Brussels Expo, 26-29 April 2022, and has launched new labelling technology. The digital print giant will be exhibiting its 520mm wide-web CX500 digital label press running at printing at speeds of up to 30m/min with a resolution of 1200dpi, as well as its Xeikon PX30000 7-color UV Inkjet digital press is designed for durable label production with broad colour gamut in the market, designed for longer, cost-effectove runs. Additionally, Xeikon is continuing its move to full digitalization with the launch of its Xeikon Label Converting Units – LCU series designed for the converting industries in high-end label production and manufacturing. The LCU`s are designed with modular and scalable architecture for added flexibility, cloud connection and full integration. They come in two models, the Xeikon LCU350 with its new modular platform for added flexibility and scalability to support business growth – and the Xeikon LCU33, a basic version and entry-level choice. Automation is available for processes such as optional automatic turret rewind or optional die plate change; and job information which allows data transfer to different units, giving transparency and insight to the operator of the various status and functionality of the converting steps. Filip Weymans, vice president of marketing, said: [Xeikon is looking forward to highlighting a variety of digital opportunities to suit the diversity of needs of today`s printers and converters. Our technologies are a response to on-going trends in the market. Our digital presses are now designed with cloud connection and next generation interfaces to connect and integrate at each step helping to transform a label printing business into a complete manufacturing business." He added: [The crucial thing to understand is that different printing applications require different digital technologies."

Online UK retailer Oh Polly has seen a huge growth in loungewear which necessitated overhauling their e-commerce packaging operation, with the help of Smurfit Kappa. Oh Polly faced stiff competition and so were keen to make sure their customer experience was flawless. As a pure-play online retailer, Oh Polly`s packaging is a crucial part of their e-commerce strategy. Oh Polly were coming up against several issues with their packaging. The first was that they had noticed that the print quality varied greatly – meaning that the boxes arrived showing different shades of their core brand pantone colour. They were keen to ensure that the packaging was uniform, as it showcases brand continuity. Smurfit Kappa Experience Centre team offered expertise from sustainability to aesthetics, and they quickly set to work. It resolved quality issues, reduced packaging waste, improved packing efficiencies with machinery and brought packaging manufacturing into the UK. The materials used in the new packaging design are 100% recyclable. The Oh Polly team were also concerned about the packaging for their sub-brand, Bo+Tee. The Bo+Tee packaging is striking, a bold black emblazoned with a holographic print. The Experience Centre team suggested using lithographic printing to deliver the sleek effect desired, maintaining the brand`s quality whilst allowing Bo+Tee to stand out. Smurfit Kappa designed and produced the packaging all within the UK is also a key factor: it reduces shipping times hugely. The original packaging was arriving un-palletised, meaning that they had to have employees manually off-loading packaging from containers and transported across several warehouses in order to be utilised for packaging orders. This was not only leading to damaged boxes during transit from Asia to Europe, but was hugely time-inefficient. A simple but highly impactful solution put in place by Smurfit Kappa was to ensure all packaging is delivered safely on pallets, with strapping and topboard to ensure a quick and smooth delivery and unloading process. Joe Henderson, Oh Polly`s Head of Operations, said: [Smurfit Kappa have saved us so much time and money with their expertise – we can`t thank the Experience Centre team enough". Hamed Ahmed, Smurfit Kappa`s eCommerce director, said: [We have built a strong and transparent partnership over the last 18 months. The Experience Centre team look forward to supporting Oh Polly`s brands further as they grow and strive in this competitive market."

Zenith Global has announced that the UK Water Drinks Conference is returning on 22 March 2022 in London, with major industry leadership addressing sustainability and trends. Coinciding with World Water Day and taking place at its regular venue – The Congress Centre, in central London, the theme of the event is [Plan for People and Planet", which seeks to address public expectations on health and the environment with the need for business to contribute solutions. Asda, Kantar, Natural Source Waters Association and Zenith Global will give a market overview, while industry leadership views will be provided by Danone, Highland Spring, Nestlé and Shepley Spring. Highland Spring Group`s commercial strategy and planning controller Jennifer Roberts, will discuss improving sustainability, while Gemma Morgan, head of waters for Danone UK & Ireland and Hayley Lloyd House, head of corporate affairs and sustainability for Nestlé Waters UK, will also present at the event. Additionally: – Will Ghali, chief executive of Ecosurety, will be presenting on [Improving and funding collection systems". – Mark Tyne, managing director of Esterform, will talk about the need to ensure sufficient and affordable recycled material. – Matt Crocker, director of Re:Water, will explain how the brand is marketing its 100% recycled aluminium bottles. – Tom Bell, founder and managing director of DrinkWell, will be presenting [Taking the initiative with biodegradable PLA bottles". Richard Hall, chairman of Zenith Global, said: [[After two years online, this will be a most welcome opportunity for business leaders to meet up with other producers, suppliers, customers and advisers again in person. We shall also be reporting our latest findings on the UK market, which has not only weathered the storms of the past two years, but is thriving with ideas for new health and sustainability initiatives."

New research shows 87% of UK consumers consider the recyclability of the packaging of fashion bought online or by mail order is important when making their purchasing decision. The study was conducted by Aquapak and found that when it comes to the environmental harm caused by plastic, 58% of consumers said it is plastic breaking down to microplastics in the ocean and harming wildlife which concerned them most. This was followed by plastics going to landfill (24%) and being incinerated and causing more pollution (12%). Over half the respondents (52%) said that poor packaging recyclability for items such as clothes, sunglasses and accessories puts them off buying items online or by mail order altogether. Findings also showed that currently 28% of UK consumers buy one fashion item online each month, a further 15% buy two every month and 18% purchase three or four items each month; and the majority (86%) said items they receive are usually packaged in some form of plastic. Mark Lapping, chief executive, Aquapak, said: [It is two years since Fashion for Good published its report into the use of polybags in the industry and our research shows that the industry is still heavily reliant on single use plastic, despite the fact that consumers are increasingly concerned about the recyclability of packaging and where it eventually ends up. [There are commercially available alternatives which have all the properties of plastic but can be disposed of easily without harming the environment. Such technologies are slowly being adopted by brands committed to sustainability, but this needs to be accelerated across the industry to achieve real change." Aquapak has developed a new biodegradable, non-toxic and water-soluble polymer called Hydropol which it insists is stronger than alternatives and is designed to be used in existing thermo-processing equipment. It also claims to enable up to 100% paper/board recovery whatever the percentage packaging makeup. The firm says it is biodigestible, non-toxic, dissolves in water and is marine safe because it subsequently biodegrades, yet still provides the much-needed functionality required to ensure products reach consumers in perfect condition. Fashion brand Finisterre has signed up to use Hydropol with a paper mailing bag concept.

Flexible packaging specialist Parkside has worked with tea company Bird & Blend to roll out loose tea pouches and pyramid teabags. The compostable packs area said to break down [entirely within 26 weeks" with the materials returning to the soil. Parkside said that that the packaging leaves no adverse effects on the environment. Operations director at Bird & Blend, Matt Hendon, said: [We were highly impressed with the innovative way Parkside approached our previous packaging challenge. The collaborative approach ensured the packaging was perfect for our products, and it was extremely well-received by our customers. [Following the success of the initial project, we wanted to introduce compostable packaging to our entire range of products. Parkside has created a bespoke range of solutions that keeps our products fresher for longer and delivers stand-out, high-definition graphics." Staci Bye, new business development manager at Parkside, added: [It was a privilege to be asked by Matt to work with the company once again. We were all thrilled with the success of the single serve tea bag project and expanding the packaging across the wider range is a terrific endorsement of both our approach to design and creation and the high standard of packaging we produce."

Ishida will be showcasing its bespoke solutions for meat and poultry packing – from individual machines to the design and installation of complete lines, at this year`s IFFA show in Germany. Taking place in Messe, Frankfurt, 14-19 May 2022, IFFA is considered one of the world`s leading trade fairs for technology for Meat and alternative proteins. It covers the entire market for processing, packaging and selling of meat and alternative proteins. Ishida will be showcasing its expertise in protein packing solutions in the ongoing design and development of equipment that enables manufacturers and processors to automate production and reduce reliance on manual labour. The stand will feature two recently launched Ishida models – its next generation X-ray inspection system, the IX-G2-F, which offers significantly enhanced sensitivities for the detection of low-density and difficult to spot foreign bodies such as bone; and the QX-900-Flex compact, high performance tray sealer that maximises output, capacity and flexibility for medium to high volume production lines within a compact footprint. Also on display will be the company`s RobotGrader, which uses pick and place technologies to grade products of varying piece weight and place them into a fixed weight pack into crates for further processing or bulk packing. Completing the line-up will be two models from Ishida`s extensive multihead weigher ranges – the CCW-R2-106 Fresh Food Weigher and the CCW-RV-214 Screw Feeder Weigher, both of which offer a number of features which meet the particular challenges of weighing and packing fresh and sticky protein. Stand C11, Hall 11

Ornua Foods UK is making a further step in sustainability with the transfer of its Pilgrims Choice grated cheese into more environmentally friendly and fully recyclable packaging. The move will deliver a 48% carbon footprint reduction and a 15% material saving compared to the old pack format. Working in partnership with Wipak UK, supplier of high barrier films for food products, Ornua has developed a mono-structure grated cheese pack specifically for the Pilgrims Choice brand. The new pack significantly reduces the packaging`s carbon footprint and amount of plastic used. The new pack can also be fully recycled via return-to-store schemes* and is certified by the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme. Kerry Alexander, Brand Director for Ornua Foods UK said: [Following on from the launch of our `Less Plastic, More Fantastic` Pilgrims Choice Megablock, a first-of-its-kind block cheese pack which delivered a 40% reduction in plastic, we wanted to make a similar step change when it came to our grated cheese packaging. The new Pilgrims Choice grated packs deliver significant environmental benefits without compromising on form and functionality." Kerry Wesley, sales executive at Wipak UK, added: [Part of our `GreenChoice by Wipak` range of sustainable packaging solutions, the mono-structure pack for Pilgrims Choice has a 48% carbon footprint reduction and a 15% material saving compared to the old pack format. As such, it represents real sustainability in the fight against unnecessary plastic. [Now, consumers of the UK`s number two branded cheddar, Pilgrims Choice, can return empty packs to store, confident that they will enter the recycling stream."

Digital print giant HP has ventured directly into the packaging market with the acquisition of Scottish paper bottle manufacturer Choose Packaging, for an undisclosed fee. Mariona Company, head of molded fiber advanced tooling solution, HP, confirmed to Packaging News this was the first time the company had acquired a packaging company. Choose Packaging is an Edinburgh-based development company which claims to provide the only commercially available zero-plastic paper bottle in the world. It works with numerous global companies including Accolade Wines, Henkel, Malibu and more. With the integration of Choose into its Personalization & 3D Printing business, HP said it will focus on scaling its technology and customer footprint to expand the addressable market. There are more than 150 million tons of single-use plastics produced each year and HP said it intends to disrupt this market with fiber-based, 100% plastic-free packaging. HP added it was `well positioned` to disrupt the $10bn fiber-based sustainable packaging market. It launched the 3D printing-enabled Molded Fiber Tooling Solution a year ago – designed to bring customizable, fiber-based products to market faster and more affordably. Savi Baveja, chief strategy & incubation officer, HP, said: [This acquisition is a great example of how we continue to strengthen our capabilities in attractive verticals like sustainable packaging while also driving progress against HP`s broader sustainability goals. Choose has built a truly differentiated technology and we are excited to welcome this talented team to the HP family." James Longcroft, founder and managing director, Choose Packaging, added: [As a plastic-free packaging development company, we`ve successfully created technology that can provide a viable alternative to plastic bottles to help eliminate single-use PET packaging. HP`s world-class capabilities and expertise can help scale our impact at a global level. We are thrilled to join the HP team and couldn`t have chosen a better match in terms of our shared goals for business, technology, sustainability, and a values-oriented culture." Sandy Mayo, chief marketing officer, Accolade Wines, said: [At Accolade Wines, we put innovation and sustainability at the heart of everything we do in our mission to be the world`s most innovative wine company. We are excited to see Choose join a recognized leader like HP who puts these topics at the top of its agenda. Consumers are demanding more sustainable alternatives and we look forward to continuing our work together to be the first wine company globally to deliver 100% biodegradable packaging across some of our leading brands including Banrock Station and Hardys."

Protective packaging specialist Storopack has launched paper sheets to replace traditional plastic bubble cushioning. PAPERbubble paper sheets is being marketed as the first bubble paper in combination with air. The PAPERbubble sheets are especially suitable for shipping sensitive and small products such as cosmetics and electronic components as well as e-commerce goods. The packer able to choose the right amount of packaging and thereby reducing waste Mark Mardel, sales director for the UK and Scandinavia, said: [We develop sustainable, innovative and high-quality packaging products for a wide range of industries, and why we now generate more than 35% of our in-house manufactured products from sustainable or recycled materials."