Materials
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BlueTriton launches premium water bottles as aluminum packaging’s role grows in market
Aluminum bottle offerings could tap a wider range of consumer values, researchers and consultants say. The addition expands the portfolio for Pure Life, Deer Park, Poland Spring, Arrowhead and Ice Mountain waters.
By Maria Rachal • May 9, 2024 -
As 40+ mills accept paper cups, advocates turn to boosting residential recycling acceptance
Only 11% of U.S. communities accept paper cups in residential recycling programs. Mills play a “pivotal role” in advancing acceptance, according to the NextGen Consortium and Foodservice Packaging Institute.
By Katie Pyzyk • May 8, 2024 -
Plastic tube recyclability has ramped up rapidly, but not without some tumult
Research suggests more than 75% of HDPE squeeze tubes in the U.S. are compatible with valuable recycling streams. “I don’t want to underemphasize how big of a change in packaging format this is,” said APR’s technical director.
By Katie Pyzyk • May 7, 2024 -
Packaging innovations: Bandit Wines cartons offer augmented reality, Huggies ups PCR in diaper bags
Plus, Dionis Goat Milk Skincare lotion now comes in refill pouches and American Packaging Corp. tackles pet food pouch recyclability.
By Katie Pyzyk • May 6, 2024 -
Colgate says it might miss 2025 packaging recyclability target
Flexible bags and pouches are the key sticking points. In a sustainability report, Colgate-Palmolive also shared updates on transitioning its entire toothpaste portfolio to recyclable tubes, which became the subject of a lawsuit last year.
By Maria Rachal • May 3, 2024 -
International Paper to raise fiber product prices again, others likely to follow, analysts say
A fresh wave of increases, reportedly occurring in June, could further rile markets following a monthslong controversy over price acceptance.
By Katie Pyzyk • May 1, 2024 -
Packaging innovations: Telmont goes ‘193,000 shades of green,’ DavidsTea’s pouch breakdown
Plus, substrate substitutions and other packaging launches from Graphic Packaging International, Rudholm Group, Ranpak and Orlandi.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 25, 2024 -
CMI weighs in on Biden’s call for tariff increases
Trade with China is a key issue ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Can Manufacturers Institute says the Biden administration should take greater action to mitigate impacts from steel and aluminum imported goods.
By Maria Rachal • April 19, 2024 -
REMADE conference explores the future of the circular economy
The conference, featuring keynote speaker Ellen MacArthur, aimed to translate scientific research into tangible circular economy solutions for the researchers, government officials and private companies in attendance.
By Megan Quinn • April 18, 2024 -
Packaging innovations: John Paul Mitchell’s revamped hair care line, Essentia’s paper mattress wrap
Plus, Labelmaster, Firstleaf and ForeFront Supply Chain Solutions introduce a safer shipping product, lighter bottles and food packaging with PCR, respectively.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 17, 2024 -
Compostables break down in real-world conditions, but more work needed: report
The Composting Consortium, which is managed by the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, calls this study the largest known North American field test of certified compostable packaging.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 16, 2024 -
Eviction threat looms as film recycler Myplas accrues $1.3M in unpaid bills
Unexpected financial challenges occurred shortly after the company launched its highly anticipated Minnesota polyethylene film recycling operation in December, according to Peter Shippen, Myplas board chair.
By Katie Pyzyk • Updated April 15, 2024 -
Aviation industry group recommends how plastic reduction can take off
Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are among the carriers testing ways to reduce single-use plastic with strategies including substrate switches and reusable cups.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 10, 2024 -
5 packaging innovation trends to watch in 2024: SPC
AI, digital labeling and “paperization” top the movements highlighted in the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s inaugural Packaging Innovation Trends Report.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 9, 2024 -
Q&A
Is hemp the next revolution for sustainable packaging? Startup element6 Dynamics thinks so.
CEO Kimberly Kovacs details the company’s push to use industrial hemp for making paper and packaging, which she says is a more sustainable option than tree pulp.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 8, 2024 -
Free the tea: Celestial Seasonings is latest brand to slash plastic overwrap
Plastic overwrap was a legacy process for Celestial Seasonings, which recently redesigned its boxes. The U.S. Plastics Pact’s executive director said more brands should ask whether outer plastic wrap is needed.
By Maria Rachal • April 5, 2024 -
Costco tests a switch from rigid to flexible packaging for its rotisserie chickens
Costco anticipates the substrate switch will reduce the plastic it uses for the chicken products by 75%, aligning with packaging guidelines it adopted last year. Its five-year action plan for plastics reduction is coming soon.
By Katie Pyzyk • Updated April 3, 2024 -
P&G, Dow pursue dissolution technology for recycling rigid, flexible, multilayer plastic packaging
The in-development technology represents neither mechanical nor advanced recycling, according to Dow. The intent is for the resulting material to be of “near-virgin quality” with a lower greenhouse gas emissions footprint.
By Maria Rachal • March 29, 2024 -
Packaging innovations: Zespri’s kiwi pillbox, Capri-Sun’s recyclable pouch
Plus, 3M’s modified mailer material offers plastic-free protection, and Greif partners with CDF Corp. on an intermediate bulk container redesign.
By Katie Pyzyk • March 29, 2024 -
Best practices for using rPET in beverage containers: ISBT
“Everybody wants to utilize more recycled material,” but differences emerge based on output source and application, said Lee Malvitz, presenting for the International Society of Beverage Technologists during Pack Expo East.
By Maria Rachal • Updated April 3, 2024 -
PCR procurement platform Circular eyes expansion with $10.5M in funding
Circular plans to expand internationally, add employees and introduce materials besides plastics to the platform.
By Katie Pyzyk • March 26, 2024 -
Material reduction, enhanced recyclability anchor Hain Celestial’s new packaging targets
The CPG company behind Celestial Seasonings tea and Terra chips set targets to reduce virgin packaging materials and packaging waste while increasing recyclability.
By Katie Pyzyk • March 25, 2024 -
Packaging innovations: Aldi wine bottles flatten out, Baileys bottles lighten up
Plus, Atlantic Packaging brings fiber zip ties to North America; Seaman Paper launches stretchable fiber pallet wrap; and PulPac’s partnership results in a fiber coffee cup lid.
By Katie Pyzyk • March 22, 2024 -
Gem-Pack partners with BADP to develop biodegradable berry clamshells
The enzymes added to the PET clamshells will allow the containers to completely break down after use, thus creating a more sustainable berry container, the companies say.
By Katie Pyzyk • March 18, 2024 -
Packaging innovations: DS Smith’s fiber fish carrier, Monterey Mushrooms’ color change
Plus, Chlorophyll Water ramps up its recycled content; Pregis flexes its fiber muscle; and Eco-Products combats composting contamination.
By Katie Pyzyk • March 15, 2024