Companies constantly innovate with technology and redesign their packaging. Here’s a look at five recent examples of product redesigns, material switches and sustainable packaging solutions on Packaging Dive’s radar.
Into the mix
Scotch whisky maker The Glenlivet introduced a line of ready-to-serve cocktails with an innovative cap that it says contains “first-to-market technology.” When a consumer twists the cap on a bottle of The Glenlivet Twist & Mix, the patented closure and delivery technology from Vessl causes a rush of turbulence in the bottle that mixes the drink, as seen in a video advertisement. The cocktail is then ready to drink.
"This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking use of our technology that we envisioned, and tastes even better than we imagined,” Walter Apodaca, Jr., founder and CEO of Vessl, said in a news release.
Oh snap
Graphic Packaging International worked with European salad bar company Picadeli to develop new paperboard lids for its fiber-based salad bowls. The innovation has a snap closure system to secure the lid to the bowl and is designed to remain rigid even in cold or moist environments.
“The new lids offer the functionality required for Picadeli to eliminate plastic salad bowl lids from their supply chain,” Åke Larsson, managing director of Graphic Packaging’s Tibro location in Sweden, said in a statement. Replacing the lids will help Picadeli eliminate 250 metric tons of plastic from its supply chain annually.
Mini fiber infusion
Another fiber transition comes from Hotel Emporium, a hotel amenity manufacturer, who introduced the plastic-free “K.” line. Packaging for the items — which include a comb, dental kit and shaving kit — is made with kraft paper and messaging is applied with soy-based ink. The mini items themselves also are designed to be “eco-friendly;” the dental kit, for example, includes a plastic-free toothpaste sachet and bamboo toothbrush.
“We believe the K. line will transform the guest experience and inspire a more conscious approach to hospitality," said CEO Andy Desilva in a news release.
Curb enthusiasm
Sonoco added two new cold-seal products to its EnviroFlex Paper products line. The company says the products are the first of their kind to offer cold-seal properties while also being deemed “widely recyclable” in curbside programs by How2Recycle. The paper has a high barrier to protect from oxygen, moisture and grease, making it suitable for moisture-sensitive products like pet treats or nuts. It also does not contain PFAS.
“Through partnering with our suppliers and leveraging our internal screening capabilities to test fiber repulping and recycling, our team has developed cold seal paper-based structures that allow for the clean separation of cold seal and paper fibers and result in excellent paper quality after the standard paper recycling process,” Laura Buen Abad, senior director of technology and marketing, said in the news release.
Pick of the litter
Healthy Pet will transition the packaging for its ökocat cat litter from the current box to double-walled paper bags. The company says the bags, including the handles, are fully recyclable, and it made the change in response to consumer requests for more sustainable products. The refreshed packaging will be available starting in October.
