Packaging innovations: JBM Packaging blocks water, Aptar caps containers for e-commerce

Companies constantly innovate with technology and redesign their packaging to get better performance, improve marketability and enhance sustainability. Here’s a look at four recent product launches on Packaging Dive’s radar.

Plastic-free water blocker

Ohio-based JBM Packaging released Hydroblox, a water-resistant, uncoated packaging paper that can be used for food applications. It contains a proprietary blend of fibers, a spokesperson said via email, and does not contain PFAS. Hydroblox “equips brands with a plastic-free option when it comes to water-resistant packaging,” said Jessica Black, director of sales, in a news release. JBM Packaging’s testing shows Hydroblox is 200% more resistant to water than a standard 24# white wove paper, the spokesperson said.

Hydroblox is certified recyclable, the spokesperson said, and got the OK from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use with food. The company said the product also is suitable for non-food applications that require water resistance, such as cosmetics, art supplies, pet products and protecting documents like parking tickets.

E-commerce capable closures

Close-up shot of a white flip-top cap for enclosing packaging. — Courtesy of Aptar

Illinois-based packaging company Aptar released Embrace, a new line of flip-top closures specifically designed to withstand the rigors of e-commerce transportation. These caps avoid cracking and leaking in transit due to reinforcement against side impacts, hinge protection and threads that prevent unintentional unscrewing.

The caps are recyclable and available with PCR, according to Aptar, and also provide a “premium aesthetic and consumer experience.” The news release said: “The elegant design of this flip top with distinct finish textures, combined with its frost body and gloss lid gives it a premium and unique appearance that stands out.”

Sway toward seaweed

Two brown fiber boxes with transparent film windows on the front. — Courtesy of EcoEnclose

Packaging supplier EcoEnclose is partnering with biomaterial company Sway on a line of folding cartons with seaweed-based film windows that serve as a substitute for virgin plastic film. EcoEnclose says the fiber portion of the “regenerative packaging innovations” is 100% recycled paperboard that is 85% postconsumer material.

The entire box is recyclable at the curbside, according to the company, and the seaweed-based portion is screened out during repulping. It also said the film portion is home compostable.

Getting a round

A brown glass bottle next to a pint glass that contains a golden liquid. — Courtesy of Ardagh Group S.A.

Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America introduced two new Boston Round bottles that it says complement craft beverages such as beer, iced coffee and kombucha. They’re available in amber or clear, have continuous thread closures and come in 12-pack cases. The bottles are designed and manufactured in the U.S. and are recyclable, according to Ardagh.