Packaging innovations: SIG’s cartons give probiotics a long life, Berry Global’s beany redesign

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

Living a long life

Switzerland-based SIG worked with Ireland-based AnaBio Technologies to create a carton that extends the life of probiotic yogurt beverages. The partners call it a “game changing development” that creates a new product category: probiotic beverages packed in aseptic carton packs and spouted pouches that are shelf-stable for prolonged storage periods without refrigeration.

They indicated that probiotics traditionally could not be stored in aseptic packaging because the heat treatments used during processing would ruin the product. In addition, probiotics can be unstable during room-temperature storage and therefore are typically found in refrigerators and have a short shelf life. But AnaBio’s patented encapsulation technology for probiotics and SIG’s “gentle aseptic filling technology” collectively alleviate the challenges.

“Our innovation offers lower distribution costs as no refrigeration is required, longer shelf life, increased reach and less food wastage for both retailers and consumers,” said Christoph Wegener, chief markets officer at SIG, in the news release.

Removing recycling barriers

Two snack bags made from recyclable paper. — Courtesy of ProAmpac

ProAmpac launched its patent-pending ProActive Recyclable RP-1000 High Barrier paper, adding to an existing line of papers that provide resistance to oxygen, moisture and grease. The company says the product is recyclable at the curbside and serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional multi-material laminates, which typically aren’t curbside recyclable.

ProAmpac says the product is suitable for dry foods and withstood rigorous tests simulating conditions up to 85% relative humidity. The high-barrier paper “seamlessly integrates with existing equipment, simplifying the transition process and minimizing costs compared to less efficient sustainable alternatives," said Nathan Klettlinger, global marketing director at ProAmpac, in the news release.

Fruit forward

Manufacturing machinery holds dozens of individual plastic cups with diced fruit inside. — Courtesy of Printpack

Printpack worked with ExxonMobil and Pacific Coast Producers to develop a single-serving diced fruit bowl that “supports plastic circularity initiatives through the inclusion of ISCC PLUS certified-circular plastic.” The companies say the product launch complements their goal to reduce plastic waste.

ExxonMobil’s proprietary Exxtend chemical recycling technology breaks down recovered plastic into feedstock that converters like Printpack use to make new products. Printpack’s new diced fruit cups contain 30% circular plastic from ExxonMobil, certified through ISCC PLUS, a program available through the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification organization. Printpack says it’s the first company to use the certified circular material in this type of fruit cup.

Snappy sustainability

A four-pack of individual plastic pots of Heinz beans. — Courtesy of Berry Global

The Heinz “snap pot” that Berry Global manufactures received a gold award at the Environmental Packaging Awards for its redesign that now includes 39% ISCC PLUS-certified recycled plastic. The original pots, without the recycled plastic, were introduced in 2008.

“This latest award win reinforces the importance of working together across the supply chain to focus on improving sustainability while maintaining the excellent properties of the original pack concept,” Matthias Michaelis, key account director at Berry Global, said in a news release.

Plastic Energy’s chemical recycling technology transforms soft plastic that consumers return to Tesco stores in the UK into oil feedstock. That material is combined with virgin material from Sabic to create pellets of plastic approved for food contact. Berry uses the material to make the snap pots for Heinz beans. The partners say the pots can be recycled curbside after use.

Editor’s note: Packaging Dive is attending Pack Expo next week. If your company is launching a new or redesigned packaging product at the conference, email us the details and a high-resolution photo to be considered for inclusion in next week’s packaging innovations roundup.