Companies constantly innovate and update their packaging to get better performance, improve marketability and enhance sustainability. Here’s a look at four recent product launches or redesigns on Packaging Dive’s radar.
Coming on strong
Capri-Sun will start including stronger paper straws with its drink pouches, Packaging Europe and other media outlets have reported, in certain markets like the U.K. where paper straws already are available. The straws reportedly have 36% more resistance to bending, withstand 18% more compression force and have a 42% increase in vertical compression resistance. The bending resistance makes it easier to pierce the pouch, the German company said on its website.
The company also touts its straw as being biodegradable and recyclable in residential paper recycling streams. The company estimates its paper straws save 868 tons of plastic per year. The stronger straw adheres to food safety requirements, and the paper used to manufacture it is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as coming from sustainable sources, the company’s website says.
Capri-Sun debuted paper straws in 2021, and that year it launched an initiative to plant the same number of trees it used to make paper straws in its European markets. The company said it improved the straw based on feedback from consumers. The new version is expected to roll out in select markets this quarter, according to media reports.
Modern twist
Ocean Spray unveiled its new look this week, marking its first major brand overhaul in two decades. The vision of being “wildly uncommon” drove its new approach to connecting with customers. The brand updated its design and visuals, including the logo, photography and typography. The goal is to highlight the brand’s tenacity while adding a modern twist, according to the company.
“Taking on the task to redefine the brand identity of a nearly 95-year-old company is something we didn't take lightly,” said Eliza Sadler, head of brand elevation at Ocean Spray, in a statement.
The refreshed packaging for Ocean Spray’s signature beverages and Craisins products is already starting to be distributed.
Breaking down
SEE (previously known as Sealed Air) developed what it calls the first market-ready, bio-based, commercially compostable tray for holding proteins, such as meat, that was designed to run on existing production lines. The Cryovac compostable overwrap tray’s food-contact grade resin is certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as having 54% bio-based content derived from renewable wood cellulose, according to a news release.
SEE created the tray as an alternative to those made from expanded polystyrene, which is typically used for fresh meat trays. The tray has comparable strength to EPS versions, is lightweight and breaks down into organic matter without leaving toxic residue, according to the company.
BPI certified that the product is compostable at a large-scale industrial composting facility, and TÜV Austria has certified it as biodegradable in soil and marine environments, the release said. SEE is launching the product this week.
Bearing fruit
Cascades launched a new fiber produce basket with flaps that is made from up to 100% recycled fiber. The closure system keeps the fruit or vegetables in place without compromising visibility inside the packaging, the company said in a news release.
The corrugated cardboard can be recycled, according to Cascades, offering a more sustainable alternative to some hard-to-recycle produce baskets. The basket is available in two different models and four sizes.
