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 revamps, substrate switches and product launches on Packaging Dive’s radar.
Through a different lens
Perrier is marking its 160th anniversary with a redesign to its iconic green bottle. It partnered with Philippe Starck, a French designer and architect, on the revamp, which prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality.
The limited-edition bottle maintains its well-known color and shape but has horizontal ridges, which Starck said in online videos aids consumers’ grip. The ridges also create visual interest while also providing a luminous effect, like a Fresnel lens, and an “optical game and a small mystery,” he said in a video. The bottles launched globally last month.
Blanketed in plastic-free wrap
Mattress company Naturepedic installed a kraft paper roll-packing machine so it can wrap its products in paper instead of plastic. The company said in a news release that the kraft paper is recyclable and free of coatings, and it will prevent at least 55,000 pounds of plastic waste annually. All Naturepedic mattress, comfort layers and toppers will be wrapped in the paper packaging.
“Switching to kraft paper roll-packing is a huge win for the environment,” Naturepedic Chief Operating Officer Jason Cik said in a statement. The company also noted that it primarily uses “environmentally safe soy inks” to print on its packaging.
Fiber for appliances
DS Smith produced 100% recycled fiber packaging for Versuni’s Philips home appliances that the company says is also recyclable. The move aligns with Versuni’s goal to use entirely plastic-free packaging within the next four years.
The packaging eventually will be used for Philips’ entire global product portfolio, and the rollout will start with air fryers, espresso machines, steam irons, air purifiers and cordless vacuums. The packaging also includes QR codes with product instructions to eliminate extra instruction booklets, and the amount of printing on the box is reduced to cut ink use by 65%.
Use and use again
Berry Global introduced a line of “upmarket reusable plastic cups” for foodservice applications. The company said in a news release that the reusables come in response to increasing demand for alternatives to single-use packaging.
Berry said the cups are durable, dishwasher safe, have a “premium quality feel” and work for both hot and cold fluids. It also said the lightweight polypropylene cups can be recycled at end of life. The cups can incorporate an RFID chip or QR code for consumer engagement.
“The unique rib structure makes the cups visually appealing and adds a touch of elegance. On top of that, customers can create their own unique look for their brands by playing with the In-Mould Labelling (IML) space and having logos and messages printed on the cup,” said Emma Gundersen, product designer at Berry Superfos, in a statement.
