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 on Packaging Dive’s radar.
KitKat wrappers jump to 90% recycled plastic
Nestlé announced certain KitKat bars in Australia will be wrapped in soft plastic made with 90% recycled plastic – what it’s describing as a first for food brands in Australia. That 90% threshold is calculated using the ISCC mass balance approach, a way to track circular or bio-based material. The wrappers are recyclable “where collection is available.”
“While recycled plastic suitable for soft plastic food wrappers continues to be scarce, we will keep working closely with our suppliers to transition as quickly as possible,” Nestlé General Manager Confectionery Andrew Lawrey said in a statement. Nestlé backed a chemical recycling plant that opened this year in Mexico.
Last year, Nestlé announced some KitKat products wrapped with 30% recycled plastic, also calculated via the mass balance approach. Additionally, at the start of this year it was announced KitKat would pilot recyclable paper wrappers.
Eastman recycled resin used for recyclable, refillable monomaterial beauty compact
Eastman and cosmetic packaging solutions company ICONS|ICS teamed up to launch a monomaterial cosmetic compact. It’s made from an Eastman resin dubbed Cristal One Renew, which the companies say is made entirely from recycled content, as defined through a mass balance approach.
“The elimination of traditional metal hinges and pins greatly improves the recyclability of the compact while its refillable design allows consumers to easily replenish their cosmetic products,” according to the announcement.
Cleancult adds refillable aluminum bottles to recyclable paper-based cartons lineup
Cleancult, a soap and household cleaner company that launched in 2019, is taking refillable aluminum bottles mainstream in rolling out dish soaps, all-purpose cleaners and hand soaps in refillable aluminum bottles at Walmart and Albertsons stores.
“These will be the first-ever filled and ready-to-use aluminum bottles in the dish soap and all-purpose cleaner categories in mass market retail,” the company announced this week. “The refillable aluminum line pairs with Cleancult's game-changing 100% recyclable paper-based refill cartons to remove 90% of plastic waste from cleaning rituals.”
The partnership with Albertsons is new, whereas Cleancult was previously working with Walmart. The company said the latest rollout takes the brand to 70,000 points of distribution.
Compost avocado netting in your backyard
Oppy, Avoworks and Eco Farms – all companies that grow, produce, source or pack avocados – are launching a backyard-compostable avocado pack, set to be available by the end of this year.
“Different from other compostable options which can only be broken down effectively within industrial facilities that require intensive energy processes, this pack is certified for backyard compost,” the companies said in a press release. “Both its netting and label are made with cellulose sourced from beechwood that can decompose in as little as 12 weeks.”
Other avocado companies have also tried more sustainable packaging. Villita Avocados this year announced a plastic-free bag made from paper film and netting compost of cellulose-fiber yarn from eucalyptus wood. The company said the bags are compostable in home or industrial settings.
