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15 Sustainable Packaging Innovations to Watch

New sustainable packages, including those made from oat hulls and cocoa bean byproduct, refillable and reusable packaging for cosmetics, hand sanitizer, and deodorant, and other innovations, are the focus of webinar from ThePackHub.

P&G’s Gillette male grooming brand has switched from plastic to new recyclable paper packaging across its core razor range.
P&G’s Gillette male grooming brand has switched from plastic to new recyclable paper packaging across its core razor range.

Sustainable packaging innovations just keep coming, with new technologies and introductions that follow a number of global trends. These include renewable or bio-based packaging that is compostable or biodegradable; packaging that is moving from one material to another—in particular, the trend away from plastic; packaging made from recycled materials, or packaging that is recyclable; and refillable and reusable packaging.

The new Greentote reusable, moisture-resistant, modular 100% recyclable container made from renewable resources is designed to replace plastic supermarket bags.The new Greentote reusable, moisture-resistant, modular 100% recyclable container made from renewable resources is designed to replace plastic supermarket bags.That’s according to Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub, who hosted a March webinar that covered 15 new sustainable packaging developments. The event also included a presentation from Dr. John Williams, of Aquapak Polymers, who provided an overview of the company’s Hydropol™ product.

The 15 new sustainable packaging developments showcased by Jenkens included, in no special order:

1.    The new Greentote reusable, moisture-resistant, modular 100% recyclable container made from renewable resources is designed to replace plastic supermarket bags. Made of cardboard and available in two sizes, Greentote from DS Smith can hold more than three times the number of groceries than plastic bags and can interlock with each other, ensuring safety and convenience when transporting. Additionally, Greentote is coated with DS Smith’s proprietary Greencoat, which revolutionized the wax-coated shipping industry for poultry, produce, and seafood with its sustainable, moisture-resistant capabilities and durability in demanding supply chains.


Read article   Learn about the Brrr Box Cooler, made from DS Smith’s recyclable material

2.     In India, the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has created bioplastic from marine seaweed. Said Jenkins, “Seaweed is obviously in plentiful supply, it’s inexpensive, and it grows rapidly, requiring only 45 days with sunlight only.” The polymers are similar to plant-based plastics currently used in food applications and they can biodegrade naturally without producing toxic waste. They also can be disposed of through ordinary food waste and packaging collection. The bioplastic is in the concept stage only.

3.     Portland, Ore.-based homecare brand Aunt Fannie’s has taken a different tack to sustainable packaging. Rather than introducing measures to reduce, reuse, or recycle their packaging, they are certifying their product range as plastic neutral through rePurpose Global. For every package the company sells, it will donate toward vetted programs that collect and recycle the same amount of plastic waste from the environment.

In Singapore, startup reuuse is offering hand-soap tablets in flow-wrap packages that offer a low-cost sustainable solution for consumers.In Singapore, startup reuuse is offering hand-soap tablets in flow-wrap packages that offer a low-cost sustainable solution for consumers.4.     In Singapore, startup reuuse is offering handsoap tablets in flow-wrap packages that offer a low-cost sustainable solution for consumers. The product was inspired by the frustration experienced with conventional liquid hand soaps and the environmental impact that goes with them. Noted Jenkins, hand soaps comprise 80% to 90% water, which is eliminated by the water-activated tablets. The smaller format also reduces space and weight in freight and storage. The product is sold in an assortment of three tablets with a reusable bottle.

5.     Aalto University located in Espoo, Finland, is working on a wood-based foam material that could replace bubble wrap for a variety of packaging applications. Developers are creating a solution made from a mixture of wood fiber, nanoclay, and lignen that has functional attributes such as strength, flexibility, heat-resistance, and impact resistance. Reported Jenkins, the foam is edible, fully bio-based, and biodegradable in natural conditions.

6.     The Sanikind Mini initiative refillable sanitizer sprayer is made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. It’s available in a range of colors and comes with a clip to attach to the consumer’s purse, belt, bag, or even keys. Refills are offered in a recyclable aluminum container. Buying refills in bulk has the potential to save the consumer money versus purchasing disposable plastic bottles of sanitizer. But the price tag is steep at $18, which is about six- to eight-times the price of a comparable small, disposable bottle of hand sanitizer.

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Check out new technology from 2,500+ packaging & processing suppliers
PACK EXPO International is where you can discuss real-world problems with experts and land on innovative ideas. Discover every new packaging and processing trend, see machinery in action and learn sustainable solutions from experts.
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Check out new technology from 2,500+ packaging & processing suppliers