These initiatives highlight the ongoing efforts to innovate within packaging and recycling, helping industries to reduce their environmental impact and move closer to a sustainable, circular economy.
Learn more about ThePackHub's Innovation Zone here.
Emirates' closed-loop recycling for onboard serviceware
Emirates, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has expanded its closed-loop recycling program for onboard meal service items, reporting that more than 88,000 kilograms (194,000 pounds) of plastic from economy class serviceware has been recovered and reprocessed since the initiative launched in June 2023. The program focuses on collecting damaged plastic trays, casseroles, snack dishes and bowls used during flights. After collection, these materials are transported to a specialized recycling facility in Dubai, where they are cleaned, sorted and processed into raw material that can be used to manufacture new onboard serviceware. The resulting products contain up to 25% recycled plastic content, allowing the airline to reintegrate recovered materials into its operational supply chain. Beyond meal serviceware, the airline has incorporated recycled materials into several onboard packaging and ancillary items. Children’s bags and plush toys now contain at least 50% recycled content, while headset packaging has transitioned to 100% recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In addition, first and business class amenity kits include fabrics and accessories containing recycled materials. The program also includes packaging reduction measures, such as replacing plastic wrapping for first class bedding with reusable recycled-polyester bags, eliminating plastic packaging from children’s bags and blankets, replacing plastic straws with certified paper alternatives, and converting duty-free carrier bags from plastic to paper. These measures demonstrate a combination of material recovery, recycled-content integration and packaging reduction within the airline’s onboard operations.
The closure incorporates 30% PCR metal.ThePackHub
Maison Piver launches heritage-inspired metal closure with recycled content
Maison Piver, a perfume house based in Paris, France, has introduced a new packaging design for its fragrance range that combines heritage-inspired aesthetics with updated material choices. The packaging includes a custom metal closure developed by Segede Industrie, a luxury packaging manufacturer based in France. The closure was redesigned in metal using Segede Industrie’s in-house mold-making capabilities. The component takes inspiration from the silhouette of historical Maison Piver bottles and incorporates an engraved brand logo to reinforce the visual identity of the range. The new collection covers eaux de parfum, colognes, miniature formats and candles, all featuring illustrated bottles paired with the newly developed closure. To achieve a premium metallic appearance, the closure is finished with a gold cataphoretic varnish. This coating process was selected as an alternative to conventional galvanization methods and is intended to provide a consistent decorative finish while reducing dependence on fluctuations in gold prices. From a materials perspective, the closure incorporates 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) metal, aligning with Segede Industrie’s approach to increasing recycled content within luxury packaging applications. The development demonstrates how premium fragrance packaging can integrate recycled materials without significantly altering the visual and tactile characteristics typically associated with luxury products.
The certification confirms that the PET recyclate produced through Returpack’s operations can be traced throughout the recycling chain and meets the standards required for food and beverage packaging. ThePackHub
Returpack achieves certification for PET sorting for food-grade recycling
Returpack/Pantamera, based in Norrköping, Sweden, has become the first deposit return system in Europe to achieve RecyClass certification for its PET bottle sorting process. The certification verifies that the recycled PET material generated through the system complies with the requirements of EU Regulation 2022/1616, which governs the collection, pre-treatment and traceability of recycled plastics intended for use in food-contact applications. Following an audit conducted by QHSEcert , the certification confirms that the PET recyclate produced through Returpack’s operations can be traced throughout the recycling chain and meets the standards required for food and beverage packaging. A key aspect of the system is the identification of returned containers at barcode level, enabling detailed tracking from collection through sorting and onward to recycling partners. This approach supports the creation of relatively clean mono-material streams, reducing contamination risks and improving material quality for closed-loop recycling applications. The certification demonstrates that Returpack has established documented controls across the entire material flow, including collection, sorting and delivery to recyclers, providing evidence of compliance with quality and safety requirements. The development is particularly relevant as regulatory requirements around recycled content and traceability continue to increase across Europe.
Learn more about ThePackHub's Innovation Zone here.
