15 Sustainable Packaging Innovations to Watch

摘要

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. That's according to Paul Jenkins, Managing Director of ThePackHub, who hosted a recent webinar that covered 15 new sustainable packaging developments. They include, 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 the totes interlock, ensuring safety and convenience when transporting. Additionally, the container 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. 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 systems. 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 make a donation to vetted programs that collect and recycle the same amount of plastic waste from the environment. 4.In Singapore, startup reuuse is offering hand soap 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 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 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. 7. In an effort to reduce single-use packaging for its meal kits, Vancouver-based company Fresh Prep has introduced a reusable meal kit container with an insulated, reusable bag called the Fresh Prep Zero Waste Kit. The bag holds a reusable, BPA-free, dishwasher-safe plastic-and-sil-icone container that holds the meal kit ingredients in a organized way. 8. In South Korea, Hansol Paper in cooperation with Lotte Confectionery has developed paper packaging made from the byproduct of cacao beans, which are discarded after being used as chocolate ingredients. As Jenkins explained, the bean waste is processed into powder and mixed with recycled pulp material to make paperboard. The development was seven months in the making. According to Hansol, it intends to introduce more products with a greater content of bean byproduct in the future. 9.Brazilian dairy company Vigor had made the switch from plastic to paper for its Simples yogurt line. The new material is made from natural resources and is biodegradable. It also has a higher level of recyclability in the market than the plastic it replaces. Vigor estimates the new packaging will eliminate 15 tons of plastic per year. 10.General Mills has introduced a plastic film wrapper for its Nature Valley cru