February 2024

RECOUP’s work encompasses a wide range of topics related to plastics recycling and resource efficiency; subjects also a priority at Zotefoams. Throughout its history, Zotefoams has been at the forefront of developments in sustainable materials that save energy by insulating or save fuel costs by reducing weight. Zotefoams strategically prioritises key markets where there is the greatest opportunity to improve circularity or reduce reliance on fossil fuel-derived raw materials and innovates within this space.

Understanding the risks posed by nonintentionally added substances (NIAS) in recycled polyolefin materials used as food contact materials (FCMs) in packaging is necessary to safeguard public and environmental health, according to a recently published study.

Researchers at Iowa State University recently highlighted the necessity of monitoring NIAS contaminants and aligning them with regulations to limit the use of potentially harmful additives in plastics.

Fiber-based consumer packaging leader Graphic Packaging International (Graphic Packaging) has announced the launch of an innovation in coated recycled paperboard (CRB): PaceSetter Rainier™, named after Mount Rainier, known for its pristine white snow-capped summit. The new paperboard offers many of the characteristics of solid bleached sulfate (SBS) in combination with recycled content. With brightness and whiteness that exceeds that of traditional CRB, it can compete directly with SBS and folding box board (FBB).

“We are excited to launch the Moisture Protect MP-1000 platforms, the newest addition to the ProActive Intelligence product line. This innovative product has a high moisture-adsorbing capacity and is set to revolutionize moisture protection in flexible packaging. Our extensive material science work and exclusive collaboration with Aptar CSP Technologies has enabled us to bring the latest active packaging products to the market,” says Hesam Tabatabaei, senior vice president of global product development and innovation for ProAmpac.

Avery Dennison, a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions, recently conducted a semi-industrial trial to assess label releasability and the quality of recycled packaging flakes during the rigid HDPE recycling process, in cooperation with The National Test center Circular Plastics (NTCP). The scientific results demonstrate that Avery Dennison’s standard adhesion filmic label solutions for FMCG applications are fully released from the HDPE packaging during the recycling process even under cold wash conditions.

Tony’s Chocolonely has been “forced” to change the colour of its packaging in Germany after legal action from Mondelez International.

The dispute centred on what Mondelez calls its “distinctive Milka lilac colour”, which is associated with the US giant’s Milka chocolate brand.

Tetra Pak® Custom Printing stands out as an exclusive, high-quality inkjet-based printing technique that eliminates the necessity for plates. This method empowers increased design flexibility, allowing numerous distinct designs to be printed on a single reel of packaging material. Cost-effective production of smaller order sizes is now achievable, providing enhanced creative freedom for both your package designs and business strategies.

It's almost trick-or-treating season and McDonald's has delicious news for everyone. McDonald's Halloween-themed Happy Meals are returning for the spooky season in four different styles this year. The iconic festive pails will be available in limited supply at McDonald's stores from October 17. Instead of regular paper packaging, these Happy Meal variants will be plastic buckets. There will be four colour options to choose from - orange, white, green, and purple, which is the latest addition to the series. Moreover, the four characters will be - monster, skeleton, mummy, and vampire.