Industry news
11 January | Paper packaging
Multinational food and beverage company Nestlé is trialling paper packaging for its KitKat chocolate bar in Australia in partnership with supermarket chain Coles. The limited-period trial will see more than a quarter of a million KitKat bars being sold in the new paper packaging. The new wrapper is exclusively available at select Coles stores across Western and South Australia and the Northern Territory. The packaging features a thin metal barrier film to keep the bar fresh and has a recyclable Australasian Recycling Label (ARL).
4 January | Recycling initiative
Nexus raises US$150m to expand its advanced recycling process
US-based recycling technology firm Nexus has agreed to terms for a $150m equity raise. The financing will be led by Cox Enterprises, a private broadband company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Nexus will use the proceeds from the funding to expedite the expansion of its recycling process. The company plans to build more facilities to address growing demand for recycled plastic products. These facilities will have a total annual processing capacity of more than 250 million pounds of used plastic.
10 January | Plastic packaging
Single-use plastic plates and cutlery to be banned in England
The UK Government has confirmed its decision to ban single-use plastic cutlery, plates and polystyrene trays in England. The ban comes after a long consultation and the BBC quoted Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey as saying: “I am determined to drive forward action to tackle this issue head-on.” She continued: “We’ve already taken major steps in recent years – but we know there is more to do, and we have again listened to the public’s calls. This new ban will have a huge impact to stop the pollution of billions of pieces of plastics and help to protect the natural environment for future generations.”
16 December | Flexible packaging
Amcor opens flexible packaging plant in Huizhou, China
Multinational packaging provider Amcor has opened an advanced manufacturing plant in Huizhou, China. The firm invested nearly US$100m to develop the 590,000ft² facility, which is claimed to be the largest flexible packaging plant by production capacity in China. The plant features the country’s first automated packaging production line, as well as high-speed printing presses, laminators and bag-making machines.
In brief
Canada to ban certain harmful single-use plastics
The Government of Canada has advanced its commitment to ban harmful single-use plastics in the country. It will ban the manufacture and import for sale of single-use plastic including checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from, or containing hard to recycle plastic, stir sticks and straws. This will be followed by the ban on sale on these items, which will be effective starting from December 2023.
Horus Pharma and Plastic Bank launch plastic recycling initiative
French pharmaceutical firm Horus Pharma has partnered with Canadian non-profit organisation Plastic Bank on a plastic recycling initiative. The scheme aims to recycle nearly 100tpa of plastic and is in line with Horus Pharma’s environmental programme, Eco’ Ophtalmo. Launched in September 2022, Eco’ Ophtalmo focuses on developing recyclable packaging and achieving ‘Plastic Net Zero’.
ProAmpac’s facility in Elsham receives AA+ rating from BRCGS
US-based flexible packaging company ProAmpac’s facility in Elsham, UK, has been given the highest accreditation by the Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard (BRCGS). The site secured an AA+ rating in what was claimed to be an unannounced audit. The accreditation shows the facility’s compliance in the areas of hazard and risk management, hygiene, product quality and safety.
Waitrose to use aluminium cans instead of mini glass wine bottles
British retailer Waitrose is to replace most of its small glass wine bottles with aluminium cans in the UK. The Guardian reported that the move is part of the retailer’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its takeaway drinks. Waitrose’s 187ml glass wine bottles will switch to aluminium cans by next week, with the cans to be available in sizes of 187ml, 200ml and 250ml.
GE Technology to use Honeywell recycling technology in South Korea
South Korea-based waste management company GE Technology is to deploy Honeywell’s UpCycle Process Technology at its advanced plastic recycling facility in South Korea. Scheduled to begin production in 2025, the plant will convert mixed waste plastics into Honeywell Recycled Polymer Feedstock (RPF). The resulting RPF will be used to manufacture new plastics and contribute towards a circular economy for plastics.
SIG sources ASI-certified aluminium for aseptic carton packs
SIG‘s new responsible purchasing aluminium initiative, which launched in January 2023 is described as an industry-first and enables customers to include the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI)-certified labels on its packs. SIG’s goal is to ensure the aluminium is manufactured and obtained sustainably.
Brook + Whittle agrees to purchase labelling firm LLT Labels
US-based premium packaging and labelling firm Brook + Whittle has entered an agreement to acquire Laser and Label Technology (LLT Labels). Based in Stow, Ohio, LLT Labels are said to provide high performing and cost-effective labelling solutions for businesses of all sizes. The company’s team offers products such as custom direct thermal labels, thermal transfer labels, thermal transfer ribbons, industrial labels and other custom labels.
In brief
Canada to ban certain harmful single-use plastics
The Government of Canada has advanced its commitment to ban harmful single-use plastics in the country. It will ban the manufacture and import for sale of single-use plastic including checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from, or containing hard to recycle plastic, stir sticks and straws. This will be followed by the ban on sale on these items, which will be effective starting from December 2023.
Horus Pharma and Plastic Bank launch plastic recycling initiative
French pharmaceutical firm Horus Pharma has partnered with Canadian non-profit organisation Plastic Bank on a plastic recycling initiative. The scheme aims to recycle nearly 100tpa of plastic and is in line with Horus Pharma’s environmental programme, Eco’ Ophtalmo. Launched in September 2022, Eco’ Ophtalmo focuses on developing recyclable packaging and achieving ‘Plastic Net Zero’.
ProAmpac’s facility in Elsham receives AA+ rating from BRCGS
US-based flexible packaging company ProAmpac’s facility in Elsham, UK, has been given the highest accreditation by the Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard (BRCGS). The site secured an AA+ rating in what was claimed to be an unannounced audit. The accreditation shows the facility’s compliance in the areas of hazard and risk management, hygiene, product quality and safety.
Waitrose to use aluminium cans instead of mini glass wine bottles
British retailer Waitrose is to replace most of its small glass wine bottles with aluminium cans in the UK. The Guardian reported that the move is part of the retailer’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its takeaway drinks. Waitrose’s 187ml glass wine bottles will switch to aluminium cans by next week, with the cans to be available in sizes of 187ml, 200ml and 250ml.
GE Technology to use Honeywell recycling technology in South Korea
South Korea-based waste management company GE Technology is to deploy Honeywell’s UpCycle Process Technology at its advanced plastic recycling facility in South Korea. Scheduled to begin production in 2025, the plant will convert mixed waste plastics into Honeywell Recycled Polymer Feedstock (RPF). The resulting RPF will be used to manufacture new plastics and contribute towards a circular economy for plastics.
SIG sources ASI-certified aluminium for aseptic carton packs
SIG‘s new responsible purchasing aluminium initiative, which launched in January 2023 is described as an industry-first and enables customers to include the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI)-certified labels on its packs. SIG’s goal is to ensure the aluminium is manufactured and obtained sustainably.
Brook + Whittle agrees to purchase labelling firm LLT Labels
US-based premium packaging and labelling firm Brook + Whittle has entered an agreement to acquire Laser and Label Technology (LLT Labels). Based in Stow, Ohio, LLT Labels are said to provide high performing and cost-effective labelling solutions for businesses of all sizes. The company’s team offers products such as custom direct thermal labels, thermal transfer labels, thermal transfer ribbons, industrial labels and other custom labels.
