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Zero Waste Europe reveals economic and environmental biological waste solution for mixed waste. Credit: Shutterstock

A new report by European NGO, Zero Waste Europe, suggests biological treatment of mixed waste can be cost-competitive with incineration. 

Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) conducted an investigation into the cost-effectiveness of treating mixed waste through biological processes compared to traditional incineration methods. 

Mixed waste refers to a combination of different types of waste, including both organic and non-organic materials. Historically, mixed waste has been incinerated as a means of disposal. However, incineration is often costly and can lead to negative environmental impacts. 

In contrast, biological treatment of mixed waste involves the use of microorganisms to break down the organic portion of the waste, resulting in the production of biogas and compost. This method is considered to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly than incineration. 

ZWE’s research shows that by separating the organic portion of the waste before treatment, the cost of biological treatment was comparable to that of incineration. 

Additionally, the study found that the biogas produced during biological treatment could be used to generate electricity, further reducing the overall cost of treatment.

Packaging solutions specialists for dangerous goods, Labelmaster announce a new training programme to increase confidence and skills around hazardous materials. 

US-based dangerous goods and hazardous materials shipping solutions company Labelmaster has released a new interactive, 3D online general awareness course. The course is intended to improve awareness around hazardous labelling in handling and shipping. 

Labelmaster, a provider of labels, packaging and technology for the safe and compliant transport of dangerous goods (DG) and hazardous materials says that the Hazmat General Awareness Training course is designed to provide more interactive, real-life training for users.  

The company added that the course is fully compliant with the US Department of Transportation’s regulations for general awareness training. 

Labelmaster director of global learning Rhonda Jessop said:“Shipping DG is highly regulated and can be extremely complex, which is why quality training is critical to properly prepare employees involved in their shipping and handling. at. 

“These new immersive, virtual experiences help strengthen employees’ understanding of the course material by allowing them to practice key DG skills within in a creative, fun and engaging manner while reinforcing the curriculum objectives.” 

Global food and drinks company Pepsico advance its sustainability efforts with the launch of its Partners for Tomorrow platform. 

Multinational food, snack and beverage company Pepsico has announced the news of pep+ (Pepsico positive) Partners for Tomorrow, a new platform to help its customers get closer to their sustainability targets. 

Pepsico’s Partners for Tomorrow programme will house Pepsico’s comprehensive customer sustainability offerings on a single platform allowing for easy collaboration with the company’s partners. Pepsico says the initial launch will focus on US customers with existing plans to expand the programme to key global markets by 2024. 

The company states that it will work closely with its partners to implement the initiatives and that the programmes are in line with pep+, and are designed to drive long-term sustainable business performance. 

Senior vice-president and chief sustainability officer for PepsiCo Beverages North America, Todd Squarek, said: “PepsiCo has a long history of working together with our partners to advance shared sustainability goals. The Partners for Tomorrow platform aims to scale those solutions to foster the most effective partnerships and long-standing impact. 

“With this platform, we are leveraging the shared scale of PepsiCo’s and our customers’ businesses to maximise impact, drive progress toward our pep+ goals, and benefit both our businesses, the planet and the communities we serve.” 

Scrap metals recycling business MetalX and private equity company Manna Capital have struck a deal to build a facility for rolling slab aluminium. 

The companies are investing $200m into the facility with the aim of supporting the aluminium industry’s sustainability goals. 

The products will reportedly focus on the beverage and packaging industries, as well as auto, industrial and speciality markets. 

The companies are investing $200m (£160m) into the facility with the broader aim of developing a $300m (£240m) recycling campus to support the aluminium industry’s sustainability and circularity goals. 

The facility will be designed to produce 220 million pounds per year of ultra-low carbon aluminium rolling slab. The material is intended to have a higher percentage of recycled content than is currently available. 

In addition, the aluminium will be manufactured by MetalX’s processing operation alongside a logistics centre from full-service transportation company Page Trucking. 

Sea Vision Group to unveil AI cosmetics, pharma packaging solutions at Interpack 2023 

At this year’s Interpack trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany (4-10 May), Sea Vision Group, which provides advanced inspection systems for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, will present its AI-driven collection solutions designed for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. 

The solutions use AI to improve the quality and efficiency of packaging lines for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The technology can help manufacturers detect defects with greater accuracy and speed. It can also analyse data to identify patterns, which can be used to optimise the production process. 

Unhindered by challenges such as high costs and regulations, the global smart packaging market is poised for huge growth in the next decade. 

Market intelligence firm IDTechEx has predicted the global smart packaging market will reach $2.6bn by 2033, driven by the need for improved safety and traceability across various industries. 

The report reveals the demand for smart packaging solutions is being driven by the need for improved safety and traceability in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. 

Smart packaging refers to the integration of sensors and other electronic components into traditional packaging materials to provide enhanced functionalities such as tracking and monitoring of products, real-time temperature and humidity control, and tamper-proof packaging. 

The new study suggests that smart packaging can significantly improve the safety and shelf life of products, reduce waste and improve sustainability. 

It highlights the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the largest market for smart packaging due to its growing population, urbanisation, and increasing demand for packaged food and beverages. 

The researchers found the use of smart packaging in the pharmaceutical industry is also expected to increase due to the growing demand for temperature-sensitive drugs and the need for improved patient compliance. 

Despite the promising growth prospects, the report points out that the high cost of smart packaging solutions and the lack of regulatory standards and guidelines could hamper market growth. However, the study suggests that the development of new materials and technologies could help overcome these challenges.