Which packaging terms were the most mentioned on Twitter in Q2 2021?

The addition of Xeikon’s smart label technology to Nordic Label’s product portfolio, along with Cartes’ launch of Jet D-Screen for the digital embellishment of labels proved popular topics in Q2.

Nordic Label, a label manufacturer based in Finland, added digital printing solutions provider Xeikon’s smart label technology with ‘track & trace’ features to its product portfolio, according to an article shared by The Premier Label Industry Association. The smart label technology enables brands to track their products by enabling unique information to be integrated into the label along with a high security printed code. It can also help in fighting counterfeiting issues with its smart security label technologies such as quick response (QR), radio frequency identification (RFID) and near field communication (NFC).

Elsewhere, Weber Packaging, a manufacturer and supplier of labels and labelling systems, shared an article about label machine manufacturer Cartes’ launch of its digital finishing technology, ‘Jet D-Screen’. Digital embellishment has become an important part of label production for alcoholic beverages and luxury items, to enable brands to engage with customers. The Jet D-Screen moves and prints over the substrate gradually increasing the thickness of the varnish, which can be embellished after the drying process. It can also be used to embellish prints made on other traditional and digital presses.

Enterprise Print Group’s purchase of SEI Laser Labelmaster digital-finishing system and Kumar Labels’ upgrading of its flexo presses to UV LED drove the term ‘printing’ on Twitter in the three months.

An article shared by publisher Mark Spaulding detailed the acquisition by printing solutions provider Enterprise Print Group of Matik’s SEI Laser Labelmaster digital-finishing system. The Labelmaster, which can perform all digital finishing works, can also reduce waste by 70% to 75%, compared to conventional finishing systems.

Magazine Labels & Labeling highlighted an article on label printer Kumar Labels move from conventional ultraviolet (UV) to light-emitting diode (LED)-UV for its flexo presses. The new systems will enable Kumar to save 60% to 70% of its energy usage and reduce emissions while increasing productivity and minimising replacement costs. Kumar also purchased two die cutters, a jumbo slitter and an inspection system to improve its overall productivity and meet sustainability goals.

Packaging’s perennial buzzword appeared most prominently in Q2 when referencing Cullen’s recyclable moulded pulp tray and Neenah Paper’s latest set of environmental achievements.

Cullen, a manufacturer of moulded pulp and corrugated packaging, shared an article on its launch of a compostable moulded pulp tray for fresh produce. The trays are produced using recycled kraft paper and wet pressing technology and offer a range of benefits compared to traditional plastic trays, including longer shelf life as well as less food waste and absorption of produce moisture.

Sustainability was also discussed with reference to some recent results from Neenah Paper. The paper manufacturer has reduced its carbon emissions, along with energy and water usage, by between 8% and 13% per unit of production. For the production of paper, the company utilises fibres sourced from FSC-certified forests along with other sustainable sources.

The broader credentials of the flexible packaging sector caught the attention of some influencers in the three-month period, backed by recent moves from TriconBraun and HB Fuller.

In an article posted by Australian magazine Packaging News, John Shipley, business unit director of KM Packaging, linked the sector to companies’ commitments to reduce both carbon emissions and food waste. Shipley also highlighted flexible packaging’s ability to offer a wider choice of design and materials while encouraging the sector to dispel some of the myths around plastic.

Elsewhere, US-based TricorBraun shared coverage of recently-launched Biotre 3.0, a packaging bag made from plant-based materials that are compostable. The company provides both customisable packaging options from Biotre 3.0, as well as stock products such as zip-lock pouches, flat pouches and side-gusseted flexible bags.

Flexible packaging was also discussed in an article shared by Labels & Labeling on the release of two fully compostable adhesives by HB Fuller. The products were launched under the brand name Flextra Evolution and do not leave any microplastics, toxic residues or pollutants in composting facilities.

Among the Q2 topics in ‘plastics’ were a brace of multiple retailers looking to do good and a cosmetics company’s move to plastic-free.

The Twitter account for industry event Packaging Innovations shared an article on UK-based supermarket chain Sainsbury’s plans to recycle ocean plastic waste for use in the packaging of fresh fish and strawberries. According to the retailer, 34% of its fish and 80% of its strawberries punnets will use ‘Prevented Ocean Plastic’, in a collaboration with Sharpak. The move would remove around 297 tonnes of plastic from the world’s oceans.

Packaging website Dieline, meanwhile, highlighted skincare specialist Common Heir’s recent decision to go completely plastic-free. Common Heir is ditching plastic to move to algae or plant-based packaging for its products, along with paper-based outer packaging. The company has also chosen soy-based inks to improve the recyclability of its packaging and reduce its carbon footprint.

Finally, Asia-targetted retailed Aeon partnered with TerraCycle’s Loop recycling initiative to use reusable packaging for its products, according to an article shared by Sanex Packaging Connections. Aeon will no longer use disposable containers for items including foods, shampoos and detergents. The company introduced 13 products from six manufacturers in disposable containers and plans to introduce more. Consumers can purchase the products then return the used containers to the Loop return boxes in-store.