FEFCO “unboxes” the future of sustainable Corrugated Cardboard

On 6th July 2020, FEFCO co-hosted a virtual panel with Politico “Unwrapping the future of sustainable packaging?” was the theme of the debate which attracted an outstanding number of 2700 unique viewers, demonstrating that the sustainability of packaging is an issue of great interest. Among the event’s panellists were Johanna Drake, Deputy Director General, DG Environment, European Commission; Dr Christoph Epping, Head of Directorate, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Germany; Outi Marin, Head of Sustainability reporting, Smurfit Kappa Group representing industry, and Piotr Barczak, Senior Policy Officer for Waste, European Environmental Bureau. The discussion was moderated by Eline Schaart, a sustainability reporter at Politico. The virtual panel touched upon many topics such as the EU Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan and its objectives to prevent waste. Johanna Drake made the point that “we need to continue being smarter in terms of packaging innovation to make it more recyclable and more reusable.” Exchanges of views then continued, covering other topics related to the design of packaging, the role of EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), how consumers are involved, the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and the tax on plastics. Speakers also debated how businesses could be incentivised. One proposed option was to encourage producers to consider the end of life of a product from the design phase which could accelerate the transition to a greener economy. During the coronavirus pandemic, packaging has been recognised for its essential role, and the consumers receiving orders at home have become more aware of the vital function packaging plays. At the event, panellists believed that it was the right moment to work together to find innovative and fit-for-purpose solutions that can respond to the increasing need for sustainability. Outi Marin, the panellist from the industry, stressed that “packaging has multiple functions: to protect packaged goods from damage and theft and to support logistics and fraud. Packaging also has a significant role in the way we communicate with the consumer regarding content but also by creating interaction. In the end, the most sustainable packaging is the one that gets the product sold.” During the event, the audience responded to several polls which showed that what is needed to make packaging more sustainable is to reduce the complexity of materials and products. This is something corrugated is really good at! Have a look at the results of one poll: In his closing remarks, Fady Gemayel, FEFCO President, thanked the speakers and organisers and wrapped up the debate by reminding the audience of the unique sustainable benefits of Corrugated packaging. One of the important points he made was that “Corrugated Cardboard is an example for sustainable circular packaging as it is made on average from 89% recycled paper. Corrugated is also an active player of the bioeconomy.” He added that “Corrugated already has established structures in place for efficient recycling that allows for the highest recycling rates of all materials. We are best in class!" Finally, he welcomed the fact that “EU institutions have recognised the need for a sustainable economy, and we are happy that we can support this process by producing a real sustainable product.” For the full digital event and the chance to make up your own mind about what a sustainable packaging is, you can watch the recording of this engaging discussion on the event page: https://www.politico.eu/event/future-of-packaging/. And have a look at the online discussion by using the event hashtag #FutureOfPackaging

New Proseal Innovation Provides Revolutionary Tray- Positioning Solution

Tray sealing specialist Proseal has launched a revolutionary tray positioning system - the first of its kind - that calculates the required tray-spacing set-up parameters for individual tray sealing tool-sets, eliminating the trial and error usually associated with this process. The new patent-pending ProPosition™ feature automatically identifies the best position for trays, to ensure the perfect alignment every time. Its advanced technology provides food manufacturers and processors with a simple one-step tool-set-up, and removes the time consuming and potentially wasteful process of running test trays through the tray sealer to ascertain the best position. Instead operators are guided through the set-up via easy to follow animated instructions on the machine’s touch screen. The system then permanently saves the relevant parameters for each tool, which greatly speeds up product changeovers and avoids operator errors during set-up. ProPosition is fitted as standard to all new Proseal GT platform machines. Additionally, as part of Proseal’s ongoing strategy of futureproofing its equipment, the software can be retrofitted to any pre-existing machines which have the suffix GTe and GTs. “The new ProPosition system showcases our incredible engineering innovation and underlines Proseal’s commitment to being at the forefront of product development and innovation,” comments Paul Watkin, Proseal Systems Development Manager. “This pioneering technology helps to minimise downtime, reduce errors and minimise waste to deliver valuable cost savings that will deliver a fast return on investment.” Founded in 1998, Proseal designs and manufactures high quality tray sealing machines, conveyor systems and sealing tools for food industry markets worldwide. Proseal is part of the JBT family, and together they remain committed to continually supporting customers’ needs.

Complete Packing Solution For Dried Fruit Snacks

A complete packing line solution from Ishida Europe has enabled an entrepreneurial French company to automate and bring in-house the packing of its dehydrated fruit and vegetable snacks, with the ability to increase throughput six-fold. Il Était Un Fruit, based in Montpellier, was founded in 2014 by Laure Vidal, who wanted to ensure her children were able to eat the required five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. She devised a means of drying seasonal fruits from the region, such as apples, pears, strawberries and apricots. In 2016, the company raised €1.2m to support its commercial development, including investment in equipment to industrialise the process. Further investment is planned for 2020. In addition, in 2019 the product offering was diversified with the introduction of dried sliced vegetables, including a special Apéritif range. Il Était Un Fruit’s products are sold in a variety of bag sizes for the retail sector – 10, 15, 30, 50 and 80g – as well as 1 and 2kg bags for specialist retail companies. With the many different fruit and vegetable varieties, this equates to around 40 different product lines, requiring a fast and flexible weighing and bagging solution. Initially the company contracted out its packing operation but when the decision was made to take it in-house, Ishida was selected for its ability to provide a complete solution for which it had total responsibility, as well as the company’s reputation for accurate weighing and reliable after-sales service. The Ishida designed line comprises a 14 head CCW-RV multihead weigher mounted directly over an Astro 103S vertical bagmaker, which provides a compact and space-efficient combination, together with a DACS-GN-SE-012 checkweigher with integrated CEIA metal detector. The RV-214 weigher incorporates a special C4 coating which prevents product sticking to the contact parts. This ensures a consistent flow of the dried fruit and vegetables throughout the weigher. Thirteen of the weighing heads are dedicated to the main ingredient, such as apple, while a small quantity of a second, high value item, for example fig, is manually fed into the fourteenth head and weighed. Once this individual ingredient has been weighed, the weigher combines it with the main product, delivering accuracy to within 0.02g of the target weight. The intermittent motion Astro bagmaker features servo motors and software controlled variable seal time, jaw temperature and pressure to ensure a high level of precision. Stripping plates clear the seal area before sealing which ensures good pack quality and servo driven and vacuum assisted pull down belts enable accurate and consistent bag lengths to maximise film use and optimise pack presentation. Nitrogen gas flushing is used to support the preservation and freshness of products that are naturally susceptible to air (oxygen) degrading the product, giving an ambient shelf life of around six to ten months depending on the product. The weigher and bagmaker combination is currently running at 30 bags per minute on a 30g pack, well within its top speed of 70 packs per minute. The DACS checkweigher and integrated metal detector provides a final quality and weight check. Rejected packs are directed into two separate containers, depending on whether they are non-compliant in terms of weight or contain foreign bodies. The checkweigher features an intuitive and robust display with an easy to learn menu structure that ensures quick and easy set up and is fully compliant with the European directive on measuring instruments. The checkweigher’s open frame design ensures easy cleaning and maintenance, including a complete washdown of the line every week. “We are pleased with our investment,” comments Nicolas Rey, industrial director at Il Était Un Fruit. “The various machines have all lived up to their expectation, while Ishida’s after-sales service is quick to react if there is a problem. We are currently producing one million bags a year but are confident we can continue to grow because the line can cope with up to six million bags a year.” Il Était Un Fruit Il Était Un Fruit has developed a special technique for the drying of fruit and vegetables with no added sugar, additives or preservatives. The fruit is sourced from eco-responsible orchards and organic fruit and vegetables are Ecocert certified. 95% of the fruit and vegetables are supplied by local growers in the Occitanie region. The products are washed in water, disinfected, peeled, diced and then dried using a patented drying method developed in partnership with the CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development). The new Apéritif range has been developed in association with leading French chef Gérard Cabiron, recipient of the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

ProPak China 2020 – A Powerful Business Enabler for Processing and Packaging Maret in Asia

SHANGHAI, April 2020 As the premier processing and packaging event for China, ProPak China 2020, the 26th International Processing & Packaging Exhibition will take place at the National Exhibition Convention Center Shanghai (NECC) from 25 to 27 November 2020. It offers solutions on food processing, packaging, labelling, weighing, printing, logistics, automation, containers and materials to food, beverage, dairy, confectionery, bakery, condiment, FMCG, pharmaceutical, personal care, cosmetic, home appliance and 3C, e-commerce, courier and other industries. Various highlighted events held concurrently Alongside with trade fairs covering the entire industry value chain including FoodPack China, Health Ingredients China, Food Ingredients Asia-China, Healthplex and Natural & Nutraceutical Products China, and Starch Expo, ProPak China 2020 will build an ideal platform for industry professionals to connect with their target markets, showcase their brands to decision makers and network with the industry buyers that matter most. The joint exhibition is estimated to attract more than 2,000 leading exhibitors and 100,000 trade buyers from across the globe and cover a record-breaking floor space of 200,000 sqm. And this event will also provide participants with opportunities to observe machinery in action and at full scale, explore multiple approaches to solving production and packaging challenges, discover packaging ideas from other industries and grow their network by connecting with insiders who are active in the processing and packaging industries In addition, on-site demonstrations from reputable enterprises together with a valued-added visit offered by various forums and technical seminars make it the must attend event of this year. Renowned experts will speak about the latest topics and challenges facing processing and packaging and its applications during the forum including snack food processing and packaging, smart packaging and automation trend, beverage packaging and more. Tap the flourishing Asia market ProPak China is organised by Sinoexpo Informa Markets (Former UBM Sinoexpo), a joint venture between Shanghai Sinoexpo International Exhibition Ltd and Informa PLC. As the world’s leading exhibitions organizer, Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Its portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands. With the expertise in operating events and exhibitions and global network in a diverse range of industries, ProPak China 2020 will help you unlock opportunities to tap the flourishing Asia market. For more information, please visit www.propakchina.com Contact us: Space Booking Ms. Vicky Leung (Asia & China) Sinoexpo Informa Markets Tel: +86 131 4389 6198 Email: [email protected] Mr. Marek Szandrowski (Worldwide) Informa Markets Tel: +44 (0)20 7560 4321 Email: [email protected] Visitor Enquiry Mr. Spric Tian Sinoexpo Informa Markets Tel: +86-21-3339 2260 Email: [email protected]

Essentra Launches ‘industry First’ Recycled PET Tear Tape

Essentra Tapes has launched the first tear tape for flexible packaging to combine the sustainability of recycled polyester (rPET) alongside the benefits of easy-opening and brand enhancement. Responding to both consumer demand for packaging sustainability and the latest legislative requirements for recycled content, the new SupaStrip® PCR is made from rPET and contains 70 percent post-consumer resin (PCR) in a single ply, 23micron film. Using recycled content supports a circular system where plastic is kept in the economy and out of the natural environment and is in line with the latest roadmap outlined by The UK Plastics Pact. Like all Essentra tear tape solutions, SupaStrip PCR is easy to implement within flexible packaging lines and intuitive to use, providing fast, safe, and immediate access to the contents. In addition, the ability to print the tape allows a diverse range of brand messages and logos to be added for enhanced on-shelf impact and consumer interaction. Ian Beresford, head of marketing and development for Essentra, said: “Research has shown that consumers are positively influenced by solutions using recycled content in plastic. The addition of SupaStrip PCR to our range is another step on our sustainability journey and cements our commitment to providing customers with environmental packaging solutions without compromising on product performance.” SupaStrip PCR is ideally suited for PET based packaging films, making it the perfect partner for bottles and shrink sleeves where the use of one material type creates a simple recycling route for consumers. Equally important, the tape builds on the growing demand consumers have not just for packaging functionality, but also for brand integrity. As well as ensuring ease of opening, using SupaStrip PCR means knives or other sharp implements are removed from the process thereby minimising the risk of product damage and possible personal injury. At the same time, the tamper-evident nature of tear tape gives a clear indication if a product has been opened previously, providing customer confidence in the goods they buy. The innovation team at Essentra Tapes has focused its development work on ensuring that the inclusion of recycled material in SupaStrip PCR still delivers the same easy opening and branding functionality available from the company’s other tapes. “SupaStrip PCR offers all the performance benefits users expect from the SupaStrip range, but with a greener footprint,” concluded Ian. “We are particularly proud to launch this latest tape as it perfectly demonstrates the sustainability advances that we have made at Essentra, delivering both functionality and environmental advantages for brands and consumers alike.” ABOUT ESSENTRA TAPES https://www.essentra.com/en/capabilities/tapes Essentra Tapes is part of Essentra plc and is a global provider of tapes that deliver benefits to consumers, combining easy opening and closing for a wide range of products with creative design & print to deliver brand communication and protection - all promoted under four core themes of Open, Close, Inform and Protect. Significant experience in the field of security technologies also enables us to combine overt and covert security into our tapes to protect brands and products. Supported by a global manufacturing base, in-house design studio, R&D facilities and multi-million-pound print facilities, Essentra Tapes is positioned to deliver the very best in quality, service and reliability to help make customers’ and consumers’ lives easier.

Chemical recycling makes useful product from waste bioplastic

A faster, more efficient way of recycling plant-based “bioplastics” has been developed by a team of scientists at the Universities of Bath and Birmingham. Published on Thursday 21 May 2020 The team has shown how their chemical recycling method not only speeds up the process, it can also be converted into a new product – a biodegradable solvent – which can be sold for use in a wide variety of industries including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Bioplastics, made from polylactic acid (PLA), are becoming increasingly common in products such as disposable cups, packaging materials and even children’s toys. Typically, once they reach the end of their useful life, they are disposed of in landfill or composted, biodegrading over periods of up to several months. In a new study, researchers have shown that a chemical process, using a zinc-based catalyst developed at the University of Bath and methanol, can be used to break down real consumer plastics and produce the green solvent, called methyl lactate. Their results are published in the journal Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. The team tested their method on three separate PLA products– a disposable cup, some 3D printer waste, and a children’s toy. They found the cup was most easily converted to methyl lactate at lower temperatures, but even the bulkier plastic in the children’s toy could be converted using higher temperatures. Professor Matthew Jones from the University of Bath’s Centre for Sustainable & Circular Technologies said: “It is exciting to see our catalysts being used for real materials from a variety of different applications. It is great to see that our catalysts are stable to additives in the polymer.” Lead researcher Professor Joe Wood, at the University of Birmingham, said: “The process we’ve designed has real potential to contribute to ongoing efforts to reduce the amount of plastic going into landfill or being incinerated creating new valuable products from waste. “Our technique breaks down the plastics into their chemical building blocks before ‘rebuilding’ them into a new product, so we can guarantee that the new product is of sufficiently high quality for use in other products and processes.” The chemical process has been tried up to 300 ml, so next steps would include scaling up the reactor further before it can be used in an industrial setting. The research was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Luis A Román-Ramírez, Paul McKeown, Chanak Shah, Joshua Abraham, Matthew D Jones and Joseph Wood (2020) “Chemical Degradation of end-of-life Poly(lactic acid) into Methyl Lactate by a Zn(II) Complex” is published in Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.0c01122 Origin source: University of Bath, https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/chemical-recycling-makes-useful-product-from-waste-bioplastic/

Sustainability Shifts: Three Consumer Trends Brewing

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tuesday, May 19, 2020 – While not mainstream quite yet, three pandemic-era consumer trends are bubbling just beneath the surface and set for significant growth, according to new online ethnography research that monitors millions of conversations in real time. Regardless of the topic, consumers are looking to the food industry to find sustainable solutions using technology. “The dominant motivation driving the consumer here is this notion of overcoming human limitation through technological innovation,” said Ujwal Arkalgud, chief executive officer of MotivBase, a big data ethnography research company, and member of The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) Consumer Trust Insights Council. Pre-pandemic the sustainability conversation was peppered with criticism about large corporations and their profit motives, he said. “That sentiment is now taking a backseat as online conversations revolve around the use of technology for the betterment of the food system, particularly as it relates to the supply chain.” Three emerging trends Shortening the supply chain, which has been crippled as a result of the pandemic, is the most dominant of three emerging trends that help us understand the current consumer psyche, he said. Arkalgud shared his insights as one of three panelists during a recent CFI webcast on shifting sustainability priorities. Consumers are talking about “food miles,” a term Arkalgud said is “something we haven’t seen in the consumer language. They want to buy foods that potentially travel shorter distances.” While the conversation is happening among early adopters, those at the front end of the adoption curve, the number of people talking about this issue is expected to grow by nearly 50 percent over the next 48 months. A topic that once was confusing is now accelerating and gaining understanding. The second emerging conversation is around hydroponics and vertical farming as sustainable solutions. While there has been online chatter about both to some extent, they are coming into increased focus, particularly in terms of leveraging the technology to improve taste.“We’re seeing more discourse now in the mainstream media and more consumerssharing these types of articles.” Currently in the U.S. 17-million people are engaged in this conversation, a “relatively tiny segment,” said Arkalgud. “What’s interesting is the growth in consumers’ knowledge about this. We’re predicting this topic of hydroponics to be relevant to an additional 10-million consumers in the next two years.” Finally, lab-cultured meat is gaining traction primarily as a means to reduce the environmental impact of traditional animal agriculture, as well as to solve for the concerns around animal welfare. “While there is plenty of growth in the conversation around this topic, it is one that exhibits the most amount of volatility, suggesting that consumers are still quite hesitant about the idea of consuming meat produced in a lab,” he said. Innovation and acceptance All three are seeing growth so now is the time for the food system to step forward with innovation solutions that can address the emerging needs “Consumers want to advocate for solutions that are scientifically driven,” he said. Whether consumers accept or reject innovation going forward largely depends on how its brought to market by food and agriculture, according to Charlie Arnot, CFI CEO. “As we think about shifting sustainability priorities, particularly when it comes to consumers’ new appetite for technology solutions, it’s important for the food system to engage early and often in transparent conversations about how technology benefits people, animals and our planet, not just the food industry,” said Arnot. “Often the conversation revolves around technology as it relates to productivity and efficiency. While that’s important, consumers want to know about the greater societal benefit.” Arnot encourages the food industry to acknowledge the risks and challenges, as well. Authentic transparency is the most effective strategy to build trust, he said. Strategic approach It’s anticipated that pressure from groups with sustainability demands will come back even stronger once the pandemic subsides. Arnot warns against making knee-jerk sustainability decisions and caving to demands that are deemed sustainable, but may fall short. Instead, approach sustainability carefully and strategically. “The first step is setting priorities based on company values and those of its stakeholders; defining values provides a framework from which to make all decisions going forward,” said Arnot. If a proposed change falls within the values framework it should be considered. If it falls outside, it’s discarded – a non-negotiable.” Next, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the potential impacts of recommended changes on the company, its supply chain and consumers. “Understanding the tradeoffs is a critical step and can take some time, but it’s worth the investment,” he said. “Leave no stone unturned.” Finally, with values as the foundation, communicate sustainability decisions to both the group making the request and the public in a way that’s transparent and earns trust. “If you’ve done your research, you can confidently justify any decision that speaks to your commitment to topics like food safety, worker safety, animal well-being and environmental stewardship,” said Arnot. For more information, visit www.foodintegrity.org. To access the sustainability webinar, visit www.optimizingsustainability.org. The Center for Food Integrity is a not-for-profit organization that helps today’s food system earn consumer trust. Its members and project partners, who represent the diversity of the food system, are committed to providing accurate information and working together to address important issues in food and agriculture. The Center does not lobby or advocate for individual companies or brands. For more information, visit www.foodintegrity.org.

Winkworth Claim Hygienic Mixer/Extruder Design Is A World's First

As the result of an intensive 3-year design programme, Winkworth, the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of industrial mixing and blending machinery, says that it has produced the world’s most hygienic kneader mixer extruder machine to suit the most demanding application requirements. Built to match a client’s exacting needs: high-powered, totally reliable and in a compact design which could be fully integrated within ancillary equipment, the machine also had to be cross-contamination free. For this particular application, a high level of automation was also demanded, covering full control of the mixing process, precision and control of the blade and screw speeds, full integration with inlet systems, mixing durations, vacuum levels and duration, temperature control, zone management during mixing and, critically, during discharge. “Machine cleaning requirements vary from machine to machine and applications – some permit wet washing and CIP (cleaning in place) approaches, other strictly forbid liquids,” said Winkworth’s managing director, Grant Jamieson. “Designing and building a machine as complex as this was in itself a challenge, but with the product to be mixed being ‘sticky’ by definition, this added a further challenge as this was to be a strictly ‘no liquids’ cleaning procedure.” Despite the need for all product contact services to be cleaned between formulas, downtime due to cleaning had to be minimised. To meet this requirement, the machine has been designed to the latest pharmaceutical GMP standards – more stringent, though similar to EHEDG – which supports a simple yet effective independent verification of ‘clean’. Providing access to allow ergonomic safe cleaning behaviours was critical, the human factors of reach, touch, line of sight, lifting, pulling, pressing and trip hazards – all were considered. To facilitate these requirements, the machine is fully retractable, thus allowing kneader blade access. Simultaneously the extruder screw is retracted, allowing full 360° access to the screw itself. A pivoting, hinged, non-drive end door to the mixer chamber, allows full access from the end of the mixer chamber and full access to the inside surfaces. Closure after cleaning and inspection is an automated reversal of opening, allowing for a fast and verifiable process that promotes high levels of productivity. All of this operation is fully automated using electrics, hydraulics, pneumatics and optical control sensors with safety guards, incorporating proximity sensors, fitted to verify safety systems are intact. “I’m very proud of the quality demonstrated throughout this project and the strategic relationship we have developed with our client. The result is a super-efficient machine, having an unprecedented level of automation that is capable of being cleaned in a fraction of the cleaning times of similar machines, thereby providing total confidence in the efficacy of the hygiene process. Incorporating several innovative design features, the machine is certainly state-of-the-art and one of three supplied so far. It will provide our client with a totally dependable solution for decades to come,” concluded Jamieson.

The circular economy in packaging technology

The requirements placed on food packaging are immense. It needs to provide protection while simultaneously conveying the brand image, be tightly sealed yet easy to open, and create a reliable barrier while also being breathable when required. During the production process, it must also enable high-speed food packaging while of course remaining cost efficient. Decades of research and development have gone into tackling these diverse tasks. In recent years, the demand for sustainability has become huge. New packaging solutions need to be developed as soon as possible. They need to meet the same requirements as conventional packaging without burdening the environment or the purse. Syntegon Technology, formerly Bosch Packaging Technology, has set itself this Herculean task, which it is tackling in cooperation with all supply chain participants. On the road to sustainable packaging solutions, the “circular economy” is pointing the way. This approach seeks to close energy and material cycles through the efficient use of resources, recycling and waste reduction. The aim is to achieve a sustainable improvement in environmental and climate protection. With this goal in mind, the EU passed the Circular Economy Act in 2012[1]. The core of this legislation is a five-level hierarchy of waste, which helps to consistently orient the circular economy towards waste avoidance and recycling. It defines a sequence of waste avoidance, reuse, recycling and waste recovery (including energy recovery) and finally waste disposal. In each case, the most environmentally friendly option has priority. Syntegon Technology has set itself the goal of making a contribution to sustainability through its packaging solutions. This calls for collaboration with customers as well as packaging material manufacturers and suppliers, which Syntegon Technology sees as part of the solution. In concrete terms, the aim is to make both the packaging itself and the packaging process more sustainable. This includes, in particular, the development of machines that can process new, more environmentally friendly packaging materials. Syntegon Technology has developed a number of solutions with customers that target the first three stages of the waste hierarchy: waste avoidance, preparation for recovery, and recycling. The hierarchy of waste forms part of the EU Circular Economy Act (2012). Stage 1 – Avoidance: no product and material waste Packaging requirements are not necessarily at odds with sustainability. Primary and transport packaging offer product protection, and therefore contribute to sustainability by preventing food spoilage or waste during transport. An optimized packaging process also helps to prevent product waste. During necessary downtime for cleaning or format changes, batches can spoil and have to be disposed of. Minimizing downtime thanks to easier cleaning and faster format changeovers helps to reduce waste. In addition, more efficient production processes also mean resources such as energy and water are used more efficiently. The new blank feeding motion of the Elematic 2001 case packer can even accommodate blanks that have been bent by moisture and changing temperatures. As a result, fewer blanks need to be thrown away, which contributes to more sustainable production processes. Optimizing machines can also help to reduce the amount of packaging material. The continuous development of sealing technologies is already doing its bit. Thanks to technological advances, thinner films can now be used while packs can be sealed more tightly around the product. This helps to reduce the amount of material used. Syntegon Technology has also developed cartoners and case packers that are more material-efficient thanks to higher tolerances. These include systems that can process slightly bent cardboard blanks or those made from recycled material. This wider tolerance range means that blanks are now being processed that would previously have been discarded as rejects by the machine. Efficiently designed secondary packaging and outer packaging also helps to minimize transport costs. According to Olivier Cottard, Head of Industries Business Units at DS Smith Packaging, shrinking standard secondary packaging by 5mm reduces shipping requirements by 20 truckloads per year. This results in carbon emissions savings of 100 metric tons as well as significant cost savings. Put differently, the carbon emissions savings are equivalent to the amount of carbon absorbed by 2,500 conifer seedlings in 10 years.[2] Waste prevention also involves replacing environmentally harmful packaging materials with more environmentally friendly options such as using paper instead of plastic. Paper or cardboard already account for around 65 percent of all packaging[3], but the application possibilities for paper in primary packaging are far from exhausted. Syntegon Technology is currently working on making conventional plastic packaging solutions usable with paper as well. Up to now, using monomaterial paper for packaging has only been possible with glued, prefabricated bags or glued paper packaging produced using pinwheel technology. In collaboration with the paper manufacturer BillerudKorsnäs Syntegon Technology, formerly Bosch Packaging Technology, has developed a solution to securely package and seal food in monomaterial paper using vertical baggers. This pioneering sealed paper packaging is suitable for dry foods such as sugar, pasta, cereals and powders without compromising on product protection and dust tightness. Thanks to the use of FSC- or PEFC-certified paper, the sustainable characteristics are maintained from the raw material through to recycling – fully in keeping with the principles of the circular economy. Even specially shaped and optimally dimensioned small paper pods can contribute to a more sustainable future by replacing plastic sleeves. Recently, the new “Pearl” packaging concept was developed together with BillerudKorsnäs. The patented 3D-formable paper can be processed into creative and sustainable packaging solutions on Syntegon Technology machines. This further reduces the amount of plastic used. The demand for this type of packaging solution is already high, meaning that more of it will soon be appearing on supermarket shelves. Stage 2 – Preparation for recycling: long-lasting quality and good service For packaging machine manufacturers, recycling also means preventing machinery already in circulation from becoming obsolete prematurely. In this regard, a comprehensive retrofitting program and appropriate service support are the decisive factors. Syntegon Technology offers its customers the option of upgrading existing machines so they can handle more sustainable packaging materials. This includes comprehensive customer-specific tests for new packaging materials as well as the necessary upgrade kits. Furthermore, Syntegon Technology offers to overhaul their customers’ equipment and thus considerably extend their life cycle. Stage 3 – Design for recycling In the field of plastic packaging, the trend is increasingly moving towards using monomaterial wherever possible; in other words, preparing the packaging material for recycling within an available recycling stream. This poses challenges for the composition and processing of the packaging material. Multi-layer films assign different tasks, such as barrier protection, sealing or printing to individual layers made from different materials. These multi-layer films are not homogenous and cannot be separated in the recycling process because they consist of several plastics. In many cases, the only option is thermal recovery. Monomaterial packaging – even if it consists of several layers of the same material – will have to do all the work on its own. This may mean that previous assumptions, for example regarding shelf life, need to be reconsidered or that new, optimized processes in the supply chain will need to compensate for shorter shelf lives. When it comes to recycling, however, things are much simpler: the monomaterial can be directly fed into the recycling stream and be fully recycled. Another challenge is that consumers cannot immediately tell the difference between recyclable monomaterial and multi-layer film. Food manufacturers would do well to take this into account when designing their packaging and, if necessary, to print additional information on the pack or make it available via QR code. Syntegon Technology already offers proven track and trace solutions, whereby a QR code is linked to additional consumer information. Many research projects are devoted to the development of bio-based and biodegradable plastics that meet the requirements of food packaging. Compared to conventional plastics, so-called drop-in bioplastics, such as bio-PE (polyethylene) and bio-PET (polyethylene terephthalate), have a better carbon footprint as they are made from renewable raw materials. Because they have the same chemical structure as conventional plastics, they can be processed into end products using the same machines and processes. Biodegradable plastics offer advantages if they can be decomposed easily by microorganisms. The use of these compostable materials is especially beneficial when product remains and packaging are disposed of together. This for instance applies to coffee capsules or tea bags. Sustainable packaging is certainly a sales argument, as it can increase both revenue and customer loyalty. Today’s consumers want to avoid material waste as much as possible and prefer biodegradable or recyclable packaging materials. According to a global retail survey conducted by Nielsen, 55 percent of online consumers in 60 countries are willing to pay more for products if the companies involved are committed to positive social and environmental change.[4] Circular economy by uniting everyone involved in the supply chain Machine manufacturers can only develop solutions that close the material cycle, avoid waste and yet still fulfill the extensive requirements placed on packaging if the relevant stakeholders are involved at an early stage. This includes material manufacturers, brand owners and their customers, right through to packaging material recycling facilities. The successful use of sustainable packaging can only succeed if all parties along the supply chain pool their respective areas of expertise. The objective is to test the machine capability of new types of packaging materials and to provide support in the development of packaging designs. Food manufacturers can here benefit from Syntegon Technology’s international network of material suppliers. By working together, they are able to find pragmatic, innovative solutions that meet complex market, consumer and legal requirements and thus open up new, more sustainable avenues. [1] https://www.bmu.de/en/law/circular-economy-and-safeguard-the-environmentally-compatible-management-of-waste/ [2] The benefits of packaging in an increasingly waste-conscious world, DS Smith, https://www.dssmith.com/company/newsroom/2018/2/the-benefits-of-packaging-in-an-increasingly-waste-conscious-world [3] The current state of the paper packaging market, Smithers Pira, https://www.smitherspira.com/resources/2014/june/current-state-of-the-paper-packaging-market [4] Global consumers are willing to put their money where their heart is when it comes to goods and services from companies committed to social responsibility, Nielsen 2014, http://www.nielsen.com/content/corporate/us/en/press-room/2014/global-consumers-are-willing-to-put-their-money-where-their-heart-is.html Author and Contact Torsten Sauer Project Manager Sustainability Syntegon Technology Tel: +49 711 811 57137 Email: [email protected]

Increased payload and wider reach: Sidel's M version of CoboAccess™_Pal answers growing cobotic palletising needs

The trend to reduce End-of-Line production cost in low-speed lines by replacing manual palletising operations with compact and user-friendly cobotic palletisers continues to rise – especially due to the very fast Return on Investment of these solutions. Nevertheless, the spread of this still rather new automation technology has often been limited by its payload capability and working envelope. But today, Sidel launch an extension to their CoboAccess_Pal cobotic palletising range featuring the highest case payload on the market in its category. The new M version of Sidel’s cobotic palletiser features a Yaskawa HC20, allowing for a case payload of up to 14 kg with a very significant reach of 1,700 mm – thus addressing the two most sought after factors for palletising. “Sidel are the first in Europe to embed the Yaskawa HC20 for palletising tasks. With the CoboAccess_Pal M version, we can now answer a wider scope of palletising needs within the Food, Home and Personal Care segments,” says Florian Marlot, product manager for the CoboAccess_Pal platform at Sidel. Reaching any expected pallet height up to 1,900 mm and speeds up to 6 cycles per minute, the equipment still allows for free and safe interactions between the operators and the fenceless cell. Florian Marlot explains: “Cobotics is an increasingly crucial asset in End-of-Line operations. It reduces End-of-Line production cost while improving the operators’ working conditions, freeing them from the very strenuous manual palletising tasks.” Delivering maximum performance on a reduced overall footprint, CoboAccess_Pal M version maintains the best attributes of Sidel’s established cobotic palletising range. It still includes its proven industrial automation platform based on PC and PLC, guaranteeing high machine reliability and fast machine re-start after stoppages. Moreover, the intuitive HMI offers a user-friendly experience. Also, PalDesigner®, which has been used on the market to this end for many years across various Sidel palletising solutions, allows for an autonomous new format and pallet pattern creation. “Almost two years after the initial launch of the S version and with more than 50 installed units, this latest expansion of our portfolio is perfectly completing our range of cobotic palletisers to answer any type of need,” concludes Florian Marlot.

Plastic packaging still confronting sustainability challenges

The coronavirus has only helped to underscore the importance of plastic packaging when it comes to keeping food contamination-free and to preserving its freshness and usability for longer. This is particularly vital now, given how millions of people worldwide are sheltering in place, and doing their best to make their provisions stretch. But the COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated another trend that has a major impact on product packaging -- e-commerce. Online shopping already was showing strong growth, but the current stay-at-home phenomenon has only increased demand. An even broader awakening to the convenience of delivery to your doorstep may forever reshape parts of the retail sector. An April 4 story by DigitalCommerce360 cites data to underscore the current trends. In North America, it reported, the number of online orders for web-only online retailers soared 52% year-over-year in the United States and Canada for the period of March 22 through April 4, according to an online tracker from marketing platform Emarsys and analytics platform GoodData. Revenue for web-only retailers in the U.S. and Canada was up 30% year-over-year for the period. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region during the same two-week period, year-over-year transactions for web-only retailers grew by 23%, according to Emarsys/GoodData. During the same period, year-over-year revenue was up 19% in the region. E-commerce growing sharply Virus or not, retail e-commerce is rising sharply. New York-based consumer research firm Statista Inc. said that U.S. online retail sales of physical goods amounted to $365.2 billion in 2019, and projects that will rise to nearly $600 billion in 2024. Consider also that China’s annual, 24-hour online shopping spree known as Single’s Day -- last held on Nov. 11, 2019 -- generated record sales estimated at some $38 billion. The darker side of such a sales boom relates to the impact on the environment of so much product packaging. China’s State Post Bureau reported that e-commerce giants delivered 1.88 billion packages from Nov. 11 to Nov. 16 last year, an annual increase of almost 26%. Greenpeace estimated that the waste generated exceeded 250,000 tonnes. The volume of packaging material used by China's e-commerce and express delivery sectors hit 9.4 million tonnes last year, and is on course to more than quadruple to 41.3 million tonnes by 2025 if they keep up the rate of increase, according to Greenpeace and other non-government bodies. Sustainability still important So, booming e-commerce offers sales growth for key sectors as well as greater convenience (and safety) now for many, but it clearly comes at a cost. While public health trumps sustainability concerns at the moment, it’s clear that the packaging sector cannot afford to take its collective eye off the ball when it comes to being eco-conscious. As Dow Inc. CEO Jim Fitterling mentioned in ANTEC 2020 virtual conference on March 31: The COVID-19 crisis is going to end, "but the air we breathe, our water and the land we live on is here forever. And we can't afford to lose the momentum that we've started to gain already to safeguard the environment and help us move to a more circular economy." Leaders in the European Union also are concerned that the current virus-driven economic slump will cause the focus on sustainability to wane, writing in a joint statement in mid-April, “We should withstand the temptations of short-term solutions in response to the present crisis that risk locking the EU in a fossil fuel economy for decades to come.” These conditions offer both extreme challenges and enormous opportunities for brand owners, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, and for those designing and manufacturing the packaging. Multiple approaches being pursued Such firms are exploring and advancing multiple strategies to address these issues, including increased plastics recycling, more reusable packaging, greater use of biomaterials, reduced material use, and design for circularity. Package designers also need to take into account the different priorities for on-shelf vs. e-commerce products. Eye-catching package design is less vital for products sold online than in the store, but ensuring the shipped product arrives at its destination undamaged is vital. Advances in these areas take diverse forms, but consider the efforts being by CPGs to redesign the e-commerce-friendly and highly popular –– but largely unrecyclable –– flexible pouches to make them more eco-friendly. This mostly involves finding a way to convert those pouches’ multilayer, multimaterial constructions, which till now have been needed to protect the contents from such unwelcome factors such as moisture, oxygen, and ultraviolet light, into recyclable, mono-material structures. For example: mono-material pouches Several advances are happening in this area. Austria’s Mondi Group, for just one example, worked with several partners for four years to develop an all-polyethyelene, stand-up pouch for Germany’s Werner & Mertz GmbH to use with its Frosch-brand detergent. This patented pouch features detachable decorative panels on both sides, to help enable easier recycling. ▲ Mondi helped develop this fully recyclable, all-PE pouch Another new technology, called AeroFlexx and developed by Procter & Gamble Co., enables liquid packaging in a flexible yet rigid package. Made with coextruded flexible film, the product leverages compressed air to inflate specific portions of the pouch, specifically along the edges, to bring a degree of rigidity not otherwise possible in a flexible package. An AeroFlexx package uses half the plastic needed to blow mold a traditional bottle and can be delivered as roll stock to a filling facility, meaning it is easier to ship throughout the supply chain. In addition to significantly reducing plastic at the source, the Chicago-based company’s vision is to be 100% recycle ready by 2025. While enabling seamless, edge-to-edge artwork, AeroFlexx also features a no-leak, self-sealing valve that offers easy, one-handed operation by the consumer. ▲ An AeroFlexx pouch uses half the plastic as a comparably sized, blow molded bottle Loop platform touts reusability New Jersey recycler TerraCycle Inc., meanwhile, is taking a completely different approach with its Loop circular shopping platform. Loop has gained support from many of the world’s best-known brands, ranging from Unilever, PepsiCo, and Nestlé to Danone, Procter & Gamble, and UPS. ▲The Loop circular shopping platform aims to get brand owners to develop durable, reusable packages that get picked up, sanitized and reused over and over again. The Loop system uses UPS to ship a variety of food, household cleaning, and personal-care products in a reusable and collapsible, padded container called the Loop tote. The products are dispensed from reusable containers, which are returned in the same reusable tote when empty. Some have dubbed it “the milkman model,” in a nod to the old days when milk was delivered to your doorstep in glass bottles, which were later collected, cleaned, and reused. Loop,” maintains TerraCycle founder and CEO Tom Szaky, “is an engine for CPGs to shift from disposable products that consumers own to durable ones they borrow.” The brand owners, meanwhile, actually own the package, which is meant to be reused at least 100 times. The impact on packaging is obvious – instead of trying to make the cheapest possible disposable package or container, the brands are incented instead to design handsome, reusable containers out of durable materials. Numerous companies are also investing in initiatives and technologies to advance both mechanical and chemical recycling, and to develop biocompatible and compostable materials. See you at CHINAPLAS 2021 CHINAPLAS is further postponed to April 13-16, 2021 to be held in the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, PR China. Focusing on “Smart Manufacturing” , “Innovative Materials”, and “Green & Circular Solutions”, the organizer is expect to present 400,000 square meters of exhibition space. For more information about CHINAPLAS 2021, please visit www.ChinaplasOnline.com.

Updated study confirms flexible packaging plays a key role in prevention of packaging waste and mitigation of global warming

A recently updated and extended study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu), commissioned by Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE), has underlined the original study’s findings. It shows clearly that flexible packaging is a more effective route to resource efficiency and reducing carbon footprint than using rigid packaging formats or focusing entirely on recycling. The study uses a scenario in which all non-flexible packaging (i.e. rigid packaging) for Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) are substituted by flexible packaging wherever possible. As carbonated drinks cannot be packed this way, for the purpose of the study, theoretical substitution excluded all beverages (as a conservative approach). It showed that, by substituting all rigid packaging of non-beverage FMCG at the EU level, the amount of primary packaging waste could be reduced by 21 million tonnes per year. This means a 70% reduction of the total amount of non-beverage FMCG primary packaging in the EU, highlighting the huge packaging waste prevention potential of flexible packaging. Even more striking are the consequences on the environment. By using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach the study shows that such a theoretical substitution would decrease total Global Warming Potential (GWP) of all European non-beverage FMCG primary packaging by 33%, even if it is assumed, for the purpose of the demonstration, that no material recycling processes for flexible packaging would take place. The opposite scenario – the substitution in the EU of all flexible packaging used for non-beverage FMCG by rigid packaging formats – would increase total GWP of the primary packaging to about 30%, the study shows. This is despite the much higher actual recycling rates of rigid packaging. Indeed, even if the recycling rate of rigid packaging was raised to 100%, this theoretical substitution would still lead to 14% higher GWP, it says. In addition to GWP, the environmental impact of Abiotic Depletion, which refers to the use of non-renewable resources, and Use of Water have also been assessed using the LCA approach. The study shows very similar results in the same order of magnitude for all three impact categories. The report’s authors conclude that for packaging the focus should not be on recyclability only but also and foremost on prevention. This can be achieved by a higher use of flexible packaging, which would lead not only to less primary packaging waste, they claim, but also to lower carbon footprint and use of resources. Conversely, a focus only on recyclability and achieving recycling targets might lead to the substitution of flexible packaging solutions by more easily recyclable, rigid packaging. This approach would clearly be detrimental for climate change and resource efficiency, besides running counter to the objective enshrined in the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive to prevent the production of packaging waste. Commenting on the study, Jean-Paul Duquet (Director Sustainability FPE) said, “Prevention is on top of the waste hierarchy defined by the European Commission’s Waste Framework Directive, before other approaches like reuse, recycling and energy recovery. The priority accorded to prevention before recycling is highly relevant for packaging, as this study demonstrates. Flexible packaging perfectly fulfils this prevention requirement and proves to be a major part of the solution to today’s challenges facing the packaging sector and the environment. Not to mention the important ongoing efforts to reach high recyclability performances and make flexible packaging even more resource efficient.” Flexible Packaging Europe’s (FPE) members manufacture all types of flexible packaging. FPE comprises more than 80 small and medium sized companies as well as the major European producers of flexible packaging for all materials. These companies cover more than 85% of the European flexible packaging turnover. Also, six national flexible packaging associations are members of FPE ensuring consistency between national and European activities and lobbying. www.flexpack-europe.org Thumbnail & Head Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Glass Packaging Is The Top Choice For Environmentally Conscious Consumers, New Survey Reveals

Summary Half of consumers buying more products in glass packaging than in 2016, and 9 in 10 would recommend glass as the best packaging Purchasing decisions increasingly driven by recyclability and environmental considerations Results come as ‘Close the Glass Loop’ value chain stakeholders meet today to discuss how to further improve collection and recycling of glass Brussels, 22 April 2020 – As industries, businesses and politicians make strong commitments to initiatives like the European Green Deal and theUN Sustainable Development Goals, consumers all over Europe are taking more and more steps to reduce their environmental footprint – and latest figures from the glass industry show that awareness of recycling and environmental impact is increasingly driving everyday purchasing decisions. An independent consumer research survey carried out among more than 10,000 consumers across 13 European countries, commissioned by Friends of Glass and the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE), reveals that people are buying more glass than ever before: half of consumers are now buying more products in glass packaging than three years ago. At the same time, 9 in 10 people would recommend glass as the best packaging material to friends and family; an 11% increase compared to 2016. These findings are driven by the high recyclability of glass, along with a growing consumer awareness of its environmental credentials. With an extensive network of local recycling facilities and made from recycled glass and raw materials (sand, soda ash, limestone) found in nature, glass is 100% and infinitely recyclable in a local closed loop system, making recycled glass a vital resource for new production. In fact, 2 in 5 consumers actively choose glass over other packaging materials specifically because they see it as more recyclable than any other packaging. Sustainability matters for consumers According to the survey, the environmental impact of packaging is seen as an important decision driver in food and beverage purchases, with the majority of consumers (3 in 4) ‘highly concerned’ about littering of food containers and 1 in 3 respondents citing this as their most important consideration. At the same time, 46% of Europeans state that they have significantly decreased their consumption of plastic to prevent littering in the environment. Glass consistently scores as the most environmentally-friendly packaging material: overwhelmingly, it comes out on top in addressing contamination and environmental issues, particularly when it comes to avoiding food littering (glass rated ‘best in class’ by 43% of respondents), avoiding packaging waste (by 43% of respondents) and addressing climate change (by 48% of respondents). The findings also reveal that the vast majority of consumers are recycling their glass packaging: 84% of Europeans state that they collect their glass separately for recycling, with 8 in 10 correctly disposing of caps and lids separately. Taking used glass to a local bottle bank is considered the most convenient disposal method across Europe. A step in the right direction towards a Circular Economy All these figures mark a step in the right direction towards a Circular Economy in Europe and achieving important sustainability goals, such as a real glass recycling rate of 70% by 2025, and 75% by 2030 per country. To this end, the glass industry is rolling out ‘Close the Glass Loop’ – an industry platform to increase the quantity and quality of recycled glass by establishing a material stewardship programme that will result in more post-consumer collection and bottle-to-bottle recycling. This includes industry and municipal efforts to establish separate collection networks, coupled with communication tools to engage citizens to separate and sort their glass waste for recycling. The results are released on the same day that ‘Close the Glass Loop’ stakeholders are holding an online conference to discuss how to improve collection and recycling of glass throughout the value chain. In parallel, the industry is making rapid strides in becoming climate neutral: for the first time ever, a large group of European container glass manufacturers have joined forces to build the ‘Furnace of the Future’ – the world’s first large-scale hybrid electric furnace to run on 80% green electricity, set to replace current fossil-fuel energy sources and cut CO2 emissions by 50%. Due to be operational by 2022, the furnace will be able to melt all kinds of glass together with recycled glass – thereby dramatically reducing CO2 emissions. Commenting on the survey results, Michael Delle Selve, Senior Communications Manager of FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation said: “As we prepare to mark another Earth Day, it’s heartening to see that not only is glass recycling on the rise across Europe, with a collection rate of 76%, but that the benefits of glass packaging and recycling are strongly resonating with consumers. Our ambition is to achieve both a collection rate of 90% by 2030 and full recycling of collected glass packaging – so that people don’t just recycle, but recycle more and better. At the end of the day, we all get out what we put in, which is why we’re urging everyone to join us in our effort to collect and recycle every single glass bottle. It’s simple, easy to do and it’ll make a huge impact on our planet and a huge difference for future generations.” For more information on this European survey and to access the detailed findings, please visit news.friendsofglass.com. Results are also available at a country level. -ENDS-

Sustainability and Recyclability of Flexible Materials for Primary Packaging

Innovative film and their relations to flow pack machines Author:Lorenzo Birro Source:www.biscuitpeople.com The perception of the Consumers has drastically changed in the last years. Plastic packaging yesterday seen as a friend to protect the food and reduce food waste, nowadays is seen as an enemy for its environmental impact. The emotional approach to the matter, mostly handled through the Social Media, is quite strong and it drives towards an even stronger request of a PLASTIC FREE WORD. The very strong pressure from the Consumers on all players of the Supplying Chain (from the GDO, through the Packaging materials Producers and Converters till the Wrapping Machines Manufacturers) is forcing them to search solutions where traditional plastic can be replaced, reduced or at least made recyclable. However, it must not be forgotten that the main objective of food packaging is the protection and preservation of the product. Plastic is definitely one of the best materials to obtain the desired results in terms of “shelf live”. Presently about 1/3 of produced human food gets lost or wasted (FAO digital report 2019). Bad packaging is one of the main reasons. It is unthinkable to renounce to plastic at least in PRIMARY PACKAGING; but there is no doubt that it can however be reduced, recycled and in particular situations, replaced with paper and other biodegradable films. All companies involved in packaging must consider and take in serious consideration the challenge to protect and preserve food offering in the meantime solutions to reduce the Ambiental impact. Among them, certainly, Cavanna - a leading worldwide manufacturer of flowrapping and cartoning plants - is one of the more active and attentive in such issues. The Cavanna made lines produce every minute an average of 1.2 million of flowpacks and therefore Cavanna has a kind of moral obligation and responsibility to be involved and to develop solutions to dispose such huge amount of packs. To do so, Cavanna has created a new Business Unit called TCO CONSULTING with the aim of dealing with the changes in wrapping materials following the GREEN ECONOMY topic. One of the tasks of the new TCO CONSULTING structure is precisely to create a network of contacts able to find innovative wrapping materials and bring them to Company R&D Division to be practically tested in Laboratory to evaluate the performances of the machines in terms of speed and seal quality. The Consumers pressure and the Official Directive regarding circular economy has brought to two main areas of intervention on primary flexible packaging. A. RECYCLABLE PLASTICS RECYCLABILITY is the path chosen by Europe and USA to tackle the problem. The above will bring important changes to the materials that must be as pure as possible (and this means not polluted by other plastic families) to promote separation and recycling. What was used until yesterday may no longer be used by tomorrow: The mono-materials (PE only, OPP only) will grow at the disadvantage of the typical multi-materials structures such (laminated PET + OPP, PA + PE, etc….) Cold sealing is expected to be replaced and reduced The triple ALUs structures, typical of the pharmaceutical and the coffee industry, will no longer be acceptable Paper laminated with renewable bioplastics will considerably increase As one of the leading machine manufacturers Cavanna could not be caught unprepared for these changes which could lead to important changes even in crucial parts of the machine. Innovative mono-materials are expected to influence machine performance in two areas: Sealing: innovative mono-materials are generally more sensible to temperature than previous complexed films. They need more precise temperature intervals (smaller working windows). Sliding: very often these films have different Coefficient of Friction (C.O.F.) and they might require the use of special sliding coatings in dedicated machine areas. B. BIO-PLASTIC FROM RENEWABLE SOURCE They are plastic materials that could be biodegradable, bio-based or with both characteristics (European bioplastic definition) With the name Biodegradable we mean a material subject to microbial degradation while Compostable is a biodegradable material under certain precise conditions of time, temperature and humidity. In terms of volume they represent nowadays around 0,5 % of total plastic packaging. Biofilm are coming from renewable source and are produced by polymerization of natural bio-monomers mainly from starch and/or cellulose. Most common families are: PLA (Polylactic Acid) - Starch Based and Cellulose Based with a great variety of options and grades. Normally cannot be used as mono-film in the flowpack machines and need to be laminated with film that offer thermic stability and anti-sticking properties. Paper, a natural biopolymer is often chosen to be laminated with other biopolymers and is ideal for its biodegradable characteristics and thermal stability. All bio-film families have few main points in common Are Biodegradable and Compostable Are cost effective: 3-4 times more expensive than plastic materials Bring to and increased total thickness of the film itself Have generally poor barrier to moisture and oxygen Have reduced production volumes Are thermally less stable From machine performance point of view the bio-film families will receive even more attention than the mono-material for R-Plastics. Sealing areas and slides surfaces are in processing to be re-studied and modified to suits to the characteristics on these innovative films. Cavanna final goal and target is to present to the market a GREEN KIT made by few sensible parts and adaptable to existing machines to challenge the working performance of the innovative film without compromises in speed and seal quality of the pack. Leading photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash

EUBP Concerns Over Biased EASAC Report On Biobased And Biodegradable Plastics

Berlin, 18 March 2020 – “If we wanted to condense the gist of the report, we could say that EASAC discourages all the innovations that appear in the industrial sector currently dominated by fossil-based plastics”, says François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics (EUBP) in response to the report ‘Packaging plastic in the circular economy’ recently published by the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC). According to EUBP, the statements on bio-based and biodegradable plastics by EASAC implicitly lead to some very questionable recommendations to EU institutions and citizens. The report doubts that bio-based plastics are better for the environment, although it has been proven by third party researchers and many peer reviewed Life Cycle Assessments that bioplastics made from sustainably grown biomass carry multiple environmental benefits over their fossil counterparts. “The European Green Deal itself underlines that fossil subsidies are to be challenged and alternative resources shall be considered. In the material sector there is a need to change to low emissions and renewable, bio-based carbon materials. Bio-based plastics respond to this need and are already available in the market”, states de Bie. Raising mainly emotional and not science-based arguments, the report is also critical about biodegradable plastics. It’s posting the idea that biodegradability and durability are properties that cannot coexist, making biodegradable plastic an ‘elusive’ target. This claim is disavowed by many products that are present on the market today. The report also questions how ‘soon’ and ‘well’ biodegradable plastics degrade. “This does not reflect the reality, especially in the case of some applications which can potentially end up in the organic waste, as a recent independent study by Wageningen University & Research (WUR)* clearly showed. The tested EN 13432 certified degradable and compostable plastic products, such as organic waste collection bags, plant pots, tea bags or coffee capsules, broke down in a full-scale industrial organic waste treatment facility within a maximum of 22 days”, François de Bie comments on the EASAC study. Packaging that is prone to be highly contaminated with food waste will not be mechanically recycled. Instead, in most cases, it will be incinerated, or even worse, landfilled. “Compostable plastics, e.g. compostable shopping bags which can be reused to collect organic waste, help divert organic waste from landfills and thus increase the amount of extra organic waste collected. Biodegradable and compostable plastics play an important role in a circular economy by closing the organic cycle”. Besides the WUR study, the notfor-profit organisation WRAP, which leads the UK Plastics Pact**, recently also suggested key applications and opportunities*** for compostable plastic packaging. These include food caddy liners and other bags as well as fruit and vegetable stickers, tea bags, coffee pods and ready meal trays for ‘closed loop’ situations, e.g. festivals. The study also refers to possible confusion of consumers caused by the term ‘biodegradable’. “To the best of our knowledge, none of the expressed criticism that biodegradability will increase litter is backed up with any actual evidence. The much cited UNEP report is such a case in point”, François de Bie criticises. Thus, it seems to EUBP that any attempt to solve the gigantic environmental problems caused by fossil-based plastics is hastily dismissed by EASAC. On the other hand, EASAC seems to ignore twenty years of research, market applications and recycling practices of these materials, always developed in compliance with the current EU legal provisions. “The report constitutes a missed opportunity for a meaningful evaluation of the role of bio-based as well as biodegradable and compostable plastics in a sustainable circular economy. It is liable to dash any hopes that the European Commission will rely on more in depth scientific reports when drafting its policy framework for bio-based and biodegradable and compostable plastics. Against this background, we kindly invite all policy makers and other stakeholders to re-discuss the findings of this report with us”, de Bie concludes. * https://edepot.wur.nl/514397 ** https://www.wrap.org.uk/content/the-uk-plastics-pact *** https://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/Citizen-attitudes-survey-food-waste-and-packaging.pdf European Bioplastics: European Bioplastics (EUBP) is the European association representing the interests of the bioplastics industry along the entire value chain. Its members produce, refine and distribute bioplastics i.e. plastics that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both. More information is available at www.european-bioplastics.org. Press contact: Oliver Buchholz, Communications Manager, European Bioplastics, Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin, Tel: +49 (0) 30 28482 353, Fax: +49 (0)30 284 82 359, E-Mail: [email protected] Photo by Merakist on Unsplash