Companies constantly innovate and redesign their packaging to boost performance, enhance sustainability and improve marketability. Here’s a look at four recent packaging product launches on Packaging Dive’s radar.
Into the PHA fray
CJ Biomaterials, a division of South Korea-based CJ CheilJedang, is introducing biobased polyhydroxyalkanoate, polymers for extrusion coating on paper and board used in food packaging and food service ware. The company says these products are designed for recycling and composting in home and commercial environments.
The company combined the properties of its amorphous and semi-crystalline PHAs to create biobased compounds that produce a stable melt curtain during processing. They adhere well to paper and board, passed seal testing and lip rolling trials for a variety of food service ware including cups and trays, and provide barrier protection against liquids, oils, grease and fats, according to CJ Biomaterials.
The company says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the OK for these materials to be used in food-contact applications, they were deemed 100% biobased by the U.S. Department of Agriculture BioPreferred program, and they have received Biodegradable Products Institute certification.
Roll out the welcome matte
Charter Next Generation is taking the gloss off its plastic films with the launch of a matte-finish, machine-direction-oriented polyethylene print film.
The matte finish is integrated directly into the material to eliminate the need for secondary coatings or overprint varnishes. The film is stretched in the machine direction to enhance strength, stiffness and heat resistance while reducing material use, which results in thinner gauges, greater converting efficiency and stronger package integrity, according to CNG.
The matte film is designed to meet How2Recycle guidelines for store dropoff recycling programs, the company says. CNG debuted the matte film this week at Pack Expo in Las Vegas.
Pails in comparison
Sealant and adhesive manufacturer Design Polymerics, part of Meridian Adhesives Group, is starting to transition its products out of white plastic pails and into black pails made with 30% postconsumer recycled plastic. It says the move has sustainability benefits and aligns with some state packaging regulations.
"This transition is part of a smarter, more sustainable future for our brand and our customers," said Brian Harruff, product manager at Design Polymerics, in the release. "While the packaging may look different, customers can count on the same trusted formula inside."
Seal of approval
Ball launched what it says are the first aerosol cans certified by the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative. It worked with Brazilian home and personal care brands Soffie and Aeroflex for the project.
The ASI certification ensures that the aluminum used to manufacture the cans meets rigorous environmental, social and governance criteria from source to product production. The certification seal will be posted on the cans to boost transparency for consumers, according to Ball.
Developing these cans involved collaboration across departments including commercial, sustainability, supply chain and R&D teams, Ball said.
