Companies constantly innovate and redesign their packaging to boost performance, enhance sustainability and improve marketability. Here’s a look at three recent packaging product launches on Packaging Dive’s radar.
Soft serving up compostability
Just in time for summer, Finland-based Huhtamaki introduced fiber-based ice cream cups that it says can be composted both in home and industrial settings. The cups are also designed for recyclability, the company said in a news release.
The cup is made from certified paperboard that has a biobased plastic coating, according to the company.
“Our new ice cream cups demonstrate Huhtamaki’s expertise in paperboard and barrier technologies,” said Fredrik Davidsson, president of foodservice packaging at Huhtamaki, in the news release.
Fiber foam
Denmark-based Stora Enso paired up with Germany-based packaging company Novapor for their cellulose foam, called Papira. They’re currently in the pilot phase of the project, but plan for mass production soon.
Rather than being made from plastics like conventional foam, this one is made from wood fibers. That makes it recyclable in paper and cardboard streams, according to a news release.
The material works with water-based glue rather than hot glue, which Stora Enso says creates additional sustainability benefits. Plus, “There’s no dust or static electricity when cutting and handling Papira, which is a real advantage,” said Thomas Søgaard, head of Novapor Nordic, in the news release.
The partners have worked together on this product for two years. Switching from plastic to fiber material isn’t a one-to-one swap, and “you need to redesign the packaging to suit the unique characteristics of cellulose foam,” said Søgaard. Novapor also had to adapt its conversion processes to be able to handle the cellulose material.
Crate minds
UFP Packaging launched the U-Loc 200, a new crate with a tool-free fastener. The patent-pending fastener improves safety during assembly and disassembly by eliminating the need for nail guns, staple guns and pneumatic or prying tools, according to a company news release.
"After decades without meaningful change, the U-Loc 200 marks the next major innovation in open-style crating — one that finally puts worker safety first," said Robert Bilbrough, director of product development and marketing, in the news release.
The fasteners are made from flexible polyamide and has a built-in finger grip, in addition to anti-slip teeth. They’re also reusable. The company says this solution is useful for packaging high-value or delicate items such as medical equipment, technology, glass products and appliances.
