Companies constantly innovate and redesign their packaging to boost performance, enhance sustainability and improve marketability. Here’s a look at six recent packaging developments on Packaging Dive’s radar.
Clearly vodka
Sazerac is offering Svedka Vodka Water in see-through packaging, which it’s calling “the world's first transparent canned vodka water,” offering consumers “an immediate visual cue for exactly what they're getting — something simple and clean in every sip.” The product is rolling out this month in 8-can multipacks as well as 12-ounce single cans.
PureFive, two ways
Polypropylene recycler PureCycle Technologies is using its PureFive resin in two new applications, the company announced this month.
PureCycle worked with StackTeck Systems to produce a hinged cap that uses up to 100% PureFive, a recycled resin made from a dissolution process. “The milestone demonstrates that post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin can meet the rigorous mechanical performance demands of one of packaging’s most technically challenging applications,” the announcement states, noting that it’s such a demanding application because it must withstand hundreds of flex cycles.
The caps are now available for trialing upon request.
PureCycle also recently collaborated with Innovia Films on a white, cavitated biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film containing more than 40% PCR. PureCycle highlighted candy wrappers, ice cream novelty wrappers, snack packaging and roll-fed labeling as possible markets.
Chipping away at cartons’ carbon footprint
Norwegian carton specialist Elopak is reducing the emissions intensity of its packages by sourcing aluminum made with renewable electricity for its European carton production — “an important step to reduce the climate impact of its packaging materials,” the company said. “The transition to low‑carbon aluminium results in an immediate 8% reduction in the carbon footprint of Elopak’s standard aluminium ambient cartons.”
While the packages are predominantly fiber-based, aluminum helps extend shelf life through aseptic sealing, blocking light and oxygen.
Protecting playing cards without plastic
Japan-based packaging business Toppan claims to have developed the nation’s “first light-shielding paper-based pillow packaging for trading cards” thanks to a proprietary material composition that replaces plastic with paper and shields light by at least 98%. Additionally, the updated metallic packaging utilizes equipment that “minimizes the occurrence of wrinkles during the pouch-making process.”
Historically, paper-based packaging has been a bit see-through, which was a problem because it could allow for “pack searching,” wherein consumers can try to check for rare cards before purchasing and opening.
Samples are available for trading card manufacturers as of this month, with mass production expected to begin this fall, Toppan said.
Gooooal Coooors
The World Cup is underway and beer distributor Molson Coors is meeting the moment with The Coooors Light Tallerboy for thirsty, celebratory soccer fans. The canister can hold the equivalent of three full cans. The limited-edition product can be ordered directly from the Coors Light webstore this month for $30.
