Technology & Innovation: Page 13

  • Fiber box package containing sushi.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Graphic Packaging International
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: Graphic’s paper-based sushi packaging, Garnier’s recycled PET bottle

    Catch up on the latest news about packaging shifts from Puracy, Danimer Scientific, TotalEnergies Corbion, MAX Solutions, Lay’s and others.

    By • April 21, 2023
  • A cafe at Google.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Google
    Image attribution tooltip

    Google wants to try your reusable food service solutions

    The tech giant put out an “open invitation to help reduce plastic waste” across its U.S. cafes and microkitchens.

    By • April 20, 2023
  • A kiosk that accepts reusable shopping bag returns.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Closed Loop Partners
    Image attribution tooltip

    Returnable retail bag trial launches at CVS Health, Target stores

    Immediately receiving $1 in cash upon returning a borrowed bag provides a stronger incentive to participate than some other deposit programs, according to organizers from Closed Loop Partners.

    By • April 19, 2023
  • Three products from Albertsons' O Organics line.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Albertsons
    Image attribution tooltip

    Why Albertsons gave its O Organics brand a makeover

    As store brands rake in sales, the grocer wanted to punch up the previously “stale” design with a colorful, modern look, said Brandon Brown, senior vice president of Own Brands.

    By Catherine Douglas Moran • April 17, 2023
  • Cherry tomatoes
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Copycat packaging claims at the heart of grape tomato lawsuit

    NatureSweet alleges Mastronardi is mimicking its “iconic” Cherubs grape tomato packaging for the third time.

    By • April 14, 2023
  • Colored PET packaging that looks like sea glass.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Ampacet
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: Ampacet’s glassy plastic, Chipotle goes biodegradable and more

    Catch up on some of the latest packaging solutions and news from Novolex, ProAmpac, Avery Dennison and California Olive Ranch on PFAS alternatives, designing for recyclability and changing materials.

    By • April 14, 2023
  • A Hasbro Transformers toy in packaging.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Hasbro reintroduces plastic windows on toy packages, this time with plant-based content

    Customer dissatisfaction with printed boxes and theft reportedly drove the decision to bring back plastic windows.

    By • April 12, 2023
  • Waste and recycling bins in Montgomery County, Maryland
    Image attribution tooltip
    Megan Quinn/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Curbside film recycling can be a reality with the right equipment and policy updates, pilot suggests

    End markets exist and EPR could spur the investments to upgrade MRFs to handle flexible plastics, but “you’ve got to figure out that last step” to capture existing packaging, said the Flexible Packaging Association’s CEO.

    By • April 12, 2023
  • A pile of plastic bottles.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Q&A

    Reflecting on a dramatic decade of EPR shifts and what it means for packaging

    Michael Washburn, now a senior policy advisor for The Recycling Partnership, hit a wall in his efforts to promote EPR while working at Nestlé Waters North America. Today, he says “almost everything” has changed.

    By • April 11, 2023
  • A greenhouse building where research and development takes place.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Frito-Lay North America
    Image attribution tooltip

    PepsiCo prioritizes faster compostable packaging trials at new R&D center

    The company says eliminating third-party labs for testing could get new products to market at least two to three times faster.

    By • April 7, 2023
  • A clay bowl next to its base clay material or "dust."
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by GaeaStar
    Image attribution tooltip

    Clay cup creator hopes containers are a smash for replacing single-use plastics

    The “drink to dust” innovation is designed to be smashed after use to return it to its inert base material, as an alternative to single-use plastics.

    By • April 6, 2023
  • Amcor logo
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Amcor
    Image attribution tooltip

    Amcor seeks more partnerships to innovate in coatings, biobased materials, connected packaging

    A year since Amcor announced an initiative to support seed-stage startups, its latest venture explores nanotechnology coatings to enhance barriers for recyclable and compostable packaging.

    By • April 4, 2023
  • International Paper's new logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of International Paper/Cision
    Image attribution tooltip
    Q&A

    International Paper puts sustainability at heart of its rebrand on 125th anniversary

    What’s in a logo? The company gathered input from customers and employees to influence the forest-driven symbols and messaging as the pulp giant’s focus has evolved.

    By • March 31, 2023
  • A pile of plastic bottles.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    What’s next if 20% of companies shift 2025 plastic targets?

    Gartner research anticipates that companies will abandon plastic recycling targets, instead opting for climate action such as greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Plastic recycling advocates disagree.

    By • March 30, 2023
  • Photo illustration of cardboard box
    Image attribution tooltip

    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    5 factors influencing packaging design and operations

    From navigating inflation and changing regulations to assessing the impact of automation and plastics M&A, these are some of the top industry trends to watch.

    By , , • March 27, 2023
  • Flexible plastic packaging pouches
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Flexible packaging expected to boom, despite limited recycling capabilities: PMMI report

    Flexible plastic packaging and compostable packaging are predicted to see big gains, but few people in the U.S. have access to recycling programs for those materials.

    By • March 24, 2023
  • McCormick's redesigned spice bottles
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of McCormick
    Image attribution tooltip

    McCormick’s plastic spice bottles reformulated to be 50% PCR

    The first redesign in nearly 40 years, the bottles made partly with recycled content have an approximately 18% to 23% smaller carbon footprint across sizes, the Maryland-based company said.

    By • March 17, 2023
  • A pile of plastic bottles.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    To help boost postconsumer recycled content in packaging, US Plastics Pact shares industry toolkit

    The open-source resource comes as the group and the industry have noted challenges around balancing supply and demand in the PCR market and increasing the use of PCR.

    By • March 14, 2023
  • Six graphic designs for milk packaging.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Town & Country
    Image attribution tooltip

    Seattle-area grocery chain blends worker creativity into its new milk brand

    The retailer’s just-launched EveryDay Milk private label line comprises six varieties, all with employee-designed artwork on their packaging.

    By Sam Silverstein • March 1, 2023
  • Close-up of plastic packaging in the trash
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sean Gallup via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    DOE report touts chemical recycling R&D opportunities while noting plastic’s environmental justice issues

    The report, part of a long-term Energy Department effort to boost the viability of plastics recycling and cut energy use, touts opportunities in researching bio-based plastics as well as chemical recycling technologies. 

    By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2023
  • The bottoms of glass wine bottles
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Q&A

    Oregon’s bottle bill system CEO talks tech improvements, refillables and the prospects for a national system

    Oregon aims to attain its highest return rates yet with a range of modern updates. Jules Bailey, new CEO of the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, talks through what’s working and what’s next.

    By Megan Quinn • Feb. 1, 2023
  • Plastic cup on green turf field
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Stadiums pursue new technologies and tactics to boost waste diversion

    As fans flock back to large venues, many are seeing new or updated waste initiatives. Operators are experimenting with different collection systems, reusable cups, reverse vending machines, on-site sorting and more.

    By • Updated Jan. 19, 2023