Companies Can Reduce Carbon Emissions from Truck Shipments by 20% With Green Packaging Methods

Perkins Logistics L.L.C., an Indianapolis-based trucking company, is replacing corrugated boxes and shipping furniture with reusable wrappings and equipment. The company says by using the alternative packaging, it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent.

An independent study showed that Perkins Logistics was able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent per pound shipped during a two-month test period, using specialized wrapping methods to ship some orders of products from Haworth Inc. in Bruce, Miss., to customers in 16 states.

This could translate into a reduction in emissions by 283 metric tons per year. That is equivalent to removing 52 passenger cars from the road for a year or emissions from heating 99 homes with natural gas, according to the study by Allegiant Global Services in Indianapolis. By using blankets, straps, bars, and plywood tiers, the company fits an average of about 65 percent more products into its trailers, reducing the number of loads needed and eliminating waste.

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Processors could gain from meat freshness indicator

A sensor that changes colour to indicate meat spoilage could prevent serious illness and food waste, say the US scientists involved in the project.

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Battelle scientists John R. Shaw and Donald Zehnder have been involved in a project for the past two years aimed at developing a ‘trap and detect’ tool for embedding in meat packaging to warn retailers and consumers of the presence of bacteria that cause food spoilage.

“We really wanted to come up with an idea whereby the consumer could look at the package and instantly know that the meat product was fresh or spoiled,” said John Shaw.

Zehnder told FoodProductionDaily.com that, following preliminary lab work, the team is at the stage of designing a prototype sensor and they have recently filed for a patent in relation to their chemical detector.

According to the two chemists, the project was prompted by what they felt was a lack of safeguards in the food supply chain following the spinach linked E. coli outbreak that killed three people and sickened more than 200 in September 2006.

They said their sensor could help reduce the risk of human illness or costly recalls.

Changing colour

Shaw said that their sensor, using technology based on colour metrics, changes from yellow to dark red when bacteria such as achromobacter and micrococcus have contaminated the meat.

He explained that the sensor is a synthetic molecule that binds with the material that the spoilage bacteria emit when they feed on the meat, and when the molecule and material bind the light they produce changes the colour of the sensor.

“The project is initially concentrating on the detection of spoilage bacteria as we have a good understanding of how they operate. However, we plan to fine tune the sensor so that it can also indicate the presence of pathogens such as listeria and E. coli 0157:H7,” said Shaw.

He said that the team is also evaluating how the sensor might be used in the detection of allergens in food products.

Best before

The chemists said that tests have demonstrated that the detector is 200 to 400 times more sensitive that the human nose and can help in reducing food wastage:

“As a result of its reliability for detecting spoilage bacteria, the sensor could eliminate the need for best before dates. Currently best before dates are set by manufacturers and are based on worst case assumptions. Most food is perfectly fine to eat days after its displayed best before date,” claims Shaw.

The two chemists would not be drawn on the composition of the detector, citing confidentiality, but did reveal that it was a non-toxic, non-caustic organic compound.

Commercial prospects

They said the sensor would not be undergoing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process for some time, but that they were hopeful the detector would be commercially available within a two-year timeframe.

“We have had a lot of interest already from meat producers and packaging suppliers in terms of setting up a partnership to get the sensor market ready,” said Zehnder.

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Soupes « GreenShoot »: Entre élégance, praticité et facilité d’emploi

Urban Foods, dont le siège est situé à Paris, a associé la facilité d’emploi et l’élégance à sa nouvelle gamme de soupes fraîches Greenshoot en choisissant le conditionnement innovant conçu par RPC Bebo Nederland et RPC Containers Halstead pour les soupes commercialisées à température ambiante.

Selon Urban Foods, Greenshoot Soups est la première gamme de soupes fraîches toutes prêtes lancées sous conditionnement individuel sur le marché français, et l`entreprise souhaitait un conditionnement qui allie la facilité d’emploi pour les consommateurs à une présentation élégante susceptible de produire un maximum d’impact en linéaire.

Conçu pour répondre aux besoins de la vie active d’aujourd’hui, le nouveau conditionnement de RPC est léger, facile à ouvrir et micro-ondable, et offre ainsi la plus grande facilité d’emploi pour le consommateur.

Le récipient est coextrudé et thermoformé en PP/EVOH/PP par RPC Bebo Nederland. La structure multicouche offre une excellente protection barrière afin d’assurer à la soupe, en association avec le processus de fabrication du produit, une durée de vie en linéaire comparable à celle atteinte avec les conditionnements classiques. Le gobelet arrondi est suffisamment résistant pour supporter les hautes températures de remplissage et il est compatible avec les porte-gobelets de voiture standard, afin que les soupes puissent être dégustées en voyage de façon sûre et pratique.

Moulé par injection en PP par RPC Halstead, l’élégant couvercle refermable comporte un bec facilitant la dégustation et un couvercle à orifice ; son design, qui complète parfaitement le gobelet, facilite l’empilage.

Le gobelet présente un large gainage et une forme attractive qui favorisent son impact en linéaire. Le gobelet et le couvercle sont disponibles dans un vaste choix de couleurs et de décorations, afin de favoriser la mise en valeur de la marque.

Le nouveau conditionnement présente un design audacieux, avec un gobelet et un couvercle noirs et un graphisme aux couleurs brillantes reprenant les ingrédients contenus dans chaque produit.

Le nouveau conditionnement de RPC présente une forme très attractive et il est aussi séduisant que pratique. Il peut aussi être transporté facilement lorsque son contenu est chaud – ce qui est idéal pour la vente à emporter.

En outre, la large zone de gainage permet de réaliser une étiquette très visible assurant une forte identité de marque à la nouvelle gamme et contribuant de façon significative à la réussite de ce lancement”.

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DSM invests in intelligent packaging

DSM Venturing, the corporate venturing unit of Royal DSM N.V., announces that it has made an equity investment in The Compliers Group International B.V. (TCG). The Netherlands-based company focuses on the development of smart pharmaceutical packaging solutions that contain microchips which enable the monitoring of a patient’s therapy compliance.

TCG’s smart packaging solutions can be applied in any existing standard medication blister and will record when a pill has been removed from the blister. This information can be read out wirelessly (e.g. with a mobile phone) and made available to caregivers and patients in day-to-day medication therapy or to pharmaceutical companies or research organizations in clinical studies.

The system will help both patients and volunteers taking part in clinical studies to take their pills at the right time. Caregivers and pharmaceutical companies will be able to better diagnose or judge the effectiveness of medication. This can help to substantially reduce healthcare costs.

First proof of concept of TCG’s “Objective therapy Compliance Measurement” (OtCM®) technology has been obtained. TCG also applies its technology in projects with Ministries of Health, health insurers and others, such as research organizations.

Tony de Vrught, Vice President DSM Specialty Packaging says: “ Intelligent packaging systems aimed at improving patient adherence could substantially contribute to decreasing overall healthcare costs in the future as they reduce the need for more costly interventions. I see this as a logical step forward in combining our knowledge of Life Sciences and Materials Sciences opening up interesting perspectives in innovative packaging applications. I look forward to working with TCG to develop innovative solutions for this market.”

Jos Geboers and Willem Kort, Founders and Managing Directors of TCG: “ This partnership with DSM will help us to refine our product and market development path. Our combined capabilities will accelerate the global implementation of our products, technologies and services as DSM has unique knowledge in both Life Sciences and Materials Sciences.”

Press Release
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Packaging of the week: Compostable Salad Packaging

Via Sustainable Is Good

Major UK retailer Sainbury's is releasing its SO organic wild rocket salad in new biodegradable packaging. The packaging is made using Amcor NaturePlus compostable film.

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The new packaging is well designed with simple graphically pleasing graphic design highlighting the freshness of the product. Very well done.

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“Food packaging is very important to our customers and it influences their buying decisions, Amcor's NaturePlus compostable film helps us to meet our customers needs and our sustainability goals without compromising on shelf life and seal performance requirements,” Sainbury's packaging manager said.

Today, 90% of Sainbury's organic fresh produce is available in compostable, recycled or recyclable packaging.

Using compostable material for this type of packaging makes a lot of sense. Packaging for fresh products like this in the US is designed to be disposable and always ends up in the landfill. Since recycling rarely occurs with this type of packaging contamination isn't a concern. Biodegradable packaging just makes sense in this application.

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Québec : Certification des sacs compostables «Biobag» par la BNQ

Dans un communiqué diffusé le 23 septembre 2008 par Nova Envirocom, on apprend que les sacs compostables «BioBag» ont obtenu la certification du Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ).

Bien que ces sacs possédaient déjà des certifications mondiales, plusieurs entreprises et municipalités du Québec attendaient l’attestation BNQ pour procéder à de plus vastes campagnes de sensibilisation auprès des citoyens et consommateurs afin d’éviter toute confusion sur l’utilisation de produits inappropriés ou pouvant contaminer le compostage.

Les sacs «BioBag» sont fabriqués par Polar Gruppen Norvège, à partir de maïs exempt d’OGM et certifiés biologiques par Ceristar. Ils ont aussi reçu la certification européenne la plus importante qui soit : «OK Compost», la certification américaine ASTM-6400-99, ainsi que l’«Institute and the United States Council». De plus, la compagnie a reçu la norme de l'«International Biodegradable Products Institute» (BPI) nord-américaine, et l’accréditation de la EN-13432, norme la plus élevée mondialement pour ce genre de produits.

Les «BioBag» sont utilisés dans plus de 3000 villes à travers l’Europe, la Scandinavie, les îles Britanniques, le Japon, la Taiwan, l’Australie, l’Inde, le Bangladesh, le Canada et les États-Unis.

Emballages et normes

NatureWorks: Bioplastics offer a more sustainable future

NatureWorks, the US-based producer of plastics made from plants, has welcomed the publication of its letter to The Guardian responding to an article attacking the use of biopolymers in packaging.

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However, the article entitled "'Sustainable' bio-plastic can damage the environment" appeared in the newspaper five months ago, and the firm said it was "a pity" the letter had taken so long to appear.

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In the letter, NatureWorks chief executive Marc Verbruggen said bioplastics were "still on a journey to full sustainability" but the firm believed that they were the "greenest alternative" to conventional oil-based plastics.

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According to Verbruggen, studies have found that making polylactic acid (PLA) generates less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of making oil-based plastics.

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New innovations in the manufacturing process mean PLA will soon produce 75% lower emissions than petro-chemicals.

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PLA is also "infinitely recyclable", whereas oil-based products are "downcycled" into products of diminishing value, he said.

Eamonn Tighe, NatureWorks' business development manager for the UK, said the company "was on to it quite quickly" and had been in discussion "for some time" on how best to respond.

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"We put together a position paper within 10 days of the article appearing, which we made available to customers and brand owners," said Tighe. "We never shied away from discussion about the points raised."

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He added that there had been no fall off in business as a result of the article.

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"In fact, we're very optimistic and enthusiastic about the future. The big news is that we're investing in bringing our Nebraska plant up to its capacity of 140,000 tonnes by early 2009 and we're thinking about our next plant," he said.

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NatureWorks' business is spread 40% in the US, 30% in Asia Pacific and 30% in Europe.

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Tighe declined to say where the new plant would be located.

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"Interest in bioplastics – both for food packaging and fibres – is at an all-time high," he said.

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He added that NatureWorks had resin supplies now and would have "lots in 2009".

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"We will also manage our pricing to a reasonable level in 2009 – we're not as dependant on oil as other raw material producers."

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(eO)®: à la "track" de la fraîcheur

(eO) est une étiquette adhésive intelligente faisant partie des solutions de type indicateur temps-température (ITT) de CRYOLOG. Elle permet de communiquer de façon dynamique et innovante sur la fraîcheur des produits.

L’étiquette se colore lorsque qu'un produit n'est plus consommable. La réaction, qui utilise une technologie brevetée faisant intervenir la microbiologie pour simuler de façon précise la fraîcheur de l'aliment, a lieu soit lorsque la DLC est dépassée, soit lorsque le produit a subi un cumul de ruptures de la chaîne du froid. Si la fleur est verte, le produit est frais, si elle est rouge, le produit ne l'est plus.
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Les étiquettes (eO)® sont paramétrées par CRYOLOG en fonction des caractéristiques des produits à tracer (composition microbiologique, durée de vie, températures de conservation, circuit logistique...).

Ci-dessous, un reportage très pédagogique sur l’étiquette fraicheur (eO)®:

Amazon.com Over-Packaging!

L’un des sites les plus connus d’e-business a de sérieux problèmes de suremballage.

La tendance est à la réduction à la source, mais on dirait qu’Amazon.com ne l’a pas encore compris et ce malgré les nombreuse critiques dont il fait l’objet (ici, ici et là).

Voici quelques exemples d’excès de zèle en matière d’emballage :

Packaging of the week: Innovative and Sustainable Sandwich Packaging

Via SuperMarket

In another milestone in its Good business journey, Woolworths is switching from plastic to cardboard packaging for its ‘to go’ range of sandwiches. The cardboard used in the new pack is certified as coming from a sustainable and well-managed forest. And while the transparent window may look like it’s made from plastic, it’s actually made from corn, another renewable resource.

Woolworths’ new sandwich packs carry the stamp of approval of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an internationally recognised body backed by a large number of leading conservation groups including WWF-SA. As Head of Foods, Julian Novak, explains, “Plastic made from oil is a non-renewable resource. Our new packaging is based on renewable and sustainable resources. The cardboard is certified as coming from well-managed forests, which means we’re supporting responsible forest management. We are particularly proud of this packaging because it is the first time that certified sustainable cardboard is being used in South African food packaging.”

Novak assures customers that the introduction of the new packaging has had no impact on Woolworths sandwich prices.

The innovation doesn’t stop with the materials; the cleverly designed box ‘unzips’ into a handy, self-contained and disposal tray.

The packaging is colour-coded, too, with orange circles identifying sandwiches made with chicken, red circles for pork, blue for fish, yellow for egg, brown for beef and green for vegetarian options.

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Agion Receives Prestiegious Cradle to Cradle Certification from MBDC

Agion Technologies Inc., the worldwide leader in natural silver-based antimicrobial solutions, today announced that it has received Cradle to Cradle Certification from McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC). The company is the first antimicrobial technology to be certified for its environmental intelligence.

Cradle to CradleSM design is a revolutionary approach to the redesign of human industry based on the conviction that rigorous science and design can move human industry beyond simple concerns for “sustainability” toward a new positive paradigm where growth is good. Science provides the physical laws and the data and design serves as the signal of human intention. Cradle to Cradle design mirrors the healthy, regenerative productivity of nature, and thereby creates industry that is continuously improving and sustaining life and growth.

“Since 1995, MBDC has been engaging large and small companies with the challenge of industry to scientifically evaluate and design materials and products according to these principles,” said James Ewell, director of consulting at MBDC. “We now offer companies the chance to have their materials and products not only evaluated, but also certified according to the Cradle to Cradleprinciples.”

“Agion has always been positioned as a naturally-based, non-toxic antimicrobial technology – an alternative to synthetic chemicals,” said Cyndy Hunter, director of marketing for Agion Technologies. “Achieving the Cradle To Cradle certification cements our position and shows that Agion is taking a leadership role in new market innovations.”

Agion, “Nature’s Antimicrobial”, is based on naturally-occurring silver, and is built directly into products, enabling a self-cleaning surface that provides continuous protection from microbes and maintains efficacy for the life of the product. Silver has long been recognized for its antimicrobial properties and has been used to suppress the growth of microbes for thousands of years and is utilized today in applications across industries including healthcare, consumer, food, water, and industrial.

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Study Links Bisphenol A to Diabetes, Heart Disease

Related story:

Scientists raise new concern over plastic containers

FDA defends plastic linked with health risks

FDA: BPA is safe for food and beverage packaging

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France : « Taxe pique-nique » sur les assiettes et couverts jetables

Le ministre du Développement durable Jean-Louis Borloo a précisé ce lundi qu'une "taxe pique-nique" serait appliquée dans la prochaine loi de finances aux assiettes et couverts jetables non-recyclables, de l'ordre de 90 centimes d’euro par kg. Cette taxe sera destinée à financer les produits du même type mais recyclables.

Le ministre a rappelé que "La France, c'est 350 kilos de déchets par personne et par an; le Japon c'est 100. Il faut bien qu'on réduise nos déchets".

Les fabricants d'emballage en carton et plastique ont jugé le projet de "taxe pique-nique" inutile et inefficace pour l'environnement, et "coûteux" pour les consommateurs. Ils observent que les produits choisis sont loin d'être ceux qui génèrent le plus de déchets, comme l'indique l'engagement 244 du Grenelle de l'environnement. "Les produits jetables représentent une fraction minoritaire, voire infime des déchets ménagers et n'ont généralement pas de substitut à fonctionnalité identique". Ils prônent, à la place de cette taxe, une "contribution financière" à des actions de prévention et aux coûts d'élimination des déchets causés par leurs produits.

L'association France Nature Environnement a de son côté salué "une mesure utile pour l'environnement". "La taxe pique-nique est bien mal nommée mais est économiquement et écologiquement intelligente".

Ma question : La vaisselle à base de plastiques biodégradables (non recyclable, mais compostable) est-elle également visée par cette taxe? Si oui, le marché des bioplastiques pourrait en souffrir.

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Packaging of the week : Barilla receives packaging makeover

Via Packaging Europe

Italy-based pasta group Barilla has launched the range of favourite products in new recyclable vacuum packaging embellished by a re-designed logo and nutritious instructions. The new eye-catching easy-to-use boxes have taken their place on the market shelves competing for customers’ attention. The packages, due to their practical structure, secure easy arrangement of boxes in the cupboards, refrigerators and on the kitchens and retail shelves. Due to the revamped boxes’ reclosable function, it becomes more hygienic and convenient to protect and store products not entirely consumed in one sitting. With ‘security button’ on the lid better ‘tamper evidence’ is achieved.

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The new vacuum packaging, apart from enhancing the freshness and enduring shelf-life of the product, addresses company’s sustainable environment-friendly goals by using less plastic materials enabling the carton boxes to be nearly fully recyclable. For the sauces, containing no chemical additives, vacuum packaging ensures long-life freshness and wholesomeness of the first opening.

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Toronto : City eyes coffee cup ban

The City of Toronto is targeting some of its biggest garbage offenders – coffee cups, takeout food containers and plastic bags – in a study that could lead to sweeping changes in the way residents handle their refuse.

As part of Toronto's plan to be diverting 70 per cent of its garbage from landfill by 2010, the city is examining ways to limit items that have a bad reputation for filling up landfills.

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Proposals being considered for beverage cups, takeout food containers and plastic bags include:

• An outright ban
• A levy or tax on the items. (Charging extra would presumably influence consumers to use recyclable cups or containers.)
• A deposit-return program similar to the provincial bottle return program, whereby consumers get at least a portion of their money back if they turn in the container, making the seller responsible for recycling it.
• A proposal pushed by Councillor Howard Moscoe targets cardboard and plastic store packaging, most of which ends up in the garbage stream. Stores in Toronto should be required to provide space where customers can take their purchases out of the packaging and leave the garbage behind, Moscoe says. This would put pressure on the manufacturers – over whom Toronto has no control – to reduce the amount of packaging on their products.

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Les bioplastiques de Novamont convoités par l’Ontario

Au début du mois d’août, je me faisais l’écho d’une nouvelle relayée par plusieurs médias de la région de Sherbrooke, selon laquelle la société italienne Novamont, leader mondial des bioplastiques (le Mater-Bi®, le plastique à base d’amidon) était sollicitée pour venir s’installer en Estrie.

Mercredi dernier (10 septembre 2008), Eric Reguly, correspondant en Europe pour The Globe and Mail, signait un post sur son blog intitulé : «Ontario eyes Italian bioplastics».

Il rapporte que l’Ontario lorgne sur les bioplastiques de Novamont et cherche à attirer les investissements de la compagnie italienne. Sandra Pupatello, la ministre du développement économique et du commerce de l’Ontario, s’apprête en effet, à partir en mission en Italie pour convaincre plusieurs compagnies de venir s’installer en Ontario. Novamont serait parmi les investisseurs les plus convoités avec son chiffre d’affaire de 50 millions d’euros.

La ministre Pupatello aimerait bien voir Novamont implanter une usine de Mater-bi en Ontario pour approvisionner le marché Canadien. Mais elle peut s’attendre à ce que les dirigeants de Novamont fassent monter les enchères pour que l’Ontario leur offre un cadre législatif plus avantageux. Dans le contexte actuel la législation favorise, en effet, le plastique traditionnel et ne donne absolument aucun incitatif pour favoriser l’utilisation des bioplastiques.

S’achemine-t-on vers une lutte sans merci entre Ontario et Québec pour attirer la belle italienne « Novamont »?

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"Danone Eco-Pack" : " Shrink packaging" et pouvoir d’achat

Devant la crise du pouvoir d'achat, Danone, le numéro un mondial des produits laitiers frais, vient de lancer en France, une nouvelle offre 100 % conçue pour ne pas dépasser le seuil psychologique de l'euro: Danone Eco-Pack. Assortis de la mention “la qualité Danone à prix mini”, cette «prouesse» a été rendue possible grâce à plusieurs éléments :

1. Une réduction des quantités d’emballages : il n’y a plus d’étui en carton


2. Une gamme limitée à 4 arômes


3. Lancement sans publicité, ni promotion


4. Une réduction du format du pot de yaourt qui passe de 125 g à 115 g

A lire ou à relire :

Tropicana : nouvel emballage, mais moins de jus

« Shrink Packaging »: où comment berner le consommateur en réduisant le contenu?
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La canette est l’emballage boisson le plus recyclé au monde

Plus de 2 canettes sur 3 sont recyclées à travers le monde. Le taux de recyclage des boîtes boisson est plus élevé que celui des autres emballages boissons. Plus ce taux de recyclage augmente, moins l’utilisation de matériaux vierges, donc de minerais et d’énergie, sont nécessaires à leur fabrication. Une quantité significative de métal recyclé permet à son tour la fabrication de nouvelles canettes. Ainsi en Europe, les canettes sont fabriquées avec des métaux pouvant intégrer plus de 50 % de matériaux recyclés. L’acier et l’aluminium, matières premières de base de la canette, ont une valeur économique qui garantit la rentabilité, la pérennité et la viabilité du processus de recyclage.

Recycler pour limiter l’impact environnemental et réduire l’empreinte carbone

Comparé aux autres matériaux, chaque canette recyclée permet d’économiser énormément d’énergie pour produire la canette suivante, réduisant d’autant son impact environnemental et donc son empreinte carbone. L’acier recyclé permet d’économiser 75% de l’énergie nécessaire à la production de canettes à partir de matériaux vierges. Quant au taux de l’aluminium recyclé, il atteint un taux record de 95%. Le recyclage des deux métaux offre donc une diminution significative de l’impact environnemental et de l’empreinte carbone.

Un cycle sans fin

Grâce à leur potentiel de recyclage, une fois triées et collectées, les canettes vivent plusieurs vies. Elles peuvent être indéfiniment recyclées sous forme de canettes, ce sans aucune perte de leurs qualités originelles. Elles peuvent également être transformées en divers produits commercialisables tels des vélos, voitures ou même des ponts ou encore retrouver le chemin des linéaires en moins de 60 jours.
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Xsense™ : For successful fresh produce trade transactions

StePac has launched a web-based cold chain management system to monitor produce freshness and quality as it travels through the supply chain.

The modified atmosphere and modified humidity (MA/MH) specialist, part of DS Smith Plastics, has developed the Xsense Perishables Quality Monitoring Program to provide information about the quality of products pre-shipment, in-transit and post-arrival.

Xsense monitors both actual produce temperature and that of the surrounding environment.

The system uses disposable tags that are placed within the packaging and begin to monitor and collect temperature and relative humidity data as soon as they are activated.

For land transport, this information is transmitted in real time using proprietary technology to StePac’s Xsense server centre. For sea freighted products, the information is logged and then downloaded upon arrival at the harbour.

The exact location of products in transit can be tracked using GPS data. If there are any problems, the system immediately notifies all those concerned with an email and/or text message.

A key feature of Xsense is its ability to analyse data and draw conclusions about product quality and safety, with shelf-life prediction models able to calculate the residual product quality to enable customers to ascertain if some products have been more affected than others and, if so, implement an effective first expired, first out policy.

See the Movie Xsense

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Packaging of the week: Olipak trays

New paper-pulp packaging solution for ready meals. Safe to handle, secure in transit, strong environmental credentials. An innovative and environmentally friendly packaging solution which has captured more than 70% of the US community meals market and is used to provide more than 5,000 community meals every day in the UK is now being marketed as an ideal tray for specialty, low-to-medium run ready meals producers.

Olipak trays stay cool to the touch but bring freshly-sealed, hot food straight to the table. The trays can be frozen to minus 40°C and heated to 205°C in conventional or microwave ovens. The trays also bring big safety advantages because they provide greater rigidity when heated and the film seal adheres firmly to all inner compartment edges helping prevent spillage or mixing of sauces or liquids in transit. All of these benefits are particularly important for users who may have handling or mobility issues.

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10 Innovative Packaging Ideas

Via Packaging Digest

How do you create innovative packaging? You can pay a packaging design firm thousands of dollars to come up with some ideas or you can create the ideas yourself. Here are ten ideas that will hopefully stimulate some packaging innovations for your own products.

1. Create a Reusable Package
2. Add a Little Extra to Your Packaging
3. Make Design the Focus of Your Packaging
4. Create Fun Packaging
5. Let Your True Colors Shine Through
6. Extend Your Labels with Sandwich Printing
7. Try the Metallic Look
8. Focus Your Packaging on a Specific Target
9. Merge Two Packaging Concepts
10. Look to Nature for Inspiration

The idea for this article is really to get you to think more about your packaging. Take one or two of these ideas and think about how they can be adapted to your product. If you focus on your packaging and create something that is unique to your company you will be more successful. Remember, your packaging not only has to contain your product, it is your final marketing message to your customers. Look at what your competition is doing and make sure you deliver a strong message with your packaging.

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Élections fédérales 2008: Réduisons les pancartes !

Le Premier ministre conservateur Stephen Harper a officiellement convoqué dimanche, des élections législatives anticipées pour le 14 octobre; les troisièmes au Canada en un peu plus de quatre ans.

Dans les prochains jours, toutes les villes canadiennes seront placardées de pancartes électorales des différents candidats et partis politiques. Il nous faudra encore, pendant les 5 prochaines semaines (et peut-être un peu plus, le temps qu’ils les décrochent), subir la pollution visuelle de ces encombrantes affiches.

Et si les candidats et les partis politiques s’inspiraient du principe des 3R, soit la réduction à la source, le réemploi et le recyclage des pancartes électorales.

Certes, ces affiches fabriquées à partir d’un plastique appelé Coroplast (polypropylène ondulé) sont pour l’essentiel recyclées et réutilisées. Toutefois, la réduction à la source reste une priorité. C’est bien connu : Le meilleur déchet, c’est celui qui n’est pas produit !

À l’heure où le vert est à la mode, il serait bon de réduire le nombre de pancartes et de restreindre l’affichage à des endroits spécifiques. D’autant plus, qu’aujourd’hui l’internet prend de plus en plus de place dans les campagnes électorales : Facebook, Youtube et blogs…

LacPET™ : Nouvelle résine PET UV-Protectrice pour emballages monocouches

Le LacPET™ est un matériau composite comprenant un complexe UV protecteur à base de titane. En fonction de la protection recherchée, la formulation du produit est ajustée. Ce matériau permet la fabrication de contenants monocouches opaques présentant une barrière aux UV-Visibles. Ce matériau peut donc être utilisé pour le conditionnement de produits photosensibles comme les matières grasses ou les vitamines.

Les avantages de cette nouvelle résine sont :

1. Accès à des formes de packagings monocouches très innovantes comparativement à celles permises par les autres produits du même segment, comme la brique multicouche ou les conditionnements “mous“ en PEHD.

2. Praticité du système bouchage-débouchage: plus besoin de l'opercule pour assurer l'étanchéité de la bouteille

3. Transfert possible de certains produits, du rayon frais vers le rayon ambiant.

4. Facilité de recyclage: circuit de recyclage et de réutilisation possible

5. Avantage économique comparativement aux solutions complexes existantes

Le LacPET™ a reçu le 1er prix de l’innovation dans la catégorie « Innovations applicatives » au salon Packinnove 2006.

What Do Recycling Symbols on Plastics Mean?

Via The Daily Green

Number 1 Plastics : PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)

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Found in: Soft drink, water and beer bottles; mouthwash bottles; peanut butter containers; salad dressing and vegetable oil containers; ovenable food trays.
Recycling: Picked up through most curbside recycling programs.
Recycled into: Polar fleece, fiber, tote bags, furniture, carpet, paneling, straps, (occasionally) new containers
PET plastic is the most common for single-use bottled beverages, because it is inexpensive, lightweight and easy to recycle. It poses low risk of leaching breakdown products. Recycling rates remain relatively low (around 20%), though the material is in high demand by remanufacturers.
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Number 2 Plastics : HDPE (high density polyethylene)

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Found in: Milk jugs, juice bottles; bleach, detergent and household cleaner bottles; shampoo bottles; some trash and shopping bags; motor oil bottles; butter and yogurt tubs; cereal box liners
Recycling: Picked up through most curbside recycling programs, although some allow only those containers with necks.
Recycled into: Laundry detergent bottles, oil bottles, pens, recycling containers, floor tile, drainage pipe, lumber, benches, doghouses, picnic tables, fencing
HDPE is a versatile plastic with many uses, especially for packaging. It carries low risk of leaching and is readily recyclable into many goods.
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Number 3 Plastics: V (Vinyl) or PVC

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Found in: Window cleaner and detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging, wire jacketing, medical equipment, siding, windows, piping
Recycling: Rarely recycled; accepted by some plastic lumber makers.
Recycled into: Decks, paneling, mudflaps, roadway gutters, flooring, cables, speed bumps, mats
PVC is tough and weathers well, so it is commonly used for piping, siding and similar applications. PVC contains chlorine, so its manufacture can release highly dangerous dioxins. If you must cook with PVC, don't let the plastic touch food. Also never burn PVC, because it releases toxins.
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Number 4 Plastics: LDPE (low density polyethylene)

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Found in: Squeezable bottles; bread, frozen food, dry cleaning and shopping bags; tote bags; clothing; furniture; carpet
Recycling: LDPE is not often recycled through curbside programs, but some communities will accept it. Plastic shopping bags can be returned to many stores for recycling.
Recycled into: Trash can liners and cans, compost bins, shipping envelopes, paneling, lumber, landscaping ties, floor tile
LDPE is a flexible plastic with many applications. Historically it has not been accepted through most American curbside recycling programs, but more and more communities are starting to accept it.

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Number 5 Plastics: PP (polypropylene)

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Found in: Some yogurt containers, syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, straws, medicine bottles
Recycling: Number 5 plastics can be recycled through some curbside programs.
Recycled into: Signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, auto battery cases, ice scrapers, landscape borders, bicycle racks, rakes, bins, pallets, trays
Polypropylene has a high melting point, and so is often chosen for containers that must accept hot liquid. It is gradually becoming more accepted by recyclers.
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Number 6 Plastics: PS (polystyrene)

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Found in: Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers, aspirin bottles, compact disc cases
Recycling: Number 6 plastics can be recycled through some curbside programs.
Recycled into: Insulation, light switch plates, egg cartons, vents, rulers, foam packing, carry-out containers
Polystyrene can be made into rigid or foam products -- in the latter case it is popularly known as the trademark Styrofoam. Evidence suggests polystyrene can leach potential toxins into foods. The material was long on environmentalists' hit lists for dispersing widely across the landscape, and for being notoriously difficult to recycle. Most places still don't accept it, though it is gradually gaining traction.
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Number 7 Plastics: Miscellaneous

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Found in: Three- and five-gallon water bottles, 'bullet-proof' materials, sunglasses, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, certain food containers, nylon
Recycling: Number 7 plastics have traditionally not been recycled, though some curbside programs now take them.
Recycled into: Plastic lumber, custom-made products
A wide variety of plastic resins that don't fit into the previous categories are lumped into number 7. A few are even made from plants (polyactide) and are compostable. Polycarbonate is number 7, and is the hard plastic that has parents worried these days, after studies have shown it can leach potential hormone disruptors.

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Marks & Spencer: des emballages de Pizza réduits à 60%

Cette semaine, le géant de la grande distribution au Royaume-Uni, Marks & Spencer, a annoncé que les emballages de leurs pizzas seraient réduits de 60%.

La traditionnelle boite en carton est abandonnée et la pizza est enveloppée d’un film plastique. Sur une simple bande en carton sont inscrites les informations concernant le produit.

Le célèbre distributeur a affirmé que cette nouvelle enveloppe permettra d’économiser, l’année prochaine, près de 500 tonnes de carton et 83 tonnes de plastique.

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L’Eco-conception : une démarche préventive et un élément clé de la stratégie des entreprises

L'éco-conception est une démarche préventive qui consiste à intégrer l’environnement au sein des critères classiques de conception (faisabilité technique, coûts, délais, attentes du marché…) afin de réduire les impacts environnementaux lors de la création ou de l'amélioration d'un produit. Cette démarche passe par une prise en compte globale de l'environnement (consommations d'énergies et de matières, rejets, émissions et déchets) à chaque étape du cycle de vie du produit : de sa fabrication à sa valorisation en fin de vie, en passant par les étapes de distribution et d'utilisation : toutes les étapes du cycle de vie du produit sont prises en compte.

Au-delà de l'objectif de réduction des impacts environnementaux des produits, l'éco-conception devient un élément clé de la stratégie des entreprises; Elle peut permettre de transformer leurs dépenses environnementales en investissements et en opportunités de développement. Ainsi, opter pour l’éco-conception permet de :

• Se différencier des concurrents en apportant un nouveau regard sur les produits ou services.


• Anticiper les crises et les contraintes nouvelles du marché en prenant en compte, dès la fabrication du produit, le principe de prévention.


• Devancer les attentes naissantes des marchés en optimisant l'offre et en confortant l'intérêt des clients pour l'environnement.


• S'appuyer sur un nouveau levier de motivation interne, source de créativité et de dynamisme.

Approche volontariste, la démarche d'éco-conception permet également d'anticiper et de respecter au moindre coût les réglementations environnementales actuelles et à venir, voire de transformer ces nouvelles contraintes en opportunités. Les entreprises sont de plus en plus nombreuses à adopter cette démarche.

Source

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HP notebook: Thinking outside the box

Walmart today named HP the winner of its Home Entertainment Design Challenge, singling out the technology company for further reducing the environmental impact of personal computers. The HP Pavilion dv6929 Entertainment Notebook features an innovative design that reduces product packaging by 97%, conserving fuel and reducing CO2 emissions by removing the equivalent of one out of every four trucks previously needed to deliver the notebooks to Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations around USA.

The HP Pavilion dv6929 Entertainment Notebook, in a bundle exclusive to Wal-Mart, comes packaged in a carrying bag with only a couple plastic bags for consumers to dispose of. The bag itself, save for the buckle, strap and zipper, is made out of 100 % recycled fabric from Unifi.

Instead of packaging each laptop in its own box, HP is able to fit three bags in a box for shipping the product to stores. "From a logistics standpoint, the way they've been packaged reduces the space needed," said Scott Erickson, environmental program manager for HP's consumer PC business, "We can get 31% more products on each pallet."

HP developed the packaging concept, Erickson said, after Wal-Mart challenged electronics suppliers to submit product ideas focused on design to attract customers, innovation that reduces environmental impact and packaging that encourages reduced materials, reuse and recycling.

Recyclage en France : des chiffres encourageants

Selon une étude réalisée par Eco-emballage :

• La France a recyclé 3 millions de tonnes d'emballages ménagers en 2007, soit 61,3 % du tonnage total. Un chiffre supérieur à l'objectif fixé par Bruxelles pour 2008, qui est de 55 % de recyclage.


• Le recyclage des emballages en 2007 en France a permis d’éviter l’émission de 1,5 millions de tonnes de CO2 (gaz à effet de serre).


• 218 000 t de bouteilles et de flacons plastiques recyclés ont permis de fabriquer des fibres textiles synthétiques, des gaines et tuyaux pour l’industrie du bâtiment et toutes sortes de produits de la plasturgie. Chaque tonne de bouteilles et flacons plastiques recyclée évite l’extraction de 620 litres de pétrole et de près de 250 m3 de gaz naturel.


• Pour les métaux, recyclables à l’infini, 320 000 t d’acier et 17 000 t d’aluminium ont été recyclés trouvant des applications très larges dans tous les secteurs de l’industrie et de la consommation.


• 474 000 t de papiers/cartons recyclés majoritairement pour la fabrication de nouveaux emballages et 1 906 000 t de bouteilles/bocaux en verre qui deviendront l’équivalent de 4 milliards de nouvelles bouteilles en verre.

US Demand for Biodegradable Plastic Growing

Demand for biodegradable plastic in the US is forecast to expand nearly 16% per year to 720 million pounds in 2012, valued at $845 million. Average prices will continue to decline as a result of higher capacity and greater production efficiencies, as well as price mixes reflecting fastest growth for the lower priced resins. Myriad opportunities are anticipated based on a more competitive pricing structure, increased competitiveness with petroleum-based polymers, and growing environmental, governmental and consumer initiatives for greater use of sustainable resources. Biodegradable plastic applications are also being expanded by developing testing and certification standards and enhanced performance properties brought about by more sophisticated polymerization and blending techniques.

Polyester-based biodegradables to grow fastest

Polylactic acid (PLA) demand will present good opportunities through 2012, reflecting price declines, improved product performance and greater processor familiarity. Good opportunities are expected in packaging areas such as film, thermoformed products, and foodservice products. Starch-based plastic demand will present good growth through 2012 due to the availability of lower priced and improved resin blends. Film products such as yard and kitchen bags will remain dominant. Rapid advances are also expected in areas such as plates, bowls and foodservice items. Slow growth is expected for biodegradable loose-fill packaging based on competition from bubble packaging and inflatable bags. Demand for polyester-based biodegradables will increase at the fastest pace through 2012 due to rapid capacity additions, price declines and opportunities in film and fiber products. The materials also have good synergy in blends with PLA, starch and other materials.

Packaging will remain dominant end use

Packaging, which accounted for more than 70% of all biodegradable plastic use in 2007, will present good opportunities. Molded biodegradable products will exhibit the fastest growth due to widespread use in containers and trays based on improved resins and processing technologies. Biodegradable film has diverse bag, liner and overwrap applications. Fiber markets will provide good opportunities, with bedding and apparel remaining the leading applications.

Source: The Freedonia Group, Inc, August 2008

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Tropicana : nouvel emballage, mais moins de jus

Tropicana comme beaucoup d’autres marques, se lance dans le « Shrink packaging » :

Pour rester concurrentielles et plutôt que d’opter pour une augmentation des prix de leurs produits, les grandes marques ont trouvé une solution miracle : une belle cure d’amaigrissement de l’emballage et tant qu’à faire du contenu également. Le plus souvent, le consommateur ne s’en aperçoit pas car cela se dissimule derrière un nouveau design plus moderne et plus alléchant.

Selon plusieurs études de marché (ici), prés de 30% des biens emballés, et pas seulement les produits alimentaires seraient concernés par une réduction de taille (volume). Quand la taille diminue, le prix reste le même.

En révisant le design de son emballage, Tropicana a réduit de quelques 20ml la quantité de jus comparé à l’ancien emballage et ce, tout en gardant le même prix. Le nouvel emballage se présente sous forme de pichet, facile à verser et à ouvrir. Notons au passage que le plastique semble plus fin.

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