We place a great deal of importance on the sustainable development of the paper and packaging industry, with our initial purpose to provide solutions for redundant material that would end up in landfill. Due to our environmental mindset, we like to keep on top of the latest developments across the industry, with a key focus on packaging innovations.
As the emergence of eco conscious consumerism heightens and global regulations are implemented to help advance net zero targets, more businesses are having to think of new ways to reduce their environmental output, with many placing their focus on new packaging solutions. This is why we are always on the lookout for the latest innovations and industry pioneers who are progressing sustainability in packaging.
Approaching the end of what has been an exciting year for the industry, we wanted to share some of our favourite packaging innovations from 2023.
Absolut Vodkas Paper Bottle
The development of a paper bottle has been contested for some time, with many global brands competing to roll out their version and disrupt the industry. Alongside The Paper Bottle Company (Pabaco), Pernod Ricard developed its very own paper bottle for its Absolut brand earlier this year, marking the first time a paper bottle has been sold commercially in store by a global spirits brand. The prototype sustainable bottles were made up of 57% paper and 43% plastic, with the plastic content able to be recycled after use. The brand aim to become carbon-neutral by 2030 and to one day develop a fully bio-based bottle.
Stora Enso’s Paperboard Tube
Finnish packaging company Stora Enso launched a groundbreaking packaging solution alongside Blue Ocean Closures and AISA. The wood fibre-based concept was claimed to be a first of its kind, with each aspect of the design being developed for optimal recycling. This new paperboard tube has been designed by Stora Enso in order to meet consumer demand and reduce their carbon footprint. The new tube is expected to be introduced to the market in 2024, with its primary use aimed towards cosmetics and care products.
Plastic Free Sushi Packaging
One of our favourite packaging innovations from this year came from DS Smith collaboration alongside fresh food retailers EAT HAPPY. Both companies worked on the development of 100% recyclable sushi packaging. The box was produced using corrugated cardboard, with the transparent window on the top of the box being fully home compostable. The water and grease repellent material is designed to preserve the foods freshness and will help save a total of 1,250 tonnes of plastic waste per year. The implementation of this packaging design will contribute to DS Smith’s objective of minimizing packaging waste within the fresh food sector.
UPM’s Compostable Food Stickers
UPM Specialty Papers who are also a Finnish based paper manufacturer developed a fully compostable sticker solution for fruit and veg products. The company launched UPM LabelCoat™ and LabelCoat™ Prime label face papers, both designed for industrial and home composting. This initiative was introduced to help customers in aligning with the requirements proposed by the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Paper Mattress Packaging
A packaging innovation that also caught our eye this year was the introduction of Mondi’s breakthrough sustainable mattress packaging. The South African packaging manufacturers announced their ‘Protector Bag ExpandForm’ in October this year, aiming to disrupt the upholstery packaging market by combatting traditional plastic packaging. The new recyclable solution has been produced using a version of Mondi’s high quality kraft paper and has the ability to adapt to all different shapes and sizes.
The packaging industry has made incredible progress this year, with the development of new trends and key industry players introducing packaging innovations driving the sustainable development across the sector.
As the importance for organisations to adopt greater sustainable practises gains momentum, we expect there to be plenty more sustainable packaging innovations introduced as we move into 2024.