Packaging Innovation Roundup

The consumer goods landscape is undergoing a major shift, driven by heightened environmental awareness and a growing emphasis on inclusivity. Traditional packaging methods, which often rely on non-renewable resources and pose challenges for individuals with disabilities or age-related limitations, are increasingly under scrutiny.

This has sparked a wave of innovation in the packaging industry, with a clear focus on creating solutions that are both sustainable and accessible. The integration of these two priorities is now a core consideration in the development of next-generation packaging.

Here are some of the latest and greatest packaging innovations making an impact:

Source: ITP

• ITP’s FreezyPeel: ITP’s FreezyPeel film, designed for frozen food packaging, won a Best Packaging 2024 award for its exceptional combination of accessibility and sustainability. This year’s awards highlighted accessibility as a key trend,  driven by demographic shifts like an aging population and more single-person households, which demand packaging that is easy for a diverse range of users. FreezyPeel is a coextruded polyethylene monofilm featuring a user-friendly, easy-open system that eliminates the need for scissors. Consumers can simply pull two flaps apart near the top seal to open the package – similar to opening a bag of chips.
• Mondi’s re/cycle SpoutedPouch for Paint: Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has launched the re/cycle SpoutedPouch as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic paint tubs. This innovative packaging is a printed mono-material vacuum pouch designed for easy recycling. Featuring an intuitive easy-open system, the re/cycle SpoutedPouch enhances user convenience. From a sustainability perspective, its single-material construction makes it easier to recycle compared to conventional multi-layered or mixed-material paint containers.
• TOAST: TOAST, a British clothing brand, has partnered with Kvatt to launch a reusable packaging trial aimed at tackling waste in the e-commerce industry. As part of TOAST’s commitment to sustainability, the packaging is designed from durable materials that can be reused multiple times. Customers can return the packaging to the company, where it will be cleaned and reused for future shipments. This circular approach is expected to significantly reduce single-use packaging waste, helping TOAST eliminate plastic and other non-recyclable materials typically used in e-commerce packaging.
• Carmine’s: Carmine’s recently adopted the EEASY Lid on its line of signature pasta sauces, sold at more than 300 stores. The EEASY Lid enables consumers to release the vacuum seal of a jar by simply pressing a button on the lid, reducing the twisting force needed to unscrew it by up to 50%. With just a push and a twist, users can easily access their favorite sauces, stew bases and more. The EEASY Lid is also the world’s first aluminum lug lid – just as durable as traditional steel lids, but more easily recyclable.

Accessible and sustainable packaging innovations like these are crucial for improving user convenience, especially for individuals with disabilities or age-related limitations, while also reducing environmental impact.

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