Their research was published in the prestigious journal Advanced Materials IF:25.809 earlier this year: "A Self-Healing Nanofiber-Based Self-Responsive Time-Temperature Indicator for Securing a Cold-Supply Chain." This cold-chain safety sticker creates an image on it when exposed to room temperature (10 0C or higher). Room temperature exposure history and time throughout the cold chain delivery process are indicated but cannot be manually edited. When refrigerated or frozen foods are exposed to room temperature, usually bacteria begin to grow and reproduce. However, it is difficult to see visually as certain bacteria do not affect the taste and smell of foods and frozen foods have almost the same appearance even after melting and refreezing. The core technology of the cold-chain safety sticker is nanofibre film. The researchers attempted to attach a typical film on the back of this newly developed film. At low temperatures, the nanofibre film has a stable structure where thin threads intersect each other, making it opaque because the light is scattered. When exposed to room temperature for a period of time, this structure collapses. Specifically, the thin threads start to melt and become entangled with each other. This allows light to transmit through the film, making it appear transparent. Then the image produced on the typical film on the back becomes visible from the front, showing that the food may have spoiled. The researchers found a way to control the time that is required for the film to become transparent when exposed to room temperature, accounting for variations in spoilage times of different foods. So each sticker was designed to become transparent after a minimum of 30m and a maximum of 24 hours of exposure. This was achieved by controlling the composition and thickness of the nanofibres. Dr Dongyeop Oh from the KRICT said, "This sticker, once exposed to room temperature, cannot be restored to its original state, even if one attempts to refrigerate or freeze it again. Also, room-temperature exposure time cannot be manually adjusted. This means that there is virtually no room for any manipulation." “It does not require modularization, accurately measures localized or gradient heat and functions even after crushing, cutting, and when weight?loaded in a manner that existing TTIs cannot. It also contains no drainable chemicals and is attachable to various shapes because it operates through an intrinsic physical response,” he added. The cold-chain safety sticker can be widely used not only for food product applications but also for the cold-chain distribution of expensive medicine and medical supplies, they say. This is because the sticker is thin and flexible. It is estimated manufacturing cost is low at one cent per unit.

The ‘state of the art’ traceability platform is integrated with the industrial park’s existing big data platform provided by Beijing Aokemei Tech & Service. Upstream information such as batch, picking dates and inspection can be associated with the unique codes, allowing all data to be stored in one central platform for full traceability. The project involves the application of unique, secure, and traceable QR codes to every pack of radishes. In addition, there is a four-digit hidden pin code for authentication.

Mondi launches NextLiner, the first to market solution that reduces the environmental footprint of polycoated kraft (PCK) paper release liners
NextLiner uses recycled base paper and resins made from renewable resources

A new closure for edible oils Maestro is Aptar’s new solution that gives consumers the easy-to-open, portion control and drip free benefits they desire. Maestro creates an elevated experience that allows brands to stand out from the competition, while also staying aligned with e-commerce and sustainability trends. An enjoyable cooking experience Giving consumers an enjoyable cooking experience is the core mission of Maestro. Maestro’s wide finger recess allows consumers to easily open the lid with one hand, and the raised spout was thoughtfully designed to let consumers decide which flow to pour with. The pouring lip also promotes a clean product cut-off, keeping drips, spills, and messes under control. In the kitchen, on the table, or even outdoors, Maestro delivers an easy, controlled pour. Smart and modern lifestyle Maestro’s unique appearance brings a fresh, modern look to edible oil packages. The colored spout paired with a translucent over cap allows brands to select colors to match each product’s identity. This trendy design helps draw the attention of consumers not only on stores shelves, but in the e-commerce sector as well. The premium look and feel of Maestro lends itself to fit seamlessly into the modern lifestyle of today’s consumers. Leading the way to sustainability A notable feature of Maestro is its fully recyclable composition. With its tethered cap, non-detachable parts, and 100% recyclable material, Maestro enables brands to meet their sustainability goals, and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

The international community set a goal of halving per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a reliance on imported crops, Japan’s food self-sufficiency rate is at a 25-year low. In contrast, 6.43 million tons of food in Japan are wasted per year due to food products that are unsold, unconsumed or past the expiration date. “Plastic packaging can play a critical role in reducing food loss, ensuring consumer safety and meeting environmental goals of lowering carbon emissions,” said Dr. Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi, circular economy market director for Dow and global technology and sustainability director for Dow Olympic and Sports Solutions. “At Dow, we foster collaboration across the value chain – film producers, converters, equipment manufacturers, brand owners and retailers – to promote packaging solutions that support resource efficiency and a more circular economy. In teaming up with AEON on this project, the goal is twofold: integrate new packaging technologies that preserve food freshness and deliver quantifiable environmental impacts, while raising awareness with consumers on the issue of food loss and its importance.” In 2017, AEON committed to contributing to the industry’s SDG by setting a target of halving the company’s own food waste by 2025. AEON started adopting the use of vacuum skin packaging (VSP) for several types of food in its stores owned by group companies. Supported by Dow’s lonomer technology (in Japan, a joint venture, Dow-Mitsui Polychemicals Co., Ltd., manufactures and markets under a license from Dow)4, VSP extends the shelf life of products and offers better protection during shipment, leading to food loss mitigation and carbon reduction throughout the lifecycle. “Powered by our vision for a low carbon society and a country with zero food waste, AEON has set challenging yet attainable sustainability goals for our company and customers that will contribute to the industry’s effort to help build a sustainable future,” said AEON. “This agreement will accelerate the achievement of our goals through this first-of-its-kind food packaging collaboration in Japan.” Aeon’s group company – Daiei, made a trial sale in November 2019 with four of its beef products. Since then, they have expanded their product lineups to include poultry and lamb packaged products, with plans to increase the store count and expand this packaging solution to seafood application. The collaboration with Dow and AEON will drive the adoption of more sustainable solutions that mitigate GHG emissions throughout the products’ lifecycle. The resulting climate benefits will be validated by a third party and contribute to Dow’s Official Carbon Partnership with the IOC.

The novel design has been created by London design and innovation agency Echo Brand Design who has created a cardboard construction using packaging which unfolds like a flower to reveal the ingredients and contents within. The tea leaves are packaged intact via a cellulose fibre pouch, which maintains product quality better than standard loose tea. A reusable scoop is also included. Resealable tamper tabs turn the packaging into a reusable tea caddy. It is claimed that the packaging is home compostable.

Getting the right trading card packaging is not very hard if you find the right company, as they know the process. If you think you will not get many options, then you may surprise to know that options are unlimited. You can design the packaging on your own or take some professionals help, after explaining to them about the brand. You can get an option when it comes to picking a material, size, style, shape, and even colour. There are many companies that offer this service; you just have to pick the right one. A company that not only do quality work but also demands reasonable money, according to your budget. It is not impossible to find a company, but it is a bit challenging. Now come back to the trading card packaging, if you want the right packaging, there are few things you have to consider. The points will eventually allow you to make the right packaging. Size of the trading cards You can get the right packaging for the trading card until you know the size of the cards. It is better if you measure and not give a rough estimation to the company. Otherwise, you may give the wrong order to the company and later realize all the money you invest is a total waste. The right size also matters as it keeps the cards well protected and take less space at the time you have to deliver. The packaging will take more space; then, you will have to pay extra while shipping that is not good. The theme of the trading cards To grab the attention of the customer, you can go wrong with the theme. It is something that makes people decision, whether they want it or not. Imagine you print something else on the card just because it looks good, but people are looking for a trading card that is not visible. For sure, they will not pay attention and move on. It is important you stick by the theme, print some kind of picture on the packaging that tells what is inside. It is obvious that if you are packing a Pokémon card, one character if for sure known by everyone. You can print that to the attention and print other things too. Information like how many cards are inside and so on. Where are you about to deliver trading cards? Now, if you don't have any plan to ship the cards somewhere far and your own vans can transport, then a simple cardboard box is enough for the packaging. But if you are delivering them somewhere and you don't know how they are going to handle them, then you have to pay extra attention to the packaging. Use silver metallic wrapper or plastic wrapper to pack individual cards or few in one. Then pack them in a box. In this way, if they place the box at a place that is wet, the cards will not receive any damage. Keep in mind the age group you are targeting. It is another point that you have to keep in mind while making the packaging for a trading card. You will not like to get a box on which children show no interest. Keep in mind that impressing children is not easy, as they don't go with the information on the box or quality of the box. They like the box that will attract them the most. To get the attention of them, choose bright colours and cartoon characters that are famous. Set your budget It may not look important to, but it is. You will not like to get the boxes that are so expensive, and you not able to cover the price in card price. Now you may think that every company is offering service at a reasonable price, but in reality, the difference is quite real. Some companies try to take advantage of the customer, as they know they don't have an idea or they don't have any other choice. It is important if you take someone helps, who has experience or search a bit online. In this way, it will help you to stay safe from scammers, and you will not invest your time and money in the wrong place.

Dr. José María Lagarón, from The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), YPACK project coordinator, said: “The ideal packaging involves lower carbon and water footprints, is biodegradable and/or compostable, makes use of wastes or by-products, is properly eco-designed, safe and has the right preservation properties to minimize food waste. YPACK is delivering on this vision.” Active packaging breakthrough The biopolymer PHBV was used to create very thin “bio-paper” from food industry by-products. Zinc oxide and oregano essential oil, two active ingredients, were incorporated into the bio-papers. These compounds have good antimicrobial activity against two bacteria that can cause food poisoning: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (E.coli). Researchers discovered an optimal ratio of the active ingredients that showed successful short-term (15 days) and medium-term (up to 48 days) anti-bacterial effects in ‘open’ and ‘closed’ systems. This means the formula could be used for food products where the packaging is opened and closed several times, for example to package ham slices or bread. The active components could be used in both trays and flow films as an active layer. These promising laboratory results show the potential of bio-based active packaging to increase the shelf life of fresh products like meat, fruits & vegetables and fresh pasta. However, due to regulatory restrictions within the EU, the final YPACK packaging will not, in the first instance, contain an active layer but will be made purely from biodegradable PHBV.

Liquibox has introduced Waterspout to Home and Office Delivery (HOD) brands as a more sustainable alternative to rigid bottles. Greg Gard, VP of R&D at Liquibox, expects Waterspout to disrupt the water delivery market. “Now sustainability is part of the HOD value proposition,” he said. “Consumers making a healthy lifestyle choice to drink water can feel good about how it’s packaged.”

Gard’s team designed Waterspout to overcome the shortfalls of rigid bottles. Easy-grip handles offer better ergonomics. Instead of empty bottle pileups, the Waterspout system features outer cardboard that can be branded for marketing during the life of the package and recycled after use. Patent-pending Liquibox bags protect the integrity and taste profile of the water. Connection to the cooler is more sterile.

“Waterspout makes life easier, safer and more pleasant for water drinkers. HOD brands can give customers the satisfaction that comes from a better user experience, along with gold-standard taste and quality.”
— Greg Gard, Senior Vice President of R&D, Liquibox

The concept stemmed from the Liquibox R&D team’s awareness of the struggle of distributed water systems around the world to keep up with demands of growth and aging. They believe the Waterspout flexible packaging innovation offers a groundbreaking solution for consumers interested in safe water packaged in bulk – and for HOD brands wanting to sell bulk water through e-commerce and retail channels.
Gard points out the business benefits to HOD brands of a more compact and earth-friendly footprint. “Waterspout reduces warehouse space and number of trucks on the road. As a one-way package, there’s no longer the need to transport, clean and store empties. More customer loyalty, greater sustainability and bottom-line savings are a winning combination.”

Waterspout won in the category of expanding the use of flexible packaging and will be among the 30 winning entries across categories on display this week during the 2020 FPA Annual Meeting in Bonita Springs, Florida.

According to Südpack, the solutions have been designed to be more recyclable, as well as significantly lower material consumption compared to standard packaging. The Flow Pack PurePP film claims it can achieve material savings of up to 60% compared to tray packaging, with a pack for 1kg of minced meat weighing 9.5g. Südpack also says its new film can be processed quickly and efficiently on all common flow wrapping machines even at high speeds due to its advanced sealing properties.