To commemorate Earth Day, HelloFresh has introduced cardboard packaging made of 100-percent-postconsumer-recycled content for its HelloFresh and EveryPlate meal kits. The food-delivery company has partnered with Pratt Industries, a food packaging producer in Conyers, Georgia, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,800 tons and save more than 115,000 trees in a year, HelloFresh says.

Pratt Industries’ cardboard boxes are made from 100-percent-recycled paper. The performance-based packaging protects food while in transit while offering a more sustainable solution.

According to a news release from HelloFresh, using these cardboard boxes to ship meal kits from HelloFresh’s Georgia and Texas distribution centers will contribute to meaningful, positive environmental impacts. This includes saving more than 115,000 trees and 47.6 million gallons of water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 6,800 tons per year. 

“Pratt Industries is honored to be part of HelloFresh’s drive to be more sustainable,” says Chris Stanton, president of the Pratt Specialty Group. “Building better packaging, with the ultimate goal of reusing that packaging yet again, takes a united thoughtful approach. HelloFresh truly has a cutting-edge vision around sustainability, and our team is thankful for like-minded environmental leaders.”

HelloFresh is also implementing a new analytical Box Fit program that assigns the smallest possible box size to a customer’s order based on the volume and size of its contents. Using this algorithm in the fulfillment process increases the use of small boxes to 60 percent, eliminating unnecessary packaging, the company says. The program also reduces the use of cold packs and insulation, increasing the number of boxes that fit on a truck for distribution. 

“Our approach to packaging is to avoid using it whenever possible. When packaging plays an essential role in protecting the quality and safety of the food in our meal kits, we are committed to either reducing or optimizing it for recyclability,” says Jeff Yorzyk, director of sustainability at HelloFresh U.S. “Leveraging cutting-edge technology and the new 100 percent recycled cardboard from Pratt Industries are two important steps towards continued leadership in sustainable packaging solutions for meal kits.” 

The introduction of sustainable packaging supports HelloFresh’s long-term strategy to lead the industry in sustainable business practices. This includes offsetting 100 percent of its carbon emissions and leveraging a demand-driven subscription model. HelloFresh says the model minimizes food waste throughout its supply chain and then sends only the exact ingredients customers need to make a meal. This reduces at-home food waste by 25 percent when compared with grocery store-bought meals, based on the HelloFresh Global Food Waste Study and the United States Department of Agriculture.

“Our goal in changing the way people eat forever is to provide better access to fresh ingredients more sustainably. This includes constant innovation, investment, and partnerships with sustainability leaders like Pratt Industries to improve the recyclability and minimize the environmental impact of our meal kit packaging,” says Uwe Voss, CEO of HelloFresh U.S. “The introduction of fully circular packaging is a significant and measurable step towards achieving our long-term sustainability strategy.”

Flexible plastic consumer product packaging, including multi-layer films, helps preserve food quality and freshness, but is harder to recycle and is not accepted in curbside programs, acknowledges Keith Dailey, Kroger’s group VP of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer. “Kroger recognizes the negative impact packaging — including plastic waste — can have on the environment,” he says.

Customers are invited to collect flexible plastic packaging like bags, pouches, liners and wraps from Kroger’s “Our Brands” products and pack them into “any available box.” They must then ship the box using a free prepaid shipping label available in their account they create on the program webpage. For every pound of eligible packaging, participants earn points, which can be redeemed as donations to participating charitable organizations.

Kroger says the program will help build a stronger recycling infrastructure in the US and advances its “Zero Hunger | Zero Waste” social and environmental impact plan. It is open to individuals, businesses, schools, and community organizations.

The company says it is an extension of its recently-launched Simple Truth Recycling Program, which up to now offered customers the opportunity to recycle the flexible packaging of products from Simple Truth, Kroger’s organic brand.

Kroger has announced a commitment to reduce GHGs by 30% and transition to 100% recyclable, compostable or reusable Our Brands packaging by 2030.

Greenbridge has also rebranded its Evergreen Plastics Division, which is focused on recycling and manufacturing recycled PET pellet and flake, as Evergreen. The change reflects Greenbridge’s commitment to “growing green” internally and with customers.

Greenbridge CEO Omar Abuaita says America’s renewed emphasis on the environment has struck a chord with consumers who want more accountability from the companies they support. Recognizing an opportunity to bridge the gap from current operations to a true circular economy model inspired the organization to lean into its strengths in recycling, reuse, and sustainable business practices to bring comprehensive sustainability solutions to customers in packaging, consumer and industrial products. Driving awareness required a rebrand of the company.

“Polychem has manufactured strapping and cord products from recycled plastic since 1974. Today we recycle more than one billion PET bottles a year and produce 40 million pounds of rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) used in new packaging. We also recycle hundreds of tons of waste each year that would have gone into landfills. Now, as Greenbridge, we’re bringing nearly 50 years of experience in recycling and sustainability to major companies that recognize the need for real change in their operations to meet circular economy and ESG goals. We’re already helping brands achieve measurable results,” he adds.

Greenbridge’s sustainability solutions help customers identify opportunities to reduce waste, incorporate more recycled content in their products, reuse products, refurbish equipment and reduce dependence upon landfills and associated costs. Each customer engagement includes specific metrics that can support corporate ESG initiatives.

There is nothing like a refreshing tall glass of fresh juice or coconut water on a hot summer’s day. And more often than not, we savour this delicious thirst-quencher through a plastic straw.

Although alternatives like metal, bamboo and paper straws exist, it is unlikely to find these in your neighborhood juice corner, as they are more expensive and not usually found everywhere.

Since plastic straws take up to 200 years to decompose, it would help if we could find straws that were environment-friendly and easy on the pocket. This is the same thought that Assam-based entrepreneur Sunam Taran had last year when he wanted to come up with a sustainable solution for this common problem.

After doing much research and experimentation, he began manufacturing a unique straw made using wheat stubble.

These unique straws are made using agricultural waste cost only Re. 1 (cheaper when you buy in bulk) and decompose within six months.

The 28-year-old is selling these unique straws under 7 Sister Crafts, a venture he started in August 2018. Under his brand, he also sells goods made from bamboo, like toothbrushes, fruit baskets, bottles, mugs, furniture and even offers services for interior decor design.

The brand has 500 different products in 1,000 designs.

Scientists from India and Russia have created edible food wrap for packaging produce, bakery, poultry, meat, and seafood.

Designed to replace one of the most un-recycled materials on the planet, the wrap consists of natural ingredients that are safe for the environment and humans.

The research, which was published in the Journal of Food Engineering, describes three types of food films based on the well-known naturally occurring seaweed biopolymer sodium alginate—a compound found within the cell walls of brown algae.

“Its molecules have film-forming properties,” said Rammohan Aluru, senior researcher at the organic synthesis laboratory at Ural Federal University, and co-author of the paper. “The greatest advantage of sodium alginate is that it performs as liquid-gel in an aqueous medium.”

Alginate molecules were cross-linked with a natural antioxidant ferulic acid (a derivative of cinnamic acid), and the delicious combination makes the film not only strong, but also homogeneous, more rigid, prolonging the life of the products, say the scientists.

“Food stays fresh longer due to the antioxidant components that slow down the oxidation processes,” said Grigory Zyryanov, professor of the Department of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry at Ural Federal University. “

And, the films are water-soluble and dissolve by almost 90% in 24 hours.

In addition, we can add to the films natural antiviral agents, which will also extend the shelf life of food. Garlic, turmeric, and ginger contain compounds that may prevent the spread of the viruses.”

According to the authors, no special equipment for the production of films is required. On an industrial scale, it can be created by food products and film manufacturers.

“It can also be produced at a polymer production plant. The only condition is that it must meet the standards that apply to food production. And if an inexhaustible source of algae in the ocean is nearby it will be quite simple to create such films,” said Grigory Zyryanov.

Joined by scientists from the Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswavidyalayam Universities in India, the research was supported by that country’s University Grants Commission and the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology, also in India.

Sodium alginate is a well-known edible biopolymer of natural origin used as a thickener and stabilizer, and ferulic acid (the derivative of cinnamic acid) has a wide range of pharmacological properties, in particular, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antitoxic, hepato- and cardioprotective, antiviral, and antibacterial ones, which is mainly due to the antioxidant properties of this acid.

The Naked Leaf Living Basil Sleeve joins Simple Snack, Cutecumber Poppers and Paper Top Seal to become the fourth package in three years to be recognized by the industry for sustainability. The latest innovation reduces plastic by 50 percent by converting half of the package to paper.

“There’s a worldwide effort to be more environmentally friendly and we knew this package checked all of the boxes,” said Fernanda Albuquerque, packaging development manager. The sleeve can be taken apart to place plastic in the plastic stream and paper in the paper stream for recycling. Additionally, the exterior pot is reusable or recyclable, and the interior growing pot is 100 percent compostable. “We’re very grateful to be recognized once again by the CPMA for our commitment to become a more sustainable company and industry,” says Albuquerque.

In addition to the package, Naked Leaf Living Basil is a product that will hit home with shoppers. “Not only is the package sustainable, but the product is unique as it’s living basil that comes with the root intact which allows you to water it as you would a plant, and pick leaves as you go,” said Emily Murracas, director of marketing. “Our talented design team did a great job of bringing the aesthetic to the sleeve which certainly stands out on store shelves and the virtual format helped us expand our creativity to offer attendees with more information through digital video content.”

The Packaging Innovation Award was one of five New Produce Showcase Award categories that also included Best New Product, New Technology, Snackable Product and Organic Product. In all, 56 products from 42 companies were featured and winners were chosen by a panel of judges from across the industry.

Mucci Farms additionally introduced its new Cultivo Mushroom Collection and a new redesign of its Cherto Gourmet Cherry tomatoes which is now offered in a loose snacking format. The 2020 Packaging Innovation Award winning Paper Top Seal has also expanded its offering to a one-pint size for multiple Mucci Farms snacking tomatoes.

Rick Michelman, chief technology officer & EVP, Americas, and printing and packaging, said, “We want to help transition the industry into more sustainable packaging. Our barrier coatings help improve fibre-based packaging’s functionality and performance while managing its end-of-life.”

The company has been opening new markets for paper and film packaging ever since creating its first repulpable water-based coating over 50 years ago. Their current barrier and functional coatings for paper and film make it possible to develop recyclable, repulpable, and industrially compostable packaging.

Michelman added, “Because IMFA’s members include manufacturers of moulded fibre products, industry suppliers and service providers, Michelman has surrounded itself with like-minded organisations that will help accelerate the pace of product innovations for moulded fibre applications.” 

Like moulded fibre, Michelman’s water-based coatings offer opportunities to increase sustainable practices, reduce waste, and deliver product performance using fewer raw materials, with repulpable, recyclable, compostable, and renewably-sourced options.

It's the first time that a potato distribution brand in Spain is using this innovative and fully sustainable packaging format. It is made from paper and bamboo mesh and features water-based inks and vegetable-based glues, which make it fully recyclable.

Under the name "Planet Lovers", Freshnatur's new product is being packaged at Patatas Lázaro's plant in the Valencian town of Puzol and is available to consumers in a 2.5 kilo format. This new packaging format has the Freshtech 4.0 technology seal, thanks to which the product's traceability is guaranteed at all times. It also includes instructions for storage.

The launch is part of a broader concept that Patatas Lázaro has embarked on and which the company calls "Terrología," an amalgamation of "tierra" (Spanish for soil) and "tecnología" (technology), and a reflection of the company's tradition of the past 75 years.

"With the launch of this 0% plastic and 100% biodegradable packaging format, we are becoming pioneers in our industry. It is something that today's environmentally-conscious consumers are increasingly demanding and we are totally on the same page," said Cristina Lázaro, Director of Business Development and Marketing.

"As a company, Patatas Lázaro stands fully behind the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The new eco-friendly 'Planet Lovers' packaging is having a direct impact on SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land)," she says.

The goal of the European Dafia project is to provide the food packaging and automotive industries with sustainable options through the development of biopolymers, flame-retardant additives and barrier packaging.

Results have included flame retardants that provide an alternative to halogenated models, sustainable barrier packaging and edible coatings that extend the shelf-life of food, and chemical substances that can be used to produce new plastics from renewable resources.

For the past four years, the project’s 15 members have worked to upcycle waste that appears to have no added value, including municipal solid waste (household rubbish) and ‘rest’ raw materials from the fishing industry.

Waste from the fishing industry was used to obtain alternatives to fossil-based EVOH that have oxygen barrier properties. The fish-gelatine-based formula can be incorporated into food packaging film or used to actually coat food in the form of an edible coating that extends its shelf-life.

Aimplas said this serves as a perfect example of circularity, in that fish waste is reincorporated into the production chain to package food, so preventing the generation of waste by using it as a new resource.

In the case of municipal solid waste, the use of innovative fermentation processes has made it possible to extract building blocks from sugars (carbon source) that can be used to synthesise biopolymers such as bio-based polyamides. These materials come from renewable sources and also have applications in the automotive industry.

The Dafia project is in line with circular economy criteria because it involves obtaining new resources from marine and municipal waste that respect the environment and human health, Aimplas said.

It is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 720770.