July 2022

CEFLEX is currently conducting an extensive testing programme with a network of leading laboratories, universities and industry experts to generate robust and independent data to update the ‘Designing for a Circular Economy’ guidelines originally issued in 2020. The first set of results, specifically on NIR sorting, are now being evaluated by CEFLEX.

Extended User Responsibility (EPR) schemes play a substantial role in the collection, sorting and recycling of post-consumer products. The Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging (CEFLEX) project, a collaboration of over 180 European companies, associations and organisations, believes these schemes are well positioned to be a key enabler and coordinator of the circular economy.

Essentra Tapes has announced it is stepping up its efforts to improve sustainability across the flexible packaging sector. The tape solutions provider recently launched SupaStrip PCR, a high-performance tear tape containing at least 70% post-consumer material, designed for flexible packaging applications.

A versatile solution, the 23-micron tape is suitable across a variety of sectors, from tobacco to FMCG to electronics.

In 2018, Statistics Canada reported that nearly one in three Canadians were obese.

Similar figures have been reported in Australia, but more concerning is the US, where over forty percent of the population is obese.

Obesity is not the only diet-related illness to be concerned about — diabetes is just as prevalent.

When it comes to such diseases, diet and physical activity help reduce the chance of being diagnosed. In fact, when it comes to Type 2 diabetes, diet and physical activity can prevent 50 per cent of it.

When it comes to laundry, capsules are the fastest-growing format in the majority of the developed world. Now our biggest laundry brand, Dirt Is Good (DIG, also known as Persil, Skip, OMO and Surf Excel) is launching a capsule that’s designed to deliver tough stain removal as well as significant reductions in carbon emissions and plastic waste.

The good news for customers is that even though the supermarket is scrapping multipacks of its own label drinks, individual cans will continue to be sold at the same price per unit as a part of a multi-buy promotion.  

And instead of having to buy multiples of the same product, shoppers will be able to mix and match purchases including lemonade, cola, ginger beer, soda and tonic water. 

The supermarket has stepped up its campaign against unnecessary plastic by removing the multipack wrap from many of its own brand food and drinks.  

It said local management would run the operation as an unaffiliated entity under a new name.

Scores of Western companies have left Russia or announced their intention to do so after Moscow sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24 in what it calls a "special military operation", drawing widespread sanctions and condemnation.