The polymer PVOH is not new, for example it’s already used in dishwasher tablets that dissolve in the dishwasher. Emballator Innovation Center wanted to find a new area of use and see if PVOH is possible to use in one of Emballators’ applications.

“Many naturally occurring microorganisms have the ability to degrade PVOH, when it´s put in soil, sea or wastewater, without leaving any harmful residues, such as microplastics, but only carbon dioxide, water and biomass”, explains Christian Olsson, Material Specialist at Emballator Innovation Center.

A packaging made of this soluble material would be designed to keep the environment clean and litter-free and, by that, reduce the plastic waste. The first injection moulded container from Emballator holds 60 ml and filled with water it is completely dissolved in a refrigerator overnight, a great result according to Emballator Innovation Center.

“With a great barrier that extend shelf-life and the ability to dissolve in low temperatures the main use is for dry products. This material can keep spices and dry goods fresh. Also, other applications with mainly dry content with a need for a more rigid packaging for a one-use dose it’s perfectly suitable”, says Mats Jeppsson, Innovation Manager at Emballator Innovation Center.

Since PVOH is available in a wide range of grades, from those that are soluble in cold water to those that are soluble in hot water, Emballator will be able to customise this rigid container to respond to each customer´s specific need.

FACTS:
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) is a polymer based on three elements – carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The PVOH material is considered unharmful and is widely used as a food additive. Once in contact with water it is completely dissolved and can easily be converted into water and carbon dioxide by bacterial microorganism.

Swiss packaging expert SIG head of sustainability and digital marketing Bojan Buric Heler tells Packaging Gateway about the value behind connected packaging and how SIG is contributing to the market with its new digital closure product, 'One Cap, One Code'.

In today’s on-demand and digitalised world, consumers are more connected and informed than ever. They know what they want, how they want it, and who they want it from.

As digital consumers and connected spenders adopt new behaviours and communication channels, brands are having to work even harder to reach, understand and engage them.

Businesses need packaging solutions that can easily provide valuable product data in real time to assist in supply chain quality and control.

Swiss packaging expert SIG head of sustainability and digital marketing Bojan Buric Heler tells Packaging Gateway about the value behind connected packaging and how SIG is contributing to the market with its new digital closure product, ‘One Cap, One Code’.

Connected packaging
In this highly competitive market, connected packaging has emerged as an effective way for food and beverage producers to connect with consumers. Solutions like scannable QR codes are being utilised more and more on consumer products – turning physical packs into interactive tools.

All of this is so consumers can access the information they want, while brands can build trust and recognition.

Connected packaging is an incredible opportunity for companies to play a bigger role in consumers’ lives. Through interactive functionalities and enhanced user experiences, brands can offer real value to consumers.

Tracking and interacting
With higher competitive pressure and consumer demands, businesses need to find new ways to reliably manage their entire supply chain, from source to shelf.