Paper Packaging

• Amazon’s new paper-padded envelopes replace bubble-wrap, offering recyclable, plastic-free protection.
• Packaging is lightweight, saving 44g per shipment on average, while maximizing delivery protection.
• Amazon’s sustainable push aims to achieve net-zero carbon operations by 2040, reducing packaging waste by 43% since 2015.

“Amazon stopped using traditional bubble-wrap padded envelopes in Europe several years ago, which presented a challenge to develop light, flexible, and fully recyclable paper packaging that provides the same protection,” said

Created in partnership with PA Consulting, as part of the Bottle Collective with PA and PulPac, this is Diageo’s first paper-based 70cl bottle trial in the on-trade. The trial begins tomorrow and will assess how bartenders interact with and pour from the bottle, and how the bottle fares in a bar environment. A total of 250 paper-based bottles will be used with the trial expected to run until mid-October. Members of the public will be able to see the bottles in use behind the bar, however they cannot purchase the bottle.

Inspired by paperboard cups, Metsä Board’s packaging design team developed the new paperboard mug with a heat-sealed transparent plastic film that keeps the liquorice fresh. Once opened, the reclosable paperboard cover effectively preserves the liquorice.

This new paper-based packaging maintains the unbeatable M&S quality of the product and can be more easily recycled, kerbside and on the go. This change on this popular bar would remove 1.4 million units of plastic from M&S’ Foodhall over the next 12 months. If successful, the retailer plans to roll this packaging out more widely to additional bars in the range, removing a further 5 million units of plastic.   

Thanks to its excellent laminating, shaping and printing properties, the flexible packaging paper "Koehler NexCoat® Smart" is ideally suited for the surface of the cap. The cap is available in standard diameters of 51 mm and 63.5 mm. Cap sizes with diameters of 45 mm und 55 mm are in the works.

Collaboration paves the way to greener packaging

Peggy Johnson, the CEO of Agility Robotics, spoke with journalist Bob Safian on the Rapid Response podcast about the future of humanoid robots. She talked about Digit, a human-like robot made to help in warehouses and other places where it’s hard to find people to do boring or repetitive work. These robots don’t replace jobs—they help people do more and move into better, more digital roles, like managing robot systems.