bio-based materials

Blond created reusable and refillable packaging that is both long-lasting and 100% recyclable at the end of its life cycle. Consumers can buy their essentials without any packaging waste by using the reusable pots. They then can be decanted, stored and later collected and washed by Dizzie.

Looking at the principles of the circular economy, Blond carried out holistic research into the packaging landscape and worked with Dizzie to design a packaging system that would ultimately save warehouse space and reduce the carbon footprint of deliveries.

They have been working on producing the material for eight years and it has been designed to replace conventional plastic packaging. It is composed of polyurethane foam and dissolves in seawater and land-based composts. The researchers worked alongside marine biologists to test the material in natural nearshore ecosystems, which is where disposed plastic is most likely to end up.

Microline also believes strongly in the use of new environmentally-sustainable materials. For this reason, it has partnered with Slovenian company Di Mucci d.o.o., an undertaking that boasts consolidated know-how in the development and manufacture of compostable film for packaging applications. The purpose is to study the machinability of the materials on machines intended for packaging.

The project: testing use under production conditions

Rapidly expanding to accommodate demand from multinational food chains, major supermarkets and Britain’s NHS, UK-based innovator Cullen Packaging has unveiled a next generation, sustainable alternative to plastic bottles and pouches. Called simply ‘The Fibre Bottle’ it is designed for dry goods and enables brands producing goods such as vitamins, supplements, dry foods, homecare and horticultural products to remove 270m single-use plastic bottles or pouches from shelves per year.

The pandemic brought up climate change and environment to historical levels among the Gen Z and millennial list of concerns. According to the "Deloitte Millennial Survey 2020", protecting the Earth clearly appears as the top priority for these generations, which were surveyed in 13 countries around the world. And most of them said they intend to continue changing their daily, personal routines with an eye toward improving the planet. For instance, two-thirds (64%) said they are cutting back on single-use plastic and recycling more.