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June: Updates & Innovations in Sustainable Packaging

May 18, 2022

This month, we've seen remarkable strides in sustainable packaging, from biodegradable plastics and algae-based materials to advanced recycling technologies and stringent legislative measures aimed at reducing environmental impact.
Scientists are pioneering new ways to tackle plastic waste, such as developing bacteria and fungi that consume plastic, while companies are launching eco-friendly products like home compostable PHA cups and laser-etched produce to eliminate plastic stickers.
Additionally, major global events and regulations, such as the EU's deforestation law and Paris's ban on single-use plastics for the Summer Olympics, are setting new standards for sustainability. These developments underscore a collective commitment to creating a more sustainable future through innovation and collaboration across the industry.
Dive into our comprehensive summaries to explore how these advancements are shaping the future of packaging.

Dutch Scientists Identify Conditions for Bacteria to Eat Plastic

Dutch scientists have made a breakthrough in identifying specific conditions under which bacteria can consume plastic. This discovery holds potential for addressing plastic waste in a more sustainable manner by leveraging natural processes to degrade plastic materials.

Learn more: Dutch Scientists Identify Conditions for Bacteria to Eat Plastic

Researchers Invent One Hundred Percent Biodegradable Barley Plastic

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have invented a fully biodegradable plastic made from barley. This innovative material offers a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics, potentially reducing plastic pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.

Learn more: Researchers Invent One Hundred Percent Biodegradable Barley Plastic

Global Packagers Call for Delay on EU Deforestation Law

Global packaging companies are urging a delay in the implementation of the EU's new deforestation law. They argue that the current timeline is too aggressive and could disrupt supply chains, calling for more time to comply with the stringent requirements.

Learn more: Global Packagers Call for Delay on EU Deforestation Law

Bio-Based Packaging Industry Accelerates Compostable Innovations as Demand Grows

The bio-based packaging industry is rapidly advancing compostable packaging solutions in response to increasing consumer demand for sustainable products. Innovations in compostable materials are helping reduce the environmental footprint of packaging.

Learn more: Bio-Based Packaging Industry Accelerates Compostable Innovations as Demand Grows

European Parliament Endorses New Packaging Rules to Cut Waste, Excessive Materials, and PFAS

The European Parliament has endorsed new rules aimed at reducing packaging waste, excessive use of materials, and the presence of harmful PFAS chemicals. These regulations are part of broader efforts to enhance sustainability and protect consumer health.

Learn more: European Parliament Endorses New Packaging Rules to Cut Waste, Excessive Materials, and PFAS

EU Packaging Rules Explained

The European Union has introduced comprehensive packaging rules to tackle waste and promote recycling. These regulations set ambitious targets for reducing packaging waste and encourage the use of sustainable materials across the industry.

Learn more: EU Packaging Rules Explained

Algae Could Revolutionize Sustainable Packaging

Researchers are exploring the potential of algae as a sustainable material for packaging. Algae-based packaging is biodegradable and can help reduce reliance on traditional plastics, offering an eco-friendly alternative that supports circular economy principles.

Learn more: Algae Could Revolutionize Sustainable Packaging

European Parliament Approves New Packaging Waste Regulations

The European Parliament has approved new regulations focused on reducing packaging waste. These measures aim to improve recycling rates and decrease the environmental impact of packaging across the European Union.

Learn more: European Parliament Approves New Packaging Waste Regulations

Scientists Discover Plastic-Eating Fungus in Ocean Environments

Scientists have discovered a fungus in ocean environments that can consume plastic. This finding could lead to new methods of biodegrading plastic waste in marine settings, helping mitigate the pollution problem in our oceans.

Learn more: Scientists Discover Plastic-Eating Fungus in Ocean Environments

Paris Bans Single-Use Plastics for Summer Olympics

Paris has announced a ban on single-use plastics for the upcoming Summer Olympics. This initiative aims to set a precedent for major events and promote the use of sustainable alternatives to reduce plastic waste.

Learn more: Paris Bans Single-Use Plastics for Summer Olympics

BioPak Unveils Australia’s First Home Compostable PHA Cups

BioPak has introduced Australia’s first home compostable PHA cups, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic cups. These cups can be composted at home, reducing waste and supporting sustainable consumption practices.

Learn more: BioPak Unveils Australia’s First Home Compostable PHA Cups

Bioffex Technology Wins US Plastics Pact Award

Bioffex Technology has been recognized with the US Plastics Pact Award for its innovative approach to reducing plastic waste. The company’s advancements in sustainable materials and packaging solutions are helping drive industry-wide change.

Learn more: Bioffex Technology Wins US Plastics Pact Award

Katz Scales Sustainable Wood Pulp Material for Food Packaging Applications

Katz has scaled its production of sustainable wood pulp materials for use in food packaging. This eco-friendly material offers a biodegradable and compostable alternative to conventional packaging, helping reduce the environmental impact of food packaging.

Learn more: Katz Scales Sustainable Wood Pulp Material for Food Packaging Applications

Labeling Clarity: Meeting Consumer and Regulatory Demands for Transparency with Latest R&D

Research and development efforts are focusing on improving labeling clarity to meet both consumer and regulatory demands for transparency. Clear and accurate labeling helps consumers make informed choices and ensures compliance with industry regulations.

Learn more: Labeling Clarity: Meeting Consumer and Regulatory Demands for Transparency with Latest R&D

Stora Enso Introduces Performa Nova

Stora Enso has launched Performa Nova, a new high-performance packaging material. This innovative product is designed to meet the demands of premium packaging applications, offering superior strength and sustainability.

Learn more: Stora Enso Introduces Performa Nova

Full Plastic Bag Ban Passes California Senate

The California Senate has passed a comprehensive ban on plastic bags. This legislation aims to eliminate the use of plastic bags statewide, promoting the adoption of reusable and sustainable alternatives to reduce plastic pollution.

Learn more: Full Plastic Bag Ban Passes California Senate

Genesis Washable Inks Supporting a Circular Economy

Genesis Inks has introduced washable inks that support a circular economy. These inks can be easily removed during the recycling process, allowing for more efficient recycling and reducing contamination in the recycling stream.

Learn more: Genesis Washable Inks Supporting a Circular Economy

Styrofoam Ban in the European Union

The European Union has implemented a ban on Styrofoam to reduce environmental pollution. This ban will encourage the use of more sustainable materials and help decrease the amount of non-biodegradable waste in landfills and oceans.

Learn more: Styrofoam Ban in the European Union

Laser-Etched Avocados: Tesco Moves Beyond Plastic Stickers to Tackle Waste

Tesco has introduced laser-etched avocados as an innovative solution to reduce plastic waste. By etching information directly onto the fruit, Tesco eliminates the need for plastic stickers, contributing to more sustainable packaging practices.

Learn more: Laser-Etched Avocados: Tesco Moves Beyond Plastic Stickers to Tackle Waste

South Korean Universities Develop Paper Coating Material to Reduce Microplastic Pollution

Researchers at South Korean universities have developed a new paper coating material designed to reduce microplastic pollution. This coating provides a sustainable alternative to traditional coatings that often contribute to microplastic contamination.

Learn more: South Korean Universities Develop Paper Coating Material to Reduce Microplastic Pollution

Conclusion

As the collective advancements continue to unfold, the industry is clearly moving towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. By staying informed and engaged with these innovations, stakeholders can contribute to and benefit from the ongoing transformation in packaging.