Latest news with #recyclability
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
The most innovative sustainable packaging is here
SmartSolve is a Business Reporter client SmartSolve is transforming the packaging industry with dissolvable, compostable and recyclable materials designed for sustainability without compromise. A recent study by ERM Shelton Group found that biodegradability is the number one action consumers believe companies should take to improve packaging responsibility. Yet despite its power to influence consumer perception, biodegradability often takes a back seat to recyclability in brand communications. This disconnect reveals a powerful opportunity for innovation – especially as packaging is now firmly in the spotlight of environmental and public health discussions. Sustainable packaging is no longer a nice-to-have – it's an industry imperative. With regulatory efforts such as the MAHA campaign (Make America Healthy Again) in the US bringing attention to microplastics and synthetic materials such as PVOH, consumers and policymakers alike are demanding safer, smarter packaging solutions. Whether you are just dipping your toe in the water of sustainable packaging, or you are a seasoned professional looking for innovative new options, SmartSolve is your partner in eco-friendly packaging solutions poised to change the industry for the better. The growing need for sustainable packaging in the CPG industry Sustainability is now at the forefront of the modern packaging landscape. According to a NielsenIQ study, 78 per cent of US consumers say a sustainable lifestyle is important to them. Similarly, 60 per cent of respondents in a McKinsey survey said they'd pay more for products with sustainable packaging – highlighting how deeply these values influence purchasing behaviour. Key leaders in the CPG space are at the forefront of this shift, facing mounting pressures to align packaging strategies with increased consumer expectations, regulatory mandates and corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. But with the evolution of sustainability as a key focus in packaging, CPG leaders are still tasked with ensuring the functionality, cost-effectiveness and supply chain efficiency of packaged goods. Balancing these two responsibilities is essential to scaling sustainable packaging. How SmartSolve commits to innovation and sustainability in packaging At SmartSolve, sustainability is more than a trend. It's a core principle that drives innovation and empowers brands to make meaningful environmental progress. By combining cutting-edge material science with a commitment to eco-friendly practices, SmartSolve offers unique packaging solutions that address the growing demand for sustainable alternatives without compromising quality or performance. Bio-based materials SmartSolve's products – face stock, label stock and pouch stock – are crafted using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood pulp fibres and natural cellulose. This ensures every solution is derived from responsibly sourced, renewable resources. With our products made from bio-based ingredients, SmartSolve provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based materials, helping brands reduce their reliance on non-renewable resources and ultimately helping to curb the amount of plastic waste in landfills. Water solubility: redefining waste reduction SmartSolve's innovative water-soluble materials disperse in water, meaning they are safe to flush and rinse down in the drain without accumulating in landfills or waterways. This feature is particularly beneficial for single-use applications, as it eliminates the long-term presence of packaging waste. From dissolvable labels to flushable pouch stock, these materials provide an eco-friendly disposal option that brands and consumers alike can feel good about. From tampons to laundry detergent pouches, SmartSolve packaging can be found on products spanning beauty, personal care, food, supplement and beverage industries and beyond. Our bio-based, sustainable packaging materials help packaged goods teams with the solutions they need to meet stringent compliance standards, sustainability regulations and consumer expectations – all while delivering exceptional packaging solutions with no compromise on quality. SmartSolve's innovative packaging portfolio includes: Face stock: high-quality bio-based dissolving paper SmartSolve's water-soluble face stock offers both durability during product use and complete solubility upon disposal. Available in a variety of paper thicknesses, SmartSolve dissolvable paper face stock is the thinnest and fastest dispersing material in our product line. Readily biodegradable, this dissolving paper provides a zero-waste alternative to traditional paper. It has endless market applications, from sanitary paper wrap to pressure-sensitive labels. Label stock: recyclable and dissolvable labels SmartSolve pressure-sensitive label stock is designed to meet the growing demand for flushable and dissolvable label solutions. Whether for laboratory vials or dissolvable instructions on food packaging, these 3PT (thermal transfer capable) and 4PT (direct thermal) pressure-sensitive labels reduce waste while providing a seamless consumer experience. SmartSolve is pleased to announce that it has been recognised by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) as the first paper-based, water-soluble label material to meet PET Critical Guidance. This innovation has earned APR Design® for Recyclability recognition, further validating our commitment to advancing sustainable packaging technologies. Pouch stock: flexible, sustainable packaging for innovative brands SmartSolve's water-soluble and home-compostable pouch stock is a game-changer for flexible packaging needs. Perfect for single-serve food products, powdered drink mixes and personal care items, this dissolvable packaging material combines product protection with environmentally safe disposal options. The growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions isn't slowing down anytime soon. Packaging and brand leaders are adapting their strategies to meet evolving consumer expectations and governing standards, while ensuring cost-effectiveness and supply chain readiness remain consistent. We're excited to roll out even more innovative packaging solutions in 2026 and beyond. Stay tuned!
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Top investment opportunities in sustainable packaging
Sustainable packaging is no longer a niche concern; it has become a mainstream priority as consumers, regulators, and brands seek solutions to the mounting plastic waste crisis. As sustainability in packaging grows more urgent, investors and packaging companies are increasingly focused on four key areas that promise both environmental benefits and long-term business opportunities: improving recyclability, expanding the use of recycled content, advancing compostable materials, and developing reusable systems. These four paths are at the heart of the hottest investment themes reshaping the future of eco packaging. Enhancing recyclability remains a cornerstone of sustainable packaging. Many everyday packages still rely on multi-layer plastics and composite materials that are difficult, if not impossible, to recycle with existing infrastructure. This challenge has spurred a wave of investment into mono-material solutions—packages made entirely from one type of plastic or paper, making them easier to sort, process, and reintroduce into the manufacturing cycle. In parallel, fibre-based packaging alternatives are gaining traction as brands look to replace traditional plastics with renewable materials like moulded pulp, cartonboard, or paper-based laminates. Innovations such as water-based barrier coatings allow these materials to maintain protective qualities while remaining compatible with recycling systems. These advances are key to meeting the growing consumer demand for recyclable packaging, which now influences purchase decisions across markets from Europe to Asia. For investors and packaging companies alike, prioritising recyclable design supports compliance with emerging extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, helping brands avoid penalties while building consumer trust. Integrating recycled content into packaging has emerged as a powerful tool for reducing reliance on virgin materials and lowering the carbon footprint of packaging production. Yet, despite pledges from major consumer goods companies to increase recycled content, the supply of high-quality, food-grade recycled plastics remains insufficient to meet demand. This imbalance has created a significant investment opportunity: improving collection systems, expanding sorting capacity, and developing advanced recycling technologies such as chemical recycling to boost the availability of recycled feedstocks. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and recycled polyethylene (rPE) are particularly in focus, given their widespread use in bottles, films, and flexible packaging. Beyond environmental benefits, incorporating recycled content can offer brands a market edge as sustainability becomes a key differentiator. For packaging converters and material suppliers, investing in recycling infrastructure and establishing reliable, traceable supply chains for recycled materials are crucial steps in advancing the circular economy. By scaling recycled content, the packaging industry moves closer to achieving true material circularity. Compostable packaging offers an appealing solution for reducing the environmental impact of packaging waste, particularly for foodservice items and flexible films that are often contaminated with food residues, making them unsuitable for recycling. Recent innovations in bio-based polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have broadened the performance and application range of compostable materials, creating products that can degrade under industrial or even home composting conditions. However, success in this area hinges on aligning packaging design with local waste management capabilities. Without proper composting infrastructure and clear labelling to inform consumers, compostable packaging risks ending up in landfill or contaminating recycling streams. Investment opportunities lie not only in developing new compostable materials but also in building regional composting facilities and creating robust certification and labelling schemes. When supported by the right systems, compostable packaging can help divert organic waste from landfill, enrich soil health, and provide a sustainable alternative where recycling is impractical. Reusable packaging systems represent a transformative shift away from single-use culture. By creating durable containers designed for multiple uses, brands and retailers can dramatically reduce packaging waste, lower lifecycle emissions, and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. From returnable glass bottles to reusable e-commerce delivery totes, these systems are gaining momentum as part of broader zero-waste initiatives. Successful implementation of reuse models depends on convenient collection, efficient cleaning processes, and consumer incentives. Companies such as Loop and Algramo have demonstrated that well-designed reuse systems can thrive in both online and brick-and-mortar retail settings. Investment opportunities exist across the entire value chain: technology platforms for tracking and managing reusable assets, reverse logistics networks to return packaging, and hygienic washing and refurbishment operations. As cities and governments introduce reuse targets and bans on certain single-use items, reusable packaging stands poised for significant growth. The four paths—improving recyclability, scaling recycled content, advancing compostables, and developing reuse systems—offer clear, actionable routes for businesses and investors looking to lead in sustainable packaging. Each approach comes with unique challenges, from technical barriers to infrastructure needs, but they also present opportunities to differentiate, meet evolving regulations, and respond to consumer expectations for greener products. Brands that embrace these investment themes can build resilience against tightening environmental policies, strengthen their market positions, and contribute meaningfully to a circular economy. As eco packaging continues to evolve, these strategies will remain vital to cutting packaging waste and protecting our environment for the long term. "Top investment opportunities in sustainable packaging" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RKW launches sustainable PE plastic films
RKW Group has unveiled its latest innovation in sustainable packaging solutions with the introduction of new films with an integrated ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barrier. The films, enhanced with the latest machine-direction orientation (MDO) technology, offer recyclability and sustainability across several packaging formats and industries, setting new benchmarks for flexible packaging. Consumers' growing demand and impending global regulations are driving the need for these innovative solutions. RKW Group's extended MDO-polyethylene (PE) product line, including films with an EVOH barrier, reportedly addresses these requirements, offering a recyclable alternative to traditional packaging materials. The RKW Horizon MDO-PE films, when combined with RKW ProTec sealing films, result in packaging made entirely from PE. This homogeneity makes them ideal for recycling, contrasting with conventional multi-material packages that are more challenging to process. RKW Group sales consumer packaging director Luc Hermans said: "As a manufacturer of high-quality plastic films, we are acutely aware of our responsibility. That's why we continuously develop our product portfolio of sustainable monomaterial solutions. "For example, we also offer low-SIT [seal-initiation temperature] sealing films with PCR (post-consumer recycled) content, which we can combine with MDO-PE films for various nonfood applications.' The RKW Horizon films reportedly meet stringent requirements for flexibility, durability, and aesthetics in packaging. They are engineered for better performance on standard packaging machinery, offering benefits such as tear resistance, high transparency, and superior printability. MDO-PE films cater to a wide array of packaging needs, including stand-up pouches, side gusset bags, flow packs, sachets, and lidding films. Earlier this year, RKW Group presented its film and net solutions, as well as nonwovens for the entire supply chain, from plant cultivation to packaging and transport, at the Fruit Logistica event in Berlin, Germany. "RKW launches sustainable PE plastic films" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Dow Announces INNATE™ TF 220 Precision Packaging Resin and Advances Collaborations to Redefine Packaging Circularity
SHANGHAI, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dow (NYSE: DOW) announces significant milestones to mark breakthrough innovation with INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to help enable the design for recyclability and high-performance BOPE films for flexible packaging. From material design to end-of-life solutions, Dow is collaborating with stakeholders across the packaging chain to create impactful, scalable solutions to today's sustainability challenges - transforming vision into commercial reality. 'Asia Pacific is where material science meets circular ambition. Through breakthrough innovations like INNATE™ TF 220 resin—redefining the designed for recyclable packaging performance—and strategic partnerships across the value chain, we are accelerating the shift toward packaging circularity.' said Bambang Candra, commercial vice president, APAC, Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics. 'This is sustainability in action, helping enable brands to balance performance benefits while scaling mono-material solutions and post-consumer recycled adoption. It's how Dow turns vision into measurable progress, advancing both our partners' goals and the circular economy.' Collaboration with Liby for Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Adoption with Scale In collaboration with leading laundry detergent brand Liby, Dow facilitated the integration of 10% REVOLOOP™ Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Resin into the packaging of its new generation 'Floral Era' detergent series, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while preserving pack durability. This project demonstrates how Dow's circularity approach can be adapted to practical, high-volume uses without compromising product performance or consumer experience. Zhang Liping, the general manager of Liby Research and Development Center, stated, 'As a leading laundry brand in China, Liby is committed to reconsidering plastic packaging and ensuring its circularity. Our strategic partnership with Dow has led to innovations such as China's first fully recyclable laundry packaging with Dow's INNATE™ TF-BOPE and the new generation 'Floral Era' detergent series using Dow's post-consumer recycled resins. This long-term collaboration enhances the sustainable value of our products and shows our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.' INNATE™ TF 220 Precision Packaging Resin from Dow, a Groundbreaking Innovation in Design for Recyclability With lower global curbside recycling rates for flexible packaging, the industry faces a need in balancing high-performance requirements with circular design. Featuring a distinct molecular architecture, INNATE™ TF 220 Resin achieves breakthrough processing efficiency. Key benefits include exceptional extrusion stability and biaxial stretching processability, significantly reducing manufacturing waste. It also enhances end-use performance with improved stiffness, heat resistance to meet stringent downstream requirements such as printing, lamination bag making, while helping enable attractive optical appearance and excellent abusing resistance for mono-material structures. The upgraded performance of TF-BOPE films has already shown its versatility in a variety of real-world circular packaging adoption across priority applications including Food & Beverage packaging, Home & Personal Care packaging, etc., empowering brands to maintain functionality and brand aesthetics while advancing sustainability. The resin's design-for-recyclability ethos has galvanized collaborations across the packaging value chain. Converters and brand owners are leveraging TF-BOPE films to address regional recycling regulations (e.g., China's 'Double Carbon' goals) while future-proofing their portfolios. Shaping the Future of Packaging Together From high-performance packaging with INNATE™ TF 220 resin to recyclable mono-material designs, Dow pioneers closed-loop solutions for the circular economy, meanwhile continuing to accelerate the industry's transition to a circular economy. Dow is committed to collaborating with key stakeholders across the value chain to promote innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Through investments in circular materials, enhanced recycling technologies, and design for recyclability, Dow continues to drive the development of a materials ecosystem and transform the plastics industry by helping enable a greater design for recyclability, reuse, and resource efficiency. About Dow Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world's leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting For further information, visit X | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dow Announces INNATE™ TF 220 Precision Packaging Resin and Advances Collaborations to Redefine Packaging Circularity
Collaboration with Liby for PCR integration to scale post-consumer recycled resin adoption in consumer goods INNATE™ TF 220 Resin launch marks breakthrough high density polyethylene innovation supporting design for recyclability, high-performance biaxially oriented polyethylene films for flexible packaging SHANGHAI, June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dow (NYSE: DOW) announces significant milestones to mark breakthrough innovation with INNATE™ TF 220 Resin to help enable the design for recyclability and high-performance BOPE films for flexible packaging. From material design to end-of-life solutions, Dow is collaborating with stakeholders across the packaging chain to create impactful, scalable solutions to today's sustainability challenges - transforming vision into commercial reality. "Asia Pacific is where material science meets circular ambition. Through breakthrough innovations like INNATE™ TF 220 resin—redefining the designed for recyclable packaging performance—and strategic partnerships across the value chain, we are accelerating the shift toward packaging circularity." said Bambang Candra, commercial vice president, APAC, Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics. "This is sustainability in action, helping enable brands to balance performance benefits while scaling mono-material solutions and post-consumer recycled adoption. It's how Dow turns vision into measurable progress, advancing both our partners' goals and the circular economy." Collaboration with Liby for Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Adoption with Scale In collaboration with leading laundry detergent brand Liby, Dow facilitated the integration of 10% REVOLOOP™ Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Resin into the packaging of its new generation "Floral Era" detergent series, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while preserving pack durability. This project demonstrates how Dow's circularity approach can be adapted to practical, high-volume uses without compromising product performance or consumer experience. Zhang Liping, the general manager of Liby Research and Development Center, stated, "As a leading laundry brand in China, Liby is committed to reconsidering plastic packaging and ensuring its circularity. Our strategic partnership with Dow has led to innovations such as China's first fully recyclable laundry packaging with Dow's INNATE™ TF-BOPE and the new generation 'Floral Era' detergent series using Dow's post-consumer recycled resins. This long-term collaboration enhances the sustainable value of our products and shows our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation." INNATE™ TF 220 Precision Packaging Resin from Dow, a Groundbreaking Innovation in Design for Recyclability With lower global curbside recycling rates for flexible packaging, the industry faces a need in balancing high-performance requirements with circular design. Featuring a distinct molecular architecture, INNATE™ TF 220 Resin achieves breakthrough processing efficiency. Key benefits include exceptional extrusion stability and biaxial stretching processability, significantly reducing manufacturing waste. It also enhances end-use performance with improved stiffness, heat resistance to meet stringent downstream requirements such as printing, lamination bag making, while helping enable attractive optical appearance and excellent abusing resistance for mono-material structures. The upgraded performance of TF-BOPE films has already shown its versatility in a variety of real-world circular packaging adoption across priority applications including Food & Beverage packaging, Home & Personal Care packaging, etc., empowering brands to maintain functionality and brand aesthetics while advancing sustainability. The resin's design-for-recyclability ethos has galvanized collaborations across the packaging value chain. Converters and brand owners are leveraging TF-BOPE films to address regional recycling regulations (e.g., China's "Double Carbon" goals) while future-proofing their portfolios. Shaping the Future of Packaging Together From high-performance packaging with INNATE™ TF 220 resin to recyclable mono-material designs, Dow pioneers closed-loop solutions for the circular economy, meanwhile continuing to accelerate the industry's transition to a circular economy. Dow is committed to collaborating with key stakeholders across the value chain to promote innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Through investments in circular materials, enhanced recycling technologies, and design for recyclability, Dow continues to drive the development of a materials ecosystem and transform the plastics industry by helping enable a greater design for recyclability, reuse, and resource efficiency. About Dow Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world's leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 30 countries and employ approximately 36,000 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $43 billion in 2024. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting For further information, visit X | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
