Unilever Foods has launched a R&D Centre of Excellence for Drinks in the UK, which includes a Packaging Technology Centre at the Colworth Laboratory near Sharnbrook, UK.
The adoption of the Materials and Articles in Contact with Food Regulations 2008 in May increases the challenges for the packaging industry. The regulation requires a Declaration of Compliance to accompany all food contact plastics. This article examines the changes and how to comply with the new legislation.
The UK Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) announced on 5 June 2008 that mixed plastics can be successfully recycled in the UK both economically and using available technologies at an event in London, UK. However, the main question asked by delegates was whether the UK’s local authorities would allow such recycling to take place?
Rexam has launched the pilot production line for its Fusion aluminium bottle at its R&D Centre in Milton Keynes. The facility, which incorporates a new necking machine, allows customers in the drinks industry to view the production process and commission branded sample bottles.
Sustainpack is a European research conglomerate that hopes to encourage widespread use of ‘renewable’ natural fibres in paper and board in packaging by adding value and functionality. The initiative, a vast undertaking into the materials science of these fibres, comprised 35 European partners from 13 countries.
TerraSkin tree-free paper for bags, wrapping and luxury boxes is making waves. The material is made from 75% calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and 25% non-toxic high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin. Ninety per cent of its content diverts construction, plastic bottle and carrier bag waste from landfill. The material is water resistant, does not require laminating, and has a tensile and tearing strength ratio similar to regular paper – 1:1 and 2:1, respectively.
The UK's Clear Packaging Ltd has been bought by Stager, a Swiss thermoforming expert. The acquisition aims to bring together Clear's recycled PET technology with Stager's thermoforming tools for unusually-shaped packaging.
A reusable thermal shipping system has been developed by Entropy Solutions to transport pharmaceuticals, biological supplies and food for longer periods of time and within tighter temperature ranges than water-based gel packs or dry ice methods.
A new direct-to-sheet extrusion technique could eliminate drying and melting processes during resin preparation for manufacturing APET and PET, reducing the cost of production, energy consumption and environmental impact.
