Manufacturer: Sonoco Flexible Packaging, sonoco.com

Description: Mondelez launched Marshmallow Moon Oreos in honor of the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 lunar landing, which took place on July 16, 1969. These limited-edition cookies come in Sonoco’s glow-in-the-dark packages with integrated stickers. After exposure to a light source, certain parts of the packages glow for up to 30 seconds. Three space-related stickers are on the back of each cookie package, with a total of nine collectible anniversary stickers available. The stickers encourage customer engagement with the package. The packages also feature Sonoco’s SmartSeal^® technology, a patented built-in precision die-cut easy open and re-close feature with integrated tamper evidence.

Manufacturer: Amcor Flexibles, amcor.com

Description: This package incorporates two key sustainability attributes that positively impact the overall life cycle when compared to a standard PET/PE lamination. The innovative design is both in-store drop-off polyethylene (PE) recyclable and contains post-consumer recycled (PCR) PE content at over 20%. When compared to the non-recyclable PET/PE product, this new package has a 57% reduction in carbon footprint, uses up to 47% less water, and utilizes 70% less energy. This solution is an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional packaging format and meets Method’s sustainability goals and growing demand from consumers who desire recyclability, without compromising on visual appeal or print quality. Method incorporated a graphics refresh that includes a detailed illustration of the Method dishwasher pods product, demonstrating that high quality graphics and recyclability aren’t mutually exclusive.

Manufacturer: Emerald Packaging, Inc., empack.com

Description: Emerald’s new PCR initiative replaces non-recyclable PET with 100% PE using Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) resin. This enables brands to meet demands by retailers for recyclable packages, though this one has the added appeal of using PCR. Successfully loading about 60% into the core layer, PCR resin corresponds to 30% of the overall polyethylene make up. When these PCR resins are reused and transformed into new products, fossil fuels are not required, which has exponential environmental implications. According to data from EPA, recycled plastics have far less environmental impact than their virgin counterparts. One of the drawbacks of using recycled resin is its tendency to cause occasional gels in the material. A proprietary formulation was developed, to minimize the formation of gels during the extrusion process, resulting in a film that had the desired amount of gloss and stiffness when compared to the non-recyclable PET it is replacing.

Manufacturer: Glenroy, Inc., glenroy.com

Description: Creminelli Salami Minis are a new product line and extension into a newer market for on-the-go consumers. The lightweight flexible packaging is ideal for ecommerce and is sold through Amazon.com. Featuring a press-to-close zipper closure, the 3-side seal pouch offers convenience and portability for users.

Manufacturer: ProAmpac, proampac.com

Description: REDKEN®’s new pouch has eliminated a rigid tub with a lid and label, along with an internal plastic bag and tin tie, and comes with directions and a measuring scoop. Those changes improve the environmental footprint of the packaging and improves the product-to-package ratio over the previous package. The flexible pouch uses less material while providing more functionality and consumer convenience, plus it brings reduced space and weight required for shipping. The sustainability of the package was proven out with L’Oréal’s sustainability tool, L’Oréal SPOT.

Manufacturer: Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC, plaspack.com

Description: Reduce, reuse, recycle—those are the three points to check off when thinking about a solution for sustainable packaging. With Tom James, two of those solutions have arrived, with the third well on its way. Using this bag, Tom James removes one layer of packaging from the entire process—clear film packaging inside the bag. Next, reuse: Tom James customers will be encouraged to use this as their travel bag. Over time, this will provide dividends to the overall footprint of Tom James’ packaging solutions. Next up will be to move this same solution into an all-PE bag, which will eventually check off the recyclability box.

Manufacturer: Flex Films (USA) Inc., flexfilm.com

Description: Thin ultra-high barrier films are not commonly available in the market due to high cost and productivity issues. This innovation derives a greater economic benefit for many applications. The lightweight barrier materials help the sustainability goals of many brand owners and converters. Previously, the delivery of thin-gauge materials with high or ultra-high barriers was a significant technical challenge. Flex’s technology helped to cost-efficiently overcome this challenge, making it a competitive option. 

Manufacturer: Plastic Suppliers, Inc. (PSI), plasticsuppliers.com 

Description: Molkerei Weihenstephan Butter’s new packaging—which includes a film within the package made by PSI—is more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing package weight and thickness. The EarthFirst® PLA film is made from annually renewable, bio-based materials. This replacement from a fossil fuel-based film to a bio-based film results in offsets for greenhouse gases and fossil fuels.