ProPack Pro February 2021 by The Intermedia Group

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ProPack People Technology Business

www.propack.pro February 2021

A FOCUS ON:

CCS stresses need to produce locally Businesses can mitigate their environmental impact by choosing to produce locally

Bobst drives the future of packaging Features new flexographic and laminating solutions at its recent virtual event

Advancing packaging for a more sustainable world The Power of Packaging www.dic.com.au www.dic-global.com

Market growth for Heidelberg in Asia Heidelberg has seen a number of installations in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in business growth ALSO INSIDE...

WorldStar Awards 2021

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EDITOR’S NOTE HAFIZAH OSMAN

New year, new directions Welcome to 2021. It’s a new year, and with it comes new resolutions, business plans, directions and opportunities. Reflecting back to 2020, the packaging industry was subject to the effects of COVID-19 with businesses having to temporarily halt business during lockdowns and facing supply chain disruptions, but at the same time, seeing huge demands from the FMCG sector as people began to buy in bulk. With markets still remaining volatile, there is a general consensus that new approaches need to be taken as opportunities present themselves, but with caution. With packaging identified as a growth area to tap into,

players in the industry are also hopeful that government grants and other incentives would fuel support. Thought leaders have mentioned that some of the key drivers for value are and have always been technology, innovation and collaboration, and that the industry still needs to keep ahead of the technology curve to ensure increased efficiencies, minimised human error and optimised production. They have also mentioned that COVID-19 did not stop many investment plans in packaging, but rather changed them and that businesses are still looking for innovations that solve new and ongoing challenges.

Many players have and are also continuing to find new areas of play within sustainable packaging, spacesaving packaging, smart packaging, printed electronics, nanotechnology, e-Commerce, augmented reality and corrugated packaging. A diverse portfolio will be advantageous in 2021 as will the opportunity for reinvention to reach new markets. For this, and for businesses to be better than before, an approach to be more transparent, nimble, and open-minded is key. This issue of ProPack.pro covers areas of play for packaging businesses and areas they have set their sights on for 2021. We hope you enjoy the read. Hafizah Osman Editor hosman@intermedia.com.au Ph: +61 431 466 140

Stay informed… visit www.propack.pro and subscribe to receive the latest packaging industry news and views

ProPack Industry Supporters

Managing Director & Publisher: James Wells Editor: Hafizah Osman Design: Carrie Tong

Sales Manager: Brian Moore Sales Manager: Carmen Ciappara Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper

Pre-Press Manager: Tony Willson Printed by: Hero Print, Alexandria, NSW 2015 Mailed by: D&D Mailing Services

ProPack.pro is published by Printer Media Group, registered in Australia ABN 47 628 473 334. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, it is a condition of distribution that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication. 4 ProPack.pro February 2021

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CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE... P11

P18-19

Little Bang’s world first hazy IPA release P18-19

COVID-19’s impact on recycling targets P28-29

Little Bang Brewing released 12,000 cans of hazy IPA with their own label

Are we undoing the progress within sustainable packaging?

Bringing in e-commerce packaging tech P 20

A journey to halving food waste by 2030 P30-31

ABBE Corrugated invests in its facility expansion and launching new tech

More needs to be done to reduce food waste as costs remain in the billions

Virtual event shows Bobst technology

Meeting APCO’s recycled contents targets P32-33

P8-10

DIC drives industry sustainability

P8-10

Leading manufacturer and supplier of printing ink and other surface coatings places a focus on social value and the environment

P21

Packaging NZ restructures amidst change P11

Flexographic printing and laminating solutions feature at the online event

Following Sharon Humphreys’ decision to step down from the organisation, Packaging NZ splits the executive director role into three areas

Heidelberg responds to packaging growth P22-24

Predictions for the wine industry in 2021 P12 Going back 12 months, it is unlikely that any of the predictions for the year ahead would have fully outlined what 2020 brought

The importance of producing locally

P14-16

CCS Media stresses the importance of producing locally

Market growth sees new installations, especially in Asia-Pacific region

PIDA opens applications for 2021 P25 A win in the PIDA means entry into the WorldStar Awards

A/NZ businesses shine at WorldStar P26-27 A/NZ came in as the third most awarded countries, taking home 13 awards

APCO has delivered a significant consultation and industry engagement process to establish a new set of targets

An insight into public place recycling in NZ P34-35 The Public Place Recycling Voluntary Product stewardship report outlines the end of life collection of packaging

Minimising food waste with packaging P36-37 The function of Save Food Packaging Design is only now being discussed

Pack Diary

P38

A guide to the upcoming packaging industry events globally

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COVER STORY

DIC drives industr Ink colossus places a focus on social value and the environment

rom its headquarters and main factory situated in Sydney, DIC Australia and New Zealand manufactures and supplies printing ink and other surface coatings for the full range of printing and packaging applications. A network of service factories in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Christchurch provides ink and other printing solutions for both countries. While it has become ubiquitous through its core business – the manufacture and sale of printing inks and coatings – DIC Australia and New Zealand also markets a range of world class adhesives along with press chemicals and other print consumables. With an annual sales turnover more than $A120 million, the company employs around 150 people across both countries. Richard Kemp, chief operating officer for DIC Australia and New Zealand, said, “Much of our success and reputation comes from the strength of our technological expertise: our people. Every individual in our organisation plays a role in maintaining quality. Nearly 30 per cent of our staff work in a technical capacity. “As part of the largest ink group in the world, we have access to a global network that covers market trends, product development, and servicerelated initiatives.” The DIC liquid ink product range, specifically designed for Australian and New Zealand conditions, derives from the DIC Group worldwide and locally developed technology streams. He said, “As part of the largest ink group, which includes the likes of Sun Chemicals, we can access the widest product and business solutions for local printing and converting operations. “We have access to market leading products in water-base corrugated, solvent-base and radiation curing, for diverse markets from wide web flexible packaging through to narrow web label and envelope printing. The reach of the DIC Group of companies enable us to complement our ink range with 8 ProPack.pro February 2021

1. Among its aims, DIC intends to build a wide range of global number one businesses that evoke its Color & Comfort brand slogan 2. DIC packaging innovations include films that reduce waste 3. Reducing plastic waste numbers is among the environmental issues that DIC is addressing

laminating adhesives, specialty coatings and ink effect products. “Our team members share a commitment to helping DIC retain its reputation as a world class supplier. We consult with our customers to understand their needs and we use this information to constantly improve the value of not only our products but also service offering.”

A sustainable industry As the world contends with climate change, the printing and packaging industries recognise environmental concerns as a reality.

DIC has long understood the need to address these concerns and, in 2007, the company established a project team to examine the issues, following which the company has made a commitment to sustainability. Kemp said, “DIC research and development teams must carefully assess the potential impact of any new product on the environment. “We will not use or supply certain materials where adequate, independent data indicates there is an environmental hazard. “We have a policy of working to continually minimise the effect of www.propack.pro

COVER STORY

ry sustainability from raw materials procurement through disposal and social contribution, and when customers use its products, from shipment until the end of their useful lives. Kemp said, “Traditionally, we focused on improving convenience, but we must now balance that with environmental impact. The industry’s survival hinges on our collaborative ability to deliver both convenience and lower environmental impact. “For instance, our ability to successfully grow our packaging businesses depends on us effectively confronting such challenges as the need to reduce plastics and eliminate marine plastics. We understand that the key to how much our packaging business contributes to society sits in our ability to provide packaging solutions that help increase social value by advancing the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials.”

Packaging innovations

our operations. To this end, we provide data to the relevant regulatory authorities and contribute to group reports. We assess the information, and we review the likely consequences of our actions based on the best available evidence. We base the information that we provide to customers and partners on relevant and sound scientific data.” DIC has ensured that all staff are aware of, and work in accordance with, the policy. The company can draw on international competence and information to address specific questions that arise. Kemp added, “As a leader in our industry, DIC continues www.propack.pro

4. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DIC has worked to keep supply lines open for packaging companies and converters 5. Lidding film: DIC has created easypeel anti-fog film 6. Cheers: DIC looks forward to helping customers achieve their goals in 2021

to contribute by supplying leading products that fit with our corporate social responsibility policy and market approach.” Climate change, marine plastics, falling birth rates, longer lifespans, and a change in social structures accompanying the rapid increase of digital technologies number among the concerns the company is addressing. It has established the DIC Sustainability Index, a proprietary index that allows DIC to measure the social value of its products. The company uses the index to assess the environmental impact of products,

At this year’s Tokyo Pack, which took place at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan during February, DIC took the opportunity to share its updated vision for a more sustainable future. Kemp said, “The DIC booth ran with the theme, ‘The Power of Packaging’, which expresses our vision to develop diverse technologies for multiple applications. DIC took the opportunity to complement the physical booth with an online virtual presentation.” The booth featured inks and coatings; films; adhesives; pigments; and healthcare and colour. The company introduced over 50 new packaging products and solutions designed to meet changing social demands. For example, DIC’s new mono material offers a laterally tearable packaging film which reduces waste. Another new product called ‘Approach’ offers packaging companies an alternative to reduce marine microplastics waste. The Covid-19 pandemic has illustrated the importance of labels and packaging. DIC has made a strong commitment to the packaging sector. Robert Elmer, Solvent Base Liquid Ink business manager for DIC Australia and New Zealand, said, “We supply a complete range of inks across the board and our packaging division is one of our largest.” Continued on page 10 February 2021 ProPack.pro 9

COVER STORY Continued from page 9

During the COVID-19 pandemic, supply has become an issue across most industries. DIC has done particularly well to keep up the supply of its products to customers. The DIC Group established a global supply chain management unit, which has helped the company to move swiftly through emergencies such as the pandemic or major disasters. Elmer said, “For our packaging customers, supply chain flexibility is important as we supply ink to 60 per cent of the Australian market and, in New Zealand, about 80 per cent of the market. We deal with all the major packaging companies. “Regionally, we have seen the flexo market now concentrated mainly in Melbourne, followed by Adelaide, Sydney, and then Brisbane. Gravure makes up about 10 per cent of the market. However, in Asia, that percentage is the other way around.” As part of his role, Elmer talks regularly to printing and packaging professionals and he reports positive feedback on the company’s initiatives for sustainability. He said, “For example, compostability is an area we see a huge amount of interest. As with everything, you need to have the correct certification. There is also an interest in waterbased inks, especially for the high volume, fast turnover corrugated market. “As the largest ink supplier in the world, we have a responsibility to continually innovate and look for positive ways to impact the industry. This means expanding our outlook. For instance, we supply UV labels for the wine industry; we produce inks with security features; as well as pigments and resins. One of the important factors in making all this possible is our team members, who are often ex-printers or laboratory trained experts; experience and industry knowledge is vital for DIC.”

Specific requirements DIC has also designed its range of Accubatch ink colour concentrates and Corroflex ink series specifically to meet the needs of the corrugated printing market, both post and preprint as well as associated applications such as multiwall sacks, envelopes and other fibre based printed substrates. Its ink series extends to water-based lamination whites and water-based inks for paper cups, both PE coated and other finishes. The company has inhouse compliance capability that enables it to provide customers with a high level of comfort and confidence that the inks supplied meet various end use applications and specific end user compliance requirements. Kemp added, “DIC also supports the entire suite of narrow web ink products that enables narrow web printers of all sizes to enter untapped markets. Our UV and water-based technology are ideal for printing processes that include prime labels, brand protection, RFID and flexible packaging. We continually invest in innovative solutions in technologies involving narrow web printing.” While the packaging sector continues to grow, DIC has seen a fall off in its newspaper markets. Elmer said, “Areas like coldset and heatset have declined. Covid closed a few publications such as magazines, and some mailers but the steadiest market in 2020 was undoubtedly packaging. People still need to buy food and household products; this provides the packaging market an increased level of robustness that does not look like changing too much. Of course, so much depends on what happens with the virus. One thing we noted was how panic buying by consumers can create surges in demand.” Despite the ongoing pandemic, Kemp, Elmer, and the team at DIC Australia and New Zealand, are excited at the prospects for packaging and printing in the region. Kemp added, “This year, we will look at implementing new strategies and innovations that we could not make happen last year. We look forward to helping our customers achieve their goals in 2021.” 10 ProPack.pro February 2021

7. DIC looks to improve convenience and balance that with environmental impact 8. DIC said the key to how much its packaging business contributes to society sits in its ability to provide packaging solutions that help increase social value by advancing the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials 9. DIC has established its Sustainability Index, a proprietary index that allows the company to measure the social value of its products

DIC: acting locally and globally One of the world’s leading diversified chemicals companies, DIC turns 113 years this year. Forming the core of the DIC Group, a multinational organisation comprising 174 companies in 64 countries and territories, DIC commands the top share of the global market for printing inks, a core business since its establishment. Since its 1986 acquisition of the Sun Chemical Group, DIC has built an integrated global structure and management team. The more recent integration of the Colors & Effects business, which DIC acquired from BASF, will further expand the DIC Group’s global presence. Among its aims, DIC intends to build a wide range of global number one businesses that evoke its Color and Comfort brand slogan. It also has an objective to deliver corporate value through diversity, earning respect and admiration from the global community. DIC will work with employees, customers, and stakeholders to create value and enhance the DIC brand. Two of DIC’s strategies for its business portfolio transformation are targeting areas of social value through environmental impact reduction, and providing economic value through growth, profitability, and capital efficiency. www.propack.pro

PACKAGING NEW ZEALAND FOCUS

Packaging NZ restructures Following Sharon Humphreys’ decision to step down from the organisation, Packaging NZ has split the executive director role into three areas, with Print NZ engaged for support

ollowing the announcement that Packaging New Zealand’s executive director, Sharon Humphreys, would soon be leaving the organisation, its executive team has been working towards a succession strategy. Packaging NZ president Harry Burkhardt said the organisation engaged an external consultant to help it modify the strategic plan for

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Packaging NZ president Harry Burkhardt said the services of Print NZ, under the leadership of Ruth Cobb, has been engaged to provide member management services and administration

the immediate term, to ensure that it would maintain the pathway towards its future state, the blueprint which it published in the 2020 annual report. In the report, it identified that building a wider understanding of the goodness of packaging sprung out of its core purpose. “The role of packaging and its responsible management in fostering the prosperity of New Zealand, while being guided by our ‘kaitiakitanga’ aspirations, remains of critical importance. Packaging New Zealand remains committed to leading in this space,” Burkhardt said, in the report. “The next 10 years will bring many big packaging decisions with significant implications for our members. Yet if these packaging decisions are to bring good outcomes for customers, communities and our environment there must be one

industry voice. One that is a voice of reason and truth. “Packaging New Zealand will be that constructive voice for members so the industry can lead, inform and influence where it matters most. “It will be the go-to organisation with the people, resources and trusted position to provide clarity, insight and reason when these critical decisions are being made. “Our purpose is to enable our members to deliver great packaging outcomes. We will achieve this by being the one trusted and go-to voice of reason providing clarity, insight as well as resources for making good packaging decisions.” As a result, and following the step down of Humphreys, Burkhardt said that for the immediate term, this work determined that the executive director role should be split into three key functional areas: • Member management services and administration • Communications and marketing • Government relations This strategy has been agreed upon by the executive, and has taken effect from 1 January. Following this decision, the services of Print NZ has been engaged to provide the member management services and administration. “Under the leadership of Ruth Cobb, Print NZ is well-placed to provide this function and will ensure a seamless transition for ongoing membership support,” Burkhardt said. As for the communications and marketing function, the organisation will use external service providers, overseen by a communication subcommittee of the executive board, in the short-term. “It is our intention to review this function throughout this time, to ensure any future permanent resource has the right skill-set to meet the requirements of our future state,” Burkhardt added. The government liaison function is similarly being reviewed and Packaging NZ expects to be able to provide updates on this within the first quarter of this year. “We believe that this structure will provide a smooth transition from how the organisation was previously structured, to a more nimble state reflective of the direction of Packaging New Zealand and the many challenges that lie ahead for the packaging industry,” Burkhardt added. February 2021 ProPack.pro 11

FOCUS WINE INTELLIGENCE

Predictions for the wine industry in 2021 Going back 12 months, it is unlikely that any of the predictions for the year ahead would have fully outlined what 2020 brought to us

ith the global market now changed, and adapting or pivoting its way through the global pandemic, some of the patterns from 2020 and before can still be used as a guide to predict what the next 12 months may bring. That’s what the team at Wine Intelligence have done, and have laid out its predictions for the wine industry in 2021. Wine Intelligence’s 2020 study of wine packaging formats in the Australian market showed a noticeable increase in awareness of alternative packaging types amongst Australian wine consumers. However, this increased awareness did not necessarily translate into increased purchase levels. In the case of wine in cans, awareness grew significantly over the past three years, yet the conversion to purchase rate amongst those aware of wine in cans has declined over the

12 ProPack.pro February 2021

Alternative packaging formats is expected to make serious inroads into the traditional glass bottle market

same period, meaning that growing awareness is not currently translating across to purchase at the same rate. Wine Intelligence chief operating officer Richard Halstead said alternative packaging formats will also make serious inroads into the traditional glass bottle market. “The glass bottle’s primacy in the wine world is not under threat – for the moment. However, around the edges of its dominance, alternative packaging formats are flourishing to cater to new needs, and there is a growing chorus of concern about the amount of carbon emitted to produce a glass bottle and ship it to market,” he said. “2020 was an unexpectedly good year for the bag-in-box format, as bulk purchase lent itself particularly well to the zeitgeist of pantry-filling and at-home drinking. “Paradoxically, it was also a good year for wine in cans, which, in an ad-hoc 2020 where social plans could materialise and evaporate at a moment’s notice, offered the three P’s: portability, portion control and preservation. In 2021, the momentum in the bag-in-box and can markets will continue, with a spate of new product launches to deliver higher quality as well as more functional products.” In the report, Wine Intelligence also outlined that trade experts have predicted that there are opportunities for smaller formats to support

increasing moves to alcohol moderation and consumer demand for single serve to increase choice of products. In addition, it found that casks continue to perform well in the Australian market, with a significant increase in awareness of smaller casks since 2017. However, casks of all size remain primarily associated with value for money and lower quality wine – a legacy they are yet to move away from. The main barrier to purchasing alternative packaging formats was the long-standing and habitual preference for standard glass bottles, with these being more dominant in Australia than other comparable established markets. Wine Intelligence said smaller format bottles continue to be seen as delivering comparatively poor value for money, whilst magnums are seen as less practical and portable. Wine Intelligence A/NZ country manager Ben Luker said the alternative packaging formats in A/NZ are magnums, half bottles, single serves, wine-in-a-can, large casks (4L or 5L) and small casks (2L or 3L). “Glass is still by far the most visible, popular and positively seen format in the market. However, alternative packaging formats are making progress in awareness and purchase rates by capitalising on sustainability and convenience purchase drivers,” he said. “We also saw awareness rates of smaller casks rise from 2017. We still see a strong association with casks and poor quality wine, yet there are some players in the industry that are trying to shift these perceptions.” In terms of which types of consumers are leading the opportunity for alternative formats for wine in Australia, awareness of these options is significantly higher amongst older ‘Boomer’ consumers. As for wine in cans, countering the typical view of trade experts, awareness of wine in cans is actually significantly higher amongst 40-55 year olds rather than amongst younger Gen Z and Millennials consumers. However, despite having generally lower awareness of alternative wine packaging formats, purchase of these formats is higher amongst younger drinkers, once they become aware of the options available. “We believe that there will be further investment in alternative packaging across the industry as producers try to generate new customers from different sources. If quality producers continue to explore these options, this will help legitimise many of these new formats,” Luker added. www.propack.pro

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FOCUS CCS MEDIA PACKAGING

The importance of p 1

CCS Media Packaging addresses how companies and consumer brands can mitigate their impact on the ongoing environmental crisis by choosing to produce locally, and ensuring suppliers have clean production methods

14 ProPack.pro February 2021

1. CCS is an Australian owned and operated packaging company, with more than 30 years’ experience in providing packaging solutions

ith the environmental impact our modern lifestyle has on our oceans and land, companies and consumer brands need to mitigate the environmental crisis by choosing to produce locally and ensuring chosen suppliers have clean production methods, according to CCS Media Packaging. The company’s founder and owner Kevin Wilson said the sustainability message within product packaging is key for the business. “Sustainability and ethically sourced products are very important to us as a business. Knowing where that product comes from and how it’s produced is something we’ve been going on about for years,” Wilson said. “And COVID-19 has only accelerated this because it has brought into light why people should be manufacturing locally if they possibly can. Everybody

also understands that producing locally reduces our environmental impact.” According to Wilson, producing locally enables businesses to: • Reduce the stress and delays in dealing with overseas packaging companies in the midst of COVID • Ensure that quality control is managed locally, and supports smaller initial orders for start-ups, governed by Australian laws • Support local businesses with quick turnaround times for products such as promotional materials • Ensure workers are not exploited with poor work conditions and pay • Implement sustainable practices like investing in solar panels and carbon audits, reducing their carbon footprint, and focusing on clean production methods • Get accredited by the FSC – Forest Management, HACCP for Food Safety, and APCO reducing packaging landfill www.propack.pro

CCS MEDIA PACKAGING FOCUS

producing locally • Deliver eco-friendly, recycled, and sustainable packaging solutions, supporting the conservation of the environment worldwide “Dealing with overseas suppliers means your investments get caught up with delays, which many businesses faced as a result of COVID-19,” he said. “The overseas manufacturing of packaging for Australian products is something we’re trying to fight against and we have successfully shown customers that producing locally has its own benefits. “They will have the freedom to order smaller quantities more frequently, as well as have more responsibility and visibility in the manufacturing process – which means you’ll have greater insight into knowing if your products were ethically sourced, where it comes from and how it’s produced.” Wilson said accountability of supply is a current challenge in the packaging industry, and it is important to have a deeper understanding of where products come from and who the end beneficiary is. “There needs to be a bigger picture for supply chains in understanding that it has a responsibility to be aware of where it’s sourcing its materials from,” he mentioned.

2. CCS staff member Adam Micallef working on the Heidelberg XL 75 eight-colour plus AV press

3. CCS operations manager Simon Studert has a deep understanding of where products come from and who the end beneficiary is 4. CCS’ newly appointed product sustainability manager Monica Davis

CCS delivers on industry needs Based in Silverwater, NSW, and delivering across Australia, CCS is an Australian owned and operated packaging company, with more than 30 years’ expertise in providing packaging solutions. Currently, it employs 35 staff in its business. CCS Media Packaging was started in 1988 by Wilson and initially focused on the packaging of records and LP covers. As the company grew and business diminished within the entertainment industry, the company skewed its focus to supplying high-end packaging for the media, games, consumer, and personal care industries amongst others. Some of its clients include Technicolor, Sapphire, Sony, Telstra, Roadshow, L’Occitane, Vittoria, and Edible Beauty, amongst others. “Way back in 1988, when we were a small company competing fiercely for a piece of the entertainment packaging pie, that sector of business was at its peak and we needed a point of difference,” Wilson said. “We did this by focusing on special packaging and realising that the best www.propack.pro

Continued on page 16 February 2021 ProPack.pro 15

FOCUS CCS MEDIA PACKAGING Continued from page 15

packaging options from around the world should be made available in Australia. ‘‘We also saw that streaming and downloading would eventually affect the arena we were working in, so set about looking for markets beyond media but holding dear to the principles we had learned and developed namely, reliability, creativity, and value. “And with the changes that we’re seeing happening in the world, especially with the increased demand for packaging, we now have a much more aggressive strategic push into the market, and the capacity to deliver on the current packaging needs.” Offering short-run, high-quality materials at a reasonable price is how CCS is currently navigating the industry and in responding to the current climate, CCS has been an early adopter of process-less plate technology, according to its CEO Gerry Van Happen. Special plate setters use heat to image and develop the printing plates. This technique completely eliminates the use of harmful chemical pollutants. This adds to CCS’ green credentials as it has also invested heavily in solar technology, installing a 150KW solar power system in 2013, and is a signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant in helping clients develop packaging which has the smallest possible environmental impact. “Clients have shown an increasing interest in environmentally-friendly products with CCS offering a wide range of options for clients to support their eco-friendly initiatives. While they are not always aware of the 16 ProPack.pro February 2021

5. CCS pre-press manager John Cincotta with the Heidelberg Suprasetter 6. CCS CEO Gerry Van Happen said offering short-run, highquality materials at a reasonable price is how CCS is currently navigating the industry

possibilities, we are able to guide them through the process, from initial design to end product,” Van Happen said. While delays from several weeks to a few months in manufacturing and shipping from overseas are not unheard of in these COVID times, Australian businesses are now looking to have their packaging needs supplied locally by a company with the highest international standards. Van Happen said manufacturing within Australia has many benefits that may have been underestimated in the past, particularly as we readjust in the current environment. “There is a growing awareness among clients that manufacturing locally has a better outcome for them in the end and is more competitive than they may have realised,” he added. “When it comes to delivery, rigid boxes from CCS commonly have a lead time of around 15 days, depending on quantity, special finishes, and embellishments. But overseas suppliers need at least five to six weeks to deliver – and have an additional carbon footprint – when they land a similar product in Australia. Since the pandemic, some freight and logistic

charges have also doubled or even tripled in some instances, and there have been unforeseen delays which have increased delivery times by up to 30-plus weeks. “We are able to ease the production process because clients are able to have more input into the outcome. ‘‘They are able to be closely involved in the design and manufacturing process. This is not normally a given when it comes to manufacturing overseas and can avoid disappointments and delays.” Moving forward, the business has been expanding its salesforce in Australia as the company focuses on greater growth in 2021. CCS has also recently appointed Monica Davis as its product sustainability manager. In a vastly changing environmental landscape, and the increasing appetite of consumers for their packaging to be more sustainable and ethical, CCS made the hire as it recognised the need for a specialised person in this evergrowing and important field. “With a background in sustainability and marketing, Davis has a great passion for anything that can be done to make the world a more sustainable place,” the company said. “If we’re going to be serious about pushing the sustainability boat, which we are, we will need an expert in that field and someone dedicated within our business to do that.” CCS currently has a Heidelberg XL 75 eight-colour press, other equipment including an automated line rigid box machine and a case-bound line that produces hardcovers, as well as a full digital department. www.propack.pro

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FOCUS LITTLE BANG BREWING

Little Bang’s world fir

1 In December, Adelaide’s Little Bang Brewing created a world first and packaged and released 12,000 cans of the same hazy IPA, but gave each their own unique name and label

ith names like Religious Footwear Conspiracy, Rubber Weasel Arrangement, Experimental Bingo Cake and Satanic Burp Detector all featuring a unique but on trend label, the re-invented hazy IPA packaging was the brain child of Little Bang’s Ryan Davidson. He along with co-founder Fil Kemp were both computer game developers before they were commercial brewers. While the outrageous concept perfectly summed up the chaos of 2020, Davidson said it had actually been years in the making as he carefully constructed a data base of “inherently funny words” and an algorithm to then create the beer names via their digital printing system. In conjunction with their designer Matt O’Connor, a similar process was created to make the labels that aren’t a far cry from some of the limited release IPA label designs on the market. “I’d like to say I specifically timed it for the end of 2020 but the truth of 18 ProPack.pro February 2021

1. Little Bang’s hazy IPA cans concept was years in the making as it had to construct a data base of words and an algorithm to then create the beer names via a digital printing system 2. Little Bang’s Face Inverter Citrus Sour took out 2020’s inaugural GABS Can Design Awards

Client: Little Bang Brewing

Printer: Peacock Bros – HP Indigo

the matter is it’s been in development for about two years in one form or another. This just so happens to be the time when it all came together,” Davidson said. “But I think it is the perfect time to land when we are all still a little bewildered and the foundations of our idea of reality and truth have been shaken – not just by COVID but by the

absolute appalling and surreal display that was the US election. So, what better time to introduce something that hopefully breaks a couple of categories of what we consider to be the normal everyday nature of beer?” The arrival of the concept also came at a time when we see a proliferation of new beer releases almost every day, many of them hazy IPAs with unique names and can art, that are all jostling for the same attention and where drinkers strive to be the first to rate them on Untappd or post the experience on social media. Little Bang’s idea fed directly into that “haze craze” before taking it to hitherto unseen levels. “My main pitch for it was that through all this madness and this uncertainty we have been able to rely

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LITTLE BANG BREWING FOCUS

irst hazy IPA release

3 on the fact that every week there will be at least one new hazy IPA release which will bring that predictable joy and predictable dopamine surge that we all so desperately need to keep us going,” Davidson said. “So, we are just mainlining that energy into 12,000 utterly unique and individual beers that people can be guaranteed they will have the first and only one – just for them.” The unique labels were designed by Little Bang Brewing and then printed out by its regular label printer, Peacock Brothers, using the HP SmartStream technology on its HP Indigo full CMYK digital printers. Little Bang Brewing has worked with Peacock Brothers and HP technology prior to this product, but this is the first time that the former has utilised the mosaic and variable text ability to its full capability. “When Peacock Brothers introduced us to this technology, we didn’t know how little of it is used by the market, and it’s uncommon to see it used in this way. And in fact, when we were partway in use of the technology, we had to engage HP’s R&D department in Israel for their expertise,” Davidson said. The label was made in a low-gloss, satin finish, with strong colours on a silver backing but required a hot metal adhesive to stick the waterproof label onto the can as the cans are packaged at zero degrees and have to be able to withstand cold temperatures. “We’re always trying to insert creativity into the process. The craft www.propack.pro

beer market is saturated, so we needed to come up with a creative idea that allowed us to express ourselves in a bold, progressive way. This opportunity has opened our doors to using this kind of algorithmic, generative art into some other labels as we move forward,” Davidson said. Little Bang is no stranger to unique can art with its designs often some of the most striking you’ll see in a bottle shop fridge. Its Face Inverter Citrus

3. A sneak peek at just a few of the 12,000 hazy IPA cans that will each have their own unique name and label design 4. (l-r) Little Bang’s Ryan Davidson with head brewer and co-director Fil Kemp

Sour (picture 2) also took out 2020’s inaugural GABS Can Design Awards that championed great design within the Australian beer industry. But 12,000 unique designs are lofty – even for them. “We analysed the IPA design ecosystem, and by aggregating what we saw as trends, we created something that you can then look at on the shelf and it has that look and feel that we’re coming to recognise for the category while still being uniquely Little Bang at the same time,” Davidson said. “I don’t think it’s been done before – even globally to my knowledge. A world first perhaps? “But then in saying that there is probably a really good reason why it hasn’t been done before and that’s because firstly, no one knows what the beer is even called and secondly no one can even describe what it even looks like! Way to go marketing team.” The 12,000 cans of 6.3 per cent hazy IPA were canned in mid-December and were on shelves in Adelaide before Christmas and then made available throughout Australia in the New Year. Little Bang said it will be delicious too: “It’s a hazy IPA the way we love it – super aromatic and fluffy, but still solid and satisfying. ‘‘A touch more bitter bite and a little bit less sugar delivers a snappier, more sessionable hazy experience.”

4 February 2021 ProPack.pro 19

FOCUS ABBE CORRUGATED

Bringing advancement in e-commerce packaging tech to Australian shores ABBE Corrugated invests heavily in its facility expansion and the launch of its new packaging technology

ackaging manufacturer ABBE Corrugated has proudly announced a further expansion of its facility and the undertaking of a “significant investment” towards the launch of its latest e-commerce packaging technology. This new technology, named CMC Genesys, will be unveiled at ABBE’s Automation Packaging Machinery Open House and Demo Centre, in Melbourne, in April. According to the company, as a result of COVID-19 hindering all travels to its Italian packaging machinery partners and with continued international travel restrictions into 2021, the solution aims to alleviate current market challenges with this technology. The company added that it is the “world’s best and game-changer” in packaging automation innovation in Australian shores. “With the exponential growth we have experienced in online retail this year, a year like no other, and keeping pace with a strong appetite for sustainable packaging solutions from the e-commerce sector, industry media and businesses alike will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the first of its kind in a 3D packaging machinery concept, that creates rightsized packaging at high-speed, leading to a reduction in the carton’s cubic volume, materials and shipping costs,” the company said. Since bringing packaging technology to the Australian market in 2017, ABBE has partnered with and supplies online retailers and third-party logistics businesses such as Catch, CottonOn, Quantium Solutions and Booktopia, who were early adopters of innovative packaging solution CMC CartonWrap, as well as offering Panotec On Demand Packaging to players like Everten, PMI Imageworks and Arlec. “When working on these large projects in the past we would need to travel to our Italian partner’s site with our clients (including a multitude of their product mix) for live demonstrations and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT). Seeing as 20 ProPack.pro February 2021

1. ABBE Corrugated sales director Daniel O’Sullivan 2. The unveiling of the CMC Genesys at ABBE Automation’s Open House will be complemented with other packaging machinery solutions

2 the global pandemic inhibited this in 2020, it forced us to rethink things and bring this solution closer to home for immediate accessibility to our customers,” ABBE Corrugated sales director Daniel O’Sullivan said. “The unveiling of the CMC Genesys at ABBE Automation’s Open House will be complemented with other packaging machinery solutions: the CMC EasyBox, in addition to Panotec’s On Demand Packaging system – Compack Evo. ‘‘It is a rich program for a fastevolving market, that looks beyond any e-fulfilment boundaries.” At the Automation Packaging Machinery Open House and Demo Centre, ABBE will be presenting the full range of sustainable e-commerce solutions starting with hand-packed standard boxes and easy-close tape solutions, right through to full automation of 800 boxes per hour, perfectly packed without human intervention. The company also said

that having the machinery accessible at its Melbourne site will enable many leading and growing Australian companies to come along with their team (and of course their products) and experience this technology for themselves in real-time. At ABBE’s Automation Packaging Machinery Open House and Demo Centre, experience for yourself packaging solutions that enable: • 3D packaging – Perfect size box per order, in real-time • Uniquely created box that eliminates the need for void fill • Enhanced Customer ‘unboxing’ experience, together with a resealable, returnable system • 100 per cent recyclable packaging • Sustainable packaging that reduces your company’s carbon footprint • Significant reductions in labour cost per order • Reduced freight and operational costs in e-fulfilment • Up to 1,000 orders per hour www.propack.pro

BOBST FOCUS

Virtual event shows Bobst technology Flexographic printing and laminating solutions feature at the online event

iming to enable attendees to see the future of flexographic packaging production from the comfort of their own homes, Bobst recently hosted a virtual event from its Competence Centres in Bielefeld, Germany and San Giorgio Monferrato, Italy. The company dedicated its ‘Innovation in Flexible Packaging’ event to CI flexo printing and laminating technologies. It featured keynote speakers such as the chief executive officer at Bobst, Jean-Pascal Bobst, and live demonstrations of three products that Bobst says will help to shape the future of the CI flexo industry. Jean-Pascal Bobst said, “We are driving the future of flexible packaging production around four key elements: connectivity, digitalisation, automation, and sustainability. “Even before the events of 2020, we were living in a world where much better agility and sustainability were required, particularly in flexible packaging. Now these needs have increased even further. We are answering these needs by fundamentally shaping the future of the packaging world, and there is no better example of that commitment than our latest products in CI flexo and lamination.” The company placed three machines on show at the Open House event: the Vision CI flexo press, the solventless Nova SX 550 laminator and the Master CI flexo press. Attendees had the chance to see live demonstrations of each machine.

Vision for the future Designed to deliver efficient performance for all production lengths on a wide range of substrates, the Vision CI flexo press aims to attract converters looking for outstanding print quality, performance and sustainability. Bobst says that, in a world where the guarantee of quality at high speed is essential, the Vision CI delivers exactly the same consistent print and performance quality with each print reel, for any run length. The company adds that, with fast setup and change over, the Vision CI flexo press features technical innovations and www.propack.pro

1. Up-close view of the smartdroid robotic system in front of the printing section of the Bobst Master CI flexo press 2. The virtual open house team at Bobst Italia in San Giorgio Monferrato. From left Ivano Andrighetto, product sales specialist laminating; Nanni Bertorelli, product line manager coating and laminating; and Damiano Zinelli, process laminating specialist in front of the solventless Bobst Nova SX 550 laminator

automation that ensure repeatable process consistency, minimum waste and easy manufacturing.

can really propel converters’ flexible packaging operations into the future.”

High performance

The Nova SX 550 laminator offers converters flexibility and Bobst believes it will soon become the benchmark in the market. This plug and play solventless machine has three targets: unparalleled flexibility of use; high level of automation for a compact machine; and outstanding productivity. Bobst says the Industry 4.0 ready machine will increase the user’s competitive edge with cost-effective, reliable and sustainable operation, irrespective of job lengths, substrate and adhesive types. Jean-Pascal Bobst added, “While we would of course always prefer to see our customers in person, we were thrilled to be able to demonstrate the capabilities of these machines through a digital connected platform online.”

Bobst says the Master CI epitomises its focus on connectivity, digitalisation, automation, and sustainability. Combining advanced technologies and smart innovations in CI flexo printing, it targets high productivity, process stability, and flexibility independent of the operator’s skill level. Bobst says that its advanced robotics guarantees a fully automated press setup, and it boasts a digitalised production workflow, from file to finished product, with creation of a digital twin of the produced reels. Its modular design enables fast installation and commissioning in less than four weeks. Jean-Pascal Bobst said, “These products enable a level of performance in CI flexo printing and lamination that

Lamination

February 2021 ProPack.pro 21

FOCUS HEIDELBERG ASIA-PACIFIC

Heidelberg responds to pac 1

Market growth sees new installations, especially in AsiaPacific region

lacing a clear focus on the high potential for growth in the packaging market, Heidelberg has positioned itself in the growing field of folding carton printing on board worldwide and in China in particular. Rainer Hundsdörfer, chief executive officer at Heidelberg, said, “The Chinese market, which is so important for us, is the one where demand has returned fastest and closest to that of the previous year during the pandemic. “The long-term prospects look good too. China is still the fastest growing market in the world. Our market share of about 50 percent puts us out in front here, and we want to consolidate our strong position even further. Therefore, we will further expand our production capacities in Shanghai and increase our competitiveness there with a higher share of value added. As well as local 22 ProPack.pro February 2021

production, Heidelberg China will also provide assistance with a strong sales and service team. We have our sights firmly set on the successful packaging printing companies above all.” The packaging market is growing. According to a Smithers Pira 2019 study ‘The Future of Global Packaging to 2024’, the total value of the global packaging volume for 2019 was almost US$920 billion. The study expects this to grow at an average rate of 2.8 per cent annually to over US$1 trillion by 2024. In relation to volume for the materials board, flexible packaging, rigid plastics, metal and glass markets, Asia was the biggest market in 2018, accounting for around 40 per cent of global packaging consumption, followed by North America with around 22 per cent, and Western Europe in third place with 20 per cent. China is the world’s biggest packaging consumer, at over US$200 billion. It is also forecast to have the fastest growth in packaging consumption over. The five-year period from 2019 to 2024, with a rate of almost five per cent. This is due to the rising real takehome pay, an expanding middle class,

1. Customers at the Heidelberg Packaging Day in the Print Media Centre in Shanghai 2. Sichuan Kuanzhai Printing produces tobacco packaging and its Suining print shop has ordered two new Heidelberg presses

a growing population, the increasing urbanisation, and further expansion of ecommerce.

Packaging Day Heidelberg says that, while offering its solutions in the growth market of packaging for the folding carton printing and label segments, it has seen Covid-19 accelerate the evolution towards digital communication and events more at a local level. In September 2020, Heidelberg China

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HEIDELBERG ASIA-PACIFIC FOCUS

ackaging printing growth 3

held a combined in-person and online event called the Packaging Day. With a goal to show the folding carton printers the enormous productivity potential that they can exploit with intelligent high performance machines and optimised processes, Heidelberg reports massive interest from customers and other companies in China. It sees this approach as the answer to the market trends in the Chinese packaging printing industry, such as ever declining run lengths and increasing expectations for finishing. During Packaging Day, Heidelberg presented its comprehensive portfolio for the entire production process. On site in the Heidelberg Print Media Centre in Shanghai, 65 customers got to see four different applications being produced with more than 10 live demonstrations on a Speedmaster CD-102 nine-colour press. Highlights included high-speed job www.propack.pro

3. Sam Chong (l), managing director of Xian Jun Long Printing with Achim Mergenthaler, site manager Heidelberg Shanghai with the certificate for the Speedmaster CD 102; the 9,999th printing unit from the Heidelberg Shanghai plant

changes and sophisticated finishing, showing how to add value to packaging. These packaging solutions have proven especially popular in China. Prepared and streamed customer reports from the various regions of China showed the solutions in use in real life how much its customers trust in and rate the Heidelberg machines. In parallel, Heidelberg presented the live demonstrations and customer reports on two live streaming platforms, clicked on by more than 108,000 viewers. The received almost 70,000 likes. Benny Huang, chief executive officer of Heidelberg for Greater China, said, “In the Greater China market, we will invest more in new concepts, platforms, and applications as well as in regional events in order to guarantee more direct communication with new and existing customers. “The Packaging Day enabled us to present our innovations effectively

online and offline and communicate instantly with our customers. ‘‘We couldn’t be happier with the positive result: nearly 20 opportunities about sheetfed presses with a total value of almost €12 million, three of these opportunities came over the online platforms.”

Impressive installations

In 2020, Sichuan Kuanzhai Printing, a leading Chinese tobacco packaging printer, expanded its print capacity with the construction of a new factory. As part of this, the company placed an order with Heidelberg China for two Speedmaster CX 102 presses with a total of 23 printing units. It has scheduled the first installation for December of this year. The marks Sichuan Kuanzhai’s first time partnering with Heidelberg. Heidelberg said it clinched the deal Continued on page 24 February 2021 ProPack.pro 23

FOCUS HEIDELBERG ASIA-PACIFIC Continued from page 23

through the innovations and technology of the 2020 generation of the Speedmaster CX 102 with Push to Stop concept. This should increase productivity to a level where the factory can produce over one million cartons annually. The company mainly prints premium tobacco packaging. Another leading Chinese packaging printer, Shenzhen Jinjia Group, has worked with Heidelberg for more than 20 years. Shenzen Jinjia Group services the high-end market with brands in the tobacco, liqueur, spirits, and cosmetics segments. The customers have high expectations regarding the development and innovation designs of new products. In 2017 and 2019, the company installed Two Speedmaster CD 1026+L presses, built in the Heidelberg Shanghai factory. Shenzen Jinjia uses both presses specifically for the development of new printed products and colour proofs in its development centre. All printing presses at its headquarters in Shenzhen, and in the other branches are customized long Speedmaster CX 102 and CD 102 machines, designed together with Jinjia and tailored to the needs of the end customers. Printing company Xian Jun Long in Shenzhen took delivery this year of a new Speedmaster CD 102-9+L featuring the 9,999th printing unit produced by the Heidelberg Shanghai site. Xian Jun Long, a leading packaging printing company, specialises in packaging for spirits, cigarettes, and luxury goods. The Xian Jun Long Heidelberg partnership goes back 20 years. The company also has a Speedmaster CD 102 with the machine number 999 from the Shanghai plant, which has operated there for several years. Xian Jun Long has ordered two Speedmaster CD 102-8+L presses this year. The anniversary press will take its place in an extensive fleet of Speedmaster CD 102 and Speedmaster CX 102 systems.

on track from the end of February 2020. In February and March of last year, we had several fixed date machines on the schedule, all of which we were able to deliver on time. ‘‘Since then, we have gradually gotten back to steady work and normal life in Shanghai.” Now operating to full capacity, the factory reports higher production figures for the last quarter of 2020 than the previous year. It also has a higher

4. The Shenzhen Jinjia Group uses Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 102 and CD 102 presses 5. Investing in new concepts: Benny Huang, chief executive officer Heidelberg Greater China 6. The Heidelberg Shanghai production site in Asia

export quota including a high rate of exports to Japan. This includes the first Speedmaster CD 102 eight-colour press with coating unit outside of China. Around 60 to 70 per cent of the bestselling Speedmaster CD 102 presses find a place in packaging printing plants. Mergenthaler said, “We have ramped up here from year to year. We started in 2018 with the delivery of the first Speedmaster CD 102-7+L. This was followed a year later by the Speedmaster CD 102-8+L and this year by the Speedmaster CD 1029+L, which was delivered to the printing company Xian Jun Long in Shenzhen. From 2018 to today, over 80 of these long packaging presses from the Speedmaster CD 102 series have been produced and sold. Heidelberg partners with Masterwork, Tianjin, (MK) for the postpress machines in the packaging segment. MK is the largest manufacturer of die cutters, embossing machines, and hot foil machines in the Asian region. For the packaging market, MK developed several new machines and Heidelberg has already sold more than 500 of them worldwide: die-cutters and folder gluers. The company constantly extends the portfolio to meet the growing needs of the customers. The companies further strengthened their relationship in 2019, with MK Masterwork becoming a long-term, strategic anchor shareholder in Heidelberg with a shareholding of around 8.5 per cent. This will enable Heidelberg to further expand its position in the growing packaging printing market with MK. Heidelberg said its announced joint venture with Masterwork will further strengthen Heidelberg´s leading competitive position in the growth market of China.

Masterwork and Heidelberg

The Heidelberg Shanghai production site, built to modern standards, now encompasses a production area of around 45,000 square metres, making it one of the biggest printing press factories in Asia based on square footage alone. Achim Mergenthaler, head of the Heidelberg Shanghai site, said, “At the moment we’re not seeing any more knock-on effects of Covid-19 on the factory’s capacity utilisation. “The safety measures we implemented meant we were one of the first factories in Shanghai to resume operation. Even the supply of parts from our suppliers was fully back 24 ProPack.pro February 2021

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PIDA FOCUS

PIDA opens applications for 2021 A win in the PIDA means entry into the WorldStar Awards

pplications have opened for the 2021 Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards. With a deadline of March 5, organisers have already begun receiving entries from across New Zealand and Australia. The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has designed the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design Awards (PIDA) to recognise companies and individuals making a significant difference in their field in Australia and New Zealand. As the exclusive award programme for all Australia and New Zealand entries into the prestigious WorldStar Packaging Awards, the awards encourage packaging professionals to share and celebrate their best work. The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) coordinates the WorldStar Packaging Awards. Last year’s New Zealand winners included Oji Fibre Solutions for its RJ’s Licorice packaging; Punchbowl Packaging for its Kaituna Blueberries punnets; and Pact Group for its Lewis Road Creamery milk bottle. The 2021 PIDA Categories: • Design Innovation of the Year: Food • Design Innovation of the Year: Beverage • Design Innovation of the Year: Health, Beauty & Wellness • Design Innovation of the Year: Domestic & Household • Design Innovation of the Year: Labelling & Decoration • Design Innovation of the Year: Outside the Box • Sustainable Packaging Special Award • Save Food Packaging Design Special Award • Accessible Packaging Design Special Award • Marketing Special Award • Young Packaging Professional of the Year • Industry Packaging Professional of the Year To download the entry forms and criteria visit http://aipack.com.au/2021pida-awards/ or email pida@aipack. com.au for further information. www.propack.pro

1. Pact Group’s Lewis Road Creamery milk bottle

2. Oji Fibre Solution’s RJ’s Licorice packaging 3. Punchbowl Packaging’s Kaituna Blueberries punnets

February 2021 ProPack.pro 25

FOCUS WORLDSTAR PACKAGING AWARDS 2021

A/NZ businesses shine at Worl Australia and New Zealand came in as the third most awarded countries, taking home 13 awards this year. And the A/NZ winners are… Meal Kit

Company: Platypus Print Packaging Category: Food The Youfoodz Meal Kit holds together several ingredients, offering consumers an easy to cook meal that saves them time. When ready to use, the release of a notch in the handle allows the brief case

style packaging to unfold. The packaging is then repurposed into a tent card that provides easy to follow cooking instructions. The imposition of a twopiece construct yielded more than 30 per cent less raw material waste than a single piece carry case design of the same size.

Cabot’s Ready Bucket

Lobster Protector Company: Planet Protector Packaging Category: Food This solution is 100 per cent plastic-free, flat-packed, sustainable and made of materials that are either recyclable, compostable or biodegradable. Lobster Protector is also price competitive against EPS, the benchmark in cold-chain packaging. Lobster Protector keeps product temperatures stable between the required 7 degrees celsius to 12 degrees celsius for about 36 hours. Lobsters shipped in Lobster

Protector have lower mortality rates and less moisture loss. The solution design minimises CO2 build-up, controlling humidity level and moisture during transit. The product also offers full client bespoke branding on the outer carton. It also won the packaging materials and components and transit categories.

Sealed Air brand TempGuard Company: Sealed Air Category: Food TempGuard aims to deliver exceptional thermal insulation for chilled items including chilled meals, chilled proteins and other temperature sensitive foods during distribution. Comprising 100 per cent paper, TempGuard is fully recyclable and ARL compliant. TempGuard keeps food fresh and safe for consumers, and this means a safer and less wasteful food supply chain. The ARL (Australasian Recycling Logo) is a label

which businesses can use once they have completed a PREP (Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal) assessment. The printed ARL label enables the end user to dispose of packaging correctly. TempGuard liners are printed with information that tells consumers they can recycle the liner.

Brownes Dairy Renewable Cartons Company: Brownes Foods Operations Category: Beverages Company: Birdstone Collective Category: Household It replaces the need for a separate oil tin and application bucket, minimising mess, improving value and reducing waste. It holds decking oil in a safe and secure format throughout the supply chain. Features include a tamper evident seal, low centre of gravity for stability, 26 ProPack.pro February 2021

and a pad-off platform. The design reduces complexity at every stage of the consumer experience. An internal pad-off platform works with both applicators and rollers, while internal channels guide oil back into the base for future use. Integrated base skirt provides stability whilst allowing the bucket to slide around the deck easily during application.

Brownes Dairy introduced Oceania’s first fully renewable, plant-based cartons across over 25 products. As Australia’s oldest dairy, it makes old things new and relevant. It enhanced the sustainability credentials of its carton packaging through renewable materials, also resulting in a reduction of overall weight of packaging. It now remains committed to the carton format amongst a competitive tide of plastic

bottles. An entire panel on each product references key sustainability messages, educating consumers how to recycle properly. This is reinforced to 10,000 students each year via School Tours program. The launch also made National headlines. www.propack.pro

WORLDSTAR PACKAGING AWARDS 2021 FOCUS

ldStar Packaging Awards 2021 Coca-Cola Amatil rPET Program

Earthwise (Pact Group)

Company: Coca-Cola Amatil Category: Beverages

Company: Pact Group Category: Household

Coca-Cola Amatil successfully converted all of its single serve beverage containers to 100 per cent rPET covering bottles used for water, CSD, Aseptic Dairy and warmfill sensitive beverages. It is the first beverage manufacturer worldwide to achieve this and equates to seven out of 10 bottles sold in Australia. CCA is the first business within the Coke system to achieve the use of 100 per cent rPET in a CSD application and is also the only company in

Earthwise has moved New Zealand’s largest range of household products, to locally manufactured bottles by Pact Group, made from at least 75 per cent recycled plastic. Across all Earthwise, group product plastic packaging of approximately 307 tonnes per annum is now made from recycled resin. An LCA revealed that the transition to recycled content is 23 bottle types (77 sku), saving 366.2 (-36.7 per cent) of

the world to have all single serve packs produced from 100 per cent rPET.

Ecolean Packaging for Beverages Company: Ecolean Category: Beverages This lightweight flexible packaging for liquid food products is designed to reduce its impact on the environment with reduced plastics, convenience, innovative and eye-catching packaging. Unique design and shape of the packaging makes it stand out on-shelf and present a quality product to consumer. It is designed for chilled pasteurised beverages. It performs well in refrigerated and frozen requirements. The material is

non-penetrable by UV light maintains products ‘coolness’ due to pouches natural composition. If kept at or below four degrees, milk stays fresh longer. It will not leak when laid down in a fridge.

Uniqcor Sustainable Produce Boxes Company: Disruptive Packaging Category: Food Uniqcor is an environmentally friendly produce box for the agricultural and seafood industries that is 100 per cent recyclable, reusable, and an alternative to environmentally harmful packaging products. It performs exceptionally in cold chain environments, is waterproof, leak-proof and remains sturdy and insulated. It is also easily flat-packed and prints to 10 colour magazine quality for unrivalled custom branding. www.propack.pro

UNIQCOR is made from 70 per cent calcium carbonate and 30 per cent HDPE. Using Uniqcor lowers companies’ environmental impact, eliminating millions of cubic feet of traditional packaging, such as styrofoam/polystyrene and waxed cardboard, from going to landfill each year.

CO2 emissions per year – the equivalent to planting 549 trees per year. Its water use savings are of 17860 (-38 per cent) kl of water.

Glow Lab (Pact Group) Company: Pact Group Category: Health and Personal Care Pact Group worked with New Zealand’s Earthwise brand to launch a post-consumer sourced 100 per cent rPET bottle range for its Glow Labs brand. The new range consisted of seven 100 per cent rPET bottles and replaced the former virgin PET designs. Converting to recycled rPET, Pact Group was able to further light weight Glow Lab’s amber

bottles by about 27 per cent (amounting to approximately 37 tonnes per annum).

NCI Packaging and DuluxGroup Company: NCI Packaging Category: Labeling and Decoration NCI Packaging showcased its expertise in packaging decoration by introducing Australia’s first matt finished paint can. The Porter’s Paint can resonates with the brand’s premium positioning within the architectural paint category. Porter’s signature dark background and metallic gold heritage font, is paired with a matt finish to exude an elegant-looking can.

To allow for the metallic gold appearance, a clear primer was applied to tin plate, so a spot white print could be applied. The matt varnish was applied as an additional operation and was cured through a coating oven.

All winners will be recognised in an Awards Gala Ceremony in May. In addition, the winners for the special categories – President’s Award, Sustainability Award, Marketing Award and Packaging that Saves Food Award – will also be announced during this WorldStar Ceremony. February 2021 ProPack.pro 27

FOCUS PROPAK AND WPO

How COVID-19 is impacting sustainable p

1 With health consciousness overtaking environmental consciousness as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, are we undoing the progress we have made in sustainable packaging?

uring the ongoing pandemic, there has been a return to a positive approach to plastic packaging amongst consumers, and an increase in single-use plastics. At a ProPak and World Packaging Organisation (WPO) webinar series around how COVID-19 is impacting sustainable packaging and global recycling targets, thought leaders discussed if this is a temporary phenomenon and how waste management strategies and global recycling targets would be affected in the long-term. Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) executive director Nerida Kelton said the circular economy is a new way of design and to make use of things 28 ProPack.pro February 2021

1. We need in place a system where we design our waste and pollution, we keep products and materials in use, and we regenerate natural systems

within planetary boundaries. She said we’re shifting to a system where we design our waste and pollution, we keep products and materials in use, and we regenerate natural systems. “It doesn’t matter where you are in the world. You’re following a pledge, a target, a goal, a commitment or a strategy to all achieve the same things. Our targets might be slightly dissimilar but at the end of the day, what we’re trying to achieve is to make sure that all of our packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable,” she said. “We want to make sure that we are having a significant increase in the amount of plastic packaging that’s recycled and composted around the world. We must increase the amount of average recycled content we have in packaging and we must get rid of all unnecessary single-use plastic packaging in the world.” But after COVID-19 hit, there have been a number of challenges that the industry has been facing. The first that Kelton mentioned is disruptions to global supply chains as they have caused delays with access to materials, food and beverages and products. Consumer buying and consumption patterns have changed

as well, resulting in the purchase of more packaged items. “Think about that with respect to packaging and packaging materials. That changes demand, it changes access to materials, and it means that we’re all trying to use the same materials around the world, causing a scarcity of materials,” she said. Kelton also mentioned that people are resorting back to using more singleuse plastics as a result of COVID-19, causing more waste materials to exist in the environment. “Unfortunately, there’s a lot more littering and materials sitting around to be recycled. The wearing of disposable masks and PPE is also a cause for concern as that is also adding to waste and littering,” she mentioned. “This is going to affect global recycling and its targets.” WPO global ambassador Chakravarthi AVPS said COVID-19 has altered global waste management strategies, especially with the revival of single-use plastics. “Plastics are going to outlive all of us. If you look at estimated decomposition rates, paper takes about two to four weeks to decompose while plastic bags take 10 to 20 years,” he said. www.propack.pro

PROPAK AND WPO FOCUS

packaging and global recycling targets

2 “Like all of you, I too want to eradicate the use of plastics from my day-to-day life. But is it really possible to do so? Plastic is safe, hygienic, durable and recyclable. And plastics are helping us in the prevention of COVID-19 in being used in PPEs and food packaging. “But we have to try and find alternatives to single-use plastic packaging, otherwise it’s going to pose as a massive issue in the future.” AVPS also mentioned that ‘reuse, reduce and recycle’ should be ingrained into the lives of people regardless of the current circumstances. “And responsible packaging should be the motto of all organisations to ensure that we don’t end up working backwards and undoing all the progress we have been making.” Asian Packaging Federation president Aslihan Arikan said packaging has many requirements but COVID-19 has only raised the importance of its protection against the external environment. “The purpose of focusing on food and packaging interaction is to secure packaging conformity and to guarantee consumer health. Under normal circumstances, packaging or food contact materials should not threaten the human health, not change the composition of food or change the organoleptic characteristics of food,” she said. “Today, the function of protection of food packaging is more important than other functions. Packaging is now a ‘shield’ for food.” According to Arikan, packaging is the biggest end-use market of plastics, at 39.9 per cent, as compared to building and construction at 19.8 per www.propack.pro

cent and the automotive industry at 9.9 per cent. “Given our current global environment, there will always be future market growth for plastics in packaging, like retort packaging and barrier packaging, as well as monomaterials. We need more recycled content in packaging so that they don’t end up in landfill,” she mentioned. “We need to redesign materials like flexible packaging to mono-materials with existing recycling streams. We need to think about the future of packaging especially as packaging has been accelerated as a key industry in future following COVID-19. “As there is no way back from plastics packaging, let us redesign it and use it properly.” Indonesian Packaging Federation executive director Henky Wibawa said the linear economy has followed a ‘take-make-dispose’ model as a result of COVID-19, taking the world as an unlimited resource and waste bin. “Around 65 billion tonnes of raw materials enter the economic system per annum and around 60 per cent of waste ends up in landfill. The environmental dangers of employing single-use PPE is significant,” he said. Wibawa also mentioned that basic face masks can be effective in reducing the spread of the virus, but most masks that are readily available for sale are made from layers of plastics and are designed to be single-use. In a hospital environment, these PPE are considered contaminated items and there are systems in place for their safe disposal which involves segregation and incineration. But, no such system is set in place for PPEs that are used by the general public.

2. (l-r) WPO’s Professor Pierre Pienaar; WPO’s Chakravarthi AVPS; AIP’s Nerida Kelton; Indonesian Packaging Federation’s Henky Wibawa; and Asian Packaging Federation’s Aslihan Arikan

“We have to return to a circular economy model where products, like PPE, are designed to be able to be reused or recycled. Improved efficiency will not solve the problem of finite resources – a full system change is needed,” he said. Wibawa said the following should be taken into consideration before recommending the use of PPEs: • The mandatory adoption of disposable face masks: should PPEs from households be collected separately? • With an additional waste stream collection, in order to minimise the public health issues associated with the disposal of contaminated plastic waste, local councils could install special disposal units for contaminated masks in every street, as well as make hand sanitisers readily available in public spaces • The use of reusable masks significantly reduces the amount of waste that is entering general waste streams “The value creation lies in the inner circle, where you minimise comparative materials used through reusing. The tighter the circle, the less it has to be changed to be returned to use. It also lies in longer circling, which maximises the number of consecutive cycles of reuse, to avoid production of a new component,” he said. “Another way of value creation is through ‘cascading’ which involves the diversified reuse across the value chain, substituting previously used virgin materials with existing materials. It also includes pure inputs, which is the avoidance of contaminated materials to increase collection and reuse efficiency whilst maintaining quality.” February 2021 ProPack.pro 29

FOCUS FOOD WASTE

Halving food waste by 2030 With food waste in Australia costing about $20 billion on average annually, more needs to be done to reduce its waste

ach year, over seven million tonnes of food is wasted in Australia, costing the economy an estimated $20 billion. At the same time, more than one in five Australians have experienced some form of food insecurity, according to the Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo. In 2017, the Australian Government released the National Food Waste Strategy, which included a national target to halve Australia’s food waste by 2030. This commitment received the support of the environmental ministers and affiliated industries such as packaging. Most recently, in April, Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) released the Roadmap for Reducing Australia’s Food Waste by Half by 2030. The Roadmap delivers a clear pathway for achieving the 50 per cent reduction in food waste, recognising the current challenges and efforts. The roadmap sets out the short, medium to long-term actions needed to support reductions in food waste, including a Voluntary Commitment Program. The Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo said this ‘Target, Measure, Act’ approach has been particularly successful all over the world in helping agri-food businesses to better understand and reduce their food waste. Assistant minister for waste reduction and environmental management Trevor Evans welcomed the release of the roadmap, setting the direction for all levels of government, industry and other key stakeholders to reduce Australia’s food waste. “The roadmap is a step forward as we work to achieve our national goal of halving the amount of food going to landfill by 2030 – it is an ambitious goal and to achieve it, everyone needs to play their part,” he said. 30 ProPack.pro February 2021

“The food rescue sector plays an important role in ensuring food that’s perfectly edible doesn’t go to landfill, and instead is diverted to Australians experiencing food shortages. “So, I am very pleased to see the four major food rescue and relief organisations working collaboratively together to achieve these objectives”. Department of Planning, Industry and Environment circular economy program acting director Amanda Kane outlined the potential challenges ahead in achieving the 2030 target. Drawing on data, findings and lessons from the delivery of the $105 million Organics Infrastructure Fund under the Waste Less, Recycle More program in NSW over seven years, she identified key learnings to inform the industry on how to transform the landscape for food waste recovery. “From the very beginning, we knew that we had to tackle organics from every angle. We had to have local processing, local markets, and so on. So, our program addressed every aspect of it,” she said. “Because of the nature of the program, which is funded from the waste levy, everything that we’ve done in the last five years has been focused on the disposal end. “All the work that we’ve done is around the diversion from landfill. “But if we’re going to be halving food waste in Australia by 2030, we need to look all the way up the supply chain.” Kane said food waste is defined as food that goes into landfill. “If we get more funding beyond 2021 into reducing food waste, it would be possible to come up with more strategies around this area,” she added. “We’ve done some in these five years but we need to do a lot more in this area. If we’re going to be working with retailers, supermarkets and other related industries around this goal, for them to be able to make achievements, we want to be able to recognise

recycling and recovery efforts as well. So, there’s still a lot of work to do in terms of diversion of food waste from landfill but we need to lay the foundations to get it right.” According to Kane, it all starts from what is in the red lid bin. “If we’re talking about having absolutely nothing left in the red lid bin in 10 to 20 years’ time, apart from residuals that nothing else can be done with, that’s where doing something with food waste becomes an important component,” she said. “Everything is connected – it is about how we, as a society, view all of our resources, not just food, and the systems and processes that go into the reduction of waste. Food waste is the most complex of all our waste streams and the human factor is absolutely critical in where we go from here. “We know from things like war on waste that the community wants to do more to reduce waste but are unclear about how their habits and behaviours impact it.” www.propack.pro

FOOD WASTE FOCUS

From a policy position, Kane mentioned that food security – in that people make the most use from the food that is grown – soil health benefits, energy generation, and resource efficiency are just some areas of benefits from food waste reduction. “We’ve been funding food donation, supporting curbside collection services and infrastructure to process it, and a market for recycled products for compost,” she said. “What we’ve learnt is that there are mechanisms that we as an industry need to apply to encourage people to waste less. It will involve multiple stakeholders and it does involve things like supermarket layouts, and the how food is packaged.” Kane said we’re just at the tip of the iceberg in terms of what’s currently being done in Australia and there is still lots of potential for more to be done. “Food donation is just the start. There is a lot more to do in where we need to go and in achieving our targets. There are opportunities for much www.propack.pro

Making compost is one of the ways in alleviating the issue of food waste, but there are other options that need to be considered

bigger scale recovery of food waste,” she mentioned. “In regional NSW areas like Dubbo, Tamworth, Byron, Lake Macquarie, and Shell Harbour, all now have food and garden collection services supported by processing infrastructures. They produce compost, which is going to the local farms. It’s absolutely viable for other areas in NSW and states. “Supported with education, you can get excellent results.” In terms of infrastructures, Kane mentioned that there are enough existing facilities to be able to help with waste reduction for organics alone. “Our focus has been on organics processing facilities but moving forward, we need to look into recovery infrastructures within new apartments, for example,” Kane said. “It’s now also about education in the industry as well, around businesses understanding the benefits of compost. Our regulatory environment needs to be tight as well, as there is an issue of

bio security and in ensuring that all of these initiatives we embark on do not have a negative impact on the environment.” Kane added that as a start, state governments should work on food recovery plans. “For example, setting up a NSW Food Waste plan, which then works with primary industries and other government organisations, will help determine primary production losses. There is a logical connection between primary production and food waste given the whole circularity of organics,” she said. “For example, in packaging, the introduction of reusable crates has resulted in less damage to food. “Technology and packaging need to be our friends in this process, as we have seen many use cases where both have been used together to keep food fresh.” Source: Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) February 2021 ProPack.pro 31

FOCUS RECYCLED CONTENT

Meeting APCO’s 2025 re APCO has delivered a significant consultation and industry engagement process to establish an ambitious new set of recycled content targets

he Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has set out new and revised targets for recycled content as Australia successfully achieves an average of 30 per cent in recycled content in all of its packaging. APCO said this is an incredibly positive indicator that, as a nation, we are heading in the right direction. “We must continue to build on this momentum to develop a more efficient, productive and circular approach to packaging. Recycled content is a powerful lever for change throughout the packaging supply chain and is a key indicator of the circularity and efficiency of Australia’s packaging system,” the association said. “As such, after significant consultation and industry-wide engagement, the overall recycled content target will be lifted to 50 per cent, with further targets for each material stream, including four unique targets for plastics.” In November 2019, a meeting of environment ministers delegated the review of Australia’s recycled content target to APCO. Federal minister for the environment, Sussan Ley, wrote to APCO on behalf of the Federal Government ministers to provide a clear mandate for ambitious action. The letter addressed four key issues: • APCO to play a significantly stronger role in managing the impact of packaging on the environment, and needs to be more ambitious with targets • There are large differences in recycling rates for different material types and success with some materials tends to mask the low recycling content in others, particularly plastics • Targets are to be set for specific packaging materials, with a significantly improved target for the plastics stream, and examination of content target above 50 per cent for fibre and glass 32 ProPack.pro February 2021

1. Australia’s 2025 national recycled content packaging targets in a glance

• Market pull from industry will bring about increased recycling performance, and mandatory targets will be considered by ministers in this regard. To address this issue, APCO has delivered a significant consultation and industry engagement process to establish an ambitious new set of recycled content targets. APCO has commissioned several studies to assess current, feasible targets being delivered internationally. Through detailed analysis of the packaging system and recovery rate data, alongside significant engagement with members, industry stakeholders and government, APCO has determined a set of new targets (in figure 1) and will review and report on progress toward these revised targets each year.

be operating in every state and territory from 2023. These will provide quality glass (cullet) that can be colour sorted for application back into colour specific glass applications, such as wine and beer bottles and food jars. • Underutilised existing reprocessing and manufacturing capacity for recycled glass packaging, particularly in South Australia, Victoria, NSW and Queensland. This means that existing manufacturers have plant, equipment and staff to handle increased quantities of glass cullet. • Having well-established, robust businesses in an existing supply chain that are capable of ramping up investment, collection, processing and training given the right conditions.

Glass recycled content target

Metal recycled content target

The glass recycled content rate is strong in Australia and the second highest at 32 per cent. In 2017-18, an estimated 1.273 million tonnes of glass packaging was put on the Australian market and 407,000 tonnes (32 per cent) was recovered for recycling from consumers. The main limiting factor to increased recycled content to date has been the lack of supply of recovered clean and colour-sorted packaging glass cullet. It is anticipated that Australia will reach the 50 per cent glass recycled content target by 2025. There are several factors that will contribute to this, including some initiatives already underway in early 2020. These include: • Increased quantities of quality source-separated glass becoming available through separate kerbside collections in Victoria and container deposit schemes (CDS), which will

According to APCO, the metal recycled content rate is steady, and the metals sector had already met the 30 per cent target in 2017-18. In 2017-18 an estimated 213,000 tonnes of metal packaging was put on the Australian market. All of this was imported as finished or semi-finished packaging or in sheet format for fabrication in Australia into packaging such as cans and trays. “There is no production of either aluminium can sheet or tin-plated steel sheet to make packaging in Australia and currently virtually all recovered metal packaging is exported for reprocessing offshore,” APCO said. “While recovered metals have a consistent value, in 2017-18 less than half our metal packaging (48 per cent) was recovered for recycling by consumers. Currently Australia’s large metal smelting manufacturers almost exclusively use virgin material and not

1 www.propack.pro

RECYCLED CONTENT FOCUS

ecycled content targets 2

recovered metals, and they make steel and aluminium for industrial products rather than packaging. This situation could change within the next five years if proposed new facilities are opened up in Australia.” There are some suggestions from industry that it is feasible to increase recycled content to 35 per cent in imported metal packaging through procurement specifications. The value of recovered metal packaging will continue to oscillate relative to supply and commodity prices of virgin aluminium and steel.

Targets for Paper fibre recycled content

The paper recycled content rate is strong and the highest at 49 per cent in Australia, with significant variations between different formats. Paper and cardboard (fibre) are the dominant materials (53 per cent) in Australia’s packaging market. In 2017-18 an estimated 2.9 million tonnes of paper packaging was put on the Australian market and 62.6 per cent was recovered for recycling from local consumers. However, APCO said there are technical and food safety limitations to address to allow recycled content in some packaging, such as milk cartons, coffee cups and other such polymer coated paperboard. “It is anticipated that Australia will reach the 60 per cent fibre recycled content target by 2025. With a long history of using recycled fibre in fibre www.propack.pro

2. Recyclable garbage consisting of glass, plastic, metal and paper products

packaging in Australia, approximately half of the fibre packaging used in Australia is imported as packaging with product, or sheet form for local fabrication into boxes and bags, and half is fully manufactured in Australia,” APCO said. Therefore, APCO recommends that there is capacity to: • Increase local production and recycled content in paper and cardboard and moulded product. • Increase recycled content overall, particularly with a stronger focus by brand owners and customers on recycled content and review of their strength requirements within selected feasible applications to allow for a higher percentage of recycled material.

Plastic recycled content target The plastics recycled content rate is the lowest of all material types, at two per cent on average, according to APCO. This brings down the overall packaging recycling rate to 35 per cent, despite high rates for paper/cardboard and glass. “There is no denying the large challenges we face in Australia to increase recycled content in plastics. For this reason, there is one overall target for plastics at 20 per cent and one for each major polymer relevant to their proportion of the market, current recycled content rates and reprocessing capacity in Australia,” APCO said. “Plastics are a growing proportion in total packaging given their low cost,

light weight and versatility in meeting diverse requirements. In 2017-18 an estimated 1.067 million tonnes of plastic packaging was put on the Australian market and only 16 per cent was recovered for recycling.” APCO said addressing the following factors will be critical to improve the recovery and increase recycled content: • An increase in the quantity and quality of plastics collected through separate channels, such as commercial services and drop-off facilities and an increase in the number of premises recycling and better separation via CDS and at Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) to retain value and minimise costs. • Increased capacity for reprocessing plastic packaging in Australia, particularly for Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP). • Better coordination and integration of planning and policy development between the sector, policy makers, brand owners, collectors and industry groups. This requires a different approach to the other material streams given the very large number of SME manufacturers, who make both product and packaging (rigid and flexible), are not vertically integrated, and are widely dispersed across Australia. • Assess the comparative cost of recycled plastics as compared to virgin materials. • Simplifying the diversity of colour, packaging formats and polymer types combined with phasing out single use, problematic and unnecessary plastic packaging • Having increased market pull for recycled content is confirmed by manufacturers, brand owners and customers, including within specifications in procurement tenders. “As for the overall recycled content target, Australia’s packaging recycled content rate is currently 35 per cent across all material streams (metal, glass, fibre and plastics),” APCO said. “The original target of 30 per cent was exceeded in 2017-18 largely due to glass and paper/cardboard packaging. The new average recycled content target for 2025 is now 50 per cent. “This new rate takes into account the proportions of the various material streams and the capacity for change in the Australian market.” February 2021 ProPack.pro 33

FOCUS PUBLIC PLACE RECYCLING

An insight into public The Public Place Recycling Voluntary Product stewardship report outlines the end of life collection of packaging in New Zealand

ew Zealand’s Packaging Forum has released its Public Place Recycling Voluntary Product stewardship (PPRS) report, outlining the end of life collection of packaging in the country (and where applicable food waste) away from home. The scheme also provides annual data on the amount of packaging and organic waste collected for recycling through the public place recycling bins operated by councils during the period of 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. The main findings of the report for New Zealand include: • A 10 per cent increase in the number of permanent recycling bins installed either directly through PPRS funding or through partnerships if soft plastic recycling bins are excluded from the data set. It maintained overall number of public place bins despite 73 per cent reduction in number of soft plastic collection facilities. • Packaging and organic waste diverted from landfill through the scheme’s partners increased overall by nine per cent with packaging up by 8.6 per cent and organics collections by 15 per cent. The expansion of the Litter Less Recycle More standardised recycling and rubbish facilities has helped increase the local government sector share of the total tonnage collected to 38 per cent from 26 per cent. • Overall waste diversion at stadia and events has increased significantly to 65 per cent from 46 per cent in 2018. Events outside of sports stadia have a 79 per cent average recycling rate. Waste diversion at permanent public place recycling bins increased slightly, from 34 per cent to 35 per cent. Furthermore, 64 per cent of respondents said they had public place recycling bins in their area – up from 59 per cent in 2019. This result indicates that about 2.3 million adults in New Zealand have public place recycling in their area. 34 ProPack.pro February 2021

In addition, 23 per cent of respondents said they have Love NZ branded recycling bins in their area (up slightly on 22 per cent in 2019 and an increase from 10 per cent in 2015). The report identified little difference in awareness by personal income and household type, but awareness fell below the overall average (from 64 per cent to 52 per cent) among those aged 45 to 54 years. It was highest among those aged 18 to 24 (79 per cent) and those above the age of 75 (75 per cent). As for new colour-coded bins, the report found that 54 per cent of respondents, equivalent to around 1.94 million adults, have seen the new colour-coded recycling and rubbish bins – up significantly from 37 per cent in 2019. About 83 per cent said the colours and signage make the bins easier to use. Recognition in places where the bins have been installed for over 12 months was as follows: Marlborough District (80 per cent); New Plymouth (61 per cent) Clutha District (100 per cent); Tauranga (66 per cent); Wellington (77 per cent) Queenstown Lakes (100 per cent).

The number who had seen the colour coded bins varied significantly by age. Compared to the overall result of 54 per cent, 79 per cent of 18 to 24-yearolds had seen the bins and 65 per cent of those wee aged between 25 to 34. The number who had not seen the bins peaked at 43 per cent, among those aged 55 and above (53 per cent). However, the report found significant variations in the number of those who have seen colour coded bins according to their household type – single parent households with one or two children at home were most likely to say they had not seen a colour coded bin (48 per cent); while 50 per cent had seen a bin. Among the predominant household type, two parent families with one or two children at home, 67 per cent had seen the bins, while 32 per cent had not.

Perspective on litter

In general, respondents said they have noticed less litter for the timeframe. About 29 per cent of respondents (equivalent to around 1,042,000 adults) said there was a problem with litter where they live, which showed a www.propack.pro

PUBLIC PLACE RECYCLING FOCUS

place recycling in NZ

1 significant reduction from 44 per cent in 2019 and previous results in 2017 and 2018. The number who made an extra effort to walk to bins has remained constant – 21 per cent of people said they would not walk more than 10 metres to find a rubbish or recycling bin (as compared to 21 per cent in 2019 and 30 per cent in 2017). About 37 per cent of people said they would walk more than 40 metres, equivalent to around 1.33 million adults (as compared to 29 per cent in 2019 and significantly up from 23 per cent in 2018). The willingness to walk each distance measured did not appear to be influenced by age or gender – 37 per cent said they would tell someone to pick it up if they saw someone drop litter in the street (compared to 38 per cent in 2019) while 36 per cent said they would pick litter up themselves (compared to 36 per cent in 2019). Women were more likely to ask someone dropping litter to pick it up: 41 per cent, compared to men 33 per cent. Women were also more likely to pick up the litter themselves (39 per www.propack.pro

2 cent) than men (31 per cent). Educational qualification levels also appeared to have an influence on directly asking others to pick up litter or pick it up themselves. Those with degrees or post graduate degrees were more likely than average to pick it up themselves. About 38 per cent of respondents said they were aware of the Love NZ brand before the survey (compared to 27 per cent in 2019; 40 per cent in 2018, 35 per cent in 2017; and 29 per cent in 2016). This indicates that around 1.36 million adults are currently aware of the Love NZ brand. However, the variation between awareness in 2018 and 2020 is not statistically significant. There was a marked difference in awareness of the brand by age. The older people were less likely to have heard of it. This includes 73 per cent of those aged above 75, 71 per cent of 65 to 74-year-olds and 64 per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds. The highest number to have heard of Love NZ before the survey was 25 to 34-year-olds, at 55 per cent.

3 1. Colour-coded refuse and recycling bins in the centre of Queenstown 2. Some of the key statistics of the report, in a glance 3. The Love NZ recycling initiative that has been running in New Zealand

The ‘Be a Tidy Kiwi’ brand was recognised by 83 per cent or around 2.98 million adults – (92 per cent in 2019; 87 per cent in 2018; 84 per cent in 2017. Awareness increased with age but was still high at 84 per cent among 25 to 34-year-olds. It was 92 per cent among those aged between 55 and 64.

Cost of recycling

On average, across the variety of locations, the report found that that it costs around $0.25 to collect a kilogram of recyclables compared to $0.14 per kilogram in 2018. On average, around 88kg (up from 82kg in 2018) of recyclables are collected per public place recycling bin per month across the councils reporting to the scheme. In comparison, data collected through the LLRM project of Smart Colour Coded Bins for January/ December 2019 in 10 pilot regions found that an average of 155kg of recyclables was collected per bin unit per month and 117kg of waste was found in the single rubbish bin units which ‘bookended’ the recycling bins. Source: The Packaging Forum February 2021 ProPack.pro 35

UPDATE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PACKAGING

Can save food packaging de The function of intuitive Save Food Packaging Design to minimise food waste is only now being discussed...

id you know that 34 per cent (2.5 million tonnes) of all food wasted occurs in the household, followed very closely with 31 per cent (2.3 million tonnes) in primary production? In economic terms, food waste in Australia has become a $20 billion problem that sees each person waste on average 298kg of food a year. Whilst the primary function of packaging is to protect, contain, preserve and transport a product, the function of intuitive Save Food Packaging Design to minimise food waste is only now being discussed. As a core participant of the Fight Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre, the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has been working on guidelines that will help packaging technologists to design save food packaging to minimise food waste from paddock to plate using innovative and intuitive design features that can contain and protect, preserve, extend shelf life, easily open and reseal, provide consumer convenience and portion control; all the while meeting global sustainable packaging targets. The intuitive ways that packaging can save food include: • Design to contain and protect the product from spoilage and damage through manufacturer, warehouse and the various stages of distribution

36 ProPack.pro February 2021

Nerida Kelton, AIP

1. The design also needs to contain and protect the product from spoilage and damage through manufacturer, warehouse and the various stages of distribution 2. Design considerations need to include portion control, ease of opening, re-closing, dispensing and inclusive design

This design aspect needs to cover primary, secondary and tertiary applications and how it is transported to the consumer. Considerations need to include palletisation and stabilisation, transport packaging and load utilisation, tamper evidence, shocks, vibrations, temperature, moisture, infestation, chemical contamination. TIP: As a part of your packaging design ensure simulation testing is undertaken to better optimise your carton design regarding physical-chemical protection and mechanical protection. • Design to preserve, enhance product appeal and extend shelf life Considerations need to include improved barrier packaging and processing, retention of nutrition, Skin and MAP packaging, and Active and Intelligent Packaging. TIP: Improve your use of active and intelligent packaging (temperature, O2 and CO2 sensors) to assist retailers and consumers understanding of shelf life

issues with the packed product. There are ‘Smart label sensors’ now being developed to assist the detecting of spoiled foods. • Design to provide convenience to not waste food in handling Considerations need to include portion control, ease of opening, re-closing, dispensing and inclusive design. Designing packaging that offers an effective resealable pack, to protect the product from spoilage after multiuse occasions (a necessary feature for flexible packaging) is just one design feature that can be effective. TIP: Review Portion Control and changing the size of your packs. Understanding your consumer’s requirements and providing smaller sealed portion packs. i.e. 500gm meat packs that could be provided in dual 250gm sealed packs. • Design to promote and communicate to consumers how to handle, store, prepare and reuse food products Consideration must include usage and storage instructions, date labelling www.propack.pro

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PACKAGING UPDATE

esign minimise food waste? 3

– including best before, Use use by and good after and on-pack communication. On-pack communication can include everything from why the product is packaged a certain way to extending shelf life, resealable functionality, any intuitive design features, all the way through to food preparation and leftover usage ideas. TIP: Review your on-pack and off-pack communication. Providing information on pack and, or using a QR code so that consumers can access helpful information on shelf life, storage conditions and recipes for products past their ‘Best Before’ coding. Information on food safety and freshness including opening, resealing, closing and dispensing could also be communicated, in addition to ideas for using or storing leftovers. • Design to meet 2025 National Packaging and Global Sustainable Packaging Targets Consideration must include a balanced approach to ensure that the packaging meets all necessary www.propack.pro

3. Packaging needs to be designed to preserve, enhance product appeal and extend shelf life

Sustainable Packaging Guidelines and true recyclability of the packaging in the country in which it is sold. Save Food Packaging Design needs to link to the Product Waste (#3) principle in Sustainable Packaging Design. TIP: Increase your usage of lifecycle assessment to better understand the role of your packaging, food production and food waste. • Industry pilots save food packaging design The AIP will be shortly rolling out the industry pilot phase of the Save Food Packaging CRC project which will be a critical step in finalising the key criteria and guidelines needed for the industry. If you would like to be a part of the pilot project, please contact the AIP. Once the Save Food Packaging Guidelines are finalised, the AIP would like to see: 1. The new Save Food Packaging Guidelines used as a standard for all packaging technologists and designers

2. More companies being recognised for their Save Food Packaging innovations through the Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards and the international WorldStar Packaging Award program 3. More local best practice awardwinning save food packaging innovations showcased across Australia and New Zealand 4. Improved consumer education and engagement projects to change the narrative around packaging’s roles in minimising food waste I would like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to build these guidelines into new product development processes, as simple changes to design can potentially prevent unnecessary food waste in the households. Nerida Kelton is the executive director of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and vice-president – sustainability and save food of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). February 2021 ProPack.pro 37

PACK DIARY

UPCOMING EVENTS

FESPA Annual BBQ

March 10 2021 Melbourne, Australia eventbrite.com.au/e/fespa-australia-annual-bbq-tickets-137729022213

FESPA Australia Annual BBQ If you are a wide-format printer, sign-maker, industrial printer or garment decorator, we hope you can join us for this iconic networking event. With restrictions lifting in Victoria, the BBQ will be the first opportunity in a long time to catch up with industry peers while enjoying the fine food and refreshments provided. Due to implementing COVID Safe Measures the BBQ will be slightly different in that it will take place on the terrace of the classic Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club, offering sweeping views across the Yarra. FESPA Australia would like to thank our sponsors for their on-going support of this event. Cactus Imaging, ESKO, Kissel & Wolf, Mulford Plastics, Spicers When: 10 March 2021 Where: Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club, 310 Williams Road Toorak, VIC, 3142 Time: 5.00pm - 10.30pm Members Tickets: $90 per head (inc gst) Non-Members Tickets: $120 per head (inc gst) This includes all food, wine, beer, and soft drinks. Spaces are limited, so make sure you get in early! For more information contact Jane 0400 988 312 Email: membership@fespaaustralia.org.au Visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fespaaustralia-annual-bbq-tickets-137729022213

ProPak Asia 2021

June 16-19 2021 Bangkok, Thailand propakasia.com/ ProPak China 2021

June 23-25 2021 Shanghai, China propakchina.com/ ProPak Vietnam 2021

July 28-30 2021 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam propakvietnam.com/ INDOPLAS, indopack and indoprint 2021

August 11-14 2021 Jakarta, Indonesia indoprintpackplas.com ProPak India 2021

September 30-October 2 2021 Mumbai, India propakindia.com/ ProPak Myanmar 2021

December 8-10 2021 Yangon, Myanmar propakmyanmar.com/ Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2022

May12-14 2022 Bangkok, Thailand labelexpo-seasia.com AUSPACK 2022

May 17-20 2022 Melbourne, Australia auspack.com.au interpack 2023

May 4-10 2023 Düsseldorf, Germany drupa.com Got an event? Send an email to hosman@intermedia.com.au with all the details and we will put your event on the page.

38 ProPack.pro February 2021

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