2023 Rewind: The most-read news on Packaging Suppliers Global

Discover the pivotal discussions of 2023 with our roundup of the top 10 most-read news stories. This year, our readers engaged in conversations on the controversies surrounding bioplastics, sustainable food packaging, and reusable initiatives. Join us as we revisit the key topics that resonated within the packaging and sustainability landscape.

1. Study challenges 'biodegradable' bioplastic claims

A study conducted by Wageningen University in the Netherlands has exposed a concerning reality regarding 'biodegradable' bioplastics, revealing that they linger in soil beyond the widely accepted two-year industry standard. The research, which examined sediment samples from ditches surrounding agricultural fields, identified a staggering 3,000 microplastics per gram. This accumulation contradicts environmental standards and underscores the persistence of microplastics in the ecosystem.

2. The cost of recycling paper: Understanding the economics of a sustainable future

Recycling paper is a crucial step in reducing our impact on the environment. It saves trees, reduces energy consumption, and cuts down on waste. However, recycling paper also comes at a cost. While it may seem like a simple process, there are several factors that contribute to the price of recycled paper.

3. European carton industry achieves 24% reduction in carbon footprint

Pro Carton, the European association for carton and cartonboard manufacturers, has released new, authoritative research demonstrating that the European carton and cartonboard industry has achieved a 24% reduction in its carbon footprint since 2018.

4. Site Zero: 'world's largest and most advanced' plastic recycling plant set for grand opening

Swedish Plastic Recycling has invested one billion SEK in Site Zero, an advanced plastic sorting and recycling plant in Motala, Sweden. This groundbreaking facility sets new standards for plastic recycling worldwide. On November 15, an inauguration ceremony will take place, welcoming guests from across Europe to witness the world's largest and most advanced plastic recycling plant in action.

5. nucao 'first' chocolate manufacturer to embrace paper primary packaging

NexPlus® Advanced is an evolution of Koehler Paper's barrier concept, with the aim of replacing plastic as a packaging material where appropriate. nucao is the first chocolate manufacturer in the market to embrace paper primary packaging made from paper and has been using it for its chocolate products "nucao fruits" and "nucao nuts" since the end of 2022.

6. Tomato residue: the key to safer and more sustainable metal food packaging?

The Instituto de Hortofruiticultura in Malaga and the Instituto de Ciencia de los Materiales in Seville, Spain have created a biologically and environmentally friendly resin that repels water and has anti-corrosive properties. The lacquer is derived from the by-products of tomato processing and adheres firmly to coated metal surfaces

7. Nestlé trials reusable steel containers for Nesquick in Germany

The containers, known as "Anita in Steel", will be incorporated into Germany's deposit return scheme (DRS). Nestlé will pay a packaging-as-a-service fee to rent the containers from Circolution, which will handle the cleaning, inspection, and transport. The two companies claim that the DRS-compatible stainless steel containers will have a lower environmental impact than disposable glass or plastic packaging.

8. Beverage giants under fire for soaring plastic packaging usage

Oceana, an ocean conservation organisation, has called on Coca-Cola and PepsiCo to prioritise reusable packaging and reduce single-use plastics. The beverage giants have seen a substantial rise in their plastic packaging usage, with both companies increasing their plastic consumption by hundreds of millions of pounds.

9. M&S and partners drive circular supermarket packaging

Leading UK retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is joining forces with environmental advocate City to Sea, renowned household brand Ecover, and innovative startup Reposit in a united effort to advance the circular economy in supermarket packaging. Together, this consortium aims to unveil a packaging solution that's both environmentally sound and commercially viable, driving a pivotal shift from single-use packaging to widespread reusable systems within the supermarket landscape.

10. Researchers turn black soldier flies into degradable bioplastics

Texas A&M University scientists have developed an innovative method to produce degradable bioplastics using chitin extracted from black soldier fly carcasses. This groundbreaking solution, presented at the ACS Fall 2023 meeting, taps into waste products from black soldier flies, avoiding competition with other applications. While black soldier fly larvae serve purposes like animal feed and waste disposal, adult flies have a short lifespan after breeding.