Kuraray’s Post

Innovative mBlack™ Material Revolutionizes Sustainable Packaging Industry The emergence of mBlack™, a revolutionary material developed by Minelli Group, is poised to transform the landscape of sustainable packaging solutions. Originating from the province of Bergamo in northern Italy, mBlack™ harnesses the power of biochar, a carbon-rich material derived from organic wood waste through pyrolysis, to create eco-friendly compounds tailored for various applications. Minelli Group's innovative approach to utilizing secondary wood scraps generated from manufacturing processes has led to the development of mBlack™, a family of proprietary, sustainable materials. These compounds, featuring a polymeric matrix loaded with biochar, serve as a carbon sink and offer a renewable alternative to traditional plastic components. The versatility of mBlack™ extends to the cosmetic packaging industry, where it has been successfully integrated into the design of refillable jars, lipsticks, and compacts. By combining mBlack™ with natural materials like wood and cork, Minelli Group has introduced a range of customizable solutions that cater to the specific needs of clients in various sectors. One of the key advantages of mBlack™ lies in its customization capabilities, allowing for the creation of tailored formulations to meet specific manufacturing and performance requirements. From cosmetic packaging to consumer products, mBlack™ offers a sustainable option that addresses the growing demand for environmentally conscious materials. Notably, mBlack™ is designed to be compostable, with varying levels of biochar content ranging from 2% to 30%. This eco-friendly feature allows mBlack™ to return nutrients to the soil, contributing to healthier ecosystems and avoiding the formation and dispersion of microplastics. With a focus on biodegradability and compostability, mBlack™ represents a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future. As Minelli Systems continues to innovate and collaborate on new projects, mBlack™ stands out as a leading example of how innovative materials can drive positive change in the packaging industry. With its plant-based composition and eco-friendly properties, mBlack™ is set to revolutionize sustainable packaging solutions and pave the way for a more environmentally conscious approach to product development. Date: Dec 2024 Source: https://lnkd.in/d9n5sm3f Website: https://lnkd.in/ebaqBQh4

The rise of recycled content in label substrates The push for sustainability is transforming every facet of production, with label substrates being no exception. ‘Integrating recycled content into filmic substrates is on the rise,’ comments Marika Knorr, head of sustainability and communication at CCL Label. This shift towards sustainability is seen in various forms, from mechanically recycled post-consumer waste to chemically recycled resins. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dAP7da-M

🌍 Sustainability in Wet Wipes Manufacturing: The Future is Recycled! ♻️ At DROID, we believe that the future of wet wipes lies in innovation and sustainability. The integration of recycled materials into our production process isn't just a trend—it's a vital step towards a greener, more responsible industry. By overcoming challenges and leveraging the advantages, we're not only reducing our environmental footprint but also setting new standards for quality and efficiency. Discover how recycled materials are transforming the wet wipes industry and why this shift is crucial for both the planet and our market competitiveness. Join us on our journey to a more sustainable future. 🌱 Read our latest article to learn more: https://lnkd.in/g4qFvSYq #Sustainability #RecycledMaterials #WetWipes #Innovation #EcoFriendly #Manufacturing #SustainableFuture #GreenBusiness #WetWipesMachines #DROID #NonWoven

(USA 19.07.24) #mushrooms Monterey Mushrooms Showcases New Packaging in Exclusive Video [AG: From Clear to Circular - The Future of Mushroom Packaging] Monterey Mushrooms has introduced new sustainable packaging for its products, showcasing it in an exclusive video. The company has enhanced the recyclability of its packaging by incorporating near-infrared sortable (NIR) material in its recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) tills. Key features of the new packaging include: • 100% post-consumer recycled materials sourced from North America • Reduced plastic waste in landfills • Contribution to a circular economy • Proper sorting and recycling capabilities due to NIR sortable content The use of rPET with NIR sortable colorant may offer long-term cost advantages compared to other colors, including clear rPET. This initiative aligns with Monterey Mushrooms' commitment to sustainability, as the production of recycled PET requires significantly less energy and water compared to virgin PET.By implementing this new packaging, Monterey Mushrooms aims to not only package their products but also contribute to a greener future for the industry and environment. ----- [AG: Monterey Mushrooms has recently introduced new sustainable packaging, incorporating near-infrared (NIR) sortable material in their recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) tills. This innovation enhances recyclability and supports a circular economy by using 100% post-consumer recycled materials sourced from North America. The use of NIR sortable content ensures that the packaging can be properly sorted and recycled into new products, significantly reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions. In contrast, Australian mushrooms are still being packaged and retailed in clear rPET packaging https://lnkd.in/g6H6y-_h https://lnkd.in/gpyMZRHy. While clear rPET is recyclable, it is considered less sustainable compared to the innovative approach taken by Monterey Mushrooms. The clear rPET packaging lacks the advanced sorting capabilities provided by NIR technology, which can lead to inefficiencies in the recycling process. As Australia aims to meet its national targets for recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2025, adopting more advanced and sustainable packaging solutions, similar to Monterey Mushrooms' NIR sortable rPET tills, could play a crucial role in achieving these goals.] ----- https://lnkd.in/grurhuBA

15 Actionable Tips to Design Your Packaging Sustainable in 2024: Discover 15 actionable tips to design sustainable packaging in 2024! From using recycled materials to minimizing waste, these eco-friendly strategies will help your business reduce its environmental footprint and attract conscious consumers #packaging #packnode

In the ongoing conversation about sustainable packaging, the choice between PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and glass bottles is a pivotal one. Both materials have unique characteristics that contribute to their environmental footprint. In this post, we'll delve into the factors that make PET bottles seemingly more eco-friendly than their glass counterparts. Firstly, the production process sets the stage for understanding the environmental impact. PET bottles, derived from petroleum-based materials, are known for their lightweight nature. This characteristic translates into energy efficiency during manufacturing, as lower temperatures are required compared to the production of glass. The reduced energy consumption not only lowers production costs but also contributes to a smaller carbon footprint. Transportation is another critical aspect to consider. The lightweight nature of PET bottles becomes a significant advantage here. The transportation of PET bottles demands less energy and results in fewer emissions compared to the heavier glass bottles. This factor is particularly crucial in the globalized supply chains of today, where products traverse long distances before reaching consumers. Recyclability is a cornerstone of sustainable packaging, and PET bottles showcase notable advantages. PET is highly recyclable, and the recycled material can be used in a variety of applications, including the production of new bottles. The recycling process for PET is well-established and efficient, contributing to a circular economy. Glass, too, is recyclable, but the process tends to be more energy-intensive. Additionally, the recycling rates for glass can vary, often influenced by local recycling infrastructure and consumer behavior. Considering the end-of-life disposal, PET bottles may face criticism for their longevity in the environment if not properly recycled. However, the emphasis should be on improving recycling rates and promoting responsible waste management practices rather than solely attributing environmental issues to the material itself. Glass, being inert, doesn't release harmful substances during decomposition, but its slow breakdown process raises concerns about space in landfills. In conclusion, while PET bottles have their merits in terms of energy efficiency, lightweight design, and recyclability, it's essential to acknowledge that no material is without environmental considerations. The sustainability of packaging materials involves a complex interplay of factors, including production processes, transportation, recyclability, and end-of-life management. As consumers and industry professionals, our responsibility lies in making informed choices that align with broader environmental goals. By embracing a holistic approach and continually pushing for advancements in recycling infrastructure, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future. #Sustainability #Packaging #EnvironmentalImpact

The article published today by Recycling Today caught our eye for bringing insights into sustainable packaging from Martha Issa, Senior Director of Sustainability at Veritiv Corporation. In a recent interview, Martha delves into the responsibilities and opportunities that sustainability presents in the packaging industry. As the demand for sustainable packaging continues to rise globally, the article emphasizes the dual role of sustainability as both a responsibility and an opportunity for businesses. It highlights the importance of reducing environmental footprints while meeting customer expectations for smart designs with sustainable materials. Martha also sheds light on emerging trends in sustainable packaging, including the prioritization of reducing single-use plastics, the incorporation of recycled content, and the exploration of alternative substrates. Through innovative strategies like machine stretch film with postconsumer resin, companies are driving efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts. By considering the entire supply chain and utilizing life cycle analysis (LCA), they tailor sustainable solutions to meet each customer's unique goals and priorities. To read Martha Issa's full interview and gain deeper insights into sustainable packaging, check out the article on Recycling Today: https://lnkd.in/dtXidChH Join us at Wolfram Chemie in learning new sustainable practices in the chemical industry and follow our works in wolfram-chemie.com #SustainablePackaging #EnvironmentalResponsibility #Innovation #WolframChemie

Au🌍 Celebrating International Recycling Day: Concrete Examples to Inspire! 🎉 On this International Recycling Day, let's explore practical examples from countries leading the way to a more sustainable future. It's an opportunity to reflect on what we can adopt and adapt in our own regions. 🇩🇪 Germany: With a recycling rate of about 50%, Germany uses the "Grüner Punkt" system and employs multiple bins for separating paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste. 🇦🇹 Austria: Achieving around 63%, Austria uses a multi-bin system including separate bins for paper, plastic, metal, glass, and organic waste. 🇰🇷 South Korea: Impressive with a 54% rate, South Korea utilizes multiple waste bins for meticulous sorting, including food waste, general waste, recyclables, and large items. 🇸🇪 Sweden: With a rate of about 50%, Sweden emphasizes on source sorting with separate bins for different types of materials, including organic waste, plastic, metal, paper, and glass. 🇨🇭 Switzerland: Nearly 54% in recycling, Switzerland has a system where bins are used for paper, PET, glass, aluminum, and organic waste. 🇧🇪 Belgium and 🇳🇱 Netherlands: Excelling with rates of 55% and 52%, these countries provide bins for different materials, typically including paper, plastic, glass, metal, and organic waste. Comparing these figures with Canada, where recycling rate was about 30% in 2018 These examples show us that effective sorting systems, appropriate legislation, and citizen participation can significantly improve our recycling efforts. Common Points of Successful Initiatives: - Strong Policies and Regulations - Accessible Infrastructure for Recycling - Public Education and Awareness - Advanced Innovation and Technology - Responsibility of Producers and Consumers - Economic Incentives - Collaboration Among Sectors These elements, coherently integrated, create a sustainable and efficient recycling system. The variation in the number of bins for source sorting reflects the complexity and commitment of each country to waste separation. Let's join these leaders by adapting these practices to our local contexts. Together, let's make recycling not just a habit, but a cornerstone of our communities. #RecyclingDay #Sustainability #WasteManagement #GlobalInspiration Éco Entreprises Québec Steven Guilbeault

I’m happy to share an article that Komal Fatima and I recently wrote, challenging the prevailing narrative around recycling PET bottles into textiles. Yes, plastics pose significant environmental challenges, but it's important to recognize that some plastics have better potential for sustainability than others. The key is to make informed choices and improve not just the materials we use but the entire value chain they’re part of. ▶ Circular vs. Linear Pathways: Our article delves into the often-overlooked reality that diverting PET bottles into textiles, while seemingly sustainable, often leads to a linear wasteful path. PET bottles, if recycled within a closed-loop system, can significantly reduce our reliance on virgin materials. Some Current Challenges: ▶ The inefficiencies in the current PET bottle-to-bottle recycling processes, such as contamination and degradation, need to be addressed. ▶ With only a small fraction of recycled PET bottles being reused as new bottles, the bulk is diverted to textiles, which are harder to recycle and often end up in landfills. The Way Forward: ▶ By addressing the entire value chain—from production and design to collection, recycling, and disposal—we can create a more sustainable system for managing PET bottles and other plastics. This holistic approach maximizes the potential for true circularity, reduces environmental impact, and moves us towards a more sustainable future. I’d love for you to check out our full article and dive deeper into this important issue.  Read the full article here, https://lnkd.in/gBQJw4EC, and let us know what you think; we'd love to hear your thoughts. KIAM Consultancy #sustainability #recycling #closedloop #systemsthinking #circularity #communications #bottletobottlerecycling #PET

The Three R’s in ecoBirdy’s Packaging 📦 In the same way as our furniture, our packaging is produced with respect for the planet and people too. To minimise the environmental impact of our merchandise, we apply the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. ecoBirdy uses a minimum amount of packaging material. The packaging we do use is smartly designed to limit the amount of resources consumed. In addition, we only use recycled materials and they are all sourced within Europe, primarily in Belgium. We avoid single-use plastics: - 90% of packaging materials used by ecoBirdy are paper-related and are made of recycled paper.  - Among the 10% unavoidable plastic-related packaging materials, all are recycled or reclaimed. We use recycled plastic film and reclaimed bubble wraps for overseas orders to protect the products during a long transportation journey. We reuse packaging materials as many times as possible for internal transportation and logistics. Any excess packaging material is offered to the local community free of charge so it can be reused again. ecoBirdy's goal is to transform waste into beautiful and functional products. Using recycled packaging contributes to our mission to create a more sustainable world. https://lnkd.in/eDV6QFUr #Sustainability #SustainablePackaging #RecycledMaterials #RecycledPackaging #RecyclablePackaging #ecoBirdy #BCorp