New restrictions could see L.A. go plastic-free

Good News Notes: “A new “zero waste” policy in Los Angeles could see the city go plastic-free in the near future. L.A. city officials say it’s time to lead by example and continue phasing out plastic items and products that are wasteful and detrimental to the environment. This includes utensils, polystyrene or styrofoam food containers,…

Starch-based, Compostable E-comm Cold Chain Panels are Good for Meal Kits

Good News Notes: “Veritiv is using its time at PACK EXPO East to demonstrate a range of new, fiber-based materials, including a starch-based panel system called Storopack Starch Insulated Panels. The product is manufactured in the USA by Storopack, a fifteen-year partner of Veritiv with a commitment to sustainability. The two have an exclusivity agreement.  Food and beverage…

A New Paper To-Go Cup Removes Plastic Lids From The Fold

Good News Notes: “For the eco-minded cafe, single-use to-go cups are a tough nut to crack. On one hand, they are vital for a majority of coffee sales, especially since the start of the pandemic where a variety of measures have limited if not outright banned indoor dining (for a time). But on the other…

Aldi commits to only selling plastic-free wipes

Good News Notes: “The switch will see all the wipes across its Mamia baby, Lacura beauty and household ranges chage to 100% plant-based fibres, making them all biodegradable. Aldi estimates the move will prevent the equivalent of 7,000 tonnes of single-use plastic from going to landfill each year. Richard Gorman, Plastics and Packaging Director at Aldi, said:…

Fighting Plastic Waste with Edible Food Packaging

Good News Notes: “The use of plastic packaging for food products contributes significantly to plastic waste, of which 14 million tons end up in our oceans each year. By 2050, it is predicted that there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish, which will be a serious threat to our ecosystems and well…

Xampla launch trial for plastic-free seed coating

Good News Notes: “Today (1 February), Xampla has announced a partnership with chemical company Croda International to begin trials into plastic-free seed coating. The project, supported by the UK Government and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, will see a £640,000 investment into the company’s biodegradable coating. Used throughout agriculture, coatings protect seeds from pests,…

Levi’s Is Upcycling the Liquified Remains of Old Jeans

Good News Notes: “The denim industry is fraught with environmental problems. This is largely because denim is made with cotton, a pesticide-fed, resource-intensive crop. In fact, it takes around 10,000 liters of water to grow enough cotton for just one pair of jeans (that’s about 65 times the amount an average person uses in one…

ABB helps Zume offer compostable food trays

Good News Notes: “Switzerland-based ABB Robotics says it has signed an agreement to collaborate with California-based packaging maker Zume to supply robotic cells designed to boost Zume’s production of what Zume calls 100 percent compostable packaging “made from plant-based agricultural material.” “ABB robots will automate production, enabling the scale and speed required to make Zume’s…

Enzymes and wood biomolecules, a winning combo for sustainable packaging

Good News Notes: “A biotechnology company hidden among the forests of southern Finland thinks trees can help sustainability in Europe to become deep-rooted. Sustainable multi-purpose products Researchers at Metgen Oy are mixing enzymes and biomolecules from wood and bark to replace raw oil-based materials. Some of these renewable biomaterials have already been developed and used in different…

Sunrays grapes to shine even brighter in year two

Good News Notes: “Ever since we launched SUNRAYS® with mandarins in 2017, we have sought new ways to connect with today’s consumers,” said Brand Manager John Paap. “If we’re not doing something new that advances the brand, then we’re going backwards. There’s always something we can do to improve what we are offering, whether it…