Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is presenting its broad portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions at this month’s Interzoo and demonstrating how flexible packaging can drive sustainability in the pet food industry. Packaging for pet food and pet care needs to be both protective and sustainable - the food contents need to remain fresh and intact but the top priority for eight of ten pet owners is packaging that is sustainable, according to a recent Mondi Dow Premium pet packaging survey. Shoppers worldwide are shifting towards mindful consumption and actively choosing brands that reduce their impact on the environment, particularly in light of the rise in eCommerce. Mondi’s expertise helps pet food manufacturers all over the world respond to this, through its EcoSolutions approach. Working closely with customers means the best possible solution can be created. Those solutions use paper where possible and plastic when useful - and help consumers contribute to a better world once pets have been fed.

Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning July 15, 2021. Sonoco said the price increase was in response to continuing strong demand across its U.S. and Canada mill network which has driven order backlogs to near historical levels as well as stepped up inflationary pressures from energy, freight, papermaking chemicals and packaging materials.

Amcor has launched Eco-Tite® R in Europe, the first designed to be recycled, PVDC-free shrink bag for fresh and processed meat, poultry and some cheeses. Amcor Eco-Tite® R is designed to maximise shelf-life, maintain food safety, reduce food waste and can be recycled in existing polyethylene (PE) plastic recycling streams.* This means that more consumers will be able to recycle their meat, poultry and cheese packaging, while enjoying the benefits of longer lasting food. “Through our packaging expertise and commitment to sustainability, the team has overcome a challenge for the industry; developing a high performance shrink bag that’s PVDC-free and recyclable, while maintaining food safety. This is a great step-forward for consumers and an example of how the removal of problematic materials from packaging – something the industry is increasingly focussed on delivering – can provide us with safe, secure and recyclable packaging,” said Rosalia Rosalinova, Marketing Manager for Meat and Fresh Produce at Amcor. Amcor Eco-Tite® R is a multi-layer, mono-PE packaging which maintains a high barrier to oxygen and water vapour even when exposed to high-moisture environments, such as cooler cases and refrigerators.