DS Smith PLC and Coca Cola HBC Austria have collaborated to replace plastic handles for 1.5 litre PET soft drink multi-packs with cardboard based outer packaging. This new plastic replacement solution will be delivered to supermarkets in Austria as of September 2023. The innovative packaging solution, DS Smith Lift Up, is a 100% recyclable corrugated handle which improves carry functionality for consumers and is designed to contribute together with other partners to the kraft paper and cardboard based solution that reduces around 200 tonnes of plastic each year for Coca-Cola HBC Austria.

Mondi has collaborated with Fressnapf, Europe’s market leader for pet supplies, to switch their packaging to a new range of premium mono-material recyclable solutions using process colour printing technology. Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo’s exclusive brand SELECT GOLD dry pet food range will now be packed in Mondi’s FlexiBag Recyclable, BarrierPack Recyclable and Recyclable StandUp Pouches. These mono-material packaging solutions provide strong barrier properties providing protection from moisture, fat and odour and are strong and flexible to pack and store. As certified by Institute cyclos-HTP, the mono-material packaging is recyclable with other mono-polyethylene (PE) films using various existing recycling streams across Europe, contributing to a circular economy. The adaptability of the packs enabled Fressnapf | Maxi Zoo to design around 150 pet food packaging designs from 300 g to 12 kg. All packaging sizes offer long shelf life and ease of use for consumers.

U.S. Packaging net sales of $672.3 million for the third quarter of 2017 represented an increase of 2.2 percent compared to the same period of 2016. Compared to the prior third quarter, unit volumes were up approximately two percent. U.S. Packaging operating profit decreased to $99.6 million in the third quarter of 2017, or 14.8 percent of net sales, compared to $100.8 million, or 15.3 percent of net sales, in 2016. Compared to the prior year, profits were impacted by previously-negotiated contractual selling price reductions on select products, partially offset by manufacturing efficiencies and the benefits of increased unit volumes. Global Packaging net sales of $362.8 million for the third quarter of 2017 represented a decrease of 1.8 percent compared to the same period of 2016. Currency translation increased net sales by 0.5 percent. Organic sales decline of 2.3 percent reflects unfavorable mix of products sold, partially offset by sales price increases. Compared to the prior third quarter, Global Packaging unit volumes were relatively flat, comprised of weak volumes in the Company’s Latin American business, as anticipated, and offset by net volume growth in the remaining regions of the Global Packaging Segment. Global Packaging operating profit for the third quarter was $24.6 million, compared to $36.2 million for the same period in 2016. Compared to the prior year, lower profits in Global Packaging were driven primarily by the impact of the challenging economic environment in Brazil. Click Read More below for additional information.