Hilex®, a Novolex® brand, today announced the launch of RollStar EZ Open Produce Bags that solve a vexing problem for shoppers: how to open a produce bag with sides that “stick” together. RollStar EZ Open Produce Bags come in different gauges and sizes for fruits and vegetables. Also available are RollStar bags designed for meat, fresh seafood and bakery items. The RollStar compact dispenser makes it simple for shoppers to take one bag at a time, reducing waste by ensuring they take only the bags they need. In addition to being easier to open, the new bags offer a number of other key features: *The Star Seal bottom bags are leak-proof and stronger than conventional flat seal bags; *The universal dispenser is narrow, fits in a variety of spaces and is compatible with most roll bags; *Custom fixtures and custom prints are available; *The bags are made at multiple manufacturing facilities, ensuring business continuity for single-source customers.

Known for their leadership in innovation and sustainability, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA is a German multinational brand-owner in industrial and consumer goods products, with a portfolio that includes laundry and home care products and hair care, as well as adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. According to Carsten Bertram, Head of Packaging Sustainability at Henkel Consumer Brands, the company has been preparing for the PPWR transformation for several years: “The PPWR levels the playing field and incentivizes the transition to a circular economy. Despite some policy details and many delegated acts still pending, all companies in the packaging value chain need to get involved now.” Packaging innovations enhance recycling At its core, the PPWR outlines that all packaging must be designed for recycling by 2030. Here, labels play a crucial role, despite being a small component of the overall package. “The increased adoption of wash-off labels is vital for the industry in the next years,” Carsten states. “We have already started to include wash-off labels especially for PET packaging and labels which do not hinder the recycling of HDPE.”

Cascades is the winner of two 2020 CTAQ Food Innovation Awards for its unique product in North America: a 100% recycled and recyclable thermoformed cardboard tray. This packaging solution took the honours in the Packaging and Technology and Productivity categories. This Cascades FreshTM product was launched in September 2020 with the goal of packaging fresh food in an efficient, environmentally friendly way. Its design has been rigorously tested to adapt to automated equipment without impacting their performance. This thermoformed tray delivers a unique innovative food packaging solution that was developed entirely using a circular economy approach and ecodesign principles. The tray is composed of 100% recycled fibres, mostly sourced from post-consumer sources certified "Recycled" under the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) standard.1 In addition, it is designed with a SurfSHIELDTM water-based coating that protects it from moisture without compromising the recyclability of the cardboard. Unlike traditional containers coated with a thin layer of plastic or other non-recyclable coatings, this food tray is easily recyclable and can be placed in the recycling bin.