In a recent article from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, it announced that "VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, in collaboration with Aalto University and Finnish industrial partners, has developed a new technology for shaping cardboard in a unique continuous process to create reel-to-reel origami-inspired structures for fibre-based packaging materials."
The article states that "The origami folds have the capacity to yield entirely new properties from cardboard. The structures' light weight and durability provide an excellent and visually appealing alternative to protective packing materials like plastic and expanded polystyrene. The aesthetics of the material have also garnered interest from designers.
The market for packaging materials continues to expand with the dominance of e-commerce. However, there is also rising concern over the carbon footprint of packaging as well as the composition of materials. For example, global sustainability issues like the potential environmental impact of microplastic pollution mean that demand for new, sustainable packaging solutions continues to rise."
USA BioEnergy recently announced that it would build a sustainable aviation fuel refinery. In a recent press release, it states that "it has closed on the acquisition of 1,600+ acres of land in East Texas for its new $2.8 billion advanced biorefinery, designed to convert wood waste into sustainable, net-zero aviation fuel (SAF). The landmark SAF facility already secured a 20-year offtake agreement with Southwest Airlines and is at the forefront of advancing ultra-low-carbon fuel, which is much needed in the future of aviation."
The press release goes on to state "USABE's planned $2.8 billion greenfield facility in Bon Weir, Texas, is currently in detailed design and engineering and aims to address airlines' growing demand for SAF by converting sustainably sourced forest thinnings into sustainable aviation fuel. USA BioEnergy signed a 20-year offtake agreement with Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) under which Southwest may purchase up to 680 million gallons of neat - or unblended - SAF. Once blended with conventional jet fuel, the SAF could produce the equivalent of 2.59 billion gallons of net-zero[i] fuel and avoid 30 million metric tons of CO2 over the offtake agreement term. According to USABE calculations this will enable approximately 112,000 short (less than three hours) or 7,000 long haul (more than 10 hours) net-zero airline flights per year."
DS Smith recently announced that it has launched Tape Back, a unique packaging design solution that eliminates the need for single-use plastic tear strips in e-commerce packaging.
The article states "DS Smith understands the growing importance of sustainable packaging solutions in today's e-commerce landscape, specifically as it relates to consumers returning goods, said Cheryl Holliday, Director, Marketing for North America. Ensuring the customer experience is always at the forefront of our innovation process, Tape Back is a direct response to the demand for more environmentally friendly and efficient return processes and demonstrates our commitment to creating circular design solutions."
The article goes on to state "Tape Back features a convenient return strip that allows consumers to easily reuse the original packaging for returns, minimizing the need for additional materials."
We will keep you apprised of further developments.
Helen Roush is Executive Vice President of Paperitalo Publications.
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