International Paper announces $52 million upgrade in Louisiana (bicmagazine.com)

Huhtamaki and Syntegon, the German processing and packaging technology provider, announce a breakthrough innovation for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Push Tab® paper, the first paper-based tablet packaging, is made from renewable FSC™ certified paper and is designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of regulated pharmaceutical packaging. It provides customers a more sustainable alternative to traditional push-through packaging made of thermoformed PVC and aluminium and also helps to reduce environmental impact throughout the value chain. Push Tab® paper tablet packaging has more than 75% paper-based material sourced from FSC™ certified suppliers in Europe. Combining it with advanced barrier coating technology, Huhtamaki successfully makes the sustainable paper packaging sealable without compromising the safety, functionality, or protective properties compared to traditional mono PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) blisters. A special mechanical treatment allows consumers to push the tablet through easily without damaging the product inside. The material is further processed and formed with Syntegon's unique paper shaping technology and machinery.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company announced Michelle M. Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., will join the Company as its first Chief Sustainability Officer. Graphic Packaging has had a long-standing commitment to running operations in a sustainable manner and has continued to advance environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs at the Company to benefit all stakeholders. The Company's consumer packaging solutions are inherently sustainable, are made from renewable and recyclable materials and support the move to a more circular economy.

The international packaging design competition Better with Less – Design Challenge, organised by Metsä Board was created to find new environmentally-friendly and functional packaging solutions for some of the world’s most frequently used and fastest growing types of consumer packages. The competition was launched in November and by the time it closed at the end of March 2018 there had been an impressive 302 design concepts entered from 38 different countries. The competition jury included several renowned packaging design experts who now have selected the following ten finalists: Janne Asikainen - Koepala Cup Pocket™; Jeroen Caelen - Plastic banning toilet roll; Abdullah Cam - Moisture Face Creme Cosmetic Package; Insik Chung - ECO cake tray; Alessandro Grossi - Playing nature; Gerlinde Gruber - Fune - Sushi take-away; Sī Míng Guì - A scarf which can be turned into a hanger; Yukihiro Hozumi - Paperboard pocket tissue case; Pawel Krawczugo - Twist; Iiro Numminen - Stretching inner part. Click Read More below for additional information.