14 Dec 2018 --- This week in packaging news, Schreiner MediPharm developed three novel labels at various safety levels for the UV and light protection of particularly sensitive medicines such as biopharmaceuticals and vaccines. Pressure sensitive labeling provider UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle recycling solution has expanded into the US and Canada. Fashion mega-power Chanel has invested in Sulapac, a Finnish start-up that uses a biodegradable and microplastic-free material made of FSC-certified wood chips and natural binders, while Smurfit Kappa Group has significantly expanded its product range in France with the acquisition of Papcart.
In brief: Product Launches
Schreiner MediPharm has developed three novel labels at various safety levels for UV and light protection of particularly sensitive medicines such as biopharmaceuticals, biosimilars, blood products, vaccines and vitamin preparations. They protect liquid substances in transparent glass containers against the damaging effects of exposure to UV irradiation and light. At the same time, they make it possible to check the liquid in the container for its original condition.
In brief: Mergers, expansions and acquisitions
Cascades Inc., manufacturer of green packaging and tissue products, has acquired assets in the US, in a US$37.4 million deal, which will allow the company to double its production capacity of ecological packaging manufactured in molded pulp. The acquired manufacturing plants are Urban Forest Products and Clarion Packaging respectively located in Brook, Indiana, and Clarion, Iowa. The plants produce molded pulp protective packaging that primarily serves the egg and quick service restaurant industries. Cascades also acquired a majority interest in Falcon Packaging, a leader in the distribution of egg packaging. Combined, these three companies have consolidated sales that exceed US$110 million annually.
Smurfit Kappa significantly expands its presence in France with strategic acquisition of Papcart.
Labeling solution provider UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle recycling solution has expanded to the US and Canada. Now, brands in this region can “give new life” to their self-adhesive label waste that would otherwise be landfilled. UPM Raflatac collects the paper and PET liner waste from its RafCycle partners and recycles it into new materials, which provides benefits to printers, packers, brand-owners and the environment. Turning waste into a resource is a key concept in the circular economy and an important part of UPM Raflatac's approach to labeling a smarter future beyond fossils.
Fashion mega-power Chanel has invested in Sulapac, a Finnish start-up that uses a biodegradable and microplastic-free material made of FSC-certified wood chips and natural binders. The company says that it has all the benefits of plastic, yet it biodegrades completely and leaves no microplastics behind. Manufacturers can also use their existing machinery with the material, without the need to build new factories. Sulapac has raised funding from several investors such as Lifeline Ventures, Ardent Venture, Eerik Paasikivi, Ilkka Herlin and Saara Kankaanrinta, Planvest and Mika Ihamuotila. In July 2018, Sulapac received the Horizon 2020 SME instrument grant from the EU, while Business Finland also funded Sulapac. A-round funding is planned for 2019.
Smurfit Kappa Group has significantly expanded its product range in France with the acquisition of Papcart, a specialist in offset printing and conversion of cardboard and corrugated board consumer packaging. The acquisition of Papcart enables Smurfit Kappa to extend its portfolio with a complete range for luxury goods, wines & spirits, FMCG and bag-in-box markets. Smurfit Kappa already has a strong presence in the consumer packaging segments and corrugated board solutions for perfume and food so there is a natural synergy between the two companies.
By Laxmi Haigh
