Delipac won the Ecopack Challenge which took place at Packaging Innovations 2017.
The company impressed a panel of judges with the Delipac Cup and Delipac Foodboard, voted the most innovative sustainable packaging solution. The company won the opportunity to develop the idea with Marks and Spencer.
Barrier coated packaging is common in the food and drink industry but is problematic for recycling due to its non-sustainable polymer coating. Delipac Cup and Delipac Foodboard tackle this issue by eliminating the need for polymer in its eco barrier packaging board.
It is 100% recyclable in any paper waste stream and if discarded as litter, causes no problems because it biodegrades within 12 weeks.
Yet, the material still benefits from the same moisture and grease barrier plus the same self-sealing attributes as polymer coated packaging, making it suitable for hot drinks, cold drinks, frozen foods and convenience foods.
The judges called Delipac the “holy grail in the present packaging climate”, as most end of life packaging for drinks-to-go currently ends up in landfill.
“We must now make the global public, who have an acute awareness to the problems associated with recycling, aware of our products,” said Paul Spring, CEO at Delipac “We want the industry to wake up and smell the coffee.”
Of the other competing companies, Kapstone was runner up with KRAFTPAC, its low density uncoated and unbleached kraft paperboard grade. It is designed to provide maximum strength, cleanliness and performance while using the least amount of fibre.
Metsa Board’s entry was Lidloc, a new paperboard cup design which removes the need for a separate plastic lid due to its extended structure that folds and locks into an integrated lid.
The judges were:
- Jonathan Couper, Packaging Development Manager at Mars Drinks
- Ian Schofield, Own Label and Packaging Manager at Iceland Foods
- Laura Fernandez, Packaging Technologist at Marks and Spencer.
The next Easyfairs packaging event will be Packaging Innovations and Luxury Packaging London, at London Olympia on 13–14 September 2017.
