Empac launches first interactive environmental scorecard

European Metal Packaging (Empac), the association bringing together European producers of rigid metal packaging, today announced the launch of an interactive scorecard which calculates the carbon footprint of its members’ metal packaging products.

The scorecard underlines Empac’s commitment to build upon metal packaging’s record recycling rate of 71% in 2008 (source: APEAL) and aims to give consistent answers to questions raised by customers, retailers and regulators regarding the environmental impact of metal packaging.
Designed to provide estimates of CO2 eq. levels for different cans with different recycling rates, weights and transport distances, the scorecard is a tailor made tool developed especially for Empac. Using a life cycle analysis approach, the interactive scorecard tracks carbon emissions throughout the entire production process of the metal can, from the mining of raw materials through to the manufacture of cans and their delivery to customers.
The interactive element of the tool allows for measurements of carbon data from transport, recycling and lightweighting processes to determine levels of CO2 eq. emissions. The scorecard will be updated at regular intervals in order to provide the industry with an accurate picture of metal packaging’s carbon footprint and the progress it is making to further minimise emissions.

IoPP to produce The Packaging Learning Center Conference Program at Pack Expo

PACK EXPO producer PMMI today announced the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) will present The Packaging Learning Center conference program at PACK EXPO International 2010 (October 31–November 3; McCormick Place, Chicago, IL).

Functional Additives and Barrier Coatings for Plastic Packaging to be Worth $752 million in 2014

The global market for functional additives and barrier coatings for plastic packaging is to grow by 4.3% in the period 2009-2014 according to a new study by Pira International. In 2014 the sector will be worth $752 million compared to $609 million in 2009. The largest users of functional additives and barrier coatings for plastic packaging are electronics, electricals and the snack foods market.

AMI’s Flexible Packaging Middle East 2010 conference

AMI is pleased to announce that the 2^nd edition of the Flexible Packaging Middle East Conference will take place from 29^th November- 1^st December 2010 in Dubai. This unique business conference and exhibition will provide a global forum where all stages of the packaging supply chain can meet to discuss key trends and developments influencing market growth and profitability.

Australia announces BPA baby bottle phase out

In Autralia and New Zeland Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler announced the phase out by major retailers of baby bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA).

The voluntary phase out by the Wesfarmers group (Coles, K Mart and Target), and retailers Woolworths, Big W and Aldi is the result of months of constructive discussions between the Australian Government and retailers. The phase out will begin on July 1.

“Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has evaluated the safety of BPA and plasticisers in baby bottles and concluded that levels of intake of BPA or plasticisers are very low and do not pose a risk to babies health,” Mr Butler said.

”However, the US Food and Drug Administration announced earlier this year that it is carrying out further research into the risks for babies and infants associated with BPA.”

A number of countries have responded to consumer concern and the FDA’s announcement about BPA by introducing voluntary withdrawals of BPA baby bottles from the market. Such a decision has been taken in the United States, Canada and a number of European countries.

“The Australian Government appreciates there has been a level of public concern relating to BPA in baby bottles and, as such, has worked extensively with retailers to introduce the phase out.

Mr Butler congratulated the major retailers on their decision to come on board and called on other retailers to do the same as soon as possible.

He said it would ease the concerns of Australian parents.

“The Government has listened to families on the issue of BPA and we have taken appropriate action,” he said.

News for food packaging from Dupont

DuPont Performance Polymers will launch in the fall of 2010 a new family of products, designated “FG” (Food Grade), that meet demanding requirements for use in food contact applications. These products provide compliance with several regional food contact regulations including FDA (Food and Drug Administration), European Food Contact n° 2002/72/EC and GMP (EC) n° 2023/2006. All FG products are available globally to allow customers to have the flexibility to design and manufacture in multiple regions.

A Global Language for Packaging and Sustainability

The Consumer Goods Forum released the first report from its Sustainability workstream.

The report (attached), A Global Language for Packaging and Sustainability, delivers a common framework and measurement system that trading partners can use to help them make better, more informed decisions about packaging and sustainability.