EASYFAIRS UK, organiser of London Packaging Week, has announced the products that will comprise the 2024 Innovation Gallery line-up.
Set to be the centrepiece of the two-day event at the ExCeL international convention centre from September 11-12, the Innovation Gallery will spotlight 10 of the past year’s most innovative and transformative packaging projects.
The products were selected from hundreds of entries, each representing a design, sustainability, or functionality breakthrough.
Paul Jenkins, founder of ThePackHub, said, “The ten products showcased in the Innovation Gallery represent a significant convergence of creativity and sustainability, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in packaging design. Each product addresses a specific industry challenge and sets a new standard for environmental responsibility, demonstrating that innovation and eco-consciousness can go hand in hand.
“This year’s selections highlight the incredible diversity in packaging solutions, from reusable systems that challenge the throwaway culture to cutting-edge materials that significantly reduce carbon footprints. The breadth of these innovations is a testament to the industry’s commitment to sustainability across all sectors, whether it’s food and beverage, beauty, or e-commerce.”
Among the featured innovations are RE-ZIP Packaging’s reusable boxes and bags, which are said to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 88%, and Fenner Paper Company’s PaperWise, which transforms agricultural waste into ‘high-quality’ paper with a lower environmental impact.
The full list is as follows:
- RE-ZIP Packaging – Reusable Boxes and Bags: RE-ZIP Packaging’s reusable boxes and bags are designed for webshops looking to improve customer loyalty while reducing carbon footprint. This solution can potentially cut CO2 emissions by up to 88%.
- Meadow – Daisy Top Refill System: Meadow’s Daisy Top Refill System ‘revolutionises’ aluminium beverage cans by converting them into reusable, circular packaging for beauty and personal care products. The recyclable system eliminates the traditional pull tab and offers a simple twist-to-open mechanism, reducing raw material usage and waste.
- Berry Global – Domino Rectangular Embossed/Debossed Bottle: Berry Global’s 250ml Domino bottle features a customisable design with ‘high-impact’ shelf presence. The recyclable HDPE bottle, available with up to 100% PCR plastic, is designed for optimal stacking efficiency, minimising waste during transport and storage while offering branding opportunities.
- Curtis Print & Packaging – Joonbyrd: Curtis Print & Packaging’s JoonByrd pattern combines embossing with spot gloss finishes. Made using FSC-certified materials, vegetable-based inks, and water-based coatings, this packaging solution is said to exemplify a commitment to ‘environmental responsibility and design excellence’.
- Viscose Closures – Plastic-Free Shrink Sleeves: Viscose Closures introduces a plastic-free shrink sleeve made from wood pulp. The sleeves are biodegradable, home-compostable, and utilise a heat-free self-shrink technology that eliminates the need for heavy machinery. They provide a solution for brands with low minimum order quantities and customisable designs.
- Ranpak – RecyCold Climaliner and Cool Packs: Ranpak’s RecyCold climaliner and cool packs offer paper-based thermal protection for the cold chain food and beverage markets. These FSC-certified, recyclable solutions provide up to 48 hours of temperature control during transit, maintaining optimal conditions between -5°C and 8°C.
- Fenner Paper Company Limited – PaperWise: Fenner Paper’s PaperWise transforms agricultural waste into high-quality paper and board. With an environmental impact ‘significantly lower than both FSC-certified and recycled papers’, PaperWise embodies the ‘Wise With Waste’ philosophy, turning waste into a valuable resource for the packaging industry.
- FAVINI – Refit Denim: FAVINI’s Refit Denim turns waste from wool, cotton, and denim into a paper product with a stonewashed look. Incorporating over 50% recycled content, Refit Denim is produced using FSC-certified materials and 100% in-house hydroelectric energy.
- EVIOSYS – ECOPEEL: EVIOSYS presents ECOPEEL, a metal packaging solution that is said to reduce CO2 emissions by 20% compared to traditional cans. With a design that facilitates ‘easy pouring without waste’, ECOPEEL contributes to lower global GHG emissions.
- Jain Alufoils – Cold Foil Stamping on Boxes: Jain Alufoils introduces a sustainable innovation in packaging with its registered cold foil stamping and printing technology. The plastic-free solution can print on boxes ranging from 18gsm to 350gsm.
