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The top tweeted terms are the trending industry discussions happening on Twitter by key individuals (influencers) as tracked by the platform.

1. Labelling – 673 mentions

Xeikon’s smart label technology being added to Nordic Label’s product portfolio and Cartes’ launch of Jet D-Screen for digital embellishment of labels were some popular topics discussed in Q2.

Nordic Label, a label manufacturer based in Finland, added digital printing solutions provider Xeikon’s smart label technology with track and trace feature to its product portfolio, according to an article shared by TLMI, a label and packaging industry association. The smart label technology enables brands to track their products by enabling unique information to be integrated into the label in addition to a high security printed code. It can also help in fighting counterfeiting issues with its smart security label technologies such as quick response (QR), radio frequency identification (RFID), and near field communication (NFC).

Further, Weber Packaging, a manufacturer and supplier of labels and labelling systems, shared an article about label machine manufacturer Cartes’ launch of its digital finishing technology called Jet D-Screen. Digital embellishment has become an important part of label production for alcoholic beverages and luxury items to enable brands to engage with customers. The Jet D-Screen moves and prints over the substrate gradually increasing the thickness of the varnish, which can be embellished after the drying process. It can also be used to embellish prints made on other traditional and digital presses.

2. Printing – 618 mentions

Enterprise Print Group’s purchase of SEI Laser Labelmaster digital-finishing system and Kumar Labels upgrading all flexo presses from conventional to UV LED were some popularly discussed topics in Q2.

Enterprise Print Group, a printing solutions provider, bought printing equipment supplier Matik’s SEI Laser Labelmaster digital-finishing system to expand its printing capabilities, according to an article shared by Mark Spaulding, an associate publisher. The Labelmaster can perform all digital finishing works, while offering design flexibility and greater accuracy. It also helps in reducing 70% to 75% of waste as compared to a conventional finishing system.

Labels & Labeling, a labels and package printing magazine, further shared an article on Kumar Labels, a label printing company, about upgrading its flexo presses from conventional ultraviolet (UV) to light emitting diode (LED)-UV. The new systems will enable the company to save 60% to 70% power, decrease emissions, increase productivity and minimise replacement costs. Kumar Labels also purchased two die cutters, a jumbo slitter, and an inspection system to improve its overall productivity and meet sustainability goals.

3. Sustainability – 381 mentions

The launch of Cullen’s recyclable moulded pulp tray and Neenah Paper’s sustainability planning were some of the popular discussions on sustainability in Q2 2021.

Cullen, a manufacturer of moulded pulp and corrugated packaging, shared an article on the launch of its recyclable moulded pulp tray for fresh produce. The moulded pulp trays are produced by using recycled kraft paper and wet pressing technology and offer several benefits compared to traditional plastic trays, including longer shelf life, less food waste, and absorption of produce moisture.

Sustainability was also discussed with reference to the sustainability planning of paper manufacturer Neenah Paper, according to a tweet shared by the company. Neenah Paper has reduced carbon emissions, and energy and water usage by 8%-13% per unit of production as part of its sustainability efforts. The company also utilises fibres used in the production of paper from FSC®-certified forests, recycled materials, or from other sustainable sources.

4. Flexible Packaging – 343 mentions

Improving recyclability and sustainability of flexible packaging, TriconBraun’s sustainable flexible packaging products, and the launch of compostable adhesives for flexible packaging by H.B. Fuller were some of the trending discussions on flexible packaging in the last quarter.

John Shipley, business unit director of packaging service provider KM Packaging, believes that flexible packaging can help in reducing carbon emissions and food waste, according to an article shared by an online and print magazine focused on the Australian packaging industry. He highlighted some key points that can improve the recyclability and sustainability of flexible packaging including the choice of design and materials, investment in improving recycling infrastructure, and spreading awareness and dispelling the myths surrounding plastics.

Further, TricorBraun, a global packaging service provider, shared an article on the sustainable flexible packaging products it offers. A sustainable flexible packaging product recently launched by the company is the Biotre 3.0, a flexible packaging bag made from renewable plant-based materials that are compostable. The company also provides custom flexible packaging and high-quality stock products such as zip-lock pouches, flat pouches, and side-gusseted flexible bags.

Flexible packaging was also discussed in an article shared by Labels & Labeling on the launch of two compostable adhesives for flexible packaging by H.B Fuller, a manufacturer of adhesives and coatings. The new products were launched under the brand name, Flextra Evolution. The adhesives are fully compostable and do not leave any microplastics, toxic residues or pollutants in composting facilities.

5. Plastics – 140 mentions

Sainsbury’s plans to recycle ocean plastic waste, cosmetics company Common Heir’s plans to go completely plastic-free, and the launch of reusable packaging by AEON were some popular discussions on plastics in the second quarter of the year.

PackagingInnovations, a packaging event organised by event organiser Easyfairs, shared an article on UK-based supermarket chain Sainsbury’s plans to recycle plastic and use it in the packaging of fresh fish and strawberries. Sainsbury plans to prevent approximately 297 tonnes of plastic from being dumped into the ocean and reduce pollution. It will collaborate with Sharpak, a packaging solutions provider, to pack 34% of its fresh fish and 80% of its strawberry punnets using Prevented Ocean Plastic, a certified recycled plastic.

Dieline, a website focused on packaging design, shared an article on skincare products retailer Common Heir’s decision to go completely plastic-free. Common Heir chose algae or plant-based packaging for its products and paper-based outer packaging in its move away from plastics. It also chose FSC-certified paper and soy-based inks to improve recyclability of its packaging and reduce its carbon footprint.

Plastics also trended in discussions about retailer AEON partnering with recycling company TerraCycle’s Loop recycling initiative to use reusable packaging for its products, according to an article shared by Sanex Packaging Connections, a packaging consulting company. AEON will no longer use disposable containers for items such as foods, shampoos, and detergents as they can have a negative impact on the climate. The company introduced 13 products from six manufacturers in disposable containers and plans to introduce more such products. Consumers can purchase the products and return the used containers to the Loop return box at AEON’s stores.

https://twitter.com/EasyfairsPACK/status/1387755930012594185