From recyclable to circular with NextCycle IML
A touch of pioneering vision by SFA Packaging. A pinch of love by JOZO. A drop of recycling advice by CIRCPACK by Veolia and a dash of innovation by MCC Verstraete. Proudly introducing a pioneering recipe for success in circular PP packaging: the JOZO NextCycle IML™ salt shakers.
From partially recyclable to fully recyclable and RecyClass B rating
The JOZO salt shakers are a textbook example of continuous improvement. Before 2021, the packaging was a combination of cardboard and aluminium (tube), polyethylene (bottom) and polystyrene (PE/PS cap). Due to the combination of different materials, the spreaders were considered partially recyclable.
To make its packaging fully recyclable and future-ready, JOZO turned to SFA. The salt shakers were transformed into mono-material PP packaging decorated with IML, which ensured both recyclability and shelf appeal. The 100% polypropylene packaging was assessed by RecyClass, the industry umbrella organisation representing the circularity of plastic packaging in Europe. Based on the October 2022 methodology for white rigid PP packaging, the salt tube with standard IML decoration was rated B!
Keeping score high with NextCycle IML™
But it doesn't stop there. In February 2023, RecyClass further sharpened its guidelines and DfR requirements for recyclable and - eventually - circular packaging.
"Driven by JOZO's vision of sustainable progress and in line with SFA's mission to provide 100% recyclable and circular packaging solutions, we wanted to go one step further. To remain compliant with ever-changing packaging regulations, we looked at opportunities for further improvement together with MCC Verstraete and JOZO. We tested whether we could replace standard IML labels with NextCycle IMLTM technology," says Alexander Heinsdijk, Business Development and Marketing Manager at SFA Packaging.
These trials quickly proved successful in quality, production efficiency and, most important in this project: recyclability.
"As a next-generation solution for sustainable rigid PP packaging, NextCycle IMLTM labels are specifically designed to detach from the packaging during the mechanical recycling process, while remaining firmly attached during the packaging life cycle," said Nico Van de Walle, Product and Circular Economy Manager Global IML at MCC.
NextCycle IML™ technology allows the packaging to enter the recycling process without a label. In this case, recycling the JOZO shakers results in white recycled material. "It's the perfect balance between recyclability and shelf appeal," Nico continues.
Future-proof plastic packaging
"As we pave the way for a circular economy for plastic packaging, the DfR guidelines and RecyClass classification requirements are indeed becoming increasingly stringent. Switching to mono-material was a big step forward for JOZO's salt shakers. Decorating the packaging with NextCycle IML™ labelssupports the future availability of quality virgin rPP," says Vincent Mooij, director of CIRCPACK by Veolia.
Key points
- In addition to a new, user-friendly dispensing cap, JOZO's new salt shakers feature NextCycle IML™ labels
- NextCycle IMLTM technology ensures that the IML packaging contributes to the recycling process of the plastic, resulting in high purity rPP
- The move to NextCycle IMLTM makes JOZO and SFA pioneers in the IML landscape
About MCC Verstraete
MCC Verstraete has more than 30 years' experience in offset printing of labels for injection moulding, blow moulding and thermoforming. Deep knowledge of materials, innovation and sustainability have made MCC Verstraete a world leader, with a daily production of more than 60 million injection moulded labels for numerous segments within the packaging industry. MCC Verstraete has production sites in Belgium, Australia and the US. Together with MCC Korsini (Turkey) and Karydakis IML SA (Greece), MCC Verstraete forms the IML Business Unit within Multi-Color Corporation.
About SFA
Innovation and collaboration have been driving SFA to deliver and continuously improve our customers' injection-moulded packaging solutions for more than 25 years. This, combined with close collaboration, results in the creation of the most amazing packaging products.
We are well aware that plastic packaging, like any type of packaging, has an impact on the environment. Therefore, we feel it is important to minimise our carbon footprint and prevent food waste. We work exclusively with mono-material, 100% recyclable, lightweight and thin packaging. Our mission is to make sustainable packaging the norm.
About JOZO
Since 1929, JOZO has been masterfully creating salt to enrich meals with a pinch of love. Founded as Royal Dutch Salt Industries, we have evolved from traditional evaporation to innovative methods, sourcing various salts from ancient underground strata, the Himalayas and the Mediterranean.
Our heritage reflects a deep knowledge of the culinary power of salt, offering various varieties for perfectly ground flavour enhancement. Representing a blend of tradition and innovation, JOZO ensures that every meal is not only deliciously seasoned, but also tells a story.
About CIRCPACK by Veolia
CIRCPACK by Veolia supports brand owners and packaging companies in increasing the recyclability of packaging. Services range from Recycling Masterclasses to specific packaging advice. CIRCPACK® offers recyclability certification for different types of packaging. They are an accredited certification body for RecyClass.
Veolia's operational knowledge of collecting, sorting and recycling packaging materials gives additional confidence in CIRCPACK's expertise.
JOZO NextCycle IML packaging wins Plastics Recycling Award 2024
JOZO NextCycle IML packaging has won the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2024! These innovative packs are designed for high-quality recycled polypropylene (rPP). They have been awarded the title "Product Technology Innovation of the Year". This recognises their contribution to sustainability and recycling. The packaging improves the availability of virgin recycled material. For more information, visit the PRSE Awards website.
