Packaging 1-0-1: News on Packaging – January & February 2023

Packaging is an integral part of the food industry, and as consumer preferences evolve, packaging innovations and developments must keep pace. Here are some of the recent packaging updates and advancements that have taken place in January and February of 2023.

1. Sesame Allergen Labeling Regulation:

   On January 1, 2023, the US FDA enforced a new regulation that requires sesame to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods, including dietary supplements. This rule is intended to protect individuals with sesame allergies who can have severe reactions to even trace amounts of the allergen. Prior to this rule, sesame was not considered one of the “major” allergens and did not have to be listed specifically on food labels. This labeling requirement provides important information to consumers and helps prevent adverse reactions.

2. PepsiCo’s Sustainable Bottle Redesign:

   PepsiCo and Simonds Farsons Cisk have unveiled the first redesign of the Pepsi Cola glass bottle portfolio in 27 years. The new design focuses on sustainability and recyclability, featuring a sleek, modern look. The bottles are made with 100% recycled glass and feature a smaller label, which reduces the amount of paper and ink used in production. The redesign was driven by a desire to create a more sustainable product that is easier to recycle and less likely to end up in landfills. The new bottles also have a comfortable grip and a wider opening for easier pouring, making them more user-friendly.

3. M&M’s Empowering Packaging:

   M&M’s has revamped its candy wrapper design in 2023, using the new packaging to promote and support women’s empowerment. Instead of featuring male characters, the new design features female characters Green, Brown, and Purple, printed upside down to celebrate women flipping the status quo. This new packaging design is specifically created to celebrate women and empower them.

4. 7UP’s Refreshed Visual Identity:

   PepsiCo has revealed a new visual identity for its soft drink brand, 7UP, to refresh its image and increase its appeal to younger consumers. The new logo features a simpler and more contemporary design, with the iconic red dot and “7UP” lettering placed in a new rounded rectangle shape. The brand’s green color has been updated to a brighter shade, and a new font has been chosen for the wordmark. The new visual identity will be rolled out across all brand touchpoints, including packaging, advertising, and digital media.

5. Tetra Pak’s Fiber-Based Packaging Research:

   Tetra Pak and MAX IV have partnered to develop sustainable, fiber-based food packaging. The project will use advanced technology to analyze the structure of the fiber-based material and improve its performance, with the goal of creating a recyclable packaging material that is both efficient and environmentally friendly. The resulting packaging material could have significant benefits for the environment and help reduce waste in the food industry.

The packaging industry is constantly evolving and innovating to meet changing consumer needs and preferences. From sustainable materials to empowering designs, packaging advancements are not only meeting consumer demands but also benefiting the environment. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting packaging developments in the future.