BELGIUM – Smurfit Kappa has provided a pioneering Belgian craft brewer with an end-to-end packaging system, TopClip, the 100% paper-based replacement for shrink wrap that bundles beverage multi-packs.
The 100% paper-based TopClip is designed to replace shrink wrap for bundling beverage multipacks.
BeerSelect, which has seen significant growth over the past three years, sought a packaging solution that would not only meet its sustainability aspirations but also an automated system for the efficient production of in-house solutions.
To address these requirements, Smurfit decided to build and install its Mid-Speed TopClip machine at the greenfield brewery operations of BeerSelect.
The installed machine is capable of handling 30,000 cans per hour and offers the flexibility to switch between configurations for four-, six-, and eight-pack bundles.
With a 30% lower carbon footprint than a shrink wrap consumer pack, TopClip is 100% renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. It also displays the products much more effectively than the complete wrap-around solutions that are commonly used for canned drinks.
Speaking about the collaboration, BeerSelect’s Co-founder Kasper Peeters, said: “In TopClip, we found a solution that fits perfectly within our sustainability mindset.
“The most tangible benefit is using a packaging solution that will not harm the environment and the implementation of a tailor-made machine system has made a big difference to both the ease and speed of production.”
Koen De Winter, European Project & Machine Systems Manager at Smurfit Kappa, added: “The TopClip automated system that we specially designed for small and medium-sized breweries has really taken off.
“We knew that TopClip was the ideal Better Planet Packaging solution to meet BeerSelect’s needs and through building the machine for them it became an even more effective and holistic solution.”
Sustainable new bee packaging
Meanwhile, last month, the company developed a sustainable packaging solution to transport bees for Biobest, a world leader in biological crop protection and pollination.
Biobest approached the packaging giant to design an insulated and weather-resistant box to replace the EPS pack it was using to transport live bumble bees.
It also had to be robust enough to withstand long periods outdoors as the boxes are used for outdoor pollination of fruit and vegetables.
Smurfit Kappa looked to its Better Planet Packaging portfolio to create a solution which was made from water-resistant AquaStop paper and included hexacomb fitments inside to protect and insulate the insects.
Tests were conducted to see if the new pack could survive outside for 6-8 weeks and it passed with flying colours, keeping the bees safe and ready to pollinate.
Peter van Leent, Sustainability Manager at Biobest, said: “As providers of organic pest control, sustainability is a core value for us. It was clear throughout our collaboration that Smurfit Kappa has the same deep commitment to sustainability and fully understood the brief.
“We wanted to get a fully recyclable solution to replace the Styrofoam box we were previously using but needed to ensure that it would perform on several fronts. We’re looking forward to rolling this out for use with other live insects and mites.”
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