PETpla.net Insider 01+02 / 2021

8 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 22 No. 01+02/21 www.petpla.net Avient ColorForward experts predict pandemic to influence colour preferences Avient Corporation, a provider of specialised and sustainable material solutions and services, announced that Avient ColorWorks has launched Color- Forward 2022. This 16 th edition of the annual colour forecasting guide for the plastics industry marks its debut within Avient, which was formed this year from legacy businesses PolyOne and Clariant Masterbatch. As in years past, ColorForward 2022 presents stories associated with four soci- etal trends that are expected to influence consumers consciously or unconsciously over the next few years. Each trend theme also includes a palette of five associ- ated colours that are predicted to elicit a response from consumers. This year, ColorForward 2022 trend watchers expect the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to linger for some time, even if vaccines and treatments allow the world to return to some semblance of ‘normal.’ Naturally, they contend this will drive societal trends and consumer response to colour in the near- and mid-term future. “For 2022, the overall colour palette is dominated by shades of yellow,” explains Judith van Vliet, ColorWorks Senior Designer and leader of the ColorForward team, “and many of the other colours are joined to the yellow family. For instance, many of the greens, reds, oranges and some of the blues, have a high yellow influence, creating a sense of the warmth of human connections that are interrupted by the social isolation the pandemic forces on us. In addition, the yellowish greens are indicative of our need to reconnect with nature and avoid the synthetic, including all of the screens and digital connections we must now use excessively.” Avient ColorWorks also offers seminars at its four designs and technology centres around the world, as well as at selected confer- ences and customer sites. These can be conducted virtually and/or in-person when appropriate. www.avient.com Bericap’s recyclable 100% silicone-free BericapValve wins Sustainability Award 2020 BericapValve has won Packaging Europe’s Sustainability Award 2020 in the category “Recyclable Packaging”. The award recognises and awards the major sustainability impact behind the small visible change to a 100 % silicone-free valve. Unlike conventional silicone valves, Bericap’s product is made of TPE and does not contaminate the recycling stream with silicone. Its recyclability is top-rated and certified according to institute standards such as bifa Umweltinstitut and Fraunhofer. Bericap won the award against five finalists. In its statement, the jury highlighted that the BericapValve is “made for recycling”. Considering the entire recycling process, Bericap eliminated a weak spot that has a huge negative impact on the whole cycle: the contamination of the PET material by silicone valves. Bericap concluded that a change in material in the seemingly small valve away from the silicone would have significant positive effects on the entire process. The new product: BericapValve, is made of TPE, it recycles within the HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene) recycling stream without contaminating it while possessing the same properties as conventional valves. A small detail – but a game changer for recycling. The BericapValve is available in Bericap’s broad range of food closures and fits all common neck and standard flip-top closures. It can be utilised for sweet, sour and fat-containing products and ensures exact and clean dispensing. With this wide area of applications, the new valve is the sustainable alternative to con- ventional silicone valves which are currently used predominantly for ketchup, may- onnaise and other spreadables. The valve can be adjusted in material hardness and cutting geometry to any squeezable product. It is suitable for bottom-down or bottom-up usage. In order to adapt the valve material appropriately, the BericapValve has under- gone numerous internal tests. It has been tested and certified according to the Commission Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011 of January 14, 2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. www.bericap.com United Caps: Virtual event on ‘what you would have seen’ at Interpack With the Covid-19 pandemic continu- ing to ravage travel and trade shows, United Caps is working hard to ensure the industry has access to the informa- tion the company would have provided at Interpack. In line with that objective, the industry will be brought together for a virtual event on February 24-26, 2021 where there will be opportunity to learn more about the company’s latest innova- tions for key packaging sectors. During this event, United Caps will be showcasing the latest developments in the UCTC tethered closures range for bever- ages, new additions to the “Everything you need, nothing you don’t”- Edible Oils and Vinegars range as well as advance- ments in the sectors of Infant Nutrition and Agro & Petro chemical closures. Visitors will be able to watch videos, download white papers and organise 1-on-1 meet- ings with members of the United Caps key accounts teams for in-depth discus- sions. There will also be the opportunity to join seminars on how the company is approaching key issues impacting the industry from Sustainability and Differen- tiation right through to Innovation. Reg- istration details will be soon announced on the United Caps website and through the company’s social media channels. www.unitedcaps.com