Smart aluminum strips instead of plastic cover.

Sometimes all it takes to achieve greater sustainability is a little “twist”. Reduction can be achieved not only by replacing materials and hybrid solutions, but also through smart product design.

Image source: John West

Like last year’s winner of Packaging Europe‘s“Sustainability Awards“, the canned tuna can from John West Foods. A special “Smartstrip” sticker made of aluminum can be used to connect 5 individual products together. The sticker is perforated and, as it is made of the same material, can be disposed of and recycled together with the can. To separate the cans from each other, the consumer only has to twist and pull. Thanks to the new design, the PET shrink wrap and cardboard packaging that previously held the products together could be dispensed with. The manufacturer claims to be able to save 65 tons of PET film per year as a result.

Image source: John West

As part of the redesign, the can itself was also redesigned, saving around 4g of material. In addition, the amount of sunflower oil and water used for preservation has been reduced. As a result of this measure, 200 fewer container loads will be shipped than before – which should save a considerable amount of CO2 on the route from Ghana or the Seychelles to the UK.

Our verdict: A very successful “Reduce” all-round solution that even increases convenience for the consumer instead of reducing it – we hope to see more such win-win solutions on the market this year.