Minus Works, an American manufacturer of sustainable, high-performance gel packs for the cold chain industry, today announced it has received Ready Biodegradability Certification for its Plant-Based Refrigerant Gel formulation, making it the first gel pack manufacturer to achieve this standard.

Thomas, the leader in product sourcing, supplier selection, and marketing solutions for industry manufacturing, released its '2020 Q4 Top Manufacturing Trends,' identifying the top products and services sourced by North American manufacturers, as well as sharing predictions for 2021 industrial sourcing trends. 

Winners of the 2020 BEYONDPLASTIC Awards, which looked for new designs to eliminate single-use plastic packaging in society, brought innovative and elegant solutions to make common consumer items biodegradable and CO2-free.

Radio Roasters' new single-use Steeped Coffee Bags reinvents the way imbibers brew and drink specialty coffee, with guilt-free, biodegradable packaging that is fully recyclable and environmentally responsible.

Sustainability is not a new issue. From a packaging perspective, there has long been a drive to design and introduce materials and structures that are kinder to our planet. What has felt different over the last 12 months is the urgency with which the subject is being discussed, due in part to what we might call the “Attenborough” effect.

It’s an exciting time in foodservice ware as companies and consumers increasingly seek to reduce their carbon footprint and improve waste diversion. But with evolution there is often confusion, misconception and misinformation. 

Corona will pilot 100 percent plastic-free six pack rings in select markets as part of the brand’s commitment with Parley for the Oceans to lead the industry with eco-friendly packaging.