Seeking Sustainable Packaging for Wet Wipes

Current knowledge of space:

Currently the typical flow wrap (FW) construction in the industry is a PET/PE laminate with a calliper of:

- 12 micron for PET,

- a 50 to 70-micron range for PE.

This results in a FW calliper ranging from 62 to 82 micron. The PET/PE laminate is not recyclable at all. P&G is using a PP/PE laminate which is considered recyclable in selected markets (e.g. Germany). First competitors (esp. in the UK) are starting to claim recyclable flow-wrap material with mono-PE constructions. Suppliers intensify development work to deliver mono-plastic solutions (PP or PE) that are recyclable.

What we are looking for:

• A primary packaging that is recyclable in existing recycling streams (no plastic), ie paper, metal, aluminium
• Packaging that has an improved environmental footprint, that is easy to claim and to understand
• A sustainable packaging that still delivers on ease of use and overall consumer experience of a wet-wipe product.
• An IP protected existing solution and/or a development partner with experience and expertise, willing to work with us to develop designs that meet our performance and manufacturing criteria.
• A simple, elegant, intuitive, and sustainable packaging solution for wet-wipe products that is unique (differentiated from existing packages), has a premium appearance and yet affordable.

Discarted solutions

• What we are not looking for: • Solutions that will take > 6 months to deliver a working prototype. • Packaging that is not significantly differentiated from existing offerings in consumer products. Please note that only non-confidential information describing the design and IP can be accepted for review at this stage.

Requirements

• Packaging Requirements:
• 1) In general, the package must: a. Protect the product and prevent contamination (similar mechanical properties as today’s Flow-Wrap), provide resistance to evaporation (similar moisture barrier approx. 2 grams/m²/day) b. Easily dispense the product. c. Must not contain any toxic materials, ideally it is food grade. d. Must be safe for mom and baby (e.g. no sharp edges)
• 2) Ergonomics: a. Opening, dispensing & closing of the wet wipe must be doable with one hand b. It must be possible to access wipe in the packaging with a single hand and to stage the next product sheet c. Package must be easy to carry with one hand.
• 3) Dimensions: The wet wipe within the package has the following dimensions: Min Max Height 65mm 90mm Length 150mm 230mm Width 70mm 130mm
• 4) Visual: Package shape and materials must be aesthetically pleasing and provide a premium shelf appearance, while overtly addressing the sustainability angle.
• 5) Sustainability: Packaging may be improved by one or more of the below (in order of priority): - Sustainable content (no plastic), - End-of-life management (recyclable, compostable, biodegradable), - Recycled material, - Re-usability feature.
• 6) Market Readiness: 6-18 months