Page 48 - Plastics News - January 2024

Among these requirements, including cific storage conditions to maintain its vegan packaging over the years. For
a “use by” or “best before” date on quality. Include a barcode for scanning example, many aren’t using greens
food and beverage items stands as a at the point of sale and a batch or pro- and browns and muted colours any-
crucial obligation. duction code for traceability and qual- more, they are no longer trying to ap-

Clearly labelling that your product is ity control purposes. pear ‘natural’ or ‘rustic’.
suitable for vegans is key, as most con- Use packaging to build your brand Instead, they want their products to
sumers will skip steps like contacting From plant milks and meat substi- be as Instagrammable as possible and
the manufacturer and err on the side tutes, to cheeses and chocolate, the they are using their packaging to do
of caution by buying a product with key to today’s most successful vegan this, with striking visuals and a more
better labelling if unsure. To make branding is personality-driven packag- unique color palette.
this claim, you must ensure that all in- ing. Packaging is also being used to ac-
gredients are plant-based and do not centuate vegan brand messaging and
contain any animal-derived compo- Popular plant-based brand Oatly’s de- we’re seeing a rise in vegan brands
nents. This includes additives, flavors, sign is the prime example. Designed to promoting the taste, pleasure and en-
colors, and processing aids. be witty and often tongue-in-cheek, joyment that comes from a product
Oatly’s packaging directly opposes
Try to avoid any ambiguity in a label’s the “preachy vegan” stereotype. over its ethical status or health ben-
claims. For example, ‘Dairy-free’ efits.
or ‘lactose-free’ doesn’t necessarily Many vegan brands are working hard It’s a clever move, as by avoiding
mean vegan. Other ingredients like to develop mainstream appeal, as well traditional associations of veganism,
Glycerin(e)/glycerol and stearic acid as attracting their usual vegan audi- brands don’t risk alienating other po-
can be derived from slaughterhouse ence. One of the ways many are doing tential markets. By further emphasiz-
fat – but they could also be vegan this is by ditching traditional vegan im- ing these details on their packaging,
– so if they are plant-derived then ages and descriptions on their packag- vegan brands are creating yet another
it should say so on the label. ing completely. way to connect with a broader audi-
Labels should also clearly highlight any Research demonstrates that appeal- ence.
allergens present in the product, such ing packaging triggers activity in brain It’s clear that as we progress into an
as nuts, soy, wheat, or gluten. Even if regions linked to feelings of reward, era characterised by conscientious
the product is vegan, it might contain whereas unappealing packaging stim- consumption, sustainability, regulato-
allergens, and their presence should ulates areas associated with negative ry compliance, and innovative brand-
be clearly stated. emotions. This shows packaging alone ing will undoubtedly continue to shape
can significantly impact our emotional
You should provide guidance on how responses and influence our purchas- the narrative of the burgeoning plant-
to store the product properly, wheth- ing decisions. based market in 2024 and beyond.
er it needs refrigeration, and any spe-
This can be reflected in the changes to

MIM2024 full conference programme and early registration discounts

IM2024 will begin with an op- February 26-28, 2024, at the Hilton ing process, a definition of what con-
Mtional PIM tutorial from Mat- Raleigh North Hills in Raleigh, North stitutes a viable component, materials
thew Bulger, followed by two ful days Carolina, USA. selection, assessments of critical ac-
of conference presentations (Cour- The first day of the event will begin curacy and performance features, a
tesy MPIF) with an optional Powder Injection comparison of PIM to other technolo-
The Metal Powder Industries Federa- Moulding tutorial from Matthew Bulg- gies, and new applications.
tion (MPIF) has announced the con- er, ATPM Consulting, Former MIMA The main MIM2024 conference will
ference programme for MIM2024: President. The tutorial is intended to begin on Tuesday, and includes the fol-
International Conference on Injec- act as a comprehensive foundation to lowing presentations:
tion Molding of Metals, Ceramics, and PIM technology and cover topics such Tuesday, February 27
Carbides. The event is planned for as: an introduction to the manufactur-

48 PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS January 2024
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