Apple introduces fiber-based packaging to replace plastic components in electronics
Apple, headquartered in Cupertino, United States, has introduced a fully fiber-based packaging system for its products, eliminating the use of plastic components in favor of paper-based alternatives. The packaging is composed entirely of fiber materials sourced from recycled or responsibly managed inputs, designed to align with established paper recycling streams. This approach replaces conventional plastic elements such as trays, protective films, cushioning, and closures with engineered fiber solutions—including molded fiber structures, paper-based films, and corrugated cushioning formats. The packaging also incorporates fiber-based locking mechanisms and bio-based adhesives to maintain structural integrity without relying on synthetic materials. The system is designed to provide adequate protection for electronic devices during transport and handling, while maintaining compatibility with high-volume manufacturing and distribution processes. In addition, the fiber-based design has been implemented across both direct packaging and supplier packaging, extending material consistency throughout the supply chain. Apple reports that recycled materials account for approximately 30% of the total material used across its shipped products, indicating a broader integration of recycled inputs beyond packaging alone.
Compared with traditional EPS coolers, the new design is lighter, less bulky, and easier for patients to open, handle, and dispose of.ThePackHub
Coram CVS Specialty Infusion Services replaces EPS with paper-based packaging for temperature-sensitive medicines
Coram CVS Specialty Infusion Services, based in the United States with operations in cities including Mendota Heights, Malvern, and San Diego, has introduced a paper-based packaging solution designed for temperature-sensitive medications, replacing expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam. The innovation focuses on improving both environmental performance and patient usability by reducing reliance on difficult-to-recycle plastic materials. The packaging has been engineered to maintain required thermal performance standards, ensuring medications remain within controlled temperature ranges during transit while also meeting durability requirements. A key structural feature is the “nested box” configuration, which consolidates shipments into a single, more compact unit, optimizing storage efficiency and logistics handling. Compared with traditional EPS coolers, the new design is lighter, less bulky, and easier for patients to open, handle, and dispose of. This addresses accessibility concerns for individuals with limited mobility. The materials used are recyclable and in some cases compostable, supporting efforts to reduce pharmaceutical packaging waste streams.
The packaging utilizes the Frugal Bottle, which is composed of approximately 94% recycled paperboard.ThePackHub
Littleseed's paper bottle for edible oil packaging
Littleseed, based in Malton, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, has launched a rapeseed oil product packaged in a paper-based bottle developed by Frugalpac, headquartered in Ipswich, UK. The packaging utilizes the Frugal Bottle, which is composed of approximately 94% recycled paperboard combined with a food-grade internal liner designed to ensure compatibility with liquid food products. The structure is engineered to maintain product integrity by providing a barrier against light exposure, which can degrade oil quality, while also ensuring leak resistance and shelf stability. The bottle has a reported weight of 83 g (2.93 oz), making it significantly lighter than conventional glass alternatives and contributing to reduced transport-related emissions. The manufacturer indicates that the packaging format delivers a carbon footprint up to six times lower than glass bottles, primarily due to reduced material intensity and lower energy requirements in production and logistics. In addition to its lightweight characteristics, the bottle is shatter-resistant, offering advantages in handling and distribution. This application represents the first use of the Frugal Bottle for rapeseed oil in the UK market, extending the format beyond previous applications such as wine and olive oil.
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Compared with traditional EPS coolers, the new design is lighter, less bulky, and easier for patients to open, handle, and dispose of.ThePackHub
