Henkel has provided adhesive technologies for a new hot-cup sleeve currently being launched by Starbucks Coffee Company in its outlets in the US and Canada: EarthSleeve.
EarthSleeve, produced in conjunction with LBP Manufacturing of Chicago, integrates proprietary technology that enables a reduction in overall material usage while at the same time increasing the post-consumer content – changes said to equate to a saving of nearly 100,000 trees.
The new sleeve product is said to require 34% less raw fibre material, yet with a 25% increase in the amount of post-consumer content, “without sacrificing performance or function”.
Data sourced from the 2012 Foodservice Disposable Packaging Assessment suggests nearly 3 billion hot-cup sleeves were produced in the US in 2011, with Starbucks representing nearly half of the marketplace, so material evolution of this type will have “a substantial impact” on the packaging industry.
“The introduction of the EarthSleeve represents an achievement in adhesive formulation,” said John Meccia, VP paper converting for Henkel Corporation, whose team collaborated on the development of the multi-functional adhesives used in the project.
“Creating a formula that would allow for user experience on par with traditional sleeves, but effectively facilitate the removal of fibre, framed every aspect of the cooperative effort.
“Successfully meeting the technical objectives was truly a feat. The implication of our work on the environment is what makes this a real accomplishment.”
Cliff Burrows, president of the Americas for Starbucks, said: “This product represents how the integration of our environmental values and collaboration with like-minded organisations can create significant impact.”
