The world may become a more pleasant place thanks to a new packaging innovation from Mead-Westvaco Consumer Packaging Group (www.meadwestvaco.com). Not only does its Natralock™ high-visibility pack show off the product while keeping thieves out, the paperboard-based alternative to 100-percent plastic clamshell packaging is reportedly consumer-friendly to open. No more @#$%&* words or "wrap rage" (see below).

The bulk of the tear-resistant Natralock is derived from renewable trees, and its clear APET (amorphous polyester) "bubble" versus PVC falls under today's acceptable requirements for recyclability and energy standards, the converter says. To create Natra-lock, MeadWestvaco runs its un-bleached kraft paperboard, Coated Natural Kraft® (CNK®) or Printkote® bleached kraft paperboard (SBS) through a patented coating process, which applies a heat-seal material, as well as an optional, more tear-resistant material for high-value applications. Graphics are then printed on the receptive clay-coated surface.

Have a nagging "anti-environmental feeling" about all that double plastic bagging at the supermarket in an effort to keep your frozen foods frozen on the way home? UK converter DS Smith Packaging's (www.dssmithpackaging.com) new reusable "Flat-Pack" freezer box (at left) is one solution.

Working with major retailer Sainsbury, DS Smith's Louth Corrugated facility created a one-piece container from heavy-weight, moisture-resistant, B-flute material. The box's glued base and bellows-style, self-locking top ensure an airtight container. Sold in the freezer aisles, the box assembles in seconds and, with integral paper hooks, simply hangs on the shopping cart. It's sized to hold a normal family's amount of frozen foods, including a large pizza—keeping them cold for the trip home.

Since its introduction, the freezer box has found favor with both retailers and consumers alike. By providing a separate container for frozen foods, shoppers find going through the checkouts easier and also tend to add more general products to their carts. Once unpacked, the box can simply be flattened and stored for future shopping trips. An initial reuse target of five trips was projected by DS Smith, but the 100-percent paper box has proven so robust that early estimates put its reusability at 10-fold.

First, it was clear tubs for Italian organic pasta; then thermoformed trays for fresh produce at Wal-Mart Super Centers. Now, Nature-Works® PLA (polylactide) corn-based polymer is making its way into the folding-carton business.

Last month, New York-based converter AGI/Klearfold (www.agiklearfold.com) debuted new Nature-Source™ Visual Packaging using the annually renewable resin. Said to be suitable for any high-quality, value-added packaging application including cosmetics, personal-care, liquor and other consumer goods, NatureSource cartons had been in development for 18 months.

A partnership among NatureWorks LLC, Canada's BI-AX International, Inc. (which makes the box-grade PLA substrate) and AGI/Klearfold resulted in a material that reportedly withstands the rigors of carton manufacturing and decorating. NatureSource cartons can be printed offset, flexo or silkscreen, or any combination of those printing processes, and can be embossed and hot- or cold-foil stamped as well.