Industry news A start-up business based in Wales is the first company to use the OPRL ‘Recycle’ label for seaweed-based packaging. PlantSea’s packaging comes in a range of weights and can be used to replace paper and card to make stationery, boxes and bags. Manufactured from seaweed-derived fibres blended with recycled and virgin paper fibres, it’s been tested under the CEPI v2 protocol and shown to be suitable for recycling through a standard paper mill. Alice Harlock, Director of Technical and Member Services at OPRL, said: “It’s always exciting to see innovation and the successful application of novel materials in packaging. As businesses look to adapt or replace current packaging types to meet sustainability goals or legislation, OPRL is keen to support them with labelling that helps consumers make the right choices around recycling.” Gianmarco Sanfratello, Co-founder and CTO at PlantSea, said: “Achieving the OPRL label has been a huge boost. It is easy to claim that products are fully recyclable, but independent assessment brings a credibility that is especially valuable for a start-up and innovation business. It helps us to demonstrate our commitment to honesty and to giving consumers a choice.” The seaweed used in PlantSea’s packaging is a by-product sourced from the growing UK aquaculture industry which, in turn, supports aquatic life and marine conservation. In addition to the paper and card, which has been awarded the OPRL label, PlantSea has developed other seaweed-based products, including water-soluble film and agricultural mulch. www.oprl.org.uk Catch up on all the latest in our news round up BULLDOG ANNOUNCES MULTI-PRODUCT POPEYE X SKINNYDIP DEAL Bulldog Licensing, the leading licensing agency which represents Popeye in the UK on behalf of brand owner King Features Syndicate, has announced a new deal for the iconic brand with Skinnydip, a renowned supplier of fun and quirky accessories, clothing and lifestyle products. The deal comes in the year Popeye celebrates 95 successful years. Recently launched on the Skinnydip site is the Popeye x Skinnydip London collab featuring the original classic Popeye and girlfriend Olive Oyl, and (of course) Popeye’s trusty can of spinach on cases ready to adorn iPhones across the UK. Much more is on the way; this agreement extends to apparel, accessories, gifts, stationery, and health & beauty products. Popeye is one of the world’s best-known brands, with a strong appeal to people of all ages for nearly a century. His signature muscle-enhancing diet of spinach and his catchphrases “I Yam What I Yam” and “Well Blow Me Down!“ have inspired thousands of comic strips, hundreds of books, and over 600 episodes of cartoon content, not to mention songs, posters, films and much more. Popeye is not only ingrained in pop culture, he has become one of the most recognisable and beloved characters in the world. Now, with his 95th birthday in 2024, Bulldog Licensing plans to build on the already strong Popeye licensing programme within the UK. Skinnydip launched its first phone case design in 2011. Since then, it has evolved to become a go-to destination for female Gen-Z clothing and accessories. Today it serves up unique, witty and stand-out products to an ever-growing community of customers, influencers and celebrities around the globe through Skinnydiplondon.com, its two standalone stores and over 200 stockists worldwide The company has also collaborated with a wide range of household-name entertainment brands. Bulldog’s Licensing Director Vicky Miller says: “The humour, striking designs and amazing levels of awareness that Popeye can boast have come together in a witty and wonderful selection of cases that will add originality and humour to every iPhone. It’s a great tribute to Popeye as he turns 95 from a company that is a leader in its field.” Hanna Netherway, Licensing Manager at Skinndydip, says: “Popeye and his signature look and style have been worldfamous for 95 years and are still instantly recognisable today. It’s great to be working with Bulldog on this amazing property. Inspired by a true cartoon great, these Popeye iPhone cases really pack a punch!” OPRL AWARDS ‘RECYCLE’ LABEL TO FIRST SEAWEED-BASED PACKAGING CARDZONE GROUP ACQUIRES CLINTONS Cardzone Group parent company Pillarbox Designs has acquired Clintons, with the company’s 163 stores adding to Cardzone’s 180 outlets. Cardzone Founder Pat Taylor said he was proud to be the nation’s “only national specialist chain selling quality cards.” Having been owned by the Weiss family since 2012, the deal to purchase Clintons was originally set to take place before COVID.” Cardzone will retain the Clinton’s brand name, according to Taylor: “The name is still synonymous with quality greeting card retailing. “There will be some changes, but we are very excited to be growing our family business with Clintons joining our portfolio.” 8
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