CU Partners with Orion to Launch 'Eco-Friendly Package' PB Snacks

Reducing Ink Usage to Less Than Half with Flexo Printing Method

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] CU announced on the 1st that it will partner with Orion to change its private brand (PB) snacks to eco-friendly packaging as part of its commitment to ESG management.

Earlier, in August, CU introduced more than 10 types of eco-friendly packaged products bearing the Green Certification Mark. These eco-friendly packages are made with ethanol ink that reduces harmful substances to minimize environmental impact.

The recent eco-friendly packaging renewal with Orion reduced the amount of ink used. Packaging is made by applying ink to film material, but the ink used to produce vivid images places a burden on the environment.

To improve this, CU introduced over 10 types of eco-friendly packaged PB snacks made using Orion’s flexographic printing method. Flexographic printing uses a raised resin plate to produce packaging, which reduces ink usage to less than half compared to the traditional engraved copper plate method. Additionally, it minimizes the use of organic solvents used in conventional packaging production and utilizes non-toxic water-based ink, making it more environmentally friendly.

The eco-friendly packaging will be applied sequentially starting this month not only to CU’s steady-selling PB snacks such as HEYROO chocolate chip cookies, garlic-flavored corn snacks, and egg crackers but also to newly launched products like Caramellos and Butter Stick Cookies.

This is the first time Orion’s flexographic printing technology has been used in the manufacturing of distribution companies’ PB products. CU expects that switching its PB snacks, which sell over 30 million units annually, to eco-friendly packaging will significantly reduce environmental impact.

In particular, CU’s PB snacks have shown double-digit sales growth over the past three years and continue to grow steadily with a 12.2% increase compared to last year, so the effect is expected to grow further.

Jin Young-ho, Head of Product Division at BGF Retail, said, "We are working to create an environment where all customers using CU can naturally participate in eco-friendly consumption," adding, "We will collaborate with companies in various fields to create new social value through ESG management."