July 2025 Blow Molding Blog
Looking for Blow Molding Consulting? Check out our Team. Click here.
July 9, 2025
Oreo and Chips Ahoy Parent Company Sues Aldi Over Lookalike Packaging
Oreo and Chips Ahoy Parent Company Sues Aldi Over Lookalike Packaging
Mondelez International, the maker of iconic snacks like Oreo, Chips Ahoy, and Ritz, has filed a federal lawsuit against Aldi, accusing the discount grocer of copying its packaging designs. The case centers on Aldi’s Benton brand, which Mondelez claims too closely resembles its own branding and is “likely to deceive and confuse customers.”
For decades, private label brands have offered lower-priced alternatives by mimicking national brand packaging. But Mondelez argues that Aldi has crossed a legal line, raising serious questions about intellectual property rights in the retail space.
According to IP attorney Michael Friedland, Mondelez has a strong case based on trade dress (the legal protection of a product’s visual appearance). He notes that the company’s long history of marketing has built significant consumer recognition tied to its packaging, which strengthens its claim.
Surveys could be crucial in determining whether consumers associate Aldi’s products with Mondelez brands. Friedland expects that at least some portion of shoppers may be confused by the similarities, potentially mistaking the store-brand items as being made or endorsed by Mondelez.
The case’s outcome could set a major precedent. A win for Mondelez may force private label manufacturers to rethink their packaging strategies across multiple industries. On the other hand, a victory for Aldi could encourage even bolder lookalike packaging, making this a critical test of how far private brands can go in mimicking national names without infringing on trademark protections. Learn more about this topic here.
For decades, private label brands have offered lower-priced alternatives by mimicking national brand packaging. But Mondelez argues that Aldi has crossed a legal line, raising serious questions about intellectual property rights in the retail space.
According to IP attorney Michael Friedland, Mondelez has a strong case based on trade dress (the legal protection of a product’s visual appearance). He notes that the company’s long history of marketing has built significant consumer recognition tied to its packaging, which strengthens its claim.
Surveys could be crucial in determining whether consumers associate Aldi’s products with Mondelez brands. Friedland expects that at least some portion of shoppers may be confused by the similarities, potentially mistaking the store-brand items as being made or endorsed by Mondelez.
The case’s outcome could set a major precedent. A win for Mondelez may force private label manufacturers to rethink their packaging strategies across multiple industries. On the other hand, a victory for Aldi could encourage even bolder lookalike packaging, making this a critical test of how far private brands can go in mimicking national names without infringing on trademark protections. Learn more about this topic here.
July 20, 2025
PROMOFER Project Turns Agri-Food Waste into Sustainable Bioplastics and Chemicals
PROMOFER Project Turns Agri-Food Waste into Sustainable Bioplastics and Chemicals
As Europe intensifies efforts to reduce fossil dependence and combat environmental degradation, innovative circular and bio-based solutions are taking center stage. One notable initiative is the PROMOFER project, coordinated by AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, and funded by the European Union’s CBE-JU. The project aims to transform agricultural and food industry residues into high-value, bio-based materials.
PROMOFER focuses on converting agri-food and lignocellulosic residues into two critical products: PHBV, a biodegradable bioplastic, and 2,3-BDO, a compound used in sustainable polyurethanes. These developments support waste reduction, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and help strengthen a resilient and resource-efficient European economy.
After its first year, the consortium met at University College Dublin to review progress. Key milestones include advancements in enzymatic hydrolysis, near-completion of microorganism characterization, and early success in volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. The team is also working on scaling up fermentation processes and designing industrial systems for PHBV and 2,3-BDO production.
PROMOFER valorizes diverse residues—from low-value starches, whey permeate, and industrial wastewater, to rice straw, wheat straw, and pruning waste. These are used to create high-performance bioplastics and chemical building blocks that can compete with conventional, fossil-based alternatives.
In parallel, the project is examining social acceptance of bio-based products and engaging stakeholders across sectors. With 13 partners from seven countries, PROMOFER runs through June 2028 and promises to advance Europe’s leadership in sustainable materials and circular innovation. Learn more about this topic here.
PROMOFER focuses on converting agri-food and lignocellulosic residues into two critical products: PHBV, a biodegradable bioplastic, and 2,3-BDO, a compound used in sustainable polyurethanes. These developments support waste reduction, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and help strengthen a resilient and resource-efficient European economy.
After its first year, the consortium met at University College Dublin to review progress. Key milestones include advancements in enzymatic hydrolysis, near-completion of microorganism characterization, and early success in volatile fatty acid (VFA) production. The team is also working on scaling up fermentation processes and designing industrial systems for PHBV and 2,3-BDO production.
PROMOFER valorizes diverse residues—from low-value starches, whey permeate, and industrial wastewater, to rice straw, wheat straw, and pruning waste. These are used to create high-performance bioplastics and chemical building blocks that can compete with conventional, fossil-based alternatives.
In parallel, the project is examining social acceptance of bio-based products and engaging stakeholders across sectors. With 13 partners from seven countries, PROMOFER runs through June 2028 and promises to advance Europe’s leadership in sustainable materials and circular innovation. Learn more about this topic here.
© Copyright BHC Associates, Inc., 2020 - 2025. All rights reserved.
