EU-Mercosur trade deal: European paper industry pushes for rapid ratification
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) is urging the European Parliament to ratify of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA), emphasizing its potential to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers, as well as foster growth for European pulp and paper companies, which are some of the strongest exporters among EU manufacturing sectors. The agreement, signed by EU and Mercosur representatives on January 17 in Paraguay, aims to remove tariffs on over 90% of goods exchanged between the economic unions, including eliminating tariffs on 85% of pulp and 90% of EU paper and board exports to Mercosur. The deal with the South American bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) will create the world’s biggest free trade zone, covering a market of over 700 million consumers. Brands rethink sustainability communication as packaging rules tighten
As packaging regulations evolve worldwide, industry experts emphasize the need for brands to clearly communicate the environmental benefits of changes such as new materials and design innovations. Packaging Insights speaks to Amcor, Innova Market Insights, Stora Enso, and Polymateria to examine how packaging sustainability initiatives can engage consumers and ensure regulatory compliance.Fragmented global policies push plastic circularity toward national action plans
As global conferences like the UN Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations and COP30 have so far failed to secure binding international legislation to combat plastic pollution, The Circulate Initiative highlights the importance of regional and national regulations to address the global issue. Packaging Insights sits down with Michael Sadowski, executive director and board chair at The Circulate Initiative, to discuss how a fragmented policy environment creates a complex and burdensome industry landscape for companies working across borders. The Future of Steel Drums: Building Sustainability Into Every Component
From the steel body to the closures and linings, Greif offers a configurable solution that helps companies advance carbon reduction, chemical safety, and operational performance in one integrated package.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Greif.EU project scales home compostable bioplastic packaging
We speak to Carolina Peñalva Lapuente, head of Sustainable Products And Solutions at the Spanish Aitiip Technology Centre and project coordinator at the EU-funded Sisters project. The project has developed home compostable PLA packaging from agricultural side streams. With the four-year project ending, commercialization plans are being finalized.
Packaging industry 2025: Most read stories
In 2025, packaging faced tightening regulations, rising scrutiny over environmental claims, and accelerated digitalization, with the integration of AI and connected platforms gaining traction. Meanwhile, cost pressures, consumer priorities, and legal risk led some major brands to scale back or rethink sustainability targets. We look back at the year’s top read stories.Settings
- Play Interval
- Slide Duration
- Thumbnail Bar Position
Latest headlines
View more
Highlighted features
Multimedia
View more
EU project scales home compostable bioplastic packaging
We speak to Carolina Peñalva Lapuente, head of Sustainable Products And Solutions at the Spanish Aitiip Technology Centre and project coordinator at the EU-funded Sisters project. The project has developed home compostable PLA packaging from agricultural side streams. With the four-year project...
Subscribe to our newsletters
By continuing to browse our site you agree to our Privacy Statement





























