Cryovac branding banner featuring 'Become the leader of the pack' message, whey protein pouch visual, and tagline 'Made for each other'.
AI and data optimization propel packaging material reduction innovation
AI and data optimization propel packaging material reduction innovation
AI and data utilization are increasingly important for improving material efficiency in the packaging sector, according to industry experts. At the same time, ongoing technological advances are enabling packagers to develop designs and inks that further reduce material use. Packaging Insights speaks to Colpac & Sabert, DS Smith, and PakTech about the latest technological solutions helping the industry players to reduce the use of packaging materials. 
Premium aesthetics and paperization to shape alcohol packaging design in 2026
Premium aesthetics and paperization to shape alcohol packaging design in 2026
Premium aesthetics, functionality, paperization, and optimized labeling are key trends driving the packaging transformation for alcoholic beverages. Packaging Insights speaks to Frugalpac, PulPac, and UPM Adhesive Materials about their latest alcohol packaging solutions and the industry shifts within the space. 
China eyes EU PPWR compliance as demand for recycled materials accelerates
China eyes EU PPWR compliance as demand for recycled materials accelerates
As the industry prepares for the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), demand for recycled materials is rising. A recent report by the Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS) and the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF) finds that this trend presents Chinese producers with an opportunity to align with EU standards early on and invest in R&D for recycled and bio-based materials. 
The Future of Steel Drums: Building Sustainability Into Every Component
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.
Moyu co-founder on reusable stone-based packs for e-commerce
Moyu co-founder on reusable stone-based packs for e-commerce
We speak to Roel Schatorjé, founder at Moyu, a stone stationary company, about its recent branch into e-commerce packaging. In the interview, we discuss the inspiration behind the Stonepacker, detailing its market adoption and durability, compared to conventional packaging materials.
Packaging industry 2025: Most read stories
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.

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Veterinary medicine packaging to face market checks in the UK
Veterinary medicine packaging to face market checks in the UK
The UK’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is set to introduce a packaging “surveillance” scheme for veterinary packaging from February 2, 2026. The VMD is a regulatory body responsible for overseeing veterinary medicines and medicated animal feed in the UK. 
Returnity provides US retailer with reusable packaging to modernize backrooms
Returnity provides US retailer with reusable packaging to modernize backrooms
Returnity has provided The Last Box, a reusable packaging solution, to a US retailer, deploying over 100,000 units within recent months. The solution aims to support the retailer in leveraging physical stores for multichannel commerce while improving inventory accuracy, fulfillment flow, and operational efficiency. The Last Box is said to replace disposable cardboard and other outdated packaging never intended for modern retail with containers developed to cycle through distribution centers and stores across key workflows.
Emerald Packaging replaces one million pounds of virgin plastic with PCR
Emerald Packaging replaces one million pounds of virgin plastic with PCR
Emerald Packaging has replaced over one million pounds of virgin PE with post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in 2025. The flexible packaging manufacturer says the shift toward PCR supports the goals of its industry partners. 
December in review: Global bioplastic developments, EPR in Southeast Asia, EU...
December in review: Global bioplastic developments, EPR in Southeast Asia, EU PPWR debates
Last month, we looked back at the biggest events and highlights of 2025, which brought tougher regulations, tariff uncertainty and greenwashing lawsuits. We also attended the European Bioplastics Conference 2025 to gain a deeper understanding of the current trends and challenges in the bioplastics industry. Meanwhile, we looked into Southeast Asia’s packaging reform and how the EU Environmental Omnibus sparked industry debate over PPWR simplification. 
Heineken Netherlands fined for DRS violation on beer cans
Heineken Netherlands fined for DRS violation on beer cans
Heineken Netherlands has been fined €1.5 million (US$1.6 million) by the Public Prosecution Service for selling beer cans without the mandatory deposit symbol, violating the country’s DRS.  Between April 1–11, 2023, Heineken distributed 7.2 million cans of beer without the DRS symbol. Mandatory deposits on cans were introduced in the Netherlands on April 1, 2023, in line with EU regulations. 
New year menus target GLP-1 users seeking high protein and low carb options
New year menus target GLP-1 users seeking high protein and low carb options

Food Ingredients First

Well-being and shifting diets take center stage as global consumers set their nutrition and food consumption goals for 2026. Weight management is a watchword at this time of year, as people shake off festive indulgences and begin a new chapter of health. Today’s food-related New Year’s resolutions include a new paradigm shift: the growing use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
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Packaging & Technology News
Packaging Insights reviews 2025: Tougher regulations,...
As another eventful year in the packaging industry comes to an end, we look back at the biggest events and highlights of 2025. The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force while DRS and EPR schemes expanded globally. Meanwhile, International Paper acquired DS Smith, Amcor and Berry Global Group merged, and Sealed Air announced its buyout. 
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Regulatory News
EU Environmental Omnibus sparks industry debate over PPWR...
The European Commission (EC) has published the new Environmental Omnibus to simplify environmental legislation in the circular packaging economy, industrial emissions, and environmental assessments. Packaging Insights speaks to Ecosurety, the European Organisation for Packaging and the Environment (EUROPEN), and Zero Waste Europe, to explore how the Environmental Omnibus will affect the packaging industry, including the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

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Sustainable packaging trendsJan2026

Innova Market Insights data reveals a rise in sustainable F&B packaging claims from October 2020 to September 2025. Consumers have shown a strong preference for sustainable packaging, with 65% sel...

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Next-gen glass circularity Jan 2026

According to data from Innova Market Insights, consumers view glass as a sustainable material for F&B packaging, with 34% of global consumers considering it to be very sustainable. In addition, 65% of consumers separate glass packaging in their household for recycling purposes.

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Packaging Insights’ sweet spot: Confectionery picksJan 2026

Confectionery launches showed a 2% year-over-year growth between October 2023 and September 2025, according to Innova Market Insights data. Nearly half of the launches occurred in flat pouches, and more than half were packaged in plastic. Meanwhile, launches featuring carbon labeling claims gained ground.

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Moyu co-founder on reusable stone-based packs for e-commerce

We speak to Roel Schatorjé, founder at Moyu, a stone stationary company, about its recent branch into e-commerce packaging. In the interview, we discuss the inspiration behind the Stonepacker, detailing its market adoption and durability, compared to conventional packaging materials.

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SEMICON 2025 Japan: Gyromatic Innovation presents RFID electronic shelf for advanced semiconductor packs
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Fi Europe 2025: FoodChain ID highlights EU–US packaging compliance gaps and AI-driven R&D
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SEMICON Japan 2025 live: Watttron talks heating tech for packaging and semiconductors
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