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TNO at Rethinking Materials

Rethinking Materials 2026: TNO showcases AI-powered polymer research

The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) has presented its PolyScout venture, which aims to develop bio-based and biodegradable polymers with packaging applications, at the Rethinking Materials 2026 Innovation and Investment Summit (April 28–29) in London, UK. “Our PolyScout and TNO teams attended Rethinking Materials to discuss the value chain with partners and how we can be of mutual help in finding sustainable solutions for material challenges,” Pieter Imhof, senior business developer at TNO and commercial lead at PolyScout, tells Packaging Insights. “We discussed regulations, some of which are already due in 2030, as well as finding circular alternatives to critical, unsafe, or fossil-based materials.”
Foodservice worker packages order
Foodservice packaging moves toward “verified sustainability” with fiberization & recyclability
Fiberization remains a driving force in foodservice packaging, but consumer and regulatory pressure are compelling brands to ensure their sustainability claims are substantiated through the use of monomaterial, recyclable materials, data, and tracking. Packaging Insights speaks to the UK’s Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA), Huhtamaki, and Siegwerk to find out more about the latest trends shaping foodservice packaging innovation.
Packaging factory workers
Rabobank experts: Post-mega merger era reshapes packaging industry competition
The packaging industry is entering a post-mega merger era, defined by consolidation, a prolonged downturn, and rising geopolitical uncertainty. Packaging Insights speaks with Rabobank Packaging & Logistics senior analysts Xinnan Li, Natasha Valeeva, and Jim Owen to examine how the sector is evolving. The discussion explores shifting competitive dynamics, future growth prospects, and the increasing impact of regulation and private equity on the industry.
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Eco-forward rigid plastic
As consumer concern around sustainability grows, the use of more eco-forward rigid materials is increasing. This is reflected in a rising number of F&B launches using more sustainable rigid packaging, particularly recyclable plastic. Most of these launches are concentrated in Europe.
Adam Gendell, The Recycling Partnership, PET Recycling, US Recycling Infrastructure, Recycling Policy, Plastic Recycling, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Policy And Regulation, Rec
The Recycling Partnership on rising volumes in US PET processing

We speak with Adam Gendell, director of material systems at The Recycling Partnership, about the disconnect between rising PET collection volumes and declining recycling capacity in the US. He also outlines the need for infrastructure investments and improved policy measures.

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Packaging Innovations 2026 review: Data, design & regulations drive circularity
Packaging Innovations 2026 in Birmingham, UK, welcomed 450 exhibitors showcasing circular packaging design. As the industry adapts to the UK’s packaging EPR and DRS launch, suppliers presented solutions catering to these regulatory shifts. Highlights included recycle-ready monomaterial solutions, compostable packaging and labels, and AI-assisted recyclability data analytics.

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Amcor finds convenience in hard cheese packaging drives consumer choice
hard cheese packaging
A study by Amcor and French cheese producer Laïta has revealed that 70% of consumers prefer easy-to-open packaging for hard cheese products, highlighting the importance of convenience and recyclability. Amcor and Laïta recently launched new packaging for Paysan Breton Emmental cheese blocks, Laïta’s flagship brand, using Amcor’s AmPrima PP film in the Easy Pack format with an adhesive tape for re-closability. 
Dow and RDM Group introduce circular food pack for PPWR compliance
paper fruit pallet
Dow and RDM Group have launched the Multiboard CirculaRR, a plastic-coated, paper-based food packaging to help brands prepare for the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The solution is suitable for foods such as frozen fish, cakes, fruit, or dry pet food. Multiboard CirculaRR utilizes RDM Group’s fiber-based packaging know-how and Dow’s plastic barrier expertise. 
Coverpla supports Anna Zini’s fragrance launch with packaging solutions
French Cowboy scent.
For the launch of French Cowboy fragrances, consultancy Anna Zini Fragrances & Cosmetics called on French packaging solution provider Coverpla for global primary packaging development in the form of bottle, cap, pump, and bespoke color solutions. 
Interpack 2026: Lecta to launch next-gen paper barrier packaging
paper based solutions
Lecta is set to unveil a new generation of EraCup paper cups at Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany (May 7–13), alongside its portfolio of paper-based barrier solutions. The range includes solutions for rigid and flexible F&B packaging and wet-glue labeling applications. 
China’s menstrual care brands refine packaging to boost shelf differentiation
Menstrual packaging design
In East Asia’s fast-moving consumer goods market for women’s menstrual products, there is a wide variety of packaging formats. To stand out on the shelf, it’s important to align with brand identity and appeal to target audience preferences, says Longhui Liu, a designer at Xinshijiao Creative Design Studio (Draw Studio) in China.  Packaging Insights speaks with Liu about her packaging design work for several Chinese menstrual hygiene brands, including SenseOF and Mian Mian De Yang. Her portfolio includes designs for products such as disposable tape-on underwear and sanitary pads.
Vitafoods Europe 2026 preview: Five key trends shaping healthy F&B innovation
Vitafoods Europe 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

Food Ingredients First

Vitafoods Europe 2026 promises to showcase the growing integration of health and wellness ingredients traditionally found in nutraceuticals into mainstream F&B products. The event in Barcelona, Spain, next week, will demonstrate how functional ingredients have become key differentiators for brands looking to win over increasingly health-conscious consumers. Visitors can expect to find functional ingredients ranging from protein innovations for metabolic health to probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics for gut health. Meanwhile, beauty‑from‑within ingredients, such as collagen, will demonstrate how mainstream brands are tapping into the growing demand for products that promote both internal health and external beauty.
Highlighted features
PakTech rHDPE multipack handle for beverage cans data-driven packaging guide visual
Technical paper
A data-driven guide to multipacking
How can CPG brands balance escalating regulatory pressures with changing consumer expectations in their multipacking decisions? Lifecycle analysis, performance testing, and total cost of ownership evaluation are critical in guiding evidence-based choices. Discover strategies to select the best material for the job across key metrics.This Technical Paper is brought to you by PakTech.
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Packaging & Technology News
ICIS World Polyolefins Conference live: Market volatility...
As the Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS) World Polyolefins Conference (April 21–22) takes place in Brussels, Belgium, ICIS tells us that the disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade are likely to impact polyolefin supply chains for months to come. The two-day event brings together stakeholders from across the global PE and PP value chains for high-level discussion.
Innova Top Packaging Trends 2026.
Special report
Top Packaging Trends 2026: Navigating sustainability,...
Innova Market Insights has announced its Top Packaging Trends 2026, with “Substantiated Sustainability” taking top spot. This trend emphasizes the need for verified environmental claims, driven by stricter regulations, such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging but are wary of greenwashing, meaning brands must back sustainability claims with scientific evidence. The second trend, “Digital-Enhanced Designs,” highlights the growing role of digital technologies like AI, augmented reality, and QR codes in packaging. These innovations improve consumer engagement and product traceability, while digital product passports offer detailed lifecycle data.

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Renewable rebellionApr2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates stable growth in F&B launches featuring “renewable packaging” claims between 2021 and 2025. Carton was the most commonly used packaging material, and launches...

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Packaging for Easter treats Apr 2026

Innova Market Insights data highlights rising momentum in Easter-related F&B packaging launches, with an average annual growth of 11% between 2021 and 2025. Brands are increasingly leveraging seasonal packaging to capture consumer attention, introducing playful shapes, innovative formats, and limited-edition designs. Colorful eggs, bunnies, and spring motifs continue to define F&B packaging design during the festive period.

Trend analysis

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Eco-forward rigid plasticApr 2026

As consumer concern around sustainability grows, the use of more eco-forward rigid materials is increasing. This is reflected in a rising number of F&B launches using more sustainable rigid packaging, particularly recyclable plastic. Most of these launches are concentrated in Europe.

Multimedia

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Adam Gendell, The Recycling Partnership, PET Recycling, US Recycling Infrastructure, Recycling Policy, Plastic Recycling, Sustainability, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Policy And Regulation, Rec
Video09:59
The Recycling Partnership on rising volumes in US PET processing

We speak with Adam Gendell, director of material systems at The Recycling Partnership, about the disconnect between rising PET collection volumes and declining recycling capacity in the US. He also outlines the need for infrastructure investments and improved policy measures.

Ton Kommers, Bizerba
Video04:45
Empack 2026: Bizerba launches CO2 leak detection system for food safety
Fuji Packaging, Peter Matel, Empack 2026, Flow Packaging, Flow Wrapping, Packaging Automation, Machinery And Automation, Tech And Innovation, Monomaterial Packaging, EU Packaging Regulation, Packaging
Video11:15
Empack 2026: Fuji Packaging demonstrates flow packaging range for system efficiency
Empack 2026 Domino Printing Sciences video thumbnail: Man smiling at a Domino trade show booth with large display screen and industrial printing equipment in a modern exhibition space
Video06:52
Empack 2026: Domino Printing Sciences presents digital coding and serialization for compliance
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