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UK Plastic Packaging Tax sidelines bio-based alternatives, warns Duo Packaging

The UK’s Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) has drawn criticism from Duo Packaging, which argues that the policy unintentionally disadvantages bio-based plastics by treating them in the same way as fossil-based plastics. The PPT, introduced in 2022, requires manufacturers to pay a tax if they have produced or imported plastic packaging components in the UK — including bio-based plastics — that contain less than 30% recycled plastic. 
Woman refills reusable packaging
Refill systems advance amid demand for convenience and material reduction
Eco-conscious consumers are growing accustomed to refillable packaging, but as brands face ever more rigorous regulations, suppliers have to break new ground. Packaging Insights speaks to Amcor, Coveris, and SP Group to better understand how their refill solutions are helping clients reduce packaging weight, introduce recycled content, and push for recyclability. “Demand for refillable and reusable packaging continues to grow, driven by a combination of consumer preferences, sustainability objectives, and evolving regulation,” Ellen Seyda, director of Sustainability for Rigid Packaging Solutions International at Amcor, tells us. 
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FlavorCloud CEO: Global e-commerce sellers redesign packaging to comply with PPWR
Packaging compliance will evolve from a largely documentation-led obligation into a measurable design and data discipline, says Rathna Sharad, CEO at FlavorCloud. Global sellers are increasingly rethinking packaging systems to meet evolving EU regulations while reducing waste, costs, and environmental impacts. 
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Trends in snack pack launches
Innova Market Insights data indicates that snack launches grew at a +8% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. Flat pouches accounted for 50% of these launches, aligning with consumer preferences for purchasing salty snacks in pouches. Cup packaging formats showed the fastest growth, while plastic was the dominant packaging material.
Bricspack dual-head non-stop sleeve labeling machine for 36,000 BPH production
Dual-head Redundancy Non-Stop Sleeve Labeling by Bricspack
Bricspack’s dual-head redundancy system enables non-stop sleeve labeling without film splicing. Two independent sleeving heads, dual mandrels, and cutter systems provide hot-standby switching, while intelligent bottle-tracking and closed-loop compensation reduce omissions and defects. Validated at 36,000 BPH, the solution simplifies maintenance, improves fault tolerance, and significantly lowers total ownership costs.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Shanghai Bricspack.
Portrait of a woman in a circular frame beside a pile of colorful discarded plastic bottles for recycling.
Industrial Physics underscores pack testing as rPET and lightweighting reshape performance

Natalia Ciesla, strategic segment manager at Industrial Physics, talks to us about how recycled PET (rPET) content and lightweighting are impacting bottle performance requirements. She discusses how testing can validate changes at production scale, and how quality assurance may evolve alongside sustainability targets.

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Waco completes Tokyo trial of smart public water refill station
Water refill machines
Waco Corp, a manufacturer of water purifiers and water treatment systems headquartered in South Korea, has completed a proof of concept for its redesigned Atlas smart public water refill station in Tokyo, Japan.The company has changed the exterior of Atlas, creating a “futuristic” look designed to harmonize with public spaces. The new exterior is said to improve the product’s visual quality while showcasing the reliability and stability expected of equipment installed in public spaces.
BrauBeviale 2026: Krones targets alcohol-free beer growth with filling &...
Krones bottle
Krones will showcase its processing, filling, and digital solutions for the brewing industry at BrauBeviale 2026 (November 10–12) in Nürnberg, Germany. The German bottling solutions provider says it is targeting the “growing global demand for alcohol-free beers” with its trade show appearance.  The company is set to present its Lavasonic Hi bottle cleaning technology, featuring a new high-intensity module that uses ultrasound for cleaning, and said to reduce energy and water consumption. Krones’ booth will include its “further developed” Modulfill Hes, a new generation of fillers entering serial production at the end of this year. According to the company, the system can offer outputs of up to 78,000 glass bottles per hour.  
Kirin and JSW advance PET chemical recycling with 95% depolymerization...
JSW's technology
Kirin Holdings’ Packaging Innovation Institute and The Japan Steel Works (JSW) have successfully developed and tested a PET chemical recycling technology, achieving over 95% depolymerization. The demonstration test highlighted the alkaline depolymerization technology that rapidly depolymerized PET using production-scale equipment. The companies say that the process takes commercialization into consideration. Kirin developed the alkaline depolymerization technology, which used JSW’s Twin Screw Extruder TEX αⅢ series, a co-rotating processing system for advanced polymer compounding, reactive extrusion, and recycling. 
World Packaging Day: WPO introduces global celebration to raise awareness
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The World Packaging Organization (WPO) has designated September 6th as World Packaging Day to raise global awareness of packaging as a “strategic enabler of our modern life in society.”“Packaging is present in every aspect of our daily lives, serving society across the globe by allowing efficient production chains and logistics, product preservation, and functional usability, reducing losses and waste, enhancing sustainability in consumption, and most of all, safe and convenient access to goods for a better quality of life for society,” says Luciana Pellegrino, president of the WPO.
China’s flexible packaging market balances recyclability, barrier & production...
A flexographic press producing printed packaging labels at SZKAYU Packaging's manufacturing facility in China.
In China’s flexible packaging market, brands and converters are balancing material reduction and monomaterial demands with strict barrier performance, cost constraints, and high-speed production realities. Zhengsen Luo, director at Szkayu Packaging, a China-based manufacturer of custom flexible packaging, printed rollstock, and labels, explains that bridging the gap between recyclability and commercial viability requires connecting material science and digital prepress early in product development.
Fi Asia Indonesia 2026 preview: Five trends reshaping regional formulation
Skyline in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Food Ingredients First

Healthier products will not be enough to win Southeast Asian consumers if they compromise on enjoyment or price. At Fi Asia Indonesia 2026 (Sep 16–18), ingredient suppliers will showcase their latest solutions enabling manufacturers to combine improved nutrition and functionality with standout sensory experiences, affordability, and local market readiness. Mandy Zhang, director and marketing category lead for Texture and Healthful Solutions Asia-Pacific at Ingredion, sums up the tension facing manufacturers: “Today’s APAC consumers want it all. They are increasingly health-conscious and navigating emergent needs around affordability and convenience, yet they still continue to crave indulgent taste and textures.”
Highlighted features
August review
Packaging & Technology News
August in review: EU’s PPWR starts applying, scientists...
Last month, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into effect, generally applying as of August 12, and Packaging Insights looked back at our regulatory development coverage. Meanwhile, researchers in the US and China identified a gap in the draft UN Global Plastics Treaty text and proposed a reporting framework for improved accountability. We spoke to Julio Cordano, Chair of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, about accountability concerns and the next phase of informal meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, in September. 
Bricspack dual-head non-stop sleeve labeling machine for 36,000 BPH production
Technical paper
Dual-head Redundancy Non-Stop Sleeve Labeling by Bricspack
Bricspack’s dual-head redundancy system enables non-stop sleeve labeling without film splicing. Two independent sleeving heads, dual mandrels, and cutter systems provide hot-standby switching, while intelligent bottle-tracking and closed-loop compensation reduce omissions and defects. Validated at 36,000 BPH, the solution simplifies maintenance, improves fault tolerance, and significantly lowers total ownership costs.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Shanghai Bricspack.
Peak Nano nanolayer film technology using the same polymers
Technical paper
Engineering New Film Capabilities Through Nanolayer...
Peak Nano’s nanolayering technology engineers commercially available polymers into high-performance films using existing extrusion equipment. By creating nanoscale layers as thin as 25 nanometers, the technology can improve barrier performance, toughness and recyclability while reducing costly materials and tie layers—accelerating next-generation packaging development without waiting for new polymer chemistry.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Peak Nano.

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Nutrition packaging formatsAug2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that as consumers increasingly incorporate supplements and sports nutrition into their daily routines, product launches continue to grow, driving innovation in nu...

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Caps & closures reimagined Sep 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that product launches have increased over the past two years, with reclosable claims showing particularly strong growth, reaching a +15% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. As reclosability gains momentum, caps and closures are becoming an increasingly important area for packaging innovation.

Trend analysis

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Trends in snack pack launchesSep 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that snack launches grew at a +8% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. Flat pouches accounted for 50% of these launches, aligning with consumer preferences for purchasing salty snacks in pouches. Cup packaging formats showed the fastest growth, while plastic was the dominant packaging material.

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Portrait of a woman in a circular frame beside a pile of colorful discarded plastic bottles for recycling.
Video14:49
Industrial Physics underscores pack testing as rPET and lightweighting reshape performance

Natalia Ciesla, strategic segment manager at Industrial Physics, talks to us about how recycled PET (rPET) content and lightweighting are impacting bottle performance requirements. She discusses how testing can validate changes at production scale, and how quality assurance may evolve alongside...

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Yangi scales dry-forming fiber technology for plastic MAP food tray replacement
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Smart Robotics showcases AI-driven Smart Palletizer 2.0
ProAmpac video thumbnail: Man standing beside sustainable product packaging displays, including chocolate nutraceutical protein powder and dried mang
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ProAmpac spotlights fiber-based flexibles and active moisture technology
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