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October in review

October in review: Pack Expo & Material Week Tokyo reflect changing industry priorities

This month, Packaging Insights attended two major industry trade shows: Pack Expo 2026 in Chicago, US (Oct 18–21), and Highly-Functional Material Week Tokyo 2026 in Japan (Sep 30–Oct 2). While automation and convenient formats emerged as significant topics at Pack Expo 2026, and plastic innovation stood out as a key development at Material Week Tokyo 2026, both events highlighted how global packaging regulations are impacting the industry and driving material optimization. 
Male worker in bottling factory checking water bottles before shipment. Inspection quality control.
Fujifilm and Segede rethink materials and printing to boost resource efficiency
Concerns over raw material extraction, energy-intensive production, and weak regulatory compliance are fueling the packaging industry to develop more resource-efficient solutions. Increasingly, producers and value chain players are innovating in material reduction solutions, streamlined printing processes, and greater use of recycled and renewable materials to combat the Earth’s increasingly fragile supply of finite resources that are used in packaging, such as fossil fuels, metals, and mineral raw materials. 
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FSSC warns packaging reduction can drive food waste if protection fails
Material reduction innovations are growing across the F&B industry as regulations and sustainability targets attempt to reduce packaging waste. However, Antoinette Maake, technical officer at Foundation FSSC, warns that only when essential food-protection and usability functions remain “fully effective,” can material reduction contribute to environmental benefits.  Foundation FSSC (Food Safety System Certification) is an independent non-profit organization based in the Netherlands that manages the FSSC 22000 Scheme for food safety certification.
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Next-gen packaging reshapes bakery aisle
Innova Market Insights data indicates that bakery packaging launches grew at a CAGR of 4% from July 2021 to June 2026. Flat pouches were the leading format, with plastic remaining the top packaging material and carton gaining momentum. Recyclable was the leading sustainability claim, while responsible source claims continued to gain ground.
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Circular by design: unlocking sustainable packaging solutions
Meeting the global challenge of plastic waste and building a low-carbon and circular economy requires innovation, investment and collaboration. Read the LyondellBasell (LYB) white paper to explore how smart packaging design can help optimize packaging performance, reduce material complexity, improve recyclability and support circularity goals.This Technical Paper is brought to you by LyondellBasell.
SACMI exhibition stand showcasing industrial packaging machinery, with a man in a blue suit and red tie featured in a circular inset.
Pack Expo 2026: Sacmi Packaging & Chocolate USA CEO talks flowpack automation
Ed Young, CEO of Sacmi Packaging & Chocolate USA, emphasized the increasing importance of automation for workplace optimization in packaging factories, as the company presented its fully automated horizontal and vertical flowpack machines.

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CBE JU spotlights bio-based packaging innovation for food and energy security
People standing together talking
The Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) took part in the Global Bioeconomy Summit (GBS2026) in Dublin, Ireland, showcasing 29 bio-based solutions engineered by its funded projects.  The theme of GBS2026 was “Bioeconomy for Socio-Economic Transformation and Climate Action.” It framed discussions on how bio-based solutions in packaging and other areas can contribute to addressing food and energy security, biodiversity loss, and climate change. 
BW Packaging targets hygienic cheese production with high-speed flow wrapper
cheese packaging machine
BW Packaging, Barry-Wehmiller’s packaging machinery business, has unveiled the Hayssen X650, a flow wrapper that aims to help manufacturers provide hermetic sealing, sanitation, and product quality for cheese packaging. The solution responds to industry demand for efficient machinery that delivers long-term sterility and heat sealing to sensitive products. 
United Caps expands carton closure portfolio to target flexible sourcing
A red cap on a white carton
United Caps is expanding its portfolio with carton packaging closures designed to run on existing tethered and non-tethered packaging lines without requiring machine modifications or setting adjustments. United Caps’ portfolio currently centers on the established 23 H-Pak and is set to expand with 27 H-Pak (Alu & Alu-Free complexes). The two solutions can be applied to dairy, juice, stocks, soups, and selected non-liquid products. 
Calyx Containers launches packaging procurement AI software at Supply Side...
A woman working with computers
Calyx Containers has introduced its PackOS software to optimize packaging procurement processes. The US-based cannabis packaging manufacturer, supplier, and technology company launched the AI-powered tool at Supply Side Global 2026 in Las Vegas, US (Oct 26–30). “For the past decade, we’ve worked alongside brands to solve some of the most complicated packaging challenges, and we’ve seen firsthand how much time, money, and opportunity get lost in the process,” says Alex Gonzalez, co-founder and president of Calyx. 
Europe’s plastic packaging waste rises as recycling struggles to keep pace
woman sorting plastic packaging waste into kitchen bin
New Eurostat findings have revealed that in 2024, 35.9 kg of plastic packaging waste was generated per person in the EU, of which 15.3 kg was recycled. The EU’s statistical office also found that, in total, 81.5 million metric tons of packaging waste was generated in the EU in 2024. Packaging waste per capita increased by 3.2 kg compared with 2023, and by 19.6 kg compared with 2014. 
Halloween 2026 candy trends turn sour, crunchy and unexpected
children taking candies at halloween

Food Ingredients First

F&B innovation opportunities are moving beyond spooky colors and limited-edition packaging as consumers globally gear up to celebrate Halloween tomorrow. NPD priorities are shifting toward creating surprise through flavor progression and multisensory effects, while increasingly complex concepts are raising formulation challenges around stability and shelf life. Sour candy demand is rising, crunch is gaining traction, and manufacturers are experimenting with heat, layering, freeze-drying, and unexpected category crossovers to enhance the consumer appeal of festive offerings. 
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Coca-Cola, Nestlé & Danone to revise plastic bottle...
Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Danone have committed to changing recycling claims advertised on their plastic bottles after a dialogue with the European Commission (EC) and the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) network. The changes aim to provide consumers with “fair and clear information” about the recycling characteristics of the bottles, in line with the requirements under EU consumer law. 
international trade fair logo in big hall
Packaging & Technology News
Pack Expo 2026 review: Industry balances material...
Over 72,000 total packaging and processing professionals attended the Pack Expo 2026 trade show in Chicago, US, last week (Oct 18–21). Conversations with companies on the show floor highlighted the growing industry demand for material optimization and recyclable packaging structures amid evolving regulatory requirements. Packaging Insights spoke to Peak Nano, ProAmpac, Uflex, and SIG about the packaging industry’s efforts to reduce material use without compromising performance, increase the availability of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, and simplify structures to support recyclability. 
woman looks at fruit at supermarket
Packaging & Technology News
EPR reshapes Latin American packaging from performance to...
EPRs in Latin America are shifting packaging design focus beyond branding and performance, toward including design that centers on end-of-life circularity. Across Latin America, many countries have adopted national EPR laws that assign producers responsibility for packaging waste. The legislation is forcing brands to take responsibility for all packaging materials placed on the market — and any subsequent environmental impact it may have. 

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Trends in AI use for packaging manufacturingOct2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that more manufacturers are launching products in new packaging formats. The growing number of formats, materials, and sustainability requirements is creating mor...

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New Halloween launches: Playful names, familiar packaging Oct 2026

Innova Market Insights data highlights Halloween-themed F&B launches that rely on established packaging formats, including folded boxes, flat and standing pouches, aluminum cans, and plastic cups, bottles, and trays. Familiar formats get a spooky makeover, with black cats, ghosts, jack-o’-lanterns, and monsters doing the talking.

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Next-gen packaging reshapes bakery aisleOct 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that bakery packaging launches grew at a CAGR of 4% from July 2021 to June 2026. Flat pouches were the leading format, with plastic remaining the top packaging material and carton gaining momentum. Recyclable was the leading sustainability claim, while responsible source claims continued to gain ground.

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SACMI exhibition stand showcasing industrial packaging machinery, with a man in a blue suit and red tie featured in a circular inset.
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Pack Expo 2026: Sacmi Packaging & Chocolate USA CEO talks flowpack automation

Ed Young, CEO of Sacmi Packaging & Chocolate USA, emphasized the increasing importance of automation for workplace optimization in packaging factories, as the company presented its fully automated horizontal and vertical flowpack machines.

Pack Expo 2026 Leibinger Group video thumbnail: Smiling man in glasses and a grey blazer pictured alongside the Leibinger 2D JET industrial inkjet printer with touchscreen display.
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Pack Expo 2026: Leibinger CCO spotlights GS1 Sunrise coding solution
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Pack Expo 2026: Tetra Pak targets on-the-go protein demand with small-format packs
Milana, Pack Expo
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Pack Expo 2026 recap: Automation, regulation & packaging evolution
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