Premium macarons in plastic tray with black paper band reading “Premium Macarons,” alongside ATS Unique Banding banner text: “Minimize packaging and plastic with paper banding. Visit us at Interpack in Düsseldorf, Hall 11 / D60.”
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Rethinking Materials 2026 live: Kraft Heinz and Polytag highlight harmonized data and cross-industry efforts

As packaging industry leaders assess material innovations at Rethinking Materials 2026 in London, UK, (April 28–29), Alice Rackley, CEO at Polytag, underscores that traceability and end-of-life challenges remain key barriers to the adoption of sustainable materials. Meanwhile, a Kraft Heinz spokesperson highlights the importance of cross-industry collaboration in driving material innovation and regulatory compliance. 
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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Sealed Air spotlights Cryovac films for food packaging optimization
Meat packaged in cyovac flexible film
Sealed Air is highlighting its Cryovac Shrinkable Rollstock PrimeVac, designed for use with the Flow-Vac system on packaging lines to optimize food packaging processes. “Food processors continue to face pressures such as labor shortages, rising costs, and regulatory requirements, which are all influencing how production lines are managed,” says Sealed Air. “Packaging is becoming more closely linked to throughput, more efficient operations, and cost control.”
Interpack 2026 preview: Industry experts highlight efficiency & regulatory...
Interpack trade show
Efficiency is emerging as a key theme among packaging companies exhibiting at the 2026 edition of Interpack. As the industry faces a complex operating environment with mounting regulatory and supply chain pressures, companies plan to showcase high-performance solutions, including machinery, materials, and digital tools. Ahead of the world’s largest processing and packaging trade show, taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany (May 7–13), we speak to Greiner Packaging, PakTech, Recyda, and TNA Solutions to find out how they aim to streamline operations and improve performance while ensuring costs remain feasible.
Aptar Beauty creates aerosol lock system for consumer inclusivity
aerosol bottles
Aptar Beauty has launched the aerosol Double Click dispensing system for enhanced user inclusivity and e-commerce reliability in personal care applications. It is compatible with the patented Twist-to-Lock collection, a range of hoodless aerosol actuators. The aerosol dispensing system audibly confirms to consumers that the actuator is securely locked. It also features tactile cues like textured finger pads or ribbed collars to ensure confidence and ease of use for consumers with different levels of mobility. 
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. 
Ineos’s Project One permit faces legal scrutiny over emissions risks
project one
A coalition of NGOs is challenging the Flemish government’s approval of Ineos’s Project One, an ethane cracker in Belgium, due to concerns over the environmental and health impacts associated with the plant's emissions. Project One has been at the center of legal disputes since it was first suggested in 2019.  Following a hearing yesterday at the Flemish Council for Permit Disputes, a ruling on Project One is expected in the next two months. Previously, Nathalie Meert, communications and external relations manager at Ineos, explained to Packaging Insights that the energy company was disappointed that NGOs continue to pursue legal obstruction rather than “open dialogue, despite our clear invitation to engage directly on their concerns.” 
April in review: UN FAO food security warning, Coffee leaders merge, Cultivated...
April 2026 F&B industry highlights.

Food Ingredients First

In April 2026, the UN FAO’s chief economist warned that a prolonged Strait of Hormuz crisis could result in a “global agri-food catastrophe,” urging anticipatory policy actions to mitigate a supply crunch for key agri-food inputs like fertilizer. PepsiCo boosted its revenue through consumer price cuts and healthier snack sales. Fonterra sold its global consumer business to global dairy leader Lactalis. Keurig Dr Pepper acquired JDE Peet’s to form an expanded coffee giant.
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.

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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.

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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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