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PET bottle production

EU sets chemical recycling calculation rules for PET bottles

The European Commission (EC) has adopted a new Implementing Decision on the calculation, verification, and reporting of data on chemically recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles for compliance with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).   The EC says that with the new rules, it aims to ensure transparency in the calculation of chemically recycled PET, to “level the playing field,” and secure the plastic recycling sector. “Europe’s plastic recycling sector faces mounting pressures,” adds Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.  “The new rules on chemical recycling are part of the answer to that challenge.” 
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Aluminum can makers rethink design as circularity meets consumer convenience
Aluminum can designs are evolving to meet consumer and manufacturing demands. Canovation, Henkel Adhesive Technologies, and Sonoco tell Packaging Insights how resealable all-metal cans, water-based sealants, lightweighting, and digital process optimization are  helping can makers improve efficiency and circularity. “We see five key drivers shaping the next generation of aluminum can innovation: sustainability, economics, health and safety compliance, branding and marketing, as well as consumer experience,” Jeff Grajewski, chief operations officer at Canovation, tells us. 
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Sealed Air exec: Proof, not promises, will drive packaging sustainability claims
Despite the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s (PPWR) complexity, it offers companies the opportunity to truly support a circular economy — but only if transparency and traceability are prioritized, says Arnaud Brunet, executive director for Food Products, Marketing, and Sustainability EMEA, at Sealed Air.As the deadline for the PPWR approaches, Packaging Insights sits down with Brunet to discuss how companies can beat eco-fatigue and use the momentum of the landmark regulation to take “decisive steps” in packaging redesign.
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Trends in dessert packaging
Innova Market Insights data indicates a 9% increase in new dessert launches between April 2025 and March 2026. Among these launches, 44% feature recyclable packaging claims, while compostable packaging claims are growing the fastest. At the same time, consumers say they prefer resealable packaging when purchasing desserts.
GREIF promotional graphic for a science-based look at fluoridation and PFAS, featuring a white plastic container and Access Now button
A Science Based Look at Fluorination and PFAS.
Are all fluorinated packaging technologies created equal? Or are we oversimplifying risk? Greif examines how process chemistry, particularly oxygen control, fundamentally shapes PFAS outcomes. Backed by validated data and scientific rigor, this paper reframes barrier selection for regulators, engineers, and decision-makers seeking compliant, high-performance packaging solutions.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Greif.
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RAWS scales biodegradable plastic additive to tackle packaging waste
Return to Air, Water, and Soil (RAWS) Americas is a US-based plastics technology company that creates an additive for plastic to make it biodegradable. We speak to Camilo Ferro, president at the company, about scaling RAWS technology amid the industry’s effort to innovate end-of-life solutions for plastic packaging waste.

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Nerea aims to scale chemical recycling amid standardization push
Chemical recycling facility
Neste, Alterra, and Technip Energies have launched Nerea, a modular chemical recycling plant solution that aims to standardize chemical recycling processes and ramp up industry adoption. The comprehensive solution coincides with the European Chemical Industry Council’s (Cefic) call for an EU-wide harmonized end-of-waste criteria for chemical recycling and the launch of the Certification Standard for Responsible Chemical Recycling by the Scientific Certification Systems’ (SCS) Standards and Assurance Systems development body — highlighting industry efforts to create a common framework for the technology. 
Epson targets small businesses with compact color label and badge printer
A white printer with a label
Epson has introduced the ColorWorks CW-D3800, a compact color label and badge printer engineered for easy on-demand labeling, and the Label Boost software suite, a portfolio of label design and print software solutions for Epson label printers. The CW-D3800 is developed for reliable, low-volume color label printing, providing an on-demand color labeling solution for visitor management and custom, private, or seasonal product labels.
Mondi and Thai Union launch recyclable tuna pouch for John West ready meals
woman looking at tuna packaging in supermarket
Mondi has equipped Thai Union, a seafood company, with a recyclable monomaterial pouch for its John West Stir & Serve ready-meal tuna product, available in UK supermarkets Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Asda, and Ocado. Thai Union explains that the ready-meal and meal kit industry “continues to boom” across Europe as consumer demand for convenient formats grows. Earlier this year, Innova Market Insights identified ready-meal formats as a Top Packaging Trend for 2026. 
Boral to move from paper to recycled plastic bags for construction materials
A person in a hard hat standing next to bags
Boral, a construction materials company, is set to switch its bagged dry mix products manufactured at its Maldon facility in Australia to packaging made from recycled plastic, which is fully recyclable at the end of life.The company plans to roll out the new packaging incrementally from mid-July across a range of bagged products, including concrete, mortar, sand and cement, grout, and sand-based mixes.
China enforces express delivery packaging rules to reduce waste
A person packing a box.
China’s first mandatory national standard targeting excessive packaging in express delivery, the Requirements for Restricting Excessive Packaging in Express Delivery, came into effect on July 1. The new national standard sets key indicators for the size and suitability of express packaging boxes, the number of packaging layers, and the amount of sealing tape used, defining the baseline requirements for limiting excessive packaging in express delivery, including e-commerce parcels.
Why healthy aging is moving beyond supplements into mainstream F&B
Older consumer shopping for healthy food products.

Food Ingredients First

Healthy aging is no longer a niche conversation confined to capsules, tablets, and specialist nutrition. As consumers live longer, stay active later in life, and look for convenient ways to support mobility, mainstream F&B brands are beginning to borrow more confidently from the nutraceutical playbook. For F&B formulators, this shift is opening new white space around everyday formats that support muscle, strength, recovery, and mobility. Dairy drinks, ready-to-drink beverages, and functional snacks are becoming potential carriers for ingredients once more commonly associated with sports nutrition or supplement aisles.
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June Industry Review
Packaging & Technology News
June in review: Top Packaging Trends 2026, FIFA’s...
Last month, Packaging Insights’ webinar, Top Packaging Trends 2026, explored how brands can thrive in a fast-changing market, with packaging industry experts highlighting the forces shaping the future of F&B packaging. The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off, sparking discussions about the future of single-use foodservice packaging at large-scale venues, as well as the safety considerations associated with some reusable formats. Additionally, we explored the latest developments in EPR in the US and how packagers in the EU are preparing for the looming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) August deadline. 
Woman refills reusable personal care packaging
Packaging & Technology News
Refillable packaging under PPWR: Personal care & e-commerce...
Major packaging companies are increasingly looking to develop refillable and reusable alternatives to single-use packaging as the August 12 implementation deadline of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) approaches. DS Smith has launched the Reuse Fast Track initiative alongside the French wings of e-commerce manufacturers and suppliers Re-Zip and Raja Group to push for reusable fiber-based packaging in line with the PPWR.  Meanwhile, consumer research conducted by Amcor finds that consumers are becoming “more receptive” to refillable personal care formats, driven by affordability and environmental considerations. 
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Packaging & Technology News
Burgopak packages at-home mole screening kit for Map My Mole
Burgopak, a packaging design agency based in the UK, has developed new packaging for the Image Capture Kit from Map My Mole, a private service that provides remote assessments of moles and skin lesions.The kit contains a clinical dermoscope, which is a magnifying lens attachment for smartphones. The lens allows users to capture medical-quality images of moles at home for assessment by a consultant dermatologist, requiring packaging that provides security and protection.

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Compostable packaging leadersJun2026

Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers are willing to justify a higher price for a product if it comes with sustainable (including compostable) packaging. 42% of these launches were in Europ...

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Creative aluminum can designs shape beverage packaging Jul 2026

Aluminum can design is trending toward vibrant color blocking, soft gradients, and unexpected color palettes that help drinks stand out instantly on crowded shelves. Brands are also embracing illustrated, hand-drawn styles and playful mascots to add personality and storytelling, blending craft-inspired artwork with modern, clean packaging layouts.

Trend analysis

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Trends in dessert packagingJul 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 9% increase in new dessert launches between April 2025 and March 2026. Among these launches, 44% feature recyclable packaging claims, while compostable packaging claims are growing the fastest. At the same time, consumers say they prefer resealable packaging when purchasing desserts.

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RAWS Americas video thumbnail: Smiling man in a blazer beside a close-up pattern of amber-colored plastic pellets
Video19:28
RAWS scales biodegradable plastic additive to tackle packaging waste

Return to Air, Water, and Soil (RAWS) Americas is a US-based plastics technology company that creates an additive for plastic to make it biodegradable. We speak to Camilo Ferro, president at the company, about scaling RAWS technology amid the industry’s effort to innovate end-of-life solutions...

Cheryl Caudill, Greif
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Interpack 2026: Greif on PPWR, barrier packaging and digital customer solutions
Promotional webinar graphic featuring packaged fresh fruit in clear plastic containers, with text about PPWR readiness and packaging supply chain compliance, scheduled for 24 June at 3pm CEST, alongsi
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PPWR Deadline: Streamline Supply Chain Compliance Before August 12, 2026
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Siegwerk combines white ink and oxygen barrier in one layer with CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE
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