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April in review: Supply chain disruptions, regulatory shifts & AI surge

Last month, the impact of the US–Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz blockade on supply chains continued to disrupt the packaging industry. The short- and long-term effects of the upheaval emerged as key topics at industry events, including Empack 2026 in the Netherlands, the ICIS World Polyolefins Conference 2026 in Belgium, and the upcoming Interpack 2026 show in Germany. Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty also affected the industry. In Europe, industry groups warned that the European Commission’s new guidance on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) left key gaps around recyclability and PFAS, while in the UK, glass manufacturers called for a pause to its packaging EPR (pEPR) over unintended material impacts.
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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Pet food packaging trends
Innova Market Insights data indicates that new pet food launches have gained ground, with 3% growth from 2021 to 2025. Most of these launches were packed in plastic, but metal packaging is also gaining traction. Nearly half of pet food launches were in standing pouches, while the use of folded boxes is increasing.
PakTech rHDPE multipack handle for beverage cans data-driven packaging guide visual
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.
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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US court denies paper group’s bid to join EPR lawsuit, sparking industry concern
woman reaching for something in supermarket fridge
A US court’s decision to block the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) from joining a lawsuit against Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act has raised concern about the impact of the legislation on the paper packaging industry. Earlier this year, Oregon’s EPR law was temporarily blocked after the National Association of Wholesaler Distributors (NAW) argued it was unconstitutional and imposed burdensome fees on distributors. 
Stora Enso unveils unbleached foodservice tray for premium finish
foodservice tray
Stora Enso has launched the Trayforma Brown, a fiber-based and unbleached foodservice tray that aims to respond to consumer demand for a premium natural appearance. It is reportedly the first of its kind to also support oven heating and can withstand temperatures up to 220 degrees Celsius with a transparent PET coating. 
Simplifying bath time: Aptar unlocks single-handed dispensing with lidless...
small dog in the bath
Aptar Closures has unveiled its inverted lidless closures for convenience and cleanliness in beauty and personal care packaging. The dispensing system features Aptar’s patented SimpliSqueeze valve for single-handed dispensing.The 50-year-old dispensing solutions company has launched the family of inverted lidless closures featuring Cleo and Airy, the two offerings of the line. The closures offer the personal care industry “ready-to-dispense” packaging solutions with reduced drippage and ergonomic daily use.
Rethinking Materials 2026: TNO showcases AI-powered polymer research
TNO at Rethinking Materials
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.”
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. 
Carbon dioxide supply shortage threatens Europe’s beer and beverage sectors
Worker pouring beer at brewery.

Food Ingredients First

Carbon dioxide supply is tightening across parts of Europe and the UK’s beer and drinks industry, driven by reduced output from ammonia and fertilizer plants that produce CO₂ as a byproduct. The constraint is feeding through into carbonation, packaging, and dispensing operations across breweries and soft drinks manufacturers. The squeeze is primarily linked to higher natural gas costs and intermittent shutdowns or reduced production at fertilizer facilities. Since CO₂ is not produced independently at scale for the F&B industry, availability is directly tied to industrial ammonia output.
Highlighted features
Interpack trade show
Packaging & Technology News
Interpack 2026 preview: Industry experts highlight...
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.
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.
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.

Packaging focus

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Sustainable power: Unlocking paper & paper band packaging for F&BMay2026

Innova Market Insights data shows that 89% of consumers globally perceive paper as a sustainable material. This shift in perception is driving increased use of paper-based packaging, with a rise in la...

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Labeling that connects May 2026

According to a survey by Appetite Creative and Koenig & Bauer, the packaging industry’s confidence in connected packaging has reached 92.3%, with adoption rising to 81.2% and skepticism falling. Labels are no longer just about compliance or shelf appeal; they are helping brands build transparency, supporting smarter purchasing decisions, and extending the consumer journey beyond the pack.  

Trend analysis

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Pet food packaging trendsMay 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that new pet food launches have gained ground, with 3% growth from 2021 to 2025. Most of these launches were packed in plastic, but metal packaging is also gaining traction. Nearly half of pet food launches were in standing pouches, while the use of folded boxes is increasing.

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
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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
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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
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Empack 2026: Domino Printing Sciences presents digital coding and serialization for compliance
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