Royal Avebe promotional graphic for PerfectaFILM PFAS-free plant-based barrier coatings for fibre-based food packaging
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Inflation reshapes dairy packaging with smaller packs and value formats

Rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures are pushing consumers to prioritize price and value in dairy packaging, says Julia Trebels, global category and consumer insights manager at SIG. “Consumers are prioritizing price and value in dairy, driving growth in private label products, trading down to lower-priced brands, and increased demand for smaller pack sizes or value formats, while still expecting quality, innovation, and sustainability,” Trebels tells Packaging Insights. 
Man at grocery store
Beyond materials: Packaging technology as a tool against food waste
Food protection is the primary function of F&B packaging. But amid rising environmental concerns, consumers are demanding the sector design circular and safe solutions. Every component of packaging has a part to play in protecting food and reducing waste. Conversations around barriers and coatings, paper-based, monomaterial, and recycled content solutions, are at the forefront of an industry juggling two different sustainability metrics. As the global food waste bill continues to rise, it threatens the UN’s goal to halve global food waste by 2030. Research commissioned by Avery Dennison revealed that the economic cost of food waste across the global supply chain is forecast to reach US$540 billion by 2026. 
Maud Lelièvre
Cosmogen: Demand for airtight and portable packaging grows in personal care
The shift toward airtight, dose-precise, and portable options is shaping personal care packaging innovation, as brands continue to navigate a “tension” between premium packaging aesthetics and recyclability, says Maud Lelièvre, marketing and communication director at Cosmogen. Cosmogen, a France-based packaging company, designs luxury personal care packaging for the health, wellness, and beauty sector. 
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Protein packaging reinvented
Innova Market Insights data reveals that consumers find packaging very important when choosing meat & dairy product launches. Standard tray & flat pouch were the leading packaging, while cup emerged as the packaging with the fastest rise in innovation. Biobased material for protein launches had 21% growth from April 2021 to March 2026, opening the path for new packaging opportunities.
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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Interpack 2026: How Sidel drives efficiency and flexibility with robotics and automation
Sidel showcased how its advanced packaging lines help F&B manufacturers boost efficiency and flexibility. Marina De Barros, EVP customer management Europe & Central Asia, explained how robotics, including the RoboSelex system, and adaptable production lines enable faster product format changes, while reducing waste and optimizing resources across the packaging process.

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Heinz brings back glass ketchup bottle at Walmart in nostalgia-driven campaign
Heinz glass bottle
Heinz has reintroduced its glass ketchup bottle for its 157th anniversary, alongside an advertisement campaign featuring the “It has to be Heinz” slogan, developed by Wieden+Kennedy New York. The glass bottle and advertisement campaign, titled “157 Years of Being Food’s Best Friend,” aims to capitalize on consumer nostalgia over the legacy brand. 
UPM launches adhesives for pharma, wine and industrial labels
Close-up of hands holding a piece of label
UPM has unveiled UPM PharmaSure for pharmaceuticals, UPM Vetro for wine and spirits, and UPM Endurance for oil and industrial chemicals, delivering tailored adhesive performance for each end-use.The purpose-built solutions are part of the UPM Raflatac label material offering. The company says that demanding label applications require adhesives beyond the capabilities of general-purpose solutions. Different environments carry varying technical requirements, regulatory contexts, and consequences when a label fails.
Elopak introduces low-carbon aluminum for liquid packaging cartons
Elopak carton
Elopak has begun using reduced-carbon aluminum made with renewable electricity for the carton packaging produced at its plants in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Ukraine. The transition reduces the paper-based packaging company’s carbon footprint by close to 8%. The carbon footprint of a standard aseptic Pure-Pak carton has been reduced from 53 to 49 g CO2 per carton, based on cradle-to-gate calculations, according to Elopak. 
Packaging premiumization defies supply chain strain at Fi Africa and ProPak...
ProPak MENA 2026, Fi Africa
The global supply chain instability and evolving regulatory environment are impacting F&B packaging choices in Africa and the Middle East, with premiumization and sustainability emerging as key trends driven by Gen Z consumers. These developments were highlighted by packaging industry experts at Fi Africa and ProPak MENA 2026, the region’s largest food ingredient and F&B packaging exhibition, held at Egypt’s International Exhibition Center (June 2–4) and attracting over 400 exhibitors and around 16,000 attendees from more than 35 countries.  At the trade show, Necat Kirkil, regional representative at FSSC, the global non-profit and independent certification scheme, held a workshop on global food safety requirements and regulatory expectations, food safety management systems, and harmonization. 
Solvent-free method can separate mixed plastic packaging, scientists find
A group of men in lab coats
Researchers from Singapore have developed an approach to recycle mixed plastic packaging without using “harmful” chemical solvents. Mixed plastic packaging is made up of several different plastics bonded tightly together, making it challenging to recycle. 
Cultivated meat on dairy farms? Dutch start-up launches world-first pilot
group at people posing for a team photo at farm

Food Ingredients First

RespectFarms has inaugurated what it describes as the world’s first cultivated meat farm in Schipluiden, South Holland, Netherlands. The proof-of-concept cultivation lab is located on the farm of the fifth-generation dairy farmer Corné van Leeuwen. The project marks a significant milestone in the cultivated meat industry by moving production closer to traditional agriculture rather than concentrating it in large industrial facilities.
Highlighted features
GREIF promotional graphic for a science-based look at fluoridation and PFAS, featuring a white plastic container and Access Now button
Technical paper
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.
graphic promoting webinar on navy background
Packaging & Technology News
Webinar preview: Top Packaging Trends 2026
Ahead of Packaging Insights’ Top Packaging Trends 2026 webinar next Thursday, we sit down with our expert speakers, Nerida Kelton, vice president for Sustainability and Save Food at the World Packaging Organization, Paul Foulkes- Arellano, circular growth consultant, and Alisa Selezneva, market research consultant at Innova Market Insights. You can register for the webinar for free here. 
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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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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Food waste fighters Jun 2026

Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers are concerned about sustainability and expect brands to take these issues seriously. Packaging is becoming a key area for innovation, with brands exploring solutions that help reduce food waste by extending shelf life, improving protection, and supporting portion control.

Trend analysis

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Protein packaging reinventedJun 2026

Innova Market Insights data reveals that consumers find packaging very important when choosing meat & dairy product launches. Standard tray & flat pouch were the leading packaging, while cup emerged as the packaging with the fastest rise in innovation. Biobased material for protein launches had 21% growth from April 2021 to March 2026, opening the path for new packaging opportunities.

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Video03:31
Interpack 2026: How Sidel drives efficiency and flexibility with robotics and automation

Sidel showcased how its advanced packaging lines help F&B manufacturers boost efficiency and flexibility. Marina De Barros, EVP customer management Europe & Central Asia, explained how robotics, including the RoboSelex system, and adaptable production lines enable faster product format...

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Video06:04
Interpack 2026: Poly-Clip offers lower-carbon paths for food and fresh produce
Steve Jones, Ishida Europe
Video02:56
Interpack 2026: How Ishida Europe is transforming packaging with AI and automation
Interpack 2026 Markem-Imaje video thumbnail: Man in branded polo shown beside a smart packaging retail display with packaged foods and shelf products
Video05:46
Interpack 2026: Markem-Imaje spotlights connectivity for transparency & consumer engagement 
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