Packaging standards may be key to scaling refill-at-home models

Consumers and CPG companies are eager to expand this method of reuse, but slower innovation in packaging formats could be a near-term challenge. Loop, Upstream and others weigh in on what it will take.

By Lela Nargi • May 8, 2023

Reflecting on a dramatic decade of EPR shifts and what it means for packaging

Michael Washburn, now a senior policy advisor for The Recycling Partnership, hit a wall in his efforts to promote EPR while working at Nestlé Waters North America. Today, he says “almost everything” has changed.

By Cole Rosengren • April 11, 2023

5 factors influencing packaging design and operations

From navigating inflation and changing regulations to assessing the impact of automation and plastics M&A, these are some of the top industry trends to watch.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • March 27, 2023

Flexible packaging expected to boom, despite limited recycling capabilities: PMMI report

Flexible plastic packaging and compostable packaging are predicted to see big gains, but few people in the U.S. have access to recycling programs for those materials.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 24, 2023

Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever invest to expand Closed Loop’s Circular Services

A group of companies is investing millions in a recycling entity that is seeking to build out circular economy infrastructure to recover more packaging material and increase access to recycled content.

By Cole Rosengren • March 17, 2023

Refill and reuse sectors strive for scale to upend single-use packaging’s stronghold

Changing consumer perceptions about convenience and value will be important to achieve greater market dominance, according to speakers from Loop, Clorox and other companies at the Sustainability in Packaging US event.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 16, 2023

Inside Nestlé‘s long road to improve the sustainability of its packaging footprint

From Nespresso pods made of paper to Stouffer’s trays made with 30% recycled plastic, the CPG giant is finding novel ways to overhaul some of the millions of pounds of packaging material it uses annually.

By Christopher Doering • March 15, 2023

Seattle-area grocery chain blends worker creativity into its new milk brand

The retailer’s just-launched EveryDay Milk private label line comprises six varieties, all with employee-designed artwork on their packaging.

By Sam Silverstein • March 1, 2023

Sonoco reports ‘pivotal year’ of growth driven by consumer packaging demand and M&A

During a recent earnings call, CEO Howard Coker touted the importance of the company’s metal packaging acquisition — its largest ever — and why he thinks it “feels like we are in a recession.” 

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 13, 2023

Oregon’s bottle bill system CEO talks tech improvements, refillables and the prospects for a national system

Oregon aims to attain its highest return rates yet with a range of modern updates. Jules Bailey, new CEO of the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, talks through what’s working and what’s next.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 1, 2023

Northstar Recycling acquires Sonoco’s ‘asset-light’ waste services business

The private equity-backed company has purchased a business that focuses on providing third-party service and consulting to large manufacturing clients from the major packaging company.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2023

Loop touts retail store expansion as standalone e-commerce program sunsets

The TerraCycle-backed reusable container program is now working with 37 U.S. retail stores, including Fred Meyer, Giant Food and Walmart.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 10, 2023