California lawmakers advance ‘sell-by’ labeling, cannabis packaging, bottle bill expansion legislation

Conversely, one bill that could have banned the sale of certain plastics deemed toxic or non-recyclable did not move forward after facing opposition from numerous packaging stakeholders.

By Maria Rachal • June 5, 2023

Hershey ESG report notes ongoing challenges with recycled content in packaging

The chocolate company, like others in the space, says it’s “hindered by an insufficient reliable supply of food grade material.” It views packaging changes as an important frontier in lowering Scope 3 emissions.

By Maria Rachal • June 2, 2023

Packaging innovations: Mars launches paper wrappers, Absolut lightens up with paper bottle

Catch up on six innovative sustainable packaging launches and redesigns from Sprite, Earthfirst Films, Sabert Corp. and more.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 2, 2023

Packaging innovations: Compostable clamshell prevents taco tipping, Smirnoff Ice’s ‘drippy’ redesign

Catch up on six new packaging technologies and redesigns from Better Earth, ProAmpac, Pure Protein and others.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 26, 2023

Wood vs. plastic: Which pallets are more sustainable?

More pallet companies are marketing their products’ sustainability amid growing attention to ESG practices, fueling the ongoing debate of whether one substrate is superior.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 24, 2023

Illinois legislature passes limited foam food ware ban while a broader bill stalls

The bill, if signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, would prohibit state agencies and vendors from using polystyrene foam food ware. A related bill that would have included restaurants throughout the state did not advance.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 23, 2023

Penn State no longer accepting compostable packaging, certain plastics in recycling programs

The “food waste only” composting model is intended to cut down on contamination — but non-food items might be re-added in the future.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 22, 2023

Packaging innovations: Budweiser’s music box, Quilted Northern puts paper on paper and more

Catch up on six new packaging technologies and redesigns involving Pepsi, Georgia-Pacific, Bertolli, Ardagh, Ball, Tetra Pak and others.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 19, 2023

Flexible and compostable product groups discuss circularity goals for hard-to-recycle packaging

The executive directors of the Flexible Packaging Association and Biodegradable Products Institute discussed what their stakeholders view as important tenets of EPR policies.

By Maria Rachal • May 18, 2023

PFAS prevention legislation model aims to get Northeast lawmakers on the same page

The Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association’s draft legislation offers a “menu of options” for legislators to consider, including a ban on products and packaging with intentionally added PFAS.

By Megan Quinn • May 18, 2023

LanzaTech, Plastipak partner on ‘world’s first’ PET made from carbon emissions

The two Midwestern companies say the product can be used in food-safe applications and could help customers reduce their Scope 3 emissions.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 18, 2023

The future of wine packaging: Lighter bottles and less glass

Champagne Telmont recently announced the creation of what it says is the lightest champagne bottle in the world. Meanwhile, canned and boxed wines are gaining traction among high-end consumers.

By Hollie Stephens • May 17, 2023

Reports recommend packaging changes ahead of next global plastics treaty negotiations

The UN Environment Programme and WWF dug into areas for intervention across the product life cycle, like designing for circularity, substituting other materials for plastics, EPR for packaging, reuse and deposit return systems.

By Maria Rachal • May 17, 2023

Packaging innovations: Stora Enso and Tubex put a twist on tube caps, ClearBags’ pouches shape up

Catch up on some of the latest news on packaging redesigns and material changes for beauty product refills, compostable containers and more.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 12, 2023

Why Atlantic Packaging doesn’t shy away from EPR conversations

Many businesses don’t want more regulation, but Atlantic has pushed for action. The family-owned company’s sustainability director explains how customer conversations and policy engagement have evolved.

By Maria Rachal • May 11, 2023

Ball’s beverage can shipments decline amid weaker consumer spending

Executives said Ball will continue to take downtime at facilities in Q2, and it’s moving forward to close a plant in Wallkill, New York. The coming summer months and new products offer some reasons for optimism, though.

By Maria Rachal • May 5, 2023

Packaging innovations: ASR Group’s sugar tubs change shape, Stora Enso’s trays peel apart

See some of the latest news on packaging redesigns and material changes for chip bags, cannabis packaging and more.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 28, 2023

Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2024

Berlin Packaging plans to acquire rigid packaging supplier Rixius, a longstanding German company. Safecor Health is also planning to acquire the unit dose packaging business of Viatris.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk , Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 22, 2024

Packaging innovations: Graphic’s paper-based sushi packaging, Garnier’s recycled PET bottle

Catch up on the latest news about packaging shifts from Puracy, Danimer Scientific, TotalEnergies Corbion, MAX Solutions, Lay’s and others.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 21, 2023

Starbucks ups recycled content in cups while abandoning recyclability target

Despite an eye toward reuse, Starbucks noted in a sustainability report just 1.2% of all beverages sold this past year were in reusable vessels. It’s currently testing personal cup acceptance for drive-thru and mobile orders.

By Maria Rachal • April 21, 2023

Google wants to try your reusable food service solutions

The tech giant put out an “open invitation to help reduce plastic waste” across its U.S. cafes and microkitchens.

By Maria Rachal • April 20, 2023

Weeding out single-use cannabis packaging waste

While some brands and states are looking for ways to reduce waste from this growing market, single-use plastics with limited recycling potential have already become the sector’s material of choice.

By Gaspard Le Dem • April 20, 2023

Replacing plastic bottles with paper: Beverage brands try to innovate past challenges

Packaging companies see a market opportunity to swap out plastic beverage packaging components. But molded fiber bottles present their own difficulties.

By Danielle Beurteaux • April 18, 2023

Packaging innovations: Ampacet’s glassy plastic, Chipotle goes biodegradable and more

Catch up on some of the latest packaging solutions and news from Novolex, ProAmpac, Avery Dennison and California Olive Ranch on PFAS alternatives, designing for recyclability and changing materials.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 14, 2023

Plastic recycling volumes bounce back after pandemic dip

A lot has been done to overcome early pandemic reductions but more work is needed — including EPR — to further boost supply and stabilize demand, said sponsors of a report by the Association of Plastic Recyclers.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 13, 2023