California packaging EPR implementation moves ahead amid regulatory redo

State officials shared updates in the first SB 54 advisory board meeting since Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a regulatory restart. CalRecycle said it will continue working on multiple other statutory requirements in the meantime.

By Megan Quinn • March 24, 2025

Henkel boosts recycled content in plastic packaging

The German consumer goods company’s newly released sustainability report also cited the supplier engagement program it launched last year as being instrumental in reducing emissions.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 18, 2025

How to make more informed decisions about your products’ packaging with life cycle assessments

As overconsumption continues to fuel an environmental and human health crisis, understanding the full life cycle of the products we create is more critical than ever.  

March 17, 2025

Walmart says it’s unlikely to meet 2025 plastic, recycling targets

The largest U.S. retailer discussed challenges to increasing PCR adoption. More than two-thirds of its global private-brand packaging was recyclable, reusable or industrially compostable in 2023, according to a company update.

By Maria Rachal • March 11, 2025

Packaging innovations: Less plastic in dairy cups, paint refills, pallet wraps

Huhtamaki, Mondi and Ranpak recently announced new packaging launches and technology integrations.

By Maria Rachal • March 7, 2025

Evertis, Ingredion, Eco Guardian and more announce expansions

Citing sustainability regulations, tariffs and other driving factors, packaging and materials companies have laid out plans to grow their North American operations.

By Cole Rosengren • March 6, 2025

Testing 1, 2, 3: How CPGs get more sustainable packaging to store shelves

Brands face pressures to meet sustainability goals and comply with regulations, all while keeping costs in check as they transition to new forms of packaging. Sealed Air, Sappi and Diageo shared more about collaborative development.

By Shefali Kapadia • March 3, 2025

Consumers address user experience with reusable cups

Partners on a major citywide reuse project, whose brand participants included Starbucks and Berry, gathered feedback on the plastic cups. Some consumers flagged microplastics fears with hot beverages, according to a new report.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 26, 2025

Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council continues exploring chemical recycling

The industry consortium has a new executive director. One focus this year is to expand efforts to more clinical settings, such as dental offices, to increase regional volumes collected for recycling.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 21, 2025

Metsä Board launches QR code solution to simplify packaging recycling for customers

Scan, learn, recycle! Metsä Board's new QR codes unlock easy recycling info for every package.

Feb. 18, 2025

Green Guides updates still pending as states lead on labeling

Packaging industry leaders think discussion at the congressional level could be possible this year on how to create greater unity for recyclability, compostability and other labeling standards.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 10, 2025

How2Recycle questions recyclability level of aerosol cans, boosts paper canisters

Sonoco celebrated the development for its paper cans after “collaboration with recyclers.” How2Recycle will also review the status for single-use PP coffee pods, bulky rigid plastics, and HDPE trays and thermoforms.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 6, 2025

The packaging industry outlook for 2025

The evolution of packaging EPR, potential for more industry-reshaping megadeals, shifting attitudes on plastics and sustainability goals, and Trump’s mark on trade and federal funding are dynamic areas to watch.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 31, 2025

Lend an ear: Corn-based material introduced for biodegradable packaging

Corn Next believes it has cracked the corn code for more sustainable packaging and aims to scale up. Later this year, it will move to Illinois, closer to where its corn supplier is based.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 28, 2025

Companies lean into paper packaging innovations amid scrutiny of plastic

Growing regulatory and public pressure on single-use plastic is creating market opportunities for fiber products. Pulpex, Paboco, DS Smith and others are helping clients innovate bottles, boxes and more.

By April Reese • Updated Jan. 28, 2025

Reuse operators to double down on school lunches, sports venues in 2025

Some organizations focus exclusively on closed settings that offer big contracts — low-hanging fruit opportunities they think will scale reuse faster. But that’s not discouraging others from working in complex open-loop environments.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 23, 2025

This is sustainable - Packaging considerations

Packaging considerations for transitioning from plastic to paper and more!

By Reid Lederer • Jan. 21, 2025

5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2025

Donald Trump’s return to the White House, evolving conditions for M&A, more mature state policy negotiations and a reckoning around 2025 plastics reduction targets are some of the factors poised to affect the industry.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk , Cole Rosengren • Jan. 8, 2025

Life cycle assessments loom large for the outcome of EPR programs

Oregon is currently unique among U.S. states in using this environmental impact tool in its packaging regulation. Experts say the decision comes with many complex considerations, including about plastic.

By Leslie Nemo • Jan. 7, 2025

Packaging laws taking effect in 2025

Expect to see changes in some states at hotels, restaurants and grocery stores, including restrictions to single-use plastic bottles, foam takeout containers, PFAS in packaging and more.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 2, 2025

2024 packaging trends by the numbers

These are some of the stats illustrating key storylines this year in policy and regulation, M&A activity, manufacturing, pricing, recycling, sustainability goals and more.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Dec. 20, 2024

US Plastics Pact charts incremental progress, signals new opportunities

USPP’s newly released annual report points to reuse and compostability as future opportunities. CEO Jonathan Quinn describes an organizational “evolution” that resulted in changes to this year’s report.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 20, 2024

Amazon boosts recycled content, reduces inks for device packaging

In addition to the sustainability measures for Kindle, Echo and Fire TV products, the company added a tactile feature to aid consumers with visual impairments.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 18, 2024

Paris Olympics cut single-use plastic bottles by 70% versus 2012

Event organizers said their installation and promotion of free drinking fountains paid off. Oceana celebrated and critiqued the efforts, saying future Games’ reuse systems should not feature single-use plastic at all.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 17, 2024

SBTi approves Billerud’s updated emissions reduction targets

The Swedish pulp and paper manufacturer expects most future emissions reductions to come from its North American operations.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 16, 2024