Sustainability
-
EPR anxiety: CPGs and regulators prepare for generational policy shift
Costs, policy divergence and relationships were a big focus at recent events hosted by GreenBlue and the Northeast Recycling Council. CalRecycle, Oregon DEQ, Circular Action Alliance and others weighed in on what’s next.
By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 15, 2025 -
Target rethinking 2025 recyclability, PCR, plastic reduction goals
The retailer said in its newly released sustainability report that it’s “evolving” certain goals as it continues to try to transform packaging for its owned brands.
By Maria Rachal • Oct. 9, 2025 -
Top packaging trade shows in 2026
These conferences and events — ranging from smaller-scale niche gatherings to shows bringing together some 50,000 people — promise fresh opportunities for learning and making connections.
By Packaging Dive Staff • Oct. 1, 2025 -
Closed Loop to loan TemperPack $10M
This is Closed Loop’s third loan since 2018 for the Virginia-based cold-chain packaging solutions company focused on plant-based alternatives to plastic foam.
By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 30, 2025 -
Manufacturers scrutinize supply chains for California scope 3 emissions disclosures
While federal regulations may be on hold, California is moving ahead with greenhouse gas reporting requirements. Packaging companies are digging deep into their data to get ready.
By Mary Catherine O’Connor • Sept. 22, 2025 -
BPI introduces home compostable certification, label
The home compostable initiative will complement the group’s existing commercial certification to expand access to composting opportunities and reduce confusion, according to BPI Executive Director Rhodes Yepsen.
By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 18, 2025 -
Walmart reiterates challenges with 2025 PCR goal
With months to go in 2025, the retailer reported last week that it’s been “difficult to source feedstock in the necessary quantities and at price points that support our packaging goals and everyday low prices.”
By Maria Rachal • Sept. 18, 2025 -
Danone settles 2 plastic packaging lawsuits
Under agreements with the Earth Island Institute and the Plastic Pollution Coalition, the CPG will change certain marketing statements about plastic recycling and contribute funds to plastic packaging reduction efforts.
By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Sept. 15, 2025 -
Only 5% of healthcare plastic gets recycled: Eunomia report
Numerous interventions are needed to recycle more healthcare plastic, but the system is complex, according to a new report.
By Megan Quinn • Sept. 11, 2025 -
Kansas City Chiefs deal advances Bold Reuse’s push for venuewide reusables
As the company launches its first full stadium rollout of reusable cups for a National Football League team, its founders hope more venues will launch at scale.
By Maria Rachal • Sept. 10, 2025 -
Deep Dive
Can recycling advancements get black rigid plastics off packaging’s blacklist?
More MRFs are adding technologies to sort the material, but some brands and manufacturers are still switching away from the color. As black plastic reaches a tipping point, end market challenges create uncertainty about its future.
By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 9, 2025 -
Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive, data from thinkParallax
3 takeaways on monitoring for greenwashing
Risks around sustainability messaging are real, with greenwashing-related legal settlements regularly reaching “the millions to tens of millions of dollars,” said a Ropes & Gray attorney during a recent webinar.
By Maria Rachal • Sept. 5, 2025 -
Voluntary packaging sustainability goals transform in the face of EPR
Bound by new regulations, companies can still benefit from detailing refined targets, some sources say. “EPR sets the floor, but voluntary commitments are what are going to set the pace,” said the U.S. Plastics Pact CEO.
By Maria Rachal • Sept. 3, 2025 -
PepsiCo issues first progress report on revamped packaging targets
The company surpassed the annual virgin plastic reduction goal it set in May, while inching toward a reworked long-term recycled content target.
By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 2, 2025 -
Retrieved from U.S. Chemical Safety Board.
PCA launches carbon capture and storage study following ‘promising’ trial
A pilot that Packaging Corporation of America began last year ended this summer. Now, the company works toward building a full-scale facility by 2028 and expanding the technology to other sites.
By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 27, 2025 -
Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive, data from Trellis
‘The EPR era’ brings new opportunities for packaging sustainability
Sustainability leaders from Amcor, Stonyfield and MegaFood shared some of their experiences and outlooks for redesigns during a virtual event Tuesday.
By Maria Rachal • Aug. 27, 2025 -
Q&A
Ranpak lands second major e-commerce deal of 2025
A deal with Walmart comes after one with Amazon. CEO Omar Asali discusses the importance of these enterprise customers, riding the AI wave for automation and navigating economic uncertainty ahead of the busy holiday season.
By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 26, 2025 -
Paper and Packaging Board shutdown reflects corporate, market changes
President Mary Anne Hansan shared more about the phaseout of the industry marketing initiative, highlighting evolutions in executive leadership and the economic, policy and sustainability landscapes since 2014.
By Maria Rachal • Aug. 22, 2025 -
Recycling and waste groups ‘disappointed’ by lack of plastics treaty
Plastics groups will push recycling over environmentalists’ calls for plastic production caps. Recycling groups will monitor the next round of talks for clues on infrastructure and end market impacts.
By Megan Quinn • Aug. 19, 2025 -
Sponsored by Eastman
Driving change: Sustainable innovation in flexible packaging can’t wait
Making the shift to recyclable materials for low-barrier applications.
Aug. 18, 2025 -
Connecticut’s beverage container redemption rate rose 21% in 2024
The Container Recycling Institute says improvements like a 10-cent deposit, more return locations and a broader range of accepted containers boosted redemption rates. Some other bottle bill states saw declines of 1% to 3%.
By Megan Quinn • Aug. 11, 2025 -
What recycling and packaging groups are looking for in global plastic treaty talks
At a roundtable event, speakers from Circular Action Alliance, SC Johnson and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce underscored how treaty negotiations will impact recycling supply chains and future business opportunities.
By Megan Quinn • July 31, 2025 -
Voluntary sustainable packaging goals are on the way out, Gartner says
Companies are aligning their sustainability strategies with emerging legislation, such as EPR laws, according to the consulting firm. Adapting now can have cost advantages down the line.
By Katie Pyzyk • July 25, 2025 -
Retrieved from Berlin Packaging on July 21, 2025
Berlin Packaging details progress toward SBTi-validated targets
The global packaging supplier cited innovation in biomaterials and refill systems among the efforts driving growth and sustainability.
By Katie Pyzyk • July 21, 2025 -
Amazon charts 28% drop in North American shipments containing single-use plastic packaging
The e-commerce giant released its 2024 sustainability report on Wednesday, highlighting collaboration with SC Johnson, Mondi, Shorr Packaging, Pregis and more.
By Maria Rachal • July 17, 2025