Sustainability


  • Two people, one from CalRecycle and one from GreenBlue sit on a stage in front of a sign that says How2Recycle Summit 2025
    Image attribution tooltip
    Cole Rosengren/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Oct. 15, 2025
  • A person stands between shelves of items in a Target store with shopping carts
    Image attribution tooltip
    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Oct. 9, 2025
  • Hundreds of people in a convention center
    Image attribution tooltip
    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • Equipment with branding for TemperPack is set up in an exposition hall.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Sept. 30, 2025
  • A view of the California state flag, which has an image of the bear and the words "California Republic."
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • Two paper containers next to each other both have small, green labels indicating they are home and commercial compostable.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Biodegradable Products Institute
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Sept. 18, 2025
  • Walmart
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Walmart
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Sept. 18, 2025
  • Close-up shot of many Evian water bottles in a haphazard pile.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Roy Rochlin via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Updated Sept. 15, 2025
  • a close up of syringes in packaging
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • Bold Reuse reusable cups at the Kansas City Chiefs' stadium
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Bold Reuse
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Sept. 10, 2025
  • Stacks of black plastic food containers being packaged
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    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 Sept. 9, 2025
  • Screenshot from thinkParallax and Ropes & Gray webinar about greenwashing on Aug. 27, 2025.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive, data from thinkParallax
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Sept. 5, 2025
  • Cardboard with an imprinted chasing arrows recycling symbol.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Sept. 3, 2025
  • SodaStream systems in boxes sit on a retail shelf, next to boxes of SodaStream CO2 cartridge refills.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Sept. 2, 2025
  • 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 Aug. 27, 2025
  • Screenshot of Trellis webinar: How to Shift to More Sustainable Packaging in the ‘EPR’ Era
    Image attribution tooltip
    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive, data from Trellis
    Image attribution tooltip

    ‘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 Aug. 27, 2025
  • A view of an industrial machine with Ranpak's name and AutoFill branding on the exterior.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Ranpak
    Image attribution tooltip
    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 Aug. 26, 2025
  • an arm holds flattened cardboard
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 Aug. 22, 2025
  • Plastic bottles and trash on a beach
    Image attribution tooltip
    Dan Kitwood via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • Colorful patterned wrappers arranged diagonally on a blue background.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Adobe Stock Image by 72

    Image attribution tooltip
    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
  • A pile of plastic bottles.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • People sit in a row of chairs
    Image attribution tooltip
    Megan Quinn/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • Overhead view of rows of green plastic sparkling water bottles with purple screw caps, arranged in a symmetrical grid pattern and illuminated from below, creating a vibrant, glowing effect.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alamy
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 July 25, 2025
  • Four tubes of lip balm with different colors of labels.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Berlin Packaging on July 21, 2025
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 July 21, 2025
  • Amazon paper packaging down a conveyor belt.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Amazon
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 July 17, 2025