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

Tracking US state packaging policies

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act to restrict hotels offering small containers with shampoo and other personal care items. Proponents hope this will spur a broader shift toward reusable options.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Dec. 18, 2024

Returnable retail bag trial launches at CVS Health, Target stores

Immediately receiving $1 in cash upon returning a borrowed bag provides a stronger incentive to participate than some other deposit programs, according to organizers from Closed Loop Partners.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 19, 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

Colgate-Palmolive, Keurig Dr Pepper enhancing reuse efforts

While companies have worked on packaging reuse systems, some investors think more robust reporting could build momentum for action across the industry.

By Maria Rachal • April 17, 2023

Bold Reuse launches retail glass packaging reuse pilot

Portland, Oregon-based Bold Reuse saw an opportunity to “plug and play” by leveraging its washing infrastructure, ongoing work with a local grocery chain and support from a government grant, explained one program lead.

By Maria Rachal • April 17, 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

Hasbro reintroduces plastic windows on toy packages, this time with plant-based content

Customer dissatisfaction with printed boxes and theft reportedly drove the decision to bring back plastic windows.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 12, 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

How the pandemic’s e-commerce boom drove new packaging trends

While the effects are finally settling out, industry experts say the last three years have seen an uptick in “ships in own container” packaging as well as changes in design.

By Leslie Nemo • April 10, 2023

PepsiCo prioritizes faster compostable packaging trials at new R&D center

The company says eliminating third-party labs for testing could get new products to market at least two to three times faster.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 7, 2023

Packaging M&A may be more measured, but still active, in year ahead

High interest rates and more consolidation may be limiting major deals, but the role of private equity and sustainability demand remain influential. Experts from Specright, Deutsche Bank and the Plastics Industry Association weigh in.

By Cole Rosengren • April 7, 2023

Inside Ball’s sustainability scenario planning and recycling policy support

Director of Global Sustainability Adam Shalapin discusses what’s needed to realize more can-to-can recycling, Ball’s approach to policy advocacy and why a climate plan considering multiple paths is important.

By Maria Rachal • April 6, 2023

Clay cup creator hopes containers are a smash for replacing single-use plastics

The “drink to dust” innovation is designed to be smashed after use to return it to its inert base material, as an alternative to single-use plastics.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 6, 2023

Sonoco biogas equipment upgrade to aid emissions targets, RNG capabilities

The company hopes to cut 8,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year by converting methane to renewable natural gas in South Carolina through a partnership with GreenGasUSA.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 5, 2023

Plastics Pact leader says design changes needed to improve flexible packaging recyclability

Chemical recycling could be one of several options for discarded flexibles, but it “certainly won’t be the unicorn to take all of the stuff that no one else wants,” said Executive Director Emily Tipaldo.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 4, 2023

Greif buys majority stake in industrial packaging company Centurion Container for $145M

Greif hopes the deal stemming from a 2020 joint venture will “greatly expand” its North American presence and be a circular solution for intermediate bulk containers and plastic drums.

By Maria Rachal • April 4, 2023

International Paper puts sustainability at heart of its rebrand on 125th anniversary

What’s in a logo? The company gathered input from customers and employees to influence the forest-driven symbols and messaging as the pulp giant’s focus has evolved.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 31, 2023

What’s next if 20% of companies shift 2025 plastic targets?

Gartner research anticipates that companies will abandon plastic recycling targets, instead opting for climate action such as greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Plastic recycling advocates disagree.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 30, 2023

Bio-based packaging gets renewed buzz amid goals to replace traditional plastics

Alternatives like seaweed and fungus-based materials are all the rage, attracting new investments and environmental prizes. Implementing them at scale is still a work in progress.

By Hollie Stephens • March 30, 2023

Georgia-Pacific integrated paper mill in Alabama gets EPA recognition for energy efficiency

A recovery boiler upgrade greatly improved the Brewton plant’s energy efficiency. Executives say another $160 million investment occurring this year will push it even further.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 28, 2023

How second-use boxes are helping customers advance their circularity goals

Companies like Philadelphia’s American Box have been collecting and reselling cardboard containers for decades, but the concept is gaining renewed attention as a way to extend the lifespan of this ubiquitous packaging.

By Lela Nargi • March 28, 2023