5 factors influencing packaging design and operations

From navigating inflation and changing regulations to assessing the impact of automation and plastics M&A, these are some of the top industry trends to watch.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • March 27, 2023

American Beverage ad’s ‘aspirational’ claims overstate PET bottle recycling practices, ad panels say

American Beverage appealed the decision with mixed success and agreed to alter the ad.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 23, 2023

Berry Global 2022 ESG report shows uptick in PCR purchasing

The Indiana-based plastic packaging company said it’s been ahead of schedule on goals to reduce operational emissions, but one packaging sustainability target saw year-over-year decline amid changes to recyclability determinations.

By Maria Rachal • March 22, 2023

Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever invest to expand Closed Loop’s Circular Services

A group of companies is investing millions in a recycling entity that is seeking to build out circular economy infrastructure to recover more packaging material and increase access to recycled content.

By Cole Rosengren • March 17, 2023

McCormick’s plastic spice bottles reformulated to be 50% PCR

The first redesign in nearly 40 years, the bottles made partly with recycled content have an approximately 18% to 23% smaller carbon footprint across sizes, the Maryland-based company said.

By Maria Rachal • March 17, 2023

Refill and reuse sectors strive for scale to upend single-use packaging’s stronghold

Changing consumer perceptions about convenience and value will be important to achieve greater market dominance, according to speakers from Loop, Clorox and other companies at the Sustainability in Packaging US event.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 16, 2023

Innovation takes center stage at Sustainability in Packaging conference

Speakers came at sustainability from all angles, including equipment digitization and debating the nagging question of whether consumers will pay more for products containing PCR.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 15, 2023

Inside Nestlé‘s long road to improve the sustainability of its packaging footprint

From Nespresso pods made of paper to Stouffer’s trays made with 30% recycled plastic, the CPG giant is finding novel ways to overhaul some of the millions of pounds of packaging material it uses annually.

By Christopher Doering • March 15, 2023

To help boost postconsumer recycled content in packaging, US Plastics Pact shares industry toolkit

The open-source resource comes as the group and the industry have noted challenges around balancing supply and demand in the PCR market and increasing the use of PCR.

By Maria Rachal • March 14, 2023

Plastics recyclers examine influence of secondary sortation, legislation and flexible packaging on PCR markets

Speakers from Republic Services, AMP Robotics, IHS Markit, NOVA Chemicals, Eunomia and others discussed how to advance their efforts at this week’s Plastics Recycling Conference.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal , Jacob Wallace • March 8, 2023

Colorado’s lead composter will no longer process packaging in effort to curb contamination

The April changes came after A1 Organics said contamination rates are growing as curbside composting programs expand. Even items labeled "compostable" are no longer accepted.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 6, 2023

Bottle bill or ‘recycling refund’ legislation? Advocates commit to 2023 policy push

More than a dozen organizations voiced support for passing container deposit laws in 2023 and changing some terminology to garner more support. Some MRF representatives are wary. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 27, 2023

US Plastics Pact makes varied progress on circular packaging; 2025 targets may be out of reach

Executive Director Emily Tipaldo praised data collection that’s occurred since 2020, even as maximizing reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging has run into barriers.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 27, 2023

To raise recycling rates, The Recycling Partnership advocates for packaging EPR in every state

A new report from the group says “smart, well-designed” extended producer responsibility for packaging will dramatically boost recycling. Policy and government lead Dylan de Thomas discusses what that could look like.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 22, 2023

Lawmakers call for EPA to more tightly regulate plastic production and cut ties with chemical recycling

In a letter, lawmakers urged Administrator Michael Regan to carry out provisions first outlined in last year’s Protecting Communities from Plastic Act, saying the agency can do more to curb plastic pollution.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 14, 2023

Production begins at Circularix’s inaugural rPET facility

The company, which is a joint venture between Macquarie Group and HPC Industries, plans to open four additional PET recycling facilities in the next two years to meet growing demand.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 14, 2023

With federal agencies still falling behind on PFAS deadlines, activists seek lawmakers’ help

The Environmental Working Group and Safer States say the U.S. EPA is moving too slowly on setting standards for PFAS in water, packaging and more. They’re pushing Congress and state legislatures to act as well.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 10, 2023

Direct Pack gets Recycling Partnership grant for PET thermoform recycling in Mexico

California-based Direct Pack bought over 4,000 tons of PET from Phoenix in 2022 — a relationship the city touted ahead of the Super Bowl — for processing in Mexicali, where new capacity will be built.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 14, 2023

DOE report touts chemical recycling R&D opportunities while noting plastic’s environmental justice issues

The report, part of a long-term Energy Department effort to boost the viability of plastics recycling and cut energy use, touts opportunities in researching bio-based plastics as well as chemical recycling technologies. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2023

WestRock notes global paper market headwinds but touts sustainability investments as growing opportunity

WestRock reported lower Q1 income and withdrew full-year guidance due to market uncertainty. CEO David Sewell said increased packaging revenue and a focus on plastic packaging replacement projects are positive signs, however.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 2, 2023

Oregon’s bottle bill system CEO talks tech improvements, refillables and the prospects for a national system

Oregon aims to attain its highest return rates yet with a range of modern updates. Jules Bailey, new CEO of the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, talks through what’s working and what’s next.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 1, 2023

EPR still top recycling issue for state policymakers, but plastics and repair laws also on the horizon

While federal action is uncertain, multiple state governors and policy advocates aim to build on the momentum of producer responsibility laws for packaging this year. Numerous other bills are also expected to get consideration.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 30, 2023

Vermont mulls EPR, bottle bill improvements to catch up on recycling goals

A report from the Department of Environmental Conservation recommends adopting EPR for hazardous waste, reducing PFAS and updating the state’s bottle bill to help reach its waste reduction, recycling and composting goals.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 27, 2023

Connecticut governor backing EPR for packaging and other policies to increase state’s ‘self-sufficiency’

Gov. Ned Lamont said a combination of EPR, waste diversion and improved organics management will help Connecticut reduce a growing amount of waste exported to other states in the wake of a major WTE facility closing.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 25, 2023

Virginia state task force calls for more recycling business opportunities, possible EPR policies

A group with recycling industry representation offered recommendations to divert more waste from landfills, but stopped short of recommending EPR for packaging or reaching consensus on a possible bottle bill.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 18, 2023