EPR, recycling refunds, labeling top 2024 packaging policy concerns

Ameripen, the Can Manufacturers Institute, Flexible Packaging Association and Glass Packaging Institute shared what they’re anticipating and advocating for in this election year.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 16, 2024

Packaging innovations: Tropicana’s AI marketing move, Upfield transforms its tubs to fiber

Other announcements include Accredo and Fresh-Lock standing up a 50% PCR pouch, and Heidelberg Materials cementing change in its bag design.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 12, 2024

Coca-Cola co-launches competition to increase rPET supply

Competition hosts are seeking innovative ideas to boost supply of the recycled plastic, which they say sorely lags demand — and could become tighter as brands try to meet their 2030 postconsumer recycled content targets.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 11, 2024

Reuse leaders eye more standardization, automation in 2024

Upstream is looking into how an industry association could unify advocacy and enable large contracts and infrastructure. Re:Dish remains focused on implementing the technology and education needed to scale further.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 10, 2024

Aldi removes plastic shopping bags from all US stores

The grocer said it’s the first major U.S. retailer to make the change across its entire portfolio.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Jan. 10, 2024

Consumer sentiment report tackles how to make reuse a long-term habit

While many people cite upfront cost as a barrier to embracing reuse, 45% of reusable packaging users surveyed by the U.S. Plastics Pact and Closed Loop Partners say these solutions are about the same price as single-use options.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 9, 2024

5 packaging trends to watch in 2024

Shifting consumer habits and manufacturing footprints, evolving end-of-life design and looming sustainability targets are some of the factors poised to impact the packaging industry this year.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Jan. 8, 2024

Bagasse sweetens the case for compostable packaging

Bagasse packaging, derived from sugarcane, is considered an environmentally sound option for food service products. Choosing the right use case is key for performance.

By Hollie Stephens • Jan. 4, 2024

2023 packaging trends by the numbers

These are some of the stats that defined policymaking, e-commerce, sustainability, dealmaking and more for the packaging industry across varied substrates and markets.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • Dec. 22, 2023

These companies are rethinking gift packaging to reduce holiday waste

Wrapping paper and gift packaging can be notoriously hard to recycle. Companies such as Metsä Board, Wrappily, Creative Retail Packaging and EcoEnclose are pursuing new solutions.

By Hayley Lind • Dec. 21, 2023

Digital inkjet printing’s transformation of the packaging industry

The technology’s uptake is expected to accelerate. Current use cases include customization to connect with consumers, and future advancements focus on AI and scannable codes. Learn more in our three-part series.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 20, 2023

European Council agrees to general approach on PPWR for negotiations

With changes introduced that include a potentially lower threshold for separate collection in deposit return systems, the Council’s position largely drew criticism from industry groups. Further negotiation is expected in the new year.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 19, 2023

Packaging innovations: Delta’s sky-high plastic elimination, Sirane’s plastic-free butter barrier

Plus, a TriMas affiliate develops tethered caps for Coca-Cola, Blue Lake Packaging introduces fiber-based tape and Emerald Packaging ups PCR in lettuce bags.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 15, 2023

Aluminum groups make COP28 commitment to recycle nearly all beverage cans by 2050

Ardagh, Ball, Crown, Novelis and numerous associations endorsed a set of actions including government recycling targets and policies, better data collection and tracking and prioritizing can-to-can recycling.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 11, 2023

Spotlight on compostable packaging: Design, labeling and infrastructure insights

Compostables have grown more mainstream — but they also face additional scrutiny. Read Packaging Dive’s top reporting on these issues during 2023.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Dec. 8, 2023

Mushroom and corn and seaweed, oh my: Evaluating plastic alternatives

As brands assess if, where and which bio-based plastic alternatives could play a role in packaging portfolios, analysis of these novel feedstocks must also focus on disposal, degradation and cost, outside groups say.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 7, 2023

Keurig Dr Pepper and Circular Action Alliance leader talks EPR and closing gap on 2025 sustainability targets

Charlie Schwarze, the beverage giant’s senior director of sustainability and board chair for the producer responsibility organization, spoke with Packaging Dive about what’s ahead in 2024.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 6, 2023

Republic Services opens Las Vegas polymer center to supply recycled plastic for packaging

The center is expected to produce 100 million pounds of recycled plastics per year. It’s the first of several such locations designed to boost availability of recycled content as companies like Coca-Cola seek more for packaging.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 5, 2023

Compostable packaging’s contested, complicated past doesn’t determine its future

Composters can struggle to manage the wide variety of new packaging entering the market, leading to greater calls for labeling guidelines and testing. Cities like San Francisco and Minneapolis offer case studies in how to make it work.

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Dec. 5, 2023

Clemson’s FRESH initiative scaling up compostable product testing

The South Carolina university aims to meet growing demand from brands bringing new products to market.

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Dec. 5, 2023

Compostable packaging is still evolving but popular. Here’s where experts say it could be most effective.

From farmers markets to Walmart to stadiums, compostable packaging is on the rise. Elevate Packaging, NatureWorks, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and others weigh in on how to get it right.

By Hollie Stephens • Dec. 4, 2023

What’s next for Ball’s ‘startup’ aluminum cups business

Ball is touting a “premium experience” as it ventures beyond sports and entertainment into leisure and lodging, including at Colorado ski resorts, said Emily Fong Mitchell, president and general manager for Ball Aluminum Cups.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 4, 2023

Enhanced sustainable food packaging scorecard weighs chemicals of concern

The collaborative tool, which food service companies like Sodexo engage with, now considers how food temperature and other factors impact the likelihood of chemicals of concern to migrate.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 1, 2023

Packaging innovation by online grocery and meal-kit companies focuses on reduction and reuse

With takeback systems and seasonal packaging based on algorithms, companies such as HelloFresh and Misfits Market are working toward using less material in their deliveries.

By Hollie Stephens • Nov. 29, 2023

Returnable packaging could cut material use as much as 75%: study

Amcor, Amazon, L'Oréal, PepsiCo and other brands were part of an advisory group for an Ellen MacArthur Foundation project that assessed reusable plastic packaging systems for beverage, personal care and food products.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 28, 2023