Sappi chief executive Steve Binnie attended a closed-door EU hearing on 15 September 2026 to defend the EUR 1.42bn (USD 1.64bn) communication paper joint venture with UPM-Kymmene. The European Commission warned the companies last month that the deal may restrict competition in communication paper markets and could raise prices. Brussels must decide on the deal, which would create Europe's largest communication paper player, by 11 November 2026.
Why this mattersA Commission veto or forced remedies would reshape European communication paper supply and set a precedent for consolidation among fibre-based paper producers.
- Deal value is EUR 1.42 billion ($1.64 billion)
- Joint venture combines UPM's European and US communication paper business with Sappi's European communication paper and speciality paper business
- European Commission sent a charge sheet last month citing potential competition restriction in magazine and book paper markets
- Closed-door hearing held in Brussels on 15 September 2026 attended by senior Commission officials and company lawyers
- Regulators warned the combined entity could increase prices
- Commission decision deadline is 11 November 2026
Avery Dennison has launched AD Visi, a new range of Active Bluetooth Low Energy labels aimed at real-time tracking of high-value and time-critical shipments. The initial two products, AD Visi Way and AD Visi Secure, use InPlay's NanoBeacon chip and offer location tracking or tamper-evidence over a 100-metre range; a broader product suite is planned for early 2027.
Why this mattersBattery-powered BLE labels extend smart packaging from inventory counting to live location tracking, a higher-value use case that raises the bar for passive RFID and energy-harvesting alternatives.
- Avery Dennison launched the AD Visi line of Active Bluetooth Low Energy labels for high-value and time-critical shipment tracking
- The initial two labels, AD Visi Way and AD Visi Secure, use InPlay's NanoBeacon chip technology
- Labels are under 1mm thick, operate from -30C to +60C and offer a reading distance of up to 100 metres
- Labels are powered by non-lithium printed batteries and provide continuous location data without manual scanning
- The portfolio also includes Passive Bluetooth Low Energy and UHF RFID options, with a wider suite due in early 2027
Perlen Papier has begun marketing Pulpex-technology fibre bottles in Germany, holding exclusive production rights for southern Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. The moulded-paper-fibre bottles, lined with a food-safe plastic-free barrier, target still beverages, dairy, oils, wine, spirits and cosmetics with shelf lives over 24 months. Perlen Papier is evaluating local production at its Perlen site in Switzerland from end 2027.
Why this mattersA Swiss-produced paper-fibre bottle gives German and Alpine brand owners a lower-carbon alternative to glass and PET, with production planned close to a key European market.
- Perlen Papier holds exclusive Pulpex production rights for southern Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland.
- Bottles are available in 300ml, 500ml and 750ml, with plans to extend to 200-1,000ml.
- Cradle-to-gate CO2 footprint is about 90% lower than glass and 30% lower than PET, per the company.
- Bottles offer shelf life of more than 24 months depending on application.
- Perlen Papier is assessing production at its Perlen, Switzerland site starting end of 2027.
- The fibre body is moulded from cellulose fibres via a wet-forming process, without adhesives.
UFlex has inaugurated a $126 million greenfield Asepto aseptic carton facility at Ain Sokhna, Egypt, with eventual annual capacity of 12 billion packs, taking the Indian group's combined global aseptic capacity to about 24 billion packs a year alongside its Sanand plant in India. The Egyptian plant is expected to start at around 30% utilisation and progressively ramp toward full capacity by around 2030, targeting Europe, Africa, the Gulf, the Americas and the CIS via Suez Canal shipping routes.
Why this mattersA second, closer-to-market aseptic base gives UFlex a route to compete more directly with Tetra Pak, SIG and Elopak in Europe, Africa and the Gulf.
- Investment: $126 million greenfield Asepto plant at Ain Sokhna, Egypt, on a 30-acre site
- Eventual annual capacity: 12 billion aseptic carton packs, matching UFlex's Sanand plant in India
- Combined global aseptic capacity reaches approximately 24 billion packs per year
- Initial utilisation expected at roughly 30%, rising to about 70% in year two and design capacity by 2030
- The plant has entered customer trials, with commercial production planned for late 2026
- Egypt trade access includes COMESA, GAFTA and the African Continental Free Trade Area
Smurfit Westrock, Pratt Industries and the United Steelworkers filed trade petitions on 9 September 2026 alleging dumped and subsidised pizza box imports from China, Malaysia and Turkey are harming the US corrugated industry. The petitions, submitted via law firm Wiley Rein, ask the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission to investigate duties on boxes sold at margins the filers put as high as 568.5% below US prices. A preliminary ITC injury ruling is expected by late October 2026, with final determinations likely in late 2027.
Why this mattersA successful case would raise landed costs for imported pizza boxes and could shift US foodservice packaging volume back to domestic corrugated producers.
- Petitions filed 9 September 2026 by the American Pizza Boxes Manufacturers Coalition (Smurfit Westrock, Pratt Industries) and the United Steelworkers union.
- Alleged dumping margins range from 96.62% to 568.50% for China, 110.73% for Malaysia and 120.65% to 210.37% for Turkey.
- Pizza box imports from the three countries rose at least 130% between 2023 and 2026.
- Commerce is due to decide on initiating the investigation within 20 days of filing; ITC preliminary injury determination is due within 45 days, roughly late October 2026.
- Petitioners also allege Turkish producers benefit from government subsidies and cross-border subsidies linked to Russia.
- Full investigation process is expected to take about one year, with final dumping, subsidy and injury determinations likely in late 2027.
RDM Group has announced a EUR 80 per tonne price increase across its entire white-lined chipboard (WLC) cartonboard portfolio, effective from October 2026. The company cites sustained inflation and rising manufacturing costs across the paper and board industry. RDM operates eight mills in Europe.
Why this mattersA sector-wide price rise on recycled cartonboard signals persistent input cost pressure and will feed through to converters' and brand owners' packaging costs.
- Price increase of EUR 80/t applies to RDM's entire WLC cartonboard range
- Increase takes effect from October 2026
- RDM operates eight mills across Europe
- Company cites sustained increases in manufacturing input costs
- Statement attributed to Pierre-Yves Corbière, Chief Commercial Officer at RDM Group
Russian cardboard packaging maker Lambumiz has secured permission to build a new production facility for aseptic packaging, targeting launch by the end of 2026. The company expects the move to capture up to 10% of domestic aseptic packaging demand, worth an estimated 58-63 billion rubles, and to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. Lambumiz separately reported 2025 IFRS net profit down 23% to 207 million rubles on revenue up 1% to 2.775 billion rubles.
Why this mattersDomestic aseptic capacity would cut Russian dairy packers' reliance on Chinese carton imports and move Lambumiz out of lower-margin non-aseptic gable-top into a higher-margin segment.
- Lambumiz received permission to build a new production building, targeting completion by end-2026
- New facility targets a market estimated at 58-63 billion rubles, aiming to replace up to 10% of domestic aseptic packaging demand
- Sales plan for ASEPTIC BASE packaging is up to 30 million units by end-2026 and up to 660 million units by end-2027
- Company forecasts revenue to at least double by 2028 after entering the aseptic packaging market
- 2025 IFRS net profit fell 23% to 207 million rubles; revenue rose 1% to 2.775 billion rubles
- Board recommended dividends of 25.3% of 2025 RAS net profit despite an active investment phase
Caraustar Mill Group will close a paperboard plant near Sweetwater Creek in Austell, Cobb County, Georgia, with 95 layoffs expected. The closure was reported on 15 September 2026; no closure date, cause or plant capacity has been disclosed.
Why this mattersThe closure removes paperboard capacity from the US Southeast, narrowing regional substrate options for converters in Georgia and neighbouring states.
- The plant is located near Sweetwater Creek in Austell, Cobb County, Georgia.
- 95 jobs are expected to be cut.
- Caraustar Industries makes recycled materials and paper products.
- The closure was reported on 15 September 2026.
Metsä Board is modernising the board machine winder in the finishing operations at its Kemi mill, with work carried out during the annual maintenance shutdown in October-November 2026. The company says the upgrade will improve product quality, supply chain reliability and production efficiency at the mill, the world's largest producer of coated white-top kraftliners.
Why this mattersReliability upgrades at the largest white-top kraftliner mill reinforce supply continuity for corrugated box makers dependent on Kemi's output.
- Metsä Board is modernising the board machine winder at its Kemi mill finishing operations
- Investment will be implemented during the annual maintenance shutdown in October-November 2026
- Kemi mill has annual production capacity of approximately 465,000 tonnes
- Kemi is described as the world's largest producer of coated white-top kraftliners
- Kraftliner from Kemi is used as the top layer in corrugated packaging worldwide
South African packaging producer Mpact and power trader Enpower Trading have reached financial close on a five-year renewable-electricity power purchase agreement. Enpower will supply about 30 GWh a year of solar power to Mpact's Eskom-connected mills, wheeled from Phase 2 of the SunCentral project near De Aar, with supply expected to start in December 2026.
Why this mattersThe deal shows a converter using grid wheeling to cut Scope 2 emissions and hedge power costs, a template other South African packaging plants may follow.
- Mpact and Enpower Trading reached financial close on a five-year renewable PPA.
- Enpower will supply about 30 GWh/y of renewable electricity to Mpact.
- Power is sourced from Phase 2 of SolarAfrica Energy's SunCentral solar project near De Aar, Northern Cape.
- Supply is expected to begin in December 2026.
- Mpact expects the PPA to avoid about 30,000 t/y of CO2 emissions.
- Initial supply will serve Mpact's Eskom-connected mills, with potential extension to municipally connected sites.
Metsä Group has ordered a 3D Fiber molded fibre production line from Valmet for its Äänekoski mill in Finland, the first commercial-scale deployment of the technology. The line, sited alongside the companies' existing demo plant, will have nominal capacity of more than 100 million products a year and is scheduled to start up in 2028. Valmet has not disclosed the order value; it is included in the company's third-quarter 2026 orders received.
Why this mattersA proven commercial-scale route from pulp to rigid molded-fibre trays and containers gives converters a credible, scalable plastic substitute for food packaging.
- Metsä Group ordered a 3D Fiber production line from Valmet for its Äänekoski mill, Finland
- This is the world's first commercial-scale implementation of Valmet's 3D Fiber technology
- Nominal capacity of the new line exceeds 100 million products per year
- Start-up of the line is scheduled for 2028
- The line will be built alongside the existing Valmet-Metsä demo plant, which started up in 2022
- The order is included in Valmet's orders received for the third quarter of 2026; order value undisclosed
Unifor members at Domtar's Eastern Canada mills have ratified a conciliator's settlement recommendation, setting a four-year pattern agreement for the region's pulp, paper, sawmill and forestry sectors. The deal, running from May 2026 to April 2030, provides 2.5% annual pay rises totalling 10% plus an attendance bonus of up to 1%, and will now serve as the benchmark for negotiations affecting around 14,000 Unifor members.
Why this mattersThe settlement avoids an immediate labour dispute at Domtar and sets a wage and benefits benchmark for sector-wide bargaining amid tariff-driven mill slowdowns and closures in Canadian forestry.
- Unifor members at three Domtar mills voted to ratify the conciliator's settlement recommendation.
- The four-year agreement runs from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2030.
- Annual pay increases of 2.5% total 10% over the contract, plus an attendance bonus of up to 1%.
- The agreement is a pattern deal expected to affect about 14,000 Unifor members in Eastern Canada's forestry sector.
- Unifor cited a US-Canada trade war and rising tariffs on forestry products as a backdrop, alongside mill slowdowns and layoffs.
- Unifor will next negotiate in the sawmill sector before moving to other forestry sectors.
Metsä Group President and CEO Jussi Vanhanen has warned that poor implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation could weaken Finland's public finances by EUR 500 million to EUR 1.5 billion annually. He cited government estimates of EUR 400-900 million in direct restoration and protection costs, plus EUR 150-500 million in lost tax revenue if forest use is curtailed. Finland is preparing its national restoration plan for submission to the European Commission.
Why this mattersRestrictions on Finnish boreal forest harvesting could tighten wood fibre supply and raise costs for Nordic pulp, paperboard and forestry-linked packaging producers.
- Vanhanen estimates poor implementation could cost Finland EUR 500m-1.5bn annually
- Government estimates put direct restoration and protection costs at EUR 400m-900m a year
- Welfare losses and lower tax revenue estimated at EUR 150m-500m if forest use is cut
- Finland's forest sector generates about EUR 10bn in economic benefit and EUR 3-4bn in direct tax annually
- Comments made on Yle's Ykkösaamu programme
- Finland is preparing a national restoration plan for the European Commission
UPM and Sappi have conditionally nominated four additional executives to the management team of their planned graphic paper joint venture, adding to the CEO and CFO named earlier in September 2026. The nominations remain conditional on regulatory approval and completion of the transaction, which is under EU Phase II merger review with final resolutions expected by end-2026.
Why this mattersAdvancing management appointments signals the two paper makers are preparing for closing despite an ongoing EU antitrust review of their graphic paper tie-up.
- UPM and Sappi conditionally nominated four executives to the joint venture management team on 14 September 2026.
- Gunnar Eberhardt and Stephen Blyth were nominated earlier in September 2026 as CEO and CFO respectively.
- The joint venture was announced in 2025 and definitive agreements signed in May 2026.
- EU merger review entered Phase II on 28 April 2026, with final regulatory resolutions expected by end-2026.
- Marco Eikelenboom, currently CEO of Sappi Europe, is nominated as Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing.
- Until closing, UPM and Sappi continue to operate their respective businesses independently.
Sappi Europe will increase prices by 5-7 percent across its full range of Woodfree Coated papers sold in Europe, effective for new orders and deliveries from 12 October 2026. The company cited continued escalation of costs across the supply chain as the reason, and said its sales organisation will contact customers individually to discuss implementation.
Why this mattersA broad increase across Sappi's WFC range signals continued cost pressure in European graphic paper and could push through to converters and print buyers.
- Price increase of 5-7 percent applies to Sappi Europe's full Woodfree Coated paper range
- Increase takes effect for new orders and deliveries from 12 October 2026
- Sappi cites escalating supply chain costs as the driver
- Sappi Europe is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium
- Customers will be contacted individually by Sappi Europe's sales organisation
UPM Specialty Materials has launched UPM Asendo 80, a grease-resistant label face paper that applies the company's packaging-paper barrier technology to labels for the first time without using PFAS. The 80 gsm grade targets food-contact and grease-sensitive label applications such as olive oil packaging, following the EU's PPWR PFAS restriction on food-contact packaging, which took effect on 12 August 2026. The paper is FSC or PEFC certified and meets FDA and German BfR food-contact requirements.
Why this mattersPFAS-free validated face papers give label converters a route to compliant food-contact products as EU rules tighten and give paper an edge over film alternatives.
- UPM Asendo 80 is an 80 gsm label face paper extending UPM's barrier paper technology to labels for the first time
- The grade does not use PFAS chemistry and each production stage is tested by independent third-party laboratories
- EU PPWR restriction on PFAS in food-contact packaging became applicable across the EU on 12 August 2026
- Product meets FDA and German BfR food-contact requirements and is available FSC or PEFC certified
- Compatible with a range of adhesive types and suited to UV Flexo and UV-inkjet printing
- Target applications include olive oil packaging and other grease-sensitive food-contact labels
International labour federations held their first multisectoral meeting in Rio de Janeiro on 15 September 2026 to coordinate union organising across the supply chains of Klabin and Suzano. Participants from the ITF, BWI, IndustriALL Brasil and UNI Americas reviewed the state of union organisation at each company and drew up joint action plans. The initiative aims to align strategies among unions from different sectors linked to the two companies.
Why this mattersCoordinated cross-border union organising raises the prospect of joint labour action across forestry, pulp and packaging supply chains, a new pressure point for two of Brazil's largest producers.
- First multisectoral union meeting on Klabin and Suzano supply chains held 15 September 2026 at ITF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
- Participating organisations: International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), Building and Wood Workers' International (BWI), IndustriALL Brasil and UNI Americas.
- Attendees reviewed the state of union organisation at each company.
- Participants developed specific action plans for the Klabin and Suzano supply chains.
- ITF described the meeting as an innovative approach to building union strategy across supply chains spanning multiple sectors.
Orora reported a statutory net loss of A$616.6 million for the year to 30 June 2026 after a A$720.5 million impairment of its glass business, where Saverglass in Europe faced weak volumes and destocking. Revenue from continuing operations rose 6.5% to A$2,225.9 million, but net profit before significant items fell 5.9% to A$142.2 million, and the board cut total dividends to 9.0 cents per share, unfranked, from 10.0 cents in FY2025. The result follows Orora's December 2024 sale of its North American Orora Packaging Solutions business at an enterprise value of about A$1.8 billion, with proceeds used to reduce debt.
Why this mattersA A$720.5m write-down on glass shows how far European speciality bottle demand has fallen, while the can operations held up more steadily over the same period.
- Orora recorded a A$720.5 million impairment on its glass business for FY2026, driving a statutory net loss of A$616.6 million.
- Revenue from continuing operations rose 6.5% to A$2,225.9 million for the year to 30 June 2026.
- Net profit before significant items fell 5.9% to A$142.2 million.
- Total FY2026 dividend was cut to 9.0 cents per share (5.0-cent interim, 4.0-cent final payable 6 October 2026), down from 10.0 cents in FY2025 and unfranked.
- The glass division, including Saverglass in Europe, faced weak volumes, destocking and cost pressures.
- In December 2024 Orora sold its North American Orora Packaging Solutions business for an enterprise value of about A$1.8 billion, using proceeds to cut debt.
Crown Holdings has broken ground on its first beverage can manufacturing facility in India, at Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, with construction starting after an April 2026 announcement. The plant will feature two lines with combined annual capacity of about 2.2 billion aluminium cans, targeting the growing Indian beverage market, with operations set to begin in the second half of 2027.
Why this mattersCrown gains a domestic Indian can supply base of about 2.2 billion units from the second half of 2027, ahead of rival local capacity.
- Groundbreaking took place on 9 September 2026 in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, India
- The plant will have two production lines with combined annual capacity of approximately 2.2 billion aluminium beverage cans
- The facility was announced in April 2026
- Operations are scheduled to start in the second half of 2027
- Crown maintains full-year 2026 capital expenditure guidance of approximately $550 million
Ball Corporation has completed the sale of a 41% stake in its Saudi joint venture, Ball United Arab Can Manufacturing Company (UAC), to Chinese packaging group ORG Technology for USD 70 million. Ball retains a 10% interest in the venture, down from its previous 51% holding. The deal is intended to deepen cooperation with ORG and improve profitability by optimising ORG's assets and customer base across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
Why this mattersBall cedes control of a Middle East aluminium can platform to a Chinese packaging rival, reshaping the regional beverage-can supply base.
- Ball sold 41% of Ball United Arab Can Manufacturing Company (UAC) to ORG Technology Co. for USD 70 million.
- Ball previously held 51% of the joint venture and now retains 10%.
- UAC makes aluminium cans for beverages, non-alcoholic beer, carbonated drinks, juices and mineral water from Dammam, Saudi Arabia.
- The transaction closed as of the 14 September 2026 announcement.
- Ball reported 2024 sales of USD 11.8 billion excluding its aerospace division.
- ORG Technology is a Beijing-headquartered packaging and marketing planning company.
Ball Corporation plans a greenfield two-line beverage can manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh, India, expected to start operations in 2029. The plant will be Ball's third in India, adding to existing sites in Taloja, Maharashtra and Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. Ball says the investment is supported by customer contracts and is expected to generate strong economic value added.
Why this mattersContracted greenfield capacity from 2029 takes Ball to three Indian plants, deepening local supply as rival can makers also build there.
- New two-line beverage can facility to be built in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Facility expected to become operational in 2029.
- Ball already operates plants in Taloja, Maharashtra and Sri City, Andhra Pradesh.
- Ball entered the Indian market in 2016.
- Investment described as supported by customer contracts and expected to generate strong EVA.
Ball Corporation has appointed Darlene J. Nicosia and Sherry L. Buck to its board of directors. Nicosia brings manufacturing and operations experience from large multinational industrial and consumer businesses, while Buck adds finance and governance expertise from prior chief financial officer roles. Both will sit on finance and audit-related board committees.
Why this mattersThe additions strengthen board oversight of capital-intensive expansion, including Ball's new beverage can plant under construction in Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Darlene J. Nicosia joins Ball's board with senior manufacturing and operations leadership background.
- Sherry L. Buck joins with finance and corporate governance expertise from prior CFO roles at public companies.
- Both directors are positioned on Ball's finance and audit-related board committees.
- Ball is building a new beverage can plant in Uttar Pradesh, India, backed by customer contracts and government incentives, targeted to progress toward 2029.
Zignago Vetro, the Italian glass packaging group 64% owned by Zignago Holding, reported first-half 2026 revenues of EUR 308 million, EBITDA of EUR 51.3 million and net result of EUR 8.8 million, with net financial debt at 2.1 times EBITDA and net equity of EUR 318 million. For 2025 the group reported revenues of EUR 596 million, EBITDA of EUR 162.2 million, a 27.2 percent margin, and net result of EUR 66.9 million. Zignago Vetro France revenues fell 20.2 percent to EUR 51.0 million in 2025, against growth at the Italian and Polish units.
Why this mattersA 20.2 percent revenue decline in France against growth in Italy and Poland points to uneven demand across Zignago Vetro's European plants.
- 1H 2026 revenues were EUR 308 million, EBITDA EUR 51.3 million and net result EUR 8.8 million
- Net financial debt/EBITDA was 2.1x with net equity of EUR 318 million at 1H 2026
- Zignago Vetro France 2025 revenues fell 20.2 percent to EUR 51.0 million, with EBITDA of EUR 6.7 million
- Zignago Vetro Polska 2025 revenues rose 2.9 percent to EUR 86.6 million and the Zignago Vetro BU rose 2.1 percent to EUR 331.6 million
- 2025 revenues were EUR 596 million, EBITDA EUR 162.2 million, a 27.2 percent margin, and net result EUR 66.9 million
- 2025 dividend per share was EUR 0.60, a 70 percent payout ratio
Orora has appointed Susannah Jobling Hodgens as Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary, joining the leadership team from October 2026. She is promoted internally after 13 years at the company, most recently as General Counsel and alternate Company Secretary. The outgoing company secretary remains in post until 31 December 2026 to support the transition.
Why this mattersAn internal promotion keeps Orora's legal and company secretarial function in continuity through the October to December handover.
- Susannah Jobling Hodgens becomes Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary from October 2026
- She has spent 13 years at Orora in senior legal and governance roles, most recently as General Counsel and alternate Company Secretary
- The outgoing company secretary remains in post until 31 December 2026 to support the transition
Australia's federal government has decided not to progress national packaging reforms, including a mandatory minimum recycled-plastics content scheme first promised in 2023, during the current term of parliament. Environment Minister Murray Watt cited cost-of-living concerns last month. Industry figures, including Pact Group executive chair Raphael Geminder, warn the delay undermines investment in local recycling capacity built with government funding, as environment ministers were due to meet on 18 September to discuss next steps.
Why this mattersWithout national recycled-content rules, plastics recyclers lose the demand needed to justify capacity already built with public funding, threatening Australia's circular-plastics investment case.
- Federal government will not introduce national packaging reforms, including a mandatory minimum recycled-plastics content scheme, in this term of parliament.
- The scheme was first promised in 2023; Environment Minister Murray Watt confirmed the shelving last month, citing cost-of-living concerns.
- Pact Group executive chair Raphael Geminder says the delay risks wasting taxpayer investment and locks Australia into a landfill-first plastic waste approach.
- Australia's environment ministers were scheduled to meet on 18 September 2026 to decide on packaging-waste actions.
- Beverages are currently the only consumer products fully covered by mandated EPR via container deposit schemes, according to the Australian Beverages Council.
- The FY25 Clean Up Australia Litter Report found packaging and containers account for 59.5% of all reported litter.
Greif has acquired Envaplast, an Alicante-based manufacturer of industrial plastic containers for the agrochemical sector, for USD 61.7m (EUR 53.4m). Envaplast, founded in 1984 and owned by the Lledo Villaplana family, generated EUR 22.13m revenue and EUR 8.24m EBITDA in 2025, and will join Greif's Customized Polymer Solutions division without a merger process. CEO Joan Oriola Lledo will remain in charge as Greif seeks to expand its small plastic packaging footprint in the region.
Why this mattersThe deal extends Greif's small-container polymer platform into Spain's agrochemical packaging niche, adding a specialised bolt-on to its industrial packaging portfolio.
- Greif paid USD 61.7m (EUR 53.4m) for Envaplast, per its US SEC filing.
- Envaplast recorded 2025 revenue of EUR 22.13m and EBITDA of EUR 8.24m, with net profit over EUR 6m.
- Envaplast employs around 35 workers at its Benimarfull (Alicante) site and was founded in 1984.
- Envaplast joins Greif's Customized Polymer Solutions division without merging with existing Spanish units.
- Greif already operates a container plant in San Roque (Cadiz) and a steel drum plant in Martorell (Barcelona).
- CEO Joan Oriola Lledo will continue leading Envaplast; advisory firm Efe&Ene advised on the transaction.
GTCR-backed PPC Flex has acquired Koen Pack, a Netherlands-based supplier of floral and plant packaging with operations across Europe and the Americas. The deal, advised by Loyens & Loeff for GTCR, is a strategic add-on that extends PPC Flex's footprint in floral packaging alongside its existing flexible packaging business. No financial terms were disclosed.
Why this mattersThe deal consolidates the niche floral packaging segment under private equity ownership, adding scale and geographic reach for horticulture-focused flexible packaging suppliers.
- PPC Flex, a portfolio company of private equity firm GTCR, has acquired Koen Pack
- Koen Pack is a Netherlands-based supplier of floral and plant packaging
- Koen Pack operates in Europe, the United States, Canada, Colombia and Ecuador
- Both companies have more than 30 years of experience in the floral packaging industry
- Law firm Loyens & Loeff advised GTCR on legal and tax aspects of the transaction
- The deal is described as a strategic add-on investment within GTCR's portfolio
Schütz has started construction of a EUR 40m intermediate bulk container production and logistics facility on BASF's Ludwigshafen chemical complex, breaking ground on 14 September 2026. The 20,000 sqm site will digitally automate IBC manufacturing and delivery to secure long-term industrial packaging supply for BASF and regional customers, with commissioning planned for summer 2027.
Why this mattersThe deal deepens supplier integration between an IBC maker and a major chemicals producer, a model that could extend automated, on-site packaging logistics elsewhere in the sector.
- Investment of EUR 40m for a new IBC production and logistics facility.
- Site covers 20,000 sqm within BASF's Ludwigshafen Chemical Complex.
- Groundbreaking ceremony held on 14 September 2026.
- Facility expected to create 60 jobs initially, rising to up to 100 through expansion phases.
- Estimated annual reduction of 1.5 million truck kilometres through automated logistics.
- Commissioning planned for summer 2027.
A major fire broke out on 14 September 2026 at an Amcor Plastics facility on London Road in Beccles, Suffolk, requiring 14 fire crews to bring it under control. The blaze is understood to have gutted neighbouring industrial units and no injuries have been reported; the cause is under investigation.
Why this mattersAny lost output at the Suffolk site would fall on regional customers until Amcor establishes the extent of the damage and restores production.
- Fire occurred on 14 September 2026 at Amcor Plastics, London Road, Beccles, Suffolk
- 14 fire crews responded to the blaze
- Neighbouring industrial units are understood to have been gutted
- No injuries reported
- Health, power and environmental agencies were alerted as a precaution
- Cause of the fire remains under investigation
PureCycle Technologies and IPL Schoeller have jointly launched SnapPack Square EVO, a tamper-evident packaging line incorporating 20% of PureCycle's PureFive recycled polypropylene in each unit. The off-the-shelf line is designed to let brand owners meet emerging recycled-content mandates, including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and various US state rules, without custom development. The launch builds on an existing partnership between the two companies.
Why this mattersA pre-blended, ready-to-use recycled-PP packaging option lowers the switching cost for brand owners facing recycled-content mandates in the EU and US states.
- SnapPack Square EVO contains 20% PureFive recycled polypropylene in every unit
- PureFive is produced through PureCycle's patented dissolution process and is APR certified for post-consumer recycled content
- The resin qualifies under New Jersey's Recycled Content Law, which requires 10% PCR in rigid plastic packaging now, 20% including food packaging by 2027 and 50% by 2036
- The line targets compliance with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and US state recycled-content mandates
- SnapPack Square EVO is expected to be available to brand owners from autumn 2026, with further sizes and formats planned
- The launch builds on the companies' work with Cleveland Kitchen on a food-contact container containing PCR
Pact Group CEO and managing director Sanjay Dayal has told the board he intends to leave the Australian packaging company, triggering an executive search for his successor. Dayal, who joined in April 2019, will stay in post until a replacement is named; no timeframe for the appointment has been disclosed.
Why this mattersThe departure of the executive who led Pact's circular-economy and reuse strategy creates transition risk for the company's sustainability positioning and customer partnerships.
- Sanjay Dayal has advised Pact Group's board of his intention to step down as CEO and managing director
- Dayal joined Pact in April 2019, over seven years in the role
- An executive search for his successor is under way, with no disclosed timeframe
- Dayal will remain CEO until a new chief executive takes up the role
- Under Dayal, Pact established recycling and reuse joint ventures and long-term customer partnerships
- Executive chair Raphael Geminder thanked Dayal for his leadership and committed to an orderly transition
Malaysian flexible packaging maker Tomypak Holdings has signed memoranda of understanding to acquire 100% of Johor-based EB Packaging Sdn Bhd for RM120 million, disclosed in a Bursa Malaysia filing dated 11 August. The deal is intended to restore manufacturing capacity lost after a fire at Tomypak's Senai plant in late 2021, which has limited output to its smaller Tampoi facility. Tomypak plans due diligence, an independent share valuation and consultation with Securities Commission Malaysia before completion.
Why this mattersThe acquisition shows a mid-size flexible packaging producer using M&A rather than rebuilding to restore capacity lost to a plant fire.
- Tomypak proposes to acquire EB Packaging Sdn Bhd for RM120 million
- It will buy a 59.3% stake from four named individual shareholders and the remaining 40.7% from RMCP Plastics Holdings Sdn Bhd
- The move follows a fire at Tomypak's Senai manufacturing plant in late 2021
- Manufacturing has since been limited to Tomypak's Tampoi plant at reduced capacity
- Tomypak is also increasing production capacity at the Senai plant
- Shares closed 8.54% lower at 44.5 sen on the day of the announcement, valuing Tomypak at RM191.85 million
Walki Group has named Timo Saahko Executive Vice President of Packaging Materials, effective 1 October 2026. He will also join the Group Executive Team, taking responsibility for developing the company's packaging materials business. Saahko joins from Mölnlycke Health Care.
Why this mattersA new operating head signals Walki's intent to prioritise growth of its packaging materials division within a broader industrial group.
- Timo Saahko becomes Executive Vice President of Packaging Materials at Walki Group.
- Appointment takes effect 1 October 2026.
- Saahko will also join the Group Executive Team.
- He previously worked at Mölnlycke Health Care.
Amcor will present new facial skincare packaging, including the Magic One airless dispenser and extensions to its Prima Jar and Ocyl bottle ranges, at LUXE PACK Monaco on 28-30 September 2026. The company says the new products are designed to accommodate post-consumer recycled content and to comply with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Why this mattersAdds premium, PPWR-compliant rigid formats to Amcor's beauty portfolio as brand owners face tightening recycled-content and eco-modulation requirements in France and the EU.
- Amcor will showcase the products at LUXE PACK Monaco, 28-30 September 2026, on stand DB07.
- Magic One is an airless dispenser with 0.3 ml precise dosing and a 96% restitution rate.
- Prima Jar and Ocyl bottle ranges are manufactured in France and are being extended.
- New products are designed to include post-consumer recycled material, subject to availability, to access France's EPR eco-modulation.
- Each new product is designed to comply with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
About 50 unionised workers at Pact Packing's Lower Hutt, New Zealand plant staged a two-hour strike on 16 September 2026 after rejecting the company's pay offer. Union E tū said the offer of an extra NZD 0.66 an hour falls well short of the NZD 29.90 living wage, with average pay around NZD 26 an hour. Pact Group said it remains committed to bargaining in good faith under a multi-employer collective agreement covering five other companies.
Why this mattersWage disputes at converting sites signal rising labour cost pressure for packaging manufacturers operating in tight local labour markets.
- About 50 union-affiliated workers struck for two hours on 16 September 2026 at Pact Packing in Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
- Pact Group's pay offer was an extra NZD 0.66 an hour.
- Union E tū says average worker pay is around NZD 26 an hour versus a living wage of NZD 29.90.
- Inflation was cited at 4.1 percent.
- Workers had previously sought an 8 percent rise, which would lift average pay to just over NZD 28 an hour.
- The plant is covered by a multi-employer collective agreement including five other companies.
Aptar Closures has launched Harmonic, a linerless sport cap designed for hot-fill and high-speed beverage filling lines. The 33mm closure features a visible tamper-evidence indicator and a two-part design that allows colour customisation for brand differentiation. The company positions the product for beverages aimed at on-the-go consumption.
Why this mattersA linerless closure compatible with hot-fill lines can simplify production and reduce material use for beverage brands seeking on-shelf differentiation.
- Harmonic features a 33mm neck ring designed for ease of opening and closing
- The closure is linerless, with no foil seal, and includes a visible tamper-evidence indicator
- Aptar states the cap is compatible with high-speed and hot-fill beverage filling lines
- The two-part design allows colour combinations for brand customisation
- Emma Bersier, senior director and beverage market lead at Aptar Closures, commented on the launch
Aptar Beauty has created a bespoke dispensing pump for L'Occitane en Provence's redesigned hand care collection, based on its Satine personal care pump platform. The refillable bottles come in 350ml and 500ml formats in glass or plastic, with the pump molded and decorated at Aptar's Oyonnax site in France and assembled at its Le Neubourg facility. The project was completed in under a year.
Why this mattersIllustrates continued brand demand for bespoke, refillable premium dispensing systems as beauty brands pursue single-use plastic reduction alongside packaging redesigns.
- Custom pump based on Aptar Beauty's Satine personal care pump platform
- 24/410 screw neck compatible with refill systems, delivering a 500 microlitre dose
- Bottles available in 350ml and 500ml formats, in glass or plastic
- Pump molded and decorated at Aptar Beauty's Oyonnax facility, France
- Assembly takes place at Aptar's Le Neubourg site, France
- Development completed in under one year
MEDICOS Beauty has designed a reusable applicator for Phyto Paris' Phytocyane Intensive+ hair loss treatment, replacing the 12 single-use applicators previously supplied with a 12-vial course with one shared unit. MEDICOS developed the polypropylene part against its EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) roadmap, citing component-count reduction as easier to evidence than incremental weight savings.
Why this mattersShows converters using component elimination rather than lightweighting to meet PPWR reduction requirements on repeat-use treatment formats.
- A 12-dose Phytocyane Intensive+ course previously used 12 disposable applicators; it now uses one reusable applicator.
- The applicator is made of polypropylene and is shared across all 12 vials in the course.
- The vials are tubular glass with polypropylene caps.
- MEDICOS Beauty designs and manufactures across four European sites.
- The applicator is unisex, serving both the Women and Men product variants.
Eurovetrocap has expanded its Bold packaging collection with seven new glass and plastic formats, including small glass bottles and jars in plastic and glass. The line, originally launched as HDPE bottles with 30% recycled content, now spans multiple materials and container types for skincare and body care brands. The collection will be presented at trade fairs in Monaco, Paris and London in late September and October 2026.
Why this mattersBroadening a recycled-content packaging line across materials lets cosmetics brands standardise visual identity while meeting sustainability targets.
- Eurovetrocap adds 7 new items to its Bold collection, in glass and plastic
- New items include 30ml and 50ml glass bottles, 100/200/300ml plastic jars and 50/100ml glass jars
- Bold was originally launched with 100, 200, 250 and 300 ml HDPE bottles containing 30% PCR content, all with 24/410 neck fitting
- The range can also be produced at 100% recycled content
- Eurovetrocap will showcase the collection at LuxePack Monaco (28-30 September 2026), Cosmetic 360 Paris (14-15 October) and London Packaging Week (16-17 October)
Wasdell Group has completed the acquisition of Polypouch, a Hemel Hempstead-based flexible packaging specialist, adding pouches, sachets and flat-bottom bags to its offering. The deal extends Wasdell's core pharmaceutical, medical device and nutraceutical manufacturing, packaging and logistics business into flexible packaging. Terms were not disclosed.
Why this mattersThe deal gives a pharma-focused contract manufacturer in-house flexible packaging capability to help customers meet EPR and PPWR requirements.
- Wasdell Group has completed the acquisition of Polypouch.
- Polypouch is based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
- Polypouch supplies stand-up, foil, kraft and spout pouches, flat-bottom bags, resealable pouches and sachets, including recyclable, compostable and biodegradable materials.
- Wasdell's core business covers pharmaceutical, medical device and nutraceutical manufacturing, packaging and third-party logistics.
- Daniel Tedham is chief executive of Wasdell Group.
- Stephen Frankel is founder of Polypouch.
Durst Group will acquire the holding company of MPS Printing B.V., the Dutch flexographic printing systems specialist for labels and flexible packaging, with completion set for 1 January 2027. MPS will operate as MPS - A Durst Group Company, keeping its management, brand and product line, while Durst US takes over US sales and service. The deal remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Why this mattersAdding flexo hardware to Durst's digital and hybrid printing portfolio broadens its label-production platform against rivals combining digital, flexo and automation.
- Durst Group will acquire MPS Printing B.V.'s holding company, effective 1 January 2027.
- MPS will be renamed MPS - A Durst Group Company.
- MPS CEO Michiel Borst becomes Managing Director of the renamed unit, reporting into Durst Group.
- MPS's existing management team and European direct sales channels remain in place.
- Durst US will take over sales and service of the MPS portfolio in the United States.
- Durst's separate hybrid-printing partnership with OMET on the KJet and XJet platforms continues unaffected.
Mpac Group has completed the sale of its Lambert business, receiving £16m of gross proceeds after the end of the first half, a move it says aligns the group around scalable, full-line packaging machinery. In half-year results for the six months to 30 June 2026, continuing-operations order intake rose 42.8% to £77.8m and the order book reached £80.5m, while underlying operating profit fell 46.8% to £4.2m on competitive pricing pressure and net debt eased to £43.5m by the end of August following the disposal proceeds.
Why this mattersThe disposal sharpens Mpac's focus on core packaging machinery while easing leverage, but shrinking margins signal persistent pricing pressure across its original-equipment business.
- Mpac sold its Lambert business on 24 July 2026, receiving £16m gross proceeds after the half-year period end
- H1 2026 order intake rose 42.8% to £77.8m from £54.5m in H1 2025
- Order book stood at £80.5m at 30 June 2026 versus £76.2m a year earlier, and £82.5m currently, up 2.5%
- Revenue from continuing operations was £71.0m in H1 2026 against £72.7m in H1 2025
- Underlying operating profit fell 46.8% to £4.2m; the statutory loss before tax narrowed to £0.5m from £8.8m
- Net debt was £54.0m at 30 June before the £16m Lambert proceeds, falling to £43.5m by the end of August 2026
Identiv, Inc. has closed the sale of its legacy IoT business and Identiv brand name to Trackonomy Systems, and has renamed the parent company INVE Technologies, Inc. INVE received USD 50m in Trackonomy preferred equity and plans to pivot to a physical AI SaaS model built around acquisitions of compliance software companies, with James Greenwell taking over as interim CEO from 21 September 2026.
Why this mattersIdentiv's RFID and smart-label business passes to Trackonomy, consolidating supply of track-and-trace hardware for smart packaging while the listed parent exits hardware for compliance software.
- Identiv sold its legacy IoT business assets and the Identiv brand name to Trackonomy Systems.
- Identiv, Inc. has been renamed INVE Technologies, Inc., trading on Nasdaq under ticker INVE.
- INVE Technologies received USD 50m in Trackonomy preferred equity, subject to post-closing adjustment.
- James Greenwell becomes Interim CEO effective 21 September 2026, succeeding Kirsten Newquist.
- Newquist's resignation as CEO and board member is effective 21 and 30 September 2026 respectively.
- The companies are working toward a definitive strategic partnership on software leveraging Trackonomy's physical AI platform.
Italian printing machinery maker OMET Group has officially launched an upgraded production facility in the Pinjiang industrial park in Suzhou, China, on 13 September 2026. The site runs parallel lines, one for final assembly of narrow- and mid-web presses and one for components and modules, aimed at shortening delivery cycles for label and flexible-packaging printers.
Why this mattersLocalised Asian assembly by a leading press builder signals intensifying competition for label converters in the region and may temper price pressure on new equipment.
- OMET Group launched the upgraded Suzhou plant on 13 September 2026
- The site is in the Pinjiang industrial park in Suzhou, China
- Production uses two parallel lines: final machine assembly and components/modules manufacturing
- The lines produce narrow- and mid-web printing equipment used in label and flexible-packaging production
- Parallel-line design is intended to reduce lead times and allow orders to be split into multiple shipments
Sun Chemical has agreed a partnership with Archipelago Technology Group to combine Archipelago's Powerdrop non-contact coating machinery with Sun Chemical's liquid barrier coatings for paper and molded-fibre packaging. The companies say the combined system keeps coating weight below the 5% threshold needed for the EU PPWR's top recyclability grade, and a first product, BARV656 VAPORBLOC DFC HOTFOOD, has completed validation and is commercially available. The tie-up targets brand owners and packaging manufacturers seeking mono-material, recyclable alternatives to laminated paper packaging.
Why this mattersPPWR grading now links coating weight directly to EPR fees and market access, pushing suppliers to design barrier layers that keep fibre packaging mono-material and recyclable.
- Sun Chemical and Archipelago Technology Group announced the partnership on 15 September 2026.
- The system pairs Archipelago's Powerdrop non-contact coater with Sun Chemical's liquid barrier and heat-seal coatings.
- First product BARV656 VAPORBLOC DFC HOTFOOD has completed testing and is commercially available.
- The partnership targets keeping coating weight below the 5% threshold for PPWR Grade A recyclability status.
- PPWR entered into force and began general application across EU member states from August 2026.
- Grade A packaging under PPWR must be at least 95% recyclable mono-material to gain lowest EPR fees and permanent market access.
Sun Chemical has launched SunPak DFC inPace, a sheetfed offset ink system for direct food contact folding cartons, manufactured at its Badalona Center of Excellence. The company has also added nine new base colours, including a food-compliant green pigment, to its AquaSafe water-based direct food contact ink portfolio.
Why this mattersNew direct food contact inks that cut plastic laminates give converters and brand owners a route to comply with EPR and PPWR recyclability rules.
- SunPak DFC inPace is a sheetfed offset ink system for direct food contact folding carton packaging.
- The product is manufactured at Sun Chemical's Badalona Center of Excellence for food packaging.
- AquaSafe water-based ink portfolio has gained nine new base colours including a new green pigment.
- AquaSafe inks are compatible with paper, paperboard, flexible films and aluminium foil.
- SunPak DFC inPace uses Sun Chemical's proprietary Pace Technology and offers bio-based carbon content verified by Carbon-14 testing.
- Sun Chemical has integrated GamutViewer into SunColorBox to let brand owners verify colour achievability before production.
Husky Technologies has launched HyCAP 4.0, a new tooling platform for beverage closure manufacturing designed to support ultra-lightweight and tethered closures. The platform uses polymer bushings and an optimised stack design intended to extend mould life and cut unplanned downtime, and is built to help customers meet tethered-cap regulations without new capital investment.
Why this mattersTooling that supports both tethered and standard closures without retooling lets converters adapt to spreading tethered-cap mandates at lower capital cost.
- Husky Technologies launched the HyCAP 4.0 tooling platform on 15 September 2026.
- The tooling supports both tethered and non-tethered beverage closure production.
- Polymer bushings reduce steel-to-steel contact to extend mould life over millions of cycles.
- The platform targets ultra-lightweight closure designs to reduce material use.
- It is designed for high-speed production while maintaining tight tolerances.
Thai water brand Arpanon has introduced a nine-gram, 600 ml PET bottle for its Sendai range, developed with equipment maker Sidel, cutting bottle weight by about 30% and per-unit electricity consumption by 50%. The bottle runs on a Sidel Combi line producing 36,000 bottles per hour, integrating blowing, filling and capping, which also doubled Arpanon's output while cutting labour and waste.
Why this mattersLightweighting combined with integrated line design shows how bottlers can cut material and energy costs simultaneously, pressuring competitors on packaging efficiency.
- Arpanon's Sendai brand adopted a 600 ml PET bottle weighing 9 grams, developed with Sidel
- Bottle weight cut by approximately 30% and electricity use per unit of production cut by 50%
- Bottle produced on a Sidel Combi line integrating blowing, filling and capping at 36,000 bottles per hour
- Production volume doubled while labour requirement fell to 25% of the previous level
- Production time shortened by approximately 70% and waste reduced fivefold
- Bottle uses a 25/22 neck finish, needs no nitrogen dosing, and withstands more than 30 kg top-load
Durst Group presented the North American debut of its Tau G3 Peak digital UV inkjet label press at the LOUPE Americas trade show in Chicago on 15 September 2026. The system prints at up to 1200 dpi resolution and speeds up to 382 fpm, and adds automatic register control and material edge protection features. Durst also showed its KJet hybrid label press alongside workflow and analytics software.
Why this mattersA faster, higher-resolution digital press gives label converters another route to shift short and mid-run work from analogue to digital printing.
- Tau G3 Peak print speed reaches up to 382 fpm
- Print resolution is 1200 dpi
- North American debut took place at LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago
- New features include Durst ARC (Automatic Register Control) and Durst MEP (Material Edge Protection)
- Durst also displayed the KJet hybrid label press, introduced two years earlier
- Durst is marking 90 years of operation this year
Konica Minolta has introduced the AccurioLabel 231, a new entry- to mid-production digital label press, as its AccurioLabel platform passes 2,000 installations globally since entering the digital label market nearly a decade ago. The press offers extended maintenance intervals, nearly double engine life versus the prior AccurioLabel 230, and new automated print-quality correction technology.
Why this mattersA larger installed base and updated digital press give converters more entry-level options to shift short-run label work away from analogue print.
- The AccurioLabel platform has surpassed 2,000 installations worldwide since its launch nearly a decade ago.
- The AccurioLabel 231 is positioned as an entry- to mid-production digital label press.
- The press extends maintenance intervals to twice those of the AccurioLabel 230 and nearly doubles engine life.
- Production speed reaches close to 77 feet per minute at print resolution of 1,200 x 2,400 dpi.
- The 231 adds Intelligent Quality Optimizer technology to correct print variations automatically during longer runs.
- Konica Minolta cites Biotef as the 2,000th global AccurioLabel installation.
SGX, the graphics and print production specialist owned by Propelis, has launched an in-house aerosol print testing service in North America, extending metal decorating pilot capabilities previously used for beverage cans. The service lets brand owners commission short-run test prints on aerosol containers without occupying commercial press time at printing partners.
Why this mattersRemoving pre-production testing bottlenecks for aerosol decoration could shorten design cycles for beauty, personal care and household brands while freeing printer press capacity.
- SGX has launched a dedicated in-house aerosol print testing service in North America
- The service configures a pilot press to mirror each commercial printer's production specifications
- It extends SGX's existing metal decorating pilot capability previously used for beverage cans
- SGX is described as the packaging graphics, prepress and print production specialist within Propelis
- Growth driver cited is rising demand for premium aerosol packaging in beauty, personal care and household categories
AuraVeo, a connected-packaging platform from Koenig & Bauer, has launched a QR-based digital experience on coffee packs for speciality brand El Caficultor, owned by Indian EcoTrade S.L. Scanning the pack unlocks origin storytelling and a 10% discount offer designed to convert one-off retail buyers into direct subscribers, with the technology built by creative agency Appetite Creative. The initiative will be shown at London Packaging Week on 16-17 September 2026.
Why this mattersConnected packaging that captures first-party consumer data offers brands a route to bypass retail intermediaries and build direct subscription revenue.
- AuraVeo is a connected-packaging platform operated by Koenig & Bauer.
- El Caficultor is a speciality coffee brand owned by Indian EcoTrade S.L.
- The rollout covers four SKUs of El Caficultor's 100% Arabica line: Cerrado Dulce, Sidamo, La Vereda and Selva Negra.
- Scanning the pack's QR code offers a 10% discount on a recurring coffee subscription.
- The technology will be showcased at London Packaging Week on 16-17 September 2026.
- Appetite Creative designed the label system, placing the QR code within the front-of-pack country map illustration.
Atlantic Packaging is investing more than $5 million to expand a recently acquired warehouse in Tabor City, North Carolina, creating 16 full-time jobs. The North Carolina Railroad Company is contributing up to $250,000 to build a rail spur connecting the site to the freight network, expected to handle at least 480 rail cars a year once operational.
Why this mattersThe project adds rail-linked raw-material capacity for a US converter, reflecting continued investment in regional packaging supply-chain infrastructure.
- Atlantic Packaging will invest more than $5 million in the Tabor City warehouse expansion.
- The North Carolina Railroad Company will invest up to $250,000 to build the connecting rail spur.
- The project will create 16 new full-time jobs.
- The facility is expected to receive and distribute at least 480 rail cars annually once operational.
- The warehouse will be Atlantic Packaging's sixth facility in Tabor City.
- Atlantic Packaging ships to more than 35 locations in the United States and internationally.
Chilean pulp producer CMPC has obtained final authorization to build a private-use port terminal in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with projected investment of 1.5 billion reais (US$300 million). The terminal, to be built and operated through a joint venture between CMPC and Neltume Ports via the entity Terminal Rio Grande do Sul S.A., is part of CMPC's wider Natureza Project, which also includes a new pulp mill at Barra do Ribeiro with total investment exceeding 27 billion reais.
Why this mattersThe dedicated terminal secures export capacity for CMPC's new Brazilian pulp mill, underpinning one of the region's largest forestry-sector capital projects.
- Projected terminal investment is 1.5 billion reais (US$300 million).
- Assignment contract for the project area was signed between Brazil's Ministry of Management and Innovation in Public Services and Terminal Rio Grande do Sul S.A.
- An earlier adhesion contract for the port facility's operation was signed in January 2026 with the Ministry of Ports and Airports and Antaq.
- The terminal is part of CMPC's Natureza Project, which also includes a new pulp mill in Barra do Ribeiro with total investment exceeding 27 billion reais.
- The design includes two ship berths, two barge berths and a warehouse with static capacity of 194,000 tonnes of cellulose.
- Handling capacity is expected to reach around 5 million tonnes of cellulose per year.
An AFP and The Gecko Project investigation traced nearly 30,000 hectares of forest cleared in Kalimantan, Indonesia between 2016 and 2024 through supplier Phoenix Resources International to Asia Symbol pulp mills in Jiangsu and Shandong, China, and on to packaging marketed as carbon neutral for medicines sold by Haleon's Chinese subsidiary. Haleon ended its commercial relationship with Asia Symbol after the investigation was published. Asia Symbol says it remains committed to not using wood from natural forests or recently converted plantations.
Why this mattersThe case sharpens scrutiny of carbon-neutral claims in paper-based packaging and could push brand owners to tighten fibre-sourcing audits across Asian supply chains.
- The investigation identified about 30,000 hectares of forest cleared in Kalimantan between 2016 and 2024
- Wood passed from Kalimantan concessions through Phoenix Resources International to Asia Symbol mills in Jiangsu and Shandong, China
- Haleon ended its commercial relationship with Asia Symbol after the investigation was published
- Asia Symbol told AFP it remains committed to not using wood from natural forests or recently converted plantations, and said in 2023 it would stop sourcing from one of the flagged concessions
- Parent company Royal Golden Eagle committed in 2015 to eliminate deforestation from its supply chain and obtained USD 1 billion of sustainability-linked financing in 2024
- The investigation cross-referenced satellite imagery, government audits, commercial records and ship tracking data
Hera Group, via its Polish recycling subsidiary Aliplast Polska, signed a binding agreement in July 2026 to acquire a 70% stake in Kronos Polymer Polska, a new entity to be spun off from Polish polyethylene recycler Kronos Polymer. The deal is intended to help Aliplast raise its recycled plastics capacity to more than 210,000 tonnes a year and is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to conditions including completion of the spin-off and transfer of environmental permits.
Why this mattersExtra Polish capacity tightens competition for recycled polyethylene feedstock now that PPWR recycled-content rules have applied across the EU since 12 August 2026.
- Aliplast Polska, a subsidiary of Italy's Hera Group, agreed to buy 70% of Kronos Polymer Polska.
- The target facility in Gniew, Poland has installed capacity of 12,000 tonnes per year of polyethylene sorting, grinding and washing.
- The deal supports Aliplast's plan to raise capacity to more than 210,000 tonnes per year of recycled plastic raw materials.
- Closing is expected by the end of 2026, subject to completion of the spin-off and transfer of environmental permits.
- The Gniew plant is about 300 kilometres from Aliplast Polska's branch in Tuszyn.
- Hera also cites a rigid plastics recycling plant in Modena and a new PE-LD recycling plant in Borgolavezzaro (Novara) as part of the same capacity expansion.
Daiseki Eco. Solution, a subsidiary of Daiseki Co., has been selected for a Japanese government subsidy of about JPY 2.9bn under the METI-backed Large-Scale Growth Investment Subsidy programme to support a JPY 9.9bn plastic resource recycling project in Shizuoka City. The subsidy is conditional on a 10.4% rise in wage payments per employee on the project and will be recognised as extraordinary income in the fiscal year ending February 2030, with no effect on the group's earnings forecast to February 2027.
Why this mattersPublic subsidy support for plastic recycling capacity in Japan signals policy backing that could expand recycled feedstock supply for the region's packaging value chain.
- Daiseki Eco. Solution will invest about JPY 9.9bn in a Plastic Resource Recycling Project in Shizuoka City
- The project qualifies for a Japanese government subsidy of roughly JPY 2.9bn under the Large-Scale Growth Investment Subsidy programme
- The subsidy is tied to a targeted 10.4% increase in total wage payments per employee working on the project
- The subsidy will be booked as extraordinary income in the fiscal year ending February 2030
- Daiseki said the award has no impact on its previously announced earnings forecast for the year ending February 2027
SG Moulding Solutions has signed an exclusive European agency agreement with recycled polymer supplier Honest Ocean, giving customers access to food-grade recycled PET. The deal includes 1,000 tonnes of food-grade rPET already held in UK stock for immediate delivery, targeted at thermoformers, preform makers, bottle producers and brand owners. The agreement also covers FDA-approved food-grade recycled polypropylene and recycled HDPE.
Why this mattersGives UK converters faster access to certified food-grade recycled resin, helping them cut virgin PET use and Plastic Packaging Tax exposure ahead of tightening recycled-content rules.
- SG Moulding Solutions signed an exclusive European agency agreement with Honest Ocean, announced 15 September 2026.
- 1,000 tonnes of food-grade recycled PET is held in UK stock, available for immediate delivery.
- Honest Ocean sources recycled polymer via certified recycling operations in Indonesia, backed by GRS certification and batch-level traceability.
- 10% of every Honest Ocean order funds coastal collection, community recycling and local employment programmes in Lombok.
- The agreement also gives SG Moulding Solutions access to FDA-approved food-grade recycled polypropylene and recycled HDPE.
- Target applications include thermoformed trays, pots and tubs, preforms and stretch blow moulded bottles.
DuPont has launched Tyvek with Renewable Attribution for consumer and industrial applications, extending its bio-circular material line to active packaging, tags and labels, and industrial packaging such as dunnage and industrial bags. The product uses ISCC PLUS-certified mass balance accounting to attribute renewable feedstock to standard HDPE-based Tyvek, offered at attribution levels from 30% to 100%, with no reformulation or requalification required by customers.
Why this mattersA drop-in renewable-attributed material lets packaging converters cut reported Scope 3 emissions without redesign, a template other materials suppliers may follow.
- Tyvek with Renewable Attribution launched globally on 15 September 2026 for consumer and industrial applications
- Renewable attribution levels range from 30% to 100%, based on ISCC PLUS mass balance certification
- At 30% attribution, DuPont cites an approximately 30% carbon footprint reduction versus standard Tyvek, per ISO-compliant LCA data
- Bio-circular feedstocks derive from second-generation biomass, including waste and residues not competing with food production
- DuPont holds ISCC PLUS certification at its Luxembourg and Richmond, Virginia manufacturing sites
- Product is described as a drop-in solution requiring no requalification for existing Tyvek users
A US federal district court has upheld Oregon's packaging and foodservice ware extended producer responsibility programme, rejecting a constitutional challenge brought by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors on dormant Commerce Clause and Due Process grounds. The 27 August 2026 ruling followed a five-day bench trial and addressed the fee-setting role of the Circular Action Alliance, the sole approved producer responsibility organisation implementing the scheme. NAW, which is also litigating against similar EPR laws in California and Colorado, said it is considering next steps.
Why this mattersA district court ruling upholding Oregon's fee model strengthens the position of packaging EPR schemes facing parallel challenges in California and Colorado.
- A federal judge ruled on 27 August 2026 that Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act does not violate the dormant Commerce Clause or Due Process Clause
- The decision followed a preliminary injunction covering NAW members and a five-day bench trial
- Oregon is one of seven US states with a packaging EPR programme; similar litigation brought by NAW is ongoing in California and Colorado
- The Circular Action Alliance, the sole approved producer responsibility organisation for the programme, collected USD 90m more than it spent in 2025, which the court found not clearly excessive
- NAW's claims included discrimination against interstate commerce, an unreasonable user fee, undue burden on interstate commerce, and improper delegation of regulatory authority to CAA
- The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors said it is considering its next steps
The European Commission is preparing a delegated act to further restrict exports of recycled materials to non-OECD countries, according to a statement from Commissioner Stephane Sejourne's cabinet reported by the Bureau of International Recycling. The move follows the Commission's decision to drop a planned aluminium-scrap-specific export restriction, and a public consultation is expected before adoption envisaged by end-2026. The scope of waste streams, destinations and any exceptions is not yet defined.
Why this mattersTighter export limits on recycled feedstock would affect availability and pricing of recycled content for packaging producers required to meet EU recycled-content mandates.
- A delegated act under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation would further restrict exports of recycled materials to non-OECD countries.
- The Commission dropped a planned aluminium-scrap-specific export restriction earlier in the week of 14 September 2026.
- A public consultation is expected ahead of adoption, envisaged by the end of 2026.
- The revised Waste Shipment Regulation, in force since May 2024, already bars non-hazardous waste exports to non-OECD countries from 21 May 2027 unless the destination is authorised.
- The first list of authorised non-OECD destination countries is due by 21 November 2026.
- Details of targeted waste streams, destinations, exceptions and application date are not yet public, per BIR.
British Glass is pressing the UK government to change its extended producer responsibility scheme, arguing that weight-based charging pushes glass's compliance costs far above its share of packaging volume and is prompting brand owners to switch to lighter materials. The association says glass accounts for less than 5% of UK packaging by volume but bears around 30% of total pEPR costs, and links the issue to import competition and domestic furnace investment. Defra has engaged with the sector, and reporting points to possible temporary fee relief for glass, though no intervention has been confirmed.
Why this mattersIf weight-based EPR fees keep favouring lighter formats, UK container-glass furnace utilisation and future rebuild investment are at risk, reshaping material choice for food and drink packaging.
- British Glass says glass is under 5% of UK packaging volume but bears around 30% of pEPR costs.
- An earlier British Glass survey found 43% of brands and retailers were considering switching away from glass, mostly to plastic.
- Provisional UK anti-dumping duties on some Chinese container-glass imports were introduced in September 2026.
- A significant share of UK container-glass manufacturing is concentrated in northern England.
- Glass is excluded from the planned UK deposit return scheme for drinks containers, unlike plastic bottles and metal cans.
- Defra has continued engagement with British Glass, with reports of possible temporary fee relief for glass, not yet confirmed.
The National Association for PET Container Resources has published a decarbonisation roadmap for PET beverage bottles, developed with consultancy Eastern Research Group, setting out a pathway to cut life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions intensity by more than half by 2050 using existing technologies. The roadmap models total US PET industry emissions falling from about 3.3 million tonnes CO2e to 1.9 million tonnes by 2050 even as production volumes rise, driven mainly by bottle lightweighting and renewable energy adoption. Amcor, Plastipak Packaging, Indorama Ventures, Alpek Polyester, Husky Technologies, Niagara Water, Southeastern Container and Western Container took part in surveys underpinning the analysis.
Why this mattersA credible, peer-reviewed sector roadmap gives PET converters and brand owners a benchmark to defend the material against substitution by glass, metal or alternative packaging.
- Roadmap targets a 57% reduction in PET bottle life-cycle GHG emissions intensity by 2050 versus current levels.
- Total US PET industry annual emissions modelled to fall from about 3.3 million tonnes CO2e to 1.9 million tonnes by 2050.
- 16.9-ounce PET water bottle system emissions intensity could fall about 44% by 2035 versus 2023 baseline.
- Carbonated soft drink bottle systems studied could see emissions intensity cuts of roughly 35% to 43% by 2035.
- The 'cut-off' life-cycle method would show an 83% reduction using the same levers, versus 57% under the more conservative 'system expansion' method used.
- Study was funded by NAPCOR and developed by Eastern Research Group, with input from Amcor, Plastipak Packaging, Indorama Ventures, Alpek Polyester, Husky Technologies, Niagara Water, Southeastern Container and Western Container.
The South Indian Corrugated Box Manufacturers Association (SICBMA) has agreed a 20% increase in carton box prices, citing sharp kraft paper cost rises, tighter mill supply, higher labour costs and GST-related working capital strain. The decision follows three kraft paper price hikes by mills between 12 August and 5 September 2026, and members had initially considered a 25% rise before settling on 20% to limit the impact on customer sectors such as textiles and FMCG.
Why this mattersFast, compounding paper cost pass-through squeezes smaller converters' margins and could accelerate consolidation toward larger integrated packaging groups.
- SICBMA members agreed a 20% carton box price increase at a general body meeting in Tirupur.
- Standard kraft paper prices rose from about Rs 31,000/tonne to Rs 35,000-38,000/tonne.
- 28 BF kraft paper prices rose from Rs 30/kg to Rs 38.50/kg.
- Paper mills implemented three successive price hikes between 12 August and 5 September 2026.
- Paper suppliers now demand payment within seven days, down from longer credit terms.
- GST input tax credit refund delays of up to seven months have tied up converter working capital.
The Poly Coated Paper Alliance has published a US design guide for the mill recyclability of poly coated paper packaging, the first comprehensive resource of its kind, built on feedback from mills representing over 90% of relevant recovered fibre consumption. The guide arrives as Circular Action Alliance finalises California's extended producer responsibility scheme and can draw on it to set fees and recovery strategies. The full guide is restricted to PCPA members for now, with public release planned after further industry consultation.
Why this mattersA mill-informed design standard could shape which coated-paper formats brands and converters keep making as US EPR fee schedules take effect.
- The Poly Coated Paper Alliance published its 2026 Design for Mill Recyclability Guidance on 15 September 2026, the first comprehensive US design guide for poly coated paper packaging.
- The guide covers formats including milk and juice cartons, coffee cups and ice cream containers.
- It was developed with input from US and Canadian mills representing more than 90% of consumption of recovered fibre grades containing poly coated paper, including Grade 54 Mixed Paper and Grade 52 Cartons.
- The framework uses four compatibility categories: fully compatible, conditionally compatible, not compatible and unknown, adapted from the 4evergreen Alliance guidance.
- Circular Action Alliance can use the guide to inform fees and recovery strategies as it finalises extended producer responsibility implementation in California.
- The full design guide is currently available only to PCPA members, advisors and partners, with public release planned after further industry engagement.
EMV Capital has acquired the shuttered Pryme One chemical recycling plant at Rotterdam's Botlek site through new subsidiary Winalot BV, in an all-debt-funded deal for an undisclosed sum. The firm plans roughly £6 million of additional investment to retrofit the plant with fluidised-bed reactor technology from its portfolio company DeepTech Recycling, targeting a return to commercial pyrolysis-oil production within about 18 months, subject to funding and technical performance.
Why this mattersA low-cost retrofit of an existing €50m-plus asset could test whether chemical recycling can move from technology demonstration to reliable industrial supply of pyrolysis oil feedstock.
- EMV Capital acquired the Pryme One chemical recycling plant in Rotterdam's Botlek area via new subsidiary Winalot BV.
- The deal consideration is undisclosed; the acquisition itself was debt-funded.
- Approximately £6 million of additional investment is proposed to restart the facility.
- The plant cost more than €50 million to build, reached mechanical completion in 2023 and began commissioning in 2024.
- Operations stopped in March 2026 after critical reactor problems.
- The restart plan relies on retrofitting a fluidised-bed reactor from EMV Capital portfolio company DeepTech Recycling, targeting resumption within about 18 months.
France, Italy and potentially Germany are considering asking the European Commission to open EU safeguard investigations covering PET, epoxy resin and glass fibre imports, citing cheap Chinese supply, high energy costs and weak demand. Unlike anti-dumping duties, safeguards could impose quotas and tariffs on imports from nearly all trading partners, including countries with EU free-trade agreements such as Japan and Canada. Any measure would need a qualified majority of at least 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population, and could raise input costs for packaging, automotive and wind-energy manufacturers that rely on these materials.
Why this mattersPET is a core packaging resin, so EU safeguard tariffs would raise input costs for bottle and packaging converters even as they aim to shield domestic PET producers.
- France, Italy and potentially Germany are weighing EU safeguard investigation requests covering PET, epoxy resin and glass fibres
- Safeguards can impose quotas and tariffs on imports from nearly all trading partners, unlike targeted anti-dumping duties
- EU chemical production fell 3.2% year-on-year in Q1 2026 with plant utilisation around 74%, per the European Chemical Industry Council
- EU chemical exports fell EUR 4.6bn (12.4%) and imports fell EUR 4.8bn in Q1 2026
- European natural gas prices in the first four months of 2026 were about 3.3 times US levels
- Adopting a safeguard measure would require a qualified majority of at least 15 EU countries representing 65% of the bloc's population
