The European Commission is preparing to block the EUR 1.42bn (USD 1.63bn) joint venture between UPM and Sappi after the companies failed to offer remedies at closed-door hearings this week, according to people familiar with the matter. The venture would merge UPM's European and US printing-paper businesses with Sappi's European printing-paper and speciality-paper operations to form the largest player in European printing paper. A final Commission decision is due by 11 November 2026.
Why this mattersA prohibition would keep European printing paper fragmented and mark a rare EU block of forestry-sector consolidation, hardening scrutiny of further tie-ups.
- Deal value is EUR 1.42bn (USD 1.63bn).
- Closed-door hearings this week failed to resolve EU competition concerns, according to people familiar with the matter.
- The companies are not pursuing an asset-sale remedy because no buyer could be found.
- The European Commission has warned the deal could weaken competition and raise prices in printing paper used for magazines and books.
- The venture would combine UPM's European and US printing-paper businesses with Sappi's European printing-paper and speciality-paper operations.
- The Commission's final decision is due by 11 November 2026.
RFID specialist Tageos has launched two microwave-compatible RAIN RFID inlays, the EOS-450 MW M830 and EOS-450 MW UX, aimed at item-level tracking of packaged food that can be defrosted or heated without removing the tag. The products, unveiled at LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago, target food retail and quick-service restaurant applications and are the first of a planned range of microwave-compatible inlays.
Why this mattersTag-through-heating RFID removes a labelling step for retailers and QSR operators, widening item-level tracking into fresh and reheated food categories.
- Tageos launched the EOS-450 MW M830 and EOS-450 MW UX RAIN RFID inlays on 17 September 2026.
- The inlays are designed to withstand microwave heating without arcing or sparking, avoiding tag removal before use.
- The EOS-450 MW M830 uses Impinj's M830 RAIN RFID IC with 128-bit EPC memory.
- The EOS-450 MW UX uses NXP's UCODE X platform with 96 to 208-bit configurable EPC memory and up to 32 bits of user memory.
- The products are showcased at LOUPE Americas 2026 in Chicago and are available in dry, wet clear, paper-face and plastic-face formats.
- Tageos said it plans further microwave-compatible variants for additional food packaging formats.
UK label converter Baker Labels has installed the country's first Durst Tau G3 Peak LED digital inkjet press, more than doubling its previous production capacity on the Durst platform. The 510mm-wide press joins an existing Durst Tau RSC 340 LED and is now running customer work as integration is completed.
Why this mattersDoubling digital capacity at a mid-size UK converter marks further displacement of analogue label printing and sets a reference installation for the 510mm platform.
- Baker Labels installed the UK's first Durst Tau G3 Peak LED press
- The new 510mm-wide press more than doubles Baker Labels' previous Durst-platform capacity
- The press runs at speeds up to 79 metres per minute across all colours
- It is equipped with double white, Hawk AI, Material Edge Protection and the Durst Imaging System
- The press joins an existing Durst Tau RSC 340 LED at Baker Labels
- The press is now in full production with customer work already running
The widow of an electrician killed in the 26 May 2026 chemical spill at Nippon Dynawave Packaging's mill in Longview, Washington, has filed a wrongful death suit against the company in Cowlitz County Superior Court. A US Chemical Safety Board preliminary report in August found that inspector Applied Technical Services had told Nippon staff the white liquor tank was not fit for continued service before it collapsed, releasing an estimated 900,000 gallons of heated caustic liquor. The mother of two other workers who died filed a separate wrongful death suit in August.
Why this mattersA federal safety board finding that the tank was flagged as unfit before it failed widens the company's litigation exposure and puts pulp-mill tank inspection practice under scrutiny.
- A white liquor tank collapsed at 7.09am on 26 May 2026 at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Washington, releasing an estimated 900,000 gallons of heated caustic chemical used in papermaking.
- The tank had a 1.2m gallon capacity and the white liquor is maintained at around 200 degrees.
- Electrician Jared Ammons and seven other workers were in the electrical maintenance shop for a morning meeting when the liquor broke through its walls, doors and windows, trapping everyone inside.
- Mackenzie Ammons, his widow and personal representative, filed the suit earlier this month on behalf of herself and her children, represented by Seattle firm Osborn Machler & Neff.
- The US Chemical Safety Board's August preliminary report found inspector Applied Technical Services had told Nippon staff the tank was not fit for continued service and faced a high likelihood of failure unless repaired.
- The mother of two workers, Bradley Kyle Covington and Tyler Scott Covington, filed a separate wrongful death lawsuit against the company in August.
SCG Packaging (SCGP) will invest THB 9,846m (USD 295m) to add 400,000 tonnes per year of plasterboard liner paper capacity at its Siam Kraft Industry plant in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Commercial production is due to start in the fourth quarter of 2028, and the new machinery will also be able to produce premium linerboard for the group's Thai and Vietnamese corrugated box operations, which are currently running at full capacity.
Why this mattersAdding 400,000 tonnes of swing capacity gives SCGP plasterboard liner volume plus relief for Thai and Vietnamese box lines already running full.
- SCG Packaging will invest THB 9,846m (USD 295m) to expand plasterboard liner paper capacity
- The project adds 400,000 tonnes per year at the Siam Kraft Industry plant in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
- Commercial production is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2028
- The new machinery is designed to switch flexibly to producing premium linerboard for corrugated boxes
- CEO Wichan Jitpukdee says the expansion also supports SCGP's Vietnam operations, which are running at full capacity
- SCGP says it continues to pursue mergers and partnerships to grow across the region
The US House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 28 to 19 on 16 September 2026 to send H.R. 7502 to the House floor, a bill that would count advanced recycling as recycling and set a national standard for recycled-content labelling claims, overriding state rules. The American Forest & Paper Association opposes the bill. Conservative group Consumer Action for a Strong Economy has written to International Paper, Pratt Industries, Kimberly-Clark, Packaging Corporation of America, Smurfit Westrock and Procter & Gamble, all of which have executives on the AF&PA board, asking them to make the association drop its opposition or reconsider membership.
Why this mattersFederal rules on recycled-content claims would set one standard across the states and expose the split between paper and plastics recycling interests.
- The House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 28 to 19 on 16 September 2026 to advance H.R. 7502, sponsored by Republican New York Rep. Nick Langworthy.
- The bill would set a national standard for when a product can be labelled as made with recycled material and would override state rules on those claims.
- AF&PA opposes the bill, spokesperson Lindsay Murphy told Politico; the association says recycled-content claims should reflect the material actually in the product.
- Consumer Action for a Strong Economy sent September letters to International Paper, Pratt Industries, Kimberly-Clark, Packaging Corporation of America, Smurfit Westrock and Procter & Gamble.
- The letters ask each company to make AF&PA stop opposing advanced recycling legislation or reconsider its board membership.
- Texas Rep. Marc Veasey was the only Democrat to vote for the bill, and no Senate version has been introduced.
Stora Enso will spin off its Swedish forest holdings into a new listed company, Bergslagets Skogar, in the spring, Affarsvarlden reported on 18 September 2026. The magazine says the move could pave the way for a further upward revaluation of Swedish forestry groups' forest assets after several weak years on the stock market. No transaction structure or exact date has been reported.
Why this mattersSeparating forest land from operations would give the market a standalone price for Nordic forest assets, a reference point peers will be measured against.
- Affarsvarlden reported on 18 September 2026 that Stora Enso will spin off its Swedish forest holdings into a new listed company, Bergslagets Skogar, in the spring
- Finland's state holding company Solidium and the Wallenberg family vehicle FAM each hold 10% of the shares and 27% of the votes
- Stora Enso shares stood at USD 12 (SEK 118) at the time of the report
- Stora Enso's mills are in the Nordics, central Europe, China and South America, with a focus on board and packaging
Malaysian biomass processor Nextgreen Global is developing a MYR 600m pulp plant at its Green Technology Park in Pekan, Pahang, with plantation group IOI Corp and China's Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp Group, using empty fruit bunches from palm oil mills as feedstock. The 43-acre plant has an initial capacity of 100,000 tonnes of paper pulp a year and is due for completion within 18 to 20 months; both joint ventures were announced on 8 April. Marubeni has signed a letter of intent as an off-taker, and capacity is planned to reach 400,000 tonnes within three years of start-up.
Why this mattersA 100,000-tonne non-wood pulp line gives regional buyers a fibre source outside conventional forestry supply, with 400,000 tonnes targeted within three years.
- The plant in Pekan, Pahang will cost MYR 600m, span 43 acres and produce 100,000 tonnes of paper pulp a year from oil palm empty fruit bunches, with completion expected in 18 to 20 months
- Nextgreen IOI Pulp Sdn Bhd, the joint venture with IOI Corp announced on 8 April, will hold 75% of a further new company developing the plant, with Xiamen C&D Paper & Pulp Group taking 25%
- Xiamen C&D will help finance the project and act as an off-taker; Nextgreen also holds a letter of intent from Japan's Marubeni Corp as an off-taker
- Capacity is planned to rise to 200,000 tonnes and then 400,000 tonnes a year within three years of the facility's commencement
- Further pulp facilities are planned in Sabah, Sarawak and Indonesia
- Nextgreen commercialised a 10,000-tonne-a-year pulp facility in 2022 using its patented PRC-RBMP process, after investing about MYR 20m over two decades
Suzano has completed the first phase of a harvester teleoperation pilot at its forestry unit in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, allowing an operator to remotely run a harvesting machine up to 350 kilometres away from a control tower in Ribas do Rio Pardo. Developed with Komatsu and S4E TECH since April 2026, the pilot harvested 12,000 trees and has trained seven operators so far.
Why this mattersRemote harvesting could cut labour and safety costs in wood supply, a key input cost for pulp and paper producers.
- Operators control a harvesting machine remotely from Suzano's forestry control tower in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul
- Testing began in April 2026 and the first phase harvested 12,000 trees
- The system allows an operating radius of up to 350 kilometres between operator and machine
- Project developed with Komatsu and S4E TECH combining teleoperation technology with forestry processes
- Seven employees are currently trained to operate the remote system
Suzano has acquired a 10 per cent stake in Imetame Logística Porto, a port complex under construction in Espírito Santo, Brazil, through an agreement with Grupo Imetame. Suzano will also cede strategically located land to the project, without affecting operations at its Aracruz pulp unit. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions including clearance from Brazil's antitrust authority CADE.
Why this mattersAccess to a deep-water port hub could strengthen export logistics for Suzano's pulp and paper operations in Espírito Santo.
- Suzano acquired a 10 per cent stake in Imetame Logística Porto via agreement with Grupo Imetame
- The port hub has a depth of 17 metres and is designed for five specialised terminals
- General cargo operations are expected to start in early 2027
- A container terminal joint venture with Hanseatic Global Terminals, the terminal division of Hapag-Lloyd, is expected to be ready by mid-2028
- Suzano will cede strategically located land to the project without affecting its Aracruz unit's operations
- Completion is subject to customary conditions including approval by Brazil's antitrust authority CADE
Borregaard used its Capital Markets Day on 17 September 2026 to set new financial ambitions of 5% annual revenue growth and a 25% EBITDA margin. The company said it will pursue specialisation and selective capacity expansion, prioritising its BioSolutions and premium cellulose niches, backed by disciplined capital allocation and cost savings.
Why this mattersThe targets signal Borregaard will favour niche biomaterials over broad volume growth, shaping how it deploys capital against forestry-sector peers.
- Borregaard held its Capital Markets Day on 17 September 2026
- Company targets 5% annual revenue growth
- Company targets a 25% EBITDA margin
- Priorities include specialisation, selective capacity expansion and geographic growth
- Growth focus areas named are BioSolutions and premium cellulose
- Plans include disciplined capital allocation and cost-saving initiatives
Italian closures maker Crealis published its 2025 Sustainability Report, showing Scope 1 and 2 emissions down 24% versus 2024 and the share of renewable electricity in its energy mix rising from 18% to 42%. The wine, spirits and beverage closures group also reported a 9% fall in workplace accidents and expanded its Green Tech range with a recycled-tin capsule and a cork crown-cap liner. Crealis posted turnover of EUR 235m in 2025 across 13 plants in seven countries.
Why this mattersClosures suppliers to wine and spirits brands are under growing pressure to show decarbonisation progress and recycled-content alternatives to virgin tin and plastic components.
- Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions fell 24% versus 2024
- Renewable electricity share rose from 18% to 42% of Group energy needs
- Workplace accidents fell 9% year on year
- Group turnover was EUR 235m in 2025 across 13 production sites in seven countries
- New Green Tech products include the Virtuo recycled-tin capsule and TOP-L cork crown-cap liner
- 81% of strategic suppliers have signed the Crealis code of conduct
US reusable transport packaging maker Monoflo International has established Monoflo International GmbH to serve customers and system integrators in Europe. The move targets warehouse automation growth and reuse requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, with the company building a local leadership team, an integrator network and a European trade show presence.
Why this mattersPPWR reuse mandates are drawing North American reusable-container specialists into Europe, adding competition for incumbent pooling and reusable transit packaging suppliers.
- Monoflo International formed a new legal entity, Monoflo International GmbH, to operate in Europe.
- The company has over 50 years of experience making injection-moulded containers, trays and pallets in North America.
- European strategy targets three segments: automated systems and intralogistics, automotive and durable goods manufacturing and retail, and food and beverage distribution.
- Andrew Rader is named managing director for Europe and Bart Vandekerkhof sales director for Europe.
- The company cites the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation as a driver of demand for reusable transport packaging.
- Monoflo is developing a distributor and integrator network in Europe rather than a sales-only presence.
Russian manufacturer Kantek Stavropol has started full-cycle production of fully plastic trigger sprayers, models 28/410 and 28/415, becoming the country's first producer of such all-plastic dispensers. The company says the all-plastic design simplifies recycling and reduces import dependence for Russian household chemical and cosmetics makers. It plans to begin serial output of a two-component trigger sprayer, model FPT-41, this month.
Why this mattersA first domestic source of all-plastic trigger sprayers reduces Russian household chemical and cosmetics fillers' dependence on imported dispensers.
- Kantek Stavropol is the first Russian producer of fully plastic trigger sprayers.
- Production covers injection moulding of all parts and final assembly in-house.
- Current models are 28/410 and 28/415, both fully plastic.
- The company already produces the FPT-19 trigger sprayer with a single-component shroud.
- Serial production of the two-component FPT-41 sprayer is planned to start in September 2026.
- The company also makes HDPE bottles of 500ml, 600ml and 1000ml.
Goldman Sachs Group has notified Gerresheimer that its voting rights in the German packaging maker exceeded the 10% threshold, per a disclosure dated 11 September 2026. Goldman Sachs describes the holding as arising from ordinary course client facilitation and portfolio management, and says it does not intend to seek board influence or changes to Gerresheimer's capital structure or dividend policy.
Why this mattersA bank crossing a 10% threshold, even passively, adds a significant shareholder whose future trading could affect Gerresheimer's share register stability.
- Goldman Sachs Group's voting rights in Gerresheimer AG exceeded 10%, per a notification dated 11 September 2026.
- The disclosure was made under Sections 33, 34 and 43 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG).
- Goldman Sachs states the stake stems from client facilitation and portfolio management, not strategic intent.
- Goldman Sachs says it does not intend to influence Gerresheimer's management or supervisory board.
- Goldman Sachs says it does not intend to change Gerresheimer's capital structure or dividend policy.
- The increase was funded by a mix of external and Goldman Sachs' own funds.
Romania's Competition Council has cleared the acquisition of plastics packaging company Sterk Plast S.R.L. by individual investor Suleyman Islambay, who already held a stake in the business. Islambay also holds interests in Ecofriend Recycling S.R.L., a Romanian recycling and collection company. No transaction value or further deal terms were disclosed.
Why this mattersClearance consolidates control of a Romanian plastics packaging producer under an owner who also holds a local waste collection and recycling business.
- Romania's Competition Council approved the acquisition of Sterk Plast S.R.L. by Suleyman Islambay on 19 September 2026.
- Islambay already held an interest in Sterk Plast S.R.L. before the transaction.
- Islambay also holds interests in Ecofriend Recycling S.R.L., a Romanian collection and recycling company.
- No deal value or details of Sterk Plast's operations were disclosed.
Indian biotech startup PeelOn has closed a USD 1m seed round led by GrowX Ventures, with participation from Boston Venture Group, Clean Energy Venture Group and Climate Angels, valuing the company at USD 7.9m. The company makes a compostable film using plant-derived additives that it says triples produce shelf life. Proceeds will fund R&D and production in Visakhapatnam, expand sales and regulatory teams in India and the US, and support produce-specific certification campaigns.
Why this mattersEarly-stage capital is backing compostable films that extend produce shelf life, though USD 1m leaves PeelOn well short of commercial-scale supply.
- PeelOn raised USD 1m in its first funding round.
- The round was led by GrowX Ventures with Boston Venture Group, Clean Energy Venture Group and Climate Angels participating.
- The company is valued at USD 7.9m post-round.
- PeelOn's compostable film uses plant-derived additives and is said to triple produce shelf life.
- Funds will go toward R&D and production expansion in Visakhapatnam, India.
- The company plans to expand sales and regulatory teams in India and the US.
T.H.E.M., the US single-serve contract packager, has moved President Steve Belko to Vice Chairman of the Board and Executive Advisor effective 14 September 2026, after 38 years with the company. Mike Young succeeds him as President, bringing commercial experience from nutraceuticals and contract manufacturing.
Why this mattersA presidential change at a four-site US single-serve co-packer, after 38 years of continuity, puts new commercial leadership in front of long-standing customers.
- Steve Belko moved from President to Vice Chairman of the Board and Executive Advisor effective 14 September 2026, after 38 years at T.H.E.M.
- Mike Young takes over as President, bringing experience from nutraceuticals and contract manufacturing.
- Belko joined T.H.E.M. in 1988 and held roles including Vice President of Sales, Senior Vice President of Operations and President.
- T.H.E.M. is North America's exclusive distributor of Sanko packaging machinery and operates four production facilities in Marlton, New Jersey.
Syntegon will present its neXt automation system architecture in North America for the first time at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, 18-21 October, alongside two new modular machine platforms, the HFX flow-wrapper and the TRX topload cartoner. Both are retrofit-capable building blocks within the neXt architecture, allowing sealing technologies and software features to be added as requirements change. The system will be demonstrated daily at the company's booth in the South Hall.
Why this mattersModular, retrofit-capable platforms let food packagers upgrade lines incrementally rather than rebuild them, as labour costs and product variety rise.
- Syntegon will show its neXt system architecture in North America for the first time at PACK EXPO International, 18-21 October 2026, in Chicago, booth S-3514.
- Two new modular platforms launch alongside neXt: the HFX flow-wrapping line for primary packaging and the TRX topload cartoning line for secondary packaging.
- The HFX3 runs at up to 1,000 products per minute, handling product lengths of 2 to 12 inches and widths of 0.5 to 7.5 inches.
- The TRX platform scales to 200 cartons per minute; the TRX21 reaches 80 cartons per minute with infeed speeds up to 1,500 products per minute.
- Format changes on the TRX platform take 10 minutes.
- Both platforms are retrofit-capable and are integrated with Syntegon's robotic pick-and-place platform.
Shikoku Chemical Machinery, a Japanese food filling equipment maker, has developed a bio-based resin blending dried soybean okara with polyethylene at a 15% ratio. The material has been launched commercially as an uchiwa fan made with Kagawa fan manufacturer YAMADA, and the company plans to extend its use to food containers.
Why this mattersA 15% food by-product loading in polyethylene points to a route for diverting processing waste into packaging resin, if it scales beyond promotional items.
- Shikoku Chemical Machinery mixed dried soybean okara into petroleum-derived polyethylene at a 15% ratio to create okara resin
- The company produces about 15,000 tonnes of okara by-product a year from its soy food business, similar in volume to its tofu output
- About 3,000 tonnes of that okara is currently used for powder, food and other processing; the rest is recycled as fertiliser, feed or incinerated
- First commercial application is an okara uchiwa fan made with fan manufacturer YAMADA of Kagawa Prefecture, each using 3.4 grams of okara resin
- The company intends to expand okara resin use as a raw material for food containers
Sidel has inaugurated a new Innovation Center at its Valdaro plant in Mantova, Italy, on 18 September 2026, coinciding with the site's 50th anniversary. The centre will design, assemble and test complete labelling machines and materials with clients, including collaborative robots and lower-impact packaging materials, as part of a three-year site plan that also covers solar panels and EV charging points.
Why this mattersThe move consolidates Sidel's labelling R&D in Mantova as it integrates Makro Labelling and expands automation and sustainability offerings for packaging lines.
- Innovation Center inaugurated at Sidel's Valdaro (Mantova) site on 18 September 2026
- Mantova plant marks 50 years since its 1976 founding as Alfa Costruzioni, acquired by Sidel in 2005
- Site covers about 20,000 square metres, 10,000 of them covered, producing an average of 70 machines a year
- New centre will design, assemble and test complete labelling machines including cobots and lower-impact materials
- Sidel added low- and medium-speed labelling technology through Makro Labelling, acquired in 2023
- Three-year site plan includes installation of photovoltaic panels and EV charging points
Veralto has received Science Based Targets initiative validation for its near-term greenhouse gas reduction targets, the company said on 17 September 2026. New targets include 60% of suppliers holding a science-based target by 2030 and a 61% cut in Scope 3 emissions from use of sold products per USD value added by 2033 versus a 2024 base year. Veralto reiterated an existing target of a 54.6% reduction in combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2033 versus 2023, having already cut Scope 1+2 emissions by 22% since then.
Why this mattersThird-party validation of supply-chain and product-use emissions targets raises pressure on machinery suppliers' own vendor and customer bases to follow suit.
- SBTi validated Veralto's near-term GHG emissions reduction targets, announced 17 September 2026.
- New target: 60% of suppliers to have a science-based target by 2030.
- New target: 61% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from use of sold products per USD value added by 2033, versus a 2024 base year.
- Existing target: 54.6% reduction in combined Scope 1+2 emissions by 2033 versus a 2023 base year, first announced in 2024.
- Veralto has cut total Scope 1+2 emissions by 22% since 2023 through renewable energy adoption and fleet electrification.
- Veralto reports annual sales of approximately USD 5.5bn and around 17,000 employees.
Brückner Maschinenbau has agreed a technology partnership with Denmark's Secomea to build secure remote access into its film-line machinery. The tie-up is intended to speed up remote maintenance and support while strengthening cybersecurity protection across Brückner's installed equipment base.
Why this mattersSecure remote access can cut service downtime for film-line customers and addresses growing cybersecurity exposure in connected industrial equipment.
- Brückner Maschinenbau has partnered with Secomea to integrate secure remote access into its machinery.
- The partnership is aimed at improving remote maintenance and support capability.
- The collaboration is intended to strengthen cybersecurity protection for Brückner's installed equipment base.
Triangle Package Machinery Company will launch SmartChange, a guided changeover technology for its X-Series vertical form-fill-seal packaging systems, at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago. The system combines servo-driven automation, laser verification and an icon-based interface, and the company says it can cut changeover downtime by up to 60%.
Why this mattersAutomated changeover tools respond to food manufacturers' operator shortages and reduce reliance on skilled line staff for machine setup.
- SmartChange is a guided changeover technology for Triangle's X-Series VFFS packaging systems
- Triangle says the technology can cut changeover-related downtime by up to 60%
- The system uses servo-driven automation, laser verification, digital feedback and an icon-based HMI
- Triangle will demonstrate SmartChange at PACK EXPO International in Chicago, October 18-21 2026, booth S-1714
Maple Group has acquired fellow Rotterdam-based industrial packer Fladderak Industriële Verpakkingen, adding facilities in the Eemhaven to its existing packing, lashing and logistics operations. The combined business now has more than 40,000 square metres of capacity and over 100 employees, aimed at handling larger machinery and energy-transition export projects. Financial terms were not disclosed, and Fladderak will keep its name, location and staff.
Why this mattersConsolidation among specialist export packers signals rising demand for heavy-cargo packing capacity tied to machinery exports and energy-transition projects.
- Maple Group has acquired Fladderak Industriele Verpakkingen, based in Rotterdam's Eemhaven.
- Combined group now has more than 40,000 m2 of production, storage and handling capacity, including 25,000 m2 covered space.
- Lifting capacity reaches up to 80 tonnes, with a combined workforce of more than 100 employees.
- Fladderak has more than 75 years of experience in industrial packing for machinery and production-line exports.
- Fladderak will keep its name, Rotterdam location, existing contracts and staff.
- Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
L'Oreal has selected 13 companies from eight countries for the second cohort of its L'AcceleratOR sustainability programme, backed by EUR 100m to fund pilots on climate, nature and circularity. Bormioli Luigi joins the Next-Generation Packaging & Materials category for its ultralight, resistant glass packaging. Cohort members undergo an acceleration phase led by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership before running six- to nine-month pilots with L'Oreal, with scope to scale successful projects across its global operations.
Why this mattersAccess to L'Oreal's pilot programme gives Bormioli Luigi a potential route to scale lightweight glass packaging with a major cosmetics brand owner.
- L'Oreal named 13 companies from eight countries to the second cohort of its L'AcceleratOR programme on 18 September 2026.
- The programme is endowed with EUR 100m to fund pilots on climate, nature and circularity.
- Bormioli Luigi was selected in the Next-Generation Packaging & Materials category for ultralight, resistant glass packaging.
- The cohort enters an acceleration phase led by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership focused on pilot readiness.
- Selected companies can run six- to nine-month pilot projects with L'Oreal and potentially scale solutions across its international operations.
Red Bull and Rauch can proceed with their planned can plant at Baruth/Mark in Brandenburg, south of Berlin, following a decision on a new local development plan (Bebauungsplan). A court ruling had previously halted construction of the factory. Construction timing and plant capacity have not been reported.
Why this mattersA brand owner building its own can plant adds German beverage-can capacity that would otherwise sit with dedicated can makers.
- The planned can plant is at Baruth/Mark in Brandenburg, south of Berlin, Germany.
- A court decision had previously halted construction of the can factory.
- A decision on a new local development plan (Bebauungsplan) has now been taken, allowing the project to proceed.
- The plant is a joint project of beverage makers Red Bull and Rauch.
PepsiCo has cut virgin plastic use in primary packaging by 6% across its India operations, according to its 2025 ESG Performance Update. The company is redesigning foods packaging into mono-material polyolefin structures and moving select beverage products to 100% recycled PET bottles.
Why this mattersA major brand owner's shift to mono-material and rPET packaging in India signals demand converters and recyclers must meet for barrier films and food-grade rPET.
- PepsiCo cut virgin plastic use in primary packaging by 6% in India, per its 2025 ESG Performance Update.
- Foods packaging is being redesigned to mono-material, polyolefin-based structures.
- Select beverage products are moving to 100% recycled PET bottles.
- PepsiCo India states compliance with local Extended Producer Responsibility rules for foods and beverage businesses.
- The Pune manufacturing facility cut water utilisation by more than 90%.
- Biomass makes up 97% of PepsiCo India's fuel mix.
Lotte Chilsung Beverage said on 17 September 2026 that its Chilsung Cider 500 mL bottle made from 100% recycled PET (MR-PET) has received South Korea's low-carbon product certification, the first such award for an MR-PET bottle. The company now holds low-carbon certification for 12 of its 19 environmentally declared products, including two 640 mL soju PET bottles.
Why this mattersThe certification of a fully recycled PET bottle signals growing regulatory and retail incentives in South Korea for brand owners to switch to mechanically recycled packaging.
- Certification granted by the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute as of August 2026
- Chilsung Cider 500 mL bottle uses 100% recycled PET (MR-PET)
- Company estimates a 17% cut in lifecycle carbon emissions versus virgin PET
- 12 of 19 EPD-certified products now hold low-carbon status
- Cheumcheomcheong and Saero 640 mL soju PET bottles are the only alcoholic-beverage products with the certification
- Company targets carbon neutrality by 2040, cut emissions by about 6,400 tonnes last year
PureCycle Technologies has delayed the start-up of its first European polypropylene recycling plant, in Antwerp, Belgium, to 2029, from a prior mid-to-late 2028 target. The company disclosed the slip in a quarterly filing with the US SEC on 6 August 2026. Permit application documents for the 59,000 tonnes-per-year plant are being prepared for submission to the Province of Antwerp in the second half of 2026.
Why this mattersA further slip pushes back Europe's timeline for solvent-based PP recycling capacity just as brand owners face rising recycled-content targets under EU rules.
- Start-up of the Antwerp PP recycling plant is now planned for 2029, versus a prior mid-to-late 2028 target
- The plant, at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges NextGen District, is designed for around 59,000 tonnes of polypropylene per year
- Recycled PP output is to be marketed under the PureFive brand using PureCycle's solvent-based process
- Permit application documents are being submitted to the Province of Antwerp in the second half of 2026
- In March 2026 PureCycle signed a EUR 40m grant agreement with CINEA under the EU Innovation Fund for the project, named ASTRA PP
- Grant disbursement is tied to project milestones and requirements running through 2034
European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis visited Sciacca, Sicily, on 18 September 2026 to inspect BlueFishers, a Marevivo-run pilot supplying reusable crates to fishers in place of single-use expanded polystyrene boxes. Kadis said the Commission is assessing whether such local trials could inform an EU-wide packaging framework for the fisheries sector, which currently lacks a harmonised mandate beyond regional Italian rules such as Veneto's 2030 phase-out.
Why this mattersSignals possible EU regulatory movement against single-use EPS in fisheries packaging, a segment currently outside PPWR consumer-plastics mandates.
- Commissioner Costas Kadis visited the port of Sciacca, Sicily, on 18 September 2026 to review the BlueFishers reusable-crate scheme
- The pilot, run by foundation Marevivo, has distributed 1,000 reusable crates to 16 fishers on 10 vessels in Sciacca, funded by the Sicily Environment Fund and Verdura Resort
- Marevivo estimates the 1,000 crates will displace 20,800 single-use expanded polystyrene boxes once fully deployed
- Nationally, Marevivo's project, launched in Viareggio in 2023, has supplied over 4,200 reusable crates to about 130 fishers and 100 vessels, displacing more than 60,000 disposable EPS boxes
- Italy's Veneto region has legislated a phased ban on single-use polystyrene fish boxes targeting full phase-out by 2030, with Campania drafting similar rules
- Kadis said the Commission is assessing how such local packaging trials could inform a broader EU regulatory framework for fisheries packaging
A study by Forum Rezyklat, an association founded by dm drogerie markt, finds Europe lacks 455,000 tonnes of annual recycling capacity for PET trays against 823,900 tonnes of semi-rigid PET packaging placed on the EU market in 2024. The report, the first phase of a wider assessment of tray-to-tray recycling, concludes that recycling technology is already commercially available but sorting infrastructure, input material quality and plant economics remain the constraints. The findings bear on the feasibility of recycled-content and design targets under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Why this mattersA confirmed capacity gap this large signals investment risk for converters and recyclers racing to meet PPWR recycled-content and collection targets for PET trays.
- The study covers Phase 1 of "PET Tray Recycling: Current Situation, Challenges and Future Scenarios", published in July 2026 by Forum Rezyklat, founded by dm drogerie markt.
- EU consumption of semi-rigid PET packaging reached 823,900 tonnes in 2024, with Germany at 144,000 tonnes, Italy at 121,600 tonnes and France at 116,700 tonnes.
- Of that volume, 541,000 tonnes was mono-layer PET and 282,900 tonnes multi-layer PET, the latter roughly a third of the market and higher for food trays.
- The study identifies a 455,000 tonne annual gap between PET tray volumes and current recycling capacity.
- Mechanical PET recycling technology is judged commercially mature; the bottlenecks are sorting, input material quality, capacity, packaging design and plant economics.
- Multi-layer PET/PE or PET/PE/EVOH trays require layer separation before recycling, adding processing steps and cost.
The German Retail Association (HDE) has called for an EU-wide grace period until 1 January 2028 for enforcement of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, citing missing technical standards and guidelines. The PPWR has applied since 12 August 2026, but HDE argues companies cannot yet fully comply and wants fines, sales bans and recalls suspended for firms that have demonstrably started implementation.
Why this mattersA grace period would delay compliance costs and enforcement risk for every packaging producer and brand owner selling into the EU.
- HDE seeks an EU-wide grace period running to 1 January 2028 for PPWR enforcement.
- PPWR has been in force since 12 August 2026.
- HDE wants fines, sales bans and product recalls waived for companies that have demonstrably begun implementation.
- The call also covers implementing regulations already issued and still to be issued under the PPWR.
- Statement made by Johannes Graf Keyserlingk, HDE's Head of Sustainability.
Researchers at Kyoto University's ICEMS, working with Donghua University, have developed Deep Foam Photolithography (DFP), a light-based process that makes polymers such as PET white and water-repellent through a porous internal structure rather than added titanium dioxide pigment or PFAS coatings. The work has been demonstrated in six polymer types and published in Nature, and remains at laboratory stage. Lead author Easan Sivaniah says the effect on recyclability has not been tested and that direct comparisons under realistic packaging conditions come next.
Why this mattersA pigment-free route to whiteness and water repellency could reduce packaging reliance on titanium dioxide and PFAS as both face tightening regulatory scrutiny.
- DFP uses light and a mild solvent to create a porous structure that scatters light for whiteness, rather than adding titanium dioxide pigment or PFAS coatings
- Demonstrated in six polymers including PET, polystyrene, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, polysulfone and polymethyl methacrylate
- Research led by Easan Sivaniah at Kyoto University's ICEMS with Donghua University, China, published in Nature
- The EU banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in 2022
- Researchers say effects on recyclability and microplastic generation have not yet been tested
- Sivaniah says the next step is direct comparison with titanium dioxide under realistic packaging conditions
China's National Dairy Technology Innovation Center and Yili Group presented two new packaging technologies on 16 September 2026 at the CPiS2026 conference in Suzhou: a washable-ink system that lets dark inks be fully removed in alkaline washing to improve recyclate quality, and an oxygen-absorption/light-blocking barrier for PET rigid packaging that cuts titanium dioxide and oxygen-scavenger use. Both are aimed at dairy and wider fast-moving consumer goods packaging and are presented as steps toward higher-quality recycling and reduced material use.
Why this mattersDeinkable coatings and lighter barrier systems could ease high-quality recycling of dark, printed FMCG packaging if adopted beyond the pilot stage.
- China's National Dairy Technology Innovation Center and Yili Group jointly presented two packaging technologies on 16 September 2026 at the CPiS2026 conference in Suzhou
- The washable-ink technology allows dark ink components to be 100% removed in alkaline washing, improving cleanliness of recycled packaging material
- In light-blocking labels the ink can be removed while keeping light-blocking performance at 99.9% or above and cutting plastic use by more than 15%
- The oxygen-absorption/light-blocking barrier technology can cut titanium dioxide use by up to 40% in PET rigid packaging
- The same technology matches conventional oxygen-scavenging performance while using half the material, according to the developer
- Over the past three years the centre says it has run 316 research projects and filed 191 patents across 27 fields
South Africa's Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has asked the International Trade Administration Commission to review the paper and packaging industry and recommend trade policy tools, citing rising import competition and cost pressure. The review will examine tariffs, trade remedies and a possible import surveillance system for paper products, with stakeholder submissions due by 15 October 2026.
Why this mattersTariff or import-surveillance measures could reshape competitive conditions for paperboard and packaging paper producers and importers serving South African converters.
- Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has asked the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) to conduct the sector-wide review.
- Itac will examine the tariff structure, including trade remedy measures, and investigate an import surveillance system for paper and paper products.
- The review covers packaging paper, uncoated paper, newsprint and tissue segments, and will assess injury to the industry and upstream activities from rising imports.
- South Africa's pulp and paper industry has invested more than USD 2.0bn (ZAR 33bn) over the past seven years.
- Stakeholder representations are due by 15 October 2026 in the questionnaire format published on Itac's website.
- Producers cite rising import penetration, declining print paper demand and higher electricity and transport costs.
