Lotte Chemical's board cancelled a USD 55.5m (KRW 77bn) chemical recycling investment at its Ulsan plant on 17 September 2026, halting construction of a 45,000 tonnes-per-year depolymerisation unit first announced in May 2021. Spending is capped at the USD 12.0m (KRW 16.6bn) already incurred and the remaining USD 43.5m (KRW 60.4bn) is cancelled. The completed C-rPET line will be left idle rather than demolished, with the company citing Chinese oversupply and weak eco-plastics profitability.
Why this mattersA major South Korean producer abandoning the country's first depolymerisation plant signals weak near-term economics for advanced PET recycling under Chinese oversupply of virgin resin.
- A board resolution of 17 September 2026 cancelled the waste-plastic chemical recycling investment at Ulsan Plant 2.
- Spending is fixed at the USD 12.0m (KRW 16.6bn) already incurred; USD 43.5m (KRW 60.4bn) of planned expenditure is cancelled.
- The project covered a 45,000 tonnes-per-year depolymerisation unit feeding a 110,000 tonnes-per-year chemically recycled PET line.
- The investment was announced in May 2021 with completion targeted for end-2023, later moved to end-2027.
- The built C-rPET production equipment will remain idle rather than be demolished; the company calls the decision a suspension.
- Lotte Chemical cites Chinese oversupply and low eco-friendly plastics profitability, redirecting cash to core business restructuring.
Stratus Packaging Group has acquired Freppel Imprimeur, a France-based label and print producer founded in 1968. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal lifts Stratus' combined turnover to more than EUR 100m (USD 119m) and its workforce to over 520 people.
Why this mattersConsolidation among family-owned European label printers continues, giving buyers scale and geographic reach into Alsace and neighbouring Germany.
- Freppel Imprimeur was founded in 1968 and employs 60 staff.
- The target operates from a 5,000 square metre production site in Alsace, France.
- Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
- Combined Stratus Packaging Group turnover now exceeds EUR 100m (USD 119m).
- Combined workforce across the group exceeds 520 people.
- Freppel Imprimeur serves food, beverage, wine, spirits and luxury clients using offset, screen, flexography and digital printing.
Magnera has permanently closed its manufacturing plant in the Pilar Industrial Park, Argentina, ending production of nonwoven materials and films used in diapers and wipes. The closure eliminates 140 jobs, two months after the company had already cut 40 positions at the same site. Magnera said the move was a step towards efficiency; affected staff will receive full statutory severance plus an additional payment.
Why this mattersThe closure removes nonwovens and film capacity for diapers and wipes from Argentina and continues Magnera's footprint rationalisation as its revenues decline.
- Magnera closed its Pilar, Argentina plant, cutting 140 jobs.
- The company had already cut 40 jobs at the same site two months earlier.
- Magnera CEO Curt Begle described the closure as a step towards efficiency.
- Magnera reports annual revenue of USD 2.9bn.
- Affected workers, some with over 20 years of service, will receive 100 percent statutory severance plus an additional payment.
- The plant made nonwoven materials and films used in diapers and wipes.
A fire broke out on 20 September 2026 at First Quality Tissue's Anderson, South Carolina plant, prompting a multi-agency fire response. No injuries were reported and the extent of damage has not been disclosed.
Why this mattersA prolonged outage at a mill running continuous shifts with about 885 staff would tighten regional towel and bath-tissue supply; damage is not yet disclosed.
- A fire was reported early on Sunday 20 September 2026 at First Quality Tissue's Masters Boulevard plant in Anderson, South Carolina.
- Homeland Park Fire Department led a multi-agency response and no injuries were reported.
- The extent of damage and any production impact have not been disclosed.
- The plant opened in 2022 after a pledged USD 1bn investment and 1,000 jobs, and employed about 885 people as of 2021.
- A Through-Air-Dried machine installed from March 2021 added 70,000 tons a year of premium towel and tissue capacity.
Moorim P&P has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea's National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science and Gyeongsang National University to develop a nanocellulose-based frost protectant for fruit tree flower buds. The agreement, signed on 24 July 2026, targets up to a 20% reduction in cold-related orchard damage versus existing methods. Moorim P&P will supply the raw material and handle product development and mass production, while its partners run field trials and performance verification.
Why this mattersDiversifying pulp output into agricultural materials gives paper producers a new revenue avenue as core paper demand softens.
- Moorim P&P signed the MOU with the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science and Gyeongsang National University on 24 July 2026
- The product uses nanocellulose (CNF) extracted from natural pulp; Moorim P&P says it is South Korea's only domestic pulp producer
- The frost protectant forms a thin film on fruit tree flower buds, targeted at up to a 20% reduction in cold damage versus existing methods
- Moorim P&P will supply raw material and handle product development and mass production under the partnership
- The institute will run field trials with farmers; the university will handle performance verification and data collection
- The move extends Moorim P&P's cellulose applications beyond pulp moulding, wet wipes, bioplastics, paint materials and cosmetics into agriculture
Saica Group is asking the Aragon regional government to help develop a local forestry and agricultural biomass supply chain to fuel a new biomass boiler at its El Burgo de Ebro paper mill. The EUR 101.5m decarbonisation project, backed by EUR 32.7m of EU Perte funding, aims to cut the mill's scope 1 fossil CO2 emissions by 53% by replacing gas with renewable fuel. Currently only about 35% of Saica's biomass supply contracts originate in Aragon, with the rest sourced from other Spanish regions.
Why this mattersLocal biomass availability will determine the cost and pace of decarbonisation at one of Spain's largest paper mills, a template for Saica's wider fuel-switching strategy.
- Saica is investing EUR 101.5m in a decarbonisation project at its El Burgo de Ebro paper mill, backed by EUR 32.7m of EU Perte funding
- The project targets a 53% cut in scope 1 fossil CO2 emissions by replacing gas with renewable fuel sources
- The new biomass plant will generate over 700,000 tonnes of steam a year and a fuel-preparation unit will process about 160,000 tonnes of biomass annually
- Only about 35% of Saica's signed biomass supply contracts currently come from Aragon, with the rest from regions including Cantabria and Valencia
- Saica has already installed biomass boilers at three French mills, with the Nogent-sur-Seine unit covering 90% of steam needs and cutting natural gas use by 89%
- Saica has invested more than EUR 300m in biomass boilers group-wide
Graphic Packaging has disclosed plans to close its Lebanon, Tennessee facility as part of a capacity rationalisation programme, after cutting its full-year earnings guidance. Shares hit 52-week lows amid a broader materials-sector selloff tied to the 10-year Treasury yield reaching 5%. Analysts have since trimmed price targets, citing a weaker outlook for packaging demand and pricing.
Why this mattersA closure alongside a guidance cut points to weaker North American paperboard demand, with competing converters facing the same volume and pricing pressure.
- Graphic Packaging plans to close its Lebanon, Tennessee facility as part of a capacity rationalisation programme
- The company has cut its full-year earnings guidance
- Shares hit 52-week lows amid a broader materials-sector selloff
- Analysts have trimmed price targets citing a weaker packaging demand and pricing outlook
Bengaluru-based corrugated packaging maker B&B Triplewall Containers reported a standalone net profit of USD 2.39m (INR 22.89 crore) for FY26, against a loss of USD 0.45m (INR 4.27 crore) a year earlier. Standalone revenue from operations rose to USD 63.6m (INR 609.43 crore) as the operating margin widened from about 2% to about 8%, helped by higher capacity utilisation and backward integration into kraft paper.
Why this mattersThe turnaround and backward integration into kraft paper reduce the company's exposure to raw-material price swings as it scales toward 20,000 tonnes of paper conversion a month by 2027.
- Standalone net profit was USD 2.39m (INR 22.89 crore) in FY26, against a loss of USD 0.45m (INR 4.27 crore) in FY25.
- Standalone revenue from operations rose to USD 63.6m (INR 609.43 crore); operating margin widened from about 2% to about 8%.
- The company backward-integrated into kraft paper with a 108,000-tonne-a-year facility intended to cover about 80% of its own paper needs.
- A third plant in Hyderabad added 2,500 tonnes a month, taking installed capacity to about 11,500 tonnes a month.
- Q1 FY27 consolidated revenue rose 18.5% year on year to USD 18.8m (INR 180.71 crore), with net profit up more than 650% to USD 1.52m (INR 14.58 crore).
- The company targets converting 20,000 tonnes of paper a month by 2027 under its '20 in 27' plan.
Japanese chemicals maker DKS and packaging group Rengo have jointly developed a process converting cellulose offcuts from Rengo's cellophane manufacturing into polysaccharide esters suitable for transparent moulded products. DKS said its low-CO2 esterification technology used in the process cuts emissions by 68% compared with a conventional production route, and the companies now plan to pursue commercialisation and new applications.
Why this mattersA lower-carbon route to reuse cellophane manufacturing scrap could extend the material's relevance as packaging makers seek biomass alternatives to fossil-based plastics.
- DKS announced the jointly developed process with Rengo on 18 September 2026
- The process converts cellulose offcuts from slit processing in Rengo's cellophane manufacturing into polysaccharide esters
- DKS's low-CO2 esterification technology cuts emissions by 68% versus a conventional process, per company estimate
- The resulting material can be formed into transparent moulded products via heating and compression moulding
- DKS's Tatsuya Namba said the company plans to advance commercialisation and application development
Mondi has worked with automotive e-commerce platform Ovoko to design corrugated packaging for shipping car bumpers, an irregularly shaped, high-damage-risk product category. The companies report the design cuts unit packaging costs by up to 42% while improving protection, adapting an existing solution from Mondi's automotive packaging range. The first order using the new packaging was completed within two weeks of implementation.
Why this mattersA stated 42% cut in unit packaging cost shows corrugated displacing ad-hoc protective solutions in oversized, irregular e-commerce categories.
- Mondi and Ovoko developed corrugated packaging for shipping car bumpers sold via e-commerce
- The companies report a unit packaging cost reduction of up to 42%
- Mondi adapted an existing solution from its automotive packaging portfolio to the geometry of bumpers
- The first order using the new packaging was completed within two weeks of implementation
- Ovoko is an automotive e-commerce platform
CMPC has warned it may move its planned USD 5.26bn (BRL 27bn) Nature Project pulp mill from Barra do Ribeiro in Rio Grande do Sul to Paraguay unless it obtains an environmental licence by the end of 2026. The 2.5 million tonne-a-year eucalyptus pulp plant is stalled after Brazilian federal prosecutors challenged the licensing process over consultation with indigenous and traditional communities. CMPC has spent USD 400m on development and studies without starting construction.
Why this mattersA relocation would hand Paraguay a major eucalyptus pulp project and signal that Brazilian licensing delays now weigh as heavily as cost or wood supply in forestry investment decisions.
- CMPC's Brazil general director Antonio Lacerda said an environmental licence is needed by December 2026, or the project slips two to three years and could move to Paraguay.
- The plant would produce 2.5 million tonnes of eucalyptus pulp a year at Barra do Ribeiro, Rio Grande do Sul.
- Project value is put at USD 5.26bn (BRL 27bn), described as the largest private investment in the state's history, with 12,000 jobs.
- CMPC has committed USD 400m to development and studies without building any of the plant.
- Federal prosecutors filed a public civil action on 13 May 2026, arguing the Fepam licensing lacked free, prior and informed consultation with artisanal fishing, Guarani Mbya and quilombola communities under ILO Convention 169.
- The original schedule foresaw construction starting in 2026 and commercial operation in August 2029, with a dedicated terminal at the Port of Rio Grande valued at about USD 584m (BRL 3bn).
A study cited by the Wall Street Journal estimates rural Alabama will lose almost USD 7bn in economic activity over the next decade because of Domtar's idling of its Coosa Pines fluff and market pulp mill in Childersburg, shut since May 2026 after a 24 March 2026 announcement citing weak markets and aged assets. Domtar's own fact sheet puts the mill's annual economic impact at USD 569m and its market pulp capacity at 270,000 tonnes. The closure adds to a run of North American softwood kraft cuts, including Domtar's own idling at Port Mellon, British Columbia, and Canfor's permanent shutdown of its Northwood mill in Prince George.
Why this mattersRepeated Southern and Canadian pulp mill closures are compressing timberland values and pulpwood pricing, tightening wood-fibre economics across the paper and packaging supply chain.
- Domtar's Coosa Pines mill in Childersburg, Alabama has been idled since May 2026 after a 24 March 2026 closure announcement citing difficult markets and aged assets.
- A study taken to Alabama's congressional delegation projects almost USD 7bn in lost regional economic activity over the next decade from the closure.
- Domtar's own fact sheet lists the mill's annual economic impact at USD 569m and its market pulp capacity at 270,000 metric tonnes.
- Reported job losses range from 250 to 285, against Domtar's own fact-sheet staffing figure of 275.
- Domtar is separately idling 400 jobs and 380,000 metric tonnes of northern bleached softwood kraft capacity at Port Mellon, British Columbia, by mid-October 2026.
- Canfor confirmed in July 2026 the permanent closure of its Northwood mill in Prince George, removing 300 jobs and 300,000 tonnes of kraft capacity.
KBT, the intermodal rail-to-port terminal Klabin operates with rail group Brado Logistica and port operator TCP at Ortigueira, Parana, moved 523,300 tonnes of paper and pulp for export in 2025, up 51% from 347,000 tonnes in 2022. TCP and Brado expanded the rail corridor's capacity by about 20% during the terminal's fifth year of operation to support further growth in shipments to the Port of Paranagua.
Why this mattersFaster, higher-capacity rail links to port reduce logistics bottlenecks and delivered cost for Brazilian pulp and paper exporters.
- KBT moved 523,300 tonnes of paper and pulp for export in 2025, up 51% from 347,000 tonnes in 2022.
- TCP and Brado expanded the rail corridor's operating capacity by about 20% in the terminal's fifth year.
- Between August 2025 and July 2026 the terminal handled 89,700 TEUs and 280 train arrivals.
- The terminal links Klabin's Ortigueira and Monte Alegre units by rail to the TCP-operated Port of Paranagua.
- Brado says rail transport in the operation emits 85% less CO2 than diesel road haulage.
- Three electrified RTG cranes at the Paranagua terminal cut associated emissions by about 771 tonnes a year.
East India Drums & Barrels Manufacturing has secured a two-year contract from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation to supply IS 3575 bitumen drums, valued at USD 6.16m (INR 590,246,487.92). The order was placed through India's Government e-Marketplace and disclosed under Regulation 30 on 19 September 2026, with delivery beginning immediately under the purchase-order terms.
Why this mattersA specification-linked drum order gives a steel packaging maker two years of demand visibility, though margin depends on delivery cadence and steel input costs.
- Contract value is USD 6.16m (INR 590,246,487.92, about INR 59.02 crore).
- The customer is Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, a central public-sector undertaking.
- The product is Bitumen Drum-IS3575 (Q3), an industrial steel drum specification.
- The execution period is two years, beginning immediately under the purchase-order terms.
- The order was placed through India's Government e-Marketplace.
- The disclosure was filed under Regulation 30 and disseminated by BSE on 19 September 2026.
UFlex has commissioned its first overseas woven polypropylene (WPP) bags manufacturing plant, at Altamira, Mexico, at an investment of approximately USD 52m on a 10-acre site. It is the Indian packaging group's first manufacturing plant in the Americas, targeting rising pet food packaging demand across North and South America.
Why this mattersThe plant gives UFlex a manufacturing base to serve rising Americas demand for woven polypropylene bags without exporting from Asia, sharpening competition for regional flexible packaging converters.
- UFlex invested approximately USD 52m in the Altamira, Mexico plant
- The facility covers 10 acres and is UFlex's first overseas WPP bags plant
- It is UFlex's first manufacturing plant in the Americas region
- Jeevaraj Gopal Pillai is President - Flexible Packaging and New Product Development at UFlex
Greif reported Q3 2026 adjusted EPS of EUR 1.39, ahead of consensus of EUR 0.95, on revenue of EUR 1.00bn, up 2.72% year on year. Management raised full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to USD 615m-635m and flagged further bolt-on acquisitions, having already agreed to buy Spanish polymer container maker Envaplast. The company also reported it reached a USD 90m run-rate cost-optimisation milestone ahead of schedule, targeting USD 120m by the end of the next fiscal year.
Why this mattersA guidance raise alongside continued deleveraging gives Greif room for further bolt-on M&A, a signal peers may read as a resumption of consolidation in speciality plastics packaging.
- Q3 2026 adjusted EPS was EUR 1.39, beating consensus of EUR 0.95
- Q3 2026 revenue was EUR 1.00bn, up 2.72% year on year
- Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance raised to USD 615m-635m, implying 10%-13% year-on-year growth
- Greif reached a USD 90m run-rate cost-optimisation milestone ahead of schedule, targeting USD 120m by the end of the next fiscal year
- Management said further bolt-on acquisitions are expected, targeting EBITDA margins above 18% and free cash flow conversion above 50%
- The results disclosure referenced Greif's recently agreed acquisition of Spanish polymer container maker Envaplast
Time Technoplast's board has approved in principle the merger of listed subsidiary TPL Plastech into the parent, subject to regulatory approval, as part of a group simplification. The Indian industrial packaging and composites group also reported Q1 FY27 consolidated net profit of USD 12.3m (INR 117.86 crore) on revenue of USD 176.7m (INR 1,693.8 crore), and won a USD 9.13m (INR 87.53 crore) order for composite CNG storage cascades. Management briefs investors in Mumbai on 21 September 2026.
Why this mattersThe proposed absorption of TPL Plastech simplifies Time Technoplast's group structure while the CNG storage order signals diversification beyond core industrial packaging.
- The board approved in principle the merger of listed subsidiary TPL Plastech into Time Technoplast, subject to regulatory approval.
- Q1 FY27 consolidated net profit rose to USD 12.3m (INR 117.86 crore) from USD 9.92m (INR 95.10 crore) a year earlier.
- Q1 FY27 consolidated revenue from operations was USD 176.7m (INR 1,693.8 crore).
- The company won a USD 9.13m (INR 87.53 crore) order for Type IV composite CNG mobile storage cascades from a joint venture of two Maharatna public-sector enterprises.
- Analyst and investor meetings are scheduled in Mumbai on 21 September 2026.
SunDance, a US flexible packaging converter, is extending its patented POUCH3 cuboid pouch format into the ready-to-eat cereal category as an alternative to the traditional bag-in-box carton. The single-film format uses 30-40% less material than conventional stand-up pouches, offers six printable panels, and comes in recyclable or PCR film options. POUCH3 has already won three 2026 Flexible Packaging Association awards, including the Highest Achievement Award.
Why this mattersA flexible-film format that matches carton shelf presence while cutting material use could pressure paperboard cereal cartons on cost and sustainability grounds.
- SunDance is extending its patented POUCH3 flexible packaging format into the ready-to-eat cereal category, aiming to challenge the paperboard bag-in-box carton.
- The single-film cuboid pouch uses approximately 30% to 40% less material than conventional stand-up pouches.
- POUCH3 offers six fully printable panels while retaining a box-like shelf profile for planogram compatibility.
- The format is available in recyclable and post-consumer recycled (PCR) film structures.
- SunDance produces POUCH3 via digital printing, enabling short production runs for limited-time and retailer-exclusive SKUs.
- POUCH3 won three Flexible Packaging Association awards in 2026, including the Highest Achievement Award.
Packaging platform Safeguard, affiliated with regulatory consultancy Chemular, is developing an external child-resistant structure that clips around existing nicotine pouch cans rather than replacing the primary package. The approach is aimed at manufacturers seeking to meet tightening child-safety expectations from the FDA, UK authorities and Australia's TGA without reworking cans, production lines or pending regulatory submissions. Chemular says a first configuration passed US CPSC child-resistance and adult-use testing on a generic can, but no manufacturer has yet adopted the system commercially or confirmed its use in a pending FDA application.
Why this mattersA viable bolt-on child-resistance format could let nicotine pouch makers meet emerging safety rules without costly can redesigns, tooling changes or renewed regulatory testing.
- FDA called on nicotine pouch manufacturers in September 2025 to adopt child-resistant packaging after poison-centre exposure reports rose, with about 72% of cases involving children under five
- Safeguard Mark I is an external, transparent, spring-locked structure that fits around an existing can without contacting the pouches
- A first Mark I configuration was tested by BirdDog Marketing Group under 16 CFR 1700.15 and 1700.20 and passed child-resistance and adult-use portions
- No manufacturer has been identified as using Safeguard in commercial production or in a pending PMTA
- UK's four nations are consulting on extending child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging rules to nicotine products, and Australia's TGA has flagged the same gap
- FDA reinforced child-resistant packaging expectations in May 2026 enforcement guidance for unauthorised nicotine pouch and e-cigarette products
Krones reported first-half 2026 order intake up 4.5% to EUR 2,852.5m and an EBITDA margin improvement to 10.8%, and confirmed its full-year 2026 targets. Currency translation cut first-half revenue by about EUR 60m, while order backlog rose 3.3% to EUR 4,328.0m by end-June.
Why this mattersSustained order growth and a firming margin at a leading filling and packaging-line builder signal resilient capital spending by beverage and food customers despite macro uncertainty.
- First-half 2026 order intake rose 4.5% to EUR 2,852.5m, from EUR 2,730.4m a year earlier.
- First-half revenue was EUR 2,714.9m against EUR 2,726.5m, up 1.8% adjusted for currency effects.
- Currency translation reduced first-half revenue by around EUR 60m.
- First-half EBITDA rose to EUR 292.9m from EUR 288.5m, with the margin at 10.8% against 10.6%.
- Order backlog rose 3.3% to EUR 4,328.0m at end-June 2026, from EUR 4,190.4m at end-2025.
- Krones confirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, including an EBITDA margin target range of 10.7% to 11.1%.
Saudi Arabian dairy producer Wardat al Mashreq Food Company has installed an IMA Hassia S600 stick-pack filling line for processed cheese and cream products and has ordered a second unit for delivery in the first quarter of 2027. The six-lane machine fills 25ml and 50ml stick packs at 14,400 to 18,000 packs per hour, a format IMA says cuts packaging material use versus tub, triangle, square or block formats.
Why this mattersStick packs can cut packaging material by up to half versus conventional dairy formats, reinforcing machinery makers' push into lighter, lower-carbon fill formats.
- Wardat al Mashreq Food Company (Saudi Arabia) has installed an IMA Hassia S600 stick-pack machine for processed cheese and cream products.
- The machine fills 25ml and 50ml stick packs across six lanes at 14,400 to 18,000 packs per hour.
- IMA says stick packs can cut packaging material needs by up to 50 percent versus tub, triangle, square or block formats.
- The packaging offers a paper-like feel with shelf life of up to 12 months.
- A second stick-pack machine has been ordered, with delivery due in the first quarter of 2027.
- IMA Hassia is part of IMA Dairy & Food Holding GmbH, based in Ranstadt, Germany.
German machinery maker Schobertechnologies has introduced an XXL Product Delivery System for its RSM410 IML/MX rotary die-cutting machine, aimed at automated processing of in-mould labels and other die-cut products. The gripper can handle two consecutive product lengths at once, which the company says can double delivery performance in some applications. The system will have its first live demonstration in the Americas at the LOUPE Americas 2026 trade show.
Why this mattersFaster in-mould-label die-cutting and stacking lets converters raise throughput without added labour, a recurring cost pressure for label and IML packaging producers.
- The XXL Product Delivery System is designed for Schobertechnologies' RSM410 IML/MX rotary die-cutting machine.
- The gripper can pick up and stack two consecutive product lengths simultaneously, which the company says can double output capacity in certain applications.
- The system can optionally be configured for automated stack removal and transfer to downstream banding processes.
- Schobertechnologies will give the system its first live demonstration on the American continent at LOUPE Americas 2026.
Keurig Dr Pepper will unveil the Keurig Alta brewing system and AltaRounds pods at the end of September 2026, replacing the plastic and aluminium K-Cup construction with a fully compostable pressed-coffee puck in a proprietary plant-based coating. The pods will be produced at the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina complex, and the Alta brewer will initially accept both existing K-Cups and AltaRounds. Development began with internal discussions in 2020 and 2021.
Why this mattersA plastic- and aluminium-free single-serve format from the category's largest player could accelerate a shift away from mixed-material coffee capsules across the sector.
- The Keurig Alta system and AltaRounds pods are to be unveiled at the end of September 2026.
- AltaRounds use no plastic or metal and are fully compostable, wrapped in a proprietary plant-based coating.
- Six Keurig-branded varieties launch initially, two espressos, a caramel option and light, medium and dark roasts, with participation from Peet's Coffee.
- AltaRounds will be produced at Keurig's Spartanburg, South Carolina complex, having been engineered in Burlington, Massachusetts.
- The Alta brewer is backward-compatible and will initially brew both K-Cups and AltaRounds.
- Keurig machines are in roughly 47 million households in the US and Canada; K-Cups launched in 1998.
Procter & Gamble has begun shipping 37 fl oz Tide laundry detergent bottles in North America made with 50% post-consumer recycled HDPE, processed on an Erema extrusion line. The company says it has used recycled HDPE in North American packaging for more than 35 years and plans to convert further packaging lines to 50% PCR content in coming years.
Why this mattersA move by one of the largest HDPE bottle users to 50% PCR strengthens demand for recycled resin and signals maturing rHDPE supply chains for converters.
- P&G's 37 fl oz Tide laundry detergent bottles in North America now contain 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content
- The recycled HDPE is reprocessed on an Erema extrusion machine
- P&G says it has used PCR in HDPE packaging in North America for more than 35 years
- Further conversions to 50% PCR are planned for other packaging in coming years
- P&G helped establish the US rHDPE supply stream with industry partners in the early 1990s
Anheuser-Busch is putting more than USD 20m into brewery and packaging line upgrades at its St. Louis and Arnold, Missouri sites, as part of a USD 600m two-year domestic manufacturing commitment for 2025-2026. The capex targets production capacity for Michelob ULTRA and includes a new technical skills training centre at the St. Louis brewery; no equipment details were disclosed.
Why this mattersContinued brand-owner capex signals ongoing demand for high-capacity filling and packaging equipment from major US brewers.
- Anheuser-Busch is investing more than USD 20m in brewery and packaging equipment upgrades at its St. Louis and Arnold, Missouri facilities.
- The spend is part of a USD 600m domestic manufacturing commitment covering 2025 and 2026.
- Upgrades target production capacity for Michelob ULTRA, described as the top-selling beer in the US.
- A portion of the funds will establish a new technical skills training centre at the St. Louis brewery.
- No specific machinery, line speeds or packaging formats were disclosed.
Nestle Nigeria has removed the blue pigment from caps on its Pure Life bottled water to aid recycling, starting with 33cl bottles and now extended to all sizes bar Pure Life Protect. The change follows the brand's earlier move to 50% recycled PET content in its bottles.
Why this mattersRemoving cap pigment eases automated sorting for recyclers, a low-cost step other bottled-water brands could replicate to lift PET recycling yields.
- Nestle Nigeria removed blue pigmentation from Pure Life caps, starting with 33cl bottles
- Change now covers all Pure Life bottle sizes except Pure Life Protect
- Pure Life bottles already use 50% recycled PET
- Nestle cites a global target of making all packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025
- Change announced by Nestle Waters business executive officer Olutayo Olatunji and communications lead Victoria Uwadoka
Finnish nonwovens manufacturer Suominen has appointed Eevaleena Mäki-Uuro as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and promoted Anni Luoma from General Counsel to Chief Legal Officer, both effective 17 September 2026. Both report to President and CEO Charles Héaulmé. The moves come as incumbent Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Marika Väkiparta leaves the company, remaining until end October 2026 during the transition.
Why this mattersTwo leadership-team appointments and the exit of the strategy chief come as Suominen reworks its organisation and operating model to lift performance.
- Eevaleena Mäki-Uuro appointed Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer effective 17 September 2026, moving from SVP Commercial Excellence and Strategic Projects
- Anni Luoma promoted from General Counsel to Chief Legal Officer effective 17 September 2026
- Both executives report to President and CEO Charles Héaulmé and join the Suominen Leadership Team
- Outgoing Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Marika Väkiparta is leaving the company, staying until end October 2026
- Suominen reported EUR 412.4m in 2025 net sales and employs nearly 700 people across Europe and the Americas
- Suominen shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki
STADLER Anlagenbau has completed and commissioned a lightweight packaging (LVP) sorting facility for PreZero in Sollenau, Austria, described as the largest and most complex system STADLER has delivered to date. The plant is designed to process approximately 104,500 tonnes of lightweight packaging annually across two modules, using 35 near-infrared sorting units from STEINERT and an AI-based battery-detection system.
Why this mattersAdded regional sorting capacity in Austria reduces transport distances and lifts material recovery rates, supporting downstream demand for recycled packaging feedstock in Europe.
- Facility located in Sollenau, Austria, operated by PreZero
- Designed capacity of approximately 104,500 tonnes of lightweight packaging per year across two modules
- Plant uses 35 near-infrared sorting units supplied by STEINERT GmbH
- Automated baling system can produce up to 20 different output fractions
- 14 volumetric flow sensors developed by STADLER monitor material flow in real time
- STADLER delivered the turnkey project on schedule despite installation starting before building halls were complete
The European Commission's Circular Economy Act has slipped from a planned third-quarter 2026 publication to November after the Regulatory Scrutiny Board issued a negative opinion on its impact assessment, forcing a rewrite. The Act would amend the Waste Framework, Landfill and WEEE Directives and sets a target to roughly double the EU circular material use rate to about 24% by 2030. Adoption, previously expected in the third quarter of 2027, is now at risk of a compressed timeline against the unchanged 2030 target.
Why this mattersA shorter drafting-to-transposition window compresses the time packaging and electronics producers have to align design, collection and EPR systems before the 2030 target.
- Publication of the Circular Economy Act slips from Q3 2026 to November 2026
- The EU Regulatory Scrutiny Board returned a negative opinion on the proposal's impact assessment
- The Act targets roughly doubling the EU circular material use rate to around 24% by 2030
- The Act covers three pillars: Waste Framework and Landfill Directive amendments, WEEE directive amendments, and horizontal single-market measures for secondary materials
- Adoption had been foreseen for Q3 2027, based on publication a year earlier
- The Act aims to address fragmentation across 27 national extended producer responsibility schemes with differing fee structures and recyclability definitions
The European Commission has published its preliminary assessment of 32 non-OECD countries seeking approval to keep receiving EU non-hazardous waste once new export rules apply from May 2027, with a separate ban on plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries starting 21 November 2026. Recycling Europe has criticised the Commission's approach to ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste, warning that restricting access to buyers such as India could leave recyclers with surplus material that European manufacturers are not ready to absorb.
Why this mattersTighter export rules could depress recovered-material prices and undermine the investment case for new EU recycling capacity unless domestic demand for secondary raw materials grows.
- Thirty-two non-OECD countries, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan and Thailand, have applied to keep receiving EU non-hazardous waste.
- EU plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries are prohibited from 21 November 2026.
- Wider restrictions on non-hazardous waste exports to non-OECD countries apply from May 2027, with shipments allowed only to approved destinations and streams.
- Recycling Europe has criticised the Commission's preliminary approach to ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste, arguing restrictions should reflect individual streams and receiving facilities.
- Recycling Europe estimates about four-fifths of the recycled metals its industry produces are already sold within Europe.
- India, a substantial buyer of European metal scrap, has applied to remain eligible; some shipments could be blocked from May 2027.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 955, legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear that tightens the state's beverage container deposit (CRV) system by requiring collection zones to have capacity for all bottles and cans sold locally, ending so-called recycling "dead zones". The law closes gaps left by the 2021 SB 1013 reform, including reliance on single reverse vending machines with limited capacity, and clarifies which stores must participate. It takes effect 1 January 2027.
Why this mattersTighter CRV collection-capacity rules raise compliance obligations for retailers and recyclers, and could lift feedstock volumes for beverage-container recycling in the largest US deposit market.
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 955, sponsored by Sen. Catherine Blakespear; the signing was announced on 19 September 2026.
- The law requires collection zones to have capacity to take back 100 percent of CRV-eligible bottles and cans sold in that zone.
- It closes a gap in the 2021 SB 1013 reform under which a single reverse vending machine could satisfy a convenience zone's requirement.
- The bill clarifies which stores must participate in California's dealer cooperative recycling arrangements.
- Co-sponsors are the Circular CRV Association and the California Grocers Association.
- SB 955 takes effect on 1 January 2027.
The EU's Expert Group on Waste has confirmed that restriction limits on PFAS in food contact packaging apply from 12 August 2026. A dedicated PFAS task force is developing harmonised sampling and testing protocols, as laboratory capacity across the EU remains uneven for detecting trace-level PFAS.
Why this mattersFood packaging makers using greaseproof paper and moulded fibre must complete PFAS-free reformulation before compliance testing standards are even finalised.
- PFAS restriction limits for food contact packaging apply from 12 August 2026 in the EU.
- The rules target specific PFAS compounds or total PFAS content in materials in direct contact with food.
- A dedicated PFAS task force is developing common sampling and analytical testing methods.
- EU laboratory testing capacity for trace-level PFAS detection is described as inconsistent.
- PFAS have been used in greaseproof paper and takeout containers for water- and oil-repellent properties.
