The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) became applicable across the bloc on 12 August 2026, replacing national packaging rules with a single EU framework and immediately banning PFAS above set thresholds in food-contact packaging such as takeaway containers, bakery paper and pizza boxes. On 21 August 2026 the European Commission clarified that the compliance trigger for existing stock is the date packaging is placed on the EU market rather than its manufacturing date, so stock already transferred to independent retailers before 12 August is generally exempt while stock still held by manufacturers or logistics providers is not automatically covered. Further PPWR phases follow, including harmonised waste-sorting labels from 2028 and, from 2030, empty-space limits, single-use plastic restrictions, reuse targets and mandatory recycled-content thresholds for plastic packaging.
Why this mattersPPWR's entry into force and the Commission's stock-transition guidance together set the near-term compliance costs and reformulation timetable across the EU packaging supply chain.
- PPWR became applicable across the EU on 12 August 2026, banning PFAS above set thresholds in food-contact packaging
- On 21 August 2026 the Commission clarified that the compliance date is when packaging is placed on the EU market, not when it is manufactured
- Packaging transferred to an independent retailer or distributor before 12 August 2026 is generally exempt from PPWR requirements
- Stock held at a manufacturer's own premises or with a logistics provider is not automatically deemed placed on the market
- An EU-wide waste-sorting label is planned for 2028, with harmonised-label consultation under way
- From 2030 the rules add empty-space limits, single-use plastic format restrictions, reuse targets and mandatory recycled-content thresholds for plastic packaging
Wausau Coated Products introduced WA-669, a wash-away pressure-sensitive adhesive designed for on-bottle wine and spirits labels used in reusable and returnable glass programmes, at LOUPE Americas 2026. The adhesive holds firm under ice-bucket conditions but releases in hot-water or caustic wash systems, or in home washing. The launch includes two FSC-certified facestock options paired with a 90% recycled PET liner.
Why this mattersA washable adhesive removes a technical barrier to bottle reuse, a route brand owners are exploring to cut virgin glass use and meet circularity targets.
- Wausau Coated Products unveiled WA-669 wash-away adhesive at LOUPE Americas 2026
- WA-669 is designed for glass and other non-porous surfaces on wine and spirits bottles
- Adhesive stays affixed during ice-bucket exposure but washes away in hot-water or caustic wash systems
- Launch includes two FSC-certified facestocks: 70# Bright White Felt 30% PCW and 60# Estate Label #8 Vellum, both with Wet Strength
- Facestocks are paired with WA-669 and a 1.2 mil liner made of 90% recycled polyester (r-PET)
A white-liquor storage tank ruptured at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging mill in Longview, Washington, on 15 September 2026, killing 11 workers and leaving two missing. The US Environmental Protection Agency said chemical residues reached the Columbia River but found no significant contamination of drinking water. The cause of the collapse is under investigation, and Nippon Paper Group, the plant's Japanese parent, has offered condolences.
Why this mattersThe fatal incident is likely to intensify regulatory scrutiny of chemical storage safety at pulp and paper mills across the industry.
- A 500,000-gallon white liquor tank burst at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Washington, on 15 September 2026
- Eleven workers died and two remain missing after the rupture
- Eight injured people were recovered, including a firefighter, many of them with burns or inhalation injuries
- The US Environmental Protection Agency confirmed some chemical residues entered the Columbia River, with the effect on drinking water ruled negligible
- Nippon Paper Group, the plant's Japanese parent, issued a statement of condolence to the bereaved families
- Investigators have not yet identified the cause of the tank collapse
Voith has commissioned PM 47, a new packaging paper machine at Sun Paper's Yanzhou site in Shandong, China, with an annual design capacity of 700,000 tonnes and an 8.66 metre wire width. The machine reached its maximum operating speed of 1,400 m/min within 10 days of start-up, which Voith says makes it among the fastest multi-fourdrinier packaging paper machines worldwide.
Why this mattersThe startup adds significant packaging-paper capacity in China and demonstrates faster commissioning timelines that could pressure competitors on lead times.
- PM 47 has an annual design capacity of 700,000 tonnes and an 8.66 metre wire width
- The machine reached 1,400 m/min operating speed 10 days after start-up
- Construction to first reel took 11 months and 8 days
- Voith supplied the full production line including an OCC stock preparation system rated at 2,200 tonnes per day
- Voith and Sun Paper have partnered for more than 20 years
- The line includes Voith's IntensaPulper and automation systems MCS, QCS, OnCare.CM and MillOne
Smurfit Westrock is seeking USD 473m from Venezuela in compensation for packaging assets expropriated under the land-reform and nationalisation campaign begun by president Hugo Chavez in 2007. The claim has remained unresolved through the presidency of Nicolas Maduro.
Why this mattersA resolution would set a precedent for how multinational packaging producers recover value from state expropriation in unstable jurisdictions.
- Smurfit Westrock is seeking USD 473m in compensation for packaging assets expropriated in Venezuela
- The seizures followed the land-reform and nationalisation campaign begun under president Hugo Chavez in March 2007
- The dispute has continued unresolved under president Nicolas Maduro
Visy chief executive Mark De Wit said most Australian recycling facilities can no longer obtain insurance because of battery fires, and that Visy, Re.Group and Cleanaway have each lost a recycling site to fire in the past five years. Fire and Rescue NSW recorded 86 fires at waste and recycling centres between 1 January and 14 September 2026, against 114 in the whole of 2025. De Wit said the fires are now an almost daily event and are always caused by a battery.
Why this mattersUninsurable sorting assets raise the cost of recovering fibre and containers in Australia and put recycled feedstock supply for packaging makers at risk.
- Visy CEO Mark De Wit said most recycling facilities can no longer obtain insurance because of fire risk
- De Wit said Visy, Re.Group and Cleanaway have each lost a recycling site to fire in the past five years
- Fire and Rescue NSW recorded 86 fires at waste and recycling centres from 1 January to 14 September 2026, versus 114 for all of 2025
- NSW recorded 44 garbage truck fires so far in 2026 versus 62 for all of 2025
- ReTHiNK Waste Tasmania estimates 10,000-12,000 battery-related fires occur annually in Australia's waste and recycling system
- Veolia's Cairns waste-sorting centre was destroyed by a suspected lithium-ion battery fire in January 2025, diverting material to landfill
UK homecare brand Smol has rolled out a wood-pulp fibre laundry detergent bottle using Pulpex technology, targeting the 58 million plastic laundry liquid containers sold annually in the UK. The launch follows a GBP 62m (USD 83.0m) funding round at Pulpex, including GBP 43.5m (USD 58.3m) from the UK National Wealth Fund, to build the company's first commercial-scale manufacturing plant in Scotland. Pulpex says the bottle, fitted with a recyclable plastic dosing cap, has passed the 4evergreen recyclability methodology for paper mill processing.
Why this mattersA first at-scale fmcg deployment of paper detergent bottles tests whether fibre packaging can displace plastic in a high-volume, liquid-fill category.
- Smol's bottle uses Pulpex wood-pulp fibre technology with an ultra-thin water-based barrier lining.
- It targets 58 million plastic laundry liquid containers sold in the UK each year, over 8,120 tonnes of plastic.
- The bottle passed the 4evergreen recyclability methodology for paper mill processing.
- Pulpex has raised a GBP 62m (USD 83.0m) funding round, including GBP 43.5m (USD 58.3m) from the UK National Wealth Fund.
- The funding will build Pulpex's first commercial-scale manufacturing facility, in Scotland.
- Unilever unveiled a prototype paper detergent bottle for its Omo/Persil/Skip/Breeze brands five years earlier but has not launched it in UK grocery.
Greatview Aseptic Packaging said CEO Yuan Xunjun stepped down effective 21 September 2026, while remaining chairman and executive director. Wang Dawei, previously executive president and a former senior executive at SIG Combibloc and Sidel Group, becomes CEO from the same date.
Why this mattersThe change hands day-to-day execution at a leading Asian aseptic carton maker to an executive with direct SIG Combibloc and Sidel experience, as competition in aseptic cartons intensifies.
- Yuan Xunjun stepped down as CEO of Greatview Aseptic Packaging effective 21 September 2026
- Yuan retains his roles as chairman and executive director
- Wang Dawei, previously executive president, is appointed CEO from the same date
- Wang has 18 years in packaging, including senior roles at SIG Combibloc and Sidel Group
- The board stated Yuan has no disagreements with directors requiring shareholder attention
Tetra Pak has extended its Recicla Cidade programme to the city of Sao Paulo, where only 2% of potentially recyclable material is currently recycled despite universal waste-collection coverage. The project will set up 15 permanent drop-off points and nine exchange points to boost separation of recyclables, including used beverage cartons, at source.
Why this mattersCarton recycling depends on household separation rather than collection coverage, so Tetra Pak is investing directly in sorting infrastructure to secure feedstock for its recycling chain.
- Sao Paulo recycles only 2% of potentially recyclable material despite 78% road coverage for waste collection in 2025
- Tetra Pak's Recicla Cidade programme will add 15 ecopontos (permanent drop-off points) and nine ecotroca (exchange) points in Sao Paulo city
- If Sao Paulo reaches the average recycling rate of other cities in the programme, Tetra Pak estimates recovery of an additional 4,000 tonnes per year of long-life cartons
- Long-life cartons are composed of 75% paper, 20% plastic and 5% aluminium
- Sorted paper is used to make products such as egg boxes and recycled fibre; the plastic-aluminium mix is used to make sheets and roofing tiles
- Recycling infrastructure is concentrated in southern and southeastern Brazil, requiring some materials to be transported to Sao Paulo for processing
SIG has expanded its Recycle for Good used-carton collection programme in Indonesia beyond Jakarta into Surabaya, Malang, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara and Bali, the company said on 21 September 2026. The network now spans 389 collection points, up from 200 in Jakarta previously, and SIG is upgrading pulping equipment with partner Eco-Paper to process more used beverage cartons.
Why this mattersWider collection and pulping capacity strengthens SIG's circularity claims and could help beverage-carton customers meet extended producer responsibility rules in Southeast Asia.
- Recycle for Good now covers 389 collection points in Indonesia, up from 200 in Jakarta reported in SIG's 2025 annual report
- The expansion into Surabaya, Malang, East Java, West Nusa Tenggara and Bali was announced on 21 September 2026
- SIG is partnering with Eco-Paper to upgrade pulping equipment for used beverage cartons
- The programme launched in Jakarta in March 2023 and reached 151 Greater Jakarta collection points in 2024
Korea Export Packaging Industrial has resumed corrugated cardboard base paper production at its Osan plant, following a shutdown caused by a fire earlier in 2026. Production formally restarted on 21 September 2026 after recovery and maintenance work, though output has not yet returned to pre-fire levels.
Why this mattersThe restart eases a supply constraint for the company's integrated corrugated box and sheet operations and downstream customers reliant on its base paper.
- Production at the Osan plant formally restarted on 21 September 2026.
- The plant had been suspended following a fire earlier in the year.
- Output volumes have not yet reached pre-fire levels.
- The base paper is consumed internally for the company's corrugated boxes and sheets and generates no standalone sales.
- The company is still finalising its assessment of accident-related damage.
Yinka Dene Economic Development Limited Partnership (YLP), the Wet'suwet'en First Nation's business arm, and the University of British Columbia are piloting a wood-waste-based foam packaging material through their subsidiary DicinFoam at a Vancouver plant. The biodegradable "wood foam" targets plastic foam packaging such as Styrofoam and is expected to cost about 20 percent more at launch, with commercial products anticipated within roughly two years pending regulatory clearance. YLP plans a larger 1,000-tonne facility in Burns Lake, B.C. and a further 15,000-tonne plant on Vancouver Island.
Why this mattersA university-Indigenous venture signals a new biodegradable route to protective foam packaging that, if scaled, could pressure plastic foam suppliers on cost and sustainability grounds.
- DicinFoam, majority owned by YLP, runs a pilot plant in East Vancouver converting sawmill and paper-recycling wood waste into wood foam.
- The material is designed to replace Styrofoam-type plastic foam in protective packaging and thermal insulation.
- Wood foam is expected to cost about 20 percent more than plastic foam equivalents when it first reaches market.
- Proof of concept is targeted within 12 months, with commercial products expected roughly two years out, pending regulatory approval.
- A planned larger facility in Burns Lake, B.C. would produce 1,000 tonnes of biodegradable foam a year and create up to 15 jobs.
- A further proposed Vancouver Island facility would scale output to 15,000 tonnes a year, creating 35 to 60 jobs.
Procos has established production capacity of up to 440,000 luxury gift boxes a month in Mexico, which the group presents as an industrial milestone in serving luxury brands on local and global rollouts. At Luxe Pack Monaco 2026 it also unveiled its 2026 promotional shopping bag, using hot stamping, embossing, specialty paper and Tencel ribbon handles.
Why this mattersAdded Mexican capacity gives luxury brands a nearshore packaging option outside Europe, a shift smaller specialist converters are pursuing to serve global rollouts.
- Procos' Mexican operation has capacity of up to 440,000 luxury gift boxes per month
- Procos unveiled its 2026 promotional shopping bag at Luxe Pack Monaco 2026
- The bag combines hot stamping, embossing, specialty paper and Tencel ribbon handles
Pratt Industries will build its first Iowa manufacturing facility, a corrugated packaging plant in Bondurant, with total capital investment of USD 97.6m including more than USD 80m in equipment. The project is expected to create 105 jobs and has been awarded USD 1.8m in tax credits by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Why this mattersThe plant extends Pratt's US corrugated footprint into a new state, adding capacity against Smurfit Westrock, International Paper and Packaging Corporation of America.
- Total capital investment of USD 97.6m, including more than USD 80m in manufacturing equipment
- The corrugated plant in Bondurant will be Pratt's first manufacturing facility in Iowa
- The project is expected to create 105 jobs, 20 of them incented at a qualifying wage of USD 35.11 per hour
- The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded USD 1.8m in tax credits through its BIG programme on 19 September 2026
- Pratt (4.0 Corrugating), LLC, a subsidiary of Pratt Corrugated Holdings, is part of Atlanta-based Pratt Industries
Clearwater Paper has replaced its 2028 senior notes and existing revolving and term credit facilities with a new credit agreement led by AgWest Farm Credit, extending its debt maturity profile to 2031. The package comprises a USD 200m revolving credit facility, of which about USD 15m was drawn at closing, and a USD 275m term loan fully funded at closing, with proceeds used to redeem the USD 275m 2028 senior notes and terminate the prior ABL facility.
Why this mattersExtending maturities to 2031 removes near-term refinancing risk for the North American paperboard producer amid a soft demand environment.
- New credit agreement signed 18 September 2026 with AgWest Farm Credit, PCA as administrative agent
- USD 275m term loan fully funded at closing
- USD 200m revolving credit facility with about USD 15m drawn at closing
- Uncommitted USD 100m increase option available subject to conditions including 2027 year-end financials
- Proceeds redeem USD 275m senior notes due 2028 and terminate existing ABL facility
- New agreement matures 18 September 2031
A Sephora cosmetics advent calendar made from cartonboard produced at Metsä Board's Äänekoski mill in Finland has won Carton of the Year at the European Carton Excellence Award 2026 in Rome on 17 September. It is the second consecutive year a pack made from Äänekoski board has taken the top prize, following a 2024 Lumene calendar that won in 2025.
Why this mattersRepeated design-award recognition for a specific board grade reinforces demand from premium cosmetics brands and supports order intake at the mill.
- A Sephora After Christmas Calendar 2025 box made from Metsä Board's Äänekoski cartonboard won Carton of the Year at the European Carton Excellence Award 2026 in Rome on 17 September 2026.
- The pack used MetsäBoard Pro FBB Bright virgin-fibre board in 290 g/m2 and 350 g/m2 weights.
- Belgian converter Autajon Packaging designed and manufactured the pack.
- It is the second consecutive year Äänekoski-produced board has won the award, after a 2024 Lumene calendar won in 2025.
- The award is organised annually by Pro Carton and the European Carton Makers Association (ECMA).
- Äänekoski mill director Timo Tallinen said the recognition feeds directly into the mill's order book.
The European Commission has unconditionally approved the USD 3.4bn tissue and personal care joint venture between Suzano and Kimberly-Clark, covering international operations including the Kleenex brand. Suzano will hold 51% of the combined international tissue business. The deal, announced in June 2025, still awaits clearance from the UK competition authority.
Why this mattersClearance removes a major regulatory hurdle for one of the tissue sector's largest consolidation deals as producers seek scale amid overcapacity.
- European Commission approved the joint venture unconditionally on 21 September 2026
- Deal value stated at USD 3.4bn
- Suzano will hold 51% of the combined international tissue business, including Kleenex
- Transaction was first announced in June 2025
- UK Competition and Markets Authority review is still pending
Arauco has completed the sale of standing eucalyptus timber, excluding the underlying land, across 561 forestry plots in the Valdivia area of Chile's Los Rios region for more than USD 216m plus VAT. The buyer is a Chilean company controlled by a local forestry investment fund; the agreement was first disclosed in July 2026 and Arauco has not named the purchaser.
Why this mattersThe disposal trims Arauco's forestry base in southern Chile and hands a local investment fund a large eucalyptus resource without land ownership.
- Sale price exceeds USD 216m plus VAT and excludes the land
- The transaction covers standing eucalyptus timber on 561 forestry plots in Valdivia, Los Rios region
- The buyer is a Chilean company controlled by a local forestry investment fund, not publicly named
- The agreement was first disclosed in July 2026 and has now been completed
- Chile's forestry regulator Conaf says a change of title requires new forest management plans
- Conaf says it has no formal list yet of the plots being transferred
US and North Carolina authorities sued Domtar Paper Company on 16 September 2026 over historic hazardous releases, including dioxins, furans and mercury, from the Martin County site formerly run by predecessor Weyerhaeuser, and simultaneously filed a proposed consent decree to settle the claims. The draft settlement includes a conservation deed restriction on about 760 acres of Warren Neck wetlands and USD 1.75m for floodplain and fish-passage restoration along the lower Roanoke River, with credit given for prior remediation work by Domtar. The consent decree is open for public comment before a court can finalise it.
Why this mattersThe case sets a template for resolving legacy contamination liabilities at acquired US mills, with restoration costs and land-use restrictions that could recur across the sector.
- Complaint filed 16 September 2026 by North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality and federal authorities against Domtar Paper Company, LLC over its Martin County mill site.
- Contaminants including dioxins, furans and mercury from predecessor Weyerhaeuser's waste disposal were detected in fish tissue in Welch Creek, the lower Roanoke River and western Albemarle Sound.
- A proposed consent decree, filed the same day by NC DEQ, NOAA and US Fish and Wildlife Service, would settle the natural resource damages claim.
- The draft settlement includes a conservation deed restriction on about 760 acres of Warren Neck forested wetlands.
- USD 1.75m is earmarked for floodplain reconnection, wetland protection and fish-passage restoration covering over 600 acres of habitat.
- A fish consumption advisory tied to the contamination has been in effect since 1990; the consent decree is open for public comment before finalisation.
Sappi Europe has announced a general price increase of EUR 20 per tonne, or the local currency equivalent, across its Coated Mechanical paper portfolio. The increase applies to all deliveries from October 2026 and is attributed to persistent cost inflation in energy, transport, labour, chemicals and fibre. Sales staff will contact customers individually on implementation.
Why this mattersA further paper price rise signals continued cost pressure on graphic paper producers, which printers and publishers will need to pass through.
- Price increase of EUR 20 per tonne applies to Sappi Europe's Coated Mechanical portfolio.
- The increase takes effect for deliveries from October 2026.
- Sappi cites sustained cost escalation in energy, transport, labour, chemicals and fibre.
- Customers will be contacted individually by Sappi Europe's sales organisation on implementation.
Georgia-Pacific is piloting an autonomous drone system at its Alabama River Cellulose pulp mill in Perdue Hill, Alabama, to standardise monitoring of construction progress on the site's USD 800m modernisation programme. The drones replace manual pilot-operated flights, aiming to improve consistency of progress data and reduce staff exposure to hazards on the industrial site. The trial is part of a broader digital delivery strategy targeting a connected digital twin of the facility.
Why this mattersAutonomous inspection tools tested on a major capacity project point to wider adoption of digital construction monitoring across pulp and paper capital projects.
- Georgia-Pacific is testing an autonomous drone system at its Alabama River Cellulose mill in Perdue Hill, Alabama.
- The mill is undergoing an USD 800m modernisation and expansion programme announced in 2025, running through 2027.
- The drone system standardises image capture for daily, weekly and monthly construction progress monitoring, replacing manual pilot-flown surveys.
- Georgia-Pacific said approximately 1,500 drone inspections have been carried out across its operations, without specifying the period.
- The project feeds into a wider digital delivery programme covering reality capture, 3D modelling and a planned digital twin.
- Alabama River Cellulose, acquired by Georgia-Pacific in 2010, produces bleached softwood kraft market pulp and fluff pulp.
Platinum Equity is in advanced talks to acquire Dutch metal packaging maker Trivium Packaging for USD 3.5 billion from current owners Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board and Ardagh Group S.A. The private equity firm has emerged ahead of other bidders, including Sonoco, which dropped out after its USD 3.9 billion purchase of Eviosys in June 2024. A final agreement is expected within weeks, though talks are not guaranteed to conclude.
Why this mattersA USD 3.5bn buyout would reshape ownership of a top-tier metal packaging supplier and signal renewed private-equity appetite for large sector assets.
- Platinum Equity is negotiating to acquire Trivium Packaging for USD 3.5 billion.
- Sellers are Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board and Ardagh Group S.A.
- Deal expected to close within coming weeks, pending final agreement.
- Trivium reported annual revenue of USD 3.1 billion and employs 7,500 people across 60 sites.
- Trivium was formed in 2019 from the merger of Exal Corp. and Ardagh's food and speciality packaging business.
- Sonoco had earlier been a bidder but withdrew after buying Eviosys for USD 3.9 billion in June 2024.
US tariffs on aluminium have raised North American can prices by roughly 50% since early 2025, and Canadian brewers and can printers are shifting purchases to Chinese suppliers selling at about a one-third discount. Canada's counter-tariffs exempt food and beverage packaging inputs, but can contracts on both sides of the border are priced off the tariff-inflated US Midwest aluminium benchmark. Canadian brewers fill about 3.7 billion cans a year, and one canned-cocktail producer says a five-cent difference per can decides profitability.
Why this mattersTariff-driven aluminium cost inflation is eroding North American can makers' price competitiveness and accelerating Canadian brewers' shift toward Chinese-made cans.
- North American can prices have risen about 50% since early 2025 following US tariffs on aluminium
- The US has imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian aluminium; Canada's counter-tariffs exempt goods used in food and beverage packaging
- Chinese-made cans sell at roughly a one-third discount to US-made cans, a gap reaching 8 cents per can
- Can contracts on both sides of the border are priced off the US Midwest aluminium benchmark
- Canada's brewers fill about 3.7 billion cans a year
- Caravan Bev Co, which imports Chinese cans into Canada, reports a 30% increase in business since 2025
South Korean cosmetics glass maker Somang Glass (SMCG) has introduced a new glass line containing 60% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). The announcement was made on 18 September 2026, covering bottles and jars for perfume, skincare and decorative cosmetics; production volumes and supply geography were not disclosed.
Why this mattersA certified, quantified PCR share for cosmetics glass gives brands a documented sustainability claim, raising the bar for competitors' recycled-content statements.
- Somang Glass (SMCG) announced the product on 18 September 2026
- The glass contains 60% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material
- The material is certified under the Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
- Applications include perfume bottles, skincare jars and vials, and decorative cosmetics packaging
- Production volumes and supply geography have not been disclosed
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree placing the 100% stake in Aptar Vladimir, a plastic packaging plant owned via Aptar's Aptar Europe Holding unit, under temporary state management. The appointed manager, H&N, is the entity formerly known as Danone Russia, nationalised under a separate Putin decree in 2023. The decree follows a 17 September 2026 law placing Auchan, Nestle, Lemana PRO and FM Logistic's Russian assets under a different manager, L.E.V. Management.
Why this mattersThe decree extends Russia's seizure of Western-owned assets to a US packaging group, raising expropriation risk for remaining Western manufacturers in the country.
- Putin's decree places 100% of Aptar Vladimir under temporary state management
- Aptar Vladimir is owned by Aptar Europe Holding, part of US-based AptarGroup
- Aptar Vladimir makes plastic packaging in Russia
- Appointed manager is H&N, the legal entity behind the former Danone Russia business
- Danone's Russian arm was nationalised under a separate Putin decree in 2023
- On 17 September 2026 Putin signed a separate law placing Auchan, Nestle, Lemana PRO and FM Logistic's Russian assets under management by L.E.V. Management
Malaysian packaging group Scientex is acquiring Mondi Ipoh Sdn Bhd, a consumer packaging films maker, from Germany's Mondi Consumer Packaging International for RM58 million cash. The deal, signed via Scientex's wholly-owned unit Scientex Packaging Film, will lift Scientex's consumer packaging capacity by 30% to 76,800 tonnes a year and is estimated to complete by 11 August.
Why this mattersThe purchase lifts Scientex's consumer packaging capacity 30% to 76,800 tonnes a year and removes Mondi from film converting in Malaysia.
- Scientex Packaging Film Sdn Bhd signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of Mondi Ipoh Sdn Bhd (MISB) for RM58 million cash
- MISB is owned by Mondi Consumer Packaging International GmbH of Germany
- MISB operates two manufacturing plants in Perak, Malaysia with capacity of 16,800 tonnes per year
- The acquisition raises Scientex's consumer packaging capacity by 30%, from 60,000 to 76,800 tonnes per year
- Approximately 70% of MISB's revenue comes from exports to Asia-Pacific
- The deal is funded from internal funds and is estimated to complete by 11 August
Shree Rama Multi-Tech began commercial production on a new tubing machine at its Moti-Bhoyan plant in Gujarat on 21 September 2026, adding 11.5m tubes a month and lifting total capacity to about 88.5m tubes a month. The USD 2.1m (Rs 20 crore) investment is funded entirely from internal accruals, with full capacity targeted for the third quarter of FY2026-27.
Why this mattersThe debt-free expansion at near-full utilisation signals sustained demand growth in India's regulated pharmaceutical tube packaging niche.
- Commercial production began on 21 September 2026 at the Moti-Bhoyan plant, Gandhinagar district, Gujarat
- The new machine adds 11.5m tubes a month, lifting capacity from 77m to about 88.5m tubes a month
- The USD 2.1m (Rs 20 crore) investment is funded entirely from internal accruals, with no external debt
- Capacity utilisation stood at 90% before the expansion
- Full capacity operationalisation is targeted for the third quarter of FY2026-27
- The company makes lamitubes, tube laminates and multilayer films for pharmaceutical and personal care packaging
GreenCorp has acquired Strata Products, a plastics processor formerly part of Berry Global. Strata makes consumer products using injection moulding, blow moulding and rotomoulding. The transaction was reported on 21 September 2026.
Why this mattersThe deal moves injection, blow and rotomoulding capacity for consumer products out of the former Berry Global perimeter to an independent owner.
- GreenCorp acquired Strata Products, a plastics processor.
- Strata was formerly part of Berry Global.
- Strata uses injection moulding, blow moulding and rotomoulding to make consumer products.
- Deal reported 21 September 2026.
Jokey Poland is building an automated high-bay warehouse at its Kędzierzyn-Koźle site, with Kardex Polska as general contractor and Kardex Mlog supplying the automation technology. The facility will reach about 20 metres in height, store 8,616 Euro pallets and support up to 200 storage operations per hour, with commissioning planned for the end of 2026.
Why this mattersAutomating storage and retrieval raises throughput and delivery reliability for the plastic packaging maker as it scales output for food and non-food customers.
- The warehouse in Kędzierzyn-Koźle will stand about 20 metres tall and hold 8,616 Euro pallets.
- Kardex Polska is general contractor, with technology supplied by Kardex Mlog.
- The facility is designed for up to 200 storage operations per hour.
- Commissioning is planned for the end of 2026.
- Three automatic storage and retrieval machines, each rated to 450 kg, will serve the warehouse.
- A rooftop photovoltaic system will supply part of the site's energy needs.
UFlex has been granted Indian Patent No. 603158 for a high-speed twin aseptic liquid packaging machine, with a 20-year protection term running from September 2023. The vertical form-fill-seal design sits under UFlex's Asepto liquid packaging business, adding proprietary filling equipment alongside its film and materials operations.
Why this mattersOwning the machine as well as the film lets UFlex bundle equipment and materials for aseptic customers, a model normally held by multinational fillers.
- Patent No. 603158 covers a high-speed twin aseptic liquid packaging machine.
- The patent's 20-year protection term runs from 1 September 2023.
- The design uses a vertical form-fill-seal configuration aimed at a reduced footprint.
- The machine sits under UFlex's Asepto liquid packaging business.
- UFlex received an earlier Indian patent in July 2026 for a reclosable pack design with tamper detection.
French household and compostable packaging group SPHERE has acquired the entirety of Polyex, a French manufacturer of extruded polyethylene sleeves, covers and bags for industrial clients. The deal extends SPHERE's reach beyond its traditional professional, public-sector and retail customer base and complements its existing subsidiary Alfaplas. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Why this mattersBolt-on consolidates SPHERE's push into industrial flexible packaging, broadening its customer base beyond retail and public-sector channels.
- SPHERE acquired 100% of Polyex, announced 19 September 2026.
- Polyex extrudes polyethylene-based sleeves, covers and bags for industrial customers.
- The deal complements SPHERE's existing subsidiary Alfaplas.
- SPHERE has been backed by investment firm Hivest Capital Partners since 2024.
- Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
- Law firm August Debouzy advised on the transaction across corporate, tax, contract, financing and employment matters.
Japanese printer Seki has approved construction of a new water-based flexographic printing and converting plant in Toon, Ehime Prefecture, at an estimated cost of JPY 4.3bn (USD 27.3m). The facility will produce flexible packaging such as food bags and beverage labels, with construction starting in February 2027 and operations due to begin in April 2028.
Why this mattersWater-based flexo capacity of this size shifts a commercial printer's mix toward food and beverage flexibles as Japanese graphic print volumes contract.
- Investment of approximately JPY 4.3bn (USD 27.3m) approved by Seki's board on 17 September 2026
- New plant, tentatively named Toon Factory, to be built on company-owned land in Toon, Ehime Prefecture
- Site area 12,089.53 sqm; building floor area 4,453.08 sqm, steel-frame two-storey structure
- Plant will produce flexible packaging including food packaging bags and beverage labels via water-based flexographic printing
- Construction to start February 2027, completion February 2028, operations to begin April 2028
- Seki entered the water-based flexo printing and processing business in 2017 and formed a capital and business alliance with Fujiseal Group in March 2024
Indian rigid-plastic packaging maker Manika Plastech has closed its mainboard initial public offering, raising USD 17m through a subscription window that ran from 11 to 16 September 2026. Shares were priced between USD 0.54 and USD 0.58, combining a USD 12.6m fresh issue with a USD 4.48m offer for sale by existing shareholders, ahead of a market debut scheduled for 21 September 2026.
Why this mattersThe listing gives a mid-sized Indian rigid-plastics converter fresh capital to expand capacity and cut debt as automotive and food-grade packaging demand grows.
- IPO raised USD 17m in total
- Subscription window ran 11-16 September 2026, shares priced USD 0.54-0.58
- USD 12.6m fresh issue plus USD 4.48m offer for sale by existing shareholders
- Share allocation: 50% qualified institutional buyers, 35% retail, 15% non-institutional
- USD 7.46m of proceeds earmarked for new plant and machinery, USD 2.04m for debt prepayment
- Market debut scheduled for 21 September 2026
CSafe has launched Silverskin RE PMC, a reusable multi-pallet thermal cover for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical air freight, built with six-layer compressible insulation and supported by a full refurbishment programme. The PMC-sized cover, 1.5 metres high, accommodates up to 8 Euro pallets or 6 US pallets and maintains +2C to +8C and +15C to +25C ranges, and is available for purchase or rental.
Why this mattersA reusable, refurbishable thermal cover lets pharma shippers cut single-use packaging waste and disposal costs on high-volume multi-pallet air freight lanes.
- Silverskin RE PMC uses six-layer compressible insulation and maintains +2C to +8C and +15C to +25C temperature ranges
- The cover is 1.5 metres tall and fits up to 8 Euro pallets or 6 US pallets
- CSafe backs the product with a full refurbishment programme to extend reuse over its operational lifecycle
- The product is offered for both purchase and rental
- Launch announced 1 September 2026 by CSafe, based in Monroe, Ohio
BamBhu Innovation has launched BamBhu Bio-Shrink Wrap, a shrink film made from renewable bamboo fibres, PHA and synthetic polymers, on 21 September 2026. The company positions the film as a lower-carbon, recyclable and faster-biodegrading alternative to conventional fossil-based shrink wrap for food, FMCG, industrial and logistics packaging.
Why this mattersBio-based drop-in shrink films give converters and brand owners another route to cut fossil-plastic content without changing packaging lines or performance specs.
- BamBhu Innovation launched BamBhu Bio-Shrink Wrap on 21 September 2026.
- The film combines renewable bamboo fibres, PHA and synthetic polymers.
- It is designed for recyclability and accelerated biodegradation under landfill conditions.
- Target applications include food and beverage, FMCG, agriculture, industrial packaging and logistics.
Summa has expanded its F Series Vantage cutting platform with three wide-format models, the F1832, F3220 and F3232, aimed at high-volume signage, packaging, textile and industrial cutting, alongside a dedicated F1625CF configuration for dry carbon fibre. The company says the platform can lift productivity by 40% or more through a 200N cutting force router, automation features and nesting software.
Why this mattersConverters serving packaging and adjacent signage markets gain a faster, more automated cutting option, raising the bar on throughput for competing flatbed suppliers.
- Summa launched three wide-format models, the F1832, F3220 and F3232, plus the F1625CF for dry carbon fibre cutting
- The Vantage platform delivers 200N vertical and horizontal cutting force and a 5 HP/3.7 kW router running at up to 60,000 RPM
- Summa's CEO Stijn Henderickx said the range can offer productivity gains of 40% and more
- The machines support roll handling up to 200kg via Heavy-Duty Roll Support and are powered by Summa's GoConnect software
Irish machinery maker Tekpak Automation has deployed a robotic inspection and packaging line, the QC-Sleever, at an unnamed UK transdermal patch manufacturer, lifting throughput by more than 30% to 1,600 patches per minute. The system, built around four Schneider Delta robots and ten vision-inspection stages per patch, cut the reject rate below 1%, reduced labour needs by up to 12 operators per shift and shrank floor space by over 30% versus a conventional multi-machine line.
Why this mattersIllustrates how vision-guided robotics can compress labour and footprint costs in high-precision pharmaceutical packaging lines, a template other converters may pursue.
- Tekpak's QC-Sleever uses four Schneider Delta robots to inspect, pick and package patches at up to 1,600 patches per minute
- The system reduced the reject rate to below 1% at an unnamed UK transdermal patch manufacturer
- Labour requirements fell by up to 12 operators per shift compared with the previous manual process
- Floor space required was cut by more than 30% versus a conventional multi-machine setup
- Each patch undergoes ten separate vision inspections before being approved for packing
- Tekpak Automation, based in Wexford, Ireland, has more than 25 years supplying robotic automation to food and pharma manufacturers
Sidel is introducing RoboAccess_Pal S, a compact palletising system combining robotic performance with cobot-style accessibility, at Pack Expo International 2026. The system targets low and medium-speed lines with a footprint under 12 square metres and a cycle speed of up to eleven per minute. Sidel is also showing new PET blowing, aseptic filling, pasteurisation and cloud-based line-monitoring technologies at the same event.
Why this mattersCompact robotic palletising lets smaller and mid-speed lines automate manual processes without the space and cost of conventional robot cells.
- RoboAccess_Pal S has a footprint of less than 12 square metres.
- The system runs at up to eleven cycles per minute.
- Sidel unveiled the product at Pack Expo International 2026.
- Sidel also presented EvoBlow Laser for PET bottle production, Aseptic Predis X4 for sensitive beverages and the Swing Evo tunnel pasteuriser.
- Evo-On is a cloud-based suite for 24/7 real-time monitoring of packaging line performance.
WPS has agreed to acquire the potted plant sleeving activities of Terra from Bercomex, adding automatic sleeving machine technology, installed systems and specialist knowledge to its automation portfolio for potted plant growers. The transfer and integration of the business into WPS is expected to take six months, during which WPS will invest in further product development, service and commercial support for the acquired machines. Terra's cut flower sleeving activities are excluded and remain with Bercomex and Terra International.
Why this mattersConsolidation in niche horticultural sleeving equipment lets growers combine logistics, processing and packaging into a single automated line, cutting labour dependency.
- WPS agreed with Bercomex to acquire Terra's potted plant sleeving activities.
- The deal covers Terra's automatic sleeving machine technology, installed systems and specialist knowledge.
- Terra's cut flower sleeving activities are excluded and stay with Bercomex and Terra International.
- WPS, Terra and Bercomex will spend six months transferring and integrating the activities.
- WPS will invest in product development, service and commercial support for the acquired machines during the transition.
- Existing Terra customers will continue to receive support, spare parts and system development from WPS.
Durst Group has fully integrated GMG's spectral colour management technology into its Durst Workflow software and Smart Factory portfolio under its Open Software Initiative. The integration covers Durst's labels and packaging, corrugated, and sign and display segments, and is delivered free of charge to customers with a valid software agreement.
Why this mattersThe integration advances open, best-of-breed software stacks in print production, lowering switching costs for converters standardising colour management across substrates.
- GMG's spectral colour management is now embedded as standard in Durst Workflow.
- Customers with a valid Durst software agreement receive the update at no extra cost.
- The integration spans labels and packaging, corrugated, and sign and display segments.
- The technology becomes part of Durst's Smart Factory architecture under its Open Software Initiative.
- The launch is timed to coincide with the Open Software Initiative presentation at Printing United.
AVT (Advanced Vision Technology) has formally launched AutoEdit AI in North America, an AI-driven decision engine that classifies logged print defects as salable, non-salable or needing operator review. The software runs after AVT's Helios inspection platform and before automatic waste removal at slitter rewinders, and was first introduced to the market in 2025.
Why this mattersAutomating defect triage addresses a throughput bottleneck in short-run and personalised label production, a growing share of converter output.
- AutoEdit AI was formally launched in North America by AVT last week, having first reached the market in 2025.
- The module runs inside AVT's existing PrintFlow Manager interface, requiring no new station or screen.
- It classifies every logged defect from the Helios inspection platform into salable, non-salable or needing final operator review.
- The system was trained centrally on production data from multiple converters, applications and substrates.
- PrintFlow logs every classification and operator override, creating an audit trail for pharma, food, healthcare and personal-care quality documentation.
Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives has become a partner at the Gallus Experience Center in St. Gallen, Switzerland, where converters and brand owners can test its self-adhesive label materials alongside Gallus digital printing equipment. The collaboration will initially focus on validating solutions for wine and spirits labelling, building on the Gallus MatteJet digital embellishment platform.
Why this mattersMaterials-equipment partnerships around digital embellishment platforms shape which substrates converters can specify for premium label runs.
- Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives joined the Gallus Experience Center in St. Gallen as an industry partner, announced 21 September 2026
- The centre lets converters and brand owners test substrate performance with Gallus printing technology in production-like conditions
- Initial focus of the partnership is the wine and spirits label market
- The move builds on the prior commercial launch of the Gallus MatteJet digital embellishment system
- Gallus Group operates as part of the Heidelberg system-integrator setup for connected printing solutions
Mondelez International has replaced rigid PET plastic trays with FSC-certified paper trays for more than 115 cookie products sold in over 25 European markets, spanning brands including Cadbury, Milka, LU and Chips Ahoy!. The company says the switch cuts virgin plastic use by about 2,200 tonnes a year, roughly an 80% reduction versus the previous packaging.
Why this mattersA packaged-food group of this scale moving a major cookie range from rigid plastic to paper trays adds demand for fibre-tray converters and pressure on PET tray suppliers.
- Paper trays cover more than 115 cookie products across eight brands: LU, Milka, Granola, Cadbury, Marabou, Chips Ahoy!, Lacta and Freia.
- Rollout spans over 25 European markets including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Poland, Spain and the Nordics.
- The switch removes approximately 2,200 tonnes of virgin plastic annually, about an 80% reduction versus prior packaging.
- The affected range covers roughly 28,000 tonnes of cookies produced annually.
- The new trays are FSC-certified paper replacing rigid PET plastic.
- The move supports Mondelez's global target to cut virgin rigid plastic use 25% by 2030 versus a 2020 baseline.
The EU-funded ReBioCycle project has shown that PLA bioplastic can be recovered from mixed plastic waste using existing industrial sorting technology, broken down into lactic acid by Torwash's hydrolysis system, and re-polymerised by TotalEnergies Corbion into recycled PLA with properties comparable to virgin resin. The demonstration ran at industrial scale rather than in the laboratory, and the consortium plans further scale-up and new applications. Funded by the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking, the wider project also covers PHA and composite bioplastics.
Why this mattersA viable PLA recovery route through existing sorting infrastructure could ease compliance with EU recyclability targets without requiring separate bioplastics collection systems.
- PLA was extracted from mixed plastic waste using sorting technology already in industrial use
- Torwash's hydrolysis system broke the recovered PLA into lactic acid
- TotalEnergies Corbion re-polymerised the lactic acid into recycled PLA said to match virgin-grade PLA properties
- The demonstration was run at industrial scale, not only in laboratory conditions
- The project is funded by the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking and also covers PHA and composite bioplastics
- The EU's PPWR targets all packaging to be recyclable by 2030
Sibur plans to export surplus output from a new 570,000 tonne-a-year polypropylene line at its ZapSibNeftekhim complex in Tobolsk, due to start up in 2027, once domestic demand is met. CEO Mikhail Karisalov said the plant's efficiency would make it competitive against overseas producers as the group expands supply to Southeast Asia and both coasts of Africa.
Why this mattersA new low-cost, high-volume Russian polypropylene source aimed at Africa and Asia could pressure resin pricing for packaging converters outside sanctioning markets.
- The new ZapSibNeftekhim polypropylene line in Tobolsk has capacity of 570,000 tonnes a year.
- The facility is due to start up in 2027.
- Sibur CEO Mikhail Karisalov says volumes beyond domestic demand will be sold on the global market.
- Sibur is expanding supply channels to Southeast Asia and both coasts of Africa.
- Karisalov cites polypropylene as one of the fastest-growing plastics globally, used from construction to food packaging.
Singapore-based Circulate Capital is investing USD 9.5m for a significant minority stake in JC Global, an Indian plastics recycler based in Coimbatore. The deal is the fund's eighth Indian investment and its first from Asia Fund II, which will back JC Global's plan to build a multi-plant recycled polyolefin and chemical recycling network in Tamil Nadu, scaling capacity toward 100,000 tonnes a year.
Why this mattersThe deal signals continued investor appetite for recycled feedstock capacity in South Asia, a region brand owners increasingly rely on for recycled-content sourcing.
- Circulate Capital is investing USD 9.5m for a significant minority stake in JC Global
- The deal is Circulate Capital's eighth investment in India
- It is the first deployment from the firm's Asia Fund II, which had a USD 220m first close
- JC Global currently operates a single site and plans a multi-plant recycling network in Tamil Nadu
- JC Global aims to scale recycling capacity to nearly 100,000 tonnes of plastic waste a year
- Circulate Capital targets deploying at least half of its USD 300m Asia Fund II target into South Asia
TotalEnergies Corbion has introduced Luminy Foam 50F, a polylactic acid grade engineered for extrusion foaming, positioned as a drop-in replacement for extruded polystyrene (XPS) in food trays. The product targets markets where single-use polystyrene food service packaging is being phased out under bans in 12 US states, Canada, India and the EU. Luminy Foam 50F is available now with FDA and Korean food contact approval.
Why this mattersA processable bio-based foam alternative could accelerate the replacement of polystyrene food trays as regulatory bans on PS foodware widen across the US, EU and Canada.
- Luminy Foam 50F is a PLA grade engineered for extrusion foaming, matching XPS processing rates without reactive modification.
- Single-use polystyrene food service ware is banned in 12 US states, Canada, India and the EU.
- Maine's exemption for raw protein trays expires in 2027 and British Columbia's expires in 2030.
- The company has achieved foam densities of 100 g/L versus around 60 g/L typical for XPS meat trays, with further reductions expected.
- A life-cycle assessment showed a 70% cradle-to-gate carbon footprint reduction versus polystyrene, attributed to biogenic feedstock.
- Luminy Foam 50F has FDA and Korean Food Contact approval and is available now.
Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company, part of China Petrochemical Corporation, has commercialised a domestically developed food-grade polyethylene resin (ZH5050) for beverage bottle caps, ending reliance on imports, with adoption by beverage producers including Wahaha. The Ningbo refiner, which has 50 million tonnes a year of refining capacity, also achieved qualified production of 4-methyl-1-pentene (4M1P), a precursor for polymethylpentene (PMP) membranes used in medical ECMO devices, as part of a wider shift from fuel to specialty chemicals output.
Why this mattersA domestic, import-substituting food-grade resin source for bottle closures could reshape supply and pricing for Chinese beverage packaging converters and their resin buyers.
- Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company commercialised the ZH5050 polyethylene bottle-cap resin, replacing imported material.
- ZH5050 has secured national food safety certification and is used by beverage producers including Wahaha.
- The Ningbo petrochemical base has 50 million tonnes a year of aggregate refining capacity.
- The refiner achieved qualified production of 4-methyl-1-pentene (4M1P), the key monomer for PMP membranes used in ECMO artificial-lung devices.
- The Sinopec Ningbo New Materials Research Institute, co-founded with the Ningbo municipal government, is managed by Zhenhai Refining to speed commercialisation.
- Industry planners expect China's refined oil demand to peak during the 15th Five-Year Plan period as electric vehicle adoption rises.
Rowasol, a German additive producer based in Pinneberg, has launched GreenLine, a range of liquid colours for plastics with a carrier system containing more than 75% renewable raw materials. The colourants include plant-derived pigments from indigo, curcumin and radish extracts, alongside a plant-derived black and a mineral-based white, and are dosed at 0.5%-2.0% depending on the polymer.
Why this mattersHigher-biobased-content colourants give plastics converters, including packaging producers, a route to lower fossil content without changing dosing or processing equipment.
- Rowasol launched the GreenLine liquid colour range on 21 September 2026
- The carrier system contains over 75% renewable raw materials
- Colourants are derived from indigo, curcumin, radish extracts, plant-derived carbon black and mineral-based white
- Natural colourants are incorporated into a mineral to improve thermal stability during plastics processing
- Recommended dosage is 0.5%-2.0% depending on the polymer matrix
- Rowasol is developing further natural colour sources and higher biobased carrier content
Singapore's Beverage Container Return Scheme (BCRS) has opened a robotic Counting and Sorting Facility in Tuas, operated jointly by scheme operator BCRS Ltd and waste collector Cora Environment. The automated line, launched 21 September 2026 after starting up in August, sorts six material types from returned cans and bottles and aims to lift the country's container return rate to 60% within a year and 80% within three years, recovering over 16,000 tonnes annually once fully operational from October.
Why this mattersA national deposit-return infrastructure investment signals rising demand for recycled PET, aluminium and steel feedstock across Southeast Asia's packaging value chain.
- The BCRS Counting and Sorting Facility in Tuas, run by BCRS Ltd and waste collector Cora Environment, was officially launched on 21 September 2026 after starting operations in August
- Since April 2026 the scheme collected around 33m containers via 1,300 reverse vending machines, refunding 10 cents digitally per container
- Between August and 13 September the facility processed about 27.5m used bottles and cans, five times the prior rate
- Once fully operational from October, BCRS is expected to recover more than 1bn beverage containers and over 16,000 tonnes of material annually
- The scheme targets a 60% container return rate within one year and 80% within three years, against a household recycling rate that fell to an all-time low of 11% in 2024-2025
- The 2,000 sq m facility is Singapore's first able to sort six material types, including aluminium, steel and PET, on a single automated line
The European Commission has adopted an Implementing Decision establishing a harmonised mass-balance methodology for calculating, verifying and reporting chemically recycled PET content in single-use beverage bottles under the Single-Use Plastics Directive. The rules exclude fuel-use outputs and processing losses from recycled-content claims and require annual third-party verification, initially limited to material produced within the EU and EEA, widening to OECD countries from 21 November 2027. Environmental group Zero Waste Europe has criticised the framework for legitimising chemical recycling ahead of wider PPWR policy discussions.
Why this mattersStandardised verification is expected to unlock investment in chemical recycling capacity and strengthen demand for recycled PET across Europe's beverage packaging value chain.
- The Implementing Decision covers chemically recycled PET used in single-use plastic beverage bottles under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive
- Mass-balance accounting is adopted as the methodology for allocating recycled content across multiple outputs of chemical recycling
- Plastic waste converted into fuels or lost as processing waste is excluded from recycled-content calculations
- Annual third-party verification is mandatory for the most technically complex recycling stages
- Eligibility is initially limited to EU/EEA-produced material, expanding to OECD countries from 21 November 2027
- Zero Waste Europe criticised the framework for legitimising chemical recycling ahead of wider PPWR policy discussions
South Korea's Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment will require large apartment complexes to sort paper cartons such as milk packs separately from regular waste starting 1 January 2027. A voluntary pilot covering roughly 144,000 complexes of 300 or more households begins next month, backed by a memorandum of understanding signed on 21 September 2026 with carton producers Tetra Pak, SIG Combibloc Korea, Hansol Paper and Ssangyong C&B, dairy groups Seoul Milk and Maeil Dairy, and industry recycling bodies. Signatories will share collection and sorting costs, fund optical sorting equipment and commit to design changes to improve recyclability.
Why this mattersA binding sorting mandate and cost-sharing scheme could raise recycling rates and recycled pulp supply, pressuring carton makers to redesign for recyclability ahead of similar EPR moves elsewhere.
- South Korea's Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment will make separate disposal of paper cartons mandatory in large apartment complexes from 1 January 2027
- A voluntary pilot begins next month (October 2026) across about 144,000 apartment complexes with 300 or more households
- The ministry signed an MOU on 21 September 2026 at the Hansol Paper Daejeon plant with Seoul Milk, Maeil Dairy, Hansol Paper, Ssangyong C&B, SIG Combibloc Korea, Tetra Pak and industry bodies
- Producers including Seoul Milk and Maeil Dairy will share collection, sorting and recycling costs and increase purchases of recycled paper products
- Signatories will fund optical sorting machine installations and design-stage recyclability improvements
The US Department of Commerce issued a preliminary affirmative antidumping determination on 17 September 2026 against tinplate imports from China, finding a dumping margin of 136.52% for Chinese exporters and producers. After offsetting for subsidies, the cash deposit rate is set at 130.17%. The determination was reached using adverse facts available because the companies involved did not respond to the investigation.
Why this mattersA duty of this size effectively removes Chinese tinplate from the US market, raising input costs for domestic can and metal packaging makers reliant on tinplate feedstock.
- US Department of Commerce notice dated 17 September 2026.
- Preliminary dumping margin of 136.52% found for Chinese tinplate exporters/producers.
- Cash deposit rate set at 130.17% after subsidy offset.
- Determination based on adverse facts available due to non-response by the companies involved.
- Covered products classified under US HS codes including 7210.11.0000, 7210.12.0000, 7212.10.0000 and 7226.99.0180.
PETCORE EUROPE and KÖR have launched GeNi, a neutral industry-wide platform to consolidate interlaboratory testing data on food contact substances in PET packaging. The initiative aims to harmonise fragmented testing methods across the value chain as recycled-content targets rise and regulatory scrutiny of packaging chemicals intensifies. KÖR will manage data collection, anonymisation and analysis, while PETCORE EUROPE leads the initiative.
Why this mattersA shared testing-data platform could accelerate harmonised food contact safety standards for PET, easing compliance for converters and recyclers as recycled-content mandates tighten.
- PETCORE EUROPE launched GeNi in collaboration with KÖR on 2026-09-21
- GeNi is a centralised platform for laboratories, brand owners and recyclers to share interlaboratory testing data on food contact substances in PET
- No international standards currently govern testing of food contact substances across the PET value chain, according to PETCORE EUROPE
- KÖR will handle collection, anonymisation and analysis of the data via its platform
- The initiative responds to rising recycled-PET content targets and increased regulatory scrutiny of packaging chemicals
FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, launched Glass is Love on 21 September 2026, a pan-European brand and engagement platform aimed at strengthening consumer and brand preference for glass packaging. The platform spans 13 countries and succeeds the Friends of Glass initiative, shifting the industry's messaging from explaining glass's credentials to actively driving choice.
Why this mattersA coordinated European industry campaign to boost consumer preference for glass could support demand and pricing for glass packaging makers against plastic and metal alternatives.
- Glass is Love launched on 21 September 2026 across Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the UK
- Initiative was initiated by FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation
- Platform replaces and builds on the earlier Friends of Glass consumer campaign
- Targets food, beverage, perfumery and cosmetics brands and their packaging choices
- Carlo Pirrone, Secretary General of FEVE, invited customers, partners and the wider value chain to participate
Assocarta, the Italian paper industry association, has urged the European Commission and the European Parliament's Environment Committee to radically reform the Market Stability Reserve (MSR), arguing it has inflated EU carbon prices by up to 300% relative to other regions. The call follows a draft resolution adopted by the Environment Committee on 10 September 2026 that raises the MSR's allowance threshold but keeps its allowance-removal mechanism, which Assocarta says fails to address industry competitiveness concerns.
Why this mattersHigher and more volatile EU carbon costs directly raise energy-intensive papermakers' input costs, feeding through to containerboard and packaging paper prices.
- European Parliament's Environment Committee adopted a draft resolution on the Market Stability Reserve on 10 September 2026.
- Assocarta says the MSR has raised European CO2 prices by as much as 300% versus other carbon-pricing regions.
- The committee proposal raises the threshold for allowances held in the reserve but retains the allowance-removal mechanism.
- Assocarta Director General Massimo Medugno called for the proposals to be rejected and for the MSR to be radically transformed.
- The association warns of de-industrialisation risk as production could shift to countries without comparable CO2 obligations.
Australia's Environment Ministers have again identified packaging reform as an urgent priority but stopped short of setting firm deadlines, prompting criticism from waste industry groups. WMRR and the Boomerang Alliance, a coalition of 56 NGOs, said the new Circular Economy Roadmap repeats years-old commitments and called instead for a mandatory national extended producer responsibility scheme covering collection, recycling and recycled-content targets for packaging.
Why this mattersContinued policy delay leaves Australian packaging producers and brand owners without clarity on future mandatory EPR obligations, complicating investment and compliance planning.
- Australia's Environment Ministers issued a new Circular Economy Roadmap after their latest meeting without firm deadlines for packaging reform.
- WMRR said the roadmap largely repeats ambitions from Australia's four-year-old Circular Economy Framework.
- Boomerang Alliance, representing 56 NGOs, called for mandatory extended producer responsibility for packaging, including collection, recycling, recycled-content and reuse targets.
- Boomerang Alliance separately called for an immediate producer-funded collection service for soft plastics.
- NSW is proceeding separately with mandatory battery stewardship and plans to finalise mandatory solar panel regulation by the end of 2026.
US shipments of printing and writing paper fell 7% year-on-year in August 2026, the fourth straight monthly decline, the American Forest & Paper Association reported. Underlying demand has held up better, with US purchases of the paper rising slightly in July even as net imports of the three main grades jumped 26% year-on-year that month. Domestic capacity fell 13.9% during 2025 to 7.7 million tons, pushing the industry's operating rate up to 82.8%.
Why this mattersA widening gap between resilient US demand and shrinking domestic capacity signals growing reliance on imports for printing and writing paper.
- US printing and writing paper shipments fell 7% year-on-year in August 2026, per AF&PA.
- Shipments had already fallen 9% in July, 8% in June and 14% in May 2026.
- US purchases of printing and writing papers rose slightly in July 2026 despite the shipment declines.
- Net imports of the three major grades rose 26% year-on-year in July 2026; uncoated freesheet up 38%, coated freesheet up 51%, mechanical paper up 13%.
- US domestic printing and writing paper capacity fell 13.9% in 2025 to 7.7 million tons, after a 6.9% decline in 2024, down from almost 18 million tons in 2015.
- The industry's operating rate rose from 76.8% in 2024 to 82.8% in 2025 as capacity was cut; Pixelle Specialty Solutions ceased production at its Chillicothe, Ohio mill in August 2025.
