A US federal judge has denied motions by North American containerboard producers, including Packaging Corporation of America, to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed in July 2025 by Artuso Pastry over six lockstep or near-lockstep price increases. Ten defendants, among them PCA and three Cascades entities, must answer the complaint by 29 September 2026 and file a joint status report with discovery dates the following week. Graphic Packaging International and Smurfit Westrock were dismissed late last year on grounds the court did not state.
Why this mattersThe case moves to discovery, exposing containerboard producers to damages claims and scrutiny of a market the plaintiff says five players now control with at least 85% share.
- Lawsuit filed July 2025 by plaintiff Artuso Pastry against North American containerboard producers
- US District Judge Mary M. Rowland issued a 49-page decision denying both the joint and the individual dismissal motions filed by PCA and Pratt
- Defendants must answer the complaint by 29 September 2026 and file a joint status report on discovery dates the following week
- Plaintiff alleges five main containerboard players control at least 85% of the North American market, up from 42% in the mid-1990s
- Ten defendants remain, including Packaging Corporation of America and Cascades Inc., Cascades USA Inc. and Cascades Holding US
- Graphic Packaging International and Smurfit Westrock were dismissed late last year, cutting defendants to 10 from 12; the court gave no reasons
Arizon RFID Technology (Cayman) reported second-quarter 2026 consolidated revenue of USD 48.1m (NT$1.525bn), up 31.8% quarter on quarter, with gross margin recovering to 24.6% from 19.3% in the first quarter. First-half gross margin of 22.3% remained 6.7 percentage points lower year on year on tariff costs. The company said it has secured entry into America's largest retail chain after lifting fresh-meat RFID tag read rates above 90%, and gave no revenue or gross margin guidance for the second half.
Why this mattersA read-rate breakthrough in fresh-meat tagging opens a new application for RFID in food traceability, widening the technology's addressable market beyond apparel and logistics.
- Q2 2026 consolidated revenue was USD 48.1m (NT$1.525bn), up 31.8% quarter on quarter, with EPS of NT$1.32 against NT$0.61 in Q1.
- First-half 2026 revenue was USD 84.6m (NT$2.682bn), up 29.7% year on year.
- First-half gross margin fell 6.7 percentage points to 22.3%; the Q2 margin recovered to 24.6% from 19.3% in Q1.
- Fresh-meat RFID read rates were lifted above 90% from below 60% for traditional tags, securing entry to America's largest retail chain.
- Americas revenue share fell to 59.76% from 65.28% in 2024, while Asia-Pacific climbed to 32.79%.
- Apparel fell to 37% of application revenue from 56%, while logistics rose to 27%.
Dutch in-mould label maker iPB Printing plans its first US production facility in the Charlotte, NC area, with production starting mid-2027. The site marks the company's first manufacturing step outside Europe after more than 25 years of operations there, and will serve customers across the Americas.
Why this mattersA European in-mould label specialist establishing US manufacturing signals growing demand for local supply and shorter lead times among Americas brand owners.
- iPB Printing is based in the Netherlands and has operated for more than 25 years in Europe.
- The new plant is located in the Charlotte, NC area and is scheduled to start production in mid-2027.
- It is the company's first production facility in the Americas.
- Max Uyttebrouck has been appointed to lead the international expansion and set up the US facility.
- iPB Printing will exhibit at Pack Expo International in Chicago from 18 to 21 October 2026.
The Navigator Company has completed 90 projects supported by Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by about 300,000 tonnes across its complexes at Setubal, Figueira da Foz, Aveiro and Vila Velha de Rodao. Six main decarbonisation projects, including a recovery boiler, a biomass lime kiln, a cogeneration unit and photovoltaic plants, represented about EUR 193m of investment, of which EUR 76m was co-financed by the PRR. Navigator has separately started an industrial moulded-fibre line at Aveiro for take-away and tableware products, which it describes as the world's first fully integrated line of its kind.
Why this mattersState-backed capex accelerates a European pulp producer's move off fossil energy while opening a new molded-fibre line targeting single-use plastic substitutes.
- 90 PRR-supported projects completed across four Portuguese industrial complexes.
- Scope 1 and 2 emissions cut by about 300,000 tonnes, which Navigator equates to the annual emissions of 70,000 cars.
- Six main decarbonisation projects represent about EUR 193m, with EUR 76m co-financed by the PRR.
- Decarbonisation investment since 2018 totals EUR 352m.
- The 2035 roadmap targets an 86% emissions cut against 2018; 37% was reached in 2025 and 54%, about 415,000 tonnes, is expected by 2027.
- A moulded-fibre line using virgin Eucalyptus globulus fibre has started up at Aveiro for take-away and tableware products.
Washington state senator Jeff Wilson plans to introduce legislation in the January 2027 session creating state oversight of above-ground chemical storage tanks at paper mills, following the fatal May 2026 tank collapse at Nippon Dynawave Packaging's Longview plant that killed 11 workers. A Chemical Safety Board report found a contractor had warned Nippon three times since October 2025 that the tank was unfit for continued service. The bill would let a state agency inspect and certify tanks, with daily fines of up to USD 5,000 for non-compliant operators.
Why this mattersNew state tank-safety oversight would raise compliance costs and inspection burdens for pulp and paper mills operating in Washington.
- State Sen. Jeff Wilson will introduce a bill in the January 2027 legislative session to regulate above-ground chemical tanks at paper mills.
- The proposal follows the 26 May 2026 collapse of a tank at Nippon Dynawave Packaging's Longview, Washington mill, which killed 11 workers and injured eight others.
- A Chemical Safety Board report from August 2026 found a contractor had warned Nippon three times since October 2025 that the tank was not fit for continued service.
- Above-ground chemical tanks at Washington paper mills are currently unregulated by state agencies and rely on company self-inspection.
- The bill would let a state agency such as the Department of Ecology inspect and certify tanks, with daily fines of up to USD 5,000 for non-compliant companies.
Essity said chief financial officer Fredrik Rystedt intends to retire during 2027 after more than nine years in the role. The hygiene and paper group will begin a search for his successor immediately, and Rystedt will remain in post until a successor is appointed and handover is complete.
Why this mattersLosing a CFO of more than nine years' standing, with an open-ended handover, puts Essity's finance leadership in transition through 2027.
- Fredrik Rystedt has served as CFO and Executive Vice President of Essity for more than nine years.
- He has told the company of his intention to retire during 2027.
- The search for a successor begins immediately.
- Rystedt stays in post until a successor is appointed and handover is completed.
- Essity disclosed the move under EU Market Abuse Regulation rules at 07:55 CET on 21 September 2026.
DS Smith has confirmed the closure of its corrugated box plant in Launceston, Cornwall, with 165 job losses. Production at the site, which has operated there for nearly 60 years, will end in November 2026 after a consultation that began earlier in 2026 and followed worker protests in June. The decision extends a run of DS Smith UK site consultations and closures dating back to 2024.
Why this mattersThe closure removes further UK corrugated capacity and follows five DS Smith site closures decided in 2025, pointing to continued network rationalisation.
- 165 jobs will be lost at the Launceston, Cornwall plant
- Production at the site will end in November 2026
- The plant has operated in Launceston for nearly 60 years
- Consultation on the closure began earlier in 2026 after workers protested in June
- DS Smith made 70 roles redundant at its Louth, Lincolnshire site in 2024
- Consultations in 2025 led to closures at DS Smith sites in Plymouth, Derbyshire, Newcastle, Sheerness and Wellingborough
Mondi has developed a new corrugated packaging concept for Stiebel Eltron's water heater range, cutting the number of board grades used by more than 75% while switching to white digital printing on brown board. The redesign covers 150 packaging variants and is intended to simplify procurement, production and logistics while supporting faster rollout of future product launches.
Why this mattersThe project shows how board-grade consolidation and digital printing can cut complexity costs for industrial customers, a template converters can pitch to other multi-SKU manufacturers.
- Mondi reduced the number of corrugated board grades used across Stiebel Eltron's packaging by more than 75%.
- Stiebel Eltron had 150 packaging variants in use before the redesign.
- The redesign converts four-colour printed designs to white digital printing on brown corrugated board.
- Mondi grouped existing packaging by product weight and transport requirements to identify optimal board grades per group.
- Digital printing allows multiple designs and print volumes on the same material base without additional set-up.
Seoul Dairy Cooperative has launched One Meal Daily Care, a nutrition drink packed in SIG Group's DomeMini carton-bottle format, selling more than 3 million units in its first 80 days. The launch marks Seoul Dairy's entry into the daily nutrition and meal-replacement category and uses A2 milk with reduced lactose.
Why this mattersA 3m-unit run in 80 days gives SIG a Korean reference for carton bottles competing with plastic in single-serve nutrition drinks.
- Seoul Dairy Cooperative launched One Meal Daily Care in SIG's DomeMini carton-bottle packaging
- More than 3 million units sold in the first 80 days after launch
- DomeMini is a bottle-shaped carton pack made mainly from FSC-certified paperboard, filled using aseptic sleeve-based technology
- The product uses A2 milk and reduced lactose, following Seoul Dairy's earlier A2 Milk launch
- The launch targets South Korea's ageing population and demand for convenient daily nutrition
Swedish forest-sector organisations have published a roadmap, Fardplan for svensk lovindustri 2026-2040, aimed at building a competitive domestic hardwood industry and increasing use of hardwood in processed products such as sawn timber. Billerud, which currently sources 15-20% of its wood fibre from hardwood species with nearly half of that imported, says greater domestic hardwood supply would give the pulp industry better access to hardwood fibre.
Why this mattersA stronger Swedish hardwood supply chain could reduce pulp and paper producers' reliance on imported hardwood fibre and diversify raw-material sourcing.
- Roadmap 'Fardplan for svensk lovindustri 2026-2040' targets a competitive Swedish hardwood industry by 2040.
- Billerud currently uses 15-20% hardwood fibre in its production.
- Nearly half of Billerud's hardwood fibre is imported.
- Roadmap developed jointly by Svenskt tra, Trecentrum, Smalands skogs- och trastrategier and Skogforsk.
- Billerud Wood Supply head Mattias Luxhoj von Knorring says diversifying forestry toward hardwood would raise its economic value for forest owners.
Tetra Pak's 2025 sustainability report shows a post-consumer carton recycling rate of 21.4% in Colombia, up from the prior year after recovering 4,400 tonnes of material. Globally the company cut value-chain greenhouse gas emissions by 34% versus 2019 and invested EUR 100m in lower-carbon packaging R&D plus EUR 42m in post-consumer collection and recycling infrastructure.
Why this mattersRising collection infrastructure and recycling rates in emerging markets support carton packaging's circularity case as brand owners face tightening sustainability expectations.
- Colombia recycling rate for Tetra Pak cartons reached 21.4% in 2025, recovering 4,400 tonnes of material
- Colombia collection network now spans 335 waste management organisations, 21 departments and over 1,000 collection points
- Global value-chain GHG emissions cut 34% versus 2019, direct operations emissions cut 56%, 97% of energy from renewable sources
- Company target is a 46% GHG reduction by 2030
- EUR 100m invested in R&D for lower-carbon-footprint packaging
- Additional EUR 42m invested globally to develop post-consumer collection and recycling infrastructure
UK free-range egg producer St. Ewe Eggs has launched a three-product liquid egg range for foodservice customers packed in Elopak Pure-Pak Classic cartons, introduced to the trade in July 2026. The 1kg cartons carry a tethered cap and are positioned as offering longer refrigerated shelf life than shell eggs; the supplier link was arranged by UK converter Agile Box.
Why this mattersThe move shows Elopak's carton format extending from dairy and juice into liquid egg for foodservice, a potential template for further shell-to-carton conversions.
- St. Ewe Eggs launched a three-product liquid egg range (whole, whites, yolks) in July 2026 for the UK foodservice trade
- Products are packed in 1kg Elopak Pure-Pak Classic cartons with a tethered cap
- Cornwall-based converter Agile Box introduced St. Ewe to Elopak, having previously supplied it with cardboard retail egg boxes
- St. Ewe is described as Europe's first B Corp-certified egg packer
- The cartons are cited as extending refrigerated shelf life compared with shell eggs
Mondi has developed a flexible laundry detergent powder bag with Dreco containing 50% post-consumer recycled content, against the 35% minimum the PPWR will require for this plastic packaging category from 1 January 2030. The re/loop PillowBag, which retains the moisture-barrier performance needed for hygroscopic products, has been introduced in German retail chains. The companies announced the project in May 2026.
Why this mattersThe launch shows a flexible-packaging converter can already exceed 2030 PPWR recycled-content thresholds for moisture-sensitive FMCG applications without sacrificing barrier performance.
- Mondi developed the re/loop PillowBag flexible packaging with Dreco, containing 50% post-consumer recycled material.
- The packaging is designed for moisture-sensitive laundry detergent powder and has launched in retail chains in Germany.
- PPWR requires this plastic packaging category to contain at least 35% post-consumer recycled content from 1 January 2030; the 50% level exceeds that threshold.
- Mondi used the mass balance method under ISCC Plus certification for traceability of recycled material.
- The packaging is designed for recycling, verified against Mondi's Path to Circularity scorecard and CEFLEX D4ACE guidelines.
- The project was led on Mondi's side by its Békéscsaba, Hungary plant.
Suzano will raise pulp prices by USD 50 per tonne in Europe and the Americas from October 2026, with a smaller rise of USD 20 per tonne in Asia, according to media reports. The Brazilian producer disclosed no volume or contract detail.
Why this mattersHigher pulp costs feed through to fibre-based packaging producers' input costs, pressuring margins or prompting further price rises downstream.
- Pulp prices rise by USD 50 per tonne in Europe and the Americas from October 2026.
- Pulp prices rise by USD 20 per tonne in Asia from October 2026.
- The increases were reported on 22 September 2026.
Stora Enso is considering permanently closing its corrugated packaging production unit in Kristinestad, Finland, and consolidating output at its Lahti plant. Restructuring talks would affect about 50 employees, with any closure occurring between May and September 2027; sales, customer service and warehousing would remain at the site.
Why this mattersConsolidating corrugated capacity into a single Finnish site signals continued pressure on smaller converting plants amid weak demand and rising equipment investment needs.
- Stora Enso plans to concentrate corrugated packaging production in Finland at Lahti.
- The Kristinestad production unit would permanently close.
- Restructuring talks would affect about 50 people.
- Any closure would take place between May and September 2027.
- Sales, customer service and warehousing functions would remain in Kristinestad.
- Stora Enso Packaging employs about 320 people across Lahti and Kristinestad.
Suzano has tightened its deleveraging target to USD 11bn net debt and leverage below 2.5x net debt/EBITDA, from a previous USD 12bn goal, after ending the second quarter of 2026 with net debt of USD 12.8bn and leverage of 3.4x. The pulp producer will cut 2026 capital expenditure to USD 2.1bn (BRL 10.9bn), about 18% below 2025, pay only the minimum mandatory dividend, be more selective on buybacks and review sales of non-core assets. The targets were set out in a presentation for the J. Safra Investment Conference on 22 September 2026.
Why this mattersA tighter debt target and capex cut at a top global pulp producer signals caution as new Latin American and Chinese capacity threatens pulp prices and margins.
- Net debt target tightened to USD 11bn and leverage to below 2.5x net debt/EBITDA, from a previous USD 12bn goal.
- Net debt was USD 12.8bn and leverage 3.4x at the end of the second quarter of 2026.
- 2026 capital expenditure is projected at USD 2.1bn (BRL 10.9bn), about 18% below the USD 2.6bn (BRL 13.3bn) spent in 2025.
- Of the 2026 capex, USD 1.4bn (BRL 7.3bn) is for maintenance of existing operations.
- While deleveraging, Suzano will pay only the minimum mandatory dividend and be more selective on share buybacks.
- Revenue for the 12 months to June 2026 was about USD 9bn with adjusted EBITDA of USD 3.8bn, a 42% margin.
Valmet will supply a recovery boiler retrofit, including a new secondary superheater, to Stora Enso's pulp and board mill in Varkaus, Finland. The companies have also signed a three-year cooperation agreement covering process monitoring and operator training. The new superheater is scheduled for installation in September 2027; order value was not disclosed.
Why this mattersSuperheater replacement in September 2027 protects output at a mill making 420,000 tonnes of containerboard and 335,000 tonnes of pulp a year.
- Order booked in Valmet's second-quarter 2026 order intake
- Scope includes replacing the recovery boiler's secondary superheater with a Valmet tube superheater
- Three-year cooperation agreement covers remote process monitoring and operator training
- Varkaus mill has annual capacity of 420,000 tonnes of containerboard and 335,000 tonnes of pulp
- New superheater delivery and installation set for September 2027
- Order value and cooperation agreement terms not disclosed
Encirc Glass, the container glass producer owned by Vidrala, has filed a planning application with Cheshire West and Chester Council for a new automated warehouse and despatch building at its Elton site in Cheshire. The facility would measure 200m by 82m and 44m high with 12 crane aisles, and is expected to create 16 full-time jobs. Elton already produces around 2.2 billion glass bottles a year and employs more than 900 staff plus 130 contractors.
Why this mattersAutomated despatch at a plant making 2.2 billion bottles a year lifts throughput and buffer capacity without adding furnace or forming capacity.
- Encirc Glass has filed a planning application with Cheshire West and Chester Council for a new automated warehouse at its Elton site
- The proposed building would measure 200m by 82m and 44m high, with 12 crane aisles, on a 25,329sqm site
- The project is expected to create 16 full-time jobs
- Elton produces around 2.2 billion glass bottles a year and employs more than 900 staff plus 130 contractors
- Encirc is owned by Vidrala and also operates sites in Bristol and Northern Ireland
Fitch Ratings has assigned Guala Closures S.p.A. a first-time long-term issuer default rating of B+ with a Stable Outlook. The agency points to the group's leadership in closures and EBITDA margins above 20%, but flags leverage still elevated after recent acquisitions and capacity investment. Fitch expects strong free cash flow to support gradual deleveraging.
Why this mattersA first-time credit rating gives Guala Closures a benchmark for debt pricing as it works through leverage built up from acquisitions and capacity spending.
- Fitch assigned Guala Closures S.p.A. a B+ long-term issuer default rating with a Stable Outlook
- Fitch cites Guala's global leadership in closures and EBITDA margins above 20%
- Fitch says leverage remains high after recent acquisitions and capacity investments
- Fitch expects strong free cash flow to drive gradual deleveraging
Bormioli Luigi has launched two new fragrance bottle designs, Axis and Pocket, both in a 10ml mini format aimed at trial-size and roll-on applications. The screw-cap bottles support internal and external lacquering, screen printing, metallisation and hot stamping, and are designed for recycling.
Why this mattersMini formats let perfume brands offer low-cost trial sizes while keeping premium glass decoration options, widening Bormioli Luigi's specialty fragrance packaging range.
- Two new bottle designs, Axis and Pocket, both hold 10ml.
- Axis has a cylindrical shape with a rounded glass base; Pocket has square lines.
- Both feature a screw-cap closure for filling and recycling.
- Both formats are compatible with roll-on applicators.
- The bottles support decoration techniques including lacquering, screen printing, metallisation, spraying and hot stamping.
- Announced 21 September 2026.
KONČAR-Helb, part of Croatian electrical engineering group KONČAR, has signed a contract with Vetropack Austria to reconstruct and modernise the 110 kV power system at the Pöchlarn glass container plant. The work covers rebuilding the 110/20 kV substation, upgrading medium-voltage installations and adding new infrastructure to raise capacity and supply reliability. No contract value or completion date was disclosed.
Why this mattersGrid upgrades underpin the continuous, energy-intensive melting operations glassmakers depend on as production becomes more automated and power demand rises.
- KONČAR-Helb, part of Croatian group KONČAR, signed a contract to reconstruct the 110 kV substation and power system at Vetropack Austria's Pöchlarn glass container plant.
- The work covers reconstruction of the 110/20 kV system, modernisation of medium-voltage installations and construction of new infrastructure.
- KONČAR said the project draws on solutions from across its group and expands its presence in the Austrian market.
- No contract value or completion date was disclosed.
Time Technoplast has raised USD 83.7m (INR 800 crore) through a qualified institutions placement and approved a 1:1 bonus issue, alongside FY26 consolidated results showing revenue up 12% to USD 639.6m (INR 6,114 crore) and profit after tax up 21% to USD 49.1m (INR 469 crore). The industrial packaging and composites group also reported first-quarter FY27 revenue up 25% to USD 177.2m (INR 1,694 crore) and disclosed the June 2026 purchase of a 76% stake in Systoverse Private Limited. The figures were presented at its annual general meeting on 22 September 2026.
Why this mattersFresh equity capital alongside double-digit earnings growth expands the funding base for further capacity additions in industrial packaging and adjacent composite products.
- FY26 revenue rose 12% to USD 639.6m (INR 6,114 crore), EBITDA 14% to USD 94.3m (INR 901 crore) and PAT 21% to USD 49.1m (INR 469 crore).
- The QIP raised USD 83.7m (INR 800 crore) through 39,777,247 shares at INR 201.12 each, with proceeds for debt repayment, capital investment and working capital.
- The board approved a 1:1 bonus issue of 226,929,066 shares and recommended a final FY26 dividend of USD 0.02 (INR 1.50) per share.
- Q1 FY27 revenue rose 25% to USD 177.2m (INR 1,694 crore) with PAT up 22% to USD 12.2m (INR 117 crore).
- FY26 capital expenditure was USD 38.7m (INR 370 crore).
- Time Technoplast acquired a 76% stake in Systoverse Private Limited in June 2026.
Morocco's Competition Council has published notification of a proposed acquisition under which Société Marocaine des Manufactures de Mohammedia, controlled by private-equity group Mediterrania Capital Partners, would take exclusive control of Alma Pack and Le Carton. The deal would combine flexible packaging, aluminium tubes, plastic labels and rigid cardboard within one platform in Morocco. No transaction value, financing structure or completion timetable has been disclosed, and third parties have until 28 September 2026 to comment before the regulator rules.
Why this mattersCombining flexible film, rigid cardboard, labels and aluminium tubes would concentrate Morocco's packaging supply base and give exporters a single multi-material source.
- Morocco's Competition Council published notification on 17 September 2026 of the proposed acquisition.
- Société Marocaine des Manufactures de Mohammedia, controlled by Mediterrania Capital Partners, would take exclusive control of Alma Pack SA and Le Carton SA.
- The buyer trades in Morocco as Advanced Flexible Materials, a flexible-packaging and aluminium-tube producer.
- Alma Pack makes flexible plastic-film packaging and a small volume of plastic labels; Le Carton makes rigid cardboard packaging.
- The Council identifies four affected markets: flexible packaging, rigid packaging, plastic labels and aluminium tubes.
- Third parties have until 28 September 2026 to submit observations; no deal value, seller, financing or completion timetable was disclosed.
Alpla has developed a foam dispenser pump made entirely of polypropylene, eliminating the metal parts used in conventional pumps to aid recycling. The 25-gram patented system, created by Alpla's Alplainject injection moulding unit, will be shown at Beautyworld Middle East in Dubai in early October 2026 ahead of a planned pilot phase and commercial rollout with customers.
Why this mattersA fully recyclable, metal-free pump format lets cosmetics brands meet tightening packaging recyclability rules without redesigning dispenser mechanics.
- The pump is made entirely of polypropylene, with no metal components
- The standard version weighs 25 grams and uses a twist-lock function to save space
- Developed by Alpla's Alplainject injection moulding division
- To be presented at Beautyworld Middle East in Dubai in early October 2026
- Alpla plans commercial production with key customers after a pilot phase
Sealed Air has introduced CRYOVAC ZeroPrep, a pre-filled hand-dispensing pouch line aimed at replacing squeeze bottles in restaurant back-of-house condiment handling. The pouches are formed on a new CRYOVAC vertical form-fill-seal system that produces 8 to 16 fluid-ounce packs at up to 80 packs per minute, with the company citing product yield of up to 97%. The launch was announced on 22 September 2026 ahead of a display at PACK EXPO International in Chicago from 18 to 21 October 2026.
Why this mattersA flexible pouch format targeting rigid condiment bottles gives food service operators a route to cut labour and waste, pressuring rigid plastic packaging suppliers in that channel.
- CRYOVAC ZeroPrep hand-dispensing pouches announced 22 September 2026 by Sealed Air
- New CRYOVAC ZeroPrep vertical form-fill-seal system produces 8 to 16 fluid-ounce packs
- System speed reaches up to 80 packs per minute
- Sealed Air states product yield of up to 97%
- System uses two specialised CRYOVAC films to form the patented pouch
- To be displayed at PACK EXPO International, 18-21 October 2026, Chicago
UFlex's Flexfresh liner bag has received accreditation from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research's National Research Centre on Pomegranate (ICAR-NRCP) after trials showed pomegranates stayed acceptable for 90 days of refrigerated storage, against 30 days for untreated fruit and 45 days for wax-treated fruit. Separately, Flexfresh took first prize for breakthrough process innovation at the All India Management Association's 7th Innovation Practitioners Summit. Both recognitions cite the film's potential to let fresh-produce exporters switch from air freight to sea freight.
Why this mattersIndependent validation and an industry award reinforce UFlex's case for wider adoption of Flexfresh among fresh-produce exporters moving to sea freight.
- ICAR-NRCP, based in Solapur, Maharashtra, accredited UFlex's Flexfresh liner bag for pomegranate storage
- Pomegranates in the liner bag were acceptable up to 90 days, with 4.30-4.36 percent weight loss, against 30 days (7.00 percent loss) for untreated fruit and 45 days (7.10 percent loss) for wax-treated fruit
- Flexfresh won first prize for breakthrough process innovation at AIMA's 7th Innovation Practitioners Summit
- Flexfresh is a patented Active Modified Atmospheric Packaging (AMAP) film that maintains bag humidity at around 95 percent while keeping produce dry
- Flexfresh is described as biodegradable by composting and complies with EC 1935/2004, EC 1907/2006 and DIN EN 13432
- Both the accreditation and the award cite the film's potential to shift fresh-produce exports from air freight to sea freight
UFlex has developed a speciality polymeric film designed to replace bi-axially oriented polyamide (BOPA/nylon) film used in flexible packaging, after a development period of nine to ten months. The film is laminated with polyethylene into a two-ply structure aimed at oil, pharmaceutical, distilled goods and fatty or oily food packaging. UFlex says it is the only Indian manufacturer to have produced such a BOPA substitute.
Why this mattersA domestically made BOPA substitute could cut Indian converters' reliance on imported nylon film and its costly de-humidified storage requirements.
- UFlex says development of the new speciality polymeric substrate took 9-10 months
- The film is laminated with polyethylene to form a two-ply structure for oil packaging
- UFlex says it is the only company in India to have manufactured a BOPA replacement film
- Target applications include pharmaceutical products, distilled goods, fatty and oily food, and agricultural products
- BOPA film is hygroscopic and often imported into India, requiring costly de-humidified storage
ORBIS Europe has launched a new low-height variant of its GitterPak reusable bulk container, the HDB1208-600, aimed at heavy industrial components. The 1200 x 800 x 600 mm foldable container carries up to 900 kg, uses 80 percent recycled HDPE and is produced in Central Europe.
Why this mattersA lower-profile reusable container lets industrial shippers cut wasted load volume and return-logistics costs versus steel, wood or single-use alternatives.
- New GitterPak HDB1208-600 measures 1200 x 800 x 600 mm, lower than the existing model in the range
- Container supports payloads of up to 900 kg with an internal volume of 335 litres
- Foldable design reduces volume by a factor of about 2.2, cutting storage space by around 53 percent
- Made from HDPE with 80 percent recycled content, produced in Central Europe
- A jumbo truck can carry up to 272 folded or 170 assembled units
Polish label printer Wejherplast has added a Lombardi Converting Machinery narrow-web flexographic press, the Synchroline Viper 350, supplied by distributor Reprograf-Grafikus. It is the printer's second Lombardi machine and is intended to raise production capacity and automate its flexographic process.
Why this mattersThe order shows continued Polish printer investment in automated narrow-web flexo equipment to handle short-run, high-quality label jobs.
- Wejherplast installed a Lombardi Synchroline Viper 350 narrow-web flexographic press
- The machine was supplied via distributor Reprograf-Grafikus
- It is the second Lombardi machine installed at the Wejherowo plant
- The press includes automation and process-control features to cut job changeover time
- Wejherplast specialises in self-adhesive label production
Symrise has completed a full automation upgrade of its ingredient filling line at Goose Creek, South Carolina, working with machinery supplier Greif-Velox. The new A-DOS-K and A-DOS-P1 systems replace a semi-automatic canister line, lifting output from around 240 canisters a day to up to 130 an hour.
Why this mattersThe upgrade shows fragrance and cosmetics ingredient makers automating filling to cut labour strain and raise throughput as volumes and product variants grow.
- New filling lines lift output by more than 330% against the prior semi-automatic setup.
- New system reaches up to 130 canisters per hour, against about 240 canisters per day before.
- Previous daily output was about 6,000 kg from 25-kg canisters lifted manually by two shift workers.
- Greif-Velox supplied two systems, the A-DOS-K for canisters and the A-DOS-P1 for drums and IBCs.
- The line handles products with viscosities from 77 to 4,254 mPas and is prepared for future ATEX compliance.
- A bespoke automated dust-cap removal system was developed for Symrise to cut contamination risk.
KHS has extended its Innopack Kisters TSP Advanced packaging system with BottleClip Carrier, a cardboard handle option that forms multipacks of PET bottles without plastic carrying rings. The module was presented at Interpack in May 2026 and can be retrofitted to existing Advanced-series machines. The first equipped unit was due to be supplied to the United States in mid-2026.
Why this mattersThe launch gives bottlers a plastic-handle alternative as more jurisdictions restrict plastic carrying rings, while cutting energy use by removing shrink-tunnel steps.
- BottleClip Carrier forms multipacks of two, four, six or eight PET bottles, plus mixed variety packs.
- Output reaches up to 4,800 packs per hour.
- The system handles virgin PET or PET containing up to 100% recyclate, including lightweight containers.
- The first Innopack Kisters TSP Advanced with the cardboard handle option was due to ship to the United States in mid-2026.
- Applying the cardboard by rotating wheel removes the shrink-tunnel heating step, cutting energy consumption.
- The option can be retrofitted to existing Advanced-series machines where technical requirements are met.
TransPak, a US-based crating, packaging and logistics provider, has opened a 2,318-square-metre facility in the Namyong Terminal Free Zone, Chonburi, Thailand, on 22 September 2026. The site offers packaging, final assembly, pack-on-site and in-lane logistics services for semiconductor, data centre and electronics customers across Southeast Asia, and the company plans to expand its local team as volumes grow.
Why this mattersAdds specialised protective-packaging capacity in Thailand, where electronics investment has topped USD 30bn (THB 1tn) since 2023 and semiconductor customers need local packing support.
- The facility measures 2,318 square metres (about 24,950 square feet).
- It sits in the Namyong Terminal Free Zone, Bueng Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi.
- The site opened on 22 September 2026.
- Services include packaging, final assembly, pack-on-site and in-lane logistics.
- Thailand's electronics sector has attracted more than USD 30bn (THB 1tn) of investment since 2023, according to the Thailand Board of Investment.
- TransPak expects to expand its local team as operations scale.
Aluminium producer Constellium says it may shelve planned recycling investments across its packaging, automotive and aerospace divisions unless the EU secures reliable scrap feedstock. Chief executive Ingrid Joerg told Reuters the projects could be comparable to or larger than the EUR 130m expansion completed at Neuf-Brisach, France, but will not proceed while scrap continues to be exported outside the bloc.
Why this mattersA sustained EU scrap shortage threatens the feedstock base for aluminium can and packaging recycling, raising costs and slowing decarbonisation plans across the sector.
- Constellium is evaluating several recycling projects across its packaging, automotive and aerospace divisions.
- The potential investments are comparable to or larger than a previous EUR 130m expansion at Neuf-Brisach, France.
- Chief executive Ingrid Joerg said the projects will not proceed without secure scrap supply.
- The European Commission dropped a proposed scrap export duty in favour of limits under waste shipment regulations.
- Joerg expects the EU carbon border levy to raise European aluminium premiums.
- Constellium says its US operations benefit from tariffs and higher domestic scrap retention.
US plastics recycling startup MacroCycle has agreed a deal with Meta under which Meta will buy environmental attribute credits tied to avoided carbon emissions from MacroCycle's recycling process. The revenue is intended to help finance construction of MacroCycle's first commercial facility in the United States, a demonstration plant designed to produce 5,000 metric tonnes of recycled PET a year.
Why this mattersCarbon-credit financing from a large corporate buyer offers recyclers a new funding route to scale low-carbon PET capacity ahead of proven customer demand.
- MacroCycle's demonstration plant is designed to produce 5,000 metric tons of recycled plastic per year
- Meta is paying for environmental attribute credits tied to avoided carbon emissions, its first such deal
- MacroCycle says its process cuts carbon emissions by 80% versus virgin PET
- The process dissolves and purifies PET from waste streams including textiles, which have a 0.5% recycling rate
- MacroCycle is three years old, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Future plants are planned to produce 50,000 metric tons of material per year, according to CEO Stewart Peña Feliz
TOMRA has launched the TOMRA B3, a reverse vending machine occupying 0.45 square metres, in the UK ahead of the country's deposit return scheme. The machine accepts PET bottles and metal cans and is aimed at convenience retailers with limited floor space. Exchange for Change, the scheme operator, has said retailers using automated collection will receive a higher handling fee.
Why this mattersA smaller-footprint reverse vending machine lowers the barrier for small-format retailers to join automated DRS collection, widening the collection network ahead of the UK scheme's 2027 launch.
- TOMRA B3 occupies 0.45 square metres of floor space and is available on wheels.
- The UK deposit return scheme starts in October 2027 with a refundable deposit of USD 0.27 (GBP 0.20) on eligible plastic bottles and cans.
- The machine identifies containers using barcode recognition, weight detection and image-based recognition.
- Exchange for Change will pay retailers a handling fee per container collected, with a higher fee for automated collection.
- The machine is making its UK debut at the RWM resource and waste management expo in Birmingham this week.
- Exchange for Change has separately announced intended producer fees for the scheme.
The Czech Ministry of the Environment, backed by the Syba Packaging Institute, is seeking European industry support for two changes to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The proposals would set a de minimis threshold exempting small producers from registration and extended producer responsibility obligations, and clarify definitions of packaging, "producer" and "manufacturer" for transport, group and sales packaging. Syba is asking manufacturers, retailers, packaging suppliers and trade associations across Europe to submit experience and cost data to support the initiative.
Why this mattersA de minimis threshold and clearer producer definitions would cut compliance costs for small exporters and shift conformity responsibility toward pallet configurators rather than individual material suppliers.
- The Czech Ministry of the Environment is proposing amendments to the EU PPWR.
- Proposal one: a de minimis threshold exempting small packaging producers from registration and EPR obligations for limited cross-border sales.
- Proposal two: clarified definitions of packaging, "producer" and "manufacturer" for transport, group and sales packaging.
- The Syba Packaging Institute argues responsibility for transport packaging conformity should sit with the operator determining the final pallet configuration, not component suppliers such as stretch film makers.
- Syba is soliciting support and cost/experience data from manufacturers, retailers, packaging suppliers and trade associations across Europe.
- The initiative states it aims to reduce administrative burden without weakening PPWR environmental requirements.
HMRC data show UK taxable plastic packaging fell to 1.107 million tonnes in 2025-26 from 1.399 million tonnes in 2022-23, while packaging meeting the 30% recycled-content threshold rose to 1.506 million tonnes over the same period. From April 2027 the Plastic Packaging Tax will allow chemically recycled plastic to count towards the threshold under a mass-balance system, subject to certification and supply-chain controls.
Why this mattersThe 2027 mass-balance rules add certification and supply-chain control duties across UK plastic packaging chains, while the taxable base has already shrunk by about a fifth.
- Taxable plastic packaging declared under PPT fell from 1.399 million tonnes in 2022-23 to 1.107 million tonnes in 2025-26, about 21%.
- Packaging meeting the 30% recycled-content threshold rose from 1.290 million tonnes to 1.506 million tonnes over the same period, about 17%.
- PPT revenue was USD 334m (GBP 250m) in 2025-26, down 4% from USD 349m (GBP 261m) in 2024-25.
- The PPT rate is USD 305.77 per tonne (GBP 228.82) from 1 April 2026, against USD 267 per tonne (GBP 200) at launch in April 2022.
- HMRC had 5,142 businesses registered for PPT as at 13 August 2026.
- From 1 April 2027 chemically recycled plastic may count towards the threshold under a certified mass-balance system.
The Spanish paper and pulp association Aspapel has warned that gas prices up 50-100% versus prior years are undermining the sector's competitiveness, with paper and cardboard output down 3.2% and pulp output down 3.9% in the first half of 2026 versus the same period a year earlier. Export values fell 9.5% for paper and cardboard and 14.7% for pulp, while imports from Turkey and China rose 48.5% and 26% respectively between January and June, prompting the association to call for a dedicated support framework for heat-intensive industry.
Why this mattersPersistent energy cost gaps versus France and Germany raise the risk of production relocation and further share loss to non-EU pulp and paper producers.
- Aspapel says energy costs have risen at least 50%, with peaks near 100%, versus previous years.
- Spanish paper and cardboard output fell 3.2% and pulp output fell 3.9% in H1 2026 year-on-year.
- Export value dropped 9.5% for paper and cardboard and 14.7% for pulp in the period.
- Imports of paper and cardboard rose 48.5% from Turkey and 26% from China between January and June.
- AEGE data show Spanish electro-intensive consumers pay 28% more than in France and 13% more than in Germany after aid.
- The Alliance for the Competitiveness of Spanish Industry estimates an extra EUR 7.4bn cost across manufacturing by end-2026 from Strait of Hormuz tensions.
The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has called on Canada and the EU to simplify requirements under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to the European Parliament. FPAC says the regulation in its current form risks imposing tens of millions of dollars of unnecessary costs on Canadian producers and forest product supply chains, and is seeking recognition of Canada as a negligible-risk country with streamlined traceability requirements.
Why this mattersIf the EU grants low-risk exporters like Canada simplified EUDR compliance, it could reset the cost and traceability burden for forest-product exporters globally.
- FPAC issued its statement on 16 September 2026, ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney's address to the European Parliament.
- FPAC estimates EUDR in its current form risks imposing tens of millions of dollars of unnecessary costs on Canadian producers and supply chains.
- FPAC is asking the EU to recognise negligible-risk countries and streamline geolocation and traceability requirements.
- The EUDR is scheduled to take effect later in 2026.
- FPAC cites concerns over plot-level traceability, large data uploads and treatment of forest residuals as impractical for exporters such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
- Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of FPAC, said Canada's forest sector supports the EU's deforestation goals but wants an evidence-based implementation approach.
The UK Treasury has told Parliament it recognises industry concerns over how the extended producer responsibility scheme (pEPR) treats packaging disposed of through commercial waste streams, such as in pubs, according to the Foodservice Packaging Association. Treasury minister James Murray said the government was working with stakeholders after complaints that some hospitality packaging attracts pEPR fees despite already being paid for through commercial waste collection contracts. The issue overlaps with Fever-Tree's legal challenge over the classification of bottles it supplies to pubs, bars and restaurants.
Why this mattersA double-charging fix would cut pEPR costs for packaging supplied into hospitality, reshaping fee liability across foodservice and drinks supply chains.
- Treasury minister James Murray responded to a parliamentary question on regulatory and packaging costs affecting pubs.
- The FPA says some packaging supplied into hospitality is charged pEPR fees despite businesses already paying for commercial waste collection.
- Fever-Tree has a separate legal challenge over the pEPR classification of bottles supplied to pubs, bars and restaurants.
- The FPA has called for a practical, evidence-based resolution to the classification issue.
Fastmarkets RISI will launch a corrugated box cost benchmark (CCB) for North America on 19 October 2026, weighting manufacturing wages, equipment and OCC costs to track industry cost trends rather than spot prices, with consultation closing on 5 October 2026. The move follows criticism of its containerboard price index, whose underlying public spot market analysts put at about 5% of industry volume after years of vertical integration. It lands alongside a USD 140 per ton containerboard price increase, the third announced this year, which drew protests from the AICC.
Why this mattersWith the public spot market down to about 5% of volume, a cost-based benchmark shifts the reference point in containerboard and box contracts away from producer-announced prices.
- Fastmarkets RISI will launch a corrugated box cost benchmark for North America on 19 October 2026, with consultation closing on 5 October 2026.
- The benchmark weights manufacturing wages at 26%, equipment maintenance and other manufacturing costs at 14% each and OCC at 10%, indexed to January 2019 equal to 100.
- The index tracks relative cost movements rather than absolute box prices, combining Fastmarkets RISI fibre data with third-party labour, energy, chemicals, equipment and transport indicators.
- Analysts put the public spot market underlying the existing containerboard price index at about 5% of industry volume after years of vertical integration.
- A USD 140 per ton containerboard price increase, the third announced this year, drew protests from the AICC trade association.
- Adam Josephson of Sakonnet Research noted the index was announced on 18 September 2026, on the eve of Pulp and Paper Weekly statistics.
Butterfly Equity, a Los Angeles private equity firm focused on food and beverage, has agreed to acquire Sabert Holding Corp, a US-based maker of plastic, paper and molded fibre food packaging with 13 plants worldwide. Financial terms were not disclosed and the deal, backed by financing from UBS, Goldman Sachs and KKR Capital Markets, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026. Founder Albert Salama will retain a minority stake.
Why this mattersThe deal adds a multi-material, patent-heavy foodservice packaging platform to a food-sector-focused sponsor, signalling continued private equity appetite for scaled food packaging assets.
- Butterfly Equity signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sabert Holding Corp, financial terms undisclosed
- Sabert operates 13 manufacturing facilities globally, including nine in the US and others in Belgium, England, Poland and China
- Sabert, founded in 1983 and based in Sayreville, New Jersey, employs about 3,000 people and holds over 400 product patents
- The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions
- Sabert founder and executive chairman Albert Salama will remain a minority investor after closing
- Financing is being provided by UBS Investment Bank, Goldman Sachs and KKR Capital Markets
