Smurfit Westrock has agreed to acquire CMPC's Chilean containerboard and corrugated business for USD 420m, a multiple of under 6 times post-synergy Adjusted EBITDA. The assets include a 250,000 tonne-a-year recycled containerboard mill in Santiago, three corrugated plants and one molded tray facility. The deal, funded from Smurfit Westrock's own liquid resources, is expected to close in the first half of 2027 subject to regulatory approval.
Why this mattersThe purchase makes Smurfit Westrock the leading containerboard and corrugated producer in Chile and links fibre flows across its Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil operations.
- Consideration is USD 420m, under 6 times post-synergy Adjusted EBITDA.
- Assets comprise a recycled containerboard mill in Santiago, a fibre collection network, three corrugated plants and one molded tray facility.
- The Santiago paper machine produces approximately 250,000 tonnes per year.
- The transaction will be funded from Smurfit Westrock's own liquid resources.
- Completion is expected in the first half of 2027, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals.
- The deal supports Smurfit Westrock's Latam 2030 targets, integrating with its operations in Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Brazil.
Fedrigoni Special Papers is unveiling a revamped Sirio Color uncoated paper range at Luxe Pack Monaco 2026, adding 15 shades to bring the palette to 42. The range now uses renewable energy in manufacturing, with certified biomethane replacing fossil natural gas and renewable electricity, alongside harmonised lightfastness performance across all colours.
Why this mattersSpeciality paper suppliers are adding low-carbon manufacturing claims backed by LCA data to meet brand-owner packaging sustainability requirements.
- Sirio Color range expands to 42 total shades with 15 new colours added.
- Rough finish variant expands from 11 to 19 shades.
- Manufacturing now uses certified biomethane instead of fossil natural gas and renewable electricity.
- Lightfastness has been improved and harmonised across the entire range.
- Range is presented at Luxe Pack Monaco 2026 at the Grimaldi Forum, stand VA04.
- Life Cycle Assessment data is provided to let customers quantify the product's environmental impact.
Hansol Paper will roll back discount rates on white paper, MFC, art paper and lightweight paper from 28 September 2026, effectively raising supply prices to offset pulp and energy costs. The move follows an April 2026 Korea Fair Trade Commission ruling that Hansol and five other paper makers colluded on printing paper price increases; Hansol's fine was set at USD 104m (KRW 142.58bn) before leniency reductions cut the six companies' combined penalty to USD 106m (KRW 144.1bn).
Why this mattersDiscount rollbacks from 28 September lift Korean printing paper prices while Hansol carries a cartel fine and borrowings above USD 601m (KRW 820bn).
- Hansol Paper will adjust discount rates on white paper, MFC, art paper and lightweight paper from 28 September 2026, effectively raising supply prices.
- The KFTC ruled in April 2026 that Hansol Paper and five other paper makers had agreed printing paper price increases over about three years and ten months.
- The original combined fine for the six companies was USD 248m (KRW 338.3bn), with Hansol Paper's share set at USD 104m (KRW 142.58bn).
- After leniency applications, the six companies' combined fine was reduced to USD 106m (KRW 144.1bn).
- Second-quarter 2026 operating profit was USD 37m (KRW 50.8bn) against USD 14m (KRW 19.3bn) a year earlier; first-half revenue rose 1.0% and operating profit 56.4%.
- First-quarter 2026 total borrowings exceeded USD 601m (KRW 820bn), with negative operating cash flow.
Essity repurchased 397,967 Class B shares for USD 10.65m (SEK 105.2m) between 14 and 18 September 2026, under a USD 304m (SEK 3bn) buyback programme running from 12 May 2026 to the 2027 annual general meeting at the latest. Cumulative repurchases under the programme have reached 5,562,472 shares for USD 151.8m (SEK 1,499.5m).
Why this mattersEssity has used USD 151.8m of a USD 304m (SEK 3bn) authorisation since May, directing cash to shareholders rather than to capacity or acquisitions.
- Essity repurchased 397,967 Class B shares between 14 and 18 September 2026 for USD 10.65m (SEK 105,152,187).
- The programme totals USD 304m (SEK 3bn), announced on 22 April 2026 and running from 12 May 2026 to the 2027 AGM at the latest.
- Cumulative repurchases under the programme reached 5,562,472 shares for USD 151.8m (SEK 1,499,513,546).
- Purchases were executed on Nasdaq Stockholm by BofA Securities Europe SA on Essity's behalf.
- Essity held 6,802,595 treasury Class B shares as of 18 September 2026.
- Total shares outstanding are 681,945,171, comprising 54,763,041 Class A and 627,182,130 Class B shares.
Six Chinese paperboard producers - Nine Dragons Paper, APP China, Jiangsu Asia Symbol, Zhangzhou Lian Sheng, Bohui Paper and the Wanguo Sun white cardboard business - have issued price-increase letters raising white cardboard by USD 30/t (CNY 200/t). Most increases take effect on 1 October 2026, with the Wanguo Sun brands moving first on 26 September. The letters follow earlier rounds of increases in corrugating medium and containerboard.
Why this mattersA uniform USD 30/t rise across most of China's white cardboard capacity lifts input costs for folding carton and foodservice converters and signals tighter board supply.
- Nine Dragons Paper raises all white cardboard grades, including coated and food-grade board, by USD 30/t (CNY 200/t) from 1 October 2026.
- APP China raises white cardboard prices by USD 30/t (CNY 200/t), tax included, from 1 October 2026 on top of September levels.
- Jiangsu Asia Symbol raises its cardboard and food-grade board brands by USD 30/t (CNY 200/t), tax included, from 1 October 2026.
- Bohui Paper raises prices by USD 30/t (CNY 200/t), tax included, from 1 October 2026.
- Zhangzhou Lian Sheng Pulp & Paper raises its Lanye coated white cardboard by USD 30/t (CNY 200/t) from 1 October 2026.
- Wanguo Sun white, coated and food-grade cardboard grades rise USD 30/t (CNY 200/t) from 26 September 2026.
Thai Containers Group, Rengo's joint venture in Thailand, has approved acquisition of a 90% stake in Jin Zhong Fa Paper Industrial, a corrugated packaging manufacturer with one plant in Chonburi Province. The deal takes the Rengo Group's corrugated plant count in Thailand to 16, alongside three flexible packaging plants and one heavy duty packaging plant already run through the joint venture.
Why this mattersThe deal extends Rengo's Southeast Asian corrugated footprint, a region the group has flagged as a strategic priority for overseas growth.
- Thai Containers Group, Rengo's joint venture in Thailand, will acquire 90% of Jin Zhong Fa Paper Industrial.
- Jin Zhong Fa operates one corrugated plant in Chonburi Province, central Thailand.
- The acquisition raises the Rengo Group's corrugated plant count in Thailand to 16.
- Through the joint venture the group also operates three flexible packaging plants and one heavy duty packaging plant in Thailand.
Tetra Pak supported Brazilian egg producer Mantiqueira Brasil in developing N.OVO, described as Brazil's first shelf-stable protein drink made from egg white, launched after two and a half years of development. The product uses Tetra Pak's aseptic UHT processing and is packed in Tetra Prisma Aseptic Edge cartons, allowing ambient distribution without a cold chain.
Why this mattersThe launch extends carton packaging into a new ambient protein-drink category built on egg white, a shelf-stability niche previously served mainly by dairy and plant-based formats.
- N.OVO is marketed as Brazil's first ambient egg-white protein drink, requiring no refrigerated distribution.
- Development took two and a half years, using Tetra Pak's Customer Innovation Centre and Product Development Centre.
- The High Protein line is sold in 250 ml cartons with 17 grams of protein per unit, in four flavours.
- Packaging used is Tetra Prisma Aseptic Edge, an octagonal-prism carton format.
- The drink uses hydrolysed egg white, has no fat or dairy, and contains five times less carbohydrate and half the calories of conventional protein shakes.
The AV Nackawic pulp mill in New Brunswick is expected to shut on 4 November 2026, ending 228 unionised jobs and affecting hundreds more employees, contractors and connected workers. The mill has been the community's largest employer for more than half a century; the deputy mayor puts the site at about 350 direct jobs and USD 25-28m (CAD 35-40m) of direct economic impact. Nackawic-Millville, which lost another mill in 2004, is seeking land to expand an industrial park now at capacity.
Why this mattersClosing a mill that has anchored a single-employer town for half a century removes pulp capacity and leaves the municipality rebuilding its tax base.
- The AV Nackawic pulp mill is expected to shut down on 4 November 2026.
- 228 unionised workers will lose their jobs, with hundreds more employees, contractors and connected workers affected.
- Deputy mayor Greg MacFarlane cites about 350 direct jobs and USD 25-28m (CAD 35-40m) in direct economic impact.
- It is the second mill closure in Nackawic, following one in 2004.
- Mayor Tim Fox says the municipality's industrial park is at capacity and it is discussing acquiring adjacent land.
CMPC is investing USD 29.6m to modernise and expand its Powell Valley Millwork plants in Jeffersonville and Clay City, Kentucky, aiming to nearly double production. The project is 65% complete and is scheduled to start up by late 2027, with Clay City specialising in poplar processing and Jeffersonville in pine.
Why this mattersThe expansion deepens CMPC's push into US value-added wood remanufacturing, linking its Chilean pine supply to local finishing capacity for a market that takes about 90% of the unit's sales.
- Investment totals USD 29.6m across two Powell Valley Millwork plants in Kentucky.
- Project is 65% complete, with start-up expected by end of 2027.
- Expansion aims to nearly double Powell Valley's output and raise productivity by almost 70%.
- Clay City will be specialised for poplar processing, adding capacity for mouldings and glued panels.
- Jeffersonville will boost pine processing and finishing capacity, able to use up to 30,000 m3 of pine from CMPC's Chilean forests.
- CMPC acquired the Powell Valley operation in 2023 to enter the US remanufacturing market, which represents about 90% of the unit's sales.
The Toulouse Commercial Court granted Fibre Excellence's Saint-Gaudens pulp mill a further three months on 15 September, extending its operating deadline to 15 December while a new takeover proposal worth an estimated EUR 90m is finalised. At the group's liquidated Tarascon site, the French government has authorised the ecological transition agency ADEME to carry out emergency safety work after inspectors found around 17,000 tonnes of wood and hazardous materials still on site, with costs to be charged to the liquidators.
Why this mattersThe diverging fates of the two mills show how restructuring can either preserve pulp capacity through fresh industrial investment or end in liquidation with public bodies forced to manage residual safety and environmental risk.
- Toulouse Commercial Court extended Saint-Gaudens' operating deadline to 15 December on 15 September
- Potential buyers must submit a new takeover proposal by 22 October, with a court hearing set for 3 November
- The Saint-Gaudens project envisages an estimated EUR 90m investment package, with Soprema among the industrial investors
- French state will provide a EUR 2m loan via Bpifrance to fund operations through 30 September; Occitanie region will contribute EUR 3.5m for October to mid-December
- Fibre Excellence Provence in Tarascon was placed into judicial liquidation on 29 July
- A 15 September inspection found around 17,000 tonnes of wood plus hazardous products still present at the Tarascon site, prompting ADEME to take over emergency safety work
Moët Hennessy and glass packaging maker Verallia have announced a strategic partnership to develop a new generation of lighter, stronger glass bottles for wine and spirits. The programme targets a 30% to 50% reduction in bottle weight through new glass-strengthening technologies while preserving mechanical performance. The alliance builds on existing bottle-weight reduction work already applied across Moët Hennessy brands including its Champagne houses, Hennessy, Terrazas de los Andes, Chandon and Château Galoupet.
Why this mattersA 30-50% bottle weight cut would materially reduce glass demand and carbon footprint per unit, pressuring rivals to match lightweighting across premium wine and spirits packaging.
- Partnership targets a 30% to 50% reduction in bottle weight.
- Glass packaging accounts for up to 30% of the wine and spirits industry's carbon footprint, according to the companies.
- Verallia has an SBTi-validated pathway targeting Net Zero for scopes 1 and 2 by 2040 and scope 3 by 2050.
- Bottle-weight reduction results are already visible across Moët Hennessy's Champagne Maisons, Hennessy, Terrazas de los Andes, Chandon and Château Galoupet.
- Announcement made jointly on 22 September 2026.
Perfume and cosmetics packaging supplier Coverpla is preparing a handover from chairman Bruno Diepois to managing director Sebastien Saussereau, planned since Geneo Capital Entrepreneur became majority shareholder in September 2024. The Nice-based company, with EUR 23m of revenue, expects 2026 to be flat for a second consecutive year and is examining external growth options.
Why this mattersA EUR 23m perfume packaging supplier with flat revenue is looking to external growth, one route to scale in a fragmented French cosmetics packaging supply base.
- Coverpla generates EUR 23m in annual revenue and employs 45 people at its Nice site, four in the United States and two in Italy.
- Geneo Capital Entrepreneur became majority shareholder in September 2024.
- A handover from chairman Bruno Diepois to managing director Sebastien Saussereau has been planned since that change of ownership.
- US revenue is up more than 30% in 2026 after a weak 2025.
- 2026 revenue is expected to be flat, matching stagnation in 2025.
- Management says it is examining external growth options.
Stoelzle Glass Group has refined the manufacturing process behind its EcoSecur Type 2 pharmaceutical glass, switching to an enhanced liquid-injection inner-surface treatment at its Koflach, Austria site. The company says the change improves coating consistency and hydrolytic resistance for injectable and infusion products, and will present it at CPhI Worldwide 2026 in Milan from 6 to 8 October.
Why this mattersTighter process control on Type 2 glass coatings could support pharma packaging quality claims as customers scrutinise hydrolytic resistance for injectables.
- EcoSecur has been commercially available since 2021.
- Production uses a liquid-injection process at Stoelzle's Koflach, Austria pharmaceutical glass site.
- EcoSecur is made from Type 3 soda-lime glass treated to give Type II performance, in flint and amber, 7ml to 500ml.
- Stoelzle will showcase the enhanced process at CPhI Worldwide 2026, Milan, 6-8 October, booth 11C74.
Welsh start-up deltaH Innovation is commercialising Cool>Can, a self-cooling drinks can that uses a chemical process housed in a can-within-a-can format to cut beverage temperature by about 10-15C on activation. Brains Brewery will launch the first product, Bayside Welsh Lager in Cool>Can format, at London Packaging Week 2026, while deltaH reports interest from the US and Japan but intends to keep manufacturing in South Wales.
Why this mattersA working self-cooling can that fits existing filling lines could open a new premium-format category for canned beverages if it scales beyond a single regional launch.
- Brains' Bayside Welsh Lager will be the first beer using deltaH's Cool>Can self-cooling technology.
- The launch is scheduled for London Packaging Week 2026.
- Cool>Can uses a non-toxic chemical process in a can-within-a-can format, cutting drink temperature by approximately 10-15C on activation.
- deltaH has developed the technology for more than two years and runs a pilot production facility in Wales.
- deltaH reports interest from overseas markets including the United States and Japan but plans to keep manufacturing based in South Wales.
- The company is backed by a syndicate of Welsh investors as it moves toward commercial-scale production.
SGC Solution has launched square and rectangular additions to its Glasslock rice-storage container range, featuring braille markings on silicone lids for visually impaired users. The new sizes run from 450mL to 900mL and use domestically produced heat-resistant tempered glass. Cumulative sales of the Glasslock rice-storage series have passed 10.35 million units.
Why this mattersAccessibility-focused design and reusable glass formats let the company extend a proven product line while supporting its stated aim to cut single-use plastic use.
- New Glasslock braille-marked square containers range from 450mL to 900mL capacity
- Silicone lids carry braille markings aimed at visually impaired users
- Containers use domestically produced heat-resistant tempered glass, are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe
- Cumulative sales of the Glasslock rice-storage container series exceed 10.35 million units
- Original round braille-marked container in the series launched in 2024
- Discount promotions run until 27 September and until 5 October at company's official online store
Goldman Sachs Alternatives has agreed to acquire Tosca, a reusable plastic container, pallet and bulk bin pooling operator, from funds advised by Apax Partners. Tosca runs 63 service and wash centres serving more than 5,000 customers across 30 countries in North America and Europe. Completion is expected later in 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
Why this mattersThe deal signals continued private-capital appetite for reusable-packaging infrastructure, a segment competing directly with single-use packaging on food-supply-chain economics.
- Tosca operates 63 service and wash centres across North America and Europe.
- The company serves more than 5,000 customers in 30 countries.
- Buyer is the Infrastructure business of Goldman Sachs Alternatives.
- Seller is funds advised by Apax Partners LLP.
- Completion is expected later in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
- Sidley Austin advised Goldman Sachs Alternatives on the transaction.
Scientex Bhd has established a multi-currency Islamic medium-term notes programme worth RM1.5 billion in nominal value, lodged with the Securities Commission Malaysia on 23 September 2026. Proceeds are earmarked for capital expenditure financing and reimbursement, and for refinancing existing and future financing, investment and working capital needs. RHB Investment Bank is principal adviser and lead arranger, with RHB Islamic Bank as shariah adviser.
Why this mattersA perpetual RM1.5bn programme lets Scientex draw funding for packaging capacity in tranches and refinance existing debt without a single upfront issue.
- Programme size is RM1.5 billion in nominal value
- Structure is a Sukuk Wakalah Programme lodged with the Securities Commission Malaysia on 23 September 2026
- Programme has perpetual tenure, with individual sukuk tenures of more than one year
- Proceeds earmarked for capital expenditure financing and reimbursement, and refinancing
- RHB Investment Bank Bhd is principal adviser, lead arranger, lead manager and facility agent
- RHB Islamic Bank Bhd is shariah adviser
ORBIS Europe has added a new variant to its GitterPak reusable large load carrier range, the HDB1208-600, designed for heavy industrial components. The container measures 1,200 x 800 x 600 mm, carries up to 900 kg and is made from 80% recycled HDPE, with the company stating it already meets the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requirements.
Why this mattersA lower-profile, foldable design cuts unused airspace and return-transport volume for heavy industrial loads, giving reusable-packaging suppliers an efficiency argument against single-use alternatives.
- The HDB1208-600 measures 1,200 x 800 x 600 mm with a flatter profile than earlier GitterPak models.
- Load capacity is up to 900 kg with an internal volume of 335 litres.
- Up to six units can be stacked statically or four during transport when full.
- Folded, the container needs about 53% less space; a jumbo truck can carry 272 folded or 170 assembled units.
- A 40-foot container holds up to 175 folded or 80 assembled units.
- The container is made from 80% recycled HDPE and is stated to meet upcoming EU PPWR requirements.
CSafe has launched the CSafe Connect Mobile App, extending its cloud-based CSafe Connect platform to mobile devices for pharmaceutical manufacturers, freight forwarders and airlines. The app lets cold chain teams monitor temperature-controlled shipments, track container GPS locations and place lease orders remotely, capabilities previously accessible mainly via desktop.
Why this mattersMobile access to container temperature and location data becomes a comparison point between pharma cold chain lessors competing on service rather than hardware.
- CSafe launched the CSafe Connect Mobile App on 20 September 2026.
- The app extends the existing CSafe Connect cloud platform to mobile devices.
- Users can place lease orders, access shipment data and monitor container conditions and GPS locations in real time.
- CSafe says it is the first mobile solution of its kind in the pharmaceutical cold chain sector.
- The platform targets pharmaceutical manufacturers, freight forwarders and airlines managing active and passive container shipments.
Koenig & Bauer reported first-half 2026 order intake of EUR 709.3m, up 16.9% year on year and the highest in eight years, with the order backlog reaching a record EUR 1,121.7m. Group revenue rose 1.4% to EUR 558.2m and operating EBITDA improved 20.5% to EUR 14.1m, while free cash flow improved by EUR 62.7m to EUR -21.0m.
Why this mattersRising order intake and backlog signal recovering demand for printing and packaging machinery after a period of cost pressure and tariff uncertainty.
- First-half 2026 order intake reached EUR 709.3m, up 16.9% year on year, the highest in eight years
- Order backlog hit a record EUR 1,121.7m, up 2.3% from EUR 1,096.3m a year earlier
- Group revenue rose 1.4% to EUR 558.2m from EUR 550.4m
- Operating EBITDA improved 20.5% to EUR 14.1m from EUR 11.7m
- Free cash flow improved by EUR 62.7m to EUR -21.0m from EUR -83.7m
- A 3% price increase was implemented from 1 July 2026 in the P&P segment to offset cost pressures
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen and its Gallus label-press subsidiary will exhibit at LOUPE India 2026, their first appearance at the show since 2012. They will present label and packaging printing technology, software, consumables and service, including the regional premiere of the Gallus Screeny printing unit. Heidelberg cites forecasts of India's packaging market growing from about USD 12bn to USD 20bn by 2030.
Why this mattersThe return targets India's packaging market, forecast to grow from about USD 12bn to USD 20bn by 2030, where Heidelberg has had no show presence since 2012.
- Gallus and Heidelberg last exhibited at LOUPE India in 2012.
- India's packaging market is forecast to grow from about USD 12bn to USD 20bn by 2030.
- The Gallus Screeny printing unit makes its regional debut at the show.
- Gallus applications shown span self-adhesive and security labels, tube laminates, in-mould labels, pouches, shrink sleeves, sachets and lightweight carton packaging.
- Heidelberg is expanding local sales and service capacity, demonstration facilities and its partner network in India.
Scott Technology has launched the NexPAL 200HL, a compact palletizer aimed at manufacturers with limited floorspace, capable of more than 35 cases per minute in a footprint 25% smaller than comparable machines. The first order comprises four units for a poultry processor in Georgia, US, as part of a materials handling contract Scott announced in June 2026.
Why this mattersA footprint 25% smaller lets food plants add end-of-line palletizing inside existing buildings, widening the addressable base against conventional palletizing systems.
- The NexPAL 200HL palletizer handles more than 35 cases per minute
- The unit occupies a footprint 25% smaller than most comparable palletizing solutions
- Four systems are the first order, to be deployed for a poultry processor in Georgia, US, under a materials handling contract announced by Scott in June 2026
- The launch falls under Scott's Destination 2030 growth strategy
- The product is now commercially available across Scott's global markets
CanSource, a beverage-can supplier owned by TricorBraun, has installed a new digital printer at its Charlotte, North Carolina plant and added a 19.2-oz aluminium can format. The additions let brands order digitally printed cans in five sizes, from 7.5-oz to 19.2-oz, from a single supplier, aimed at shorter lead times and smaller runs than offset printing.
Why this mattersDigital printing lets can suppliers serve smaller brands and limited-edition runs without the volume commitments of offset printing, widening competition for shorter-run beverage packaging.
- CanSource added a new digital printer at its Charlotte, NC facility.
- The company introduced a 19.2-oz (stovepipe) aluminium can format.
- CanSource operates digital-printing facilities in Denver, Milwaukee and Charlotte.
- The 19.2-oz can uses a 202 can-end footprint compatible with existing 12- and 16-oz canning lines.
- Digitally printed cans can be ordered in quantities as small as a single pallet layer.
- CanSource is a company of distributor TricorBraun.
Wasdell Group has completed the purchase of the former Indivior UK facility at Henry Boot Way, Hull. The site will add capacity for the group's Contract Manufacturing Organisation and Contract Packaging Organisation services in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing and packaging.
Why this mattersA ready-built pharmaceutical site gives Wasdell additional contract manufacturing and packaging capacity in Hull without greenfield construction time.
- Wasdell Group has completed the purchase of the former Indivior UK facility at Henry Boot Way, Hull.
- The site will support the group's Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO) and Contract Packaging Organisation (CPO) services.
- Daniel Tedham is chief executive of Wasdell Group.
Brazil's Camex foreign trade committee renewed for 12 months, on 27 August 2026, an increased 20% import tariff on six types of polyethylene and polypropylene resins, up from 12.6%. Plastics converters in Minas Gerais, represented by industry body Simplast, warn the measure creates a tariff inversion that raises raw material costs above those of finished plastic imports, squeezing margins across food, pharmaceutical and packaging supply chains.
Why this mattersProtected resin prices raise input costs for Brazilian converters while finished plastic goods enter at lower duties, squeezing margins across food, pharmaceutical and packaging chains.
- Camex's Gecex committee renewed the tariff increase on 27 August 2026 for 12 months.
- The tariff on six polyethylene and polypropylene resin types rose from 12.6% to 20%.
- Simplast says import prices for the affected raw materials have risen 63% cumulatively since the tariff was first applied in 2024.
- Simplast names Braskem as Brazil's only domestic resin supplier.
- Packaging can account for about 14% of a product's cost and roughly 9.5% of the final price after pass-through, according to Simplast.
Amtech Software is launching a cloud version of its Label Traxx enterprise resource planning platform for label and flexible-packaging converters, alongside a new analytics tool and a Track & Trace module for material lineage. A limited Cloud Starter edition begins in November 2026, with a wider rollout planned for early 2027.
Why this mattersHosted ERP with material-level traceability narrows recall investigation scope and shifts backup, upgrade and security costs from label converters to the vendor.
- Amtech Software, based in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, is launching three enhancements to Label Traxx ERP.
- Label Traxx on the Cloud moves the platform from customer-managed servers to a browser-based, Amtech-operated environment.
- A limited Cloud Starter edition will be accepted in November 2026, with broader rollout in early 2027.
- Amtech Visual Analytics (AVA) adds preconfigured dashboards for financial and operational performance.
- The Track & Trace module records material attributes from purchase order through customer shipment, including slitting lane, press and operator.
- Cloud migration transfers responsibility for backups, fail-over, upgrades and cybersecurity from converters to Amtech.
A Fraunhofer Institute Umsicht study commissioned by Interzero found the recycler saved 7.2 million tonnes of primary resources and avoided over 900,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 by recycling about two million tonnes of material across Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy and Slovenia. The study also found rising shares of composite packaging and hard-to-separate materials, such as paper packs with plastic inner linings and multilayer plastics, are limiting recycling yields, while PET's share of light packaging waste fell as more bottles moved into deposit return systems.
Why this mattersDesign flaws in composite and multilayer packaging are shown to cap recycling performance even as processed volumes rise, adding weight to PPWR design-for-recycling requirements.
- Interzero recycled about 2 million tonnes of material in 2025 across Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy and Slovenia
- The activity saved more than 7.2 million tonnes of primary resources, equivalent to the load of 13,439 freight trains
- More than 900,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions were avoided, valued at about EUR 900 million in avoided climate damage costs
- Recycling about 1 million tonnes of plastic saved roughly 3 million barrels of crude oil, equivalent to 9.5 million 50-litre car tank fills
- The share of composite packaging and unsorted waste in Germany's yellow-bag light packaging collection increased
- The share of PET packaging in the yellow bag declined as bottles shifted into the expanded deposit return system
A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction halting New Mexico's PFAS Protection Act labelling rule, which would have required manufacturers to flag consumer products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from 2027. The American Chemistry Council and the National Association of Manufacturers, with six other trade groups, sued the state environment department on 1 July 2026, arguing the mandate violated First Amendment protection of commercial speech. New Mexico's environment secretary said the state plans to challenge the injunction.
Why this mattersA win for manufacturers over mandatory PFAS labelling could slow similar state rules that would force packaging and product redesign across the US.
- US District Judge Margaret Strickland issued the preliminary injunction on 16 September 2026, blocking enforcement of the labelling rule.
- The rule stems from New Mexico's PFAS Protection Act, enacted in 2025, with the labelling requirement due to take effect in 2027.
- The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board approved the rule in March 2026.
- The American Chemistry Council, the National Association of Manufacturers and six other manufacturing organisations sued the New Mexico Environment Department on 1 July 2026.
- The judge found the state had not shown the label was a rational means of protecting consumer and environmental health.
- Colorado, California and Connecticut have passed similar labelling rules using the same PFAS definition.
Dubai-based Emirates Shipping Line will refuse bookings for plastic waste cargoes under HS Code 3915 from 1 October 2026, becoming only the second major ocean carrier after CMA CGM to impose an outright ban on the trade. The move follows a campaign by the Basel Action Network targeting World Shipping Council members, and reduces available carrier capacity for exporters of recovered plastic from Europe, North America and Australia.
Why this mattersFewer carriers willing to move plastic scrap could raise freight and processing costs for recyclers and packaging manufacturers dependent on recovered feedstock.
- Emirates Shipping Line stops accepting plastic waste bookings under HS Code 3915 from 1 October 2026
- It becomes the second major ocean carrier, after CMA CGM in 2022, to impose a blanket ban on the trade
- Basel Action Network lobbied World Shipping Council members to end carriage of plastic waste from developed to developing countries
- Exporters of plastic scrap from Europe, North America and Australia will need alternative carriers or domestic processing
- Reduced carrier availability may constrain feedstock supply for reprocessors in importing developing economies
