Fedrigoni's chief executive and chairman Marco Nespolo will step down from both roles on 6 October 2026, after almost eight years leading the specialty paper and labels group. Rolf Stangl, former SIG Group chief executive and most recently a senior advisor to Apollo Global Management, becomes executive chairman, supported by the CFO and the chief executives of Fedrigoni's three operating companies. Nespolo retains his shareholding and a board seat.
Why this mattersFedrigoni moves from an eight-year, acquisition-led chief executive to an executive chairman with two decades in packaging, with the CFO and three operating-company heads in support.
- Marco Nespolo leaves as Fedrigoni CEO and chairman on 6 October 2026 after almost eight years in the role.
- Rolf Stangl, former SIG Group CEO and most recently a senior advisor to Apollo Global Management, becomes executive chairman.
- Stangl will be supported by Fedrigoni's CFO and the CEOs of its three operating companies.
- Nespolo keeps his shareholding in Fedrigoni and a seat on the board.
- Stangl led SIG Group from 2008 through its stock market listing and is non-executive chairman of NASDAQ-listed Reynolds Consumer Products.
Inland Packaging has secured Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Green Tier recognition across all its Wisconsin manufacturing facilities. The La Crosse, WI, campus has also become the first full-campus site certified under the Sustainable Green Printers programme, extending certification previously held only at Inland's Neenah facility.
Why this mattersSite-wide certification across Inland's Wisconsin plants supports label buyers' sustainability audits, increasingly a condition in brand-owner procurement.
- Inland's Wisconsin manufacturing facilities have all achieved Wisconsin DNR Green Tier certification.
- Inland's La Crosse, WI, facilities are the first full-campus site certified under the Sustainable Green Printers (SGP) programme.
- Certification previously covered only Inland's Neenah, WI, facility.
- Inland Packaging is a family-owned North American label and packaging manufacturer, in business more than 80 years.
Little Rapids Corporation has combined its Shawano Specialty Papers and Nexxa brands into a single division operating as Rapids Paper + Packaging. The new unit unites speciality paper, flexible packaging, printing and coating capabilities under one structure. Operations in Green Bay and Shawano, Wisconsin continue unchanged.
Why this mattersFolding two brands into one division gives Little Rapids a single route to market across speciality paper, coating and flexible packaging.
- Little Rapids Corporation merged Shawano Specialty Papers and Nexxa into Rapids Paper + Packaging.
- The company has more than 100 years of history in speciality paper and flexible packaging.
- Operations in Green Bay and Shawano, Wisconsin continue unchanged.
- CEO Angie Sheehan said the alignment creates a stronger foundation for sustainability and product development.
South Korea's Global Sea Group said in January 2026 that it had not decided to sell its paper packaging division, comprising Taerim Packaging, Taerim Paper and Jeonju Paper, denying media reports and stating that no advisor had been appointed and that there was no urgency to sell. A full divestment is put at around USD 1.48bn (KRW 2 trillion) and would cut group debt of USD 1.77bn (KRW 2.4 trillion) to roughly USD 295.2m (KRW 400bn). Parent Sae-A Trade built the division by buying Taerim Packaging and Taerim Paper in 2020 and Jeonju Paper in 2023.
Why this mattersA USD 1.48bn disposal would put one of Korea's larger containerboard and corrugated platforms in play, at a scale that would draw regional and financial buyers.
- A rumoured full sale of Global Sea Group's paper division, valued at an estimated USD 1.48bn (KRW 2 trillion), had not been decided as of January 2026 and no advisor had been appointed
- The paper units named in reports are Taerim Packaging, Taerim Paper, Jeonju Paper and Jeonju Won Power
- Group total debt stands at about USD 1.77bn (KRW 2.4 trillion); a sale could reduce it to roughly USD 295.2m (KRW 400bn)
- The paper division posted EBITDA of about USD 147.6m (KRW 200bn) in 2025 and combined annual revenue above USD 1.48bn (KRW 2 trillion)
- Parent Sae-A Trade bought Taerim Packaging and Taerim Paper for USD 553.5m (KRW 750bn) in 2020 and Jeonju Paper for USD 479.7m (KRW 650bn) in 2023 through Taerim Paper subsidiary T&J Investment
- Global Sea Group holds about 20 subsidiaries across apparel, construction and paper, with 2025 group revenue just under USD 5.17bn (KRW 7 trillion)
Sonoco's Orbit vacuum closure has been awarded the Swedish Rheumatism Association's Easy to use certification, following testing by users with reduced hand strength and dexterity. Sonoco is encouraging brand customers using Orbit to display the mark on pack.
Why this mattersThird-party accessibility certification gives brand owners a differentiator for closures aimed at consumers with reduced hand function.
- Sonoco's Orbit vacuum closure has received the Swedish Rheumatism Association's Easy to use certification.
- The certification followed user testing with people of varying hand strength and dexterity.
- Sonoco is encouraging customers using Orbit to display the certification mark on pack.
UK packaging manufacturer Robinson plc said a significant customer contract expiring in December 2026 will not be renewed, removing about GBP 3.3m (USD 4.37m) of annual revenue and GBP 1.0m (USD 1.33m) of annual gross profit contribution. The Board still expects 2026 underlying operating profit in line with market expectations, but without mitigating actions FY2027 profitability is now seen broadly flat versus FY2026. The company retains a wider ongoing relationship with the customer and is pursuing operational initiatives and new business to offset the loss.
Why this mattersLosing USD 1.33m of annual gross profit caps Robinson's FY2027 earnings and shows how a single account exit hits smaller custom converters.
- Contract generated approximately GBP 3.3m (USD 4.37m) of annual revenue
- Contract contributed approximately GBP 1.0m (USD 1.33m) to annual gross profit
- Contract expires end of December 2026 and will not be renewed
- 2026 underlying operating profit still expected in line with market expectations
- FY2027 profitability now seen broadly in line with FY2026, before mitigation benefits
- Robinson employs nearly 400 people across the UK, Poland and Denmark
Südpack Medica opened an expanded production facility at Coulmer, France, on 17 July 2026, a project that at its launch was the largest single investment in the company's history. Construction began with a groundbreaking in September 2023 and has nearly doubled cleanroom space in ISO 7 and ISO 8 classes for sterile barrier systems and primary pharmaceutical packaging.
Why this mattersNear-doubled ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanroom space at Coulmer adds sterile barrier and primary pharma capacity for western European medical customers.
- Official opening took place on 17 July 2026 at the Coulmer site in France.
- At its launch the project was the largest single investment project in Südpack's history.
- Cleanroom production area in ISO 7 and ISO 8 classes was nearly doubled.
- Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on 19 September 2023.
- The plant holds ISO 13485 and ISO 15378 certification for medical devices and GMP primary packaging.
- Output focuses on the MedGuard pouch line and header bags for large medical devices sterilised with ethylene oxide.
Indian polymer products maker Mitsu Chem Plast has added 6,700 tonnes of annual manufacturing capacity since April 2026, taking installed capacity above 36,600 tonnes a year from 29,900 tonnes at the end of FY26. The additions, made in three phases between June and August 2026 at the company's Khalapur facility, were funded through internal accruals and bank borrowings.
Why this mattersA 22 percent capacity increase at below two-thirds utilisation signals the converter is betting on continued demand growth across chemicals, pharma and healthcare packaging.
- Annual capacity added: 6,700 tonnes since April 2026, taking total installed capacity above 36,600 tonnes from 29,900 tonnes at end-FY26
- Capacity added in three phases at the Khalapur facility: approximately 2,550, 3,550 and 600 tonnes per annum
- FY26 capacity utilisation was around 64 percent before the expansion
- Q1 FY27 (June 2026 quarter) EBITDA rose to USD 1.62m (INR 154.9m) from USD 0.52m (INR 50.1m) a year earlier
- Net profit for the quarter increased to USD 0.91m (INR 87.4m) from USD 0.14m (INR 13.1m)
- Company targets annual revenue of USD 104.4m (INR 10bn) by FY28, partly on the new capacity and a planned automated IBC facility
ACG has launched RecycloPod PP Ultra, a polypropylene blister packaging system for pharmaceutical products that combines high moisture and oxygen barrier performance with design for recyclability. The product uses a PP/EVOH/PP forming structure and is aimed at manufacturers preparing for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and increased recyclability requirements.
Why this mattersA mono-material PP blister with full barrier protection could let pharma packers meet PPWR recyclability rules without sacrificing product protection, a longstanding trade-off in blister packs.
- RecycloPod PP Ultra uses a PP/EVOH/PP forming structure paired with a PP lidding film
- Water vapour transmission rate is below 0.60 g/m2 per day
- Oxygen transmission rate is below 0.20 cm3/m2 per day
- The launch introduces ACG's wider 'Pod' family of sustainable packaging solutions
- Development was carried out in collaboration with customers
- ACG cites the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation as a driver of the launch
Viking Drone Packaging has secured a Letter of Recommendation from the UK Vehicle Certification Agency for a crash protected container designed to carry radiopharmaceuticals by drone, the first such approval worldwide. The container passed helicopter drop tests from 400 feet and was developed over more than two years with regulators, the NHS and drone operators; the recommendation feeds into the wider Civil Aviation Authority approval process required before commercial dangerous-goods drone operations can proceed.
Why this mattersA new regulatory pathway for crash-protected drone containers opens a niche packaging category for time-critical medical and hazardous-goods logistics.
- Viking Drone Packaging received a Letter of Recommendation from the UK Vehicle Certification Agency, the first of its kind for a drone-carried radiopharmaceutical container.
- The container was tested with helicopter drop tests from 400 feet onto an unyielding surface.
- Development took more than two years with regulators, NHS stakeholders and drone operators.
- The container is designed for time-critical isotopes such as Gallium-68.
- The VCA expanded its assessment criteria for crash protected containers to cover radioactive materials as a result of the project.
- The recommendation is one input into the wider UK Civil Aviation Authority approval needed before commercial dangerous-goods drone flights.
BASF said its Ultramid B3K polyamide 6 grade is used in the BOOXit reusable transport box, a modular, digitally connected container built to replace single-use cardboard and metal transport containers. The box is manufactured by Polytec Group and is rated for more than 100 use cycles with full recyclability. It will be shown for the first time at the Fakuma 2026 trade fair, where BASF holds a booth.
Why this mattersA durable, high-cycle reusable box aimed at parcel, healthcare and industrial logistics adds competitive pressure on single-use corrugated transport packaging in those channels.
- BOOXit box uses BASF's Ultramid B3K BK00464 polyamide 6 grade, an easy-flow, stabilised injection moulding material.
- The box is manufactured by Polytec Group, a large-part injection moulding specialist.
- Rated lifetime exceeds 100 transport cycles and the box is stated to be 100% recyclable.
- Design is based on a standard 120 x 80 cm pallet footprint with front and top loading and a patented locking mechanism.
- Features include NFC identification, ERP integration, moisture protection and automation compatibility for robotic handling.
- The box will be shown for the first time at BASF's booth at Fakuma 2026.
Portuguese packaging maker Neutroplast has launched NeutroXpress, a service processing orders within 48 hours and delivering standard packaging in five to ten days. The offering targets brands, laboratories and distributors needing shorter lead times for product launches, tests, limited runs or clinical samples, with a minimum order of 5,000 units per reference, colour and order.
Why this mattersFaster standard-format delivery lets brand owners test and launch products without the lead times of custom tooling, a competitive point in dermocosmetics packaging.
- Neutroplast launched NeutroXpress on 24 September 2026
- Orders processed within 48 hours, delivery within five to ten days
- Minimum order of 5,000 units per reference, colour and order
- Neutroplast was founded in 1993 in Sobral de Monte Agraço, Portugal
- Company specialises in packaging for health, wellness, pharmaceutical, dermocosmetics and beauty sectors
- Service targets brands, laboratories, distributors and international groups
Pregis Performance Flexibles has introduced a mono-material metallized polyethylene high-barrier sealant film intended to replace metallized OPP and PET structures used in coffee, snack and pet food packaging. The film is prequalified as store drop-off recyclable through How2Recycle and will be shown at Pack Expo International in Chicago, 18-21 October 2026.
Why this mattersA recyclable substitute for metallized OPP/PET removes a key technical barrier to mono-material specification in high-barrier food packaging, pressured by state-level US EPR fees.
- Pregis introduced a mono-material metallized PE high-barrier sealant film, prequalified as store drop-off recyclable via How2Recycle.
- The film targets coffee, snack, pet food and other high-barrier food categories historically using metallized OPP or PET.
- Pregis will showcase the film and its Performance Flexibles portfolio at Pack Expo International, 18-21 October 2026, McCormick Place, Chicago, booth S-3874.
- The launch marks five years since Pregis introduced an EVOH barrier sealant film for store drop-off recycling.
- Its Anderson, South Carolina blown-film extrusion facility achieved 99 percent waste diversion from landfill in 2024 and 2025.
- US state-level extended producer responsibility programmes are tying fees to recyclability and recycled content, driving the development.
Indian food packaging manufacturer S D International has filed a draft red herring prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Board of India for an IPO comprising a fresh issue of up to 1.30 crore shares and an offer-for-sale of up to 35 lakh shares by a promoter. No price band or rupee value has been disclosed. Proceeds from the fresh issue will fund debt repayment, equipment purchases and general corporate purposes.
Why this mattersA listing would give a regional rigid food-packaging converter public-market capital to cut debt and add equipment, a route smaller Indian packagers increasingly use to fund expansion.
- Offer comprises a fresh issue of up to 1.30 crore (13 million) equity shares
- Offer-for-sale of up to 35 lakh (3.5 million) equity shares by a promoter
- Total offer size is up to 1.65 crore (16.5 million) shares
- Draft red herring prospectus filed with SEBI on Monday
- Fresh-issue proceeds earmarked for debt repayment, equipment purchases and general corporate purposes
- Company is based in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, and makes semi-rigid and rigid food packaging
The NEXTLOOPP consortium, with Turkish film producer Süper Film and Brückner Maschinenbau, has completed pilot-line trials processing food-grade recycled polypropylene into biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film under standard commercial conditions. The trial reached 20 percent recycled content in a five-layer coextruded film without film breaks, using feedstock from Mexican recycler Alcamare. The consortium's next step is a trial at full commercial production speed on a Süper Film production line.
Why this mattersBOPP has had no food-grade recycling route until now, giving converters and brand owners a path to meet EU PPWR recycled-content mandates.
- Trial achieved 20% total recycled content in a five-layer coextruded BOPP film of around 25 microns
- The pilot line ran with no film breaks and only minor adjustment to standard process parameters
- Tensile strength was about 10% lower than a 100% virgin reference roll but remained within specification
- Feedstock was food-grade recycled PP from Mexican recycler Alcamare, sourced from a single, tightly controlled stream
- Trials were run on Brückner Maschinenbau's BAL pilot line after laboratory extrusion and KARO stretcher tests
- Next step is a trial at full commercial BOPP production speed on a Süper Film production line
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen has appointed Christoph Burkhard as Chief Financial Officer, effective 1 October 2026, succeeding Volker Herdin who retires on 30 September 2026. Burkhard was previously CFO of construction equipment maker Wacker Neuson and, before that, of wind turbine manufacturer Nordex.
Why this mattersHeidelberg's incoming CFO takes responsibility for M&A and investor relations, arriving from finance roles at two listed engineering manufacturers.
- Christoph Burkhard becomes CFO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG effective 1 October 2026
- Volker Herdin retires as CFO on 30 September 2026 after overseeing the handover
- Burkhard was CFO of Wacker Neuson until 31 August 2026
- He previously served as CFO of Nordex in Hamburg
- As CFO he will oversee Finance, Controlling, Investor Relations, M&A, Accounting, Legal, Tax and Information Security
- Burkhard, born 1964, holds a Diplom-Kaufmann from Tübingen and an MSc from the London School of Economics
Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, a Durst Group company, launched the Vanguard Cumberland hyper-productive UV-LED flatbed printer at the Printing United trade show. The machine targets high-volume rigid-substrate production including packaging, signage, displays and decor, and can be paired with the Harpeth Automation System.
Why this mattersAdds a higher-speed rigid flatbed option to Durst's Vanguard line, positioning it against rivals in wide-format printing for packaging and display applications.
- Vanguard Cumberland is a UV-LED flatbed printer unveiled at Printing United on 24 September 2026.
- The printer offers up to three rows of printheads with upgradeable speed and channels.
- It has a 10-litre main ink tank and CMYK plus optional white and varnish configurations.
- Substrates include signage, displays, packaging, decor and industrial applications.
- It can be paired with the Harpeth Automation System.
- Durst's P5 350 Core also made its US debut and the Hasler brand showed the MAGNA digital cutting solution at the same event.
Meiyume has agreed to become the US distributor for Pinard Beauty Pack, a European bottle manufacturer serving the beauty and dermocosmetics sector. The deal pairs Pinard's manufacturing expertise with Meiyume's US market presence and sourcing network, aiming to give beauty brands faster and more secure access to packaging development. No financial terms were disclosed.
Why this mattersThe tie-up gives a European beauty-bottle maker a direct route into the US prestige market without its own local distribution infrastructure.
- Meiyume will distribute Pinard Beauty Pack's bottle solutions in the United States.
- Pinard Beauty Pack manufactures bottles for the beauty and dermocosmetics markets in Europe.
- Meiyume offers a broader portfolio of packaging technologies and its Beauty Intelligence Platform for market insights.
- The agreement was announced 25 September 2026.
- No financial terms of the distribution agreement were disclosed.
Cardiff Canning has installed a second production line after taking an equity investment from UKSE, a Tata Steel subsidiary, lifting annual capacity to 35 million cans for the UK ready-to-drink market. To house the USD 530,000 (GBP 400,000) line the contract canner has taken the adjacent unit at Freemans Park, Cardiff, doubling its floorspace. Turnover is forecast to rise 50% in 2026 and headcount to grow by seven to 30 over three years.
Why this mattersEquity investors are backing small UK contract canners, adding filling capacity for ready-to-drink brands outside the large beverage fillers.
- New line lifts Cardiff Canning's capacity to 35 million cans a year for the UK RTD market
- The canning line cost USD 530,000 (GBP 400,000)
- UKSE, a subsidiary of Tata Steel, can make equity investments of up to USD 1.3m (GBP 1m)
- Turnover is forecast to rise 50% in 2026
- Workforce is projected to grow by seven to 30 within three years
- The firm has doubled its footprint by taking the adjacent unit at Freemans Park, Cardiff
TGW International, a machine knife and blade maker owned by Edge Industrial Technologies, has invested US$1.5 million in modern equipment at its Indore, India manufacturing site and applied for a licence to make two million knives to serve demand from India and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The company, which entered India in 2010, says the Indore plant's output has grown from 60,000 blades in its first year to 8.3 million finished blades by the end of 2025.
Why this mattersRising tooling investment signals continued growth in flexible packaging and label converting capacity in India, a key market for machinery and consumables suppliers.
- TGW International invested US$1.5 million in modern equipment at its Indore facility
- The company has applied for a licence to manufacture two million knives
- Indore output grew from 60,000 blades in its first year to 8.3 million finished blades by end-2025
- TGW entered India in 2010 and began local manufacturing in 2011
- Parent group Edge Industrial Technologies plans to unify its brands under the Edge identity from 2027
South Korean prosecutors have raided seven domestic chemical companies and summoned suspects for questioning over alleged collusion to fix prices on eight petrochemical products, among them PVC, plasticizers, caustic soda and hydrochloric acid. The investigation now reaches back to 2021, widening the sales base against which any sanction would be set. Industry officials say fines booked as operating expenses would deepen losses in a sector already expected to swing to a third-quarter deficit, and some firms are weighing leniency applications.
Why this mattersAny large fines land on the PVC and plasticizer suppliers that packaging converters buy from, in a sector already loss-making and cutting investment.
- Prosecutors raided seven South Korean chemical companies last month and have since summoned suspects for questioning; the companies are not named in the report.
- Alleged collusion covers eight products including PVC, plasticizers, caustic soda and hydrochloric acid.
- The probe has been extended back to 2021, potentially widening the scale of relevant sales and sanctions.
- Prosecutors are examining whether naphtha supply instability caused by the Middle East war was exploited for illicit gains.
- As sector context, analyst consensus for LG Chem's Q3 operating profit is about USD 137m (KRW 186.5bn), against USD 442m (KRW 599.6bn) in Q2.
- Lotte Chemical, also cited as sector context, is expected to post a Q3 operating loss of about USD 105m (KRW 142.5bn), against a USD 81m (KRW 110.1bn) profit in Q2.
Brazil's Chamber of Foreign Trade has concluded an anti-dumping probe and imposed definitive five-year duties on PET resin imports from Vietnam and Malaysia. Vietnamese exporters face USD 160.87 per tonne, while Malaysian exporters face USD 24.28 per tonne for one named company and USD 116.50 per tonne for others. The case was brought by domestic producers Indorama Ventures Polímeros and Alpek Polyester Pernambuco.
Why this mattersHigher landed costs for imported PET resin raise input costs for Brazilian bottle and rigid-packaging converters and support domestic resin producers' pricing.
- CAMEX Resolution No. 958 took effect on publication in Brazil's Official Gazette on 4 September 2026.
- Duties apply for up to five years to PET resin with intrinsic viscosity 0.78-0.88 dl/g, HS code 3907.61.00.
- Vietnamese exporters face a duty of USD 160.87 per tonne.
- Malaysian exporters face USD 24.28 per tonne for one named company and USD 116.50 per tonne for all others.
- The case was filed on 31 October 2024 by Indorama Ventures Polímeros S.A. and Alpek Polyester Pernambuco.
- The investigation period covered July 2023 to June 2024.
Circular Action Alliance, the producer responsibility organisation running California's SB 54 packaging extended producer responsibility scheme, has submitted a draft programme plan to CalRecycle setting a five-year composting capital and operating budget of USD 508m, a figure CAA says will be reduced. The plan, which runs to more than 300 pages, covers 21 material categories eligible to be labelled compostable and leaves fee treatment for materials that are both recyclable and compostable still to be set. The final plan is due to CalRecycle in October 2026.
Why this mattersHow California's producer organisation prices and reimburses compostable packaging will set the economics of composting as an end-of-life route for the largest US EPR scheme.
- CAA's draft California EPR plan sets a five-year Composting Capital and Operating budget of USD 508m, which CAA says will be reduced.
- SB 54 requires all packaging and single-use plastic food serviceware sold in California to be recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2032.
- CAA estimates over 1 million tons of compostables entered California's waste stream in 2024.
- 21 covered material categories on CalRecycle's list are eligible to be labelled compostable; 10 of those are both compostable and recyclable.
- SB 54 requires the producer responsibility organisation to return USD 500m a year to California for plastic pollution mitigation from 2027 to 2037.
- The final programme plan is due to CalRecycle in October 2026, after a public comment period that closed in mid-August.
Circular Services is scaling up a pilot of Greyparrot's Analyzer AI camera-sorting software at its Sunset Park materials recovery facility in Brooklyn, first installed in the first quarter of 2026. Greyparrot's monitoring found 89% of aluminium passing through the site is recoverable, equivalent to about 91,000 cans a day. The two companies plan joint projects this autumn that could extend the technology across Circular Services' 38-facility network.
Why this mattersAI-based sorting could lift aluminium can recovery rates from decades-low levels, improving feedstock supply for can makers reliant on recycled metal.
- Circular Services installed Greyparrot's Analyzer AI at its Sunset Park MRF in Brooklyn in Q1 2026, its first such deployment.
- Greyparrot's monitoring found 89% of aluminium at the facility is recoverable, about 91,000 cans per day.
- Circular Services operates a portfolio of 38 MRFs; the pilot could expand across the network.
- Greyparrot raised a $27m Series B round in July 2026 led by investor Omar Mir.
- Greyparrot says its systems have identified over $2.5bn in recoverable value across client MRFs as of July 2026.
France and Italy, with Germany seen as a likely supporter, are reported to be preparing to ask the European Commission to examine safeguard measures on PET imports. No formal Commission investigation has yet been launched. The move follows earlier EU anti-dumping duties on Chinese PET and a separate probe into Vietnamese material that closed without measures.
Why this mattersA new safeguard probe would add to years of EU trade actions on PET resin, a core input for bottles and rigid packaging, affecting import costs and sourcing.
- France and Italy are reported to be preparing a request to the European Commission on PET safeguard measures
- Germany is seen as likely to support the initiative
- No formal Commission investigation has yet been announced
- The EU has previously imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese PET
- A separate EU anti-dumping investigation into Vietnamese PET ended without measures
Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department will process all locally recovered waste paper at a new facility at EcoPark, Tuen Mun, from 1 October 2026, ending the territory's reliance on paper waste exports. The facility, operating since 27 July 2026, widens accepted grades beyond cardboard, newspaper and office paper to mixed paper, and is expected to lift annual recovery volumes from over 500,000 to 720,000 tonnes.
Why this mattersA shift from exported to locally pulped recovered fibre changes the recycled-fibre supply chain that regional paperboard and fibre packaging producers depend on.
- The modernised pulping facility at EcoPark, Tuen Mun, began operating on 27 July 2026 and takes over all local waste paper processing from 1 October 2026
- Annual recovery volume is set to rise from over 500,000 tonnes to 720,000 tonnes
- Accepted recyclable paper grades widen from cardboard, newspaper and office paper to mixed paper including bags, packaging boxes and wrapping paper
- The Designated Purchasing Price paid to collectors has risen from USD 153 (HKD 1,200) per tonne in July 2026 to USD 165.16 (HKD 1,295.51) per tonne
- The facility recorded a single-day intake of 1,608 tonnes this month, 4% above last year's daily average
- The existing export-supporting collection contract will end, though recyclers may still arrange exports independently
The Foodservice Packaging Association has asked PackUK to clarify how a proposed 25 parts-per-billion PFAS threshold in the 2027 Recyclability Assessment Methodology will be evidenced and applied. The draft rule would give any food packaging exceeding the threshold for an individual or total PFAS an automatic red rating, tighter than the EU's PPWR limits. The association questions whether chemical-content criteria should override recyclability outcomes for packaging that can otherwise be collected, sorted and reprocessed, and says it will keep working with PackUK on the issue.
Why this mattersA stricter UK PFAS threshold than the EU's could force separate compliance and testing regimes for foodservice packaging producers selling into both markets.
- RAM 2027 sets a 25 parts-per-billion threshold for any individual or total PFAS, triggering an automatic red rating.
- EU PPWR sets 25 ppb for an individual targeted PFAS and 250 ppb for the sum of targeted PFAS, plus a separate 50 ppm limit including polymeric PFAS.
- The FPA is seeking clarity on what evidence (supplier declarations, technical specifications, test reports) will be accepted to demonstrate compliance.
- The association questions whether chemical and food-contact compliance criteria should determine a recyclability rating.
- The FPA says it will continue working with PackUK on the issue.
Five members of the US Congress have written to the Office of the US Trade Representative asking it to address imports of virgin and recycled PET within its Section 301 investigations into global excess capacity. The letter cites the loss of more than a quarter of US PET recycling capacity in the past 12 months, with seven of about 30 domestic reclaimers closing, and calls for targeted trade remedies and stronger import traceability rules.
Why this mattersTrade action on PET and rPET imports would reshape feedstock economics for US bottle and packaging recyclers and their brand-owner customers.
- Reps. Nick Langworthy, Mike Ezell, Diana Harshbarger, Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Jefferson Shreve sent the letter to USTR earlier in September 2026
- More than one-fourth of US PET recycling capacity has been lost in the past 12 months
- Seven of approximately 30 domestic PET reclaimers have closed, later reduced to six after Niagara Bottling acquired rPlanet Earth's assets in May 2026 and said it would reopen the facility
- Letter asks USTR to examine Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Thailand and South Korea over PET manufacturing overcapacity
- Cites HTS subheadings 3907.61, 3907.69 and 3907.99.50 as candidates for trade remedies
- European Union has already imposed definitive antidumping duties on PET imports and Canada has opened its own dumping and subsidy probes into PET resin
The Federation of German Food and Drink Industries (BVE) has called on the European Commission to simplify the planned implementing act for the PPWR producer register under Article 44. The association proposes a binding EU-wide core dataset for packaging and wants national registers to draw duplicate data from existing EPR organisations rather than requiring separate reporting.
Why this mattersIf adopted, a harmonised EU core dataset would cut duplicate reporting for packaging producers filing across multiple member states.
- BVE represents the Federation of German Food and Drink Industries
- The European Commission's draft implementing act covers producer registers under PPWR Article 44
- BVE proposes a binding European core dataset covering packaging components, material categories and weights
- BVE wants a single point of entry for centrally managed master data across member states
- BVE calls for EPR organisations to supply quantity and material data instead of duplicate producer-register reporting
- BVE seeks EU-wide binding definitions for composite materials, coatings, labels and closures
The Marygold Companies' subsidiary Gourmet Foods has agreed to sell its Printstock Products business unit, a digital printer of custom food packaging based in Napier, New Zealand, to local private investment firm TAG Investments Limited. The all-cash asset sale is valued at a minimum of USD 1.39m (NZD 2.45m), with final proceeds set at closing, and completion is expected around 20 November 2026.
Why this mattersThe disposal removes a small packaging converter from a diversified US holding group refocusing on financial services, leaving Printstock under new local ownership.
- Deal value is at least USD 1.39m (NZD 2.45m) cash, structured as an asset sale
- Buyer is TAG Investments Limited, a New Zealand-based private investment firm
- Printstock, based in Napier, New Zealand, is a digital printer of custom food packaging distributed mainly in New Zealand
- Completion is expected on or about 20 November 2026, subject to due diligence and lease assignment
- Gourmet Foods acquired Printstock in 2020 to print packaging for its own food products during the pandemic
- Marygold says financial services now account for more than half of its consolidated revenues
Canada's retaliatory tariff list, effective 8 September 2026, covers USD 19.5bn (CAD 27.6bn) of US goods and sets a 50% rate on polyethylene bags, plastic tableware and other plastic household articles. The move mirrors a US 50% tariff on about USD 20bn of Canadian goods under Section 338, in effect since late August, exposing roughly 20% of the USD 15bn two-way US-Canada plastics trade.
Why this mattersThe tariff pair forces Canadian buyers of US plastic packaging to absorb 50% duties or re-source outside the US, redirecting trade flows and adding cost pressure across the plastics supply chain.
- Canada's counter-tariff list, effective 8 September 2026, covers USD 19.5bn (CAD 27.6bn) of US goods at 15%, 25% or 50%.
- Polyethylene bags (HS 3923.21.90), plastic tableware and kitchenware (HS 3924.10.00) and other plastic household articles (HS 3924.90.00) face the top 50% rate.
- The US applies a matching 50% tariff under Section 338 to about USD 20bn of Canadian goods, in effect since late August, including goods meeting USMCA rules.
- Rabobank estimates about 20% of the roughly USD 15bn two-way US-Canada plastics trade is exposed to the US tariff.
- Moulds for plastic, metal and rubber products face a 15% rate.
- US plastic resin producer prices rose about 11% from April to May 2026, then fell about 10% by August; plastic bag prices remained 6% above year-earlier levels in August.
A domestic petitioner has filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions against corrugated pizza boxes imported from China, Malaysia and Turkey, alleging unfair subsidies and below-market pricing. The US Commerce Department has 20 days to decide whether to open formal investigations, with the US International Trade Commission due to issue a preliminary injury determination within 45 days.
Why this mattersA finding for the petitioner could restrict or add duties on three major sources of corrugated food-service packaging into the US market, reshaping sourcing for fibre packaging buyers.
- Petitions cover corrugated food service boxes (pizza boxes) under HTSUS subheading 4819.10.0020.
- Countries named: China, Malaysia and Turkey.
- US Commerce Department must decide within 20 days whether to formally initiate the investigations.
- USITC must reach a preliminary material injury determination within 45 days.
- Both antidumping (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) allegations have been filed.
China's national standards body has published a draft revision of GB/T 17876, the standard for plastic tamper-evident bottle caps, introducing a quantified limit on the gap between seal failure and tamper-ring breakage. The move follows a consumer incident in April 2026 in which some caps leaked liquid before the tamper ring broke, and sets a maximum angle difference (B-L) of 40 degrees for non-carbonated caps, with industry sources saying some producers already achieve tighter margins.
Why this mattersA tighter national safety standard for tamper-evident closures could force cap redesigns and added inspection costs across China's bottled beverage and dairy supply chain.
- Draft revision of GB/T 17876 sets a maximum B-L angle of 40 degrees for non-carbonated caps, limiting the gap between seal failure (L) and tamper-ring breakage (B)
- The incident prompting the review occurred in April 2026, when caps were shown to leak liquid before the tamper ring visibly broke
- The prior 2010 version of the standard regulated sealing performance and tamper-evidence separately without defining their sequence
- Industry sources say some products on the market already achieve B-L of minus 50 degrees or better, meaning the tamper ring breaks well before the seal fails
- A fully protective standard would require B-L of 0 degrees or less, so the tamper ring breaks at or before seal failure
- The draft revision is open for public consultation
India's food safety regulator FSSAI has told the Supreme Court it will require red front-of-pack warning symbols on packaged foods and drinks whenever just one of salt, sugar or fat exceeds set thresholds, tightening an earlier draft that required two nutrients to breach limits before a warning was triggered. FSSAI said it will finalise the labelling regulations within about four months, after which industry gets 365 days of voluntary implementation before mandatory compliance; it also proposed moving artificial-sweetener warnings from the back to the front of pack.
Why this mattersA stricter, single-phase warning-label regime forces widescale front-of-pack redesigns across India's packaged food and drinks sector, work that falls on label printers, converters and brand owners.
- FSSAI will require a red warning hexagon when a single nutrient (salt, sugar or fat) exceeds threshold levels, tightening an earlier two-nutrient trigger.
- The court filing, dated 23 September 2026, was made to the Supreme Court of India.
- FSSAI expects to issue and finalise the labelling regulations in around four months.
- Industry will have a 365-day voluntary implementation period before mandatory compliance begins.
- FSSAI proposed moving the artificial-sweetener warning "CONTAIN NON CALORIC SWEETENER" from the back panel to the front of pack.
- India's packaged food and drinks industry is valued at about USD 100bn.
