Gerresheimer has postponed publication of its audited 2025 annual and consolidated financial statements from 31 March to June, citing ongoing external audit probes into business transactions in 2024 and 2025. The delay is set to trigger the packaging maker's removal from Deutsche Boerse's SDAX index, and Germany's BaFin has opened an audit of interim statements covering 1 December 2024 to 31 May 2025, citing concrete evidence of accounting violations. Q1 results, originally due 16 April, and the annual general meeting, set for 3 June, have also been postponed.
Why this mattersProlonged accounting probes forcing a results delay and index exclusion raise financing and governance risk for a core pharma and medical device packaging supplier.
- Audited 2025 annual and consolidated results, previously due by 31 March, postponed to June
- The delay is set to trigger Gerresheimer's removal from Deutsche Boerse's SDAX index
- BaFin has opened an audit of interim statements from 1 December 2024 to 31 May 2025, citing concrete evidence of accounting violations
- Q1 results, originally scheduled for 16 April, postponed with no new date given
- Annual general meeting, originally set for 3 June, postponed
- Gerresheimer shares down about 28% year-to-date, after a 61% decline in 2025
Australasian label and packaging converter Labelmakers has bought an HP Indigo 200K Digital Press and an ABG Digicon Series 3 finishing machine through distributor Currie Group at the LOUPE Americas trade show. The press is Labelmakers' third HP wide-web digital purchase via Currie Group and its 15th digital machine, to be installed at its newly built Arndell Park facility in Sydney. An existing HP Indigo 6800 press will be redeployed to another Australian site so digital capability is available at every plant.
Why this mattersThe purchase shows converters shifting label work from flexo toward wide-web digital to serve shorter runs and personalised FMCG campaigns.
- Labelmakers bought an HP Indigo 200K Digital Press and a custom 430mm ABG Digicon Series 3 finishing machine
- The press is Labelmakers' 15th digital machine and third HP wide-web digital press bought via Currie Group
- The new Arndell Park facility in Sydney adds close to 13,000 square metres of capacity for folding carton, blister foil and pressure-sensitive label production
- An existing HP Indigo 6800 press will be relocated within Australia so every manufacturing site has digital capability
- The deal was announced at the LOUPE Americas trade show
- No purchase price was disclosed
Probeco, a Danish label producer, is installing a third HP Indigo 6K+ digital press together with two finishing units from ABG, citing rising demand and growth. The equipment is supplied via Swedish distributor Visutech, with the new press due to be installed in early October 2026.
Why this mattersA further digital press order from a small Nordic converter shows label demand firm enough to justify capacity additions rather than consolidation.
- Probeco is adding a third HP Indigo 6K+ digital label press.
- Two finishing solutions from ABG are being installed alongside the press.
- The equipment is supplied by Swedish distributor Visutech.
- Installation of the new press is scheduled for early October 2026.
- The investment follows a period of increased demand and growth for Probeco.
Nippon Paper Industries held JPY 842.2bn (USD 5.37bn) of interest-bearing debt at end June 2026, a level flagged as a financial health concern, with a net debt to equity ratio of 1.2x. The group is pursuing asset sales and exits from unprofitable businesses to reduce leverage, compounded by earthquake damage and the halted US Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant following a fatal May 2026 chemical tank collapse.
Why this mattersA core paperboard producer's forced asset sales and business exits could reshape supply and ownership across its packaging and forestry portfolio.
- Interest-bearing debt stood at JPY 842.2bn (USD 5.37bn) as of end June 2026.
- Net debt to equity ratio was 1.2x versus own capital and 1.74x versus shareholders' capital as of end March 2026.
- The company is pursuing asset sales and exit from unprofitable businesses as part of restructuring.
- US subsidiary Nippon Dynawave Packaging's paperboard plant has been halted since a chemical tank collapse in May 2026 that killed 11 and injured 8.
- The group has also been affected by earthquake damage.
Essity is reportedly preparing to launch a bidding process for its Consumer Tissue division, with a separate listing of the unit as an alternative under review. Management is said to be working on deal preparations ahead of a formal process, according to reports cited by the source; no timetable or valuation has been reported. The review follows volume and pricing pressure in lower and mid-tier tissue products.
Why this mattersA sale or listing would take tissue volumes out of Essity's portfolio and put a large European consumer tissue business in play for trade and financial buyers.
- Essity is reportedly preparing a bidding process for its Consumer Tissue division
- Separating Consumer Tissue into a newly listed company is one option under review
- Management is said to be working on deal preparations ahead of a formal process
- The report cites volume and pricing pressure in lower and mid-tier tissue products
- No timetable or valuation for a sale or listing has been reported
Mayr-Melnhof's MM Board & Paper division will raise prices across its entire carton board range by EUR 75 per tonne from October 2026. The increase covers GD grades, liner and fresh-fibre board, and the company cites energy, logistics and chemicals costs that remain well above historical levels. Implementation details are to be discussed with customers in the coming weeks.
Why this mattersA sector-wide carton board increase signals sustained cost pressure on European converters and may feed through to packaging prices for food and consumer goods brands.
- Price increase of EUR 75 per tonne takes effect from October 2026
- Applies to the entire carton board range, including GD, liner and fresh-fibre board
- MM cites energy, logistics and chemicals costs well above historical levels, with high volatility since March 2026
- Implementation details to be discussed with customers in the coming weeks
The European Commission has approved M&G Investment Management and Arini Capital Management taking joint control of Italian cardboard maker Reno de Medici, currently controlled by Apollo Management. The deal was cleared under the simplified merger review procedure after regulators found no overlap in the companies' markets.
Why this mattersOwnership of a listed European recycled-cardboard producer moves from a private-equity sponsor to asset managers, a shift readers tracking consolidation in fibre packaging should note.
- European Commission approved the deal on 25 September 2026 under case number M.12612.
- M&G Investment Management and Arini Capital Management, both UK-based, will take joint control of Reno de Medici.
- Reno de Medici is currently controlled by US firm Apollo Management.
- The transaction was cleared under the EU's simplified merger review procedure.
- The Commission found the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets.
- No deal value was disclosed in the Commission statement.
Chinese containerboard maker Jingxing Paper has approved a CNY 215m (USD 32.0m) investment through its wholly owned subsidiary Zhejiang Jingxing Pulp and Paper to build a paper cutting, packaging and logistics trade centre in Zhejiang province. The facility, to take ten months to build, will handle trading of 400,000 tonnes of recycled pulpboard and 100,000 tonnes of virgin wood pulp and provide cutting and packing capacity for 200,000 tonnes of containerboard, supporting the sale in China of the group's overseas recycled pulpboard and containerboard output.
Why this mattersThe hub secures Jingxing's imported pulp supply chain and lets it serve smaller, customised containerboard orders from domestic customers.
- Board approved the project at its first meeting of the ninth session, reported 24 September 2026
- Planned total investment is CNY 215m (USD 32.0m)
- Construction period is expected to be ten months
- Facility targets trading capacity of 400,000 tonnes recycled pulpboard and 100,000 tonnes virgin wood pulp, plus cutting and packaging of 200,000 tonnes of containerboard
- Projected annual revenue is CNY 2bn (USD 298.1m) with annual pre-tax profit of CNY 60.5m (USD 9.0m)
- Static payback period is 4.56 years pre-tax and 5.28 years post-tax
Graphic Packaging has launched a transportation and logistics initiative under its Better, Every Day sustainability strategy, aiming to cut emissions through carrier selection, transport mode shifts, alternative fuels and network optimisation. Pilots include eight renewable natural gas trucks on the Chicago-Kalamazoo corridor in the US and electric trucks in Portland, Oregon and in the UK East Midlands to North East corridor.
Why this mattersFibre packaging producers face rising scrutiny of scope 3 transport emissions, and carrier and fuel pilots test options other converters may later adopt.
- Eight renewable natural gas trucks deployed on the Chicago-Kalamazoo corridor in the US.
- Two electric trucks piloted on short-haul routes in Portland.
- Two electric heavy goods vehicles piloted between the East Midlands and North East in the UK.
- Initiative targets carrier selection, transport mode shifts, alternative fuels and network optimisation.
- Aims to reduce empty miles and increase trailer utilisation.
- Initiative sits under Graphic Packaging's Better, Every Day sustainability strategy.
Hinojosa Packaging Group has developed a compostable nursery pot made from cellulose with a 100% bio coating, in partnership with sustainable-nursery specialist Cuidatree. The plastic-free pot is designed to be buried at planting and fully biodegrade in the soil, and will be shown at Fruit Attraction 2026 in Madrid from 6 to 8 October.
Why this mattersPlastic-free, biodegradable nursery pots offer growers a compostable alternative as EU pressure on single-use plastics in agriculture intensifies.
- Hinojosa developed the biodegradable pot jointly with Cuidatree, a specialist in sustainable nursery alternatives.
- The pot is made of cellulose with a 100% bio coating and contains no plastic.
- Trials showed the pot maintains structural stability for up to seven months under normal nursery conditions.
- The pot is designed to be buried at planting and fully biocomposts into the soil.
- The product will be presented at Fruit Attraction 2026 in Madrid, stand 9D27, from 6 to 8 October 2026.
- It joins Hinojosa's existing range of agricultural trays and punnets for fruit and vegetable protection and marketing.
PT Lami Packaging (LamiPak) Indonesia has launched a pilot programme collecting used aseptic beverage cartons from 20 schools in Cikande sub-district, Serang, as a first step toward a national recycling chain. The Ministry of Industry puts annual Indonesian aseptic carton use at over 9 billion packs, equivalent to about 45,000 to 50,000 tonnes of recyclable material, with demand rising partly on the back of the government free milk distribution programme. Indonesia extended producer responsibility rules currently cover food and beverage producers but not yet packaging makers.
Why this mattersAs government-driven milk demand pushes up aseptic carton volumes, converters face pressure to build collection infrastructure ahead of likely recycled-content or EPR rules for packaging makers.
- LamiPak pilot collection programme covers 20 schools in Cikande sub-district, Serang district.
- Indonesia uses over 9 billion aseptic carton packs a year, equivalent to about 45,000 to 50,000 tonnes of material, per the Ministry of Industry.
- National aseptic packaging demand is reported at about 50,000 tonnes a year, driven partly by the government free nutritious meal Makan Bergizi Gratis programme.
- Indonesia EPR rules currently apply to food and beverage producers but not yet to packaging producers, per the Ministry of Environment.
- Food and beverage industry GDP grew 6.77 percent in Q2 2026, according to the Ministry of Industry.
- LamiPak director Hangbiao Li said the collection chain needs involvement of multiple stakeholders, from sorting through to processing and recycling.
Körber's Pharma packaging materials unit has won the Platinum Award at the European Carton Excellence Awards 2026 for its Lumi-Barrier solution. The carton-based packaging offers near-complete UV and visible-light protection for light-sensitive pharmaceuticals without aluminium composites or laminate structures, with performance validated by the Fraunhofer Institute.
Why this mattersA validated carton-only light barrier could let pharma packagers cut aluminium and laminate use while meeting light-protection specifications.
- Lumi-Barrier won the Platinum Award at the European Carton Excellence Awards 2026
- The packaging is carton-based and provides near-complete UV and visible-light protection for light-sensitive pharmaceuticals
- Körber states the design avoids aluminium composites or complex laminate structures
- Performance was independently validated by the Fraunhofer Institute
- Körber Pharma Packaging Materials AG is based in Allschwil, Switzerland
- The solution is positioned to replace existing aluminium pouch, laminate or secondary packaging concepts
Italian corrugated packaging converter Saico Srl has placed its first order for a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EVOL 100 flexo folder gluer, to be installed at its Perugia plant in January 2027. The order follows an executive delegation visit to MHI's Mihara manufacturing facility in Japan and marks the tenth EVOL line installed in Italy.
Why this mattersThe order extends MHI's EVOL installed base in Italy's corrugated converting sector, a market where high-speed flexo folder gluer capacity underpins high-mix, low-volume production.
- Saico Srl has ordered its first Mitsubishi Heavy Industries EVOL 100 flexo folder gluer
- Installation is scheduled for Saico's Perugia, Italy plant in January 2027
- This is the tenth EVOL line installed in the Italian market
- Saico, founded in 1971, is an independent Italian corrugated packaging manufacturer
- A Saico executive delegation toured MHI's Mihara, Japan manufacturing facility ahead of the order
A patented pizza box using a curved blank, developed in the UK and manufactured by Turkish corrugated producer Ankutsan, has entered customer trials with two pizza chains and a wholesaler. Its developer says the format requires around 10% less corrugated board than a conventional square pizza box while retaining strength, printability and stickability.
Why this mattersA material-reduction redesign at the box-blank stage could cut fibre use and EPR fees across a high-volume food-service packaging category.
- The patented curved blank uses around 10% less corrugated board than a conventional square pizza box, according to its developer
- The box was developed in the UK and is manufactured by Turkish corrugated packaging producer Ankutsan
- It is being trialled by two pizza chains and a wholesaler
- The developer says lower board weight could cut production energy, transport emissions and EPR costs
- EcoCurve was a finalist at London Packaging Week 2026 and the PAPA Industry Awards 2026
UK carton printer R Howard Carton-Pro has installed a Koenig & Bauer Rapida 105 press alongside an Allpro 110 folder gluer, reporting a capacity increase of up to 45 per cent. The Allpro 110 runs at speeds up to 25,000 pieces per hour on complex six-corner cartons, replacing an older folder gluer.
Why this mattersIllustrates carton converters using automated make-ready and colour control to cut waste and add capacity without new floor space.
- R Howard Carton-Pro is based in Peterborough, UK
- Managing director David Braun estimates capacity has risen by up to 45 per cent
- The Rapida 105 is a seven-colour plus coater combi press configured for UV and conventional inking
- The Allpro 110 folder gluer runs up to 25,000 pieces per hour on four- and six-corner cartons
- Make-ready waste has fallen to good copy within 150 sheets
- The Allpro 110 replaced an ageing Signature-brand folder gluer
UPM-Kymmene is due to complete the partial demerger of its plywood business, WISA Group Plc, on 31 October 2026, with WISA shares scheduled to begin trading on Nasdaq Helsinki on 2 November 2026. Continuing operations reported second-quarter 2026 comparable EBIT of EUR 212m, up 71% year on year, on revenue of EUR 2.355bn, with the comparable EBITDA margin at 15.1% against 10.7% a year earlier. First-half operating cash flow was EUR 225m and net debt EUR 3.313bn.
Why this mattersSeparating plywood leaves UPM's remaining businesses to be valued on their own, at a point when continuing-operations margins have already widened by more than four points.
- Partial demerger of WISA Group Plc from UPM-Kymmene is targeted for completion on 31 October 2026
- WISA shares are scheduled to begin trading on Nasdaq Helsinki on 2 November 2026
- Comparable EBIT for continuing operations rose 71% year on year to EUR 212m in Q2 2026
- Q2 2026 continuing-operations revenue was EUR 2.355bn
- Comparable EBITDA margin improved to 15.1% from 10.7% a year earlier
- H1 2026 operating cash flow was EUR 225m and net debt EUR 3.313bn
A peer-reviewed study of 2015-2022 traceability data finds that 71.45% of recorded deforestation across concessions held by Indonesia's three dominant pulp exporters falls outside the classification used to attribute deforestation directly to wood-pulp production. The exporters covered are Sinar Mas, APRIL (Royal Golden Eagle) and trading house Marubeni, which together control about 96% of Indonesia's pulp capacity. The authors say the gap could raise evidentiary burdens for these groups under the EU Deforestation Regulation.
Why this mattersWider due-diligence gaps in pulp sourcing raise compliance risk under the EU Deforestation Regulation for paper and fibre packaging buyers reliant on Indonesian pulp.
- Sinar Mas, APRIL and Marubeni together control approximately 96% of Indonesia's pulp production capacity and exported 37.19 million tonnes of pulp worth USD 19.69bn between 2015 and 2022.
- Of 359,900 hectares of recorded annual deforestation across traced concessions, only 28.55% (102,765 hectares) was classified as directly linked to wood-pulp production, leaving 71.45% (257,135 hectares) as unclassified 'shadow risk'.
- Sinar Mas exported 18.44 million tonnes (USD 10.30bn) of pulp with 41,697 hectares of deforestation exposure and about 556.7 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in concession-related emissions.
- APRIL exported 15.89 million tonnes (USD 7.86bn) with 34,464 hectares of deforestation exposure and 133.9 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in emissions.
- Sinar Mas's emissions intensity was 30.19 tonnes of CO2-equivalent per tonne of pulp, above the sector benchmark of 22.23, versus 8.43 for APRIL.
- Marubeni, exporting 2.86 million tonnes, showed no recorded deforestation exposure or concession-related emissions within the study's analytical boundary.
Borregaard has signed three new bilateral multicurrency revolving credit facility agreements totalling NOK 1,500m (USD 157.8m), one each with Danske Bank, DNB Bank and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken. The facilities, which carry margins linked to sustainability targets, replace an existing NOK 1,500m revolving credit line maturing in 2027 and run for five years with two one-year extension options.
Why this mattersThe refinancing extends Borregaard's debt maturity profile and liquidity backstop, supporting stated growth investment plans while tying financing cost to emissions and safety performance.
- Total facility size NOK 1,500m (USD 157.8m), split evenly across three banks at NOK 500m each
- Lenders are Danske Bank, DNB Bank ASA and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB acted as documentation coordinator)
- Facilities have five-year tenors with two one-year extension options
- Margins adjust based on Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction, total recordable injuries and organic compound emissions to the Glomma river
- Facilities replace an existing NOK 1,500m revolving credit line due to mature in 2027
- Agreements signed 28 September 2026, for general corporate purposes
The federal lawsuit between Georgia-Pacific and Four Rivers, Taylor County's largest private landowner, over the Fenholloway River pipeline serving the former Foley Cellulose mill has ended, according to a report published on 25 September 2026. A separate challenge by the Taylor County commission to the mill's state wastewater discharge permit is on hold and could head toward a negotiated resolution.
Why this mattersResolving the dispute removes a legal overhang tied to wastewater disposal at a closed pulp mill, a recurring liability for former mill sites.
- The federal lawsuit between Georgia-Pacific and Four Rivers over the Fenholloway River pipeline has ended, reported 25 September 2026
- Four Rivers is Taylor County's largest private landowner
- The dispute centred on the pipeline tied to the former Foley Cellulose mill in Taylor County, Florida
- The Taylor County commission's separate challenge to the mill's state wastewater discharge permit is on hold
- That challenge could head toward a negotiated resolution, according to the report
Germany's Bundeskartellamt has cleared Ball Corporation's acquisition of an 80% stake and sole control of Benepack Belgium N.V. and Benepack Hungary KFT, both beverage can manufacturers, within the standard one-month review period. The regulator found no significant risk of coordinated or unilateral competitive harm and no material price-increase incentive for Ball in the concentrated European beverage can market.
Why this mattersThe clearance signals German antitrust tolerance for further consolidation in an already concentrated European beverage can market.
- Bundeskartellamt cleared Ball Corporation's indirect acquisition of 80% of Benepack Belgium N.V. and Benepack Hungary KFT.
- The deal grants Ball sole control of both Benepack entities.
- Clearance came within the standard one-month review period.
- Benepack manufactures and distributes beverage cans in Europe.
- The regulator examined supply flows, market shares, capacity and competitive proximity between Ball and Benepack.
- The authority found no significant price-increase incentive for Ball and no special competitive strength attributable to Benepack.
O-I Glass, Verallia and Verescence have each commissioned a hybrid furnace in France in 2026, according to the Federation of Glass Industries, giving the country the largest hybrid furnace base in Europe's container glass sector. O-I Glass installed its unit at Veauche, alongside Verallia's furnace at Saint-Romain-le-Puy and Verescence's at Mers-les-Bains; some sites have cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 64%.
Why this mattersHybrid retrofits let glassmakers cut emissions on ageing furnaces without the capital cost of full electrification, a template others may follow at their next rebuild.
- O-I Glass commissioned a hybrid furnace at its Veauche site in France in 2026
- Verallia commissioned a hybrid furnace at Saint-Romain-le-Puy and Verescence at Mers-les-Bains in 2026
- Some hybrid furnace sites have cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 64%, per the Federation of Glass Industries
- France runs 17 glass factories and 13 processing centres employing nearly 7,000 workers
- France has more than 150 decarbonisation and innovation projects under way across its glass sector
- 40% of glass food packaging used in France is now imported, up from 20% two decades ago
Vidrala has merged its two Portuguese container glass plants, formerly Gallo Vidro and Santos Barosa, into a single operating brand, Vidrala Marinha. The combined site in Marinha Grande employs 900 people and produces 2.6 billion glass containers a year, with shared production, logistics and fleet.
Why this mattersConsolidating separate legacy brands into one operating identity signals Vidrala is streamlining regional structures to cut duplication and present a unified offer to customers.
- Vidrala Marinha combines the former Gallo Vidro and Santos Barosa plants in Marinha Grande, Portugal
- The two sites become Vidrala Marinha Norte and Vidrala Marinha Sul respectively
- Combined workforce totals 900 employees
- Annual production capacity is 2.6 billion glass containers
- Victor Tolosa is Vidrala's general manager for Europe
Adherex Group, a Cleveland-based packaging and adhesion solutions provider, has acquired Polymer Packaging, a North Canton, Ohio-based maker of flexible, bakery and protective packaging. The deal adds engineered film expertise, distribution operations and manufacturing capacity to Adherex's platform; financial terms were not disclosed. Polymer Packaging will continue operating from its existing Ohio and Michigan facilities under the same teams.
Why this mattersThe deal adds another mid-market flexible packaging converter to a fast-consolidating US segment of distributors and specialty manufacturers.
- Adherex Group acquired Polymer Packaging, Inc., announced 28 September 2026.
- Polymer Packaging was founded in 1986 in North Canton, Ohio.
- Polymer serves bakery, food, industrial and specialty manufacturing customers nationwide.
- Polymer's operations span flexible and bakery packaging distribution and in-house protective packaging manufacturing.
- Polymer will keep operating from its North Canton, Ohio and Allendale, Michigan facilities with existing teams.
- Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Greiner Packaging has introduced a thermoformed monomaterial polypropylene cup decorated with in-mould labelling, which the company says requires 25% less material than comparable existing products. The launch extends Greiner's range of recyclable rigid plastic packaging.
Why this mattersA 25% cut in material on a monomaterial PP cup lowers resin cost per unit and eases recyclability compliance for dairy and chilled-food fillers.
- Greiner Packaging is based in Kremsmünster, Austria.
- The cup is thermoformed from polypropylene and decorated using in-mould labelling.
- Greiner says the process uses 25% less material than comparable products.
- The product is monomaterial, aiding recyclability.
SPHERE has obtained validation from the Science Based Targets initiative for its climate goals, committing to cut direct and energy-related emissions by 58.8% and value-chain emissions by 35% by 2034. The group says roughly 98% of its carbon footprint arises from raw materials, transport and end-of-life treatment rather than its own factories.
Why this mattersExternal validation of emissions targets gives brand-owner customers a verifiable benchmark as EU sustainability disclosure and recycled-content rules tighten.
- SPHERE has committed to cut direct and energy emissions by 58.8% and value-chain emissions by 35% by 2034
- SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) has validated the targets
- About 98% of the group's carbon footprint stems from raw materials, transport and end-of-life treatment, not its factories
- More than half of materials used by the group come from recycled sources
- Its Zaragoza (Pedrola) site in Spain processes over 42,000 tonnes of material a year for recycling
- The Pedrola plant runs on 100% renewable electricity and has solar capacity covering about 15% of daily plant energy use
Aptar Pharma has started a three-year research collaboration with Macquarie University in Sydney to study delivery of high-dose dry powder biologic therapies. The project, backed by an Australian Research Council Linkage Project grant, will use Aptar's Orbital dry powder inhaler platform to test how formulation choices affect aerosol performance for large biologic molecules.
Why this mattersAcademic validation of the Orbital platform for large-molecule biologics could support Aptar's push into pulmonary delivery as drugmakers seek alternatives to injectables.
- Three-year programme titled Unlocking the Potential of Dry Powder Carriers for Biologic Applications, ARC grant reference LP250100089
- Funded jointly by the Australian Research Council Linkage Project scheme and industry partners
- Research uses Aptar Pharma's Orbital dry powder inhaler platform for high-payload dry powder formulations
- Study will examine how formulation variables affect aerosol performance on the Orbital platform
Klöckner Pentaplast has signed a capacity reservation agreement with Avantium to secure future access to the plant-based polyester PEF, ahead of construction of licensed production plants that do not yet exist. The film maker plans to evaluate the material, branded Releaf, for thermoformed food trays, with no volumes or delivery date disclosed.
Why this mattersA reservation with a not-yet-built supply chain signals early positioning for bio-based PEF in food packaging, but commercial availability remains years away and unconfirmed.
- Klöckner Pentaplast has signed a capacity reservation agreement with Avantium for the plant-based polyester PEF.
- The agreement gives kp access to future PEF volumes from industrial plants that Avantium's licensees are set to build.
- No plants currently exist; Avantium plans to licence its PEF technology to manufacturers globally.
- Avantium has not disclosed the volume or duration of the reservation.
- kp intends to test the material, branded Releaf, in thermoformed food trays for fresh and ready-made food.
- Delivery depends on the material meeting technical, regulatory and commercial requirements, according to Avantium.
American Packaging Corporation is presenting three new flexible packaging technologies at PACK EXPO International, each designed to keep premium finishes and functions within recyclable, all-polyethylene mono-material structures. The range covers a matte-finish film, an integrated tear feature and a dispensing valve for pouches, aimed at personal care and household liquid packaging.
Why this mattersThe launch shows flexible packaging suppliers shifting effort toward matching laminate-level premium features within single-polymer, recyclable structures as EPR fees penalise non-recyclable formats.
- American Packaging Corporation is showing three technologies at PACK EXPO International: Matte Luxe, LinearEdge and ValvPak.
- Matte Luxe delivers a matte finish in an all-polyethylene structure, replacing laminated multi-polymer constructions typically used for that effect.
- LinearEdge builds a controlled tear into a mono-material polyethylene film using machine direction orientation, removing laser scoring or perforation steps.
- ValvPak is a patented dispensing valve for pouches offering one-handed dispensing and automatic reseal, using less plastic than pouches with rigid fitments.
- The company says the structures are recyclable where collection facilities exist.
- American Packaging Corporation, founded in 1902, is family-owned and runs six US facilities with about 1,400 staff.
Soudronic has developed GreenPeel, a three-piece can concept for food and pet food that replaces the conventional welded side seam with a directly sealed peel-off foil. The prototype is being introduced to canmakers and fillers, with Soudronic developing a production system capable of speeds up to 750 cans per minute.
Why this mattersA weld-free seam could simplify canmaking lines and change material specifications for three-piece food cans if adopted commercially.
- GreenPeel replaces the conventional welded side seam with a directly sealed peel-off foil.
- The concept targets three-piece cans for food and pet food.
- Soudronic is developing a production system for the format.
- The line is designed to run at speeds of up to 750 cans per minute.
TNA Solutions has secured an order for a second potato chip production and packaging line from Mohammed Riaz & Partner, operator of the Muscat Chips brand in Oman. The order follows an earlier 300kg/hour integrated line supplied for the company's greenfield snack plant, with expansion capacity built into the original factory design. No financial terms were disclosed.
Why this mattersThe repeat order shows a machinery supplier converting a single integrated-line win into a factory-wide expansion, a template for growth in emerging snack markets.
- Mohammed Riaz & Partner has ordered a second potato chip line from TNA Solutions in Oman
- The first line, rated at 300kg per hour, supports 24 SKUs and covers preparation through vertical form fill and seal packaging
- Packaging output on the first line reaches up to 120 pillow bags per minute in the 12g format
- The first line also handles 65g packs and multipack configurations
- The original factory design included expansion provision now being used for the second line
- No deal value was disclosed
Smartfill has made freely available the design of the low-cost liquid refill dispenser it developed for the U-Refill pilot in Bangladesh, a project backed by Unilever, the UK's FCDO and EY through the TRANSFORM accelerator. The company says open access will let brands, retailers and local manufacturers adapt and mass-produce the dispensers, lowering unit costs for refill systems aimed at informal retail markets that currently rely on single-use sachets.
Why this mattersOpen-sourcing a low-cost refill dispenser could cut the capital barrier that has confined reuse systems to small pilots, especially in sachet-dominated developing markets.
- Smartfill has open-sourced the dispenser design developed for its U-Refill pilot in Bangladesh
- The pilot was supported by TRANSFORM, an accelerator led by Unilever, the UK's FCDO and EY
- The dispenser is built for low-volume liquid refill in informal retail, as an alternative to multi-layered plastic sachets
- Up to 70% of retail in many developing countries runs through small stores, per the company
- CEO Nevo Hadas says a common design could drive bulk production and cut the unit cost of dispensers
German machinery maker Hastamat has unveiled its VMW (Vertical Multi-lane Wrapper) at Interpack 2026, a multi-lane vertical form-fill-seal machine for single-serving biscuits, snacks, confectionery and granules. The system, which won the German Packaging Award, scales up to 12 lanes at speeds of up to 12,000 products per minute, with format changeovers of five minutes.
Why this mattersTwelve lanes at 12,000 packs per minute with 20% less film raises the throughput benchmark for snack and confectionery baggers.
- VMW reduces floor space requirements by up to 65% versus other manufacturers' solutions
- Film material usage is cut by up to 20%
- The machine scales to 12 parallel lanes, reaching speeds of up to 12,000 products per minute
- Format changeovers take five minutes
- The VMW won the German Packaging Award
- Hastamat is represented in Spain by Comercial Schneider
Wexxar Bel has introduced the BEL 300 XL random case sealer and the IPAK FS100 flanged tray sealer, both targeting secondary packaging of mixed formats. The machines are due to be demonstrated at PACK EXPO International. BEL 300 XL automatically adjusts to varying case dimensions, while IPAK FS100 seals corrugated trays for protein, poultry, agriculture and snacks applications.
Why this mattersAutomated format-adjusting secondary packaging reduces manual changeovers, helping food manufacturers run shorter, more varied production campaigns without added downtime.
- BEL 300 XL automatically detects case dimensions and adjusts for larger mixed formats without manual changeover
- BEL 300 platform handles up to five case sizes simultaneously at up to 25 cases per minute
- IPAK FS100 seals corrugated flanged trays at up to 20 trays per minute
- IPAK FS100 uses servo driven tray advancement and pneumatic active flap folding
- Both machines to be demonstrated at PACK EXPO International
- Target applications include protein, poultry, agriculture and snacks
ECO3 has introduced APOGEE IQ, an expansion of its APOGEE prepress workflow platform that connects business systems such as MIS, ERP and CRM with shop floor equipment and production data. The company says the platform gives print businesses real-time visibility into order status and production progress, addressing fragmented point-to-point integrations common in print operations.
Why this mattersTighter integration between prepress and shop-floor systems reduces manual handling and gives converters better production visibility as print operations grow more complex.
- ECO3 announced APOGEE IQ on 24 September 2026 as the next generation of its APOGEE prepress workflow platform.
- The platform is built around a central integration layer connecting business applications and production systems.
- ECO3 says the system automates information flow between MIS, ERP, eCommerce, CRM, logistics and workflow tools.
- The company positions the launch as extending automated prepress workflows into full print operation integration.
Sharp Services is expanding autoinjector and pen assembly lines and cold storage at its Macungie and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania plants and its Belgium site, building on a previously announced USD 20m investment. New low- and mid-speed lines and 2-8C storage are due online between the fourth quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2028 to support injectable drug programmes from clinical trials through commercial scale.
Why this mattersAdds contract assembly and cold-chain capacity for injectable biologics, giving pharma clients more options to scale devices from trial to commercial volumes.
- Expansion builds on a previously announced USD 20m investment by Sharp
- Macungie, Pennsylvania site adds a 2-devices-per-minute line due online Q1 2027 and a 50-per-minute line due Q1 2028
- Macungie has added two temperature-controlled storage units with over 4,400 pallet locations, occupancy expected Q4 2026
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania site adds a dedicated low-speed line (up to 2 devices per minute) for clinical-to-low-volume commercial programmes, due Q1 2027
- Bethlehem has completed a 2-8C and -20C cold room expansion doubling storage capacity plus a new 2-8C packaging suite
- Belgium site is adding assembly equipment from 2 to 100 devices per minute and a new automatic 2-8C warehouse
Diageo has introduced a security seal on its spirits bottles sold in Brazil that consumers can authenticate using a smartphone. The rollout follows a methanol-contamination crisis in Brazil in late 2025 that caused several deaths and hundreds of illnesses linked to counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
Why this mattersBrand owners are turning to smart authentication on packaging to rebuild consumer trust after fatal counterfeiting incidents in emerging markets.
- Diageo introduced a smartphone-authenticated seal for spirits sold in Brazil
- The measure follows a late-2025 methanol contamination crisis in Brazil
- The contamination caused several deaths and hundreds of illnesses
- The seal lets consumers verify product authenticity via smartphone
Kraft Heinz launched a limited-edition Capri Sun Big Pouch, a refillable and resealable 24-oz format holding about three times the juice of the classic 6-oz pouch, sold empty exclusively through Walmart.com. The USD 6 product was offered in daily drops from 21 to 24 September 2026, with consumer feedback to determine whether the format becomes permanent.
Why this mattersA refillable, zip-sealed scale-up of an iconic single-use pouch format tests whether reuse can be retrofitted into an established flexible-packaging design.
- The Big Pouch has a 24-oz capacity, about three times the classic 6-oz Capri Sun pouch.
- It measures approximately 6.125 in wide by 9.08 in high and is sold empty for USD 6.
- It was sold exclusively on Walmart.com in daily drops from 21 to 24 September 2026.
- The pouch adds a press-to-close zipper for refilling while retaining the metallic look and poke-through straw.
- Kraft Heinz says nearly 80% of recent fan requests on pouch size asked for a larger format.
- A third-party vendor packs the empty pouch and a coupon into a mailer, as the product is not filled through Capri Sun's normal beverage line.
Activist investor Ancora Holdings Group has publicly called on the board of H.B. Fuller, a US specialty adhesives maker, to review strategic alternatives, alleging value-destructive decisions by management. Ancora said it had privately offered to acquire H.B. Fuller's Building Adhesive Solutions segment for cash worth over 40% of the company's current equity value, an offer that was rejected, and it flagged a debt-increasing overseas acquisition and the company's classified board structure.
Why this mattersA forced portfolio review or divestment at a major adhesives supplier could reshape sourcing dynamics and consolidation across the materials tier that packaging converters depend on.
- Ancora Holdings Group sent a public letter dated 24 September 2026 to H.B. Fuller's board demanding a strategic review
- Ancora said it had offered to buy H.B. Fuller's Building Adhesive Solutions segment for cash worth more than 40% of the company's current equity value, an offer it said was rejected
- Ancora cited a roughly 40% stock performance gap between Ashland and H.B. Fuller since 15 May 2026, sourced from FactSet
- Ancora criticised H.B. Fuller's classified board and an overseas acquisition it said increased debt load
- Ancora said it expects H.B. Fuller may offer limited concessions such as non-renomination of long-tenured directors in 2027 or phased board declassification
- Ancora reached a cooperation agreement with Ashland within about one month of engagement, adding two directors to that board
Indian science minister Jitendra Singh formally launched commercial-scale work on bio-based PLA (polylactic acid) plastic led by sugar producer Balrampur Chini Mills, under the government's BioE3 biotechnology programme. A grant of INR 750m (USD 7.8m) from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council is funding a 100 tonnes-per-annum pilot facility for PLA and co-polymers at the company's Kumbhi site in Uttar Pradesh.
Why this mattersState-backed entry of an Indian sugar producer into bio-based PLA signals a new domestic feedstock route for biodegradable packaging polymers, a segment currently dominated by non-Indian suppliers.
- Grant of INR 750m (USD 7.8m) from BIRAC under India's Department of Biotechnology funds the project.
- Pilot facility has capacity of 100 tonnes per annum for PLA and co-polymers.
- Facility to be built at Balrampur Chini Mills' integrated manufacturing complex at Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh.
- Launch took place at the Department of Biotechnology in New Delhi on 24 September 2026.
- Project falls under India's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment) government framework.
- Minister cited India's bioeconomy growth from about USD 10bn in 2014 to nearly USD 195bn.
ENGEL will present the e-motion 380, the first machine in an enhanced all-electric injection moulding series, at Fakuma 2026 in a live demonstration producing in-mould labelled yoghurt cups. The company says the machine matches the speed of hybrid and hydraulic systems while using around 30 per cent less energy, targeting high-volume thin-wall polypropylene food packaging such as dairy cups.
Why this mattersCloses the speed gap between all-electric and hybrid machines in thin-wall moulding, giving converters an energy-cost lever as they weigh line investment for high-volume cup production.
- The e-motion 380 achieves a dry cycle time of as little as 1.2 seconds.
- ENGEL says the all-electric machine consumes around 30 per cent less energy than comparable hybrid or hydraulic machines.
- The new injection unit, with a 70 mm screw diameter, reaches injection speeds up to 500 mm per second.
- The demonstration produces a six-cavity, in-mould labelled yoghurt cup weighing 6.33 grams with a wall thickness of 0.28 mm.
- ENGEL describes the e-motion 380 as the most powerful all-electric machine in its portfolio, with the new clamping unit to be rolled out across the e-motion series.
- The machine is shown at Fakuma 2026, Hall A5, Stand 5203.
H.B. Fuller reaffirmed that its pending acquisition of medical technology group Advanced Medical Solutions is expected to close before the end of 2026, and confirmed plans to cut manufacturing sites from 82 in 2024 to about 62 by year-end, with 55 as the long-term target. The US adhesives maker, which supplies packaging, hygiene and industrial markets, reported fiscal Q3 2026 net revenue up 5.2% to USD 938m and adjusted EBITDA up 9% to USD 187m, with pricing offsetting weaker volumes and raw-material inflation. Full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance was set at USD 655m-670m.
Why this mattersA key adhesives supplier to packaging converters is redirecting capital toward medical technology while cutting its manufacturing footprint by a quarter.
- Pending acquisition of Advanced Medical Solutions expected to close before the end of 2026
- Manufacturing sites to fall from 82 in 2024 to about 62 by end 2026, with a long-term target of 55
- Q3 2026 net revenue rose 5.2% year on year to USD 938m
- Adjusted EBITDA rose 9% to USD 187m, with margin up 80 basis points to 19.9%
- Adjusted EPS rose 21% to USD 1.52
- Fiscal 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance set at USD 655m-670m
Jeonju Paper Corporation has selected Valmet to rebuild the press and predryer sections of paper machine PM 5 at its South Korean mill. The rebuild targets lower steam consumption and improved runnability, with start-up scheduled for autumn 2027. Order value was not disclosed and is included in Valmet's second-quarter 2026 orders received.
Why this mattersThe rebuild extends the life and lowers the energy cost base of an established paper machine rather than adding new capacity, reflecting a trend toward efficiency retrofits over greenfield investment.
- Jeonju Paper Corporation selected Valmet to rebuild the press and predryer sections of paper machine PM 5 in South Korea
- Start-up of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for autumn 2027
- The rebuild aims to lower steam consumption and reduce drying energy use
- Delivery includes a runnability system upgrade and a spare parts package
- Order value was not disclosed
- Order booked in Valmet's orders received for the second quarter of 2026
At a 22 September press conference, GreenDot chief executive Laurent Auguste said France requires around EUR 5bn (USD 5.7bn) of industrial investment to triple domestic plastic recycling capacity and meet PPWR recycled-content mandates of 35% by 2030 and 65% by 2040. GreenDot and Léko called for an overhaul of the household packaging extended producer responsibility system, noting France's recycling rate has stagnated at 26% against EUR 1.5bn already paid in EU penalties for shortfalls.
Why this mattersThe estimate quantifies the capacity gap recycled-content mandates open for polyolefin recyclers and EPR schemes, and signals rising penalty exposure for laggard member states.
- GreenDot CEO Laurent Auguste estimates EUR 5bn (USD 5.7bn) of industrial investment is needed
- PPWR, effective from 12 August 2026, mandates 35% recycled content by 2030 and 65% by 2040
- France's current plastic packaging recycling rate is 26%
- France has paid EUR 1.5bn (USD 1.7bn) in EU penalties for recycling shortfalls
- Closed-loop plastic recycling could yield 2.4 million tonnes a year and generate EUR 3bn (USD 3.4bn) by substituting imported polymers
- GreenDot says France must triple industrial recycling capacity by 2030
Italian recycling machinery maker Sorema has been selected by Romanian recycler Total Recycling to supply a polypropylene recycling line at Timisoara, Romania. The 2 tonnes-per-hour plant, covering sorting through batch hot-washing, is scheduled to start up in mid-2027 and will process polypropylene from Romanian and other EU collection streams.
Why this mattersAdds 2 tonnes-per-hour of dedicated recycled-polypropylene capacity in Romania from mid-2027, feeding converters that must meet EU recycled-content mandates.
- Sorema, part of the Previero Group, will supply the polypropylene recycling line to Total Recycling in Timisoara, Romania.
- The line has a capacity of 2 tonnes per hour.
- Start-up is scheduled for mid-2027.
- The plant will process polypropylene sourced from Romanian and other EU collection streams.
- It is Sorema's first line in Romania dedicated specifically to recycled polypropylene production.
- The process covers sorting through material washing, including a batch hot-washing stage.
Italy has become the first EU member state to invoke a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) provision that allows certain single-use packaging to remain on sale when made from certified compostable plastics, covering fresh produce, condiment portions and some HORECA and hotel packaging. The European Commission has raised doubts about whether Italy has demonstrated adequate composting capacity to handle the exempted packaging, and no other member state has yet followed with an equivalent measure.
Why this mattersItaly's move tests how far the PPWR's single-use plastics phase-out can be diluted through national derogations, a precedent other member states may now weigh.
- Italy is the first of the EU's 27 member states to use a PPWR provision permitting single-use packaging made from certified compostable plastics.
- The measure covers fresh produce packs, condiment portions and some HORECA and hotel packaging.
- The European Commission has questioned whether Italy can demonstrate sufficient composting capacity for the exempted packaging.
- No other EU member state has so far adopted an equivalent derogation, though all 27 are entitled to.
Five US members of Congress have asked US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to fold domestic RPET recycling into Section 301 investigations of foreign plastics overcapacity. They cite the loss of more than a quarter of US PET recycling capacity in the past 12 months, with seven of roughly 30 domestic reclaimers closing, and want trade remedies, tighter traceability of recycled-content claims and stronger enforcement against import misclassification. The request targets alleged excess-capacity practices in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Thailand and South Korea.
Why this mattersCheap, potentially mislabelled imported PET is undercutting US recyclers just as brand owners face rising recycled-content mandates, threatening domestic feedstock supply.
- More than a quarter of US PET recycling capacity has been lost in the past 12 months, with seven of about 30 domestic reclaimers closing
- Feedstock PET bale prices hit an all-time low of 1.44 cents/lb in April 2026, per RecyclingMarkets.Net
- Lawmakers asked USTR to examine excess-capacity practices in Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Thailand and South Korea
- They requested trade remedies on PET imports under HTS subheadings 3907.61, 3907.69 and 3907.99.50
- The EU has anti-dumping duties on PET imports and Canada has opened dumping and subsidy probes into PET resin
- The US is not party to the Basel Convention, limiting export options for domestic recyclers
The Industry Association for Paper and Foil Packaging (IPV) has published a flash survey of member companies one month into the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, finding inconsistent interpretation of rules, blurred producer-manufacturer responsibilities and a surge in customer conformity requests that exceed the regulation's actual text. The association has issued five demands to the European Commission for uniform guidance, standardised conformity proofs and risk-based documentation, warning that compliance workload is diverting resources from sustainable packaging innovation.
Why this mattersUnclear PPWR implementation is adding compliance headcount at converters and diverting spend from packaging development across the European paper and foil supply chain.
- IPV flash survey covers the first month since PPWR implementation.
- IPV identifies four main problems: inconsistent role interpretation, blurred producer/manufacturer distinction, excessive documentation burden, and rising compliance costs.
- Member companies have had to add staff in certification, compliance and sustainability functions.
- IPV has issued five short-term demands to the European Commission, including uniform EU-wide guidelines and standardised conformity proofs.
- IPV managing director Karsten Hunger says the first weeks are a warning signal requiring urgent published examples from authorities.
- Jung Verpackungen managing director Claus Jung says added paperwork diverts staff from developing packaging innovations.
Flexible Packaging Europe's aseptic bag market group ABMA has started a three-year cross-industry project to build a collection and recycling system for industrial aseptic bags, used to transport tomatoes, fruit preparations and juices, ahead of EU PPWR recyclability requirements taking effect on 1 January 2030. Participants include Smurfit Westrock, Aran Group, Goglio, Hansin, Kagome, Kraft Heinz and Tesseraux; ABMA warns that without a recycling system the bags could be barred from the EU market, disrupting supplies of tomato and fruit-based food products.
Why this mattersIf unresolved by 2030, non-recyclable multi-material aseptic bags could be excluded from the EU market, threatening supply continuity for major food processors and their packaging suppliers.
- ABMA represents about 90% of the global industrial aseptic bag market
- Industrial aseptic bags range from 220 litres to 1,600 litres and combine polyethylene with barrier materials such as metallised PET, aluminium foil or polyamide
- PPWR recyclability requirements for packaging placed on the EU market apply from 1 January 2030
- The initiative is a three-year project covering technology qualification, an EPR-compliant collection scheme, Design for Recycling guidelines and recyclate food-contact suitability
- Participating companies are Aran Group, Goglio, Hansin, Kagome, Kraft Heinz, Smurfit Westrock and Tesseraux
US packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in the US rose 4% in August 2026 versus a year earlier, with year-to-date shipments up 5% over the first eight months, the American Forest & Paper Association reported. Unbleached bag and sack shipments hit a record of nearly 119,000 short tons in August, up 8.4% year-to-date, while the bleached packaging papers operating rate reached 91.1%.
Why this mattersRising shipments and operating rates signal firmer US demand for packaging papers, a leading indicator for converters and box makers sourcing from the sector.
- Total US packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments up 4% in August 2026 versus August 2025
- Year-to-date shipments up 5% over the same eight months of 2025
- Unbleached bag and sack shipments hit a record of nearly 119,000 short tons in August, up 8.4% year-to-date
- Bleached packaging papers operating rate reached 91.1%, above 90% for the third time in 2026
- August 2026 inventories up 1% year-on-year, the highest level in 13 months
The FDA has formally declared the four-year albuterol inhalation solution shortage resolved, and US contract manufacturer Ritedose says the sterile blow-fill-seal (BFS) capacity it built during the shortage is now permanent infrastructure. The Columbia, South Carolina-based CDMO added a seventh Syntegon packaging line and a new logistics centre at its Performance Park site, and gained FDA approval in 2025 for a fourth albuterol strength, completing a four-strength product line.
Why this mattersSustained domestic BFS capacity for a critical respiratory drug reduces reliance on diversified or offshore sourcing for US hospital systems.
- FDA declared the albuterol inhalation solution 0.5% shortage, which began in 2022, formally resolved.
- Ritedose installed a seventh Syntegon packaging line as part of its capacity expansion.
- Ritedose commissioned a logistics and distribution centre at its Performance Park site.
- FDA approved Ritedose's 2.5 mg/0.5 mL concentrated albuterol dosage in 2025, completing a four-strength portfolio.
- Ritedose describes itself as the largest US manufacturer of BFS products.
- The US albuterol patient base exceeds 26 million, including about 7 million paediatric asthma patients.
