Antalis S.A.S., a subsidiary of Kokusai Pulp & Paper Group Holdings, has agreed to acquire nine Papyrus Group companies in Switzerland, Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic states, plus German paper wholesale assets, from Optigroup. The acquired business generated sales of about EUR 215m in fiscal 2025 and serves more than 13,000 customers, with the undisclosed price below 15 percent of Kokusai Pulp & Paper's consolidated net assets as of end-March 2026. Closing is expected between 20 December 2026 and 31 March 2027, subject to antitrust clearance in several European countries.
Why this mattersAdds roughly EUR 215m of sales and 13,000 customers to Antalis while Optigroup exits Swiss, CEE and Baltic paper wholesale, leaving fewer independent distributors in those markets.
- Acquired business recorded sales of approximately EUR 215m in fiscal year 2025.
- Customer base of the acquired business exceeds 13,000.
- Nine companies in Switzerland, CEE and the Baltics are being acquired via full share purchase, plus German wholesale paper assets.
- Deal price is undisclosed but under 15 percent of Kokusai Pulp & Paper's consolidated net assets as of 31 March 2026.
- Closing is expected between 20 December 2026 and 31 March 2027.
- The sale requires antitrust approval in some European countries.
Magnera has commissioned a new five-layer blown film production line at its Dombuhl, Germany plant to expand European manufacturing capacity. Commissioning began in August 2026, with commercial production expected to start in October 2026. The line will produce lightweight, elastic films for personal care and healthcare applications, with flexibility for customised structures.
Why this mattersEuropean five-layer capacity lets Magnera supply customised elastic films to hygiene and healthcare converters without importing from outside the region.
- Line commissioned at Magnera's Dombuhl, Germany site.
- Commissioning started in August 2026.
- Commercial production expected to start in October 2026.
- Line produces five-layer, lightweight, elastic films for personal care and healthcare applications.
- Structures can be customised for specific customer requirements.
Mondi has created a multicolour digital-printed packaging design on unbleached brown paper for the launch of Kärcher's S 4 Twin Go!Further sweeper. The solution uses computer-to-print technology with an optional white underprint to reproduce Kärcher's brand colour accurately on brown stock while signalling the product's recycled plastic content.
Why this mattersDigital printing on unbleached paper lets brand owners show recycled content visually while meeting colour-fidelity needs without printing plates.
- Mondi developed multicolour digital printing with optional white underprint on brown, unbleached paper for Kärcher's S 4 Twin Go!Further sweeper
- Kärcher states the sweeper's plastic components contain 30 percent recycled material
- The packaging uses computer-to-print technology, removing the need for printing plates in demand-driven production
- Water-based inks used are approved for primary packaging by Swiss Quality Testing Services (SQTS)
- Janis Walker, Lead Buyer Packaging at Kärcher, described Mondi as a long-standing partner on the project
The bankruptcy court handling the Chapter 11 of Bestwall, the entity Georgia-Pacific created by a Texas two-step divisional merger to hold its asbestos liabilities, denied a motion to appoint a trustee on 26 August 2026, and a parallel motion for an examiner was withdrawn shortly afterwards. Bestwall has alluded to a prospective settlement. Claimants had petitioned the Supreme Court on 20 February 2026, arguing that use of Chapter 11 by a solvent debtor is unconstitutional.
Why this mattersKeeping control of the case leaves Georgia-Pacific's divisional-merger structure intact, a reference point for other industrial groups seeking to isolate legacy asbestos liabilities in bankruptcy.
- The motion to appoint a trustee for Bestwall was denied on 26 August 2026.
- A motion to appoint an examiner was withdrawn shortly after that ruling.
- Bestwall has alluded to a prospective settlement, according to the report.
- Claimants sought certiorari from the Supreme Court on 20 February 2026, arguing Chapter 11 is not available to solvent debtors.
- Bestwall filed Chapter 11 in the Western District of North Carolina on 2 November 2017 after Georgia-Pacific used a Texas two-step.
- A Fourth Circuit panel earlier denied, 2-1, the claimants' subject-matter jurisdiction challenge.
Crown Holdings is proceeding with a USD 100m (BRL 500m) expansion of its Ponta Grossa aluminium can plant in Parana, Brazil, adding a third high-speed line that lifts the site's capacity from 2.4bn to 3.6bn cans a year. Ponta Grossa's planning institute Iplan and Crown signed a compromise agreement on 1 September 2026 under the project's neighbourhood impact study, published in the municipal gazette on 17 September, following an installation licence granted on 18 February 2026. Crown announced the project in May 2025 and says the expanded plant will become its largest can operation in Brazil.
Why this mattersA 1.2bn-can addition makes Ponta Grossa Crown's largest Brazilian plant, tightening competition for beverage filler contracts in southern Brazil.
- Investment estimated at USD 100m (BRL 500m).
- Site capacity rises from 2.4bn to 3.6bn cans a year, an increase of about 50%, or 1.2bn units.
- Compromise agreement with Ponta Grossa's Iplan institute signed 1 September 2026, published in the municipal gazette on 17 September 2026.
- Instituto Agua e Terra granted the installation licence for the expansion on 18 February 2026.
- The project is expected to create more than 300 direct and indirect jobs; licensing documents cited about 350.
- Crown Holdings announced the third line in May 2025 to serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage demand in southern Brazil.
East India Drums & Barrels Manufacturing has secured an additional order worth USD 0.93m (INR 89.7m) from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited for the supply of 93,750 drums. The win takes cumulative orders received from HPCL to USD 9.62m (INR 926.8m).
Why this mattersRepeat drum orders from a major Indian oil refiner signal steady demand from the petroleum sector for metal packaging capacity in India.
- The new order is worth USD 0.93m (INR 89.7m), precisely INR 89,716,875.
- The order covers 93,750 drum units.
- The customer is Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, a state-run oil major.
- Cumulative orders received from HPCL now total USD 9.62m (INR 926,823,862.10).
India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies initiated an antidumping investigation on 30 September 2026 into imports of PET film from Bangladesh, China, Thailand and the United States, on a petition from domestic producers Chiripal Poly Films, Ester Industries and Vacmet India. The probe covers biaxially-oriented PET film of 8 to 100 microns used in flexible packaging, labels, insulation and tapes, with solar-panel grade excluded. The DGTR says it found prima facie evidence of dumping and injury, with margins above de minimis for all four countries.
Why this mattersDuties across four origins would raise landed costs for Indian converters buying imported BOPET and shield domestic film makers' prices in a market already carrying global oversupply.
- DGTR initiated the antidumping investigation on 30 September 2026.
- Petition filed by Chiripal Poly Films, Ester Industries and Vacmet India.
- Scope covers biaxially-oriented PET film of 8 to 100 microns; solar-panel grade is excluded.
- Imports from Bangladesh, China, Thailand and the United States are under investigation.
- DGTR found dumping margins above de minimis for all four countries at ex-factory comparison.
- Normal value for Bangladesh, Thailand and the US was constructed from production costs, expenses and profit.
Colombia's Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has confirmed that scientific evidence submitted for polyethylene films and bags using Symphony Environmental's d2w masterbatch satisfies the statutory requirements of Article 34 of Law 2232 of 2022 and Article 19 of Resolution 0803 of 2024. The confirmation, obtained by Colombian converter E.H.G. Color Plast, lets it market d2w-treated films and bags as a biodegradable alternative rather than face prohibition under Colombia's single-use plastics framework; three other manufacturers have pending applications based on the same evidence.
Why this mattersA national regulatory pathway for biodegradable additive technology in commodity PE films and bags could open a route to market for converters otherwise facing a single-use plastics ban.
- Colombia's Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development accepted scientific evidence for d2w technology in polyethylene films and bags.
- The evidence, submitted by converter E.H.G. Color Plast, was based on ASTM D6954 testing by ISO 17025-accredited Intertek.
- The confirmation references Article 34 of Law 2232 of 2022 and Article 19 of Resolution 0803 of 2024.
- It follows a similar Ministry acceptance for d2w in polypropylene drinking straws announced on 22 September 2026.
- Three other manufacturers co-funded the Intertek report and have applications pending Ministry evaluation.
- Symphony announced ten further independent d2w studies on 28 September 2026, reporting 98.7% aerobic and 91.06% anaerobic biodegradation with no toxicity or microplastics found.
Shilp Gravures' board has approved a INR 67.1m (USD 0.70m) capital expenditure to build a new gravure cylinder plant in Karnataka, India. The facility will add over 18,000 cylinders a year to the company's existing 94,000-unit Gujarat capacity, a rise of about 19.15%, funded entirely from internal accruals. Operations are targeted to start during the Indian financial year 2026-27.
Why this mattersAn extra 18,000 cylinders a year from 2026-27 points to sustained rotogravure demand among flexible packaging converters in southern India.
- Capital expenditure approved: INR 67.1m (USD 0.70m), split INR 57.1m for plant and machinery and INR 10m for setup costs
- New Karnataka facility adds over 18,000 gravure cylinders a year
- Existing capacity is approximately 94,000 cylinders a year at Rakanpur, Gujarat
- Combined capacity rises to over 112,000 cylinders a year, an increase of about 19.15%
- Funding is 100% from internal accruals
- Operations are targeted to begin in financial year 2026-27
PolyCert Europe has launched PolyCert Food, a certification scheme verifying that recycled plastics used in food-contact packaging comply with EU Regulation 2022/1616. The scheme is built on the ISO/IEC 17065 framework and is issued by independent accredited certification bodies on a three-year cycle, starting with an on-site audit and followed by ongoing surveillance. It extends the consortium's recycled-content certification work, under way since its establishment in 2020, into one of the most regulated parts of the plastics value chain.
Why this mattersA harmonised certification route reduces compliance uncertainty for converters and brand owners seeking to use recycled resin in food packaging under EU rules.
- PolyCert Europe, a certification consortium founded in 2020, has introduced PolyCert Food, a new scheme for recycled plastics used in food-contact applications.
- The scheme verifies compliance with EU Regulation 2022/1616 on recycled plastic materials intended to come into contact with food.
- Certification is built on the ISO/IEC 17065 framework and issued by independent accredited bodies with proven technical competence in plastics.
- The certification runs on a three-year cycle, starting with an on-site audit and followed by ongoing surveillance.
- Jan Laperre, president of PolyCert Europe, said the scheme gives the industry a trusted, harmonised way to verify food safety of recycled plastics.
Italy's parliament gave final approval on 1 October 2026 to a decree converting Decree-Law No. 143 into law, introducing compostability requirements for specific single-use plastic packaging categories under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The rules cover packaging for pre-packed fresh produce under 1.5 kg, food-service items for on-site consumption, single-use condiment packs and certain cosmetics and hygiene flexible packaging in hospitality. Non-compliant packaging faces fines of EUR 2,500 to 25,000 from 1 January 2030.
Why this mattersA national compostability mandate under PPWR's optional provisions could force converters and brand owners supplying Italy's fresh produce and food-service sectors to reformulate single-use plastic packaging ahead of 2030 enforcement.
- Decree-Law No. 143 of 7 August 2026 entered into force on 8 August 2026 and was converted into law by the Chamber of Deputies on 1 October 2026
- The measure adds Article 226-quinquies to Legislative Decree No. 152/2006, Italy's environmental code
- Covered packaging must be certified compostable under UNI EN 13432 or an equivalent EU-recognised standard
- Categories include packaging for pre-packed fresh fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg, food-service items for on-premises consumption, single-use condiment packs, and certain flexible cosmetics/hygiene packaging for hospitality
- Administrative fines for violations range from EUR 2,500 to EUR 25,000, with possible increases in specified cases
- The sanctions regime takes effect from 1 January 2030, with transitional provisions pending European Commission guidance under the PPWR
Small and medium Brazilian packaging producers have had to demonstrate a minimum 22% post-consumer recycled plastic content in their products since July 2026, with fines ranging from USD 10,000 (BRL 50,000) to USD 10m (BRL 50m) for non-compliance. The rule requires traceability and documentation on the origin of the recycled material, adding cost on top of resin price rises of up to 80% since February for PP, PE and PVC.
Why this mattersSmaller converters face compliance costs for traceability just as virgin and recycled resin prices surge, squeezing margins across Brazil's packaging supply chain.
- Minimum 22% post-consumer recycled plastic content required in packaging since July 2026.
- Fines run from USD 10,000 (BRL 50,000) to USD 10m (BRL 50m) for non-compliance.
- The rule requires traceability and documentation of the recycled material's origin.
- PP, PE and PVC resin prices have risen by up to 80% since February 2026.
South Korea's environment ministry will require roughly 144,000 qualifying apartment buildings to separate milk, juice and soy-milk cartons from general paper waste, with voluntary rollout from October 2026 becoming mandatory on 1 January 2027. The government has also signed a public-private agreement with carton producers and recyclers to build a closed-loop system turning collected cartons back into pulp for new cartons and recycled products.
Why this mattersA dedicated collection stream for high-grade carton pulp could lift recycling rates and recovered-fibre quality for aseptic and gable-top carton makers operating in Korea.
- Mandate covers apartment complexes of 300 or more households under the Housing Management Act enforcement decree
- Voluntary separate collection begins across about 144,000 building units from October 2026
- Mandatory separate collection for carton packaging starts 1 January 2027
- Government signed a 'Closed Loop' public-private agreement with carton producers and recyclers
- Rules distinguish standard cartons (milk, juice) from aseptic cartons with aluminium-foil layers (soy milk, some beverages)
- Residents must empty, rinse, flatten and dry cartons before depositing them separately from general paper
China's revised national standard for recycled pulp took effect on 1 October 2026, banning the use of discarded household or medical paper as feedstock and adding mandatory sterilisation and heavy-metal testing. The rules give customs a technical basis to inspect imports, affecting a market that relies heavily on imported recycled fibre to supply its paper and packaging industry.
Why this mattersTighter sourcing and hygiene rules for recycled pulp entering China could restrict or raise the cost of fibre supply for the world's largest paper and packaging market.
- The revised Recycled Pulp national standard took effect on 1 October 2026.
- The standard bans use of discarded household paper and medical paper as feedstock.
- Only sorted and classified waste paper, board and paper products may be used as raw material.
- New definitions are added for dry-process and wet-process recycled pulp production.
- A sterilisation step is introduced with limits on bacteria, fungi and pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
- ICP-MS testing is added for heavy-metal detection, alongside a hydraulic-pulping method for contaminant measurement.
UK retailer Co-op is expanding coffee pod drop-off points with recycling scheme Podback to more than 200 stores across southwest England and south Wales, following a 30-store pilot launched in November 2025. The trial collected 8 tonnes of used pods, equivalent to over 500,000 units, which Podback's UK reprocessors recover for plastics and aluminium while grounds are converted to biogas and soil improver.
Why this mattersScaling from 30 to more than 200 stores builds dedicated UK drop-off capacity for a hard-to-recycle format, recovering aluminium, plastic and coffee grounds through separate routes.
- Co-op expands Podback coffee pod recycling to more than 200 stores, up from a 30-store pilot
- New stores are located across southwest England and south Wales
- The pilot launched in November 2025
- The pilot collected 8 tonnes of used coffee pods, equivalent to more than 500,000 pods
- Podback recovers plastics and aluminium from pods for UK reprocessors
- Coffee grounds from the pods are converted into biogas and an agricultural soil improver
