EPL Ltd and Indovida India Pvt Ltd have signed definitive agreements to merge their flexible and rigid PET packaging businesses, creating a platform with about USD 1 billion in combined revenue valued at USD 2 billion. Indorama Ventures, Indovida's backer, will become the largest shareholder with 51.8 per cent, while Blackstone, EPL's backer, will hold 16.6 per cent. The deal has board approval and still needs regulatory and shareholder clearances.
Why this mattersThe combination consolidates flexible and rigid PET packaging under one emerging-markets platform, giving Indorama Ventures a controlling packaging stake alongside its resin business.
- Combined group valued at USD 2 billion, with EPL valued at USD 1.2 billion and Indovida at USD 0.7 billion
- Merged entity expected to generate about USD 1 billion in revenue
- Indorama Ventures will hold 51.8 per cent of the merged company and become a promoter
- Blackstone will hold 16.6 per cent
- Indorama Ventures bought a 24.9 per cent stake in EPL in May 2025
- EPL Managing Director and Global CEO Hemant Bakshi will lead the combined entity, with Indovida CEO Sunil Marwah reporting to him
Nippon Paper has developed a prototype process to recycle used beverage paper cartons back into base paper for new cartons, which it describes as Japan's first horizontal recycling loop of this kind. The system pulps collected cartons at its Fuji plant, turns the pulp into carton board, and feeds it through subsidiary Nippon Paper Liquid Package Product for conversion and filling on an NS-FUJI aseptic line. The prototype will be shown at TOKYO PACK2026 in Tokyo on 14-16 October 2026.
Why this mattersA working carton-to-carton loop could lift recovery of used beverage cartons beyond the current 38.9% rate and cut reliance on virgin pulp for carton board.
- Nippon Paper has created Japan's first prototype for 'Pack to Pack' horizontal recycling of beverage cartons into carton raw material
- Japan's beverage carton collection rate was 38.9% in fiscal 2024 against an industry target of 50%, per the 2026 carton recycling annual report
- Used cartons are pulped at Nippon Paper's Fuji plant recycling facility dedicated to food and beverage paper containers
- Pulp is made into carton base paper at a Nippon Paper mill, converted into cartons by subsidiary Nippon Paper Liquid Package Product, and filled on the NS-FUJI aseptic filling machine
- Nippon Paper previously recycled most collected carton waste paper into tissue and toilet paper rather than back into cartons
- The prototype will be exhibited at TOKYO PACK2026 at Tokyo Big Sight from 14 to 16 October 2026 as part of the company's PakUpcycle project
South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment began a voluntary separate-discharge scheme for paper packs such as milk cartons from October 2026 across 144,000 apartment complexes subject to mandatory waste management, ahead of a compulsory separation rule planned for next year. A cooperation agreement signed 21 September 2026 commits dairy producers, recyclers including Hansol Paper and Ssangyong C&B, and pack manufacturers to share recovery, sorting and recycling costs and improve pack recyclability. South Korea's paper pack recovery rate had fallen to 13% in 2023 from 19.9% in 2019.
Why this mattersA cost-sharing recycling scheme could improve feedstock quality for paper-pack recyclers and may foreshadow wider producer-responsibility rules in Korean packaging.
- Voluntary separate discharge of paper packs began October 2026 across 144,000 mandatory-management apartment complexes in South Korea.
- Mandatory separation of paper packs is planned for apartments from next year.
- Cooperation agreement signed 21 September 2026 between the environment ministry, dairy producers Seoul Milk and Maeil Dairy, recyclers Hansol Paper and Ssangyong C&B, pack manufacturers and the Korea Packaging Recycling Business Mutual Aid Association.
- Signatories share recovery, sorting and recycling costs, while manufacturers are to develop more easily recyclable pack designs.
- South Korea's paper pack recovery and recycling rate fell from 19.9% in 2019 to 13% in 2023.
- A guideline change removes the prior exception allowing disposal in paper bins where no dedicated collection box exists.
Loparex has promoted Anthony Woods to Chief Commercial Officer, giving him oversight of the release liner maker's global commercial organisation. Woods joined Loparex in 2020 and most recently served as Head of Market and Technology, having previously spent 15 years at ICI and AkzoNobel.
Why this mattersCommercial responsibility across Loparex's global release liner business passes to its former head of market and technology, concentrating account and product strategy under one role.
- Loparex announced the appointment of Anthony Woods as Chief Commercial Officer on 5 October 2026
- Woods will oversee Loparex's global commercial organisation
- He joined Loparex in 2020 as Market Director of the Graphic and Label business
- He most recently held the role of Head of Market and Technology at Loparex
- He previously spent 15 years at ICI and AkzoNobel, including six years in Industrial Wood Finishes and Adhesives leadership
- He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge
Supremex has launched a restructuring plan to eliminate about 60 positions, roughly 6% of its workforce, targeting $5.7m in annualised cost savings. The Montreal-based envelope and paper packaging maker separately estimates tariffs are costing it $10.0m to $12.0m a year in operating earnings, net of mitigation measures taken so far. The plan includes consolidating folding carton production from Saint-Laurent, Quebec into its Lachine facility and aligning its Canadian and US envelope networks; full run-rate savings are expected by the first quarter of 2027, with a restructuring charge of about $1.8m to be booked in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Why this mattersTariffs costing $10-12m a year are forcing a Canadian envelope and carton maker to shrink its network, a cost path exposed cross-border converters will follow.
- Supremex to cut approximately 60 positions, about 6% of its workforce
- Restructuring targets $5.7m in annualised cost savings, full run-rate by Q1 2027
- Estimated net tariff impact of $10.0m to $12.0m annually, net of mitigation to date
- Restructuring charge of approximately $1.8m expected to be booked in Q4 2026
- Folding carton production to move from Saint-Laurent, Quebec to Lachine, Quebec flagship facility
- Benefits of the plan expected to begin materialising in Q4 2026
Tetra Pak has launched an Ice Cream Wrap made from up to 85% FSC-certified or controlled-source paper, aimed at a format long dominated by plastic and foil. A phased European rollout is planned from the fourth quarter of 2026, with the product currently in validation trials with producers including Sweden's Triumf Glass ahead of wider commercialisation and expansion into other markets.
Why this mattersA paper-based wrap for ice cream, if adopted at scale, extends fibre substitution into a cold-chain category long reliant on plastic and foil films.
- Tetra Pak's Ice Cream Wrap uses up to 85% paper from FSC-certified or controlled sources
- Phased European rollout scheduled for Q4 2026, with expansion into other markets to follow
- Product is in validation trials with European producers including Sweden's Triumf Glass
- A cited survey finds 24% of consumers globally rate packaging sustainability important for ice cream, 16% prefer paper packaging
Papelera de Oiartzun, part of Spain's CL Grupo Industrial, has acquired the production assets of insolvent paper manufacturer Papresa and assumed selected insolvency claims and liabilities. The former Papresa site in Errenteria continues to produce newsprint and containerboard under the new owner.
Why this mattersConsolidates Spanish newsprint and containerboard capacity under CL Grupo Industrial, keeping the Errenteria mill operating rather than closing.
- Papelera de Oiartzun acquired the production assets of insolvent manufacturer Papresa.
- Papelera de Oiartzun assumed selected insolvency claims and liabilities as part of the deal.
- Papelera de Oiartzun is part of Spain's CL Grupo Industrial.
- The former Papresa site is located in Errenteria, Spain.
- The mill continues to produce newsprint and containerboard after the acquisition.
Huhtamaki has unveiled Push Tab, a mono-material PET blister lid for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, developed with partner Kloeckner Pentaplast. The lid replaces traditional multi-material, aluminium-containing push-through blister lidding and runs on existing blister lines without modification. Huhtamaki cites 2021 European healthcare packaging sales of EUR 1.4 billion, about half of it blister packaging.
Why this mattersA drop-in mono-material lid that needs no line investment removes a key cost barrier to recyclable blister packaging across the large pharma packaging market.
- Push Tab is an aluminium-free, mono-material PET blister lid launched by Huhtamaki
- Developed with partner Kloeckner Pentaplast
- Compatible with existing high-performance blister packaging lines without modification
- European healthcare packaging sales were estimated at EUR 1.4 billion in 2021, about 50% of it blister packaging
- Huhtamaki previously developed a paper-based blister pack with Syntegon containing over 75% FSC-certified renewable paper
Packaging Corporation of America has purchased a dozen pieces of decommissioned power-generation equipment, including heat recovery steam generators and gas turbines, from the former Androscoggin paper mill site in Jay, Maine. The site was sold by Pixelle Specialty Solutions to JGT2 Redevelopment in 2023; the first of nine planned oversize transports delivered a 683,000-pound steam generator to South Portland on 6 October 2026. No purchase price or intended use for the equipment has been disclosed.
Why this mattersThree gas turbines, three steam generators and three turbine-driven generators move from a shut Maine mill to a containerboard producer running nine US mills.
- Packaging Corporation of America purchased a dozen pieces of decommissioned equipment from JGT2 Redevelopment
- JGT2 Redevelopment bought the former Androscoggin mill site in Jay, Maine from Pixelle Specialty Solutions in 2023
- The first oversize load, a heat recovery steam generator weighing over 683,000 pounds, arrived in South Portland on 6 October 2026 after departing Jay on 29 September
- Nine oversize transports are planned in total, comprising three heat recovery steam generators, three gas turbines and three gas turbine-driven generators
- No purchase price or intended use for the equipment has been disclosed
- Packaging Corporation of America is headquartered in Illinois and operates more than 120 facilities including nine mills in the US
Nefab India has inaugurated a newly relocated Chennai facility that is more than twice the size of the previous site, adding an ISTA-certified testing laboratory. The expansion is intended to support customer growth in the region and forms part of Nefab's Strategy 2030, though no investment figure or output capacity was disclosed.
Why this mattersA larger regional base lets Nefab serve growing electronics and industrial customers in South India without committing to a greenfield site.
- Chennai facility relocated and expanded to more than double its previous size
- Site includes an ISTA-certified testing laboratory, to be recertified after the move
- Nefab has operated in Chennai since 2009
- Nefab Group reports annual turnover of USD 966m and about 5,200 employees across 39 countries
- Expansion presented as part of Nefab Strategy 2030
Indonesian packaging converter LamiPak has signed a two-year renewable energy certificate purchase agreement with PT Energy Management Indonesia (PLN EMI), a unit of state utility PLN. The RECs are sourced from the Orya Genyem hydroelectric plant, with LamiPak projecting purchases of about 10,000 MWh in 2026 and rising volumes in later years.
Why this mattersThe deal shows Southeast Asian converters increasingly documenting renewable energy use to meet sustainability requirements from packaged food and beverage customers.
- Agreement signed 5 October 2026 between LamiPak and PLN EMI.
- Contract runs for two years.
- 2026 REC purchase projected at approximately 10,000 MWh.
- RECs sourced from the Orya Genyem Hydroelectric Power Plant.
- Signed by LamiPak director Hongbiao Li and PLN EMI chief executive Henri Firdaus.
- LamiPak expects REC purchase volumes to increase in subsequent years.
Pulp Moulded Products is investing CAD 3.643m (USD 2.56m) to add a new production line and an automated pressing cell at its Keswick, Ontario plant. The project is backed by a CAD 1.5m (USD 1.05m) contribution from FedDev Ontario's Tariff Response Initiative, announced 2 October 2026 as part of support for 31 Greater Toronto Area firms facing tariff pressure.
Why this mattersAdds North American capacity for recycled moulded-fibre packaging as brand owners seek alternatives to single-use plastic, with public funding cushioning tariff-related cost pressure.
- Project cost CAD 3.643m (USD 2.56m) to raise production capacity and competitiveness
- FedDev Ontario contributes CAD 1.5m (USD 1.05m) via the Tariff Response Initiative, announced 2 October 2026
- New production line and automated pressing cell added at the Keswick, Ontario plant
- Keswick facility covers about 140,000 sq ft and serves customers across North America
- Ontario operations process about 5,000 tonnes of fibre a year, plus about 3,000 tonnes at a partner facility in Nevada, for a combined 8,000 tonnes
- Follows a CAD 1.3m (USD 0.91m) repayable FedDev Ontario investment in 2024 for additional pressing and manufacturing lines
CMPC is weighing whether to proceed with Projeto Natureza, a USD 4.6bn bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp mill in Brazil, amid reports that the debt required could cost it its investment grade credit rating. Analysts cited in the reports point to alternatives such as bringing in a joint-venture partner, divesting non-core assets or scaling back the plant's initial capacity to cut the upfront outlay. The reports, dated 6 October 2026, draw on Bloomberg.
Why this mattersA downgrade would raise CMPC's borrowing costs and limit access to bond funds, a trade-off other pulp producers weigh when sizing capacity expansions.
- Projeto Natureza is a planned USD 4.6bn pulp mill in Brazil producing bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp.
- CMPC holds investment grade credit status that it risks losing if leverage rises to fund the project.
- Rating agencies are reported to be monitoring CMPC's capital allocation strategy on the project.
- Analysts cited in the reports suggest alternatives including joint-venture partners, non-core asset divestments or a reduced initial plant capacity.
- Brazilian environmental licensing (IBAMA), currency volatility and pulp price cycles are cited as execution risks.
Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) has halted production at its Témiscaming, Quebec pulp and paper mill, affecting roughly 400 jobs. The company cited 50 per cent tariffs targeting the Canadian forest industry, announced in late August, as making the business unsustainable, and said the shutdown would be indefinite. Union Unifor says it is working to save the plant and the jobs.
Why this mattersA tariff-driven indefinite shutdown at a North American pulp mill signals how trade measures are reshaping forestry and paper supply chains for packaging producers.
- Production has stopped at RYAM's Témiscaming, Quebec paperboard plant.
- Roughly 400 jobs are impacted by the shutdown.
- RYAM announced the closure in late August 2026, citing 50 per cent tariffs on the Canadian forest industry.
- The mill shutdown is described as indefinite.
- Union Unifor says it is working to save the plant and the jobs.
Sappi Europe will increase prices across its entire paperboard portfolio by EUR 89 per tonne, effective on new orders and deliveries from 1 November 2026. The company says the move is needed despite productivity gains and cost-cutting already implemented, citing ongoing cost pressures.
Why this mattersA portfolio-wide board increase signals persistent cost inflation for producers and will raise input costs for packaging and graphic converters.
- Price increase of EUR 89 per tonne applies across Sappi's entire paperboard portfolio.
- Effective on all new orders and deliveries from 1 November 2026.
- Sappi cites ongoing cost pressures despite productivity gains and cost-cutting measures.
- Portfolio includes Solid Bleached Board (SBB) and Solid Bleached Sulphate (SBS) grades.
- Grades serve both packaging and graphic applications.
InfraLeuna, operator of the Leuna chemical park in Germany, has commissioned a purpose-built anaerobic wastewater pre-treatment plant for UPM's biochemicals biorefinery, investing EUR 42.7m in total, EUR 36.7m for the plant and EUR 6m for biogas feed-in infrastructure. The unit can treat up to 4,000 cubic metres of wastewater a day, cuts organic load by at least 80 percent, and generates about 6 MW of biogas fed into the site's gas grid, with commissioning proceeding in stages as UPM ramps up discharge volumes.
Why this mattersThe dedicated treatment and energy-recovery infrastructure removes an operating bottleneck for UPM's large-scale biochemicals plant, a reference project for bio-based inputs relevant to packaging.
- InfraLeuna invested EUR 42.7m in total: EUR 36.7m for the plant and EUR 6m for a biogas feed-in system.
- The plant treats up to 4,000 cubic metres of wastewater a day from UPM's biorefinery at Leuna, Germany.
- The process cuts chemical oxygen demand by at least 80 percent and generates about 6 MW of biogas continuously, fed into the site's natural gas grid.
- Commissioning is proceeding in phases as UPM gradually increases wastewater discharge while bioreactors are seeded with specialised anaerobic bacteria.
- The plant was custom-built by InfraLeuna for UPM's biorefinery process rather than as a standard design.
- The Leuna biorefinery is described as Europe's largest investment in biochemicals.
Scottish timber processor James Jones & Sons Limited has begun work on a USD 28m (GBP 21m) expansion at its Mosstodloch site in Moray, adding a 4,000m2 facility with two new production lines. The first phase targets resawing and post-pointing capacity for the construction, fencing and packaging sectors, backed by up to USD 418,000 (GBP 315,000) from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and is expected to create 14 jobs.
Why this mattersAdds UK timber-processing capacity feeding packaging alongside construction and fencing, a modest supply-side addition rather than a packaging-specific investment.
- USD 28m (GBP 21m) expansion launched at Mosstodloch, Moray, Scotland
- New 4,000m2 facility with two production lines for resawing and post pointing
- Up to USD 418,000 (GBP 315,000) secured from Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- Expected to create 14 new jobs once fully implemented
- Mosstodloch site currently employs about 105 people
- JJSL operates 29 sites across the UK, New Zealand and Australia with about 2,100 staff
Guala Closures, the Italian closures maker owned by Investindustrial, has completed a EUR 1bn issuance of senior secured floating rate notes due 2033, with proceeds used to refinance existing debt. The company also amended and restated its EUR 175m revolving credit facility in parallel.
Why this mattersExtends Guala Closures' main debt maturities to 2033 and refreshes its EUR 175m revolver, easing refinancing pressure at the Investindustrial-owned closures maker.
- Guala Closures issued EUR 1bn of senior secured floating rate notes maturing in 2033.
- The company amended and restated its existing EUR 175m revolving credit facility.
- Proceeds from the notes were used to refinance existing indebtedness.
- Guala Closures is a portfolio company of private equity firm Investindustrial.
- Paul, Weiss advised Guala Closures on the transaction.
- The company makes closures for the beverage, spirits, wine and pharmaceutical sectors.
Guala Closures has launched Pharma by GC, a new division dedicated to pharmaceutical and healthcare closures, combining its Polish and Indian manufacturing sites with the engineering and regulatory expertise of KWK, the Austrian closures maker it acquired at the end of 2025. The division covers two product lines, Care for prescription solutions and Vitality for OTC and nutraceutical closures, and will be presented at CPHI Milan 2026 on 6-8 October. Chief executive Andrea Lodetti said the company plans further investment and targeted M&A to grow the unit.
Why this mattersGuala Closures turns spirits-closure capacity in Poland and India towards pharma formats, where GMP and cleanroom requirements raise the entry barrier for rival closure makers.
- Pharma by GC launched 6 October 2026 as a standalone division of Guala Closures.
- The division integrates KWK, an Austrian closures producer with 75 years of engineering experience, acquired by Guala Closures at the end of 2025.
- Manufacturing is based in Poland and India.
- Product architecture spans two portfolios: Care (prescription solutions, GMP/ISO 15378, ISO 8 cleanroom) and Vitality (OTC and nutraceutical plastic and aluminium closures, including ROPP and GPI systems).
- CEO Andrea Lodetti said the group will pursue further technology investment and targeted M&A for the division.
- The division is being presented at CPHI Milan 2026, 6-8 October, hall 11, stand 11K11.
China's Linuo Pharmaceutical Packaging said its Brazil production facility is expected to begin operations within 2026 and that it has signed a construction agreement for a new site in Egypt, moves aimed at easing overseas capacity constraints. The glass packaging maker also reported H1 2026 revenue of CNY 673m (USD 100m), up 34.93% year on year, while net profit attributable to the parent fell 23.95% to CNY 31m (USD 4.6m) on e-commerce brand investment and share-based payment charges. Overseas revenue more than doubled to CNY 215m (USD 32m).
Why this mattersNew Brazil and Egypt capacity signals a Chinese pharma-glass exporter building local supply as overseas demand outpaces margins.
- Brazil production facility expected to begin operations within 2026
- Construction agreement signed for a new site in Egypt
- H1 2026 revenue CNY 673m (USD 100m), up 34.93% year on year
- Overseas revenue CNY 215m (USD 32m), up 115.02% year on year
- Net profit attributable to parent CNY 31m (USD 4.6m), down 23.95% year on year
- Heat-resistant glass segment revenue CNY 436m (USD 65m), up 53.36%
AeroFlexx is partnering with Consolidated Brands, which trades as ZXP Technologies, to install its proprietary filling equipment at Consolidated Brands' blending and packaging plant in Highlands, Texas. The deployment extends AeroFlexx's hybrid flexible-rigid liquid packaging format, previously used mainly in consumer categories, into automotive and industrial lubricants for the first time, giving brands a regional route to adopt the format at scale.
Why this mattersOpens a new industrial end-market for a lower-plastic flexible-rigid format, giving lubricant brands a packaging alternative to rigid plastic containers.
- AeroFlexx is deploying its proprietary filling equipment at Consolidated Brands' Highlands, Texas blending and packaging facility
- Consolidated Brands, trading as ZXP Technologies, serves customers in the US and more than 30 countries with automotive and industrial lubricants
- The Highlands site has over 650,000 sq ft of warehouse space and more than 230 bulk storage tanks
- Consolidated Brands describes itself as the first company to bring AeroFlexx packaging technology to the lubricants market
- AeroFlexx's hybrid format combines a rigid airframe with a flexible pouch and a self-sealing valve, aimed at using less plastic than rigid containers
- AeroFlexx is part of the Innventure (NASDAQ: INV) group of companies and operates in North America, Europe and Southeast Asia
Canadian plastic bags and film maker Polyethics Industries is opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility, in Antwerp, Ohio, with an investment of more than USD 41m and a plan to hire 250 people over several years. The plant will start with bag converting before adding film extrusion and broader manufacturing capacity in later phases, backed by a JobsOhio Revitalization Grant.
Why this mattersA private-label plastic bag producer onshoring US capacity signals continued reshoring of commodity flexible packaging manufacturing closer to end customers.
- Polyethics Industries will invest more than USD 41m in a new facility in Antwerp, Paulding County, Ohio
- The plant is the Canadian company's first U.S. manufacturing location
- The company plans to hire 250 people over several years
- The project upgrades an existing 155,000 square-foot facility using a JobsOhio Revitalization Grant
- Operations start with bag converting, with film extrusion and further manufacturing added in later phases
- Polyethics, founded in 1991, makes trash bags, contractor bags, can liners and agricultural mulch film, mainly for private label customers
Russia has placed Aptar Europe Holding, the Russian subsidiary of US dispensing and drug-delivery packaging group Aptar, under temporary state control, according to a report dated 21 September 2026. Aptar, which reported USD 3.8bn group revenue for fiscal year 2025 across more than 20 countries and 14,000 employees, is due to report third-quarter 2026 results on 29 October 2026.
Why this mattersA state takeover of a foreign-owned packaging subsidiary signals rising operational and political risk for Western groups still active in Russia.
- Russia placed Aptar Europe Holding, a Russian subsidiary of Aptar, under temporary state control, reported 21 September 2026
- Aptar (NYSE: ATR) recorded USD 3.8bn revenue for fiscal year 2025
- Aptar employs 14,000 people in more than 20 countries
- Aptar's market capitalisation stood at USD 7.7bn as of 2 October 2026
- Aptar is scheduled to report third-quarter 2026 results on 29 October 2026
LEAP India has injected USD 1.0m (INR 9.64 crore) as equity capital into LEAP MENA Holdings Limited, its wholly-owned subsidiary in Abu Dhabi Global Market, through subscription for new shares. The capital will be passed to operating unit LEAP Pallet Pooling Trading LLC to fund working capital and asset purchases as the group builds out pallet-pooling operations in the Middle East.
Why this mattersThe investment marks LEAP India's first capital commitment to a Gulf operating entity, extending its pooling model beyond its domestic Indian base.
- LEAP India invested USD 1.0m (INR 9.64 crore) into LEAP MENA Holdings Limited on 6 October 2026.
- The investment was made via cash subscription for 999,999,999 equity shares of USD 0.001 each.
- LEAP MENA Holdings was incorporated on 1 July 2026 under Abu Dhabi Global Market regulations.
- Funds will be passed to operating subsidiary LEAP Pallet Pooling Trading LLC in Abu Dhabi for business operations.
- LEAP India holds 100% of LEAP MENA Holdings following the share allotment.
- The transaction was executed under India's FEMA automatic route.
Opitz Packaging Systems, the German packaging-machinery subsidiary of Storopack, has agreed a strategic collaboration with Dutch robotics maker Smart Robotics to combine packaging automation with embodied AI. The partnership, announced on 5 October 2026, will initially target robot-assisted palletising and end-of-line applications before extending to item-picking. The companies plan to present joint demo use cases and deepen sales cooperation, with details to be shown at Logistica Next in Utrecht in early November 2026.
Why this mattersIt signals machinery builders turning to specialist AI-robotics firms to add embodied AI to palletising and end-of-line lines rather than building it in-house.
- Opitz Packaging Systems and Smart Robotics announced the strategic collaboration on 5 October 2026.
- Opitz, based in Northeim, Germany, is a subsidiary of packaging specialist Storopack.
- Smart Robotics is a Dutch developer of AI-supported robotic picking and palletising systems.
- Initial focus is on robot-assisted palletising and end-of-line processes, later extending to item-picking.
- Opitz will take the lead integration role, embedding Smart Robotics' Embodied AI into its packaging machines.
- The partners will present joint demo use cases at Logistica Next in Utrecht in early November 2026.
French start-up Lactips has signed a contract with US packaging group SmartSolve to produce 210 tonnes of its casein-derived, water-soluble polymer, used in place of petroleum-based polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) in biosourced, water-soluble packaging. The deal follows two years of joint research and development between the two companies. Lactips is based in Saint-Paul-en-Jarez, France.
Why this mattersA 210-tonne order gives casein-based polymer its first commercial-scale outlet as a non-fossil substitute for PVOH in water-soluble packaging.
- Lactips signed a contract to produce 210 tonnes of its casein-based polymer for US firm SmartSolve
- The two companies have collaborated for two years on an alternative to petroleum-derived polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)
- Lactips makes 'plastic-free' granules from casein, a protein found in milk
- Lactips is based in Saint-Paul-en-Jarez, France
- SmartSolve specialises in biosourced, water-soluble packaging technologies
Borealis has closed its acquisition of Rialti, a producer of polypropylene compounds made from mechanically recycled post-industrial and post-consumer feedstock, after signing the deal in June 2026. Rialti adds 50,000 tonnes a year of recycled PP compounding capacity serving automotive, appliance and construction customers.
Why this mattersThe deal expands Borealis's mechanically recycled PP capacity by 50,000 t/year, strengthening recyclate supply for customers facing recycled-content targets.
- Borealis closed the acquisition of Rialti after signing the deal in June 2026.
- Rialti has 50,000 tonnes per year of recycled polypropylene compounding capacity.
- Rialti's PP compounds use post-industrial and post-consumer mechanically recycled feedstock.
- Rialti supplies injection moulding and extrusion compounds to automotive, appliance and construction customers.
- The deal increases Borealis's portfolio of mechanically recycled PP compounds by 50,000 tonnes annually.
Borouge Group International has begun commercial operations at an expanded specialty polypropylene compounding facility in Schwechat, Austria, following an investment of more than EUR 100m (USD 113m). The new line compounds virgin PP resins into specialty grades for the plastics and packaging supply chain.
Why this mattersA sizeable new compounding line widens supply of specialty PP resins that plastics packaging converters depend on for feedstock.
- Commercial operations started at Schwechat, Austria, announced 28 September 2026
- Investment exceeded EUR 100m (USD 113m) to expand and upgrade the site
- New line compounds virgin PP resins into specialty grades
India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies has recommended antidumping duties on PET film imports from mainland China, Thailand and Bangladesh, citing price undercutting by exporters. The proposed duties range from USD 54 to USD 366 per tonne. The recommendation now goes to India's finance ministry for a final decision on implementation.
Why this mattersHigher import duties would raise costs for Indian converters sourcing PET film and could shift sourcing toward domestic or other-origin suppliers.
- DGTR recommended antidumping duties on PET film imports from China, Thailand and Bangladesh
- Proposed duty range is USD 54 to USD 366 per tonne
- Investigation found price undercutting by exporters from the named countries
- Recommendation published 6 October 2026
South Korean franchise chains used 1.089 billion disposable cups last year, up 1.6% on the prior year and 31% above 2019 levels, after the government scrapped a planned paper-cup ban in November 2023. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment is now drafting a new in-store ban on paper cups for larger cafes, based on a floor-area threshold still under discussion, and plans to bring disposable plastic cups under the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme within the year.
Why this mattersRenewed EPR coverage and a possible in-store paper-cup ban would reshape demand and recycling economics for single-use cup packaging in one of Asia's larger food-service markets.
- 24 franchise chains used 1.089 billion disposable cups last year, up 1.6% from 1.072 billion the year before.
- Usage is 31% higher than the 830 million cups used by 21 companies in 2019.
- The government withdrew a planned ban on disposable paper cups in November 2023.
- A ban on in-store plastic cups remains in force but averaged only 72 enforcement fines a year over five years.
- The climate ministry is drafting a new paper-cup ban for cafes above a floor-area threshold, with 33 or 100 square metres discussed.
- Disposable plastic cups are to be brought under the Extended Producer Responsibility system within the year.
Germany's Federal Environment Agency has postponed the first payouts from its single-use plastics fund to early 2027 after an internal audit found a software error in the point-value calculation used to set disbursements. The fund, financed since 2024 by a levy on manufacturers of disposable plastic packaging, wet wipes and tobacco filters, had been due to pay around EUR 205m (USD 231m) to municipalities and public waste disposal companies by the end of 2026. The agency says the total payout amount is unaffected and no funds have yet been disbursed.
Why this mattersA miscalculated EPR-style levy delays cash to municipal waste operators and highlights administrative risk in the scheme manufacturers fund.
- Planned total payout was around EUR 205m (USD 231m), due to municipalities and public waste disposal companies by end of 2026.
- Payments are now delayed to early 2027.
- UBA had set the point value for the reporting year at EUR 0.274 at the end of August 2026.
- The error stems from a software development mistake found in an internal audit.
- Already-issued performance certificates will be cancelled and replaced with corrected ones.
- Manufacturers of single-use plastic packaging, wet wipes and tobacco filters have paid the levy since 2024.
Penang will launch a pilot by year-end testing biodegradable and bio-compostable bags with selected hawkers and market traders at one mainland and one island location, state officials said. The state is also seeking a plastic-free material that mimics conventional bags, including a coffee-waste-based option, before extending its single-use plastic ban to hawkers and wet markets.
Why this mattersA full extension of single-use plastic bans to hawkers and wet markets would widen demand for certified biodegradable and compostable bag materials in Southeast Asia.
- Pilot to start by end of 2026 at one food court/market site each on Penang mainland and island.
- Conventional plastic bags cost about RM5 per 100 pieces versus about RM15 per 100 for biodegradable versions.
- Penang enforced its No Single-Use Plastic initiative from 1 September 2026 at retailers, pharmacies and fast-food outlets, excluding hawkers and wet markets.
- Officials cite Sirim ECO 001 (bio-compostable) and Sirim ECO 098 (degradable, microplastic-reducing) eco-labels as recognised standards.
- One material under exploration is derived from coffee waste and decomposes naturally after disposal.
- Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had targeted alternative materials to be ready by end of August 2026, per earlier reporting.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1604 on 30 September 2026, barring intentionally added bisphenol A in paper proofs of purchase from 1 January 2028 and all intentionally added bisphenols from 1 January 2029. The law follows Washington state's bisphenol restriction on thermal paper, effective 1 January 2026, and adds to earlier BPA-specific rules in Connecticut and Illinois; New York and New Jersey are considering further limits on both chemical content and when paper receipts may be issued at all.
Why this mattersThermal and specialty paper makers supplying receipt stock face a widening, state-by-state compliance patchwork covering both chemical content and format, raising reformulation and Proposition 65 litigation exposure.
- AB 1604 signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on 30 September 2026
- BPA ban in paper proofs of purchase takes effect 1 January 2028, all intentionally added bisphenols banned from 1 January 2029
- Violations carry penalties up to USD 5,000 for a first offence and USD 10,000 for each subsequent offence, enforced by the Department of Toxic Substances Control
- Washington state's bisphenol restriction on thermal paper took effect 1 January 2026 with a rebuttable presumption above 200 parts per million
- Center for Environmental Health reached Proposition 65 settlements with 163 retailers, manufacturers and receipt-paper distributors in August 2026 over BPS exposure
- New York and New Jersey are weighing bills to shift receipts to an opt-in or electronic-first model from 2028-2030
