Spanish pulp producer Ence has inaugurated three projects at its Navia bioplant in Asturias, totalling more than EUR 200m (USD 224m): a fluff pulp line, a higher-capacity wood processing line and a lime kiln decarbonisation scheme. The fluff pulp line, EUR 160m (USD 179m) of the total, targets the European absorbent products market as a eucalyptus-based alternative to long-fibre pulp, with qualification under way with over 70 customers. A separate EUR 12m (USD 13.4m) first phase is developing moulded pulp aimed at replacing plastic packaging in food applications.
Why this mattersA dedicated European eucalyptus fluff pulp source and a moulded-pulp line give converters a new domestic fibre alternative to plastic and imported long-fibre pulp.
- Total investment at Navia bioplant exceeds EUR 200m (USD 224m)
- Fluff pulp line costs more than EUR 160m (USD 179m), targeting the European absorbent products market as an alternative to long-fibre pulp
- Navia is described as the only facility producing fluff pulp from eucalyptus, with qualification under way with over 70 international customers
- New wood processing line can handle 5,400 cubic metres of wood per day, with two debarkers and a chipper
- Wood processing and lime kiln decarbonisation projects together cost EUR 48m (USD 53.7m), including EUR 13m (USD 14.5m) from Spain's IDAE energy efficiency programme
- Lime kiln project aims to cut Navia's CO2 emissions by more than 40,000 tonnes a year; a separate EUR 12m (USD 13.4m) first phase targets moulded pulp to replace plastic packaging in food
Solikamskbumprom, one of Russia's largest newsprint producers, is in talks with Chinese company Yun Chou over 20 billion rubles of investment to be phased over several years, as more than 10 creditors seek to have the mill declared insolvent in a Perm regional court. The mill owes creditors over 15 billion rubles, is running only one of its paper machines, and has proposed a court-approved truce after creditors said it had announced a new investor months ago without producing a deal.
Why this mattersA Chinese rescue of a major Russian newsprint mill would be one of the clearest signs yet of Chinese capital stepping into gaps left by Western sanctions in Russian papermaking.
- Solikamskbumprom owes creditors more than 15 billion rubles, Kommersant reported.
- The mill and Yun Chou are negotiating 20 billion rubles in investment spread across several years.
- More than 10 creditors have asked a Perm court to declare the company insolvent.
- Only one of the mill's paper machines is currently running and it has barely produced pulp for months.
- Russia's annual newsprint demand of under 150,000 tonnes could be supplied eight times over by its mills, per the Centre for Systemic Solutions.
- Freight rates on some of the mill's export routes rose fourfold to eightfold last year.
Smurfit Westrock is investing about USD 23.9m (BRL 120m) to modernise its corrugated packaging plant in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, between 2025 and 2027, covering new machinery, automated production lines and a larger shipping warehouse. The spending continues even as Brazil's Resolution Gecex 852, published in February 2026, raised import duties on corrugators, printers, die-cutters and other capital equipment to as much as 20%. Smurfit Westrock has separately committed USD 199m (BRL 1bn) in Brazil over two years, while Klabin's chief executive said in August the group has no new investments planned and BO Paper put USD 18.6m (BRL 93.2m) into its Jaguariaiva unit.
Why this mattersContinued spending despite import duties of up to 20% on converting equipment shows Smurfit Westrock absorbing higher capital costs to automate Brazilian corrugated capacity.
- Smurfit Westrock is spending about USD 23.9m (BRL 120m) to modernise its Blumenau plant from 2025 to 2027, adding machinery, automated lines and a larger shipping warehouse
- Smurfit Westrock has operated in Blumenau for more than 40 years; the unit produces corrugated board packaging
- Smurfit Westrock has announced a separate USD 199m (BRL 1bn) investment programme in Brazil over two years
- Brazil's Resolution Gecex 852, published February 2026, restructured tariffs on more than 1,200 products, including capital goods, IT and telecoms equipment and industrial machinery, with rates reaching up to 20%
- Imported machinery accounted for 45% of machinery and equipment consumption in Brazil in 2025
- Klabin's chief executive said in August the group has no new investments planned; BO Paper invested USD 18.6m (BRL 93.2m) in its Jaguariaiva unit in Parana
PXP Group, formerly Woodberry Packaging, has launched as a single group combining Colorman, Reelvision, Medica Packaging and F.G. Curtis, four print and carton specialists serving pharmaceutical, healthcare and cosmetics customers. The group employs 650 staff and reports turnover above EUR 120m (USD 134m), and was presented on 6 October 2026 at the CPHI pharmaceutical event in Milan. It states a goal of becoming a significant player in print and packaging in the UK, Ireland and Europe, with growth focused on pharmaceutical, personal care and beauty.
Why this mattersCreates a combined pharma and cosmetics carton and leaflet supplier able to offer full-cycle print and packaging, intensifying competition for specialist healthcare packaging contracts.
- PXP Group, formerly Woodberry Packaging, launched on 6 October 2026 at CPHI in Milan
- Combined headcount is 650 staff, with turnover above EUR 120m (USD 134m)
- Colorman, an Irish print and packaging provider, was the first company acquired, in 2021
- Reelvision, of Lancashire, was acquired in 2024 for its flexographic carton printing capability
- Medica Packaging (Cheshire) and F.G. Curtis (Surrey) were both acquired in July 2026
- The group focuses on pharmaceutical, healthcare and personal care cartons and leaflets
Leading Chinese white-back duplex board producers, including Nine Dragons Paper, Bohui Paper and APP China, issued notices in early October 2026 raising prices by USD 30/tonne (CNY 200/tonne), tax included, effective 1 October 2026. Jiangsu Asia Symbol Paper, Zhangzhou Lian Sheng Pulp & Paper and Wanguo Paper Sun's white board unit followed with matching increases, citing higher coal, wood chip and logistics costs that had pushed market prices below the value of the product.
Why this mattersA coordinated increase across the main duplex board mills signals input-cost inflation is being passed on, raising board costs for Chinese converters and brand owners.
- Price rise of USD 30/tonne (CNY 200/tonne), tax included, effective 1 October 2026
- Nine Dragons Paper, Bohui Paper and APP China issued the increase notices
- Jiangsu Asia Symbol Paper, Zhangzhou Lian Sheng Pulp & Paper and Wanguo Paper Sun's white board unit followed with increases of the same size
- The increase covers all white board grades of the producers concerned
- Producers cite rising coal, wood chip and logistics costs as the reason for the rise
China's revised national standard for recycled pulp took effect on 1 October 2026, setting heavy-metal and microbial limits and separating dry- and wet-process routes to keep mislabelled waste paper out at customs. Jingxing Paper, which has run an 800,000 tonne/year wet-process recycled pulp board plant in Malaysia since 2023, reported first-half 2026 recycled pulp board revenue of USD 61m (CNY 410m), up 431% year on year. The company attributed that growth to earlier tightening of import supervision, which raised mills' willingness to buy compliant wet-process board.
Why this mattersTighter customs standards raise the compliance bar for recycled fibre entering China, favouring integrated producers with overseas wet-process capacity over simple waste-shredding importers.
- The revised Chinese national standard for recycled pulp took effect on 1 October 2026, setting heavy-metal limits tested by ICP-MS and microbial limits for pathogens including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus
- The standard excludes simply shredded and baled waste paper from the definition of recycled pulp, giving customs a technical test for rejecting consignments
- China has banned solid waste imports outright since 1 January 2021
- Recycled pulp accounted for 55% of China's total pulp consumption in 2024
- Jingxing Paper's Malaysian wet-process recycled pulp board plant, capacity 800,000 tonnes a year, started up in 2023
- Jingxing Paper's H1 2026 revenue was USD 472m (CNY 3.161bn), up 20.22%, including recycled pulp board revenue of USD 61m (CNY 410m), up 431.12%
Suzano is attempting a further pulp price increase in October, targeting USD 600 per tonne for short-fibre pulp in China, after successfully pushing through a rise in September, according to a BTG Pactual note following meetings with Suzano executives in New York. The bank cites lower port inventories, delays to Asia Pulp and Paper's OKI II project and about 1.3 million tonnes of permanent long-fibre capacity closures as supporting near-term prices, but Suzano itself warned that new supply due in 2027, including Arauco's 3.5 million tonne Sucuriu plant and the delayed 1.4 million tonne OKI II project, could outpace demand growth of only 1-1.5 million tonnes a year and push prices lower again. Suzano said it is prioritising debt reduction and integration of its Kimberly-Clark joint venture over new capacity investment, expecting leverage to peak in the third quarter of 2026.
Why this mattersA near-term pulp price recovery masks a 2027 oversupply risk from Latin American and Asian capacity additions that could again pressure margins for pulp and packaging producers.
- Suzano is targeting USD 600 per tonne for short-fibre pulp in China in the October price round, after implementing a September rise, per BTG Pactual.
- Arauco's Sucuriu plant in Mato Grosso do Sul is expected to start in H2 2027 with capacity of 3.5 million tonnes of pulp a year.
- Asia Pulp and Paper's OKI II project, delayed to 2027, is expected to add a further 1.4 million tonnes of capacity.
- About 1.3 million tonnes of long-fibre pulp capacity have been permanently closed, supporting the recent price recovery.
- Structural pulp demand growth is estimated at only 1-1.5 million tonnes a year, below planned new supply.
- Suzano expects its leverage to peak in the third quarter of 2026 after completing its Kimberly-Clark transaction, and is prioritising debt reduction over new capacity.
European containerboard prices rose again as the fourth quarter of 2026 opened, with recycled grades up about EUR 60/t and unbleached kraftliner up about EUR 80/t in Germany, France and Poland during September, according to Fastmarkets. SCA had already announced a EUR 100/t kraftliner increase across Europe in August, effective 1 September, taking the cumulative kraftliner rise since the start of the year to roughly EUR 200/t. Fastmarkets also notes growing inquiries from Latin American buyers seeking European kraftliner as US supply tightens.
Why this mattersSustained kraftliner and recycled-grade inflation squeezes corrugated converters' margins and pulls Latin American demand towards European mills as US supply tightens.
- Unbleached kraftliner prices rose about EUR 80/t in Germany, France and Poland in September 2026, per Fastmarkets.
- Cumulative European kraftliner price increases reached about EUR 200/t since the start of 2026, per Fastmarkets.
- SCA announced a EUR 100/t increase on its European kraftliner grades in August 2026, effective 1 September 2026.
- Recycled containerboard (RCCM) prices rose by about EUR 60/t in Germany, France and Poland in September 2026.
- Italy saw an initial EUR 40/t kraftliner increase in September with a second step expected in October 2026.
- Fastmarkets reports rising inquiries from Latin American buyers for European kraftliner amid tighter US kraftliner availability.
Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP Group), part of Sinar Mas, has joined RE100, the global renewable electricity initiative led by The Climate Group and CDP, becoming the first Indonesian company to do so. The commitment sits within its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030, which targets a 30% cut in carbon intensity from a 2018 baseline. Membership was marked at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum in Jakarta on 6 October 2026.
Why this mattersA first Indonesian RE100 member signals pressure on the country's pulp and paper sector to source renewable power as buyers tighten scope 2 emissions scrutiny.
- APP Group is the first Indonesian company to join RE100
- RE100, led by The Climate Group with CDP, has more than 440 member companies globally
- APP Group's Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030 targets a 30% cut in carbon intensity from a 2018 baseline
- Membership was marked at the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum in Jakarta on 6 October 2026
- The commitment is part of APP Group's Regenesis sustainability platform
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Industry and Construction has approved an investment agreement with Aktobe Steklo LLP to build a glass container plant in Aktobe with design capacity of 256 million units a year, at a total investment of KZT 60 billion. Construction is due to start in the fourth quarter of 2026, with commissioning in 2029 and around 300 permanent jobs. Aktobe Region has no domestic glass production at present; up to 80% of output is intended for the Kazakh market and the remainder for Central Asia.
Why this mattersA new domestic glass-packaging source in Central Asia cuts lead times for local food and beverage producers and opens an export route into neighbouring markets.
- Design capacity of 256 million glass containers a year.
- Total investment of KZT 60 billion, approved via agreement with Kazakhstan's Ministry of Industry and Construction.
- Construction planned to start in Q4 2026, with commissioning in 2029.
- Around 300 permanent jobs to be created.
- Up to 80% of output targeted for Kazakhstan's domestic market, the rest for Central Asia.
- Plan to process more than 245,000 tonnes of cullet over the financing period.
Orora reported a net loss of USD 428.2m (AUD 616.6m) for the 2026 financial year, driven by a USD 500.3m (AUD 720.5m) impairment on its glass business. Shareholder Sandon Capital, which holds less than 1% of the company, says it will vote against the remuneration report and bonuses for chief executive Brian Lowe at the annual general meeting on 14 October. Its objections also cover the strategy behind Orora's acquisition of French glassmaker Saverglass, after weak European glass volumes and destocking weighed on the result while the can business held up better.
Why this mattersA USD 500.3m (AUD 720.5m) glass impairment and an investor vote against pay place Orora's Saverglass-led strategy and glass cost base under shareholder scrutiny.
- FY2026 net loss of USD 428.2m (AUD 616.6m), driven mainly by a USD 500.3m (AUD 720.5m) impairment on the glass business
- Revenue from continuing operations rose 6.5% to USD 1.5458bn (AUD 2.2259bn)
- Net profit before significant items fell 5.9% to USD 98.8m (AUD 142.2m)
- Total dividend cut to USD 6.3 cents (AUD 9.0 cents) per share from USD 6.9 cents (AUD 10.0 cents)
- Sandon Capital, holding under 1% of Orora, will vote against the remuneration report and CEO Brian Lowe's bonuses at the AGM on 14 October 2026
- European glass demand was hit by weak volumes and destocking, while the can business was more stable
Verallia is adding three photovoltaic plants in Seville, Zaragoza and Azuqueca de Henares, Spain, to four already operating at its Iberian glass container sites, bringing the network to seven solar installations across Spain and Portugal. Once complete, the plants will generate more than 58,000 MWh a year, covering about 16% of electricity use at Verallia Iberia's factories. The company is also studying battery storage to raise self-consumption further.
Why this mattersOn-site renewable generation cuts grid dependence and energy cost exposure for a glass maker in one of packaging's most energy-intensive processes.
- Three new photovoltaic plants are under construction in Seville, Zaragoza and Azuqueca de Henares, Spain
- Combined with four existing plants in Figueira da Foz, Burgos, Gran Canaria and Montblanc, the network will total seven solar sites
- Once complete, capacity will exceed 58,000 MWh per year
- This will cover approximately 16% of electricity consumption at Verallia Iberia plants
- Verallia is also studying battery storage to increase self-consumption at its plants
The European Commission has approved Apax Partners' purchase of Gerresheimer's Primary Packaging Plastics unit, finding no competition concerns. The deal gives Apax sole control of the business, which supplies bottles and containers that directly hold a product. The review was carried out under the Commission's simplified merger procedure.
Why this mattersClearance removes the main regulatory hurdle to Apax taking sole control of Gerresheimer's primary plastics business, leaving completion to the parties.
- European Commission cleared Apax Partners' acquisition of Gerresheimer's primary plastic packaging business on Thursday
- The Commission found Apax and the Gerresheimer unit are not active in the same or vertically related markets
- Transaction was assessed under the simplified merger review procedure
- The acquired business makes primary plastic packaging such as bottles and containers
- The case is registered under number M.12602
- Apax Partners LLP is a UK-based investment firm
Amcor has inaugurated a new lacquering line at its Froges site in the French Alps, replacing equipment installed in 1974, following an investment of several million euros. The line, described by the company as the fastest in its network for lacquering aluminium foil used in cheese portion packaging, also enables closed-loop solvent capture and recovery and direct printing on foil. The Froges plant employs 150 people and supplies cheese packaging largely for markets in Africa and the Middle East.
Why this mattersA faster line with closed-loop solvent recovery lifts Amcor's foil output for cheese portion packs supplied largely to Africa and the Middle East.
- Investment of several million euros in a new lacquering line at Amcor's Froges site, France
- Line replaces lacquering equipment installed in 1974
- Described as the fastest aluminium foil lacquering line in Amcor's network
- New equipment enables closed-loop solvent capture, recovery and reuse, plus direct printing on foil
- Froges employs 150 staff and sits alongside Amcor's Sarrebourg (France) and Teningen (Germany) sites
- About 80% of Froges output supplies cheese portion packaging for Africa and the Middle East
Xolution Germany is constructing an 8,000 square metre plant in Dachau, near Munich, to produce its resealable "XO" lids for beverage cans. Start-up is planned for the second quarter of 2027. The lids are currently made at other sites, including at an established packaging company.
Why this mattersA dedicated plant signals resealable can closures moving from outsourced small-scale production toward committed in-house capacity.
- Xolution Germany is building a new plant in Dachau near Munich
- The plant covers 8,000 square metres
- Start-up is planned for the second quarter of 2027
- The plant will produce resealable "XO" lids for beverage cans
- Production currently takes place at other sites, including at a known packaging company
Reusable packaging pooler Tosca and recycled plastics manufacturer Cabka have introduced the CP1208, a recycled plastic euro-size pallet positioned as an alternative to wooden transport pallets. The pallet is 4 kg lighter than standard wood pallets of the same 1200 x 800 mm footprint and is designed for repair, reuse and recycling, with planned RFID tracking integration.
Why this mattersA plastic alternative to wooden pallets from two established reusable-packaging players signals continued displacement of single-use wood by durable, trackable circular assets.
- The CP1208 is a euro-size (1200 x 800 mm) recycled plastic pallet launched on 8 October 2026.
- It weighs 4 kg less than a comparable wooden pallet.
- The pallet includes drainage holes and integrated deck grooves to lock crates in place.
- RFID integration is planned to improve supply-chain tracking visibility.
- The launch is positioned to help operators meet EU sustainability and hygiene regulations.
- Pricing versus standard wooden pallets was not disclosed.
CurTec USA will invest USD 10m to expand its Westminster, Oconee County facility, adding warehouse and production line capacity for pharmaceutical-grade drums and pails. The expansion will create 10 jobs and is expected to come online in summer 2027.
Why this mattersThe investment adds US capacity for pharmaceutical-grade rigid plastic packaging, reinforcing onshoring of supply for life-sciences customers.
- CurTec USA will invest USD 10m to expand its Oconee County, South Carolina operations
- The expansion creates 10 new jobs
- Operations are expected online in summer 2027
- The Westminster facility opened in 2023
- Expansion adds warehouse and production line capacity for drums and pails for pharmaceutical markets
Courier group Yunda Express and biopolymer maker BioStar are constructing a joint-venture factory, Yunbai, in the Tonglu Economic Development Zone near Hangzhou to produce fully compostable express packaging. The project broke ground in the first quarter of 2026 and is targeting start of production by the end of the year.
Why this mattersA major Chinese courier backing large-scale compostable packaging production signals a potential shift away from plastic in high-volume logistics packaging.
- Yunbai is a joint venture between Yunda Express and BioStar
- The factory is located in the Tonglu Economic Development Zone, Hangzhou
- Construction broke ground in the first quarter of 2026
- Production is targeted to start by the end of 2026
- The plant will make fully compostable express packaging using BioStar's biopolymer technology
Indian rigid polymer packaging maker Manika Plastech has completed an initial public offering raising USD 13m (INR 1.25bn), with shares listing on the BSE and the National Stock Exchange on 21 September 2026 at USD 0.44 (INR 43) each. The offering combined a fresh issue of USD 9.6m (INR 925m) with a sale of 7,674,418 existing shares. T&S Law acted as sole legal counsel on the transaction.
Why this mattersA listing gives a supplier of rigid polymer packaging to energy-storage and automotive customers access to equity funding at a scale rarely used in Indian packaging.
- Manika Plastech raised USD 13m (INR 1.25bn) in its IPO
- The offering comprised a fresh issue of 21,511,627 equity shares and an offer for sale of 7,674,418 existing shares, each of INR 2 face value
- The fresh issue aggregated to USD 9.6m (INR 925m)
- Shares debuted on the BSE and the National Stock Exchange on 21 September 2026 at USD 0.44 (INR 43) each
- T&S Law acted as sole legal counsel, with partner Sagarieeka leading the team
- Manika Plastech makes precision-engineered rigid polymer packaging for energy storage and automotive customers
Körber Supply Chain's Danish operation in Arden has moved into larger premises, with the official opening set for 22 October 2026. Revenue at the unit, which builds robotic palletising and handling systems for warehouses and distribution centres, rose 21% in 2025 to USD 95m (DKK 633m) from USD 78m (DKK 521m), while the order book reached a record USD 147m (DKK 980.5m). Headcount has grown from 182 to 240 over the past 18 months.
Why this mattersSustained double-digit growth in warehouse and material-flow automation points to rising demand for labour-saving handling technology across logistics operations.
- Revenue at the Arden operation rose 21% in 2025 to USD 95m (DKK 633m) from USD 78m (DKK 521m) in 2024
- The order backlog reached a record USD 147m (DKK 980.5m)
- Headcount grew from 182 to 240 over the past 18 months
- The unit has moved into larger premises in Arden, Denmark, with the official opening on 22 October 2026
- The site develops robotic systems for lifting, moving and packing goods at warehouses and distribution centres
The Ritedose Corporation has opened a current Good Manufacturing Practice laboratory at its Performance Park site in South Carolina, an investment of more than USD 17m. The facility triples the contract manufacturer's analytical chemistry and microbiology footprint and adds a stability programme with 10 qualified ICH chambers.
Why this mattersTripling analytical chemistry and microbiology capacity lets Ritedose run stability programmes in-house, supporting pharmaceutical customers from development to launch without outsourcing testing.
- Investment in the new cGMP laboratory exceeds USD 17m
- The laboratory triples Ritedose's analytical chemistry and microbiology footprint
- It occupies the newest building at Ritedose Performance Park in South Carolina
- The stability programme has 10 qualified ICH chambers covering long-term, accelerated, intermediate, refrigerated and controlled room temperature studies
- The laboratory also supports freeze-thaw and photostability testing
Borouge International is investing to expand mechanical recycling output at its Niedergebra, Germany and Wildon, Austria plants, adding close to 9 kilotonnes of recycled mixed polyolefin and up to 5 kilotonnes of recycled polyethylene capacity respectively. The Niedergebra expansion is expected on stream in the first quarter of 2027 and the Wildon expansion in the fourth quarter of 2027, aimed at meeting rising customer demand for circular polyolefins driven partly by the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Why this mattersMore European recycled-polyolefin capacity improves packaging converters' access to recycled content as PPWR mandates approach, easing a tight supply chain.
- Niedergebra, Germany (formerly mtm plastics) to add close to 9 kilotonnes of annual recycled mixed polyolefin (rPO) capacity, operational Q1 2027.
- Wildon, Austria (formerly Ecoplast) to add up to 5 kilotonnes of annual recycled polyethylene (rPE) capacity, on stream Q4 2027.
- Borouge International's Elin Pelin, Bulgaria plant already produces over 20 kilotonnes a year of recycled polypropylene (rPP).
- Borouge Group International AG was formed in 2026 by combining Borouge Plc, Borealis and NOVA Chemicals, backed by ADNOC's XRG and OMV.
- The company also supplies recycled PE film grades from a plant in Indiana, US, as part of its North American circular materials offering.
Three German trade associations, IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen, Plasticseurope Deutschland and VDMA Kunststoff- und Gummimaschinen, have rejected a government plan to tax industrial plastic precursors, including films, semi-finished goods and transport and packaging materials, at EUR 550 per tonne from 2027. The associations argue the levy would disadvantage German producers because packaged goods imported from the EU and third countries remain exempt, and dispute the finance ministry's revenue estimate of EUR 1.49bn as too high.
Why this mattersA per-tonne levy exempting imported packaged goods would raise costs for German plastics packaging producers relative to foreign competitors supplying the same market.
- Proposed tax of EUR 550 per tonne on industrial plastic precursors such as films, semi-finished goods, transport and packaging materials, effective 2027
- Finance ministry estimates annual revenue of EUR 1.49bn; the associations estimate around EUR 1bn once tax-free imports are deducted
- Packaged goods imported from the EU and third countries would remain tax-exempt under the plan
- German government plans 788 new customs jobs to enforce the tax
- Only 900 external audits per year are planned for more than 47,000 companies subject to reporting obligations, implying each firm is checked roughly once every 50 years
- IK, Plasticseurope Deutschland and VDMA's plastics and rubber machinery division jointly oppose the plan
A legal opinion commissioned by the European Association of Cardboard Box Manufacturers (ECMA) and distributed by the German folding carton association FFI argues against replacing printed pharmaceutical package inserts entirely with electronic product information. The opinion, written by Prof. Martin Wesch, finds that the planned reform of EU pharmaceutical law, on which Parliament and Council reached political agreement in December 2025, does not require full elimination of paper inserts, and recommends a hybrid model. It also warns that print-on-demand in pharmacies lacks the GMP controls, validated processes and documentation of industrial printing.
Why this mattersFull digitalisation of inserts would cut demand for pharmaceutical cartons and leaflets; the opinion gives converters legal grounds to press for a hybrid model.
- Legal opinion commissioned by the European Association of Cardboard Box Manufacturers (ECMA), issued via the German folding carton association FFI
- Report written by Prof. Martin Wesch, examining electronic product information under the planned EU pharmaceutical law reform
- European Parliament and Council reached political agreement on the reform in December 2025
- The opinion finds EU law does not provide for mandatory full elimination of printed package inserts
- Where member states allow digital-only supply for certain medicine categories, patients would retain a right to a free printed version
- It warns pharmacy print-on-demand lacks the GMP standards, validated printing processes and documented controls of industrial production, and recommends a hybrid model
Abralatas, the trade body for Brazil's aluminium can industry, has appointed Thais Fagury as its new chief executive. Fagury brings nearly two decades in metal packaging and recycling policy, having previously led the Brazilian Steel Packaging Association and can-recycling group Prolata Reciclagem.
Why this mattersA new head of Brazil's aluminium-can lobby signals continued industry focus on reverse logistics and recycling policy as competitiveness debates intensify.
- Thais Fagury becomes CEO of Abralatas, the Brazilian Aluminum Can Association
- Fagury was president of the Brazilian Steel Packaging Association (Abeaço) from 2007 to 2026
- She led Prolata Reciclagem, a can-recycling body, from 2012 to 2026
- She also sits on the Fiscal Council of the Brazilian Packaging Association (ABRE)
- Her stated priorities include circularity, decarbonisation, reverse logistics and industrial competitiveness
Monash University has opened SMaRT-Pack, a five-year AUD 11m (USD 7.6m) research centre developing fibre-based alternatives to single-use plastic packaging, in collaboration with Deakin University and Queensland University of Technology. The centre, funded through the Australian Research Council's Industrial Transformation Training Centre scheme, will work across material development, manufacturing, recycling and end-of-life testing, with eight industry partners and two associations involved alongside international partners in France, Japan and Malaysia.
Why this mattersA five-year, three-university centre with eight industry partners could shorten the route from laboratory fibre barriers to commercial substitutes for single-use plastic packaging.
- SMaRT-Pack was officially opened at Monash's Clayton campus on 6 October 2026.
- The centre is funded at AUD 11m (USD 7.6m) over five years through the ARC's Industrial Transformation Training Centre scheme.
- Led by Monash University with Deakin University and Queensland University of Technology as partners.
- International collaborators include AgroParisTech (France), University of Kyoto (Japan) and Monash Malaysia.
- Eight industry partners and two industry associations are involved alongside the academic partners.
- Research focus includes coatings from forestry and agricultural by-products such as timber waste, wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse as plastic-free moisture and oxygen barriers.
Paper and waste management industry bodies in Germany and Austria are starting a joint pilot project in October 2026 to pursue end-of-waste status for recovered paper. The project aims to develop a practical quality assurance system benchmarked against the EN 643 standard, which could form the basis for a future regulatory classification.
Why this mattersEnd-of-waste status would reclassify recovered paper as a product rather than waste, easing trade and use across borders for fibre packaging producers.
- Pilot project starts in October 2026
- Joint initiative between paper and waste management industries in Germany and Austria
- Quality assurance system benchmarked against EN 643 standard
- Aim is to establish end-of-waste status for recovered paper
South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has made separate disposal of paper beverage cartons, including milk and aseptic cartons, compulsory from 1 January 2027 at apartment complexes with 300 or more households, covering about 144,000 buildings. Voluntary implementation began 1 October 2026; violators face fines of up to KRW 300,000 (USD 224) once local ordinances are revised. The ministry has signed a partnership with dairy companies, paper manufacturers and recyclers to support the new collection system, after the carton recycling rate fell to 13 percent in 2023 from 19.9 percent in 2019.
Why this mattersA mandatory carton-sorting regime could lift recovered fibre volumes for carton recyclers, but a similar PET-bottle rule since 2020 shows enforcement and infrastructure gaps can blunt such policies.
- Mandatory separate disposal of paper beverage cartons applies from 1 January 2027 at apartment complexes with 300+ households (about 144,000 buildings).
- Voluntary implementation of the policy began 1 October 2026.
- Fines of up to KRW 300,000 (USD 224) apply to violators once local ordinances are revised.
- The collection and recycling rate for paper beverage cartons fell to 13 percent in 2023, down from 19.9 percent in 2019.
- The Environment Ministry signed a partnership with dairy companies, paper manufacturers and recyclers on 21 September 2026 to support carton recycling.
- A comparable separate-disposal rule for transparent PET bottles, in force since December 2020, has struggled with enforcement.
