Circular Action Alliance (CAA) submitted its final California SB 54 programme plan to CalRecycle on 13 October 2026, setting a 2027 budget of USD 1.105bn, down from up to USD 1.87bn in the June draft. The plan was revised after a 60-day public comment period that drew more than 2,400 comments. CalRecycle can now approve, reject or conditionally approve it, depending on whether it meets state requirements for implementation by 1 January 2027.
Why this mattersThe budget and fee schedule will set 2027 compliance costs for the more than 4,000 producers registered with CAA, with plastic film and flexibles carrying the highest rates.
- CAA filed its final SB 54 programme plan with CalRecycle on 13 October 2026
- 2027 budget set at USD 1.105bn, down from up to USD 1.87bn in the June draft
- Five-year budget range cut to USD 7.81bn-13.05bn from USD 9.35bn-17.2bn
- Proposed 2027 base fees run from 1 cent per pound for aluminium non-aerosol containers to 30 cents per pound for PVC and polystyrene film
- More than 4,000 producers have registered with CAA
- The revision followed a 60-day public comment period that produced more than 2,400 comments
MPI Label Systems has appointed Doug Lingo as chief executive, succeeding Randy Kocher, who has retired after many years leading the company. Lingo has spent more than 38 years at MPI, starting in shipping, and was most recently president of its legacy business unit.
Why this mattersAn internal successor with a manufacturing background points to continuity in operations and strategy at the label converter.
- Doug Lingo succeeds Randy Kocher as CEO of MPI Label Systems
- Lingo has spent more than 38 years at MPI, starting in shipping
- He was most recently president of MPI's legacy business unit
- Kocher has retired after many years leading the company
Sylvamo, Sustana, Billerud and Sappi have introduced fuel or freight surcharges, citing higher diesel and transport costs. Sylvamo charges USD 20 per short ton from 1 October 2026, Sustana USD 20 per ton from 12 October, Billerud USD 25 per ton from 1 November and Sappi USD 25 per ton on graphic paper from 6 November. Coverage, effective-date rules and review mechanisms differ by supplier.
Why this mattersFour producers adding freight surcharges within weeks passes diesel costs through to paper and board buyers outside base-price negotiations.
- Sylvamo: USD 1 per hundredweight (USD 20 per short ton) on covered shipments from 1 October 2026, with orders acknowledged before 25 September exempt.
- Sustana: USD 20 per ton on all grades and formats shipped from 12 October 2026, reviewed weekly.
- Billerud: USD 25 per ton on paper and paperboard orders with confirmed delivery dates from 1 November 2026.
- Sappi: USD 25 per ton on graphic paper deliveries from 6 November 2026, covering McCoy, Opus, Somerset, Flo, Private Label, EuroArt and Galerie grades.
- Sylvamo, Billerud and Sappi tie surcharge review to diesel-price benchmarks.
Canson and Engie have inaugurated a biomass boiler at Canson's paper mill in Saint-Marcel-lès-Annonay, France, designed to cover 89% of the plant's steam needs with renewable energy. The EUR 6m (USD 6.7m) project, contracted in autumn 2023 and commissioned over six months, will consume about 9,000 tonnes of biomass a year and is expected to avoid 50,715 tonnes of CO2 over its ten-year operating contract.
Why this mattersThe project cuts a specialty paper mill's natural gas dependence materially, a template other energy-intensive paper plants may follow to lower carbon and cost exposure.
- Biomass boiler has 5 MW thermal output and produces 31 GWh of heat a year
- Investment of nearly EUR 6m (USD 6.7m)
- Covers 89% of the mill's steam requirements with renewable energy
- Consumes about 9,000 tonnes of biomass annually, sourced within 100 km
- Expected to avoid 50,715 tonnes of CO2 over the ten-year operating and maintenance contract
- Contract signed in autumn 2023; existing 11 MW gas boiler remains as backup
Essity's Tork PaperCircle hand towel take-back and recycling scheme collected more than 500 million used paper towels in 2025, with customer collection sites up 33% during the year. The service now operates in 15 European markets, returning towels to Essity plants where they are turned into new tissue products such as toilet paper.
Why this mattersA take-back loop recycling more than 35 million towels a month gives Essity a steady source of recovered fibre for its own tissue production.
- Tork PaperCircle collected more than 500 million used hand towels in 2025.
- Customer collection sites increased by 33% during 2025.
- The service is active in 15 European markets.
- More than 35 million hand towels are recycled per month.
- A related Tork DispenserCircle pilot has repurposed 240,000 dispensers.
Wuzhou Special Paper signed guarantee contracts on 12 October 2026 backing bank credit for two subsidiaries: up to USD 3.0m (CNY 20m) for Zhejiang Wuxing with Postal Savings Bank of China and up to USD 29.9m (CNY 200m) for its Jiangxi unit with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. The guarantees fall within the annual cap shareholders approved on 8 May 2026. Outstanding external guarantees by the company and its subsidiaries stand at USD 944m (CNY 6.32bn), 173.17% of its latest audited net assets attributable to shareholders.
Why this mattersOutstanding guarantees at 173% of net assets tie Wuzhou's balance sheet to subsidiaries such as Zhejiang Wuxing, whose debt-to-asset ratio exceeds 70%.
- Guarantee contracts signed on 12 October 2026 with the Quzhou branches of Postal Savings Bank of China and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank
- Zhejiang Wuxing guarantee capped at USD 3.0m (CNY 20m); Jiangxi subsidiary guarantee capped at USD 29.9m (CNY 200m)
- Zhejiang Wuxing's debt-to-asset ratio exceeded 70% at 30 June 2026
- Outstanding external guarantees total USD 944m (CNY 6.32bn), 173.17% of net assets
- Cumulative external guarantees total USD 1.30bn (CNY 8.72bn), 238.82% of net assets
- Annual guarantee cap of USD 823m (CNY 5.51bn) approved at the 2025 AGM on 8 May 2026
The US Department of Commerce has set a preliminary antidumping margin of 28.52% for Vietnamese paper shopping bag exporter International Packaging Limited Company (IPSC), in a notice published on 14 October 2026. Four other Vietnamese exporters withdrew from the annual review and will be assessed at the cash deposit rates in force when their goods entered, while the Vietnam-wide rate stays at 92.34%. The IPSC rate takes effect only once Commerce publishes final results.
Why this mattersIf confirmed, IPSC's 28.52% would undercut the 36.51% set for Goldsun and Vietnam Red Star in 2024 and the 92.34% Vietnam-wide rate on US-bound bags.
- Preliminary weighted-average dumping margin of 28.52% for IPSC, signed on 7 October and published on 14 October 2026
- Review dropped for Blue Sea Pack, Goldsun Packaging and Printing and two Vietnam Red Star Industry entities after they withdrew their requests
- Goldsun and Vietnam Red Star each received 36.51% in the 2024 order
- Vietnam-wide rate unchanged at 92.34%
- Review covers entries from 3 January 2024 to 30 June 2025 under order A-552-836
- The 2024 orders cover paper shopping bags from eight countries, including China, India, Portugal and Taiwan
Profit in China's paper and paper products industry rose 27.5% year on year to USD 2.93bn (CNY 19.61bn) in the first half of 2026, on revenue of USD 103.06bn (CNY 689.79bn), according to a sector review by China Paper Magazine. Containerboard led: Nine Dragons Paper raised prices by USD 7-15 per tonne (CNY 50-100) at its ten Chinese bases in early June, 21 producers followed by mid-month, the widest off-season rise in three years, and the Q2 average reached USD 545 per tonne (CNY 3,651). Integrated groups such as Sun Paper outperformed, while Chenming and Shanying were loss-making in the half.
Why this mattersOwn pulp capacity is separating winners from laggards in China's paper sector, and inclusion in the carbon market from 2027 is expected to add costs that push smaller mills out.
- Sector profit up 27.5% year on year to USD 2.93bn (CNY 19.61bn) in H1 2026; revenue up 5.5% to USD 103.06bn (CNY 689.79bn)
- Paper and board output of 83.132m tonnes in H1 2026, up 6.0% year on year
- Nine Dragons raised containerboard prices by USD 7-15 per tonne (CNY 50-100) in early June 2026; 21 producers followed by mid-June
- Q2 2026 average containerboard price of USD 545 per tonne (CNY 3,651), up 2.24% on the quarter and 3.73% on the year
- Sun Paper H1 net profit up 9.60% to USD 291m (CNY 1.951bn); Chenming's net loss narrowed 79.61% to USD 117m (CNY 786m)
- Paper sector expected to join China's national compulsory carbon trading scheme in 2027
China's national standardisation platform published GB/T 19741-2026, the revised standard for plastic composite films and pouches used in liquid food packaging, on 28 September 2026, taking effect 1 April 2027. SIG's Suzhou unit and Tetra Pak's Kunshan unit were among the drafting companies, alongside local converters, testing institutes and a university.
Why this mattersThe revised recommended national standard for liquid-food films and pouches, drafted with SIG and Tetra Pak, becomes the technical reference for suppliers to China's liquid-food fillers from April 2027.
- GB/T 19741-2026 published 28 September 2026 by China's national standard information platform
- Standard takes effect from 1 April 2027
- Overseen by committee TC397 and its SC6 subcommittee under the China National Light Industry Council
- Drafting units include SIG's Suzhou unit and Tetra Pak's Kunshan unit
- Other drafters include Beijing Technology and Business University and several local Chinese converters and testing institutes
Bracell, the Brazilian pulp producer controlled by Royal Golden Eagle (RGE), is investing USD 29.9m (BRL 150m) in two private river terminals at Três Lagoas (Mato Grosso do Sul) and Macatuba (São Paulo) on the Tietê-Paraná waterway. The barge corridor will first carry eucalyptus wood towards its Lençóis Paulista mill. Once the new Bataguassu mill starts, it will also carry that mill's pulp for export; Bataguassu's 2.9m tonnes a year will nearly double Bracell's installed capacity in Brazil. The project is part of RGE's plan to invest more than USD 3.2bn (BRL 16bn) in Brazil.
Why this mattersA near-doubling of Bracell's Brazilian pulp capacity needs dedicated low-cost logistics to reach export ports, reducing reliance on long-haul road transport.
- Bracell is investing USD 29.9m (BRL 150m) in two private river terminals, at Três Lagoas (MS) and Macatuba (SP)
- Wood will move by barge on the Tietê-Paraná waterway, replacing part of the road haul to the Lençóis Paulista mill
- The new Bataguassu mill will add 2.9m tonnes a year of pulp capacity, nearly doubling Bracell's installed capacity in Brazil
- Once Bataguassu starts up, the corridor will also carry its pulp for export
- Bracell produced about 3.46m tonnes of pulp in Brazil in the prior year, mostly for export
- RGE plans to invest more than USD 3.2bn (BRL 16bn) in Brazil
Tajikistan's parliament has approved an investment agreement with Crystal Green Glass to build three linked plants in Dushanbe covering quartz processing, flat glass and glass containers, worth USD 120m in total. The agreement, signed 2 July 2026, is to be funded entirely by the company with no state budget contribution, and construction is expected to be complete by spring 2027.
Why this mattersA 45m-litre-a-year container glass plant alongside flat glass and quartz processing would give Tajikistan integrated domestic glass production, funded entirely by the investor.
- Total investment agreement value is USD 120m, approved by Tajikistan's lower house of parliament on 1 October 2026.
- The agreement with Crystal Green Glass was signed on 2 July 2026.
- The complex will comprise three plants: quartz processing/enrichment, flat glass and glass containers.
- Planned annual output is 10m square metres of flat glass and 45m litres of glass containers.
- The project is expected to create more than 450 jobs once operational.
- Construction is funded entirely by the company, with no state budget funds, and is expected to finish by spring 2027.
Private equity firms Atlantic Ridge Capital and Grafine Partners have agreed to acquire US stretch and shrink film maker Paragon Films from Rhône for roughly USD 900m. Atlantic Ridge will lead the deal and work with existing management on growth; completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Why this mattersA roughly USD 900m sale of a US stretch and shrink film maker from one private equity owner to another gives a reference point for valuing North American film converters.
- Deal value is roughly USD 900m.
- Seller is Rhône, which acquired Paragon Films in December 2021.
- Completion is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
- Paragon Films was founded in 1988 and is based in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
- Paragon acquired Mexico-based Xpack Films last year to add shrink films to its range.
- Paragon's product line includes Beyond, a thin-gauge machine film made with post-consumer recycled content.
Darnel Group, a packaging maker selling in about 50 countries, has told Paraguay's Ministry of Industry and Commerce it is evaluating a production plant in the country to supply Mercosur. CEO Salvador Miñarro and other executives met minister Marco Riquelme; no investment amount or timeline was disclosed.
Why this mattersA Paraguayan plant would give Darnel a production base inside Mercosur, though with no investment amount or timeline the plan remains at evaluation stage.
- Darnel Group is evaluating a production plant in Paraguay to supply the Mercosur market
- Paraguay's Industry Minister Marco Riquelme met Darnel Group CEO Salvador Miñarro and other executives
- Darnel Group operates in about 50 countries with over 4,500 employees and roughly 40,000 customers
- The company's industrial network spans the Americas, Europe and Asia
- No investment amount or timeline was disclosed
- Darnel already has a local unit, Darnel Paraguay, led by general manager Heriberto Mieres
IKEA has changed the material of its FRAKTA carrier bag, which now contains at least 90% recycled polypropylene. According to IKEA's US product information, the bag remains available in medium (10-gallon) and extra-large (19-gallon) sizes.
Why this mattersA global retailer specifying at least 90% recycled polypropylene in a mass-market carrier bag adds to demand for recycled PP in consumer applications.
- IKEA's FRAKTA bag now contains at least 90% recycled polypropylene
- Medium size measures 17.75 x 7 x 17.75 inches with 10-gallon capacity
- Extra-large size measures 21.75 x 14.5 x 13.75 inches with 19-gallon capacity
- Change reported on 14 October 2026
Chinese recycler Neocle Recycle has commissioned what it describes as the first continuous BHET-based chemical recycling line for PET, with Phase I capacity of 5,000 tonnes a year of recycled polyester chips. The company plans a Phase II of a further 5,000 tonnes a year, with a near-term target of 10,000-20,000 tonnes and a long-term goal of 50,000 tonnes, and intends to extend its separation technology to nylon, spandex and waste cotton.
Why this mattersIf it scales beyond 5,000 tonnes a year, continuous BHET depolymerisation would add chemically recycled PET supply, mainly from textile waste, with a shorter process and lower energy use.
- Neocle Recycle Technology (Zhenjiang) commissioned its first continuous-BHET chemical recycling PET line
- Phase I annual capacity is 5,000 tonnes of recycled polyester chips
- Phase II is planned for a further 5,000 tonnes a year
- Near-term capacity target is 10,000-20,000 tonnes a year, long-term target 50,000 tonnes a year
- The process is described as the company's self-developed world-first continuous BHET-based chemical process
- The company plans to extend its separation technology to nylon, spandex and waste cotton feedstocks
ALTEO Circular inaugurated an automated sorting plant for Hungary's deposit return system at Kistarcsa on 13 October 2026, adding 14,000 tonnes a year of capacity to separate and bale returned PET bottles and metal cans. With the Kőbánya plant opened in 2025, ALTEO Group's capacity reaches 28,000 tonnes a year, which the reporting publication estimates at 40-50% of the PET and metal volumes returned through the scheme.
Why this mattersSorting and baling capacity, not collection, determines whether returned PET and cans become bottle-grade feedstock, shaping how much recycled material Hungarian producers can source domestically.
- Kistarcsa plant inaugurated on 13 October 2026 with 14,000 tonnes a year of capacity
- With Kőbánya, opened in June 2025, ALTEO Group's DRS processing capacity reaches 28,000 tonnes a year
- The publication estimates the two plants can process roughly 40-50% of PET and metal containers returned in Hungary
- MOHU reports more than 3 billion containers returned in 2025 and an 88.8% return rate
- Kőbánya cost USD 3m (HUF 1bn), supported by a USD 0.9m (HUF 300m) non-refundable grant
- Capacity stands at 28,000 tonnes against 42,000 tonnes planned when the Kistarcsa and Hajdúhadház lines were announced in September 2025
Chinese resin producer Wankai New Materials commissioned its first overseas production base in September 2026, a 300,000 t/yr food-grade PET solid-state polymerisation plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria. The project, in which Wankai holds a 65% stake, carries total planned investment of about CNY 329m (USD 49.2m) and will sell PET bottle chips mainly into the Nigerian domestic market. The company is also progressing a second overseas site, a 750,000 t/yr PET bottle-chip plant in Indonesia, expected on stream in the first half of 2027.
Why this mattersWankai's first overseas plant places 300,000 t/yr of food-grade PET in the Nigerian market, with a 750,000 t/yr Indonesian site expected in 2027.
- Nigeria plant has 300,000 t/yr solid-state polymerisation capacity for food-grade PET, located in Sagamu, Ogun State
- Total planned investment is about CNY 329m (USD 49.2m); Wankai holds a 65% stake
- Trial production succeeded at end of June 2026; the plant formally started up in September 2026
- Output is aimed mainly at the Nigerian domestic market
- Indonesia project (second overseas site) targets 750,000 t/yr PET bottle chips, with overall design complete and long-lead equipment contracts signed
- A brokerage estimate cited in the article expects the Indonesia plant to start up in the first half of 2027
Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries (KPI) has signed agreements with local converters FIBC and Taraz Plastic to raise domestic consumption of its polypropylene under its Investment Acceleration program. FIBC has expanded capacity and installed Kazakhstan's first multifilament yarn line, while Taraz Plastic plans to expand hay-baling twine output and raw-material purchases.
Why this mattersThe agreements tie KPI's polypropylene to domestic bag and twine converters and add multifilament yarn production that Kazakhstan previously lacked.
- Agreements with FIBC and Taraz Plastic, reported on 12 October 2026, fall under KPI's Investment Acceleration programme
- FIBC installed equipment for multifilament yarn, a product not previously made in Kazakhstan
- FIBC uses KPI polypropylene to make bags and has expanded capacity
- Taraz Plastic uses KPI polypropylene to make hay-baling twine and plans to expand output and raw-material purchases
- The programme supports local polypropylene processors with equipment procurement and capacity expansion
From 1 April 2027, pre-consumer plastic waste will no longer count towards the 30% recycled-content threshold that determines liability under the UK Plastic Packaging Tax; only post-consumer recyclate will qualify. HM Revenue & Customs has also published draft regulations for mass balance accounting of chemically recycled plastic from the same date, subject to third-party certification. A technical consultation opened on 6 October 2026, and detailed guidance is due in early 2027.
Why this mattersManufacturers and importers relying on pre-consumer recyclate to stay under the tax threshold face higher costs unless they switch to post-consumer recycled plastic.
- Pre-consumer plastic waste loses qualifying status for the 30% recycled-content threshold from 1 April 2027.
- Only post-consumer recycled plastic, recovered after use by households and businesses, will count towards the threshold after the change.
- HMRC's technical consultation on the draft regulations launched on 6 October 2026.
- Mass balance accounting for chemically recycled plastic becomes optional from 1 April 2027, requiring third-party certification of the supply chain.
- UK manufacturers using mass balance must be certified; importers must verify supplier certification and retain evidence for six years.
- HMRC plans to publish more detailed guidance on the rules in early 2027.
Business associations representing multinational companies in Pakistan have asked federal ministers to withdraw a proposed ban on PET bottles in the Islamabad Capital Territory, after the capital administration began raiding shops and, according to reports, sealed several outlets selling PET-packaged products. The American Business Forum, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Collect and Recycle Alliance argue the ban contradicts the 2023 single-use plastics regulations, which place PET on the list of compliant plastic packaging.
Why this mattersEnforcement against PET in Islamabad, which the alliance says lacks any formal notification, leaves beverage and FMCG suppliers facing uncertain packaging rules in the capital.
- Retailers and FMCG companies in Islamabad were reportedly told, on the instructions of the Chief Commissioner and the CDA chairman, to stop selling PET-bottled products.
- The American Business Forum, OICCI and CoRe Alliance wrote to Pakistan's interior, finance, investment and climate change ministers seeking withdrawal of the ban.
- Various reports say enforcement has included sealing several retail outlets across Islamabad.
- The groups say PET is on the positive list under the ICT Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023.
- According to the alliance, neither the Capital Development Authority nor the Ministry of Interior has issued a formal notification banning PET.
- The groups cite the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation as a model favouring recyclability and EPR over outright bans.
The American Forest & Paper Association has urged California to pause implementation of SB 54, the state's extended producer responsibility law for packaging, and reconsider its treatment of paper and paper-based packaging. The call comes amid litigation in CLFP v. Bonta that is being used to raise further challenges to the law. AF&PA argues the rules impose similar obligations on materials with very different recycling profiles, adding cost without improving existing paper recycling systems.
Why this mattersA pause or rewrite of SB 54's paper provisions would alter compliance costs and recycled-content obligations for fibre packaging producers selling into California.
- AF&PA Vice President of Government Affairs Julie Landry issued the statement responding to the CLFP v. Bonta case
- The litigation is being used as a vehicle to raise additional challenges to SB 54
- AF&PA says SB 54 applies similar obligations to materials with substantially different recycling characteristics
- The association cites decades of investment in recyclable product design, recovered-fibre mill capacity and collection infrastructure
- AF&PA warns the requirements could disrupt recycling markets and increase uncertainty for manufacturers and consumers
- The statement sets out a policy position and does not announce a court ruling
Cepi, the European pulp and paper industry association, has urged the European Commission to strengthen carbon leakage protection in the 2026 reviews of the EU Emissions Trading System Directive and Market Stability Reserve Regulation. It warns that shrinking free allocation and the loss of biomass exemptions could cost the sector roughly EUR 1 billion (USD 1.12 billion) a year by 2030, and calls for revised benchmarks, removal of the biomass exclusion and continued compensation for indirect electricity costs.
Why this mattersA EUR 1bn annual carbon cost by 2030 would squeeze pulp and paper margins and could shift investment toward regions with lower carbon pricing.
- Cepi estimates a combined annual financial impact of roughly EUR 1bn by 2030 from the ETS changes.
- Ten of eleven sector product benchmarks face maximum reductions for 2026-2030.
- About 40 installations relying at least 95% on biomass would lose free allocation under current rules.
- Cepi wants 2021-2025 benchmarks retained for 2031-2040 and the 95% biomass exclusion removed.
- The association seeks a zero Market Stability Reserve intake rate and continued indirect carbon cost compensation.
- Cepi says the sector has cut emissions by more than 55% since 2005.
The Flexible Packaging Association has created a Brand Owner Council, a new membership category giving brand owners direct input on flexible packaging issues. Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble are the inaugural members, sitting alongside converters, suppliers and policymakers.
Why this mattersDirect brand-owner engagement in a US trade body signals growing buyer influence over flexible packaging's sustainability and policy agenda.
- FPA launched a Brand Owner Council as a new membership category
- Inaugural members are Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble
- The council includes brand owners, converters, suppliers and policymakers
- Focus areas include circularity, design innovation, consumer education and public policy advocacy
- FPA expects additional companies to join the council over time
FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, joined a coalition of energy-intensive industries in a letter to EU Heads of State and Government ahead of the 15-16 October European Council, urging that the review of the EU Emissions Trading System be treated as a competitiveness priority. The letter warns the revision will shape Europe's industrial cost base, investment decisions and jobs, and calls for the reform to support rather than undermine the business case for decarbonisation investment in Europe.
Why this mattersThe ETS review will set carbon costs across container glass and other energy-intensive packaging materials, directly affecting production economics and investment in decarbonisation.
- Letter sent ahead of the European Council meeting on 15-16 October 2026
- Signatories include FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation, and a coalition of energy-intensive industries
- The letter urges EU leaders to align the EU ETS review with the bloc's competitiveness commitments
- Signatories warn the ETS revision will shape Europe's industrial cost base, investment decisions and jobs for years
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation on 13 October 2026 published a policy agenda, Circular by nature, calling for bio-based plastics, textiles and chemicals to be governed by rules distinct from those for fossil-derived materials. The foundation wants EU packaging and plastics legislation, now being finalised, to separate claims of bio-based origin from claims of verified circularity, and warns that unmanaged bio-based and compostable plastics can contaminate conventional recycling streams.
Why this mattersProducers of bio-based polymers face a push to redefine EU recyclability and compostability rules just as the legislation is being settled, affecting how their materials are classed.
- The report, titled Circular by nature, was published on 13 October 2026.
- The foundation argues bio-based plastics, textiles and chemicals need policy treatment separate from fossil-derived material rules.
- It calls for regulators to separate claims of material origin from claims of circularity in EU packaging and plastics legislation now being finalised.
- The agenda states bio-based content alone is not a credential; verified material circulation through reuse, recycling or controlled biodegradation is what counts.
- The foundation warns that compostable and bio-based plastics entering conventional recycling streams can contaminate bales and degrade output quality.
- The document sets no binding rules itself; it is framed as directions for lawmakers to convert into law.
The Spanish glass packaging manufacturers' association ANFEVI reported in its circular economy report, presented 1 October 2026, that recycled glass (cullet) accounted for 55% of the raw material used in Spanish furnaces to make new glass containers in 2025, equivalent to more than 1.26 million tonnes of cullet. The figure is up ten percentage points from 2020 and is the first time the share has passed half of total furnace input.
Why this mattersCullet at 55% of furnace input cuts virgin raw-material and energy needs for Spanish container glass makers, provided the quality of collected glass holds up.
- Recycled glass (cullet) made up 55% of material used in Spanish glass container furnaces in 2025.
- Cullet use totalled more than 1.26 million tonnes in 2025.
- Spain's glass packaging industry produced more than 2.3 million tonnes of containers in 2025, about 21.8 million bottles and jars a day.
- The 55% share is up ten percentage points from 2020.
- Data comes from ANFEVI's circular economy report, presented 1 October 2026.
- ANFEVI distinguishes this furnace-input figure from the post-consumption glass packaging waste recycling rate.
Spain's competition authority CNMC said on 14 October 2026 that it is investigating possible anticompetitive practices in corrugated board manufacturing, after inspecting the premises of several unnamed companies between 6 and 9 October. It is examining possible agreements to share customers, coordinate prices, exchange sensitive information and agree non-aggression pacts. The CNMC said the inspections precede a possible sanctions case and do not prejudge the outcome or the companies' guilt.
Why this mattersA cartel finding in Spanish corrugated board would expose producers to fines and compliance costs and could prompt wider scrutiny of pricing practices across European fibre packaging.
- CNMC announced the investigation on 14 October 2026
- Inspections at several companies' premises took place between 6 and 9 October 2026
- Authority is examining alleged customer-sharing, price coordination, information exchange and non-aggression pacts
- CNMC has not named the companies inspected
- The inspections are a preliminary step before a possible formal sanctions case
- CNMC's leniency programme allows cartel members to seek fine exemption by providing evidence
Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Foreign Trade has imposed definitive anti-dumping duties of 15.8% to 38.7% on imported beverage can lids from China, covering diameters of 50 to 63 mm. The duties take effect from 13 October 2026 and run for five years, following an investigation lasting over a year prompted by a complaint from domestic producers.
Why this mattersHigher import costs for Chinese can ends push Saudi and regional beverage canners toward local or alternative suppliers, reshaping can-end sourcing in the Gulf.
- Duties range from 15.8% to 38.7% on Chinese beverage can lids.
- Covers can ends with diameters from 50 to 63 mm.
- Duties take effect 13 October 2026 for a five-year period.
- Investigation lasted more than a year, triggered by a complaint from Saudi domestic industry.
- Action taken under Saudi Arabia's International Trade Remedies System.
China's PET bottle grade export and domestic prices have risen to five-month highs since the National Day holiday, with FOB offers climbing above USD 1200 per tonne. Higher feedstock costs and tighter supply drove the increase, but buyer resistance and the approaching year-end slowdown are raising doubts over further hikes.
Why this mattersHigher PET resin costs in China feed through to beverage bottle and packaging input costs across export markets.
- China PET bottle export and domestic prices reached five-month highs after the National Day holiday.
- FOB offers climbed above USD 1200 per tonne.
- Price gains attributed to rising feedstock costs and constrained supply.
- Buyer resistance and an expected year-end slowdown are casting doubt on further increases.
Kazakhstan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources approved rules, by order of 6 October 2026, on how producers of oils, polymer, glass, paper and board packaging and batteries confirm that at least 30% of their inputs are the corresponding waste processed in Kazakhstan, under the extended producer responsibility regime. Producers must file evidence with the EPR operator every six months, including environmental permits, a technological regulation and records of waste collection, weighing, transport and processing.
Why this mattersPackaging makers in Kazakhstan using the 30% recycled-input route under EPR now face a defined, document-heavy evidence process every six months.
- Order signed by Kazakhstan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources on 6 October 2026
- Rules cover producers of oils, polymer, glass, paper and board packaging, and batteries
- Producers must confirm at least 30% of inputs are the matching waste processed in Kazakhstan, confirmed separately for each product type
- Applications are due every six months, by the 20th of the month after the reporting period
- Evidence includes environmental permits, a technological regulation, an asset inventory, and waste collection and weighing records with calibration certificates
- The applicant is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the documents
