Eldorado Brasil Celulose's board has authorised preparations for merging the company into J&F, which is centralising the group's finances and has already absorbed Ambar Energia. J&F became sole owner in May 2025 by buying Paper Excellence's stake for BRL 15bn (USD 3.0bn), but the planned second line at Tres Lagoas, held up by the dispute since 2018, still has no public start or completion date. Net debt rose to BRL 9.7bn (USD 1.9bn) at end-2025 from BRL 966m (USD 192m) a year earlier.
Why this mattersAn open-ended delay to 2.6 million tonnes of short-fibre capacity defers a large block of expected global pulp supply growth while Eldorado's net debt has risen tenfold.
- Eldorado's board authorised preparing the company's merger into J&F, which is centralising group finances; Ambar Energia has already been merged in.
- The second Tres Lagoas line would add 2.6 million tonnes/year, taking short-fibre capacity to about 4.4 million tonnes; it has no public start or completion date.
- The line is part of a BRL 25bn (USD 5bn) programme covering the mill, forests and a railway, unveiled in 2024.
- J&F closed its purchase of Paper Excellence's stake in Eldorado for BRL 15bn (USD 3.0bn) in May 2025.
- Net debt reached BRL 9.7bn (USD 1.9bn) at end-2025, up from BRL 966m (USD 192m) a year earlier.
- Eldorado issued BRL 13bn (USD 2.6bn) of commercial notes in June 2025 to fund the stake purchase; by July they had been replaced with longer, cheaper facilities.
UPM has appointed Aki Temmes as group chief financial officer effective 1 January 2027, succeeding Tapio Korpeinen, who retires at the end of 2026. Temmes moves up from leading UPM Fibres, a role he has held since December 2023; Petri Hakanen, currently senior vice president of operations at Fibres Finland, succeeds him as head of the Fibres division. Both will report to chief executive Massimo Reynaudo from the same date.
Why this mattersBoth posts are filled from inside UPM, and the new Fibres head led the Paso de los Toros mill start-up, keeping pulp operations experience in division leadership.
- Aki Temmes becomes group CFO from 1 January 2027, succeeding Tapio Korpeinen, who retires at the end of 2026
- Petri Hakanen becomes executive vice president of UPM Fibres from 1 January 2027, succeeding Temmes
- Temmes has led UPM Fibres since December 2023 and joined UPM in 2003
- Hakanen has been senior vice president of operations at Fibres Finland since October 2024 and joined UPM in 1991
- Hakanen led UPM's Uruguay Development Project from 2018 to 2023, including the Paso de los Toros pulp mill inaugurated in April 2023
- Both executives will be based in Helsinki, reporting to CEO Massimo Reynaudo
Silgan Dispensing Systems, Silgan's contract manufacturer of consumer health care products, did not properly investigate or report high mould and yeast counts in drug products made at its Spokane, Washington facility, The Capitol Forum reported on 20 October 2026. According to the report, this continued after an unnamed customer recalled a Silgan-made product over potential fungal contamination.
Why this mattersIf confirmed, the reported lapses at a contract maker of drug products would raise recall risk for its customers and could draw regulatory attention to Silgan's dispensing business.
- The Capitol Forum reported the findings on 20 October 2026.
- Silgan Dispensing Systems makes consumer health care products under contract at a facility in Spokane, Washington.
- High mould and yeast counts in drug products from the plant were not properly investigated or reported, according to the report.
- An unnamed customer recalled a product made by Silgan over potential fungal contamination.
Crown Holdings reported Q3 2026 net sales of USD 3.7bn, up from USD 3.2bn a year earlier, with adjusted diluted EPS of USD 2.39, up 7%. Global beverage can volumes rose more than 6%, led by double-digit growth in Asia, 6% in North America and 4% in Europe. The company guided full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS to USD 8.35-8.45 and cited a roughly USD 17m quarterly hit from the Middle East conflict.
Why this mattersVolume growth in all three regions, with Asia up double digits, shows can demand holding up despite a USD 17m quarterly hit from the Middle East conflict.
- Q3 2026 net sales were USD 3.7bn versus USD 3.2bn in Q3 2025, including a USD 8m unfavourable FX impact
- Global beverage can volumes rose more than 6% in Q3, with Asia up double digits, North America up 6% and Europe up 4%
- Segment income was USD 484m versus USD 490m a year earlier, with a roughly USD 17m hit from the Middle East conflict
- Adjusted free cash flow reached USD 771m through nine months, with full-year guidance of at least USD 950m
- Crown returned more than USD 700m to shareholders in the first nine months, including USD 598m of buybacks and USD 115m of dividends
- Full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance is USD 8.35-8.45, with Q4 guidance of USD 1.63-1.73
PT Megalestari Epack Sentosaraya (EPAC) plans to close its conventional flexible packaging segment completely by 31 December 2026 to reduce operating cash outflows after its court-sanctioned debt restructuring. Replying to an Indonesia Stock Exchange query, the company said it had borrowed from affiliate PT Triple Berkah Bersama, with no fixed maturity, to meet its restructuring obligations. It also plans a rights issue, subject to shareholder approval on 3 November 2026.
Why this mattersA segment closure, an affiliate loan with no fixed maturity and a planned rights issue point to continuing cash pressure at EPAC after its court-sanctioned restructuring.
- EPAC targets full closure of its conventional flexible packaging business segment by 31 December 2026.
- EPAC signed a loan agreement with affiliate PT Triple Berkah Bersama to meet obligations under its court-sanctioned debt restructuring (homologasi).
- The loan has no fixed maturity date, with principal repayments matched to EPAC's cash flow.
- EPAC's controlling shareholder has said it is ready to provide further bridge financing on similar terms if needed.
- EPAC plans a rights issue (PMHMETD), subject to approval at an extraordinary general meeting on 3 November 2026.
- The disclosure responds to an Indonesia Stock Exchange query letter dated 16 October 2026.
Hotpack Group, a UAE-based sustainable packaging manufacturer, has acquired a significant stake in Oman's Pride Packaging, opening the way for its entry into manufacturing in Oman. The partners plan an integrated packaging production complex in the coastal Wilayat of Barka in northern Oman, under a memorandum of understanding signed at the Inspire Oman Investors Summit 2026. Hotpack said the move is part of a five-year expansion plan covering Oman, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Jordan and India.
Why this mattersLocal production in Oman gives Hotpack, with 25 plants in 17 countries, a manufacturing base inside a Gulf market it expects to grow 4.36% a year.
- Hotpack Group, a UAE-based sustainable packaging manufacturer, acquired a significant stake in Oman's Pride Packaging.
- The deal paves the way for Hotpack's entry into manufacturing in Oman, via an integrated packaging complex planned in the coastal Wilayat of Barka.
- The memorandum of understanding was signed at the Inspire Oman Investors Summit 2026 in Muscat, organised by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Hotpack plans further investment over the next five years in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Jordan and India.
- Hotpack operates 25 manufacturing facilities in 17 countries and exports over 4,500 products to 107 markets.
- Hotpack cited an expected compound annual growth rate of 4.36 percent for Oman's packaging sector.
Brazilian returnable-plastic-packaging maker Ecoboxes is building a new recycling unit in Paulinia, Sao Paulo state, due to start in December 2026, adding to its existing recycling operation there. The company projects recycled plastic will reach 70% of the 17,000 tonnes of material it injects in 2027, up from 42% of 8,400 tonnes in 2024.
Why this mattersRising demand for traceable recycled content and Brazil's new reverse-logistics tracking system are pushing converters to secure and verify recycled feedstock in-house.
- New recycling unit in Paulinia scheduled to start in December 2026
- Recycled material use projected to rise to 70% of 17,000 tonnes injected in 2027, from 42% of 8,400 tonnes in 2024
- Recycled volume used is forecast to grow from 3,600 tonnes in 2024 to 12,000 tonnes in 2027
- Company projects 670% growth in material generated by its recycling unit between 2024 and 2027
- In 2025 recycled material reached 62.5% of 9,600 tonnes injected
- Brazil's environment ministry created the Sisrev-BR reverse-logistics tracking system in September 2026
Coloplast, Impact Plastics and Placon have published results of a joint project validating post-industrial recycled (PIR) PETG for use in thermoformed sterile medical device barrier packaging, presented at thePACKout 2026 conference. The structure uses a 70% PIR PETG core layer laminated with 15% virgin PETG facesheets on each side, with full batch-level traceability designed to meet ISO 11607 sourcing and traceability requirements. The project was prompted by Kaiser Permanente's environmentally preferred purchasing criteria for recycled content in medical packaging.
Why this mattersA traceable route for recycled content in sterile medical packaging could open a previously closed application to recycled plastics if adopted more widely.
- Core layer uses 70% post-industrial recycled (PIR) PETG, with 15% virgin PETG facesheets laminated on each side (A/B/A structure)
- Impact Plastics supplies virgin PETG rollstock to Placon; thermoforming skeleton scrap is collected, reground and returned to Impact Plastics to remake rollstock
- Full batch-level traceability tracks material from extrusion through thermoforming to reuse, addressing ISO 11607 sourcing-traceability requirements for terminally sterilised barrier systems
- Testing found no visible difference in haze or blue tint between PIR and virgin trays, with comparable forming, sealing and shipping performance
- Project was prompted by Kaiser Permanente's environmentally preferred purchasing standard requiring recycled content in medical packaging
- Results were presented at thePACKout 2026 conference
Polinas Plastik, a subsidiary of Yildiz Holding's investment arm Gozde Girisim Sermayesi, has taken a 67% controlling stake in Turkish flexible packaging maker Imaj Ambalaj for EUR 4.02m (USD 4.51m). The deal was disclosed to Turkey's Public Disclosure Platform on 16 October 2026 after closing conditions were met. Imaj Ambalaj generates about EUR 40m in annual revenue and exports to more than 30 countries.
Why this mattersYildiz Holding's packaging film arm gains control of an export-oriented flexible packaging converter, extending its reach to European and North American customers.
- Polinas Plastik acquired 67% of Imaj Ambalaj for EUR 4.02m (USD 4.51m) after closing conditions were met
- Deal disclosed to Turkey's Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) on 16 October 2026
- Imaj Ambalaj generates about EUR 40m in annual revenue and employs 250 people at its Gebze plant
- Imaj Ambalaj exports printed flexible packaging to more than 30 countries, mainly in Europe and North America
- Polinas Plastik is a subsidiary of Gozde Girisim Sermayesi, part of Yildiz Holding
- Polinas is described as one of Europe's five largest packaging film producers
Cabka reported nine-month 2026 revenue of EUR 137.8m, up 4% from EUR 132.1m a year earlier, with third-quarter revenue broadly flat at EUR 42.3m against EUR 42.1m in Q3 2025. The reusable plastic pallet and container maker confirmed full-year guidance for revenue growth and a higher operational EBITDA margin; growth in European Mobility and Contract Manufacturing was partly offset by lower Portfolio and ECO revenue.
Why this mattersWith Q3 revenue flat and legacy lines shrinking, Cabka's margin gains rest on product mix and cost control rather than volume, so tender conversion decides its growth.
- Nine-month 2026 revenue rose 4% to EUR 137.8m from EUR 132.1m a year earlier
- Q3 2026 revenue was EUR 42.3m, broadly stable versus EUR 42.1m in Q3 2025
- European Mobility segment revenue grew 96% year-on-year in the nine-month period
- European Contract Manufacturing revenue grew 30% year-on-year
- Global Pooling and Systems revenue grew 9%, while Portfolio and ECO revenue declined
- Cabka reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance for revenue growth and higher operational EBITDA margin
S&P Global Ratings raised Nan Ya Plastics' long-term local-currency issuer rating by one notch, from BBB to BBB+, on 19 October 2026. The outlook on the rating is stable.
Why this mattersThe one-notch upgrade improves Nan Ya's standing with lenders and trading counterparties and should ease its local-currency borrowing.
- S&P Global Ratings upgraded Nan Ya Plastics on 19 October 2026
- Long-term local-currency issuer rating raised from BBB to BBB+
- Outlook assigned is stable
Colombian flexible-packaging maker Grupo Plastilene produced 3,261,680 kg of post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin in 2025, up from none in 2018, and is developing a packaging structure with 50% recycled content that halves the virgin resin used. The group, which operates in Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and the United States, says it is moving ahead of expected recycled-content regulation in Central America and Mexico. In Central America, according to the head of its Guatemalan unit Tecnofilm, pressure currently comes mainly from retail chains whose parent companies require minimum recycled content.
Why this mattersIn Central America, retailers' recycled-content requirements rather than legislation are setting the pace, favouring flexible-packaging converters that already have their own PCR supply.
- Grupo Plastilene's PCR output rose from zero in 2018 to 3,261,680 kg in 2025, yielding about 5 million kg of packaging with recycled content
- The group is developing a structure with 50% recycled content, against 20-40% in its current Central America and Mexico offering
- Guatemalan unit Tecnofilm increased PCR use from about 12,000 kg a month in 2025 to nearly 44,000 kg a month in 2026
- Customer Papelera Internacional scaled PCR use from about 1 tonne in late 2024 to 12 tonnes a month
- Tecnofilm says pressure in Central America comes mainly from retail customers rather than legislation
ACR (AmerCareRoyal), a US foodservice essentials distributor backed by Oridian Capital Partners, has acquired Ultra Green Packaging, a Minnesota-based supplier of molded fibre and rPET foodservice packaging. The deal is ACR's twelfth add-on acquisition since partnering with Oridian, and adds molded fibre trays and bakeware to ACR's PrimeWare compostable packaging line. No deal value was disclosed.
Why this mattersDistributor-led roll-ups are adding fibre-based ranges as grocery and foodservice customers ask for compostable formats; this is Oridian's twelfth add-on through ACR.
- ACR has made twelve add-on acquisitions since partnering with Oridian Capital Partners.
- Ultra Green Packaging is headquartered in Mound, Minnesota, and supplies molded fibre and rPET-lid foodservice packaging.
- Ultra Green's products include take-n-bake pizza trays, sushi trays and bakeware.
- No deal value was disclosed.
- Ultra Green president and owner Kristin Davidson remains involved post-acquisition.
- Tamarack Advisory Partners advised Ultra Green; Greenberg Traurig advised ACR.
China's PET spot price stood at CNY 9,046.67 per tonne (USD 1,354.70) on 12 October 2026, 43% above its 2026 low of CNY 6,322.5 (USD 946.8), and beverage brands including Genki Forest, Wahaha, China Resources C'estbon and Eastroc have raised factory-gate prices. Bottle-chip producers have been the main beneficiaries: Wankai New Materials' first-half net profit rose 910% to CNY 562m (USD 84m) as its bottle-grade PET gross margin rose to 9.64% from 3.18%, and China Resources Materials and ST Sanfangxiang also swung to profit.
Why this mattersA sustained PET cost shock shifts pricing power toward resin producers such as Wankai and squeezes margins for beverage and food-service packaging buyers.
- China PET spot price was CNY 9,046.67/tonne (USD 1,354.70) on 12 October 2026, up 43% from a 2026 low of CNY 6,322.5/tonne (USD 946.8)
- Genki Forest, Wahaha, China Resources C'estbon and Eastroc Beverage have raised factory-gate prices; PET is close to 80% of a drinks bottle's production cost
- Wankai New Materials' first-half net profit rose 910% year on year to CNY 562m (USD 84m)
- Wankai's bottle-grade PET gross margin rose from 3.18% to 9.64%
- China Resources Materials posted first-half net profit of CNY 253m (USD 38m), against a CNY 121m (USD 18m) loss a year earlier
- ST Sanfangxiang reported attributable net profit of CNY 4.93m (USD 0.74m), against a CNY 262m (USD 39m) loss a year earlier
The European Commission has selected 77 industrial projects across 23 EEA countries as candidates for Innovation Fund grants worth up to EUR 3.4bn, funded from Emissions Trading System revenues. The list includes chemical recycling plants in Spain and the Netherlands, a biopolymer facility in Germany and a PHA pilot in Finland. Promoters now begin grant negotiations with CINEA, with outcomes due in the first quarter of 2027 and a new call round opening in December 2026.
Why this mattersA multi-country funding push for chemical recycling and bio-based alternatives could expand feedstock options for packaging resin producers facing recycled-content mandates.
- European Commission selected 77 projects across 23 EEA countries for up to EUR 3.4bn in Innovation Fund support.
- Greenertis Tarragona in Spain proposes the Circus project to convert mixed plastic waste into pyrolysis oil using molten-salt and electrically heated reactors.
- PTC Amsterdam in the Netherlands proposes the Plastic project, combining slow-cracking pyrolysis with in-line decontamination to produce feedstock oil.
- Traceless Materials in Germany plans an industrial plant under the Beyond project, following a first Hamburg-Harburg facility opened in May 2026 with about 3,000 tonnes annual capacity after an investment of more than EUR 20m.
- NG Nordic Finland proposes the Eagle pilot to capture about 10,000 tonnes of CO2 a year from a waste-to-energy plant for use in producing polyhydroxyalkanoates.
- Grant agreements are to be negotiated with CINEA, with outcomes expected in the first quarter of 2027, and a new Innovation Fund call round opens in December 2026.
A new paper mill representing an investment of about EUR 80m (USD 90m) is under construction at Giurgiu, Romania, according to the Romanian paper producers' association ROMPAP. The association says companies in the sector have invested more than EUR 200m (USD 224m) in total over the past two and a half years despite difficult market conditions.
Why this mattersContinued mill investment adds domestic paper capacity in Romania, which ROMPAP argues needs a local industry.
- A paper mill investment of about EUR 80m (USD 90m) is under way at Giurgiu, Romania, per ROMPAP
- Romanian paper companies have invested more than EUR 200m (USD 224m) over the past two and a half years, per ROMPAP
The US Department of Commerce has preliminarily found that certain producers and exporters of PET film, sheet and strip from India sold at less than normal value between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, in antidumping case A-533-824. The administrative review is partially rescinded for some companies, and interested parties may comment on the preliminary results, published on 19 October 2026, before the final results.
Why this mattersA confirmed finding would adjust US antidumping duties on Indian PET film, affecting cost and sourcing decisions for US converters and brand owners using the material.
- Case number A-533-824 covers PET film, sheet and strip from India
- Review period runs 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025
- Commerce preliminarily found sales below normal value for certain producers and exporters
- The administrative review is partially rescinded for certain companies
- Published in the Federal Register on 19 October 2026
- Interested parties may submit comments on the preliminary results before final results
