Sonoco reported a third-quarter 2026 GAAP net loss of USD 732m after a USD 829m non-cash goodwill impairment on its Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC and Industrial Paper Packaging APAC businesses, against net income of USD 123m a year earlier. Net sales fell 4.2% to USD 2.04bn, mainly because of the ThermoSafe divestiture, while Consumer volume/mix dropped 3% as drought hit food can demand and cost inflation exceeded expectations. Adjusted net income was USD 167m, down from USD 191m; Sonoco cut total debt by USD 162m, refinanced a USD 800m term loan and revised its full-year 2026 guidance.
Why this mattersThe writedown on international consumer units and a 3% Consumer volume decline contrast with 94% URB mill utilisation, widening the gap between Sonoco's consumer and industrial paper businesses.
- GAAP net loss was USD 732m (USD 7.36 per diluted share), against net income of USD 123m (USD 1.23) in Q3 2025
- The USD 829m impairment splits into USD 802m on Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC and USD 27m on Industrial Paper Packaging APAC
- Net sales were USD 2.04bn, down 4.2%, mainly due to the November 2025 ThermoSafe divestiture; flat excluding divestitures
- Adjusted net income was USD 167m (USD 1.67 per share), down from USD 191m (USD 1.92)
- Q3 operating cash flow was USD 285m; total debt fell USD 162m and net debt USD 176m, leaving total debt at USD 4.29bn
- Sonoco refinanced a USD 800m term loan to extend maturities
Avery Dennison has received what it says are the first RecyClass Technology Approvals for pressure-sensitive labels on PET trays, covering its AD CleanFlake Thermal PP White (S7000ER) and the newly introduced Chilled Thermal PP White (C7010ER). RecyClass found both compatible with clear and coloured transparent PET thermoform recycling streams in existing European processes, as the industry prepares for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Why this mattersRecyclability certification lets brand owners shift PET tray labelling to film while meeting PPWR design-for-recycling rules and potentially cutting EPR fees.
- RecyClass approved AD CleanFlake Thermal PP White (S7000ER) and Chilled Thermal PP White (C7010ER) for PET trays; Avery Dennison calls it a market first
- RecyClass confirmed compatibility with clear and coloured transparent PET thermoform recycling streams in existing European processes
- RecyClass guidelines and EN 18120-5 require labels on PET thermoforms to detach in caustic hot washing without significant adhesive residue
- The PP direct thermal facestock lets users replace paper labels on PET trays while keeping existing direct thermal printers
- Avery Dennison says approved labels may help packs reach RecyClass class A and lower EPR eco-modulation fees
- The AD CleanFlake portfolio was developed 13 years ago for PET bottle recycling
Bel Group now sells its Babybel 2 Go snack cheese in a paper flowpack made from Koehler Paper's NexPlus Seal Pure, replacing the plastic outer wrap. The format is available in the US, Canada and parts of Europe and is designed to meet recyclability rules on both sides of the Atlantic, including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Bel Group aims to wrap all Babybel snacks in paper by 2027 and move to fully recyclable packaging by 2030.
Why this mattersA high-volume branded snack switching from plastic to paper signals growing demand for mono-material, regulation-compliant flexible paper packaging among global food brands.
- Babybel 2 Go packs two Mini Babybels in a paper flowpack made from Koehler NexPlus Seal Pure
- Koehler's paper is 100% virgin fibre pulp, designed for recyclability under EU and US rules including PPWR
- Over two billion Babybel portions are consumed worldwide each year
- Bel Group announced plans last year to wrap all Babybel snacks in responsibly sourced paper by 2027
- The switch is expected to eliminate 60% of plastic per net and save 2,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions
- Bel Group's Evron factory in France, which produces one in two Babybel snacks worldwide, runs a functional paper packaging line
WEPA and Spanish materials developer Honext will convert part of the former paper mill at Kriebstein, Saxony, into what they describe as Europe's first plant making recycled fibreboard from paper-production waste, with output starting in 2028. The EUR 39m project, backed by EUR 9.85m from the Saxon state government and a EUR 22.5m EIB loan, will use a patented enzyme-bonded, glue-free process to turn around 40,000 tonnes a year of mill waste into board for interior fit-out, wall cladding and acoustic panels.
Why this mattersA glue-free, enzyme-bonded fibreboard from mill waste gives paper producers a new outlet for process residues and a template other mills could replicate.
- WEPA and Spanish materials developer Honext will build two production lines at the former Kriebstein paper mill in Saxony, Germany, for EUR 39m
- Production of recycled, glue-free fibreboard is to start in 2028, using around 40,000 tonnes a year of paper-production waste generated on site
- The state of Saxony is funding the project with EUR 9.85m and the European Investment Bank is providing a long-term loan of EUR 22.5m
- The company says it will be the first factory of this kind in Europe
- The patented process uses enzymes as a binder, making the board free of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds
- About 280 people currently work in paper production at the Kriebstein site, with additional jobs expected from the new plant
Packaging Corporation of America reported third-quarter 2026 net income of USD 262.3m (USD 2.93 per share), up from USD 226.9m, on revenue up 12.5% to USD 2.60bn. Chairman and CEO Mark Kowlzan said its mills ran at full capacity, helped by projects at the Jackson mill and better performance at the acquired Greif mills, despite cost headwinds from freight, recycled fibre and chemicals. The company guided to adjusted fourth-quarter earnings of USD 2.81 per share.
Why this mattersFull mill run rates and the acquired Greif mills lifted PCA's volumes 18.6%, with operating margin held at 14.8% despite freight, recycled fibre and chemical cost inflation.
- Net income rose to USD 262.3m (USD 2.93 per share) from USD 226.9m (USD 2.51) a year earlier
- Revenue rose 12.5% to USD 2.60bn, in line with analyst expectations
- Adjusted EPS was USD 3.04, against a FactSet consensus of USD 2.93
- Mills ran at full capacity, with benefits from Jackson mill projects and improved operations at the acquired Greif mills
- Kowlzan cited freight, recycled fibre and chemical cost headwinds and weakness in agricultural end markets for corrugated
- Guidance for adjusted Q4 EPS is USD 2.81, against a consensus of USD 2.77
SIG and French filler LSDH are introducing SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier, an aseptic carton that replaces the standard aluminium layer with an ultra-thin polymer barrier. LSDH will industrialise the pack through its Alsace subsidiary JFA, with first products reaching French retail shelves by the end of 2026.
Why this mattersRemoving aluminium from aseptic cartons cuts a key carbon driver and simplifies material sorting, a template other fillers and carton makers may follow.
- SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier replaces the aluminium layer with an ultrathin polymer barrier, developed over more than 16 years
- Aluminium is about 5% of a standard aseptic carton's weight but around 25% of its carbon footprint
- Removing it cuts the pack's carbon footprint by up to 19% versus a standard aseptic carton, per an ISO-compliant LCA for France
- The carton preserves fruit juice for up to 12 months, matching conventional aseptic cartons, and also suits vitamin-enriched dairy drinks, plant-based drinks and creams
- LSDH is industrialising the pack through its Alsace subsidiary JFA, which handles aseptic filling
- First products in the new carton reach French retail shelves by the end of 2026
Valmet is supplying cooking, fiberline and recovery island technology for a new pulp mill being built by Century Sunshine in Rizhao, Shandong province, China. The order, booked in Valmet's second-quarter 2026 intake, is valued above EUR 100m (USD 112m), with the mill due to start up in June 2028. The project is the first phase of Century Sunshine's plan to add 2.65 million tonnes of annual paper capacity to substitute plastics with paper-based products.
Why this mattersThe project expands Chinese pulp self-sufficiency for packaging paper production, reducing import dependence and supporting a plastic-to-paper substitution drive.
- Valmet's order value exceeds EUR 100m (USD 112m), undisclosed exact amount.
- Order booked in Valmet's second-quarter 2026 order intake.
- Mill designed for 1.2 million tonnes of hardwood or softwood pulp plus 400,000 tonnes of softwood pulp annually.
- Start-up expected June 2028.
- Part of Century Sunshine's three-phase 'Paper-for-Plastic' programme targeting 2.65 million tonnes of added annual paper capacity.
- Scope includes cooking and fiberlines, evaporation plant, recovery boiler, ash treatment and white liquor plant, designed to be fossil-fuel free.
Visy has invested USD 21m (AUD 30m) in a new 2.8 metre wide corrugator at its Smithfield board factory in Western Sydney, lifting board output by 33%. The machine also improves board strength and flatness for high-speed packing lines and shelf-ready packaging. Smithfield is one of 18 Visy box plants in Australia and New Zealand.
Why this mattersA third more board output at Smithfield strengthens Visy's corrugated supply in New South Wales for food, beverage and agricultural customers, the site's core markets.
- Visy invested USD 21m (AUD 30m) in a new corrugator at its Smithfield board factory in Western Sydney
- The corrugator is 2.8 metres wide and uses real-time monitoring and digital process optimisation
- Board output at the factory rises by 33%
- Visy has made boxes at Smithfield for over 40 years; the site has more than 400 full-time jobs
- The site also hosts Australia's largest material recovery facility, two 100% recycled paper mills and a recycled plastics facility
- Smithfield is one of 18 box facilities in Visy's Australia and New Zealand network
Smurfit Westrock has scaled its EnduraGrip paperboard handle across Costco warehouses in the US and Mexico, replacing plastic carriers on Kirkland Signature orange juice three-packs. The mono-material handle uses the company's 27-point CarrierKote coated kraft paperboard and has received a Widely Recyclable pre-qualification from How2Recycle. It runs on existing filling and application lines without new capital investment.
Why this mattersA named retailer's switch to fibre handles in a heavy, cold-chain beverage format shows paperboard can replace plastic multipack carriers without new filling-line capital.
- EnduraGrip paperboard handle deployed across Costco warehouses in the US and Mexico
- Used on Kirkland Signature orange juice three-pack multipacks
- Made from 27-point CarrierKote, a coated natural kraft paperboard developed by Smurfit Westrock
- Handle received Widely Recyclable pre-qualification from How2Recycle
- Designed to run on standard filling and application lines with no new capital investment
- Handles ship flat, improving cube utilisation versus plastic alternatives
Elopak has moved up the start date of incoming chief executive Hakon Volldal to 2 November 2026, ahead of the timeline set when his appointment was announced on 15 June 2026. Interim CEO Bent K. Axelsen will revert to chief financial officer, and interim CFO Ola Buaroy returns to his role as director of finance and tax.
Why this mattersThe earlier handover ends Elopak's interim arrangement sooner, returning Bent Axelsen to the CFO role and putting strategy under permanent leadership from November.
- Hakon Volldal becomes permanent CEO of Elopak on 2 November 2026, earlier than originally scheduled.
- The original appointment was announced on 15 June 2026.
- The board confirmed the accelerated timeline via a stock exchange disclosure on 21 October 2026.
- Interim CEO Bent K. Axelsen returns to his role as chief financial officer.
- Interim CFO Ola Buaroy resumes his position as director of finance and tax.
South Africa's International Trade Administration Commission has raised the import duty on newsprint from zero to 5%, after Sappi sought protection for its Ngodwana Mill against cheap imports. The tariff, which applies to newsprint in rolls or sheets, will be reviewed after three years. Canada supplied 47.2% of South Africa's newsprint imports in 2024/25, ahead of Brazil at 19.8% and Norway at 18.3%, as Sappi's domestic market share fell from 60.8% in 2021/22 to 51.1% in 2024/25.
Why this mattersThe tariff shields South Africa's only newsprint mill as digital migration and global overcapacity squeeze margins, but raises input costs for printers and publishers.
- Itac raised the import duty on newsprint, in rolls or sheets, from duty-free to 5%, reviewable after three years
- Sappi's Ngodwana Mill is the only operational newsprint facility in South Africa and the Southern African Customs Union
- Ngodwana has annual capacity above 570,000 tonnes, of which newsprint is 110,000 tonnes, about 20%
- Import volumes rose 13% a year on average in 2021-25; in 2024/25 Canada supplied 47.2%, Brazil 19.8% and Norway 18.3%
- Domestic capacity utilisation fell from 68.5% in 2021/22 to 46.1% in 2024/25; market share fell from 60.8% to 51.1%
- Ngodwana contributed USD 0.6bn (ZAR 9.9bn) to Mpumalanga's GDP in 2025 and supports 1,500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs
UPM plans to raise annual output at its Fray Bentos pulp mill in Uruguay from 1.3m to 1.5m tonnes through technology and efficiency improvements. At a meeting in Fray Bentos of the working group under the Uruguay-UPM investment contract, presidency secretary Alejandro Sánchez said no new ministerial environmental authorisation is needed, as UPM is not seeking to change its permits or increase environmental flows.
Why this mattersAdding 200,000 tonnes a year by debottlenecking, without a new environmental permit, gives UPM extra pulp volume in Uruguay faster and with less approval risk than new capacity.
- Fray Bentos mill output is planned to rise from 1,300,000 to 1,500,000 tonnes a year
- The increase is to come from technology and efficiency improvements
- The Uruguayan government says no new ministerial environmental authorisation is required
- Officials said the plan needs no increase in environmental flows and leaves existing permit parameters unchanged
- The plan was discussed at a meeting in Fray Bentos of the working group under the Uruguay-UPM investment contract, reported on 21 October 2026
- Presidency secretary Alejandro Sánchez led the government delegation; environment minister Edgardo Ortuño attended
SCA has completed a fibreline project in the digester area of its Östrand pulp mill in Sweden, finishing the final work during the annual maintenance shutdown before restart, it reported on 20 October 2026. The investment aims to reduce blow-through risk, improve availability and prepare for a sustained increase in production rate. No investment figure or capacity target was disclosed.
Why this mattersA more stable digester at Ostrand gives SCA the base for a sustained rise in pulp output, though it has not quantified the capacity gain.
- SCA reported on 20 October 2026 that the Östrand fibreline project is complete
- The final work was done during the mill's annual maintenance shutdown, before start-up
- The investment in the digester area aims to reduce blow-through risk and improve availability
- SCA describes it as one of its larger projects this year
- The company says it lays the foundation for a sustained increase in production rate, without giving a figure
Guerlain has adopted Silgan Dispensing's SP34 bayonet-mount pump for the 30-ml refillable bottle of its new Longevity Concentrate serum in the Orchidee Imperiale line. Silgan supported the bottle's design and development and tested the pump for compatibility with the liposome-based formula. The bayonet attachment lets the pump detach from the bottle body for refilling.
Why this mattersA named luxury brand's adoption of a refillable dispensing format signals continued demand for reuse-oriented packaging in prestige cosmetics.
- Guerlain's Longevity Concentrate, part of the Orchidee Imperiale line, uses a 30-ml refillable pump bottle.
- The bottle incorporates Silgan Dispensing's SP34 pump with a bayonet-style attachment for detaching bottle from pump.
- Silgan Dispensing supported the design and development of the bottle.
- The pump was tested for compatibility with the serum's liposome-encapsulated formula.
O-I Glass's 2026 Sustainability Report says hundreds of energy-saving projects cut an estimated 133,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2025, the year it set up a global energy team called Spark. Absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions were 28% below the 2019 baseline, 65% of global electricity use was matched with renewable energy certificates against an 80% goal for 2030, and recycled content averaged 42%.
Why this mattersDisclosed energy savings and 42% recycled content give O-I evidence for brand owners comparing glass suppliers on carbon, as customers face rising sustainability expectations.
- Energy-saving projects cut an estimated 133,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2025
- Absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2025 were 28% below the 2019 baseline
- 65% of global electricity use was matched with RECs in 2025, against an 80% goal for 2030; Continental Europe was 100%
- The global average recycled content rose to 42%
- O-I supports about 40 closed-loop recycling programmes and 47 US community collection sites
- O-I has about 19,000 employees at 61 plants in 18 countries and had 2025 revenue of USD 6.4bn
Vidrala will execute a capital increase charged against voluntary reserves, approved by shareholders on 29 April 2026, issuing 1,760,312 new ordinary shares at a ratio of one new share for every 20 held. The nominal capital increase totals EUR 1,795,518.24, with no cash outlay from shareholders. Allocation rights trade between 29 October and 11 November 2026, and the new shares will be admitted to trading on the Bilbao and Madrid exchanges.
Why this mattersA bonus issue charged to reserves raises Vidrala's share count by 5% without new capital, returning value to shareholders in shares rather than cash.
- Vidrala will issue 1,760,312 new ordinary shares, one for every 20 existing shares
- Nominal capital increase of EUR 1,795,518.24, charged against voluntary reserves
- New shares have nominal value of EUR 1.02 each, issued at par with no share premium
- Voluntary reserves stood at EUR 163,951,000 as of 31 December 2025, audited by Ernst & Young
- Allocation rights period runs from 29 October to 11 November 2026, 14 calendar days
- Unassigned shares will be held in deposit for three years before sale
Ball Corporation has appointed Carey Causey as president of Beverage Packaging North and Central America, effective immediately, succeeding Kathleen Pitre. Scott Vail becomes president of Beverage Packaging EMEA, succeeding Mandy Glew, who retires in January 2027.
Why this mattersBoth regional can businesses go to internal executives with prior EMEA and supply-chain roles, pointing to continuity rather than strategic change in Ball's beverage operations.
- Carey Causey named SVP and president of Beverage Packaging North and Central America, effective immediately, succeeding Kathleen Pitre.
- Scott Vail named SVP and president of Beverage Packaging EMEA, succeeding Mandy Glew who retires in January 2027.
- Causey was Ball's chief growth officer since 2024 and previously led Beverage Packaging EMEA from 2021 to 2024.
- Vail has been Ball's chief supply chain and operations officer since 2025, joining Ball in 2021 from Metal Container Corporation and AB InBev.
- Ball Corporation reported 2025 net sales of USD 13.16bn and employs about 16,000 people across more than 65 plants worldwide.
Pact Group and ALDI Australia have rolled out a scheme to make more than 19 million laundry and cleaning bottles a year with up to 50% Australian recycled plastic resin, doubling prior recycled content levels for seven ALDI own-brand laundry products and three cleaning products. The programme uses almost 800 tonnes of recycled resin annually, sourced from kerbside collection and processed at Pact's Circular Plastics Australia facility in Melbourne, with bottles manufactured in New South Wales. The two companies have also renewed a three-year packaging design partnership.
Why this mattersA named retailer locking in 50% recycled content at scale, at no extra cost via coloured resin, sets a cost-neutral template other grocers may be pushed to match.
- 19.3 million ALDI laundry and cleaning bottles produced annually with up to 50% Australian recycled plastic resin
- Almost 800 tonnes of recycled plastic resin used each year across 10 bottle and container lines
- Recycled content doubled on seven ALDI own-brand laundry bottles and containers
- Three ALDI cleaning product bottles increased recycled content to up to 50%
- Recycled resin sourced from Australian kerbside bins and processed at Pact's Circular Plastics Australia plant in Melbourne
- Pact and ALDI renewed a three-year strategic packaging partnership
Rewe's delivery service has begun regular use of a vacuum-insulated cooling box developed with Va-Q-tec at its Cologne fulfilment centre, following a successful pilot. The passive-cooling box, which uses vacuum insulation panels and phase-change-material cooling batteries, lets chilled and frozen goods travel together without refrigerated vehicles or active cooling, and is meant to cut dry-ice use. Rewe plans to roll the technology out to further German delivery centres in 2027.
Why this mattersA large grocery retailer naming a supplier for a format switch away from dry ice signals demand for passive insulated packaging across cold-chain e-commerce.
- Rewe's delivery service started regular use of the VIP cooling box at its Cologne fulfilment centre after a pilot.
- The box was co-developed with Va-Q-tec, using vacuum insulation panels and phase-change-material cooling batteries in the lid.
- It is designed to maintain the cold chain at outdoor temperatures up to +35C without active cooling or refrigerated vehicles.
- Rewe is replacing dry ice with cold packs in chilled and meat sections as a first step.
- Further Rewe delivery service locations in Germany are expected to convert to the technology in 2027.
- Rewe's delivery service operates 16 delivery centres and reaches half of all German households, with 12,000-15,000 products.
Aptar has expanded its pharma operations in Mumbai, India, adding local production of inhalation technologies including its pressurised metered dose inhaler valve, breath-actuated systems and multi-dose nasal spray systems. The expanded site, inaugurated on 5 October 2026, grows Aptar's Mumbai footprint to 11,300 square metres and adds moulding capability alongside existing assembly operations.
Why this mattersLocal moulding capacity for inhalation devices shortens supply chains for Indian and Southeast Asian pharma customers and reduces reliance on imported components.
- Expanded Aptar Pharma site in Mumbai inaugurated on 5 October 2026
- Mumbai manufacturing footprint increased to 11,300 square metres
- Expansion adds moulding capability in addition to existing assembly operations
- New local production covers pMDI valves, breath-actuated systems and multi-dose nasal spray systems
- Aptar has operated commercially in Mumbai since 1998, with prior India sites opened in Rabale (2012), Hyderabad (2020) and Taloja (2023)
Desi Kimya, a manufacturer of corrosion-inhibiting and desiccant products, has acquired Technology Packaging Ltd, a UK specialist in corrosion prevention and protective packaging that trades under the TechCorro brand. The deal combines Desi Kimya's VCI manufacturing and testing capabilities with Technology Packaging's UK customer base in foundries, forges and the automotive, aerospace and medical sectors. No financial terms were disclosed.
Why this mattersGives a niche corrosion-protection packaging specialist access to VCI manufacturing scale, consolidating a fragmented segment serving metals and components industries.
- Desi Kimya has acquired Technology Packaging Ltd, a UK specialist in corrosion prevention and protective packaging
- Technology Packaging trades under the TechCorro brand, serving foundries, forges and the automotive, aerospace and medical sectors
- Desi Kimya has over 40 years of experience in corrosion prevention and moisture control and makes its own VCI masterbatch for protective polyethylene film
- Technology Packaging gains access to Desi Kimya's TRUGUARD protective packaging brand and manufacturing and testing capabilities
- No deal value was disclosed
- Technology Packaging will exhibit TRUGUARD and TechCorro at Advanced Engineering 2026 in Birmingham on 4-5 November
AW Rostamani Group has renamed its UAE packaging business, formerly Sineo Packaging, as VerraPak, unveiled at WETEX 2026 in Dubai. The unit runs a 50,000-square-foot plant in Dubai Industrial City with 15 production lines and capacity above 400 million units a year, and plans to raise capacity by 25% in early 2027.
Why this mattersA Gulf conglomerate's push to build local packaging capacity reduces regional buyers' reliance on imported packaging and signals rising UAE manufacturing investment.
- VerraPak replaces the Sineo Packaging identity within AW Rostamani Group (AWR Group).
- The Dubai Industrial City plant covers 50,000 square feet with 15 high-speed production lines.
- Annual production capacity exceeds 400 million units.
- AWR Group plans to increase VerraPak's capacity by 25% in early 2027.
- The facility holds BRCGS Global Standard for Packaging Materials certification with an A+ audit grade.
- AWR Group's on-site renewable electricity generation, mainly solar, rose more than tenfold in 2025 to 2,660 MWh.
Matic Plast S.r.l. has bought back the 24.5% minority stake in its operating subsidiary Matic Plast Milano previously held by founder Giovanni Agostino Patti, closing the deal at the end of September 2026. The subsidiary, which makes premium packaging for perfumery and cosmetics brands including Estee Lauder and Interparfums, reported revenue of about EUR 71m and EBITDA of about EUR 5.6m in its latest year. The move brings full governance of the operating company back under the holding group.
Why this mattersTaking full control of a EUR 71m-revenue cosmetics packaging maker removes the founder's minority interest and simplifies governance at a supplier to Estee Lauder and Interparfums.
- Matic Plast S.r.l. acquired the 24.5% stake in subsidiary Matic Plast Milano held by founder Giovanni Agostino Patti
- The transaction was completed at the end of September 2026
- Matic Plast Milano, based in Carugate near Milan, reported revenue of about EUR 71m in its latest financial year
- The subsidiary's EBITDA was about EUR 5.6m in the same period
- Customers named include Estee Lauder and Interparfums
- The company operates production plants in Italy and the United States
West Pharmaceutical Services declared a fourth-quarter dividend of USD 0.26 per share, up 18% from USD 0.22 in the prior quarter. The payment, the company's 34th consecutive annual dividend increase, is payable on 18 November 2026 to shareholders of record on 11 November 2026.
Why this mattersAn 18% rise, the 34th consecutive annual increase, points to continued cash generation at a leading supplier of injectable drug containment components.
- Dividend declared 19 October 2026 at USD 0.26 per share, up from USD 0.22 in the prior quarter.
- This marks the 34th consecutive annual dividend increase for West Pharmaceutical Services.
- Payable 18 November 2026 to shareholders of record as of 11 November 2026.
- West reported USD 3.07bn in net sales for fiscal year 2025.
- The company operates 50 sites including 26 manufacturing facilities worldwide.
Central National Gottesman's Lindenmeyr Munroe division will acquire the business of Nebraska-based distributor Omaha Paper Company, trading as OPC Direct, extending its Midwest footprint. The transaction is expected to close at the end of October 2026; deal value was not disclosed.
Why this mattersThe deal continues consolidation among US paper and packaging distributors, adding regional customer relationships and sanitation-supply lines to a larger national network.
- Lindenmeyr Munroe, a division of Central National Gottesman, will acquire Omaha Paper Company
- Transaction expected to close end of October 2026
- Omaha Paper, founded 1961, rebranded as OPC Direct and distributes paper, packaging, wide-format and JanSan products
- Omaha Paper is run by brothers Robert and Kevin Powell as a second-generation family business
- CNG, founded 1886, reports more than USD 8 billion in revenue and employs over 4,800 people across 180 locations in 25 countries
US third-party logistics and fulfilment provider CTL has acquired DMS Packaging, adding secondary packaging, contract assembly and retail display capabilities. DMS Packaging's operations will be integrated into CTL's Elk Grove Village, Illinois facility as a dedicated value-added services centre. Deal terms were not disclosed.
Why this mattersThe deal shows fulfilment and 3PL operators folding co-packing and secondary packaging into integrated service offerings for consumer brands.
- CTL, an Illinois-based third-party logistics and fulfilment provider, has acquired DMS Packaging
- DMS Packaging will be integrated into CTL's expanded Elk Grove Village, Illinois facility
- The combined operation covers secondary packaging, contract assembly and retail display engineering
- No financial terms of the acquisition were disclosed
- Josh Miller is president of CTL
Brother Industries began producing moulded pulp cushioning at its Brother Industries (Vietnam) plant in July 2026, using corrugated cardboard left over from parts deliveries as raw material. The material, developed to replace polystyrene foam, has protected toner cartridge shipments since late August 2026 and is the first moulded pulp line within the Brother Group.
Why this mattersA brand owner making moulded pulp in-house from its own cardboard waste shows electronics makers can replace polystyrene cushioning without sourcing from packaging converters.
- Production began in July 2026 at Brother Industries (Vietnam) Ltd (BIVN)
- Raw material is corrugated cardboard left over from parts deliveries to the factory
- The moulded pulp has cushioned toner cartridge shipments since late August 2026
- It is the first moulded pulp production line within the Brother Group
- Brother targets a 25% cut in virgin material use in products, including packaging, by FY2030 against FY2022 in its Printing and Solutions business
The Supreme Court of Canada granted leave to appeal on 15 October 2026 to a challenge brought by the Responsible Plastic Use Coalition, Dow Chemical Canada, Imperial Oil and Nova Chemicals against the federal order that lists plastic manufactured items as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. That listing underpins Ottawa's Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations, which ban checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, ring carriers, stir sticks and most straws. No hearing date has been set; filings run into 2027.
Why this mattersA ruling against the listing would remove the legal basis of Canada's single-use plastics ban, putting in question format switches made by foodservice and retail since 2023.
- Supreme Court of Canada granted leave to appeal on 15 October 2026 in file 42277, with costs in the cause
- Appellants are the Responsible Plastic Use Coalition, Dow Chemical Canada, Imperial Oil and Nova Chemicals Corporation
- The challenge targets the 2021 order listing plastic manufactured items as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
- Federal Court quashed the listing in November 2023 (2023 FC 1511); Federal Court of Appeal reinstated it in January 2026 (2026 FCA 17)
- The listing underlies bans on checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware and stir sticks (effective 20 December 2023) and ring carriers (effective 20 June 2024)
- Appellants' notice of appeal is due 16 November 2026, factum by 18 January 2027; respondents must file by 8 March 2027
Aliplast, the plastics recycling arm of Italian utility group Hera, has opened its R3GID recycling plant in Modena, Italy, with capacity for up to 30,000 tonnes a year of recycled polymers from rigid plastic waste. The EUR 48.8m (USD 54.8m) investment includes EUR 7.7m (USD 8.7m) from Italy's national recovery plan and uses Nextchem's NX Replast technology, targeting recycled-content demand under the EU PPWR and End of Life Vehicles rules.
Why this mattersThe plant adds scarce European rigid-plastics recycling capacity against a 2040 shortfall Hera puts at 5.7m tonnes, cutting Italian manufacturers' reliance on imported recycled polymer.
- Capacity of up to 30,000 tonnes of recycled rigid polymers a year
- Total investment of EUR 48.8m (USD 54.8m), including EUR 7.7m (USD 8.7m) from Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan
- Output has certified purity above 99%, with properties said to be comparable to virgin plastics
- The technology was developed with Nextchem using its NX Replast upcycling process
- The plant uses treated water and power from Hera's adjacent Modena wastewater and waste-to-energy facilities
- Hera says the plant avoids about 30,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions compared with virgin plastic production
The European Commission launched a public consultation on 21 October 2026 on the role of bio-based plastics in packaging policy, running until 13 January 2027. Conducted under Article 8 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and the EU Bioeconomy Strategic Framework, it will inform a possible assessment of demand measures, targets and sustainability requirements for bio-based feedstock, which could lead to a legislative proposal.
Why this mattersA future EU framework or targets for bio-based feedstock would reshape sourcing and investment decisions across plastic packaging producers and converters.
- Consultation launched 21 October 2026, open until 13 January 2027
- Conducted under Article 8 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and the EU Bioeconomy Strategic Framework
- Open to manufacturers, converters, raw-material suppliers, bio-based plastics producers, recyclers, brand owners and retailers
- Aims to assess market demand measures, targets and possible sustainability requirements for bio-based feedstock
- Feedback may lead to a legislative proposal establishing a framework for bio-based feedstock in plastic packaging
China's State Administration for Market Regulation has approved GB/T 24322-2026, a revised national standard for sulphate bamboo pulp that replaces the 2009 bleached-only version. The update adds a new category and test methods for unbleached (natural) sulphate bamboo pulp, tightens safety limits on fluorescent brighteners and heavy metals, and takes effect on 1 April 2027.
Why this mattersBamboo pulp is a key input for tissue and moulded-pulp fibre packaging, so tighter purity and safety limits could affect sourcing and cost for producers using the material.
- Standard GB/T 24322-2026 replaces GB/T 24322-2009, which covered only bleached sulphate bamboo pulp.
- The revision adds a separate category and technical requirements for unbleached sulphate bamboo pulp.
- New safety indicators cover migratable fluorescent substances and heavy metals.
- Tear index requirements for bleached pulp are tightened and the D65 brightness indicator adjusted.
- Dust measurement threshold area is changed to 0.15mm2 with updated requirements for the 0.15-0.99mm2 range.
- The standard enters into force on 1 April 2027.
Germany's federal government published a sustainability action plan on 16 October 2026 that sets a goal to significantly raise the share of retail packaging made from bio-based drop-in plastics by 2029. The agriculture ministry leads implementation, with the environment ministry in support, but the plan sets no binding measures beyond faster scale-up of research and use of regional supply chains.
Why this mattersA government target for bio-based drop-in plastics could shift demand toward bio-feedstock resin and converters able to process it, though the plan lacks binding measures so far.
- Action plan 'Nachhaltigkeit fur ein modernes und zukunftsfahiges Deutschland' was published on 16 October 2026, structured into 20 'missions'.
- The government aims to 'significantly' raise the share of retail packaging made from bio-based drop-in plastics by 2029.
- Germany's Federal Ministry of Agriculture is lead department for implementation, with the Federal Environment Ministry as a contributing ministry.
- The plan does not detail concrete mechanisms, citing faster scale-up of research results into industrial-scale production and use of regional value chains.
- Bio-based drop-in plastics match the chemical and molecular structure of conventional plastics and can be processed and recycled in the same way, according to the government.
German reusable packaging companies and the Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg (SIM) are pressing the government to exclude refillable plastic containers from a planned plastics tax of EUR 550 per tonne, due to take effect in July 2027. They argue the levy, intended to curb single-use waste, would instead raise costs for deposit-based reuse systems such as beverage crates and pallets.
Why this mattersA levy covering reusable plastic would add cost to Germany's shared deposit crate and pallet pools, on which brewers, bottlers, wholesalers and retailers depend.
- The proposed German plastics tax is set at EUR 550 per tonne and due to start in July 2027.
- SIM (Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg) is leading calls for reusable packaging to be explicitly exempted.
- Industry groups say the levy as drafted would cover reusable plastic items including crates and pallets used in beverage distribution.
- Brewers, bottlers, wholesalers and retailers relying on shared deposit-return crates and pallets could face higher handling and transport costs.
- Cross-border trade in reusable beverage packaging between neighbouring markets is also cited as a concern.
- The sector is urging lawmakers to clarify the rules well before the July 2027 start date to allow planning of contracts, pricing and procurement.
The European Parliament has adopted its position to suspend, until 2035, the requirement for small and micro-enterprises to appoint an authorised representative in every EU member state under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The exemption would apply to EU-based firms with fewer than 50 employees and turnover or balance sheet under EUR 10m, and would not affect other Extended Producer Responsibility obligations such as waste prevention or fees. The position was adopted by 616 votes to 9 on packaging and waste batteries, and now goes forward to trialogue negotiations with the Council.
Why this mattersA multi-year suspension of the representative rule would cut compliance costs for small packaging producers selling across EU borders ahead of a planned Circular Economy Act.
- MEPs voted 616 to 9, with 39 abstentions, for the position on packaging waste and waste batteries.
- A related vote on single-use plastics, electronics, textiles and footwear passed 612 to 8, with 39 abstentions.
- The exemption would cover EU firms with fewer than 50 employees and turnover or balance sheet under EUR 10m.
- Suspension would run until 2035 or until a Circular Economy Act is adopted, whichever comes first.
- The German Federal Ministry for the Environment had proposed exempting traders putting under 10 tonnes of packaging into circulation per year.
- The European Commission is expected to propose a comprehensive Circular Economy Act later in 2026.
The Council of the EU adopted on 21 October 2026 its negotiating position to suspend an extended producer responsibility requirement under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation that obliges EU-based producers to appoint a representative in every Member State where they sell packaging or packaged goods. Producers could be exempted from appointing a representative in a given Member State if they place under one tonne of packaging there per year, with a safeguard clause for non-compliance. The Irish Presidency will now begin talks with the European Parliament, as part of the wider omnibus VIII simplification package.
Why this mattersA lighter EPR representative regime would cut compliance costs for small and cross-border packaging producers ahead of the planned Circular Economy Act overhaul.
- Council of the EU adopted its position on 21 October 2026 on suspending part of the PPWR's EPR representative requirement
- Exemption threshold: producers placing under one tonne of packaging per year in a given Member State
- European Commission must review the suspension's duration by 31 December 2030, ahead of its scheduled 2032 expiry
- Measure is part of the omnibus VIII package to simplify EU environmental rules
- Irish Presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament on the file
- A broader fix for EPR schemes is expected in the forthcoming Circular Economy Act
Attempts by some German producers to raise prices for recycled corrugated case material again in October 2026 have not succeeded, EUWID reports, and prices are stable. Coated white-top testliner is the only grade still subject to further price negotiations, while gas and recovered paper prices are rising.
Why this mattersStable prices despite rising gas and recovered paper costs squeeze German recycled containerboard margins, with coated white-top testliner the only grade still under negotiation.
- Some producers' attempts to raise recycled corrugated case material prices in Germany in October 2026 came to nothing
- Recycled containerboard prices are reported stable
- Coated white-top testliner is the only grade still under further price negotiations
- Gas prices and recovered paper prices are rising, adding cost pressure
