Sappi's net loss for the year to end-September 2026 widened to USD 747m from USD 177m, as weak demand in several paper grades, the stronger rand and cost inflation weighed on earnings. Adjusted EBITDA fell 41% to USD 294m and net debt rose to USD 2.05bn; lenders extended the suspension of covenant testing on its revolving credit facility and bank term debt from March 2027 to June 2027 and agreed revised leverage thresholds for the period after. The shares fell 13.66% to USD 0.68 (ZAR 11.25) on 6 November, valuing the group at about USD 0.4bn (ZAR 6.9bn).
Why this mattersThe result shows currency and demand pressure squeezing a core pulp and paper producer hard enough to force fresh covenant relief from lenders.
- Annual net loss widened to USD 747m from USD 177m for the year to end-September 2026
- Adjusted EBITDA fell 41% to USD 294m
- Net debt rose to USD 2.05bn from USD 1.92bn a year earlier
- Lenders extended the suspension of covenant testing on the international revolving credit facility and bank term debt, previously due to expire in March 2027, to June 2027
- Shares closed 13.66% lower at USD 0.68 (ZAR 11.25) on 6 November, the steepest fall since August 2019, valuing Sappi at about USD 0.4bn (ZAR 6.9bn)
- Sappi and UPM submitted remedy proposals to the European Commission on 4 November for their proposed graphic papers joint venture; Sappi expects a decision in early January 2027
Nippon Tokai Industrial Paper Supply, the joint containerboard sales arm of Nippon Paper and Shin Tokai Paper, will raise prices on all containerboard grades in Japan by at least 10% from shipments on 1 January 2027. The company points to rising labour, logistics and maintenance costs and to higher fuel prices stemming from the Middle East conflict. Rengo, Japan's largest corrugated packaging maker, announced a separate price revision in October, also effective from January shipments.
Why this mattersParallel January increases from Nippon Paper's sales venture and Rengo raise input costs for Japanese corrugated converters and the brand owners they supply.
- Nippon Tokai Industrial Paper Supply, the joint containerboard sales company of Nippon Paper and Shin Tokai Paper, will raise prices on all containerboard grades by at least 10% from shipments on 1 January 2027
- The company cites higher labour, logistics and equipment maintenance costs and elevated fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict
- Rengo, Japan's largest corrugated packaging producer, announced its own containerboard and box price revision in October, also effective from January 2027 shipments
Saudi Paper Manufacturing Company reported third-quarter 2026 net profit of SAR 20.24 million, up 39.78% year on year from SAR 14.48 million. The company cited revenue growth, a SAR 9.8 million rise in gross profit and additional output from its fifth production line, plus higher associate income.
Why this mattersOutput from a fifth production line is lifting volumes and earnings at the Saudi paper producer, although profit fell 59.8% from the second quarter.
- Q3 2026 net profit SAR 20.24 million, up 39.78% year on year from SAR 14.48 million
- Revenue reached SAR 247.27 million, up 30.8% year on year
- Gross profit rose SAR 9.8 million on higher sales and fifth production line output
- Net profit fell 59.8% quarter on quarter versus Q2 2026
- Excluding a SAR 6.2 million non-recurring gain a year earlier, continuing operations net profit rose 143.3%
Sun Paper plans to invest USD 0.6bn (CNY 4bn) in two projects at its new materials park in Yanzhou, Jining, Shandong: a 500,000 tonne/year natural biomass fibre and alkali recovery plant and a 600,000 tonne/year green paper-based packaging material plant, both due to start up next year. The plan follows the third-quarter start-up at the same park of a 700,000 tonne/year high-grade packaging paper line and a 600,000 tonne/year bleached chemical pulp and alkali recovery project. Sun Paper reported record quarterly revenue of USD 1.664bn (CNY 11.102bn) for Q3 2026, up 13.03% year on year.
Why this mattersA further 1.1m tonnes a year of fibre and packaging capacity, after 1.3m tonnes started in Q3, deepens Sun Paper's pulp integration and adds supply to China's packaging paper market.
- Sun Paper plans to invest USD 0.6bn (CNY 4bn) in two projects at its Yanzhou new materials park in Jining, Shandong
- First project: 500,000 tonnes/year of natural biomass fibre with alkali recovery
- Second project: 600,000 tonnes/year of green paper-based packaging material
- Both projects are due to start up next year
- In Q3 2026 the company started up a 700,000 tonne/year high-grade packaging paper line and a 600,000 tonne/year bleached chemical pulp and alkali recovery project at the same park
- Q3 2026 revenue was a record USD 1.664bn (CNY 11.102bn), up 13.03%; net profit attributable to shareholders was USD 146m (CNY 971m), up 34.89%
Tetra Pak has unveiled Tetra Reva, a square single-serve container made mainly of paperboard with a plastic pull-tab, at Pack Expo International, with launch in the US and other markets planned for the first half of 2027. Sizes of 125ml to 200ml are in development for yoghurt, cottage cheese, pudding and other chilled spoonable foods usually sold in round plastic cups. Tetra Pak says the containers stack without secondary packaging and fit up to 57% more units per pallet, a figure it has not had independently verified.
Why this mattersTetra Pak's mainly paperboard container targets yoghurt and dessert formats now commonly sold in round plastic cups, putting a core carton maker up against plastic cup suppliers.
- Tetra Pak unveiled Tetra Reva at this year's Pack Expo International
- The container is made mainly of paperboard, with a plastic pull-tab on top
- Single-serve sizes of 125ml to 200ml are in development for chilled spoonable foods such as yoghurt, cottage cheese and pudding
- Launch in the US and globally is planned for the first half of 2027
- Tetra Pak says the square containers stack tightly without secondary packaging, fitting up to 57% more units per pallet; the figure is company-supplied
Middle East Paper Company (MEPCO) reported a 9.87% year-on-year fall in third-quarter net profit to SAR 12.9 million, despite revenue growing 2.05% to SAR 284.69 million. The company attributed the decline to higher administrative expenses, impairment losses on financial assets and lower financing income; nine-month net profit is still up 5.32% to SAR 26.19 million.
Why this mattersA profit decline despite revenue growth signals margin pressure from costs and impairments at a regional paper producer.
- MEPCO's Q3 2026 net profit fell 9.87% year-on-year to SAR 12.9m from SAR 14.31m
- Net profit declined 15.65% quarter-on-quarter
- Q3 revenue rose 2.05% year-on-year to SAR 284.69m
- Company cites higher general and administrative expenses, impairment losses on financial assets, and lower financing income
- Nine-month net profit for 2026 rose 5.32% to SAR 26.19m on revenue up 1.7% to SAR 826.99m
China's producer-responsibility committee for beverage carton packaging reported a resource recovery rate of 41.6% for 2025, up from 31.0% in 2020 and above its 40% target, five years after the country's first product-specific extended producer responsibility plan. SIG, a committee member, said it is working on recyclable design and foil-free, lower-carbon cartons as the scheme moves from pilot to a model that could be applied to other low-value recyclables.
Why this mattersA working EPR model for beverage cartons in China could be extended to other low-value recyclables, shaping compliance costs for carton producers there.
- Resource recovery rate for beverage carton packaging rose from 31.0% in 2020 to 41.6% in 2025, according to the committee's 2025 compliance report
- The scheme reached 40.8% in 2024, meeting its 40% target a year early
- China's National Development and Reform Commission and other departments issued the first product-specific EPR implementation plan, for beverage carton packaging, in 2020
- Recycling companies in the scheme's network cut an estimated 407,000 tonnes of CO2e a year, an 84.8% reduction rate
- A group standard on recyclable design of food and beverage carton packaging introduces material compatibility grading
- China's 15th Five-Year Plan for circular economy development supports continued self-regulated recycling and EPR for beverage cartons
Turkish packaging producer Bantaş Bandırma Ambalaj has obtained an investment incentive certificate from Turkey's Ministry of Industry and Technology covering a USD 4.8m (TRY 241.5m) full-integration investment programme, valid from 9 October 2026 to 9 October 2029. The company has applied to Bandırma municipality for a building permit, signed prefabricated-building and crane contracts and agreed terms with a foreign supplier for a roll-cutting line.
Why this mattersA 60% tax discount and a 20% investment contribution lower the cost of Bantaş's full-integration programme, for which building, crane and roll-cutting line contracts are already signed.
- The certificate covers an investment budget of USD 4.8m (TRY 241.5m)
- Certificate issued by Turkey's Ministry of Industry and Technology, valid 9 October 2026 to 9 October 2029
- Benefits include a 60% tax reduction rate, a 20% investment contribution rate and one year of employer social-security support
- The investment programme was announced by the board on 14 January 2026
- Contracts for prefabricated building and crane works have been signed since 9 September 2026; the ground survey and reinforcement project is complete and awaits municipal approval
- Agreement reached with a foreign supplier for a roll-cutting line
Logson Group has acquired Playford Packaging, a Wrexham-based independent supplier of corrugated packaging trading as Riftward (Holdings) Limited. TLT LLP advised the shareholders of Playford Packaging on the transaction, alongside Grant Thornton's corporate finance team. No deal value was disclosed.
Why this mattersThe deal adds a long-established independent UK corrugated converter to one of the country's larger consolidated packaging groups.
- Logson Group has acquired Playford Packaging, trading name of Riftward (Holdings) Limited
- Playford Packaging is based in Wrexham and has four decades of history in corrugated packaging
- Logson Group employs more than 1,300 people with annual turnover above USD 535m (GBP 400m)
- Logson Group's portfolio includes Board24, Boxes and Packaging, Cardboard Box Company, Durham Box and Challenge Packaging
- TLT advised Playford Packaging's shareholders, with Grant Thornton's corporate finance team also advising
- No transaction value was disclosed
Taiwan-listed Long Chen Paper reported January-October 2026 pre-tax profit of TWD 606m, against a TWD 626m pre-tax loss a year earlier, on consolidated revenue of TWD 42.458bn, up 15.61%. October alone showed an operating loss of TWD 34m and pre-tax profit of about TWD 7m on revenue of TWD 4.536bn, up 10.3%, as cautious downstream buying and high recovered-paper costs pressed margins. The company expects year-end e-commerce festivals and holiday restocking to lift industrial paper demand in the fourth quarter.
Why this mattersA return to ten-month profit at a Taiwanese industrial paper producer, despite high recovered-paper costs and cautious buying, points to a partial recovery in regional demand.
- January-October 2026 pre-tax profit TWD 606m versus a TWD 626m pre-tax loss a year earlier; pre-tax EPS TWD 0.47
- January-October 2026 consolidated revenue TWD 42.458bn, up 15.61% year on year
- October 2026 consolidated revenue TWD 4.536bn, up 10.3% year on year
- October operating loss TWD 34m; pre-tax profit about TWD 7m (EPS TWD 0.01)
- October gross margin was squeezed by elevated recovered-paper logistics costs, high-cost waste-paper inventory and cautious downstream purchasing
- Large mills are curbing supply through downtime; the company expects shopping-festival and holiday restocking to lift demand into year-end
Ardagh Group is seeking to sell its metal beverage can business as it refocuses on glass packaging and other activities, according to a report on 6 November 2026. No buyer, valuation or timetable has been disclosed. Industry experts cited by Brewbound say can supply remains tight and other suppliers face capacity limits, leaving beverage brands little room to switch volumes.
Why this mattersA change of ownership at a top-tier can supplier could disrupt contract negotiation and production planning for beverage brands in an already capacity-constrained aluminium can market.
- Ardagh Group is reportedly seeking to sell its metal can business.
- The company is said to be refocusing on glass packaging and other activities.
- The divestment plan was reported on Friday 6 November 2026.
- No deal value, buyer or completion timeline has been disclosed.
- Industry sources cited by Brewbound say beverage can supply remains tight with limited replacement capacity.
A&C International Packaging Joint Stock Company has inaugurated an aluminium packaging plant in the Quan Ngang industrial park, Quang Tri province, Vietnam, on 6 November 2026. The first phase has design capacity of 700 million units a year on investment of nearly VND 2,300 billion, with capacity set to rise to 1 billion units a year once a second phase, part of total project investment of almost VND 2,700 billion, is completed.
Why this mattersA 700m-unit aluminium packaging plant, expandable to 1bn units, adds domestic beverage packaging capacity in Vietnam; its first phase started six months ahead of schedule.
- Plant inaugurated 6 November 2026 in Quan Ngang industrial park, Quang Tri province, Vietnam.
- Phase 1 design capacity is 700 million units a year, rising to 1 billion units a year once both phases are complete.
- Phase 1 investment is nearly VND 2,300 billion; total project investment is nearly VND 2,700 billion.
- Site covers almost 10 hectares.
- Company states it uses fully automated closed production lines imported from the United States and Europe.
- Project is described as linked to the beverage industry's supply chain.
Knack Packaging has renewed for three years, through December 2028, a contract with one of the world's largest private animal nutrition groups to supply about 60 million bags a year, worth about USD 16m (INR 1,500m) annually. The Ahmedabad-based woven polypropylene bag maker reported record Q2 FY27 revenue of USD 31.38m (INR 2,947.57m), up 52.52% and driven mainly by price increases, while EBITDA margin fell to 16.35% from 19.2% on polymer and freight costs.
Why this mattersA three-year commitment for about 60 million bags a year secures volume for plants running at 90-91% utilisation while polymer and freight costs squeeze margins.
- Contract renewed for three years to December 2028, covering about 60 million bags a year worth about USD 16m (INR 1,500m) annually
- Q2 FY27 revenue was USD 31.38m (INR 2,947.57m), up 52.52% from USD 20.58m (INR 1,932.57m)
- Sales volume rose 13% to 11,252 tonnes; management attributed the revenue growth mainly to price increases
- Profit after tax rose 21.24% to USD 2.66m (INR 250.20m); EBITDA margin fell to 16.35% from 19.2%
- The 50%-owned Mexican joint venture Sayem Knack lost USD 0.65m (INR 60.60m) in the half-year during its scale-up
- 5,040 tonnes of capacity was added in August 2026; plant utilisation is about 90-91%
Brazilian start-up Bagin has set up a factory in Goiânia to make reusable, customisable thermal bags for food delivery, a product its founders say was not previously made in Brazil. Investment, announced in October at more than USD 2m (BRL 10m), had risen to close to USD 4m (BRL 20m) by early November, with first deliveries scheduled for the start of the month; the machinery was imported from China.
Why this mattersDomestic production could displace imported thermal delivery bags for Brazil's restaurant and food-delivery sector, cutting minimum order sizes for customised packaging.
- Investment rose from more than USD 2m (BRL 10m) announced in October to close to USD 4m (BRL 20m) by early November 2026
- The factory, in the Santa Genoveva district of Goiânia, was in final installation on 2 November, with first deliveries scheduled for early November
- Bags have three layers (non-woven fabric, external plastic coating, internal aluminium insulation), hold up to 10kg and keep temperature for about four to six hours, according to the company
- Minimum order of 3,000 units, at an estimated USD 0.45-0.82 (BRL 2.50-4.50) per unit
- Production machinery was imported from China; the print technology for customer branding was developed in-house
- The founders say no Brazilian manufacturer previously made this type of bag; the claim has not been independently confirmed
West Pharmaceutical Services reported third quarter 2026 sales of USD 874.5m and net income of USD 214m. The maker of pharmaceutical packaging and delivery components raised its full year 2026 net sales guidance to USD 3.41bn-3.42bn, with diluted EPS guidance of USD 9.31-9.41, and lifted its fourth quarter dividend. The company also completed USD 685.26m of share repurchases under its 2026 buyback programme.
Why this mattersRaised full-year guidance at a leading maker of pharmaceutical packaging and delivery components indicates firm demand from drug producers for its containment products.
- Q3 2026 sales were USD 874.5m with net income of USD 214m
- Full year 2026 net sales guidance raised to USD 3.41bn-3.42bn
- Diluted EPS guidance raised to USD 9.31-9.41
- The company completed USD 685.26m of share repurchases under its 2026 buyback programme
- A higher fourth quarter dividend was announced alongside the guidance increase
- Nine month 2026 revenue was USD 2.59bn and net income USD 506.8m
Elite, Ester Industries' 50-50 joint venture with Loop Industries, has received in-principle approval for a term loan from a public-sector bank, with final sanction expected in three to four months, and has Nike as anchor customer for its planned 45,000 tonne/year polyester chips plant. In Q2 FY27 Ester's polyester films revenue rose 39.6% to USD 44.1m (INR 414.5 crore) and segment EBIT turned positive, while specialty polymers revenue fell 49% after its largest customer switched to a different chemistry.
Why this mattersA named anchor customer and bank approval move the Elite chips project closer to funding, while the films-versus-specialty-polymers divergence shows how customer-specific shifts can swing group earnings quickly.
- Elite has in-principle approval for a term loan from a public-sector bank; final sanction is expected within three to four months
- The 45,000 tonne/year polyester chips project has a capital outlay of USD 128m-149m (INR 1,200-1,400 crore), expected EBITDA margins of 40-45% and most volume pre-sold; Nike is the anchor customer
- Ester says Loop, which carries going-concern language in its US accounts, needs to contribute only equity, backed by milestone-linked private equity commitments
- Polyester films revenue rose 39.6% to USD 44.1m (INR 414.5 crore) in Q2 FY27, with segment EBIT of USD 3.7m (INR 34.5 crore) against a loss a year earlier
- Specialty polymers revenue fell 49% to USD 3.1m (INR 29.3 crore) after the largest customer changed its process chemistry
- Consolidated EBITDA fell to USD 4.8m (INR 45.1 crore) from USD 6.3m (INR 58.9 crore) in Q1; borrowings were USD 79.7m (INR 748.8 crore) and net debt/EBITDA 3.0-3.25x against a 2-2.25x target
Plastika Kritis completed on 4 November 2026 the acquisition of the entire share capital of Naturplas Industrial from Spain's Koex Capital. The deal gives the Greek plastics producer its 11th plant and first production base in Africa, with Naturplas expected to post sales above EUR 20m in 2026.
Why this mattersThe deal gives a Greek plastics producer its first African production base and an agricultural-film plant whose sales are set to rise from EUR 12.5m to over EUR 20m.
- Deal completed 4 November 2026, acquiring 100% of Naturplas Industrial S.A.R.L.
- Seller was Spain's Koex Capital, Naturplas's parent company
- Naturplas is based in Tetouan, Morocco, and makes polyethylene sheeting for agricultural use
- Deal is Plastika Kritis's 11th plant and first production base in Africa, extending its footprint to eight countries
- Naturplas 2025 sales were EUR 12.5m, expected to exceed EUR 20m in 2026 after a 2026 capacity-doubling investment
- Naturplas also supplies geomembranes for water management, irrigation and landfill applications
Saudi Printing & Packaging's board has recommended a rights issue worth SAR 180m to strengthen the company's balance sheet and fund strategic and operational plans. Wasatah Capital has been appointed financial advisor and underwriter. The plan still requires regulatory clearance and shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting, date not yet set.
Why this mattersA SAR 180m rights issue following an earlier capital reduction shows the converter rebuilding its equity base, subject to regulator and shareholder approval.
- Board recommended a capital increase through a rights issue valued at SAR 180m, according to a bourse disclosure
- Wasatah Capital was appointed financial advisor and underwriter at the board meeting on 4 November 2026
- The rights issue needs regulatory approval and shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting, date not yet set
- Eligibility goes to shareholders registered with Edaa at the end of the second trading day after the EGM
- The company earlier announced a capital reduction through the cancellation of 58.30 million ordinary shares
- Further disclosure will follow when the capital increase file is submitted to the Capital Market Authority
Fujian Yangzhu New Materials Technology and Fujian Jianda Industrial Investment Group are installing equipment, including 72 production lines, for a jointly funded 200,000 tonne/year bamboo-fibre biodegradable material plant in Jianyang, Nanping, China, with the first grinding and pelletising lines about to start. Yangzhu has agreed cooperation with eight leading courier companies and plans to supply more than 200 million bamboo-based courier bags this year; corrugated boxes with 60-70% bamboo powder content are planned next.
Why this mattersA bamboo-based biodegradable substitute priced below conventional plastic, backed by courier-sector supply deals, could accelerate plastic-to-fibre switching in China's e-commerce packaging.
- The 200,000 tonne/year bamboo-fibre biodegradable material plant in Jianyang is in equipment installation, with 72 production lines arriving; four grinding and four pelletising lines are about to start
- Construction began in August 2025; the project is jointly funded by Fujian Yangzhu New Materials Technology and Fujian Jianda Industrial Investment Group
- Yangzhu has agreed cooperation with eight leading courier companies and plans to supply more than 200 million bamboo-based courier bags this year
- Yangzhu says its bags, with 30-40% bamboo powder, cost 10-15% less than conventional plastic courier bags and fully degrade under industrial composting or soil burial
- Corrugated boxes with 60-70% bamboo powder content for courier and transport packaging are planned next
Time Technoplast's wholly owned Saudi subsidiary has won an exclusive one-year contract worth about USD 3.7m (INR 350m) from Methanol Chemicals Company (CHEMANOL), the company disclosed in a filing on 7 November 2026. The Tadawul-listed methanol producer will source drums, jerry cans and intermediate bulk containers under the contract, which is to be executed within one year.
Why this mattersA one-year exclusive award from a Saudi methanol producer adds drum, jerry can and IBC volume to Time Technoplast's Gulf business through its local subsidiary.
- Contract value about USD 3.7m (INR 350m)
- Awarded to Time Technoplast's wholly owned Saudi Arabian subsidiary by CHEMANOL
- Covers supply of drums, jerry cans and IBCs over a one-year term
- Disclosed in a Regulation 30 filing dated 7 November 2026
- Classified as an international, non-related-party transaction; no promoter interest in CHEMANOL
BOBST has installed its EXPERT K5 vacuum metallizer with AluBond technology at FAM Ti's expanded facility in Burlington, Ontario, the first such installation in North America. The equipment allows FAM Ti to move from distributing film to manufacturing high-barrier metallized substrates, including metallized PLA for industrial use.
Why this mattersFAM Ti's move from distributing film to metallizing it in-house adds North American capacity for high-barrier substrates, including metallized PLA, using technology not previously installed in the region.
- BOBST's EXPERT K5 metallizer with AluBond technology is the first such unit installed in North America, at FAM Ti in Burlington, Ontario
- The 2450mm-wide platform runs alongside six slitters and more than two million pounds of substrate inventory at the site
- AluBond chemically alters the web surface during vacuum deposition; BOBST cites lamination bond strengths of up to 4.0 N/15mm on specialty polyolefin films
- The 700mm coating drum is described as the largest in the industry
- FAM Ti is using the system to develop metallized PLA for industrial applications
- FAM Ti recently expanded its facility to 106,000 square feet as it moves from film distribution to manufacturing
Cartonpack Group has completed the acquisition of a business unit of Agrypack S.r.l., a Verona-based distributor of packaging solutions for the agri-food sector. No financial terms were disclosed. The deal extends Cartonpack Group's consolidation strategy in agri-food packaging distribution.
Why this mattersAdds to consolidation among smaller regional distributors serving Italy's agri-food packaging supply chain.
- Cartonpack Group acquired a business unit of Agrypack S.r.l.
- Agrypack is based in Verona, Italy, and distributes packaging solutions for the agri-food sector
- The transaction is described as completed
- No financial terms were disclosed
Midland, a US distributor of packaging, paper and performance solutions, has completed the acquisition of Wetoska Packaging Distributors, a family-owned specialist in food packaging materials and equipment based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. No financial terms were disclosed. The deal adds food-sector distribution capabilities to Midland's business.
Why this mattersConsolidation among regional US packaging distributors continues, giving larger platforms broader reach into food-sector accounts.
- Midland acquired Wetoska Packaging Distributors, based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois
- Wetoska is a family-owned specialist in food packaging materials and equipment
- The acquisition has been completed
- Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed
Nestlé will not run its recyclable paper tub trial for Quality Street at Tesco this Christmas, after trials in selected Tesco stores in 2024, when about 200,000 tubs went to around 60 stores, and again in 2025. The company gave no sales data or specific reason for the pause but says it aims to bring the format back on a bigger scale; Tesco, the only retailer in the trial, confirmed the tub is not in its 2026 Christmas range.
Why this mattersPausing the only UK retail test of a paper confectionery tub without published results leaves brand owners and board suppliers without evidence on whether the format can scale.
- Nestlé said in a statement reported on 7 November 2026 that it will not run the Quality Street paper tub trial at Tesco this Christmas; Tesco confirmed the tub is not in its range
- The first trial, in October 2024, put about 200,000 paper tubs into roughly 60 selected Tesco stores
- A second trial followed in selected Tesco stores for Christmas 2025; its scale was not disclosed
- In 2024 the paper tub carried the same USD 7.36 (GBP 5.50) recommended price as the plastic tub
- Nestlé has disclosed no sales figures, shopper feedback or reason for the pause, and says it aims to bring the format back on a bigger scale
- The standard plastic Quality Street tub stays at 550g for 2026, unchanged from 2025
L'Oréal Groupe said virgin plastic use in its packaging fell 37% between 2019 and end-2025, with recycled or bio-based materials reaching 44% of packaging materials used. The group targets a 50% cut in virgin plastic and 50% recycled content by 2030, alongside a 20% reduction in packaging intensity, as part of its L'Oréal for the Future programme launched in 2020.
Why this mattersL'Oréal's 2030 targets of 50% recycled content and half the virgin plastic set purchasing requirements for its suppliers of recycled resin, refill formats and alternative materials.
- Virgin plastic use in packaging down 37% from 2019 to end-2025
- Recycled or bio-based materials reached 44% of packaging materials at end-2025
- Packaging intensity reduced 12% versus the 2019 baseline
- 2030 targets: 50% less virgin plastic, 50% recycled content, 20% lower packaging intensity
- Refillable product offer up 3.7x between 2019 and 2025, cutting up to 77% of plastic versus original packs
- L'AcceleratOR programme explores alternatives including seaweed-based packs, sugarcane bioplastics and recyclable paper bottles
GreenDot has acquired a 50% stake in Valorie, the French company that wholly owns household packaging compliance schemes Leko and Leko Pro. The deal gives GreenDot a foothold in France's extended producer responsibility system for packaging. No financial terms were disclosed.
Why this mattersConsolidation among EPR compliance scheme operators concentrates control over how packaging producers fund and manage France's recycling obligations.
- GreenDot acquired a 50% stake in Valorie
- Valorie wholly owns French household packaging compliance schemes Leko and Leko Pro
- Deal announced 6 November 2026
- No deal value disclosed
Comieco reports that 24 of 33 paper and board recycling plants funded partly through Italy's PNRR recovery plan are now operating, with the remaining nine due to start up in early 2027. The 33 projects represent EUR 212m of investment and add 300,000 tonnes of treatment capacity, with 16 of the 24 new plants located in southern Italy.
Why this mattersAbout 300,000 tonnes of extra recovered-paper treatment capacity, mostly in southern Italy, can improve fibre supply to Italian board mills only if separate collection rises in volume and quality.
- 33 projects funded with EUR 212m of investment, partly from Italy's PNRR recovery plan
- 24 of the 33 plants are already operational
- Remaining plants expected to start up in early 2027
- New capacity adds 300,000 tonnes of additional treatment throughput
- 16 of the 24 new plants are located in southern Italy, from Sicily to Campania
- Comieco says the new capacity requires more and cleaner separate collection of paper and board waste
The European Commission opened a safeguard investigation on 6 November 2026 into imports from all origins of PET resin, including virgin and recycled PET and PET-G, and of three feedstocks: terephthalic acid, monoethylene glycol and purified isophthalic acid. The case, opened at the request of member states, follows a 27% rise in imports of the four product groups to 2.70m tonnes between 2021 and 2025, lifting their share of EU consumption to 40% from 27%. No duties or quotas apply yet; any measures would need a qualified majority of member states.
Why this mattersAny safeguard duties on PET would reshape supply, cost and sourcing for bottle and food-packaging converters across Europe.
- The Commission opened the safeguard investigation on 6 November 2026 at the request of EU member states; it covers imports from all countries
- Scope: PET resin including virgin, recycled PET and PET-G, terephthalic acid, monoethylene glycol and purified isophthalic acid
- Combined imports rose 27% from 2.12m tonnes in 2021 to 2.70m tonnes in 2025, and their share of EU consumption rose to 40% from 27%, according to the notice
- The Commission estimates global spare capacity at about 67.84m tonnes
- Definitive measures must follow within 200 days of any provisional measures, and adoption needs a qualified majority of member states
- The EU already applies antidumping duties on PET from China, antisubsidy duties on PET from India, and measures on terephthalic acid from South Korea and Mexico and monoethylene glycol from Saudi Arabia and the US
Two EU regulations published on 29 October 2026, (EU) 2026/2376 and (EU) 2026/2412, amend the compliance rules for plastics in contact with food. They add new declaration types, tighten traceability for recycled plastics and the registration and inspection of recycling technologies and installations, and authorise four new substances. PET-based materials, some multilayer PET sheets and plastic kitchenware are among the products most affected, and producers, converters and recyclers are advised to review their documentation.
Why this mattersTighter traceability and documentation rules raise compliance costs across the food-contact plastics supply chain and intersect directly with PPWR recycled-content targets.
- Regulation (EU) 2026/2376 amends the 2022/1616 rules on recycled plastics; (EU) 2026/2412 updates the list of authorised substances for food-contact plastics, both published 29 October 2026.
- Two new declaration types are introduced: a simplified Type C declaration for later supply-chain stages and a Type P document to trace pre-treated plastic feedstock used in recycling.
- Companies must hold supporting documentation at the point of issuing a compliance declaration and produce it to authorities within 10 working days of a request.
- Recycled batches require unique lot identifiers and quality records kept for at least five years.
- New recycling technologies must be registered at least six months before the first affected equipment starts operation, with authorities given five months to verify compliance.
- Equipment must be registered at least 30 working days before production start, with a compliance summary due within 30 days of start-up, and four new substances (FCM 1086, 1087, 1088, 1090) are authorised under strict conditions.
Argentina is the only one of Latin America's five largest economies without a national extended producer responsibility law or mandatory recycled-content targets for packaging, according to a 2026 circular-economy dossier from plastics groups Ecoplás and CAIP. Recovered plastics volumes fell 11% in 2025 and recyclers are running with close to 50% idle capacity. Legislative debate has been stalled for more than two decades; the current bill, 1059-D-2025, remains in committee, though CAIP sees a chance of progress before year-end.
Why this mattersWithout producer-funded collection, Argentina's recyclers run half idle and the country lags neighbouring markets that already mandate producer responsibility and recycled content.
- Argentina is the only one of Latin America's five largest economies without a national Extended Producer Responsibility law for packaging, per Ecoplás
- Recovered plastics volume in Argentina fell 11% in 2025
- Argentina's recycling industry operates at close to 50% idle capacity
- National recycling rate is about 6%, according to UN estimates
- Bill 1059-D-2025, proposing privately financed EPR via deposit-return or integrated management systems, remains in congressional committee without a vote
- CAIP executive director Sergio Hilbrecht says a resolution before year-end is possible
The European Parliament backed a temporary suspension of the PPWR local-representative requirement for EU-based micro and small businesses in October, while the Council proposed relief for producers placing less than one tonne of packaging a year in each destination member state. No suspension has yet become law, and the Commission has asked member states not to impose sanctions over the requirement while talks continue. Estonian online retailer Luregod says representation and recycling fees in each market create a costly barrier for small cross-border sellers.
Why this mattersAn enacted carve-out would spare small cross-border sellers the cost of a representative in each destination market, a fixed burden critics say favours large producers.
- The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation generally started applying in August 2026.
- In October 2026 the European Parliament backed a temporary suspension of the representative requirement for EU-based micro and small businesses.
- The Council separately proposed relief for producers placing under one tonne of packaging per year in each destination member state.
- The European Commission has asked member states to apply the representative requirement pragmatically and to refrain from sanctions over it while talks continue.
- EFTTA, the European Fishing Tackle Trade Association, says minimum recycled-content requirements for plastic packaging begin to apply from 2030 and tighten towards 2040.
- Estonian online retailer Luregod says it can cost thousands of euros to become compliant in each EU market.
Brazilian flexible plastic packaging production fell 3.0% year-on-year to 569,000 tonnes in the third quarter of 2026, even as apparent consumption edged up 0.6% to 590,000 tonnes, according to data from Maxiquim compiled for trade association ABIEF. Imports rose 48.8% year-on-year to 43,200 tonnes, taking import share of consumption to 7.3% from 4.9% a year earlier, while exports dropped 24.4% to 22,600 tonnes, leaving a trade deficit of 20,600 tonnes against a small surplus a year earlier.
Why this mattersRising import penetration and a widening trade deficit intensify competitive pressure on Brazilian flexible-packaging converters despite broadly stable domestic demand.
- Apparent consumption reached 590,000 tonnes in Q3 2026, up 0.6% year-on-year and 1.1% quarter-on-quarter
- Domestic production totalled 569,000 tonnes, down 3.0% year-on-year but up 0.8% quarter-on-quarter
- Imports rose 48.8% year-on-year to 43,200 tonnes, lifting import share of consumption to 7.3% from 4.9% a year earlier, the highest in the recent series
- Exports fell 24.4% year-on-year to 22,600 tonnes, turning a 900-tonne surplus in Q3 2025 into a 20,600-tonne deficit
- Recycled-resin production grew 6.8% year-on-year to 29,400 tonnes, 5% of total output
- Food remained the largest end market at 226,900 tonnes, 38.5% of apparent consumption
A life cycle assessment commissioned by South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and carried out by the Korean Society for Life Cycle Assessment found paper straws scored 6.33 times higher than conventional plastic straws on a cancer-related pollution measure covering production through disposal. Conventional plastic straws outperformed paper, biodegradable plastic and bio-based polyethylene straws in 10 of 16 environmental categories assessed. The findings add to a policy debate that has already seen the United States, under an executive order signed in February 2025, direct federal agencies to stop buying or providing paper straws.
Why this mattersA government-commissioned assessment ranking plastic straws best on 10 of 16 impact measures gives critics of South Korea's plastic straw restrictions new material and weakens the environmental case for paper substitutes.
- Paper straws scored 6.33 times higher than conventional plastic straws on a cancer-related pollution measure, from production through disposal.
- The Korean Society for Life Cycle Assessment compared paper, conventional plastic, biodegradable plastic and bio-based polyethylene straws across 16 environmental impact categories.
- Conventional plastic straws performed best in 10 of the 16 categories; no straw type led in every category.
- The assessment assumed about 74% of discarded straws were incinerated and 26% landfilled, based on South Korean waste statistics.
- Lawmaker Kim Wi-sang, whose office received the report, criticised existing plastic straw restrictions.
- The US President signed an executive order in February 2025 directing federal agencies to stop buying or providing paper straws.
Pakistan's National Tariff Commission issued a preliminary anti-dumping ruling on 21 October 2026 against composite aluminium foil, covering cold-forming and tropical foil types, originating in or imported from China. The provisional duty of 9.03% took effect immediately and applies for four months, with a final determination due within 180 days of the preliminary ruling.
Why this mattersA duty on cold-forming aluminium foil raises costs for pharmaceutical blister-pack converters sourcing from China into Pakistan, and may redirect Chinese export volumes elsewhere.
- Provisional anti-dumping duty of 9.03% applies to composite aluminium foil (cold-forming and tropical foil) from China under Pakistan tariff codes 7607.1990 and 7607.2000.
- The ruling, case ADC76, was published on 21 October 2026 and took effect the same day.
- The provisional measure runs for four months pending a final determination.
- A final ruling is expected within 180 days of the preliminary decision.
- The investigation, launched 23 July 2026, covers a dumping period of 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 and an injury period of 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026.
Northern Ireland's Food Standards Agency opened a consultation on 5 November 2026 on replacing its 2012 food-contact materials enforcement regulations with a single consolidated set of provisions. The framework would cover plastics, recycled plastics, bisphenol restrictions, and PFAS and heavy metals provisions for food-contact packaging, with responses due by 23:59 on 29 January 2027.
Why this mattersClearer enforcement powers, including wider use of Improvement Notices, make food-contact obligations for packaging sold in Northern Ireland easier to enforce, though the FSA expects limited costs.
- Northern Ireland's Food Standards Agency opened the consultation on 5 November 2026.
- The proposal would replace 2012 food-contact materials enforcement regulations with consolidated provisions.
- Scope includes plastics, recycled plastics, bisphenol restrictions, and PFAS and heavy metals provisions.
- Responses are due by 23:59 on 29 January 2027.
- The FSA's preferred option is consolidation into a single draft Statutory Rule, not yet finalised.
- The FSA's draft impact assessment anticipates limited familiarisation costs and no significant adverse impacts.
