E80 Group has deployed an automated truck loading system at Barilla's Pedrignano plant near Parma, completing automation of the site's intralogistics chain from raw material intake to shipment. The system, developed with Rite-Hite, integrates with more than 100 laser-guided vehicles and other equipment E80 Group already supplies at the plant. The technology has run in the United States for over a decade and is now extended to Europe.
Why this mattersAutomated trailer loading closes the last manual step in a food plant's intralogistics, giving E80 a European reference site for technology already proven in the US.
- The automated truck loading system is installed at Barilla's Pedrignano plant near Parma, Italy.
- The Pedrignano site already operates more than 100 laser-guided vehicles supplied by E80 Group.
- The truck loading solution combines laser-guided vehicles, gravity-based handling and trailer restraints developed with Rite-Hite.
- E80 Group has run similar truck loading and unloading technology in the United States for more than ten years.
- E80 Group's SM.I.LE80 software platform coordinates the site's warehouses, vehicles and end-of-line systems.
- The Barilla and E80 Group collaboration dates back more than 30 years.
Sofidel is expanding its tissue plant in Inola, Oklahoma, by 90,000 square metres, adding a third paper machine with 75,000 tonnes a year of TAD capacity and an automated warehouse for up to 100,000 load units. Technology supplier E80 Group will install palletisers, stretch-wrapping systems and additional laser-guided driverless vehicles, run on its SM.I.LE80 software platform. Sofidel gave no investment figure or completion date.
Why this mattersThe 75,000-tonne TAD machine joins two existing lines at Inola, adding premium tissue capacity to Sofidel's US base with production and logistics run as one system.
- Sofidel is expanding its Inola, Oklahoma tissue plant by 90,000 square metres.
- A third paper machine with 75,000 tonnes per year capacity will use TAD technology for premium tissue, alongside two existing machines.
- An automated warehouse will hold up to 100,000 load units.
- E80 Group will supply palletisers, stretch-wrapping systems and additional laser-guided driverless vehicles; the project also covers automatic truck loading and large paper reel handling.
- Sofidel and E80 Group have worked together since 1997, including an earlier automation project at the Circleville, Ohio plant opened in 2018.
- No investment amount or completion date was disclosed for the Inola project.
Stora Enso has agreed to build a demonstration line for lignin-based hard carbon anodes with China's Shanshan Technology, to be sited at Shanshan's Ningbo facility. The line aims to validate wood-based hard carbon for sodium-ion battery anodes at industrial scale, supporting Stora Enso's plan to set up large-scale hard carbon production in Europe.
Why this mattersA credible path to commercial-scale wood-based anode material would open a new revenue line for forestry groups beyond packaging and pulp.
- Demonstration line to be built at Shanshan Technology's facility in Ningbo, China
- Line targets lignin-derived hard carbon anodes for sodium-ion batteries
- Stora Enso aims to establish large-scale hard carbon anode production in Europe
- Stora Enso recorded sales of EUR 9.3 billion in 2025 and employs about 19,000
Monterey Wine Company's King City plant in California, the first US site making Frugalpac's Frugal Bottle paper bottles, has moved from its 2024 start-up to repeat orders and exports, with an assembly machine rated at up to 2.5 million bottles a year. Its bottles are used for wine and spirits sold through Target, Whole Foods Market, 7-Eleven and Total Wine & More. It has also supplied Blessed Remedy Spirits' Mezcologo, presented as the first mezcal in a paper bottle sold in Mexico, and a second mezcal destined for Australia.
Why this mattersRepeat orders and exports from a single US plant show paper bottles moving from pilot format to a commercially repeatable alternative to glass for wine and spirits.
- Monterey Wine Company's King City, California plant began producing Frugal Bottle paper bottles in 2024, the first such facility in the US
- The installed assembly machine has capacity of up to 2.5 million bottles a year
- Bottles have been used for wine and spirits sold through Target, Whole Foods Market, 7-Eleven and Total Wine & More
- Full Glass Wine Co. placed a repeat order for its Petalscape wines after the first production run sold out
- Blessed Remedy Spirits launched Mezcologo, presented as the first mezcal in a paper bottle sold in Mexico, in bottles made at the plant
- A second Blessed Remedy Spirits product, Metoro Mezcal, will be exported to Australia
French ready-meal brand Marie, owned by LDC, has developed a tray made of 92% wood fibre to replace its plastic ready-meal container, following five years of research and development and EUR 500,000 of investment in trials, a new doser and a mould. The tray, which retains a thin recycled-plastic liner that consumers must remove before recycling, is designed for the paper-board recycling stream rather than energy recovery, and launches first on two pasta gratin recipes.
Why this mattersA second major chilled ready-meal brand after Fleury Michon moves away from plastic trays, signalling a format shift that paper-board converters could capture from flexible and rigid plastics packers.
- Marie's new tray is composed of 92% wood fibre with a thin recycled-plastic liner removed by the consumer before recycling
- Development took five years of R&D and EUR 500,000 of investment in industrial trials, a new doser and a new mould
- The tray is designed for the paper-board recycling stream rather than energy-recovery incineration used for typical wood trays
- Launch recipes are two pasta gratins (fusilli ham-cheese and three-cheese penne) in 300g trays sold at around EUR 3.50
- Marie follows Fleury Michon, which previously made a similar switch from plastic to fibre trays
UFlex's ASEPTO division has commissioned two Boardmaster web flexo printing presses from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen at a new facility in Ain Sokhna, Egypt, part of a USD 126m investment in aseptic liquid packaging production. The new lines add 12 billion aseptic packages a year of capacity, taking UFlex's combined India and Egypt capacity to 24 billion packages annually.
Why this mattersDoubling of UFlex's aseptic carton capacity signals Indian converters expanding globally to compete with incumbent liquid-packaging suppliers in export markets.
- UFlex ASEPTO's new Egypt facility represents a total investment of USD 126m
- The plant is located in Ain Sokhna, Egypt
- Two Heidelberg Boardmaster web flexo printing presses have been commissioned at the site
- The new capacity adds 12 billion aseptic packages a year
- Combined India and Egypt capacity rises to 24 billion aseptic packages a year
- Boardmaster presses run at up to 600 metres a minute with availability of up to 90%
Aptar Pharma has acquired Munich-based Pulmotree, adding its Kolibri non-propellant liquid inhaler platform to Aptar's respiratory drug-delivery portfolio. The deal follows an exclusive collaboration the two companies began in 2024. Aptar intends to take Kolibri, which is designed for complex molecules including biologics, through clinical evaluation to market launch with pharmaceutical partners.
Why this mattersGives Aptar ownership of a propellant-free liquid inhaler platform for biologics, turning a 2024 collaboration into an in-house respiratory device offer.
- Aptar Pharma has acquired Pulmotree, a Munich-based pulmonary drug delivery company
- The deal adds Pulmotree's Kolibri Non-Propellant Liquid Inhaler (NPLI) platform to Aptar Pharma's respiratory device portfolio
- Aptar and Pulmotree had an exclusive collaboration agreement in place since 2024
- Kolibri uses a breath-triggered vibrating mesh aerosolisation engine designed for targeted lung deposition of complex molecules, including biologics
- Aptar plans to combine Kolibri with Nanopharm formulation, Noble human-factors and Aptar Digital Health services
Lenovo, Lianbao Technology and moulded-pulp maker Everbright Tongchuang have put straw-fibre moulded-pulp packaging into volume use on Lenovo consumer laptops. Since deployment in July 2025 the project has used about 160 tonnes of wet straw pulp fibre and cut recycled corrugated paper use by about 60 tonnes. Everbright Tongchuang expects straw fibre to extend to more product packaging.
Why this mattersA global electronics brand running straw-fibre moulded pulp at volume gives converters a proven non-wood fibre input and a template for other consumer-electronics categories.
- The project has used about 160 tonnes of wet straw pulp fibre since deployment in July 2025
- Use of recycled corrugated paper fell by about 60 tonnes as a result
- Lenovo R&D led development with Lianbao Technology, Everbright Tongchuang and upstream raw-material partners
- The packaging passed drop, random vibration and high-low temperature tests benchmarked to consumer-electronics shipping standards
- Everbright Tongchuang expects straw fibre to extend to more product packaging under Lenovo's green packaging strategy
Wankai New Materials has published an environmental impact assessment for a 5,000 tonne/year pilot plant to produce bio-based polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a furandicarboxylic-acid polyester aimed at film and container applications. The CNY 59.945m (USD 8.99m) project will be built at the company's existing Haining, Zhejiang site using its own process package, with engineering design by Zhonghe Huawei Engineering Design and Research.
Why this mattersA 5,000 tonne a year pilot meant to supply design data for industrial plants moves bio-based PEF a step closer to commercial use in packaging film and containers.
- Total investment in the pilot project is CNY 59.945m (USD 8.99m).
- Planned capacity is 5,000 tonnes a year of bio-based PEF.
- A new 1,900 square metre plant building will be built at Wankai's existing Haining, Zhejiang site.
- Equipment includes domestically sourced slurry preparation, esterification and polycondensation systems.
- Wankai developed the process package itself; Zhonghe Huawei Engineering Design and Research provides engineering design.
- The aim is a thousand-tonne-scale demonstration of bio-based furandicarboxylic polyester for film and container applications.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has launched the Center for Research and Advancement of Forest Product Technologies (CRAFT), a national research centre to modernise the US pulp, paper and packaging industry. The centre is backed by the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Office and brings together ORNL, the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, universities and industry partners to pilot new manufacturing technologies.
Why this mattersA government-backed route to pilot new pulping, drying and AI-driven manufacturing technologies could lower costs and accelerate commercialisation for US paper and packaging producers.
- CRAFT is led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory with funding support from the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Office.
- Partners include the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory.
- The centre will focus on pulping methods, chemical recovery, water removal, drying and digital manufacturing.
- CRAFT will use AI, computer modelling, automation and data analysis to help mills cut downtime and operating costs.
- The centre will pilot-test new technologies with industry partners before commercial-scale investment.
- Daniel Coughlin, a senior ORNL research and development staff member, is CRAFT's executive director.
Belgian postal operator Bpost, shoe retailer Torfs and reusable packaging firm Juttu ran a pilot of reusable shipping bags for e-commerce deliveries, with eight in ten bags returned by customers. The pilot outperformed expectations but the companies say the system only becomes economically viable at much larger scale, and further rollout depends chiefly on Bpost.
Why this mattersA high return rate suggests reusable e-commerce packaging can work operationally, but viability still hinges on volume that only a national carrier can deliver.
- Eight in ten reusable shipping bags were returned in the pilot.
- The trial involved Bpost, Torfs and Juttu.
- The bags were used for webshop deliveries.
- Profitability of the system requires a much larger scale of deployment.
- Further scale-up is described as depending mainly on Bpost.
Manchester flexible packaging converter Duo Packaging has launched 2DPE, a graphene-enhanced polyethylene film developed with the University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, which allows 45-60% recycled content and raises material strength by up to 35%. Retailer QVC has replaced standard bagging film with 2DPE at its Liverpool fulfilment centre, cutting bag weight by 5% and saving an estimated 50 tonnes of virgin plastic and about USD 28,270 (GBP 21,150) a year in UK extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees.
Why this mattersA graphene additive that lets converters raise recycled content without losing film strength offers a material route to cut both EPR fees and plastic use under tightening UK rules.
- Duo Packaging developed 2DPE with the University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC)
- 2DPE raises material strength by up to 35% while maintaining tensile and tear performance
- The film allows 45-60% recycled content
- QVC uses 2DPE in place of standard automatic bagging film at its Liverpool fulfilment centre
- QVC's switch cuts bag weight by 5%, saving an estimated 50 tonnes of virgin plastic a year
- QVC expects to save about USD 28,270 (GBP 21,150) a year in UK EPR fees
Developer EXXOSQEL and the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg have created a coating that bridges microscopic surface cracks in glass containers, making them more resistant to impact and pressure. Laboratory work has already achieved a 15% weight reduction without loss of stability; the developers see up to 40% as possible once industrial glass forming is improved. The process so far works only at laboratory scale, with no comprehensive results from continuous industrial operation.
Why this mattersIf it scales beyond the laboratory, a crack-bridging coating would let glassmakers lightweight containers and narrow glass's weight gap with plastic packaging.
- EXXOSQEL GmbH and Fraunhofer ISC in Würzburg developed the coating
- A 15% weight reduction has been achieved; up to 40% is seen as possible
- Coated containers withstood impacts of 10 joules and pressure of 40 bar in laboratory tests without breaking
- The process currently works at laboratory scale only, with no comprehensive data from continuous industrial operation
- Reaching a 40% weight cut also requires improvements in industrial glass forming
- The developers have not quantified the average strength gain or the energy and CO2 savings
Irish startup Swaay Technologies has raised an equity round of more than EUR 2m (USD 2m), led by BVP, to commercialise its direct-to-shape digital printing platform for beverage cans. The technology prints artwork directly onto containers, removing plastic labels and shrink sleeves. The funds will support new roles in Mullingar, Ireland, where Swaay has an initial team alongside one in Quebec, Canada.
Why this mattersLabel-free can decoration could cut short-run costs and simplify compliance with diverging deposit-return and labelling rules across markets.
- Swaay Technologies closed an equity round of more than EUR 2m (USD 2m).
- The round was led by BVP, with participation from the BVP Investor Club.
- Swaay, founded in 2026, is developing a platform for direct-to-shape digital printing that replaces labels and shrink sleeves on beverage cans.
- The funding is earmarked to move Swaay into commercialisation and to add roles in Mullingar, Ireland.
- Swaay has initial teams in Mullingar, Ireland and Quebec, Canada, targeting clients in Europe and North America.
- Co-founder and CEO Ciaran Gorman previously co-founded Bevcraft Group.
- Swaay was founded in 2026 by Ciarán Gorman (CEO), Mark O'Donnell (CCO), Sébastien Baril (COO) and Jean-François Gaudreault (CTO).
- Swaay's Quebec hub is located in Trois-Rivières and handles production and technical work.
- Swaay did not disclose its valuation.
- Swaay's Canadian production and technical hub is located in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.
- Swaay says a billion cans a year have already moved away from plastic sleeves industry-wide.
- Co-founders alongside CEO Ciarán Gorman include Mark O'Donnell, Sébastien Baril and Jean-François Gaudreault.
M.A.H.Y. Khoory Group has announced a new paper manufacturing line, PM4, at the Al Dhafra plant of its operating arm Union Paper Mills in Abu Dhabi, with investment exceeding AED 1 billion. The project will let Union Paper Mills diversify into premium containerboard grades and specialised paper for gypsum plasterboard, aligning with the UAE's Operation 300bn industrial strategy.
Why this mattersA new UAE containerboard line adds regional capacity and higher-value grades, sharpening competition for Gulf fibre packaging producers and importers.
- Investment in PM4 exceeds AED 1bn.
- PM4 will be built at Union Paper Mills' Al Dhafra plant in Abu Dhabi.
- The project lets Union Paper Mills move into premium containerboard grades and specialised paper for gypsum plasterboard.
- M.A.H.Y. Khoory Group announced the project on 22 October 2026.
- The project is aligned with the UAE's Operation 300bn industrial strategy and Make it in the Emirates initiative.
- Board Chairman Salahaldin Sharafi and Group CEO AbdelRhman Obaid commented on the PM4 project
- The investment is valued at over USD 272m (AED 1bn)
Garware Hi-Tech Films reported consolidated revenue of USD 73.3m (INR 696 crore) for the quarter to 30 September 2026, up 22% year on year, with consolidated EBITDA up 42% to USD 19.9m (INR 189 crore) and margin at 27.2%. The board, which approved the results on 22 October 2026, raised FY27 EBITDA margin guidance by 200 basis points to 27% plus or minus 2% and reaffirmed a full-year revenue target above USD 263m (INR 2,500 crore).
Why this mattersRaised margin guidance, driven by operating leverage and product mix, shows Garware's speciality films absorbing higher raw material and logistics costs while TPU and SCF capacity comes on.
- Consolidated revenue rose 22% year on year to USD 73.3m (INR 696 crore) in Q2 FY27.
- Consolidated EBITDA rose 42% to USD 19.9m (INR 189 crore), with margin up 377 basis points to 27.2%.
- Standalone net profit fell to USD 14.7m (INR 140 crore) from USD 16.9m (INR 160 crore) year on year.
- FY27 EBITDA margin guidance was raised 200 basis points to 27% plus or minus 2%.
- A TPU line is on track to start in Q3 FY27, and a USD 20.1m (INR 191 crore) SCF line with robotics is due to begin commercial production in H1 FY28.
- The company signed an MoU with Lubrizol to develop TPU-based film solutions in India.
- H1 FY27 revenue was USD 139.6m (INR 1,329 crore), up 25% year on year
- Q2 profit after tax rose 42% to USD 13.6m (INR 129 crore)
- A solar control film capacity expansion of about 1,200 lakh square feet is due to start commercial production in H1 FY28
China Resources Chemical Materials, a Changzhou-based PET producer within China Resources Group, has received a US FDA no-objection letter confirming its chemically recycled post-consumer rPET can be used across all food-contact categories, the first such letter for a Chinese company. The resin, made via depolymerisation and repolymerisation of waste PET bottles rather than mechanical recycling, reached 30,000 tonnes of sales in 2025 at a 25 percent recycled-content grade. The company says the FDA letter eases export and plans to scale a 50 percent recycled-content grade by the first half of 2027.
Why this mattersChemically recycled rPET cleared for all food-contact uses gives Chinese PET producers an export route into the US and adds recycled-content supply for brand owners.
- FDA no-objection letter confirms the chemically recycled rPET can be used in all food-contact applications, the first for a Chinese PET producer.
- The company began developing the chemical recycling process in 2018, taking eight years to solve impurity removal issues.
- In 2025 the company sold over 30,000 tonnes of 25 percent recycled-content food-grade rPET, consuming about 8,600 tonnes of recovered PET bottle flakes.
- Cumulative rPET sales since launch exceed 75,000 tonnes.
- The company has PET capacity of 3.3 million tonnes, PETG capacity of 50,000 tonnes, PA66 capacity of 40,000 tonnes, and serves customers including Coca-Cola, Nongfu Spring and L'Oréal.
- A 50 percent recycled-content rPET grade is planned for industrial-scale production in the first half of 2027.
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
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
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
SRF's board has approved a USD 63.2m (INR 600 crore) aluminium foil plant at its Jetapur site in Madhya Pradesh, with about 12,000 tonnes a year of capacity for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery foil and high-end packaging foil. Subsidiary SRF Altech will build it in two phases of USD 31.6m (INR 300 crore) each, due by 30 September 2028 and 30 September 2030, and the mill can supply aseptic and other high-value packaging grades while battery-grade qualification, expected to take close to two years, proceeds. On its 21 October 2026 Q2 FY27 earnings call, management guided chemicals growth to the top of its 15-20% range.
Why this mattersThe dual-use mill lets SRF sell into established high-value packaging foil grades while battery-grade qualification, a multi-year process, runs in parallel.
- The board approved USD 63.2m (INR 600 crore) for an aluminium foil plant at Jetapur, Madhya Pradesh, with about 12,000 tonnes a year of capacity.
- Wholly owned subsidiary SRF Altech will build the plant in two phases of USD 31.6m (INR 300 crore) each.
- Phase 1 is due by 30 September 2028 and Phase 2 by 30 September 2030.
- The mill can make both battery-grade and high-end packaging foil, so output can go to aseptic and other high-value grades while battery qualification continues.
- Management expects battery foil qualification to take close to two years.
- SRF cited India's ACCPLI battery manufacturing incentive scheme as a demand driver.
- Q2 FY27 revenue reached INR 4,904.20 crore (USD 515.6m), up 34.7% year on year
- Q2 FY27 net profit reached INR 509.12 crore (USD 53.5m), up 31.2% year on year
Finland's two largest grocery groups, S-ryhmä and K-ryhmä, jointly trialled a reusable polypropylene take-away food container with a EUR 3 deposit across four Espoo stores for three months in spring 2026. Results published on 21 October 2026 showed boxes returned after seven days on average, with 91 percent of washed boxes passing inspection for reuse; the groups have not announced a national rollout.
Why this mattersA cross-retailer reuse pilot tied to incoming EU packaging waste rules shows competitors can share pooling infrastructure, a model foodservice packaging makers may need to serve.
- Trial ran for three months in spring 2026 across four grocery stores in Espoo, Finland.
- Customers paid a EUR 3 deposit for a reusable biobased polypropylene box instead of a single-use container.
- Results published 21 October 2026 showed boxes returned to the system after seven days on average.
- 91 percent of boxes that passed washing were approved for a further use cycle.
- 16 organisations took part, including Orthex, Lassila & Tikanoja, Pakkauskierrätys RINKI, Compass Group and Borealis Polymers.
- The pilot is part of the Business Finland-funded Reusify project led by VTT and the University of Vaasa, linked to the EU packaging and packaging waste regulation.
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
- WEPA operates 15 sites in six European countries and reports annual revenue of EUR 1.9bn (USD 2.1bn).
- Intended end uses for the fibreboard include retail and exhibition fit-out and flexible office partitioning, alongside wall/ceiling cladding and acoustic products.
- The project is run through the joint venture Honext x Wepa.
Injection moulding machinery maker Arburg will present its new Allrounder Trend electric machines for HDPE screw cap production at the Allpack 2026 trade fair in Jakarta, 20-23 October. The company is targeting Indonesia's packaging sector, where it says manufacturers still largely rely on imported screw caps.
Why this mattersArburg is targeting Indonesian closure moulders that still import screw caps, offering a machine cycle of 24 caps in seven seconds.
- Allpack 2026 trade fair runs 20-23 October in Jakarta, Indonesia
- Allrounder Trend 1800 e can produce 24 HDPE screw caps in seven seconds
- Allrounder Trend range spans four machine sizes with clamping forces of 500 to 2,000 kN
- Arburg has operated in Indonesia since 1993 and had a wholly owned subsidiary since 2006
- Machine uses Arburg's Gestica lite control system and can be fitted with robotic automation
- Indonesia is implementing an extended producer responsibility scheme with gradual rollout
- Allrounder Trend launched in four clamping-force sizes from 500 to 2,000 kN, with electric injection units in sizes 100 to 800
- Orders opened October 2025, with deliveries scheduled from spring 2026
- Eurasia premiere held at Plast Eurasia, Istanbul, 3-6 December 2025
- US premiere at Plastec West 2026, Anaheim, 3-5 February, stand 4611
- Stand exhibit used an 8-cavity hot runner mould from Adler Industrial Solutions with a Multilift robot for part removal
- Arburg also showed its arburgXworld customer portal and ALS MES system at the stand
- Taiwan debut at TaipeiPlas 2026, 15-19 September, Nangang Exhibition Centre, stand K0727
- Demonstration cell produced a three-part USB cable winder using the Allrounder 1000 e Trend
- Four Allrounder Trend versions span clamping forces of 500 to 2,000 kN and injection speeds of 200-500 mm/s
- aXw Control MoldlifeAssist integrates Hack Digital Solutions' Moldlife Sense system via the Euromap 82.5 interface
- aXw Control RecyclatePilot compensates material fluctuations to hold shot weight constant across batch changes
- A virtual twin of Gestica lite is due in the Virtual Control premium app from 2026
- An Allrounder 1800 e Trend with a 64-cavity tool produces about 9,200 LSR 'Secure Seal' medical closures per hour
- An Allrounder 1000 e Trend with a 16-cavity tool makes glass-fibre-reinforced PA12 automotive connector parts in an eight-second cycle
- Injection speeds on the Allrounder Trend range reach 200, 350 and 500 mm/s
- New 'aXw Control FirstShotAssist' assistance feature accompanies the Fakuma 2026 launch, running 12-16 October in Friedrichshafen
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
Guala Closures has launched Pharma by GC, a new division for primary pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging, unveiled at CPHI Milan on 6-8 October 2026. The division combines Guala's manufacturing sites in Poland and India with the engineering expertise of Austrian medical packaging specialist KWK, acquired by Guala at the end of 2025. Chief executive Andrea Lodetti said the group plans further technology investment and targeted M&A to grow the unit.
Why this mattersA beverage closures maker now offers GMP-grade pharmaceutical closures, adding a supplier for drug and nutraceutical packagers and signalling further acquisitions in the segment.
- Guala Closures launched the Pharma by GC division at CPHI Milan, held 6-8 October 2026
- The division integrates KWK, an Austrian medical packaging manufacturer with 75 years of experience, acquired by Guala at the end of 2025
- Production is based at Guala sites in Poland and India
- The range splits into Care, for prescription drugs under GMP and ISO 15378 standards produced in ISO 8 cleanrooms, and Vitality, for over-the-counter and nutraceutical products using ROPP and GPI closures in plastic and aluminium
- CEO Andrea Lodetti said the group intends further technology investment and targeted M&A to accelerate the division's growth
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
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.
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.
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
TNA Solutions will preview its tna robag Quantum vertical form-fill-seal platform in North America at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago from 18-21 October, ahead of a planned commercial release in 2027. The single-tube system is designed to produce up to 300 bags per minute, aiming to raise throughput without adding bagmakers while cutting maintenance, cleaning and material waste.
Why this mattersA single-tube design aimed at raising throughput without adding bagmakers targets food manufacturers' pressure to cut labour and footprint costs per line.
- The tna robag Quantum will be shown at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, 18-21 October, at Booth N-5109
- Commercial release is planned for 2027
- The platform is designed to produce up to 300 bags per minute using a single tube, depending on bag, film and product type
- The system debuted earlier at interpack
- It includes autonomous setup capabilities and software to reduce manual calibration
- The platform is part of TNA's integrated distribution, seasoning and packaging systems
Fujifilm and ePac Flexible Packaging have formed a global strategic alliance under which ePac will deploy Fujifilm's Jet Press FP790 water-based digital inkjet press across its plant network. Deployment begins with an installation at ePac's new facility in Phoenix, Arizona, with further presses planned across the network in later phases. No investment figure or total press count was disclosed.
Why this mattersInstalling a high-volume water-based inkjet press across ePac's network pushes digital print in flexible packaging from short runs towards longer run lengths.
- Fujifilm and ePac announced the global alliance on 18 October 2026
- ePac will scale Fujifilm's Jet Press FP790 water-based digital inkjet press across its global network
- Deployment begins with a press at ePac's new Phoenix, Arizona facility, with fleet expansion in later phases
- Fujifilm says the FP790 prints at 1200 x 1200 dpi and covers over 90% of the Pantone colour gamut
- ePac says the press lets it handle longer run lengths while keeping short-run capability
- No investment figure or total press count was disclosed
- Parag Patel, head of shared services at ePac Flexible Packaging, and Osamu Nakashima, vice president at Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp, commented on the partnership
REWE E-Grocery has started regular use of va-Q-tec's vacuum-insulated transport boxes at its Cologne fulfilment centre after an operational trial, reducing its use of dry ice for chilled and frozen home deliveries. The boxes combine vacuum insulation panels with a phase-change cooling element in the lid and hold the cold chain at ambient temperatures up to +35C without refrigerated vehicles. Further German locations are due to switch in 2027.
Why this mattersGermany's largest online grocery delivery service cutting dry ice with passive insulated boxes shows chilled last-mile delivery can run without refrigerated vehicles, a model other grocers can adopt.
- REWE E-Grocery, Germany's largest online grocery delivery service, begins regular use of va-Q-tec VIP boxes at its Cologne fulfilment centre.
- The boxes combine vacuum insulation panels with a phase-change material cooling element in the lid.
- The system maintains cold-chain temperatures up to ambient +35C without actively refrigerated delivery vehicles.
- REWE operates 16 fulfilment centres and about 2,200 Click & Collect stores across Germany.
- Additional German REWE E-Grocery locations are scheduled to adopt the technology in 2027.
- The technology was validated through an operational field trial at the Cologne fulfilment centre before rollout.
- Dry ice in the chilled and meat segments is being replaced first by the cooling packs
- REWE Lieferservice's 16 dispatch centres reach half of German households and carry 12,000 to 15,000 products
German mineral water producer and contract filler Rhodius Mineralquellen und Getränke has commissioned a filling line for reclosable aluminium bottles, branded Alu Bottle, at its headquarters in Burgbrohl. The company announced the investment about a year ago.
Why this mattersRhodius also works as a contract filler, so brands can use reclosable aluminium bottles without investing in their own filling line.
- Rhodius has commissioned a filling line for reclosable aluminium bottles at Burgbrohl, Germany, as reported on 16 October 2026.
- The format is branded Alu Bottle.
- The investment was announced about a year earlier.
- Rhodius operates both as a beverage producer and as a contract filler.
Niagara Bottling and biotech startup Rhea's Factory will test Rhea's enzymatic PET depolymerisation platform, RheaCycle, at industrial scale at Niagara's PET recycling facility in Vernon, California. The project is one of nine selected under the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technology Validation programme, which is providing USD 3m in combined funding across all nine projects, with results independently verified by DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Why this mattersA successful industrial-scale test could open mechanically unrecyclable PET streams, such as thermoforms and textiles, to food-grade recycling.
- DOE's Industrial Technology Validation programme selected nine projects nationwide for a combined USD 3m in funding
- RheaCycle uses AI-designed enzymes to break PET into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, which can be repolymerised to virgin-equivalent PET
- Test site is Niagara's PET recycling facility in Vernon, California, acquired from rPlanet Earth in May 2026
- Performance will be independently measured by DOE's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
- Site preparation is underway, with installation and commissioning expected to take up to six months before validation begins
- RheaCycle will run as a parallel line, targeting feedstocks such as thermoforms, contaminated PET and polyester textiles outside the mechanical recycling spec
Industrias Termoplasticas Argentinas (ITA) has developed a 20-litre agrochemical container weighing 780 grams, cutting plastic use by 30% versus standard market containers, and the design has been approved by Syngenta for use in Argentina. The launch follows other plastic-reduction packaging Syngenta has introduced, including a 1,000-litre IBC container said to cut plastic use by 95% and a three-layer container launched in 2024 with 30% recycled content.
Why this mattersA major agrochemical brand owner backing a lightweighted container signals pressure on plastic packaging converters serving the agro sector to cut material use.
- The 20-litre container weighs 780 grams, 30% less plastic than standard market containers
- Container developed by Industrias Termoplasticas Argentinas (ITA) and approved by Syngenta
- Syngenta's 1,000-litre IBC container is said to cut plastic use by 95%
- A three-layer Syngenta container launched in 2024 uses 30% recycled plastic
- CampoLimpio manages post-use recovery of empty containers via transitory storage centres and collection campaigns across Argentina
UPM has inaugurated its biorefinery at Leuna, Germany, an investment of EUR 1.37bn (USD 1.54bn) with annual production capacity of 220,000 tonnes. The plant uses enzymatic hydrolysis to turn beechwood thinnings and sawmill residues sourced within about 200km into industrial sugars and lignin, feedstock for chemicals used in packaging, clothing, cosmetics, construction materials and tyres. Hydrolysis and lignin-based speciality chemicals have reached stable operation, and UPM is raising sales as the wider ramp-up continues.
Why this mattersA 220,000-tonne wood-to-chemicals plant gives packaging and other manufacturers fossil-free sugar and lignin feedstock at industrial scale, drawn from regional beechwood thinnings and sawmill residues.
- Investment of EUR 1.37bn (USD 1.54bn) at the Leuna site in Germany
- Annual production capacity of 220,000 tonnes of wood-based biochemicals
- Feedstock is beechwood forest thinnings and sawmill residues sourced within about 200km
- Enzymatic hydrolysis and lignin-derived specialty chemical production have reached stable operation
- Output can replace fossil-based inputs in packaging, clothing, cosmetics, construction and tyres
- UPM also runs a biorefinery in Lappeenranta, Finland
- UPM states all processes at the Leuna biorefinery have reached stable operation as of 20 October 2026
DiDi Shop has partnered with Mexican materials firm Bioelements, with technical validation by UNAM's Institute of Engineering, to replace 500,000 plastic delivery bags a month with compostable bags made from corn byproducts in Mexico. The companies aim to deliver 3.5 million compostable bags by the end of 2026, with the bags containing 20-40% corn starch and composting fully within six months.
Why this mattersA delivery platform switching rider bags to compostable corn-based film is a visible test of agri-residue materials, though the 38 tonnes of plastic displaced is small.
- DiDi Shop will distribute 500,000 compostable bags a month to delivery riders in Mexico.
- The partners target 3.5 million compostable bags delivered by the end of 2026.
- The bags are made by Bioelements from corn byproducts, with 20-40% corn starch content.
- UNAM's Institute of Engineering validates the bags' compliance with Mexican rules; the bags meet NMX-E-273, ISO 14855 and EN 13432.
- The bags fully compost within a maximum of six months.
- The initiative is expected to keep 38 tonnes of conventional plastic out of the market and cut landfill emissions by up to 60%, equivalent to 74 tonnes of CO2.
- DiDi Shop plans to extend compostable bag adoption to merchant partners on its platform next year.
- DiDi Shop operates 13,000 active stores in Mexico, including 6,500 small and medium-sized businesses.
- DiDi's wider sustainability plan includes adding 6,000 electric vehicles.
- DiDi is adding 20,000 electric bicycles and 10,000 electric motorcycles to its Latin American delivery fleet
- The compostable bags are rolling out in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexicali and Tijuana
- DiDi Shop plans to consolidate the programme in 2027 before considering expansion to more of its 13,000 connected merchants
Kraft Heinz Canada is rolling out its HEINZ Soup Collection nationally in flexible, easy-open bags, its first ready-to-eat soup line in a pouch, in a category where steel cans have held more than 80% of ready-to-serve and condensed soup sold in Canada. Six varieties reach Canadian retailers in October 2026.
Why this mattersA national brand owner putting soup in pouches tests a Canadian category where steel cans hold more than 80% of packaging, putting can makers' volumes at stake.
- Kraft Heinz Canada rolled out the HEINZ Soup Collection in flexible bags nationally in October 2026.
- More than 80% of ready-to-serve and condensed soup in Canada has traditionally been packaged in steel cans.
- The initial range includes six varieties: Homestyle Chicken Noodle, Thai Style Chicken Coconut Curry, Hearty Tomato and White Bean, Cheesy Potato, Rich Mushroom and Curry Butternut Squash.
- Kraft Heinz products reach over 97% of Canadian households, according to the company.
- Kraft Heinz Canada's Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Fleming said the launch targets a grocery category the company sees as ready for a new format.
Shandong Shenghe Film New Materials, a PETG film producer based in Weifang's bonded zone, has led drafting of China's first national standard for PETG film, filling a gap that had left the market without unified quality benchmarks. The standard takes effect on 1 February 2027 and sets terminology, classification, technical requirements, test methods and inspection rules for the material. The company produces 32,000 tonnes of PETG film a year, exported to more than 60 countries.
Why this mattersA unified national standard could raise quality floors and reduce fragmentation in China's PETG film supply, used widely for bottle labels and protective films.
- China's first national standard for PETG film takes effect 1 February 2027
- Shandong Shenghe Film New Materials acted as lead drafting unit
- The standard sets terminology, classification, technical requirements, test methods and inspection rules
- Shandong Shenghe produces 32,000 tonnes of PETG film per year
- Products are exported to more than 60 countries and regions
- The company holds 15 patented technologies developed over 14 years of research
Chinese recycler Neocle Recycle has commissioned what it describes as the first continuous BHET-based chemical recycling line for PET, with Phase I capacity of 5,000 tonnes a year of recycled polyester chips. The company plans a Phase II of a further 5,000 tonnes a year, with a near-term target of 10,000-20,000 tonnes and a long-term goal of 50,000 tonnes, and intends to extend its separation technology to nylon, spandex and waste cotton.
Why this mattersIf it scales beyond 5,000 tonnes a year, continuous BHET depolymerisation would add chemically recycled PET supply, mainly from textile waste, with a shorter process and lower energy use.
- Neocle Recycle Technology (Zhenjiang) commissioned its first continuous-BHET chemical recycling PET line
- Phase I annual capacity is 5,000 tonnes of recycled polyester chips
- Phase II is planned for a further 5,000 tonnes a year
- Near-term capacity target is 10,000-20,000 tonnes a year, long-term target 50,000 tonnes a year
- The process is described as the company's self-developed world-first continuous BHET-based chemical process
- The company plans to extend its separation technology to nylon, spandex and waste cotton feedstocks
Suntory Group will commercialise its Flake-to-Preform direct PET recycling technology in Thailand from 2028, the first use of the process in Southeast Asia. The technology will be run through Indovida (Thailand) Limited, a joint venture with Indorama Ventures and Iwatani Corp, producing about 400 million PET preforms a year for Suntory PepsiCo Beverage Thailand.
Why this mattersDirect flake-to-preform conversion, skipping crystallisation and drying, shortens bottle-to-bottle recycling in Southeast Asia; Suntory cites about 70% lower CO2 than virgin-PET bottles.
- Commercial launch targeted for 2028 in Thailand, the first Southeast Asian deployment of Suntory's Flake-to-Preform (F-to-P) technology
- Joint venture Indovida (Thailand) Limited formed by Suntory, Indorama Ventures and Iwatani Corp
- Planned output of about 400 million PET preforms a year, supplied entirely to Suntory PepsiCo Beverage Thailand
- F-to-P has been used in Japan since 2018 for soft-drink bottles, skipping the crystallisation and drying steps of conventional bottle-to-bottle recycling
- Suntory states the process cuts CO2 emissions by about 70 percent versus virgin-PET bottles, based on Japanese calculations
- As of 2025, 42 percent of Suntory's global PET bottles use recycled or bio-based material, part of its goal of 100 percent by 2030
Cirkla, Belmark and Ossid have launched a resealable tray system for fresh food and ready meals, combining Cirkla's moulded-fibre trays, Belmark's reseal film and Ossid's ReeMaster NextGen sealer. Cirkla says the format cuts plastic use by up to 90%, matches or beats plastic on strength, barrier and shelf life, and runs on standard US tray sealers without line conversion or capital spending; trays have been trialled at large US retailers and meat processors. Cirkla plans to start production at its first US plant, in Gainesville, Georgia, in the first quarter of 2027.
Why this mattersA fibre tray that runs on existing US sealers lowers the switching cost for meat and ready-meal packers moving from plastic trays to fibre.
- Cirkla supplies the moulded-fibre trays, Belmark the reseal film, and Ossid, a ProMach unit and Reepack's North American distributor, the sealer.
- Cirkla says the format cuts plastic use by up to 90% versus plastic trays.
- Cirkla says the trays run on standard US industrial tray sealers without line conversion or capital investment.
- Ossid's ReeMaster NextGen switches between top-seal, MAP and VSP skin packaging using stored digital recipes.
- The trays have been trialled on lines at large US retailers and meat processors.
- Cirkla plans to start production at its Gainesville, Georgia plant in Q1 2027; it said in August the plant will employ over 100 at full capacity.
- Cirkla's Gainesville, Georgia plant will require investment exceeding USD 5m
- The project is expected to create approximately 140 jobs in Hall County over three years
- The Gainesville site, at Gainesville 85 Business Center, will serve as Cirkla's North American manufacturing headquarters
- The plant's investment builds on Cirkla's existing manufacturing operations in India
- The resealable fibre tray was presented at the Global Produce & Floral Show, 14-16 October, and at Pack Expo, running to 21 October 2026
- The tray was displayed at the Global Produce & Floral Show, 14-16 October 2026, and at Pack Expo through 21 October 2026
- The tray was displayed at the Global Agricultural Products and Flowers Exhibition, held 14-16 October 2026, and at the Packaging Expo, running to 21 October 2026.
IKEA has changed the material of its FRAKTA carrier bag, which now contains at least 90% recycled polypropylene. According to IKEA's US product information, the bag remains available in medium (10-gallon) and extra-large (19-gallon) sizes.
Why this mattersA global retailer specifying at least 90% recycled polypropylene in a mass-market carrier bag adds to demand for recycled PP in consumer applications.
- IKEA's FRAKTA bag now contains at least 90% recycled polypropylene
- Medium size measures 17.75 x 7 x 17.75 inches with 10-gallon capacity
- Extra-large size measures 21.75 x 14.5 x 13.75 inches with 19-gallon capacity
- Change reported on 14 October 2026
- More than 44 million FRAKTA bags are sold annually, IKEA's best-selling home furnishing product.
- At least 70% of the recycled content comes from food and plastics sector packaging waste, such as food containers and jumbo bags.
- Body and handles are now made from a single material, recycled polypropylene, with a small share of virgin polypropylene for strength.
- Handles are fused directly into the material in a fully automated process, replacing manual stitching and saving an estimated 89,000km of thread.
Plastipak Packaging has opened a PET Material Center in Verbania, Italy, producing pakPET Single Pellet Solution, a PET resin with 30% recycled content built into a single pellet. The company invested more than EUR 25m (USD 28m) in the facility, opened on 14 October 2026, which adds to its five recycling plants worldwide.
Why this mattersSupplying 30% recycled content in a single food-contact pellet lets converters meet recycled-content requirements without blending virgin and recycled resin on their own lines.
- Plastipak invested more than EUR 25m (USD 28m) in the PET Material Center in Verbania, Italy
- Opening ceremony held on 14 October 2026, attended by Italian government officials and CEO Ed Morgan
- The center produces pakPET Single Pellet Solution, a PET resin with 30% recycled content in a single pellet
- The resin is certified under EN15343 for post-consumer feedstock traceability and has food-contact approval
- Plastipak now operates five recycling facilities globally plus the new Verbania material center
- Target applications include food and beverage containers, home and personal care, pharmaceutical packaging and thermoforming
- Planned annual capacity of 143,000 tonnes at the PET materials centre
- Output can contain up to 50% recycled content
Hansol Paper signed an investment agreement with the Daejeon city government on 14 October 2026 to expand its existing paper mill in the city, adding production equipment for new materials. The agreement, co-signed with two other companies in the same investment programme, covers total planned investment of KRW 73.45bn (USD 55.1m) and is expected to create 104 jobs. Hansol Paper is developing nanocellulose-based sustainable materials for cosmetics and secondary batteries, and the new capacity will support scale-up of that production.
Why this mattersThe expansion extends Hansol Paper's push from paper into higher-value nanocellulose materials, broadening its revenue base beyond traditional graphic and speciality paper.
- Agreement signed 14 October 2026 between Hansol Paper and the Daejeon city government.
- Plan expands Hansol Paper's existing Daejeon factory with new mass-production equipment for eco-friendly new materials.
- Three companies in the programme (Hansol Paper, Axvis, Pami) plan combined investment of KRW 73.45bn (USD 55.1m).
- Programme expected to create 104 jobs across Daedeok and Yuseong districts of Daejeon.
- Hansol Paper is developing nanocellulose-based materials for cosmetics and secondary-battery applications.
- Daejeon city government will provide administrative and financial support to the participating companies.
Beiersdorf has increased the recycled aluminium content of its Nivea Creme tin to 95%, up from 80% in 2024, in partnership with aluminium producer Novelis. The higher-recycled-content tin has been sold in Germany since early 2026 and will be extended across Europe and other markets from 2027.
Why this mattersA flagship global brand standardising on 95% recycled aluminium sets a reference point for recycled-content levels other personal-care packaging will be measured against.
- Nivea Creme tin now uses 95% recycled aluminium, up from an 80% milestone reached in 2024.
- Beiersdorf developed the tin with aluminium producer Novelis.
- The 95% recycled tin has been available in Germany since early 2026.
- Rollout across Europe and other markets is planned from 2027.
- Beiersdorf states recycling aluminium uses about 5% of the energy of primary production, cutting emissions by up to 95%.
- Aluminium is sourced from Novelis' European recycling network, including its Nachterstedt plant with 400,000 tonnes annual capacity
- Alloy and manufacturing processes were jointly optimised by Novelis and Beiersdorf to keep tin quality and design unchanged
UK materials company Aeropowder has launched its PluumoPlus recycled-feather thermal insulation to US customers, with local manufacturing to begin in the first quarter of 2027 through a partnership with ColdCorr Insulated Packaging. The range includes a new 2-8°C insulated mailer for specialty pharmacy shipments, alongside dry-ice and gel-pack configurations already sold in Europe.
Why this mattersA feather-based alternative to polyurethane foam gives US pharma shippers a non-plastic option as California and Washington tighten single-use plastic packaging rules.
- PluumoPlus is made from recycled feathers sourced from the bedding and clothing industries
- US production starts Q1 2027 via manufacturing partner ColdCorr, which has sites in Arizona, Kentucky and Tennessee
- The new 2-8°C insulated mailer holds temperature for 53 hours in summer and 96 hours in winter against modified ISTA 7E profiles
- Aeropowder says the mailer can cut freight costs by up to 45% and dry-ice configurations cut dry ice use by up to 30%
- Aeropowder aims to scale to millions of units supplied into the US market annually
- California's SB 54 and Washington's expanded polystyrene ban are cited as drivers for the US launch
German CDMO Vetter has started up its first new commercial filling line, designed for pre-sterilised syringes, as part of a programme to add ten filling lines across its network. Seven lines are going into existing sites through 2028, while the remaining three are planned for a new commercial site in Saarlouis, Germany, due to start up by 2031.
Why this mattersAdds sterile fill-finish capacity for syringes, vials and cartridges as pharma and biotech customers seek CDMO partners with proven aseptic manufacturing scale.
- Vetter is adding ten commercial filling lines in total across its network.
- The first new line, for pre-sterilised syringes, has become operational.
- A second line is expected to follow by the end of 2026.
- A further five aseptic production lines are planned through 2028 at existing sites.
- Three lines are planned for a new commercial site in Saarlouis, Germany, expected operational by 2031.
- Vetter employs 7,400 people with production in Germany, Austria and the US.
- Vetter is expanding its pharmaceutical warehouse in Ravensburg, Germany, adding cold-storage capacity.
- Vetter is expanding clinical manufacturing capacity in Rankweil, Austria and Skokie, Illinois.
- Vetter is building a new clinical manufacturing facility in Des Plaines, US.
- Most of the ten new commercial lines are for pre-sterilised syringes, with some combination lines for syringes and vials.
- Five new aseptic fill cleanrooms are planned through 2028 at Vetter's existing sites.
UK waste manager MYGroup and materials company Shellworks have announced a collaboration letting consumers return VIVOMER-packaged products through MYGroup's beauty and cosmetics take-back network of over 800 retail stores, including Boots, Harrods H beauty and Selfridges. Returned VIVOMER, a biobased fermentation-derived polymer designed to biodegrade when composted, is processed at MYGroup's Hull facility and converted into MYboard, a wood-replacement board used in furniture and retail fit-outs. The scheme gives VIVOMER a disposal route for households without access to composting.
Why this mattersA nationwide take-back route addresses the end-of-life gap that has limited adoption of compostable bioplastics beyond niche use.
- VIVOMER is made by fermenting plant waste into biobased polymers designed to biodegrade when composted.
- Take-back points cover over 800 UK retail stores via schemes at Boots, Harrods H beauty and Selfridges.
- MYGroup's beauty and cosmetics take-back network has recovered 31 million kg of used items over five years.
- Returned VIVOMER is processed at MYGroup's Hull facility and converted into MYboard, a wood-replacement board.
- VIVOMER is used by brands including Wild (Unilever), SURI and OceanSaver, sold through Asda, Boots, Tesco, Sephora and Whole Foods.
- The collaboration was announced at British Beauty Week's Industry Day in London on 12 October 2026.
