Mayr-Melnhof has finished installing continuous cooking technology at its MM Kwidzyn integrated mill in Poland, now in operation. The new continuous digester is expected to cut annual wood consumption by around 50,000 cubic metres and, together with energy-efficiency measures, reduce the mill's annual CO2 emissions by about 100,000 tonnes, roughly a third of its total.
Why this mattersLower wood and carbon intensity at a major cartonboard and kraft paper mill strengthens Mayr-Melnhof's cost base and carbon-footprint claims to board and paper buyers.
- MM Kwidzyn in northern Poland has completed investment in continuous cooking technology, now operational.
- Annual wood consumption is expected to fall by around 50,000 cubic metres at unchanged output.
- Combined with energy-efficiency measures, annual CO2 emissions are expected to drop by approximately 100,000 tonnes.
- The reduction equates to roughly one-third of the integrated mill's total CO2 emissions.
- MM Kwidzyn produces virgin fibre cartonboard, packaging kraft paper, uncoated fine paper, moulded pulp and NBSK market pulp.
Keep Sweden Tidy reports that use of plastic carrier bags covered by Sweden's national reduction target rose 45% to 248 million in 2025 compared with 2023, after the government abolished the plastic bag tax in November 2024. Use of thin bags for fruit and vegetables rose 65% year on year, and total single-use plastic bag use exceeded 400 million in 2025, with the NGO warning of increased littering.
Why this mattersThe reversal shows a fiscal levy's removal can quickly undo demand reduction, a signal for other markets weighing plastic bag taxes or their repeal.
- 248 million plastic carrier bags covered by Sweden's national reduction target were used in 2025, up 45% versus 2023
- Sweden abolished its plastic bag tax in November 2024
- Use of very thin plastic bags for fruit and vegetables rose 65% in 2025 versus 2024
- Total single-use plastic bag use in Sweden exceeded 400 million units in 2025
- Keep Sweden Tidy Foundation published the data in a press release
The New South Wales government has dropped two reuse measures from its Plastics Plan 2.0, abandoning a requirement for cafes to offer mugs or glasses to dine-in customers and a mandate for large foodservice businesses to offer reusable takeaway cups from 2030. Requirements to accept customers' own clean reusable cups from January 2028 and for single-use takeaway coffee cups to be recyclable from 2028 remain in place. The NSW EPA said on 28 October 2026 it would not enforce the new reuse-scheme obligation under the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021, drawing criticism from three environment groups.
Why this mattersA reversal of a mandated reuse-system obligation for foodservice packaging removes a near-term demand driver for reusable cup systems and keeps disposable recyclable cups as the compliance default.
- NSW government announced the reversal on 28 October 2026, days after Parliament passed the reforms.
- Cafes will no longer be required to offer mugs or glasses to dine-in customers from 2028.
- Large foodservice businesses will no longer be required to offer reusable takeaway cups through reuse systems from 2030.
- NSW EPA will not enforce new section 34C of the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021.
- Retained: requirement to accept customers' clean reusable cups from January 2028, and recyclability requirement for single-use takeaway coffee cups from 2028.
- Boomerang Alliance, the Australian Marine Conservation Society and Clean Up Australia jointly criticised the decision on 28 October 2026.
The European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) reports that Europe recycled 76.4% of all paper and board in 2025, matching the prior year's rate as collection volumes and consumption fell by similar margins. The industry collected and recycled 53.9m tonnes against consumption of 70.5m tonnes, with the EU paper packaging recycling rate at 86.6%.
Why this mattersA stable, high recycling rate underpins the fibre industry's circularity case as PPWR recycled-content and collection targets tighten across the EU.
- Europe recycled 76.4% of paper and board in 2025, unchanged from the previous year.
- The industry collected and recycled 53.9m tonnes of paper and board in 2025, down 0.3% year on year.
- European paper and board consumption was 70.5m tonnes in 2025, down 0.4% year on year.
- The EU average recycling rate for paper packaging was 86.6% in 2025.
- EPRC calculates the recycling rate by comparing recycled paper volumes, including net trade in recovered paper, against consumption.
- Most European countries surveyed maintained a paper recycling rate above 70%.
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has released 122.6 billion tenge in recycling-fee revenue to fund 34 waste management infrastructure projects, part of 67 approved projects worth 440 billion tenge. State-linked EPR operator Zhasyl Damu is financing new recycling plants, sorting complexes and equipment purchases, adding a combined 1.08 million tonnes per year of sorting and recycling capacity.
Why this mattersA large recurring recycling-fee pool is being channelled into sorting and recycling capacity, a funding model other extended-producer-responsibility regimes may watch.
- 122.6 billion tenge allocated to 34 projects as of 27 October 2026
- 67 projects worth 440 billion tenge approved in total by the Investment Headquarters
- Six funded projects add 650,000 tonnes/year of sorting capacity
- 18 projects add a combined 435,000 tonnes/year of recycling capacity
- 10 projects fund purchase of 177 units of specialised equipment
- 15 projects already commissioned, adding 290,000 tonnes/year sorting and 19,300 tonnes/year recycling capacity
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
Croatia's Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund opened a public call on 27 October 2026 for collectors to handle up to 150,000 tonnes of paper and board packaging waste, with final recycling to take place abroad. The closure of paper production at DS Smith Belišće Croatia in November 2025 left the fund without a contracted domestic processor. The fund said waste firms holding Ministry authorisations had declared they could not sign contracts on its prescribed terms.
Why this mattersWith no domestic processor under contract, Croatia's recovered paper and board must now be exported, showing how one mill closure can strand a national collection system.
- Croatia's Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund opened a public call on 27 October 2026 for collection and processing of up to 150,000 tonnes of paper and board packaging waste
- Final recycling of the collected waste must take place abroad as no domestic processor is currently under contract
- DS Smith Belišće Croatia was the main contracted domestic processor until paper production in Belišće stopped in November 2025
- According to the fund, firms holding Ministry authorisations said they could not sign contracts under the prescribed terms
- CE-ZA-R, Metis and Nevkoš, of the C.I.O.S. group, had held authorisations and were in contract talks in 2025
- The fund had previously said it planned to contract additional domestic processors to reduce reliance on a single dominant operator
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
Capital Plast KZ is constructing a waste paper recycling plant in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, with capacity to process 150 tonnes of waste paper daily and produce 42,000 tonnes a year of corrugating paper and linerboard. The USD 22.8m (KZT 10.3bn) project is financed through recycling fees with support from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Ecology and Jasyl Damu JSC, and is scheduled to start production in 2028.
Why this mattersAdds 42,000 tonnes a year of domestic recycled containerboard capacity in western Kazakhstan, funded through recycling fees rather than private capital.
- Investment of USD 22.8m (KZT 10.3bn), funded from recycling fees
- Capacity of 150 tonnes of waste paper per day, 42,000 tonnes finished product per year at full capacity
- Planned output includes 18,000 t/yr corrugating paper and 24,000 t/yr linerboard
- Construction began in 2025; foundation and boiler house completed, start-up scheduled for 2028
- Expected to create more than 300 jobs at full production capacity
- Feedstock to be sourced from waste paper collected across western Kazakhstan
Speira has commissioned a new furnace for beverage can scrap at its Rheinwerk site in Neuss, Germany, with annual capacity of about 60,000 tonnes. The company invested roughly EUR 40m (USD 44.6m) in the furnace and related upgrades, including adapting a casting line and adding 6,500 tonnes of scrap storage. Red Bull, which sources recycled aluminium from Speira for its cans, attended the opening.
Why this mattersAdds European scrap-processing capacity for can stock at a time when beverage brands are pushing for more recycled aluminium content.
- Speira invested about EUR 40m (USD 44.6m) in the Rheinwerk site upgrade
- New furnace has annual capacity of about 60,000 tonnes of can scrap
- Third of four casting lines adapted for recycled-alloy processing
- New scrap storage area of 6,500 tonnes built in former primary smelter halls
- Furnace is designed to allow future hydrogen operation if a hydrogen network connection becomes available
- Red Bull uses recycled aluminium from Speira for its energy drink cans
A bill introduced in the Argentine Senate by Senator Edith Terenzi would create a national extended producer responsibility regime for domestic and imported packaging. Companies first placing packaged products on the Argentine market would have to organise and fund recovery and recycling through collective management systems or deposit-return schemes. Fines would range from 100 to 1,000 times a public-sector minimum salary, up to about ARS 577m. The bill has not been passed.
Why this mattersA national EPR law would make Argentine packaging producers and importers fund collection and recycling, adding cost and reporting duties for brand owners.
- Senator Edith Terenzi's bill revives a proposal first filed in the Chamber of Deputies by former deputy Carlos González D'Alessandro
- Scope covers packaging made in Argentina and imported, plus disposable trays, plates and cups used to sell food and drink; export packaging is excluded
- Two compliance routes: non-profit producer consortia (Integrated Management Systems) and deposit, return and refund systems
- Article 24 sets fines of 100 to 1,000 minimum salaries of the national public administration's basic entry grade
- Argentina generates about 16.5 million tonnes of waste a year, and 34.4% is handled through open dumps or controlled landfills, the bill states
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
The New South Wales government has passed legislation under its Plastics Ban 2.0 programme requiring single-use takeaway coffee cups to be recyclable from 2028. From the same date cafes must offer a mug or glass for dine-in customers and accept clean keep cups for takeaway, while reusable cup-borrowing schemes remain voluntary for small businesses. The state says almost 800 million single-use cups are used in NSW each year.
Why this mattersA staged ban on non-recyclable cups in Australia's most populous state pressures foodservice cup makers to shift material and supply chains ahead of 2028.
- NSW has passed the rules under its Plastics Ban 2.0 programme, as reported on 23 October 2026
- From 2028 single-use takeaway coffee cups must be recyclable
- From 2028 cafes must offer a mug or glass for dine-in customers instead of a disposable cup
- Cafes must accept clean, hygienic keep cups for takeaway from 2028
- Reusable cup-borrowing schemes will be voluntary for small businesses
- NSW estimates nearly 800 million single-use cups are used in the state each year
Environmental groups Robin Wood, NABU and Greenpeace have criticised plans by paper maker Felix Schoeller to build a biomass power plant burning waste wood at its Osnabrück-Lüstringen site. The NGOs argue the wood would be better used for insulation or chipboard, question whether enough waste wood is locally available, and warn of CO2 impact from combustion. Schoeller has confirmed it is assessing the plan's framework conditions but has not yet taken a final investment decision.
Why this mattersA contested energy-sourcing choice at a paper mill highlights how biomass and waste-wood use are becoming flashpoints for environmental scrutiny of the sector's decarbonisation plans.
- Felix Schoeller confirmed it is planning a biomass power plant at its Osnabrück-Lüstringen paper mill.
- Robin Wood, NABU and Greenpeace issued a joint statement opposing the plan.
- The NGOs argue waste wood should be used for insulation or chipboard rather than burned.
- Campaigners doubt enough waste wood is available locally and expect wood would need to be imported.
- Schoeller said the framework conditions are still being assessed and no final investment decision has been made.
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.
Eurostat data show the EU generated 81.5 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2024, or 181.0 kg per inhabitant, up 3.2 kg on 2023 and 19.6 kg above 2014 levels. Plastic packaging waste rose to 35.9 kg per person while its recycling rate improved to 42.4%, with wide gaps between member states.
Why this mattersRising per-capita waste despite better recycling rates underlines the gap EU producers and converters must close to meet PPWR reduction and recycled-content targets.
- EU packaging waste generation reached 81.5 million tonnes in 2024, or 181.0 kg per inhabitant, up 3.2 kg year on year
- Per-capita packaging waste rose 19.6 kg between 2014 and 2024
- Paper and cardboard made up 40.8% of packaging waste, plastic 19.9%, glass 18.1%, wood 16.2% and metal 4.8%
- Plastic packaging waste generated per capita was 35.9 kg in 2024, up 0.6 kg on 2023, of which 15.3 kg was recycled
- EU plastic packaging recycling rate rose to 42.4% in 2024 from 41.6% in 2023
- Member state plastic recycling rates ranged from 71% in Latvia to 22.5% in Denmark
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
Amsterdam has commissioned a study into its legal options for banning single-use packaging, including coffee cups and fast-food containers, which the city says make up 30% of its litter. According to CircuLaw, a provider of legal information on circular transitions, such a ban could be imposed but only after less restrictive measures have failed, and works best alongside reliable reusable packaging and a return system. The city will consult business owners and residents and study Copenhagen and Lisbon, which has already banned single-use packaging.
Why this mattersA precedent from a major European capital for a hard single-use packaging ban would pressure foodservice packaging suppliers to accelerate reusable-format conversion ahead of binding EU rules.
- Amsterdam says single-use packaging, including coffee cups and fast-food containers, makes up 30% of city litter
- The city has commissioned a study into what it can legally do to tackle single-use packaging
- CircuLaw says a ban is possible only after less restrictive measures have proven not to work
- Lisbon has already implemented a single-use packaging ban; Amsterdam is also looking at Copenhagen
- The city plans to work with business owners and residents
- Lian Heinhuis, the Amsterdam executive responsible for waste and sanitation, announced the study
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.
Danone has called for closer cooperation between drinks producers and retailers ahead of the UK deposit return scheme, due to launch in October 2027. In a company update dated 22 October 2026, the group said it has briefed around 100 retail contacts and trialled reverse vending technology at the Wimbledon qualifying competition. Danone cited a 2,000-person consumer survey showing almost two-thirds do not always recycle bottles and cans away from home.
Why this mattersRetailer and brand-owner readiness for reverse vending logistics will shape collection rates and equipment demand ahead of the UK scheme's 2027 start.
- UK deposit return scheme is due to start in October 2027
- Danone's update is dated 22 October 2026
- Danone has briefed around 100 retail contacts on store preparation
- Danone trialled reverse vending technology at the Wimbledon Championships qualifying competition
- A Danone survey of 2,000 UK consumers found almost two-thirds do not always recycle away from home
- Danone cites rising plastic bottle and can collection rates in Ireland since deposit returns began there
Reiling Glasrecycling has told Danish collective packaging scheme Vana that it will soon stop accepting glass waste, leaving Vana with large volumes of glass packaging and no outlet. Vana is seeking rapid solutions and political assistance to manage the surplus.
Why this mattersA loss of downstream capacity for glass cullet threatens to disrupt Danish glass packaging recycling flows and compliance obligations.
- Reiling Glasrecycling has announced an imminent stop to receiving glass waste from Vana.
- Vana is a Danish collective packaging compliance scheme.
- Vana says it holds large volumes of glass packaging waste with no current outlet.
- Vana is seeking quick solutions and political help, according to its director.
Brookland Group & Partners, an investment firm operating from Dubai and Singapore, has completed a first investment in Vietnamese recycled paper and packaging producer Miza under a long-term agreement worth up to USD 5m. The shares were bought from an existing shareholder without new issuance, and neither the first-tranche amount nor the stake was disclosed. Brookland plans to raise its holding in stages and puts Miza's 2025 revenue at about USD 185m.
Why this mattersA staged entry by a Dubai and Singapore investor shows foreign capital turning to Vietnam's recycled packaging paper, where 2025 consumption of 7.77m tonnes outran domestic output.
- Brookland's first investment in Miza is part of a long-term agreement worth up to USD 5m.
- The shares were bought from an existing Miza shareholder; Miza issued no new shares.
- Neither the first-tranche amount nor the percentage stake has been disclosed.
- Brookland plans to increase its holding in further stages.
- Miza, founded in 2010 and listed as MZG, makes industrial packaging paper, cartons and paper bags from waste paper at its main plant in Nghi Son, Thanh Hoa Province.
- Brookland puts Miza's 2025 revenue at about USD 185m.
- The investment is structured as staged equity, with Brookland able to exceed the initial USD 5m commitment as it raises its stake.
- Miza is in late-stage negotiations on a private placement of 30 million shares to institutional investors at a price above its current market level.
- Vietnam's extended producer responsibility rules took effect in May 2026, and the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation applies from August 2026.
- Vietnam's paper consumption rose 10.8% in 2025 to an estimated 7.77 million tonnes, against domestic production of about 6.34 million tonnes, according to the Vietnam Pulp Paper Association.
- Vietnam's extended producer responsibility requirements took effect in May 2026.
- The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation began applying in August 2026.
- FTSE Russell upgraded Vietnam's stock market from frontier to secondary emerging-market status less than a month before the investment.
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.
German reusable packaging companies and the Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg (SIM) are pressing the government to exclude refillable plastic containers from a planned plastics tax of EUR 550 per tonne, due to take effect in July 2027. They argue the levy, intended to curb single-use waste, would instead raise costs for deposit-based reuse systems such as beverage crates and pallets.
Why this mattersA levy covering reusable plastic would add cost to Germany's shared deposit crate and pallet pools, on which brewers, bottlers, wholesalers and retailers depend.
- The proposed German plastics tax is set at EUR 550 per tonne and due to start in July 2027.
- SIM (Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg) is leading calls for reusable packaging to be explicitly exempted.
- Industry groups say the levy as drafted would cover reusable plastic items including crates and pallets used in beverage distribution.
- Brewers, bottlers, wholesalers and retailers relying on shared deposit-return crates and pallets could face higher handling and transport costs.
- Cross-border trade in reusable beverage packaging between neighbouring markets is also cited as a concern.
- The sector is urging lawmakers to clarify the rules well before the July 2027 start date to allow planning of contracts, pricing and procurement.
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
O-I Glass's 2026 Sustainability Report says hundreds of energy-saving projects cut an estimated 133,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2025, the year it set up a global energy team called Spark. Absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions were 28% below the 2019 baseline, 65% of global electricity use was matched with renewable energy certificates against an 80% goal for 2030, and recycled content averaged 42%.
Why this mattersDisclosed energy savings and 42% recycled content give O-I evidence for brand owners comparing glass suppliers on carbon, as customers face rising sustainability expectations.
- Energy-saving projects cut an estimated 133,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2025
- Absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2025 were 28% below the 2019 baseline
- 65% of global electricity use was matched with RECs in 2025, against an 80% goal for 2030; Continental Europe was 100%
- The global average recycled content rose to 42%
- O-I supports about 40 closed-loop recycling programmes and 47 US community collection sites
- O-I has about 19,000 employees at 61 plants in 18 countries and had 2025 revenue of USD 6.4bn
EQUATE Petrochemical Company has agreed a one-year renewal contract for Kuwait's Metal and Recycling Company (MRC) to collect and recycle plastic waste from its industrial operations, MRC said on 21 October 2026. MRC will install 20 dedicated containers at EQUATE's facilities and transport the waste to its own sites for sorting, processing and recycling. The contract value was not disclosed, as pricing depends on international raw plastic prices and the quantity to be collected is unknown.
Why this mattersPetrochemical producers outsourcing industrial plastic scrap to specialist recyclers signals growing demand for traceable feedstock recovery in the Gulf.
- EQUATE Petrochemical Company and MRC signed a one-year renewal term plastics waste deal, announced 21 October 2026.
- MRC will place 20 dedicated containers inside EQUATE's facilities to collect plastic scrap.
- Boursa Kuwait-listed MRC disclosed the deal on 20 October 2026, with a correction filed 21 October.
- Contract value was not specified; pricing is tied to international raw plastic material prices.
- MRC said the financial effect cannot be estimated as the quantity of plastic to be bought is unknown.
- MRC's Vice Chairman and CEO Tarek Ibrahim Al-Mousa said the deal supports EQUATE's industrial plastic waste management.
The European Commission launched a public consultation on 21 October 2026 on the role of bio-based plastics in packaging policy, running until 13 January 2027. Conducted under Article 8 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and the EU Bioeconomy Strategic Framework, it will inform a possible assessment of demand measures, targets and sustainability requirements for bio-based feedstock, which could lead to a legislative proposal.
Why this mattersA future EU framework or targets for bio-based feedstock would reshape sourcing and investment decisions across plastic packaging producers and converters.
- Consultation launched 21 October 2026, open until 13 January 2027
- Conducted under Article 8 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and the EU Bioeconomy Strategic Framework
- Open to manufacturers, converters, raw-material suppliers, bio-based plastics producers, recyclers, brand owners and retailers
- Aims to assess market demand measures, targets and possible sustainability requirements for bio-based feedstock
- Feedback may lead to a legislative proposal establishing a framework for bio-based feedstock in plastic packaging
- UK converter Duo Packaging says the UK Plastic Packaging Tax treats bio-based plastics the same as fossil-based plastics, disadvantaging low-carbon alternatives.
Aliplast, the plastics recycling arm of Italian utility group Hera, has opened its R3GID recycling plant in Modena, Italy, with capacity for up to 30,000 tonnes a year of recycled polymers from rigid plastic waste. The EUR 48.8m (USD 54.8m) investment includes EUR 7.7m (USD 8.7m) from Italy's national recovery plan and uses Nextchem's NX Replast technology, targeting recycled-content demand under the EU PPWR and End of Life Vehicles rules.
Why this mattersThe plant adds scarce European rigid-plastics recycling capacity against a 2040 shortfall Hera puts at 5.7m tonnes, cutting Italian manufacturers' reliance on imported recycled polymer.
- Capacity of up to 30,000 tonnes of recycled rigid polymers a year
- Total investment of EUR 48.8m (USD 54.8m), including EUR 7.7m (USD 8.7m) from Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan
- Output has certified purity above 99%, with properties said to be comparable to virgin plastics
- The technology was developed with Nextchem using its NX Replast upcycling process
- The plant uses treated water and power from Hera's adjacent Modena wastewater and waste-to-energy facilities
- Hera says the plant avoids about 30,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions compared with virgin plastic production
Valmet is supplying cooking, fiberline and recovery island technology for a new pulp mill being built by Century Sunshine in Rizhao, Shandong province, China. The order, booked in Valmet's second-quarter 2026 intake, is valued above EUR 100m (USD 112m), with the mill due to start up in June 2028. The project is the first phase of Century Sunshine's plan to add 2.65 million tonnes of annual paper capacity to substitute plastics with paper-based products.
Why this mattersThe project expands Chinese pulp self-sufficiency for packaging paper production, reducing import dependence and supporting a plastic-to-paper substitution drive.
- Valmet's order value exceeds EUR 100m (USD 112m), undisclosed exact amount.
- Order booked in Valmet's second-quarter 2026 order intake.
- Mill designed for 1.2 million tonnes of hardwood or softwood pulp plus 400,000 tonnes of softwood pulp annually.
- Start-up expected June 2028.
- Part of Century Sunshine's three-phase 'Paper-for-Plastic' programme targeting 2.65 million tonnes of added annual paper capacity.
- Scope includes cooking and fiberlines, evaporation plant, recovery boiler, ash treatment and white liquor plant, designed to be fossil-fuel free.
Ambilital, which manages municipal waste for the AMAGRA intermunicipal system in southern Portugal, plans to invest about EUR 40m (USD 45m) to meet packaging recycling targets due by 2030. The figure was disclosed on 21 October during a visit by producer-responsibility body Sociedade Ponto Verde, which also funds the system through its compensation payments. Ambilital reported a 15% year-on-year rise in recycled volumes in the first nine months of 2026, after an 11% increase in 2025, but says collection of glass, plastic, steel and aluminium must still improve.
Why this mattersA regional waste manager's capital commitment shows the scale of investment municipal recycling systems need to meet EU-driven packaging targets by 2030.
- Ambilital's strategic plan includes about EUR 40m (USD 45m) of investment to meet recycling targets
- Board adviser José Pinto Rodrigues disclosed the figure on 21 October 2026 during a Sociedade Ponto Verde visit
- Ambilital manages waste for the AMAGRA intermunicipal system covering seven municipalities in the Alentejo
- Recycled volumes rose 15% year on year in the first nine months of 2026, after an 11% rise in 2025
- Targets must be met by 2030, with contributions from member municipalities and private shareholder SUMA
- Sociedade Ponto Verde identifies glass as a material with growth potential for collection
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.
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
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.
The European Commission has selected 77 industrial projects across 23 EEA countries as candidates for Innovation Fund grants worth up to EUR 3.4bn, funded from Emissions Trading System revenues. The list includes chemical recycling plants in Spain and the Netherlands, a biopolymer facility in Germany and a PHA pilot in Finland. Promoters now begin grant negotiations with CINEA, with outcomes due in the first quarter of 2027 and a new call round opening in December 2026.
Why this mattersA multi-country funding push for chemical recycling and bio-based alternatives could expand feedstock options for packaging resin producers facing recycled-content mandates.
- European Commission selected 77 projects across 23 EEA countries for up to EUR 3.4bn in Innovation Fund support.
- Greenertis Tarragona in Spain proposes the Circus project to convert mixed plastic waste into pyrolysis oil using molten-salt and electrically heated reactors.
- PTC Amsterdam in the Netherlands proposes the Plastic project, combining slow-cracking pyrolysis with in-line decontamination to produce feedstock oil.
- Traceless Materials in Germany plans an industrial plant under the Beyond project, following a first Hamburg-Harburg facility opened in May 2026 with about 3,000 tonnes annual capacity after an investment of more than EUR 20m.
- NG Nordic Finland proposes the Eagle pilot to capture about 10,000 tonnes of CO2 a year from a waste-to-energy plant for use in producing polyhydroxyalkanoates.
- Grant agreements are to be negotiated with CINEA, with outcomes expected in the first quarter of 2027, and a new Innovation Fund call round opens in December 2026.
Brazilian returnable-plastic-packaging maker Ecoboxes is building a new recycling unit in Paulinia, Sao Paulo state, due to start in December 2026, adding to its existing recycling operation there. The company projects recycled plastic will reach 70% of the 17,000 tonnes of material it injects in 2027, up from 42% of 8,400 tonnes in 2024.
Why this mattersRising demand for traceable recycled content and Brazil's new reverse-logistics tracking system are pushing converters to secure and verify recycled feedstock in-house.
- New recycling unit in Paulinia scheduled to start in December 2026
- Recycled material use projected to rise to 70% of 17,000 tonnes injected in 2027, from 42% of 8,400 tonnes in 2024
- Recycled volume used is forecast to grow from 3,600 tonnes in 2024 to 12,000 tonnes in 2027
- Company projects 670% growth in material generated by its recycling unit between 2024 and 2027
- In 2025 recycled material reached 62.5% of 9,600 tonnes injected
- Brazil's environment ministry created the Sisrev-BR reverse-logistics tracking system in September 2026
Furukawa's subsidiary Earthtechnica has secured an order from Japanese recycler M.M. Plastic to supply an integrated system for sorting and processing household plastic containers and packaging at a new factory, targeting annual intake of about 30,000 metric tons. The factory, in Futtsu, Chiba prefecture, is scheduled to start up around spring 2028. The order extends a supplier relationship dating back to a 27,000-tonne system Earthtechnica delivered to M.M. Plastic in 2009.
Why this mattersA new 30,000-tonne sorting plant adds Japanese capacity for household plastic packaging waste under the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law, with start-up around spring 2028.
- Earthtechnica, a consolidated subsidiary of Furukawa Co., won the order, announced 20 October 2026.
- The system targets annual intake of about 30,000 metric tons of household plastic containers and packaging.
- Customer M.M. Plastic is based in Futtsu, Chiba prefecture, Japan.
- The new factory is scheduled to start operating around spring 2028.
- Earthtechnica previously supplied M.M. Plastic with a 27,000-tonne-capacity recycling system in 2009.
- M.M. Plastic operates under Japan's Containers and Packaging Recycling Law.
Colombian flexible-packaging maker Grupo Plastilene produced 3,261,680 kg of post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin in 2025, up from none in 2018, and is developing a packaging structure with 50% recycled content that halves the virgin resin used. The group, which operates in Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala and the United States, says it is moving ahead of expected recycled-content regulation in Central America and Mexico. In Central America, according to the head of its Guatemalan unit Tecnofilm, pressure currently comes mainly from retail chains whose parent companies require minimum recycled content.
Why this mattersIn Central America, retailers' recycled-content requirements rather than legislation are setting the pace, favouring flexible-packaging converters that already have their own PCR supply.
- Grupo Plastilene's PCR output rose from zero in 2018 to 3,261,680 kg in 2025, yielding about 5 million kg of packaging with recycled content
- The group is developing a structure with 50% recycled content, against 20-40% in its current Central America and Mexico offering
- Guatemalan unit Tecnofilm increased PCR use from about 12,000 kg a month in 2025 to nearly 44,000 kg a month in 2026
- Customer Papelera Internacional scaled PCR use from about 1 tonne in late 2024 to 12 tonnes a month
- Tecnofilm says pressure in Central America comes mainly from retail customers rather than legislation
UK packaging waste recycling notes (PRNs) and their export equivalents (PERNs) recorded in January-June 2026 totalled 417,365 tonnes, down about 29% from 586,191 tonnes a year earlier. The figures come from Environment Agency data reported by RECOUP in July. The fall prompted talks between Defra and industry on its causes and possible regulatory intervention, although RECOUP found discrepancies in the dataset, and tighter accreditation, reporting changes and action against fraud can also reduce the supply of valid notes.
Why this mattersA tighter supply of valid notes would raise compliance costs for packaging producers whether the cause is lost recycling capacity or stricter enforcement against fraudulent operators.
- Recorded PRNs and PERNs fell to 417,365 tonnes in January-June 2026 from 586,191 tonnes a year earlier, a decline of about 29%, per RECOUP citing Environment Agency data
- The decline prompted discussions between Defra and industry representatives on its causes and possible regulatory intervention
- RECOUP identified discrepancies between tabs in the underlying dataset and sought clarification from the Environment Agency
- PRN and PERN sales generated USD 429m (GBP 322m) in 2025, according to a government parliamentary answer published in June 2026
- The dataset was updated on 25 September 2026 using information extracted on 21 September
Taiwan's Ministry of Environment and a retail packaging sustainability alliance launched 350 green-packaging products across 61 categories on 19 October 2026. The products are sold through hypermarket and supermarket chains and backed by ten companies including Kao, Swire Coca-Cola, Heineken and Unilever. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming set a target of 1,000 such products within two years, as the ministry works towards the EU goal of a 10% packaging reduction by 2035.
Why this mattersThe voluntary programme moves brand owners supplying Taiwanese retail towards packaging reduction in line with EU targets, with a link to circular-label certification under consideration.
- 350 green-packaging products across 61 categories launched on 19 October 2026
- Ten companies took part, including Kao, Swire Coca-Cola, Heineken, Unilever, PX Mart and FamilyMart
- Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming targets 1,000 green-packaging products within two years
- The ministry aims to meet the EU target of a 10% packaging reduction by 2035
- PX Mart's bulk-sale sections and lighter fresh-food packaging cut plastic use by more than 11,000 kg last year, according to the ministry's resource circulation agency
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
The Singapore Environment Council has required Asia Pulp & Paper to report daily on hotspots, fire prevention and firefighting from 21 October 2026, with no end date set, after fires on the concessions of three of its Indonesian suppliers. The council, which administers Singapore's green-label scheme, can suspend APP's pulp-and-paper certification, held since May 2019, if the company cannot show that its fire monitoring, prevention and suppression measures are working.
Why this mattersSuspension would remove the green-label logo from affected APP products in Singapore, where retailer FairPrice removed APP-linked products during the 2015 haze.
- Singapore Environment Council imposed fire-reporting restrictions on Asia Pulp & Paper on 18 October 2026
- APP must report daily on hotspots, prevention and firefighting from 21 October 2026, with no stated end date
- The suppliers are PT Bumi Andalas Permai, PT Bumi Mekar Hijau and PT Sebangun Bumi Andalas Wood Industries (PT SBA Wood Industries)
- Singapore's National Environment Agency said smoke from fires on the suppliers' concessions could have reached Singapore, and plans to notify three more Indonesian firms
- APP received enhanced pulp-and-paper green-label certification from the council in May 2019
- Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu confirmed the SGLS+ restrictions on APP and said Singapore is pursuing cross-border haze investigations.
- APP must file daily fire-response reports, beyond earlier hotspot and prevention reporting, for Bumi Mekar Hijau, Bumi Andalas Permai and Sebangun Bumi Andalas Wood Industries.
- Singapore's National Environment Agency has issued preventive notices to ten Indonesian companies in total, four identified as APP suppliers including Buana Megatama Jaya.
LyondellBasell has installed the pyrolysis reactors at its chemical recycling plant in Germany, taking the project out of engineering and into mechanical construction. The plant is designed to turn mixed plastic waste that mechanical recycling cannot handle into a liquid feedstock for crackers. No capacity or commissioning date has been given.
Why this mattersReactor installation narrows the gap between announced and operating European chemical-recycling capacity that supplies recycled polymer feedstock to packaging producers.
- Pyrolysis reactors are now in place at LyondellBasell's German chemical recycling site
- With the reactors installed, the project has passed from engineering to mechanical construction
- The plant will process mixed plastic waste into pyrolysis feedstock for crackers
- LyondellBasell has disclosed neither throughput capacity nor a commissioning date
Portuguese packaging-waste scheme Novo Verde reported that selective collection of plastic packaging fell 3.8% year on year to 63,477 tonnes in the first nine months of 2026, one of three materials to decline alongside steel and aluminium. Total selective packaging collection across all materials rose 1.1% to 373,182 tonnes, led by growth in paper/board, but the scheme's director-general said this pace remains short of what is needed to meet national recycling targets.
Why this mattersA decline in plastic packaging collection widens the gap to national recycling targets, raising compliance pressure on producers under Portugal's EPR scheme.
- Selective collection of plastic packaging in Portugal fell 3.8% year on year to 63,477 tonnes in January-September 2026.
- Overall selective packaging collection across all materials rose 1.1% to 373,182 tonnes in the same period.
- Steel packaging collection fell 6% to 5,398 tonnes and aluminium fell 4.6% to 1,630 tonnes.
- Glass remained the largest collected material at 166,157 tonnes, up 0.7%, representing about 45% of the total.
- Paper/board collection rose 4.4% to 127,919 tonnes, the biggest volume contributor to growth.
- Novo Verde director-general Pedro Simões said the 1.1% overall growth is insufficient to meet national recycling targets.
Perpetual, the organisation behind Hawaii's reuse programme, has chosen metal containers over plastic after procurement work showed gaps in US manufacturing capacity for containers suited to local needs. According to the report, California's extended producer responsibility funds alone could create a USD 600m market opportunity for reusable packaging.
Why this mattersPerpetual's sourcing problems point to gaps in US capacity for reuse-grade containers, an opening for container makers as EPR money, put at USD 600m in California, funds reuse.
- Hawaii's reuse programme will use metal rather than plastic containers, according to Perpetual.
- Perpetual says procuring containers that fit local needs exposed gaps in US manufacturing capacity.
- Perpetual frames the manufacturing gap as a structural issue that comparable US reuse programmes would face.
- California EPR funds alone could create a USD 600m market opportunity for reusable packaging, according to the report.
Mensing Gruppe plans to build a recycling plant for used polypropylene big bags in Hohenwestedt, Schleswig-Holstein, at an investment of around EUR 22m (USD 25m). The plant is due to start at the end of 2028 with about 17,000 tonnes a year of PP regranulate, with infrastructure designed from the outset for a later expansion to 35,000 tonnes a year.
Why this mattersA plant sized from the outset for 35,000 tonnes a year adds dedicated German capacity to turn used PP big bags, an industrial packaging waste stream, into regranulate from 2028.
- Investment of around EUR 22m (USD 25m)
- Plant to be built in Hohenwestedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
- Start-up planned for end of 2028
- Initial capacity about 17,000 tonnes of PP regranulate per year
- Planned later expansion to 35,000 tonnes per year
- Group to acquire about 50,000 square metres in a new roughly 42-hectare industrial park
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
