Flexible Film Recycling Alliance launches with focus on drop-off programs

The initiative, backed by the Plastics Industry Association, intends to improve film recycling from consumer, commercial and industrial perspectives. FFRA plans to introduce a directory, website and new logo this fall. 

Updated Sept. 23, 2024

Home Depot phases out EPS, PVC in fiber packaging overhaul

The process required ample testing and collaboration. “We sell light bulbs, we sell appliances, we sell toilets. These are products that are prone to damage if they are not secured with the right packaging,” said one sustainability leader.

Recycling bill in Congress calls for 30% recycled content in plastic packaging

Berry Global CEO Kevin Kwilinski said in a statement the bill could “significantly increase use of recycled material in new products.” The legislation would also task EPA with setting certain national plastic recycling standards.

Want to know what packaging EPR will look like in the US? So does everyone else.

The industry’s perception of EPR has changed the last two years, according to a speaker at the Packaging Recycling Summit. But stakeholders are still seeking answers related to data collection, ecomodulation and more.

AI is ‘more of an evolution than a revolution’ for packaging: PMMI report

Numerous practical applications of AI are already here for packaging machinery OEMs and their end users, though not without challenges. PMMI Business Intelligence shares recommendations on how companies can get started.

Breaking out of the mold: Innovations in molded fiber drive growth

Speakers at an International Molded Fiber Association event detailed advancements in the energy efficiency of manufacturing equipment, dry molded fiber and R&D to expand into new end-use markets.

Packaging innovations: Johnnie Walker’s lightest bottle design, Seda’s double-walled compostable cold cups

Plus, Sonoco scales its paper-based cans, Braskem touts packaging material made from used cooking oil and Sealed Air details its work with Best Buy on protective packaging.

Largest US arena aims to take aluminum water bottles mainstream

Chicago’s United Center is partnering with local water company Culligan to shun single-use plastic. Although the city has struggled to improve its recycling, the arena can serve as a dense area for messaging, collection and impact.

Ready-to-drink cocktail brands seek ‘bar cart worthy’ premium glass packaging

“Ready-to-drink” products, many of which come in cans, account for an estimated 12% of the U.S. beverage alcohol market by volume. As glass bottle makers look to diversify, they’re pitching their packaging as premium.

Molded fiber’s growth as a plastic replacement isn’t pulp fiction

While the market is expanding, speakers at an International Molded Fiber Association event said it still faces an entrenched competitor in plastic and hurdles with feedstock availability, energy use and other factors.

Dart delves into dry molded fiber for lids, licensing PulPac tech

The food service packaging company and Solo Cup distributor is the first in North America to license a more compact production platform from the Swedish dry molded fiber specialist.

MRF and mill advances expected to fuel North American recovered fiber demand, Fastmarkets says

Analysts highlighted tight OCC and mixed paper supply, as well as ongoing demand from mills willing to pay for cleaner recovered paper material from higher-tech MRFs, during a recent webinar.

Sparkling water craze meets reuse with Aerflo’s launch

Investor Closed Loop Partners hailed the convenience of the startup’s refillable bottle system. Aerflo estimates its reusable capsules, which carbonate water on the go, could each displace more than 330 beverage cans.

EPA recommends BPI, GreenScreen, other ecolabels in food service ware procurement

It’s the first time in nearly 10 years the agency is evaluating new recommendations of standards for sustainable federal purchasing. EPA said it would accept comments on the proposed updates for 30 days.

Summer 2024 brought numerous new, expanded facility announcements

Axium Packaging, Green Bay Packaging, Greif, Pallet Distributors and Tetra Pak are among the companies that have made notable investments in growing operations.

As Amazon and others nix air pillows, packaging manufacturers diversify to cushion the blow

Packaging companies are having to adapt to keep up as e-commerce expands and protective packaging trends shift. Retailers are trying new void fill materials, rightsizing packages and more.

Keurig Dr Pepper to pay $1.5M to settle charges about K-Cup recyclability

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission says the beverage company omitted from filed documents some important information about testing the curbside recyclability of its K-Cup coffee pods. 

Packaging updates anticipated in Biden administration’s waning months

Some of these updates have been a long time coming, including next steps for the Green Guides and the National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution.

O-I Glass, spirits industry partner for Kentucky’s first dedicated glass recycling program

O-I Glass will purchase cullet from the new program run by workforce development nonprofit Workwell Industries. The glass comes from distilleries in the region that also invested in the project.

Packaging innovations: McDonald’s four-flap McFlurry, Capri-Sun bottle debate

Plus, New England Coffee ditches its plastic pod base for commercially compostable materials.

Music venues become a proving ground for reusable packaging

Groups like Upstream and musicians such as Grace Potter are pushing to replace single-use cups with reusable options. This weekend’s Imagine Zero Music Festival is the latest example of a reuse-focused event.

Amcor drops ‘interim’ from Peter Konieczny’s CEO title

Amcor also named a new chief sustainability officer and chief operating officer. Konieczny stepped in after Ron Delia, CEO for nine years, announced he would retire due to health reasons.

Updated Sept. 6, 2024

Myplas film recycling plant in Minnesota to reopen under new ownership

GDB Circular plans to upgrade the facility and improve operations at the film recycling plant, which opened in December but idled soon after due to financial issues.

Veritiv to acquire Orora Packaging Solutions for $1.2B

The transaction will enhance private equity-backed Veritiv’s specialty packaging distribution capabilities, while Orora will transition to a dedicated beverage packaging business.

Silgan Containers, Smurfit Westrock reported layoffs in August

The announcements of manufacturing and administrative workforce changes come as U.S. production more broadly hit a four-year low in August, according to the Institute for Supply Management.