Major glass recycler Strategic Materials files for bankruptcy, cites packaging shift as one factor

The company noted in filings that consumers are recycling less glass than in previous years, a trend “poised to continue as glass products are increasingly being replaced by plastic counterparts and/or aluminum cans.”

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 7, 2023

Republic Services opens Las Vegas polymer center to supply recycled plastic for packaging

The center is expected to produce 100 million pounds of recycled plastics per year. It’s the first of several such locations designed to boost availability of recycled content as companies like Coca-Cola seek more for packaging.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 5, 2023

Compostable packaging’s contested, complicated past doesn’t determine its future

Composters can struggle to manage the wide variety of new packaging entering the market, leading to greater calls for labeling guidelines and testing. Cities like San Francisco and Minneapolis offer case studies in how to make it work.

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Dec. 5, 2023

Clemson’s FRESH initiative scaling up compostable product testing

The South Carolina university aims to meet growing demand from brands bringing new products to market.

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Dec. 5, 2023

Compostable packaging is still evolving but popular. Here’s where experts say it could be most effective.

From farmers markets to Walmart to stadiums, compostable packaging is on the rise. Elevate Packaging, NatureWorks, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and others weigh in on how to get it right.

By Hollie Stephens • Dec. 4, 2023

Packaging innovations: Liberty Coca-Cola’s paper push, Corona’s can of a different color

Plus, Green Loop is making agave-derived pallets, Sofi Products knocks the lid off hot beverage cups, Mondi aims to cut the use of expanded polystyrene foam for white goods and Elopak helps smol's refill game.

By Katie Pyzyk , Cole Rosengren • Dec. 1, 2023

Enhanced sustainable food packaging scorecard weighs chemicals of concern

The collaborative tool, which food service companies like Sodexo engage with, now considers how food temperature and other factors impact the likelihood of chemicals of concern to migrate.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 1, 2023

Oregon finalizes statewide recycling list as part of EPR law implementation

In addition to standardizing what can be collected — PET thermoforms did not make the initial cut — the rules also define “responsible” end markets and require PROs to manage materials according to environmental and labor rules.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 30, 2023

Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier nearly eliminates metal in aseptic cartons

Tetra Pak set out to improve carton recyclability for a Portuguese customer and anticipates widespread production of this innovation by 2025.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 27, 2023

US Plastics Pact advises on role of mass balance in PCR certification

As the role chemical recycling will play in packaging evolves, the group aims to address questions and spur demand for postconsumer recycled content.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 27, 2023

Packaging innovations: JBM Packaging blocks water, Aptar caps containers for e-commerce

Plus, EcoEnclose and Sway incorporate seaweed into foldable cartons and Ardagh rounds out its bottle offerings.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 22, 2023

Competing LCAs offer differing views on the realities of reusable takeout systems

Life-cycle assessments indicate reusable takeout boxes and clamshells can have lower climate impacts, depending on how consumers use them. Reloop, McDonald’s and others are debating the issue ahead of a key vote in the EU.

By Leslie Nemo • Nov. 20, 2023

Edible packaging may be a plastic alternative, but it remains nascent

Companies such as Notpla, Evoware and Sorbos are pursuing concepts made from ingredients that include seaweed, rice and sugar in an attempt to replace more traditional packaging formats.

By Hollie Stephens • Nov. 15, 2023

Lower-carbon packaging gains traction in beauty and cosmetics

As more consumers say they prioritize sustainability, manufacturers are looking to reduce their products’ footprints by packaging them with new materials and postconsumer recycled content.

By Hayley Lind • Nov. 14, 2023

Brands, packaging companies and recyclers talk collaboration to improve recycling

Speakers from LRS, Myplas, P&G, PMMI, Rumpke and more connected at the Packaging Recycling Summit to hash out ways to improve recycling and product recyclability as “really, really rapid” packaging changes occur.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 13, 2023

Amcor looks to source recycled PE from forthcoming Nova Chemicals facility

The Indiana rPE plant’s first line is on track for an early 2025 start. “We can't wait until Connersville is up and running for us to consider future investments” or M&A, said Nova Chemicals’ director of mechanical recycling.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 13, 2023

Packaging innovations: Reusable crates go bananas, medical packaging goes monomaterial

Plus, PepsiCo rolls out more easily recyclable paper packaging and Eco-Products hopes snap lids appeal to customers in plastic-restricted markets.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 10, 2023

Farewell to foam: Cup Noodles’ iconic container undergoes substrate switch to fiber

Graphic Packaging International helped to make the iconic package microwaveable for the first time. The polystyrene cup was always "an opportunity for improvement," according to a Nissin Foods USA executive.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 9, 2023

Researchers find PFAS in non-plastic straws, complicating sustainability efforts

Straws have been a prime focus for anti-plastic groups but remain prevalent. Recent studies showing the presence of toxic chemicals in a range of “eco-friendly” alternatives highlights the complexity of eliminating the hazard.

By Lela Nargi • Nov. 8, 2023

Amcor touts growing chemical recycling partnerships in 2023 sustainability report

As it seeks more recycled and recyclable product materials, Amcor said absolute greenhouse gas emissions declined in FY23. It awaits approval by the Science Based Targets initiative for targets going forward.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 7, 2023

Packaging innovations: Perrier’s new look, Naturepedic mattresses blanketed in fiber

Plus, Philips appliances get fiber packaging and Berry Global adds a line of reusable cups.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 3, 2023

Amazon tweaks tech to create first 100% fiber-focused fulfillment center

Two main technologies are being tested at an Ohio facility to determine how best to transform other facilities to handle only fiber — not plastic — packaging.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Nov. 1, 2023

What’s in the box? Maybe a gift of recovering corrugated demand.

Containerboard demand remains down year over year, but was ending October’s spooky season in a less scary position than previous quarters, according to data from the American Forest & Paper Association.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 31, 2023

EPA considers reevaluating vinyl chloride, as PVC remains common in certain packaging

Spurred in part by the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, environmental groups are urging the agency to review the chemical’s safety. In the meantime, experts have varying thoughts on how easy it would be to find alternatives.

By April Reese • Oct. 30, 2023

Ameripen study says recycling market development centers offer long-term benefits

Research suggests states with recycling market development centers like Michigan or South Carolina retain jobs better. Ameripen sees the centers as tools to help advance sustainable packaging and navigate state recycling laws.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 27, 2023