Voluntary packaging sustainability goals transform in the face of EPR

Bound by new regulations, companies can still benefit from detailing refined targets, some sources say. “EPR sets the floor, but voluntary commitments are what are going to set the pace,” said the U.S. Plastics Pact CEO.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 3, 2025

PepsiCo issues first progress report on revamped packaging targets

The company surpassed the annual virgin plastic reduction goal it set in May, while inching toward a reworked long-term recycled content target.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 2, 2025

PCA launches carbon capture and storage study following ‘promising’ trial

A pilot that Packaging Corporation of America began last year ended this summer. Now, the company works toward building a full-scale facility by 2028 and expanding the technology to other sites.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 27, 2025

‘The EPR era’ brings new opportunities for packaging sustainability

Sustainability leaders from Amcor, Stonyfield and MegaFood shared some of their experiences and outlooks for redesigns during a virtual event Tuesday.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 27, 2025

Ranpak lands second major e-commerce deal of 2025

A deal with Walmart comes after one with Amazon. CEO Omar Asali discusses the importance of these enterprise customers, riding the AI wave for automation and navigating economic uncertainty ahead of the busy holiday season.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 26, 2025

Paper and Packaging Board shutdown reflects corporate, market changes

President Mary Anne Hansan shared more about the phaseout of the industry marketing initiative, highlighting evolutions in executive leadership and the economic, policy and sustainability landscapes since 2014.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 22, 2025

Recycling and waste groups ‘disappointed’ by lack of plastics treaty

Plastics groups will push recycling over environmentalists’ calls for plastic production caps. Recycling groups will monitor the next round of talks for clues on infrastructure and end market impacts.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 19, 2025

Driving change: Sustainable innovation in flexible packaging can’t wait

Making the shift to recyclable materials for low-barrier applications.

Aug. 18, 2025

Connecticut’s beverage container redemption rate rose 21% in 2024

The Container Recycling Institute says improvements like a 10-cent deposit, more return locations and a broader range of accepted containers boosted redemption rates. Some other bottle bill states saw declines of 1% to 3%.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 11, 2025

What recycling and packaging groups are looking for in global plastic treaty talks

At a roundtable event, speakers from Circular Action Alliance, SC Johnson and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce underscored how treaty negotiations will impact recycling supply chains and future business opportunities.

By Megan Quinn • July 31, 2025

Voluntary sustainable packaging goals are on the way out, Gartner says

Companies are aligning their sustainability strategies with emerging legislation, such as EPR laws, according to the consulting firm. Adapting now can have cost advantages down the line.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 25, 2025

Berlin Packaging details progress toward SBTi-validated targets

The global packaging supplier cited innovation in biomaterials and refill systems among the efforts driving growth and sustainability.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 21, 2025

Amazon charts 28% drop in North American shipments containing single-use plastic packaging

The e-commerce giant released its 2024 sustainability report on Wednesday, highlighting collaboration with SC Johnson, Mondi, Shorr Packaging, Pregis and more.

By Maria Rachal • July 17, 2025

Policy tension over on-pack recyclability labeling ‘needs to get worked out’

What's in a label? Good question. As the go-live date for California’s recycling labeling law approaches, industry speakers at the Packaging Recycling Summit underscored the importance of getting some federal standardization soon. 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 14, 2025

Insights from the 2025 Packaging Recycling Summit

Catch up on Packaging Dive’s coverage from the third annual event, including about industry collaborations, prioritizing consumers and the scramble to meet extended producer responsibility deadlines.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 10, 2025

‘Please don’t blame the consumer’: Recycling partners urged to recenter messaging

Brands, packaging companies and recyclers must cater to consumers to improve recycling rates, said Packaging Recycling Summit speakers. When recycling isn’t convenient, the “wheels fall off,” said the U.S. Plastics Pact CEO.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 10, 2025

Packaging suppliers respond to QSR diners hungry for a better experience

Manufacturers are working with their restaurant customers to improve takeout, as well as sustainability opportunities for food service ware.

By Shefali Kapadia • July 8, 2025

Mars multiplies recycled content use, but still lags 2025 target

The consumer packaged goods company also pointed to pet food as an area where it has advanced packaging sustainability.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 7, 2025

Amazon releases waste diversion metrics as part of larger sustainability plan

The company says it reached an 85% waste diversion rate in 2024. Amazon’s waste and biodiversity director, Justine Mahler, says that’s driven partly by organics diversion programs and ongoing data collection investments.

By Megan Quinn • July 7, 2025

4 collaborative projects that aim to advance packaging recycling

Speakers at the Packaging Recycling Summit detailed how brands, packaging manufacturers, recyclers, academics and others across the supply chain are teaming up to improve how packaging is managed at end of life.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 2, 2025

Inside Braskem’s push to scale biopolymer production for packaging and more

The Brazilian chemical company’s recently opened $20 million research facility in Massachusetts is part of the company’s broader network of R&D sites and interest in alternatives to fossil-based plastics.

By Cole Rosengren • June 25, 2025

Boxed vs. bottled: Not all sustainability claims hold water, nonprofit says

The brand Boxed Water is Better agreed to change certain environmental statements on its packaging in response to a nonprofit’s review, which was requested by the International Bottled Water Association.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 17, 2025

How shareholders voted on plastics and packaging proposals in 2025

The National Legal and Policy Center and As You Sow each say they see positives after generating discussion around plastics-related proposals this year, including at Walmart, Mondelēz and The Home Depot.

By Maria Rachal • June 13, 2025

How much do consumers really care about sustainable packaging?

Consumers consider packaging sustainability when making purchases, but weigh other characteristics more heavily, according to a study from McKinsey & Co. The consulting firm presents five takeaways based on a consumer survey.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 11, 2025

How Sonoco reduced emissions during a year of change

Transportation revamps and process improvements were among Sonoco's impactful, but less-discussed, sustainability work in 2024, said Vice President of Global Sustainability Scott Byrne during a conversation with Packaging Dive.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 10, 2025