European Parliament advances rules to reduce packaging by 2030 and beyond

Following months of lobbying by manufacturers, brands and trade groups, members supported reductions in packaging waste, recyclability requirements, bans on PFAS and BPA in food-contact packaging and other provisions.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Nov. 28, 2023

Using more packaging could cut food waste, research suggests

Ameripen, which backed consumer research by Michigan State University, says findings could spark a closer look at date labeling and other on-pack messaging as well as how to balance freshness features with weight concerns.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 21, 2023

Reusables are only 1% of major brands’ plastic packaging but have growth potential

A report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation showed limited progress on switching away from single-use plastics, while Oceana's analysis suggested big potential for Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and others to expand refill systems.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 21, 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

Big things for small packages: Working to capture tiny recyclables

Small-format plastic packaging can’t be properly recycled via conventional residential systems. Representatives from Estée Lauder, Ulta and MIT discussed potential solutions at the Packaging Recycling Summit.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 20, 2023

Viva reuse: Las Vegas casino adding Ecospirits refill system in 2024

With a new facility set to open in Nevada next year, the Closed Loop Partners-backed company hopes to demonstrate the value of its system for refilling alcohol bottles in high-volume settings.

By Hollie Stephens • Nov. 17, 2023

US recycling rates have stagnated. Can collaborative packaging solutions turn them around?

Speakers from Tetra Pak, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz and General Mills discussed at the Packaging Recycling Summit how to work together to improve recycling — even though collaborating with competitors can pose challenges.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 15, 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

Destocking in ‘rearview mirror,’ but ‘cautious consumer’ slows Graphic Packaging’s recovery

GPI’s growth could be fueled by ramen, as a partnership to transform an iconic noodle cup from foam to fiber marks the company’s most recent innovation investment. Meanwhile, GPI discontinued a project to add capacity in Texas.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 1, 2023

Packaging manufacturers’ Q3 results

Follow what top companies are saying in quarterly earnings reports about demand, destocking and optimizing manufacturing as 2023 winds down.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated Nov. 17, 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

Packaging manufacturers set big sustainability goals. How are they doing?

Ardagh’s metal and glass businesses both reported progress on reducing scope 3 emissions in 2023. Production curtailments following lower market demand also helped decrease GHG emissions.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • Updated Nov. 19, 2024

Packaging innovations: KitKat wrappers gain recycled content, Eastman creates monomaterial beauty packaging

Plus, Walmart and Albertsons expand reach of refillable aluminum soaps and cleaners, and avocado growers tout compostable netting.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 20, 2023

How2Recycle piloting shared label with Recycling Partnership as part of industry collaboration initiative

The upcoming pilot is seen as one way to keep up with the complex landscape of recyclability policy. The move is part of a broader focus on cross-industry partnerships by GreenBlue, the nonprofit behind these initiatives.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 20, 2023

Amazon outlines push to ‘eliminate packaging altogether’

As the company looks to remove added packaging from more orders in 2024, its packaging innovation director explains how Amazon identifies products fit to ship in their own packaging and works with vendors on redesigns.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 19, 2023

How recyclers and packaging companies are trying to find common ground

Companies from both sectors are trying to better understand each other, recent sustainable packaging and waste industry conferences suggested. Hear from the Product Stewardship Institute, Dow, WM, Ridwell and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 19, 2023

Brands respond to consumer calls for sustainable packaging, but recycling barriers exist

Many companies are switching to fiber to boost sustainability. But factors like coatings and consumer recycling participation still pose challenges, according to speakers at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 17, 2023

Kraft Heinz reports ongoing challenge to design recyclable flexible food packaging

The food products maker is 87% of the way to a 2025 circular packaging goal, it said in its 2023 ESG report. It also recorded an overall increase in packaging weight and a rise in plastic packaging and nonrenewable materials.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 17, 2023