The Latest
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Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2024
Greif completed its $538 million acquisition of Ipackchem; Resource Label Group acquired Labelcraft; and ProAmpac acquired UP Paper.
Updated March 27, 2024 -
International Paper, O-I Glass win DOE funds for industrial decarbonization
Targeting “difficult-to-decarbonize sectors,” the Biden administration calls its 33 project awards “the largest investment in industrial decarbonization in American history.” Diageo, Eastman, Gallo Glass and ExxonMobil are also recipients.
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Material reduction, enhanced recyclability anchor Hain Celestial’s new packaging targets
The CPG company behind Celestial Seasonings tea and Terra chips set targets to reduce virgin packaging materials and packaging waste while increasing recyclability.
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Tracker
Packaging manufacturers set big sustainability goals. How are they doing?
Newly released numbers from Ball and Smurfit Kappa show some progress toward 2030 emissions reduction and material transformation targets.
Updated March 22, 2024 -
Packaging innovations: Aldi wine bottles flatten out, Baileys bottles lighten up
Plus, Atlantic Packaging brings fiber zip ties to North America; Seaman Paper launches stretchable fiber pallet wrap; and PulPac’s partnership results in a fiber coffee cup lid.
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4 packaging facilities receive EPA recognition for energy efficiency
Energy Star certifications recognize the nation’s most energy-efficient manufacturing facilities, with only the top 25% most energy-efficient plants in their sector achieving this status.
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Bioplastics player Verde Bioresins terminates SPAC deal
The California-based company, which sells a “PolyEarthylene” alternative to virgin plastics, sought to scale up production more quickly by going public. The deal was called off this month after multiple delays.
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Amcor CEO retiring due to health reasons
The company’s chief commercial officer will serve as interim CEO during the search for Ron Delia’s permanent replacement.
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Federal judge dismisses $600M environmental lawsuit against Graphic Packaging
The judge did not believe the plaintiffs’ attorney made a convincing case that GPI and government officials harmed residents of Kalamazoo, Michigan, with toxic emissions. Now, that attorney faces possible punishment.
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EPA limits for fine particulate matter emissions rattle packaging industry, prompt appeal
Changes to the PM 2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards could affect multiple states. The American Chemistry Council, American Forest & Paper Association and others recently petitioned for legal review.
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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.
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From Coke to Hershey, CPGs search for their sweet spot in pack size
Consumers are increasingly interested in smaller portion sizes, as well as value-priced multipacks, for their snacks and soda. These changing sizes can have implications from production to recycling.
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International Paper names Andrew Silvernail as next CEO
Silvernail will take over in May for Mark Sutton, who is stepping down after four decades with the company.
Updated March 19, 2024 -
Gem-Pack partners with BADP to develop biodegradable berry clamshells
The enzymes added to the PET clamshells will allow the containers to completely break down after use, thus creating a more sustainable berry container, the companies say.
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Questions remain after FDA says market phase-out complete for PFAS in paper food packaging material
The agency said certain grease-proofing substances used on wrappers and containers are no longer being sold by manufacturers for food contact in the U.S. Others credited state leadership on the issue for driving change.
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Packaging innovations: DS Smith’s fiber fish carrier, Monterey Mushrooms’ color change
Plus, Chlorophyll Water ramps up its recycled content; Pregis flexes its fiber muscle; and Eco-Products combats composting contamination.
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Deep Dive
Compostable packaging take-back programs aim to ease consumer burden, boost recovery
As compostable packaging rollouts outpace access to collection, more companies are looking to make collection less confusing via mail-in or pick-up programs.
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Keurig brewing up compostable K-Rounds as alternative to plastic coffee pods
The company is still in the process of testing the rounds, which have a seaweed-derived coating. Keurig also plans to launch a mail-back program for its polypropylene K-Cups, which are not going away.
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As You Sow stays the course with plastic reduction resolutions despite ESG headwinds
“I think this is a really difficult year for shareholder resolutions,” said Kelly McBee, circular economy manager at As You Sow. To date, its 2024 consumer packaging efforts target Altria, Amazon and others.
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Senate passes bipartisan recycling, composting bills
Packaging groups such as Ameripen previously expressed support for bills to bolster recycling infrastructure, spur a national composting strategy and collect more data.
Updated March 13, 2024 -
Refills and plastic alternatives offer a fresh spin on laundry detergent packaging
While traditional detergent bottles are widely recyclable, consumer demand for plastic reduction has led to a range of refillable solutions, sheets and, as of this past week, “fiber tiles.”
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California opens public comment period on draft EPR regulations
The public comment period will run until April 23, when CalRecycle will host a public hearing. The agency estimates more than 13,000 producers would be affected by the regulation.
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Trade groups and state AGs debate GSA’s approach to minimize single-use plastic purchases
Multiple groups with different viewpoints called for rewrites of a proposed rule, many seeking a more nuanced, less material-specific approach. GSA serves as the federal government’s procurement arm.
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Maine’s latest EPR draft rules spur requests for more details
Stakeholders at a hearing last week asked for a more comprehensive needs assessment, as well as more technical help for municipalities and flexibility for producers. Ameripen and AF&PA weighed in.
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5 themes from the Senate hearing on packaging EPR
The Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works gathered voices from SC Johnson, Ameripen and World Wildlife Fund.