Packaging innovations: FrogTape hops away from plastic, Digital Link gets chatty

Plus, Mondi expands high-contrast digital printing, Stora Enso’s SBS goes high end, and Fiberdom joins Kiefel in blowing the lid off dry molded fiber.

Campbell’s says tariff mitigation strategies can only go so far

Limited domestic tinplate capacity makes it difficult to source materials for canned goods in the face of steel and aluminum tariffs, according to executives.

Philadelphia sues CPGs over plastic bag recyclability claims

City leaders said many of the confusion and contamination issues with SC Johnson and Bimbo Bakeries’ Ziploc and plastic bread bags are what motivated the city to previously ban single-use retail bags.

Aldi launches massive private label rebrand

The grocer is launching its first-ever namesake brand and stamping its name on the packaging of every store brand product in its assortment.

Tariff front-loading buoyed manufacturing in H1, but costs are ahead: OECD

“The impacts of higher tariff rates are yet to be fully felt in the US economy,” according to a report from OECD, a global policy forum. Negative effects from metals tariffs are of particular concern to the packaging industry.

Manufacturers scrutinize supply chains for California scope 3 emissions disclosures

While federal regulations may be on hold, California is moving ahead with greenhouse gas reporting requirements. Packaging companies are digging deep into their data to get ready.

Retirees return to the fold to fill Georgia-Pacific’s labor gaps

While the program helps G-P fill roles, cut overtime costs and retain institutional knowledge, it’s also “a good opportunity” for retirees to make extra income while aiding younger generations, said a participant.

Coca-Cola reports jump in packaging deemed recyclable

The beverage giant’s metrics for recycled plastic ratios and overall virgin plastic volumes both rose in 2024. 

Oil packaging group’s individual program plan approved for Colorado EPR

The Lubricant Packaging Manufacturers Association, which petroleum companies founded last year in response to state EPR laws, hopes there will also be alternative pathways in other states.

EPA approves final cleanup plan for Texas Superfund site tied to International Paper

The final approval comes after years of disagreements between the U.S. EPA, a WM subsidiary and International Paper. Estimated cleanup costs for the San Jacinto River Waste Pits site are $115 million.

BPI introduces home compostable certification, label

The home compostable initiative will complement the group’s existing commercial certification to expand access to composting opportunities and reduce confusion, according to BPI Executive Director Rhodes Yepsen.

5 ways AI is shaping packaging today

Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive and others peel back the curtain on AI efforts for packaging, including developing prototypes, simulating testing and assessing recyclability.

Walmart reiterates challenges with 2025 PCR goal

With months to go in 2025, the retailer reported last week that it’s been “difficult to source feedstock in the necessary quantities and at price points that support our packaging goals and everyday low prices.”

E-commerce shoppers seek value, sustainable packaging: survey

Sustainability is a consideration but doesn’t appear to be a main factor in consumers’ e-commerce purchasing decisions, according to a Ryder survey. Respondents also noted why they overwhelmingly prefer boxes to mailer bags.

Ball, Lamiflex, Nefab announce expansions

Other packaging manufacturers making investments to expand in the United States include iPower and Ring Container Technologies.

Plastic, metal, or another material? Reusable packaging substrates pose tradeoffs

Materials in reusables present different cost and durability profiles and environmental footprints. The space is ripe for manufacturers to innovate, sources say.

Corrugated comeback? Fiber’s yearslong slide could be easing

Analysts believe corrugated markets are at an inflection point, in part due to this year’s uncommonly large containerboard capacity reductions and a milder-than-feared tariff environment. But recovery is not expected to be dramatic.

California lawmakers ban PFAS in food packaging, limit microbeads

The bills now await a decision from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Legislators declined to act on a bill that had backing from plastic recyclers related to recycled content in beverage containers.

How far can EPR drive recycled content uptake?

Questions remain around how to effectively track recycled content in packaging and how to incentivize sourcing recycled material within North America. States such as Colorado are debating this as they enact EPR programs.

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

Ardagh Group shared updates on emissions and recycled content in metal and glass businesses.

Updated Sept. 17, 2025

Red Bull, Ball move ahead with $1.7B factory after 4-year delay

This is the partners' second plant in the United States. It's expected to can 3 billion energy drinks annually and distribute throughout the country.

Danone settles 2 plastic packaging lawsuits

Under agreements with the Earth Island Institute and the Plastic Pollution Coalition, the CPG will change certain marketing statements about plastic recycling and contribute funds to plastic packaging reduction efforts.

Updated Sept. 15, 2025

Packaging innovations: Sam’s Club loses labels, Crocs blacks out

Plus, PakTech introduces a can cap to prevent children from getting into beverages infused with hemp or cannabis.

PET reclaimer rPlanet Earth closes in California

The closure of the vertically integrated PET recycler and food packaging manufacturer destabilizes the state’s Grade B PET markets. It is the second such closure in 2025, as PET reclaimers have weathered market challenges.

Only 5% of healthcare plastic gets recycled: Eunomia report

Numerous interventions are needed to recycle more healthcare plastic, but the system is complex, according to a new report.