How IT and OT can team up on cybersecurity in manufacturing: PMMI

The association and partners also highlighted post-pandemic investment in remote services at Pack Expo East.

Bidding war speculation brews as International Paper proposes DS Smith acquisition

IP’s more than $7 billion proposal comes as next week’s deadline approaches for Mondi to make a formal offer for DS Smith.

Best practices for using rPET in beverage containers: ISBT

“Everybody wants to utilize more recycled material,” but differences emerge based on output source and application, said Lee Malvitz, presenting for the International Society of Beverage Technologists during Pack Expo East.

Updated April 3, 2024

Emerald bullish on PCR as produce packaging company marks transition

Co-owner Jim Kelly is stepping down from his EVP role as he reflects on decades of innovation in the produce market. The family business looks to forge ahead on recycled content implementation in flexible packaging.

PCR procurement platform Circular eyes expansion with $10.5M in funding

Circular plans to expand internationally, add employees and introduce materials besides plastics to the platform.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.