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.

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. 

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.

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.

Mondi’s offer to buy DS Smith moving forward, not yet final

The companies are now working to quantify “synergies” they expect from the combination. Each recently reported headwinds coming out of 2023.

SEC approves final climate disclosure rule, starts compliance countdown

The rule passed by a 3-2 vote Wednesday morning, absent requirements for scope 3 reporting and slimmer scope 1 and scope 2 requirements.

Molded fiber packaging growth fueled by expanding demand, updated technology

Companies such as Huhtamaki, PulPac and Tanbark are seeing notable growth in opportunities for molded fiber to gain scale as a plastic alternative.

Longtime O-I Glass CEO Andres Lopez to retire

Lopez first joined the company in 1986 and moved up through multiple roles to become CEO in 2016. 

Does this packaging contain recycled plastic? Inside the mass balance debate

An accounting system long used in other industries is gaining prominence in the packaging sector, due in part to the rise of chemical recycling. Companies, trade groups and regulators are weighing the complexities and controversies.