US lawmakers again propose tax on virgin plastic in packaging

The REDUCE Act seeks to levy fees on virgin plastics used to make single-use products including plastic packaging, along with beverage containers and food service products.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 25, 2023

Packaging innovations: Vinebox flattens out, Eviosys looks to the horizon for all-metal lids

Plus, product redesigns and recycling-related changes from Georgia-Pacific, ProAmpac, Back to the Roots and Rebbl.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 22, 2023

Colgate, Coca-Cola detail packaging sustainability efforts at Pack Expo

From changing Sprite’s iconic green bottle to improve recyclability to adding postconsumer recycled content into Tom’s of Maine deodorant packaging, brands talked about product sustainability barriers and solutions.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 21, 2023

Sustainability has shifted from buzzword to action, Pack Expo participants say

Attendees from Dow, Graphic Packaging International, WestRock and others discussed what sustainability means for their companies, including for product recyclability and material substitution.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 20, 2023

Packaging innovations at Pack Expo 2023: WestRock, Atlantic Packaging’s ‘canopy,’ Tetra Pak goes with Flow

Orbis, Terphane and RyPax also introduced new or redesigned products to improve sustainability, safety and user experience.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 15, 2023

Reusable packaging certification targets PFAS, BPA, phthalates

The new program focuses not just on the switch to reuse, but on the materials in reusable containers themselves. Hazardous chemicals from recycled materials are also of concern, say the organizations behind GreenScreen.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 14, 2023

Packaging innovations: SIG’s cartons give probiotics a long life, Berry Global’s beany redesign

Plus, new products from Printpack and ProAmpac aim to increase packaging sustainability, including through ISCC PLUS certification.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 8, 2023

Packaging innovations: Bud Light’s sporty cans, SC Johnson hits recycled plastic out of the ballpark

Plus: Amcor rolls out new paper packaging in North America, Berry Global details an innovative bottle design challenge and Aldi makes more sustainable packaging announcements in the U.K.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 1, 2023

LanzaTech’s emissions-gobbling microbes help to create plastic packaging

The growing biotechnology company engineers intermediate components for plastic packaging and aims to reach 300,000 metric tons of production capacity this year.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 31, 2023

Top US packaging conferences for the rest of 2023

The Packaging Dive team plans to attend several events this year and is tracking others. Keep up to date with this calendar of upcoming packaging-related conferences.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Aug. 28, 2023

PFAS packaging alternatives are on the rise as regulatory pressure mounts

Multiple new replacements that can repel grease and moisture are emerging, but details on what they are made of, or which are gaining favor, are limited.

By April Reese • Aug. 24, 2023

PFAS class action suit alleges Ahlstrom paper mill contaminated Wisconsin farms

Ahlstrom is accused of spreading PFAS-contaminated sludge on Wisconsin farmland. But the company says it didn’t own the mill at the time in question.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 21, 2023

Packaging evolves in response to ‘unboxing’ videos flooding social media

Brands are requesting customized boxes to touch consumers’ emotions and build loyalty. Filler material, in-box printing and sustainability contribute to memorable unboxing moments, too.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 16, 2023

Box recycling rate reaches 93% — depending on who you ask

Alternative calculations shared with Packaging Dive questioned these results. AF&PA stands by its numbers, despite criticism from industry experts, and introduced a new recycling rate that accounts for global trade changes.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 11, 2023

Origin Materials introduces PET bottle cap intended to boost recyclability

While Origin’s CEO notes the company isn’t the first to produce a PET cap, he said “we're processing the material differently” and the items could be made from the company’s biomass-based material.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 9, 2023

Packaging innovations: Notpla’s biodegradable pods, WestRock’s fiber ‘dog bone’

Augusta Label and Packaging, Ranpak and Spartech also introduced new or redesigned packaging for specialty purposes, including cold chain shipments and sterile medical device protection.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 4, 2023

Graphic Packaging to enter fiber mailer space via acquisition

The foray into the e-commerce mailers comes as more customers request flexible fiber packaging solutions as they transition away from plastic.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 2, 2023

Ravago, Republic announce recycled plastic production plant partnership

The $350 million Blue Polymers joint venture is meant to co-locate four facilities at Republic’s planned polymer centers and create 100% recycled PP and PE resins.

By Megan Quinn • July 31, 2023

Kraft Heinz looks to transform plastic packaging portfolio

The food and beverage giant is now trying to cut virgin plastic use 20% by 2030. U.S. consumers can expect to buy certain mayo products in packaging made entirely from recycled content starting next year.

By Maria Rachal • July 31, 2023

Packaging innovations: Pringles, Heinz, Peet’s make material changes

Graphic Packaging International, Berry Global, Ardagh, Corning and others provided new or redesigned packages for brands’ food, beverage and medical products.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 28, 2023

Move over, glass: Amcor’s new wine bottle is 100% recycled PET

The rPET wine bottle is approximately 10 times lighter than conventional glass versions, and it results in lower CO2 output during production and transportation, according to an Amcor marketing manager.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated July 26, 2023

Phthalates in food packaging: FDA declines to reconsider petition to ban

Health and environmental advocates are evaluating next steps as the agency continues to allow numerous plastic-softening chemicals that some companies are voluntarily phasing out.

By Maria Rachal • July 25, 2023

Bio-based plastics, reuse systems highlighted in House Appropriations Committee budget proposal

The committee seeks to cut the U.S. EPA's budget but says it supports work around recycling definitions and product labeling, and exploring U.S.-grown plastic alternatives such as hemp.

By Megan Quinn • July 24, 2023

Amazon phasing out plastic mailers and working to reduce e-commerce packaging

While 92% of its packaging material weight in the U.S. and Canada is recyclable curbside, Amazon intends to further eliminate hard-to-recycle materials and has seen a boost in deliveries that ship in their own containers.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 20, 2023

Nova Chemicals, Novolex collaborate on facility for making PE from mechanically recycled film

The plant will deliver 100 million pounds of recycled polyethylene annually when it reaches full capacity, which Nova expects to occur in 2025.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 19, 2023