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

Coca-Cola to source rPET from Republic Services’ upcoming polymer centers

The company is the first announced customer for a new network of secondary plastic recycling facilities as it aims to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030.

By Maria Rachal • July 14, 2023

Packaging innovations: Matrix Pack, Fieldless, Dr. Bronner’s make a switch to fiber

Charter Next Generation, Pixelle Specialty Solutions and others announced product launches and redesigns to improve sustainability.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 14, 2023

Origin Materials begins operations at first plant for biomass-based PET component

The intermediate component, known as CMF, can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including pulp mill residuals and agricultural residue. The company expects it to result in a lower carbon footprint than recycled PET.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 12, 2023

Consumers don’t understand ‘compostable’ messaging on packaging, survey finds

Lack of consumer clarity with terms like “biodegradable” and “made from plants” can result in materials entering the wrong disposal stream, according to a report from BPI and Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 11, 2023

Packaging innovations: Meaty changes from Sainsbury’s and lower-carbon screwtop closures by Amcor

Bath & Body Works, Eviosys and Aludium were also involved in recently announced packaging redesigns and product updates.

By Maria Rachal • July 7, 2023

Keurig Dr Pepper reports progress on replacing virgin plastic with recycled content

The beverage company’s sustainability report shows, however, that it did not increase overall packaging recyclability and compostability last year, nor did it increase postconsumer recycled content across packaging types.

By Maria Rachal • June 29, 2023

Demand for recycled plastic in packaging is growing. So are concerns about potential health risks.

Recent studies have raised questions about health effects from plastic, including recycled material, as companies and regulators increasingly look at ways to advance the use of recycled resin in food-grade packaging.

By April Reese • June 26, 2023

Packaging innovations: Montchevre features ‘mischievous’ goats, Partake Brewing shows ‘lively’ personality

Sabert, Pregis and others recently announced packaging redesigns and material changes for certain product lines.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 23, 2023

J&J Green Paper eyes US locations while scaling production of rice-derived paper coating

On the heels of inking multiple agreements in Asia, the creator of an organic, plastic-free barrier for paper packaging is considering two states as possibilities for its first U.S. manufacturing sites.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 21, 2023

Packaging innovations: Heinz’s stately summer, Entenmann’s rebrand tech boosts accessibility

Restaurantware, ProAmpac and AdvanSix also recently announced new launches or packaging redesigns.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 16, 2023

Connecticut bill requiring recycled content in plastic bottles awaits governor’s signature

The legislation applies to containers in the state’s bottle bill program. It would also direct the state’s environmental agency to eventually recommend potential requirements for other packaging categories.

By Maria Rachal • June 13, 2023

Packaging innovations: 3D packaging made from wood pulp for Fiskars, new look for Sayso cocktail tea bags

Celebration Packaging, Atalanta and Novolex also recently launched new packaging products or redesigns.

By Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • June 9, 2023

Packaging and recycling stakeholders look ahead to next steps in UN plastic pollution agreement process

Measures with implications for packaging, such as capping new plastic production or extended producer responsibility, could be under consideration for a draft agreement expected toward the end of the year.

By Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • June 8, 2023

Tetra Pak grows share of plant-based packaging, targets greater recyclability

The food packaging and processing company plans to invest more in carton recycling as it pursues simplified material structures in its products.

By Maria Rachal • June 7, 2023

Star power boosts ‘papertarian’ campaign for paper industry group

The Paper and Packaging Board’s president talks about how a celebrity provides a “lift” for the marketing organization’s day-to-day work, as well as potential industry impacts from lightweighting, EPR, a recession and more.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 6, 2023

California lawmakers advance ‘sell-by’ labeling, cannabis packaging, bottle bill expansion legislation

Conversely, one bill that could have banned the sale of certain plastics deemed toxic or non-recyclable did not move forward after facing opposition from numerous packaging stakeholders.

By Maria Rachal • June 5, 2023

Hershey ESG report notes ongoing challenges with recycled content in packaging

The chocolate company, like others in the space, says it’s “hindered by an insufficient reliable supply of food grade material.” It views packaging changes as an important frontier in lowering Scope 3 emissions.

By Maria Rachal • June 2, 2023

Packaging innovations: Mars launches paper wrappers, Absolut lightens up with paper bottle

Catch up on six innovative sustainable packaging launches and redesigns from Sprite, Earthfirst Films, Sabert Corp. and more.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 2, 2023

Packaging innovations: Compostable clamshell prevents taco tipping, Smirnoff Ice’s ‘drippy’ redesign

Catch up on six new packaging technologies and redesigns from Better Earth, ProAmpac, Pure Protein and others.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 26, 2023

Wood vs. plastic: Which pallets are more sustainable?

More pallet companies are marketing their products’ sustainability amid growing attention to ESG practices, fueling the ongoing debate of whether one substrate is superior.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 24, 2023

Illinois legislature passes limited foam food ware ban while a broader bill stalls

The bill, if signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, would prohibit state agencies and vendors from using polystyrene foam food ware. A related bill that would have included restaurants throughout the state did not advance.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 23, 2023