Amcor seeks more partnerships to innovate in coatings, biobased materials, connected packaging

A year since Amcor announced an initiative to support seed-stage startups, its latest venture explores nanotechnology coatings to enhance barriers for recyclable and compostable packaging.

By Maria Rachal • April 4, 2023

Plastics Pact leader says design changes needed to improve flexible packaging recyclability

Chemical recycling could be one of several options for discarded flexibles, but it “certainly won’t be the unicorn to take all of the stuff that no one else wants,” said Executive Director Emily Tipaldo.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 4, 2023

As PFAS restrictions advance, paper industry struggles to phase out use

The toxic “forever chemicals” have long been used in the packaging sector. While companies say they’re being phased out, finding alternatives and fully eliminating them from effluent remain ongoing issues.

By April Reese • April 3, 2023

What’s next if 20% of companies shift 2025 plastic targets?

Gartner research anticipates that companies will abandon plastic recycling targets, instead opting for climate action such as greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Plastic recycling advocates disagree.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 30, 2023

Bio-based packaging gets renewed buzz amid goals to replace traditional plastics

Alternatives like seaweed and fungus-based materials are all the rage, attracting new investments and environmental prizes. Implementing them at scale is still a work in progress.

By Hollie Stephens • March 30, 2023

Polycoated paper packaging can’t be recycled everywhere. A new group is trying to change that.

The Poly Coated Paper Alliance will push for product design guidelines, updated specifications and common messaging for education and outreach. Sonoco, Stanpac, Procter & Gamble and others are founding members.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 29, 2023

5 factors influencing packaging design and operations

From navigating inflation and changing regulations to assessing the impact of automation and plastics M&A, these are some of the top industry trends to watch.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • March 27, 2023

For OCC demand and pricing, economic uncertainty puts quick recovery in question

Recycling and packaging executives have a range of predictions for what’s ahead as inflation and lagging consumer spending continue to have an impact.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 22, 2023

Berry Global 2022 ESG report shows uptick in PCR purchasing

The Indiana-based plastic packaging company said it’s been ahead of schedule on goals to reduce operational emissions, but one packaging sustainability target saw year-over-year decline amid changes to recyclability determinations.

By Maria Rachal • March 22, 2023

PPI data suggest lower packaging costs. Is inflation’s grip finally lessening?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’s data release signaled different price trends among plastic packaging products, paperboard and paper boxes and containers.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 21, 2023

To help boost postconsumer recycled content in packaging, US Plastics Pact shares industry toolkit

The open-source resource comes as the group and the industry have noted challenges around balancing supply and demand in the PCR market and increasing the use of PCR.

By Maria Rachal • March 14, 2023

Washington’s WRAP Act, including EPR and bottle bill plans, won’t move forward this year

The legislation gained attention as a significant overhaul to Washington’s recycling system, but waste industry opposition contributed to it dying in committee before a key deadline.

By Megan Quinn • March 10, 2023

Plastics recyclers examine influence of secondary sortation, legislation and flexible packaging on PCR markets

Speakers from Republic Services, AMP Robotics, IHS Markit, NOVA Chemicals, Eunomia and others discussed how to advance their efforts at this week’s Plastics Recycling Conference.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal , Jacob Wallace • March 8, 2023

Colorado’s lead composter will no longer process packaging in effort to curb contamination

The April changes came after A1 Organics said contamination rates are growing as curbside composting programs expand. Even items labeled "compostable" are no longer accepted.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 6, 2023

EPR ‘crucial’ to hitting resource recovery goal, GFL exec says

Packaging and waste management stakeholders, including GFL Environmental’s vice president of resource recovery, discussed emerging policy battlegrounds at a Product Stewardship Institute webinar.

By Maria Rachal • March 3, 2023

US Plastics Pact makes varied progress on circular packaging; 2025 targets may be out of reach

Executive Director Emily Tipaldo praised data collection that’s occurred since 2020, even as maximizing reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging has run into barriers.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 27, 2023

US hits Russia with 200% aluminum tariff

The Biden administration also announced $2.7 billion in new duties on other industrial goods as the war in Ukraine passes the one-year mark.

By Ben Unglesbee • Feb. 24, 2023

Production begins at Circularix’s inaugural rPET facility

The company, which is a joint venture between Macquarie Group and HPC Industries, plans to open four additional PET recycling facilities in the next two years to meet growing demand.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 14, 2023

Direct Pack gets Recycling Partnership grant for PET thermoform recycling in Mexico

California-based Direct Pack bought over 4,000 tons of PET from Phoenix in 2022 — a relationship the city touted ahead of the Super Bowl — for processing in Mexicali, where new capacity will be built.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 14, 2023

DOE report touts chemical recycling R&D opportunities while noting plastic’s environmental justice issues

The report, part of a long-term Energy Department effort to boost the viability of plastics recycling and cut energy use, touts opportunities in researching bio-based plastics as well as chemical recycling technologies. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2023

WestRock notes global paper market headwinds but touts sustainability investments as growing opportunity

WestRock reported lower Q1 income and withdrew full-year guidance due to market uncertainty. CEO David Sewell said increased packaging revenue and a focus on plastic packaging replacement projects are positive signs, however.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 2, 2023

Connecticut governor backing EPR for packaging and other policies to increase state’s ‘self-sufficiency’

Gov. Ned Lamont said a combination of EPR, waste diversion and improved organics management will help Connecticut reduce a growing amount of waste exported to other states in the wake of a major WTE facility closing.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 25, 2023