Brands, packaging companies and recyclers talk collaboration to improve recycling

Speakers from LRS, Myplas, P&G, PMMI, Rumpke and more connected at the Packaging Recycling Summit to hash out ways to improve recycling and product recyclability as “really, really rapid” packaging changes occur.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 13, 2023

Amcor looks to source recycled PE from forthcoming Nova Chemicals facility

The Indiana rPE plant’s first line is on track for an early 2025 start. “We can't wait until Connersville is up and running for us to consider future investments” or M&A, said Nova Chemicals’ director of mechanical recycling.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 13, 2023

Packaging innovations: Reusable crates go bananas, medical packaging goes monomaterial

Plus, PepsiCo rolls out more easily recyclable paper packaging and Eco-Products hopes snap lids appeal to customers in plastic-restricted markets.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 10, 2023

Farewell to foam: Cup Noodles’ iconic container undergoes substrate switch to fiber

Graphic Packaging International helped to make the iconic package microwaveable for the first time. The polystyrene cup was always "an opportunity for improvement," according to a Nissin Foods USA executive.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 9, 2023

Researchers find PFAS in non-plastic straws, complicating sustainability efforts

Straws have been a prime focus for anti-plastic groups but remain prevalent. Recent studies showing the presence of toxic chemicals in a range of “eco-friendly” alternatives highlights the complexity of eliminating the hazard.

By Lela Nargi • Nov. 8, 2023

Amcor touts growing chemical recycling partnerships in 2023 sustainability report

As it seeks more recycled and recyclable product materials, Amcor said absolute greenhouse gas emissions declined in FY23. It awaits approval by the Science Based Targets initiative for targets going forward.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 7, 2023

Packaging innovations: Perrier’s new look, Naturepedic mattresses blanketed in fiber

Plus, Philips appliances get fiber packaging and Berry Global adds a line of reusable cups.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 3, 2023

Amazon tweaks tech to create first 100% fiber-focused fulfillment center

Two main technologies are being tested at an Ohio facility to determine how best to transform other facilities to handle only fiber — not plastic — packaging.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Nov. 1, 2023

What’s in the box? Maybe a gift of recovering corrugated demand.

Containerboard demand remains down year over year, but was ending October’s spooky season in a less scary position than previous quarters, according to data from the American Forest & Paper Association.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 31, 2023

EPA considers reevaluating vinyl chloride, as PVC remains common in certain packaging

Spurred in part by the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, environmental groups are urging the agency to review the chemical’s safety. In the meantime, experts have varying thoughts on how easy it would be to find alternatives.

By April Reese • Oct. 30, 2023

Ameripen study says recycling market development centers offer long-term benefits

Research suggests states with recycling market development centers like Michigan or South Carolina retain jobs better. Ameripen sees the centers as tools to help advance sustainable packaging and navigate state recycling laws.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 27, 2023

Recycled PET demand growing slower than expected, reclaimers say

Phoenix Technologies and Indorama Ventures are optimistic, however, that brand commitments and EPR laws will boost the market in the years to come, representatives said at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 23, 2023

Packaging innovations: KitKat wrappers gain recycled content, Eastman creates monomaterial beauty packaging

Plus, Walmart and Albertsons expand reach of refillable aluminum soaps and cleaners, and avocado growers tout compostable netting.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 20, 2023

How recyclers and packaging companies are trying to find common ground

Companies from both sectors are trying to better understand each other, recent sustainable packaging and waste industry conferences suggested. Hear from the Product Stewardship Institute, Dow, WM, Ridwell and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 19, 2023

Brands respond to consumer calls for sustainable packaging, but recycling barriers exist

Many companies are switching to fiber to boost sustainability. But factors like coatings and consumer recycling participation still pose challenges, according to speakers at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 17, 2023

Packaging innovations: PlayStation boosts accessibility, Dymapak squeezes out tampering

Plus, packaging launches from Berry Global, Microtek Laboratories and UMF|PerfectCLEAN, including options that are compostable or contain PCR.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 13, 2023

Kroger, Lovesac and other brands discuss today’s packaging design priorities

Incorporating sustainability and marketing while building a relationship with the consumer are all part of the desired “holistic experience,” as coined by one packaging CEO at E-PACK.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 12, 2023

What’s next for flexible pouch design, reuse and EPR? Packaging professionals weigh in.

SPC Advance featured perspectives from ProAmpac, Printpack, Dow, Dispatch Goods, Orora Packaging Solutions, Lorax EPI, Specright and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 20, 2023

For e-commerce packaging, sustainability is imperative, not just ‘nice-to-have’

Speakers at E-PACK in Chicago agreed sustainability is a force for change in e-commerce packaging. But what sustainable packaging is and how to achieve it are up for debate.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 10, 2023

Clorox advances circular packaging, but virgin material reduction still a challenge

A member of the US Plastics Pact, the CPG said 88% of its plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable, helped by removing nonrecyclable labels.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 9, 2023

Prices for packaging materials continue to fall, paper and plastics production down

September data reports suggest manufacturing again contracted and prices for aluminum, corrugated boxes and polypropylene all continued monthly declines.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 4, 2023

Packaging innovations: Redesigns from L’Occitane, Blue Moon, Denizen Rum and more

Plus, Crystal Head Vodka bones up its spooky seasonal bottle and Otterbein’s packaging revamp aims to keep cookies crispier.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 29, 2023

Ardagh, Crown fund MRF robot in profit-sharing model

The Can Manufacturers Institute funded a lease for an aluminum can-seeking robot in a California MRF. It’s the first lease partnership for the entities involved, meant to split revenue from the cans collected.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 28, 2023

Packaging experts talk gaps in state, federal policy

Speakers from Ameripen, the Flexible Packaging Association, General Mills and the Plastics Industry Association weighed in on the policy landscape with emerging material bans, extended producer responsibility laws and more.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 26, 2023

Stories from Pack Expo 2023

Catch up on all of Packaging Dive’s coverage from Las Vegas, including shifting trends and industry leaders’ insights on what’s next.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 26, 2023