Paper-based flexibles could reduce pollution from small-format plastics: EMF

Fiber-based flexibles do “not yet exist at the scale, cost, and performance needed” to solve the flexible plastic pollution problem, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s newly released guide.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 10, 2026

A ‘catalyst for change’: How Waiākea is pioneering sustainable packaging in bottled water

The Hawai'i-based brand said it is the first company in the world to print labels with algae-based inks, adding its climate values help it stand out.

By Laurel Deppen • March 5, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

CPG Packaging Sustainability and Technology Trends

Food and beverage companies are navigating a host of changes in regulatory, consumer and technology trends.

By Packaging Dive staff

Packaging sustainability is transitioning to its next generation, Sonoco VP says

Sonoco’s sustainability lead spoke with Packaging Dive about EPR's role in ushering in the new sustainability era, and how the company’s recent reorganization affects sustainability strategies for different substrates.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 4, 2026

Get louder about sustainability progress, Crown leader says

Packaging sustainability efforts aren’t failing, but more can be done, said Crown’s VP of global sustainability. She described navigating the challenge of absolute targets and tailoring sustainability work to different geographies.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 24, 2026

Takeaways from The Packaging Conference 2026

Speakers at the February event discussed timely industry topics including M&A, EPR, innovation and market growth.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2026

Packaging sustainability is ‘failing.’ Or is it?

A speaker set off a firestorm at The Packaging Conference this week with a comment about sustainability efforts being a flop. But others believe reports of packaging sustainability's death may have been greatly exaggerated.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 12, 2026

New year, new label: PP cup recyclability status changes

The new How2Recycle labels are expected to roll out on PP cups this year. Years of collaboration between Starbucks, WM and other partners resulted in meeting the 60% recycling access threshold, said GreenBlue.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 2, 2026

The packaging industry outlook for 2026

Take a closer look at some of the biggest topics and trends that industry leaders expect will shape commodity markets, dealmaking and the future of packaging policy.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026

US Plastics Pact charts progress toward 2030 targets

2025 marked a turning point for USPP, with focus shifting from foundational work to execution, according to the group’s newly released annual report.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 13, 2026

Compostable packaging acceptance remains contentious even as sector scales

Regulatory questions cloud the segment’s future, as do concerns about feedstocks, material capabilities and compostability claims.

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Jan. 12, 2026

Abandoning packaging sustainability a ‘serious strategic miscalculation’: Bain

Companies are still pursuing sustainable packaging strategies even though they’ve toned down public messaging about it, according to a newly released report from Bain & Co. Substrate switches remain a leading strategy.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 9, 2026

5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2026

Long-anticipated EPR and labeling regulations are poised to have very real impacts. The M&A cycle is advancing. And is there nowhere to go but up for containerboard?

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Jan. 8, 2026

2025 packaging trends by the numbers

A $10.4 billion acquisition. Two new EPR laws. A $1 billion kraft linerboard mill investment. These were some of the figures that stood out in the packaging industry this year.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 23, 2025

Cold-chain packaging companies adapt as dry ice supply falters

Tight supply of the CO2 used to make dry ice is creating ripple effects across supply chains. Packaging suppliers are stepping up with cold-chain innovations to address the trend and to improve safety and sustainability.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 15, 2025

Corrugated vs. RPCs: Evaluating cost and performance

Corrugated containers vs. RPCs: Understanding the cost and environmental factors in packaging choices.

Dec. 8, 2025

Amcor eyes ‘dual end of life’ optionality for innovation investments

The company’s long-term R&D strategy includes seeking solutions that work in a future with recycling or composting infrastructure, explained Rebecca Meile, manager of corporate venturing and open innovation.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 1, 2025

Say cheese: How Babybel is commercializing its plastic-to-paper makeover

Bel Group is spending millions to adapt its global production lines to handle the fiber substrate instead of biobased plastic, said the VP of research, innovation and development. But the signature red wax isn’t going anywhere.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Dec. 1, 2025

US Plastics Pact weighs pluses and minuses of chemical recycling

The group’s new position paper tackles a polarizing issue. “Too often, these technologies are talked about in extremes — either as a silver bullet or as something to be dismissed outright,” said CEO Jonathan Quinn.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 21, 2025

How much further can source reduction in packaging go?

U.S. packaging volumes reportedly fell by about 5 million metric tons between 2019 and 2024, despite population growth and an e-commerce boom. Future progress will require trade-offs, brand owners and packaging converters say.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 20, 2025

What every packaging company can learn from the carton recycling journey

Packaging companies should build recyclability into their materials from the start. Here’s how.

Nov. 17, 2025

How packaging producers and CPGs stacked up in EMF’s 2025 progress report

As the Ellen MacArthur Foundation engages businesses on an updated 2030 agenda, these are some of the 2024 data highlights from the businesses involved in the “first chapter” since the Global Commitment’s 2018 launch.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 14, 2025

Aluminum beverage can recycling rate hit 75% globally: report

The update at COP30 comes two years after the industry pledged to recycle at least 80% of these containers worldwide by 2030 and nearly all by 2050. The picture is weaker in the U.S. and North America.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 13, 2025

California’s labeling law resets the market for recyclability claims

SB 343 has prompted concerns about packaging categories such as cartons, flexibles, film, small-format and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 27, 2025

Polycoated paper proponents prepare for EPR

After its first two years, the industry-formed Poly Coated Paper Alliance is focusing on establishing universal design guidance, as well as further work on end markets and communication.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 21, 2025

One year after acquisition, GDB details revival strategy for Minnesota film recycling plant

Since acquiring the Myplas USA plant that shuttered after only months in operation, GDB Circular says it has turned the site into a “flagship” facility.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 17, 2025