How the pandemic’s e-commerce boom drove new packaging trends

While the effects are finally settling out, industry experts say the last three years have seen an uptick in “ships in own container” packaging as well as changes in design.

By Leslie Nemo • April 10, 2023

PepsiCo prioritizes faster compostable packaging trials at new R&D center

The company says eliminating third-party labs for testing could get new products to market at least two to three times faster.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 7, 2023

Packaging M&A may be more measured, but still active, in year ahead

High interest rates and more consolidation may be limiting major deals, but the role of private equity and sustainability demand remain influential. Experts from Specright, Deutsche Bank and the Plastics Industry Association weigh in.

By Cole Rosengren • April 7, 2023

Inside Ball’s sustainability scenario planning and recycling policy support

Director of Global Sustainability Adam Shalapin discusses what’s needed to realize more can-to-can recycling, Ball’s approach to policy advocacy and why a climate plan considering multiple paths is important.

By Maria Rachal • April 6, 2023

Clay cup creator hopes containers are a smash for replacing single-use plastics

The “drink to dust” innovation is designed to be smashed after use to return it to its inert base material, as an alternative to single-use plastics.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 6, 2023

Sonoco biogas equipment upgrade to aid emissions targets, RNG capabilities

The company hopes to cut 8,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year by converting methane to renewable natural gas in South Carolina through a partnership with GreenGasUSA.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 5, 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

Greif buys majority stake in industrial packaging company Centurion Container for $145M

Greif hopes the deal stemming from a 2020 joint venture will “greatly expand” its North American presence and be a circular solution for intermediate bulk containers and plastic drums.

By Maria Rachal • April 4, 2023

International Paper puts sustainability at heart of its rebrand on 125th anniversary

What’s in a logo? The company gathered input from customers and employees to influence the forest-driven symbols and messaging as the pulp giant’s focus has evolved.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 31, 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

Georgia-Pacific integrated paper mill in Alabama gets EPA recognition for energy efficiency

A recovery boiler upgrade greatly improved the Brewton plant’s energy efficiency. Executives say another $160 million investment occurring this year will push it even further.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 28, 2023

How second-use boxes are helping customers advance their circularity goals

Companies like Philadelphia’s American Box have been collecting and reselling cardboard containers for decades, but the concept is gaining renewed attention as a way to extend the lifespan of this ubiquitous packaging.

By Lela Nargi • March 28, 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

American Beverage ad’s ‘aspirational’ claims overstate PET bottle recycling practices, ad panels say

American Beverage appealed the decision with mixed success and agreed to alter the ad.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 23, 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

Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever invest to expand Closed Loop’s Circular Services

A group of companies is investing millions in a recycling entity that is seeking to build out circular economy infrastructure to recover more packaging material and increase access to recycled content.

By Cole Rosengren • March 17, 2023

McCormick’s plastic spice bottles reformulated to be 50% PCR

The first redesign in nearly 40 years, the bottles made partly with recycled content have an approximately 18% to 23% smaller carbon footprint across sizes, the Maryland-based company said.

By Maria Rachal • March 17, 2023

Refill and reuse sectors strive for scale to upend single-use packaging’s stronghold

Changing consumer perceptions about convenience and value will be important to achieve greater market dominance, according to speakers from Loop, Clorox and other companies at the Sustainability in Packaging US event.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 16, 2023

Innovation takes center stage at Sustainability in Packaging conference

Speakers came at sustainability from all angles, including equipment digitization and debating the nagging question of whether consumers will pay more for products containing PCR.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 15, 2023

Inside Nestlé‘s long road to improve the sustainability of its packaging footprint

From Nespresso pods made of paper to Stouffer’s trays made with 30% recycled plastic, the CPG giant is finding novel ways to overhaul some of the millions of pounds of packaging material it uses annually.

By Christopher Doering • March 15, 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

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

Bottle bill or ‘recycling refund’ legislation? Advocates commit to 2023 policy push

More than a dozen organizations voiced support for passing container deposit laws in 2023 and changing some terminology to garner more support. Some MRF representatives are wary. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 27, 2023