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

Digital printing poised to ‘mature’ in 2026

Factors such as brands’ input, artificial intelligence and system interoperability are expected to influence adoption of digital printing for packaging this year, according to a newly released report from Keypoint Intelligence.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 19, 2026

Multilayer film design meets machine learning

Research authored by partners from the Bottle Consortium and published in Nature Communications this month aims to challenge the status quo, exploring recyclable alternatives for performance films.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 18, 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

The top 4 areas AI can benefit packaging circularity today: CGF report

An estimated 30% of companies are leveraging artificial intelligence today and 70% see the greatest impact in the packaging design stage, market analysis and interviews with Consumer Goods Forum members revealed.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 23, 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

The MUTOH standard in packaging prototypes: Real materials. True colors.

Prototype on real materials with accurate color for faster approvals and no outsourcing delays.

Dec. 1, 2025

Packaging innovations: Amoon Spirits’ vodka stirs up a vortex

Plus, 3 Tres Tequila stacks up its bottles, La Terra Fina cuts plastic in its quiche packaging and Sabert leans into PFAS-free compostables.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 25, 2025

Verallia, Penn State envision low-carbon future for glass

In addition to being lower carbon than conventional soda lime silicate glass, the LionGlass material invented at Penn State is more resistant to cracks. The early-stage partnership with Verallia could result in a prototype in about a year.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 19, 2025

Ranpak details billion-dollar opportunity with Walmart, Amazon

The automation and packing materials company discussed growing enterprise deals on an earnings call Thursday, including with a major medical supply company.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 30, 2025

Plastic film recycling has a problem with staying power

As technological advancements contribute to more facilities mechanically or chemically recycling film, lacking end markets and overall economics are holdbacks — including for WM’s short-lived Natura PCR plant.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 24, 2025

Avery Dennison works with Walmart to add RFID to fresh categories

The companies say they addressed the longstanding challenge of implementing tracking technology in high-moisture, cold environments, such as refrigerated cases. Walmart hopes better inventory management will reduce food waste.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Oct. 23, 2025

Manufacturers focus on supply chain costs, look to AI amid uncertainty

Global disruptions, including tariffs, are hindering manufacturers’ ability to innovate, according to a recent KPMG survey. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Oct. 10, 2025

APR launching its 1st total-package recyclability assessment tool

Citing demand from members and EPR-related needs, the Association of Plastic Recyclers’ tool will test packages against the most up-to-date versions of the longstanding Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 1, 2025

Top packaging trade shows in 2026

Coming up in Q1: the EPR Think Tank, the East Coast edition of Pack Expo, the Plastics Recycling Conference and more.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated Jan. 5, 2026

Packaging innovations: FrogTape hops away from plastic, Digital Link gets chatty

Plus, Mondi expands high-contrast digital printing, Stora Enso’s SBS goes high end, and Fiberdom joins Kiefel in blowing the lid off dry molded fiber.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 26, 2025

5 ways AI is shaping packaging today

Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive and others peel back the curtain on AI efforts for packaging, including developing prototypes, simulating testing and assessing recyclability.

By Shefali Kapadia • Sept. 16, 2025

Can recycling advancements get black rigid plastics off packaging’s blacklist?

More MRFs are adding technologies to sort the material, but some brands and manufacturers are still switching away from the color. As black plastic reaches a tipping point, end market challenges create uncertainty about its future.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 9, 2025

Colgate-Palmolive signs on to AI tool for biomaterials development

Biomaterials company Erthos plans to commercialize its platform, Zya, in early 2026 to aid CPG companies with faster and less risky development of biopolymers for packaging.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 8, 2025

PCA launches carbon capture and storage study following ‘promising’ trial

A pilot that Packaging Corporation of America began last year ended this summer. Now, the company works toward building a full-scale facility by 2028 and expanding the technology to other sites.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 27, 2025

Ranpak lands second major e-commerce deal of 2025

A deal with Walmart comes after one with Amazon. CEO Omar Asali discusses the importance of these enterprise customers, riding the AI wave for automation and navigating economic uncertainty ahead of the busy holiday season.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 26, 2025

Packaging innovations cut waste, protect food safety

As consumers demand more from packaging, freshness, safety and sustainability are reshaping how brands design and communicate their choices.

July 28, 2025

4 collaborative projects that aim to advance packaging recycling

Speakers at the Packaging Recycling Summit detailed how brands, packaging manufacturers, recyclers, academics and others across the supply chain are teaming up to improve how packaging is managed at end of life.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 2, 2025