Technology & Innovation

  • Atlantic Packaging
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    Permission granted by Atlantic Packaging
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    Passing the sniff test: Overcoming PCR’s odor and color challenges

    Sensory issues related to scent and tint pose unique hurdles for brands looking to incorporate more recycled plastic in consumer goods packaging. It’s spurring more creative applications for PCR.

    By Shefali Kapadia • Sept. 15, 2026
  • Box automation machine
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    Permission granted by Toyota Automated Logistics
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    Sponsored by Toyota Automated Logistics

    Why right-sized packaging is becoming a bigger part of warehouse efficiency

    For Polaris, automated right-sized packaging became part of a larger effort to improve warehouse efficiency.

    Sept. 14, 2026
  • Two people in protective gear shift through various-sized pieces of metal on a wooden table.
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    Alamy
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    In the bin or not? How MRF operators decide which packaging to take.

    As EPR laws and reputational concerns drive brands to push for their product packaging in accepted material lists, those debates have grown more complex.

    By Marissa Heffernan • Sept. 9, 2026
  • A knife next to a can of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and a PBR box featuring a Jason Voorhees cut-out mask.
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    Courtesy of Pabst Blue Ribbon
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    Packaging innovations: PBR creates fear with beer

    Plus, BW Converting makes pet food pouring easier, Green Food Pack Co. wants consumers to give their paper cups a spin and Ahlstrom creates a path to grease resistance.

    By • Sept. 4, 2026
  • Numerous white bottles with light gray markings sit in a line.
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    Permission granted by LasX
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    On the mark: Laser technologies offer alternative to packaging labels

    Recent advancements have helped laser-marking technology achieve wider applicability for packaging. Mondi, Procter & Gamble and LasX are among the companies using the innovation to boost sustainability and speed.

    By • Updated Sept. 3, 2026
  • An operator adjusts a pouch-making machine at an ePac Flexible Packaging facility.
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    Permission granted by ePac
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    Q&A

    10 years in, ePac CEO touts success of digital printing focus

    CEO Virag Patel describes the desire to “embrace change” as ePac builds a new flagship facility in Phoenix following its acquisition by a private equity firm. It’s also navigating changes from technology, tariffs and EPR policies.

    By • Sept. 1, 2026
  • Three bottles of Heinz ketchup being squeeze by hands, with different volumes of product flowing out of each one.
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    Courtesy of Kraft Heinz
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    Packaging innovations: Heinz cap lets consumers choose their main squeeze

    Plus, something’s up with 7Up’s new look and Rev-O-Box goes inside out for reuse.

    By • Aug. 14, 2026
  • Plastic and paper packaging sit next to each other
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    Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Molded fiber producers tout growth, innovations despite regulatory hurdle

    Technology advancements that reduce PFAS and improve dry molding — and brands’ pivots from single-use plastics — are driving growth. Yet molded fiber might not be recyclable under a new California law.

    By • July 13, 2026
  • Damaged RFID label on yellow container
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    Permission granted by Polyfuze Graphics Corporation Marketing/Michael Fagle
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    Sponsored by Polyfuze Graphics Corporation

    A $0.03 label took down a $100M supply chain

    The cheapest component in your system may be the most expensive.

    By Michael Fagle, Polyfuze Graphics Marketing • July 13, 2026
  • Bath & Body Works Fruit Fusion
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    Permission granted by Bath & Body Works
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    Packaging innovations: Bath & Body Works launches fresh formats

    Plus, Blue Ocean Closures expands with a product that can enable entirely fiber-based packages. And Amcor and Avery Dennison-backed Pragmatic embeds new NFC-based tracking within packaging.

    By • July 6, 2026
  • People sit at tables in a large room while observing speakers sitting in chairs on a stage.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Insights from the 2026 Packaging Recycling Summit

    Catch up on Packaging Dive’s coverage from the fourth annual event, including about brands’ EPR challenges and work toward solutions for recycling film and small-format packaging.

    By • July 2, 2026
  • A variety of small-sized packaging and caps in various colors and shapes.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    A big deal for small packaging: Pilot projects advance recycling

    The Glass Packaging Institute and Closed Loop Partners describe how findings from pilots could be “transformative” for multiple recycling streams.

    By • July 2, 2026
  • A green box of Zyrtec allergy medication with orange messaging.
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    Permission granted by Kenvue
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    Kenvue surpasses 2025 plastic reduction target, falls short on recyclability

    The Listerine and Zyrtec parent company detailed substrate transitions in its sustainability report. New tools are moving sustainability from an afterthought to an upstream design capability, according to a Kenvue packaging leader.

    By • June 30, 2026
  • Audience members at tables watch four speakers on a stage having a discussion.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    4 EPR takeaways from the Packaging Recycling Summit

    Packaging minds from P&G, General Mills and Just Born Quality Confections, along with municipal waste leaders and other collaborators, discussed the latest compliance tensions and emerging solutions.

    By • June 24, 2026
  • Large drums filled with multicolored plastic flakes.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Cannabis packaging supplier P3 Distributing expands from recycling into reuse

    About a year after delving into reuse, the Oregon packaging supplier aims to grow that operation as well as its nearly decade-old recycling business. “Reuse isn’t taking off yet because it needs scale,” said owner Patrick Caldwell.

    By • June 18, 2026
  • Four Svedka Vodka Waters on a table
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    Courtesy of Sazerac
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    Packaging innovations: Novelty cans and new frontiers for PCR

    Sazerac and Molson Coors offer eye-catching beverage packaging, PureCycle partners on multiple new applications for its resins and Elopak and Toppan make sustainability-driven changes.

    By • June 15, 2026
  • The label on the back of a wine bottle has messaging including a reuse symbol.
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    Permission granted by PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse
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    A reuse symbol hit the market. Oregon is putting it to the test.

    Reuse and refill businesses in the Portland area are among the initial adopters of PR3’s new logo that organizers hope becomes as universally recognized as the chasing arrows for recycling. 

    By • June 9, 2026
  • A Lavazza Tabli machine sits on a counter next to Tabli tablets.
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    Courtesy of Lavazza
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    Lavazza launches single-serve coffee pods without packaging

    The company is bringing its Tablì single-serve coffee tabs to the U.S., which don’t contain individual wrappings or coatings.

    By Laurel Deppen • June 9, 2026
  • Person wearing latex gloves delivers a pharmacy package over a fence.
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    Envato/KaikaTaak

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    Sponsored by Altor

    Making the case for modular insulation in the modern cold chain

    Modular insulation systems help cold chain teams balance performance, cost and sustainability.

    By Altor • June 8, 2026
  • Canovation's CanReseal
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    Permission granted by Canovation
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    Canpack aims to mainstream resealable can ends

    The global can manufacturer will work on a scalable pilot line with Florida-based startup Canovation, which says the ends are made from the same 3xxx series aluminum as the can body and could incorporate more recycled content.

    By • Updated June 5, 2026
  • A pair of Meadow's wall-mounted dispensers
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    Permission granted by Meadow
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    Hotels phasing out plastic poised to adopt aluminum solutions, Meadow bets

    The Swedish company plans to partner with contract manufacturers to market its aluminum-based dispensing systems to U.S. hotels, particularly those that have established sustainability strategies, said CEO Victor Ljungberg.

    By • June 2, 2026
  • Pilot's store remodels are focused on meal options, including grab-and-go selections.
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    Courtesy of Pilot Travel Centers
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    Prepared food surge in c-stores brings packaging innovations

    As convenience stores offer more fresh food, their packaging needs shift. Packaging companies are exploring forms that maintain food quality, offer versatility and minimize storage space.

    By Shefali Kapadia • May 26, 2026
  • An electronic device positioned over collected recyclable materials on a conveyor belt.
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    Permission granted by Greyparrot
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    Kenvue tracks packaging through recycling stream with Greyparrot’s AI

    The collaboration spotlights use cases for AI in packaging, such as pinpointing the optimal hue for shampoo bottles to ensure recyclability. Identifying design changes gains importance as the packaging regulation landscape widens.

    By • May 20, 2026
  • A row of colored sample products of Nothing cold cups
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    Lidless paper cups maker Nothing eyes expansion, driven by microplastics concerns

    The recently rebranded company is looking to set up U.S. production, said co-founder Brandon Leeds, as it aims to appeal to foodservice businesses and microplastics-wary consumers with foldable hot and cold cup designs.

    By • May 19, 2026
  • A variety of lightbulb-shaped plastic containers that have branding for Lytt alcoholic beverages.
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    Courtesy of Boston Beer Co.
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    Packaging innovations: Lytt’s lit containers, Duni’s paper is the new black

    Plus, Sappi North America and CJ Biomaterials introduce products that resist grease in foodservice applications.

    By • May 15, 2026