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 Maria Rachal • May 19, 2026

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 Katie Pyzyk • May 15, 2026

Automation takes center stage at Smurfit Westrock ‘superplant’ in Wisconsin

From pizza to industrial products, there’s a corrugated box for that at the year-old, $136 million Pleasant Prairie plant. Automation lets it use about 60% of the labor of a traditional box plant, while scale enables service to greater Chicago.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 7, 2026

5 common bottlenecks in palletizing and how to fix them

These are the top five palletizing bottlenecks, the solutions and the best time to address them.

By Stephenie Felski, Sr Marketing Manager • May 4, 2026

Wish you could reseal your canned beverage? Now you can.

Re:Lid USA is partnering with L.A. Libations to launch canned water with a reclosable aluminum lid. The next step is to establish a U.S. manufacturing presence for the can innovation.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 30, 2026

Packaging innovations: CVS Health swaps foam, PPG coats pet food cans

Plus, Amcor goes lighter on sauce caps and UPM Specialty Materials works with Felix Schoeller on a barrier solution for flexible food packaging.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 24, 2026

Cannabis companies send smoke signals about packaging regulation challenges

As adult recreational cannabis becomes more mainstream, companies are putting a greater focus on product packaging. Industry participants say they must balance compliance with controlling quality and costs.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 20, 2026

Walmart to modernize Great Value private label packaging design

The retailer is revamping its private label design for the first time in a decade. Changes will occur over a two-year period.

By Daphne Howland • April 15, 2026

The automation gap no one talks about — until it stops the line

Automation is transforming warehouses—but one overlooked process is still creating bottlenecks.

April 6, 2026

Packaging innovations: Dawn of a new jug, Sunset’s tomato love triangle

Plus, Blueland adds some plant-based zip to its pouches, PulPac brings plastic-like dry molded fiber to bottle caps, and UFP Packaging launches nail-free crates.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated April 6, 2026

Tetra Pak launching $22M facility to support food, beverage innovation

The company intends to work with food and beverage customers, as well as co-manufacturers, that own Tetra Pak’s equipment. They’ll collaborate on innovation projects from ideation to product launch.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 1, 2026

AI-powered platform aims to speed packaging chats and sales

Matthew Wright, the founder of Specright, wants to create a new digital home for the packaging industry via Forest, an AI-powered platform that’s being designed to streamline new connections and transactions.

By Maria Rachal • March 20, 2026

Barcode changes are coming. SmartLabel wants grocers to be ready.

The initiative that gives consumers detailed product information via QR codes is gearing up for a major shift in retail technology.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • March 16, 2026

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

Packaging innovations: Chupa Chups says ‘good luck’ with ‘final boss’ wrapper

Plus, Parkside launches three compostable films and Nova Chemicals commercializes two grades of recycled polyethylene.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 6, 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

Axe redesigns aerosol can to pass the sniff test

The can’s new propellant technology is the first such change in roughly two decades, according to a Unilever senior manager. It reduces overspraying with components designed to provide targeted product application.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 27, 2026

Gen AI could transform packaging pricing: McKinsey

There was a jump in AI adoption for commercial optimization by packaging companies in 2025. “They are walking the talk in many ways,” said one partner. “Our expectation is that 2026 will be all about at-scale deployment.”

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 24, 2026

The essential guide to choosing spice bottle caps for secure containment and easy dispensing

Optimize spice caps for secure containment, fast filling, sustainability and a better consumer experience.

Feb. 23, 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

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

Packaging innovations: Terra Delyssa does an oil change

Plus, Top Cup got the Ball ahead of the Super Bowl, and Saica Group helps Unilever give plastic film the Axe.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 10, 2026

How next-gen designs are closing the gap between boxes and traditional mailers

TemperPack’s new padded mailers deliver box-level protection without the box-level hassle.

Feb. 9, 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