Technology & Innovation: Page

  • Waste and recycling bins in Montgomery County, Maryland
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    Megan Quinn/Packaging Dive
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    Curbside film recycling can be a reality with the right equipment and policy updates, pilot suggests

    End markets exist and EPR could spur the investments to upgrade MRFs to handle flexible plastics, but “you’ve got to figure out that last step” to capture existing packaging, said the Flexible Packaging Association’s CEO.

    By • April 12, 2023
  • A Hasbro Transformers toy in packaging.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Hasbro reintroduces plastic windows on toy packages, this time with plant-based content

    Customer dissatisfaction with printed boxes and theft reportedly drove the decision to bring back plastic windows.

    By • April 12, 2023
  • A pile of plastic bottles.
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    Getty Images
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    Q&A

    Reflecting on a dramatic decade of EPR shifts and what it means for packaging

    Michael Washburn, now a senior policy advisor for The Recycling Partnership, hit a wall in his efforts to promote EPR while working at Nestlé Waters North America. Today, he says “almost everything” has changed.

    By • April 11, 2023
  • A greenhouse building where research and development takes place.
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    Courtesy of Frito-Lay North America
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    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 • April 7, 2023
  • A clay bowl next to its base clay material or "dust."
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    Permission granted by GaeaStar
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    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 • April 6, 2023
  • Amcor logo
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    Permission granted by Amcor
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    Amcor seeks more partnerships to innovate in coatings, biobased materials, connected packaging

    A year since Amcor announced an initiative to support seed-stage startups, its latest venture explores nanotechnology coatings to enhance barriers for recyclable and compostable packaging.

    By • April 4, 2023
  • International Paper's new logo.
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    Courtesy of International Paper/Cision
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    Q&A

    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 • March 31, 2023
  • A pile of plastic bottles.
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    Getty Images
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    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 • March 30, 2023
  • Photo illustration of cardboard box
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    Deep Dive

    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 , , • March 27, 2023
  • Flexible plastic packaging pouches
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    Getty Images
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    Flexible packaging expected to boom, despite limited recycling capabilities: PMMI report

    Flexible plastic packaging and compostable packaging are predicted to see big gains, but few people in the U.S. have access to recycling programs for those materials.

    By • March 24, 2023
  • McCormick's redesigned spice bottles
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    Courtesy of McCormick
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    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 • March 17, 2023
  • A pile of plastic bottles.
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    Getty Images
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    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 • March 14, 2023
  • Six graphic designs for milk packaging.
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    Courtesy of Town & Country
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    Seattle-area grocery chain blends worker creativity into its new milk brand

    The retailer’s just-launched EveryDay Milk private label line comprises six varieties, all with employee-designed artwork on their packaging.

    By Sam Silverstein • March 1, 2023
  • Close-up of plastic packaging in the trash
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    Sean Gallup via Getty Images
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    DOE report touts chemical recycling R&D opportunities while noting plastic’s environmental justice issues

    The report, part of a long-term Energy Department effort to boost the viability of plastics recycling and cut energy use, touts opportunities in researching bio-based plastics as well as chemical recycling technologies. 

    By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2023
  • The bottoms of glass wine bottles
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    Getty Images
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    Q&A

    Oregon’s bottle bill system CEO talks tech improvements, refillables and the prospects for a national system

    Oregon aims to attain its highest return rates yet with a range of modern updates. Jules Bailey, new CEO of the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, talks through what’s working and what’s next.

    By Megan Quinn • Feb. 1, 2023
  • Plastic cup on green turf field
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    Getty Images
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    Stadiums pursue new technologies and tactics to boost waste diversion

    As fans flock back to large venues, many are seeing new or updated waste initiatives. Operators are experimenting with different collection systems, reusable cups, reverse vending machines, on-site sorting and more.

    By • Updated Jan. 19, 2023