Fallback Banner
arrow
California EPR: Scaling recycling infrastructure as pressure for film producers rises

California EPR: Scaling recycling infrastructure as pressure for film producers rises

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is finalizing the rules for its Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54). For producers of film and flexible packaging (FFP), SB 54 has established rapid timelines, pressuring the industry to develop a compliance strategy by April 2026.In the current draft regulations, SB 54 mandates a 25% source reduction by 2032, ensuring that all packaging is either recyclable or compostable, and requires a 65% recycling rate. The law establishes a new EPR program to manage packaging, aiming to reduce waste across the state. 
Global push for biodegradable packaging faces regulatory gaps and market challenges
Global push for biodegradable packaging faces regulatory gaps and market challenges
The push for biodegradable packaging solutions is gaining momentum. While regulatory support in the EU has accelerated the transition toward biodegradables and away from conventional materials, other markets still rely on consumer-driven demand, according to experts at Sulapac and Releaf Paper. Challenges in biodegradable packaging commercialization, financing, and infrastructure persist, but innovative materials and strong advocacy efforts help to overcome these hurdles.
Plastics Recyclers Europe president calls for urgent action to save domestic production
Plastics Recyclers Europe president calls for urgent action to save domestic production
European plastic recyclers are facing rising operational costs due to high energy prices, hindering the EU’s competitiveness against cheaper imports, says Ton Emans, president at Plastic Recyclers Europe.  The non-profit organization representing the voice of European plastics recyclers is calling on EU policymakers to introduce regulations to ensure the industry’s competitiveness.  
Connected engagement
Connected engagement
Innova Market Insights data indicates that the use of QR codes on F&B packaging is on the rise, with a 32% global growth in product launches featuring QR codes from 2020 to 2024 (CAGR). Brands are increasingly leveraging this technology to enhance consumer engagement, provide transparency, and deliver digital experiences directly through the packaging.
The emergence of product personalization in the packaging industry
The emergence of product personalization in the packaging industry
Gustavo Hernandez, senior category manager at VistaPrint Europe, discusses how personalized food packaging offers more than just a simple container. We explore how a personalized packaging unboxing experience can foster an emotional connection through features like QR codes and AI. Hernandez also tells us about the challenges of creating personalized food packaging — ensuring correct consumer design and fast delivery times.
Drinking to Wellness
Drinking to Wellness

In this edition you will learn more about:

  • Top 5 Trends in Beverages, Alcohol for a New Generation, Plant-Powered Preservatives, The Graceful Aging Movement, Compostable Packaging
  • Circularity in Drinks Packaging, Beverage Highlights, “Neo-Hedonism” in Future Food, Nutrient Labeling Systems, Protein from the Extruder
  • Natural Colors in Lifestyle Beverages, Citrus Supply Chains, Trends in Soft Drinks, Vitafoods Preview, Sugar & Sports
  • Beverages Redefined, Live Microbes, Seaweed Hydrocolloids, Mental Performance Drinks, Synbiotics & On-the-Go Nutrition
  • View from the Top: Patrick Niels, president taste, texture & health at dsm-firmenich

Latest headlines

View more
Portugal sets regional “milestone” with national DRS rollout in 2026
Portugal DRS
Portugal has announced plans to establish a national DRS for single-use beverage packaging in 2026. Non-profit association SDR Portugal was selected as the scheme administrator, and Sensoneo was selected as the IT provider. While non-profit association SDR Portugal serves as the scheme administrator, smart waste management solution provider Sensoneo will deliver the required IT solutions.
Beyond The Headlines: Amcor’s paper stand-up pouch, Oji India Packaging’s new plant
A bag and a cup of coffee
This week in industry news, Amcor introduced a paper-based refill pack for coffee products and Oji India Packaging opened one of the largest corrugated packaging plants in South Asia. Meanwhile, Conner Industries acquired Kirkland Sales, marking the US-based company’s fifth acquisition in its integrated packaging division. 
Coveris expands security tech to cartons to fight retail theft
Carton printed with security tag.
Coveris has extended its built-in, covert security solutions range SourceTag to printed cartons to tackle retail theft in the fresh meat, beverage, and luxury goods sectors. Retail theft costs the UK around £1.8 billion (US$2.3 billion) annually. The fully automated, integrated security cartons work seamlessly with in-store electronic article surveillance antenna systems as an anti-theft solution and deterrent for high-value FMCG lines. Nigel Hewitt, Coveris Paper Business Unit sales director, says: “We’re thrilled to introduce a first-to-market, scalable security solution for board. Delivering huge benefits at source and instore, this innovation not only safeguards profits and the supply chain but also enhances shop worker safety by deterring theft, abuse, and violent behavior.” 
Nefab expands in Mexico for circular primary packaging
aerial shot of packaging facility
Nefab has opened a second packaging manufacturing and warehousing facility in Guadalajara, Mexico, aiming to provide recyclable traps and cushioning solutions for the datacom, electronics, and automotive industries. The global packaging and logistics service provider specializes in thin-gauge thermoforming, which involves heating a thin sheet of plastic until it becomes flexible. The facility will provide recyclable traps and cushioning solutions designed to optimize primary packaging, “addressing industry demands for cost-effective and environmentally friendly packaging.” 
Elopak invests in Blue Ocean Closures to advance fiber-based caps
Two men shaking hands.
Elopak has announced its investment in Blue Ocean Closures, becoming a co-owner of the Swedish sustainability start-up specializing in fiber-based closures. The partnership supports Elopak’s effort in cutting the carbon footprint of its cartons by reducing plastic use and increasing paper content.As part of the agreement, Elopak has secured exclusive global rights to market, sell, and distribute Blue Ocean Closures’ fiber-based caps for gable top cartons, including its Pure-Pak and D-PAK solutions. The investment aligns with Elopak’s “Repackaging Tomorrow” strategy. 
Swedish consumers launch supermarket boycott as food prices soar over 20%, European protests spread
A supermarket.

Food Ingredients First

Thousands of shoppers in Sweden are boycotting the country’s largest supermarkets to protest rising grocery prices, which they attribute to an “oligopoly” of retail giants prioritizing profit. While grocer associations maintain that the continued price increases are driven by external factors, some of which are beyond retailers’ control, state authorities flag competition issues. According to Matpriskollen, a Swedish independent price tracking app, food costs have increased 22% since January 2022.
Highlighted features
article image
Packaging & Technology News

Recycling in Australia: Chemical recycling expands amid plastic waste challenges

Australia’s chemical recycling is in its early stages but increasingly gaining in popularity as a complementary solution to mechanical recycling, according to Toby Manners, CEO of GPT Circular, a plastic waste management company based in Australia and Indonesia. To scale up these technologies, GPT Circular recently announced a “landmark” agreement with iQRenew, an advanced waste recovery company. The partnership aims to foster a new set of specification criteria for soft plastics in advanced chemical recycling in the country. Packaging Insights speaks to Manners about the country’s waste management performance, and how the partnership aims to transform locally collected soft plastics into high-quality recycled materials and tackle contamination in plastic recycling. 

article image
Tech & Innovation

Recycling in Brazil: Gaia BioMaterials highlights infrastructure challenges and compostable solutions

Brazil’s land area poses logistical challenges for efficient and uniform country-wide plastic recycling infrastructure, according to Dr. Mércia Fernandes, commercial representative for Brazil at plastic fabrication company Gaia BioMaterials.Fernandes highlights the absence of waste collection and treatment policies as the main challenges to plastic circularity. Meanwhile, fluctuation in virgin resin prices often makes it the more economically attractive option, further discouraging the growth of plastic recycling.

article image
Special report

Top Packaging Trends 2025: AI-enhanced “Connected Platforms” to advance circular economy

Innova Market Insights has revealed its Top Packaging Trends 2025, with “Connected Platforms” taking center stage. Connected technologies are widely expected to transform the packaging value chain, from waste management to brand-consumer engagement, by converting packaging into digitalized platforms. The emergence of AI systems will enhance and expedite this industry shakeup.

Packaging focus

View more
technicalpaper

Biodegradable packagingMar2025

Innova Market Insights data reveals a 19% increase in F&B launches with Biodegradable Packaging from 2020 to 2024. Europe led with 41% of these launches, and Hot Drinks was the top category. Tea B...

Product innovation

View more
product image

Connected engagement Mar 2025

Innova Market Insights data indicates that the use of QR codes on F&B packaging is on the rise, with a 32% global growth in product launches featuring QR codes from 2020 to 2024 (CAGR). Brands are increasingly leveraging this technology to enhance consumer engagement, provide transparency, and deliver digital experiences directly through the packaging.

Trend analysis

View more
analysis chart image

Fruit & Vegetable packagingMar 2025

Innova Market Insights data shows a rise in global fruit and vegetable product launches, with flat pouches being the leading packaging type. Among sustainable claims, "recyclable" was the most common, while carbon label claims saw notable growth.

Multimedia

View more
headline
Video13:06
The emergence of product personalization in the packaging industry

Gustavo Hernandez, senior category manager at VistaPrint Europe, discusses how personalized food packaging offers more than just a simple container. We explore how a personalized packaging unboxing experience can foster an emotional connection through features like QR codes and AI. Hernandez...

FormattedPicture
Video16:02
Returnity CEO: The future of sustainable and reusable packaging
FormattedPicture
Video10:46
EU project MoeBios tackles bioplastic recycling hurdles
FormattedPicture
Video16:51
How to leverage EU regulation for US compostability strategies
Click Here
Fallback Banner
Subscribe to our newsletters
PlatformsFood Ingredients FirstNutrition InsightPackaging InsightsPersonal Care InsightsThe World of Food Ingredients
About usContact usAdvertisingPrivacy statementSitemap
Follow us
linkedinrss_header
Banner
trans