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May in review

May in review: Industry gathers at Interpack 2026, California approves SB 54 despite criticism

Last month, Packaging Insights attended Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany, where packaging industry experts highlighted supply chain resilience and regulatory readiness as important ongoing developments. On the show floor, we also spoke to industry representatives about the latest innovations in monomaterial flexible materials and food waste reduction. In the US, California approved the long-awaited and highly contested SB 54, an EPR law aiming to boost plastic circularity and reduce the environmental effects of the packaging industry, but the final text of the regulation still faced criticism from non-governmental groups. 
A person handing a cup from a customer
Scaling safe, user-friendly reusable packaging through tech and innovation
As consumer awareness surrounding waste reduction and the climate impact of single-use products intensifies, F&B packaging industry leaders are tackling the complex realities of scaling up reusable packaging systems that are commercially viable and environmentally impactful. Packaging Insights speaks to Borealis, Tomra, and Eco-Products about innovating materials, design, and return mechanisms to support repeated use of cups and food containers.
Maud Lelièvre
Cosmogen: Demand for airtight and portable packaging grows in personal care
The shift toward airtight, dose-precise, and portable options is shaping personal care packaging innovation, as brands continue to navigate a “tension” between premium packaging aesthetics and recyclability, says Maud Lelièvre, marketing and communication director at Cosmogen. Cosmogen, a France-based packaging company, designs luxury personal care packaging for the health, wellness, and beauty sector. 
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Protein packaging reinvented
Innova Market Insights data reveals that consumers find packaging very important when choosing meat & dairy product launches. Standard tray & flat pouch were the leading packaging, while cup emerged as the packaging with the fastest rise in innovation. Biobased material for protein launches had 21% growth from April 2021 to March 2026, opening the path for new packaging opportunities.
Cama Group #GoWrap packaging display featuring wrapped ready meals, snacks, and confectionery products.
Mono-material labelling technology conquers ‘overpacking’ challenge in snacks industry
Sustainability goals and changing market preferences are encouraging snack and bakery producers to rethink packaging. Cama Group offers turnkey lines and a labelling solution that replaces multipack flow-wrap overpacking with recyclable mono-material labels. The approach reduces material use, improves recycling compatibility, increases marketing flexibility and supports efficient, high-speed production.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Cama Group. 
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Interpack 2026: PakTech boosts multipack circularity & PPWR compliance
Keenan Hoar-Perez, international sales manager at PakTech, showcased the company’s fully recycled and recyclable multipack handles designed to support compliance with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) while enabling fast, efficient scalability.

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Association of Plastic Recyclers partners with Mexican industry group to...
A person holding plastic containers
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), a North American NGO focused on improving plastics recycling, and the National Association of Plastics Industries in Mexico (ANIPAC) have collaborated to enhance plastics recyclability, encourage international design for recycling guidelines, and support the circular economy in Mexico.This alliance aims to create a space for technical and strategic cooperation to promote best practices across the plastics value chain, from packaging and product design to material recovery, recycling, and reintegration into the market.
Sinclair equips Copefrut with home-compostable fruit labels in Chile
A group of apples with stickers
Sinclair is supplying Copefrut, a fresh fruit producer and exporter from Chile, with its T55 labels. This collaboration aims to cut single‑use packaging waste while maintaining the performance required by modern fresh produce supply chains.
Huhtamaki supplies Hesburger with new fiber lids
Huhtamaki's cup lids for Hesburger
Huhtamaki has developed fiber-based lids for foodservice cups in collaboration with the Finnish fast food chain Hesburger. The solution is suitable for hot and cold beverages, due to the material’s resistance to heat and moisture. The companies say the new design offers improved lid fit and a tighter spout to ensure that the lid stays in place on the mug and reduces the risk of leaks. The lids are said to be made from renewable and plant-based fibers and manufactured at the Huhtamaki Foodservice site in Alf, Germany. 
Borro expands QR-based reusable cup deposits across Europe
festival goers
Borro, a start-up offering a digital deposit system for reusable cups, is expanding into Germany, France, and the Netherlands following a €1.3 million (US$1.43 million) investment to scale its technology. Mostly used at large-scale venues like stadiums, Borro’s system links reusable cups to a consumer bank card. When returning the cup at a collection point, consumers automatically receive their deposit back. 
Mondi report says packaging is “decisive factor” as AI reshapes e-commerce
A person in a fur coat holding a box
Mondi has released its e-commerce trend report for 2026, revealing that packaging is becoming a “decisive factor” in customer satisfaction, operational performance, and long-term brand loyalty.The report gathered insights from 6,000 consumers across Europe and Türkiye, emphasizing a growing connection between digital convenience and physical experience and the increasing role of packaging in bridging the two.
How IFF’s Food Ingredients sale could impact the industry
IFF scientist working in taste modulation facility.

Food Ingredients First

IFF’s US$4.3 billion sale of its Food Ingredients business to CVC Capital Partners is one of the largest ingredients sector transactions in recent years. While the deal is expected to strengthen IFF’s balance sheet and provide CVC with a sizable ingredients platform, its wider implications for competitors, customers, and investors are still emerging.
Highlighted features
Cama Group #GoWrap packaging display featuring wrapped ready meals, snacks, and confectionery products.
Technical paper
Mono-material labelling technology conquers ‘overpacking’...
Sustainability goals and changing market preferences are encouraging snack and bakery producers to rethink packaging. Cama Group offers turnkey lines and a labelling solution that replaces multipack flow-wrap overpacking with recyclable mono-material labels. The approach reduces material use, improves recycling compatibility, increases marketing flexibility and supports efficient, high-speed production.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Cama Group. 
Amcor eBook banner showing a man drinking bottled water with text on caps and closures in food and beverage packaging
Technical paper
Safe, secure, convenient and clean: Caps and closures in...
This eBook explores how caps and closures shape product protection, usability and sustainability in food and beverage packaging. From sports and flat caps in beverages to sauces, condiments, oils and vinegar closures in food, it highlights design choices that improve consumer experience, support recycling and enhance brand impact.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Amcor.
PakTech rHDPE multipack handle for beverage cans data-driven packaging guide visual
Technical paper
A data-driven guide to multipacking
How can CPG brands balance escalating regulatory pressures with changing consumer expectations in their multipacking decisions? Lifecycle analysis, performance testing, and total cost of ownership evaluation are critical in guiding evidence-based choices. Discover strategies to select the best material for the job across key metrics.This Technical Paper is brought to you by PakTech.

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Compostable packaging leadersJun2026

Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers are willing to justify a higher price for a product if it comes with sustainable (including compostable) packaging. 42% of these launches were in Europ...

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Food waste fighters Jun 2026

Innova Market Insights data shows that consumers are concerned about sustainability and expect brands to take these issues seriously. Packaging is becoming a key area for innovation, with brands exploring solutions that help reduce food waste by extending shelf life, improving protection, and supporting portion control.

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Protein packaging reinventedJun 2026

Innova Market Insights data reveals that consumers find packaging very important when choosing meat & dairy product launches. Standard tray & flat pouch were the leading packaging, while cup emerged as the packaging with the fastest rise in innovation. Biobased material for protein launches had 21% growth from April 2021 to March 2026, opening the path for new packaging opportunities.

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Video03:57
Interpack 2026: PakTech boosts multipack circularity & PPWR compliance

Keenan Hoar-Perez, international sales manager at PakTech, showcased the company’s fully recycled and recyclable multipack handles designed to support compliance with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) while enabling fast, efficient scalability.

Michelangelo Anderlini, Biopap
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Interpack 2026: How Biopap and Futamura drive innovation in compostable food packaging
Franziska Schreiber, Multivac
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Interpack 2026: Multivac showcases AI-supported TX Traysealer for smarter food packaging
Syntegon, Tobias Göttler, Interpack 2026, SynTiso, Aseptic Filling Line, Pharmaceutical Packaging, Pharma Liquid, Robotic Handling, Aseptic Liquid Packaging, High-Throughput Manufacturing, Pharma Manu
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Interpack 2026: Syntegon launches aseptic liquid filling line for pharma
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