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Schubert booth at Interpack 2026

Interpack 2026 live: Schubert highlights machines for cost optimization amid trade hurdles

Cost optimization is one of the biggest trends at Interpack 2026, according to Peter Schubert, head of Construction at Gerhard Schubert. At the ongoing trade show in Düsseldorf, Germany, the family-run packaging company is presenting its classic top-loading packaging machines (TLM) and two new machine ranges. “One is the Lightline range of standard machines offering specific solutions to specific packaging tasks, and the other is the tog family, which are individual production cells for a single packaging step. For example, erecting, filling, or closing in a separate, specific cell,” Schubert tells Packaging Insights. 
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Pet food packaging: Innovation meets convenience, health & recyclability demands
The pet food packaging industry is driven by the ongoing cultural shift where pets are treated as part of the family. This transformation has sparked advancements in packaging technology, supporting manufacturers to balance sustainability targets with the technical demands of preserving pet nutrition. Packaging Insights speaks to Coveris, SP Group Packaging (SPG), and Siegwerk about how they are re-engineering the pet food bag to meet the demands of the modern “pet parent.”
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Rabobank experts: Post-mega merger era reshapes packaging industry competition
The packaging industry is entering a post-mega merger era, defined by consolidation, a prolonged downturn, and rising geopolitical uncertainty. Packaging Insights speaks with Rabobank Packaging & Logistics senior analysts Xinnan Li, Natasha Valeeva, and Jim Owen to examine how the sector is evolving. The discussion explores shifting competitive dynamics, future growth prospects, and the increasing impact of regulation and private equity on the industry.
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Pet food packaging trends
Innova Market Insights data indicates that new pet food launches have gained ground, with 3% growth from 2021 to 2025. Most of these launches were packed in plastic, but metal packaging is also gaining traction. Nearly half of pet food launches were in standing pouches, while the use of folded boxes is increasing.
PakTech rHDPE multipack handle for beverage cans data-driven packaging guide visual
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.
Interpack 2026 Fuji Seal: Fuji Seal trade show booth displaying branded packaging samples, with an inset portrait of a company representative
Interpack 2026 live: Fuji Seal showcases server-controlled labeling system 

Fuji Seal is showcasing its shrink sleeve, pressure-sensitive label and spouted pouch solutions at Interpack 2026. Markus Haag, head of sales for labels, demonstrates Fuji Seal’s server-controlled linear system for labeling and shrink sleeve applications.

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Hemp-derived plastic can serve as renewable alternative to PET, study finds
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US researchers have developed a non-toxic plastic alternative to PET derived from the hemp plant, a low-tetrahydrocannabinol variety of cannabis. The study, published in Chem Circularity, has introduced polycannabidiol carbonate, a 92% bio-based thermoplastic synthesized from cannabidiol (CBD) extracted from hemp biomass. The material can serve as a renewable, PET-like plastic, according to the scientists.
UPM, Michelman, & Bobst launch SUPD-compliant paper packaging solutions
snack packaging assortment
UPM Specialty Materials, Michelman, and Bobst have partnered to develop two paper-based flexible packaging solutions, addressing upcoming EU regulations like the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). The first packaging solution supports SUPD‑compliant paper packaging for applications such as tea bags, oatmeal, and sugar stick‑packs. It features a bio‑based coating that offers moisture protection, mineral oil barriers, and heat sealability. 
STI Group launches child-resistant and fiber-based laundry pod box
laundry pod packaging
STI Group has launched a fiber-based packaging solution for laundry pods that responds to cost pressures, child safety requirements, and sustainability demands in personal care packaging. “With the Click-Box, the STI Group has developed an innovative advancement of existing packaging concepts that meets these diverse requirements in a significantly simpler, more sustainable, and cost-effective way,” says the company. 
Interpack 2026 live: Sealed Air’s vacuum pack solutions address market and...
Sealed Air booth at Interpack
As Interpack 2026 gets underway in Düsseldorf, Germany, Sealed Air is presenting its range of vacuum-sealed food packaging solutions that respond to performance and regulatory demands.  This includes the Darfresh vacuum skin packaging system, which aims to enhance freshness, extend shelf life, and reduce environmental impact through less plastic.On the show floor, Packaging Insights speaks to Efrahin Avila Garcia, senior sales director at Sealed Air, about the company’s vacuum solutions, as well as current industry trends and pressures.   
DS Smith and Absolut Vodka launch recyclable fiber-based boxes
cardboard box packaging
DS Smith and Absolut Vodka have introduced a range of recyclable fiber-based corrugated brown boxes for product protection. The base of the box is brown, with each Absolut flavor represented using color coding and artwork in recognizable Absolut Vodka typefaces. The box is designed to protect Absolut’s products during transit to customers in stores and outlets or direct to consumers. 
Vitafoods Europe 2026: From Starbucks protein foam to bone broth coffee,...
vitafoods 2026 show floor

Food Ingredients First

Health ingredients are getting delicious makeovers as the food and supplement industries increasingly converge. This notion was highlighted at Vitafoods Europe 2026, which took place in Barcelona, Spain, May 5–7. Food Ingredients First walked the show floor, where suppliers demoed fizzing probiotics, slurpable vitamin jellies, and an array of beverages, bars, and RTM soups packed with protein.
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Interpack 2026 live: TNA unveils robag Quantum to boost...
At Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany, Packaging Insights speaks to Simon Hill, group product innovation manager at TNA Solutions, about its launch of the tna robag Quantum, a fully automatic packaging system.On the show floor, the food processing and packaging solutions provider explains how its solution can assist snack and confectionery producers in future-proofing their production lines.
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.
Innova Top Packaging Trends 2026.
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Top Packaging Trends 2026: Navigating sustainability,...
Innova Market Insights has announced its Top Packaging Trends 2026, with “Substantiated Sustainability” taking top spot. This trend emphasizes the need for verified environmental claims, driven by stricter regulations, such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging but are wary of greenwashing, meaning brands must back sustainability claims with scientific evidence. The second trend, “Digital-Enhanced Designs,” highlights the growing role of digital technologies like AI, augmented reality, and QR codes in packaging. These innovations improve consumer engagement and product traceability, while digital product passports offer detailed lifecycle data.

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Sustainable power: Unlocking paper & paper band packaging for F&BMay2026

Innova Market Insights data shows that 89% of consumers globally perceive paper as a sustainable material. This shift in perception is driving increased use of paper-based packaging, with a rise in la...

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Labeling that connects May 2026

According to a survey by Appetite Creative and Koenig & Bauer, the packaging industry’s confidence in connected packaging has reached 92.3%, with adoption rising to 81.2% and skepticism falling. Labels are no longer just about compliance or shelf appeal; they are helping brands build transparency, supporting smarter purchasing decisions, and extending the consumer journey beyond the pack.  

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Pet food packaging trendsMay 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that new pet food launches have gained ground, with 3% growth from 2021 to 2025. Most of these launches were packed in plastic, but metal packaging is also gaining traction. Nearly half of pet food launches were in standing pouches, while the use of folded boxes is increasing.

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Interpack 2026 Fuji Seal: Fuji Seal trade show booth displaying branded packaging samples, with an inset portrait of a company representative
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Interpack 2026 live: Fuji Seal showcases server-controlled labeling system 

Fuji Seal is showcasing its shrink sleeve, pressure-sensitive label and spouted pouch solutions at Interpack 2026. Markus Haag, head of sales for labels, demonstrates Fuji Seal’s server-controlled linear system for labeling and shrink sleeve applications.

Giorgia Minelli & David Lopez, Dow
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Interpack 2026 live: Dow experts talk local sourcing and digitalization 
Thomas Schulz, Constantia Flexibles, Interpack 2026, Flexibles, Material-Agnostic, Packaging, Flexible Packaging, Supply Chain Resilience, Regulatory Changes, Machine Suppliers, Real-Life Conditions,
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Interpack 2026 live: Constantia Flexibles collaborates to advance “material-agnostic” resilience
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Ball Corporation VP on scaling aluminum packaging for personal and home care
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