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July in review

July in review: EU PPWR approaches, California’s SB 54 challenged, China enforces delivery pack rules

This month, the packaging industry, including the pharmaceutical packaging sector, prepared for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) deadline coming up on August 12, when its core obligations come into effect.  Meanwhile, in the US, a California agriculture coalition called for the repeal of SB 54, arguing that the EPR law was “unworkable” and would increase costs. CalRecycle defended the legislation, saying it encourages producers to align packaging design with recycling infrastructure. Packaging Insights also explored the new delivery packaging regulation in China, the push for reusable F&B packaging in South Korea, and the UK’s decision to delay flexible plastic collections in England. 
hands dispensing soap from a black pump bottle onto a yellow sponge
Household refill packs go mainstream as convenience drives adoption
Refill systems are transitioning from a niche packaging choice to a household standard, as environmental regulations tighten and economic pressures shift consumer habits. Packaging Insights speaks to Procter & Gamble (P&G), ProAmpac, and Greiner Packaging about how their refill solutions aim to achieve sustainability by making it user-friendly.
Francesco Giannolo, VP for Commercial at Sonoco
Sonoco advances premium aluminum packaging for digital engagement and circularity
Aluminum packaging is evolving beyond product protection toward premium applications and improved circularity, as technological advances create new opportunities for consumer engagement and traceability, highlights Sonoco. Packaging Insights sits down with Francesco Giannolo, VP for Commercial at Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA and APAC, to discuss how aluminum packaging is evolving to meet the company’s sustainability and consumer engagement goals. What can you tell us about Sonoco’s latest aluminum solutions? 
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Climate-smart packaging
Innova Market Insights data indicates that consumers globally are concerned about packaging’s impact on excessive CO2 emissions. New product launches show that the largest share of launches with carbon-neutral claims were dairy products, while sauces and seasonings had an increase in climate-smart claims.
Constantia Flexibles technical paper on low carbon aluminum for CO2-reduced flexible packaging
Low Carbon Aluminum: Certified CO2-reduced option for flexible packaging
What if reducing your packaging footprint was this simple? This white paper reveals how Low Carbon Aluminum enables real emission reductions without sacrificing performance. Discover emission drivers, certified reduction pathways, and verified product carbon footprint data that help companies cut Scope 3 emissions while keeping processes unchanged and product protection intact.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Constantia Flexibles.
Jano Crema, Huhtamaki
Huhtamaki Australia calls for packaging regulatory reform to facilitate paper recycling

Inconsistent waste sorting capacity and low end-market interest in recycled material pose key challenges to Australia's recycling industry, argues Jano Crema, sustainability and public relations manager at Huhtamaki Australia. He calls for regulatory reforms to strengthen paper recycling, emphasizing the reprocessability of fiber-based packaging. 

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France delays industrial and commercial packaging EPR until 2027
man closing box warehouse
France has postponed the implementation of its EPR for packaging of goods used by businesses from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027, citing a lack of appropriate conditions for “efficient deployment.” The Ministries of Ecological Transition, Spatial Planning, Transport, Urban Development, and Housing further state that the EPR was delayed as many businesses do not know if they are required to join one of the three state-approved producer responsibility organizations (PRO) — Citeo Pro, Leko Pro, and Twiice. 
Handtmann introduces vacuum filling machine to advance food processing
vacuum filling machine in a clean, tiled room
Handtmann has expanded its portfolio with the VF 850 S vacuum filling machine for the processing and portioning of viscous food products. The solution is developed for delicate products at high throughput rates. The machine features a flow-optimized, product-friendly conveying system, technical precision, and a robust machine design. Handtmann says the innovation ensures consistently high product quality while delivering filling and portioning performance. 
Footprint and Qwarzo to scale PE-free, mineral-coated cup solution
Woman holds paper coffe cup
Footprint International and Qwarzo have reached a strategic agreement to continue the development of a PE-free paper cup, lids, and straws using the Qwarzo Technology Barrier.  The partnership aims to combine the global manufacturing and customer platform of Footprint International, a US-based materials science company focused on reducing reliance on single-use plastics, with Qwarzao’s mineral-based coating technology. The companies spot a “growing” demand from brands, foodservice operators, and consumers for “practical alternatives” to plastic-lined paper cups. 
Inclusive packaging must survive full use cycle, accessibility advocate urges
man opens glass bottle with opener
The packaging industry is gradually designing for consumers with limited dexterity in mind, but innovation has mainly targeted primary closures, such as twist caps, squeeze bottles, and triggers. Adam Watson, founder of The Sanctuary, a US-based nonprofit focused on early-stage disability recovery, tells Packaging Insights that packaging must be accessible beyond the “first successful interaction” with a primary closure and continue throughout a product’s use. 
Xaar appoints Colordyne as North American Versatex Printbar distributor
A printer on a flat surface
Xaar has named Colordyne Technologies as the official North American distributor for the Xaar Versatex Printbar, expanding access to digital embellishment and specialty print capability for label, packaging, and converting applications.Under the agreement, Colordyne will provide Versatex sales, service, and support across the region. The printbar expands Colordyne’s retrofit portfolio, helping converters looking to introduce digital capability to existing analog presses, finishing lines, and converting equipment.
July in review: EU Protein Plan backlash, MAHA reformulation, livestock...
July 2026 F&B industry review.

Food Ingredients First

In July 2026, the EU’s Protein Plan drew criticism for prioritizing animal feed over human consumption. The debate came as businesses increased investment in protein diversification, while rising whey costs pushed formulators toward alternative proteins, blends, and processing solutions. In the US, Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) accelerated demand for natural colors, cleaner labels, lower sugar, and protein- and fiber-fortified products. Healthy aging also moved into mainstream F&B, creating opportunities for everyday products supporting mobility, nutrition, and long-term wellness.
Highlighted features
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Packaging & Technology News
CalRecycle defends SB 54 amid opposing legal challenges
In the US, California’s SB 54 is swiftly becoming a battleground for industry and environmental stakeholders, who are at odds with the legislation, though for contrasting reasons. Signed into law in 2022 and approved by California's Office of Administrative Law in early May, The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act establishes an EPR program in California. It aims to mitigate single-use plastic packaging waste and increase recycling and compostable packaging infrastructure. CalRecycle is the state agency responsible for SB 54’s implementation. 
Packaging team uses software for compliance
Packaging & Technology News
Packaging industry turns to data and technology for EPR...
EPRs targeting the packaging industry are taking shape globally and pushing companies to adopt a more data-oriented approach toward the environmental aspects of their business, according to experts across the industry. Packaging Insights interviews Recyda, a provider of software solutions for packaging regulation compliance, Constantia Flexibles, and packaging ink provider Flint Group, to explore the technological solutions packagers are turning to in order to ensure EPR compliance.    “Technology is becoming a key enabler in navigating regulatory requirements, particularly when it comes to data generation, traceability, and transparency,” says Thomas Schulz, VP of Group Marketing Communication at Constantia Flexibles. 
Pharma packaging factory workers
Policy & regulation news
Pharma packaging under PPWR: Safety and validation demands...
Despite certain exemptions for pharmaceutical packaging under the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), as the August 12 deadline approaches, manufacturers must begin testing recyclable, high-barrier materials now while balancing circularity goals with patient safety and regulatory compliance, according to industry experts. Packaging Insights speaks to the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) about the upcoming regulatory requirements, and to pharmaceutical packaging providers ACG World, based in Mumbai, India, and Plastic Ingenuity, based in Wisconsin, US, about their evolving strategy to service clients in the EU. 

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Nutrition packaging formatsAug2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that as consumers increasingly incorporate supplements and sports nutrition into their daily routines, product launches continue to grow, driving innovation in nu...

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Transparent supply chains Aug 2026

According to data from Innova Market Insights, 65% of consumers globally find transparency at least very important when choosing sustainable food and drink products. Twenty-two percent say that supply chain details matter to them the most in a sustainable product. New launches support sustainability claims with third-party certifications and clear information on responsibly sourced renewable materials and recyclable packaging. 

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Climate-smart packagingAug 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that consumers globally are concerned about packaging’s impact on excessive CO2 emissions. New product launches show that the largest share of launches with carbon-neutral claims were dairy products, while sauces and seasonings had an increase in climate-smart claims.

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Jano Crema, Huhtamaki
Video13:44
Huhtamaki Australia calls for packaging regulatory reform to facilitate paper recycling

Inconsistent waste sorting capacity and low end-market interest in recycled material pose key challenges to Australia's recycling industry, argues Jano Crema, sustainability and public relations manager at Huhtamaki Australia. He calls for regulatory reforms to strengthen paper...

Dr. Nick, British Glass
Video10:33
British Glass director: pEPR reforms key to glass circularity success
Anna Altner, Yangi
Video10:29
Yangi founder: Economic and regulatory uncertainty slow fiber packaging adoption
Alison Rodwell, James Cropper
Video09:10
James Cropper on how color shapes packaging stories
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