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Curaçao project highlights packaging design barriers to island recycling

The TUI Care Foundation has expanded its recycling project in Curaçao, a constituent country of the Netherlands, to boost tourism's role in reducing plastic waste through design-for-recycling and packaging material choices. In collaboration with local organization Green Phenix, the second stage of Destination Zero Waste Curaçao is set to incorporate 100 tourism and hospitality businesses, with the aim of collecting, sorting, and recycling 25 metric tons of plastic waste and 30 metric tons of other waste materials. 
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Dessert packaging prioritizes freshness with resealable, recyclable formats
The sweet snack and dessert packaging sector is advancing to achieve a dual mandate. Businesses are looking into solutions that provide a circular economy profile while protecting food textures, like the precise crunch of a biscuit or the moisture of a baked sweet snack.Packaging Insights speaks to Constantia Flexibles and Südpack, with data from Innova Market Insights about how regulatory updates and shifting consumer expectations are pushing dessert brands to rethink their delivery format.
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GAIA: “Waste colonialism” fuels Africa’s plastic crisis amid circular initiatives
Effective waste management in Africa is undermined by imports of plastic waste from the Global North, says Merissa Naidoo, plastic program manager at the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) Africa. She adds that this plastic waste is often mislabeled as recyclable but, due to the volume of imports, ends up being poorly managed or openly burned. Packaging Insights sits down with Naidoo to explore Africa’s waste management, highlighting the countries that are leading the way, as well as what she calls the industry’s “false solutions,” including  waste-to-energy, chemical recycling, and plastic credits. 
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Trends in dessert packaging
Innova Market Insights data indicates a 9% increase in new dessert launches between April 2025 and March 2026. Among these launches, 44% feature recyclable packaging claims, while compostable packaging claims are growing the fastest. At the same time, consumers say they prefer resealable packaging when purchasing desserts.
GREIF promotional graphic for a science-based look at fluoridation and PFAS, featuring a white plastic container and Access Now button
A Science Based Look at Fluorination and PFAS.
Are all fluorinated packaging technologies created equal? Or are we oversimplifying risk? Greif examines how process chemistry, particularly oxygen control, fundamentally shapes PFAS outcomes. Backed by validated data and scientific rigor, this paper reframes barrier selection for regulators, engineers, and decision-makers seeking compliant, high-performance packaging solutions.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Greif.
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UBQ Materials CEO on plastic alternatives in times of supply chain crisis
We speak with Albert Douer, CEO at UBQ Materials, about scaling plastic alternatives during times of supply chain disruption, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent US-Iran war. We also discuss the importance of leadership in driving sustainable change, which Douer attests should benefit everyone, not just the wealthiest in society.

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Pumpkin peel-based packaging can extend fruit freshness, study finds
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Researchers at Kyushu University, Japan, have used pumpkin peel as a raw material to synthesize a nanomaterial for food packaging that slows the deterioration of fruit and other produce while reducing transport damage.The study, published in Food Research International, investigated pumpkin peel, an agricultural by-product that accounts for roughly 10% of the fruit’s weight, as a raw material for developing biodegradable functional food packaging designed to preserve fruit quality.
Sulapac provides bio-based material for Yom Beauty’s lip mask packaging
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Sulapac Solid material has been selected for Yom Beauty’s new lip mask packaging, supporting the UK-based cosmetics brand’s launch of what it describes as the world’s first LipSafe lip mask made entirely with food-grade ingredients.The microplastic-free mask is marketed as safe under the idea that what goes on the lips also goes in. “We make lip formulas with that accidental journey in mind,” says the company.
TotalEnergies Corbion commercializes bio-based polystyrene alternative
PLA Polystyrene Alternative
TotalEnergies Corbion has launched Luminy Foam 50F, a high melt strength polylactic acid (PLA) solution for extrusion foamed packaging applications. The material is developed for use in trays for fresh food products, including fish and meat, as well as for foodservice packaging formats, such as clamshells and bowls.  The material is designed to replicate the performance of conventional extruded polystyrene (XPS), while offering a reduced carbon footprint, according to the PLA production company.
QR codes on packaging spark consumer privacy debate
Man scans QR code
Invented to track vehicle parts more efficiently during manufacturing, QR codes are now a common feature on packaging. Yet, as the black and white square becomes second nature for consumers, some voices have highlighted the risk that the technology could undermine digital privacy rights. Meaning “quick response,” consumers can scan QR codes to find out a host of information, such as recycling instructions, allergen information, product origin, promotions, and recipes. They offer companies a direct pathway to engage with consumers and raise awareness around their brand.  
Beauty packaging digitalization advances alongside material innovation
Two women design beauty packaging
Packaging companies serving the beauty and personal care sector are adopting digital technologies and innovative materials to address evolving industry challenges, including growing consumer expectations for high performance and strong environmental credentials. Packaging Insights speaks with Aptar Beauty, Sidel, and Bormioli Luigi about their latest R&D innovations and why digitalization is becoming essential to maintaining a competitive edge.
Regenerative agriculture struggles to resonate as shoppers seek personal...
Regenerative agriculture.

Food Ingredients First

Consumers increasingly care about how their food is produced. However, technical terms, such as “resilient” and “regenerative” agriculture, are unlikely to influence buying decisions unless they are linked to clear personal benefits, according to new research from the EIT Food Consumer Observatory.
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Policy & regulation news
EU sets chemical recycling calculation rules for PET bottles
The European Commission (EC) has adopted a new Implementing Decision on the calculation, verification, and reporting of data on chemically recycled content in single-use plastic beverage bottles for compliance with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).   The EC says that with the new rules, it aims to ensure transparency in the calculation of chemically recycled PET, to “level the playing field,” and secure the plastic recycling sector. “Europe’s plastic recycling sector faces mounting pressures,” adds Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.  “The new rules on chemical recycling are part of the answer to that challenge.” 
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Policy & regulation news
China enforces express delivery packaging rules to reduce...
China’s first mandatory national standard targeting excessive packaging in express delivery, the Requirements for Restricting Excessive Packaging in Express Delivery, came into effect on July 1. The new national standard sets key indicators for the size and suitability of express packaging boxes, the number of packaging layers, and the amount of sealing tape used, defining the baseline requirements for limiting excessive packaging in express delivery, including e-commerce parcels.
June Industry Review
Packaging & Technology News
June in review: Top Packaging Trends 2026, FIFA’s...
Last month, Packaging Insights’ webinar, Top Packaging Trends 2026, explored how brands can thrive in a fast-changing market, with packaging industry experts highlighting the forces shaping the future of F&B packaging. The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off, sparking discussions about the future of single-use foodservice packaging at large-scale venues, as well as the safety considerations associated with some reusable formats. Additionally, we explored the latest developments in EPR in the US and how packagers in the EU are preparing for the looming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) August deadline. 

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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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Creative aluminum can designs shape beverage packaging Jul 2026

Aluminum can design is trending toward vibrant color blocking, soft gradients, and unexpected color palettes that help drinks stand out instantly on crowded shelves. Brands are also embracing illustrated, hand-drawn styles and playful mascots to add personality and storytelling, blending craft-inspired artwork with modern, clean packaging layouts.

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Trends in dessert packagingJul 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 9% increase in new dessert launches between April 2025 and March 2026. Among these launches, 44% feature recyclable packaging claims, while compostable packaging claims are growing the fastest. At the same time, consumers say they prefer resealable packaging when purchasing desserts.

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UBQ Material video thumbnail: Smiling man in a circular portrait beside a container filled with gray plastic pellets for manufacturing
Video15:57
UBQ Materials CEO on plastic alternatives in times of supply chain crisis

We speak with Albert Douer, CEO at UBQ Materials, about scaling plastic alternatives during times of supply chain disruption, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent US-Iran war. We also discuss the importance of leadership in driving sustainable change, which Douer attests should benefit...

RAWS Americas video thumbnail: Smiling man in a blazer beside a close-up pattern of amber-colored plastic pellets
Video19:28
RAWS scales biodegradable plastic additive to tackle packaging waste
Cheryl Caudill, Greif
Video04:28
Interpack 2026: Greif on PPWR, barrier packaging and digital customer solutions
Promotional webinar graphic featuring packaged fresh fruit in clear plastic containers, with text about PPWR readiness and packaging supply chain compliance, scheduled for 24 June at 3pm CEST, alongsi
Webinars45:29
PPWR Deadline: Streamline Supply Chain Compliance Before August 12, 2026
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