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Sawdust foam emerges as potential alternative to PS packaging

Scientists have developed sawdust-based foams that could offer an alternative to fossil fuel-based materials used in protective packaging, such as polystyrene (PS) packing peanuts and box inserts. Published in ACS Applied Polymer Materials, the prototypes incorporate cellulose binders and other additives to create rigid or flexible materials. According to the scientists, some versions matched PS strength and impact resistance, while a beeswax coating improved water resistance.
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Sealed Air and Yangi: Fiber trays & flexibles reshape protein packs amid regulatory pressures
Protein packaging is undergoing a material, design, and barrier transformation as the industry recognizes sustainability as no longer an aspiration, but a requirement. To understand the latest innovations and trends in the category, Packaging Insights speaks to Sealed Air and Yangi, and draws on data from Innova Market Insights. 
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Sealed Air exec: Proof, not promises, will drive packaging sustainability claims
Despite the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s (PPWR) complexity, it offers companies the opportunity to truly support a circular economy — but only if transparency and traceability are prioritized, says Arnaud Brunet, executive director for Food Products, Marketing, and Sustainability EMEA, at Sealed Air.As the deadline for the PPWR approaches, Packaging Insights sits down with Brunet to discuss how companies can beat eco-fatigue and use the momentum of the landmark regulation to take “decisive steps” in packaging redesign.
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Protein packaging reinvented
Innova Market Insights data reveals that consumers find packaging very important when choosing meat and dairy products. Standard Tray and Flat pouch were the leading packaging types, while Cup emerged as the packaging category with the fastest rise in innovation. Bio-based material for protein launches had 21% growth from April 2021 to March 2026, opening the path to new packaging opportunities.
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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RAWS scales biodegradable plastic additive to tackle packaging waste
Return to Air, Water, and Soil (RAWS) Americas is a US-based plastics technology company that creates an additive for plastic to make it biodegradable. We speak to Camilo Ferro, president at the company, about scaling RAWS technology amid the industry’s effort to innovate end-of-life solutions for plastic packaging waste.
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International Paper to close four more US packaging facilities
Paper production facility
International Paper (IP) will cease operations at four of its US plants by the end of the third quarter of the year. The affected facilities include its preprint operations in Richwood, Kentucky, its sheet plant in Aurora, Illinois, as well as its converting plants in Elk Grove, California, and Barrington, New Jersey.
Bobst advances corrugated folder-gluer automation with modernization
machine line
Bobst has launched an updated folder-gluer machine for corrugated board converting. The Masterfold now includes up-to-date technologies that ensure greater safety, simplified operations, and production efficiency. “We have completely modernized the Masterfold 170, 230, and 300 to create a new machine which sets a benchmark for corrugated board folder-gluers,” says Sasha Bourgeois, RD&E director of the Bobst folder-gluer line. 
Recyda introduces PPWR Navigator for Declarations of Conformity & Technical...
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Recyda has launched its Recyda PPWR Navigator to support packaging companies in dealing with aspects of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), namely Declarations of Conformity (DoC) and Technical Documentation (TD). The end-to-end compliance solution allows customers to ensure their DoC and TD are fully organized, compliant, and signed in time, according to Recyda.“Recyda’s mission has always been to lift the burden of manual compliance by empowering the packaging value chain with modern, auditable digital solutions. Developing a sophisticated and reliable platform specifically for PPWR is the logical evolution of that core purpose,” comments Christian Knobloch, co-founder and managing director at Recyda.
Refillable packaging under PPWR: Personal care & e-commerce packagers...
Woman refills reusable personal care packaging
Major packaging companies are increasingly looking to develop refillable and reusable alternatives to single-use packaging as the August 12 implementation deadline of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) approaches. DS Smith has launched the Reuse Fast Track initiative alongside the French wings of e-commerce manufacturers and suppliers Re-Zip and Raja Group to push for reusable fiber-based packaging in line with the PPWR.  Meanwhile, consumer research conducted by Amcor finds that consumers are becoming “more receptive” to refillable personal care formats, driven by affordability and environmental considerations. 
Shell advances chemical recycling with industry and research partners
workers doing research
International oil company Shell, alongside recyclers Renewi and BlueAlp, has partnered with researchers from Utrecht University, the Netherlands, to develop catalyst and adsorbent materials designed to address “critical bottlenecks” in current chemical recycling processes. In the Catalytic Low-temp Efficiency for Advanced decontaminatioN (CLEAN) project, Renewi collects, sorts, and processes plastic waste into flakes, which BlueAlp converts into pyrolysis oil. Then, Shell uses this oil as feedstock to produce new plastics and chemicals. 
June in review: Tate & Lyle-Ingredion deal, IFF Food Ingredients sale,...
Food industry news review June 2026.

Food Ingredients First

In June 2026, Tate & Lyle’s board recommended Ingredion’s £2.7 billion (US$3.6 billion) cash offer in a deal that would create a larger global ingredient solutions provider across texture, sweetening, sugar reduction, mouthfeel, and fortification. Meanwhile, IFF’s US$4.3 billion sale of its Food Ingredients business to CVC highlighted rising private equity interest, supplier portfolio simplification, and possible ripple effects for competitors, customers, and future M&A.
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Packaging & Technology News
Burgopak packages at-home mole screening kit for Map My Mole
Burgopak, a packaging design agency based in the UK, has developed new packaging for the Image Capture Kit from Map My Mole, a private service that provides remote assessments of moles and skin lesions.The kit contains a clinical dermoscope, which is a magnifying lens attachment for smartphones. The lens allows users to capture medical-quality images of moles at home for assessment by a consultant dermatologist, requiring packaging that provides security and protection.
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Packaging & Technology News
EU simplifies CLP rules for packaging sector with...
The EU Council and the European Parliament (EP) have reached a provisional agreement simplifying the rules of the classification, packaging, and labeling of chemicals (CLP) regulation, as well as for cosmetics and fertilizing products. For packaging products, the provisional agreement made amendments to labeling readability, exemptions, and transitional periods for relabeling. 
GREIF promotional graphic for a science-based look at fluoridation and PFAS, featuring a white plastic container and Access Now button
Technical paper
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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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.

Trend analysis

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Protein packaging reinventedJun 2026

Innova Market Insights data reveals that consumers find packaging very important when choosing meat and dairy products. Standard Tray and Flat pouch were the leading packaging types, while Cup emerged as the packaging category with the fastest rise in innovation. Bio-based material for protein launches had 21% growth from April 2021 to March 2026, opening the path to new packaging opportunities.

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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

Return to Air, Water, and Soil (RAWS) Americas is a US-based plastics technology company that creates an additive for plastic to make it biodegradable. We speak to Camilo Ferro, president at the company, about scaling RAWS technology amid the industry’s effort to innovate end-of-life solutions...

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
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PPWR Deadline: Streamline Supply Chain Compliance Before August 12, 2026
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Siegwerk combines white ink and oxygen barrier in one layer with CIRKIT OXYBAR WHITE
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