Promotional banner for PakTech at Interpack with red branding, booth details, meeting call-to-action, and multipack bottle carriers.
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Empack 2026 review: Rising oil prices, global regulations & AI dominate industry innovation

Innovations responding to pressures from global regulations and rising fossil fuel prices took center stage at this year’s Empack, held last week in Gorinchem, Netherlands. Meanwhile, the shift toward AI and automation in factories was also at the forefront of manufacturers’ priorities, highlighting the challenge of balancing technological innovation with secure handling and practical, real-world application. 
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Packaging sector advances accessibility through inclusive design
Packaging industry leaders and advocates are emphasizing that the concept of an “average” consumer does not account for the diverse needs of millions living with disabilities, chronic pain, or visual impairments. For these individuals, everyday tasks such as opening a bottle or identifying a product can be challenging. Packaging Insights speaks to Amcor, Tilt Beauty, and Etia about how inclusive design is moving from a niche “special project” to a core pillar of packaging innovation strategy.
Viktor Wingård Börjesson, chief operating officer at PulPac
Interpack 2026: PulPac to showcase “plastic-like” fiber-based closures
PulPac will exhibit its Dry Molded Fiber caps for the first time at Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany (May 7–13). Packaging Insights speaks with Viktor Wingård Börjesson, chief operating officer at PulPac, about the development stage of the new generation of fiber-based caps, the consumer experience they offer, and how closely they match traditional plastic bottle closures. What makes PulPac’s fiber caps different from existing solutions? 
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Eco-forward rigid plastic
As consumer concern around sustainability grows, the use of more eco-forward rigid materials is increasing. This is reflected in a rising number of F&B launches using more sustainable rigid packaging, particularly recyclable plastic. Most of these launches are concentrated in Europe.
Empack 2026 Domino Printing Sciences video thumbnail: Man smiling at a Domino trade show booth with large display screen and industrial printing equipment in a modern exhibition space
Empack 2026: Domino Printing Sciences presents digital coding and serialization for compliance
Domino Printing Sciences showcased its portfolio of coding, serialization, and automation at Empack 2026. We spoke to Luit Bakker, key account manager at Domino Benelux, about the company’s GS1-powered QR codes, integrated printing systems, and digital tools for compliance and efficiency.
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Packaging Innovations 2026 review: Data, design & regulations drive circularity
Packaging Innovations 2026 in Birmingham, UK, welcomed 450 exhibitors showcasing circular packaging design. As the industry adapts to the UK’s packaging EPR and DRS launch, suppliers presented solutions catering to these regulatory shifts. Highlights included recycle-ready monomaterial solutions, compostable packaging and labels, and AI-assisted recyclability data analytics.

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OSP acquires Global Venture to secure labeling capacity for US market
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OSP Holdings, a Japan-based packaging company and member of the OSP Group, has acquired all shares of Global Venture, a seal and label manufacturer in the US. Primark America Corporation, the US subsidiary of the OSP Group, works with Japanese food companies on the US West Coast for seal and label sales. However, geographical distance and outsourced or imported manufacturing has led to long delivery times and high costs.
International Paper to expand containerboard capacity with NORPAC acquisition
paper
International Paper (IP) has entered into an agreement to acquire North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC), a portfolio company of One Rock Capital Partners, for US$360 million. NORPAC, a US-based paper manufacturer, currently operates three machines that produce approximately one million tons of containerboard and other grades annually. 
Packaging modernization shown to influence purchase intent
A person looking at a package
New research from Adelaide University, Australia, reveals that packaging modernization impacts purchase intention primarily through indirect mechanisms, highlighting the dual importance of aesthetic appeal and recognizable brand cues. The study, published in Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, further emphasizes how packaging modernization decisions can be operationalized via research, suggesting strategies such as tracking consumer likability over time and testing brand identification and product findability. 
Tetra Pak talks balancing packaging decarbonization and food security concerns
Children drink milk from carton packaging
Aseptic packaging plays a key role in extending shelf life without preservatives and improves food access, while supporting recyclable, low-carbon cartons and circular systems, all while meeting safety standards, according to Tetra Pak. We sit down with a company spokesperson to find out more about the use of aseptic packaging to ameliorate food insecurity and lower environmental impact. “A major trend right now is the continued focus on decarbonizing the global food systems. While food security underpins nutrition, public health, and long-term economic growth, it is increasingly important to address the environmental impact of food production alongside the need to feed a growing population,” the TetraPak spokesperson tells Packaging Insights.
Interpack 2026: UPM and Felix Schoeller to present customizable, fiber-based...
snack bar
UPM Specialty Materials and Felix Schoeller, a paper manufacturer, are set to showcase a customizable, recyclable, and fiber-based solution for flexible food packaging at Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany (May 7–13). The solution combines UPM’s Solide Lucent paper packaging and Felix Schoeller’s barrier concept, which can be tailored to specific product performance requirements. It is suitable for flexible food packaging like chocolate and snack bars. 
Deep-tech firms apply quantum computing and AI to transform alt-protein texture
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Food Ingredients First

Saudi-based AI computational intelligence company True Nexus has partnered with quantum computing firm Pasqal to solve a major challenge in the alternative protein and food industry — accurately modeling and predicting protein functionality. The collaboration aims to address challenges in gelatin, texture, and overall protein behavior in complex food products.
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New Product Development
Empack 2026 live: Bizerba debuts CO2 leak detection system...
At this year’s Empack 2026, Bizerba is launching its in-line leak detection system designed for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays that use CO2, such as for fresh meat, poultry, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals.  It aims to reduce food spoilage caused by gas leaks and increase shelf life. Unlike previous offline testing methods, LeakSecure checks MAP packages during production to catch errors early. 
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Packaging & Technology News
Empack 2026 live: Fuji Packaging navigates PPWR and...
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) mandate on minimum free space requires a new approach to sealing, with greater focus on time, temperature, and product protection, says Peter Matel, general manager at Fuji Packaging Benelux. At Empack 2026 in Gorinchem, Netherlands (April 14–16), Matel tells Packaging Insights that switching to monomaterial PE and PP solutions, although aligned with regulations, can affect supply change and product flow. 
Innova Top Packaging Trends 2026.
Special report
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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Renewable rebellionApr2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates stable growth in F&B launches featuring “renewable packaging” claims between 2021 and 2025. Carton was the most commonly used packaging material, and launches...

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Packaging for Easter treats Apr 2026

Innova Market Insights data highlights rising momentum in Easter-related F&B packaging launches, with an average annual growth of 11% between 2021 and 2025. Brands are increasingly leveraging seasonal packaging to capture consumer attention, introducing playful shapes, innovative formats, and limited-edition designs. Colorful eggs, bunnies, and spring motifs continue to define F&B packaging design during the festive period.

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Eco-forward rigid plasticApr 2026

As consumer concern around sustainability grows, the use of more eco-forward rigid materials is increasing. This is reflected in a rising number of F&B launches using more sustainable rigid packaging, particularly recyclable plastic. Most of these launches are concentrated in Europe.

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Empack 2026 Domino Printing Sciences video thumbnail: Man smiling at a Domino trade show booth with large display screen and industrial printing equipment in a modern exhibition space
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Empack 2026: Domino Printing Sciences presents digital coding and serialization for compliance

Domino Printing Sciences showcased its portfolio of coding, serialization, and automation at Empack 2026. We spoke to Luit Bakker, key account manager at Domino Benelux, about the company’s GS1-powered QR codes, integrated printing systems, and digital tools for compliance and efficiency.

Stephan Tagg, Markem-Imaje, Empack 2026, AI Inspection, Packaging Automation, Secure Software, Data Leak Prevention, Quality Control, Smart Detection, Enterprise Integration, Printing And Pre-Press, M
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Empack 2026: Markem-Imaje on secure software to prevent data leaks in packaging
Sam Walker, Xample
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Empack 2026: Xampla presents plastic-free packaging with Huhtamaki for Just Eat
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Empack 2026 live: Niverplast showcases bag-in-box solutions as market expands
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