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EU updates PPWR reporting methodology as plastic use rises

Plastic was the only packaging category that expanded between 2011 and 2025 in the EU, rising by 11%, a new European Commission (EC) Joint Research Center (JRC) study has found. During the same period, packaging from the F&B sector was behind 97% of packaging material released on the market, while the total amount of all packaging on the market was 98 kg per capita. 
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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.
Alison Rodwell, James Cropper
James Cropper on how color shapes packaging stories
Alison Rodwell, technical specialist for Paper and Packaging at James Cropper, talks about how color helps packaging tell authentic brand stories on the shelf, balance technical consistency with cultural meaning, and create an unboxing experience for online shopping. She also discusses popular visual trends in packaging design.

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Henkel and Applied Adhesives partner to expand US flexible packaging reach
A touching a piece of plastic film
Applied Adhesives has announced an exclusive US distribution partnership with Henkel’s Packaging Adhesives business. Applied Adhesives aims to strengthen its presence in the flexible packaging market and provide converters across the US with access to Henkel’s adhesive and coating technologies.The partnership will bring together Henkel’s product portfolio and industry expertise with Applied Adhesives’ national sales organization, technical service, and logistics network.
Elopak supplies Florette France with cartons for soup
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Florette France has relaunched its vegetable soups in Elopak’s 1 L Pure-Pak Sense cartons, replacing its previous PET bottle packaging. “This new carton packaging allows us to enhance the visibility of the range in stores thanks to a larger on‑pack display area,” says Lionel Manivet, responsible innovation expert at Florette France.  
Aora México brings plastic-free beauty packaging to Sephora
A group of makeup products on a black surface
Aora México, a color cosmetics brand that uses fully plastic-free and fully recyclable packaging, has launched at Sephora. Aora says it is “the first plastic-free beauty brand” to launch at the retailer, reflecting the beauty industry’s shift toward reduced reliance on single-use packaging. Aora’s products are packaged in tin, aluminum, or wood with zero plastic. Its cosmetic solutions are formulated with Mexican-origin ingredients, including five native chiles, tepezcohuite, and cactus flower. 
Aluminium China 2026 live: Industry spotlights automated packaging recycling...
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Aluminium China 2026 (July 8-10) has opened its doors to visitors in Shanghai, where the packaging and metal recycling sectors are presenting their latest technologies, focusing on automation and emissions reduction.RX Greater China, the event organizer, highlights that innovation in the country’s non-ferrous metals market is expanding. RX points out that new materials and production processes are advancing rapidly, while companies across the supply chain are increasingly recognizing the value of innovation.
Curaçao project highlights packaging design barriers to island recycling
people holding plastic waste
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. 
EU Livestock Strategy revives cage-free farming push as Brussels targets...
EU Commission building.

Food Ingredients First

The European Commission’s first EU Livestock Strategy has placed animal welfare, protein security, and farm competitiveness into one policy package, setting up a new phase of debate across Europe’s agri-food value chain. Published alongside the EU Protein Action Plan earlier this week, the strategy is intended to keep Europe’s livestock sector “strong and resilient in the long term.” It also responds to pressures around climate, feed imports, disease, consumer expectations, and farm profitability.
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Packaging & Technology News
QR codes on packaging spark consumer privacy debate
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.  
PET bottle production
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.” 
A person packing a box.
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.

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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.

Trend analysis

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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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Alison Rodwell, James Cropper
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James Cropper on how color shapes packaging stories

Alison Rodwell, technical specialist for Paper and Packaging at James Cropper, talks about how color helps packaging tell authentic brand stories on the shelf, balance technical consistency with cultural meaning, and create an unboxing experience for online shopping. She also discusses popular...

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Interpack 2026: Greif on PPWR, barrier packaging and digital customer solutions
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