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Pack Expo 2026 live: Tetra Pak, SIG & TNA on innovating for on-the-go packaging formats

At Pack Expo International 2026 in Chicago, US (Oct 18–21), packaging companies highlight convenience and portability as key drivers of snack packaging innovation in North America.  Busy lifestyles and growing interest in portion control are prompting companies to develop smaller formats designed for on-the-go consumption, experts from SIG, Tetra Pak, and TNA tell Packaging Insights at the show. 
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Bioplastic packaging tackles recyclability and reuse challenges across industries
Scientists and commercial researchers are continuously discovering new natural polymers that can be turned into bioplastic packaging and replace conventional fossil-based polymers.  This type of material is most often sought after for its natural degradation properties, which some see as a solution to packaging waste pollution. Packaging Insights looks at the packaging applications where bioplastics show the greatest potential, along with Ampacet, Sulapac, and Taghleef Industries. The packaging material suppliers also discuss their latest offerings and end-of-life goals.  
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Syndigo: Brands risk overlooking data challenges behind Sunrise 2027
Brands risk underestimating the data challenge behind the global project Sunrise 2027 by focusing on the barcode rather than the information it delivers, according to Tarun Chandrasekhar, president and chief product officer at Syndigo. Syndigo is a software and product data services company that helps companies manage product information. 
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Next-gen packaging reshapes bakery aisle
Innova Market Insights data indicates that bakery packaging launches grew at a CAGR of 4% from July 2021 to June 2026. Flat pouches were the leading format, with plastic remaining the top packaging material and carton gaining momentum. Recyclable was the leading sustainability claim, while responsible source claims continued to gain ground.
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Circular by design: unlocking sustainable packaging solutions
Meeting the global challenge of plastic waste and building a low-carbon and circular economy requires innovation, investment and collaboration. Read the LyondellBasell (LYB) white paper to explore how smart packaging design can help optimize packaging performance, reduce material complexity, improve recyclability and support circularity goals.This Technical Paper is brought to you by LyondellBasell.
Leswin Canales, BPA
Pack Expo 2026 live: BPA highlights automated case packing

We speak to Leswin Canales, sales manager for South America at Blueprint Automation (BPA), about the Gantry 300 Swing, BPA case packers, and Spider 300 Wrap Around, and how the company is responding to evolving customer demands and regulatory pressures across the Americas.

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Enzymatic recycling of PE and PP lacks evidence, researchers warn
strawberry flexible plastic packaging
New research explores the potential of enzymatic recycling for certain types of plastic packaging, suggesting that the technology remains limited for non-hydrolyzable polymers, such as PE, PP, and polystyrene. In biological recycling, enzymes selectively split the chemical bonds that hold plastic together. While the technology has already been developed for PET, research from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) indicates that there are limitations when applying the approach to other types of plastic. 
Fujifilm and ePac scale high-volume digital printing for flexible packaging
printing press
Fujifilm has equipped ePac Flexible Packaging with the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790 to scale the producer’s high-volume digital printing for flexible formats. Initially, a press is set to be installed at ePac’s new facility in Arizona, US, with further expansion planned internationally and across North America. 
Crespel & Deiters highlights borax-free adhesives to meet EU chemical rules
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Crespel & Deiters is addressing EU regulations around borox toxicity with its Definol high-performance adhesives for corrugated packaging. The solution is said to be free from borax, a boron-containing mineral compound, with no additional labels or documentation required.  The EU’s classification, packaging, and labeling of chemicals (CLP) regulation now requires manufacturers to consider the combined contribution of certain boron compounds, such as borax, when determining whether mixtures meet the concentration threshold for a reproductive-toxicity classification.  
DIC and Artience launch flexible packaging recycling protocol in Japan
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DIC and Artience Group, two of Japan’s leading printing ink and packaging materials suppliers, have launched a framework for the recycling of packaging film that aims to standardize procedures for the Japanese market. The “common evaluation protocol” harmonizes test procedures, evaluation criteria, and reporting formats for the deinking and delamination of flexible packaging. 
International Paper enters talks over potential EMEA packaging sale
nternational Paper on the screen of an exchange.
International Paper (IP) is in talks with bidders about the potential sale of its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) packaging business.   The paper and packaging producer says the sale process is in an early stage and that there is “no certainty” a deal will be agreed. 
Rethinking portion size, nutrition and sensory satisfaction in the GLP-1 era
GLP-1 injection pen in female hands near abdomen.

Food Ingredients First

For food and beverage manufacturers responding to the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, the first challenges were relatively clear: consumers eating less may need smaller portions, while products must deliver more nutritional value in every bite. Protein enrichment, fiber fortification, and portion control have consequently become prominent themes in product development. 
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Packaging & Technology News
Pack Expo 2026 preview: Exhibitors target efficiency,...
Packaging companies are exploring ways to improve production efficiency, reduce material use, adapt to new software requirements, and get more from existing equipment and resources at the upcoming Pack Expo 2026 trade show in Chicago, US (Oct 18–21). The event will feature more than 2,700 suppliers across packaging and processing. The event organizers say that no other event on the continent “brings together as many suppliers, solutions, and packaging experts across factory management, engineering, operations, and purchasing.” 
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Policy & regulation news
EU weighs PPWR compliance relief as cross-border small...
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has raised concerns among micro and small businesses selling across borders within the bloc with its authorized-representative requirements, part of its EPR rules, industry groups warn.  While EU lawmakers consider temporary relief for eligible businesses, industry stakeholders remain divided over how exemptions should work and how to ensure producers continue to meet their packaging waste obligations. 
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Packaging & Technology News
Material Week Tokyo 2026 review: Japan’s plastics policies...
At Highly Functional Material Week Tokyo 2026, Japan, 1,016 exhibitors spanning corporations, industry organizations, and research institutions, presented packaging innovations across films, plastics, metals, ceramics, and sustainable materials to approximately 35,811 visitors. Driven by the expansion of the regional packaging market, businesses are aligning their strategies with Japan’s accelerating plastics policies, as well as international regulations such as the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

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Trends in AI use for packaging manufacturingOct2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that more manufacturers are launching products in new packaging formats. The growing number of formats, materials, and sustainability requirements is creating mor...

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Bioplastics expand across packaging formats Oct 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that 30% of consumers globally have chosen biodegradable packaging to be more sustainable in the past year. In response, bioplastics are appearing across diverse packaging formats, from compostable coffee and tea capsules to pouches, trays, cartons, and bottle wrappers, with innovation focusing on renewable materials, compostability, and end-of-life solutions.

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Next-gen packaging reshapes bakery aisleOct 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that bakery packaging launches grew at a CAGR of 4% from July 2021 to June 2026. Flat pouches were the leading format, with plastic remaining the top packaging material and carton gaining momentum. Recyclable was the leading sustainability claim, while responsible source claims continued to gain ground.

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Leswin Canales, BPA
Video06:49
Pack Expo 2026 live: BPA highlights automated case packing

We speak to Leswin Canales, sales manager for South America at Blueprint Automation (BPA), about the Gantry 300 Swing, BPA case packers, and Spider 300 Wrap Around, and how the company is responding to evolving customer demands and regulatory pressures across the Americas.

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Tetra Recart targets private label growth with packaging innovation
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Pulpac on scaling dry molded fiber from pilot to commercial reality
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Material Week Tokyo 2026: Brückner Group highlights film stretching and testing systems in Japan
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