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PPWR uncertainty drives surge in packaging EPR compliance demand, says Lappa

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has made packaging compliance an urgent operational focus for cross-border companies, according to Lappa, a tax management solution provider based in the UK.Lappa’s consultation data reveals that 46% of its clients discovered that their eco-fee obligation was lower than expected, or that the payment obligation they had been preparing for did not apply to them at all.
Two people eat from bio-based foodservice packaging
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.  
Ryo Himuro
Material Week Tokyo 2026: Avery Dennison targets labor and plastic reduction
Avery Dennison highlighted its plug-and-play packaging manufacturing solutions targeting markets in Asia at Highly-Functional Material Week Tokyo 2026 (Sep 30 – Oct 2). Ryo Himuro, senior business development specialist at Avery Dennison said local producers balance environmental sustainability demands with expectations for extreme production speed. 
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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.
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Pulpac on scaling dry molded fiber from pilot to commercial reality

Viktor Wingård Borgesson, chief operating officer at Pulpac, discusses scaling dry molded fiber technology from pilots to commercial production, competition with plastic and wet molded fiber, and recent partnerships. 

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Butterfly Equity acquires Sabert to accelerate food pack growth
apples in packaging
Butterfly Equity, a US-based private F&B investment firm, is set to acquire Sabert for an undisclosed sum. The partnership aims to create a platform for growth across food packaging, combining Butterfly’s sector expertise with Sabert’s global manufacturing footprint and packaging portfolio.  Sabert has operations across the food packaging industry with innovations in plastic, paper, and molded fiber. It has 13 manufacturing sites globally and serves major F&B supermarkets, restaurants, and fresh protein and food processors, with over 400 product patents. 
Novelis supplies Beiersdorf with 95% recycled aluminum for Nivea tin
Blue nivea tin for skin care
Novelis has equipped Beiersdorf, the German skin care company, with a 95% recycled aluminum tin for its classic personal care brand Nivea Creme. The production of recycled aluminum boasts a lower carbon footprint compared to the virgin material, which is formed during an energy-intensive process. 
Masterpress makes Karlville Swiss investment, expands recyclable pouch...
two pouches
Masterpress, a European provider of high-quality label and packaging solutions, has installed a Karlville Swiss pouch-making machine at its Białystok production site in Poland.The investment aims to diversify the company’s packaging portfolio to meet market demand and compliance under the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Pack Expo 2026 preview: Exhibitors target efficiency, material reduction & 2D...
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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.” 
Berlin Packaging expands spirits portfolio with lightweight PET and...
glass bottles
Berlin Packaging is presenting a range of hybrid packaging solutions and technical expertise for the beverage industry at Bar Convent Berlin 2026 (Oct 12–14), a trade show for the bar and spirits sector in Germany. The Lighter Side of Spirit is a range of PET packaging for the spirits market, including the Alco, Flask, and Fat bottle designs. The range is available in most conventional market sizes, as well as a 50 mL miniature. 
Europe’s food system faces growing climate and supply chain risks
Corn crop growing in drought conditions.

Food Ingredients First

Europe’s food system ranks among the world’s most resilient, but mounting climate pressures, supply chain weaknesses, and trade barriers could threaten that position, according to a new report from Economist Enterprise, supported by Cargill. The analysis warns that vulnerabilities spanning agricultural production, irrigation, and cold-chain infrastructure risk amplifying disruption across the food supply chain, with potential consequences for raw material availability, operating costs, and food prices. 
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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).
SME e-commerce seller packages order
Policy & regulation news
EU Parliament committee backs EPR reprieve for SME packaging
Yesterday, the European Parliament’s (EP) Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety voted in favor of a proposal to temporarily suspend authorized representative requirements for micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs) under packaging EPR rules.  According to the EP, the proposal comes from the European Commission’s (EC) Environmental Omnibus package and aims to reduce administrative burdens. If adopted, the requirement for SMEs to appoint authorized representatives to export packaging and single-use plastics within the EU will be dropped until 2035. 

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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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Pulpac on scaling dry molded fiber from pilot to commercial reality

Viktor Wingård Borgesson, chief operating officer at Pulpac, discusses scaling dry molded fiber technology from pilots to commercial production, competition with plastic and wet molded fiber, and recent partnerships. 

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Video04:18
Material Week Tokyo 2026: Brückner Group highlights film stretching and testing systems in Japan
Dr. Shekhar Nath, Hindalco Industries
Video06:06
Material Week Tokyo 2026 live: Hindalco presents ceramic solutions for pharma glass
Bahar Koyuncu, CBE JU
Video16:12
CBE JU highlights bio-based packaging projects including fiber bubble wrap
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