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Packaging sitting in a compost pile.

Compostable packaging goes mainstream: How technology, regulation & market demand drive innovation

The compostable packaging category recently received a regulatory boost from the EU’s mandate requiring home compostable adhesive labels on fruit and vegetables by February 2028. At the same time, compostable packaging technology is reshaping conversations about regional end-of-life strategy.
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Fragmented EPR rules push packaging industry toward value-chain collaboration
EPRs are rolling out across countries and regions, but harmonization remains low. Packaging Insights speaks to Bay Cities Packaging, Constantia Flexibles, Flint Group, Korozo Group, and Recyda, to find out how industry players can work together to ensure compliance.  “EPR frameworks are evolving beyond Europe, including in the UK, North America, and parts of Asia, each with its own timelines and reporting obligations,” Thomas Schulz, VP of Group Marketing Communication at Constantia Flexibles, tells us. “The EPR environment is clearly accelerating the shift toward Design for Recycling, greater material efficiency, and increased transparency.” 
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Industrial Physics expert urges metal packaging industry to invest in automation
The metal packaging industry is now focusing on overcoming challenges through investment, process improvement, and greater adoption of modern measurement technologies, according to Stefan Welker, strategic segment manager for Rigid Packaging at Industrial Physics.Recently, Industrial Physics published a report, titled Ready but not prepared: Metal packaging 2028 reality check, unveiling the mounting quality and production pressures in the sector.
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Protein packaging reinvented
Innova Market Insights data reveals that consumers find packaging very important when choosing meat & dairy product launches. Standard tray & flat pouch were the leading packaging, while cup emerged as the packaging with the fastest rise in innovation. Biobased material for protein launches had 21% growth from April 2021 to March 2026, opening the path for 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.
Michael Fürgut, Handtmann
Interpack 2026: Handtmann elevates efficiency and flexibility with automated production systems

At Interpack 2026, Handtmann highlighted innovations in flexible, modular production systems for food and non-food sectors. Head of product management Michael Fürgut explained how automated solutions, digital line control, and advanced loading systems improve efficiency, product consistency, and adaptability for alternative proteins and diverse packaging formats.

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Xindeco RFID expansion targets hard-to-tag beauty and accessory products
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Xindeco IoT, an RFID tags manufacturer based in Xiamen, China, has expanded the VersaTrack tag family with Gen2X support and unveiled two additional tags, namely VersaMax and VersaNano. The ultra-small tags are designed to extend inventory visibility into previously untaggable product categories. Recently, Xindeco IoT partnered with Impinj, a manufacturer of RFID devices and software, to support the inventory management for international retailers at Miniso. Miniso deployed Xindeco’s VersaMini RFID tags across cosmetics, accessories, and other compact merchandise, with expansion now moving into Europe.
Eco-Products expands compostable, recyclable and reusable cup portfolio
reusable cups
Eco-Products, a Novolex brand, has introduced a range of compostable, recyclable, and reusable cups, aiming to provide the foodservice sector with the “more ways” to reduce waste. The collection features redesigned paper-based World Art hot cups, aluminum cold cups made with 90% recycled content, and additions to the company's Veda line of reusable products. 
Nuon Medical introduces applicator tech for hair, face and body care
Nuon Medical’s Nourish Scalp Roller Comb.
Nuon Medical is expanding its packaging product lines for hair, face, and body care brands, featuring red light therapy and additional integrated technologies designed to improve product dispersal and efficacy. The cosmetic solutions company is launching the Nourish Scalp Roller Comb compact applicator with a 5 ml reservoir to dispense formula across the scalp and work it through the hair.  
New York packaging EPR bill stalls for third year amid industry-NGO divide
recycling men New York
In the US, New York’s Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) has failed to pass for a third consecutive year. The EPR bill would require producers to fund recycling infrastructure and reduce packaging, but New York’s legislative session ended before it could be put to a vote, despite the bill having cleared the Senate. 
Pick Place joins TG-Group to boost robotics and automation
shaking hands
TG-Group and Pick Place have begun a strategic integration to improve TG-Group by bringing together complementary expertise in packaging, robotics, and intelligent automation within one integrated ecosystem. The Belgian industrial group is made up of specialized companies, including TG-Packaging, Entrec, Frematt, and A-tec, offering capabilities in packaging machinery, infeed technology, flowpack solutions, retrofit projects, and spare parts management and service.  
Yakult’s first new flavor in 46 years signals shift toward sensory-led...
yakult peach flavor gut health drink

Food Ingredients First

Yakult Singapore has unveiled a new peach-flavored probiotic cultured milk drink, marking the company’s first flavor innovation in Singapore since flavored Yakult was introduced in 1980. The launch reflects growing consumer demand for variety, wellness-focused beverages, and functional products that deliver both health benefits and sensory appeal.
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Packaging & Technology News
Inflation reshapes dairy packaging with smaller packs and...
Rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures are pushing consumers to prioritize price and value in dairy packaging, says Julia Trebels, global category and consumer insights manager at SIG. “Consumers are prioritizing price and value in dairy, driving growth in private label products, trading down to lower-priced brands, and increased demand for smaller pack sizes or value formats, while still expecting quality, innovation, and sustainability,” Trebels tells Packaging Insights. 
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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Packaging & Technology News
FIFA to use disposables at Toronto matches despite 1M...
As Toronto, Canada, prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, an analysis by the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA) has revealed that transitioning to reusable cups and foodware at the events could prevent more than one million single-use plastic packaging items. FIFA has chosen not to adopt a reusable foodservice system at the matches in Canada. Toronto is set to host six FIFA matches. Meanwhile, the city will host a nearly month-long FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York this summer, with up to CA$200,000 (US$144,000) allocated for reusable cups and foodware as part of FIFA’s sustainability legacy initiatives.

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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.

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Protein packaging reinventedJun 2026

Innova Market Insights data reveals that consumers find packaging very important when choosing meat & dairy product launches. Standard tray & flat pouch were the leading packaging, while cup emerged as the packaging with the fastest rise in innovation. Biobased material for protein launches had 21% growth from April 2021 to March 2026, opening the path for new packaging opportunities.

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