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UK consultancy calls for e-commerce packaging LCAs amid “plastic demonization”

UK consultancy calls for e-commerce packaging LCAs amid “plastic demonization”

Plastic-based e-commerce packaging could benefit from full life-cycle assessments (LCAs) rather than tighter packaging regulation, according to Zoe Brimelow, director at Duo UK, a packaging manufacturer and waste management consultancy based in Manchester, UK. In a discussion with Packaging Insights, Brimelow indicates that rather than “demonizing” plastic bags, a full LCA of e-commerce operations can help businesses make informed supply chain decisions by considering every stage of the packaging process, including costs and performance. 
Soft drinks packaging: Tariffs, regulations and demographics reshape the market 
Soft drinks packaging: Tariffs, regulations and demographics reshape the market 
Packaging in the soft drinks industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by material adjustments in response to US aluminum tariffs, evolving regulations, and demographic shifts. Packaging Insights explores how these developments lead beverage producers to rethink everything from bottle shape to recycled content integration. Markus Kosak, executive director drinktec cluster at Yontex, indicates that soft drinks packaging is now at the crossroads of environmental responsibility, economic efficiency, and shifting consumer habits.
HolyGrail 2.0: Digital watermark experts explore mechanical recycling’s untapped potential
HolyGrail 2.0: Digital watermark experts explore mechanical recycling’s untapped potential
The Digital Watermarks Initiative HolyGrail 2.0 has conducted new waste sorting trials and has found that sorting volumes were “remarkable,” highlighting the efficiency of digital watermarking technology for packaging waste management. Digital watermarks (DW) are postage stamp-sized codes that can be printed on packaging and carry information like material type. DW can be detected by high-resolution cameras on sorting lines, enabling extremely accurate sorting and increased recycling rates. DW’s biggest advantage over alternatives, such as Object Recognition (OR), is their proven effectiveness for flexible plastic packaging, and the additional use cases they provide beyond advanced sorting, Martyn Tickner, chief advisor of Circular Solutions at The Alliance to End Plastic Waste, tells Packaging Insights. 
Ready Meal revamps
Ready Meal revamps
Innova Market Insights data indicates that Ready Meal launches increased by 4% on average annually from 2020 to 2024. Flat Pouch (39%) was the leading packaging type for the Ready Meal launches in 2024, with Cup and Pot having the fastest increase for NPD. Recyclable (38%) is the leading environmental claim, with bio-based/plant-based packaging surging with 103% growth in the last five years.
NBCo CEO talks wet molded fiber tech and plastic regulations in Southeast Asia  
NBCo CEO talks wet molded fiber tech and plastic regulations in Southeast Asia  

We speak to Alvin Lim, founder and CEO at NBCo, about the Singapore-based company’s wet molded fiber alternative to plastic. Lim explains how the solution responds to the global regulatory push for plastic-free packaging and the current plastic regulatory environment in Southeast Asia.

IFFA 2025 review: Protein ingredient, processing & packaging innovation
IFFA 2025 review: Protein ingredient, processing & packaging innovation
(Alt-)protein ingredient systems for enhancing flavor, texture, and shelf life proliferated at IFFA 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany, as the industry contends with environmental and economic challenges. Automation, robotics, and digital monitoring tools elevated the productivity and efficiency of meat and plant-based ingredient processing and packaging. We reflect on the key innovations in protein ingredients and machinery solutions at this year’s event amid spiking consumer interest in human and planetary health.

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Handtmann presents plant-based protein and edible packaging concepts at IFFA 2025
Handtmann at IFFA 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Machinery company Albert Handtmann presented alternative protein and edible packaging concepts at IFFA 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany, to highlight how its processing technology can be adapted to emerging industry trends. Under the motto, “The Taste Of Innovation,” visitors were invited to try plant-based samples while discussions centered around cultured meat and innovative fermentation processes.
Beyond The Headlines: Ranpack partners with Thalia, Mondi releases book for premium papers
Ranpack automated packaging
This week in industry news, Ranpack announced its partnership with Thalia, the largest book retail chain in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and Mondi unveiled its Pergraphica papers guide for premium print projects. Meanwhile, Huber+Suhner launched a packaging solution from fully recycled PET, and Syntegon released its “record” results for 2024.
Elopak equips Slovakian dairy company with eco-friendly cartons
A carton of milk on a table
Elopak has teamed up with Slovakian dairy company PD Ďumbier to replace plastic bottles with Pure-Pak Sense cartons made with Elopak’s Natural Brown Board across its Agravital fresh milk and yoghurt range. The switch has reduced plastic consumption by 80% for its chilled beverage packaging, according to the company.The cartons, made from renewable materials, are said to be fully recyclable and designed to reflect the brand’s commitment to artisanal quality and modern dairy production.
Sulapac partners with Primex to launch bio-based sheets in the US market
A stack of plastic trays and cups
Material innovation company Sulapac has collaborated with Primex to introduce Prime Sulapac sheets for packaging manufacturers in the US. The material is an environmentally sustainable, bio-based alternative to traditional plastic applications.The sheets can be used for thermoforming and a range of solutions, including packaging inserts, logistic trays, food packaging, blister cards, and point-of-sale displays.
KHS and Husky innovate ultralight PET bottle for still beverages
Women manufacturing PET bottles.
KHS and Husky Technologies have developed one of the lightest PET bottles for still beverages. The bottle requires 30% less material compared to conventional drinking containers and can be manufactured entirely from recycled PET. Under the working title of Factor 101, KHS leveraged Husky’s injection molding technology and created a container that uses 5.89 g of material to hold 591 mL of product — equivalent to the 20-ounce size common in the US. “Factor 101 is an excellent example of how we’re combining Husky’s engineering expertise in preform manufacturing with our proficiency in bottle design and production. Our joint aim is to produce a high-quality, high-performing, lighter-weight result than either of us could do working on our own,” says Frank Haesendonckx, head of Stretch Blow Molding Technology at KHS. 
Securing sugarcane: Bonsucro on tackling water, labor and certification gaps in a shifting market
sugarcane farmer harvesting sugarcane in the field

Food Ingredients First

Sugarcane is the world’s largest food commodity crop by volume, and contributes significantly to many economies worldwide with numerous derivatives across industries that keep demand high. However, sugarcane production faces serious environmental and social challenges, with biodiversity loss threatening yields, growing awareness of sugar-related health risks, and poor conditions for the sector’s informal workers.
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Research & Development

Researchers urge community-driven waste management ahead of China’s new packaging regulations

Hong Kong researchers have revealed the importance of stakeholder collaboration in enhancing household waste sorting practices in Chinese cities. By linking policy with grassroots participation, the study supports a more effective waste governance in alignment with China’s growing national emphasis on packaging recycling. The study, published in Environment, Development and Sustainability, focuses on Changsha, a “new first-tier” city in Hunan province, and offers a practical framework for waste management reform grounded in collaborative governance.

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Key interview

HolyGrail 2.0: Digital watermark experts explore mechanical recycling’s untapped potential

The Digital Watermarks Initiative HolyGrail 2.0 has conducted new waste sorting trials and has found that sorting volumes were “remarkable,” highlighting the efficiency of digital watermarking technology for packaging waste management. Digital watermarks (DW) are postage stamp-sized codes that can be printed on packaging and carry information like material type. DW can be detected by high-resolution cameras on sorting lines, enabling extremely accurate sorting and increased recycling rates. DW’s biggest advantage over alternatives, such as Object Recognition (OR), is their proven effectiveness for flexible plastic packaging, and the additional use cases they provide beyond advanced sorting, Martyn Tickner, chief advisor of Circular Solutions at The Alliance to End Plastic Waste, tells Packaging Insights. 

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Special report

Top Packaging Trends 2025: AI-enhanced “Connected Platforms” to advance circular economy

Innova Market Insights has revealed its Top Packaging Trends 2025, with “Connected Platforms” taking center stage. Connected technologies are widely expected to transform the packaging value chain, from waste management to brand-consumer engagement, by converting packaging into digitalized platforms. The emergence of AI systems will enhance and expedite this industry shakeup.

Packaging focus

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technicalpaper

Circular economy: ReusablesMay2025

Innova Market Insights data shows that from 2020 to 2024, F&B launches using reusable packaging grew by 18%. Europe led the trend, accounting for 62% of global launches. Bottles were the most comm...

Product innovation

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Ready Meal revamps Apr 2025

Innova Market Insights data indicates that Ready Meal launches increased by 4% on average annually from 2020 to 2024. Flat Pouch (39%) was the leading packaging type for the Ready Meal launches in 2024, with Cup and Pot having the fastest increase for NPD. Recyclable (38%) is the leading environmental claim, with bio-based/plant-based packaging surging with 103% growth in the last five years.

Trend analysis

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Trends in soft drink packaging launchesApr 2025

Innova Market Insights data indicates a 3% average annual growth in Soft Drink packaging launches between 2020 to 2024. Over half (53%) were packaged in bottles, with plastic being the most commonly used material.

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NBCo CEO talks wet molded fiber tech and plastic regulations in Southeast Asia  

We speak to Alvin Lim, founder and CEO at NBCo, about the Singapore-based company’s wet molded fiber alternative to plastic. Lim explains how the solution responds to the global regulatory push for plastic-free packaging and the current plastic regulatory environment in Southeast Asia.

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IFFA 2025: Ishida Europe launches QX-800 traysealer for high-volume production
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IFFA 2025 live: DuPont PlexiLine displays food presentation enhancement packaging
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IFFA 2025 live: Sealpac launches F-series thermoformer for plastic reduction and recyclability
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