Royal Avebe promotional graphic for PerfectaFILM PFAS-free plant-based barrier coatings for fibre-based food packaging
woman drinks coffee waiting for train

Deutsche Bahn reusable cup dispute tests Germany’s packaging law

An ongoing case between Environmental Action Germany (DUH) and national rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) is highlighting tension between single-use packaging regulations and the practical implementation of reusable systems in high-traffic settings. Last year, DUH sought an injunction to compel DB to comply with Germany’s reusable offer obligation in Section 33 of the country’s Packaging Act. From January 1, 2023, businesses that fill drinks into single-use cups for immediate consumption, like coffee or tea, have had to offer a reusable container version. 
Woman holding pastry wrapped in brown paper
Fiber-based packaging: Innovation confronts circularity barriers
Fiber-based packaging has moved beyond skepticism of the material’s efficacy toward innovations in surface technology, such as plastic and PFAS-free barrier coatings, as well as bio-based inks and lightweighting efforts. Packaging Insights speaks to experts from Aicomp, BoxWay Packaging Group, Flint Group, and MM Board and Paper to understand what still needs to be overcome in fiber packaging surface technology, as well as other challenges inhibiting fiber circularity, such as supply chain transparency and recycling infrastructure. 
Rebecca Wilcock‚ Sun Chemical’s marketing director for Packaging Solutions‚ EMEA, and its director of Product Strategy EMEA‚ Packaging Solutions‚ and global sustainability business leader, Nicolas Bét
Sun Chemical positions inks and coatings as the invisible PPWR enabler
Sun Chemical is spotlighting its portfolio of nitrocellulose (NC)-free‚ direct-food-contact (DFC)‚ and non-bleeding ink systems, which are engineered to meet recyclability requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) across flexible packaging‚ paperboard‚ sleeves‚ labels‚ and digital printing.
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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.
Anna Altner, Yangi
Yangi founder: Economic and regulatory uncertainty slow fiber packaging adoption
We speak to Anna Altner, founder of Sweden-based packaging company Yangi, about current market hesitation toward fiber solutions, which is rooted in economic pressures and regulatory uncertainty. We also discuss how brands can effectively communicate fiber’s benefits without oversimplifying recyclability claims.

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South Korea mobilizes major F&B chains in reusable packaging push
A person holding a coffee cup
The South Korean government has joined forces with companies in the coffee, fast-food, and bakery sectors to reduce single-use packaging, amid the nation’s efforts to build a plastic-free society.The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment has signed an agreement with global giants like Starbucks, Burger King, KFC, and McDonald’s, alongside domestic brands and 150 independent cafés.
Canon launches next-gen inkjet press for high-speed digital printing
digital printing
Canon USA has launched the next generation of its B2+ sheetfed inkjet press, the varioPRESS iV7, a digital printing solution with packaging applications. The varioPRESS iV7 was unveiled at thINK Ahead 2026 (Jul 13–15), an inkjet printing trade show held in Florida, US. The press is said to offer high print quality and operational efficiency for direct mail providers, as well as photobook production, commercial printers, and publishing environments. 
Aliplast gains Kronos Polymer Polska majority stake to double recycling capacity
The outside of a building
Aliplast has signed an agreement through its Polish subsidiary, Aliplast Polska, to acquire a 70% stake in Kronos Polymer Polska, a newly formed company that will be spun off from Kronos Polymer.Kronos Polymer, a Polish operator active in the recycling and processing of PE, operates an industrial site in Gniew, Poland, completed in late 2022. The newly formed company involved in the transaction will acquire a plant equipped with a complete PE sorting, grinding, and washing line with an installed production capacity of 12,000 metric tons per year. 
Bio-based packaging materials set for “widespread” adoption, says CBE JU
A person pouring some small green granules
The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) expects several bio-based material projects it funds to achieve “widespread” market adoption over the coming years and demonstrate “the growing commercial potential” of bio-based packaging solutions. Approximately one-third of the projects funded by CBE JU focus on bio-based materials. The public-private partnership fund for bio-based R&D in the EU has a portfolio of 26 projects dedicated to research and innovation in the packaging sector. It is developing close to 70 different packaging products. 
Fiberdom and Kiefel scale dry-molded fiber packaging for mass production
A factory
Finnish materials innovator Fiberdom has completed a series of industrial-scale production trials combining Duranova, a material made from FSC-certified wood pulp or paperboard, with technology from packaging machinery and molding technology provider Kiefel. In the trial, Kiefel converted industrial-scale Duranova paperboard reels into finished 3D molded products at full production speed on its Natureformer KFD 75 dry-forming machine.
Protein boom keeps pressure on global whey market as supply struggles to catch...
Young woman exercising and drinking high-protein beverage.

Food Ingredients First

More than two years after global whey supplies first tightened, the market remains under sustained pressure as demand for high-protein F&B continues to outpace production. Despite significant investment in additional processing capacity, manufacturers are still navigating constrained supplies and rising competition for whey ingredients.
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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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Fiber-based circularity Jul 2026

Innova Market Insights has announced its Top Packaging Trends 2026, with “Substantiated Sustainability” taking top spot. Driven by stricter regulations, the trend highlights the need for verified environmental claims. Fiber-based and other sustainable packaging solutions must be supported by credible data, as consumers show a willingness to pay more for substantiated sustainability benefits.

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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Anna Altner, Yangi
Video10:29
Yangi founder: Economic and regulatory uncertainty slow fiber packaging adoption

We speak to Anna Altner, founder of Sweden-based packaging company Yangi, about current market hesitation toward fiber solutions, which is rooted in economic pressures and regulatory uncertainty. We also discuss how brands can effectively communicate fiber’s benefits without oversimplifying...

Alison Rodwell, James Cropper
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James Cropper on how color shapes packaging stories
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UBQ Materials CEO on plastic alternatives in times of supply chain crisis
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RAWS scales biodegradable plastic additive to tackle packaging waste
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