December in review: Global bioplastic developments, EPR in Southeast Asia, EU PPWR debates
Key takeaways
- The bioplastics industry is growing despite regulatory challenges, with global production increasing and packaging innovations focusing on sustainability.
- Christmas packaging trends emphasize recyclability, minimalist design, and supply chain agility, with paper-based solutions gaining popularity.
- Southeast Asia is advancing mandatory EPR frameworks for packaging, influenced by the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Last month, we looked back at the biggest events and highlights of 2025, which brought tougher regulations, tariff uncertainty and greenwashing lawsuits.
We also attended the European Bioplastics Conference 2025 to gain a deeper understanding of the current trends and challenges in the bioplastics industry.
Meanwhile, we looked into Southeast Asia’s packaging reform and how the EU Environmental Omnibus sparked industry debate over PPWR simplification.
Christmas packaging trends: Recyclability, minimalist design & supply chain agility drive innovation
Packaging manufacturers created products that blended the magic of Christmas with sustainability and functionality, ensuring festive appeal, recyclability, and effective product protection during transport. We spoke with DS Smith, Pure Trade, and Hunter Luxury about the latest innovations in Christmas packaging, exploring the demand for paper-based solutions, as well as the balance between aesthetics and functionality in seasonal personal care and snack packaging..webp)
FoodChain ID highlighted EU–US packaging compliance gaps and AI-driven R&D at Fi Europe 2025.
EBC25 live: Industry explores positive trends in global bioplastic production despite regulatory hurdles
The global production of bioplastics is rising amid regulatory adoption barriers, according to presenters at this year’s European Bioplastics Conference 2025 (EBC25) in Berlin, Germany. Packaging Insights attended the panel “Market Pulse and Industry Update: Global Trends and Insights.” Pia Skoczinski, senior expert for technology and markets at nova-Institute, and Hasso von Pogrell, managing director at EB, discussed the report findings and implications.
ProAmpac to acquire TC Transcontinental Packaging for US$1.51B
ProAmpac is purchasing TC Transcontinental Packaging from TC Transcontinental. The acquisition was said to expand ProAmpac’s global footprint in sustainable packaging and material science expertise. ProAmpac signed a definitive agreement to purchase the North American flexible packaging company for US$1.51 billion, subject to customary adjustments for debt and debt-like items, cash, and net working capital.
Rewastec CEO explores PPWR-inspired packaging reform in Southeast Asia
The core principles of the EU’s PPWR are “absolutely relevant” to Thailand and the broader Asia-Pacific region, according to Wisarut Chalee, founder and CEO at the Thai material innovation and recycling company Rewastec. Chalee told Packaging Insights that for the PPWR principles — prevention, design for recycling, higher recycled content, and strong producer responsibility — to work, they need to be adapted to local structural realities..webp)
Watttron talked to us about heating technology for packaging and semiconductors at SEMICON Japan 2025.
ArcelorMittal confronted over emissions strategy as demand for green steel proliferates
Opportunity Green filed a complaint against ArcelorMittal, Europe’s largest and the world’s second-largest steel producer. The NGO called on ArcelorMittal to publish a revised climate strategy that addresses its “massive” climate impact. We spoke to both sides to get a clearer picture of the case.
Bioplastics expansion faces reality check on cost, infrastructure & consumer adoption
As bioplastics innovation offers an increasingly viable alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics, experts are divided over whether bioplastic adoption is realistic, raising concerns about scalability, cost, and consumer adoption. We explored the potential of scaling bioplastics, particularly in lower-income countries, with Antonio Ordovás, packaging researcher at Aimplas, and Dr. Gert-Jan Gruter, chief technology officer at Avantium.
ASEAN advances harmonized packaging EPR as mandatory systems and circular investment scale
Southeast Asian countries are witnessing a shift toward mandatory, harmonized EPR frameworks for packaging, says Liviana Zorzi, Asia regional specialist at the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership. We sat down with Zorzi to discuss the policy changes that emerged throughout the region.
EU Environmental Omnibus sparks industry debate over PPWR simplification
The European Commission published the new Environmental Omnibus to simplify environmental legislation in the circular packaging economy, industrial emissions, and environmental assessments. Packaging Insights spoke to Ecosurety, the European Organisation for Packaging and the Environment, and Zero Waste Europe, to explore how the Environmental Omnibus will affect the packaging industry, including the PPWR..webp)
We sat down with Meadow to discuss scaling aluminum production in the US amid rising EPR legislation.
FoodChain ID and Unpac simplify EPR data reporting for F&B industry
FoodChain ID and Unpac collaborated to refine packaging data and streamline EPR reporting for the global F&B industry. The partnership combines FoodChain ID’s expertise in the food industry and regulatory compliance with Unpac’s EPR software. We spoke to FoodChain ID about how the collaboration can help brands meet regulatory deadlines and reduce the risk of non-compliance.
Majority of US and global consumers support DRS, survey finds
Most US consumers are in favor of DRS, with even greater support shown globally, revealed a survey commissioned by the non-profit collaborative program Every Can Counts. Tim Ebner, vice president of marketing and communications at the US-based Can Manufacturers Institute, told us more about the latest data on global DRS support.
Packaging Insights reviews 2025: Tougher regulations, tariff uncertainty & greenwashing lawsuits
As another eventful year in the packaging industry came to an end, we looked back at the biggest events and highlights of 2025. The EU’s PPWR entered into force while DRS and EPR schemes expanded globally. Meanwhile, International Paper acquired DS Smith, Amcor and Berry Global Group merged, and Sealed Air announced its buyout.
