April in review: Supply chain disruptions, regulatory shifts & AI surge

Last month, the impact of the US–Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz blockade on supply chains continued to disrupt the packaging industry. The short- and long-term effects of the upheaval emerged as key topics at industry events, including Empack 2026 in the Netherlands, the ICIS World Polyolefins Conference 2026 in Belgium, and the upcoming Interpack 2026 show in Germany. 

Meanwhile, regulatory uncertainty also affected the industry. In Europe, industry groups warned that the European Commission’s new guidance on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) left key gaps around recyclability and PFAS, while in the UK, glass manufacturers called for a pause to its packaging EPR (pEPR) over unintended material impacts.

Against this backdrop, companies and governments are accelerating their support and investments in AI, reusable, and recyclable solutions to improve resilience and operational efficiency.

We look back at the biggest stories of the month.

Industry warns EC guidance on PPWR compliance does not address PFAS and recycling gaps

The European Commission (EC) published a guidance document to support the implementation of the EU’s PPWR to simplify compliance for economic actors and member states. However, the European Organisation for Packaging and the Environment told us that the guidance does not sufficiently address recycling and PFAS rules.

British Glass urges pause on pEPR over glass packaging penalties

Alliance to End Plastic Waste tackles flexible recycling challenges.British Glass warned that the UK’s current pEPR undermines the glass sector by “distorting” material choices and encouraging the use of “less sustainable” packaging alternatives. The organization recommended that the UK government pause the introduction of the pEPR while the unintended consequences of the legislation are assessed.

India tightens plastic waste rules to boost recycling and reuse

The Government of India officially notified the amendment of its Plastic Waste Management Rules. The update aims to facilitate circularity through the mandatory use of recycled plastic and reusable packaging. The notification released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change sets categories for recycled plastic use over a phased timeline.

AI in packaging: Boosting efficiency and sustainability with simple algorithms

As packaging companies navigate the evolving technological landscape, there is potential to integrate AI to complement human workflows. At the same time, this could help in avoiding excessive computational complexity, according to creative technologist, designer, and chartered engineer Jude Pullen. He shared more about his collaboration with RS Group and Nvidia to enhance efficiency in packaging production.

Tetra Pak talks balancing packaging decarbonization and food security concerns

Aseptic packaging plays a key role in extending shelf life without preservatives and improves food access, while supporting recyclable, low-carbon cartons and circular systems, and meeting safety standards, according to Tetra Pak. We sat down with a company spokesperson to find out more about the use of aseptic packaging to ameliorate food insecurity and lower environmental impact.

Empack 2026 review: Rising oil prices, global regulations & AI dominate industry innovation

Innovations responding to pressures from global regulations and rising fossil fuel prices took center stage at this year’s Empack, held in Gorinchem, the Netherlands. The shift toward AI and automation in factories was also at the forefront of manufacturers’ priorities. On the show floor, Packaging Insights spoke to Markem Imaje, Smart Robotics, and Xampla to examine the factors shaping the packaging industry amid supply chain volatility.

Supply chain volatility raises costs and product damage in disposable packaging

Market disruptions, like those caused by the US–Iran war, material degradation, and regulatory pressures, can lead to unexpected costs in disposable packaging supply chains. A whitepaper from Tosca urged producers to adopt reusable solutions, which it argued work better against market disruptions.

ICIS World Polyolefins Conference 2026: Market volatility deepens amid geopolitical tensions

Empack 2026: Bizerba launches CO2 leak detection system for food safety.As the Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS) World Polyolefins Conference took place in Brussels, Belgium, ICIS told us that disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz blockade are likely to impact polyolefin supply chains for months to come. Leading industry players, including LyondellBasell, TotalEnergies, Borealis, and Dow, also attended the conference, offering insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector.

Thailand ramps up plastic recycling amid petrochemical disruptions

Thailand announced measures to accelerate plastic recycling as the US–Iran war interrupts the flow of petrochemical feedstocks. The initiative aims to ease immediate supply pressures and strengthen long-term environmental protection. However, the Solid Waste Management Association Thailand told us that without new laws and a change in consumer behavior, the measures are unlikely to have an impact on plastic packaging waste.

Interpack 2026 preview: Industry experts highlight efficiency & regulatory compliance in packaging

Efficiency is emerging as a key theme among packaging companies that will exhibit at the 2026 edition of Interpack. As the industry faces a complex operating environment with mounting regulatory and supply chain pressures, Greiner Packaging, PakTech, Recyda, and TNA told us they plan to showcase high-performance solutions, including machinery, materials, and digital tools.

Ineos’s Project One permit faces legal scrutiny over emissions risks

A coalition of NGOs challenged the Flemish government’s approval of Ineos’s Project One, an ethane cracker in Belgium, due to concerns over the environmental and health impacts associated with the plant’s emissions. Following a hearing at the Flemish Council for Permit Disputes, a ruling on Project One is expected in the next two months. Ineos told us that it was disappointed that NGOs continue to pursue legal obstruction.

Rabobank experts: Post-mega merger era reshapes packaging industry competition

The packaging industry is entering a post-mega merger era, defined by consolidation, a prolonged downturn, and rising geopolitical uncertainty. We spoke with Rabobank Packaging & Logistics senior analysts about the sector’s evolution. The discussion explored shifting competitive dynamics, future growth prospects, and the increasing impact of regulation and private equity on the industry.