January in review: International Paper split, Tetra Pak investment, packaging lawsuits

Last month, International Paper (IP) announced plans to split into two regional, publicly traded companies. 

Tetra Pak updated its aseptic beverage cartons and invested €60 million (US$71 million) in a new pilot plant in Sweden. 

In legal news, Heineken Netherlands was fined €1.5 million (US$1.6 million) for selling beer cans without the mandatory deposit symbol and in Texas, US, Procter & Gamble (P&G) agreed to change the packaging of its Kid’s Crest toothpaste to accurately depict the correct amount of toothpaste needed for children. 

Japan urged to strengthen packaging circularity policies, shifting from disposal to design

Policy frameworks in Japan must place stronger emphasis on packaging waste prevention, product longevity, and design for reuse and recycling — not solely on proper disposal, said Shunichi Honda, programme officer at the UN Environment Programme’s International Environmental Technology Centre. At SEMICON Japan 2025, Packaging Insights spoke to Honda about Japan’s waste management strategies and its potential future pathways to advance packaging circularity.

Heineken Netherlands fined for DRS violation on beer cans

Heineken Netherlands was fined €1.5 million (US$1.6 million) by the Public Prosecution Service for selling beer cans without the mandatory deposit symbol, violating the country’s DRS. Between April 1–11, 2023, Heineken distributed 7.2 million cans of beer without the DRS symbol. Mandatory deposits on cans were introduced in the Netherlands on April 1, 2023, in line with EU regulations. We took a closer look at the case.Duni Group expands reuse systems as regulatory support increases.

US FDA requires tamper-resistant packaging for cosmetics

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) expanded its cosmetic regulations, including requirements for packaging and labeling. The FDA Cosmetics Labeling Requirements emphasize temperature-resistant packaging for consumer safety. We closely examined the legal document and its effect on packaging.

Canada introduces front-of-package nutrition symbol for “unhealthy” foods

The Canadian government mandated the use of a front-of-package nutrition symbol on F&B products deemed unhealthy, starting January 1, 2026. A spokesperson at the Health Canada federal department told Packaging Insights more about how the nutrition symbol aims to help Canadians quickly and easily identify packaged foods that are high in saturated fat, sugars, or sodium.

Tetra Recart targets home-cooking trend with F&B carton innovation

Carton-based F&B packaging can be crucial for prolonging shelf life, maintaining nutritional value, and preventing food waste. We examined the latest F&B carton solutions from Tetra Recart, the food carton segment of Tetra Pak. Laura Latisonoka, Tetra Recart product management and market support director at Tetra Pak, spoke to us about how the increasing popularity of home cooking is driving consumer interest and how smart packaging design can preserve the nutritional qualities of F&B products.

P&G to change Kid’s Crest toothpaste packaging in Texas

P&G agreed to change the packaging of its Kid’s Crest toothpaste to accurately depict the correct amount of toothpaste needed for children in Texas, US. The agreement was secured by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after he expressed concerns about the amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste depicted on the packaging, which could harm children. We spoke to P&G to get the full picture of the case.NakedPak advances edible packaging technology to cut plastic waste.

China outlines packaging recycling plans to boost circular economy

China outlined measures for packaging recycling in two action plans, aiming to enhance circularity while supporting stronger waste governance and expanded recycling systems. We examined China’s action plans and what they mean for the country’s packaging circularity and waste management.

Domino Printing Sciences highlights 2D codes as pharma packaging’s next data driver

Domino Printing Sciences showcased 2D codes on pharmaceutical packaging at Pharmapack Europe 2026 in Paris, France, this month, positioning them as a strategic tool beyond regulatory compliance. Bart Vansteenkiste, global key account manager for life sciences at Domino, told Packaging Insights more about the advantages of integrating 2D codes in pharmaceutical packaging operations.

EU-Mercosur trade deal: European paper industry pushes for rapid ratification

The Confederation of European Paper Industries urged the European Parliament to ratify the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, emphasizing its potential to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers, as well as foster growth for European pulp and paper companies, which are some of the strongest exporters among EU manufacturing sectors.

Mondi, Kelpi & Guardpack trial seaweed and paper-based materials for wipe packs

Mondi and Kelpi joined forces with Guardpack, a UK manufacturer of wet wipes and liquid-filled sachets, to conduct early-stage trials of seaweed and paper-based materials for sachet packaging. We spoke to Jeremy Freedman, managing director at Guardpack, who told us how regulations can help ban plastic-based wipes and how wider challenges, such as changing the wipe’s packaging, need to be addressed as well. 

ISM & ProSweets 2026: Packagers bring premium design and AI to confectionery 

ISM & ProSweets opened its doors to visitors in Cologne, Germany. Packaging industry experts are presenting their latest technologies reflecting the confectionery industry’s accelerating focus on efficiency, sustainability, and premium product presentation. Ahead of the event, February 1–4, we sat down with packaging exhibitors to explore solutions tackling the confectionery industry’s technical and market challenges.EU project scales home compostable bioplastic packaging.

World Economic Forum 2026: Collaboration launches US$2B next-gen packaging initiative

At this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, non-profit Canopy and partners introduced a new finance model designed to accelerate the growth of low-carbon materials, aiming to transform the paper, packaging, and textile supply chains. Valerie Langer, strategic lead for Next Generation Solutions at Canopy, told Packaging Insights how the investment model drives sustainability in the packaging industry and how companies can overcome challenges in supply chain decarbonization.

Tetra Pak upgrades paper-based aseptic carton tech with new pilot plant in Sweden

Tetra Pak updated its aseptic beverage cartons, replacing the traditional aluminum foil layer with a paper-based barrier. The food processing and packaging giant has furthermore invested €60 million (US$71 million) in a new pilot plant in Lund, Sweden, to advance its aseptic packaging material. We spoke to Joakim Tuvesson, vice president for Materials & Package at Tetra Pak, to hear more about the investment.

International Paper to split into two companies as Q4 results released

IP announced plans to split into two regional, publicly traded companies. As part of the separation, its EMEA Packaging business will be spun off to shareholders, while IP intends to retain a meaningful ownership stake in the new company. We took a closer look at the announcement.