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UPM-Sappi paper venture raises EU competition concerns

The European Commission (EC) has informed UPM and Sappi that its proposed joint venture may restrict competition in the communication paper market. In May, UPM and Sappi signed a definitive agreement that proposed creating an independent, equal-owned partnership combining UPM’s global communication papers business and Sappi’s European graphic paper business. 
Woman refills reusable packaging
Refill systems advance amid demand for convenience and material reduction
Eco-conscious consumers are growing accustomed to refillable packaging, but as brands face ever more rigorous regulations, suppliers have to break new ground. Packaging Insights speaks to Amcor, Coveris, and SP Group to better understand how their refill solutions are helping clients reduce packaging weight, introduce recycled content, and push for recyclability. “Demand for refillable and reusable packaging continues to grow, driven by a combination of consumer preferences, sustainability objectives, and evolving regulation,” Ellen Seyda, director of Sustainability for Rigid Packaging Solutions International at Amcor, tells us. 
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FlavorCloud CEO: Global e-commerce sellers redesign packaging to comply with PPWR
Packaging compliance will evolve from a largely documentation-led obligation into a measurable design and data discipline, says Rathna Sharad, CEO at FlavorCloud. Global sellers are increasingly rethinking packaging systems to meet evolving EU regulations while reducing waste, costs, and environmental impacts. 
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Trends in snack pack launches
Innova Market Insights data indicates that snack launches grew at a +8% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. Flat pouches accounted for 50% of these launches, aligning with consumer preferences for purchasing salty snacks in pouches. Cup packaging formats showed the fastest growth, while plastic was the dominant packaging material.
Bricspack dual-head non-stop sleeve labeling machine for 36,000 BPH production
Dual-head Redundancy Non-Stop Sleeve Labeling by Bricspack
Bricspack’s dual-head redundancy system enables non-stop sleeve labeling without film splicing. Two independent sleeving heads, dual mandrels, and cutter systems provide hot-standby switching, while intelligent bottle-tracking and closed-loop compensation reduce omissions and defects. Validated at 36,000 BPH, the solution simplifies maintenance, improves fault tolerance, and significantly lowers total ownership costs.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Shanghai Bricspack.
Portrait of a woman in a circular frame beside a pile of colorful discarded plastic bottles for recycling.
Industrial Physics underscores pack testing as rPET and lightweighting reshape performance

Natalia Ciesla, strategic segment manager at Industrial Physics, talks to us about how recycled PET (rPET) content and lightweighting are impacting bottle performance requirements. She discusses how testing can validate changes at production scale, and how quality assurance may evolve alongside sustainability targets.

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Biodegradable PLA-lined cups release more microplastics than PE solutions,...
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Researchers from the University of Queensland, Australia, have discovered that single-use paper cups using bio-based polymer liners released more microplastics than some of those using fossil-based plastic polymer liners.The University of Queensland’s Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS) examined single-use cups lined with PE and the biodegradable plastic polylactic acid (PLA). Researchers found that the two types of cups both released plastic particles, but the PLA or biodegradable plastic-lined cups released 12 times more.
Asda completes electronic shelf label rollout across all UK Express stores
A shelf in a retail store with electronic shelf labels.
UK retailer Asda has completed the rollout of electronic shelf edge labels (ESLs) across all 517 Express stores, following its collaboration with Vusion and its partners, Renovotec and HL Display.Asda has invested over £7.5 million (US$10.2 million) to install over 1.2 million ESLs, replacing the task of manually swapping out over 120,000 paper price tickets per week. ESLs are said to enable clearer display of pricing, unit cost, weight, and promotional information.
Kirin and JSW advance PET chemical recycling with 95% depolymerization...
JSW's technology
Kirin Holdings’ Packaging Innovation Institute and The Japan Steel Works (JSW) have successfully developed and tested a PET chemical recycling technology, achieving over 95% depolymerization. The demonstration test highlighted the alkaline depolymerization technology that rapidly depolymerized PET using production-scale equipment. The companies say that the process takes commercialization into consideration. Kirin developed the alkaline depolymerization technology, which used JSW’s Twin Screw Extruder TEX αⅢ series, a co-rotating processing system for advanced polymer compounding, reactive extrusion, and recycling. 
World Packaging Day: WPO introduces global celebration to raise awareness
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The World Packaging Organization (WPO) has designated September 6th as World Packaging Day to raise global awareness of packaging as a “strategic enabler of our modern life in society.”“Packaging is present in every aspect of our daily lives, serving society across the globe by allowing efficient production chains and logistics, product preservation, and functional usability, reducing losses and waste, enhancing sustainability in consumption, and most of all, safe and convenient access to goods for a better quality of life for society,” says Luciana Pellegrino, president of the WPO.
China’s flexible packaging market balances recyclability, barrier & production...
A flexographic press producing printed packaging labels at SZKAYU Packaging's manufacturing facility in China.
In China’s flexible packaging market, brands and converters are balancing material reduction and monomaterial demands with strict barrier performance, cost constraints, and high-speed production realities. Zhengsen Luo, director at Szkayu Packaging, a China-based manufacturer of custom flexible packaging, printed rollstock, and labels, explains that bridging the gap between recyclability and commercial viability requires connecting material science and digital prepress early in product development.
Innova, Tate & Lyle and Prosur to tackle health-driven reformulation at Fi Asia...
Asian woman in supermarket selecting food products.

Food Ingredients First

Protein may dominate the agenda at Fi Asia Indonesia 2026 (Sep 16–18), but the conversation in Jakarta will extend beyond adding more of the nutrient. Ingredient suppliers expect manufacturers to seek products that combine stronger nutritional profiles with recognizable ingredients, appealing sensory qualities, and accessible prices.
Highlighted features
August review
Packaging & Technology News
August in review: EU’s PPWR starts applying, scientists...
Last month, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) came into effect, generally applying as of August 12, and Packaging Insights looked back at our regulatory development coverage. Meanwhile, researchers in the US and China identified a gap in the draft UN Global Plastics Treaty text and proposed a reporting framework for improved accountability. We spoke to Julio Cordano, Chair of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, about accountability concerns and the next phase of informal meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, in September. 
Bricspack dual-head non-stop sleeve labeling machine for 36,000 BPH production
Technical paper
Dual-head Redundancy Non-Stop Sleeve Labeling by Bricspack
Bricspack’s dual-head redundancy system enables non-stop sleeve labeling without film splicing. Two independent sleeving heads, dual mandrels, and cutter systems provide hot-standby switching, while intelligent bottle-tracking and closed-loop compensation reduce omissions and defects. Validated at 36,000 BPH, the solution simplifies maintenance, improves fault tolerance, and significantly lowers total ownership costs.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Shanghai Bricspack.
Peak Nano nanolayer film technology using the same polymers
Technical paper
Engineering New Film Capabilities Through Nanolayer...
Peak Nano’s nanolayering technology engineers commercially available polymers into high-performance films using existing extrusion equipment. By creating nanoscale layers as thin as 25 nanometers, the technology can improve barrier performance, toughness and recyclability while reducing costly materials and tie layers—accelerating next-generation packaging development without waiting for new polymer chemistry.This Technical Paper is brought to you by Peak Nano.

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Nutrition packaging formatsAug2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that as consumers increasingly incorporate supplements and sports nutrition into their daily routines, product launches continue to grow, driving innovation in nu...

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Refillable system upgrades Sep 2026

According to data from Innova Market Insights, consumers are interested in refillable packaging solutions, with 23% of consumers globally even willing to pay more for refillable packaging. New product launches show that refillable packaging is most often used in seasonings and water products.

Trend analysis

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Trends in snack pack launchesSep 2026

Innova Market Insights data indicates that snack launches grew at a +8% CAGR from July 2021 to June 2026. Flat pouches accounted for 50% of these launches, aligning with consumer preferences for purchasing salty snacks in pouches. Cup packaging formats showed the fastest growth, while plastic was the dominant packaging material.

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Portrait of a woman in a circular frame beside a pile of colorful discarded plastic bottles for recycling.
Video14:49
Industrial Physics underscores pack testing as rPET and lightweighting reshape performance

Natalia Ciesla, strategic segment manager at Industrial Physics, talks to us about how recycled PET (rPET) content and lightweighting are impacting bottle performance requirements. She discusses how testing can validate changes at production scale, and how quality assurance may evolve alongside...

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Video04:23
Yangi scales dry-forming fiber technology for plastic MAP food tray replacement
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Video04:40
Smart Robotics showcases AI-driven Smart Palletizer 2.0
ProAmpac video thumbnail: Man standing beside sustainable product packaging displays, including chocolate nutraceutical protein powder and dried mang
Video06:47
ProAmpac spotlights fiber-based flexibles and active moisture technology
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