Sustainability

International Paper to Create Two Independent Public Companies

International Paper's plan develops two scaled, regional packaging solutions companies—one focused on North American packaging and the other on EMEA packaging.

February 2, 2026

Business Drivers/Specialty: Page 39

Operational Excellence

Practicality Defines 2026 Packaging

The packaging industry is being driven less by innovation and more by a disciplined, pragmatic focus on cost, labor, risk, and operational realities shaping every major decision.

February 2, 2026

Recycling

Community Poll: Focus Areas in Recycling Programs

Answer to see where your peers focus when improving recycling programs.

February 2, 2026

Digital Transformation

Digitizing Tribal Knowledge: How CPGs Are Modernizing Knowledge Transfer

CPGs are shifting from paper manuals to real-time, digital intelligence—empowering operators and engineers to close skill gaps and boost floor efficiency.

February 1, 2026

Recycling

FFRA Details Film Recycling Policy, Access Gains in First Impact Report

The Flexible Film Recycling Alliance shares early results from its first Impact Report, highlighting growth in retail drop-off access, progress on California policy, and new efforts to build credible verification systems for film recycling.

January 30, 2026

Sustainable Packaging

A Compliance Expert’s Warning on Europe’s PPWR Deadline

U.S. brands selling into Europe face a new packaging rulebook according to Ferry Vermeulen of 24Hour AR. PPWR requires proof-backed compliance, recycled-content sourcing under the “mirror clause,” and Member State registrations, three steps that could determine EU shelf access.

January 30, 2026

Recycling

Borealis Partners with BlueAlp to Advance Chemical Recycling

The agreement transfers majority ownership of the Renasci plant to BlueAlp while giving Borealis a minority stake to accelerate circular feedstock production in Europe.

January 30, 2026

Sustainability

BlueAlp

January 30, 2026

Reusable/Returnable

Grand Canyon National Park, NOOZ, and Diageo Implement Reusable Packaging to Reduce Waste

ThePackHub

See a few examples of reusable packaging from Grand Canyon National Park, NOOZ, and Diageo from ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone.

January 30, 2026

Blisters/clamshells/thermoforming materials

PaperTech Acquires Bake-Best Trays, Expanding Food-focused Sustainable Packaging Platform

Papertech, Inc.

The acquisition of Bake-Best Trays expands PaperTech's pressed paperboard packaging portfolio with ovenable and susceptor-enabled tray solutions.

January 29, 2026

Workforce

U.S. Plastics Pact Names Leadership Change

U.S. Plastics Pact

Jonathan Quinn departs as president and CEO of the U.S. Plastics Pact while Crystal Bayliss is named interim executive director.

January 29, 2026

Digital Transformation

PMMI Launches SMB FastTrack Program to Support Growth of Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers

New PACK EXPO East 2026 initiative streamlines access to technology, education, and business resources tailored for SMBs.

January 29, 2026

Contract packaging

What the Best Brand–Co-Man Partnerships Get Right

January 29, 2026