https://www.packworld.com/trends/logistics-supply-chain/article/22968796/master-epr-compliance-syscos-data-strategy-guidePackaging Worlden2026-07-07T17:18:55.000Z'Hard and Messy': What Sysco Learned by Getting Out in Front of EPR Reportinghttps://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/img-1076.6MV70ICdBY.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70Norma Crockett, GS1 US (left) and LC Ede, Sysco Corporation (right) at GS1 connects this week in Las Vegas.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/img-1083.B7Bk1Yio1Q.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/img-1081.zeB6dBbjIO.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70A six-pack of aluminum cans seems simple enough — until EPR reporting requires documenting each component separately: the cans themselves, the paperboard carrier, material type, weight, and the applicable state classification codes. And those codes aren't the same in every state. Slide from GS1 Connect Session 301, June 2026.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/screenshot-2026-06-17-at-31828-pm.O1D1xsNEFs.png?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/screenshot-2026-07-07-at-120922-pm.PUVqjwdJe3.png?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70A single pallet of strawberry jam involves five distinct packaging components — glass jars, paper trays, cardboard boxes, stretch wrap, and a wooden pallet — each requiring its own material type, weight, recyclability value, and state EPR classification codes. Multiply that across tens of thousands of SKUs and the data challenge becomes clear. From the GS1 US EPR Data Model guidance, published May 30, 2026.https://www.packworld.com/sustainable-packaging/recycling/article/22970001/pgs-cleaning-expertise-transforms-plastic-recyclingPackaging Worlden2026-07-06T21:52:32.000ZP&G Applies Cleaning Know-How to Recycling Innovationhttps://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/tide-lazrmark.b3PCuiF8Db.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70P&G is using LAZRmark laser-marking technology on its Tide cap, eliminating the need for additional inks, labels, or adhesives on that component.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/flexloop.9zxSNKsLW2.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70FlexLoop solvent-extraction technology is designed to remove contamination from plastic, producing cleaner recycled material from unwashed feedstock.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/teo-medellin.XhQaGlCXSA.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70At the Packaging Recycling Summit, Teo Medellin explained how P&G is working with partners to develop recycling technologies that draw on the company’s long history in cleaning.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/tide-caps.MH0y6tePt4.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70P&G is incorporating recycled PP from PureCycle into Tide caps, demonstrating one use for purified rPP in packaging.https://www.packworld.com/trends/package-design/article/22969983/thepackhub-coca-cola-focuses-on-smaller-beverage-formats-bear-brand-redesigns-packaging-and-stock-spirits-lightweights-glass-bottlePackaging Worlden2026-07-06T13:00:00.000ZCoca Cola Focuses on Smaller Beverage Formats, Bear Brand Redesigns Packaging, and Stock Spirits Lightweights Glass Bottlehttps://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/spirits-group.vCBX1Ukgjh.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70The company has implemented a packaging adjustment by reducing the weight of its De Luxe glass bottle by approximately 20%.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/coca-cola.fqb3psVfXF.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70Coca Cola is expanding the availability of smaller pack sizes, including 200 ml and 250 ml bottles for individual consumption.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/bear.lfTrwRH0HW.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70The redesign places increased emphasis on fruit imagery to improve flavor identification and support clearer product differentiation at shelf level.https://www.packworld.com/trends/digital-transformation/article/22969887/boxed-water-uses-robots-for-case-stacking-automationPackaging Worlden2026-07-02T16:03:42.000ZBoxed Water Brand Hands Heavy Case Stacking to Roboticshttps://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/gettyimages-533270238.S5qnzvPkk9.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70https://www.packworld.com/leaders-new/business-drivers-specialty/contract-packaging/article/22969924/why-are-you-afraid-of-aiPackaging Worlden2026-07-01T21:30:00.000ZWhy Are You Afraid of AI?https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/robby-martin.m4ytCeCx3T.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70Robby Martin is Owner and Founder of 3-Fold Consulting.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/why-are-you-afraid-of-ai-packaging-professional.OtdVVLCu4N.png?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70Co-packers and brands that are pulling ahead are finding ways to integrate AI directly into operations and decision-making.https://www.packworld.com/trends/contract-packaging/article/22969912/copacker-on-the-risePackaging Worlden2026-07-01T12:51:00.000ZCo-Packer on the RISEhttps://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/4.s5oKzqb3jy.png?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70From left: Mark Goryl, vice president; Tony Barrett, CEO; and Keith Coffindaffer, business development specialist, stand in front of palletized product at RISE Packing & Assembly Co.'s Orland Park, Ill., facility.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/6.YQt8rS0XM6.png?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70A RISE associate checks a sealed case. RISE employs 45 neurotypical people but is focused on the business. "Let's get the work done and let the work speak for itself," Goryl says.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/15.VuNC89znXM.png?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70Business Development Specialist Keith Coffindaffer checks in on a labeling operation.https://img.packworld.com/mindful/pmmi/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/07/christmas-tree-bags-description-1.6FHXOKarbw.jpg?auto=format%252Ccompress&q=70RISE's portfolio includes runs of close to half a million units of Christmas tree removal bags annually.