Bio-based packaging is moving from pilot projects into mainstream production, driven by plant-derived fibres, renewable inks, improved coatings, and new regulatory pressure on packaging waste.
The EU faces a major flexible packaging recycling gap as CEFLEX warns that 2.5 million tonnes of post-consumer recyclate may be needed by 2030. The challenge is no longer only recycling more, but building reliable markets that can use recycled material at scale.
NanoXplore and Techmer PM have launched a graphene-enhanced masterbatch for high-performance plastic films, targeting stronger, lighter and more sustainable flexible packaging.
Hoogesteger’s capacity reservation agreement with Avantium signals growing market confidence in releaf PEF, a plant-based and recyclable polymer designed to improve barrier performance and reduce packaging impact.
PET thermoform recovery in the U.S. and Canada reached a record 264 million pounds in 2024, but NAPCOR’s latest analysis shows that recycled-content use is falling, exposing a growing gap between collection gains and true circularity.
A Finnish cellulose-based film and coating platform could help packaging producers replace fossil plastic while supporting recyclability, biodegradation and EU compliance.
PepsiCo is accelerating its circular packaging strategy with new Gatorade bottles made from Eastman’s PET Renew resin. The advanced recycling process transforms difficult-to-recycle polyester waste, including textiles and plastic films, into food-grade PET suitable for new beverage packaging
Chemco Group has secured FSSAI approval to manufacture food-grade recycled PET (rPET) resin for food-contact packaging applications. The milestone strengthens India’s circular economy efforts and supports rising demand for compliant recycled packaging materials.
HyperBarrier is an innovative packaging technology designed to improve recyclability while reducing plastic usage. Developed for paper-based flexible packaging, it delivers superior oxygen, moisture, and oil barrier protection, helping industries create sustainable and high-performance packaging solutions for the future.
