All Business articles
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ArticleWhy is the Strait of Hormuz crisis pushing up plastic prices?
Why is the current situation in the Middle East having such a major impact on the price of plastics, why are different regions being affected in different ways, and what happens if the situation escalates? Markets reporter Sam Lovatt, senior analyst Helen McGeough and the ICIS Analytics team investigate.
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ArticleInternational Paper acquiring North Pacific Paper Company for €305.64 million
International Paper is acquiring One Rock Capital Partners portfolio North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC) for $360 million (€305,640,000), aiming to meet increasing demand for lightweight recycled containerboard.
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Article‘The EU Commission’s PPWR Guidance leaves the hard questions unanswered’
Matteo Squeo, founder of The Green Clause and member of the Permanent Delegation of the Court of Justice, the General Court and the EFTA Court, examines the EU’s new PPWR guidance in detail and explores its shortcomings.
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ArticleDr Bio aims to reduce fossil fuel reliance with cornstarch-based biopolymer platform
In response to recent fluctuations in international crude markets since the escalation of tensions and conflict in the Middle East, Indian company Dr Bio has developed a cornstarch-based biopolymer platform designed to ‘significantly reduce’ dependence on imported fossil-fuel-derived raw materials.
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ArticlePackaging that tells the truth – and what it reveals about organisations
In modern times, packaging sits at the intersection between sustainability, cost, safety, marketing, and plenty of other crucial macro trends. It has evolved from simply being a straightforward business decision and now reflects how businesses actually operate. How did we get here? Peter Stael, owner and partner at Across-Consult, takes a closer look.
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ArticleWomen in Packaging programme returns at interpack 2026
interpack 2026 will host its second Women in Packaging programme, featuring a keynote speech from Tetra Pak, multi-perspective panel discussions, and networking opportunities geared towards women at all career levels.
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ArticleDemand alone will not bolster future packaging and paper market, McKinsey says
A new analysis released by McKinsey & Company (McKinsey) claims that high demand alone will not bolster performance for the packaging and paper market over the coming years, and identifies multiple market dynamics which have increased pressure on the industry.
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ArticleBorouge and Borealis form Borouge International and acquire NOVA Chemicals
Borouge and Borealis have combined to create Borouge International and acquire NOVA Chemicals, backed by shareholders OMV and XRG, with each holding a 50% stake in the company.
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ArticleIndustry backs updated legislation supporting competitive EU biomanufacturing
Almost 40 industry organizations have signed a joint position paper calling for policymakers to boost competitiveness, resilience, and employment in European biomanufacturing with the EU Biotech Act II.
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ArticleWhat to expect at interpack 2026
With only one month to go until interpack 2026, we take stock of what to expect from this year’s programme – and from Packaging Europe, reporting live on the ground.
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ArticleHow the EU is explaining the PPWR to consumers
The European Commission has published a fact sheet to help consumers understand the aims and implications of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. We examine how the document explains the legislation’s impact on the general public and addresses financial and practical concerns.
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ArticleIndustry reacts to new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation guidance
The European Commission’s new guidance document sets out to clarify elements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, but what does the industry think? We consulted organizations and representatives to understand their views on the confirmed deadlines, rule exemptions and restrictions, logistical feasibilities, and remaining questions.
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ArticleSiegwerk aims to strengthen position in India with Hi-Tech Inks acquisition
Seeking to strengthen its position in the Indian flexible packaging market, Siegwerk has signed a definite agreement to acquire Hi-Tech Inks, a move said to make the combined business ‘the largest player in the country’ with a market share of over 20%.
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ArticleRegistration opens for the 2026 Sustainable Packaging Summit
Registration has opened for this year’s Sustainable Packaging Summit, taking place on the 10th-12th November at Jaarbeurs Utrecht, bringing together 1,000 packaging professionals across panels, workshops and keynotes, headlined by former Unilever chief executive Paul Polman and PepsiCo’s Archana Jagannathan.
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ArticleUnilever combines food business with McCormick to focus on HPC
Unilever has entered into an agreement to combine its Food business with McCormick & Company, forming a global portfolio with estimated revenues of $20 billion.
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ArticleNestlé takes part in AI pilot to visualize and reduce food waste
Over the last 16 months, Nestlé has taken part in a consortium alongside 8 other partners to pilot Zest’s AI-led solutions to visualize and reduce food waste and redistribute surplus to people, supporting an estimated 94,133 people across various charities and organisations.
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ArticleReuse sector backs Belgium holding packaging producers responsible for waste
In response to alleged pressure from some industrial lobbyists, members of the reuse sector have addressed a ‘letter of congratulations’ to Belgian policymakers for measures to hold packaging producers formally responsible for their waste.
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Article‘Emergency’ for plastics converters as war in Middle East disrupts the market
European Plastics Converters (EuPC) urges policymakers to cap energy prices in Europe as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East lead to soaring prices for raw materials, energy, and logistics; unstable supply availability; and reduced predictability for production planning.
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ArticleEverything you need to know about the PPWR Declaration of Conformity
From 12 August 2026, every piece of packaging on the EU market will be legally required to have its own Declaration of Conformity. But what does it actually require, and who is legally responsible for signing it? Felix Gass, founder of Packaging Strategy Lab, a packaging strategy consultancy based in Berlin, explores the details.
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ArticleOver 3 billion PET bottles and aluminium cans returned through Swedish DRS in 2025
According to Sweden’s deposit return system (DRS) operator Returpack/Pantamera, over 3 billion PET bottles and aluminium cans were returned through the country’s DRS in 2025, 130 million more than the previous year.