All Comment articles
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ArticleWhy packaging has moved to the centre of the business conversation
In years gone by, packaging was mainly viewed in terms of cost and compliance – but times are changing. In 2026, packaging is closely linked to innovation, consumer experience, sustainability, and supply chain issues. In this article Laurel Spencer, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Marketing at Amcor, explores how packaging became a vital part of business strategy for companies across the world.
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ArticleUsing data to restore consumer trust in ‘climate-friendly’ labeled products
Scrutiny over greenwashing is intensifying, and the companies that don’t get it right now face legal repercussions in the EU. In this article, Sam Webster, director of growth & innovation at HowGood, argues that consumer trust now depends on transparent, visible on-pack data backed by science.
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ArticleA closer look at Henkel’s new cold seal adhesive for barrier paper packaging
Henkel recently launched what it says is the first cold seal solution designed for barrier-coated paper packaging. To learn more about this new solution’s attributes, the R&D process, and how it relates to PPWR concerns, we spoke with Dr. Roberto Pela, business development manager for packaging adhesives Europe at Henkel Adhesive Technologies.
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ArticleWhy convenience is crucial for deposit return scheme success
Most consumers say they want to support recycling efforts, but what happens when participation doesn’t match intention? Marius Fraurud, head of TOMRA Collection, discusses why convenience is critical in terms of increasing participation in deposit return schemes.
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ArticleReflections from more than 30 years in the packaging industry
What does the packaging industry need to do to ensure it is considered an ally in the sustainability transition? Elopak’s outgoing CEO Thomas Körmendi draws on his more than 30 years of packaging industry experience to answer this question.
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ArticleThe problem with Europe’s greenwashing laws
In 2024, the EU decreed that environmental claims must be substantiated by factual evidence, with harsh penalties for non-compliance. But, given uneven implementation across member states and the pausing of stricter EU-wide reforms, what is the best way for businesses to manage this risk? 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, investigates.
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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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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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ArticleA look at the ‘timeless art’ of the hamper with Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason’s hampers are iconic across the globe, and immediately communicate quality, craftsmanship, and expert curation to consumers. But what goes into creating them, and how is the company tackling sustainability issues? Speaking from London Packaging Week, Yvonne Isherwood, Head of Product and Packaging Design at Fortnum & Mason, tells us more.
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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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ArticleCost is the number one focus for packaging buyers in Europe, but what about the environment?
With cost now the biggest driver for retailers and brand owners in Europe, has the environment taken a back seat? Neil Osment, Managing Director of packaging market research company NOA, investigates.
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ArticleWhy the PPWR can be Europe’s circularity moment
One year on from the adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and with roughly six months to go until the next phase of implementation begins, ambition has turned into action. Bilyana Ignatova, VP of Public Affairs and Head of EU Policy at TOMRA, takes a closer look at the past, present and future of the PPWR.
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ArticleThe packaging data problem
Packaging has a data problem, which can make it hard to prioritise resource allocation and assess the performance of sustainability-focussed projects. In this article, Sarah Perreard, Co-CEO, Earth Action and Packaging Data Hub Director and Yoni Shiran, Partner, Systemiq and Packaging Data Hub Director, discuss some potential solutions to this issue.
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ArticleCould this new EU-funded project boost refillable packaging in Europe?
A new EU-funded scheme is aiming to scale up reusable packaging across Europe by working with organisations across the value chain to identify bottlenecks and design practical solutions that can work across different countries. To learn more about the objectives of this project, we caught up with Emmy Van Daele, Project Manager for INTERPOOL and Reuse Coordinator at Fair Resource Foundation.
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ArticleWhy are so many reusable packaging companies failing?
Reusable packaging companies are shutting down at an alarming rate. Why is this happening, and what can be done to ensure the future viability of the sector? Mike Newman, CEO of Returnity, offers a firsthand perspective.
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ArticleWhat is holding reusable packaging back?
A new report involving 115 reuse companies across Europe offers the most comprehensive snapshot yet of how reusable packaging systems are performing, what is holding them back, and what they need to scale. One of the key contributors, New ERA tells us more about what the future holds for this critical industry sector.
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ArticleHow will the PPWR affect the adhesive tapes industry?
One of the foremost challenges for European packaging companies is staying informed about, engaging with, and complying with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. The PPWR affects each part of the value chain in different ways, and the adhesive tapes sector is no exception. Sreeparna Das, sustainability communications consultant at The European Adhesive Tape Association (Afera), takes a deeper look.
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ArticleWhy ‘non-recyclable’ is no longer an option
The global pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging sector has reached a pivotal juncture. Blister packs, bottles, tubes, pouches, and other primary and secondary packaging are critical for sterility, dose precision, and patient safety, but their end-of-life profile remains largely linear: produce–use–dispose. In this article Professor Edward Kosior, Sustainability Awards winner and Founder/CEO at Nextek Ltd, plots a path forward.
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ArticleDS Smith’s packaging predictions for 2026
2025 was a year of innovation, evolving consumer demands and intense regulatory upheaval – but what are the factors that will most affect the packaging industry in 2026? DS Smith’s new Managing Director for UK and Ireland Packaging, James Lomax gives us his predictions.
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ArticleThe packaging stories and trends to follow in 2026
Happy New Year! The Packaging Europe editorial team kicks off the New Year with its predictions for the year ahead – covering regulation, new innovations, the financial health of the packaging industry, reusable packaging, and much more.