All Comment articles
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ArticleBridging the gap between science and industry for sustainable packaging
Academic institutions and recycling industry players share a common, ambitious goal: a circular future for plastics. However, despite this shared objective, they are often divided by their different operating contexts. So, how can we bring these important stakeholders together? Geoff Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Itero, tells us more.
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ArticleAddressing SBTi uncertainties in the pulp & paper industry
The pulp and paper industry significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions due to its reliance on forestry, land use, and energy-intensive processes. To address these environmental challenges, the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) provides a framework for setting science-based emission reduction targets aligned with the latest climate science.
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ArticleWhy are so many brand owners set to miss their packaging sustainability targets?
In recent weeks, Unilever, PepsiCo and Colgate-Palmolive have all announced that they will fail to meet longstanding packaging sustainability goals. What is behind this trend? Tim Sykes, Packaging Europe’s brand director, tells us more.
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ArticleWhy is Coca-Cola swapping out plastic multipack rings for a paperboard solution?
In a bid to replace over 90,000kg of plastic multipack rings, Liberty Coca-Cola is working with WestRock to implement a recyclable paperboard alternative. We spoke with Mark Shaw, Business Leader EMEA & APAC at WestRock, to learn more about the upsides – and potential downsides – of this new solution.
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ArticleAn inside look at Amcor’s brand-new European Innovation Center
Amcor recently launched its European Innovation Center in Belgium, where it will work with brands and retailers from across Europe with the aim of designing more sustainable packaging. We spoke with two experts from the company – Kris Buysens, the director of the Innovation Center, and Toon Coppejans, Marketing Innovation Manager – to learn more about the work that will be taking place there.
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ArticleA look at the global corrugated packaging industry
The corrugated packaging industry is being affected by a diverse array of global trends, each driven by local efforts, innovations, and legislation. In this collaborative piece, TAPPI and AICC join forces with ACCCSA, Converter IT, and Corruga.Expert to explore the state of the industry across the globe.
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ArticleThe secret to success for refill and reuse packaging
Refill and reuse projects generate plenty of media hype, and significant investment from major brand owners and retailers, but consumer uptake remains comparatively low. Could a solution to this issue be staring us in the face? In this article, David Knies, an innovation and growth strategy expert at PA Consulting, and Matt Millington, a design strategy expert at PA Consulting, argue that making packaging designs more beautiful could significantly boost consumer buy-in.
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ArticleThe key to packaging design success in the e-commerce era
What is the ‘digital shelf’ and how can brands optimise their approach to take advantage of the opportunities it offers? In this insightful article, Howard Wright, Executive Creative and Strategy Director, at Equator, delves into the art of commanding attention in the e-commerce space, where the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce.
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ArticleHoneycomb, moulded fibre and paper bags: still niche or going mainstream?
As paper fibre continues to make inroads as the packaging material of choice for brands across a range of sectors, Neil Osment, Managing Director of packaging market research company NOA, takes a look at some of the more niche products that are gaining traction.
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ArticleGender-based marketing: how brands can connect with female consumers without enforcing stereotypes
In an era where the lines between gender identities blur and the call for inclusivity grows louder, brands are standing at a crossroads. How can they connect effectively with female consumers in a way that respects their individuality without falling into the trap of outdated stereotypes? Lejla Kurić, Design Director at Equator Design, tells us more.
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ArticleUnilever’s packaging sustainability goals get a major reality check
Unilever – one of the world’s largest FMCG brands – recently made a number of major updates to its packaging sustainability objectives. Why has this move caused so much controversy, what does it actually mean in practice, and could it signal change across the rest of the packaging value chain? Tim Sykes, Packaging Europe’s brand director, tells us more.
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ArticleThe ‘hidden danger’ of recycled plastic imports
In this article, Professor Edward Kosior of Nextek and NEXTLOOPP tells us about the importance of control and verification mechanisms to safety for food-grade recycled content – and how the NEXTLOOPP project is achieving this.
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ArticleIs the ‘plastic tap’ under pressure?
On the final day of the 4th round of negotiations for the United Nations’ Global Plastics Treaty in Ottawa, Willemijn Peeters, founder of Searious Business, gives us an update on her highlights from INC-4 thus far.
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ArticleDeinking: Are Design for Recycling Guidelines keeping up with technological advancements?
Recent years have seen a surge in demand for transparent and white recyclates, largely fuelled by Brand Owner commitments and anticipated European Union regulations mandating recycled content in all plastic packaging, as per the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
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ArticleCan INC-4 tip the scales on plastic pollution?
INC-4, the UN-led negotiating process that will eventually lead to the creation of a global, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, started today. What can we expect from this process, and how can we ensure that real, concrete progress is achieved? Willemijn Peeters, founder of Searious Business, tells us more.
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ArticleWhat to expect from INC-4
Today marks the start of the latest step on the journey towards the creation of the United Nations’ legally binding treaty on plastic pollution – INC-4. To find out more about what that journey has looked like up to now, plus what we can expect from the event, we spoke with Erin Simon, Vice President and Head of Plastic Waste and Business at WWF – who is in attendance.
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ArticleCan packaging and labeling meet the digital moment?
Despite being critical to successful business operations, digital management of packaging, artwork, and labeling are often underfunded and undervalued – leading to costly inefficiencies and quality issues. John Blake, senior director analyst at Gartner, takes a look at how the packaging industry can address this issue.
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ArticleMarking time: Staying compliant with new EU wine labelling requirements
Starting in December 2023, important new EU rules came into effect around wine labelling. Since then, all wines made or sold in the EU must have all their ingredients and nutritional information listed on the bottle. What is the best way to comply with these new laws? Geoffrey Tarret, software solutions sales engineer at Markem-Imaje, tells us more.
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ArticleEuropean Adventures in Australian Packaging
Packaging Europe’s brand director Tim Sykes was invited to speak at APPEX – Australia’s leading packaging and processing event – and jumped at the opportunity to learn from stakeholders about the direction of travel in the dynamic Australian industry. He found that now is an opportune time for inter-continental dialogue.
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ArticleHow will the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation affect the UK?
Matthew Kay, Glass Packaging Policy Lead at British Glass, highlights what the UK glass manufacturing industry is expecting from the PPWR.