UK company Kelpi has announced that its seaweed-based biomaterial coating has been cleared for food contact by the US Food and Drug Administration, allowing it to be used on paper and board food packaging sold in the US.
Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies have sent shockwaves through industries worldwide, including packaging. What do they look like in 2026? In this edition of the Brief, we dig deeper into current EU-US trade relations, examine the economic implications, and predict where the situation might go next.
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) was designed to harmonise packaging rules across the bloc, but small traders have been struggling with stringent requirements and feel that they are priced out of the single market. Elisabeth Skoda, editor at large at Packaging Europe, takes a look at the challenges they face, and the steps being taken to remedy the situation.
Amcor has collaborated with jams and preserves brand Tiptree to deliver certified 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) films for Tiptree’s shrink films and pallet stretch wrap, aiming to help the brand prepare for upcoming UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) changes while maintaining logistics packaging performance.
London-based company Demeter Bio has revealed a non-toxic coating designed to replace PFAS in textiles and packaging using biomaterials, suitable for applications such as clothing, upholstery, hygiene and packaging.
RRD has revealed a paper-based mailer with a peel-and-seal strip and instant-bond adhesive – designed for kerbside recyclability, regulatory compliance, and seamless operations on automated lines.
SealTrust has published a live demonstration of an item-level digital product passport that it claims ‘any reader can verify’ end-to-end in around 10 seconds, anchored on a public chain.
Markem-Imaje has introduced its CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) enterprise solutions, aiming to enable global CPG and FMCG brands to create, organize, activate and manage static and dynamic GS1 Digital Link QR codes.
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is moving from policy discussions into practical enforcement. While the recent August milestone marked an important step, it represents just the tip of the iceberg for brand owners and manufacturers working towards long-term compliance.
Chemular has launched a patent-pending, child-resistant packaging format for nicotine pouches, intended to help brands avoid complete design overhauls and extra investment.
The European Commission has missed its self-imposed deadline to harmonize the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s labelling requirements for recycled content, reusable packaging, and consumer sorting via implementing acts – potentially resulting in a time crunch for businesses to comply.
A warm welcome to our annual report looking at the latest updates in packaging regulations throughout the globe, continent by continent. Pull up a chair – there’s a lot to cover.