Supply Chain: Page 3

US Plastics Pact advises on role of mass balance in PCR certification

As the role chemical recycling will play in packaging evolves, the group aims to address questions and spur demand for postconsumer recycled content.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 27, 2023

Big things for small packages: Working to capture tiny recyclables

Small-format plastic packaging can’t be properly recycled via conventional residential systems. Representatives from Estée Lauder, Ulta and MIT discussed potential solutions at the Packaging Recycling Summit.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 20, 2023

Schumer calls for USDA investigation into nationwide milk carton shortage

The New York senator is calling for help “to find packaging alternatives” and resolve the issue. Many point to Pactiv Evergreen as the source of the supply chain snarl, although no origin point has been positively confirmed.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 16, 2023

US recycling rates have stagnated. Can collaborative packaging solutions turn them around?

Speakers from Tetra Pak, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz and General Mills discussed at the Packaging Recycling Summit how to work together to improve recycling — even though collaborating with competitors can pose challenges.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 15, 2023

Brands, packaging companies and recyclers talk collaboration to improve recycling

Speakers from LRS, Myplas, P&G, PMMI, Rumpke and more connected at the Packaging Recycling Summit to hash out ways to improve recycling and product recyclability as “really, really rapid” packaging changes occur.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 13, 2023

Amcor looks to source recycled PE from forthcoming Nova Chemicals facility

The Indiana rPE plant’s first line is on track for an early 2025 start. “We can't wait until Connersville is up and running for us to consider future investments” or M&A, said Nova Chemicals’ director of mechanical recycling.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 13, 2023

Milk suppliers sour over carton shortage

Dairy suppliers and others cite Pactiv Evergreen as the supply problem’s source. Tetra Pak and other competitors are trying to step up production to meet increased demand as beverage producers seek help.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 3, 2023

Amazon tweaks tech to create first 100% fiber-focused fulfillment center

Two main technologies are being tested at an Ohio facility to determine how best to transform other facilities to handle only fiber — not plastic — packaging.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Nov. 1, 2023

What’s in the box? Maybe a gift of recovering corrugated demand.

Containerboard demand remains down year over year, but was ending October’s spooky season in a less scary position than previous quarters, according to data from the American Forest & Paper Association.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 31, 2023

Packaging manufacturers’ Q3 results

Follow what top companies are saying in quarterly earnings reports about demand, destocking and optimizing manufacturing as 2023 winds down.

By Serdar Akar Staff • Updated Nov. 17, 2023

HDPE packaging to get digital watermarking in HolyGrail 2.0 rollout in France

P&G, which is participating in the initiative to improve plastic recycling rates, hopes to gain insight into “any gaps in the actual chain of custody from manufacture to recycling so that we can ensure optimal circularity.”

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 23, 2023

Amazon outlines push to ‘eliminate packaging altogether’

As the company looks to remove added packaging from more orders in 2024, its packaging innovation director explains how Amazon identifies products fit to ship in their own packaging and works with vendors on redesigns.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 19, 2023

Packaging Q3 earnings reports to follow early signs of holiday shopping zeal

Consumers have already shopped pre-holiday sales. Deloitte projected holiday season e-commerce sales growth upwards of 12.8%, while Adobe Analytics expects a boost from “record discounts and flexible payment methods.”

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 18, 2023

Packaging innovations: PlayStation boosts accessibility, Dymapak squeezes out tampering

Plus, packaging launches from Berry Global, Microtek Laboratories and UMF|PerfectCLEAN, including options that are compostable or contain PCR.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 13, 2023

SEE to revise sustainability target, citing deficient recycling infrastructure and material availability

The revamped Sealed Air company noted a “longer than anticipated” timeline for market demand and material supply, as it pursues a 2025 goal for recyclable or reusable packaging that incorporates recycled or renewable content.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 13, 2023

For e-commerce packaging, sustainability is imperative, not just ‘nice-to-have’

Speakers at E-PACK in Chicago agreed sustainability is a force for change in e-commerce packaging. But what sustainable packaging is and how to achieve it are up for debate.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 10, 2023

Prices for packaging materials continue to fall, paper and plastics production down

September data reports suggest manufacturing again contracted and prices for aluminum, corrugated boxes and polypropylene all continued monthly declines.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 4, 2023

Amazon to expand ships-in-own-packaging push in 2024

Products certified to ship in their own packaging can be eligible for lower fulfillment fees. Last year the e-commerce giant shipped 11% of its items globally without added Amazon packaging.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 20, 2023

Post-pandemic renormalization, innovation and sustainability dominate Pack Expo discussions

Speakers from PMMI, the Flexible Packaging Association and the Association for Contract Packagers and Manufacturers weighed in on factors influencing different parts of the packaging industry.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 19, 2023

Packaging companies prioritize sustainability, M&A during ‘turbulent’ year

While paper and packaging companies previously considered sustainability an expense, many now leverage it as a cost reduction and revenue growth strategy, according to analysis by Bain & Co.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 18, 2023

RFID on packaging gains traction amid food safety and waste concerns

A tracking system traditionally used for nonperishable items could become more common on certain types of packaging ahead of future traceability requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 12, 2023

Berry, Menasha Packaging, Solo Cup plan Illinois layoffs

Companies cited business slowdowns, restructuring and site transformation as reasons for cuts that will impact hundreds of jobs.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Sept. 28, 2023

Ecospirits reusable beverage service system to set sail on Carnival cruises

Ecospirits, which is backed by Closed Loop Partners, is working with Bacardi and Carnival to see how its closed-loop solution can cut back single-use packaging, namely glass bottles, on ships.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 30, 2023

Can makers await possible fallout from Commerce tin imports tariff decision

The Can Manufacturers Institute warns that proposed tariffs could cause canned food prices to spike up to 30% while putting 40,000 jobs at risk. The Department of Commerce released its preliminary decision this week.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 18, 2023

Packaging evolves in response to ‘unboxing’ videos flooding social media

Brands are requesting customized boxes to touch consumers’ emotions and build loyalty. Filler material, in-box printing and sustainability contribute to memorable unboxing moments, too.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 16, 2023