Recent developments
Evolving food-contact rules
Regulatory changes drove material shifts. To meet EU Regulation 2024/3190 on bisphenols, BASF expanded its Ultrason P PPSU portfolio for compliant, BPA/BPS-free food-contact applications, enabling drop-in transitions from PESU/PSU/PEI. Germany’s GIO tightened ink and coating controls; Stahl achieved early GIO compliance across water-based, barrier, heat-seal, UV, and primers. EFSA-backed authorization saw Clariant gained EU approval for rice bran wax in PET, PLA, and rigid PVC, easing montan wax supply constraints.
Packaging circularity advances
Brand owner initiatives increased recycled content in food packaging. Valio used 30% mass-balance content via chemically recycled polypropylene from Borealis’ Borcycle C portfolio in yogurt and extended it to Oivariini thin-wall pots and lids, with labeling and a QR code to explain attribution and compliance.
Localized enzyme capacity
IFF upgraded Arroyito, Argentina, into the first full fermentation-based enzyme production hub in Latin America supporting brewing and other markets, and opened a Brazil application lab to optimize enzyme performance under regional conditions, improving formulation speed and collaboration.
Performance and leadership
Market conditions remained mixed but stable. Symrise recorded 2025 organic growth, with resilience in its Taste, Nutrition & Health segment and EBITDA margin near 22%, and outlined 2026 growth and cash objectives. BENEO strengthened operations as Dr Uwe Boltersdorf became COO, overseeing production, technology, supply, quality, and HSE.