Recent developments
Fiber barriers advance
Paper-centric barrier systems expanded. Stahl introduced Repura barrier coatings for oil/grease, water/MVTR and OTR while maintaining repulpability for food-contact formats. UPM and BASF paired certified‑recyclable papers with waterborne barrier resins designed not to hinder paper recycling and aligned to Regulation (EU) 2025/40. Dow and RDM launched Multiboard CirculaRR, a recycled‑fibre board with a ~5% recycled‑PE coating assessed for recyclability and PPWR readiness. To reduce fibre demand, Nouryon’s Expancel 081 microspheres raise board bulk 15–25% with up to 1% addition.
Recycled plastics adoption
Food‑service and consumer packaging incorporated higher recycled content. Plastic Ingenuity will thermoform coffee lids with PureFive recycled polypropylene (25–100% RC) approved for food contact. LyondellBasell at CHINAPLAS 2026 highlighted packaging materials and collaborations, including mechanically recycled offerings. In China, Sinopec showcased new polymers and signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Amcor covering advanced packaging materials and sustainability.
Policy and compliance
Regulatory alignment and material compliance were prominent. WRAP’s UK Packaging Pact broadened cross‑material targets for design, reuse, and recycling infrastructure; Mura Technology joined to support collaboration and policy engagement around EPR and data standards. In metal packaging, PPG launched NUTRISHIELD MAX PPG7590, a PVC‑NI, PFAS‑free, BPA‑free interior coil coating for aluminum pet‑food cans, offering production simplification and food‑contact approvals.
Bio-based building blocks
Avantium reported completion of titanium weld repairs and continued commissioning at its FDCA Flagship Plant, keeping start‑up and offtake timelines unchanged with first commercial sales expected in H2 2026.
Corporate developments
Leadership changes with packaging relevance continued. Dow appointed Karen S. Carter CEO, effective July 1, 2026, while Jim Fitterling becomes Executive Chair; the succession aims to preserve continuity. Carter previously led Packaging & Specialty Plastics, where she advanced customer collaborations on circular economy solutions.