The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection confirmed that PureFive® resin qualifies as post‑consumer recycled content under the state’s law. The five‑year exemption for food‑contact rigid plastics ends January 2027, when a 20% PCR requirement takes effect, rising to 30% in 2030, 40% in 2033 and 50% in 2036. Amcor has produced food‑contact rigid containers with at least 20% PureFive, showing the initial 20% requirement can be met while maintaining functionality and food safety, as brands redesign packaging, qualify materials, and align supply.
Avantium, Gepack, and Frubaça are validating PEF in shot‑size beverage bottles, assessing processing on existing lines, filling performance, and barrier benefits. The plant‑based, recyclable PEF targets improved product protection and potential shelf‑life extension versus conventional fossil‑based plastics. The trial focuses on small‑format functional beverages, a category with high barrier needs, to generate data across the full chain from bottle manufacture to filling and evaluate environmental impacts of bio‑based packaging for this use case.
Baerlocher is restructuring its European operations via Baerlocher Germany GmbH & Co. KG, which will oversee PVC stabilisers and specialty additives. The company highlighted Baerolub AID as a PFAS‑free polymer processing aid for film production, positioned to help customers address EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements to replace PFAS. Leadership continuity and customer interfaces are maintained while the new entity aims for clearer responsibilities and faster decision‑making in the regional additives business.
The UPM Adhesive Materials 2025 Climate Review reports a 58% scope 1–2 emission‑intensity reduction from a 2015 baseline, with progress toward a 2030 target. Expanded supplier engagement increased primary product‑carbon‑footprint data coverage, enabling more granular scope 3 mapping. UPM extended its Label Life LCA reporting into customer quotes (about 94% portfolio coverage) and advanced recycling‑compatible label solutions, while RafCycle supported release‑liner waste recycling. In 2026, plans focus on value‑chain emission reductions, circular products, and streamlined customer environmental data.
