Recent developments
Polyolefin realignment
OMV and ADNOC’s XRG finalized combinations creating Borouge International, a pure‑play polyolefins platform (13.6 Mtpa) spanning North America, Europe and Asia with identified EBITDA synergies >USD 500 million and investment‑grade ratings. The enlarged PE/PP footprint, innovation centers and the Borouge 4 expansion position the company to influence resin supply, integration and circularity initiatives relevant to packaging value chains.
PFAS-free processing
Regulatory and customer pressure accelerated PFAS substitution in film extrusion. Clariant's AddWorks PPA line offers PFAS‑free processing aids with food‑contact compliance and PPWR-aligned recyclability, alongside antimony‑free polyester catalysts and bio‑based rice‑bran wax additives for PET/PLA. From Evonik, TEGO CYCLE and TEGO Sorb target ink/odor removal in mechanical recycling, while TEGO PPA provides a PFAS‑free option for converters.
Label systems aligned
acResin UV 3532 received RecyClass approval for PET bottles, enabling high‑clarity labels that wash off in established European processes and align with Design‑for‑Recycling and PPWR expectations. In printing and converting, UPM Adhesive Materials and Mark Andy renewed their Americas partnership to tune sustainable label materials to conventional, hybrid and digital presses, supporting reliable, cost‑efficient runs.
Recycled films validated
UBECycle mechanically recycled PE/PA films obtained EU food‑contact approval for specified grades under defined conditions, backed by RecyClass process and traceability certification (EN 15343) and integration of Paulowsky’s capabilities. The development supports use of recycled polyamide in multilayer packaging where compliance, migration and consistent quality are critical.
Fiber-efficient paperboard
Nouryon introduced Expancel 081 microspheres, demonstrated to raise paperboard bulk and thickness by 15–25% at up to 1% addition. The grade enables higher recycled‑fiber content, lowers fiber and energy demand, stabilizes sheet properties and can improve production efficiency—relevant for lightweighting targets in fiber‑based packaging.
Cold-chain packaging eased
An EMA SmPC update allows Wegovy injection to be delivered for up to 48 hours at controlled temperatures up to 30°C in the final stage. Relaxed last‑mile requirements reduce packaging volume and weight and simplify pharmacy and home delivery configurations for temperature‑sensitive therapeutics.
Leadership with packaging ties
Dow’s transition names Jim Fitterling Executive Chair and appoints Karen S. Carter CEO effective July 1, 2026. Carter previously led Packaging & Specialty Plastics, focusing on asset upgrades, reliability, capacity expansions and customer programs in circular economy solutions—signaling continuity for packaging polymer strategy and collaboration.