Recent developments
Circular packaging systems
PPG expanded take-back with Sigma EcoCollect in the Netherlands, enabling painters to return plastic and metal containers for recycling into new packaging. LyondellBasell and Nippon Paint China advanced circularity by implementing a closed-loop recycling system for coating packaging barrels, feeding recycled pellets into new drums via the GXLYB joint venture.
Recycled content adoption
In healthcare, Eastar 6763 Renew enabled Medipack to use up to 50% certified recycled content via molecular recycling without process changes or new certifications. Premium closures adopted recycled content as Tapì Group partnered with Trinseo to integrate 50% chemically recycled PMMA. In polyolefins, PureCycle's Ironton Facility reported record pellets and finalized the PureFive portfolio for food-grade films, thermoforming, injection, and textiles, with Thailand build-out and Gen-2 engineering advancing.
Bio-based and biodegradable
Bio-based polymers progressed as Avantium and Logoplaste agreed on capacity for PEF releaf for fiber-based and high-performance bottles. In agriculture, Mater-Bi mulch film gained EU classification as an inorganic soil improver, validated for biodegradation in soil without persistent microplastics. Beauty and care shifted toward degradability through an exclusive global distribution agreement with Calyxia for biodegradable microspheres. Odour control followed with NeutraFresh BD, a biodegradable option maintaining prior performance levels.
Barrier and film advances
Barrier and film capabilities expanded as LyondellBasell installed a new Colines cast film line at its Cincinnati Technology Center, enabling trials from stretch to oxygen-barrier multilayers. Product offerings broadened with Pro-fax EP410C, a polypropylene for high-impact, low-odor packaging across rigid and flexible formats. Multilayer food containers gained adhesion as LOTTE Chemical commercialized a heat-resistant adhesive material for food packaging bonding PP and EVOH for sterilizable applications.
Market signals and scale
Closures activity included Aptar Closures earning two ADS awards tied to dispensing in condiments. Upstream packaging logistics shifted as Evonik introduced more environmentally friendly 25 kg packaging for MetAMINO with a reported 20% CO2 reduction per bag. Regional production expanded as Clariant prepared a new Care Chemicals facility in Daya Bay, supporting supply to personal care, pharma, home care, and industrial customers.