Recent developments
Bio-based materials
Bio-based and biodegradable platforms advanced. Trinseo and RWDC reported pilot-scale, shelf-stable PHA dispersions for paper/board barriers with oil, grease, and moisture resistance. Plant-based PEF moved toward supply as Avantium and Logoplaste agreed on capacity reservation for releaf®. Regulatory alignment progressed when Mater-Bi mulch film was certified under the EU Fertilizer Regulation for soil biodegradability. In China, PBST biodegradable mulch film scaled via a 60 kt/y unit and field trials, indicating application pathways for compostable films in agriculture and adjacent packaging.
PCR and circularity
Collection-to-reuse schemes expanded. Sigma EcoCollect will recover paint packaging in the Netherlands for closed-loop use. LyondellBasell and Nippon Paint China launched a closed-loop for coating barrels using Circulen Recover polymers. Award recognition for PCR packaging included the Run It Back™ product line using PureFive resin. Operationally, PureCycle's Ironton Facility increased output and readied compounding, with a finalized PureFive portfolio across food-contact films, thermoforming, and molding.
Healthcare and films
Medical packaging shifted to certified recycled content as Eastar 6763 Renew enabled MEDPETG films without process changes. Premium closures adopted recycled PMMA when Tapì Group partnered with Trinseo on ALTUGLAS R‑LIFE. Film development capabilities grew with a new Colines cast film line supporting multilayer barriers and stretch applications. For food-contact rigid packaging, Sinopec targeted odor-sensitive uses through a low-odor HDPE export to Australia and New Zealand.
Corporate and market signals
Sustainability governance featured as DOMO Chemicals received an EcoVadis Platinum score. Feedstock decarbonization relevant to packaging was signaled by ORLEN’s HVO unit entering commissioning for bio-based components. Regional supply capacity broadened with Clariant opening a new Care Chemicals facility in China. In beauty, biodegradable microencapsulation entered global channels via Brenntag Specialties. Market adoption of dispensing hardware continued, with Aptar Closures recognized by the Association for Dressings & Sauces.