Recent developments
Regulatory alignment advances
Germany’s packaging-ink rules influenced upstream formulations, with Stahl achieving full compliance with the German Printing Ink Ordinance across water-based, barrier, heat‑seal, low‑migration UV, and primer technologies well before the January 2027 applicability. Early qualification and documentation allow converters and brand owners to plan audits and avoid reformulation delays in food-contact packaging.
Recycled content scaling
Polyolefin recyclate integration progressed in consumer applications. INEOS launched a 70% PCR polypropylene, the Recycl‑IN hybrid polymer grade rPP1025C, for thin-walled cosmetics components, backed by RecyClass PCR certification and an FDA No Objection Letter. In retail, Lawson will deploy bags using Mitsui’s Prasus line of bio-based and chemically recycled polyethylene via mass balance accounting, an industry first in Japan’s convenience stores.
Renewable plastics sourcing
Complex, multi-resin electronics drove supply-chain redesign. Sony and thirteen partners established the world's first global supply chain for renewable plastics using biomass-based feedstocks and a mass-balance model to meet high flame-retardance and optical property needs in AV devices. The initiative includes product-level GHG data tracking and targets reduced virgin fossil input under the “Creating NEW from reNEWable materials” program.
Biobased functional chemistries
Beyond packaging, ingredient portfolios moved to renewable carbon. Nouryon introduced FinnFix PB MAX, a 100% renewable-carbon CMC from wood cellulose and ISCC Plus–certified MCA, offering biodegradable anti‑redeposition performance for powdered detergents. While not a packaging resin, this signals upstream shifts that can align with brand carbon targets and certification expectations across adjacent FMCG categories.
Design, hygiene, recyclability
Dispensing systems targeted waste reduction and recyclability. Aptar Beauty unveiled NeoDropper Autoload, a twist‑and‑push applicator with improved restitution and microbial protection versus traditional droppers, compatible with glass recycling streams. For packaging engineers, the combination of precise dosing, sealed storage, and recyclability addresses contamination control while preserving material recovery in premium skincare formats.