• Amcor has developed shrink and pallet stretch films containing 30% post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) for Tiptree. • The new solutions are certified for their recycled content. • The move comes ahead of changes to the UK Plastic Packaging Tax framework. • The project illustrates how regulatory and fiscal requirements are translating into direct demand for recycled plastics.
• The European Commission is preparing three important acts for implementing PPWR requirements on recycled content in plastic packaging. • The upcoming rules will address the calculation and verification of recycled content, criteria applicable to recycling technologies and conditions for recycled materials originating outside the EU. • The Commission's consultation is open until 16 September 2026. • The Bulgarian Industrial Association (BIA) is calling on companies to provide real-world data on costs, recyclate availability, technological capabilities and administrative burden. • For producers, converters and recyclers, the secondary legislation will turn general PPWR requirements into concrete procedures for calculation, documentation, traceability and verification.
• Fraunhofer researchers have developed a technology that allows paper packaging to be joined using laser technology without adhesives. • The new solution eliminates the need for additional layers that can complicate recycling. • The resulting packaging can be more easily recycled through existing paper and cardboard recycling streams. • The technology could have a significant impact on the European packaging industry. • The development comes amid growing regulatory pressure related to recyclability and the circular economy.
The countdown is on: on 12 August 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation EU 2025/40) becomes mandatory across all EU member states, with no national transposition. With fewer than 80 days to the deadline, Europe's packaging industry is navigating compliance pressure, implementation uncertainties and a failed last-minute attempt by single-use packaging producers to delay the regulation.
From March 31, 2026, England implements simplified nationwide recycling rules, while from April 1, the plastic packaging tax rises to £228.82/tonne for materials containing less than 30% recycled content.
A recent investigation suggests that many plastic packages marketed in Europe as “recycled” or “sustainable” actually contain only limited amounts of recycled material. Communication practices and the use of mass-balance mechanisms raise serious questions about transparency and the accuracy of information provided to consumers
A growing number of plastic packaging claims on European supermarket shelves are considered misleading by experts. Specialists warn about the confusion between recyclable plastics, recycled plastics and so-called chemical recycling. The lack of clear standards and independent verification increases the risk of greenwashing.
The European Commission is setting a clear agenda for plastics circularity in 2026, focusing on increasing the use of recycled plastics, legislative clarification (including end-of-waste criteria), and policy tools designed to stimulate demand for recycled materials in packaging.
Italian packaging consortia report increasing difficulties in absorbing recycled materials, amid weak demand and rising stock levels.
Eurostat has released new data showing that every EU citizen generated an average of 35.3 kg of plastic packaging waste in 2023 — a steady rise compared to previous years.
Coca-Cola is piloting a new packaging system that eliminates shrink-wrap film, using spot-adhesive technology and recycled cardboard handles.
According to the 2025 Corepla report, Italy has achieved a 58% recycling rate for plastic packaging, surpassing the EU average of 45%. This milestone reflects continuous investments in infrastructure and advanced sorting technologies.
Beverage producers across the EU report a shortage of high-quality r-PET.
Romanian Competition Council is assessing a new M&A deal in the sustainable packaging market.
Innovation in circular economy – bioplastics made from straw and crop residues.