In the second installment of our series on AI in nutrition, Nutrition Insight speaks with representatives from Brightseed and Nuritas, as well as independent marketing and R&D experts, about the challenges companies face in working with the technology and how to overcome them.

The unveiled consultation includes proposals for white, plain packaging, with restrictions on text color, images, and branding, as well as standardized product information. 

Deployed since April, the system is now installed in every package car in the US, at delivery facilities nationwide, and across shipments originating from more than 5,500 The UPS Store locations, including returns. 

Ocean plastic pollution disproportionately affects island nations, which lack the infrastructure and investment to process large amounts of packaging waste. In one modeled scenario of no improvement to global waste management, the researchers estimate that by 2060, there will be 2.8 times more ocean plastic than in 2018. 

Wosana, now part of Japan’s DyDo Group, says the second line follows the “success of its first installation and strong collaboration with Krones.”

The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment has signed an agreement with global giants like Starbucks, Burger King, KFC, and McDonald’s, alongside domestic brands and 150 independent cafés.

The varioPRESS iV7 was unveiled at thINK Ahead 2026 (Jul 13–15), an inkjet printing trade show held in Florida, US. The press is said to offer high print quality and operational efficiency for direct mail providers, as well as photobook production, commercial printers, and publishing environments. 

Last year, DUH sought an injunction to compel DB to comply with Germany’s reusable offer obligation in Section 33 of the country’s Packaging Act. From January 1, 2023, businesses that fill drinks into single-use cups for immediate consumption, like coffee or tea, have had to offer a reusable container version. 

Kronos Polymer, a Polish operator active in the recycling and processing of PE, operates an industrial site in Gniew, Poland, completed in late 2022. The newly formed company involved in the transaction will acquire a plant equipped with a complete PE sorting, grinding, and washing line with an installed production capacity of 12,000 metric tons per year. 

The studio, which opened on July 2, brings together AI-supported design, material expertise, and data-driven insights into packaging material and design choices. 

In the trial, Kiefel converted industrial-scale Duranova paperboard reels into finished 3D molded products at full production speed on its Natureformer KFD 75 dry-forming machine.

Packaging Insights speaks to experts from Aicomp, BoxWay Packaging Group, Flint Group, and MM Board and Paper to understand what still needs to be overcome in fiber packaging surface technology, as well as other challenges inhibiting fiber circularity, such as supply chain transparency and recycling infrastructure. 

Approximately one-third of the projects funded by CBE JU focus on bio-based materials. The public-private partnership fund for bio-based R&D in the EU has a portfolio of 26 projects dedicated to research and innovation in the packaging sector. It is developing close to 70 different packaging products. 

The three handbooks for Recyclable, Compostable, and Reusable Packaging Design outline the latest certification requirements, labeling rules, and guidance for packaging designers, engineers, retailers, distributors, and policymakers. 

The law, Assembly Bill 660, requires food products to use standardized quality labels, “Best if Used By” or “Best if Frozen By,” or safety labels, “Use By” or “Use or Freeze By.” Any food item for human consumption in California that is not labeled according to the standard is prohibited from sale as of 1 July 2026.

Perspectives from WRAP, Gentlebrand, and Beyondly underline that regulation, circularity, and changing consumer expectations dictate that brands must balance ecological responsibility while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

The portfolio combines four solutions: Embrace, E-Simplicity, Future Disc Top, and E-Disc Top. The innovations aim to enhance product protection in transit, support brands’ sustainability goals, and improve consumer experience.

Foundation FSSC is the organization behind the global Certification Scheme FSSC 22000 for Food Safety. Its latest version (V7) includes guidelines regarding packaging in relation to food waste. It was developed after Foundation FSSC acknowledged how the design of packaging “plays a vital role in reducing FLW.” 

The fiber-based packaging solution is designed for two types of Mach water filters, which are used for the protection of domestic water pipes. 

Meanwhile, the Packaging Recovery Note system uses recycling data to help producers meet their legal packaging obligations, underpinning recycling targets, and driving investment in recycling capacity. 

Avery Dennison says that when humidity rises sharply, one of the biggest concerns for printing companies and end users is label wrinkling or edge lifting after labels are applied to corrugated cartons.

The Restore Refillable Toothpaste aims to combine high performance, aesthetic design, and a “future-focused approach” to materials. The refills are made from Vivomer, a plastic-free biomaterial designed to compost after storing the toothpaste.

“This new carton packaging allows us to enhance the visibility of the range in stores thanks to a larger on‑pack display area,” says Lionel Manivet, responsible innovation expert at Florette France.  

During the same period, packaging from the F&B sector was behind 97% of packaging material released on the market, while the total amount of all packaging on the market was 98 kg per capita. 

Aora’s products are packaged in tin, aluminum, or wood with zero plastic. Its cosmetic solutions are formulated with Mexican-origin ingredients, including five native chiles, tepezcohuite, and cactus flower. 

The partnership will bring together Henkel’s product portfolio and industry expertise with Applied Adhesives’ national sales organization, technical service, and logistics network.

The VTC 840 WD is built for demanding protein, poultry, cheese, frozen food, and other high-sanitation applications. It offers full 360-degree washdown capability, intelligent automation, ergonomic design, and measurable sustainability gains, according to the US-based packaging company.

RX Greater China, the event organizer, highlights that innovation in the country’s non-ferrous metals market is expanding. RX points out that new materials and production processes are advancing rapidly, while companies across the supply chain are increasingly recognizing the value of innovation.

The paper packaging provider engineered an octagonal structure aiming to combine bold design with strength and efficiency for Coca-Cola China’s World Cup gift pack for supermarket shelves, including eight 330 mL cans of Coca-Cola and a football souvenir.

The packaging solution features 75% recycled content using LYB’s CirculenRevive polymers and an ISCC Plus certified mass balance approach. 

The plastic-free takeaway trays, produced in Varberg, Sweden, are said to offer moisture and oil resistance from greasy foods. 

The material is designed to replicate the performance of conventional extruded polystyrene (XPS), while offering a reduced carbon footprint, according to the PLA production company.

The study, published in Food Research International, investigated pumpkin peel, an agricultural by-product that accounts for roughly 10% of the fruit’s weight, as a raw material for developing biodegradable functional food packaging designed to preserve fruit quality.

In collaboration with local organization Green Phenix, the second stage of Destination Zero Waste Curaçao is set to incorporate 100 tourism and hospitality businesses, with the aim of collecting, sorting, and recycling 25 metric tons of plastic waste and 30 metric tons of other waste materials. 

Packaging Insights speaks to Constantia Flexibles and Südpack, with data from Innova Market Insights about how regulatory updates and shifting consumer expectations are pushing dessert brands to rethink their delivery format.

The microplastic-free mask is marketed as safe under the idea that what goes on the lips also goes in. “We make lip formulas with that accidental journey in mind,” says the company.

Polytag’s UV tag is described as an invisible digital fingerprint that is readable by specialized detection units installed at Material Recovery Facilities. These carry “detailed” packaging-specific data that cannot be determined only through the use of images, according to the company.  

Packaging Insights speaks with Aptar Beauty, Sidel, and Bormioli Luigi about their latest R&D innovations and why digitalization is becoming essential to maintaining a competitive edge.

The closures developed by Forewood are made from wood and plant fibers. They offer stability and barrier protection, while the natural look of the material stands out aesthetically, says Sensoplast. 

Packaging Insights sits down with Naidoo to explore Africa’s waste management, highlighting the countries that are leading the way, as well as what she calls the industry’s “false solutions,” including  waste-to-energy, chemical recycling, and plastic credits. 

The two businesses will continue to operate under their existing brands and management, ensuring continuity for personnel, customers, and supplier relationships.

“The key concern is that many EPR systems are not currently designed in a way that ensures higher fees paid translate into improvements in flexible packaging recycling rates,” Alec Walker-Love, communication lead at CEFLEX, tells Packaging Insights.

The “Love Where You Live Heckmondwike” campaign is backed by Kirklees Council, local Member of Parliament Kim Leadbeater, and brands including KFC, Mars Wrigley, McDonald’s, and Nestlé. According to Keep Britain Tidy, the program has achieved reductions in litter and a measurable uplift in how residents feel about their area.

The update includes: ERP Foundation, manufacturing execution system (MES), Control Systems, and Smart Scheduling pillars of the CommandCore platform.

Meaning “quick response,” consumers can scan QR codes to find out a host of information, such as recycling instructions, allergen information, product origin, promotions, and recipes. They offer companies a direct pathway to engage with consumers and raise awareness around their brand.  

The EC says that with the new rules, it aims to ensure transparency in the calculation of chemically recycled PET, to “level the playing field,” and secure the plastic recycling sector. 

“Europe’s plastic recycling sector faces mounting pressures,” adds Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.  “The new rules on chemical recycling are part of the answer to that challenge.” 

Thai Union explains that the ready-meal and meal kit industry “continues to boom” across Europe as consumer demand for convenient formats grows. Earlier this year, Innova Market Insights identified ready-meal formats as a Top Packaging Trend for 2026.