Esko is inviting packaging and label professionals from around the world to join the second edition of its free global virtual summit, Unboxing Live, taking place October 13-14, 2026.

Following the success of its inaugural event in 2025, this year’s Unboxing Live has been designed to make it even easier for attendees to find the content most relevant to their role and challenges.

“Packaging is going through an unprecedented pace of change,” said Jan De Roeck, Marketing Director, Industry Relations and Strategy at Esko. “The increasing integration of artificial intelligence, alongside increased and evolving sustainability requirements and emerging models of digital packaging intelligence, are driving deep and lasting change across our industry.

“Across two half-day sessions, this year’s Unboxing Live event will offer dedicated content tracks for brand owners and converters, bringing together industry trends, practical expertise, customer experiences and the latest developments from Esko.”

At the heart of the program will be two plenary sessions: one looking at the key trends shaping the future of packaging and labeling, and another providing an update on the Esko technology roadmap and the direction of our portfolio.

“Together, these sessions will provide attendees with a clear view of where the industry is heading, and how technology is evolving to address the challenges ahead,” he said. “Unboxing Live will also focus on real-world experience, with interviews and conversations with Esko customers offering an inside view of how packaging organizations are addressing the challenges facing them today, and giving participants the opportunity to take concrete ideas and lessons back to their own organizations.”

For converters, the two half-day program will explore the realities of modern production and prepress operations, including how automation, AI, connectivity and evolving print technologies can help improve efficiency while maintaining quality and sustainability. For brand owners, the focus will include managing increasingly complex packaging portfolios, accelerating artwork and approval processes, strengthening compliance and making better use of packaging data.

“This year’s event has been deliberately designed to be easy to navigate and highly interactive,” said Jan. “Attendees can follow the track most relevant to their role, move between sessions and take part in live discussions, with opportunities to engage directly with speakers and Esko specialists throughout the two days.

“Unboxing Live is about creating a space where the packaging ecosystem can come together, compare notes and leave smarter,” said Jan. “A key focus is making sure attendees leave with real, practical takeaways they can apply the very next day.”

While the event will be delivered in English, this year’s edition will also feature live translation into more than 60 languages, making the content accessible to an even wider global audience.

Held entirely online, Unboxing Live gives packaging professionals the opportunity to learn from industry experts and peers without the need to travel. Registration is free and now open at Unboxing Live 2026.

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At the heart of the redesign is a dynamic 360° tiger-inspired pattern that flows seamlessly across every variant, creating a bold visual signature that unifies the portfolio while reinforcing Tiger’s distinctive brand identity. A clear color-coded system adds effortless navigation across the range and CANPACK’s Shimmer effect and Supertactile finish add a further layer of distinction, giving the range both visual depth and a premium feel in hand.

ONE BRAND WORLD, BUILT TO BE FELT

Speed is in Tiger’s DNA: constant new flavors, limited editions, a portfolio that never sits still.

This redesign channels that energy into an even more premium brand world, where every variant carries the same distinctive visual language and intuitive flavor coding system, creating a sensory-driven presence that feels premium, confident and instantly recognizable.

TWO EFFECTS, ONE SHARED AMBITION

CANPACK’s Shimmer effect catches the light differently depending on the angle, giving the surface a subtle sense of movement. The Supertactile finish adds a second dimension entirely: a textured, premium touch that consumers notice the instant they hold it in their hand.

Delivering that same standard across an entire portfolio, rather than a single flagship can, called for close, precise execution at every stage of production. Applied across different variants, Shimmer and Supertactile effects, each bring additional depth and dimension to the design, reinforcing Tiger’s bold personality and strengthening its increasingly premium positioning.

COMBINING BRAND VISION WITH EXECUTION

Together, Maspex and CANPACK show what a portfolio-wide redesign can achieve when strategy and execution move in step – proof that finishing technology can push a can beyond its function, into something that actively shapes how consumers experience a brand.

“What makes this project particularly interesting is the scale,” said Aleksandra Kucharska, Market Manager at CANPACK. “The ambition wasn’t to elevate a single SKU, but to create a consistent premium experience across the entire Tiger portfolio. By combining a distinctive visual system with Shimmer and Supertactile effects, we helped bring greater depth, recognition and sensory appeal to every variant, while preserving the strong brand equity Tiger has built over the years.”

“Tiger has long been one of the most recognizable energy drink brands in the region,” said Monika Koziarz, Junior Brand Manager at Maspex. “This redesign was about building on that foundation – creating a stronger, more cohesive brand world that reflects the energy, dynamism and premium aspirations of today’s portfolio. Working with CANPACK, we brought that vision to life across every variant, without losing what makes Tiger, Tiger.”

From a fast-moving portfolio to an even more premium brand world, Tiger’s redesign is a reminder that packaging isn’t just where a brand shows up, it’s where a brand comes to life.

Discover what’s possible for your brand:

Beverage Cans FX Overview

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The much-anticipated technology showcase will spotlight innovation across digital and hybrid presses, automation, finishing and converting, and sustainable materials from more than 400 exhibitors:

“LOUPE Americas 2026 demonstrates how narrow and mid-web technology developed for label production is being used to convert flexible packaging materials, mainly pouches and shrink sleeves, and folding cartons.” said Andy Thomas-Emans, Strategic Director at LOUPE Global.

One of the many technology highlights on the show floor, BOBST will run live demonstrations of its DIGITAL MASTER 340, an all-in-one, in-line, modular and upgradable label press with integrated quality control, while Mark Andy will feature the HighSpeed 1200 hybrid press and the Performance Series S9 flexographic platform, addressing high-throughput label and flexible packaging production.

Dantex shows for the first time its PicoColour 254 digital press combined with a GM DC350 unit, transforming the press from roll-to-roll into a hybrid production platform with integrated inline finishing.

Also running live demonstrations throughout the show, Konica Minolta will showcase an exciting new label product, in addition to its AccurioLabel 400 toner-based digital press and JetVarnish 3D Web 400, a modular digital embellishment machine capable of digital spot UV varnish and hot foil embellishments.

Brotech will demonstrate its FFX AI Series flexo press, a platform that combines machine intelligence, real-time sensing, closed-loop color management and continuous learning to deliver more consistent production.

Marking its North American debut, Durst will introduce the Tau G3 Peak, delivering 1200 dpi print resolution and speeds of up to 382 ft/min.

HP will showcase the HP Indigo 6K+ Digital Press and 200K Digital Press, printing both labels and flexible packaging in highly automated, AI-driven workflows.

ABG will demonstrate its DigiLase Duo laser finishing system for high-speed, precision converting of digitally printed labels and packaging. Further, leaning into one of the core themes at LOUPE Americas, the company will debut the Galaxy GS20 Plus pouch manufacturing line incorporating ABG’s PouchJet inline digital embellishment system.

Dilli will demonstrate its Neo Picasso Plus digital label press, supporting media widths up to 350 mm and print widths up to 330 mm, capable of running coated and uncoated papers and films, with support for selected flexible packaging materials.

Tamarack Products is set to showcase its Fusion Label Applicator, an in-line system for applying RFID labels to folding cartons on folder/gluer lines.

An exciting feature of LOUPE Americas 2026 is the Label Trail, where Avery Dennison, CarbonQuota, Cerm, Esko, Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM), Kurz, Scribos and Flint Group Digital Xeikon will join forces to showcase a cutting-edge label workflow. This includes sustainable material specification, automated workflow, digital print with inline metalized brand protection elements and real-time measurement of carbon footprint.

Nilpeter and Kurz also join with leading industry partners to present a label print and embellishment workflow based around a Nilpeter FA-17 flexo press.

Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director, LOUPE Americas, commented: “While labels remains at the core of LOUPE Americas 2026, we continue to see label converters diversifying into flexible packaging and in-line folding cartons to meet changing brand expectations and protect margins. LOUPE Americas reflects this shift, bringing together the technologies, suppliers, and expertise that keep our visitors’ businesses competitive.”

Explore all the technology at LOUPE Americas 2026 here.
https://www.loupe-americas.com/exhibitor-list-visitor

To register, please visit the LOUPE Americas website.
https://www.loupe-americas.com/

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From the flavor expression of a single hop to the implementation of cutting-edge filling and packaging technologies; from the masterful interpretation of traditional styles to the innovation and disruption of brewing techniques – new explorations in the beer industry will find their voice here!

On-site highlights include exclusive tastings of European Beer Star award-winning beers, Chinese craft beer tasting sessions, industry technology sharing, professional judge training, a mini beer exhibition, and industry round-table discussions. The four-day program will also feature the pinnacle showdown of the first CBB Beer Blind Tasting Challenge. Spanning four days and bridging the present and future of the beer industry, this is an immersive sensory learning journey – from flavor appreciation to industry insight – and a flagship annual event that CBB dedicates to the entire beverage and liquid food value chain.

“drinkBeer Stage” – Official Program Preview

D1 – drinkBeer EBS Awards

Focus: Tasting of European Beer Star (EBS) award-winning beers – experience internationally recognized premium brews.

D2 – drinkBeer Insight

Focus: Exploring the diverse styles of Chinese craft beer, featuring in-depth industry dialogues and professional international judge training.

D3 – drinkBeer Hub

Focus: A convergence of brand voices and a mini-exhibition format, serving as an industry nexus to facilitate efficient connections between supply chains and commercial resources.

D4 – drinkBeer Competition

Focus: The inaugural CBB Beer Blind Tasting Challenge – a rigorous, professional competition that puts sensory evaluation skills to the ultimate test.

For more excitement, join us at CBB 2026 – October 12–15, at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Stay tuned!

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Against a backdrop of evolving consumer markets, increasing sustainability requirements and rapid advances in automation and digital technologies, businesses are seeking practical solutions that improve operational performance while strengthening long-term competitiveness. Propak West Africa provides a unique opportunity to explore these developments firsthand, compare technologies, engage with technical specialists and discover innovations designed to address today’s manufacturing challenges.

At the heart of the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest machinery, materials and technologies, compare solutions firsthand, and engage directly with technical specialists and industry experts. Complementing the exhibition, a dedicated conference for production and packaging professionals will deliver expert insights into the trends, innovations and operational strategies shaping the future of manufacturing and packaging.

With growing participation from international exhibitors, regional manufacturers and leading industry organisations, Propak West Africa reflects West Africa’s increasing importance within the global manufacturing and packaging landscape. Bringing together local industry with technology providers from around the world, the exhibition serves as a bridge for knowledge transfer, investment and business partnerships that support regional industrial development.

Many local and regional companies plan to take advantage of Propak West Africa’s to engage with customers, develop new business relationships, and build their networks. Leading local and regional exhibitors include Beta Glass Nigeria, SBA Nigeria, PET Associates and Bristol Scientific Company. The growing participation of local exhibitors highlights increasing investment in Nigeria’s manufacturing and processing sectors, as companies continue to expand production capabilities and adopt advanced technologies to meet regional demand.

The strong presence of international exhibitors demonstrates increasing global interest in West Africa’s fast-growing manufacturing, packaging and processing industries. International exhibitors at Propak West Africa include Windmöller & Hölscher; Reifenhäuser Blown Film; the Piovan Group; Nissei ASB Africa; Clearpack Group; Snetor and Vinmar International, among others.

A growing emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy, reinforced through collaboration with key industry and recycling associations, also highlights the sector’s commitment to more resource-efficient manufacturing and responsible packaging solutions. Propak West Africa is supported by a long list of sustainability-focused organisations including the Food and Beverage Alliance; the Recyclers Association of Nigeria; the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology; the Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative; the Advertisers Association of Nigeria; the African Packaging Organisation and the Advanced Institute of Packaging Professionals Nigeria.

In addition, the participation of Girls Who Print Africa reflects the industry’s growing focus on inclusion, skills development and the advancement of women across the print and packaging sectors.  Girls Who Print Africa is the premier regional network for women in the print, packaging, and graphic communications industry and focuses on mentorship, skills development, resource sharing, and professional development. Propak West Africa will also partner with Girls Who Print Africa to host the maiden edition of the Women in Print & Packaging session on the first day of the Propak West Africa Summit. This will bring together industry leaders and professionals to discuss opportunities, challenges, and pathways for advancing women’s participation and leadership within the sector.

“Propak West Africa has established itself as one of West Africa’s leading manufacturing and packaging events because it delivers real business value for visitors,” says Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group Africa, organisers of the show. “Whether companies are looking to improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance sustainability or explore new technologies, the exhibition provides the opportunity to compare solutions, speak directly with technical specialists and suppliers, and gain practical insights that can be applied in their own operations. By bringing together international technology providers, regional manufacturers and industry stakeholders under one roof, Propak West Africa continues to drive innovation, support more sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of West Africa’s manufacturing sector.”

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Macpac, the UK-based independently owned thermoformed packaging manufacturer, has reported increased demand from the horticultural sector following its investment in an Illig RD74 thermoforming machine with integrated punch and die functionality.

This capability supports production of Macpac’s Plantpac® range, which has been developed for growers and mail order suppliers requiring packaging that protects plants during distribution. The packs incorporate drainage and ventilation features to support water drainage and soil aeration, helping to reduce the risk of root damage, rot and deterioration during transit.

The thermoforming machine enables Macpac to manufacture trays and punnets with drainage holes and ventilation slots punched out, removing the material waste in-line, supporting production efficiency, consistency and product finish.

Macpac’s Plantpac® packaging solutions are designed for the delivery of saplings in plug format as well as more established plants. The packs are manufactured from at least 80% rPET and are 100% recyclable when disposed of correctly.

Developed in conjunction with a major mail order company, the packs are available in stock and bespoke formats. They are intended to provide protection and airflow during transit, while a locking feature supports secure closure and ease of handling, including when operators are wearing gloves.

Ready-to-Post Packs

At 25mm thick, Macpac’s ready-to-post packs are designed for letterbox delivery while meeting large pack rate criteria. Plug plants are placed into the cavities before the pack is closed and secured using closure tabs. An address label applied around the edge of the pack can provide additional security and tamper evidence.

Clam Packs

Macpac’s self-locking clam packs provide an easy-to-fill format designed to support efficient packing, reduce handling time and improve plant protection and presentation.

The post MACPAC REPORTS INCREASED DEMAND FROM HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY FOLLOWING INVESTMENT IN ADVANCED PUNCH AND DIE CAPABILITY first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

Attendees to LOUPE Americas 2026 (formerly Labelexpo Americas) will be able to experience a live production of sustainable labels from inception to finish, thanks to a collaboration engaging some of the labels and package printing industry’s leading companies: Avery Dennison, CarbonQuota, CERM, Esko, Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM), KURZ, SCRIBOS and Flint Group Digital Xeikon.

A popular feature at previous LOUPE events, The Label Trail is set to inspire the North American industry by showcasing an end-to-end exploration of the modern label production process, focusing on carbon measurement, sustainable materials, automation, and innovative smart packaging solutions.

With over 400 exhibitors, a revitalized focus on education and expanded technology showcase, LOUPE Americas 2026 is the ideal platform to stage the initiative, which is guided by a brief featuring fictional brand “Dancing Fish” which is expanding into the nutritional supplements market. Requirements include producing new food-safe labels while also measuring and reducing its carbon footprint. To ensure product authenticity and consumer safety, brand protection features need to be integrated into the labels of its new nutritional supplements line.

The Label Trail encompasses every stage of the label creation journey—from job specification, order handling, prepress and automated carbon footprinting to digital printing, embellishment, and finishing.

Participants will gain insights into how low-impact materials, carbon measurement and sustainable processes contribute to reducing environmental impact, aligning with the industry’s commitment to sustainability. The Label Trail also delves into the integration of smart packaging technologies, illustrating how digital content and traceability features enhance consumer engagement and meet compliance requirements. Furthermore, industry experts will share valuable knowledge on topics such as carbon data management, regulatory compliance, and supply chain transparency.

Registered attendees will enjoy guided tours lasting approximately 60 minutes, limited to 20 participants to ensure an engaging and informative experience. With six time slots available over the three-day event, early registration is recommended.

The post From briefing to finished product: industry leading companies bring sustainable label production to life at LOUPE Americas 2026 (formerly Labelexpo Americas) first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (AIR) technology will be a special focus, with the HAVER & BOECKER Machinery Division featuring a centralized bag depalletizing and palletizing robot and AI-based camera systems for automated quality control. With these solutions, the manufacturer equips customers with innovative technology that relieves operators from repetitive, high-strain tasks and enables them to focus on process optimization and preventive actions.

“Traditional automation alone is no longer enough to address today’s operational realities,” said Florian Festge, Managing Director of HAVER & BOECKER. “Inspired by our customers’ experiences, we have developed intelligent tools that will help make production even more efficient and qualitative.”

HAVER & BOECKER Machinery Division

The HAVER & BOECKER Machinery Division will showcase several AIR systems that allow for full process automation and optimization. Visitors will be able to watch the AMICUS^® Smart Cell in action, featuring a palletizing and depalletizing robot that can automatically feed empty bags to the filling machine and palletize filled bags. In order to find the right bag for each application, HAVER & BOECKER’s BESPOKE solution offers customized support for bag design and packaging material. The company’s experts will be available for in-booth consultations on bag optimization and logistics solutions.

QUAT²RO^®

Visitors interested in AI-based performance analysis and optimization can discuss the benefits of the HAVER & BOECKER QUAT²RO^® AI suite with the experts at the booth. With the AI-powered Q Valve Check camera, for instance, companies can ensure that valve bags are correctly opened before being attached and filled, decreasing machine errors and product loss significantly. The Q Seal Check system allows for a faster detection of improperly sealed bags before palletizing, lowering the effort of retroactive troubleshooting. Visitors can learn how to evaluate live production data and use intelligent systems to increase productivity and efficiency.

AML Bulk Technology

AML experts will be present at the booth to discuss high-performance dedusting filters and plant equipment for dry mortar and other bulk materials. With more than 25 years of expertise on the market, AML applies a holistic, sustainable approach to help customers minimize air pollution and equip conveying and mixing systems with smart filtration technology.

BEHN + BATES

HAVER & BOECKER’s food industry brand BEHN + BATES will highlight its hygienic ADAMS^® CARE-LINE Edition FFS machine for sensitive powdered foods and pharmaceuticals. Using leakproof PE film bags, it allows for maximum UV and aroma protection with seam-sealed edges and effective product compaction. All BEHN + BATES machines enable reliable documentation and reproducibility according to Good Manufacturing Practice regulations.

IBAU HAMBURG

Visitors interested in customized solutions for bulk material storage, conveying, mixing and transport can discuss these with the experts from IBAU HAMBURG at the booth. From plant engineering and silo technology to high-quality components, IBAU HAMBURG offers a variety of services and equipment solutions for the cement, minerals and dry mortar industries. At POWTECH TECHNOPHARM, the company will highlight its extensive upgrades program, which allows the integration of tailored equipment into existing plants for higher efficiency.

HAVER & BOECKER Wire Weaving Division

The HAVER & BOECKER Wire Weaving Division will showcase its resource-efficient repair solutions for the POROSTAR^® filter components, such as filter plates and centrifuge drums. Instead of replacing damaged laminate components, customers can take advantage of a tailored repair service to extend the life of their wire mesh parts while saving material, reducing costs and minimizing downtime. Experts for woven wire cloth and custom-engineered metal wire mesh products will be at POWTECH TECHNOPHARM to discuss innovative solutions for filtration and separation in a wide range of industries including food, petrochemical and pharmaceutical processing.

The post HAVER & BOECKER Brings AIR Technology and Sustainable Filtering Methods to POWTECH TECHNOPHARM 2026 first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

From August 27 to 29, 2026, the 2nd World Expo of Packaging Industry-Southeast Asia, organized by RX, will be grandly held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIEXPO) in Indonesia.

Following its success in setting an industry benchmark in 2025, this year’s exhibition will further deepen strategic cooperation. With World Expo of Packaging Industry-Southeast Asia at its core, the event will synergize with the Paper Chain Expo, Pack Plus and Bakery ASEAN. Spanning an exhibition area of over 22,000 square meters, it will create an international trade platform covering the entire industrial chain from raw materials and equipment manufacturing to packaging processing and terminal applications injecting strong momentum into the collaborative growth of Chinese and Southeast Asian industries.

As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is rapidly becoming a vital hub for regional manufacturing and foreign investment. In recent years, the rapid development of sectors such as e-commerce, food delivery, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals has continuously driven the demand for paper packaging, eco-friendly packaging, and smart packaging. With a market reaching over 600 million people in ASEAN, Indonesia holds a significant position in the regional and international packaging industry.

World Expo of Packaging Industry-Southeast Asia 2026 will continue to cultivate the Indonesian market, actively responding to the China-ASEAN industrial cooperation strategy. By once again partnering with industry organizations such as the Asosiasi Kotak Karton Gelombang Indonesia (AKKGI) and leveraging resources from packaging, papermaking, and printing associations across multiple countries, its international influence continues to rise. Notably, AKKGI will organize all its member units to attend this year and will host its 2026 Annual Convention and Gala Dinner concurrently with the exhibition, facilitating face-to-face exchanges with 500 industry elites and brand buyers.

Furthermore, the overall scale of the 2026 exhibition has been further upgraded, with a total display area exceeding 22,000 square meters. Leveraging the platform advantages of World Expo of Packaging Industry-Southeast Asia, the exhibition will highlight core segments of the packaging industry chain. Through synergy with the Paper Chain Expo and Pack Plus, it will provide a one-stop platform for display and exchange, covering paper raw materials and chemical agents, packaging and printing equipment, eco-friendly materials, smart manufacturing solutions, and terminal applications.

In terms of business matching, World Expo of Packaging Industry-Southeast Asia will continue to leverage its professional expertise. Through precise buyer invitations, one-on-one business matching, and the TAP (Targeted Attendee Program), it will focus on connecting core procurement decision-makers, brand owners, and distributors within the region. It is expected to attract over 25,000 high-quality target buyers, providing robust support for exhibitors to efficiently expand into Southeast Asian and international markets.

Focusing on industry hotspots, World Expo of Packaging Industry-Southeast Asia 2026 will host several high-level industry forums and themed activities that delve into critical topics such as the sustainable and smart future of the Southeast Asian packaging industry, green manufacturing and sustainable packaging, halal food packaging standardization and green supply chain synergy, smart packaging and digital factories, packaging for food delivery and ready-to-eat meals, innovative materials and molding technologies, as well as new breakthroughs in the industrial application of pulp molding and food paper containers. These sessions are designed to provide a high-value platform for information exchange and business expansion for both exhibitors and professional visitors, further strengthening the professional leadership of World Expo of Packaging Industry-Southeast Asia within the regional packaging industry.

In 2026, World Expo of Packaging Industry-Southeast Asia represents more than just an upgrade in scale and content; it is a commitment to the continuous cultivation and collaborative construction of the Southeast Asian packaging industry ecosystem.

We look forward to reuniting with global industry colleagues from August 27 to 29 at the Jakarta International Expo (JIEXPO), Indonesia.

The post Deepening Presence in Southeast Asia – Strategic Collaboration Upgrade first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

The updated EPR framework is widening the number of businesses captured by the regulations.

Organisations with annual turnover above £1 million and handling more than 25 tonnes of packaging annually are now required to report packaging data, while businesses classified as “large producers” – those with turnover above £2 million and handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging each year – are required to report packaging data, meet recycling obligations and pay EPR waste disposal fees.

While the regulations apply across multiple sectors, including food and drink, pharmaceuticals, meal kits, eCommerce and pet food, Hydropac believes one area receiving little attention is the impact on temperature-controlled packaging.

Under EPR, businesses may be required to fund the disposal of packaging that enters household waste streams. Crucially, the fees are based on the type and weight of material classified as packaging waste.

For organisations operating at “large producer” scale, this means packaging choice is no longer solely an operational or sustainability decision – it is increasingly becoming a financial one.

Based on Hydropac’s analysis of the current EPR fee structure, a standard 500g water ice pack attracts disposal fees of around 0.55p per unit, as only the thin outer plastic film is classed as packaging.

By comparison, a standard 500g gel ice pack attracts fees of around 14.3p per unit, because both the plastic outer layer and the full weight of the gel contents are classified as chargeable material under EPR.

This creates an additional disposal-related cost of approximately 13.75p per gel pack compared with a water-based alternative.

When applied to packaging volumes typical of “large producers”, the financial impact becomes significant. A business handling 50 tonnes of packaging annually could face around £13,750 in additional yearly costs when using gel ice packs compared with water-based alternatives. At 100 tonnes this increases to approximately £27,500, rising to £55,000 at 200 tonnes and more than £137,000 at 500 tonnes.

Unlike many compliance costs, Hydropac says this is one businesses can actively influence through their choice of packaging materials.

The company also believes there remains considerable uncertainty around the practical implications of EPR.

Although reporting requirements have widened to include more businesses, many organisations still assume the regulations do not apply to them or are unclear about how packaging choices could affect future compliance costs as they grow.

Colin Rowland, Managing Director at Hydropac, said:

“For years, we’ve been advocating for simpler, more sustainable cooling solutions, not just because they’re better for the environment, but because they make practical commercial sense.

“What’s changed is that EPR now places a measurable financial value on material choice. With gel packs, you’re paying to dispose of both the plastic and the gel contents. With water packs, it’s just the outer film. That difference is now directly reflected in the cost.”

He continued:

“Traditionally, businesses have specified cold-chain packaging based on thermal performance, reliability and purchase price. EPR introduces another consideration – the ongoing cost of disposal. Packaging decisions are becoming financial decisions.

“We’ve spoken to businesses that are still trying to understand whether EPR applies to them and what it means in practice. As reporting requirements expand, more organisations are now within scope, even if they’re not yet paying full EPR fees. Now is the time to understand those obligations and review packaging strategies before costs begin to escalate.”

Hydropac believes the regulations represent a significant shift in how packaging decisions are evaluated, moving sustainability from a purely environmental consideration to one with direct commercial consequences.

Rowland added:

“We’ve long believed water-based cooling solutions offer environmental advantages because they use simpler materials. What’s interesting is that the regulatory framework is now reinforcing that position commercially as well.

“Businesses are increasingly looking for ways to reduce costs without compromising product protection. For many organisations, reviewing their cold-chain packaging could become one of the simplest opportunities to do exactly that.”

Hydropac is encouraging businesses operating temperature-controlled supply chains to review both their EPR obligations and their packaging specifications as part of wider cost, compliance and sustainability planning.

The post EPR Changes Cost Equation For UK’s Temperature-Controlled Packaging first appeared on Packaging World Insights.