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.

The Summit is back with a unique itinerary of high-level panels, keynotes, and breakout sessions. Each day of the event will foreground a thematic focus on the opportunities and challenges associated with sustainability for packaging.

The first day will take stock of the strategic landscape and business mobilization; the second day will explore roadmaps for transformation in packaging materials; and the third will consider the opportunities on the innovation horizon.

What’s on stage

On the plenary stage, the Summit will open with a fireside chat with Unilever’s former CEO Paul Polman, who will also join Michelle Gibbons of the European Brands Association (AIM) for a discussion on strategic leadership.

As ever, various major brand owners will be in attendance, including PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, and Bel Group.

Also among this year’s unmissable lineup is a panel of representatives from the European Commission, joining EUROPEN’s Francesca Stevens in an open discussion around the next steps for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

So, too, will the main stage host a dedicated discussion on the role of AI in handling post-consumer waste – and the list goes on, with back-to-back conversations on the current packaging landscape scheduled throughout the Summit.

Topics with a narrower focus will be explored through workshops and briefings in breakout sessions. These will include a two-year reflection on the PPWR’s progress with Tom Pollock from GreenBlue, a conversation around the HolyGrail intelligent sorting initiative, and a deeper dive into innovation and regulation in South America with the Brazilian Packaging Association (ABRE).

More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks – watch this space!

Sustainability Awards

Join us on 11 November for an awards ceremony to commemorate the winners of this year’s Sustainability Awards! One winner will be selected from each of the new-and-improved categories making their debut at this year’s Summit, and each will take home a coveted crystal trophy.

The big event will be followed up by a celebration, where attendees can make new connections and let loose – complete with food, drink and a live band for your entertainment.

The following day, all Sustainability Awards finalists will feature in a dedicated Q&A to share the stories behind their products and answer audience questions in real time. This year’s cohort hail from a range of geographical regions, from Europe and North America to Asia and South America. Don’t miss this valuable insight into the innovative developments leading the charge into a more sustainable future for the packaging industry.

Networking opportunities

The Summit will also offer scheduled networking activities, including lunches, themed huddles, and an exclusive VIP networking session with Paul Polman and other business leaders.

Attendees will also have time to forge new connections on the show floor – both through our wide range of high-quality exhibitors and a daily series of emerging technology presentations providing bite-sized insights into the directions this industry is moving.

With 49 confirmed exhibitors and counting, don’t be afraid to throw your own hat into the ring: follow this link to sign up as an exhibitor or sponsor, or for opportunities dedicated to start-ups and research projects.

Click here to purchase a ticket to the Sustainable Packaging Summit, or visit the website to learn more about the event.

Use code WORLDINSIGHTS at checkout for 15% off.

The post Spotlighting PPWR, innovation and AI at Sustainable Packaging Summit 2026 first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

The expanded timeframe will provide additional flexibility for the shipping of heavy-duty equipment, logistics planning and travel and ensure maximum participation from what is a highly international mix of attendees.

Gulf Print & Pack, an Informa event, offers unparalleled business and networking opportunities for commercial printers, print service providers, packaging converters, and print buyers by welcoming nearly 300 exhibitors showcasing labels and package printing machinery; and attracting over 8,000 industry professionals from 100 countries.

The event’s production, brand and logistics team are committed to ensuring that the next Gulf Print & Pack iteration is a success for all participants and are on hand to provide support and assistance.

Jade Grace, Group Managing Director at Gulf Print & Pack, Informa:

“Our main focus remains on giving our community exceptional experiences and unrivaled opportunities for business and networking. As the leading label and packaging print event in the MENA region, Gulf Print & Pack continues to contribute to the region’s incredible growth in printing and packaging markets with a timeframe set to support maximum industry participation.”

For further information or assistance, please contact the Gulf Print & Pack team at GulfPrintPackCS@Informa.com.

The post Gulf Print & Pack announces January 2027 dates first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

CBB 2026 features fully upgraded exhibition zones and value-added services, including:

• Innovative Total Solutions for Beverage and Liquid Food Chains: A full range of technologies and practical solutions covering production, filling & packaging, and logistics & conveying;
• drinkNova HUB: A gathering of pioneers in beverage and liquid food technologies and brand innovation;
• Industry Trend Forums: Insights into consumption trends and technological transformations shared by experts and leading enterprises;
• Two Prestigious Awards: The Green Packaging Action Awards (GPA Awards) and Food & Beverage Engineering Annual Innovative Product Award (FBE Award) will be presented concurrently, with award-winning new products on full display;
• Business Matchmaking Services: Pre-show matching and on-site negotiations for one-on-one precise business pairing;
• KOL Live Tours and Interviews: Professional live tours and in-depth interviews onsite hosted by top industry KOLs;
• Premium Tasting Tours: Guided by professional tasters to experience award-winning products of the year.

It serves as a one-stop platform catering to the procurement, cooperation, research and learning needs of industry professionals.

Register now and unlock exclusive visitor benefits!

Visitor pre-registration for CBB 2026 is now officially open. Register online in advance to enjoy a host of exclusive privileges, skip on-site queues and win gifts for a rewarding exhibition experience.

Register Now: https://visit-en.chinabrew-beverage.com/s/s7wCoV

Benefits for Individual Visitors

• Fast Track Entry: Skip the on-site registration queue and enjoy quick admission through streamlined verification.
• Exclusive Visitor Materials: Receive complimentary access to visitor information packages, including the digital exhibition catalogue and industry materials.
• Online Business Matchmaking: Gain early access to the business matching platform and connect with potential partners before the exhibition.
• Priority Industry Updates: Stay informed with advance access to exhibitor lists, industry news, and event updates.
• Lucky Draw Opportunities: Successfully registered visitors will be eligible to participate in on-site lucky draw activities and win special gifts.

Important Reminder: Please keep your registration QR code after completing pre-registration. Visitors must present the QR code along with a valid personal identification document for admission.

Group Visit of 10+ People | Upgrade to VIP Services

To better serve corporate delegations and industry groups, CBB 2026 offers customized VIP benefits for groups consisting of 10 or more participants.

VIP Benefits Include:

• Express Entry: Dedicated staff support and advance processing of group badges for efficient admission.
• Dedicated VIP Reception: Enjoy one-on-one VIP services, including visitor guidance, exhibition tours, and group photo arrangements.
• Customized Gift Packages: Each group member will receive an exclusive visitor gift package.
• Priority Business Matchmaking: Benefit from priority supplier-buyer matching and scheduled business meetings based on your sourcing and cooperation requirements.

Precision Business Matchmaking for Efficient Networking

One of CBB’s signature services, the One-to-One Business Matchmaking Program, is designed to help visitors maximize exhibition efficiency and identify valuable business opportunities.

Whether you are seeking advanced manufacturing equipment, exploring new technologies, optimizing your supply chain, or looking for upstream and downstream business partners, simply submit your business requirements in advance.

Based on your needs, the organizer will carefully match you with qualified exhibitors and arrange dedicated meeting schedules, enabling productive discussions and facilitating potential business cooperation. Make every visit more targeted, efficient, and rewarding.

For more information on CBB 2026, please visit the official website: www.chinabrew-beverage.com, or follow us on WeChat as follows.

The post CBB 2026 Visitor Registration Officially Opens! first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

Geefeenboompje.nl sells tree gifts for special occasions through three main online product categories: trees in gift packs, gift sets, and letterbox-sized tree-growing kits. The company has supported the planting of more than 300,000 trees to date. Co-founder Remko Slokkers highlighted the broader operational benefits of the new recyclable corrugated pack, noting that the focus extended well beyond the unit cost of the box itself. “The improved packaging and material usage enhance the efficiency of the packing process and support a more streamlined supply chain approach,” Slokkers said. “It turned out to be financially uninteresting to look only at the price of a box. By placing our focus on process optimisation, we achieve much greater savings in storage, handling, and labour. The original box was cheaper, but far less efficient.”

The launch of the fibre-based packaging for Geefeenboompje.nl follows another recent development from DS Smith. Earlier this month, the company created a closed tray packaging format for the transport of kiwifruit and other fresh fruit and vegetables, developed for growers in Greece. That tray, made from fibre-based material using virgin paper, was designed to withstand transatlantic shipments lasting more than 45 days. These moves underscore DS Smith’s continued investment in sustainable packaging solutions across diverse product categories, from tree gift products to fresh produce logistics, with supply chain efficiency remaining a central focus in each new design.

The post DS Smith Launches Recyclable Corrugated Cardboard Pack for Geefeenboompje.nl Tree Gifts first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

The collaboration combines NanoXplore’s xGnP graphene technology with Techmer PM’s expertise in film applications and compounding. Techmer PM’s proprietary Techsperse dispersion technology plays a central role in distributing graphene uniformly throughout the material, which helps ensure consistent and repeatable results across production lots at commercial volumes. This graphene masterbatch for plastic film could also support higher levels of recycled content in film formulations without compromising performance an increasingly important consideration as the packaging industry navigates tighter sustainability regulations and circular economy goals.

NanoXplore president and CEO Rocco Marinaccio said: “The combination of NanoXplore’s new xGnP graphene technology and Techmer’s application development and compounding capabilities produced a genuine breakthrough for our joint customers one that neither company could have achieved alone.” On the product development side, Techmer PM brings in-house film production equipment, including a five-layer blown film line that enables small-scale sampling and process testing. This setup allows customers to refine formulations, evaluate multilayer structures and advance products toward market readiness.

Techmer PM CEO Craig Foster commented: “Our partnership with NanoXplore helped us bring a high-value graphene-based solution to market that directly addresses some of our customers’ most pressing performance and sustainability challenges while also driving meaningful cost savings. It’s a strong example of our commitment to delivering practical, forward-looking solutions that enable our customers’ success.”

NanoXplore filed a provisional patent in May 2026 related to the graphene technology underpinning the new product. The two companies plan to showcase the co-developed product line at the AMI Flexible Packaging Innovation and Recycling Conference in Milwaukee, US, scheduled for 24–25 June 2026. NanoXplore produces graphene at its facility in Montreal, Canada, where it maintains an annual production capacity of 4,000 metric tonnes. Techmer PM, founded in 1981, is a materials design company specializing in modifying the properties of technical polymers. Together, the partnership between NanoXplore and Techmer PM reflects a growing industry focus on leveraging advanced materials like graphene technology to meet both performance demands and sustainable packaging objectives in the flexible packaging sector. The introduction of recycled content–friendly solutions without performance trade-offs positions the graphene masterbatch for plastic film as a practical option for converters and brand owners navigating evolving regulatory landscapes.

The post NanoXplore and Techmer PM Launch Graphene Masterbatch for Plastic Films first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

Under the latest phase, the use of plastic shopping bags will no longer be permitted in a range of additional commercial activities. The newly covered sectors include furniture and blanket stores, shops selling daggers, gold and silverware outlets, car care centres and vehicle dealerships. According to the Environment Authority, the expansion aligns with the country’s gradual national plan to limit the use of disposable plastic bags and encourage environmentally friendly substitutes. The authority noted that these measures are intended to reduce the harmful effects of plastic waste on both land and marine environments while supporting the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.

The Environment Authority stated that the restriction on plastic sacks supports national objectives aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability and balancing economic development with the conservation of natural resources for future generations. The policy also reflects efforts to promote more responsible production and consumption practices across commercial sectors and among consumers.

The authority urged businesses and the public to comply with the requirements and transition to sustainable alternatives. It also reaffirmed its commitment to awareness and educational programmes focused on increasing understanding of plastic pollution and its effects on the environment and public health. In addition, the authority said it will continue monitoring implementation in cooperation with relevant stakeholders to ensure the objectives of the plastic bag ban are achieved. These efforts are expected to contribute to environmental sustainability targets and support the priorities outlined under Oman Vision 2040, helping create a more sustainable environment and improved quality of life.

The post Plastic Bag Ban Expands to New Retail Sectors Across Oman first appeared on Packaging World Insights.