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.

The post Esko unpacks ‘what’s next’ for packaging and labeling professionals as Unboxing Live returns first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

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.”

The post Propak West Africa Returns with Global Innovation, Practical Solutions and Industry Expertise first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

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.

Sustainability mandates are reshaping material decisions. Automation and traceability technologies are redefining how products are packed, stored, and delivered. E-commerce has elevated packaging into a core part of brand experience. Meanwhile, sectors like healthcare and cold-chain logistics are pushing packaging to new levels of precision and reliability.

In this fast-moving environment, actionable knowledge isn’t just useful — it’s a competitive advantage.

The October 2025 issue of Packaging World Insights Magazine brings together innovators, technologists and experts who share real-world lessons, proven strategies, and emerging trends shaping the future of packaging worldwide.

🔍 Inside the October 2025 Issue

🩺 The NFO Solution: Your Ultimate Advantage in Healthcare and Complex Secure Logistics

An in-depth look at how advanced secure logistics and real-time tracking technologies are reducing risk in the movement of high-value, temperature-sensitive medical products. This feature explains how NFO-driven visibility, traceability tools, and data-driven packaging decisions help prevent losses, ensure regulatory compliance, and cut supply chain costs — making it essential reading for pharma and healthcare logistics leaders.

📦 The Unboxing Experience: An eCommerce Brand’s Moment of Truth

Explores how unboxing has evolved into a powerful marketing moment — influencing customer satisfaction, brand loyalty, and repeat business. This article examines the psychology of anticipation, material choice, structural design, and experience layering, offering practical insights into creating memorable unboxing moments that convert first-time buyers into brand fans.

🌍 Label Expo Europe 2025 Attracted Record Visitors and International Participation

Highlights major announcements, live demos, and product launches across digital printing, labelling technologies, and automation systems. This event shares emerging trends from industry leaders — from smart label functionality to high-speed digital presses — helping readers evaluate where labelling investments should go for future competitiveness.

❄️ Managing Risk Points in Air Cold Chain Logistics

Reveals the hidden risk zones across the air cargo journey — from tarmac handling to warehouse staging — where temperature-sensitive goods are most vulnerable.
The article explores packaging sensors, thermal profiling, contingency workflows, and predictive risk modelling to ensure cold-chain integrity and reduce spoilage, loss, and delays.

♻️ How to Successfully Add Sustainability to the Plastic Packaging Design Mix

Breaks down how brands can adopt circular design without compromising durability or aesthetics. Covers material alternatives, mono-material structure strategies, recycled content integration, lightweighting techniques, and design-for-reuse models — enabling decision-makers to build sustainability into packaging right from the concept stage.

🍱 How Modern Packaging Machinery Ensures You Meet Food Safety Regulations

Shows how automation, inline inspection technologies, and advanced sealing systems eliminate manual errors and ensure traceability in food packaging operations.
Readers gain clarity on how digital validation, hygiene-focused machinery design, and real-time monitoring reduce contamination risks, helping organizations comply with global safety standards.

🖨️ 12 of the Latest Trends Taking Over Digital Printing Technology

Breaks down advancements that are making packaging personalization faster, cleaner, and more efficient. From variable data printing and high-definition colour consistency to waste reduction and agile short-run production, this article helps brands understand how digital printing accelerates speed-to-market and improves packaging ROI.

🔁 5 Revolutionary Machines Transforming Return Mail Processing Efficiency

Explores automation systems designed to handle reverse logistics — an overlooked cost centre for subscription-based and direct-to-consumer businesses. The article outlines how smart sorting, barcode detection, auto-routing, and envelope tracking drastically cut processing time, reduce operational spend, and increase customer response rates.

📖 Read the Complete Digital Edition

Browse the full October 2025 issue here:
👉 Click here to view the E-book

The October 2025 issue of Packaging World Insights Magazine captures the industry’s shift from traditional packaging to smarter, leaner, digital-first ecosystems.
From rethinking materials to modernizing machinery and reimagining consumer engagement — this edition is a valuable resource for leaders, innovators, and decision-makers shaping the future of packaging.

Designed for leaders redefining how the world packages, protects, prints, and delivers products.

Explore. Learn. Lead.
Happy reading.
Packaging World Insights Magazine — October 2025 Edition

The post Driving the Future of Packaging – October 2025 Issue first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

While setting global standards may seem straightforward in concept, their execution across a vast international network requires a meticulously layered approach to ensure consistency, quality and precision in healthcare and complex secure logistics. This begins with a comprehensive onboarding process that integrates both regional and global solution deployments, guided by a rigorous evaluation framework. Each proposed solution is reviewed by key stakeholders, including Quality Assurance, Operations, Technical Teams, IT, Legal, and Sustainability, to ensure cross-functional alignment with Marken’s operational benchmarks.

During this evaluation, we design and implement global Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that serve as the operational backbone across our network. When specific regional requirements arise, we develop specialized protocols that uphold our quality standards while allowing for necessary local adaptations. These customized procedures are then supported by targeted training programs, including in-person sessions for large-scale rollouts, ensuring seamless adoption at every location.

At the core of our framework is a robust Quality Management System (QMS), with stringent testing protocols embedded in both annual training cycles and new employee onboarding. We create measurable benchmarks for compliance by supplementing SOPs with performance evaluations assigned to specific team members. This robust, multilayered approach – combining standardized processes with region-specific adaptations, thorough training with ongoing evaluation, and centralized oversight – enables us to deliver harmonized, high-quality service across all 220 countries and territories, ensuring both global consistency and local effectiveness.

2. Your ready-now packaging catalogue sounds revolutionary. Can you share how this mitigates risks for time-and temperature-sensitive shipments?

Our Ready-Now Catalogue represents the culmination of a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process which is designed to deliver best-in-class shipping solutions. Every product goes through an extensive onboarding review where we solicit cross-functional feedback from all the organizational stakeholders, making sure of optimal selection for our global network. Our technical experts meticulously evaluate supplier qualifications while subjecting each solution to intensive performance testing under real-world conditions. Sustainability remains a core priority, with our dedicated team assessing eco-friendly attributes alongside operational durability throughout the diverse climates and logistics scenarios.

This technical assessment is further enhanced by strategic demand planning, as our Forecasting and Asset Management teams analyze current and projected shipment volumes across all Precision Logistics hubs. This dual focus on performance as well as scalability makes sure that only top-tier, reliable solutions enter our catalogue. Approved products then go through strategic positioning within our expansive distribution network – leveraging UPS’s global infrastructure, exclusive conditioning centers, and also technical expertise to enable same-day roll-out.

More than just packaging, the Ready-Now ecosystem integrates the entire value chain – from sustainable product design and rigorous validation to smart inventory placement and real-time performance tracking. This holistic approach transforms the intricate packaging selection into a seamless and dependable process – delivering advanced therapeutic, pharmaceutical, and biological shipping solutions that are mission-ready anytime, anywhere.

3. What’s the most complex shipment Marken has orchestrated, and what did it teach you?

Though I’ve only been with Marken for four years, one shipment early in my tenure perfectly demonstrated our commitment to mission-critical deliveries. During COVID’s peak, we orchestrated the transport of a singular, temperature-sensitive experimental treatment from the U.S. to Australia within 48 hours for a terminally ill patient. Due to the commercial flights unavailable, borders closed to non-residents, and most of the charter planes lacking landing rights, our team secured the only viable aircraft and engineered an unprecedented solution – training pilots to replenish dry ice mid-flight. In spite of every conceivable obstacle, we delivered the vial eight hours early by not just moving a package, but enabling a life-saving intervention. This experience crystallized Marken’s ethos for me that when patients’ lives depend on our solutions, we don’t accept limitations; we redefine what’s possible through innovation, expertise, and sheer dedication. This first crisis shipment remains my most career-defining moment, embodying why precision logistics matter far beyond mere transportation timelines.

4. Since becoming part of UPS Healthcare, how has Marken’s service ecosystem evolved?

Our integrated logistics solutions blend industry-leading on-time performance with unprecedented global infrastructure, featuring tens of millions of square feet of strategically positioned distribution space. By leveraging the scale of UPS Healthcare’s network and the expanded capabilities gained through acquisitions like MNX, we now deliver precision-driven packaging and transportation solutions across clinical, commercial, and wholesale pharmaceutical sectors. This integration has unlocked a host of competitive advantages: from stronger global supplier partnerships and enhanced buying power in cold chain packaging, to rapid geographic expansion aligned with dynamic client needs, and a continuously growing portfolio of specialized services. With access to the world’s largest parcel network and strategically staged packaging inventory, we offer same-day deployment capabilities around the globe.

Marken’s deep expertise in areas like radiopharmaceuticals and temperature-sensitive therapies – paired with the ability to procure high-quality materials at scale – means we can provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on compliance or quality. This powerful alignment positions us as a single-source logistics partner for even the most complex healthcare shipments, from clinical trial materials to commercial pharmaceuticals. The result is a fully integrated, end-to-end ecosystem that blends Marken’s therapeutic precision with UPS’s global strength, redefining the standards for reliability, speed, and innovation across the healthcare supply chain.

5. Traditional packaging vendors offer transactional solutions – how does Marken’s ‘holistic’ Packaging as a service- PaaS model fundamentally change the game for healthcare clients?

At Marken, we’re grounded in a fundamental belief: every shipment represents a patient’s hope. We don’t move boxes — we’re enabling the timely delivery of life-changing therapies, guided by a purpose-driven culture that puts patients above parcels. This perspective compels us to go far beyond transactional logistics and to fully appreciate the clinical importance and human impact of every delivery.

Our Packaging-as-a-Service (PaaS) model is rooted in this patient-first philosophy and powered by operational excellence. While we do offer standard packaging options, our real differentiation lies in leveraging the strength of UPS’s global network, our strategically located facilities, and our clinical and commercial logistics expertise to simplify even the most complex healthcare supply chains. Every shipment, standard or urgent, is treated with the same degree of precision, care, and accountability because each one plays a critical role in a patient’s care journey.

This integration of empathy and efficiency creates a transformative value proposition: the reliability of the world’s most robust logistics infrastructure paired with the sensitivity of a partner who truly understands what’s at stake. We’re not just delivering packages – we’re delivering possibilities. By removing barriers and complexity, we help healthcare innovations reach the people who need them most, exactly when they need them.

6. You regard yourself ‘packaging agnostic.’ How does this flexibility give clients an edge over competitors with proprietary systems?

At Marken, being truly packaging agnostic means we’re not driven to promote any single proprietary system. Instead, we meticulously understand and respond to each client’s unique supply chain needs. Our consultative process starts by carefully evaluating key factors like required transit durations, temperature stability profiles, and lane-specific risks, allowing us to identify precisely validated solutions that align with your product’s viability window.

We then move deeper, evaluating the operational realities, such as order-to-shipment timelines, analyzing considerations around reusable versus single-use packaging, pack-out capabilities, and tracking visibility, from basic passive monitoring through to advanced analytics. By closely understanding market demands and customer priorities, whether cost efficiency, sustainability, ease-of-use, or just-in-time (JIT) delivery, we provide an extensive portfolio of over 1,500 solutions down to the optimal recommendation tailored specifically for each client’s needs.

To be clear, ours is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team combines scientific acumen with practical logistics expertise to design customized protocols that bridge gaps in clients’ cold chains, all while advancing their strategic business objectives. The result is a more flexible, efficient, compliant, and patient-centered supply chain solution – one capable of meeting immediate operational demands and supporting long-term growth.

7. With pre-qualified packaging solutions, how do you balance standardization with the need for customized orders in case of urgent scenarios?

Our commitment to excellence begins with the rigorous qualification of every supplier, whether their products are part of our Ready-Now catalogue or designed as customized, on-demand solutions. We uphold uncompromising standards for patient safety and supply chain integrity, thoroughly vetting each offering through meticulous evaluation processes. However, our dedication to quality assurance extends well beyond initial qualification.

Through our Packaging-as-a-Service Innovation Lab – a collaborative center merging technical and commercial expertise – we continuously monitor market developments and proactively address emerging challenges. This future-focused approach, combined with strong partnerships with leading manufacturers, allows us to move beyond standard solutions. We actively co-develop specialized packaging and logistics innovations designed explicitly to overcome specific pharmaceutical transportation barriers.

This dual focus, rigorous qualification for today’s needs and ongoing innovation for tomorrow’s demands, sets us apart. We maintain stringent quality benchmarks across all supplier relationships while consistently pushing boundaries to tackle industry-wide challenges. Whether deploying proven Ready-Now solutions or rapidly engineering custom options for urgent situations, we apply the same meticulous care and attention, ensuring every shipment meets our exacting standards for safety, reliability, and performance.

8. Time-sensitive therapies like CAR-T cells can’t afford packaging delays. How does PaaS literally save lives in these scenarios?

Our rapid-response capability is anchored by a strategically managed fleet of proprietary assets, enabling immediate deployment to meet urgent clinical needs. This dedicated infrastructure is intelligently positioned by our Forecasting and Asset Management teams, who collaborate closely with our Advanced Therapies Division to ensure packaging systems are proactively positioned wherever patient demand arises.

The critical differentiator in our PaaS model is the specialized expertise behind this infrastructure. Our cryogenic logistics team includes pioneers in liquid nitrogen (LN2) shipping, professionals who have developed industry-leading dewars and bring unmatched technical knowledge to every temperature-sensitive shipment. This hands-on experience shapes both our daily operations and our continuous innovation.

By integrating Marken’s proprietary asset network with UPS Healthcare’s expansive global reach, we’ve built an ecosystem designed specifically for moving advanced therapies swiftly and securely. Whether facilitating cell and gene therapies or delivering time-critical pharmaceuticals, our system combines strategically optimized asset placement, specialized cryogenic shipping knowledge, predictive demand modeling, and seamless technological integration.

The outcome is unparalleled reliability for complex logistics scenarios – where every moment matters, margins for error don’t exist, and patient lives depend on flawless execution.

9. Where’s the next frontier for PaaS? Drones? Blockchain? Or is the focus on scaling what already works?

At Marken, we’ve consistently demonstrated our unique ability to both innovate boldly and scale proven solutions, recognizing that focusing exclusively on one approach would limit our overall impact. Our innovation strategy is guided by three core principles: deeply understanding client requirements, listening carefully to patient experiences, and proactively addressing emerging industry challenges. Together, these elements form our “North Star” as we shape next-generation logistics solutions.

Currently, we are preparing exciting new additions to our Ready-Now catalogue, alongside strategic advancements tailored for specialized market segments. Every innovation, whether focused on cryogenic logistics, temperature control, or enhanced supply chain visibility, is backed by uncompromising standards of quality, performance, and scalability.

What truly distinguishes our approach is this dual commitment: pushing boundaries to solve tomorrow’s challenges while maintaining impeccable execution of today’s critical shipments. Our innovation pipeline includes groundbreaking new technologies alongside upgraded strategies of proven methods, all designed to support the reliable delivery of life-changing therapies without compromising operational excellence.

This approach results in consistent, meaningful advancement, not merely technical innovations, but solutions that directly address real-world needs and consistently place patient care at the center of every development.

10. Marken is part of UPS Healthcare. How does the UPS network amplify PaaS’s capabilities?

The collaboration between Marken and UPS Healthcare unlocks unparalleled capabilities by seamlessly combining specialized therapeutic expertise with a globally recognized logistics infrastructure. Our specialized operating plans in key hubs, such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Miami, drive significant efficiencies, reducing handling touchpoints by 30-50% and extending shipment cutoff windows by 4-6 hours through strategically coordinated airport operations. This ensures same-day shipment capabilities unmatched by competitors, particularly crucial for time-sensitive biologics where optimized routing routinely saves critical hours off transit times.

Our automated reverse logistics solution sets new industry benchmarks, achieving loss rates under 2%, significantly lower than the 15-20% industry average, while simultaneously reducing packaging costs by 25-40%. Additionally, advanced real-time container tracking and AI-driven predictive asset positioning ensure that vital resources are precisely where they’re needed, exactly when they’re needed.

These are not theoretical benefits; they’re proven operational solutions currently trusted by 18 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies, especially for critical cell and gene therapies, where every moment of delivery directly impacts patient outcomes. Through this powerful partnership, we’ve redefined the standards in life sciences logistics, ensuring precision, reliability, and speed in scenarios where every minute and every degree truly matter.

The post MARKEN’S PACKAGING SOLUTION. YOUR STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE. first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

This new facility goes on to expand the present healthcare packaging in Malaysia, hence creating an integrated campus that makes the company the first in Asia to have top plus bottom substrates for medical device packaging. This development rolls out crucial benefits to customers, which include upgraded supply chain resilience and, along with it, lesser lead times.

Teamed with advanced technologies like water-based coating systems, air knife technology, and online inspection systems, this new facility, in a way, set its own novel standards when it comes to precision and efficiency. The air knife technology, especially, makes use of high-speed airstreams in order to make sure of uniform coating application, therefore enhancing the consistency in the product and also reducing the waste material.

“Amcor’s investment in this new facility reflects our unwavering commitment to support our customers across the Asia Pacific region,” said Chris Kenneally, president of Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific. “By introducing advanced coating technology and boosting local production capacity, we are better positioned to meet the growing regional demand for sterile, reliable packaging and to offer our customers greater flexibility and security.”

“Producing our industry-leading global product platform locally brings us closer to our customers, enhancing supply security and flexibility,” said Virginie Maes, vice president of global healthcare, Amcor. “By investing in advanced coating technologies and expanding our regional capabilities, we are not only addressing the growing demand for high-performance healthcare packaging but also reinforcing our promise to deliver a consistent and innovative value proposition to our customers worldwide.”

This new facility at Selangor happens to be a part of Amcor’s wider commitment when it comes to expanding its healthcare packaging in Malaysia and also within the Asia Pacific region. These latest of the Amcor’s initiatives include establishment of an Indian grid lacquer paper unit; acquiring MDK, a Chinese healthcare packaging company; and the construction of a co-extrusion blown film as well as printing plant in Singapore.

The post Amcor Advances its Healthcare Packaging in Malaysia first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

There is a report rolled out by Persistence Market Research, which states that the CAGR pertaining to the LDPE resins market is all set to see a growth of 4.6%, thereby increasing the market value from almost $40.25 billion in 2024 to an anticipated $55.15 billion by 2031.

All thanks to LDPE’s application across numerous sectors such as consumer goods, industrial uses, and even food packaging, this growth is inevitable.

What are the key drivers of this segment?

One thing we can think of is the rising environmental concerns and shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions. In addition to these advancements in production technologies, this can also be one of the reasons why this market is witnessing an expansion like this.

One cannot deny the fact that LDPE is durable and lightweight, and its non-toxic properties make it the material of choice when it comes to numerous manufacturers.

There are also innovations that are taking place when it comes to packaging solutions, like multi-layered films that are driving more LDPE resin usage, especially when we talk of agriculture and food packaging.

Who is leading the segment of the LDPE resin market?

The films and sheets application are indeed making its way to the pole position when we talk of the LDPE resins market segment. Geographically, this market is led by North America because of a strong industrial infrastructure, rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, and, of course, advancements in technology.

How about the market segmentation?

The LDPE resins market can be based on

• Product Type
• Application
• Regional trends

In terms of technology, the market is essentially divided into autoclave and tubular, where the former remains popular when it comes to producing high-quality resins that have uniform thickness, whereas the latter are more efficient in terms of large-scale production and higher-volume applications.

There is one more key segment, which is based on application, which includes films and sheets, injection molding, and extrusion coating.

There is a wide use of films and sheets in agriculture, packaging, and medical products, whereas the extrusion coating segment is growing at a steady pace driven by rising demand for protective coating across various sectors such as construction and automotive. When it comes to injection molding applications, they are gaining ground in the production of consumer goods along with industrial components.

Regional perspectives

North America, the global LDPE resins market, due to a robust industrial infrastructure and, of course, rising consumer awareness pertaining to sustainable packaging solutions. Asia, especially China and Japan, is witnessing very fast growth in the LDPE resins market. The former, for that matter, is the world’s largest consumer of plastics and hence is a major contributor to the LDPE resins demand.

The key market drivers

The rising demand when it comes to flexible packaging is a very crucial driver. It is well to be noted that LDPE resins are perfect for lightweight, flexible, and durable packaging materials, especially when it comes to the food and beverage industry. As one can increasingly witness a boom in the e-commerce segment across the world, the need for cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable packaging solutions is also growing. The rising bent towards sustainability is also throttling the LDPE resins market. As there are more environmental concerns, companies are reeling under a lot of pressure to adopt sustainable packaging options.

Market barriers

In spite of the unprecedented growth prospects, there are certain barriers too that the LDPE resins market is facing. To start with, there are the raw materials. Prices have been fluctuating pretty often, and they can actually affect the production cost. Moreover, crude oil as well as natural gas, which are key raw materials when it comes to LDPE production, are often subject to volatile pricing, which can also cause a disruption in the supply chain and hence raise the manufacturing cost.

Also, while LDPE happens to be recyclable, the improper disposal of plastic waste goes on to pose an environmental hazard, thereby leading to strict norms and rising pressure on manufacturers to keep themselves abreast with eco-friendly production methodology. This is indeed a challenge and also an opportunity for innovation.

What are the opportunities?

Expansion of the biodegradable and sustainable packaging sector. This is indeed a major opportunity for growth in the LDPE market. As consumers push for greener alternatives, demand for environmentally friendly packaging is witnessing an unprecedented rise, and LTPE products are expected to gain from it. There are also new market avenues for LDPE resins, such as advancements in recycling technology and also the development of biodegradable resins.

The post Packaging Sector Now Also Driven by LDPE Resins Market first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

There would be grants amounting to between $500,000 and $15 million, which could be awarded to states, local governments, tribes, and even public-private partnerships for projects that could enhance the number of transfer stations, expand curbside recycling programs, or even decrease expenditures in terms of collecting and transporting recyclable materials.

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, or RIEE, was introduced initially in 2022 and thereafter again in 2023. This bill, in addition to the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act, was ultimately passed through the Senate but not the House. These two bills were included in a wider federal budget bill in December 2024 that went on to stall, not making it into a government funding deal. Both these bills are again in play in the Senate under bipartisan strategies to eliminate waste and accelerate recycling development or also called the steward act. It was introduced in February 2025.

The push when it comes to the EPA-established pilot program comes as the agency happens to be shrinking, with the White House eventually foreseeing a possible spending cut of almost 65%.

However, the lawmakers doubt probable economic advantages by way of boosting the infrastructure.

Conservative Climate Caucus chair Miller-Meeks, in a statement, said that with increased rural recycling, America can as well decrease its dependence on foreign nations by way of keeping more secondary aluminum as well as many other recyclable products within the supply chain.

Packaging groups highlighted the probability of enhancing circular outcomes when it comes to their packaging designs and also reclaiming more materials. At Kraft Heinz, its president of R&D in North America, Robert Scott said that they aim to make their packaging more reusable and recyclable as well as compostable, since they recognize that it is not just about designing the right packaging. They must also focus on broadening the recycling access so as to help divert much more recyclables coming from the landfill.

As per the company’s most recent ESG report, which covered 2023, it considered 87% of the packaging to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable. The company also noted that the remaining part of its entire portfolio is largely flexible & film materials, which are valuable in terms of food packaging, but they are not well managed by existing infrastructure in terms of recycling.

It is well to be noted that the Flexible Packaging Association trusts RIAA can very well enable the US EPA grants to discover new ways in order to retrieve the critical feedstock.

The CEO of FPA, Dan Felton, said that one instance of a positive result for flexible packaging can very well be public-private partnership work, which supports the store drop-offs.

Notably, aluminum stakeholders, such as Novelis, the Can Manufacturers Institute, and the Aluminum Association, as well as can maker Ball, all went on to register their support.

The vice president of government relations at Ball, John Campbell, went on to call the legislation a crucial step to improve recycling rates across the US and also capture the almost $1 billion market of recyclable aluminum beverage packaging, which ends up in the landfill every year.

CMI also underscored in an email that recycled cans go on to serve as a domestic source when it comes to critical material by decreasing dependence on imports and also creating a resilient supply chain.

SC Johnson, the consumer product company, sees a promise in it as per its CEO, SC Johnson. They are hopeful that this bill will be a prominent catalyst when it comes to additional policies such as extended producer responsibility so as to raise recycling rates and also contribute towards a circular economy.

Johnson went on to testify before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works in 2024, advocating for packaging EPR to be taken care of at the national level. He said at that time that one needs federal regulation so as to avoid overregulation by expressing his urgency to get ahead of the emerging state policies.

The Plastics Industry Association went on to praise Steward & RIAA, with its CEO, Matt Seaholm, stating that legislative initiatives like these go to represent a critical growth towards attaining a circular economy by keeping valuable resources in use and also fostering innovation. coming up with jobs and boosting the US manufacturing sector.

The post Packaging Groups Back Recycling Bill for US EPA Grants first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

Amfiber™ is a paper-based refill pack, which is essentially used for instant coffee as well as dry beverage products.

This kind of an innovation, which is launching for the first time across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, happens to be a part of Amcor’s Amfiber™ performance paper portfolio and goes on to deliver recycle-ready paper packaging that has been designed especially for dry beverages.

It is well to be noted that preserving the aroma as well as taste of the coffee products needs strong product protection. This new fibre performance paper stand-up pouch, offers excellent integrity of the seal and barrier making it a perfect solution for soluble coffee products. The new refill pack provides curb-side recyclability in many European nations, all thanks to its 85% fibre content and happens to be certified for recyclable by organisation like Aticelca as well as CEPI. It is worth noting that for an all-round sustainability advantage, the Amfiber™ refill pouch helps brand to decrease the carbon footprint when it comes to their dry beverage packaging by almost 73% which includes reduction to non-renewable energy use which is at 71% and also water consumption at 41%.

This sort of enhancements enables the brands to boost their sustainability and also sync-in with the preference amongst the consumers for a very attractive paper-based kind of packaging.

The recycle-ready structure of the Amfiber™ Stand-Up Pouch from Amcor helps the brands to decrease the EPR fee with potential savings of almost 70 to 90% for non-recyclable ready solutions; however, this depends on the country.

This kind of an expansion of the fiber performance paper range sinks in with the rising consumer demand. As far as most sustainable refill packaging is concerned, research reveals that 89% of the shoppers look at recyclable refill packs as either quite important or very important.

The new Amfiber™ performance paper stand-up pouch has been designed so as to be recyclable in most of the European nations.  It is indeed designed as the penultimate retail solution having robust consumer appeal. The Amfiber™ performance paper stand-up pouch has traits like robust bottom gusset for optimum presentation as well as functionality. The fact is that it runs quite effectively on coffee brand packing machinery and also is pretty efficient in distribution because of its compact and lightweight design.

The marketing manager for coffee at Amcor, Giorgio Dini, remarked that this fresh addition to the Amfiber™ family helps coffee and dry beverage brands with a very attractive packaging solution that has a very natural paper-based appeal and is also recycle-ready. In order to help advance a more circular refill packaging, he added that they are proud to announce Amfiber™ performance paper stand-up pouch as they continue to innovate when it comes to solutions that are paper based.

The post Amfiber™ From Amcor Debuts Performance Paper Stand-Up Pouch first appeared on Packaging World Insights.

Since the time e-commerce setups began its boom, companies have gone on to historically come up with and also store as many as 15 to 20 box sizes so as to accommodate the distinct shapes as well as sizes of the products that they are involved in selling. If a certain product does not fit into one of those available boxes, a vendor will go on to use what is termed as a void fill so as to fill the empty space by way of making use of various kinds of packing materials in order to make sure that the smaller item does not get jostled around or, for that matter, get damaged in transit. In the years that have gone by, there are numerous companies that have deviated to automated tech so as to rightsized their process of packaging, in which a machine takes the exact shape of a shipment and thereafter builds a box that’s custom-sized coming out of the corrugated materials.

Through using the rightsized automation, a company can very well slash its packing materials by almost 40%, says Gina Ylagan, the director of Pack size. Her remarks came at the ProMat 2025 presentation on March 19, 2025. This conference was held in Chicago.

In a survey that was done of about 80 customers who happened to have invested in the tech, Packsize tracked an 82% decrease in the void fill, 26% when it came to billable weight, and an average savings of 5% when it comes to shipping costs. Interestingly, both Amazon and Walmart saw results that track with that when they began using rightsize automation. Amazon reported a decrease of 43% in average packing weight on every shipment. On the other hand, Walmart reduced its waste coming from oversized boxes by almost 26%.

As per Ylagan, it is indeed the best low-hanging fruit, and it is also an appropriate thing to do for any company. His remarks came post noting that rightsizing also elevates the number of items that can get placed on one truck and decreases the number of trips that are required, with e-commerce setups customers going ahead and reporting a 43% decrease in the overall trucks used. Rightsizing automation can go on to streamline warehouse ops, she says. With tailor-made boxes, companies can as well go ahead and cut the needs when it comes to excess storage space as far as pre-made boxes are concerned, speed up their time of packing, and also decrease the cost of labor by way of manually selecting as well as filling the oversized boxes. When it comes to the consumers, the transition towards packaging that is optimized goes on to mean a much better unboxing experience, which is without the frustration that’s associated with pulling out a pile of materials that are waste. Rightsizing packaging also enables the companies to sync with the environmental anticipations from shoppers that keep growing by the day.

As per a survey of more than 2000 consumers from Shorr, which is a packaging equipment company based across the US, more than 50% of the respondents went on to say that they consciously opted for products that came with sustainable packaging in the last 6 months. Another 90% of the respondents said that they were more likely to choose from a brand that happens to offer sustainable packaging choices.

Ylagan added that one is not only ensuring savings but at the same time also adding value to the customers and in a way increasing their brand value. When it comes to finding the right partner so as to make the transition towards sustainable packaging, Ylagan advises the companies to consider the choices carefully and at the same time keep a few priorities in mind. All this includes making sure that the partner happens to have a service division that continually makes sure to help clients and at the same time invests in long-term R&D, which, as per Ylagan, is an indicator of the health of that particular company. The fact is that a partner should always be able to spotlight the yesteryear customers who have gone on to use its services and also offer examples as to how they have gone on to solve for any kind of industry-specific issues.

At the end of the day, Ylagan stressed that right-sizing automation is not only about reduction in the cost, but it is also about making sure that a company’s packaging strategy is future-proof and that too in a scenario that is filled with fast-paced economic growth and also meeting the rising demand from consumers in terms of sustainability all through the e-commerce sector and even beyond. According to her, it helps one to be competitive and rest assured that all the varied business sectors, whether they are into retail, auto parts, or even manufacturing, all happen to be moving towards this pathway.

The post Rightsize Automation for Packaging in E-Commerce Setups first appeared on Packaging World Insights.