November 2022

An overhaul of the EU packaging and packaging waste directive (PPWD), the main EU-level instrument dealing with how food packaging is placed on the market and the requirements for its end-of-life, is due on 30 November.

Pointing out that as much as a third of the food currently produced goes to waste at a considerable economic and environmental cost, Charles Héaulmé, CEO of Finnish consumer packaging company Huhtamäki highlighted the crucial role that packaging plays in minimising this loss.

At a press conference on Monday the 28th, Peña reported that the Uruguayan Chamber of Industry will present, this Thursday the 1st, its new Container Management Plan, which will provide an incentive for citizens to return the containers, allowing the recovery for later reuse. This action is part of the promotion, by the Government, of Law 19,829, which grants extended responsibility to the producer.

"In other words, the person responsible for the waste is the one who puts it on the market and, therefore, the person responsible for recovering it," he said.

Sealester is a French start-up and has created a digital sealing system using thermal energy that can be integrated into industrial production lines. Potential applications include sachets, pouches and stand-up pouches. 

Guyenne’s Sunibarrier range is designed to be in direct contact with food products and has achieved the necessary barrier properties without the use of plastic film. The manufacturer described it as “the packaging of tomorrow”.

Notpla—whose mantra is "we make packaging disappear"—is competing with 14 other firms for five prestigious awards, to be dished out by the prince and a star-studded cast at a ceremony in US city Boston on Friday.

In its second year, the initiative to reward innovative efforts to combat climate change will then be broadcast on UK and US television on Sunday and Monday, respectively, as well as online.

The five winners will each receive a £1 million ($1.2 million) grant.

A well-known chocolate brand is switching to paper packaging in a bid to avoid excess plastic waste.

Mars Wrigley bars such as Mars Bars and Snickers will begin the transition to paper wrapping in Australia in April, with all chocolate produced by the company to be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.

It is expected to eliminate more than 360 tonnes of plastic from the nation's supply chain.

Research and development director Chris Hutton said using paper packaging was a world-first for the company after two years of research at its Ballarat site.