Deepening localized sustainable innovation

Amid global circular economy efforts and the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Henkel is proactively responding by establishing the Packaging RecycLab in Shanghai. This integrated center combines development, testing, evaluation, and industry-academia-research collaboration. Built on the internationally recognized CEPI/4Evergreen testing framework, it simulates industrial recycling processes to provide critical data for packaging design.

• Researchers from the University of Maine, US, developed a water-, oil-, and grease-resistant coating made from edible fungus.
• The film can be applied to materials like paper, denim, felt, and wood, showing potential for wrapping and cup coating applications.
• The team aims to optimize flexibility and scale production using existing systems.

The team created a film that blocks water, oil, and grease.

• Eurostat reports EU citizens generated 79.7 million metric tons of plastic packaging waste in 2023, the first decline since 2013.
• Experts attribute the decline to the impact of EU regulations like the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the PPWR, which will be binding by August 2026.
• Zero Waste Europe stresses the need to tackle paper and cardboard waste and expand reuse and refill systems.

The current figure per capita represents a reduction of 8.7 kg from 2022, although it remains 21.2 kg higher than it was in 2013.

The theme for this year’s special edition evokes the nostalgia and vibes of colourful 1970s Christmases while at the same time reflecting the colour shades of the latest fashion catwalk collections. For the design of the boxes for the various hair dryers, straighteners and other products, the look needed to represent the age of luxury travel, embodied by the crocodile-textured suitcase.

As Việt Nam accelerates its green growth agenda, a promising window of opportunity is opening for the packaging and recycling industries.

With the Extended Producer Responsibility regulation officially in effect since early 2024, both local and foreign businesses face a defining moment: one that compels not only compliance with environmental mandates, but also a strategic rethinking of business models to align with circular economy goals and long-term global competitiveness.

Whisky by-products and fungi have been used to create compostable packaging tipped as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic.

Arbikie Distillery in Montrose, Angus, partnered with academics to use mycelium, the root structure of fungi, and distillery by-products such as spent grain.

The project, MycoPack, is a collaboration between distillers and academics at Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Dundee, in a bid to turn waste into packaging for the circular economy.

“We are excited to bring to market a key differentiating capability for our customer base, enabling them to better collaborate with their brand customers in this crucial joint environmental responsibility of reducing carbon footprints,” said Gaby Matsliach, CEO of ePS Packaging. “Our software platforms capture intricate data across raw materials, production processes, and logistics, which will now be transformed into precise, standardized carbon footprint calculations that meet the highest international reporting standards.”

Thanks to this collaboration with ÉEQ, Quebecers will be able to recycle their used Nespresso coffee capsules in an easy and effective manner. They just need to collect their used capsules in the green bag and then put that bag in their residential recycling bin, as they would do with any other recyclable product. The green bags are supplied free of charge with every Nespresso online order, as well as available in store and through the Nespresso Club.