India has launched the National Packaging Innovation Challenge, a nationwide initiative designed to promote sustainable packaging solutions and enhance the country’s export competitiveness. The program, introduced by the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), encourages startups and students to develop packaging that is both environmentally responsible and scalable for industry use.

German retailers Kaufland and VollCorner Biomarkt have launched a pilot project with the digital platform Reo to test a deposit return system (DRS) specifically for personal-care packaging in Germany. 

The trial covers products from brands like Kneipp and Logocos Naturkosmetik, and allows consumers to return empty containers at dedicated machines in ten Kaufland stores and three VollCorner outlets around Munich, receiving a refund of €0.29 (≈ US$0.34) per item. 

In a move to support today’s informed and intentional parents who still value everyday bonding moments such as bathing and massaging, Johnson’s Baby—the world’s #1 baby-care brand—has upgraded its entire range. The revamp includes advanced skin-science based formulas and refreshed sustainable packaging, under the promise “Protect what’s precious”. 

Alcoa Corporation, Ball Corporation and Unilever have announced the first-ever use of ELYSIS® carbon-free smelting technology in consumer aerosol packaging.
Launched ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), the partnership introduces an innovative aerosol can made with 50% ELYSIS aluminium and 50% post-consumer recycled content - one of the lowest-carbon packaging solutions of its kind.
The ELYSIS process, which replaces carbon emissions from traditional smelting with oxygen, eliminates direct greenhouse gas emissions.

With SIG DomeMini, SalzburgMilch is offering a smart solution for on-the-go dairy products and exciting co-packing and private label opportunities for brands and retail partners. They benefit from SalzburgMilch’s central European location, which is ideal for logistics and distribution. The innovative packaging format will be available on European retail shelves from mid-2026. With its distinct presence and strong visual differentiation, SIG DomeMini will stand out from the crowd.

Samvardhana Motherson, a global leader in manufacturing automotive and industrial components, has announced the expansion of its operations into sustainable packaging with the establishment of a new subsidiary in Hungary. The move marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to diversify its portfolio and address the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions across multiple industries.

Aimplas, the Plastics Technology Centre, a Spain-based technological center that provides solutions to the plastics industry, has announced the launch of the Upcycle project, which brings together 19 partners from 12 countries to convert nonrecyclable plastic waste into recyclable and nonpersistent packaging materials.

A bottled beverage might soon come with a lower carbon footprint thanks to a new partnership between one of the world’s leading glass manufacturers and scientists at Penn State.

Verallia, the world’s third largest producer of glass containers for food and beverages, has announced a partnership with Penn State to scale up the use of LionGlass, a new family of glass developed by researchers at the University. The company has entered into a research partnership with Penn State to test the new type of glass for use in consumer packaging.