At a Glance

• Automated systems successfully sort 45% of rigid hospital plastics into recyclable material streams.
• Contamination risks from blood and drug residues complicate healthcare plastic recycling efforts.
• Multi-material films compromise recycling stream purity and reduce commercial value significantly.

The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) – Europe has released a new case study titled Unlocking Recycling Potential: Automated Sorting Trials of Medical Plastic Waste, research building upon t

With the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO) set to apply from January 2027, manufacturers of printing inks for food packaging are facing strict regulatory requirements aimed at ensuring consumer safety. Compliance with these regulations demands extensive development work, reformulation, and thorough testing across product portfolios.

Tefen, Israel- StePacPCC, a world leader in innovative Modified Atmosphere Packaging solutions (MAP) for fresh produce, has developed a new packaging solution for preserving the freshness and vibrant appearance of the tropical fruit pitaya (dragon fruit) during the typically lengthy journey from Ecuador to the US and Europe.

At its headquarters, Schreiner Group has commissioned a new high-performance printing machine that combines the strengths of flexographic and digital printing within a single system. With the installation of the FlexoHybrid 1.200 dpi, the high-tech company is investing in state-of-the-art technology and reinforcing its long-term strategy of continuously evolving its production processes.

At Pharmapack Europe, SÜDPACK Medica will once again demonstrate its commitment to outstanding service, customer focus, and sustainable innovation. At Booth 4F12, the company will present PharmaGuard®, its pioneering recyclable blister packaging concept, alongside MedGuard®, a comprehensive portfolio of low-particle packaging and pouch solutions for medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Schreiner MediPharm, a leading developer and manufacturer of functional labels for the healthcare industry, has further advanced its proven Needle-Trap needle protection system, extending its application to large-volume syringes. The enhanced solution is designed to meet the growing requirements of biologics and biosimilars, which increasingly rely on higher fill volumes.

Frugalpac, the British sustainable packaging company behind the world’s first commercially available paper bottle for wines and spirits, is highlighting how Sweden is accelerating the adoption of lower-carbon packaging, as a growing number of drinks brands launch products in paper bottles across the country.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has been recognised with nine WorldStar Packaging Awards 2026, highlighting its continued commitment to innovation, performance, and sustainability across a broad range of packaging applications.

Sun Chemical has enhanced its portfolio of nitrocellulose-alternative inks designed specifically for flexible packaging applications, supporting converters, retailers, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies.

This new portfolio helps companies navigate changing market dynamics and stricter packaging regulations.

The inks address the known challenges of solvent-based inks and coatings containing nitrocellulose, while being fully compatible with recycling processes, in line with RecyClass and CEFLEX design guidelines.