Packaging news: From smart labels to PPWR ranges

From PPWR-aligned label innovations to consumer-facing initiatives and new investments in recycling and production capacity, packaging suppliers are stepping up efforts to support the industry’s evolving sustainability and regulatory needs. Here is a round-up of some of the latest news from this space. CCL Label has released a sustainable product portfolio dedicated to the dairy market. Designed to help manufacturers adhere to the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the solutions have been engineered to work with current recycling streams. The new range includes EcoFloat White, EcoFloat, EcoStream HDPE, PP lids, IML, stretch sleeves and monomaterial pouches for high-protein beverages and other yoghurts and dairy products. “Launching a portfolio designed for the specific needs of the dairy industry such as lightblocking and other barrier properties is a result of our ongoing Research and Development work and different business units within CCL collaborating to develop the best products for our dairy customers,” said Reinhard Streit, Group VP Food & Beverage Global. “The high-protein trend has energized the dairy industry and we see a lot of innovation happening on the product side that we want to match with the right packaging.” Aseptic packaging manufacturer SIG has launched an initiative to raise awareness of the benefits of aseptic packaging to consumers, including its health, safety, and environmental advantages. The initiative comprises a website and an on-pack logo created by SIG to highlight that packaging is aseptic. Aseptic packaging preserves nutrients, extends shelf life without preservatives, reduces energy use by eliminating the cold chain, and helps cut food waste. “Consumers today are looking for healthier food and beverage options”, said Massimo Annaratone, Global Business Line Director SP at SIG. “Clean Commit is more than a message – it’s a value-adding program for our partners and a simple way for consumers to connect with products they can feel good about.” Flexible packaging specialist Adapa Group has invested in several new machines - from extrusion to printing – to support its European business. The company commissioned two new shrink film extrusion lines from Macro Engineering at its Kempten facility in Germany. This enhances the site’s long-standing expertise in shrink packaging technology and expands its capacities for EVOH-based Designed for Recycling solutions, such as the WorldStar Packaging award 2022 winner VACUshrink(re) MEX 55, a PE-based shrink bag produced without cross-linking. One line is running at full speed, while the second one will start in January 2026, the company said. Adapta has also added two new printing presses, a flexo and a roto line from Uteco, which can print up to nine colors in high quality with options for reverse and surface printing as well as the application of special lacquers of coatings. Finally, the company has bolstered its converting capabilities with new slitter machines at its plants in Poland and the Netherlands. Coveris has integrated its recycling service ReCover Paper into its ReCover division, which keeps paper and plastic circular through sourcing, processing, tech and partnerships. ReCover Paper manages waste from Coveris’ UK label and cartonboard manufacturing sites and oversees recycling partnerships across the supply chain. It houses patented delamination technology that processes reels of redundant paper self-adhesive labels, separating label facestock from release liners; and facilitates the company’s RafCycle partnership with UPM Adhesive Materials, which has enabled the recycling of over 400 tonnes of paper release liner. Other materials sorted and processed by ReCover Paper include over 500,000 label cores annually for re-use, redundant linerless label stock, cardboard and transit films. California dairy brand Clover Sonoma has redesigned its milk, cream, butter, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream packaging to feature more sustainable materials. The redesigned milk carton includes an upgraded lining made from plant-based plastic derived from non-GMO sugarcane, layered with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)–certified paperboard. This change doubles Clover’s annual use of renewable cartons, from 5 million to 10 million, while replacing 100,000 pounds of petroleum-based plastic. And there’s more: with a simple scan of the QR code on Clover’s new cartons, consumers can unlock an AR experience that transports them directly to a virtual Clover Sonoma farm where they can meet Clover’s farmers and their cows, learn about sustainable dairy practices, snap selfies, and enter to win exclusive prizes.

Packaging news: From smart labels to PPWR ranges

A round-up of some of the latest packaging stories

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