Dr Ross Headifen of Biogone shares his views on the potential of landfill biodegradable technology to manage plastic waste while we build up our plastic recycling infrastructure.

Research by Conservation Volunteers Australia and Provocate highlights the concerning rise of microplastics in Australia's marine ecosystems.

A recent study by Aquapak, titled “FMCG flexible packaging: accelerating the move from plastic to plastic,” reveals a slow transition from plastic to more sustainable packaging solutions in the FMCG sector.

In the recent report titled by Smithers, significant insights into the corrugated board and containerboard market have been unveiled. The report is authored by Stephen Harrod.

Regulatory changes, including the recently agreed PPWR, are fuelling the evolution of reusable and refillable packaging as an alternative to single-use plastics, according to the latest from Smithers.

The EU has released a report to develop a framework for assessing the recyclability of packaging under the ambit of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation Proposal.

A new Smithers reports says in the next five years flexible plastics and paperboard will be the fastest growing packaging materials – reflecting challenges and opportunities as industry targets greater sustainability.

The latest Climate Reality Barometer published by Epson has confirmed the trend to fibre in packaging, finding that 71 per cent of the population is already reducing its plastic consumption.

Aldi releases its Making Sustainability Affordable report, revealing a 12% reduction in plastic packaging, prevention of 5500 tonnes of plastic entering circulation; and an 82% diversion of waste from landfill.

In this exclusive article for PKN Packaging News, John Nelson, editor at Smithers, reviews the immediate potential of substituting plastic to paper packaging in fresh produce and meats.

Major FMCG players are making virgin plastic reduction a key target, as 75 per cent of consumers indicate a preference for environmentally-friendly packaging, according to GlobalData.

The European flexible tube market was stable in the first half of 2023, with growth of almost 2 per cent to a total volume of around 6.2 billion units. But second half forecasts are fraught with uncertainty.

Artificial intelligence in the packaging market is projected to rise from US$2080.8 million to US$6015.6 million over the next ten years, according to a report from Future Market Insights.

The global intelligent packaging market size is estimated at US$23.08bn, and is anticipated to grow to US$56.02bn at a CAGR of 9.03% in 2030, according to a new report by Adroit Market Research.

Smithers projects the total value of the functional barrier coatings for paper and board will reach $8.56bn in 2023, with almost 3.37 million tonnes of coating material to be consumed globally.

Asia is set to lead the global PET industry capacity additions with a share of 61.8% by 2027, by gaining capacities from new-build and expansion projects between 2023 and 2027, according to GlobalData.