At the "Inside the Future of Food Packaging" event, kp brought together representatives of retail, recycling, technology and manufacturing to discuss how regulation, recycling, soft plastics and AI are shaping food packaging.
Thai Coconut has implemented a complete aseptic PET line from Sidel for the production of still and carbonated coconut beverages. The installation is intended to increase production flexibility, meet export requirements and reduce resource consumption.
Clariant has obtained FDA approval for the use of bio-based Licocare RBW additives in rigid PVC for food-contact applications. The authorization covers the full product range and extends the company’s previous approval beyond polyester materials.
Gabriel-Chemie is expanding its portfolio with PPA masterbatches free from PFAS and silicones for modern extrusion processes. The solutions are based on hydrocarbon technology and were developed with both processing and regulatory requirements in mind.
At the International Cheese & Dairy Awards and EXPO, Coveris is presenting a portfolio of cheese packaging designed for recycling. The solutions, based on monomaterial and polyolefin structures, are intended to support producers in adapting to new regulatory requirements.
Amcor has expanded its beverage market portfolio with a 38 mm handle for PET containers. The solution is intended for bottles with a capacity of up to 10 litres, used mainly for water and other non-carbonated beverages.
The growing importance of lightweight packaging is also affecting the wine segment. Alpla indicates that PET bottles can reduce packaging weight, facilitate logistics and lower the carbon footprint compared with glass.
Kiefel is presenting a new double-dip wet molding process for natural fiber packaging. The solution is designed to provide a grease and oil barrier without an additional plastic coating.
Carlsberg, DS Smith and KHS have launched a cardboard multipack with rounded corners based on Arcwise technology. First introduced in Poland, the solution is intended to combine stronger shelf impact, lower material use and production on existing machines.
Sidel is announcing the premiere of a 1-litre PET bottle for edible oils produced using stretch blow moulding with laser heating. The Power Ring design is intended to cut weight by 20% while maintaining comparable in-use performance and load resistance.
GEA introduces the PowerPak 5000 thermoformer for mid-range food packaging applications. The machine is intended to support multiple packaging formats, offer scalable automation, and provide readiness for connectivity and condition monitoring.
The ReLoop project combines automated ready-meal dispensing with the return of reusable, traceable packaging in a closed-loop system. The consortium reports a 90–95% reduction versus single-use packaging and targets packaging durability of at least 40 use cycles.