Technology & Innovation
Flexible packaging expert ePac marks a milestone year: acquired by Butterfly Equity, signed a $50 million agreement with HP, and continues to expand its North American footprint. CEO Virag Patel sits down for an interview to share how digital printing and a distributed production model help small and medium-sized brands grow.
Recent packaging innovations include Heinz's limited-edition adjustable 'Love Lid' for ketchup, Keurig Dr Pepper's 7Up brand redesign with vertical logos, and Rev-O-Box's reversible shipping box that doubles as a gift box.
A label costing just three cents failed, triggering a supply chain disruption worth one hundred million dollars. This article delves into the critical role of product labeling in modern supply chains and how companies can avoid the hidden costs of losing big for the sake of small.
Bath & Body Works introduces the Fruit Fusion collection with silicone soft-touch packaging; Blue Ocean Closures unveils the Paper-Plug paper-based closure solution; Pragmatic launches the NFC Connect tamper-evident chip, which can be integrated into packaging.
Health and beauty products company Kenvue stated in its latest 2025 sustainability report that it has exceeded its 2025 virgin plastic reduction target but failed to meet its commitment to make all packaging recyclable or refillable by 2025. The report shows that its packaging recyclability rate declined year over year from 71.4% in 2023 to 67.1% in 2025. The company also highlighted packaging plastic reduction cases for brands such as Listerine, Nicorette, and Zyrtec, as well as initiatives leveraging data tools and AI technology to drive sustainable design.
Cannabis packaging supplier P3 Distributing is expanding from recycling operations to a reuse model. Founder Patrick Caldwell established the company in 2016, and in 2017, launched recycling operations due to China's 'National Sword' policy. The company currently processes 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of polypropylene packaging monthly and is attempting to wash glass jars for reuse, but only about 2% of glass sales enter the reuse cycle. Caldwell is seeking equipment investment and cross-industry collaboration to enhance scale and profitability.
The packaging industry continues to enhance performance and sustainability through material and structural innovations. This article summarizes six recent developments, including Sazerac's transparent canned vodka water, PureCycle's PCR resin applications in hinged lids and BOPP films, Elopak's low-carbon aluminum, Toppan's paper-based light-blocking card packaging, and Molson Coors' World Cup-themed large cans.
The PR3 Global Reuse Alliance recently introduced a globally unified reuse symbol, based on strict standards, designed to distinguish reusable packaging from ordinary recyclable packaging. As a pioneer in the reuse field, multiple businesses in the Portland, Oregon area, including Bold Reuse and Revino, have already adopted this symbol.