Packaging Industry News: Latest Trends, Innovations & Industry Updates
Last Updated: 17/06/2026
Indian Packaging Industry News
Cosmo First Intensifies Focus on Sustainable Specialty Packaging
Cosmo First, a leading Indian packaging entity, has recently emphasized its strategic shift toward eco-conscious specialty chemicals and packaging solutions to meet the evolving demands of the domestic market. By integrating advanced technology into its BOPP and BOPET film production, the company aims to offer high-barrier materials that facilitate easier recyclability. This move aligns with India’s revised Plastic Waste Management Rules, which mandate increased accountability for producers. The company is investing significantly in R&D to create mono-material structures, effectively replacing multi-layered plastics that are traditionally difficult to recycle. This shift not only addresses environmental concerns but also positions Cosmo First as a pioneer in the transition toward a circular economy within the Indian packaging landscape.
Financial ExpressUFlex Expands Liquid Packaging Capacity with Asepto Brand
UFlex, India’s largest multinational flexible packaging company, continues to showcase robust growth by expanding its ‘Asepto’ liquid packaging capacity to cater to the rising demand in the dairy and beverage sectors. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through the development of ‘Kraft’ paper-based pouches and recycled content films. By leveraging AI-driven manufacturing processes, UFlex is optimizing resource efficiency and reducing industrial waste. This technological advancement allows them to maintain competitive pricing while adhering to stringent environmental norms. The company’s focus remains on providing cost-effective, sustainable solutions that do not compromise on the shelf-life or safety of the packaged goods, ensuring a resilient supply chain for the Indian FMCG sector and international markets.
Equity BullsBIS Introduces New Standards to Combat Packaging Greenwashing
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently introduced updated guidelines for biodegradable and compostable plastics to curb ‘greenwashing’ in the packaging industry. These regulations provide a clear framework for manufacturers to certify their products, ensuring that packaging labeled as ‘eco-friendly’ truly breaks down without leaving microplastic residues. This initiative is a critical step in streamlining the supply chain for sustainable materials across India. It mandates rigorous testing protocols for soil toxicity and disintegration rates. For packaging converters, this means a shift towards sourcing verified bio-polymers. Such regulatory clarity is expected to boost consumer confidence and encourage brands to adopt authentic sustainable packaging, thereby supporting the national vision of a plastic-waste-free future through standard technology.
The Economic TimesInternational Packaging Industry News
EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) Sets New Global Benchmarks
The European Union is moving closer to the full implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which sets ambitious targets for waste reduction and mandatory recycled content. This regulation is poised to reshape the global supply chain, as any company exporting to the EU must comply with these stringent design-for-recycling criteria. The focus is on eliminating unnecessary packaging and promoting reuse systems. Specifically, the mandate for minimum recycled plastic content in food-grade packaging is driving massive investments in chemical recycling technologies. International manufacturers are now forced to re-evaluate their material portfolios to ensure compliance, marking a significant shift from a linear ‘take-make-waste’ model to a highly regulated and tech-driven circular economy across the globe.
Packaging EuropeAmcor Launches High-Barrier Paper-Based Packaging Solutions
Amcor has recently unveiled new high-barrier, recycle-ready paper packaging solutions aimed at the healthcare and food industries. This technological breakthrough allows for the preservation of sensitive products while utilizing fiber-based materials that can be easily processed in standard paper recycling streams. By collaborating with global brands, Amcor is addressing the consumer demand for plastic-free alternatives without sacrificing the barrier properties essential for product safety. Their ‘AmFiber’ platform exemplifies the industry’s shift toward material science innovation. This development is part of their broader strategy to make all their packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025. It reflects a growing international trend where technology is used to bridge the gap between functionality and environmental responsibility in the global market.
Packaging GatewayBerry Global Adopts Digital Watermarking for Enhanced Sorting
Berry Global has announced a strategic partnership to enhance the traceability of recycled materials using digital watermarking technology. This ‘HolyGrail 2.0’ initiative aims to improve the accuracy of waste sorting at recovery facilities, ensuring that high-quality plastics are captured for high-value applications. By embedding invisible codes into packaging surfaces, Berry Global is enabling a more efficient recycling process that supports the supply chain’s need for high-purity resins. This tech-driven approach is crucial for meeting the increasing regulatory demands for circularity in North America and Europe. It demonstrates how digital transformation in the packaging sector is not just about production efficiency, but also about creating a transparent and effective end-of-life management system for materials globally.
Sustainable Plastics