The packaging industry is working simultaneously on new materials, better barriers, and higher-performance machinery. However, current news also shows: without functioning recycling markets and clear, transparent communication, technical innovations alone are not enough.
EU examines stronger role for bio-based plastics
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on bio-based raw materials in plastic packaging. Until January 13, 2027, companies and associations can submit insights on availability, environmental performance, and recyclability.
The results could feed into a new regulatory framework under Article 8 of the PPWR – potentially combined with targets or incentives for bio-based raw materials.
I find it fascinating how the topic of bioplastics keeps ebbing and flowing, yet is never truly pursued and implemented consistently. As a result, these materials will hardly break out of their niche.
Yet there are certainly meaningful applications. This applies particularly to areas where release into the environment can hardly be entirely prevented and where biodegradable plastics could offer an advantage under clearly defined conditions. However, the distinction remains important: bio-based does not automatically mean biodegradable – and biodegradable does not automatically mean environmentally sound.
Recycling claims must become more specific
Following discussions with the EU Commission and European consumer protection authorities, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Danone have committed to revising their recycling claims.
In the future, statements like “100% recycled” must clearly indicate if the cap and label are excluded. Wording such as “Recycle me again,” which can suggest a closed loop, will also be adjusted.
Even though this involves plastic bottles, the message for flexible packaging is clear: a technically correct individual claim is not enough if the overall impression of the packaging conveys something else. Recyclate content, recyclability, and actual recycling must be linguistically clearly differentiated.
Europe is losing recycling capacity
According to the bvse, the European plastics recycling industry has lost around one million tonnes of capacity within three years. High energy and operating costs, uncertain end markets, and price competition with virgin material and low-cost imports are cited as the main reasons.
Polyolefin films in particular are among the most affected areas, according to Plastics Recyclers Europe.
This is a warning sign for the PPWR. From 2030, mandatory recyclate quotas are intended to drive additional demand. If more plants close before then, the very capacity needed to meet these requirements may be lacking. Recyclability on paper is of little help if there is no economically viable recycling market.
Metallized BOPP intended to replace aluminum foil
Innovia Films has introduced Propafilm CHBM, an 18 µm thick metallized BOPP. The film is intended for PP-based high-barrier laminates and is designed to replace aluminum foil in applications such as stand-up pouches.
The manufacturer highlights a high oxygen and water vapor barrier, good metal adhesion, and thermal stability. The development thus addresses one of the key challenges of mono-PP: meeting high product protection requirements without aluminum foil or foreign polymer layers.
Technically, this sounds promising. However, whether it actually results in a readily recyclable package is only determined in the full structure – including sealing film, printing inks, adhesives, and potential coatings. A product announcement regarding the individual film is not yet an evaluation of the finished pouch.
Antimicrobial film aims to reduce food waste
With its Shelf-Protect series, ProAmpac incorporates antimicrobial technology directly into food-contact films. Applications are planned for meat, fish, and cheese, as well as use in shrink bags and forming or non-forming films.
According to the company, the technology is designed to reduce microbial growth, thereby preserving product quality for longer. However, the actual shelf-life extension depends on the specific food product, the initial microbial count, and storage conditions.
Active packaging can make an important contribution to preventing food waste. At the same time, efficacy, migration, regulatory approval, and recyclability must be considered together. A longer shelf life can be ecologically more valuable than minimal material savings – but it must be reliably proven.
Mespack accelerates processing of pre-made pouches
Mespack has introduced the new HKE-SC series for pre-made pouches. An electronic vertical carousel with asynchronous movements is designed to optimize transport, filling, and sealing independently of one another.
According to the company, the system reaches up to 225 pouches per minute. Changeovers are said to be possible within about one minute using the digital Athena platform.
The short changeover times are at least as interesting as the maximum speed. Smaller batch sizes, more variants, and more frequent material testing increasingly demand flexible machine concepts. The crucial factor will be whether this performance can also be stably achieved with stiffer mono-PP, stretchable mono-PE, or paper-based structures.
Digital printing aims for larger run lengths
Fujifilm and ePac Flexible Packaging have announced a strategic collaboration for the Jet Press FP790. The water-based digital press will initially be installed in North America and later rolled out across the international ePac network.
Fujifilm cites a resolution of 1,200 × 1,200 dpi, coverage of more than 90% of the Pantone color space, and processing of recyclable material structures.
For a long time, digital printing was primarily attractive for short runs, personalization, and rapid market tests. If the technology now economically expands into larger run lengths, it could compete more strongly with flexographic and rotogravure printing. Beyond speed and cost, a key factor will also be how water-based ink systems behave in deinking and recycling.
Conclusion
This week highlights particularly clearly how closely material development, machinery technology, regulation, and the recycling industry are interconnected.
New barrier films, active packaging, and faster machinery create technical possibilities. At the same time, recycling capacities are lacking, and even seemingly simple environmental claims are becoming legally more complex. The future of flexible packaging is therefore not decided by a single film or machine, but by whether product protection, processing, communication, and circularity function as a unified system.
Further news and analysis from the world of flexible packaging can be found in the FlexPack Newsletter.
