Packaging industry news moved quickly this week. International Paper confirmed it has unsolicited bids for its EMEA business, the Circular Action Alliance filed a much cheaper California EPR plan, and a Maine water utility took two packaging suppliers to court over PFAS. This packaging industry news roundup covers 15 stories from the week ending October 18, 2026, grouped into materials, supply chain, and regulation, with notes on what each one means for brand owners, converters, and buyers.
Materials & Sustainability
Dow and American Packaging Corp. launch LinearEdge “easy tear” MDO-PE film
Dow and American Packaging Corporation spent nine months developing LinearEdge, a monomaterial machine-direction-oriented polyethylene film that tears cleanly along perforations. It is designed to meet design-for-recyclability rules, including California’s coming EPR requirements, and is produced in the U.S. at Dow Pack Studios in Freeport, Texas. Early targets are stand-up pouches for snacks and confectionery, according to Packaging Dive.
Hawaii reuse program picks stainless steel over plastic
The nonprofit Perpetual is launching Ho’i, an open-loop foodservice reuse program in Hilo, Hawaii. It bought 20,000 stainless steel containers with plastic lids in 11 formats, from four suppliers in three countries, for about $100,000. A county ordinance limits plastic bases on reusable ware. Executive director Ellie Moss pointed out that “there’s currently little to no small-piece stainless steel manufacturing happening in the U.S.”
Sidel’s EvoDeco Next cuts label material by up to 75%
Sidel’s new roll-fed labeling platform supports partial labels that can reduce label surface area by up to 75% compared with full wraparounds. A 180-degree label saves about 50%. The system adds an on-drum cutter, a Smart Buffer for reel changes at full speed, and camera-based registration that doesn’t need reference marks. Clear PET bottles show more of the product as a result.
DIC and Artience standardize flexible-packaging recycling tests in Japan
Ink makers DIC and Artience released a “common evaluation protocol” for deinking and delamination testing on flexible films. Until now, companies used their own equipment, conditions, and reporting formats, so results couldn’t be compared. The protocol gives converters standard processing conditions, gives brand owners clearer guidance on material choice, and gives recyclers better-quality output, Packaging Insights reports.
Unilever, Nestlé and PepsiCo form a recyclable flexible-paper consortium
In some of the week’s most-watched packaging industry news, three of the largest CPG companies have joined forces to develop recyclable flexible paper packaging, Packaging Europe reported on October 15. Any switch from film to fiber needs label claims that hold up under scrutiny. Our guide to biodegradable vs. compostable vs. recyclable label claims explains the terms.
Industry & Supply Chain
International Paper weighs offers for its EMEA business
International Paper said it has received unsolicited bids for its planned EMEA spinoff, which will operate as DS Smith. It is now “progressing the Spin Off and evaluating the Potential Sale in parallel.” The Financial Times reported that private equity firms Lone Star and Atlas Holdings are among the bidders. IP shares rose more than 7%. More details are expected at its November 3 Capital Markets Day.
Sealed Air, Alpla and CurTec expand U.S. manufacturing
Reshoring was a steady theme in packaging industry news this week, with several U.S. plant investments announced. Alpla is opening its 19th North American site in North Las Vegas, with 36 jobs, starting spring 2027. Cube Packaging is putting $30 million into a reusable PE container plant in St. Charles, Illinois. CurTec is spending $10 million on pail and drum blow molding in South Carolina. Sealed Air is adding closed-cell PE foam capacity in Madera, California. For buyers, more domestic capacity means more choice of supplier, which ties into our breakdown of single vs. dual sourcing packaging suppliers.
PM Studio acquires TNT Group to build a €130M luxury packaging group
French secondary-packaging specialist PM Studio, whose clients include Dior, Gucci, Prada and Burberry, is combining with TNT Group, which makes premium beauty and spirits packaging. The combined group has about €130 million (US$146 million) in revenue and operations in Hong Kong, Paris and New York. TNT’s co-founders are reinvesting in the business.
Ambio raises €5.1M for AI-driven recycled polymer procurement
Finnish startup Ambio closed a €5.1 million seed round led by b2venture, with Lifeline Ventures and Montis also investing. Its platform matches buyers with recycled resin and learns from each transaction, aiming to fix the quality inconsistency that slows recycled-content adoption.
PPWR uncertainty drives a 166% jump in EU EPR compliance deals
UK compliance firm Lappa reports a 166% rise in packaging EPR deals from Q2 to Q3 2026, as cross-border sellers try to make sense of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. About 46% of its clients found their eco-fee obligations were lower than expected or didn’t apply to them at all.
Regulations & Design
CAA files a revised California SB 54 plan and cuts its projected 2027 cost to $1.11B
The Circular Action Alliance submitted a 495-page revised California EPR program plan to CalRecycle. The revision follows more than 2,400 public comments. Projected 2027 costs fell from $1.87 billion to about $1.11 billion. CalRecycle has 75 days to respond. Founding CEO Jeff Fielkow is stepping down, and Jeff Meyers will serve as interim CEO, Packaging Dive reports. For context, see last week’s Packaura Weekly.
Maine water utility sues Huhtamaki and Sappi over PFAS
The Greater Augusta Utility District sued Huhtamaki and Sappi North America, along with three tissue makers, alleging PFAS contamination above the EPA’s 4 parts-per-trillion limit at some wells. Huhtamaki makes molded fiber foodservice products in Waterville, and Sappi’s Skowhegan mill makes cupstock paperboard. Brands checking their exposure should read our state-by-state PFAS packaging ban timeline and our guide on how to verify a supplier’s PFAS-free claim.
Germany’s proposed €550/ton plastic packaging tax stalls
Germany’s finance ministry drafted a plastic tax of €550 per ton, starting July 2027, that would also cover flexibles and composites with more than 5% plastic. Its passage through cabinet stalled on October 15 after a CDU/CSU parliamentary leader called the draft “not fit to be passed.” Industry groups including IK and PlasticsEurope Germany oppose it.
EU Commission issues PPWR EPR guidance for small businesses
For smaller brands, this may be the most practical packaging industry news of the week. New Commission guidance confirms that producers placing less than 10 tonnes of packaging on the market each year are exempt. It also lets member states offer flat fees and fast-track registration. The Commission has proposed suspending the requirement for small firms to appoint authorized representatives, and has asked member states to enforce “constructively and pragmatically” until that decision is made.
Sonoco’s Orbit closure earns Swedish accessibility certification
Sonoco’s two-part metal Orbit jar closure received “Easy to use” certification from the Swedish Rheumatism Association. It cuts opening torque by up to 50%, and 97% of testers said it took less strength. Filling lines need only minor adjustments to run it, and it fits existing glass jars, which matters for brands serving an aging population.
Sources
- Packaging Dive — International Paper entertains offers for EMEA business
- Packaging Dive — Sealed Air, Alpla, CurTec expand US packaging manufacturing
- Packaging Dive — Maine water utility sues Huhtamaki, Sappi for alleged PFAS contamination
- Packaging Europe — Plans for new plastic tax in Germany
- Packaging Insights — Sidel targets label material reduction with EvoDeco Next
Featured image — Photo: FieldMarine (copyright holder) / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the biggest packaging industry news this week?
International Paper confirmed it has unsolicited bids for its EMEA business (to be called DS Smith) and is weighing a sale alongside the planned spinoff. Separately, the Circular Action Alliance filed a revised California SB 54 plan that cuts projected 2027 costs to about $1.11 billion.
When will California’s SB 54 EPR program be approved?
CalRecycle has 75 calendar days from CAA’s October 2026 submission to approve, conditionally approve, or reject the revised plan. Implementation is expected in 2027.
What is Germany’s proposed plastic packaging tax?
It is a draft tax of €550 per ton on plastic packaging, including flexibles and composites with more than 5% plastic, starting July 2027. It stalled in mid-October after coalition lawmakers objected.
Do small businesses have to comply with EU PPWR EPR rules?
Producers placing less than 10 tonnes of packaging per year are exempt. New Commission guidance also encourages flat fees, simpler registration, and pragmatic enforcement for small firms.
Why are packaging companies facing PFAS lawsuits?
Mill effluent has become a major source of PFAS in waterways. Utilities like Maine’s Greater Augusta Utility District are suing paper and packaging makers for remediation costs.