14 August - ‘Black Trans Lives Matter’ on Skittles’ packaging faces backlash
The candy brand has come under fire after teaming up with GLAAD (the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and making changes to its packaging to incorporate ‘Black Trans Lives Matter’ messaging.
7 November - Formable cellulose-based packaging could replace single-use plastic
In a pilot-scale trial to find alternative raw materials for rigid plastic packages, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has discovered the unprecedented maximum limits of its highly extensible formable cellulose-based webs used for rigid packaging applications.
3 January - France bans single-use packaging from fast-food restaurants
Effective from 1 January 2023, the law prohibits major fast-food chains from offering foods in throwaway boxes or single-use cutlery such as knives or forks.
4 September - Brita faces lawsuit over alleged deceptive filter packaging
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the water filtration industry, Brita, a household name in water purification, now finds itself embroiled in a class-action lawsuit.
13 March - PET plastic bottles deemed more sustainable than aluminium or glass
A new life cycle assessment report by the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) suggests PET plastic bottles deliver "significant environmental savings" compared to aluminium and glass bottles.
3 April - Heinz introduces new double-lid ketchup bottle
US-based food processing firm Heinz has introduced a new double-ended ketchup bottle called ‘Ketch Up and Down’.
26 June - ePac opens new production facility in Accra, Ghana
Global custom flexible packaging provider ePac Flexible Packaging has officially opened a new Grade A production facility in Ghana.
3 May - WestRock to close its North Charleston paper mill in South Carolina, US
Sustainable paper and packaging solutions provider Westrock Company has revealed its plans to permanently shut down its paper mill in South Carolina, US.
19 May - Coca-Cola launches a major reuse programme to combat plastic waste
Coca-Cola has introduced a new reuse programme, signalling its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
30 January - Energy Capital Partners buys recycling firm Biffa for £2.1bn
US-based energy investment firm Energy Capital Partners (ECP) has completed its acquisition of British recycling company Biffa for £2.1bn ($2.6bn).
