May 16, 2026
The Green Machine: 7 Takeaways from the Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s 2026 Impact Conference
At a Glance Consumers are overwhelmed by sustainability messaging, and the packaging industry is realizing that confusion. Simpler, clearer communication is becoming critical. One of the conference’s biggest themes was shifting away from technical “green” messaging toward more human, emotional, and social-media-style communication that consumers instantly understand. Companies are recognizing that packaging performance still matters […]
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May 13, 2026
PETs: APET, CPET, DPET, rPET, and rDPET…Oh my! What’s the Difference? Let’s Get Resin-able
At a Glance PET is the foundation of most food packaging, with APET (clear, non-crystallized) being the standard for cold and ambient applications. CPET is heat-resistant, opaque PET used for oven-ready meals, created by crystallizing APET in a one-way process. DPET is a more efficient, higher-performance version of APET made with fewer processing steps, offering […]
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May 01, 2026
Making Sense of Tamper Protection: What ‘Tamper-Obvious’ Really Means for Today’s Shoppers
At a Glance Tamper-obvious packaging makes safety instantly visible from a distance, helping customers trust your product without picking it up. Consumers make split-second decisions, so packaging must show clear, irreversible signs if it’s been opened — “evident” isn’t always obvious enough. Subtle seals or perforations can fail to meet shoppers’ real-world expectations, leading to lost sales, shrink, and […]
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Apr 17, 2026
Your Packaging Passed Inspection. But Will It Survive the Real World?
At a Glance Packaging failures don’t just cause messes — they lead to lost product, food safety risks, fines, and brand damage. Most of these issues are preventable with proper testing. Strong suppliers go beyond basic checks and run key tests like leak testing, compression/stack testing, tamper validation, and full distribution simulations to mimic real-world conditions. The […]
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Apr 16, 2026
Why Plastic Packaging Prices Are Rising Right Now (And What It Means for You)
At a Glance A plastic pricing increase is happening because the material is tied to oil, and conflict involving Iran is disrupting a key global oil route (the Strait of Hormuz). That disruption increases raw material costs (such as PTA, MEG, and propylene) while also tightening supply, creating upward pressure on prices. Shipping costs are […]
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Mar 31, 2026
How Will the Conflict in Iran Affect Plastic Food Packaging?
At a Glance Conflict in Iran threatens oil flow (via the Strait of Hormuz), which directly impacts plastic production since packaging relies on oil-based materials like PET, PP, and PE Rising oil prices → higher resin costs → increased packaging prices, with early signs of supply tightening already emerging Biggest risk isn’t panic — it’s […]
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Mar 23, 2026
OPS vs. PET Food Packaging: Which One Actually Performs Better?
At a Glance PET is more durable and supply-chain ready — it flexes before breaking, while OPS is rigid and more prone to cracking, especially under pressure or cold conditions. Temperature performance favors PET — OPS struggles in cold and heat, while PET (and especially CPET) handles a wider range, even freezer-to-oven in some cases. Shelf life is […]
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Mar 09, 2026
An Introduction to California’s Packaging EPR Law SB 54
DISCLAIMER: This document is designed as an introduction to California EPR laws and contains summary information. The information provided in this document does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this document is expressly […]
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Mar 05, 2026
Premium Products Deserve Premium Packaging. Period.
At a Glance Premium products are judged in seconds, and packaging plays a huge role in whether shoppers perceive quality before they ever taste the food. Weak or damaged packaging undermines trust, value, and shelf appeal — even when the product inside is excellent. Container integrity, clarity, and merchandising directly impact food safety, shelf life, and consumer […]
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Feb 26, 2026
How Is the Rise of GLP-1 Usage Affecting Food Packaging?
At a Glance GLP-1 use is driving smaller portions and higher demand for protein, fresh, and functional foods. Multi-serve packaging is declining; single-serve and portion-controlled formats are growing. Health-focused buyers also expect clear labeling and sustainable packaging. Distributors and retailers must pivot formats, diversify categories, and align with wellness trends to stay competitive. If you’re in the […]
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