Dec 23, 2025
Why We Need to Talk About Closed-Loop Recycling
At a Glance Closed-loop recycling keeps materials in use — a PET clamshell becomes another clamshell, not carpet fiber. The main issue isn’t tech, it’s collection — recyclers lack a clean, consistent material supply. Local systems and smart design (APR guidelines, no black or mixed materials) can keep recycling truly circular. Real progress needs access, economics, and behavior […]
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Dec 17, 2025
The Risk of Betting It All on One Shiny New Product
At a Glance Chasing every new product innovation in food packaging can be risky — flashy features don’t always mean long-term reliability. The biggest danger in concentrating all your supply with a single new partner isn’t the product itself — it’s the uncertainty around their capacity to scale and deliver with consistency. Food pros know […]
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Dec 11, 2025
Making Sense of Extended Producer Responsibility: Your Simple Guide to New Packaging Rules
At a Glance EPR fees are now showing up on invoices, and many food brands are paying more than they need to because they don’t understand how the rules work. Businesses that use recyclable, single-material packaging (also called mono-materials) often qualify for lower fees, while heavier, multi-layer packaging can drive costs up. In most cases, […]
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Nov 24, 2025
Smart Labels and Other Packaging Trends for 2026
At a Glance Smart packaging trends are redefining 2026, led by smart labels that monitor temperature, time, and humidity to ensure food safety and transparency throughout the cold chain. Sustainability is getting practical — pulp and paper materials are emerging as leaders thanks to recyclability and lightweight design, though barrier layers still pose challenges. Testing […]
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Nov 19, 2025
What Makes Packaging Eco-Friendly and Why Does It Matter?
At a Glance Eco-friendly packaging decisions require looking beyond marketing claims — some “compostable” options contain hidden plastic linings that contaminate compost and may have a larger footprint than expected. Each material type — from paper and pulp to traditional plastics — has trade-offs in water use, energy demand, emissions, and end-of-life performance. Local waste […]
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Nov 12, 2025
Technically vs. Actually Recyclable or Compostable Food Packaging: What Some Manufacturers Don’t Want You to Know
At a Glance “Technically vs. actually recyclable” means an item may be recyclable in theory but isn’t collected, sorted, or reprocessed locally, so it doesn’t become new material. Multi-layer films, PLA, other bioplastics, and many compostables fail in real systems and can contaminate streams. Clear PET and polypropylene move through existing infrastructure and retain value […]
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Nov 11, 2025
An Introduction to Oregon’s EPR Laws
At a Glance Oregon EPR laws shift recycling and waste management costs from taxpayers to producers of packaging, paper, and foodservice ware. Producers must join the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) PRO, report materials, and pay fees based on weight, recyclability, and eco-modulation factors. Responsibility depends on product type: Brand owners for packaging, and first sellers […]
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Nov 07, 2025
Find Out Why Mono-Material Food Packaging is a Recycling Superstar
At a Glance Mono-material packaging — made from one polymer and one polymer only — recycles more efficiently than mixed or “eco-friendly” alternatives. Many plant-based and fiber options fail because the right recycling or composting systems don’t exist. Using one material reduces contamination in the recycling stream and improves recycled plastic quality. Clear PET, HDPE, […]
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Nov 06, 2025
Not All Plastics Are Created Equal
At a Glance Differences in plastics matter — PET and HDPE are easily recycled, while polystyrene and multi-layer films often end up in landfills. Recycling depends on economics — only materials with value and available infrastructure get reclaimed. Innovation has trade-offs — lightweight and bio-based options conserve resources but make recycling more complex. Policy and […]
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Oct 31, 2025
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Global Produce and Floral Show
At a Glance IFPA show takeaways: IFPA proved the produce industry isn’t waiting for change — it’s creating it. “Fight for Fresh”: The new rallying cry for collaboration and access to fresh food. Traceability + tech: Smart systems are redefining packaging and compliance. Gen Z’s view: They want better packaging, not less packaging. Fresh off […]
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