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 […]
Read More +
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 […]
Read More +
Oct 22, 2025
Why Can’t We All Agree on What ‘Sustainability’ Means?
At a Glance Sustainability confusion: Everyone defines “sustainable” differently — from recyclability to carbon footprint — making the term obtuse and difficult for many to understand. Core problem: Vague language, inconsistent infrastructure, and marketing claims create mixed messages and unrealistic expectations. Reality check: There’s no perfect solution — every material choice involves trade-offs, and progress matters more than perfection. […]
Read More +
Oct 14, 2025
Flexible vs. Rigid Food Packaging: The Ultimate Showdown That’s Reshaping the Industry
At a Glance Flexible package options deliver space efficiency, lower costs, and sustainability benefits, but face challenges with protection, speed, and recycling. Rigid containers provide superior protection, speed, and product visibility, but take more storage space, add shipping costs, and carry higher environmental impacts. Smart brands mix both — flexible for efficiency and labeling, rigid […]
Read More +
Oct 07, 2025
Why Did the Price of PET Suddenly Increase in September 2025?
At a Glance Tariff on PET: A new U.S. tariff on imported PET and rPET resin took effect September 8, 2025, driving up plastic container costs. Industry impact: Some suppliers are notifying customers of higher prices right as the holiday season ramps up. Sustainability setback: Tariffs on rPET may discourage recycling by making recycled content […]
Read More +
Sep 17, 2025
Purchasing Directly from a Manufacturer vs. Through Distribution
At a Glance Direct purchasing from a manufacturer and buying through distribution models each have unique strengths — direct buying offers lower per-unit costs for large, consistent orders, while distributors provide flexibility, storage space, smaller order quantities, “just-in-time” delivery, safety stock, and broader product variety. Total cost matters more than unit price; storage, labor, and […]
Read More +
Sep 15, 2025
Are Recyclables Declining in Value? What Food Business Professionals Need to Know
At a Glance Recyclables declining in value is real. Cardboard, plastics, and metals are worth far less than a year ago. Multiple factors drive the drop. Lower demand, oversupply, and high energy costs all play a role. Food businesses feel the squeeze. Lower value from cardboard and plastics means higher waste costs. Smart operators adapt. […]
Read More +
Sep 10, 2025
What Packaging Material Can Go from Freezer to Oven Without Breaking?
At a Glance CPET packaging handles -40°F to 420°F and is perfect for freezer-to-oven meals. Made with special thermoforming tools and processing, it keeps its shape and blocks oxygen, water, and grease. Recycling is a challenge, but new CPET Light and TPET offer clearer, greener options. Use CPET for extreme temps; choose alternatives for moderate […]
Read More +
Sep 03, 2025
Why is PET the Top Packaging Material for Cold & Ambient Fresh Food?
At a Glance PET Packaging Boosts Visibility: Crystal-clear PET packaging enhances product appeal, improves sales, and simplifies inventory management, lowering handling costs. Extends Shelf Life: PET’s strong oxygen barrier keeps products fresh longer than packaging with lower barrier properties such as paper or polystyrene, reducing waste compared to other materials. Sustainable & Adaptable: PET has […]
Read More +
Aug 18, 2025
PET and The Battle of Bioplastics Part III: PEF
At a Glance PEF and PET packaging: PEF is a plant-based rival to PET with better performance. Why it matters: PEF fits existing PET lines — no overhaul needed. Top benefits: Better barriers, more heat resistance, stronger, greener. Big hurdles: High cost, low supply, no recycling system (yet). You’ve seen this story before — another […]
Read More +
