Apr 10, 2026

Is Plastic Food Packaging Really the Villain the Media Makes It Out to Be?

At a Glance  Plastic packaging (including plastic food packaging) is often portrayed as harmful in the media. When it comes to food packaging, we should not forget its role in environmental impact reduction by preventing food waste, a major source of emissions.  Media narratives oversimplify the issue, leading businesses to make reactive, optics-driven decisions instead of data-driven […]
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Apr 09, 2026

What On-the-Go Consumers Actually Need from Packaging

At a Glance  Consumer eating habits are shifting fast, and grab-and-go packaging now needs to match how people truly eat: In cars, between meetings, and on the move.  Economic pressure is driving shoppers toward smaller portions, lower-cost items, and prepared meals — creating new demand for convenient, high-quality packaged options.  Separate containers vs. multi-compartment trays both offer unique […]
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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 17, 2026

SB 343: An Intro to California’s New “Truth in Labeling” Law

DISCLAIMER: This document is designed as an introduction to California’s Truth in Labeling law 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 […]
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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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Feb 06, 2026

Chemical vs. Mechanical Recycling Explained

At a Glance  Chemical vs. mechanical recycling is a growing point of confusion in food packaging, with major differences in cost, performance, and how materials are processed back into usable forms. Mechanical recycling is established and more affordable, but material quality degrades with each cycle, often requiring design or material adjustments. Chemical recycling can return plastics to near-virgin […]
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Feb 06, 2026

EPR Fees and Food Packaging: What You Need to Know Before Costs Jump

At a Glance  EPR fees are unavoidable: If you sell food in packaging, you’ll help fund recycling systems — and costs change based on material type, weight, and recyclability.  Packaging choices affect the bill: Single-material, recyclable packaging and recycled content can lower fees; mixed or hard-to-recycle materials raise them.  This is a planning issue, not just […]
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Jan 30, 2026

rPET Food Packaging: What Food Businesses Need to Know Beyond the Sustainability Hype

At a Glance  rPET in food packaging is in high demand, but supply can’t keep up — creating cost premiums, regulatory considerations, and sourcing challenges for food businesses.  U.S. collection rates remain low for recyclable plastics, driving shortages and limiting how much recycled content brands can realistically use.  Although rPET costs more than virgin PET, it can meet FDA food-grade safety standards when properly […]
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Jan 16, 2026

How Did the U.S. Plastics Pact’s Roadmap to 2025 Fare?

At a Glance  The U.S. Plastics Pact set ambitious 2025 goals, but many depended on recycling infrastructure and end markets that simply weren’t ready, creating a gap between commitments and reality.  Recycling rates and access to food-grade recycled content proved to be the biggest obstacles, not a lack of intent from participating companies.  Some brands stepped back […]
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Jan 09, 2026

Black Plastic Food Packaging: Premium or Problematic?

At a Glance:  Black plastic food packaging looks premium and hides things like excess sauces or grease, but it’s nearly invisible to recycling scanners.  The carbon-black pigment absorbs light, sending recyclable PET trays straight to the waste stream.  If black plastic happens to be sorted, there aren’t many end markets for it because it can only become other black plastic products — limiting the number of different applications.  Detectable pigments and new scanners exist, but high costs slow adoption.  Brands […]
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