Infant formula recalls widen in MENA as UAE regulator adds Nestlé batches

      Precautionary recalls of infant formula products across the Middle East and North Africa have expanded, bringing renewed focus on batch traceability and regulatory coordination in the packaged nutrition sector.     Earlier this month, Nestlé announced a voluntary recall of selected batches of its NAN, S-26 and ALFAMINO infant formula products distributed …

Al Wafir Proposes Conditional Offer to Acquire Majority Stake in UNIKAI Foods

      Al Wafir for Marketing Services K.S.C.C., a Kuwait-based company, has announced a voluntary conditional cash offer to acquire between 50% plus one share and up to 51% of the issued and paid-up ordinary shares of UNIKAI Foods P.J.S.C., one of the UAE’s oldest food and beverage companies. The offer, priced at AED …

Marks & Spencer expands Only Ingredients range after labelling scrutiny

    Marks & Spencer has expanded its Only Ingredients food range as part of a broader response to criticism around ultra-processed foods and concerns over on-pack labelling transparency.     In 2025, the retailer faced accusations that some own-brand products understated ingredient information on packaging. The Real Bread Campaign alleged that one white bread …

DS Smith and Serele SupeR launch fibre-based tomato punnets to replace ten million plastic packages

    DS Smith has partnered with Romanian agricultural cooperative Serele SupeR to replace ten million single-use plastic packages with fibre-based corrugated cardboard solutions for fresh tomato products. The project was implemented following an assessment of existing plastic packaging formats and resulted in the development of four recyclable corrugated punnets designed for different cherry tomato …

Mitsubishi Chemical develops PFAS-free barrier coating for paper-based food packaging

    Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) has developed a new coating technology that imparts gas barrier and oil-resistant properties to paper-based packaging, using its proprietary SoarnoL™ solution. The development is positioned as a PFAS-free alternative for food packaging applications, addressing growing regulatory concerns around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).     The technology enables the …

DS Smith and Raymarine develop fibre-based packaging to replace plastic in radar products

    DS Smith and Raymarine have introduced a fibre-based packaging solution for electronic and radar display products, replacing expanded polyethylene (EPE) foam previously used in Raymarine’s packaging. The collaboration is focused on eliminating single-use plastic and improving supply chain efficiency.     Developed by DS Smith’s design team, the new solution uses corrugated cardboard …

Hotpack adjusts production as UAE enforces second phase of single-use plastic ban

    Dubai, UAE – As the UAE prepares to implement the second phase of its nationwide single-use plastic ban from January 1, 2026, local packaging manufacturers, including Hotpack, are adjusting materials, production lines, and supply chains to meet the expanded regulatory requirements set by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). This phase …

Amcor launches all-plastic Grace head for Wave pump with focus on design and recyclability

    Amcor has introduced the Grace head for its all-plastic Wave 2cc pump, aimed at the personal care market. The development focuses on combining consumer-friendly design with recyclable materials, as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to support circular economy practices.     The Grace actuator is designed for both function and form. Its …

PepsiCo launches colorless Doritos and Cheetos under Simply NKD line

      PepsiCo has introduced a new line of colorless snack products under the brand Simply NKD™, offering additive-free versions of its popular Doritos® and Cheetos® products. The launch includes four variants: Doritos® Simply NKD™ Nacho Cheese, Doritos® Simply NKD™ Cool Ranch®, Cheetos® Simply NKD™ Puffs, and Cheetos® Simply NKD™ Flamin’ Hot®.     …

Hotpack Global recognised at Sustainability 2040 Awards in the Middle East

      Hotpack Global has been named Sustainable Business of the Year – Middle East (FMCG Sector) at the Sustainability 2040 Awards, recognising the company’s sustainability initiatives and reporting practices. The award places the UAE-based packaging manufacturer among organisations contributing to long-term environmental and social goals aligned with regional sustainability frameworks.     According …