Mondi and Ekornes replace plastic mattress wrap with recyclable paper-based solution

    Mondi has partnered with Norwegian furniture manufacturer Ekornes to introduce a paper-based packaging system for wrapping high-end mattresses, replacing the company’s previous plastic-based solution.     The new CompressWrap system, developed by Mondi, combines two types of FunctionalBarrier Paper to ensure secure compression and transport of mattresses. In the first stage, FunctionalBarrier Paper …

RA International to Introduce Compostable Material Biodolomer in GCC through Gaia Biomaterials Partnership

      RA International has signed a distribution agreement with Sweden’s Gaia Biomaterials to introduce Biodolomer®, a compostable material invented and produced in Sweden, to the GCC region.     The partnership marks RA International’s first move into the sustainable packaging sector, driven by urgent environmental challenges. The GCC consumes large volumes of single-use …

EGA completes debottlenecking expansion at Al Taweelah alumina refinery

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has completed a debottlenecking expansion at its Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi, increasing production capacity by up to 50,000 tonnes of alumina annually. The expansion involved the installation of a third ball mill, a key component in the refining process that grinds bauxite ore into fine particles before chemical …

Heidelberg strengthens packaging service footprint with Schubert partnership

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has taken over service operations in Brazil for packaging machinery from Gerhard Schubert GmbH. The agreement strengthens HEIDELBERG’s role in the packaging segment by providing on-the-ground technical support for Schubert’s installed systems across the region. Under the agreement, HEIDELBERG will provide production support and performance optimization for Schubert machines. The services …

Veolia acquires full ownership of Water Technologies and Solutions from CDPQ

  Veolia has entered into an agreement to acquire the 30% minority stake in its subsidiary, Water Technologies and Solutions (WTS), from CDPQ for $1.75 billion (approximately €1.5 billion). The transaction will bring Veolia’s ownership of WTS to 100%, allowing the company full operational control. The deal is expected to close by the end of …

SOMA strengthens global footprint with launch of SOMA India

      New subsidiary set to drive flexographic printing innovation across South Asia SOMA has announced the launch of SOMA India Marketing Services Pvt Ltd, a strategic move underscoring the company’s commitment to the rapidly expanding Indian packaging industry. The new subsidiary is designed to give Indian converters direct access to SOMA’s advanced flexographic printing …

Tadweer, Masdar and BEEAH align strategies in Sharjah waste-to-energy transition

Tadweer Group has acquired Masdar’s stake in the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy plant, joining BEEAH as a new partner in the Emirates Waste-to-Energy joint venture. The agreement, which remains subject to standard closing conditions, represents a strategic realignment among three of the UAE’s major sustainability-focused entities. Masdar, officially known as Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, is …

Trident Group Expands into Middle East with New Dubai Office

[DUBAI, UAE – August 1, 2025] Trident Group has opened a new office in Dubai, marking a significant step in its international expansion strategy. The Indian business conglomerate, known as the world’s largest manufacturer of terry towels, aims to leverage Dubai’s strategic location to extend its footprint across the GCC, Africa, and CIS regions. The …

Siegwerk Acquires Dutch Coatings Specialist Allinova to Expand Functional Packaging Capabilities

Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA has signed an agreement to acquire Allinova, a specialty chemicals company based in Hengelo, the Netherlands, known for its expertise in water-based dispersions. The deal, announced on August 11, 2025, aims to strengthen Siegwerk’s coatings business, particularly in functional coatings for packaging. Allinova’s product range includes polymer dispersions, wax …

PepsiCo Opens Expanded Manufacturing Plant in Dammam Following SAR 300 Million Investment

    Dammam, Saudi Arabia – His Excellency Bandar AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, has inaugurated PepsiCo’s expanded manufacturing plant in Dammam’s 2nd Industrial City, signaling the company’s ongoing investment in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.     The SAR 300 million ($80 million) expansion is part of PepsiCo’s broader SAR 9 billion ($2.4 …