Biogena and ALPLA develop “eco-can,” a bio-based packaging can from sugar cane waste

      Packaging manufacturer ALPLA and Austrian micronutrient company BIOGENA have partnered to develop a recyclable packaging can made from bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE), using sugar cane processing waste as the raw material.     The new packaging, known as the “eco-can,” uses residual plant materials from sugar production. These by-products are fermented into bioethanol …

Batelco becomes first in Bahrain to introduce SIM cards made entirely from recycled plastic

    Batelco, a telecommunications company under the Beyon Group, has introduced SIM cards made entirely from recycled plastic, making it the first operator in Bahrain to adopt this environmentally focused initiative.     The new Eco-SIM cards are produced using 100% recycled polystyrene, primarily sourced from discarded refrigerators and other household appliances. The move …

Polygreen launches reusable foodware system to replace single-use plastics in UAE

      Polygreen has launched “Again, Please”, a reusable foodware system designed to replace single-use plastics across events and high-footfall venues in the UAE. The launch took place at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, coinciding with the country’s wider policy push toward circular economy models.     …

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 …

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 …

EPBP launches consultation on Design for Circularity guidelines for PET bottles

      The European PET Bottle Platform (EPBP) has launched a two-month industry consultation to gather feedback on its newly developed Design for Circularity (DfC) guidelines for PET bottles. The initiative, which runs until February 15, 2026, aims to engage stakeholders across the PET value chain in refining the draft framework before its finalisation. …

UPM and Royal Vaassen introduce fibre-based alternative to plastic and aluminium packaging

UPM Specialty Papers and Royal Vaassen have jointly developed new fibre-based barrier paper solutions intended to replace plastic and aluminium laminates in food and consumer packaging. The solutions respond to the increasing demand for recyclable materials as the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) recyclability requirements approach. The Barryrwrap concept, developed by Royal …

UAE Unveils Groundbreaking EPR Pilot Targeting Packaging Waste, Backed by 26 Leading Companies

      Abu Dhabi & Dubai, July 3, 2025 — In a landmark move to revolutionize how packaging waste is managed, the United Arab Emirates has launched the region’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) pilot, placing the onus of post-consumer waste squarely on manufacturers and brand owners.     Spearheaded by the Ministry of Climate Change …

Refill Retail Model Targets Packaging Waste Reduction

    A new refill retail concept, Skubu, launched in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, is drawing attention across the packaging sector as a scalable solution to reduce single-use plastic packaging in retail. Developed by Sonke (Pty) Ltd. in partnership with South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation …

Craemer Launches Fully Recyclable Heavy-Duty Pallet for Sustainable Logistics in MEA

    Craemer Group has introduced the E3-5 Zero Virgin, a heavy-duty industrial pallet made entirely from recycled polyethylene (PE), aimed at industries seeking to reduce material waste without compromising performance. This new version of the E3-5 pallet series offers a fully recyclable, long-life load carrier built for demanding logistics operations — including those in …