CCL Hosts inaugural ‘Sustainability Day Southeast Asia’ with Asahi Kasei as key partner

  CCL ASEAN held its first “Sustainability Day Southeast Asia” at its Bangkok headquarters on January 21, bringing together industry leaders, brand owners, and innovators to discuss sustainability in packaging and printing. Asahi Photoproducts, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei and a specialist in flexographic photopolymer plate development, participated as a key partner.   The event …

ACTEGA introduces ACTExact® ShrinkFlex UV Inks for shrink sleeves

  ACTEGA has launched ACTExact® ShrinkFlex UV Inks, a UV-curable ink series designed for shrink sleeve applications. These inks offer strong adhesion to shrink films and are optimized for high-speed printing, reaching up to 500 fpm on press and over 300 fpm on BOPP labels. The portfolio includes high-opacity whites, line black, and a four-color …

UPM Raflatac eliminates BPA and BPS in direct thermal laminates

  UPM Raflatac, a global provider of self-adhesive label materials, has announced the removal of Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS) developers from all direct thermal laminate products manufactured in North America. This step aligns with growing regulatory requirements and the company’s commitment to sustainability and product safety.   BPA and BPS, commonly used in the …

Sustainability at forefront as industry leaders discuss Innovation & Circular Economy in Packaging

  At the recent Gulfood Manufacturing Food-Tech Summit, sustainability dominated discussions as packaging industry leaders gathered to explore innovative solutions that balance environmental responsibility with economic feasibility. Moderated by Ben Daniel, Chief Editor of Packaging MEA, the panel featured experts from packaging material producers, machine manufacturers, and converters. Together, they tackled pressing issues such as …

Breaking Barriers in Packaging: Vaishali Malde on Innovation, Sustainability, and Empowering Women

  In the world of packaging, where innovation and sustainability drive change, Vaishali Malde has carved out an inspiring path. As Manager of Technical Sales and Sustainable Application Development at Packaging Industries Limited (PIL), Vaishali brings over nine years of experience to the forefront of flexible packaging.   In this exclusive Packaging MEA interview, Usha …

Is Plastic Fantastic? Part 2: The rPET Revolution in the Middle East – Drivers, Technology, and Challenges

  In Part 1 of “Is Plastic Fantastic?”, we examined the regulatory hurdles of plastic sustainability in the Middle East. Now, we explore the region’s growing adoption of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), driven by environmental concerns, shifting consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. As Middle Eastern businesses adapt to new packaging standards, rPET is …

Amazon trials biodegradable bags to boost circular economy

  Amazon has initiated a trial for bio-based delivery bags in Spain as part of its efforts to develop sustainable packaging solutions. The new bags, made from European-sourced vegetable materials like corn starch and vegetable oils, are being tested for Amazon Fresh orders in Valencia. Developed in collaboration with Italian company Novamont (part of Versalis, …

Tetra Pak unveils sustainability and innovation focus highlighting circular economy and plant-based solutions

  At Gulfood Manufacturing 2024, Tetra Pak unveiled its commitment to sustainability and innovation under the theme “Unlocking Potential.” The company aims to empower its customers to achieve growth, enhance operational efficiency, and diversify product offerings.   Sonya Kayani, Communications Director for Greater Middle East and Central Asia at Tetra Pak, with Ben Daniel, Chief …

ALPLA reports growth in 2024 with focus on recycling and expansion

  ALPLA Group, the Austria-based global packaging and recycling company, recorded significant growth in 2024, reporting a 4% increase in turnover to €4.9 billion from the previous year’s €4.7 billion. The company also expanded its workforce to 24,350 employees across 200 locations in 46 countries, including 365 apprentices, underscoring its commitment to professional training.   …

NILE Recycling partners with Starlinger for advanced PET recycling line at Arabplast 2025

  NILE Recycling Company, based in Egypt, has signed a contract for the installation of a Starlinger recoS-STAR PET 165 recycling line, announced at Arabplast 2025 in Dubai. This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance the production of high-quality recycled PET, advancing sustainability and operational efficiency in the region.   Mohamed Sa’adany, Co-Founder and CEO of …