ASRY and Roboze establish advanced additive manufacturing facility in Bahrain

    Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard (ASRY) and Roboze have signed a partnership agreement to establish Bahrain’s first facility dedicated to advanced additive manufacturing, to be located within ASRY’s premises in the Kingdom of Bahrain.     The agreement was signed in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, …

Borouge completes AI autonomous operations proof of concept at Ruwais facility

      Borouge Plc has announced the completion of a proof of concept for AI-powered autonomous operations at its Ruwais production facility, developed in partnership with Honeywell. The milestone forms part of the company’s broader AI, Digitalisation & Technology (AIDT) programme, which aims to generate $575 million in value during 2025.     The …

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 …

Apax funds invest in iD Fresh Food to support expansion of cold-chain packaging operations

    Funds advised by Apax Partners have acquired a significant minority stake in iD Fresh Food through a secondary transaction involving Premji Invest and NewQuest. Both existing investors will retain a portion of their stake following the deal. Financial terms have not been disclosed.     The transaction is aimed at supporting the company’s …

UAE enforces wider single-use plastic ban across retail and manufacturing sectors

    The United Arab Emirates implemented the second phase of its federal single-use plastic ban on January 1, 2026, expanding restrictions across retail and manufacturing sectors. The ban, led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), prohibits the import, manufacture, and trade of single-use plastic products including beverage cups and lids, cutlery, …

Packaging MEA announces launch of PrimeCorr Summit & Awards 2026 in Dubai

      Dubai, UAE – Packaging MEA has announced the launch of PrimeCorr Summit & Awards 2026, a new leadership-focused platform dedicated exclusively to corrugated packaging and corrugated point-of-sale display manufacturing. The inaugural edition will take place on 30 March 2026 at Dubai, UAE.     Positioned as the MEA region’s premier thought-leadership summit and awards programme for the corrugated …

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. …

Mondi and Polana Bikes develop recyclable paper packaging for premium bicycle shipments

    Mondi and Polish bicycle manufacturer Polana Bikes have developed a recyclable paper-based packaging system designed to protect premium bicycles during transport while reducing plastic waste. The solution, developed through close collaboration between the two companies, replaces traditional plastic-heavy packaging with a corrugated cardboard structure and tailored paper components.     The project was …

DS Smith retains EcoVadis Platinum rating with improved sustainability score

      DS Smith has retained its Platinum rating from EcoVadis, a global sustainability assessment platform, marking continued recognition for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. The company’s overall score has increased from 83 to 88 out of 100, placing it within the top 1% of all companies evaluated worldwide.     EcoVadis assesses …