Empowering packaging innovation: Industry leaders align with Saudi Vision 2030

  The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is not only a roadmap for economic diversification but also a call to action for industries to embrace innovation, sustainability, and localization.   At a recent high-profile event in Riyadh, three leading companies in the packaging-print sector – NDIGITEC, BOBST, and ESKO – unveiled their strategies for …

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 …

XSYS expands conversion to sustainable nyloflex® eco series

  XSYS has announced further progress in converting its traditional flexo printing plates to the more sustainable nyloflex® eco series, introducing two new analog plates: nyloflex® eco ACT and nyloflex® eco FAC. This initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to advancing sustainability in flexo printing.   Designed for analog imaging, the new plates incorporate XSYS’ …

Koenig & Bauer introduces inline coating thickness control for MetalCoat 483

  Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint has launched an inline coating thickness control system for its MetalCoat 483 machines, aiming to enhance precision in coating applications for metal packaging production. The innovation allows for real-time measurement and automatic adjustment, ensuring consistent coating layer thickness, reducing waste, and optimizing coating material usage.   Traditional methods of manually …

Coveris acquires S&K Label, expands presence in CEE region

  Coveris has completed the acquisition of S&K Label in the Czech Republic, marking its third acquisition in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and its first label business acquisition outside the UK. Now operating as Coveris Brno, the company aims to strengthen its position in the region, targeting key markets including the beverage, food, chemicals, …

Huhtamaki appoints Ralf K. Wunderlich as President and CEO

  Huhtamaki Oyj has announced the appointment of Ralf K. Wunderlich as its new President and CEO, effective January 15, 2025. Wunderlich, a seasoned executive in the packaging industry, will succeed Charles Héaulmé, who has held the position since 2019. Héaulmé will remain available until July 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.   Pekka Vauramo, …

Victory Packaging rebrands as Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions

  Victory Packaging, a legacy provider of packaging and related services across North America for over five decades, has rebranded as Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions. The change reflects the company’s evolution from a distributor to a comprehensive packaging solutions provider.   The rebranding follows the July 2024 merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, forming Smurfit …

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 …

ALPLA acquires full ownership of Egypt joint venture with Taba

  ALPLA Group, a global leader in packaging and recycling, has acquired all shares of its joint venture with Taba, fully integrating the facility in 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt, into its operations. The site produces plastic bottles, preforms, and closures for markets across North Africa and the Middle East. Since 2024, it has also …