100% Recycled Content: Berry Global and Mars Launch Fully Sustainable Packaging

Berry Global and Mars have announced the switch of Mars’ pantry jars for M&M’S®, SKITTLES®, and STARBURST® brands to 100% recycled plastic, excluding the jar lids. This update follows a 2022 launch of jars made with 15% recycled plastic, marking a significant step in their ongoing sustainability collaboration. The new jars, available in 60-, 81-, …

NGOs and Danone Reach Agreement on Plastic Use After Mediation

In January 2023, a coalition of NGOs—ClientEarth, Surfrider Foundation Europe, and Zero Waste France—filed a lawsuit against Danone, accusing the company of failing to comply with France’s duty of vigilance law regarding plastic use. Following mediation ordered by the Paris Judicial Court, the two parties have now reached an agreement, ending the legal proceedings. As …

Agthia raises stake in Abu Auf to 80%, strengthening packaged food and beverage growth

  Agthia Group PJSC has increased its stake in Egypt’s Abu Auf to 80% after acquiring an additional 10% share. The move strengthens Agthia’s position in the packaged food sector while reinforcing its partnership with the Egyptian healthy snacks and coffee brand. The Auf family will continue to manage operations, focusing on product innovation and …

Gulfood 2025: A Global Platform for Innovation, Networking, and Sustainability

  Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade event, is set to return to Dubai in 2025, reaffirming its role as a crucial platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and drive innovation. Running from February 17 to 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, this year’s event will span over 1 million …

Orkla India refreshes Eastern brand identity with new packaging at Gulfood 2025

  Orkla India, the parent company of MTR and Eastern, will unveil its new Quick Kerala Breakfast range at Gulfood 2025, aiming to expand its presence in the Middle East’s packaged food sector. The launch, under its recently established subsidiary Orkla IMEA, includes the Eastern 5-Minute Breakfast range with updated branding and packaging.   Indian …

McDonald’s introduces fiber-based lids ahead of schedule

  McDonald’s Finland has replaced plastic lids on its beverages with fiber-based alternatives as part of its ongoing effort to reduce plastic use. The transition, originally set for 2025, is now being implemented ahead of schedule.   By the end of 2025, all McDonald’s restaurants in Finland will use molded fiber lids for both hot …

Edita partners with TJA to expand operations into Iraq

  Edita Food Industries S.A.E. (EFID.CA on the Egyptian Exchange & EFID.L on the London Stock Exchange) has entered the Iraqi market through a strategic partnership with Tuama Jebur Abbas (TJA), a Baghdad-based snack manufacturer. The agreement includes the acquisition of a 49% stake in TJA for $8 million, alongside the establishment of Edita Iraq …

BUA Group expands into packaging with Starlinger partnership

  BUA Group, one of Africa’s prominent industrial conglomerates, has announced its entry into packaging materials manufacturing through a partnership with Austria-based Starlinger & Co. Limited, a global supplier of packaging machinery.   The collaboration will establish a state-of-the-art facility with the capacity to produce 600 million polypropylene (PP) block-bottom bags annually. This move is …

Unilever increases investment in packaging R&D to reduce virgin plastic usage

  Unilever has significantly increased its investment in packaging research and development (R&D) to accelerate its efforts in reducing virgin plastic use. The company has more than doubled its investment in materials science and technology in recent years, focusing on sustainable solutions to achieve its plastic reduction goals.   The Global Packaging R&D Centre, which …

Vinsak installs Rotatek Brava 450 at Paramount Labels in UAE, boosting production capacity

  Paramount Labels has enhanced its production capabilities with the installation of the Rotatek Brava 450, a state-of-the-art printing press known for its versatility and efficiency.   The Brava 450 combines advanced technology to cater to varying production demands, offering semi-rotary and full-rotary systems. This adaptability allows seamless handling of short, medium, and long print …