Gulfood Manufacturing set to mark a decade of pioneering innovation in Food & Beverage Packaging

  Gulfood Manufacturing (GFM) 2024 marks a milestone 10th edition, shaping the food and beverage manufacturing sector in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Scheduled for November 5-7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will feature over 2,500 companies from 72 countries, showcasing cutting-edge technologies that are set to transform the F&B industry. …

McDonald’s progress and strategy in sustainable packaging and waste reduction

  McDonald’s is advancing its efforts to reduce waste and transition to sustainable packaging and toy materials. These initiatives are aimed at supporting environmental protection and long-term business resilience. Key strategies include redesigning packaging, exploring alternative materials, and enhancing recovery opportunities.   Recent Achievements By late 2023, McDonald’s had achieved approximately 86.7% of its goal …

COMESA and EU launch €40 million Circular Economy Initiative

  The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the European Union (EU) have launched a new €40 million Circular Economy Programme for the East and Southern Africa region. The initiative, known as the “SWITCH to Circular Economy in East and Southern Africa (SWITCH-2-CE in ESA),” aims to facilitate the transition from a …

M&S pioneers paper packaging for garlic baguettes, cutting 5.5 million plastic units annually

  Marks & Spencer (M&S) has become the first UK retailer to switch its garlic baguettes to paper packaging, removing 5.5 million units of plastic annually. The shift applies to all single and twin garlic baguettes, which are now available in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved paper packaging that can be easily recycled at home. …

Carrefour promotes Plastic Free July with sustainable initiatives

  Carrefour, operated exclusively by Majid Al Futtaim in the UAE, is marking Plastic Free July by encouraging the adoption of sustainable alternatives across its stores. Starting July 3, the retailer will eliminate all plastic bags every Wednesday, coinciding with International Plastic Bag Free Day.   As part of this initiative, Carrefour is offering customers …

Silal inaugurates major food distribution warehouse in KEZAD

  Silal, a company specializing in food products and agricultural technology in Abu Dhabi, has inaugurated a large advanced warehouse in the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). Covering over 41,000 square meters, the facility features more than 36,800 storage pallets and advanced refrigerated rooms.   This warehouse marks a significant step in Silal’s efforts …

Saica Group and Mondelez collaborate on recyclable paper-based packaging for food market

  Saica Group, a leading packaging solutions company, and Mondelez, a prominent fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer, have partnered to introduce a new paper-based packaging solution aimed at multipack products in the confectionery, biscuits, and chocolate markets. The new packaging is designed to be recyclable in the paper waste stream and is suitable for heat sealable …

Coveris launches MonoFlex Fibre: Eco-friendly paper packaging

  Coveris, a leading packaging solutions provider, has introduced MonoFlex Fibre, a paper-based packaging range, in response to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s requirement for all packaging in the European market to be reusable or recyclable by 2030.   The regulation has extended producer responsibility for the post-consumer stage of a product, including imposing …

Amazon’s big move: Cutting plastic packaging by 95%

  Amazon has unveiled its largest reduction in plastic packaging to date, replacing 95% of plastic air pillows with paper filler in its delivery packaging.   “We’re constantly inventing and thinking big to make our packaging small. We want to ensure that customers receive their items undamaged, while using as little packaging as possible to …

Detpak expands Eco-Products® range to South East Asia and Middle East

  Detpak, a South Australian packaging solutions company, has announced the expansion of its Eco-Products range into South East Asia and the Middle East. Previously available only in Australia and New Zealand, this range includes compostable, no-added PFAS sugarcane food service packaging, such as plates, bowls, and containers.   This expansion represents the largest introduction …