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, …
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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. …
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MENA: Forecast for the Packaging Industry in 2025
The packaging industry faced major challenges in 2024, from escalating material costs and stringent sustainability mandates to soaring energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and growing awareness of circular economy and sustainable packaging demands. Despite these difficulties, the sector demonstrated resilience through innovation and collaboration. However, the journey is far from over. In 2025, new …
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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 …
Paxiom introduces IWK FP-Series tube filling machines
Paxiom Group has expanded its packaging machinery portfolio by incorporating IWK’s FP-Series tube filling systems. This collaboration addresses the diverse needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food, offering solutions for packaging creams, gels, and liquids. The FP-Series machines, developed by IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH, are designed for low to high production volumes. …
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SONGWON partners with Altek International for PVC distribution in the Middle East
Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd. has partnered with Altek International FZE to expand the availability of PVC stabilizers in the Middle East. Effective January 1, 2025, the collaboration aims to address the region’s growing demand for PVC solutions in industries such as construction, packaging, and electrical. SONGWON, headquartered in South Korea, is a global …
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Bakcycle achieves high-quality recycling of flexible packaging using TOMRA technology
Bakcycle Recycling, a subsidiary of Bakioğlu Holding, has begun operations in Izmir, Türkiye, recycling post-consumer low-density polyethylene (LDPE) packaging waste into high-quality granules. The facility, operational since late 2023, leverages TOMRA’s sensor-based sorting technologies to meet stringent recycling demands and produce granules for flexible packaging manufacturers. Occupying a 20,000 m² area, the facility …
Berry and VOID revolutionize pet food packaging with recyclable PE film
Berry Global Group, Inc. and VOID Technologies have partnered to commercialize a high-performance polyethylene (PE) film designed for pet food packaging. The collaboration combines VOID’s patented VO+™ technology with Berry’s expertise in film formulation and machine-direction orientation (MDO) processes to create a recyclable all-PE solution. The newly developed film offers enhanced strength, toughness, …
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Revolutionizing Packaging Excellence: The Classique Labels and Packaging Story
Since 2018, Classique Labels and Packaging has been on a transformative journey under the leadership of its Managing Director, Rama Krishna. The company has not only turned its fortunes around but has also set new benchmarks in the labeling and packaging industry. By combining innovation with a deep understanding of market needs, Classique has …
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