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 …

Is Plastic Fantastic? Part 2: The rPET Revolution in the Middle East – Drivers, Technology, and Challenges

  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, …

Tetra Pak unveils sustainability and innovation focus highlighting circular economy and plant-based solutions

  At Gulfood Manufacturing 2024, Tetra Pak unveiled its commitment to sustainability and innovation under the theme “Unlocking Potential.” The company aims to empower its customers to achieve growth, enhance operational efficiency, and diversify product offerings.   Sonya Kayani, Communications Director for Greater Middle East and Central Asia at Tetra Pak, with Ben Daniel, Chief …

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.   …

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 …

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, …

Minister of Environment inaugurates Egypt’s first cardboard recycling line

  Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, inaugurated the first production line in the country dedicated to recycling used cardboard packaging. Located at Uniboard’s factory in Sadat City, the facility was established in collaboration with Tetra Pak and Uniboard, two key players in the packaging sector. The project, which covers 1,000 square meters, has …

Amazon revamps device packaging with sustainability in focus

  Amazon has unveiled a redesigned packaging approach for its Echo, Kindle, and Fire TV devices, emphasizing increased use of recycled materials and reduced environmental impact. The initiative aligns with the company’s broader sustainability goals under The Climate Pledge, which aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.   Key updates include a shift to packaging …