Blog

If you’re interested in an informative and fast read on the subject of flexible packaging, this is for you — an all-in-one location for a steady stream of curated news and developments in this dynamic market for the current month. You’ll find fresh news and developments updated once or twice weekly in the ever-widening world of applications for pouches, bags, films, and other types of flexible packaging sourced from supplier breakthroughs, brand launches,…

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” have been in use since the 1940s. They have been added to a wide variety of products to make them resistant to heat, water, oil, and corrosion. PFAS chemicals are not only in firefighting foam but can also be found in numerous consumer products, including food packaging. PFAS restrictions in food packaging tend to focus on packaging made of plant-based fibers; these…

PolyQuest, a plastics distributor and manufacturer of recycled thermoplastics, announced that it is acquiring regional carrier Baker Transportation, Inc. (BTI). The deal is expected to close on October 1, 2023. Acquiring Baker Transportation — one of PolyQuest’s US supply chain partners — is a novel move for a plastics company, one that gives PolyQuest more control over future supply chain disruptions while boosting its distribution flexibility.  PolyQuest is a a…

Researchers at North Carolina State University have genetically engineered a marine microorganism to break down plastic in salt water. Specifically, the modified organism can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic used in everything from water bottles to clothing that is a significant contributor to microplastic pollution in oceans. “This is exciting because we need to address plastic pollution in marine environments,” said Nathan Crook, corresponding author of a paper…

In June 2021, Lego announced amid much fanfare that the first prototype toy brick made from recycled plastic had met its strict quality and safety requirements. That was then. Yesterday, CEO Niels Christiansen told the Financial Times that Lego has abandoned this initiative because bricks made from recycled PET (rPET) would result in higher carbon emissions. The reason, as reported by the BBC, is that the process requires extra production steps…

Atlanta-based Bakelite Synthetics has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire LRBG Chemicals Inc., a Canadian liquid phenolic resin manufacturer and developer with facilities in Longueuil (Montreal), Quebec. With the completion of this acquisition, Bakelite Synthetics adds to its portfolio of products and customers, as well as builds on its growth strategy of sustainably delivering innovative solutions to customers. LRBG Chemicals manufactures high-quality resins and derivative products that are used…

Solvay is set to feature its latest innovations in sustainable polymer products in Friedrichshafen, Germany at the Fakuma show on Oct. 17 to 21. One highlight at booth 4213 in hall B4 will be a portfolio of specialty polymer innovations targeting e-mobility “Solvay will launch two new grades of Ryton polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) Supreme resins, bringing enhanced performance benefits in e-mobility applications,” said Brian Baleno, head of automotive marketing. “These…

Spain’s Elix Polymers, a global supplier of specialty ABS materials, is showcasing its new sustainable E-Loop products and services at the Fakuma 2023 show to be held in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on Oct. 17 to 21. Elix has placed all of its circular economy activities under the E-Loop brand name with two strategic programs from Elix Sustainable Portfolio Solutions: Circular Plastics and Responsible Innovation. At Fakuma, the company will introduce its…