________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
With 2026 well underway, upcoming regulatory changes and technology advances are compelling packaging producers to rethink how their goods are packaged, distributed and managed responsibly at end of life. As these forces converge, brands are placing sustainability at the heart of their manufacturing strategies.
▶ Mike Jones, Head of Innovation and General Manager of Intelligent Solutions, Mainetti
Regulation as a driver for innovation
Regulations are increasingly becoming a driving force for innovation in sustainable packaging. The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation( PPWR) – which will begin to apply from mid-2026 – is one such example of how a regulatory framework is shaping innovation in this space. By mandating all packaging to be made recyclable by 2030 and phasing out harmful Perfluoroalkoxy alkanes( PFA) – often referred to as‘ forever chemicals’ – the regulation encourages manufacturers to embed circular principles at the design stage, rather than retrofitting at the end of a product’ s life. Elsewhere, the extended producer responsibility( EPR) initiative – a scheme that holds the producer accountable for responsible packaging disposal – is gaining traction. For example, the German Packaging Act( VerpackG) is an EPR scheme that ensures compliance through a central digital registration platform that enforces fines on those who submit inaccurate information or fail to register. For manufacturers, regulations such as the EPR facilitate a revitalized packaging landscape where sustainable innovation is nurtured through clear requirements, guiding responsible material choice from the outset.
In the United States, the EPR has moved from proposal to implementation across the country. To date, seven states – California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota,
28