March/April 2026

Packaging World March/April 2026

Column: AI Unlocks Smart Packaging's Latent Potential

RFID, NFC, and 2D barcodes have long carried more potential than most brands could use. According to experts on last week's AIPIA webinar, AI is starting to change that, turning fragmented data into operational insight.

April 1, 2026

Conceptual views of connected packaging often focus on consumer-facing data, but the same infrastructure is increasingly being used to drive supply chain visibility, traceability, and product intelligence.

A Dose of ‘Dental Dopamine’ for Oral Care Packaging

Oral wellness brand Cocolab pairs dentist-designed performance with a sensory-driven packaging aesthetic and planet-minded materials to turn daily oral care into a joyful ritual.

March 27, 2026

PACK Act Seeks to End State-by-State Labeling Confusion

The bipartisan legislation would task the FTC with setting uniform rules for recyclable, compostable, and reusable labeling, giving consumers clearer information while simplifying compliance for brands operating across state lines.

March 23, 2026

The PACK Act would establish a single, enforceable federal standard for recyclable, compostable, and reusable labeling claims, replacing today’s patchwork of differing state rules with consistent national requirements.

Wellness-Driven Laundry Detergent Debuts in Refillable Packaging

Designed for durability and display, Ripl Efek’s reusable vessel and aluminum refill cans introduce a more sustainable and design-focused approach to laundry care.

March 20, 2026

The aluminum refill can is opened and inserted into the reusable stainless steel vessel, where it locks into place for dispensing.

All-PET Closure Technology

Husky’s HyCAP SecuRE+ is a mono-material PET closure system for beverages that improves recyclability, boosts rPET yield, and enhances performance and tamper-evident security.

March 18, 2026

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Barrier-coated PET Bottle

The KHS SUPREME uses Plasmax barrier technology to provide glass-like protection for oxygen-sensitive beverages, extending shelf life, maintaining recyclability, and supporting high-speed production up to 60,000 bottles per hour.

March 18, 2026

KHS SUPREME combines high-quality design with the product protection properties of glass bottles.

EMF Eyes Paper Flexibles as Option for Tackling Sachet Pollution

A new Ellen MacArthur Foundation report explores whether paper-based flexible packaging can help address sachet waste, while outlining technical, cost, and infrastructure barriers to scaling alternatives.

March 17, 2026

Cover of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s report on paper-based flexible packaging, which examines its potential role in addressing small-format plastic waste in high-leakage markets.

Walmart Taps AI, RFID, and PCR to Cut Waste Across its Operations

Three recent initiatives at the e-comm and retail level show how AI-enabled automation, digital identification, and recycled-content material are helping the retailer reduce food and packaging waste and improve operational efficiency.

March 16, 2026

CalRecycle’s Zoe Heller on Packaging EPR in California

In this exclusive interview, Zoe Heller, director of CalRecycle, explains how California’s SB 54 packaging EPR law and SB 343 labeling rules will shape packaging design, recyclability claims, and compliance for brands selling into the state.

March 13, 2026

California’s SB 54 law requires producers of most single-use packaging sold in the state to fund recycling infrastructure and meet targets for recyclability, recycling rates, and plastic reduction by 2032.

Six Steps to Cold Chain Packaging Success

When the supply chain is a cold one, make sure that products are dressed in the right packaging.

March 9, 2026

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On-Demand Paper System for Versatile Protection

The Pregis EasyPack Strata on-demand paper system produces structured paper pads for void fill and cushioning applications in high-volume fulfillment environments.

March 6, 2026

The Pregis EasyPack Strata

Survey: Packaging Leaders Bet on AI, Circularity

New global research reveals AI’s rapid rise, the urgent race toward circularity, and the strategic gaps organizations must close to remain competitive in the next decade.

March 5, 2026

Industry leaders increasingly see AI, sustainability, and circularity converging to shape packaging’s future by 2035.

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