FEATURES, INTERVIEWS & REPORTS

The MEA glass bottles market is set to grow from 4.98 million tonnes in 2025 to 6.30 million tonnes by 2030, driven by plastic substitution…

The company’s commercial success with copper alloy ingots demonstrates its ability to diversify into higher-value offerings using its current recycling setup and customer networks.

Despite heightened geopolitical uncertainties, the company experienced no material impact on its operations, supply chain, or financial performance, with higher input costs being effectively passed on to customers.

The authority is also working to encourage investment in sustainable alternatives, strengthen environmental compliance, and support innovation in environmentally friendly packaging materials.

Young acknowledged ongoing uncertainty related to geopolitical developments, including potential disruptions in the Red Sea affecting ocean freight and carrier availability for both feedstocks and finished products.

Growth was driven by rising demand for lightweight flexible packaging papers, food packaging and virgin-fibre liner products marketed under the gKRAFT™ brand.

Management described 2026 as a transition year for the metal business, with global volumes dipping 1% in Q2 against a strong prior-year comparison, but expects a return to growth in 2027 at least in line with the industry.

Sonoco reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance of US$7.25-7.75 billion in net sales, US$1.25-1.35 billion in adjusted EBITDA, and US$5.80-6.20 in adjusted EPS.

The JRC has also proposed harmonised waste sorting labels under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, recommending unified pictograms, colour-coded symbols and receptacles to improve consumer sorting behaviour and increase recycling rates across the bloc.

The companies that crack the code on sustainable protective packaging, through right-sizing, AI optimisation, and innovative materials, will not only reduce their environmental footprint but unlock significant cost savings