Why are Unilever and PepsiCo struggling with their sustainability goals? - How to prevent the collapse of the recycling industry - New Aptar closures

Welcome to the latest edition of the Packaging Europe LinkedIn newsletter! This is our weekly recap of the most significant packaging stories from the past seven days which keeps you on top of the important news and developing trends in the industry.

Let’s get into the stories.

Six actions to prevent industrial crisis as EU plastics recycling at ‘serious’ risk

As the EU faces soaring energy costs and competition from low-cost recyclate imports, Plastics Recyclers Europe’s president, Ton Emans, presents a six-point checklist to protect Europe’s plastics recycling industry, from improved transparency to clean energy.

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Why are big brands struggling with their packaging sustainability goals?

Last year, we reported on Unilever and PepsiCo revising their packaging sustainability targets downward. Neil Osment, Managing Director of packaging market research company NOA, explores the barriers that have prevented major brand owners from meeting these goals—and offers advice on how to overcome them.

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Recyclable and tamper-evident sports beverage closures showcased by Aptar

Aptar Closures is unveiling three tamper-evident and recyclable closures for sports beverages – setting its sights on lightweighted bottles, improved security, and an enhanced drinking experience.

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France referred to Court of Justice for violating labelling requirements

The European Commission has referred France to the Court of Justice of the European Union for enforcing nation-specific labelling requirements for waste sorting instructions, allegedly preventing the free movement of goods across the continent and violating EU law.

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Sustainability Awards 2025 Finalist Interview: Helicot’s recyclable paper tube for health and beauty products

Ahead of the Sustainability Awards 2025 taking place in Utrecht this year, we spoke to Veritiv about its Helicot Paper Tube, said to be recyclable, compostable and biodegradable, nominated in the Pre-Commercialized Recyclable Packaging category.

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PPWR: One Year to Prove What Your Packaging Claims

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is now in force, with key provisions applying from August 2026. For packaging producers, brand owners, and converters, the next 12 months are critical.

The regulation introduces mandatory recyclability, minimum recycled content thresholds, PFAS restrictions in food-contact packaging, and labeling requirements. These changes demand verifiable data, traceable supply chains, and harmonized documentation.

Independent third-party certification offers a structured way to meet these obligations. By aligning with the PPWR’s core articles, certification systems can support:

• Recyclability assessments and design-for-recycling validation
• Recycled content verification through mass balance or physical traceability
• Chemical safety checks, including PFAS compliance
• Chain-of-custody documentation and digital labeling readiness
• Conformity assessments and technical file preparation

Businesses that act now have the opportunity to turn compliance into a competitive advantage while those that delay may find themselves reacting under pressure and could risk penalties, market access issues, and reputational damage.

🔗 Click the picture above to take your next step toward PPWR readiness and explore Control Union’s internationally recognized packaging & plastics certification programs.