In a major milestone for Transcend Packaging, we are delighted to announce the launch of our paper-based U-bend straw. The straws are currently being introduced to Ribena drinks cartons up and down the country as part of a nationwide trial with Tesco.

A message from CEO Helene Roberts about how Robinson's collaboration is essential. Robinson-produced soup and sauce pots, bowls, and ready meal containers play a vital role in keeping us all fed during this troubled time. Our UK and Polish plastics businesses are considered as Key Industries within the Food and Drink sector, critical for ensuring that our nations have access to food and people are being fed.

There is a clear trend on the market to move away from plastic based packaging without compromising on consumer convenience and product safety. AR Packaging is leading the way in these developments and aims to be the first on the market with dry molded fibre trays and cutlery.

Stora Enso and Sulapac are launching a renewable and biodegradable straw to combat the global problem of plastic waste. The straw has strong usability and works just like a traditional straw. The new straws are available to brands and consumers looking for more eco-friendly solutions.

Ball Corporation has announced that it will begin construction on its first dedicated aluminum cups manufacturing facility to serve the growing demand for innovative, sustainable beverage packaging for U.S. customers and consumers. The new aluminum cups manufacturing facility will be adjacent to Ball's existing aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant in Rome, Georgia.

Biopac UK Ltd is joining forces with Australia’s leading providers of eco-friendly food packaging, BioPak Pty. Both companies were acquired by Duni AB last year, with the vision to bring the best of all companies to the UK, allowing all companies to work towards their shared goal of preserving and protecting the environment for current and future generations.

Tetra Pak has announced that customers have started field testing its paper straws for beverage products in Europe. The move means Tetra Pak is the first carton packaging company to provide such straws for beverage cartons in the region. Made from FSC certified paper and recyclable with the rest of the package, the new paper straw will be available initially for two small size carton packages commonly used for dairy and beverage products for children.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö launches CelluStraw, a new fiber-based solution for drinking paper straws, enabling the food industry to provide consumers an alternative to single-use plastic straws

Indeed, if we look to the restaurant industry, we can see that natural packaging seems to be the next big thing. Whether that means making containers out of compostable materials like cornstarch, wood, or bamboo ? or even just focusing on easily recycled components ? it’s safe to say that the usage of Styrofoam and cellophane is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Aegg MD, Jamie Gorman, was recently asked for his comments in an industry debate on rigid plastics by leading packaging title ‘Packaging News’.