*One-third of companies say sustainability is driving all R&D and new product development *Companies are investing most heavily in using recycled materials in their products and packaging *68% of businesses view materials used in packaging as the most challenging area for sustainability *37% of consumers rate packaging design as important when making a purchasing decision. A new survey by paper-based packaging leader Smurfit Kappa has revealed sustainability is transforming the innovation agenda as businesses rethink their products and packaging solutions in an effort to tackle environmental waste. The Sustainability and Profitability Survey, which was conducted among 200 senior business executives in the UK, showed that sustainability is driving all R&D and new product development in more than a third of companies.

Sonoco announced it will increase prices for its paper-based tubes and cores by a minimum of 6 percent in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning July 16, 2018. “The price increase is necessary due to ongoing increases in uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), the largest input cost for tubes and cores. URB demand remains strong and the marketplace is extremely tight, with operating rates pushing 100 percent,” said Doug Schwartz, division vice president of sales and marketing. “In addition, the rising cost of transportation remains a headwind due to lack of capacity linked to recently imposed driver regulations. As a result, Sonoco will be implementing a new policy of selling certain large diameter tubes that have less space utilization yields at F.O.B. from our operations.”

Mondi, has partnered with Austrian meat producer Hütthaler to produce a fully recyclable thermoforming film made from a mono-material for their meat and sausage products. The film is made of a mono-material solution that can be fully recycled and provides a barrier to protect the food and extend its shelf life. The independent cyclos-HTP Institute for Recyclability and Product Responsibility has awarded this film the highest classification "AAA" for recyclability. Hütthaler's requirement was to replace the previously used film with a recyclable solution. The company was looking for a more sustainable approach that would not compromise on quality or the attractive presentation of the food.