Spotlight on Packaging Sustainability in 2023

Remarkable activities in packaging sustainability came fast and furious throughout the year. Paper packaging developments dominated as the war on plastics continues. But plastics saw a fair amount of positive attention, too, with compostability and recyclability of flexible packaging stepping up.

As an end-of-year review, we present a dozen of the best-read articles about packaging and sustainability from PackagingDigest.com in 2023.

Amazon / YouTube

#12

Amazon Facility Eliminates Plastic Packaging

Amazon replaces plastic shipping materials at an Ohio facility with specialty heat-sealable paper, paper fill, and lightweight corrugated board.

PepsiCo

#11

Compostable Packaging Surprises from Frito-Lay, Quaker

PepsiCo revealed a revamped compostable packaging strategy at the opening of a new on-site Greenhouse Learning Center that tests packaging materials for its Frito-Lay and Quaker food divisions.

Canva

#10

Ditching Plastic? Paper-Packaging Market Says ‘Welcome!’

Brand owners are switching from plastic to paper packaging to become more sustainable. How is their choice affecting the paper-packaging market?

Canva, Alamy, and NextLooPP

#9

5 Top Sustainable Packaging Issues from 2022

An end-of-year recap of sustainable packaging developments helps us celebrate positive developments, as well as see trouble-spots that still need attention.

Heartland Polymers

#8

New Polypropylene for a Stable, Sustainable Packaging Supply Chain

Heartland Polymers’ sustainable plant and US logistics hub solve packaging supply and price volatility with new resins for films, closures, and containers.

Messe Düsseldorf

#7

Interpack Reveals Key Global Packaging Sustainability Trends

The world’s largest packaging trade show lived up to its reputation for showcasing leading-edge technologies — as these new developments in mono-material flexible packaging and paper packaging prove.

Tasha Vector via Getty Images

#6

6 Trends About Recycled-Content Packaging

New technological developments, plus activities from various companies, bode well for significantly moving the needle in recycled-content packaging in 2023.

Angela Hampton Picture Library / Alamy Stock Photo

#5

New Thinking About Compostable Packaging

Compostable packaging is not THE answer. But it is AN answer.

Willowpix / iStock via Getty Images Plus

#4

We’re at the Tipping Point for Curbside Recycling of Flexible Packaging

Recent developments and activities point to the capability for more widespread collection of bags, pouches, and films at consumers’ curbs. Let’s get there.

Distillery 98

#3

Vodka’s Spirited Change from Glass to Paper Bottles

Florida-based Distillery 98’s choice of Frugal paper bottle packaging for sustainably driven Half Shell Vodka echoes a sea change for alcohol brands.

Sergeryzhov / iStock via Getty Images Plus

#2

Can Paper Packaging Outperform Plastic for Foods?

Let’s see if the numbers add up to prove that paper packaging is the best sustainable choice for food products.

Wragg via Getty Images

#1

4 Sustainable Packaging Predictions for 2023

A look at what’s likely ahead triggers that déjà vu feeling. But we still have to be prepared and, in many ways, we are not.