In numbers

Canada’s Cascades posted a 10.2% lift in first-quarter sales, to US$796.7m

Danimer Scientific saw sales in the three months to the end of March climb 12% to US$12.7m

Ball recorded sales of $3.71bn in Q1, a year-on-year rise of 19.3%

Smurfit Kappa delivered quarterly revenue growth of 33%, to US$3.24bn

Supermarkets in Vietnam use up to 104,000 single-use plastic bags a day - A ban could be in place by 2030

In brief

Elopak considers divestment of packaging facility in Russia

Norway-based Elopak is seeking a buyer for its Russian packaging plant, according to Reuters. The news came after the carton packaging and filling equipment supplier suspended its operations in Russia in early March due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Pal Packaging and INEOS Styrolution to develop food packaging

Greece-based food packaging manufacturer Pal Packaging has partnered with styrenics supplier INEOS Styrolution to develop styrenics-based sustainable packaging for the food industry. As part of the partnership, Pal will integrate INEOS’s ‘Styrolution PS ECO’ into its new packaging.

Business optimism improves in April - Poll

Business optimism increased in April compared to the previous month, according to an ongoing poll by Verdict, as COVID-19 travel restrictions eased and demand in various sectors recovered. Analysis of the poll responses recorded in March shows that optimism regarding future growth prospects increased to 57% in April from 55%.

SIG and Frimesa launch combistyle carton packaging in Americas

Swiss aseptic packaging supplier SIG has partnered with Brazil-based meat and dairy supplier Frimesa to launch the Americas’ first combistyle carton packaging. The packaging was introduced at May’s APAS Show 2022 food and beverage trade fair in São Paulo.

In pictures

Tim Hortons and Return-It pilot reusable and returnable cups

Canadian fast-food chain Tim Hortons has partnered with non-profit organisation Return-It to pilot a reusable and returnable cup scheme in Vancouver.

Tim Hortons launches reusable and returnable cup pilot in Vancouver with Return-It. Credit: CNW Group / Tim Hortons.

Eco-Products launches compostable wrap for snacks and sandwiches

US-based Eco-Products has launched a wrap made from wax paper for foodservice companies offering takeaway and delivery.

Eco-Products' wrap is designed for foodservice operators. Credit: © Novolex.

Smurfit Kappa to build packaging facility in Morocco

Ireland-based corrugated packaging company Smurfit Kappa is investing US$37.3m in a new plant in Morocco’s capital city, Rabat.

Smurfit Kappa to construct its first packaging plant in Morocco. Credit: © Smurfit Kappa.

Mondi and Beck Packautomaten create paper packaging for e-commerce

Mondi has partnered with German machine supplier Beck Packautomaten to launch ‘FunctionalBarrier Paper’, which is made 95% from paper and can be recycled in all European paper waste streams.

The flexible, paper-based packaging solution is designed to meet the needs of the e-commerce industry. Credit: Mondi.