Industry news

Industry news McLaren targets growth with one-stop-shop offering THE recently appointed MD of McLaren Corrugate has told Packaging Scotland that the McLaren Packaging family’s ‘one-stop-shop’ offering leaves the business ideally placed to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment. Jennifer Riddell joined the paper and cardboard packaging manufacturer earlier this year. The move followed a reorganisation at Port Glasgow-headquartered McLaren, which sa… Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news A laser focus on safety in marking and coding Richard Heard, senior manager at Donaldson, a specialist in filtration products and solutions, tells Packaging Scotland about the safety issues for packaging manufacturers when using lasers for marking and coding LASERS have transformed how many industries work, including the precision marking, cutting, and coding of products and packaging, where there is a growing application of […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Bridgestone names Johnson as Group President North America; Sempkowski as CFO West Bridgestone has decoupled the previously combined role of West CEO and Group President, North America. Bridgestone defines the West region as (Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa). Effective 1 May 2026, Scott Damon will continue in his current role as West CEO. Robert Johnson has been appointed Group President, North America. In this role, he will assume leadership of North America Cor… Tyrepress · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Lightweighted food jars offer brands flexibility IN response to a growing trend of brands consolidating their packaging, while still demanding a premium on-shelf appearance, UK-based glass manufacturer Beatson Clark has expanded its general sale range with a newly optimised selection of lightweighted food jars. The company’s popular panelled jars have been redesigned as part of its new Optima lightweight range, which […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news How contract packers are powering spirits innovation Contract packers are giving spirits brands the agility to deliver limited editions, gifting, and experiential packs at pace. Here, Emma Verkaik, CEO of the BCMPA, speaks to members Paul Stirling and Stefan Casey of Celeritas Solutions about what best-in-class looks like and where the next wave of opportunity lies. EV: What benefits can contract packers […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Heinz pasta sauces unveil illustration‑led packaging Design agency Marks, part of Propelis, has partnered with Heinz to deliver a new identity for the brand’s pasta sauce range, with packs rolling out across Europe this month. Packaging News (UK) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news New bottles tipped to wow Scottish spirits industry GLASS packaging supplier Croxsons has announced the launch of an exclusive new range of premium spirits bottles, featuring an array of styles designed to cater for a wide variety of spirits including Scotch whisky. Comprising nine styles ranging from from sleek and contemporary to classically-shaped and vintage-inspired, each bottle is manufactured from ‘extra flint’ crystal […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news PFAS-free: challenges and clarity ahead of deadline With the countdown to the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation underway, packaging professionals across the UK and beyond are taking a closer look at what compliance really means in practice. One term that continues to surface in conversations with suppliers and brand owners is ‘PFAS-free’, but as the August 2026 deadline approaches, what does […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Thales Expands UK Electronic Warfare Team to Support Naval Capability Thales expands UK Electronic Warfare team to support naval capability Thales, a global technology leader in defence and aerospace, is strengthening its UK Electronic Warfare (EW) teams as part of its continued investment in advanced naval capability. The move reflects increasing demand for sophisticated spectrum awareness and protection in maritime operations, where the electromagnetic environm… MEM Magazine (Manufacturing & Engineering) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Unite and Birmingham council chief claim waste strike ‘breakthrough’ Trade union Unite and Birmingham City Council’s current leader claim to have reached a consensus for potential offer intended to end industrial action by waste workers. Packaging News (UK) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Air pollution linked to higher heart disease risk in vulnerable adults Long-term exposure to air pollution may significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, with people already facing metabolic, kidney and heart-related health problems appearing to be the most vulnerable, according to new research from Fudan University in Shanghai. The study examined how long-term exposure to particulate matter affects the likelihood of developing cardiovas… Air Quality News · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Print Scotland calls for recruitment to become more affordable THE managing director of Print Scotland has told Packaging Scotland of the importance of ending the funding disparity that exists for print apprentices north of the border. The organisation recently welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of a review of Modern Apprenticeship (MA) contribution rates, which will assess whether current public funding remains fair, sustainable, and […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Nextek and Coveris launch food-grade recycling demonstration plant The COtooCLEAN demonstration plant developed by Nextek and Coveris, and supported by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, is now fully operational at Coveris’ ReCover site in Lincolnshire, UK. Packaging News (UK) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Aberdeen-based Packed Up acquired by Northern Irish packaging supplier ABERDEEN-based Packed Up has been acquired by Northern Irish supplier Hub Packaging for an undisclosed sum. The deal is set to see investment in Packed Up to develop its customer base across eastern Scotland and extend its reach across the country over time. With a shared focus in offering customers packaging solutions which meet their […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Circular battery supply chain market set to reach $52.3bn by 2033 The global market for circular battery supply chains is forecast to grow more than fourfold by 2033, driven by regulatory pressure, raw material constraints and the rapid expansion of electric vehicles (EVs), according to a new report from Growth Market Reports.The report estimates the market was worth $12.7bn in 2024 and will expand at a… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Frustration grows as Circular Economy Growth Plan delays continue Several major stakeholders from the waste and recycling sector have called for the release of the delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan. The Growth Plan was originally due to be published in Autumn 2025 but was delayed to “early 2026” and later “Spring 2026”. An open letter addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for … Read More letsrecycle.com News · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Forest raises £40m to accelerate London e-bike expansion London-based micromobility company Forest has secured a further £27m in funding, taking its total Series B round to £40m. The round supports the continued expansion of Forest’s e-bike operations as it scales across the capital. The company has invested in 2,600 parking bays to date, and the new funding will enable further investment in the […] UKTN (UK Tech News) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Same old tune? TRA says lack of end-of-life tyre policy progress is holding back UK circular economy Today (29 April) marks one year since Environment Minister Mary Creagh MP said it was time for “a little more action” on waste-tyre exports. She was speaking for Keir Starmer’s government during a parliamentary debate on recycling tyres, held in the wake of a BBC exposé on the environmental damage linked to UK exports of whole end-of-life tyres (ELTs) to India. The Tyre Recovery Association (TR… Tyrepress · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news DataLase helps brands ‘rethink the future of metal decoration’ LASER reactive tech specialist DataLase has revealed how it is helping manufacturers and brand owners rethink the future of metal decoration, as demand grows for packaging solutions that combine strong visual impact with improved sustainability. Used across food and beverage, household goods and personal care sectors, the firm said metal packaging remains ‘one of the most […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Zhono chips withstand firmware updates Zhono has confirmed that its products remain functional following a wave of firmware updates issued in March by major manufacturers including HP, Canon and Kyocera. The Recycler (imaging consumables recycling) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Technosys expands facilities and launches recruitment drive Technosys – part of the Autopack Group – is expanding its Gainsborough production site and team to meet demand vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) machines. The business has taken additional factory space, doubling its current footprint in a move that allows it to build more machines and demonstrate and test full production lines for […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Continental UK appoints Alex White as material handling, port tyres national sales manager Continental has appointed Alex White as its national sales manager for material handling and port operations across the UK and Ireland. White joined Continental in 2015, since playing “a key role within the organisation,” Conti says. Over the past decade-plus, he has worked across truck, specialty and material handling product lines. Conti says he brings a wealth of experience to his new role. … Tyrepress · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Could energy harvesting reduce the battery waste burden? Battery dependence could become a sustainability and maintenance liability for large-scale IoT deployment. Ambient energy harvesting may offer an alternative way to power sensors and small connected devices, explain Dr Lethy Krishnan, of the University of St Andrews, and Clara Ko, Head of Technical Sales, Linkam Scientific Instruments Billions of batteries end up in landfill […] Envirotec Magazine · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news It’s time to move quantum from science to industry Britain has long been a nation where important technologies begin. From the jet engine to the stored-programme computer, the country has repeatedly produced breakthroughs that shape entire industries. Quantum computing is the next test. The UK government’s recent commitment of up to £2bn to accelerate its development and commercialisation reflects the desire to propel quantum […] UKTN (UK Tech News) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news University of Kentucky turns coal into battery-grade graphite Researchers at the University of Kentucky are developing a process to convert coal into high-purity synthetic graphite for lithium-ion batteries, aiming to reduce reliance on imported materials and strengthen domestic supply chains.The work is being led by Matthew Weisenberger at the university’s Center for Applied Energy Research, where coal is processed into battery-grade graphite suitable… BEST Magazine (Batteries & Energy Storage Technology) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Stora Enso confirms significant developments to tray board range STORA Enso has announced it is launching two new developments to its Trayforma tray board range: a basis weight reduction across the existing range, and Trayforma Brown, a new unbleached product. The new lighter Trayforma is said to deliver the same strength, forming performance, and converting reliability as the current base board, but uses less […] Packaging Scotland · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Extreme weather in 2025 drove record wildfire emissions in Europe Europe, the fastest-warming continent, saw unprecedented wildfires and heatwaves in 2025, including a three-week hot spell that hit 30°C inside the Arctic circle New Scientist — Environment · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Maxion, Continental participating in recycled garbage truck project Mercedes-Benz Trucks is working with 32 partners to demonstrate the feasibility of a battery-electric waste collection vehicle produced in part from recycled materials. Maxion Wheels and Continental count amongst these partners. For the reEconic concept vehicle project, Maxion has developed and supplied a 22.5 x 9.00” commercial vehicle steel wheel whose CO2 footprint is less than half that of … Tyrepress · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Cadbury owner Mondelez reports mixed first-quarter earnings Global FMCG manufacturer Mondelez has posted mixed first-quarter results, with net revenue increasing by 8.2 per cent year-on-year to around £7.5bn. In the European market, the net revenue grew by… Grocery Gazette · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Ecco launches shoe made from leather waste Ecco and Spinnova bring a five-year leather by-product collaboration to market with the release of a limited-edition shoe JYVÄSKYLÄ — […] Ecotextile News · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Xerox launches Xerox IT as a Service Xerox announced the launch of Xerox IT as a Service, an AI-powered ServiceNow platform that transforms how organisations operate and manage technology. The Recycler (imaging consumables recycling) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news How The Jolly Hog scaled to supermarket shelves without losing its bite Way back in 2007, Olly Kohn was a man with a vision to change the shelf-dynamics of the UK’s supermarkets. Sick of seeing what he believed to be increasingly poor-quality… Grocery Gazette · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Scodix launches new digital embellishment press Scodix has announced the launch of the Scodix Ultra 7000 SHD press. Packaging News (UK) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Transparency report lifts lid on textile waste Debrand’s transparency report tracks end-of-life of 1,089 tonnes of brand textile waste, laying bare the limits of current circular infrastructure […] Ecotextile News · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news CROSS Imaging expands premium supply reach Swiss-based distributor connects global supply with premium compatible toner and imaging solutions. The Recycler (imaging consumables recycling) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Ben & Jerry’s opens first UK mall kiosk at Merry Hill Ben & Jerry’s has launched its first UK mall kiosk concept at Merry Hill. The ice cream brand has opened a 270 sq ft kiosk near the centre’s recently renovated… Grocery Gazette · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Lucozade brings Jamie Laing to Mile 23 to motivate London Marathon runners Lucozade teamed up with We Are Social to support runners through one of the toughest points of the 2026 London Marathon, with Jamie Laing helping cheer participants through the infamous… Grocery Gazette · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news Stop Food Waste Day 2026: 5 Ways to Make Every Bite Count Food waste is a major issue for the planet, but how can we stop it? There are a few useful ways to do so. - We put together this article outlining some surprising ways in which we can help reduce food waste together. Bywaters · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news FCA approves Vestd as a PISCES operator Share scheme and equity management platform Vestd has been granted approval by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to operate the Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System (PISCES). The PISCES framework was established by the FCA in June 2025 and allows private firms to auction off shares to professional and institutional investors without the need […] UKTN (UK Tech News) · 29 Apr 2026 Industry news UK supermarkets could face shortages of potatoes, milk and chicken amid Iran conflict UK supermarkets could see shortages and higher prices across fresh produce, meat and dairy as the conflict in Iran puts pressure on global food supply chains. Food supply chains expert… Grocery Gazette · 29 Apr 2026