The first quarter of 2025 brought a surge of new educational resources, policy tools, and consumer campaigns focused on advancing packaging sustainability. With so many moving parts across the industry, it’s easy to miss valuable information. To help packaging professionals stay informed, we’re spotlighting the developments that are gaining traction—ones that could shape decisions in operations, policy, education, and communication.
The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) has released a guide titled, “The Importance of Packaging and Organization in Transport,” highlighting best practices for securing less-than-truckload freight. This resource aims to improve shipment tracking, documentation, and ultimately, customer satisfaction.
Hood Container is the latest company that’s joined Paper and Packaging Board’s “Box to Nature” initiative, a program that enlists box manufacturers and ecommerce brands to add consumer-facing recycling graphics to packaging, encouraging residential recycling.
The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste launched a regional pilot in Texas focused on chemical recycling of hospital plastics. The goal: create a scalable model that hospitals can replicate to increase recovery of medical plastics.
After four years of beta testing, version 1.0 of the Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard is now live. Developed by the SUM’D coalition, the tool evaluates six sustainability criteria:
With this guide, procurement specialists can make more informed decision-making in foodware and food packaging selection.
Global standards body NFC Forum unveiled a new specification for storing sustainability data directly on product tags, leveraging Near Field Communication (NFC) technology already in use in logistics and retail. This development could enable more transparent lifecycle communication to help manufacturers meet global green manufacturing regulations.
NAPCOR released “Increasing PET Thermoform Recycling,” a white paper aimed at California policymakers implementing the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. It also provides guidance for other U.S. states developing similar EPR legislation.
In the U.K., environmental think tank Green Alliance published “Beyond the Bin,” which outlines inefficiencies in current supply chains and suggests reforms for the government’s Circular Economy Strategy. Separately, PackUK—administrator for U.K.’s packaging EPR scheme—issued a first draft version of its Recycling Assessment Methodology. However, the Foodservice Packaging Association has raised concerns about the lack of consultation and accuracy in the current draft.
A cross-disciplinary team of nursing and packaging professors at the University of Wisconsin–Stout received a $175,000 grant to develop a medical packaging education program. The goal: to enhance patient safety and sustainability while promoting cost-effective, reusable packaging systems.
Recycling education received an imaginative boost through inventive storytelling and digital campaigns:
Supporting these creative efforts are several practical resources designed to boost recycling access and awareness:
The packaging industry is clearly energized, with stakeholders collaborating and innovating to advance sustainability on multiple fronts. From digital product passports to theater-driven education, the developments in Q1 demonstrate a powerful shift towards more responsible practices.
Is your organization ready to lead the sustainability transformation?
In today’s dynamic landscape, staying ahead requires more than ambition—it demands actionable insights. At Industry Intelligence Inc, we empower sustainability leaders like you with the tools and intelligence to transform goals into measurable business success.