The US alcohol industry is experiencing significant losses due to a Canadian boycott of American-made spirits, beer and wine that began in response to trade tensions initiated by President Donald Trump. The Distilled Spirits Council reports that exports of US distilled spirits to Canada dropped by 62% in the first half of 2025, while wine exports fell by 67%. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario, which sold more than $700 million worth of US alcohol last year, has ceased sales entirely.

Studies about the health effects of alcohol consumption vary significantly, sometimes due to the drawbacks of self-reporting, making it difficult to match up the decline in consumption among adults and the verified health connection. "The 'all alcohol consumption is bad from the first drop' mantra is not settled science," writes Felicity Carter.

Spirit-based ready-to-drink beverages have reached $2.7 billion in US off-premises sales, nearly tripling since 2021, according to the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America's SipSource. High Noon leads the category, which outpaces wine- and malt-based RTDs, although overall volume growth is slowing.

Invopak has introduced a range of glass containers as part of its sustainability efforts, aligning with the UK's Resources and Waste Strategy. The new products, including borosilicate and amber glass options, cater to laboratory, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical needs.

Sisecam reported consolidated net sales of $2.5 billion for the first half of the year, with international sales making up 62%. The company invested $360 million and produced significant volumes of glass, soda ash and industrial raw materials. Sisecam is progressing with major projects, including a glass packaging plant in Hungary and a flat glass facility in Turkey, both set to begin operations in 2026.

Orora plans to close its Gawler G1 glass furnace in South Australia next month and the F4 furnace in France next year amid challenging conditions in the global glass industry and a decline in the commercial wine market. The company has posted a 24.4% increase in revenue to $2.1 billion and a 425.4% rise in net profit after tax to $973.1 million for the fiscal year ending June 2025.

Gerresheimer plans to close its pharmaceutical glass manufacturing facility in Bad Königshofen, Germany, by year's end, citing ongoing losses. The company acquired the site, formerly ISO Arzneiverpackungen, from Bormioli Pharma during a December acquisition.

Negotiations for a global treaty to address plastic pollution have stalled, with delegates at the UN in Geneva unable to reach a consensus on whether to limit plastic production. The US and Saudi Arabia opposed production caps, advocating for improved waste management and recycling. Environmentalists and some countries expressed deep disappointment, and the path forward for resuming talks remains uncertain as plastic production is projected to increase significantly without intervention.

The Congressional Recycling Caucus, originally founded in 2006, has been reactivated. This bipartisan group is dedicated to advancing policies that address ongoing challenges in recycling, emphasizing economic growth and environmental protection. The caucus aims to modernize recycling infrastructure, expand access -- especially in underserved and rural communities -- and reinforce the US position in the global circular economy.

Sustainable packaging has become a significant opportunity for investors amid rising consumer demand for eco-friendly products and government regulations on waste reduction. Funds such as the Emerald Sustainable Packaging Innovation Fund and Collateral Goods' Packaging Innovation Fund are investing in recyclable and compostable materials, as well as circular packaging systems. Although scaling new materials requires significant capital, the long-term outlook for sustainable packaging investment is positive as consumer expectations evolve and legislation tightens.

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation has released a report highlighting the need for more data and research to evaluate the effectiveness of extended producer responsibility programs. The report notes that while EPR programs generally improve recycling rates, inconsistencies in reporting and a lack of baseline data make comparisons difficult. The report also calls for region-specific strategies and better measurement to understand the long-term impact of EPRs.

O-I, Glass has discontinued its MAGMA technology, citing a lack of financial and operational efficiency at its Bowling Green, Ky., facility. CEO Gordon Hardie emphasized that abandoning the technology is consistent with the company's strategy to enhance competitiveness and economic profitability.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas, running Sept. 29-Oct. 1, will feature six targeted pavilions and more than 100 free educational sessions on topics including AI, automation and the workforce gap. The event began as a regional show three decades ago, and has expanded into a prominent international event.

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