September 2, 2026 – The Canadian Oilseed Processors Association (COPA) is pleased to announce that Steve Pratte will join the organization as director of policy, effective September 2, 2026.

“We are pleased to welcome Steve to COPA,” says Mark Walker, executive director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association. “Steve brings expertise in transportation policy and regulatory affairs, as well as significant experience in the Canadian grains sector. His work will strengthen COPA’s policy capacity and help advance the priorities of Canada’s oilseed processing industry.”

Pratte brings almost 20 years of experience in transportation and biofuels policy across both the public and private sectors. He has held positions with a Class 1 railway, a national grain industry association, as well as the government of Manitoba. Pratte was also the 50th president of the Canadian Transportation Research Forum, serving in that role from 2021 to 2023. Most recently, he has worked as a consultant focusing on transportation issues and regulatory affairs affecting the Canadian grains sector.

“Canada’s oilseed processing sector operates at the intersection of agriculture, food, biofuels and transportation policy,” says Pratte. “I’m pleased to be joining COPA and look forward to working with members and industry partners to support a competitive oilseed processing sector in Canada.”

Pratte holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology and a Master of Arts in Geography. He has also completed a professional program in supply chain and logistics management.

Herndon, Va.; Aug. 28, 2026 – PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, today announced the release of its 2026 Robotics in US Packaging & Processing Report and accompanying infographic, offering a data-rich look at the technologies, investment priorities, and adoption challenges reshaping U.S. packaging and processing operations.

Produced by PMMI in conjunction with market intelligence firm Interact Analysis, the report finds that the U.S. robotics market serving packaging and processing was worth more than $440 million in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately $800 million by 2031, representing a 10.3% compound annual growth rate.

“Robotics adoption is moving from targeted applications toward a broader role in packaging and processing operations,” says Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development, PMMI. “The research shows that end users are looking beyond labor availability alone. They are prioritizing measurable gains in throughput, cost, quality, and consistency — and they expect reliable systems, strong service, and a clear path to ROI.”

Industrial robots represented 63% of the market in 2025, followed by mobile robots at 32% and collaborative robots at 5%. By 2031, mobile robots are forecast to become the largest segment, reaching a 45% market share. The report also anticipates that humanoid robots, currently a small and largely pilot-stage segment, will grow from 0.1% to 5% of the market by 2031.

Among end users surveyed, 72% currently use robotics; that figure is expected to climb to 95% by 2031. Sixty-one percent expect to increase robotics investment over the next year. Momentum is similarly strong among OEMs and integrators: 69% currently include robotics in their portfolios, 86% expect to do so by 2031, and 81% anticipate increasing investment over the next year.

End users identified increasing throughput and productivity, reducing costs, and improving quality and consistency as the top three drivers of adoption. Their leading criteria when selecting an OEM are reliability and uptime performance, the availability and quality of service and support, and demonstrated ROI or payback.

The research also identifies persistent hurdles: high upfront cost, integration with existing equipment and systems, and maintenance and service support concerns. Looking ahead, the applications generating the most interest include robotic arms that load packaging materials into machines, mobile robots that bring materials to the line, mobile robots equipped with cobot arms, and processing applications.

The report offers a strategic view of where robotics is headed. PACK EXPO International brings those insights to life through live technology demonstrations and direct conversations with suppliers about integration, service, safety, uptime, and ROI.

Soybean is a critical element of the global food supply: Between its use for animal feed and human consumption, it accounts for roughly two-thirds of plant-based protein meal output world-wide. Canada is a global leader in sustainable soybean production, with 70% of its crop, one of the country’s top three by value, exported annually.

According to Brazilian scientist Gabriel Montanha, soy production has “exploded” in recent decades to meet demand – but there hasn’t been a corresponding increase in soybean’s protein content. “To ensure soy remains a sustainable crop, we need to increase the protein content of soy seeds,” says Montanha, who is doing a postdoctoral fellowship at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. “It's critical we find ways want to generate more protein without increasing the amount of land we’re currently cultivating.”

Montanha and colleagues used the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), and Brazil’s National Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS) to determine if the mineral content of soybean seeds could influence their nutritional content. With the help of synchrotron imaging, the researchers investigated the location of proteins and minerals inside four types of soybean seeds; they found that certain minerals appear to play a crucial role in protein formation.

“We could see that the genotypes that had higher protein content also had higher zinc and sulphur,” says Montanha, who completed this research as part of his PhD, alongside collaborators at Brazil’s University of São Paulo and Sapienza University of Rome (Italy). The team’s findings are published in the journal ACS Agricultural Science & Technology and highlighted on the cover the journal’s current issue.

Montanha says the imaging they did at the CLS and LNLS was key to the research. “The use of these different tools for structural and chemical imaging of biological materials really pushed us forward to understand the role of the nutrients in the plant’s physiology.”

He and colleagues are already working on fertilization techniques that could ensure soy seeds have access to sulphur and zinc at key points in their development to boost protein content.

London Packaging Week 2026 is delighted to announce the 26-strong shortlist for this year’s Innovation Gallery.

The Innovation Gallery brings together a shortlist of the most forward-thinking, sustainable and creative packaging solutions from exhibitors at London Packaging Week 2026. The shortlist is curated by an expert panel of judges and for 2026 has been expanded to 26 products.

These have been selected from all four areas of the London Packaging Week 2026 exhibitor list: luxury, beauty, drinks and FMCG. This creates an all-encompassing overview of the innovations to be discovered on the show floor.

The London Packaging Week 2026 Innovation Gallery shortlist is:

• Texture Card by WTL Apricot (Stand A54)

This is a precision-embossed rPP non-woven substrate that reproduces the look and feel of premium leather grain. Made from post-consumer/-industrial recycled (PCR/PIR) polypropylene, it is fully recyclable, cuts life-cycle carbon versus virgin materials, and meets ESG low-carbon and circular economy goals.

• RecyCold climaliner from Ranpak (Stand B86)

Ranpak's insulating RecyCold climaliner and sustainable cool packs hold ambient, chilled and frozen goods at temperature for up to 48 hours, then can be curbside recycled.

• PULP Ultra® from Sabert Corporation Europe (Stand C40)

PULP Ultra® is a made from over 95% natural fibres and treated with a barrier coating of <5%, that meets both legislative standards and customers’ expectations for superior strength and heat resistance. No PFAS are included intentionally in its formulation.

• NutraCap™ by Blue Ocean Closures (Stand C91)

NutraCap™ is a fibre-based closure that replaces plastic caps. A drop-in solution and recyclable as paper, NutraCap™ helps brands to meet rising demands for sustainability without disrupting production or compromising quality.

• Multi-material trays with peel tab from Rottneros Packaging (Stand C91)

Made from FSC responsible fibre and a plastic liner below 9% of the pack structure, these microwave and oven-safe trays offer the strength and the long-life barrier that meets retailer supply chain needs. The liner separates easily, removing food residue for efficient recycling, per CPI Confederation of Paper Industry guidelines. The trays are rated as CEPI 3 recyclable and Aticelca 502:2022 A-Level separable.

• Elevate Flute by Holmen Board and Paper (Stand E76)

To meet the growing demand for resource-efficient, sustainable packaging, Holmen has developed Holmen Elevate, a range of ultra-lightweight containerboard grades starting at 72gsm, made from fresh fibres sourced from sustainably managed forests.

• Slow Pressing Drip-Free & Leak-Proof Design from Sanyuan Packaging (Stand G24)

An innovative fragrance pump designed to deliver a consistently fine and even mist across different pressing speeds and forces. A patented internal structure helps maintain stable atomisation while avoiding dripping, leakage and uneven spraying.

• r-Platina™ ME Laminate Tube by EPL Europe (Stand G44)

Currently unique on the market, r-Platina ME is a HDPE mono-material laminate tube with embedded silver metallisation and >30% PCR. It combines a premium metallic look, UV protection, excellent oxygen barrier and is ready for future stages of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), when all packaging placed on the EU market must achieve a high-performance rating of either Grade A (95% recyclable by weight) or Grade B (80% recyclable by weight).

• Refillable Airless Glass Jar by Holpeck (Stand G20)

This Refillable Airless Glass Jar combines an airless system to protect the formula against moisture, air, and other environmental factors; a refillable PP inner cylinder that is easily recycled; and a glass outer vessel, offering a luxurious and elegant appearance.

• HS-FS Tunnel from Fuji Seal (Stand F34)

This is the only carbon-neutral shrink tunnel, operating with electricity and water only. Delivering premium 360-degree shrink quality, it reduces energy use by up to 80% and water consumption by 95%, with no pressured steam, exhaust, or external dryer required.

• Perfume Sculptural Glass Bottle from Hangzhou Eury (F26)

This perfume glass bottle stands out with innovative craftsmanship and an aesthetic design. A vertical ribbed inner carving enriches light transmission and tactility.

• Metal-Free Fluid Path from Sanyuan Packaging (G24)

A metal-free fluid path prevents fragrance formulations from contacting metal components during dispensing, protecting formula integrity, reducing potential interactions with sensitive ingredients, and delivering a cleaner, safer fragrance experience.

• 100% Composite Packaging from MYPACK (Stand E10)

Made of natural limestone CaCO₃ composite, this 100% compostable cosmetic packaging replaces virgin fossil plastic and cuts carbon emissions. It features natural premium matte finish without solvent coatings, offering practical sustainable packaging for luxury beauty brands.

• Reusable Delivery Boxes from ZEROBOX (Stand H104)

ZEROBOX replaces single-use cardboard with a modular system of plates, pipes, and clips, which can be assembled into any box size, then disassembled and rebuilt endlessly. One kit adapts to any shipment, cutting waste and enabling true circular reuse.

• The Sovereign Bottle developed by William Croxson & Son (Stand F90)

The Sovereign bottle to support the English and Welsh wine-making industry by bringing production closer to the vineyard. Winemakers have traditionally relied on bottles imported from across Europe. Produced in England, The Sovereign bottle uses distinctive amber glass rather than the traditional green used for European sparkling wine bottles. This gives it strong shelf presence and clear British provenance. It also contains 49% recycled content, while shorter transport distances could reduce road miles for millions of bottles.

• MonoBox for MonoBox (Stand F106)

MonoBox is a patent-pending retail gift box: one material, one process, one action, one motion. Less material, complexity, assembly time and fulfilment cost, with greater efficiency, quality and theatre.

• Microauthenfy® technology on cosmetic cap by Microauthenfy (H106)

Microauthenfy® is a mould-integrated microfeature that gives products a distinctive visual identity and a physical layer of authentication. Embedded directly into the mould, it enhances design and brand protection without labels, added components or secondary processes, enabling scalable, low-cost authentication in every moulded part.

• Desk Calendar produced by Wide Ocean Printing (Stand G84)

This calendar integrates AI design concepts. Each month features exclusive printing technique, with varied finishes: cold foil, laser cutting, holographic effects and more. It perfectly merges digital AI creativity with traditional printing craftsmanship.

• Two-Piece Rigid Box by Keskeny & Co. Ltd. Printing + Packaging (Stand J82)

This two-piece rigid box combines premium packaging with flat-packed efficiency. It offers quick assembly, lower transport and storage costs, and can be customised for perfumes, cosmetics, wines, spirits, and other premium products.

• Transparent Soft Silicone Lipstick Tube from Guangdong Ouxinmaypack Tech (H74)

This cosmetics pack is made using 30& PCR and sugarcane. The material will decompose naturally in soil, the ocean, and the natural ecological cycles.

• Recycled & Tree-Free papers from Colessia Paper (J46)

A range of recycled papers in different shades and with 100% recycled or 50% PCR options; and tree-free papers made using alternative fibres such as sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, cotton or grass.

• Pocket E-Commerce from GPS Bags Spa (Stand G46)

Pocket E-commerce is a practical, sustainable, and fully customisable packaging solution for e-commerce and retail. With a paper adhesive closure for returns, it reduces packaging, enhances brand visibility, and improves the customer experience.

• Multi-Tool Hot Stamping & Embossing in One Run from PPF Solutions (Stand H30)

The Multi-Tool process combines hot stamping and embossing in a single run, transforming two separate production stages into one streamlined process. This innovative solution reduces setup time, improves efficiency and enables precise, consistent decoration with a single tool.

• Drive-to-store shopping bag from OVS and Movopack (Stand H50)

Movopack and OVS have developed a customised reusable packaging system designed to travel safely, remain on-brand and return to the retail network after unboxing. Each unit can be reused more than 20 times. The companies claim this can cut packaging waste by up to 98% and carbon dioxide emissions by up to 84% compared with single-use cardboard boxes.

Selected OVS online orders are already shipped in the returnable packaging. Customers can return it by post or at any OVS store. OVS Friends members who return it in-store receive 10% off their next purchase.

• inLINE FOILING® from Leonhard Kurz (UK) (Stand H20)

inLINE FOILING is a patented decoration process that integrates metallisation into conventional printing. Using a single, overprintable silver foil, it enables multi-metallisation and the combination of metallic and holographic effects with screen or flexo printing in one process, for tubes, glass, plastic, or aluminium.

• Crush Tomato and Crush Espresso Coffee from Favini (J50)

The Crush Tomato and Crush Espresso Coffee packaging papers are made using by-products recovered from agro-industrial supply chains. Crush Tomato incorporates tomato skins recovered from food processing and has a warm shade created with inorganic pigments that are not derived from fossil sources; while Crush Espresso Coffee uses silverskin, a by-product of coffee roasting. The papers expand the Crush range for luxury packaging, catalogues, tags, invitations, labels and communication projects.

Each of these products will be displayed as part of the Innovation Gallery (Stand D102) during London Packaging Week 2026, while each exhibitor will also be showing off their innovations on their respective stands.