Even before birth, gender norms are thrust on all of us, from gender reveal parties to pink and blue blankets. Gender has traditionally been treated as a foundational building block of our identities.

Amyris Inc. a leader in the development and production of sustainable ingredients for the Flavors & Fragrances, Health & Wellness and Clean Beauty markets, has launched Pipette, a personal care brand for babies.

ROAR Organic introduces Kids ROAR, a new USDA-certified organic electrolyte beverage with Vitamin C.

Pretium Packaging, a leading North American manufacturer of rigid plastic containers and closures, has acquired Starplex Scientific Inc., a healthcare packaging and products company, from Apotex Corp. 

Water brand DASANI announced sustainable packaging innovations in support of The Coca-Cola Company’s global “World Without Waste” goal to make its bottles and cans with an average of 50% recycled material by 2030. Updates to DASANI’s packaging line-up include the HybridBottle.

With increasing concerns about food safety and the environment, there are pros and cons to using plastic packaging for fresh foods. Add to that, consumer demand for convenience, and the question becomes even more complicated. A recent study revealed that about one-third of shoppers prefer to buy their fresh foods in plastics containers.

Bluebird Botanicals, a family owned manufacturer and distributor of high-quality hemp extracts and CBD oils, has launched a line of CBD lotions.

Most of these innovations, from gable-topped milk cartons to a plant-based Coca-Cola bottle, drive consumer demand for sustainable packaging. A McKinsey & Co. study suggests the trend will continue even as the packaging sector is disrupted by five trends

Hansen Packaging has developed a full product line of jars for the cannabis industry with benefits such as: a drastic reduction in the amount of material used in making the jars, the use of renewable resources and an environmentally responsible end-of-life disposal. 

Fueled by today’s busy lifestyles, the convenience retail food market remains fast-moving and competitive. According to Statista, the U.S. market specifically is expected to grow. For manufacturers, this offers plenty of opportunities — but plenty of challenges as well.