The size of the U.S. plastics industry expanded in 2018, accounting for 993,000 jobs and $451.3 billion worth of shipments. In the same year, it maintained a trade surplus of $500 million, as consumption of plastics products continued to grow in the United States, according to two reports released by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), Washington, D.C.

The Foodservice Packaging Institute, Falls Church, Va., released the 11th annual Trends Report, which reveals that industry opinions are largely focused on sustainable packaging and customization of products to meet consumer demand.

Global sales of protective packaging reached about 15 million tons in 2018, according to a new research study presented by Future Market Insights, Valley Cottage, N.Y.

StePac L.A., Ltd., Israel, presented the company’s four pillared sustainability strategy for fresh produce packaging.

Eosta, Amsterdam, along with 32 retail chains in 13 countries, has saved more than 22 million units of unnecessary plastic packaging due to its natural branding laser technology.

Unilever, London, announced new commitments to reduce its plastic waste and help create a circular economy for plastics.

Retail Business Services, the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, Salisbury, N.C., announced a commitment to make its private brand products to Food Lion, Giant Food, GIANT/MARTIN’S, Hannaford, Peapod and Stop & Shop cleaner and more natural by 2025.

Sainsbury’s, UK, announced plans to halve its plastic use by 2025. This includes reducing plastic across all of its stores and supply chain.

Shuman Farms, Reidsville, Ga., announced big changes to the look, feel and sustainability of its organic packaging.

PCC Community Markets, Seattle, Wash., introduced a collection of new compostable deli containers to its 11 Puget Sound, Wash.-area stores.