Paper Clips

Insights that drive Packaging, Paper and Performance

May 2026

USPS, DHL eCommerce ink $10B-plus long-term contract

The U.S. Postal Service and DHL eCommerce have reached a multi-year contract agreement with an expected value of “well over $10 billion,” extending their partnership of over 25 years, according to a news release Thursday. Through the deal, DHL eCommerce will continue to hand off parcels it picks up, sorts and transports exclusively to the Postal Service for last-mile delivery to the end customer, the release said. Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner said that the deal showcases how the agency can leverage its expansive last-mile delivery network to fuel growth and add value for its customers. He said since DHL eCommerce would rather not spend extensively to build out a last-mile network in the U.S., the deal is “a total win-win.”
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Authorities identify all 11 workers killed in Longview mill implosion

Authorities have recovered and identified all 11 workers killed in Tuesday’s catastrophic chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging plant, ending a grueling five-day search through the wreckage of the Longview mill. Officials announced Saturday that crews found the body of the final missing worker and released the names of all 11 workers killed, including one man who had not previously been publicly identified. The victims were identified as Gilbert Bernal, 52, of Kelso; Tyler Covington, 29, of Castle Rock; Brad Covington, 27, of Castle Rock; Robert Wilson, 48, of Clatskanie, Oregon; Dale Miller, 54, of Portland; Jared Ammons, 35, of Longview; Braydon Finkas, 38, of Cathlamet; Clinton “CJ” Doran, 26, of Kelso; John Forsberg, 51, of Longview; Norman Barlow, 58, of Vancouver, Washington; and Dillon Miller, who died after being transported to a Portland hospital.
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Costco sales up 11.6% amid ‘unprecedented’ demand for gas

Costco Wholesale Corp. reported strong sales for its third quarter as rising fuel costs drew shoppers to Costco's pumps in record volumes. The membership warehouse club giant’s net sales increased 11.6% to $69.15 billion in the quarter ended May 10. Total revenue, including membership fees, was $70.52 billion, up from $63.20 last year. “The high consumer price sensitivity, which fueled these record volumes, also drove many members to use our gas stations for the very first time in the third quarter,” he told analysts. “We believe this will drive even greater loyalty with these members in the future as members who use our gas stations typically spend more with us in the warehouse.”
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Canada accounts for 38% of the world’s certified forests

According to Forest Products Association of Canada-FPAC, forest management certification relies on independent audits that verify forestry practices against internationally recognized standards, including environmental, social and economic criteria. These standards cover the protection of wildlife habitats, forest regeneration, water quality, worker safety and social issues affecting local and Indigenous communities. In Canada, 154 million hectares of forest are certified — roughly equivalent to the combined area of Ontario and Manitoba. FPAC pointed out that about 10% of the world’s forests are certified, with Canada alone accounting for more than one-third of that area. The organization attributes this strong position to decades of investment in regulatory frameworks, science-based forest management and independent monitoring mechanisms.
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What is white liquor, the caustic chemical involved in the Longview paper mill disaster?

White liquor, a superheated chemical mixture used to break down wood into paper pulp, is at the center of the deadly tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview. The facility employs a common process for making paper known as kraft or kraft pulping. In kraft pulping, wood chips are processed under high pressure and heat (anywhere from 300 to 330 degrees Fahrenheit) while being exposed to extremely caustic chemicals that cause the wood to break down into pulp. White liquor is one of the three main chemical solutions used in this paper-making process. It's a highly alkaline solution, similar to bleach, that will cause severe chemical burns if it comes into contact with skin.  White liquor is arguably the strongest and most important substance in kraft pulping. It's the first compound that the wood is exposed to, and it quickly breaks down the wood chips into a thick pulp. Almost half of the wood completely dissolves into the liquid. Ultimately this compound is extremely dangerous. The chemical solution is so hot and caustic that it will almost immediately cause second and third-degree burns upon contact with skin. Vapors released by white liquor are also flammable, and can cause damage to the eyes, lungs and throat if inhaled.
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Dollar Tree Q1 earnings surge; lifts guidance

Dollar Tree reported a solid first quarter, with sales growth, margin expansion, and earnings ahead of Street expectations as it continues to expand its multi-price strategy. The discounter, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, opened 113 new stores during the quarter, and converted or added about 630 stores to its multi-price format, ending the quarter with approximately 5,900 multi-price locations. It’s on track to open 400 new stores this year.
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UPM and Sappi have signed a definitive agreement on the graphic paper Joint Venture

UPM has signed a definitive agreement to form a graphic paper Joint Venture with Sappi, and the parties have secured financing arrangements that will provide a robust financial standing for the Joint Venture. A non-binding letter of intent (LOI) on the transaction was signed on December 4, 2025. As earlier announced, the planned Joint Venture will include the entire UPM Communication Papers business and Sappi’s graphic paper business in Europe. The Joint Venture will be owned 50/50 by UPM and Sappi. It will operate as an independent company, managing its own operations, resources, and decisions within agreed shareholder boundaries.
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Packaging in 2026: Navigating Cost, Compliance and Change

Packaging decisions are facing a new set of realities in 2026. Across industries—from healthcare and automotive to retail and beyond—packaging must perform under pressure while meeting rising expectations for accountability, precision and cost control. These demands are driven by a mix of global, regulatory and consumer forces that are changing how products move through supply chains. 1. ​​Global Geopolitics Put Cost Control in the Spotlight 2. Regulations Turn Sustainability Goals Into Requirements 3. Intentional Spending Redefines Consumer Experience 4. Parcel Network Costs Keep Climbing
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Nippon Paper assessing impacts after deadly Washington mill implosion

The company said it’s evaluating impacts to shipments following an incident at Nippon Dynawave Packaging, which produces paperboard cartons, cups and other products. A deadly incident occurred at Nippon Dynawave Packaging’s pulp and paper mill on Tuesday morning in Longview, Washington, where a chemical tank containing white liquor imploded. The site produces three-layer bleached paperboard, among other outputs.  The Longview Fire Department and other emergency responders have been offering updates. One person is confirmed dead, nine people are unaccounted for, and there were nine confirmed injuries, as of the most recent update. Additional rescues are not expected, according to local news outlets. Japan-based parent company Nippon Paper confirmed in a notice Wednesday that a chemical tank at the facility collapsed, resulting in “multiple casualties,” and the cause of the accident is currently under investigation. “The impact of this accident on our financial performance, the environment, production, and shipments is currently being assessed,” the company said. “We express our deepest condolences and offer our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. We also sincerely apologize for the immense concern and inconvenience this has caused to the local community, our business partners, and all related parties,” Nippon Paper wrote.
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April ecommerce more than doubles total retail sales growth rate at 11%

Online retail (ecommerce) sales in April 2026 grew at a rate of more than 10% year over year for the first time since 2021, according to Digital Commerce 360 analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. U.S. ecommerce in April 2026 also grew at more than twice the rate of total sales that month. Total retail sales in April 2026 reached $137.56 billion. That was about a 4.9% year-over-year increase from $123.85 billion. Additionally, total retail sales growth came despite higher fuel costs tied largely to the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran, which began at the end of February. Ecommerce has also grown at more than twice the rate of total retail in both March and April.
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Europe’s circular plastics transition “ground to a halt,” warns industry report

A recent report by Plastics Europe has revealed that the transition to a circular plastic economy decreased “dramatically” in 2024. It outlines that, amid increasing global competition and weak investment opportunities, 15.8% of Europe’s total plastics production was circular.  Europe is still exporting plastic waste because, today, it is often neither economically nor structurally viable to process it all within Europe. This is not a waste problem alone; it is a competitiveness and investment problem. The report outlines that recycling rates in Europe have improved to 29.6%. However, Plastics Europe says that the “scale and complexity” of ensuring Europe’s recycling and circular economy succeeds “cannot be underestimated.” The report states that over 70% of Europe’s collected plastic waste — a feedstock that could “reduce dependence on fossil resources” — was sent to incineration and landfill in 2024.
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At least 1 dead, 9 injured and 9 missing in Longview Mill implosion

One person was killed, nine were injured and nine others remain missing after a major chemical implosion at a Longview pulp and paper mill Tuesday morning, authorities said. The rupture of a tank was reported around 7:20 a.m. at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview, according to the city’s fire department. The incident involved a vat of chemical treatment product described as white liquor. Eight employees and a firefighter were injured; it’s unclear if the person who died was an employee. All nine of the people who remain unaccounted for work at the mill, according to a joint statement sent by the city of Longview shortly before 5 p.m.
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Levi’s, Amazon, Walmart, Ralph Lauren among ‘most patriotic’ brands

Four retailers ranked among the top 10 companies in an annual survey of  the 100 brands that Americans feel best embody the value of “patriotism." Levi Strauss & Co., took the fourth spot in brand loyalty and consumer engagement research consultancy Brand Keys' 25th annual “Most Patriotic Brands” survey. Amazon came in sixth, with Walmart and Ralph Lauren taking the seventh and ninth spots respectively. Jeep once again took the top spot. (See end of article for a list of top 20 brands, and all the retailers that cracked the top 100.) For 2026, the top 20 "most patriotic" brands were: Jeep Coca-Cola Ford Levi Strauss Disney Amazon Walmart Hershey’s Ralph Lauren Weather Tech Harley Davidson ChatGPT Apple American Express Gillette McDonald’s Wranger Jack Daniels Dunkin’ KFC
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International Paper Breaks Ground for New Corrugated Packaging Plant in Mississippi

International Paper recently celebrated the groundbreaking of its new sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi, marking a major milestone in the company's strategic growth and long-term investment in the Mid-South region. Company leaders, state and local officials, customers, project stakeholders, and community partners gathered on Wednesday, May 20, in Brandon, Mississippi, to commemorate the start of the project, which will include construction of a new 468,000-square-foot corrugated packaging plant on an 80-acre site in the East Metro Center. The $225 million greenfield facility, located less than 10 miles from International Paper's existing Richland box plant, will strengthen manufacturing and service capabilities across the Mid-South region.
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Prepared food surge in c-stores brings packaging innovations

As convenience stores offer more fresh food, their packaging needs shift. Packaging companies are exploring forms that maintain food quality, offer versatility and minimize storage space. Convenience stores are no longer just a spot to grab an energy drink and a bag of chips. The retailers are increasingly becoming an outlet for prepared meals and fresh food – even sushi – while still maintaining grab-and-go convenience. For packaging suppliers, the c-store sector presents a growing opportunity to supply innovative designs that maintain freshness and extend shelf life, while simultaneously helping c-stores boost their branding.  Several large c-store chains have reported expansions specifically related to prepared foods. 7-Eleven plans to open more than 600 large-format stores in the U.S. by the end of 2027, which the chain’s CEO described as “food and beverage forward.” And in January the retailer hired a new senior director of fresh foods for its convenience stores in the U.S. and Canada.
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Walmart ties expected tariff refunds to price strategy amid cost pressures

Walmart could be eligible for tariff refunds worth less than half of 1% of its U.S. annual sales, or about $2.4 billion, which could be used to support lower prices for shoppers, CFO John David Rainey said Thursday. The comments came during Walmart’s earnings call for its fiscal 2027 first quarter ended April 30. Rainey said Walmart would “definitely bias and try to prioritize” using any tariff refunds toward price cuts, citing pressure on consumers from fuel prices as a factor. “We think the single best return that we can have on a dollar capital right now is to invest in the customer and invest in price,” he said. U.S. Customs and Border Protection last month began accepting claims from businesses for refunds tied to tariffs that were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in February. In a court filing, the agency said it had processed $35.46 billion in refunds, including interest, as of May 11. More than 15 million entries, including those that have gone through to refund, have been validated, the filing said.
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Urban Outfitters notches record quarter; to open 54 stores this year

Urban Outfitters Inc. reported record first-quarter earnings and sales, with increases across all its divisions. The apparel retailer’s earnings and revenue topped  expectations, with especially strong performances from its wholesale and subscription segments, and its FP Group business, which is made up of Free People and activewear brandFP Movement.   “Both Free People and FP Movement delivered an exceptional strong quarter, including record-low markdown rates," Sheila Harrington, global CEO of the company’s namesake brand and FP Group, said on the earnings call. Harrington added that Free People and FP Movement are now being managed as two two independent ecosystems, “each serving genuinely different market opportunities,” rather than as parent and sub brand.
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Lidless paper cups maker Nothing eyes expansion, driven by microplastics concerns

Public health concerns today around microplastics are driving uptake of novel paper-based foodservice solutions — perhaps even more so than environmental regulations, according to Brandon Leeds, co-founder of paper straws and all-in-one cups maker Nothing. The brand launched its four-flap cold cup two years ago, Leeds said, followed by a three-flap hot cup about a year and a half ago. The designs allow for drinking from a spout or inserting a straw. The cups, which the company says are currently produced in Indonesia with responsibly sourced virgin kraft material from a range of suppliers, have an aqueous dispersion coating that bonds with the fibers. The company claims the cups can either be recycled, due to the absence of plastic or wax coating, or composted at home or in industrial settings.
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Box Compression Test for Packaging Performance

The biggest gains in sustainable packaging often come from what can be reduced – without losing performance. Traditionally, cartonboard strength has been judged by thickness and stiffness. But as packaging is optimized to use less material, these measures alone are no longer enough. Today, the focus is shifting toward performance by design. A key tool in this shift is the Box Compression Test (BCT). The Box Compression Test measures how much vertical load a box can withstand before it collapses. It simulates real-life conditions during stacking, storage, and transport. This makes BCT a practical and reliable way to evaluate packaging performance under load—something that board properties alone cannot fully predict. Even when the product inside can carry some weight, BCT remains an important indicator of packaging strength. When products are sensitive or require headspace, it becomes critical, as the packaging must provide protection.
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Consumer sentiment falls to record low as gas prices, inflation worries rise

Consumer sentiment fell for the third straight month in May as supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continued to lift gasoline prices. Sentiment is now just below the previous historical low seen in June 2022, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, whose Index of Consumer Sentiment fell 10% in May to 44.8 in May.  In addition, consumers anticipate that business conditions will worsen over both short and long time horizons. The Current Conditions Index fell 12.8% to 45.8, and is down 22% year over year.
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Walmart Q1 sales up 7.3%; sounds warning about fuel costs

Walmart Inc. reported strong revenue growth for its first quarter, driven in part by soaring e-commerce sales and continued growth in its advertising business.   But the nation’s largest retailer issued soft second quarter and full-year guidance amid soaring gas prices.  In an interview with CNBC, Walmart CFO John Rainey warned that high gas prices could take a toll on shoppers going forward.  “I think higher tax returns muted some of the pressure related to higher fuel prices and as we’re in a period of time right now where those tax refunds are largely not coming in, I think consumers are going to feel more of that pressure from higher fuel prices,” he said. “It’s something that we’re keeping a close eye on, but that expectation is built into our guidance for the second quarter.”
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The envelope, please: Sustainability fuels e-commerce mailer innovation

You’ve got mail — or rather, e-commerce deliveries. And it’s increasingly likely that those products could arrive in a mailer instead of a box. Mailers are having a moment amid market evolutions and shape, size and reuse innovations. While the e-commerce surge has helped this packaging format gain prominence, sustainability aspirations such as substrate switches and material reduction are taking demand to the next level.  Whatever the reasons, mailer manufacturers are riding the wave and chipping away at corrugated boxes’ stronghold as the most used packaging format. Ryan Fox, corrugated packaging market analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, has noted a recent “acceleration” of paper mailer use and projected it would further eat into corrugated box volumes in 2026. Others agree with the magnitude of the movement.
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Memorial Day

Memorial Day began in the aftermath of the Civil War as "Decoration Day" a time for communities to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic established "Memorial Day". In 1971 congress designated Memorial Day a national holiday. We pause and honor those who gave all and for their families who share in the sacrifice.
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Built in Wisconsin, for Wisconsin: QuadMed to power Sheboygan’s InHealth Center

A coalition of Sheboygan-area public employers has selected QuadMed as their new clinical partner for the Sheboygan InHealth Center, bringing a Wisconsin-founded, physician-led care model to employees and families across the community. The partnership unites Sheboygan County, the City of Sheboygan, the Sheboygan Area School District, and the Town of Sheboygan behind a shared goal: a more coordinated, data-driven approach to primary care that improves access, elevates outcomes, and bends the long-term cost curve for the people who serve this community every day. QuadMed was founded in 1991 by Harry V. Quadracci, father of Kathryn Quadracci Flores, when he hired a physician to provide care for his employees onsite at Quad (then known as Quad/Graphics) in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He believed employers could bring employees better and more affordable healthcare than they were getting in the community. More than three decades later, QuadMed remains family-controlled and physician-led.
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EcoVadis Reports $2.5T in Global Spend Governed Through Sustainability Risk Insights

As economic volatility, regulatory pressure and supply chain disruption reshape global business, companies are increasingly treating sustainability as a core driver of resilience. EcoVadis, the global standard for resilient, sustainable supply chains, today released its 2025 Purpose Report. The report shows how organizations are using sustainability intelligence to reduce risk, strengthen procurement decisions and improve long-term performance, with more than $2.5 trillion in global spend now connected to sustainability insights across the EcoVadis network. In 2025, EcoVadis saw 25,852 new companies using its Sustainability Ratings, expanded carbon transparency across 55,838 companies reporting at least one GHG metric, scaled worker engagement to 251,613 active users  “The companies performing best right now are using sustainability to protect revenue, manage supplier risk and make faster decisions,” said Pierre-François Thaler, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of EcoVadis. “You cannot build a resilient supply chain if you don’t know where your carbon exposure is, where labor risks exist, or which suppliers could disrupt your business tomorrow.
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TikTok Shop says sales from U.S. small businesses climbed 66% in 2025

TikTok Shop says it’s continuing to drive rapid growth for small businesses, even as bigger brands swarm the platform. U.S. small businesses on TikTok Shop — sellers with less than $15 million in annual revenue — increased sales by 66% in 2025 compared to the year before, TikTok Shop shared exclusively with Modern Retail. TikTok Shop now has more than 215,000 small businesses actively selling on the platform in the U.S., up 25% year over year. The numbers come alongside a new report from GlobalData commissioned by TikTok Shop that examined how people discover and buy brands on the platform. The report was based on a nationally representative survey of 6,000 U.S. consumers ages 16 and older conducted in April and May.
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SFI Positioned to Meet Global Deforestation and Degradation Policies

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), along with others worldwide, shares the commitment to ensuring the health and resilience of forests. The European Union has identified the United States and Canada as low-risk countries for deforestation, and SFI has taken further action to reduce risk through the SFI Standards. With the European Commission’s recent release of its EUDR simplification review, we have yet to see a reduced burden for certified products from low-risk countries. We believe that SFI certification is well positioned to meet global deforestation and degradation policies, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). We have also introduced new tools specifically to demonstrate compliance with EUDR. We encourage competent authorities to recognize forest certification like SFI and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) to help provide assurances of no deforestation and forest degradation in low-risk countries. The SFI 2022 Forest Management Standard, in place since January 2022, prevents deforestation, forest degradation, and does not support forest lands converted to other land uses including natural forests to plantations.
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Amcor launches global call for startups for Amcor Lift-Off — Rigids challenge

Amcor , a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced a global call for startups to participate in its upcoming Amcor Lift-Off — Rigids challenge. This initiative is part of Amcor Lift-Off, a program led by the Corporate Venturing & Open Innovation team that connects Amcor with startups shaping the future of packaging. The program connects selected startups with Amcor’s R&D, commercial and venturing teams to explore strategic collaboration opportunities and potential investment. Building on the success of previous Amcor Lift-Off initiatives, which have resulted in partnerships across areas such as advanced materials, artificial intelligence and recycling technologies, this challenge focuses on identifying solutions that address key opportunities in rigid packaging and adjacent systems.
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Irving family announces the passing of Robert K. Irving

It is with profound sadness that the family of Robert Kenneth Irving mark his passing today in Moncton, New Brunswick, following a courageous battle with cancer. Robert K. Irving, Co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited, was born on December 3, 1954, in Saint John, New Brunswick. He was the second-oldest son of James Kenneth Irving and Jean Elizabeth Saunders Irving, a grandson of K.C. Irving, and a devoted brother to James (Jim), Mary-Jean and Judith. Together with his wife of nearly 40 years, Jill (née Gougeon), he raised four children: Megan (Jordan), Meredith (Lance), Olivia (Christopher), and Robert James (R.J.) (Samantha). His children were a great source of pride and joy, and he celebrated their accomplishments with love and admiration. That joy only grew when he became a grandfather to Warren, Sutton, Collins, and Fraser – a role he cherished deeply. An innovative and tireless entrepreneur, Robert established and grew successful businesses in various sectors including paper products, food processing, agriculture and transportation. He believed in doing things right the first time and no detail was too small to ignore. He embodied a sentiment his father often quoted: “The best fertilizer is the farmer’s footsteps in the soil.” He thrived on being where the action was – in the fields with farmers, on the manufacturing floor, or in transport terminals. He especially enjoyed meeting with customers at their offices or hosting them at J.D. Irving locations.
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Sylvamo-Strategic Eastover Investments Continue Making Progress

Sylvamo is making significant progress on $145 million in high-return projects at its South Carolina facilities.  The investments will improve long-term efficiency, lower costs and increase capacity at the company’s Eastover, South Carolina mill, only strengthening its position as one of the most competitive paper mills in the world.  These projects are part of an overall strategy to invest in low-risk, high-return projects that strengthen business and create long-term value. The $100 million project to optimize and speed up the No. 2 Paper Machine remains on schedule, with most work planned during the extended fourth-quarter maintenance outage. Once complete, this project is expected to improve flexibility, reduce costs and enhance product mix across both paper machines, resulting in approximately 60,000 additional short tons of uncoated freesheet annually.
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Everlane’s sale to Shein is another nail in the coffin for millennial DTC brands

Everlane, one of the early direct-to-consumer darlings, was reportedly sold to Shein by majority owner L Catteron over the weekend. The deal, first reported by Puck, is worth $100 million and will help cover Everlane’s reported $90 million debt. Everlane and Shein have not publicly issued a statement on the reported deal. Users quickly took to social media to point out the hypocrisy and irony of Everlane selling out to the biggest name in fast fashion. Everlane, founded in 2011, built its brand on the idea of “radical transparency.” It disclosed exactly how much it took to produce each item and where its items were manufactured. In 2012, it even shut down its website to protest the “excess” of Black Friday — though it has since changed course, and for years now, Everlane has participated in the tentpole retail event. But Everlane’s fire sale is also the latest nail in the coffin of the DTC 1.0 era from the 2010s. In April, Allbirds — whose annual sales declined from $277.47 million in 2021 to $189.8 million in 2024 — sold off its brand assets to American Exchange Group for $39 million. The publicly-traded company then quickly announced it was pivoting to AI computing infrastructure, renaming itself NewBirdAI in the process.
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Where Nike’s marketing comeback is stumbling — and where it can still win

The “now” part of Nike’s high-stakes Win Now turarnound plan is starting to feel like a “later” to some industry watchers nearly two years in. The legendary sportswear giant is beset by challenges related to tariffs, deflating growth in China and an overall uncertain global environment. A lack of clear marketing vision may be further amplifying its problems, with a recent stumble around the Boston Marathon indicative of Nike’s difficulties replicating the aspirational messaging it once delivered with a rare level of finesse.  There are critical fronts, including women’s sports, where Nike can and is still winning. But it may need to pare down focus and switch up tactics to make its narrative cohere in a way that appeals to both choosier consumers and impatient investors. Nike reported flat revenue for the Q3 period ended Feb. 23, with company leaders admitting they were not satisfied with the pace of progress for the Win Now strategy. Marketing experts are in line with the sentiment.
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Sand: Wanted dead and alive. Use it wisely, warns the UN

Surging global demand for sand, driven by population, economic, urbanization and infrastructure growth, is outpacing sustainable sand supply, threatening the ecosystems and livelihoods on which we depend, according to a new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report, Sand and Sustainability: An Essential Resource for Nature and Development. Sand is extracted for various infrastructure needs that underpin modern society and development. It took nature hundreds of thousands of years to generate sand through gradual, geological erosion processes. Yet we are using sand at the staggering rate of 50 billion tonnes per year; its use for buildings alone is projected to rise by up to 45 per cent by 2060. We are extracting it faster than it replenishes - this is the sand gap.
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Perspective on the IKEA Catalog

Ingvar Kamprad was 25 when he sat down to write the first IKEA catalog by hand. It was 1951. He was running a small mail-order furniture business in southern Sweden. His customers couldn't see the products in stores because there were no stores. So he made a paper version of one. That catalog ran for 70 years. At its peak in 2016, it printed 200 million copies in 32 languages across 50 countries. Briefly the most printed publication in the world after the Bible. IKEA only stopped printing it in December 2020. Not because it stopped working. Because the brand was too big to need a paper introduction anymore. Most marketers I talk to think direct mail is "old." IKEA built a $40B brand on a paper catalog. They mailed it for seven decades. They didn't stop because the math broke. They stopped because they'd already won.
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WE DIG PRINT! – Breaking Ground, Building the Future

Just a few weeks ago, we shared some exciting news….Royle Printing is growing. Our expansion announcement marked the beginning of a new chapter, one rooted in continued investment, innovation, and opportunity. On Monday, May 11, that vision officially came to life. With shovels in hand and a crowd of employees, partners, and community members gathered at our Success Way facility, we proudly broke ground on the next phase of Royle Printing. It was more than a ceremony, it was a celebration of how far we’ve come and a bold step toward where we’re going. The groundbreaking represents the start of a 175,000-square-foot expansion that will bring together office space, production, finishing, and distribution under one roof. But beyond the physical space, this expansion is about something bigger. It’s about creating new opportunities for our team. It’s about increasing efficiency and enhancing the experience we provide our customers. And it’s about continuing to invest in the future of print…an industry we believe in wholeheartedly.
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Publishers Saw Small Sales Gains in Q1

Sales from the more than 1,416 publishers who report revenue to the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program rose 0.9% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to a year ago. Sales from reporting publishers hit $2.9 billion. Every category except for adult books and religion had sales increases in the quarter, with professional/scholarly books and university press titles both posting increases of 5.7% in the quarter.
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West Marine files for bankruptcy; to ‘rationalize’ footprint

The nation’s largest retailer of boating and marine supplies has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as its looks to restructure its debt and lease obligations.  West Marine said it has entered into a restructuring support agreement with the support of its key financial stakeholders — including 96.2% of its term loan lenders, 100% of its FILO lenders and 93.9% of its equity holders — to pursue a comprehensive restructuring transaction that will allow it to “deliver its capital structure while maximizing value and ensuring continued service to the boating community.” In late April, Bloomberg Law reported that West Marine held talks with its owners Oaktree Capital Management and L Catterton about how to overhaul its debt in conjunction with a business shift aimed at addressing its leases.
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How to keep up with Amazon and Walmart ultra-fast delivery

Ultra-fast delivery is back in a big way, and retailers need to adapt. Ultra-fast delivery services focused on getting customers in densely populated urban areas their online orders in as little as 15 minutes or less began popping up in the U.S. a few years ago, but most failed to gain traction.  Companies such as Jokr and Buyk shuttered operations in the U.S. in 2022, with Philadelphia-based Gopuff a rare success story in the space. However, more recently, both Amazon and Walmart have launched efforts to get goods to consumers as quickly as possible. Amazon Now, which delivers thousands of items including household essentials, personal consumer electronics and groceries to customers’ doorsteps in about 30 minutes or less, is available in dozens of U.S. cities and will be rolled out to millions of customers across the country by year’s end.
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Plastic packaging converters raise red flags over Iran war impact

Polyolefins are bearing the brunt of supply disruptions and price increases, and renormalization isn’t expect until 2027 at the earliest. Commodity intelligence service ICIS has reported since March that the Iran war is contributing to a spike in plastic prices, notably for polyethylene and polypropylene. Prior to the war, polymer demand was soft amid a global oversupply of those two resins, and polyolefin producers’ margins had been declining for a couple of years.  As the war with Iran closes out its 11th week, the threats to businesses no longer are theoretical — especially for plastics sectors, including packaging. Higher plastic prices and supply struggles are evident, and experts warn the situation is on the verge of worsening barring a prompt conflict resolution. Regardless of when the war ends, the current impacts to the plastic packaging industry are expected to linger at least for the remainder of the year.
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California SB 54 faces legal challenge amid mixed industry reactions

In the US, California’s landmark SB 54 EPR law is facing legal scrutiny from environmental NGOs, who argue it undermines the law’s initial recycling and plastic reduction goals.  Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Californians Against Waste will challenge the law in court, focusing on whether CalRecycle — the state agency responsible for administering and implementing SB 54 — acted beyond its mandate by adopting regulations that conflict with the law’s legal obligation. “The biggest problem is that the regulations create broad pathways for certain types of plastic packaging to avoid the law’s reduction and recycling requirements altogether,” Nick Lapis, director of advocacy at Californians Against Waste, tells Packaging Insights.
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Dutch Bros enters Chicagoland

Dutch Bros is growing its footprint in the Midwest. The drive-thru coffee chain has opened its first-ever location in the greater Chicago market, in the suburb of Melrose Park.  The opening is part of Dutch Bros greater expansion in Illinois. To date, it has opened in Urbana, Fairview Heights, Mt Vernon and Edwardsville, with additional openings planned for Rockford, New Lenox and Buffalo Grove this summer. "Opening in the Chicago area has always been a dream for us at Dutch Bros, and Melrose Park is just the beginning," said Allie Lahti, local market lead at Dutch Bros Coffee. "We've already felt so much love from this community, and we're so grateful to be here.” Dutch Bros recently reported better-than-expected first-quarter revenue and earnings.. Total revenues grew 30.8% to $464.4 million. Systemwide same-shop sales increased 8.3%, with a 5.1% rise in transactions, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of transaction growth.
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CAA seeks to standardize responsible end market requirements

REM requirements are an important facet of packaging EPR because they’re meant to make recycling systems more transparent and trackable. The concept was born in part to fight dumping, especially after China imposed recycling import bans in 2017 and other countries followed suit, raising more public awareness of the role some U.S. recycling systems played in exporting waste to other countries. REMs can help rebuild trust in the recycling system by providing a “clear and credible framework that supports regulatory requirements while giving interest holders confidence in how recycling outcomes are defined, evaluated and verified,” said Victoria Norman, executive director of SCS Standards and Assurance Systems, in a statement.
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European publication paper market has overcapacity in the magazine paper segment

Despite the capacity reductions carried out in the second half of 2025, there is still excess capacity in the European market for publication paper, especially in the magazine paper segment. While producers report relatively good capacity utilisation for newsprint (standard and improved grades), the existing production capacity for SC and LWC/MWC paper continues to outstrip demand. For all grades, the gap between supply and demand is expected to widen over the course of the year. 
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Retail sales grow in April

Retail sales rose slightly for the seventh consecutive month in April despite rising gas prices and stubborn inflation. Core retail sales (excluding restaurants, auto dealers and gas stations) inched up up 0.34% month over month in April and were up 5.53% year over year, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, released by the National Retail Federation. That compared with increases of 0.41% month over month and 7.05% year over year in March.
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Summer Travel 2026: Resilient, but uneven

Summer travel plans appear resilient overall, despite higher oil and gasoline prices, though consumers are adjusting at the margin. According to the 2026 Bank of America Summer Travel Outlook, around 30% of respondents say higher gas prices won't change their summer travel plans, but others are looking to take fewer trips or cut back on items like accommodations. However, a "K-shaped" pattern appears to be emerging this travel season. Lower-income households are much more likely to have no travel plans (nearly 40%), and Bank of America card data shows their travel-related spending is down year-over-year (YoY) so far in 2026. By contrast, middle- and higher-income households are seeing stronger travel spending. Domestically, California, Florida, Texas and New York are the top states to visit. Internationally, travelers favor North America (ex US) and Europe.
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Dunkin’ in deal to open hundreds of locations in Canada

Dunkin’ plans to return to Canada — and in a big way.  Dunkin’ parent company Inspire Brands has signed a master franchising agreement with Foodtastic, one of Canada’s leading restaurant operators, to open hundreds of Dunkin’ locations across Canada. The iconic coffee and donut chain, which once had a big presence in the country, left the market in 2018 under competition from Tim Hortons and problems with a group of its Canadian franchisees.  Under the terms of the new agreement, Foodtastic will have exclusive rights to develop the Dunkin’ brand nationally through both corporate and franchise-operated locations. The first Dunkin’ location in Canada is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027.
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How Home Depot is crafting content on the road to the World Cup

The Home Depot has teamed with soccer-focused media network Men in Blazers Media Network for a traveling activation that will see the brands produce content around this summer’s FIFA World Cup, per details shared with sister publication Marketing Dive. The Home Depot is the official home improvement retail supporter of the tournament in North America. “Our customers are passionate about their communities, and soccer is an increasingly important part of that,” said Allison Kolber, vice president of integrated marketing at The Home Depot, in a statement. “This partnership with Men in Blazers allows us to show up in meaningful ways for our customers — celebrating local stories, supporting the people building the game, and connecting with soccer fans across the country.”
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Atlantic Packaging Launches New Earth Ventures: A New Era for Packaging Innovation

Atlantic Packaging is proud to announce the launch of New Earth Ventures (NEV), a dedicated innovation and investment arm designed to accelerate the future of packaging and supply chain technology. Why New Earth Ventures? Packaging is at a crossroads. Today, nearly half of global plastic waste comes from packaging, making it one of the most urgent challenges for brands, regulators, and consumers alike. As AI and machine learning reshape industry workflows and sustainability pressures intensify, the need for next-generation solutions has never been greater. NEV is Atlantic Packaging’s answer to this challenge. It represents our commitment to backing visionary founders and breakthrough technologies that will transform packaging. For 80 years, Atlantic Packaging has grown by listening to the people we serve. Today, our customers are doing more than just buying products, they are providing us with the roadmap of what they need to succeed in a changing world. NEV is our commitment to following that roadmap and building the solutions our partners are asking for.
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U.S. Postal Service Recommends Competitive Price Changes for July 2026

The U.S. Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) today to adjust some prices on some domestic competitive package and service offerings. Pending favorable review and comments from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), these price changes and adjustments will take effect on July 12. Changes include, but are not limited to, elimination of ounce-based rate differentiation for published Commercial USPS Ground Advantage prices, which will not impact customers that have negotiated commercial rates for USPS Ground Advantage; and a competitive PO Box price increase of 3 percent. Also, the Postal Service will introduce Addresses API, a new Address Management System offering, and will align the divisor for dimensional weight pieces to industry standards for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select.
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Registration Now Open for PRINTING United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas-Sept 23-25

PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, today announced that registration is officially open for PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place September 23–25, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Recognized as the premier printing event in North America, PRINTING United Expo brings the entire industry together under one roof, spanning commercial, apparel, wide-format, labels and packaging, mailing, in-plant, industrial, and more. Registration and full event details are now available at www.printingunited.com.
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CalRecycle publishes new SB 54 guidance for producers

The agency is shedding more light on identifying producer status and covered materials, as well as identifying food and agricultural packaging that may be excluded. After California finalized SB 54 regulations on May 1, CalRecycle released multiple guidance documents on May 11 addressing some important questions for producers navigating compliance. The extended producer responsibility and source reduction law has big goals by 2032: to cut single-use plastic packaging and food service ware by 25% and to recycle 65% of it. It also aims for all single-use packaging and plastic foodservice ware to be recyclable or compostable. Still to come is more information on “various extensions, exemptions, and exclusions allowed under the law,” the agency says.
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Kruger Invests $333M to Enter the Wipe Nonwovens Sector

A Canadian First: The new production line will manufacture a new generation of plastic-free, chemical-free materials Kruger Inc. today announced a $333 million investment marking its entry into the nonwovens sector and advancing its long-term portfolio diversification strategy. This new division will focus on manufacturing some of the industry’s most sustainable materials for a broad range of wipe applications. Central to this major project is the installation of the first production line of its kind in Canada, to be built on Île-de-la-Potherie in Trois-Rivières, adjacent to Kruger’s Wayagamack paper mill, with commissioning scheduled for 2028. Key characteristics of the future materials Nonwoven materials made from 100% natural ingredients, including wood fibres sourced from responsibly managed forests, primarily from Canada Plastic-free and chemical-free Biodegradable and compostable Wet and dry strength, high absorbency, and added bulk for a more cloth-like feel, all exceeding current industry standards
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How Clean Is Clean Enough? Consumer and Recycler Attitudes Toward Residue and Paper Recyclability

While the paperization of packaging marches on, questions about food residue on paper packaging have been holding fiber-based packaging innovations back. As labeling laws like California’s SB 343 invite new scrutiny for paper formats, the packaging industry has been grappling with new questions, like: Do consumer habits around cleaning and recycling plastic, glass, and metal food packaging hold true with paper-based packaging? What impact does food residue — such as leftover sauces, melted cheese, or dairy products — have on the recyclability of paper packaging from the perspective of paper recyclers? How do we best communicate the recyclability of paper-based food packaging to consumers, especially when there is the potential for food residue? In collaboration with its members, industry partners, and Clemson University, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) spearheaded a multi-faceted research project to better understand the impact food residue has on the recyclability and consumer treatment of paper packaging.
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Canmakers say capacity is tight as they gear up for big summer

Ball, Crown and Ardagh are navigating higher input costs and inflationary pressures as beverage customers prepare promotions related to the World Cup and America250 celebrations. Canmakers are tight on capacity amid positive signs in food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage markets alike. While beer has been a lagging market in recent years, Anheuser-Busch, the world’s largest brewer, reported its first sales volume increase in three years during a first quarter earnings report. Meanwhile, non-alcoholic beverage giant Coca-Cola highlighted popularity of mini cans in convenience settings and the role of price pack architecture.
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Consumer spending is healthy, but gas prices remain a risk

Higher-income shoppers have kept retail sales healthy, but the economic impact of the war in Iran presents an unknown, according to industry analysts. Retail industry segments dependent on broad-based or price-sensitive spend are facing weaker outlooks, according to a report from Moody’s Ratings analysts. However, credit and debit card payment volume through the end of 2025 shows consumer spending remained healthy. A growing dependence on higher-income households continues to be of concern, however, as spending growth within the economic cohort outpaced lower-income households who are prioritizing essentials and trading down.
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Lee jeans up for sale in surprise Kontoor move

The company also owns Wrangler, which it says will be a $5 billion brand, and last year bought Norwegian outdoor apparel maker Helly Hansen. Lee — the iconic denim brand made famous by James Dean — is up for sale, and owner Kontoor Brands has already received significant interest, the company announced Thursday. The divestment will allow Kontoor to focus on what it calls its growth businesses – the Wrangler denim brand and Helly Hansen, the Norwegian outdoor apparel maker acquired last year for $957.5 million. Wrangler is poised to become a $5 billion brand by the 2030s, Kontoor CEO Scott Baxter told analysts, who were surprised by the move in part because of notable progress in Lee’s turnaround. Kontoor has fielded strong interest in acquiring Lee, from multiple parties, and is
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Tony Smurfit presented with Distinguished Leadership Award by The Ireland Funds

Tony Smurfit, President and Group Chief Executive of Smurfit Westrock, was presented with the ‘Distinguished Leadership Award’ at The Ireland Funds’ 50th Anniversary Gala in New York on May 7. This award recognizes an individual whose leadership and pioneering contributions have made a lasting impact on the world. At the event, Tony was commended for being an ‘outstanding’ business leader for his role at the helm of a packaging giant which spans 40 countries.  “It’s both an honor and a privilege to receive this prestigious award from The Ireland Funds,” said Tony Smurfit. “At Smurfit Westrock, I work alongside a team of talented and dedicated people who have all played their part in building the global leader in sustainable packaging that we have today. It’s quite a transformation journey from where we started with one small box plant in Dublin.”
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Domtar Wins 2026 Sustainable Forestry Initiative Leadership in Conservation Award

Domtar is proud to announce that it has been selected as the winner of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)’s Leadership in Conservation Award. Since 2007, this annual award has recognized an SFI Certified organization, a team of partners or a research- or conservation-related individual for outstanding conservation achievements and innovation. “Domtar exemplifies the type of leadership that is helping shape the future of conservation in North American forests,” says Lauren T. Cooper, chief conservation officer at SFI. “Their dedication to conservation spans partnerships with researchers, field implementation and regional collaboration. In these ways, Domtar continues to play a key role in helping SFI bring our conservation vision to life.”
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The Biggest Direct Mail Myths Marketers Still Believe

For years, direct mail has been surrounded by myths. Some came from outdated marketing assumptions. Others came from marketers who tried direct mail once, executed it poorly, and decided the entire channel didn’t work. Meanwhile, the brands quietly getting exceptional results from direct mail never stopped using it. In fact, many are investing more heavily into it because physical marketing has become more valuable in a world overloaded with digital noise. The reality is, direct mail has evolved. The strategies are smarter. The targeting is better. The tracking capabilities are stronger. And when done correctly, direct mail remains one of the most effective ways to capture attention and drive response. Click on the read more link to discover the "myths"
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Import cargo volume to stay below 2025 levels amid global economic uncertainty

Import volume at major U.S. container ports is expected to remain below last year’s levels into early fall despite a skewed year-over-year bump in May and June. That’s according to the Global Port Tracker report released Friday by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. While the numbers in the report show a year-over-year increase for the next two months, that’s only because of the sharp fall-off in imports after ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs were announced in April 2025, explained Jonathan Gold, NRF VP for supply chain and customs policy. “ "With inflation rising and consumer confidence falling among global economic uncertainty driven by the conflict in Iran, the overall trend of lower imports is expected to continue after that," he said.
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HarperCollins Has a ‘Heated’ Quarter

Continued strong sales of Rachel Reid’s Heated Rivalry and other titles in her Game Changer series gave an 8% boost to sales to HarperCollins in the quarter ended March 31, 2026, parent company News Corp reported. Sales increased to $555 million, from $514 in the same period in 2025, while profits jumped 14%, to $73 million. Sales gains of digital titles outpaced those of print, increasing 11% thanks in large part to a 17% spike in e-book sales. Digital sales accounted for 26% of revenue in the quarter, up 1% from a year ago.
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Remembering John “Petie” Peterson

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of John “Petie” Peterson, General Manager of the Midland-Rockford division. Petie was tragically killed in a car accident Wednesday night. We offer our deepest condolences to Petie’s family and to our colleagues in Rockford during this incredibly difficult time, especially as his loss is felt both personally and professionally within that close knit team. Petie was a valued part of our company, and his work and relationships left a lasting impact on those who had the opportunity to work with him. Please keep Petie’s family and the Rockford team in your thoughts.
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Sappi North America Earns EcoVadis Platinum Rating, Sixth Since 2020

Sappi North America has earned an EcoVadis Platinum rating, becoming the only paper and packaging manufacturer whose North American operations have reached this top-tier distinction six times. The recognition places Sappi among the top 1% of companies assessed by the global business sustainability ratings provider. The 2026 result is notable because EcoVadis tightened its criteria this cycle, raising the threshold for Platinum across the board. EcoVadis evaluates companies across four themes: Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Sappi North America's results are backed by tangible work in each area. About 78% of SNA's energy comes from renewable and clean sources, contributing to Sappi's Science Based Targets initiative-approved goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions 41.5% per ton of product by 2030 against a 2019 baseline. On Sustainable Procurement, 82% of SNA's eligible spend is now covered by suppliers who have signed compliance with Sappi's Supplier Code of Conduct.
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Automation takes center stage at Smurfit Westrock ‘superplant’ in Wisconsin

“Super” is an adjective that gets thrown around casually in modern society, but Smurfit Westrock’s leadership believes it’s a suitable label for its year-old, large-scale corrugated box manufacturing plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.  It was the first facility that top management colloquially called a “superplant” during a groundbreaking in June 2024 under WestRock, which months later became Smurfit Westrock. Now the box plant is among an elite few in the company’s network that bear the descriptor. Such hubs are designed to serve key regions of high demand and volume, in lieu of having multiple nearby plants. For instance, SW closed a legacy plant in nearby North Chicago, Illinois, around the time the superplant opened. So what specific qualities define a superplant? The designation signifies scale, a high level of advanced automation and the capability to meet all of a complex market’s corrugated needs. The $136 million, 595,000-square-foot Wisconsin facility produces approximately 3 billion square feet of corrugated boxes annually, which is about three times a typical corrugated box plant today.
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Georgia-Pacific updates its barcodes to speed EPR reporting

The paper and building products company is using guidance developed by nonprofit GS1, which manages UPC standards. Seven states have passed extended producer responsibility laws: California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. UPC barcodes are used by more than 2 million companies globally. Georgia-Pacific is adding packaging-specific metrics, including the glue and tape. Georgia-Pacific has started tracking package weight, materials and origins — alongside traditional retail metrics — using existing barcodes.  That change will make it simpler for the maker of Brawny and Dixie products to prepare filings for extended produce
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Essity initiates strategic review of the Consumer Tissue business area

The hygiene and health company Essity initiates a strategic review of the Consumer Tissue business area's global operations. The review will evaluate strategic alternatives with the aim of creating the best possible conditions for the Consumer Tissue business and the Group to develop to their full potential and maximize value creation. "Essity's Consumer Tissue business has a strong offering under its own brands, retailer brands, and through private label, with leading market positions and an efficient supply chain. The strategic review will evaluate different options for the ownership of Consumer Tissue and is part of our efforts to optimize Essity's product portfolio and maximize value creation," says Ulrika Kolsrud, President and CEO, Essity.
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Walmart, Costco poised to win amid unfavorable retail environment

Moody’s is maintaining a negative outlook for the industry in 2026 as high prices and dwindling consumer demand pressure retailers. U.S. apparel and footwear retailers are expected to feel pinched throughout the first half of 2026 despite a temporary tariff reduction to 10% on most imported goods, Moody’s said. That’s due to weakened discretionary spending and higher residual costs associated with selling off previously purchased inventory. Walmart is the biggest winner in the U.S. right now, said Moody’s. The company has benefited from “innovation supporting its value offering and best-in-class convenience,” analysts said, adding that the large-scale chain store has even lured higher-end shoppers looking for a respite amid rising retail prices. At Costco, most of its EBIT comes from membership fees, which Moody’s said “reduces its exposure to higher product costs.” Meanwhile, Target is working on its operational turnaround and investing in its stores.
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Gen Z Thinks You Should Be Responsible for Your Packaging

When it comes to sustainability, Gen Z is clear: packaging matters. But who should take responsibility for the disposal, recycling, or reuse of packaging? Packaging Digest asked this question in an exclusive survey, and the responses were as diverse as they were thought-provoking. A staggering 85% of respondents believe companies should bear responsibility for their packaging’s end-of-life. Many argue that corporations, as the creators of packaging, have the resources and obligation to ensure it doesn’t harm the environment. One respondent puts it bluntly: “They’re the ones creating the product; it’s their responsibility to reduce their impact on the planet.” Another adds, “If you’re going to make it, it better be fully recyclable or biodegradable. Otherwise, take it back.” However, not everyone agrees. Some respondents feel the responsibility lies with consumers, who ultimately decide what to do with the packaging. As one participant notes, “The packaging is sold to the consumer; it’s up to them to determine what should be done with it.” Others suggest a shared responsibility model, where both companies and consumers play a role in managing packaging waste.
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Dick’s House of Sport finally finds Chicagoland

Chicagoland has finally landed a House of Sport. It will be situated about 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago at Rock Run Collection, a 310-acre mixed-use center owned and operated by East Peoria, Ill.-based Cullinan Properties. Located at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 55 in Joliet, Rock Run will feature 500,000 square feet of retail, 200,000 square feet of entertainment, 150,000 square feet of office space, and 570 multifamily units when fully constructed Its entertainment anchor will be the Hollywood Casino Joliet.
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Amcor to open Miami headquarters

During an earnings call, executives also discussed maintaining higher inventories to mitigate any disruptions related to conflict in the Middle East and advancing Berry integration synergies. Amcor plans to open a new headquarters. “Beginning in 2027, we will initiate the migration and consolidation of select corporate functions to a new U.S. headquarters in Miami, Florida, aligning resources more closely with our operating footprint,” said CFO Stephen Scherger. Amcor’s head office is currently in Zurich. “Switzerland and Australia will remain important parts of our corporate footprint.” Amcor is also planning to adapt its fiscal calendar to align with the calendar year.
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The heartland’s revenge: how AI is reindustrializing the American interior

For decades, the narrative of the American economy was written in the shadow of shuttering factories. As production moved offshore, our economic engine shifted gears from physical goods to services and finance. Firms that produced almost nothing became the new American titans, fueling a consumer-driven boom that enriched the coasts while hollowing out the interior. We became a nation that designed and sold, but no longer built. This story was told most clearly by our freight patterns. For twenty years, goods flowed overwhelmingly from the coasts inward. Millions of containers arrived at our ports filled with products made by foreign labor, then trucked toward the center of the country to feed a consumption-heavy lifestyle. The Heartland was a destination for finished goods, rarely the source. This year, that logic flipped. The catalyst is the voracious build-out of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Contrary to the popular imagination, AI is not purely a digital phenomenon; in the physical world, it is the bedrock of a new heavy industry. These “Gigasites” represent a new economy dependent on three pillars: data centers, energy supply, and the AI models that optimize them both. This is where the digital becomes physical. According to SONAR analysts, a standard 500-megawatt data center requires roughly 30,000 truckloads of concrete, structural steel, and copper.
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Suzano Sells 12.7 Million Tonnes of Pulp for the First Time in Its History

Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, announces its results for the first quarter of 2026 (1Q26), achieving a new all‑time record in pulp sales. Over the 12‑month period from April 2025 to March 2026, the company sold 12.7 million tonnes of pulp, the highest volume ever recorded in its history. During the same period, Suzano also sold 1.7 million tonnes of paper across the packaging, printing and writing, specialty, and tissue segments.
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Amazon rebrands third-party logistics arms as unified supply chain service

Amazon on Monday invited third-party businesses to access the full suite of logistics services it uses internally to support e-commerce orders on its platform, officially packaging the discrete shipping and delivery services it has been offering for years under the umbrella brand of Amazon Supply Chain Services. The announcement essentially declared that third-party logistics services is now a main business line, along with retail, cloud computing services and grocery. “It’s a playbook Amazon has run for years. Build world-class capabilities to meet internal needs, productize and make it available commercially,” said Nate Skiver, founder of LPF Spend Management, on LinkedIn. Amazon has been evolving for years into an integrated freight and logistics provider, externalizing portions of its logistics operation and offering wholesale capacity to shippers.
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Consumers to cut back on restaurant spending — even at QSRs

High prices are pushing consumers away from dining out in an effort to cut costs. That’s according to new data released by SmartSense by Digi, an Internet of Things (IoT) Sensing as a Service solutions provider, which noted that 66% of consumers are cutting back on dining overall as 59% of consumers report worsening economic conditions over the past six months. The most common type of restaurant consumers plan to curb spending at is full-service restaurants, with 78% reporting that they plan to do so. Nearly seven-in-10 (69%) say they will decrease spending at fast-casual restaurants, primarily fast counter service locations with customizable order options.
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Building Your Future at the National Postal Forum

If you’re at the National Postal Forum this week, there may not be a better time to be a part of the industry’s top event. Be sure to say hello to Midland's Postal Affairs Director--Matt Jensen! I often think about the history of the postal system, about how change, both good and bad, seems to be happening faster now than our ability to respond to it. We’re coming to the end of the 250th year of the post office, just days after the country marks the same anniversary of independence. It’s no coincidence. Postal history is intertwined with American history. Thanks to the dedication, vision, and hard work of countless people in dozens of professions, the post office has helped bind America together and help it grow in so many ways over the centuries.
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Why Aldi, Walmart and more are redesigning their private-label packaging

Major retailers like Target, Walmart and Aldi have recently announced redesigns of their private-label brands. The recent string of rebrands signals new investment in how these products are perceived. As more consumers embrace store brands, many major retailers have decided they need to improve the way they look. In 2024, Target introduced new, colorful packaging for its Up&up brand designed to make it easy to identify products as customers shop with large product names. Last year, Aldi began a refresh of its branding and packaging to put its logo on every private-label product in the store, and to bring consistent fonts and graphic design to all Aldi-branded products. In April, Walmart announced a redesign of its Great Value brand, its first full brand refresh in more than a decade. The refresh aimed to provide consistent placement of nutritional information, clearer visual cues to help customers pick the correct items and a modernized look.
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UPM again among the leading companies in the Dow Jones World and European Sustainability Indices

UPM has been included among the leading companies and as the only company in its sector in the Dow Jones World and European Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for 2025–2026, placing it among the world's most rigorously assessed sustainability leaders for several years in a row. The DJSI evaluates thousands of the world's largest companies based on environmental, social and governance performance. Companies are evaluated through S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and only the top-ranked in each industry are selected for inclusion. “This recognition reflects the disciplined work we have done across our company for years. UPM offers a broad range of materials and solutions that hundreds of millions of people rely on every day. The renewable fibres, advanced materials, and decarbonization solutions we offer transform supply chains and enable daily sustainable choices,” says Saara Tahvanainen, EVP, UPM Marketing, Sustainability and Communications.
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AF&PA Statement on the EU’s EUDR Review: No Fixes, More Risk

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock expressed disappointment that the European Union declined to make the practical changes needed for workable, risk-based implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) for U.S. forest products manufacturers. "The EU had a clear opportunity in this review to make EUDR workable and to honor its 2025 trade framework commitment to avoid undue harm to U.S. manufacturers. It chose not to. "The greatest EUDR compliance and cost reduction relief provided by the Commission is concentrated on EU operators, further expanding the competitive disadvantage for low-risk, non-EU supply chains that serve the EU market.
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5 predictions as US packaging EPR progresses

U.S. packaging stakeholders have learned a lot this past year since Oregon became the first state to begin implementing an extended producer responsibility for packaging lawr. Yet the industry is still very early in the journey, according to speakers at SPC Impact in Nashville, Tennessee, from April 22-23. These were some of their insights on the direction EPR is headed. Regulations and performance demands may only get stricter Data organization must further level up The meaning of sustainable design will evolve Consumer trust will be a metric of success Red states are coming More details in the link below.
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​​​​​​​International Paper touts $200M in EMEA cuts ahead of business split

After the company splits into two, IP will take a 20% stake in the new EMEA business. International Paper faced difficult macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, during the first quarter, executives said during a Thursday earnings call. Overall market demand was softer than expected to start the year, said CEO Andy Silvernail. However, “January in the U.S. was really strong,” he said, in part because of the industry’s nearly 10% production capacity cuts announced in 2025. “And now we’re kind of seeing the market in the U.S. is basically flat.”
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Suzano selects AGG as Gulf Coast hub, bringing regular wood pulp imports back to Louisiana

Avondale Global Gateway (AGG) and Suzano today announced a five-year terminal services agreement that will bring regular wood pulp imports back to Louisiana for the first time in more than 30 years. Under the agreement, AGG will serve as one of Suzano’s terminals in the Central Gulf Coast for their wood pulp shipments arriving from Brazil, to be distributed across North America by rail. The first vessel is scheduled to arrive at AGG in the first week of May this year. The agreement marks a significant milestone for both Louisiana and Suzano, the world’s largest pulp supplier and one of Brazil’s biggest exporters which has been present in the American market for over 40 years.
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Graphic Packaging Holding Company signs 250-megawatt solar agreement with NextEra Energy Resources to advance renewable energy in Texas

Graphic Packaging Holding Company , a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, announced a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. Through the agreement, NextEra Energy Resources plans to build a 250-megawatt solar energy plant in West Texas, advancing Graphic Packaging's commitment to source renewable electricity and reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This North America agreement builds on the momentum from a VPPA that Graphic Packaging supported in Spain, consisting of three solar plants expected to cover 70% of the company's energy demand in Europe. Renewable energy is a key driver within Graphic Packaging's Better, Every Day sustainability program, which aims to reduce the Company's GHG emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
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