While there is no evidence of virus transfer from cardboard, the easily identifiable touch-safe zones can be applied at scale across a range of industries and applications meaning the anti-viral and anti-bacterial packaging provides an additional layer of protection as consumers and workers throughout the supply chain remain wary. Not surprisingly, the importance of products ‘packaged in hygienic packaging’ among consumers with more than half (57%) saying they wash their hands thoroughly after touching e-commerce packaged products and 30% throw packaging away more quickly. DS Smith’s research, conducted with Ipsos MORI, suggests packaging hygiene will continue to be a priority in years to come. The new patented technology is effective across a range of bacteria and viruses including envelope viruses, of which COVID-19 is a member[1].

Footprint optimization and a structural reorganization are on the table as Graphic Packaging International embarks on a transformational period, said CEO Robbert Rietbroek. Sales during the fourth quarter of 2025 were essentially flat year over year, said executives on Tuesday’s earnings call. It was the first earnings call for Robbert Rietbroek, whose career has spanned stints at PepsiCo and P&G, since being named GPI’s CEO in December and taking over the role Jan. 1. “In several of these roles, I’ve been a customer of Graphic Packaging, and my teams worked closely with the Graphic Packaging team to design winning packaging solutions,” he said. Market trends: One of Rietbroek’s early observations is that “the external environment remains challenged near term,” and that overcapacity in bleached paperboard markets is putting pressure on finished packaging. Plus, consumer demand for staples remains uneven due to affordability issues and macroeconomic uncertainty. “We are not simply waiting for markets to recover. We are focused on what we can control,” he said.

In order to ship summer produce like peaches, tomatoes, and berries safely, it’s important to partner with a packaging company that understands the unique needs of agricultural packaging. Each crop requires special handling and unique packaging design in order to ensure food safety and minimize loss. The following considerations are key to ensuring successful shipping from farm to store. •Ventilation: allows heat to escape and accelerate cooling •Protection: reduce loss through successful package design •Water Loss Reduction: maintain freshness by reducing the potential for water loss. Click Read More below for additional detail.