Paper Clips

Amazon defines its three main packaging types as flexibles (plastic or paper), cardboard and ships in product packaging. Those categories barely shifted in 2024. The last few years, Amazon has been pushing for more of the products it ships to be sent in their own packaging, without added Amazon packaging.  Overall, Amazon reported a 16.4% global reduction in single-use plastic delivery packaging. Just 37% of 2024’s shipments in North America contained single-use plastic delivery packaging, down from 65% in 2023. Additionally, more than half of North American fulfillment centers (56%) did not ship plastic delivery packaging. This came amid a major push last year to replace all plastic air pillows with paper filler. Meanwhile, in Europe, Amazon doesn’t use any plastic in outbound delivery packaging.

Quad/Graphics, Inc. is expanding its packaging operations with a new manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. With existing packaging operations in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Franklin, Wisconsin, Quad now has a national platform to serve packaging clients with strategically located production capabilities across the United States. In addition, the company maintains its global packaging operations in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Salt Lake City facility is slated to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2026.The 100,000-square-foot facility in Salt Lake City is centrally located in the western U.S., with direct access to major interstate highways, facilitating rapid transportation to key markets across the region. In addition to its significant skilled labor pool, Salt Lake City is an established hub for major consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and co-manufacturers that work with producers like Quad to print, fill and package goods on behalf of CPGs.

Nearly 3,000 participating producers. $167.9 million in revenue collected. Almost 410,000 tons of covered products sold. These are some of Circular Action Alliance’s newly released stats from the program’s initial months. Circular Action Alliance highlighted materials collected, recycling investments and end market development from six months in Oregon, the first active packaging EPR program in the U.S. Circular Action Alliance released its first annual report detailing implementation of Oregon’s packaging EPR program — the first live program of its kind in U.S. history. The report covers just the first six months of the program, which kicked off July 1, 2025. CAA emphasized 2025 as a “build year,” as the producer responsibility organization intends for full system implementation by the end of 2027.

Johnson & Johnson has announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in Jacksonville, Florida, to scale its United States manufacturing, packaging, and distribution capabilities. With the investment, the company will add a new, state-of-the-art distribution facility, advanced manufacturing, and packaging technologies to expand capacity and meet growing demand for its ACUVUE-brand contact lenses. Previously, Johnson & Johnson announced plans to invest $55 billion in US manufacturing, research and development, and technology through early 2029. The $1 billion Florida investment will tie into the broader, $55 billion plan.

California standardizing food date labels AB 660, which could reduce food waste, passed in 2024. As of July 1, it disallows labeling with “sell by” language. The permitted labeling for quality dates is “BEST if Used by” or “BEST if Used or Frozen by.” For safety dates, it’s “USE by” or “USE by or Freeze by.” EPS food containers no longer allowed in Virginia All food vendors in Virginia — including restaurants, stores, schools and food trucks — will have to comply with an expanded polystyrene container ban come July 1. This is a phase-two expansion from one year ago, when the ban applied to vendors with 20 or more Virginia locations. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality encourages reusable, paper, metal or PET alternatives. Localities may grant exemptions to vendors if they can demonstrate undue economic hardship from the policy.

A new study from UPM Specialty Materials and global consultancy Smithers points to changing dynamics in the food packaging landscape, with fibre-based materials taking the leading share by 2045, recycling rates climbing toward 37%, and a regulatory landscape where sustainability becomes a strict government mandate. Fibre-based food packaging is on course to become the leading sustainable material by 2045, driven by breakthrough barrier coating technologies, tightening global regulation, and a decisive consumer shift away from single-use plastics. These are among the key findings of the new global study published today by UPM Specialty Materials and Smithers. More than 230 global packaging professionals from across the value chain contributed to a collective assessment of the key trends projected to drive sustainability in food packaging by 2045.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the May 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May increased 12% compared to May 2025. They were up 6% when compared to the same 5 months of 2025. The unbleached packaging papers operating rate declined to 89% in May after nearly hitting 93% in April. Shipments of bleached food wrapping were up 5.6% from last May, and up 3.4% year-to-date.

California' s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, known as SB 54, is reshaping how businesses manage packaging materials sold into the state.  With permanent regulations now in effect and key compliance deadlines having passed, retailers can no longer afford to treat the law as a future concern. Even businesses that do not manufacture packaging or consider themselves "producers" should not assume SB 54 has no bearing on their operations. In fact, that assumption may be one of the most expensive mistakes a retailer can make. Much of the discussion surrounding SB 54 has focused on producers, leading many retailers to believe the law applies only to manufacturers, packaging companies and consumer goods brands. In practice, however, determining whether a business has obligations under the law is rarely that simple, and the law's reach may be broader than many retailers realize.

The upcoming launch of SB 343 has particularly notable implications for carton recycling in the state, even though the law also applies to other kinds of packaging. SB 343 is meant to protect consumers from false recycling claims by prohibiting use of the well-known “chasing arrows” symbol, or other recyclability claims on packaging, unless approved through a complex state process. The carton recycling industry has been down a bumpy road with SB 343 in recent months. SB 343 has other requirements beyond the 60% MRF processing threshold. To be deemed recyclable, packaging must also be collected by programs that cover at least 60% of the state population, too.  The law also prohibits manufacturers from selling products or packaging labeled as recyclable unless the items are regularly collected and processed for recycling in the state. MRFs must send the material to a reclaimer that follows the Basel Convention, which prohibits international exports of certain hazardous wastes.

The vibrant redesign brings modern energy to the baking aisle without losing the character that built the brand — and further building on its mission. Standing out on the grocery shelf is no small feat. That’s why Bob’s Red Mill is rolling out a packaging redesign that brings brighter visuals, clearer product navigation, and a more cohesive look across its lineup of whole grain foods and baking essentials. The redesign strikes a careful balance, weaving elements for improved shopability together with a homespun character that has defined the brand since its start in 1978. Several core elements of the refresh draw from the brand’s iconic history and highlight the power of food to bring people together. Wrap-around storytelling on the packaging includes a mill illustration inspired by the brand’s original Red Mill. A cleaner, bolder logo gives a handcrafted vibe and is paired with a new custom typeface called “Red Mill” that’s inspired by hand-painted signage found on farmsteads and old shop windows.

-Month-over-month North American containerboard prices rose $50 per ton in June, according to monthly data that Fastmarkets RISI released in its Pulp & Paper Week publication on Friday. -That’s a full recognition by the pricing index of containerboard producers’ announced June price hikes, their second round of increases announced so far in 2026. -This movement brings the net total increase that Fastmarkets RISI has recognized in 2026 to $100 per ton.

The Rockwall Economic Development Corporation ("REDC") announced the expansion of Pratt Industries corrugated box plant in Rockwall, Texas. According to the REDC, the expansion will add approximately 346,000 square feet to the existing facility resulting in a total building size of approximately 736,000 square feet. The project is expected to bring $90 million in capital investment along with the creation of 100 new jobs. Pratt initially opened its state-of-the-art corrugating facility on approximately 30 acres in the Rockwall Technology Park in 2017.

The World Cup is in full swing, and Café Bustelo is fueling fan excitement through its Game Face World Cup campaign, which blends cultural pride with limited-edition packaging and fun temporary tattoo kits. The initiative transforms the brand’s iconic yellow can into both a collectible item and a platform for fan engagement during one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Through June and July, more than one million limited-edition Game Face coffee cans will feature artwork celebrating the culture of four countries tied to the heritage of Café Bustelo: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. And tucked on top the lid of each of these cans are vibrantly colored temporary tattoo kits that celebrate and honor the culture, heritage, and symbolism of each country.

The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act seeks to ban certain chemicals from food packaging and food processing materials. Environmental Defense Fund shared an analysis last December indicating there are eight known human carcinogens and 17 probable human carcinogens that FDA allows for food-contact use. The Netflix documentary The Plastic Detox, which examined connections between plastics exposures and infertility, further spotlighted related issues this year. Groups like the American Chemistry Council have said the film leaves out critical context.

Flexible packaging is already one of the most efficient packaging formats — and it’s on a fast track to better sustainability. Many solutions to improve end-of-life outcomes are already in play, even as new materials and technologies are researched, developed, and commercialized. These advances are creating a real opportunity to accelerate both the rate, quality, and cost justification for producing film and flexible packaging that’s actually recycled. At the same time, major manufacturers are scaling up — expanding capacity, upgrading production lines, and leveraging the power of partnerships. The result is a market pivoting to smarter, safer, and more sustainable new products. Click on the link to read more from Packaging Digest.

WHO's World Food Safety Day on 7 June highlights the importance of safe food systems worldwide. Safe food does not happen by chance. It is the result of carefully designed processes, strict quality controls and close collaboration across the entire value chain. Food-safe paperboard packaging is packaging material designed and manufactured to safely come into contact with food. It is produced using approved raw materials, controlled and hygienic processes, and certified food safety management systems to prevent contamination and ensure compliance with food contact regulations. While food safety is often associated with food production itself, packaging plays a critical role in protecting food, maintaining quality and preventing contamination throughout the supply chain.

International Paper, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has completed the acquisition of North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC), a portfolio company of One Rock Capital Partners, for $360MM.  The acquisition brings together two strong teams, high-quality products, and a shared commitment to serving customers.  Adding NORPAC to the International Paper portfolio will enhance system flexibility and expand capabilities.  "We're proud to welcome the NORPAC team to International Paper and look forward to what we will accomplish together," said Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President, Packaging Solutions North America, International Paper. "NORPAC is a strong strategic fit for our business and expands our capabilities to support growing customer demand for lightweight high-performance packaging grades while improving service to our West Coast customers."

Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper-based packaging, today announced plans to invest approximately €600 million across its operations in France, reinforcing its long-term commitment to French manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability ahead of the Choose France initiative. Smurfit Westrock’s investment will take place over the next three to five years and will support the modernisation and decarbonisation of its operations; enhancing manufacturing efficiency, customer innovation, and sustainable packaging capabilities. Established in France for over 40 years, Smurfit Westrock employs approximately 6,000 people at 50 sites across the country, underscoring France’s strategic importance to the Company’s European operations and its attractiveness as a destination for industrial investment.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

North American containerboard production had its largest drop in years during the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the American Forest & Paper Association. Box shipments also declined, according to quarterly data from the Fibre Box Association. The more than 8% year-over-year decline in containerboard production that AF&PA reported for Q1 is the largest such drop in at least two years; the organization only has the last two years worth of its quarterly data posted publicly. This trend follows the large number of North American facility closures producers announced in 2025 that resulted in a historic, nearly 10% cut in industrywide production capacity. The last of the announced closures occurred earlier this year.

In many of my recent discussions with food and retail companies across Europe, one topic keeps coming up: the growing impact and complexity of packaging regulation. For many brands, the conversation often starts with a simple but pressing question: What will the new regulations actually cost us? 1. Packaging choices are increasingly influencing sustainability measures and costs 2. Lightweighting and material choices will play a bigger role 3. Expertise and data can drive better packaging decisions

Ensuring PCR in more challenging packaging like food-grade flexibles pouches can be “way down the road,” said APR’s Kate Bailey. For now, there’s plenty to do on policy and secondary products. The flow of recycled content from recyclers to new packaging or products is never simple, yet in some ways 2026 feels especially complicated. In the last year or so, seven out of 30 major PET recycling facilities in the U.S. closed, wiping out 25% of domestic capacity. At the same time, in just the last few months the Iran war’s impact on oil prices has driven up the price of different virgin resin grades internationally. And all the while, new extended producer responsibility laws are still on the horizon, some of which have recycled content stipulations or incentives of their own.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has officially opened its new packaging production facility in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, further expanding its manufacturing capabilities in the United States to better support customers with reliable, high-quality paper based packaging solutions across key end markets.  The new state‑of‑the‑art plant produces a wide range of paper bags for customers in the eCommerce, food, feed, building materials and chemicals sectors. The facility brings together production previously located at Mondi’s Wellsburg, West Virginia and Oakdale, Pennsylvania sites, while adding advanced, highly automated technology to enhance efficiency, quality and customer service.  The Pittsburgh plant significantly expands Mondi’s production capacity in the US, with a particular focus on the fast-growing eCommerce sector, including innovative paper mailer bags. Highly automated production lines and advanced printing capabilities are designed to meet key eCommerce customer requirements.

Fastmarkets RISI recognized another bump that brings producers closer to achieving the $70 per ton hikes they announced earlier this year. “While demand appears to be improving, contacts largely attributed this month’s incremental increase to cost pressures, particularly related to the Iran conflict including chemicals, OCC, fuel, and energy,” Michael Roxland, senior paper and packaging analyst at Truist Securities, said in an April 19 note to investors about the Fastmarkets RISI data release. “Moreover, some contacts anticipate difficulty sustaining current pricing on supply conditions alone if demand does not meaningfully move higher.”

Graphic Packaging International announced layoffs this week as part of a company restructuring, according to sources with knowledge of company operations and dozens of social media posts from former employees. According to the posts from departing employees, layoffs are immediate and occurring in various locations across the country, including in Georgia, Louisiana and Michigan. Roles include human resources and other corporate positions, including at company headquarters in Atlanta, as well as various operations positions in Louisiana and elsewhere. Graphic Packaging International said it declined to comment at this time.

International Paper, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has entered into an agreement to acquire North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC), a portfolio company of One Rock Capital Partners, for $360MM. NORPAC is a U.S.-based paper manufacturer operating out of Longview, Washington. The company employs approximately 500 people at its paper mill, where it operates three industry-leading machines that produce approximately one million tons of containerboard and other grades annually. The facility will complement IP's existing mill system, increasing system flexibility, reducing costs and expanding capabilities to support growing customer demand for lightweight, high-performance recycled containerboard.

UPM Specialty Materials and Felix Schoeller, a specialty paper manufacturer, have developed a customizable recyclable* barrier solution designed specifically for flexible food packaging, such as chocolate and snack bars. In response to the growing demand for recyclable packaging, this food-safe, fibre-based solution supports the packaging industry’s transition toward upcoming recyclability requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). * Recyclability is assessed using the standard CEPI version 3 (Feb. 2025) and evaluated according to 4evergreen evaluation protocol scorecard version 2.0 (Jan. 2025).

Sappi North America has launched LusterFSB OGR, a new oil and grease resistant (OGR) solid bleached sulfate (SBS) food service board available in 12 to 20 pt calipers. This barrier technology delivers medium oil and grease resistance without polyethylene film, making it a recyclable and home-compostable alternative. It is purpose-built for quick service, takeout, and bakery applications where thick poly coating is more than the job requires. LusterFSB OGR is recyclable and designed to be home compostable, the most practical end-of-life path for grease-soiled food packaging. Its fully SBS-based construction means converter scrap and offcuts can be baled with standard SBS, eliminating the special segregation requirements that come with poly-lined alternatives and reducing plastic use in line with retailer and consumer sustainability expectations.

When the Oregon community of The Dalles rolled out 5,000 new 96-gallon recycling carts at the end of March, it became the first in the state to pay for that improvement using funding directly from packaging producers under Oregon’s EPR for packaging law. Circular Action Alliance, the state’s producer responsibility organization, projects spending around $123 million for local recycling improvement projects through 2027. The EPR program requires brands and companies that supply packaging and paper products to help fund recycling system improvements.  CAA’s EPR program plan has mapped out how the PRO expects to disburse recycling infrastructure funding to communities through 2027, prioritizing local governments that “are not, or will not be, able to provide the opportunity to recycle,” without funding for upgrades, according to CAA’s program plan.

You can design packaging for recovery and recycling, but you still must address consumer education and infrastructure improvements. Designing packaging for recovery and recycling remains a critical challenge in the packaging industry. In a thought-provoking discussion, Matthew Rogerson, principal consultant at The Pack Scout, highlights the misalignment between packaging design and recycling infrastructure. Rogerson explains that while many packages are designed with recyclability in mind, the lack of proper infrastructure and consumer education often prevents them from being recovered effectively. Rogerson references a report by The Recycling Partnership, which revealed that only 22% of recyclable materials in the United States actually make it to recycling facilities.

Energy costs are rising and geopolitical uncertainty is adding pressure to an already cautious economic environment. Gasoline and distillate prices have spiked to their highest level since 2022, though with energy goods accounting for just 2% of household spending, consumer exposure remains limited. Historical patterns suggest oil-driven inflation spikes tend to be temporary. For packaging, corrugated volumes continue to run below prior year levels as demand stays measured.

The price of polyethylene (PE) is rising. Drastically. After years marked by oversupply and softer demand for PE, the market is now facing sharp, rapid price increases – with more increases on the horizon. For operations that rely heavily on stretch film, these increases can quickly turn into six- or seven-figure cost overruns. But rising material prices don’t have to mean rising spend, at least in your stretch wrapping operation. Atlantic Packaging’s MUST Stretch Film Management System was built for moments like this. Its designed to help manufacturers and distributors stay ahead of market swings by optimizing how much film they use, how their equipment performs, and how their stretch wrapping systems are managed day to day. At a time when packaging costs are climbing by 30% or more, MUST can help offset those increases by attacking the real driver of spend: usage inefficiency.

Flint Group, a global leader in inks, coatings, digital printing equipment, and service solutions for packaging, announces its rebrand to Flint Group Packaging Solutions. This rebrand reflects an important step in the company’s strategic evolution, reinforcing its commitment to the growing and diverse packaging sector. Pepyn Dinandt, CEO Flint Group Packaging Solutions, said: “We are seeing a market evolution across substrates, packaging formats, and coatings to enhance recyclability while replacing complex structures. As a true platform supplier, we are committed to leading with innovation, sustainability, and service, delivering solutions that meet the needs of packaging printers and brand owners today and in the future.”

Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in a WARN letter to the Virginia Department of Workforce Development and Advancement said that PCA will permanently close its corrugated packaging plant at 2000 Richmond Highway in Richmond. The Union has been notified in writing of the decision and bargaining unit employees have also been made aware of the decision. It is estimated that the total number of employees affected by this business decision is 110.

For months, canmakers have been advocating for changes to Section 232 tariffs on metal imports. But newly announced adjustments that take effect Monday aren’t what they were looking for. A previous 50% tariff will remain on goods made almost entirely of aluminum, steel or copper, while the levy will be lowered to 25% for derivative products “substantially made” from those metals. The tariffs will no longer apply to items that include 15% or less of these metals. Going forward, additional derivative goods will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The Brewers Association, which represents craft beer brewers that heavily sell their products in cans, also spoke out against the Trump administration’s approach. “Already strained packaging processes will continue to be impacted,” wrote Brewers Association Federal Affairs Manager Michael Mohr-Ramirez, noting that aluminum sheet, foil and containers used in members’ packaging will all be subject to the 50% rate.

The McCormick-Unilever Foods merger signals good news for future packaging breakthroughs that could help invigorate the food industry. On March 31, 2026, flavor king McCormick announced that it will merge with Unilever’s Foods Business, creating a powerhouse food and foodservice company with a projected $20 billion in combined revenue for fiscal year 2025. From a packaging and corporate culture perspective, we see this combination as a good fit, unlike the rocky Heinz and Kraft Foods merger, which struggled with cultural misalignment and prioritized cost-cutting over innovation. Both McCormick and Unilever Foods are leaders in packaging innovation and sustainability, with shared goals of achieving circularity and reducing environmental impact. Both value packaging innovation in several areas: new materials, functional designs, and production improvements.

Hood Container Corporation is beefing up its footprint on Chicago's Southwest Side, signing two industrial leases totaling about 391,560 square feet at 5750–5800 West 51st Street. The packaging manufacturer is spreading out across multiple warehouses in the Garfield Ridge and Bedford Park industrial corridor near I‑55 and Midway Airport. Chicago’s logistics scene is still defined by big single‑user industrial commitments. Colliers reported that the region logged 10.7 million square feet of new leases in Q2 2025, the highest quarterly total since early 2023. That level of tenant demand helps explain why packaging and manufacturing players keep zeroing in on sites near highways and airports, a trend that is likely to keep the I‑55 and Midway corridor firmly on occupiers’ shortlists.

Tetra Pak is upgrading its Product Development Center (PDC) at its US and Canada headquarters in Denton, Texas. With the investment, the global food packaging and processing company aims to support F&B brands in creating, formulating, launching, and scaling innovative products.

The prolonged disruption of the Strait of Hormuz amid the war involving Iran has constrained shipments of crude oil and naphtha to Taiwan, creating uncertainty for the island’s plastics packaging supply chain.  In response to feedstock delivery delays caused by shipping disruptions in the Middle East, Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical Corporation has declared force majeure on select petrochemical supplies. These include ethylene and propylene, with the company announcing production cuts and suspending new orders.  Meanwhile, due to the disruptions, Taiwanese consumers have stockpiled plastic packaging products, driven by concerns over potential price hikes and shortages. In an effort to manage demand, Costco Wholesale Taiwan has implemented purchase limits, which started on March 27. Ten types of packaging sold at Costco Taiwan, including food storage bags, garbage bags, plastic wrap, and zipper bags, will be restricted to one set per membership card.

Strategic Acquisition Strengthens MIDLAND's Position in Food Packaging and Expands Midwest Distribution Network. Midland, a leading provider of packaging, paper, and performance solutions, announced its acquisition of Wetoska Packaging Distributors, a family-owned specialist in food packaging materials and equipment based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. This acquisition enhances Midland's capabilities in the food sector by combining Wetoska's decades of expertise with Midland's nationwide distribution footprint and will deliver greater value to customers. The acquisition aligns with Midland's growth strategy to expand its end-to-end packaging and supply chain solutions, particularly in high-demand end markets. This move will allow Midland to better serve food processors and manufacturers across the country, helping to fortify the U.S. food supply chain. Wetoska's operations will continue under the leadership of the Wetoska family, with integration efforts focused on delivering expanded products and capabilities to its customers.

Clearwater Paper Corporation introduced Velora™, a new lightweight folding carton paperboard engineered to deliver dependable performance, higher yield and strong value for everyday packaging. Velora is designed for converters and brand owners seeking reliable packaging performance without moving into premium SBS grades. Made for folding carton and foodservice applications, the product combines strength, versatility and lower basis weights across the caliper range. Velora’s lighter fiber structure supports material reduction and helps customers manage sustainability commitments and regulatory costs. Made in the USA from domestic and imported materials, Velora also provides stable supply and consistent lead times.

Packaging is among the industries that have been hardest hit by the war in Iran and stocks are in a sell-off, according to a Thursday report from financial services firm Morningstar. As of Monday, the group’s global packaging and containers index showed a 14% decline in stock prices since Feb. 28, the first day of the conflict, putting the industry as the fourth-worst performing. Only metals and mining, mortgage finance and residential construction fared worse, based on Morningstar global indices. The firm’s overall U.S. market index was down 4.3% The Morningstar analysis aligns with data from other reports this week. Jefferies on Tuesday similarly reported a sell-off for packaging and a collective 14% decline in companies’ stock prices since the war began, noting the industry is “significantly underperforming” the S&P 500.

As more U.S. states consider extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, the American Forest & Paper Association warns the policy could raise the cost of everyday goods. EPR programs require manufacturers to finance the collection, recycling, and disposal of the packaging and products they place on the market. The approach aims to support recycling systems, which in the United States are largely managed by local governments and private waste operators. According to AF&PA, shifting these costs to producers could eventually affect prices for common consumer products. Paper and paper packaging are widely used in daily life—from shipping boxes and cereal cartons to pharmacy bags and tissue packaging—and industry groups say new regulatory fees can move through the supply chain and appear in retail prices. The association also notes that paper is already one of the most widely recycled materials in the United States, raising questions about whether EPR would significantly improve paper recycling.

Food service packaging manufacturer Genpak plans to close its manufacturing facility in Cedar City, Utah, by May 23, the company announced this week. The closure will affect approximately 200 employees, Genpak said. That plant produces a “large volume of polystyrene containers,” according to the company. It cited “rising legislative polystyrene bans in neighboring states” that prohibit the sale of single-use foam containers, table ware and cups as the reason for the shutdown. Nearby states with such bans include California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

The single-serve package continues to grow in importance for the beverage industry, fueled by seemingly insatiable consumer demand for product trial, portability, affordability, and portion control. Sales of single-serve beverages 18 ounces or less grew by 2.7% for the year ending February 7, 2026, according to AlixPartners, with some segments, such as energy drinks particularly strong, up 10.8%. Beverage manufacturers, however, don’t have the luxury of ignoring environmental impacts of their packaging. In this second article in the series, we probe industry’s challenges to comply with current and coming sustainability regulations. “Sixty-five percent of total [beverage] ounces are sold in single-serve sizes today and four years ago it was 62%,” says Mike Bronstein, a director in the consumer products practice of AlixPartners who focuses on beverages and food. “So, we’re seeing a shift towards single serve, and single serve already has higher exposure to begin with. So, I think it really puts that in the spotlight.”

California’s SB 54 (Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act) is among the most stringent Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies globally. While CalRecycle is still refining the final regulations, the statutory performance targets remain. By Jan. 1, 2028, plastic covered material must meet a 30% recycling rate, rising to 40% by 2030 and 65% by 2032. While by Jan. 1, 2032, 100% of single-use packaging and single-use plastic food service ware sold into California must be recyclable or compostable, as determined by CalRecycle.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the February 2026 U.S. Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in February increased 4% compared to February 2025. They were up 1% when compared to the same two months of 2025.

International Paper today announced plans to construct a new 468,000-square-foot sustainable packaging facility in Rankin County, Mississippi. Following a comprehensive review of its manufacturing footprint, International Paper's Board of Directors approved both the exploration and advancement of this $225 million greenfield project. The facility is planned to be built on an 80-acre site in Brandon, Mississippi, less than 10 miles from the company's existing Richland (Jackson) box plant. Construction is expected to begin in June 2026, with operations anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Higher fuel and material costs, shipping disruptions and consumer spending are playing into industry impacts. Certain packaging substrates, such as plastics, bear a greater burden than others. Major publicly traded packaging companies’ most recent earnings calls largely occurred just before the war began, so executives did not address the topic at that time. But analysts have been sporadically divulging information about effects and adjusting their projections as information becomes available. “It’s not been pretty” for the publicly traded packaging companies within BofA Securities’ coverage, said analyst George Staphos in a March 13 note to investors. The average packaging company’s stock had dropped approximately 10% since Feb. 27, the day before the war started, he said Generally speaking, every $10 per barrel increase in oil prices translates to a few cents per pound increased costs for plastic packaging producers, according to Staphos.

The Flexible Packaging Association and the American Forest & Paper Association are among the plaintiffs seeking a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of SB 343 come October. The lawsuit comes just over six months out from an Oct. 4, 2026, go-live date for SB 343. The law will prohibit the use of chasing arrows or other recyclability symbols on products and packaging unless specific criteria are met, including that a product or packaging is accepted for collection by programs collectively serving at least 60% of the the state’s population.

Recently, the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) decided to not recommend compostable packaging, ruling it does not meet organic standards. This seems a bit counter to what’s being written into some US state’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws. But it sounds like compostable packaging might be in for a tough period in the US despite research that projects a compound annual growth rate of more than 16%. If compostable packaging is in question, and there are only so many end-of-life options for packaging, when one goes down, something else must go up, right?

Is EPR going away in the US? There’s a conversation happening in boardrooms and in c-suites right now. It goes something like this: "Did you hear about the EPR lawsuit in Oregon? If they win, we won’t have to do EPR, so we’re going to wait and see how that turns out before we sign up." It’s an understandable reaction. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations are complex, the compliance workload is real, and nobody wants to absorb fees and reporting burdens for a system that might get struck down. The companies positioning themselves best for whatever legal and regulatory outcome emerges aren’t sitting on their hands — they’re building capabilities that pay off regardless of how the courts rule. Here’s the prudent playbook: 1. Get Your Packaging Data Centralized — Now 2. Map Your State-by-State Exposure 3. Register on Current Timelines 4. Build Your Cross-Functional EPR Team Now 5. Model Your Fee Exposure — Even Roughly

It’s corrugated’s world, and alternative shipping formats are just living in it. But now, FedEx and Returnity have launched a reusable shipping offering for B2B customers that they say cracks the code on working in FedEx’s logistics network just as well as, if not better than, traditional single-use fiber-based boxes. “The entire logistics world has been built around corrugated for decades and decades,” said Mike Newman, CEO of reusable packaging manufacturer Returnity. “When everything is built for corrugated, it’s not actually that easy to integrate something other than corrugated.” There are multiple layers to the single-use vs. reusable container cost analysis, according to Newman. First is potential savings on materials like corrugated boxes and tape. There are also labor efficiencies: Newman said pilots showed that unpacking the reusable containers saves about 30 seconds of time compared with single-use containers. “They pop open, they collapse flat, you’re not cutting with box cutters,” he said, also noting that eliminating the box cutter reduces risk for damaging the products inside.  Returnity and FedEx claim a 30% cost savings for some customers that opt for reusables over corrugated. There’s also better cost predictability with reusables, Newman said.

It’s no secret that the packaging industry has faced business challenges and has been overall sluggish since the pandemic-era boom ended. Amid sustained challenges, executives have sought alternative avenues for growth and returning value to shareholders. That’s where M&A comes in, according to a newly released report by McKinsey & Co. “There is renewed interest and excitement around what you can achieve through M&A as a lever,” Abhinav Goel, partner at McKinsey and co-author of the report, said in an interview. “M&A comes in as a lever to adjust your participation, double down on your markets, etc., so that you continue to maintain a good growth trajectory.” A recent example of the programmatic approach is ProAmpac, which on March 6 completed its acquisition of TC Transcontinental’s packaging business for 2.1 billion Canadian dollars ($1.5 billion). That company, owned by Pritzker Private Capital, has been built through dozens of acquisitions, including the 2025 purchases of e-commerce packaging specialist PAC Worldwide and International Paper’s bag converting operations.

Businesses that have postponed sustainability efforts are now facing significant consequences, including fines, restricted market access, and other critical business issues. If you were kicking the can down the road when it comes to extended producer responsibility (EPR) planning and implementation, here’s a rude awakening: You’ve run out of road, says Matthew Rogerson, principal at The Pack Scout. The packaging industry is entering a new era of sustainability, moving from aspiration to accountability. Rogerson explores this shift in a recent conversation, explaining that companies can no longer defer making sustainability decisions. Why? Because new regulations leave no room for hiding or delaying compliance, making it crucial for companies to act decisively and strategically. Non-compliance with regulations can result in fines that exceed profit margins, posing a serious threat to business viability.

Sustainable packaging is still resonating with consumers. Nearly seven-in-10 (68%) Americans have changed how they shop to reduce plastic waste, and half (50%) of consumers choose the more sustainable-looking product when prices are equal, according to a recent survey from printing company Uprinting.  More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents say they trust brands more when packaging appears eco-friendly, while nearly six-in-10 (57%) believe brands and manufacturers should take the lead in addressing the environmental impact of packaging.

The milestone reflects growing demand for fiber-based packaging solutions in the e-commerce sector, where brands and retailers are increasingly seeking alternatives to plastic shipping envelopes. Georgia-Pacific previously reported producing two billion EarthKraft mailers in October 2024, indicating continued growth in the use of recyclable paper mailers for parcel shipments. The EarthKraft mailers are manufactured from 100% legally and responsibly sourced wood fiber and are labeled “widely recyclable” through the How2Recycle® program. The products also maintain SFI® certification for responsible forestry sourcing.

Fiber-based flexibles do “not yet exist at the scale, cost, and performance needed” to solve the flexible plastic pollution problem, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is prominently known for its Global Commitment launched in 2018 to engage stakeholders across the plastic packaging value chain to reduce waste and pollution. Goals tied to 2025 included making plastic packaging recyclable, compostable or reusable; eliminating problematic or unnecessary plastic packaging; and increasing the amount of postconsumer recycled content used to manufacture plastic packaging. EMF noted in its new report that flexibles, especially small-format versions, are the fastest-growing type of plastic packaging globally. They make up 80% of the plastic packaging that ends up in oceans in countries that have low concentration of formal collection and recycling systems. Flexible plastic packaging waste and pollution is one of the three main barriers the group identified toward achieving a circular economy and curbing plastic pollution. While paper-based flexibles are not the sole solution, they are one that can be used alongside others, the report says.

ProAmpac has completed its acquisition of TC Transcontinental Packaging (TCP) from TC Transcontinental, expanding its position in the global flexible packaging market. The transaction combines TCP’s manufacturing footprint and advanced coating capabilities with ProAmpac’s expertise in material science, sustainability and rapid product development. Together, the companies aim to develop new flexible and fiber-based packaging formats for global customers. “Today marks an exciting new chapter for ProAmpac, and we are proud to welcome TCP as an official member of the ProAmpac family,” said Greg Tucker, ProAmpac founder, vice chairman and chief executive officer. “Our organizations share a strong alignment in values, customer commitment and a culture rooted in innovation and operational excellence.” According to the company, integrating TCP’s technologies and workforce will accelerate the development of next-generation packaging formats, including barrier films, mono-material structures and fiber-based solutions designed for recyclable packaging applications.

Sustainability Reigns Supreme For Ryan Bennett, product manager at Minneapolis-based Meyers, a PRINTING United Alliance member company, sustainability is something customers are looking for. “It used to be, you stood out if you were a sustainability leader, but now it’s kind of the starting point,” Bennett says. “You have to start there and then innovate.” A Need for Speed Another trend shaping the packaging and label industry going into 2026 is the demand for shorter runs and quicker lead times. Bennett says more and more brands are adopting this mindset. “Industry standard for the printing industry is usually three weeks from PO, and people are doing anything to push that just to get to market quicker,” he says. “There’s a ton of stuff that drives that.” Managing the Supply Chain The supply chain has made headlines this year, with tariffs being threatened, levied, and reduced seemingly at random throughout 2025. But supply chain has been top of mind for converters for longer. Preparing for What’s to Come Looking forward, the biggest concern on Bennett’s mind is labor. “The one thing that we do see that is a challenge — not even next year, but going into the next decade — is the aging workforce,” he says. “The workforce for printing seems to be getting older and older.”

Packaging industry groups call for the Circular Economy Act to strengthen the EU Single Market and harmonize circular packaging rules. The European Environmental Bureau warns that market priorities must not weaken national environmental measures or waste-reduction policies. Debate centers on recycling targets, prevention, reuse policies, and recycled-content rules as the EU shapes future circular economy legislation.

Across the UK, regulatory frameworks, retailer expectations and science-based climate targets are motivating brands to view fossil-based materials in the rear-view mirror. Circularity – once a strategic ambition – has become a commercial and operational priority. MM Group is supporting this shift with recyclable monomaterial cartonboard solutions designed to function within established paper and board recycling systems. By reducing plastic content in complex laminates and barriers, these formats simplify material structures while maintaining required strength, stability and product protection. By increasing the percentage of recycled fibres in packaging’s material mix, designers further strengthens circular material flows, supporting responsible resource use at industrial scale.

Toyo Ink Europe, the European energy-curing inks division of Japan’s Artience Group, has introduced a complete lineup of UV curable inks consisting of low-migration and low-energy solutions designed for food-safe packaging.  The solution was developed to meet migration limits as mandated under the German Printing Ink Ordinance (GIO). Toyo Ink aims to create innovations that exceed the key safety benchmarks in Europe before they become mandatory. “Toyo Ink Europe’s GIO-compliant inks combine low-migration chemistry with low-energy UV/LED curing to deliver strong, consistent color, excellent adhesion on flexible substrates, and low odour characteristics for food packaging,”

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, has installed a state-of-the-art additive manufacturing system, also known as 3D printing, at its Innovation Center in Barcelona, Spain. Part of Amcor’s Rigid Packaging Division, the center will leverage this advanced technology to accelerate design and development. This latest investment means that all five of Amcor’s centers for rigid packaging solutions – which in addition to Barcelona are located in Muttenz, Switzerland, Evansville and Manchester in the USA, and Shanghai, China – now have 3D printing facilities. This will enable the centers to cooperate globally in the design and delivery of consumer- and patient-centric rigid packaging across a wide range of markets, including health, beauty and wellness, nutrition and food & drink. 3D printing allows creative concepts and subsequent CAD drawings to be quickly turned into physical models and prototypes from which important assessments can be made in areas such as aesthetics, functionality and ease of manufacture. Sample packs can also be produced for initial consumer research and feedback. This can greatly speed up the development process, enabling packs to be brought to market quickly and cost-effectively.

K‑beauty’s lightning-fast innovation and creative use of stock packaging components is forcing US beauty brands to rethink their approach to launches and design. K‑beauty is everywhere right now. From playful new formats to science-driven ingredient stories, Korean beauty has quickly become a global leader. 2026 is already shaping up to be a breakout year for K‑beauty brands in the US, but the real shift isn’t just what’s launching. It’s how fast it’s getting to shelf. What’s unfolding right now feels less like a trend cycle and more like a reset. K‑beauty isn’t only influencing aesthetics or formulas — it’s accelerating innovation timelines and amplifying packaging trends in ways that are forcing beauty brands to rethink how products get developed in the first place.

Nearly 80 corporations associated with the environmental groups the US Plastics Pact, The Consumer Goods Forum, and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, have been warned that continued participation in these initiatives could expose them to antitrust liability.  These US-based environmental groups focus on promoting a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of packaging and plastic. They often work with FMCG manufacturers and retailers, design packaging using non-plastic materials, and enhance recycling schemes.  Letters signed by 10 US state attorneys general, including Florida, Texas, and Georgia, explain that, by setting uniform packaging targets and “dictating” recyclable materials, the environmental groups may be reducing competition, limiting consumer choice, and degrading product quality.

he National Association of Wholesaler Distributors (NAW) has secured a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of Oregon’s EPR law after arguing that it imposes burdensome fees and taxes on distributors.  NAW is a trade association that represents companies that distribute products across various sectors, including food and industrial supplies. “The injunction relieves NAW member companies of the fear of enforcement from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality — an enforcement that comes with the potential of US$25,000 a day in penalties, which could cause severe harm,” says Hoplin.  “This is a new law, the first in the US. It is complex and imposes a massive regulatory and financial burden on distributors, many of whom are located across state lines and were unaware of the law until just a few months ago.”

Aluminum food and beverage cans are having a moment, with manufacturers and analysts alike predicting a strong year for the sector. Crown Holdings aims to harness those timely growth opportunities while simultaneously advancing its sustainability work, said Sandrine Duquerroy-Delesalle, Crown’s vice president of global sustainability and external affairs. “We are on track with the commitments that we made five years ago, and we are even more ambitious now,” Duquerroy-Delesalle said, also highlighting the importance of collaboration across the value chain to promote sustainability. Although certain goals have shifted, overall “people are more and more conscious — I think this is across Europe and the U.S. — about circularity and how can they get their packaging to be collected and recycled. ... Circularity is very important to our business.”

The Biodegradable Products Institute is ramping up its push for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to publish an interim final rule on compost that could improve clarity on acceptable compost inputs across the United States. The member organization recently sent a letter to the agency urging it to act related to an August 2023 petition from BPI. USDA did not act directly on that petition, which requested a revised regulatory definition of “compost feedstock.” BPI’s February letter garnered dozens of supportive signatories. The list included associations such as Ameripen, the EPR Leadership Forum, the Foodservice Packaging Institute and the Consumer Brands Association. Producers in support included Georgia-Pacific, InnoPak, CJ Biomaterials, Atlantic Packaging and NatureWorks. Composters and haulers that signed on included Black Earth Compost, Veteran Compost, Garbage to Garden and Earth Matter.

Atlantic Packaging Products has earned international recognition for transforming a standard corrugated coffee box into a high-impact brand storytelling medium. The company’s solution for Zavida Coffee Roasters’ Organica Keurig 72-pod box won Best in Class in the Technical category at the 2026 PAC Global Awards. Produced on a Koenig & Bauer Durst SPC 130, the box showcases high-precision, high-colour digital print directly on uncoated white-top corrugate. The technology enables shorter lead times, greater production flexibility, and more targeted, high-impact designs for retail brands.

“A year ago, it never would occur to me that we would be having a conversation about the challenges of PET recycling,” Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership, said in the webinar “PET Packaging: Solving for an Out-of-Sync System” on Thursday, February 12. She said that because polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the highest recycled packaging plastic, with more than 2 billion pounds of PET bottles collected for recycling annually in the US, according to The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR). And recycled PET is also in demand for use in new packages. But now imports are flooding the market, US PET reclamation facilities are shutting down, and domestic sourcing is in jeopardy. My take on this … PET has been the poster child here in America for plastic packaging recycling and it’s in trouble. This does not bode well for the successful recycling of any packaging plastics in America. And if we don’t recycle, the waste crisis and climate shifts will worsen.

Digital printing for packaging has been slowly gaining steam the last few years and picking away at market share for analog systems such as flexography, rotogravure and offset lithography. But 2026 could be notable for the sector’s maturation, according to a newly released report from consulting firm Keypoint Intelligence. Digital printing is “entering a more mature, disciplined phase of adoption,” the report says, and growth this year is expected to come from different avenues than in the past. The report notes that packaging converters are considering these solutions “less as standalone innovations and more as components within broader production and manufacturing environments.”

Clearly, the U.S. packaging industry has entered the extended producer responsibility era. What remains unclear to some people is the end goal. One EPR ambition is to increase recycling rates, several speakers and attendees noted during The Packaging Conference in Austin, Texas, from Feb. 9-11. But when audience members asked speakers whether they thought EPR would actually boost recycling rates, they were generally met with skeptical responses. “Off the record?” joked Laura Stewart, executive director at the National Association for PET Container Resources, while muttering “No” and shaking her head amid audience laughter.  “EPR is great for producers, but I don’t know that it motivates the average human to actually recycle,” said Steve Lyons, vice president for strategic environmental analysis at PET packaging consulting firm SBA-CCI, pointing to deposit programs as a better incentive. “I think [EPR] will create more access points, which is good for recycling, but you have to motivate humans.”

The Canadian Federal Court of Appeal (FCA) has decided to uphold the government’s order to list plastic-manufactured items (PMI) as “toxic” under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).  The ruling means the Canadian government can continue to regulate single-use plastics, like bags, straws, and cutlery under CEPA. The decision has been met with doubt from the plastics industry and acclaim from environmental campaigners.  “The FCA’s decision is a landmark ruling for Canada and internationally. In a unanimous decision, the court recognized plastic pollution as a serious environmental and public health issue,” Anthony Merante, senior plastics campaigner at Oceana Canada, tells us.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the January 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in January decreased 1% compared to January 2025. The total operating rate for the packaging papers segment was 80.7%, higher than both January 2025 and December 2025, but lower than the overall rate for 2025 (81.2%).

When shipping highly sensitive optical and electronic equipment, there is no room for compromise. Even minor shocks, dust, or contamination can impact performance. That’s why Thorlabs Sweden partnered with Emballageteknik and Stora Enso to rethink protective packaging — replacing fossil-based foams with a renewable, high-performance alternative. The result is Papira®, a bio-based, recyclable and biodegradable shock-absorbing material from Stora Enso, converted and engineered by Emballageteknik to meet the strict demands of Thorlabs Swedens’ precision products.

Life-cycle assessments take time and money. Are the benefits worth the effort? It was a question that came up during a presentation at MD&M West.  Adam Wozniak, Director of Sustainability at Ravago North America, and I were talking about how to make plastic packaging easier and more profitable to recycle in the session “Designing for Circularity: Transforming Plastics from Problem to Packaging Solution.” We tackled the topic of plastic packaging circularity from a general sustainability perspective, as well as in this era of extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws. We kept the scope broad because not all brand owners will be selling into states that have EPR regulations. But the work being done in writing these EPR laws can help anyone. In a word, Wozniak says, yes. LCAs are valuable in several ways. Specifically, I asked, “If the law has already done the work [of identifying appropriate packaging materials for sustainability], do you need LCAs?” Wozniak answered, “In general, LCAs … help expose the underbelly of processes, too. So not only are you evaluating your systems … what you’re also doing with life-cycle assessments is your evaluating your supply chain. You’re evaluating who you source products from and understanding furthermore any impacts logistics have, impacts that the manufacturing has. “… regardless of extended producer responsibility, I think life-cycle assessment is going to be here to stay. It’s going to continue to become more of a common practice.

The choice between mailers and boxes has traditionally meant trading speed for protection. Mailers offer efficiency, while boxes provide the cushioning needed for fragile items. This binary approach creates inefficiencies across thousands of shipments, particularly as consumer expectations and regulatory requirements intensify. Consumer expectations and regulations are forcing brands to rethink their packaging. Shoppers increasingly favor environmentally responsible brands, making sustainable packaging a growth driver, not a tradeoff. At the same time, tightening laws like California’s SB 54 and expanding Extended Producer Responsibility requirements are accelerating the shift. The traditional choice between mailers and boxes is being redefined by hybrid solutions that deliver box-level protection with mailer efficiency. For fulfillment operations navigating rising costs, tightening margins and increasing sustainability pressure, WaveKraft recyclable, padded mailers represent a shift in how protective packaging can meet operational, regulatory and consumer demands.

Pregis®, a global leader in protective packaging, mailing & bagging, and flexible packaging solutions, introduces Pregis EasyPack® Strata, a high-speed on-demand paper system designed to produce structured paper pads for enhanced void fill, light cushioning and full cushioning packing applications. The system expands the Pregis on-demand paper portfolio with a solution built to meet the pace, variability and throughput demands of modern fulfillment operations. Strata forms structured paper pads that optimize space within the box, enabling more uniform packing and reducing unnecessary material use. In enhanced void fill applications, these pads maintain a more consistent form than traditional void fill, improving material efficiency. The system also supports higher productivity in fast-paced packing environments, delivering dispensing speeds of up to 60 inches per second. “Fulfillment operations need packaging systems that will keep up with throughput demands without adding complexity,” explains Joey Phister, President of Protective Products at Pregis. “EasyPack Strata was developed to give operators the ability to adjust protection levels in real time, improving throughput, reducing waste and creating a faster, more intuitive packing process.”

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.

Cascades Inc. has announced it will discontinue its honeycomb paperboard and partition packaging activities, leading to the closure of three manufacturing facilities in Canada and the United States.  The decision is part of the company’s ongoing effort to optimize its operating platform and concentrate on markets aligned with its long-term growth strategy. The closures will affect plants in York, Pennsylvania, and in Saint-Césaire and Berthierville, Quebec. According to Cascades, the operations targeted serve niche markets that no longer fit with the strategic priorities of its Packaging sector. As part of the exit, certain assets have been acquired for approximately $9 million by Emballages LM, a major North American producer of honeycomb paperboard based in Saint-François-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud, Quebec. The buyer aims to ensure continuity of service for customers during the transition.

Once viewed primarily as a shipping solution, corrugated packaging is increasingly recognized as a strategic component of modern supply chains. Driven by sustainability requirements, digital technologies and changing brand expectations, fibre-based packaging is gaining renewed importance across industries. From recycling to circular innovation Corrugated packaging’s environmental credentials have long been well established. It is recyclable, renewable and often produced with a high proportion of recycled fibres. By combining established materials with advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, the corrugated packaging sector continues to demonstrate that sustainability and innovation can progress together—well beyond the box.

Extended producer responsibility continues to dominate packaging policy discussions. While major changes to policy trends might be hard to spot year to year, industry groups see opportunities to take some lessons from the earliest examples of EPR implementation in the U.S. to further inform legislative discussions this year. Last year saw the adoption of EPR bills in Maryland and Washington, each of which called for producers to ultimately reimburse 90% of recycling costs, following a similar approach in Minnesota the prior year. In 2026, much attention on state EPR activity centers on the Northeast, including ongoing discussions in New Jersey, Rhode Island and New York.

AMERIPEN, the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment, has launched the new Power of Packaging website. This interactive, complimentary online platform serves as a broader, public audience to complement the organization’s industry advocacy. It does so by addressing all stakeholders across the entire packaging value chain — including consumers. Content includes real-world examples and insights from across the packaging value chain. The website aims to expand public understanding of the value of packaging.  Visit the Power of Packaging website at https://powerofpackaging.org/ to see how these features advance AMERIPEN’s — and the packaging industry’s — progress in resolving critical challenges.

International Paper announced Thursday it plans to split into two independent, publicly traded companies based on geography, following its acquisition of U.K.-based DS Smith in January 2025. Going forward, IP would be comprised of the current North American business, which includes legacy assets from both IP and DS Smith. The Europe, Middle East and Africa business would include legacy assets from both companies in that region. IP’s current EMEA business operates in 30 countries across the region. IP expects to complete the spinoff in the next 12 to 15 months, pending board and regulatory approvals in both the United States and United Kingdom.

Fortune names Smurfit Westrock as one of the world’s most admired companies The prestigious corporate reputation ranking considers several criteria including investment value, quality of management, products, social responsibility and ability to attract talent. Companies also must have revenue greater than $10bn to be included. Tony Smurfit, Smurfit Westrock President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re honored to be included on the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies list. This recognition is testament to the skills, talent and dedication of the people at Smurfit Westrock that I’m privileged to work with.” The latest accolade follows on from Smurfit Westrock being recognized both as one of Forbes’ Global 2000 most successful companies and one of TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies in 2025.

Analysts expected at least one increase this year as operating rates rise following a 10% capacity pullback in North America. Cascades also announced an increase for corrugating medium in December. The containerboard sector had a rough ride in 2025, with demand decreases playing into closures that resulted in an approximately 10% loss of North American production capacity. The last of those closures is set for next month, and the full impact to the industry should be realized at that time. Already in the past couple months, the capacity cuts have resulted in producers’ operating rates ticking up into the low 90s, with multiple analysts projecting mid-90s this year. That fueled predictions for containerboard price hikes in 2026.

As a part of its long-term ambition to develop the world’s most sustainable food package2, Tetra Pak has introduced an innovative solution in its aseptic beverage cartons where the traditional aluminium foil layer is replaced with a new paper-based barrier. This innovation increases the paper content in beverage cartons to approximately 80% and, when combined with plant-based polymers, increases the traceable renewable content of a carton up to 92% – cutting the carbon footprint by up to 43%1. By simplifying the material structure from three to two main materials: paper and polymers, further benefits are anticipated for recycling infrastructure. These include maximising the recovery of paper content during the recycling process of carton packages and delivering high-quality fibre and non-fibre fractions. To accelerate the development of this innovative aseptic packaging material, Tetra Pak is investing €60 million in a new paper-based barrier pilot plant in Lund, Sweden. This facility will also provide its customers with valuable insights into the new solution across the entire manufacturing journey – from barrier creation to packaging material and filled package production.

Smurfit Westrock has once again demonstrated its leadership in paper-based packaging by picking up 15 WorldStar awards. Stand-out solutions amongst this year’s trail-blazing haul included an eye-catching point-of-sale protein pack, whisky packaging which created a delightful unboxing experience and a cleverly designed pack for interlocking 10-litre bottles. One winning packaging solution, an innovative pack for an industrial washing machine, replaced expanded polystyrene (EPS) buffers with corrugated alternatives, eliminating 3.3 tonnes of plastic annually.  Another winner, which also replaced EPS in the packaging, enables solar panels to be transported upright leading to a 33% reduction in CO2 emissions. Commenting on Smurfit Westrock’s success, Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Westrock EMEA & APAC, said: “The WorldStar awards celebrate the best of what our industry has to offer, so to win so many is both an honour and a privilege. At Smurfit Westrock we have a relentless commitment to making industry-leading packaging that out-performs for our customers.”

To buy or not to buy other companies’ assets: That is the question for packaging executives in 2026. Commentary from company executives at the end of 2025 suggested muted outlooks for M&A activity in 2026 compared with previous years. “Sentiment after Q3 was fairly tepid” for 2026, said Cael Pulitzer, managing director who leads the packaging investment banking practice at Brown Gibbons Lang & Co. Activity could be more concentrated in certain adjacent sectors with tailwinds — such as with distribution services and packaging machinery — as opposed to packaging converters, he said. But analysts don’t expect a wholesale pullback in M&A activity this year. They anticipate the pace of packaging mergers and acquisitions will at least hold steady, or more likely pick up a bit in 2026.

The Biodegradable Products Institute is focusing on bringing more clarity to compostable packaging’s future in California, dually advocating for rulemaking at USDA as well as new state legislation. At a meeting last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Standards Board recommended against unanimously against adding synthetic compostable materials as compost feedstocks to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. How the board got to that vote was a multi-year process. USDA determinations on what’s allowed in organic compost would hold notable weight in California. Under California’s 2021 compostables law AB 1201, products labeled “compostable” would have to be an allowable agricultural organic input under the requirements of USDA’s National Organic Program.

Huhtamaki is raising its climate ambition and adopting more rigorous short-term emission reduction targets. The updated Scope 1 and 2 targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. By 2030, the company aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2* GHG emissions by over 50% and Scope 3 emissions** by 25% compared to 2022 levels. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved Huhtamaki’s near-term science-based emissions reduction targets. In addition, Huhtamaki has committed to setting long-term emissions reduction targets with the SBTi, in line with reaching net-zero by 2050.

The Russian government has seized control of assets in that country owned by Canpack, a metal canmaker with corporate offices in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and Krakow, Poland. Canpack’s operations have been put under “temporary external administration by Presidential Decree,” according to a company news release. Canpack said in the release that it doesn’t understand the government’s action because it has operated in Russia for 30 years in adherence with all regulations, and it has provided jobs for more than 500 Russian employees. A wave of global companies discontinued operations in Russia following the latter country waging its ongoing war on Ukraine starting in 2022. Packaging manufacturers that exited Russia include Amcor, Ball and International Paper.

en percent might not seem like a lot in certain contexts, but it’s notable when describing the loss of North American containerboard production capacity in 2025. On the heels of that extraordinary pullback, analysts project a more positive 2026 for containerboard, although they have different opinions on the likelihood of a bona fide recovery. Overall, analysts expect containerboard demand at the beginning of 2026 to remain in the depressed state where it ended 2025, with some incremental improvements throughout the year. Analysts expect the halt to falling demand will translate to fewer production capacity cuts. The “historic” 10% pullback in 2025 resulted in the “largest annual downward adjustment the sector has seen,” according to a Fastmarkets RISI analysis released last year. As such, it would be difficult for the containerboard sector to match that level of single-year loss again in 2026, although a few closures of older, less efficient facilities or production lines are still likely, analysts say.

In the category of “Why Didn’t They Think of This Sooner,” the Heinz Dipper fry box for foodservice has restored my faith in packaging design as a bringer of delight. The new foodservice fry container uses a flap that pulls out to create a small storage area for ketchup, Heinz Ketchup if you please, or other condiment. Starting January 13, the Heinz Dipper is currently in trial in 11 countries, including six US cities, at participating restaurants and sports stadiums. According to the Heinz press release, the trial will run while supplies last.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Standards Board on Tuesday voted unanimously against adding synthetic compostable materials as compost feedstocks to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. That list in part stipulates which substances can be used in organic crops or processed organic products. The board determined that the broad classes of materials it was evaluating did not meet necessity, environmental and human health, and sustainable agriculture criteria for the National List. But going forward, the group said it’s open to evaluating individual substances, as some showed potential to meet those criteria. It would also consider allowing broader classes of substances with more restricted use patterns, such as for fruit stickers or collection bags. Many composters are screening out compostable polymers altogether, Lewis said, to avoid contamination from other plastic lookalikes diverted by confused consumers. “We are not hearing them asking for more compostable polymers. We are hearing them ask for less contamination in the food waste they accept,” said Lewis, the vice chair of NOSB’s crops subcommittee. NOSB’s decisions on what’s allowed in organic compost hold particular weight in California. Under a 2021 law aimed at tightening “compostable” labeling, the item would have to be an allowable agricultural organic input, as defined by NOP. That requirement was set to take effect Jan. 1 of this year, but CalRecycle granted an extension to June 30, 2027.

Consumer packaging has long been a minefield of greenwashed sustainability claims plagued by recycling pitfalls that vary from state to state. A new bill introduced by Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) is poised to harmonize the issues by creating a consistent federal framework under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with the overarching goal of an improved circular economy. The aptly named Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025 specifically targets unverified claims like “recyclable,” “compostable,” and “reusable” claims that appear on consumer packaging, which, in combination with the pothole-laden state of recycling and composting infrastructure, makes it hard to know what can actually be recycled. The PACK Act was introduced in December. Rep. Weber said it’s been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he serves as a member. “While the legislative process takes time, my office is actively engaged in moving this bill through committee and advancing it through Congress,” he commented. “We are committed to moving this pro-consumer, pro-commerce legislation to the President’s desk.”

The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published new fee proposals for the second year (2026/2027) of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging. For the first time, the plans include modulated fees (green, amber, red), which are linked to the recyclability of packaging and are based on the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM). Defra cautions that the currently published fees are preliminary; the final fees are to be set in June 2026, taking into account the data that obligated companies must submit by 1 April 2026. Click on the link to see the fee schedule ranging from $225 to $540 per metric ton. Depending on material.

Although many companies have publicly toned down their sustainability messaging, they’re still investing in sustainability initiatives — especially for packaging — according to a report that Bain & Co. released Thursday. Losing momentum on sustainability would be “a serious strategic miscalculation” for paper and packaging, especially as regulation is “now shaping economics at scale,” it says. Despite curbing some external messaging, numerous businesses are still prioritizing sustainability behind the scenes. Sustainability also is a leading purchasing criterion for packaging customers, with 59% of the 125 respondents to a 2025 survey saying they would switch suppliers within three years if their sustainability metrics weren’t being met.

SupplyOne announced that it has acquired Wertheimer Box, a Chicago-area corrugated packaging provider known for custom shipping boxes, branded packaging, e-commerce mailers, and specialty retail displays. Founded in 1939 by Ernest Wertheimer, Wertheimer Box is located in a modern, 303,000-square-foot facility in McCook, Illinois, a near southwest suburb of Chicago. The company makes and ships stock and custom corrugated shipping boxes, point of purchase displays, and custom branded boxes across the United States.

Do you remember the first time you heard the term “circular economy”? While it’s been around since the 1990s, Packaging Digest first started reporting on it in 2014, which really isn’t that long ago. Even now, sustainability experts are still trying to fully understand it (think zero waste) and its impact on packaging decisions. Well, think harder. Delivering packaging ideas that support a circular economy will take priority in 2026, says Lauren Ryder, Mintel’s Global Packaging Analyst. Briefly, her predictions for the New Year: • Brands will focus on creating a circular economy for packaging. • Americans will learn from European packaging waste regulations, as the US emphasizes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). • We’ll need more transparency and consumer education about recycling and circularity. Her advice for packaging professionals? • Collaborate across the industry to develop strategies for the circular economy. • Establish backup suppliers and contingency plans. • Stay connected within the industry through trade shows and networking. • Remain flexible and knowledgeable about industry players.

The votes are in, and the packaging industry has spoken. The 2025 Readers’ Choice for Best Package of the Year goes to Kind Snacks, a Mars subsidiary, for its retail pilot to test a recyclable paper wrapper for snack bars. The design has captivated professionals and consumers alike with its innovative functionality and sustainability. This standout package has earned its place as the top choice among Packaging Digest readers, solidifying its status as a benchmark for excellence in the industry.

Green Bay Packaging has launched construction on its $1 billion Project PowerPack at the Arkansas Kraft Division in Morrilton, marking the largest capital investment in Central Arkansas history. Project PowerPack focuses on a full renewal of the mill’s power and recovery systems, including upgraded recovery and biomass boilers and a new electric turbine generator designed to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. These improvements are expected to enhance reliability and lower the mill’s carbon intensity per ton of output. Green Bay Packaging has also acquired 300 additional acres to support future development, with plans to add 35 new jobs to its existing workforce of more than 620 employees in Conway County. The project could ultimately more than double the mill’s production capacity.

Many stakeholders want to align aspects such as producer definitions and covered materials. But other areas must consider state individuality and await data from U.S. implementations, sources say. Organizations representing brand owners and packaging companies are calling for greater harmonization across extended producer responsibility laws and legislation, where proliferation has added layers of complexity to compliance. The spread of packaging EPR in the United States happened slowly — then very quickly. “It took years to get to the first two states” — Maine and Oregon — but then within a period of a few years, “it went from two states to seven states with enacted laws,” said Danielle Waterfield, Ameripen’s policy director.

Food companies should not take EPA’s latest risky move as permission to allow chemicals of concern in packaging. In November 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency authorized the use of  pesticides containing cyclobutrifluram and isocycloseram, which are perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Confused and disheartened? You are not alone. The packaging sector works hard to eliminate many chemicals of concern that may migrate from packaging into food. Allowing the use of a “forever chemical” to grow food and contaminate waterways and land is mystifying.  It is easy to get bogged down in the debate on whether PFAS is defined as a single or double fluorinated carbon. This is because in 2023, the EPA classified PFAS as those chemicals containing two (not one) fluorinated carbons, even though the scientifically accepted definition of PFAS adopted by more than 24 states and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is for at least one.   In 2020, the US military banned the use of PFAS in packaging, while PFAS in infant formula packaging was outlawed in 2021. Long- and then short-chain PFAS were authorized for use by the FDA. Then, in January of 2025, the FDA ruled to abandoned the use of 35 food contact notifications (FCNs) pertaining to PFAS-containing food contact chemicals as grease-proofers applied to paper and paperboard food packaging. This followed a voluntary market phase-out of PFAS.  Now, 13 states have adopted, and nine states have introduced policies governing PFAS in packaging. These regulations limit PFAS from 0 to 100 parts per million. In California, any level of PFAS is “banned” because safe harbor limits do not exist for PFAS.

According to a new report from Fortune Business Insights, the global molded pulp packaging market size was valued at USD 5.44 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 5.78 billion in 2025 to USD 9.43 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.30% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the global market with a share of 46.32% in 2024. Molded pulp packaging refers to eco-friendly packaging materials made primarily from recycled paper, cardboard, and other natural fibers. These materials are molded into various shapes to protect and cushion products during storage and transportation. Unlike plastic-based alternatives, molded pulp offers biodegradability and compostability, aligning with global sustainability goals. The packaging is widely used for food service items, electronics, healthcare products, and consumer goods due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability. Leading manufacturers, such as Huhtamaki, UFP Technologies, Sonoco Products Company, Sabert Corporation, and Brodrene Hartmann A/S, are focusing on automation, capacity expansion, and material optimization to strengthen their market growth presence.

A total of 28.1 million tonnes of specialty papers will be consumed in 2025, according to Smithers, the global authority on the paper and packaging industries. Competing factors will push overall consumption to 31.3 million tonnes in 2030, equivalent to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1% for the next 5 years. Flexible packaging papers are increasingly important to the industry. Demand is rising fastest for machine-glazed papers, already around half of global sales. Sales will also be strong for coated (C1S) packaging papers over the forecast period; several machine rebuilds are set to be completed in the US, and new machines coming on stream in China. The replacement of plastic by paper in packaging requires the development of better functional and barrier coatings. Most companies active in this space are investing in new coating chemistries, advanced substrates, and innovative ways to apply the barrier material. In addition to the coatings, using nano-cellulose to enhance both substrates and coatings is increasingly common.

Peak season means a surge in order volume, rising shipping costs and tighter timelines. Limited labor and warehouse space further heighten the challenges. For many operations and supply chain leaders, efficiency, speed and accuracy dominate the agenda. Meanwhile sustainability goals often fall by the wayside. Yet this is precisely when packaging choices are most visible and impactful. During the 2024 holiday season, U.S. consumers spent a record $241.4 billiononline—an 8.7% increase from the prior year. At the same time, customer expectations for responsible packaging have never been higher: in one study, over 60% of consumers said they’d be willing to pay more for a product with sustainable packaging. And 77% of executives report that sustainability initiatives increase customer loyalty.  A key challenge, however, is that sustainability practices are often deprioritized amidst peak season demands. The solution is to embed sustainability into everyday operations, so it delivers value automatically. With the right approach, companies can cut waste, lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and strengthen brand loyalty—all without adding extra work when it matters most.

Graphic Packaging International announced late Monday it will undertake a series of changes in the coming weeks, including bringing in a new CEO and conducting layoffs in 2026. Mike Doss, president and CEO for 10 years, will depart as of Dec. 31, and Robbert Rietbroek will take over on Jan. 1, according to a securities filing. Doss will also leave his position on the company’s board at that time, and Rietbroek will join the board. GPI did not offer a reason for Doss’ departure. Separately, GPI announced that it will lay off an undisclosed number of employees in 2026 as part of a plan to cut costs by $60 million. Doss had alluded to the company examining cost-cutting opportunities during the company’s Q3 earnings call in November.

Cincinnati-based flexible packaging specialist ProAmpac agreed to acquire Chicago-based TC Transcontinental Packaging from parent company TC Transcontinental for approximately $1.51 billion, the companies announced Monday. ProAmpac says the acquisition will help it grow in dairy, meat, medical and pharmaceutical end markets, in addition to advancing the development of barrier films, monomaterial structures and fiber-based solutions. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions.

The Fair Resource Foundation has alleged that McDonald’s Netherlands is using single-use paper cups with plastic coatings for on-site consumption, rather than reusable packaging, as required by EU’s Single Use Plastic Directive (SUPD) The Fair Resource Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for the equitable use of resources, claims that the fast-food chain furthermore charges customers €0.15 (US$0.17) per single-use cup, even though the charge is only applied to take-away packaging, not dine-in.  The SUPD prohibited the offer of disposable cups and containers made of plastic and imposed a surcharge on single-use items. In the Netherlands, as of January 2024, the legislation requires restaurants to offer reusable cups and containers for on-site consumption

Snack producer Bel Group is replacing the biobased plastic film it introduced in 2020 with paper for the overwraps on its Babybel brand of individual wax-covered cheeses. The France-based company is transitioning the Babybel production lines at its five global plants, including in the United States. Bel has worked on this transition for five years as part of its broader sustainability efforts, namely to produce a more recyclable pack, reduce plastic use and lower carbon dioxide emissions. The transition to fiber is projected to save 850 tons of plastic and 2,500 tons of CO2 annually, said Delphine Chatelin, vice president of research, innovation and development. The company has begun rolling out the paper overwraps commercially in the United Kingdom, and it expects to complete the rollout in the United States, Canada and Northern Europe next year. All 50 global markets where Babybel is sold should get the paper packaging by 2027.

Total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in October increased 9% compared to October 2024. They were up 1% when compared to the same 10 months of 2024. The bleached operating rate increased to 80.8%, reaching its highest level over the last few years; capacity was down 8% compared to last October. Unbleached bag & sack shipments were up 8% from last October, but down 2.3% year-to-date. Total inventories were up nearly 12% from the same month last year.

Regulations and consumer demand are accelerating the shift to recyclable and compostable fiber packaging. Manufacturers are adopting advanced software, IoT, and cloud systems to optimize production and reduce waste. New solutions include molded fiber formats, recyclable coatings, direct food contact inks, and high-performance renewable boards.

International Paper will close two packaging facilities in Compton, California, and Louisville, Kentucky, as part of its strategy to streamline its North American footprint. The company announced that both sites will cease operations by January 2026, with customer orders redirected to nearby locations. The closures will affect 125 employees in Compton and 93 in Louisville. International Paper stated that it will work to reduce the impact through attrition, retirements and open positions at other company sites. Affected employees will receive outplacement services, mental health support and severance packages.

Sealed Air Corporation, a leading global provider of food and protective packaging solutions, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by funds affiliated with CD&R, a leading private investment firm with deep experience in the industrial and packaging industries, in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise value of $10.3 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Sealed Air stockholders will receive $42.15 in cash per share. This represents a premium of 41% to Sealed Air's unaffected stock price[1] as of August 14, 2025 and a premium of 24% to Sealed Air's 90-day VWAP as of November 12, 2025. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by Sealed Air's Board of Directors, is expected to close in mid-2026, subject to the receipt of stockholder approval, regulatory clearances, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Under the terms of the agreement, Sealed Air can actively solicit additional acquisition proposals from third parties during a "go-shop" period of 30 days from the signing of the agreement, with an additional 15 days to negotiate a definitive agreement with qualifying parties. There can be no assurance that this solicitation process will result in a superior proposal, and Sealed Air does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until it determines such disclosure is appropriate or otherwise required.

PepsiCo’s Simply NKD snacks feature bold white bags, highlighting their clean-label claim: no dyes or artificial flavors. The growing movement to eliminate synthetic dyes from foods and beverages sold in the United States is making a mark on packaging design. Consider the disruptive white bags PepsiCo Foods chose for its new Simply NKD line of dye-free Cheetos and Doritos. The new product line will launch at retail starting December 1, 2025. Products include: Doritos Simply NKD Nacho Cheese, Doritos Simply NKD Cool Ranch, Cheetos Simply NKD Puffs, and Cheetos Simply NKD Flamin’ Hot snacks. Consumers can pre-order the products from Walmart.com. The Simply NKD products’ key claim is the absence of dyes and artificial flavors. The new line complements PepsiCo’s regular, artificially dyed Cheetos and Doritos as well as the company’s Simply snack brand, which includes Cheetos and Doritos variant

Few eras in recent history have seen as much geopolitical and regulatory unpredictability as the one we’re experiencing now. When considering EU regulations, one thing is clear: significant changes are on the table and the EU has an ambitious simplification agenda. It is streamlining its legislation to become more competitive and reverse economic decline. As new laws take shape in the EU, especially the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the real impact will depend on what comes next. The delegated and implementing acts, known as the secondary legislation, will define what counts as recyclable, how packaging should be designed, and how it must be labelled. In other words, they will set the rules that matter most in practice. Our sector is getting ready to comply with the PPWR requirements. Changing the PPWR would undermine predictability, create legal uncertainty, and penalise those who have already taken actions to align with the new requirements. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) simplification proposal has created significant uncertainty. The implementation of the EUDR is expected to start at the end of December for large companies; however, we still do not know the final requirements as of November. This uncertainty creates an additional burden for companies like Metsä Group, which have already invested heavily to comply.

PaperWorks Industries has acquired Color Craft Graphic Arts , a producer of packaging for food, beverage, and household goods. "This acquisition aligns with our strategy of growth and further supports our ongoing investment and commitment to our customers," says Brian Janki, President and CEO of PaperWorks. "Color Craft meets our criteria for geographic alignment with our mill system and folding carton network, diverse customer mix, and overall cultural fit." Founded in 1929, Color Craft is an all-inclusive folding carton business that offers sheeting, printing, cutting, and gluing at its facility in in Manitowoc, Wisconsin has. The company has 120 employees.

Buyout firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice is in talks to take packaging-provider Sealed Air private, according to people familiar with the matter. Sealed Air had a market value of around $5.4 billion as of Wednesday’s close and a deal including a typical premium would value the company above that, the people added. Its shares jumped over 20% in after-hours trading after The Wall Street Journal reported on the talks. Sealed Air, based in Charlotte, N.C., provides packaging solutions like Cryovac food wrap and Bubble Wrap cushioning for a range of industries. The business reported $5.4 billion in sales in 2024.   Sealed Air shares are up about 10% year to date thanks to strength in its food-service portfolio and efforts by the company to slash its debt.

Amcor a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced a significant expansion of its North America printing, lamination and converting capabilities for the protein market. This expansion emphasizes Amcor’s strong heritage in the meat, poultry and seafood industries and will support customers’ needs for flexible packaging. The installation of new, state-of-the-art equipment will increase production now through the first half of 2026. This major investment, coupled with other recent investments, will improve customer service in the forming and non-forming packaging categories through the expansion and optimization of manufacturing capacity. It will also help customers to meet their sustainability goals through the conversion to more sustainable packaging solutions, advancing Amcor’s continuous commitment to expand the AmPrima® portfolio of recycle-ready materials. “This investment reflects Amcor’s long-term strategy for growth in the protein market and our continued leadership in developing the next generation of high-performance and sustainable packaging,” said Scott Fallon, global vice president and general manager of Amcor Flexibles protein division

Genera, a leading U.S. manufacturer of sustainable packaging, has successfully started up advanced non-wood pulping and stock preparation systems supplied by international technology group ANDRITZ. Installation of these systems is part of Genera’s large-scale expansion of its manufacturing facility in Vonore, Tennessee, where locally grown grasses are transformed into packaging solutions.

Although economic conditions and policy changes tamped down an expected recovery period in 2025, the Paperboard Packaging Council projects shipments could turn around in 2026. Economic conditions and policy changes over the last year have thrown a wrench into what some in the industry anticipated would be a recovery period for folding carton markets. That’s according to an executive summary for the Paperboard Packaging Council’s newly released 2025-2026 trends report, which was created by Fastmarkets RISI. Headwinds such as tariffs, inflation, reductions in government benefits and declining consumer confidence contribute to concerns that demand for folding cartons “is confronted with an uncertain future,” the report states. PPC projects that folding carton shipments will grow from 2026 to 2029, with demand increasing by an average of 0.8% annually from 2024 to 2029.

Graphic Packaging has achieved a key milestone at its new recycled paperboard facility in Waco, Texas, where the mill produced its first commercially saleable rolls in October—well ahead of schedule. President and CEO Michael Doss praised employees, contractors, and local partners for their exceptional performance and community support. “Waco will be the world’s most efficient producer of recycled paperboard, with the highest quality available anywhere outside our own Kalamazoo, Michigan facility,” he said. The Waco project, announced under the company’s Vision 2025 strategy, represents the culmination of a multi-year transformation focused on modernization and sustainability. Graphic Packaging will now turn to its Vision 2030 priorities—innovation, execution, reaching investment-grade status, and returning cash to shareholders. The company expects Waco to reach full production within 12 to 18 months.

The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2025/40 (PPWR) is a significant overhaul of European packaging law. Adopted on 11 February 2025, and applying from 12 August 2026, the PPWR replaces the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC (PPWD). It introduces sweeping obligations for businesses placing packaging on the EU market — whether based inside or outside of the Union. Its aim is clear: to drive circularity, reduce waste and harmonize rules across EU Member States. For companies, the regulation is not just about recyclability — it touches every stage of the packaging lifecycle, from design and material selection to labelling, reuse systems and extended producer responsibility. With phased deadlines stretching into the 2030s and beyond, businesses need to act now to understand what is coming and to prepare for compliance. Click on the link for 10 things to know:

The European Commission will stick to the planned start date of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). In a letter to the joint body of German packaging producer responsibility organisations (Gemeinsame Stelle dualer Systeme) and the members of the German Bundestag, EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall made it clear that the new obligations, including the revised manufacturer definition under extended producer responsibility (EPR), will apply as planned from 12 August 2026.

The facility “can no longer competitively serve customers,” a spokesperson said. This marks the company’s exit from operations in Illinois. Georgia-Pacific notified employees Thursday it plans to permanently shut its box plant in Mt. Olive, Illinois, by Dec. 31, said Lauren Campen, senior manager of public affairs and communications for corrugated, via email.  The company is working to support the 134 affected employees with potential opportunities within G-P or other companies owned by Koch, G-P’s parent, as well as connecting them with job fairs and opportunities for employment outside the company, Campen said. Hourly employees are represented by the United Steelworkers union.

For the third quarter of 2025, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $399 million compared to $393 million for the third quarter of 2024. Clearwater Paper reported net loss from continuing operations in the third quarter of 2025 of $54 million, or $3.34 per diluted share compared to net loss from continuing operations of $11 million, or $0.64 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2024. “SBS continues to be in an oversupplied position, which we believe is also impacting the broader consumer paperboard market. While we remain optimistic about a recovery, we are focused on what is within our control, namely reducing our fixed costs and maintaining our market share. We believe that our high quality assets are well positioned to generate significant cash flows and strong returns on capital in the long run,” concluded CEO Kitch.

The closure, slated for December, will be the company’s ninth since the footprint optimization that launched when Smurfit Kappa acquired Westrock in 2024. Smurfit Westrock plans to permanently close a corrugated sheet and box facility in California, and 141 employees will be affected, according to a company worker adjustment and retraining notification letter the state shared with Packaging Dive. The plant in City of Industry, California, is expected to close on Dec. 14, according to the WARN letter. All employees will be terminated at that time, and there are no bumping rights. The hourly employees are represented by the District Council 2 union. CEO Tony Smurfit referenced the closure during the company’s third-quarter earnings call on Oct. 29. He noted it was one of nine the company has undertaken since Smurfit Kappa acquired WestRock in July 2024 as part of footprint and headcount optimization efforts. The company will continue “closing down inefficient or loss-making operations, including the recently announced closure of a corrugated facility in California,” he said.

The California Department of Justice (DOJ), US, has settled a three-year investigation into Revolution Sustainable Solutions, Metro Poly, PreZero US Packaging, and Advance Polybag for false recyclability claims and the sale of non-recyclable plastic bags in the state of California. The four packaging manufacturers previously sold plastic bags certified to meet recyclability requirements, as required by state law SB 270. However, the California DOJ found these are not recyclable in any recycling stream. As part of the settlement, the companies have agreed to stop selling plastic bags in California and collectively pay US$1,753,000, which includes US$1,115,750 in civil penalties and US$636,250 in legal fees. Following this settlement, the Attorney General of California, Rob Bonta, announced a lawsuit against Novolex Holdings, Inteplast Group, and Mettler Packaging, alleging they are misleading consumers about the recyclability of plastic bags.

Combining two packaging giants headquartered across an ocean results in a lot of learning for leadership. That’s the case for Laurent Sellier, CEO of Smurfit Westrock North America, following Ireland-based Smurfit Kappa’s acquisition of Atlanta-based Westrock in July 2024.  You’ve been doing quite a few North American facility tours this year. Is that typical or is this a heightened engagement post-acquisition? It’s probably a combination of both. I’m a basic boxmaker by origin. I’m one of those guys grown as general manager of mills, and so I’m not a great fan of PowerPoint presentations in an office. I don’t understand it. I get bored. That is really not my stuff. My stuff is to go in a plant, shake hands, go around the machines, talk to operators, talk to supervisors. Get a feel for what’s happening there, and see all the things that you usually never see when you’re off an office. One of the facilities you visited this summer is the new box plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, which legacy leadership called a “superplant.” How are things going with the plans for a network of superplants?  I think “super” is actually an understatement. I think it’s more like a megaplant. It beats anything in terms of dimensions: the breadth of it, the scale of it, the power behind it. It’s the biggest lineup of machines I’ve ever seen in any place, and it’s a fabulous facility.

Packaging Corporation of America spent more time than anticipated getting two mills up to speed following its $1.8 billion acquisition of Greif’s containerboard business in September. Overview: Packaging Corporation of America’s corrugated sales volumes were “largely on plan and continued to reflect the cautious ordering patterns we’ve seen most of the year,” said CEO Mark Kowlzan during Thursday’s third-quarter earnings call. The company ran production to demand and year over year produced 38,000 fewer tons in Q3, he said.  Greif acquisition: PCA completed its $1.8 billion acquisition of Greif’s containerboard business on Sept. 2. “I’m feeling very bullish on what we’ve seen just in a month and a half,” Kowlzan said. PCA is working to integrate Greif’s operations, and so far “the culture is highly compatible,” Outlook: PCA expects Q4 corrugated shipments to be higher than in Q3. The company also expects sales of containerboard to be higher, but still relatively low in comparison to traditional fourth-quarter volumes. The company will adjust output to work down inventories, Kowlzan said. PCA expects to incur acquisition and integration costs related to the Greif deal in Q4, as well as charges related to closing the corrugated products facilities.

After its first two years, the Poly Coated Paper Alliance is focusing on establishing universal design guidance, as well as further work on end markets and communication. The Poly Coated Paper…

Walmart (NYSE: WMT) and Avery Dennison (NYSE: AVY) today announced a new innovation to advance the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in fresh categories previously not possible. Addressing food waste and ensuring freshness are more important than ever for consumers, producers and retailers. This first-to-market solution is set to transform inventory processes and enhance both associate and customer experiences across fresh departments — particularly bakery, meat and deli. Looking to help develop a solution to a longstanding industry challenge of using RFID technology in high-moisture, cold environments, like meat cases, Walmart teamed with Avery Dennison to create and test a first-of-its-kind sensor technology that brings RFID-enabled labels to the meat department. By using Avery Dennison’s RFID solutions in meat, along with bakery and the deli department, Walmart associates can track inventory faster and more accurately — making sure products stay stocked and ready when customers want them. With digital use-by dates right at their fingertips, associates can also rotate products more efficiently and make smarter markdown decisions, helping cut down on unsold food.

ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging and material science, has acquired the bag converting operations of International Paper (“IP”), a global leader in sustainable packaging. The acquisition expands ProAmpac’s converting capabilities, further advancing the company’s Fiberization of Packaging® strategy and enhancing its ability to deliver customized bag solutions for the grocery, convenience store, and quick-service restaurant markets. “Global demand for reliable, recyclable paper packaging continues to grow rapidly amid evolving consumer expectations and market trends redefining recyclability,” stated Greg Tucker, ProAmpac founder, vice chairman, and chief executive officer. “ProAmpac’s acquisition of IP’s bag operation supports our Fiberization of Packaging initiatives, helping us better serve customers by extending our expertise in material science to the US west coast with additional capabilities and redundancies,” continued Tucker.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the September 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in September increased 9% compared to September 2024. They were essentially flat (+0.5%) when compared to the same nine months of 2024. The unbleached operating rate increased to 88.0%, reaching its highest level over the last 15 months. Bleached food wrapping shipments were up 6% from last September, and up 8.4% year to date. Total inventories were up 5.9% from the same month last year.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in September increased 9% compared to September 2024. They were essentially flat (+0.5%) when compared to the same 9 months of 2024. The unbleached operating rate increased to 88.0%, reaching its highest level over the last 15 months. Bleached food wrapping shipments were up 6% from last September, and up 8.4% year to date. Total inventories were up 5.9% from the same month last year.

Costs, policy divergence and relationships were a big focus at recent events hosted by GreenBlue and NERC. CalRecycle, Oregon DEQ, Circular Action Alliance and others weighed in about what’s next. Stress levels are high for CPG companies and packaging groups as extended producer responsibility programs unfold in multiple states. This was on display at three recent Boston events hosted by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, How2Recycle and the Northeast Recycling Council, with questions flying about costs, policy harmonization and relationships with regulators. While CPGs are familiar with EPR costs from programs in other countries, the complexity and scale of the U.S. rollout in seven states is presenting its own unique challenges. Oregon is the only state that’s begun collecting fees, and already the costs are high. Circular Action Alliance, the producer responsibility organization selected for the majority of state programs to date, estimates a budget of $188 million in the program’s first year, with that figure growing in the years ahead.  Charlie Schwarze, board chair for CAA and senior director of packaging stewardship at Keurig Dr Pepper, said the costs are starting to resonate with major companies. KDP, for example, has been working to sort out different aspects of its packaging in terms of licensing arrangements, private label manufacturing partnerships and other factors.

Pratt Industries, Pregis, Smurfit Westrock and Axium Packaging are among the companies that have announced or opened new or expanded production operations in recent weeks. Axium Packaging plans to grow in its home state of Ohio. The New Albany-based plastic packaging company will invest $45 million in a new facility in Jersey Township, per a release from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Ecopax is working on a more than 100,000-square-foot expansion of food service packaging production at its eight-year-old, more than 315,000-square-foot manufacturing and warehousing facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.  Huhtamaki is planning an additional $10 million expansion of its operations in Hammond, Indiana, where the company has had a presence since 1946. JBM Packaging in September broke ground on a new 52,500-square-foot building just one mile from its Lebanon, Ohio, headquarters.  MCC, the labels company formerly called Multi-Color Corporation, recently opened a new corporate headquarters in Atlanta to support hybrid work, bringing together leaders and other local colleagues at the Buckhead location. Pratt Industries announced Oct. 7 it’s investing $92.5 million to build out packaging manufacturing operations in York County, South Carolina.  Pregis opened a new 477,000-square-foot paper converting center in Elgin, Illinois, on Sept. 19. It’s the company’s fifth U.S. site making mailing products and will become its Midwest hub for paper mailer production.  Smurfit Westrock will expand its corrugated operations making cases, boxes and trays in Saltillo, Mississippi, by October 2026.

Packaging Corporation of America is closing multiple manufacturing sites before year’s end, the company revealed in Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices this month. PCA is closing a full-line plant in Allentown, Pennsylvania, come Dec. 1, impacting 60 employees. Weeks later, come Dec. 19, PCA plans to shutter a full-line plant in Salisbury, North Carolina, affecting 108 workers, the company informed the state on Oct. 3. PCA could not be reached for comment about reasons for the latest closures. These announcements follow PCA’s closure of a corrugated plant in Georgia at the start of this year.

Canon launches the corrPRESS iB17, an industrial inkjet press designed for corrugated packaging production, offering offset-like quality on boards. The press enables cost-efficient short to medium runs with fast turnaround times and minimal operator intervention. Canon expects to make the corrPRESS iB17 available in the US in 2027, supporting its expansion into the digital corrugated packaging market. Canon USA has introduced the Canon corrPRESS iB17, an inkjet press engineered for industrial-scale corrugated packaging production. It aims to support corrugated converters that have to deliver shorter runs with more variants, faster turnaround times, and premium quality. The corrPRESS iB17 delivers offset-like quality directly onto corrugated boards up to 1.7 m wide with water-based inks and primer for indirect food contact.

PMMI (the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies) puts on multiple Pack Expo events each year, like the most recent show in Las Vegas from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1. This year, the event’s more than 30,000 registrants had the opportunity to respond to questions about their packaging materials. Specifically, they were asked to select up to three materials their company would replace in the next five years, if any. According to all of the U.S. data currently available, the top responses for materials to be replaced in the next three to five years were polystyrene, foams (including PS) and polyvinyl chloride. As for the materials most likely to be adopted in that same time frame, recycled options topped the list. The most popular responses were rigid and flexible PCR, as well as recycled paperboard with a forestry certification.

“Our industry has changed more in the past two years than in the past 32 that I’ve worked in packaging,” GreenBlue Executive Director Paul Nowak said during SPC Advance 2025.  Sustainable packaging professionals aren’t just witnessing this transformation, they’re architecting it. At SPC Advance, we saw a wealth of ways — from composting access data to recycled content claim research — that these experts are using to move us closer to a world where packaging systems help, don’t hurt, human and environmental health. During three days of sessions, socials, and workshops, one thing became abundantly clear: The sustainable packaging industry is already mobilized. Now, the question becomes: How can we use this momentum to get it right?  Is corporate sustainability dead? Andrew Winston, author of Net Positive, would say no. Despite headlines of companies hiding or nixing their sustainability goals, the trends moving sustainable packaging forward are bigger than reactionary politics, he said at SPC Advance. “The reason companies are responding to climate change is because climate change is happening.”  Change happens slowly at first, and then, seemingly suddenly, it’s exponential. To demonstrate this, he cited two very different technologies: CD-ROMs and clean energy. “We used to all have CDs, and then suddenly overnight, everything was digitized… Now, clean tech is growing exponentially, and the fundamental reason is that it’s cheaper.”

RRD has expanded its food packaging capabilities, reinforced by its recently earned Safe Quality Food (SQF) and organic food handling certifications, to meet brand and regulatory requirements for safe, traceable food. RRD’s offerings include: Integrated Packaging, Labeling & Kitting: Provides a streamlined solution for printing, packaging and kitting requirements with one partner to reduce client logistics costs and improve quality control. Direct-to-Consumer Shipping: Capable of managing shipping logistics directly to the end consumer, eliminating the need for multiple partners. Industry-Tailored Solutions: Offers a range of products including labels designed to meet the specific needs of various industries. This includes specialized options for the food industry, such as cold storage labels that ensure proper handling and clear identification of perishable goods in temperature-controlled environments. Retailer Requirement Expertise: Delivers unmatched understanding of various retailer stipulations, ensuring product compliance.

Graphic Packaging International has been dismissed from the containerboard price-fixing lawsuit that New York-based Artuso Pastry Foods Corp. filed against eight of the largest fiber product producers in North America, according to court documents. Judge Mary M. Rowland of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on Sept. 25 granted Artuso’s request to voluntarily dismiss GPI. Each party will handle its own attorney fees and related costs. The documents note the case will continue against the other defendants, which include Cascades, Georgia-Pacific, Greif, International Paper, Packaging Corporation of America, Pratt Industries and Smurfit Westrock.

Pregis® opened a new 477,000-square-foot paper converting center in Elgin, Illinois, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 19, 2025. The facility will support over 500 manufacturing jobs and can produce more than 1 billion curbside recyclable paper packaging solutions annually. The zero-waste production complex, powered entirely by renewable energy through Renewable Energy Credits, will host multiple production lines for the company’s Protective Paper and Mailing Solutions offering. The facility is expected to divert an estimated 33,000 tons of waste from landfills as brands transition from plastic alternatives. The Elgin site will serve as the company's primary Midwest facility for curbside recyclable paper mailer production. This facility joins four other Pregis mailing facilities nationwide in Arlington, Texas; McDonough, Georgia; Bethel, Pennsylvania; and Reno, Nevada. Investment in this facility enables Pregis to add capacity, improve manufacturing efficiency, and streamline innovation development while enhancing its robust ecommerce product line and expanding fiber-based protective packaging options that address customers' environmental preferences for widely recyclable materials with critical protective attributes for damage-free delivery.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the August 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in August increased 5% compared to August 2024. They were down 1% when compared to the same eight months of 2024. The bleached operating rate increased to 78.2%, tying January 2025 for the highest level over the last 15 months. Unbleached bag & sack shipments were up 6% from last August, but down 5.4% year to date. Total inventories were up 7.3% from the same month last year.

Red Bull broke ground on a new $1.7 billion facility in Concord, North Carolina, following a four-year delay. The facility is a joint manufacturing and distribution center from Red Bull packaging supplier Ball Corp. and Austrian beverage company Rauch Fruchtsäfte. It’s the second manufacturing plant for the companies in the U.S., and is meant to meet local market demand, according to a Red Bull spokesperson. The 2.36 million-square-foot facility is expected to begin operations in 2028 and reach its maximized capacity by 2031, a spokesperson said. It will fill up to 3 billion cans annually and is expected to create 700 jobs. Austria-based Red Bull is building the North Carolina facility as the global energy drink market is seeing growth — it’s projected to reach $125 billion by 2030.

Fulfillment operations today face growing pressure to handle more orders with fewer resources, adapt to shifting material requirements and deliver more sustainable packaging options. Sealed Air is helping its customers meet these challenges by expanding its industry-leading AUTOBAG® brand portfolio with the addition of the AUTOBAG® 850HB Hybrid Bagging Machine — a new automated bagging system engineered to run both poly and paper mailers, giving fulfillment teams the flexibility to choose the right packaging for every order while improving efficiency and supporting curbside recyclable formats. The AUTOBAG® 850HB Hybrid Bagging Machine strengthens Sealed Air's ability to deliver a complete range of protective packaging solutions. By supporting both curbside recyclable paper and traditional poly mailers in one system, it enables fulfillment operations to adapt packaging without slowing throughput. This balance of efficiency, product protection and material flexibility helps e-commerce, direct-to-consumer brands and third-party logistics providers meet the demands of modern fulfillment.

Forrest Gump famously referenced life’s uncertainty with an analogy to a box of chocolates. A similar comparison could be made now for containerboard and box markets: “You never know what you’re gonna get.”  A sustained down cycle for fiber markets could soon end, in part due to this year’s uncommonly large containerboard capacity reductions and a milder-than-feared tariff environment, analysts cautiously suggest. “Time will tell, but this complexion of results suggests that we are approaching an inflection (hopefully positive) based on our experience,” said George Staphos, BofA Securities research analyst. The capacity reductions could help to rebalance supply and demand, correcting a yearslong oversupply that has plagued both North American and global markets. Yet improvements are not expected to be robust or materialize quickly, analysts say. RaboResearch expects containerboard demand to experience a “modest” recovery, with a 0.53% compound annual growth rate through the second quarter of 2027.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of this year and create synergies, especially for their food and beverage packaging business units. Anchor Packaging touts itself as being the eighth largest plastic packaging thermoformer in North America, while Georgia-Pacific is one of the leading fiber and tissue product manufacturers. The companies indicate their combination will create synergies to drive growth and innovation, especially to serve the food and beverage sectors. “This partnership allows us to expand our product portfolio, strengthen our supply chain and accelerate our commitment to innovation,” said Anchor Packaging President and CEO Jeff Wolff in the news release. Anchor Packaging is based in St. Louis and has multiple facilities in Arkansas, Wisconsin and Argentina. TJC has owned the company since 2019, at which time Anchor announced a plan to accelerate growth. The Hermann family, who founded Anchor in 1963, continued to have ownership alongside TJC.

PepsiCo reduced its virgin plastic use by 5% in 2024, exceeding an annual target of 2%, according to the 2024 ESG report it released Aug. 28. This is the consumer packaged goods company’s first such report to detail progress toward its newly revamped sustainability goals, which it announced in May. Chief Sustainability Officer Jim Andrew told Packaging Dive this spring that the company wanted to be transparent with its changes and publicly discuss the reasoning. Since announcing the PepsiCo Positive (pep+) sustainability program in 2021, “We’ve learned a lot, and the world has changed a lot, and so we wanted to incorporate those learnings and those external realities,” Andrew said. The goal updates follow PepsiCo flagging last year in its 2023 ESG report that it was unlikely to meet certain 2025 sustainability targets.

In response to rising demand for recyclable packaging that performs under pressure, Billerud introduces two new cartonboard grades: CrownBoard Carry and CrownBoard Light. Designed for strength and moisture resistance, the new packaging materials expand the CrownBoard portfolio and support brand owners in meeting both performance and sustainability goals. Like all CrownBoard products, the new grades are made from fresh fibers and designed for easy recycling in existing streams. By avoiding wet-strength additives, they align with upcoming EU regulations that will require packaging to be fully recyclable by 2030. “Brand owners and converters are looking for packaging materials that help them reduce carbon footprints, lower EPR fees and meet future recycling regulations. And this is where our new CrownBoard grades really shine” says Niki Jennische, Senior Director Product Management Cartonboard at Billerud.

Sonoco announced Monday that it had reached an agreement to sell ThermoSafe, its temperature-assured packaging business, to private equity firm Arsenal Capital Partners for up to $725 million. The purchase price consists of $650 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis payable at closing, and an additional consideration of up to $75 million if the business meets certain performance targets for calendar year 2025. Sonoco’s long-anticipated divestiture comes amid nearly two years of change for the company. It announced plans to sell ThermoSafe in June 2024, at the same time it announced plans to acquire Switzerland-based metal packaging company Eviosys from KPS Capital Partners. That $3.8 billion deal closed in December 2024, and the ThermoSafe sale is a way to offset the cost.

Sam’s Club China has launched label-free Member’s Mark drinking water, reducing plastic, ink, and energy use, and making recycling easier as part of its sustainable packaging efforts. Sam’s Club China is updating packaging across multiple Member’s Mark products, removing unnecessary plastics and using more recyclable materials, supporting Walmart’s larger sustainability and Project Gigaton goals. The only thing more punk rock than being well-hydrated is a steadfast refusal to be labeled. Now, Sam’s Club members in China can do both. Under the private brand Member’s Mark, Sam’s Club just launched a label-free drinking water, an innovative solution in the company’s journey toward more sustainable packaging. The choice to strip labels from its bottles means Sam’s Club reduces plastic use during manufacturing, leaving just one material to recycle at the end of the bottle’s use. The lack of a label also reduces ink and energy consumption. But fear not: a case of water is the minimum selling unit, so you still get nutrition facts on the outer packaging of the case. Customer response to the new, label-less water bottle will be a key outcome of this trial effort. Sourced from nature, and designed to help protect it, the label-less bottles reflect the cleanliness and quality of their contents.

Sappi Europe is strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable packaging with the launch of Guard Pro OHS and Guard Pro OMH. These two recyclables, mono-material papers, deliver high-barrier protection without compromising production efficiency. Designed to help brand owners meet tightening EU packaging regulations such as the PPWR, the new solutions offer a paper-based alternative to plastic and multilayer foils that is ready for today’s fast-paced manufacturing lines. The paper is available in two finishes: Natural (62, 72 and 92 g/m²), and Gloss (77, 87 and 102 g/m²). It is suitable for direct food contact and complies with toy safety standards, making it ideal for both food and non-food packaging that require secure seal integrity and safety assurance. Typical applications include snacks, dry foods, ice cream flow wrap, hygiene products, and children’s items, where safety, freshness, and compliance are key.

From groundbreaking cans to an inexplicably indestructible bottle, the National Brewery Museum chronicles the fascinating history of beer and its packaging in America. From stoneware to aluminum: Beer packaging has evolved dramatically, reflecting changing consumer needs and technology. Size matters: Half-gallon "picnic bottles" and miniature collectibles show how packaging has adapted to different occasions. Innovation endures: The unbreakable century-old bottle and revolutionary 1935 beer can showcase packaging ingenuity. Tucked into the rolling hills of southwest Wisconsin, the town of Potosi, WI, is home to the restored Potosi Brewing Company complex that houses the National Brewery Museum. Spread across three floors, the museum is a showcase of American brewing history, highlighting classic marketing promotions, beer packaging innovation, and one-of-a-kind curiosities. For beer lovers, packaging enthusiasts, or anyone with a thirst for Americana, it’s a worthy detour 30 minutes from Dubuque, IA. As a refreshing bonus, your $10 admission ($8 for seniors) includes a pint of tap-fresh beer from the main floor brewpub.

Packaging designer and manufacturer PakTech has commissioned a study including 500 packaging experts from the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. The company identifies a “clear gap” between the industry’s perception and reality of plastic use. Over 85% of respondents said that plastic remains essential for the CPG sectors. However, 67% also shared that their companies are taking steps to reduce plastic use or are transitioning to “more sustainable” plastic options. “We commissioned this research to gain deeper insight into the real-world challenges facing European manufacturers and co-packers,” says Gary Panknin, sustainability officer and supply chain manager at PakTech. “What emerges is that while companies are not eliminating plastic packaging entirely, they are actively seeking to move away from virgin and single-use plastics. The real sustainability challenge lies in helping brands overcome barriers to reducing their environmental footprint by using more recycled plastics and making informed, data-driven material choices.”

This according to Fastmarkets Paper Packaging Monitor. On the heals of IP closure of 1.4 million tons of containerboard added to closures by Greif, Georgia Pacific, Cascades, and Smurfit Westrock brings a total of nearly 4 million tons removed from the market this year alone. These closures will send operating rates into the mid-nineties in 2026. We can expect price increase at these operating rates and Fastmarkets is projecting $50/ton next year.

Finnish food and confectionery processor Orkla Suomi wanted to find a paper-based packaging solution to support its goal of increasing the share of renewable packaging materials without compromising recyclability. During a six-month pilot period, new wrappers for Panda brand chocolate bars replace traditionally used PP-plastic wrappers. The new solution uses UPM Specialty Papers Asendo™ barrier paper. The paper’s built-in grease-barrier protection removes the need for an additional plastic layer. A cold-seal lacquer allows the package to be sealed on existing flow-wrap packaging machines, and the new packaging has undergone testing, including shelf-life studies. “We want to make everyday life better with local brands that bring joy and make sustainable choices easier. A great example of our ongoing efforts to replace fossil-based materials with renewable alternatives is the new paper-based, chocolate-tablet packaging,” says Arja Laitinen, packaging developer at Orkla Snacks. Chocolate can be a challenging product to package in paper, due to its relatively high grease level. So the new type of wrapper is based on UPM Asendo Pro 75-gsm barrier paper, which offers the required level of grease-barrier properties and is also certified for food safety to BfR and FDA standards.

The market for specialty papers is continually changing due to demand for sustainable packaging solutions, evolving environmental regulations, new papermaking technologies, and new materials for paper and coatings. The Future of Specialty Papers to 2030, a new report from Smithers, details these trends as well as the latest developments in biobased coatings and alternative fibers, e-commerce and more. According to the new research, the global specialty papers market is predicted to be 28.2 million tonnes in 2025 and projected to grow to 31.3 million tonnes by 2030. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.1% for this five-year period. The largest categories of specialty papers are flexible packaging, printing papers, and printing labels, representing 49% of the 2025 market tonnage. The Impact of Regulations Sustainable packaging structures and the governing policies that support them are key drivers in changing the kinds of products that are made, how they are designed, which raw materials are utilized, and their disposition at the end of their lifecycle. Non-recyclable film structures used in flexible packaging are being displaced by new barrier coated paper structures, which are recyclable. Also included is the requirement for recycled content in the package design. The objective is to reduce packaging waste that goes into landfills. Packaging companies that do not comply with the new regulations will pay a fee that supports the recycling infrastructure. In the EU, a new regulation called the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been enacted to reduce packaging waste and promote recyclable alternatives. Revised in 2025, the new legislation replaced the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). The PPWR imposes strict rules on packaging design, recycling, and waste reduction.

When Kraft Foods Group Inc. and the H.J. Heinz Co. joined forces back in 2015, the goal was to achieve economies of scale and enable Kraft’s brand to piggy-back off of Heinz’s global reach. Ten years on, however, the company’s market capitalization is less than a third of what it was at its peak, and the merger is widely seen as a failure. When your brand stands for something that consumers don’t want, that’s a problem. Just ask Budweiser. At the same time, upstart brands are moving in on staid national brands with health-focused staple products and eye-catching packaging. Consider Goodles, a box macaroni and cheese brand launched in 2021 that has grown its share of the market from 0.6% in 2023 to 4% last year, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Goodles boasts that its products have more protein and fiber than competitors like Kraft Mac & Cheese and Annies. Goodles also defines its competitors by their packaging (Kraft = Blue Box, Annies = Purple Box) and stands out on shelves with its own bold logo and brightly colored boxes. Another reason being blamed for the Kraft Heinz split is consumers’ continuing support of private label brands. In a shift that started during the Great Recession, cost-conscious shoppers have continued their openness to opt for store brands over brand-name staples. Studies have shown that consumers believe private label products are largely similar in quality to their name-brand counterparts, leaving only one thing to differentiate the two: packaging. And yet, it can be hard to pick out the Heinz in a wall of ketchup at the grocery store.

A deal with Walmart comes shortly after one with Amazon. CEO Omar Asali discusses the importance of these enterprise customers and navigating economic uncertainty ahead of the busy holiday season. Ranpak is expanding its automation solutions at Walmart’s distribution centers. Under the multiyear agreement, Walmart will install Ranpak’s AutoFill machines at sites in the Chicago, Dallas, Philadelphia and Sacramento, California, metro areas. Walmart already uses this equipment at an Indianapolis-area fulfillment center, where it automates void filling and box closing to increase productivity.  This is the second major deal Ranpak has landed this year with an e-commerce giant. In January, Amazon agreed to spend $400 million on an eight-year deal to acquire up to 18.7 million Ranpak shares, which will amount to an estimated 17% of the company’s shares when completed.

Walmart is investing to advance automation, increase fulfillment speed to customers and reduce packaging waste in its next-gen fulfillment centers. The retail giant will install Ranpak AutoFill systems across its five next-generation fulfillment centers in a move to streamline its fulfillment process, reduce packaging waste and simplify work for associates. The system, when paired with Ranpak’s Decision Tower, is a fully automated solution for void filling and box closing that leverages AI-powered machine vision technology to precisely measure voids. This enables the optimal amount of paper filler required to protect products during shipment, significantly reducing waste and shipping contents damage while improving throughput. Walmart currently uses Ranpak AutoFill machines at its fulfillment center in McCordsville, Ind. The upcoming deployment will include the retailer’s centers in Greencastle, Pa.; Joliet, Ill.; Lancaster, Texas; and Stockton, Calif.

Follow progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing product recyclability and incorporating recycled content by major packaging companies. Published Oct. 26, 2023 • Updated Aug. 25, 2025 Sustainability commitments have become a powerful force shaping the direction of packaging companies. Consumers, brands, investors and regulators are expected to continue driving this focus on ESG in manufacturing. These goals cover a wide range of environmental concerns. In this tracker, Packaging Dive draws from manufacturers’ annual sustainability reports to show their progress on targets related to reducing emissions and transitioning to more sustainable materials. Companies often use different language or timeframes, which limits the ability for direct comparisons, but this resource can help track their progress year over year. Packaging manufacturers set big sustainability go

Meanwhile, industry observers keep tabs on whether the U.S.’ largest containerboard producers will try to raise prices again amid the ongoing antitrust lawsuit. The class-action antitrust lawsuit that a customer brought against eight of the largest containerboard producers in the United States is progressing. Industry observers and analysts are keeping tabs on whether the companies in question try for another price increase this year despite the lawsuit. In July, Artuso Pastry Foods Corp. filed a complaint in a federal court in Illinois accusing containerboard manufacturers of creating a “cartel” and colluding in a price-fixing scheme during a series of seven price increases from November 2020 to the present. The defendants include Cascades, Georgia-Pacific, Graphic Packaging International, Greif, International Paper, Packaging Corporation of America, Pratt Industries and Smurfit Westrock.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the July 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in July increased 5% compared to July 2024. They were down 1% when compared to the same seven months of 2024. The unbleached operating rate increased to 86.3%, its second highest level over the last 15 months. Bleached food wrapping shipments were up 15% from last July, and 9.6% year-to-date. Inventories were up 8.1% from the same month last year.

Will Ferrero’s WK Kellogg buyout affect packaging? Ferrero Group’s pending $3.1-billion acquisition of WK Kellogg will give it access to Big K’s brands, including manufacturing, marketing, and distribution resources in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. It’s a supply chain plan that broadens its economies of scale for greater shared resources everywhere. This could include packaging efficiencies across the board, including procurement, production operations, logistics, product innovation, and even sustainable packaging. On the latter, Ferrero’s collaboration with Milliken to develop clear, lightweight, recyclable polypropylene packaging for its premium Ferrero Roche candies.

The company is redefining its “core portfolio’ after acquiring Berry. Since finalizing that deal, Amcor has cut roles and begun closing some sites, and has hit some unexpected snags in North America. North American beverage business: During the quarter there were “operating challenges” at multiple high-volume sites, which resulted in higher freight and labor costs, executives explained. The $1.5 billion business now has “new and focused management” addressing challenges. “I’m going to say it very loud and clear: We’re not happy with the performance of the North American beverage business in the fourth quarter,” Konieczny said. Customers faced service issues. “Flexing our capacities with volumes is something that we’re very, very familiar with,” but clearly the business tried to do too much of that, he said.  Downsizing: Over the next few quarters, Amcor will work to stabilize and strengthen North American beverage business performance “before exploring alternatives,” Konieczny said. Across the company, Amcor reported that it has already cut approximately 200 roles since the acquisition was finalized in April. It has also closed one site and initiated the closure of four others. In addition to North American beverage, it’s also identified other less-aligned areas, including “smaller businesses with combined sales of ~$1 billion.” Possible outcomes might include divestitures, restructuring or joint venture ownership models.

With one of the world’s most advanced kraftliner machines, SCA’s Obbola mill, located just outside Umeå in northern Sweden, has taken a significant step into the future. The newly upgraded mill is now delivering on its promise of increased capacity, reliability, and leading sustainability. Take a closer look behind the scenes of this ambitious project and what it means for SCA and society at large in a conversation with Mikael Frölander, VP Marketing and Sales, and Gustaf Nygren, Mill Manager at SCA Obbola

The packaging industry is undergoing a “quiet revolution,” shifting away from “the risky economic path” of continuous plastic production, according to Sian Sutherland, the co-founder at A Plastic Planet. Sutherland tells Packaging Insights that rather than accepting stalled UN Global Plastics Treaty progress and “patchwork regulations,” industry and policymakers should recognize this moment as the “tipping point before transformational change.” “The question isn’t whether this transformation will happen, but how quickly we can accelerate it. Industry leaders already understand their license to operate depends on fundamentally reimagining their relationship with materials — government policy needs to catch up with this reality.”

The metallized flexible-packaging market is poised for significant growth, with projections estimating an increase from $14.8 billion in 2025 to $18.5 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.6%, according to a new study Research & Markets. This expansion is driven by the demand for lightweight, high-barrier packaging solutions that enhance product shelf life, coupled with the burgeoning e-commerce and direct-to-consumer retail sectors. The market is further stimulated by the appeal of innovative packaging in the food, personal care, and pet food industries, as well as its critical role in pharmaceuticals, offering protection against moisture, oxygen, and light. Alox/SiOx PET film emerges as the fastest-growing material segment, offering superior barrier properties and recyclability, which aligns with the circular economy and meets stringent regulatory standards. Mono-extruded structures are also gaining traction due to their high-barrier capabilities and full recyclability, presenting a cost-effective and versatile option for various packaging forms.

On the heels of announcing the creation of a new center for deep tech, Nestlé has forged a new partnership with IBM that will leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost its innovation pipeline by identifying new high-barrier packaging materials. Beyond fast-tracking the identification of future packaging materials, this AI partnership will also consider cost, recyclability, and functionality as it relates to ensuring food safety and quality. Specifically, Nestlé will direct AI to construct a knowledge base of known materials from public and proprietary documents, following a fine-tuned, fit-for-purpose chemical language model that will enable it to learn the representation of molecular structures. That knowledge will be used to learn the correlation between key structural molecular features and the resulting physical-chemical properties, enabling the proposal of new high-barrier packaging materials that shield sensitive products from moisture, temperature swings, and oxygen. Deep tech center’s high-tech R&D redeployment The IBM AI partnership is Nestlé’s latest investment geared toward unlocking “a leaner R&D organization, more agile ways of working, a focused project portfolio, and the redeployment of existing R&D resources.”

Direct-to-consumer shipments of medtech wearables continue to climb—IDC estimates 534.6 million units were shipped in 2024. At the same time, the global wearable market is valued at $103.04 billion in 2025 and will rise to $324.73 billion by 2032. These devices are often high-value, sensitive technologies requiring careful handling, especially as more brands embrace D2C delivery models. With category growth, product fragility, and shifting distribution channels, an optimized packaging strategy has become essential for protecting products, controlling costs, and delivering a strong customer experience. So, what exactly is a wearable? In the medtech world, wearables are electronic sensors worn on—or even implanted in—the body to continuously capture health data. Think wrist-worn smartwatches that log heart rate and activity, arm-mounted continuous glucose monitors, adhesive ECG patches for cardiac monitoring and sleek sleep-tracking rings. As these devices more and more frequently journey from manufacturers, clinics and retailers direct to consumers’ homes, your packaging must evolve. Here are five strategies to balance product protection, user experience and material efficiency:

Huhtamaki took a significant step toward expanding its growth within the molded fiber industry, specifically for egg cartons and egg flats, on April 23 with the acquisition of Zellwin Farms in Zellwood, Fla. Now, 100 days into the integration, both companies are seeing a successful transition with a focus on safety, efficiency, and collaborative innovation. “When we started working with the team in Zellwood, we found a very nimble, engaged and innovative workforce,” said Larissa Larrabee, Huhtamaki Controller who is leading the transition team in Zellwood, Fla. “We have already learned so much from their ability to solve problems and innovate.” The former Zellwin Farms, now Huhtamaki Zellwood, has been serving egg producing customers throughout the Southeastern US from a single site for more than 20 years. It is a successful operation and obviously an attractive business that fits well with other recent Huhtamaki expansions.

Flair Flexible Packaging Corp. is expanding its Canadian manufacturing capabilities with the installation of a proprietary 10-color CI flexographic-printing press and a proprietary solventless laminator at its plant in Calgary, Alberta. To support this growth Flair has also acquired a second plant in Calgary, adding 35,000 sq ft of warehouse and production space, which now serves as the new location for its converting equipment. This investment marks the first in a series of planned expansions to strengthen Flair’s Canadian manufacturing platform, with additional presses and converting equipment in the near future. “Unprecedented disruptions in recent years have exposed supply-chain vulnerabilities across all industries, and we took that as a signal to evolve,” says Young So, Flair President and Owner. “We saw an opportunity to help brand owners stay agile in the face of changing demand by integrating advanced material innovation with onshore manufacturing. Our goal has always been to make high-performance, value-added packaging solutions more accessible to the North American market.” The new investments enable Flair to deliver complete, specialty-packaging solutions manufactured in Canada, including custom laminates for thickness, barrier and performance requirements, as well as bold graphics that help brands enhance visibility and competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Four innovative start-ups selected for solutions that provide barriers for compostable substrates Amcor , a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced the shortlist for its latest Amcor Lift-Off challenge, focused on finding solutions to one of the most important hurdles in sustainable packaging: delivering effective Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR) barriers for compostable substrates, including paper. The four shortlisted start-ups, based across the U.K. and the U.S., will move on to the next phase of assessment. In this latest Amcor Lift-Off competition, several start-up companies presented their cutting-edge solutions to the challenge of providing superior moisture protection in fiber and other compostable packaging materials. Despite being at different stages in the development process, each of the shortlisted companies stood out for their unique approach to tackling this challenge. The four selected teams will now enter a more rigorous evaluation process with Amcor’s R&D and Corporate Venturing teams. This may include technical trials, joint development agreements and potential investment.

Xampla has announced that Huhtamaki’s Taste hot food boxes, featuring the material innovation company’s Morro coating, are now available at Bunzl UK & Ireland. Huhtamaki’s Taste hot food boxes are made in the UK from responsibly sourced paper and are available in various sizes. They display an embossed Morro marque to indicate that the barrier coating is plant-based. Xampla’s Morro material has been developed by researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK. It can offer manufacturers and brands a scalable alternative to conventional coatings amid regulatory and environmental pressures, according to Xampla. Alexandra French, chief executive at Xampla, says: “The launch of Huhtamaki’s Taste boxes with Morro coating represents a new level of success for Xampla.” “Our exclusive partnership with Bunzl sees Morro coating introduced to a significant number of food service operators in the UK and Ireland for the first time, presenting their customers with the latest in SUPD-exempt materials and product innovation.” Moving away from single-use plastic The Morro coating is plastic-free under the European Single-Use Plastic Directive. It provides grease and leak resistance to food packaging and is recyclable

As sustainability climbs the global agenda, one trend is gaining serious traction: paperization—the transition from plastic to paper-based packaging.  Across industries, companies are rethinking how they wrap, protect, and present products with a clear goal in mind: reducing environmental impact. Paper stands out as a packaging hero for several reasons. It’s renewable and recyclable, giving it a clear edge over plastics. Consumers are increasingly choosing brands with eco-friendly credentials, and regulators around the world are tightening restrictions on plastic use. Paper-based packaging offers a practical, scalable solution that satisfies both demands.

A group of major packaging manufacturers, including International Paper and Packaging Corporation of America, has been hit with a federal antitrust lawsuit alleging a coordinated scheme to inflate prices for containerboard materials used in products like cardboard boxes and retail displays. According to Reuters, the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, claims the defendants orchestrated a series of parallel price increases that began in late 2020 and collectively raised costs by approximately 30%. The suit was brought by Artuso Pastry Foods Corp, a Mt. Vernon, New York-based business, which is seeking to represent a nationwide class of buyers that may include hundreds of thousands of businesses. The complaint targets several major industry players, including Georgia-Pacific, Greif, Smurfit Westrock, and Graphic Packaging, in addition to International Paper and Packaging Corporation of America. Per Reuters, the lawsuit accuses these companies of implementing “numerous unprecedented and unjustified price increases,” often in near-perfect synchrony, which it says constitutes a violation of U.S. antitrust law.

The US Government and the EU have announced an import tariff deal, imposing a 15% tariff on most goods entering the US from Europe, with the exception of steel which is still taxed at 50%. But while the agreement may have diffused a trade war, it risks sidelining shared priorities such as climate targets, circularity, and harmonized safety standards. Packaging Insights delves into the tariffs’ potential consequences for the packaging economy and trade relations on both sides of the Atlantic.  “This decision [to impose 15% import tariffs on EU goods] introduces a serious barrier for many EU packaging material providers, especially SMEs,” Iva Werbynska, European ambassador of the World Packaging Organization and managing director at the Czech and Slovak Packaging Institute SYBA, tells us.  “The EU is a global leader in high-quality and sustainable packaging materials — from fiber-based solutions to advanced barrier technologies. A 15% tariff makes these products less competitive in the US market and may discourage transatlantic collaboration at a time when joint innovation is needed most.

Qwarzo founder: Mineral-based coatings to become standard in packaging Regulatory pressure and new consumer demands are pushing the packaging market to incorporate mineral-based coatings, according to Luca Panzeri, founder and CTO at Qwarzo. Panzeri stresses that mineral-based coatings will become the new standard for F&B, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical packaging. He notes that businesses must adopt a different design approach, as replicating plastic with paper can lead to issues. Qwarzo is an Italy-based company that develops plastic and PFAS-free barrier coatings. Packaging Insights speaks to Panzeri about the Qwarzo material and its importance for the future of sustainable packaging. Mineral-based coatings are made from natural compounds like silica, such a Qwarzo, clay, or calcium carbonate. Recently, the company equipped Starbucks and Lavazza with its coating technology, increasing its expansion in the European market.

With the first half of 2025 behind us, Packaging Digest’s January prediction that smart packaging and branding would play a pivotal role in the year’s packaging design strategies is bearing out. The integration of digital technology with physical marketing collateral, including packaging, continues apace. “Today’s consumer expects every brand interaction to reinforce a distinct personality and promise, whether they’re scrolling a mobile ad, picking up a product on shelf, or engaging with content in store or on social,” says Philip Congello, EVP of client success at marketing agency Mod Op. The idea of a brand world will become more prominent, where all aspects of a brand’s visual and experiential elements are unified. This includes packaging, advertising, digital experiences, and in-store displays and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced tech creating a cohesive and immersive brand experience. The brand world is getting bigger.