Known for its role in developing technology that delivers more sustainable bottles, Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) is announcing ahead of National Packaging Design Day the creation and launch of PowerPostTM. By actively displacing the vacuum in the container after filling, PowerPost technology delivers a bottle nearly one-third lighter, with 30% energy reduction and 30% carbon savings over most 20 oz (600 ml) bottles available today. It also allows for up to 100% recycled material use and provides a superior consumer experience – no more spills from overflow when consumers first open their beverage. PowerPost is the most advanced lightweighting technology for hot-fill beverages on the market today. PowerPost builds on Amcor’s patented, vacuum-absorbing technology PowerStrap™. The PowerPost base has two key technologies: an invertible, central post that actively displaces vacuum, and PowerStrap, the flexible ring surrounding the post. After filling, the post is inverted to actively displace vacuum inside the container and, as the product cools down, the surrounding ring flexes to passively absorb any remaining vacuum.

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.

Huhtamaki has sold its confectionary trademark portfolio to Highlander Partners, a US based investment firm. Related to the sale, an after taxes gain of approximately USD 16 million will be booked as an item affecting comparability (IAC) during the second quarter of 2018. The sold trademark portfolio was related to Huhtamaki's confectionary business divested in 1996.