The Latest
-
EPR for packaging laws: Dates to know
Colorado approved CAA’s program plan, teeing up implementation next June. In Massachusetts, an EPR commission recommended a potential needs assessment.
Updated Dec. 12, 2025 -
Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2025
Nelipak is expanding its capabilities in thermoformed packaging for medical devices and pharma, D6 is adding an extrusion facility, and ProAmpac is spending big for TC Transcontinental Packaging.
Updated Dec. 9, 2025 -
Commodity values further decline for Northeastern MRFs
MRFs reported lower average prices for nearly all recycled commodities in the third quarter, but glass and bulky rigids provided rare bright spots, according to the Northeast Recycling Council.
-
ProAmpac to acquire TC Transcontinental Packaging for $1.5B
The deal continues an M&A streak for ProAmpac as it plans to grow even bigger in flexible packaging.
-
Graphic Packaging International names new CEO
CEO Mike Doss will depart at the end of December. Separately, GPI announced a $60 million cost-cutting plan that will result in employee layoffs in 2026.
-
Retrieved from UPM on December 08, 2025
Sappi, UPM propose $1.65B graphic paper joint venture
The proposed JV will focus on the European market, but also includes a UPM Minnesota mill. The deal is expected to have broader implications for the North American market upon completion.
-
PCA to shut down machines in Washington, affecting 200 jobs
Packaging Corporation of America is slated to permanently close a paper machine and kraft pulping operations at its Wallula mill in early 2026. It’s working on upgrades at other mills to augment the lost capacity.
-
US and EU can learn from each other’s regulations, packaging groups say
Ameripen Executive Director Lynn Dyer and Europen Secretary General Francesca Stevens described during a webinar some areas of overlap and opportunities for learning among the regions’ EPR approaches.
-
TriMas names new CFO as company hones packaging focus
Paul Swart is rejoining the Michigan-based company as it works to complete a $1.45 billion sale of its aerospace business.
-
Nova Scotia rolls out EPR for packaging program
The province’s new program took effect Dec. 1. Residents can now recycle an expanded list of items, including toothpaste tubes and hot and cold drink cups.
-
Packaging innovations: Lego favors fiber, Old Bay gets back to basics with metal
Plus, Burgopak designs a supplement pack that’s worth its weight in salt.
-
Novvia Group names former waste industry leader as CEO
Bob Boucher joined Novvia in November, replacing Sarah Macdonald upon her retirement.
-
November layoff announcements from Printpack, Graphic Packaging, Smurfit Westrock and more
International Paper made up the bulk of the more than 1,000 announced job cuts, many of which are slated to take place in 2026.
-
Tariffs remain heart of economic uncertainty: PMI
The levies are having the opposite effect on manufacturing sectors as what was intended, with economic uncertainty leading to manufacturing weakness, said Susan Spence, chair of the ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.
-
Amcor eyes ‘dual end of life’ optionality for innovation investments
The company’s long-term R&D strategy includes seeking solutions that work in a future with recycling or composting infrastructure, explained Rebecca Meile, manager of corporate venturing and open innovation.
-
Colorado’s diversion rate could get a boost in 2026 from EPR, other new laws
Colorado municipalities took the lead on improving the state’s recycling and organics diversion rates in 2024, according to a state report. Still, more “top-down” solutions stemming from EPR implementation could help.
-
Stevens, M.O.. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
NAW escalates Oregon EPR lawsuit, seeking preliminary injunction
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is asking a court to suspend enforcement of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act ahead of a next round of producer invoicing.
-
Retrieved from Amoon Spirits on November 24, 2025
Packaging innovations: Amoon Spirits’ vodka stirs up a vortex
Plus, 3 Tres Tequila stacks up its bottles, La Terra Fina cuts plastic in its quiche packaging and Sabert leans into PFAS-free compostables.
-
Say cheese: How Babybel is commercializing its plastic-to-paper makeover
Bel Group is spending millions to adapt its global production lines to handle the fiber substrate instead of biobased plastic, said the VP of research, innovation and development. But the signature red wax isn’t going anywhere.
Updated Dec. 1, 2025 -
Which packaging companies and organizations have shuffled their top leaders in 2025?
Graphic Packaging is the latest major packaging supplier to announce an executive change in 2025, following Ardagh, Ball, Georgia-Pacific, Sealed Air, Verallia and others.
Updated Dec. 10, 2025 -
US senators call on EPA to study reuse, refill
The bipartisan Reuse Act, backed by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jeff Merkley, unanimously passed the Senate and went to the House. Supporters want to assess opportunities in consumer packaging, food service and more.
Updated Nov. 24, 2025 -
Bottle bill talks gain momentum amid America First buzz, EPR
Eager to capture more high-quality material to incorporate into new packaging domestically, leaders from the competing plastic, glass and metal sectors are looking to jointly build on momentum from 2025’s legislative sessions.
-
Private label growth unwraps opportunities for packaging manufacturers
Store brands are outpacing name brands’ growth, according to speakers at a Private Label Manufacturers Association trade show. Those products and shelf-ready packaging are “essential to our model,” said Lidl US CEO Joel Rampoldt.
-
How much further can source reduction in packaging go?
U.S. packaging volumes reportedly fell by about 5 million metric tons between 2019 and 2024, despite population growth and an e-commerce boom. Future progress will require trade-offs, brand owners and packaging converters say.
-
US Plastics Pact weighs pluses and minuses of chemical recycling
The group’s new position paper tackles a polarizing issue. “Too often, these technologies are talked about in extremes — either as a silver bullet or as something to be dismissed outright,” said CEO Jonathan Quinn.