The Latest

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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2026

    PaperTech acquires Bake-Best Trays, CCL Industries acquires Alt Technologies, and Novolex sells its Waddington Europe business unit to private equity firm Endless.

    Updated Jan. 28, 2026
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    The packaging industry outlook for 2026

    Take a closer look at some of the biggest topics and trends that industry leaders expect will shape commodity markets, dealmaking and the future of packaging policy.

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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    Greif emphasizes cost-cutting, organic growth in 2026

    Weak industrial demand impacted Greif’s performance across metals, closures, fibers and customized polymers. The company is forging ahead on cost optimization efforts, but is also investing in its commercial teams.

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    Permission granted by Stephen Gould
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    Q&A

    Stephen Gould’s new CEO talks the ‘art’ of integration

    It’s a new chapter for the nearly 90-year-old packaging and supply chain services provider. Justin Golden took over the long-standing family business this month.

  • Mixed plastic recyclables move on a conveyor belt at Recology's Recycle Central
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    CAA readies California EPR program plan without finalized rules or needs assessment

    Circular Action Alliance says it’s forging ahead but is between a rock and a hard place, as business and environmental advocacy representatives also worry about the implications of pressing toward a January 2027 start.

  • Close-up view of the edge of flattened corrugated boxes, showing the corrugating medium between the linerboard layers.
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    PCA is first major containerboard producer with price increase in 2026

    Analysts expected at least one increase this year as operating rates rise following a 10% capacity pullback in North America. International Paper announced a similar increase on Monday.

    Updated Jan. 27, 2026
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    International Paper sells global cellulose fibers unit for $1.5B

    Private equity firm American Industrial Partners is the buyer in the long-anticipated sale. CEO Andy Silvernail has been pushing to make International Paper a more streamlined, pure-play packaging solutions company.

    Updated Jan. 23, 2026
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Out: M&A megadeals. In: Streamlining and private equity transactions.

    Packaging M&A in 2026 will likely involve more — but smaller — deals, analysts say. Recent megadeals will drive divestitures, and numerous private equity-owned companies are approaching the end of their hold period.

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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    California’s ‘truth in labeling’ law creates uncertainty about carton recycling

    SB 343 is slated to take effect in October. Carton advocates and environmental groups disagree over future markets and labeling for the material.

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    Courtesy of Glacier
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    The top 4 areas AI can benefit packaging circularity today: CGF report

    An estimated 30% of companies are leveraging artificial intelligence today and 70% see the greatest impact in the packaging design stage, market analysis and interviews with Consumer Goods Forum members revealed.

  • Two people sit in chairs on a stage in front of a green background that says Packaging Recycling Summit.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    US Plastics Pact names interim leader as CEO exits

    A familiar face at USPP has taken over as interim executive director following Jonathan Quinn’s departure. 

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    Permission granted by Sonoco
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    Sonoco COO to exit after 40-plus years at company

    Sonoco does not intend to appoint a new chief operating officer once Rodger Fuller retires in late February. Fuller held a variety of leadership roles during his tenure, including interim CEO for Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA. 

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    Getty Images
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    New Jersey adopts law to reduce restaurants’ plastic waste

    The by-request-only policy for takeout utensils and condiment packets adds to similar laws in states including California and Washington and cities such as New York.

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    BPI still seeking compost rulemaking at USDA

    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.

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    Courtesy of GE Appliances
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    Manufacturing output, capacity utilization grew modestly in December

    The Federal Reserve’s latest manufacturing data indicates a bit more stability for manufacturers. Still, capacity utilization remains below long-term averages. 

  • A person's hand dips a french fry into a side compartment that holds ketchup attached to red french fry box.
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    Courtesy of The Kraft Heinz Co.
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    Packaging innovations: Heinz gets a side piece, Butter Wines adds cans

    Plus, Saverglass introduces a line of glass wine bottles that are lighter than standard versions.

  • Rows of metal cans on a manufacturing line.
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    Getty Images
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    Russian government takes ‘temporary’ control of Canpack operations

    Canpack says it has followed the country’s regulations for 30 years and does not understand the government’s actions. Other packaging companies exited Russia after it launched a war against Ukraine.

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    Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    What 2026 holds after containerboard’s historic 10% capacity pullback

    Following a “mild recession,” recovery could be in store — but not a big one. Muted consumer spending will play a large role, say analysts from Bloomberg Intelligence, BofA Securities, RaboResearch and Truist Securities.

  • An operator adjusts a pouch-making machine at an ePac Flexible Packaging facility.
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    Permission granted by ePac
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    Butterfly Equity acquires ePac

    Butterfly is “the right partner that understands and speaks our language,” said Virag Patel, co-founder and CEO of digitally printed flexible packaging specialist ePac, whose investors included Amcor.

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    USDA organics board rejects compostable polymers, puts paper on watch

    While the group is concerned about contamination from synthetic polymers broadly, it’s open to evaluating individual substances or narrower use cases such as fruit stickers or collection bags.

    Updated Jan. 15, 2026
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    Buckeye Corrugated, Specialty Packaging Group open new facilities

    A couple of U.S.-based companies also expanded their presence overseas.

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    Getty Images
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    US Plastics Pact charts progress toward 2030 targets

    2025 marked a turning point for USPP, with focus shifting from foundational work to execution, according to the group’s newly released annual report.

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    Rachel Murray via Getty Images
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    California packaging EPR rules delayed again

    In the latest speed bump for implementing SB 54, CalRecycle withdrew proposed regulations from the Office of Administrative Law's review, noting planned revisions related to packaging for food and agricultural commodities.

  • A close up of baled plastic recyclable bottles and containers.
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    Getty Images
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    Abandoning packaging sustainability a ‘serious strategic miscalculation’: Bain

    Companies are still pursuing sustainable packaging strategies even though they’ve toned down public messaging about it, according to a newly released report from Bain & Co. Substrate switches remain a leading strategy.

  • A cheeseburger served in a compostable food container at San Francisco's Jefferson Elementary School, on Dec. 15, 2025. The container is wrapped in plastic film to ensure food safety and to avoid spillage during transport.
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    Permission granted by Mary Catherine O'Connor
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    Deep Dive

    Compostable packaging acceptance remains contentious even as sector scales

    Regulatory questions cloud the segment’s future, as do concerns about feedstocks, material capabilities and compostability claims.