The Latest

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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.

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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.

  • A close-up view of corrugated boxes that are banded together and stacked.
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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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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2026

    Albert Paper Products, Sun Packaging Technologies and Axis Corrugated Container are all under new ownership.

    Updated Jan. 15, 2026
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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.

  • Stacks of black plastic food containers being packaged
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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.

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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.

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    5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2026

    Long-anticipated EPR and labeling regulations are poised to have very real impacts. The M&A cycle is advancing. And is there nowhere to go but up for containerboard?

  • Three carts on curb in San Diego - blue for recycling, black for trash and green for organic waste
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    Permission granted by City of San Diego
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    How much plastic, paper, metal and glass are recycled in California?

    For the first time, CalRecycle published estimated recycling rates for materials that will be covered under packaging EPR law SB 54.

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    Getty Images
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    Toxic substances in PET bottles scrutinized by researchers

    Virgin and rPET bottles in Michigan and California leached additives and hazardous chemicals, per a study funded by the Alliance for Mission-Based Recycling. It’s the latest research to raise questions about plastic packaging.

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    Packaging laws taking effect in 2026

    The new year brings additional PFAS regulations, as well as restrictions on plastic bottles at hotels and on certain takeout packaging. Plus, California prepares to implement a long-anticipated labeling law.

  • Budweiser and Bud Light cans
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    Thai Phi Le/Packaging Dive
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    AB InBev buys back $3B stake in US metal container plants

    The Bud Light maker called the facilities “a strategic component of our business,” noting cost and supply security benefits.

  • Hundreds of people in a convention center
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Top packaging trade shows in 2026

    Coming up in Q1: the EPR Think Tank, the East Coast edition of Pack Expo, the Plastics Recycling Conference and more.

    Updated Jan. 5, 2026
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    Courtesy of ExxonMobil
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    US manufacturing activity dropped in December to lowest point in over a year

    Weak demand and tariff effects are weighing on companies as a U.S. military operation in Venezuela adds uncertainty. The Institute for Supply Management questions whether some improvements are a “blip” or signal a turnaround.

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    PCI, Smyth announced layoffs in December

    The pace of packaging manufacturer closure and layoff announcements slowed at the end of 2025. The shutdowns largely are slated for early 2026.

  • The Ashland Recycling Center in Oregon.
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    Courtesy of RecycleOn
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    There are more calls to harmonize state EPR programs. What does that mean?

    Many different stakeholders agree on aligning producer definitions and covered material categories. But other areas should allow for regional individuality and be informed by future results from U.S. programs, some sources say.

  • Wide shot of Graphic Packaging International's booth and signage at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2025
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    Graphic Packaging defends CEO change despite shareholder pressure

    Eminence Capital called newly named CEO Robbert Rietbroek’s previous leadership an “unmitigated disaster.” GPI has since released a securities filing detailing the reasons for hiring Rietbroek and firing CEO Mike Doss.

    Updated Dec. 22, 2025
  • A closeup of beverage cans and bottles for recycling
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    The evolving role of statewide recycling needs assessments

    These reports are a common tool for driving EPR programs. Who should lead the process and decide the data strategy and timeline? And where do they stand in 10 states? Eunomia and CAA weigh in.