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

    Minnesota-based Applied Adhesives is expanding in the U.K. Plus, PE-backed SupplyOne acquired Wertheimer Box.

    Updated 13 hours ago
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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
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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.

  • A pile of mixed recyclables of different materials, including bottles and containers
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    EPR for packaging laws: Dates to know

    Oregon officials and allies responded in opposition to a motion by the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors for a preliminary injunction to suspend enforcement of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act.

    Updated Dec. 23, 2025
  • Recycle trash bin for bottles and cans in front of the United States Capitol Building
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    Getty Images
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    Will Congress tackle packaging EPR?

    Growing frustration with a patchwork of state laws may fuel more discussion on Capitol Hill of a federal framework, but it would be a long game, sources say. A new bill seeking to harmonize labeling policy could serve as a litmus test.

  • Flexible plastic packaging pouches
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    2025 packaging trends by the numbers

    A $10.4 billion acquisition. Two new EPR laws. A $1 billion kraft linerboard mill investment. These were some of the figures that stood out in the packaging industry this year.

  • Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, speaks at a press conference, alongside members of the Second Amendment Caucus, outside the U.S. Capitol Building on March 8, 2022 in Washington, D.C.
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    Pack Act introduced in Congress to cut through labeling confusion

    The bill, championed by Ameripen, would preempt state laws and call on the FTC to require certain parameters such as third-party certifications for recyclable, compostable and reusable claims on consumer products.

  • Three blue, green and gray waste carts out on a street in Fort Collins, Colorado, on pickup day for household trash, backyard trimmings and recyclable materials.
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    Getty Images
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    Help wanted: State agencies and producers staff up to implement packaging EPR

    Headcount varies widely across the seven states implementing extended producer responsibility programs, with some facing budget limitations. California, Colorado, Minnesota and Washington share their latest plans.

  • Dry ice is being made from a machine while a person's hands wearing protective gear scoops the dry ice pellets.
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    Deep Dive

    Cold-chain packaging companies adapt as dry ice supply falters

    Tight supply of the CO2 used to make dry ice is creating ripple effects across supply chains. Packaging suppliers are stepping up with cold-chain innovations to address the trend and to improve safety and sustainability.

  • A production line seals poultry packages with plastic film made from chemically recycled content
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    Courtesy of ExxonMobil
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    Sealed Air agrees to sell to private equity firm for $6.2B

    The North Carolina-based company reported that the 30-day “go shop” period, during which it solicited 29 alternative acquisition proposals, has ended. Sealed Air reiterated it expects the CD&R acquisition to close in mid-2026.

    Updated Dec. 17, 2025
  • A person stands at a podium in front of an audience in an industrial facility with large paper rolls in the background.
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    Retrieved from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
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    10 packaging expansion announcements to close out 2025

    The grand opening for Pratt Industries’ new box plant in Georgia drew a visit from the USDA secretary. Plus, American Packaging Corp., Plastipak Packaging, PolyFlex and others announced investments.

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    Getty Images
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    Which packaging companies and organizations have shuffled their top leaders in 2025?

    This year saw CEO turnover at Ball, Georgia-Pacific, Graphic Packaging International, Sealed Air, TricorBraun and Huhtamaki, among other leadership changes.

    Updated Dec. 15, 2025
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    Luke Sharrett / Stringer via Getty Images
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    Job market may be ‘turning frigid,’ economist says

    Employers added jobs in November, but only in certain sectors, according to Tuesday’s jobs report. Unemployment rose to 4.6%.

  • Massachusetts State House dome behind container of waste
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    Cole Rosengren/Packaging Dive
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    Massachusetts commission punts on packaging EPR

    A legislative commission, convened by MassDEP, endorsed the idea of a needs assessment for packaging. The group also endorsed EPR for paint, mattresses, batteries and electronics.

  • Two different containers of Sue Bee spun honey made of different plastics and featuring different looks.
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    Permission granted by Sioux Honey Co-op
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    Packaging innovations: Sue Bee honey’s buzzy tub change, Veritiv chills out bulk shipments

    Plus, UPM launches a biobased black pigment, Eat Happy Kitchen spices up with metal and Ajinomoto Cambrooke’s new cap boosts accessibility. 

  • blue plastic bottles crushed together
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    Getty Images
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    4 insights on the state of PET recycling and rPET in packaging

    Thermoforms have a bigger role, and multiple changes are afoot in the rPET landscape — tempering recycled content growth in bottles, the National Association of PET Container Resources’ director of data services explained.

  • Ball cans and bottles.
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    Permission granted by Ball Corporation
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    Ball to acquire majority stake in Benepack

    A German regulatory authority approved the deal Wednesday that would transfer two European production facilities into Ball’s ownership. 

  • A wide shot of Sealed Air's exhibiting area on the show floor of Pack Expo International, with people and machinery throughout
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive/Packaging Dive
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    Sealed Air hires former Sonoco exec to lead food business

    Russell Grissett, an industry leader, is the latest addition to the company in a year of change for Sealed Air, which could be taken private next year.

  • An extreme closeup of a piece of fiber packaging with "100% compostable" stamped into the material.
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    Getty Images
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    Success for composting and EPR programs go hand in hand: report

    Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium laid out a composter reimbursement framework that PROs could build on. Incentives correlate to greater acceptance of compostable packaging.

  • plastic goes down a conveyor belt at a MRF
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    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.

  • TC Transcontinental Packaging sign hanging from ceiling
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    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.