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

    Ball is growing in Europe while FirmaPak is expanding into Canada. Orbis and Veritiv also announced acquisitions. And Henkel is making a big buy in specialty coatings.

    Updated 3 hours ago
  • A person tips a blue recycling bin containing a clear plastic Starbucks cup into a larger collection bin.
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    Courtesy of Starbucks
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    New year, new label: PP cup recyclability status changes

    The new How2Recycle labels will start rolling out on PP cups this year. Years of collaboration between Starbucks, WM and others resulted in meeting the 60% recycling access threshold, said Paul Nowak, executive director of GreenBlue. 

  • A collection of cans, cartons, glass and plastic bottles laid out on grass
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    Getty Images
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    EPR retains packaging policy spotlight in 2026

    Industry groups are largely focused on state action in the Northeast. Meanwhile, labeling discussions are gaining ground at the federal level.

  • The bottom half of a supplements bottle features a barcode and states 'Bottle is made from 100% PCR CONTENT'
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    Deep Dive

    Plastic scrap imports add to ‘perfect storm’ hitting domestic PCR

    Against a backdrop of rising imports, pricing competition and tariff confusion, an unprecedented number of domestic PET reclaimers closed last year. In 2026, expect more emphasis on policy solutions and local supply chains.

  • Aerial view of an industrial facility with an International Paper sign on the outside.
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    Permission granted by International Paper
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    International Paper to split into 2 companies

    The announcement about spinning off a publicly traded company for the Europe, Middle East and Africa business comes one year after Memphis, Tennessee-based IP acquired London-based DS Smith.

    Updated Jan. 29, 2026
  • A pile of mixed recyclables of different materials, including bottles and containers
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    Getty Images
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    EPR for packaging laws: Dates to know

    CalRecycle has released highly anticipated revised regulation text for SB 54, launching a 15-day window for public comments.

    Updated Jan. 30, 2026
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    Rachel Pollack/Packaging Dive
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    International Paper expects at least 7 closures, 700+ layoffs in 2026

    The cuts in the Europe, Middle East and Africa business are part of IP’s ongoing optimization plan.

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    Getty Images
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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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    Screenshot: Greif/YouTube

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    PCA details efficiency gains at upgraded Greif mills

    After an “unusual” 2025, a “more positive vibe” is emerging among containerboard customers, said Packaging Corporation of America executives. Plus, they’re assessing impacts from the recent winter storm.

  • A paperboard food service boat bearing the Greif logo on the side and the "Envirorap" product name on the end
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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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    Getty Images
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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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    Getty Images
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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
  • An industrial scale machine for manufacturing packaging is displayed at the Pack Expo trade show.
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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.

  • a close up of a bale of recycled cartons
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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.

  • Recyclable material moves on a belt toward a sorting robot made by Glacier
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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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    Getty Images
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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.

  • A worker builds an appliance on a factory floor.
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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.

  • A close-up view of corrugated boxes that are banded together and stacked.
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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.