The Latest

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

    Illinois now has a draft recycling needs assessment, which is supposed to be finalized before the end of the year. Meanwhile, Maine regulators now anticipate producer registration and invoicing will begin at the end of 2026.

    Updated July 9, 2026
  • Damaged RFID label on yellow container
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    Permission granted by Polyfuze Graphics Corporation Marketing/Michael Fagle
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    Sponsored by Polyfuze Graphics Corporation

    A $0.03 label took down a $100M supply chain

    The cheapest component in your system may be the most expensive.

  • People sit at tables in a large room while observing speakers sitting in chairs on a stage.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Insights from the 2026 Packaging Recycling Summit

    Catch up on Packaging Dive’s coverage from the fourth annual event, including about brands’ EPR challenges and work toward solutions for recycling film and small-format packaging.

  • Puzzle pieces with packaging
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2026

    Berlin Packaging acquires New Jersey-based O.Berk Co., Supremex is growing in Toronto and Domtar sells EAM to private equity.

    Updated June 10, 2026
    M&A
  • 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

    What’s still to come in the second half of the year? These events bringing together exhibitors, speakers and attendees to discuss the latest in flexible packaging, labeling and more.

    Updated June 29, 2026
  • A collapsed tank amid other equipment at the exterior of an industrial site.
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    Retrieved from Washington Department of Ecology.
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    Longview paper mill disaster

    Washington AG to investigate Nippon Dynawave paper mill disaster

    In addition, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced that it opened new inspections at two other kraft pulp and paper mills in the state, owned by Smurfit Westrock and Port Townsend Paper Co.

  • Bath & Body Works Fruit Fusion
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    Permission granted by Bath & Body Works
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    Packaging innovations: Bath & Body Works launches fresh formats

    Plus, Blue Ocean Closures expands with a product that can enable entirely fiber-based packages. And Amcor and Avery Dennison-backed Pragmatic embeds new NFC-based tracking within packaging.

  • 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 releases sustainability report as CSO departs

    Michelle Fitzpatrick was GPI’s inaugural chief sustainability officer and exits after nearly five years in the role. Meanwhile, the company’s sustainability report showed small regressions on emissions and product recyclability efforts.

  • A variety of small-sized packaging and caps in various colors and shapes.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    A big deal for small packaging: Pilot projects advance recycling

    The Glass Packaging Institute and Closed Loop Partners describe how findings from pilots could be “transformative” for multiple recycling streams.

  • Aerial view of Ineos Styrolution's Channahon site
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    Permission granted by Ineos Styrolution
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    IP, Ineos Styrolution, Smurfit Westrock to shutter plants

    Manufacturers in June announced closures impacting more than 480 workers across California, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey and Tennessee.

  • hands hold two stacked foam food service containers
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    Getty Images
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    California standardizes date labeling, Virginia bans foam food containers

    While 2026 has already seen multiple new packaging laws implemented, the year’s halfway mark brings a few more.

  • a close-up of film plastic and plastic bags
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    Megan Quinn/Packaging Dive
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    Film recycling hits a pivotal moment

    The next 12 months will be crucial for proving viability of flexible film recycling initiatives, said speakers from GDB Circular, General Mills and P&G. Recent pilots already have helped move at least 1.5 million pounds to end markets.

  • A green box of Zyrtec allergy medication with orange messaging.
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    Permission granted by Kenvue
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    Kenvue surpasses 2025 plastic reduction target, falls short on recyclability

    The Listerine and Zyrtec parent company detailed substrate transitions in its sustainability report. New tools are moving sustainability from an afterthought to an upstream design capability, according to a Kenvue packaging leader.

  • a bale of cartons in a recycling facility
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    Courtesy of Carton Council
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    More California MRFs are sorting cartons, easing recent recycling concerns

    New data says the number of carton-sorting MRFs has expanded to serve 62% of California counties, back above a key “recyclable” threshold as part of the upcoming “truth in labeling” law. But recycling rates remain low.

  • Exterior of federal courthouse in Portland, Oregon.
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    Jeff Wells/Packaging Dive
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    EPR legal challenges

    Class-action lawsuit over EPR targets Oregon DEQ director

    In yet another packaging EPR lawsuit, Lollicup USA cites similar grounds as a National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors case. The company wants to represent producers that aren’t covered by NAW’s preliminary injunction.

  • International Paper's new logo.
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    Courtesy of International Paper/Cision
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    International Paper announces shutdowns, layoffs at 4 US facilities

    After a relatively quiet second quarter so far, the company has resumed its 20-month string of facility closure and layoff announcements affecting more than 5,800 employees.

  • Four people sit in chairs on a stage with a large screen next to them displaying data while they address an audience.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    PCR: The other 3-letter packaging mandate on brands’ radars

    Brands are trying to remain in compliance with the increasing number of state recycled content mandates, but material availability and cost remain holdbacks, according to speakers at the Packaging Recycling Summit.

  • closeup of white paper towel or tissue product
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    Getty Images
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    Former Graphic Packaging CEO to lead International Paper spinout

    Mike Doss said he will listen, learn and collaborate as Global Cellulose Fibers finalizes “long-term plans for this new standalone business.” His appointment comes as a class action lawsuit questions some of his actions at GPI.

  • The exterior of a commercial building.
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    Permission granted by Packsize
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    7 packaging facility expansion announcements to start summer

    ACR, Alpla, Packsize and Pratt Industries are among the companies adding production sites or learning hubs.

  • A close-up view of corrugated boxes that are banded together and stacked.
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    Getty Images
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    Cascades doubles down on business case for sustainability

    The fiber specialist laid its path forward in a 2026-2030 sustainability plan. It’s emphasizing supplier vetting and its capacity to assist customers with their sustainability goals as it continues to strive for widely recyclable packaging.

  • Audience members at tables watch four speakers on a stage having a discussion.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    4 EPR takeaways from the Packaging Recycling Summit

    Packaging minds from P&G, General Mills and Just Born Quality Confections, along with municipal waste leaders and other collaborators, discussed the latest compliance tensions and emerging solutions.

  • Hands hold an empty wine bottle
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    Permission granted by O-I Glass
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    CalRecycle invests in bottle recovery, washing

    The agency is backing expanded beverage container redemption, including in underserved areas, and wine bottle washing for reuse. Revino is eyeing opportunities to grow further in the state.

  • four blue recycling carts stand next to each other
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    Getty Images
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    EPR legal challenges

    17 Republican AGs suing over California packaging EPR law

    Less than a month out from a trial in Oregon, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors says it’s joining this California lawsuit as the sole business plaintiff.

    Updated June 23, 2026
  • The exterior of a building with a sign that says Sonoco near cars in a parking lot.
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    Permission granted by Sonoco
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    Sonoco invests in fiber, water upgrades at 2 Midwest cans plants

    The paper cans production and water treatment investments align with the company’s sustainability strategy, explained John Pontrello, VP of operations for consumer packaging in North America.

  • Sheets of cardboard get folded and stacked by industrial equipment on a manufacturing line.
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    Getty Images
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    Containerboard prices rise in June following second round of producer hikes

    This is the first time in at least four years that Fastmarkets RISI’s pricing index has recognized the full hike that producers announced for the month. This brings the net increase for 2026 to $100 per ton.

  • Aerial view of Ineos Styrolution's Channahon site
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    Permission granted by Ineos Styrolution
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    Ineos Styrolution ending Illinois polystyrene production

    Operations are “no longer economically viable,” according to CEO Steve Harrington. About 100 people work at the Chicago-area site.