The Latest
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Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2024
TricorBraun announced it will acquire Veritiv Containers; Novolex agreed to acquire Pactiv Evergreen; and Inteplast Group has acquired CoolSeal USA.
Updated Dec. 10, 2024 -
Novolex to acquire Pactiv Evergreen in $6.7B deal
The North American companies expect to finalize the all-cash deal in 2025, which would take Pactiv Evergreen private.
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Greif leans into polymers following business segment shuffle
After creating four material-based business segments, Greif’s executives signaled the polymers space holds the greatest growth potential. Executives also announced a $100 million cost-cutting plan.
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Massachusetts governor signs law to form EPR commission for packaging
A special commission, led by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, will report back to the legislature by early 2026. It marks incremental progress in a state known for legislative inaction on waste issues.
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California PRO names former CalRecycle director as state lead
Rachel Wagoner, former director of CalRecycle, will become CAA’s executive director for the state, where she will help oversee the rollout of an EPR for packaging law.
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Dow names new packaging segment president
Keith Cleason immediately takes over the packaging and specialty plastics unit, following Karen Carter’s promotion to chief operating officer.
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Trump’s FDA poised to make mark on food packaging regulation
Crackdowns on food additives and changes to agency operations could be expected based on signals from the picks for HHS, observers suggested. In addition to chemical concerns, there are food labeling issues in play.
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Sonoco completes $3.8B acquisition of Eviosys
The Switzerland-based metal packaging business will transition to Sonoco’s branding in the coming months, bringing its 6,300 employees and 44 facilities.
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Billerud to invest $127M in Michigan plants amid transition to paperboard production
Most of the upgrades will occur at a graphic paper mill in Escanaba, as Billerud strives to transition to paperboard production in North America.
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Coca-Cola lowers ambition with new 2035 packaging sustainability targets
The new goals cover packaging design and collection. The move follows an August statement that it was “behind plan” to meet certain 2030 goals.
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Kansas county sues major plastic producers, alleging deceptive recycling messaging
A class-action lawsuit from Ford County, Kansas, alleges that the American Chemistry Council, Eastman, Chevron, ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell lied about plastic recycling efforts. ACC calls the allegations “meritless.”
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Glass, EPS manufacturing hit in November layoff announcements
Orora Packaging Solutions, Ardagh Glass, Anchor Glass and International Paper were some of the companies that made downsizing and closure announcements across Washington, Florida, California, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
Updated Dec. 3, 2024 -
Note from the Editor-in-Chief
A change in ownership and what it means for our readers.
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Global plastic pollution treaty talks fail in final meeting of 2024
Parties expressed disappointment and determination as they anticipate another international meeting in 2025. Negotiators considered potential tenets like capping plastic production and phasing out certain chemicals and products.
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Packaging companies invest in design, training centers during November
UFP Packaging, TriMas, TransPak, Nefab and others announced openings and investments in innovation or training centers, touting benefits for design collaboration and upskilling.
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Smurfit Westrock becomes latest to announce 2025 price increases
The company is pursuing price increases for corrugating medium and multiple other categories. It’s now at least the fourth company to announce January price increases in recent weeks.
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Berry selling specialty tapes business to private equity for $540M
This adds to a string of divestitures this year under CEO Kevin Kwilinski. It comes a week after Amcor announced plans to acquire Berry.
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Trump calls for 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico
The president-elect also called for additional 10% tariffs on imports from China as part of his Day 1 White House plans.
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International Paper, Georgia-Pacific try for 2025 fiber price increases
The news follows a recent announcement by Packaging Corporation of America and could mark a potential trend heading into the new year. The increases, which cover multiple categories, are set to take effect Jan. 1.
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Packaging converters, brands support EPR as global plastic pollution negotiations near finish line
“These outcomes will have significant downstream impacts on plastic packaging producers and brands,” potentially driving new regulations and investments, said U.S. Plastics Pact CEO Jonathan Quinn.
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Who is Marty Makary, Trump’s pick to head the FDA?
If confirmed as commissioner, Makary would join the agency amidst a massive reorganization of its food division, which included bringing functions from the regulatory affairs and food safety offices into one program.
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EPA calls for developing national EPR framework
The agency released the finalized National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution on Thursday, as the international community seeks to finish negotiating a legally binding agreement on plastic pollution.
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Constantia Flexibles taps former Ardagh leader to be next CEO
David Spratt will assume his position at the Vienna-based company with nearly 10,000 employees in the new year.
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How packaging producers performed in EMF’s 2024 progress report
This week’s Ellen MacArthur Foundation report comes as the plastics world anticipates the conclusion of key global negotiations. Here’s how North American signatories are faring on sustainable design in their portfolios.
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PCA’s new fiber price hike spurs questions for 2025
Amid a general oversupply of fiber, analysts are waiting to see if markets will recognize Packaging Corporation of America’s planned price increase and if competitors will follow suit.