The Latest

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    3 growth areas for CPG packaging

    Private label items and new launches are some of the main factors driving growth in food, according to Circana. Price pack architecture remains important to reach a range of consumers.

    CPG
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2026

    Welch Packaging is growing in Tennessee, Salem One acquired SmashBrand, and Paranova Print and Packaging is a go.

    Updated April 10, 2026
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    The ‘pressure-verse’ calls for packaging strategy resets

    Packaging sustainability is an area experiencing disruption, partly due to consumer sentiment shifts. Companies should revisit business plans because focusing on demand is no longer enough, according to a McKinsey report.

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    Next step in recycling more healthcare plastics: Better labeling

    Leaders of a Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council project in 2026 want to empower hospitals to divert more material through clearer, more standardized labeling of packaging flowing through healthcare settings.

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    Screenshot: Google Maps

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    Clearwater Paper reduces production, employees at Arkansas mill

    The curtailment comes amid ongoing demand pressure for SBS due to an industry oversupply. The company expects to return the mill to full production at some point — if SBS markets rebalance or it converts the mill to produce CUK.

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    Where producers’ EPR money is going in Oregon

    Circular Action Alliance projects spending up to $123 million from producer funding for recycling projects through 2027, including money for new recycling carts, collection trucks and facility upgrades.

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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    From tariffs to Iran war, geopolitics are upending packaging supply chains

    Switching all sourcing to the U.S. is nearly impossible, manufacturers and consumer brands say. In 2026, here’s how some CPGs are thinking about savvy supply chain management.

    CPG
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    CD&R completes acquisition of Sealed Air

    The private equity purchase takes Sealed Air private. Analysts are watching closely to see how CD&R rolls the packaging company into its portfolio and whether it sells segments — a possibility that caused shareholder pushback.

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    Deep Dive

    Don’t call it a comeback: Can containerboard still rebound in 2026?

    Uncertainty from the Iran war and other factors is harshing the “positive vibe” from early in Q1. Most categories driving box demand aren’t doing well, raising questions about whether Q2 could be a “disaster for containerboard.”

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    Oregon EPR legal challenge

    AF&PA can’t join NAW’s Oregon EPR lawsuit, judge rules

    The American Forest & Paper Association, which has noted higher-than-anticipated fees, “remains fully committed to pursuing all available legal and strategic options” to protect members.

    Updated April 8, 2026
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    Courtesy of Matson
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    Deep Dive

    Uncertainty reigns for manufacturers seeking tariff refunds

    Only a small percentage of companies that might be entitled to refunds have sued, while others have filed administrative claims or taken no action yet. “No one really knows for certain what they should be doing,” said one attorney.

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    Metal tariff adjustments aren’t a win for packaging, trade groups say

    Updated Section 232 tariffs took effect this week. Canmakers aren’t getting the targeted relief they wanted, although items like aluminum lids will be subject to lower rates.

    Updated April 7, 2026
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    Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
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    Iran war may dampen packaging M&A in 2026

    While deals are still being announced, they’re coming at a slower pace than analysts had expected — in part due to war-related uncertainty. Meanwhile, predictions for smaller deals and heavy private equity activity are playing out.

  • A large jug of dish soap with Dawn branding on the front and messaging about an easy-pour spout.
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    Courtesy of Procter & Gamble
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    Packaging innovations: Dawn of a new jug, Sunset’s tomato love triangle

    Plus, Blueland adds some plant-based zip to its pouches, PulPac brings plastic-like dry molded fiber to bottle caps, and UFP Packaging launches nail-free crates.

    Updated April 6, 2026
    CPG
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    Courtesy of Tetra Pak
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    Tetra Pak launching $22M facility to support food, beverage innovation

    The company intends to work with food and beverage customers, as well as co-manufacturers, that own Tetra Pak’s equipment. They’ll collaborate on innovation projects from ideation to product launch.

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    New EU guidance on PPWR released less than 5 months from start date

    Europen said the guidance “still falls short of providing the legal certainty and operational clarity businesses urgently require” ahead of Aug. 12. Implementing acts are still in the works.

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    Screenshot: Genpak/YouTube

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    Genpak, Millwood, PCA led packaging layoff announcements in March

    Layoff announcements from numerous companies in March spanned Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Utah and Virginia.

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    Nathan Howard via Getty Images
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    Trump adjusts tariffs for aluminum, steel

    Goods made entirely of the metals will still face a 50% tariff, but the levy will be reduced to 25% for certain derivative goods, effective April 6.

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    PCA closing full-line plant in Richmond, Virginia

    The closure is “a difficult business decision” expected to impact 110 employees come June, Packaging Corporation of America wrote in a WARN letter.

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    Lubricants, wholesaler groups talk EPR lawsuits

    For now, the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association and National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors say they remain focused on Colorado and Oregon, respectively.

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    rPET market challenges further impacted by more closures, trade pressures

    Incentives and trade transparency could help thermoformers and other packaging producers, according to speakers from WM, Republic Services and the Association of Plastic Recyclers.

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    Screenshot: Genpak/YouTube

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    Genpak to close Utah plant, affecting approximately 200 workers

    The decades-old site produces a “large volume of polystyrene containers,” prompting the food service ware manufacturer to realign its footprint “to coincide with legislative changes and consumer demand.”

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    Packaging stocks among hardest hit by Iran war: Morningstar

    Morningstar tracked a packaging stock sell-off over a three-week period. Jefferies also noted this week that packaging manufacturers’ stocks are “significantly underperforming” the S&P 500.

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    Georgia-Pacific names new CEO

    An existing G-P employee and longtime Koch executive immediately takes over the top role. This comes almost eight months after Georgia-Pacific announced the retirement of its previous CEO.

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    Businesses prepping for California EPR and recyclability laws amid lawsuit

    A lawsuit filed last week centers on SB 343, California’s forthcoming labeling law. But SB 54 concerns loom. “It’s a lot to balance in one year,” said Liz Morris of Anthesis Group.