The Latest

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    US Plastics Pact charts progress toward 2030 targets

    2025 marked a turning point for USPP, with focus shifting from foundational work to execution, according to the group’s newly released annual report.

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    Rachel Murray via Getty Images
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    California packaging EPR rules delayed again

    In the latest speed bump for implementing SB 54, CalRecycle withdrew proposed regulations from the Office of Administrative Law's review, noting planned revisions related to packaging for food and agricultural commodities.

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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images

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    Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2026

    Albert Paper Products, Sun Packaging Technologies and Axis Corrugated Container are all under new ownership.

    Updated Jan. 15, 2026
  • A close up of baled plastic recyclable bottles and containers.
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    Abandoning packaging sustainability a ‘serious strategic miscalculation’: Bain

    Companies are still pursuing sustainable packaging strategies even though they’ve toned down public messaging about it, according to a newly released report from Bain & Co. Substrate switches remain a leading strategy.

  • A cheeseburger served in a compostable food container at San Francisco's Jefferson Elementary School, on Dec. 15, 2025. The container is wrapped in plastic film to ensure food safety and to avoid spillage during transport.
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    Permission granted by Mary Catherine O'Connor
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    Deep Dive

    Compostable packaging acceptance remains contentious even as sector scales

    Regulatory questions cloud the segment’s future, as do concerns about feedstocks, material capabilities and compostability claims.

  • Packaged items on refrigerated grocery shelves.
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    5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2026

    Long-anticipated EPR and labeling regulations are poised to have very real impacts. The M&A cycle is advancing. And is there nowhere to go but up for containerboard?

  • Three carts on curb in San Diego - blue for recycling, black for trash and green for organic waste
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    Permission granted by City of San Diego
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    How much plastic, paper, metal and glass are recycled in California?

    For the first time, CalRecycle published estimated recycling rates for materials that will be covered under packaging EPR law SB 54.

  • A pile of plastic bottles.
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    Toxic substances in PET bottles scrutinized by researchers

    Virgin and rPET bottles in Michigan and California leached additives and hazardous chemicals, per a study funded by the Alliance for Mission-Based Recycling. It’s the latest research to raise questions about plastic packaging.

  • a worker hands over a paper bag to a customer's hand
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    Packaging laws taking effect in 2026

    The new year brings additional PFAS regulations, as well as restrictions on plastic bottles at hotels and on certain takeout packaging. Plus, California prepares to implement a long-anticipated labeling law.

  • Budweiser and Bud Light cans
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    Thai Phi Le/Packaging Dive
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    AB InBev buys back $3B stake in US metal container plants

    The Bud Light maker called the facilities “a strategic component of our business,” noting cost and supply security benefits.

  • 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

    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
  • A closeup of beverage cans and bottles for recycling
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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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    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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    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.

  • cardboard boxes on a conveyor belt
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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