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

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Butterfly Equity acquires ePac

Butterfly is “the right partner that understands and speaks our language,” said Virag Patel, co-founder and CEO of digitally printed flexible packaging specialist ePac, whose investors included Amcor.

USDA organics board rejects compostable polymers, puts paper on watch

While the group is concerned about contamination from synthetic polymers broadly, it’s open to evaluating individual substances or narrower use cases such as fruit stickers or collection bags.

Updated Jan. 15, 2026

Buckeye Corrugated, Specialty Packaging Group open new facilities

A couple of U.S.-based companies also expanded their presence overseas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.