Snacking takes a hit as consumer spending shifts to food staples

PepsiCo, Mondelēz and Campbell’s are among the companies that noted a slowdown in chips, cookies and other treats as shoppers prioritize essentials such as meats and eggs.

PepsiCo resets packaging sustainability goals, ditches reuse target

The company discontinued some sustainability goals and revamped others for packaging and emissions. PepsiCo says the goals are still ambitious and reflect external challenges to achieving targets.

Ball CFO to depart after less than 2 years in role

Ball will rely on a longtime executive to serve as interim CFO upon Howard Yu’s departure next month. 

CalRecycle unveils new SB 54 text; Wagoner out as CAA’s California lead

The agency will host a public meeting Tuesday to take feedback. Circular Action Alliance, the packaging EPR program’s PRO, plans to hire a new state lead as former CalRecycle director Rachel Wagoner steps aside.

Walmart, Mondelēz, Mars, Nestlé leave the US Plastics Pact

Multiple major members appear to have recently exited the group, which is gearing up to pursue refreshed 2030 targets. Meanwhile, some other companies have doubled down on participation for the next five years.

Packaging innovations: Nestlé ‘self-packing’ cheese will have you saying ‘no whey!’

Plus, ProAmpac discusses a collaboration bringing recyclable paper bags to lawn care, and SIG scales its aluminum-free aseptic carton offerings.

Can Manufacturers Institute to get new president as longtime leader retires

A leader from within CMI’s ranks will take over next month for President Robert Budway, who is retiring after nearly 40 years with the association.

Fiber producers see pricing upside for late 2025 amid capacity, tariff changes

A temporary reduction in tariffs with China and upcoming mill closures by Georgia-Pacific and others could contribute to pricing and demand improvements in the second half of the year, according to analysts.

Domtar nears decision on converting Quebec mill to containerboard

The company did not confirm an official decision yet, but union Unifor says the investment tentatively is a go. Analysts note a current containerboard oversupply, but conditions could change by the time a conversion is complete.

Tariffs push manufacturing into stagnation through 2025: ISM forecast

Revenue is expected to remain flat this year as manufacturers navigate spiking prices and falling demand.

Washington adopts seventh packaging EPR law in the US

All three West Coast states now have extended producer responsibility for packaging laws. Washington’s law, the seventh in the U.S., was backed by multiple CPG and packaging trade groups.

Packaging innovations: SC Johnson’s soap refill system, Amcor and Metsä collaborate on trays

Plus, Nestlé Purina gets a PCR boost and Futamura brings compostability features to sachets.

CNG, Elopak, Hotpack, IP expanding US operations

Malnove, Nelipak, Pregis and UFP also shared expansion updates in the past month. Here’s where packaging manufacturers are growing.

EPR for packaging laws: Dates to know

Maryland and Washington became the sixth and seventh states with packaging EPR laws. In California, CalRecycle is accepting comments on proposed changes to SB 54 regulations.

Updated May 20, 2025

EPA’s future PFAS manufacturing effluent limitation guidelines raise new questions

The Trump administration will pursue regulations for certain manufacturers of chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibers after pausing implementation of a similar Biden-era proposal.

Georgia-Pacific to cut 535 jobs in containerboard mill closure

The company doesn’t believe this mill in Cedar Springs, Georgia, can competitively serve customers in the long-term. While most employees will be let go by August, some will remain to assist with the facility shutdown.

Updated May 14, 2025

Amid industry frustration about fiber price indexes, Bloomberg presents alternative

Existing pricing indexes haven’t kept up with changes in fiber manufacturing and sales over the last several decades, so Bloomberg developed an alternative, according to speakers on Tuesday’s webinar introducing the index.

California compostable packaging restriction could have ‘chilling effect’

The Biodegradable Products Institute says it’s still waiting to hear whether there could be a compliance extension for a key provision of AB 1201 poised to affect compostables in the state come 2026.

Updated May 19, 2025

Maryland Gov. Moore signs packaging EPR into law

Maryland becomes the sixth state with an extended producer responsibility for packaging law. It ramps up reimbursement between 2028 and 2030.

Ameripen names new executive director

The new head has a background in food service packaging and sustainability work and will lead the association “through one of the most consequential periods for packaging policy in U.S. history.”

Inside O-I’s sustainability targets

The glass company recently ramped up its 2030 targets. Sustainability Director Sonya Pump discussed the philosophy around goal-setting, including a focus on energy efficiency and assessing opportunity with evolving technologies.

International Paper to restructure footprint along US-Mexico border

Two facility closures in Texas will accompany investments in that state and in Mexico. Although the closures mean some employees are slated to be laid off, the company said new positions will open due to the investments.

US, China agree to reduce tariff rates for 90 days

By Wednesday, the two countries will charge 10% baseline duties during the period and remove certain retaliatory levies that pushed rates over 100%.

Packaging innovation center scores federal funding to ‘strengthen US manufacturers’

Organizers in Michigan are engaging companies to be part of this pre-competitive research hub that leverages National Science Foundation grant money as well as industry buy-in.

Sealed Air says USMCA exemption minimizes tariff exposure, touts turnaround plans

The protective and food packaging company’s results were down year over year, but CEO Dustin Semach said there are signs of improvement and noted a recent investment in sales staff to regain market share.