Sonoco lowers full-year guidance, notes ‘targeted restructuring’ in Mexico, Europe

Sales were up following acquisitions, but certain negative signs persisting into Q4 dampened the 2025 outlook.

Avery Dennison works with Walmart to add RFID to fresh categories

The companies say they addressed the longstanding challenge of implementing tracking technology in high-moisture, cold environments, such as refrigerated cases. Walmart hopes better inventory management will reduce food waste.

PCA details Greif integration, upcoming mill energy projects

Packaging Corporation of America spent more time than anticipated getting two mills up to speed following its $1.8 billion acquisition of Greif’s containerboard business in September, executives said on Thursday's earnings call.

A tale of 3 small businesses: How they changed packaging to mitigate tariffs

A Shark Tank startup, skincare brand and local retailer share their stories of navigating changes with packaging suppliers, including through altering materials or dimensions.

Smurfit Westrock removed from price-fixing case, others file for dismissal

Although Smurfit Westrock was dismissed, it’s not entirely out of the woods regarding the containerboard price collusion lawsuit. Separately, other defendants filed individual and collective motions to dismiss.

Prioritizing end markets key to taming EPR tension: PPRC speakers

While some aspects of EPR programs, like ecomodulation, won’t be a priority until later, end market identification should be done up front, according to speakers at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference. 

Polycoated paper proponents prepare for EPR

After its first two years, the industry-formed Poly Coated Paper Alliance is focusing on establishing universal design guidance, as well as further work on end markets and communication.

China’s new pulp import restrictions create ‘black swan event’ for OCC

The announced restrictions on dry-milled recycled pulp imports could set the table for a full ban on the material. While OCC prices dropped, many industry participants are in wait-and-see mode, sources say.

International Paper offloads bag converting to ProAmpac

For ProAmpac, it’s a fourth acquisition growing its paper packaging business since the start of 2024. Meanwhile, International Paper continues its push to streamline its portfolio.

One year after acquisition, GDB details revival strategy for Minnesota film recycling plant

Since acquiring the Myplas USA plant that shuttered after only months in operation, GDB Circular says it has turned the site into a “flagship” facility.

CPGs and suppliers discuss the ‘magic’ of melding packaging design with policy

Sustainable packaging innovation is a balancing act between regulatory compliance and eye-catching design, speakers from Consumer Brands, Graphic Packaging and SmashBrand described during an event.

Amazon, Menasha tout anti-counterfeiting codes, with an eye to Sunrise 2027

Menasha Packaging is offering back-end management for brands, leaning into providing broader supply chain services beyond just supplying packaging itself.

P&G on track for 2030 packaging goals, despite challenges with flexibles

Shareholders did not support a resolution regarding flexible packaging during the company’s annual meeting this week. The CPG is about 80% of the way to making all of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030.

Updated Oct. 21, 2025

EPR anxiety: CPGs and regulators prepare for generational policy shift

Costs, policy divergence and relationships were a big focus at recent events hosted by GreenBlue and the Northeast Recycling Council. CalRecycle, Oregon DEQ, Circular Action Alliance and others weighed in on what’s next.

Mauser to close striking Chicago facility, affecting 168 employees

An Illinois congressman says the closure isn’t about market dynamics, but a corporation “walking away from its workers.” The Chicago situation follows Mauser closing a Seattle plant where workers were striking this summer.

Newsom blocks bill that would further limit PFAS in packaging

While packaging groups opposed the PFAS bill, it was ultimately derailed by pushback from the restaurant industry. The California governor also vetoed a bill to further limit plastic microbeads in certain products.

Updated Oct. 16, 2025

Midwest and South poised for new packaging manufacturing jobs

Pratt Industries, Pregis, Smurfit Westrock and Axium Packaging are among the companies that have announced or opened new or expanded production operations in recent weeks.

Manufacturers focus on supply chain costs, look to AI amid uncertainty

Global disruptions, including tariffs, are hindering manufacturers’ ability to innovate, according to a recent KPMG survey. 

Target rethinking 2025 recyclability, PCR, plastic reduction goals

The retailer said in its newly released sustainability report that it’s “evolving” certain goals as it continues to try to transform packaging for its owned brands.

Amcor hires away Graphic Packaging’s CFO

Stephen Scherger, Amcor’s soon-to-be chief financial officer, will oversee the ongoing Berry Global integration, including portfolio optimization efforts.

EPR for packaging laws: Dates to know

The Maine Department of Environment now anticipates issuing its RFP for a stewardship organization in December. DEP also made some changes to better align with producer reporting categories in Colorado and Oregon.

Updated Oct. 9, 2025

How Pack Expo attendees see packaging materials changing

PMMI plans to expand its polls about expected shifts in the packaging materials that companies use, such as phasing out certain types of plastics. That data could assist OEMs and CPGs in a variety of ways, the association says.

California EPR stakeholders keep pushing through regulatory gray area

A turbulent year of rulemaking has discouraged some on the SB 54 advisory board. Circular Action Alliance says companies should engage now to be ready for a quick turnaround.

Sonoco’s inaugural TV ads put a lens on packaging’s everyday moments

The company tapped into modern tools such as connected TV. Return on investment has been stronger than expected, said a metal packaging marketing director.

PCA closures in Pennsylvania, North Carolina hit 168 jobs

The end-of-year cuts come as the corrugated specialist also integrates newly acquired assets from Greif’s containerboard network into its U.S. footprint.