Crate idea: Transport packaging made from recycled Tetra Pak cartons

The polymer and aluminum material, polyAl, that gets separated from fiber during carton recycling is a key material for the new transport crates made by Schoeller Allibert. 

Graphic Packaging International to close Ohio plant, affecting 130 employees

The Ohio closure had been anticipated as part of the company’s effort to consolidate its mill system and focus on new facilities in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Waco, Texas, but it comes months ahead of schedule.

Novolex completes $6.7B acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen

Pactiv Evergreen has transitioned from a publicly traded to privately held company as it is absorbed under Novolex. The combined company becomes one of largest food packaging producers.

Toppan buys Sonoco’s thermoformed and flexibles business for $1.8B

The transaction advances Sonoco’s portfolio simplification plans and will help it reduce debt leverage. Toppan first expanded into the U.S. from Japan in 2016 with a film production facility in Georgia.

Updated April 1, 2025

Manufacturing economy stalls amid tariff confusion: PMI

Purchasing managers’ index data showed a contraction in March. The industry is bracing for the impact of the Trump administration's upcoming "Liberation Day," on April 2, set to bring a slew of tariffs.

Verallia, Saverglass part of anticompetition investigation in France

The country’s Competition Authority carried out unannounced visits on Thursday and Friday as part of its probe into companies’ practices for manufacturing and marketing glass packaging.

Hitting a plateau: Circular packaging designers face flexibles hurdle

Many companies have targets to make 100% of their packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. Now, as they face the hardest categories to transform, some are weighing whether it’s feasible.

Amcor extends open call for novel barrier coatings

The company aims to work with innovators and startups on compostable and recyclable coatings for flexible packaging. Chosen projects could receive up to $500,000 in funding.

Makary confirmed by Senate as FDA commissioner

The Johns Hopkins surgeon will helm the agency as layoffs loom and important decisions on treatments for rare and infectious diseases await.

US states renew push for tethered bottle caps to help recycling

Since last July, companies selling single-use plastic beverage containers in the EU have had to tether caps or lids. California legislators advanced a similar regulation that beverage makers oppose.

International Paper outlines 2027 vision, DS Smith integration plans

“We think we can transform this company,” said CEO Andy Silvernail during an investor day. IP previewed more cost-cutting ahead, plus an estimated $1.9 billion in capital expenditures per year through 2027.

Packaging innovations: Seagram’s slims down, J. Lohr puts cab in a keg

Plus, Wimbée and Koehler Paper cap off a fiber packaging project and Contempo Specialty Packaging keeps plastics and kids out of its cannabis packaging.

URB producers to increase prices as tariffs affect fiber demand

Greif, Sonoco, Cascades and Ox Industries are leading the price increases for uncoated recycled paperboard. Meanwhile, analysts flag that tariff uncertainty has prompted fiber demand shifts.

AI-enabled MRF technology aids food-grade polypropylene recovery: report

A study led by Closed Loop Partners, in collaboration with Greyparrot, analyzed more than 650 tons of material from four U.S. MRFs. 

California packaging EPR implementation moves ahead amid regulatory redo

State officials shared updates in the first SB 54 advisory board meeting since Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a regulatory restart. CalRecycle said it will continue working on multiple other statutory requirements in the meantime.

Ball sells majority stake in aluminum cups business, forming joint venture

Ball believes the joint venture, Oasis Venture Holdings, will grow its underperforming metal cups business, and it anticipates a $25 million year-over-year improvement following the asset sale.

Packaging groups back bipartisan recycling bill in Congress

Companies including Ball, Kraft Heinz and SC Johnson registered their support. This adds to other packaging-related bills in the 119th Congress, including the Steward Act and the Farewell to Foam Act.

Days away from Oregon EPR reporting deadline, cue the ‘compliance anxiety’

In a U.S. first, producers of packaging, paper and food service ware have until the end of the month to report 2024 supply data through Circular Action Alliance’s portal. Oregon plans to start the program in July.

Updated March 21, 2025

Republic opens Indianapolis plastics complex to meet recycled content demand

The location has the company’s second polymer center and a Blue Polymers facility. Together, they’re expected to process 175,000 pounds of recycled plastic annually and in part offer resin for food-grade packaging.

FPI president touts resilience amid industry changes

The COVID-19 pandemic and EPR laws are among the forces driving the food service packaging sector to adapt and increase collaboration, said Foodservice Packaging Institute President Natha Dempsey.

PET thermoform recycling is rising, but still not matching PCR demand

Only 54% of U.S. residents with recycling programs have access to thermoform recycling. That must increase to meet growing postconsumer recycled content demand, according to NAPCOR.

Updated March 20, 2025

Henkel boosts recycled content in plastic packaging

The German consumer goods company’s newly released sustainability report also cited the supplier engagement program it launched last year as being instrumental in reducing emissions.

Packaging manufacturers set big sustainability goals. How are they doing?

PCR exceeded 5% of Berry Global’s resin purchases, according to its newly released 2024 sustainability report.

Updated March 19, 2025

O-I seeks to compete better with cans in North America

As part of an investor day, the glass company shared updates on an ongoing business strategy, including financial targets, cost-cutting efforts, portfolio transformation and growth opportunities.

Recyclers give packaging designers a glimpse into limitations, opportunities in today’s MRFs

Leaders from Republic Services, Rumpke Waste & Recycling and elsewhere discussed their role in recycling plastics at the Sustainability in Packaging US conference.