Sonoco scales global metal packaging business, downplays tariff exposure

The company is progressing on the integration of Eviosys, now known as Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA. Europe now accounts for nearly 40% of Sonoco’s business, executives noted.

International Paper sees Q1 sales boost despite economic uncertainty

Much of the uptick occurred due to IP’s acquisition of DS Smith in January. Meantime, CEO Andy Silvernail reflected on the company’s transformation during his one year at the helm.

Crown cautiously optimistic for 2025 growth

The cans manufacturer raised guidance for 2025 after a stronger than expected first quarter. Speaking on tariffs, Crown Holdings executives also quantified estimates for direct and indirect impacts.

CPGs unlikely to hit 2025 PCR goals, Ameripen analysis shows

Companies have upped recycled plastic in packaging the last few years. But CPGs still face considerable uncertainty about how recycled materials and related technologies could be regulated going forward.

European Commission approves Amcor acquisition of Berry Global

The approval paves the way for the companies to finalize their $8.4 billion combination, which they now anticipate will occur by the end of April.

Updated April 28, 2025

Packaging innovations: Zyrtec’s flat-front fiber box, Saint James Iced Tea bets on bottles

Plus, a look at new packaging launches from Sonoco, DS Smith, Eco-Products and Pulpex. 

Ardagh Metal Packaging expects ‘minimal impact’ from tariffs

Domestic sourcing, regional production and consumption, lack of empty-can imports and cost pass-throughs in contracts are all benefiting the company, executives said.

Washington EPR for packaging bill heads to governor’s desk

Bill sponsors see the packaging EPR program as a way to bring recycling services to more residents and raise recycling rates. Haulers in the state opposed the bill over cost concerns.

Mauser contract dispute engages Teamsters president, Seattle mayor

Local union officials said there was picketing at a Mauser Packaging Solutions site after workers were locked out amid contract negotiations this month, drawing some high-profile attendees to a rally this week.

PCA’s packaging sales surge despite tariffs’ drag on demand

Packaging Corporation of America says it achieved a revenue milestone in Q1, with bookings and billings also up in Q2 so far. But economic uncertainty is prompting an adjustment to maintenance outage schedules.

TricorBraun names new CEO

The global packaging supplier is bringing in an executive from the truck equipment sector who previously worked with current head Court Carruthers.

Fiber producers could be teeing up another round of price increases

Analysts say that producers are watching tariffs, and whether the seasonal demand uptick will occur this year, as factors in pricing decisions.

Mondelēz reports challenges in lowering virgin plastic

The snack foods manufacturer detailed gaps between its 2024 virgin and recycled plastic trends and its 2025 targets in an annual report.

Packaging groups support combo EPR, bottle bill legislation in Rhode Island

A commission on plastic bottle waste recommended combo legislation as one path forward. Some packaging and recycling group leaders said in an op-ed that the state “can learn from, and leapfrog, other states” with a new bill.

Healthcare packaging an untapped chemical recycling feedstock: report

The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council says its multi-year research into chemical recycling for healthcare packaging shows the material is an untapped feedstock that could help overcome collection and processing hurdles.

Which packaging companies have shuffled their C-suites in 2025?

In the first several months of the year, TricorBraun, Sylvamo, Huhtamaki, Sealed Air, Sonoco, Packaging Corporation of America and International Paper have already announced some notable leadership shifts.

Updated April 24, 2025

PCR use still dogged by pricing challenges: report

The U.S. Plastics Pact released a report with strategies for overcoming barriers to PCR use, including the price disparity between virgin and recycled material.

Tariff turmoil: Box demand dips, recession fears rise

The impact of uncertainty from tariffs already is appearing in the paper and packaging industry, and manufacturers are expressing concern about a potential recession this year, according to analysts.

Massachusetts EPR commission sets timeline for packaging discussions

At its inaugural meeting this week, the MassDEP-led group acknowledged concerns around the state's pace of policy action as well as the complexity of packaging EPR. Recommendations are due to the legislature next January.

Frugalpac’s paper wine bottles scale with Target debut

It’s the first full-scale nationwide rollout of Frugalpac’s paper bottle at a major U.S. retailer, said CEO Malcolm Waugh.

Inside The Recycling Partnership’s policy pivot

Founder Keefe Harrison said the organization’s shift toward recycling policy advocacy has helped spark improvements to recycling systems that can’t be accelerated with grant programs alone.

General Mills projects plastic decreases as product portfolio changes

Availability of food-grade PCR has remained a sticking point, the company suggested. However, it expects the divestiture of its North American yogurt business to decrease its use of flexible and rigid plastics going forward.

Sylvamo to shuffle C-suite upon CEO’s retirement

Sylvamo announced that a new, home-grown leader will take over in January. This comes amid growth for the International Paper spinoff.

Duties coming on aluminum containers from China following US trade ruling

The U.S. government investigated after foil container manufacturers raised issue with imports of trays, lids and more. But U.S. industry is still concerned about Chinese companies transshipping through other countries.

EPR for packaging laws: Dates to know

See the latest updates on producer reporting in Oregon, next steps for SB 54 in California, implementation in Maine, and more.

Updated April 15, 2025