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.

Oregon’s PRO aims to collect more EPR data in April

At least 1,200 producers have submitted reports in the state, out of more than 2,300 registered with the PRO. Circular Action Alliance hopes to collect more supply data during a grace period following a March 31 reporting deadline.

International Paper finds buyer for 5 European box plants

IP cannot reacquire any of the divested corrugated plants for 10 years, unless the European Commission determines that market conditions have changed. The commission required the sale for approval of IP’s acquisition of DS Smith.

Smurfit Westrock to close corrugated plant in Oregon

Layoffs at the Portland facility will come in waves, with 72 employees affected in the first round. This closure is part of the packaging company's ongoing footprint optimization plan.

Weighty issue: GLP-1 drugs are reshaping packaging demand

Soaring use of these medications for weight loss is shifting demand, including for packaging manufacturers that serve pharma and food customers. Analysts say the game-changer is an opportunity for innovative companies.

Morris Packaging, Karat Packaging, Nefab, Saica announce expansions

From warehouses to converting facilities, expansions cover a variety of plastic and fiber substrates. Paragon Films, Engineered Foam Packaging, Forming Technologies and Graphic Packaging are also among those growing.

Packaging innovations: Liquid Death’s ‘Kegs for Pregs,’ Crown has a Moment

Plus, brand and packaging company collaborations led to new or redesigned packaging from Dole, Henkel, Furminator, Bubbies Ice Cream, Happy Campers, Berlin Packaging, AeroFlexx, Earthcycle and Verde Bioresins.

Trump pauses most reciprocal tariffs, hikes China’s further

The U.S. will now charge a 125% duty on imports from China, while most other countries will be subject to a 10% rate for 90 days.

Updated April 10, 2025

Packaging M&A highlights from Q1

Packaging Dive followed dozens of deals in the first quarter. Industry observers noted activity in the labels space.

JBM Packaging brings training program to Ohio prison

Moving the machine adjuster training program to the London Correctional Institution in Ohio allowed the company to increase participants’ pay. JBM aims to start real-world envelope production at the site soon.

California confirms EPS food service ware ban

CalRecycle said that after a review, there’s not sufficient data showing covered materials meet a required 25% recycling rate. This clarifies what many had already considered a de facto ban under SB 54.

Maryland EPR for packaging bill heads to governor’s desk

SB 901 calls for reimbursing key recycling collection, transportation and processing costs in the state, including for organics. Maryland would be the sixth state with packaging EPR if Gov. Wes Moore signs the bill. 

Closed loops may help boost US food-grade PCR supply

Industry groups and packaging companies support increasing the use of PCR in food-grade packaging, but progress remains incremental in many cases. 

Trump threatens 50% tariff on China if retaliatory duties stay

The president said Monday that China, which vowed to fight the action, had until Tuesday to back off from its plan for 34% tariffs on U.S. imports.

Updated April 8, 2025

Shareholder advocacy targets flexible packaging, reusables and recycling labels

Proposals remain pending at Mondelēz, Amazon, Home Depot, Kraft Heinz, PepsiCo and Wendy’s. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola, Hyatt, Sealed Air, Starbucks and Wyndham recently reached agreements with shareholder advocates.

Updated April 7, 2025

Mauser, Orbis, Pretium among March packaging company layoffs

Graphic Packaging International and RTS Packaging also are among the companies that announced facility closures in March.