What plastic, paper and metal commodity experts are watching with tariffs

Leaders from the American Forest & Paper Association, Can Manufacturers Institute and Plastics Industry Association offered perspectives on challenges and manufacturing opportunities in recycled and virgin materials markets.

Voluntary sustainable packaging goals are on the way out, Gartner says

Companies are aligning their sustainability strategies with emerging legislation, such as EPR laws, according to the consulting firm. Adapting now can have cost advantages down the line.

Unpacking 2025’s private equity activity trends

The first half of the year saw 71 PE deals in containers and packaging, according to PitchBook data. Analysts break down the economic factors influencing PE activity and exits in packaging, or lack thereof.

Sonoco scaling automation, robotics, digital printing

As Sonoco goes through a period of major acquisitions and divestitures, it’s eyeing $65 million in “productivity savings” in 2025 as it focuses on “the needs of our fewer, bigger businesses,” said CEO Howard Coker.

PCA details growth plans after Greif containerboard acquisition

Packaging Corporation of America is poised to benefit from competitors’ cuts to containerboard capacity this year, but the company is watching tariff-driven fluctuations in customer orders, said executives on a Thursday earnings call.

Updated July 25, 2025

International Paper to close California facility, affecting 71 employees

The Buena Park, California, closure is slated for the first week of August. This latest in a string of closures since October 2024 brings IP’s total number of affected U.S. employees to approximately 2,500.

Canmaker Crown Holdings raises 2025 guidance

The company reported that demand in North American food rose 9% during Q2, led by vegetables. It aims to build can inventory by year’s end.

FDA gets feedback on proposed front-of-pack nutrition label

Meanwhile, the Consumer Brands Association continues to push for the existing industry-led Facts up Front label.

Berlin Packaging details progress toward SBTi-validated targets

The global packaging supplier cited innovation in biomaterials and refill systems among the efforts driving growth and sustainability.

Amazon charts 28% drop in North American shipments containing single-use plastic packaging

The e-commerce giant released its 2024 sustainability report on Wednesday, highlighting collaboration with SC Johnson, Mondi, Shorr Packaging, Pregis and more.

Packaging innovations: Huhtamaki’s cool cup compostability, UFP goes to crate lengths

Plus, Stora Enso and Novapor get ready to scale production after a plastic-free foam pilot program.

Congressional hearing aims to leverage chemical recycling for economic value

Speakers from the American Chemistry Council, The Recycling Partnership and the Flexible Packaging Association previewed legislation and called for Congress to prioritize recycling efforts through economic policy.

This is how much money packaging CEOs made in 2024

Tony Smurfit, head of newly formed Smurfit Westrock, had the greatest compensation package among packaging manufacturers in the S&P 500 last year.

Packaging EPR questions circulate after first US state’s law goes live

To report, or not to report: That is an EPR question. Companies learned from their experiences with Oregon’s law, and speakers at the Packaging Recycling Summit shared strategies for easing data reporting and other EPR challenges.

Sonoco, Arglass, Josh Packaging announce investments to expand manufacturing

Plus, Amcor and American Packaging Corp. announced production capacity expansions while E. Hofmann and ValorFlex Packaging of Kentucky are moving into new geographies.

Bag fees are more effective than outright bans, Closed Loop Partners says

All bags — plastic, paper or reusable — come with environmental tradeoffs. But bag fees are the sole legislative tool “guaranteed to reduce the number of single-use bags used,” Closed Loop Partners reported.

Policy tension over on-pack recyclability labeling ‘needs to get worked out’

What's in a label? Good question. As the go-live date for California’s recycling labeling law approaches, industry speakers at the Packaging Recycling Summit underscored the importance of getting some federal standardization soon. 

US plans 30% tariffs on EU, Mexico

President Donald Trump unveiled the new duty rates, set to begin Aug. 1, in separate letters shared on social media.

Reuse system proponents zero in on branding, messaging

Color and slogans are just some of the characteristics that Closed Loop Partners is considering with these novel packaging systems. Meanwhile, PR3 is helping lead an effort to scale a more universal reuse logo.

Packaging innovations: Absolut tops itself with fiber, Aldi is glued to its beer

Plus, Amcor divides up its trays and BiOrigin Specialty Products helps food service operators block grease.

‘Please don’t blame the consumer’: Recycling partners urged to recenter messaging

Brands, packaging companies and recyclers must cater to consumers to improve recycling rates, said Packaging Recycling Summit speakers. When recycling isn’t convenient, the “wheels fall off,” said the U.S. Plastics Pact CEO.

US plans 35% tariffs on Canada imports

President Donald Trump said the duties will take effect Aug. 1 while decrying the country’s retaliatory levies to U.S. tariffs. 

Cascades to close Niagara Falls containerboard mill, affecting 123 employees

Aging infrastructure and high operating costs contributed to the decision to close, according to a Cascades spokesperson. This is the sixth major U.S. containerboard production facility closure in 2025 so far.

Insights from the 2025 Packaging Recycling Summit

Catch up on Packaging Dive’s coverage from the third annual event, including about industry collaborations, prioritizing consumers and the scramble to meet extended producer responsibility deadlines.

Packaging M&A may not rise until next year, analysts say

Deal volume has been somewhat similar in 2025 as in 2024. Tariff uncertainty could dampen growth in the months to come, analysts note.