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More producers announce price hikes for containerboard, boxboard

Cascades, Smurfit Westrock and International Paper announced containerboard price increases days after PCA’s, which is being called unprecedented. And boxboard producers announced increases for SBS and FBB.

Updated Aug. 3, 2026

Domtar agrees to pay $1.5M to settle clean air violations

The company will also undertake approximately $2.6 million worth of projects at its pulp and paper mill in Ashdown, Arkansas, to address emissions and to correct inadequate inspection and monitoring practices.

PCA’s $140/ton containerboard price increase considered unprecedented

Packaging Corporation of America’s announced increase is double the typical amount, shocking industry observers. The reported action sent PCA’s — and competitors’ — stocks soaring on Friday.

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

Ardagh Group shared emissions and recycled content updates for its glass and metal packaging businesses.

Updated July 28, 2026

EPR for packaging laws: Dates to know

Minnesota is recruiting for its EPR advisory board and CAA is planning in Oregon for 2028. Maine DEP is determining next steps regarding a stewardship organization and various producer deadlines.

Updated Aug. 24, 2026

Ardagh Metal Packaging resetting capacity in North America, Europe

Metal supply availability in North America improved over the course of Q2, but volumes were still down for the canmaker.

Hope for quick plastic market normalization fades as Iran conflict escalates

July fighting squashed the promise of a June ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz reopening, along with packaging converters’ wishes for plastic price relief. Today, Dow hinted at higher plastic and packaging prices ahead.

Updated July 24, 2026

Data center boom lifts Sonoco’s Q2

Sonoco is investing in reels to help meet wire and cable infrastructure demand for AI data centers, CEO Howard Coker discussed during an earnings call. Sector sales rose 13% in an overall down quarter.

PCA reiterates ‘tight’ containerboard market, higher demand

Despite unplanned downtime from five utility power outage incidents, Packaging Corporation of America executives described strength in the second quarter during a Thursday earnings call.

Labeling, recycled content bills spotlighted in congressional hearing

Ameripen and the Recycling Leadership Council are trying to advance the Pack Act and the Recycled Materials Attribution Act. But critics worry about preemption and mass balance accounting.

OCC price increases evoke divergent effects across value chain

Following a sluggish 2025, OCC prices have climbed through 2026. While recyclers are riding the wave of higher prices, containerboard producers aren’t so excited.

Oregon EPR trial: What to watch next

Attorneys say they’re looking ahead to upcoming post-trial briefings and are considering program structure, compliance and legislative implications in Oregon, California and nationally.

Trump offers to cut aluminum tariffs in half for onshoring promises

Companies that agree to begin work on expanded aluminum production facilities by Jan. 20, 2029, would receive relief for the 50% levy under a to-be-established federal program.

Updated July 21, 2026

US slaps 50% tariffs on many Canada imports

The Section 338 duties apply to a wide variety of products — including paper and wood products — even if they qualify for duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Updated July 21, 2026

Nippon Dynawave extends employee pay at idled Washington plant

While operations at the Longview, Washington, paper mill are still suspended, Nippon Dynawave Packaging extended the August timeline for employees’ guaranteed pay.

Bottle recovery rates dropped in 2024, but other plastic rates rose

A report prepared for the Association of Plastic Recyclers and the U.S. Plastics Pact also indicates a shift in film collection.

3 ways Amazon is evolving packaging materials, formats and systems

In its 2025 sustainability report released this month, Amazon previewed newer efforts around shipping labels, package rightsizing and more.

Packaging innovations: Waiākea splashes into reusable glass bottles

Plus, LyondellBasell, IPG and Duni Group introduce plastic products made from reworked material compositions.

International Paper to close Texas box plant

This closure announcement builds on a string of others from the company, the most recent coming less than three weeks ago.

California blocked from enforcing upcoming ‘truth in labeling’ law

Ahead of an October start date, a federal court has granted a preliminary injunction. The Flexible Packaging Association and American Forest & Paper Association reacted to the news.

Updated July 15, 2026

4 ways tariffs and geopolitics are impacting commodity markets

Metals and plastics experts also offered their perspectives on the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement during the Supply Chain Outlook event.

Amcor’s new North American flexibles president talks growth

The business plans to accelerate investments in the North American footprint, according to new leader Scott Fallon.

5 packaging EPR lawsuits to watch

From Oregon to California, these cases have been filed in the last year.

Graphic Packaging introduces inaugural URB product

GPI’s mill in Waco, Texas, has so far specialized in CRB but will add the new boxboard grade. The shift comes at a time when competitors also are reevaluating their boxboard portfolios.

IP temporarily closes Alabama containerboard mill following storm

While International Paper doesn’t “have a full timeline” for repairs needed on the rain-damaged roof, it hopes to resume operations in August, according to a spokesperson.