Deep Dive
Industry insights from our journalists
-
aprott via Getty Images
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.
Katie Pyzyk • April 9, 2025 -
Retrieved from PA Consulting on February 24, 2025
Testing 1, 2, 3: How CPGs get more sustainable packaging to store shelves
Brands face pressures to meet sustainability goals and comply with regulations, all while keeping costs in check as they transition to new forms of packaging. Sealed Air, Sappi and Diageo shared more about collaborative development.
Shefali Kapadia • March 3, 2025 -
Nuclear_lily via Getty Images
Where is packaging industry consolidation likely in 2025? Experts weigh in.
Niche packaging sectors are considered ripe for growth and M&A. Analysts also weigh in on the influence of the Trump administration and whether the megadeal trend will continue in 2025.
Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 30, 2025 -
ArtMarie via Getty Images
Companies lean into paper packaging innovations amid scrutiny of plastic
Growing regulatory and public pressure on single-use plastic is creating market opportunities for fiber products. Pulpex, Paboco, DS Smith and others are helping clients innovate bottles, boxes and more.
April Reese • Updated Jan. 28, 2025 -
Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
E-commerce packaging shows why it’s hip to be square
Squared-off designs often are better for densification, or waging the “war on air,” according to sources from Smurfit Westrock, Paccurate and others. Geometry grows more important as robots and SIOC proliferate.
Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 9, 2025 -
Natalie Behring via Getty Images
Life cycle assessments loom large for the outcome of EPR programs
Oregon is currently unique among U.S. states in using this environmental impact tool in its packaging regulation. Experts say the decision comes with many complex considerations, including about plastic.
Leslie Nemo • Jan. 7, 2025 -
SDI Productions via Getty Images
2024 packaging trends by the numbers
These are some of the stats illustrating key storylines this year in policy and regulation, M&A activity, manufacturing, pricing, recycling, sustainability goals and more.
Katie Pyzyk and Maria Rachal • Dec. 20, 2024 -
Courtesy of O-I Glass
The packaging workforce grew for a decade. Labor shortages and COVID-19 changed that.
The top 12 publicly traded U.S. packaging manufacturers by revenue collectively have more employees than they did a decade ago. Mergers and acquisitions heavily influenced the numbers, but that’s not the only factor.
Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 2024 -
Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
Reality check: AR, VR transforms training for packaging manufacturers
Augmented and virtual reality experiences at Greif, Papacks, Smurfit Westrock and Sonoco are working to boost employees’ skills and safety, pushing packaging manufacturing training into its “next era.”
Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 16, 2024 -
Permission granted by Rare Beauty
‘Everybody benefits’: Why the beauty industry needs to get serious about accessible packaging
Rare Beauty and Target have taken steps to develop guidance around universally accessible design, but the industry isn’t prioritizing it yet.
Caroline Jansen • Oct. 15, 2024 -
Courtesy of NatureWorks
Inside the debate over PLA, the packaging industry’s favorite bioplastic
Polylactic acid has been around for decades, but it only became popular as an option for compostable packaging more recently. While some environmental groups question its credentials, the packaging sector expects demand to grow.
Mary Catherine O'Connor • Oct. 8, 2024 -
K Neville via Getty Images
Hush-hush: Is greenwashing pushback prompting pivot to ‘greenhushing’?
Companies must focus on data to back their sustainability claims instead of resorting to silence, or exaggerations, said sources from groups such as the U.S. Plastics Pact, Glass Packaging Institute and McCormick & Co.
Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 3, 2024 -
Mark Wilson via Getty Images
How much did packaging CEOs make in 2023?
The packaging industry’s largest manufacturers have a wave of new CEOs beginning this year. Here’s a look at how compensation has trended for packaging leaders — and their employees — in recent years.
Maria Rachal, Cole Rosengren and Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 1, 2024 -
Courtesy of Smurfit WestRock
2024 packaging M&A trends: Megadeals are in, destocking hangover is out
Despite several high-profile megadeals between large packaging companies in recent months, small companies make up more volume than meets the eye, according to analysts. And international transactions are gaining prominence.
Katie Pyzyk • July 10, 2024 -
Permission granted by JBM Packaging
Second chance hiring can bridge labor gaps, break employment barriers
Although some companies say they initially hire formerly incarcerated individuals to overcome a labor shortage, these programs can lead to less employee churn, lower recidivism and life-changing impact, advocates say.
Katie Pyzyk • April 30, 2024 -
Permission granted by Elevate Packaging
Compostable packaging take-back programs aim to ease consumer burden, boost recovery
As compostable packaging rollouts outpace access to collection, more companies are looking to make collection less confusing via mail-in or pick-up programs.
Katie Pyzyk • March 13, 2024 -
golubovy via Getty Images
Does this packaging contain recycled plastic? Inside the mass balance debate
An accounting system long used in other industries is gaining prominence in the packaging sector, due in part to the rise of chemical recycling. Companies, trade groups and regulators are weighing the complexities and controversies.
Leslie Nemo • March 5, 2024 -
Nigel Harris via Getty Images
Biodiversity emerges as an ESG priority in packaging, but measurement could be a challenge
As international standards evolve, fiber-based packaging companies are in the spotlight. Smurfit Kappa, WestRock, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Canopy Planet weigh in on what the increased focus means for the industry.
April Reese • Feb. 20, 2024 -
Lindsey Shuey/The Republican-Herald via AP
Carton shortage may last through school year, but brandless packaging brings relief
Pactiv Evergreen said it’s producing half-pint cartons at maximum capacity as a supply chain disruption still challenges dairies and schools. Some people suggest the problem originates from an Ohio converting plant shuttering.
Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 12, 2024 -
Sean Rayford via Getty Images
Customization, AI and scannable codes seen as future opportunities for digital printing
As the technology’s capabilities broaden, converters are “thinking in completely different ways” about packaging production and predicting it will capture some of analog printing's market share.
Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 20, 2023 -
Permission granted by Georgia-Pacific
Brands level up packaging with digital printing’s customization, consumer connection options
From Taylor Swift-printed Amazon boxes to different versions of the same product, digital inkjet printing enables converters such as Fortis Solutions Group, Printpack and Tetra Pak to meet brands' evolving needs.
Katie Pyzyk and Shaun Lucas • Dec. 13, 2023 -
Courtesy of Recology
Compostable packaging’s contested, complicated past doesn’t determine its future
Composters can struggle to manage the wide variety of new packaging entering the market, leading to greater calls for labeling guidelines and testing. Cities like San Francisco and Minneapolis offer case studies in how to make it work.
Mary Catherine O'Connor • Dec. 5, 2023 -
Compostable packaging is still evolving but popular. Here’s where experts say it could be most effective.
From farmers markets to Walmart to stadiums, compostable packaging is on the rise. Elevate Packaging, NatureWorks, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and others weigh in on how to get it right.
Hollie Stephens • Dec. 4, 2023 -
Permission granted by Georgia-Pacific
‘Revolutionary’ digital printing technology uptake expected to accelerate for packaging
DS Smith, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, WestRock, O-I Glass and others are among the companies innovating with this technology, which can increase precision and reduce waste.
Katie Pyzyk and Shaun Lucas • Nov. 29, 2023 -
Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images; Federal Trade Commission
Taming the wild west of environmental marketing: A Green Guides history
More than 30 years after state attorneys general pushed for scrutiny of marketing claims, the packaging landscape is as complicated as ever. Did the guides serve their original purpose?
Mary Catherine O'Connor • Sept. 6, 2023
