Smurfit Westrock nearly sold out of most grades in ‘tight’ paper market

Global paper markets “are as strong as I have seen in my lifetime within this industry,” said CEO Tony Smurfit during Wednesday’s earnings call. The main headwind is higher freight costs, prompting SW to raise prices.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 29, 2026

Furnace disruptions crack O-I Glass Q2 results

Sales volumes fell 4.5% in Q2, with issues in Europe dragging down results. O-I is lowering 2027 ambitions shared at its 2025 investor day. The cost savings program, which generated $50 million in net benefits in the quarter, continues.

By Maria Rachal • July 29, 2026

Gerresheimer selling certain assets to private equity

The German pharma packaging supplier is offloading some Ohio-based business. The company also announced a few months ago it was shutting down some operations in Illinois.

By Maria Rachal • July 29, 2026

More producers announce price hikes for containerboard, boxboard

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.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated July 28, 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.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 28, 2026

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.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 27, 2026

Packaging suppliers share mid-year results and reflections

Catch up on second-quarter earnings reports from Smurfit Westrock, O-I Glass, Sonoco and others.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated 7 hours ago

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.

By Maria Rachal • July 27, 2026

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.

By Katie Pyzyk • 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.

By Maria Rachal • July 24, 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.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 20, 2026

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.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 16, 2026

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.

By Maria Rachal • July 15, 2026

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.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 14, 2026

Federal court considers lead plaintiffs in class-action lawsuit against GPI

A federal judge is considering which plaintiff will serve as lead in a securities lawsuit against Graphic Packaging International.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated July 13, 2026

Washington AG to investigate Nippon Dynawave paper mill disaster

In addition, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced that it opened new inspections at two other kraft pulp and paper mills in the state, owned by Smurfit Westrock and Port Townsend Paper Co.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 6, 2026

Graphic Packaging releases sustainability report as CSO departs

Michelle Fitzpatrick was GPI’s inaugural chief sustainability officer and exits after nearly five years in the role. Meanwhile, the company’s sustainability report showed small regressions on emissions and product recyclability efforts.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 2, 2026

IP, Ineos Styrolution, Smurfit Westrock to shutter plants

Manufacturers in June announced closures impacting more than 480 workers across California, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey and Tennessee.

By Maria Rachal • July 2, 2026

International Paper announces shutdowns, layoffs at 4 US facilities

After a relatively quiet second quarter so far, the company has resumed its 20-month string of facility closure and layoff announcements affecting more than 5,800 employees.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 29, 2026

Former Graphic Packaging CEO to lead International Paper spinout

Mike Doss said he will listen, learn and collaborate as Global Cellulose Fibers finalizes “long-term plans for this new standalone business.” His appointment comes as a class action lawsuit questions some of his actions at GPI.

By Maria Rachal • June 25, 2026

7 packaging facility expansion announcements to start summer

ACR, Alpla, Packsize and Pratt Industries are among the companies adding production sites or learning hubs.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 25, 2026

Ineos Styrolution ending Illinois polystyrene production

Operations are “no longer economically viable,” according to CEO Steve Harrington. About 100 people work at the Chicago-area site.

By Maria Rachal • Updated July 16, 2026

What’s next for the US Plastics Pact under new leadership

Crystal Bayliss was named executive director on Monday. The group aims to offer more projects that align with companies’ EPR compliance needs as an entry point for new or returning participants, she told Packaging Dive.

By Maria Rachal • June 16, 2026

Amcor taps Avery Dennison exec to lead global flexibles

Ryan Yost will take over the more than $10 billion flexibles business, which makes up over half of Amcor and is buoyed by major end markets like proteins.

By Maria Rachal • June 15, 2026

URB producers announce second round of 2026 price hikes

Sonoco, Greif and Cascades cite input cost inflation as a leading cause. But strengthening demand also is a factor for this wave of increases.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 12, 2026