2025 packaging trends by the numbers

A $10.4 billion acquisition. Two new EPR laws. A $1 billion kraft linerboard mill investment. These were some of the figures that stood out in the packaging industry this year.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 23, 2025

Graphic Packaging defends CEO change despite shareholder pressure

Eminence Capital called newly named CEO Robbert Rietbroek’s previous leadership an “unmitigated disaster.” GPI has since released a securities filing detailing the reasons for hiring Rietbroek and firing CEO Mike Doss.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Dec. 22, 2025

10 packaging expansion announcements to close out 2025

The grand opening for Pratt Industries’ new box plant in Georgia drew a visit from the USDA secretary. Plus, American Packaging Corp., Plastipak Packaging, PolyFlex and others announced investments.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 17, 2025

Job market may be ‘turning frigid,’ economist says

Employers added jobs in November, but only in certain sectors, according to Tuesday’s jobs report. Unemployment rose to 4.6%.

By Kate Tornone • Dec. 16, 2025

Ball to acquire majority stake in Benepack

A German regulatory authority approved the deal Wednesday that would transfer two European production facilities into Ball’s ownership. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 2025

Sealed Air hires former Sonoco exec to lead food business

Russell Grissett, an industry leader, is the latest addition to the company in a year of change for Sealed Air, which could be taken private next year.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 10, 2025

Graphic Packaging International names new CEO

CEO Mike Doss will depart at the end of December. Separately, GPI announced a $60 million cost-cutting plan that will result in employee layoffs in 2026.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 8, 2025

Sappi, UPM propose $1.65B graphic paper joint venture

The proposed JV will focus on the European market, but also includes a UPM Minnesota mill. The deal is expected to have broader implications for the North American market upon completion.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 8, 2025

ProAmpac to acquire TC Transcontinental Packaging for $1.5B

The deal continues an M&A streak for ProAmpac as it plans to grow even bigger in flexible packaging.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 8, 2025

TriMas names new CFO as company hones packaging focus

Paul Swart is rejoining the Michigan-based company as it works to complete a $1.45 billion sale of its aerospace business.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 5, 2025

PCA to shut down machines in Washington, affecting 200 jobs

Packaging Corporation of America is slated to permanently close a paper machine and kraft pulping operations at its Wallula mill in early 2026. It’s working on upgrades at other mills to augment the lost capacity.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 4, 2025

November layoff announcements from Printpack, Graphic Packaging, Smurfit Westrock and more

International Paper made up the bulk of the more than 1,000 announced job cuts, many of which are slated to take place in 2026.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 2, 2025

Tariffs remain heart of economic uncertainty: PMI

The levies are having the opposite effect on manufacturing sectors as what was intended, with economic uncertainty leading to manufacturing weakness, said Susan Spence, chair of the ISM’s Manufacturing Business Survey Committee.

By Sara Samora • Dec. 2, 2025

Novvia Group names former waste industry leader as CEO

Bob Boucher joined Novvia in November, replacing Sarah Macdonald upon her retirement.

By Jacob Wallace • Dec. 2, 2025

Orbis, Peli BioThermal, Averra expanding US packaging manufacturing

Amcor, Gaia Biomaterials, Saica, SmartSolve and Wyda are also adding to their American footprints.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 18, 2025

Sealed Air agrees to sell to private equity firm for $6.2B

The North Carolina-based company reported that the 30-day “go shop” period, during which it solicited 29 alternative acquisition proposals, has ended. Sealed Air reiterated it expects the CD&R acquisition to close in mid-2026.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 17, 2025

International Paper to close facilities in California, Kentucky

More than 200 employees will be affected by the closures. This brings the tally of workers affected by IP’s streamlining to more than 4,500 since October 2024.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 14, 2025

Food and beverage trends loom large over packaging earnings

Beef industry struggles specifically came up during packaging, food and beverage companies’ recent earnings calls, as did consumer trade downs and federal changes related to immigration and food assistance benefits.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 14, 2025

Industrial M&A ramps up as tariffs settle in, interest rates drop and funds are flush

Private equity and strategic buyers are increasingly competitive acquirers in numerous areas of manufacturing. Deal experts predict much more activity as the market heats up into 2026.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 13, 2025

Amcor to ramp up North American flexibles production

The company called the protein packaging capacity expansion, which will involve installing new equipment through the first half of 2026, one of its largest investments to date.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Nov. 12, 2025

International Paper to close 5 sites, affecting 500 employees

In recent months, IP executives have referenced the importance of “rightsizing Europe” following the January acquisition of London-based DS Smith. The integration hasn’t fully gone according to expectations.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 12, 2025

Smurfit Westrock to close Atlanta plant, affecting 55 workers

The closure is slated for completion early in 2026 as part of the company’s ongoing optimization efforts.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 10, 2025

Sonoco outlines another restructuring, names leaders

The new business structure will be divided into market regions rather than substrates. A series of M&A deals and executive shifts had put the company in flux since restructuring its core businesses less than two years ago.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 10, 2025

Ball announces sudden CEO transition

The Colorado-based aluminum cans maker announced a new CEO on Monday. The company also recently elected a new board chair and formalized its pick for CFO.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 10, 2025

O-I Glass nears end of network cuts

The manufacturer has closed 8% of its capacity, on the way to a target of 13%. With beer and wine sales declining, O-I is eyeing a more sustainable future in non-alcoholic beverages and food.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 7, 2025