Investors’ appetites for size, scale drive packaging M&A

Lagging company growth has tamped down M&A activity, but that could shift this year, according to speakers from Perella Weinberg Partners at The Packaging Conference. 2026 is also expected to bring more take-private deals.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 10, 2026

Greif CEO Ole Rosgaard on strategizing for the next 148 years

The CEO discussed with Packaging Dive his outlook for 2026 and Greif’s long-term strategy amid an industrial recession. Changes include recent divestitures, workforce cuts, a new sales strategy and a revamped corporate structure.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 9, 2026

Cascades to exit 2 packaging niches, close 3 plants

More than 100 employees will be affected by the two closures in Quebec and one in Pennsylvania. A fellow Quebec-based packaging company will acquire certain assets at one plant for $9 million.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 6, 2026

Crown Holdings to spend $550M in 2026 to support growth, including international expansion

The canmaker does not intend to add capacity in North America in the next couple years. But the company is carving out capital spending to support capacity expansions and facility upgrades in Brazil, Greece and Spain.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 6, 2026

Silgan looks ahead after disruption to metal container customer base

The packaging company rode out the waves from cans customer Del Monte’s bankruptcy. Silgan also highlighted fast growth in its dispensing and specialty closures business, with an emphasis on healthcare.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 5, 2026

Commerce hits China, Vietnam with duties for molded fiber products

Duties of up to 540% on imported bowls, clamshells and other products follow the U.S. federal government’s decision that certain producers engaged in dumping and received subsidies from their governments.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 5, 2026

Amcor talks GLP-1 opportunities and impacts

During an earnings call Tuesday, Amcor also detailed upcoming synergies and shared updates on integrating Berry Global, including reducing headcount by more than 600 and closing some 20 sites.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 4, 2026

Sealed Air, Tekni-Plex, Waddington announced layoffs in January

Plus, Dow and International Paper announced plans for significant layoffs in the coming months, with specifics yet to come.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Feb. 4, 2026

New Graphic Packaging CEO announces ‘comprehensive business review’

Footprint optimization and a structural reorganization are on the table during a transformational period, said CEO Robbert Rietbroek. Plus, the company is examining the cause of construction cost overruns at its new mill in Texas.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 3, 2026

Ball’s new CEO talks volume runway with added US, European assets

It was Ball’s first earnings call since Ron Lewis took over as CEO and Daniel Rabbitt became CFO. The company just gained two Benepack facilities in Europe and is bringing more can ends manufacturing to the United States.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 3, 2026

How packaging manufacturers performed in 2025

Packaging manufacturers are sharing their full-year results and outlooks for 2026. Catch up on results from Crown Holdings, Silgan, Amcor, Graphic Packaging International, Ball, International Paper and more.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated Feb. 6, 2026

The packaging industry outlook for 2026

Take a closer look at some of the biggest topics and trends that industry leaders expect will shape commodity markets, dealmaking and the future of packaging policy.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026

International Paper expects at least 7 closures, 700+ layoffs in 2026

The cuts in the Europe, Middle East and Africa business are part of IP’s ongoing optimization plan.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 29, 2026

International Paper to split into 2 companies

The announcement about spinning off a publicly traded company for the Europe, Middle East and Africa business comes one year after Memphis, Tennessee-based IP acquired London-based DS Smith.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Jan. 29, 2026

PCA details efficiency gains at upgraded Greif mills

After an “unusual” 2025, a “more positive vibe” is emerging among containerboard customers, said Packaging Corporation of America executives. Plus, they’re assessing impacts from the recent winter storm.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 28, 2026

Greif emphasizes cost-cutting, organic growth in 2026

Weak industrial demand impacted Greif’s performance across metals, closures, fibers and customized polymers. The company is forging ahead on cost optimization efforts, but is also investing in its commercial teams.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 28, 2026

Stephen Gould’s new CEO talks the ‘art’ of integration

It’s a new chapter for the nearly 90-year-old packaging and supply chain services provider. Justin Golden took over the long-standing family business this month.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 27, 2026

PCA is first major containerboard producer with price increase in 2026

Analysts expected at least one increase this year as operating rates rise following a 10% capacity pullback in North America. International Paper announced a similar increase on Monday.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Jan. 27, 2026

Out: M&A megadeals. In: Streamlining and private equity transactions.

Packaging M&A in 2026 will likely involve more — but smaller — deals, analysts say. Recent megadeals will drive divestitures, and numerous private equity-owned companies are approaching the end of their hold period.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 22, 2026

US Plastics Pact names interim leader as CEO exits

A familiar face at USPP has taken over as interim executive director following Jonathan Quinn’s departure. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 22, 2026

Sonoco COO to exit after 40-plus years at company

Sonoco does not intend to appoint a new chief operating officer once Rodger Fuller retires in late February. Fuller held a variety of leadership roles during his tenure, including interim CEO for Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 21, 2026

What 2026 holds after containerboard’s historic 10% capacity pullback

Following a “mild recession,” recovery could be in store — but not a big one. Muted consumer spending will play a large role, say analysts from Bloomberg Intelligence, BofA Securities, RaboResearch and Truist Securities.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 15, 2026

Butterfly Equity acquires ePac

Butterfly is “the right partner that understands and speaks our language,” said Virag Patel, co-founder and CEO of digitally printed flexible packaging specialist ePac, whose investors included Amcor.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 15, 2026

Buckeye Corrugated, Specialty Packaging Group open new facilities

A couple of U.S.-based companies also expanded their presence overseas.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 14, 2026

5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2026

Long-anticipated EPR and labeling regulations are poised to have very real impacts. The M&A cycle is advancing. And is there nowhere to go but up for containerboard?

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Jan. 8, 2026