Sonoco settles in after years of change, says new consumer packaging leader

Ernest Haynes recently took the helm of the company’s newly reworked consumer packaging Americas business unit. He spoke about operating within a simpler organization and helping employees navigate uncertainty.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 13, 2026

CJ Biomaterials builds toward compostables having their moment in EPR era

The PHA producer commercialized multiple new offerings in recent years, invested in a new Massachusetts polymer science facility and regularly works with composters to tests its products.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 13, 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

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

How packaging manufacturers performed in 2025

Packaging manufacturers are sharing their full-year results and outlooks for 2026. Catch up on results from Smurfit Westrock, O-I Glass, Crown Holdings, Silgan, Amcor and more.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated Feb. 11, 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

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

Manufacturing output, capacity utilization grew modestly in December

The Federal Reserve’s latest manufacturing data indicates a bit more stability for manufacturers. Still, capacity utilization remains below long-term averages. 

By Jeffrey Kinney • Jan. 20, 2026

Russian government takes ‘temporary’ control of Canpack operations

Canpack says it has followed the country’s regulations for 30 years and does not understand the government’s actions. Other packaging companies exited Russia after it launched a war against Ukraine.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 16, 2026

Packaging innovations: Heinz gets a side piece, Butter Wines adds cans

Plus, Saverglass introduces a line of glass wine bottles that are lighter than standard versions.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 16, 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

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

Abandoning packaging sustainability a ‘serious strategic miscalculation’: Bain

Companies are still pursuing sustainable packaging strategies even though they’ve toned down public messaging about it, according to a newly released report from Bain & Co. Substrate switches remain a leading strategy.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 9, 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

AB InBev buys back $3B stake in US metal container plants

The Bud Light maker called the facilities “a strategic component of our business,” noting cost and supply security benefits.

By Laurel Deppen • Jan. 6, 2026

US manufacturing activity dropped in December to lowest point in over a year

Weak demand and tariff effects are weighing on companies as a U.S. military operation in Venezuela adds uncertainty. The Institute for Supply Management questions whether some improvements are a “blip” or signal a turnaround.

By Nathan Owens • Jan. 6, 2026

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

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

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

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

Packaging innovations: Lego favors fiber, Old Bay gets back to basics with metal

Plus, Burgopak designs a supplement pack that’s worth its weight in salt.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 3, 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