Manufacturing

  • A stack of unfolded, flat paperboard boxes next to one folded box.
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    Economic uncertainty throws off folding carton market

    Certain economic conditions and policy changes tamped down an expected recovery period in 2025. But the Paperboard Packaging Council projects shipments could turn around in 2026.

    By • Nov. 5, 2025
  • Bundled stacks of flat corrugated boxes.
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    Containerboard production continued downward slide in Q3

    Containerboard capacity cuts could tee up an environment ripe for price increases in early 2026. Conversely, recent boxboard production expansions have resulted in an oversupply.

    By • Updated Nov. 3, 2025
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    1,000+ packaging manufacturing layoffs announced in October

    In a packed month for layoff announcements, California and Illinois were some of the harder-hit states. Affected sites span EPS foam, corrugated boxes, pallets and more.

    By • Nov. 3, 2025
  • Exterior aerial view of Elopak's carton converting plant in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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    Permission granted by Elopak
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    Elopak again growing in US, citing milk carton demand

    The Norwegian carton specialist reported that its new Arkansas factory was profitable in Q3 and will expand again in 2027.

    By • Oct. 31, 2025
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    Permission granted by Georgia-Pacific
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    Georgia-Pacific to close Illinois box plant, affecting 134 employees

    The facility “can no longer competitively serve customers,” a spokesperson said. This marks the company’s exit from operations in Illinois. 

    By • Oct. 30, 2025
  • Exterior of Smurfit Westrock facility in City of Industry, California
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    Retrieved from Smurfit Westrock on October 29, 2025
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    Smurfit Westrock to close California corrugated facility, affecting 141 workers

    CEO Tony Smurfit referenced the closure during a Wednesday earnings call, noting the company will continue “closing down inefficient or loss-making operations” as part of its optimization efforts.

    By • Oct. 29, 2025
  • A variety of paper, plastic, glass and metal packaging on green artificial turf.
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    Packaging manufacturers share Q3 takeaways

    Catch up on results from Greif, Amcor, O-I Glass, Ball, Graphic Packaging International, Sealed Air, International Paper and more.

    By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated 20 hours ago
  • View from above of dozens of tabbed beverage cans
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    Bumpy beverage trends punctuated Q3 for can makers

    Beer distributors and other beverage companies described price pack architecture opportunities, as well as investments in non-alcoholic markets like energy drinks, on recent earnings calls.

    By • Oct. 28, 2025
  • A Smurfit WestRock banner hangs in front of the New York Stock Exchange
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    Courtesy of Smurfit WestRock
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    Q&A

    Smurfit Westrock North America CEO talks post-merger priorities

    Reflecting on more than 30 years with the company, Laurent Sellier describes differences in European and North American markets, EPR impact, the role of “megaplants,” and insights from touring U.S. facilities this year.

    By • Updated Oct. 29, 2025
  • Bales of plastic film packaging are piled next to bales of other plastics and cardboard.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Plastic film recycling has a problem with staying power

    As technological advancements contribute to more facilities mechanically or chemically recycling film, lacking end markets and overall economics are holdbacks — including for a short-lived plant that recently closed.

    By • Oct. 24, 2025
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    Screenshot: Greif/YouTube

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    PCA details Greif integration, upcoming mill energy projects

    Packaging Corporation of America spent more time than anticipated getting two mills up to speed following its $1.8 billion acquisition of Greif’s containerboard business in September, executives said on Thursday's earnings call.

    By • Oct. 23, 2025
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    Smurfit Westrock removed from price-fixing case, others file for dismissal

    Although Smurfit Westrock was dismissed, it’s not entirely out of the woods regarding the containerboard price collusion lawsuit. Separately, other defendants filed individual and collective motions to dismiss.

    By • Oct. 22, 2025
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    A tale of 3 small businesses: How they changed packaging to mitigate tariffs

    A Shark Tank startup, skincare brand and local retailer share their stories of navigating changes with packaging suppliers, including through altering materials or dimensions.

    By Shefali Kapadia • Oct. 22, 2025
  • A ProAmpac display at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2025.
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    International Paper offloads bag converting to ProAmpac

    For ProAmpac, it’s a fourth acquisition growing its paper packaging business since the start of 2024. Meanwhile, International Paper continues its push to streamline its portfolio.

    By • Oct. 20, 2025
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    Permission granted by Myplas
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    One year after acquisition, GDB details revival strategy for Minnesota film recycling plant

    Since acquiring the Myplas USA plant that shuttered after only months in operation, GDB Circular says it has turned the site into a “flagship” facility.

    By • Oct. 17, 2025
  • Two dozen people holding picket signs saying they're striking against Mauser Packaging Solutions stand outside an industrial facility.
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    Courtesy of International Brotherhood of Teamsters
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    Mauser to close striking Chicago facility, affecting 168 employees

    An Illinois congressman says the closure isn’t about market dynamics, but a corporation “walking away from its workers.” The Chicago situation follows Mauser closing a Seattle plant where workers were striking this summer.

    By • Oct. 15, 2025
  • 7 people smile and cut a red ribbon in front of Pregis' new facility in Elgin, Illinois, on Sept. 19, 2025.
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    Courtesy of Pregis
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    Midwest and South poised for new packaging manufacturing jobs

    Pratt Industries, Pregis, Smurfit Westrock and Axium Packaging are among the companies that have announced or opened new or expanded production operations in recent weeks.

    By • Oct. 14, 2025
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    Permission granted by SIG
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    Sponsored by SIG

    Nutritional drinks are fueling the next beverage boom — here’s why packaging innovation matters

    Protein, GLP-1s and wellness trends are fueling nutritional drinks. Packaging must keep pace.

    Oct. 13, 2025
  • Stacks of shipping containers are seen at the Port of Long Beach.
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    Apu Gomes via Getty Images
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    Manufacturers focus on supply chain costs, look to AI amid uncertainty

    Global disruptions, including tariffs, are hindering manufacturers’ ability to innovate, according to a recent KPMG survey. 

    By Shefali Kapadia • Oct. 10, 2025
  • A large screen inside the Las Vegas Convention Center shows the Pack Expo logo and reads "CELEBRATING 30 YEARS"
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    How Pack Expo attendees see packaging materials changing

    PMMI plans to expand its polls about expected shifts in the packaging materials that companies use, such as phasing out certain types of plastics. That data could assist OEMs and CPGs in a variety of ways, the association says.

    By • Oct. 8, 2025
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    PCA closures in Pennsylvania, North Carolina hit 168 jobs

    The end-of-year cuts come as the corrugated specialist also integrates newly acquired assets from Greif’s containerboard network into its U.S. footprint.

    By • Oct. 7, 2025
  • Employee on a desktop computer looking at a diagram of a piece of machinery
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    Permission granted by Combi Packaging Systems
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    Sponsored by Combi Packaging Systems

    The cost of waiting: Why packaging operations are rethinking equipment lead times and complexity

    As production demands intensify, manufacturers are reassessing the trade-offs between customization and speed and turning to smarter, more streamlined solutions.

    By Chris Rempe • Oct. 6, 2025
  • Lithographic printing for Pure-Pak cartons at Elopak’s production plant in Little Rock, Arkansas
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    Elopak CEO talks US growth

    The company has been manufacturing in the U.S. for about five months. CEO Thomas Körmendi said there’s plenty of room to grow in core areas like milk, but sees a future where more soaps and detergents are in cartons.

    By • Oct. 2, 2025
  • An outdoor petroleum facility.
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    Courtesy of ExxonMobil
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    ‘Not a good sign.’ Weak demand continues amid tariff uncertainty: PMI

    In addition to new orders contracting and backlog orders increasing, the government shutdown adds further concerns for manufacturers.

    By Sara Samora • Oct. 2, 2025
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    Fiber, plastic producers announced closures in September

    Closures and layoffs at Domtar, Jindal Films America and Pregis will occur in three states. Meanwhile, Swedish company Billerud is cutting roles in Europe.

    By • Oct. 2, 2025