Manufacturing

  • A worker builds an appliance on a factory floor.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of GE Appliances
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • Rows of metal cans on a manufacturing line.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Jan. 16, 2026
  • A person's hand dips a french fry into a side compartment that holds ketchup attached to red french fry box.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of The Kraft Heinz Co.
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Jan. 16, 2026
  • A close-up view of corrugated boxes that are banded together and stacked.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    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 • Jan. 15, 2026
  • Sheets of cardboard get folded and stacked by industrial equipment on a manufacturing line.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Buckeye Corrugated, Specialty Packaging Group open new facilities

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

    By • Jan. 14, 2026
  • A close up of baled plastic recyclable bottles and containers.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Jan. 9, 2026
  • Packaged items on refrigerated grocery shelves.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 , • Jan. 8, 2026
  • Budweiser and Bud Light cans
    Image attribution tooltip
    Thai Phi Le/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • An outdoor petroleum facility.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of ExxonMobil
    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • Flexible plastic packaging pouches
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 , • Dec. 23, 2025
  • A person stands at a podium in front of an audience in an industrial facility with large paper rolls in the background.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Dec. 17, 2025
  • A commercial building's exterior features Graphic Packaging International's name and logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Graphic Packaging International
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Dec. 8, 2025
  • An interior view of an industrial facility's production equipment.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from UPM on December 08, 2025
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Dec. 8, 2025
  • An exterior view of an industrial facility with Packaging Corporation of America's logo in blue lettering.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Google

    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Dec. 4, 2025
  • Four children play with Lego bricks and open a paper bag containing the bricks.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of The Lego Group
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Dec. 3, 2025
  • A group of people in work outfits and hard hats sit on the ground
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Dec. 2, 2025
  • Nissan Smyrna Tennessee plant production line
    Image attribution tooltip

    Provided by Nissan Motor Co. 

    Image attribution tooltip

    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
  • An Amcor sign on a building
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Amcor
    Image attribution tooltip

    Amcor eyes ‘dual end of life’ optionality for innovation investments

    The company’s long-term R&D strategy includes seeking solutions that work in a future with recycling or composting infrastructure, explained Rebecca Meile, manager of corporate venturing and open innovation.

    By • Dec. 1, 2025
  • A bottle containing clear liquid with a device at the bottom that creates a vortex inside the bottle.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Amoon Spirits on November 24, 2025
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: Amoon Spirits’ vodka stirs up a vortex

    Plus, 3 Tres Tequila stacks up its bottles, La Terra Fina cuts plastic in its quiche packaging and Sabert leans into PFAS-free compostables.

    By • Nov. 25, 2025
  • A booth at a trade show with Huhtamaki's blue branding and food service products on display.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Private label growth unwraps opportunities for packaging manufacturers

    Store brands are outpacing name brands’ growth, according to speakers at a Private Label Manufacturers Association trade show. Those products and shelf-ready packaging are “essential to our model,” said Lidl US CEO Joel Rampoldt.

    By • Nov. 20, 2025
  • Dozens of people viewing heavy equipment in an industrial facility.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Orbis
    Image attribution tooltip

    Orbis, Peli BioThermal, Averra expanding US packaging manufacturing

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

    By • Nov. 18, 2025
  • A production line seals poultry packages with plastic film made from chemically recycled content
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of ExxonMobil
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Updated Dec. 17, 2025
  • International Paper's new logo.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of International Paper/Cision
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Nov. 14, 2025
  • A person holds a package of meat in a grocery aisle with other types of packaged meats.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Sealed Air on November 14, 2025
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • Nov. 14, 2025
  • An automated automotive assembly line in a factory
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    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 • Nov. 13, 2025