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

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 Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 5, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Updated Nov. 3, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 3, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Oct. 31, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 30, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 29, 2025

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 Nov. 7, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Oct. 28, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Updated Oct. 29, 2025

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 WM’s short-lived Natura PCR plant.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 24, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 23, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 22, 2025

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

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 Maria Rachal • Oct. 20, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 17, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 15, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Oct. 14, 2025

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