Manufacturing


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    Mikola249 via Getty Images
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    Fiber producers see pricing upside for late 2025 amid capacity, tariff changes

    A temporary reduction in tariffs with China and upcoming mill closures by Georgia-Pacific and others could contribute to pricing and demand improvements in the second half of the year, according to analysts.

    By May 20, 2025
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    Retrieved from Domtar on May 19, 2025
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    Domtar nears decision on converting Quebec mill to containerboard

    The company did not confirm an official decision yet, but union Unifor says the investment tentatively is a go. Analysts note a current containerboard oversupply, but conditions could change by the time a conversion is complete.

    By May 19, 2025
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    kyonntra via Getty Images
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    Tariffs push manufacturing into stagnation through 2025: ISM forecast

    Revenue is expected to remain flat this year as manufacturers navigate spiking prices and falling demand.

    By Kate Magill • May 19, 2025
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    Courtesy of International Paper
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    CNG, Elopak, Hotpack, IP expanding US operations

    Malnove, Nelipak, Pregis and UFP also shared expansion updates in the past month. Here’s where packaging manufacturers are growing.

    By May 16, 2025
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    EPA’s future PFAS manufacturing effluent limitation guidelines raise new questions

    The Trump administration will pursue regulations for certain manufacturers of chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibers after pausing implementation of a similar Biden-era proposal.

    By April Reese • May 15, 2025
  • A sign for an industrial facility welcoming visitors to Georgia-Pacific's Cedar Springs containerboard mill.
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    Permission granted by Georgia-Pacific
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    Georgia-Pacific to cut 535 jobs in containerboard mill closure

    The company doesn’t believe this mill in Cedar Springs, Georgia, can competitively serve customers in the long-term. While most employees will be let go by August, some will remain to assist with the facility shutdown.

    By Updated May 14, 2025
  • International Paper's new logo.
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    Courtesy of International Paper/Cision
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    International Paper to restructure footprint along US-Mexico border

    Two facility closures in Texas will accompany investments in that state and in Mexico. Although the closures mean some employees are slated to be laid off, the company said new positions will open due to the investments.

    By May 12, 2025
  • Machinery inside Graphic Packaging International's Kalamazoo, Michigan, paperboard production plant.
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    Permission granted by Graphic Packaging International
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    Smurfit Westrock, GPI, Hood Container announced facility closures in April

    Case Paper Co. also disclosed a change to its footprint. Additionally, O-I Glass shared that it’s reevaluating its operations in France.

    By May 5, 2025
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    ‘We’re headed in the wrong direction’: Tariffs drive up prices, hurt output: PMI

    Manufacturers pulled back on production last month as the Trump administration's volatile trade policy caused consumer confusion and a drop in demand, according to the Institute for Supply Management. 

    By Kate Magill • May 1, 2025
  • Exterior view of a manufacturing facility with the Smurfit WestRock logo
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    Courtesy of Smurfit WestRock
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    Smurfit Westrock invests in converting, cuts other production

    Footprint optimization continues nine months post merger. Meanwhile, Smurfit Westrock has felt little material impact from tariffs, in part due to recent supply chain reconfiguration, executives said on Thursday’s earnings call.

    By May 1, 2025
  • A roll of paperboard in an industrial facility.
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    Foto-Video-Studio via Getty Images
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    Greif to close Los Angeles mill, end West Coast coated paperboard production

    Closing the mill, which manufactures CRB and URB, will affect an estimated 72 employees. The move is part of a multiyear cost reduction plan.

    By Updated May 1, 2025
  • Rear view of a person in a Smurfit WestRock jacket and a Cover Guard hat
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    Courtesy of Smurfit WestRock
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    Smurfit Westrock shutdowns to affect 650 employees at 4 facilities

    Production shutdowns are slated for Minnesota, Texas and Germany. They’re the latest actions in Smurfit Westrock’s streamlining efforts since its major business combination last July.

    By Updated May 12, 2025
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    Permission granted by Amcor
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    Amcor completes acquisition of Berry Global

    On an earnings call late Wednesday, Amcor executives detailed intentions for cost reductions and pruning the portfolio, as well as current demand weakness.

    By Updated May 1, 2025
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    w-ings via Getty Images
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    Sonoco scales global metal packaging business, downplays tariff exposure

    The company is progressing on the integration of Eviosys, now known as Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA. Europe now accounts for nearly 40% of Sonoco’s business, executives noted.

    By April 30, 2025
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    temp via Getty Images
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    Packaging manufacturers post Q1 results

    Discussions of tariff impacts are a through line in earnings calls so far. Catch up on commentary from Sealed Air, Ball, Graphic Packaging International, Smurfit Westrock and more.

    By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated May 8, 2025
  • Teamsters President Sean O'Brien speaks behind a podium at a rally at Mauser Packaging in Seattle with a banner that reads 'SOLIDARITY!' in front
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    Permission granted by Teamsters Local Union 117
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    Mauser contract dispute engages Teamsters president, Seattle mayor

    Local union officials said there was picketing at a Mauser Packaging Solutions site after workers were locked out amid contract negotiations this month, drawing some high-profile attendees to a rally this week.

    By April 24, 2025
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    Retrieved from Packaging Corporation of America on February 27, 2025
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    PCA’s packaging sales surge despite tariffs’ drag on demand

    Packaging Corporation of America says it achieved a revenue milestone in Q1, with bookings and billings also up in Q2 so far. But economic uncertainty is prompting an adjustment to maintenance outage schedules.

    By April 23, 2025
  • Various sizes and shapes of disposable food pans and trays made from foil.
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    Nordroden via Getty Images
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    Duties coming on aluminum containers from China following US trade ruling

    The U.S. government investigated after foil container manufacturers raised issue with imports of trays, lids and more. But U.S. industry is still concerned about Chinese companies transshipping through other countries.

    By April 15, 2025
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    International Paper finds buyer for 5 European box plants

    IP cannot reacquire any of the divested corrugated plants for 10 years, unless the European Commission determines that market conditions have changed. The commission required the sale for approval of IP’s acquisition of DS Smith.

    By April 14, 2025
  • A group of people standing on the stairs in front of an industrial building with Nefab signs.
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    Permission granted by Nefab
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    Morris Packaging, Karat Packaging, Nefab, Saica announce expansions

    From warehouses to converting facilities, expansions cover a variety of plastic and fiber substrates. Paragon Films, Engineered Foam Packaging, Forming Technologies and Graphic Packaging are also among those growing.

    By April 11, 2025
  • Exterior view of a manufacturing facility with the Smurfit WestRock logo
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    Courtesy of Smurfit WestRock
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    Smurfit Westrock to close corrugated plant in Oregon

    Layoffs at the Portland facility will come in waves, with 72 employees affected in the first round. This closure is part of the packaging company's ongoing footprint optimization plan.

    By April 11, 2025
  • Two people holding up kegs of Liquid Death branded water.
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    Retrieved from Liquid Death on April 09, 2025
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    Packaging innovations: Liquid Death’s ‘Kegs for Pregs,’ Crown has a Moment

    Plus, brand and packaging company collaborations led to new or redesigned packaging from Dole, Henkel, Furminator, Bubbies Ice Cream, Happy Campers, Berlin Packaging, AeroFlexx, Earthcycle and Verde Bioresins.

    By April 10, 2025
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    aprott via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Weighty issue: GLP-1 drugs are reshaping packaging demand

    Soaring use of these medications for weight loss is shifting demand, including for packaging manufacturers that serve pharma and food customers. Analysts say the game-changer is an opportunity for innovative companies.

    By April 9, 2025
  • Three people examine envelopes while standing next to an industrial machine.
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    Permission granted by JBM Packaging
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    JBM Packaging brings training program to Ohio prison

    Moving the machine adjuster training program to the London Correctional Institution in Ohio allowed the company to increase participants’ pay. JBM aims to start real-world envelope production at the site soon.

    By April 8, 2025
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    Permission granted by NOVA Chemicals
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    Closed loops may help boost US food-grade PCR supply

    Industry groups and packaging companies support increasing the use of PCR in food-grade packaging, but progress remains incremental in many cases. 

    By Hollie Stephens • April 7, 2025