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 Katie Pyzyk • May 20, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • May 19, 2025

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

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 Maria Rachal • May 16, 2025

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

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 Katie Pyzyk • Updated May 14, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • May 12, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • May 5, 2025

‘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

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 Katie Pyzyk • May 1, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Updated May 1, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Updated May 12, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Updated May 1, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • April 30, 2025

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

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 Maria Rachal • April 24, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • April 23, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • April 15, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • April 14, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • April 11, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • April 11, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • April 10, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • April 9, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • April 8, 2025

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