Manufacturing
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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 Katie Pyzyk • May 20, 2025 -
Retrieved from Domtar on May 19, 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 -
Retrieved from Packaging Corporation of America on February 27, 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 -
Retrieved from Liquid Death on April 09, 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 -
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 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