Fire and ice cool International Paper’s Q1 earnings

January and February incidents resulted in notable charges. CEO Mark Sutton, during his last earnings call before retirement, discussed volume trends but didn’t comment on the announced DS Smith acquisition.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 26, 2024

CMI weighs in on Biden’s call for tariff increases

Trade with China is a key issue ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Can Manufacturers Institute says the Biden administration should take greater action to mitigate impacts from steel and aluminum imported goods.

By Maria Rachal • April 19, 2024

Eviction threat looms as film recycler Myplas accrues $1.3M in unpaid bills

Unexpected financial challenges occurred shortly after the company launched its highly anticipated Minnesota polyethylene film recycling operation in December, according to Peter Shippen, Myplas board chair.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated April 15, 2024

Is hemp the next revolution for sustainable packaging? Startup element6 Dynamics thinks so.

CEO Kimberly Kovacs details the company’s push to use industrial hemp for making paper and packaging, which she says is a more sustainable option than tree pulp.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 8, 2024

ND Paper, Opus, Jindal among March plant shutdown announcements

More than 300 employees are expected to be affected by temporary or permanent shutdowns in Georgia, Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 2, 2024

Robots’ value proposition evolves in packaging and manufacturing

Speakers from Delkor, Fanuc, PMMI and others shared insights at Pack Expo East into the current state of workforce gaps and adoption of automation and other solutions.

By Maria Rachal • April 2, 2024

Manufacturing is ‘highly likely in our next growth cycle’: March PMI

The industry was buoyed by a rise in demand and production rates last month, encouraging manufacturers to invest more in capacity.

By Kate Magill • April 1, 2024

How IT and OT can team up on cybersecurity in manufacturing: PMMI

The association and partners also highlighted post-pandemic investment in remote services at Pack Expo East.

By Maria Rachal • March 28, 2024

Gravis looks to lead B2B bulk transportation packaging market in North America

The private equity-backed company recently launched as a combined platform with six acquired companies, including Bagwell and Bulk Lift International. New CEO Vishal Rao outlines plans to grow in the FIBC market.

By Cole Rosengren • March 28, 2024

International Paper, O-I Glass win DOE funds for industrial decarbonization

Targeting “difficult-to-decarbonize sectors,” the Biden administration calls its 33 project awards “the largest investment in industrial decarbonization in American history.” Diageo, Eastman, Gallo Glass and ExxonMobil are also recipients.

By Maria Rachal • March 25, 2024

4 packaging facilities receive EPA recognition for energy efficiency

Energy Star certifications recognize the nation’s most energy-efficient manufacturing facilities, with only the top 25% most energy-efficient plants in their sector achieving this status.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 21, 2024

Federal judge dismisses $600M environmental lawsuit against Graphic Packaging

The judge did not believe the plaintiffs’ attorney made a convincing case that GPI and government officials harmed residents of Kalamazoo, Michigan, with toxic emissions. Now, that attorney faces possible punishment.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 19, 2024

Flexible Film Recycling Alliance launches with focus on drop-off programs

The initiative, backed by the Plastics Industry Association, intends to improve film recycling from consumer, commercial and industrial perspectives.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 19, 2024

EPA limits for fine particulate matter emissions rattle packaging industry, prompt appeal

Changes to the PM 2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards could affect multiple states. The American Chemistry Council, American Forest & Paper Association and others recently petitioned for legal review.

By April Reese • March 19, 2024

Molded fiber packaging growth fueled by expanding demand, updated technology

Companies such as Huhtamaki, PulPac and Tanbark are seeing notable growth in opportunities for molded fiber to gain scale as a plastic alternative.

By Hollie Stephens • March 6, 2024

Paper packaging facilities impacted in February shutdown announcements

Tetra Pak, Domtar, Stora Enso and Cascades were some of the companies that disclosed closures, layoffs or idling, citing shifts in demand and restructuring plans. Plastic packaging makers also announced changes.

By Maria Rachal • Updated March 8, 2024

Cascades optimistic about contributions from new Virginia plant amid other closures

While Cascades’ sales ticked up in 2023 as a whole, Q4 dragged down results. The company continues to prioritize production at Bear Island, Virginia, and other more modern facilities. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 23, 2024

Ardagh Metal Packaging shipment volumes grew 5% in 2023

The business was hit by end-of-year customer destocking, particularly in Europe, while sales in the Americas showed continued strength.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 23, 2024

Graphic Packaging touts consumer packaging growth, announces $700M paperboard plant sale

GPI executives highlighted innovation’s role in the company’s growth and its shift toward consumer packaging during an investor day event.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 22, 2024

Confusion abounds over whether markets are accepting fiber price hikes

In the second month since the fiber price hikes were supposed to take effect, markets still aren’t reflecting the full increases that companies announced and packaging executives are questioning a key pricing index.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Feb. 21, 2024

Sonoco says paper Pringles can sales are one signal of volume recovery

Consumer products customers are returning to normal pricing following destocking, said executives on Sonoco’s Q4 and full-year 2023 earnings call. But consumer spending shifts continue amid inflation pressure.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 15, 2024

Arglass envisions ‘maximum flexibility’ Georgia production site

The U.S. packaging manufacturer says a forthcoming furnace could make 350 million glass containers per year. The ability for smaller production runs could make it resilient to market trends and more approachable for customers.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 15, 2024

Limited-edition Valentine’s Day packaging still captures hearts — and significant sales

From intricate handmade designs to large-scale productions with characters such as Snoopy, packaging for chocolates and confections on Feb. 14 has come a long a way.

By Barbara Hesselgrave • Feb. 14, 2024

Cascades to close 3 containerboard facilities, affecting 310 workers

The company plans to shift production from sites in the U.S. and Canada to newer facilities, following other closures in Oregon and South Carolina last year. It will assist laid-off employees with finding new jobs.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 13, 2024

O-I Glass says demand in beer and food is recovering, destocking lingers for wine and spirits

The year ended with shipments down 16% in Q4. Sales were hurt by customer destocking, which CEO Andres Lopez said began later than in other categories, giving O-I hope to mirror recovery trends in other parts of the industry.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 9, 2024