International Paper further downsizing in South Carolina

Another closure in Georgetown will impact 126 employees later this year, as International Paper undertakes other major changes to its business structure.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 25, 2026

February containerboard prices chart ‘surprising’ dip

Despite production pullbacks and improved demand, one index showed a dip in monthly containerboard prices. This “shocked” some industry participants and could jeopardize certain producers’ planned $70 per ton hikes for March 1.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 23, 2026

Takeaways from The Packaging Conference 2026

Speakers at the February event discussed timely industry topics including M&A, EPR, innovation and market growth.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2026

Ahead of the demand curve? What’s behind the rPET slump.

A recent spate of rPET facility closures follows a slightly premature ramp-up, said one converter. But renewed investment is needed to ensure “we still have an rPET industry on this continent,” according to NAPCOR.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2026

South Carolina, Virginia score packaging manufacturing expansions

Hinton Lumber Products, Georg Utz, Infinity Global and SunDance are growing in the South. Meanwhile, Silgan and Questar Solutions moved their headquarters locally.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 19, 2026

Digital printing poised to ‘mature’ in 2026

Factors such as brands’ input, artificial intelligence and system interoperability are expected to influence adoption of digital printing for packaging this year, according to a newly released report from Keypoint Intelligence.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 19, 2026

Sonoco settles in after years of change, says new consumer packaging leader

Ernest Haynes recently took the helm of the company’s newly reworked consumer packaging Americas business unit. He spoke about operating within a simpler organization and helping employees navigate uncertainty.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 13, 2026

CJ Biomaterials builds toward compostables having their moment in EPR era

The PHA producer commercialized multiple new offerings in recent years, invested in a new Massachusetts polymer science facility and regularly works with composters to tests its products.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 13, 2026

Greif CEO Ole Rosgaard on strategizing for the next 148 years

The CEO discussed with Packaging Dive his outlook for 2026 and Greif’s long-term strategy amid an industrial recession. Changes include recent divestitures, workforce cuts, a new sales strategy and a revamped corporate structure.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 9, 2026

Cascades to exit 2 packaging niches, close 3 plants

More than 100 employees will be affected by the two closures in Quebec and one in Pennsylvania. A fellow Quebec-based packaging company will acquire certain assets at one plant for $9 million.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 6, 2026

Sealed Air, Tekni-Plex, Waddington announced layoffs in January

Plus, Dow and International Paper announced plans for significant layoffs in the coming months, with specifics yet to come.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Feb. 4, 2026

How packaging manufacturers performed in 2025

Packaging manufacturers are sharing their full-year results and outlooks for 2026. Catch up on results from Sealed Air, Ardagh, Cascades, Sonoco, Smurfit Westrock, O-I Glass and more.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated an hour ago

The packaging industry outlook for 2026

Take a closer look at some of the biggest topics and trends that industry leaders expect will shape commodity markets, dealmaking and the future of packaging policy.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026

PCA details efficiency gains at upgraded Greif mills

After an “unusual” 2025, a “more positive vibe” is emerging among containerboard customers, said Packaging Corporation of America executives. Plus, they’re assessing impacts from the recent winter storm.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 28, 2026

Manufacturing output, capacity utilization grew modestly in December

The Federal Reserve’s latest manufacturing data indicates a bit more stability for manufacturers. Still, capacity utilization remains below long-term averages. 

By Jeffrey Kinney • Jan. 20, 2026

Russian government takes ‘temporary’ control of Canpack operations

Canpack says it has followed the country’s regulations for 30 years and does not understand the government’s actions. Other packaging companies exited Russia after it launched a war against Ukraine.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 16, 2026

Packaging innovations: Heinz gets a side piece, Butter Wines adds cans

Plus, Saverglass introduces a line of glass wine bottles that are lighter than standard versions.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 16, 2026

What 2026 holds after containerboard’s historic 10% capacity pullback

Following a “mild recession,” recovery could be in store — but not a big one. Muted consumer spending will play a large role, say analysts from Bloomberg Intelligence, BofA Securities, RaboResearch and Truist Securities.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 15, 2026

Buckeye Corrugated, Specialty Packaging Group open new facilities

A couple of U.S.-based companies also expanded their presence overseas.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 14, 2026

Abandoning packaging sustainability a ‘serious strategic miscalculation’: Bain

Companies are still pursuing sustainable packaging strategies even though they’ve toned down public messaging about it, according to a newly released report from Bain & Co. Substrate switches remain a leading strategy.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 9, 2026

5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2026

Long-anticipated EPR and labeling regulations are poised to have very real impacts. The M&A cycle is advancing. And is there nowhere to go but up for containerboard?

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Jan. 8, 2026

AB InBev buys back $3B stake in US metal container plants

The Bud Light maker called the facilities “a strategic component of our business,” noting cost and supply security benefits.

By Laurel Deppen • Jan. 6, 2026

US manufacturing activity dropped in December to lowest point in over a year

Weak demand and tariff effects are weighing on companies as a U.S. military operation in Venezuela adds uncertainty. The Institute for Supply Management questions whether some improvements are a “blip” or signal a turnaround.

By Nathan Owens • Jan. 6, 2026

2025 packaging trends by the numbers

A $10.4 billion acquisition. Two new EPR laws. A $1 billion kraft linerboard mill investment. These were some of the figures that stood out in the packaging industry this year.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 23, 2025

10 packaging expansion announcements to close out 2025

The grand opening for Pratt Industries’ new box plant in Georgia drew a visit from the USDA secretary. Plus, American Packaging Corp., Plastipak Packaging, PolyFlex and others announced investments.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 17, 2025