‘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 9 hours ago

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 12 hours ago

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 13 hours ago

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 Smurfit Westrock, International Paper, Sonoco, PCA, Ardagh Metal Packaging and Crown Holdings, with more to come.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated 10 hours ago

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

Mauser, Orbis, Pretium among March packaging company layoffs

Graphic Packaging International and RTS Packaging also are among the companies that announced facility closures in March.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 4, 2025

Trump installs 10% baseline tariff, country-specific duties

The president said he will levy import taxes on China, Japan and others equal to half of what they charge the U.S. based on White House calculations.

By Philip Neuffer • April 2, 2025

Crate idea: Transport packaging made from recycled Tetra Pak cartons

The polymer and aluminum material, polyAl, that gets separated from fiber during carton recycling is a key material for the new transport crates made by Schoeller Allibert. 

By Katie Pyzyk • April 2, 2025

Manufacturing economy stalls amid tariff confusion: PMI

Purchasing managers’ index data showed a contraction in March. The industry is bracing for the impact of the Trump administration's upcoming "Liberation Day," on April 2, set to bring a slew of tariffs.

By Kate Magill • April 1, 2025

Novolex completes $6.7B acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen

Pactiv Evergreen has transitioned from a publicly traded to privately held company as it is absorbed under Novolex. The combined company becomes one of largest food packaging producers.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 1, 2025

Verallia, Saverglass part of anticompetition investigation in France

The country’s Competition Authority carried out unannounced visits on Thursday and Friday as part of its probe into companies’ practices for manufacturing and marketing glass packaging.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 31, 2025

Amcor extends open call for novel barrier coatings

The company aims to work with innovators and startups on compostable and recyclable coatings for flexible packaging. Chosen projects could receive up to $500,000 in funding.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 28, 2025

International Paper outlines 2027 vision, DS Smith integration plans

“We think we can transform this company,” said CEO Andy Silvernail during an investor day. IP previewed more cost-cutting ahead, plus an estimated $1.9 billion in capital expenditures per year through 2027.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 26, 2025