2023 packaging trends by the numbers

These are some of the stats that defined policymaking, e-commerce, sustainability, dealmaking and more for the packaging industry across varied substrates and markets.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • Dec. 22, 2023

2023 saw thousands of packaging layoffs amid manufacturing shutdowns

Packaging Dive tracked at least 9,000 packaging-related jobs affected by manufacturing closures and layoffs this year, according to state notices, company disclosures and local news reports.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Dec. 21, 2023

BLS reports fatal worker injuries in plastics manufacturing, paper mills in 2022

The American Forest & Paper Association, PMMI and the Plastics Industry Association commented on ongoing efforts to improve safety.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Dec. 21, 2023

Digital inkjet printing’s transformation of the packaging industry

The technology’s uptake is expected to accelerate. Current use cases include customization to connect with consumers, and future advancements focus on AI and scannable codes. Learn more in our three-part series.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 20, 2023

Destocking, a pandemic hangover, lingered in 2023

Inventory imbalances persisted, affecting results at many of the packaging industry’s biggest companies quarter after quarter.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 20, 2023

Customization, AI and scannable codes seen as future opportunities for digital printing

As the technology’s capabilities broaden, converters are “thinking in completely different ways” about packaging production and predicting it will capture some of analog printing's market share.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 20, 2023

How the EPA’s new PFAS reporting rule impacts manufacturers

The final rule requires companies that have had PFAS in their supply chains at any time since Jan. 1, 2011, to submit information that helps the agency research, monitor and regulate the toxic substances.

By Sara Samora • Dec. 18, 2023

On-demand rightsized packaging technology is changing the e-commerce game

Amazon and Walmart are among the e-commerce giants that announced rightsizing initiatives this year, largely stating sustainability reasons.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 14, 2023

Brands level up packaging with digital printing’s customization, consumer connection options

From Taylor Swift-printed Amazon boxes to different versions of the same product, digital inkjet printing enables converters such as Fortis Solutions Group, Printpack and Tetra Pak to meet brands' evolving needs.

By Katie Pyzyk , Shaun Lucas • Dec. 13, 2023

Myplas opens plastic film recycling facility in Minnesota, its first in US

Backers including General Mills, Target and Closed Loop Partners contributed a collective $13 million joint equity investment for the facility that plans to recycle 90 million pounds of film annually.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 12, 2023

Major glass recycler Strategic Materials files for bankruptcy, cites packaging shift as one factor

The company noted in filings that consumers are recycling less glass than in previous years, a trend “poised to continue as glass products are increasingly being replaced by plastic counterparts and/or aluminum cans.”

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 7, 2023

What’s next for Ball’s ‘startup’ aluminum cups business

Ball is touting a “premium experience” as it ventures beyond sports and entertainment into leisure and lodging, including at Colorado ski resorts, said Emily Fong Mitchell, president and general manager for Ball Aluminum Cups.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 4, 2023

Ardagh, Silgan closures add to November packaging layoff announcements

Hundreds more impending layoffs were announced this week. Ball, Hood, TC Transcontinental and others in packaging manufacturing also provided updates this month on closures and disruptions.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 30, 2023

‘Revolutionary’ digital printing technology uptake expected to accelerate for packaging

DS Smith, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, WestRock, O-I Glass and others are among the companies innovating with this technology, which can increase precision and reduce waste. 

By Katie Pyzyk , Shaun Lucas • Nov. 29, 2023

Berry’s new CEO talks organic growth, sustainability opportunities

After fiscal year 2023 saw a nearly 13% decline in net sales, CEO Kevin Kwilinski took the helm. He shared his outlook on Berry Global’s acquisition strategy, the future of the Health, Hygiene, & Specialties division and more.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 17, 2023

Ball announces site closures, discusses Bud Light impacts

Amid changes in demand, Ball is shutting down sites in Virginia and Washington and stepping back from expansion projects in Nevada and North Carolina.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 3, 2023

Sonoco outperforms Q3 guidance, but ‘cautious’ consumers depress demand

The company is beginning to see returns from recent M&A and equipment conversion investments, according to executives on a Q3 earnings call.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 2, 2023

O-I Glass to curtail 20% of global capacity in Q4

The company is forging ahead on a new high-tech plant in Kentucky for a mid-2024 ramp-up, but it is extending the timeline for expansion projects in South America and Europe “to better align with the market recovery.”

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 2, 2023

Destocking in ‘rearview mirror,’ but ‘cautious consumer’ slows Graphic Packaging’s recovery

GPI’s growth could be fueled by ramen, as a partnership to transform an iconic noodle cup from foam to fiber marks the company’s most recent innovation investment. Meanwhile, GPI discontinued a project to add capacity in Texas.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 1, 2023

Silgan, Sonoco, International Paper announced layoffs and closures in October

Printpack, Greif, Hood Container and Novolex were also among the companies that disclosed changes to their manufacturing footprints.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 30, 2023

Packaging manufacturers’ Q3 results

Follow what top companies are saying in quarterly earnings reports about demand, destocking and optimizing manufacturing as 2023 winds down.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated Nov. 17, 2023

Silgan to rightsize footprint, cut costs

“I think we are as frustrated with destocking as anybody else,” said CEO Adam Greenlee on a Q3 earnings call amid impacts to its important food, beverage and pet food markets.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 27, 2023

Crown lowers 2023 outlook, citing weakness in aerosols and Asia

The can manufacturer’s executives also discussed free cash flow increases, new capacity in the U.S. and Europe, customer and consumer trends and more.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 25, 2023

International Paper’s plan to close mill, shut down machines will affect 900 employees

The shutdowns — at sites in Florida, North Carolina and Texas — collectively will reduce IP’s production by 1.3 million tons annually. The moves come amid lower sales volumes this year, largely due to destocking.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 18, 2023

Packaging Q3 earnings reports to follow early signs of holiday shopping zeal

Consumers have already shopped pre-holiday sales. Deloitte projected holiday season e-commerce sales growth upwards of 12.8%, while Adobe Analytics expects a boost from “record discounts and flexible payment methods.”

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 18, 2023