The cost of waiting: Why packaging operations are rethinking equipment lead times and complexity

As production demands intensify, manufacturers are reassessing the trade-offs between customization and speed and turning to smarter, more streamlined solutions.

By Chris Rempe • Oct. 6, 2025

Elopak CEO talks US growth

The company has been manufacturing in the U.S. for about five months. CEO Thomas Körmendi said there’s plenty of room to grow in core areas like milk, but sees a future where more soaps and detergents are in cartons.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 2, 2025

‘Not a good sign.’ Weak demand continues amid tariff uncertainty: PMI

In addition to new orders contracting and backlog orders increasing, the government shutdown adds further concerns for manufacturers.

By Sara Samora • Oct. 2, 2025

Fiber, plastic producers announced closures in September

Closures and layoffs at Domtar, Jindal Films America and Pregis will occur in three states. Meanwhile, Swedish company Billerud is cutting roles in Europe.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 2, 2025

Top packaging trade shows in 2026

Coming up in Q1: the EPR Think Tank, the East Coast edition of Pack Expo, the Plastics Recycling Conference and more.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated Jan. 5, 2026

Graphic Packaging International dismissed from containerboard price-fixing lawsuit

The class-action lawsuit will continue against the other seven defendants who were accused of colluding.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 26, 2025

Packaging innovations: FrogTape hops away from plastic, Digital Link gets chatty

Plus, Mondi expands high-contrast digital printing, Stora Enso’s SBS goes high end, and Fiberdom joins Kiefel in blowing the lid off dry molded fiber.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 26, 2025

Retirees return to the fold to fill Georgia-Pacific’s labor gaps

While the program helps G-P fill roles, cut overtime costs and retain institutional knowledge, it’s also “a good opportunity” for retirees to make extra income while aiding younger generations, said a participant.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 23, 2025

Revolutionizing dust control: How paper manufacturers are eliminating production downtime

Modern dust control systems transform paper manufacturing safety and efficiency while boosting production uptime.

Sept. 22, 2025

Ball, Lamiflex, Nefab announce expansions

Other packaging manufacturers making investments to expand in the United States include iPower and Ring Container Technologies.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 18, 2025

Red Bull, Ball move ahead with $1.7B factory after 4-year delay

This is the partners' second plant in the United States. It's expected to can 3 billion energy drinks annually and distribute throughout the country.

By Laurel Deppen • Sept. 15, 2025

PET reclaimer rPlanet Earth closes in California

The closure of the vertically integrated PET recycler and food packaging manufacturer destabilizes the state’s Grade B PET markets. It is the second such closure in 2025, as PET reclaimers have weathered market challenges.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 12, 2025

Can recycling advancements get black rigid plastics off packaging’s blacklist?

More MRFs are adding technologies to sort the material, but some brands and manufacturers are still switching away from the color. As black plastic reaches a tipping point, end market challenges create uncertainty about its future.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 9, 2025

The next generation of labels for packaging is here!

YUPO CleanSort IML is the next generation of sustainable labeling technology.

Sept. 8, 2025

IP, Novolex, Smurfit Westrock among companies with August layoff announcements

At least seven companies announced temporary and permanent layoffs that are slated to affect employees in multiple states, most prominently in Georgia and California.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 4, 2025

PCA completes $1.8B acquisition of Greif’s containerboard business

The divestiture “marks an important step forward for Greif,” CEO Ole Rosgaard said Tuesday, noting the deal’s contribution to debt reduction. The company adjusted its full-year guidance upon announcing the deal closed.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 2, 2025

Ball reduces stake in Saudi Arabia cans venture to 10%

The Colorado-based aluminum products manufacturer sold most of its ownership interest to a subsidiary of a Beijing-based packaging solutions provider for approximately $70 million.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 28, 2025

Ranpak lands second major e-commerce deal of 2025

A deal with Walmart comes after one with Amazon. CEO Omar Asali discusses the importance of these enterprise customers, riding the AI wave for automation and navigating economic uncertainty ahead of the busy holiday season.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 26, 2025

Trump’s tax law could boost cash flow for manufacturers with deductions and more

The recently signed tax law allows bonus depreciation for qualifying equipment, offers R&D deductions, locks in the corporate tax rate and more. But tariffs and tax code interpretations could still complicate companies’ financial plans.

By Michelle No • Aug. 26, 2025

Canada to scale back retaliatory tariffs for US imports on Sept. 1

The country will lift levies on goods compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement while maintaining sector-specific duties on steel, aluminum and cars.

By Phil Neuffer • Aug. 22, 2025

Packaging innovations: Laffy Taffy’s new wrappers are no laughing matter

Plus, AeroFlexx floats a new packaging format for a Boogie bath product, and Graphic Packaging International works with Radienz Living on a laundry pod container.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 22, 2025

International Paper to close 4 facilities, affecting 1,100 employees

It’s one of the the latest in a series of streamlining efforts under CEO Andy Silvernail, affecting a range of packaging facilities and mills.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 21, 2025

Containerboard price-fixing lawsuit advances

The complaint against eight of the largest U.S. containerboard producers is “definitely not frivolous” and shows a “pretty solid basis for bringing the action,” said one attorney with antitrust defense expertise.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 20, 2025

Novolex closing Pactiv Evergreen plant in California, affecting 127 employees

This follows a Pactiv Evergreen facility closure in Michigan earlier this year that resulted in 153 layoffs.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 20, 2025

Net-weight filling lifecycle leader: Lower costs, lasting performance

Ideal Pase net-weight fillers reduce lifecycle costs through efficient installation, reliable performance and minimal maintenance demands.

By Bryce Lingenfelter • Aug. 18, 2025