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

Plastic scrap imports add to ‘perfect storm’ hitting domestic PCR

Against a backdrop of rising imports, pricing competition and tariff confusion, an unprecedented number of domestic PET reclaimers closed last year. In 2026, expect more emphasis on policy solutions and local supply chains.

By Marissa Heffernan • Jan. 29, 2026

PCA is first major containerboard producer with price increase in 2026

Analysts expected at least one increase this year as operating rates rise following a 10% capacity pullback in North America. International Paper announced a similar increase on Monday.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Jan. 27, 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

USDA organics board rejects compostable polymers, puts paper on watch

While the group is concerned about contamination from synthetic polymers broadly, it’s open to evaluating individual substances or narrower use cases such as fruit stickers or collection bags.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Jan. 15, 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

How much plastic, paper, metal and glass are recycled in California?

For the first time, CalRecycle published estimated recycling rates for materials that will be covered under packaging EPR law SB 54.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 7, 2026

Toxic substances in PET bottles scrutinized by researchers

Virgin and rPET bottles in Michigan and California leached additives and hazardous chemicals, per a study funded by the Alliance for Mission-Based Recycling. It’s the latest research to raise questions about plastic packaging.

By April Reese • 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

Cold-chain packaging companies adapt as dry ice supply falters

Tight supply of the CO2 used to make dry ice is creating ripple effects across supply chains. Packaging suppliers are stepping up with cold-chain innovations to address the trend and to improve safety and sustainability.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 15, 2025

Packaging innovations: Sue Bee honey’s buzzy tub change, Veritiv chills out bulk shipments

Plus, UPM launches a biobased black pigment, Eat Happy Kitchen spices up with metal and Ajinomoto Cambrooke’s new cap boosts accessibility. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 12, 2025

Packaging innovations: Lego favors fiber, Old Bay gets back to basics with metal

Plus, Burgopak designs a supplement pack that’s worth its weight in salt.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 3, 2025

Amcor eyes ‘dual end of life’ optionality for innovation investments

The company’s long-term R&D strategy includes seeking solutions that work in a future with recycling or composting infrastructure, explained Rebecca Meile, manager of corporate venturing and open innovation.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 1, 2025

The environmental reality of RPCs vs. corrugated packaging: What the data really shows

New study challenges RPC assumptions, revealing environmental trade-offs vs. corrugated containers.

Dec. 1, 2025

Colorado’s diversion rate could get a boost in 2026 from EPR, other new laws

Colorado municipalities took the lead on improving the state’s recycling and organics diversion rates in 2024, according to a state report. Still, more “top-down” solutions stemming from EPR implementation could help.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 26, 2025

Packaging innovations: Amoon Spirits’ vodka stirs up a vortex

Plus, 3 Tres Tequila stacks up its bottles, La Terra Fina cuts plastic in its quiche packaging and Sabert leans into PFAS-free compostables.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 25, 2025

Say cheese: How Babybel is commercializing its plastic-to-paper makeover

Bel Group is spending millions to adapt its global production lines to handle the fiber substrate instead of biobased plastic, said the VP of research, innovation and development. But the signature red wax isn’t going anywhere.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Dec. 1, 2025

Verallia, Penn State envision low-carbon future for glass

In addition to being lower carbon than conventional soda lime silicate glass, the LionGlass material invented at Penn State is more resistant to cracks. The early-stage partnership with Verallia could result in a prototype in about a year.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 19, 2025

WM now accepting polypropylene and paper cups curbside

The recycler says recent automation upgrades and changes to bale specifications helped spur the change, along with market demand for the materials. WM is asking customers to also add the materials to their lists. 

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 14, 2025

Packaging innovations: Smurfit Westrock’s BIB isn’t hard to handle, Mannol’s caps cut counterfeits

Plus, Reusables.com gets a patent for technology that tracks reusable containers while keeping consumers’ sensitive payment information private.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 7, 2025

Economic uncertainty throws off folding carton market

Certain economic conditions and policy changes tamped down an expected recovery period in 2025. But the Paperboard Packaging Council projects shipments could turn around in 2026.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 5, 2025

Containerboard production continued downward slide in Q3

Containerboard capacity cuts could tee up an environment ripe for price increases in early 2026. Conversely, recent boxboard production expansions have resulted in an oversupply.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 3, 2025

Packaging innovations: SmartSolve’s products go down the toilet, Seaman Paper avoids scuffs

Plus, Village Farms’ valve keeps cannabis scents in check and Ahlstrom launches coffee pods that break down at home.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 31, 2025