Materials

  • An industrial machine with webs of transparent plastic.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Hope for quick plastic market normalization fades as Iran conflict escalates

    July fighting squashed the promise of a June ceasefire and the Strait of Hormuz reopening, along with packaging converters’ wishes for plastic price relief. Today, Dow hinted at higher plastic and packaging prices ahead.

    By • Updated July 24, 2026
  • A close-up view of various old corrugated boxes that are flattened.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    OCC price increases evoke divergent effects across value chain

    Following a sluggish 2025, OCC prices have climbed through 2026. While recyclers are riding the wave of higher prices, containerboard producers aren’t so excited.

    By , Megan Quinn • July 22, 2026
  • Aluminum sheet coil at Novelis' Oswego, New York, production facility.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Novelis
    Image attribution tooltip

    Trump offers to cut aluminum tariffs in half for onshoring promises

    Companies that agree to begin work on expanded aluminum production facilities by Jan. 20, 2029, would receive relief for the 50% levy under a to-be-established federal program.

    By Phil Neuffer • Updated July 21, 2026
  • President Donald Trump holds up his hands in the Oval Office of the White House on June 11, 2026 in Washington, DC.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alex Wong via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    US slaps 50% tariffs on many Canada imports

    The Section 338 duties apply to a wide variety of products — including paper and wood products — even if they qualify for duty-free treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

    By Antone Gonsalves • Updated July 21, 2026
  • blue plastic bottles crushed together
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Bottle recovery rates dropped in 2024, but other plastic rates rose

    A report prepared for the Association of Plastic Recyclers and the U.S. Plastics Pact also indicates a shift in film collection.

    By Megan Quinn • July 20, 2026
  • Two clear glass bottles of water with branding for Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: Waiākea splashes into reusable glass bottles

    Plus, LyondellBasell, IPG and Duni Group introduce plastic products made from reworked material compositions.

    By • July 17, 2026
  • An aerial view of an industrial facility's campus.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Graphic Packaging International
    Image attribution tooltip

    Graphic Packaging introduces inaugural URB product

    GPI’s mill in Waco, Texas, has so far specialized in CRB but will add the new boxboard grade. The shift comes at a time when competitors also are reevaluating their boxboard portfolios.

    By • July 14, 2026
  • Plastic and paper packaging sit next to each other
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    Molded fiber producers tout growth, innovations despite regulatory hurdle

    Technology advancements that reduce PFAS and improve dry molding — and brands’ pivots from single-use plastics — are driving growth. Yet molded fiber might not be recyclable under a new California law.

    By • July 13, 2026
  • People sit at tables in a large room while observing speakers sitting in chairs on a stage.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Insights from the 2026 Packaging Recycling Summit

    Catch up on Packaging Dive’s coverage from the fourth annual event, including about brands’ EPR challenges and work toward solutions for recycling film and small-format packaging.

    By • July 2, 2026
  • A variety of small-sized packaging and caps in various colors and shapes.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    A big deal for small packaging: Pilot projects advance recycling

    The Glass Packaging Institute and Closed Loop Partners describe how findings from pilots could be “transformative” for multiple recycling streams.

    By • July 2, 2026
  • a close-up of film plastic and plastic bags
    Image attribution tooltip
    Megan Quinn/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Film recycling hits a pivotal moment

    The next 12 months will be crucial for proving viability of flexible film recycling initiatives, said speakers from GDB Circular, General Mills and P&G. Recent pilots already have helped move at least 1.5 million pounds to end markets.

    By • July 1, 2026
  • A green box of Zyrtec allergy medication with orange messaging.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Kenvue
    Image attribution tooltip

    Kenvue surpasses 2025 plastic reduction target, falls short on recyclability

    The Listerine and Zyrtec parent company detailed substrate transitions in its sustainability report. New tools are moving sustainability from an afterthought to an upstream design capability, according to a Kenvue packaging leader.

    By • June 30, 2026
  • a bale of cartons in a recycling facility
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Carton Council
    Image attribution tooltip

    More California MRFs are sorting cartons, easing recent recycling concerns

    New data says the number of carton-sorting MRFs has expanded to serve 62% of California counties, back above a key “recyclable” threshold as part of the upcoming “truth in labeling” law. But recycling rates remain low.

    By Megan Quinn • June 29, 2026
  • Four people sit in chairs on a stage with a large screen next to them displaying data while they address an audience.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    PCR: The other 3-letter packaging mandate on brands’ radars

    Brands are trying to remain in compliance with the increasing number of state recycled content mandates, but material availability and cost remain holdbacks, according to speakers at the Packaging Recycling Summit.

    By • June 26, 2026
  • Sheets of cardboard get folded and stacked by industrial equipment on a manufacturing line.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Containerboard prices rise in June following second round of producer hikes

    This is the first time in at least four years that Fastmarkets RISI’s pricing index has recognized the full hike that producers announced for the month. This brings the net increase for 2026 to $100 per ton.

    By • June 22, 2026
  • Large drums filled with multicolored plastic flakes.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Cannabis packaging supplier P3 Distributing expands from recycling into reuse

    About a year after delving into reuse, the Oregon packaging supplier aims to grow that operation as well as its nearly decade-old recycling business. “Reuse isn’t taking off yet because it needs scale,” said owner Patrick Caldwell.

    By • June 18, 2026
  • Close up of fiber tubes with blue Sonoco logos on them.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Sonoco on March 21, 2025
    Image attribution tooltip

    URB producers announce second round of 2026 price hikes

    Sonoco, Greif and Cascades cite input cost inflation as a leading cause. But strengthening demand also is a factor for this wave of increases.

    By • June 12, 2026
  • rolls of cardboard
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Paper and paperboard production declined in 2025: AF&PA

    Containerboard capacity fell by 5.1% in 2025, but that doesn’t reflect the full impact of facility shutdowns announced last year, the American Forest & Paper Association told Packaging Dive.

    By • June 4, 2026
  • Pilot's store remodels are focused on meal options, including grab-and-go selections.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Pilot Travel Centers
    Image attribution tooltip

    Prepared food surge in c-stores brings packaging innovations

    As convenience stores offer more fresh food, their packaging needs shift. Packaging companies are exploring forms that maintain food quality, offer versatility and minimize storage space.

    By Shefali Kapadia • May 26, 2026
  • A variety of packaging, including expanded polystyrene foam next to cardboard boxes.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    US Plastics Pact urged to remove 2 polystyrene items from ‘problematic’ list

    The Polystyrene Recycling Alliance calls for the changes based on its newly released end market survey that shows the items are recyclable. USPP told Packaging Dive it’s reviewing this new information.

    By • May 22, 2026
  • A TemperPack gusseted mailer made with WaveKraft material
    Image attribution tooltip
    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    The envelope, please: Sustainability fuels e-commerce mailer innovation

    E-commerce customers’ growing demand for mailers in place of boxes is driving packaging companies to invest in production expansions and innovations, including at Pregis, Sealed Air and TemperPack.

    By , • May 21, 2026
  • Styrofoam containers
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Polystyrene recycling group cites medical, transport packaging as key end markets

    A study conducted by Resource Recycling Systems on behalf of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance identified 81 companies and 119 total facilities that handle expanded or extruded polystyrene foam.

    By Megan Quinn • Updated May 20, 2026
  • A variety of lightbulb-shaped plastic containers that have branding for Lytt alcoholic beverages.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Boston Beer Co.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: Lytt’s lit containers, Duni’s paper is the new black

    Plus, Sappi North America and CJ Biomaterials introduce products that resist grease in foodservice applications.

    By • May 15, 2026
  • Delivery person in orange uniform handing over clear plastic bags containing takeout food boxes to a customer at their home entrance.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alamy
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    Plastic packaging converters raise red flags over Iran war impact

    Polyolefins are bearing the brunt of supply disruptions and price increases, and renormalization isn’t expected until 2027 at the earliest. Experts from ICIS, Emerald Packaging and others weigh in.

    By • May 14, 2026
  • Cut fruit in plastic packaging on store shelves
    Image attribution tooltip
    Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Recycled food-contact materials need regulatory harmonization, UN report says

    “We want to recycle more plastic, but we also want to make sure that by solving one problem we don't create new problems,” said Corinna Hawkes, a leader in the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

    By • May 14, 2026