California recyclers look for new PET solutions in wake of rPlanet closure

Some recyclers are calling for more direct help from California state lawmakers and agencies, while others say they're choosing between holding onto the material or selling for little profit in the Eastern U.S. or elsewhere.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 30, 2025

From cost center to growth driver: Rethinking packaging in the digital era

How leading companies are rethinking packaging as a growth engine.

Sept. 29, 2025

California names companies expected to report emissions, climate risks

State regulators released a preliminary list of entities, including packaging manufacturers, that may have to report under SB 253 and SB 261. Companies that have already completed TCFD reports could have a leg up.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 26, 2025

Campbell’s says tariff mitigation strategies can only go so far

Limited domestic tinplate capacity makes it difficult to source materials for canned goods in the face of steel and aluminum tariffs, according to executives.

By Phil Neuffer • Sept. 25, 2025

Tariff front-loading buoyed manufacturing in H1, but costs are ahead: OECD

“The impacts of higher tariff rates are yet to be fully felt in the US economy,” according to a report from OECD, a global policy forum. Negative effects from metals tariffs are of particular concern to the packaging industry.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 24, 2025

Manufacturers scrutinize supply chains for California scope 3 emissions disclosures

While federal regulations may be on hold, California is moving ahead with greenhouse gas reporting requirements. Packaging companies are digging deep into their data to get ready.

By Mary Catherine O’Connor • Sept. 22, 2025

E-commerce shoppers seek value, sustainable packaging: survey

Sustainability is a consideration but doesn’t appear to be a main factor in consumers’ e-commerce purchasing decisions, according to a Ryder survey. Respondents also noted why they overwhelmingly prefer boxes to mailer bags.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 17, 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

Open-source template aims to simplify EPR data reporting

“The intention of this is to enable companies do great things instead of chasing data,” said Matthew Wright of Specright, a member of the Sustainable Packaging Data Council along with Costco, Sonoco and others.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 4, 2025

Adding new commodities brings recycling education challenges

The Foodservice Packaging Institute updated its toolkit to help create recycling education campaigns. Stakeholders underscore the need for collaboration and taking a “careful step-by-step approach” when adding new items.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 3, 2025

Wholesalers shed more light on Oregon packaging EPR legal challenge

Oregon agencies received an extension to respond to the lawsuit until mid-September, per an update Friday. In the meantime, wholesalers are analyzing potential legal issues with EPR laws in other states.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 25, 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

Recycling and waste groups ‘disappointed’ by lack of plastics treaty

Plastics groups will push recycling over environmentalists’ calls for plastic production caps. Recycling groups will monitor the next round of talks for clues on infrastructure and end market impacts.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 19, 2025

Blue Polymers takes over food-grade rPET pellet production in California

“Whereas we sell flake to folks that create pellets, now we can sell pellets to folks that create packaging,” said Pete Keller, vice president of recycling and sustainability at Republic Services, a partner in the Blue Polymers venture.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 19, 2025

Novelis sees ‘strong demand’ for aluminum beverage packaging sheet

The company is readying additional capacity at a new Alabama facility as it expects continued sustainability-driven growth in aluminum beverage packaging.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 12, 2025

USDA funds packaging innovations for $143B specialty crop export industry

The Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab, through Clemson University, selected projects to help align with international regulations like the EU’s PPWR. Companies involved include Kwik Lok, NatureSweet, Sway and others.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 7, 2025

US to install country-specific tariffs Aug. 7

President Donald Trump signed an executive order codifying rates for over 60 trading partners while extending a USMCA tariff pause and levying a 35% tariff on non-compliant imports from Canada.

By Phil Neuffer • Aug. 1, 2025

What does ReMa’s new paper cup specification mean for packaging companies?

The addition is expected to boost acceptance in recycling streams and at mills. It comes as Graphic Packaging International preps a new recycled paperboard mill to accept 15 million cups per day as feedstock.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 31, 2025

Q2 containerboard production decrease tracks with 2025 trend

U.S. production for domestic use declined less than for exports, according to the American Forest & Paper Association. 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 28, 2025

US, EU agree to lower tariffs in ‘framework’ deal

Most imports from the bloc would face a 15% tariff under the pact, but steel and aluminum remain at 50%, U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Sunday.

By Phil Neuffer • July 27, 2025

What plastic, paper and metal commodity experts are watching with tariffs

Leaders from the American Forest & Paper Association, Can Manufacturers Institute and Plastics Industry Association offered perspectives on challenges and manufacturing opportunities in recycled and virgin materials markets.

By Megan Quinn • July 25, 2025

Unpacking 2025’s private equity activity trends

The first half of the year saw 71 PE deals in containers and packaging, according to PitchBook data. Analysts break down the economic factors influencing PE activity and exits in packaging, or lack thereof.

By Maria Rachal • July 23, 2025

Amazon charts 28% drop in North American shipments containing single-use plastic packaging

The e-commerce giant released its 2024 sustainability report on Wednesday, highlighting collaboration with SC Johnson, Mondi, Shorr Packaging, Pregis and more.

By Maria Rachal • July 17, 2025

US plans 30% tariffs on EU, Mexico

President Donald Trump unveiled the new duty rates, set to begin Aug. 1, in separate letters shared on social media.

By Max Garland , Phil Neuffer • July 14, 2025