US, China agree to reduce tariff rates for 90 days

By Wednesday, the two countries will charge 10% baseline duties during the period and remove certain retaliatory levies that pushed rates over 100%.

Packaging innovation center scores federal funding to ‘strengthen US manufacturers’

Organizers in Michigan are engaging companies to be part of this pre-competitive research hub that leverages National Science Foundation grant money as well as industry buy-in.

Sealed Air says USMCA exemption minimizes tariff exposure, touts turnaround plans

The protective and food packaging company’s results were down year over year, but CEO Dustin Semach said there are signs of improvement and noted a recent investment in sales staff to regain market share.

Packaging innovations: PCR plays from CG Roxane, Every Man Jack, Stumptown Coffee

Plus, Aveda redesigned its sample product sachets with Xela Pack and Stora Enso launched a next-generation folding boxboard from a newly up-and-running consumer packaging board line.

Ball says tariff impacts so far have been minimal

The aluminum can manufacturer’s global shipments rose 2.6% during the first quarter, thanks in part to market strength in Europe and growth in non-alcoholic beverages.

Packaging manufacturers set big sustainability goals. How are they doing?

International Paper reported its scope 1 and 2 emissions increased in 2024, while scope 3 declined.

Updated May 28, 2025

Packaging trade shows to watch in 2025

Mark your calendar: These U.S. conferences and events will cover timely trends in sustainable packaging design, recycling technologies, regional market trends, substrate evolutions, automation and more.

Updated May 9, 2025

Are tariff-era changes to fiber supply chains here to stay?

Some fiber companies are altering where they source material and ship products, and economic uncertainty is also shifting consumer spending and demand for containerboard, analysts from Rabobank and BCG discussed.

GreenBlue shares How2Recycle label updates, launches tube and thermoform group

The group announced a new timeline for redesigned labels and a collaboration on hard-to-recycle items. Plus, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition outlined 2025’s top trends in packaging innovation, design, policy and recovery.

Grants of up to $50K aim to boost compostable packaging recovery

A new program accepting applications through mid-June seeks to help fund on-site equipment improvements, public education, testing and market development related to packaging.

O-I says glass supply chains are a strength amid aluminum tariffs

The Ohio-based company saw shipments grow in Q1, driven in part by advanced purchasing ahead of new tariffs. But in Europe, O-I is curtailing production.

Smurfit Westrock, GPI, Hood Container announced facility closures in April

Case Paper Co. also disclosed a change to its footprint. Additionally, O-I Glass shared that it’s reevaluating its operations in France.

Consumer spending slumps pull down Graphic Packaging’s results

Already cost-stressed consumers further curbed spending in Q1, including at quick-service restaurants, and customer promotions didn’t help, Graphic Packaging International CEO Mike Doss said on the company’s earnings call.

Kind Snacks launches recyclable paper wrapper pilot program

Printpack helped the snack food company develop a barrier-coated paper wrapper to replace plastic. The partners will gather information about shelf life and durability during transit to determine next steps for scaling.

‘We’re headed in the wrong direction’: Tariffs drive up prices, hurt output: PMI

Manufacturers pulled back on production last month as the Trump administration's volatile trade policy caused consumer confusion and a drop in demand, according to the Institute for Supply Management. 

Packaging manufacturers post Q1 results

Discussions of tariff impacts are a through line in earnings calls so far. Catch up on commentary from Sealed Air, Ball, Graphic Packaging International, Smurfit Westrock and more.

Updated May 8, 2025

Amcor completes acquisition of Berry Global

On an earnings call late Wednesday, Amcor executives detailed intentions for cost reductions and pruning the portfolio, as well as current demand weakness.

Updated May 1, 2025

Smurfit Westrock invests in converting, cuts other production

Footprint optimization continues nine months post merger. Meanwhile, Smurfit Westrock has felt little material impact from tariffs, in part due to recent supply chain reconfiguration, executives said on Thursday’s earnings call.

Greif to close Los Angeles mill, end West Coast coated paperboard production

Closing the mill, which manufactures CRB and URB, will affect an estimated 72 employees. The move is part of a multiyear cost reduction plan.

Updated May 1, 2025

Smurfit Westrock shutdowns to affect 650 employees at 4 facilities

Production shutdowns are slated for Minnesota, Texas and Germany. They’re the latest actions in Smurfit Westrock’s streamlining efforts since its major business combination last July.

Updated May 12, 2025

Sonoco scales global metal packaging business, downplays tariff exposure

The company is progressing on the integration of Eviosys, now known as Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA. Europe now accounts for nearly 40% of Sonoco’s business, executives noted.

International Paper sees Q1 sales boost despite economic uncertainty

Much of the uptick occurred due to IP’s acquisition of DS Smith in January. Meantime, CEO Andy Silvernail reflected on the company’s transformation during his one year at the helm.

Crown cautiously optimistic for 2025 growth

The cans manufacturer raised guidance for 2025 after a stronger than expected first quarter. Speaking on tariffs, Crown Holdings executives also quantified estimates for direct and indirect impacts.

CPGs unlikely to hit 2025 PCR goals, Ameripen analysis shows

Companies have upped recycled plastic in packaging the last few years. But CPGs still face considerable uncertainty about how recycled materials and related technologies could be regulated going forward.

European Commission approves Amcor acquisition of Berry Global

The approval paves the way for the companies to finalize their $8.4 billion combination, which they now anticipate will occur by the end of April.

Updated April 28, 2025