2024 has already seen a slew of changes driving the packaging industry forward, including price increases, a wave of fresh dealmaking, newly enforced restrictions on “forever chemicals” in packaging and other state laws.

Potential regulatory changes in the U.S. and internationally are keeping operators on their toes. The Federal Reserve is also expected to cut interest rates in 2024. And there’s optimism that the landscape for acquisitions and other business deals will further improve, as an end to destocking could also translate to normalization of the M&A environment.

These are just some of the factors already shaping the industry in 2024. Here’s what’s in store for policymaking, pricing, producer responsibility, plastics and more this year.