Layoffs, closures announced by Dow, Orbis, Greif in January

Packaging Corporation of America and RR Donnelley also gave notice of upcoming packaging-related closures and layoffs.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 31, 2025

International Paper details new box plant as part of turnaround strategy

“The goal is, over the next few years, to completely reconfigure our box plant network,” said CEO Andy Silvernail. Executives also discussed IP's acquisition of a bulk plant in Louisiana and finalization of the DS Smith takeover.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 30, 2025

Where is packaging industry consolidation likely in 2025? Experts weigh in.

Niche packaging sectors are considered ripe for growth and M&A. Analysts also weigh in on the influence of the Trump administration and whether the megadeal trend will continue in 2025.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 30, 2025

PCA ‘frustrated’ with pricing index, plans to stop using it

Packaging Corporation of America plans to exit Fastmarkets RISI’s index and “unwind” customer contracts tied to it, executives said. They also discussed a new box plant under construction in Ohio.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 29, 2025

Greif announces 2 closures, affecting 140 jobs

One paperboard machine in Georgia and one containerboard mill in Massachusetts will shut down permanently by this spring.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 29, 2025

European Commission requires 5 divestitures for IP-DS Smith deal

International Paper agreed to sell plants in three countries to gain approval. The acquisition is slated to close Jan. 31.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 24, 2025

Sprouts accused of falsely labeling private label table ware as ‘compostable’

A class action lawsuit claims the grocer and manufacturer marked the products as compostable despite containing “forever chemicals.” 

By Peyton Bigora • Jan. 23, 2025

Déjà vu? Fiber pricing stays flat despite producer increases.

Producers’ first containerboard and boxboard price increases for 2025 are turning out much like their first attempt in 2024: with little to no movement. But that’s expected to change in the coming weeks.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 22, 2025

Trump orders trade review ahead of potential tariffs

Federal agencies have until April 1 to give recommendations on trade pacts with Mexico, Canada and China. President Trump also said certain tariffs on Mexico and Canada could begin by Feb. 1.

By Philip Neuffer • Jan. 21, 2025

8 US packaging manufacturing developments to know in the new year

Nelipak, TerraSafe and Global Packaging Solutions all expanded in North Carolina. Catch up on growth news in Florida, Illinois, Maine, Pennsylvania and Texas.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 15, 2025

PCA to close Georgia corrugated plant, affecting 103 people

Packaging Corporation of America determined it could better serve customers by moving the Atlanta-area full-line plant’s capacity to other locations, according to a spokesperson.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 13, 2025

Huhtamaki names new CEO

Ralf Wunderlich will take over the position this month. He has decades of experience at packaging companies.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 8, 2025

5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2025

Donald Trump’s return to the White House, evolving conditions for M&A, more mature state policy negotiations and a reckoning around 2025 plastics reduction targets are some of the factors poised to affect the industry.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk , Cole Rosengren • Jan. 8, 2025

International Paper agrees to European concessions for DS Smith deal

IP’s limited footprint overlap with DS Smith previously led analysts to anticipate few or no antitrust concerns. But recent deals might have prompted regulators to alter their views of market concentration, according to The Freedonia Group.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 6, 2025

Sonoco shakes up finance leadership amid business reorganization

CFO Rob Dillard and VP of Investor Relations Lisa Weeks are leaving the company. Also on Monday, CEO Howard Coker described Sonoco’s decision to combine its converted paper products and paper businesses in North America.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 6, 2025

2024 packaging trends by the numbers

These are some of the stats illustrating key storylines this year in policy and regulation, M&A activity, manufacturing, pricing, recycling, sustainability goals and more.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Dec. 20, 2024

Toppan buys Sonoco’s thermoformed and flexibles business for $1.8B

The transaction advances Sonoco’s portfolio simplification plans and will help it reduce debt leverage. Toppan first expanded into the U.S. from Japan in 2016 with a film production facility in Georgia.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated April 1, 2025

Greif details cost reduction strategy, value in business unit restructuring

Executives made good on their promise to provide details about the $100 million cost-reduction plan announced on last week’s earnings call. Plus, they further explained the decision to invest more in the plastics sector.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 12, 2024

Packaging M&A appears to be ramping up again with range of deals

Following megadeals like Amcor’s move to acquire Berry Global and Novolex’s play for Pactiv Evergreen, as well as other activity, sources see packaging M&A ticking up again after a lower-volume period for deals.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 11, 2024

The packaging workforce grew for a decade. Labor shortages and COVID-19 changed that.

The top 12 publicly traded U.S. packaging manufacturers by revenue collectively have more employees than they did a decade ago. Mergers and acquisitions heavily influenced the numbers, but that’s not the only factor.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 11, 2024

Flexible Packaging Association’s new CEO talks flexibles growth, recyclability, tariffs

Dan Felton detailed misunderstandings about flexibles that he hopes to dispel. He also discussed risks and opportunities that FPA members face as extended producer responsibility for packaging laws emerge.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 10, 2024

Novolex to acquire Pactiv Evergreen in $6.7B deal

The North American companies expect to finalize the all-cash deal in 2025, which would take Pactiv Evergreen private.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 9, 2024

Greif leans into polymers following business segment shuffle

After creating four material-based business segments, Greif’s executives signaled the polymers space holds the greatest growth potential. Executives also announced a $100 million cost-cutting plan.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 6, 2024

Dow names new packaging segment president

Keith Cleason immediately takes over the packaging and specialty plastics unit, following Karen Carter’s promotion to chief operating officer.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 4, 2024

Sonoco completes $3.8B acquisition of Eviosys

The Switzerland-based metal packaging business will transition to Sonoco’s branding in the coming months, bringing its 6,300 employees and 44 facilities.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 4, 2024