5 factors influencing packaging design and operations

From navigating inflation and changing regulations to assessing the impact of automation and plastics M&A, these are some of the top industry trends to watch.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • March 27, 2023

Billerud North America to get new president as it pursues regional growth

Kevin Kuznicki, previously deputy president and general counsel, will take the helm as the Swedish paper specialist looks to expand its U.S. business following the 2022 acquisition of Verso.

By Maria Rachal • March 27, 2023

Flexible packaging expected to boom, despite limited recycling capabilities: PMMI report

Flexible plastic packaging and compostable packaging are predicted to see big gains, but few people in the U.S. have access to recycling programs for those materials.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 24, 2023

Berry Global 2022 ESG report shows uptick in PCR purchasing

The Indiana-based plastic packaging company said it’s been ahead of schedule on goals to reduce operational emissions, but one packaging sustainability target saw year-over-year decline amid changes to recyclability determinations.

By Maria Rachal • March 22, 2023

PPI data suggest lower packaging costs. Is inflation’s grip finally lessening?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’s data release signaled different price trends among plastic packaging products, paperboard and paper boxes and containers.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 21, 2023

Dart lays off workers at Georgia plant after sudden demand drop

A “dramatic” demand decrease made immediate job cuts and production schedule changes necessary at a Solo Cup facility, according to the company.

By Megan Ruggles • March 21, 2023

War, COVID lockdowns and riots are among international factors hitting packaging earnings

International factors led to supply chain disruptions and demand dips that tamped down Q4 2022 results. But executives anticipate brighter days ahead in 2023.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 13, 2023

Energy Department offers $6B to decarbonize industrial manufacturing

Grants will be awarded to projects in high-polluting sectors such as iron and steel, chemicals and refining and food and beverage. 

By Megan Ruggles • March 9, 2023

Manufacturing outlook improves slightly as contraction slows in February

New orders and order backlog levels improved last month with demand "on the road to recovery."

By Kate Magill • March 1, 2023

How manufacturers can tackle supply chain costs in 2023

With budgets tightening in an uncertain economy, experts weigh in on how companies can plan for the year ahead and stay resilient.

By Kate Magill • Feb. 14, 2023

Lawmakers call for EPA to more tightly regulate plastic production and cut ties with chemical recycling

In a letter, lawmakers urged Administrator Michael Regan to carry out provisions first outlined in last year’s Protecting Communities from Plastic Act, saying the agency can do more to curb plastic pollution.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 14, 2023

Production begins at Circularix’s inaugural rPET facility

The company, which is a joint venture between Macquarie Group and HPC Industries, plans to open four additional PET recycling facilities in the next two years to meet growing demand.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 14, 2023

Direct Pack gets Recycling Partnership grant for PET thermoform recycling in Mexico

California-based Direct Pack bought over 4,000 tons of PET from Phoenix in 2022 — a relationship the city touted ahead of the Super Bowl — for processing in Mexicali, where new capacity will be built.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 14, 2023

DOE report touts chemical recycling R&D opportunities while noting plastic’s environmental justice issues

The report, part of a long-term Energy Department effort to boost the viability of plastics recycling and cut energy use, touts opportunities in researching bio-based plastics as well as chemical recycling technologies. 

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2023

WestRock notes global paper market headwinds but touts sustainability investments as growing opportunity

WestRock reported lower Q1 income and withdrew full-year guidance due to market uncertainty. CEO David Sewell said increased packaging revenue and a focus on plastic packaging replacement projects are positive signs, however.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 2, 2023

Northstar Recycling acquires Sonoco’s ‘asset-light’ waste services business

The private equity-backed company has purchased a business that focuses on providing third-party service and consulting to large manufacturing clients from the major packaging company.

By Cole Rosengren • Feb. 1, 2023

Connecticut governor backing EPR for packaging and other policies to increase state’s ‘self-sufficiency’

Gov. Ned Lamont said a combination of EPR, waste diversion and improved organics management will help Connecticut reduce a growing amount of waste exported to other states in the wake of a major WTE facility closing.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 25, 2023