WestRock breaks ground on highly automated Wisconsin ‘superplant’ for corrugated boxes

The facility, one of WestRock’s largest investments this year, is strategically placed to serve the Midwest. CEO David Sewell told Packaging Dive that this superplant concept helps increase regional efficiencies.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 28, 2024

Second round of fiber product price increases appears to be taking hold

As packaging producers continue to announce summer price increases for multiple fiber grades, some analysts hint that the “cardboard box recession” might be coming to an end.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 25, 2024

Ardagh Glass closing Houston facility with 220 workers, citing ‘beer market conditions’

Also in July the company will be indefinitely curtailing production at a Seattle site servicing wine customers, impacting another 244 employees. Ardagh detailed ongoing challenges in both the beer and wine markets.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • June 25, 2024

Digitally printed, rightsized boxes could change the shape of e-commerce

EFI and Packsize collaborated on a system they say checks the right boxes to boost packaging customization, which can help brands connect with consumers and improve sustainability. 

By Katie Pyzyk • June 18, 2024

North America’s 2 largest URB producers to raise prices

Greif and Sonoco’s recent announcements about increases for uncoated recycled board are the latest in a string of fiber price hikes this year. They may not be the last.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 12, 2024

Billerud’s decision to scrap $1B cartonboard plant could signal further sector pullbacks

While Billerud’s reversal could be positive for competitors like Graphic Packaging, Greif and Westrock, an overall soft boxboard market could result in more delays and cancelations for the sector, industry observers say.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 5, 2024

US packaging manufacturers announced more than 600 layoffs in May

Genpak, Georgia-Pacific and Graphic Packaging were among the companies that filed WARN notices. Closures are happening in states including Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin.

By Maria Rachal • June 3, 2024

Suzano and International Paper address deal rumors, details still unclear

Executives acknowledged a potential transaction for the first time this week, but made clear that no formal offer is in place. Analysts speculate that Suzano may specifically be interested in IP’s Global Cellulose Fibers business.

By Cole Rosengren • May 23, 2024

Tetra Pak training center expansion offers ‘golden opportunity’ for employee engagement

Fabio Raffone, a company vice president, describes how virtual and hands-on training sessions help to build the workforce of the future while reducing turnover.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 21, 2024

GE Appliances embarks on 5 new packaging sustainability goals

The company aims to eliminate expanded polystyrene and make all packaging recyclable. In 2023, it processed 1 million pounds of plastic scrap to use in manufacturing new products.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 16, 2024

Mauser Packaging to exit US aerosol can manufacturing

While the Illinois-based company is considering a potential sale or merger for the business, workers at multiple plants are expected to lose their jobs.

By Maria Rachal • May 15, 2024

Upcoming round of linerboard price increases marks fiber companies’ second attempt in 2024

Companies including Cascades, Georgia-Pacific, Pratt Industries and WestRock plan to join International Paper in raising linerboard prices in June, following a lack of recognition for earlier increases, analysts say.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 13, 2024

PCA to appeal $91.8M payout verdict for Louisiana plant explosion

Packaging Corporation of America believes its insurance will cover the cost of damages in the latest lawsuit over a deadly 2017 explosion at a pulp mill in DeRidder, Louisiana.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 9, 2024

As 40+ mills accept paper cups, advocates turn to boosting residential recycling acceptance

Only 11% of U.S. communities accept paper cups in residential recycling programs. Mills play a “pivotal role” in advancing acceptance, according to the NextGen Consortium and Foodservice Packaging Institute.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 8, 2024

Strike at Silgan Containers food can plant is ongoing, USW says

Around 100 workers at an Edison, New Jersey, facility are involved. Some of the biggest areas of contention relate to the contract's cost-sharing for health insurance and overtime provisions, according to United Steelworkers.

By Maria Rachal • May 6, 2024

Second chance hiring can bridge labor gaps, break employment barriers

Although some companies say they initially hire formerly incarcerated individuals to overcome a labor shortage, these programs can lead to less employee churn, lower recidivism and life-changing impact, advocates say.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 30, 2024

Fire and ice cool International Paper’s Q1 earnings

January and February incidents resulted in notable charges. CEO Mark Sutton, during his last earnings call before retirement, discussed volume trends but didn’t comment on the announced DS Smith acquisition.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 26, 2024

CMI weighs in on Biden’s call for tariff increases

Trade with China is a key issue ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Can Manufacturers Institute says the Biden administration should take greater action to mitigate impacts from steel and aluminum imported goods.

By Maria Rachal • April 19, 2024

Eviction threat looms as film recycler Myplas accrues $1.3M in unpaid bills

Unexpected financial challenges occurred shortly after the company launched its highly anticipated Minnesota polyethylene film recycling operation in December, according to Peter Shippen, Myplas board chair.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated April 15, 2024

Is hemp the next revolution for sustainable packaging? Startup element6 Dynamics thinks so.

CEO Kimberly Kovacs details the company’s push to use industrial hemp for making paper and packaging, which she says is a more sustainable option than tree pulp.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 8, 2024

ND Paper, Opus, Jindal among March plant shutdown announcements

More than 300 employees are expected to be affected by temporary or permanent shutdowns in Georgia, Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 2, 2024

Robots’ value proposition evolves in packaging and manufacturing

Speakers from Delkor, Fanuc, PMMI and others shared insights at Pack Expo East into the current state of workforce gaps and adoption of automation and other solutions.

By Maria Rachal • April 2, 2024

Manufacturing is ‘highly likely in our next growth cycle’: March PMI

The industry was buoyed by a rise in demand and production rates last month, encouraging manufacturers to invest more in capacity.

By Kate Magill • April 1, 2024

How IT and OT can team up on cybersecurity in manufacturing: PMMI

The association and partners also highlighted post-pandemic investment in remote services at Pack Expo East.

By Maria Rachal • March 28, 2024

Gravis looks to lead B2B bulk transportation packaging market in North America

The private equity-backed company recently launched as a combined platform with six acquired companies, including Bagwell and Bulk Lift International. New CEO Vishal Rao outlines plans to grow in the FIBC market.

By Cole Rosengren • March 28, 2024