Materials

  • A large yellow front loader moves a scoop of shredded paper and cardboard onto a conveyor labeled "Drum Feeder" inside a dimly lit industrial warehouse. The floor and surrounding area are covered in piles of mixed paper waste and recyclables.
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    Alamy
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    Exports pulled down 2024 paper recycling rate: AF&PA

    Decreased fiber exports, especially to Asia, affected both paper and OCC recycling rates in the U.S., according to the American Forest & Paper Association. But domestic mills increased their fiber consumption.

    By • Aug. 13, 2025
  • The tops of silver tabbed beverage cans
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    LordRunar via Getty Images
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    Novelis sees ‘strong demand’ for aluminum beverage packaging sheet

    The company is readying additional capacity at a new Alabama facility as it expects continued sustainability-driven growth in aluminum beverage packaging.

    By • Aug. 12, 2025
  • A stick of Dura Chill branded deodorant sits next to a can of Coors Light beer, both of which feature similar packaging images with mountains.
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    Courtesy of Coors Light
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    Packaging innovations: Coors Light pits out, Pure Sunfarms gives a peek at weed

    Plus, SIG works on a monomaterial bag for boxed wine, Smurfit Westrock and Papa Johns partner on digitally printed boxes to fit entire meals, Aptar brings biobased resins to nasal spray pumps, and more.

    By • Aug. 11, 2025
  • Bundled stacks of flat corrugated boxes.
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    samritk via Getty Images
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    Manufacturers nix the USDA’s Paper and Packaging Board

    Since 2014, the organization has been funded by paper manufacturers and importers to boost paper-based packaging markets. But a recent vote on continuing the marketing efforts failed to garner majority support.

    By • Aug. 8, 2025
  • Seven people's hands holding paper cups come together for a toast.
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    Arvydas Lakacauskas via Getty Images
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    What does ReMa’s new paper cup specification mean for packaging companies?

    The addition is expected to boost acceptance in recycling streams and at mills. It comes as Graphic Packaging International preps a new recycled paperboard mill to accept 15 million cups per day as feedstock.

    By • July 31, 2025
  • Stacks of black plastic food containers being packaged
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    sergeyryzhov via Getty Images
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    Policy shifts keep chemical footprint efforts in pendulum swing

    Following pushes to reduce certain chemicals in packaging and Trump administration changes, industry and advocates ponder what’s next. Limitations remain, including around high-performance materials.

    By April Reese • July 29, 2025
  • Close-up view of the edge of flattened corrugated boxes, showing the corrugating medium between the linerboard layers.
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    Adisak Mitrprayoon via Getty Images
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    Q2 containerboard production decrease tracks with 2025 trend

    U.S. production for domestic use declined less than for exports, according to the American Forest & Paper Association. Any additional mill closures this year could build on the 6% capacity already lost in 2025.

    By • July 28, 2025
  • Two people use spoons to eat ice cream out of paper cups while sitting on a bench outdoors.
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    Courtesy of Huhtamaki
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    Packaging innovations: Huhtamaki’s cool cup compostability, UFP goes to crate lengths

    Plus, Stora Enso and Novapor get ready to scale production after a plastic-free foam pilot program.

    By • July 18, 2025
  • A person's hands open the paper-based cap on a paper-based bottle of Absolut Vodka.
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    Courtesy of Pernod Ricard
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    Packaging innovations: Absolut tops itself with fiber, Aldi is glued to its beer

    Plus, Amcor divides up its trays and BiOrigin Specialty Products helps food service operators block grease.

    By • July 11, 2025
  • Audience members watch four speakers sitting on a stage in front of a green background that says Packaging Recycling Summit.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Insights from the 2025 Packaging Recycling Summit

    Catch up on Packaging Dive’s coverage from the third annual event, including about industry collaborations, prioritizing consumers and the scramble to meet extended producer responsibility deadlines.

    By • July 10, 2025
  • Stack of flat corrugated board utilizing Ingredion's starch products.
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    Permission granted by Ingredion
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    More than a PFAS replacement: Starch-based coating companies expand

    Companies such as Ingredion, Roquette and Kuraray are incorporating new research to meet demand from customers in food service and e-commerce.

    By Hollie Stephens • June 26, 2025
  • Two people in white lab coats work in Braskem's Renewable Innovation Center in Lexington, Massachusetts
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    Permission granted by Braskem
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    Inside Braskem’s push to scale biopolymer production for packaging and more

    The Brazilian chemical company’s recently opened $20 million research facility in Massachusetts is part of the company’s broader network of R&D sites and interest in alternatives to fossil-based plastics.

    By • June 25, 2025
  • Close-up view of flat, stacked corrugated boxes.
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    SafakOguz via Getty Images
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    Containerboard capacity has shrunk nearly 6% in 2025. That may rebalance the market.

    North American mill closures could alter the supply and demand dynamic and bring a “golden age” for containerboard following years of oversupply, according to a Truist Securities analyst.

    By • June 24, 2025
  • Six workers wearing bright yellow vests with WM's logo work next to conveyor belts at a recycling center.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    WM’s upgraded Wisconsin MRF aims to capture more types of plastic packaging

    Part of the $39 million investment went toward a film mitigation system, which reduces contamination in other streams. WM also is in the early stages of selling this captured material as a commodity. 

    By • Updated June 24, 2025
  • Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney (right) and U.S. President Donald Trump (left) speak at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, on June 16, 2025.
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    Canada threatens further tariffs on US steel, aluminum

    The exact new rate will depend on progress made towards a tariff deal with the Trump administration as of July 21.

    By Philip Neuffer • June 20, 2025
  • A full rotisserie chicken sits inside the bottom of a beige plastic clamshell container with the lid off.
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    Permission granted by Sam's Club
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    Packaging innovations: Chicken changes at Sam’s Club are nothing to cluck at

    Plus, O Olive Oil & Vinegar puts the squeeze on its bottles, Amcor lightens up Bulldog tubes and Elopak partners with Dow on cartons containing recycled polymers.

    By • June 20, 2025
  • Worker looking at a desktop computer screen
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    izusek via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by Altor

    Working smarter: Best practices for thermal modeling in cold chain packaging design

    Smarter cold chain design starts with thermal modeling—learn best practices here.

    By Altor • June 16, 2025
  • A close up of baled plastic recyclable bottles and containers.
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    varniccha kajal via Getty Images
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    How much do consumers really care about sustainable packaging?

    Consumers consider packaging sustainability when making purchases, but weigh other characteristics more heavily, according to a study from McKinsey & Co. The consulting firm presents five takeaways based on a consumer survey.

    By • June 11, 2025
  • Cup of expresso coffee being made
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    TBD

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    Sponsored by Metsä Board

    New widely recyclable and home-compostable Starbucks takeaway cup relies on Metsä Board’s paperboard

    Starbucks EMEA and partners developed a recyclable and home-compostable takeaway cup on Metsa Board’s stock.

    June 2, 2025
  • A white factory with the blue U.S. Steel logo and U.S. flag on the building.
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    Jeff Swensen via Getty Images
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    Trump to increase steel, aluminum tariffs to 50%

    The president announced the tariff hikes, which are set to begin Wednesday, while touting Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel during a rally in Pittsburgh.

    By Sara Samora • Updated June 3, 2025
  • Bales of plastic in a warehouse
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    Courtesy of Nova Chemicals
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    Nova Chemicals, Novolex open mechanical recycling facility for PE film

    The Indiana facility will process up to 145,000 bales of postconsumer plastic film a year to produce recycled LLDPE for use in food-safe applications. End users will include Charter Next Generation and Pregis.

    By Megan Quinn • May 27, 2025
  • Beverage bottles with Pepsi branding sit on a store shelf.
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    Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
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    PepsiCo resets packaging sustainability goals, ditches reuse target

    The company discontinued some sustainability goals and revamped others for packaging and emissions. PepsiCo says the goals are still ambitious and reflect external challenges to achieving targets.

    By • May 22, 2025
  • A square chunk of cheese in a wrapper with messaging for Nestlé's ¡Qué Rico! cheese brand.
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    Screenshot: Ogilvy/YouTube

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    Packaging innovations: Nestlé ‘self-packing’ cheese will have you saying ‘no whey!’

    Plus, ProAmpac discusses a collaboration bringing recyclable paper bags to lawn care, and SIG scales its aluminum-free aseptic carton offerings.

    By • May 21, 2025
  • A rigid plastic bottle of Mrs. Meyer's liquid hand soap sits next to a larger, flexible plastic pouch of the same product.
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    Permission granted by SC Johnson
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    Packaging innovations: SC Johnson’s soap refill system, Amcor and Metsä collaborate on trays

    Plus, Nestlé Purina gets a PCR boost and Futamura brings compostability features to sachets.

    By • May 16, 2025
  • Muhammad Rabnawaz stands under MSU School of Packaging sign
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    Courtesy of Michigan State University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, School of Packaging
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    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.

    By • May 9, 2025