Supply Chain
-
Deep Dive
RFID for packaging enters new markets, despite pause on FDA traceability rule
The tracking technology is pushing into newer applications, including anti-counterfeiting for high-value goods. RFID is poised for notable growth, with innovation helping improve the tech’s operability and ensure recyclability.
By Katie Pyzyk • June 4, 2025 -
Conagra will seek to mitigate steel tariffs’ impact on cans, CFO says
The branded snack and frozen food company’s CFO spoke at a conference Tuesday, just days after President Trump announced he would raise steel and aluminum tariffs from 25% to 50%.
By Maura Webber Sadovi • June 4, 2025 -
Manufacturing continues to stall as the industry grapples with tariff uncertainty: PMI
While production rose slightly, inventory backlogs dwindled as companies worked through stock pulled forward ahead of tariffs earlier this year.
By Kate Magill • June 2, 2025 -
Packaging manufacturers worried by 50% tariffs on steel, aluminum
Doubling tariffs on metals imports risks unintended consequences throughout the packaging supply chain, according to the Can Manufacturers Institute and the Aluminum Association.
By Katie Pyzyk • Updated June 2, 2025 -
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 -
5 questions about tariff impacts on the packaging industry
Frequent changes and uncertainty loom over manufacturers as they assess international supply chain risk and consider procurement changes.
By Shefali Kapadia • May 29, 2025 -
US court blocks Trump’s sweeping tariffs
The Court of International Trade said the president overstepped his authority, halting various duties. After an appeal, the ruling has been paused.
By Edwin Lopez • Updated May 29, 2025 -
US, China agree to reduce tariff rates for 90 days
By Wednesday, the two countries will charge 10% baseline duties during the period and remove certain retaliatory levies that pushed rates over 100%.
By Philip Neuffer • May 12, 2025 -
Sponsored by Plastic Ingenuity, Inc.
Tariffs, delays and uncertainty: How to build a resilient packaging supply chain in 2025
Four tips to help shield your brand from tariffs, material shortages and other supply chain disruptors.
By Plastic Ingenuity • May 12, 2025 -
Are tariff-era changes to fiber supply chains here to stay?
Some fiber companies are altering where they source material and ship products, and economic uncertainty is also shifting consumer spending and demand for containerboard, analysts from Rabobank and BCG discussed.
By Katie Pyzyk • May 6, 2025 -
O-I says glass supply chains are a strength amid aluminum tariffs
The Ohio-based company saw shipments grow in Q1, driven in part by advanced purchasing ahead of new tariffs. But in Europe, O-I is curtailing production.
By Maria Rachal • May 5, 2025 -
Fiber producers could be teeing up another round of price increases
Analysts say that producers are watching tariffs, and whether the seasonal demand uptick will occur this year, as factors in pricing decisions.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 22, 2025 -
Healthcare packaging an untapped chemical recycling feedstock: report
The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council says its multi-year research into chemical recycling for healthcare packaging shows the material is an untapped feedstock that could help overcome collection and processing hurdles.
By Megan Quinn • April 21, 2025 -
Tariff turmoil: Box demand dips, recession fears rise
The impact of uncertainty from tariffs already is appearing in the paper and packaging industry, and manufacturers are expressing concern about a potential recession this year, according to analysts.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 18, 2025 -
Duties coming on aluminum containers from China following US trade ruling
The U.S. government investigated after foil container manufacturers raised issue with imports of trays, lids and more. But U.S. industry is still concerned about Chinese companies transshipping through other countries.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 15, 2025 -
Trump pauses most reciprocal tariffs, hikes China’s further
The U.S. will now charge a 125% duty on imports from China, while most other countries will be subject to a 10% rate for 90 days.
By Philip Neuffer • Updated April 10, 2025 -
China raises tariffs on US to 84%, matching Trump’s increase
The retaliatory duties, taking effect Thursday, were originally set at 34% before the White House further raised its own rates.
By Max Garland • April 9, 2025 -
Deep Dive
Weighty issue: GLP-1 drugs are reshaping packaging demand
Soaring use of these medications for weight loss is shifting demand, including for packaging manufacturers that serve pharma and food customers. Analysts say the game-changer is an opportunity for innovative companies.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 9, 2025 -
Trump threatens 50% tariff on China if retaliatory duties stay
The president said Monday that China, which vowed to fight the action, had until Tuesday to back off from its plan for 34% tariffs on U.S. imports.
By Max Garland • Updated April 8, 2025 -
China readies 34% tariff on US imports starting April 10
The country's retaliation against President Donald Trump's trade policies builds upon previously announced duties.
By Max Garland • April 4, 2025 -
Aluminum cans, beer imports subject to 25% tariffs
The duties are separate from President Trump’s baseline tariffs. The Aluminum Association supports the move, while the Consumer Brands Association joined others in asking the administration to “fine-tune their approach.”
By Katie Pyzyk • Updated April 4, 2025 -
Trump installs 10% baseline tariff, country-specific duties
The president said he will levy import taxes on China, Japan and others equal to half of what they charge the U.S. based on White House calculations.
By Philip Neuffer • April 2, 2025 -
Ideas for easing recycled content woes through policy, packaging
Brand innovations, policy changes and better communication could help ease challenges associated with adding recycled content to packaging, said speakers at the Plastics Recycling Conference.
By Megan Quinn • April 2, 2025 -
Crate idea: Transport packaging made from recycled Tetra Pak cartons
The polymer and aluminum material, polyAl, that gets separated from fiber during carton recycling is a key material for the new transport crates made by Schoeller Allibert.
By Katie Pyzyk • April 2, 2025 -
Manufacturing economy stalls amid tariff confusion: PMI
Purchasing managers’ index data showed a contraction in March. The industry is bracing for the impact of the Trump administration's upcoming "Liberation Day," on April 2, set to bring a slew of tariffs.
By Kate Magill • April 1, 2025