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

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

AI-enabled MRF technology aids food-grade polypropylene recovery: report

A study led by Closed Loop Partners, in collaboration with Greyparrot, analyzed more than 650 tons of material from four U.S. MRFs. 

By Katie Pyzyk • March 25, 2025

FPI president touts resilience amid industry changes

The COVID-19 pandemic and EPR laws are among the forces driving the food service packaging sector to adapt and increase collaboration, said Foodservice Packaging Institute President Natha Dempsey.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 20, 2025

Tariff uncertainty sparks manufacturing anxiety, especially among small firms

Changing foreign suppliers could become more difficult as the Trump administration continues to enact new widespread tariff policies.

By Kate Magill • March 17, 2025

5 years later, pandemic-era effects have a mark on the packaging industry

COVID-19 changed how consumers get meals, order items and more, in turn influencing packaging. Some changes in manufacturing have stuck, from automating certain tasks to adapting supply chain management.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk • March 14, 2025

Metal tariffs make American manufacturing less competitive, can makers say

The present tariffs situation “opens the door for cheaper canned foods to flood the U.S. market from China and other foreign competitors,” the Can Manufacturers Institute said. U.S. trade groups are calling for exemptions.

By Maria Rachal • March 13, 2025

Trump threatens 200% tariffs on European wine, champagne

The president vowed to implement the new duties if the European Union doesn’t walk back its retaliatory actions against U.S. whiskey.

By Philip Neuffer • March 13, 2025

EU retaliates against US steel, aluminum tariffs

The European Commission is letting previously suspended duties return for various products and planning for additional countermeasures by mid-April.

By Max Garland • March 12, 2025

Trump reverses Canada steel, aluminum tariff hike

A 25% tariff increase on the metal imports will still go into effect Wednesday, but that rate won’t double after Ontario backed off from imposing retaliatory energy tariffs.

By Philip Neuffer • Updated March 11, 2025

Trump extends tariff pause to all USMCA goods

Imports from Mexico and Canada that are compliant with the trade deal will not be subject to tariffs until April 2.

By Philip Neuffer • March 6, 2025

Trump pauses Mexico tariffs on USMCA goods until April 2

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated the White House will soon announce that all goods compliant with the trade deal could receive the same treatment.

By Philip Neuffer • March 6, 2025

China’s import policies changed fiber trade. Tariffs could change it again.

RaboResearch explored how pulp and paper are “caught in the cross fire of a new North American trade war” as well as trade trends with folding cartonboard and recovered paper.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 5, 2025