Walmart switching to paper mailers, rightsized boxes to cut packaging waste

The world’s largest retailer says it could eliminate 65 million plastic mailers by early next year while also implementing technology that can reduce the need for box filler by creating custom-fitted packages.

By Maria Rachal • June 1, 2023

Specright CTO says to take advantage of AI for packaging, data is key

Ayman Shoukry, from data platform Specright, sees great potential in using artificial intelligence to better manage supply chains and reporting. But none of it will work without standardized data.

By Cole Rosengren • June 1, 2023

Wood vs. plastic: Which pallets are more sustainable?

More pallet companies are marketing their products’ sustainability amid growing attention to ESG practices, fueling the ongoing debate of whether one substrate is superior.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 24, 2023

US inflation again eased in April

The plastics manufacturing workforce saw a little growth last month, while paper manufacturing’s workforce declined.

By Maria Rachal • May 12, 2023

E-commerce, packaging demand dips are linked but don’t necessarily signal a wider downturn

Blaming softer e-commerce sales for falling demand in corrugated packaging and beyond may be “overblown,” sources say, highlighting a return to moderated pre-pandemic business levels instead.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 11, 2023

Destocking effects linger for packaging manufacturers

Q1 and April inventory trends — and what they might mean for the second half of the year —  were discussed by paper, glass, metal and plastic packaging executives in recent earnings calls.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • May 9, 2023

What April manufacturing data said about paper and plastics

Recent data from the Institute for Supply Management and S&P Global provide insights into key commodities as packaging companies experience ongoing demand shifts.

By Maria Rachal • May 2, 2023

How packaging manufacturers fared in Q1

Follow what top companies said in quarterly earnings reports about consolidation efforts, consumer demand and projections for the rest of 2023.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated May 10, 2023

PCA misses earnings targets due to box demand ‘well below our expectations’

Despite indicators becoming “more negative as the months went on” related to containerboard demand, executives from Packaging Corporation of America said they’ve seen volumes turn around in April.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 25, 2023

Bold Reuse launches retail glass packaging reuse pilot

Portland, Oregon-based Bold Reuse saw an opportunity to “plug and play” by leveraging its washing infrastructure, ongoing work with a local grocery chain and support from a government grant, explained one program lead.

By Maria Rachal • April 17, 2023

Curbside film recycling can be a reality with the right equipment and policy updates, pilot suggests

End markets exist and EPR could spur the investments to upgrade MRFs to handle flexible plastics, but “you’ve got to figure out that last step” to capture existing packaging, said the Flexible Packaging Association’s CEO.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 12, 2023

How the pandemic’s e-commerce boom drove new packaging trends

While the effects are finally settling out, industry experts say the last three years have seen an uptick in “ships in own container” packaging as well as changes in design.

By Leslie Nemo • April 10, 2023

What’s next if 20% of companies shift 2025 plastic targets?

Gartner research anticipates that companies will abandon plastic recycling targets, instead opting for climate action such as greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. Plastic recycling advocates disagree.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 30, 2023

How second-use boxes are helping customers advance their circularity goals

Companies like Philadelphia’s American Box have been collecting and reselling cardboard containers for decades, but the concept is gaining renewed attention as a way to extend the lifespan of this ubiquitous packaging.

By Lela Nargi • March 28, 2023

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

For OCC demand and pricing, economic uncertainty puts quick recovery in question

Recycling and packaging executives have a range of predictions for what’s ahead as inflation and lagging consumer spending continue to have an impact.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 22, 2023

To help boost postconsumer recycled content in packaging, US Plastics Pact shares industry toolkit

The open-source resource comes as the group and the industry have noted challenges around balancing supply and demand in the PCR market and increasing the use of PCR.

By Maria Rachal • March 14, 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

Amazon closes, cancels more warehouses as cost-cutting persists

The e-commerce giant canceled, closed or delayed 99 U.S. fulfillment facilities, per a firm tracking the company. Amazon disputed its findings.

By Max Garland • Feb. 28, 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

Loop touts retail store expansion as standalone e-commerce program sunsets

The TerraCycle-backed reusable container program is now working with 37 U.S. retail stores, including Fred Meyer, Giant Food and Walmart.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 10, 2023