The Latest
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Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images
Tracking packaging mergers and acquisitions in 2025
Amcor’s purchase of Berry passed an antitrust milestone; ArchPoint Group acquired a stake in NatureStar North America; The Oakdale Co. acquired Century-Tech; and Smyth has a new private equity owner.
Updated March 12, 2025 -
Courtesy of Republic Services
Republic opens Indianapolis plastics complex to meet recycled content demand
The location has the company’s second polymer center and a Blue Polymers facility. Together, they’re expected to process 175,000 pounds of recycled plastic annually and in part offer resin for food-grade packaging.
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dmf87 via Getty Images
Q&AFPI 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.
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Retrieved from Plastic Ingenuity on March 19, 2025
PET thermoform recycling is rising, but still not matching PCR demand
Only 54% of U.S. residents with recycling programs have access to thermoform recycling. That must increase to meet growing postconsumer recycled content demand, according to NAPCOR.
Updated March 20, 2025 -
Courtesy of Henkel
Henkel boosts recycled content in plastic packaging
The German consumer goods company’s newly released sustainability report also cited the supplier engagement program it launched last year as being instrumental in reducing emissions.
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Solnuha via Getty Images
EPR for packaging laws: Dates to know
CAA is working with producers on Oregon’s March 31 reporting deadline. Meanwhile, CalRecycle is trying to start a new formal rulemaking process for SB 54, and Maryland’s EPR advisors shared policy recommendations.
Updated March 21, 2025 -
Photo illustration by Shaun Lucas/Packaging Dive; photograph by Vudhikul Ocharoen via Getty Images
TrackerPackaging manufacturers set big sustainability goals. How are they doing?
PCR exceeded 5% of Berry Global’s resin purchases, according to its newly released 2024 sustainability report.
Updated March 19, 2025 -
Screenshot: New York Stock Exchange/YouTube
O-I seeks to compete better with cans in North America
As part of an investor day, the glass company shared updates on an ongoing business strategy, including financial targets, cost-cutting efforts, portfolio transformation and growth opportunities.
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Courtesy of Greyparrot
Recyclers give packaging designers a glimpse into limitations, opportunities in today’s MRFs
Leaders from Republic Services, Rumpke Waste & Recycling and elsewhere discussed their role in recycling plastics at the Sustainability in Packaging US conference.
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Courtesy of Nucor Steel Tuscaloosa.
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.
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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.
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Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
Manufacturers hail EPA plans to rethink particulate matter regulations
The National Association of Manufacturers, American Forest & Paper Association and others previously challenged an update to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in court.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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.
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Arnold Jerocki via Getty Images
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.
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The image by Jimmy Emerson, DVM is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Navigating next steps on EPR in California and beyond
CalRecycle said it will revise the regulations and associated documents, and initiate a new formal rulemaking process, starting with a 45-day public comment period.
Updated March 13, 2025 -
Courtesy of Walmart
Walmart says it’s unlikely to meet 2025 plastic, recycling targets
The largest U.S. retailer discussed challenges to increasing PCR adoption. More than two-thirds of its global private-brand packaging was recyclable, reusable or industrially compostable in 2023, according to a company update.
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Sean Gallup via Getty Images
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.
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Samuel Corum via Getty Images
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.
Updated March 11, 2025 -
Courtesy of State Sen. Ben Allen
Newsom sends California back to the drawing board on EPR implementation
After extensive public input, multiple revisions and missing a deadline to finalize SB 54 rules, one lawmaker called progress “significantly delayed.” Some environmental advocates say they would again weigh a ballot initiative.
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alvarez via Getty Images
Which packaging companies have shuffled their C-suites in 2025?
In the first few months of the year, Huhtamaki, Sealed Air, Sonoco, Packaging Corporation of America and International Paper have already announced some notable leadership shifts.
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Maryland’s recycling needs assessment sheds light on possible EPR impacts
A newly released assessment, along with a recommendation report from a stakeholder group, could both help shape EPR for packaging legislation this year.
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Courtesy of Huhtamaki
Packaging innovations: Less plastic in dairy cups, paint refills, pallet wraps
Huhtamaki, Mondi and Ranpak recently announced new packaging launches and technology integrations.
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Courtesy of Eco Guardian
Evertis, Ingredion, Eco Guardian and more announce expansions
Citing sustainability regulations, tariffs and other driving factors, packaging and materials companies have laid out plans to grow their North American operations.
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Alex Wong via Getty Images
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.
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Courtesy of Walmart
Inflation continues to drive private label growth
Gen Z and millennial shoppers are particularly interested in store brands as they seek out both value and quality, per a Circana study.
