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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Packaging innovations: Less plastic in dairy cups, paint refills, pallet wraps

Huhtamaki, Mondi and Ranpak recently announced new packaging launches and technology integrations.

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.

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.

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.

Poly-Pak, Smurfit Westrock, TC Transcontinental add to 2025 packaging closures, layoffs

Ardagh Glass, Clearwater Paper, International Paper and Pactiv Evergreen also in February each detailed efforts to cut hundreds of employees.

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.

Paper, metal, plastics sectors raise alarm over North America tariffs

The Plastics Industry Association said in a statement it was “deeply concerned” about the levies, citing $74.2 billion in exports and $73.3 billion in imports for plastics in 2023.

Updated March 5, 2025

Manufacturing is on the rebound, but tariffs threaten growth: PMI

Production and demand rose in February as customers rushed to put in new orders ahead of the Trump administration’s levies. Commodity spot prices also rose 20%, including on steel and aluminum.

Testing 1, 2, 3: How CPGs get more sustainable packaging to store shelves

Brands face pressures to meet sustainability goals and comply with regulations, all while keeping costs in check as they transition to new forms of packaging. Sealed Air, Sappi and Diageo shared more about collaborative development.

International Paper’s CFO to move into ‘newly created role’ at DS Smith

Longtime IP employee Tim Nicholls is shifting to the newly acquired entity. IP's new CFO comes from outside the company.

Greif to sell timberland subsidiary Soterra

Executives on Thursday’s earnings call also detailed the financial impacts of two recently announced closures, as well as the expected effects of tariffs.

Updated March 19, 2025

Canada and Mexico tariffs will take effect March 4, Trump confirms

The president will also impose an additional 10% import tax on China next week and hinted at plans to soon levy 25% duties on the European Union.

Ardagh Metal Packaging forecasts volume growth in 2025

The company highlighted positive trends with alcohol innovation and energy drinks. CEO Oliver Graham said he doesn’t expect tariffs to meaningfully impact the retail price of a can.

Packaging Corporation of America shakes up leadership

The company will elevate multiple longtime employees to fill positions, including for the CFO and president roles.

Consumers address user experience with reusable cups

Partners on a major citywide reuse project, whose brand participants included Starbucks and Berry, gathered feedback on the plastic cups. Some consumers flagged microplastics fears with hot beverages, according to a new report.

Amcor, Berry shareholders approve $8.4B combination

Amcor announced in November that it would acquire Berry, which was in M&A talks with multiple other parties earlier in 2024, according to a regulatory filing.