Clearwater closes $1B sale of tissue business to Sofidel

Washington-based Clearwater is narrowing its focus on paperboard, removing four U.S. tissue production facilities from its footprint after purchasing a bleached paperboard manufacturing plant in Georgia.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Nov. 1, 2024

Russian government takes over management control at 2 Silgan facilities

Although operations ceased last year at the two metal packaging facilities, Silgan did not divest the assets. The Russian government says it will now make management decisions on a “temporary” basis.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 16, 2024

Pactiv Evergreen divests 2 facilities to Suzano for $110M

The sale of sites in Arkansas and North Carolina is the culmination of a strategic review by Pactiv as the company also restructures its beverage and food merchandising businesses and explores footprint optimization.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Oct. 1, 2024

2024 packaging M&A trends: Megadeals are in, destocking hangover is out

Despite several high-profile megadeals between large packaging companies in recent months, small companies make up more volume than meets the eye, according to analysts. And international transactions are gaining prominence. 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 10, 2024

Smurfit Kappa completes acquisition of WestRock

“Smurfit Westrock is going to conquer the world of sustainable, paper-based packaging,” said CEO Tony Smurfit before ringing the NYSE’s opening bell.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated July 8, 2024

2024’s biggest packaging acquisition news

The year saw multibillion-dollar deal announcements involving Smurfit Westrock, International Paper, DS Smith, Amcor, Berry Global, Sonoco, Ball and more.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated Dec. 17, 2024

Departing WestRock CEO Sewell reflects on his tenure and company’s future

In an interview, David Sewell discussed fiber pricing trends, infrastructure investment strategies, the importance of innovation and highlights from his time at the helm of WestRock, which comes to an end July 5.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 2, 2024

Suzano ends negotiation for acquisition of International Paper

Suzano’s previous interest added another layer of complexity to a planned deal between International Paper and DS Smith, which followed Mondi’s attempt to purchase DS Smith.

By Maria Rachal • June 27, 2024

Ardagh Glass closing Houston facility with 220 workers, citing ‘beer market conditions’

Also in July the company will be indefinitely curtailing production at a Seattle site servicing wine customers, impacting another 244 employees. Ardagh detailed ongoing challenges in both the beer and wine markets.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • June 25, 2024

Sonoco acquiring Eviosys for $3.9B in move to prioritize metal packaging

Acquiring the European company from investment firm KPS aligns with Sonoco’s strategy to make metal packaging a core business unit. The acquisition will be accompanied by “significant divestitures.”

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated June 24, 2024

DS Smith acquisition ‘remains fully on track’ for Q4 closing, CEO says

The prospectus for International Paper’s acquisition should be released in late summer, said DS Smith CEO Miles Roberts on Thursday’s earnings call. Meanwhile, substrate switches from plastic to fiber are driving up demand.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 20, 2024

SEE appoints WestRock executive as CEO

Patrick Kivits, who has been with WestRock for five years, was slated to keep his position upon that company’s combination with Smurfit Kappa in July. Instead, he’ll start the month leading SEE.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 14, 2024

WestRock, Smurfit Kappa shareholders vote to approve combination

Recently released documents reveal when executives expect the deal to close and just how long the transaction has been in the works.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 13, 2024

North America’s 2 largest URB producers to raise prices

Greif and Sonoco’s recent announcements about increases for uncoated recycled board are the latest in a string of fiber price hikes this year. They may not be the last.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 12, 2024

Alison Keane to leave Flexible Packaging Association this summer

After more than seven years of pushing for industry improvements such as better plastic film recycling infrastructure, the president and CEO will join a recycling organization.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 10, 2024

Greif opens Dallas bulk corrugated facility, hikes URB prices again

The Ohio-based manufacturer said during a call Thursday detailing paper business trends that demand for its recycled paper products is on the rise. But it reported delayed price recognition as a persistent challenge.

By Maria Rachal • June 6, 2024

Novelis backtracks on IPO launch

The supplier to customers like Ball, Ardagh and Coca-Cola said it’s holding off on previously announced plans “due to market conditions” a week after pricing an offering that could have generated as much as $945 million.

By Maria Rachal • June 5, 2024

Suzano and International Paper address deal rumors, details still unclear

Executives acknowledged a potential transaction for the first time this week, but made clear that no formal offer is in place. Analysts speculate that Suzano may specifically be interested in IP’s Global Cellulose Fibers business.

By Cole Rosengren • May 23, 2024

Cascades names Hugues Simon as new CEO

The Resolute Forest Products executive will replace retiring CEO Mario Plourde no later than July 1. This is the latest in a string of packaging company CEO transitions over the past year.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 17, 2024

Ball, Ardagh, Coca-Cola aluminum supplier Novelis pursues IPO

The Atlanta-based aluminum company’s recent filings shed light on the state of the U.S. market for food and beverage cans. It’s looking to boost its recycled content use from 63% to 75% in the coming years.

By Maria Rachal • May 16, 2024

CPG promotional activity unevenly impacts packaging suppliers

Boxboard producers stand to benefit the most as consumer packaged goods companies shift away from their recent “value over volume” strategy, according to a Truist Securities analyst.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 15, 2024

Upcoming round of linerboard price increases marks fiber companies’ second attempt in 2024

Companies including Cascades, Georgia-Pacific, Pratt Industries and WestRock plan to join International Paper in raising linerboard prices in June, following a lack of recognition for earlier increases, analysts say.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 13, 2024

Berry completes multiple divestitures with ‘line of sight to much more’

Divestitures within the next year could net at least $2 billion in cash proceeds, said Berry Global CEO Kevin Kwilinski, who is upping the company’s focus on consumer packaging.

By Maria Rachal • May 10, 2024

PCA to appeal $91.8M payout verdict for Louisiana plant explosion

Packaging Corporation of America believes its insurance will cover the cost of damages in the latest lawsuit over a deadly 2017 explosion at a pulp mill in DeRidder, Louisiana.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 9, 2024

Brazilian paper company pursuing $15B offer for International Paper: Reuters

The report of Suzano’s verbal proposal comes weeks after International Paper’s agreement to buy DS Smith. Both sides could have an interest in combining fluff pulp supply, according to one analyst.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated May 7, 2024