Materials

  • Two people in white lab coats work in Braskem's Renewable Innovation Center in Lexington, Massachusetts
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Braskem
    Image attribution tooltip

    Inside Braskem’s push to scale biopolymer production for packaging and more

    The Brazilian chemical company’s recently opened $20 million research facility in Massachusetts is part of the company’s broader network of R&D sites and interest in alternatives to fossil-based plastics.

    By • June 25, 2025
  • Close-up view of flat, stacked corrugated boxes.
    Image attribution tooltip
    SafakOguz via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Containerboard capacity has shrunk nearly 6% in 2025. That may rebalance the market.

    North American mill closures could alter the supply and demand dynamic and bring a “golden age” for containerboard following years of oversupply, according to a Truist Securities analyst.

    By • June 24, 2025
  • Six workers wearing bright yellow vests with WM's logo work next to conveyor belts at a recycling center.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    WM’s upgraded Wisconsin MRF aims to capture more types of plastic packaging

    Part of the $39 million investment went toward a film mitigation system, which reduces contamination in other streams. WM also is in the early stages of selling this captured material as a commodity. 

    By • Updated June 24, 2025
  • Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney (right) and U.S. President Donald Trump (left) speak at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, on June 16, 2025.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Canada threatens further tariffs on US steel, aluminum

    The exact new rate will depend on progress made towards a tariff deal with the Trump administration as of July 21.

    By Philip Neuffer • June 20, 2025
  • A full rotisserie chicken sits inside the bottom of a beige plastic clamshell container with the lid off.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Sam's Club
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: Chicken changes at Sam’s Club are nothing to cluck at

    Plus, O Olive Oil & Vinegar puts the squeeze on its bottles, Amcor lightens up Bulldog tubes and Elopak partners with Dow on cartons containing recycled polymers.

    By • June 20, 2025
  • Worker looking at a desktop computer screen
    Image attribution tooltip
    izusek via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by Altor

    Working smarter: Best practices for thermal modeling in cold chain packaging design

    Smarter cold chain design starts with thermal modeling—learn best practices here.

    By Altor • June 16, 2025
  • A close up of baled plastic recyclable bottles and containers.
    Image attribution tooltip
    varniccha kajal via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    How much do consumers really care about sustainable packaging?

    Consumers consider packaging sustainability when making purchases, but weigh other characteristics more heavily, according to a study from McKinsey & Co. The consulting firm presents five takeaways based on a consumer survey.

    By • June 11, 2025
  • Cup of expresso coffee being made
    Image attribution tooltip

    TBD

    Image attribution tooltip
    Sponsored by Metsä Board

    New widely recyclable and home-compostable Starbucks takeaway cup relies on Metsä Board’s paperboard

    Starbucks EMEA and partners developed a recyclable and home-compostable takeaway cup on Metsa Board’s stock.

    June 2, 2025
  • A white factory with the blue U.S. Steel logo and U.S. flag on the building.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Jeff Swensen via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Trump to increase steel, aluminum tariffs to 50%

    The president announced the tariff hikes, which are set to begin Wednesday, while touting Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel during a rally in Pittsburgh.

    By Sara Samora • Updated June 3, 2025
  • Bales of plastic in a warehouse
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Nova Chemicals
    Image attribution tooltip

    Nova Chemicals, Novolex open mechanical recycling facility for PE film

    The Indiana facility will process up to 145,000 bales of postconsumer plastic film a year to produce recycled LLDPE for use in food-safe applications. End users will include Charter Next Generation and Pregis.

    By Megan Quinn • May 27, 2025
  • Beverage bottles with Pepsi branding sit on a store shelf.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    PepsiCo resets packaging sustainability goals, ditches reuse target

    The company discontinued some sustainability goals and revamped others for packaging and emissions. PepsiCo says the goals are still ambitious and reflect external challenges to achieving targets.

    By • May 22, 2025
  • A square chunk of cheese in a wrapper with messaging for Nestlé's ¡Qué Rico! cheese brand.
    Image attribution tooltip

    Screenshot: Ogilvy/YouTube

    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: Nestlé ‘self-packing’ cheese will have you saying ‘no whey!’

    Plus, ProAmpac discusses a collaboration bringing recyclable paper bags to lawn care, and SIG scales its aluminum-free aseptic carton offerings.

    By • May 21, 2025
  • A rigid plastic bottle of Mrs. Meyer's liquid hand soap sits next to a larger, flexible plastic pouch of the same product.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by SC Johnson
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: SC Johnson’s soap refill system, Amcor and Metsä collaborate on trays

    Plus, Nestlé Purina gets a PCR boost and Futamura brings compostability features to sachets.

    By • May 16, 2025
  • Muhammad Rabnawaz stands under MSU School of Packaging sign
    Image attribution tooltip
    Courtesy of Michigan State University College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, School of Packaging
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovation center scores federal funding to ‘strengthen US manufacturers’

    Organizers in Michigan are engaging companies to be part of this pre-competitive research hub that leverages National Science Foundation grant money as well as industry buy-in.

    By • May 9, 2025
  • A stick of Every Man Jack deodorant in its previous packaging next to a stick in new packaging.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Every Man Jack
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: PCR plays from CG Roxane, Every Man Jack, Stumptown Coffee

    Plus, Aveda redesigned its sample product sachets with Xela Pack and Stora Enso launched a next-generation folding boxboard from a newly up-and-running consumer packaging board line.

    By , • May 8, 2025
  • A Kind snack bar that has messaging on the label indicating the new paper wrapper is recyclable.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Kind Snacks
    Image attribution tooltip

    Kind Snacks launches recyclable paper wrapper pilot program

    Printpack helped the snack food company develop a barrier-coated paper wrapper to replace plastic. The partners will gather information about shelf life and durability during transit to determine next steps for scaling.

    By • May 1, 2025
  • Gloved hands holding polypropylene plastic granules
    Image attribution tooltip
    CatherScarl via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    CPGs unlikely to hit 2025 PCR goals, Ameripen analysis shows

    Companies have upped recycled plastic in packaging the last few years. But CPGs still face considerable uncertainty about how recycled materials and related technologies could be regulated going forward.

    By • April 28, 2025
  • A green box of Zyrtec allergy medication with orange messaging.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Kenvue
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: Zyrtec’s flat-front fiber box, Saint James Iced Tea bets on bottles

    Plus, a look at new packaging launches from Sonoco, DS Smith, Eco-Products and Pulpex. 

    By • April 25, 2025
  • Close-up view of flat, stacked corrugated boxes.
    Image attribution tooltip
    SafakOguz via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • April 22, 2025
  • Human workers next to a conveyor line sort plastic packaging such as bottles.
    Image attribution tooltip
    South_agency via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    PCR use still dogged by pricing challenges: report

    The U.S. Plastics Pact released a report with strategies for overcoming barriers to PCR use, including the price disparity between virgin and recycled material.

    By • April 21, 2025
  • A variety of Collective Good wines on a retail store shelf.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Frugalpak
    Image attribution tooltip

    Frugalpac’s paper wine bottles scale with Target debut

    It’s the first full-scale nationwide rollout of Frugalpac’s paper bottle at a major U.S. retailer, said CEO Malcolm Waugh.

    By • April 17, 2025
  • Various sizes and shapes of disposable food pans and trays made from foil.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Nordroden via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    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 • April 15, 2025
  • Two people holding up kegs of Liquid Death branded water.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Retrieved from Liquid Death on April 09, 2025
    Image attribution tooltip

    Packaging innovations: Liquid Death’s ‘Kegs for Pregs,’ Crown has a Moment

    Plus, brand and packaging company collaborations led to new or redesigned packaging from Dole, Henkel, Furminator, Bubbies Ice Cream, Happy Campers, Berlin Packaging, AeroFlexx, Earthcycle and Verde Bioresins.

    By • April 10, 2025
  • A large group of dosing pens for subcutaneous injection of anti-obesity medication piled in a heap.
    Image attribution tooltip
    aprott via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    Deep Dive

    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 • April 9, 2025
  • Foam takeout containers and other packaging waste
    Image attribution tooltip
    Genevieve Isabelle via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    California confirms EPS food service ware ban

    CalRecycle said that after a review, there’s not sufficient data showing covered materials meet a required 25% recycling rate. This clarifies what many had already considered a de facto ban under SB 54.

    By • April 8, 2025