The packaging industry outlook for 2025

The evolution of packaging EPR, potential for more industry-reshaping megadeals, shifting attitudes on plastics and sustainability goals, and Trump’s mark on trade and federal funding are dynamic areas to watch.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 31, 2025

Zeldin is confirmed as the new EPA administrator. What’s next?

The former New York representative will helm the agency as it navigates executive orders pausing climate programs and reviews pending regulations that could affect the recycling industry.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Jan. 29, 2025

D.C.’s proposed bottle bill aims to tackle pollution

It calls for a disposal ban on covered beverage containers, followed by a 10-cent deposit starting in 2028, with a recycling rate target of 70% the first year.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 29, 2025

Packaging groups eye federal changes, state EPR evolution in 2025

The structure of anticipated tariffs is front of mind for some packaging and material organizations. They’re also gearing up for more mature EPR and deposit return policy negotiations this year.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 28, 2025

European Commission requires 5 divestitures for IP-DS Smith deal

International Paper agreed to sell plants in three countries to gain approval. The acquisition is slated to close Jan. 31.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 24, 2025

Sprouts accused of falsely labeling private label table ware as ‘compostable’

A class action lawsuit claims the grocer and manufacturer marked the products as compostable despite containing “forever chemicals.” 

By Peyton Bigora • Jan. 23, 2025

Trump freezes Inflation Reduction Act funding

The White House issued a memo the following day to clarify the funding pause, specifying that it pertains only to aspects of the law mentioned in Section 2 of the executive order.

By Kate Magill • Updated Jan. 23, 2025

The countdown to the EU’s new packaging regulation begins

The new regulation on packaging and packaging waste, poised to reshape recyclability, reuse and more, was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on Wednesday.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 22, 2025

EPA nominee Zeldin advances out of committee for final confirmation vote

During a prior hearing, nominee Lee Zeldin highlighted his plan to balance environmental and economic concerns. He said he’s still developing an understanding of chemical recycling.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Jan. 23, 2025

What packaging designers should know about FDA’s proposed nutrition info box

Industry sources predict required front-of-pack labeling could mean giving up key real estate in costly redesigns — or, more optimistically, an opportunity for some brands to modernize packaging and rethink consumer messaging.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 15, 2025

FDA formally proposes front-of-pack nutrition labels

This could force food manufacturers to update their packaging in the coming years. The agency says the goal with a new nutrition info box is to combat chronic diseases.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 14, 2025

Alcohol regulators unlock new market opportunity for glass bottles

Changes to a dated rule this week mean certain alcoholic beverages sold in cans now have the option to be packaged in glass.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 10, 2025

5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2025

Donald Trump’s return to the White House, evolving conditions for M&A, more mature state policy negotiations and a reckoning around 2025 plastics reduction targets are some of the factors poised to affect the industry.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk , Cole Rosengren • Jan. 8, 2025

EPR for packaging laws: Dates to know

See the latest updates on producer reporting in Oregon, next steps for SB 54 in California, implementation in Maine, and more.

By Maria Rachal • Updated April 15, 2025

Life cycle assessments loom large for the outcome of EPR programs

Oregon is currently unique among U.S. states in using this environmental impact tool in its packaging regulation. Experts say the decision comes with many complex considerations, including about plastic.

By Leslie Nemo • Jan. 7, 2025

International Paper agrees to European concessions for DS Smith deal

IP’s limited footprint overlap with DS Smith previously led analysts to anticipate few or no antitrust concerns. But recent deals might have prompted regulators to alter their views of market concentration, according to The Freedonia Group.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 6, 2025

CalRecycle releases source reduction baseline report; updates on foam enforcement

In other SB 54 developments, CalRecycle also updated some recyclability and compostability designations on the covered material categories list.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 3, 2025

Circular Action Alliance CEO details 2025 priorities

Months into the job, Jeff Fielkow discussed the fast-growing producer responsibility organization’s focus areas, as well as the importance of needs assessments and harmonization.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 2, 2025

Packaging laws taking effect in 2025

Expect to see changes in some states at hotels, restaurants and grocery stores, including restrictions to single-use plastic bottles, foam takeout containers, PFAS in packaging and more.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 2, 2025

2024 packaging trends by the numbers

These are some of the stats illustrating key storylines this year in policy and regulation, M&A activity, manufacturing, pricing, recycling, sustainability goals and more.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Dec. 20, 2024

EPA to formally review vinyl chloride risks, may evaluate styrene

Regulators will consider whether high-priority chemicals, including a building block of PVC, present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 19, 2024

What’s next now that Oregon has adopted final EPR for packaging rules

Finalized rules include new permitting and living wage requirements for MRFs, as well as new fees the PRO will be expected to pay certain recyclers.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 19, 2024

Federal budget proposal with $136M in recycling and composting bills stalls

The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act and Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act were initially part of a deal to fund the federal government, but that plan has since been scrapped.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Dec. 20, 2024

EU packaging regulation clears final legislative hurdle

The European Council adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. It’s expected to apply 18 months after it’s officially published.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 16, 2024

Maryland late on EPR recommendations, continuing work into 2025

The state is working to implement a 2023 law that calls for a recycling needs assessment. The advisory council says it needs that information to craft recommendations for packaging EPR legislation.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 12, 2024