Cardboard box demand has fallen to its lowest level since 2016, prompting mill closures and raising concerns about US consumer spending and packaging markets. | Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock
Cardboard box demand has fallen to its lowest level since 2016, a sharp reversal for a sector that expanded rapidly during the pandemic and one that some analysts warn could signal broader economic weakness. Continue Reading
As US mills cut capacity, e-commerce sales and a shift in trade tensions could boost recovery for containerboard pricing. | Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock
The North American containerboard industry is slowly recovering from a post-COVID inventory contraction and demand is expected to bounce back at a “modest” 0.53% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2027, according to Rabobank’s Q3 2025 report.
Transparency in the recycling supply chain instills consumer confidence when it comes to donations and secondhand outcomes. | Neenawat Khenyothaa / Shutterstock
Editor’s Note: Diversion Dynamics is a monthly column exploring partnerships that drive recycling.
Learn more about EPR and the California Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB 707) at the Textiles Recovery Summit, February 23-25, in San Diego, California.
As seasons change, so do fashion trends, contributing to 92 million metric tons of textile waste globally. Today’s consumer habits are generating textile waste on a Mount Everest-sized scale, far beyond that pile of clothes on your bedroom chair. Continue Reading
The former Continuus/WM facility is expected to recycle about 10,000 cartons per year. | Courtesy of Continuus
Editor’s Note: End markets will be featured in sessions at the 2026 Resource Recycling Conference, Feb. 23-25 in San Diego, California.
The new owners of an Iowa roofing material facility have reopened the plant nearly a year after it shut down, aiming to capitalize on regional and national upcycling trends to gain market share. Continue Reading
The packaging manufacturer announced positive third-quarter financial results despite uncertain macroeconomic drivers and lower volumes. | T.Schneider/Shutterstock
Packaging manufacturer Greif reported strong third-quarter financial results and shared details about its recent divestitures during an investor call. Continue Reading
Executives from paper fiber companies detailed strategies aimed at balancing infrastructure gains with shifting demand and other headwinds. | Jim Barber/Shutterstock
Several U.S. paper and packaging companies moved to reshape operations as they reported second-quarter results amid market softness, cost pressures and shifting demand. Continue Reading
The two organizations maintain the industry standard for acceptable materials, which have been updated for PE packaging as well as for paper cups. | Andy Shell/Shutterstock
The Association of Plastic Recyclers and the Recycled Materials Association have updated specifications for post-consumer plastic bales, following a collaborative development process between the two organizations. Continue Reading
In its 2024 report, the major paper fiber consumer also noted that purchases of recovered fiber edged higher from 2023 but still were below 2022 levels. | Worradirek/Shutterstock
Atlanta-based Graphic Packaging recently released its 2024 Impact Report, in which the company showed mixed results surrounding its sustainability targets. Continue Reading
The deal will increase PCA’s ability to produce items using higher recycled content, and further Greif’s goal of focusing on its polymer offerings. | Max Zvonarev/Shutterstock
Packaging Corporation of America will buy Greif’s containerboard business, with the $1.8 billion all-cash deal expected by the end of PCA’s third quarter, in the latest development for an industry experiencing tumult. Continue Reading
Major fiber end user Smurfit Westrock anticipates some, but not substantial, demand recovery for containerboard and consumer fiber packaging this year. | trainman111/Shutterstock
Price increases helped recover fiber end users’ bottom lines over the past quarter, even as questions about corrugated packaging demand swirled in the wake of multiple high-profile U.S. mill closures. Continue Reading