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Used box businesses eye opportunity amid rising containerboard prices
Recently, the price of containerboard in the United States has undergone an unusual three rounds of increases, significantly raising the cost of new boxes. Against this backdrop, used box resellers—a little-known segment of the corrugated packaging market—are actively seeking expansion. Companies in the industry say that cost savings and sustainability goals are jointly driving demand, but logistics matching and market awareness remain major challenges.
Containerboard pricing holds steady in August
North American containerboard prices remained stable in August, unchanged for the second consecutive month. Although prices for most paperboard grades were flat, solid bleached sulfate prices rose by $20 per ton. The market is watching the implementation of the third round of price increases in September, with the Independent Packaging Association opposing them and demand expectations revised down.
Packaging companies look to renewables, energy efficiency to reduce costs
Against the backdrop of continuously rising energy prices, manufacturers in the packaging industry are increasingly focusing on energy procurement strategies, including improving energy efficiency, fuel diversification, and related investments. This article, drawing on cases from companies such as Smurfit Westrock and Specialized Packaging Group, explores renewable energy agreements, energy efficiency-first strategies, and the challenges facing the industry.
California EPR lawsuit escalates as forthcoming Oregon ruling looms
After launching a new challenge in Colorado, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) filed for a preliminary injunction on Thursday to block enforcement of California's SB 54, while the Oregon EPR lawsuit has entered the ruling phase. The judge in the Oregon case requested supplemental briefs, focusing on the constitutionality of the small producer exemption.
Nearly 60 members of Congress call for aluminum pricing investigation
美国众议院近60名议员（42名共和党人、16名民主党人）致函商务部长霍华德·卢特尼克，要求调查国内原铝销售中的“定价异常”。议员们指出，中西部溢价（MWP）作为全美范围的区域基准价，将特朗普政府依据232条款征收的50%铝关税成本转嫁给了包括使用再生铝的饮料行业在内的本土制造商。铝业协会、啤酒协会等机构对此表态不一，标普全球普氏则反驳称其定价方法公开透明且符合国际标准。
OCC price increases evoke divergent effects across value chain
The old corrugated containers (OCC) market in 2026 presents a contradictory situation: prices climbing month by month benefit recyclers but impose cost pressure on packaging companies that consume this raw material. Despite the upward price trend, prices remain below historical averages. The industry expects medium-term demand growth, but multiple obstacles must still be overcome in the short term.
Molded fiber producers tout growth, innovations despite regulatory hurdle
Molded fiber producers are facing a California regulation set to take effect in October that could prevent products from being labeled as recyclable. Industry associations are collecting data to address this obstacle, while producers continue to innovate in materials and production.
The envelope, please: Sustainability fuels e-commerce mailer innovation
Mailers are becoming a new focus in e-commerce packaging. Driven by sustainability, paper mailers are accelerating their replacement of traditional corrugated boxes, with giants like Amazon significantly shifting toward flexible packaging. Companies such as Pregis, Mondi, Graphic Packaging International, Georgia-Pacific, Sealed Air, and TemperPack are investing in capacity expansion and launching innovative products, including cushionless fiber mailers with gussets. Meanwhile, on-demand custom sizing technology is emerging, and new EU regulations will further drive the reduction of 'dead space.' Although consumer surveys show that most people still prefer corrugated boxes, the industry expects mailer adoption rates to continue rising.
Plastic packaging converters raise red flags over Iran war impact
The Iran war has lasted 11 weeks, significantly impacting the plastic packaging industry: resin prices have surged and supply chains are disrupted. ICIS data shows substantial increases in polyethylene and polypropylene prices, and North American processors have begun passing on costs. Experts predict that even if the conflict ends, the impact will persist for months, with full recovery potentially not occurring until 2027.
