Materials
Packaging innovations: PBR creates fear with beer
This packaging innovation roundup highlights four new products: PBR beer packaging can be cut into a Jason mask from Friday the 13th; BW Converting's Hudson-Sharp Pour & Lok offers easy-pour, resealable pet food packaging; Green Food Pack's rotating paper cups enhance brand communication through interactive design; Ahlstrom's Grease-Gard Plus and Pro greaseproof papers target fast food and premium dining scenarios, respectively.
US Plastics Pact removes transport EPS from ‘problematic’ list
The U.S. Plastics Pact announced the removal of expanded polystyrene (EPS) transport packaging from its Problematic & Unnecessary Materials list, the first deletion since the list was created in 2022. The move follows a spring request from the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance and is supported by data showing a 31% recycling rate for transport EPS in North America. The change applies only to transport EPS, not other polystyrene types.
FDA lays out plan to close ingredients, food-contact substances ‘loophole’
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday proposed a rule that would mandate companies to provide safety information for new ingredients and food-contact substances self-affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), addressing a long-standing information gap. The proposal, a priority for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the MAHA movement, would require notifications for new and existing self-affirmed GRAS substances, with exemptions for those previously cleared by the FDA. The rule is open for public comment for 120 days.
Independent box making group decries containerboard price increases
AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has issued a public statement opposing the third round of containerboard price increases announced by major producers within five months. The group argues the hikes are not supported by raw material costs or economic data and disproportionately burden independent box makers. The statement follows a $140-per-ton announcement by Packaging Corporation of America and subsequent increases from Cascades, International Paper and Smurfit Westrock.
Containerboard production healthier in Q2, but still in decline
US containerboard production continued to decline year-over-year in the second quarter of 2026, but the pace of decline slowed significantly. The latest quarterly report from the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) shows Q2 output fell more than 2% year-over-year, a notable improvement from the 8% decline in Q1; cumulative first-half output was down 5% year-over-year. Industry operating rates rose to nearly 95%, the highest of the year, but exports plunged about 19% year-over-year, and capacity closures announced in 2025 have collectively removed nearly 10% of North American capacity. Several paper companies confirmed on earnings calls that market demand is moderately recovering, and the containerboard market is tightening.
More producers announce price hikes for containerboard, boxboard
According to sources from Fastmarkets RISI and Truist Securities analysts, Smurfit Westrock, International Paper, and Cascades have announced a new round of containerboard price increases ranging from $80 to $140 per ton, while multiple European and American paperboard producers have also announced price increases for SBS and folding carton board.
PCA’s $140/ton containerboard price increase considered unprecedented
Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) announced a $140 per ton price increase for containerboard effective September 1, double the usual increase, which industry insiders call "unprecedented" and "shocking." This increase is PCA's third announced price hike in 2026, following two previous increases of $50 to $70 per ton. Analysts and industry observers have questioned the magnitude and frequency of the increases, suggesting that cost increases may not be sufficient to support such a large price hike.