Belgian packaging solutions provider VPK Group has made a deal to increase its shareholding in UK corrugated cardboard producer Ribble Packaging from 30% to 50%. The deal gives VPK joint control alongside Ribble’s existing shareholders, following the Belgian company’s initial minority investment made in 2023. The transaction aligns with VPK's long-term plan to build a stronger position in the fanfold packaging segment and extend its operational reach across Europe. The group’s fanfold network currently ...

US packaging manufacturer Sealed Air has named Russell Grissett as global food president. Grissett moves to Sealed Air from Toppan Packaging Americas, where he was president and CEO and led the separation and integration of Sonoco’s flexible packaging operations following Toppan’s $1.8bn purchase of the business. Before joining Toppan, Grissett spent more than three decades at Sonoco in senior posts spanning general management, sales, marketing and manufacturing. His positions there included president o ...

SÜDPACK, the producer of films for the packaging sector, has started work on a capacity expansion for its PharmaGuard blister packaging range at its logistics site in Erolzheim, Germany. The aim is to bring the new facilities on stream in the third quarter of 2027. The project will see the addition of new production areas dedicated to PharmaGuard, SÜDPACK Medica’s polypropylene mono-material blister solution for solid-dose applications. It will also include a new unit to regranulate plastic waste genera ...

Core Viewpoint - Sealed Air has agreed to an acquisition by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in an all-cash deal valued at $10.3 billion, expected to close in mid-2026, resulting in the company becoming privately held and delisted from the New York Stock Exchange [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition will provide Sealed Air's shareholders with $42.15 per share in cash, representing a substantial premium [2]. - The agreement includes a 30-day "go-shop" period for soliciting alternative bids, with an additional 15 days for negotiations with qualified bidders [3]. - Equity financing will be provided by CD&R-affiliated investment funds, while debt financing is committed by a group including BofA Securities, BNP Paribas Securities, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Securities, UBS Investment Bank, and Wells Fargo, along with additional commitments from Citi, Mizuho, and RBC Capital Markets [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Sealed Air designs and supplies packaging materials, equipment, and services across various sectors, including food, medical, e-commerce, and industrial [4]. - The company, known for its bubble wrap, generated $5.4 billion in sales in 2024 and employs approximately 16,400 people globally [4]. - CD&R partner Rob Volpe expressed commitment to supporting Sealed Air's continued investment in its people, assets, and product portfolio, highlighting respect for the company's senior leadership team [4].

Core Insights - Graphic Packaging International (GPI) reported a net sales of $2.19 billion for Q3 2025, a decrease of 1.2% year over year, with net income falling to $142 million from $165 million in Q3 2024 [1] Sales Performance - Packaging sales volumes declined by 2% year over year, attributed to sluggish consumer spending and unpredictable customer order flows [1] - Certain customer promotions were noted but deemed insufficient to drive overall volume increases [1] Operational Developments - GPI commenced operations at its recycled paperboard mill in Waco, Texas, ahead of schedule, producing its first commercially saleable rolls in October, with full production expected in 12 to 18 months [1] - The Waco facility is strategically located near four major urban centers, enhancing its ability to source recovered fiber feedstock [1] Plant Closures - The East Angus, Quebec recycled paperboard plant will cease production on December 23, 2025, following the operational launch of Waco [1] - The closure of East Angus, along with the earlier closure of the Middletown, Ohio facility, contributes to a capacity loss in the industry, with Waco adding only 75,000 tons more than the industry had at the start of 2025 [1] Market Dynamics - GPI anticipates that its recycled paperboard will replace more expensive bleached paperboard in various markets [1] - A significant imbalance in the solid bleached sulfate (SBS) market has led competitors to lower SBS pricing, which now matches recycled packaging pricing, impacting sales and profitability [1] Financial Outlook - GPI's full-year guidance for net sales remains unchanged at $8.4 billion to $8.6 billion, while the guidance for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) has been lowered to between $1.4 billion and $1.45 billion [1] - The company acknowledges challenges in predicting demand but expresses confidence in improving margins moving forward [1]

Financial Performance - Net revenue increased by 80% compared to the prior year, or 44% on a constant currency basis[15] - Global sales of automation equipment increased by 630% compared to the prior year, or 562% on a constant currency basis[15] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 81% (35% on a constant currency basis), including a 400 bps non-cash headwind for the provision of warrants in revenue ($08 million)[15] - Gross margin decreased by 28% year-over-year to 345% (344% on a constant currency basis) due to increased production costs and product mix[15] - Year-to-date net revenue increased by 56% on a constant currency basis[29] - Year-to-date Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 78% on a constant currency basis[29] Regional Performance - North America revenue increased by 109% due to increased volumes from e-commerce activity among large enterprise accounts[15] - EMEA/APAC revenue increased by 58% (decreased 06% on a constant currency basis) driven by increased automation equipment sales and stronger Euro to USD exchange rates[15] - Volumes in Europe/APAC were down by 25% due to a challenging environment and uncertainty from tariffs and de-stocking in APAC[17] Strategic Agreements - Agreement with Walmart is anticipated to be transformative to Automation and implies, based on expectations and current paper pricing, potential spend of $700 million over 10 years, to achieve full vesting[22] - Potential spend for maximum vesting with Amazon is $400 million excluding the cost of paper related to pre-existing NOAM business lines[32]

Group 1 - ProAmpac is a global flexible packaging specialist headquartered in Cincinnati, operating under Pritzker Private Capital since 2016, with over 50 manufacturing sites [2] - The company generates a little over two-thirds of its total revenue from recyclable products, as stated in its 2025 Impact Report [2] - ProAmpac's recent acquisitions include PAC Worldwide, a specialist in e-commerce packaging, and UP Paper, a recycled kraft paper producer, along with Gelpac, which produces multiwall paper and poly-woven packaging [2] Group 2 - ProAmpac's "fiberization" strategy aims to expand into less common applications for fiber-based packaging, such as frozen foods and overwraps, while also offering to-go food containers and cold cuts packs [3] - The acquisition of International Paper's bag converting operations marks ProAmpac's first expansion into California, enhancing its portfolio in kraft paper bags [4] - This expansion allows ProAmpac to provide more customized solutions for grocery, convenience store, and quick-service restaurant customers, including handled shopping bags and self-opening sacks [4]

Core Insights - Mondi has partnered with Türkiye's Özler Tarım to develop a recyclable corrugated packaging solution aimed at enhancing the export of fresh fruits and vegetables [1][2] - The packaging features a double-wall corrugated fiber design that is stackable, facilitating efficient manufacturing, warehousing, and transportation [1][2] - The collaboration aligns with Özler Tarım's environmentally conscious export model, addressing challenges such as carton failures and food spoilage [2][3] Group 1 - The new packaging solution has resulted in a 15% increase in output capacity at Özler Tarım's Adana facility [3] - The packaging is designed to withstand moisture and the rigors of long-distance shipping, ensuring that fresh goods arrive undamaged [2][3] - Mondi emphasizes that packaging should serve as a strategic tool tailored to meet unique customer needs [3] Group 2 - Mondi introduced a paper-based solution, FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate, in August 2025, which offers protection against oxygen, water vapor, and grease [4] - The high barrier capabilities of this solution make it suitable for various products, including instant coffee, tea sachets, and cereal bars [4] - In early 2025, Mondi launched the PaperPlus Bag Advanced, a sustainable high-barrier paper bag designed for humidity-sensitive goods [5]

Market Overview - The global Packaging Materials Market was valued at approximately USD 950 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,450 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2032, driven by evolving consumer preferences and regulatory frameworks [2][3]. - The market is characterized by a significant upward trend towards sustainable solutions and advancements in functional packaging, reflecting its critical role in the global supply chain [3][10]. Technological Advancements - Artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing efficiency in the packaging materials market by optimizing design, improving supply chain management, and predicting demand more accurately [5][6]. - Innovations such as advanced barrier films, smart packaging solutions, and the development of biodegradable and compostable materials are key trends driving growth [10][18]. Sustainability Trends - There is a strong push towards eco-friendly alternatives, with innovations in biodegradable, recyclable, and compostable materials being paramount [8][10]. - The market is influenced by increasing consumer awareness and regulatory pressures regarding environmental impact, leading to a focus on sustainable practices and circular economy models [10][20]. Regional Insights - North America is expected to maintain steady growth with a regional CAGR of approximately 5.0%, driven by innovation and e-commerce [27]. - The Asia Pacific region is the largest and fastest-growing market, with a projected CAGR of approximately 6.2%, fueled by rapid urbanization and increasing disposable incomes [27]. Key Players - Major players in the packaging materials market include Amcor Plc, Berry Global, Mondi Plc, and Tetra Pak, among others [11]. Future Outlook - The packaging materials market is projected to see substantial investment in R&D aimed at creating more environmentally benign materials, including advanced bio-plastics and improved recycled content solutions [15][29]. - The long-term trajectory will be shaped by sustainability and environmental regulations, alongside the growth of e-commerce, which demands constant evolution in packaging design [29][32].

Core Insights - DS Smith and BSH Nazarje have collaborated to create a sustainable packaging solution for Bosch hand mixers, replacing expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) with a corrugated cardboard alternative [1][2][4] Group 1: Packaging Solution - The new packaging solution, named DS Smith Universal Protection for Household Blenders, is designed to eliminate up to 340,000 pieces of EPS annually, as BSH Nazarje produces up to 170,000 blenders each requiring two EPS inserts [2] - The innovative corrugated cardboard insert, called 'Safe Shell', is capable of packaging and protecting three different hand mixer models [3] Group 2: Production Efficiency - The new packaging solution allows BSH Nazarje to achieve faster packing times and greater flexibility in the production process, facilitating customer orders with rapid assembly capabilities [4] - The design of the packaging is fully recyclable and integrates seamlessly with Bosch's existing packaging processes, ensuring durability during transportation [4] Group 3: Sustainability Goals - BSH Nazarje is part of a group with defined sustainability targets, including reducing CO₂ emissions and eliminating plastic from packaging solutions [5] - The collaboration with DS Smith reflects a commitment to combining efficiency and sustainability in packaging solutions, as emphasized by BSH Nazarje's Director of Shared Development Services [6] Group 4: Industry Commitment - DS Smith is dedicated to leading a transition to a circular economy, providing sustainable solutions across thirty-four countries [9] - The DS Smith Universal Protection for Household Blenders has been nominated for a Packaging Oscar in Slovenia in 2024, highlighting its innovative approach [8]