Oji Holdings is investing USD 110m to build an aseptic carton packaging plant in Dong Nai, Vietnam. The plant is expected to start operations in 2028 with maximum annual capacity of 8 billion packs and will create more than 200 jobs.
Why this mattersAn 8 billion-pack aseptic carton plant adds substantial Southeast Asian capacity from a Japanese group, increasing competition for incumbent carton system suppliers in the region.
- Oji Holdings is investing USD 110m in the plant.
- Site is located in Dong Nai province, Vietnam.
- Operations are expected to start in 2028.
- Maximum annual capacity is 8 billion packs.
- The project is expected to create more than 200 new jobs.
Moorim Paper and Moorim P&P have each had board approval for corporate value-up plans targeting return on equity of 8% by 2030, after both South Korean papermakers posted net losses in 2025. Moorim Paper targets a price-to-book ratio of 0.45x by 2030, from 0.19x at end-2025, while Moorim P&P targets 0.50x, from 0.26x. Both attribute their unstable profitability mainly to swings in international pulp prices and printing paper market conditions.
Why this mattersThe plans signal pressure on South Korean paper producers to prove sustainable profitability to close persistent valuation discounts despite heavy fixed-asset bases.
- Both companies target ROE of 6% by 2028 and 8% by 2030, from -3.56% (Moorim Paper) and -5.68% (Moorim P&P) in 2025
- Moorim Paper targets a price-to-book ratio of 0.25x by 2028 and 0.45x by 2030, from 0.19x at end-2025
- Moorim P&P targets 0.30x by 2028 and 0.50x by 2030, from 0.26x at end-2025
- Moorim Paper 2025 revenue fell to USD 955.4m (KRW 1,264.9bn) from USD 1,045.6m (KRW 1,384.4bn); operating profit fell to USD 4.5m (KRW 6.0bn) from USD 67.5m (KRW 89.4bn), with a net loss of USD 17.5m (KRW 23.2bn)
- Moorim P&P 2025 revenue fell to USD 552.6m (KRW 731.6bn) from USD 613.1m (KRW 811.7bn), with an operating loss of USD 18.5m (KRW 24.5bn) and a net loss of USD 25.0m (KRW 33.1bn), after 2024 operating profit of USD 27.6m (KRW 36.5bn)
- Both cite international pulp prices and printing paper market conditions as the main cause of unstable profitability
James Cropper now expects adjusted EBITDA for the year to 27 March 2027 of about GBP 10.3m-11.3m (USD 13.8m-15.1m), 10-20% ahead of market expectations of GBP 9.4m (USD 12.6m), after first-half trading beat the board's expectations. The upgrade mainly reflects revenue growth and cost management at the Paper & Packaging business. Half-year results are due on 11 November 2026.
Why this mattersThe upgrade shows restructuring and cost control lifting earnings at a small UK speciality paper maker while revenue also grows.
- Adjusted EBITDA for the year to 27 March 2027 now expected at about GBP 10.3m-11.3m (USD 13.8m-15.1m)
- The new range is 10-20% ahead of market expectations of GBP 9.4m (USD 12.6m)
- First-half trading was ahead of board expectations, mainly from Paper & Packaging revenue growth and cost management
- James Cropper had FY2026 sales of GBP 103m (USD 138m)
- Paper & Packaging managing director Paul Barber has cited an operational revamp including a leaner management structure
- Half-year results are due on 11 November 2026
Environmental groups Robin Wood, NABU and Greenpeace have criticised plans by paper maker Felix Schoeller to build a biomass power plant burning waste wood at its Osnabrück-Lüstringen site. The NGOs argue the wood would be better used for insulation or chipboard, question whether enough waste wood is locally available, and warn of CO2 impact from combustion. Schoeller has confirmed it is assessing the plan's framework conditions but has not yet taken a final investment decision.
Why this mattersA contested energy-sourcing choice at a paper mill highlights how biomass and waste-wood use are becoming flashpoints for environmental scrutiny of the sector's decarbonisation plans.
- Felix Schoeller confirmed it is planning a biomass power plant at its Osnabrück-Lüstringen paper mill.
- Robin Wood, NABU and Greenpeace issued a joint statement opposing the plan.
- The NGOs argue waste wood should be used for insulation or chipboard rather than burned.
- Campaigners doubt enough waste wood is available locally and expect wood would need to be imported.
- Schoeller said the framework conditions are still being assessed and no final investment decision has been made.
Lenovo, Lianbao Technology and moulded-pulp maker Everbright Tongchuang have put straw-fibre moulded-pulp packaging into volume use on Lenovo consumer laptops. Since deployment in July 2025 the project has used about 160 tonnes of wet straw pulp fibre and cut recycled corrugated paper use by about 60 tonnes. Everbright Tongchuang expects straw fibre to extend to more product packaging.
Why this mattersA global electronics brand running straw-fibre moulded pulp at volume gives converters a proven non-wood fibre input and a template for other consumer-electronics categories.
- The project has used about 160 tonnes of wet straw pulp fibre since deployment in July 2025
- Use of recycled corrugated paper fell by about 60 tonnes as a result
- Lenovo R&D led development with Lianbao Technology, Everbright Tongchuang and upstream raw-material partners
- The packaging passed drop, random vibration and high-low temperature tests benchmarked to consumer-electronics shipping standards
- Everbright Tongchuang expects straw fibre to extend to more product packaging under Lenovo's green packaging strategy
Tetra Pak announced the Tetra Pak Ice Cream Wrap in Lausanne on 6 October 2026, a paper-based wrapper in which paper makes up as much as 85% of the material, extending its fibre packaging into a category long dominated by plastic and composite films. Swedish producer Triumf Glass and other European ice cream makers are trialling it on production lines ahead of a phased European launch in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Why this mattersA paper wrap meeting cold-chain barrier needs would open ice cream wrapping, long reliant on plastic films, to fibre substitution.
- Tetra Pak announced the Ice Cream Wrap in Lausanne, Switzerland on 6 October 2026
- Up to 85% of the paper used is FSC-certified or from other controlled sources
- Phased commercial launch starts in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2026, expanding to further markets after
- Swedish ice cream producer Triumf Glass is among companies trialling the packaging on production lines
- Tetra Pak cites survey findings that 24% of consumers view sustainability as important for ice cream packaging and 16% prefer paper for the category
Tara Pac has appointed Daniel Skoglösa as chief executive, succeeding Lars Persson who steps down on 31 October 2026 after many years in the role. Skoglösa has been with the company since 2007.
Why this mattersPromoting an insider who has been with the converter since 2007 points to continuity in strategy and customer relationships rather than a change of direction.
- Lars Persson leaves Tara Pac as chief executive on 31 October 2026 after many years in the post.
- Daniel Skoglösa becomes the new chief executive.
- Skoglösa has worked at Tara Pac since 2007.
Shandong Bohui Paper Industry reported nine-month net profit of USD 14.566m (CNY 97.158m), down 20% from USD 18.211m (CNY 121.466m) a year earlier. Revenue for the period fell 1.0% to USD 2.145bn (CNY 14.305bn) from USD 2.166bn (CNY 14.450bn).
Why this mattersA near-flat top line with a sharper profit decline points to margin pressure at Bohui, whose nine-month revenue exceeds USD 2bn.
- Nine-month net profit USD 14.566m (CNY 97.158m), down from USD 18.211m (CNY 121.466m) a year earlier
- Revenue fell 1.0% to USD 2.145bn (CNY 14.305bn) from USD 2.166bn (CNY 14.450bn)
- Earnings per share USD 0.0109 (CNY 0.0727) against USD 0.0147 (CNY 0.0982) a year earlier
- The company is listed in Shanghai under ticker 600966.SS
Rengo has started a field trial with Japanese startup UnityStep AI to optimise paperboard roll storage layout at its Tonegawa plant in Ibaraki prefecture, aiming to cut truck loading times. The pilot began on 23 October 2026 and builds on an RFID shipment management system Rengo installed at its Yodogawa distribution centre in September 2021. Rengo will compare loading times and forklift travel against current practice before deciding whether to extend the system to other plants.
Why this mattersA producer with about 22% of Japan's containerboard output applying optimisation models to roll storage shows mills targeting dispatch logistics and truck waiting times, not only production.
- Rengo holds about 22% share of Japan's domestic containerboard production
- Trial started 23 October 2026 at Rengo's Tonegawa plant in Bando, Ibaraki prefecture
- Partner UnityStep AI was certified a University of Tokyo Matsuo Lab-linked startup in December 2025
- The system uses demand-forecasting and optimisation models on warehouse shipment data to cut forklift travel and rehandling
- Rengo installed an RFID-based roll shipment management system at its Yodogawa distribution centre in September 2021
- Rengo plans to compare loading times and forklift logs against current practice before deciding on wider rollout
Portuguese hygiene-products group Ghost has proposed investing about EUR 200m (USD 224m) to restart pulp production at Fibre Excellence's Saint-Gaudens mill in southern France and build a 50,000 sqm hygiene-products plant, but filed no formal rescue bid before the Toulouse commercial court's 22 October deadline. According to the French press, Ghost needs at least six more months to finalise its plan, which makes judicial liquidation likely; about 250 jobs are at risk and the court has a hearing set for 3 November.
Why this mattersLiquidation would end one of France's last pulp production sites, leaving French paper and tissue makers more dependent on pulp from elsewhere.
- Ghost plans to invest about EUR 200m (USD 224m) to restart pulp production and build a 50,000 sqm hygiene-products plant at Saint-Gaudens
- The Toulouse commercial court's deadline for formal rescue proposals expired on 22 October 2026 without a bid from Ghost
- Three documents were filed instead: from the Occitanie region, the French state and Ghost reiterating its interest
- Ghost reportedly needs at least six more months to complete its industrial and financial plan
- Saint-Gaudens employs between 244 and 270 workers and is one of France's last pulp production sites
- The Toulouse commercial court has a hearing set for 3 November 2026
Chinese manufacturer Alu Hi-Tech Industries is investing USD 100m in a beverage can factory at the Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park in Gazipur, Bangladesh, on a 13-acre site. The plant is designed for annual output of 100 crore (1 billion) cans, with about 90% intended for export, and the company aims to start production within eight months once a gas connection is secured.
Why this mattersA new export-scale can plant adds low-cost Asian capacity that could compete with established producers supplying South and Southeast Asian beverage markets.
- Alu Hi-Tech Industries is investing USD 100m in the plant.
- The site covers 13 acres at Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh.
- Planned annual capacity is 100 crore (1 billion) beverage cans.
- About 90% of output is earmarked for export, the rest for the domestic market.
- Production is targeted to start within eight months, pending a gas connection from the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority.
- Machinery and raw materials for the factory are to be imported from China.
Manchester flexible packaging converter Duo Packaging has launched 2DPE, a graphene-enhanced polyethylene film developed with the University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, which allows 45-60% recycled content and raises material strength by up to 35%. Retailer QVC has replaced standard bagging film with 2DPE at its Liverpool fulfilment centre, cutting bag weight by 5% and saving an estimated 50 tonnes of virgin plastic and about USD 28,270 (GBP 21,150) a year in UK extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees.
Why this mattersA graphene additive that lets converters raise recycled content without losing film strength offers a material route to cut both EPR fees and plastic use under tightening UK rules.
- Duo Packaging developed 2DPE with the University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC)
- 2DPE raises material strength by up to 35% while maintaining tensile and tear performance
- The film allows 45-60% recycled content
- QVC uses 2DPE in place of standard automatic bagging film at its Liverpool fulfilment centre
- QVC's switch cuts bag weight by 5%, saving an estimated 50 tonnes of virgin plastic a year
- QVC expects to save about USD 28,270 (GBP 21,150) a year in UK EPR fees
Pakistan's National Tariff Commission has imposed a provisional 9.03% anti-dumping duty on imports of Alu Alu Foil pharmaceutical packaging material from China, for four months. The measure follows a complaint by domestic producer Zenith Packages Industries and a finding that dumped Chinese imports caused material injury to the local industry. A final determination is due within 180 days of the preliminary notice.
Why this mattersThe duty raises input costs for Pakistani blister-pack converters sourcing Chinese aluminium-polymer laminate and may shift demand toward domestic foil suppliers.
- Provisional anti-dumping duty set at 9.03%, equal to the injury margin rather than the full dumping margin.
- Duty applies to Cold Forming Foil and Tropical Foil under PCT codes 7607.1990 and 7607.2000.
- Investigation launched 23 July 2026 after a complaint by Zenith Packages Industries (Pvt.) Limited, Lahore.
- Duty remains in force for four months from publication of the notice.
- Dumping period assessed was April 2025-March 2026; injury period April 2023-March 2026.
- Chinese exporter Yangzhou Jerel Pharmaceutical New Material Co. Ltd. responded to the NTC's exporter questionnaire.
Chongqing Shoujian Pharmaceutical Packaging has started production at a smart manufacturing base in Fuling, Chongqing, with annual capacity of 24 billion units: 12 billion pharmaceutical bottle caps and 12 billion pharmaceutical straws for oral liquids and similar dosage forms. Production data feed a Huawei Cloud platform for process control, and each batch carries a digital trace record. The company says it supplies more than 400 pharmaceutical companies and exports to over 20 countries.
Why this mattersLarge-scale Chinese capacity in pharma caps and straws with batch-level digital traceability adds pressure on competing closure suppliers to oral-liquid drug makers.
- The Fuling plant has annual capacity of 24 billion units: 12 billion pharmaceutical bottle caps and 12 billion pharmaceutical straws
- Production lines feed real-time injection pressure, temperature and inspection data to a Huawei Cloud platform for automated process control and quality screening
- Every batch carries a digital record covering raw-material source, production shift, test reports and logistics, accessible via a scan code
- The company says it serves more than 400 pharmaceutical companies, including Sunflower Pharmaceutical and Taiji Group, and exports to over 20 countries
- Management targets more than 500 pharmaceutical customers within three years
Scott Technology reported net profit of USD 8.9m (NZD 15.7m) for the year to 31 August 2026, up from USD 8.1m (NZD 14.2m), on revenue up 7% to USD 167.3m (NZD 294.1m). Mining equipment revenue rose 22%, while the materials handling and logistics unit, which is expanding into food and consumer goods, grew 5% to USD 73.9m (NZD 129.9m). The company guides to FY2027 revenue of USD 176m-193m (NZD 310m-340m).
Why this mattersGrowth at this automation and robotics supplier is driven by mining, not packaging, limiting the read-through for packaging-line equipment demand.
- Net profit rose to USD 8.9m (NZD 15.7m) for the year to 31 August 2026, from USD 8.1m (NZD 14.2m)
- Group revenue rose 7% to USD 167.3m (NZD 294.1m)
- Mining division revenue rose 22% to USD 35.4m (NZD 62.3m)
- Materials handling and logistics revenue rose 5% to USD 73.9m (NZD 129.9m), with a first Australian customer and expansion into meat, dairy, bakery and snacks
- Net debt fell to USD 4.4m (NZD 7.7m) from USD 7.0m (NZD 12.3m)
- FY2027 guidance is revenue of USD 176m-193m (NZD 310m-340m) and operating earnings of USD 20m-23m (NZD 36m-41m)
Dover Corporation raised its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance floor to USD 10.60 from a prior low of USD 10.55, after third-quarter bookings grew 16% year on year to USD 2.31bn and exceeded shipments in all five segments. The industrial group lifted its organic-growth floor to 5% from 4% and its revenue-growth floor to 7% from 6%, while trimming its GAAP EPS range to USD 8.93-9.08.
Why this mattersBookings running ahead of shipments in all five Dover segments point to firming demand for industrial capital equipment into 2027.
- Adjusted EPS guidance for 2026 raised to USD 10.60-10.75, up 5 cents at the floor from July
- Organic-growth forecast raised to 5%-6% from 4%-6%, total-revenue range raised to 7%-8% from 6%-8%
- GAAP EPS range for 2026 cut to USD 8.93-9.08 from USD 8.94-9.14
- Third-quarter revenue reached USD 2.23bn, up 8% year on year, with 7% organic growth
- Adjusted diluted EPS rose 10% to USD 2.88 in the third quarter
- Bookings rose about 16% to USD 2.31bn from USD 2.00bn a year earlier, exceeding shipments in all five segments
Finland's two largest grocery groups, S-ryhmä and K-ryhmä, jointly trialled a reusable polypropylene take-away food container with a EUR 3 deposit across four Espoo stores for three months in spring 2026. Results published on 21 October 2026 showed boxes returned after seven days on average, with 91 percent of washed boxes passing inspection for reuse; the groups have not announced a national rollout.
Why this mattersA cross-retailer reuse pilot tied to incoming EU packaging waste rules shows competitors can share pooling infrastructure, a model foodservice packaging makers may need to serve.
- Trial ran for three months in spring 2026 across four grocery stores in Espoo, Finland.
- Customers paid a EUR 3 deposit for a reusable biobased polypropylene box instead of a single-use container.
- Results published 21 October 2026 showed boxes returned to the system after seven days on average.
- 91 percent of boxes that passed washing were approved for a further use cycle.
- 16 organisations took part, including Orthex, Lassila & Tikanoja, Pakkauskierrätys RINKI, Compass Group and Borealis Polymers.
- The pilot is part of the Business Finland-funded Reusify project led by VTT and the University of Vaasa, linked to the EU packaging and packaging waste regulation.
Developer EXXOSQEL and the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg have created a coating that bridges microscopic surface cracks in glass containers, making them more resistant to impact and pressure. Laboratory work has already achieved a 15% weight reduction without loss of stability; the developers see up to 40% as possible once industrial glass forming is improved. The process so far works only at laboratory scale, with no comprehensive results from continuous industrial operation.
Why this mattersIf it scales beyond the laboratory, a crack-bridging coating would let glassmakers lightweight containers and narrow glass's weight gap with plastic packaging.
- EXXOSQEL GmbH and Fraunhofer ISC in Würzburg developed the coating
- A 15% weight reduction has been achieved; up to 40% is seen as possible
- Coated containers withstood impacts of 10 joules and pressure of 40 bar in laboratory tests without breaking
- The process currently works at laboratory scale only, with no comprehensive data from continuous industrial operation
- Reaching a 40% weight cut also requires improvements in industrial glass forming
- The developers have not quantified the average strength gain or the energy and CO2 savings
Ambilital, which manages municipal waste for the AMAGRA intermunicipal system in southern Portugal, plans to invest about EUR 40m (USD 45m) to meet packaging recycling targets due by 2030. The figure was disclosed on 21 October during a visit by producer-responsibility body Sociedade Ponto Verde, which also funds the system through its compensation payments. Ambilital reported a 15% year-on-year rise in recycled volumes in the first nine months of 2026, after an 11% increase in 2025, but says collection of glass, plastic, steel and aluminium must still improve.
Why this mattersA regional waste manager's capital commitment shows the scale of investment municipal recycling systems need to meet EU-driven packaging targets by 2030.
- Ambilital's strategic plan includes about EUR 40m (USD 45m) of investment to meet recycling targets
- Board adviser José Pinto Rodrigues disclosed the figure on 21 October 2026 during a Sociedade Ponto Verde visit
- Ambilital manages waste for the AMAGRA intermunicipal system covering seven municipalities in the Alentejo
- Recycled volumes rose 15% year on year in the first nine months of 2026, after an 11% rise in 2025
- Targets must be met by 2030, with contributions from member municipalities and private shareholder SUMA
- Sociedade Ponto Verde identifies glass as a material with growth potential for collection
The New South Wales government has passed legislation under its Plastics Ban 2.0 programme requiring single-use takeaway coffee cups to be recyclable from 2028. From the same date cafes must offer a mug or glass for dine-in customers and accept clean keep cups for takeaway, while reusable cup-borrowing schemes remain voluntary for small businesses. The state says almost 800 million single-use cups are used in NSW each year.
Why this mattersA staged ban on non-recyclable cups in Australia's most populous state pressures foodservice cup makers to shift material and supply chains ahead of 2028.
- NSW has passed the rules under its Plastics Ban 2.0 programme, as reported on 23 October 2026
- From 2028 single-use takeaway coffee cups must be recyclable
- From 2028 cafes must offer a mug or glass for dine-in customers instead of a disposable cup
- Cafes must accept clean, hygienic keep cups for takeaway from 2028
- Reusable cup-borrowing schemes will be voluntary for small businesses
- NSW estimates nearly 800 million single-use cups are used in the state each year
India's Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) issued an affirmative final anti-dumping determination on 29 September 2026 on PET film imported from China, Bangladesh and Thailand, recommending duties for five years, set at USD 54-361 per tonne for Chinese film. The recommendation covers film of 8-100 microns and excludes solar-panel and thermal-lamination grades.
Why this mattersFive-year duties on a key flexible-packaging substrate raise landed costs for Indian converters sourcing PET film from these three countries and support domestic film producers.
- India's DGTR issued an affirmative final anti-dumping determination on PET film from China, Bangladesh and Thailand on 29 September 2026
- The recommended duties run for five years
- Duties for Chinese-origin film are USD 54-361 per tonne
- Coverage spans PET film of 8-100 microns, excluding solar-panel and thermal-lamination grades
Hong Kong's Environmental Protection Department cut the mainland China export allowance for waste paper under its collection contracts to zero from October 2026, routing collected paper to the recycled-pulp mill at Tuen Mun EcoPark, which began operating in July. The change also ended an export subsidy of HKD 400 (USD 51) per tonne; balers say their margins are now thin or negative, and one Hong Kong Island operator has cut five of its twelve staff. The department says exports to other markets are not banned and the transition has been broadly smooth.
Why this mattersA government-mandated switch from export to domestic pulping is reshaping Hong Kong's recovered-paper supply chain and the export flows that feed mainland Chinese mills.
- The Tuen Mun EcoPark recycled-pulp mill began operating in July 2026
- From October 2026 contractors' export caps for waste paper to mainland China were set at zero, directing supply to the mill
- The change ended an export subsidy of HKD 400 (USD 51) per tonne
- One Hong Kong Island baler's volumes fell from 3,500 tonnes in July to 2,773 tonnes in September and 960 tonnes in the first half of October; it cut five of twelve staff
- The mill buys waste paper at HKD 1,200-1,295 (USD 153-165) per tonne; recyclers say transport and handling costs leave thin or negative margins
- The department says overseas exports are not banned and January-September 2026 recovery of about 410,000 tonnes was similar to a year earlier
Amsterdam has commissioned a study into its legal options for banning single-use packaging, including coffee cups and fast-food containers, which the city says make up 30% of its litter. According to CircuLaw, a provider of legal information on circular transitions, such a ban could be imposed but only after less restrictive measures have failed, and works best alongside reliable reusable packaging and a return system. The city will consult business owners and residents and study Copenhagen and Lisbon, which has already banned single-use packaging.
Why this mattersA precedent from a major European capital for a hard single-use packaging ban would pressure foodservice packaging suppliers to accelerate reusable-format conversion ahead of binding EU rules.
- Amsterdam says single-use packaging, including coffee cups and fast-food containers, makes up 30% of city litter
- The city has commissioned a study into what it can legally do to tackle single-use packaging
- CircuLaw says a ban is possible only after less restrictive measures have proven not to work
- Lisbon has already implemented a single-use packaging ban; Amsterdam is also looking at Copenhagen
- The city plans to work with business owners and residents
- Lian Heinhuis, the Amsterdam executive responsible for waste and sanitation, announced the study
China's State Administration for Market Regulation has published a recommended national standard for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) blown film used in commodity packaging, effective 1 April 2027. The standard defines technical requirements so converters and brand owners can verify film performance rather than relying on general biodegradability claims.
Why this mattersA defined performance standard lets Chinese converters and brand owners qualify PHA film against incumbent plastics on tested criteria rather than marketing claims.
- China's State Administration for Market Regulation published two revised recommended national standards in the biodegradables field, including one for PHA blown film for commodity packaging
- The PHA blown film standard takes effect on 1 April 2027
- The standard gives material makers and packaging buyers specific technical criteria for film performance
Industry representatives say GST refunds have been stuck for months for many of Ludhiana's more than 600 corrugated and paperboard box manufacturing units, caused by an inverted duty structure that taxes finished cartons at 5% while raw materials such as kraft and duplex paper are taxed at 18%. Some refunds have been pending since January and February 2026, manufacturers say, while paper prices have risen nearly 30% over the past year, squeezing margins further. Industry bodies have asked the government to streamline refunds and scrap the inverted duty structure.
Why this mattersA prolonged working-capital squeeze across a major Indian corrugated cluster could cut output and orders, with knock-on effects for paper suppliers and packaging customers.
- Ludhiana has more than 600 corrugated box manufacturing units, according to the Punjab Corrugated Box Manufacturers Association
- Cartons, boxes and cases attract 5% GST while kraft paper, duplex paper and paperboard are taxed at 18%
- GST refunds have been pending for several manufacturers since January and February 2026
- Paper prices have risen nearly 30% over the past year
- A duplex and kraft paper supplier reports customers placing fewer and smaller orders due to liquidity issues
- Industry associations have called for an automated refund mechanism and a uniform tax structure across the supply chain
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has launched the Center for Research and Advancement of Forest Product Technologies (CRAFT), a national research centre to modernise the US pulp, paper and packaging industry. The centre is backed by the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Office and brings together ORNL, the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, universities and industry partners to pilot new manufacturing technologies.
Why this mattersA government-backed route to pilot new pulping, drying and AI-driven manufacturing technologies could lower costs and accelerate commercialisation for US paper and packaging producers.
- CRAFT is led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory with funding support from the US Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies Office.
- Partners include the National Laboratory of the Rockies, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory.
- The centre will focus on pulping methods, chemical recovery, water removal, drying and digital manufacturing.
- CRAFT will use AI, computer modelling, automation and data analysis to help mills cut downtime and operating costs.
- The centre will pilot-test new technologies with industry partners before commercial-scale investment.
- Daniel Coughlin, a senior ORNL research and development staff member, is CRAFT's executive director.
Belgian postal operator Bpost, shoe retailer Torfs and reusable packaging firm Juttu ran a pilot of reusable shipping bags for e-commerce deliveries, with eight in ten bags returned by customers. The pilot outperformed expectations but the companies say the system only becomes economically viable at much larger scale, and further rollout depends chiefly on Bpost.
Why this mattersA high return rate suggests reusable e-commerce packaging can work operationally, but viability still hinges on volume that only a national carrier can deliver.
- Eight in ten reusable shipping bags were returned in the pilot.
- The trial involved Bpost, Torfs and Juttu.
- The bags were used for webshop deliveries.
- Profitability of the system requires a much larger scale of deployment.
- Further scale-up is described as depending mainly on Bpost.
A White House proclamation dated 23 October 2026 removes the 50% tariff on a group of Canadian goods including corrugated boxes, crates, plastic sacks, packing machinery and refrigeration equipment, while adding the same 50% rate to shampoo, vinyl flooring, coffins, carpets and window air conditioners. The changes take effect 30 October 2026; the underlying 50% tariffs, covering about USD 20bn of Canadian products, were imposed in late August 2026 after US-Canada trade talks broke down.
Why this mattersUS growers and packers buying Canadian corrugated boxes, crates and packing machinery avoid a 50% duty from 30 October, easing packaging and equipment costs.
- White House proclamation dated 23 October 2026 lowers the 50% tariff on a list of Canadian goods, effective 30 October 2026
- Exempted goods include corrugated boxes, crates, plastic sacks, packing machinery, refrigeration equipment and seaweed, per CBS News
- Newly subject to 50% duties: shampoo, vinyl flooring, coffins, carpets and window-unit air conditioners
- The original 50% tariffs covered about USD 20bn of Canadian products and were imposed in late August 2026 after trade talks with Canada failed
- US importers, not foreign exporters, pay the tariffs and must pass on or absorb the cost, according to the Associated Press
- Maine Senator Susan Collins cited reliance by wild blueberry, apple and potato growers on Canadian harvesting boxes and packaging equipment as a reason for the exemptions
The US Commerce Department has launched antidumping investigations into corrugated pizza boxes imported from Turkey, China and Malaysia, alongside a countervailing-duty investigation into Turkish imports. The probes could lead to import duties on the paperboard packaging if dumping or subsidisation is confirmed.
Why this mattersDuties on pizza-box imports would reshape US sourcing for fibre packaging converters and open opportunity for domestic box makers.
- US Commerce Department opened the investigations on 23 October 2026.
- Antidumping investigation covers pizza boxes from Turkey, China and Malaysia.
- Antisubsidy (countervailing-duty) investigation covers pizza box imports from Turkey only.
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has issued Order No. 273, changing from 21 December 2026 how producers and importers that run their own waste collection and recycling systems must prove they have met their extended producer responsibility obligations. Confirmation documents will go directly to the EPR operator rather than the state authority, filed twice yearly, broken down by applicant status and product category, with stricter checks on document completeness and chronology; companies that fail to confirm compliance must instead pay a recycling fee under contract with the operator.
Why this mattersTighter, operator-run verification raises compliance risk for producers relying on self-managed recycling, pushing some toward the fee-based alternative.
- New rules take effect 21 December 2026 under Order No. 273 of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, dated 15 October 2026
- Producers and importers using their own collection and recycling systems must now file confirmation documents directly with the EPR operator instead of the authorised state body
- Filings are required twice a year, by the 20th of the month following each reporting half-year, in electronic or paper form
- Obligations must be confirmed separately for each applicant status (producer or importer) and for each product type
- The EPR operator has 20 working days to check document completeness and legibility, with 15 working days given to fix any issues
- Companies that cannot confirm compliance via their own system must instead sign a contract with the EPR operator and pay a recycling fee
China's national average corrugated paper price rose CNY 23 (USD 3) per tonne in the first half of October 2026 to CNY 3,240 (USD 486), as mills issued peak-season price-increase notices. By 22 October it had eased to CNY 3,224 (USD 483) per tonne, down CNY 16 (USD 2), as producers that had cut output resumed production.
Why this mattersMills' pricing power in China's corrugated market remains weak, with restart-driven supply quickly offsetting peak-season increase notices.
- The national average corrugated paper price reached CNY 3,240 (USD 486) per tonne on 15 October 2026, up CNY 23 (USD 3) or 0.7% from the start of the month
- By 22 October 2026 the average had fallen to CNY 3,224 (USD 483) per tonne, down CNY 16 (USD 2)
- The rise and fall took about two weeks within the traditional peak-season window
- Mills' price-increase notices had less effect than the market expected
- Producers that had previously cut output resumed production during the period
