International Paper will hold a Capital Markets Day on 3 November 2026 to set out how it will separate its EMEA packaging business into an independent company, DS Smith plc, including the new company's business model and outlook. The separation is reported as a response to UK Competition and Markets Authority merger requirements. After it, International Paper will stop giving financial guidance for the former EMEA operations.
Why this mattersRe-creating DS Smith as an independent company would put International Paper's European packaging business under separate management, changing the competitive set for European box customers.
- International Paper will host a Capital Markets Day on 3 November 2026 covering the EMEA separation, scheduled to run four hours.
- The separation is presented as a response to UK Competition and Markets Authority merger regulation.
- The separated unit is to be named DS Smith plc and will operate as an independent entity.
- International Paper will cease providing financial guidance for the former EMEA packaging operations after separation.
- Andy Silvernail, Chairman and CEO of International Paper, is overseeing the reorganisation.
Speciality paper maker Drewsen Spezialpapiere and grid operator Avacon are trialling a flexible grid connection at Drewsen's mill in Lachendorf, Germany, aimed at lower-carbon paper production. Drewsen plans to draw grid electricity for part of its production needs, alongside its existing wind, solar and biomass supply.
Why this mattersThe pilot tests whether flexible grid access can complement on-site renewable and biomass energy at an energy-intensive paper mill, a model other German mills could follow.
- Drewsen Spezialpapiere and grid operator Avacon are piloting a flexible grid connection at Drewsen's paper mill in Lachendorf, Germany.
- The scheme is meant to let the mill draw grid electricity to supplement existing wind, solar and biomass power used in production.
- The stated aim is to support a lower-carbon production process at the site.
Irani Papel e Embalagem has settled the main technical definitions and execution work for Gaia XII. The project has planned gross investment of USD 95m (BRL 514m) and will raise capacity of Paper Machine 07 at its Santa Luzia plant in Minas Gerais by 60%. The Brazilian producer reported record third-quarter 2026 net revenue of USD 84.0m (BRL 456.6m), up 5.3% year on year, and adjusted EBITDA of USD 28.0m (BRL 152.0m), up 3.9%, at a 33.3% margin. Packaging sales volumes rose 11.5% while the Brazilian market slipped 0.1%, lifting its market share to 4.3% from 3.8%.
Why this mattersExpanding paper capacity while gaining box share in a flat Brazilian market strengthens Irani's integrated supply and raises competitive pressure on domestic corrugated rivals.
- Gaia XII at Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais: planned gross investment USD 95m (BRL 514m) to raise Paper Machine 07 capacity by 60%
- Q3 2026 net revenue USD 84.0m (BRL 456.6m), up 5.3% year on year, a quarterly record
- Q3 adjusted EBITDA USD 28.0m (BRL 152.0m), up 3.9% year on year, margin 33.3%
- Sustainable packaging sales volume up 11.5% against a 0.1% decline in the Brazilian market; market share 4.3% from 3.8%
- Q3 net profit USD 10.4m (BRL 56.5m), up 34.3% year on year
- Net debt to adjusted EBITDA 1.89x; proposed dividend USD 2.6m (BRL 14.0m)
Quality Packaging Inc (QPI) has acquired manufacturing equipment and operating assets at two Wisconsin Green LLC facilities on Stonebridge Road in West Bend, Wisconsin. The transaction has closed; terms were not disclosed. The two sites, totalling about 150,000 square feet, now operate as QPI's West Bend location, bringing corrugated shipping container and point-of-purchase display production in-house for the first time.
Why this mattersVertical integration into corrugated gives QPI direct control over a material it previously sourced externally, tightening lead times for its converting and co-packing customers.
- QPI acquired manufacturing equipment and operating assets at two Wisconsin Green LLC facilities in West Bend, Wisconsin.
- The two facilities total approximately 150,000 square feet combined.
- Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
- The West Bend site manufactures corrugated shipping containers and point-of-purchase displays.
- QPI previously sourced corrugated packaging from outside suppliers and now brings this capability in-house.
- QPI already operates two plants in Fond du Lac, a co-packing facility in St Francis and a warehouse in Germantown, Wisconsin.
Sun Paper's board has approved two projects at its Yandian site in Shandong worth a combined USD 601m (RMB 4bn): a 500,000 t/yr chemical wood pulp line with alkali recovery and a 600,000 t/yr packaging materials line using recycled fibre and market pulp, both subject to shareholder approval and due to start trial production in the fourth quarter of 2027. The group also plans a USD 150m (RMB 1bn) capital injection into its Nanning subsidiary. Nine-month revenue rose 10.46% to USD 4.80bn (RMB 31.96bn) and net profit 16.88% to USD 439m (RMB 2.92bn), as Chinese containerboard prices rose.
Why this mattersA leading Chinese containerboard producer is expanding integrated pulp and packaging-paper capacity just as containerboard prices rise, adding to regional supply.
- Yandian projects total USD 601m (RMB 4bn): 500,000 t/yr chemical wood pulp and alkali recovery line, USD 376m (RMB 2.5bn); 600,000 t/yr paper-based packaging materials line, USD 225m (RMB 1.5bn)
- Projects need shareholder approval as 12-month new investments exceed 20% of latest audited net assets; 18-month build, 20% of investment by end-2026, trial production Q4 2027
- USD 150m (RMB 1bn) injection lifts Nanning Sun Paper's registered capital to USD 601m (RMB 4bn) from USD 451m (RMB 3bn)
- Nine-month revenue USD 4.80bn (RMB 31.96bn), up 10.46%; net profit USD 439m (RMB 2.92bn), up 16.88%
- Q3 revenue USD 1.67bn (RMB 11.10bn), up 12.03%; Q3 net profit USD 146m (RMB 970m), up 34.89%
- Q3 Chinese average containerboard price USD 574 (CNY 3,822) a tonne, up 4.68% quarter on quarter and 9.14% year on year
Chinese containerboard maker Linping Development has lifted its paper capacity to 1.75 million tonnes a year after a 600,000 tonne line started up in March 2026 as phase two of a 900,000 tonne project. The company has also signed a contract with Valmet for a new PM9 board machine with 600,000 tonnes of annual capacity, targeted for start-up in 2028. For the first nine months of 2026 revenue rose 40.83% year on year to USD 408m (CNY 2.716bn), with net profit up 14.32% to USD 18.9m (CNY 126m).
Why this mattersA second 600,000 tonne Chinese corrugated medium and boxboard line, ordered for 2028, extends domestic supply growth beyond this year's start-up.
- Paper capacity reached 1.75 million tonnes a year after a 600,000 tonne line started production in March 2026
- The new line is part of a 900,000 tonne phase-two project and can switch flexibly between corrugated medium and boxboard
- Linping Development has signed a contract with Valmet for a PM9 high-speed board machine with 600,000 tonnes a year capacity
- The Valmet-supplied line is planned to start up in 2028 and will focus on low-grammage corrugated medium and boxboard
- Nine-month 2026 revenue rose 40.83% year on year to USD 408m (CNY 2.716bn)
- Nine-month 2026 net profit attributable to shareholders rose 14.32% year on year to USD 18.9m (CNY 126m)
Chinese paper packaging producer Dasheng Da said the main building of its USD 28.3m (CNY 188m) corrugated box plant in Thailand is complete and equipment is being installed, with start-up due by November 2026 at the latest and planned capacity of 50 million square metres of boxes a year. Nine-month 2026 revenue rose 0.51% to USD 239.7m (CNY 1.595bn), while net profit attributable to shareholders fell 23.46% to USD 10.46m (CNY 69.60m), which was linked to swings in pulp and containerboard prices and destocking by liquor, food, beverage and household brand customers.
Why this mattersNew overseas capacity lets a Chinese fibre packaging producer follow customers abroad just as domestic margins are squeezed by cost inflation and brand destocking.
- Thailand corrugated box plant: total investment USD 28.3m (CNY 188m), main building complete, equipment installation under way
- Start-up expected by November 2026 at the latest; planned capacity 50 million square metres of corrugated boxes a year
- Nine-month 2026 revenue USD 239.7m (CNY 1.595bn), up 0.51% year on year
- Nine-month net profit attributable to shareholders USD 10.46m (CNY 69.60m), down 23.46%
- Total assets at 30 September 2026 USD 698.9m (CNY 4.65bn), up 3.3%
- The company has taken a strategic stake in Chinese GPU developer Xintong Semiconductor
UFP Industries reported third-quarter 2026 net sales of USD 1.73bn, up 11.1% from about USD 1.56bn a year earlier, but net earnings attributable to controlling interests fell to about USD 58m from USD 75m. The wood products and packaging group blamed higher freight and lumber-related costs for the margin decline; the figures exclude its pending acquisition of Apache Products, expected to close around mid-November.
Why this mattersRising freight and material costs are compressing margins for wood-based packaging and pallet suppliers even as volumes and pricing hold up.
- Q3 2026 net sales USD 1.73bn, up 11.1% from about USD 1.56bn a year earlier
- Net earnings attributable to controlling interests fell to about USD 58m from USD 75m
- Diluted EPS decreased to USD 1.05 from USD 1.29
- Sales growth split: about 4 points organic units, 2 points acquisitions, 5 points pricing
- Adjusted EBITDA about USD 119.3m, with margin narrowing to about 6.9% from 9.0%
RH Fibreboard, owned by Goonvean Group, has rebranded as Peninsula Packaging Group, uniting RH Fibreboard, SH Fiske and Smart Packaging under one identity. The move follows Goonvean's acquisition of RH Fibreboard in 2019, SH Fiske in 2023 and Smart Packaging in 2024, plus a 2022 investment in a large-format packaging facility in Wellington, Somerset. The group now operates three manufacturing sites in Wellington, Bristol and Thornbury.
Why this mattersThe rebrand signals consolidation of a UK fibreboard packaging platform built through serial bolt-on acquisitions by a single private owner.
- Goonvean Group acquired RH Fibreboard in 2019.
- SH Fiske, based in Bristol, was acquired in 2023.
- Smart Packaging was acquired in 2024.
- A large-format packaging facility was established in Wellington, Somerset, in 2022.
- The combined group operates three manufacturing sites: Wellington, Bristol and Thornbury.
- RH Fibreboard has been renamed Peninsula Packaging Group.
Zhejiang Rongsheng Environmental Protection Paper reported nine-month sales of USD 273.62m (CNY 1,820.39m) to 30 September 2026, up from USD 242m (CNY 1,609m) a year earlier. Net income rose to USD 31.67m (CNY 210.67m) from USD 25.69m (CNY 170.92m), and basic earnings per share rose to USD 0.11 (CNY 0.71) from USD 0.10 (CNY 0.65).
Why this mattersNet income up 23% on sales up 13% shows this Chinese paper producer widening margins over the first nine months of 2026.
- Nine-month sales to 30 September 2026 USD 273.62m (CNY 1,820.39m), up from USD 242m (CNY 1,609m)
- Nine-month net income USD 31.67m (CNY 210.67m), up from USD 25.69m (CNY 170.92m)
- Basic EPS from continuing operations USD 0.11 (CNY 0.71), against USD 0.10 (CNY 0.65)
- Diluted EPS from continuing operations USD 0.11 (CNY 0.71), against USD 0.09 (CNY 0.62)
- The company employs 1,084 people
Shanying International reported a nine-month 2026 net loss attributable to shareholders of USD 172m (RMB 1.143bn) on revenue of USD 3.25bn (RMB 21.61bn), up 2.26% year on year. Operating cash flow rose 8.45% to USD 346.5m (RMB 2.305bn). Non-current liabilities due within one year stood at USD 337m (RMB 2.24bn) at end-September, against USD 866.7m (RMB 5.766bn) at end-2024. Third-quarter margins narrowed as recovered paper prices rose 14.3% quarter on quarter, faster than containerboard and corrugated medium prices.
Why this mattersA leading Chinese containerboard producer's continued losses signal that oversupply and recovered-paper cost swings are still squeezing margins across the sector.
- Nine-month revenue USD 3.25bn (RMB 21.61bn), up 2.26% year on year
- Third-quarter revenue USD 1.11bn (RMB 7.35bn), up 0.84% year on year
- Nine-month net loss attributable to shareholders USD 172m (RMB 1.143bn)
- Operating cash flow USD 346.5m (RMB 2.305bn), up 8.45% year on year
- Non-current liabilities due within one year USD 337m (RMB 2.24bn) at end-September 2026, down from USD 866.7m (RMB 5.766bn) at end-2024
- Recovered paper prices rose 14.3% quarter on quarter in Q3 2026, narrowing the spread to finished paper prices
Empresas CMPC said chief executive Francisco Ruiz-Tagle will step down at the end of April 2027, as the Chilean pulp, paper and wood products group sells assets at home and plans a large pulp mill in Brazil. In September CMPC agreed to sell its Chilean containerboard business to Smurfit Westrock for USD 420m, and in October it agreed to sell about 60,000 hectares of Chilean pine plantations to J.P. Morgan Natural Capital for USD 365.5m. A board committee has begun a formal search for his successor.
Why this mattersThe succession comes as CMPC exits Chilean containerboard and plantation assets and plans a 3m tonne a year Brazilian pulp mill, resetting the group's scale and focus.
- Francisco Ruiz-Tagle will step down as CMPC chief executive at the end of April 2027
- CMPC agreed in September 2026 to sell its Chilean containerboard business to Smurfit Westrock for USD 420m
- CMPC agreed in October 2026 to sell about 60,000 hectares of Chilean pine plantations to J.P. Morgan Natural Capital for USD 365.5m
- CMPC holds a preliminary licence for a new 3m tonne a year pulp mill in southern Brazil
- He joined CMPC in 1991 and has been chief executive since 2018
- A board committee has begun a formal search for Ruiz-Tagle's successor
Chenming Paper reported operating revenue of USD 1.615bn (RMB 10.747bn) for the first three quarters of 2026, up 221.01% year on year. Its net loss attributable to the parent narrowed by 74.71% to USD 228m (RMB 1.519bn), and basic loss per share was USD 0.08 (RMB 0.52).
Why this mattersA USD 228m nine-month loss despite revenue more than tripling shows Chenming remains far from restoring profitability.
- Nine-month operating revenue USD 1.615bn (RMB 10.747bn), up 221.01% year on year
- Net loss attributable to parent USD 228m (RMB 1.519bn), down 74.71% year on year
- Basic loss per share USD 0.08 (RMB 0.52)
- Results cover the first three quarters of 2026
- Chenming Paper is listed in Hong Kong under stock code 01812
Vitro, the Mexican glass container and flat glass maker, has called an extraordinary shareholder meeting for 13 November 2026 to vote on a tender offer for its shares and the cancellation of its listing on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores. Shareholders holding about 95.79% of outstanding shares have already agreed to vote for the delisting and will not take part in the tender offer.
Why this mattersWith 95.79% of shares committed to the delisting and staying out of the tender, the offer concerns only the remaining minority and would end Vitro's public reporting.
- Vitro called an Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting for 13 November 2026.
- Shareholders will vote on a public tender offer for Vitro shares and cancellation of its registration in Mexico's National Securities Registry (RNV).
- Shareholders holding approximately 95.79% of outstanding shares have agreed, effective 29 October 2026, to vote for the delisting.
- These signing shareholders will not participate in the tender offer itself.
- Vitro, founded in 1909 in Monterrey, operates in two main segments: flat glass and glass containers.
- The company also supplies chemicals, raw materials, machinery and equipment for industrial applications.
Shandong Pharmaceutical Glass reported nine-month 2026 revenue of USD 488m (RMB 3.249bn), down 3.07% year on year. Net profit attributable to shareholders fell 4.09% to USD 78.2m (RMB 520m). The company cited weak domestic demand, stronger competition, higher inventories and the removal of export tax rebates on pharmaceutical glass from April 2026. Prior-period revenue was restated after a March 2026 correction moved a trading subsidiary's revenue recognition from gross to net, with no effect on profit or net assets. Sinopharm Group's proposed USD 481m (RMB 3.2bn) private placement to take control is still under Shanghai Stock Exchange review.
Why this mattersLost export rebates and weak domestic demand are eroding earnings at China's dominant pharma glass maker while Sinopharm's planned takeover still awaits exchange approval.
- Nine-month 2026 revenue USD 488m (RMB 3.249bn), down 3.07% year on year
- Nine-month net profit attributable to shareholders USD 78.2m (RMB 520m), down 4.09%
- Q3 revenue USD 146m (RMB 969m), down 12.07%; Q3 net profit USD 22.4m (RMB 149m), down 12.79%
- Export tax rebates on pharmaceutical glass removed from April 2026
- 2023-2025 revenue restated after subsidiary Yiyuan Xinkang's trading revenue moved from gross to net recognition; no effect on profit
- Sinopharm Group's proposed USD 481m (RMB 3.2bn) private placement for control remains under Shanghai Stock Exchange review
Shenzhen-listed Lynoo Pharmaceutical Packaging reported nine-month 2026 revenue up 38.78% to USD 150.5m (RMB 1.001bn). Net profit attributable to shareholders fell 19.03% to USD 6.19m (RMB 41.2m), and operating cash flow was an outflow of USD 7.8m (RMB 51.9m). Short-term borrowings rose 358.57% from end-2025. The company applied for a Hong Kong H-share listing on 28 September 2026. Proceeds are partly intended for ready-to-use packaging and pre-fillable syringes, and for a semiconductor glass substrate business that has no revenue or orders yet.
Why this mattersChina's ninth-largest pharma glass packager is raising capital abroad while profit and cash flow weaken, with proceeds partly funding a glass substrate line that has no orders yet.
- Nine-month 2026 revenue USD 150.5m (RMB 1.001bn), up 38.78% year on year
- Net profit attributable to parent USD 6.19m (RMB 41.2m), down 19.03%
- Net operating cash outflow of USD 7.8m (RMB 51.9m) for the period
- Short-term borrowings up 358.57% from end-2025
- H-share listing application submitted to HKEX on 28 September 2026
- Ranked ninth in China's pharmaceutical glass packaging market in 2025 with a 2.4% share
Envases Europe has agreed to supply customers with carbon-lite packaging steel from Tata Steel Nederland, using a mass-balance approach with CO2e reductions verified by DNV. The offer is aimed at helping bottlers and brand owners with scope-3 emissions reporting without changing the physical steel used. The reductions stem from decarbonisation projects already under way at Tata Steel's IJmuiden site under its Green Steel Project.
Why this mattersVerified mass-balance steel gives metal-packaging customers a scope-3 reporting tool, pressuring rival can makers to secure similar low-carbon material claims.
- Envases Europe will offer Carbon Lite steel sourced from Tata Steel Nederland's IJmuiden site
- CO2e reductions are based on a mass-balance accounting approach
- Emission reductions are independently verified by testing organisation DNV
- Tata Steel Nederland targets net-zero carbon emissions in steel production by 2045 under its Green Steel Project
- The offer is intended to support customers' scope-3 and operational GHG Protocol reporting
THECA Ambalaj, a Turkish packaging company 30% owned by Mercan Kimya, has approved two fully automated transfer-moulded tray (viyol) production lines as the first phase of its 2027-2029 growth plan, to meet rising demand and new product projects. Work on the first line is due to start in November 2026, with commissioning in February 2027. The second line, planned for March to July 2027, depends on a final decision based on capacity utilisation. The investment amount, added capacity and financing were not disclosed.
Why this mattersMaking the second line conditional on utilisation shows THECA adding moulded tray capacity in step with demand rather than ahead of it.
- Mercan Kimya disclosed the THECA board decision in a KAP filing on 27 October 2026
- Two fully automated transfer-moulded tray lines approved as phase one of a 2027-2029 growth plan
- First line: work to start November 2026, commissioning planned February 2027
- Second line subject to capacity utilisation; start planned March 2027, commissioning July 2027
- Investment amount, capacity increase and financing not disclosed
- Mercan Kimya H1 2026 sales USD 34.5m (TRY 1,723.3m), net profit attributable to parent USD 1.9m (TRY 95.8m)
Dutch starch-based packaging maker PaperFoam has secured a EUR 2m (USD 2.2m) loan from Invest International, the Dutch government-backed financier. Part of the funds will expand PaperFoam's factory in the Czech Republic, with the rest funding working capital at its Malaysia and US plants. Invest International previously backed PaperFoam's first Czech expansion in 2020.
Why this mattersDutch state-backed financing continues to fund capacity at a starch-based packaging maker serving cosmetics, retail and medical-device customers.
- Invest International, the Dutch state-backed financier, lent PaperFoam EUR 2m (USD 2.2m)
- Part of the funds will expand PaperFoam's factory in the Czech Republic
- The remainder adds working capital at PaperFoam's plants in Malaysia and the United States
- Invest International previously financed PaperFoam's initial move into the Czech Republic in 2020
- New production machinery for the expansion is being supplied by Kuyer Metaal and Shuffle-Mix, both Dutch firms
- PaperFoam's customers include Puig, HEMA and Medtronic
PT Champion Pacific Indonesia Tbk (IGAR), an Indonesian plastic packaging producer, reported net profit of IDR 94.2bn for the nine months to 30 September 2026, up 40% from IDR 67.3bn a year earlier, on revenue of IDR 810.48bn versus IDR 707.38bn. Total liabilities rose 41.2% to IDR 161.45bn, which the company attributed to higher trade payables tied to increased inventory purchases, prompting a mandatory disclosure to the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Operating cash flow fell nearly 60% to IDR 23.05bn as inventory and receivables grew faster than sales.
Why this mattersProfit growth at the Indonesian plastic packaging maker came with operating cash flow down 60% as inventory and receivables grew faster than sales.
- Nine-month 2026 net profit reached IDR 94.24bn, up 40% from IDR 67.31bn a year earlier
- Revenue from contracts with customers rose to IDR 810.48bn from IDR 707.38bn
- Total liabilities increased 41.19% to IDR 161.45bn from IDR 114.35bn at end-2025, mainly on trade payables up IDR 38.37bn
- Operating cash flow fell 59.8% to IDR 23.05bn from IDR 57.40bn
- Inventory rose 35% to IDR 213.83bn and trade receivables rose 53% to IDR 228.72bn
- Earnings per share rose to IDR 71.00 from IDR 49.65; cash dividends of IDR 4.62bn and IDR 13.00bn were paid to parent and minority shareholders respectively
Ranpak reported third-quarter 2026 adjusted EBITDA of USD 22.5m, up USD 1.1m as reported and 6.1% at constant currency. Automation revenue rose 26.9% year on year at constant currency, excluding warrants. The company still expects USD 60m of automation net revenue in 2026, 50% more than in 2025. North American volumes rose 1.8% as the distribution channel recovered, while Europe and Asia-Pacific were softer after a strong second quarter.
Why this mattersAutomation is becoming Ranpak's growth driver, giving it revenue less tied to short-term demand for paper-based protective packaging.
- Q3 2026 adjusted EBITDA USD 22.5m, up USD 1.1m as reported and 6.1% at constant currency
- Automation revenue up 26.9% year on year at constant currency, excluding warrants
- 2026 automation net revenue still expected at USD 60m, 50% above 2025
- North America volumes up 1.8% on improved distribution channel performance
- Europe and Asia-Pacific volumes softer after a strong Q2
German flexible-packaging machinery maker Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) says it is on a growth course, with a double-digit percentage rise in sales this year. Chief executive Jürgen Vutz gave the update at the company's open house in Lengerich in mid-October.
Why this mattersA double-digit sales rise at a major flexible-packaging machinery builder points to continued equipment spending by film and bag converters this year.
- Windmöller & Hölscher held an open house in Lengerich, Germany, in mid-October 2026
- The company reported a double-digit percentage sales increase for 2026
- CEO Jürgen Vutz presented the update to attendees
Bucher Emhart Glass has integrated Bucher Automation Tettnang, formerly known as Futronic, into its organisation. The glass-forming machinery maker says the move combines its automation subsidiary's process-control and digital expertise with its own manufacturing and service network to offer customers a single partner for controls, mechanical work and turnkey retrofits.
Why this mattersConsolidating controls and mechanical expertise under one roof lets Bucher Emhart Glass pitch integrated retrofit and hot-end/cold-end service deals against rival glass-forming machinery suppliers.
- Bucher Emhart Glass has integrated Bucher Automation Tettnang, previously branded Futronic, into its company structure.
- The combined unit brings together automation, process control and digital solutions with Bucher Emhart Glass's forming machinery and global service network.
- Controls, mechanical expertise and service will sit together within Bucher Emhart Glass, offering customers one partner for turnkey retrofit projects and hot-end and cold-end solutions.
- Daniel Schippan, President of Bucher Emhart Glass, commented on the integration.
- The announcement followed Bucher Emhart Glass's presence at the Glasstec trade fair in October 2026.
Family-owned distributor Millcraft is opening a new packaging and paper division in Chattanooga, Tennessee, run as a satellite of its Nashville operation. Reed Harman has been appointed regional vice president of sales for the new site, which will be staffed with local hires across sales, operations, delivery and customer service.
Why this mattersA new satellite hub extends a regional distributor's Tennessee reach and could affect local lead times and pricing for packaging buyers.
- Millcraft announced the Chattanooga expansion on 30 October 2026
- The Chattanooga division will be supplied and supported from Millcraft's existing Nashville facility
- Reed Harman, a 30-year industry veteran, is appointed regional vice president of sales for Chattanooga
- Millcraft's Nashville operation has doubled in size over the past five years
- Millcraft acquired Protective Packaging Products in October 2026 and Dennis Paper Co in 2021
- Millcraft is a family-owned paper and packaging distributor based in Ohio operating across multiple US states
Suez has been selected by UK deposit return scheme operator Exchange for Change to provide collection, transport and processing services for plastic and metal drinks containers across four regions of the country. The company has signed two 15-year contracts covering the North East, North West, South West and Midlands, the largest single-operator share awarded under the scheme, ahead of the scheme's launch on 1 October 2027.
Why this mattersTwo 15-year contracts give Suez the largest single share of UK deposit return logistics, with collection and processing networks to build before the October 2027 launch.
- Suez signed two 15-year contracts with UK deposit return scheme operator Exchange for Change
- Contracts cover four UK regions: North East, North West, South West and Midlands
- It is described as the largest single-operator share awarded under the scheme
- Suez has 12 months to deploy collection and processing infrastructure in the four regions
- The UK deposit return scheme is due to launch on 1 October 2027
- The scheme runs alongside UK extended producer responsibility reform and collection system changes
Polysmart Packaging, a Nigerian-owned recycler, has officially opened its expanded USD 60m recycling facility in Nigeria, which its chairman described as Africa's largest food-grade recycled PET plant. At full capacity it will process 100,000 tonnes of mixed plastics a year, equivalent to about 6.5 billion PET bottles. The company plans a network of collection agents across Nigeria's 774 local councils.
Why this mattersFood-grade rPET capacity of this size gives brand owners in Nigeria a local recycled-content source and a way to document compliance with national EPR rules.
- Polysmart Packaging's expanded recycling facility in Nigeria cost USD 60m
- Chairman Niyi Yusuf described it as Africa's largest food-grade rPET plant
- At full capacity it will process 100,000 tonnes of mixed plastics a year
- That equals about 6.5 billion PET bottles a year, or 15 million a day
- Polysmart plans collection agents across Nigeria's 774 local councils
Formosa Plastics Corporation USA has declared force majeure on selected polyethylene grades, effective 29 October 2026, after an unplanned shutdown of a production unit at its Point Comfort complex in Texas. The company has not said which unit is affected, how long the outage will last or how much capacity is lost. The site has an estimated combined PE capacity of 1.8-1.9 million tonnes a year. A prolonged outage could tighten supply of the affected grades in North America and reduce US export availability.
Why this mattersA sustained outage at a major US PE exporter could tighten resin supply and raise costs for film, injection moulding and other packaging converters globally.
- Force majeure effective 29 October 2026 after an unplanned shutdown of a PE unit at Point Comfort, Texas
- Point Comfort estimated PE capacity 1.8-1.9 million t/yr: about 625,000 t LDPE, 800,000 t HDPE and 465,000 t LLDPE
- Affected unit, outage duration and lost volume not disclosed
- Asian outages coincide: Chandra Asri 30-35 day turnaround at a 536,000 t/yr PE plant; Honam maintenance at a 370,000 t/yr HDPE/LLDPE swing plant
- Hanwha Chemical plans to idle at least one-third of its 335,000 t/yr LLDPE capacity for technical tests
- US PE exports serve Latin America, Europe and Asia, so a long outage could affect trade flows
Cleanfarms, the Canadian agricultural producer responsibility organisation, reported record three-year average collection rates for 2025: 88% for under-23 litre crop input containers and 63% for bulk-sized containers. Farmers delivered more than 11.8 million kg of agricultural plastics to Cleanfarms collection sites for recycling in 2025.
Why this mattersHigher recovery rates for agricultural plastics packaging strengthen the case for extending producer responsibility schemes across other packaging categories in North America.
- Under-23L crop input container collection rate reached a three-year average of 88%.
- Bulk-sized container collection rate reached a three-year average of 63%.
- Farmers brought in over 11.8 million kg of agricultural plastics to Cleanfarms sites in 2025.
- Cleanfarms is funded by members across crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics and maple tubing industries.
- Cleanfarms team members are located across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.
The US International Trade Commission has made affirmative preliminary determinations in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations into corrugated die-cut boxes, including pizza boxes, from China, Malaysia and Turkey. Its 30 October 2026 vote keeps the proceedings running, and the cases may move to a final determination stage. No duties have been imposed at this stage.
Why this mattersContinued US trade action on corrugated box imports could lead to duties that reshape sourcing and pricing for North American converters and importers.
- USITC voted on 30 October 2026 to continue the investigations after affirmative preliminary determinations
- Investigation numbers: 701-TA-806 (countervailing) and 731-TA-1805-1807 (antidumping)
- Cases cover corrugated die-cut boxes, including pizza boxes, from China, Malaysia and Turkey
- A public report will be issued and the cases may proceed to a final determination
Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority has warned traders, manufacturers and food vendors that unsold expanded polystyrene foam products will be confiscated and destroyed once the country's nationwide ban on the material takes effect on 1 January 2027. The ban covers production, importation, distribution, sale and use of foam takeaway packs, cups and plates for commercial and domestic purposes, with an exemption for medical, scientific and laboratory products.
Why this mattersA full market ban forces foodservice packaging suppliers and converters in Ghana to switch to reusable or alternative materials within about two months.
- Ghana's EPS foam ban takes effect on 1 January 2027.
- EPA chief executive Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse announced enforcement at a campaign launch in Damongo, Savannah Region.
- Unsold Styrofoam stock will be confiscated and destroyed after the deadline.
- The ban covers production, importation, distribution, sale and use for commercial and domestic purposes.
- Products for medical, scientific, laboratory and diagnostic use are exempt, subject to regulatory control.
- The World Bank estimates Ghana generates over 3,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, with less than half collected and about 9.5 per cent recycled.
The US Plastics Pact has delisted expanded polystyrene (EPS) transport packaging from its Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List, the first removal since the list was established. The carve-out covers three specific EPS transport categories, while other EPS formats remain listed. The decision does not alter any state-level plastics legislation.
Why this mattersA first-ever delisting signals the Pact's criteria can be revisited, giving EPS packaging makers and users a precedent to seek reclassification of other materials.
- US Plastics Pact delisted EPS transport packaging from its Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List
- This is the first delisting since the list was created
- The exemption covers three specific transport-packaging categories; other EPS formats remain on the list
- Recycling of the delisted material is driven mainly by commercial distribution centres rather than curbside collection
- Densification is cited as the process making EPS a shippable recyclable commodity
- The decision does not change existing state law on plastics
Maria Vera-Duran, policy director at Recycling Europe, told the BIR World Recycling Convention in Malaga that PPWR recycled-content targets could be postponed if the European Commission does not finalise its calculation methodology and rules by the end of the year. She warned that the EU's coming ban on plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries will leave more material in Europe, which needs stronger demand for recyclates. Speakers also flagged weak demand and falling margins among recyclers, and a Norwegian proposal to bring green-listed plastics under Basel Convention prior-informed-consent rules.
Why this mattersPostponed PPWR targets would delay the mandated demand European plastics recyclers need as export outlets to non-OECD countries close and margins fall.
- PPWR recycled-content targets for plastic packaging: 10-35% by 2030 and 25-65% by 2040
- Recycling Europe says targets may be postponed if the methodology and rules are not finalised by the end of the year
- The EU Waste Shipment Regulation will soon block plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries
- Norway proposes bringing all plastics, including green-listed B3011 mixtures, under Basel prior-informed-consent rules; COP to discuss in April 2027
- Max Craipeau of Greencore Resources succeeded Henk Alssema of Inviplast as BIR Plastics Division president
German prices for brown kraftliner were flat in October after a EUR 80 per tonne increase in September, while supply remained tight, EUWID reported. Market contacts noted that monthly kraftliner price adjustments would be an exception.
Why this mattersProducers did not follow September's EUR 80 per tonne rise with another increase despite tight supply, holding virgin-fibre liner costs for German box makers in October.
- German brown kraftliner (virgin fibre) prices rose EUR 80 per tonne in September 2026
- Prices moved sideways in October 2026
- Supply remained tight in October
- Market contacts said monthly kraftliner price adjustments would be an exception
Chinese BOPET film prices rose by USD 15 (CNY 100) a tonne in the week to 29 October 2026 on higher feedstock costs, with 12 micron printing film the reference grade. Supply for the following week is forecast at 87,000 tonnes, unchanged. Downstream demand remains weak and peak-season orders have fallen short of expectations.
Why this mattersA modest cost-driven uptick in a commodity film grade signals thin pricing power as peak-season demand underdelivers for converters.
- BOPET price up USD 15 (CNY 100) a tonne week on week to 29 October 2026
- 12 micron printing film is the benchmark grade
- Next week's supply forecast at 87,000 tonnes, unchanged
- Downstream demand weak and driven by essential orders
- Peak-season demand below expectations
Weekly average prices for LLDPE and HDPE film in China's domestic market have risen above USD 1,503 a tonne (CNY 10,000). For LLDPE this is the highest level in over nine years; for HDPE it is the highest since November 2018. LLDPE film prices have risen 38% since mid-July and HDPE 28% since early July, driven by higher energy and feedstock costs, firmer futures and supply limits rather than stronger downstream demand. The rally has erased HDPE's long-standing premium over LLDPE, which reached USD 150 a tonne in April 2026.
Why this mattersRising Chinese PE resin costs raise feedstock prices for flexible and rigid plastics packaging converters while downstream film demand stays weak, squeezing margins.
- Weekly average LLDPE film price above USD 1,503 a tonne (CNY 10,000) for the first time since February 2018
- LLDPE film prices up a cumulative 38% since mid-July 2026, four consecutive months of gains
- HDPE film prices up 28% since early July 2026, highest since November 2018
- HDPE's premium over LLDPE, USD 150 a tonne in April 2026, has been eliminated
- LLDPE supply tight in South China on low operating rates; HDPE broadly ample
- Packaging film demand weakening as e-commerce firms cut inventory building
