At its 3 November capital markets day, DS Smith listed 29 packaging sites, one mill, two recycling depots and four offices announced for closure. It also set out about EUR 480m of annualised savings, mostly at run-rate by end-2027, ahead of its separation from International Paper as DS Smith plc. The group guided 2026 adjusted EBITDA of EUR 730m to EUR 780m on revenue of about EUR 8bn and targets a mid-teens margin in the medium term. London admission, with ADRs in New York, is targeted for early to mid December 2026; International Paper will keep 19.9% and said on 15 October it is also weighing a sale.
Why this mattersThe closures and savings set the cost base of Europe's soon-to-be-independent box maker, whose final owner is still open while International Paper weighs a sale alongside the listing.
- 29 packaging sites, 1 mill, 2 recycling depots and 4 offices are announced for closure; about 60% of the volumes to be moved between plants have already been transferred.
- Annualised savings of about EUR 480m, around 14% of operating costs, are mostly at run-rate by end-2027.
- 2026 adjusted EBITDA is guided at EUR 730m to EUR 780m, a 9.0% to 9.7% margin on revenue of about EUR 8bn; the medium-term target is a mid-teens margin.
- International Paper will keep 19.9% of DS Smith plc and said on 15 October 2026 it is weighing a sale in parallel with the listing.
- Admission in London and ADRs in New York are targeted for early to mid December 2026, after a Form 20-F filed on 28 October.
- Guidance includes capex of EUR 550m to EUR 570m and one-off cash costs of EUR 120m to EUR 130m; the medium-term leverage target is 1.5 to 2.5 times.
The Unified Patent Court's Court of Appeal ruled on 3 September 2026 that evidence-preservation orders under Art. 60 UPCA do not allow a bailiff or expert to question a defendant's personnel on technical details, on an appeal by WEPA Nederland against an ex parte order obtained by Essity. The Hague Local Division had granted that order on 17 April 2026 under Essity's patent on tissue paper containing Miscanthus pulp fibres, and it was executed at WEPA's premises on 21 April. The appeal court confirmed that a demonstrable risk of evidence being destroyed can alone justify an ex parte order, without urgency, and that such orders may cover commercial and promotional documents.
Why this mattersThe ruling sets UPC-wide limits on evidence-preservation inspections, relevant to any paper or packaging group enforcing or defending patents in Europe.
- Essity's EP 3 289 139 patent covers tissue paper comprising pulp fibres from Miscanthus.
- The Hague Local Division granted an ex parte preservation order against WEPA Nederland on 17 April 2026, executed on 21 April 2026 and confirmed on review.
- On 3 September 2026 the Court of Appeal held that Art. 60 UPCA does not let a bailiff or expert question defendant personnel on technical details.
- The court held that a demonstrable risk of evidence being destroyed can alone justify an ex parte order; urgency is not required.
- WEPA's objection to commercial and promotional documents was disregarded as not raised at first instance; the court said it would have failed anyway.
French group Gascogne is investing EUR 350m (USD 394m) in a new kraft paper machine at Mimizan in the Landes, its main industrial site, which chief executive Eric Prolongeau describes as probably the largest in Europe. The 100-metre machine will run at 1,200 metres a minute with annual capacity of 125,000 tonnes, and production is due to start in the second quarter of 2027.
Why this mattersA 125,000-tonne line costing close to Gascogne's annual revenue is designed to make kraft paper faster and more cheaply, raising the cost bar for other European kraft paper producers.
- Investment of EUR 350m (USD 394m) in the new machine
- Machine is 100 metres long, runs at 1,200 metres per minute
- Annual capacity of 125,000 tonnes
- Start-up expected in the second quarter of 2027 at Mimizan, Landes
- Gascogne's group revenue is EUR 400m (USD 451m)
- Group nearly went into liquidation in 2014 before a debt restructuring led by Dominique Coutière
The US Trade Representative has asked Mexico to review alleged denial of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights at Madobox, a corrugated packaging manufacturer in Uruapan, Michoacan, that supplies boxes for avocado, mango, berry and tomato exports. USTR has directed the US Treasury to suspend liquidation of customs entries for goods made at the Madobox facility, delaying final duty assessment on affected imports. Mexico has 10 days from the 2 November request to agree to investigate and, if it accepts, 45 days to complete the review.
Why this mattersA labour complaint at one box plant now carries a customs consequence, a supplier risk US importers of Mexican-made packaging have to weigh.
- USTR requested the review on 2 November 2026 under the USMCA Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.
- The target is Madobox S.A. de C.V., a corrugated box maker in Uruapan, Michoacan.
- US Treasury has been directed to suspend liquidation of customs entries for goods produced at the facility.
- A union affiliated with COCENA filed the underlying petition on 30 September 2026, alleging interference with organising and retaliatory dismissals.
- Mexico has 10 days from 2 November to agree to investigate, and 45 days from that date to complete the review if it accepts.
- Madobox supplies corrugated packaging for avocados, mangoes, berries and tomatoes, including products for export markets.
Turkish packaging producer Bantas Bandirma Ambalaj has received an investment incentive certificate covering a USD 4.83m (TRY 241.5m) investment aimed at full integration, approved by the Ministry of Industry and Technology's incentive directorate. The certificate runs from 9 October 2026 to 9 October 2029 and grants a 60% tax reduction, a 20% investment contribution rate and one year of employer social-security contribution support.
Why this mattersThe incentives lower the after-tax cost of Bantas's integration investment over the three years to October 2029.
- The incentive certificate covers an investment of USD 4.83m (TRY 241,504,427)
- Approved by the Ministry of Industry and Technology's Incentive Implementation and Foreign Capital General Directorate
- Valid from 9 October 2026 to 9 October 2029
- Benefits include a 60% tax reduction and a 20% investment contribution rate
- One year of employer social-security (SGK) contribution support
- The investment is aimed at full integration
Metsä Group has approved about EUR 25m for a Muoto fibre-based packaging line at Äänekoski, designed to replace fossil-based materials including plastics and due to start in 2028. It has abandoned plans for a Kuura textile fibre mill because conditions for a commercially viable business were not present. Third-quarter comparable EBITDA rose to EUR 100m from EUR 39m a year earlier, helped by a EUR 300m savings programme that reached a EUR 200m profit impact at the start of the fourth quarter, ahead of schedule. The group still made a nine-month net loss of EUR 113.0m, and CEO Jussi Vanhanen said profitability in all businesses remained well below target.
Why this mattersMetsä is directing money towards fibre packaging that replaces plastics and cutting projects outside it, while every business remains below target profitability.
- About EUR 25m approved for a Muoto fibre-based packaging line at Äänekoski, scheduled to start in 2028.
- Plans for a Kuura textile fibre mill abandoned because conditions for a commercially viable business were not present.
- Q3 2026 comparable EBITDA was EUR 100m against EUR 39m; Q3 sales were EUR 1,267m against EUR 1,440m.
- The EUR 300m savings programme launched in July 2025 reached a EUR 200m profit impact at the start of Q4, ahead of schedule.
- Nine-month comparable EBITDA was EUR 357m against EUR 305m; the nine-month net loss was EUR 113.0m against EUR 91.6m.
- A planned CO2 capture plant at Rauma received EUR 21m in aid from Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
Private equity firm Mason Wells has acquired Canworks, a direct-to-aluminium-can digital printer serving beverage brands, with Mesirow acting as exclusive financial advisor to the seller. Canworks, founded in 2020 by brothers Ryan and Marshall Thompson, operates five facilities across Texas, Georgia, California, Missouri and Connecticut. Deal value was not disclosed.
Why this mattersPrivate equity capital for a five-site digital can printer strengthens a decoration option for energy drink, hard seltzer and ready-to-drink cocktail brands.
- Mason Wells, a Midwest-based private equity firm, acquired Canworks, Inc.
- Canworks was founded in 2020 by Ryan and Marshall Thompson.
- Canworks operates five facilities in Texas, Georgia, California, Missouri and Connecticut.
- Canworks serves beverage categories including energy drinks, hard seltzer, kombucha and ready-to-drink cocktails.
- Mesirow Investment Banking acted as exclusive financial advisor to Canworks on the sale.
- Mason Wells has raised USD 2.4bn across five buyout funds and is investing out of a USD 767m Fund V.
Guangdong Yitai Glass, a high-end glass packaging unit of Anhui-based Yijing Packaging Technology, started trial production on its second furnace on 1 November 2026, adding 80 tonnes per day of high-white glass capacity for skincare bottles, with equipment investment of CNY 36m (USD 5.4m). The plant's phase-two workshop, costed at CNY 40m (USD 6.0m) and covering 36,200 square metres, topped out the same day as part of a CNY 330m (USD 49m) total project that is targeted to reach 620 million bottles a year and about CNY 720m (USD 108m) in annual output value once fully ramped.
Why this mattersAnother 80 t/day high-white glass line adds Chinese capacity for skincare bottles, with the project targeting 620 million units a year at full ramp-up.
- Second furnace ignited for trial production on 1 November 2026 at Guangdong Yitai Glass in the Guangqing Industrial Park, Guangdong.
- Furnace capacity is 80 tonnes per day of high-white glass; equipment investment was CNY 36m (USD 5.4m).
- Phase-two workshop, 36,200 square metres, topped out the same day; investment about CNY 40m (USD 6.0m), 200-day construction period.
- Total project investment is CNY 330m (USD 49m); phase one began production in March 2026.
- Full capacity target is 620 million skincare glass bottles per year, with annual output value of about CNY 720m (USD 108m).
- Parent company Anhui Yijing Packaging Technology is based in Lu'an, Anhui, and holds more than 40 patents in high-end glass packaging.
Greif is exiting coated recycled board by closing its Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia, as part of its cost-optimisation programme; fourth-quarter impairment charges in Sustainable Fiber Solutions related mainly to the mill. On continuing operations after the sale of its Containerboard Business, the industrial packaging group reported fiscal 2026 adjusted EBITDA of USD 625.7m, up 11.7% from USD 560.0m, while fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA fell 3.1% to USD 163.0m. Run-rate cost savings reached USD 105m a year ahead of schedule, and the target has been raised to USD 150m by the end of fiscal 2027.
Why this mattersGreif's exit takes one US producer out of coated recycled board, and its earnings growth now comes from cost cuts rather than a demand recovery.
- Greif announced its exit from coated recycled board through the closure of the Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia.
- Sustainable Fiber Solutions' Q4 operating loss widened by USD 15.8m to USD 21.4m, including impairment charges mainly related to Sweetwater.
- Fiscal 2026 adjusted EBITDA was USD 625.7m, up 11.7% from USD 560.0m; Q4 adjusted EBITDA fell 3.1% to USD 163.0m.
- Run-rate cost savings reached USD 105m at fiscal year-end, beating the USD 100m three-year target a year early; the target is now USD 150m by end-fiscal 2027.
- Fiscal 2026 adjusted free cash flow was USD 279.3m, below the latest guidance range, as inventories and resin costs rose amid Middle East disruptions.
- Net debt fell by USD 144.9m to USD 800.9m, and leverage eased to 1.2 times from 1.7 times.
Amcor cut its adjusted earnings-per-share guidance for the July to December 2026 transition period to USD 1.70-1.80 from USD 1.80-1.90, citing delayed recovery of higher energy and distribution costs. It also raised expected leverage at 31 December 2026 to about 3.6x from 3.5-3.6x. Net sales for the quarter to 30 September 2026 rose 7% to USD 6,129m. Adjusted EBITDA fell 3% to USD 883m, and the free cash outflow widened to USD 820m from USD 343m.
Why this mattersAmcor's cut, tied to delayed recovery of energy and distribution costs, shows margin pressure where price pass-through lags input inflation.
- Transition-period (July-December 2026) adjusted EPS guidance cut to USD 1.70-1.80 from USD 1.80-1.90.
- Expected leverage at 31 December 2026 raised to about 3.6x from 3.5-3.6x.
- Net sales rose 7% to USD 6,129m (6% at constant currency) in the quarter to 30 September 2026.
- Adjusted EBITDA fell 3% to USD 883m; adjusted diluted EPS fell 2% to USD 0.95.
- Free cash outflow widened to USD 820m from USD 343m, reflecting working-capital effects of resin-price volatility.
- Berry acquisition synergies added about USD 50m in the quarter; the three-year USD 650m synergy target remains on track.
South African media and printing group Caxton & CTP Publishers & Printers has acquired a beneficial interest of 8.007% in Johannesburg-listed packaging maker Transpaco, more than 2.22 million shares worth USD 6.23m (ZAR 102.53m), Transpaco disclosed on 3 November 2026. On 2 November, non-executive chairman Derek Thomas, chairman for more than 11 years, sold 1,611,787 shares, about 5.79%, at USD 2.79 (ZAR 46) each for USD 4.50m (ZAR 74.14m), and Letsema Strategy Services, which is linked to him, now holds no shares. The announcement does not say whether Caxton bought the shares Letsema sold.
Why this mattersA media and printing group becoming a significant shareholder as the long-serving chairman sells out changes the shareholder register of a listed South African packaging maker.
- Caxton & CTP acquired a beneficial interest of 8.007% of Transpaco's issued shares, more than 2.22 million shares worth USD 6.23m (ZAR 102.53m)
- Non-executive chairman Derek Thomas sold 1,611,787 shares (about 5.79%) at USD 2.79 (ZAR 46) each on 2 November 2026, for USD 4.50m (ZAR 74.14m)
- Letsema Strategy Services, linked to Thomas, disposed of its entire Transpaco shareholding
- Thomas has been Transpaco's non-executive chairman for more than 11 years
- The disclosures were made under Section 122 of South Africa's Companies Act and JSE Listings Requirements, with notices filed to the Takeover Regulation Panel
IFCO is extending its reusable plastic container (RPC) programme with Whole Foods Market from root vegetables to a broader range of fresh produce in the US supply chain, replacing single-use corrugated boxes. Since the cooperation began in 2022, RPC use in the Whole Foods supply chain has grown by more than 1,000%, cumulatively avoiding nearly 4 million pounds (about 1,814 tonnes) of cardboard waste. Store, supplier and rotation numbers were not disclosed.
Why this mattersEach produce line Whole Foods moves into IFCO crates takes corrugated box volume away from suppliers serving US fresh-produce growers.
- IFCO and Whole Foods Market began working together on reusable packaging for fresh produce in 2022, then piloted it for root vegetables
- RPC usage in the Whole Foods supply chain has grown more than 1,000% cumulatively since the cooperation began
- Cumulative cardboard waste avoided reaches nearly 4 million pounds (about 1,814 tonnes)
- The expansion extends conversion from root vegetables to a broader range of fresh produce
- A 2024 pilot at Whole Foods' Cheshire, Connecticut distribution centre avoided nearly 155,000 pounds of cardboard in its first 90 days, with about 620,000 pounds a year expected
- IFCO containers are collected, cleaned, disinfected and redistributed, and are recycled into new containers at end of life
South Korean packaging maker Dongwon Systems reported nine-month 2026 operating profit of USD 51.1m (KRW 68.4bn), up 16.7% year on year, on revenue of USD 853.7m (KRW 1,143.1bn), up 7.9%. Growth came from exports to North America and Africa of flexible packaging for retort pouches and pet food and of food cans, and from its Vietnamese subsidiary Tan Tien Packaging. The company plans to take its recyclable mono-material PE packaging into Europe, targeting customers preparing for the EU PPWR.
Why this mattersDongwon's growth comes from exports of retort pouches, pet-food packs and food cans, and it now targets PPWR-driven demand for mono-material PE in Europe.
- Nine-month 2026 operating profit USD 51.1m (KRW 68.4bn), up 16.7% year on year
- Nine-month revenue USD 853.7m (KRW 1,143.1bn), up 7.9% year on year
- Q3 revenue USD 301.0m (KRW 403.1bn), up 13.1% year on year
- Q3 operating profit USD 17.9m (KRW 24.0bn), up 18.9% year on year
- Exports of retort-pouch and pet-food flexible packaging and food cans grew to North America and Africa
- Vietnamese subsidiary Tan Tien Packaging contributed through local and export flexible-packaging sales
Koenig & Bauer has appointed Christian Steinmaßl as CEO of its paper and packaging sheetfed systems segment, effective 1 January 2027, succeeding Markus Weiß. Weiß, who has led the segment since February 2025, is leaving the group to pursue ventures outside the company, with the pair overseeing an orderly handover through the rest of the financial year.
Why this mattersThe sheetfed unit is Koenig & Bauer's core packaging printing business, so leadership continuity affects execution of its IMPACT strategy.
- Christian Steinmaßl becomes CEO of the paper and packaging sheetfed systems segment on 1 January 2027
- He succeeds Markus Weiß, who had led the segment since February 2025
- Steinmaßl joined Koenig & Bauer's group management in December 2024
- He currently oversees global procurement, the production network and the digital and webfed, vision and protection, and Kyana business units
- Weiß is leaving to pursue entrepreneurial ventures outside the group
- The two executives will work together for the rest of the current financial year to ensure an orderly transition
Kao Industrial (Thailand) and SCG Packaging have signed a memorandum of understanding expanding their collaboration on mono-material flexible packaging, building on a partnership that began in 2022. The agreement also covers readiness for EU extended producer responsibility and packaging and packaging waste regulation rules, and joint exploration of AI and digital technologies across their value chains.
Why this mattersSCG Packaging is building EPR and PPWR readiness into joint packaging development with a large brand owner, the compliance case Asian converters need with customers that export to Europe.
- Kao Industrial (Thailand) and SCG Packaging signed an MoU on sustainable packaging innovation, extending a partnership started in 2022.
- The companies have already launched a mono-material refill pack for Magiclean Natural Essence floor cleaner in a 700ml format.
- Future plans include increasing use of post-consumer recycled plastic and developing pulp- and paper-based packaging to cut carbon dioxide emissions.
- The partnership covers preparation for EU extended producer responsibility and packaging and packaging waste regulation requirements.
- Kao and SCGP will explore AI and digital technologies across their supply chains to improve efficiency.
- No investment figure, capacity addition or financial terms were disclosed.
Sorema, the recycling-technology division of Italy's Previero Group, will supply a plastics washing line with integrated wastewater treatment for Aliplast's recycling site at Borgolavezzaro, Novara province. The expansion adds 25,000 tonnes a year of capacity to treat LDPE/LLDPE film and post-industrial scrap, with installation due by the end of 2027, and forms part of a wider Aliplast growth programme that also includes a new plant in Modena and an expansion in Poland.
Why this mattersThe line adds European mechanical recycling capacity for polyethylene stretch film at a time when packaging users need more recycled content.
- Sorema, a division of Previero Group, will supply a washing line for LDPE/LLDPE film and post-industrial plastic scrap at Aliplast's Borgolavezzaro site in Italy
- The expansion adds 25,000 tonnes per year of recycling capacity
- Installation is expected to be completed by the end of 2027
- The line integrates a wastewater treatment system designed to recover and reuse water and cut fresh water demand
- The project is part of Aliplast's wider growth plan, which also includes a new plant in Modena and an expansion in Poland
- Sorema previously supplied Aliplast with two PET bottle washing lines, each rated at 3,000 kg/h, at Borgolavezzaro and Istrana
Catalyst Development Group has acquired operation of Planet Ark's Product Stewardship Hub, taking over from November 2026 under an acquisition and partnership agreement. Planet Ark remains involved, contributing stewardship experience and industry relationships, while Catalyst brings commercial and supply-chain expertise to recovery programmes covering coffee pods, batteries, cartridges, corks and food and beverage packaging.
Why this mattersHanding Planet Ark's recovery programmes to a commercial operator led by a former APCO chief brings supply-chain management to Australian product stewardship schemes.
- Catalyst Development Group acquires operation of Planet Ark's Product Stewardship Hub from November 2026
- Planet Ark continues contributing industry relationships and stewardship experience under the partnership
- Hub programmes include Cartridges 4 Planet Ark, Batteries 4 Planet Ark, Podcycle, ReCork Australia and a Food and Beverage Packaging programme
- Catalyst CEO Brooke Donnelly previously led the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation
- No material change to existing participant programmes or commitments on day one
PRO Vietnam, the Vietnam Packaging Recycling Alliance, proposed at a 3 November 2026 meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment that a draft decree tightening extended producer responsibility be postponed until 2029. It cited a fragmented collection network and an unstable supply of recycled material. From 2033 the draft would remove producers' option to pay a financial contribution instead of organising recycling. From 2030 it would require at least 10% recycled content in domestically produced plastic packaging and 20% in paper packaging, with imported scrap excluded.
Why this mattersA delayed or redesigned EPR timeline would ease compliance costs and recycled-content sourcing pressure for consumer goods and packaging businesses selling into Vietnam.
- PRO Vietnam took part in a 3 November 2026 Ministry of Agriculture and Environment meeting on the draft EPR decree.
- PRO Vietnam proposes postponing implementation of the draft decree until 2029.
- From 2033 the draft removes producers' option to pay a financial contribution instead of organising recycling.
- From 2030 the draft requires at least 10% recycled content in domestically produced plastic packaging and 20% in paper packaging; imported scrap does not count.
- PRO Vietnam cites a fragmented collection network and unstable, inconsistent-quality recycled material supply.
- PRO Vietnam consulted recycling units on 19 October and member businesses on 2 November 2026 before the meeting.
Pakistan's National Tariff Commission has provisionally found that Chinese composite aluminium foil, covering cold-forming and tropical foil grades, is being dumped into the Pakistani market and has set a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 9.03%. The measure, covering tariff lines 7607.1990 and 7607.2000, took effect from the publication date and will last four months while the commission completes its investigation. A final ruling is expected within 180 days of the preliminary decision.
Why this mattersThe 9.03% provisional duty raises the landed cost of Chinese cold-form and tropical blister foil for Pakistani blister packers for at least four months.
- Pakistan's National Tariff Commission issued the preliminary ruling in case ADC76 on 21 October 2026
- Provisional anti-dumping duty set at 9.03% on cold-forming and tropical composite aluminium foil from China
- Duty applies to products under Pakistani tariff codes 7607.1990 and 7607.2000
- Measure took effect on the date of publication and runs for four months
- Investigation was launched on 23 July 2026, covering a dumping period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Final determination is expected within 180 days of the preliminary ruling
