Materials
This packaging innovation roundup highlights four new products: PBR beer packaging can be cut into a Jason mask from Friday the 13th; BW Converting's Hudson-Sharp Pour & Lok offers easy-pour, resealable pet food packaging; Green Food Pack's rotating paper cups enhance brand communication through interactive design; Ahlstrom's Grease-Gard Plus and Pro greaseproof papers target fast food and premium dining scenarios, respectively.
AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has issued a public statement opposing the third round of containerboard price increases announced by major producers within five months. The group argues the hikes are not supported by raw material costs or economic data and disproportionately burden independent box makers. The statement follows a $140-per-ton announcement by Packaging Corporation of America and subsequent increases from Cascades, International Paper and Smurfit Westrock.
US containerboard production continued to decline year-over-year in the second quarter of 2026, but the pace of decline slowed significantly. The latest quarterly report from the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) shows Q2 output fell more than 2% year-over-year, a notable improvement from the 8% decline in Q1; cumulative first-half output was down 5% year-over-year. Industry operating rates rose to nearly 95%, the highest of the year, but exports plunged about 19% year-over-year, and capacity closures announced in 2025 have collectively removed nearly 10% of North American capacity. Several paper companies confirmed on earnings calls that market demand is moderately recovering, and the containerboard market is tightening.
According to sources from Fastmarkets RISI and Truist Securities analysts, Smurfit Westrock, International Paper, and Cascades have announced a new round of containerboard price increases ranging from $80 to $140 per ton, while multiple European and American paperboard producers have also announced price increases for SBS and folding carton board.
Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) announced a $140 per ton price increase for containerboard effective September 1, double the usual increase, which industry insiders call "unprecedented" and "shocking." This increase is PCA's third announced price hike in 2026, following two previous increases of $50 to $70 per ton. Analysts and industry observers have questioned the magnitude and frequency of the increases, suggesting that cost increases may not be sufficient to support such a large price hike.