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Oregon's first packaging EPR court trial concluded on July 18, with NAW alleging the law violates due process and burdens interstate commerce. Judge Michael H. Simon required both parties to submit post-trial briefs by July 31 and motions for oral argument by August 3. Observing attorneys noted that DEQ failed to adequately consider out-of-state impacts during rulemaking, and CAA's enforcement role lacks transparency. This case may influence California's EPR program revisions and federal framework discussions.
U.S. President Trump signed a proclamation proposing to halve aluminum import tariffs in exchange for commitments from companies to invest in producing aluminum in the United States. The plan is to be implemented by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, requiring companies to submit plans to build, renovate, or expand U.S. aluminum facilities and commit to starting construction by January 20, 2029.
U.S. President Trump signed proclamations on July 20, imposing 50% tariffs on multiple key imports from Canada effective August 19, involving a wide range of categories including agricultural products, chemicals, and paper products. This measure, based on Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, targets Canada's discriminatory trade practices in alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and automobiles. Analysts note that this action may affect paper products imported by the U.S., such as containerboard and uncoated free-sheet paper. Canadian Prime Minister Carney stated that this action violates USMCA but expressed willingness to continue consultations.
Japan's Dynawave Packaging notified employees on Friday that its pulp and paper mill in Longview, Washington, remains idled following a fatal white liquor tank collapse on May 26, but employee pay will continue through October 11. The company had previously agreed to pay in full through August 8, and the new agreement provides 'much-needed stability' during the investigation.
Amazon released its 2025 sustainability report, disclosing the latest progress in its packaging portfolio. The report shows that 52% of North American fulfillment centers no longer use plastic delivery packaging, the share of flexible packaging globally continues to rise, and the corrugated box share remains stable. The company is further optimizing packaging efficiency and sustainability through automated custom packaging, reducing label sizes, and piloting anti-over-packaging measures.
During a recent online event titled "Supply Chain Outlook: 2026 Trends and Risks," industry experts analyzed the multiple impacts of tariffs and geopolitics on commodity markets. The article summarizes four key points: U.S. Section 232 tariffs on aluminum and steel raise costs and affect food and beverage prices; the plastics industry faces tariff uncertainty but with relatively milder pressure; the Iran conflict disrupts global aluminum supply and pushes up resin prices; and the USMCA's future is uncertain, though renegotiation could bring opportunities.
Federal Judge William Q. Hayes in California granted a preliminary injunction, pausing enforcement of SB 343, the 'Truth in Labeling Law.' The law, originally set to take effect on October 4, 2024, required recycling symbols on packaging to meet specific standards. The court ruled that the law violates the First Amendment and lacks sufficient evidence. Industry groups welcomed the decision, while supporters said they would appeal.
Crown Holdings has released its climate transition plan, which CEO Tim Donahue says encompasses the company's "climate ambition," including a decarbonization roadmap and climate risk responses. As of the end of 2025, the company's Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been reduced by 25% from the 2019 baseline, approaching the 2030 target of 50%; Scope 3 emissions account for 91% of its total carbon footprint, with a target reduction of 27.5%. The plan also involves supplier collaboration, logistics optimization, and long-term goals for 2050.
Molded fiber producers are facing a California regulation set to take effect in October that could prevent products from being labeled as recyclable. Industry associations are collecting data to address this obstacle, while producers continue to innovate in materials and production.
A label costing just three cents failed, triggering a supply chain disruption worth one hundred million dollars. This article delves into the critical role of product labeling in modern supply chains and how companies can avoid the hidden costs of losing big for the sake of small.