Details

7 Sep 23

Updated: 7 Sep 23

Smurfit packaging
a $40Bn merger?

Plans switch to NYSE
post $20Bn mktcap deal

Two of the world’s largest packaging makers are in advanced merger talks to create a global giant valued at nearly $20Bn. Dublin based Smurfit Kappa with $20Bn in sales is planning to merge with a similarly sized US giant. CEO Tony Smurfit explains the strategy behind the blockbuster move...

Details

5 Sep 23

Updated: 6 Sep 23

DSSmith demand
down, profits up 

Packaging giant benefits
from high prices levels

DSSmith the $8Bn Europeanpackaging giant and ex-owner of Spicers (until 2011), posted strong Q4'23 profits on declining demand tin Q4'23 to 30Apr'23. CEO Miles Roberts said it was boosted by maintaining higher prices rises in ia depressed ecommerce packaging business...

Details

4 Sep 23

Updated: 4 Sep 23

Stora restructuring
program progress

Packaging giant's plan
for customer centricity

Aimed at strengthening the Finnish packaging giant Stora Enso's long-term competitiveness and creating a decentralised and more customer centric operating model, the company had said the actions would reduce its headcount by around 1,150 in total.

Details

26 Aug 23

Updated: 28 Aug 23

MacFarlane packs
softer sales punch 

Declining volume & prices
saved by acqu'ns pipeline

UK packaging giant MacFarlane Group reported slowing growth in H1'23 as inflation abates, including key protective packaging acquisitions. CEO Peter Atkinson commented on progress, market prospects and details of its latest acquisition and pipeline...

Details

13 Aug 23

Updated: 13 Aug 23

Antalis packages
Canadian maker?

Expanding internationally,
away from core distrib'n?

KPP owned Antalis, the leading European paper and packaging distributor has acquired a small Canadian packaging designer and manufacturer. Under its new owner Antalis has focused on growth packaging and AV markets. But why venture so wide geographically, especially in North America and  on such a small scale?

Details

9 Aug 23

Updated: 9 Aug 23

CCL label sales
recovery slows

Price hikes boost growth
plus Avery acquisitions

CCL Industries (inc. Avery), the $6Bn in sales specialist labelmaker, reported a slower rate of recovery in Q2'23. Sales were stable in food, health and personal care markets. CEO Geoff Martin commented on results across all divisions boosted by price increases, FX and acquisitions

Details

8 Aug 23

Updated: 28 Aug 23

Sealed Air stalls,

as demand drops

Protective packaging weak.
Baginabox acq boosts sales

Sealed Air Corp, the $5Bn+ maker of protective packaging for Food & FM products reported softer sales again in Q2'23, especially in protective packaging. CEO Ted Doheny seemed strangely satisfied considering its decline and loss of market share. Full analysis here 

Details

8 Aug 23

Updated: 28 Aug 23

Veritiv's volume 
crashes by 20%

Packaging demand weak.
Acq by vulture for $2.3Bn!

Veritiv, the leading US paper & packaging wholesaler, tailspin continued in Q2'23. CEO Sal Abbate has driven a new packaging strategy, but demand weakened markedly in Q2'23. The 3yrs 12X rise in market cap that fueled takeover speculation has reached fruition, with a vulture capitalist...

Details

4 Aug 23

Updated: 4 Aug 23

Autajon acquires
packaging maker

Global French group makes
first foray into UK market

Groupe Autajon the $1.6Bn family owned global packaging maker based in Montelimar, France has made its first acquisition in the UK. CEO Gerard Autajon said ""We remain faithful to our strategy of expanding and integrating sites that have local influence and share the same values"

Details

3 Aug 23

Updated: 28 Aug 23

Sappi sales sink;

price hikes abate

Packaging+paper volumes
decline cause profit plunge

Sappi, the $5Bn South African based international paper and packaging maker, reported plunging sales volumes in Q3'23. Whilst acknowledging the business is under pressure, CEO Steve Binnie's commentary said little about restoring packaging power or developing new paper product categories or markets....