Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased 5% in June 2025

In this blog post, we look at how working with your packaging provider early in the product development process can help combat food waste. If food waste were represented as a standalone country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally after China and the U.S.1This statistic may not be well-known, but it is one we are keenly aware of at Crown. That is why we have partnered with Dr. Lilly DaGama, a food waste consultant and founder of The Food Waste Doctor, to drill down into the food waste issue and discover where metal packaging can make an impact. The value of involving packaging manufacturers early in the process – even as early as the concept phase–as opposed to the point when a product is already developed can not be underestimated. Far more can be done to ensure the package itself can make a difference in terms of food waste if this is the case, as features can be incorporated before a concept goes into production.

Total Containerboard production in September increased four percent compared to September 2019. It was up four percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. September 2020 production of containerboard for export decreased 12 percent compared to the same month last year; it was up 19 percent year-to-date. The containerboard operating rate was 95.9 percent, up 3.7 points from September 2019 and up 2.8 points year-to-date. Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of September decreased 67,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 25,000 short tons compared to September 2019.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company published its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, demonstrating progress on all pillars in the company's ESG Vision 2025. The company achieved its climate intensity goals three years early and advanced decarbonization by seeking to set new, science-based climate targets to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions. Ethnic diversity reported among the company's U.S. employee base was more than double the industry benchmark, underscoring its commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Graphic Packaging is aggressively pursuing a future fueled by renewable resources. Packaging solutions from the 27-country operation are made primarily with fibers from sustainably sourced trees or recycled materials. Nearly 65 percent of its energy is derived from renewable sources. Most of the company's packaging today is designed to be recyclable, promoting a circular economy.