Plastics Industry M&A Activity Tracking
Global Plastics M&A activity picked up in February with 38 deals announced, which was an increase of two deals compared to January and 11 deals relative to February 2024 levels. The Injection Molding and Specialty subsectors drove deal volume in February and have accounted for over 70% of all deal flow in the year-to-date period. Domestic deal activity continued its strong start to the year as cross border activity has weakened, likely a result of the uncertain tariff environments. Overall, plastics M&A is off to a fast start in 2025, despite negativity surrounding the macroeconomy, and there is optimism this pace will continue in the coming months.
- Among subsectors, Injection Molding and Specialty led the way in February, with 10 and 16 transactions, respectively, which were both five deal improvements compared to February 2024. Resin/Color & Compounding also had a year-over-year uptick in activity, tallying four additional deals than one year ago
- Strategic buyers displayed strong demand during the month with 24 deals notched, which represented 63% of the volume. As a mix of total deal flow, strategics accounted for their largest monthly share since late 2023. Financial buyer activity lagged slightly as the 14 combined private equity add-on and platform acquisitions are below the 2024 monthly average levels
- 40 domestic M&A transactions have been announced year-to-date in 2025. The 20 deals recorded in both January and February are tied for the most monthly domestic deals in over three years. Deals involving two foreign parties also posted volumes above 2024 monthly average activity
- The Medical end market posted another active month with four deals announced, bringing the year-to-date total up to 10, which is a pace well above historical levels. Food & beverage M&A activity is also pacing ahead of prior year levels
Sources: S&P Capital IQ, Company Websites, Pitchbook, Company Reports, PMCF
Major News
- US and Canada Agree to 30-Day Pause on Tariffs (Packaging Dive)
https://www.packagingdive.com/news/trump-tariffs-delay-trudeau-canada/739115/ - US Plastics Policy Shifting Under Trump? (Plastics News)
https://www.plasticsnews.com/livestreams/us-plastics-policy-shifting-under-trump - Amcor’s Takeover of Berry Wins Shareholder Approval on Both Sides (Plastics News)
https://www.plasticsnews.com/news/amcors-takeover-berry-receives-shareholder-approval-both-sides - How Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Will Impact the US Plastics Industry (Plastics Today)
https://www.plasticstoday.com/industry-trends/how-steel-and-aluminum-tariffs-will-impact-the-us-plastics-industry - Plastics Industry Leaders Highlight Trade’s Role in Growth (Plastics Today)
https://www.plasticstoday.com/legislation-regulations/plastics-industry-leaders-highlight-trade-s-role-in-growth - Inflation Expected to Remain Above Fed’s Target (The Wall Street Journal)
https://www.wsj.com/articles/inflation-expected-to-remain-above-feds-target-9a9905d3?mod=Searchresults_pos2&page=2
Download Plastics M&A Update – February 2025
Plastics M&A Update – March 2026
Global Plastics M&A experienced recorded 38 transactions in March, representing an uptick of seven deals from the prior month and five deals from last March.
Packaging M&A Update – March 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity improved in March, with 27 deals announced.
Plastics M&A Pulse – 2025 Year In Review
Global Plastics M&A recorded its fourth consecutive year of deal volume growth with 420 transactions, highlighting a steady rebound following the record-setting activity of 2021.
Packaging M&A Pulse – 2025 Year In Review
The Global Packaging M&A market achieved its third consecutive year of growth in 2025 with 344 transactions, up 22 deals from 2024.
Packaging M&A Update – February 2026
Global Packaging M&A tapered in February as 20 deals were announced in the sector, down more than 30% from prior month and prior year levels.