Packaging Industry M&A Activity Tracking
Global Packaging M&A activity rebounded in September with 32 transactions announced, double August’s volume and seven above September 2025. September marked the highest monthly deal count since July 2025, although year-to-date activity remains approximately 10% below the comparable period in 2025. Strategic buyers drove the rebound with 20 transactions, their highest monthly total of the year, accounting for 15 of the 16 additional deals versus August. Geographically, the improvement was driven by transactions between two foreign parties, while domestic activity continues to lag prior-year levels. September’s rebound is encouraging, but the recovery remains uneven. A sustained improvement in domestic deal flow will be an important indicator heading into the fourth quarter.
Major News & Insights
- Plastic Film Remains Key Despite Paper Packaging Push (Plastics Today)
- Plastics get Pulled into Tariff Turmoil (Packaging Dive)
- Pressure on US PET Recycling System Eases — for Now (Packaging Digest)
- AI Slashes Packaging Procurement Time from Days to Minutes (Plastics Today)
- Growth, Inflation Figures Show Signs of an Economic Pickup (The Wall Street Journal)
- Third Time’s the Charm? Index Partially Recognizes Latest Containerboard Price Hikes (Packaging Dive)
Plastics M&A Update – September 2026
Global Plastics M&A activity recorded 43 transactions in September, up from 29 in August and 10 deals above September 2025.
Packaging M&A Update – August 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity softened in August, totaling 16 transactions, down 11 deals compared to July, and the lowest monthly volume recorded since March 2023.
Plastics M&A Update – August 2026
Global Plastics M&A recorded 29 transactions in August, down from 37 in July but in line with the 28 deals announced in August 2025.
Packaging M&A Update – July 2026
Global Packaging M&A activity was unchanged in July with 27 transactions, matching June volume but 10 fewer than in July 2025.
Plastics M&A Update – July 2026
Global Plastics M&A recorded 37 transactions in July, down from 46 in June and 43 in July 2025.