Packaging industry faces wave of layoffs across U.S. facilities

USA – In August, several major packaging companies announced layoffs and facility closures, impacting hundreds of workers across Georgia, California, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Iowa, and Pennsylvania. 

The announcements signal ongoing adjustments in the sector, with many job cuts scheduled to begin in October.

International Paper revealed plans to shutter four facilities in Georgia, affecting 1,100 workers.

The closures include two containerboard mills in Riceboro and Savannah, a packaging plant in Savannah, and a timber and lumber mill in Riceboro, all set to phase out operations by September. 

“These decisions, while tough, are necessary to streamline our operations,” said Tom Hamic, executive vice president of North America packaging solutions. Since October 2024, the company has reported 3,600 job cuts nationwide.

Novolex, following its US$6.7 billion acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen in April, will close a former Pactiv Evergreen plant in Bakersfield, California, by October 14, impacting 127 employees.

Meanwhile, Silgan Containers plans temporary layoffs at two Modesto, California, sites, affecting 150 workers starting October 13 and 19. 

A company spokesperson noted that these measures follow similar temporary cuts in September 2024, with production being redistributed to other facilities.

Smurfit Westrock will close a corrugated packaging plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, affecting 100 employees starting October 4, with closure activities wrapping up by mid-October. 

“We’re committed to supporting our employees with outplacement assistance,” a company spokesperson stated, adding that production will shift to other sites. 

In Franklin, Massachusetts, Cold Chain Technologies will cut 82 positions at its headquarters between October 1 and December 31, relocating some operations to Tennessee and Texas.

McIntosh Box & Pallet Co. plans to permanently close its Benson, North Carolina, facility on October 27, impacting 43 workers. 

UFP Packaging will also shut down a plant in Parker, Pennsylvania, producing pallets and crates, though the company is offering employee transfers to other Northeast locations. 

“We’re working closely with our team to ensure a smooth transition,” a UFP Industries spokesperson said.

Recent updates indicate further industry shifts. In September 2025, Packaging Dive reported additional layoffs at Smurfit Westrock’s administrative offices in Jacksonville, Florida, and Duluth, Georgia, affecting 11 employees starting mid-October. 

These actions highlight ongoing efforts to optimize operations amid economic pressures, with companies redistributing production to enhance efficiency while supporting affected workers through transitions.

The packaging sector continues to navigate challenges, with firms balancing cost-cutting measures and strategic consolidations to adapt to market demands.

Affected employees across these states face uncertain futures, though some companies are providing assistance to ease the impact.

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