Greener Groceries? ProAmpac’s PAC Move Raises Stakes

ProAmpac signs agreement to acquire PAC, targeting safer, recyclable food packaging and signaling faster industry change

22 Sep 2025

ProAmpac has signed a definitive agreement to acquire PAC Worldwide, in a move aimed at reshaping how food and consumer goods are packaged with a focus on safety and sustainability.

The planned deal comes as US packaging groups face increasing pressure from regulators, retailers and consumers. Several states are restricting the use of chemicals such as PFAS in food packaging, while large retailers have pledged to adopt recyclable or compostable materials by 2030. Shoppers are also demanding packaging that is cleaner and more environmentally friendly.

ProAmpac said that combining its portfolio with PAC’s strengths in recyclable mailers, thermal packaging and insulated solutions would accelerate the development of flexible packaging with higher recycled content, while meeting food-safety requirements.

Analysts view the agreement as part of a broader consolidation trend in the packaging sector, as larger groups seek the scale and investment capacity needed to drive innovation. Smaller converters, they note, may struggle to keep up with tightening standards and rising costs. Integration of two sizable businesses, however, is expected to be complex and will depend on regulatory approvals.

If completed, the acquisition could broaden the supply of recyclable and safer packaging across US supermarkets, restaurants and delivery networks. Industry experts suggest that this signals a shift from small-scale trials to wider transformation, spurred by collaboration and capital investment.

The industry will be watching the ProAmpac-PAC deal closely, with its outcome likely to influence how packaging companies respond to environmental rules and changing consumer expectations in the years ahead.