According to a report on Packaging Dive, containerboard prices remained flat in October following an increase in September, as the industry watches for a third round of announced price hikes. Packaging Corporation of America was the first to announce the latest round in July, with a $140-per-ton increase slated to take effect in September. Days later, Cascades, IP and Smurfit Westrock announced increases ranging from $80 to $140 per ton.
At a conference in September, PCA CEO Mark Kowlzan said the company remained firm on pricing and was prepared to lose customers over the increase.
So far in 2026, Fastmarkets RISI has recognized a net increase of $170 per ton for linerboard and $200 per ton for medium. Implementation of the third round of increases is expected to continue through March 2027.
Some analysts expect the upward pricing trend to continue. Last week, Truist Securities predicted containerboard producers would raise prices by another $50 per ton in April 2027. Boxboard prices also remained unchanged in October. Solid bleached sulfate prices were flat for the second consecutive month despite producers announcing $60-per-ton increases. Coated and uncoated recycled paperboard prices were also flat in October, despite increases that were set to take effect in September.
