Sustainability Drives Packaging M&A Activity BY GREG KISHBAUGH
MSU School Of Packaging Plans Major Expansion The MSU School of Packaging in East Lansing, Michigan, established within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources as the first of its kind in 1952, is the largest packaging program in the United States, with more than 600 students each year and 10,000 alumni
Capstone Partners, a middle market investment banking firm, released its November 2024 Packaging Industry Update, reporting that contin- ued adoption of environmentally sustainable solutions and industry players seeking portfolio optimization has fueled packaging merger & acquisition (M&A) activity to date. Portfolio realignment transactions have fueled a significant portion of deal activity in early 2024, as public strategic buyers have prioritized transacting with one another and deploying capital inflows, seen by its
worldwide – graduating 40 percent of all the packaging professionals in the United States. Under the leadership of former School of Packaging director, and current CANR Interim Dean Matthew Daum, the school completed a comprehensive renovation supported by do- nations totaling more than $10 million in April of 2023. Formal planning is currently under-
increased share of deals year-over-year (YOY). By offloading segments that do not align with portfolio optimization strategies, companies have improved their balance sheets and positioned themselves to better meet market demand and regulations. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) in the packaging sector has become an increasingly important component of sustainability initiatives worldwide. Stakeholders have determined that producers have a responsibility for the treatment and disposal of post-consumer products, and the U.S. government has plans to enforce regulations in 2025. In September, California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, filed a lawsuit against ExxonMobil for exacerbating global pollution by run- ning a “decades-long campaign of deception” that dramatically over- stated the efficacy of plastic recycling, according to a press release. The suit seeks “multiple billions of dollars” in civil damages from Financial buyers have historically accounted for approximately half of total transaction volume with a surge in private equity activity in 2021. Since, strategics have entered the sector in full force as many financial players focus on retaining cash reserves in a tightened credit environment.
way for a second major expansion – a $25 million investment that will double the size of the building and significantly increase re- search capacity, creating space for more fac- ulty and graduate students.
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December 9, 2024
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