Corporate Finance

Packaging Industry Trends: Declining Transactions and Growth Prospects

The packaging industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in 2025. According to data from S&P Capital IQ, the number of transactions fell by more than 50% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. This decline is mainly attributed to market uncertainty caused by various social and political factors.

Why is interest in sustainable packaging growing?

Despite this downturn, the medium- and long-term outlook is positive. The rise of e-commerce and increasing regulatory pressure for sustainable packaging are driving a new wave of investment and acquisitions. Companies are looking to adapt to new environmental regulations and meet the demand of increasingly sustainability-conscious consumers.

Mergers and acquisitions in the packaging sector

The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market in the packaging sector is showing signs of recovery. EBITDA multiples have increased, reaching nearly 11x in the first quarter of 2025, up from 9.4x in the third quarter of 2024. This increase reflects a higher valuation of companies in the sector.

Among the most noteworthy operations was the acquisition of Berry by Amcor, a key transaction at the global level. In the Iberian market, the purchase of Embalajes Echeverría by the Swedish group Nefab stands out, reinforcing the international interest in the Spanish market.

Conclusion: a sector in transformation

The packaging industry is in a time of change. Although transactional activity has slowed recently, consumer trends and regulatory requirements point to a promising future for companies that embrace innovation and sustainability.

The mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market in the packaging industry: trends and prospects for 2024 and beyond.

In the first half of 2024, a decline in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions was observed in the packaging industry. However, due to the growing need for companies in the sector to adapt to regulatory changes related to sustainable packaging, a significant uptick in M&A activity is expected in the coming years. This outlook is driven by stringent environmental regulations and increasing consumer expectations around sustainability.

Indicators of a growing market

Notably, EBITDA trading multiples have increased compared to the second half of 2023, reaching 8.6x in the first half of 2024. This increase reflects the renewed interest in companies with the ability to innovate and adapt to a constantly evolving market.

The packaging industry in the Iberian Peninsula: outstanding operations

In the Iberian packaging market, one of the most relevant deals in the fourth quarter of 2024 was the acquisition of Alucan Entec, a company specialized in the manufacture of aluminum containers and bottles, by Ball Corporation, a leading U.S. manufacturer of metal packaging. This transaction was worth 82 million euros, marking an important milestone in the sector.

EV/EBITDA multiples in the packaging industry during 2024 show material-specific trends:

• Plastic: 8.1x
• Paper and cardboard: 10.1x

These multiples reflect the valuation of companies with a clear focus on sustainability and technological innovation, key factors for standing out in today's competitive market.

Factors driving the growth of M&A in the packaging industry

The future of the M&A market in the packaging industry looks promising thanks to several key trends:

1. Sustainability regulations: Legislation at the European level, such as the directive on packaging and packaging waste, is driving companies to invest in greener technologies and materials.
2. Technological innovation: The development of reusable, biodegradable and recyclable packaging increases the attractiveness of companies leading this change.
3. E-commerce growth: The expansion of e-commerce continues to generate increased demand for efficient and sustainable packaging solutions.
4. Market consolidation: Large companies seek to strengthen their position through strategic acquisitions, especially in high-potential regions such as the Iberian Peninsula.

Conclusion

The packaging industry is at a crucial moment of transformation. Mergers and acquisitions will play a key role in adapting to new regulations and market demands. Companies such as Ball Corporation and Alucan Entec are examples of how the market continues to evolve towards more sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

As companies continue to adapt, interest in the packaging sector in the Iberian Peninsula and globally will continue to grow, consolidating itself as a strategic market in the coming years.