The packaging industry, like many others, is undergoing significant transformation due to evolving economic and political conditions in the United States.

As businesses grapple with supply chain disruptions, fluctuating material costs, and a shifting regulatory landscape, packaging companies must remain agile and innovative to stay competitive.

To gain insight into these challenges and how companies can navigate them, Packaging Gateway spoke with Erick Nova, Marketing Manager, and Joe Schneider, President and CEO of Morgan Chaney, LLC - a company that has been a staple in the packaging industry since 1955.

The core of Morgan Chaney’s longevity: quality, innovation, and customer focus

Erick Nova underscores that the foundation of Morgan Chaney’s success lies in its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer-centric solutions.

“Our core principle is to help businesses express their brand identity through custom packaging that not only looks great but also delivers on functionality," he explains.

This mission has been the guiding force for Morgan Chaney over the decades, allowing the company to adapt to market changes while maintaining high standards.

As the market has evolved, so too has Morgan Chaney.

The company has embraced new technologies and kept pace with market trends, ensuring that it can meet the changing needs of its clients.

This adaptability is crucial in a landscape where customer demands are constantly shifting, particularly in an era of economic uncertainty.

Navigating economic and political challenges

Recent years have seen significant shifts in the US economic and political climate, posing challenges for businesses across industries.

For Morgan Chaney, these changes have led to "supply chain disruptions and fluctuating material costs."

However, Nova notes that the company has responded proactively by diversifying its supplier base and streamlining operations to minimise these impacts.

“We've strengthened our relationships with both clients and suppliers by being transparent about challenges and working closely with them to find the best solutions under changing circumstances,” he says.

Despite the economic uncertainties, Nova observes a continued recognition of the importance of packaging in brand strategy.

“While some businesses may be more cautious with their budgets, many understand that well-designed packaging is a key part of customer experience and brand differentiation,” he explains.

This insight highlights the ongoing demand for custom packaging, even in a challenging economic environment.

The impact of US economic policies

Looking ahead, the potential impact of upcoming US elections on economic policies is a significant concern for the packaging industry.

Joe Schneider emphasises that shifts in policy could lead to substantial changes in manufacturing costs, environmental regulations, and market demand.

"If we move toward more protectionist policies, we could face higher tariffs on imported materials, which would push up manufacturing costs for products that depend on global supply chains," he notes.

"If the focus is on free trade, we might see costs stabilise, but that could also mean more competition from foreign players."

Schneider also highlights the potential effects of changes in environmental regulations:

"Stricter rules might raise compliance costs, especially for packaging manufacturers in the plastic sector. If regulations loosen, it might lower costs—though that could slow down innovation in sustainable packaging."

This delicate balance between regulation and innovation is a key consideration for companies in the industry.

Global supply chain and trade relations

The packaging industry is deeply intertwined with global supply chains, making it vulnerable to disruptions caused by shifts in international trade relations.

Schneider warns that new tariffs or trade barriers could significantly impact the cost of raw materials and packaging supplies.

“These could drive up the cost of raw materials and packaging supplies, which would eventually lead to higher prices for consumers,” he explains.

While tariffs might offer short-term benefits to domestic industries, Schneider cautions that "they often lead to higher material costs and strained relationships with suppliers around the world."

This can disrupt the entire supply chain, making it more difficult for companies to operate efficiently and maintain competitive pricing.

"We focus on staying agile and finding ways to absorb or offset these costs through efficiency improvements and strategic sourcing," adds Nova.

"By keeping a close eye on the regulatory landscape and being proactive in our approach, we aim to minimise the impact of tariffs on our operations and continue delivering value to our clients."

Technological and sustainability trends in the packaging industry

Despite the challenges posed by economic pressures, the packaging industry continues to innovate.

Nova and Schneider agree that companies are being pushed to adopt new technologies and sustainable practices as a means of boosting efficiency and offsetting rising costs.

Automation and AI, for instance, are becoming increasingly important in enhancing operational efficiency.

However, the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions may face some hurdles.

“Tighter budgets might slow down the adoption of more expensive eco-friendly practices,” Schneider acknowledges.

Yet, he remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of sustainability, noting that many businesses recognise the importance of eco-friendly practices not only for the environment but also for enhancing brand reputation and customer loyalty.

"At Morgan Chaney, we’re committed to making sustainable solutions accessible and cost-effective, helping our clients make the right choice for their business and the planet," says Nova.

This commitment to sustainability is part of the company’s broader strategy to remain relevant in a rapidly changing market.

Staying agile in a dynamic market

As the packaging industry faces an uncertain future, both Nova and Schneider emphasise the importance of agility.

“Staying flexible and being ready to adapt is key to staying relevant and successful,” Schneider asserts.

This approach has been central to Morgan Chaney’s strategy for nearly 70 years and will continue to guide the company as it navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.

For businesses in the packaging industry, the message is clear: embracing change, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and clients, and investing in innovation and sustainability are critical to thriving in today’s dynamic environment.

Morgan Chaney’s experience and insights offer valuable lessons for companies looking to stay ahead in a complex and evolving market.