Protective packaging manufacturer Pregis has acquired the cold chain and thermal packaging business of MP Global Packaging, expanding its portfolio of fiber-based packaging solutions and strengthening its presence in the growing market for temperature-controlled shipping.

Although financial terms were not disclosed, the acquisition adds paper-based thermal insulation technology to Pregis’ existing packaging portfolio and supports the company’s long-term strategy of increasing investment in recyclable, fiber-based packaging materials.

Expanding Paper-Based Cold Chain Packaging

The acquired business specializes in paper-based thermal packaging designed to protect temperature-sensitive products during distribution.

Unlike conventional insulated packaging that often relies on plastic foams or other synthetic materials, the technology uses macerated cardboard as an insulating material, providing a fiber-based alternative that can be curbside recyclable where local collection systems accept the material.

The acquisition reflects increasing demand for sustainable cold chain packaging as manufacturers and logistics providers seek alternatives that balance thermal performance with improved recyclability.

Growing Demand Across Multiple Industries

Cold chain packaging has become increasingly important for industries requiring controlled shipping temperatures, including:

• Food and beverages
• Healthcare
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agriculture

As distribution networks continue expanding for temperature-sensitive products, packaging suppliers are investing in materials capable of maintaining product protection while supporting corporate sustainability goals.

By adding fiber-based thermal packaging to its product range, Pregis broadens its ability to serve customers looking to reduce reliance on traditional plastic insulation materials.

Manufacturing Operations Continue in Indiana and Nebraska

As part of the transaction, Pregis assumes operations at manufacturing facilities located in:

• New Albany, Indiana
• Norfolk, Nebraska

Approximately 110 employees will join Pregis through the acquisition.

The company said production will continue at both facilities while investments are made to expand manufacturing capacity and further develop the technology.

Pregis also confirmed it will continue supporting the acquired business’s existing customer base throughout the integration process.

Building on Previous Fiber Packaging Investments

According to Pregis, the acquisition aligns with its broader strategy of expanding fiber-based packaging solutions.

Kevin Baudhuin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pregis, said sustainable fiber materials are becoming an increasingly important part of the company’s packaging portfolio, with cold chain applications representing a logical extension of that strategy.

He noted that the acquisition brings established technology, experienced personnel and manufacturing expertise that will help accelerate the commercialization of paper-based thermal packaging.

Pregis also plans to follow a similar expansion strategy to the one used after acquiring EverTec® paper mailer technology in 2020.

Since that acquisition, the company has grown EverTec into a business producing more than one billion paper mailers annually across five manufacturing facilities.

Leadership Continuity Supports Business Integration

As part of the acquisition, Reid Borgman, who previously led MP Global Packaging’s cold chain business, will join Pregis as Vice President and General Manager of Cold Chain.

He will continue overseeing the business while supporting future product development and commercial expansion.

According to Borgman, joining Pregis provides additional resources and broader market access that will help expand innovation in fiber-based cold chain packaging while supporting customer demand for high-performance and sustainable shipping solutions.

Industry Outlook

Demand for sustainable temperature-controlled packaging continues to grow as e-commerce, food delivery, pharmaceutical distribution and healthcare logistics place greater emphasis on both product protection and environmental performance.

For packaging manufacturers, fiber-based insulation materials represent one of several emerging alternatives to conventional plastic-based thermal packaging.

Pregis’ acquisition highlights a broader industry trend in which packaging companies are expanding beyond traditional protective packaging into recyclable, paper-based cold chain solutions that address both operational performance and sustainability objectives.

As businesses continue seeking lower-plastic shipping materials, investments in fiber-based thermal packaging technologies are likely to become an increasingly important area of growth across the protective packaging sector.

Last Updated on 07/08/2026 by Jota Machinery