Paper Clips

Insights that drive Packaging, Paper and Performance

July 2026

Rethinking Packaging: From Cost Center to Marketing Gold

For packaging professionals, the pressure has never been higher: reduce costs, meet compliance, and now, prove impact beyond the shelf. At the same time, brands are trying to buy attention in an increasingly expensive and inefficient media landscape. But the brands actually breaking through aren’t outspending the market. They’re outthinking it. They’re reimagining packaging not as a cost to manage, but as a marketing platform built to earn attention. Most brands are competing for attention in the same places, using the same playbook. When done right, packaging can function as a high-performing marketing platform, driving awareness, engagement, and purchase without relying solely on continuous media spend. Mini Moments give brands a faster, lower-risk way to generate conversation, test bold ideas, and create impact people actually remember.
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Kruger statement on coated groundwood tariff

After review of our coated groundwood products, and consultation with industry trade experts, we now believe that our 50#, 55# and 60# CGW grades, all brightness levels, would be subject to this recent tariff threat on Canadian goods, should it be imposed. As part of the plan to mitigate the impact on our customers, for future production we plan on offering a temporary 48.5# basis weight in all levels of brightness, similar to the 50# equivalent grades (specifications forthcoming). The 48.5# temporary basis weight would not be subject to the tariff and is 3% lighter than 50#. Many customers have already moved to our 45#, which is also not part of this tariff.
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Scaling Sustainable Packaging Has Become a Challenge: Here’s How To Make It an Advantage

protecting the product. It's representing the brand. At the same time, sustainability has moved from a nice-to-have to a non-negotiable. Regulators are setting the floor. Retailers are setting the bar. Consumers are setting the expectation. Every team in the room is being measured against it in some form. Consider these three strategic approaches to consistently keep sustainable packaging projects moving forward, regardless of category. 1.Define sustainability scope based on customer KPIs. 2.Determine who is involved and what language they speak. 3.Unify the KPIs around one shared goal. A total cost of ownership (TCO) approach transforms separate stakeholder priorities into one shared outcome. 
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Costco partners to take DC off the grid with independent, on-site energy system

Costco Wholesale Corp. is pioneering energy energy independence at its distribution center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The warehouse club giant, in partnership with Trinity Energy, has taken the center off the grid with the launch of an independent, on-site energy system. The solution, which combines solar power, battery storage and electric fleet charging into one integrated platform, is capable of generating enough power to ensure 24/7 energy reliability for all mission critical energy loads, including data centers and other technology that cannot tolerate outages.  The newly commissioned independent energy infrastructure is designed to establish a new model for how large facilities such as large hyper-scale data center operators and major logistics/warehouse operators can take greater control over their energy. Businesses can operate with reliable, self-directed power while still supporting the broader energy system.  The fully integrated solar and battery platform was installed significantly faster than installing a traditional energy backup system from local power providers, enabling Costco to accelerate its operational readiness, bypass lengthy grid interconnection queues and permitting delays, and benefit from substantial cost savings, according to Trinity.
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More producers announce price hikes for containerboard, boxboard

Smurfit Westrock and International Paper announced containerboard price increases days after PCA’s, which is being called unprecedented. And boxboard producers announced increases for SBS and FBB. Smurfit Westrock and International Paper both announced price increases for containerboard to take effect Sept. 1, according to Tuesday memos to investors from Michael Roxland, Truist Securities senior paper and packaging analyst, citing containerboard industry contacts and Fastmarkets RISI. IP’s hike is for $80 per ton. SW’s is for $100 per ton, as is its increase for kraft paper prices. The latter company reportedly cited reasons such as sustained demand, tight supply across its mill network and ongoing cost pressures. Smurfit Westrock told customers on July 7 that it would raise prices by 4% to 6% on SBS folding carton, commercial print and foodservice grades as of Aug. 10. Sappi’s July 20 announcement was similar, noting a 4% to 6% increase on all boxboard grades as of Aug. 20. Manchester Industries, a converter owned by Clearwater Paper, announced a 5% increase on SBS and FBB products, effective Aug. 24. And Finnish company Metsä Board announced a 4% to 6% increase on fresh-fiber FBB and barrier products in the Americas, effective Sept. 1, Roxland relayed.
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Walmart’s 2026 Jobs Spotlight Report

We are in a time of rapid change across the workforce. While AI is being framed by many as a job eliminator, it seems too early to make predictions on the impact. At Walmart, we believe it will be the combination of our associates and technology that will power our ability to best serve our customers and members. We also believe that opportunity should grow alongside innovation. As the largest private employer in the United States, Walmart sees firsthand how technology, customer expectations and business needs are changing work. As the world evolves, we're betting on our associates, supported by technology, to power the future. Our founder, Sam Walton, said, “To succeed in this world, you have to change all the time.” We believe the future of work will fundamentally be about people and technology. The careers highlighted in this report are helping power Walmart today while preparing our company for tomorrow.
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Aptar Named One of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies by TIME for Third Consecutive Year

Aptar announced that it has been named one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2026 by TIME for the third consecutive year. Aptar is ranked 261 out of 750 global companies evaluated by TIME and its partner Statista. The World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2026 ranking recognizes leading companies in corporate social responsibility from around the globe. Over 5,000 leading companies were assessed, considering factors like data transparency, environmental & social stewardship, and adherence to the UN Global Compact or alignment with the Science Based Targets Initiative. Each company was awarded a score out of 100, with the top 750 companies earning a place on the World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2026 list.
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Degree Renames NYC Subway Lines For The Hell That They Are

As the recent heatwave turned New York’s subway system into its own kind of hell, Degree Deodorant decided to let the straphangers themselves write the campaign. It took over multiple stations, renaming them with the exact words commuters were already using. West Fourth Street got rebranded as “Sweat Central.” Union Square became “the Boiler Room.” And Herald Square South got launched as “Molten Core.” The campaign is “based on a very simple consumer truth,” says Chris Symmes, the brand’s head of marketing. “Every New Yorker has a story about surviving the subway in the summer. And over the last five to six years, the heatwaves in New York have become more extreme.” That has meant more online chatter. “When we saw so many New Yorkers joking and venting on social media, we decided to tap into an existing conversation rather than trying to start a new one.”
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Neenah hit with significant damage from tornado on Monday.

This statement is from Neenah. "On Monday, July 27, 2026, our distribution center located in Menasha, WI was impacted by a severe tornado. Our teams are currently assessing the damage to determine when operations can safely resume. We are evaluating the potential impact on production, inventory and shipping activities to minimize disruption and continue serving our customers. We will provide additional updates once we have a better understanding of the situation and its impact on our operations." Reports are that there was no damage to the mill, but the warehouse is severely damaged. Significant paper losses are reported and access to inventory is not possible at this time.
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Washington Post Explores the Future of Recycling

A simple question – Do you really need to scrub out your peanut butter jar before recycling it? – sparked a deep dive into the future of plastic recycling in a recent Washington Post Climate Coach column by Michael J. Coren. Along the way, the story featured insights from Caroline DeLoach, Director of Sustainability at Atlantic Packaging, on the role packaging design and materials play in building a more effective circular economy. The article explores how modern recycling facilities are using advanced technologies, including AI-powered optical sorting systems, to recover valuable materials from the waste stream. You read more about this process in our Deep Dive about Sorting Recyclables at a Modern MRF. The takeaway is encouraging: recycling technology continues to improve, but better packaging design remains an essential part of the solution. By designing packaging that can be more effectively recovered and recycled, brands have an opportunity to reduce waste, support material circularity, and help create a system that works better for everyone.
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Consumer confidence slips in July amid concerns about grocery, fuel prices

Consumer confidence declined in July as consumers’ assessment of current business and labor-market conditions softened for the third consecutive month,  The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index decreased by 1.4 points to 90.8   in July, down from an upwardly revised 92.2 in June.  (The survey period for this month's preliminary results was July 1–22, encompassing ongoing conflict in the Middle East.) "Consumer confidence moderated slightly in July, continuing a general downward sloping trajectory since late 2021," said Dana M Peterson, chief economist, The Conference Board. “Consumer appraisals of current business conditions and, to a lesser extent, perceptions of the current labor market both softened.”  Looking ahead, Peterson added, consumers anticipate little improvement in business conditions over the next six months, but expectations for the labor market were slightly less negative.
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What Makes a Great Alumni Magazine Printer?

For colleges, universities, and alumni associations, an alumni magazine is much more than a publication. It's one of the few tangible connections an institution has with its graduates. Long after commencement, it continues to celebrate accomplishments, share campus news, recognize donors, reconnect classmates, and remind alumni they'll always have a place in the campus community. While digital communication plays an important role, printed magazines offer something different. They invite readers to slow down. They become coffee table reading, keepsakes from milestone reunions, and snapshots of an institution's history. That difference isn't just anecdotal. According to Lob's 2024 State of Direct Mail Consumer Insights Report, 65% of consumers say they're likely to engage with mail from organizations they already have a relationship with. For colleges and universities, alumni are exactly that audience: people who already have an established connection with their alma mater. Not every commercial printer is equipped to produce recurring publications. Alumni magazines have unique production demands, and the best print partners understand those challenges before they ever become problems. At Schumann Printers, we've spent decades partnering with colleges, universities, alumni associations, and membership organizations to produce high quality alumni magazines, higher education publications, and recurring print programs that strengthen relationships with their audiences.
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Clearwater Paper Launches Circa™ Recycled Paperboard

Clearwater Paper Corporation announced the launch of Circa™ paperboard, a new line of coated recycled board (CRB) for folding carton and carrier applications in the United States, developed through a strategic collaboration with Greenpaper, a global producer of 100% recycled fiber paperboard. Made from 100% recycled fiber, Circa paperboard supports customers’ sustainability goals while maintaining the strength and performance required across a wide range of packaging applications. Greenpaper produces paperboard on its newly-reinvested state-of-the-art recycled paper machine using a circular manufacturing model that incorporates post-consumer materials into new packaging solutions. Productora de Papel, S.A. de C.V., doing business as Greenpaper, is a privately held paper and packaging company with more than 80 years of experience and over 360,000 tons of annual production capacity. Based in Monterrey, Mexico, Greenpaper specializes in 100% recycled paperboard grades, including CRB, Carrier and URB, as well as containerboard products such as liner, medium and white-top liner, and corrugated packaging solutions.
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2026 Printing Impressions 300 Ranking: Something for Everyone

Pulling together the list of the 300 largest printing companies in the U.S. and Canada, as ranked by annual sales, isn’t easy. It’s a team effort that takes months of coordination, follow-up, analysis, and dedication. Over the years it’s become even more challenging due to the impact of consolidation and various headwinds affecting annual sales for many companies. This year feels different though. The Printing Impressions 300 is more than a ranking — it’s an annual snapshot of an industry that continues to adapt, invest, and evolve. We’re proud to bring it to you each year, and we hope the insights it provides help you better understand not only where the industry stands today, but where it’s headed next. Last year, the 300th company reported total sales of $3.7 million. This year, that number increased to $5.3 million. Request the list from Printing Impressions here: 2026 Printing Impressions 300 Free Research Report
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The Color Of Commerce, Literally

Consumer brands like Tiffany (blue), UPS (brown) and T-Mobile (magenta) have long had their own trademarked colors identifying their brands, but in an ad-tech industry first, ecommerce platform ROKT has one too. In fact, it is now an official color in color-matching platform Pantone’s matching system: Beetroot by ROKT. Developed in partnership with the Pantone Color Institute, recognized as a global authority on color, Beetroot by ROKT standardizes the bold fuchsia that has been part of ROKT's identity since the company's founding in Sydney in 2012. The certification establishes a proprietary color standard that will serve as a consistent visual signature across the company's physical, digital, and experiential presence worldwide. "Color has the power to create immediate recognition and establish a lasting connection with audiences," Pantone Vice President Laurie Pressman says in a statement announcing the new ROKT "owned" color.
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Graphic Packaging Enters Uncoated Recycled Paperboard Market with Launch of PaceSetter Ridgeline™

Graphic Packaging Holding Company , a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, announced the launch of PaceSetter RidgelineTM, marking the company's entry into the uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) market. The URB offering — a high-performing solution for folding cartons, laminations, edge protectors, tubes and cores, and other specialty purposes — positions Graphic Packaging to serve a broader spectrum of paperboard and consumer packaging customers. Made from 100% recycled fiber, with at least 45% post-consumer recycled content, PaceSetter Ridgeline is available in 14- to 30-point calipers and produced at Graphic Packaging's state-of-the-art Waco, Texas, paperboard mill. The Waco facility enables seamless transitions between coated and uncoated recycled paperboard, giving the company flexibility to respond quickly to shifts in customer demand. Its advanced technology also supports sheet squareness, color consistency, quality assurance and converting performance across high-volume applications.
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PCA’s $140/ton containerboard price increase considered unprecedented

Packaging Corporation of America’s announced increase is double the typical amount, shocking industry observers. The reported action sent PCA’s — and competitors’ — stocks soaring on Friday. Packaging Corporation of America announced a $140 per ton containerboard price increase set to take effect Sept. 1, according to a Friday memo to investors from Michael Roxland, senior paper and packaging analyst at Truist Securities, citing industry contacts.  This amount is double what producers typically announce for increases, with numerous industry participants and observers calling it unprecedented and shocking.  This is PCA’s third announced containerboard increase in 2026 so far, and other top producers have previously announced similar increases at the same times. All of the companies’ previous hikes this year had been for $50 to $70 per ton.
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Sandy Alexander Acquired by the Marth Group

After months of industry speculation, Sandy Alexander, one of the most recognized and respected names in commercial print and integrated marketing services, announced it has been acquired by the Marth Group, the parent company of ENPOINTE (Minneapolis, MN) and Digital Lizard (NJ and Idaho). The acquisition marks the beginning of a bold new chapter — one built on the foundation of Sandy Alexander's iconic 60+ year legacy, amplified by the combined capabilities, talent, and geographic reach of the Marth Group family of companies. Under the terms of the acquisition, the Sandy Alexander brand will continue, with Mark & Barbara Marth assuming the roles of Co-CEOs of Sandy Alexander in addition to their responsibilities as owners of the Marth Group, owners of ENPOINTE in Minneapolis, and Digital Lizard in New Jersey and Idaho. ENPOINTE and Digital Lizard, along with Sandy Alexander, will create a unified platform across the Midwest, East Coast, and West Coast. Together, the combined organization will operate facilities in Clifton, NJ; Brooklyn Park, MN; Post Falls, ID; Westwood, NJ; Orlando, FL; and Burbank, CA — delivering a true national footprint of print and marketing services that few can match.
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Hope for quick plastic market normalization fades as Iran conflict escalates

Fighting in July squashed the promise of a June ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, along with packaging converters’ hopes for relief from plastic material price spikes. In June, hope abounded that a preliminary U.S. ceasefire with Iran and the Strait of Hormuz reopening would renormalize plastics markets following war-related supply chain disruptions and price spikes. But in July, the conflict again escalated, causing disturbances and uncertainty, and pushed some converters further toward swapping out virgin materials for recycled resins.  Experts believe one thing is clear for both virgin and recycled markets: Impacts will now last into 2027 regardless of when the conflict potentially ends.
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AF&PA Raises Concerns About Impact of Canadian Tariffs on North American Supply Chains

AF&PA has supported the Administration’s strong actions to defend U.S. manufacturers from unfair trade practices and strengthen domestic production. However, broad tariffs on Canadian inputs could create real disruptions and uncertainty for industries like ours, which depend on integrated North American supply chains to make pulp, paper, packaging and tissue products. Those same supply chains also support hundreds of thousands of jobs in communities across the United States. At a time when our industry is competing against unfair global trade practices, non-market economies and evidence of potential excess capacity from places like China, it is important for the United States to continue to strengthen North American competitiveness and preserve the supply-chain certainty companies need to make long-term investment decisions in U.S. mills, equipment and workers.
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Billerud posts strong second quarter results

Region North America grew currency-neutral net sales by 11% compared with last year. Shipments in the quarter were the highest since the end of 2022, once again confirming our strong position in the US, where we can offer reliability and predictability from the attractive Midwest region. Pricing has more than offset cost inflation linked to higher oil prices. The biennial maintenance shutdown at Quinnesec impacted earnings negatively. Our journey to evolve towards packaging materials in North America is making steady progress and it gained further momentum during the quarter. Interest in our locally produced coated liner has been particularly strong, and we continue to qualify our products with both existing and new customers.
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World Cup led to economic boosts in these cities.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a conclusion on July 19, and to no surprise, the global soccer tournament had a large economic impact on the North American host cities. According to new data from Visa, the World Cup drove significant growth in cross-border spending, international travel and digital commerce across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Cross-border Visa transactions in host cities increased nearly 20% year over year during the tournament period, with Santa Clara and San Jose, Calif., Boston and Miami recording the largest increases in in-person spending from international and domestic cardholders. Visa found that fans from Colombia, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Argentina and Brazil generated the highest levels of cross-border spend across host cities. Overall, consumers spent most heavily on transportation and entertainment.
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Google, Mars & Nestle Make Paper Packaging Work

From snack bar wrappers to electronics boxes to collagen canisters, these major consumer brands share why replacing plastic with paper involves far more than a material swap. Google, Mars, and Nestle successfully converted major product packaging from plastic to paper, demonstrating that paper can work at scale despite significant technical and operational challenges. Their experiences show that paper packaging requires rethinking performance standards, involving operations early in development, and accepting that material changes may look and feel different while still meeting consumer expectations and sustainability goals. -Kind bars launched a paper wrapper in limited trials, discovering consumers perceived it as more premium and durable despite losing the transparent film that showed ingredients. -Google eliminated 94% of plastic from electronics packaging by reformulating paper to be three times stronger and 70% more stretchable, while adjusting visual standards for a natural appearance. -Vital Proteins converted its iconic blue plastic collagen canister to paper using Boardio technology, requiring new manufacturing lines and extensive automation to prevent damage during production and distribution.
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Families plan to spend $250 per child on back-to-school supplies

Higher prices are pushing families to spend more on back-to-school needs this year. Families are expected to spend $252 per child on back-to-school purchases this year, marking a 6% year-over-year increase, according to the Consumer Pulse Back-to-School 2026 survey released by audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG LLP. Nearly 80% of parents say the increase in planned spending reflects higher prices for the same school essentials and technology purchases as last year, including big-ticket items like laptops.
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Why You Should Support the PACK Act

Why consistent national standards for recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims matter What this might mean for more packaging-related federal laws, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation What the packaging industry should keep an eye out for as the bill moves through Congress. Two critical pieces in the current version of the PACK Act must remain: 1. The PACK Act would stop additional states or new states — any state — from having different language related to recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims. 2. If a company chooses to use recyclable, compostable, or reusable claims, they will need third-party certification to substantiate that claim.
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5 Reasons American-Made Promotional Products Are Gaining Momentum

For years, conversations about promotional products often centered on price, product selection, and delivery timelines. Those factors still matter, but in 2026, another consideration has become increasingly important: where products are made. Over the past year, conversations about domestic manufacturing have come up far more frequently than they did just a few years ago. Some organizations are motivated by supply chain concerns. Others are responding to customer preferences, corporate values, or procurement requirements. Whatever the reason, Made-in-America promotional products are becoming a more significant part of marketing and branding conversations than they were before. https://www.promoimpressions.com/post/american-made-promotional-products-2026/
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We commissioned research on branded void fill. Here’s what 400 consumers told us.

Most brands assume their packaging inside the box is invisible. Something functional, forgettable, a line item in the ops budget. Ship it. Done. We weren't sure that assumption was right. So we partnered with Michigan State University to find out. The result is the MSU National Consumer Study on branded internal packaging – 400+ census-balanced US adults, with a quantitative survey plus qualitative focus groups. The question we asked: does branded internal packaging actually change consumer behavior? And if so, how much? Key findings at a glance 75% vs. 11% – branded void fill scores 75% on visual appeal; plain kraft scores 11% 57% more likely to recommend the brand after a premium unboxing 50% more likely to share the unboxing on social media – unprompted and unpaid 45% say branded internal packaging signals a detail-oriented brand that cares ~40% willing to pay a higher price point for a product with premium packaging 77% prefer to reorder from familiar brands – making every shipment a retention touchpoint
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PPWR regulation to change packaging by 2030

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) entered into force in February 2025. The EU wants to make all packaging on the EU market recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030. How do things stand with PPWR, with general application arriving in August 2026? Various aspects of PPWR will take effect at different times. February 2025: PPWR entered into force August 2026: General application begins January 2030: Only recyclable packaging meeting performance grade requirements will be allowed on the EU market. By 2030, all packaging placed on the EU market must be designed for recycling and will be graded by performance. From 1 January 2030, only packaging with a recyclability performance grade of A, B or C will be permitted on the market. Paper-based packaging is considered a strong candidate under PPWR due to its compatibility with established recycling systems in Europe. Across the region, paper collection and recycling infrastructure is already well developed, enabling efficient material recovery at scale.
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US slaps 50% tariffs on many Canada imports

The tariffs appear to include imported containerboard, uncoated freesheet and boxboard, according to a Tuesday note to investors from Michael Roxland, senior paper and packaging analyst at Truist Securities. The United States imports annually from Canada approximately 1.12 million tons of containerboard, or approximately 3% of total supply, and approximately 400,000 tons of UCFS, or roughly 7% of supply, Roxland said. However, the measure should have a lesser influence on boxboard, as the U.S. imports a “nominal” amount of that grade from Canada, he said. The duties apply to all covered goods, regardless of whether they originate under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, per a fact sheet released by the White House.
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Finch Paper will stop making its own pulp

The 161-year-old Glens Falls paper manufacturer Finch Paper announced, July 17, that it will stop making any of its own pulp, instead buying all of it from outside suppliers. The company said, “All of the hourly employees in the pulp mill and associated woodyard will be offered the opportunity to work in other positions throughout the company. But Finch will stop buying wood from the independent loggers who have perennially supplied it. The log yards that came to symbolize the company and Glens Falls itself will cease to exist.
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Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased 2% in June 2026

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in June increased 2% compared to June 2025. They were up 6% when compared to the same 6 months of 2025. The bleached packaging papers operating rate increased to 91.3% in June, the second highest rate in the last 13 months after 93.1% in March. Shipments of unbleached bag & sack were up nearly 15% from last June, and up 7.7% year-to-date.
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Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 8% in June 2026

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the June 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 8% in June compared to June 2025. Across the 3 major printing-writing categories — uncoated free sheet (UFS), coated free sheet (CFS), and mechanical (MECH) — year to date U.S. shipments in June showed negative results when compared to the same period last year. UFS shipments decreased 9%, CFS shipments decreased 3%, and MECH shipments decreased 28%.
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Pep Boys to be acquired for $700 million in cash

The Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack Holding Corp. is being acquired by the largest tire dealership in the U.S. Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. has entered into an agreement to acquire the automotive services company from Carl Icahn’s Icahn Enterprises for approximately $700 million in cash. Icahn Enterprises, which bought Pep Boys in 2016, will retain the owned real estate previously transferred to it from Pep Boys, as well as the AAMCO Transmissions and Precision Tune Auto Care businesses. Pep Boys operates nearly 800 locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The acquisition expands Mavis’s presence in new and existing markets, particularly across the Western United States, where Pep Boys has a significant retail footprint. It grows Mavis’s network to more than 4,400 auto service center locations across the United States and Canada.
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AAP May 2026 StatShot Report: Overall Publishing Industry Up 6.8% for Month of May, and Up 2.6% Year-To-Date

Trade (Consumer Book) Revenues Up 7.6% for Month of May, and Up 2.3% Year-to-Date Today, the Association of American Publishers (AAP) released its StatShot report covering May 2026, reflecting reported revenue for Trade (Consumer Books), Education (combines PreK-12 Instructional Materials and Higher Education Course Materials), and Professional & Scholarly Publishing. Total revenue across all categories for May 2026 was up 6.8% as compared to May 2025, coming in at $931.1 million. Year-to-date revenues were up 2.6%, at $4.7 billion.
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Women in Print Alliance Brings Networking, Leadership, and Community to PRINTING United Expo

Women in Print Alliance, a division of PRINTING United Alliance, is once again bringing a dynamic lineup of networking, professional development, and community-building experiences to PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place September 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Designed to help women maximize their Expo experience, this year's programming includes pre-show education, exclusive networking events, leadership development opportunities, and dedicated spaces to build meaningful industry connections. Visit https://womeninprintalliance.org/expo-events/ for a complete Women in Print Alliance guide
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The World Cup provided a much-needed boost to the retail industry this summer

Despite some early doubt, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has served as a major marketing and retail catalyst for the U.S.’s retail and service industries throughout the summer.  From tourists’ obsession with ranch dressing to viral Waffle House trips, the 2026 World Cup brought a much-needed boost to the U.S. retail and service industries this summer. Host cities, in particular, experienced a surge in consumer activity as millions of international and domestic fans flocked to stadiums and fan zones. This influx of visitors delivered a revenue boost from foot traffic as people spent more on sports merchandise, watching games at bars and restaurants and even hosting their own watch parties.
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California agriculture coalition calls for SB 54 repeal

A coalition of agriculture industry representatives in California, US, has called the state’s SB 54 “unworkable as written” and argues for its repeal.  The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, known as SB 54, is California’s EPR law. It aims to manage packaging and single-use plastic foodservice ware across the state.  However, the Californians for Affordable Packaging (CAP) argues that the EPR legislation will raise costs for farmers, food producers, and businesses. “California made up recycling targets, disincentivized circularity by placing a cap on packaging, and put draconian fines and fees on top of an overly rigid regulatory scheme,” Adam Regele, founder of Regele Consulting — a member of the coalition — tells Packaging Insights.
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Penny’s end poses rounding challenge

Retailers press for passage of a bill to enact rounding standards as cash-handling businesses grapple with the cent’s gradual demise. Businesses would gain new guidelines for rounding transactions if the government gradually phases out the U.S. penny under legislation Congress is considering. The Common Cents Act, which passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday, enacts formal guidelines for businesses to round tabs to the nearest 5 cents as the U.S. gradually retires the penny. “We need a clear standard from Congress allowing businesses to round cash transaction amounts and a safe harbor from liability in doing so fairly,” wrote the groups, which included the National Restaurant Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores.
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UK Packaging Sector Struggles to Meet Recyclability Targets

Despite stricter environmental requirements and ambitious corporate sustainability targets, nine out of ten UK packaging producers continue to place materials on the market that are difficult or problematic to recycle. New data shows that only one in ten businesses has fully transitioned to packaging classified as readily recyclable. The figures were reported by Packaging World and originate from the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Defra. The data was released following an information request submitted by BagKraft, a manufacturer and supplier of sustainable bags and customised promotional packaging. The statistics cover 11,701 companies subject to UK packaging producer responsibility requirements. Of these, 89 per cent still supply packaging that is either difficult to recycle, carries a mixed recyclability rating or contains material combinations that complicate the recycling process.
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Takeaway from the World Cup

"Soccer is ridiculous, cruel, maddening, nonsensical, unjust, heartbreaking, horrendous, a total waste of time, a fraud perpetrated on humanity, the absolute worst sport ever invented--and also the only thing that matters in life" Sam Anderson-The New York Times Magazine
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Back-to-school spending forecast to reach record highs

Shoppers are forecast to spend a record $43.3 billion on K-12 students this year, up from $39.4 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, back-to-school shopping for college students is expected to reach $103.5 billion, exceeding $100 billion for the first time, according to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.In response to price-sensitive consumers’ concerns, retailers have introduced back-to-school deals well before classes begin this fall.  In June, Target debuted back-to-school offers and refreshed more than half of that inventory with new apparel, dorm decor, school supplies and other products. Earlier this month, Kohl’s promoted its own back-to-school discounts, with “thousands of products” priced below $25. This week, Walmart marked down select items to 25 cents and reduced prices on its 14 most popular school supplies to their “lowest prices since 2019.”  So far, retailers’ early sales have attracted consumers’ attention. Over half (54%) of respondents to the NRF’s survey said they bought their school supplies during sales such as Target Circle Deal Days, Walmart Deals and Amazon’s Prime Day.
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Amazon charts 28% drop in North American shipments containing single-use plastic packaging

Amazon defines its three main packaging types as flexibles (plastic or paper), cardboard and ships in product packaging. Those categories barely shifted in 2024. The last few years, Amazon has been pushing for more of the products it ships to be sent in their own packaging, without added Amazon packaging.  Overall, Amazon reported a 16.4% global reduction in single-use plastic delivery packaging. Just 37% of 2024’s shipments in North America contained single-use plastic delivery packaging, down from 65% in 2023. Additionally, more than half of North American fulfillment centers (56%) did not ship plastic delivery packaging. This came amid a major push last year to replace all plastic air pillows with paper filler. Meanwhile, in Europe, Amazon doesn’t use any plastic in outbound delivery packaging.
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Can nature win the next World Cup? Lessons from 2026 host cities

With 265 million players and around 5 billion fans, football is the world's most popular sport, but, like many outdoor activities, it is increasingly affected by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. As host cities across North America welcome millions of football fans for the 2026 World Cup, they face immense pressure on transport networks, waste management systems and natural resources. The event has attracted criticism over its projected environmental footprint, with scientists estimating that it could generate between 9 and 15 million tonnes of CO2. An assessment by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) of more than 100 sports organizations in 48 countries found that while many organizations recognize their responsibility to reduce their environmental impact, they often lack the funding, staff and expertise needed to do so. Yet several World Cup host cities are demonstrating how challenges can drive positive change. "Large events like the World Cup provide a rare opportunity to promote and normalize good practices," says Gulnara Roll, Chief of UNEP’s Sectoral Transition Section. "Host cities can integrate tournament preparations into their long-term sustainability strategies, creating benefits that extend well beyond the event itself."
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Quad expands packaging operations, rounding out national manufacturing footprint

Quad/Graphics, Inc. is expanding its packaging operations with a new manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. With existing packaging operations in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Franklin, Wisconsin, Quad now has a national platform to serve packaging clients with strategically located production capabilities across the United States. In addition, the company maintains its global packaging operations in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Salt Lake City facility is slated to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2026.The 100,000-square-foot facility in Salt Lake City is centrally located in the western U.S., with direct access to major interstate highways, facilitating rapid transportation to key markets across the region. In addition to its significant skilled labor pool, Salt Lake City is an established hub for major consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and co-manufacturers that work with producers like Quad to print, fill and package goods on behalf of CPGs.
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AF&PA Statement on SEC Regulation E-Delivery Proposal

Proposal would sideline paper communications millions rely on for critical financial information. American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Interim Vice President of Industry Affairs Mark Pitts released the following statement in response to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) proposed Regulation E-Delivery, a consequential rulemaking that would make electronic delivery the default method for many investor communications and significantly reduce the role of paper in delivering important financial information. "For many investors—particularly seniors, rural communities and individuals with limited or unreliable digital access—paper is not a preference; it is an essential, trusted and secure way to receive and retain important information. “This proposal also raises serious concerns for the U.S. printing and writing paper sector, which supports U.S. manufacturing jobs and provides essential products for consumers, businesses and institutions across the country.
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Kohl’s zeroes in on Nike for back-to-school marketing

Nike is arguably the star student of Kohl’s back-to-school efforts. While other brands like Levi’s and Tek Gear are featured in Kohl’s latest campaign — which is titled “We Are So Back (To School)” — Nike is front and center when it comes to merchandising and marketing. This summer and fall, Kohl’s is creating a “really strong Nike presence” in stores by expanding its assortment and showing off full-outfit styling, said Nick Jones, Kohl’s chief merchandising officer. Kohl’s is also creating Nike-themed tunnel walks in its stores, in line with the cultural rise of “tunnel fits.” “On the brand side, we are leaning heavily into the brands that kids are most excited about, leading with Nike,” Christie Raymond, Kohl’s chief marketing officer.
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Retailers frontloading goods ahead of potential tariffs in August

Import volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecast to hit a new all-time record in July as retailers stock up ahead of a potential new round of tariffs and other trade uncertainties. Global tariffs that took effect in February are set to expire July 24. But a new round of higher tariffs regarding forced labor are expected to be imposed by the Trump administration as early as August, according to the Global Port Tracker Report by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
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By the numbers: Oregon’s 1st year of packaging EPR

Nearly 3,000 participating producers. $167.9 million in revenue collected. Almost 410,000 tons of covered products sold. These are some of Circular Action Alliance’s newly released stats from the program’s initial months. Circular Action Alliance highlighted materials collected, recycling investments and end market development from six months in Oregon, the first active packaging EPR program in the U.S. Circular Action Alliance released its first annual report detailing implementation of Oregon’s packaging EPR program — the first live program of its kind in U.S. history. The report covers just the first six months of the program, which kicked off July 1, 2025. CAA emphasized 2025 as a “build year,” as the producer responsibility organization intends for full system implementation by the end of 2027.
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Inside Johnson & Johnson’s New $1B Manufacturing Investment

Johnson & Johnson has announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in Jacksonville, Florida, to scale its United States manufacturing, packaging, and distribution capabilities. With the investment, the company will add a new, state-of-the-art distribution facility, advanced manufacturing, and packaging technologies to expand capacity and meet growing demand for its ACUVUE-brand contact lenses. Previously, Johnson & Johnson announced plans to invest $55 billion in US manufacturing, research and development, and technology through early 2029. The $1 billion Florida investment will tie into the broader, $55 billion plan.
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Amazon Supports Weekly Humanitarian Relief Flights to Venezuela in First-of-its-Kind Collaboration

Amazon announced it will support a seven-flight humanitarian air delivery operation into Caracas, Venezuela, in response to the devastating twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, leaving more than 650,000 people in need of aid. Seven weekly flights will deliver critical earthquake relief supplies to nonprofits The weekly flights are possible through a collaboration between Amazon, Airlink, the U.S. State Department, and United Nations World Food Programme. The State Department will coordinate access with local authorities, Amazon will donate the aircraft and fuel at no cost to humanitarian organizations, Airlink will determine what goes on each flight based on nonprofit needs, and the World Food Programme will manage logistics in Venezuela. The humanitarian air bridge is designed to prevent an aid bottleneck—as well as a so-called "second disaster" when unrequested in-kind donations overwhelm communities and divert resources from the most urgent needs.
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Direct Mail is a Performance

Deborah Corn is the founder of the Print Media Centr (www.printmediacentr.com), providing strategy, intel, and insight for printing and marketing professionals and print enthusiasts around the world. Every mailer can be an Oscar-worthy experience, not just a printed thing that shows up in a mailbox and ends up in a pile. The moment it is picked up becomes showtime, with the audience standing in their kitchen or sitting at their desk, deciding in seconds whether to give you their attention or move on. There is a psychological reason those first seconds matter so much. It is known as the threshold effect. It describes the moment when someone crosses from one state of awareness into another, when distractions fall away and attention resets. On the other side of that threshold, people are more present and more open to what comes next. When a strategically crafted mailing invites someone to touch it, unfold it, explore it, or notice a detail they did not expect, their attention resets. Curiosity takes over. The recipient moves from mail sorter to an engaged audience member. What happens next determines whether the performance earns applause or closes on opening night. Thinking like a director, rather than just a sender, alters how mail is perceived. Directors concentrate on the audience’s experience at every moment. This same approach is relevant to direct mail. Read the full article here: Direct Mail is a Performance
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Packaging EPR goes on trial

Extended producer responsibility for packaging programs in the United States have had some major firsts the last few years. Maine was the first state to pass a packaging EPR law in 2021. Oregon became the first state to begin implementing such a program in 2025. Next week is slated to bring a new milestone: The first packaging EPR lawsuit to go to trial. That means that by year’s end, there could be more clarity about the future risks and opportunities with these programs. The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is poised to argue its case in a five-day trial in Portland, Oregon, starting July 13 — less than a year since it filed a lawsuit that’s gripped producers and the recycling world. NAW believes Oregon’s packaging EPR program is unconstitutional on two primary grounds: violation of the Due Process Clause, particularly as it relates to delegating authority to producer responsibility organization Circular Action Alliance, and violation of the Commerce Clause, given the state program’s implications for out-of-state businesses.
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From tropical forests to timber buildings: bringing sustainable forest management into the nature-positive conversation

Nature positive has become one of the defining concepts shaping international discussions on biodiversity, climate and sustainable development. The challenge now is implementation: turning ambition into practical action that delivers lasting benefits for both people and nature. Forests are central to that discussion. They conserve biodiversity, store carbon, regulate water, support livelihoods and provide renewable materials. Nature-positive discussions rightly recognise the importance of protecting forests. They also provide an opportunity to consider how sustainably managed forests can contribute to biodiversity, climate action and resilient communities at the same time. Sustainable forest management provides a practical framework for balancing these objectives in ways that keep forests healthy, resilient and productive. The Global Nature Positive Summit 2026, taking place in Kumamoto, Japan, from 14–16 July, provides an opportunity to explore exactly these questions.
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Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Finalize $3.4 Billion JV to Create Arbex

Suzano announced the completion of its acquisition of a 51% equity interest in FamPro Tissue Holdings B.V. from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, which has resulted in a new joint venture called Arbex. Arbex on July 1 began operations as an independent business. Announced in June 2025 as a $3.4 billion joint venture between Suzano (NYSE: SUZ), the world's largest pulp supplier, and Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ: KMB), a global leader in consumer goods and personal care, the new business will manufacture, market and distribute consumer and professional products across more than 70 markets on five continents.
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Nordstrom teases retail’s other big summer sale

Nordstrom may be leaning on its off-price stores to stoke growth — this year the company said it would close two department stores and open 23 Racks. But its anniversary sale, commencing later this month, is all about the full-line business. The annual event is arguably retail’s other big summertime sale, though it differs from Prime Day — and other traditional department store promotions — in key ways. The sale is open to everyone July 18 to Aug. 9, no card-holding or membership necessary, though cardholders do have earlier access and special deals.
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Why Catalogers Should Lean into Their “Non Billionaire, Non Big Box” Superpower

As Amazon, Walmart, and Target race to out‑discount one another during summer deal season, Etsy has taken a very different approach. Instead of trying to beat the giants at their own game, Etsy launched its cheeky, defiant “Shop Other Jeffs” campaign — a celebration of the thousands of non‑billionaire sellers named Jeff who make pottery, lighting, furniture, and handcrafted goods across the country. As noted by Retail Dive, the message is simple and sharp: there’s more than one Jeff worth shopping from. And more importantly, there’s more than one way to win in retail. For catalogers, this campaign could serve as a blueprint. Read more here-Why Catalogers Should Lean into Their “Non Billionaire, Non Big Box”
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Something weird is going on with the 66 billion trees China planted in a huge wall

Over the past five decades, China has planted 66 billion trees in a massive wall that spans the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts. This reforestation effort intended to stop the deserts’ spread is working — but, it turns out, with a surprising twist. In a new study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, researchers found that the trees planted in the so-called “Great Green Wall” appear to grow faster than trees in natural forests, possibly because they respond to the rising CO2 levels in our atmosphere better. The Great Green Wall project began in 1978 and is expected to be completed by 2050. The original intent was to slow the desertification of the country’s grasslands, of which the Gobi devours over a thousand square miles every year. In its early stages, the initiative struggled to get off the ground, as some of the trees chosen for their quick growth turned out to be poorly suited for the environment and died off. But Chinese scientists pushed on. In a monumental feat of planning and perseverance, the verdant barrier has continued to grow instead of dying off — a fate that commonly befalls other green wall initiatives that learned that you can’t brute force your way into planting as many trees as possible. Forest cover in the regions the wall touches has ballooned from 5 percent in 1978 to 14 percent in 2023, according to a Nature article, which has helped cut down on dust storms and improve the air quality in downwind cities, including Beijing.
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Washington AG to investigate Nippon Dynawave paper mill disaster

The Washington state attorney general’s office announced July 1 that it’s investigating whether any criminal activity contributed to the May 26 white liquor tank implosion at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview that killed 11 people and injured eight others. Futhermore, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced July 2 that in addition to its ongoing investigation of the disaster, it opened new inspections at two other kraft pulp and paper mills in the state: at Smurfit Westrock’s Longview plant down the road from NDP, and at Port Townsend Paper Co. in Port Townsend. Production at NDP’s site remained suspended as of parent company Nippon Paper’s most recent update on June 24. It said the financial impact is still being assessed.
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Smurfit Westrock Partners with Coca-Cola China on World Cup Packaging

Smurfit Westrock partnered with Coca-Cola China to launch a series of innovative paper-based packaging solutions for the brand's 2026 World Cup campaign, designed to deliver standout impact across both retail and e-commerce channels. The collaboration comes as global sporting events like the World Cup continue to drive significant spikes in consumer spending. Industry data shows major increases in sales of snacks and soft drinks during the 2022 World Cup, as viewers stocked up for at-home viewing and social gatherings.  Chris Zhong, Retail Customer Marketing Manager, Coca-Cola China added, "The World Cup is a key moment for connecting with consumers, and packaging plays an important role in that.
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Plans for former Chillicothe paper mill site include data center

A data center is part of the redevelopment plans at the former site of the Pixelle Specialty Solutions paper mill in Chillicothe. The site will be turned into a “21st-century regional hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace innovation, medical device production, research and development, and next-generation computing technologies” by U.S. Paper Mill, according to a news release from the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce. The campus will be developed in partnership with Amphibian Aerospace Industries, U.S. Medical Glove Company, Aligned, and U.S. Box Company. Aligned is a company that develops data centers and has two campuses in Ohio — one in Coshocton County and one in Sandusky, according to its website.
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UPM achieves a Platinum rating from EcoVadis and an A score from CDP for its supplier engagement

EcoVadis, a leading provider of corporate sustainability ratings, has once again awarded UPM its highest possible Platinum recognition. Among more than 150,000 companies assessed, only the top one percent achieved Platinum status. UPM has been part of this top one percent since 2020 and has now earned an outstanding score of 90/100 for the second consecutive year. The EcoVadis assessment evaluates companies’ performance across four categories: Environment, Labor and Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Additionally, in May UPM received an A score in CDP’s 2025 Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA), which evaluates how companies engage their supply chains on climate-related issues. According to CDP, companies that actively involve their suppliers in climate change mitigation play a crucial role in the green transition.
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OluKai is tapping Hawaiian lifeguards as brand ambassadors and product testers

Hawaiian-inspired footwear brand OluKai is making waves in ocean sports by working with professional lifeguards. For about two decades, OluKai has been the official footwear partner of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, equipping hundreds of lifeguards with several pairs of sandals and sneakers each year. The lifeguards also play an active role in product development by field-testing OluKai shoes on the beach, in the ocean and on trails. More recently, the lifeguards have started doubling as content creators, appearing in OluKai series like “On Guard” and working with the brand on ocean-safety videos.
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Grocery shoppers remain concerned prices could keep rising

Consumers are making tough decisions at the grocery store in the face of sustained high prices. A recent survey of consumers in the United States and United Kingdom by retail and supply chain planning firm Relex Solutions revealed that 61% of shoppers have changed how much food they purchase due to higher grocery prices. More than seven-in-10 (71%) consumers are concerned that tariffs, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and more will continue increasing the cost of everyday goods over the next six months.
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Tariffs, trade shocks and the end of retail planning as we know it

Tariffs may dominate headlines. But for retailers, they’re part of a broader pattern of trading uncertainty that shows no signs of slowing. Talk with any buying or merchandising team right now and you’ll find people wrestling with the same questions: What if our costs spike or transportation lags? Should our prices change? Do we need new sourcing strategies? And what are the downstream impacts of each decision we make? The pressure to answer these questions faster and more confidently is causing many retailers to fundamentally rethink how planning gets done. According to Accenture, more than 75% of supply chain executives expect higher disruption in 2026, with 85% planning to increase AI spending in response.
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California standardizes date labeling, Virginia bans foam food containers

California standardizing food date labels AB 660, which could reduce food waste, passed in 2024. As of July 1, it disallows labeling with “sell by” language. The permitted labeling for quality dates is “BEST if Used by” or “BEST if Used or Frozen by.” For safety dates, it’s “USE by” or “USE by or Freeze by.” EPS food containers no longer allowed in Virginia All food vendors in Virginia — including restaurants, stores, schools and food trucks — will have to comply with an expanded polystyrene container ban come July 1. This is a phase-two expansion from one year ago, when the ban applied to vendors with 20 or more Virginia locations. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality encourages reusable, paper, metal or PET alternatives. Localities may grant exemptions to vendors if they can demonstrate undue economic hardship from the policy.
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Sam’s Club Reveals Its Most Popular Meats for the Fourth Of July

n honor of National Grilling Month—and with America’s 250th birthday around the corner—Sam’s Club is sharing what meats members love to purchase in advance of the Fourth of July holiday. The results might surprise you. Fourth of July Favorites At-A-Glance Let’s look at a summary of our key findings as we evaluated the purchases leading up to the Fourth of July in 2025. Based on Sam’s Club data, chicken leads in the most states (19), followed by pork ribs (15) and ground beef (14).
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The most important piece of direct mail

In July of 1776, the most important piece of direct mail in American history was delivered the only way it could be: as a physical document, carried by hand to recipients who needed to see it. Post riders moved copies of the Declaration across the colonies mile by mile, to assemblies, to committees, to commanders in the field. It was targeted, addressed, and hand-delivered. And when one arrived, it wasn't skimmed and set aside. It was read aloud in the town square, to crowds and to George Washington's troops. That's direct mail at its core: get the right message into the right hands, and make it impossible to ignore. 250 years later, the principle holds. A real piece of mail carries weight that a notification never will. It gets opened. It gets read. It gets remembered.
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Nike says it expects $986 million in IEEPA tariff refunds

Nike says it’s in a better financial position as it awaits nearly $1 billion in refunds related to tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. On Tuesday, Nike shared that its growth margin for its fiscal fourth quarter of 2026 increased 890 basis points to 49.2%, “primarily due to the expected recovery of the IEEPA tariffs.” The company added that its North America business expects to recover $965 million in tariff refunds from the U.S. government, while its Converse business expects to recover $21 million.
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US won’t renew USMCA, opening door for negotiations with Canada and Mexico

The Trump administration has decided not to renew its trilateral trade pact with Canada and Mexico, instead opting to conduct annual reviews of the treaty that President Donald Trump once called "the best agreement we've ever made." The widely anticipated decision on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as USMCA, was revealed Wednesday, the deadline for the three North American trade partners to determine whether they would renew their agreement for another 16-year term. The decision means the USMCA will stay in effect for another decade, provided no member tries to withdraw from it. But it also triggers yearly reviews that could result in the renegotiation of major parts of the treaty.
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Consumer confidence ticks up in June; labor market concerns rise

Americans’ outlook about the economy improved somewhat in June as moderating gas prices brought some relief to inflation-weary consumers. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index ticked up by 0.6 points to 91.2, in June, up from a downwardly revised 90.6 in May but below its year-ago reading of 95.2. “Consumer confidence inched up in June as falling oil prices in recent weeks provided some relief to consumer inflation fears,” said Dana M Peterson, chief economist, The Conference Board. Perceptions of the current labor market softened measurably in June as the percentage of consumers saying jobs were ‘hard to get’ rose to 22.5%, the highest level since January 2021 (22.8%).
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Forbes again names Smurfit Westrock as one of the world’s most successful companies

Smurfit Westrock has once again been included on the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world’s most successful public companies.  The prestigious ranking measures global impact and financial strength and is determined by criteria including sales, assets and market value.  The 2000 companies on this year’s Forbes Global 2000 list account for $56 trillion in annual revenue, $5.5 trillion in profit and $121.9 trillion in market value. Smurfit Westrock was also recognized this week as one of TIME magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies. Smurfit Westrock operates in 40 countries worldwide and has approximately 97,000 employees.
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