AF&PA Releases September 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

DS Smith Round Wrap is a pioneering multi-pack packaging solution that rounds corners and is designed to reduce CO2 emissions when compared to standard corrugated multi-packs. The packaging product solution is fully recyclable and anticipated to save up to 224 tons of CO2 annually for Carlsberg in Poland, and the fibre-based design with rounded corners is also designed to protect and keep products intact during transportation. The rounded shape of DS Smith Round Wrap demonstrates key benefits for Carlsberg Poland with regards to branding and design and there are increased opportunities to place brand identity and illustration on the rounded corners of the packaging solution as well as across the entire 360-degree side surface of the packs.

Packaging paper manufacturer Sappi Europe offers the flexible packaging market’s most extensive portfolio of functional papers – with a focus on compelling alternatives to multi-layer material and plastic packaging. The company is further expanding its broad portfolio by adding new products such as Guard ICC, a flexible packaging paper for ice cream cones, Guard OHS a barrier and heat sealable paper for various food and non-food packaging applications and Guard Twist Gloss, a glossy, recyclable wax free barrier paper for twisting applications in the confectionary market. The new products will be presented at Sappi’s booth (Hall 4A, Stand 306) at this year’s FACHPACK (24. to 26. September) in Nuremberg, Europe’s central meeting place for the packaging industry and its users. *The perfect choice for ice cream cones: Guard ICC made for direct food contact *Guard OHS is an attractive complement to our existing high-barrier paper range *For sugar confectionery and chocolate wrappers: Guard Twist Gloss

International Paper reported full-year 2024 net earnings of $557 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, and adjusted operating earnings (non-GAAP) of $400 million, or $1.13 per diluted share. Full-year net sales were $18.6 billion in 2024 and $18.9 billion in 2023. The reported fourth quarter net loss was $147 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, and adjusted operating loss (non-GAAP) was $7 million, or $0.02 per diluted share. Fourth quarter net sales were $4.6 billion in 2024 and 2023. Full-year and fourth quarter net earnings include a pre-tax charge of $395 million for accelerated depreciation and restructuring charges, including $334 million related to the previously announced closure of the Company's Georgetown, S.C. pulp mill. "During 2024, we initiated our strategy to deliver profitable growth as the low-cost, most reliable and innovative sustainable packaging solutions provider for our customers," said Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail. "Through a disciplined 80/20 approach, we have restructured our corporate organization, added resources to the business, reduced structural costs through footprint actions and successfully piloted regional box plant optimization. In the quarter, our earnings have stabilized and we intend to accelerate earnings improvement in 2025."