Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning July 2, 2018. Sonoco cited continuing inflation of input costs, especially freight and papermaking chemicals, and significantly longer backlogs at its mills as the drivers for this pricing action. Sonoco is one of the largest integrated manufacturers of uncoated recycled paperboard in the United States and Canada, producing more than one million tons annually from 11 mills.

Stora Enso announced that they will stop all production and sales in Russia until further notice due to the ongoing invasion in Ukraine. Stora Enso has three corrugated packaging plants and two wood products sawmills in Russia, employing around 1,100 people. The Company will also stop all export and import to and from Russia. A mitigation plan has been activated to secure availability of input materials from other sources. “The war in Ukraine is unacceptable and we are fully behind all sanctions. We will now focus all our attention on supporting our customers and the well-being of our employees,” says Annica Bresky, President and CEO. Stora Enso’s sales in Russia is approximately 3% of total Group revenues. The impact on Stora Enso’s sales and EBIT is not material.

Carolina Container LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of New-Indy Containerboard LLC, has acquired Dixie Reel & Box Company, a complete manufacturer of corrugated packaging and a provider of packaging solutions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Dixie Reel & Box Company is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and has been in business for over 40 years, most recently operating as a division of Lone Star Container, based in Dallas, Texas. Click Read More below for additional details.