American Forest & Paper Association Releases April 2018 Boxboard Report

Net sales for the second quarter of 2020 were $1.25 billion, down 8.4 percent from last year's second quarter sales of $1.36 billion. The sales decline was driven by lower volume/mix, a stronger U.S. dollar and lower selling prices. These negative impacts were partially offset by increased sales from acquisitions. GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco in the second quarter was $55.2 million, compared with $81.2 million. Second-quarter GAAP earnings included net after-tax non-base charges totaling $24.9 million, $16.7 million of which were related to operational restructuring activities primarily related to capacity reductions in the Company's North America paper mill network. Gross profit was $248.0 million in the second quarter compared to $275.3 million in the same period in 2019.

International Paper celebrated the opening of its newest state-of-the-art corrugated packaging facility in Atglen, PA. The new $100 million facility is providing more than 100 manufacturing jobs to Atglen and the surrounding communities. The new facility will produce corrugated packaging for produce, processed food, beverage, shipping, distribution and e-commerce customers. "Our corrugated packaging business is an important part of International Paper. This strategic investment will add local jobs and help us better serve our customers," said Tom Hamic, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, International Paper.

Xampla has announced that Huhtamaki’s Taste hot food boxes, featuring the material innovation company’s Morro coating, are now available at Bunzl UK & Ireland. Huhtamaki’s Taste hot food boxes are made in the UK from responsibly sourced paper and are available in various sizes. They display an embossed Morro marque to indicate that the barrier coating is plant-based. Xampla’s Morro material has been developed by researchers from the University of Cambridge, UK. It can offer manufacturers and brands a scalable alternative to conventional coatings amid regulatory and environmental pressures, according to Xampla. Alexandra French, chief executive at Xampla, says: “The launch of Huhtamaki’s Taste boxes with Morro coating represents a new level of success for Xampla.” “Our exclusive partnership with Bunzl sees Morro coating introduced to a significant number of food service operators in the UK and Ireland for the first time, presenting their customers with the latest in SUPD-exempt materials and product innovation.” Moving away from single-use plastic The Morro coating is plastic-free under the European Single-Use Plastic Directive. It provides grease and leak resistance to food packaging and is recyclable