Strategic Acquisition Strengthens MIDLAND's Position in Food Packaging and Expands Midwest Distribution Network. Midland, a leading provider of packaging, paper, and performance solutions, announced its acquisition of Wetoska Packaging Distributors, a family-owned specialist in food packaging materials and equipment based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. This acquisition enhances Midland's capabilities in the food sector by combining Wetoska's decades of expertise with Midland's nationwide distribution footprint and will deliver greater value to customers. The acquisition aligns with Midland's growth strategy to expand its end-to-end packaging and supply chain solutions, particularly in high-demand end markets. This move will allow Midland to better serve food processors and manufacturers across the country, helping to fortify the U.S. food supply chain. Wetoska's operations will continue under the leadership of the Wetoska family, with integration efforts focused on delivering expanded products and capabilities to its customers.

Pactiv Evergreen Inc., a leading manufacturer of fresh food and beverage packaging in North America, is excited to launch innovative Recycleware® Reduced-Density Polypropylene (RDPP) meat trays. Pactiv Evergreen’s Recycleware RDPP meat trays are the perfect solution for packer processors seeking alternatives to foam polystyrene. “Pactiv Evergreen is dedicated to producing innovative, quality packaging with a reduced environmental impact,” said Eric Wulf, President of Pactiv Evergreen’s Food and Beverage Merchandising business. “Our new Recycleware RDPP Meat Trays are vertically integrated, meaning they are extruded, thermoformed and padded at our facilities. They are processor grade and run well on existing overwrap equipment.” Pactiv Evergreen’s Recycleware RDPP meat trays have been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) as meeting the highest criteria in the APR Design® Guide for Plastics Recyclability. Additionally, they may be recycled in communities that accept polypropylene trays. The Recycleware RDPP meat trays are a sustainable alternative to foam polystyrene trays.

Containerboard production was up 3.5 percent compared to March 2017 and up 0.5 percent year-to-date. The month-over-month average daily production compared to February 2018 was 3.5 percent higher. The containerboard operating rate was 97.4 percent or 0.7 percentage points higher than the same month last year. Production for exports was 3.3 percent lower than March 2017 and 6.7 percent lower year-to-date.