For months, canmakers have been advocating for changes to Section 232 tariffs on metal imports. But newly announced adjustments that take effect Monday aren’t what they were looking for. A previous 50% tariff will remain on goods made almost entirely of aluminum, steel or copper, while the levy will be lowered to 25% for derivative products “substantially made” from those metals. The tariffs will no longer apply to items that include 15% or less of these metals. Going forward, additional derivative goods will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The Brewers Association, which represents craft beer brewers that heavily sell their products in cans, also spoke out against the Trump administration’s approach. “Already strained packaging processes will continue to be impacted,” wrote Brewers Association Federal Affairs Manager Michael Mohr-Ramirez, noting that aluminum sheet, foil and containers used in members’ packaging will all be subject to the 50% rate.

TC Transcontinental Packaging is pleased to announce that it swept the Wide Web/Process/Film category at the 2018 Excellence in Flexography Awards of the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) by winning a Bronze, Silver and Gold award. Additionally, TC Transcontinental Packaging was the recipient of the coveted “Best of Show” award, for Transcontinental Robbie’s Post Fruity Pebbles/Cocoa Pebbles packages, while also winning a Silver award in the Wide Web/Line/Film category as well as in the Wide Web/Screen/Film category, a Bronze in the Wide Web/Screen/Coated Paper category, and a Self-Promotion award for its Inspire NexGen 240 bag. For the second year in a row, TC Transcontinental Packaging has been recognized with the prestigious “Best of Show” for its printing performance and execution. These back-to-back awards are further proof that TC Transcontinental Packaging is creating some of North America’s finest and most innovative flexible packaging; each carefully tailored and printed to meet the specific needs of its customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

A plastic-reducing alternative to potato packaging has been introduced by Finnish Tuorekartano Oy when it recently launched its special potatoes in paperboard packaging. Tuorekartano Oy's premium quality La Ratte potatoes will now be packed in easily recyclable and biodegradable packaging made of a lightweight and durable paperboard produced by Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group. The paperboard is ideally suited to protect the potatoes from damage and sunlight. The small package size will also help to reduce food waste. "Tuorekartano is a company committed to Agenda 2030 and Commitment 2050 and has set itself clear sustainability targets. Plastic-free packaging, such as La Ratte cartons, is part of these goals. We have already reduced the amount of plastic in our packaging materials by 25%," says Kari Kastari, CEO of Tuorekartano Oy. The packaging is made of lightweight MetsäBoard Prime FBB EB paperboard, which is made from pure fresh fibres and is suitable for direct contact with food. The dispersion coating of the board improves the moisture and grease resistance of the board, and the packaging can be easily recycled and is also suitable for home composting.