Caraustar Announces a Minimum 7.0% Price Increase on all Paper Tube and Core Products

IPG® has introduced ExlfilmPlus® PCR, a revolutionary polyolefin shrink film that contains 35% total recycled content and is prequalified to be recycled at store drop-off locations. ExlfilmPlus PCR is designed to meet the growing demand for more sustainable and circular packaging solutions, while delivering superior performance and quality. ExlfilmPlus PCR is a polyolefin shrink film that contains, at minimum, 10% certified postconsumer recycled content and 25% certified post-industrial recycled content. The new film contains certified mechanical post-consumer recycled content, which is derived from plastic waste collected from consumers and recycled into new resin. Additionally, ExlfilmPlus PCR has been prequalified by HOW2RECYCLE for store drop-off and is approved for some direct food contact applications. Available in gauges thinner than many traditional products, it offers a material usage reduction of up to 9%. By minimizing the environmental footprint of their packaging, customers can attain their sustainability objectives with the help of ExlfilmPlus PCR. It supports the circular economy by using recycled materials and enabling recyclability of the end product.

Second Quarter 2024 Highlights: *net earnings of $498 million; includes a tax benefit of $338 million related to internal legal entity restructuring *cash provided by operations of $365 million and returned $160 million to shareholders in dividends. "Reflecting on my first 90 days, I am confident in our teams' ability to unlock substantial value at IP," said Andy Silvernail, Chief Executive Officer. "While our second quarter financial results increased sequentially on better price and seasonally higher volumes, we expect near-term performance to be challenged. In order to accelerate improvement, we are deploying an 80/20 business process. We will make the changes needed to focus our portfolio, become excellent with our customers and optimize our cost to deliver profitable growth. In North America, our investments will center on providing customers with the most reliable and innovative packaging solutions. We also look forward to the combination with DS Smith and together creating significant value for our shareholders."

Net sales in the third quarter were $3,074 million compared to $3,069 million in the third quarter of 2023 reflecting higher shipments of both global beverage cans and food cans in North America, offset by lower volumes in most other businesses and unfavorable foreign currency translation of $9 million. Income from operations was $444 million in the third quarter compared to $374 million in the third quarter of 2023. Segment income in the third quarter of 2024 was $472 million, up 10%, compared to the $430 million in the prior year third quarter driven by improved results in global beverage operations, partially offset by the impact of lower volumes in Transit Packaging and the beverage can equipment business. Commenting on the quarter, Timothy J. Donahue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The Company continued its strong 2024 performance during the third quarter, with results in each of its global beverage can businesses exceeding original expectations. Global beverage shipments improved 5% during the quarter, with Brazil, Europe, Mexico and the United States all recording increases of 5% or more. Segment income on a combined basis advanced 10% over the prior year third quarter, as the Company benefited from favorable manufacturing performance and exposure to a well-balanced portfolio of end markets. Transit Packaging performed in line with expectations while global manufacturing activity continues in contraction.