Cascades is pleased to announce the launch of its new range of Cascades Fresh packaging products for fruits and vegetables. Designed for producers, packers and retailers, Cascades Fresh packaging solutions meet the needs of this key industry while also addressing consumers' concerns about the environmental footprint of their foodstuffs. Through this new range of products, Cascades brings the circular economy to life by using different types of cardboard and recovered plastics to offer a full and multi-material range of eco-friendly, recycled and 100% recyclable products to reduce the environmental footprint of packaging used in the produce sector. The various products include trays made from PETE, LDPETE and cardboard, baskets, carriers and corrugated cardboard boxes as well as a number of sturdy and leakproof options.

*One-third of companies say sustainability is driving all R&D and new product development *Companies are investing most heavily in using recycled materials in their products and packaging *68% of businesses view materials used in packaging as the most challenging area for sustainability *37% of consumers rate packaging design as important when making a purchasing decision. A new survey by paper-based packaging leader Smurfit Kappa has revealed sustainability is transforming the innovation agenda as businesses rethink their products and packaging solutions in an effort to tackle environmental waste. The Sustainability and Profitability Survey, which was conducted among 200 senior business executives in the UK, showed that sustainability is driving all R&D and new product development in more than a third of companies.

Tredegar Surface Protection announced that it has commissioned a state-of-the-art manufacturing line for developing innovative surface protection films. Recognized for its industry-leading quality and supply reliability, Tredegar Surface Protection plays a critical role in protecting the sensitive surfaces of optical films used in displays and other substrates during manufacturing, converting and transportation. In response to increased demand for high-quality surface protection films and faster design cycles in the LCD and OLED markets, the Company has invested approximately $5 million for a scale-up line in its Richmond Technical Center located in Richmond, Virginia. “New technologies such as 8K resolution and foldable displays are driving the need for new surface protection films that meet increasing quality and performance requirements. This scale-up line will enable us to commercialize new products faster to ensure we can satisfy industry quality requirements and keep pace with the rapid introduction of new models in the mobile phone and television markets,” said Bapi DasGupta, President of Tredegar Surface Protection. “Tredegar Surface Production has a long track record of supplying innovative high-quality materials for masking applications, and this expansion will enable us to continue our tradition of providing increased value to improve our customers’ productivity and bottom line.”

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May increased two percent compared to May 2019. They were up three percent when compared to the same five months of 2019. The operating rate was 83.8 percent, down 1.8 points from May 2019 and down 1.4 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of May increased 18,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 18,000 short tons compared to May 2019.

Total Containerboard production in May increased one percent compared to May 2019. It was up six percent when compared to the same five months of 2019. May 2020 production of containerboard for export increased 42 percent compared to the same month last year; it was up 41 percent year-to-date. The containerboard operating rate was 90.3 percent, essentially flat (-0.2 pts.) from May 2019 and up 4.4 points year-to-date. Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of May increased 39,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 77,000 short tons compared to May 2019.

TC Transcontinental announces the acquisition of the assets of Enviroplast Inc., a company dedicated to recycling flexible plastics in the province of Québec. The equipment acquired will be used for converting plastic waste recovered from sorting facilities and other commercial, industrial and agricultural sources into recycled plastic granules. “The circular economy is the way of the future," said Sylvain Levert, Senior Vice President, Recycling Group, TC Transcontinental Packaging. This equipment acquisition is part of our goal to vertically integrate the recycling of plastics in our packaging production chain in Canada, the United States and Latin America, ultimately ensuring stable procurement of recycled resin. We are proud of this first step and are counting on the collaboration of public and private stakeholders to meet the plastic recycling challenge, and to promote the creation in Québec of a centre of expertise in the circular economy of plastics.” The Corporation's goal, which is also the goal of many of its customers, is to differentiate itself by offering eco-responsible packaging products that contain recycled plastic, to accelerate their development and to create a true circular economy of plastic that is beneficial from an environmental, economic and social standpoint.

Total Boxboard production in May increased two percent compared to May 2019. It was down one percent when compared to the same five months of 2019. The boxboard operating rate was 96.6 percent, up 5.3 points from May 2019 and up 0.9 points year-to-date. *Solid Bleached Boxboard production in May increased two percent compared to May 2019. It was down three percent when compared to the same five months of 2019. *Recycled Boxboard production in May increased four percent compared to May 2019. It was essentially flat (+0.4 percent) when compared to the same five months of 2019. *Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum production in May increased one percent compared to May 2019. It was essentially flat (-0.3 percent) when compared to the same five months of 2019.

Huhtamaki, the global leader in sustainable food-on-the-go and food-on-the-shelf packaging solutions, is launching a range of high-quality affordable and reusable face masks today. The Huhta Masks are suitable for everyday use and help reduce the spread of droplets into the environment*. The comfortable masks are breathable and washable, and are made of high-quality fabric with anti-microbial and fluid repellent properties. The Huhta Masks will be available at retailers across the UK in July, and will also be distributed globally via supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies and foodservice outlets. The initial range includes two sizes, one comfortably fitting adults and one for children (36 months and older). Both sizes are available in Lavender Grey and Delft Blue. The shelf-ready packaging includes 10 packs, each with one mask, that can be displayed on a shelf, end pedestal, podium or hook.

Ascend Performance Materials, the largest fully integrated producer of polyamide 66 resin, announced it signed an agreement to purchase the assets of NCM (Changshu) Co., Ltd., and Tehe Engineering Plastic (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., located in Changshu Yushan High-tech Industrial Park (known as “The Park”), one of the major advanced manufacturing parks in the eastern coastal area of China, 100 kilometers outside of Shanghai. The acquisition gives Ascend a flexible footprint for growth in the region. The company’s master plan includes the expansion of compounding assets at the site along with a global research and development center with a focus on existing applications in the automotive, electrical and electronics, and consumer and industrial areas, as well as new ones in areas such as 3D-printing and high-performance films.

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, and the Finnish start-up company Esbottle have been jointly developing an ecological and appealing paperboard flute cup concept that meets the need to reduce the use of plastic. The newly designed paperboard cup is a stylish solution for celebration drinks, as well as lightweight and easy to transport and recycle. It can be personalised using traditional printing methods and special effects. Esbottle, based in Espoo, develops innovative, responsible and high-quality solutions for the beverage and food industry. The innovative shape of the paperboard cup is the result of collaboration between Esbottle and Metsä Board's packaging design team. The classic flute shaped design consists of two parts enabling the cup and base sections to be stored inside each other so they can be transported and recycled efficiently.

In the world of bulk powdered goods such as building materials, chemicals and foodstuffs, different supply chains place differing demands on packaging. Additionally, the machinery used across the world to produce and fill the packaging consists of many different technologies, brands and models. This has resulted in the development and use of a variety of packaging solutions and processes. Therefore BillerudKorsnäs and Haver & Boecker, have developed a set of recommendations called the Sack Packaging Norms. Our employees at BillerudKorsnäs and Haver&Boecker, who are active all over the world, have noticed many repeated and unnecessary errors which result in packaging waste, product loss and environmental damage. Often, also, these errors are as a result of miscommunication or the use of different standards or practices. These errors are mostly easily fixed by applying some basic standard knowledge or practice. It was thought that the development of a ‘’common language’’ for the packaging value chain would be an effective way to ensure the elimination waste and efficient packaging performance around the world. “Globalization makes it essential to speak one language clearly and distinctly.

Smurfit Kappa has launched an innovative and sustainable new pack which keeps frozen and chilled foods fresh throughout the supply chain. Made from a 100% paper-based combination of Hexacomb and corrugated, the Thermo Box keeps frozen food including fish at temperatures similar to expanded polystyrene (EPS) boxes. Smurfit Kappa was approached by Patani Global Food B.V., a global supplier of fresh and frozen foods including vegetables, meat and fish and non-food products for the catering industry. Patani Global Food B.V. ships goods from Amsterdam to worldwide locations including to the Antilles Islands in the Caribbean using EPS boxes. However, a rise in the amount of litter that was washing up on the idyllic beaches in the region had led to a future ban on plastic waste so the company wanted an alternative solution that would not harm the environment.

Sonoco announced its Tube & Core North America division will implement a tube and core scrap return subscription service, effective July 1, 2020. The subscription service is voluntary and will only be in effect if a customer chooses to return scrap tubes and cores to a Sonoco supplying facility. For many years, Sonoco offered this service at no cost to customers, however fluctuations in the value of the returned materials, along with the rising costs of labor, freight and other processing costs, required leadership to review this valuable offering. When OCC is at or above $90 per ton, Sonoco will continue to offer a core scrap return program with no fees. However, when OCC values drop below $90/ton (RISI’s – Southeast Region – High), a fee of $95 will be added to each invoice for new tube and core shipments. At the point when OCC again increases over the threshold of $90 per ton, the service fee will be removed.

The global packaging and paper group Mondi is contributing to a better world, with innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, and proving that non-recyclable plastic can increasingly be replaced by paper. Buying vegetables directly from farmers, flying less, using less water – an increasing number of consumers are living more sustainable lives, and at the same time expect companies to offer them sustainable options, according to a recent study by market intelligence agency Mintel. Mondi is firmly committed to these objectives and has been meeting its customers' evolving needs with innovative packaging and paper solutions for many years. The Group always uses paper where possible, plastic only when useful.

As market demand for fluorochemical-free, oil and grease resistant (OGR) food packaging substrates increases, Twin Rivers Paper Company advanced the category with the reformulation of its EcoBarrier product line. This high-barrier, next-generation paper delivers performance and choice to converters and brand owners for demanding fast food, quick-serve, and fast-casual food applications. Enhanced EcoBarrier delivers market-leading grease resistance and printability, critical characteristics for food packaging applications including burger wraps, basket liners, French fry and hashbrown pouches, cookie bags, and microwave food bags. EcoBarrier is fluorochemical-free, meets FDA requirements for direct food contact, and provides hallmark converting performance, including gluing, folding, and laminating. This grease-resistant paper is available in a basis weight range of 18 – 30 lb. /29 – 49 gsm (24 x 36/500). Additionally, it is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and plastic-free, making it a sustainable substrate choice for food packagers.

As a metal packaging manufacturer, we have always underscored the importance product appearance holds in brand perception and experience. When enjoying a beverage, the packaging is the first and last interaction consumers have with the brand—and the right graphic design can make a world of difference in making those connections successful. Our newest honor as the winner of the inaugural Colored by INX Can Design Contest, hosted by INX International, drives that point home. We are pleased to share that Crown Mexico’s Toluca-based team of designers and technical operators earned the title with a vibrant can design for INDIO, a dark beer brewed and sold in Mexico since 1893 and owned by Heineken. Our graphics experts worked with the brand to design the look of the 16oz Pueblos de México Unido Edición Muertos beer, a special-edition package promoting the country’s annual Dia de los Muertos holiday. Utilizing three colors from the INX Metal Color Catalog and INX Color Perfection library, the design features high-contrast neon and jewel tones that highlight the spirit of the celebration, which pays tribute to lost loved ones.

Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. recently unveiled a groundbreaking portfolio of papers made from rapidly renewable, sustainable fibers. As part of this new product range, Mohawk is announcing a strategic partnership with UPM Raflatac Americas, who will be offering roll fed, pressure sensitive labeling solutions made with Mohawk Renewal Hemp and Straw paper face stocks. “Mohawk Renewal expands the definition of responsible papermaking, and our partnership with UPM Raflatac makes it easier than ever for printers and brands to reach beyond their label and packaging sustainability targets,” said Melissa Stevens, Chief Revenue Officer, Mohawk.

German pet food maker Mera Tiernahrung GmbH has partnered with global leader in packaging and paper, Mondi, to expand its product line to include a new type of dog food with semi-moist croquettes. Mera realised that this type of pet food would require bespoke packaging to keep the chewable morsels fresh and moist for the duration of the product’s life span, while also being sustainable by design. Using Mondi's customer-centric approach EcoSolutions, which helps clients find the most effective and sustainable way to protect their products, Mondi recommended a packaging for Mera that addressed the practical aspects of food preservation without compromising on sustainability. The bag has a tight seal to ensure long-term freshness and protect the pet food inside, and is fitted with a valve to allow air to escape when palletising the bags. The reclosable zipper makes it easy for the consumer to handle, and the attractive matte-lacquer external finish makes the packaging stand out on the store shelf.

UPM Raflatac announces the release of Rêverie 2, a new premium collection of unique, high-end labeling materials for wines, spirits, and craft beverages developed in response to the latest market trends and demands. The collection has been created in collaboration with UPM Raflatac’s partners to meet their expectations, and it enables innovative printing techniques and finishes. The collection includes a variety of FSC-certified materials (FSC-C012530) from sustainably managed forests as well as materials made from 100% recycled content and other controlled sources. This helps the brand owners to reach their sustainability targets linking to mitigating climate change or promoting circular economy.

Esko, a global developer of integrated hardware and software solutions for the print, packaging and label industries, and AVT Inspection Systems Inc. (‘AVT’), global provider of print inspection, process control and quality assurance solutions, are pleased to announce the integration of their businesses. Effective immediately, the integration is designed to deliver simplicity and extended connectivity for both Esko and AVT customers by incorporating automated quality inspection into the connected packaging and labeling value chains. Sharing many of the same customers around the world, the combined business will see expansion of its sales and technical service teams with enhanced local representation, ensuring customers and OEM partners receive the same level of customer service and technical excellence they have come to expect from both companies.

With sustainability firmly at the forefront of today’s packaging supply chain, Flint Group Packaging Inks, one of the largest consumables suppliers to the global print and packaging industry, has detailed its vision for supporting circular economies in a new white paper that reveals the formation of a dedicated Sustainability Task Force. The paper outlines the environmental challenges faced by the industry past, present and future, and examines how Flint Group Packaging Inks, through the actions of its task force, can provide sustainable solutions, insight and collaboration for its key stakeholders. According to the company, there are four core areas of activity where Flint Group Packaging Inks is supporting the supply chain to become more circular, while at the same time adding value. These include addressing sustainability concerns on a broad scale, supporting converter operations, solving recycling complexities and delivering greater industry networking and partnership to drive change and innovation.

UPM Raflatac introduces a highly chemical resistant adhesive for wet wipe labeling in the APAC region. UPM Raflatac RRS4 adhesive pushes beyond traditional adhesives with repeatedly reliable open-closure functionality for high chemical resistance. RRS4 is designed to be resistant to 75 percent alcohol ensuring the disinfecting qualities of the wet wipes when reopening and closing the package. Having disposable disinfecting wipes on hand can help to stop the spread of the viruses. For the wipes to be disinfecting, they must contain at least 70 percent of alcohol according to C.D.C (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention). Therefore, the label needs to have chemical resistance to keep the wipes wet and disinfected. UPM Raflatac’s RRS4 adhesive answers to this need and ensures the reliability of the packaging.

AptarGroup, Inc. announced that it has joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, the world’s largest citizenship initiative, which focuses on universal principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. The Global Compact supports companies in two complementary goals: do business responsibly by aligning business strategies and operations with Ten Principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption; and take strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

In the retail environment, brands have mere seconds to attract consumer attention and make an impact on their buying decisions. Color is a key influencer when consumers are forming their first impressions of a product, making it a critical component of package design. To gain insight into how future trends can inform packaging innovation, the Crown Aerosols & Promotional Packaging Europe and Crown Food Europe teams recently embarked on a comprehensive research project with color and material designer and trend forecaster Laura Perryman. Together, they took a deep dive into color, surface, and texture trends with a goal of a better understanding of how consumer behavior impacts aesthetics and color choices.

Baker Labels is producing digital flexible packaging through its BakPac division, following a £2.5m investment in equipment and factory renovations. The company is offering a selection of base materials in silver, white, clear, and various thermally laminated finishes including soft-touch, matt, gloss, linen and leather for digitally printed pouches. Options include zippers, tear notches, euro slots and multi-web pouches are available.

Second Quarter Highlights include (all results compared to the second quarter of 2019 unless otherwise noted): *Net income of $11.4 million or $0.19 per diluted Class A share decreased compared to net income of $13.6 million or $0.23 per diluted Class A share. Net income, excluding the impact of adjustments(1), of $56.5 million or $0.95 per diluted Class A share increased compared to net income, excluding the impact of adjustments, of $47.6 million or $0.81 per diluted Class A share. Adjusted EBITDA(2) increased by $19.3 million to $181.3 million. *Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $37.6 million to $99.8 million. Adjusted free cash flow(3) increased by $32.9 million to $79.0 million. *Total debt decreased by $260.2 million to $2,682.3 million. Net debt(4) decreased $242.8 million to $2,609.9 million and decreased $107.4 million sequentially from the first quarter of 2020.

TC Transcontinental Packaging is proud to support the vital food industry, a sector considered critical by governments, and contribute to the maintenance of essential services in communities during the COVID-19 global pandemic. While some of the sector’s verticals are experiencing a decrease in volumes due to government restrictions or the economic slowdown, the verticals related to food and other essential consumer staples, which represent the large majority of the sector’s activities, continue to fully operate in a safe and secure environment. "Our customers and the population can count on us. We are meeting the requirements of government guidelines, and adjusting constantly our safety practices to ensure the continuity of our operations as a vital packaging provider to essential services and industries, said Thomas Morin, President of TC Transcontinental Packaging. The safety of our people remains our top priority. We have implemented stringent policies and responsible behaviours to minimize movements, maintain physical distance, impose quarantines and maintain a clean work environment to offer a safe and secure environment within our facilities.”

Silgan Holdings Inc. announced that it completed its acquisition of the dispensing business of the Albéa Group. This business is a leading global supplier of highly engineered pumps, sprayers and foam dispensing solutions to major branded consumer goods product companies primarily in the beauty and personal care markets. It operates a global network of 10 plants across North America, Europe, South America and Asia. This business generated sales of approximately $395 million in 2019. The purchase price for this acquisition was $900 million, subject to adjustments outlined in the purchase agreement for this acquisition. The Company funded the purchase price for this acquisition and related costs and expenses through term and revolving loan borrowings under its senior secured credit facility, including a $900 million delayed draw term loan.

Mondi is committed to playing its part in the supply of essential products during the COVID-19 outbreak and has recently developed packaging for QIAGEN's SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus test kit. QIAGEN is a leading global provider of molecular Sample to Insight solutions. The company recently launched a syndromic test cartridge kit for the QIAstat-Dx Analyser System that can identify the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus within an hour. Designed for use in hospitals, clinics and laboratories, the company’s new QIAstat-Dx syndromic testing platform comes in the form of a compact, modular, table-top device into which multi-chamber cartridges containing test samples are inserted for analysis.

Coca-Cola Turkey has launched its summer promotional range, making unprecedented use of thermochromic inks to add color, function and fun to ten new aluminium beverage can designs. Historically, one or two thermochromic inks have been combined to communicate temperature changes. For the first time, Coca-Cola Turkey is using thermochromic ink technology as a true decorative tool, making it an integral part of how the can looks. Four separate inks have been used to create bright designs that stand out when the cans are chilled and the drinks ready for consumption. The designs featured on Coke Red and Coke Zero beverage cans all have summer themes, ranging from ice cubes and palm trees to sandals and sailing boats. The images are colourless at ambient temperature and change to colourful patterns when the drink is chilled and ready for consumption. Click Read More below for additional information.

DS Smith Packaging Roanoke has been awarded a National Silver ADDY Award for Advertising Industry Self-Promotion Cards, Invitations or Announcements. This is the second National Silver ADDY Award win for one of the company’s self-promotion pieces, and they were the only corrugated display and packaging manufacturing company with an in-house design group to win a National ADDY Award. This award was given for the CCCBox Series Convertible Giveaway, which was gifted to customers during the 2017 holiday season. The convertible was designed, illustrated, printed and assembled in house and is made from E flute corrugated board, 4-color process flexo printed and die cut. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Raflatac is taking another step forward in its drive to label a smarter future by announcing that it has developed a range of wash-off film labeling solutions for a variety of end uses that can help brands create a circular economy and also meet or even accelerate their ambitious sustainability targets. These clear, white and metalized film label stocks - featuring UPM Raflatac's RW85C wash-off adhesive and a PET liner made from 90 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) content - have been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) as exceeding their strict standards for recyclable label products. Now available in the Americas and Asia Pacific market regions, the labels are ideal for labeling PET containers in the food, beverage, home care and personal care segments. Click Read More below for additional information.

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with HS Manufacturing Group, LLC for the use of their proprietary HS SILVA™ plant-based coating and additive chemistry. The functional characteristics afforded by HS SILVA™, combined with well-formed fiber-based substrates, result in products with oil and grease-resistant properties and/or significantly improved water resistance for applications like outdoor signage, horticultural labels and tags. While having improved durability these substrates will be 100 percent recyclable, 100 percent biodegradable and 100 percent compostable. “We’ve partnered with HSMG over the last several years and have successfully used their unique chemistry to produce uncoated and coated paper products in a wide variety of applications.” said Paul Ciccone, Vice President of Research and Development for Monadnock. “We can create paper based products tailored to meet your needs while meeting the market requirements of recyclability and biodegradability.” Click Read More below for additional information.

In a world increasingly aware of the need to preserve our natural resources, paper-based packaging offers a renewable, recyclable, and sustainable solution. Through The Responsible Package® initiative, Pratt Industries works with allied companies and associations to provide free, standards-based education materials on this topic to middle school teachers, students, and families. As future decision-makers, the students of today play an important role in preserving our natural resources for future generations. By helping students understand the value of materials that might otherwise be sent to landfill, we as an industry can work to maintain our long-standing tradition of recovering and recycling paper and paper-based packaging at rates well above most of our non-renewable competitors. In 2017, The Responsible Package educational materials were distributed to 355,000 students in more than 2,000 schools across 25 states. All of the educators who responded to a year-end survey expressed interest in repeating their participation in the program and reported students gaining awareness and a positive outlook for paper-based products. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa is continuing to use digital print with remarkable effect in the corrugated packaging industry. The packaging leader has ramped up its capabilities by installing eight HP Scitex corrugated presses across its European sites. The new printers facilitate brilliant graphics which make display and promotional packaging come alive. They are also capable of short runs to meet the increasing demand for reduced turnaround times from brands. Smurfit Kappa has installed Scitex HDR technology corrugated presses – the HP Scitex 11000, HP Scitex 15500, and HP Scitex 17000 – in sites in Belgium, Denmark, France, Portugal, Poland and the UK with additional installations scheduled for sites in the UK and the Netherlands. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Raflatac is introducing to the European market three new sustainable, BPA-free label materials for retail weigh-price and backroom labeling applications as well as for logistics labeling. The new products enable printers to offer BPA-free, legislation-compliant thermal labels that come with the added advantage of the unique RAFNXT+ formula of sustainability credentials. Thermal papers have traditionally used Bisphenol A (BPA) as a color developer. However, new European Union legislation requires all thermal paper sold in Europe to be free of BPA after 2 January 2020. Click Read More below for additional information.

International Paper announced that Timothy S. Nicholls has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Glenn R. Landau who is leaving the company for personal reasons. Mr. Nicholls, who currently serves as Senior Vice President - Industrial Packaging the Americas, previously served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company from December 2007 through November 2011. The Company also announced that Jean-Michel Ribiéras, currently Senior Vice President - Global Cellulose Fibers, has been appointed Senior Vice President - Industrial Packaging the Americas, succeeding Mr. Nicholls, and that Catherine I. Slater has been appointed Senior Vice President - Global Cellulose Fibers. All appointments are effective immediately. Click Read More below for additional information.

Total boxboard production increased 6.3 percent when compared to May 2017 and increased 2.3 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production decreased over the same month a year ago and decreased compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production increased when compared to May 2017 and increased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard decreased compared to May 2017 but increased when compared to last month.

Between June 20 and 22, Klabin will participate in the 25th Hortitec, Brazil’s largest technical fair targeted at the farm produce sector, to be held in Holambra in the interior region of São Paulo state. Along with EcoKraft, the company will showcase its recyclable corrugated board packaging for the farm produce segment. At the Klabin booth, visitors can learn about the characteristics of the packaging solution, which is tailored to the specifications of diverse products in this market. The company’s corrugated board boxes come in specific formats to accommodate and pack fruits, vegetables, greens and other food products, ensuring resistance, protection of the contents, as well as ease of storage and transportation. Moreover, the packaging is recyclable and produced using raw material obtained from planted and certified forests. Click Read More below for additional information.

Caraustar Industries, Inc. announced a minimum price increase of 9.0% on all protective packaging products. The increase will be effective with orders placed on and after July 19, 2018. The increase is in response to strong market dynamics and inflationary cost pressures in transportation (both inbound and outbound) and chemicals.

Rapak created a tough and puncture resistant bag for Bag-in-Box that provides convenient dispensing of premium high-alcohol spirits and cocktail mixes, for parties, sporting events and outdoor activities such as picnics or camping trips. The highly engineered bag is comprised of a specially formulated high barrier Nylon-EVOH LLDPE Co-extruded film, providing oxygen barrier and durability. The bag film passes stringent migration testing and complies with FDA regulations for high alcohol content, CFR 21 176.170. Additionally, the food contact layer of the two-ply bag was carefully selected to not impart off-flavors. One of the key challenges of packaging spirits is that the bag and tap can easily take on the flavors of the materials they are in contact with so a properly formulated film coupled with organoleptic testing is key. Click Read More below for additional information.

Pregis LLC has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc. The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory review. FP International has a 50 year history of providing a wide range of protective packaging solutions. Its well-known brands include the MINI PAK'R®, PRO PAK'R® and POWER PAK'R® and many other protective packaging products. The company was founded in 1967 by Arthur Graham, who pioneered the use of free-flowing interior packaging material. FP International has been transformed over the past two decades from a single-product company to a leading provider of protective packaging solutions with multinational operations. Click Read More below for additional information.

Caraustar Industries, Inc. announced a minimum price increase of 7.0% on all paper tube and core products. The increase will be effective starting with shipments on July 18, 2018. The increase is in response to strong market dynamics and inflationary cost pressures in transportation (both inbound and outbound) and chemicals.

Containerboard production was up 1.5 percent compared to May 2017 and up 0.8 percent year-to-date. The month-over-month average daily production compared to April 2018 was 1.5 percent higher. The containerboard operating rate was 98.5 percent, 1.4 percentage points higher than the same month last year. Production for export was 3.6 percent lower than May 2017 and 5.4 percent lower year-to-date.

Total Packaging Papers shipments were up 3.0 percent compared to May 2017 but down 0.2 percent year-to-date. Bag & Sack shipments were essentially flat year-to-date, Multiwall shipments were down 3.3 percent, Converting shipments were down 0.4 percent and Food Wrapping shipments were up 3.5 percent. The operating rate for May increased to 94.5 percent from 92.9 percent in April. Inventories were down 3.6 percent since April.

In a first for the beverage industry, Crown Bevcan Europe & Middle East is launching its CrownConnect™ technology in conjunction with FACT - an all-natural sparkling drink. Each can will be marked with a 2D unique scannable code, making FACT beverage cans the first ever to be produced with a unique digital identity. To this end, Crown has partnered with tech-savvy entrepreneur Olly Bolton, to launch Almond, a blockchain platform that allows consumers to scan a unique hidden product code and rewards them by unlocking tokens that are redeemable for cash. The platform, to be launched in June of this year, will also unlock details of FACT Water’s story, giving unprecedented access to supply chain information and building deeper, trusting relationships with consumers that will ultimately foster brand loyalty. Click Read More below for additional information.

Green Bay Packaging Inc. announced plans to replace its 71-year-old Green Bay Paper Mill with a new state-of-the-art facility. The more than $500 million investment is the largest business development project in both Brown County and Green Bay Packaging company history. The new Green Bay Mill will be the first new paper mill in Wisconsin in more than 30 years. “Paper making has long been a staple in Wisconsin’s economic success, but it’s no secret that many paper mills across the state have closed down or moved out in recent years,” said Will Kress, president and CEO of Green Bay Packaging. Click Read More below for additional information.

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. announced a new five-year $600 million credit facility pursuant to a credit agreement with a syndicated lending group led by Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Sole Lead Arranger, and Sole Bookrunner, refinancing and replacing the Company's previous $450 million credit facility that was due to mature in November 2019. All dollar amounts are denominated in US dollars unless otherwise indicated. “We have made significant operational progress and improved our financial position since the execution of our previous credit facility in 2014. The new Credit Facility will provide us with increased capacity, better terms and more flexibility to execute the next phase of our growth strategy,” said Greg Yull, President and CEO of Intertape Polymer Group. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sonoco announced it will increase prices for its paper-based tubes and cores by a minimum of 6 percent in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning July 16, 2018. “The price increase is necessary due to ongoing increases in uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), the largest input cost for tubes and cores. URB demand remains strong and the marketplace is extremely tight, with operating rates pushing 100 percent,” said Doug Schwartz, division vice president of sales and marketing. “In addition, the rising cost of transportation remains a headwind due to lack of capacity linked to recently imposed driver regulations. As a result, Sonoco will be implementing a new policy of selling certain large diameter tubes that have less space utilization yields at F.O.B. from our operations.”

Sonoco is now an official participant in the Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS). The APASS program was designed by Amazon to help support vendors, sellers and manufacturers to obtain certification of their products as Frustration Free Packaging (FFP), Ships-in-Own-Container (SIOC) or Prep-Free Packaging (PFP). Sonoco now provides APASS services directly to vendors, sellers and manufacturers related to package testing in compliance with Amazon’s certification test methods. In this capacity, Sonoco partners with brands to design and certify packaging that meets Amazon's unique requirements and helps companies protect and sell products more cost effectively. Click Read More below for additional information.

The number of consumers that order drinking water online is growing, and so is the awareness of the impact that packaging has on the environment. Harrogate, whose water was awarded “Best in Class” by The British Bottlers Institute Tasting Awards, met the new demand by offering a sustainable and convenient packaging alternative for e-commerce. Harrogate Water was the first UK Company to include a 10L Bag-in-Box packaging to its online portfolio. The company was looking for a larger packaging size format that would satisfy the needs of multi-generational families and be committed to the environment. Harrogate approached DS Smith Rapak interested in a Bag-in-Box packaging system that could meet their current requirements. Click Read More below for additional information.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, has agreed to acquire substantially all the assets of PFP, LLC and its related entity PFP Dallas Converting, LLC. PFP is an independent converter focused on the production of paperboard-based air filter frames, and operates two manufacturing facilities in Lebanon, Tennessee and Lancaster, Texas. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Raflatac combines digitalization with circular economy. By adding RafMore smart label solution to its RafCycle® recycling process, UPM Raflatac is able to optimize the waste collection process from its customers. The smart labels added to the recycling containers and scanned by a mobile app tell when the customers' waste is ready to be collected. RafCycle is a cost efficient waste recycling solution that collects label release liner waste from our partners throughout Europe. The RafMore smart label solution was tested with several RafCycle customers in Denmark and Sweden, and the waste material collected from these customers can be turned into new products at UPM Plattling paper mill in Germany where the paper release liners are de-siliconized and recycled into pulp and paper, closing the loop. Click Read More below for additional information.

HP Inc. announced the HP One Package workflow suite for PageWIde Industrial corrugated presses, the industry’s first ecosystem for digital corrugated printing. HP One Package offers software and solutions from HP and partners to help converters maximize the flexibility of digital production. HP One Package workflow streamlines submission and preparation of orders, allowing converters to take advantage of an array of digital value-added possibilities, including solutions for brands’ consumer engagement and piracy protection using variable data, imagery and unique ID serialization. One Package’s production management and automation software also enhances operational performance and optimizes the supply chain. Click Read More below for additional information.

WS Packaging Group, Inc. announced it has named Mark Roy as its new chief commercial officer. Roy is one of the world's top leaders in the paper and packaging industry, bringing expertise across value-based selling, marketing, financial management and analysis, and operations. A packaging innovation specialist, Roy's 25-year career has spanned private equity owned, publicly traded, and privately held companies, where he has increased sales, streamlined commercial development, and implemented CRM technologies to benefit the bottom line. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa Bag-in Box® developed the Thermo Bag to meet the specifications of hot filling which is a commonly used processing method in the drinks industry. During hot filling, the product is pressed, filtered, pasteurised, heated and filled at a high temperature to facilitate sterilisation and then immediately cooled for preservation and taste. This method has the advantage of extending shelf life, removing any harmful microorganisms, reducing costs and simplifying the process. Hot filling is widely used in the production of fresh (not from concentrate) apple juice which has grown increasingly popular due to its freshness and health benefits. Bag-in-Box® packaging is an attractive option for both consumers and producers because in addition to maintaining the product’s quality it is eco-friendly and cost-efficient. Click Read More below for additional information.

BillerudKorsnäs is encouraging action against ocean litter in a series of just-announced U.S. events, in theme with this year's World Oceans Day. The Swedish company has outlined an ambitious mission to challenge conventional packaging and bring more sustainable practices to the industry. "Between the growing chorus from consumers to address single-use packaging waste to reports from ocean researchers on declining ocean health, the problem of ocean litter has reached critical awareness," said Peter Malmqvist, BillerudKorsnäs Marketing Director, Americas. "What we need now is collaboration for sustainable development." BillerudKorsnäs will bring together business leaders and consumers in a series of U.S. events as part of its mission to challenge conventional packaging, as well as its partnership with Tara Expeditions Foundation, a floating research institute studying the ecological crisis in the oceans on a globe-traversing schooner. Click Read More below for additional information.

Rapak North America, a business unit of DS Smith Plastics and market leader in Bag-in-Box packaging and filling systems, announced that two of their facilities located in the United States of America, achieved excellent scores of 98 out of 100 points on the new SQF, Edition 8.0 certification audits last month. Rapak has continually scored ‘E’ for Excellent at all locations since 2015. The SQF, Edition 8.0 Food Safety Code for Manufacture of Food Packaging certification is a company-wide initiative to supply safe food packaging products and a requirement of Rapak’s top key customers within the food industry. Receiving an Excellent score on these audits validates the commitment and dedication of Rapak employees to supplying safe products to their customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

Klabin is one of the exhibitors at the 44th Expocitros and the 40th Citriculture Week, organized simultaneously by the Sylvio Moreira Citriculture Center until June 8, in Cordeirópolis in the interior region of São Paulo. The company is showcasing its recyclable corrugated board packaging solutions for the agricultural produce segment, especially citrus fruits. Visitors can learn about and explore the characteristics of Klabin’s packaging solutions, which are tailor-made to the specifications of diverse products in this market. The Company’s corrugated board boxes come in specific formats to accommodate and pack fruits, vegetables, greens and other food products, thus guaranteeing resistance, food protection, as well as ease of storage and transportation. Moreover, the packaging is recyclable and produced from raw material obtained from planted and certified forests. Click Read More below for additional information.

Crown Holdings, Inc.’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, aerosol plant is set to offset one-third of its annual electrical usage by implementing a new solar panel array, covering approximately five acres. The project marks Crown’s first use of solar power energy worldwide and contributes to one of the Company’s 2020 sustainability goals of reducing its energy consumption by implementing renewable and alternative energy projects at the local level. “Crown’s mission is to continue identifying unique sustainability projects that align with our commitment to manage and conserve resources and bring innovations to market that support the sustainability efforts of our customers and consumers,” said John Rost, Director of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Crown Holdings, Inc. “Working with Keystone Power Holdings to enact a project of this scale is a prime example of this effort in action. This project also contributes to Crown’s wider goal of continuing to drive down its emissions.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Mondi has announced that all conditions have been satisfied and it has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of the outstanding shares in Powerflute Group Holdings, a division of Nordic Packaging and Container Holdings, for a total consideration of EUR 365 million on an enterprise value basis. Powerflute operates an integrated pulp and paper mill in Kuopio (Finland) with an annual production capacity of 285,000 tons of semi-chemical fluting. The business will be integrated into Mondi’s Packaging Paper business unit. Click Read More below for additional information.

Caraustar Industries, Inc. announced a price increase of $50 per ton on all uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) grades. The increase on the uncoated recycle board grades will be effective starting with shipments on July 9, 2018. The increase is in response to strong market dynamics and inflationary cost pressures in transportation, chemicals and other recycled paperboard input materials.

Sealed Air Corporation has entered into an agreement with Kuraray America, Inc., a Japanese chemical company, to offer food packaging materials derived from its Plantic™ bio-based resins. “We are expanding our portfolio of sustainable solutions with Plantic’s bio-based materials. This solution enables us to offer a renewable packaging option and continue helping the industry address food waste by extending the shelf-life and freshness of food,” said Karl Deily, President of Sealed Air Food Care. Through this new cooperation with Kuraray, Sealed Air will offer Plantic materials to package perishable foods such as poultry, beef and seafood in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Click Read More below for additional information.

UK-based packaging group DS Smith Plc has offered to buy Spanish rival Europac for 1.9 billion euros ($2.2 billion) including debt to bolster its position in western Europe’s fast-growing packaging market. A deal would be DS Smith’s biggest acquisition to date and the latest in an industry benefiting from growing demand from online retailers. “Europac’s board of directors has confirmed that the acquisition is friendly and attractive,” DS Smith said on Monday, adding it had received undertakings to accept the offer from shareholders owning 58.97 percent of the Spanish company. Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki has completed the acquisition of Ajanta Packaging's business in India. Ajanta Packaging is a manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels in India. The annual net sales of the acquired business are approximately EUR 10 million and it employs altogether 170 people. The debt free purchase price was approximately EUR 13 million. The business will be reported as part of the Flexible Packaging business segment as of June 1, 2018.

One of the main European manufacturers of shopping bags and packaging accessories,​ Fiorini International​, has produced a new bag for Lecta's one-side coated paper Creaset Bags range, introduced at the Packaging Première fair, an exclusive event devoted to luxury packaging held in Milan from May 15 to May 17. Using the slogan "Pure Inspiration" and with a sophisticated design that transmits elegance and lightness, this attractive bag showcases the paper, part of a versatile range that enables you to create anything you can imagine, as the motto of the Creaset brand suggests: "Endless Possibilities". From a perfume label to a wine label to premium flexible packaging applications, the possibilities are infinite. Click Read More below for additional information.

Green Bay Packaging Inc. announced the acquisition of Wisconsin Packaging Corp., a corrugated sheet plant in Fort Atkinson, WI. Wisconsin Packaging Corp. was founded in 1986 and will operate as part of Green Bay Packaging Inc. The acquisition is effective May 31, 2018. Wisconsin Packaging Corp. specializes in the design and manufacture of corrugated packaging and retail displays for clients throughout the United States. “Wisconsin Packaging is proud to become a member of Green Bay Packaging. Our family has grown our business in Fort Atkinson, our goal always being to provide for the everchanging needs of our customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Vitop® tap occupies the No. 1 position in the world for wine taps and has revolutionised the Bag-in-Box® system. The Vitop® tap quickly grew in popularity due to its tamper-proof design and high oxygen barrier which provide extended shelf life and product freshness. Tests on the Vitop® tap have revealed it to have a leak rate of just 1 in 5 million, a key contributor to its industry-leading position. To reach such high standards, each tap is individually tested under rigorous quality control standards. Ease of use has also contributed to its global appeal as it requires little effort to obtain a regular flow rate and is self-closing. Click Read More below for additional information.

A trial version of a renewable fiber based ready meal packaging will be tested with consumers in the UK starting end May. Huhtamaki is part of a three-party consortium developing an alternative to existing plastic ready meal trays. The concept is tested with two Italian style ready meals at a major UK retail chain in May-June. The trial is part of a project aiming at developing a bio-based ready meal package for the UK market. The new tray offers a viable alternative to black plastic packaging, which is problematic for the waste processers' lasers that identify materials for recycling. Ready meal consumption continues to grow throughout Europe and new sustainable solutions are welcome. The new material feels like cardboard and is made of fiber derived from Forest Stewardship Council certified sources. Click Read More below for additional information.

The winner of the international packaging design competition Better with Less – Design Challenge has been chosen. Exceptionally high-quality entries were submitted, and the winning design ‘Stretching Inner Part’ by Iiro Numminen, was considered by the judges to be extremely appealing, versatile, scalable and easy to implement. The Better with Less – Design Challenge, organised by Metsä Board, aimed to find new environmentally-friendly and functional packaging solutions for some of the world’s most frequently used and fastest growing types of consumer packages. Launched in November 2017, the competition inspired designers around the world – altogether 302 design concepts were entered from 38 different countries. The international competition jury included renowned packaging design experts from various fields – related to packaging, design, brand strategy and innovation. Click Read More below for additional information.

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.

Tetra Pak today announces that its new tubular heat exchanger with P2P (Product to Product) technology now has 3-A certification.​​ P2P heat exchangers are typically used by dairy, beverage and ice cream producers, and can also process products with particles. They offer up to 50% improved energy efficiency compared to Product to Water (P2W) alternatives through lower steam and cooling water consumption. Designed to achieve optimum hygiene, Tetra Pak’s machine is constructed with an innovative oxygen-free welding technique that eliminates crevices and potential hygiene blind spots, to achieve zero risk of bacteria aggregation. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sonoco announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 70 percent interest in the joint venture of Conitex Sonoco for approximately $133 million in cash. Conitex Sonoco is a vertically integrated, global leader in the manufacture of paper-based cones and tubes used in the textile industry. The transaction is subject to normal international regulatory reviews and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018. The Conitex Sonoco joint venture was formed in 1998 between Texpack, Inc., a Spanish-based global provider of paperboard and paper-based packaging products, and Sonoco’s former North America textile cone business. In 2017, the joint venture had total sales of approximately $245 million and produced more than 300,000 tons of uncoated recycled paperboard, which was used to produce approximately 1.4 billion tubes and cones for the global spun yarn industry. The company also produces adhesives, flexible intermediate bulk containers and corrugated pallets. The joint venture has 13 manufacturing locations in 10 countries, including four paper mills and seven cone and tube converting operations as well as two other production facilities. Click Read More below for additional information.

Flint Group is proud to be the first ink supplier to offer a cutting edge integrated press room digital colour management service – VIVO Colour Solutions! Adding to this platform, Flint Group announces the launch of VIVO ColourSuite and VIVO ColourSuite Viewer. VIVO ColourSuite is a web-based dual software package providing on-press spectral job/colour measurement and approval functionality, plus the additional and unique opportunity to view real time colour performance graphs and a reporting dashboard across multiple machines, sites, and regions. Click Read More below for additional information.

Kotkamills’ family of AEGLE® consumer boards is complemented by the freshest member of the family. AEGLE® Barrier Plus promotes the wider use of non-plastic packaging solutions. Easily recyclable AEGLE® Barrier Plus packaging board is especially suited for packaging greasy food, sandwiches, bakery products and frozen foods. The packaging industry is one of the key players in preventing litter ending up in the oceans and nature. Traditionally, packaging industry uses plastic barrier layer on packaging board in order to prevent grease and fluids from absorbing into the packaging material. Alternatively, organic fluorochemicals can be used as grease barriers but they might be harmful for the health. Degradation of plastic can take up to hundreds of years in natural conditions which means they are a burden for the environment for a long time, even ending up in the food chain. Click Read More below for additional information.

In the middle of May, more than 400 guests from all over the world attended the Packaging Day hosted by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site. Under the slogan “Think out of the Box”, they witnessed the premiere of the Primefire 106 – what up until then was only available to see in customers’ print shops and in the laboratory environment is now also installed in the Print Media Center Packaging, and thus completes the extensive demo range in the world’s biggest demo center for packaging solutions. Heidelberg is the only manufacturer to integrate offset and digital printing including finishing via the Prinect workflow, and is opening up new business models for packaging printing. The Packaging Day offered the visitors a platform for getting new ideas and inspiration for their current and future business models. Three information tours – “Packaging as you like”, “Operational Excellence”, and “Special Applications” – addressed the trends in the industry and provided a comprehensive presentation of the corresponding solution from Heidelberg. Click Read More below for additional information.

DS Smith will acquire Corrugated Container Corporation (CCC), for an undisclosed amount, to boost its box-making capacity. It will acquire four CCC facilities in North America in Tennessee, North Carolina and two sites in Virginia, which employs more than 190 people. Click Read More below for additional information.

Digital presses have revolutionized the packaging industry, delivering high-impact color and creating a new paradigm for versioning and customization. Despite its innovations, digitally printed packaging has not always offered solutions across the full spectrum of sizes and quantities. With the launch of Hummingbird™ digital packaging solutions, Georgia-Pacific is overcoming that barrier by producing digital pre-print for a full range of customer needs, from specialty versions to everyday large runs and beyond. Hummingbird is the first packaging supplier in North America to provide 110-inch wide web capability for digital pre-print at lengths limited only by converting capability. The technology delivers high-quality, digitally printed corrugated packaging that gets products to market up to 80 percent faster than traditional methods and provides a new range of marketing and supply chain management opportunities for brands. The size, quality and speed of the press also dramatically increases the cost effectiveness of digitally printed packaging, even at high volume. Click Read More below for additional information.

The food-safe MB12 packaging helps customers to eliminate mineral oil migration with a sustainable solution. The Smurfit Kappa MB12 technology is designed to prevent the migration of mineral oil into packaged food. MB12’s efficiency has been verified by Eurofins, the world leader in food and pharmaceutical product testing, to give customers full confidence that the primary packaging acts as a barrier to provide robust protection against outside influences.1 An independent year-long study by the Technical University of Dresden found that Smurfit Kappa’s MB12 was the most effective product on the market for protecting packaged food against potential contamination. Click Read More below for additional information.

Total boxboard production increased 4.0 percent when compared to April 2017 and increased 2.6 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production increased over the same month a year ago and increased compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production increased when compared to April 2017 and increased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard increased compared to April 2017 and increased when compared to last month.

heinzelsales (Wilfried Heinzel AG), the sales network of Heinzel Group, announces the acquisition of Firgos (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a paperboard trading company based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With a team of eleven employees and a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Firgos Malaysia offers paper and board products from suppliers around the world to customers across Southeast Asia. heinzelsales has taken over the company from Mayr-Melnhof Cartonboard International GmbH, a subsidiary of Austrian paperboard producer Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG. Mayr-Melnhof will continue serving Southeast Asian customers through Firgos Malaysia. Click Read More below for additional information.

Containerboard production was up 0.7 percent compared to April 2017 and up 0.7 percent year-to-date. The month-over-month average daily production compared to March 2018 was 0.5 percent lower. The containerboard operating rate was 98.3 percent, 2.5 percentage points higher than the same month last year. Production for exports was 3.0 percent lower than April 2017 and 5.8 percent lower year-to-date.

Total Packaging Papers shipments were up 12.3 percent compared to April 2017, but down 1.0 percent year-to-date. Bag & Sack shipments were flat year-to-date. Multiwall shipments were down 6.7 percent, Converting shipments were down 0.4 percent and Food Wrapping shipments were up 3.1 percent. The operating rate for April increased slightly to 92.9 percent from 92.7 percent in March. Inventories were down 0.8 percent since March.

Owens-Illinois, Inc. announced that it has finalized plans to cease production at its Atlanta, GA, plant. The closure is expected to occur on or after July 18, 2018. O-I intends to facilitate the closure in a respectful manner for the approximately 250 people impacted at the Atlanta plant. Current customers of the plant will be served by other domestic plants in the O-I network. The Company remains strongly focused on optimizing the overall efficiency of, and investments in, its regional plant network. The required capital outlay for the Atlanta operations and continued decline of beer in the domestic market influenced the decision to close the plant. O-I's supply-demand profile in the U.S. will be roughly balanced after this closure. Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki La Rochelle in France is proud to introduce a new range of bottle dividers, the PRESTIGE, created in collaboration with Vitis Valorem, located at Meursault, Burgundy. PRESTIGE range is the result of a big idea, paying homage to the vitality and natural qualities of wine and at the same time building on our deep knowledge of using recycled materials. Our new bottle divider uses a new and unique raw material normally wasted every year: vine shoots. “Our aim was to create a high-quality, natural bottle divider solution for wineries including a new sustainable raw material,” says Amandine Duranton, Wine Segment Sales Manager from Huhtamaki in France. “The 100% biodegradable and recyclable PRESTIGE wine bottle dividers are made of recycled paper and vine shoot powder.” Click Read More below for additional information.

The Group's consolidated sales went up to EUR 592.1 million and were thus 1.3 % above the comparative figure of the previous year (1Q 2017: EUR 584.5 million). The slight increase results from both divisions. Operating profit at EUR 57.1 million was 12.8 % or EUR 6.5 million above the previous year’s value (1Q 2017: EUR 50.6 million). A rise at the cartonboard division contrasted with a decline at the packaging division. The Group's operating margin reached 9.6 %, following 8.7 % in the first three months of 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.

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.

Packaging Première exhibition has been a great success last year gathering designers, advertising agencies, brand owners and the major players of the sector. This year the number of converters and exhibitors has considerably increased. Kotkamills is confirming its strong presence with its high performance virgin fibre folding boxboards AEGLE® White and AEGLE® Pro. Most of the key customers in cosmetic, body care, pharma and luxury packaging will be also present with their own booths or visiting Kotkamills and Sapii Srl representing the Kotkamills products in Italy. A big success is again expected with Kotkamills’ AEGLE® brand recognized as a main player in these sectors.

UPM Raflatac is introducing four new food-safe labeling products to the European market. This will expand the company's food labeling range, providing a wider range of material options for brand owners and packaging designers. All four products meet the European Union's stringent requirements for food safety. Synthermal Clear Plus is a high-clarity direct thermal film that provides excellent product visibility for a no-label look on food packaging. Demonstrating a clear commitment to product safety, the film is Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) free - taking the European Union legislation that requires thermal paper sold in Europe to be BPA free after 2 January 2020 one step further. Synthermal Clear Plus has excellent convertibility with a great deal of flexibility for process improvements at the printer. Click Read More below for additional information.

Colbert Packaging Corporation recently hosted a TICCIT® (“Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees”) event for elementary students in Wisconsin’s Salem School District. Jeff MacDougall, production manager at Colbert Packaging, led the educational outreach program, which drew participation from over 320 students in the third, fourth and fifth grades. Salem students learned how trees are grown and harvested for the making of paper and paperboard, and then turned into packaging materials that are recyclable and renewable. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sonoco has invested in a state-of-the-art, direct-to-sheet digital printing press for the production of point-of-purchase displays and other promotional packaging. The high-speed, 6-color press enables brand owners to respond quickly to a dynamic retail and shopper environment without the need for costly overruns or printing plates. Sonoco’s digital solution offers several advantages over traditional flexography/lithography, including: •Improved print quality and display strength due to a touch-free printing process •Reduced cost and lead time from the elimination of printing plates •Flexibility and short-run advantages due to the lack of price penalties for smaller quantities •Nearly unlimited customization opportunities from 100 percent digital processes •Durable, fade-resistant printing made possible by high-quality UV inks.

For two days every year, the most creative luxury packaging designers managers and designers converge in NYC for Luxe Pack New York. And, for the 13th consecutive year, Neenah Packaging will join these innovators at Pier 92 in Manhattan to show its creative luxury packaging solutions and innovations. (Booth C601.) Inspired by the latest trend colors of the year, Neenah is displaying its growing collection of cosmetics and fragrance packaging and will highlight custom solutions, the results of 1:1 partnerships with corporate clients. Click Read More below for additional information.

The first product was the engaging AlphaBooks display produced for the IF gifts company. Smurfit Kappa designers created a bespoke POS display which gave a 360o degree view of the quirky, letter-shaped notebooks. The second winning product was a sophisticated packaging system for different left and right Audi automotive latches. Thanks to cleverly placed cut-outs, 12 latches fit in easily without any damage during either insertion or transport, and the time spent on assembly and filling was reduced by 87%. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sonoco has announced its position as a joint development partner and investor in the Plant City, Fla.-based robotics company Harvest CROO Robotics. “This partnership solidly aligns with our focus on improving the supply chain for fresh produce by connecting harvesting technology with new packaging technology,” said Sonoco CEO Rob Tiede. “Efforts to improve harvesting efficiency, decrease food waste and extend freshness life are key focus areas for us as we expand into fresh food packaging.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Q1 2018 Highlights • Sales of $1,098 million (compared to $1,082 million in Q4 2017 (+1%) and $1,006 million in Q1 2017 (+9%)) • As reported (including specific items) • Operating income of $112 million (compared to $45 million in Q4 2017 (+149%) and $31 million in Q1 2017 (+261%)) • Adjusted (excluding specific items) 2 • Operating income of $50 million (compared to $46 million in Q4 2017 (+9%) and $28 million in Q1 2017 (+79%)). Click Read More below for additional information.

Expera Coated Products announced a new brand of liners used in the manufacture of Performance Tapes and Sealants. DualBak™ liners have the necessary performance characteristics to withstand demanding converting and end use applications, yet maintain the strength and stability to ensure specified customer requirements are met. “Expera Coated Products’ DualBak™ liners are highly-engineered solutions that offer a wide breadth of silicone systems and release differentials as well as targeted base papers to fit the many demands of this segment,” explained Harry Challender, Vice President of Expera Coated Products. “We excel at customer collaboration, and that collaboration allows Expera Coated Products to develop application-specific liners that contain the functional properties critical to the success and delivery of our customers’ products.” Click Read More below for additional information.

First Quarter 2018 Highlights (as compared to first quarter 2017): • Revenue increased 14.5% to $237.2 million primarily due to additional revenue from the Cantech Acquisition(1) and an increase in average selling price, including the impact of product mix. • Net earnings attributable to the Company shareholders ("IPG Net Earnings") decreased $2.1 million to $11.4 million, primarily due to the increase in SG&A and other finance costs, partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense and an increase in gross profit. • Adjusted EBITDA(3) decreased 0.6% to $30.2 million primarily due to an increase in SG&A and the non-recurrence of Insurance Proceeds of $2.1 million realized in the first quarter of 2017, partially offset by adjusted EBITDA contributed by Cantech and an increase in gross profit. Excluding the Insurance Proceeds, adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2018 increased by almost 7% compared to the first quarter of 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mondi’s renewable packaging material helps Paulig Coffee lower carbon footprint. Climate change is harming our planet’s fragile ecosystems, driving the movement for drastic cuts to carbon emissions at a global scale. All industries have a part to play in this transition towards a low-carbon economy, including manufacturers of consumer goods. The snacks, seasoning and coffee producer Paulig Group, together with Mondi, is responding to this challenge. Paulig Coffee brand is the market leader in Finland and the Baltics, and is the second largest provider of coffee in Russia. The company strategically works to reduce its environmental footprint. In Finland for example, all its coffee roasteries run entirely on renewable energy. Paulig has made a commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 40% by 2020. To meet the target the entire supply chain is involved, including packaging. Click Read More below for additional information.

Dublin, Ireland-based Smurfit Kappa Group is partnering with Silicon Valley printing technology company Electronics For Imaging, Inc. to establish an efficient, robust digital corrugated packaging production offering with the installation of an EFI™ Nozomi C18000 single-pass LED inkjet corrugated packaging press. As a result of this partnership, Smurfit Kappa, one of the top innovators in packaging, and main driving force of digital print technology in Europe, will establish leaner and more-effective processes to deliver ready-to-sell high quality print packaging that will provide its customers maximum brand benefit in the retail store. “This digital printing partnership with EFI reflects Smurfit Kappa’s serious commitment to providing the best packaging solutions available,” said Ignacio Sevillano, CEO Smurfit Kappa Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Click Read More below for additional information.

The company’s PolyInert laminates, which enable sensitive pharmaceuticals to be packaged in stick-pack form, won the Resource Efficiency category, and AluFix Retort Xtra, the newest addition to the successful AluFix range, won the Technical Innovation award. PolyInert Laminates - This material helps keep pharmaceutical patients safe because its stable and inert high barrier doesn’t interact with or absorb active pharmaceutical ingredients and keeps medication effective longer. AluFix Retort Extra - The aluminium foil membrane makes more convenient peelable lidding practical on metal cans for a wider range of food products. For the first time, that includes on cans containing foods with low pH values of 2-4, or those containing salts, spices and oils that can corrode or damage packaging materials. Click Read More below for additional information.

Brands today must align all aspects of their packaging development and production to satisfy the needs and preferences of a new generation of consumers. Skilful optimisation of point-of-sale packaging has never been more important for food and beverage brand owners. A key component is ensuring that primary and secondary packaging designs, materials and missions are fully aligned in order to attract consumers and satisfy their needs. Consumer brands today face many challenges – from an explosion in the number of competitors and the resulting struggle to get noticed on the retail shelf, to rising demand for sustainability and changing consumer demographics. Click Read More below for additional information.

Novolex, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group and an industry leader in packaging choice and sustainability, announced it will acquire The Waddington Group from Newell Brands, Inc. The transaction is expected to close in approximately 60 days. Headquartered in Covington, Ky., The Waddington Group is a global manufacturer and marketer of packaging and disposables serving the foodservice, bakery, deli, produce and confectionery markets. Novolex is a leading provider of packaging solutions serving retail, grocery, food service, hospitality, institutional and industrial markets. Click Read More below for additional information.

First Quarter Overview – Significant year-on-year improvement across all key metrics * Group underlying1 revenue growth of 7% year-on-year * Group EBITDA growth of 22% year-on-year to €340 million * EBITDA margin of 15.7%, significant year-on-year improvement * Increased ROCE of 16.1% * Improved net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.2x; medium-term target of 1.75x to 2.5x. Click Read More below for additional information.

January–March 2018 (10–12/2017) • Sales were EUR 492.3 million (451.3). • Comparable operating result was EUR 69.0 million (54.4), or 14.0% (12.0) of sales. The operating result was EUR 69.0 million (54.4). • Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.15 (0.12), and earnings per share were EUR 0.15 (0.12). • Comparable return on capital employed was 15.8% (12.4). Click Read More below for additional information.

AptarGroup, Inc. announced that as of May 1, 2018, it has acquired Reboul from Vacheron Industries SAS. Reboul is a French leader in the design and industrial production of high-quality metal components, metal-plastic sub-assemblies, next generation lipstick mechanisms, and complete color cosmetic packaging solutions. This strategic acquisition brings to Aptar complementary and distinctive capabilities including deep metal drawing, high speed metal stamping, as well as differentiated lipstick mechanism design and manufacturing. The transaction positions Aptar well to capitalize on growth in the color cosmetics market, while further strengthening its ability to serve customers in the skincare and fragrance markets. Click Read More below for additional information.

The net sales increase of $161 million from the prior year quarter was primarily attributed to acquisition net sales of $106 million, selling price increases of $59 million due to the pass through of higher resin prices, and a $34 million favorable impact from foreign currency changes, partially offset by a 2% base volume decline. The operating income increase of $13 million from the prior year quarter was primarily attributed to acquisition operating income of $20 million, a $13 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expense due to synergies and cost reductions, a $7 million decrease in depreciation and amortization, and a $5 million favorable impact from foreign currency changes, partially offset by a $22 million negative impact from under recovery of higher cost of goods sold, and a $7 million negative impact from lower base volumes, and a $3 million increase in business integration expenses. Click Read More below for additional information.

Norbord Inc. reported Adjusted EBITDA of $170 million for the first quarter of 2018 versus $103 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $204 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. The year-over-year improvement is primarily due to higher North American oriented strand board (OSB) prices and shipment volumes, as well as higher European panel prices. The quarter-over-quarter decrease is due to lower North American OSB price realizations and shipment volumes. North American operations generated Adjusted EBITDA of $156 million compared to $102 million in the same quarter last year and $195 million in the prior quarter. European operations delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $18 million versus $6 million in same quarter last year and $12 million in the prior quarter. Click Read More below for additional information.

Net sales of $1.1 billion increased 10% on an as reported basis. Currency had a positive impact on total net sales of 4%, or $36 million. As reported, net sales increased across all regions. Net loss from continuing operations on an as reported basis was $208 million, or $(1.25) per diluted share, as compared to $54 million, or $(0.27) per diluted share, in the first quarter 2017. Net loss in the first quarter 2018 was unfavorably impacted by $293 million of special items, primarily related to $290 million of provisional tax expense for one-time tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings pursuant to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("TCJA"). Click Read More below for additional information.

The international packaging design competition Better with Less – Design Challenge, organised by Metsä Board was created to find new environmentally-friendly and functional packaging solutions for some of the world’s most frequently used and fastest growing types of consumer packages. The competition was launched in November and by the time it closed at the end of March 2018 there had been an impressive 302 design concepts entered from 38 different countries. The competition jury included several renowned packaging design experts who now have selected the following ten finalists: Janne Asikainen - Koepala Cup Pocket™; Jeroen Caelen - Plastic banning toilet roll; Abdullah Cam - Moisture Face Creme Cosmetic Package; Insik Chung - ECO cake tray; Alessandro Grossi - Playing nature; Gerlinde Gruber - Fune - Sushi take-away; Sī Míng Guì - A scarf which can be turned into a hanger; Yukihiro Hozumi - Paperboard pocket tissue case; Pawel Krawczugo - Twist; Iiro Numminen - Stretching inner part. Click Read More below for additional information.

Challenges, opportunities and new ways of working were the topics of the day at Europe’s first shopping bag summit, hosted by Mondi. The paper bag industry took an important step towards sustainable innovation when leading shopping bag converters, suppliers and customers came together in Prague on 19 April for Let’s Paper the World 2018 – the first European shopping bag summit, organised by Mondi Group’s Speciality Kraft Paper segment. Participants included global brands Benetton, H&M and REWE Group; bag manufacturers; papermakers and paper associations; ink and glue producers; bag machine manufacturers; and market intelligence leader Mintel. Click Read More below for additional information.

Transcontinental Inc. is pleased to announce that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of the business of Coveris Americas, a business previously held by Coveris Holdings S.A. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Coveris Americas manufactures a variety of flexible plastic and paper products, including rollstock, bags and pouches, coextruded films, shrink films, coated substrates and labels. Coveris Americas operates 21 well invested production facilities in the United States, Canada, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and China. With this Acquisition, TC Transcontinental welcomes 3,100 employees, the majority of whom are located in North America and Latin America. "We could not be prouder of this historical acquisition as we become a North American leader in flexible packaging,” said François Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. “We started building our Packaging network only four years ago through a robust acquisition strategy to complement our well established printing and media operations and, today, the acquisition of Coveris Americas marks a major milestone in our continued journey to long-term profitable growth." Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki’s innovative GreeNest® egg packaging, using 50 percent grass fibers, is now available in the United States. In partnership with Sauder’s Eggs, Huhtamaki has introduced an environmentally conscience egg package nearly as natural as Sauder’s Pasture Raised Eggs themselves. Our GreeNest® line of molded fiber egg packaging provides the same protection as traditional molded fiber egg packaging, while being both home and commercially compostable. Customers will be able to actually see and feel the grass fibers on the surface of the packaging, reinforcing brands who value sustainability. It all comes together with a patented production technology that produces a completely natural product made from grass collected in nature reserves. The process also reduces the carbon footprint of production by 10 percent while consuming less recovered paper. Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki has acquired the majority of Tailored Packaging, an Australian foodservice packaging distribution and wholesale group. With the acquisition Huhtamaki gains access to a national network of distribution centers across Australia, allowing it to serve its customers even better and with more agility. Tailored Packaging is a national foodservice packaging distribution and wholesale group, founded in Sydney in 2001 and having sales offices and distribution centers in each state of Australia. Tailored Packaging employs app. 130 people and is one of the largest importers and distributors of foodservice packaging in Australia. Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki has sold its confectionary trademark portfolio to Highlander Partners, a US based investment firm. Related to the sale, an after taxes gain of approximately USD 16 million will be booked as an item affecting comparability (IAC) during the second quarter of 2018. The sold trademark portfolio was related to Huhtamaki's confectionary business divested in 1996.

Tetra Pak aims to launch a paper straw that is suitable for its portion-sized carton packages before the end of the year, as part of a broader programme to help address the issue of plastic straw waste. Straws play an integral functional role on portion packages, but if not properly disposed of, they then become part of the plastics waste problem. The company has been working to encourage consumers to push straws “back in the pack” once empty, so they can be collected along with the rest of the package. Now, work is under way to develop a paper straw that is suitable for use on its portion-size carton packages. Click Read More below for additional information.

First Quarter Summary • Reported sales increased 17%, including the positive effect of currency rates (+10%) • Core sales, excluding currency effects, rose 7% driven by growth in each business segment • Reported net income (8% of net sales) increased 14% to $59 million • Adjusted EBITDA (19% of net sales) increased 17% to $134 million • Reported earnings per share grew 14% to $0.92 and included costs associated with our business transformation ($0.07 per share) • Adjusted earnings per share of $0.99 compared to prior year reported earnings per share of $0.81 (+22%) and to prior year currency adjusted earnings per share of $0.90 (+10%) • Business transformation progressing as planned. Click Read More below for additional information.

U.S. Packaging net sales of $666.0 million for the first quarter of 2018 represented an increase of 2.6 percent compared to the same period of 2017. The increase in net sales was driven primarily by sales price and mix partially offset by lower unit volumes of approximately 1 percent. Lower unit volumes were driven by the Company’s planned shutdown of its Shelbyville, Tennessee facility. U.S. Packaging operating profit increased to $87.2 million in the first quarter of 2018, or 13.1 percent of net sales, compared to $83.5 million, or 12.9 percent of net sales, in 2017. The increase in U.S. Packaging operating profit was driven by improved operations and cost savings from the Company’s Agility plan. Click Read More below for additional information.

Net sales for the first quarter of 2018 were $1.01 billion, an increase of $206.9 million, or 25.7 percent, as compared to $805.4 million in 2017. This increase was the result of the acquisition of the Dispensing Systems operations in April 2017 and higher net sales in each of the businesses. Income before interest and income taxes for the first quarter of 2018 was $92.2 million, an increase of $35.4 million, or 62.3 percent, as compared to $56.8 million for the first quarter of 2017, and margins increased to 9.1 percent from 7.1 percent for the same periods. Click Read More below for additional information.

Highlights: • For the first quarter 2018, the Company recorded earnings from continuing operations of $0.59 per share (diluted). This was on the upper end of management guidance of $0.55 to $0.60 per share. • Net sales were $1.7 billion, an increase of nearly 8 percent compared to the prior year, due to higher prices and favorable currency translation. Total glass container shipments in the first quarter of 2018 were comparable to the prior year quarter, with low-single-digit gains reported in the Americas. • Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were $135 million, compared with $73 million in the prior year, driven by solid operational performance and non-recurrence of certain expenses in the prior year. Click Read More below for additional information.

Net Sales increased 39% to $1,476.0 million in the first quarter of 2018, compared to $1,061.5 million in the prior year period. The $414.5 million increase was driven by $359.5 million of revenue from the SBS mill and foodservice converting assets, $25.5 million of improved volume/mix related primarily to acquisitions, $24.0 million of favorable foreign exchange, and $5.5 million of higher pricing. EBITDA for the first quarter of 2018 was $187.6 million, or $35.3 million higher than the first quarter of 2017. After adjusting both periods for business combinations and other special charges, Adjusted EBITDA increased 43% to $230.8 million in the first quarter of 2018 from $160.9 million in the first quarter of 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.

Total boxboard production decreased 1.9 percent when compared to March 2017 but increased 5.2 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production increased over the same month a year ago but decreased compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard and Liner production increased when compared to March 2017 and increased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard decreased compared to March 2017 and increased when compared to last month.

Following extensive dialogue with international packaging converters and brand owner partners, Flint Group is positioned to revolutionise printing and colour management with VIVO Colour Solutions. With increasing demands from global brand owners for colour equity across geographies and packaging substrates, Flint Group’s Paper & Board business segment has developed a solution that can truly, and reliably, meet the colour management needs of all stakeholders in the package print value and supply chain. VIVO Colour Solutions is a family of products and services with its foundations dating back to 2010 when Flint Group started to compile the essential elements of a robust and dynamic colour communication and service platform. Click Read More below for additional information.

Net sales for the first quarter were $1.30 billion, an increase of $131.9 million, or 11.2 percent, from last year’s quarter. The improvement reflects an increase in sales added by acquisitions, the positive impact of foreign exchange, higher selling prices implemented to recover rising freight, wages and operating inflation, and modest volume growth. Gross profits were a record $250.6 million in the first quarter, an increase of $27.6 million or 12.4 percent, compared with $223.0 million in the same period in 2017. Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased to 19.2 percent, compared with 19.0 percent in the same period in 2017. The gross profit percentage increase was primarily due to manufacturing and procurement productivity mostly offsetting higher raw material and other operating costs. Click Read More below for additional information.

Metsä Board is delighted to announce it has won the 2018 Luxe Pack Shanghai ’in green’ Award with its SkinCare 2.0 gift box Design. Created by Metsä Board’s packaging design team, the new SkinCare 2.0 gift box uses fibre based materials to replace plastic. The outer rigid box is made with a new pulp molding process. Each of three cartons are made of lightweight paperboard and offer a unique opening and reclosing experience combined with maximum runnability performance on automated packaging lines. Cyril Drouet, Design and Innovation Director at Metsä Board, comments; “We are extremely pleased with the recognition that the SkinCare 2.0 gift box design is currently getting globally. It is a great example of how we want to inspire packaging designers and brand owners with new innovative solutions in packaging design and using renewable materials.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Total Packaging Papers shipments were down 6.6 percent compared to March 2017 and down 6.5 percent year-to-date. Bag & Sack shipments were down 8.3 percent year-to-date. Multiwall shipments were down 12.6 percent. Converting shipments were down 2.8 percent and Food Wrapping shipments remained essentially flat. The operating rate for March decreased to 87.4 percent from 88.5 percent in February. Inventories were up 1.4 percent since February.

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.

Net sales in the first quarter were $2,197 million compared to $1,901 million in the first quarter of 2017 reflecting increased beverage can volumes, the pass through of higher material costs to customers, and $121 million of favorable currency translation impact. Income from operations was $221 million in the quarter compared to $225 million in the first quarter of 2017. Segment income increased to $245 million in the first quarter compared to $226 million in the prior year first quarter and included $12 million of favorable currency translation impact. Click Read More below for additional information.

First Quarter Operating Highlights: Consolidated net sales of $799 million in the first quarter of 2018 increased by $33 million, or 4 percent compared to $766 million for the 2017 first quarter. The increase in net sales is primarily due to higher prices, partially offset by lower sales volume. The Company sold 662,000 tons of paper during the first quarter of 2018 compared to 699,000 tons a year earlier. Net income of $33 million for the 2018 first quarter increased by $27 million, or 446 percent, compared to the 2017 first quarter. The higher earnings primarily reflects: •Higher selling prices and a better product mix of $48 million, •Favorable productivity of $10 million mainly due to higher mill production, •Lower recycled fiber costs of $6 million. Click Read More below for additional information.

An upgrade of the mill, which is in South West France, was successfully completed in March following a three-week shutdown and included the implementation of a new pulp washing line, and a complete overhaul of the black liquor recovery boiler. SKG next plans a series of improvements to the paper machine No. 5 commencing in 2019 which, on completion, will increase its production capacity of white top kraftliner from 174,000 tonnes to 220,000 tonnes per annum, and further enhance the quality of this premium product. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Covington Paperworkers Union says they have ratified the WestRock offer after a vote Thursday. This means that the union has agreed on a new contract that was presented by union representatives for the papermill's workers. 94 percent of the eligible members voted, with 54 percent in favor for the new contract. It is the first new contract offered to WestRock workers in Covington since 2010.

Sonoco announced it has completed the acquisition of Highland Packaging Solutions, a Plant City, Fla.-based, leading manufacturer of thermoformed packaging for fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs found in the fast-growing perimeter of retail supermarkets. Sonoco acquired the privately-held Highland for approximately $150 million in cash. Highland’s financial results will be added to Sonoco’s Consumer Packaging segment, and the business will operate within the Company’s Global Plastics division. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sonoco ThermoSafe and Cathay Pacific Cargo announced a global partnership agreement for the leasing of the PharmaPort 360 temperature controlled bulk shipping container. The agreement enables pharmaceutical shippers to lease PharmaPort 360 containers directly from Cathay Pacific Cargo. The PharmaPort 360 utilizes proprietary hybrid technology to provide extremely precise, long duration +5C temperature control for transporting high value cargo for the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies. Once charged, the PharmaPort functions like an active temperature controlled container without the energy consumption, heat discharge or temperature variability of other compressor-based technologies. The PharmaPort’s hybrid technology allows it to operate on battery power substantially longer than competing active units used for bulk air shipments, and it also eliminates the need for refrigerated trucks for lengthy truck lanes. Click Read More below for additional information.

Alliance Packaging is adopting high-end, direct-to-board digital printing with the purchase of an EFI™ Nozomi C18000 single-pass corrugated packaging press from Electronics For Imaging, Inc. The ultra-high-speed press is a groundbreaking offering in the digital corrugated packaging space because of its high production capacity and its complete integrated system. Alliance Packaging – the Northwestern U.S.’s largest independent corrugated box manufacturer – is installing the breakthrough digital production press at its Seattle headquarters facility to provide its customers with new capabilities that will reduce waste, cost and turnaround time. The second-generation, family-owned 500-employee business focuses on high-end corrugated applications and specializes in fast turnaround times, intricate designs and superior-quality printing. Click Read More below for additional information.

LEIPA Group CEO Peter Probst: “We look forward to growing successfully with our customers and partners. The demand for White Top Liner remains consistently high and the trend is rising. Prices are at a high level as well. These factors result in excellent conditions for the market launch of the PM 5.” As an international market leader LEIPA will have developed a one-stop shop for their customers with the PM 3 and PM 5, offering an annual total capacity of 700,000 tons of coated and uncoated White Top Testliner. Christian Schürmann, COO of LEIPA Georg Leinfelder GmbH said: “The entire project team has done a great job rebuilding the PM 5. We will produce a state-of-the-art testliner on this machine – the world’s most powerful of its kind – and start with our first deliveries in April.” Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Raflatac has further expanded its PP Lite range of labeling solutions for the European market with the introduction of two new products, clear-on-clear PP FTC Lite and PP Solid White FTC Lite. The PP Lite range helps brands achieve their sustainability targets with lightweight, eco-designed face materials, adhesives, and backing materials. Products in the PP Lite range combine a lighter face material, a lower coat-weight adhesive, and a lighter backing. This makes them incredibly lightweight overall, optimizes raw material use, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste. As well as helping brand owners increase the sustainability of their packaging, PP Lite range also boosts productivity across the value chain. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa is installing a revolutionary new industrial-scale HP PageWide C500 digital press for corrugated printing which will provide greater customisation and flexibility for customers. The HP PageWide C500 Press, which will be the first commercial HP single pass press in Europe, is HP’s most technologically advanced digital press for corrugated application. The press will be installed in Smurfit Kappa’s Interwell plant in Austria. With a fully integrated stack-to-stack workflow, the press combines digital simplicity with off-set replaceable print quality on both coated and uncoated paper. The cutting-edge technology will provide brand owners with customised packaging solutions that can drive sales across both online and traditional sales channels. The graphic flexibility and quality of the new HP PageWide C500 Press will further enhance the company’s service to drive brand recognition and provide fit-for-purpose packaging. Furthermore, the HP water-based inks facilitate printing on both primary and secondary food packaging without an additional barrier which can comply with even the most stringent global food safety regulations. Click Read More below for additional information.

Tetra Pak has launched a suite of new packaging material effects, known as Tetra Pak® Artistry, to help food and beverage producers revitalise the look and feel of their products. These effects help brands attract shoppers’ attention without the need for the manufacturer to switch to a new packaging format or invest in new equipment. Charles Brand, Executive VP, Product Management and Commercial Operations at Tetra Pak said, “In a world where almost everything needs to be ‘personalisable’, we want to provide customers with something unique to help their brands rise above the noise and reach the shopper. The new suite of effects and expressions will help our customers enhance their brand at no additional investment, making it a cost-effective solution to their needs.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Packaging Corporation of America recently celebrated the start of construction of its new full-line corrugated box plant in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Attendees at the official groundbreaking included PCA management; the mayor of Marshfield and other city officials; the builders of the new facility; and employees from the nearby Colby plant, who were transported on coach buses to Marshfield for the event. PCA's new, state-of-the-art plant will replace the existing plant in Colby. Many of that plant's long-time employees will continue to work at Marshfield, which is about 20 miles from Colby. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sonoco announced the start of Robert C. Tiede’s tenure as the new President and CEO of Sonoco. Tiede replaces the retiring Jack Sanders, who served as President and CEO since 2013. Tiede will be the ninth CEO of the 119-year-old company. "It’s humbling, and truly an honor to have the opportunity to lead such a storied company, with a legacy going back more than a century,” said Tiede. “This is an exciting time for Sonoco as we continue to evolve our portfolio and geographic footprint in ways that help us serve our purpose, Better Packaging. Better Life., while delivering value to our shareholders, our customers and our teammates.” Prior to being named CEO, Rob served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Sonoco, with global leadership, sales and operating responsibility for all of the Company’s diversified consumer, industrial and protective packaging businesses. Click Read More below for additional information.

Employees of the local Sonoco Products Co. plant have been notified the plant will close by the end of May, officials said. Plant Manager Andy Holden said the closing of the Florence-Lauderdale Industrial Park plant is part of an overall strategy from the company, which produces consumer and industrial packaging products. Holden said 36 employees are at the plant. He said the company and state career center officials are assisting them in seeking other employment. Click Read More below for additional information.

PCA recently celebrated the start of construction of its new full-line corrugated plant in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Attendees at the official groundbreaking included PCA management; the mayor of Marshfield and other city officials; the builders of the new facility; and employees from the nearby Colby plant, who were transported on coach buses to Marshfield for the event. PCA Executive Vice President Tom Hassfurther addressed the audience and participated with others in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The event also included lunch served inside a warming tent.

For those of us who love our dogs and treat them like children, it’s rewarding to buy treats to help keep them healthy and happy—a purchase made especially easy when the treat packaging delivers shelf appeal as enticing as Blue Dog Bakery’s new treats. Packaged Facts’ “Pet Treats and Chews in the U.S., 2nd Edition” estimates that sales of pet treats and chews reached $6.4 billion in 2017. “Pet marketers looking to tap into ‘pet parenting’ dollars are on fertile ground when it comes to dog and cat treats and chews,” says Packaged Facts, “with treat time serving an important role in the human/animal bond.”

The Contract Packaging Association (CPA) has released its State of the Industry Report, a comprehensive benchmark study that provides valuable insights for anyone involved in the industry. The report combines 100-question interviews with more than 120 CEOs and senior industry executives with primary and secondary research, making it a valuable planning tool for anyone connected to the industry.

In 2017, PMMI awarded over $140,000 in scholarships to support the development of a skilled workforce capable of moving the packaging and processing industry forward. Each year through the PMMI Foundation, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, provides scholarships to students studying packaging, food processing, engineering and mechatronics at PMMI Partner Schools throughout the United States and Canada. “As an industry leader, PMMI knows the importance of developing a workforce to advancing the packaging and processing industry,” says Jim Pittas, president, and CEO, PMMI. “We are committed to the future of this industry and want to spread the message that the packaging and processing industry is a great place for students to start a career.”

As a result of innovative thinking based on decades of competence from papermaking, BillerudKorsnäs today proudly launches its first packaging with a climate-positive impact. D-Sack®, the dissolvable sack for cement and other construction materials, disintegrates in a conventional mixer and the bio-based carbon in the paper is captured in the construction itself. The award-winning D-Sack, co-developed in a close cooperation between BillerudKorsnäs and LafargeHolcim, has several significant advantages over conventional cement sacks. The sack dissolves during the mixing process, which minimizes cement waste, eliminates packaging waste and saves time, whilst ensuring a cleaner, safer and healthier workplace.

The Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) on March 23 presented its 2018 Technology of the Year Award to Celplast Metallized Products Ltd. (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) for its role in the northbox insulated shipper. The awards ceremony took place at the group’s annual meeting, which was held at the DoubleTree South Park Hotel in Charlotte, N.C.

The privately held Italian-Dutch global manufacturer of confectionery and gum launched SHARE-A-BOWL by teaming up with Sonoco Flexible Packaging, which acquired the PrimaPak technology when it purchased Clear Lam Packaging in July of last year.

The Board of Smurfit Kappa (the “Board”) announces that it received a revised proposal (the “Revised Proposal”) from International Paper Company (“International Paper”) on Thursday evening, 22 March 2018. Under the terms of the Revised Proposal, Smurfit Kappa shareholders would receive €25.25 in cash (which would be reduced to €24.605 after payment of the final dividend of 64.5 cent recommended on 7 February 2018 and to be paid on 11 May 2018 (the “Final Dividend”)) and 0.3028 new shares of International Paper common stock for each Smurfit Kappa ordinary share held by them.

Back in the news after a self-imposed hiatus is one of the more intriguing sustainable-packaging initiatives of the past decade. That would be the paper bottle made by Ecologic Brands. Made popular in a number of categories—wine, pet food, protein powders, and laundry detergent to name a few—the container consists of a molded-pulp outer shell made from recycled corrugated and old newspapers that can be recycled up to seven times. An inner film polyethylene pouch with spout has been, until now, the inner component that comes in contact with the product, whether liquid, powder, or other. When compared with a rigid plastic container, the pouch reduces plastic use dramatically, says Ecologic. And because the shells can be nested and the pouch can be transported flat to an end user, one truckload of the packaging materials equals nine truckloads of rigid plastic containers.

Packaging Corporation of America’s containerboard mill in DeRidder, Louisiana, recently announced that it is offering scholarships to two graduating seniors from each of six local schools: DeRidder High School, Merryville High School, Singer High School, East Beauregard High School, Rosepine High School and South Beauregard High School. For each school, one scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 and another at $500. The criteria used to select the recipients includes financial need, scholastic excellence, extra-curricular activities and relationship of degree to the papermaking industry.

Xanita, the makers of sustainable fiberboard, launched the Xanita Board in the USA and Canada. Xanita Board is being brought to market through a partnership with Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. The partnership will entail Mohawk taking the position of master distributor for Xanita Board in the North American region. Mohawk will offer the full range of Xanita products and have stock available until the end of March 2018. “The U.S. is by far the biggest market in our category, and we’re thrilled to have a partner like Mohawk to help maximize our position in the market,” says James Beattie, CEO, Xanita.

Sonoco announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Highland Packaging Solutions for approximately $150 million in cash. Highland is a privately owned producer of thermoformed plastic packaging for fresh produce and dairy products, based in Plant City, Fla. The transaction is subject to normal regulatory review and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018. Owned by Steve Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer, and John Durham, along with select members of the company’s leadership team, Highland has grown from a regional supplier of agriculture packaging products into a global packaging company with 2017 net sales of approximately $90 million. The Company has approximately 425 employees operating a world-class production facility in Plant City producing a total packaging solution for customers that includes sophisticated engineered containers, flexographic printed labels and inventory management through distribution warehouses in the Southeast and West Coast of the United States. Click Read More below for additional information.

The two new containerboard production lines will be designed to produce high-quality testliner grades out of 100 percent recycled raw materials as the four production lines ordered last year. The start-ups of PM 43 and PM 45 are scheduled to take place within a few months' timeframe in 2019. The start-ups of the four previous production lines are scheduled to take place a few months apart from each other starting from mid-2018. PM 43 and PM 45 will produce testliner grades with a basis weight range of 75-140 g/m2. Click Read More below for additional information.

Olov Winblad von Walter has been appointed VP, Husum Board and Pulp Mill. He will be responsible for managing Metsä Board’s integrated board and pulp mill at Husum. Winblad von Walter will start 20 September at the latest, and will report to Harri Pihlajaniemi, SVP Production at Metsä Board. Olov Winblad von Walter has extensive experience in the forest industry with companies including Iggesund Paperboard, Metsä Board, APRIL Fine Paper and MoDo Paper. He succeeds Pertti Hietaniemi, who will continue in his present position until Winblad von Walter’s start date. Metsä Board’s Husum mill is an integrated board and pulp mill producing fresh fibre folding boxboard, food service board and white kraftliner as well as bleached market pulp.

Total boxboard production increased 2.4 percent when compared to February 2017, but decreased 4.8 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production increased over the same month a year ago, but decreased compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production increased when compared to February 2017 and increased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard decreased compared to February 2017 and decreased when compared to last month.

Smurfit Kappa’s Mengíbar Paper Mill in Spain is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The mill first opened its doors in 1968 and quickly established itself as a strategic partner for innovative paper solutions. The Mengíbar Paper Mill uses recycled fibres to make high-quality containerboard for corrugated packaging. The mill’s location in Southern Spain puts it in a prime position to serve Smurfit Kappa’s extensive network of corrugated plants. The close integration between the Mengibar Paper Mill and the corrugated plants enables Smurfit Kappa to facilitate customers’ needs at a moment’s notice. With 121 employees, the mill is a key local employer with many families having two and sometimes even three generations working there since the mill opened 50 years ago. Click Read More below for additional information.

Containerboard production was down 3.0 percent compared to February 2017 and down 1.1 percent year-to-date. The month-over-month average daily production compared to January 2018 was 3.2 percent lower. The containerboard operating rate was 94.1 percent, or 3.1 percentage points lower than the same month last year. Production for exports was 6.0 percent lower than February 2017 and 8.4 percent lower year-to-date.

Total Packaging Papers shipments were 207,700 tons, 3.1 percent lower than February 2017. Bag & Sack shipments were down 8.6 percent year-to-date and Multiwall shipments were down 14.5 percent, while Food Wrapping shipments and Converting shipments were both down less than 1 percent. The operating rate for February increased to 88.5 percent from 84.3 percent in January. Inventories were 175,600 tons, up 2.2 percent since January.

Mondi has launched Orange Board, a new customer service brand covering a full range of technical sales services for containerboard customers. Taking into account the importance of customer service and the value of round-the-clock support, Mondi Containerboard has updated its offering and aligned its three service packages under a new umbrella brand. Orange Board offers customers enhanced services including a new 24/7 online platform called Corrugated Paper Expert; seminars and workshops covering the entire value chain from the forest to corrugated box performance; country-specific seminars to equip customers for their marketplaces and enable tailor-made consultations at customers' sites. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Raflatac's new Premium Gloss UVI product, the highest quality premium-gloss paper labelstock for UV ink-jet printing on the market, continues to receive rave reviews from the industry. The latest comes from Domino, which is one of the industry-leading printing press manufacturers UPM Raflatac collaborated with to ensure the product would achieve excellent print quality on their machines. "We endorse UPM Raflatac's new Premium Gloss UVI product," says Dale Rawhoof, Product Manager, Digital Printing, Domino. "Ideal for multicolor labels, their new product reproduces images with an almost photograph-like quality, every time, which is a true innovation for semi-gloss papers on UV ink-jet printers. Domino is proud to have worked closely with UPM Raflatac to help them bring this innovative, superior solution to market." Click Read More below for additional information.

Sonoco has been awarded several Gold- and Silver-level Achievement Awards at the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) Annual Meeting. Sonoco’s PrimaPak® package for Perfetti Van Melle Mentos® SHARE-A-BOWL™ was awarded a Gold Award for Packaging Excellence, a Silver Award for Expanding the Use of Flexible Packaging and a Silver Award for Technical Innovation. Sonoco’s PromoPeel™ integrated label technology for flexible packaging was awarded a Silver Award for Printing and Shelf Impact. “We’re so proud of these achievements – it’s an honor to be recognized by our peers,” said Ross Bushnell, division vice president and general manager, Sonoco Global Flexibles. “As a company, we value brand and consumer insights as the engine for innovation. Each of these new technologies represents unmet needs in the marketplace, delivering added value to both customers and consumers, and that’s a powerful combination.” Click Read More below for additional information.

TC Transcontinental Packaging is pleased to announce that it has won the Gold award for Sustainability with its compostable peanut bag at the 2018 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Competition. Developed internally at Transcontinental Ultra Flex, the new flexible peanut bag was designed using certified compostable materials to support arenas and stadiums’ green initiatives and help sports teams, venues, and leagues achieve the next level of landfill waste diversion. This award celebrates TC Transcontinental Packaging’s commitment to sustainability, especially to ecodesign, as it strives to design products that take into consideration the environmental impacts of the product during its entire life-cycle. “The chief benefit of the new bag is that it reduces the amount of labour previously devoted to the manual sorting of materials collected during clean-up after games. The economic benefit is the lowering of overall waste management costs for the venue and the environmental benefits of this package center around the use of renewable resources and its easy inclusion into the venue managed composting program,” said Todd Addison, Vice President, Business Development at TC Transcontinental Packaging. “It is a great honour to be recognized by the industry for setting a new bar for packaging sustainability. Our customers can count on us to always look for new materials, new technologies and new techniques to create brilliant packaging that meets today’s consumer needs.” Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM is committed to creating value from sustainable bioinnovations. In addition to renewable diesel, the UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery produces renewable naphtha - an excellent raw material for bioplastics. It can be transformed into renewable resins needed to create bioplastics, e.g. for the packaging industry. Choosing the right packaging solution can make a big difference. Beverage cartons have the lowest CO2 footprint among liquid food packaging today. Now even the plastic coating of cartons can be wood-based - using renewable polyethylene reduces the footprint further. Elopak, Norway-based company supplying 15 billion cartons around the world each year, joined forces with UPM Biofuels and Dow to offer 100% renewable cartons that are both recyclable and responsibly sourced. Click Read More below for additional information.

To support the delivery of beverage packaging innovations that increase shelf appeal, convenience and sustainability and continue providing world-class customer service, Crown Europe has made major investments in its Bevcan Graphics Studio. The facility, based in Leicester, U.K. features new computer-to-plate (CTP) imaging technology, a new 8-colour proofing machine to complement the existing upgraded version and additional enhancements to its flat digital proofing capabilities. “Crown recognizes that packaging is an essential element of brand identity, which is built on consistency, quality, innovation and graphical excellence,” said Ian Gannicott, General Manager Graphics at Crown Bevcan Europe and Middle East. “Our investments in the Graphics Studio were made with the customer front of mind, and from the results we have seen so far, we are confident that we focused efforts in the right places. In 2017, activity levels soared by 26 percent on top of an already busy visit schedule, which demonstrates the quality, dedication and commitment our team delivers every single day.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Highlights – underlying earnings unless otherwise indicated (1)(2) •Profit after tax (PAT) of USD 329.7 million up 3.7% on a constant currency basis; •Earnings per share (EPS) of 28.5 US cents up 3.7% on a constant currency basis; •Profit before interest and tax (PBIT) margin up 30 basis points to 11.4%; •Strong returns, measured as profit before interest and tax to average funds employed of 19.7%; •Operating cash flow, after net capital expenditure and cash significant items of USD 90.8 million(3); and •Interim dividend per share increased 7.7% to 21.0 US cents. Click Read More below for additional information. Click Read More below for additional information.

Metsä Board is pleased to announce that its revolutionary paperboard cup design, ‘Lidloc’, has won an iF Design Award at a prestigious awards ceremony held at the BMW Welt in Munich on 9 March. The Lidloc design has broken new ground in paperboard cup design and recognises the increased focus upon developing sustainable packaging. The design has a patent pending and is based upon an extension to a standard cup structure that folds and locks into an integrated lid. Click Read More below for additional information.

Creative eCommerce and shelf-ready packaging solutions for a diverse range of products including gin, orchids, sausages and pizza received praise from the judging panel for their clever use of materials and innovative approach to the brief. The packaging leader’s haul included two gold, four silver, three bronze and two special awards. The ‘Packaging Star of the Year’ award went to Smurfit Kappa Designer Paul Lowes for his ‘infectious energy’ in striving for the best solution when creating his ‘Shop in a Box’ product. Click Read More below for additional information.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Highlights (as compared to fourth quarter 2016): • Revenue increased 13.1% to $237.4 million primarily due to additional revenue from the Cantech Acquisition (1), an increase in average selling price, including the impact of product mix, and an increase in sales volume. • Gross margin decreased to 22.8% from 25.6% primarily due to the non-recurrence of Insurance Proceeds (2). Gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2016 would have been 21.7% excluding the impact of the Insurance Proceeds. Fourth Quarter 2017 Highlights (as compared to fourth quarter 2016): • Revenue increased 13.1% to $237.4 million primarily due to additional revenue from the Cantech Acquisition (1), an increase in average selling price, including the impact of product mix, and an increase in sales volume. • Gross margin decreased to 22.8% from 25.6% primarily due to the non-recurrence of Insurance Proceeds (2). Gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2016 would have been 21.7% excluding the impact of the Insurance Proceeds. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Raflatac has joined Ellen MacArthur's Circular Economy 100 programme on its journey towards a more sustainable future. As the world's most sustainable labeling company and as part of UPM, the Biofore Company, UPM Raflatac wants to aim higher and make the circular economy a reality in the whole packaging value chain. The Circular Economy 100 (CE 100) is a pre-competitive innovation programme established to enable organisations to develop new opportunities and realise their circular economy ambitions faster. It brings together corporates, governments and cities, academic institutions, emerging innovators and affiliates in a unique multi-stakeholder platform. Specially developed programme elements help members learn, build capacity, network, and collaborate with key organisations around the circular economy. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa explored the part that packaging can play in boosting online sales in an eCommerce event last week. During the week-long event, the packaging leader launched an array of innovative new concepts and services designed to optimise performance in the rapidly growing eCommerce sector. Over 150 visitors, including brand owners and etailers, came to the event which also included interactive exhibitions and demonstrations of how packaging can differentiate a product offering. A range of tools tailor-made for the eCommerce sector were unveiled at the event including one which is used to define the exact type of packaging required to prevent product damage during the supply chain and another that kick-starts the processes to ensure fit-for-purpose automation solutions. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa notes the announcement released on the evening of 6 March 2018 by International Paper Company setting out the price of the unsolicited and highly opportunistic proposal that was originally made to the Board of Smurfit Kappa on 23 February 2018 and rejected in the Group’s announcement of 6 March 2018. The Board of Smurfit Kappa has already carefully considered, with its financial advisers, the Proposal in detail and has unanimously rejected it on the basis that it fails entirely to reflect the Group’s superior prospects as an independent business and represents a valuation multiple significantly below recent comparable transactions. Shareholders are strongly advised to take no action. This announcement is made without the consent of International Paper. Click Read More below for additional information.

Further to the announcement by Smurfit Kappa Group plc, International Paper Company confirms that it has submitted a proposal to acquire the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Smurfit Kappa. Under the terms of the Proposal, Smurfit Kappa shareholders would be entitled to receive €22.00 in cash and 0.3028 new International Paper shares of common stock for each Smurfit Kappa ordinary share held by them. In aggregate, the Proposal values Smurfit Kappa's current issued share capital at approximately €8.6 billion and would provide Smurfit Kappa shareholders with a shareholding of approximately 15 per cent. in International Paper post-completion (calculated by reference to the number of International Paper shares of common stock in issue as at 5 March 2018). Click Read More below for additional information.

In March 2018, Hamburger Rieger GmbH will start the scheduled construction of its second paper machine at its Spremberg location. The new plant’s commissioning is scheduled for summer 2020. The planned product range includes white and brown corrugated base papers (testliner) based on 100% recycled paper. With a width of 7.80 metres, the machine will produce 500,000 tonnes of paper per year. For the preparation of white base materials an environmentally friendly deinking section will be installed. It combines innovative resource-conserving raw material processing and the paper machine's patented mode of operation.

Smurfit Kappa announces that it has received an unsolicited proposal from International Paper Company, headquartered in Memphis, USA, whereby International Paper would acquire Smurfit Kappa and Smurfit Kappa shareholders would receive a combination of cash and a minority holding in the combined business. The Board of Smurfit Kappa has carefully considered the Proposal and believes it is in the best interests of the Group’s shareholders and other stakeholders to pursue its future as an independent company, operating as the European and Pan-American leader in paper-based packaging. Smurfit Kappa is a world leader in paper-based packaging with an established track record of consistently delivering strong and improving operating and financial performance. Click Read More below for additional information.

Every winery has a story to tell as unique as the wines it bottles. But, with more wineries in the Eastern U.S. and Canada than ever before, standing tall among the competition has never been more difficult. And the label material a winery uses is key in catching the consumer's eye. UPM Raflatac, one of the global leaders in the production of wine label materials, is pleased to announce it will be bringing its wine experts to the Eastern Winery Exposition in Lancaster, Pennsylvania from March 6-8. Winemakers and wine industry professionals are invited to stop by UPM Raflatac's set-up at booth 173 in the Lancaster County Convention Center to learn more about what the company's wine label materials can do to distinguish wine brands. Samples of wine label materials will be available as well. Click Read More below for additional information.

Q4 2017 Highlights: • Sales of $1,082 million (compared to $1,103 million in Q3 2017 (-2%) and $979 million in Q4 2016 (+11%)) • As reported (including specific items) • Operating income of $45 million (compared to $51 million in Q3 2017 (-12%) and $33 million in Q4 2016 (+36%)) 2017 Annual Highlights: • Sales of $4,321 million (compared to $4,001 million in 2016 (+11%)) • As reported (including specific items) • Operating income of $175 million (compared to $221 million in 2016 (-21%)) Click Read More below for additional information.

•63% increase in throughput; 32% increase in run speed •Push button automation, 8,000 sph run speeds •Improved uptime and quality has resulted in improved bottom line •KBA North America along with KBA-Iberica team improves long term commitment to Ellis. In today’s competitive folding carton industry, manufacturers are continually challenged by demanding customers who request unique value-added features. That’s become even truer when those customers are leading international pharmaceutical firms. Canadian packaging specialist Ellis Paper Box, a member of the Ellis Group, the country’s largest privately-held manufacturer of folding cartons, has made it its mandate---and ultimately its successful reputation as one of the most valued manufacturers in the industry---to understand and respect the demanding standards required by the pharmaceutical industry. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Raflatac offers the highest-quality digital papers and films in the pressure sensitive label industry and one of the broadest film face stock portfolios in the digital market. But with such a diverse selection available, it can be daunting to find precisely the right materials for your digital printers. Help is here with UPM Raflatac's newly launched digital printer recommendation tool, which promises to deliver a comprehensive database of paper and film materials suitable for a variety of digital printing technologies. This innovative new tool provides up-to-date and accurate product information about UPM Raflatac's digital label stock materials as well as ratings for how they will perform on various digital printers, ranging from small desktop models to industrial-scale digital presses. Whether looking for paper or matte, gloss, white or clear film face stock materials, this new tool has you covered. Click Read More below for additional information.

Total boxboard production decreased 0.8 percent when compared to January 2017 and decreased 1.2 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production increased over the same month a year ago and was flat compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production decreased when compared to January 2017 and decreased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard decreased compared to January 2017, but increased when compared to last month.

Kotkamills Oy will launch the AEGLE™ Barrier Light in the show. AEGLE™ Barrier Light is an ideal packaging material, for example, for the needs of large fast-food chains. The products are also suited for short-term packaging of other greasy food-to-go products where a barrier is required. You are welcome to meet our sales representatives to learn more about our solutions for the packaging and food service industries, including the development of innovative, easily recyclable, barrier coated products. Click Read More below for additional information.

The CanCollar is cool. It’s also perfect for craft breweries who want to embrace better environmental stewardship. WestRock’s CanCollar is a durable, environmentally friendly, paperboard-based multipack solution for cans. The CanCollar is made from 86 percent renewable fiber and up to 15 percent recycled content. But maybe the best part of the CanCollar setup is that WestRock (an American paper and packaging manufacturer) also makes the machinery that smaller brewers and beverage companies can use to pack cans using the CanCollar. Watch the video above to see how easy these suckers are to install over your cans. The machinery, known as The Chunk, has helped breweries reduce line labor by 30 percent, giving one employee the ability to apply CanCollar to a full case of 24 cans in 12 seconds using a simple one-motion applicator. Click Read More below for additional information.

Pregis LLC has acquired Rex Performance Products (RPP), Marysville, Michigan, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will enable Pregis to build on its leadership position as one of the largest foam producers in North America. Founded in 2011, RPP is known for its high-quality laminated foam technology, as well as its customer-centric approach to doing business. The acquisition adds another 100,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, as well as 150,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space to the Pregis network. RPP currently has 85 employees. RPP has been led by Don Tate, president and chief executive officer, who will be joining Pregis and leading the combined engineered foam business going forward. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sun Chemical has launched SunCure® Accuflex UV, a new UV ink system for primary and secondary food packaging that is not manufactured with Bisphenol A (BPA)-based materials and meets low migration specifications. Designed for both folding carton and flexible film packaging applications where high press performance, color vibrancy and regulatory compliance are critical, SunCure AccuFlex UV flexo inks offer good adhesion to a variety of film substrates, provide great flexo viscosity stability under high shear conditions, and exhibit excellent UV cure response. Available in North America, SunCure AccuFlex UV inks can be used for a variety of paper packaging applications and feature low post-odor properties that are essential to many brand owners. Click Read More below for additional information.

Containerboard production was up 0.7 percent compared to January 2017. The month-over-month average daily production compared to December 2017 was 2.9 percent lower. The containerboard operating rate was 97.2 percent, or 2.2 percentage points higher than January 2017. Production for exports was 10.5 percent lower than January 2017, which was the month with the second highest export volume in 2017.

Total Packaging Papers shipments were 219,200 tons, 9.5 percent lower than January 2017. Bag & Sack shipments were down 13.4 percent month-over-month and Multiwall shipments were down 19.0 percent. Food Wrapping shipments were up 0.4 percent. The operating rate for January was 84.3 percent, the second lowest over the last 13 months. Inventories were 171,800 tons, up 3.6 percent since December 2017.

Tetra Rex® Bio-based, which was launched in October 2014, is manufactured solely from Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) certified and controlled sources paperboard, together with plastics derived from sugar cane, all traceable to their origins. Packages made from renewable materials are essential for preserving the environment for future generations. Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over time and enable a move away from fossil fuel-based materials, reducing the environmental impact as well as improving resource efficiency. Click Read More below for additional information.

Custom blow-molder Apex Plastics has added a new Aoki 250LL-50S injection blow molding machine. By adding the new Aoki machine, Apex has not only added additional capacity, but also added to their already impressive list of capabilities. Apex Plastics has established themselves as a leader in extrusion blow-molding, and with the addition of the Aoki 250LL-50S they have the added capability of injection blow-molding. The Aoki is a versatile injection blow-molding machine that is able to mold a variety bottles and containers from narrow neck to wide mouth. With the Aoki, Apex Plastics gained the added capability of running PET material. This has opened up a wide range of new products for Apex to pursue. Click Read More below for additional information.

Lincoln International is pleased to announce Command Packaging, LLC, has been sold to Delta Plastics of the South, LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Command is an industry pioneer and market leading provider of flexible packaging solutions, focused on supplying 100% certifiably sustainable carryout bags across the food service, retail and grocery industries. Headquartered in Vernon, California, the Company offers technically-sophisticated capabilities, including extrusion, printing, conversion and value-added services to 400+ blue chip customers nationwide. These customers rely on Command to solve their most complex carryout bag challenges and design products that represent their brands through superior quality, innovation and premium graphics. Click Read More below for additional information

The Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® campaign revealed two new animated characters to further strengthen consumer connection to paper and packaging. The new industry brand ambassadors are a springboard for inspiring creativity, connection and achievement–qualities consumers around the world appreciate when using paper and paper-based packaging products. “Paper and packaging products are prevalent in our lives, and it was our goal to create highly-relatable characters to represent the vital roles that paper and packaging play for each and every one of us,” shares Mary Anne Hansan, president of the Paper and Packaging Board. “We launched the Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® campaign in 2015, and we are thrilled to introduce these new characters to help consumers nationwide recognize and remember the value of paper in their everyday lives.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Sun Chemical has launched its SunLam™ De-seaming Adhesive for shrink-labeled containers. This new de-seamable adhesive helps recyclers improve recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) yield without process changes. Developed in partnership, Sun Chemical and Eastman extensively tested SunLam on labels made with Eastman Embrace™ LV copolyester. It has received a “Responsible Innovation Acknowledgment” by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) after passing stringent testing outlined by the APR. By changing from a traditional solvent to SunLam De-seaming Adhesive, shrink labels deseam and release during the whole bottle wash step of the wet recycling process, without sacrifice of label performance. The label removal occurs prior to color, infrared and manual sorting, thus preventing shrink-labeled PET bottles being removed from the rPET stream due to misidentification. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sealed Air Corporation announced that it is implementing a price increase on products in its North American Product Care business. The increases will be effective April 1, 2018. The price adjustments are necessary because of increases in raw materials, freight, and other input costs. A seven (7) percent price increase will be applied to the following products: Bubble Wrap® IB Film, Bubble Wrap® Brand Air Cellular Products, Cell-Aire® Packaging Foam and Laminate Products, Fill-Air® Inflatables Film, FloWrap™ Film, Jiffy® TuffGard® Mailers, Jiffy® ShurTuff ® Mailers, NewAir I.B.® Film, PriorityWrap® Bubble, Shrink Film Products and Materials, Specialty Foams Products and Materials, TempShield™ Reflective Foil Air Cellular Material, and Wonderfil™ Film. A five (5) percent price increase will be applied to the following products: Consumable Paper for all Sealed Air Paper Systems, PriorityWrap® Rigid Board, Custom Wrap™ Converted Paper, Kushion Kraft® Converted Paper, Jiffylite® Kraft Bubble Mailers, Jiffy® Utility Mailers, Jiffy® Padded Envelopes, Jiffy Rigi Bag® Mailers, Korrvu® Suspension & Retention, Macerated Pads, and Rapid Fill® Automated Bags. The business also previously announced increases in the prices of Instapak® products, which are effective March 15, 2018: lnstapak® chemical formulation prices will increase 15 cents per pound, lnstapak® packaging film prices will increase 6 percent and lnstapak Simple® "A" and "B" Component prices will increase 2 percent.

In September 2017, IP announced plans to invest around $300 million at the Selma plant as part of a strategic plan to grow its industrial packaging business. The additional investment…

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation (NYSE:KS) today reported preliminary results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017. As compared to 2016’s fourth quarter, results for 2017’s fourth…

Amcor has proven its game-changing LiquiForm® technology with the commercialization of the first consumer package. In addition to reducing supply chain costs, LiquiForm technology has the potential to improve packaging…

Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE:BERY) today reported results for its first fiscal 2018 quarter, referred to in the following as the December 2017 quarter. Highlights » Net income was $163…

Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017. Highlights Loss per share of $0.67 for the quarter, including…

• 2017 Sales from Continuing Operations of $4.5 Billion, an increase of 6% As Reported • 2017 Net Earnings from Continuing Operations of $63 Million, Reported Net Earnings Per Share…

UPM Raflatac has expanded its range of adhesives for food labeling with the launch of its RP48 AT (All-Temperature) acrylic adhesive for the European market. With good adhesion across a…

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Key Points * Group revenue growth of 7% for the fourth quarter and 5% for the full year * Fourth quarter EBITDA up 10% year-on-year…

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboard, announced today that its North American customers can now use Metsä Board’s products with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®)…