Flint Group Packaging will increase the prices of all its packaging products sold by the Flexible Packaging, Paper & Board and Narrow Web businesses. Further to multiple announcements advising of the worsening market conditions throughout 2021, the group has continued to weather unprecedented raw material, packaging, energy and freight cost increases. Escalating costs continue to be seen across all the above categories with no sign of relief in the foreseeable future. Doug Aldred, Chief Commercial Officer – Flint Group Packaging said, “The security of supply is our number one priority. Due to our extensive global network and efficiency programmes, we are able to mitigate a significant portion of cost and supply risk. However, we continue to witness tightening supply and exponential cost increases. Despite implementing an extensive range of efficiency programs to mitigate these conditions, we are reluctantly compelled to raise prices.”

It’s no secret that the last few years have had their challenges – tightening economic conditions, supply chain constraints and the ongoing global pandemic to name a few. One of the bright spots for many was the opportunity to welcome a new four-legged family member into their home, – or simply spending more time spoiling their furry friends. With increased time at home, pet ownership skyrocketed, - as did the need for pet essentials. It makes sense that the pet food and supplies industry has experienced continuous growth. In fact, by 2026, U.S. households are expected to provide homes to roughly 195 million cats and dogs alone. As people continue to bring new pets into the home at an increasing rate the demand for pet supplies (and pet food and medicine in particular) naturally continues to increase.

Ahlstrom expands its offering for the medical industry by introducing Reliance® Fusion, a next-generation simultaneous sterilization wrap that helps increase efficiency in the sterilization of surgical equipment trays at hospitals. Sterilization wraps are extensively used in healthcare facilities worldwide to help maintain the sterility of surgical instruments. Ahlstrom single-use sterilization wraps help to prevent microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, spores) from easily gaining access to the tray contents, allow sterilization, provide physical protection, and maintain sterility of surgical instruments up to the point of use. They thus play a crucial role in infection prevention and patients’ safety. The sterilization process is often time-consuming, requires the use of expensive processing aids such as tray liners, and involves longer drying cycles and stocking multiple weights of sterilization wrap to ensure all moisture has been eliminated.