The Better with Less – Design Challenge 2022 is now open for submissions. The competition invites designers around the world to create the zero-waste packaging of the future and is open for submissions from 1 June to 1 December, 2022. A world-class jury of renowned package design experts will be looking for lighter, smarter, and circular solutions for some of the most common consumer packages. The competition is organized by a leading European paperboard producer Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group. “In the future, circular economy will guide all consumption. The need for packaging keeps growing, and we must use design in more innovative ways to respect the resources of our planet,” says the Better with Less – Design Challenge jury chairman Ilkka Harju, Packaging Services Director, EMEA and APAC at Metsä Board. “We are asking competition entrants to acknowledge the package’s entire lifecycle from efficient design to easy recycling and purposeful reuse – producing zero waste. It is huge responsibility, but also a brilliant playground for innovation,” he adds.

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.

Pactiv Evergreen Inc. reported results for the third quarter of 2024. Michael King, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pactiv Evergreen, said, “Our execution during the third quarter was solid and we made meaningful progress on our long-term strategy. We maintained strict cost discipline, optimized enterprise resources and overcame challenges at the Pine Bluff, Arkansas mill during its final quarter under our ownership. As we advance to the next phase of our transformational journey, we intend to leverage our heritage of product innovation and design to foster growth and assist our customers in achieving their sustainability goals.” King continued, “In late September and early October, some of our teams and communities were significantly impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The safety and well-being of our team members remain our utmost priority. It’s been truly inspiring to witness our teams swiftly activate contingency plans in response to these severe weather events, showcasing their commitment to serving our customers and supporting the affected communities.” Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights: Net Revenues of $1,333 million for the third quarter of 2024 were down 3% compared to $1,379 million in the third quarter of 2023 and were approximately flat compared to $1,338 million in the second quarter of 2024. Net Loss from continuing operations of $213 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to net income of $28 million in the third quarter of 2023 and net income of $20 million in the second quarter of 2024.