Recently, there has been an increase in contradictory information being spread about the recyclability of Blue4est® checkout receipts. Whereas the German Environment Agency states it is fully recyclable, according to the association INGEDE (International Research Community for De-Inking Technology) blue checkout receipts can cause problems when disposed of as wastepaper, even in small quantities. This statement is inaccurate, and is causing confusion among consumers. The first sustainable and recyclable thermal paper Blue4est® – also known as the blue receipt or eco-receipt – was launched onto the market in 2015. Now, a host of customers across Europe are using these sustainable checkout receipts. The innovative technology has since been refined, with the introduction of Blue4est® Pro paper for labels in 2022. Blue4est® is produced entirely without chemical developers, which is why the German Environment Agency recommends disposing of it as wastepaper. This allows the paper to be recycled and reused as a new raw material. Some time ago, the German Environment Agency officially confirmed – including via an announcement on its website – that blue checkout receipts can be disposed of as wastepaper.

Billerud has appointed Doug Schwartz as President Billerud North America and member of the company’s Group Management Team, effective 30 September. Doug Schwartz has extensive experience in the U.S. forest and paper industry, including serving in key leadership roles at companies such as Sonoco Products Company (Sonoco), International Paper and Champion International Corporation. He most recently held the position of Vice President and General Manager, Rigid Paper Containers at Sonoco. “I am very happy that Doug, with his proven track record, will now lead our North America operations, which are integral to Billerud’s business and growth strategy. Together with our competent American team, he will continue our commitment to serve our customers by delivering our core products—graphic paper, specialty papers, and pulp, as well as cartonboard and other packaging materials. At the same time, he will lead the team in identifying strategic product development initiatives to diversify and expand our product portfolio," says Ivar Vatne, Billerud CEO and President.

Smurfit Westrock was dismissed Monday from a price-fixing lawsuit against numerous major paper and packaging companies. The antitrust case continues against other defendants, a list that includes Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, the companies that combined last year to create Smurfit Westrock The defendants — which include Cascades, Georgia-Pacific, Graphic Packaging International, Greif, International Paper, Packaging Corporation of America and Pratt Industries — collectively filed a motion on Monday to dismiss the case on the grounds of plaintiff Artuso Pastry’s “failure to state a claim.” Separately, Packaging Corporation of America and Pratt Industries each filed their own motions to dismiss. Artuso’s responses to the motions to dismiss are due in December, and the defendants will have until January to submit reply briefs.