O-I Glass to Build New Glass Plant in Bowling Green, KY

O-I Glass, Inc. will build a new greenfield glass plant in Bowling Green, KY. In line with strong consumer trends towards healthy, recyclable, and sustainable food and beverage packaging, the company is adding capacity to support its customers with brand-building premium glass containers. The company plans to invest up to $240 million in multiple expansion waves over time and create approximately 140 new jobs in the region. The new plant will be the first facility purposely-built for O-I’s revolutionary MAGMA technology that is set to redefine the glass production process for the future. MAGMA is expected to further enhance O-I’s capabilities to support multiple product categories and expand in today’s highly differentiated product segments. The production facility is also expected to set new standards in sustainable glass manufacturing. Using renewable electricity, gas-oxy fuel, and other innovative solutions, it will significantly advance O-I’s sustainability roadmap and make glass an even more compelling choice for consumers, customers, and the environment.
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Canfor to Invest in New Facility in Alabama

Canfor Corporation is pleased to announce it will invest approximately $210 million USD to build a new, state-of-the-art sawmill complex in southern Alabama. Using leading technology, the new sawmill will have an annual production capacity of 250 million board feet on a two-shift basis and will provide a new, modern work environment for the approximately 130 people who will be employed directly, in addition to supporting significant indirect jobs. In alignment with our sustainability goals and decarbonization targets, the facility design includes investment in a biomass-fueled lumber drying system. Startup of the facility is anticipated in the third quarter of 2024. “Building on Canfor’s proud operating history in Alabama, we are excited to invest in a new world-class facility that will ensure our long-term ability to operate competitively. In addition, the facility’s versatility and flexibility will enhance our ability to more closely align our production of high-quality products with market demand,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor.
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Canfor Reports Results for Second Quarter of 2022

Overview • Q2 2022 reported operating income of $532 million; quarterly sales of $2.2 billion • Downward pressure on North American lumber market fundamentals; significant decline in US-dollar lumber benchmark pricing; uptick in European market pricing largely tied to traditional quarterly lag • Improved lumber & pulp shipments despite ongoing transportation challenges • Shareholder net income of $374 million, or $3.02 per share
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Mail and Package Delivery Averages 2.5 Days Across The Nation

FY2022 fourth quarter service performance scores covering July 1 through July 22 included: *First-Class Mail: 93.0 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of .3 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter. *Marketing Mail: 93.8 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of .8 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter. *Periodicals: 86.4 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of .3 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter.
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Amazon.com Announces Second Quarter Results

*Operating cash flow decreased 40% to $35.6 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $59.3 billion for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2021. *Free cash flow decreased to an outflow of $23.5 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with an inflow of $12.1 billion for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2021. *Net sales increased 7% to $121.2 billion in the second quarter, compared with $113.1 billion in second quarter 2021. Excluding the $3.6 billion unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, net sales increased 10% compared with second quarter 2021. *Operating income decreased to $3.3 billion in the second quarter, compared with $7.7 billion in second quarter 2021. *Net loss was $2.0 billion in the second quarter, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared with net income of $7.8 billion, or $0.76 per diluted share, in second quarter 2021. Second quarter 2022 net loss includes a pre-tax valuation loss of $3.9 billion included in non-operating expense from our common stock investment in Rivian Automotive, Inc.
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IAB Finds Second-Half Ad Spending Better Than Planned, Full-Year Significantly Worse (mediapost.com)

The good news is that U.S. ad executives project their second-half ad spending will be up an average of 7% vs. what they originally planned, according to a survey released this morning by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). The bad news is that the same sample of ad execs reported their full-year ad spending will be down 31% from what was projected in a similar survey conducted by the bureau in the fall of 2021.
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Aptar Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

Second Quarter 2022 Summary *Reported sales grew 4% and net income increased 15% to $64 million *Core sales increased 10% and adjusted EBITDA increased 8% to $160 million *Reported earnings per share increased 17% to $0.95 compared to $0.81 in the prior year *Adjusted earnings per share increased 13% to $0.96 compared to $0.85 in the prior year (including comparable exchange rates) *Each segment achieved sales growth through improved volume as well as increased pricing, with Pharma and Beauty + Home segments reaching double-digit core sales growth
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Keep US Posted Calls on PRC to Curb USPS Postage Hikes (piworld.com)

As stamps increase yet again with additional rate hikes planned in the coming months, Keep US Posted, an alliance consisting of consumer interests, industry groups, newspapers, nonprofits and businesses, is calling on USPS regulators to take action. The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) is accepting comments in response to concerns from Congress about the multiple postage hikes planned in Louis DeJoy’s “Delivering for America” plan. In its comments, Keep US Posted urged the Postal Regulatory Commission to fulfill its role as a watchdog for the public, rather than allow unnecessary postage rate increases to keep happening. The organization points out that several factors, including the new postal reform law (The Postal Service Reform Act), have changed the financial outlook for USPS and demand that the Postal Regulatory Commission review DeJoy’s proposed rate increases again.
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Domtar Joins Keep US Posted, Continues Advocacy for Postal Service

Domtar continues to champion reliable, affordable mail service for all U.S. residents. We are proud to partner with Keep US Posted in advocacy efforts to strengthen the U.S. Postal Service and ensure strong service throughout the country without excessive postal rate hikes. Keep US Posted is an alliance consisting of consumer interests, industry groups, newspapers, nonprofits and businesses. The group is working to engage Americans to call for postal policy that preserves essential services, effectively and efficiently. Advocates are immediately concerned about planned postal rate hikes, particularly in light of the financial relief the Postal Service received in the recently passed postal service reform legislation. Executive director Kevin Yoder, a former congressman from Kansas, worked on postal issues during four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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GP Cellulose invests about $80 million to increase product flexibility at Alabama River Mill

GP Cellulose is investing about $80 million to add fluff capacity at its GP Cellulose Alabama River mill near Monroeville, Alabama. The project is being implemented in phases and will increase the mill’s ability to produce fluff pulp upon completion. The Alabama River mill operates two lines, one currently producing only paper pulp bales. This investment upgrades production by adding the ability for this line to also produce fluff pulp rolls. The mill’s second line was upgraded to produce both paper pulp bales and fluff pulp rolls in 2011. “This investment will enable GP Cellulose to address the increasing fluff pulp needs of our customers worldwide,” said Munir Abdallah, President – GP Cellulose. “The completion of this project will add capability and flexibility to our system to meet a wider range of needs and position us to grow with our customers.”
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WestRock to Acquire Remaining Interest in Grupo Gondi

WestRock Company announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining interest in Grupo Gondi for $970 million, plus the assumption of debt, representing an estimated implied enterprise value of $1.763 billion. Upon completion of this transaction, WestRock will further enhance its leading position in the growing Latin American containerboard, paperboard and consumer and corrugated packaging markets. Grupo Gondi operates four paper mills, nine corrugated packaging plants and six high graphic plants throughout Mexico, producing sustainable packaging for a wide range of end markets in the region. The tuck-in acquisition will provide WestRock further geographic and end market diversification as well as position the Company to continue to grow in the attractive Latin American market. "Acquiring the remaining interest in Grupo Gondi is the next strategic step in our broader North American paper and packaging expansion strategy," said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer of WestRock. "As onshoring continues to grow in the region, WestRock will be well positioned to meet this growing demand with fully integrated operations in Mexico. We will also have expanded capabilities to serve customers across many geographies, driving additional productivity and cost savings.”
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ACMA Industry Members Urged to Write Regulator About Postage Hikes; July 31 Deadline Looms

The ACMA and its Postal Committee Chairwoman Deborah Damore from printer LSC Communications previously urged you to write to the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) in response to the Commission's call for comments concerning the impact of the size and timing of the August 2021 postage rate increase. That increase as well as the July 2022 rate hike were allowed following the PRC's November 2020 ruling granting greater pricing flexibility for the USPS. The deadline for submissions is this Sunday, July 31st. We also encourage you to view and share this video produced by Keep Us Posted, the market dominant mail advocacy coalition of which ACMA is a flagship member. Keep Us Posted also provides this template for contacting the PRC. The ACMA is also happy to assist in your efforts. Simply email staff@catalogmailers.org for assistance. www.catalogmailers.org
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Millennials in Print Podcast Featuring Brent Niemuth

In Episode #20 of the Millennials in Print Podcast, Alex Krupski and Jake Hoffman from Arandell chat with Brent Niemuth, President and Chief Creative Officer at J.Schmid. Tune in as they chat about the evolution of print, Humanity Marketing, and why the catalog is still a highly effective tool in today's marketing mix. Watch Video at: https://www.jschmid.com/millennials-in-print-with-brent-niemuth/
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International Paper Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

SECOND QUARTER 2022 HIGHLIGHTS Second quarter net earnings attributable to International Paper of $511 million compared with $360 million in the first quarter of 2022 and $432 millionin the second quarter of 2021. 13% year-over-year revenue growth $65 million of earnings achieved from Building a Better IP initiatives, bringing year-to-date to $105 million Cash provided by operations of $390 million, bringing year-to-date to $978 million Returned $565 million to shareholders through share repurchases of $395 million and dividends of $170 million in the second quarter, bringing year-to-date to $1.1 billion
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Metsä Board’s comparable operating result in January–June 2022 was EUR 267 million

JANUARY–JUNE 2022 (compared to 1–6/2021) *Sales were EUR 1,232.5 million (1,049.5). *The comparable operating result was EUR 267.4 million (191.3), or 21.7% (18.2) of sales. Operating result was EUR 283.3 million (185.6). *Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.57 (0.42), and earnings per share were EUR 0.61 (0.41). *Comparable return on capital employed was 23.0% (19.3). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 95.3 million (150.7).
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Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–June 2022 was EUR 574 million

January–June 2022 (1–6/2021) *Sales were EUR 3,416 million (2,942). *Operating result was EUR 589 million (379). Comparable operating result was EUR 574 million (416). *Result before taxes was EUR 564 million (354). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 550 million (391). *Comparable return on capital employed was 18.3% (15.0). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 456 million (374). April–June 2022 (4–6/2021) *Sales were EUR 1,822 million (1,542). *Operating result was EUR 248 million (243). Comparable operating result was EUR 330 million (242). *Result before taxes was EUR 235 million (232). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 317 million (231). *Comparable return on capital employed was 20.5% (17.2). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 321 million (279).
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Suzano – Second Quarter 2022

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,663 thousand tons (+5% vs. 2Q21). • Paper sales3 of 324 thousand tons (+10% vs. 2Q21). • Average net pulp price in export market: US$732/ton (+15% vs. 2Q21). • Average net paper price3 of R$6,200/ton (+31% vs. 2Q21). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$854/ton (+26% vs. 2Q21). • Leverage ratio in USD declines to 2.3 times and stable net debt in USD, despite the investment cycle. • Cerrado Project achieves 21% of physical progress and 15% of financial progress.
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Google Delays Phasing Out Cookies In Chrome Until 2024 (mediapost.com)

Google said in a statement that it will once again delay the replacement of third-party cookies -- a practice long used by advertisers to target advertisements to consumers. Anthony Chavez, vice president of Privacy Sandbox, said in a blog post that advertisers need more time to transition to Google’s cookie replacement. “The most consistent feedback we’ve received is the need for more time to evaluate and test the new Privacy Sandbox technologies before deprecating third-party cookies in Chrome,” Chavez wrote. “This feedback aligns with our commitment to the CMA to ensure that the Privacy Sandbox provides effective, privacy-preserving technologies and the industry has sufficient time to adopt these new solutions.” The idea is to expand testing for the Privacy Sandbox APIs before Google disables third-party cookies in Chrome.
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Novolex Releases Fourth Annual Sustainability Report

Novolex® released its fourth annual sustainability report, detailing progress towards its greenhouse gas reduction target and other environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. The 2021 Novolex Sustainability Report highlights Novolex’s expanded new target for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions from operations — 30% by 2030. The new goal came after the company in 2021 met its original commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 2025. Emissions-related data were verified by a third party. This year’s report also includes a new metric, aligned with Sustainability Accounting Standards Board guidance, sharing that 78% of applicable revenues derive from products that can be recycled, composted or reused.
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Silgan Announces All-Time Record Quarterly Earnings and Estimates Higher Earnings Next Quarter

Highlights *Earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $0.83 *Achieved record revenue in each business segment *Achieved record segment income in Dispensing and Specialty Closures and Custom Containers *Confirmed record full year earnings outlook *Renewed long-term contract with largest steel food container customer *Announced transfer of stock listing to NYSE, effective August 1, 2022
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CANPACK Group to Invest $140 Million in Greenfield Aluminum Beverage Can Plant in Poços de Caldas, Brazil

CANPACK S.A., part of the CANPACK Group, and a global leading manufacturer of sustainable packaging announced it will increase its manufacturing capacity of aluminum beverage cans with a new production facility in Poços de Caldas, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Officials from CANPACK along with state and local officials and economic development leaders jointly announced the new facility following the approval of the project earlier today, with economic development incentives provided by both the state and local governments. With a total investment of approximately BRL 710 million (USD 140 million), this new facility represents CANPACK’s continued commitment to developing the Brazilian packaging sector. The announcement of this new plant takes place only a few months after the company committed to investing BRL 360 million (USD 70 million) in an aluminum beverage can ends production facility in Manaus (Amazonas). The total value of both investments exceeds BRL 1 billion.
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Pregis adds new paper-based, light cushioning solution to its sustainable packaging portfolio

Pregis continues to expand its Easypack® portfolio of paper-based packaging solutions with the introduction of GeoTerra™, a sustainable, expandable paper product that provides light cushioning and interleaving protection. Made from recyclable Kraft paper, GeoTerra helps brands throughout the North American market meet their environmental goals while providing customers more circular curbside recyclable packaging options. This inside-the-box packaging is a wrappable solution that is efficient to store and use while also providing exceptional protection attributes. GeoTerra expands during dispensing forming a lattice structure that provides a protective cushioning and interleaving for fragile products, such as glassware, cosmetics, candles, and jarred food products. The pattern nests together to lock products in place, providing six-sided protection without the need for tape or fastening, further increasing efficiency and convenience. GeoTerra arrives in compact and stackable rolls to minimize warehouse space. The proprietary dispenser is designed for easy tension adjustment allowing for a quick pull, tear, and pack motion, and the rolls are light weight and easy to load on the dispenser. The GeoTerra rolls are also available in a convenient dispenser box for mobile packing needs.
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Tetra Pak to exit Russia

Tetra Pak announced that it will be exiting its remaining operations in Russia. This is due to the cumulative impact of the restrictions on exports to Russia leading to an unsustainable supply chain, as a result of which the company is left with no other option than to exit the country. This follows the company’s earlier decision to suspend all new investments and projects in Russia, restricting its operations to support customers for essential food items only, in line with its strongly held commitment to the principle of people’s right to access safe food. Tetra Pak has now reached an agreement to divest its Russian business to local management, with the intention of enabling business continuity for its customers, minimizing the impact on employees, and continuing to support consumers’ access to essential food.
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Heinzel Group becomes strategic investor in project to build Paraguay’s first pulp mill

Heinzel Holding GmbH and Paracel S.A. jointly announce that Heinzel has entered into an investment agreement to become the strategic equity investor in Paracel, an afforestation and pulp mill project in Paraguay, South America. Paracel has now received equity commitments from a group of Paraguayan and European business families, with Heinzel's investment completing the needed strategic equity for the project. Heinzel will hold 25% of Paracel's shares at project completion. Paracel is planning to produce 1.8 million metric tons of eucalyptus pulp per year in Concepción in northern Paraguay, with forestry assets of more than 180,000 hectares of land owned by the company. Since the start of the project in late 2018, the pioneering project has passed important milestones: Paracel has already planted more than16,000 hectares of forestry, completed the design of the pulp mill, received the construction permit and completed the required environmental and social impact assessments. It has started significant groundworks on the mill site and kicked off social programs and conservation projects for native forests. As one of the world's major afforestation projects it has also completed documentation for the carbon sequestration effect of planting more than one hundred million trees.
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Avery Dennison Announces Second Quarter 2022 Results

Label and Graphic Materials - Reported sales increased 8% to $1.5 billion. Sales were up 14% ex. currency and 15% on an organic basis. Retail Branding and Information Solutions - Reported sales increased 24% to $658 million. Sales were up 27% ex. currency and 5% on an organic basis. Industrial and Healthcare Materials - Reported sales increased 1% to $198 million. Sales were up 5% ex. currency and 7% on an organic basis reflecting a mid-single digit increase in industrial categories and a high teens increase in healthcare categories.
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Klabin reports Adjusted EBITDA of R$ 1.843 billion in the second quarter of 2022

Klabin, Brazil’s largest producer and exporter of paper for packaging and sustainable solutions for paper packaging, besides offering hardwood pulp, softwood pulp and fluff to the market, has reported Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) of R$1.843 billion in the second quarter of 2022, excluding non-recurring effects, an increase of 2% from the same period last year. Net revenue reached R$ 5.039 billion in the second quarter of this year, up 24% year on year, driven by higher sales volume and consistent growth across all business lines, which offset the impact caused by the higher real vis-à-vis the dollar on exports during the period.
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Diva Art and Diva Art Duo, Lecta’s paperboard for creative, sustainable projects

Designed for both graphic applications and luxury packaging. Raw materials, functionality and printing techniques are fundamental factors when choosing a type of packaging. With more than 80% of purchasing decisions made at the point of sale, product presentation is key to brand recognition. This is why Lecta has created a versatile range of SBS graphic paperboard with a silk finish: Diva Art (1-side coated) and Diva Art Duo (2-side coated), for creative, sustainable projects. Both stand out for their excellent machining characteristics, providing for high on-machine performance throughout production. With consistent smoothness and whiteness, and rich color reproduction, this unique range is suitable for most finishing processes such as screen printing, stamping, flocking or dry embossing. Diva Art and Diva Art Duo were developed for offset, flexo and digital printing, and they offer excellent finishing and handling performance. Their outstanding print quality for both text and color images make them ideal for creative graphics, communications and packaging projects, including book covers, folders, labels, postcards and greeting cards, or packaging for cosmetics, perfumes and premium beverages.
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Tronox Reports Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Second Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights: *Produced revenue of $945 million, an increase of 2% compared to the prior year, driven by higher revenue from TiO2 *Generated income from operations of $190 million and net income of $375 million, inclusive of a reversal of a portion of the valuation allowance in Australia relating to deferred tax assets resulting in a non-cash benefit of $262 million *Achieved GAAP diluted EPS of $2.37; adjusted diluted EPS of $0.84 (non-GAAP) primarily due to the exclusion of the Australian valuation allowance reversal of $1.65 *Invested $99 million in capital expenditures, primarily in our newTRON and vertical integration initiatives *Repurchased $25 million or approximately 1.5 million shares during the second quarter; total share repurchases of $50 million year-to-date
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New certification body BMC accredited against FSC standards

Assurance Services International (ASI) has accredited BMC Assurance S.L. to audit and issue FSC certificates. To receive the accreditation, BMC was evaluated by ASI and had demonstrated its ability to conduct impartial assessments to issue FSC certificates according to the established criteria. BMC will be able to audit and issue certificates for FSC chain of custody worldwide, excluding Belarus, China, and Russia.
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Inflation Accelerates Anti-paper Greenwashing As Companies Look to Cut Costs

For years, major corporations, service providers and government agencies have surrendered to the temptation to cloak their cost saving efforts in a veneer of environmental virtue by claiming – without evidence – that going paperless is better for the environment. Two Sides North America (TSNA), the only industry organization to directly challenge this greenwashing, has been highly effective in stemming the tide of misleading declarations, persuading 170 major organizations to remove anti-paper environmental claims. However, as rising inflationary pressures drive cost cutting, greenwashing is once again on the rise. To help reverse this trend, TSNA has doubled down on its anti-greenwashing efforts, and with unprecedented success. So far this year, TSNA has already broken its full-year record for the number of corporations and other organizations it has persuaded to eliminate anti-paper greenwashing claims.
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Packaging Corporation Of America Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) today reported second quarter 2022 net income of $301 million, or $3.20 per share, and net income of $304 million, or $3.23 per share, excluding special items. Second quarter net sales were $2.2 billion in 2022 and $1.9 billion in 2021. In the Packaging segment, total corrugated products shipments and shipments per day were flat (0.18%) compared to last year’s second quarter, which was up 9.6% versus the previous year. Containerboard production was 1,256,000 tons, and containerboard inventory was up 2,000 tons versus the first quarter of 2022 and up 5,000 tons compared to the second quarter of 2021. In the Paper segment, sales volume was down 17,000 tons compared to the second quarter of 2021 and down 10,000 tons from the first quarter of 2022.
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SKG First Half 2022 Results

Tony Smurfit, Group CEO, commented: “I am pleased to report a strong first half performance with revenue growth of 36%, EBITDA of €1,174 million, an EBITDA margin of 18.4%, EPS growth of 85% and ROCE of 19.3%. “Our strong performance is a result of the many actions we have taken over a number of years. These actions include significant customer-focused investments to meet growth, providing the most innovative and sustainable paper-based packaging in the marketplace and selective acquisitions ensuring security of supply to our customers.
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Euro-Graph Reports Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in May were down 9.1% vs. 2021 and are down 9.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in May were down 7.6% vs. 2021 and are down 6.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in May were down 8.0% vs. 2021 and are down 9.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in May were down 22.0% vs. 2021 and are down 19.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in May were down 10.6% vs. 2021 and are down 10.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in May were UP 3.6% vs. 2021 and are UP 2.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in May were down 9.9% vs. 2021 and are down 11.2% year-to-date.
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Georgia-Pacific Breaks Ground on $500 Million Expansion in Green Bay, Wisconsin

A $500 million expansion is underway at Georgia-Pacific's Broadway mill. The investments will significantly enhance the company’s retail consumer tissue and towel business. Investments include building a new paper machine using through-air-dried (TAD) technology and adding associated converting equipment and infrastructure. The improvements will allow the expansion of Georgia-Pacific’s premium brands and support the growth of current and potential customers’ premium private label brands. It's expected to be complete in 2024.
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Kimberly-Clark Announces Second Quarter 2022 Results

Sales of $5.1 billion in the second quarter of 2022 increased 7 percent compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales 2 percent. Organic sales increased 9 percent as net selling prices rose 9 percent, product mix increased sales 1 percent and volumes declined 1 percent. In North America, organic sales increased 11 percent in consumer products and increased 8 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 8 percent in developing and emerging (D&E) markets and 9 percent in developed markets. Second quarter operating profit was $621 million in 2022 and $613 million in 2021. Excluding the charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program, 2021 adjusted operating profit was $676 million.
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Graphic Packaging Holding Company Reports Second Quarter 2022 Results

Net Sales increased 36% to $2,358 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $1,737 million in the prior year period. The $621 million increase was driven by $278 million of pricing and $379 million of improved volume/mix related to organic growth from conversions to fiber-based packaging solutions and acquisitions. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by $36 million of foreign exchange. EBITDA for the second quarter of 2022 was $294 million, compared to $214 million in the prior year period
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Stora Enso survey finds physical books still outperform e-books in share of hearts and minds, with carbon neutrality a big consideration.

A new survey commissioned by Stora Enso in March 2022 among 2,400 book readers and listeners in the UK, France, Germany and the US showed that people still overwhelmingly prefer physical books (65%) to e-books (21%) or audiobooks (14%). And consumers are willing to pay a premium for carbon neutral books. “With the book market strong coming out of the pandemic, our goal with this survey was to gain insights into whether the market would stay that way in a post-pandemic world. And the answer we got was a resounding yes,” says Jonathan Bakewell, VP, Head of Segment Office and Book Papers, Stora Enso.
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Resolute Announces Ratification of Collective Agreement at Eight Sawmills in Quebec

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announces the ratification of a four-year labor agreement with the Unifor union covering 1,000 employees working in eight of the company's Quebec sawmills, following an agreement-in-principle reached on July 15. "We are pleased to have renewed the labor agreement with employees of this important business segment," said Remi G. Lalonde, president and chief executive officer. "The collective agreement underscores their contribution to the company's success and provides stability for our customers, communities and other partners." The collective agreements ratified on July 22 cover hourly employees represented by Unifor at Resolute's Comtois, Girardville, La Doré, Maniwaki, Mistassini, Normandin, Outardes and Saint-Thomas facilities.
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PEFC suspends PEFC Russia

The Russian National Voluntary Forest Certification System (FCR) has been suspended by the PEFC International Board, in mutual agreement with PEFC Russia. The suspension is intended to preserve the conditions for a successful long-term cooperation with PEFC Russia in order to support sustainable forest management in the Russian Federation in light of the current political situation. The suspension is effective as of 11 August 2022 and suspension is initially valid until 31 December 2022. Certificates issued against the Russian National Voluntary Forest Certification System (FCR) are no longer PEFC recognised as of 11 August 2022. This applies to both forest management and chain of custody certificates. Certified organisations are therefore prohibited from using PEFC claims and the PEFC label and cannot sell material as PEFC certified.
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The Navigator Company and P2X-Europe announce a unique Joint Venture in Portugal to produce green, non-fossil synthetic eFuels and scale-up Power-to-Liquid business

The Navigator Company and Hamburg-based developer P2X-Europe have decided, subject to the approval of the relevant anti-trust authorities, to create a unique and powerful joint venture, P2XPortugal, to develop a world-class production facility for industrial-scale production of non-fossil jet fuels or e-SAFs (e-Sustainable Aviation Fuels) – carbon-neutral synthetic kerosene, based on green hydrogen and biogenic CO2. This project leverages on Portugal's highly competitive renewable energy sources and on biogenic CO2 generated by Navigator's biorefineries using sustainable forests, which together constitute the two critical elements for the successful production of net-zero synthetic feedstocks for the chemical industry and jet fuels on an industrial scale, fostering the decarbonization of the aviation industry. The JV is tapping into the extensive know-how of P2X-Europe, a global pioneer in PtL (Power-to-Liquids) project development and technology configuration and its parent companies’ H&R Group and Mabanaft market expertise in waxes for the chemical-pharmaceutical industry and in liquid fuels.
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Mercer International Inc. to acquire Holzindustrie Torgau (“HIT”) significantly expanding its solid wood operations

Mercer International Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the parent company of HIT for consideration of €270 million, inclusive of forecasted net working capital of approximately €43 million. HIT owns, among other things, 100% of a timber processing and value-add pallet production facility in Torgau, Germany (the “HIT Facility“) and a wood processing facility in Dahlen, Germany that produces garden products.
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More than $30 million Investment in Georgia-Pacific’s Bradford, Pennsylvania Corrugated Plant

The Georgia-Pacific corrugated plant in Bradford, Pennsylvania, will undergo a significant upgrade with an investment topping $34 million. The funding will provide new equipment to modernize the plant’s operations. The upgrades include a new corrugator, two new converting lines, and upgrades to the shipping department, which will help the plant operate more efficiently. Newer converting equipment will improve the plant’s throughput and print capability to better meet customer needs. The plant team will begin preparing the facility for installation in the coming months, with the first equipment expected to be installed in the first quarter of 2023. It will take approximately 12 to 14 months to complete the upgrades.
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Paper Packaging: The Natural Choice

Two Sides have produced a NEW Packaging fact sheet, Paper Packaging: The Natural Choice. The journey to a more sustainable future goes far beyond our packaging choices. But as packaging is often the first interaction between consumers and businesses, it is a critical element that, if poorly designed, can have a lasting effect on both consumer perceptions and the environment. Paper packaging is made from renewable materials. It is durable, attractive, recyclable and biodegradable. It is an essential component of the circular economy. Read and download the NEW fact sheet at twosides.info/fact-sheets
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Stora Enso and Northvolt partner to develop wood-based batteries

Stora Enso and Northvolt are joining forces to create sustainable batteries using lignin-based hard carbon produced with renewable wood from the Nordic forests. The aim is to develop the world’s first industrialised battery featuring anode sourced entirely from European raw materials, lowering both the carbon footprint and the cost. The companies have entered into a Joint Development Agreement to create a sustainable battery featuring anode produced from renewable raw materials sourced sustainably and locally in the Nordic countries. “The joint battery development with Northvolt marks a step on our journey to serve the fast-growing battery market with renewable anode materials made from trees. Our lignin-based hard carbon, Lignode® by Stora Enso, will secure the strategic European supply of anode raw material, serving the sustainable battery needs for applications from mobility to stationary energy storage,” says Johanna Hagelberg, Executive Vice President for Biomaterials at Stora Enso.
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Stora Enso Oyj Half-year Report January–June 2022

Q2/2022 (year-on-year) • Sales increased by 18% to EUR 3,054 (2,592) million. • Operational EBIT increased by 39% to EUR 505 (364) million. • Operational EBIT margin increased to 16.5% (14.0%). • Operating profit (IFRS) increased to EUR 399 (182) million. • Cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 404 (463) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR 247 (339) million. • Operational ROCE excluding the Forest division increased to 22.8% (18.1%), the target being >13%. Q1-Q2/2022 (year-on-year) • Sales were EUR 5,852 (4,868) million. • Operational EBIT was EUR 1,008 (692) million.
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2.5 Days On Average to Deliver Mail or Packages Across the Nation

FY2022 fourth quarter service performance scores covering July 1 through July 15 included: *First-Class Mail: 93.2 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal third quarter. *Marketing Mail: 93.7 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of .9 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter. *Periodicals: 87.2 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of .6 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter.
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Guy Harvey Enterprises Teams Up with Bonnier to Produce Guy Harvey Magazine

Bonnier LLC and Guy Harvey Enterprises have entered into a new partnership for the custom publishing and production of the award-winning Guy Harvey Magazine, the official publication of the Guy Harvey brand now in its 12th year. Bonnier will act as Guy Harvey Magazine’s full-service publishing house, handling all aspects of design, production and sales for the title. “Having worked with the Bonnier team on a number of projects for many years, I’m truly excited about this new partnership,” Dr. Guy Harvey said. “They are consummate professionals and leaders in the marine media genre. Bringing together our expertise in research, education and conservation with their knowledge and broad reach to our collective audiences is a perfect partnership.” Guy Harvey Magazine was launched in 2010 with an editorial focus on the Guy Harvey lifestyle, specifically on marine conservation, education, fishing, boating, scuba diving and adventure travel.
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SCA Interim Report Q2 2022

January–June 2022 compared with January–June 2021 *Net sales amounted to SEK 10,914m (8,982). The increase was mainly attributable to high demand for SCA’s products, higher selling prices and increased sales to core markets. Through its own logistics company, SCA has a unique control over logistics from the forest to the customer, which has benefited delivery reliability in a turbulent period. *EBITDA improved 58% to SEK 5,729m (3,619). The increase was mainly attributable to higher selling prices in all product areas while a high degree of self-sufficiency in wood, energy and logistics enabled good cost control. EBITDA margin increased to 52.5% (40.3). *Valuation of SCA’s forest assets increased to SEK 87.9bn compared to SEK 84.5bn at year-end previous year due to further increased prices on forest assets in Northern Sweden *Operating profit increased to SEK 4,958m (2,927) *Operating cash flow strengthened to SEK 3,085m (1,581) and thereby continued to finance ongoing strategic investments
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Approval Granted to Begin Construction on Environmental Treatment Facility

Irving Pulp & Paper (IPP) has been given permission to begin construction immediately of an Environmental Treatment Facility and Water Use Reduction Project at Saint John’s mill following a successful Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). After receiving the Minister of Environment and Climate Change’s Certificate of Determination in accordance with the EIA, IPP will break ground on the project which is estimated to cut the mill's water consumption by up to 50 percent and result in cleaner water leaving the mill. Construction will require 60 contractor jobs averaged over the 2-2.5-year period with peaks of 120 local contractors. Construction and installation of the new equipment is expected to generate 609,000 person-hours of work over an estimated 22 months in New Brunswick. Construction will begin immediately and run until late 2024.
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J.Schmid – Disruptive Catalog Series (jschmid.com)

DISRUPT. All successful catalogs do three things well: disrupt, delight and drive. And if they’re missing that critical first step, they won’t gain the customer’s consideration, rendering all the agonized-over catalog pages inside irrelevant and the brand facing dwindling sales. From covers to the resurgence in QR codes, join us for a deep dive into the tactics and techniques that create disruptive catalogs. See more at: https://www.jschmid.com/disruptive-catalog-series/
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Postal Service Modernization Enables Expanded Electric Vehicle Opportunity

In February 2022, the Postal Service completed its obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act process and issued a Record of Decision to acquire up to 165,000 NGDV, with a commitment for at least 10 percent BEV. This decision was expressly designed to provide the Postal Service the flexibility to acquire significantly more BEV NGDV should financial and operational circumstances permit. Pursuant to this decision, the Postal Service then announced in March 2022 a purchase of 50,000 NGDV from Oshkosh Defense, including 20 percent BEVs. Now, under the new adjusted scope for the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS), the Postal Service proposes to limit its Decision to the 50,000 NGDV already purchased and to raise the minimum NGDV BEV percentage to at least 50 percent.
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Macy’s Accelerates the Growth of Its Off-Mall, Small-Format Strategy

Macy’s announced that, as part of its Polaris strategy, the company will open four new off-mall, small-format stores this fall. The locations will include Market by Macy’s, a smaller store that offers customers more to love with its curated assortment of the latest fashion trends, as well as the first-ever dual Market by Macy’s and Macy’s Backstage off-price location. “At Macy’s, we thrive on retail being a dynamic business requiring continuous analysis, reinvention and innovation. As customer preferences and buying behaviors change, we continue to evolve to deliver the experience our customers expect,” said Marc Mastronardi, Chief Stores Officer at Macy’s. “As exciting brand extensions, Market by Macy’s and Macy’s Backstage each offer unique shopping experiences – one celebrates discovery and convenience, while the other appeals to the customer who loves the thrill of the hunt for a great value.”
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Bill That Would Outlaw Behavioral Advertising Advances To House Floor (mediapost.com)

Lawmakers in the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday voted 53-2 to advance a sweeping bipartisan privacy bill that would outlaw a common form of online behavioral ad targeting. The version of the American Data Privacy and Protection Act approved Wednesday would prohibit companies from collecting or processing data about web users' online activity across sites and over time for ad purposes. That ban would effectively prevent companies from serving ads to web users based on their browsing activity. Major ad industry organizations including Privacy for America, the Association of National Advertisers and the Interactive Advertising Bureau opposed the bill, argued in a Tuesday letter to lawmakers that the provisions regarding cross-site tracking “would stifle that data-driven economy by prohibiting the collection and use of basic demographic and online activity data for efficient, responsible advertising.”
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Sonoco Reports Strong Second Quarter 2022 Results

Net sales for the second quarter of 2022 were a record $1.91 billion, compared with last year's second quarter sales of $1.38 billion. GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco in the second quarter of 2022 was $131.7 million, or $1.33 per diluted share, compared with a loss of $(334.1) million, or $(3.34) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2021. GAAP gross profit was $387.0 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $262.7 million in the same period of 2021. Quarterly gross profit as a percentage of sales was approximately 20 percent compared to approximately 19 percent in the second quarter of 2021.
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SEE Expands Sustainable Portfolio With Launch of Innovative Paper Bubble Mailer

Sealed Air announced it has launched a BUBBLE WRAP® brand paper bubble mailer, a fiber-based padded mailer that can be recycled in curbside bins. On the outside, the BUBBLE WRAP® brand paper bubble mailer looks like a traditional mailer but it’s what on the inside that makes it different. The inner padding is made of a paper material that mimics the original BUBBLE WRAP® brand cushioning. Benefits of the BUBBLE WRAP® brand paper bubble mailer: *Smaller and lighter than traditional boxes, which reduce shipping costs and dimensional weight *Durability: Completed testing done in International Safe Transit Association certified labs that assess packaging durability through the rigors of shipping *Curbside recyclability: Certified by the Western Michigan University OCC equivalency testing protocol. The mailers will first be available to customers in SEE’s North America market, before expanding globally by early 2023.
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Huhtamäki Oyj’s Half-yearly Report January 1 – June 30, 2022: Strong performance continued

Net sales increased by 31% in the second quarter. In comparable terms, growth reached 17%, driven by pricing actions. In most markets, demand developed favorably and has returned to pre-pandemic levels, however with some exceptions, particularly in China. Tensions on raw material availability limited our capacity to further grow volumes according to the demand, most notably in North America. We continued to mitigate the significant inflation which impacted all our major input costs, including raw materials, freight costs, energy and labor. We protected our profitability through operational efficiency improvements and pricing actions, with the adjusted EBIT increasing by 29%. Cash flow remained impacted by increased working capital and capital expenditure. We continued our organic investment into sustainable product innovation and business expansion. For example, we announced the expansion of our molded fiber product manufacturing unit in Hammond, Indiana, US. This investment in fiber technology supports market demand for more sustainable solutions in North America, such as egg cartons and cup carriers. The planned USD 100 million investment will start ramping up towards the end of 2023.
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Intertape Polymer Group Showcases Industry Leadership in 2021 Annual Sustainability Report

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. published its annual sustainability report, which catalogs the Company’s 2021 sustainability impacts and furthers its commitments for the future. The report, titled “Safe, Circular & Responsible,” discloses IPG’s annual sustainability performance and actions over the course of 2021, and identifies areas of further improvement as it continues to advance responsible manufacturing, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of its workforce. “Safety and well-being extend beyond the four walls of our organization into the community and around the world, which is why our product innovations, efficiencies in the use of raw materials, water and energy, and elimination of waste are inherent to our values,” said Greg Yull, President and Chief Executive Officer of IPG. “We continue to believe sustainability is one of the core growth drivers of our business, which is why we have taken ambitious actions to lead the industry in making products that are better for the planet, our people, our customers and the global community.” The Company’s customer-centric and sustainability-oriented commitment to “do the right thing” was elevated in 2021, despite the global economic challenges faced during the reporting period. With a priority on taking actionable measures rather than lofty pledges, IPG furthered its industry lead in securing Cradle to Cradle Certified® product certifications and became a signatory to multiple agreements that placed accountability on ambitious near-term goals such as achieving zero waste manufacturing and a net zero carbon footprint.
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Kimberly-Clark Reports Progress Toward 2030 Sustainability Goals

Kimberly-Clark Corporation published its annual report on sustainability, including an update on the company's progress toward its 2030 sustainability strategy and goals, aimed at addressing the social and environmental challenges of the next decade with goals to improve the lives and well-being of 1 billion people in underserved communities around the world and reducing its environmental footprint. "As Kimberly-Clark continues to grow our business, caring for our people, consumers, customers, partners and communities remains front and center," said Mike Hsu, Chairman and CEO, Kimberly-Clark. "From our commitment to climate stewardship and our efforts to develop more sustainable solutions for our product portfolio to our focus on inclusion and diversity and our ambition to advance the well-being of 1 billion people around the world, we'll continue to drive positive impact as we create long-term value for our shareholders. That's how we deliver Better Care for a Better World."
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UPM Half-Year Financial Report 2022: UPM delivers record Q2 earnings with successful margin management in exceptional business environment

Q2 2022 highlights *Sales increased by 7% to EUR 2,562 million (2,384 million in Q2 2021) *Comparable EBIT grew by 26% to EUR 387 million, 15.1% of sales (307 million, 12.9%) *Operating cash flow was EUR -879 million (308 million), impacted by cash flows from energy hedges. Other operating cash flows were largely as expected *Sales prices increased in all business areas and more than offset the negative impact of higher variable costs *Transformative growth projects in Uruguay and in Germany proceed well *In May, UPM announced the acquisition of AMC AG to accelerate growth and enter new product segments in UPM Raflatac *In June, UPM announced the sale of the Steyrermühl site in Austria to secure competitiveness and adapt newsprint production to the long-term market development. H1 2022 highlights *Sales increased by 10% to EUR 5,069 million (4,618 million in H1 2021) *Operating cash flow was EUR -867 million (526 million), impacted by cash flows from energy hedges in the highly exceptional energy markets
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Postal workers vote to strike; Royal Mail revenues fall (printweek.com)

More than 115,000 postal workers at Royal Mail are set to strike following the result of a ballot announced yesterday (19 July), while the postal operator has reported an 11.5% drop in sales in Q1, as it holds its 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM) today. The Communication Workers Union (CWU), which represents Royal Mail Group workers, has voted by 97.6%, on a 77% turnout, to take action. This represents the biggest mandate for strike action ever reached since the 2016 Trade Union Act was implemented. The union is demanding that Royal Mail group enters into negotiations to secure a “straight, no-strings” pay increase for workers.
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Bloomsbury AGM Trading Update

Bloomsbury announces its trading update for the four months ended 30 June 2022, ahead of the Company’s Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) at 12.00pm today. Bloomsbury experienced strong trading for the first four months of its financial year, with year-on-year sales growth of 27%, demonstrating resilience and maintaining momentum from the prior year’s outstanding performance. Consumer bestsellers in the period included Paul Hollywood’s Bake, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, and Sarah J. Maas’ titles. In the UK, according to Nielsen BookScan, Sarah J. Maas has sold just over one million print books to date. Sarah J. Maas is also one of the most popular authors on TikTok. Non-Consumer division growth was driven by continued strong demand for Bloomsbury Digital Resources. The first half of 2022 has seen record UK consumer book sales, reported by Nielsen**, supporting the view that increased reading is here to stay.
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It Now Costs Much More To Acquire A New Customer (Mediapost.com)

Customer acquisition costs are rising and hurting profitability for brands, according to a new study by SimplicityDX. Merchants are now losing $29 for every new customer, compared with $9 in 2013 — a 222% increase. Moreover, the study points to estimates that acquisition costs have risen by 60% in the past five years. And marketers have been affected by such complications as these: *The introduction of iOS 14.5 *The demise of third-party cookies *Increased consumer privacy legislation such as CCPA and GDPR
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Revised Privacy Bill Would Outlaw Some Forms Of Ad Targeting (mediapost.com)

The newest version of a sweeping bipartisan privacy bill, unveiled Tuesday morning, would effectively prohibit companies from serving ads to people based on their web browsing activity. The latest iteration of the American Data Privacy and Protection Act prohibits companies from collecting or processing “sensitive” data -- including information about people's online browsing behavior -- for ad purposes. Specifically, the measure's definition of sensitive data includes “information identifying an individual’s online activities over time and across third party websites or online services.”
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Increased 2.7% in June

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 2.7% in June after rising 0.3% in May. In June, the index equaled 120.1 (2015=100) versus 116.9 in May. “June’s jump tells me a couple of things: first, the transition in the freight market from spot back to contract continues. ATA’s tonnage index is dominated by contract freight, so while the spot market has slowed as freight softens, contract carriers are backfilling those losses with loads from shippers reducing spot market exposure," said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. "Essentially, the market is transitioning back to pre-pandemic shares of contract versus spot market. “Second, and perhaps equally important, while economic growth is expected to be soft overall in the second quarter, the goods-economy wasn’t as bad as feared," he said. May’s increase was revised down from our June 21 press release.
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Two of Sheridan’s Book Printing Facilities Experience Increased Productivity as a Benefit of Recent Press Installations

The installation of new presses at two of Sheridan’s book printing locations this summer are the latest in a series of continued equipment investments made by parent company CJK Group. Sheridan’s Chelsea, MI facility installed a new Heidelberg XL106-8 P press which began producing live work in June. With speeds up to 18,000 impressions per hour, this press features 8 units that print 4-color over 4-color in a single pass along with auto-color scanning and ink control to improve color consistency throughout the print run. Notably, the Prinect Workflow technology used with this press enables it to move automatically from job to job – changing plates and washing blankets on the fly, which significantly shortens make-ready times and increases productivity. An increase in productivity and color consistency was also brought to Sheridan’s Wisconsin facility with the July arrival of a HP Indigo 12000 digital press. The high throughput of the Indigo press for both single-and double-sided printing will provide needed capacity for quick turnarounds for short-run perfect bind and mechanical bind customers served by Sheridan Wisconsin.
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Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased Two Percent in June 2022

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 2% when compared to May 2022. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in June increased 2% compared to last June while the inventory level decreased 2% compared to May 2022. UFS imports increased 18% while exports decreased 20% in May 2022. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 2% compared to June 2021 while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to May 2022. CFS imports increased 10% while exports decreased 1% in May 2022. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in June decreased 16% compared to last June while the inventory level decreased 8% compared to May 2022. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to May 2021, down 16% and 19% respectively. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 28% compared to June 2021 while the inventory level decreased 4% compared to May 2022. UM imports increased 8% while exports decreased 30% in May 2022.
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BillerudKorsnäs Interim report January-June 2022

KEY HIGHLIGHTS *All-time high sales, EBITDA and operating cash flow *First quarter where Verso was included – net sales growth 75% *Strong organic growth, both in Europe 17% and North America 19% *Price and mix improvements more than offset the cost inflation *Excellent cash delivery and strong balance sheet position. QUARTERLY DATA *Net sales grew by 75% to SEK 11 408 million (6 504), whereof Billerud North America accounted for SEK 3 738 million *Operating profit was SEK 1 609 million (404) *Net profit was SEK 1 419 million (311)
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Mondi expands capacity in sustainable pet food packaging solutions

Mondi is investing nearly €65 million in three Consumer Flexibles packaging plants in Europe in order to meet growing customer demand for sustainable pet food packaging solutions. The European pet food market has grown significantly in recent years, driven by a consistent rise in pet ownership. This trend increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to continue for many years to come.(1) This project is part of Mondi’s previously announced €1 billion expansionary capital investment programme to accelerate growth in sustainable packaging and will further strengthen its leading position in the pet food packaging market.
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Kohl’s Reinforces Commitment to Milwaukee Hometown Partners With More Than $2 Million in Donations

As a continuation of the company’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), as well as family health and wellness,Kohl’s announced it is strengthening its support of the Milwaukee community with commitments totaling more than $2 million to eight nonprofit hometown partners. This renewal includes five hometown partners that help advance BIPOC communities, making progress against the company’s commitment to give $20 million in support of diverse communities by 2025. Through Kohl’s Hometown Partnerships, local nonprofits are able to continue programs that provide access to art and culture, health and social services, and other opportunities, including economic empowerment and neighborhood development. With these commitments, Kohl’s will continue its partnerships with Acts Housing, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, Employ Milwaukee, Greater Milwaukee Urban League, Milwaukee Art Museum, Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin, Safe & Sound, and Zoological Society of Milwaukee. “Kohl’s is committed to serving families in the Milwaukee community, and we are proud to support these organizations that make a positive impact in our hometown,” said Tara Geiter, Kohl’s director of community relations. “Kohl’s hometown partners touch a wide range of social causes, which continue to be a priority for our community. We are excited to help these organizations expand their reach, and we look forward to deepening these hometown partnerships in the years to come.”
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O-I Glass Subsidiary, Paddock Enterprises, LLC, Emerges from Chapter 11

O-I Glass, Inc. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Paddock Enterprises, LLC, has emerged from Chapter 11 protection, following affirmation by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware on June 22, 2022, of an order confirming Paddock’s Plan of Reorganization. The Plan was previously confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on May 26, 2022. Paddock emerges from Chapter 11 having achieved a final and fair resolution of its asbestos-related legacy liabilities under the Plan. “Paddock’s Chapter 11 process has been completed in a manner that provides finality for the company and, importantly, fair and equitable resolution for claimants,” said Andres Lopez, CEO of O-I Glass. 
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Public consultation: Brazilian forest certification system

Stakeholders from around the world are invited to give feedback on the revised Brazilian Forest Certification System. Deadline for comments is 15 September. Give your feedback. PEFC Brazil revised the country’s national forest certification system following the entry into force of the revised 2018 PEFC Sustainable Forest Management standard. The Brazilian system was submitted to PEFC after being revised in line with PEFC requirements. The national system is now undergoing the PEFC assessment process, carried out by an independent PEFC Registered Assessor. It must pass this assessment to maintain its PEFC endorsement. An important aspect of the assessment process is the public consultation. Over the sixty-day consultation, stakeholders from around the world can give their comments and provide feedback on any aspect of the system. The Registered Assessor will use the information received from this consultation in their assessment of the system.
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Novolex introduces new stand for Cutlerease utensil dispensers, saving space while curtailing waste

Waddington™ North America (WNA), a Novolex® brand, announced today that it is introducing a new stand for Cutlerease®, a patented dispenser that offers customers one disposable utensil at a time. The new stand allows Cutlerease to be set up anywhere, saving even more space for foodservice operations. The stand is available for the triple-tower base to hold forks, knives and spoons or any combination of the three types of utensils. The new stand is 28 inches high and is both sturdy and easy to assemble. This triple-tower stand adds to the already versatile Cutlerease line-up, which includes the single and double bases that are ideal for small counters.
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Silgan Announces Transfer of Its Common Stock Listing to New York Stock Exchange

Silgan Holdings Inc. announced today that it is transferring the listing of its Common Stock from the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq) to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The NYSE is home to many leading companies, including 70% of the S&P 500. Silgan expects that its Common Stock will commence trading on the NYSE at market open on August 1, 2022 under its current ticker symbol “SLGN”. Silgan’s Common Stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq until the transfer is completed. The transfer is expected to be seamless for Silgan’s investors and stockholders, and no action is required on their part. Silgan also announced that it will ring the opening bell on the NYSE on August 1, 2022, its first day of trading on the NYSE.
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Mercer International Inc. releases 2021 Sustainability Report

The report illuminates how the Company is advancing its environmental and sustainability ambitions and aligns with the standards and recommendations of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting frameworks. In addition, the report introduces the Company’s 2030 target to reduce its Scope 1 GHG emission intensity by 35%, as validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative. “The production of sustainable, renewable, bio-based products has always been a core element of our business. This inaugural Sustainability Report highlights our sustainability aspirations, the initiatives we are advancing to improve our operations, and the progress we are making each year,” said Juan Carlos Bueno, President and CEO of Mercer International. “We are proud of our work to date and look forward to preparing ourselves further for a low-carbon and circular future driven by renewable natural resources.”
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Reliable and sustainable – Industrial packaging made of heavy-duty corrugated board is an alternative to wood or metal

Industrial packaging must be strong, which is why heavy-duty corrugated board doesn’t immediately spring to mind as the perfect solution. But for many packaging challenges, it can save time, money and resources. Automotive components, chemicals, DIY products, household appliances, sporting goods…the list of industries and manufacturers that need to package and ship their products reliably and efficiently is virtually endless. This is not by any means a trivial challenge, especially when import regulations or other issues in production and logistics or distribution bring additional complexity. Such issues usually include shipping, storage, safety, or the simple matter of handling of packaging on site. At the same time, companies need to consider their own CO2 footprint and overall sustainability, which is an area many companies struggle with. With those challenges in mind, a high-performance and reliable alternative to wood or metal is heavy-duty corrugated board, as industrial packaging for heavy loads. Weighing up to 80% less than wood or metal industrial packaging, it undergoes a broad range of tests during development, oriented to a broad range of anticipated conditions: drop tests in the lab, climate chambers, and comprehensive shipping simulations for a wide range of conditions. Most heavy-duty corrugated board solutions are better than more rigid types of packaging in absorbing shocks and vibration during transportation. And heavy-duty corrugated board can withstand demanding conditions such as heat or humidity. Especially when shipped by sea, contents are exposed to high ambient humidity and high condensation, often for several weeks. All of Mondi’s heavy-duty corrugated board grades are therefore bonded based on wet-strength parameters and are made using high-quality papers for durability across different climatic regions.
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Book Manufacturers’ Institute Releases Industry Barometer Survey Results for July

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) released the July results for its monthly survey on capacity and lead times for soft cover and hard cover books. As demand has skyrocketed and supply chain woes continue to hamper all segments of manufacturing, BMI put together the survey to get a better idea of what manufacturers were facing and what publishers should expect. July started to show a little easing in the space. According to responses regarding hard cover books, the average manufacturer was running at 84% of their capacity, down from June’s 90%. The average lead time for completed hard cover books dropped a whole month, going from 104 days to 74 days. For soft cover books, capacity usage stayed at 91% and the average lead time dropped from 84 days to 56 days, based on 16 responses.
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CANPACK Group’s Emissions Target Reductions Are Ratified by SBTI

CANPACK Group is delighted to announce that its ambitious new emissions reduction targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the independent science-based body, which promotes best practice in the scientific sphere. As part of its emissions targets, CANPACK has committed to three core mission statements: *Reduced absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030, from the base year of 2020. *Increasing annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 62% in 2020 to 100% from 2022. *Reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services by 12.3% by 2030, from a base year of 2020. As a result of the company’s pledges, SBTi’s Validation Team has been able to classify CANPACK’s scope 1 and 2 target ambitions as in-line with keeping greenhouse emissions well-below the 2°C trajectory.
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Miraclon continues global Flexo HUB investment with new facility in Minnesota, USA

Miraclon, home of KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions, has announced its plans to open a third Flexo HUB as it continues to invest in the development and growth of the flexographic industry. Based in Oakdale, Minnesota, the new Flexo HUB will allow customers, partners and industry stakeholders based in North and South America local access to KODAK FLEXCEL NX Technology demonstrations, training and networking events. “With our hubs positioned across the globe – one representing the Asia region in Shanghai, China, and the other co-located in Europe with Miraclon’s corporate headquarters in Brussels, Belgium – Miraclon is well positioned to collaborate with customers, partners and stakeholders in the flexo industry from a truly global, yet local perspective”, says Grant Blewett, Miraclon Chief Commercial Officer. Miraclon appointed Charles Schoen as Flexo HUB Manager, Americas to oversee the HUB construction and with responsibility for all Flexo HUB technology demonstrations and training activities. He brings over 30 years of flexo platemaking and managerial experience to the role.
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Twin Rivers Paper Announces Additions to Executive Team

Robert Harvey joined Twin Rivers as the company’s Chief Operations Officer in February. A native of Maine, Harvey recently relocated to the company’s flagship operation and headquarters office in Madawaska, Maine. Tyler Rajeski was named Vice President of Finance in April 2022, leading the company’s finance, accounting, treasury and tax functions. “Rob and Tyler are great additions to our executive team, bringing a high level of expertise to their respective roles,” stated Chief Executive Officer Debarata ‘Deba’ Mukherjee. “The deep papermaking and continuous improvement experience Rob brings to the business has already resulted in operational improvements. Tyler was working closely with our team and creating value via his role with Atlas Holdings, enabling a fast and seamless transition.”
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Why some marketers are shifting their focus from inboxes to mailboxes (marketingbrew.com)

For the generations that grew up on Blue’s Clues, mail time is pretty few and far between these days. As a Gen Z/millennial “cusper,” Emily Loof, development and marketing manager at education nonprofit Colorado Youth for a Change (CYC), said she’s pushed for an increased use of direct mail in her current and past roles. Since last year, she said CYC has “about doubled” its direct-mail marketing budget. In addition to seeing increased donations, Loof said she’s also received feedback that indicates younger people may be itching for more things in their mailbox. One person “tagged our organization on Facebook and said, ‘This is so cool. Like, I never get letters from people that I donate to,’” she told us. Given growing data-privacy concerns, clutter in online advertising, and demand for brand authenticity, some marketers we spoke to said the best way to reach younger consumers could be through some good ol’ fashioned snail mail.
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For 15th Consecutive Week, More than 93 Percent First-Class Mail Delivered On-Time

The United States Postal Service reported new delivery performance metrics for the first week of the fiscal fourth quarter. The latest numbers show First-Class Mail performance exceeded 93 percent on-time delivery for the 15th consecutive week. For the first week of FY2022 Q4, the average time for the Postal Service to deliver a mailpiece or package across the nation was 2.5 days. FY2022 fourth quarter service performance scores covering July 1 through July 8 included: *First-Class Mail: 94.0 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of .5 percentage points with performance from the fiscal third quarter. *Marketing Mail: 93.2 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 1.4 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter. *Periodicals: 86.9 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of .5 percentage point from the fiscal third quarter.
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PEFC Group Certification Dialogue Webinar Series: Knowledge sharing amongst members and industry stakeholders

Smallholders, local communities, and indigenous peoples own or manage nearly half of the world’s forests and the way those forests are managed can have an influence on the climate, biodiversity, and health of our planet. It is therefore vital that smallholders can gain certification, not only to benefit from the advantages it brings to their livelihoods, but to ensure that these forests are responsibly managed so they are around for generations to come. To achieve this, we must make sustainable forest management certification accessible to these smallholders. This is where PEFC group certification comes in, enabling smallholders to group together and organize themselves, pool their resources and work as a team to achieve certification. Since 2010, our Smallholder Group Certification programme has enabled the sharing of experiences and facilitated cooperation amongst family forest owners, community forest groups, and indigenous peoples in implementing sustainable forest management and pursuing forest certification.
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Inteplast Group Releases 2021 Sustainability Report

Inteplast Group has released the 2021 Sustainability Report outlining initiatives, partnerships, and quantitative data centered around environmental, social, and corporate sustainability goals via its website www.inteplast.com. The 2021 Sustainability Report includes Inteplast Group’s: *Collective carbon footprint *Recycling programs, associations, and supply chain partners *Components of Inteplast’s Quality Policy *Community and social sustainability updates *Natural resource and waste management practices. The document can be accessed at www.inteplast.com/media/2226/sustainability-report-2021.pdf.
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Sun Chemical Brings Distribution Business In-house

As of July 1, 2022, Sun Chemical has assumed responsibility for home and personal care colorants, which were previously distributed by BTC Europe GmbH. As a part of this business transfer, all future sales, samples and literature will be managed by Sun Chemical. This includes the popular tradenames Puricolor®, Iragon® and Pigmosol®, which contain a variety of dyes, pigments and preparations. “We are excited to continue expanding our color portfolio and grow in the home and personal care market,” said Bart Vanderbiest, Global Business Director of Cosmetics, Sun Chemical. “We are committed to making the world a more colorful place and look forward to leveraging our rich expertise and diverse portfolio to better serve our new and existing customers.”
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Kimberly-Clark Commemorates 150th Anniversary with Grants to Three Global Nonprofit Organizations Selected by Its Employees

As Kimberly-Clark celebrates 150 years of providing Better Care for a Better World, the Kimberly-Clark Foundation announced that it will honor this milestone anniversary by awarding three $150,000 grants to global nonprofit organizations that are working to improve the well-being of people around the world. Kimberly-Clark employees selected the grant recipients via online voting from a list of nonprofit organizations that focus their work on the priority areas of the company's brands and the Kimberly-Clark Foundation. The awardees are: *Water.org has positively transformed more than 45 million lives around the world with access to safe water or sanitation; *She's the First has worked with grassroots organizations to make sure girls everywhere are educated, respected and heard; and *Project HOPE has provided nurses and midwives with the skills they need to save the lives of women and babies around the world.
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Norske Skog: Good profitability despite turbulent markets

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the second quarter of 2022 was NOK 905 million, an increase from NOK 610 million in the first quarter of 2022. Sales prices for all grades increased in the quarter as a consequence of high energy costs in Europe and a tight publication paper market. The containerboard conversions and energy projects are progressing as planned. Cash flow from operations was NOK 473 million in the quarter compared to NOK 196 million in the previous quarter, positively impacted by the improved operating margins, but negatively impacted by change in working capital, being mainly an increase in inventories, and trade and other receivables. Operating earnings in the second quarter of 2022 were NOK 1 195 million compared to operating earnings in the first quarter of 2022 of NOK 593 million. The quarter was positively affected by non-cash changes in fair value of energy contracts in Norway amounting to NOK 419 million. Net profit in the quarter was NOK 935 million compared to a net profit of NOK 583 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 1 012 million at the end of the second quarter, with an equity ratio of 42%.
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Paper or Plastic? In a Circular Economy, the Answer is Clear (twosidesna.org)

In today’s industrial marketplace, the concept of a circular economy is finally inching beyond theoretical ideals to real-world applications that will make our planet healthier and more sustainable. But becoming truly circular doesn’t come easy or cheap. It’s a challenge that requires intent, investment and innovation. The paper industry figured this out decades ago, and it has been at the leading edge of circularity ever since. In fact, paper manufacturing exemplifies the very definition of circularity – industrial processes and economic activities that are 1) restorative or regenerative by design, 2) enable resources used to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and 3) aim to eliminate waste through the superior design of materials, products and systems. Most alternatives don’t even come close. Take plastics, for example.
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Disruptive Catalogs: 5 Ways to Mix it Up (jschmid.com)

If you’ve been following J.Schmid’s blog posts recently, you’ve already enjoyed reading about the many ways to make your catalog stand out, from show-stopping covers to using devices that invite interaction. But what about rethinking the very construct of your catalog? What about developing a mix-it-up strategy? We know the traditional catalog format serves many purposes: it provides the real estate to express your brand and convey the breadth of your product selection. But the other truth is that you can also stand out in the mailbox, capture attention, and achieve multiple objectives by changing up your format every now and then. Here are five ways to think outside the catalog “box,” as it were. See more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/disruptive-catalogs-five-ways-to-mix-it-up/
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Stora Enso and Tetra Pak study a possible solution for beverage carton recycling in Benelux to advance circular paper-based packaging solutions

Stora Enso and Tetra Pak are jointly examining a shared beverage carton recycling solution to meet the growing recycling need in Benelux, responding to the demand for circular paper-based packaging solutions. The joint feasibility study includes a plan for a comprehensive beverage carton recycling facility at Stora Enso’s Langerbrugge site in Belgium. Processing of the fibers would take place at the Langerbrugge site, while the polymer and aluminum barrier materials would be recycled by a dedicated partner. Approximately 75,000 tonnes of beverage cartons are put on the Benelux market annually, a growing volume of which more than 70% is already collected for recycling. Currently, there is no existing beverage carton recycling infrastructure in Benelux. This collaboration between Stora Enso and Tetra Pak would create a complete recycling system for beverage cartons in Benelux and surrounding regions. Within the solution, Stora Enso would process collected beverage cartons and recover the fibers. The recycled fibers would serve as source material for producing recycled containerboard within the Langerbrugge site, delivering a fully circular solution. Tetra Pak would secure a recycling solution for polymer and aluminum materials to be processed by a dedicated partner.
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USPS Simplifies Package Shipping Options

The Postal Service filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) certain classification changes designed to enhance and expand the First-Class Package Service (FCPS) product. This will simplify three of the USPS ground shipping options into one. USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground will be incorporated into one enhanced FCPS product. “We are improving service and simplifying product offerings for our customers,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. “By upgrading the customer experience and optimizing our package processing and surface transportation networks, we are becoming the best option in the industry.” The changes are in keeping with the Delivering for America 10-year plan to achieve financial stability and service excellence, defined as meeting or exceeding 95 percent on-time delivery across all product categories.
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USPS Issues New Rule On Requester Newspapers (mediapost.com)

Print publications are facing many challenges, not the least of which is one caused by that old partner: The U.S. Postal Service. The USPS has issued a rule that allows it to revoke an audit bureau’s authority to validate requesters, according to the National Newspaper Association (NNA). Requester newspapers are those that have more than 50% of their circulations paid or requested. That includes paid single-copy sales. The USPS can withdraw the audit bureau’s authority if it finds that its procedures are inadequate.
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USA TODAY Celebrates 40 Years of Journalism and Innovation

USA TODAY announced the launch of the ‘To the point’ brand campaign, in recognition of the 40th anniversary of USA TODAY which was first published on September 15, 1982. ‘To the point’ pays homage to the publication’s signature style of concise, approachable, and expert-driven journalism that serves as the nation’s source of clarity, empowering audiences. USA TODAY introduced color to the newspaper industry along with infographics and popular culture stories reflecting the people, places and perspectives of the nation. The brand has continued the legacy of innovation on digital platforms with immersive experiences and Augmented Reality (AR) reaching approximately 100 million people monthly.
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Update on FSC US National Forest Stewardship Standard Revision

The final public consultation for the Version 2 standard revision process closed on May 31, 2022. During the consultation 43 responses were received, representing 75 respondents. By chamber, 28 Economic Chamber responses were received (representing 31 respondents), 10 Environmental Chamber responses were received (representing 39 respondents), 3 Social Chamber responses were received (representing 3 respondents) and 2 responses were received where chamber alignment could not be determined. The greatest number of comments were received about Principle 2 (Forest Workers’ Rights & Wellbeing) and Principle 6 (Impacts on Environmental Values). For Principle 2, topics with the most comments focused on worker wages and addressing expectations regarding fair compensation for injury or property damage. For Principle 6, topics with the most comments were Representative Sample Areas, Conservation Area Networks and expectations regarding justifying deviations from regional requirements for opening sizes.
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Sonoco ThermoSafe and Turkish Cargo Sign Global Master Lease Agreement

Sonoco ThermoSafe and Turkish Airlines are pleased to announce a global partnership agreement for leasing the new Pegasus ULD® temperature-controlled bulk shipping container. The agreement enables pharmaceutical freight forwarders access to Pegasus ULD® containers directly from Turkish Cargo. Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Pegasus ULD® is the world’s first FAA and EASA-approved passive bulk temperature-controlled ULD container for pharmaceutical use, which enables it to speed through international air freight handling and customs processes at the lowest possible cost. With a focus on sustainability, the Pegasus ULD® is engineered with composite materials, offering a lighter solution that is also substantially more damage-resistant than traditional metal containers. Additionally, the Pegasus ULD® contains a fully integrated, FAA-approved telemetry system providing real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature and key environmental factors, precisely synchronized with GPS location.
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Smurfit Kappa draws on eCommerce expertise to cultivate online wine sales

Smurfit Kappa has harnessed its experience in eCommerce and sustainability to help a prestigious vineyard in the UK tap into the flourishing online wine space. The Kingscote Estate and Vineyard in West Sussex, which sells a range of fine wines through its ‘The Wine Caverns’ sub-brand, needed a sustainable packaging solution to drive online sales and reflect the premium nature of its brand. Smurfit Kappa utilised the eCommerce insights, knowledge and data that sit behind its eBottle portfolio as the starting point for the collaboration. The portfolio has a range of single bottle, multi-bottle and bag-in-box solutions designed to protect fragile liquid products throughout all stages of the supply chain.
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Task Team working under the banner of CEFLEX QRP Project Develops Mono-material Duplex Laminated Pouches Using PP Recyclates

The CEFLEX initiative brings together more than 180 European companies, associations and organizations that represent the entire value chain of flexible packaging. To help boost recycling rates and expand sustainable end markets, a team of CEFLEX stakeholders developed a Quality Recycling Process (QRP). The scope of QRP is to mechanically recycle a higher percentage of PE and PP than currently done for non-food contact film applications, since flexible packaging from household waste has very low recycling rates in Europe. After five semi-industrial trials, the final objective is to now build an industrial scale QRP waste processing demonstration plant that will run commercially by 2023. The trials show that flexible packaging waste can indeed be sorted and recycled into fractions that can be made into resins to produce film destined to non-food packaging applications. This can include household cleaning products, like dishwasher tablets.
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To All With Interests in The Mail:

ACMA Postal Committee Chairwoman Deborah Damore from printer LSC Communications posted this blog today, which we urge you to follow up on. In brief, in late May the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) urged all mail stakeholders to submit comments concerning the impact of the size and timing of the August 2021 postage rate increase, which was allowed since the PRC's November 2020 ruling allowing for greater pricing flexibility for the USPS. The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2022. The ACMA urges you to review the full blog and PRC letter and is happy to assist in your efforts. Simply email staff@catalogmailers.org for assistance. read the blog post at: https://blog.lsccom.com/call-to-action-for-all-mailers?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=219401895&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_84hROQTOX2kQ-NX0e3benhIjt9cL1J3HVnNzlU4lI7pXjwTMJVEysNyZn-TTX5kMfjJJDX4tDGnR6pMmUV_mfqHWKBA&utm_content=219401895&utm_source=hs_email . read the PRC statement at: https://www.prc.gov/sites/default/files/Stakeholder%20input%20for%20appropriations%20act%20study.pdf
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Participate in public consultation on joint Review Report of generic FSC certification body standard and related procedure

The public consultation is open between 11 July and 14 August 2022 and will be used to collect stakeholder feedback on the joint review report of FSC-STD-20-001 V4-0 General requirements for FSC accredited certification bodies and two related procedures, FSC-PRO-20-003 V1-0 FSC Certificates and License Agreements and FSC-PRO-20-004 V1-2 General Requirements for an FSC Training Programme.
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New Can Manufacturers Institute Report Shows How the Can Industry will Meet Its Ambitious Recycling Rate Targets

Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) published a detailed aluminum beverage can recycling primer and roadmap that explains how the ambitious U.S. aluminum beverage can recycling rate targets that CMI members announced in November 2021 will be achieved. Those targets are reaching a 70 percent recycling rate by 2030, 80 percent by 2040 and 90 percent by 2050. The aluminum beverage can is the most recycled beverage container in the United States with a 45 percent recycling rate in 2020. Consider that in 2020, for the aluminum beverage can recycling rate to have reached 70 percent, 25.6 billion more cans needed to be recycled. If the target had been met and those additional cans recycled, it would have generated more than $400 million in revenue for the U.S. recycling system and resulted in energy savings that could power more than 1 million U.S. homes for an entire year. The report explains in detail how CMI will achieve its targets via four pillars of action, which are: 1. Catalyze the passage and implementation of well-designed deposit systems at the state and federal levels. 2. Increase and improve household and away-from-home recycling. 3. Ensure that more cans are properly sorted at recycling centers. 4. Increase consumer understanding on the importance of aluminum can recycling and the ability to collect and sell used beverage cans for cash.
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Disruptive Catalogs: Invite Interaction

While there’s no denying that print is on the rise, many still think of printed collateral as a static medium. Although there may be some truth to this sentiment when looking at a wide swath of catalogs, it’s by no means an unbreakable rule. Whether to pinpoint a certain demographic, create more opportunities to disrupt in the mail, or to invest in a piece that consumers will want to not only engage with, but that will help to further your brands tangibility and relevance – changing the design of your next book to include moments of direct interaction with customers is a must. The best, and perhaps most daunting, part of creating interactive catalogs and mailers is that the sky really is the limit. Some examples you’ll see are as easy as changing a design layout, others involve new exciting formats, and still more come from thinking completely outside the box and reimagining what a piece of printed advertising can be and do. No idea is too big or too small, so let’s start exploring! much more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/disruptive-catalogs-part-5/
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A Prosperous 35 Years in Print

Scott Zimmermann, our Press Room Manager, is celebrating a BIG milestone with us this month – he's been with Royle Printing for over 35 years! You mean you've spent 35 years with the same company? In today's workforce, that can be unheard of at times! We stumbled upon a past newsletter from May of 1993; a throwback to the newsletter seemed like a must to celebrate Scott's tenure with us. He's spent his entire career working in print as a press operator. Hear what Scott or "Zimmy" (that's what we call him around here) had to say about his 35 years in print and why he's found so much success. We feel it's more important now than ever to tell prosperous and successful stories of people in our industry. We hope we can potentially urge younger and future generations to consider a career in print – there are endless possibilities for growth! read more at: https://www.royle.com/news/a-prosperous-35-years-in-print
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Book Manufacturers’ Institute Brings Back Book Manufacturing Mastered

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) is bringing back its industry event Book Manufacturing Mastered. The 2022 version will be held Thursday September 15th at the Westin Chicago North Shore. The first event was held February 10–11, 2020 in New York City just prior to the pandemic. Book Manufacturing Mastered 2022 will feature a morning “Paper School” that will cover all things paper. As it is one of the, if not THE, top challenges facing the industry today, attendees will learn how it’s made to its different properties, to the impact it has on the environment. After a networking lunch, the afternoon panel featuring both publishers and manufacturers will give everyone a lay of the land as it stands today. Then attendees will have the chance for roundtable discussions with publishers, printers and suppliers about the top challenges facing the industry today and how they can be addressed. Lastly, the day will end with a networking cocktail reception that will feature tabletop exhibits from printers and suppliers to allow publishers in attendance to speak directly with those that help bring their ideas to print.
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AAP April 2022 StatShot Report: Publishing Industry Down 2.3% Year-To-Date and 12.6% for April

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) today released its StatShot report for April 2022 reflecting reported revenue for Trade (Consumer Books), Higher Education Course Materials, and Professional Publishing. The report does not include Pre-K revenue due to delays in data collection but will be updated as soon as that data becomes available. Total revenues across all categories, excluding PreK-12, for April 2022 were down 12.6% as compared to April 2021, coming in at $788.3 million. Year-to-date revenues were down 2.3%, at $3.8 billion for the first four months of the year. Trade (Consumer Books) sales were down 8.9% in April, coming in at $685.7 million. eBook revenues were down 8.3% for the month as compared to April 2021 for a total of $84.3 million.
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Silgan Settles With European Commission to End Investigation Since 2015 of Its European Metal Packaging Operations

Silgan Holdings Inc. a leading supplier of sustainable rigid packaging solutions for consumer goods products, announced today that it has concluded a settlement with the European Commission to end a long-running investigation of Silgan's metal packaging operations in Europe. This investigation was started in 2015 by the German antitrust authority and was transferred in 2018 to the European Commission only after the German antitrust authority determined it would be dicult for it to impose nes under German law. As part of the settlement, Silgan has agreed to pay a ne of €23,852,000 to put an end to the investigation, although Silgan does not fully concur with the facts and legal qualications put forth by the European Commission. The European Commission has agreed to fully close its investigation and not proceed any further with respect to this matter.
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Intertape Polymer Group Inc. Publishes First Environmental Product Declaration With Curbside Recyclable Curby Mailer™ Product Solution

The Curby Mailer is a tri-laminated mailer employing a patented production process that allows for the mailer to use a paper honeycomb structure, encapsulated between an inner and outer layer of paper, to form a padded mailer. It is curbside recyclable and can be easily disposed of with other recyclable materials. "This unique production methodology delivers cushioning performance from edge-to-edge and seamto- seam, making the Curby Mailer the most effective form of sustainable replacement of bubble cushioning in the market," states Zach Kissel, IPG VP of Global E-Fulfillment. The Curby Mailer is one of several solutions that complete the entire Curby® line of sustainable packaging products which includes water-activated tape (also known as gum tape), paper void fill solutions, and paper fragile wrapping solutions. “With e-commerce shipping volumes rapidly increasing and consumers becoming ever more aware of their environmental impact, Curby products promote a circular economy and help answer these e-commerce growth challenges,” explained Kissel.
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Skip Bray Named President of Midwest Commercial Printer, Modern Litho-St. Louis

Modern Litho announces long-time General Manager, Skip Bray has been named President of Modern Litho-St. Louis as of July 1, 2022. Under Bray’s leadership, Modern Litho-St. Louis, a division of Modern Litho-Print Co., has grown in every measure of the word in revenue, employees, facility space and significant expansion of product and service offerings to its customers. This growth is a result of both organic customer attraction/retention and strategic acquisitions of several St. Louis Metro based printing companies including Midtown Printing (2013), Trio Printing (2018) and Mulligan Printing (2020).
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Cenveo Announces Successful Management Buyout (piworld.com)

Cenveo Worldwide Limited announced the successful completion of a management buyout of the business led by Chief Executive Officer, Rob Burton, Jr., President, Mike Burton, Chief Financial Officer, Mark Hiltwein, and Chief Strategy Officer, Ayman Zameli. As a result of the transaction, Cenveo is now 100% owned by its management with the Burton family being the majority shareholder. Rob Burton, CEO of Cenveo said: “I am grateful for this opportunity and proud to have gained the trust of our shareholders to accomplish this buyout. We have all worked very hard on rationalizing our platform and divesting non-strategic assets all while delivering superior returns to our shareholders.” With this buyout, Cenveo is now exclusively an envelope focused business and the largest envelope converter in North America. Through this transaction, the existing Cenveo management team will remain in place and will continue to focus its efforts on serving the Company’s diverse and extensive envelope customer base. Rob continued, “Cenveo is an established brand with a rich history and long experience in delivering innovative solutions to our customers. This deal represents the next chapter for the brand and the ambitious team members who have helped build it over many years.”
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USPS Ends FY2022 Third Quarter With Continued Service Improvements Across All Mail Categories

The United States Postal Service reported new preliminary delivery performance metrics for the fiscal third quarter ending June 30 showing continued service improvements across First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail and Periodicals. For the third quarter, the average time for the Postal Service to deliver a mailpiece or package across the nation was just 2.5 days. FY2022 third quarter service performance scores covering April 1 through June 30 included: *First-Class Mail: 93.5 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 5.6 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Marketing Mail: 94.7 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 2.5 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Periodicals: 86.3 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 4.8 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter.
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Bauer Publishing Introduce ASDA Brain Boost, A New Puzzle Magazine in Partnership With Alzheimer’s Society

Bauer Publishing, the team behind many of the UK's favourite puzzle magazines including Take a Crossword and the Eclipse franchise, has launched a mixed puzzle magazine containing brain training and traditional puzzles produced exclusively for Asda in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society. Asda Brain Boost is a compilation of memory games, mindfulness pages and classic puzzles to engage both the left and right sides of the brain. The magazine aims to encourage readers to develop and improve their cognitive skills, with beat-the-clock challenges and puzzles with increasing levels of complexity. Exclusively sold in Asda, every Asda Brain Boost sale, priced at £3.50 each, will see 52p donated to Alzheimer’s Society. This magazine represents a real opportunity for readers to both boost their own mental fitness, and help to raise much-needed funds for Alzheimer’s Society’s fundamental work.
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Hearst Magazines International Launches Print Edition of Harper’s BAZAAR Italy

Hearst Magazines International today announced the launch of the print edition of Harper’s BAZAAR Italy, further expanding the iconic fashion brand’s digital, social and experiential presence in the Italian market. Daria Veledeeva, formerly the editor-in-chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Russia, has been appointed editor-in-chief and will oversee the content strategy and development of the magazine. The announcement was made today by Hearst Magazines International President Jonathan Wright and Hearst Italy CEO Giacomo Moletto. “The prestige and influence of the Harper’s BAZAAR brand in the U.S. and around the world is unmatched and the print expression is an important experience – our audience engages deeply and marketers can therefore connect with them in a more profound way,” Wright said. “With Daria’s leadership, vision, and deep connections in the fashion industry, Harper’s BAZAAR Italy will be a must-read for anyone who is passionate about fashion, culture and the issues that matter today.”
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Is the Book Sales Boom Finally Over? (publishersweekly.com)

After soaring 18.9% in the first half of 2021 over the comparable period in 2020, unit sales of print books retreated in the first half of 2022, dropping 6.6% from 2021 levels. According to NPD BookScan, total first-half print sales were 362.6 million, down from 386.6 million a year ago. All the major categories except adult fiction had declines, with the largest drop coming in the industry’s biggest category, adult nonfiction, where print sales fell 10.3%. Sales at the midpoint of 2022 were still about 15% above the first six months of 2019, the last prepandemic year, which many in the industry are using as a benchmark, in light of the unexpectedly strong subsequent two years of the pandemic. The 6.6% decline is also an improvement over the first quarter, which saw an 8.9% drop in sales compared to last year’s first quarter.
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Brazilian forest certification system submitted for assessment

The Brazilian Forest Certification System has been submitted to PEFC for assessment. The public consultation, which is your chance to give your feedback on this revised system, will run from 18 July to 15 September 2022. PEFC Brazil revised the country’s national forest certification system following the entry into force of the revised 2018 PEFC Sustainable Forest Management standard. To provide you with additional information, we are holding a webinar on 18 July, 14:00 CEST. The webinar is free to attend and open to everyone. more at: https://pefc.org/news/brazilian-forest-certification-system-submitted-for-assessment
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FEFCO – New Corrugated Life Cycle Analysis

FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers), together with CCB (Cepi Container Board), has released the new “European Database for Corrugated Board Life Cycle Studies 2021”. FEFCO and CCB have been collecting and publishing life cycle data for more than 25 years. The life cycle analysis follows a robust process of data collection, evaluation and validation by LCA experts. The process and data are subject to independent peer review by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg GmbH, Germany. The 2021 report and data collection cover a significant proportion of the sector representing: *84% of the total annual production for kraftliner and semi-chemical fluting and 74% of the production of testliner and recycled fluting. *73% of the total annual corrugated board production in average.
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Sonoco Expanding Residential Recycling of Paper Cups to its Mill in Hartsville, South Carolina

Sonoco announced it is expanding post-consumer recovery and recycling opportunities for paper cups in bales of mixed paper to be used as raw material at its Hartsville, S.C., paperboard mill to produce new paperboard. All of Sonoco’s United States paper mills have previously validated that they can accept rigid paper cans in bales of mixed paper coming from residential Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). This new announcement extends acceptance to paper cups at the Hartsville mill. Additional testing is underway with the aim of expanding cup recycling to all Sonoco mills that utilize residential mixed paper.
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Graphic Village Expands Its Presence to Chicago Area With Sunrise Hitek Group Acquisition (piworld.com)

Graphic Village announced that it has purchased Sunrise Hitek Group, LLC, a variable print and specialty large format company in Chicago, IL. This strategic move further strengthens Graphic Village’s capabilities and expands the company’s presence to the Chicago, Illinois, region. Sunrise Hitek is located in the Norwood Park East neighborhood of Chicago since its founding in 1988. As a specialist in high-quality printing, packaging, display fabrication and branded environments, Sunrise Hitek serves a broad array of industries including, healthcare, hospitality, packaged goods and manufacturing. It will continue to operate out of their Chicago-based facility. The current team of 25 employees, including the leadership team, will remain in place and continue to deliver excellent value and customer experiences. Over time, Sunrise Hitek will be rebranded as Graphic Village.
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Paper Excellence Enters Agreement to Acquire Resolute Forest Products

The Paper Excellence Group, Domtar’s owner, announced it has entered an agreement to purchase Resolute Forest Products through Domtar. Under the agreement, Domtar will acquire all outstanding shares of Resolute common stock. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2023. With this addition to its family of companies, the Paper Excellence Group will further build out its forest products portfolio in North America following the successful acquisition of Domtar last year. Resolute will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Domtar, under the auspices of the Paper Excellence Group. Domtar and Resolute will continue to operate independently under their own names.
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BillerudKorsnäs eliminates the need for plastic film in industrial paper sacks

Performance White Barrier is a new sack paper from BillerudKorsnäs where a coating replaces the plastic film barrier commonly found in paper sacks. The sack paper is on par with traditional alternatives regarding shelf-life expectancy and other performance factors. Some of the main benefits are easy recycling in regular paper streams, a good printing surface for branding and product content display and no need for any changes in the supply chain. Performance White Barrier can replace most slit and perforated plastic films without significant changes in shelf-life performance, and works for a wide variety of sack paper applications including animal feed, building materials, chemical substances, dry food and mineral products. Brand owners get sustainable product packaging, and users get packaging that only consists of paper, making the sacks easy to recycle in the well-established paper recycling process.
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Mondi handles Diamant’s packaging needs with recyclable paper solution

Mondi has entered the bike packaging market with its Protector Bags, providing a new sustainable solution for Diamant to replace plastic wrapping used around the handlebars of its Trek and Diamant brands. Germany’s oldest bike manufacturer will now use Mondi’s recyclable Protector Bags that are made from renewable materials. The change means that Diamant will reduce its plastic use by 16 tonnes every year – around 85% of its previous consumption – as well as saving costs in logistics and transportation. The pre-made paper bags do not require additional wrapping or taping, as they are ready to use with a tailored closure strip developed specifically for the bicycle industry. Created from two plies of paper, Mondi’s Protector Bags are strong and flexible, making them highly puncture-proof – and they protect the bikes during storage and transport with a softer interior glaze that is friction-resistant. Due to the air permeability of paper, the bags are also breathable. Additionally, handlebar grips made of rubber can emit moisture or gas that can evaporate easily with this new packaging.
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