The primary reason to use compostable packaging is to help deliver food waste and other organic matter to composting facilities. Food waste in landfills is one of the main sources of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that has about 20-80 times the power of carbon dioxide. Diverting food waste from landfills is a key intervention to limiting climate change, and compostable packaging can help do that by being the “vehicle” that food scraps ride along with on their way to composting facilities. Composting facilities that accept compostable packaging are able to bring in more food waste than those that don’t. Compostable packaging should be reserved for packaging that is: *Used to serve prepared food or contains frozen or raw food *Likely to deliver food to a composting facility *Food-contact packaging that is not readily recyclable *Often disposed of with food waste (e.g., produce stickers) *Fiber-based and is likely to become food-soiled

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is pleased to announce the expansion of its International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) and Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier Network (APASS) certified Performance Lab services to cater to the growing demands of eCommerce customers. Mondi's Performance Lab can now also test converted solutions such as MailerBAGs and corrugated boxes. Located in České Budějovice, Czechia, the Mondi Performance Lab complements its eCommerce service offering for high-performance eCommerce packaging, from base material to converted solutions. The laboratory's state-of-the-art equipment simulates the typical impact of packed goods in each supply chain step.

Second Quarter 2023 Highlights *Reported sales increased 6% and net income increased 31% to $83 million *Core sales increased 4% and adjusted EBITDA of $181 million increased 13% from the prior year *Pharma proprietary drug delivery systems grew across the majority of end-use categories *Beauty’s fragrance dispensing technologies had double-digit growth in the quarter *Issued new Corporate Sustainability Report highlighting ESG commitments and initiatives

Essity has made the decision to close its tissue manufacturing operations in New York state and consolidate production at its other U.S. sites. This closure will include the South Glens Falls paper mill, Greenwich converting facility and Saratoga warehouse/distribution center. The South Glens Falls paper mill will cease papermaking operations immediately, while the Greenwich converting facility and Saratoga Springs warehouse/distribution center will remain open and continue to operate as long as needed to ensure a smooth transition for customers. There are approximately 300 employees across the three locations.

*Net earnings of $235 million ($0.68 per diluted share); Adjusted operating earnings* (non-GAAP) of $204 million ($0.59 per diluted share) *$55 million of earnings achieved from Building a Better IP initiatives, bringing year-to-date to $120 million *Cash provided by operations of $528 million, bringing year-to-date to $873 million; Free cash flow** (non-GAAP) of $265 million year-to-date 2023 *Returned $200 million to shareholders through $40 million share repurchases and $160 million in dividends, bringing year-to-date to $519 million

January–June 2023 (compared to 1–6/2022) *Sales were EUR 1,040.2 million (1,232.5). *The comparable operating result was EUR 116.0 million 267.4), or 11.2% of sales (21.7). Operating result was EUR 117.9 million (283.3). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 142.0 million (95.3). April–June 2023 (compared to 4–6/2022) *Sales were EUR 498.2 million (650.5). *The comparable operating result was EUR 27.3 million (145.9), or 5.5% (22.4) of sales. Operating result was EUR 29.5 million (142.6). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 15.6 million (2.7).

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company will showcase recent investments in Packaging Solutions at PACK EXPO Las Vegas. At the show, RRD will unveil anew single pass digital press to reduce time-to-market on large format runs by 25%. Ideal for retail signage and displays made from thicker substrates like corrugated and poly-based materials, the state-of-the-art technology combines the agility and speed of digital printing with exceptional print quality, a wide color spectrum and minimal energy consumption. RRD will announce full details in the fall. With growing RFID mandates from top retailers, RRD is helping clients navigate the shift by upping its investment in industry-leading technology to offer a complete solution of RFID labels and folding cartons. RRD manufactures the RFID labels and folding cartons and then affixes the label to the folding carton. RRD can also complete the fulfillment and distribution of the finished product. This comprehensive suite of services is a welcomed change from coordinating multiple steps and vendors to one seamless process.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) charges for packaging converters, producers and suppliers have been delayed a year, from October 2024 to 2025. The government blamed economic pressures for the delay, but said it would use the time to finalise plans for the scheme’s implementation with local government, businesses, and waste management companies. Companies involved in packaging will still have to collect and process data on the amount and nature of packaging they use or produce during the delay.

Silgan Holdings Inc. reported second quarter 2023 net sales of $1.43 billion and net income of $78.9 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, as compared to second quarter 2022 net sales of $1.54 billion and net income of $92.7 million, or $0.83 per diluted share. Adjusted net income per diluted share for the second quarter of 2023 was $0.83, after adjustments increasing net income per diluted share by $0.12. Adjusted net income per diluted share for the second quarter of 2022, which included $0.06 per diluted share from non-recurring income associated with Russia, was a record $1.09 after adjustments increasing net income per diluted share by $0.26.

Packaging Corporation of America reported second quarter 2023 net income of $203 million, or $2.24 per share, and net income of $209 million, or $2.31 per share, excluding special items. Second quarter net sales were $2.0 billion in 2023 and $2.2 billion in 2022. Reported earnings in the second quarter of 2023 include special items for certain costs at the Jackson, AL mill for paper-to-containerboard conversion related activities and closure costs related to corrugated products facilities and design centers.

Net sales in the second quarter were $3,109 million compared to $3,510 million in the second quarter of 2022 reflecting higher beverage can volumes in Americas Beverage and favorable foreign currency translation of $11 million, offset by the pass through of $288 million in lower material costs and lower volumes across most other businesses. Income from operations was $367 million in the second quarter compared to $466 million in the second quarter of 2022, which included a gain of $113 million for the sale of the Transit Packaging segment's Kiwiplan business. Segment income in the second quarter of 2023 was $414 million compared to $432 million in the prior year second quarter as benefits from the contractual recovery of prior years' inflationary cost increases in European Beverage and cost reduction initiatives in Transit Packaging were offset by lower volumes.

The 33.9 million euro investment is focused on equipment upgrades including purchasing state-of-the art machinery for innovative packaging to support ongoing plastic replacement and boost productivity as part of our ambitious growth strategy in the East European market. Starting with upgrades at Ierapetra's Box Plant this summer, the investments will not only advance packaging capabilities but also create a safer working environment. Investment into other sites located in Ancient Corinth and Thessaloniki will also see the modernization of equipment and minimize raw material waste. The investments support our customers’ growing demand for sustainable packaging innovations and align with our Now & Next Sustainability Strategy to deliver the circular economy.

Quarter Highlights: *Delivered net sales of $5.1 billion, up 1 percent, with organic sales growth of 5 percent. *Gross margin was 33.7 percent, up 350 basis points; adjusted gross margin was 34.0 percent, up 380 basis points versus the prior year, driven by favorable net revenue realization and productivity, offsetting inflation. *Raised 2023 outlook for organic growth to 3% - 5%, and for adjusted earnings per share growth of 10% - 14%, with adjusted operating margin up 150 basis points at the midpoint versus last year.

Q2/2023 (year-on-year) • Sales decreased by 22% to EUR 2,374 (3,054) million. • Operational EBIT decreased by 93% to EUR 37 (505) million. • Operational EBIT margin decreased to 1.6% (16.5%). • Operating profit (IFRS) decreased to EUR -253 (399) million. • EPS was EUR -0.29 (0.38) and EPS excl. fair valuations (FV) was EUR -0.27 (0.42). • Cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 146 (404) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR -70 (247) million. • The net debt to operational EBITDA ratio (last 12 months) was 1.7 (1.0). The target is to keep the ratio below 2.0. • Operational ROCE excluding the Forest division (last 12 months) decreased to 10.7% (21.7%), the target being above 13%.

Our Kingsport Mill is running again, using recycled fiber from a corrugated recycling partnership established with a regional grocery store chain and attracting customers from across the corrugated industry. After a successful two-year conversion project and the production of the mill’s first roll of 100-percent recycled containerboard in January, Domtar hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in May to celebrate the Kingsport Mill’s grand reopening. Local and state officials and employees joined together to mark this important milestone. The Kingsport Mill’s production has continued apace through the summer, thanks in part to a new corrugated recycling partnership established with Food City. The mill will collect and recycle old corrugated containers from the chain’s 140 stores and use them to produce 100-percent recycled performance linerboard and medium.

Crews estimate they will continue to battle last night's large commercial fire at an Industrial Way paper mill throughout Wednesday in Longview. Wood chip piles are fueling the blaze at Nippon Dynawave Packaging at 1701 Industrial Way near the entrance on the Longview side of the Lewis and Clark Bridge and Weyerhaeuser's gate 4 near Oregon and Industrial ways. A large plume of smoke could still be seen Wednesday morning.

Q2 2023 in brief • Net sales decreased 8% to EUR 1,052 million (EUR 1,147 million) • Comparable net sales growth at Group level was -2% and -2% in emerging markets • The impact of currency movements on the Group’s net sales was EUR -38 million and EUR -3 million on EBIT. Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO: “The market environment remained muted in the second quarter of 2023, as inflation affected consumption across categories and geographies. Destocking also continued to impact volumes during the second quarter, although at a lower level than during the first quarter. Our financial performance in the second quarter was in line with the first quarter of 2023, however it was soft compared to last year. Market conditions remained challenging, resulting in lower sales volumes. Our comparable net sales decreased by 2% in the second quarter but remained stable during the first half of the year. Adjusted EBIT decreased by 10% in the second quarter and 8% during the first half of the year, mainly due to lower sales volumes and the divested operations in Russia. Free cash flow continued to improve, reaching EUR 28 million during the second quarter and EUR 71 million during the first half of the year, driven by reduced working capital.

Call to correct mistakes in proposed amendments to EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation that will penalize recyclable materials, like cardboard, while promoting the plastics industry. Imagine you’re in charge of regulating packaging in the European Union. You’re bringing in some new rules to reduce waste and pollution. So far, so good. But then it is revealed that an amendment mandating the reuse of packaging will cause a flood of plastic. That is exactly the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. Do you vote for it anyway? The answer is obvious. Yet this is the exact dilemma now facing the EU, as it debates proposed amendments to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Ahlstrom, a leading manufacturer of innovative fiber-based materials, in collaboration with adapa, a leading supplier of flexible packaging solutions, and Maped, a prominent stationery brand, is proud to introduce a groundbreaking flowpack solution for eraser packaging. Ahlstrom’s Cristal™ base papers are an optimum solution for transparent packaging. By partnering with adapa and Maped, the three companies have developed fiber-based window packaging for a popular school supply – erasers.  "This collaboration between Ahlstrom, adapa, and Maped is an example of our shared dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices," said Guillaume Lavoue, Product Manager for Ahlstrom. “By offering a transparent paper alternative, we are empowering companies and consumers to find fiber-based alternatives for traditional plastic or film substrates without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics." 

Amcor announced its AmFiber™ Performance Paper packaging is now available to customers in Latin America seeking a high barrier, recyclable paper-based packaging solution. Launched first for the confectionery market with cold seal, it has been recently expanded to include heat seal sachets for dry culinary and beverage applications, such as instant coffee, drink powders, spices, seasonings, and dried soups. With more than 80% paper fiber content and PVDC-free, this latest material innovation is recyclable, where a paper recycling stream exists. In addition to expanding its application to new product categories, Amcor has invested in manufacturing capacity to meet growing global demand for this kind of paper packaging, including an integrated a state-of-the-art production line in its Amcor Flexibles Alzira plant in Spain.

Imagine a paper vase, where a “grass” grows, made from popcorn, suitable for consumption by your pet and, even better, rich in fiber, nutrients and mineral salts . The innovation is already available in Brazil, authored by agronomist Márcio Alexandre, better known as “Dr. Plant”, and can already be found in pet shop chains across the country. To package the product, Klabin's KlaCup Natural Kraft® paperboard was chosen, which added sustainability to delivery and, once again, reinforced its versatility and efficiency. For this initiative, Klabin, the largest producer and exporter of paper for packaging and sustainable solutions in paper packaging in Brazil, innovated in the application of KlaCup Natural Kraft®, creating an ideal product for the preservation and commercialization of the content, which has, including , its cover produced in paper.

Huhtamaki, a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, is making a significant investment in its Paris, Texas facility in the U.S. The investment consists of an expansion of its manufacturing capacity as well as a consolidation of an external warehouse. The investment into production assets is approximately USD 30 million, and the warehouse and manufacturing facility will be leased. This will significantly increase the North America business segment’s capacity in folding cartons to support the growth of the Foodservice business. Production is expected to start ramping up in Q1 2025 and will be key to servicing the growth of existing customers and a growing list of up-and-coming customers throughout the Southern and Midwestern states. The Paris facility is uniquely positioned to meet the increased demand in the U.S. for more innovative and sustainable folding cartons which provide convenient, safe and hygienic food for busy consumers. The site is expected to employ up to 80 employees within the first three years.

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is investing €16 million in new technology to produce a new packaging range called FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate. This ultra-high barrier paper-based solution for food meets growing customer demand for sustainable packaging that contributes to a circular economy. The new addition expands Mondi’s existing portfolio of FunctionalBarrier Papers providing high-barrier paper-based packaging for food products such as dried foods and powdered milk as well as for applications in the home and personal care industry. These products require packaging that offer protection from water vapour and oxygen and can ensure a long shelf life. The current industry standards to achieve this level of barrier protection are unrecyclable solutions made of plastic or lined with aluminium. Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate range is designed to be recyclable in paper waste streams across Europe while providing the necessary product protection.

Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) is excited to partner with Ron Rubin Winery for the launch of BLUE BIN, the first premium wine packaged in a 750mL bottle made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) plastic. PET allows BLUE BIN’s bottles to have several environmental advantages when compared to traditional wine packaging, including a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and other environmental impacts. Additionally, PET wine bottles are lighter and shatterproof, allowing wine enthusiasts to enjoy BLUE BIN at places they previously may not have been able to, including at the beach, by the pool, camping and other outdoor activities.

Billerud has agreed with the investment company Mimir Group about a divestment of Managed Packaging, which offers packaging solutions to global brand owners. The transaction is expected to be completed during August 2023. The intention to divest the business unit Managed Packaging is a consequence of Billerud’s focus on packaging materials, which means a reduced strategic importance of service offerings. The sale will reduce complexity and positively impact Billerud's EBITDA margin.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions announced the launch of its new ARMOR™ brand of barrier paper solutions, featuring FlexArmor™ for uncoated applications and SelectArmor™ with a coated surface for enhanced printability. The barrier papers portfolio features a wide range of capabilities from oxygen, aroma, and mineral oil barriers to chocolate, OGR and moisture vapor barriers among several others. Barriers can be applied individually or layered to enhance packaging performance. “The ARMOR™ portfolio is supported by a team of engineers across multiple mill locations who can tailor a solution to meet specific performance requirements,” said Bob van Helden, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. “For those with a more standard packaging application, Pixelle offers preengineered, off-the-shelf solutions that are available today,” said van Helden. FlexArmor™ and SelectArmor™ are PFAS-Free and plastic free. Both product lines are available as FDA-approved for direct and indirect food contact. Basis weights range from 20lb. to 150lb. with functional one-side (F1S) and functional two-side (F2S) performance options. Wet strength is available along with bleached and unbleached options.

ANDRITZ will convert the idled paper machine PM3 at Steyrermühl mill in Austria to produce kraft papers for sustainable flexible packaging. The machine previously produced graphic paper for UPM. The conversion project has been launched by the Heinzel Group, which will take over the Steyrermühl mill from UPM by January 1, 2024. Once rebuilt by ANDRITZ, the paper machine (then PM6) will produce up to 150,000 tons of brown and white low-basis weight kraft paper per year to be sold under the Heinzel Group’s well-established StarKraft brand. The paper will be used for shopper bags, pouches, and other flexible packaging products. Werner Hartmann, COO of Heinzel Pöls, says: “With this investment, StarKraft will become one of the world’s leading brands for bleached and unbleached kraft paper. ANDRITZ PrimeLine technology is already successfully operating at our Pöls and Laakirchen mills. The current rebuild by ANDRITZ will help us expand our product portfolio for sustainable packaging.”

Mondi plc has agreed to acquire the 250,000 tonne per annum Hinton Pulp mill in Alberta, Canada, from West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd (West Fraser) for a total consideration of USD 5 million. As part of the transaction, Mondi will enter into a long-term partnership with West Fraser to access local, high-quality fibre from a well-established wood basket. The intention, subject to pre-engineering and permitting, is to invest €400 million in the expansion of Hinton, primarily for a new 200,000 tonne per annum kraft paper machine, anticipated to be operational from the second half of 2027. The acquisition of the mill, and investment in the paper machine, will fully integrate operations in the Americas and enable Mondi to secure the long-term supply of high quality, cost competitive kraft paper into its network of 10 paper bags plants in the region, better positioning Mondi to support the growing market demand for industrial and mailer bags.

Brazilian beverage producer Socorro Bebidas (Socorro) has expanded its partnership with Crown Embalagens Metálicas da Amazônia S.A., a subsidiary of Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CCK) (Crown) (www.crowncork.com), to launch Acquíssima Sabor flavored mineral water in 350ml (12oz) CrownSleek cans. The premium zero-calorie drink features natural aromas, offering a health-conscious alternative for consumers to stay hydrated and incorporate key nutrients into their daily diets. The line made its debut with two flavors, Lychee and Green Apple, and is currently available in Acquíssima stores, restaurants and supermarkets in Brazil. Socorro also previously utilized CrownSleek cans to package its Acquíssima mineral water brand, its first entry into the water market. Total canned water volume in Brazil has increased by nearly 7x between 2021 and 2022, demonstrating a growing trend in the region for water packaged in aluminum and a continued shift away from tap and bulk water. When considering the package format for the brand, Socorro knew it needed to help convey the refreshing and health-conscious nature of the beverage, while also delivering on sustainability. The inherent properties of metal packaging, including providing a powerful barrier against light and oxygen, helps maintain the product's freshness. Aluminum beverage cans are also infinitely recyclable and are the most recycled beverage package in the world. These characteristics resonate with Brazilian consumers, who have recently helped drive the country's recycling rate for aluminum beverage cans to an astounding 100%.

The plastic recycling capacity in Europe is growing according to a recent study made by Plastic Recyclers Europe and is expected to continue growing with the coming legislation on packaging as a key driver. The demand for PCR (Post-Consumer Recyclates) material is expected to increase significantly and Trioworld is investing heavily to meet the demand and secure the supply of PCR for our customers. The study from PRE shows that plastic recycling capacity grew 8 % between 2018 to 2020 alongside considerable improvements in collection, sorting and recycling leading to a growing uptake in a wider range of end applications. “In 2022, Trioworld decided to invest more than 50 million EUR in expanding our recycling capabilities. Investments that will make it possible to supply high-quality post-consumer recycled material to stretch film”, says Oskar Karlsson, CPO and VP Sustainability at Trioworld Group.

Industry-leading Turkish flavour company Aromsa, whose products include sauces, toppings, extracts and seasonings, was faced with a challenge. The company was fully committed to its sustainability strategy, but it had also started to work with a new customer who wanted to use stainless-steel containers for shipping. This would require an investment into approximately 250 stainless-steel containers, which is a costly packaging solution. In addition to high price, there are also the logistical costs of storage and maintenance, washing and sterilising the containers. Mondi was invited to develop an alternative solution and proposed the TankerBox which Aromsa trialled on their production line. After a few months of close collaboration and innovation at the Aromsa facilities, the TankerBox was ready for Aromsa’s commercial use. Produced from corrugated cardboard and developed as a substitute for the traditional Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) and metal barrel, the TankerBox is an innovative product and a more sustainable solution. Its patented design consists of 5 parts: an outer box, inner octabin, angle frame, bottom star and top cover pieces.

Ahlstrom, a leading sustainable specialty materials company, takes another step in becoming the market leader in sustainable and plastic-free solutions with a non-heat sealable tea filter range, which has received certification for home compostability according to OK Compost from TÜV Austria. This certification gives customers assurance that non-heat sealable tea filter papers RegTea Green and RegTea TrulyNatural® ranges will biodegrade in home composting conditions, leaving behind no toxic residue or microplastics. These products can help Ahlstrom customers, whether converters or brand owners, to achieve their own sustainability goals.

Solenis, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals used in water-intensive industries, has completed its previously announced acquisition of Diversey Holdings, Ltd., effective July 5, in an all-cash transaction valued at an enterprise value of approximately $4.6 billion. Diversey is a leading provider of hygiene, infection prevention and cleaning products and technology. With the acquisition, Solenis has grown to an enterprise operating in over 130 countries with 71 manufacturing facilities and more than 15,000 employees. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Solenis was acquired by Platinum Equity in 2021. Bain Capital, the majority shareholder of Diversey, will hold a minority stake in Solenis as a result of this transaction.

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation has announced the 59th Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award recipients- naming Atlantic Packaging as the Business Conservationist of the Year. The NCWF is dedicated to protecting, conserving, and restoring North Carolina wildlife and habitat and have been doing so for the past 78 years. They founded the Governor’s Conservation Achievement awards in order to recognize and honor those individuals and organizations with a strong commitment to protecting and conserving wildlife in NC. Atlantic Packaging actively engages its 800 employees across North Carolina in conservation efforts, providing sustainability and conservation education to inspire more sustainable practices both at work and at home. As a leader in sustainable packaging, their influence extends to cities like Charlotte, Greensboro, and Wilmington, where they collaborate with local organizations to promote environmentally conscious practices during major events and contribute to coastal beautification. Through partnerships, investments, and outreach efforts, Atlantic Packaging impacts conservation initiatives, fostering positive change in North Carolina and beyond.

Metsä Board’s folding boxboard capacity expansion at its Husum mill in Sweden is reaching its final phases before start-up. Once the expansion is completed, the mill’s BM1 folding boxboard machine will be delivering 600,000 tonnes of premium lightweight folding boxboard every year to consumer packaging and food service end uses all around the world. The extended BM1 is expected to start up during the second half of 2023 and to reach full capacity by the end of 2025, but the machine extension is only part of this impressive project. “The most important outcome of this project for our customers will be the increased availability of sustainable, lightweight products that help reduce packaging carbon footprint,” says Jonas Adler, Product Manager for Folding Boxboard at Husum. “BM1 produces MetsäBoard Pro FBB Bright, MetsäBoard Natural FBB, MetsäBoard Pro FSB Cup and MetsäBoard Natural FSB Cup products. Nothing will change in the recipes of these popular and trusted products, it’s just that there will be more available and they’ll be produced in an even more consistent, predictable and sustainable manner,” he highlights.

Following the announcement on 15 December 2022 of the agreement to sell its three Russian packaging converting operations to the Gotek Group for a total consideration of RUB 1.6bn, Mondi plc (“Mondi”) confirms that Gotek Group received all requisite approvals and the sale has now completed. Mondi has received net proceeds of €30.4m from this disposal into its Austrian bank account. The net proceeds from the sale of all our Russian assets will be distributed to shareholders as soon as reasonably practicable following receipt, once our exit from Russia has been completed.