Pregis Releases 2022 Sustainability Report

Pregis is committed to developing sustainable products, incorporating recycled and renewable resources, and designing for recyclability. In 2022, more than half of the company's revenue came from products defined as recyclable, reusable, or compostable (per the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board or SASB metrics). Pregis significantly advanced its mission to reduce emissions across its facilities last year, reporting a 20.9% reduction in emissions intensity from operations—nearing the 2030 target of a 25% reduction compared to the 2019 baseline. The company also reinforced its zero-waste ambition, successfully diverting 89% of solid waste from landfills and incineration due to robust internal and external recycling programs.
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Guide to Optimizing Protective Packaging for Different Industries

Selecting the right protective packaging can significantly impact business operations. With considerations such as minimizing damage rates, improving throughput and aligning with environmental initiatives, it's essential to evaluate your options carefully. The most effective solution is not one-size-fits-all. A customized approach is essential whether you are in the consumer-centric world of e-commerce or the vast landscape of third-party logistics (3PL). Click Read More below to explore ways tailored protective packaging solutions can meet the nuanced needs of each industry.
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Games Manufacturer Ludo Fact Opts for Koehler Paper

The flexible “Koehler NexPlus® Seal Pure 40 gsm” packaging paper from Koehler Paper is the final piece in the games manufacturer’s quest to offer its customers 100% recyclable and sustainable products, entirely free from plastics, for both games and puzzles. The card decks for the board games “CATAN“ and “Halli Galli”, which were originally wrapped in cellophane, switched to flexible packaging paper from Koehler Paper back in 2022. Like all other Koehler NexPlus® papers, “Koehler NexPlus® Seal Pure” is also heat-sealable, and its sturdiness characteristics make it ideally suited for further processing on all commercially available packaging machines. “We can produce approx. 120,000 puzzles per week — from puzzles for small children to puzzles for adults with 6000 pieces. The stability of the packaging paper from Koehler Paper enables us to pack the products at the same speed as plastic film, for example“, says Marcel Riehle, Director Of Operations at Ludo Fact, explaining the decision to switch to paper. Ludo Fact produces up to 17 million units per year for around 200 games publishing companies worldwide. The company is the first manufacturer on the market that has been able to introduce sustainable paper packaging for its products in large runs and at optimal costs.
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Sappi’s Kirkniemi paper mill switches to bioenergy

Sappi Europe’s Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland, has successfully made the switch from using fossil fuels to renewable energy to fuel the production of the Galerie paper range. A €16.5 million investment into state-of-the-art facilities and machinery for the reception, storage and handling of biofuels is the latest in a string of efforts by Sappi in meeting its Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)-approved emissions reduction goal across all its regions. Biomass residues such as bark, sawdust and wood chips, largely locally sourced, now fuel the Kirkniemi Mill Galerie paper operations, setting the stage for a 90% reduction in direct fossil greenhouse gas emissions. This upgrade now works alongside the multi-fuel boiler built in 2015, enabling the mill to reduce nearly 230,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. This means that Kirkniemi Mill is now able to reduce the carbon footprint of the Galerie paper range by 40%. All this comes as part of a longstanding sustainability focus at Kirkniemi that has, in recent years, brought continuous improvements in environmental performance across areas including freshwater usage, emissions to watercourses and energy efficiency.
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Certification 101 – Part 2: Sustainable Fiber Sourcing Standards

You may be familiar with forest management certification, the voluntary process in which an indeendent, accredited third-party auditor conducts an onsite assessment of forestland to determine the quality of forest management against established standards such as those developed by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™ (PEFC™). Perhaps less familiar, but far more prevalent, is fiber sourcing certification. Around 90% of all forestland globally is not certified. For North American paper manufacturers who do not own their own forestland, this means they need a way to document that the wood they buy from non-certified forests is sourced responsibly. Certifying their wood and fiber procurement operations to a sustainable sourcing standard provides strong, proven mechanisms that enable responsible sourcing. The American Forest and Paper Association reports that of the total wood fiber from forests used for products, its members procure more than 99% through a certified fiber sourcing program.
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Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Results

Costco Wholesale Corporation announced its operating results for the 17-week fourth quarter and the 53-week fiscal year ended September 3, 2023. Net sales for the 17-week fourth quarter were $77.43 billion, an increase of 9.4 percent from $70.76 billion in the 16-week fourth quarter last year. Net sales for the 53-week fiscal year were $237.71 billion, an increase of 6.7 percent from $222.73 billion in the 52-week fiscal year of 2022. Net income for the 17-week fourth quarter was $2.160 billion, $4.86 per diluted share, compared to $1.868 billion, $4.20 per diluted share, in the 16-week fourth quarter last year. Net income for the 53-week fiscal year was $6.292 billion, $14.16 per diluted share, compared to $5.844 billion, $13.14 per diluted share, in the 52-week prior year.
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Book Business Applauds Government Lawsuit Against Amazon (publishersweekly.com)

The Federal Trade Commission, supported by 17 state attorneys general, finally filed its long-awaited antitrust lawsuit against Amazon yesterday. In a 172-page complaint, the government alleged that the e-tailer “uses a set of interlocking anticompetitive and unfair strategies to illegally maintain its monopoly power.” The use of that power, the government continued, allows Amazon “to stop rivals and sellers from lowering prices, degrade quality for shoppers, overcharge sellers, stifle innovation, and prevent rivals from fairly competing against Amazon.” The immediate industry reaction to the news of the suit was uniform: “What took so long?” Or, in the words of Melville House publisher Dennis Johnson, that it was “about fucking time.” An industry lawyer, who wished to remain anonymous, gave a more nuanced view in wondering why it took the government so long to act, pointing to the infamous buy button case in 2010, when Amazon pulled Macmillan’s buy buttons in a dispute over e-book terms.
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Pactiv Evergreen and ExxonMobil Collaborate to Leverage Advanced Recycling for Foodservice Industry Packaging

Pactiv Evergreen Inc. and ExxonMobil are teaming up to provide certified-circular packaging solutions to major food brands and foodservice providers. Pactiv Evergreen will soon offer its customers certified-circular polypropylene (PP) packaging products leveraging ExxonMobil’s Exxtend™ technology for advanced recycling. These innovative products will meet all regulatory requirements and specifications for food contact applications.
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A Clear Pathway to Packaging Innovation and Sustainability

In today’s market, consumers are continuously seeking safe, innovative and convenient packaging that aligns with their different lifestyles and environmental values. To remain competitive and increase market share, brands around the world are searching for attractive and highly functional packaging solutions that enable them to stand out and attract consumers while helping them reach their sustainability targets. At Aptar Closures, we are dedicated to partnering with brands to provide innovative, high-performing and sustainable dispensing closures for a range of applications and markets around the world. We use our exceptional in-house expertise, consumer insights and industry partnerships to design, manufacture and commercialize solutions that improve consumers’ experience while unlocking growth opportunities for brands. In addition to creating memorable consumer experiences, Aptar Closures’ is committed to designing innovative solutions to help brands achieve their sustainability targets without compromising on quality or performance.
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€13 million investment in innovative packaging solutions and significant production boost in Romania

We are increasing our footprint in the Romanian market with an investment of over €13 million in our Ghimbav production site. Work at Ghimbav is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, and will support customers’ sustainability goals as well as reducing our carbon emissions on site. This investment will support ongoing plastic replacement with customers, increase capacity by over 20%, and significantly boost productivity. With a continued focus on innovation, the investment will further differentiate our offering in the market by supporting customers to reach environmental targets. 
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Change in Huhtamaki’s Global Executive Team

Thomasine Kamerling, Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Communications, and a member of Huhtamaki Global Executive Team has decided to leave Huhtamaki to pursue other career opportunities. “I want to thank Thomasine for her contribution during the last three and a half years, standing up our sustainability strategy, and paving the path to our 2030 ESG commitments to become first choice in our industry. Thomasine has also engaged actively with important stakeholders, particularly in the context of the evolving regulatory environment” says Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO of Huhtamaki.
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Modern Litho Expands With The Addition of Direct Impaqt of Columbia, MO

Modern Litho, a nationally recognized full-service commercial printer and mailer based in Mid-Missouri, announces it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Direct Impaqt, formerly Mail & More and Brake Printing, of Columbia effective October 2, 2023. Both companies have served the Columbia market for many years providing offset and digital printing, finishing, and direct mail. Direct Impaqt’s production operation complements Modern Litho’s offerings and expands its footprint to include six production facilities located in Mid-Missouri, St. Louis and Kansas City. “Direct Impaqt has had a successful presence in the regional print industry for many years with well-established customer relationships and high standards of service. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this commitment to customers, new and existing, while supporting a full-service print production facility in Columbia,” commented Jeff Davidson, Modern Litho President.
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Paper Excellence Canada Announces Restart of Pulp Operations at Catalyst Crofton Mill

Paper Excellence Canada is pleased to announce the resumption of kraft pulp operations at its Catalyst Crofton mill, bringing more than 300 workers back to their jobs. While market conditions allow for the restart of our pulp operations, the curtailment of paper operations at Crofton is being extended to the end of October. “In spite of challenges posed by exceptionally low pulp and paper prices driven by global market fluctuations, we are pleased to announce that we are resuming pulp production and reinstating a portion of our workforce at our Crofton mill. While this is a positive development, we will continue to assess the ongoing viability of maintaining Kraft pulp operations at Crofton to ensure it is cost effective to operate and consistent with our overall business strategies,” said Krista Cuddy, Catalyst Crofton, Interim Director – Operations & Integration.
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Ahlstrom achieves recyclability certification for a wide range of food packaging papers

Continuing a rapid development journey of sustainable and fiber-based packaging innovations, Ahlstrom passes Western Michigan Recyclability Certification for several food packaging base papers that utilize Ahlstrom’s proprietary FluoroFree® technology. “We are proud that our food packaging products passed Western Michigan University’s testing protocol for recyclability,” says Travis Dahlke, Vice President, Food Packaging Americas. “Achieving this certification offers our customers and the marketplace yet another fiber-based solution to reduce traditional non-renewable materials in packaging engineering and creates a positive end-of-life scenario that consumers are demanding.”
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Drytac expands product portfolio with ReTac Clear PET film

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the launch of its new Drytac ReTac Clear PET film in North America. Available to purchase now, ReTac Clear PET is a 3.0 mil clear polyester (PET) film with a clear ReTac adhesive​ and forms part of Drytac’s popular ReTac range of solutions. The film can be applied to all flat and simple curved surfaces, opening up its use to a wide range of applications such as point-of-purchase wall and window graphics. The solution has also been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for incidental food contact, extending its reach to projects including counter-top graphics.
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UK food market first as Mondi launches new recyclable paper-based packaging with Veetee

Mondi is bringing paper-packed dry rice to the UK for the first time, by collaborating with award-winning rice supplier Veetee. Veetee’s new rice packaging has been created using Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper, providing a safe, secure and strong alternative to the industry standard plastic packs. Veetee and Mondi are the first in the UK to launch a paper-based alternative for dry rice, customised in direct response to consumer demands for more sustainable packaging. Mondi uses its customer-centric approach to evaluate the needs of the product, customer and consumer to deliver a fit-for-purpose solution - using paper where possible and plastic when useful. The company provided a full in-house solution for Veetee - sourcing certified renewable material, producing the certified kraft paper, add barrier functionality and printing it before delivering the final paper-based reels to Veetee for conversion and filling.
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UPM Raflatac achieves global approvals on Star Micronics mC-Label3 linerless printers

UPM Raflatac has achieved global approvals for its OptiCut™ Direct Thermal (DT) Linerless RL50 on Star Micronics mC-Label3 printers. These approvals further expand the label materials' proven performance in the hospitality environment. Extensive testing and approval processes have confirmed the exceptional efficiency and performance of the mC-Label3 printers when paired with OptiCut label materials. This synergy brings tangible benefits to quick service and fast casual kitchens, as well as other types of businesses in the hospitality sector.
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West Fraser to Sell Two Pulp Mills in Western Canada to Atlas Holdings

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. and Atlas Holdings announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the sale of West Fraser’s Quesnel River Pulp mill in Quesnel, British Columbia and its Slave Lake Pulp mill in Slave Lake, Alberta to Atlas. Atlas owns and operates several pulp, paper and wood products businesses in Canada and the United States. Millar Western logoThe agreement announced today includes related woodlands operations and timber holdings in Alberta and a long-term fibre supply agreement for the Quesnel River Pulp facility. Upon closing of the transaction, the Quesnel River and Slave Lake pulp mills will be operated by Millar Western Forest Products, which joined the global Atlas family of manufacturing and distribution businesses in 2017. Millar Western is a more than 100-year-old Canadian forest products company headquartered in Edmonton with existing pulp mill operations in Alberta, establishing a strong foundation and a bright future for the Quesnel River and Slave Lake pulp mills.
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The Paper and Packaging Board’s State of the Campaign Report Highlights Impact of Sustainability Messaging on Industry Reputation and Preference for Paper

The just released Paper and Packaging Board’s (P+PB) 9th annual State of the Campaign report details the positive impact of its sustainability campaign on the paper and packaging industry’s reputation and consumer preference. The national consumer campaign addresses consumers’ concerns about the use of forests to make products, showcases product innovations and plastic substitutions, educates why using paper products is a smart choice for the environment and reminds how to recycle properly. “The campaign is making an impact with consumers,” says Mary Anne Hansan, P+PB President. Learning the facts about the paper industry’s sustainability practices and product benefits dramatically improves whether our core audience sees the industry as part of the environmental solution or problem,” says Hansan. “After hearing our messaging, consumers' perceptions of our industry tend to increase based on our Attitudes and Usage Tracking Survey. When people feel like they are part of the environmental solution by choosing paper products, their likelihood of consuming more paper and packaging increases.”
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Postal Service Delivery Performance Continues to Average 2.5 Days

FY23 fourth quarter service performance scores covering July 1 through September 15, included: *First-Class Mail: 91.4 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter. *Marketing Mail: 95.2 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal third quarter. *Periodicals: 86.2 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 2.7 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter.
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Generative AI Already Being Used in Majority of College Classrooms, According to Instructors in New Wiley Survey

A new report from Wiley (NYSE: WLY) suggests that generative artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in the majority of college classrooms—and that number could climb quickly. The majority (58%) of college instructors who responded to Wiley’s recent survey say they or their students are already using generative AI in their classrooms, according to the company’s new report, Higher Ed’s Next Chapter, 2023-2024. And another third of those who aren’t say they’d consider using it in the future. More than 60% of instructors are somewhat or very familiar with generative AI tools. “The whirlwind that is generative AI has swept across our college campuses with remarkable speed, and there’s no going back,” said Smita Bakshi, senior vice president of academic learning at Wiley. “It’s important for college instructors to educate themselves and their students on effective and appropriate use of this new technology in the classroom.”
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The State of the Printing Industry (publishersweekly.com)

Questions surrounding the future of book printing drew a capacity crowd of 155 publishing professionals to the BMI (Book Manufacturers Institute) Book Manufacturing Mastered conference, held September 14 at Penguin Random House’s New York City headquarters. And though the book manufacturing sector was booming during the pandemic, economic conditions have softened and costs for most materials are continuing to go up. Still, speakers at the conference said book printers are generally in a good place, albeit with a host of challenges ahead of them.In addition to rising costs, topics discussed at the daylong conference included the renewed postpandemic threat of work moving off-shore, sustainability concerns, the shift from offset to digital printing, and labor shortages. “We’re basically where we were back in 2014,” said Marco Boer, v-p of IT Strategies, in the opening presentation. “We haven’t lost all that printed book volume that people were worried about when e-books came in, and so we all say this is okay. People are continuing to read and print, and that’s great.”
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Klabin holds inauguration ceremony for Puma II, in Paraná

Klabin, the largest producer and exporter of packaging paper and sustainable paper packaging solutions in Brazil , held, today (21/9), the inauguration ceremony of Puma II, a project that marked the expansion of the Puma Unit, in Ortigueira (PR). This is the largest investment in the Company's history and the largest private investment ever made in the State of Paraná. With an investment of R$12.9 billion for the installation of two new paper machines, the MP27 and MP28, both in operation and with a total production capacity of 910 thousand tons of paper per year, Puma II reinforces the integrated business model , diversified and flexible company. Announced in 2019, the Puma II Project is part of Klabin's biggest growth cycle in its 124-year history. The first phase, completed in August 2021, included the construction and start-up of Paper Machine 27 (MP27), which manufactures the innovative Eukaliner®, the world's first kraftliner paper made 100% with eucalyptus fiber.
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Branding Abroad: The French Riviera

Join Brent Niemuth, President, as he jet-sets across Europe's cultural highlights in a journey through the French Riviera, Italy, the Swiss Alps, and Spain. At each destination, Brent draws from the local landmarks to reveal a unique facet of branding. This time, Brent draws inspiration from the iconic brands omnipresent in the French Riviera, like Hermes and Louis Vuitton, to draw parallels between brand perception and price. Watch Video at: https://jschmid.com/branding-abroad-the-french-riviera/
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New PEN America Report Finds 33% Jump in School Book Bans (publishersweekly.com)

In a new report released this week, PEN America found 3,362 instances of books banned in public schools in the 2022-23 school year, marking a 33% increase over last year. And in an eyeopening finding, PEN officials found more than 40% percent of all book bans tracked by PEN America occurred in school districts in Florida—1,406 across 33 school districts across the state—with Texas a distant second (625), followed by Missouri (333), Utah (281), and Pennsylvania (186). "Amid a growing climate of censorship, school book bans continue to spread through coordinated campaigns by a vocal minority of groups and individual actors and, increasingly, as a result of pressure from state legislation," the report, Banned in the USA: The Mounting Pressure to Censor, finds.
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Book Manufacturing Mastered Sees Publishers and Printers Come Together to Discuss the Future

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) hosted its industry event, Book Manufacturing Mastered, on Thursday September 14, 2023 at the Penguin Random House offices in New York City. The 2022 version was held in Chicago, with the first iteration being held in February 2020 in New York City just prior to the pandemic. Book Manufacturing Mastered 2023 was the largest yet, with over 155 registrants, almost half being publishers. The day was kicked off with an industry overview given by Marco Boer of I.T. Strategies. The morning also featured two panels, one of publishers and one of book manufacturers, that each gave their perspectives on what has changed in the industry of late, and what still needs to change for everyone to be successful. After a networking lunch, attendees participated in roundtable discussions about what their biggest challenges currently are, while brainstorming possible solutions. The day was wrapped up with a keynote by Jaime Marco of Evolve the Business and a closing reception featuring tabletop displays by BMI member printers and suppliers.
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Metsä Board’s Kemi mill development programme completed

The development programme for Metsä Board's white kraftliner mill in Kemi has been completed in parallel with Metsä Fibre's new bioproduct mill. Metsä Board and Metsä Fibre are part of Metsä Group. In addition to increasing the mill’s capacity by 40,000 tonnes per year, the development programme will reduce the mill's energy consumption by 5% and water consumption by around 40% per tonne produced. The Kemi paperboard mill is the world's largest producer of coated white top kraftliner and its products are used as a surface material for corrugated packaging worldwide. The development programme will increase Kemi’s annual production capacity of white kraftliners to 465,000 tonnes, with the majority being sold in Europe and North America.
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Quantum Graphics Bundles Purchase of Eight-Color Komori GL advance Perfector and MBO T800.1 Buckle Folder (piworld.com)

Komori America announced that Quantum Graphics, a commercial printer based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is looking forward to gaining a higher level of automation and faster speed to market with the investment in its fourth Komori press, an eight-color Lithrone G40 advance perfector (GL840P advance) with LED-UV and an MBO T800.1 buckle folder. Experiencing substantial growth over the past several years, the company services well-known brands that demand high-quality, consistent color and fast turnaround. The GL840P advance’s ability to deliver high-speed production coupled with the MBO T800.1’s automated functions will provide the increased capacity needed to meet Quantum Graphics’ aggressive demand forecast. “To meet our goals, we needed to update our equipment,” said Guy Peterson, president and CEO of Quantum Graphics. “As part of the process, we decided on the eight-color perfector because it would give us additional capabilities and greater capacity beyond our current offering. The press configuration is well-matched to the variety of work we already produce for our clients and will allow us to offer new inline embellishment and coating effects to add additional value to client projects. We anticipate the GL840P advance will double our throughput, which made adding a folder with the automated features of the T800.1 a must.
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RRD Expands Upon Past Environmental Performance with 10-Year Roadmap to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 25%

Utilizing 2022 as a third-party verified baseline year, RRD’s 10-year roadmap will lower emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) across its operations by pursuing energy efficiency programs involving several different technologies, including: *Energy-efficient lighting initiatives, including conversion to LED lighting *Heat recovery, a proprietary process that captures waste heat for reuse *Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades *Pneumatic system optimizations *Alternative energy, via physical installations and power purchase agreements *Demand response programs with local utilities, to reduce RRD’s energy consumption during periods of peak demand
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Leading global brands partner with FSC to encourage shopping that won’t cost the forests

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – committed to protecting the world’s forests through sustainable forestry – is calling brands and consumers around the world to amplify the voice of forests. From September 23-29, the Forest Week campaign will empower individuals and businesses to help safeguard the world’s forests, and those that depend on them, by making positive shopping choices. This year’s theme, Trust the Tree, will highlight the key role forests play in fighting the climate and biodiversity crises. Forests sustain us, and sustainably sourced forest products can help ensure resilient, thriving forests for all, forever. Renowned global brands and retailers will partner with FSC, posting daily content across leading social platforms for the seven days of the campaign.
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Obbola paper mill inaugurated: Increased capacity for better business and increased climate benefit

SCA's new facility in Obbola, outside Umeå, has now been inaugurated. This means that the paper mill has the world's largest machine for kraftliner and with it a significantly increased capacity to produce climate-smart packaging material. “This is very good for SCA’s and Obbola's competitiveness and gives us a better ability to deliver in a market that needs to grow as fossil packaging materials are phased out,” says Gustaf Nygren, Mill manager at SCA Obbola. Capacity for kraftliner production is increasing, from 450,000 tons to 725,000 tons annually. The most visible change at the facility is the addition of the world's largest machine, supplied by German Voith, for the production of kraftliner. The machine is 250 meters long and is estimated to weigh around 11,000 tonnes.
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Ahlstrom launches Ahlstrom BioProtect™, a new, sustainable, and protective solution for Laundry Care applications

Ahlstrom is a leading global manufacturer of high performance, fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Ahlstrom BioProtect™ is a one source, sustainable, nonwoven solution for laundry care, incorporating patent pending technology to protect laundry from color run during the wash cycle. Ahlstrom BioProtect™ delivers high dye-catching performance, protecting laundry from color runs. Its ability to lock up loose dyes found in the wash water enables it to prevent dye transfer and color runs, maintaining the original color of clothes. The product is biodegradable and biobased, utilizing 100% naturally derived fibers and manufactured with wet-laid technology for premium quality.
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Graphic Packaging releases 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance report

Graphic Packaging Holding Company published its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report, demonstrating progress on all pillars in the company's ESG Vision 2025. The company achieved its climate intensity goals three years early and advanced decarbonization by seeking to set new, science-based climate targets to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions. Ethnic diversity reported among the company's U.S. employee base was more than double the industry benchmark, underscoring its commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Graphic Packaging is aggressively pursuing a future fueled by renewable resources. Packaging solutions from the 27-country operation are made primarily with fibers from sustainably sourced trees or recycled materials. Nearly 65 percent of its energy is derived from renewable sources. Most of the company's packaging today is designed to be recyclable, promoting a circular economy.
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Berry Global Partners with ACCIONA Energía to Power its Mexico Operations with 100% Renewable Electricity

Berry Global Group, Inc. announced a five-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with multinational renewable energy leader ACCIONA Energía to power all four of its facilities in Mexico with wind and solar power. Procuring nearly 100,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of cost-effective, renewable energy annually, this agreement is projected to avoid around 40,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, or CO2e, annually – equivalent to taking over 15,000 cars off the road. This not only helps Berry meet its climate goals, it also helps Berry’s customers advance their ambitious sustainability goals by providing lower-carbon solutions. Utilizing a breakdown of around 70% wind and 30% solar, Berry’s San Luis Potosi, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Atlacomulco, and Tlanepantla sites across Mexico will consume 100% renewable energy thanks to this deal. San Luis Potosi is the largest site powered through the agreement, accounting for roughly two-thirds of Berry’s total energy consumption in the country..
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U.S. Postal Service Ready to Deliver for America During the Holidays

"Our 2022 peak season was a tremendous success," said Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy. “We are ready to deliver for the holidays in a superior and routine manner. We have been planning early and leveraging investments in our people, infrastructure, transportation and technology made possible by the Delivering for America plan. And with no holiday surcharges, we are strongly positioned to be America’s most affordable delivery provider this holiday season.” In 2022, the Postal Service processed more than 11.7 billion mailpieces and packages during the holiday season. On average, it took just 2.5 days to deliver a mailpiece or package to its intended destination. The Postal Service also announced it will not levy any additional surcharges for customers this holiday season, offering increased predictability in pricing for customers.
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AAP July 2023 StatShot Report: Overall Publishing Industry Down 10.9% for Month of July, and Down 0.9% Year-To-Date

Total revenues across all categories for July 2023 were down 10.9% as compared to July 2022, coming in at $902.6 million. Year-to-date revenues were down 0.9%, at $6.5 billion for the first seven months of the year. Trade (Consumer Books) revenues were down 5.9% in July, coming in at $599.1 million. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of July, in the Trade (Consumer Books) category, Hardback revenues were down 1.6%, coming in at $165.8 million; Paperbacks were down 11.9%, with $232.1 million in revenue; Mass Market was down 31.3% to $10.2 million; and Special Bindings were down 3.5%, with $16.0 million in revenue.
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Rose 0.2% in August

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 0.2% in August after rising 1.1% in July. In August, the index equaled 115.3 (2015=100) compared with 115 in July. “The evidence is growing that tonnage hit bottom in April and continues its slow climb upwards,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “However, year-over-year comparisons remain difficult as tonnage peaked in September of last year. As a result, it is unlikely that tonnage turns positive compared with a year earlier for at least a month or two longer. Most recently, freight continues to be mixed, with consumer spending and factory output flat to down.” July’s increase was revised higher from our August 22 press release. Compared with August 2022, the SA index fell 2.3%, which was the sixth straight year-over-year decrease. In July, the index was down 1.2% from a year earlier.
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Metsä Group started up its Kemi bioproduct mill and paperboard mill

The largest investment of the forest industry in Finland – the new Kemi bioproduct mill and the paperboard mill expansion – came into operation as planned on Wednesday 20 September 2023. The operations will start department by department. Pulp deliveries from the new mill to customers will begin in October 2023. “Metsä Group’s products replace fossil materials in people’s daily lives. Pulp and paperboard are used as raw materials for numerous consumer goods, and we are able to produce them in Kemi with considerably lower emissions. Finland needs sustainable investment that creates employment, income and a strong belief in the future,” says Ilkka Hämälä, President and CEO of Metsä Group. The Kemi bioproduct mill produces 1.5 million tonnes of softwood and hardwood pulp annually. It uses zero fossil fuels and will be completely waste-free by 2030.
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CJK Group Acquires Select Business Assets of Joe Christensen, Inc., Transitions Law Journal Publications to Sheridan

CJK Group, Inc. has acquired select business assets of Joe Christensen, Inc. in Lincoln, Nebraska. Joe Christensen, a family-owned company since 1933 that specializes in the printing of law reviews and law journals, has made the decision to transition out of the law review and law journal business and has entrusted the transition of its publication work to Sheridan, effective immediately. This body of work represents over 300 publications, some of the nation’s top law reviews among them. Sheridan has been a significant provider to the industry as well, with over 350 law publications currently being produced in the Sheridan Pennsylvania facility. Chris Kurtzman, CEO of CJK Group commented, “Acquiring the law review and law publication assets of Joe Christensen, Inc. is indeed an honor for Sheridan, as we look to be the leading publication services provider to this esteemed market. Over the last two decades, we’ve devoted many efforts and developed streamlined solutions to serve this community and are looking forward to not only delivering on but exceeding the expectations of our new customers.”
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Ahlstrom completes investment of new calendering and embossing capabilities in South Korea, delivering synthetic filtration media with extended lifetime

Ahlstrom has successfully started the production of new, calendered, and embossed synthetic filter media for the first commercial orders from its Huyn-Poong plant in South Korea. The new materials offer extended filter lifetime and generate less flow restriction due to a higher available surface area. This makes these media a more sustainable alternative to competing materials. A longer filter lifetime combined with outstanding durability is a key feature helping to sustain filter operations and boost performance. This not only saves costs associated with frequent filter replacements but also reduces energy consumption and minimizes environmental impacts by lowering emissions. “The new calendering and embossing capabilities further advance synthetic filter media solutions. They improve durability and open a wide range of possibilities for extended performance, as well as improving the sustainability of filtration units. This allows us to better serve growing needs in high-performance filtration materials,” comments Kathrin Hueppe, Head of Filtration, Asia.
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WestRock Announces Consent Solicitation

WestRock Company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary WRKCo Inc. commenced a consent solicitation through which it is soliciting consents from registered holders of the Notes to amend certain terms of the indentures governing the respective Notes. The terms and conditions of the Consent Solicitation are set forth in a consent solicitation statement dated as of September 20, 2023. Adoption of the proposed amendments with respect to the applicable Indenture for each series of Notes requires the Consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes of such series. The purpose of the Consent Solicitation is to obtain Consents from the Holders to (i) amend the definition of “Change of Control” applicable for the relevant series of the Notes under the Indentures to add an exception for the previously disclosed proposed business combination of WestRock and the Smurfit Kappa group announced by WestRock on September 12, 2023, pursuant to the transaction agreement entered into on September 12, 2023, by and among, inter alios, Smurfit Kappa Group plc, a public limited company incorporated in Ireland, and WestRock; and (ii) make any other changes of a technical or conforming nature to the Indentures necessary or desirable for the implementation of the proposed amendment above.
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Inside information: Hans Sohlström appointed new President and CEO of Stora Enso

The Board of Directors of Stora Enso Oyj has appointed Hans Sohlström (58), M.Sc. (tech.) and M.Sc. (econ.), as the new President and CEO of Stora Enso as of today. Hans Sohlström is currently a member of Stora Enso’s Board of Directors from which position he is stepping down today. Stora Enso’s Board of Directors will now have eight members. Hans Sohlström has over 30 years of experience in business leadership, including over 10 years as CEO predominantly in the forest and renewable materials industries. Most recently he led Ahlstrom Corporation, Ahlström Capital and Rettig Group. Prior to that, for over 20 years, he held several leadership positions at UPM-Kymmene Corporation, such as Mill Director, Business Unit Vice President and was a member of the Group Executive Team responsible for Marketing, New Businesses and Biofuels, and Corporate Relations and Development.
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Carbon Balanced Paper – Our latest funding projects

Since its launch in April 2021, over 30 North American brands have used Carbon Balanced Paper to balance over 37 million pounds of CO2 and help protect 2,290 acres of critical forest habitat. The program funds four key projects, each one protecting a vast range of threatened animal and plant species. Find out more about each project and the vital work of World Land Trust and its local partners. Click Read More below to learn about the projects in Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Vietnam.
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US District Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Barring Implementation of Texas Censorship Law

Judge Alan D. Albright of the US District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, issued a written order granting a Preliminary Injunction barring the implementation of a vast and burdensome book ratings regime known as the “Reader Act,” ruling “that this law violates the Free Speech Clause of the First Amendment.” The law would have required independent bookstores, national chain bookstores, large online book retailers, book publishers and other vendors to review and rate millions of books and other library materials according to sexual content if those books are sold to school libraries, and to do so according to vague labels dictated by the state without any process for judicial review.
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Duluth Trading Company invests $53 million in automated facility (chainstoreage.com)

Duluth Trading Company has implemented the Manhattan Active Warehouse Management platform at its new distribution and fulfillment facility in Adairsville, Ga. Officially open as of Monday Sept. 18, 2023, the retailer plans to use this automated supply chain hub to serve its 65 retail stores and e-commerce business. The retailer invested $53 million to build the facility and selected Manhattan Active Warehouse Management to drive, optimize and modernize its distribution operations. Duluth Trading Company seeks to enhance the efficiency of its fulfillment operations and handle increased order volumes while reducing turnaround times.
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Over 1075 Companies Removed Misleading Anti-Paper Statements

Since the campaign began in 2010, globally, Two Sides has successfully challenged over 1075 organisations that subject their customers to repeated greenwashing messages which are damaging to the paper, print and mailing industry. With huge pressures on the economy; banks, telecom providers, utility companies and even governmental organisations are increasingly focused on switching their customers from paper to digital services to cut costs. All too often their customer communications attempt to mask these cost-saving efforts, justifying the switch with unfounded environmental marketing appeals such as “Go Green – Go Paperless” and “Choose e-billing and help save a tree.” Recent consumer survey results from Two Sides 2023 ‘Trend Tracker’ report, reveals that 55% of European consumers believe environmental arguments from companies to switch to digital communications are misleading and are about reducing costs.
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International Paper Completes Sale of Ownership Interest in Ilim Joint Venture

International Paper announced that it has completed the sale of its 50% interest in Ilim SA, the holding company for its Ilim joint venture (JV), to its JV partners for $484MM (USD) in cash. In addition, the Company completed the sale of its outstanding shares in JSC Ilim Group to its JV partners for $24MM (USD) in cash and is divesting other non-material residual interests associated with Ilim. With the completion of these transactions, International Paper has divested all of its ownership interests in Ilim.
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UPM Specialty Papers now offers compostable label face papers for fruit and vegetable stickers

UPM Specialty Papers now offers a compostable solution for paper-based food stickers. UPM LabelCoatTM and UPM LabelCoatTM Prime label face papers are certified as both industrially (EN13432:2000) and home compostable (NFT51-800:2015), helping customers and brand owners meet EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation proposal (PPWR) requirements. PPWR aims to ensure that all packaging in the EU must be reusable or recyclable by 2030. It also sets out the requirements that sticky labels attached to fruits and vegetables need to be compostable in industrially controlled conditions.
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Voice Your Concerns With Congress. Join ACMA’s Washington Fly-in, Oct. 4-5

Dear Industry Member: It's not too late to sign up and take part in ACMA's upcoming series of legislative meetings with Members of Congress on Capitol Hill on Oct. 4-5, 2023. Our industry is facing multiple threats across postal, tax, consumer privacy, and trade policy matters. ACMA has an aggressive plan to push back on this but it requires companies to engage with Congressional offices to educate and build support for our positions. Otherwise, the excessive cost and regulatory burdens will only continue. Given the current appetite for bill passage in Congress and in light of an election year on the horizon, our goal is to get these voted out of committee with a large number of cosponsors, then for several large pieces of moving legislation to serve as vehicles to secure passage. Specifically, from now through the end of the year, Congress will be working on such must-pass legislation, including bills to provide government funding, appropriations, and most likely a tax-extenders package. Pulling together a sizable group to meet with Members of Congress in early October will impact the outcome for our collective advantage. Your time out of the office will be minimal. Non-member companies are welcome and encouraged to participate. Click read more below for the agenda and more.
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Parts and Labor Costs Dropped in the Second Quarter of 2023

American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council and Decisiv Inc., said parts and labor expenses dropped during the second quarter of 2023, according to data released in the latest Decisiv/TMC North American Service Event Benchmark Report. “With rising build rates for new equipment and less mileage reducing the need to operate aging trucks, fleets are finally seeing a definite improvement in parts and labor costs,” said Decisiv President and CEO Dick Hyatt. “The data that Decisiv collects and analyzes for TMC on Vehicle Maintenance Reporting Standard system level codes points to a return to normalized trade cycles and more predictable service and repair costs. Along with greater stability, the highly detailed data and reporting enabled by Decisiv SRM allows fleets and service providers to focus on ways to continue to drive down expenses.”
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Two Sides members have an exclusive range of resources ready to use and personalise.

One of the most valuable aspects of being a Two Sides member is our range of resources. Using the latest facts, information and research from around the world, these resources help our industry tell consumers the true environmental impact of paper and paper packaging to dispel the many misconceptions about the industry. Whether it’s our Myths & Facts booklet, large collection of fact sheets and articles, or shareable videos and factographics, our members have a vast range of information at their fingertips, ready to communicate to colleagues, partners and customers. And remember, Two Sides members can have any of these resources personalised for their business using our new online personalisation tool. This will demonstrate your commitment to paper and clear understanding of its sustainability.
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International Paper Opens Its Newest Corrugated Packaging Facility in Atglen, Pennsylvania

International Paper celebrated the opening of its newest state-of-the-art corrugated packaging facility in Atglen, PA. The new $100 million facility is providing more than 100 manufacturing jobs to Atglen and the surrounding communities. The new facility will produce corrugated packaging for produce, processed food, beverage, shipping, distribution and e-commerce customers. "Our corrugated packaging business is an important part of International Paper. This strategic investment will add local jobs and help us better serve our customers," said Tom Hamic, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, International Paper.
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IPG Launches Tishma Brand AMS Fully Automated Inline Paper Mailer System with Right Size Technology

IPG® has launched the new Tishma® brand AMS (Auto Mailer Machine) in partnership with Garrido Printing Equipment out of Miami, FL. The AMS is a revolutionary design that automatically creates a right sized, paper mailable package around each order. This high speed, inline system adjusts the creation of the mailer length to the product need, at a rate of 30 mailers per minute in random, or up to 80 per minute in a batched mode.
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As California Receipt Bill Falters, Paper Receipts Association Stands Strong for Consumer Choice

The Paper Receipts Converting Association (PRCA) is pleased to announce that California Bill AB 1347, which proposed stringent regulations on the use of paper receipts in the state, failed to move past Senate Appropriations last week. A victory for consumers and industry alike, the bill will not move forward in the state’s 2023-24 legislative session. Upon AB 1347’s introduction earlier this year, PRCA quickly began to communicate the value of paper receipts to lawmakers in California, working closely with other groups such as the American Forest and Paper Association, the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Retail Council, and local community groups like the Imperial Valley Food Bank and Long Beach’s Su Casa. As the bill aimed to limit the use of paper receipts in the state, PRCA championed not only the consumers who prefer tangible paper records, but also those who depend on them.
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Mondi announces agreement to sell Mondi Syktyvkar

Mondi plc announces that it has entered into an agreement to sell its last remaining facility in Russia, Joint Stock Company Mondi Syktyvkar, together with two affiliated entities to Sezar Invest LLC for a total cash consideration of RUB 80 billion to be paid in a series of instalments as set out below. The Business employs approximately 4,500 people and is a leading provider of uncoated fine paper and containerboard to the domestic Russian market.
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Canfor to Build New State-of-the-Art Mill in Houston, BC

Canfor Corporation is pleased to announce that it will be investing approximately $200 million to build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston, British Columbia. This low cost, high efficiency facility will have an annual production capacity of approximately 350 million board feet. Don Kayne, President and CEO made the following statement today: “I’m very pleased to be making this announcement in British Columbia, where Canfor has been proudly headquartered for 85 years. This project represents another significant investment by our Company to strengthen our diversified operating platform and ensure that we can continue to deliver the high-value products that are in demand by our customers around the globe.
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Latest USPS Report Shows Sustained Service Performance

FY23 fourth quarter service performance scores covering July 1 through September 8, included: *First-Class Mail: 91.5 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter. *Marketing Mail: 95.2 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal third quarter. *Periodicals: 86.4 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 2.5 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter.
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Adobe Reports Record Revenue in Q3 Fiscal 2023

Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Highlights *Adobe achieved revenue of $4.89 billion in its third quarter of fiscal year 2023, which represents 10 percent year-over-year growth or 13 percent in constant currency. *GAAP operating income in the third quarter was $1.70 billion. GAAP net income was $1.40 billion. *Cash flows from operations were $1.87 billion. *Remaining Performance Obligations (“RPO”) exiting the quarter were $15.72 billion. *Adobe repurchased approximately 2.1 million shares during the quarter.
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Pratt Industries Opens Sixth 100% Recycled Paper Mill and State-of-the-Art Box Plant

Pratt Industries, Inc. officially opened its $700 million 100% recycled paper mill and corrugated box factory in Henderson, Kentucky. It is the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly paper mill ever built and will save the equivalent of 25,000 trees every day – more trees than are in New York City’s Central Park. “This is a very proud day for our company because this investment represents a major part of my recent pledge to the United States Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, to invest $5 billion in recycling and clean energy infrastructure in the U.S. over the next 10 years,” said Pratt Executive Chairman, Anthony Pratt.
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DS Smith and Coca-Cola replace plastic handles with “LIFT UP” cardboard based packaging innovation

DS Smith PLC and Coca Cola HBC Austria have collaborated to replace plastic handles for 1.5 litre PET soft drink multi-packs with cardboard based outer packaging. This new plastic replacement solution will be delivered to supermarkets in Austria as of September 2023. The innovative packaging solution, DS Smith Lift Up, is a 100% recyclable corrugated handle which improves carry functionality for consumers and is designed to contribute together with other partners to the kraft paper and cardboard based solution that reduces around 200 tonnes of plastic each year for Coca-Cola HBC Austria.
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PRINTING United Alliance Applauds Inaugural Congressional Printing Caucus (piworld.com)

PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, applauds the formation of the inaugural Congressional Printing Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. This first-of-its-kind bipartisan Caucus will focus on advancing a public policy agenda that benefits and protects America’s printing industry and its rich, diverse, and varied communities. In the 118th Congress, Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Mark Pocan (D-WI-2), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-5), and Jared Golden (D-ME-2) will serve as co-chairs representing the U.S. printing industry. ACG Advocacy, the Washington, D.C. lobbying firm representing the Alliance, is in the process of identifying additional Members of Congress that share an interest in the public policy challenges and opportunities in the printing industry.
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Sappi North America Awards 2023 Ideas that Matter Grants

Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, today announced its 2023 Ideas that Matter grant recipients, whose winning proposals celebrate the power of print design to address social issues. This year, recipients’ projects addressed a range of issues, including restorative justice, diversity and inclusion, intergenerational engagement, education, urban segregation and community building. Since 2021, entrants have been asked to align their submissions with at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that grant applications are focused on critical and timely global societal concerns.
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Ikea U.S. launches two major sustainability initiatives (chainstoreage.com)

Ikea U.S. is doubling down on its commitment to become a climate positive business. The retailer is launching two initiatives that align with its goal to increase on-site renewable energy, increase energy effiency and eliminate the use of fossil fuels from its operations. The initiatives include a solar installation project that is adding solar car parks, additional rooftop solar panels and battery energy storage systems to six Ikea stores and one fulfillment center. The other is a large-scale renewable heating and cooling (RHC) project to replace and optimize existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The project will start with five stores in 2023.
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HarperCollins Publisers Announces Executive Changes

HarperCollins Publishers announced several executive-level personnel changes. Suzanne Murphy, President and Publisher of HarperCollins Children’s Books, will be leaving the company to pursue other interests. Liate Stehlik has been promoted to President and Publisher, Morrow Group and HarperCollins Children’s Books, adding the Children’s division to her purview. Dan Schwartz has been promoted to EVP, CFO and Head of North American Operations. Matt Bennett, Global Chief Information Officer, has been appointed to the company’s global executive committee, now reporting to Schwartz. Zandra Magariño, SVP, Chief People Officer, will expand her role to include oversight of real estate, as well as employee health, safety, and security. Brian Murray, President and CEO, HarperCollins Publishers, said, “Earlier this year, we launched a transformation effort to identify new ways to work smarter and more efficiently across North America and globally. To that end, we are clarifying and consolidating our executive leadership team. This new structure will allow us to implement key publishing, systems, and operational changes to confront current challenges and seize existing opportunities in our rapidly evolving industry.”
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Chairman Kubayanda Statement on PRC Budget

I appreciate the Governors’ approval of a budget but am disappointed that they declined to fund the Commission’s modest request of $22.6 million, less than .03 percent of Postal Service revenues. Most importantly, this process raised red flags about potential risks to the Commission’s independence. The Governors did acknowledge that the Commission’s total FY 2024 costs are $27.2 million. I thank the Governors for recognizing this, as it is important for the Commission’s trajectory. While the $27.2 million cited by the Governors is $1.5 million less than the Commission’s projected costs, this amount must serve as a baseline for FY 2025 and longer-term budgets funded by the Postal Service to avoid degrading the Commission’s capacity, eliminating positions in the understaffed agency, and stopping long overdue technology upgrades.
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ATA Urges Congress to Establish National Framework for Automated Vehicles

American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear told the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that automated vehicle technology holds great promise to enhance highway safety, boost economic productivity, and support trucking’s essential workforce. In order to harness this technology’s full potential, Spear emphasized that regulations must be consistent to avoid a patchwork of rules that treat highway users differently. “What’s needed first is a national framework that encourages development, testing and deployment of technology, in direct support of interstate commerce,” Spear said in a hearing before the panel’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. “Federal guidance should treat commercial and passenger vehicles equally and require automated vehicles to achieve an acceptable level of safety and performance, rather than requiring the use of specific technologies.”
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IPG Introduces 170e Carton Sealing Tape with 30% Recycled Film

IPG® (Intertape Polymer Group®) a leading manufacturer of packaging and protective solutions, is excited to introduce the new 170e water based acrylic pressure-sensitive carton sealing tape, designed with 30% recycled film. This construction is a significant step in reducing the consumption of new virgin raw materials, thereby providing an overall lower carbon footprint. 170e maintains the performance characteristics and reliability of the carton closure product line. It’s superior tack, UV resistance and broad application temperature performance mirror those of its non-recycled content counterparts and is ideal for both manual and automated applications. 170e is one of several new product launches that support and contribute to IPG’s sustainability and circularity goals. IPG continues to embrace sustainability as a key strategy for achieving the company vision and mission, and as a primary driver of operational excellence.
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Western States Envelope and Label Acquires Vision Envelope (piworld.com)

Western States Envelope and Label announces the acquisition of Vision Envelope in Charlotte, NC. The acquisition will enable Western States to increase its envelope manufacturing presence and distribution in the Southeast United States. This new addition joins the current Western States Envelope and Label plants in Walbridge, OH, Erlanger, KY, Vadnais Heights, MN, Sun Prairie, WI and its corporate headquarters in Butler, WI. Founded in 1908 by George F. Moss, Western States Envelope and Label has been an industry leader in envelope and label manufacturing and continues today as a family run and owned company. While its 1200+ stock products with same day shipping are sold throughout the country – Western States is known for its expertise, quality, and innovation in customized envelope products. A process Geroge F. Moss put in place when the doors opened in 1908 and continues to this day.
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Drytac to showcase award-winning products at PRINTING United 2023

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce that it will demonstrate a range of its market-leading solutions at the upcoming PRINTING United Expo 2023. Taking place from October 18-20 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, PRINTING United will welcome thousands of visitors from all corners of the printing market, as well as attendees from related industries. Drytac will have a heavy presence throughout the event; running its own dedicated booth, working with partner companies, and taking part in special features, maximizing the opportunity to connect with a highly diversified audience.
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Pixelle Invests $1.4 Million in Mill Safety and Productivity with Industry First Robotics

Pixelle Specialty Solutions has improved safety and productivity at its Spring Grove, Pennsylvania facility by installing a smelt spout robot manufactured by Valmet. The smelt robot is essential for keeping recovery boiler spouts open and improving efficiencies in the liquor recovery cycle. The first smelt robot installation of its kind in North America, the robot regularly cleans the recovery boiler smelt spouts ensuring stable smelt flow, optimum cleaning and safer boiler operation, without manual intervention. “We’re proud to introduce the industry-first smelt robot installation in North America, supporting our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and innovation in specialty papers,” said Ross Bushnell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pixelle. “By leveraging the latest automation technology, we are positioned to drive greater mill safety, productivity and quality.”
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Savvas Announces New Math and Reading Solutions that Engage and Inspire Students While Giving Educators the Resources to Help All Learners Achieve

Savvas Learning Company is excited to announce new and enhanced math and reading solutions that engage and inspire students to learn, while giving educators the evidence-based instructional resources they need to accelerate learning and help all students achieve. “At Savvas, we are committed to empowering educators with the highest-quality instructional materials and effective teaching strategies to increase student achievement,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “Long committed to developing evidence-based, student-centered learning solutions, Savvas this year is delivering new math and reading programs that continue to give educators what they need to help all students succeed.” Savvas solutions focus on putting the student at the center of learning. The company’s award-winning blended programs — delivered digitally on its innovative Savvas Realize platform and visually through engaging print resources — feature real-world learning experiences designed to increase student engagement along with high-quality instructional materials to accelerate academic outcomes.
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SCA nominated for prestigious German Sustainability Award

SCA has been nominated for the German National Sustainability Award, Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis, which is presented in collaboration with the German federal government and several prominent organizations. “It's gratifying that our systematic climate and sustainability efforts are being recognized and proposed for such a prestigious honor. We are, of course, proud of this recognition. We have put a lot of effort into developing sustainability throughout the entire value chain,” says Hans Djurberg, Head of Sustainability, SCA. SCA has been nominated for the German Sustainability in two different categories: raw materials and agriculture and forestry.
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Konica Minolta Brings to Market New DFEs Based on Fiery FS600 Pro Software

Fiery, LLC, the largest independent provider of digital front ends (DFEs), and Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) announce the release of five new Fiery® digital front ends (DFEs) as part of their ongoing and long-term partnership. These new DFEs are based on the latest Fiery platform, Fiery FS600 Pro, and customized to drive maximum productivity for a wide range of Konica Minolta production presses, saving time and increasing profitability. Fiery FS600 Pro is the most innovative and user-friendly Fiery DFE, providing unrivaled performance, superior color, and intelligent automation for digital printing. The new Fiery DFEs, fine-tuned to the Konica Minolta presses they serve, enable Konica Minolta customers to simplify and automate job preparation, color management, and processing while ensuring print production runs smoothly at maximum capacity.
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Proud to Join the ASEAN-Canada Roundtable

Paper Excellence is proud to have taken part in the ASEAN-Canada Roundtable last week. Davis Chiu and Blair Dickerson represented us in Jakarta, talking about the forest industry’s support and use of clean bioenergy and Paper Excellence’s commitment to Indigenous partnerships. Thanks also to Goldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of Canada, who spoke to the need for regulatory certainty in Canada to create clear pathways for innovation.
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Berry Upgraded to “A” Rating from MSCI for Effective ESG Management

Berry Global Group, Inc. earned an “A” environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating from international ratings agency MSCI for its progress managing ESG risks and opportunities, including improvements in Carbon Emissions, Labor Management, and Packaging Material and Waste. “We are honored to receive such high recognition from MSCI for our continued efforts to increase transparency and prioritize key environmental and social issues across our global business, while strengthening Berry’s resilience to long-term ESG risks,” said Tom Salmon, CEO of Berry Global. “This improved 'A' rating reflects our ongoing investments in our workforce as well as our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of packaging and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.”
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Smurfit Kappa and WestRock Announce Transaction to Create a Global Leader in Sustainable Packaging

Following the announcement of a possible combination dated 7 September 2023, the Boards of Smurfit Kappa, a FTSE 100 company, and WestRock are pleased to announce the signing of a definitive transaction agreement to create Smurfit WestRock, a global leader in sustainable packaging. The Boards of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock see compelling strategic, commercial and financial rationale for combining Smurfit Kappa and WestRock’s highly complementary paper-based packaging companies to create a global leader in sustainable packaging. The Combination will enhance Smurfit Kappa and WestRock’s existing offerings by creating the global “Go-To” packaging partner of choice and bringing together: *Smurfit Kappa’s industry-leading operational execution and innovation as a European leader in corrugated and containerboard as well as its large-scale pan-regional Americas presence that delivers best-in-class performance and returns; and *WestRock’s leadership in the United States as well as its strong footprint in Brazil and Mexico, across corrugated and consumer packaging delivering a broad portfolio of packaging solutions serving diverse, growing end-markets.
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UPM’s recyclable label papers are now certified as industrially and home compostable

A wide range of UPM Specialty Papers’ label papers have been certified as industrially and home compostable, helping brand owners and label converters meet their target of prioritizing materials with a sustainable end of life. The following papers are now proven to be industrially and home compostable according to the EN 13432:2000 and NFT51-800:2015 standards providing high-quality and safe options for sustainable labelling needs: • Face papers: UPM LabelCoat™, UPM LabelCoat Prime™ • Release base papers: UPM Brilliant™, UPM Brilliant™ Pro
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The Human Brand – Drive Loyalty as a Trusted Brand by Understanding Consumer Perception

Understand the TWO Critical Factors that Influence Consumer Perception • Recognize that our brains are hardwired to make instant judgments based on deep human emotions • Learn how to establish loyalty based on how your brand is perceived • See examples of successful marketing efforts that have taken a more human approach. Don't miss it – This is sure to be an inspiring keynote! Register Now at: https://web.cvent.com/event/482ecfdd-3ebf-48a1-aeae-568b7d6929c0/regProcessStep1
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USPS Board of Governors Unanimously Approves Adjusted FY 2024 Budget for the Postal Regulatory Commission

The United States Postal Service Board of Governors today announced its unanimous approval of an adjusted Fiscal Year 2024 budget for the Postal Regulatory Commission. The approved budget of $21.124 million, when combined with the PRC’s other resources, results in a spending plan for FY 2024 totaling $27.202 million. While less than PRC’s FY 2024 budget request, the approved spending plan is a 28.2 percent increase over the PRC’s estimated spending in FY2023, and a 47.4 percent increase over the PRC’s actual expenses in FY 2022. “The Governors of the United States Postal Service recognize and respect that Congress has created the PRC as an independent entity with specific regulatory responsibilities over the Postal Service, and that it needs to have the resources to effectively perform those responsibilities,” said Roman Martinez IV, Chair of the Board of Governors of the U.S. Postal Service.
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Adobe Digital Price Index: Online Prices Fall to 40-Month Low, Down 3.2% In August

Adobe announced the latest online inflation data from the Adobe Digital Price Index (DPI), powered by Adobe Analytics. Online prices in August 2023 fell 3.2% year-over-year (YoY), hitting a 40-month low—and marking a full year (12 consecutive months) of YoY price decreases. Online prices fell for over half of Adobe’s tracked categories (11 of 18) on an annual basis. On a month-over-month (MoM) basis, online prices rose 0.4% in August following the Prime Day event in July, now an industrywide e-commerce moment with heavy discounting across different retailers. August’s YoY price decline was driven by notable drops in categories such as sporting goods (down 7% YoY, down 1.4% MoM), appliances (down 7.3% YoY, up 1.3% MoM) and home/garden (down 6.8% YoY, up 0.2% MoM). Electronics saw a steeper decline, falling 11.6% YoY (down 0.8% MoM), as well as computers which fell 14.2% YoY (down 1% MoM).
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Consumers Demand That Governments, Brands And Retailers Do More To Ensure Packaging Is More Sustainable

The shift to online shopping has accelerated dramatically in recent years. At the touch of a screen, consumers can search for a product, order and have it delivered to their door, sometimes on the same day. As consumers have come to appreciate the safety, speed and convenience of buying products online, they also are increasingly more concerned about how those products are packaged and delivered. European consumers are demanding that retailers do more to ensure their packaging is widely recyclable, and 49% believe that paper-based packaging is easier to recycle than other materials. Recycling data reflects this belief: 82% of paper packaging is recycled, the highest recycling rate of any packaging material. Glass has a recycling rate of 76%, metal 76% and plastic just 38% (Eurostat, 2020).
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Tetra Pak announces Flow Water and Live Nation Canada Custom Printing collaboration

Tetra Pak is pleased to announce the first Custom Printing collaboration. The launch follows the successful validation of the Tetra Pak® Custom Printing solution, encompassing over 100 million packages, and is set to unleash new business and marketing opportunities with increased flexibility and customization, all within the package in the consumer’s hand. Flow Beverage Corp. (TSX:FLOW; OTCQX:FLWBF) (“Flow” or the “Company”), distributing a naturally alkaline spring water across U.S. and Canada, is the first brand to leverage this unique technology to create one-of-a-kind designs, for a truly immersive and engaging consumer experience. "In today’s world, brands need the ability to quickly activate marketing efforts and capitalize on consumer trends. Tetra Pak® Custom Printing allows brands greater agility than ever before to create impactful, unique campaigns that diversify their advertising strategies in a cost-effective way,” said Pedro Gonçalves, Marketing Director U.S. and Canada, Tetra Pak. “We are prou
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Trioworld enters agreement with Better Energy in Denmark to purchase renewable energy

With a ten-year power purchase agreement, Trioworld Nyborg contributes to the construction of a new Better Energy solar park on the Danish island, Lolland. The agreement is an important element in Trioworld's focus on sustainability, and at the same time, it helps to increase the amount of renewable energy on the Danish electricity grid. The PPA will cover one-third of Trioworld Nyborg's annual electricity consumption, amounting to 7.5 GWh per year. Trioworld Nyborg manufactures plastic packaging for industrial companies in sectors such as petrochemicals, construction, horticulture, forestry, and more. In addition to producing packaging films, Trioworld Nyborg also has facilities for plastic recycling, providing the company with a stable source of valuable raw materials that are crucial to its overall strategy: leading the way in circular plastic solutions. By signing a PPA with Better Energy, a large portion of Trioworld Nyborg’s annual energy consumption will be covered by renewable energy. Its ambition to reduce emissions from its manufacturing operations in Denmark helps Trioworld move closer to fulfilling its commitment to become net zero in 2050.
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Fiery and Esko Partner to Extend Advanced Digital Print Technologies and Packaging Workflows

Fiery, LLC and Esko announced a new technology partnership to develop innovative solutions that advance digital print technologies and packaging workflows. The companies will collaborate on workflow integrations to more rapidly develop new solutions to help print suppliers in the digital print and packaging industries. The companies unveiled seamless integration between Fiery Impress, the turnkey DFE for industrial inkjet presses and inline manufacturing lines, and Esko Automation Engine, prepress workflow automation. The integration allows customers to easily migrate their existing workflows for digital print technologies.
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$250,000 to support wildfire rebuilding efforts in Nova Scotia

Paper Excellence has committed $200,000 to support the rebuilding efforts for the individuals, families, and communities in Shelburne and Barrington, Nova Scotia, impacted by the wildfires in June 2023. With eligible matching from Canada and Nova Scotia governments, our total impact is $250,000. The wildfire that impacted Shelburne County was the biggest in Nova Scotia’s history. We’re pleased to work with the Canadian Red Cross Atlantic Canada, the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Municipality of Barrington, and the Municipality of Shelburne to support the Nova Scotians who need it. Paper Excellence Canada is committed to supporting the provinces and communities we operate in, especially during challenging times like those experienced in Nova Scotia.
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Kimberly-Clark Professional Launches First-Ever Wind Farm With Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust To Supply 80% Of Its UK Electrical Power Needs

Kimberly-Clark, the parent company of leading household brands including Andrex®, Kleenex®, Huggies®, WypAll® and Scott®, is celebrating a major milestone in its ambitious drive towards green energy with the official opening of a new onshore wind farm by Màiri McAllan, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clydesdale constituency and Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition, that will supply around 80% of its UK electrical power needs.
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Mondi makes it a (pallet) wrap with Robopac

Mondi has partnered with Robopac, a world-leading manufacturer of pallet-wrapping machinery, to offer a seamless and more sustainable paper wrapping solution for pallet storage and transportation. The two organisations collaborated closely to develop the solution, combining Mondi’s expertise in packaging and paper with Robopac’s know-how about wrapping machines. Robopac’s new paper wrapping machine uses Mondi’s Advantage StretchWrap which is 100% kraft paper, delivering excellent protection for palletised goods due to high strength, puncture resistance and tension absorption. The paper is created with responsibly sourced, renewable materials, containing no plastic or coating making it fully recyclable in existing waste streams across Europe. Robopac’s semi-automated and fully automated machines can both take Mondi’s Advantage StretchWrap, allowing customers to replace unnecessary plastic which is currently the industry standard for pallet wrapping.
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Service Performance Remains Steady Across Postal Service Network

FY23 fourth quarter service performance scores covering July 1 through September 1, included: *First-Class Mail: 91.5 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter. *Marketing Mail: 95.4 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal third quarter. *Periodicals: 86.3 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter.
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End of lockout at Alma Resolute Forest Products plant

The approximately 240 workers of the factory accepted on Friday afternoon by 81.3% the solution hypothesis presented to both parties by the conciliator of the case in the general assembly. The company also accepted this proposal. The workers are happy with the result of today’s (Friday) meeting. Obviously, no one wanted to continue on the picket line, at least until winter. Daniel Bilodeau reacted on the line. The return to work will be gradual, starting September 18. Workers have been on strike since July 4. The company imposed this measure after a third production stoppage by employees.
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Country Media, Inc. Buys Three Newspapers From News Media Corp. (mediapost.com)

Country Media, Inc., an Oregon-based publisher, has acquired three Oregon properties from News Media Corp., of Rochelle, Illinois: the Newport News Times, the Cottage Grove Sentinel and the Siuslaw News, along with their websites, digital products, and specialty publications, The Cottage Grove Sentinel reports. The sale, terms of which were not disclosed, was effective Sept. 1. News Media Corp. is the family run publishing company founded by John C. Tompkins in 1975. It has owned up to 75 newspapers and digital companies in nine states, The Cottage Grove Sentinel adds.
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Swedish Schools Return To Paper

Schools minister Lotta Edholm moves students off digital devices and on to books and handwriting, with teachers and experts debating the pros and cons. Since young children went back to school across Sweden recently, many of their teachers have been putting a new emphasis on printed books, quiet reading time and handwriting practice, and devoting less time to tablets, independent online research and keyboarding skills. The return to more traditional ways of learning is a response to politicians and experts questioning whether Sweden’s hyper-digitalised approach to education, including the introduction of tablets in nursery schools, had led to a decline in basic skills.
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Sonoco Completes Acquisition of RTS Packaging

Sonoco Products Company announced the completion of its acquisition of the remaining equity interest in RTS Packaging, LLC (“RTS”) from joint venture partner WestRock (NYSE:WRK) and one WestRock paper mill in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The acquisition, originally announced on November 9, 2022, will further strengthen and expand Sonoco’s 100% recycled fiber-based packaging solutions to serve growing consumer wine, spirits, food, beauty and healthcare markets. Prior to closing the transaction, Sonoco was a 35% owner in the joint venture with WestRock. With this acquisition, Sonoco adds a network of 15 operations and 1,100 employees in the U.S., Mexico, and South America. The purchase price for this acquisition was $330 million, subject to customary price adjustments. The Company funded the acquisition with borrowings under its existing credit facilities and cash on hand. After the transaction, the Company’s net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio is less than 2.9x. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share, excluding the impact of purchase accounting adjustments.
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RRD Expands Design and Printing Capabilities Through New Digital Press

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announced it has expanded its digital printing capabilities with the installation of the EFI™ Nozomi C18000 Plus single-pass digital inkjet printer. Located at RRD’s Packaging facility that specializes in signage and displays near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the single-pass digital press is expected to be operational by the fall of 2023. The press enables RRD to reduce time-to-market by 25%, maximize color and design options, and prioritize sustainability on large-format runs of a variety of different sized substrates while delivering consistent print quality. The Nozomi C18000 Plus press will drive high-volume production at speeds three to five times faster than scanning superwide-format printers. This press also expedites new job setup (in as little as seven minutes), prints up to six colors, and runs continuously without having to pause printing to reload. The new addition supports RRD’s commitment to providing the highest quality results to brands looking to make a splash with retail signage and displays made from boards and corrugated to poly-based substrates.
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Berry Global Announces Review of Strategic Alternatives for its Health, Hygiene and Specialties Segment

Berry Global Group, Inc. announced that it has initiated a formal process to evaluate strategic alternatives for its Health, Hygiene and Specialties segment (“HH&S”). HH&S is a leading provider of nonwovens, specialty films, and tapes for a broad range of end markets, including healthcare, hygiene, consumer, building and construction, and industrials. The segment is well-positioned in its core businesses, providing value-added products to many of the world’s leading brand owners. The Company is considering a wide range of available alternatives to maximize shareholder value, including, but not limited to, a sale, strategic partnership or joint venture, spin-off to shareholders, or other separation transaction for some or all of the businesses within HH&S. Importantly, the Company expects current members of the HH&S leadership team will continue to lead the business in any anticipated outcome.
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Times Media Group Acquires Acorn Newspapers in Southern California (mediapost.com)

Times Media Group has continued on its acquisition track, taking over Acorn Newspapers, a publisher of five brands serving more than 340,000 readers in Western Los Angeles and Eastern Ventura Counties. Terms were not disclosed. Included in the purchase are the weeklies The Acorn serving Agoura Hills, Moorpark Acorn, Simi Valley Acorn, Camarillo Acorn and Thousand Oaks Acorn, along with companion publications and websites. Last month, Times Media Group acquired Picket Fence Media, publisher of San Clemente Times and other Southern California titles. The company has more than 40 publications in Arizona and Southern California.
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IPG Unveils New Tishma Brand SafeSeal-AI System with Deep Learning Vision Seal Inspection Innovation

IPG® has launched the new Tishma brand SafeSeal-AI™ Vision Inspection System which offers a reliable, repeatable, and precise inline seal and product inspection process. “We have harnessed the power of A.I. to offer an unbelievably easy to use in-line heat seal inspection system for the food and medical industries,” explains Micah Ordway, IPG Product Manager - Machinery. “We applied our deep-learning A.I. vision tools to thermal images to find sealing, product or packaging defects - including those that are almost impossible to find with rules-based vision tools or even standard vacuum-check inspections.” This PC-based, turnkey inspection system includes everything needed to reliably inspect heat sealed trays, bags, or packaged products at a rate of 300 scans/minute and includes 20 TB of data storage.
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Wiley Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

*GAAP Results: Revenue of $451 million (-7%), Operating loss of -$16 million (+4%), and EPS loss of -$1.67 (-$1.35). GAAP earnings impacted by impairment charges totalling $103 million, including non-cash goodwill and assets held-for-sale impairment and loss on sale of a business. “Our Q1 performance was as expected as we continue to execute on our plans and position Wiley for the future,” said Brian Napack, President and CEO. “While Research was down due to an unusual publishing pause in the second half of last year, we are seeing underlying strength and momentum returning, including growing article volumes, higher journal impact scores, and new partner signings. We are making steady progress on our transition and recently streamlined Wiley into one focused, market-facing team to better leverage our collective strength and drive operating leverage.”
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Books-A-Million launches same-day delivery with Walmart (chainstoreage.com)

Books-A-Million is introducing same- and next-day delivery across its 231 locations nationwide. Leveraging the Walmart white-label GoLocal “delivery-as-a-service” platform, Books-A-Million will roll out same- and next-day delivery in the coming weeks across its 231 locations nationwide, starting with its Southeast and Midwest markets. The retailer already offers buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) and free curbside pickup options. Customers will place an order online at booksamillion.com and select the "same-day delivery" option during checkout. The order will then be picked up by a delivery driver and dropped off at the customer's desired location. Orders placed before 3 p.m. will be delivered same-day.
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Ad Industry Presses To Derail California Data Broker Bill (mediapost.com)

Major ad organizations and other business groups are pressing to derail a bill that would enable residents to easily remove their information from every data broker registered with the state. In a recent letter to state lawmakers, the organizations argue that the Delete Act (SB 362) would hinder a wide variety of programs and services, including anti-fraud initiatives, loyalty programs and public interest research. “If passed, SB 362 would negatively impact Californians,” 19 groups including the Association of National Advertisers, American Association of Advertising Agencies, California Retailers Association, Interactive Advertising Bureau, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and NetChoice. “Without data, companies would not be able to deliver critically important products and services consumers benefit from today, sometimes without even being aware of how this data supports their safety and enjoyment of everyday life.”
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PRC Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Justification

The Commission released its Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Justification submitted earlier to the Postal Service Board of Governors in accordance with Title 39, United States Code, Section 205. Last week, the Commission submitted a revised budget request of $22.613 million for FY 2024 to the Postal Service Governors. The Commission submitted this revised request in response to correspondence and discussions with the Governors regarding the initial budget request of $23.399 million. The initial request sought to fund increases to fixed costs, including inflationary adjustments to wages and benefits, lease payments, and the addition of 5 full-time equivalent employees. The revised request only covers increases to the Commission’s fixed costs for FY 2024 and does not fund increased capacity in FY 2024.
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FSC extends validity of existing Controlled Wood Risk Assessments

The new Advice Note ADVICE-40-005-26 extends the validity of existing FSC Controlled Wood Risk Assessments until replaced by the next versions of corresponding FSC Risk Assessments. Published and effective from 6 September 2023, the FSC Advice Note ADVICE-40-005-26 announces an extension of the validity of existing FSC Controlled Wood Risk Assessments. This Advice Note applies to organizations sourcing FSC Controlled Wood using FSC-STD-40-005 V3-1 Requirements for Sourcing FSC Controlled Wood. Formulated in accordance with FSC normative requirements, it received approval from the FSC Managing Director on August 30, 2023, following a recommendation by the Policy Steering Group (PSG) on July 11, 2023.
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The Circularity of Paper: Recycling Closes the Circle (twosidesna.org)

Over the last three decades, the U.S. paper industry’s deep-rooted commitment and voluntary investment of billions of dollars in recycling infrastructure have transformed the circularity of paper products from vision to reality – something no other industry has been able to achieve. At a time when there’s growing alarm about the low recycled rates of other materials, paper recycling is a clear exception. LISTEN at: https://twosidesna.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2023/09/TMTS-3.mp3
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FreightWaves gets it wrong on driver shortage (trucking.org)

FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller calls the truck driver shortage a “myth” in a recent piece of self-promotion, but his assertion collapses under the weight of facts and data. Fuller claims the mythical shortage is an ATA fabrication—a narrative perpetuated for our convenience. Of course, we’re not alone in reporting this issue. Driver shortages are global in scope, with growing vacancies felt across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and documented in IRU’s 2022 Global Driver Shortage Report: In Europe, driver shortages jumped by 42% from 2020 to 2021, with vacant driver positions reaching 71,000 in Romania, 80,000 in both Poland and Germany, and 100,000 in the UK. In Mexico, shortages rose by 30% to reach 54,000, while in China, they increased by 140%, reaching 1.8 million.
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Confederation Of Paper Industries Joins Two Sides To Promote Sustainable Paper-Based Industries

Two Sides is excited to announce that the Confederation Of Paper Industries (CPI) will join as formal members, to better collaborate and collectively tell the sustainable story of paper products. CPI is the leading trade association representing the UK’s paper-based Industries, comprising paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers, makers of soft tissue papers, and collectors of paper for recycling. CPI unifies the UK’s Paper-based Industries behind the promotion of paper’s intrinsic value as a uniquely renewable and recyclable resource. They aim to enhance the industry’s competitiveness by advocating an appropriate legislative and regulatory regime in the UK, EU and globally, and also by sharing best practice within the CPI membership.
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Expect Innovation from Colbert Packaging at Pack Expo 2023

Colbert Packaging announces its new robotic solution for product palletization operations. Designed for fully automated and integrated labeling, orientation and palletization, the new customized system is expected to streamline the current manual processes. Colbert partnered with RōBEX, an industrial robot integration provider, to assess operational challenges and identify a solution. The RōBEX team, with expertise in automotive, aerospace, food and beverage, and palletizing, worked alongside the Colbert team to design the new system. Developing this system was a complex task, given Colbert’s diverse needs. The solution needed the capability to pick and palletize multiple case variations and pallet configurations. Colbert also needed to manage multiple tier sheets and pallet types. RōBEX’s extensive expertise and innovative design approach led to the creation of a unique End-of-Arm Tool (EOAT) that proficiently handles all requirements. The RōBEX solution included a design blueprint, integration plan and meticulous cycle time calculations before final implementation.
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Ardian Announces Sale of Its Investment in Soteria Flexibles to TJC

Ardian, a world-leading private investment house, has sold its investment in Soteria Flexibles Holdings LLC to TJC LP (TJC). With the Ardian North America Fund team’s support, today Soteria Flexibles is a North American leader in short-run, custom flexible packaging manufacturing serving the healthcare, fresh food, industrial, foodservice, janitorial/sanitation and commercial markets. Led by CEO Brad Herbolsheimer and headquartered in Carol Stream, IL, Soteria Flexibles was created in 2019 following Ardian’s platform acquisition of Colonial Bag, a family-owned company based outside Chicago. It provides customized high-quality packaging products in relatively small volumes to specialized businesses in underserved, high-growth sub-segments that need tailored specifications.
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BOPE and Low Sit Sealant Films Featured in Inteplast’s New Mono-material Flex Packaging Portfolio

Inteplast Group’s BOPP Films and Engineered Films (IEF) have developed a film portfolio of recyclable, mono-material flexible packaging featuring cutting edge biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) films and low seal initiation temperature (SIT) sealant webs. The portfolio will be exhibited at this September’s Pack Expo in Las Vegas. When used in tandem, these BOPE films and low-SIT sealant webs support the industry-wide shift toward flexible packaging that is recycle-ready and circular economy friendly. Potential applications include stand-up pouches, fresh-cut produce packaging, cold-seal packaging, and vertical and horizontal form, fill and seal.
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Smurfit Kappa and WestRock in discussions regarding key terms of Potential Combination

Smurfit Kappa Group confirms that the boards of directors of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock Company are discussing the key terms of a potential combination to create Smurfit WestRock, a global leader in sustainable packaging. The Potential Combination would be expected to involve the creation of a new holding company, Smurfit WestRock. Smurfit WestRock would be incorporated and domiciled in Ireland with global headquarters in Dublin, Ireland and North and South American operations headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Potential Combination would be effected through an Irish scheme of arrangement involving Smurfit Kappa and a merger of a subsidiary with WestRock. Any such combination would result in WestRock shareholders receiving consideration consisting primarily of shares of the Combined Group.
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KnowledgeWorks Global Learning Named a Top 20 Experiential Learning Technologies Company by Training Industry for the Third Consecutive Year

Training Industry, the leading research and information resource for corporate learning leaders, announced its selections for the 2023 Top Training Companies™ lists for the Experiential Learning Technologies. For the third consecutive year, KnowledgeWorks Global Learning has had the honor of making the list. “The companies chosen for this year’s Top Experiential Learning Technologies list represent an innovative set of providers who deliver immersive technologies and experiences for their learners through advanced features and techniques,“ said Jessica Schue, market research analyst at Training Industry, Inc. “Leveraging innovative technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR), simulations, interactive content, serious gaming and advanced gamification, these companies have shown successful outcomes in learner retention, improved soft skills, better onboarding experiences and so much more.”
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Transcontinental Inc. Announces Results for the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023

Highlights *Lower volume in the Packaging and Printing Sectors, partially offset by the positive impact of actions implemented to adjust our cost structure. *Revenues of $706.7 million for the quarter ended July 30, 2023; operating earnings of $39.2 million; and net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation of $20.9 million ($0.24 per share). *On August 22, 2023, announced a major investment to accelerate the commercialization of innovative recyclable flexible packaging.
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RRD Recognized for Learning and Development Excellence

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announced that RRD GO Creative was recognized for learning and development excellence at the 2023 Brandon Hall Group Human Capital Management (HCM) Excellence Awards®. RRD GO Creative was positioned among prominent winners at this year’s event, receiving Gold for Best Unique or Innovative Learning and Development Program. Brandon Hall Group™ states that “Excellence Award winners are shown to be organizations that truly value their employees and invest in them through their human capital management programs.” RRD GO Creative offers expertise in design, business communications, marketing solutions, and digital productivity solutions, with key delivery locations in the U.S., India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, and Japan.
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Mondi puts the fizz into Coca-Cola HBC Austria’s functional packaging solution

Mondi is delighted to launch a new more sustainable sleeve packaging, created to replace conventional plastic shrink wrap around 1.5 litre sparkling soft drink multipacks produced by Coca-Cola HBC in Austria and keep them secure. Mondi’s Hug-IT, which keeps six bottles together during transportation, is made of Mondi’s Advantage SpringPack Plus, crowned by Guinness World Records as the strongest paper in the world.¹ The Hug-IT sleeve has high tensile strength and incomparable stretchability, so it can be trusted to wrap around the six bottles tightly, keeping them upright and held together during transit – from factory site, to retailer, to the consumer’s home. It will secure 1.5-liter PET multi-packs of the Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Mezzo Mix brands and will be sold in retail outlets throughout Austria. Hug-IT is an innovative solution, and Advantage SpringPack Plus is currently the only paper on the market offering such unique capabilities, being strong enough holding the bottle bundles together as final Hug-IT solution.
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Wildflower Project Helps Support Biodiversity, Beauty in Arkansas

Forests are home to more than trees, and Domtar helps support biodiversity efforts to keep plants and wildlife plentiful in the areas where we operate. Our company has partnered with nurseries, fish and wildlife organizations and landowners to create rich habitats for a variety of plants and animals. A recent initiative brought together Domtar, the Four States Timberland Owners Association, Hunter-Wasson Inc., and Love Creek Nursery in Okolona, Arkansas, to help beautify wooded acres with an array of wildflowers. The seed mix will provide landowners with seven to 12 wildflower species, both annuals and perennials. “Each box will provide enough native wildflower seeds to plant up to a 1,500-square-foot patch, which will benefit butterflies and pollinator species,” says Cathrine Jackson, wood and fiber procurement administrator at our Ashdown Mill. “We aim to provide habitat for species in need and colorful beauty on landowners’ properties. We can’t wait to see the blooms in the near future.” She says the wildflower project may become an annual effort if it proves successful.
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CJK Group Acquires Worzalla; Adding to its Sheridan Family of Print Facilities

CJK Group, Inc. announced that an agreement has been completed to acquire the business of Worzalla in Stevens Point, WI. This acquisition will bring additional capacity to our Sheridan division’s printing operations and the facility will be renamed Sheridan Worzalla. “Worzalla has a tremendous market reputation and a well-defined niche in the Children’s and Trade book publishing markets,” remarked Chris Kurtzman, CEO of CJK Group. “The addition of the Worzalla operation expands the spectrum of printing services for Sheridan’s clients, nicely augmenting our current strengths in the Trade, Education, Academic, Religious, and Automotive publishing markets.” The newly named Sheridan Worzalla facility is now the third Sheridan location in Wisconsin. Founded in 1892, Worzalla has over 130 years of experience in creating high-quality books for publishers around the world. The operation is housed in a 365,000 square foot facility and employs approximately 340 employees.
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Average Time to Deliver Across Postal Network Remains at 2.5 Days

FY23 fourth quarter service performance scores covering July 1 through August 25, included: *First-Class Mail: 91.5 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter. *Marketing Mail: 95.3 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal third quarter. *Periodicals: 86.2 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 2.7 percentage points from the fiscal third quarter.
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Costs Cut into Profits at Big Publishers (publishersweekly.com)

Simon & Schuster was the only one of the country’s four largest trade publishers to show an improved profit margin in the first half of 2023 compared to last year. In reporting Penguin Random House’s first-half results last week, where sales rose 9.5% but profits were up less than 1%, interim global CEO Nihar Malaviya told employees the small earnings increase “should come as no surprise, as industry inflationary cost pressures and increased costs across our businesses have continued to impact us.” HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray noted earlier that in addition to higher manufacturing, freight, and distribution costs, the industry has faced macroeconomic headwinds that he hasn’t seen since the Great Recession of 2008. Profits fell 19.7% at Lagardère Publishing despite a 2.5% increase in six-month sales. In addition to inflationary pressures, Lagardère cited increased costs incurred on “transformation projects in France” as the reason for the earnings decline.
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Greener Mail Joins Two Sides To Educate And Promote Sustainable Mail

Two Sides are excited to announce its newest partner member, the B2B direct mail, leaflet distributor and printer, Greener Mail. Greener Mail prides itself in showing its customers how to make their marketing greener and that using mail can be a sustainable choice. Having the environmental standard ISO14011, users of Carbon Balanced Paper, offsetting emissions with World Land Trust, committing to the SME Climate Pledge and now joining Two Sides, Greener Mail is continuously looking for ways to be more sustainable. “Sustainability and being ‘greener’ is at the forefront of our company ethos and we are constantly thinking of ways that we can improve our own business. Greener Mail is continuously investing in our buildings and machinery to reduce carbon emissions and the energy we use, where a simple upgrade can make a profound difference. Beyond offering sustainable services to our customers (direct mail, door to door, print and pick & pack), we also help educate them through the process and explain how becoming greener is so much easier than they think."
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Tredegar Agrees to Sell Terphane to Oben Group

Tredegar Corporation announced that it has agreed to sell its flexible packaging films business to affiliates of Oben Group for net debt-free base consideration of $116 million. Terphane, which solely comprises the flexible packaging segment reported by Tredegar, has approximately 500 employees with manufacturing sites located in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil and Bloomfield, New York, and headquarters located in São Paulo, Brazil, and exports to 29 countries. Tredegar expects to realize after-tax cash proceeds from completion of the transaction of $85 million after deducting projected Brazil withholding taxes, escrw funds, US capital gains taxes and transaction costs. Actual after-tax proceeds may differ from estimates due to possible changes in deductions during the potentially lengthy interim period (expected to be between 8 and 14 months) to the closing date. For the 12 months ended June 30, 2023, net sales and EBITDA from ongoing operations for Terphane were $152 million and $16.4 million, respectively.
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IPG Offers Next Level Randon Case Erecting With New Tishma Brand HTDRA2

IPG (Intertape Polymer Group), a leading manufacturer of highly automated packaging machinery and turnkey solutions, has launched the new Tishma brand HYDRA™2, a fully automatic random case erector and bottom sealer. The HYDRA2 is a random case erector that offers manual box selection or seamless data connectivity with your Warehouse Management System for superior operational management and control.
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Metsä Group’s Kemi mills are getting ready for the start-up of the investments

Metsä Group’s Kemi mills are getting ready for a maintenance and connection shutdown to prepare for the deployment of the largest ever investment of the forest industry in Finland – the new bioproduct mill and paperboard mill expansion in Kemi. The shutdown will begin on Sunday, 10 September 2023, and the aim is to start up the mills on 20 September 2023. During shutdown, odours may occur, and there may be temporary traffic congestion around the mill area, especially at the beginning of the week starting on 11 September. Odours may also occur before the shutdown due to preparations for the bioproduct mill's start-up.
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Stora Enso progresses with restructuring actions to improve long-term competitiveness and profitability

Stora Enso has progressed with its restructuring actions, announced on 15 June 2023, aimed at strengthening the Group’s long-term competitiveness and creating a decentralised and more customer centric operating model. These actions would reduce the number of employees by approximately 1,150. The parts of the change negotiations completed so far, will result in a reduction of 710 employees. Closure of pulp unit in Finland, Biomaterials division; Restructurings in the Packaging Materials division; Closure of sawmill in Estonia, Wood Products division; Group office employee reductions.
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PRINTING United Expo Welcomes Mailing, Shipping, and Fulfillment Community Members Across the Globe

PRINTING United Expo, produced annually by PRINTING United Alliance and taking place October 18-20 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta; proudly welcomes leading mailing, shipping, and fulfillment companies from across the globe. New this year at the event is a dedicated Mailing, Shipping, and Fulfillment HUB anchored with activities lined up across all three days of the event. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to view global product launches and never-before-seen technology at this year’s show, as well as take part in specially focused meetings and education. Registration for PRINTING United Expo 2023 is available online at www.printingunited.com/register. More than 750 exhibitors have signed on for the 2023 event, nearly selling out the show floor, and continuing to grow. Industry media and association partners in the space like Mailing Systems Technology magazine, In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA), Mailing and Fulfillment Services Association (MFSA), National Association of Presort Mailers (NAPM), United States Postal Service (USPS), Xplor, and more; have partnered with this year’s event, making it a collaborative engagement and draw for all mailing professionals.
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Discovery Paper Hosts Webinar: “Discover the Way of the Eco Switch”

Discovery Paper is thrilled to invite you to our upcoming webinar, "Discover the Way of the Eco Switch," taking place on September 21st. This event will bring together distinguished paper industry experts who will share their valuable insights on key sustainability topics. During the webinar, we will have the pleasure of hosting an engaging discussion featuring: • Jonathan Tame (Two Sides) - Unveiling the captivating "Love Paper" Campaign and its positive impact on raising awareness of the sustainability and attractiveness of paper. • Pedro Silva (The Navigator Company) - Demystifying the differences between recycled and virgin fibre, shedding light on their respective environmental impacts. • Andrew Gilbert (The Navigator Company) - Exploring the multiple sustainability benefits of using lighter paper.
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Geir Drangsland new CEO of Norske Skog

The board of directors of Norske Skog ASA has appointed Geir Drangsland as the new CEO as of 1 September. Drangsland succeeds Tore Hansesætre, who has decided to leave Norske Skog after more than 14 years in the company. Geir Drangsland, who has served as the chair of the board since March 2023, steps out of the board of directors to become the new CEO of Norske Skog effective from 1 September 2023. Arvid Grundekjøn has been selected the new chair of the board of directors. Grundekjøn has been member of the board of directors since 2018. "I am pleased to announce Geir Drangsland as the new CEO of Norske Skog. Geir has an extensive background from the forest industry, and has worked closely with the management since his entrance in Norske Skog. At the same time, I will use the opportunity to thank Tore Hansesætre for his valuable contribution in Norske Skog’s transformation journey both as CEO and responsible for the mill conversion projects," says Arvid Grundekjøn, chair of Norske Skog ASA.
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