Fortis Solutions Group Acquires Identi-Graphics

•63% increase in throughput; 32% increase in run speed •Push button automation, 8,000 sph run speeds •Improved uptime and quality has resulted in improved bottom line •KBA North America along with KBA-Iberica team improves long term commitment to Ellis. In today’s competitive folding carton industry, manufacturers are continually challenged by demanding customers who request unique value-added features. That’s become even truer when those customers are leading international pharmaceutical firms. Canadian packaging specialist Ellis Paper Box, a member of the Ellis Group, the country’s largest privately-held manufacturer of folding cartons, has made it its mandate---and ultimately its successful reputation as one of the most valued manufacturers in the industry---to understand and respect the demanding standards required by the pharmaceutical industry. Click Read More below for additional information.

Packaging Corporation of America reported second quarter 2024 net income of $199 million, and net income of $199 million, excluding special items. Second quarter net sales were $2.1 billion in 2024 and $2.0 billion in 2023. In the Packaging segment, corrugated products shipments per day were up 9.2% over last year’s second quarter and total shipments, with one additional shipping day, were up 10.9%. Containerboard production was 1,281,000 tons, and containerboard inventory was up 16,000 tons compared to the second quarter of 2023 and up 20,000 tons versus the first quarter of 2024. In the Paper segment, sales volume was up 12% compared to the second quarter of 2023 and down (8%) versus the first quarter of 2024. Commenting on reported results, Mark W. Kowlzan, Chairman and CEO, said, “results for the quarter reflect our strong market conditions in the Packaging segment. This drove a new all-time containerboard production record in order to service corrugated products and containerboard demand which grew stronger each month, ending with a new corrugated shipments-per-day record for the month of June. We were also able to build some inventory ahead of what we expect to be a busy second half of the year. Packaging segment prices and mix moved higher from first quarter levels as we continue to implement our announced price increases. Paper segment prices and mix as well as volume came in as expected, and the scheduled outage at our International Falls mill was managed very well. Results also reflect our constant focus on minimizing inflationary cost increases through efficiency and usage initiatives and capital project benefits throughout our mills and converting facilities.”

Neenah, Inc. announces an ultra-lightweight addition to their single-use sterile packaging offering. This innovative, high-performance solution introduces the market to a durable, cost-saving alternative to kraft and synthetic-based medical packaging traditionally used for nasal swabs, syringes, and other single-use applications. “This ultra-lightweight addition brings new opportunities closer in reach with our global sterile supply chain partners,” says Valerie Henderson, Medical Packaging Product Manager for Neenah. Single-use medical devices are gaining popularity as they help lower costs, increase efficiency, and reduce the spread of infection. Most single-use devices have a shelf life of 3-5 years, making it imperative that the sterilization process remain intact from supplier to opening at the final destination. Kraft-based medical packaging, used for single-use devices, can tear or burst due to packing or transportation style. It is essential that medical packaging be durable, especially if it is lightweight.