Lamitech Receives A “Superior” Food Safe AIB Certification 10 Years In A Row

WestRock Company announced that its FENIX™ Bio Locking Tag has earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label. The FENIX™ Bio Locking Tag represents a renewable alternative to petroleum-based products, using up to 88% fewer fossil fuel-based plastics than traditional plastic options. These plant-based horticulture tags enable WestRock customers to achieve plastic-reduction goals while ensuring critical functionality in greenhouse, nursery and retail environments. “WestRock is very proud to receive a certification from the USDA recognizing the role our products play in ensuring a more sustainable future,” said Sam Shoemaker, president of Consumer Packaging at WestRock. “Our teams are committed to pioneering technological advances and innovative product solutions to help our customers reach their sustainability goals.”

Net revenues in the first quarter of 2023 were $1,431 million compared to $1,495 million in the first quarter of 2022. The decrease was due to lower sales volume and the impact from dispositions, notably the disposition of Beverage Merchandising Asia on August 2, 2022. Lower sales volume was largely due to our focus on value over volume in the Foodservice and Food Merchandising segments and the market softening amid inflationary pressures in the Beverage Merchandising and Food Merchandising segments. These decreases were partially offset by favorable pricing, due to pricing actions in the Food Merchandising and Beverage Merchandising segments and the contractual pass-through of higher material costs across all segments. Net loss was $133 million in the first quarter of 2023 compared to $43 million of net income in the first quarter of 2022. The decrease was mostly due to $187 million of charges associated with the Beverage Merchandising Restructuring and a $27 million decrease due to the gain on the sale of Naturepak Beverage Packaging Co. Ltd in the prior year period. These decreases were partially offset by a $55 million decrease in tax expense, mainly attributable to decreased profitability.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of sustainable labeling solutions, is expanding its direct thermal (DT) linerless label offering with the launch of its new OptiCut™ WashOff solution. The new linerless label is specifically designed for returnable and reusable plastic food containers, including PP, HDPE and PET crates used in food logistics. Available to customers now, the label launch meets the need for innovative plastic packaging solutions, driven by evolving regulations and consumer demand. The OptiCut WashOff label, which is compatible with most direct thermal printers and weighing scales, offers excellent washability and easy, adhesive residue-free separation for both industrial processes and home washing machines.