Change in Stora Enso’s Group Leadership Team

Esko has announced it has delivered a world-first in connected packaging production, "supercharging" secure Variable Data Print (VDP) capabilities in terms of both speed and scale for a new collaboration with Scantrust and packaging company ePac Flexible Packaging. Esko Automation Engine is at the heart of the operation, with its VDP technology enabling the printing of serialized and secure QR codes on flexible packaging on a mass scale, unleashing the power of VDP for the new connected packaging and connected goods service, ePacConnect™. “Variable Data Printing has the ability to take the role of packaging to a whole new level,” says Esko product manager, Paul Land. “With opportunities for localization, serialization, personalization and traceability, the advances in automation mean it is now possible to further harness the technology to transform the prepress environment. With cloud deployment for 24/7 global access to data and new scalability capabilities, Automation Engine is enabling ePac to realize the power of VDP for an organization without the downsides. “By connecting the VDP module in Automation Engine with Scantrust, we have created a framework for codes that makes it easy for converters to use,” adds Land. “Not only is this implementation the first of its kind, but it also unlocks capabilities that were previously difficult to achieve.”

Sonoco announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire S.P. Holding, Skjern A/S, a privately owned manufacturer of paper based in Skjern, Denmark. The acquisition expands production capacity for customers and Sonoco converting operations throughout Europe and bordering regions. The estimated $88 million (675 million DKK) all-cash transaction has been unanimously approved by Sonoco’s Board of Directors and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2022, subject to customary closing conditions. Founded in 1965, Skjern is a leading producer of high-grade paperboard from 100% recycled paper for rigid paper containers, tubes and cores, and other applications. The company has robust sustainability programs in place for renewable energy and CO2 emission reduction and operations are powered by a biomass boiler, which reduces reliance on natural gas. In 2022, Skjern is expected to achieve annual sales of $50 million and the transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to both earnings per share and cash flow.

Amcor is applying a three-pronged approach to creating a responsible, more sustainable packaging system. The company is innovating products to be recycled or reused, collaborating with others to make recycling widely available and informing consumers about how to participate in keeping waste out of the environment. Innovating: Amcor invests $100m every year in research and development (R&D) to ensure a world-beating pipeline of innovations that tackle the biggest technical and practical barriers to packaging. Collaborating: Just like the most innovative mobile devices do not reach their full potential without 4G or WiFi networks, effective waste management infrastructures are critical to prevent packaging from ending up in the environment. Informing: Amcor works with its customers to improve consumer understanding and participation in recycling and reuse. Company research has revealed consumer confusion regarding recycling labels – which impacts recycling rates.