AF&PA Releases April 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Following the success of its original Lewis Hamilton signature energy drink, Monster Energy has continued its ongoing partnership with the seven-time Formula One World Champion to launch a new zero-sugar version. Zero sugar is a key growth driver in the energy drink category. The new Lewis Hamilton Zero Sugar edition has a completely new formula with a refreshing peach nectarine flavour described as “stone fruits” and is made from vegan ingredients. For this all new SKU (Stock Keeping Unit), Monster needed new artwork that reflected Lewis Hamilton’s status as a global sporting celebrity. They achieved this with a unique collaboration between the champion driver and cutting-edge digital artist Mad Dog Jones (Michah Dowbak).

Packaging Corporation of America’s containerboard mill in DeRidder, Louisiana, recently announced that it is offering scholarships to two graduating seniors from each of six local schools: DeRidder High School, Merryville High School, Singer High School, East Beauregard High School, Rosepine High School and South Beauregard High School. For each school, one scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 and another at $500. The criteria used to select the recipients includes financial need, scholastic excellence, extra-curricular activities and relationship of degree to the papermaking industry.

With Pure DecorX™, BillerudKorsnäs is introducing the latest development in White Top Kraftliner. The launch opens up great improvement potential for decorative corrugated packaging, in terms of strength, print appearance and sustainability. Pure DecorX is a 3-ply construction made of 100% primary wood fibres, which makes the liner strong, stiff and with high thickness. In practice, this means great lightweighting opportunities, high runnability in converting machines, reduced risk of washboarding, and enhanced packaging performance. The use of only primary fibres also makes Pure DecorX a climate-smart choice: it is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable, and the fibres can be traced back to responsibly managed forestry.