Solenis Acquires Aqua ChemPacs, Expanding Offering of Cleaning and Disinfection Solutions

Waddington North America™ (WNA), a Novolex® brand, announced today that it has been awarded a new patent for Cutlerease®, an innovative dispenser that offers customers one disposable utensil at a time. Thanks to the patent, Novolex can now offer customers the opportunity to lease or buy Cutlerease dispensers — making it even easier for foodservice establishments to enjoy its many benefits. The unique system cuts waste, reduces the spread of germs, saves space and provides guests with a more convenient way to get utensils. Customers simply withdraw the utensil from the dispenser by pulling on the handle of the spoon, fork or knife that they want. After the utensil is removed, another pops out, ready for the next guest.

ePac Flexible Packaging, the industry leader in fast time to market, short and medium run length pouches and rollstock, today announced plans to open its next facility in Kansas City, Missouri. Serving brands of all sizes, ePac Kansas City will be a full-service sales and manufacturing facility, located on 9705 Loiret Blvd., Lenexa, KS 66219. The company has begun accepting orders, with fulfillment handled by other ePac U.S. locations until its manufacturing facility opens early 2022. Randy Mackey, General Manager of ePac Kansas City, commented: “We’re excited to be able to bring ePac’s unique service model to local brands that need professional packaging to grow. As with the thousands of ePac clients around the world, our customers will benefit from delivery times of 5-15 business days and low minimum order quantities.”

*Reported Results: For the full year 2020, the company recorded earnings from continuing operations of $1.57 per share (diluted), compared with a loss of $2.56 per share in 2019. Current year earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were $353 million, compared to a loss of $261 million in the prior year. Both periods included items management considers not representative of ongoing operations. Cash provided by continuing operating activities was $457 million in 2020, compared with $408 million in 2019. *Segment Operating Profit1: Full year 2020 segment operating profit was $678 million compared to $856 million in 2019. Higher selling prices more than compensated for cost inflation, but were more than offset by the impact of 4 percent lower sales volume and approximately 7.5 percent lower production volume due to the pandemic. Turnaround initiatives, strong operating performance and cost control measures partially offset the impact of lower production levels. *Cash Flows: Cash provided by continuing operating activities was $457 million in 2020, compared with $408 million in 2019. 2020 free cash flow1 was $146 million which exceeded the company’s guidance of more than $100 million free cash flow in 2020.