AF&PA Releases January 2025 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7% in January compared to January 2024. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 10% in December 2024 compared to the same month last year (Dec 2024 is the latest trade data available). Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% when compared to December 2024. Individually, changes in U.S. shipments across all three major P-W categories (UFS, CFS, and MECH) in January showed mixed results compared to the same period last year. Uncoated Free Sheet (UFS) shipments decreased by 9%, Coated Free Sheet (CFS) shipments decreased by 5%, and Mechanical (MECH) paper shipments saw a modest 2% increase, albeit on a relatively small volume.
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Packaging is the new brand statement according to the sixth annual Mondi Group eCommerce trend report

Mondi announced the results of its sixth annual eCommerce trend report “Sustainability and its impact on packaging and online shopping choices”. This comprehensive study examines trends, attitudes and expectations regarding eCommerce and the impact packaging has on the consumer experience. The report presents data from around 6,000 consumers across Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Türkiye, collected via an online survey in October and November 2024. The findings offer eCommerce brands valuable insights on meeting consumer needs, including country-specific results from each of the six markets. The survey was conducted by RetailX, who also co-authored the whitepaper. "This year’s findings confirm that sustainability is no longer just a trend, it’s a business imperative. Consumers are demanding tangible action from retailers to reduce their environmental impact. At Mondi, we are proud to support customers with innovative, sustainable eCommerce packaging and paper solutions that meet consumer expectations and help our partners to build trust, loyalty, and long-term value in the eCommerce space." Armand Schoonbrood - Mondi Group eCommerce COO
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Sealed Air Announces Leadership Changes

Sealed Air Corporation announced that Dustin Semach has been appointed to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Semach will also serve as a member of the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. The Board of Directors and Patrick Kivits have mutually agreed to transition Sealed Air's leadership. Mr. Kivits has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Semach most recently served as the Company's President and Chief Financial Officer. Veronika "Roni" Johnson, currently the Chief Accounting Officer, has been appointed the Interim Chief Financial Officer.
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IPG Launches American® Brand Plastic Sheeting for Superior Surface Protection

IPG announced the launch of its new American® brand Plastic Sheeting, available in both Ultra and Performance films. This high-performance, tear-resistant, and easily workable plastic sheeting film is designed to provide superior surface protection in a variety of applications. The transparent, high-density film clings to substrates, helping maintain a clean work environment and protecting surfaces from overspray and other potential contaminants during repairs and renovations. The American brand Plastic Sheeting offers several key features and benefits, including: • Tear-resistant construction for reliable protection • Static cling for easy application and secure hold • Helps maintain a clean work environment • Transparent plastic for clear visibility • Easy-to-dispense box for convenient use • Cost-effective solution for surface protection
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Tetra Pak recognised with ‘A’ score for transparency on climate change

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an international non-profit organisation that promotes environmental transparency by encouraging organisations to disclose their environmental impact. It is highly recognised for its structured approach, broad participation, and strong support from the investment community. The CDP assesses data from over 22,000 companies, ranking them on their transparency, tangible action and environmental leadership. Based on data reported through CDP's 2024 climate change questionnaires, Tetra Pak was among the small number of companies that achieved an 'A' score, which it has done for the fourth time in five years. As part of its climate change mitigation strategy, Tetra Pak is working with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across scopes 1, 2, and 3 by 2050 across its value chain. As of 2023, the company reduced the total absolute GHG emissions across the full value chain by 20% compared with a 2019 baseline. Over the same period, it reduced emissions from its own operations2 by 47%, as well as upstream emissions3 by 21% and downstream emissions4 by 17%5.
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Kruger Innovates and Diversifies Production at its Wayagamack Mill

Kruger Inc. announced a $6.5-million investment to implement an innovation project aimed at diversifying production at its Wayagamack Mill in Trois-Rivières. The initiative will enable the production of innovative label paper grades, reinforcing the Wayagamack Mill's leadership in Québec and North America. The new, state-of-the-art equipment will enhance the Mill's capacity for innovation, versatility and sustainability, helping to secure the future of its operations and its 285 jobs. The project was unveiled in the presence of Jean Boulet, Member for Trois-Rivières, Québec Minister of Labour and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region, the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region (on behalf of Maïté Blanchette Vézina, Minister of Natural Resources and Forests and Minister Responsible for the Bas-Saint-Laurent Region and the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Region), and Sylvain Bricault, General Manager of the Kruger Wayagamack Mill. The initiative was made possible by a $2.5 million funding from the Government of Québec under the Programme Innovation Bois of the ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts.
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Monadnock Paper Mills Becomes First Paper Mill to Achieve Mastercard’s Card Eco-Certification (CEC)

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is proud to announce that it has become the first paper mill to achieve Mastercard’s prestigious Card Eco-Certification (CEC). This milestone underscores Monadnock’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental transparency. Mastercard’s CEC certification process was originally developed for plastic cards, making Monadnock’s achievement a significant industry first. Since launching its Sustainable Card Program in 2018, Mastercard has worked to transition more than 168 million plastic cards to recycled and bio-based materials—reflecting a growing push for more responsible alternatives. Since no paper-based card had been certified until now, Mastercard refined its assessment criteria—a considerable task—to account for the unique attributes of fiber-based materials. A comprehensive Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) is central to this certification, as it evaluates a product’s environmental impact from raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal. The CEC assessment validates Monadnock’s carbon footprint, material sourcing, production processes, and disposal considerations to ensure the highest standards of sustainability. Independent verification was conducted by TruCert, a Canadian-based auditing firm known for its expertise in environmental assessments.
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Suzano reaches nominal capacity and 1 million tons of production in record time with ANDRITZ-delivered pulp mill

The world’s largest single-line eucalyptus pulp mill achieved average nominal capacity within less than six months after start-up, nearly four months ahead of schedule. Another milestone was met on January 8 when the mill’s production reached its first 1 million tons of pulp. When fully operational, the mill will have an annual production capacity of 2.55 million tons. The learning curve at the new mill was completed on December 29, 2024, when Suzano consistently produced bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp at an average daily rate exceeding the planned 7,203 t/d for 30 days. Leonardo Mendonça Pimenta, Director of Industrial Operations at Suzano in Ribas do Rio Pardo, commented: “This achievement is the result of a combination of several factors, including excellent equipment, great suppliers, and very good project execution. The training of the operating team more than a year before the start of operations also played a major role in delivering these extraordinary results.”
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Billerud’s sustainability work gains international recognition by A-list ranking from CDP

Billerud is placed on CDP's top A-list in the “Climate” category out of a total of nearly 25,000 companies globally reviewed in 2024. "Billerud's ranking is both honorable and a testament to our systematic and long-standing sustainability work that is world-class in a global comparison. Production in our European operations is almost fossil-free. We are now continuing our journey to reduce fossil emission in the American operations," says Ulrika Wedberg, EVP Sustainability & Public Affairs at Billerud. "Billerud's high-performance products in renewable paper and packaging materials also contribute to a fossil-free society by replacing other materials," continues Ulrika Wedberg.
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Mondi and the UN World Food Programme strengthen partnership to reduce food loss through sustainable packaging

Mondi Group is proud to announce a three-year extension to its partnership with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organisation providing food assistance to those recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Over the past few years, Mondi’s technical expertise, R&D infrastructure, and financial contribution have supported WFP in improving and optimising packaging solutions to withstand difficult transport, storage and handling conditions in crisis-affected regions. Between 2024-2027, the partnership aims to find more sustainable alternatives to existing packaging materials, supporting WFP food manufacturers in working with sustainable fibre – both virgin and recycled, optimising material use, and enhancing packaging quality. These initiatives will support the fight against hunger by addressing packaging-related food losses across WFP operations. They will also contribute to global efforts to curb food loss and waste, which is vital considering every year one-fifth of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted1.
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Meta Expands Ad Placement Controls For Brands

Meta is offering advertisers more control over their ad placements through comment and publisher controls as well as “blocklists” supported by additional third-party brand-safety and measurement companies, including DoubleVerify and Zefr, in addition to Integral Ad Science (IAS). The tech giant first announced its support of blocklists -- automated lists that brands can use to make sure their ads are not displayed alongside potentially disagreeable content -- last October when it partnered with IAS. Now, brands can work directly with IAS, DoubleVerify and Zefr to create blocklists for any category across Facebook and Instagram Feed and Reels, “so long as they adhere to the Meta's Discriminatory Practices policy,” the company says, adding that “businesses should ultimately decide what their suitability preferences are.”
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Amcor partners with Tip Top to introduce bread bags with 30% recycled plastic

Amcor is partnering with leading Australian bread manufacturer Tip Top Bakeries to introduce new bread bags that are made with 30% recycled plastic using the ISCC mass balance approach.* These innovative bags, which began rolling out in September 2024, are now available across Tip Top The One, Tip Top The One Gluten Free, and Tip Top 9 Grain loaves in major retailers across Australia. This industry-first initiative for the Australian sliced packaged bread aisle will help remove 160 tons of virgin plastic by December 2025. It builds on Tip Top’s commitment to sustainable packaging, following its introduction of 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard bread tags in 2020, which eliminated 140 million pieces of single-use plastic annually. Richard Smith, director of Sustainability for Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific, commented, "At Amcor, we are dedicated to pioneering advanced packaging solutions that reduce reliance on virgin plastics while maintaining the quality and safety consumers expect. This partnership not only underscores Tip Top's leadership in the bakery aisle but also demonstrates the impact that collaboration across the value chain and innovation can have on driving the circular economy forward in Australia."
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Huhtamaki to separate Fiber Foodservice business segment into two distinct segments

Huhtamaki is separating the Fiber Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment into two distinct business segments, Fiber Packaging and Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania. The change is expected to take effect as of April 1, 2025, at the latest. “We are separating our Fiber Foodservice business into two distinct business segments to empower our teams to serve our customers more efficiently. This strategic move positions us for profitable growth by giving accountability to the businesses and increasing speed of execution in a changing business landscape. It will support our goal of being the first choice in sustainable packaging", says Ralf K. Wunderlich, President and CEO of Huhtamaki. The business segments were integrated in 2020. In external reporting the businesses have continued to be reported separately, and this change will not impact external reporting.​ Combining the businesses in 2020 has achieved the initially projected synergies and built foundations for growth by seizing promising market opportunities.
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Huhtamaki appoints Sara Engber as President, Fiber Packaging

Sara Engber (56), has been appointed President, Fiber Packaging and member of the Global Executive Team at Huhtamaki. She will report to President and CEO Ralf K. Wunderlich and be based in Espoo, Finland. The appointment is following the decision in which Huhtamaki has decided to separate the Fiber Foodservice business segment into two distinct business segments, Fiber Packaging and Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania. Sara Engber has worked at Huhtamaki since 2009 in multiple positions, most recently as Senior Vice President, Operations, North America. Fredrik Davidsson will continue as a member of Global Executive Team as President, Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania. Both changes will become effective as of April 1, 2025, at the latest.
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Huhtamäki Oyj’s Results January 1-December 31, 2024: Solid year in a gradually improved market

For Huhtamaki, 2024 was a solid year, with improved safety performance and increased profitability. In the first half of the year, demand was muted in many markets. The second half saw gradual recovery, with variations across categories and regions. Demand for pre-packed food, especially egg packaging, increased, and flexible packaging saw gains in a volatile market. Food on-the-go volumes remained subdued, particularly for coffee chains, due to high prices caused by inflation. The North American foodservice market performed better than other regions. The ongoing Middle East conflict affected global brands in some Middle Eastern and Asian markets throughout the year. In Q4, comparable net sales increased by 3%. Sales volumes growth was supported by customers’ promotional activities. We improved our profitability as the adjusted EBIT margin reached 10.4% and adjusted EBIT grew by 3% to EUR 110 million. For the full year 2024, comparable net sales remained at the previous year’s level. Sales prices decreased due to a pass-through of lower raw material prices, while volumes increased slightly.
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International Paper Announces Facility Closures

International Paper announced the permanent closure of the company's Red River containerboard mill in Campti, La., recycling plant in Phoenix, Az., box plant in Hazleton, Pa., and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Mo. All facilities will cease operations by the end of April 2025. The Red River containerboard mill closure is expected to reduce the company's containerboard capacity by approximately 800,000 tons on an annualized basis. In total, 495 hourly employees and 179 salaried employees will be affected. The company will work to minimize the impact on employees by using attrition, retirements and current vacancies at other International Paper locations. Team members at these locations will receive outplacement assistance, access to mental health support resources and where possible, severance benefits. "The decision to close any facility is difficult because of the impact on our team members, their families and the surrounding communities," said Tom Hamic, executive vice president and president, North American Packaging Solutions, International Paper. "We greatly appreciate the contributions from our departing team members and will do all we can to support them."
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Washington State’s Unexpected Push to Ban Most Printing Inks … Again

The Washington Department of Ecology (DoE) has reignited concerns within the printing industry by including printing inks in its latest Safer Products Report, despite previous setbacks in regulating inadvertent polychlorinated biphenyls (iPCBs) in pigments. PRINTING United Alliance has actively opposed these efforts since 2022, successfully preventing legislation that would have banned chlorinated pigments in inks. However, a new challenge emerged in January 2024 when DoE petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to tighten iPCB limits under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The EPA denied this request in April, stating that DoE failed to provide evidence that inks contribute significantly to iPCBs or pose a health risk. Despite this, DoE is again pushing to regulate inks, claiming that non-chlorinated alternatives exist — without offering legal justification or scientific backing. PRINTING United Alliance submitted strong opposition comments before the December 31, 2024, deadline, highlighting that DoE has neither proven the necessity of regulation nor identified viable ink alternatives.
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Sylvamo to Invest $145 Million in South Carolina Facilities

The company plans to invest approximately $145 million in high-return projects to reduce costs and significantly enhance the capabilities at its mill in Eastover, South Carolina. The investments come on the heels of the mill’s 40th anniversary. *Sylvamo will invest approximately $100 million to speed up one of its paper machines by the end of 2026, modernizing it to the same world class level as the mill’s other machine. The investment will enable the machine to produce approximately 60,000 additional short tons of uncoated freesheet annually. *The company will also invest roughly $45 million for a new replacement sheeter at its Sumter, South Carolina, sheeting plant. The state-of-the-art cutsize sheeter, which converts large rolls of paper from the mill into sheets, will lower costs and add flexibility to service customers when it’s online by late 2026. “We believe investing in our low-cost assets will strengthen our competitive advantage. Eastover is one of the most competitive paper mills in the world, and it will continue to be an important part of our story for years to come,” said Jean-Michel Ribiéras, chairman and chief executive officer. Sylvamo is also entering a 20-year partnership to outsource its Eastover woodyard operations. Modernization will enable more efficient, reliable, cost-effective wood processing and additional flexibility. It will also allow the company to avoid approximately $75 million in capital spending over the next five years.
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Clearwater Paper Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2024 Results

“2024 was a transformational year for Clearwater Paper. We took significant steps to focus our strategy on becoming a paperboard packaging company. We acquired a high-quality manufacturing facility in Augusta, Georgia, increasing our paperboard capacity by nearly 75% and improving our geographic footprint in North America,” said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer. “We also divested our tissue business for $1.06 billion at closing and used the proceeds to de-lever our balance sheet and Net sales from total operations were $483 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, down 6% compared to fourth quarter 2023 net sales of $513 million. Net income from total operations for the fourth quarter of 2024 was $199 million, or $11.91 per diluted share which includes $307 million of gain on sale of the tissue division ($219 million after tax) compared to $18 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, or $1.06 per diluted per share. Net sales from total operations were $2.2 billion for 2024, an increase of 6% compared to 2023 net sales of $2.1 billion. Net income for 2024 was $196 million, or $11.70 per diluted share, compared to $108 million for 2023, or $6.30 per diluted share.
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Tronox Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Chief Executive Officer John D. Romano commented “Tronox delivered fourth quarter results in line with expectations despite continued macro weakness. Strong TiO2 commercial performance in Asia Pacific and Latin America mitigated continued lagging demand in Europe, while North America performed as expected. Zircon sales exceeded our previous guidance, driven by strong execution from our commercial group. Additionally, despite significant competitive dynamics across all products, pricing came in as anticipated. On operations, we realized $75 million of production cost improvements compared to Q4 2023, owing to consistent and reliable performance in the fourth quarter. As a result, Tronox delivered an Adjusted EBITDA of $129 million in the quarter, well within the previously guided range of $120-$135 million, and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 19.1%. “Reflecting on the full year, I am proud of the work our team did to remain focused on the things we can control and influence. In 2024, we heightened our focus on safety and reduced our total recordable injuries by 23%. We enhanced our focus on operations, resulting in significant production cost improvements in the second half of 2024. We continued to execute on our capital allocation strategy, prioritizing investments in the business including replacing our mines reaching end of life. Additionally, we strengthened our balance sheet through opportunistic refinancing transactions and returned $80 million to shareholders in the form of dividends.”
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Adobe Expands Generative AI Offerings Delivering New Firefly App with Industry’s First Commercially Safe Video Model

Adobe released the new Firefly application, the most comprehensive destination to generate images, vectors and now videos with the Firefly Video Model in public beta. The Firefly app is the all-in-one professional destination that inspires users to seamlessly ideate and create production quality work with unparalleled creative control, multi-modal workflows and integration with industry-leading Creative Cloud applications. The new Firefly Video Model— the industry’s first commercially safe AI video generation model — powers Generate Video (beta) in the Firefly application, as well as Generative Extend (beta) in Adobe Premiere Pro, and generates IP-friendly video content that can be used in production today. It is the latest offering in the Firefly family of creative generative AI models, which has been used to generate over 18 billion assets globally. Adobe introduced two new offerings — Firefly Standard and Firefly Pro — that give customers access to premium Firefly video and audio features. All Firefly plans include unlimited access to Firefly imaging and vector features and tiered capacity for premium video and audio features so customers can choose the right capacity for their generative AI needs.
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Thomson Reuters Prevails In Copyright Battle With AI Company

In what appears to be a first, a federal judge has found that an artificial intelligence company infringed copyright by training its service on material it didn't own. The ruling, issued Tuesday by Judge Stephanos Bibas in Delaware federal court, comes in a battle between two companies that sell legal research tools -- Thomson Reuters' Westlaw and the competitor Ross Intelligence. Westlaw publishes court opinions, and also publishes “headnotes” to those opinions. Those headnotes provide short summaries of the key points in the opinion. Ross trained its rival legal research platform on those Westlaw headnotes, according to the court ruling.
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Addressing misconceptions about FSC’s certification system

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is committed to maintaining the highest standard of responsible forest management, ensuring that all timber entering FSC-certified supply chains complies with legal and ethical requirements. We recognize the ongoing concerns surrounding illegal timber trade, particularly from sanctioned countries such as Russia, and the need for transparency in global supply chains. All certification systems carry inherent risks of misuse and illegal trade. The complexity of global supply chains - whether in timber, agriculture, or textiles - can expose them to risks such as false claims or illegal trade. Unfortunately, misconceptions regarding FSC certification and its processes continue to appear in some reports and public discussions, leading to misinterpretations of the system’s integrity. As such, it is important to take this opportunity to address these issues and provide a clearer understanding of the robust measures FSC has implemented to prevent illegal timber from entering certified supply chains.
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Certification key to balancing sustainability and costs in global supply chains, says PEFC’s Thorsten Arndt

At the recent United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) event, “Who Pays? For the Implementation of Sustainability-Driven Regulations”, Thorsten Arndt, Head of Advocacy at PEFC International, took the stage to shed light on how smallholders - and the entire supply chain - can navigate the European Union’s new sustainability regulations, particularly the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and how they can benefit from PEFC certification. Thorsten identified three primary challenges that smallholders face under new regulatory frameworks such as the EUDR: Compliance - Smallholders often struggle to understand exactly what they must do to comply. Cost - Meeting new regulatory requirements can be prohibitively expensive for small producers. Support - Capacity-building is essential, yet fragmented guidance and resources leave many smallholders unsure of how to implement necessary changes.
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MM Group Earns Second Consecutive CDP Leadership Ratings

MM Group has once again been recognized for its outstanding environmental stewardship, earning leadership ratings (A-) from CDP two years in a row for Climate, Forests, and Water Security. During 2024, CDP collected data from 2023 to determine that MM’s efforts again deserve the leadership distinction. The CDP ratings underscore MM Group’s commitment to transparency, responsible resource management, and continuous environmental improvement. MM Group’s unique approach to integrating recycled and virgin fibre production enables precision control over manufacturing inputs, ensuring transparency and accountability across climate, forestry, and water security metrics. Through strategic investments and rigorous environmental management, MM has proven it can set and achieve ambitious sustainability targets. CDP’s repeated recognition amplifies the company’s unique voice as a trusted industry leader.
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Plastic recycling does work

A collaboration of four parties is working on a major demonstration project to recycle stretch film, a flexible plastic wrap. This is despite frequently being told, “No customer will ask for it.” The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) supported the parties with the CPNL subsidy and acted as a discussion partner. “Showing people that it is possible”—this, alongside sustainability, is one of the key motivations for Jolien Stevels to participate in the SKILLS project. Stevels is the Director of Research & Development at Trioworld, a producer of packaging solutions. SKILLS stands for Closing the Loop on Industrial LLDPE Stretch Film. “Customers don’t ask for recycled stretch film because they believe it’s not possible. But if you place a roll on the table, they will start asking for it. We all have great faith in this project.” Stevels quickly convinced three other key players in the supply chain to join her firm belief that recycling stretch film is possible. Stretch film has become a crucial and highly demanded product for securing goods on pallets—ensuring they are transported safely, securely, and efficiently. This means there are significant opportunities for improvement within the industry.
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Why Brand Experience Is More Than Just Marketing

Every interaction shapes your brand experience—so we’ve built our agency to ensure those interactions are seamless, intuitive, and aligned with your customers’ needs. As a brand experience agency, we take a holistic approach to creating impactful, memorable connections that drive lasting loyalty. Through insights, strategy, and execution, we help brands move people and inspire action. We exist to make brands more human. So are you searching for new ideas and fresh thinking? Do you want a brand experience agency that helps solve problems? Let’s build something unforgettable.
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Suzano Announces Q4 2024 Results

The year 2024 was marked by significant advancements in the Company's strategy, including the acquisition of new businesses and the start-up of the new mill in Ribas do Rio Pardo and the conclusion of its learning curve as early as December, anticipating the initial nine-month forecast. Regarding the performance of the pulp business unit in the last quarter of the year, base prices in China fell by 15% until the end of November (vs. the 3Q24 average), but it has been stable after this period. The quarter was also marked once again by the significant appreciation of the average USD against the average BRL and the increase in sales volume, both factors offsetting the decline in the average net pulp price. The cash production cost (excluding the effect of scheduled maintenance downtime) was 7% lower than in 3Q24, also benefited from the gradual stabilization of production at the Ribas do Rio Pardo unit. Therefore, adjusted EBITDA from pulp remained stable compared to 3Q24 but increased 53% compared to 4Q23. In the paper business unit, adjusted EBITDA declined in 4Q24 vs. 3Q24 (-9%), but remained stable in relation to 4Q23, in which the Company concluded the acquisitions of the Pine Bluff and Waynesville units.
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A Walk Through Time: Domtar’s History, 1820-2025

The North American forest products industry has a rich and storied history, and nowhere is it more evident than in Domtar’s combined 205 years of business. Our family tree took root in 1820, and it extends unbroken to today under the ownership of Indonesian businessman Jackson Wijaya. Much has changed over the two centuries that have passed since we began operations in Canada by exporting lumber to Great Britain, but what hasn’t changed throughout Domtar’s history is our relentless pursuit of excellence. To better understand where we came from and how we became a leading manufacturer of diversified forest products, read through this overview of Domtar’s history.
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New Building and Construction Film Portfolio Debuts from Inteplast Engineered Films and MTI Polyexe

Inteplast Engineered Films (IEF), manufacturer of blown polyethylene (PE) films, and MTI Polyexe, manufacturer of specialty silicone coated films and release liners, will be collaboratively exhibiting at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in San Antonio, TX, February 19-21, to offer customers the signature Inteplast Group one-stop-shop experience. IEF Sales Manager Angela McQueen said the partnership simplifies sourcing for both companies’ customers. The product offering between the two Inteplast Group companies caters to the unique and sometimes overlapping supply needs within building materials and construction markets. “Our building materials and construction customers have established long-time relationships with Inteplast Engineered Films and MTI Polyexe separately, not having known that we are sister companies within Inteplast Group. With so many mutual current and potential partners, it made sense to take a joint, simplified approach to the market for our customers. This unified approach provides our customers with a one-stop-shop experience,” McQueen said.
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Smurfit Westrock Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Tony Smurfit, President and CEO, commented: “I am pleased to report a strong fourth quarter performance with Net Income of $146 million, Adjusted EBITDA1 of $1,166 million and an Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 of 15.5%. For the full year, in line with our stated guidance, we have delivered a Full Year Combined Adjusted EBITDA1 of $4,706 million. “While we are at the beginning of our journey, I am immensely proud of what our teams have achieved in our first six months as Smurfit Westrock. The operational and financial expertise that are hallmarks of this management team are already being applied as we transform the combined business. “Our synergy program of $400 million is on track and will be completed by the end of this year. Moreover, there are significant operational and commercial opportunities, at least equating to that synergy target.
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The 5 Biggest Digital Marketing Transformations for 2025

Marketing is evolving at breakneck speed, and 2025 is set to redefine the game. AI, hyper-personalization, and shifting consumer behavior are transforming how brands connect with audiences. From AI-driven search engines reshaping discovery to new privacy regulations forcing a first-party data revolution, brands must adapt or risk falling behind. In our recent webinar, Amsive experts Michael Coppola, CEO, and Lily Ray, VP, SEO Strategy & Research broke down the five biggest digital marketing shifts for 2025 with Ruben Quinones, SVP, Client Strategy.
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Sylvamo 2024 Earnings Per Share Increases 21%, Adjusted Operating Earnings Per Share Up 14% as Company Generates Strong Cash Flow

Management Summary from Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Michel Ribiéras: In 2024, we earned $632 million in adjusted EBITDA, a 17% margin, and generated $248 million of free cash flow. We returned $130 million in cash to shareowners, representing 52% of free cash flow, exceeding our 40% commitment. We have $82 million remaining on our $150 million share repurchase authorization from September 2023. Our board of directors also declared a first quarter dividend of $0.45 per share, which we paid Jan. 24th. Our strong cash flow and $60 million received from escrow allowed us to pay down $154 million in debt in 2024, ending the year with $591 million in net debt. Our structural cost reduction program, Project Horizon, made significant progress streamlining manufacturing, supply chain and overhead costs throughout 2024. Before inflation, we exceeded our $110 million year end run rate savings goal by $34 million, achieving $144 million in run rate savings. On Dec. 31, we mutually terminated a supply agreement for uncoated freesheet, bristols and specialty papers from International Paper’s Georgetown, South Carolina, mill.
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Lecta innovates in flexible packaging with Metalvac GP PFAS-Free for enhanced product protection

Metalvac papers provide light, moisture, water vapor, water, grease and oxygen barriers. They are characterized by excellent runnability and adaptability to different packaging equipment, allowing for maximum performance in the production process. In addition, their low aluminum content (0.08 g/m²) increases barrier efficiency without compromising recyclability in the standard paper circuit, making Metalvac a more sustainable option for flexible packaging. Metalvac GP PFAS-free is Lecta's new 75 g/m² metallized paper, designed to deliver more natural, efficient packaging for a wide range of foods, particularly butter, margarine, cheese and other fatty products. PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) free, it complies with the latest regulation and avoids the use of any chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment. In addition to the characteristics of the Metalvac range, it provides a barrier to vegetable oils such as sunflower and palm oil, as well as mineral oils. It folds and processes easily for efficient and versatile production and complies with CEPI V2 and ATICELCA recyclability standards (level B test results). Metalvac GP PFAS-free represents a more environment-friendly, high-performance alternative to metallized films and other traditional greaseproof papers. Its properties make it an ideal choice for companies seeking more natural, quality packaging for their fatty products.
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Mondi and Proquimia launch paper-based stand-up pouches for dishwashing tabs

Mondi’s internal product impact assessment indicates that the new solution has significantly lower CO2 emissions from cradle to gate compared with the previous plastic solution1. The flexible stand-up pouches contain 20 water soluble dishwashing tabs. Created using Mondi’s re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5, the new solution is a paper-based alternative to replace the previously used plastic solution. As part of Mondi’s re/cycle portfolio, the paper-based pouches are designed to meet the recyclability requirements for Spain and Portugal. The entire packaging solution, including the zipper, contains more than 85% paper share, meaning the packaging can be conveniently disposed of by the end consumer in the paper recycling streams across both countries. The paper-based re/cycle StandUpPouch is manufactured in-house at Mondi: first the kraft paper is made from responsibly sourced fibres, then it’s coated to provide the barrier properties needed to protect the tabs inside, and finally it’s printed, slit and converted to the final pouch, ready for filling and sealing.
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S&P Global Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

The Company reported fourth quarter 2024 reported revenue of $3.592 billion, an increase of 14% compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Fourth quarter GAAP net income increased 52% to $880 million and GAAP diluted earnings per share increased 56% to $2.85 driven primarily by strong Ratings growth. For the full year 2024, reported revenue increased 14% year over year to $14.208 billion. Excluding the impact of Engineering Solutions (divested in 2023), revenue growth would have been 15% year over year. 2024 GAAP net income increased 47% to $3.852 billion and GAAP diluted earnings per share increased 50% to $12.35, driven primarily by revenue and operating profit growth in the Company's Ratings division.
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Resource Label Group Expands into Quebec with the Acquisition of Imprimerie Ste-Julie

Owned and operated by Caroline Fournier and Marilène Fournier, Imprimerie Ste-Julie (ISJ) has cultivated a strong reputation across Quebec, serving businesses that seek customized, creative and sustainable label solutions to enhance their products. ISJ is a trusted partner to customers in the food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, natural products and cosmetics markets, and meet their strict delivery, quality, and sustainability goals. "Joining the Resource Label Group family is an exciting new chapter for Imprimerie Ste-Julie,” stated Co-President Caroline Fournier. “For nearly 50 years, we have been committed to delivering exceptional quality and service to our customers. RLG will allow us to expand our capabilities, introduce new innovations, and continue offering the personalized experience our clients expect. We are thrilled to join a network that shares our dedication to excellence and growth."
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Stora Enso achieves milestone in carbon reduction

By the end of 2024, Stora Enso achieved a 53% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, surpassing the target of a 50% reduction by 2030 from the 2019 base year. This milestone reflects the Group's long-term commitment to proactive decarbonisation efforts. In 2021, Stora Enso set its ambition to align with the 1.5-degree scenario of the Paris Agreement with a target of absolute Scope 1 and 2 emission reduction by 50% by 2030 from the 2019 base year. The 53% reduction by the end of 2024 is mainly attributed to mitigation measures, such as fuel switches and improvements in energy efficiency, and the impact from site closures. While Stora Enso acknowledges this progress, the Group's target is to maintain this level until 2030 and explore opportunities to further improve. “I am pleased to share this progress on our path towards net zero as part of our long-term commitment to sustainability. Through driving efficiency in the way we work, we are able to reduce our climate impact and support our customers achieve their climate ambitions,” says Hans Sohlström, President and CEO, Stora Enso.
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How to Win Over Sustainability-Minded Customers

Sustainability is a top priority for consumers, so aligning your business with these values is crucial for building long-term loyalty. Transparency, authenticity, and a commitment to sustainable practices are essential for maintaining customer trust and relevance in a competitive marketplace. Companies like REI (SGP certified facility) exemplify how prioritizing sustainability can drive loyalty while responding to shifting market demands. 1. Understanding Consumer Expectations - Today’s consumers are increasingly focused on sustainability. 2. Aligning Business Practices with Customer Demands - To build trust and loyalty, sustainability needs to be embedded in your business practices. 3. Employee Engagement in Sustainability - While sustainability often starts at the top, fostering a culture of sustainability within your organization is essential. 4. Leveraging Sustainable Supply Chains - A sustainable supply chain is a necessity for meeting consumer expectations and building credibility.
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Sustainability in corrugated packaging – Inks & coatings play an important role

The corrugated packaging industry is experiencing a significant shift towards sustainability, driven by brand owners' ambitious environmental goals and changing consumer preferences. In an era dominated by conversations about eco-conscious printing and a circular economy in packaging, it's worth considering what 'more sustainable' corrugated packaging means. Brand owners are setting ambitious sustainability goals which are directly impacting converters. Many businesses are seeing increased demand for packaging with higher recycled content or a push for fully recyclable or compostable packaging solutions. Furthermore, brands are increasingly asking their suppliers to help reduce carbon emissions across the supply chain, prioritising those that can actively demonstrate they are making a difference with more eco-conscious packaging designs.
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Rottneros year-end report January-December 2024

The fourth quarter was shaped in part by the annual maintenance shutdowns at our two mills, which proceeded smoothly and as planned. Consequently, all three of our major investment projects are now up and running. The underlying performance showed improvement compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year, despite the upward trend in raw material costs. Demand for chemical softwood pulp remains relatively stable in our key markets, with many customers increasing volumes, especially in our niche segments. We continue our structured approach to gradually developing Rottneros in line with our niche strategy, prioritizing safety, sustainability, and profitability. Production and deliveries for the Group declined compared with the same quarter last year, mainly as a result of the annual maintenance shutdowns carried out at both mills. In 2023, Rottneros Mill scheduled its maintenance shutdown in September. Excluding temporary items, primarily related to the sale of emission allowances, our underlying EBIT rose by approximately 20 MSEK, despite the negative effect of higher wood costs and maintenance shutdowns on comparability. Fixed costs totaled 240 MSEK, compared with 220 MSEK in the same quarter last year.
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Ahlstrom achieves a Leadership score A- in CDP climate disclosure

This achievement highlights Ahlstrom’s strategic and systematic efforts to reduce climate impact across the value chain while reinforcing our dedication to transparency and action in tackling climate change. CDP’s evaluation is based on comprehensive disclosures covering climate strategy, targets, governance, risks and opportunities, and concrete actions taken over the previous year. The score reflects the meaningful progress Ahlstrom has made in cutting emissions and motivates the company to accelerate its efforts even further. "We have made significant strides in reducing emissions through our energy transition program. Since 2021, our Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions have decreased by 16.2%, demonstrating the tangible impact of our initiatives. In 2024, we further strengthened supplier engagement to drive down Scope 3 emissions, reinforcing our commitment to reducing carbon footprint across the entire value chain," says Johan Lunabba, Vice President, Sustainability and Public Affairs at Ahlstrom.
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IRIS Bio and Koehler Paper Offer Recyclable Packaging Alternative

Together with Italian pasta company Astrabio, Koehler Paper has now packed pasta in one of its flexible packaging paper for the first time ever. “Koehler NexPlus® Seal Pure,” a heat-sealable paper, maximizes shelf life, protects the product inside it, and features extraordinary strength properties that make it perfect for further processing on standard packaging machines. The brand IRIS Bio stands for high-quality food and a sustainable agricultural model. Koehler Paper accordingly offers a sustainable packaging alternative with its flexible packaging paper. “With ‘Koehler NexPlus® Seal Pure,’ we offer a packaging paper with a significantly reduced carbon footprint in comparison to conventional plastic packaging, not to mention that it also boasts the significant benefit of being recyclable and conserving valuable resources as a result,” says Mauro Moretti, Flexible Packaging Paper Sales Manager at Koehler Italia, while going over this new application for the paper. This is also corroborated by positive feedback from customers, which shows that the two companies made the right decision.
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UPM recognized among top sustainability performers by CDP and S&P Global

On 7 February 2025, the global environmental non-profit organization CDP recognized UPM with an A score for its leadership in corporate transparency and action on climate change mitigation, and an A- for forest and water stewardship. On 11 February 2025, UPM was recognized in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook as one of the top 10% performers in its industry. “We see sustainability as one of the most important drivers of growth and competitiveness, and we are seizing the opportunities presented by sustainable consumer choices and stricter regulations,” Sami Lundgren continues.
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Graphic Packaging Holding Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

Michael Doss, the Company's President and CEO said, "In 2024, we demonstrated the value of the Graphic Packaging business model, generating a level of consistency and profitability in line with other leading consumer packaging companies. We delivered strong and steady margins and significant new consumer packaging innovations. Our strategic investments in capabilities, innovation, and competitive advantage have positioned the company for long-term value creation. In 2025, we will build on that success, driving competitive advantage in recycled paperboard across all of North America, and expanding our innovation capabilities into new markets and new product categories around the world. "The past two years have presented unusual volume challenges for the industry and our customers. Customer destocking is largely over, but consumers are stretched and searching for value in their everyday purchases. Across grocery, convenience, e-commerce and mass retail, Graphic Packaging is responding to our customers' evolving needs by creating the more circular, more functional, and more convenient packaging that consumers prefer. As the last of our major asset investments comes to completion in 2025, capital spending will decline significantly, and we will deploy excess cash to create substantial value for our stockholders. Consistent with our capital allocation priorities, today we are announcing a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend, to $0.11 per common share, effective for the first quarter 2025."
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FedEx Acquires RouteSmart Technologies, Further Strengthening Global Pickup and Delivery Optimization

FedEx Corp. announced that it has acquired RouteSmart Technologies, a global leader in route optimization solutions with over 40 years of expertise, providing mission-critical technology to newspaper, postal & parcel, public works, utilities & field service, and waste collection organizations worldwide. The combination of RouteSmart’s leading technology solutions with FedEx’s unparalleled physical and data networks will enable the world’s largest express transportation provider to further drive efficiency across its own global operations, while also strengthening the company’s suite of technology solutions. “This is yet another step on our journey to make supply chains smarter for everyone as we revolutionize logistics,” said Raj Subramaniam, president and chief executive officer, FedEx Corporation. “Our physical network generates terabytes of data that contain invaluable insights about the global supply chain. Through this acquisition, we will use RouteSmart’s expertise and proven technology platform to accelerate the deployment of a common route optimization capability for FedEx operations that will enable our team members to work safer and smarter as they deliver superior service to our customers.”
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The New York Times Company Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results

Meredith Kopit Levien, president and chief executive officer, The New York Times Company, said, “The fourth quarter capped another strong year for The Times in which we made further progress toward becoming the essential subscription for every curious person seeking to understand and engage with the world. Our market-leading news and premium lifestyle products proved more valuable to more people in 2024. Deep engagement fueled our multi-revenue stream model, and enhanced our durability even in a dynamic information ecosystem. Altogether, this momentum gives us confidence that we can deliver another year of healthy growth in subscribers, revenue, and profitability, as well as strong free cash flow.” • Growth in both digital subscribers and ARPU drove a year-over-year increase in digital subscription revenues of 16.0 percent.• Digital advertising revenues increased 9.5 percent year-over-year largely as a result of higher revenues from direct-sold display advertising and programmatic advertising. • Other revenue increased 16.3 percent year-over-year as a result of higher Wirecutter affiliate referral and licensing revenues.
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Postal Regulatory Commission Issues Advisory Opinion on USPS Delivering for America

The Postal Regulatory Commission (Commission) issued an in-depth analysis of the Postal Service’s Delivering for America (DFA) initiatives proposing nationwide changes to mail service. While the Commission acknowledges the challenges the Postal Service faces are significant, and change is essential, the Commission finds the Postal Service is irreversibly changing its network without laying a foundation for success. First, the Postal Service’s plan depends on defective modeling and does not appear to be ready for implementation. Second, the Postal Service relies on overly optimistic and unsubstantiated financial projections for cost savings that are not likely to improve the financial health of the Postal Service. Third, the Postal Service’s proposal has significant negative impacts on rural communities throughout the United States.
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Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy’s Remarks During the Feb. 6, 2025, Postal Service Board of Governors Meeting

Overall, I expect this to be another calendar year of dramatic change for the United States Postal Service as we continue to refine and execute our Delivering for America Plan. I remind everyone that the Delivering for America Plan is the only comprehensive plan in existence that attempts to transform the Postal Service and set us on a path for a viable future. To begin, I want to thank the dedicated men and women of the United States Postal Service for their efforts this past quarter, which included a presidential election, our usual peak season activities, as well as a number of hurricanes and storms. We continued to meet the challenge of the year’s peak surge in mail and package volume with expanded processing capabilities, optimized transportation strategies, and enhanced operational precision.
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News Corp Reports Second Quarter Results for Fiscal 2025

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Robert Thomson said: “News Corp had a fruitful quarter, qualitatively and quantitatively. Revenues on a continuing operations basis, which excludes Foxtel, grew 5 percent to $2.24 billion, net income from continuing operations surged 58 percent to $306 million and Total Segment EBITDA rose 20 percent to $478 million. The three pillars of growth—Digital Real Estate, Dow Jones and Book Publishing—continued to expand Segment EBITDA robustly. We also saw the positive impact of rigorous cost discipline and digital development in the News Media segment, and our overall margin rose meaningfully compared to the prior year."
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Amazon.com Announces Fourth Quarter Results

Fourth Quarter 2024 - Net sales increased 10% to $187.8 billion in the fourth quarter; Operating income increased to $21.2 billion in the fourth quarter; Net income increased to $20.0 billion in the fourth quarter. Full Year 2024 - Net sales increased 11% to $638.0 billion in 2024; Operating income increased to $68.6 billion in 2024; Net income increased to $59.2 billion in 2024. "The holiday shopping season was the most successful yet for Amazon and we appreciate the support of our customers, selling partners, and employees who helped make it so,” said Andy Jassy, President and CEO, Amazon. “When we look back on this quarter several years from now, I suspect what we’ll most remember is the remarkable innovation delivered across all of our businesses, none more so than in AWS where we introduced our new Trainium2 AI chip, our own foundation models in Amazon Nova, a plethora of new models and features in Amazon Bedrock that give customers flexibility and cost savings, liberating transformations in Amazon Q to migrate from old platforms, and the next edition of Amazon SageMaker to pull data, analytics, and AI together more concertedly. These benefits are often realized by customers (and the business) several months down the road, but these are substantial enablers in this emerging technology environment and we’re excited to see what customers build.”
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Brian Murray, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers, Elected Chair, AAP Board of Directors

The Association of American Publishers announced that its Directors have elected Brian Murray as Chair of the Board for the 2025-2026 term. Mr. Murray, who is President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers, has been on the board since 2008. He was previously elected Chair in 2015, and served as an officer from 2014-2017. Additionally, Mr. Murray served on the executive committee of the International Publishers Association for AAP from 2011 to 2018. In 1970 HarperCollins Publishers, then known as Harper & Row, was a founding member of AAP. The Board also elected Tyrrell Mahoney, President of Chronicle Books, to the position of Vice Chair. Ms. Mahoney has served on the AAP Board since 2019. Jeremy North, Managing Director, Books, Taylor & Francis, who has served on the Board since 2015, was re-elected as Treasurer. YS Chi, Chairman of Elsevier, and Director of Corporate Affairs for the RELX Group, will remain an officer as Immediate Past Chair.
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Savvas Learning Company Wins Tech & Learning Best of 2024 Award for its New Savvas CTE Courses

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is excited to announce that Savvas CTE, its offering of online career and technical education (CTE) and certification prep courses, has won the Tech & Learning Best of 2024 Award. The Best of 2024 award program celebrates the brightest new products in the educational space — the technology that’s been turning heads, supporting teachers, and helping students to learn faster, easier, and more successfully than ever before. Tech & Learning selected Savvas CTE as a winner in the secondary education category of the most impactful educational technologies helping schools improve teaching and learning in 2024.
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Savvas Learning Company’s Full Suite of K-12 Math Programs Approved by the South Carolina State Board of Education for Statewide Adoption

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is excited to announce that the South Carolina State Board of Education has approved the full suite of Savvas K-12 math programs for statewide adoption across all grade levels. Savvas is the only learning solutions provider to have all of its K-12 math programs approved as state-adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) covering every grade level for South Carolina classrooms. The Savvas math programs for South Carolina, which are fully aligned to the 2025 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Mathematics Standards, include: enVision Mathematics South Carolina Grades K-5; enVision Mathematics South Carolina Grades 6-8; enVision A|G|A (Geometry, Algebra 1, Algebra 2) South Carolina; Experience Math Grades K-5.
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Two Sides North America Welcomes RWT Production, LLC as the Newest Member in Support of Sustainable Direct Mail Practices

Two Sides North America (TSNA), a non-profit organization advocating for the sustainable attributes of print, paper, and paper-based packaging, is pleased to announce RWT Production, LLC as its newest member. This partnership highlights RWT Production’s dedication to sustainability within the direct mail and print industries. “At RWT Production, we recognize the crucial role that direct mail serves in many successful fundraising and marketing initiatives. Aligning with Two Sides North America complements our mission to provide our clients with sustainable and effective print solutions for their campaigns,” stated Jeff Thomas, Director of Business Development at RWT Production. “Together, we can further promote the essential role of direct mail and its environmental responsibility.”
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Sonoco’s EnviroCan® with a Metal Bottom Receives Pre-qualification for How2Recycle® Labeling

Sonoco Products Company has received pre-qualification to carry the How2Recycle® ‘Check Locally’ label for its EnviroCan® Metal Bottom rigid paper container. The EnviroCan paper container body is made of 100% recycled fiber, 90% of which comes from post-consumer resources, a design that balances responsible materials sourcing with product and food safety. The metal bottom end is made of steel, one of the world’s most recycled materials. The widely recognized How2Recycle on-pack label guides consumers with clear instructions for recycling at their location and demonstrates Sonoco’s ongoing efforts to develop innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for customers and consumers worldwide. “Securing the pre-qualification for the EnviroCan Metal Bottom is the result of years of data and evidence collection as well as collaboration with recyclers,” said Sabrina Dixon-Ridges, Director of Global Operational Sustainability at Sonoco.
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Amcor reports second quarter and first half result

CEO Peter Konieczny said: "Amcor delivered a solid second quarter result aligned with the expectations we set out in October, giving us the confidence to again reaffirm our guidance for the fiscal year. We continued to execute well on our underlying business, delivering our fourth consecutive quarter of sequential volume improvement. Margins continued to expand, supporting adjusted EBIT and EPS growth of 5% on a comparable basis for the quarter." “We also announced the next transformational step for Amcor, agreeing to combine with Berry Global. Bringing these two companies together will deliver on our strategy to become an even stronger company with accelerated volume-driven organic growth achieved through an unwavering focus on our customers, sustainability and portfolio mix. The combined company will have enhanced positions in attractive categories, the material science and innovation capabilities required to further revolutionize product development and a broader, more complete portfolio of primary packaging solutions for consumer and healthcare customers. With faster growth and $650 million of identified synergies, this combination will drive significant near and long term value for all shareholders. The path to completion is well advanced and we remain on track to close in mid calendar year 2025.”
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Aptar Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual 2024 Results

AptarGroup, Inc. reported strong fourth quarter results due to solid operational performance driven by top and bottom line improvements. Results were driven by sales growth in pharma solutions, increased demand for closures technologies and productivity gains across the company. Reported sales increased by 1% and core sales increased by 2% due to a negative currency effect. Aptar reported net income of $101 million for the quarter, a 62% increase from the prior year. In addition, the quarterly results benefited from a lower effective tax rate. “Aptar achieved another strong quarter and year, delivering back-to-back years of double-digit earnings per share growth. For the full year, our pharma franchise grew sales 8%, propelled by brisk demand for our proprietary drug delivery systems, which grew 9% in 2024. Our closures segment also finished the year strong with solid performance and good momentum. Net income for full year 2024 grew 32% over the prior year and we ended 2024 solidly in the middle of our long-term adjusted EBITDA margin range, with significant margin expansion in our pharma and closures segments. Our beauty segment was able to improve its margin even with a challenged top line, driven by increased productivity and cost management efforts. In 2024, net cash provided by operations increased 12% along with lower capital expenditures, which generated a free cash flow increase of 40%,” said Stephan B. Tanda, Aptar President and CEO.
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Crown Holdings, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

"Crown delivered strong results in the fourth quarter, with segment income advancing 12% compared to the prior year," stated Timothy J. Donahue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Combined global beverage can segment income improved 17%, driven by global volume growth of 4%, led by shipment increases in Europe and North America, which grew 8% and 7%, respectively. The North American food can business also generated increased income during the quarter as a result of increased volumes while Transit Packaging saw lower volume and profitability as industrial activity remains sluggish. "2024 was an excellent year overall, exceeding previous expectations. Segment income advanced nearly $100 million or 6% over the prior year, following a 7% improvement in 2023. Combined global beverage can segment income expanded 19% over the prior year, reflecting robust volume growth – 10% in Brazil and 7% in both North America and Europe – and excellent manufacturing performance."
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International Paper and DS Smith Combine To Create The New Global Leader in Sustainable Packaging Solutions

The combination brings together the best of both companies to accelerate growth, improve profitability and serve customers all over the world from operations in more than 30 countries. Together with DS Smith, International Paper will be a great place to work with colleagues who value excellence, ethics and safety above all else. "With a stronger portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions, the combination of International Paper and DS Smith enhances our offerings, increases innovation and expands our geographic reach," said Andy Silvernail, International Paper Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We will bring together the capabilities and expertise of two experienced teams, with similar cultures to create the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions."
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Fibre-based Packaging Producers Seek Clarity on Single-Use Plastic Packaging (SUP) Directive

The European Union’s SUP Directive May Pose Unintended Challenges for Non-Plastic Packaging. Fibre-based packaging manufacturers are unclear about how the European Union’s Single Use Plastic (SUP) Directive, adopted in 2019, will impact their business. As it applies to specific measures for minimizing litter from single-use plastic and “plastic”-containing packaging, the Directive has taken effect through national legislation. Still unclear is how the directive applies to fibre-based packaging that uses small amounts of plastic as a protective layer for perishable items. For example, cartonboard cups incorporate an internal layer to keep liquid products from seeping through the cartonboard; and fibre-based food containers often include a plastic barrier to protect the food from oxygen and to keep food oils from leaking through the packaging.
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CDP recognises Metsä Board with a triple ‘A’ score for leadership on climate change, forests and water security

Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, has been recognised for leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change, forests and water security by global environmental non-profit CDP. Based on data reported through CDP’s 2024 Climate Change, Forests and Water Security thematic questionnaires, Metsä Board is one of a small number of companies that achieved a triple A, out of over 22,000 companies scored. This is the third time that Metsä Board scored the prestigious triple ‘A’. “We have ambitious sustainability targets including 100% fossil free production and products, and reduced process water use by the end of 2030. In our wood supply, we promote regenerative forestry practices to strengthen the status of forest nature. The high score in CDP assessments year after year is a confirmation on the positive progress of our systematic work," says Mika Joukio, CEO of Metsä Board.
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Metsä Board’s comparable operating result in 2024 January–December was EUR 69 million

Metsä Board’s CEO Mika Joukio: “In October–December, demand for paperboards was lower than expected, and our delivery volumes decreased from the previous quarter. We adjusted production to match the low demand at several of our mills. Our profitability was also burdened by the repair shut-down at Metsä Fibre’s Kemi bioproduct mill, which lasted for about a month. Our sales in October–December amounted to EUR 446 million, and our comparable operating result was EUR -3.6 million. We had a positive start to 2024, with paperboard demand picking up clearly from the previous year’s record low level. However, activity faded towards the end of the year, and our paperboard deliveries, amounting to approximately 1.5 million tonnes, remained below our capacity level. Demand is still constrained by cautious purchasing behaviour and consumption focusing more on services than products. In addition, market balance has been influenced by the strong growth in Asian paperboard capacity and increasing paperboard imports especially to Turkey, the Middle East and South America.
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Metsä Group’s Kuura textile fibre shows competitive greenhouse gas emission level

Metsä Group has completed a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its Kuura textile fibre. The assessment shows that Kuura’s global warming potential (GWP100, fossil) score is less than one-third of the next best option, viscose. The Kuura project is currently in a demonstration phase. The new textile fibre is being developed by Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring. The LCA was made by Etteplan. The LCA study and comparison to alternative cellulosic fibres were critically reviewed by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. GWP is a term used to describe the relative potency, molecule for molecule, of a greenhouse gas, considering how long it remains active in the atmosphere. Kuura's GWP is only one-fourth of cotton fibre and up to over 80 percent lower than the impact of the closest reference commercial product, lyocell fibre.
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Metsä Group’s comparable operating result for January–December 2024 was EUR 203 million

President and CEO Ilkka Hämälä: The year 2024 was exceptionally weak financially, with comparable operating profit falling to EUR 203 million. Demand in our main markets was subdued in all product groups, except for tissue and cooking papers and Kerto® LVL. At the beginning of the year, political strikes caused a loss of EUR 60 million. The effects of higher raw material and logistics costs could not be passed on to product prices, as demand was weak. Major development investments in recent years have significantly increased depreciation. The positive effects of new capacity on profits have not yet materialised in the sawmill, pulp and paperboard industries due to the start-up of production and weak demand.
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100 million seedlings from SCA in 2024

2024 was yet another year of high seedling deliveries from SCA. Nearly 100 million seedlings were delivered to private forest owners and SCA's own forests. "It feels good to be able to contribute with seedlings of high quality that provide good growth in Sweden's forests, and thus significant climate benefits," says Thomas Vestman, head of NorrPlant, SCA's seedling operations. In 2024, SCA delivered almost 100 million seedlings, which is slightly fewer compared to the previous year. "It was a good delivery year, despite the prolonged winter. But when summer arrived, it came early in May which put our nurseries in full speed. We see, however, that more and more customers choose to plant in August, which has now become our largest delivery month. That’s good, because it’s perfectly fine to plant well into the autumn," says Thomas Vestman.
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Stora Enso recognised by CDP with ‘A’ score for transparency on Climate Change

CDP assess companies based on the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of environmental risks and demonstration of best practices associated with environmental leadership. Improving corporate awareness through measurement and disclosure is essential to the effective management of carbon and climate change risk. “It is a strong endorsement of the approach and actions we take on climate change that we are a CDP Climate Change ‘A List’ company. We are committed to a continued focus on reducing emissions in our own production, as well as across our value chain in line with the Science Based Targets initiative’s 1.5-degree pathway.” says Toby Croucher, Chief Sustainability Officer.
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Amsive Announces Leadership Succession

Amsive, a leading performance marketing agency, announced today that Michael Coppola will succeed Brad Moore as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2025. Coppola, who has served as Amsive’s President since 2021, brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to advancing the company’s mission of delivering innovative, client-focused marketing solutions. Moore, who first joined as President in 2015 and has served as CEO since 2017, developed Amsive’s vision, and led its evolution for the past decade. He will transition into an advisory role, continuing to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Leading Amsive over the past ten years has been a great privilege,” said Brad Moore. “We’ve built a special company and culture through transformative growth, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together as a team. Mike’s leadership as our president these past three years has been integral to our success, and his vision and experience make him the ideal person to lead Amsive into its next chapter. I look forward to supporting him and the team in my new role.” 
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RRD Powers Print Evolution with Digital Transition of Georgia Facility

RRD, a global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions, is investing in first-to-market robotic technologies and advanced digital print presses from HP to transform its Austell, GA facility into a state-of-the-art commercial print hub. The investment doubles the site’s workforce and sets a benchmark for rapid, high-volume digital production and automation. The investment enables RRD to deliver high-speed, high-quality, variable print-on-demand services to meet evolving client demand and anticipated industry shifts. The Austell site features HP’s new Indigo 120K Digital Press and PageWide Advantage 2200 with HP Brilliant Ink. The equipment is designed to empower high-volume production businesses by delivering speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
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FPAC Partnership Raises Awareness in Canada

For more than 100 years, FPAC (formerly the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association) has provided a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, paper and wood-based bioproducts producers in government, trade and environmental affairs. Its member companies also help develop action plans that advance Canadian forest health while supporting workers, communities and the environment. “Domtar and its predecessors have been member companies for many, many years,” says Derek Nighbor, FPAC’s president and CEO. “Today, Domtar operates mills all across Canada. Each region faces unique challenges, so the geographic diversity of our relationship with Domtar and their engagement across all key function areas has been great. Together, we’ve done a lot of work on forest management policies, environmental priorities, transportation, Indigenous relations and more.”
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Billerud Year-end report January–December 2024

We delivered robust financial performance in the fourth quarter and ended 2024 on a good note. During the fourth quarter, we recorded outstanding net sales growth of +20% driven by better-than-expected volume growth, enabling a solid adjusted EBITDA margin of 13%, up 5% pts vs year ago. Once again, our North American region recorded impressive results with 17% net sales growth and 19% EBITDA margin. I am also satisfied with our result in Region Europe which, despite softer market conditions, managed to grow the topline by 16% and achieve an EBITDA margin of 12%. 2024 was characterized by challenging and rapidly changing market conditions. It was nevertheless a year with significantly improved financial performance versus 2023. Our proactive actions, discipline and flexible approach with strong focus on items we can control have served us well. Our net sales grew by 5% through volume growth, mix and price management. We successfully limited the fixed cost increase below inflation and delivered another sizable contribution to the efficiency enhancement program.
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CDP recognises Mondi’s leading practices with a prestigious ‘A’ score for both climate change and forests

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has been recognised with an ‘A’ score for both climate change and forests in CDP’s 2024 disclosures. CDP also awarded Mondi an ‘A-’ score in the third category of water. These scores earn Mondi a place on CDP’s annual A List for the sixth consecutive year, demonstrating the Group’s leading sustainability practices. "We are delighted to have maintained our position on CDP’s A List. Our top scores for transparency on climate change and forests reflect our commitment to taking action on climate and our understanding of the link between climate action, sustainable forestry and water security in driving progress that reduces our impact. We are working to reduce our GHG emissions in line with our science-based Net-Zero targets, upholding our zero deforestation commitment across our supply chain, and prioritising water and biodiversity as key focus areas of our sustainability efforts." Gladys Naylor, Head of Sustainable Development at Mondi
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Norske Skog Boyer acquired by Boyer Capital Pty Ltd

Norske Skog has entered into agreement with Boyer Capital Pty Ltd, to sell the Boyer mill at an enterprise value of approximately NOK 190 million. The transaction is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2025. “We are very pleased to conclude our orderly exit from Australasia with the divestment of the Boyer mill. The discussions with David Marriner and Boyer Capital have been ongoing for some time and we believe they represent the ideal owner to both continue the production of publication paper and develop the industrial site for future activities. Norske Skog will now focus fully on the successful ramp-up of containerboard production at the Golbey mill and completing the BCTMP study at the Saugbrugs mill”, said Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog.
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Sappi first quarter results ahead of expectations; up 56% year-on-year

Commenting on the group’s results, Sappi Chief Executive Officer Steve Binnie said: “Despite continued challenging global macroeconomic conditions and weak paper markets I am pleased that the group delivered Adjusted EBITDA of US$203 million, which was ahead of expectations and substantially above last year.” Year-on-year profitability improved across all segments, supported by cost-savings, operational efficiency gains, higher dissolving pulp (DP) selling prices and sales volumes combined with improved packaging and speciality papers sales volumes.
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UPM Raflatac accelerates its growth in Graphics by acquiring Metamark

UPM Raflatac has acquired Metamark, a UK-based company to further accelerate its growth in Graphics business. UPM Raflatac’s existing Graphics business complemented with Metamark will strengthen UPM Raflatac’s overall competitiveness, bring major synergies and make UPM Raflatac a significant player in the fast-growing, high value-added Graphics segment. The Enterprise Value of the transaction is GBP 146 million (approx. EUR 175 million). Metamark, established in 1992 is a manufacturer and distributor of graphics solutions. Its product portfolio consists of high-quality self-adhesive colour films, print films for large format colour printing, laminates and wrapping films for various end-uses. The company employs approximately 185 people and has a manufacturing site in Lancaster, UK. The sales of the company is approximately GBP 65 million, and it has an EBITDA margin accretive to UPM Raflatac.
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UPS Releases 4Q 2024 Earnings

UPS announced fourth-quarter 2024 consolidated revenues of $25.3 billion, a 1.5% increase from the fourth quarter of 2023. “I want to thank all UPSers for their hard work and efforts as we closed out 2024 with an outstanding peak, delivering best-in-class service and strong financial results ahead of our targets for the quarter,” said Carol Tomé, UPS chief executive officer. Full-Year 2024 Consolidated Results: Revenue was $91.1 billion. Operating profit of $8.5 billion; Operating margin was 9.3%; Diluted EPS totaled $6.75; Cash from operations was $10.1 billion
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Mississippi Department of Education Approves Savvas Learning Company’s Full Line of Math and Social Studies Programs for K-12 Classrooms

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is excited to announce that its mathematics and social studies learning solutions for grades K-12 have been approved by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) for inclusion on its list of state-adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). The MDE determined that Savvas Mississippi math and social studies programs are fully aligned to Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards and designed to be “robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that students need for success in college and careers and to compete in the global economy.” In the state’s HQIM review rubrics, all Savvas math and social studies learning solutions received high scores — at each grade level — on all three gateways (or criteria), which include Alignment to Standards; Rigor and Instructional Practices; and Usability. Mississippi school districts can purchase state-adopted Savvas instructional materials beginning on April 1, 2025.
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Packaging Corporation of America Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Packaging Corporation of America reported fourth quarter 2024 net income of $221 million, or $2.45 per share, and net income of $222 million, or $2.47 per share, excluding special items. Fourth quarter net sales were $2.1 billion in 2024 and $1.9 billion in 2023. Full year 2024 net income was $805 million, or $8.93 per share, and net income of $814 million, or $9.04 per share, excluding special items. Full year net sales were $8.4 billion in 2024 and $7.8 billion in 2023. Commenting on reported results, Mark W. Kowlzan, Chairman and CEO, said, “As we have seen throughout the year, demand in our Packaging segment during the quarter remained very strong. Our corrugated products plants delivered record fourth quarter total shipments and an all-time record shipments per day. The plants also set new annual records for total shipments and shipments per day. Excellent operations throughout our mill containerboard system set new quarterly and annual production records as well. This allowed us to meet our customer’s demand needs in a timely manner as well as achieve year-end inventory targets ahead of the mill outages scheduled for the first half of 2025. Although seasonally slower, volume and price/mix in the Paper segment were above last year’s levels. Throughout the Company, our employees together with the benefits of our capital spending program continued to do a great job to lessen the inflationary impact across most of our cost structure.”
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Coca-Cola Consolidated & MUST: Sustainability & Optimization in Stretch Wrapping

Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S., is leveraging Atlantic Packaging’s MUST Stretch Film Management System to optimize its stretch wrapping operations. With 65 production lines across 16 manufacturing plants, nearly 700 SKUs, and more than 100 packaging sizes, consistency, efficiency, and sustainability are top priorities. “…It helps us consistently wrap the pallets the same, making sure that we’re wrapping certain pallets the right way,” says Melanie Sabella, Coca-Cola Consolidated Vice President of Technical Services.
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Greif Announces Strategic Actions

Greif announced it will permanently cease production on the Number 1 Paperboard Machine (A1) in Austell, GA and permanently close the containerboard and uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) mill in Fitchburg, MA. “Decisions like these are extremely difficult because of the impact it has on our colleagues and their families, as well as the larger community,” said President and CEO Ole Rosgaard. “We are grateful to our colleagues in Austell and Fitchburg for their contributions to the company and are committed to helping them navigate next steps by providing severance benefits and outplacement assistance.” In total, approximately 140 positions will be impacted. Ceasing production at A1 – a non-integrated URB asset for the company - is a result of increased cost and declining demand in its major end use markets of furniture, books, and binders. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to close the Fitchburg mill. Together, these actions will reduce the containerboard capacity of Greif’s mill network by 100,000 tons, and URB capacity by 90,000 tons.
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International Paper Reports Full-Year and Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

International Paper reported full-year 2024 net earnings of $557 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, and adjusted operating earnings (non-GAAP) of $400 million, or $1.13 per diluted share. Full-year net sales were $18.6 billion in 2024 and $18.9 billion in 2023. The reported fourth quarter net loss was $147 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, and adjusted operating loss (non-GAAP) was $7 million, or $0.02 per diluted share. Fourth quarter net sales were $4.6 billion in 2024 and 2023. Full-year and fourth quarter net earnings include a pre-tax charge of $395 million for accelerated depreciation and restructuring charges, including $334 million related to the previously announced closure of the Company's Georgetown, S.C. pulp mill. "During 2024, we initiated our strategy to deliver profitable growth as the low-cost, most reliable and innovative sustainable packaging solutions provider for our customers," said Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail. "Through a disciplined 80/20 approach, we have restructured our corporate organization, added resources to the business, reduced structural costs through footprint actions and successfully piloted regional box plant optimization. In the quarter, our earnings have stabilized and we intend to accelerate earnings improvement in 2025."
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Verified assessments show Metsä Board paperboards can reduce the carbon footprint of beautycare packaging by 50%

According to a recent Metsä Board study, optimising the choice of paperboard can notably reduce the carbon footprint of packaging for beautycare and cosmetic brands. The assessments*, conducted by Metsä Board and verified by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, demonstrated the significant carbon footprint reductions achieved by switching to Metsä Board’s fresh fibre paperboard, compared to grades representative of European markets. According to the recent life cycle assessment study, switching from a solid bleached board (SBB) to Metsä Board’s folding boxboard can reduce the carbon footprint of packaging by over 50%, while replacing folding boxboard can achieve a 40% reduction or even higher. The compared grades represented board grades available in European markets.*
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Silgan Announces Record Fourth Quarter Results

Silgan Holdings Inc. reported full year 2024 net sales of $5.9 billion and net income of $276.4 million, or $2.58 per diluted share, as compared to full year 2023 net sales of $6.0 billion and net income of $326.0 million, or $2.98 per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of 2024, Silgan reported net income of $45.1 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, as compared to $64.4 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2023. "The Silgan team delivered another year of strong results, with record fourth quarter adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBIT and double digit free cash flow growth, and made significant progress on several important long-term strategic objectives that will benefit our Company in 2025 and beyond." said Adam Greenlee, President and CEO.
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Stora Enso partners with ECOR Global, pioneering in the industry with fully bio-based and formaldehyde-free board

Stora Enso is proud to announce that its NeoLigno bio-based binder is integral part of ECOR Global’s new product line, a groundbreaking fully bio-based, recyclable and formaldehyde-free board. This innovation meets the increasing demand for healthier, recyclable, high-performance materials, particularly in furniture and flooring manufacturing. The collaboration partnership between Stora Enso and ECOR Global underscores a shared vision for advancing sustainability and high climate ambitions. By replacing traditional fossil-based binders with NeoLigno, ECOR Global has successfully created a product free from formaldehyde and isocyanates, eliminating harmful chemicals while delivering performance. The two companies’ technical collaboration is leading to additional breakthroughs solidifying their commitment to sustainability.
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Tetra Pak wins Environmental Initiatives Award at SEAL Business Sustainability Awards 2025

Tetra Pak has received the Environmental Initiatives Award at the 2025 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards for its Approach to Nature framework. The SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award recognises Tetra Pak’s framework as an industry-leading example of how major companies can leverage their expertise to guide and collaborate with partners throughout the value chain to realise their own sustainability goals and address regulatory requirements.  Tetra Pak launched its comprehensive Approach to Nature framework in 2024 to address nature-related impacts across the value chain. This ambitious approach is built upon concrete actions and more than 20 measurable targets and practical actions, defining the company's contribution to halting and reversing nature loss, supporting the restoration of ecosystems and enhancing water security. As well as internal goals and actions, the framework also addresses supplier and customer nature-related impacts, including those connected to packaging end-of-life.
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Modern Litho-St. Louis Strengthens Market-Defining Direct Mail Capabilities with Key Talent Acquisition

Modern Litho announces a significant expansion of its direct mail capabilities at its St. Louis location. The company has recently onboarded several key employees with extensive industry experience in direct mail, enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality solutions. Among the new additions is Richie Graham, a seasoned professional 33-year industry veteran with a strong background in direct mail sales and operations. Graham's impressive track record includes owning and managing a successful St. Louis-based direct mail company, as well as delivering top sales results. This strategic move brings a wealth of expertise to Modern Litho St. Louis, including: •Advanced direct mail proficiency •Sophisticated data processing skills •Comprehensive warehouse management experience
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RRD Finalizes Acquisition of Williams Lea to Strengthen Business Services

RRD announced that it has successfully closed on the strategic acquisition of Williams Lea, a provider of tech-enabled business services to financial, legal and professional services firms worldwide. The acquisition was first announced December 20, 2024. Through the acquisition, Williams Lea will join RRD’s Digital, Creative and Business Services segment to further strengthen and expand its position as a transformation partner for business services and productivity solutions. This investment also complements the segment’s digital marketing capabilities that include a suite of full-funnel media, measurement and proprietary marketing technology offerings.
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Domtar Celebrates a Year of Safety Milestones and Awards

Our commitment to manufacturing safety is shared by every team member and every facility in our network. This shared commitment has led to a wide range of safety milestones and awards in 2024. Safety is, and will always be, our number one goal. “We need our employees to be constantly engaged in safe work practices,” says Richard Tremblay, president of our Pulp and Tissue Business Unit. “Ensuring safety at work is one way we care for one another and propels us to reaching our ultimate safety goal — zero injuries.” Luc Thériault, president of our Wood Products Business Unit, agrees. In a recent article, he said, “When you step back and look at the progress we’ve made in the area of safety over the past 15 to 20 years, it is truly impressive. … Our success is the result of a strong vision, unwavering determination, a refusal to compromise and the hard work of many people.” 
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Avery Dennison Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

“We delivered strong results in 2024, achieving nineteen percent earnings growth,” said Deon Stander, president and CEO. “Both our Materials and Solutions Groups delivered strong top-and bottom-line results, with our industries recovering from downstream inventory destocking last year, once again demonstrating the strength of our overall franchise. “We remain well-positioned to continue our long track record of strong earnings growth in 2025, including accelerating growth in our high-value categories, which now account for almost half of our portfolio,” added Stander. “We are confident that the consistent execution of our strategies will enable us to meet our long-term goals for superior value creation in a range of geopolitical and macro scenarios."
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Kimberly-Clark Delivers Solid Results in First Year of Transformation

Kimberly-Clark Corporation reported fourth quarter and full year 2024 results that illustrated the strength of its innovation-led growth model, driving volume gains, improving product mix, and generating significant efficiencies enabling reinvestment in its brands, new capabilities, and generating attractive returns to its shareholders. 2024 was a breakthrough year for Kimberly-Clark with the launch of our transformative, multi-year Powering Care strategy and successfully rewiring our organization into three powerhouse segments with world-class functional support," said Kimberly-Clark Chairman and CEO, Mike Hsu. "Our full-year results exceeded our new long-term growth algorithm - supported by consistent execution across the organization - and we established a strong foundation to accelerate our strategy in 2025 and beyond." "We delivered organic top-line growth with an upward inflection in volume-plus-mix. This, coupled with improved productivity, has driven strong adjusted profit growth and fueled investments to advance our competitive advantage." Hsu continued. "We're excited about this new chapter of Kimberly-Clark, and we look forward to building on our momentum and enhancing value for all stakeholders."
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Overall Publishing Industry Up 10.3% for Month of November, and Up 7.3% Year-To-Date

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) released its StatShot report for November 2024 reflecting reported revenue for Trade (Consumer Books), Religious Presses, Higher Education Course Materials, and Professional Publishing. Total revenues across all categories for November 2024 were up 10.3% as compared to November 2023, coming in at $1.1 billion. Year-to-date revenues were up 7.3%, at $13.3 billion for the first eleven months of the year. Trade (Consumer Books) revenues were up 7.9% in November at $919.8 million. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of November, in the Trade (Consumer Books) category, Hardback revenues were up 6.9%, coming in at $384.9 million; Paperbacks were up 7.7%, with $286.6 million in revenue; Mass Market was up 17.5% to $11.6 million; and Special Bindings were up 8.3%, with $25.2 million in revenue.
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Amcor and Berry Global announce important milestone towards transaction closing

Amcor plc and Berry Global Group, Inc. announce that an important milestone towards the completion of their previously announced all-stock transaction has been reached, with filing of the definitive joint proxy statement (“the Joint Proxy Statement’) with the U.S. SEC. The Joint Proxy Statement includes notices of Amcor and Berry shareholder meetings that will both take place on Tuesday 25 February, 2025. This transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a global leader in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions, uniquely positioned to accelerate growth across a broader and scaled flexible film, containers, closures and dispensing packaging portfolio. The combined company will have significant opportunities to further refine the portfolio and leverage differentiated material science and innovation capabilities to revolutionize product development, and solve customers’ and consumers’ sustainability needs.
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Tweddle Group Recognized for Outstanding Safety & Health Management Systems

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has presented Tweddle Group its Consultation Education and Training (CET) Gold Award. Tweddle Group, a top provider of product support and information technology, earned the award for its exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health. “Our team members should be proud of this award,” said Tweddle Group President Todd Headlee. “The company works hard to be self-sufficient in its safety systems. This validates all that effort—we’ve not only met the standard OSHA requirements, but we’ve also gone further to meet the CET criteria.”
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ANDRITZ acquires recycling technology specialist ATN Engineering

International technology group ANDRITZ has acquired ATN Engineering B.V., a Dutch company specializing in advanced recycling technologies. This strategic acquisition strengthens ANDRITZ’s position as a global leader in recycling solutions by adding ATN’s state-of-the-art degassing and de-oiling systems to its portfolio. ATN Engineering is recognized as an innovator in the recycling sector with its unique drill head system, which enables the safe and efficient removal of hazardous oil and gas from end-of-life refrigerators. The company also supplies feeding logistics and equipment for the recycling of industrial coolers, air conditioning equipment, and heat pumps. ATN provides engineering, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and servicing of recycling equipment. To date, the company has delivered more than 200 degassing units worldwide.
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NAUTILUS® ProCycle: Mondi expands its premium recycled portfolio

Mondi's NAUTILUS® ProCycle, a high-quality paper made from 100% post-consumer waste for demanding print applications, demonstrates that sustainability and excellence can go hand in hand. Mondi has expanded the NAUTILUS® ProCycle portfolio by including grammages between 100 and 300 g/m2 for folio and 100 and 120 g/m2 in reel format. The paper meets the highest ecological standards, which are reflected in relevant certifications such as Cradle to Cradle® Bronze, Blue Angel, FSC™ and EU Ecolabel. This enables companies to contribute to the circular economy, conserving natural resources and promoting sustainability. The high-quality recycled paper, produced in Austria, boasts an ISO brightness of 100% and a whiteness of 135% according to the specifications of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). This makes the paper ideal for various print applications, including letterheads, envelopes, marketing brochures, company reports, advertising materials, invoices, quotations, and more. As a medium, it is perfect for conveying a consistent corporate brand image, making it particularly suitable for professional corporate identity projects.
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Mary Beth Laughton to Become REI Co-op’s Next President & CEO

REI Co-op president & CEO, Eric Artz, today announced that he will retire in March as CEO, marking a new chapter in the co-op's 87-year history. Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI Board Director and seasoned retail leader, will join REI as president on February 3, 2025, before assuming full CEO responsibilities on March 31.  Laughton has held leadership roles at Nike, Athleta, and Sephora. Her experience and personal passion balance strategic vision for the future of retail, innovation and operational rigor, love for the outdoors, and appreciation for the co-op's unique culture. She has also held board roles with Impossible Foods and Instacart. During the planned handover period, Mary Beth will be out on the road and in stores and distribution centers, building connections with employees, partners and community members. 
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Tennessee State Board of Education Approves Savvas Learning Company’s K-12 Science Solutions For Statewide Adoption For Every Grade Level

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is pleased to announce that the Tennessee State Board of Education has approved its evidence-based, standards-aligned K-12 science programs for statewide adoption. Savvas science programs are aligned to the new Tennessee Academic Standards for Science, which require science curricula to be “academically rigorous, relevant to today’s world, and attendant to what makes Tennessee a unique place to live and learn.” The programs also feature three-dimensional learning experiences that enable students to master science engineering, disciplinary core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts in a real-world, scientifically based setting.
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Revising PEFC Project Certification requirements: stakeholder feedback survey

We are revising the PEFC Project Certification requirements to respond to stakeholder needs, add value to companies, and align them with the latest version of the PEFC Chain of Custody standard, and we are looking for your feedback! Project certification provides independent verification of the use of certified timber in construction and other projects with a defined time and site. This survey aims to gather your valuable feedback to help improve these requirements. It is part of a broader effort to increase global demand for PEFC project certification and the procurement of PEFC-certified materials. Take part in the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JKCG3QR
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GreenHushing? How Companies are Avoiding Greenwashing Lawsuits with Caution, Transparency and Clarity

Businesses increasingly recognize the importance of environmentally friendly practices, especially when it comes to packaging, proper disposal and recycling, and using truly sustainable materials like paper. However, a new trend has emerged: companies are becoming more cautious about how they communicate these initiatives. Amid a rise in greenwashing lawsuits, where businesses are accused of overstating or misrepresenting their environmental efforts, many companies are shifting to a more subdued approach. This change reflects not only legal caution but also a growing demand for transparency and adherence to credible standards, such as the FTC’s Green Guides in the U.S. or the Competition Act in Canada. In an era when consumers actively seek eco-friendly options, companies have made efforts to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Terms like “biodegradable,” “recyclable,” and “carbon neutral” have appeared more frequently on packaging and in marketing.
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Smurfit Westrock showcases innovation expertise at WorldStar 2025

Smurfit Westrock has once again demonstrated its prowess in designing innovative and sustainable packaging by picking up 10 awards in WorldStar 2025. The latest accolade is testament to the packaging leader’s ability to create products that outperform on every level. Solutions that stood out for the judges in this year’s awards include: an eCommerce pack for South America’s biggest egg provider, a paper-based tray for plant-based meals and a bag-in-box solution for cleaning products. Sustainability was front and centre in each submission and illustrated how the company goes the extra mile in every project.
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Fiberside Chat: Why Paper Weight Matters for High-Impact Design

If you’re going to print something, print it beautifully. Every choice, from paper weight to finish shapes how a printed piece feels, engages, and communicates. Darcey Thompson, Director of Marketing and Creative at Southeastern Printing, shares insights on how selecting the right paperboard weight, folding and scoring techniques, and finishing options can transform a print piece into a powerful brand statement. Selecting the weight of paper for a print project isn’t just about function—it’s about creating a sensory experience that reinforces its message. It’s the heft of a direct mail piece that stops it from being discarded, the reassuring thickness of a brochure that conveys its importance, and the silky smoothness of a notecard that encourages recipients to hold onto it a little longer. Paper weight dictates the immediate sensory reaction, guiding both perception and behavior.
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Responsible waste management, a strategic sustainability target for Lecta

Within the framework of its ESG strategy​, Lecta is committed to reducing overall waste generation, increasing levels of reuse and recycling, and achieving increasingly efficient production processes. In its strategic sustainability targets for 2030, Lecta has established key performance indicators (KPIs) that ensure a transparent assessment of its progress in this regard. Management of process waste is performed in collaboration with trusted partners, to ensure compliance with current regulations and sustainable disposal as well as maximize possibilities of reuse. The majority of Lecta's waste is specific to pulp and paper manufacturing and as such is included in the European list of non-hazardous waste. This includes sludge from wastewater treatment.
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UPM Raflatac continues its collaboration with WWF Poland on circular economy and privately protected areas

UPM Raflatac and WWF Poland have renewed their contract to build a smarter future beyond fossils together. During the new three-year contract period the collaboration will focus on enabling the development of circular economy and promoting privately protected areas, especially wetlands in Poland. The three-year contract will also involve UPM Raflatac's internal and external stakeholders to increase engagement and support for these two important initiatives given the challenges we are facing today. “As part of the packaging value chain, we are constantly looking for ways to promote circular economy not only through our product and service offering, but also through collaboration. We are also committed to climate-positive forestry and enhancing biodiversity as well as sharing our expertise and assets with the communities in which we operate,” says Vera Bartsch, Director of Sustainability Development, UPM Raflatac.
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Alabama State Board of Education Approves Savvas Learning Company’s K-12 Science Solutions For Statewide Adoption For Every Grade Level

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is pleased to announce that the Alabama State Board of Education has approved its evidence-based, standards-aligned K-12 science programs for statewide adoption. Savvas science programs are aligned to the 2023 Alabama Course of Study: Science, which provides the framework for the study of science in Alabama’s public schools and the standards that support equitable, innovative, and creative learning. Designed to provide students with engaging, three-dimensional learning experiences that integrate science engineering, disciplinary core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts in a real-world, scientifically based setting, the company’s high-quality instructional materials for Alabama’s K-12 science classrooms include: Alabama elevateScience; Alabama Millesr & Levine Biology; Alabama Experience Chemistry; Alabama Experience Physics; Alabama Environmental Science: Your World, Your Turn; Physical Science: Concepts in Action.
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FSC US National Risk Assessment Revision Webinar and Survey

In November 2024, FSC International launched the revision of the FSC US Controlled Wood National Risk Assessment (US NRA) published in 2019. FSC Risk Assessments assess the risk of sourcing material from supply areas, such as controlled wood from non-certified forests, and establish mitigation measures to address those identified risks. In 2024, FSC International published the revised FSC-PRO-60-006b FSC Risk Assessment Framework, which now aligns with recently revised FSC policies and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements (see background info here). Among the main changes to the Risk Assessment Framework are that the number of categories of risk has gone from five to twelve, and the number of indicators has gone from 32 to 64; the majority of the 64 new indicators are comprised of disaggregated original indicators and seven cover new subject matter. The US is one of seventeen countries updating national risk assessments based on the revised FSC Risk Assessment Framework. To facilitate the revision of the US NRA, FSC International has contracted two US-based consulting firms: Green Value and American Green Consulting Group, LLC. Their work is being done in collaboration with FSC US and according to the timeline below.
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Contracted 1.1% in December

“For the first time since March and April truck tonnage contracted for two consecutive months,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Tonnage fell 1.8% in November, bringing the two-month total decrease to 2.9%, pushing tonnage to its lowest level since January 2024. Sluggishness in factory output continues to weigh on freight volumes, but another drag on the index has been fleet growth at private carriers, which is holding back how much freight is flowing to for-hire carriers.” In December, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 111.3 compared with 112.6 in November. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was down 3.2% from the same month last year. The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 108.8 in December, 0.9% below November. The seasonally adjusted decrease follows a sequential 1.8% drop in November, which was revised up from the December 24 press release.
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UPM: 3 trends that will change the packaging industry

In the future packaging will be at least one of these things: made of renewable materials, recyclable, possibly reusable, and optimised to protect the product while avoiding overpacking. These three trends will change packaging for good. 1. Tailored minimalism - In the future packaging design, less is more. There is a growing demand for solutions that address the problem of overpackaging. This is demonstrated by the actions and opinions of consumers, environmental groups, and legislators. 2. Return of the reusable packaging - It would be an understatement to call recyclability a packaging trend as it is the main driver in packaging design at the moment. In addition to recyclable and recycled packaging materials, there will be more and more reusable packages in the future. 3. Going beyond fossils - With companies’ ambitious climate targets and EU regulation, it’s no wonder that replacing fossil-based materials in packaging remains a growing trend. Packaging designers are increasingly looking for alternative packaging materials that minimise environmental harm while maintaining functionality and performance.
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Revising PEFC Project Certification requirements: stakeholder feedback survey

We are revising the PEFC Project Certification requirements to respond to stakeholder needs, add value to companies, and align them with the latest version of the PEFC Chain of Custody standard, and we are looking for your feedback! Project certification provides independent verification of the use of certified timber in construction and other projects with a defined time and site. This survey aims to gather your valuable feedback to help improve these requirements. It is part of a broader effort to increase global demand for PEFC project certification and the procurement of PEFC-certified materials.
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PEFC RED II certification receives official recognition by the European Commission

The European Commission has officially recognised PEFC as a RED II compliant certification scheme. Companies in the forest biomass supply chain and energy producers from forest biomass fuels will be able to use PEFC RED II certification to comply with RED II obligations. More specifically, PEFC RED II certification has been formally recognised by the European Commission (EC) to demonstrate the compliance of consignments of biomass fuels derived from forest biomass, ligno-cellulosic processing residues from forest related industries, and ligno-cellulosic waste with the sustainability criteria laid down in Article 29(6) and (7) of the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).
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Safe Shipping Without Bubble Wrap: Innovative and Fully Recyclable Paper-Based Mailers

The Lemu Group and paper manufacturer Koehler Paper introduce fully paper-based mailers for a sustainable future.The result is a mailer that is completely made of paper and makes it possible to safely ship goods without the need for plastic bubble wrap. “Koehler Eco® Paper” recycled paper, which is used in these innovative mailers, is available in grammages of 120 to 350 gsm. Its extraordinary running properties make it ideal for further processing on standard converting systems. Within this context, the collaborative efforts between Koehler Paper and the Lemu Group have focused on developing cutting-edge sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce. “We’re extremely happy that we’re now able to produce a lightweight, versatile, and fully recyclable paper mailer on our machines after our tests with Koehler’s Eco® Paper recycled paper delivered excellent results,” says Jean-Claude Jaufret, director of the Paper Bags and Envelopes division from the Lemu Group.
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AF&PA Releases December 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in December increased 13% compared to December 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 12 months of 2023. The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 87.5%, up 12.5 points from December 2023 and up 6.4 points year-to-date. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers – food wrapping – were 23.6 thousand short tons for the month of December, down 0.6% from the same month last year and down 0.5% year-to-date.
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AF&PA Releases December 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 3% in December compared to December 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 1% in November compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.2%) when compared to November 2024. November year-to-date (YTD) total U.S. net imports grew 13% compared to the same period last year. UFS and CFS net imports increased by 17% and 60% YTD, respectively. MECH shipments however, increased by just 1% YTD.
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Savvas Learning Company’s SIOP® Model Approved by Colorado Department of Education for Colorado

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, today announced that its SIOP® Model Professional Learning has been adopted by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) as a state-approved English Learner Professional Development Program. Developed by founding authors, Jana Echevarría, Ph.D., MaryEllen Vogt, Ed.D., and Deborah J. Short, Ph.D., the SIOP® Model instructional framework is proven to be effective for making grade-level content accessible and engaging for English learners (ELs) while simultaneously advancing their academic language development. To better support Colorado students who are English language learners, the CDE’s State Board of Education adopted a new English Learner Professional Learning requirement for educators holding an elementary, math, science, social studies, or English language arts (or any middle-level) endorsement on a professional license.
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Atlantic Packaging Greenville is TRUE Zero Waste Certified!

Greenville Distribution is the first Atlantic distribution-only facility to obtain a TRUE Zero Waste certification, with a waste diversion rate of 93.9% over the last 12 months. Why it Matters: Atlantic Packaging’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina, is now TRUE Zero Waste Certified, making it the first distribution-only site in the company to achieve this milestone. This accomplishment underscores our commitment to sustainability — both for ourselves and our valued customers. How We Got Here: *Teamwork: Every employee played a role in reducing waste through recycling, composting, and innovative problem-solving. *Precision: Our warehouse manager weighed dumpsters before and after hauls for four weeks to ensure accurate data. *Engagement: Employees embraced deeper waste stream analysis, found outlets for challenging materials, and explored sustainable options such as low-waste catering.
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Eagle Flexible Packaging announces $5 million expansion plans in City of Waupun

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Eagle Flexible Packaging, a Batavia, IL-based firm, announced plans to construct a new $5 million, 52,000 square foot facility in the Waupun Industrial Park. At the January 14, 2025 meeting of the Waupun Common Council, Waupun’s elected officials approved a developer’s agreement to sell city owned land to the company, paving the way for the proposed expansion to begin in early 2025. Eagle Flexible Packaging began operations in the City of Waupun in 2021, after acquiring a formerly shuttered production facility located at 4 Taylor St. The company has added 65 jobs in Waupun since opening the Taylor St facility three and a half years ago. In 2024, Eagle Flexible Packaging acquired 1208 Wilson Drive in the Waupun Industrial Park and has invested more than $3 million in that facility, including facility improvements and the addition of state-of-the-art graphics equipment to support continued growth in Waupun.
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Inside information: Metsä Board plans to close its Tako board mill and enhance the operational efficiency of its Kyro board mill

Due to the prolonged weak profitability, Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, plans to close its Tako mill as well as to improve the efficiency of its Kyro mill, and launches change negotiations at both mills and related operations. The negotiations will involve a total of approximately 360 employees and may lead to a reduction of up to 215 employees. The negotiations are expected to last at least six weeks. If the plan is implemented, production at Tako mill would end in 2025. The aim of the change negotiations at the Kyro mill is to improve the profitability of the mill and safeguard its operational conditions. Any decisions on personnel reductions and mill closure will only be taken after the change negotiations have been concluded. In recent years, the production of folding boxboard at Tako and Kyro mills has remained well below capacity due to the market situation, and the mills have had to implement several temporary layoffs. Due to weak market situation and rapidly rising costs, both mills have been loss-making in 2023 and 2024. The cost competitiveness of Tako board mill is particularly weakened by its high energy costs and the small size of its production lines. The development of the mill is limited by its exceptional location in the centre of the city of Tampere.
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Direct Mail Revival

Direct mail has been having a moment (or two) in the past year or so, as major media outlets and providers rediscover its worth to brands, companies, and organizations. In an election cycle of record political ad spending, a GroupM study estimated that $1.2 billion would be spent on mail to drive voter turnout. And CBS News, NBC’s Today Show, and The Wall Street Journal all took note of the return of the J. Crew catalog to customers’ mailboxes this fall after a seven-year absence. Like a lot of mail, though, get-out-the-vote mailers and catalogs are using updated tactics and technologies to appeal to today’s consumers, who have become more dissociated from standalone digital messages.
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Monadnock Paper Mills Earns Platinum Rating in EcoVadis Corporate Social Responsibility Assessment, Joining Top 1% of Global Sustainability Leaders

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, proudly announces its achievement of Platinum status in the EcoVadis Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) assessment. This distinction places Monadnock among the top 1% of over 90,000 companies assessed globally – underscoring its legacy of sustainability and leadership in responsible craftsmanship. EcoVadis, a trusted independent global provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluates companies across four key areas: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Monadnock’s exceptional score of 83/100 reflects its dedication to sustainability, from carbon-neutral manufacturing powered by 100% renewable wind energy to responsible fiber sourcing certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C018866). “Our journey to a Platinum rating was driven by a company-wide unwavering commitment to meaningful action,” said Richard G. Verney, Chairman and CEO of Monadnock Paper Mills. “This achievement reflects the hard work of our employees and partners, whose dedication made this significant accomplishment possible.”
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UPM Raflatac Advances Sustainability Standards with BPA and BPS-Free Direct Thermal Laminates

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, reports that all manufacturing of their Direct Thermal laminate products in North America will no longer rely on Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS) direct thermal developers. Linked to environmental and health concerns, Bisphenol compounds BPA and BPS are commonly known as developers in the reactive layers of certain direct thermal products, including those used in manufacturing pressure-sensitive label stock. UPM Raflatac collaborates closely with raw material suppliers to ensure that these substances are not intentionally added to its direct thermal products or used in the raw materials for its direct thermal face sheets.
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UPM Raflatac unveils new swatchbooks for wine, spirits, beverage and premium labeling

UPM Raflatac is excited to announce the launch of its new swatchbooks for wine, spirits, beverage and premium labeling. The swatchbooks, available in a compact and larger-scale format in the EMEIA market, allow printers, brands and designers to assess the texture, color and esthetics of a wide portfolio of high-quality label materials. “Swatchbooks are essential tools for printers and designers, providing both a visual and tactile feel of label materials. Our goal was to present our solutions in a way which is both user-friendly and uniquely inspirational for the target market,” describes Stefano Pistoni, Senior Manager, Business Growth, Wine and Spirits Label Solutions, UPM Raflatac.
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Iowa Newspapers Cut Their Print Frequency

Two Iowa newspapers, The Dubuque Telegraph Herald and Cedar Rapids Gazette have announced that would reduce their print schedules to three days a week. The Telegraph Herald will reduce its print schedule from six days a week to three: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, starting on Feb. 15. The Gazette will cut its print schedule seven days a week to three: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. It starts on Feb. 17. The two Iowa papers blamed the evolving news landscape and the shift by readers to digital for the change.
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South Carolina State Board of Education Approves Savvas Learning Company’s enVision Mathematics and Experience Math Programs for Grades K-5

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is excited to announce that its enVision Mathematics South Carolina program for Grades K-5 has been approved by the South Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) for inclusion on the new list of state-adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). The award-winning enVision Mathematics program provides evidence-based, standards-aligned content, combined with personalized adaptive learning, to help all students develop deep conceptual math understanding, procedural skills, and fluency. In addition to enVision, the South Carolina SBE also approved Experience Math K-5, another math program by Savvas. A student-centered program that engages students through exploration and a hands-on learning approach, Experience Math K-5 also supports teachers with high-value, in-the-moment professional learning to create collaborative classrooms.
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Savvas Learning Company is Named to the GSV 150 For the Third Year in a Row

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is proud to announce that it has been named to the 2025 edition of the GSV 150, an annual list of the top 150 private companies transforming digital learning and workforce skills. This is the third year in a row that Savvas has been named to the GSV 150. “Savvas has long been a leader in utilizing adaptive technology to provide students with deeply personalized learning experiences,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “Advances in artificial intelligence are allowing us today to offer even greater personalized learning for students and enhanced support for educators in ways not previously possible. To be named to the GSV 150 is truly an honor, especially for three years running, as it recognizes our commitment to using technology to transform the K-12 teaching and learning experience.”
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How to Elevate Your Marketing with Sustainability: Build Trust and Drive Growth Today Leverage Sustainability for Long-Term Business Success

Why Marketing with Sustainability is a Must: Consumers today demand more than great products—they want brands that reflect their values. A Nielsen report found that 73% of global consumers are willing to change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact. By integrating sustainability into your marketing strategy, you can build trust, foster loyalty, and drive growth while making a meaningful impact. This quick guide explores how to align your marketing efforts with sustainability practices to gain a competitive edge and connect with the modern conscious consumer.
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Annual Printing Impressions 300 Ranking Reveals Mix of Ups and Downs

It’s been 41 years since the annual Printing Impressions list of the largest printing companies in the U.S. and Canada first launched. It was 500 companies for decades, but over the years it decreased in size due to industry consolidation and other factors. Although it has changed over the years, it continues to serve as the pulse of the industry. You’ll notice on this year's list more than a few companies on the list experienced significant growth or decline between their previous and current fiscal year sales. Although companies don’t disclose the reasons for such changes, we did have the chance to speak with a few companies that experienced significant growth in our annual Fast-Track Firms article (we will publish those profiles in the coming weeks). These companies — such as No. 38 Phoenix, Arizona's Prisma Graphic (66% growth) or No. 94 Winston-Salem, North Carolina's Salem One (35% growth) — noted investments — whether into technology, other businesses, relationships and customers, or target markets — as the primary drivers of success.
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Mondi wins 10 prestigious WorldStar Awards for innovative packaging solutions

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is proud that 10 of its innovative products have received WorldStar Packaging Awards in 2025. The awards, organised annually by the World Packaging Organisation, celebrate outstanding achievements in packaging design and technology across the globe. "We are proud to mark a milestone in 2025 with Mondi receiving more WorldStar awards than ever before. This broad recognition across our regions highlights the strength of partnerships with our customers and the creativity and collaborative efforts of our teams. These awards inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and deliver even more innovative solutions." Markus Gärtner, CEO Corrugated Packaging
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UPM – Gentle Reminder: Join our EUDR information session on January 16

We are hosting two information sessions to keep you updated on EUDR developments. Register today and join us on Thursday, January 16th for one of the following sessions: • Option 1: 9:00-9:40 EET (8:00-8:40 CET) • Option 2: 16:00-16:40 EET (15:00 - 15:40 CET). During the information session we will cover: • Updates to EU Deforestation Regulation • UPM’s implementation and EUDR compliance • Q&A from audience. register at: https://www.upmpaper.com/campaign/eudr-information-session/
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Two Sides North America Launches the Love Paper Campaign

Two Sides North America (TSNA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Love Paper Campaign, an innovative initiative to educate and inspire consumers about the sustainability, versatility, and everyday benefits of paper-based products. Now accessible at www.lovepaperna.org, the campaign highlights the essential role of paper in our lives, from books to pizza boxes, magazines to milk cartons. The Love Paper Campaign provides fact-based insights and practical tools to make informed decisions about supporting sustainable print, paper, and paper-based packaging. “At Two Sides North America, we’re passionate about sharing the story of paper as a renewable, recyclable, and responsible choice,” stated Jules Van Sant, Executive Director of TSNA. “The Love Paper Campaign is designed to inspire confidence in paper-based products and dispel misconceptions about their environmental impact, helping consumers recognize the vital role paper plays in building a sustainable future.”
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Phenix Label Doubles Production Capacity of RFID-Enabled Packaging

Phenix Label, a leader in prime labels and flexible packaging, today announced the company has doubled production capacity of RFID-enabled packaging for hard-to-tag retail items. With this increased capacity, Phenix Label enables its clients to significantly ramp up production volume, including packaging for water-based food items that have not been previously tracked using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. Phenix Label's breakthrough packaging design substantially improves reliability of RFID scanning for liquid-filled consumer packaged goods (CPG) and food items, empowering more accurate inventory management and traceability for grocery and nutraceutical brands. In fact, RFID now accounts for 32% of the food traceability market and is growing at nearly 10% per year because it enables reliable, real-time tracking throughout the supply chain, helping food retailers meet strict food standards, particularly in the event of a product recall.
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Victory Packaging becomes Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions

Spanning over 50 years Victory Packaging has built a legacy providing packaging and related services across North America, first as an independent company then as the integrated distribution arm for two successive packaging companies. Decades of experience, a zest for continuous improvement, and a focus on customer service have grown the business into a comprehensive packaging solutions provider, which today began operating as Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions. The business provides engineering, supply chain, kitting and assembly, automation, digital and logistics solutions that help customers reduce total costs, improve their sustainability footprint, mitigate risk, and grow sales. “Our new brand reflects our service-driven approach to solving business challenges, delivering value to our customers and signals our ability to tap into extensive capabilities and resources as part of one of the world’s largest paper and packaging companies,” said Scott MacDonald, president, Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions.
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Nordstrom Reports Holiday Sales

Nordstrom, Inc. announced a total Company net sales increase of 4.9 percent and a comparable sales increase of 5.8 percent for the nine-week holiday period ended January 4, 2025, compared with the nine weeks ended December 30, 2023. For the Nordstrom banner, net sales increased 3.7 percent and comparable sales increased 6.5 percent, while Nordstrom Rack banner net sales increased 7.4 percent and comparable sales increased 4.3 percent. "As a result of our efforts to remain competitive in the promotional environment and the strength of our offering, our holiday sales in November and December exceeded the expectations we shared during our most recent earnings call," said Erik Nordstrom, chief executive officer of Nordstrom, Inc. "For the full year, we're raising our topline outlook and reaffirming our profitability guidance." Based on holiday results, the Company has updated its fiscal 2024 outlook. The Company now expects revenue growth, including retail sales and credit card revenues, of 1.5 to 2.5 percent versus the 53-week fiscal 2023, which includes an approximately 135 basis point unfavorable impact from the 53rd week, compared with its prior outlook of flat to 1.0 percent growth. Additionally, the Company expects comparable sales growth of 2.5 to 3.5 percent versus 52 weeks in fiscal 2023, compared with its prior outlook of 1.0 to 2.0 percent growth.
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Macy’s, Inc. Provides Fourth Quarter 2024 Update

Macy’s, Inc. go-forward business achieved quarter-to-date1 comparable sales2 growth, with Macy’s First 50 locations and luxury nameplates Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury all continuing their trend of positive comparable sales2 . Macy’s digital channel also achieved comparable sales2 growth for the period1 . Macy’s, Inc. comparable sales2 were roughly flat quarter-to-date1 with Macy’s non-First 50 locations, inclusive of non-go-forward locations, performing below expectations and generating negative comparable sales2 . The company expects fourth quarter 2024 adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in-line with the previously issued range of $1.40 to $1.65 and net sales to be at, to slightly below, the low-end of the previously issued range of $7.8 billion to $8.0 billion.
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Print Book Sales Saw a Small Sales Increase in 2024

Though unit sales of print books rose by less than 1% in 2024 over 2023, it was the first annual increase in three years at outlets that report to Circana BookScan. Unit sales totaled 782.7 million in the year ended Dec. 28, 2024, compared to 778.3 million in 2023. While 2024 sales were down from the 839.7 million units sold in the peak year of 2021, the figure was higher than the 759.6 million print copies sold in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. In 2024, sales gradually improved over the course of the year and saw a 1.6% increase in the fourth quarter. For the full year, the sales performance followed a familiar path, as adult fiction was once again the driver, with units rising 4.8%. Fantasy had the biggest increase in the adult segment, up 35.8%.
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Celebrating the Unique Culture at our Hialeah Tissue Mill

All of our Domtar facilities embody our corporate culture, but each has its own unique personality, crafted year after year by the people who work there and influenced by the communities where they live, work and play. Our Hialeah Tissue Mill in Hialeah, Florida, is no exception. The mill is one of the few fully integrated tissue manufacturers in North America. It produces virgin and recycled tissue products in a variety of grades for the at-home and away-from-home markets. The mill boasts a number of environmental certifications and has achieved several safety milestones, most recently in 2024 when it reached 1,000,000 hours without a recordable injury. What makes the Hialeah tissue mill so special? According to Dinorah Diaz, a payroll specialist and human resources generalist who has been part of the Hialeah team since 1989, it comes down to respect and honesty.
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ANDRITZ bast fiber lines for flax processing start up at Van Robaeys

International technology group ANDRITZ supplied and recently commissioned two new refining and cottonizing lines for Van Robaeys, France. With the new lines, Van Robaeys is responding to the growing demand from the French market for cottonized and high-quality textile fibers from natural sources. Europe is the world’s largest producer of flax fibers, showing a 133% increase in flax cultivation areas between 2010 and 2020. The ANDRITZ teXline bast fiber lines can process up to 800 kg/h of fiber and use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a high degree of flexibility throughout the fiber processing operations.
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AAP Welcomes USTR Review of Notorious Pirate Sites Harmful to Publishers and Authors

The Association of American Publishers today welcomed the release of the 2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The Notorious Markets List highlights online and physical markets around the world engaged in industrial-scale copyright infringement and counterfeiting, which adversely impacts the interests of U.S. publishers, authors, and other rights holders. “This annual report is a critically important tool for identifying online sites and marketplaces that traffic in infringing copies of books and journal articles,” said Lui Simpson, Executive Vice President for Global Policy at AAP. “On behalf of publishers we thank USTR for their work in protecting the intellectual property of publishers and authors, whose livelihoods directly depend on the protection and enforcement of their rights,”
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Amazon selling its ad tools to other retailers

Amazon is looking to expand its lucrative ad business by selling the technology that powers it to other retailers. In an email to Chain Store Age, the online giant announced a new program called Amazon Ad Retail Service that lets other retailers use its own tools to showcase ads on their own websites. Built on the hosted Amazon Web Services platform, it enables retailers to show product ads on their search, browse, and product pages to help customers with product discovery and purchase decisions. The ads can incorporate availability and price, in addition to contextual information such as shopper search query, category or product being viewed to help ensure customers see ads for desired and available products.
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Postmedia Reports First Quarter Results

“The results of our first quarter signal a positive start to the 2025 fiscal year and demonstrate meaningful progress, with total revenue growing compared to this time last year,” said Andrew MacLeod, Postmedia President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am particularly encouraged by the trajectory of our advertising revenue stream, which is showing positive year-over-year growth. This, combined with strong performance in our circulation and parcel divisions, reflects the successful execution of our strategic initiatives and the increasing value we deliver to our partners,” said MacLeod. “As we move forward, we remain focused on sustainable growth and operational excellence across all our business segments.” Revenue for the quarter was $110.3 million as compared to $104.6 million in the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of $5.7 million (5.4%). Total operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and restructuring increased $6.1 million, or 6.1%, for the quarter ended November 30, 2024, relative to the same period in the prior year. Operating income before depreciation, amortization and restructuring in the quarter was $5.5 million, a decrease of $0.4 million relative to the same period in the prior year. Net loss in the quarter ended November 30, 2024 was $24.5 million, as compared to a net loss of $10.6 million in the same period in the prior year.
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Tidewater Direct Acquires The Notepad Store

Tidewater Direct announced the integration of the Notepad Store into its Centreville printing operation. The Notepad Store, of Wallingford Connecticut, was a well-known manufacturer of generic notepads for non-profit agencies and the trade since 2017 led by President Kevin Corbett. Tidewater Direct is known for high-quality direct mail printing, to include continuous forms printing, commercial inkjet printing and finishing to the trade, pharmaceutical printing, and direct mail generic insert printing. Common generic formats include buck slips, terms and conditions, generic letters of all types. With its fleet of conventional and inkjet presses, to include Sunday 2000s, Sanden 1500s, and Screen 520 HD and NX inkjets, Tidewater is well-positioned to vertically integrate with the Notepad Store’s padding equipment to offer a full-service solution for direct mail, pharmaceutical and retail pads. “This integration demonstrates our commitment to our business model and to our clients,” remarked Geoff Eisenberg, President and Chief Operating Officer of Tidewater when asked about the philosophy behind this acquisition. “We’re excited to offer this new product to our clients and feel that we’ll create a value proposition that makes a lot of sense in this space.”
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CHASM Exclusively Licenses AgeNT® Express Transparent Conductive Film to Mativ for Heated Glass Solutions

Mativ Holdings (Mativ), manufacturer of Argotec interlayer films for high-performance glazing, and Chasm Advanced Materials, Inc. (CHASM) have announced an exclusive licensing agreement. CHASM’s AgeNT® Silver Nanowire (AgNW) and Carbon Nanotube (CNT) hybrid performance film technology will be licensed to Mativ for transparent heating solutions in advanced glass and window applications across architectural, military, and transportation segments. This licensing agreement marks another milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Mativ and CHASM, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of a portfolio of AgeNT® Express films.
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Second US port strike averted as union, employers reach deal

The union representing 45,000 dock workers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts and their employers on Wednesday said they reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract, averting further strikes that could have snarled supply chains and taken a toll on the U.S. economy. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group, in a joint statement, called the agreement a "win-win." The deal includes a resolution in automation, which had been the thorniest issue of on the table. "This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coast ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong," the groups said.
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Amcor named among Australia’s sustainability leaders by Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

Amcor has again been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI): Australia Index (DJSI Australia), recognized for its commitment to environmental, social and governance sustainability performance. Amcor ranked within the top 12% of the packaging and containers industry, reaffirming its leadership position in the sector. “This recognition is particularly meaningful to us – not only because it happens in the country in which we were founded 165 years ago, but also because it highlights our progress in providing responsible packaging that benefits both our customers and the Earth,” said Tracey Whitehead, Amcor’s global head of investor relations. “We remain steadfast in driving innovative change and revolutionizing product design across a wide range of materials to deliver more sustainable packaging solutions for our customers.”
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Smurfit Westrock’s paper pallet wrap set to drive down supply chain emissions

Smurfit Westrock’s innovative new paper pallet wrap is helping companies to make their supply chains significantly more sustainable. Smurfit Westrock has produced a 100% paper-based alternative to the polyethylene stretch wrap which is commonly used to stabilise pallet loads in transportation. The global stretch wrap market was valued at USD 4.27 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly1. The innovative new solution is made from Nertop® Stretch Kraft paper which is fully recyclable. Its capabilities also include high energy absorption and strong performance in humid conditions. The pallet wrap is the latest addition to Smurfit Westrock’s Better Planet Packaging Portfolio which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of packaging.
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Drytac introduces Product Specialist role with two new hires

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Payne and Anthony Shelmerdine as its Product Specialists in the UK and Ireland with immediate effect. The customer-focused and knowledge-led Product Specialist position highlights Drytac’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and expertise. Drytac Product Specialists will work closely with Drytac’s exclusive UK stockist and partner Premier to promote Drytac’s suite of products through dynamic presentations and expert training sessions. Other key responsibilities will include business development and growth, account prospecting and support, customer relationship management, and working closely with customers to recommend product solutions tailored to specific needs and applications.
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UPS Completes Acquisitions of Healthcare Cold-Chain Logistics Providers Frigo-Trans and BPL

UPS announced that it has completed the acquisition of Frigo-Trans and its sister company BPL, which provide industry-leading, complex healthcare logistics solutions across Europe. The acquisitions further enhance the end-to-end capabilities available to UPS Healthcare customers, who increasingly need temperature-controlled and time-critical logistics solutions globally. Frigo-Trans’ network includes temperature-controlled warehousing ranging from cryopreservation (-196°C) to ambient (+15° to +25°C) as well as Pan-European cold chain transportation. This combined with the logistics solutions brought by BPL’s time-critical freight forwarding capabilities further enhances UPS Healthcare solutions for customers in Europe.
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Adobe: Holiday Shopping Season Drove a Record $241.4 Billion Online and Rising 8.7% YoY

Adobe released online shopping data for the 2024 holiday season, covering the period from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. Based on Adobe Analytics data, the analysis provides the most comprehensive view into U.S. e-commerce by analyzing commerce transactions online, covering over 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail sites, 100 million SKUs and 18 product categories. Adobe Analytics is part of Adobe Experience Cloud, relied upon by the majority of the top 100 internet retailers in the U.S.* to deliver, measure and personalize shopping experiences online. Consumers spent $241.4 billion online from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, up 8.7% year-over-year (YoY) and setting a new record for e-commerce. 15 days saw consumers spend more than $4 billion in a single day (up from 11 days in 2023). Mobile shopping hit a new milestone, with the majority of online transactions (54.5%) taking place through a smartphone this season (up from 51.1% in 2023); Mobile shopping was highest on Christmas Day (Dec. 25), driving 65% of online sales (63% in 2023).
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New Wiley Partnership with M3 Digital Communications to Expand Reach of Medical Education Programs

Wiley continues to expand the reach of its medical education programs through a new partnership with M3 Digital Communications. This new partnership will enable Wiley's medical education programs to reach a larger target audience of Japanese medical professionals. M3 Digital Communications is part of the M3 Group Japan, which operates m3.com, one of the largest dedicated healthcare professional sites in Japan, with over 90% of Japanese physicians registered. The company contributes to the medical industry through integrated digital marketing services, including live streaming, websites, video content, and social media. As a result of this new partnership, Wiley and M3 Digital Communications will jointly create and distribute new medical content that meets the information needs of Japanese healthcare professionals.
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HarperCollins Holland to Acquire Lifestyle Imprints from Gottmer

HarperCollins Holland today announced it has agreed to acquire the lifestyle imprints Altamira, Becht, Dominicus, and Hollandia, along with associated personnel, from publisher Gottmer Uitgevers Groep (Gottmer), effective March 1, 2025. The acquisition will further expand HarperCollins Holland’s fast-growing position in the trade book market in the Netherlands and Belgium. The acquired imprints—part of Gottmer based in Haarlem—have more than 125 years of publishing history. They hold leading positions in their respective markets, with successful bestselling authors, a strong content pool, and exceptional brand awareness. As part of the deal, Vaarbewijs Academy, a boating license training platform, will also join the HarperCollins Holland portfolio.
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Huhtamaki appoints Ralf K. Wunderlich as President and CEO

Huhtamaki appoints Ralf K. Wunderlich (58) as President and CEO effective on January 15, 2025 when the Company’s current President and CEO Charles Héaulmé steps down. Charles will be available as needed to secure smooth transition until July 2025. "I warmly thank Charles for the excellent work during his nearly six years’ term at Huhtamaki. Under Charles’s leadership the Company has made great progress in its journey to become the first choice for sustainable packaging solutions and forming its updated 2030 growth strategy. Huhtamaki has been focusing on scaling up profitable core businesses, developing and deploying proprietary innovative sustainable packaging solutions, and driving world-class competitiveness. We wish Charles all the best in his next endeavors," says Pekka Vauramo, Chair of the Board. "I am happy and very proud of our achievements with the Huhtamaki team during the past years. The Company is on a great track and there are plenty of opportunities providing growth. This is a good time for me to move on," Charles Héaulmé comments.
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The Papira® pilot plant is proving that wood foam can phase out plastic

We are all eager to do better – to make better choices. But we need options. At Stora Enso we have great news for everyone seeking to end their fossil dependency. Papira® by Stora Enso is a revolutionizing wood-based foam, designed to reduce plastics and waste in future packaging solutions. While there has been an ongoing global conversation about the need for a sustainable alternative, a tangible solution has been evolving behind closed doors at the Pilot plant in Fors Mill in Avesta, Sweden. This is where Stora Enso is testing and verifying fully recyclable wood foam in pilot volumes, designed to phase out plastic foams across multiple industries. Meaning your electronic equipment, medicine, beauty products, and kitchen appliances in a very near future can be sustainably safeguarded during transport, storage, and handling. The material is lightweight with excellent shock absorbing properties – with the undeniable sustainable benefit of being plastic-free, fully recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
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UPM Raflatac partners with Highlands to expand its market presence in sticky notes in the United Kingdom

UPM Raflatac is pleased to announce a new partnership with Highlands to boost the sales of UPM Raflatac Office Products in the United Kingdom. Highlands will support the growth ambitions for UPM Raflatac’s sticky notes business under the brands inFO Notes and UPM Notes. “The UK market offers great potential for our sticky notes business. We are excited to partner with a well-connected and experienced organization like Highlands to drive growth from these market opportunities,” states Ville Pollari, Director, Industrials & Office Products, UPM Raflatac. UPM Raflatac is one of the world’s largest sticky notes manufacturers with nearly 30 years of experience in the business. The company offers a broad range of products, such as sticky notes, cubes and page markers under the brand inFO Notes and a growing range of plastic-free sticky notes under the brand UPM Notes.
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Eagle Valley Publishing Acquires Several Nevada Titles

Eagle Valley Publishing has acquired the Nevada Appeal, The Record-Courier, the Lahontan Valley News and Northern Nevada Business Weekly from Pacific Publishing Company. The terms were not disclosed. The publications will be operated by Nevada News Group, a division of Eagle Valley Publishing, according to the Nevada Appeal. The 29 employees in the group will continue with Eagle Valley Publishing. Eagle Valley Publishing was founded in 2023 by Adam Trumble, the editor of the Appeal and current operations director for the publications.
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S&P Global Acquires ProntoNLP, Expanding its Generative AI-Powered Product Portfolio

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) today announced that it has acquired ProntoNLP, a leading provider of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tooling, allowing users to derive differentiated insights from unstructured and structured data. ProntoNLP’s proprietary models and LLM-based signal tools will bolster S&P Global’s textual data analytics capabilities. Founded in 2021, ProntoNLP utilizes proprietary natural language processing (NLP) capabilities coupled with large language models (LLMs) for fast, efficient and deep analysis of unstructured financial data at scale. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the company offers a set of customizable solutions for event detection and sentiment scoring. ProntoNLP will be integrated within the S&P Global Market Intelligence division of S&P Global, and its intellectual property is expected to power broader enterprise-wide applications.
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Sonoco Announces Senior Leadership Changes for 2025

Jerry Cheatham, a 36-year finance leader within Sonoco, has been named interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Chief Financial Officer Rob Dillard, who has departed the Company. Mr. Cheatham has been Vice President of Global Finance for the Company’s Industrial Paper Packaging segment since December 2022 and previously served in several finance and accounting leadership roles since joining the Company in 1988. Mr. Cheatham holds a BS degree in Accounting from South Carolina State University and an EMBA from Vanderbilt University. The Company is undergoing a retained search for internal and external candidates to identify and select a permanent Chief Financial Officer. “Jerry is a trusted and respected leader within Sonoco who brings strong financial and operational expertise into this role. He will ensure an orderly transition of duties and provide further stability to our global finance organization,” said Howard Coker, President and Chief Executive Officer. “I want to thank Rob for his contributions since joining the Company in 2018, and for helping to build our current finance team and focusing our strategy to transform Sonoco into a global leader in sustainable metal and fiber packaging through several significant transactions, including the acquisitions of Eviosys and Ball Metalpack and the recently announced divestiture of our Thermoformed and Flexible Packaging (TFP) business to Toppan Holdings. We wish him all the best in his future professional and personal endeavors.”
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Atlantic Packaging’s Quinn Corrugated Plant | Expansion & New Capabilities

Our corrugated manufacturing facility has expanded its capabilities to provide even more options for sustainable, innovative, and customer-focused packaging solutions that protect products and improve supply chain efficiency. Here are some of the benefits our customers can expect from these changes: *Located just outside of Charleston, South Carolina, our corrugated plant exists to help our customers succeed with some of the best production lead times in the market. *Whether it’s designing for multiple SKUs or creating multi-component packaging with interior forms, we deliver unmatched value. *Our hybrid business model strikes the perfect balance between packaging distribution and value-added manufacturing — representing 30% of our revenue. *From regular slotted containers to jumbo boxes and retail displays, we tailor each solution to meet your specifications with efficiency, flexibility, and superior care.
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Inteplast Engineered Films, Bison Bag Collaborate on Store Drop-Off Recyclable Stand-Up Pouch Portfolio

Inteplast Engineered Films (IEF), manufacturer of blown polyethylene (PE) films, and Bison Bag, a New York-based flexible packaging converter, have developed a comprehensive portfolio of store drop-off recyclable flexible packaging solutions. The stand-up pouches align with brand owners’ sustainable packaging goals and satisfy the increasing demands of end users for more recyclable options. Bob Stein, president of Inteplast Engineered Films, said that IEF is focused on taking a leadership role in developing sustainable packaging solutions for some time. “Through projects with suppliers, other Inteplast businesses, and development partners like Bison Bag, IEF has long recognized the exciting opportunity to be a real innovator in the emerging sustainable packaging space. Several years ago, we made it a main objective for our technical and sales teams to focus on how we can better support the shift toward recyclable flexible packaging,” said Stein. “What started as a collaboration incorporating recycled content for a large retailer eventually evolved into our full InteGreen™ family of sustainable films. Today, we’re proud to be a leader in the space.”
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US port labor talks resume with spotlight on automation

Contract talks covering 45,000 dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts are set to restart on Tuesday in a labor dispute that will help set the pace of automation at ports stretching from Maine to Texas. The International Longshoremen’s Association wants to eliminate past labor contract concessions on automation – notably the use of semi-automated cranes that stack containers on docks – arguing they pose a threat to jobs. If the two sides do not reach a deal by Jan. 15, workers at container ports that handle more than half of U.S. ocean imports could start a strike just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration.
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Gannett and Reuters Launch Bundle Content Offering

Gannett Co., Inc. and Reuters announced an agreement to provide media brands and publishers with a unique offering that includes ready-to-publish local, regional, state, national and international multimedia news and content. The new offering will combine Reuters extensive national and international coverage with Gannett’s USA TODAY Network coverage of local news from more than 200 publications across the country. This enables media companies to focus their efforts on the stories that matter most to their communities, while relying on Reuters and the USA TODAY Network for relevant content including breaking news, entertainment, sports and lifestyle coverage. This collaboration offers an innovative product that addresses the evolving needs of media brands leveraging USA TODAY Network’s extensive national reach and Reuters unparalleled national and international coverage. The collaboration delivers an unbiased and impartial news offering from Reuters, with USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network’s extensive coverage on diverse topics from local communities, delivered in a single news feed.
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Robert G. Taub Elected Vice Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission

The Postal Regulatory Commission voted unanimously to designate Commissioner Robert G. Taub as vice chairman of the Commission effective January 1, 2025, succeeding Commissioner Tom Day. Agency regulations provide that the commissioners elect a member to serve as vice chairman for a term of one year. Robert G. Taub was chairman of the Commission for more than 6 years, from December 2014 until January 2021. Three times appointed to the Commission following unanimous confirmations by the U.S. Senate in 2011, 2016, and 2023, Commissioner Taub has more than 40 years of public service experience at the local, state, and federal levels. Before joining the Commission in October 2011, he was a principal civilian advisor to the Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh. As an Army senior executive, he helped the Secretary lead a workforce of more than 1.2 million people and manage an annual budget exceeding $200 billion. Commissioner Taub was awarded the Army's Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service.
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American Packaging Corporation Leadership Transition

American Packaging Corporation (APC), a leader in flexible packaging solutions, announced Ray Graham has transitioned to the role of Chief Executive Officer and President of American Packaging. This is part of APC's leadership transition plan announced in December 2023 that included, effective January 1, 2025, the following leadership changes: *Jeff Koch, former CEO, retired on December 31, 2024, and joined APC's board of directors. *Ray Graham, APC President, is now CEO and President. "As I step into the role of CEO, I am excited about the future of American Packaging and the unlimited potential for our business," Ray Graham said. "I will continue to engage with our valued customers, strategic suppliers, and most importantly our employees, who are the most talented, results oriented team of professionals in the flexible packaging industry. As a family-owned business, APC is unmatched in our continuous investment in capital equipment, technologies, and talented people, that ensure our customers and our future customers that we are the best supplier to partner with them to achieve their packaging goals."
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Irving Forest Products Acquires Sawmill in Maine

Irving Forest Products, which owns and operates wood processing facilities in Maine and New York State, will acquire the Masardis Sawmill in Masardis, Maine. The sale will close January 5, 2025. Previously owned by Groupe Lebel, the Masardis operation has a long history of producing random-length spruce and fir lumber. It currently employs 80 people and has the capacity to produce 115 million board feet annually. The sawmill is located within close proximity to Irving’s 1.3 million acres of timberlands in Maine. “We are excited to grow our lumber production capacity in the state of Maine,” said Jerome Pelletier, VP of Irving Forest Products. “The Masardis mill is well-located to access high-quality timber. It is also serviced by the Maine Northern Railway and benefits from having a team of highly skilled and dedicated employees who have worked together for decades to ensure the success of their operation.”
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Twin Rivers Announces Leadership Transition

Twin Rivers Paper Company announced the promotion of Tyler Rajeski as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2025. Tyler succeeds Debabrata Mukherjee, who will continue his service to Twin Rivers as Chairman of the Board. Tyler joined Twin Rivers Paper in April 2022 as Vice President of Finance and was named Chief Financial Officer in August 2022, leading the company’s finance, accounting, treasury and tax functions. In April 2023, he was named President in addition to his role as Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Tyler held Associate and Senior Associate positions with Atlas Holdings (“Atlas”), which acquired Twin Rivers in 2013. Tyler completed GE’s Financial Management Program and holds a degree in finance from Siena College.
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East Coast Port Negotiation Standoff Remains ‘Unchanged’

Maersk is sending a message to customers ahead of a possible second strike at the East and Gulf Coast ports—pick up your cargo before Jan. 15. The container shipping giant said in a Tuesday advisory that it strongly encourages customers to retrieve their loaded containers from the ports ahead of the contract expiration date, as well as return all empty containers to the gateways. “This proactive measure will help mitigate any potential disruptions at the terminals,” said Maersk in the update. “Our teams are actively developing contingency plans to minimize the impact should a labor disruption occur. “ The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has maintained that it will go on strike for a second time in more than three months after walking away from negotiations in November. The ILA went on strike for three days from Oct. 1-3 before coming to an agreement on a 61.5 percent wage increase spread over six years.
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Nebraska Newspapers Saved By Last-Minute Deals (Ray Schultz)

The Ainsworth (Nebraska) Star-Journal has been saved by a last-minute purchase that the co-owner Rod Worrell calls a “Christmas miracle.” The paper is being taken over by a group that includes local radio station owner Graig Kinzie and Clint and Katie Painter, who own a car dealership in Ainsworth, the Nebraska Examiner reports. Also in the group are Kirk and Chelsea Peterson, Kinzie was preparing to assume ownership of the paper, but couldn’t find anyone to run it in the tight labor market. But the Painters came forward and said their daughter Erin is returning to town and is interested in doing the job.
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Schumann Printers Enhances Production Efficiency with Additional Kodak Magnus

At Schumann Printers (SPI), we are excited to announce the latest addition to our production line: a Kodak Magnus VLF with the fastest speed head available in the Magnus series. We are thrilled to expand our capabilities with this second Magnus system. The decision to acquire an additional Kodak Magnus was driven by our commitment to meeting the growing demands of our clients while maintaining the high standards of quality and timeliness they expect. This Magnus complements our existing equipment, allowing us to further streamline our prepress operations and improve overall efficiency. Dan Schumann, President of Schumann Printers, shared his thoughts on the acquisition: “Adding a second Kodak Magnus to our production lineup underscores our dedication to delivering on-time, high-quality results. This additional system enhances our ability to meet tight deadlines and support our clients’ diverse needs.”
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New Additions to SPI’s Saddle Stitcher Lines

Schumann Printers (SPI) is pleased to announce the latest enhancements to our production capabilities with the purchase of new Sim bases for our tabbers on the Primera Pro and Tempo 22 saddle stitchers. Additionally, we have invested in a new Sim book flipper and mail table for the SP 1000 saddle stitcher, enabling us to implement a new style of inkjetters for addressing books. These upgrades are part of our ongoing commitment to improving efficiency, simplifying processes, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving printing industry. The new Sim bases for our tabbers will optimize the performance of the Primera Pro and Tempo 22, ensuring smooth, reliable operation and reducing downtime.
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UPM listed the only forest and paper industry company in the Dow Jones World and European Sustainability Indices

UPM has been listed as the only forest and paper industry company in the Dow Jones Global and European Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for the years 2024-2025. “We are committed to creating value for our customers by using sustainable, renewable resources, reducing our environmental footprint, and increasing our positive societal impact. Sustainability is a core strategic value for UPM,” says Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility at UPM. This commitment is strongly visible in the company’s updated strategy published in September. UPM’s business portfolio is based on sustainable feedstocks and fossil-free energy, positioning the company for growth in renewable fibres, advanced materials, and decarbonisation solutions, while graphic papers continue to generate strong cash flows.
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FedEx Announces Intent to Separate FedEx Freight

FedEx Corp. announced that its Board of Directors has concluded a comprehensive assessment of the role of FedEx Freight as part of its portfolio and has decided to pursue a full separation of FedEx Freight through the capital markets, creating a new publicly traded company. The separation is expected to be achieved in a tax-efficient manner for FedEx stockholders and executed within the next 18 months. As two industry-leading public companies, FedEx and FedEx Freight will continue to pursue their growth strategies. The separation will allow for more customized operational execution along with more tailored investment and capital allocation strategies to serve the unique and evolving needs of both the global parcel and LTL markets. They will also maintain the strategic advantages of cooperation on key commercial, operational, and technology initiatives. Customers of both businesses will continue to enjoy the same superior service, speed, and coverage they have come to expect from FedEx.
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Amcor completes previously announced sale of BCNA joint venture interest for $122 million; Proceeds used to reduce debt

Amcor announced it completed the sale of its 50% interest in Bericap North America (BCNA) for $122 million on December 27, with the proceeds used to reduce debt. Fiscal 2024 total sales for the joint venture were approximately $190 million and adjusted EBIT was approximately $19 million, both of which were previously fully consolidated under Amcor’s Rigid Packaging business. Adjusted net income attributable to Amcor for fiscal 2024 was approximately $8 million. Net of the resulting reduction in interest expense, the transaction is not expected to have an impact on Amcor’s financial outlook for fiscal 2025.
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Arkansas Book-Banning Law Declared Unconstitutional

The US District Court for the Western District of Arkansas today declared Arkansas Act 372 unconstitutional in an opinion indicating that the law is overbroad and void for vagueness, and permanently enjoined its enforcement. The Arkansas law would have subjected librarians and bookstore owners to criminal prosecution for making materials available on library and bookstore shelves that could be deemed harmful to younger minors and conceivably available for younger minors to view, and mandated a library book challenge procedure in public libraries whereby individuals may challenge books based on “appropriateness” (an undefined term not based on constitutional standards). In addition, review boards would have been allowed or even invited to engage in viewpoint and content-based discrimination. The ruling came in response to the suit filed by a coalition of plaintiffs that included local Arkansas libraries, as well as authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, and readers.
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AI Agents, 2025 Predictions For Advertisers

AI agents can analyze huge amounts of consumer data such as browsing history, purchase behavior, and social-media activity. The potential, especially for privacy concerns, could solve many of the challenges of online advertising. Google and Microsoft are working on their own individual AI agents, but there is no word on how the technology might support advertisers, brands and agencies. It is mostly speculation at this time. The technology would provide the ability to support real-time ad bidding, personalize messages and budget allocations while monitoring in real-time privacy settings based on state or country in which the ad targets the consumer.
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Contracted 1.9% in November

“The frustratingly choppy freight environment continued in November,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Since hitting a low in January of this year, tonnage is up a total of 1.1%, but the path has been fraught with nice gains one month only to come back down the next. The good news is that the overall trend this year is up, albeit at a slow rate.” In November, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 112.5 compared with 114.6 in October. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was down 1% from the same month last year. The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 109.6 in November, 9.6% below October. The seasonally adjusted decrease follows a sequential 1.2% gain in October, which was unchanged from the November 19 press release.
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Walsworth Announces Plans to Acquire Documation

Walsworth, a family-owned printing company based in Marceline, Missouri, recently announced that it will acquire Documation on Jan. 1, 2025, bringing it into the Walsworth brand. Documation will be renamed Walsworth – Eau Claire, and will be Walsworth’s eighth facility, joining the company’s locations in Marceline, Brookfield and Fulton, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Saint Joseph, Michigan; and Ripon, Wisconsin. Documation was founded in 1994, and for the last three decades, the company has offered print on demand services, utilizing digital inkjet printing technology to serve its customer base. Priding itself on its commitment to customer service, Documation has been praised by its customers for its flexibility and ease of doing business. These characteristics made it an ideal candidate to become part of Walsworth.
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What is Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, is the concept where brand owners, producers, and material manufacturers pay for the end-of-life costs to recycle or dispose of products they put on the market. Types of EPR are in place in countries around the world, including in Europe and Canada. It’s also in place in the U.S. too. Fees for producers vary based on the EPR program. Generally, fees might help cover: Material collection; Waste disposal; Technology upgrades; Educational materials; Program administration; Development of recycling end-markets.
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Nordstrom to Be Acquired by Nordstrom Family and Liverpool

Nordstrom, Inc. announced it has signed a definitive agreement under which Erik, Pete, Jamie Nordstrom and other members of the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Nordstrom not already beneficially owned by the Nordstrom Family and Liverpool in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.25 billion on an enterprise basis. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the Company. Under the terms of the agreement, Nordstrom common shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock they hold. The merger consideration represents a premium of approximately 42% to the Company's unaffected closing common stock price on March 18, 2024, the last trading day prior to media speculation regarding a potential transaction. In addition, the Board intends to authorize a special dividend of up to $0.25 per share (based on Nordstrom's cash on hand) immediately prior to and contingent on the close of the transaction. Upon completion of the transaction, Nordstrom will become a private company.
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News Corp Announces Agreement to Sell Foxtel to DAZN for Enterprise Value of A$3.4 Billion

Foxtel, which has transformed into a digital and streaming leader in sports and entertainment content under News Corp management, will join DAZN, a global provider of sports streaming, giving international exposure to Australian sport, while bringing Australian sports fans greater access to programming from across the globe. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholder loans in the amount of A$578 million outstanding and owing to News Corp will be repaid in full in cash at closing. Foxtel’s current debt will be refinanced at closing and transfer with Foxtel, and News Corp will hold a minority equity interest in DAZN of approximately 6% as well as one seat on its Board of Directors. Telstra Group Ltd (“Telstra”) will also sell its minority interest in Foxtel, have its shareholder loans of A$128 million repaid, and take a minority stake in DAZN of approximately 3%. The proposed transaction values Foxtel at an enterprise value of A$3.4 billion, representing more than 7x fiscal 2024 Foxtel EBITDA.
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Hearst Connecticut Media Group Negotiates To Purchase ‘The Republican-American’

The purchase could be finalized in January. “At Hearst Connecticut Media Group, we recognize the Republican-American as a pillar of journalistic excellence and a vital voice for the communities it serves,” says Mike DeLuca, group publisher and president of Hearst Connecticut Media Group. DeLuca continues, “We are committed to preserving the rich legacy of the Republican-American while enhancing its reach and resources for the benefit of readers and advertisers across Connecticut.”
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RRD to Acquire Williams Lea, Strengthening Business Support Services and Complementing Marketing Capabilities Globally

RRD announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Advent to acquire Williams Lea, a provider of tech-enabled business support services to financial, legal and professional services firms worldwide. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, pending regulatory clearance and customary closing conditions. Through the acquisition, Williams Lea will join RRD’s Digital, Creative and Business Support Services segment to further strengthen and expand its position as a transformation partner for business support and productivity solutions. This investment also complements the segment’s digital marketing capabilities that include a suite of full-funnel media, measurement and proprietary marketing technology offerings. Williams Lea is trusted by global clients to transform business processes in complex and highly regulated environments. Williams Lea clients will benefit from RRD’s client-centric approach, global reach and focus on leading technology. Williams Lea will maintain its brand name as part of RRD.
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Norske Skog Skogn signs 3-year power contract

Statkraft and Norske Skog Skogn have entered into a 3-year industrial power agreement for the supply of approximately 1 TWh (40 MW) during the period 2027–2029 to the company's paper mill in Skogn (Norway). Together with previous contracts, the agreement secures a significant portion of the mill's power supply at competitive terms through 2030. "We are very pleased with this agreement, which will provide the Skogn mill with a stable and substantial power supply at predictable prices going forward. In Central-Norway, power prices are advantageous compared to Southern Norway. The agreement helps secure jobs and the competitiveness of Skogn while also being important for the forestry industry in the region," says Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog and Chairman of Norske Skog Skogn AS.
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FedEx Reports Second Quarter Results

“Our second quarter results demonstrate that our efforts to transform our operations are working. The Federal Express segment delivered operating profit growth despite several headwinds, including the continued weak U.S. domestic demand environment as well as the expiration of our U.S. Postal Service contract,” said Raj Subramaniam, FedEx Corp. president and chief executive officer. “I am proud of the team for continuing to deliver solid service to our customers throughout the Peak season, as we create a more flexible, efficient, and intelligent network.” Consolidated operating results were negatively affected by lower-than-expected FedEx Freight revenue and profit, as sustained weakness in U.S. industrial production continued to pressure less-than-truckload industry demand. The lower FedEx Freight results were mostly offset by cost reduction benefits at Federal Express from DRIVE program initiatives and higher base yields at each transportation segment.
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AAP October 2024 StatShot Report: Overall Publishing Industry Up

Total revenues across all categories for October 2024 were up 8.3% as compared to October 2023, coming in at $1.4 billion. Year-to-date revenues were up 7.1%, at $12.1 billion for the first ten months of the year. Trade (Consumer Books) revenues were up 7.3% in October at $1.1 billion. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of October, in the Trade (Consumer Books) category, Hardback revenues were up 8.8%, coming in at $487.9 million; Paperbacks were up 6.2%, with $321.4 million in revenue; Mass Market was up 11.7% to $10.1 million; and Special Bindings were up 1.5%, with $27.2 million in revenue. Year-to-date Trade revenues were up 6.9% at $7.9 billion for the first ten months of the year. Hardback revenues were up 7.5%, coming in at $2.9 billion; Paperbacks were up 3.8%, with $2.7 billion in revenue; Mass Market was down 16.2% to $101.1 million; and Special Bindings were up 4.3%, with $187.4 million in revenue.
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Jaakko Nikkilä appointed President of Billerud Europe

Jaakko Nikkilä holds the position of Executive Vice President at UPM, heading the business area Specialty Paper with global sales of around EUR 1.5 billion, until year-end. Jaakko Nikkilä has extensive experience in both international sales and production of fiber-based packaging materials. He has been employed by the UPM Group since 1995 and served as a member of the UPM Group Executive Team since 2019. “I am very pleased that Jaakko Nikkilä will join Billerud to lead Region Europe where the focus for the coming years is to strengthen performance through our existing manufacturing assets. I am convinced that his qualities and deep understanding of the paper and packaging industry will be instrumental for Billerud going forward,” comments Ivar Vatne, President and CEO of Billerud. Jaakko Nikkilä, born 1967, is a Finnish citizen. He will assume the position as President of Billerud Europe on 1 May 2025 and will be based in Stockholm. As previously announced, Matthew Hirst will leave Billerud on 31 January 2025. Ivar Vatne will act as the interim President of Region Europe from 1 February to 30 April.
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AF&PA Releases November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

The American Forest & Paper Association released the November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6% in November compared to November 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 2% in October compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% when compared to October 2024. November year-to-date (YTD) total U.S. shipments grew 2% compared to the same period last year. UFS and CFS shipments increased by 0.1% and 7% YTD, respectively. MECH shipments however, decreased 2% YTD.
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Taiwan Becomes First in Asia-Pacific to Achieve 100% FSC Certification for Public Forests

After five years of effort, Taiwan has achieved a significant milestone in the Asia-Pacific region, with 100% of public forests now certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The certification covers nearly 1.6 million hectares, representing 71.5% of Taiwan’s total forest area—the highest certification rate in the region. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture introduced the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification system since 2018 to promote sustainable forest management. Mr. Lin Hua-qing, Director of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, emphasized that this accomplishment will help reduce Taiwan’s reliance on imported timber. By sustainably managing domestic plantations, Taiwan aims to increase self-sufficiency, reduce energy consumption, and cut carbon emissions from long-distance timber transportation.
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