Aki Temmes appointed SVP, Business Control & Finance Operations at UPM

Aki Temmes has been appointed Senior Vice President, Business Control & Finance Operations at UPM as of 1 January 2021. He will be based in Helsinki reporting to Tapio Korpeinen, CFO, UPM. Aki Temmes is currently Senior Vice President, UPM Timber. He joined UPM in 2003 and has previously held several Business Control leadership positions in UPM Biorefining and earlier in UPM’s paper business areas. Aki Temmes holds a Master’s degree in Finance from University of Tampere and an Executive MBA degree from Hanken School of Economics.
Read More

Asian members top growth in PEFC certified hectares

Every year, we award our PEFC members that have achieved the biggest increases in PEFC-certified forest area and PEFC chain of custody certificates. In 2020, the awards for highest growth in certified hectares all went to Asia! The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) took gold, thanks to an increase of over 950,000 hectares, following the certification of 10 forest management units in Johor, Sabah and Sarawak. This is an increase of over 20%, taking the PEFC-certified forest area in Malaysia to over 5.2 million hectares. Second place went to the Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF), our member for India. This award was particularly special, as their increase of 450,000 hectares represented the first PEFC-certified forest area in the country – this time last year, there were no certified hectares. In bronze position was the Korea Forest Certificate Council (KFCC), who also saw an extremely impressive increase, growing their certified forest area by more than 150%, up to 706,000 hectares. The Republic of Korea achieved their first PEFC-certified forest area in 2019.
Read More

Black Friday Sustainability: Three ways to help e-commerce go green

The US shopping phenomenon is now part of the British retail calendar with millions of packages delivered over the promotional period. Now, retail and waste management has to accommodate the pre-Christmas spending spree. The rise of e-commerce shopping, and the appeal of sale-price products during the holiday shopping weekend, sees a lot of products being shipped from stores to buyers’ homes. This, in turn, leads to large quantities of packaging that need to be recovered from domestic recycling collections in a way that allows said packaging to become high-quality material for recycling.
Read More

AF&PA Supports U.S. Department of Commerce’s Preliminary Ruling in Circumvention Inquiry on Uncoated Paper From China

“AF&PA supports the enforcement of free and fair trade laws. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s preliminary ruling in a circumvention inquiry into uncoated paper sheeter rolls from China is a positive step to ensure the U.S. paper industry operates according to fair trade principles in a highly competitive global market. “This preliminary ruling is based on an impartial, transparent process that abides by international rules and a set of facts and evidence. AF&PA believes U.S. government enforcement of domestic and international trade rules will help safeguard the health of the U.S. paper industry, allowing markets to function properly.”
Read More

Appvion Introduces Mission Zero™ Recyclable Hot and Cold Beverage Cup Stocks

Appvion Operations, Inc., announces the first of a comprehensive line of Sustainable Packaging Papers under the MISSION ZERO™ brand with the introduction of recyclable hot and cold beverage grades. • Water-based, dispersible, barrier coating • Manufactured without plastic film • Recyclable and repulpable • Broad basis weight and caliper range for cup sidewall and bottom • Works with all standard converting equipment • Excellent Heat Seal and Printing Surface • Manufactured in FDA cGMP certified facility. “MISSION ZERO hot and cold cup products encourage the transformation, innovation, and optimization in the paper and packaging value chain, a closed loop system, and circular economy by addressing the environmental concerns related to the life cycle of current plastic-coated cups.” said James Taylor, Director, Business Development- Packaging and Specialty Coatings
Read More

Georgia-Pacific Completes $100 Million Expansion of Bowling Green Dixie Facility

A worldwide pandemic and 75 days of rainy weather in Kentucky couldn’t stop a dedicated team from completing a $100 million expansion at Georgia-Pacific’s Bowling Green Dixie facility. The investment created more than 70 new jobs and includes an 80,000-square-foot building, a new printer and presses. GP will continue meeting the needs of customers as demand grows for Dixie plates and bowls. Originally built in 1991, the plant has seen several expansions in its nearly 30 years of operation. Production at the facility represents about one quarter of all paper plates and bowls produced by GP. Bowling Green is one of two facilities GP operates in Kentucky. Since 2013, the company has invested more than $200 million in its Kentucky operations.
Read More

Georgia-Pacific Products with Purpose

Georgia-Pacific recently relaunched its Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong® sub-brand to provide what one could say is a two-for-one deal. Combining both a sustainable bath tissue product that consumers can feel good about purchasing, while being able to enjoy the same premium comfort and quality. “Consumers today often believe they have to choose between bath tissue products that are either comfortable or sustainable, and we don’t think they should have to choose,” said Vivek Joshi, General Manager of Retail Bath Tissue at Georgia-Pacific. “When we decided to relaunch the Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong® sub-brand, our vision was to produce the same comfortable bath tissue our consumers know and love, but to do so in way that ensures they can feel good about purchasing a product that’s made with the environment in mind. While we are the experts when it comes to developing a more energy and water-efficient manufacturing process, for the tree plantings it was important to us to work with experts like the Arbor Day Foundation® who can help ensure that the plantings are done in the appropriate areas and are well taken care of at the proper stages for healthy forest rehabilitation.”
Read More

WestRock Named to 2020 Dow Jones Sustainability North America and World Indices

WestRock announced that it has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (DJSI North America) and Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for 2020, in recognition of its commitment to sustainable business practices. The Index is a widely recognized standard for measuring and advancing corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices across all industries. DJSI North America recognizes the top 20 percent of sustainability performers among the 600 largest U.S. and Canadian companies. DJSI World tracks the performance of the top 10 percent of the 2,500 largest companies in the S&P Global Broad Market IndexSM that lead the field in terms of sustainability.
Read More

The Home Depot Announces Agreement to Acquire HD Supply Holdings, Inc.

The Home Depot® announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire HD Supply Holdings, Inc., a leading national distributor of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products in the multifamily and hospitality end markets. The acquisition is expected to position The Home Depot as a premier provider in the MRO marketplace. "The MRO customer is highly valued by The Home Depot, and this acquisition will position the company to accelerate sales growth by better serving both existing and new customers in a highly fragmented $55 billion marketplace," said Craig Menear, chairman and CEO of The Home Depot. "HD Supply complements our existing MRO business with a robust product offering and value-added service capabilities, an experienced salesforce that enhances the strong team we have in place, as well as an extensive, MRO-specific distribution network throughout the U.S. and Canada."
Read More

UPM recognised the best in the forest and paper industry in the global Dow Jones Sustainability Index

UPM has been listed as the forest and paper industry leader in the Dow Jones European and World Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for 2020-2021. “Population growth, climate change and the scarcity of natural resources call for companies to take proactive actions. Finding alternatives to fossil materials and meeting global challenges is at the core of UPM's Biofore strategy,” says Sami Lundgren, VP, UPM Responsibility. “In 2020, we have taken significant steps to advance our responsibility agenda. In January, we became one of the world’s first forest industry companies that committed to the UN’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C and to science-based measures to mitigate global warming. Furthermore, we have established a Green Finance Framework and integrated our responsibility targets of sustainable forest management, emission reductions and innovative bioeconomy products into the company's long-term financing,” Sami Lundgren continues.
Read More

Metal Packaging Is Not the Enemy

Is packaging wasted? Well, certainly, some packaging is. But it depends upon your definition of waste. If a metal can is placed into the general waste stream, for example, then yes, it is wasted. If it enters into the recycling stream, then perhaps the consumer sees it as a waste product sent for recycling, but the item itself is far from wasted. In the case of metal, its properties are such that it can be recycled indefinitely without any degradation in quality, which creates what we call a circular economy. Provided the key elements of the circle are all performing their specific duties, it is a truly sustainable model. We have known this for some time, but what is perhaps less known is that food waste has a greater impact on the environment than packaging waste. Although the latter must of course be given our full attention, the former must also be looked at closely to ensure we are not ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul’ – so to speak.
Read More

DS Smith and the city of Ghent work together to reduce CO2 emissions

DS Smith in Gent already conducted a detailed review to the gas, water and electricity consumption in 2010. We concluded then that “Of all the sites, we were in the tail of the pack.", says Luc Arens, technical project coordinator at DS Smith. After that analysis, the company took a number of measures, such as placing high-efficiency boilers and installing LED lamps in the production halls. Today, in order to reduce total CO2 emissions by 30%, DS Smith in Gent aim to go a step ahead and has sought for a partner to further optimize the production and reduce the emissions of these processes. In the summer of 2019, an energy coaching program was set up together with the city of Ghent. This process began with a review of the processes used and provided an overview of the possible areas of improvement. By professionally measuring energy consumption at different stages in the processes, more targeted actions could be taken. In this way, the stealth consumption was addressed and the waste water was also recently collected by a specialized company.
Read More

Walsworth Fully Integrates The Ovid Bell Press into Walsworth Brand (piworld.com)

Walsworth announced the full integration of The Ovid Bell Press in Fulton, Mo., into the Walsworth brand. This integration will lead to enhanced printing capabilities and available services across all Walsworth facilities. “This is the right time for the integration of The Ovid Bell Press into Walsworth. More than uniting our name, this move will make it easy to do business across all Walsworth locations. Our customers will benefit from more flexibility and enhanced capabilities and services, and each facility will be focused on the products they do best,” president Don Walsworth said. Operations at the Fulton facility will continue as normal. In coming under the Walsworth brand, this location joins Walsworth’s other facilities in Marceline and Brookfield, Missouri; St. Joseph, Michigan; Ripon, Wisconsin; and a sales and marketing office in Overland Park, Kansas.
Read More

AF&PA Announces Award-Winning Sustainability Projects

The American Forest & Paper Association announced its annual Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 Sustainability Award winners, which recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry and are awarded based on the merit of entries received across multiple categories. *Leadership in Sustainability – Energy Efficiency/Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Resolute Forest Products: Modernization of Coosa Pines (Alabama) Mill Helps Reduce Resolute’s Carbon Footprint *Leadership in Sustainability – Safety: Clearwater Paper: Aspects & Impacts Process to Identify and Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities (SIF) Risks *Leadership in Sustainability – Sustainable Forest Management: Evergreen Packaging: Family Forests – The Key to Certified Success *Leadership in Sustainability – Water: Sappi: Somerset Mill’s Caustic Reclaim & Reuse *Innovation in Sustainability (Large Company): WestRock: Pak On Demand™ Pouch System *Innovation in Sustainability (Small Company): Appvion: Innovative and Sustainable Direct Thermal Technology *Innovation in Sustainability (Small Company): The Price Companies: Restoration & Management of Marginal Agricultural and Timberlands
Read More

BillerudKorsnäs leader in Dow Jones Sustainability Index – for the third year in a row

An integrated sustainability work and an ambition to constantly meet customers' sustainability requirements are reasons why BillerudKorsnäs maintains its leading position for the third year in a row, according to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index – a globally recognized sustainability ranking for investors. The results from this year's ranking show that BillerudKorsnäs is one of the ten percent most sustainable companies and the company with the highest score in the Containers & Packaging category. S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) is a comprehensive annual evaluation of companies’ sustainability practices and performance with a coverage of over 7,300 companies representing approximately 95 percent of market capitalization. The top ten percent are included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.
Read More

Mercer Stendal Celebrating Success: 10 Million Tonnes of Pulp

After 16 years of pulp production, the 10 millionth tonne of pulp rolled off the production line at the Arneburg Mercer Stendal pulp mill on October 14, 2020. It is an expression of 18 years of successful work at the Arneburg site and marks a remarkable milestone in the development of the company. After the short 2-year construction phase of the Mercer Stendal mill, which went according to plan, the first pulp rolled off the production line in July 2004. In the following years, the company succeeded in establishing itself successfully in the market. With products of high quality and high reliability, Mercer Stendal has succeeded in developing stable customer relationships in Europe and Asia. In some areas, the Arneburg mill has set new standards in global pulp production. With the operation of the largest biomass power plant in Germany with high energy and plant efficiency, the plant is also symbolic of the energy turnaround.
Read More

Martha Stewart Living Celebrates 30 Years

Meredith Corporation's Martha Stewart Living marks the 30th anniversary of the legendary brand's magazine with its December issue featuring fresh new ideas to get into the holiday spirit with advice on entertaining, decorating, cooking, gift giving, beauty and more, as well as a look back at Martha Stewart Living's start, its most iconic moments over the last three decades, editors' all-time favorite recipes from the archives and some of its most popular magazine covers. Martha Stewart Living launched in 1990 with a mission to teach and inspire readers eager to learn from Martha and her team, who shared their expertise in everything from decorating, gardening, crafting, and organizing to cooking, baking, entertaining, and beyond. The magazine offered a pioneering personality-driven editorial approach marked by careful attention to detail, visual glossaries, thoughtful instruction, and boundless creative insights that has proven timeless and continues to resonate with its audience today. As Martha wrote in the first issue of Martha Stewart Living, "Our families and our homes are the centers of our lives. This magazine will always be filled with ways to make those homes more beautiful, more comfortable, and more full of life and light and joy for those we love."
Read More

Is Amazon’s Use of Mail Catalogs a Trend or an Anomaly? (blog.quickpivot.com)

As digital avenues have become more popular among today’s consumers (and as a result among marketers and advertisers), an interesting trend has emerged over the last few years. Direct mail – flyers, coupons, postcards, catalogs, etc. – has seen a resurgence in its effectiveness and its ability to connect brands with consumers, grab their attention, and drive purchases and engagements. Recent research has shown that consumers are engaging with direct mail marketing materials at much higher rates than with digital marketing assets, and that those engagements are leading to higher response rates and purchases. Mail catalogs in particular have seen a huge boost in their overall response rate, reportedly increasing by 170% from 2004 to 2018 according to the Association of National Advertisers. And rather surprisingly, mail catalogs seem to be popular with Millennials despite their digital upbringings. Perhaps it’s because there were nearly 294 billion emails sent per day in 2019, with that number projected to steadily grow over the next several years. Or maybe it’s because consumers are starting to feel a little creeped out by the hyper-personalized digital ads they’re receiving as they visit their favorite websites and social media platforms. Regardless of why consumers continue to embrace physical catalogs, (digital fatigue, privacy concerns, nostalgia, or something else entirely), an increasing number of retailers are taking notice and taking action.
Read More

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Montgomery Public Schools Partner to Bolster Early Literacy with Implementation of AI-Powered Digital Reading Assistant

Montgomery Public Schools has partnered with learning technology company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to implement Amira Learning™, the first intelligent reading assistant that listens to, assesses and tutors learners to bolster early literacy for its students. Amira’s state of the art speech recognition and enhanced AI software offers 1:1 reading practice for young learners and administers both an oral reading fluency assessment and a dyslexia screener. Launching in Montgomery’s Brewbaker Primary School (BPS), which serves the largest elementary population in Montgomery County, Amira will provide teachers with a high-quality 1:1 reading instruction, practice and tutoring solution as it seeks to build the foundational literacy skills of its 600+ diverse students and deliver marked improvement in reading foundations among English Language Learners. Amira, which can be utilized in both virtual and face-to-face learning environments, will help BPS keep students engaged and on track and safe as it shifts to a hybrid learning model in response to of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More

Stora Enso and Tetra Pak to explore the building of a recycling line for used beverage cartons

Stora Enso and Tetra Pak are joining forces to explore the possibility of building a new recycling line to significantly increase the recycling of used beverage cartons in Central and Eastern Europe. The two partners are initiating a feasibility study to assess the viability of building a large-scale recycling line for Used Beverage Cartons (UBC) at Stora Enso’s Ostrołęka Mill in Poland. In the model Stora Enso would pulp and separate the fibers from used beverage cartons at its Ostrołęka Mill and use the recycled fibres as a raw material, while Tetra Pak would secure the recycling and reuse of polymers and aluminium which shall be processed by a dedicated partner. If realised, the annual capacity of the new recycling line would be 50 000 tonnes of UBC. This would be a significant increase in recycling capacity for beverage cartons across Europe, boosting the European beverage carton recycling rate from the current 51%. In the first stage the recycled post-consumer beverage carton material would come from countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
Read More

Shutterfly to Install More Than 60 HP Indigo Digital Presses (piworld.com)

HP Inc. and Shutterfly, the world’s leading online retailer of personalized products, today announced a landmark expansion of their strategic relationship to deliver next-level productivity to supply the growing e-commerce market of photo gifts and photo products. Shutterfly is investing in more than 60 new high-performance HP Indigo Digital Presses to drive higher productivity for its range of high-quality, photo-based and personalized products including photo gifts, photo books, school portraits, holiday cards, and home decor. The agreement with Shutterfly, the leading US supplier of HP Indigo digital print, is the largest single customer order to date for the HP Graphics business. Now underway, the rollout includes next-generation, high-productivity B2 sized HP Indigo 100K digital presses, high versatility HP Indigo 12000 digital presses, as well as significant investment in web-fed photo presses to transform photo portrait printing to digital.
Read More

Supremex Announces Strong Q3 2020 Results

Third Quarter 2020 Highlights: * Total revenue increased by 10.4% to $49.9 million, from $45.2 million in the third quarter of 2019. * EBITDA1 was up 49.3% to $8.1 million, an increase of $2.7 million, from $5.4 million in the third quarter of 2019. EBITDA includes a $0.9 million of assistance from the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) program. * Net Earnings increased to $2.7 million (or $0.10 per share), from $1.2 million (or $0.04 per share) in the third quarter of 2019. * Packaging and Specialty Products segment revenue increased by 18.9% to $15.8 million, up from $13.3 million in the third quarter of 2019. * Envelope segment revenue increased by 6.9% to $34.1 million, up from $31.9 million in the third quarter of 2019. * Net cash flows from operating activities increased to $7.2 million, up from $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2019.
Read More

Forestry, Conservation and Environmental CEOs Establish Common Ground on the Role of Private Working Forests as a Natural Climate Solution

48 environmental, conservation and forest business leaders announced an agreement of principles on the important role sustainably managed forests and forest products can play in mitigating climate change. Forests in the U.S. offset 15% of the country’s industrial carbon emissions. Carbon sequestration in sustainably managed private forest lands and carbon storage in forest products can provide a natural solution to climate change while also providing a wide variety of additional benefits like clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and good paying jobs. The principles are signed by the CEOs of American Forests, American Forest Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, National Alliance of Forest Owners, The Nature Conservancy, and the CEOs of 43 forestry businesses representing over 46 million acres of working forests across the United States.
Read More

UPM extends product portfolio at its Jämsänkoski paper mill

The trials for newsprint paper production on the paper machine 6 at UPM Jämsänkoski paper mill as well as paper test runs at printing plants have been successful. As a consequence of this, the product portfolio of uncoated mechanical papers of the paper machine 6 will in the future be extended to cover also newsprint paper. “Our employees have invested a great deal of effort and development work in recent weeks to get to where we stand today. We have developed high-quality coldset paper grades especially for domestic newsprint customers and the feedback from our customers’ test runs has been extremely good. With those enlarged capabilities of Jämsänkoski PM 6 UPM is able to deliver newsprint qualities uninterruptedly to Finland. This is keeping our site flexible and competitive,” says Antti Hermonen, General Manager, UPM Jämsänkoski. A complete range of SC and newspaper grades can now be produced on site in Jämsänkoski, focusing on our Finnish and Nordic customers with high quality products for newspapers, magazines and advertising supplements.
Read More

Three Packages to Move Your Brand Forward (jschmid.com)

If you hadn't noticed, the world is changing. People are looking for brands that can make their lives easier, more joyful, and somehow better. From a marketing perspective, now is the perfect time to review everything. How can your brand improve? What are some ways to increase your ROI? How can you stand out and be relevant when the world is upside-down? We've seen what's been working for other brands, and we can help. For a limited time only, we've put together some special offers to move your brand forward. go to: https://www.jschmid.com/special-offers-video/
Read More

Breakthrough Creative Wrap Up: Creative Killers (jschmid.com)

We’ve just wrapped up our 8-part blog series on “Breakthrough Creative.” Hopefully, we’ve given you ideas and examples of how to improve your brand’s creative efforts—from storytelling techniques, to tips on photography and copywriting, to research, to better use of data. I understand all too well that the hardest part is yet to come—actually putting these ideas into action. Actually doing the work and investing the time, energy and money to get it right are easier said than done. So, now that we’ve armed you with some pointers on the things to do, I thought I’d give you some advice on what NOT to do. Here are three traps to avoid which will ultimately affect a healthy ROI. Learn what NOT to do at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/breakthrough-creative-creative-killers/
Read More

Ahlstrom-Munksjö introduces FibRoc®, a new product platform of high performance solutions for durable applications

Ahlstrom-Munksjö reinforces its leading position in high performance solutions for durable applications, by launching Ahlstrom-Munksjö FibRoc®. The Fibroc® platform will bring together a wide range of high performance products under the same brand, making it easier for business partners to recognize and understand the offering across the value chain. “Thanks to its unique know-how and very wide technological platform, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has been able to create, throughout the years, an extensive range of high performance solutions specifically designed for durable applications,” says Daniele Borlatto, Executive Vice President, Filtration & Performance. “As the demand of high performance media for durable applications continues to grow, including in the building industry, we saw a need to create a new product platform to simplify our product offering and make it easier for the major stakeholders along the value chain to understand our offering,” he adds.
Read More

Bertelsmann Grows Again in Q3 2020, Achieving Organic Growth of 1.6 percent

In the third quarter of 2020, Bertelsmann again achieved slight organic growth, further stabilizing its business during the Corona pandemic. This has significantly slowed the revenue decline in the year to date. The Group continues to benefit from the broad positioning of its corporate portfolio and high proportion of digital business models. Book publishing, the music business, Arvato’s services, and the education business once again proved to be particularly robust. The advertising markets also recovered in the third quarter. Bertelsmann’s revenues softened by 6.3 percent to €12.0 billion (previous year: €12.8 billion) in the period from January to September. Adjusted for portfolio and exchange rate effects, the decline in revenues was 4.8 percent. At the end of the first half of 2020, revenues had declined by 8.9 percent (organic: 7.9 percent). In the third quarter, the company recorded organic revenues growth of 1.6 percent.
Read More

Debi Chirichella Named President of Hearst Magazines

Debi Chirichella has been named president of Hearst Magazines. The announcement was made by Hearst President and CEO Steven R. Swartz. The appointment is effective immediately. Chirichella was named acting president of Hearst Magazines in July and was previously executive vice president and chief financial officer, overseeing strategic financial planning and reporting and international operations. She joined the company in 2011 as senior vice president and chief financial officer. “Debi has been a key part of our Magazine company leadership team for almost a decade and has a very strong command of all aspects of this business,” said Swartz. “She has expertly led the division over the past several months, and we are confident in the future as Debi and her team continue to build on the legacy of our great brands around the world.”
Read More

Macmillan Publishing Pushes Office Return Back to July (publishersweekly.com)

Macmillan has pushed back the official reopening of its New York City offices for its trade group from January 11 to July 6. Similar to many New York City publishers, Macmillan’s workforce has largely been working remotely since March following the spread of the coronavirus throughout the metropolitan region. In making the announcement, Macmillan said that it has created a voluntary program that “allows limited access to the office space for employees to work and/or access their work space.” Macmillan first started the program in August at the suggestion of employees, and, the publisher said, “the program has evolved to include access to mailing options and other office services for use by employees both onsite and working remotely.”
Read More

We welcome three new PEFC members to the alliance

The 25th PEFC General Assembly, the first one to ever be held virtually, has welcomed three new members. The General Assembly, our highest decision making body, voted Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina and UPM Kymmene Corporation into the alliance. “We look forward to joining PEFC to further strengthen our role in promoting sustainable forest management globally,” said Inka Musta, Senior Manager, Global Forest Affairs at UPM, our new international stakeholder member. The Association of Private Forest Owners “Naša Šuma” and the Association for Sustainable Forest Management, Forest Products and Services Certification (SOYDER) are the new national members for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Turkey, respectively. They are our 54th and 55th national members!
Read More

Edit’s Sarah Burns appointed as Deputy Chair of the DMA Print Council

The DMA Print Council has selected Sarah Burns, Head of Media Solutions at Edit, as its new Deputy Chair. It’s the second consecutive appointment to Deputy Chair that the UK’s leading intelligence body for print media has made from Edit. Burns enters the role with 10 years of experience in print media and a strong focus on creating sustainable print marketing. Speaking about Burns’s appointment, Chair of the DMA Print Council Alistair Ezzy said: “I am pleased to announce that Sarah Burns has joined the Print Council as Deputy Chair. Sarah will bring with her a wealth of knowledge in addition to her unbridled enthusiasm. I am looking forward to working with Sarah and putting the print channels back on the agenda by demonstrating their effectiveness, engagement and ability to integrate with other media.”
Read More

Amcor’s Matrix recyclable cheese wrap wins Packaging Innovation award

Amcor’s premium Matrix paper-based and paraffin-free cheese packaging receives a Silver award at the 2020 Packaging Innovation Awards sponsored by Dow. This innovation of providing the right breathable barrier for soft cheese while removing paraffin has transformed a non-recyclable packaging material into a cheese wrap that can be recycled in the paper stream. Michael Zacka, President Amcor Flexibles EMEA, said: “Matrix’s breakthrough paraffin-free technology brings soft cheese packaging into the circular economy and we are pleased it has been recognised with a prestigious Dow award. Matrix is another move in the right direction for sustainability combined with performance – offering cheese manufacturers improved flavour control and recyclability.”
Read More

Cascades Reports Results for the Third Quarter of 2020

Q3 2020 Highlights *Sales of $1,275 million (compared with $1,285 million in Q2 2020 (-1%) and $1,264 million in Q3 2019 (+1%)) *As reported (including specific items) +Operating income of $73 million (compared with $94 million in Q2 2020 (-22%) and $108 million in Q3 20192 (-32%)) +Operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBD)1 of $154 million (compared with $169 million in Q2 2020 (-9%) and $181 million in Q3 20192 (-15%)) +Net earnings per share of $0.51 (compared with $0.57 in Q2 2020 and $0.45 in Q3 20192)
Read More

DS Smith launches new sustainable packaging solution for temperature sensitive deliveries

To answer the sustainability challenges raised by the growth in e-commerce, DS Smith and TemperPack are partnering to introduce ClimaCell®, a sustainable thermal insulation barrier for temperature sensitive goods such as meal kits, perishable groceries and medical products. How does it work? A combined pack will include: *a transport box – to protect and ship the content *insulation material – the thermal barrier between the inside and outside temperature (ClimaCell®) *and cooling agent (e.g. Gel packs)– to maintain the required temperature inside
Read More

Intertape Polymer Group Reports 2020 Third Quarter Results

Third Quarter 2020 Highlights (as compared to third quarter 2019): • Revenue increased 10.0% to $323.0 million primarily due to increased demand in products with significant ecommerce end market exposure including water-activated tape and protective packaging. • Gross margin increased to 26.0% from 21.8% primarily due to effective management of the spread between selling prices and combined raw material and freight costs, and favorable plant performance from both increased production to meet demand and continued cost savings initiatives implemented in the prior quarter. • Net earnings attributable to the Company shareholders ("IPG Net Earnings") increased $14.2 million to $26.7 million ($0.45 basic and diluted earnings per share) primarily due to an increase in gross profit, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") due to an increase in the fair value of cash-settled sharebased compensation and an increase in income tax expense mainly driven by improved profitability in 2020.
Read More

Mayr-Melnhof Group Reports Results for the 3rd quarter of 2020

At EUR 1,903.5 million, the Group's consolidated sales almost reached the previous year's level (1-3Q 2019: EUR 1,924.3 million). At EUR 169.3 million, the operating result was 13.4% or EUR 26.3 million below the previous year's figure (1-3Q 2019: EUR 195.6 million). This includes one-time expenses of EUR 57.5 million from adjustments necessary for market and structural reasons as well as the termination agreement with the former CEO. Of this, EUR 38.5 million are attributable to the cartonboard division and EUR 19.0 million to the packaging division. As a result, depreciation rose from EUR 101.6 million to EUR 137.8 million. The Group's operating margin was 8.9% (1-3Q 2019: 10.2%).
Read More

RRD Introduces ConnectOne by RRD™, a Comprehensive Platform that Helps Enterprises Optimize Multichannel Marketing & Business Communications

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company unveiled ConnectOne by RRD™, an end-to-end communications management platform that can help marketers enhance brand continuity, streamline workflows, and accelerate speed-to-market while driving down costs and improving their ROI. ConnectOne delivers a comprehensive suite of technologies for marketing automation, digital asset management, personalization at scale, and data-driven supply chain management. Combined with RRD’s unmatched communications management resources and expertise, ConnectOne delivers a simplified 360-degree view of enterprise communications through a single portal that can help deliver: *Optimized customer experiences that leverage content, data, and multichannel delivery *Streamlined content creation, production, and delivery *Personalized communications at scale across multiple channels *Automated workflows and data-driven processes that lower costs and improve efficiency
Read More

Domtar and Kingsport Continue Partnership with Land Swap

Along with our entry into the containerboard market, the changes at our Kingsport Mill in Tennessee bring new recreational opportunities thanks to a land swap with the city of Kingsport for park land near downtown. Our recent announcement of the mill conversion represents not only an exciting economic development but also a continued commitment to the community. As part of the project to convert the mill to manufacture recycled linerboard, we agreed to swap land parcels with the city — a park for a park — creating new opportunities for each location. The city will receive the 40-acre Cement Hill property, located behind Kingsport’s train station, which is next to the 112-acre Brickyard Park property. In exchange, Domtar will receive Domtar Cloud Park and will contribute $500,000 toward relocating the memorial Scott Adams skate park that is currently located in Domtar Cloud Park.
Read More

Meredith Corporation and Health Media Network Join Forces to Launch Strategic Advertising and Content Alliance

Health Media Network and Meredith Corporation announced a first-to-market strategic alliance that brings Meredith's trusted content to doctors' offices throughout the country. The new Meredith Health Media Network Alliance enables advertisers to engage healthcare focused consumers across all Meredith assets as well as HMN's fully addressable video networks which includes Women's and Men's Health, Kids and Family Network, and the one of a kind PetCare TV. Through this alliance, Meredith gains a new distribution channel for its essential and inspiring lifestyle and entertainment video content bringing brands such as PEOPLE, Better Homes & Gardens, SHAPE, EatingWell, PARENTS, Allrecipes, FOOD & WINE, Southern Living, Health and Travel + Leisure, among others, to a wider audience while programming against key lifestyle themes such as healthy living, fitness travel, cooking and pop culture. Combined with Health Media Network's wellness and healthcare focus, this alliance provides an unprecedented opportunity for advertisers to engage target-rich audiences in a 360-brand approach.
Read More

Planning in Chaos (cohereone.com)

One day three statisticians went hunting in Maine. Out overlooking an open meadow, they spotted a deer, and the first one took a careful shot but missed by a yard to the left. Miraculously the deer never moved, allowing the second to take his shot, this time missing by a yard to the right. The third took his turn to aim and – BINGO! “We got it!” exclaimed the third with high fives all around. The marketing planning process can seem precisely like this, and people remember the misses more than anything. Sales and customer growth forecasting is complicated under the best of circumstances, and when planning for 2021, we’re all in for some difficult challenges. One basic principle of forecasting is to plan for normalcy, but this year was anything but typical, and there is still a great deal of uncertainty ahead. Several years ago, when we had more human interaction with our peers, I remember my colleague Matt Morton referencing the planning process as being “a bit of alchemy,” which stuck with me. I thought that was a great way to put it. Naturally, we’ll have previous results from which to work, but the real skill involves the ability to make sound assumptions for planning purposes. Get more at: https://cohereone.com/planning-in-chaos/?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=99162426&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Fe-e-x7FfpLs6vHkNUBAT-Qiz-lHoetPkpZ3bUZ_E7KVhQoQauWC908pY6r9_kJQFD3RcOl6hkg75lneVJTRK4snWbCwo_yJaUHmecdx01klgoPY&utm_content=99162426&utm_source=hs_email
Read More

PARENTS Magazine Names The Best Children’s Books Of 2020

Meredith Corporation's PARENTS released the 12th annual list of Best Children's Books, recognizing the 30 top new reads for every child in 2020. Selected by the editors and kid-approved, the list of winners is available now on PARENTS.com/BestBooks and in the December issue of PARENTS magazine, available now. "Our editorial team—as well as our exclusive panel of librarians and voracious young readers—has been reviewing books since January to come up with this prestigious list of winners. PARENTS celebrates children's books in every issue, but there is nothing like this annual list to fill our readers' personal libraries and help raise the next generation of book lovers." Click read more below for the lists.
Read More

Stora Enso to start feasibility study for expanding pulp and board capacity at Skoghall Mill

Stora Enso has decided to commence a feasibility study and environmental permit application process on enhancing and expanding the pulp- and board-making capabilities at its Skoghall Mill in Sweden. The investment would leverage the already strong mill into an integrated, highly cost-competitive and environmentally-friendly producer of packaging board and bleached softwood market pulp. The investment would serve customers globally and further establish Stora Enso as a provider of high-quality, renewable packaging materials. The feasibility study will evaluate a possible upgrade and expansion of existing integrated pulp capacity from 370 000 tonnes to 780 000 tonnes annually and a possible increase of 120 000 tonnes in board capacity. After the investment, the mill would be integrated close to 100%, with an additional 220 000 tonnes of softwood market pulp. This would enable a further increase in cost-competitive board production. The project would also significantly lower the fossil CO2 emissions of production. The findings of a recently completed pre-feasibility study supported continuation of the investment process.
Read More

Stora Enso sets new financial targets

Stora Enso has updated its strategy and certain financial targets, to support the Group’s focus on growth and value creation. The updated strategy and financial targets will be presented in Stora Enso’s Capital Markets Day online today. Stora Enso will have three focus areas for growth: • Packaging Materials and Packaging Solutions, driven by high demand for plastic free and eco-friendly circular packaging. We hold leading market positions and see attractive investment options. • Building Solutions, within our Wood Products division, driven by a growing wooden buildings market. We offer alternatives to fossil-based construction material and are a leading global supplier. • Biomaterials innovation, where our agenda is focused on lignin, and targets strong growth in new applications and markets.
Read More

Pregis announces new MAX-PRO 24 poly bagging system

Pregis announces the North American launch of its Sharp Packaging Systems® MAX-PRO 24 continuous bagging system. This latest model in the MAX-PRO line can handle a wider range of products and bag sizes making it ideal for fulfillment operations with a broad e-commerce offering. “When engineering the MAX-PRO 24, our focus was on creating a system that would help users maximize productivity and minimize labor costs. We think the MAX-PRO 24 delivers all that, and more, making it ideal for increasing volume demands being placed on e-commerce operations,” said Mike Menz, division president. The MAX-PRO 24 includes highly-advanced automated technology, new web handling features that simplify operations and automated pass-through settings, resulting in lower operating costs.
Read More

ANDRITZ successfully launches new disc filter: the PrimeFilter D

The new disc filter is perfectly suited to all system applications for many different pulp types and leads the way for upgraded performance and reliability in fiber processing. The PrimeFilter D builds on ANDRITZ disc filter technology, which has been well proven over decades, and brings together several key technological innovations in one unit to improve throughput and reduce both investment and operating costs: *HHw technology for advanced feeding and optimum flow conditions within the filter. Thus, the PrimeFilter D can handle higher feed consistencies and higher-freeness pulp, even in the most demanding applications. *CC bagless sectors, offering significant improvements in terms of operation thanks to very homogeneous fiber mat build-up as well as fast mat knock-off. The special design of the sectors eliminates the need for a filter bag and reduces maintenance to almost zero. *Two-level shaft sealing: The innovative, double sealing arrangement is easily accessible and ensures greater reliability and superior filtrate quality.
Read More

World Cup Levi is Kotkamills’ newest partner in responsible sporting events

Kotkamills, a manufacturer of fully recyclable food service board, has signed a collaboration agreement with the organisers of the alpine skiing event World Cup Levi. World Cup Levi kicks off the FIS World Cup season with the women’s slalom event on 21 – 22 November. Food and beverages at World Cup Levi will be served in cups and trays made from Kotkamills’ eco-friendly, fully recyclable board. “Sustainability is very important to both collaboration parties, and we are working hard to advance it. We are pleased that the Levi event organisers have wanted to replace the traditional products with new, eco-friendly alternatives,” says Markku Hämäläinen, CEO of Kotkamills.
Read More

Recyclable, Fiber-Based ENVIsual® Board Now Available for Next-Generation Retailers Wanting to Replace Unsustainable Styrene

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is pleased to introduce the “Un-Plastic Alternative” for in-store marketing applications. New ENVIsual Board is a renewable, fiber-based and curbside-recyclable option engineered for a new generation of retail and hospitality graphics, POP displays, and signage. ENVIsual Board is FSC® certified, manufactured carbon neutral (VERs) and made with 100 percent renewable Green-e certified wind powered electricity (RECs) under a third-party certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. “ENVIsual is an easy alternative to unsustainable styrene. It is the latest in a long line of Monadnock’s sustainably-advantaged materials serving as smart and high-performing replacements for traditional plastic based products,” said Julie Brannen, Director, Sustainability Solutions, Monadnock. “We will continue to deliver the performance, sustainability, and premium-quality attributes demanded by today’s brands and retailers.”
Read More

Keep the circular economy spinning with UPM Raflatac’s range of LabelLoop™ solutions created from recycled label liner waste

The labeling industry’s first truly closed-loop solutions for paper materials are here with the introduction of the UPM Raflatac LabelLoop™ range. Now available in the Americas market, this product portfolio includes paper label face materials constructed from recycled paper label liner – a first of their kind. The products were officially launched at this week’s Pack Expo Connects event. Today’s brands are looking for innovative solutions to help them meet their sustainability commitments, such as landfill reduction targets and increased use of recycled content. LabelLoop addresses this need and illustrates the company’s dedication to enabling the circular economy and working toward a future beyond fossils. Silicone and adhesive residue on waste liner causes major contamination, so liner that does get recycled is often downcycled into lower quality material. Now, with LabelLoop, these liners can continue to be used by the labeling industry, getting UPM Raflatac, its customers and end-users one step closer to a true circular economy.
Read More

WestRock Recognized for Excellence in Merchandising Displays

WestRock was recognized at the Path to Purchase Design of the Times Awards with six awards for excellence in merchandising solutions, including two platinum awards, the most of any entrant. The Coca-Cola 4x4 Iconic Permanent Endcap produced for The Coca-Cola Company received a platinum award for Best Shopper Experience. This award celebrates the program that most effectively enhances the shopper experience by providing entertainment, visual enhancements, navigational assistance or other physical improvements to the retail environment. The Colgate® Target Optic White Advanced Endcap produced for Colgate Global Design & Colgate Palmolive received a platinum award for Best Shopping Solution. This award celebrates the program that most effectively delivers a tool that simplifies, quickens or otherwise improves the act of shopping. A complete list of the awards is included below, and images can be viewed at: https://events.ensembleiq.com/dotcelebration_2020/2020finalists
Read More

Sappi Announces Price Increase

Sappi North America announces a transactional price increase of 3.5% to 5% on new and unconfirmed orders that book with a confirmed delivery date on or after Monday, January 4, 2021 on the following products: • McCoy Web • Opus Web • Somerset Web • Flo Web. The increase applies to all weights and all finishes. Standard differentials and upcharges apply. This price increase includes all private label programs.
Read More

Adobe to Acquire Workfront

Adobe announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Workfront, the leading work management platform for marketers, for $1.5 billion, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. With more than 3,000 customers and one million users, Workfront is the solution marketers rely on every day to efficiently manage content, plan and track marketing campaigns, and execute complex workflows across teams. Adobe solutions are at the nexus of creativity and customer experience management and mission-critical to marketers, creatives, analysts, and now, operations managers. Adobe Creative Cloud provides the world’s best creative apps and services to everyone, from students, to social media influencers, to professional photographers, filmmakers, and designers. Adobe Experience Cloud is the most comprehensive solution for content and commerce, customer journey management, and customer data and insights, all built on an open platform, enabling businesses of every size across every industry to deliver exceptional customer experiences at scale.
Read More

JCPenney Receives Court Approval for Asset Purchase Agreement with Brookfield, Simon and First Lien Lenders

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas has approved the previously announced asset purchase agreement with Brookfield Asset Management, Inc., Simon Property Group and the Company’s DIP and First Lien Lenders, which is supported by the Unsecured Creditors Committee. Pursuant to the APA, Brookfield and Simon will acquire substantially all of JCPenney’s retail and operating assets through a combination of cash and new term loan debt.
Read More

Allrecipes Announces Partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® During Annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving® Holiday Campaign

Meredith Corporation's Allrecipes announces its support for finding a cure for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases by teaming up with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for its 2020 Thanks and Giving® campaign. This holiday season Allrecipes will shine a spotlight on this important cause through a wide range of content and promotional offerings across its digital, print, and social channels with the goal of helping kids and families at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® as part of the annual tradition that raises funds to directly support the St. Jude mission: Finding cures. Saving children.® This is the first time that Allrecipes has participated in the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign, which unites world-class brands and their customers around a common goal – to build awareness and raise funds to support vital research and treatment. Because of generous supporters, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Read More

Wiley Education Services Announces Partnership with University of Wyoming

Wiley Education Services announced a new partnership with University of Wyoming (UW) to help bring the school’s courses online quickly and effectively for the spring 2021 semester. One of Wiley's largest fee-for-service agreements to date, the partnership will provide UW with instructional design and faculty support, as well as development and training services for their faculty as they look to convert in-person classes to online modalities. The current landscape, amid COVID-19, has accelerated institutional focus on course design and faculty development. While 45% of faculty report an overall improved perception of online learning since the beginning of the pandemic, educators are still navigating the transition, according to Every Learner Everywhere and Tyton Partners. Wiley has been supporting its partners by meeting their immediate needs as it relates to course and faculty development, market research, and on-campus support, while also helping them plan for the long-term.
Read More

Huhtamaki publishes its first stakeholder report on what is needed to design for circularity

The global food packaging industry is setting ambitious targets to make its operations more sustainable, working on designing for circularity across systems and products. However, lasting solutions need cooperation between different contributors. “While we have seen a significant leap forward in terms of our industry-wide commitment to sustainability we know that to deliver groundbreaking solutions we have to work across the industry and that no single organization holds all the answers”, says Thomasine Kamerling, Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Communications at Huhtamaki. “Our Circularity report helps to set out on what is needed today to address some of the biggest challenges we face in the creation of true and lasting sustainability, together. We are delighted that so many organizations have taken the opportunity to share their thoughts on what is needed next by contributing directly to the report.
Read More

Tredegar Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Third Quarter Financial Results Highlights: *Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") from ongoing operations for Aluminum Extrusions of $16.5 million was $0.1 million higher than the third quarter of 2019 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for PE Films of $6.0 million was $4.2 million lower than the third quarter of 2019 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for Flexible Packaging Films of $9.5 million was $5.2 million higher than the third quarter of 2019
Read More

Unmatched Digital Productivity: The EFI Reggiani BOLT Textile Printer Receives the InterTech Technology Award

The ultra-high-speed, single-pass EFI™Reggiani BOLT digital textile printer from Electronics For Imaging, Inc. has received the InterTech™ Technology Award from PRINTING United Alliance. The InterTech Technology Awards honor technologies predicted to have a major transformational impact on the printing industry. The groundbreaking EFI Reggiani BOLT is the very first textile printer to receive an InterTech Award. Thanks to its cutting-edge printhead concept and high-performance ink delivery system for direct-to-textile printing, the 71 inch- (1.8 meter-) wide EFI Reggiani BOLT is the fastest digital textile printer available, delivering a top throughput speed of 295 feet (90 meters) per minute at a 600 x 600 dots per inch (dpi) resolution. It features high-end imaging in drop sizes from 5 to 30 picoliters, and also provides premium-quality 600 x 4,800 maximum-dpi resolution printing, allowing customers to address their full range of design needs.
Read More

TC Transcontinental Packaging innovates with new packaging made of 30% post-consumer recycled plastic

TC Transcontinental Packaging is pleased to announce the launch of IntegrititeTM 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) collation shrink film. The new packaging can be found in the AHA® Sparkling Water printed case wrap appearing on select Sam’s and BJ's Club Store shelves this Fall in Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Indiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Delaware. IntegrititeTM PCR collation shrink film includes 30% of post-consumer plastic resin transformed into a recyclable resource. “Our R&D team has crafted a collation shrink film that is itself recyclable at store drop off locations and contains PCR without sacrificing performance, strength and durability,” said Alex Hayden, Senior Vice President, R&D and Sustainability, at TC Transcontinental Packaging. “We are proud to support The Coca-Cola Company in sourcing flexible packaging with recycled content, to contribute to the establishment of a circular economy for plastics, and to meet our shared Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment signatory vision of a future whereby plastic never becomes waste.”
Read More

Appvion Expands Product Portfolio to Support Sustainable Packaging and Paper Materials and Systems

Appvion Operations, Inc., is launching a line of innovative packaging products under its new MISSION ZERO™ portfolio of sustainable products. MISSION ZERO™ is the umbrella brand for Appvion's newly engineered products to enhance sustainable packaging design by providing functional materials and systems that are addressing key issues of sustainability and recyclability. The MISSION ZERO™ products are designed to enable transformation, innovation, and optimization in the paper packaging value chain, and provide for a closed loop system and circular economy for consumer packaging, food service, industrial packaging and communication papers. "First in line under MISSON ZERO™ will be an innovative recyclable cup stock for hot and cold beverages that meets widely recognized industry standards for sustainable packaging in food and beverage , most notably the use of renewable, recyclable and responsibly sourced materials." said Jorg Schneewind, President of Appvion Packaging and Specialty Coatings.
Read More

Collaborating Our Way Toward a More Circular Economy (packagingdigest.com)

From takeout food to online shopping, more people are leveraging the safety and convenience of ordering online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As unprecedented as this moment in time is, consumers’ shifting purchasing habits have a silver lining—people are paying more attention to the sustainability of product packaging. While the pandemic has compounded an environmental crisis, consumers are paying attention to issues of sustainability in a different way and prioritizing the need for greater packaging sustainability. As we navigate this “new normal,” our awareness of just how much we are consuming has sharpened our focus on the need to advance toward a circular economy for a more sustainable world. In navigating the road to greater sustainability in packaging, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Companies and customers must have access to a variety of solutions and be provided with multiple opportunities to make more sustainable choices. How do we gain traction on our journey toward a more circular economy? In a word: collaboration.
Read More

Target and Ulta Beauty Announce Strategic Partnership

Target Corporation and Ulta Beauty announced a strategic, long-term partnership to transform the beauty landscape with Ulta Beauty at Target. The “shop-in-shop” concept will offer established and emerging prestige brands online and in select Target locations nationwide beginning next year. Target and Ulta Beauty, two trusted retail leaders that excel in curation, omnichannel engagement and guest-centric experiences, will together create a new way for beauty enthusiasts to discover exciting prestige brands. The partnership brings Ulta Beauty’s best-in-class beauty authority to millions of guests who love the ease and convenience of Target’s one-stop shopping experience. It also provides beauty brands an opportunity to expand and grow in a new, industry-leading omnichannel retail experience.
Read More

Reach plans to close two plants (printweek.com)

Reach is proposing to close the newest newspaper printing facility in the UK, with two of its print sites set for the chop with the potential loss of 150 jobs. At the end of September Reach, which is the biggest contract newspaper printer in the UK, announced it would review its printing operations due to uncertainty over the levels of future work. It is now proposing to close its Luton and Birmingham sites. Reach Printing Services currently has six sites across the country. The group said that it planned to “balance the production of its national and regional print titles as well as third-party customers across its remaining print network”.
Read More

One step closer to 2025 targets: UPM Raflatac announces progress towards Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UNEP’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment

Global pressure sensitive label material supplier UPM Raflatac is pleased to announce it has made great progress toward a more circular economy for plastics and a future beyond fossils. This progress is detailed in the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment 2020 Progress Report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the UN Environment Programme. UPM Raflatac is the only pressure sensitive labeling company to have announced targets for reducing unnecessary plastic packaging as a signatory of the Global Commitment. As highlighted in the report, UPM Raflatac has continued to develop new sustainable label solutions that focus on more resource-efficient materials, including certified papers, recycled content, solvent-free adhesives, and wash-off and fossil-free solutions. One major step in this direction was the debut of UPM Raflatac Forest Film™ in 2019, the industry's first commercially available polypropylene and polyethylene plastic labeling material derived from wood-based sources.
Read More

Pearson announces the disposal of Pearson Institute of Higher Education

Pearson announces the disposal of its interests in Pearson Institute of Higher Education (PIHE) in South Africa to a consortium of Stellenbosch Graduate Institute (SGI) and EXEO Capital. Stellenbosch Graduate Institute (SGI) is an established provider of innovative education programmes from a digital platform. EXEO Capital is a pan-African alternative investment firm. This is in line with the strategic direction Pearson has taken in recent years to shift away from physical, large-scale direct delivery services and focus on strategic opportunities. The disposal is expected to close in the first half of 2021 subject to the necessary regulatory approvals being obtained.
Read More

Verso Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Net sales for the third quarter 2020 decreased $310 million compared to the third quarter of 2019, as a result of significant declines in sales volume and unfavorable price/mix. Of the $310 million, or 50%, net sales decline, $36 million, or 6%, was attributable to the closure of our Luke Mill in June 2019 and $145 million, or 24%, was a result of the sale of our Androscoggin and Stevens Point mills in February 2020, and $70 million, or 11%, was attributable to the indefinite idling of our Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids mills in July 2020. Total company sales volume was down from 679 thousand tons during the third quarter 2019, to 382 thousand tons during the same period of the current year. Of the 297 thousand ton volume decline, 36 thousand tons were attributable to the closure of our Luke Mill in June 2019, 146 thousand tons were a result of the sale of our Androscoggin and Stevens Point mills in February 2020, 79 thousand tons were attributable to the indefinite idling of our Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids mills in July 2020, and the additional decline in volume resulted from lower customer demand driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating loss was $44 million for the third quarter of 2020, a decrease of $72 million when compared to operating income of $28 million for the third quarter of 2019.
Read More

Print Unit Sales Rose 9.5% At the End of October (publishersweekly.com)

With sales up in all categories, unit sales of print books rose 9.5% in the week ended Oct. 31, 2020, over the comparable week in 2019, at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. The top-selling book was The Deep End (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #15) by Jeff Kinney, which sold more than 171,000 copies and helped to drive up sales in the juvenile fiction category by 15.5%. A second new release that landed high on the category list was Jimmy Fallon’s 5 More Sleeps ’til Christmas, which sold more than 21,000 copies. For most categories, sales increases over the week ended Nov. 2, 2019, weren’t driven by hot new bestsellers but by solid sales overall. The #1 title in the juvenile nonfiction category, for example, was Big Preschool Workbook, which sold a modest 7,200 copes. The YA fiction category, which had a 25.7% increase, was once again led by Stephenie Meyer’s Midnight Sun, which sold more than 17,000 copies.
Read More

Smurfit Kappa raises Climate Change ambition by targeting at least ‘Net Zero’ emissions by 2050

Smurfit Kappa has today announced new targets to further reduce its fossil CO2 emissions, including its ambition to reach at least net zero emissions by 2050. It has also increased its existing intermediate 2030 CO2 reduction target by 15 percentage points to 55%, in comparison to the 2005 baseline. The company will have these targets validated by the Science Based Target initiative as being in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Smurfit Kappa has been a market leader in sustainability since 2005. Before today’s announcement, the company had already achieved a reduction in CO2 emission intensity of 32.9% on its 2030 target of a 40% reduction. This impressive achievement has resulted from the successful implementation of key projects that form part of the company’s medium-term strategic plan. One such project was the installation of an industry-leading recovery boiler at the company’s Nettingsdorf Paper Mill in Austria which began operating in June of this year. The new boiler is set to cut CO2 emissions by an additional 40,000 tonnes, which translates into an additional 1.5% reduction in CO2 emissions across the business.
Read More

Sun Chemical joins AIM’s Digital Watermarks Initiative HolyGrail 2.0

Sun Chemical has signed up to the Digital Watermarks Initiative HolyGrail 2.0, facilitated by AIM, the European Brands Association. In doing so, Sun Chemical is joining forces with over 85 companies and organisations to participate in a pilot project with the goal of proving the viability of digital watermarking technologies to enable better sorting and higher quality recycling rates for packaging in the EU, in order to drive a truly circular economy. The initiative follows on from HolyGrail 1.0, a project conducted as part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy programme, which brought together different stakeholders from the packaging value chain between 2016 and 2019. Having investigated different innovations to improve post-consumer recycling, digital watermarks were found to be the most promising technology.
Read More

Kotkamills and Bentley Suomi: “The future of luxury is in sustainability”

Branded, wood fibre-based, easy-to-recycle cups manufactured from Kotkamills’ board are now used by Bentley Suomi. The tailor-made cups commemorate the luxury brand’s more than 100-year history. The history of Kotkamills, a specialist in wood-based consumer packaging, goes back even further: it will soon be 150 years since the sawmill was established. In addition to a long history, Kotkamills and Bentley are united by a strong commitment to building a more sustainable future – without compromising quality. The wood-based products are driving Bentley Suomi to the forefront of sustainable luxury. The high-quality branded cups reflect the sustainable and innovative use of natural resources, and they are safe to use and easy to recycle.
Read More

Mondi joins CELAB consortium to promote global recycling in the self-adhesive label industry

Mondi has joined the newly created consortium CELAB (Circular Economy for Labels). This industry initiative was founded by companies in the self-adhesive label industry to create greater circularity for its products by enhancing and promoting matrix and release liner recycling around the world. In joining CELAB, Mondi and other leading companies from the self-adhesive label industry will facilitate collaboration at a global level, foster regional initiatives, and encourage the universal adoption of industry best practices.
Read More

ND Paper Rumford Division Further Expanding into Packaging Grades

ND Paper is implementing a series of transformations at its Rumford Division to further expand into packaging grades. In its current configuration, the fully integrated Rumford Division operates three paper production lines, kraft and mechanical pulping assets, and a pulp dryer; its product mix is heavily weighted toward bleached grades serving printing and writing (P&W) markets. With the COVID-19 pandemic battering economic activity across the world, demand for P&W papers has plummeted; coated woodfree and coated mechanical papers – primary Rumford grades – are expected to decline 23.5% and 30.3% year-over-year, respectively, equivalent to over 1.4 million tons of output. To ensure a viable, profitable future for the Rumford Division, ND Paper will be transforming the mill to increase its product flexibility and shift further into packaging grades. Notable changes include: *Commissioning of an unbleached recycled pulp line to provide fiber flexibility to the R12 and R15 paper machines *Conversion of its R15 paper machine from P&W papers into lightweight, high strength kraft linerboard products *Expansion of R12 paper machine capability to include unbleached recycled bag and converting papers, in addition to its current offering of bleached and unbleached papers *Continued operation of the R9 pulp dryer, including expansion into unbleached softwood kraft market pulp *Permanent curtailment of mechanical pulping operations and R15 coating and supercalender assets
Read More

Love Paper On-Product Logo Now Available!

As support for Two Sides’ consumer-focused Love Paper campaign continues to grow, we are pleased to announced that the Love Paper logo is now available for on-product use! Any company that uses print, paper and paper-based packaging, including brands, retailers, marketing agencies, printers, and paper and paper-based packaging manufacturers, can use the Love Paper® on-product logo to enhance their own sustainability messages. The Love Paper® logo is a simple, eye-catching way to tell customers that you care about the environment and use products from an inherently sustainable industry. The logo’s subtle design and color variations are an effective yet unintrusive addition to any paper product, from printed catalogs and books to direct mail and product packaging.
Read More

Breakthrough Creative Part 8: Data + Creative (jschmid.com)

You’ve planned the photoshoot down to the tiniest detail. You’ve carefully selected the merchandise. You’ve agonized over the creative concepts. Every email, every landing page, every catalog page looks better than ever! But what if I told you that each of these could work even harder. When you combine data insights with creative, the whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts. Here are a few ideas for making smart, data-driven decisions to inform creative: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/breakthrough-creative-get-creative-with-data/
Read More

What’s more hygienic? Paper Towels or Electric Hand Dryers

Hygiene is a key factor in modern society today. Good health, together with an improved quality of life, is directly related to good hygiene. Our latest fact sheet examines the research and looks at which is the most hygienic way to dry hands, paper towels or electric hand dryers? We are pleased to present the Two Sides Q3 Campaign Update. The report covers all of our latest results and successes. Product packaging around the world is currently going through a transformation, with companies keen to move from single-use to more sustainable solutions. Read more at: https://twosides.info/documents/factsheets/6-What's-More-Hygienic.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TSUK%20Nov%201&utm_content=TSUK%20Nov%201+CID_058a839741026ebda51b4eec13bfca33&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=Read%20more
Read More

Deluxe Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

*Revenue was $54.1 million lower than last year. COVID-19 continued to negatively impact our results, primarily across the Promotional Solutions, Cloud Solutions and Checks segments. *The Payments segment delivered strong revenue growth of 15.6% over the same period last year, benefiting from Treasury Management revenue growth of 20.9% in the third quarter driven primarily by December 2019 sales wins. *Net income of $29.4 million was impacted by COVID-19, compared to a net loss of $318.5 million in the third quarter 2019. 2019 results included pre-tax, non-cash asset impairment charges of $391.0 million. The impairment charges related to goodwill, as well as amortizable intangible assets. *Cash flow from operations for the nine months ending September 30, 2020 was $166.8 million and capital expenditures were $42.7 million. Free cash flow, defined as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, was $124.1 million, a decrease of $34.2 million as compared to 2019. In addition to COVID-19, free cash flow was impacted by previously disclosed expenditures to support the Company’s business transformation and the ongoing secular decline in checks. These impacts were partially offset by lower income taxes and a legal settlement in the prior year. *At the end of the third quarter, the Company had $1.04 billion of total debt outstanding under its revolving credit facility, compared to $883.5 million at the beginning of 2020. Liquidity was $413.0 million, with cash and cash equivalents totaling $310.4 million at the end of the quarter.
Read More

Domtar Corporation Reports Preliminary Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

Domtar Corporation reported a net loss of $92 million for the third quarter of 2020 compared to net earnings of $19 million for the second quarter of 2020 and net earnings of $20 million for the third quarter of 2019. Sales for the third quarter of 2020 were $1.1 billion. Operating loss was $136 million in the third quarter of 2020 compared to operating income of $14 million in the second quarter of 2020. Depreciation and amortization totaled $71 million in the third quarter of 2020. Operating income before items1 was $43 million in the third quarter of 2020 compared to operating income before items1 of $15 million in the second quarter of 2020. When compared to the second quarter of 2020, manufactured paper shipments were up 20% and pulp shipments decreased 7%. The shipment-to-production ratio for paper was 105% in the third and second quarters of 2020. Paper inventories decreased by 20,000 tons, and pulp inventories increased by 38,000 metric tons when compared to the second quarter of 2020.
Read More

New Jersey bans plastic and paper bags in one of nation’s most stringent laws (chainstoreage.com)

Supermarkets in New Jersey will no longer be able to give paper bags to customers starting in mid-2022. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a law prohibiting N.J. retailers and other businesses from handing out single-use paper and plastic bags, single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam containers. The law, which is being called one of the toughest of its kind in the country, goes into effect in May 2022. The bans apply to a variety of businesses, including restaurants, convenience stores, food trucks, movie theaters and grocery stores that are 2,500 sq. ft. or larger. The ban also does not apply to reusable carryout bags, defined in the bill as those made out of polypropylene, or nylon, cloth, hemp and other washable fabrics.
Read More

The New York Times Company Reports 2020 Third-Quarter Results

The New York Times Company announced third-quarter 2020 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $.20 compared with $.10 in the same period of 2019. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (defined below) was $.22 in the third quarter of 2020 compared with $.12 in the third quarter of 2019. Operating profit increased to $39.6 million in the third quarter of 2020 from $25.1 million in the same period of 2019 and adjusted operating profit (defined below) increased to $56.5 million from $44.1 million in the prior year, as higher digital-only subscription revenues and lower costs more than offset lower advertising revenues. Subscription revenues in the third quarter of 2020 rose due to growth in the number of subscriptions to the Company’s digital-only products, which include our news product, as well as our Cooking, Games (previously Crossword) and audio products. Revenue from digital-only products increased 34.0 percent, to $155.3 million. Print subscription revenues decreased 3.8 percent to $145.7 million largely due to lower retail newsstand revenue, while revenue from our domestic home delivery subscription products grew 2.5 percent.
Read More

News Corp Reports First Quarter Results for Fiscal 2021

Fiscal 2021 First Quarter Key Financial Highlights: *Revenues were $2.12 billion, a 10% decline compared to $2.34 billion in the prior year, primarily driven by the sale of News America Marketing *Net income of $47 million compared to a net loss of $(211) million in the prior year, which included non-cash impairment charges of $273 million *Total Segment EBITDA was $268 million compared to $221 million in the prior year *Reported EPS were $0.06 compared to $(0.39) in the prior year – Adjusted EPS were $0.08 compared to $0.04 in the prior year *Segment EBITDA at Digital Real Estate Services grew 45%, with record revenue and profit contribution by Move, operator of realtor.com®, led by its referral model *Segment EBITDA at Dow Jones grew 47%, driven by record average consumer product subscriptions of 3.88 million, led by 29% growth in digital-only subscriptions *Book Publishing saw 13% and 45% growth in revenues and Segment EBITDA, respectively, benefiting from continued strong performance in digital sales
Read More

Student Monitor Fall 2020 Preview: Multi-Year Decline in Student Spending on College Course Materials Continues

Average student spending on college textbooks and course materials continued to decline during the fall semester of 2020, dropping 7% compared to the same term last year, according to a special preview of the latest data from independent research firm Student Monitor. A high-level version of Student Monitor’s Fall 2020 report is due out in November, followed by the full report in December. “We are pleased to once again partner with Student Monitor to offer a sneak peek of its Fall 2020 report, which reaffirms the incredible array of options that students and college administrators have today to access course materials and improve learning outcomes,” said Kelly L. Denson, Vice President of Education Policy and Programs at the Association of American Publishers. “The consistent decline in student spending on textbooks and other learning materials is a clear illustration of education publishers’ longstanding commitment to affordability initiatives that put students and educators first.”
Read More

Amcor reports strong first quarter 2021 results

Highlights - Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 • GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of 12.6 cents per share, up 207%; • Adjusted EPS of 15.8 cents per share, up 20% in constant currency terms; • Adjusted EBIT of $358 million, up 9% in constant currency terms; • Bemis acquisition synergies of $20 million delivered in Q1. $100 million delivered on a transaction to date basis; • Quarterly dividend increased to 11.75 cents per share; • $150 million share buy-back announced today, funded by divestment proceeds; and • Fiscal 2021 outlook for adjusted EPS growth raised to 7-12% in constant currency terms (previously 5-10%).
Read More

Berry Team Members Clear More Than 400,000 Pieces of Litter From Communities Around the World

Berry Global Group, Inc. takes pride in announcing that its team members recently joined together in a three-week global campaign to clear litter from local communities around the world. The Company’s team members tracked their progress through the Litterati app, where they recorded over 400,000 pieces of litter. Berry’s campaign was held in conjunction with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and in support of the ALL_TOGETHER GLOBAL CLEANUP. “Berry was proud to take part in this very worthwhile initiative. Not only is this program in direct support of our Impact 2025 Sustainability Strategy, but it also served as a catalyst for raising awareness of properly disposing of waste,” said Tom Salmon, Berry’s Chairman and CEO. “I extend sincere appreciation to our team members around the globe for their ongoing dedication to volunteerism and helping to further beautify their local communities.”
Read More

Sonoco ThermoSafe Launches EOS™ Line of Curbside Recyclable Temperature Controlled Parcel Shippers

Sonoco ThermoSafe announced the launch of its new EOS™ line of fully curbside recyclable temperature controlled packaging in the U.S. EOS was created to give concerned life science and perishable clients a truly curbside recyclable system from a trusted provider. Several competing insulated packaging products claim curbside recyclability but use inner pellets, panels and liner coatings that can’t be separated or sorted and become unrecyclable as-is at Municipal Recycling Facilities (MRFs). As one of the largest recyclers in the U.S., Sonoco has deep expertise in both recycling technology and regulatory requirements. Prior to launching EOS, Sonoco ThermoSafe conducted substantial internal and third party university testing on its components affirming EOS’ curbside recyclability as is.
Read More

Pregis acquires Technical Machinery Solutions and affiliated companies

Pregis has acquired Technical Machinery Solutions (TMS), Elk Grove Village, Illinois from its privately-held owners. The acquisition also includes the Graphic Innovators business. Most recently, the company has gained attention for the equipment it has engineered which is thought to be the first used to produce a lightweight, curbside recyclable all-paper mailer. Branded the TMS Eco Mailer™, these cushioned mailers provide great protection with circularity in mind and can be recycled in all-paper recovery systems. As a result, they are the ideal solution for both consumers and brand owners seeking to meet environmental objectives.
Read More

Interfor Reports Record Q3’20 Results

Interfor Corporation recorded net earnings in Q3’20 of $121.6 million, or $1.81 per share, compared to $3.2 million, or $0.05 per share in Q2’20 and a net loss of $35.6 million, or $0.53 per share in Q3’19. Adjusted net earnings in Q3’20 were $140.0 million compared to $10.6 million in Q2’20 and an Adjusted net loss of $11.8 million in Q3’19. Adjusted EBITDA was a record $221.7 million on sales of $644.9 million in Q3’20 versus $42.8 million on sales of $396.8 million in Q2’20.
Read More

Kimberly-Clark Receives EPA SmartWay Excellence Award for Leadership in Environmentally Responsible Shipping

Kimberly-Clark announced that it has earned a 2020 SmartWay® Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for leadership in environmentally responsible shipping. The award recognizes companies for using a range of fuel-saving strategies in their shipping and freight delivery services that reduce transportation emissions and make freight delivery more sustainable. "We are proud to receive an eighth consecutive SmartWay Excellence Award for our efforts to minimize the carbon footprint of our transportation network," said Scott DeGroot, Vice President of Global Distribution and Planning at Kimberly-Clark. "We will continue to work with our suppliers to find innovative ways to increase operating efficiency, lower greenhouse gas emissions across our value chain, and minimize our impact on the planet. This aligns with our ambition to improve the lives and well-being of 1 billion people in underserved communities around the world with the smallest environmental footprint by 2030."
Read More

Kotkamills to continue as KooKoo’s main partner in making plastic-free game events a reality

Kotkamills will continue as the main partner of the KooKoo ice hockey team also in the next league season. The partners have agreed to exercise the agreement’s option year for 2021–2022. KooKoo is pursuing a completely plastic-free game event, and the agreement means a big step closer to realising that goal. One of the big social responsibility targets of the collaboration that started between KooKoo and Kotkamills in 2019 is to make the Finnish ice hockey elite league, Liiga, games played at Lumon Arena plastic-free. “When we started the partnership with Kotkamills, our ambitious goal was to be the first sports club to develop our operations so that one day we can have a completely plastic-free game event and together show our strength in building social responsibility,” says KooKoo’s Managing Director Sakari Välimaa.
Read More

Now Scodix Recommended Media

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Astrolite® Digital+, Astrolite PC 100® Digital+ and Astrolite PC 100 Velvet C2S to the Scodix Recommended Media List (RML). Recently released luxurious Monadnock Astrolite PC 100 Velvet, with a universal print coating optimized for UV and conventional offset, dry toner and HP Indigo presses, is now recommended for Scodix Digital Enhancement Presses.
Read More

Fully recyclable paper bag supports Italian rice producer meet their sustainability goals

Mondi, a leading global packaging and paper manufacturer, and Fiorini International, a leading Italian packaging converter, have developed Italy’s first 100% recyclable paper rice bag for Italian rice producer Riseria Vignola Giovanni. Made of Mondi Advantage Smooth White Strong paper, the new ‘Rice Bag’ will support Vignola’s sustainability aims to reduce use of plastic packaging. The 'Rice Bag' was designed as part of Mondi’s customer-centric EcoSolutions approach to help customers achieve their sustainability goals while meeting technical requirements such as food shelf life preservation and regulations. Vignola showed a clear commitment to use more environmentally sustainable packaging with their purchase of a new form-fill-seal machine suitable for paper-based bags. "Our fifth-generation family company has long been an innovator in Italy. In 1971, we were one of the first to pack rice in cardboard boxes, and in the 1980s we were among the first to adopt the vacuum packaging system. Now we are pleased to be leading the market once again with this fully recyclable paper rice bag for our 500g and one kilo packages, giving consumers the sustainable, recyclable packaging they increasingly prefer." Giovanni Vignola, Managing Director, Vignola
Read More

Resolute Announces Appointment of Remi G. Lalonde as President and CEO, Succeeding Yves Laflamme

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced that after a 39-year distinguished career with Resolute, Yves Laflamme will be stepping down, and retiring, as of March 1, 2021. The board of directors has unanimously selected and appointed Remi G. Lalonde as the company's next president and chief executive officer, effective on the same date. Mr. Lalonde, 44, currently serves as senior vice president and chief financial officer. Upon becoming president and CEO, Mr. Lalonde will be appointed to Resolute's board of directors. The announcement today coincides with Resolute's third quarter 2020 results. "The Resolute board of directors enthusiastically supports Remi Lalonde's selection as the company's next president and CEO. He has an outstanding track record of success as well as strength of character and exemplary personal integrity. Remi's superior leadership skills demonstrated on a range of strategic initiatives have consistently impressed the board," stated Bradley P. Martin, chairman of the board of directors. "Remi has very good relationships with our stakeholders, sharp analytical skills, impressive credentials, and a strong business drive. We are confident he will guide the company through its ongoing strategic transformation, delivering improved shareholder value. Remi is the right person at the right time for Resolute."
Read More

Meredith Reports Fiscal 2021 First Quarter Results

Fiscal 2021 first quarter revenues were $694 million, down 4 percent from the prior-year period. Declines due to COVID-19 and previously announced magazine portfolio adjustments were partially offset by record first quarter revenue performance for National Media Group digital advertising and Local Media Group political revenues. Fiscal 2021 first quarter earnings from continuing operations more than tripled to $42 million from $12 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted EBITDA grew 17 percent to $143 million due primarily to digital advertising and political revenue growth. Fiscal 2021 first quarter cash flow from operations was $79 million, compared to a use of $14 million in the prior-year period, and free cash flow was $70 million, compared to a use of $29 million in the prior-year period, as Meredith benefited from political revenues, effective working capital improvements, lower compensation-related items, and lower restructuring payments.
Read More

Rolf Hellermann Appointed as New CFO of Bertelsmann

At its meeting today, the Bertelsmann Supervisory Board appointed Rolf Hellermann as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the international media, services and education company. Rolf Hellermann, currently CEO of the Bertelsmann subsidiary Arvato Financial Solutions and a member of Bertelsmann’s Group Management Committee, will take up his position as CFO and member of the Bertelsmann Executive Board with effect from January 1, 2021. He succeeds Bernd Hirsch, who is leaving the company at his own request to pursue new professional challenges. Bernd Hirsch had previously asked the Supervisory Board to release him from his position on the Board of Management with effect from the end of the year 2020. The Supervisory Board has complied with this request. Christoph Mohn, Chairman of the Bertelsmann Supervisory Board, said: “I am very pleased that Rolf Hellermann has agreed to serve as CFO of Bertelsmann. He is optimally qualified for this position, has a profound analytical mind, and takes a strategic perspective. He most recently demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills as CEO of Bertelsmann’s fast-growing subsidiary Arvato Financial Solutions. I am convinced that Rolf Hellermann is an ideal choice as a new member of the Executive Board. On behalf of the entire Supervisory Board, I wish him every success in his new position.”
Read More

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Announces Third Quarter 2020 Results, Intent to Explore Potential Sale of HMH Books & Media Consumer Publishing Business

Q3 2020 Headlines: *While the COVID-19 pandemic continued to impact third quarter net sales and billings performance, HMH’s continued virtual learning support for customers and decisive cost and liquidity actions helped mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its profitability and cash flow, and resulted in strong cash generation in the seasonally important third quarter of 2020. *Net sales declined 32% to $387 million in the third quarter, and declined 28% to $828 million on a year-to-date basis *Billings1 declined 32% to $506 million in the third quarter, and declined 33% to $934 million on a year-to-date basis *HMH concluded the Texas Literature adoption with a 34% share of the opportunity *Significant growth in digital platform usage with a 388% increase in student assignments over the last twelve months as schools continue to adjust to remote learning environment *Continued acceleration of SaaS billings growth to 147% for the last twelve months *Net cash provided by operating activities of $264 million in the third quarter, and $75 million on a year-to-date basis *Strong free cash flow2 of $237 million in the third quarter, and nearing break-even at $(11) million on a year-to-date basis
Read More

The ODP Corporation Announces Third Quarter 2020 Results

Third Quarter 2020 Summary(1) *Total reported sales of $2.5 Billion, down 9% versus last year and up 18% sequentially compared to the second quarter of 2020. Sequential sales performance represents an 800 basis points trend improvement when comparing year-over-year revenue performance *GAAP operating income of $102 million and net income of $57 million, or $1.04 per share, each down approximately 5% year-over-year *Improved working capital conversion resulted in operating cash flow of $309 million and adjusted free cash flow of $312 million, versus $212 and $209 million, respectively in prior year *$1.7 billion of total available liquidity including $743 million in cash
Read More

Royal Mail Market Reach Launch Latest Report, Mail Matters More Than Ever

Covid-19 has changed consumer behaviour – perhaps forever. People are spending more time at home and this trend is set to continue. The way we consume media and the way brands build trust and drive customer action has also changed. It has never been more important for brands to build deeper, more engaging relationships with their customers. The latest insights, from Royal Mail Market Reach and JICMAIL, reveals the vital role physical mail is playing in a disrupted media landscape. During the initial lockdown, a record 96% of all mail was engaged with. Frequency of exposure to mail was at its highest ever recorded by JICMAIL and mail-driven online behaviour has increased by 70%*. The free guide is packed full of insight, stats, infographics, useful content, resources and tips on how to deliver effective and measurable direct mail campaigns to drive ROI for your business.
Read More

Major investment at Mayr-Melnhof Group

The Mayr-Melnhof Group is strengthening the Neupack folding box production at the Hirschwang site in Austria with an extensive future-oriented program. An investment plan of EUR 18 million in buildings and machines is intended to significantly increase the international competitiveness of the location in the growth markets of e-commerce packaging and high-quality printed consumer goods packaging in ultra-fine wave (microwave) for products such as food, pet food and electrical household appliances. In addition to the construction of an enlarged production and warehouse hall, investments are made in new printing technology, punching capacities as well as state-of-the-art automation and infrastructure. The aim is to lead Neupack Hirschwang into the future with bundled forces and an attractive range of products with good earnings. This makes the folding box factory a sustainable employer in the region with currently 215 employees.
Read More

New, Tyvek® Roll-Feed, Cut and Seal Machine Increases Production Speeds and Seal Integrity, While Reducing Cost of Materials and Scrap

The Alloyd Division of Sonoco introduced its new, patent pending, roll-feed, cut and seal machine for medical packaging applications that use Tyvek. This innovative, integrated machine brings automation to the production environment, helping to create a faster, more efficient production system for sealing Tyvek-based packaging. It makes for a versatile addition to the existing line of Aergo 2 and Aergo 2 Plus heat sealing machines. “Any time you can increase speeds, seal quality and seal accuracy, while also reducing material scrap and tooling costs, it’s a win, win, win,” said Jim Lassiter, Sonoco segment vice president, Global Plastics. “Precision and performance are so critical in medical packaging where there is very little, if any, room for error. The fact that the addition of this machine to the production process is able to dramatically reduce, or in some cases, completely eliminate operator error, delivers peace of mind for customers because they can have greater confidence in the performance of their final package.”
Read More

AF&PA Opposes New Jersey’s Ban on Paper Bags

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding New Jersey’s Paper Bag Ban (NJ Senate Bill 864 / Assembly Bill 1978): “The American Forest & Paper Association opposes the action taken today by Governor Phil Murphy, signing into law a statewide ban on paper bags. This action undermines an environmentally responsible option for consumers. New Jersey is now the only state in the nation to ban paper bags, which are made from a renewable resource and are recyclable, reusable and compostable, providing a safe packaging option to protect purchases from damage and contamination. With the stroke of a pen, Governor Murphy sent an alarming message in devaluing family-wage manufacturing jobs, which are often union labor. This is an unfortunate message to send to the thousands of people working in direct and indirect jobs supported by the paper and wood products industry in the Garden State.”
Read More

Ahlstrom-Munksjö joins CELAB, a global coalition for circularity in the label industry

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has joined CELAB (Circular Economy for Labels), a global coalition recently created to promote the development of circular economy for self-adhesive label materials. The purpose of CELAB is to create greater recyclability for the products in the self-adhesive label industry by enhancing and promoting options for recycling their waste streams around the world. There are two main process stages in the value chain of label materials which generate waste streams. The first stream is generated from the unused surrounding area of the self-adhesive face stock material after cutting the labels; this is also known as “matrix waste”. The second stream arises from the liner from which the label is peeled away during dispensing. Turning these waste streams into resources offers important sustainability improvements.
Read More

KP Tissue Releases Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results

KPLP Q3 2020 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue was $369.1 million in Q3 2020 compared to $344.0 million in Q3 2019 excluding the divested Mexico business in 2019, an increase of $25.1 million or 7.3%. • Adjusted EBITDA was $46.2 million in Q3 2020 compared to $44.0 million in Q3 2019, an increase of 5.1%. • TAD Sherbrooke site near completion and remains on time and on budget.
Read More

Rayonier Advanced Materials Announces Positive Third Quarter Results On Higher Lumber Prices And Lower Costs

Third Quarter 2020 Highlights: *Third quarter income from continuing operations was $29 million, $43 million better than comparable quarter in 2019 *Third quarter Adjusted EBITDA of $55 million, up $19 million from comparable quarter in 2019 primarily driven by higher lumber prices, improved reliability in High Purity Cellulose operations and lower costs *Generated $34 million of Free Cash Flow through the third quarter driven by reduced capital expenditures and improved working capital *Improved liquidity of $196 million, excluding a $33 million cash tax refund expected in fourth quarter plus an additional $22 million expected over the next twelve months
Read More

Sappi announces financial results for fourth quarter and full year

Financial summary for the quarter and full year • EBITDA excluding special items o For the quarter US$82 million (Q4 FY19 US$185 million) o For the year US$378 million (FY19 US$687 million) • Loss for the period *For the quarter US$88 million (Q4 FY19 profit of US$50 million) *For the year US$135 million (FY19 profit of US$211 million) • Cash generation for the quarter of US$88 million (Q4 FY19 US$173 million) • Net debt US$1,957 million (FY19 US$1,501 million)
Read More

WestRock Reports Fiscal 2020 Fourth Quarter Results

Notable items in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 include: *Net sales of $4.5 billion increased sequentially by 5.6% and decreased by 3.9% compared to the prior year quarter *Packaging volumes increased sequentially 6.9% and 2.4% compared to the prior year quarter *Consumer Packaging reporting unit recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment of $1.3 billion, or $5.06 per diluted share, driven by expected lower volumes and cash flows related to certain external SBS end markets including commercial print, tobacco and plate and cup stock *Loss of $4.45 per diluted share and adjusted earnings per diluted share of $0.73 compared sequentially to $0.69 of earnings per diluted share and $0.76 of adjusted earnings per diluted share *Generated net cash provided by operating activities of $732 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $631 million
Read More

Rethinking Catalogs — and Your Customers — in a Post-COVID World (freeportpress.com)

With mail volume down overall, marketers are reporting less competition and higher response rates with their direct mail and catalog campaigns. As more people stay (and shop) at home, each direct mail piece is being seen by more people in the household, and consumer catalog businesses are welcoming a significant increase in response, with many struggling to meet demand, writes Stephen Lett in Total Retail. Lett believes this favored status for catalogs and direct mail is likely to continue long after our current pandemic lifestyle is lifted. “Consumers are likely not to rush back to bars, restaurants, retail stores, etc., even when there’s a medically accepted vaccine. Many will remain cautious, adopting a wait-and-see attitude,” he writes. “Others will be set in new ways of functioning. They have adapted to a new and safer or more cautious way of living their everyday lives. The transition back to pre-COVID ways of doing things won’t be like flipping a light switch.”
Read More

Under Armour to Exit Up to 3,000 Wholesale Doors, Focus on D-to-C Business (mytotalretail.com)

Under Armour has joined a growing list of major consumer brands that are making big changes to their wholesale strategies. The athletic brand, which saw some progress in its turnaround during the third quarter, said it will begin to exit 2,000 to 3,000 stores in North America, its largest market. By the end of 2022, it expects to be in about 10,000 doors, executives said in a conference call. As it overhauls wholesale, Under Armour is also upping its focus on direct-to-consumer (D-to-C) channels, where it plans to offer fewer promotions and discounts to fuel healthier margins. Total Retail's Take: Considering the upheaval we've seen in the brick-and-mortar arena in 2020, and its uncertain future moving into 2021, it's not surprising that leading brands such as Under Armour are taking a long, hard look at their wholesale operations.
Read More

Thomson Reuters Reports Third-Quarter 2020 Results

Revenues increased 2% as growth in both recurring and transactions revenues was partly offset by a decline in Global Print revenues and a negative impact from foreign currency that reduced revenues by $6 million (approximately 1%). *As expected, organic revenues increased 2%, driven by 4% growth in both recurring revenues, which comprised 80% of total revenues, and transactions revenues. *The company’s “Big 3” segments (Legal Professionals, Corporates and Tax & Accounting Professionals), which collectively comprised 79% of total revenues, reported organic revenue growth of 5%. Operating profit increased primarily due to lower costs and higher revenues. Lower costs reflected the completion of the repositioning of the company in 2019 following the separation from the Financial & Risk (F&R) business and lower expenses from the company’s COVID-19-related efforts to mitigate 2020 annual costs by $100 million. Lower costs were partly offset by higher depreciation and amortization and a lower benefit from the revaluation of warrants that the company holds in Refinitiv relating to the proposed sale of Refinitiv to London Stock Exchange Group plc (LSEG), which is discussed later in this news release.
Read More

Waddington Europe launches 100% recycled food packaging solution and zero to landfill status across all sites

Leading European thermoforming packaging specialists Waddington Europe, a division of Novolex®, announced today the launch of two food packaging material options made of 100% recycled plastic that are also 100% recyclable. This represents a best in class “circular” packaging option for the food manufacturing and retail sectors. With sustainability and the environmental impact of packaging increasingly a priority for the end consumer, Waddington Europe’s in-house Innovation team have introduced the Eco Blend™ Pura and Eco Blend™ 100 products made with 100% recycled materials as competitive and cost effective options to customers.
Read More

SG360° Delivers Boutique Direct Marketing Services on a Mass Scale (piworld.com)

“One of our clients recently referred to us as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of direct marketing providers,” John A. Wallace Jr., president and CEO of SG360°, says. If the client had declared the company to be direct marketing’s equivalent of the famous Wenger 16999 Swiss Army Knife Giant — a 2-lb., 12˝-long pocket toolbox containing 87 implements and 141 separate functions — he probably wouldn’t have been embarrassed. The comparison may be exaggerated, but not by much. Wallace points out that the “360°” in the company’s name reflects its determination to give customers everything they need to conduct successful direct marketing campaigns under one roof. In this, he contends, SG360° is unique, because its only business is direct marketing through hyper-targeted mailings, in volumes as massive or as minuscule as the customer desires.
Read More

RRD Completes Sale of International Mail and Parcel Logistics Business

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announced that it has closed on the previously announced sale of its International Mail and Parcel Logistics business to ePost Global LLC. Dan Knotts, RRD’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “This sale completes the final step of our previously announced plan to exit our Logistics platform.” Knotts continued, “I want to thank the International Logistics employees for their support of RRD and wish them well as they join ePost Global LLC.”
Read More

ANDRITZ to supply evaporation plant to ITC Paperboards and Specialty Papers Division in India

ANDRITZ will supply a new 7-effect evaporation plant on EPC basis with a capacity of 390 t/h that will concentrate kraft black liquor to a final dry solids content of 75%. The plant will be the largest in India and have the capability to improve the quality of condensate from the existing mill so that it can be re-used effectively in the mill and also to reduce water consumption.
Read More

Clearwater Paper Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

For the third quarter of 2020, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $457 million, a 3% increase compared to net sales of $445 million for the third quarter of 2019. Net income for the third quarter of 2020 was $21 million, or $1.28 per diluted share, compared to net loss for the third quarter of 2019 of $11 million, or $0.66 per diluted share. For the first nine months of 2020, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $1.4 billion, a 7% increase compared to net sales of $1.3 billion for the first nine months of 2019. Net income for the first nine months of 2020 was $55 million, or $3.27 per diluted share, compared to net loss for the first nine months of 2019 of $8 million, or $0.46 per diluted share.
Read More

Canada’s Forest Sector Key to Canada’s Economic Recovery

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources to speak with Members of Parliament about how government can work with forest sector workers and communities to advance economic recovery and help grow a lower carbon economy for tomorrow. FPAC’s remarks outlined several potential solutions to stimulate the economy, including advancing over 140 shovel ready projects worth over $1.5 billion that can lower Canada’s carbon footprint, increase competitiveness on the global stage, and sustain and grow forestry jobs here at home. FPAC also shared several ideas to secure a sustainable working forest for workers, contractors, and communities, and to improve market access opportunities for Canadian wood-based products and bio-products with customers in Canada and around the world.
Read More

Jim Porter to Retire from WestRock

WestRock Company announced that Jim Porter, president, Business Development & Latin America, has decided to retire, effective December 31, 2020. Following his retirement, Jim will continue to contribute to WestRock by serving as one of its representatives on the board of managers of Gondi, S. de R.L. de C.V., the Company’s Grupo Gondi joint venture, and an advisor to the Company. Jim has had a remarkable 46-year career. After earning his degree in forest management from the University of Missouri, he started his career with Menasha. In 1993, Jim joined Southern Container and was president and chief operating officer when WestRock acquired Southern Container in 2008. He has played an instrumental leadership role in the development of the company’s corrugated packaging business and its growth in Latin America, including the company’s operations in Brazil and joint venture with Grupo Gondi in Mexico. Jim received the RISI Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Read More

Neenah Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Third Quarter Highlights *Net sales of $190.7 million increased 18 percent versus the second quarter with strong rebounds in each segment. *Filtration revenues increased 9 percent versus the prior year and contributed to a $3 million year-on-year increase in Technical Products operating income. *Consolidated operating income of $13.9 million compared with $19.0 million in the prior year. Excluding adjusting items of $2.0 million in 2020 and $2.5 million in 2019, operating income increased $15.4 million versus the second quarter, but declined from $21.5 million in 2019 to $15.9 million in 2020. *Cash generated from operations of $36.8 million increased from $33.4 million in the prior year as a result of actions in 2020 to carefully manage working capital and reduce spending. *Liquidity of $182 million as of September 30, 2020 increased from $159 million as of June 30, 2020.
Read More

Quad Reports Third Quarter and Year-to-Date 2020 Results

Results for the three months ended September 30, 2020, included: *Net Sales — Net sales were $679 million in 2020, down 28% from 2019. Sales declined 26% during the quarter, excluding the impact of the January 2020 sale of the Omaha packaging plant, primarily due to the economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing print industry volume and pricing pressures. *Net Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations — Net earnings from continuing operations increased $50 million from the third quarter of 2019, from a net loss of $47 million in 2019 ($0.94 diluted loss per share from continuing operations) to net earnings of $3 million in 2020 ($0.05 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations). Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, included: *Net Sales — Net sales were $2.1 billion in 2020, down 27% in 2019. Sales declined 25% during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, after excluding the impact of the January 2020 sale of the Omaha packaging plant, primarily due to the economic impact from the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing print industry volume and pricing pressures. *Net Loss From Continuing Operations — Net loss from continuing operations improved $42 million from the first nine months of 2019, from a net loss of $63 million in 2019 ($1.26 diluted loss per share from continuing operations) to a net loss of $21 million in 2020 ($0.41 diluted loss per share from continuing operations).
Read More

Quad Completes Divestiture of Its Book Manufacturing Platform

Quad/Graphics, Inc. announced that it has sold its two remaining Book manufacturing facilities in Fairfield, Penn., and Martinsburg, W.Va., to Berryville Graphics, a division of Bertelsmann Printing Group USA, a leader in hard cover, mass market, trade and digest books, components and specialty finishing. The transaction closed on October 31, 2020. Quad will use proceeds from the sale to pay down debt. With this transaction, Quad has completed the full divestiture of its Book manufacturing platform – part of a previously announced strategic decision to optimize its product portfolio. In July, the company sold its only other book manufacturing facility in Versailles, Ky., to CJK Group, Inc.
Read More

Quad Launches Innovative Direct Marketing Platform to Disrupt Industry

Quad/Graphics, Inc. announced the launch of its Quad Direct Marketing Exchange™ (QDMX) – a platform that delivers entirely personalized direct marketing campaigns at a fraction of the cost and at greater speed to market. An industry first, QDMX helps marketers mitigate the impact of rising postage costs and navigate ongoing economic uncertainty through a suite of solutions that integrates sophisticated data application, innovative direct mail production and streamlined mailing. “For years there has been a feeling among marketers that there has to be a more efficient and effective way to reach the consumer through the mailbox,” said Scott Harvey, Quad Senior Vice President for Marketing Solutions. “Through our QDMX platform, we provide marketers with an opportunity to re-imagine their direct marketing strategy – leveraging the scale, technology investments and expansive client base of Quad – to deliver even stronger ROI from the direct mail channel.”
Read More

RELX Group Remains the World’s Top Publisher (publishersweekly.com)

After wresting the crown from longtime #1 Pearson in 2018, STM, business, and legal publisher RELX Group (formerly Reed Elsevier) remained the world’s largest publisher last year, with revenue of $5.64 billion, according to Livres Hebdo and Publishers Weekly’s annual ranking. The only change in the top 10 in 2019 was in the second and third spots, where Thomson Reuters, with a 3% increase in revenue to $5.28 billion, overtook Pearson and moved into second place. Sluggish higher education sales and restructuring efforts aimed at making the company more streamlined resulted in another year of revenue decline at Pearson, but it managed to hold on to third place, with sales of $5.09 billion. The other top 10 publishers in 2019 are in the same positions they held in 2018’s global ranking. Companies focused on the professional and educational markets took six of the top 10 spots, with the more trade-oriented publishers occupying the other four slots. Revenue last year was basically flat in Bertelsmann’s book publishing segments, which include both the world’s largest trade publisher, Penguin Random House, and the company’s small but growing education division. Bertelsmann was the #4 publisher in 2019.
Read More

Gannett Announces Third Quarter 2020 Results

• Third quarter revenues of $814.5 million rose 116.3% as compared to the prior year, reflecting the acquisition of Legacy Gannett. *Same store pro forma revenues (as defined and reconciled below) decreased 19.6%, due to unfavorable impacts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and general trends adversely impacting the publishing industry. • Digital advertising and marketing services revenues were $197.2 million in the third quarter, or 24.2% of total revenues. • Over $218 million in annualized synergy measures were implemented by the end of the third quarter, with approximately $54.5 million in savings recognized in the quarter. • GAAP net loss attributable to Gannett of $31.3 million in the third quarter reflects $61.4 million of depreciation and amortization.
Read More

AirBridge Cargo Airlines to Offer Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Pegasus ULD™

Sonoco ThermoSafe announced that AirBridge Cargo Airlines has signed a Master Lease Agreement (MLA) to offer ThermoSafe’s new Pegasus ULD™ bulk temperature controlled container directly to its clients. The Pegasus ULD™ is the world’s first passive bulk temperature-controlled container for pharmaceutical use that is an FAA-approved unit load device, which allows it to speed through existing international ground handling and customs processes at the lowest possible cost.
Read More

Tredegar Completes Sale of Personal Care Films Business to Fitesa

Tredegar Corporation announced that it has completed the previously announced sale of its personal care films (“Personal Care Films”) business to affiliates of Fitesa S.A. Commenting on the sale, John Steitz, Tredegar’s president and chief executive officer said, “We believe that in combination with Fitesa, a worldwide leader in nonwoven fabrics, Tredegar’s former personal care business will have improved opportunities for growth.” Cash proceeds from the sale net of transaction costs, purchase price adjustments and transition services are estimated at $45 to $50 million. Net cash income tax costs or benefits relating to the transaction are expected to be negligible. The transaction excludes the packaging film lines and related operations located at the Pottsville, Pennsylvania manufacturing site (“Pottsville Packaging”), which will now be reported within the Surface Protection component of PE Films.
Read More

Taylor Corporation Pushes Commercial Print Boundaries With Canon ProStream Inkjet Press (piworld.com)

During these challenging times, it is imperative for commercial print companies to offer flexibility, media versatility, and superior print quality to their customers. Since the implementation of inkjet, Taylor Corporation has been able to expand its offerings by migrating higher-volume jobs from offset to digital inkjet, mainstream commercial and digital work at a lower cost of ownership, as well as embed a more targeted approach to market segments with product sets. Since the addition of the Canon ProStream to Taylor Corporation’s print workflow, the press’ capabilities have enabled the organization to boost production levels, reduce turnaround times, and increase profit margins across a wide range of applications, including premium and high-volume direct mail, books, catalogs, and magazines.
Read More

RRD Closes Sale of its DLS Worldwide Logistics Business

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announced that it has closed on the previously announced sale of its DLS Worldwide Logistics business to TFI International Inc. Dan Knotts, RRD’s President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The sale of DLS Worldwide is an important step forward to optimize our business portfolio and improve balance sheet flexibility. The transaction serves to further enhance our strategic focus as a leading global provider of marketing and business communications.” Knotts continued, “I want to thank the DLS Worldwide employees for their support of RRD and wish them well as they join TFI International.”
Read More

ANDRITZ opens new recycling test and research center

International technology Group ANDRITZ has opened a new, state-of-the-art test and research center for the recycling industry in St. Michael, Upper Styria, Austria. The new ANDRITZ Recycling Technology Center – the ART-Center– has been equipped with innovative shredder technology from the ANDRITZ ADuro product line that was presented recently, and it enables customers to conduct recycling tests under real plant conditions with industrial-scale equipment. The ADuro shredders can be used for primary and for secondary shredding as well as for fine granulation and dismantling of composite materials. As a result, tests are possible with very different waste streams and complete recycling processes can be replicated.
Read More

Ox Industries Opens New Converting Facility In Sturgis, Michigan

Ox Industries has announced it is opening a new converting operation in Sturgis Michigan. The new plant will expand Ox’s geographic reach for converted products in the Midwest. The facility will be approximately 150,000 square feet of production and warehouse space and house two fully automatic high-speed protective packaging and tube and core lines from TCM Solutions, as well as a new high speed “SheetRunner” paperboard sheeter from BW Paper Systems. The facility will be vertically integrated within the Ox paper mill network and operational in the first quarter of 2021. Ox expects the project will create up to 50 new jobs.
Read More

Sappi Verve integrates with GreenTrack™, the pioneering traceability solution of Birla Cellulose

Sappi Dissolving Pulp has partnered with Birla Cellulose, one of the leading viscose manufacturers in the textile value chain, to provide a forest-to-garment traceability solution for brand owners. Through this collaborative partnership, Sappi Verve - the world market leader in dissolving pulp - continues to strengthen its sustainability credentials within the textile industry. Providing a brand-owner traceability solution has been made possible with the use of Birla’s pioneering ‘Green Track’ blockchain technology, coupled with Sappi’s comprehensive database on wood origin for its dissolving pulp operations in South Africa and the USA. According to Krelyne Andrew, Sustainability General Manager for Sappi Verve, Sappi is “committed to delivering practical innovations, building trust and creating shared value in our supply chain - working closely with our partners to promote and shape the sustainability of the Man-Made Cellulosic Fibre (MMCF) sector towards a net positive vision.”
Read More

How WestRock is driving toward a more circular economy

As an $18 billion-dollar global company, WestRock understands the important role it can play in driving greater sustainability in the packaging industry, for — and with — its customers. It does this by providing customers with a portfolio of sustainable fiber-based packaging options and working with them to create tailored sustainable packaging solutions to meet their individual sustainability needs. Every day, WestRock’s fiber-based packaging solutions deliver vital products to millions of customers, and the company is proud of the pivotal role it has played during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring consumers receive much-needed items when they need them the most.
Read More

Chico’s FAS, Inc. Announces Enhanced Financial Stability

Chico's FAS, Inc. announced the closing of its amended and extended $300 million Senior Secured Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility"), consisting of a $285 million asset-based revolving credit agreement ("Revolver") and a $15 million "first-in last-out" term loan ("FILO"), with Wells Fargo & Company as the lead lender. The Revolver and FILO have a five-year term maturing on October 30, 2025. "We are pleased to announce that the Company has significantly strengthened our liquidity and enhanced our financial stability for the foreseeable future. As well, this new Credit Facility demonstrates the confidence our lenders have in Chico's FAS and the sustainable, long-term success of our brands," said Molly Langenstein, Chief Executive Officer and President. "We also are continuing to benefit from the aggressive measures we initiated earlier this year to streamline the organization and reduce operating and occupancy costs. These substantial ongoing cost savings initiatives are expected to benefit future years and reflect a cultural shift in how we manage our business."
Read More

Print Unit Sales Still Solid in Late October

Strong gains in all categories led to a 13% increase in unit sales of print books in the week ended Oct. 24, 2020, over the comparable week in 2019, at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. The double-digit increase came despite only a few new books making a splash. Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights was the #1 title in the week, selling about 78,000 copies and boosting sales in the adult nonfiction category 6.2% over the week ended Oct. 26, 2019. Another new nonfiction release, America Under Assault, Vol. 3 by Tom Fitton, sold about 40,000 copies, putting it in fourth place on the overall bestseller list. The juvenile and YA categories all had gains of at least 20% in the week, led by a combination of older frontlist and backlist books. The 20.8% increase in juvenile fiction was led by sales of Dav Pilkey’s Grime and Punishment (Dog Man #9), which sold approximately 45,000 copies in the week and more than 743,000 copies since its release on September 1.
Read More

AAP September 2020 StatShot Report: Publishing Industry Up 14.6% for Month; Down 1.8% Year-to-Date

The Association of American Publishers released its StatShot report for September 2020 reflecting reported revenue for all tracked categories, including Trade (Consumer Books), K-12 Instructional Materials, Higher Education Course Materials, Professional Publishing, and University Presses. Total revenues across all categories for September 2020 were up 14.6% as compared to September 2019, coming in at $1.8 billion. Year-to-date sales were down 1.8% as compared to the first nine months of 2019, with a total of $11.2 billion.
Read More

Walgreens Boots Alliance and McKesson Complete the Formation of German Wholesale Joint Venture

Walgreens Boots Alliance and McKesson Corporation announced the completion of their previously announced agreement to create a joint venture combining their respective pharmaceutical wholesale businesses in Germany, Alliance Healthcare Deutschland (AHD) and GEHE Pharma Handel (GEHE). WBA holds a 70 percent controlling equity interest in the joint venture and McKesson holds the remaining 30 percent interest. “At Walgreens Boots Alliance, we all look forward to working together with McKesson Corporation on this joint venture,” said Ornella Barra, co-chief operating officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “It is a very exciting step for our Pharmaceutical Wholesale Division and a unique chance for us to further develop innovative services to manufacturers and pharmacists in Germany.”
Read More

At H&H, ‘Printing Has Become the Product’ (piworld.com)

Everything that has happened to printing firms as a result of the pandemic is unprecedented. This means everything they have done in response to it has obliged them to improvise. To rethink. To come up with new ways of protecting their employees. To pivot to completely different methods of interacting with customers. In short, to innovate. As we've done the past several years in Printing Impressions, we profiled six companies that remain alive and well in the printing industry. This year, we’re presenting these portraits of Innovators in tribute, not just to the companies themselves, but to every printing business that has survived the trials of 2020 by being innovative. Here is a profile of one of our Best-in-Class Innovators. Does innovation have a distinctive aroma? It does at H&H Graphics. In fact, innovation there smells remarkably like … tacos. That was the olfactory enhancement the Vernon Hills, Ill.-based specialty screen printing business gave to a holiday gift wrap for Taco Bell by infusing the paper with the scents of each of the snack’s principal ingredients. When the wrap was offered on Amazon, reports Michelle Leissner, president and CEO of H&H Graphics, “it sold out in a matter of minutes.”
Read More

ANDRITZ to supply two tissue machines to Guangxi Sun Paper in China

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Guangxi Sun Paper to supply two tissue machines for its new mill in Beihai City, Guangxi Province, China. Start-up is planned for 2021. The ANDRITZ tissue machines are of the type PrimeLineTM W 2000, with a design speed of 2,000 m/min and a working width of 5.65 m. They are equipped with a large suction press roll, an 18 ft. PrimeDry Steel Yankee with head insulation, and a re-evaporation system, thus enabling energy savings. The scope of supply also includes FibreSolve FSV pulpers, the paper machine approach flow systems, broke handling and fiber recovery, and automation systems (QCS, DCS).
Read More

Presentfill® and Koehler Paper Group: A Colorful Collaboration

Sustainable recycling management is becoming increasingly important in trade and industry. Colorful recycled paper from Koehler makes PresentFill® boxes and fill material more environmentally friendly. A product’s packaging is crucial for 70 percent of consumers in their decision to buy. The circular economy is thus increasingly becoming a strategic topic in the sustainability efforts of trade and industry. In addition to transport containers, packaging includes fill material to protect the packed goods. The fact that packaging is increasingly being considered with regard to environmental protection and recyclability has been conducive to the success of the Bavarian company PresentFill®. Company founder Gerald Göbel started producing filling and padding material in 2013. The “raw material” in the form of recycled paper has been delivered ever since by the Koehler Paper Group from their factory in Greiz, Thuringia. There, the family company produces recycled paper from 100% secondary fiber material, proving, through the use of brilliant colors, that sustainability can be colorful.
Read More

Kotkamills’ board is a consumer packaging win for Starcke and PackageMedia

Finnish packaging manufacturers PackageMedia and Starcke have been awarded for their innovative products packaged in Kotkamills’ board material. Designed by PackageMedia, the Fazer Domino campaign packaging has received a ScanStar Award. The primary judging criteria of the pan-Nordic packaging competition, organised by the Scandinavian Packaging Association, were innovativeness of the idea, protective properties of the packaging, price, design, and user and environmental friendliness. The awarded Domino campaign skilfully used appealing images submitted by consumers. To delight consumers, digital technology was used to print a total of 1,200 different images on cookie packages made from Kotkamills’ AEGLE® Pro board. The good printability and excellent stiffness of AEGLE® Pro ensured the high-end result.
Read More

Sappi Europe announces a price increase for the Fine Paper range for Overseas markets

The decrease in consumption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered strong pressure on prices. In combination with cost increases in paper production and transport this has led to unsustainable profitability levels, especially felt in our overseas markets. Sappi has therefore been forced to review its pricing per market and product segment, adjusting them accordingly. The increases will be applied as of shipments from January 2021 at the latest and will vary between 5 and 8%.
Read More

Suzano Announces Q3 2020 Results

• Pulp sales of 2,527 thousand tons (stable vs. 3Q19). • Paper sales of 319 thousand tons (+2% vs. 3Q19). • Adjusted EBITDA1 and Operating cash generation² of: R$3.8 billion and R$2.9 billion, respectively. • Adjusted EBITDA1 /ton3 from pulp of R$1,339/ton (+56% vs. 3Q19). • Adjusted EBITDA1 /ton4 of paper of R$1,236/ton (+1% vs. 3Q19). • Average net pulp price – export market: US$458/t (-13% vs. 3Q19). • Average net paper price5 of R$4,081/ton (+1% vs. 3Q19). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$600/ton (-8% vs. 3Q19). • Capture of operating synergies in line with planning. • Recovery of ICMS credits in Espírito Santo in the gross amount of R$146 million.
Read More

Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circulytics tool reveals UPM Raflatac has taken extensive action in the circular economy

Global pressure sensitive label manufacturer UPM Raflatac has worked hard to embrace the circular economy and sought a way to measure performance. The company tested the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circulytics tool and received an overall score of B, indicating that UPM Raflatac has made great strides in enabling circularity, but still has work to do in measuring output as a supplier in the packaging value chain. Circulytics is a tool that allows organizations to assess how circular they currently are via a broad set of metrics which deliver a company-level score. This score, alongside insights and analysis from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, helps businesses understand the extent of their success in adopting circular economy business opportunities. It provides a comprehensive picture of a company's circular economy performance — going beyond product and material flows — and highlights the most important development areas to concentrate on.
Read More

Mars, with SABIC and Huhtamaki, Introduces Recycled Content into Pet Food Packaging to Support a Circular Economy

• Mars, working with SABIC and Huhtamaki, will include food-grade recycled plastic in packaging of pet food brands in 2021 • The company has plans to expand to other brands in the next year • This important step helps accelerate Mars’ progress towards achieving 30% recycled content and 25% less virgin plastic by 2025 • Chief Sustainability and Procurement Officer Barry Parkin describes milestone as “encouraging the development of recycling systems in support of a circular economy, where no packaging becomes waste”
Read More

ND Paper Rumford Division Further Expanding into Packaging Grades

To ensure a viable, profitable future for the Rumford Division, ND Paper will be transforming the mill to increase its product flexibility and shift further into packaging grades. Notable changes include: • Commissioning of an unbleached recycled pulp line to provide fiber flexibility to the R12 and R15 paper machines • Conversion of its R15 paper machine from P&W papers into lightweight, high strength kraft linerboard products • Expansion of R12 paper machine capability to include unbleached recycled bag and converting papers, in addition to its current offering of bleached and unbleached papers • Continued operation of the R9 pulp dryer, including expansion into unbleached softwood kraft market pulp • Permanent curtailment of mechanical pulping operations and R15 coating and supercalender assets
Read More

Federal Prosecutors Charge 60 People In Magazine Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors (mediapost.com)

Sixty people have been charged in a magazine fraud scheme that took advantage of seniors. According to a report by the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the federal government says the telemarketing scam defrauded 183,000 people across the U.S. for more than $335 million over a 20-year-period. Many victims were elderly. Fourteen defendants are described as owners of companies involved in phony magazine sales. Another 16 were call-center managers, 10 were telemarketers and four served as lead brokers, who sold lists of consumers to call.
Read More

U.S. Postal Service Continues to Deliver a Record Number of Ballots

With less than one week until the November election, new U.S. Postal Service data show an exceedingly high-volume of mail moving through the system and a focus on delivery of ballots. Key Facts: *2.5 Days Average Delivery Time. Since October 1, the average time of delivery for First-Class Mail, including ballots, was 2.5 days with 97.5 percent of all measured First-Class Mail delivered within five days across the country. *4.5 Billion Political and Election Mail Mailpieces. Total mail volume surpassed 4.5 billion mailpieces for both Political Mail and Election Mail tracked, representing an increase of 114 percent compared to the 2016 election cycle. *122 Million Ballots Processed and Delivered. Since Sept. 4, the Postal Service has processed and delivered more than 122 million ballots, including both blank ballots delivered from election officials to voters and completed ballots from voters to election officials.1
Read More

Wiley Accelerates Innovation in Research Publishing

John Wiley & Sons Inc. continues to innovate its publishing business, announcing today two technologies that advance how scientific research is published, delivering greater value to researchers. First, the company’s publishing platform provider and subsidiary, Atypon, has successfully piloted its interactive figures technology in the International Journal of Quantum Chemistry, publishing the first scientific articles designed exclusively to leverage the multimedia nature of the web.
Read More

Aptar Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Third Quarter 2020 Summary: *Reported sales increased 8%, including positive effects of currency translation rates and recent acquisitions, and core sales increased 2% *Strong reported and core growth in our Pharma segment *Core sales growth in the food, personal care and home care markets *Recent acquisitions are performing well *Reported earnings per share totaled $0.95 (an increase of 12% compared to the prior year) *Reported net income totaled $64 million (an increase of 12% compared to the prior year) *Cash flow from operations was $381 million in the first nine months of 2020 (a slight increase over the prior year)
Read More

Mercer International Inc. reports third quarter and nine months 2020 results

In the third quarter of 2020, net income was $7.5 million (or $0.11 per share) compared to $1.2 million (or $0.02 per share) in the third quarter of 2019 and a net loss of $8.4 million (or $0.13 per share) in the second quarter of 2020. In the first nine months of 2020, Operating EBITDA decreased by 41% to $143.1 million from $244.6 million in the same period of 2019. In the first nine months of 2020, net loss was $4.3 million compared to net income of $63.1 million in the same period of 2019.
Read More

Monadnock Paper Announces Rajan Iyer as New Vice President of Research & Development and Technical Services

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rajan Iyer as its new Vice President of Research & Development and Technical Services. Dr. Iyer will oversee the company’s new product development efforts, guiding Monadnock’s portfolio development of award-winning and sustainably-advantaged fine printing, packaging, and technical papers. He replaces Paul Ciccone who has announced his retirement. Paul (Mr. Ciccone), a 41-year Monadnock veteran, will remain with the company for an undetermined period of time to ensure a smooth transition.
Read More

Cimpress Reports Q1 2021 Results

Our reported revenue and organic constant-currency revenue declined 7% and 10%, respectively, in Q1. The pandemic continues to negatively impact our revenue results, but the year-over-year decline was less severe in Q1 compared to Q4 across all segments Q1 FY2021 GAAP operating income increased $10.6 million year over year to $36.0 million. The negative revenue impact of the pandemic was offset by variable cost controls, advertising efficiency and fixed cost savings. We also had a year-over-year decrease in restructuring charges of $2.3 million. Our GAAP operating income benefited from about $4.0 million of COVID-19-related government incentives, primarily to offset wages for manufacturing and customer service team members in countries where demand decreased but roles were maintained.
Read More

Breakthrough Creative Part 7: Research for a Creative Edge (jschmid.com)

Marketers and their creative partners know there is no sure thing when it comes to marketing. They spend resources creating assets; producing images and messages hoping to drive success for their brands. No matter the category, competition is always fierce and consumers have become increasingly fickle when it comes to their brand preferences. The pandemic has presented new challenges for marketers. With non-essential stores closed or closing, many retail brands have had to play catch up by creating or significantly increasing their digital presence as customers’ traditional shopping patterns adapt to this “new normal.” Brands and creative agencies are constantly looking for ways to improve their odds of success in today’s evolving marketplace. Research can certainly play an important role in this quest. Successful campaigns start with the answers to three critical questions: *What do your customers really want and need? *Do your customers believe your product meets those wants and needs? *What do your customers need to see/hear to convince them that your product is the right choice? read more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/breakthrough-creative-research/
Read More

Paper Merchants: Telling the Sustainability Story of Print and Paper Products (twosidesna.org)

When paper was invented by the Chinese more than 2,000 years ago, merchants quickly became an integral part of its history, taking paper making around the world and helping to develop its many variations and uses. Today’s merchants remain a vital part of the paper chain, linking paper to people and delivering value to those they serve in more ways than ever before. In Values a Merchant Provides, the National Paper Trade Association (NPTA), a long-time member and enthusiastic supporter of Two Sides, spells out important ways merchants add value to the paper chain. These include not only critical operational values such as managing efficient supply chains, developing strong relationships with mills, sharing best practices and fostering creativity, but also efforts that speak to the very foundation of the industry, namely, proactively telling the great sustainability story of print, paper and paper-based packaging. Aligned with these efforts, the paper merchant community supports a variety of organizations that promote fiber-based sustainability options. These include Two Sides, which currently has 29 merchant companies as members.
Read More

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports Strong Revenue and Earnings Growth for Its Fiscal 2021 First Quarter

Total consolidated revenues increased 51.5 percent to $283.8 million, compared with total consolidated revenues of $187.3 million in the prior year period, reflecting strong growth in the Company’s three business segments along with contributions from PersonalizationMall.com (“PMall”), which the Company acquired in August 2020. Excluding the contribution from PMall, total net revenues increased 40.6 percent compared with the prior year period. Gross profit margin for the quarter was 40.7 percent, unchanged compared with the prior year period. Operating expenses as a percent of total revenues improved 630 basis points to 45.4 percent of total sales, compared with 51.7 percent of total sales in the prior year period. Excluding the impacts of the Company’s non-qualified deferred 401k compensation plan and one-time costs primarily associated with its acquisition of PersonalizationMall.com, operating expenses, as a percentage of total revenues improved 820 basis points to 43.5% in the quarter. This reflected the strong revenue growth in the quarter combined with the Company’s ability to leverage its operating platform.
Read More

International Paper Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

*Third quarter net earnings attributable to International Paper of $204 million, compared with $266 million in the second quarter of 2020 and $344 million in the third quarter of 2019. *Third quarter adjusted operating earnings* (non-GAAP) of $280 million compared with $305 million in the second quarter of 2020 and $431 million in the third quarter of 2019. *Third quarter cash provided by operations of $735 million and year-to-date of $2.3 billion compared with $2.7 billion year-to-date in the same period of 2019. *Third quarter debt reduction of $760 million, bringing year-to-date 2020 to $1.1 billion.
Read More

New sheeting line at UPM Kymi strengthens UPM’s graphic paper offering

The fourth sheeting line at the UPM Kymi paper mill started full production at the end of October, strengthening UPM’s position on the market for graphic fine paper sheets. The new sheeting line, comprised of a folio sheeter, conveyors and a packaging line further expands the paper production area of the UPM Kymi integrated mill site. The new line was built in a space previously used as a warehouse, specifically converted for this purpose. The project was safely and successfully completed despite restrictions of Covid-19. Start-up took place on 24 September and performance tests have been conducted throughout October. The new line will produce coated and uncoated graphic fine paper sheets.
Read More

Metsä Board’s comparable operating result in January–September 2020 was EUR 157 million

January–September 2020 (compared to 1–9/2019) •Sales were EUR 1,416.4 million (1,453.4). •Comparable operating result was EUR 156.7 million (145.3) or 11.1% (10.0%) of sales. Operating result was EUR 162.7 million (160.8). •Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.33 (0.32), and earnings per share were EUR 0.34 (0.36). •Comparable return on capital employed was 11.8% ( 11.0%). •Net cash flow from operations was EUR 226.7 million (110.9). July–September 2020 (compared to 7–9/2019) • Sales were EUR 471.2 million (489.2). •Comparable operating result was EUR 62.5 million (42.5), or 13.3% (8.7%) of sales. Operating result was EUR 62.5 million (42.5). •Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.13 (0.09), and earnings per share were EUR 0.13 (0.09). •Comparable return on capital employed was 14.3% (9.7%). •Net cash flow from operations was EUR 74.4 million (43.8).
Read More

New UPM Solide kraft paper family – strong, translucent and visual

To offer our customers a full portfolio of packaging papers, UPM Specialty Papers has launched UPM SolideTM, a family of kraft papers that feature a versatile combination of strength as well as converting properties. All grades in the portfolio offer excellent printability to maximise the shelf impact of packaging. All papers in the UPM SolideTM family are recyclable in regular paper recycling stream. The UPM Solide portfolio offers a broad range of kraft papers to choose from, with substance ranging from 45 g/m2 up to 90 g/m2. Samples and trial reels of the UPM Solide portfolio are available. UPM SolideTM combines high strength and good printability. UPM SolideTM Smooth offers high printability with good strength. Excellent choice when you need the visuals of your product to make an impact. UPM SolideTM Strong offers excellent strength and good printability. The paper is free from optical brighteners, making it an excellent choice when you are looking to convey your natural image. UPM SolideTM Lucent is a natural white translucent paper with high strength properties. The smooth surface offers good printability and convertability.
Read More

JCPenney Signs Asset Purchase Agreement with Brookfield, Simon and First Lien Lenders, Charting Course for the Future

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Brookfield Asset Management, Inc, Simon Property Group and a majority of the Company’s DIP and First Lien Lenders. Key terms of the APA are as follows: *Brookfield and Simon will acquire substantially all of JCPenney’s retail and operating assets (“OpCo”) through a combination of cash and new term loan debt. *The formation of separate property holding companies (“PropCos”), comprising 160 of the Company’s real estate assets and all of its owned distribution centers, which will be owned by the Company’s DIP and First Lien Lenders. *The OpCo and PropCos will enter into master leases with respect to the properties and distribution centers moved into the PropCos (the “Master Lease Agreement”). JCPenney, Simon and Brookfield, and the Majority Lender Group have reached agreement on all outstanding business points in the Master Lease Agreement.
Read More

Carter’s to Close at Least 200 Stores (mytotalretail.com)

Carter’s is permanently shutting down hundreds of stores. The children’s apparel and accessories retailer announced that it plans to close 25 percent of its brick-and-mortar fleet, or about 200 locations, as the leases of those units expire. Speaking to analysts, Carter's CEO Michael Casey said that nearly 60 percent of those outposts will likely be shuttered by the end of next year and 80 percent will shut down by the end of 2022. Carter’s currently operates about 850 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico under its namesake banner and OshKosh B’Gosh brand.
Read More

Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–September 2020 was EUR 274 million

JANUARY–SEPTEMBER 2020 (1–9/2019) *Sales were EUR 3,698 million (4,183). *Operating result was EUR 279 million (342). Comparable operating result was EUR 274 million (418). *Result before taxes was EUR 242 million (298). The comparable result before taxes was EUR 236 million (374). *Comparable return on capital employed was 7.0% (11.0). *Cash flow from operations was EUR 419 million (421). JULY–SEPTEMBER 2020 (7–9/2019) *Sales were EUR 1,245 million (1,374). *Operating result was EUR 116 million (110). Comparable operating result was EUR 115 million (110). *Result before taxes was EUR 103 million (96). The comparable result before taxes was EUR 102 million (96). *Comparable return on capital employed was 8.8% (8.7). *Cash flow from operations was EUR 179 million (239).
Read More

Sun Chemical Releases 2019 Sustainability Report

The report describes Sun Chemical’s emphasis on sustainability in the way it develops, manufactures and distributes its products while also showing how it works with customers and suppliers to improve their sustainability goals. The 2019 report shares key research and development highlights and Sun Chemical’s contributions to a more sustainable future, such as: *a long-term strategic target to reduce manufacturing CO₂ levels by at least 30% by 2030 *waste reduction programs focused on improving the utilization of incoming materials, promoting recycling and optimizing the end of life of a product or material *a silver corporate social responsibility rating by EcoVadis, a 3rd party organization that measures a variety of categories, including environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement *partnerships with various industry associations and consortia focused on large-scale sustainability objectives *products that are developed with bio-renewable raw materials *solutions designed to improve PET bottle recycling and composting
Read More

Domtar Signs Agreement With Voith to Supply Equipment for Kingsport Mill Conversion to Containerboard

Domtar Corporation announced it has signed an agreement with Voith to provide equipment and technical services to convert the paper machine at its Kingsport, Tennessee, mill to produce recycled containerboard including high-performance lightweight packaging grades, as well as industry standard grades. In addition to being a full-line supplier to the paper industry, Voith is also recognized as a leader in the containerboard machinery business. The company will play an important part in Domtar's entry into the containerboard market by helping build one of the most modern recycled containerboard machines in the world, able to set industry benchmarks in recycled containerboard strength and convertibility.
Read More

Alain Gaudré Appointed New Lecta CFO

Lecta has appointed Alain Gaudré as Lecta CFO. Starting on October 26th, he will be reporting to Eduardo Querol, Lecta CEO. Alain Gaudré will also be appointed as an additional member to the Board of Directors of Lecta Ltd. Alain Gaudré has been working as CFO across different industries, including the automotive and packaging industries, and is experienced within both the international and industrial environments.
Read More

Stora Enso appoints two new members to its Group Leadership Team

Stora Enso has appointed Tobias Bäärnman, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, as a member of the Group Leadership Team. He joined Stora Enso in 2017, first as SVP Controlling, Strategy and IT for Consumer Board division. Since December 2019, he has worked as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. Before joining Stora Enso, he worked as Finance Director at Iggesund Paperboard and has earlier held various positions at Statoil and Procter and Gamble. He has a master’s degree in finance. Stora Enso has also appointed Teemu Salmi, CIO and Head of IT & Digitalisation, as a member of the Group Leadership Team. He joined Stora Enso in 2017. Previously, he worked at Ericsson in various executive positions, most recently as SVP and Head of business unit IT & Cloud in Middle East & Africa. He has a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Read More

Ahlstrom-Munksjö interim Report January-September 2020

Q3/2020 compared with Q3/2019 • Net sales decreased by 8.0% to EUR 654.5 million (711.3), mainly due an adverse currency effect and lower average selling prices • Comparable EBITDA decreased to EUR 78.9 million (83.6), representing 12.1% (11.7) of net sales, impacted by scheduled maintenance shutdowns • Operating result of EUR 32.9 million (34.3) • Net result EUR 15.5 million (12.0). Q1-Q3/2020 compared with Q1-Q3/2019 • Net sales decreased by 9.9% to EUR 1,994.1 million (2,214.1), mainly due to lower average selling prices and volumes as well as an adverse currency effect • Comparable EBITDA increased to EUR 244.7 million (242.4), representing 12.3% (10.9) of net sales, driven by lower variable costs, which more than offset lower selling prices and sales volumes • Operating result of EUR 132.5 million (87.2), including a capital gain of EUR 32.0 million from the sale of the fine art paper business • Net result EUR 71.2 million (30.9)
Read More

Changes in Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Executive Management Team

Ahlstrom-Munksjö strengthens long-term strategy development and deepens its innovation and sustainability focus by extending the Group Executive Management Team. Mikko Lankinen has been appointed Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Development, and a member of the Group Executive Management Team as of October 28 2020. He reports to Hans Sohlström, President and CEO. Mikko is currently Chief Development Officer, Corporate Development. Robin Guillaud has been appointed Executive Vice President, Innovation, Sustainability and Communication, and a member of the Group Executive Management Team as of October 28 2020. He reports to Hans Sohlström, President and CEO. Robin is currently Vice President, Business Development, Filtration & Performance Solutions business area.
Read More

What Will Catalog Marketing Look Like in a Post-COVID-19 World? (mytotalretail.com)

The coronavirus has been a life-changing event. We've never experienced anything like this before. Baby Boomers were young when polio was nearly eradicated with the Salk vaccine in 1955. At that time, very little was known about polio, which paralyzed and often killed young children. Science has greatly advanced since then. Even so, until we have a proven vaccine, the spread of COVID-19 will continue and the so called “new normal” will evolve and become even more of a reality with every day that passes. COVID-19 has brought about changes in ways we never imagined. Changes in the way we shop, how we work from home, homeschool our children, entertain ourselves, and so much more. What we wouldn't have imagined prior to the coronavirus is becoming the new normal today. Some of the changes we've made will revert back to the old way of doing things once the virus passes. Many of the changes will remain at least for an extended period of time. Many consumer catalog and online businesses have seen a significant increase in response to the way people shop during the coronavirus — i.e., “The COVID factor.” The increase varies by product category.
Read More

UPS Releases 3Q 2020 Earnings

UPS announced third-quarter 2020 consolidated revenue of $21.2 billion, a 15.9% increase over the third quarter of 2019. Consolidated average daily volume increased 13.5% year over year. Net income was $2.0 billion for the quarter, 11.8% above the same period in 2019, or 10.7% on an adjusted basis. Operating profit was $2.4 billion, up 11.0% compared to last year’s third quarter, or 9.9% on an adjusted basis. Diluted earnings per share was $2.24 and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $2.28, up 10.1% from the same period last year. GAAP results include a pre-tax transformation charge of $44 million, equivalent to $0.04 per share. In the prior year period, GAAP results included a pre-tax charge for transformation costs of $63 million, equivalent to $0.06 per diluted share.
Read More

Wiley Education Services Adds Four New University Partners

Wiley Education Services announced the signing of several new university partnerships this year including Calvin University, La Trobe University, Methodist University and University of New Haven, to support more than 45 undergraduate and graduate online programs across a variety of high-demand disciplines from healthcare to counseling and cybersecurity. “We are continuing to see an increased, proactive commitment to strategic online learning programs from universities, not for emergency support amid COVID-19, but to promote long-term success,” said Todd Zipper, President of Wiley Education Services. “We look forward to serving as a trusted partner to each university, delivering top-quality faculty training and career-focused education in subject areas that are critically needed now and will surely be essential to post-pandemic recovery.”
Read More

Metal Matters in the Fight Against Food Waste

The latest industry studies estimate that as much as half of all food produced globally for human consumption is wasted every year. That is a staggering figure, particularly considering that around one in nine people on the earth do not have enough food to live a healthy life. Couple this with estimates that the global population will reach close to 9 billion people by 2050, and the need to reduce food waste to ease the strain on resources and agricultural land is more vital than ever. To look at where we can make a difference, we must first look at the food value chain. There are five steps in the process: production, handling and storage, processing and packaging, distribution and market and consumption. Emerging economies waste 40% of food during the first two steps of the value chain, while mature economies waste 40% of food during the last two steps. Processing and packaging lies in the middle of the value chain and has the potential to make an impact on both sides of the economic divide.
Read More

DS Smith sponsors the launch of anti-littering children’s book

Engaging young people on the benefits of circular living and the circular economy is a key part of our ‘Now & Next’ Sustainability Strategy. As is supporting the local communities around our offices and paper mills. That’s why we have sponsored the launch of a new children’s book by the charity ‘Litter Angels’. Our sites across Europe do so much work to engage with our local communities. In a typical year we open our doors to school educational trips, our employees volunteer to teach the circular economy in classrooms, we organise community litter picks, and much more. As the second-largest recovered fibre-based paper operation in Europe, and one of the area’s largest employers, our Kemsley Paper Mill also supports a number of local and charitable initiatives, including Sheerness-based charity Litter Angels. Founded in 2008, Litter Angels aims to make the local environment a cleaner, greener place to live. Its main objective is to encourage young people to understand about the anti-social nature of litter and the damage it does to our environment. So we were delighted to provide a grant of £5,795 from the DS Smith Charitable Foundation to fund the charity’s second book which encourages primary school-aged children not to drop litter.
Read More

Graphic Packaging International Continues Winning Streak With AmeriStar Awards

KeelClip™ and PaperSeal®, two award-winning packaging innovations from fiber-based packaging solutions leader Graphic Packaging International (Graphic Packaging), are being recognized again, this time at the at the Institute of Packaging Professionals' 2020 AmeriStar Packaging Awards. KeelClip, a replacement solution for plastic rings and shrink wrap on multipack cans, gathered the top awards in both sustainability and the beverages/alcoholic drinks category. PaperSeal tray, an alternative to modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum skin packaging, received the top award in the food/refrigerated category.
Read More

Sealed Air Corporation Reports Q3 2020 Results

Net sales of $1.2 billion increased 2% as reported. Currency had a negative impact on total net sales of $12 million or approximately 1%. Net earnings were $132 million, or $0.85 per diluted share. Special Items, which were largely due to one-time net tax related benefits, contributed $5 million to net earnings. This compares to third quarter 2019 net earnings of $80 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, which were unfavorably impacted by $20 million of Special Items, including restructuring and restructuring associated costs of $15 million, net of tax.
Read More

How Sustainable Packaging Can Seal Your Relationship with Millennials

Consider millennials as the poster children for sustainability. They’re the ones toting reusable fabric bags at your local farmer’s market and driving hybrid vehicles around town. If you think about it, it’s no surprise: they learned from the Greatest Generation, who founded Earth Day and turned environmentalism into actionable steps to preserve the planet. As millennials grab the environmentalism baton, their spending habits are expected to match their commitment to the planet. For example, one survey found that 75 percent of millennials look for and spend money on sustainable food products versus just 34 percent of Baby Boomers. As millennials spend serious cash on sustainable products across all industries — from food to cleaning supplies to wellness products — companies are quickly introducing products that appeal to their desire to protect the environment.
Read More

RRD Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

*GAAP net sales decreased 15.9%; non-GAAP organic net sales decreased 12.1% *GAAP income from operations was down $55.1 million versus the prior year primarily due to a $56.5 million increase in restructuring and other charges; current quarter included a charge for MEPP withdrawal obligations related to the LSC Communications (“LSC”) bankruptcy *GAAP loss per share from continuing operations of $0.13 included third quarter charges of $0.52 per share for restructuring and other *Operating cash flow, including discontinued operations, increased $40.1 million from prior year period, year-to-date improvement now at $113.0 million *Entered into definitive agreement to sell its Logistics DLS Worldwide business for $225 million, expected to close by year end *Launched plan to redeem $83.3 million of principal outstanding on Senior Notes due March 15, 2021
Read More

Johnsonburg Pulp and Paper Mill: 131 years of Papermaking

At Domtar, we are proud to be a part of the communities where we work, live and play. In many of these communities, the pulp and paper mill has influenced the development of the town and is often the area’s largest employer. Our Johnsonburg Mill is a great example of how a mill can shape a town. The Johnsonburg pulp and paper mill has been the backdrop and the backbone of this small Pennsylvania town since 1889. Boasting more than a century of partnership, the mill and the town have developed a symbiotic relationship. Click read more below for the rest of the story.
Read More

O-I Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Net sales in the third quarter of 2020 were $1.6 billion compared to $1.7 billion in the prior year as net sales declined $76 million attributed to the divestment of ANZ. After adjusting for the sale of ANZ, average selling prices improved nearly 1 percent and increased revenue $12 million. Shipments increased 1.7 percent in tons, or $24 million, while unfavorable foreign currency translation reduced net sales by $11 million. Segment operating profit1 was $204 million in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $206 million in the prior year. Higher shipments benefited segment operating profit by $10 million. Cost inflation, which was elevated due to foreign currency pressures, more than offset the benefit of higher selling prices by $4 million. Operating costs were $6 million higher than the prior year as improved operating performance and cost control efforts substantially offset the impact of lower production levels. Current year profits were unfavorably impacted by the net effect of favorable foreign currency translation and the sale of ANZ.
Read More

Office Depot’s Charitable Programs Provide Over $3.5 Million in Educational Supplies to Students, Teachers and Title I Schools

Office Depot announced that over $3.5 million worth of educational supplies were recently provided to students, teachers and Title I schools across the country as a result of Office Depot’s charitable programs and the generosity of Office Depot and OfficeMax customers. Students at more than 25 Title I elementary schools received brand-new backpacks filled with traditional school supplies, with a total value at over $1.5 million, through Office Depot’s Start Proud!® national community investment initiative. The donated supplies, which included notebooks, composition books, highlighters, pens, pencils and more, were distributed to students during celebratory drive-thru and walk-up socially distanced celebrations at the start of the school year to help set them up for success. School administrators, teachers and Office Depot associates teamed up to host these events, which served as a fun kick-off to this unique new school year, filled with masked smiles and air high fives.
Read More

Xerox Releases Third-Quarter Results

Financial Results • $106 million of operating cash flow from continuing operations, down $242 million year-over-year and up $72 million from the second quarter • $88 million of free cash flow, down $243 million year-over-year and up $73 million from the second quarter • $1.77 billion of revenue, down 18.9 percent year-over-year or 19.7 percent in constant currency and up $302 million from the second quarter • GAAP earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $0.41 per share, down $0.27 yearover-year and up $0.30 from the second quarter, and adjusted EPS of $0.48, down $0.32 yearover-year and up $0.33 from the second quarter
Read More

UPM Interim Report Q3 2020: Driving performance and transformative projects under highly exceptional circumstances

Q3 2020 highlights • Sales decreased by 19% to EUR 2,028 million (2,493 million in Q3 2019) due to lower deliveries of graphic papers and lower pulp and paper prices • Comparable EBIT was EUR 215 million, 10.6% of sales (342 million, 13.7%), down 37% year-over-year • Operating cash flow was EUR 365 million (500 million) • Closures of UPM Chapelle paper mill and UPM Jyväskylä plywood mill • Announced the closure of UPM Kaipola paper mill, plans for selling UPM Shotton paper mill and streamlining in several businesses and functions. Q1–Q3 2020 highlights • Sales decreased by 18% to EUR 6,392 million (7,791 million in Q1–Q3 2019) due to lower deliveries of graphic papers and lower pulp and paper prices • Comparable EBIT was EUR 697 million, 10.9% of sales (1,061 million, 13.6%), down 34% year-over-year • Operating cash flow was EUR 659 million (1,256 million) • Net debt was EUR 89 million (-2 million)• UPM's transformative pulp project in Uruguay and biochemicals project in Germany are well on track with the planned start-up timeline
Read More

Packaging Corporation of America Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Packaging Corporation of America reported third quarter 2020 net income of $139 million, or $1.46 per share, and net income of $149 million, or $1.57 per share, excluding special items. Third quarter net sales were $1.69 billion in 2020 and $1.75 billion in 2019. Excluding special items, the ($.35) per share decrease in third quarter 2020 earnings compared to the third quarter of 2019 was driven primarily by lower prices and mix in our Packaging segment ($.36) and Paper segment ($.07), lower volumes in our Paper segment ($.33), higher scheduled maintenance outage costs ($.04), and higher freight expense ($.02). These items were partially offset by higher volumes in our Packaging segment $.22, lower operating costs $.20, and lower converting $.04 and other costs $.01.
Read More

Bloomsbury Reports Unaudited Interim Results for the Six Months Ended 31 August 2020

Commenting on the results, Nigel Newton, Chief Executive, said: “Bloomsbury experienced excellent trading in the first half with year-on-year profit growth of 60% to £4.0 million. This has delivered our highest first half earnings since 2008 and exceeded the Board’s expectations. Online book sales and e-book revenues were significantly higher. The Consumer division had an excellent performance with 17% revenue growth and a £2.1 million increase in profit before tax and highlighted items to £2.7 million. Stand-out bestsellers during the period included Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race, Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood, White Rage, Humankind and Such A Fun Age. In the Non-Consumer division, our strategy of developing online academic resources, conceived five years ago, meant we were well placed to benefit from the accelerated shift by academic institutions to digital products to support remote learning. We saw 47% growth in sales of Bloomsbury Digital Resources as a result.
Read More

HH Global Acquires Genii

HH Global has acquired Genii, an Australian owned marketing services provider. Genii was established in 2010 as a full service marketing execution business specialising in the provision of innovative, cost effective and strategic services to the retail sector. The company was founded by Marcus Smith and Layton Parslow and headquartered in Sydney. The acquisition will deliver significant value to the clients of both HH Global and Genii, through the strength of their combined proposition and scale. Existing Genii clients will benefit from HH Global’s worldwide reach, market-leading IP/Technology and significant support infrastructure, while HH Global are able to further enhance their offer to the retail and FMCG sectors and accelerate growth within their Australian business.
Read More

S&P Global Revenue Increased 9% In The Third Quarter With Growth Across All Four Divisions

S&P Global today reported third quarter 2020 results with revenue of $1,846 million, an increase of 9% compared to the same period last year. Net income decreased 26% to $455 million and diluted earnings per share decreased 25% to $1.88 primarily due to the debt tender premium and fees associated with the recent senior notes tender offer. "S&P Global has a collection of strong and resilient businesses that continued to perform well in the current environment. The demand for our ratings, benchmarks, research, data, and analytics is greater than ever during uncertain and volatile markets," said Douglas L. Peterson, President and Chief Executive Officer of S&P Global. "Two years ago, we established a number of growth initiatives. It is very encouraging to see so many of these investments result in new products that we have launched this year. This is particularly true with our ESG investments and the traction that our new ESG products are gaining in the marketplace."
Read More

DS Smith Tecnicarton receives the Liderpack Award for ‘best logistics and distribution packaging´

DS Smith Tecnicarton has received the Liderpack Award in the category 'best logistics and distribution packaging' for its latest innovative design, a telescopic lid valid for different packaging lengths. The system is made up of two joined sections and is equipped with several side tabs whose locking at different lengths allows the lid to be lengthened and shrunk and adapted to different dimensions. In this way, with a single element, multiple packaging references can be covered, which optimises storage space, promotes the reduction of stock costs and simplifies reference management.
Read More

Kimberly-Clark Announces Executive Leadership Changes

Jeff Melucci, currently Senior Vice President, Business Development and General Counsel, has been named as Chief Transformation, Business Development and Legal Officer, adding responsibility for the company's transformation roadmap for further building its global organizational capabilities. This expanded role assumes the responsibilities of Achal Agarwal, who has announced his intent to retire at year end after 12 years with Kimberly-Clark and a nearly 40-year career. Melucci will continue to report to Mike Hsu, Kimberly-Clark Chairman and CEO. In addition, Gonzalo Uribe has been named as President of Kimberly-Clark's Latin American consumer business, and will also report to Hsu, with responsibility for the company's consumer operations across Latin America.
Read More

Koehler Paper Group Announces Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Packaging

Sustainable packaging, which means replacing plastic with paper wherever possible, is not just a question of material availability. While flexible packaging paper may well be threatening to displace plastic packaging, both materials still have to share the same machines for the time being. Questions concerning changeover times and even machine conversions and, above all, process reliability in processing are therefore of primary importance for machine operators. Eckard Kallies, Head of the Flexible Packaging Paper Division at the Koehler Paper Group, explains: "We know just how much pressure the consumer is exerting when it comes to greater sustainability. As a supplier to the packaging industry, we have therefore entered into a strategic partnership with Syntegon, a globally leading processing and packaging technology provider. Although people are demanding to see an instant revolution in terms of greater sustainability, this is only possible by taking an evolutionary path. To ensure that we move step by step in the right direction, Syntegon and the Koehler Paper Group are strategically combining their knowledge."
Read More

UPM Raflatac collaborates in the global industry-wide consortium CELAB to boost matrix and liner recycling

Companies in the pressure-sensitive labeling industry have announced a new global industry-wide consortium, CELAB: Creating the Circular Economy for Labeling. UPM Raflatac is acting as one of the key collaborators in CELAB to boost matrix and liner recycling in the pressure-sensitive labeling industry. The consortium aims to facilitate collaboration between companies from around the world and across the supply chain to drive progress on and promote solutions for matrix and release liner recycling. “Our RafCycle recycling service has been developed over the last 10 years and it gives label release liner waste a new life as release liner, face papers, magazine paper and composite material. By bringing our long experience to CELAB, we aim to drive the industry's shift towards the circular economy together with multiple players in the value chain. Furthermore, we aim to accelerate RafCycle development further by strengthening our service offering,” says Juha Virmavirta, Director, RafCycle solutions, UPM Raflatac.
Read More

The PRINTING United Digital Experience Begins This Week

The PRINTING United Digital Experience officially begins on Monday, October 26, with daily programming taking place between 10 am – 2 pm ET through November 12. Registration is free to the entire schedule of daily events at digital.printingunited.com. Attendees can now register and bookmark anticipated sessions, by market segment, and gain access to new product debuts, research, education, case studies, whitepapers, and a complete resource library – all on-demand, anytime, through January 2021. Attendees need only register once to have unlimited access to all content. Over 80 countries are already represented in registration to date. Daily Guides will also be provided each day of the event to highlight the focused topic agenda and new products available from each of the Digital Experience partners. more info at: https://whattheythink.com/news/103034-printing-united-digital-experience-begins-week/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily
Read More

Verso Announces Pulp Price Increase

Effective with all orders shipping on or after November 1, 2020, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all pulp products by $30.00 per metric tonne. This increase includes but is not limited to, Quinnesec® Hi-Maple BHK Pulp. Should you have any questions, please contact your Verso professional sales representative. Thank you for your continued support.
Read More
Back To Top
×Close search
Search