Print Unit Sales Rose 13.4% In Early October (publishersweekly.com)

Unit sales of print books increased 13.4% in the week ended Oct. 10, 2020, over the comparable week in 2019, with three new titles topping the bestseller list. The two biggest bestsellers were in adult nonfiction, helping to lift unit sales 10.9% over the week ended Oct. 12, 2019. Ina Gartner’s Modern Comfort Food sold more than 130,000 copies in its first week, while Humans by Brandon Stanton followed, selling almost 103,000 copies. Juvenile fiction sales rose 17.1%, led by The Tower of Nero by Rick Riordan, which sold about 49,000 copies in its first week. YA nonfiction sales jumped 71.4% in the week. Three new titles in the Complete Guide in Ten Easy Lessons line from Simon & Schuster’s Portable imprint drove the gains: Engineering Made Simple, Science Made Simple, and Math Made Simple each sold more than 6,000 copies in its first week. Five new titles took the second through sixth spots in adult fiction, where sales rose 9.2%.
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Gap Exiting Malls, to Shutter 350 Stores by 2024 (mytotalretail.com)

Gap Inc., which was for decades a fixture at shopping malls around the country, said Thursday that it will be closing 220 of its namesake Gap stores — or one-third of its store base — by early 2024. That will result in 80 percent of its remaining Gap stores being in off-mall locations. As part of its restructuring, Gap Inc. said it also plans to close 130 of its Banana Republic stores in North America in three years. The retail organization detailed a three-year plan that calls for closing what amounts to 30 percent of the company’s Gap and Banana Republic stores in North America and focusing on outlets and its e-commerce business.
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The U.S. Postal Service Issues New Service Performance Report for the Week of October 10th

The U.S. Postal Service provided new service performance data this week to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for the week of Oct. 10 through Oct. 16, 2020. Key performance indicators for the week of Oct. 10 include: *First-Class Mail: 85.58 percent of First-Class Mail was delivered on time, a 0.57 percent decrease from the week of Oct. 3 *Marketing Mail: 86.00 percent of Marketing Mail was delivered on time, a 3.17 percent decrease from the week of Oct. 3 *Periodicals: 77.43 percent of Periodicals were delivered on time, a 1.11 percent decrease from the week of Oct. 3
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The Reusable Paper Bag, a better choice for the climate

There are more and more reasons to replace the plastic Bag for Life with one in paper when you go shopping. BillerudKorsnäs and AB Group Packaging therefore proudly present the reusable paper bag, one of the world´s strongest paper bags now available in UK Supermarkets. The secret behind the power of the Reusable Paper bag is the raw material called FibreForm®“RPET, fabric or PP reusable bags have long been available for consumers but can now be replaced by a Reusable bag made of FibreForm®, says Veronica Fylkner, Sales Manager, Formable Solutions at BillerudKorsnäs. “FibreForm® is one of the strongest kraft papers in the world. It’s been on the market for a while and we are still exploring its full potential. We see several new applications we can develop with FibreForm® and we are eager to replace less sustainable materials and solutions. It is a journey that we are pleased to be on as we can help decrease the amount of plastics and aluminium in different applications on the market” says Veronica Fylkner.
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The Paper Freezer Pack: A Novel Use for Wood Fiber

Accelerated by recent events, e-commerce sales continue to boom as today’s consumers purchase more of the products they use every day online — from the clothes they wear to the meals they eat. Unfortunately, this has increased concerns about unnecessary packaging waste and ever-greater levels of plastic pollution. Enter the paper freezer pack, which may one day replace plastic freezer packs for use in shipping refrigerated products. Domtar’s Catapult team recently revealed its paper freezer pack, an internally-developed potential solution to the issues posed by conventional cold chain offerings. Not only does the pack reduce plastic use, but it also capitalizes on mounting public interest in products made from sustainable wood fiber. The majority of this revolutionary paper freezer pack is made of forest-derived fiber, including paper, tissue and fluff pulp.
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EuroGraph Publishes Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in August 2020 were down 24.5% vs. August 2019 and are down 20.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in August 2020 were down 25.0% vs. August 2019 and are down 18.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in August 2020 were down 21.3% vs. August 2019 and are down 20.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in August 2020 were down 32.2% vs. August 2019 and are down 28.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in August 2020 were down 13.4% vs. August 2019 and are down 9.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree reels in August 2020 were down 33.1% vs. August 2019 and are down 26.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree reels in August 2020 were down 15.7% vs. August 2019 and are down 15.8% year-to-date.
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Kotkamills aims for the huge U.S. fast food market with its fully recyclable products

Kotkamills, a manufacturer of fully recyclable food service board, is currently exploring the possibility of establishing its own sales office in the North America. The launch of production in the still growing North American food packaging market is also being explored. “There is great interest in our products as alternatives to replace plastic also in North America, and by establishing a sales office we are pursuing growth in these huge markets. By operating close to the markets we can improve our customer service and, when needed, growth is supported by production built or acquired close to the markets. Starting our own production in North America is a vision, and the first steps in exploring it have already been taken,” says Kotkamills CEO Markku Hämäläinen.
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Nine Dragons Paper Announces FY2020 Annual Results

Nine Dragons Paper Limited is pleased to announce the audited consolidated annual results of the Company and its subsidiaries for the twelve months ended 30 June 2020. * Record high sales volume; a year-on-year increase of 8.5% to approximately 15.3 million tonnes * Net profit1 was RMB 4.2 billion; a year-on-year increase of 7.5% * Gross profit margin of 17.6%, a year-on-year increase of 2.0 percentage points * Net profit margin of 8.1%; a year-on-year increase of 1.0 percentage point
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Old Town paper mill spills 30,000 gallons of pulping chemicals into Penobscot River (bangordailynews.com)

More than 30,000 gallons of pulping chemicals from the ND Paper mill in Old Town leaked into the Penobscot River earlier this month, violating state and federal laws, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The mill suspended production after discovering that chemicals were spilling into the river through a ruptured underground sewer line and a failed floor drain on Oct. 7. It appears the spill happened periodically over a six-day span, said Brian Kavanah, director of the state agency’s bureau of water quality. The mill reported the leak to the Department of Environmental Protection, which helped with the spill cleanup and repairs to the infrastructure the following day.
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The Boxmaker to Acquire Tango Press (whattheythink.com)

Tango Press, headquartered in Springdale, AR, opened in 2016 as an all-digital production plant for corrugated packaging and displays. The company has a reputation in the marketplace for providing high-impact packaging and displays that meet customers’ unique needs, timeframe, and price points. “The acquisition of Tango Press is a perfect complement to The BoxMaker and our web-to-print brand, Fantastapack.com. This addition gives us the opportunity to expand our reach and improve product distribution for digitally printed and finished packaging to businesses throughout the United States,” said Richard Brown, President and Co-Owner of The BoxMaker. “As an all-digital production plant, Tango Press’ business model and culture are a natural fit for The BoxMaker and we look forward to the expanded benefits that our combined facilities will deliver to clients.”
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Grainger Reports Results For The Third Quarter 2020

Grainger reported results for the third quarter 2020 with sales of $3.0 billion, up 2.4% and up 4.6% on an organic daily basis compared to the third quarter 2019 driven by significant share gains in the U.S. segment and strong growth in the endless assortment businesses. Daily sales for the quarter increased 2.4% as compared to the 2019 third quarter. Organic daily sales, which exclude revenues from the divested Fabory and China businesses from the prior year results, increased 4.6% as compared to the 2019 third quarter. These sales increases were fueled by share gains in the U.S. segment and significant growth in the endless assortment businesses which more than offset declines in the Canada segment. Reported and adjusted gross profit margin for the third quarter of 2020 was 35.6%. This compares to reported and adjusted gross profit margin in the third quarter of 2019 of 37.3%. The unfavorable variance was driven by pandemic-related mix headwinds, particularly noticeable in our U.S. segment, and the continued business unit mix impact from the faster growth in our lower-margin endless assortment businesses.
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Breakthrough Creative Part 6: Photography (jschmid.com)

As visual creatures, we are compelled by what we see. Images draw our attention. They hold our interest. They spark our memories, our emotions. They move us to react, and to act. As marketers, we strive for breakthrough creative moments with our audience. We want to make an instant impression and invite them into our world. Photography, a moment captured in time, is a tremendous asset that tells the story of a brand. Photography can often be your biggest investment. And it can easily be your biggest impact. Here are three ways to make photography tell your story - go to: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/breakthrough-creative-photography/
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Canfor Reports Results for Third Quarter of 2020

Overview • Third quarter of 2020 reported operating income of $300 million, adjusted operating income of $347 million • Record-high adjusted lumber earnings of $387 million, driven by unprecedented surge in lumber prices and strong operational performance across all regions despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic • Total net debt of $526 million at September 30, 2020, improvement of $331 million from prior quarter; available liquidity of $1.1 billion; net debt to capitalization of 18.6% at September 30, 2020 • Vida Group (“Vida”) completed acquisition of Bergs Timber Production AB (“Bergs”) sawmill assets • Cumulative cash deposits of $548 million on countervailing and anti-dumping duties at September 30, 2020
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Canfor Pulp Reports Results for Third Quarter of 2020

The Company reported an operating loss of $27.6 million for the third quarter of 2020, compared to an operating loss of $6.3 million reported for the second quarter of 2020. After adjusting for a $3.0 million recovery in its inventory write-down provision, the Company’s operating loss was $30.6 million for the third quarter of 2020, $32.5 million unfavourable compared to similarly adjusted results for the second quarter of 2020. The Company’s operating results for the third quarter of 2020 reflected weak global pulp market conditions as well as significant fibre-related and previously deferred scheduled maintenance downtime, stemming from the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) outbreak, combined with a 3 cent, or 4%, stronger Canadian dollar.
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Sustainability gains for Delhaize with new Direct Box

Delhaize Belgium, the leading supermarket chain, has optimized its packaging process to meet the increased demand for home deliveries in partnership with DS Smith, the leading sustainable packaging provider. By creating its new Direct Box, the retailer could reduce the CO2 emissions with more than 87 tons. Nico Buelens, Project Manager Ecommerce Operations of Delhaize explains: "The new Direct Box is an innovative reusable corrugated tray. It incorporates built-in reinforcement on the handles, thisensures an extra strong Direct Box.
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ePac Flexible Packaging Announces ePacConnect

ePac Flexible Packaging has announced the launch of ePacConnect. ePacConnect leverages the power of digital printing to create serialized, trackable packaging, and new ways for brands to engage consumers, gain market insights and protect their brand. ePac will offer all its customers an entry-level no-cost solution, ideal for small and medium-sized brands, as well as a fee-based solution for customers with broader requirements. ePacConnect will be piloted in Q4 2020 in the US and Europe, with a full roll-out to all ePac locations planned in early 2021. All customer orders received by ePac will include smart, serialized secure QR codes on every package or the brand can opt-out and no codes will be printed. By serializing each package it is automatically digitally enabled, given a unique digital identity, and can be “activated” at any time to give brands flexibility for how and when the codes are used.
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7 Brands That Are Using Sustainable Packaging to Boost Social Sharing — and Social Good

E-commerce sales jumped a whopping 49 percent in April in response to COVID-19, and since then, online retailers have been scrambling to keep up with the increased demand in shipments. In addition to using more boxes or bags, there is also more in-the-box protection used to make sure the package contents make it safely to its destination. If the materials are not properly disposed of, this additional packaging may lead to a rise in consumer waste. In spite of all this increased consumption, online shoppers still care about the environmental impact of their purchases. In a recent survey, 83 percent of consumers said they considered the environment at the checkout screen, including the excessive waste it might be generating, and the increase in their carbon footprint. In that same study, 78 percent of respondents said that companies could be doing more to mitigate packaging waste. More and more brands are becoming conscious about their impact on the environment. Eco-friendly products in fashion, personal care, and other sectors have been popular for years. But now those same values are being extended to their packaging and fulfillment strategies, and mainstream companies are joining them. Here are 7 brands using sustainable packaging to make a lasting impact on consumers: click read more below
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AF&PA Commends EPA on Finalizing New Source Review Project Emissions Accounting Rule

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) New Source Review (NSR) project emissions accounting (PEA) rule, which was finalized today. “The EPA recognizes the need for sensible NSR accounting procedures that will provide a clear and concise approach to air permitting under the Clean Air Act. The PEA rule, by allowing increases and decreases in emissions to be counted together, will exclude minor projects from a burdensome and time-consuming permitting process. This NSR rule is part of a broader EPA effort to modernize an antiquated and complicated system and ensure the global competitiveness of American manufacturing. AF&PA commends the EPA’s efforts to advance regulatory process reforms, such as this, to support our industry’s ability to innovate, invest and create American manufacturing jobs.”
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Holmen invests in a new drying plant at Iggesund Sawmill

Iggesund Sawmill is being modernised to allow for an increase in production. Holmen is currently investing SEK 70 million in a new drying plant which will increase its drying capacity from 400 000 to 500 000 m3. The new drying plant is what is known as a tunnel dryer. It is much more energy efficient than the old kiln dryers which it will partly replace. The greater drying capacity will primarily be used for dried wood products for the joinery industry. In addition to investing in new dryers, the group had previously agreed to invest in land for timber storage and warehouse space.
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VPK Group agrees deal for acquisition of Encase (packagingnews.co.uk)

Encase operates two integrated corrugated packaging plants in England and one sheet plant in Scotland. VPK will merge Encase with its UK corrugated operations, formerly known as Rigid Containers. The combined businesses are expected to achieve yearly sales of more than £200m in corrugated packaging and sheets. All six corrugators combine a yearly containerboard consumption of 300,000 tons, which represents a major part of the non-integrated recycled containerboard consumption in UK.
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O-I Glass and Krones AG sign Collaboration Agreement

O-I Glass, Inc. and Germany’s Krones AG signed a strategic collaboration agreement that aims to elevate glass by innovating together and to jointly create solutions for the growing glass market. “For O-I, glass is the preferred packaging solution in a world that increasingly values health, premium products and the environment. Not only does it maintain the integrity of the products and protects the environment, as customers and consumers intend, but it also offers magnificent opportunities for establishing brands and implementing sustainable solutions,” explains Andres Lopez, President and CEO at O-I. “This agreement is the first step that O-I and Krones are taking together in order to offer clients completely integrated, end-to-end solutions in the future.” Focus areas include improvements in glass filling and packaging line speed and efficiency; enhanced agility and flexibility of responding to market trends; development of innovative and sustainable glass systems; and advancements in digital solutions such as direct-to-glass digital printing technology.
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UPM and the Guides and Scouts of Finland join forces on topics concerning climate and responsibility

UPM and the Guides and Scouts of Finland have initiated a cooperation in order to increase the dialogue and understanding between young people, companies and policy makers especially on topics concerning climate change and responsibility. UPM finds it important to understand the expectations of its stakeholders and to constantly develop its operations increasingly sustainable. "The concern about climate change is growing, especially amongst young people, which is why we want to contribute to the constructive discussions about solutions and alternatives. This long-term collaboration aims to organise joint events and to build a dialogue between young people, experts and policy makers in different ways", says Saara Tahvanainen, Vice President, Stakeholder Relations at UPM Biorefining.
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Huhtamäki Oyj’s Interim Report January 1–September 30, 2020: Strong profitability improvement

Q3 2020 in brief • Net sales decreased 1% to EUR 847 million (EUR 855 million) • Adjusted EBIT was EUR 86 million (EUR 72 million); reported EBIT was EUR 65 million (EUR 68 million) • Adjusted EPS was EUR 0.56 (EUR 0.45); reported EPS was EUR 0.43 (EUR 0.41) • Comparable net sales growth was 2% at Group level and -2% in emerging markets. Q1-Q3 2020 in brief: • Net sales decreased 1% to EUR 2,489 million (EUR 2,524 million) • Adjusted EBIT was EUR 229 million (EUR 218 million); reported EBIT was EUR 217 million (EUR 213 million) • Adjusted EPS was EUR 1.46 (EUR 1.40) reported EPS was EUR 1.40 (EUR 1.36) • Comparable net sales growth was -1% at Group level and -6% in emerging markets
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‘Luxe’ Magazine Celebrates 15 Years With Redesign (mediapost.com)

Luxe Interiors + Design is celebrating its 15-year anniversary with a redesign, debuting in the November/December 2020 issue. Owned by Sandow, Luxe magazine is helmed by Pamela Jaccarino, who has served as founding editor in chief since the publication's launch in 2005. “At our 15-year anniversary mark, Luxe is looking boldly toward the future with optimism, enthusiasm and a refreshed new logo and redesign,” Jaccarino stated. The redesign, which is exclusively for the print magazine, includes updated, clean layouts and new cover designs to highlight Luxe’s regional editions.
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Wallaceburg Bookbinding & Manufacturing Joins Two Sides

Wallaceburg Bookbinding & Manufacturing Co. Ltd. has joined Two Sides North America, the non-profit organization that promotes and encourages the responsible production, use, and sustainability of print, paper, and paper-based packaging. “Albeit on a different scale, I believe printed books still have a place in this digital world. One cannot deny the benefits of using an actual book for learning purposes. Students should have the choice to utilize the best option for their learning needs, goals, and skillset. We advocate for the option of the printed book and feel that partnering with Two Sides is a good fit for our company mission,” said Suzanne Wiersma, Director of Operations, Wallaceburg Bookbinding & Mfg. Co. Ltd.
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Two Sides Q3 Campaign Update 2020 Reports The Latest Campaign Successes

We are pleased to present the Two Sides Q3 Campaign Update 2020. Never has there been such widespread attention of the environmental credentials of the products and materials we use. A seismic shift is happening in both public and business attitudes towards sustainability. More people than ever appreciate that paper can be an environmentally sound choice for reading materials, communications, and packaging solutions. But, there is still a significant underestimation of just how sustainable paper and paper-based packaging is. It’s making our work at Two Sides more important than ever. Especially when we speak to consumers via our Love Paper campaign. The awareness of the Love Paper campaign is growing. We are continually seeing more visitors to our website (lovepaper.org). This year to date, we have had 15,000 website visitors, 30,000 website page views and gained over 2,500 social media followers.
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Sonoco Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Net sales for the third quarter of 2020 were $1.31 billion, down 3.1 percent from last year's third quarter sales of $1.35 billion. The sales decline was driven by lower volume/mix, a stronger U.S. dollar and lower selling prices. These negative impacts were partially offset by sales added from acquisitions. GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco in the third quarter was $83.4 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, a decrease of $8.6 million, compared with $92.1 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, in 2019. Gross profit was $257.0 million in the third quarter compared to $265.5 million in the same period in 2019. Quarterly gross profit as a percentage of sales was essentially flat year over year at 19.6 percent. Third-quarter selling, general and administrative expenses increased $5.8 million from the prior year to $126.1 million.
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RRD Enables Safer, NFC/QRC-Powered Interactions with New Touchless World™ Solution

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company introduced Touchless World by RRD™, a comprehensive set of solutions that leverage the power of dynamic, strategically located, scannable smart tags designed for smartphone engagement. According to a recent consumer survey from the Shekel Group, 87% of consumers prefer shopping in stores with touchless or robust self-checkout options during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the virus went global, contactless options were expected to grow by 200% by 2025. RRD’s Touchless World solutions are designed to make consumers feel safe throughout the entire shopping experience, up to and including payments. With Touchless World by RRD, every brand touchpoint can be contactless — and capable of activating powerful data, delivering contextual, personalized messaging.
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BillerudKorsnas Interim Report January–September 2020

Key highlights: *Stable sales volumes despite challenging markets *Successfully accomplished maintenance shutdowns *Accelerated delivery of the cost and efficiency programme *Strong operating cash flow generation *Recyclable Flow Wrap launched. Quarterly data: *Net sales declined by 5% to SEK 5 561 million (5 833). Excluding currency effects sales declined by 3% *Operating profit was SEK 86 million (149) *Net profit from continuing operations was SEK 52 million (77) *Earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.25 (27.83)**
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Kimberly-Clark Announces Third Quarter 2020 Results

Sales of $4.7 billion in the third quarter of 2020 increased 1 percent compared to the year-ago period. Organic sales increased 3 percent, while changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales 2 percent. Volumes rose 2 percent and the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales 1 percent. In North America, organic sales increased 8 percent in consumer products but fell 15 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 2 percent in developing and emerging markets and 3 percent in developed markets. Third quarter operating profit was $666 million in 2020 and $915 million in 2019. Results in both periods include charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program. Results in 2019 also include a gain on the sale of a manufacturing facility as part of the restructuring.
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The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBSCD) ranks Mondi as a ‘Top Performer’ for the second consecutive year

Mondi’s Sustainable Development report 2019 is named in the ‘Top Performer’ category, honouring the top ten overall reports, from an annual review of the sustainable development reporting of leading global companies by WBCSD. "Setting ambitious targets and being transparent on how we report on our progress and performance are two compelling steps companies can take to help create a sustainable future. At Mondi, sustainability is intrinsic to how we do our business, so we are delighted that our efforts to produce exceptional reporting have been recognised once again." Gladys Naylor, Group Head of Sustainable Development
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Norske Skog Announces Q3 2020 Results

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the third quarter of 2020 was NOK 73 million, a slight increase from NOK 52 million in the second quarter of 2020 when excluding the gain of NOK 86 million from the sale of the Tasmanian forest. Although, there are modest signs of demand improvement, the markets have not returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. Norske Skog Saugbrugs (Norway) will permanently cease production at one of their SC-machines (PM5/100 000 tonnes) during the fourth quarter. Operating earnings in the third quarter of 2020 were NOK -31 million compared to operating earnings of NOK -122 million in the second quarter of 2020, mainly driven by a modest sales volume increase. Net loss in the quarter was NOK 89 million compared to a net loss of NOK 59 million in the previous quarter.
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Paper Excellence Canada signs LOI with Pelican Lake and Witchekan First Nations

Pelican Lake First Nation and Witchekan Lake First Nation and Paper Excellence Canada announced today the signing of a Letter of Intent that sets out the intentions of all parties to build a collaborative relationship with each other in Saskatchewan. “We now have agreements with all the industries around us,” said Chief Peter Bill of the Pelican Lake First Nation. Chief Anne Thomas of the Witchekan Lake First Nation added, “First and foremost in establishing a partnership is standing on common ground with a vision based on positive values. Touring the mill gave me an insight to possible opportunities.”
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Q1 through Q3 Comparison Client Web Analytic Trends (cohereone.com)

At the height of the “shutdown” that began in late February, retailers were very unsure how COVID-19 would impact their business, their employees’ lives as well as their personal lives. Many brands reduced print, cut expensive marketing programs, and went to remote working almost immediately. There is no overstating the overwhelming effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our personal and professional lives. Now that we have nine months behind us, what have we learned? Well, the American consumer generally doesn’t stop shopping; they just shop differently. It’s vital to understand and recognize that your customers’ needs change during a disruption of this magnitude, and it’s incumbent on the brand to respond by fulfilling them in unique ways. When brands better understand the nuances of changing customer behavior, there is opportunity to react differently to drive a stronger position to offer relevant and timely merchandise messaging and thus drive stronger demand. Read the entire assessment at: https://cohereone.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/CH1-Web-Analytic-Trends-through-Sep-2020-V4.pdf?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=97834829&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--ajRGVYmJUx1IK214btnKyNtdBwwQX0Mg1LKSKPHHeTrbVpn9ygCUT_rM3QV7k7tKv1-A5ld_NZWXXaswXjD_g5v1Uiul5ODlxbl8QbcyQlIAUpqI&utm_content=97834829&utm_source=hs_email
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PMMI Membership Continues Sustained Growth

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, announced the continued growth of its membership, adding 21 new companies this Fall, bringing active membership to 943. “The addition of 21 new members demonstrates confidence in PMMI’s ability to provide timely resources that drive the packaging and processing industry forward. We are committed to adding value to our members’ businesses so they can stay competitive and adjust to our constantly changing climate,” says Glen Long, senior vice president, PMMI. “Now more than ever, we are excited about our growth and look forward to continuing to support our membership.”
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Worzalla and Bria Bella & Co. Collect More Than 500 Pairs of Socks for “Socktember” Campaign

Worzalla and Bria Bella & Co., a local women’s apparel store, combined efforts to collect socks for families in need during their “Socktember” campaign. During the month of September, associates at both companies solicited donations of socks to help supply this basic need to families ahead of the winter holidays. More than 500 pairs of socks were collected and donated to the Stevens Point Area School District, where District social workers will distribute to children and families who need them. “If I came across a family who needed anything, from socks to toiletries, I would drop these items off to these families to help them stay warm and healthy,” said Peg Bach, recently retired School Social Worker for Stevens Point Area School District who participated in the campaign. “This donation of socks will keep more than 500 pairs of feet warm this winter, thank you to Worzalla and Bria Bella & Co.”
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Avery Dennison Announces Third Quarter 2020 Results

Third Quarter 2020 Results: Net sales were $1.73 billion, down 1.8%. Sales were down 1.3% ex. currency, and down 3.6% on an organic basis. Reported operating margin increased 100 basis points to 12.3%. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 190 basis points to 16.1%, while adjusted operating margin increased 140 basis points to 13.1%. Reported net income was $1.79 per share, up 5%, and adjusted net income was $1.91 per share, up 15%, both of which were above the company’s expectations, reflecting a sales decline below the low end of its outlook range in July. Year-to-date free cash flow was $342 million, up 4.4% compared to the same period last year.
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Replacing fossil-based plastics with renewables – introducing Mysoda’s new sparkling water makers made of innovative UPM Formi EcoAce

UPM Biocomposites and Finnish Mysoda have collaborated to create a range of sparkling water makers made almost entirely out of renewable materials. Traditionally, small kitchen appliances are made out of fossil-based plastics, so this innovation takes the sustainability of this type of product to a completely new level by substantially reducing the carbon footprint of the product. The raw material used for the Mysoda sparkling water makers is UPM Formi EcoAce biocomposite, which is made of wood fibres and renewable based biopolymer (on a mass balance basis), derived from UPM BioVerno naphtha. The materials originate from sustainable forestry and are produced from wood and pulp processing side streams and residues. Therefore, the raw material does not compete with food production and does not increase harvesting. Although composed of natural fibres, the UPM Formi EcoAce has similar material properties as fossil-based plastics and similar moulding technics can be used with it. The look and feel bears some similarities with wood as the wood fibres contained within create a natural finish for the end product.
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UPM strengthens its labor market resourcing

UPM will establish a new labor markets team which will start its activities in the beginning of December. The background to the decision is the announcement of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation to discontinue the collective bargaining in the Finnish labor markets at the end of the ongoing agreement period. UPM aims to strengthen the company’s own capabilities in labor market matters and company specific bargaining. Jyrki Hollmén, LL.M., has been appointed Vice President, Labor Markets, as of 1 December 2020. He will report to Riitta Savonlahti, Executive Vice President, HR and will be a member of UPM HR Management Team. Jyrki’s current position is Director, Labor Markets in Finnish Forest Industries Federation. Mikko Lehtonen, LL.M., is appointed Legal Counsel, Labor Markets, as of 16 November 2020. He will report to Jyrki Hollmén. Mikko is currently working as a Manager, Collective Bargaining in Finnish Forest Industries Federation.
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Gap Inc.: An Update on Our European Business: Partner to Amplify Strategy

Gap has what it takes to win again. With strong brand awareness and a large, active customer base, we are focusing on harnessing the power of Gap brand in asset-light ways. Going forward, we will look to transform our business model through partnerships that grow and amplify our global reach. Today, we shared with our team that we are starting a strategic review of options for our Gap business in Europe. One of the options being explored is the possible closure of our company-operated Gap stores in the United Kingdom, France, Ireland and Italy at the end of the second quarter in 2021. In addition, we are reviewing our warehouse and distribution model and our Gap and Banana Republic company-owned e-commerce operations in Europe. A possible outcome is the closure of our EU distribution center in Rugby.
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JCPenney Files Draft Asset Purchase Agreement

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. announced that it has filed a draft asset purchase agreement, which tracks the terms of the previously announced letter of intent, to sell JCPenney. All parties are working to conclude negotiations and intend to utilize the ongoing mediation process to help achieve that goal. Key terms of the draft APA are as follows: *Brookfield Asset Management, Inc (“Brookfield”) and Simon Property Group (“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 Debtor-in-Possession and First Lien Lenders. *The OpCo and PropCos will enter into a master lease with respect to the properties and distribution centers moved into the PropCos.
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Ford Aims To Raise $5 Million For Reforestation, Preservation Efforts (mediapost.com)

Ford Motor Co. is establishing the Bronco Wild Fund with the goal of helping off-road enthusiasts enjoy the wilderness responsibly through preservation, education and access programs. The efforts will be funded by a portion of the proceeds from every Bronco sold. Bronco brand’s endowment is targeted to raise up to $5 million annually for reforestation, trail management, outdoor adventure and scholarship programs through nonprofits dedicated to the preservation of the outdoors. The initial commitment also includes planting 1 million new trees by the end of 2021. The automaker has created a dedicated website for the effort.
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Jumped 6.7% in September

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 6.7% in September after declining 5.3% in August. In September, the index equaled 115.1 (2015=100) compared with 107.9 in August. “September had a nice recovery after a significant decline in August,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “The truck freight market continues to be bifurcated, with strength in retail and home construction, but some continued weakness in industrial freight. During the third quarter, truck tonnage increased 2.4% over the second quarter, but fell 5.3% from a year earlier.” August’s decrease was revised up to -5.3% from our September 22 press release.
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Pactiv Evergreen Commits to 100 Percent Recycled, Recyclable or Renewable Materials

In a new sustainability report, Pactiv Evergreen has announced a new goal that by 2030, 100% of its products will be made with recycled, recyclable or renewable materials. “Consumers and brands are increasingly looking for sustainable packaging solutions. Pactiv Evergreen is committed to meeting those market demands,” said John McGrath, the company’s CEO. “We are nearly two-thirds of the way towards our goal based on 2019 net revenues, and in the next decade, we will work to achieve that 100% goal.” The report further outlines a comprehensive sustainability strategy, which includes a new vision, mission and pillars that ground the company’s current and future initiatives.
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Silgan Announces New Records; Further Raises Full Year Earnings Estimates; Anticipates Continued Strength In 2021

Silgan Holdings Inc. reported record third quarter 2020 net income of $112.9 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, as compared to third quarter 2019 net income of $81.3 million, or $0.73 per diluted share. Net sales for the third quarter of 2020 were $1.49 billion, an increase of $167.2 million, or 12.7 percent, as compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was the result of higher net sales in all of the businesses. Income before interest and income taxes for the third quarter of 2020 was $174.0 million, an increase of $41.3 million as compared to $132.7 million for the third quarter of 2019, and margins increased to 11.7 percent from 10.0 percent for the same periods. The increase in income before interest and income taxes was the result of higher income in each of the businesses. Rationalization charges were $2.5 million and $3.2 million for the third quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively, and acquisition related costs were $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2020.
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Holmen Interim Report January-September 2020

Highlights: *Operating profit for January-September was SEK 1 884 million (January-September 2019: 1 758). Profit was impacted positively by higher profit from Paperboard and Forest, but negatively by price decreases and production curtailments in Paper. *Compared with the second quarter, operating profit increased by SEK 172 million to SEK 714 million as a result of increased prices for wood products, decreased production curtailments in Paper and seasonally lower costs. *Profit after tax for January-September amounted to SEK 1 467 million (1 363), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 9.1 (8.1). *On 1 October Holmen completed the acquisition of Martinsons, one of Sweden's leading players in sawn and processed wood products.
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WestRock Honored for Design Excellence by Paperboard Packaging Council

WestRock Company was recognized for packaging design excellence at the 77th Annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. The company won 18 awards, including two major awards: Rigid Box of the Year and Digital Application of the Year. Sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) and judged by packaging experts, the awards recognize packaging that represents the best in converting excellence, innovation and sustainability that the North American folding carton industry provided its customers over the past year. Click read more below for additional detail.
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CREEL Acquires Las Vegas Operations

CREEL has completed the acquisition of the offset printing operations in Las Vegas known as Creel Printing from LSC Communications. The acquisition returns control of the offset business to the Creel family who founded it in the 1950s. The new CREEL will operate from the state-of-the-art, 250,000-square-foot Las Vegas facility that previously served as the company’s headquarters. The business has made significant recent investments including a new 55" web press and numerous stitching and inserting lines. The acquisition includes substantially all of the employees in the offset business, including skilled pressmen, plant supervisors, operations staff, and customer service specialists, many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years. CREEL will be managed by industry veterans, and Allan G. Creel will return as its President.
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Graphic Packaging Holding Company Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Q3 2020 Highlights: *Net Sales were $1,697.7 million versus $1,581.6 million in the prior year period. *Net organic sales increased 4.2% in the quarter and increased 3.5% for the first nine months of 2020 versus the prior year period. *Net Income was $63.7 million versus $52.1 million in the prior year period. *Global liquidity was $1,557.1 million at quarter end. *Returned $366.7 million to stakeholders in share repurchases, dividends, partnership distributions and redemptions; included $89.9 million in common shares repurchased during the quarter.
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Stora Enso Oyj Interim Report January–September 2020

Q3/2020 (compared with Q3/2019): *Sales decreased by 13.5% to EUR 2 079 (2 402) million, due to lower deliveries and prices. *Operational EBIT decreased to EUR 175 (245) million. The impact of lower sales was partly offset by continued cost management. *Operational EBIT margin was 8.4% (10.2%). *Operating profit (IFRS) was EUR 145 (170) million. *Operational ROCE was 6.7% (9.2%), below the strategic target of more than 13%. Q1–Q3/2020 (year-on-year): *Sales were EUR 6 400 (7 644) million, mainly as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Finnish union strikes during the first quarter. *Operational EBIT was EUR 532 (879) million.
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Stora Enso is changing its forest assets valuation method

Stora Enso has decided to start using a valuation method for its forest assets in the Nordics based on market transaction data and change the accounting policy from the fourth quarter of 2020 onwards. Preliminary estimations, based on transactions in those areas in which Stora Enso has forest land, indicate that the value of the Group’s forest assets, including leased land, will be between EUR 6.5 billion and EUR 7.0 billion, compared with the end of Q3/2020 book value of EUR 5.4 billion. The review of the fair value will be completed during the fourth quarter and will take into account also the latest transaction prices. Deferred tax liability will be recognised based on the difference between the forest assets’ book value and their value for tax purposes in the same manner as currently.
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Green energy from solar power

Heinzel Group’s operations are characterized by saving resources, environmental protection, energy efficiency and use of renewable sources of energy. Besides the own power generation for pulp and paper production and the green energy obtained from hydropower, the roofs of Laakirchen Papier AG and Zellstoff Pöls AG are now used for the generation of renewable energy through photovoltaic systems. In cooperation with Heinzel Energy, over 9,000 solar modules are installed on around 15,000 m² of roof area which generate more than 3 GWh of green energy per year. Up to 800 tons of CO2 can be saved with both photovoltaic systems and the electricity produced will supply more than 850 households.
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Food System 6 and Huhtamaki announce circular economy start-up program participants

The impact-focused startup accelerator, Food System 6 (FS6), is today announcing the eight early-stage companies from around the world selected to participate in their new Circular Economy program, launched in partnership with global sustainable packaging solutions leader Huhtamaki. The purpose of the Huhtamaki Circular Economy Start-up Program by Food System 6 is to accelerate the development of young and promising companies working to deliver innovative sustainable solutions in areas such as waste management, sustainable packaging alternatives, new materials innovation, and regenerative production models. Through the partnership with Huhtamaki, FS6 is committing critical mentorship, advising and networking resources to provide direct support and help the selected participants build their efforts to scale. The eight cohort members were selected for their unique and timely innovations across the impact areas of: circularity, healthy people, vibrant farms, sustainable ecosystems, and justice & fairness.
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Graphic Packaging International Takes Home Top Awards at the Paperboard Packaging Council’s Carton Competition; Leading with Sustainable, Plastic Substitution Solutions

Graphic Packaging International earned a noteworthy number of awards at the 2020 Paperboard Packaging Council's carton competition, including the top honor, Paperboard Package of the Year, in addition to the Innovation, Sustainability and Folding Carton of the Year awards. KeelClip™ is the winner of two top accolades: Paperboard Package of the Year and the Innovation award. KeelClip is a unique paperboard design that not only replaces plastic rings, top clips and shrink wrap multipacks for cans; it also offers merchandising benefits that similar beverage packaging does not. The concept combines an efficient paperboard clip with the benefits of a stabilizing 'keel' structure to strengthen the top panel and optimize clip performance. KeelClip works with the widest range of cans and multi-count configurations and at the speeds required by large beverage operations, allowing brand owners to present a premium and sustainable image with a billboard for branding and can orientation. The award affirms the company's approach to creating innovative packaging solutions that helps brands achieve sustainability goals and meet consumer demand for packaging made from renewable materials.
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Amazon Announces Two New Fulfillment Centers in Kansas

Amazon.com, Inc. announced plans to open two new fulfillment centers in Kansas. The new fulfillment centers, which are anticipated to launch in 2021, will together create over 1,000 new, full-time jobs with industry-leading pay and comprehensive benefits starting on day one. “We’re excited to continue our growth and investment across Kansas so we can better serve our customers throughout the state,” said Alicia Boler Davis, Amazon’s vice president of global customer fulfillment. “We are grateful for the strong support we’ve received from local and state leaders, and we look forward to ingraining ourselves in the communities in which we serve.”
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HH Joins AIM Progress

HH Global has joined Aim Progress, a forum of leading Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturers and suppliers, assembled to enable and promote responsible sourcing practices and sustainable supply chains. Through Aim Progress, HH Global will collaborate with other members by sharing sustainable sourcing initiatives, raising the profile and importance of responsible sourcing, and proactively managing risk in the supply chain.
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Print Unit Sales Up 7.9% in Early October (publishersweekly.com)

Unit sales of print books rose 7.9% in the week ended Oct. 10, 2020, over the comparable week in 2019, at outlets that report to NPD BookScan, with three new titles topping the bestseller list. The two biggest bestsellers were in adult nonfiction, helping to lift unit sales up 7% over the week ended Oct. 12, 2019. Ina Gartner’s Modern Comfort Food sold nearly 129,000 copies in its first week, while Humans by Brandon Stanton followed, selling almost 103,000 copies. Juvenile fiction sales rose 11.9%, led by The Tower of Nero by Rick Riordan, which sold close to 49,000 copies in its first week. The biggest increase came in the smallest category, YA nonfiction, where unit sales jumped 63.9% in the week.
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Numbers Driving the Optimism in Trucking, Then and Now

Growth in the U.S. economy boomed in 2018, slowed in 2019, and turned south in 2020 when COVID-19 started to spread widely in March. In 2019, trucks shipped 72.5% of all domestic tonnage, including an increase of 366 million tons over 2018. Also, across the northern and southern borders, trucks moved three-quarters of the value of trade between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Compared with previous recessions, trucking fared far better than the overall economy as the recession in the first half of 2020 was concentrated in the much less freight intensive, services sector. At the start of 2020, the U.S. remained in the longest economic expansion on record with the unemployment rate at 50-year lows. In the three primary categories of freight—retail, manufacturing, and housing construction—only manufacturing was struggling from an industry-specific recession in 2019. In January, retail sales notched a record high, and construction on new homes surged to its highest level in over a decade, according to the Census Bureau. Even manufacturing showed signs that it bottomed out in 2019, as the Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index reported an expanding manufacturing sector in January and February after 5 months of contraction.
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Crown Named as One of the World’s Most Sustainably Managed Companies

The Wall Street Journal recently issued its inaugural list of the 100 most sustainably managed companies in the world. Crown is one of only two companies in the containers and packaging industry—and the only metal packaging company—named on the list and is ranked as the top U.S. company for environmental issues management, scoring “highly for its management of water, waste and air quality.” As a Company that has been guided by the principles of sustainability since it was founded, we are incredibly proud to be recognized as a top global performer. We take our role of being a responsible employer, partner and corporate citizen seriously and are committed to doing our part to maximize our impact while reducing our footprint.
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Consumer demand for Bag-in-Box wine surges during pandemic

There has been a surge in consumer demand for Bag-in-Box wines in the current year according to new data, partially caused by changing behaviours due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Research by packaging leader Smurfit Kappa in collaboration with Wine Intelligence found that Bag-in-Box wine attracted 3.7 million new consumers in France and the UK during the past six months. The survey analysed the behaviour of monthly wine drinkers in France and the UK, who have increasingly moved to drinking and entertaining at home due to the restrictions of the pandemic. France is the biggest market for Bag-in-Box wine and the UK is currently one of the fastest growing. Consumers noted freedom of consumption, ease of transport and value for money as the main motivations when purchasing Bag-in-Box wines. Other benefits of Bag-in-Box wine include its ability to preserve wine for up to 6-8 weeks after opening compared to 2-3 days in a glass bottle, and its lower carbon footprint.
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Sonoco Implementing Price Increase for Uncoated Recycled Paperboard

Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning November 16, 2020. Sonoco cited significantly longer backlogs at its mills along with continuing inflation of input costs, especially freight and papermaking chemicals as the drivers for this pricing action.
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AF&PA Celebrates 60th Anniversary of National Forest Products Week

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement recognizing the 60th anniversary of National Forest Products Week (October 18 – 24): “This week, during National Forest Products Week, we celebrate the undeniable value of the 950,000 people who work in the forest products industry – working safely to make essential products. “From tissue and paper towels, to packaging around the goods you ordered online, to the cups holding your coffee, paper and wood products contribute to our everyday lives. And, demand for these products encourages forest landowners to grow and replant trees, keeping forests as forests.”
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases September 2020 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in September increased 14 percent compared to September 2019. They were up four percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. The operating rate was 92.3 percent, up 6.7 points from September 2019 and essentially flat (-0.1 pts.) year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of September decreased 3,000 short tons from the previous month, and were up 12,000 short tons compared to September 2019.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases September 2020 Containerboard Monthly Report

Total Containerboard production in September increased four percent compared to September 2019. It was up four percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. September 2020 production of containerboard for export decreased 12 percent compared to the same month last year; it was up 19 percent year-to-date. The containerboard operating rate was 95.9 percent, up 3.7 points from September 2019 and up 2.8 points year-to-date. Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of September decreased 67,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 25,000 short tons compared to September 2019.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases September 2020 Boxboard Monthly Report

Total Boxboard production in September decreased six percent compared to September 2019. It was down three percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. The boxboard operating rate was 88.3 percent, down 3.6 points from September 2019 and down 0.8 points year-to-date. Solid Bleached Boxboard production in September decreased 11 percent compared to September 2019. It was down six percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. Recycled Boxboard production in September decreased one percent compared to September 2019. It was down two percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum production in September decreased four percent compared to September 2019. It was down one percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases September 2020 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 21 percent in September compared to September 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 20 percent in September compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased seven percent when compared to August 2020. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 19 percent compared to September 2019 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to August 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to August 2019, down 18 percent and 40 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in September decreased 12 percent compared to last September while the inventory level decreased 10 percent compared to August 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to August 2019, down 36 percent and 27 percent respectively. Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 31 percent compared to September 2019 while the inventory level increased two percent compared to August 2020. CM imports decreased 30 percent while exports increased five percent in August 2020. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in September decreased 28 percent compared to last September while the inventory level decreased eight percent compared to August 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to August 2019, down 15 percent and 44 percent respectively.
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Breakthrough Creative: Part 5: The Art of the Call to Action (jschmid.com)

Ah, the ubiquitous—and critical—Call to Action. Great branding, sumptuous, emotional or humorous creative, a strong voice: they are the vessels that hold the CTA. The ask: to buy now; sign-up; get more information; go online; hurry, don’t miss this sale. For every response-driven tactic we create—from catalogs to emails—we need to ask ourselves, “What do we want the customer to do?” Indeed, high-level, impactive brand campaigns can be relieved of the CTA burden when awareness itself is the end goal. But for most of our day-to-day work, the collective “we” need to consider what behavior we are trying to provoke. Once that preferred action is defined, the CTA has the football. So many right and wrong ways to create a strong Call to Action. And so many opportunities to be creative while still getting the job done! Here are just a few thoughts in case you’re in a rut. For more, go to: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/breakthrough-creative-art-of-the-cta/
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Allure designs holiday shopping issue around virtual try-on experiences (mobilemarketer.com)

Brief: *Condé Nast's Allure magazine partnered with Perfect Corp., the developer of augmented reality (AR) activations for beauty products, to integrate virtual try-ons into its November issue, according to a press release. The AR-powered experience will be available in the publisher's "Ultimate Guide to Shopping" that hits newsstands Oct. 20. *To see the AR features, smartphone users can scan a QR code in the issue to download Perfect's YouCam Makeup app for free. The app, which overlays digital images of makeup on the live selfie view of a smartphone camera, will showcase beauty products featured in the magazine. *The AR experience not only showcases products used for the Allure's cover look, but also includes "Michelle's Most Wanted," the top choices from Editor-in-Chief Michelle Lee. The news shows how the publisher is evolving its holiday content strategy to meet shoppers on the mobile channels where they're spending more of their time.
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TC Transcontinental Printing Invests More than $10M in its Book Printing Platform

TC Transcontinental Printing, a sector of Transcontinental Inc., is proud to announce that it has invested more than $10 million over the past eight months in its book printing platform in Québec, mainly at its Transcontinental Interglobe plant in the Beauce region. These investments have enabled the plant to improve its manufacturing efficiency to better meet the demand from North American customers and the fast delivery times expected by the market, while reducing its environmental footprint. “These major investments demonstrate our confidence in the future of the North American book market and our desire to build our printing platform in growth verticals like this one,” said Jacques Grégoire, Chief Development Officer, Printing & Media at TC Transcontinental. “The timing is right for these investments with the signing of several contract extensions and new agreements with major educational publishers. They will allow us to remain competitive in the market and take on larger jobs to continually meet the growing demand from our customers.”
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B&N Systems Hacked (publishersweekly.com)

In an email to customers, Barnes & Noble acknowledged that it was made aware "of a cybersecurity attack" on October 10, adding that it resulted "in unauthorized and unlawful access to certain Barnes & Noble corporate systems.” The email said that while payment card and other financial data were not compromised by the attack, systems affected by the hack “did contain your email address and, if supplied by you, your billing and shipping address and telephone number. We currently have no evidence of the exposure of any of this data, but we cannot at this stage rule out the possibility.”
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REI Co-op expands used gear business with member gear trade-in program and pilot of standalone used gear pop-up stores

REI Co-op announced the expansion of its recommerce business by piloting two used-gear pop-up stores and its trade-in program, giving members more ways to buy and share gently used outdoor gear and apparel and keeping high-quality products rotating through the co-op community at more accessible price points. During a time when more people are turning to the outdoors and discovering new, socially distant, activities, REI continues to be a resource for gear and inspiration. To expand gently used gear to more members across the country, the co-op launched its online recommerce business in 2018, supplementing its members-only Garage Sale events in REI stores across the nation. Today, despite a challenging retail environment, the online business alone is up nearly 100 percent compared to last year, in part due to demand from millennial customers who prioritize renting or purchasing used over buying new gear.
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The U.S. Postal Service Continues to Maintain Service Performance Amid Surge in Mail Volume

The Postal Service has seen a significant increase in mail volume, with volume surpassing 3 billion mailpieces for the week of Oct. 3. This surge in volume represents an increase of 19 percent, or an additional 480 million mailpieces, compared to the average volume in September. Key performance indicators for the week of Oct. 3 include: *First-Class Mail: 86.15 percent of First-Class Mail was delivered on time, a 0.18 percent increase from the week of Sept. 26 *Marketing Mail: 89.17 percent of Marketing Mail was delivered on time, a 0.65 percent decrease from week of Sept. 26 *Periodicals: 78.54 percent of Periodicals were delivered on time, a 0.24 percent increase from the week of Sept. 26
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Public Consultation Open for Revised FSC US National Forest Stewardship Standard

On October 5th, FSC US opened a 75-day public consultation for the first draft of a revised FSC US National Forest Stewardship Standard. Due in large part to the quality and rigor of our forest management standards, FSC is widely recognized as the world’s most trusted certification system. Draft 1 of the revised Standard offers further refinement of the respected existing standard for the United States, aligning it with the FSC Principles and Criteria Version 5 and the International Generic Indicators. Our goal is to deliver a standard that is both best-in-class and achievable by streamlining the existing standard and addressing a number of priority issues, identified below. To help achieve this goal, we will need clear, actionable input from an informed and diverse set of stakeholders during this consultation.
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FSC Embarks on Forest Carbon Research

Climate change is the challenge of our time, requiring action across all sectors of society. While there are many emerging technologies, today there is only one proven, economical way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a global scale: Forests. While much of the emphasis to date has been on reforestation and afforestation, increasingly leaders are looking to responsibly managed forests as an opportunity to sequester additional biogenic carbon. As the world’s most trusted forest certification – impacting more than 500 million acres – the Forest Stewardship Council represents the gold standard for responsible forest management. As a result, many stakeholders – including leading brands, supply chain companies, architects, builders, and developers – are asking FSC about the carbon impacts of FSC-certified forest management.
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ANDRITZ to supply stock preparation equipment for sack paper production to Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill, Russia

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill, a member of the Segezha Group (part of PJSC Sistema), to supply stock preparation equipment for its mill in Segezha, Republic of Karelia, Russia. Start-up is scheduled for the beginning of 2021. The new system will feature a capacity of 350 bdmt/d and process bleached market pulp bales to produce a new final product – white high-porosity sack paper. The scope of supply comprises the bale feeding line with a manual dewiring station, an ANDRITZ FibreSolve FSV pulper for efficient slushing, a ModuScreen CP protection screen, as well as the complete control and electrification system.
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Atlantic Packaging Products Ltd. Announces Addition of New Recycled Paper Machine in Whitby, Ontario

Atlantic Packaging Products Ltd. officially announced the construction of a new 100% recycled paper machine in Whitby, Ontario. The new paper machine will be Atlantic's second recycled paper machine in Whitby, and is being built adjacent to their current machine which has been operational since the 1990s. The new machine will be one of the most technologically advanced machines in North America producing 400,000 tons per annum of high performance light weight medium and liner. Production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2022.
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Sappi Forests acknowledges International Day of Rural Women

With around 4,000 women employed directly or indirectly by Sappi Forests nationwide– through its own personnel in its nurseries, and sub-contracted to its harvesting and silviculture contractors – the company is very aware of the crucial role that rural women play in the agricultural labour force. It is to these women that the United Nations have dedicated the International Day of Rural Women, celebrated on 15 October every year. Fittingly, the theme for this year is “Building rural women’s resilience in the wake of COVID-19” and highlights the fact that the specific struggles that rural women face in their daily lives were further aggravated by the pandemic. World Food Day is another significant UN commemorative day which follows immediately on 16 October and further ties in the crucial role that rural women play in combating top on the list of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1 ‘No Poverty’ and SDG2 ‘Zero Hunger’).
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Lineo™ by Stora Enso tested in asphalt on Swedish roads

Swedish road and infrastructure operator Svevia has decided to collaborate with Stora Enso in testing lignin in asphalt. Through this collaboration, Svevia aims to replace part of the oil-based binder with nature’s own binder – lignin, Lineo ™ by Stora Enso. The lignin containing asphalt is currently being tested out on Swedish roads. Svevia is carrying out road paving work on road 224 between the towns of Sandbrink and Gnesta on behalf of the Swedish Transport Administration. Of the total 15-kilometre stretch, Svevia has chosen to test Lineo™ on a couple of hundred meters, where lignin will replace bitumen. Lignin was chosen as it is a bio-based natural binder found in trees with the potential of reducing the negative climate impact of asphalt.
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UPM Kaipola paper mill to be permanently closed during the last quarter of 2020, operations continue at Jämsänkoski paper mill

Employee consultations for UPM Communication Papers were concluded at the Jämsä River mills this week. The UPM Kaipola paper mill in Jämsä, Finland, will be closed permanently by mid-December. UPM’s second paper mill in Jämsä, UPM Jämsänkoski, will continue operations with one graphic paper machine and two specialty paper machines. The parties were not able to identify an economically viable solution for the future operation of UPM Kaipola. Consequently, Kaipola’s three paper machines will be permanently closed, affecting altogether 448 positions at the mill, of which 20 positions will be transferred to UPM Jämsänkoski’s Specialty Papers operations. Approximately 20 % of the redundancies will be retirements, with discussions pending. The closure will lead to an annual reduction of 720,000 tonnes of graphic paper capacity, thereof 450,000 tonnes of newsprint and 270,000 tonnes of coated mechanical paper. An after-care team will ensure safe conditions at the mill after the closing.
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Shareholders Put Squeeze On Charmin, Push P&G To Improve On Deforestation Issues (mediapost.com)

Procter & Gamble shareholders overwhelmingly approved a proposal urging the company to issue a report that increases its efforts to eliminate deforestation, with the implication that more needs to be done. The vote was pegged a major victory for environmentalists concerned about P&G’s policies. Because of the company’s size and stature worldwide, it could send a loud statement to other consumer packaged goods manufacturers that paying attention to environmental issues is becoming a real factor with the public and Wall Street. The shareholder proposal, sponsored by the environmentally sensitive Green Century Equity Fund, passed Tuesday with over two-thirds of investors’ votes -- -and over the recommendation to vote against it from P&G’s board.
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Walgreens Boots Alliance Reports Fiscal Year 2020 Results

Fourth quarter Walgreens Boots Alliance highlights, year-over-year: *Sales increased 2.3 percent to $34.7 billion, up 2.3 percent on a constant currency basis *Operating income decreased 26.0 percent to $650 million; Adjusted operating income decreased 27.7 percent to $1.1 billion, down 27.4 percent on a constant currency basis. Fiscal 2020 highlights, year-over-year: *Sales increased 2.0 percent to $139.5 billion, up 2.5 percent on a constant currency basis *Operating income decreased 73.7 percent to $1.3 billion; Adjusted operating income decreased 24.9 percent to $5.2 billion, down 24.8 percent on a constant currency basis *Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.5 billion, a decrease of $109 million compared with fiscal 2019; Free cash flow increased 5.6 percent to $4.1 billion
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Join Two Sides in celebrating International Print Day 2020 on the 21st October!

Declare Your love for Print and Participate in 24-Hours of Global Knowledge Sharing Through Social Media. Watch this site for #IPD20 news and information, join the mailing list, and please connect with us on our social media channels. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Two Sides UK has created a range of co-branded factographics to share on your own social media channels! Download, share and #ElevatePrint.
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Amcor joins new call for a UN treaty on plastic waste

Amcor is proud to be joining a new call for a UN treaty on plastic waste, following a recent report from Boston Consulting Group, World Wildlife Foundation and Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Amcor has embraced a leadership role in the packaging industry, to drive fast and tangible progress towards responsible packaging. Our company’s contribution is most visible through 1) our innovation - such as our recent, world first recyclable retort pet food pouch – 2) collaborating for better policy and 3) informing consumers about how their recycling practices make a huge difference in keeping waste out of the environment. That progress at industry level must continue and gather even more pace. But it must also be matched by a serious, concerted effort by governments to invest in the necessary infrastructure needed to manage waste and increase recycling – of all of types of waste.
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Clover Sonoma selects PlantCarton package with RenewablePlus paperboard by Evergreen Packaging for its Organic Milk Products

Evergreen Packaging®, a global leader in plant-based packaging solutions today announced that Clover Sonoma, a third-generation family-owned and operated dairy, is transitioning its half-gallon organic milk to the PlantCartonTM package with RenewablePlusTM paperboard by Evergreen. “As a company, we continuously look for innovative approaches to reaching sustainability goals, and packaging is an important part of that,” said Kristel Corson, vice president of sales and marketing at Clover Sonoma. “We are the first dairy to switch to Evergreen Packaging’s fully renewable plant-based milk carton, and we chose the RenewablePlus cartons because they support responsible forest management, while utilizing less plastic, encouraging recycling, and decreasing the use of fossil fuels.” “As the world’s most trusted forest certification, the Forest Stewardship Council® demonstrates that Clover Sonoma and Evergreen Packaging are meeting the highest standards of responsible forest management,” said Chris McLaren, Chief Markets and Marketing Officer for FSC® US. Evergreen Packaging is Forest Stewardship Council certified (FSC®-C016043).
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Trading update: Mondi delivers resilient Q3 performance

Average input costs were stable sequentially and cost control was strong across the business. Currency movements had a net negative impact on underlying EBITDA compared to the second quarter, driven by a weaker US dollar, impacting a number of the Group's globally traded products, coupled with a weaker Russian rouble and Turkish lira. Given prevailing exchange rates, we anticipate a further net negative currency impact in the fourth quarter. During the quarter, planned maintenance shuts with an estimated impact on underlying EBITDA of around €35 million (2019: €40 million) were carried out successfully. Based on prevailing market prices, we continue to estimate that the impact of planned mill maintenance shuts on underlying EBITDA for 2020 will be around €100 million (2019: €150 million), with the fourth quarter impact expected to be around €55 million (2019: €30 million). Our major capital investment projects are progressing according to plan. The €67 million capital investment project to convert a containerboard machine at Štětí (Czech Republic) to become fully dedicated to the production of speciality kraft paper for shopping bag applications is scheduled to be commissioned during the fourth quarter. This additional capacity (75,000 tonnes) further supports our retail customers in their efforts to replace unnecessary plastic as they transition to more sustainable packaging solutions that contribute to the circular economy.
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URBN Announces Management Changes

Richard A. Hayne, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Outfitters, Inc. announced the following changes to the Company’s management structure to better support URBN’s future growth and strategic initiatives. *Meg Hayne has been promoted to Co-President and will remain Chief Creative Officer. Meg will continue to manage the creative functions she currently oversees. In addition, our three large Brands and Sourcing will now report to Meg. *Frank Conforti has been promoted to Co-President and Chief Operating Officer. Frank will assume additional responsibility for URBN’s Fulfillment & Logistics, Development, Legal, Talent and Human Resources Departments. Frank will continue to operate as Chief Financial Officer while the Company begins a search for his successor. *Sheila Harrington has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of the Free People Group. *Hillary Super has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer, Anthropologie Group. click read more below for additional detail
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Reusability of paper bags promoted by third European Paper Bag Day

With various activities throughout Europe, the European Paper Bag Day will take place for the third time on 18 October. The annual action day raises awareness of paper carrier bags as a sustainable and efficient packaging option that helps consumers to avoid littering and minimise negative impacts on the environment. This year’s edition will centre around the reusability of paper bags. For this occasion, initiators “The Paper Bag”, Europe’s leading kraft paper manufacturers and paper bag producers, have also launched a video series in which a paper bag’s reusability is tested and demonstrated in different everyday situations. Most consumers are increasingly concerned about the environment. This is also reflected in their consumption behaviour. By choosing environmentally friendly products, they try to reduce their personal carbon footprint.
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Toscotec’s tissue line exceeds production target at EuroVast Group

Italian tissue manufacturer EuroVast fired up a new Modulo-Plus tissue machine supplied by Toscotec at its Cartiera della Basilica paper mill in Villa Basilica, Lucca, Italy. PM5 is running efficiently at the speed of 1,600 m/min and since its start-up in February, it has exceeded the project’s production targets with excellent results in energy consumption. The new line completely replaced the mill’s existing PM5, a suction breast roll machine. The sheet width is 2,770 mm and the production capacity is over 30,000 tpy. It is equipped with a single press TT BlindDrilledPressRoll, a TT SYD and gas-fired TT Hoods. PM5 produces toilet tissue, kitchen towels and napkins from 100% pre-dried virgin pulp. EuroVast also purchased a complete service package including dismantling operations, erection, training, commissioning, and start-up assistance.
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Pearson 2020 Nine Month Trading Update (Unaudited)

Improving trend in Q3 with a strong performance in Global Online Learning; North American Courseware and Global Assessment in line with expectations; and International further impacted by COVID-19 *At the nine months, Group sales declined by 14% largely reflecting the continuing impact of COVID-19 and test centre and school closures in Global Assessment and International, and expected declines in North American Courseware. *Global Online Learning sales grew 14% due to 41% enrolment growth in Virtual Schools for the academic year 2020/2021 and strong sales growth in Online Program Management (OPM) driven by undergraduate and international performance, partially offset by discontinued programs. *Global Assessment sales declined 19% due to the impact of test centre closures in Professional Certification (Pearson VUE), cancellation of spring testing in US Student Assessment and school closures impacting Clinical Assessment. *North American Courseware declined 14% with a stronger adoption performance in the Fall in US Higher Education Courseware and good growth in digital and subscription take up leading to the faster decline of higher priced package and print sales. *International declined 24% due to the impact of COVID-19 and as the associated economic effects intensified in several key markets, predominantly affecting public and private spending on courseware and assessments. *Pearson retains a strong balance sheet and significant financial headroom.
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Stora Enso completes co-determination negotiations at Hylte Mill in Sweden

Stora Enso has completed the co-determination negotiations concerning the closure of one standard newsprint paper machine (PM3) and the deinking plant at Stora Enso’s Hylte Mill in Sweden. The maximum personnel impact is 140 people. As a result of the co-determination negotiations, PM3 will be shut down by the end of 2020 and the DIP latest in Q2 2021. Negotiations on organizational restructuring, including the risk analysis, have started. Stora Enso will continue to produce standard newsprint at Hylte, Langerbrugge and Sachsen mills. The closure of Hylte Mill PM3 will not impact Stora Enso’s newsprint product offering, and we will be able to serve our customers as today.
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eMarketer: U.S. e-commerce to grow over 30%; Best Buy, Target to see biggest surges (chainstoreage.com)

U.S. online sales will reach $794.50 billion this year, up 32.4% year-over-year and accounting for 14.4% of all retail spending. That’s according to eMarketer’s third-quarter forecast, which also predicts that E-commerce sales will reach 19.2% of all U.S. retail spending by 2024. The increase for 2020 is much higher than the 18.0% gain predicted in the company’s second-quarter forecast as consumers continue to opt for online shopping amid the pandemic. Online shopping is so strong that it will more than offset the 3.2% decline in brick-and-mortar spending this year, which will drop to $4.711 trillion, reported eMarketer. As a result, total U.S. retail sales in the US will remain essentially flat.
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IPG Study Finds Strong Link Between Ad Personalization And Effectiveness (mediapost.com)

A new study from Interpublic’s Magna and the IPG Media Lab reinforces the idea—embraced by the industry for a number of years now—that ad personalization is one of the best techniques to help brands deliver more relevant and effective ad experiences. The study focused on three key ad categories—auto, retail and finance—and includes responses from more than 6,000 participants. Testing was conducted on two audience types: brand target demographics and high-value audiences based on people-based IDs created by precision targeting platform Kinesso. Six types of data sources for personalization were tested: demos, past purchases, location, life events, search terms and precision messages for high-value audiences. The study found that most forms of ad personalization had some value and that higher levels of personalization were more effective at shifting difficult-to-move metrics.
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PRH Launches Book the Vote Initiative (publishersweekly.com)

Penguin Random House has partnered up with PEN America, Out of Print (a PRH subsidiary), and When We All Vote to launch Book the Vote, which the publisher describes as a "nonpartisan initiative to protect free speech and ensure every voter’s right to participate in elections." Via its website, the initiative will create and distribute author and book–related content, voter registration information, and other resources in order to educate readers on civic topics and encourage potential voters to "participate in our democracy and express their voices through voting." The initiative will run in conjunction with PEN America’s Free Speech 2020 initiative, and a portion of sales from each of Out of Print's Get PoLITical apparel collection will continue to be donated to PEN America to benefit that campaign.
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AAP August 2020 StatShot Report: Publishing Industry Flat for Month; Down 4.6% Year to Date

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) released its StatShot report for August 2020 reflecting reported revenue for all tracked categories, including Trade (consumer publications), K-12 Instructional Materials, Higher Education Course Materials, Professional Publishing, and University Presses. Total revenues across all categories for August 2020 were essentially flat at $1.9 billion, an increase of 0.3% as compared to August 2019. Year-to-date sales were $9.4 billion, a decline of 4.6% as compared to the same period last year. Trade (Consumer Books) sales were notably up 6.9% year-over-year, coming in at $703.6 million. Year-to-date (January-August 2020) Trade sales were $5.0 billion, an increase of 5.2%, as compared to the first eight months of 2019.
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Mactac Launches New LINTEC Low-Ooze, High Adhesion Durable Labelstocks

Featuring a converter friendly balance of high initial tack and low edge bleed, Mactac® announces the launch of a new durable labeling product line, LINTEC® Low-Ooze, High Adhesion Durable Labelstocks. The new LINTEC Low-Ooze, High Adhesion Durable Labelstocks feature a selection of durable film facestocks paired with LINTEC’s industry-proven PAT1 and automotive-approved P0066 aggressive acrylic adhesives. The labelstocks are intended for use in labeling durable goods, electronics, appliances, warning and instruction labeling, and automotive and medical labeling applications. With product features that are highly appealing to industry converters, Mactac’s LINTEC Low-Ooze, High Adhesion Durable Labelstocks offer cleaner on-press and thermal transfer print performance, as well as reduced risk of label pick-off. They are suitable for prolonged outdoor use and ensure very good resistance to chemicals, heat (durability up to 302-degrees Fahrenheit), and UV (ultraviolet) light. Additionally, the labelstocks are UL 969 recognized by Underwriters Laboratories for superior performance, label suitability, and compliance for displaying required safety information on UL Certified products, despite long-term exposure to a variety of environmental elements.
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ND Paper Announces New Kraft Bag Offering

ND Paper is pleased to introduce a new offering of bleached and natural kraft bag paper products manufactured at our Rumford, Maine mill. Ideal for multi-wall bags, retail bags, and converting applications, these papers range from 40 lb. to 80 lb. (3,000 ft2 basis) and are produced from 100% virgin fiber, with options for post-consumer waste content. "Combined with our 100% recycled packaging grades from our recently rebuilt B25 machine in Biron, Wisconsin, ND Paper is now able to offer a wide range of options to converters and brand owners," says Matt Stapleton, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Our kraft and recycled grades are designed to meet demanding print, converting, and sustainability requirements for a multitude of end use applications." All ND Paper packaging products are available with FSC, SFI, and PEFC chain of custody certification. These new offerings are yet another example of how ND Paper is investing to be sustainable now and for the next 100 years.
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Lecta to Purchase Avery Dennison Offset Sheet Business in EMENA

Lecta announces that it has reached an agreement for the acquisition of Avery Dennison Offset Sheets business in the Europe - Middle East - North Africa (EMENA) region. The transaction is subject to competition approval from the German Federal Cartel Office. Lecta taking over the manufacture and sale of Avery Dennison’s portfolio of FASSON™ and JAC™ branded self-adhesive papers and films in EMENA. Lecta will manufacture these under a special limited licensing agreement with Avery Dennison, keeping the FASSON™ and JAC™ brands available through the existing network of distributors.
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Metsä Board’s paperboards receive new home compostability certificates

Metsä Board, the leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, is delighted to announce that two of its folding boxboards, MetsäBoard Natural FBB and MetsäBoard Pro FBB OBAfree, as well as two food service grades, MetsäBoard Natural FSB Cup and MetsäBoard Pro FSB Cup, have now received home compostability certificates complying with NF T 51-800 standard. Metsä Board’s eco-barrier paperboard MetsäBoard Prime FBB EB already holds the same certificate. “In order to enhance a circular economy our main target is that our paperboards are recycled after use. But recycling is not always possible – the paperboard may be contaminated due to its contents and therefore cannot be recycled. In such a situation compostability is the next best alternative,” says Helena Moring-Vepsäläinen, Product Safety Manager at Metsä Board.
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Stora Enso and Tingstad launch unique formed fiber food service bowls to replace plastics

Stora Enso is introducing its new eco-friendly take-away bowls for food service packaging, PureFiber™ by Stora Enso. The products are free from plastic and PFAS and are designed to help customers replace plastic on-the-go food packaging. The bowls are being brought to market together with the wholesale company Tingstad. The PureFiber™ product range will expand to other food and consumer goods applications. Stora Enso’s formed fiber products are designed for circularity, meaning that they are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. The PureFiber™ product line enables a carbon footprint that is approximately 75% lower compared to alternative product materials such as plastic or bagasse. The unique formed fiber technology allows the products to be produced without plastic and PFAS, bringing a sustainable alternative with strong user-qualities to the market.
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The Taunton Press has sold Fine Cooking to Meredith Corporation

The Taunton Press has sold Fine Cooking, the preferred media platform for avid cooking enthusiasts, to Meredith Corporation. Meredith’s national media group reaches nearly 200 million American consumers every month, including 80% of US millennials. It is a leader in creating content across media platforms and life stages in key consumer interest areas such as celebrity, food, lifestyle, home, parenting, beauty, fashion, news and sports. Meredith also features robust brand licensing activities including more than 3,000 SKUs of branded products at 5,000 Walmart stores across the US and at walmart.com., as well as innovative business-to-business marketing solutions provided by Meredith Xcelerated Marketing.
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‘Philadelphia Inquirer’ To Close Printing Plant, 500 Staffers Laid Off (mediapost.com)

The Philadelphia Inquirer is selling its printing plant, an economic move that will cost an estimated 500 staffers their jobs, the newspaper reported. The newspaper will move production to a New Jersey plant, a union shop owned by Gannett, as it gears up to sell the Schuylkill Printing Plant by year’s end. At present, the Inquirer is in negotiations to unload the 45-acre property, opened in 1992. The buyer and any financial terms were not disclosed. She added many have been with The Philadelphia Inquirer for decades. Almost all of the plant staffers — 500 out of 550 — will be laid off. Two newspapers are published there, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News, owned by the same parent company, The Philadelphia Foundation.
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Novolex Increasing Production of Poly Mailers to Help Companies Ship Products More Securely

With demand increasing, Novolex® brand Shields® is stepping up production of its innovative poly mailers to help companies ship their products more reliably and securely. Manufactured in the USA, the Shields eCommerce mailer bag is durable, puncture resistant and waterproof. Its easy-to-use closure uses a secure, pressure-sensitive adhesive with an anti-static release liner. The mailer is also labeled with the How2Recycle® “store drop-off” label, which instructs consumers and businesses to bring mailers to participating retailers for recycling. “The pandemic is creating an intense need for secure poly mailers manufactured dependably in the USA,” said Martin McDonough, Vice President of Sales for Shields. “We are increasing production of our high-quality mailers so we can help as many companies as possible ship their products more reliably and securely.”
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Sonoco to Divest Europe Contract Packaging Business to Prairie Industries Holdings backed by The Halifax Group

Sonoco announced it has signed an agreement to sell its Europe contract packaging business to Prairie Industries Holdings, a Wisconsin-based contract packaging and contract manufacturing firm backed by The Halifax Group, a Washington, D.C.-based global investment firm, for $120 million in cash. The transaction is subject to normal closing requirements and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. Sonoco’s Europe contract packaging business (Sonoco Poland Packaging Services Sp. z o.o.) produced net sales of approximately $300 million in 2019 and provides full-service custom packaging and supply chain management solutions to global consumer product goods companies through six contract packaging facilities in three locations and a warehouse all in Poland. The business is part of Sonoco’s Display and Packaging segment and has approximately 2,600 employees.
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Huhtamaki donation helps clean plastics from the Mithi River in Mumbai, India

Global sustainable food packaging leader Huhtamaki is donating €600,000 to fund a project that aims to stop the flow of plastic into the Indian Ocean from the Mithi River in Mumbai, India. The project is one of three initiatives that Huhtamaki has funded as part of its 100-year anniversary to address global sustainability challenges and build and learn from circular economy initiatives globally. The Mithi River project is run by a global partnership between the United Nations Technology Innovation Labs UNTIL, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, RiverRecycle and Earth5R. Each partner has a unique role in the project which seeks to use emerging technologies to collect plastic waste from the river and raises awareness on effective waste management in order to drive systemic change locally. The project is also focused on developing ways to valorize waste, e.g. by turning it into valuable fuels, chemicals, bio energy and bio fertilizers.
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A Surprisingly Strong Year of Book Sales Continues (publishersweekly.com)

A number of big summer bestsellers, a surge in interest in books on social justice, and ongoing demand by parents for children’s books that both educate and entertain combined to continue to push up unit sales of print books through this year’s third quarter. According to NPD BookScan, print unit sales rose 6.4% for the nine months ended Oct. 3, 2020 over the comparable span in 2019. Unit sales jumped 29.1% in the juvenile nonfiction category, led by huge demand for Big Preschool Workbook, which sold nearly 649,000 print copies in the period, and My First Learn-to-Write Workbook by Crystal Radke, which sold almost 595,000 copies.
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U.S. Postal Service Announces New Prices for 2021

The United States Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) today of price changes to take effect Jan. 24, 2021. The proposed prices, approved by the Postal Service Board of Governors, would raise Mailing Services product prices approximately 1.8 percent for First-Class Mail and 1.5 percent for other categories. Although Mailing Services price increases are based on the consumer price index, competitive International Shipping Services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions. The governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue.
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Tetra Pak receives EHEDG Food Safety Certification in Food Processing with Tubular Heat Exchangers​

The Tetra Pak® Tubular Heat Exchanger equipment​ has become the first tubular heat exchanger to receive the EHEDG certification​ meeting the leading food safety standards in Europe, in accordance with new standards. Tubular Heat Exchangers are used for the heating and cooling of liquid food, so they are safe for consumption. The Heat Exchanger is the most critical component in a processing line as it is the hottest part during heat treatment and where fouling is most likely to occur. Therefore, innovation advances in hygienic engineering and design are key to consistently meet increasing food safety demands.
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Oversized Package Shipping: How Custom Solutions Can Cut Costs

E-commerce is booming. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans spent $211.5 billion on online shopping in the second quarter of 2020, up 31.8% quarter over quarter. Every one of those orders generated a shipment. And because of shelter in place policies, there’s an increased volume in large bulky items being shipped that would normally be purchased in stores. Packaging Digest finds that, “As much as 11% of unit loads arriving at a distribution center have some level of case damage.” Transport and handling issues are certainly a cause of this, but the root of the problem often lies in insufficient packaging. Shipping oversize packages is notoriously more expensive than standard parcels, racking up surcharges and additional handling fees, not to mention more labor intensive when it comes to finding the right container and materials. Click read more below for the rest of the article
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Norske Skog announces a strategic review process to reposition the Tasman newsprint mill in New Zealand

Norske Skog has announced to employees and stakeholders in New Zealand that due to the likely irreversible and rapid negative impact that COVID-19 has had on the newsprint industry in the region, the group has engaged in a broad process to identify alternative production options to reposition the Tasman newsprint mill at Kawerau industrial site in New Zealand. Norske Skog will perform a strategic review process for the Tasman newsprint mill, which is located at the Kawerau industrial site close to the east coast of the North Island. The mill has a total annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes. Several options for the long term future of this industrial site are being considered.
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Metsä Board’s comparable operating result for the third quarter of 2020 is better than previously estimated

Metsä Board’s, part of Metsä Group, comparable operating result for the third quarter of 2020 is better than the company’s result guidance issued on July 30, 2020. The result guidance in Metsä Board’s January–June 2020 half-year financial report was: “Metsä Board’s comparable operating result for the third quarter of 2020 is expected to weaken compared to the second quarter of 2020.” The comparable operating result for the second quarter of 2020 was EUR 60.5 million. The comparable operating result for the third quarter of 2020 is estimated to be approximately EUR 62 million.
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Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in the third quarter of 2020 better than expected

On 30 July 2020 in connection to the announcement of Metsä Group’s January-June 2020 results it was estimated that the comparable operating result will weaken in the third quarter of 2020 from the EUR 96 million in the second quarter. Mainly due to better than expected profitability in paperboard and pulp businesses Metsä Group’s comparable operating result was in the third quarter of 2020 better than in the second quarter. Based on preliminary unaudited information the comparable operating result was approximately EUR 115 million in the third quarter of 2020. Metsä Group will publish the January-September 2020 interim report on 29 October 2020.
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USPS Issues New Service Performance Report

The U.S. Postal Service provided new service performance data today to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for the week of Sept. 26 through Oct. 2, 2020. During the seven-day period, First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail performance experienced positive improvement in service delivery. Key performance indicators for the week of Sept. 26th include: *First-Class Mail: 85.97 percent of First-Class Mail was delivered on time, a 1.74 percent increase from the week of Sept. 19th *Marketing Mail: 89.82 percent of Marketing Mail was delivered on time, a 1.14 percent increase from week of Sept. 19th *Periodicals: 78.30 percent of Periodicals were delivered on time, a 1.42 percent decrease from the week of Sept. 19th. For First-Class Mail and Marketing Mail, 97.7 percent and 97.54 percent of mailpieces respectively reached their intended destination within two days of the initial estimated delivery date.
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Forest management, climate action and carbon emissions: PEFC at the Sustainable Retail Summit

Join us at the virtual Consumer Goods Forum Sustainable Retail Summit (CGF SRS) later this month as we take a deep dive into the science behind forests and how they contribute to climate change mitigation through sequestration, storage and substitution. Sustainably managed forests are the most significant nature-based solution for action on climate change and carbon emissions. But how can global manufacturers and retailers play a meaningful role? Join us and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) as we discuss this with two leading forest science experts at our CGF Special Session on 15 October. Together, we’ll discover how sustainable procurement policies that fully leverage forest certification support global action on climate and other key sustainability action targets.
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Cascades Announces the Closure of Tissue Manufacturing and Converting Activities at the Ransom and Pittston Plants, PA

Cascades Inc. announces that it will progressively and permanently close tissue production and converting operations at its Ransom and Pittston plants, located in Pennsylvania, between December 7 and January 31st of 2021. The two paper machines at the Ransom plant have a total annual production capacity of 50,000 short tonnes of tissue paper. Currently, the conversion of this volume into 6 million cases of product occurs primarily at the Pittston plant. These volumes will be moved to other Cascades plants and filled with additional capacity. The two sites employ a total of 229 workers. "The aging equipment of these facilities, the low profitability, the high logistic costs and our recently announced investments in other production and converting units in the U.S. have prompted us to move production to our other sites to optimize operational efficiency." said Jean-David Tardif, President and Chief Operating Officer of Cascades Tissue Group.
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New, High-volume EFI POWER and COLORS Printers Create Profit Opportunities in Soft Signage

Electronics For Imaging, Inc.’s two new printers for the high-end, high productivity soft signage market help display graphics producers reach new heights in productivity and extend their capabilities. The EFI™ COLORS 340 printer announced today prints at up to 9,149 square feet per hour (in a four-color x 4 configuration) while providing unmatched color capabilities for premium-quality soft signage. For even higher-volume production environments, the EFI POWER 340 prints up to 16,835 square feet per hour. Leveraging technology from EFI Reggiani’s 70+ year legacy of best-in-class fabric printing, both new offerings have the ability to print with higher quality on a wider range of materials than other soft signage inkjet devices, with 100% penetration on both sides of the material. The printers offer added versatility and economical ink capabilities with their ability to print either direct to fabric or to transfer paper using the same inkset, eliminating the significant cost and downtime related to switching over inks.
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Breakthrough Creative – Part 4: Engaging Copy (jschmid.com)

Why do brands spend so much time and money on photoshoots? Because images matter a lot in marketing. The brain processes pictures first. But words matter, too. Alongside those great photos and great design is the copy on the page or screen. And this copy must be interesting, thoughtful and relevant. Most importantly, it must be engaging – driving your reader to take a very specific action (shop, donate, learn more, you get the idea). Sounds time-consuming to come up with just the right words, doesn’t it? It is. But like the fabulous photos your brand captures, engaging copy is another investment that’s well worth it. Because action from your reader means dolla dolla bills for your brand. Here are five tips to help you create copy that truly engages. go to: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/breakthrough-creative-gimme-5/
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Ahlstrom-Munksjö launches WallStar® Digital into North America, delivering new PVC free decoration media for customized digital printing

Ahlstrom-Munksjö advances into the North American customized digital printing market, and launches Ahlstrom-Munksjö WallStar® Digital, its new portfolio of fiber-based solutions for digital printing applications. Demand for customized digital printing is growing, led by changing consumer demand, where personalization is extremely important. Digitally printed wallcoverings can be used to change a room quickly, whilst at the same time add impact through use of personalized designs. Environmental aspects are also of high importance, as consumers in North America become more aware of sustainability and the type of materials they wish to use. Consequently, digital printers are looking for PVC free media which allows printing in small, unique, personalized quantities. WallStar® Digital is a directly printable, PVC free, nonwoven portfolio from Ahlstrom-Munksjö, delivering benefits for both printers and end users.
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Metsä Board’s paperboards successful in European Carton Excellence Awards 2020

Metsä Board, the leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, is delighted to announce that five cartons produced using its quality paperboards were selected as winners at the 2020 European Carton Excellence Awards at a virtual ceremony organised on 7th October. Metsä Board’s paperboard was used for the winner in the category of Food & Drink Packaging, Virgin Fibre, as well as for two Platinum Award winning cartons and for two Gold Award winning cartons. “The demand for packaging continues to grow and new, sustainable solutions as well as innovations are needed to replace fossil-based materials and to ensure circularity. Sustainability has become an integral part of packaging design,” says Maarten Florizoone, Sales Director, Converters Team at Metsä Board. “I am proud that Metsä Board’s ecological and recyclable paperboards were selected by our customers and partners for the five award winning packages, and I would like to congratulate all the teams behind the winning designs.” click read more below for details
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Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports September Sales Results

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $16.84 billion for the retail month of September, the five weeks ended October 5, 2020, an increase of 16.9 percent from $14.41 billion last year. September sales were positively impacted by two holiday shifts, Labor Day in the U.S. and Chuseok/Moon Festival in Asia. The estimated positive impact on September sales was slightly less than 100 bps worldwide, half relating to each holiday.
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Fox News Is Launching a Book Line (publishersweekly.com)

Fox News has been a home for numerous bestselling authors in the conservative publishing space, and the company has now upped its commitment to books with the creation of Fox News Books. Fox has signed a three-book deal with HarperCollins, whose Broadside Books will oversee the imprint. Both companies are owned by Rupert Murdoch. “We are excited to partner with HarperCollins, utilizing our vast library of content to further enhance the audience experience,” said Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News Media, in a statement. The current deal is for three books only and Fox News employees are free to sign with other houses. Live Free or Die by Fox News host Sean Hannity, for example, was released this fall by Simon & Schuster.
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Berry Global Announces Investment in Healthcare Asset

Berry Global Group, Inc. announced that it is investing in a state-of-the-art Reicofil R5 asset to provide incremental capacity to serve the fast growing Asia healthcare markets. The investment is targeted to meet forecasted market and customer growth and will be focused on high performance applications in the desired healthcare markets. The nonwovens investment supports Berry’s strategy to further its leadership position in healthcare. The new asset will be installed at Berry’s Nanhai, China, facility, which is strategically positioned to serve customers in the rapidly growing Southeast Asia region. Current projections are for startup in the September quarter of 2022. “We are committed to further partnering with our customers to pursue growth opportunities around the world. The added capacity achieved through this asset is a next step in advancing our market leading position in healthcare material solutions,” said Curt Begle, President of Berry’s Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division.
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Combating Food Waste During the Product Development Phase

In this blog post, we look at how working with your packaging provider early in the product development process can help combat food waste. If food waste were represented as a standalone country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally after China and the U.S.1This statistic may not be well-known, but it is one we are keenly aware of at Crown. That is why we have partnered with Dr. Lilly DaGama, a food waste consultant and founder of The Food Waste Doctor, to drill down into the food waste issue and discover where metal packaging can make an impact. The value of involving packaging manufacturers early in the process – even as early as the concept phase–as opposed to the point when a product is already developed can not be underestimated. Far more can be done to ensure the package itself can make a difference in terms of food waste if this is the case, as features can be incorporated before a concept goes into production.
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Greif Awarded Gold Rating in EcoVadis CSR Assessment for Third Consecutive Year

Greif, Inc. announced it has been awarded a Gold Rating in sustainability performance by EcoVadis for the third year in a row. EcoVadis is an independent rating agency specializing in the evaluation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), including sustainable development and performance monitoring of suppliers. This achievement places Greif among the top three percent of suppliers evaluated by EcoVadis. “We are pleased that our ongoing sustainability efforts have once again been recognized by EcoVadis with our third consecutive Gold Rating," said Pete Watson, Greif's President and Chief Executive Officer. “Greif’s commitment to sustainability is outlined in The Greif Way, is embedded in our business strategy and is critical to our customers’ success. I would like to thank our global colleagues for their continued commitment to sustainability and for their hard work to improve our performance in this key area.”
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Sonoco Implementing Price Increase for Corrugating Medium

Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50/ton (USD/ST) increase on all domestic and export corrugating medium grades shipping from its Hartsville, S.C. paper mill. The prices are effective with shipments on and after November 2, 2020. According to Tim Davis, division vice president and general manager, Paper and Adhesives, U.S./Canada, Sonoco is responding to changes in market demand and extended order backlogs, in line with other North American containerboard producers.
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Sign of the Times? Catalog Printer Arandell Reaches Asset Purchase Agreement With Private Equity Firm (piworld.com)

In another example of private equity firms targeting investments in distressed companies in the printing industry, Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based catalog printing specialist Arandell has reached a potential asset purchase agreement with Saothair Capital Partners, which is located outside of Philadelphia in Radnor, Pa. On Aug. 13, Arandell Holdings announced that the commercial printing company, along with all its subsidiaries, voluntarily filed for business reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The investment in Arandell by a private equity concern is similar to the acquisition of Chicago-based LSC Communications last month by another private equity turnaround specialist: Atlas Holdings, of Greenwich, Conn. That transaction, which will take the publicly-held book, catalog, and magazine printing specialist; logistics provider; and office products supplier private, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020.
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New Study: Cursive Writing Benefits Students with Dyslexia

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many school children were receiving less instruction on handwriting, especially cursive writing. But a July 2020 study by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) showed that, despite the move to remote learning and more time spent with screens and keyboards, children (and adults) still benefit from writing in cursive. The benefits of cursive writing, particularly for students with dyslexia, have been noted for several years. Researchers have found that all students benefit from learning handwriting. It improves hand-eye coordination, boosts memory and stimulates brain development. Dyslexia Awareness Month offers another opportunity to highlight how handwriting can help students with dyslexia, a learning disability that affects reading, spelling and writing. For these students, learning cursive writing can be the difference between underachievement and a successful academic experience.
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WWF Russia and UPM release guidelines on sustainable forest management for wood suppliers

WWF Russia and UPM have today released The Guidelines on Sustainable Forest Management for Wood Suppliers in Russia. This cooperation aims to help wood suppliers in adopting ecologically, socially and economically sustainable practices in wood supply and forestry. The guidelines bring together the requirements set out in both Russian legislation and international voluntary forest certification schemes. They offer practical instructions and provide examples of best practices in safeguarding biodiversity, mitigating environmental impact and encouraging work safety and interaction with local communities and other stakeholders.
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The construction of UPM’s innovative biochemicals facility starts in Germany

UPM celebrated the official start of the construction of the state-of-the-art biochemicals facility in Leuna, Germany. The biorefinery investment of EUR 550 million is a major milestone in UPM’s strategic transformation. In Leuna, UPM will produce a range of 100% wood-based biochemicals that enable a switch from fossil-based products to sustainable alternatives in a number of end-uses such as plastics, textiles, cosmetics and industrial applications. Technology and process have been developed by UPM over the past ten years, mainly building on the company’s own innovation capabilities and selectively working with international partners. The biorefinery is expected to start up by the end of 2022.The investment has been awarded The Bio Act of the Year 2020 by the World BioEconomy Forum earlier in September this year.
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North Equity Announces Acquisition of Iconic Brands Including Popular Science, Saveur, Outdoor Life and Field & Stream

North Equity announced that it has acquired a number of media brands from Bonnier Corporation. The acquisition includes Popular Science, Popular Photography, Saveur, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Better You and Interesting Things. The additions complement North Equity’s robust home platform, where Saveur will join BobVila.com and Kitchenistic to form a new food category. They will also create a new specialty media vertical under Popular Science and Popular Photography, and expand North’s growing footprint in the military, tactical and outdoor verticals, where it recently added Task & Purpose, one of the leading digital media properties for active-duty military and veterans.
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Mayr-Melnhof Karton Announces Realignment of Cardboard and Folding Box Production at the Hirschwang Site

A comprehensive review of the general conditions has shown that it is not possible to continue production economically on the board machine in Hirschwang an der Rax, Lower Austria. The age and design of the machine (year of construction 1952) as well as increased market requirements prevent continued existence. 150 employees are affected, discussions about a social plan have already been started. The supply of customers from other plants of the Mayr-Melnhof Group is guaranteed. The result of the cartonboard division is expected to be impacted by around EUR 25 million, the greater part of which is due to depreciation. The Hirschwang site is to concentrate on the existing folding box production (Neupack) with 215 employees in the future. Investments to strengthen the location in this area are being examined.
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Sealed Air Invests in Gastromotiva to Improve Food Security Worldwide

Sealed Air Corporation announced a three-year partnership with Gastromotiva, a nonprofit organization based in Brazil that uses the power of gastronomy, food, and education to address social inequality, improve nutrition education, fight hunger, eliminate food waste, and create local jobs. Since 2006, Gastromotiva has served more than 500,000 meals, recovered more than 220,000 pounds of food and engaged more than 100,000 people worldwide in nutrition education. Sealed Air’s investment will empower Gastromotiva to achieve food security goals that align across three pillars: *Education: Sealed Air and Gastromotiva will co-create a global education module on sustainable packaging and food waste reduction for students to learn more about innovations that minimize food waste. *Workforce Development: Sealed Air and Gastromotiva will develop a system to connect low-income youth and other vulnerable populations with Gastromotiva partners for job opportunities and career development. *Expansion: Gastromotiva will standardize its educational methodology and develop an integrated educational platform for expansion to strategic locations in Brazil and Mexico, which will ensure vulnerable communities have access to the Gastromotiva network of NGOs and partners working to create a sustainable food system.
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Protect Your Products and Boost Sustainability with Eco-Friendly Packaging

One of these combinations is not like the rest: Oil and water. Day and night. Protection for fragile items and eco-friendly packaging. There’s a myth that packaging a fragile item with various forms of padding isn't eco-friendly. We’re here to tell you that belief is, in fact, entirely wrong. As one out of 10 packages arrives damaged, the perceived sustainability hit from protective packaging pales in comparison to the environmental impact of returning, repackaging, and then reshipping a new product. That’s why it’s critical to securely nestle fragile goods inside their respective boxes. Think about it: all it takes is just one accidental drop to damage or completely break an item before it reaches its final destination. And the last thing you want is a customer to enthusiastically unbox brand-new champagne glasses to find a pile of shattered glass instead. No matter how delicate an item is, there are numerous eco-friendly packaging solutions to guarantee its arrival in pristine condition. Here are four eco-friendly packaging options to ensure even the most delicate items travel safely and remain intact: click read more below for the rest of the article
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Kotkamills to become first-ever sustainability partner of Norwich

Norwich City and Kotkamills are delighted to announce their sustainability partnership, the first ever in the club’s history. The multi-year partnership will see Kotkamills work with the club to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is disposed of as a by-product of food and drink at Carrow Road football stadium and the Lotus Training Centre. The partnership is a part of the measures aimed at achieving the club’s wider sustainability goals. Once fans are allowed back to the stadium, they will see the revolutionarily easily recyclable paperboard to have replaced plastic cups and food boxes. As a result, the changes already implemented will result in over 100,000 items switch to plastic-free over the next three years with a view of continuously implementing more sustainable measure over this time.
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WestRock to Reduce SBS Capacity by Approximately 200,000 Tons

WestRock Company announced that it plans to reduce its solid bleached sulphate (SBS) mill system production capacity by 200,000 tons by shutting down one paper machine at its Evadale, Texas, mill. This shutdown of the paper machine at the Evadale mill is expected to occur by the end of 2020 and reduce headcount at the mill by 60 employees. The remaining two machines at the Evadale mill will continue to support important end markets, including liquid packaging, foodservice, food and premium coated pre-print liner for corrugated boxes, among other grades. The company’s total SBS production capacity after this action will be approximately 1.9 million tons.
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Neenah Introduces conVerd Board® Wipe Clean™

Neenah Introduces conVerd Board® Wipe Clean™ and DigiScape® FootPrint™ Safe and Sustainable Wide Format Solutions for Conducting Business During COVID-19 Neenah expands its wide format portfolio to address significant market demand for safe signage solutions by offering new, innovative solutions with conVerd Board® Wipe Clean™ and DigiScape® FootPrint™. conVerd Board has long been the choice of brands searching for a recyclable alternative for structural signage. Now, Neenah introduces state-of-the-art conVerd Board Wipe Clean, the only 100% paper-based, fully recyclable product on the market with a wipeable, printable surface. It cleans with soap and water, protects with disinfectants, or with a dilution of bleach and water, as suggested by CDC guidelines. Through it all, the printable surface of conVerd Board Wipe Clean remains unharmed and visually uncompromised.
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UPM seeks efficiency improvement in UPM Raflatac and in global functions

As a result of the weakening world economic outlook as well as the COVID-19 related restrictive measures and their consequences, the uncertainty in UPM’s market environment continues. To ensure future competitiveness, UPM keeps taking action to decrease fixed and variable costs in its businesses and functions. UPM’s label materials business UPM Raflatac plans to simplify its organisation and increase efficiency in operations and distribution. If implemented, the plans would reduce approximately 100 positions in UPM Raflatac’s global organisation, mainly in Europe. In addition, UPM aims to increase efficiency of its global functions by reorganising and streamlining the functions’ operations in five countries. If implemented, the plans would decrease the number of positions in the functions by up to 70, mostly in Finland and in Germany.
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Bike, Powder, Snowboarder, and Surfer magazines to cease publication indefinitely (snewsnet.com)

Four of the outdoor industry's oldest print magazines—Bike, Powder, Snowboarder, and Surfer—will cease publication indefinitely this year, according to multiple sources at the brands' parent company, A360 Media. TransWorld SKATEboarding, another A360 Media property, will also pause operations until further notice. Sierra Shafer, editor-in-chief at Powder, confirmed today that staff members at all five titles received indefinite furlough notifications late on Friday, October 2. Employees at Bike and Surfer were furloughed immediately, Shafer said, while Powder and Snowboarder staff learned the same would happen to them on November 20. None of the furloughed staff will be paid after operations cease.
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Cascades green-lights Bear Island project and concurrently announces a CAD$125 million bought deal public equity offering

Cascades Inc. is pleased to announce plans to proceed with the strategic Bear Island mill conversion project located in Virginia. Subject to obtaining final permits, the currently idled newsprint machine will be converted to a 1st quartile containerboard machine capable of producing high-quality, lightweight, 100% recycled linerboard and medium for the North American market. The total cost of the Bear Island mill project will be US$380 million, which includes the initial US$35 million acquisition cost paid to White Birch Papers in 2018. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 465,000 short tons and is scheduled to start up in the fourth quarter of 2022.
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Crown Van Gelder Introduces Sustainable Paper Made From Dutch Sugar Beets

Crown van Gelder will start selling paper made with sugar beet in January 2021. This makes the Dutch paper manufacturer the first in the world to produce 'sugar beet paper' at an industrial level. The new product line called 'Crown Native' uses less wood fibres to achieve a reduced impact on the environment of 16% compared to traditional paper. Crown Native was developed with the Dutch agricultural cooperative Royal Cosun as a strategic partner. The agricultural process residue from Cosun's production process, beet pulp, forms a valuable resource for the paper. With Crown Native, Crown Van Gelder has succeeded in creating paper made out of 20% beet pulp, thus achieving environmental gains in several areas. Due to the local sourcing, far less transport is required. As a result, Crown Native realises a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and particulate matter formation. Moreover, by using beet pulp, the production process requires less water. 'And because we're using a residual source, no additional agricultural land is needed,' Dronkers adds. A big advantage of using sugar beet pulp is that it is FDA compliant. 'The pulp is classified as a former food product,' Dronkers explains. As a result, Crown Native is approved and suitable for food packaging, unlike recycled paper for example. Dronkers: ‘This makes our sugar beet paper the ideal choice for product packaging, but also for shopping bags and promotional print. Crown Native is the perfect fit for brands with a sustainability ambition.’
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Global tissue manufacturer Sofidel opens its second greenfield plant in the US (apnews.com)

Sofidel announced the formal opening of its second greenfield plant in the United States, signaling a significant expansion by the company in response to consumer demand. The 1.8 million-square-foot production plant is fully operational in Inola, Okla., leveraging one of the United States’ most recently built paper manufacturing facilities, equipped with state-of-the art technology. The $360 million technologically and environmentally advanced plant is Sofidel’s second greenfield investment in the U.S.. An integrated facility, with its paper mill that transforms pulp into paper and the converting plant that makes the finished product, it can turn out 120,000 tons of tissue annually.
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Are North American Forests Really Shrinking? What the Data Tell Us

Across all environmental issues related to the manufacture of paper-based products in North America, the harvesting of trees for wood fiber is arguably the most familiar, yet also the most misunderstood. Decades of misguided marketing messages that suggest using less paper protects forests along with deliberate anti-paper campaigns by environmental groups that twist scientific facts to suit their own agendas have left many feeling guilty for using products that are inherently sustainable. They are made from a renewable resource, are recyclable and are among the most recycled products in the world, and are manufactured using a high level of renewable energy – all key elements in a circular economy. In the U.S., total forest area increased by 18 million acres between 1990 and 2020, which averages out to the equivalent of around 1,200 NFL football fields every day. Canada’s total forest area remained relatively stable over the 30-year assessment period at approximately 857 million acres. Approximately 59% of forestlands in North America has long-term forest management plans.
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Supreme Court To Consider Cross-Media Ownership Rules (mediapost.com)

The Supreme Court agreed on Friday to hear an appeal by the Federal Communications Commission over its attempt to loosen restrictions on a company's ability to own a local broadcast station and newspaper in the same market. The FCC has been attempting to revise restrictions on cross-ownership since 2003, but the agency's efforts have repeatedly been struck down in court. The most recent FCC attempt occurred in November of 2017, when the agency voted 3-2 to do away with several ownership restrictions -- including one that prevented the same company from owning a newspaper and broadcast station in the same market.
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Print Units Post Double-Digit Gains at the End of September (publishersweekly.com)

With the juvenile and YA nonfiction categories both posting better than 32% gains, unit sales of print books rose 10.3% in the week ended Sept. 26, 2020, over the comparable week in 2019, at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. Unit sales rose 32.3% in juvenile nonfiction over the week ended Sept. 28, 2019. Two new titles helped boost sales: Superpowered by Renee Jain sold more than 11,000 copies in its first week, putting it in second place on the category list. Channel Kindness debuted in sixth place on the list, selling nearly 8,000 copies. In third place was Patricia Brennan Demuth’s Who Is Ruth Bader Ginsburg?, which sold more than 11,000 copies. Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi was #1 in YA nonfiction, selling almost 8,000 copies. Total units in the category rose 34.5% over 2019.
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Demystifying Peak Season Parcel Surcharges — How Does It Affect Your Business?

Every holiday season, major parcel carriers and courier services add surcharges to cover the increased volume of packages they must deliver through the final quarter of the year. Not surprisingly, this year’s surcharges are larger and broader than ever before. In fact, 2020 may go down as the largest “peak season” in history, given the e-commerce boom that happened from the coronavirus pandemic, which shifted sales to e-commerce and away from in-person shopping. FedEx and UPS both saw 20 percent increases in packing volume through May, while USPS was hit with a massive 50 percent increase in packages they delivered through June. Switching to the leading parcel companies may save you from the potential of late or lost packages — but the peak season surcharges will affect companies of all sizes. Each carrier has specific criteria by which they assess and apply surcharges, but there are packaging strategies that can be deployed to lower fees regardless of which service you’re using.
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Flint Group announces the acquisition of Poteet Printing Systems in North America

Poteet Printing Systems LLC manufactures and sells water-based inks for Flexographic applications to printersd converters across the United States. The company supports the key Paper & Board applications for corrugated post- and pre-print and digital products, as well as targeted water-based paper packaging print demands. Poteet Printing Systems’ main production facilities are located in Charlotte, North Carolina and Fort Worth, Texas; the business has two additional warehouse locations in North Carolina. The company currently employs 60+ people Doug Aldred, President Flint Group Packaging Inks, says, “We warmly welcome the employees of Poteet Printing Systems as they join the Flint Group Packaging Inks community – we are extremely pleased with this addition to our growing Paper & Board business in North America. “The team at Poteet have built a customer focused and responsive organization, dedicated to client success. This culture of teamwork and customer satisfaction fits perfectly with Flint Group Packaging Inks’ vision and strategy. To continue to foster Poteet’s strong customer relationships, we encourage Poteet’s customers to continue to work with their existing contacts within the Poteet organization.”
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RRD’s Patented Flex Mailer™ Saves Brands on Mailing and Shipping Costs While Enhancing the Customer Experience

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company offers a U.S. patented, recyclable mailing solution that helps organizations creatively reach their customers while lowering shipping costs. The Flex Mailer™ is a mailing package that converts items that would normally ship as parcels (i.e., boxes) to United States Postal Service (USPS) automated flats (i.e., large envelopes). Items go into an inner tray that is divided into quadrants for product placement and flexibility. The inner tray fits into a highly flexible outer mailer package, which meets the USPS thickness and flexibility guidelines to qualify as an automated flat — resulting in notable cost savings for companies that can tally into millions of dollars for high-volume distribution while also being environmentally responsible.
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Irving Pulp and Paper Mills Receive New Property Tax Assessments from Service New Brunswick

Like most property owners across the Province we are in receipt of our 2021 assessments for Irving Pulp & Paper (Saint John), Irving Paper (Saint John), Irving Tissue (Saint John) and Lake Utopia Paper (near St. George). As expected, there were changes at some of our pulp and paper mills reflecting Service New Brunswick’s independent review of the market values. Overall, our assessments went up 15% on average. We cooperated fully with the work of Service New Brunswick (SNB). While we have not yet had time to review our new assessments in detail, we note that the market for pulp and paper mills continues to be a buyers’ market. Paper use in particular is declining as a result of increased digital technology; this is reflected in the number of mills that have idled or closed across North America. Since 2013 demand for our paper products across North America has decreased by 50% and a significant number of mills have been closed.
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Introduction of water-resistant paper bags for the Australian cement industry by Adbri Ltd, Pope Packaging and Mondi

Mondi has partnered with Adelaide Brighton Cement and Pope Packaging on the development of a new water-resistant paper bag called ‘Rain Barrier,’ made out of Mondi’s Advantage Protect White sack kraft paper, for the Australian construction market. Standout characteristics include its water repellent surface and high tensile strength in a wet environment. While a standard paper bag absorbs water, the qualities of the Rain Barrier bag, keeps water from seeping in, as it stays on the surface where it evaporates. The paper itself is rain resistant for up to six hours and can resist water ingress for up to five full days when stored in damp conditions.
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Green Bay Packaging acquires Ohio packaging company (recyclingtoday.com)

Green Bay Packaging Inc. has acquired Third Dimension Inc., a packaging company based in Geneva, Ohio. The acquisition went into effect Oct. 1. Third Dimension is focused on corrugated packaging innovation, molded foam packaging and four-color digital printing. The company was founded in 1991 by Louis DeJesus and Jeanette DeJesus. The company has facilities in Geneva and Middlefield, Ohio, and services customers in Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky. “The acquisition of Third Dimension is a great fit for Green Bay Packaging. This acquisition gives us the opportunity to grow our business in several states,” says Will Kress, president and CEO of Green Bay Packaging. “Third Dimension has the perfect culture, workforce and strong leadership that fit the GBP model and we look forward to expanding their business and facilities.”
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SCA obtains permit for biorefinery in Östrand

The permit covers the new biorefinery operations as well as the necessary modifications required at the pulp mill to create the desired synergies between operations. A comprehensive application was submitted. Over a period of many years, the project team has conducted investigations and consulted with the authorities and the general public. The court decision that was received yesterday covers 184 pages alone. Work to examine the court decision is now fully underway. “From what we have seen so far, it seems as though the court has taken our point of view for the most part and accepted the conditions that we have proposed,” explains Roger Östlin, Project Manager. “On October 21, we will find out if the ruling will gain legal force or if it will be appealed.”
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Renewcell establishes textile recycling at SCA’s industrial site Ortviken

SCA and the textile recycling company Renewcell have signed an agreement for Renewcell to establish textile recycling at SCA’s industrial site Ortviken in Sundsvall. The operation is expected to create one hundred new jobs. “We are glad that Renewcell chooses Ortviken as the site for this investment”, says Ulf Larsson, SCA’s President. “We know that Ortviken is a very attractive industrial site with excellent infrastructure, including first class logistic solutions.” SCA will discontinue the production of publication paper at Ortviken and will thereafter make room for Renewcell’s operations, where one of SCA’s paper machines is currently located. SCA has also started the investment to produce chemically pretreated thermomechanical pulp, CTMP, on the site.
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Keep Me Posted Salutes Eight of Top 10 U.S. Telecoms for Following its Best Practices for Essential Communications

As part of its ongoing mission to ensure consumers are given a clear choice in how they receive essential information — on paper or digitally — and that they are not charged extra for paper bills and statements, Keep Me Posted (KMP) North America is investigating how large corporations are addressing consumer needs and expectations. Most recently, KMP looked at the billing practices of the top 10 Fortune 500 telecommunications companies to see how they align with KMP’s best practices for essential communications, which include: *No charges or other penalties for choosing paper bills *Prior consumer consent required before ceasing to send paper documents *No change in paper bill frequency without prior agreement *No difficulty to revert back to paper correspondence *Continued access to online options. The good news is that eight of America’s top 10 telecommunications conglomerates put their customers’ communication preferences first, do so without fees and make information on their practices easily accessible.
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UPM Raflatac’s revolutionary Forest Film label material wins Innovation in Sourcing Award from Sustainable Packaging Coalition

UPM Raflatac’s Forest Film™ label material has received the 2020 Innovation in Responsible Sourcing Award from the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC). The announcement came on Wednesday, September 30, at the SPC Innovator Awards ceremony as part of this year’s SPC Advance virtual event. Forest Film is the world’s first polypropylene film label material derived entirely from wood-based sources based on mass balance approach and brings UPM Raflatac’s vision of “labeling a smarter future beyond fossils” to life. "Forest Film deserves attention for being a notable introduction of bio-based polypropylene with a well understood feedstock and an assurance mechanism for responsible sourcing,” says Adam Gendell, Associate Director of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. "It is a significant advancement in the field of bio-based plastics, and we feel it's earned its status as the winner of Innovation in Responsible Sourcing in the 2020 SPC Innovator Awards.”
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Announces Strategic Restructuring to Accelerate Transformation, Align Cost Structure to Support Digital First, Connected Strategy

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced a strategic restructuring to accelerate its digital transformation and align its cost structure with its digital first, connected strategy. These steps will further streamline operations and better enable HMH to support teachers and students with digital first, connected solutions that drive successful outcomes in remote, face-to-face and hybrid learning environments.“The actions we announced today will help us to realize our digital first vision by creating a more focused company with increased recurring digital subscription revenue that produces higher margins and free cash flow. We recognize the personal impact these actions will have on our HMH team members. We thank our departing colleagues for their contributions and are committed to treating them in a respectful and compassionate way.” Joe Abbott, HMH’s Chief Financial Officer added, “The actions we’re taking are intended to drive billings growth, position us to build our recurring subscription revenue base, simplify and strengthen our business model, reduce costs, and generate sustained and positive free cash flow." The Company’s restructuring includes both labor-related and non-labor expense reductions. The labor-related reductions involve organizational changes resulting in a 22% reduction of HMH’s workforce, including positions eliminated as part of the previously announced Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program and net of newly created positions to support HMH’s digital first operations.
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HH Global Completes Acquisition of InnerWorkings

InnerWorkings, Inc. and HH Global Group Limited announced the completion of HH Global’s acquisition of InnerWorkings. The combined organization will be led by Robert MacMillan, Chairman and Group CEO of HH Global, together with experienced senior managers from both companies. The transaction was announced on July 16, 2020 and received approval from InnerWorkings stockholders on September 24, 2020. Under the terms of the merger agreement, InnerWorkings stockholders will receive $3.00 in cash for each share of InnerWorkings common stock they hold. As a result of the completion of the transaction, shares of InnerWorkings common stock were removed from listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, with trading in InnerWorkings shares suspended prior to the opening of business on October 1, 2020.
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Rebuild Local News Proposes A Public-Private Plan To Save Local Newspapers (mediapost.com)

Since 2005, 2,100 newspapers have closed, almost one-quarter of the 9,000 newspapers that were being published in 2004, according to a report from the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Can newspapers be saved? The Rebuild Local News coalition has an ambitious plan.RLN is not turning to government for a bailout; it sees it as an ally. The gist of the plan is for Americans to step up and help save local news, which is essential to ensure communities have a watchdog to fight corruption and waste. One bipartisan idea is a $250 refundable tax credit used to buy local news subscriptions or as a donation to a local nonprofit news endeavor.
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USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy Confirms Additional Resources to Ensure Successful Delivery of Election Mail

As part of the ongoing preparations by the United States Postal Service for the November election, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy requested the issuance of an internal directive to authorize and instruct the use of additional resources to satisfy any unforeseen demand and ensure that all Election Mail is prioritized and delivered securely and on time. The directive is in response to the Postmaster General’s commitment made in August to engage standby resources in all areas of operations beginning Oct. 1, 2020. “The U.S. Postal Service’s number one priority between now and the November election is the secure, on-time delivery of the nation’s Election Mail. The Postal Service, our unions, and the more than 630,000 postal employees are united in delivering on this sacred duty,” said Postmaster General DeJoy. “These actions ensure additional resources will be made available as needed to handle whatever volume of Election Mail we receive.”
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Berry Global’s Biesheim, France, Facility Achieves ISCC Plus Certification for the Production of Sustainable Nonwovens for Hygiene and Medical Applications

Berry Global Group, Inc. announced its Biesheim, France, facility has achieved International Sustainability and Carbon Certificate (ISCC). Berry has been awarded the certificate from SGS Germany GmbH, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company. The certification enables the site to sell ISCC Plus certified nonwovens. “As the leading nonwovens provider globally, we continue to advance our product offerings to customers,” said Achim Schalk, EVP and General Manager, EMEIA, for the Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division of Berry. “One of Berry’s core values is sustainability, as we know it is for many customers. With this certification, we can now offer another level of certified, sustainable nonwoven materials.” The ISCC Plus certification is validating the “mass balance system” utilization in the supply chain, tracking the quantity and sustainability characteristics of circular and/or biobased content in the value chain and attribute it based on verifiable bookkeeping with predefined and transparent rules. This certification enables customers of Berry to certify their usage of mass balance raw materials as the entire supply chain has been evaluated.
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DS Smith supports Business for Nature Call for Action

DS Smith has joined other leading businesses in signing up for Business for Nature’s Call for Action to reverse the loss of biodiversity, urging government to enact effective change for the environment. Businesses, societies and economies all rely on nature and its resources, however, over half of the world’s total GDP ($44 trillion) is moderately or highly exposed to risks from biodiversity loss. For industries like corrugated packaging, which uses wood and water, this represents an insurmountable loss of income, livelihoods and essential materials. DS Smith has always had a strong focus on sustainability, putting it at the heart of everything it does and making biodiversity a particular priority.
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Mactac Announces New Liner for IMAGin StreetTRAX Outdoor Floor Graphic Media

Mactac® Distributor Products announces a new, thicker liner for its wide-format printable IMAGin® StreetTRAX® non-skid outdoor floor graphic media. StreetTRAX (STX1528v2) is designed to produce outdoor sidewalk and parking lot ‘floor’ graphics on unsealed pedestrian traffic surfaces such as concrete, cement, and asphalt. The change in product construction replaces the product’s previous 60# polycoated liner with a new 90# polycoated liner. “The addition of the thicker, more stable liner improves this already great product and offers Mactac customers an even better printing and installation experience when using StreetTRAX,” says Amanda Smith, Product Manager, Mactac Distributor Products.
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University of Oulu and Metsä Group cooperate in research and education to develop sustainable forest industry

University of Oulu and Metsä Group have entered into a partnership agreement in which research and educational cooperation will be deepened in order to develop sustainable forest industry. The aim is to increase interaction and work life contacts between students and the company. The co-operation includes, for example, visiting lectures, company visits, thesis work and internships. The themes of the joint research projects are the utilization of inorganic production sidestreams from the forest industry, for example as bioproducts, and the development of autonomous solutions and automated logistics in the wood, pulp, paperboard and sawmill industries. Experiments and solutions for the introduction of the technology utilize the university's extensive research expertise in 5G / 6G, IoT and cyber security, robotics, fibre and particle technology, and process technology.
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Domtar Promotes Careers for Women in Manufacturing

Activities surrounding Manufacturing Day will look different this year, but many businesses, employees and communities across North America still plan to highlight the exciting opportunities of a career in manufacturing. This year, we’re excited to focus on careers for women in manufacturing. Over the past several years, a number of organizations have focused on attracting women to careers in all types of manufacturing in fields such as diverse as aerospace production and oil and gas. One such organization is Women in Manufacturing, which provides support to women who are building careers in manufacturing across thousands of companies and at every level of experience. Christy Lathrop, vice president for human resources at Domtar, is a member of Women in Manufacturing and appreciates the opportunity to network and grow with female colleagues.
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Kimberly-Clark Completes Acquisition of Softex Indonesia

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced the closing of its previously announced acquisition of Softex Indonesia, a leader in the fast-growing Indonesian personal care market. "This acquisition accelerates our growth with strong market share in key personal care categories across Southeast Asia's largest economy," said Mike Hsu, Chairman and CEO, Kimberly-Clark. "As we move ahead, we will leverage our combined strengths in innovation and brand building while maintaining the local market expertise and advantages that Softex Indonesia has built with its strong portfolio of brands."
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Mondi shines by winning two awards for sustainable food packaging

Mondi has been recognised in this year’s Austrian Green Star Packaging Awards for two recent sustainable packaging innovations developed using its customer-centric approach, EcoSolutions: PerFORMing - paper-based packaging with special barrier coating to protect cheese slices - Austria’s biggest retailer REWE worked together with Mondi to launch a more sustainable cheese tray for their organic brand Ja! Natürlich. Mondi developed a special kraft paper, Advantage Formable Brown, to replace rigid plastic trays. Its unique stretch characteristics mean it can be formed into a shallow tray enhanced with a special barrier coating. Fully recyclable thermoforming plastic film for meat - Mondi was able to reinvent packaging for Austrian meat producer Hütthaler. The packaging was designed for recycling while maintaining optimum barrier properties and replacing a previous, less sustainable, packaging.
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Neenah Introduces conVerd Board® Wipe Clean™ and DigiScape® FootPrint™ Safe and Sustainable Wide Format Solutions for Conducting Business During COVID-19

Neenah expands its wide format portfolio to address significant market demand for safe signage solutions by offering new, innovative solutions with conVerd Board® Wipe Clean™ and DigiScape® FootPrint™. “As the CDC continues to update safety guidelines for businesses, our customers need the flexibility to update their signage with cleaner and environmentally smarter products. With these new options, we meet the need for PVC-free products that print and perform better than plastic with similar properties. With conVerd Board Wipe Clean and DigiScape FootPrint, companies can effortlessly do the right thing for their customers, their brand, and the planet,” says Milene Ribas, Global Business Development Manager for Neenah. conVerd Board has long been the choice of brands searching for a recyclable alternative for structural signage. Now, Neenah introduces state-of-the-art conVerd Board Wipe Clean, the only 100% paper-based, fully recyclable product on the market with a wipeable, printable surface.
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Breakthrough Creative Part 3: The Art of Simplicity (jschmid.com)

Simplicity in marketing isn’t easy to achieve but making engagement easy can be fairly simple. That sentence is a brain twister, right? Let me untangle the words. ‘Simple’ and ‘Easy’ are two different things, and both are critically important when it comes to effective marketing. Simple means making something uncomplicated, like expressing a brand proposition in just a few words. Easy means achieving something without effort, like creating an intuitive check-out funnel. The two concepts of simplicity and ease have been foundational in successful marketing for a long time. But if you consider that consumer attention span is only about 8 seconds, (down 30% from 2000), it makes focusing on simplicity and ease imperative. read more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/breakthrough-creative-art-of-simplicity/
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New customers and curbside pickup increase ecommerce fraud risk (digitalcommerce360.com)

Online retailers of physical goods are seeing five times as many new customers now than they did before the pandemic, according to a new report from Forter, increasing both fraud risk from criminals trying to pose as good customers and the risk of turning down legitimate shoppers. A separate study from Sift shows criminals are taking over customers’ accounts more frequently as a way to steal. Two reports released today by fraud-prevention technology providers show how the coronavirus pandemic is creating new challenges for online retailers trying to distinguish the growing number of legitimate online shoppers from criminals seeking to commit fraud. Both note how the rapid growth of curbside pickup is increasing the likelihood of retailers suffering fraud losses.
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Bookstores Need More than Hope. They Need Sales. And Soon. (publishersweekly.com)

Over more than six months of extreme disruption, the nation’s independent bookstores have steadily grown their businesses beyond their four walls. A PW survey of three dozen indies nationwide found most offering some combination of online sales, curbside pickup, home delivery, outdoor browsing, and in-store shopping. The diversity of sales channels reflects a substantial expansion of retail customer service as they navigate evolving market conditions caused by Covid-19 and climate change. More than 80% of bookstores surveyed are now open for some form of limited in-store browsing, with appointments or other measures to ensure that they abide by state capacity guidelines. Of the shops that are not open to in-store browsing, all have online ordering and most are offering curbside pickup and outdoor browsing. That level of customer service reflects an unparalleled modernization of independent bookselling, but the question on the minds of booksellers is whether their efforts will be enough to combat forces beyond their control.
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Brian Napack, President and CEO of John Wiley & Sons, Unanimously Elected Chairman, AAP Board of Directors

The Association of American Publishers announced that its Directors have unanimously elected Brian Napack as Chairman of the Board, effective September 25, 2020. Mr. Napack, President and CEO of John Wiley & Sons, has been AAP’s Vice Chairman since the beginning of the year, and a Board member since 2017. Mr. Napack succeeds John Sargent, who resigned as AAP’s Board Chairman on September 17, 2020 in conjunction with stepping away from Macmillan Publishers. Mr. Sargent gave more than twenty years of exceptional service to AAP, nearly thirteen of them as an officer.
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Verso Corporation Announces Change in Leadership

Verso Corporation announced that Adam St. John has resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective as of September 30, 2020. The Verso Board of Directors has named Randy J. Nebel, a current member of the Board, as interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Nebel will also continue to serve as a member of Verso's Board. Verso's Board will commence a search for a permanent President and Chief Executive Officer, and plans to engage a national executive search firm to help identify and evaluate qualified candidates. Mr. Nebel joined Verso's Board in 2019 and has extensive paper and packaging industry knowledge and experience. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Integrated Packing at KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation, where he oversaw manufacturing and direct customer commercial operations. He was formerly President of Longview Fibre Paper and Packing, Inc. and is a past member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Manufacturers and the American & Forest Paper Association.
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Smurfit Kappa launches sustainable new alternative for banana producers

Smurfit Kappa has extended its range of sustainable and biodegradable products for the agricultural sector with the launch of BanaBag®. BanaBag® is an innovative and sustainable product created by Smurfit Kappa to address the quality assurance needed for excellent bagging during the complete growth cycle of the banana plant. It is a unique solution for organic producers because it protects the fruit from disease and insects, whilst also reducing the overheating that can result from using other materials like plastic. The BanaBag® is made from cellulose which acts as a natural insulator to the growing bananas maintaining the quality of the product even in higher temperatures.
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EFI Withdraws from drupa 2021

Out of an abundance of caution for employees, customers, prospects and partners, Electronics For Imaging, Inc. has canceled its planned exhibit at the drupa 2021 tradeshow taking place in Dusseldorf, Germany, next April. “Our company has a long, positive history with drupa, as do I personally, having also run two companies that have been major drupa exhibitors in the past,” said Jeff Jacobson, chairman and CEO, EFI™. “The show has always represented some of the best of what can be accomplished at an in-person event for the global print industry. “But, with the limited amount of knowledge anyone can have right now about what conditions will be for public gatherings early next year, withdrawing from drupa 2021 is an unfortunate albeit prudent decision,” Jacobson added.
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LSC Communications Receives Court Approval for Sale to Atlas Holdings and Supporting Creditors

LSC Communications, Inc. announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved its previously announced stock and asset purchase agreement, under which an affiliate of Atlas Holdings LLC with the support of certain of LSC’s secured creditors (the “Creditor Group”), will acquire substantially all of the Company’s assets. “With the Court’s approval of the sale, we are able to move forward with this value-maximizing transaction that represents the best path forward for all LSC stakeholders,” said Thomas J. Quinlan III, LSC Communications’ Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are confident that through this partnership with Atlas, LSC will be uniquely well-positioned to strengthen and grow our market-leading position and provide our customers with the same high standards of quality, reliability and innovation. On behalf of the LSC Board and management team, I would like to sincerely thank all of our employees for their hard work and dedication throughout this process.” The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2020.
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Amazon to Buy $400M in Kornit Digital Printing Equipment, Open New Merch by Amazon Facility (piworld.com)

Amazon is set to significantly expand its digital and on-demand printing capabilities after reupping an existing agreement with Kornit, the Israeli manufacturer of high-speed inkjet printing equipment. Over the next five years, Amazon committed to buying $250 million in existing Kornit products, such as digital printers and inks, and $150 million in "future products." The deal totals $400 million. The move is a big one for Amazon, which has been steadily and methodically building its digital printing capacity over the last several years. Most of that capacity has gone toward its Merch by Amazon service, a print on-demand platform that enables sellers to create and sell custom apparel and other merchandise decorated and fulfilled by Amazon. We've covered Merch by Amazon and two related services—Amazon Custom and Amazon Merch Collab—at length, particularly where they stand in relation to the promotional products industry.
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Dick’s Sporting Goods pledges to remove single-use plastic bags (chainstoreage.com)

As part of a new initiative to eliminate single-use plastic bags from the wastestream, Dick’s Sporting Goods is joining an industry consortium. Dick’s is committing to remove all single-use point-of-sale plastic bags from its stores by 2025. As a first step toward this goal, Dick’s is taking part in the Closed Loop Partners' Center for the Circular Economy’s Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag as the lead sports & outdoors sector partner. Dick’s will work alongside Closed Loop Partners founding partners CVS Health, Target and Walmart, as well as Kroger and Walgreens, in the Beyond the Bag initiative. Closed Loop Partners launched the initiative earlier this year to identify, test and implement viable design solutions and models that more sustainably serve the purpose of the current retail bag. The consortium recently launched the challenge in partnership with global design company IDEO, which is currently accepting ideas from across the globe to re-invent the current retail bag – which could include reusable models, new materials, or software and hardware innovations that eliminate the need for bags altogether.
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Hearst Magazines Announces Strategic Investment Across Print Portfolio

Hearst Magazines announced the launch of Premium Print, a strategic initiative that includes a multimillion-dollar investment across its portfolio of more than 25 brands to further strengthen its position in the marketplace and enhance the quality of its print products. The announcement was made by Hearst Magazines Acting President Debi Chirichella and Hearst Magazines Chief Content Officer Kate Lewis. “Our magazines are at the heart of our brands and our business, the foundation of our editorial mission and vision,” Chirichella said. “For the benefit of our audiences and our marketing partners, we’re focused on producing the highest quality print products and providing an outstanding content experience that is engaging on every level.” The additional investment will improve the product of several Hearst Magazines print properties through new, larger formats, higher-quality paper and improved editorial ratios.
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Sappi encourages innovation by supporting one of the first Graphic Arts Industry Hackathons

Sappi has joined forces with VIGC (Flemish Innovation Center for the Graphic Communication) and EY in their endeavor to launch one of the first Graphic Arts Industry Hackathons. A Hackathon is a method of creative problem solving designed to boost disruptive innovation. The target of this event is to create synergies, foster innovation and trigger ideas that will future-proof the print industry by tackling and contributing solutions to its most pressing challenges. These categories being covered are: Commercial Print, Packaging & Labels, Publishing and Industrial Printing. The hackathon will take place on 12th and 13th of October, 2020, in a virtual format, thus enabling global participation. Startups, scale-ups, students, creatives and all industry enthusiasts are encouraged to join. Registrations can be done here: https://vigc.thefactory.works
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Cascades launches a 100% recycled and recyclable thermoformed cardboard food tray, a North American first

Cascades is launching the first 100% recycled and recyclable thermoformed cardboard tray designed for fresh food packers using automated equipment in North America. This thermoformed tray delivers a unique innovative food packaging solution that was developed entirely using a circular economy approach and ecodesign principles. The tray is composed of 100% recycled fibres, mostly sourced from post-consumer sources certified "Recycled" under the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) standard.1 In addition, it is designed with a patented water-based coating that protects it from moisture without compromising the recyclability of the cardboard. Unlike traditional containers coated with a thin layer of plastic or other non-recyclable coatings, this food tray is easily recyclable and can be placed in the recycling bin. Its SurfSHIELD® water-based coating also helps preserve the integrity and freshness of food, reducing food waste.
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TC Transcontinental wins in the “Innovative Manufacturers” category at the Mercuriades awards

TC Transcontinental is proud to have won the Mercure award in the "Innovative Manufacturers – Large Business" category, in recognition of innovation in the Corporation’s Packaging Sector to promote sustainability and a circular economy. The prestigious Mercuriades business competition is held by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ). The Mercure for "Innovative Manufacturers", presented by Investissement Québec, is awarded to a company that exemplifies strategic vision and capacity for technological innovation to optimize the performance of its products and services. “I’m extremely proud that TC Transcontinental has received this recognition from Québec’s business community,” said François Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. “We invest millions of dollars annually in research and development in our Packaging Sector to fund innovation and broaden our offering of recyclable, postconsumer recycled content, or compostable plastic packaging products.
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Empire Magazine Publishes First Tribute Cover in 31-Year History

This month’s issue of EMPIRE magazine is a very special tribute to actor and filmmaker Chadwick Boseman and marks the first tribute issue in the title’s 31-year history. In honour of the Black Panther star who died of colon cancer aged 43 in August, the November issue of EMPIRE will feature personal remembrances from Boseman’s screen collaborators, plus a look back at the iconic roles he portrayed over his career – from Thurgood Marshall to James Brown and beyond – as well as revisiting their interview experiences with the man himself. The special subscriptions cover below was created exclusively for EMPIRE by London-based Nigerian artist Kingsley Nebechi, celebrating Chadwick Boseman and his most beloved roles. “He truly embodies strength and humility”, Kingsley told the EMPIRE team. “I wanted the artwork to reflect his versatility”.
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Grainger Teams Up with the Chicago Cubs on a Safe and Successful Season at Wrigley Field During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Grainger is proud to have helped support the Chicago Cubs through a safe and successful season at Wrigley Field that required agility and teamwork on and off the field. Grainger helped the Cubs conduct virtual safety assessments; procure personal protective equipment, sanitization products, and social distancing materials; and enact measures to help keep employees and customers safe at other areas of the Wrigleyville campus, including the front office, Hotel Zachary and offshoot warehouses.
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Print Unit Sales Continue to Roll in Mid-September (publishersweekly.com)

Helped by the release of Bob Woodward’s Rage, unit sales of print books jumped 16.4% in the week ended Sept. 19, 2020, over the comparable week in 2019, at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. Rage was the overall top title in the week, selling sold more than 344,000 copies. Another new release, Blackout by Candance Owens, sold more than 70,000 copies, and total sales in the adult nonfiction segment rose 14.7% over the week ended Sept. 21, 2019. YA fiction continued to benefit from the success of Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer, which sold more than 32,000 copies, helping to give category sales a 44.3% boost. Last year at this time, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton was the top YA fiction title, selling more than 7,000 copies, and The Giver by Lois Lowry was second, selling 6,000 copies.
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ATA Freight Forecast Projects Continued Long-Term Growth in Volumes

Today, the American Trucking Associations released its latest ATA Freight Transportation Forecast: 2020 to 2031, which is conducted annually by IHS Markit, showing that despite contraction in 2020, the long-term trend for both trucking and overall freight shipments is still positive. Among the findings in this year’s Forecast: *Total freight volumes in 2020 are likely to collapse by 10.6% to 14.6 billion tons, although truck freight volumes falls a smaller 8.8%. *Trucking volumes are expected to rebound in 2021, rising 4.9% next year and then growing 3.2% per year on average through 2026. *Overall freight revenues in 2020 will total $879 billion, rising to $1.435 trillion in 2031.
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World-First Recyclable Retort Pouch for Pet Food

Amcor, in collaboration with Nestlé, launched the world’s first recyclable flexible retort pouch. The new high barrier pouch, using Amcor’s AmLite HeatFlex Recyclable solution, will first appear in stores in the Netherlands in October 2020. Amcor and Nestlé partnered to overcome one of the largest challenges facing the industry – the inability to recycle retort flexible packaging – and have achieved a technical breakthrough which underscores both companies’ long-term commitment to more sustainable packaging solutions. The partners collaborated during the product development process, testing for heat resistance, machine performance, shelf-life and recyclability in the real world.
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Mactac Partners with DNP to Enhance Portfolio of UL Approved Durable Films with Thermal Transfer Ribbon

Mactac® is partnering with DNP Imagingcomm America Corporation to enhance its existing portfolio of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved durable films with thermal transfer ribbons. The partnership includes the addition of DNP’s new V300 thermal transfer ribbon to Mactac’s MH26726 UL file for printing materials in the United States (PGJI2) and Canada (PGJI8). The film-ribbon combination has been approved for label suitability and compliance with ANSI/UL 969 and CSA C22.2 No. 0.15 testing standards. “Mactac is honored to the have the opportunity to continue our partnership with DNP and offer customers safe, compliant, best-in-class labeling solutions,” said Kim Hensley, senior marketing manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives. “By selecting the approved Mactac/DNP combinations, printers and converters can ensure compliance for displaying required safety information on UL-certified products. Additionally, no further label testing is needed.”
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Sonoco Again Named a “Best for Vets” Company

Sonoco has once again been named one of 100 “Best for Vets” companies by Military Times. Sonoco joins other well-known brands, including Kellogg Company, Amazon, Deloitte and L’Oréal USA on the distinguished list. “Our Veterans are some of our brightest and hardworking associates,” said Howard Coker, president and CEO. “They bring specific attributes that align with our mantra of ‘People Build Businesses by Doing the Right Thing,’ including loyalty, teamwork and determination. We are proud to be included on such a distinguished list.” Representing the most prominent annual public rankings of its kind, Best for Vets evaluates companies’ cultures, veteran recruiting, veteran policies and accommodations for members of the National Guard and reserves.
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BillerudKorsnäs launches recyclable paper-based flow wrap – challenging the standard in confectionery packaging

BillerudKorsnäs joins forces with Syntegon Technology to launch Recyclable Flow Wrap, a paper based packaging solution that enables a shift from conventional plastic to renewable and recyclable materials. Flow wrap is a type of flexible packaging used for many products in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector and today plastic film flow wrap is standard for FMCG. BillerudKorsnäs Recyclable Flow Wrap is an innovative paper packaging solution, based on primary fibres from well-managed forests and with high barrier performance that can be recycled as paper.
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Why does one third of the world’s food never make it to the table and how can packaging help?

It’s not unusual in the Western world to throw away leftovers and discard slightly damaged food without a second thought. Yet when we consider that 135 million people face acute food shortages, it is clear that food waste is an issue we can no longer afford to ignore.(1) Food waste campaigner Tristram Stuart has said, “Cutting food waste is a delicious way of saving money, helping to feed the world and protect the planet.” He’s right, confronting food waste is critical to the health of people, the planet and business. It’s staggering that two billion people could be fed with the 1.3 billion tonnes of food that is lost or wasted every year – the combined population of Europe and Africa.(2) In places like Europe almost half lost is at the consumer end of the supply chain, while in developing countries a significant proportion of post-harvest food is wasted. Regardless of location, these high losses are mainly due to lack of proper storage, improper handling and inadequate packaging.(3) click read more below for the rest of the article
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Stora Enso starts the production of new-generation formed fiber products free from plastic and PFAS

Stora Enso has started the production of formed fiber food service products at Hylte Mill in Sweden. The production ramp-up follows the investment announced in 2019 and enables the manufacture of products that are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. The PureFiberTM by Stora Enso eco-product range is produced without plastic and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), enabling a safe and sustainable alternative for fresh food packaging. The Group is also investing in more formed fiber capacity in Sweden and China. Through its partnership with HS Manufacturing Group and its patented technology, PROTĒAN®, Stora Enso offers a plastic-free barrier technology for food contact packaging applications. The joint patent-pending technology offers a recyclable and biodegradable solution that gives fiber-based packaging water-, grease- and oil-resistant barrier properties, without plastic or PFAS. The solution can be applied for a range of products, such as single-use food service items. A Life Cycle Analysis study shows that the PureFiberTM product line has a CO2 footprint that is approximately 75% lower compared to competing packaging materials.
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Barnes & Noble Celebrates Teachers with Educator Appreciation Week from October 3 Through October 11

Barnes & Noble Inc. is pleased to announce Educator Appreciation Week from Saturday October 3, through Sunday, October 11. October’s Educator Appreciation Week will give Educator Members: *25% off list price on most books, gifts, music, DVDs, and toys and games for classroom and personal purchase; *10% off Barnes & Noble’s GlowLight Plus, the bookseller’s largest eInk reader; *10% off Barnes & Noble Café beverages and food during Appreciation Days.
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