American Forest & Paper Association Releases July 2017 Boxboard Report

UPM Specialty Papers is responding to the growing pet food market’s need to transform traditional packaging solutions by offering paper-based alternatives for plastics and packages that contain soon to be phased out PFAS chemicals. “As PFAS chemicals are expected to be banned in the EU, UPM Specialty Papers can support converters and brand owners in this change. UPM’s barrier papers can achieve excellent grease resistance without the use of PFAS chemicals,” says Kalle Luomi, Senior Manager, Product Stewardship, UPM Specialty Papers. Depending on customer requirements, the company offers a wide range of packaging papers for pet food packaging. One example is the UPM Asendo™ Pro barrier paper that combines recyclability and grease resistance with excellent print properties.

Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. recently unveiled a groundbreaking portfolio of papers made from rapidly renewable, sustainable fibers. As part of this new product range, Mohawk is announcing a strategic partnership with UPM Raflatac Americas, who will be offering roll fed, pressure sensitive labeling solutions made with Mohawk Renewal Hemp and Straw paper face stocks. “Mohawk Renewal expands the definition of responsible papermaking, and our partnership with UPM Raflatac makes it easier than ever for printers and brands to reach beyond their label and packaging sustainability targets,” said Melissa Stevens, Chief Revenue Officer, Mohawk.

Pitt Plastics staff, along with the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce Koehn Construction Services, and key city staff gathered on East Atkinson Avenue at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility. The expansion will result in additional jobs at a scope to be determined upon the project’s expected completion by January 2025. Pitt Plastics is an Inteplast Group affiliate company within the IBS Division. The 200,000 sq.-ft. facility will house racked, finished goods, and also encompass 14,000 square feet of office space. Currently, the existing site is 300,000 square feet and employs approximately 350 manufacturing professionals serving consumer, commercial, healthcare, and foodservice markets. Pitt Plastics General Manager Aron Jahr said that Pittsburg and the surrounding areas in Crawford County have supported the company’s growth for more than five decades.