American Forest & Paper Association Releases June 2021 Boxboard Monthly Report

Total Boxboard production in June decreased one percent compared to June 2019. It was down one percent when compared to the same six months of 2019. The boxboard operating rate was 93 percent, up 1.1 points from June 2019 and up 0.9 points year-to-date Solid Bleached Boxboard production in June remained essentially flat (-0.4 percent) compared to June 2019. It was down three percent when compared to the same six months of 2019. Recycled Boxboard production in June decreased five percent compared to June 2019. It was down zero percent when compared to the same six months of 2019. Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum production in June increased four percent compared to June 2019. It was essentially flat (+0.4 percent) when compared to the same six months of 2019.

Sonoco announced that Ernest Haynes has been appointed to the role of President of Sonoco Metal Packaging, one of the leading manufacturers of sustainable metal packaging for food and household products and the largest aerosol can producer in North America. In this new role, Haynes will lead Sonoco’s newly acquired Metal Packaging business, reporting directly to Howard Coker, Sonoco President and CEO. Haynes will replace Jim Peterson who will be transitioning from the business after more than 15 years of leadership. Haynes will work closely with the Metal Packaging team to continue delivering best-in-class solutions for customers and with the integration team to ensure the business achieves its financial and operational goals.

UPM Raflatac is partnering with Vellamo, Finland’s award-winning natural mineral water for a truly innovative sustainable label. Vellamo’s bottles feature UPM Raflatac Forest Film PPTM, the world’s first and only wood-based polypropylene plastic label material. This transparent label material is constructed from UPM BioVerno naphtha, a 100 percent wood-based solution made from tall oil, a residue of pulp production, originating from sustainably managed forests. “This is an ideal collaboration to showcase how labels matter when it comes to sustainable packaging,” says Timo Kekki, Vice President, Films Business, UPM Raflatac. “Our innovative labeling material answers brand owners’ needs to replace traditional fossil-based virgin materials with renewable ones. The collaboration with Vellamo is an excellent example of how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils together with our partners.”