Klabin, Brazil’s largest producer and exporter of packaging paper, and the leader in the corrugated board packaging and industrial bags segments, takes another important step in its business strategy with the announcement of EkoFlex, its first paper for flexible packaging. The solution is targeted at diverse segments, such as food, hygiene, cleaning and pharmaceuticals, and helps to significantly reduce the use of plastic across the consumption chain. EkoFlex is produced from softwood (pine), resulting in an extensible paper with lower grammage, which offers better performance and greater resistance, with application in diverse market segments, especially in flexible packaging options such pillow bags, flow packs, stand up pouches and box pouches. EkoFlex is produced from Klabin paper, with feedstock from renewable sources derived from planted and certified forests. It is a repulpable and recyclable solution that is also certified for contact with food. The product is already available for sale in both the Brazilian market and for exports.

The operations at Metsä Group’s and Valmet’s 3D fibre product demo plant in Äänekoski has begun. At the end of 2020, Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring and Valmet announced they would be investing a total of approximately 20 million euros in the demo plant. The demo plant is part of Metsä Group’s integrated mill site in Äänekoski, and it produces finished 3D fibre packaging products directly from wet pulp without intermediate phases. The moulded fibre-based packaging can replace plastic for example in food packaging. The demo plant currently employs approximately ten people. “Our fibre-based packaging products are a significant new initiative in the global packaging market. The novelty in our products include their layered structure, which, in turn, allows their production in a raw material and energy efficient manner applying a highly automated production process. The layered structure also allows the products to be easily modified for different purposes. The customers’ reception of the new product has been very positive. We know we’re on the right path,” says Metsä Group’s project lead, VP, Jarkko Tuominen.

Smurfit Kappa, one of the world's largest paper-based packaging companies, has announced the construction of a new packaging plant in Morocco, its first corrugated plant in the country. Located in Rabat and covering an area of 25,000 m2, it will enable Smurfit Kappa to supply innovative and sustainable packaging solutions quickly and efficiently to its local customer base. The plant will create packaging for sectors including industrial, agriculture, FMCG, automotive, pharma and ceramics and serve both local customers and multinationals based in Morocco. In a market where the demand for corrugated packaging currently exceeds supply, the new plant will play an important and strategic role.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its April 2022 Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in April decreased two percent compared to April 2021. They were up one percent when compared to the same four months of 2021. The operating rate in April 2022 was 94.0 percent, up 1.4 points from April 2021 and up 1.3 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of April decreased 6,000 short tons from the previous month, and were down 8,000 short tons compared to April 2021.

A paper bag that is strong, food safe, recyclable, compostable and both offset and flexo printable. Due to a unique synergy in the value chain, five partners have created this sustainable and innovative solution. The icing on the cake: winning two prizes at the EUROSAC Grand Prix 2022: Bronze and Public Choice Award! Crown Van Gelder is constantly exploring ways to produce paper more sustainably. One of the methods to do this is to replace wood fiber by alternative fiber, such as sugar beet pulp - a result of Cosun Beet Company’s sugar production. Together, Cosun Beet Company, Novidon (also a Cosun company) and Crown Van Gelder developed the sustainable Crown Native sugar beet paper, which was then printed and made into bags by Fiorini and used by DLF. For this unique effort, the collaboration was awarded with the EUROSAC Grand Prix 2022. Grass seed producer and brand owner DLF was looking for a more sustainable, paper-based alternative for its 15 KG bag to reduce the company’s environmental impact, the search led them to Crown Van Gelder. Together with DLF’s bag producer Fiorini, Cosun Beet Company and Novidon developed an open mouth bag consisting of three layers of Crown Native paper and using paper sack glue Novinexx CPB from Novidon.

Following the successful completion of a 15-month commercial technology validation of a polymer-based barrier replacing the aluminium layer, Tetra Pak is now moving to the next level of development - testing a fibre-based barrier that is a first within food carton packages distributed under ambient conditions. This step marks yet another breakthrough in the company’s long-term roadmap towards developing an aseptic package that is fully renewable, fully recyclable and carbon-neutral. The aluminium layer currently used in food carton packages plays a critical role in ensuring food safety; and even though it is thinner than a human hair, it contributes to a third of the green-house gas emissions linked to base materials used by Tetra Pak.

Emily Frieden from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York triumphed in USA Packaging Design Impact Award (PIDA) and earned this year’s Gold Award. Her entry “Lavash” impressed the jury most with its “attention to detail in every aspect of the brand, design, and execution.” Lavash is a volcano-shaped package for a shower set. The design features all stages of volcanic activity – dormant, active, and extinct. Even the typography mimics volcanic eruptions. “When I was researching different elements of nature I was really inspired by the juxtaposition of the restorative parts of volcanoes,” says Emily Frieden. “It’ s just cool, fun, nature. I thought there’ s a lot I can do there, how I can bring that experience to packaging. It was a lot of fun.” At PIDA, design students from universities and colleges from seven countries compete with their creative packaging designs. The competition is organized as five separate events: the USA, Sweden, France/Belgium, the UK, China*, and Germany/Austria. The winners of the Gold Award at each event will meet in a Grand Finale at Luxe Pack Monaco in October.

Mondi has collaborated with German machine supplier beck packautomaten to create a functional paper solution that has the potential to revolutionise eCommerce by replacing plastic packaging and creating right-sized packaging for a wide range of products. Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper is 95% paper and features enhanced barrier properties to guarantee premium product protection against water vapour and moisture. This is essential for many products being shipped, including electronic goods. The paper is made with a higher strength, enabling it to carry heavier items without breakage. It is responsibly sourced, made of renewable materials and recyclable in existing recycling streams throughout Europe. Beck’s automated packing machine ensures that products of different sizes are packed according to their requirements. The machine measures the packed goods and calculates the paper needed, reducing excess usage of the material and thereby minimising waste and costs. Stable sealing of Mondi’s paper on all four sides of the packaging ensures that it meets logistics requirements and protects goods in transit - as successfully proven during tests in Mondi’s ISTA certified lab in its Bupak plant.

Transcendia is excited to announce it is breaking ground on a 52,000 square foot manufacturing expansion at its Hebron, OH location as part of its ongoing commitment to investing in barrier film technologies. The new building will be equipped with additional multilayer blown and cast film lines, specialty converting equipment and a new testing lab dedicated to supporting new barrier applications in the food, pharmaceutical and industrial film markets. Upon completion, the Hebron, OH facility, with its ISO 9001:2015 certified quality systems, SQF certification and class 7 clean room capabilities, will have a total footprint of 84,000 square feet. The new building will complement existing barrier extrusion capabilities, including Transcendia’s most recent seven-layer blown film asset capable of producing films up to 78” wide with thicknesses between 1.0 – 10.0 mil. In addition to multiple asset investments, Transcendia will be adding to its application and process engineering team to provide additional technology resources for customers’ new application development. To support the expansion and 24/7 operation, Transcendia will hire approximately 36 new associates including machine operators, material handlers, maintenance technicians and supervisors.

Tosaf, Inc., a leading global developer and manufacturer of additives, compounds, and color and white masterbatches for the plastics industry, today announced the completion of additional capital investments in its Bessemer City, N.C. plant. The latest commitment of $2 million for a silo system and additional extruders brings the company’s total investment in the facility to more than $20 million. The silos were installed to take advantage of a rail spur that serves the plant. Built in 2016, the facility was designed to accommodate the silo system retrofit, a major part of the enhancements that advance its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. “We now have the needed infrastructure to receive raw materials via rail, which reduces labor and packaging required in our manufacturing processes,” said Tosaf General Manager Chai Tsadaka. “The silos and enhanced production capabilities allow us to better meet short lead times for our rapidly growing customer base. Unlike others, we provide a seven working day or less production order response time.”

Inspired by the Venus Flytrap plant, design students from Brobygrafiska claimed this year’s Gold Award in the Swedish leg of PIDA (Packaging Impact Design Award) with their inventive packaging solution for a set of drink mixer flavours called “Bite Botanical Bitters”. The team, comprising Herman Rydholm, Sofi Hansson and Julia Abrahamsson, impressed the jury with their deft use of “shape and colour that really catches our attention.” “We’re in shock!” says Herman Rydholm. “Very surprising. Actually, we started out with an idea of a pyramid shape, but it lacked colour so we thought we had to change. We happened to think of the Venus Flytrap and that was it. We got both colour and shape.” At PIDA, design students from universities and colleges from seven countries compete with their creative packaging designs. The competition is divided into five separate events: the USA, Sweden, France/Belgium, the UK, China, and Germany/Austria. The winners of the Gold Award at each event will meet in a Grand Finale at Luxe Pack Monaco in October.

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is presenting its broad portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions at this month’s Interzoo and demonstrating how flexible packaging can drive sustainability in the pet food industry. Packaging for pet food and pet care needs to be both protective and sustainable - the food contents need to remain fresh and intact but the top priority for eight of ten pet owners is packaging that is sustainable, according to a recent Mondi Dow Premium pet packaging survey. Shoppers worldwide are shifting towards mindful consumption and actively choosing brands that reduce their impact on the environment, particularly in light of the rise in eCommerce. Mondi’s expertise helps pet food manufacturers all over the world respond to this, through its EcoSolutions approach. Working closely with customers means the best possible solution can be created. Those solutions use paper where possible and plastic when useful - and help consumers contribute to a better world once pets have been fed.

Smurfit Kappa has developed an innovative and sustainable water-resistant paper. AquaStop™ is part of Smurfit Kappa’s new TechniPaper® portfolio, which consists of an array of high-performance papers designed to handle even the most complex supply chains. The AquaStop™ paper is water-resistant thanks to a special coating which is added to it during the manufacturing process. Unlike many other coatings, this does not compromise the recyclability of the product and can be recycled in the same way as standard paper-based packaging. AquaStop™ is the latest innovation in Smurfit Kappa’s Better Planet Packaging portfolio of products, which offer sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. As it is designed to withstand exposure to water without being damaged, it is suitable for eCommerce packaging and packaging for products such as flowers, detergent and fruit and vegetables where temporary protection against water is needed.

Koehler Paper’s colorful recycling papers make boxes and filling materials from PresentFill® an environmentally friendly packaging alternative. From packaging materials to gift packaging, a wide selection of products are produced using premium recycling papers from Koehler Paper. The papers, made from 100% secondary fiber material, not only boast the “Blue Angel” and EU ecolabels, but also stand out thanks to their quality, natural feel, and vibrant colors. The market and consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable packaging solutions and PresentFill® is facing ever more intense competition in the area of sustainable packaging solutions papers. In light of this, the product range has continued to grow in recent years in order to meet the demand for more sustainable alternatives.

With more restaurants seeking carryout and delivery options, Eco-Products® is introducing a new compostable wrap that is ideal for swaddling sandwiches, snacks and more. The new wrap is made from wax paper, is ASTM D6868 compliant and is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) as compostable in commercial facilities. It conveniently works as a basket liner, food wrap or as a scale or pick-up sheet. Jointly developed with Eco-Products’ parent company, Novolex®, the new wrap offers a number of benefits: *Works with both hot and cold snacks and sandwiches *Made from renewable resources *Grease- and moisture-resistant *ASTM D6868 compliant and BPI-certified compostable in commercial compost facilities only *Features print on the wrap that includes the Eco-Products and BPI logos, assuring customers that the product is made from sustainable materials and can be to put into the compost bin after use.

Sonoco announced favorable results from a recent study by trial with Sustana in collaboration with Kellogg’s, providing new opportunities to recycle paper containers. “Part of creating packaging that’s a sustainability success involves making sure its materials are made and sourced responsibly. Sonoco’s paper containers are made with 100% recycled fiber paperboard, of which 85% is post-consumer recycled content,” said Michael Pratt, Senior Sustainability Specialist at Sonoco. Through three third-party sortation trials, Sonoco confirmed that paper containers with steel bottoms can be recycled in the steel stream. The next step was to further increase the recyclability of paper containers in the paper stream. There was already proven success in producing 100% recycled paperboard with up to 85% post-consumer fiber from bales of mixed paper at all Sonoco U.S. paper mills, but it was still unknown if paper containers could be recycled further.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has enhanced its Product Impact Assessment (PIA) tool with new environmental key performance indicators (KPIs). The Group’s broad range of life cycle assessment tools are designed to provide science-based, tailored information to customers about the environmental impacts of paper- and plastic-based products for better decision-making. The Group’s PIA tool initially focused on carbon and water scarcity but now has additional KPIs to address further key aspects in the sustainable design of products, such as: ‘Designed for recycling’; ‘Recycling rates in region’; ‘Share of plastics (PO) content’; ‘Share of renewable content’; ‘Share of recycled content’; and ‘Certified for composting’.

The packaging design team of Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, was involved in designing a spectacular packaging for a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage. In addition to protecting the bottle, the packaging also forms a beautiful entity with the bottle. The design of both the bottle and the packaging is based on a painting by six-time world boxing champion and artist Eva Wahlström. For every product sold, 50 cents will be donated to the Finnish Cancer Foundation. "We wanted to bring consumers a product that visually transcends the everyday. The drink gets its flavour from the rose petals, which are also displayed in a striking way on the bottle and packaging," says Kimmo Koivikko of Lasso Drinks, which produced the drink. "The packaging is open on both the front and the back, forming a frame around the bottle. This also minimises the amount of material needed for the packaging. The product story was printed on the packaging in Finnish and English," says Ilkka Harju, Packaging Services Director, EMEA and APAC, at Metsä Board.

Stora Enso has divested its three corrugated packaging plants in Russia. The Company’s Lukhovitsy, Arzamas and Balabanovo packaging plants have been divested to local management. Stora Enso’s assessment is that due to the uncertainties in the Russian market, local ownership and operation will provide a more sustainable long-term solution for these businesses and their respective employees. The transaction will have no material impact on Stora Enso’s annual sales and Operational EBIT. Due to reduced business prospects for these businesses, an impairment loss of EUR 35 million was recorded in the first quarter result. The additional loss on the transaction under IFRS will be approximately EUR 55 million, consisting mainly of currency translation adjustments to be recorded at the closing date. The expenses are considered as items affecting comparability. The divested sites are located in Lukhovitsy, Arzamas and Balabanovo employing approximately 620 people and have a total annual capacity of 395 million m² of corrugated packaging.

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is pleased to announce that the Superior Court of Québec has issued a final order approving the previously announced acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. by way of a plan of arrangement in accordance with Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act. Pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement, the Purchaser will acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company for a consideration per share of CDN$40.50 in cash. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions to closing contained in the Arrangement agreement with the Purchaser, the Arrangement is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2022.

Pregis recently started production at its new 298,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Reno, Nevada. The facility is producing the Pregis EverTec™ cushioned mailer, a durable, lightweight, curbside recyclable, paper cushioned shipping solution. Since acquiring the technology to manufacture the envirotech shipping solution in 2020, Pregis has scaled the production and full-color digital printing of the curbside recyclable product to meet consumer demand, and it continues to add sites to serve strategic geographic markets in this rapidly growing e-commerce packaging market. The Reno plant is the newest facility to add production capacity of EverTec in addition to recently opened facilities in Arlington, Texas; Bethel, Pennsylvania; McDonough, Georgia; and the expansion of the founding Elk Grove Village, Illinois location.

It’s a Wild Life! That’s the brief for PIDA 2022 – packaging design inspired by nature. Some 350 design students from seven countries will participate, showing packaging design projects with a personal and innovative interpretation of the brief. PIDA aims to highlight young talents and their ideas – but also to push the development of packaging design even further. This is how BillerudKorsnäs challenges convention for a sustainable future: by meeting the packaging designers of tomorrow. During May and June, BillerudKorsnäs will host the competition at five local events, and in October an international winner will be selected in a Grand Finale at Luxe Pack Monaco. PIDA 2022 will be a digital event, which enables a larger audience to be part of the exciting events. Representatives of the press are welcome to attend PIDA. Please find the dates for the different events below and register here - https://www.billerudkorsnas.com/pida/guest-registration.

Q1 2022 Highlights (comparative figures have been restated to reflect discontinued operations1) *Sales of $1,038 million (compared with $1,028 million in Q4 2021 and $942 million in Q1 2021) As reported (including specific items) *Operating income (loss) of $(4) million (compared with $(90) million in Q4 2021 and $44 million in Q1 2021) *Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization (OIBD) of $56 million (compared with $(30) million in Q4 2021 and $109 million in Q1 2021) *Net loss per common share of $(0.15) (compared with net earnings per common share of $1.04 in Q4 2021 and net earnings per common share of $0.22 in Q1 2021)

Ox Industries acquires a 150,000 square foot facility in Hanover, PA to expand its converting capacity in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The facility will house next-generation equipment and manufacturing practices and expand just in time stocking products and services. “We are excited to expand our Hanover location and to continue to invest in the community where we originally started OX. This is part of a $15 million investment in Hanover that will vertically integrate with our 100% recycled paperboard mills and create 50 new green-collar jobs,” said CEO Kevin Hayward.

Aptar CSP Technologies, part of AptarGroup, Inc. and a leader in active material science solutions to ensure product protection, extend shelf life and improve patient experience, announces a new manufacturing site able to produce its Activ-Blister™ Solutions for oral slide dose drugs in Europe. The move is part of a key strategic effort to expand production of Activ-Blister™ technology globally and is the result of a 3-way collaboration between Aptar CSP, Uhlmann (a leading pharmaceutical packaging equipment manufacturer), and Ivers-Lee, www.iverslee.com, (a local contract manufacturing organization). This collaboration consists of a fully automated Uhlmann blister machine validated to package oral solid dose drug products with Activ-Blister™ Solutions heat-staked to the foil at a rate of up to 250 blisters per minute (Figure 1). The equipment is designed to integrate Activ-Blister™ technology into the blister cavity with precision placement (Figure 2). The equipment has been fully-validated and is in place at Ivers-Lee, a CMO capable of manufacturing Activ-Blister™ solutions from R&D to commercialization. A CMO in EMEA will support regional customers and ensure speed-to-market.

Brook + Whittle, a leading provider of pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging, has acquired Diamond Flexible Packaging in Northbrook, IL. Diamond is a third generation, family-owned business with over 90 years of experience producing high quality flexible packaging solutions. Diamond is a premier flexible packaging and converting company, providing custom printed bags and pouches for a wide variety of end markets including Food, Cosmetics, Nutritional, Beverage and Healthcare. They have built a strong reputation for supplying customized, high-performance products that meet and exceed customer expectations.

First Quarter 2022 Highlights (as compared to first quarter 2021): • Revenue increased 17.6% to $406.4 million primarily due to the impact of higher selling prices in tape, film, woven, and protective packaging products driven by increases in the cost of many raw materials and freight. • Gross margin decreased to 21.0% from 23.9% primarily due to the unfavourable mathematical impact of Dollar Spread Maintenance(1) and increased plant operating costs. • Net earnings attributable to the Company shareholders ("IPG Net Earnings") decreased $75.7 million to a net loss ("IPG Net Loss") of $56.7 million ($0.96 basic and diluted loss per share) primarily due to charges related to the Arrangement(2) for contingent consulting fees payable upon completion as well as a significant increase in the fair value of share-based compensation awards in selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"). • Cash flows used for operating activities increased $26.9 million to $55.8 million primarily due to a greater decrease in accounts payable, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable and non-recurrence of share-based compensation settlements in the first quarter of 2021 related to cash-settled awards.

Sonoco announced it will raise the price for all paperboard tubes and cores by a minimum o 6 percent, effective with shipments in the United States and Canada on or after June 10, 2022. “Ongoing market tightness and additional inflationary cost pressures from rising paperboard prices, our primary raw material, along with higher labor rates, make this increase necessary,” said Doug Schwartz, Division Vice President and General Manager, North America Tubes and Cores. “Despite these supply chain pressures, we remain committed to maintaining the quality and service that our customers are accustomed.”

First quarter 2022 net income from continuing operations was $16.5 million (0.49 per diluted share) compared to net income from continuing operations of $9.6 million ($0.29 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. Net income from ongoing operations, which excludes special items, was $16.9 million ($0.50 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2022 compared with $10.1 million ($0.30 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. First Quarter Financial Results Highlights *Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") from ongoing operations for Aluminum Extrusions of $23.9 million was $10.6 million higher than the first quarter of 2021 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for PE Films of $7.0 million was $0.2 million lower than the first quarter of 2021 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for Flexible Packaging Films of $5.0 million was $4.6 million lower than the first quarter of 2021

Mondi continues to make progress on its previously announced €125 million investment to expand and upgrade its Kuopio mill in Finland with expected start-up by the fourth quarter of 2023. This morning, regional and local officials joined Mondi’s Group CEO and other senior leaders at a ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate this major upgrade of the semi-chemical fluting mill. "Thanks to the best technology available, production capacity will increase by 55,000 tonnes per annum and product quality will be enhanced to better serve growing customer demand. The long-term sustainability of the mill will also be considerably improved, further consolidating its place in the community." Andrew King, Mondi Group CEO

Known for its role in developing technology that delivers more sustainable bottles, Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) is announcing ahead of National Packaging Design Day the creation and launch of PowerPostTM. By actively displacing the vacuum in the container after filling, PowerPost technology delivers a bottle nearly one-third lighter, with 30% energy reduction and 30% carbon savings over most 20 oz (600 ml) bottles available today. It also allows for up to 100% recycled material use and provides a superior consumer experience – no more spills from overflow when consumers first open their beverage. PowerPost is the most advanced lightweighting technology for hot-fill beverages on the market today. PowerPost builds on Amcor’s patented, vacuum-absorbing technology PowerStrap™. The PowerPost base has two key technologies: an invertible, central post that actively displaces vacuum, and PowerStrap, the flexible ring surrounding the post. After filling, the post is inverted to actively displace vacuum inside the container and, as the product cools down, the surrounding ring flexes to passively absorb any remaining vacuum.

Second Fiscal Quarter Highlights: Net sales of $3.8 billion, a 12% increase; Operating income of $341 million; Operating EBITDA of $555 million; Diluted earnings per share of $1.50; Adj. diluted earnings per share of $1.93; $350 million of share repurchases in 1H fiscal ‘22; Expect further opportunistic repurchases in 2H; Reaffirms fiscal 2022 adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow guidance

Berry Global Group, Inc. and Taco Bell are making strides toward a more circular approach to sustainable packaging with the launch of a new clear, all-plastic cup containing mechanically recycled post-consumer resin (PCR). The move represents progress by both organizations in meeting their publicly stated sustainability commitments: Taco Bell’s 2022 Commitments and Berry’s Impact 2025. Designed for circularity, the new, clear polypropylene (PP) cup will be testing in select Taco Bell U.S. restaurants in late 2022, with 30-ounce cups using 10% recycled, high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This conversion from Taco Bell’s virgin plastic cup and lid set will help divert waste from landfill and incineration while simultaneously improving its carbon footprint through the use of recycled plastic*.

*Record quarterly net sales of $5.4 billion increased 21.3% year-over-year *Net income of $40 million declined $73 million year-over-year, or 64.5%. Adjusted Net Income of $309 million increased $164 million year-over-year, growing 112.9% *Net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was impacted by $363 million of pre-tax restructuring and other costs ($321 million of which was non-cash), or $1.04 per diluted share, primarily associated with the previously announced closure of the Panama City, Florida paper mill *Record second quarter Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $854 million increased 33.3% year-over-year *WestRock’s board of directors authorized an additional 25 million share repurchase program

Greif, Inc. announced that it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) and coated recycled paperboard (CRB). The recycled paperboard increase is effective with new orders and shipments on and after June 6, 2022. These price increases are in response to inflationary cost increases in transportation, energy, labor, chemicals, maintenance, and other raw materials and continued strong demand across the Greif paperboard and converting network.

The need for sustainably produced packaging materials that promote the circular economy is growing worldwide. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is a leading European producer of fresh fibre paperboards and a forerunner in sustainability. The company's fresh fibre paperboards are resource-efficient and help reduce the carbon footprint of packaging throughout the value chain. Global demand for high-quality fresh fibre paperboards has grown by around 2–3% per year in recent years and is expected to continue to grow at least at the same rate in the future. According to its strategy, Metsä Board aims to grow in fibre-based packaging materials and renew its industrial operations. To support its customers' growth and strengthen its service capability, the company is exploring possibilities to increase its folding boxboard capacity in Finland or Sweden. The evaluation of options is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. Metsä Board's current annual paperboard capacity is approximately 2 million tonnes, of which 1.3 million tonnes is folding boxboard and 0.7 million tonnes white kraftliners. The company is Europe’s largest producer of folding boxboard and white kraftliners.

Highlights - Nine Months Ended March 31, 2022 • Net sales of $10,635 million, up 13%; • GAAP Net Income of $696 million, up 2%; GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of 45.6 cents per share, up 4%; • Increasing returns to shareholders: quarterly dividend increased to 12.0 cents per share; $600 million ofshare repurchases expected in fiscal 2022; RoAFE increased to 16%; and • Fiscal 2022 outlook for adjusted EPS growth raised to 9.5-11% on a comparable constant currency basis(previously 7-11%). Adjusted Free Cash Flow of approximately $1.1 billion.

Aptar CSP Technologies, will preview its first-ever active bottle featuring post-consumer recycled (PCR) content at VitaFoods Europe, Booth J60, May 10-12 in Geneva, Switzerland. The new PCR active bottles are now part of Aptar CSP Technologies’ Activ-Vial™ solutions portfolio. As with the rest of the active packaging portfolio, the company’s proprietary 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ platform technology is fully integrated into the bottle to create a microclimate to protect against moisture and other environmental conditions. Unlike traditional packaging options, the technology co-molds highly-engineered active particles into the bottle, scavenging moisture before it reaches the contents inside. Incorporating PCR content into its Activ-Polymer™ solutions is a step toward materials circularity, as sustainability becomes increasingly important to brand owners and their customers in the probiotic and nutraceuticals space.

Smurfit Kappa UK Limited has announced the acquisition of Atlas Packaging. Atlas Packaging, based in Barnstaple, North Devon, is an independent corrugated packaging provider. The company is well invested with a strong market presence in the UK which allows them to meet the needs of and deliver value to its broad customer base. With a particularly strong presence in shelf ready packaging, gift boxing and the e-commerce sector, they offer an exciting and broad range of innovative products.

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 May 30, 2022. Sonoco said the price change reflects continued tight market conditions and inflationary pressures on manufacturing costs, including energy, freight, chemicals, packaging materials and labor. “Unfortunately, the conditions that challenged us in 2021 have not dissipated in 2022. We continue to be challenged by strong demand, increasing backlogs and inflating costs,” said Tim Davis, Division Vice President and General Manager, Paper – U.S. and Canada.

*Net sales of $1.4 billion, up 12% as reported; up 15% constant currency *Net earnings of $150 million, up 41%; EPS of $1.00, up 47% *Cash flow from operations of $48 million, down 39% *Accelerating growth investments, CapEx of $67 million, up 53%, in 2022

As a proud SPC member and SPC Impact event sponsor, Pregis is excited to share our top takeaways from the conference: A) The journey is long but achievable. All stakeholders at every stage of the value chain must collaborate together to drive systemic change. B) The evolving regulatory landscape presents a unique opportunity for packaging manufacturers. Eco-Modulation is one example driving material selection and product design. C) Recycling technology is an undeniable part of the solution. We must work diligently to improve both mechanical and chemical recycling processes.

The Huhtamaki Foundation inaugurated its first recycling plant in Khopoli, Maharashtra today to help drive circularity for packaging. The site – which is spread across 2,000 square meters – will recycle about 1,600 kilograms of post-consumer used flexible plastic waste per day from early May as the plant becomes fully operational. The Central Pollution Board of India (2012) estimates that India generates close to 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste a day and a little over 10,000 tonnes a day of plastic waste remains uncollected. The recycling plant was set up with an investment of INR 90 million as part of the Huhtamaki Foundation’s #CloseTheLoop initiative to tackle post-consumer waste to deliver a valuable secondary resource material. It will process post-consumer waste to create resin to produce refined compounds to be used for household products for consumers in India.

Neenah, Inc. announced a versatile paper-based medical packaging capable of withstanding all three widely used sterilization processes, including radiation, autoclave, and ethylene oxide. This innovative product allows customers to serve multiple markets and explore new opportunities by providing a unique alternative to polymer-based or kraft medical packaging traditionally used for nasal swabs, syringes, bandages, and other single-use applications. "By adding a radiation-resistant product to our medical packaging lineup, Neenah continues to lead the industry in offering the most advanced paper-based options available. We are thrilled to introduce a versatile paper-based medical packaging that is durable, dependable, and value-driven," says Valerie Henderson, Medical Packaging Product Marketing Manager, Neenah Industrial Solutions. Single-use medical devices are gaining popularity as they help lower costs, increase efficiency, and reduce the spread of infection. Gamma radiation is becoming a more commonly used form of sterilization technology for these devices as it quickly kills germs that can cause disease and neutralizes other harmful organisms. It is essential to the radiation sterilization process that the packaging has breathable barrier properties, excellent conformability, printability, and the ability to withstand radiation exposure to prevent risks to patients.

First Quarter 2022 Summary *Reported sales grew 9% and core sales (excluding currency effects and acquisitions) grew 13% with double-digit core growth in each segment *Pharma segment posted sales growth in all markets including the prescription drug division as demand for allergic rhinitis and asthma devices began to recover *Reported earnings per share of $0.93 compared to $1.24 in the prior year; prior year results included an effective tax rate of 17% and an unrealized gain of $17 million related to changes in the fair value of an equity investment

In March 2022, we received three recognitions for product innovations for their technical excellence, sustainability performance, and enhanced consumer experiences by DOW Packaging Innovation Awards 2021. Here is how we win to make a difference for our customers – where it matters. Our multiple award-winning Sundae cup and lid received the Diamond Finalist award at the Packaging Innovation Awards. Behind the success of this innovation is the fact that the fiber-based cup and lid are made from 100% renewable resources, with wood fibers from sustainably managed forests. They are recyclable and compostable. Moreover, this plant-based innovation provides the insulating effect needed from for ice cream packaging – also ensuring a great consumer experience. Our packaging innovation Nescafe Protect Proslim - the world’s first recyclable alu-foil free instant coffee stick received the Silver Winner Award at DOW Packaging Innovation Awards 2021. Nescafe Protect Proslim is designed to replace the aluminum instant coffee sticks with mixed polyolefin structure, making the packaging fully recyclable without compromising on product shelf-life. This product is a great example of helping our customers get ahead with sustainability without compromising on consumer preferences. We also received Silver for the Garnier Men Shampoo Color packaging innovation. We collaborated with our customer L’Oréal in India to develop this innovative product, which particularly helps enhance consumer experiences through its user-friendly design. The vast differences in the colorant and developer formulas mean that they have very different packaging needs. We successfully developed packaging that met the needs of both formulas of the color shampoo and can house the colorant and developer formula in the same sachet without them mixing until the time of use.

First Quarter Overview *Revenue growth of 33% to €3,024 million *EBITDA growth of 33% to €514 million with an EBITDA margin of 17% *Corrugated box growth of 3.6% *Significant, ongoing capital investment to support customer growth and security of supply *Sets a strong foundation for 2022

HIGHLIGHTS *First quarter net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper of $360 million ($0.95 per diluted share) compared with $107 million ($0.28 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021 and $349 million ($0.88 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. First quarter adjusted operating earnings* (non-GAAP) of $288 million ($0.76 per diluted share) compared with $301 million ($0.78 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021 and $198 million ($0.50 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. *$40 million of earnings achieved from Building a Better IP initiatives *14% year-over-year revenue growth *First quarter cash provided by operations of $588 million *Share repurchases of $406 million *Actively pursuing strategic options, including a sale of equity investment in Ilim Group

January−March 2022 (compared to 1–3/2021) • Sales were EUR 582.0 million (493.7). • Comparable operating result was EUR 121.5 million (88.8), or 20.9% (18.0) of sales. Operating result was EUR 140.7 million (82.0). • Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.26 (0.20), and earnings per share were EUR 0.31 (0.18). • Comparable return on capital employed was 21.1% (18.3). • Net cash flow from operations was EUR 92.6 million (16.8).

Sealed Air announced the introduction of prismiq™ - a digital packaging brand with a portfolio of solutions for design services, digital printing and smart packaging. “The future of digital packaging and graphics is here. prismiq™, powered by our state-of-the-art digital printing technology is creating game-changing value for customers, enabling touchless automation both in our facilities and our customers’ operations, and making sustainability for packaging real,” said Ted Doheny, President & CEO of SEE. The prismiq™ brand offers three solution categories: “With your smart phone, prismiq™ will allow you to see inside the package. Through the SEE™ Mark, multiple data signatures can be transmitted to your phone (QR, bar codes, RFID, recycling codes, date and time stamps, etc.) enhancing the human experience,” said Sergio Pupkin, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at SEE.

Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) and Danone have launched a 100% recyclable bottle for the Villavicencio water brand, made exclusively for the Argentinean market. The new label-less bottle is made from 100% recycled content and has a reduced carbon footprint of 21% compared to the previous bottle. “As longtime partners, we are excited to support Danone’s mission to have a positive impact on the environment and our health,” said Juan Cazes, general manager of Amcor Rigid Packaging Argentina. “Over the last two years, we have worked closely to produce a bottle that fully represents the Villavicencio brand, keeping the same visual elements. We used top-quality materials, helping to ensure the safety of the container and the consumer in the process, while we manufacture a bottle that, with the help of the consumer, will become another bottle once recycled.” The Villavicencio bottle can be recycled over and over, helping to support a more circular economy. Like this new bottle, many of the containers ARP designs are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is easily recycled with mechanical or chemical recycling in most markets, even when that container uses a label. Removing the label, like in the Villavicencio design, provides a greater opportunity to increase yields of recycled PET resin.

Q1 2022 in brief: • Net sales increased 31% to EUR 1,050 million (EUR 802 million) • Comparable net sales growth was 19% at Group level and 19% in emerging markets • The impact of currency movements was EUR 35 million on the Group’s net sales and EUR 3 million on EBIT