Caraustar Announces a Minimum 9.0% Price Increase on all Protective Packaging Products

German pet food maker Mera Tiernahrung GmbH has partnered with global leader in packaging and paper, Mondi, to expand its product line to include a new type of dog food with semi-moist croquettes. Mera realised that this type of pet food would require bespoke packaging to keep the chewable morsels fresh and moist for the duration of the product’s life span, while also being sustainable by design. Using Mondi's customer-centric approach EcoSolutions, which helps clients find the most effective and sustainable way to protect their products, Mondi recommended a packaging for Mera that addressed the practical aspects of food preservation without compromising on sustainability. The bag has a tight seal to ensure long-term freshness and protect the pet food inside, and is fitted with a valve to allow air to escape when palletising the bags. The reclosable zipper makes it easy for the consumer to handle, and the attractive matte-lacquer external finish makes the packaging stand out on the store shelf.

For the third quarter, earnings from continuing operations were $0.77 per share (diluted), up 13 percent compared with $0.68 per share in 2016, primarily driven by improved segment operating profit in Europe and Latin America, and lower interest and tax expense. Net sales were $1.8 billion, an increase of almost 5 percent compared to the prior year third quarter, primarily due to favorable currency translation. Price increased 1 percent on a global basis, while shipments were on par with the prior year. Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were $172 million, an increase of 12 percent compared with the same period in 2016. Segment operating profit of reportable segments[1] for the third quarter of 2017 was $260 million, an increase of 10 percent compared with prior year. Notable gains were reported in Europe and Latin America which more than compensated for external weakness in North America. Europe benefited from a favorable sales mix, a currency tailwind and the receipt of an energy credit, as expected. The increase in Latin America was driven by a 7 percent increase in shipments including double-digit gains in Brazil and a reduction in total systems cost. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mondi has taken home a Hungaropack award for its sustainable paper-based FlexiBag at this year’s contest organised by the Hungarian Association of Packaging and Materials Handling. Mondi’s FlexiBag is made from renewable paper resources and enhanced with a functional plastic barrier ensuring premium product protection. The packaging impressed the jury with its potential to minimise plastic waste across numerous industries and sectors, most notably for dry perishable goods. In addition, the paper-based FlexiBag was recognised for its high-quality flexoprinting quality, which offers brands great shelf appeal. "We are honoured that this award acknowledges Mondi’s drive to deliver packaging that is sustainable by design. It is a testament to our EcoSolutions approach that puts our customers’ unique needs and environmental objectives at the heart of every project. Our paper-based FlexiBag is a direct result of this and a great example of impactful innovation as its adoption contributes to a better world." Sandor Kardos, Managing Director Mondi Békéscsaba