Healthcare providers and manufacturers are faced with the complex task of balancing environmental responsibility with the need to maintain the highest standards of product performance, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. The healthcare sector contributes to approximately 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with around half of that coming from supply chains. To make a meaningful impact, healthcare supply chains must become more circular and efficient. However, achieving this requires large-scale, collective action. Companies track their emissions across three categories: Scope 1 includes direct emissions from activities the company controls, Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased energy, and Scope 3 represents all other indirect emissions from the value chain before or after the company’s own operations. Scope 3 emissions are often the largest contributor to a company's carbon footprint, yet they are also the most challenging to manage.

Eco-Products® and OZZI® are partnering on a new multiprong initiative to make reusable foodservice containers more accessible to businesses, colleges, hospitals and other institutions — an effort that could help foodservice operators meet their sustainability goals, help keep waste out of landfills and reduce costs. This multipronged initiative features several innovative solutions. The initiatives include Veda™, introduced in October, a new line of durable and reusable containers from Eco-Products; free guidance from the company’s Product & Zero Waste Specialists on how to convert to reusables; and collection and tracking solutions for reuse systems provided by the team at OZZI. OZZI is offering a new financing option that lowers the initial costs for foodservice establishments looking to invest in the OZZI Machine — a fully automated collection solution that supports container retention rates up to 97%.

Kimberly-Clark Professional introduced a customer-centric innovation called Onvation® SmartFit™ technology consisting of a small, internet-enabled sensor that fits inside paper towel and bath tissue dispensers to provide real-time data that helps commercial facility managers schedule janitorial staff more efficiently and reduce waste. "Restrooms are one of the most scrutinized areas of any facility," said Susan Gambardella, President, Kimberly-Clark Professional. "With Onvation SmartFit, we offer customers a valuable service bundle to enhance efficiency, prevent complaints, reduce waste and improve the guest experience." Onvation was already known in the industry as a smart restroom management system featuring SCOTT® towel and bath tissue and PURELL® hand soap. Now, the compact SmartFit™ technology expands that capability to include a wider range of dispenser types including Kimberly-Clark Professional's ICON®, SCOTT PRO® dispenser collections and select universal dispensers.

Amcor, a global leader in responsible packaging solutions, has partnered with Insymmetry® to develop an innovative 2oz retort bottle, addressing growing demand for durable, shelf-stable packaging. Designed to meet the needs of brands seeking high-performance packaging for low-acid, shelf-stable products like coffee and dairy-based beverages, this breakthrough packaging solution is the first to leverage Amcor Rigid Packaging’s (ARP) proprietary StormPanel™ technology. Designed to withstand high-pressure retort sterilization processes while maintaining product integrity and market-ready aesthetics, the bottle provides manufacturers with a reliable and scalable alternative to aseptic processing. Stellify™, a beverage brand owned by Insymmetry®, is the first company to take advantage of this StormPanel™ technology with their energy nootropic Dulce de Leche Energy and Espresso Energy wellness beverage shots, which will be spotlighted at Natural Products Expo West 2025.

Effective February 28, 2025, Diversey, a Solenis company, completed the sale of Zenith Hygiene and Shorrock Trichem, two leading UK-based hygiene product and service distributors, to Lyreco in a share deal. With experienced teams, loyal customers and strong supplier partnerships, both Zenith Hygiene and Shorrock Trichem (previously part of Diversey) are well-positioned to build on their success and drive future growth. By integrating their market leadership with Lyreco’s operational excellence, this acquisition enhances value, innovation and sustainable solutions for customers. Commenting on the acquisition, Gregory Lienard, Lyreco CEO, said, “This acquisition strengthens our hygiene solutions portfolio in the UK, allowing us to better serve our customers. I look forward to combining our talent and expertise to deliver an even greater working day together.”

Diversey is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability by replacing all1 its 5L canisters in its European factories to Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic in 2025. This initiative is a testament to the company’s ESG+C® formula for sustainability success, underscoring its dedication to delivering innovative solutions that drive positive environmental impact. Diversey's transition to PCR plastic will cut CO2 emissions by an impressive 35% across its 5L canisters every year. This reduction is equivalent to: *Greenhouse gas emissions from 628 petrol-powered cars driven for a year *The energy required to charge 217,545,166 smartphones *Carbon sequestered by 44,493 tree seedlings grown for ten years. “At Diversey, we recognize our responsibility to drive sustainability in packaging solutions. Replacing our 5L canisters to PCR plastic is a crucial step in reducing our carbon footprint and limiting our reliance on virgin plastic,” said Daniel Daggett, vice president, sustainability.

Huhtamaki, a global leader in sustainable food packaging solutions, is proud to announce the development of the recyclable single coated paper cups ProDairy, specifically designed for yogurt and dairy products. Yogurt is a product with high food safety requirements. This highly functional and innovative packaging solution meets all the requirements and delivers a lower polymer content than traditional alternative products. With less than 10% plastic content across its full product range, it is fully recyclable in Europe.   "Dairy products are an important part of our daily life and creating recyclable packaging for something as important as your morning yogurt has been a challenge, especially while maintaining the high-performance standards required for dairy products. I am proud of our team and excited that we can now offer this solution to our customers at scale. Our solution is highly functional in terms of product performance and barrier properties, and it is a cost-efficient solution which meets customer and consumer expectations regarding our innovation in food packaging. These recyclable single coated paper cups help our customers address consumer demands for reduced plastic in packaging", says Fredrik Davidsson, President of Fiber Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania at Huhtamaki. 

Net income attributable to equity holders of the Company (Earnings) for the fourth quarter of 2024 of $36.6 million increased by 5.1 percent from the $34.8 million recorded in the corresponding quarter in 2023. The improvement in gross profit was a key factor, elevating Earnings by $9.0 million. Conversely, higher operating expenses led to a contraction in Earnings of $2.4 million. In addition, foreign exchange lowered Earnings by $1.9 million. Furthermore, income taxes subtracted $1.1 million from Earnings. In combination, all other factors reduced Earnings by $1.8 million. For the year ended December 29, 2024, Earnings advanced by 0.9 percent to $149.5 million from the comparable 2023 result of $148.1 million. The sizeable expansion in gross profit enhanced Earnings by $20.7 million. Operating expenses reduced Earnings by $10.8 million. Additionally, foreign exchange and income taxes dampened Earnings by $4.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively. In total, all remaining items lowered Earnings by $0.9 million.

Chairman and CEO Thierry Le Hénaff said: “I would like first of all to thank Arkema’s teams who were able to adapt to a demanding macroeconomic and geopolitical context last year. The Group thus once again achieved a solid financial performance in 2024 and continued to implement its innovation strategy for more sustainable solutions and the execution of large-scale projects in Asia and North America which will have a strong contribution in the future. 2024 was also a year of progress in terms of CSR, notably in the areas of safety, climate and diversity, with several achievements ahead of long-term objectives. We are also pleased to have finalized the acquisition of Dow's flexible packaging adhesives last December, a new step in the growth strategy of our Adhesive Solutions segment in high value-added technologies.”

Tim Nicholls has been named Executive Vice President and President of DS Smith, an International Paper company, reporting to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andy Silvernail. Tim has more than 30 years of industry experience including a variety of business and finance leadership roles. He has served as the CFO of International Paper since 2018 and also held the CFO role from 2007 to 2011. Additionally, Lance Loeffler will join International Paper as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), reporting to Silvernail. Throughout his more than 25-year career, he has worked in finance, strategy and business leadership roles at UBS Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank Securities and Halliburton.

Commentary from CEO Ole Rosgaard: “Greif is actively managing a historical period of industrial activity contraction while simultaneously transforming our internal processes and our portfolio mix for optimal alignment to long-term profitable earnings growth.” said Ole Rosgaard, Chief Executive Officer of Greif, “This quarter highlights the resilience of our new business model amid multiple headwinds and demonstrates our willingness to invest in the long-term future of Greif while managing the present. We’re excited for what the future holds and for accelerating our growth in both the near and long-term. Our announcement to seek the sale of our Soterra land management holdings demonstrates our commitment to constantly assessing our business portfolio for maximum value creation and taking decisive action to pursue long-term sustainable earnings growth.” Strategic Actions and Announcements: Intend to divest our approximately 176,000 acres of timberland in the Southeastern United States. Proceeds will be applied towards debt reduction. Announced closure of A1 uncoated recycled paperboard machine in Austell, GA as well as the containerboard and uncoated recycled paperboard mill in Fitchburg, MA. Progress on announced cost optimization project proceeding on target, with $13.0 million of annual run-rate savings achieved through the end of first quarter 2025.

ND Paper is excited to announce plans to re-start PM 25 at our Biron, WI mill. This machine was idled in April of 2023. With the successful conversion of PM 26 at Biron to recycled packaging and the growing demand for ND Paper’s packaging products, we are pleased to add the capacity of PM 25 back to our portfolio. The machine was rebuilt in 2019 and will be capable of making recycled containerboard and recycled kraft paper. This will add additional capacity to the existing recycled packaging product portfolio when the machine starts up in the 2nd half of 2025. ND Paper currently offers 30# – 70# recycled kraft, 23# – 35# Recycled Liner and recycled medium. The 100% recycled furnish is supplied by a newly built 1,400-ton OCC pulping facility and a newly build 700-ton OCC pulping facility.

Fedrigoni has acquired a stake in Papkot, a cutting-edge company specializing in the development of fiber-based solutions with high barrier properties that are fully recyclable and biodegradable on an industrial scale. This investment is part of our corporate venture capital program, aimed at identifying innovative startups to accelerate the innovation process, acquire new technologies, and support our customers on their path toward sustainability. Marco Nespolo commented: “This deal has enormous potential for Fedrigoni. We have the opportunity to acquire disruptive technology in the Plastic-to-Fiber sector, enabling us to further support our customers in developing mono-material and fully recyclable packaging solutions. Fedrigoni will play a key role in accelerating the industrialization phase, which is essential for scaling Papkot’s business model.”

This approval satisfies the shareholder vote condition for the combination, originally announced in November 2024. Together, Amcor and Berry will be among the global leaders in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions with the combined material science and innovation capabilities required to revolutionize product development and better solve customers’ needs and consumers’ sustainability aspirations. These two highly complementary businesses are expected to grow faster together in attractive categories and opportunities to further refine the portfolio. With faster growth and $650 million of identified synergies, this combination is expected to drive significant near- and long-term value for all shareholders. Amcor CEO Peter Konieczny commented, “The resounding support from both companies’ shareholders marks another important milestone in bringing Amcor and Berry together. Our combined company will be positioned to serve customers better, grow faster and operate globally in a way neither company could accomplish alone. Together, we have an exciting and unique opportunity to truly transform the future of packaging.” Berry CEO Kevin Kwilinski added, “We are excited to take another important step toward finalizing this combination between Berry and Amcor and are pleased the shareholders of both companies clearly recognize the significant opportunities we will have as one company to deliver enhanced value for all stakeholders.”

Distinguished by contactless, leak-free dispensing, Aptar’s SureSnap two-in-one pre-assembled valve and retaining ring is an attractive option for reusable beverage container brand owners – including those offering water bottles, thermoses, and children’s sip cups – seeking to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded market. In consumer packaging, the “Three R’s” – reduce, reuse, and recycle, are commonly deployed strategies to reduce waste and conserve resources. While there is a heavy focus today on recyclability and material reduction in the consumer beverage market, Aptar’s SureSnap addresses the “Third R” – reuse, an area long ripe for innovation in reusable beverage containers. This category historically utilizes underperforming or insufficiently robust closures. For example, conventional push-pull closures typically require fingers or teeth to open and shut; in addition to potentially compromised hygiene and safety, this approach can allow fluid leakage or foreign particle ingress when the closure is left in the open position.

State leaders on Monday announced that First Quality Tissue, a manufacturer of hygiene, paper and packaging products, will invest $984 million to build an ultra-premium towel and tissue production facility in Defiance County. The project, announced by Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, and JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef, marks the largest single investment and job-creation initiative in the county's history.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, collaborated with Sherwin-Williams, a global leader in paints and coatings, to introduce re/cycle SpoutedPouch as a refill option for its concentrated paint, sold on the UK market. Leveraging the expertise in its Halle/Steinfeld plant in Germany, Mondi introduced a wider spout for easier filling and pouring, while ensuring the mono-material pouch is designed to protect its contents. The paint concentrate was developed to replace the traditional 5-litre pre-mixed paint in rigid plastic tubs. Consumers are encouraged to reuse these tubs to mix the paint concentrate and then recycle the refill’s packaging. It comes in a lightweight 950ml spouted pouch with instructions for mixing clearly printed on the side. The spout offers excellent pourability to make it easy to mix with water and create the needed amount of paint. The pouch can be tightly closed after usage, preserving any unused concentrate.

Diversey, a Solenis company and leading player in professional cleaning and hygiene solutions, has opened a new European headquarters and shared operating company (OpCo) office for Solenis and Diversey in Breukelen, the Netherlands. The new facility reflects the shared vision of both companies to enhance collaboration, drive innovation and deliver value to customers across the region. An integrated research and development (R&D) center at the new site stands out as a hub for innovation, focused on creating breakthrough cleaning and hygiene solutions to solidify Diversey’s industry leadership. Additionally, the new building will house the Dutch OpCo for both Solenis and Diversey, consolidating operations to enable greater synergy and efficiency. Solenis’ European headquarters remains in Switzerland.

"During the fourth quarter, we completed the reorganization into two market-focused businesses, Food and Protective, and had a strong finish to the year," said Dustin Semach, Sealed Air's President and CEO. "We exceeded our expectations across Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow, reflecting improved discipline in fundamentals. I want to express my deep gratitude to our 16,400 plus Sealed Air team members for their commitment to our transformation and their tireless efforts in solving our customers' most critical packaging challenges.""With the foundation now firmly in place, we are focused on maximizing the potential of each business based on their respective end-markets and portfolios. We are accelerating the momentum in Food by expanding further into higher growth end-markets with our case ready and fluids solutions and continuing to stabilize Protective. In parallel, we are continuing to streamline our operations and drive further productivity across the company. As a result, we are targeting growth and margin expansion in 2025. We are focused on accelerating the pace of execution to improve the outcomes for our customers and maximize value for our shareholders," said Semach.

Hugues Simon, President and CEO, commented: "Our fourth quarter 2024 performance was in line with expectations. Favourable average selling prices and raw material costs in the Containerboard business drove stronger sequential results, offsetting the impact of usual lower seasonal volumes. Specialty Products continued to perform well despite slightly lower volume sequentially. In Tissue, average selling prices and raw material costs were advantageous, and fully offset slightly higher operational costs. Broadly, the depreciation of the Canadian dollar benefited quarterly results, but led to higher reported debt levels at the end of the year given the company's $1.3 billion of US denominated debts." Discussing near-term outlook, Mr. Simon commented, "Operationally, raw material costs remain a tailwind for our businesses in the first quarter, and we are currently seeing steady seasonal demand levels. We will not be providing an outlook for near-term financial or business-specific performance given the lack of clarity regarding the implementation of bilateral tariffs between Canada and the United States. The continued risk has resulted in significant near-term macro-economic uncertainty, and may disrupt or negatively impact future demand levels, customer buying patterns and the economic performance of both countries."

Inland Packaging, a family-owned label and packaging manufacturer, has been named a finalist for the 36th annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award in the Large Manufacturer Category. “Inland is honored to be named a finalist for the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award,” says Inland COO Scott Roob. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit of our entire team. With deep roots in Wisconsin and more than 80 years of manufacturing excellence, we are proud to be part of the state’s rich manufacturing tradition.” Roob emphasizes the importance of Inland’s employees, adding, “Our team members are the heart of our success. Their passion, expertise, and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions drive everything we do.”

How many rolls of bubble cushioning does it take to package a personalized outdoor landscape stone with rough edges and an atypical shape? It’s not a question looking for a punchline, it’s the kind of question packaging engineers at Pregis can more easily tackle on behalf of customers because of deep knowledge and the Pregis IQ. In this case, the answer is zero. They were able to do it with Pregis AirSpeed® Hybrid Cushioning (HC) and cut waste by more than half. A small ecommerce business was using bubble cushioning to protect its customized stone product inside a corrugated box that was then shipped to the customer. The bubble cushioning monopolized a significant amount of the customer’s warehouse footprint. To add to the company’s challenges, there were inconsistencies in the amount of material being utilized per box, and the bubble cushioning was inconveniently located outside of the reach of the packers. Both of these challenges contributed to unpredictable material costs, and reduced throughput via an inefficient packing workflow, which posed ergonomic challenges for packers.

The packaging paper product from Koehler Paper provides ideal protection for “einpott” ready-to-eat meals thanks to its extraordinary oxygen, mineral oil, and grease barrier properties. pack&satt products are available in three flavors: “Tomate Linse” (lentils and tomato), “Curry Linse” (lentil curry), and “Rote Bete Kartoffel” (red beet and potato). pack&satt ready-to-eat meals were originally bottled in returnable jars. However, customer feedback, coupled with a general overhaul of the product, led the company to look for alternative packaging options: “Our customers frequently told us that if they had an electric kettle, that meant that they also had bowls or cups available, making the jars redundant. And on top of that, we found out that using paper instead of glass to hold dry product would improve our environmental footprint! Given all that, we were tremendously happy when we found Koehler and saw that they offered the right packaging material for our needs,” explains pack&satt founder Sophie Gnest.

“2024 was a milestone year for Sonoco in achieving our strategy to globally scale our metal packaging platform through the acquisition of Eviosys and to transform our portfolio to comprise more sustainable Consumer and Industrial packaging businesses through the announced divestiture of TFP and strategic review of some of our other resin-based diversified businesses,” said Howard Coker, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our fourth-quarter results were within our expectations as we benefited from strong productivity improvements that more than offset price/cost headwinds that persisted across most of our businesses. Overall, we achieved the second best operating cash flow in our history and maintained solid operating performance due to the focused execution of our global team.” Commenting on the Company’s outlook, Sonoco’s President and CEO, Howard Coker, said, “As we enter the new year, we are focused on successfully integrating Eviosys into Sonoco Metal Packaging and achieving our two-year $100 million synergy target. We have announced the divestiture of TFP and intend to continue pursuing strategic alternatives for our remaining temperature-assured cold-chain packaging business. We intend to use proceeds from divestitures, along with projected strong free cash flow, to lower leverage to 3.0X to 3.3X Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA by the end of 2026. We will continue to invest in our global Consumer and Industrial packaging businesses while maintaining our focus on profitability and productivity. Finally, we expect to achieve an extraordinary 100 consecutive years of returning cash to our shareholders in the form of dividends. By transforming into a simpler, stronger and more sustainable company, we have positioned Sonoco to grow projected adjusted net income attributable to Sonoco by approximately 20% year over year and adjusted EBITDA by approximately 30% year over year in 2025.”

India’s flexible packaging solutions provider UFlex is investing over $86.35m to establish a woven polypropylene bags (WPP) manufacturing unit in Mexico and a new recycling facility in Noida, India. These operations are expected to commence within financial year 2025-26 (FY25-26). The board of UFlex has sanctioned the construction of the WPP manufacturing plant in Mexico with a $50m investment. This facility aims to serve the North and South American pet food markets. The Mexican plant is projected to produce 80 million bags annually, with the capacity addition planned for FY25-26. This expansion is a strategic move to tap into the growing demand in the Americas for high-quality packaging solutions.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in January increased 4% compared to January 2024. The operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 81.4%, up 3.3 points from January 2024. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers – bag & sack – were 104,800 short tons for the month of January, down 1.6% from the same month last year.

Mondi announced the results of its sixth annual eCommerce trend report “Sustainability and its impact on packaging and online shopping choices”. This comprehensive study examines trends, attitudes and expectations regarding eCommerce and the impact packaging has on the consumer experience. The report presents data from around 6,000 consumers across Czechia, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Türkiye, collected via an online survey in October and November 2024. The findings offer eCommerce brands valuable insights on meeting consumer needs, including country-specific results from each of the six markets. The survey was conducted by RetailX, who also co-authored the whitepaper. "This year’s findings confirm that sustainability is no longer just a trend, it’s a business imperative. Consumers are demanding tangible action from retailers to reduce their environmental impact. At Mondi, we are proud to support customers with innovative, sustainable eCommerce packaging and paper solutions that meet consumer expectations and help our partners to build trust, loyalty, and long-term value in the eCommerce space." Armand Schoonbrood - Mondi Group eCommerce COO

Sealed Air Corporation announced that Dustin Semach has been appointed to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Semach will also serve as a member of the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. The Board of Directors and Patrick Kivits have mutually agreed to transition Sealed Air's leadership. Mr. Kivits has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Semach most recently served as the Company's President and Chief Financial Officer. Veronika "Roni" Johnson, currently the Chief Accounting Officer, has been appointed the Interim Chief Financial Officer.

IPG announced the launch of its new American® brand Plastic Sheeting, available in both Ultra and Performance films. This high-performance, tear-resistant, and easily workable plastic sheeting film is designed to provide superior surface protection in a variety of applications. The transparent, high-density film clings to substrates, helping maintain a clean work environment and protecting surfaces from overspray and other potential contaminants during repairs and renovations. The American brand Plastic Sheeting offers several key features and benefits, including: • Tear-resistant construction for reliable protection • Static cling for easy application and secure hold • Helps maintain a clean work environment • Transparent plastic for clear visibility • Easy-to-dispense box for convenient use • Cost-effective solution for surface protection

Mondi Group is proud to announce a three-year extension to its partnership with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organisation providing food assistance to those recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Over the past few years, Mondi’s technical expertise, R&D infrastructure, and financial contribution have supported WFP in improving and optimising packaging solutions to withstand difficult transport, storage and handling conditions in crisis-affected regions. Between 2024-2027, the partnership aims to find more sustainable alternatives to existing packaging materials, supporting WFP food manufacturers in working with sustainable fibre – both virgin and recycled, optimising material use, and enhancing packaging quality. These initiatives will support the fight against hunger by addressing packaging-related food losses across WFP operations. They will also contribute to global efforts to curb food loss and waste, which is vital considering every year one-fifth of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted1.

Amcor is partnering with leading Australian bread manufacturer Tip Top Bakeries to introduce new bread bags that are made with 30% recycled plastic using the ISCC mass balance approach.* These innovative bags, which began rolling out in September 2024, are now available across Tip Top The One, Tip Top The One Gluten Free, and Tip Top 9 Grain loaves in major retailers across Australia. This industry-first initiative for the Australian sliced packaged bread aisle will help remove 160 tons of virgin plastic by December 2025. It builds on Tip Top’s commitment to sustainable packaging, following its introduction of 100% recycled and recyclable cardboard bread tags in 2020, which eliminated 140 million pieces of single-use plastic annually. Richard Smith, director of Sustainability for Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific, commented, "At Amcor, we are dedicated to pioneering advanced packaging solutions that reduce reliance on virgin plastics while maintaining the quality and safety consumers expect. This partnership not only underscores Tip Top's leadership in the bakery aisle but also demonstrates the impact that collaboration across the value chain and innovation can have on driving the circular economy forward in Australia."

Huhtamaki is separating the Fiber Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business segment into two distinct business segments, Fiber Packaging and Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania. The change is expected to take effect as of April 1, 2025, at the latest. “We are separating our Fiber Foodservice business into two distinct business segments to empower our teams to serve our customers more efficiently. This strategic move positions us for profitable growth by giving accountability to the businesses and increasing speed of execution in a changing business landscape. It will support our goal of being the first choice in sustainable packaging", says Ralf K. Wunderlich, President and CEO of Huhtamaki. The business segments were integrated in 2020. In external reporting the businesses have continued to be reported separately, and this change will not impact external reporting.​ Combining the businesses in 2020 has achieved the initially projected synergies and built foundations for growth by seizing promising market opportunities.

Sara Engber (56), has been appointed President, Fiber Packaging and member of the Global Executive Team at Huhtamaki. She will report to President and CEO Ralf K. Wunderlich and be based in Espoo, Finland. The appointment is following the decision in which Huhtamaki has decided to separate the Fiber Foodservice business segment into two distinct business segments, Fiber Packaging and Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania. Sara Engber has worked at Huhtamaki since 2009 in multiple positions, most recently as Senior Vice President, Operations, North America. Fredrik Davidsson will continue as a member of Global Executive Team as President, Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania. Both changes will become effective as of April 1, 2025, at the latest.

For Huhtamaki, 2024 was a solid year, with improved safety performance and increased profitability. In the first half of the year, demand was muted in many markets. The second half saw gradual recovery, with variations across categories and regions. Demand for pre-packed food, especially egg packaging, increased, and flexible packaging saw gains in a volatile market. Food on-the-go volumes remained subdued, particularly for coffee chains, due to high prices caused by inflation. The North American foodservice market performed better than other regions. The ongoing Middle East conflict affected global brands in some Middle Eastern and Asian markets throughout the year. In Q4, comparable net sales increased by 3%. Sales volumes growth was supported by customers’ promotional activities. We improved our profitability as the adjusted EBIT margin reached 10.4% and adjusted EBIT grew by 3% to EUR 110 million. For the full year 2024, comparable net sales remained at the previous year’s level. Sales prices decreased due to a pass-through of lower raw material prices, while volumes increased slightly.

International Paper announced the permanent closure of the company's Red River containerboard mill in Campti, La., recycling plant in Phoenix, Az., box plant in Hazleton, Pa., and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Mo. All facilities will cease operations by the end of April 2025. The Red River containerboard mill closure is expected to reduce the company's containerboard capacity by approximately 800,000 tons on an annualized basis. In total, 495 hourly employees and 179 salaried employees will be affected. The company will work to minimize the impact on employees by using attrition, retirements and current vacancies at other International Paper locations. Team members at these locations will receive outplacement assistance, access to mental health support resources and where possible, severance benefits. "The decision to close any facility is difficult because of the impact on our team members, their families and the surrounding communities," said Tom Hamic, executive vice president and president, North American Packaging Solutions, International Paper. "We greatly appreciate the contributions from our departing team members and will do all we can to support them."

Inteplast Engineered Films (IEF), manufacturer of blown polyethylene (PE) films, and MTI Polyexe, manufacturer of specialty silicone coated films and release liners, will be collaboratively exhibiting at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) in San Antonio, TX, February 19-21, to offer customers the signature Inteplast Group one-stop-shop experience. IEF Sales Manager Angela McQueen said the partnership simplifies sourcing for both companies’ customers. The product offering between the two Inteplast Group companies caters to the unique and sometimes overlapping supply needs within building materials and construction markets. “Our building materials and construction customers have established long-time relationships with Inteplast Engineered Films and MTI Polyexe separately, not having known that we are sister companies within Inteplast Group. With so many mutual current and potential partners, it made sense to take a joint, simplified approach to the market for our customers. This unified approach provides our customers with a one-stop-shop experience,” McQueen said.

Tony Smurfit, President and CEO, commented: “I am pleased to report a strong fourth quarter performance with Net Income of $146 million, Adjusted EBITDA1 of $1,166 million and an Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 of 15.5%. For the full year, in line with our stated guidance, we have delivered a Full Year Combined Adjusted EBITDA1 of $4,706 million. “While we are at the beginning of our journey, I am immensely proud of what our teams have achieved in our first six months as Smurfit Westrock. The operational and financial expertise that are hallmarks of this management team are already being applied as we transform the combined business. “Our synergy program of $400 million is on track and will be completed by the end of this year. Moreover, there are significant operational and commercial opportunities, at least equating to that synergy target.

Metalvac papers provide light, moisture, water vapor, water, grease and oxygen barriers. They are characterized by excellent runnability and adaptability to different packaging equipment, allowing for maximum performance in the production process. In addition, their low aluminum content (0.08 g/m²) increases barrier efficiency without compromising recyclability in the standard paper circuit, making Metalvac a more sustainable option for flexible packaging. Metalvac GP PFAS-free is Lecta's new 75 g/m² metallized paper, designed to deliver more natural, efficient packaging for a wide range of foods, particularly butter, margarine, cheese and other fatty products. PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) free, it complies with the latest regulation and avoids the use of any chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment. In addition to the characteristics of the Metalvac range, it provides a barrier to vegetable oils such as sunflower and palm oil, as well as mineral oils. It folds and processes easily for efficient and versatile production and complies with CEPI V2 and ATICELCA recyclability standards (level B test results). Metalvac GP PFAS-free represents a more environment-friendly, high-performance alternative to metallized films and other traditional greaseproof papers. Its properties make it an ideal choice for companies seeking more natural, quality packaging for their fatty products.

Mondi’s internal product impact assessment indicates that the new solution has significantly lower CO2 emissions from cradle to gate compared with the previous plastic solution1. The flexible stand-up pouches contain 20 water soluble dishwashing tabs. Created using Mondi’s re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5, the new solution is a paper-based alternative to replace the previously used plastic solution. As part of Mondi’s re/cycle portfolio, the paper-based pouches are designed to meet the recyclability requirements for Spain and Portugal. The entire packaging solution, including the zipper, contains more than 85% paper share, meaning the packaging can be conveniently disposed of by the end consumer in the paper recycling streams across both countries. The paper-based re/cycle StandUpPouch is manufactured in-house at Mondi: first the kraft paper is made from responsibly sourced fibres, then it’s coated to provide the barrier properties needed to protect the tabs inside, and finally it’s printed, slit and converted to the final pouch, ready for filling and sealing.

Owned and operated by Caroline Fournier and Marilène Fournier, Imprimerie Ste-Julie (ISJ) has cultivated a strong reputation across Quebec, serving businesses that seek customized, creative and sustainable label solutions to enhance their products. ISJ is a trusted partner to customers in the food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, natural products and cosmetics markets, and meet their strict delivery, quality, and sustainability goals. "Joining the Resource Label Group family is an exciting new chapter for Imprimerie Ste-Julie,” stated Co-President Caroline Fournier. “For nearly 50 years, we have been committed to delivering exceptional quality and service to our customers. RLG will allow us to expand our capabilities, introduce new innovations, and continue offering the personalized experience our clients expect. We are thrilled to join a network that shares our dedication to excellence and growth."

The corrugated packaging industry is experiencing a significant shift towards sustainability, driven by brand owners' ambitious environmental goals and changing consumer preferences. In an era dominated by conversations about eco-conscious printing and a circular economy in packaging, it's worth considering what 'more sustainable' corrugated packaging means. Brand owners are setting ambitious sustainability goals which are directly impacting converters. Many businesses are seeing increased demand for packaging with higher recycled content or a push for fully recyclable or compostable packaging solutions. Furthermore, brands are increasingly asking their suppliers to help reduce carbon emissions across the supply chain, prioritising those that can actively demonstrate they are making a difference with more eco-conscious packaging designs.

Together with Italian pasta company Astrabio, Koehler Paper has now packed pasta in one of its flexible packaging paper for the first time ever. “Koehler NexPlus® Seal Pure,” a heat-sealable paper, maximizes shelf life, protects the product inside it, and features extraordinary strength properties that make it perfect for further processing on standard packaging machines. The brand IRIS Bio stands for high-quality food and a sustainable agricultural model. Koehler Paper accordingly offers a sustainable packaging alternative with its flexible packaging paper. “With ‘Koehler NexPlus® Seal Pure,’ we offer a packaging paper with a significantly reduced carbon footprint in comparison to conventional plastic packaging, not to mention that it also boasts the significant benefit of being recyclable and conserving valuable resources as a result,” says Mauro Moretti, Flexible Packaging Paper Sales Manager at Koehler Italia, while going over this new application for the paper. This is also corroborated by positive feedback from customers, which shows that the two companies made the right decision.

Michael Doss, the Company's President and CEO said, "In 2024, we demonstrated the value of the Graphic Packaging business model, generating a level of consistency and profitability in line with other leading consumer packaging companies. We delivered strong and steady margins and significant new consumer packaging innovations. Our strategic investments in capabilities, innovation, and competitive advantage have positioned the company for long-term value creation. In 2025, we will build on that success, driving competitive advantage in recycled paperboard across all of North America, and expanding our innovation capabilities into new markets and new product categories around the world. "The past two years have presented unusual volume challenges for the industry and our customers. Customer destocking is largely over, but consumers are stretched and searching for value in their everyday purchases. Across grocery, convenience, e-commerce and mass retail, Graphic Packaging is responding to our customers' evolving needs by creating the more circular, more functional, and more convenient packaging that consumers prefer. As the last of our major asset investments comes to completion in 2025, capital spending will decline significantly, and we will deploy excess cash to create substantial value for our stockholders. Consistent with our capital allocation priorities, today we are announcing a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend, to $0.11 per common share, effective for the first quarter 2025."

Sonoco Products Company has received pre-qualification to carry the How2Recycle® ‘Check Locally’ label for its EnviroCan® Metal Bottom rigid paper container. The EnviroCan paper container body is made of 100% recycled fiber, 90% of which comes from post-consumer resources, a design that balances responsible materials sourcing with product and food safety. The metal bottom end is made of steel, one of the world’s most recycled materials. The widely recognized How2Recycle on-pack label guides consumers with clear instructions for recycling at their location and demonstrates Sonoco’s ongoing efforts to develop innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for customers and consumers worldwide. “Securing the pre-qualification for the EnviroCan Metal Bottom is the result of years of data and evidence collection as well as collaboration with recyclers,” said Sabrina Dixon-Ridges, Director of Global Operational Sustainability at Sonoco.

CEO Peter Konieczny said: "Amcor delivered a solid second quarter result aligned with the expectations we set out in October, giving us the confidence to again reaffirm our guidance for the fiscal year. We continued to execute well on our underlying business, delivering our fourth consecutive quarter of sequential volume improvement. Margins continued to expand, supporting adjusted EBIT and EPS growth of 5% on a comparable basis for the quarter." “We also announced the next transformational step for Amcor, agreeing to combine with Berry Global. Bringing these two companies together will deliver on our strategy to become an even stronger company with accelerated volume-driven organic growth achieved through an unwavering focus on our customers, sustainability and portfolio mix. The combined company will have enhanced positions in attractive categories, the material science and innovation capabilities required to further revolutionize product development and a broader, more complete portfolio of primary packaging solutions for consumer and healthcare customers. With faster growth and $650 million of identified synergies, this combination will drive significant near and long term value for all shareholders. The path to completion is well advanced and we remain on track to close in mid calendar year 2025.”

AptarGroup, Inc. reported strong fourth quarter results due to solid operational performance driven by top and bottom line improvements. Results were driven by sales growth in pharma solutions, increased demand for closures technologies and productivity gains across the company. Reported sales increased by 1% and core sales increased by 2% due to a negative currency effect. Aptar reported net income of $101 million for the quarter, a 62% increase from the prior year. In addition, the quarterly results benefited from a lower effective tax rate. “Aptar achieved another strong quarter and year, delivering back-to-back years of double-digit earnings per share growth. For the full year, our pharma franchise grew sales 8%, propelled by brisk demand for our proprietary drug delivery systems, which grew 9% in 2024. Our closures segment also finished the year strong with solid performance and good momentum. Net income for full year 2024 grew 32% over the prior year and we ended 2024 solidly in the middle of our long-term adjusted EBITDA margin range, with significant margin expansion in our pharma and closures segments. Our beauty segment was able to improve its margin even with a challenged top line, driven by increased productivity and cost management efforts. In 2024, net cash provided by operations increased 12% along with lower capital expenditures, which generated a free cash flow increase of 40%,” said Stephan B. Tanda, Aptar President and CEO.

"Crown delivered strong results in the fourth quarter, with segment income advancing 12% compared to the prior year," stated Timothy J. Donahue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Combined global beverage can segment income improved 17%, driven by global volume growth of 4%, led by shipment increases in Europe and North America, which grew 8% and 7%, respectively. The North American food can business also generated increased income during the quarter as a result of increased volumes while Transit Packaging saw lower volume and profitability as industrial activity remains sluggish. "2024 was an excellent year overall, exceeding previous expectations. Segment income advanced nearly $100 million or 6% over the prior year, following a 7% improvement in 2023. Combined global beverage can segment income expanded 19% over the prior year, reflecting robust volume growth – 10% in Brazil and 7% in both North America and Europe – and excellent manufacturing performance."

The combination brings together the best of both companies to accelerate growth, improve profitability and serve customers all over the world from operations in more than 30 countries. Together with DS Smith, International Paper will be a great place to work with colleagues who value excellence, ethics and safety above all else. "With a stronger portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions, the combination of International Paper and DS Smith enhances our offerings, increases innovation and expands our geographic reach," said Andy Silvernail, International Paper Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We will bring together the capabilities and expertise of two experienced teams, with similar cultures to create the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions."

Metsä Board’s CEO Mika Joukio: “In October–December, demand for paperboards was lower than expected, and our delivery volumes decreased from the previous quarter. We adjusted production to match the low demand at several of our mills. Our profitability was also burdened by the repair shut-down at Metsä Fibre’s Kemi bioproduct mill, which lasted for about a month. Our sales in October–December amounted to EUR 446 million, and our comparable operating result was EUR -3.6 million. We had a positive start to 2024, with paperboard demand picking up clearly from the previous year’s record low level. However, activity faded towards the end of the year, and our paperboard deliveries, amounting to approximately 1.5 million tonnes, remained below our capacity level. Demand is still constrained by cautious purchasing behaviour and consumption focusing more on services than products. In addition, market balance has been influenced by the strong growth in Asian paperboard capacity and increasing paperboard imports especially to Turkey, the Middle East and South America.

Packaging Corporation of America reported fourth quarter 2024 net income of $221 million, or $2.45 per share, and net income of $222 million, or $2.47 per share, excluding special items. Fourth quarter net sales were $2.1 billion in 2024 and $1.9 billion in 2023. Full year 2024 net income was $805 million, or $8.93 per share, and net income of $814 million, or $9.04 per share, excluding special items. Full year net sales were $8.4 billion in 2024 and $7.8 billion in 2023. Commenting on reported results, Mark W. Kowlzan, Chairman and CEO, said, “As we have seen throughout the year, demand in our Packaging segment during the quarter remained very strong. Our corrugated products plants delivered record fourth quarter total shipments and an all-time record shipments per day. The plants also set new annual records for total shipments and shipments per day. Excellent operations throughout our mill containerboard system set new quarterly and annual production records as well. This allowed us to meet our customer’s demand needs in a timely manner as well as achieve year-end inventory targets ahead of the mill outages scheduled for the first half of 2025. Although seasonally slower, volume and price/mix in the Paper segment were above last year’s levels. Throughout the Company, our employees together with the benefits of our capital spending program continued to do a great job to lessen the inflationary impact across most of our cost structure.”

Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S., is leveraging Atlantic Packaging’s MUST Stretch Film Management System to optimize its stretch wrapping operations. With 65 production lines across 16 manufacturing plants, nearly 700 SKUs, and more than 100 packaging sizes, consistency, efficiency, and sustainability are top priorities. “…It helps us consistently wrap the pallets the same, making sure that we’re wrapping certain pallets the right way,” says Melanie Sabella, Coca-Cola Consolidated Vice President of Technical Services.

Greif announced it will permanently cease production on the Number 1 Paperboard Machine (A1) in Austell, GA and permanently close the containerboard and uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) mill in Fitchburg, MA. “Decisions like these are extremely difficult because of the impact it has on our colleagues and their families, as well as the larger community,” said President and CEO Ole Rosgaard. “We are grateful to our colleagues in Austell and Fitchburg for their contributions to the company and are committed to helping them navigate next steps by providing severance benefits and outplacement assistance.” In total, approximately 140 positions will be impacted. Ceasing production at A1 – a non-integrated URB asset for the company - is a result of increased cost and declining demand in its major end use markets of furniture, books, and binders. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to close the Fitchburg mill. Together, these actions will reduce the containerboard capacity of Greif’s mill network by 100,000 tons, and URB capacity by 90,000 tons.

International Paper reported full-year 2024 net earnings of $557 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, and adjusted operating earnings (non-GAAP) of $400 million, or $1.13 per diluted share. Full-year net sales were $18.6 billion in 2024 and $18.9 billion in 2023. The reported fourth quarter net loss was $147 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, and adjusted operating loss (non-GAAP) was $7 million, or $0.02 per diluted share. Fourth quarter net sales were $4.6 billion in 2024 and 2023. Full-year and fourth quarter net earnings include a pre-tax charge of $395 million for accelerated depreciation and restructuring charges, including $334 million related to the previously announced closure of the Company's Georgetown, S.C. pulp mill. "During 2024, we initiated our strategy to deliver profitable growth as the low-cost, most reliable and innovative sustainable packaging solutions provider for our customers," said Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail. "Through a disciplined 80/20 approach, we have restructured our corporate organization, added resources to the business, reduced structural costs through footprint actions and successfully piloted regional box plant optimization. In the quarter, our earnings have stabilized and we intend to accelerate earnings improvement in 2025."

Silgan Holdings Inc. reported full year 2024 net sales of $5.9 billion and net income of $276.4 million, or $2.58 per diluted share, as compared to full year 2023 net sales of $6.0 billion and net income of $326.0 million, or $2.98 per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of 2024, Silgan reported net income of $45.1 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, as compared to $64.4 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2023. "The Silgan team delivered another year of strong results, with record fourth quarter adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBIT and double digit free cash flow growth, and made significant progress on several important long-term strategic objectives that will benefit our Company in 2025 and beyond." said Adam Greenlee, President and CEO.

Amcor plc and Berry Global Group, Inc. announce that an important milestone towards the completion of their previously announced all-stock transaction has been reached, with filing of the definitive joint proxy statement (“the Joint Proxy Statement’) with the U.S. SEC. The Joint Proxy Statement includes notices of Amcor and Berry shareholder meetings that will both take place on Tuesday 25 February, 2025. This transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a global leader in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions, uniquely positioned to accelerate growth across a broader and scaled flexible film, containers, closures and dispensing packaging portfolio. The combined company will have significant opportunities to further refine the portfolio and leverage differentiated material science and innovation capabilities to revolutionize product development, and solve customers’ and consumers’ sustainability needs.

Smurfit Westrock has once again demonstrated its prowess in designing innovative and sustainable packaging by picking up 10 awards in WorldStar 2025. The latest accolade is testament to the packaging leader’s ability to create products that outperform on every level. Solutions that stood out for the judges in this year’s awards include: an eCommerce pack for South America’s biggest egg provider, a paper-based tray for plant-based meals and a bag-in-box solution for cleaning products. Sustainability was front and centre in each submission and illustrated how the company goes the extra mile in every project.

In the future packaging will be at least one of these things: made of renewable materials, recyclable, possibly reusable, and optimised to protect the product while avoiding overpacking. These three trends will change packaging for good. 1. Tailored minimalism - In the future packaging design, less is more. There is a growing demand for solutions that address the problem of overpackaging. This is demonstrated by the actions and opinions of consumers, environmental groups, and legislators. 2. Return of the reusable packaging - It would be an understatement to call recyclability a packaging trend as it is the main driver in packaging design at the moment. In addition to recyclable and recycled packaging materials, there will be more and more reusable packages in the future. 3. Going beyond fossils - With companies’ ambitious climate targets and EU regulation, it’s no wonder that replacing fossil-based materials in packaging remains a growing trend. Packaging designers are increasingly looking for alternative packaging materials that minimise environmental harm while maintaining functionality and performance.

We are revising the PEFC Project Certification requirements to respond to stakeholder needs, add value to companies, and align them with the latest version of the PEFC Chain of Custody standard, and we are looking for your feedback! Project certification provides independent verification of the use of certified timber in construction and other projects with a defined time and site. This survey aims to gather your valuable feedback to help improve these requirements. It is part of a broader effort to increase global demand for PEFC project certification and the procurement of PEFC-certified materials.

The Lemu Group and paper manufacturer Koehler Paper introduce fully paper-based mailers for a sustainable future.The result is a mailer that is completely made of paper and makes it possible to safely ship goods without the need for plastic bubble wrap. “Koehler Eco® Paper” recycled paper, which is used in these innovative mailers, is available in grammages of 120 to 350 gsm. Its extraordinary running properties make it ideal for further processing on standard converting systems. Within this context, the collaborative efforts between Koehler Paper and the Lemu Group have focused on developing cutting-edge sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce. “We’re extremely happy that we’re now able to produce a lightweight, versatile, and fully recyclable paper mailer on our machines after our tests with Koehler’s Eco® Paper recycled paper delivered excellent results,” says Jean-Claude Jaufret, director of the Paper Bags and Envelopes division from the Lemu Group.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in December increased 13% compared to December 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 12 months of 2023. The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 87.5%, up 12.5 points from December 2023 and up 6.4 points year-to-date. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers – food wrapping – were 23.6 thousand short tons for the month of December, down 0.6% from the same month last year and down 0.5% year-to-date.

Greenville Distribution is the first Atlantic distribution-only facility to obtain a TRUE Zero Waste certification, with a waste diversion rate of 93.9% over the last 12 months. Why it Matters: Atlantic Packaging’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina, is now TRUE Zero Waste Certified, making it the first distribution-only site in the company to achieve this milestone. This accomplishment underscores our commitment to sustainability — both for ourselves and our valued customers. How We Got Here: *Teamwork: Every employee played a role in reducing waste through recycling, composting, and innovative problem-solving. *Precision: Our warehouse manager weighed dumpsters before and after hauls for four weeks to ensure accurate data. *Engagement: Employees embraced deeper waste stream analysis, found outlets for challenging materials, and explored sustainable options such as low-waste catering.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Eagle Flexible Packaging, a Batavia, IL-based firm, announced plans to construct a new $5 million, 52,000 square foot facility in the Waupun Industrial Park. At the January 14, 2025 meeting of the Waupun Common Council, Waupun’s elected officials approved a developer’s agreement to sell city owned land to the company, paving the way for the proposed expansion to begin in early 2025. Eagle Flexible Packaging began operations in the City of Waupun in 2021, after acquiring a formerly shuttered production facility located at 4 Taylor St. The company has added 65 jobs in Waupun since opening the Taylor St facility three and a half years ago. In 2024, Eagle Flexible Packaging acquired 1208 Wilson Drive in the Waupun Industrial Park and has invested more than $3 million in that facility, including facility improvements and the addition of state-of-the-art graphics equipment to support continued growth in Waupun.

Due to the prolonged weak profitability, Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, plans to close its Tako mill as well as to improve the efficiency of its Kyro mill, and launches change negotiations at both mills and related operations. The negotiations will involve a total of approximately 360 employees and may lead to a reduction of up to 215 employees. The negotiations are expected to last at least six weeks. If the plan is implemented, production at Tako mill would end in 2025. The aim of the change negotiations at the Kyro mill is to improve the profitability of the mill and safeguard its operational conditions. Any decisions on personnel reductions and mill closure will only be taken after the change negotiations have been concluded. In recent years, the production of folding boxboard at Tako and Kyro mills has remained well below capacity due to the market situation, and the mills have had to implement several temporary layoffs. Due to weak market situation and rapidly rising costs, both mills have been loss-making in 2023 and 2024. The cost competitiveness of Tako board mill is particularly weakened by its high energy costs and the small size of its production lines. The development of the mill is limited by its exceptional location in the centre of the city of Tampere.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is proud that 10 of its innovative products have received WorldStar Packaging Awards in 2025. The awards, organised annually by the World Packaging Organisation, celebrate outstanding achievements in packaging design and technology across the globe. "We are proud to mark a milestone in 2025 with Mondi receiving more WorldStar awards than ever before. This broad recognition across our regions highlights the strength of partnerships with our customers and the creativity and collaborative efforts of our teams. These awards inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and deliver even more innovative solutions." Markus Gärtner, CEO Corrugated Packaging

Phenix Label, a leader in prime labels and flexible packaging, today announced the company has doubled production capacity of RFID-enabled packaging for hard-to-tag retail items. With this increased capacity, Phenix Label enables its clients to significantly ramp up production volume, including packaging for water-based food items that have not been previously tracked using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. Phenix Label's breakthrough packaging design substantially improves reliability of RFID scanning for liquid-filled consumer packaged goods (CPG) and food items, empowering more accurate inventory management and traceability for grocery and nutraceutical brands. In fact, RFID now accounts for 32% of the food traceability market and is growing at nearly 10% per year because it enables reliable, real-time tracking throughout the supply chain, helping food retailers meet strict food standards, particularly in the event of a product recall.

Spanning over 50 years Victory Packaging has built a legacy providing packaging and related services across North America, first as an independent company then as the integrated distribution arm for two successive packaging companies. Decades of experience, a zest for continuous improvement, and a focus on customer service have grown the business into a comprehensive packaging solutions provider, which today began operating as Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions. The business provides engineering, supply chain, kitting and assembly, automation, digital and logistics solutions that help customers reduce total costs, improve their sustainability footprint, mitigate risk, and grow sales. “Our new brand reflects our service-driven approach to solving business challenges, delivering value to our customers and signals our ability to tap into extensive capabilities and resources as part of one of the world’s largest paper and packaging companies,” said Scott MacDonald, president, Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions.

All of our Domtar facilities embody our corporate culture, but each has its own unique personality, crafted year after year by the people who work there and influenced by the communities where they live, work and play. Our Hialeah Tissue Mill in Hialeah, Florida, is no exception. The mill is one of the few fully integrated tissue manufacturers in North America. It produces virgin and recycled tissue products in a variety of grades for the at-home and away-from-home markets. The mill boasts a number of environmental certifications and has achieved several safety milestones, most recently in 2024 when it reached 1,000,000 hours without a recordable injury. What makes the Hialeah tissue mill so special? According to Dinorah Diaz, a payroll specialist and human resources generalist who has been part of the Hialeah team since 1989, it comes down to respect and honesty.

Smurfit Westrock’s innovative new paper pallet wrap is helping companies to make their supply chains significantly more sustainable. Smurfit Westrock has produced a 100% paper-based alternative to the polyethylene stretch wrap which is commonly used to stabilise pallet loads in transportation. The global stretch wrap market was valued at USD 4.27 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly1. The innovative new solution is made from Nertop® Stretch Kraft paper which is fully recyclable. Its capabilities also include high energy absorption and strong performance in humid conditions. The pallet wrap is the latest addition to Smurfit Westrock’s Better Planet Packaging Portfolio which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of packaging.

Huhtamaki appoints Ralf K. Wunderlich (58) as President and CEO effective on January 15, 2025 when the Company’s current President and CEO Charles Héaulmé steps down. Charles will be available as needed to secure smooth transition until July 2025. "I warmly thank Charles for the excellent work during his nearly six years’ term at Huhtamaki. Under Charles’s leadership the Company has made great progress in its journey to become the first choice for sustainable packaging solutions and forming its updated 2030 growth strategy. Huhtamaki has been focusing on scaling up profitable core businesses, developing and deploying proprietary innovative sustainable packaging solutions, and driving world-class competitiveness. We wish Charles all the best in his next endeavors," says Pekka Vauramo, Chair of the Board. "I am happy and very proud of our achievements with the Huhtamaki team during the past years. The Company is on a great track and there are plenty of opportunities providing growth. This is a good time for me to move on," Charles Héaulmé comments.

We are all eager to do better – to make better choices. But we need options. At Stora Enso we have great news for everyone seeking to end their fossil dependency. Papira® by Stora Enso is a revolutionizing wood-based foam, designed to reduce plastics and waste in future packaging solutions. While there has been an ongoing global conversation about the need for a sustainable alternative, a tangible solution has been evolving behind closed doors at the Pilot plant in Fors Mill in Avesta, Sweden. This is where Stora Enso is testing and verifying fully recyclable wood foam in pilot volumes, designed to phase out plastic foams across multiple industries. Meaning your electronic equipment, medicine, beauty products, and kitchen appliances in a very near future can be sustainably safeguarded during transport, storage, and handling. The material is lightweight with excellent shock absorbing properties – with the undeniable sustainable benefit of being plastic-free, fully recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.

American Packaging Corporation (APC), a leader in flexible packaging solutions, announced Ray Graham has transitioned to the role of Chief Executive Officer and President of American Packaging. This is part of APC's leadership transition plan announced in December 2023 that included, effective January 1, 2025, the following leadership changes: *Jeff Koch, former CEO, retired on December 31, 2024, and joined APC's board of directors. *Ray Graham, APC President, is now CEO and President. "As I step into the role of CEO, I am excited about the future of American Packaging and the unlimited potential for our business," Ray Graham said. "I will continue to engage with our valued customers, strategic suppliers, and most importantly our employees, who are the most talented, results oriented team of professionals in the flexible packaging industry. As a family-owned business, APC is unmatched in our continuous investment in capital equipment, technologies, and talented people, that ensure our customers and our future customers that we are the best supplier to partner with them to achieve their packaging goals."

Amcor announced it completed the sale of its 50% interest in Bericap North America (BCNA) for $122 million on December 27, with the proceeds used to reduce debt. Fiscal 2024 total sales for the joint venture were approximately $190 million and adjusted EBIT was approximately $19 million, both of which were previously fully consolidated under Amcor’s Rigid Packaging business. Adjusted net income attributable to Amcor for fiscal 2024 was approximately $8 million. Net of the resulting reduction in interest expense, the transaction is not expected to have an impact on Amcor’s financial outlook for fiscal 2025.

Sonoco Products Company announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging business to TOPPAN Holdings Inc. for approximately $1.8 billion on a cash-free and debt-free basis and subject to customary adjustments. The Transaction, which reflects the completion of the previously announced strategic review of Sonoco’s TFP business, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first half of 2025. Net proceeds from the transaction are expected to be used to repay existing debt. “The decision to sell our TFP business accelerates our portfolio simplification strategy, streamlines our organizational structure, and enables more focused capital investments in our remaining industrial paper and consumer packaging businesses,” said Howard Coker, Sonoco’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

These increasing volumes of sold PCR products for the agri sector, show how well our circular solution for bale wrap has been received by the market. It is a solution for the future, and we can proudly say that we are leading the way together with our customers and partners. Trioworld can offer a premium Loop alternative for each product in the agricultural stretch portfolio, even the most efficient and high-performance products such as 19 µm and mantle films. Being able to achieve a constant and reliable premium quality, also in these demanding applications, is possible because we recycle the used bale wrap into new raw material in our own recycling sites and can therefor secure the quality throughout the whole process. In 2024, we also ramped up our in-house recycling capacity, which is the outcome of our significant investment at the Trioworld Reviva site in Korsberga, Sweden. Our efforts in driving the transition to a circular solution within bale wrap has also just been acknowledged at this year’s Recycling Gala, hosted on November 28th in Stockholm, Sweden, where we were able to claim first place in the category "Circular Initiative of the Year".

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the November 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report.  Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in November increased 9% compared to November 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same eleven months of 2023. The operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 75.9%, up 4.8 points from November 2023 and up 6.7 points year-to-date. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers – bag & sack – were 97.2 thousand short tons for the month of November, up 2.6% from the same month last year and up 16.6% year-to-date.

Revolution Sustainable Solutions LLC, Little Rock, Arkansas, has acquired Island Plastics LLC, a Flint, Michigan-based company that produces 100 percent postconsumer recycled linear low-density and low-density polyethylene (LLDPE, LDPE) film-grade resin. Revolution says the aim of its purchase is to bolster its commitment to sustainable loop solutions and expand its recycling capabilities, particularly in the production of clear food-grade postconsumer resin (PCR) for flexible packaging and other applications. Island Plastics operates a mechanical recycling facility dedicated to producing LLDPE and LDPE PCR. Revolution says Island Plastics is the largest film recycling plant in Michigan and has been instrumental in advancing plastic recycling technologies while maintaining stringent quality standards.

Ever since Complete Design & Packaging was established 22 years ago in Concord, NC, its business of producing custom corrugated packaging and point-of-purchase displays has flourished due to its excellent customer service, superior quality, and expert investment strategies in the latest technology, all to deliver solutions to its nationwide customers and give the firm a powerful competitive advantage. Its 100,000 sq ft manufacturing site will become even more formidable when Koenig & Bauer delivers its Allpro 145 folder gluer by the end of the year. “Quick turnaround time is key for our customers,” says Keith Furr, general manager at CDP. “We were finding that our post press department was becoming a bottleneck and getting congested as our company grew. We needed a new high speed folder gluer to allow us to respond to our customers’ demands. This acquisition will enhance our existing capabilities. As part of our ongoing dedication to our customers, this significant investment underscores our commitment to delivering the highest quality solutions and meeting the fast turnaround needs of our client base.”

​Axel Glade, (55), has been appointed President, Flexible Packaging and member of the Global Executive Team at Huhtamaki. He will join the company no later than January 1, 2026. He will report to President and CEO Charles Héaulmé and will be based in Espoo, Finland. Axel joins Huhtamaki from Constantia Flexibles, a Flexible Packaging company headquartered in Vienna, Austria, where he has served as Executive Vice President of the Film Division and member of Executive Committee. Since joining Constantia in 2011, he has held several leadership roles such as SVP Consumer and CEO at Constantia Pirk. Before Constantia, Axel held various leadership roles in other packaging companies including Sealed Air and Bischof + Klein. “I am very pleased to welcome Axel to Huhtamaki and the Global Executive Team. His impressive background in the Flexible Packaging industry and his experience in leading multinational businesses will be key in leading our Flexible Packaging segment and delivering on our 2030 ambitions,” says Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO of Huhtamaki​.

International technology group ANDRITZ has inaugurated a new technical center in Montbonnot, France, dedicated to advancing solutions for dry molded fiber production. Dry molded fiber (DMF) production uses a nearly waterless process to convert cellulose fibers into three-dimensional products for sustainable packaging. Based on its strategic partnership with the Swedish DMF pioneer PulPac, ANDRITZ is now able to offer complete dry molded fiber lines. The new technical center with its pilot line will support ANDRITZ’s development of industrial-scale solutions for high-speed, turnkey dry molded fiber production plants for the packaging industry. It will also enable customers to conduct trials, receive support on R&D projects, and create new products with customized shapes and barrier properties.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has collaborated with Dobis to increase efficiency in the production and reduce paper grammages of their paper shopping bags for the fashion, fast food and retail industries. Dobis, a Polish converter specialising in the production of paper bags, has long been known for its focus on production efficiency and modernised operations. In its quest for excellence, Dobis has leveraged Mondi’s expertise to optimise its paper grades and successfully reduce paper weight without sacrificing the strength and print quality required for premium shopping bags. By transitioning to lighter weight papers, Dobis has not only been able to reduce material consumption, but also improve print quality and achieve clearer results with less ink, supporting the company’s sustainability goals.

Novolex® and Pactiv Evergreen Inc. announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine, creating a leading manufacturer in food, beverage and specialty packaging products. The combination brings together two highly complementary businesses that will offer a broad product platform, establishing one of the most diverse substrate offerings in the packaging industry. The asset base will include an extensive manufacturing footprint and an expansive distribution network, enhancing the combined company’s ability to serve customers ranging from large, blue-chip brands to small businesses that serve millions of consumers every day. “This transaction reflects the continuation of our long-term growth strategy to create the industry’s most innovative, sustainable and customer-focused company,” said Stan Bikulege, Chairman and CEO of Novolex. Michael King, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pactiv Evergreen, said, “We are pleased to reach this agreement with Novolex, which shares our commitment to product quality and recognizes our potential for future growth."

Global Packaging Solutions has announced an expansion of its operations in Albemarle, NC, creating 10 new jobs and investing $4.8 million in real and business personal property. This expansion is made possible through the Rural Infrastructure Authority’s Building Reuse Grant, totaling $80,000. The Office of Governor Cooper officially announced the funding of Global Packaging Solutions’ Building Reuse Application on December 5. Global Packaging Solutions is a premier manufacturer specializing in flexible packaging and pouch production. The expansion involves establishing four new production lines and acquiring advanced machinery, effectively tripling its operational capacity within five years, according to President Jim Anderson.

Green Bay Packaging (GBP) is pleased to announce a substantial investment in the modernization of its Arkansas Kraft paper mill. This is a multi-year project which significantly enhances the infrastructure of the mill and underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and operational efficiency. The investment will encompass vital replacements of key process components, including the recovery boiler and biomass boiler infrastructure. Additionally, GBP is set to install an electric turbine generator, an integral element of the decarbonization strategy that will substantially reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. The project also includes the acquisition of approximately 300 acres of land for future investments and expansion, positioning the mill for the long-term.

Greif, Inc. announced at the Pack-Expo conference in Chicago the launch of ModCan™, an innovative modular packaging solution designed to improve efficiency and safety in shipping and storing dissimilar materials and waste. Using a unique wedge-shaped design, the modular components are engineered to fit precisely into a Greif 55-gallon drum, allowing multiple materials, chemicals, or waste components to be shipped together without fear of contamination or exposure. By optimizing the available space inside a single drum, ModCan reduces the number of shipments required and improves safety by eliminating the need to transfer or consolidate materials into larger containers. This is particularly useful for waste applications in specialty manufacturing, semiconductor operations, clean rooms, laboratories, and pharmaceutical production.

Inteplast Group has acquired CoolSeal USA, LLC. The plastic corrugated manufacturer and fabricator is based in Perrysburg, OH. CoolSeal USA will operate under Inteplast Group’s World-Pak Division. Andy Chen, general manager of World-Pak, said that CoolSeal USA’s leadership in the corrugated boards market complements Inteplast Group’s produce, warehousing, and other products used for packaging and storage. “We are enthusiastic about welcoming CoolSeal USA into the Inteplast Group fold. Its commitment to developing sustainable and recyclable products aligns with our stance on supporting supply chains that eliminate or otherwise encourage reusability and less waste,” Chen said. “With CoolSeal on our team, World-Pak, and Inteplast Group, by extension will expand our collective contributions to a circular economy beyond the industries, customers, and communities we serve.”

Sonoco Products Company announced the close of its acquisition of Eviosys, Europe’s leading food cans, ends and closures manufacturer, from KPS Capital Partners, LP. The transaction advances Sonoco’s portfolio transformation strategy to simplify and realign its portfolio and position the Company for long-term growth and value creation. Sonoco announced its intent to acquire Eviosys on June 24, 2024. Following the integration process, Eviosys will transition to the Sonoco brand over the coming months and will operate under Sonoco’s Consumer Packaging segment.

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, is proud to announce the launch of MasterTape® Cristal, a paper-based transparent tape backing to reduce plastic waste and promote a more sustainable future. Around 80% of the PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive) packaging tape used in the world today is made of plastic. Ahlstrom is now introducing MasterTape® Cristal, a revolutionary transparent tape backing made entirely from renewable materials. It is ideal for a wide range of applications, from gift wrapping to packaging and office use, and it offers similar strength and transparency as traditional plastic tape, ensuring no compromise on quality. This innovative tape-backing solution is not only strong and versatile but also recyclable1 and suitable for compostability2, thus reducing plastic waste and environmental impact.

Amcor has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Kolon Industries Inc., a leading South Korean chemical materials manufacturer, to co-develop and commercialize more sustainable polyester materials for selected applications in Amcor's flexible packaging business. This partnership represents a step forward in advancing packaging sustainability, combining Amcor's expertise in innovative packaging with Kolon’s high-polymer manufacturing technology. The collaboration focuses on technological exploration of chemically recycled PET (crPET) and polyethylene furanoate (PEF) materials. Kolon is pioneering an advanced recycling process to produce new PET from post-consumer bottles, fibers and flexible packaging. Using crPET supports Amcor’s commitment to integrating 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials by 2030.

Trioworld is a leading producer of innovative, high-performance plastic packaging solutions in Europe and North America. The Platinum rating places Trioworld in the top 1% of companies globally in business sustainability assessments. “I am again truly honoured by this fourth consecutive EcoVadis Platinum medal”, says Andreas Malmberg, CEO of Trioworld Group. “The EcoVadis Platinum medal helps us to provide our stakeholders with a deeper understanding of our ambitious ESG practices. This Platinum rating really highlights our dedicated work to achieve sustainable value chains in our industry on the journey towards a circular economy for plastics,” says Andreas Malmberg.

Metsä Board, the leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards, has launched a new solution to enhance and simplify the recycling process for packaging materials customers receive as part of Metsä Board product deliveries. Metsä Board has introduced QR codes on the pallet and reel labels of its products for all volumes delivered to its customers. The QR code directs customers to an intuitive app that provides detailed information on the various packaging materials used to protect the paperboard during the logistics chain. This information will assist customers in determining how each component of the delivery’s packaging should be recycled. By providing accessible and clear recycling information, the company aims to make it as easy as possible for customers to sort and recycle all the materials they receive with the product deliveries.

Berry Global Group, Inc., announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Specialty Tapes business to the private equity firm Nautic Partners, LLC for a headline purchase price of approximately $540 million, which is subject to a number of closing adjustments. The Tapes business is a franchise highly valued by its industrial customers. As a result, this separation is aligned with Berry’s broader strategy to transition the portfolio towards more consistent, higher growth consumer-oriented end markets and platforms. Berry CEO, Kevin Kwilinski, said, “Over the past year, Berry has undergone a significant transformation, completing the spin-off of our HHNF business, enhancing our product mix and optimizing our portfolio. The sale of Tapes further supports these efforts and the continued focus on our high-growth consumer portfolio.”

The MSU School of Packaging in East Lansing, MI, established within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources as the first of its kind in 1952, is the largest packaging program in the US, with more than 600 students each year and 10,000 alumni worldwide – graduating 40% of all the packaging professionals in the United States. Under the leadership of former School of Packaging director, and current CANR Interim Dean Matthew Daum, the school completed a comprehensive renovation supported by donations totaling over $10 million in April of 2023. Formal planning is currently underway for a second major expansion – a $25 million investment that will double the size of the building and significantly increase research capacity, creating space for more faculty and graduate students. “The School of Packaging has established itself as a model of success, and our outstanding faculty’s work supports the global packaging industry and improves lives,” Daum says. “We’re successful here because we attract top-tier faculty, whose curiosity and dedication fuel long-term solutions in areas like sustainability, profitability and environmental impact.” 

As the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Amcor is proud to partner with our longstanding customer Kraft Heinz in delivering more than 78,000 boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese to food banks across the United States. This effort aims to meet the heightened demand many communities face during this season of giving, and provide support to households facing food insecurity. Among the recipient communities is Asheville, North Carolina, where recovery efforts continue following the impact of Hurricane Helene. For more than 50 years, Amcor and Kraft Heinz have closely collaborated to produce a wide range of innovative packaging solutions, including flexible packaging and rigid containers for popular products including condiments, sauces and ready-to-eat meals.

As Irving Tissue celebrated its fifth anniversary in Macon, Georgia today, company President Robert K. Irving unveiled its latest expansion project. He was joined by Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) and Robert E. Fountain, Jr Board Chair, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA). “I am very pleased to announce our Phase 3 expansion at Irving Tissue Macon. The $600 million (USD) investment will add another 100 jobs and include a third ThruAir Dry paper making machine, additional converting lines, and a new fully automated warehouse,” said Mr. Irving. “It’s another great day for our employees, customers, Irving Tissue, and J.D. Irving. On top of the growth in Macon, this investment will also provide growth in our home region of the northeast – Maine and New Brunswick. Pulp will be supplied from our pulp mill in Saint John, which in turn is supplied from the six million acres we sustainably own or manage. Our fully integrated value chain ensures certainty of supply, exceptional service, and quality, as well as sustainable products for our customers,” said Mr. Irving who is also Co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited.

Coveris, a leading European packaging manufacturer, announces new investment at its polyethylene extrusion facility in Winsford, Cheshire. As Coveris’ UK centre of excellence for high-performance technical barrier and stretch films, the Winsford site continues to expand its capabilities in the development of sustainable, recyclable films in alignment with the company’s 'No Waste' strategy. This extensive upgrade includes an additional state-of-the-art nine-layer blown extrusion line for technical EVOH barrier films, a new cast stretch extrusion line – introducing new technology to Coveris Winsford – and an onsite 5,000-pallet space warehouse. Each of these investments enhances the site’s capacity to meet industry demand for sustainable, high-quality packaging materials. The newly operational nine-layer blown extrusion line positions Coveris as the UK’s largest producer of polyethylene EVOH barrier films.

The collaboration between Fedrigoni, Easysnap Technology, and Mars Food & Nutrition’s product brand, MasterFoods, marks a significant leap forward in sustainable packaging solutions. Together, we have developed Papersnap®, a fully recyclable, paper-based squeeze-on tomato sauce pack that meets consumer demands for eco-designed, convenient, and high-quality products. The innovative packaging design of Papersnap® ensures the freshness and flavor of MasterFoods’ Australian-made tomato sauce, crafted from sun-ripened tomatoes and select spices without artificial additives. Featuring a user-friendly design that enables one-handed use—simply press, fold, and squeeze to savor every drop in a clean, contactless manner—the partnership behind Papersnap® demonstrates how brands can join forces to minimize plastic waste while meeting the changing expectations of consumers. The global shift from plastic to paper is reshaping packaging and materials design, aiming to reduce single-use plastic and pave the way for more responsible production. This transition has become a key initiative for brands and industries looking to minimize their environmental footprint without sacrificing quality or functionality.

Berry shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 7.25 Amcor shares for each Berry share held upon closing, resulting in Amcor and Berry shareholders owning approximately 63% and 37% of the combined company, respectively. The transaction has received unanimous approval of the boards of directors of both Amcor and Berry and values Berry’s common stock at $73.59 per share. The combination brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a global leader in consumer packaging solutions, with a broader flexible film and converted film offering for customers, a scaled containers and closures business and a unique global healthcare portfolio. The combined company will have unprecedented innovation capabilities and scale, and be uniquely positioned to accelerate growth, solve customers’ and consumers’ sustainability needs, unlock portfolio transformation and deliver significant value to both sets of shareholders.

Known for producing the high-quality and lightweight MetsäBoard Classic FBB product, the Simpele mill will undergo significant upgrades in the second half of 2025, further solidifying the company’s position as the leading choice for premium food and healthcare packaging. Valued at approximately EUR 60 million, the investment includes the modernisation of the pre-drying section and the installation of a new state-of-the-art coating section on the production line. These enhancements will further improve the print quality and visual consistency of the MetsäBoard Classic FBB product while enabling the company to shift to fossil free alternatives in its paperboard production process.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has announced the start-up of its new extrusion line at Mondi Coating Štĕti (Czech Republic), marking another milestone in the Group’s commitment to support customers in their transition to sustainable solutions. The extrusion line is part of a wider investment that includes a new production building with state-of-the-art machinery including coating and slitting capabilities. The investment expands the production of FunctionalBarrier Papers and other high quality coated papers, offering paper-based solutions with customised barrier properties. Applications range from food and non-food contact packaging to industrial solutions, such as case linings for solid board and barrier liners for corrugated case materials. As part of Mondi’s re/cycle portfolio, the innovative range of FunctionalBarrier Papers offers solutions that can be recycled in existing paper waste streams across Europe.

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions has been recognized by the 35th Packaging Innovation Awards (PIA) for its AmPrima® Plus solution for coffee. Sponsored by Dow, this prestigious award recognises excellence in packaging and encourages advancements in sustainability and performance. The Special Award category, won by Amcor, is dedicated to emerging markets and breaking frontiers in mono-material packaging. Amcor’s AmPrima® Plus solution has been commended for its application in recycle-ready coffee packaging. The new pouch offers coffee producers up to 68%* reduction in carbon footprint when compared to traditional coffee packaging alternatives.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has opened a ground-breaking hub in Germany for co-creating flexible packaging solutions that will shape the future. FlexStudios is a brand new 2,300 m2 building, located in Steinfeld, Germany, that offers three floors of interactive, inspiring collaborative space. The experiential studios have been built so that Mondi customers can actively participate in the innovation process, benefitting first-hand from the company’s extensive expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and customer-centric approach to driving sustainable change in the flexible packaging industry. By bringing pilot lines, testing capabilities and co-creation space together under one roof, Mondi can reduce time-to-market for new packaging and paper solutions.

Pactiv Evergreen Inc. reported results for the third quarter of 2024. Michael King, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pactiv Evergreen, said, “Our execution during the third quarter was solid and we made meaningful progress on our long-term strategy. We maintained strict cost discipline, optimized enterprise resources and overcame challenges at the Pine Bluff, Arkansas mill during its final quarter under our ownership. As we advance to the next phase of our transformational journey, we intend to leverage our heritage of product innovation and design to foster growth and assist our customers in achieving their sustainability goals.” King continued, “In late September and early October, some of our teams and communities were significantly impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The safety and well-being of our team members remain our utmost priority. It’s been truly inspiring to witness our teams swiftly activate contingency plans in response to these severe weather events, showcasing their commitment to serving our customers and supporting the affected communities.” Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights: Net Revenues of $1,333 million for the third quarter of 2024 were down 3% compared to $1,379 million in the third quarter of 2023 and were approximately flat compared to $1,338 million in the second quarter of 2024. Net Loss from continuing operations of $213 million for the third quarter of 2024 compared to net income of $28 million in the third quarter of 2023 and net income of $20 million in the second quarter of 2024.

Third quarter 2024 net income (loss) was $(3.9) million ($(0.11) per diluted share) compared to $(50.4) million ($(1.47) per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2023. Net income (loss) from ongoing operations, which excludes special items, was $0.2 million ($0.01 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2024 compared with $(5.1) million ($(0.15) per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2023. John Steitz, Tredegar’s president and chief executive officer, said, "Our ongoing operations for the third quarter were disappointingly at the break-even level due to low profitability at Bonnell Aluminum from unfavorable cost events, including manufacturing inefficiencies. On the favorable side, net new orders were up 7% over the second quarter but with margin pressures from imports and excess industry capacity." Mr. Steitz continued, "Regarding the trade case brought by a coalition of aluminum extruders and the United Steelworkers against 14 countries, we were very disappointed by the split negative vote by the U.S. International Trade Commission and the surprising recusal of one of its members. The USITC decision on October 30 indicated that it believes the industry was not materially injured by reason of the subject imports, despite preliminary determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce of pricing below fair value and receiving unfair subsidies. The coalition is evaluating next steps for challenging the decision."

Amcor has been granted a European patent for paper packaging with thin film barrier, affirming the unique attributes of its AmFiber™ portfolio. AmFiber™ Performance Paper is a high-barrier, paper-based solution that delivers recyclability and high-speed customer line performance for food- and healthcare-grade packaging. The European patent recognizes AmFiber Performance Paper’s innovative barrier materials and patterned sealable material, which provides a unique combination of functional attributes for paper-based packaging. Currently on store shelves across the globe, the AmFiber portfolio is suitable for a wide range of applications including snacks and confectionary, dry culinary and beverage, meat, dairy, home and personal care and more.

Hugues Simon, President and CEO, commented: "We are pleased with our third quarter 2024 performance. Sequentially stronger results were driven by our Containerboard business, where higher average selling prices and lower production expenses offset the impact of higher raw material costs. Specialty Products results were stable, with stronger selling prices fully mitigating raw material cost and sales mix headwinds. As forecasted, third quarter Tissue Papers results were lower than the previous quarter due to higher average raw material costs and lower pricing related to the expected changes in the mix of products sold." Highlights: Sales of $1,201 million (compared with $1,180 million in Q2 2024 and $1,198 million in Q3 2023); Operating income of $36 million (compared with $34 million in Q2 2024 and $80 million in Q3 2023);

"With the shift into two verticals, Food and Protective, and the onboarding of new leadership, we have positioned Sealed Air for long-term success," said Patrick Kivits, Sealed Air's CEO. "Over the coming months, we are focused on operationalizing each vertical and finalizing the long-term growth strategy for each business. In parallel, we are stepping up our cost take-out initiatives to right-size each business and improve profitability until our transformation takes hold." "While our third quarter results were ahead of expectation, the strength of our Food business continues to be offset by continued softness in our Protective portfolio. As a result, we are maintaining the midpoint of our Sales and Adjusted EBITDA guidance," said Dustin Semach, Sealed Air's President and CFO. "We continue to improve underlying cash generation fundamentals, optimize our debt and tax rate, and as a result, we are raising our guidance for Free Cash Flow and Adjusted EPS for the year."

Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its real estate of the Sunila site in Kotka, Finland, to AALTO Development Oy. AALTO Development is a Finnish, privately-owned property development company focusing on high-quality architecture and urban planning. Stora Enso will remain in Sunila as a tenant to AALTO Development. The Lignode battery material pilot plant will continue its operations in Sunila. Also, the Sunila-based demonstration plant engineering study, announced earlier by CarbonScape, is unaffected by the transaction. The parties have agreed not to disclose the transaction price. The closing of the transaction is expected during Q4 2024.

Tork announced a new compressed hand towel option for the Tork Xpress® Multifold hand towel system that is 50% compressed1, enabling dispensers to hold twice as many towels to serve twice as many customers before requiring a refill2. Businesses benefit from reduced storage needs and spending less time maintaining their facilities. In the manufacturing process, unique compression technology reduces the amount of air in the hand towel bundle, effectively compacting the towel bundles and resulting in reduced packaging material by up to 27%1. Transport vehicles can then fit almost twice as many compressed towel bundles4 per truck, contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Businesses can also store double the amount of paper towels, optimizing the capacity of both their storage and existing Tork Xpress hand towel dispensers. Compressed towels offer the same quality Tork customers are accustomed to.

“Our third-quarter results were within expectations from seasonally higher Consumer Packaging demand and continued strong productivity,” said Sonoco’s President and CEO, Howard Coker. “Consumer and Industrial volumes were higher year-over-year and price/cost headwinds were persistent across both segments. Overall, we achieved strong prot margin and operating cash ow in the quarter from the solid execution of our global team.” Summary: *Achieved GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco of $51 million *Generated productivity improvements of $39 million during the third quarter of 2024 *Generated $438 million of operating cash flow and $171 million of Free Cash Flow during the first nine months of 2024 *Entered into an agreement on June 24, 2024, to acquire Eviosys for approximately €3.6 billion

PPC FLEX, a leader in advanced packaging solutions, has significantly expanded its manufacturing capabilities by installing the world’s highest-throughput platen-based Chevron machine. This addition marks a milestone as the first Chevron system in the United States to feature a Chevron Header pouch, advancing PPC FLEX’s production capabilities for the healthcare sector. The newly installed Chevron machine is housed within PPC FLEX’s state-of-the-art ISO Class 4 and 7 cleanroom facility in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. The facility now produces high-output Tyvek™ Chevron Peel pouches, Chevron, and pouches on a roll, enhancing PPC FLEX’s ability to meet the stringent requirements of the medical, pharmaceutical, and dental industries. This investment strengthens PPC FLEX’s commitment to offering cleanroom-grade pouches that ensure sterility and barrier protection for critical environment applications globally.

Pactiv Evergreen Inc. introduces an innovative packaging solution with the launch of its patented* SmartPour™ package. Made in the USA, SmartPour packaging features an easy-to-pour and resealable closure, making it the ideal container for pourable, dry ingredients like premium cereals, crackers, snacks, baking ingredients, pet food, powders or formulas, and powdered laundry or dish detergents. SmartPour containers eliminate the need for a plastic bag insert, preventing messy, bag-in-box spillage, while the resealable closure and barrier technology keeps contents fresh. With a sturdy design that maintains its shape, SmartPour is perfect for consumer-packaged goods companies looking to enhance product visibility on shelves and preserve the packaging integrity of products ordered via home delivery services. SmartPour packaging is food safe and FDA compliant and comes in six sizes, a vertical and horizontal layout, and three heights, offering a customizable solution for a variety of packaging needs.

IP's GCF business creates safe, high-quality absorbent pulp for a wide range of applications like feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, its specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in textiles, construction materials, paints, coatings and more. The GCF business generated $2.9B in revenue in 2023 and has operations in three countries, with eight mills and two converting facilities. "International Paper is committed to maximizing value for our shareholders, and to that end, we have launched a comprehensive and thorough review of strategic options for our global cellulose fibers business," said International Paper Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of sustainable labeling solutions, is expanding its direct thermal (DT) linerless label offering with the launch of its new OptiCut™ WashOff solution. The new linerless label is specifically designed for returnable and reusable plastic food containers, including PP, HDPE and PET crates used in food logistics. Available to customers now, the label launch meets the need for innovative plastic packaging solutions, driven by evolving regulations and consumer demand. The OptiCut WashOff label, which is compatible with most direct thermal printers and weighing scales, offers excellent washability and easy, adhesive residue-free separation for both industrial processes and home washing machines.

Net Income was $165 million, or $0.55 per share, based upon 302.6 million weighted average diluted shares. This compares to third quarter 2023 Net Income of $170 million, or $0.55 per share, based upon 309.2 million weighted average diluted shares. The third quarter of 2024 was impacted by a net charge from special items and amortization of purchased intangibles of $29 million and the third quarter of 2023 was impacted by a net charge from special items and amortization of purchased intangibles of $59 million. Michael Doss, the Company's President and CEO said, "In the third quarter, we saw our packaging volumes turn positive, after Europe's return to growth in the second quarter. Third quarter also saw the launch of new paperboard cup and container innovations for major Foodservice customers and the first-ever round BoardioTM paperboard canister for a leading collagen-protein brand. Our innovations are delivering real value for our customers and for consumers. Despite volume challenges brought on first by customer and retailer destocking and later by the pressure consumers are feeling from price inflation, we are delivering margin strength and consistency in line with the best global consumer packaging companies. That speaks to the value of the portfolio we have created, the success of our sustainable packaging innovations, and our team's commitment to outstanding execution. As volumes continue to improve and our Waco investment moves toward completion, cash generation will rise significantly, and we will deploy that cash to create substantial additional value for shareholders."

Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO: Market conditions started to improve during the third quarter. While the situation improved compared to the first half of the year, the pace was moderate with differences between categories and geographies. Demand for pre-packed on-the-shelf food increased, particularly in egg packaging and in a volatile market, demand for flexible packaging continued to improve. Food-on-the-go volumes remained subdued, with consumers still feeling the impact of inflation and elevated market prices. The foodservice market has progressed more positively in North America than in other regions. The on-going war in the Middle East continued to affect global brands in some markets in the Middle East and Asia. Our comparable net sales remained at the previous year’s level in the third quarter and decreased by 1% during the first nine months of the year. During the third quarter, sales volumes increased while pricing pressure continued. Adjusted EBIT increased by 2% in the third quarter and 8% during the first nine months of the year with an improved adjusted EBIT margin reaching 10%. The profitability development was supported by our actions to improve efficiency. Free cash flow remained strong, reaching EUR 160 million at the end of the third quarter. While continuing to focus on future growth, the investments level was contained, enabling further reduction of net debt and resulting in a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.0. During the quarter, North America continued to deliver profitable growth, maintaining a strong adjusted EBIT margin. Flexible Packaging profitability continued to improve. Foodservice E-A-O margins were negatively impacted by low demand. Fiber Packaging profitability was weighed on by a lag in pricing, as raw material costs increased.

IPG® (Intertape Polymer Group®), a global manufacturer of packaging and protective solutions across a diversified set of geographies and end-markets, will be exhibiting at Pack Expo International held at McCormick Place in Chicago from November 3-6, 2024. This year, the booth highlights ‘The IPG Advantage’ across packaging automation, consumables, and service programs. “IPG provides valuable solutions that enhance throughput, simplify processes, and minimize downtime—all from a single source,” says Jason Fisher, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at IPG. IPG proudly presents a comprehensive range of packaging automation solutions, including case sealers, case packers and erectors, A.I. vision systems, palletizers, tray packers, robotics, void fill systems, mailer systems, and more. These data-driven automated solutions are designed to reduce labor and increase efficiency.

Metsä Board’s CEO Mika Joukio: ”In 2024, demand for fresh fibre paperboards has clearly improved from last year’s record-low level, although demand growth has been somewhat slower than expected. At the beginning of the year, demand was boosted by restocking in the value chain, which levelled out towards the end of the first half. In July–September, the demand and price situation for paperboards was similar to the previous quarter. Due to higher living costs, consumers’ purchasing behaviour remained relatively cautious, and consumption is more focused on services than on products. Metsä Board’s first half was overshadowed by the political strikes in Finland and the gas explosion at Metsä Fibre’s Kemi bioproduct mill. These caused us large production and sales losses and significant additional costs. We expect the negative impact on the operating result to total EUR 65 million, including the impact of Metsä Fibre’s share of the result. The July–September result includes EUR 23 million in insurance compensation related to the gas explosion in Kemi. Negotiations with the insurance consortium are still ongoing.

Silgan Holdings Inc., a leading supplier of sustainable rigid packaging solutions for the world's essential consumer goods products, today reported third quarter 2024 net sales of $1.75 billion and net income of $100.1 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, as compared to third quarter 2023 net sales of $1.80 billion and net income of $110.6 million, or $1.02 per diluted share. "Our third quarter results continued to benefit from the success of our long-term strategic growth initiatives, the power of the Silgan portfolio and the strength and agility of our operating teams," said Adam Greenlee, President and CEO. "We are pleased to have recently closed the Weener acquisition and to welcome 4,000 new Silgan Team members. This acquisition further expands the breadth, depth and reach of our best-in-class and winning global dispensing business."

Tony Smurfit, President and CEO, commented: “I am pleased to report an excellent performance for the third quarter, the first for Smurfit Westrock. The Net Loss for the quarter of $150 million was primarily due to transaction related expenses and purchase accounting adjustments totalling approximately $500 million. With Adjusted EBITDA1 of $1,265 million and an Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 of 16.5%, these results are a strong foundation to build upon. “Our established track record of delivering value to our customers through service, quality and innovation is already beginning to yield results. Equally, we believe our focus on plant level autonomy, operational improvement and profitability will deliver in time, benefits at least equal to the stated synergy target of $400 million. “Our third quarter performance, combined with our deeper knowledge of the Combination and continuing asset optimization, clearly points to the opportunities ahead for Smurfit Westrock. We are at the start of our journey to build the ‘go-to’ sustainable packaging partner of choice, a global leader with an unrivalled scale, geographic reach and product portfolio. Having spent the last number of months visiting our plants, it is also clear that our people are excited and motivated to be a part of this journey.

Stora Enso has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of the Finnish sawmill company Junnikkala Oy. This acquisition aims to secure a cost-efficient wood supply to Stora Enso’s packaging board site in Oulu, Finland, and to support Stora Enso’s wood products business with new production assets. The total enterprise value (EV) for the transaction is up to EUR 137 million, a significant part of it being contingent upon achieving specific production milestones. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first half of 2025. Junnikkala Oy is a Finnish producer of sawn timber and processed wood products for domestic and export markets. It operates three sawmills in Finland including its new state-of-the-art sawmill, less than 10 kilometres from the Stora Enso Oulu site.

According to the report, total Containerboard production in Q3 increased 3% compared to Q3 2023. It was up 6% when compared to the same nine months of 2023. Operating rates for all major grades except Recycled Medium declined compared to Q2 2024, but total production was essentially the same between the two quarters. Production for export decreased nearly 15% from Q2 and was the lowest quarter so far in this year, but is still up more than 26% year-to-date due to the weak export numbers in the first half of 2023. Recycled Medium had a very strong quarter with production exceeding 1.9 million tons and the operating rate above 90% for the first time since Q2 2022. Semichemical Medium production on the other hand dipped below 1 million tons for the quarter due to particularly weak September numbers. New supply for Q3 increased 2.8% from Q2 and was the highest it has been since Q2 2022, with strong domestic production and imports indicating growing demand for containerboard stateside, compared to the slightly weaker exports.

Total Boxboard production in Q3 increased 10% compared to Q3 2023. The boxboard operating rate was 89.0%, up 8.1 points from the same quarter last year and up 3.2 points year-to-date. Solid Bl. Folding – Domestic production increased 18% compared to Q3 2023. Solid Bleached Boxboard unmade orders were down 3% compared to the end of the previous quarter and increased 62% compared to September 2023. Tube, Can & Drum – Domestic production increased 1% compared to Q3 2023, and was up 1% when compared to the same 9 months of 2023.

Berry Global Group, Inc. and Glatfelter Corporation announced that Berry has set a record date of the close of business on November 1, 2024 for the proposed spin-off of its Health, Hygiene and Specialties Global Nonwovens and Films business. The spin-off and merger of Berry’s HHNF Business with Glatfelter are expected to be completed on November 4, 2024, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions for the transaction. As previously announced, in connection with the merger, Glatfelter will effect a reverse stock split and change its name to Magnera Corporation. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions, on November 4, 2024, (1) Berry will distribute all of the shares of stock of its wholly owned subsidiary that owns the HHNF Business to Berry stockholders as of the close of business on the November 1, 2024 record date by means of a pro rata distribution, (2) Spinco will merge into a subsidiary of Magnera, and (3) the shares of Spinco distributed to Berry stockholders will convert into the right to receive Magnera shares, as illustrated in the hypothetical below. Upon completion of the merger, Berry stockholders are expected to collectively own approximately 90% of the outstanding shares of Magnera common stock on a fully-diluted basis, and current Glatfelter shareholders are expected to collectively own approximately 10% of the outstanding shares of Magnera common stock on a fully-diluted basis.

Packaging Corporation of America reported third quarter 2024 net income of $238 million. Third quarter net sales were $2.2 billion in 2024 and $1.9 billion in 2023. In the Packaging segment, corrugated products shipments per day were up 11.1% over last year’s third quarter and total shipments, with one additional shipping day, were up 12.9%. Shipments per day were up 5.8% versus the second quarter of 2024 and total shipments, with one less shipping day, were up 4.1%. Containerboard production was 1,293,000 tons, and containerboard inventory was up 25,000 tons from the third quarter of 2023 and down 3,000 tons compared to the second quarter of 2024. In the Paper segment, sales volume was up 4% versus the third quarter of 2023 and up 5% versus the second quarter of 2024. Commenting on reported results, Mark W. Kowlzan, Chairman and CEO, said, “In the Packaging segment, we had great implementation of our previously announced containerboard and corrugated products price increases. Very strong demand throughout the quarter led to all-time quarterly records for containerboard production, total box shipments and shipments per day. We were able to meet this demand, and our customers’ quality and service needs, through the operational benefits of our capital spending program and the continued great focus and execution by our sales, customer service, mill and corrugated products plant employees. Our Paper segment had excellent results with our previously announced price increases implemented as planned, volume above forecasted levels, and well-managed mill operations. Fortunately, none of our facilities were significantly impacted by the two hurricanes during the quarter.”

Stora Enso has decided to discontinue the divestment process for its Beihai packaging board production site and forestry business, announced in December 2022. Stora Enso is of the view that the value in own use of the assets exceeds the achievable transaction value, and has therefore chosen to retain these operations within the Group. Stora Enso’s strategic ambition is to build on its global leading position in the fiber-based packaging market. The business of the Beihai site will be developed through a continued focus on operational excellence, cost optimisation, and product development. By adjusting the product mix to increase the share of liquid packaging board and other premium grades, the Beihai site will strengthen Stora Enso’s leading position as a global supplier. No significant capital expenditure is expected in the mid-term.

The push to reduce single-use plastics in packaging has gained momentum as companies respond to growing pressure from legislation, corporate sustainability goals, and shifting consumer preferences. Companies are largely moving towards alternatives like paper-based packaging, yet there are both benefits and challenges to this transition, particularly around recyclability. Governments and organizations worldwide are enacting legislation to reduce plastic waste, driven by the environmental impact of single-use plastics, which contribute to pollution, climate change, and harm to wildlife. For example, recent U.S. policies aim to limit plastic pollution, reflecting a broader trend of regulatory action against single-use plastics. The U.S. federal government is the largest buyer of consumer goods in the world. A report released by the administration in July detailed the administration’s plan to phase out federal purchases “of single-use plastics from food service operations, events, and packaging by 2027, and from all federal operations by 2035.” The report says this action could significantly impact the supply of plastic products, while the government seeks tougher regulations on plastics manufacturers.

Net sales in the third quarter were $3,074 million compared to $3,069 million in the third quarter of 2023 reflecting higher shipments of both global beverage cans and food cans in North America, offset by lower volumes in most other businesses and unfavorable foreign currency translation of $9 million. Income from operations was $444 million in the third quarter compared to $374 million in the third quarter of 2023. Segment income in the third quarter of 2024 was $472 million, up 10%, compared to the $430 million in the prior year third quarter driven by improved results in global beverage operations, partially offset by the impact of lower volumes in Transit Packaging and the beverage can equipment business. Commenting on the quarter, Timothy J. Donahue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The Company continued its strong 2024 performance during the third quarter, with results in each of its global beverage can businesses exceeding original expectations. Global beverage shipments improved 5% during the quarter, with Brazil, Europe, Mexico and the United States all recording increases of 5% or more. Segment income on a combined basis advanced 10% over the prior year third quarter, as the Company benefited from favorable manufacturing performance and exposure to a well-balanced portfolio of end markets. Transit Packaging performed in line with expectations while global manufacturing activity continues in contraction.

Huhtamaki is pleased to announce the commencement of smooth molded fiber (SMF) production at Huhtamaki’s existing molded fiber facility in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. This expansion marks an important step in Huhtamaki’s ongoing commitment to meeting the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.  This investment will increase Huhtamaki's global capacity and footprint in SMF products, complementing our existing SMF production sites in Germany, Holland, and the USA, as well as capacity created together with our strategic partners in Asia.  Building on Huhtamaki’s 40-year of experience in fiber products, our in-house state-of-the-art SMF technology provides products with superior quality and competitiveness. All Huhtamaki fiber lids come with a patented and unique click-fit function to ensure the most secure lid closure. Huhtamaki fiber lids, like all other Huhtamaki SMF products, are home compostable and easy to recycle. 

The cutting-edge plastic film, designed to provide outstanding load stability, features 70% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR*) content – a significant step toward circularity in transport packaging. By incorporating 70% PCR, the Stretch hood Loop70 demonstrates that sustainability and high performance can go together. Our customers can continue to rely on the same exceptional load stability and safety, ensuring protection for both goods and drivers, while significantly reducing the environmental footprint. The Stretch hood Loop70 is more than just another product – it represents our commitment to circularity and carbon reduction. At Trioworld, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of packaging innovation, combining circular solutions with industry-leading performance. By optimising film thickness and integrating recycled materials, we are setting new standards for tomorrow’s packaging solutions – making them available already today.

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards, has developed a multipurpose, space-saving promotional packaging for HejBuddy, a Finnish cosmetics brand. Offering flexibility and luxury appeal, the new lightweight packaging is made of micro-flute corrugated board using Metsä Board’s white kraftliner. The new packaging is 50% lighter than a traditional rigid box made of recycled fibres. Traditionally, rigid boxes are imported from Asia as assembled packaging, which requires a lot of container space. The new packaging developed by Metsä Board requires minimal storage capacity as it can be easily folded into a box when necessary. Once the packaging has been used, it can be unfolded and recycled easily.

Silgan Holdings Inc. announced that it has completed its acquisition of Weener Plastics Holdings B.V., a leading producer of differentiated dispensing solutions for personal care, food and healthcare products. Weener operates a global network of 19 facilities predominantly in Europe and the Americas, with approximately 4,000 employees and proprietary manufacturing technologies including significant clean room capabilities. The Company funded the purchase price for this acquisition and related costs and expenses through term and revolving loan borrowings under its senior secured credit facility, including a €700 million incremental term loan. Silgan expects to realize operational cost synergies related to the acquisition of approximately €20 million within 18 months. The transaction is expected to be slightly accretive to adjusted earnings per share in 2024, with approximately 10% accretion once fully integrated and with synergies achieved. Silgan is a leading supplier of sustainable rigid packaging solutions for the world's essential consumer goods products with annual net sales of approximately $6.0 billion in 2023. Silgan operates 124 manufacturing facilities in North and South America, Europe and Asia.

Smurfit Westrock has worked with Nestlé to launch an innovative, paper-based tub for its iconic Quality Street sweets this Christmas. The beautifully designed pack is the first of its kind to hit supermarket shelves. Nestlé approached the packaging leader to create the trial pack as part of its ongoing initiative to reduce virgin plastic. The redesign also enables more boxes to fit on a pallet and has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions significantly. The introduction of the paper tub follows on from Nestlé switching to paper wrappers for the Quality Street sweets back in 2022, which diverted over 2 billion wrappers from landfill. Now, both the box itself and the wrappers can be put into household recycling at the end of use.

Mondi has recently completed a €95 million investment at its Świecie containerboard mill, which will increase kraftliner capacity by 55,000 tonnes. The upgrade comprises an extensive rebuild of paper machines PM2 and PM5, a new anaerobic treatment plant including an integrated cooling system, and upgrades to the pulp mill, the recycled fibre line and the energy recovery system. These improvements will allow the mill to meet growing customer demand for heavy-duty packaging for large and heavy products, enhance product quality, and bolster its environmental performance by decreasing water consumption and wastewater emissions and increasing energy efficiency. Since the project’s completion in June, Mondi Świecie has also expanded its ProVantage SmartKraft Brown portfolio with a broader range of grammage options.

International Paper is pleased to announce that it received the necessary shareholder approval for its pending acquisition of DS Smith. Earlier this week, DS Smith also received the necessary shareholder approval for the Combination. International Paper will report the final vote results of the special shareholder meeting in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). International Paper and DS Smith continue to expect the Combination to close late in the fourth quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions. "The overwhelming approval from both DS Smith and IP shareholders confirms the strong support of this combination," said Andy Silvernail, Chairman and CEO of International Paper. "Bringing the two companies together will create a true global leader of sustainable packaging solutions which will drive significant value for our employees, customers and shareholders."

Tredegar Surface Protection, a subsidiary of Tredegar Corporation (NYSE:TG) and a leader in high-quality masking films, is excited to announce the launch of Obsidian Automotive Protective Films. Designed to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry, these innovative films offer unparalleled performance and protection. The Obsidian line includes a range of protective films tailored for various applications: AUTOMOTIVE INTERIOR: Automotive Displays; Augmented Reality Films – Optical film for AR use inside the HUD device; Automotive Glass and plastic cover – 2D/ 3D dashboard, center console and rear seat entertainment; Anti-glare, Anti-reflection, and Anti-fingerprint – Surface coating protection. AUTOMOTIVE EXTERIOR: Automotive Glass - Windshield for AR HUD; Automotive Camera - Surface Protection on camera; Automotive Plastic Sheeting – Body and specific components.

Novolex®, an industry leader in packaging choice, innovation and sustainability, is introducing new clear containers that keep food fresh and secure while giving consumers peace of mind. The new TamperFlagTM rigid containers, made by Novolex brand Waddington® NorthAmerica (WNA), feature a tamper-evident “flag” that pops up and stays raised once opened. The feature alerts consumers that the container has been unsealed. “Our new TamperFlag containers deliver a fresh solution to safeguarding food and reassuring consumers about the security of a product,” said Sachin Shah, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Waddington North America. “This is yet another groundbreaking innovation that truly makes a difference for our customers —something we strive for every day at Novolex.” The TamperFlag is activated automatically in a single step when the hinge container lid is closed, creating an efficient packing process. When opened, the TamperFlag pops up and is visible to consumers, ensuring they can see if the container has been opened or tampered with. The containers can also be made with post-consumer recycled content, supporting the sustainabilty goals of Novolex customers.

Through its Pregis Inspyre™ product line, the company has taken steps to make a difference in communities worldwide. As a proud brand member of 1% for the Planet, 1% of the Inspyre product line sales are donated to the Uzima Clean Water Mission, a nonprofit organization working to bring clean drinking water to communities vulnerable to waterborne illnesses. Access to clean water is a critical global issue, and Pregis is committed to supporting Uzima’s mission to improve health and quality of life for those in need. “We believe that businesses should be a force for good. Through our Pregis Inspyre purpose-driven product offering, we are empowering customers to make product choices that create benefit to their operation and fuel meaningful change,” said Daché Davidson, CMO of Pregis. “Our partnership with Uzima helps ensure that communities around the world have access to clean water, a basic human right that so many still lack. This is just one way we’re extending our purpose to ‘inspyre’ positive change for people and the planet.”

Visitors will be able to explore an innovative portfolio of fibre-based, recyclable packaging papers that help customers and brand owners bring power to their purpose. These include a number of new and exciting solutions co-created with customers and expert partners from across the packaging value network. Demand for sustainable packaging continues to experience rapid growth. These co-creation projects are leading to recyclable, fibre-based breakthroughs that support packaging sustainability goals of brands and packaging converters.

In research published in Advanced Science, investigators drew inspiration from the octopus to develop an adhesive that achieves strong attachment and controlled release on varied substrates in wet and underwater environments. The feat could have numerous applications in fields ranging from healthcare and underwater robotics to infrastructure repair. By studying the octopus’s suckers—specifically, the exposed disc-like portion called the infundibulum—the researchers designed an elastic, curved stalk with a membrane that can change its shape and adhere to multiple surfaces. Underwater, the octopus-inspired adhesive strongly attached to complex objects from lightweight shells to large rocks and soft gel beads with different roughness, curvature, and hardness. The adhesive could be rapidly attached to these objects over many cycles and over long times and then be quickly released on demand.

Novolex® is launching Power Prep™ bags and rolls for grab-and-go hot sandwiches and other premium to-go fare. Manufactured by Bagcraft®, a Novolex brand, the new multilayered bags and rolls keep foods at the height of flavor as they are wrapped, frozen, thawed, reheated and held under heat at the point of sale. The bags ensure customers can savor delicious hot sandwiches, bagels and other fare that were prepared, wrapped and frozen at another location. Designed for convenience stores, supermarkets and other foodservice operators, Power Prep bags and rolls help satisfy America's growing hunger for top-quality prepared food to-go. They join Power Prep wraps, introduced in 2023, as the latest innovation from Bagcraft to provide packaging choices for grab-and-go foods.

The facility is the largest and most advanced of its kind, marking a significant milestone in sustainable packaging technology. Production is set to begin in Q4 2024 after successful large-scale testing. The Skene production unit utilizes an innovative dry forming process to produce high-performance formed fiber products, such as cup lids, designed to replace traditional plastics in food and beverage packaging. Unlike conventional wet forming, the dry process reduces water and energy consumption significantly, thus offering an even more sustainable manufacturing method for fibre-based packaging. Additionally, any excess material is recaptured and reused, ensuring a circular process with minimal waste.

Mondi plc announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the German, Benelux and UK corrugated converting and solid board operations of Schumacher Packaging1(“the Acquisition”). This Acquisition will expand Mondi’s corrugated footprint in Western Europe and add complementary fibre-based products, focused on eCommerce and FMCG, to enhance its existing customer offering. The Acquisition comprises seven corrugated converting plants, two solid board mills and four solid board converting plants. These operations complement Mondi’s existing network of corrugated plants across Central and Eastern Europe, adding over 1 billion square meters of capacity when fully operational. Among the acquired sites are two state-of-the-art mega-box plants in Germany, located at Ebersdorf and Greven, which have best-in-class production speed and operational efficiency as well as a highly skilled workforce with a culture aligned with Mondi’s.

Governor Josh Shapiro announced a significant investment of $500,000 from the Commonwealth to support Flexopack USA Inc. in establishing its first American manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. This project will inject $33 million into the local economy and create at least 64 new, full-time jobs in Lebanon County. Based in Greece, Flexopack USA will construct a 107,000-square-foot, rail-served facility at 3010 Hanford Drive in North Lebanon Township, the first phase of a three-phase project. This initiative will expand the company’s packaging product manufacturing footprint into the United States, including its role as the primary packaging supplier for Pennsylvania-based poultry company Bell & Evans. "Pennsylvania is the best place in the country for businesses to grow, and I’m proud that Flexopack saw that when choosing the Commonwealth for its first U.S. manufacturing facility,” said Governor Shapiro. “I’m highly competitive, and I’m thrilled that our strong manufacturing and agriculture sectors helped us secure this project over Texas. We’re committed to making meaningful investments in our private sector to position Pennsylvania as an economic leader, create jobs, and bring manufacturing back to the United States.”

Stora Enso's innovative cartonboard solutions are transforming the packaging landscape and helping our customers reduce plastics in their products. Hinojosa Packaging Galería Gráfica sought cartonboard that would mirror their customer’s sophisticated perfume with elevated and extraordinary packaging. By choosing Performa Brilliance™ as the packaging material, Hinojosa Packaging Galería Gráfica was able to create an elegant packaging solution perfectly fit for the product. As a testament to this successful collaboration, Stora Enso and Hinojosa Packaging Galería Gráfica were awarded Carton of the Year at the 2024 European Carton Excellence Awards. The European Carton Excellence Awards winner, the Origen Flor Natural cardboard case exemplifies sophisticated design by seamlessly blending elegant die-cutting with unmatched functionality -combining some of the innovative aspects that Stora Enso boards can offer. With Stora Enso material that is designed for high-end packaging applications, each carefully crafted detail enhances the unique consumer experience, reflecting the impeccable quality of the packaging.

UPM Raflatac is pleased to announce the launch of its new Packaging Recyclability Guide, designed to help fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) stakeholders across the packaging value chain navigate the complexities of packaging design and recyclability. The new guide, which is available as a free e-book on the company’s website here or as a downloadable pdf here, offers practical information on the guidelines, definitions and criteria to help make informed label choices that will enhance recyclability. With the emergence of the EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the focus on packaging circularity at this present time, mastering the intricacies of packaging sustainability and fortifying packaging solutions for the future has never been more essential. Although many companies have already made voluntary commitments to targets, such as using 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging, deciding the best way to achieve these goals can be challenging.

Hurricane Helene has made a significant impact in the Southeastern United States, including in the Carolinas where we have several operations. Our facilities in the area did not sustain major damage and are still able to ship product. While we are restoring full operations, we will be temporarily shifting some orders to other sites in our network to ensure we continue to meet your needs. Depending on your location, some customers might experience delivery delays. Trucks will have to take alternate routes as two major interstates in the area are closed due to significant flooding and resulting landslides.

Wilhelm Wolff (46), MSc, has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development and a member of Global Executive Team at Huhtamaki as of January 13, 2025. He will report to President and CEO Charles Héaulmé and will be based in Espoo, Finland. Wilhelm joins Huhtamaki from Neste where he served as the Vice President, Feedstock & Asset Development. Neste is a leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel, renewable diesel and renewable feedstock solutions, headquartered in Finland. Before his current role, he served as Vice President, Corporate Strategy. Prior to joining Neste, he had a long career at UPM-Kymmene, a global forest industry company, where he worked in various leadership roles including Vice President, Strategy & Business development, UPM Biorefining.

Pregis® expands its EasyPack® on-demand paper systems portfolio with three curbside-recyclable solutions that will be featured at Pack Expo 2024. These additions strengthen the comprehensive Pregis paper systems portfolio, which supports a wide range of in-the-box applications such as block and brace, cushioning, void fill, and wrapping. The company’s continued investment in paper-based solutions reinforces a commitment to sustainability by offering versatile systems designed for a wide range of applications. The on-demand Paper portfolio includes FSC® certified options, ensuring packaging is sourced in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Each system is engineered to enhance packer productivity with safe, ergonomic designs that require minimal training. EasyPack Quantum Pro Void-Fill System: Launched in early 2024, the Quantum Pro enhances the proven Quantum platform with bladeless auto-tear technology and increased throughput, ideal for high-volume environments. It maintains the trusted performance, safety, reliability, and ease of use that customers expect. EasyPack Bantam Void-Fill System: Engineered for simplicity and efficiency, Bantam optimizes the packaging process with a streamlined design and a precise paper-cutting mechanism. The adjustable head allows quick reorientation and effortless loading, ensuring seamless in-the-box fulfillment. EasyPack GeoTerra Auto Dispenser: Building on the success of the manual GeoTerra dispenser, the new automatic model delivers a faster, more efficient solution tailored for high-volume operations. GeoTerra wrappable paper offers light cushioning and interleaving protection, while its aesthetic design enhances the unboxing experience.

Stora Enso is preparing to sell approximately 12% of its total forest assets of 1.4 million hectares in Sweden. Stora Enso has therefore initiated steps to implement a new legal structure for its Swedish forest assets to facilitate the potential sale. A potential transaction would be subject to agreeing terms and conditions with investors, including a long-term wood supply and forest management agreement. A sale would reduce debt and further strengthen Stora Enso’s balance sheet, confirming the financial value of the Company’s forest holdings.

Mondi has co-founded an alliance to improve the circularity of used paper bags in the construction industry. The Spain-based alliance, called Paper Sacks Go Circular Spain comprises of 12 European companies from the full value chain including Mondi. In Spain, construction waste accounts for more than 30% of the total waste generated, with a recovery rate of only 48% according to the latest report from the Spanish National Statistics Institute (INE). Paper Sacks Go Circular Spain is an alliance of companies that share a common interest in closing the loop and building a circular economy for paper bags in Spain. Starting with paper bags for construction materials, the coalition will look for synergies with other construction and demolition waste streams to increase volumes and achieve economies of scale.

Mactac® Engineered Tapes & Laminates announces the launch of two Macbond® industrial tape product lines — Macbond® 481 Series Tapes and Macbond LS55 Series Tapes. Macbond 481 Series Tapes have a high-performance, high-strength, UL-recognized acrylic adhesive that delivers excellent shear and ultimate bond to medium or high surface energy materials. The series offers high temperature performance and layflat release liners for easy converting. Macbond 481 Tapes are available in transfer or double-sided (sheet or roll) format with a 1-mil, 3-mil or 5-mil PET carrier. Macbond LS55 Series Tapes feature a high-tack acrylic adhesive with excellent temperature resistance. The tapes are available as 2-mil or 4-mil transfer adhesives and are accompanied with a 60# PCK release liner. The Macbond LS55 Series stands out for its superior performance on low surface energy materials or other difficult-to-adhere-to substrates, including foam.

Norske Skog Skogn is proud to announce that the company’s major conversion project from recycled paper to pure wood fiber is now yielding concrete results. As part of this initiative, Norske Skog Skogn is launching a new packaging product made from 100% fresh wood fiber. The product is certified for direct food contact and represents an important milestone in Norske Skog Skogn’s transformation toward sustainable solutions. “The launch of this new packaging product marks a major step in our sustainability strategy and our ability to adapt to market demands,” says Håvard Busklein, Managing Director of Norske Skog Skogn. “The use of pure, Nordic spruce fiber without plastic or chemical coatings gives us a competitive advantage, especially in a market increasingly demanding safer and more environmentally friendly options for food packaging.”

Aptar celebrated the capacity extension at its Congers, New York facility. This expansion supports the growing prescription and consumer healthcare customer demand for proprietary drug delivery systems in North America. Stephan Tanda, Aptar President and CEO, along with members of Aptar’s executive committee, welcomed Aptar employees, customers, government representatives and officials attending the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the expansion of the state-of-the-art manufacturing site, which first began manufacturing in 2002. The building extension enhances warehousing, cleanroom and manufacturing capabilities onsite and adds an additional 28,500 sq. ft. of manufacturing footprint. The 160,000 square foot Congers facility employs approximately 350 people, supports 14 injection presses and 25 machines as well as eight ISO certified clean rooms.

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards, has partnered with Finnish confectionery maker Kouvolan Lakritsi to create a new, reclosable liquorice mug made of fresh fibre paperboard. Inspired by paperboard cups, Metsä Board’s packaging design team developed the new paperboard mug with a heat-sealed transparent plastic film that keeps the liquorice fresh. Once opened, the reclosable paperboard cover effectively preserves the liquorice. The result is a durable, recyclable container that keeps Kouvolan Lakritsi’s famous liquorice fresh while making a strong visual impression on store shelves. The new packaging also addresses common consumer complaints about traditional plastic sweet pouches, such as easy tearing and stickiness, while reducing the use of plastic.

Pregis® has expanded its AirSpeed® Renew™ PCR portfolio made from 80% post-consumer recycled content in North America. The two new on-demand inflatable solutions underscore the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable, performance-driven packaging that supports the circular economy. By incorporating 80% PCR content the product line’s carbon footprint is reduced by over 40% compared to the same packaging made from virgin resin as measured by an internally conducted life cycle assessment. The AirSpeed® Renew™ PCR portfolio featuring 80% PCR expanded to include: *New AirSpeed® Double Cushion Renew™ PCR: Ideal for flexible void-fill applications, providing top, side and corner protection. Its compact double-cushion design fits tight spaces, delivering reliable protection without compromising durability. *New AirSpeed® Quilt Renew™ PCR: Featuring low-profile air transfer technology, this moldable solution is perfect for wrapping and void-fill, conforming to various shapes and sizes for secure product protection. *AirSpeed® Hybrid Cushioning (HC) Renew™ PCR: Launched in 2023, HC Renew PCR provides high-performance cushioning featuring a proprietary square-pattern design for enhanced shock absorption during transit.

Diversey, a Solenis company, has announced a strategic partnership with Synexis LLC to distribute Synexis’ cutting-edge Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP®) technology to customers in the healthcare sector across the United States and Canada. Synexis’ patented DHP technology continuously reduces viruses, bacteria, mold and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in occupied spaces, providing a proactive approach to improving indoor air and surface quality. This innovative solution operates 24/7, offering continuous microbial reduction in real time.

With options for an ultimate adhesive bond to low, medium or high surface energy materials, the latest tape innovations feature ideal blends of adhesive properties to meet a variety of customer needs. “Mactac is committed to offering a diverse product portfolio to support our customers across all market segments,” said Janet Page, Business Unit Manager, Mactac Engineered Tapes & Laminates. “Our asset base and technologies allow us to offer a wider range of industrial tapes — making Mactac a true one-stop shop.” Macbond 481 Series Tapes have a high-performance, high-strength, UL-recognized acrylic adhesive that delivers excellent shear and ultimate bond to medium or high surface energy materials. The series offers high temperature performance and layflat release liners for easy converting. Macbond 481 Tapes are available in transfer or double-sided (sheet or roll) format with a 1-mil, 3-mil or 5-mil PET carrier. Macbond LS55 Series Tapes feature a high-tack acrylic adhesive with excellent temperature resistance. The tapes are available as 2-mil or 4-mil transfer adhesives and are accompanied with a 60# PCK release liner. The Macbond LS55 Series stands out for its superior performance on low surface energy materials or other difficult-to-adhere-to substrates, including foam.

Packaging designs crafted from Metsä Board’s paperboard have won three Gold Awards at the European Carton Excellence Awards 2024. The awards, hosted by Pro Carton and the European Carton Makers Association (ECMA), were announced on 19 September in Berlin, Germany. In addition to the Gold Awards, two entries made of Metsä Board paperboard were recognized for the Innovation and Public Award categories. “Producing highly challenging print and structures demands exceptional material quality, and the winning packaging concepts clearly demonstrate the versatility and premium quality of Metsä Board's folding boxboard grades,” says Neil Fox, VP Sales FBB EMEA at Metsä Board. “On behalf of Metsä Board, I’d like to congratulate all winners and recipients of the European Carton Excellence Awards 2024.”

Tetra Pak has collaborated with a leading company in the European juices, nectars and soft drinks markets to launch the new Tetra Prisma® Aseptic 300 Edge beverage carton. This innovative portion package stands out on the shelf, with its distinct look and ergonomic design catering to the preference of modern consumers for taller, slimmer packaging. Research1 shows that, with buyers rethinking discretionary spending, a ‘less is more’ design approach is gaining in popularity, characterised by pared back simplicity. Designed for ease of use, the shape of the new paper-based carton package also makes it more comfortable to hold, particularly for smaller hands. Its wide opening ensures a steady flow for easy drinking, while its compact size makes it convenient for on-the-go consumption. Product wastage is minimised by combining the slanted top of the Tetra Prisma® Aseptic 300 Edge carton with a DreamCap™ 26 Pro tethered closure. This helps to prevent litter too, as the cap stays attached to the package; therefore, it can be collected alongside the carton once consumers have enjoyed their drink and put the container in the correct bin for recycling.

Koehler Paper will be shining a spotlight on the circular economy at this year’s Fachpack trade fair in Nuremberg on September 24–26, 2024. Using its “NexFlex®” flexible packaging paper and “greenium” recycling paper as examples, the company will be demonstrating how it is already applying circular economy principles for the paper packaging sector at stand 310 in Hall 3A. In doing so, Koehler Paper is making a vital contribution to conserving resources. One priority when developing “NexFlex®” flexible packaging paper is to make sure that it is recyclable and offers outstanding product protection. The paper can then be recycled as part of a standard paper recycling process or reused. This is also certified by the Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS, Paper Technology Foundation) and environmental service provider Interzero. “With our flexible packaging paper for food and non-food applications, we offer future-proof products that are made from renewable raw materials and are well suited for recycling after use,” explains Christoph Wachter, Director of Flexible Packaging Paper at Koehler Paper.

Over the last three years, we’ve released a Sustainability Report that highlights the Sustainability Program’s initiatives, goals, and progress of Atlantic and A New Earth Project. It has become clear that our journey toward environmental sustainability is closely tied to health: planetary health of course, but also our health as humans. The oceans, lakes, and rivers we fight to keep clean are the same waters that sustain us. Our search for new and better materials for packaging has just as much to do with protecting human health as it does protecting the environment. For that reason, as we roll out our 2023-2024 report, we’re excited to expand it from being just a sustainability report to our first Healthy People, Healthy Planet Report. It covers environmental sustainability alongside our ever-growing Wellness Program that has become a cornerstone of our culture. It also covers the critical intersection of sustainability, wellness, and the initiatives we’re taking to weave these principles together.

Koehler Paper has launched a new high-quality product range specially for tea packaging, offering the perfect solution to high demand for organic tea and sustainable packaging alternatives on the tea market. The different types of flexible packaging paper cover a broad range of requirements—from good knurling and heat-sealing properties with or without a barrier function, for instance for high aroma pro-tection, to teabag wrapping and flow packs. Koehler Paper is showcasing the range at the Fachpack trade fair in Nuremberg from September 24–26, 2024 at stand 310 in Hall 3a. “Our flexible packaging paper has a lot of advantages: It is recyclable, offers top product protection, complies with food standards, and is highly compatible with tea packaging machines, offering the same efficiency and speed as plastic film,” explains Christoph Wachter, Director of Flexible Packaging Paper at Koehler Paper.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in August increased 12% compared to August 2023. They were up 12% when compared to the same 8 months of 2023. The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 90.7%, up 10.2 points from August 2023 and up 6.3 points year-to-date. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers - food wrapping - were 25,300 short tons for the month of August, down 0.5% from the same month last year and essentially flat year-to-date.

Pregis® invests in additional capacity with state-of-the-art, blown film lines across its facilities. This expansion enables Pregis to grow its sustainable, barrier and non-barrier film offerings to meet the growing demands from rigid to flexible packaging in food and consumer packaged goods (CPG). As the market continues to shift, it accelerates the need for flexible solutions that not only provide performance but support the circular economy. The Pregis Renew™ brand of sustainable sealant and print films provides optimal physical properties while also incorporating aspects such as recyclability and recycled content. Flexible solutions, compared to rigid alternatives, inherently create the potential to utilize fewer materials, which can contribute to lower material costs and require less space—both on and off the shelf. “We are constantly seeking ways to develop innovative, high-quality films that align with critical business and environmental goals,” said Bob Gargione, President at Pregis Performance Flexibles. “This investment will allow us to build on our vision of helping customers choose the responsible solution for both their company and the environment.”

We are excited to announce that our groundbreaking food packaging solution has been selected for the Cepi Bioeconomy Lab – an exhibition dedicated to showcase bio-based products that represent the future of sustainable, climate-friendly alternatives. The event gathers Europe’s most forward-thinking innovations, driving the transition to a circular bioeconomy. As the demand for convenience and ready-to-eat food increases, so does the need for environmentally responsible packaging. Our wood pulp-based trays, Nature by Rottneros, is sourced from sustainably managed Nordic forests, and offers a cutting-edge solution to reducing plastic in food packaging. With a barrier layer comprising less than 10% of the packaging’s total weight, we meet essential requirements while aligning with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Consumers can easily separate the fiber tray from the barrier liner, ensuring proper recycling.

Mondi is partnering with Welton, Bibby and Baron, a leading packaging supplier to the UK food and FMCG markets, to introduce recyclable paper-based bread bags to retail shelves. WBB is converting Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce to create brown and white paper bags for different pre-packed fresh bread products. Mondi is producing the strong base kraft paper from responsibly sourced fibres and coats it in-house to ensure the final packaging’s essential barrier properties. FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce is the thinnest paper possible in Mondi’s barrier paper range, offering the strength needed for higher filling weights while delivering superb food compliant protection against water vapour, grease and moisture. The final packaging keeps the bread fresh, soft and moist, while offering a recyclable alternative to the previous unrecyclable packaging.

Mid South Extrusion, a flexible film and bag manufacturer, announced it is investing $17 million at its facility in Ouachita Parish to install two new state-of-the-art blown film extrusion lines to support growing demand from customers. “Mid South Extrusion has driven economic activity and created opportunity in northeast Louisiana for nearly 40 years, and we are proud that they continue to grow in Louisiana,” LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “I thank MSE for its continued reinvestment and commitment to our state and best-in-class manufacturing workforce.” The additional lines will allow the company to increase production of polyethylene film, the thin, lightweight plastic sheeting that is used to seal and protect a wide variety of packaged industrial and consumer products. MSE serves customers in a wide array of sectors, including agriculture, consumer products, food and beverage, e-commerce and industrial applications.

Solenis, a leading producer of specialty chemicals, is collaborating with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, an innovative technology company with a leading position in the global printing industry, to advance a more cost-effective way of integrating barrier coatings for paper packaging directly within the existing flexographic printing process. Barrier coatings are used to repel hot and cold liquids, oils, greases, and water vapor in paper packaging. With this innovation, packaging producers can use the HEIDELBERG portfolio of flexographic machines to print-apply Solenis’ barrier coatings. This expands the possibilities for flat sheet paper and inline web-fed flexo applications with improved product performance and better production efficiency.

Inspired by the promise of responsible packaging for a brilliant future, Amcor’s flexibles and rigids businesses will come together to display packaging for retail, food service, healthcare, and industrial applications. Visitors will find Amcor in South Hall, booth #3705, at McCormick Place. Guided by Amcor’s packaging experts, visitors will experience innovation driven by operational efficiencies and consumer trends, such as convenience, generational preferences, and shelf appeal. Brands focused on improving their sustainability will find drop-in solutions for over 85% of Amcor’s product portfolio, ready to run today and meeting the performance needs that customers’ production environments demand.

Among the Trioworld trade fair highlights are a new packaging product development for wet wipes made from beverage carton recycling waste and PCR LDPE as well as hard-wearing with 70% recycled content. Trioworld acquired Wentus GmbH earlier this year, expanding the Trioworld product offering in the consumer and food packaging range and the company will have completed the official company name change to Trioworld Höxter GmbH in time for FACHPACK in Nuremberg on September 24-26 this year. The films under the brand name WENTOPRO® includes examples of how to save resources in the packaging process. These include, for example, the SkinTight® range of premium skin films for various applications such as fresh meat, fish or poultry. Overall, the films stand for lower energy consumption thanks to lower processing temperatures and less plastic used for the overall packaging.

Koehler Paper has added “Koehler NexPlus® Seal WVB” to its portfolio of innovative flexible packaging paper in the NexPlus® product line. “Koehler NexPlus® Seal WVB” is a heat-sealable paper which boasts a vapor barrier as its functional layer, thereby offering optimal product protection. The barrier paper is used as primary and secondary packaging and is suitable for a variety of food and non-food products. These include household items like dishwasher tabs, washing powder and bath tabs. “Koehler NexPlus® Seal WVB” is produced with a grammage of 75 gsm. Thanks to its outstanding strength properties, excellent sealability, and optimal runnability “Koehler NexPlus® Seal WVB” is ideally suited for processing on all conventional converting and packaging machines—particularly for gravure and flexographic printing. The barrier paper is made from 100-percent certified virgin fiber pulp, which means it is equally suitable for direct contact with food.

International Paper announced that its board of directors elected Andy Silvernail as Chairman of the International Paper Board of Directors in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective October 1, 2024. Mark Sutton, who has continued to serve in the role of Chairman of the Board since retiring as CEO in May, will retire from the Board on September 30, 2024. International Paper Lead Director Chris Connor said, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I'd like to thank Mark for his many years of service to IP and for his leadership as Chairman and CEO. During his tenure, he strengthened the company's balance sheet and focused the portfolio. He leaves behind a strong legacy, and we wish him and his family all the best."

Aptar Pharma announced that it has entered into an exclusive collaboration agreement with PULMOTREE to lead the development and promotion of their Kolibri™ Non-Propellant Liquid Inhaler (NPLI) platform. As part of the agreement, Aptar Pharma will provide PULMOTREE with their full support to accelerate growth, be the main point of contact for customers, and have the ability to complement the Kolibri™ NPLI Platform Technology with Aptar’s suite of comprehensive services. Non-Propellant Liquid Inhalers encompass nebulizers and soft-mist inhalers, and are being developed as an alternative to propellant-based systems. PULMOTREE’s Kolibri™ utilizes a robust breath-triggered Vibrating Mesh aerosolization engine with unique breath-guidance capabilities to enhance targeted lung deposition. The Kolibri™ technology is award-winning and incorporates advanced connectivity features.

Fred Stephan, previously President, Amcor Flexibles North America, has been appointed to the newly introduced role of Chief Operating Officer. Fred will report to the Chief Executive Officer and will be responsible for enhancing the Company’s ability to leverage and accelerate profitable growth opportunities across the global flexible packaging businesses, ensuring coordinated execution between business operations and commercial teams. David Clark, previously Amcor Vice President, Sustainability, has been appointed to the new Chief Sustainability Officer role. In this role David will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and have responsibility for Amcor’s sustainability strategies and policies, overseeing their implementation across the Company.

Mactac® will highlight its commitment to environmentally responsible innovation at Labelexpo Americas 2024, showcasing its Simply Sustainable® solutions. As a pressure-sensitive label industry leader, Mactac continues to push the boundaries of material design, manufacturing and reprocessing throughout the product life cycle. Attendees are invited to booth #143 to discover the latest recyclable plastic container labels, thinner release liners and post-consumer waste (PCW) labels that simplify recycling and enhance packaging sustainability. Among the Simply Sustainable® items Mactac will feature are: *APR®-recognized container labels *Thinner release liners *Post-Consumer Waste labelstocks

Pregis® launches the Pregis EasyPack® GeoTerra® Auto Dispenser to the North American Market. Engineered with a packer-centric focus, this new dispenser for GeoTerra paper-based packaging boosts productivity for businesses seeking efficient, wrappable solutions that support curbside recyclability. Building on the success of the manual GeoTerra dispenser launched in 2022, the new auto dispenser offers a faster, more streamlined solution for high-volume operations. GeoTerra paper continues to provide light-cushioning and interleaving protection, combined with an aesthetic design that elevates the unboxing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for e-commerce, home goods, beauty, nutraceuticals, and other consumer-product brands where product protection and presentation are paramount.

“We are excited to highlight our breadth of capabilities that enable us to collaborate, innovate, and most importantly, support our customers’ customers,” said Shae Hinman, Director of Sales, Americas, Mativ. “This collective display is a tremendous opportunity for us to show customers how our suite of solutions helps to connect, protect, and purify our world.” Mativ’s label solutions are aligned under the brands of Indafor, Itasa and Neenah and support a wide range of applications, including high performance labels that stand up to the harshest environments, disposable and efficient food rotation labels, premium image wine and spirit labels, and a broad array of release liner products that serve end markets such as hygiene, industrials and composites.

Sonoco Products Company announced that it has initiated a review of strategic alternatives for the Company’s Thermoformed & Flexible Packaging (“TFP”) business, a part of the Company’s Consumer Packaging segment. Exploring alternatives for the TFP business is expected to accelerate Sonoco’s portfolio simplification strategy, improve pro forma leverage and further increase shareholder value. Sonoco’s TFP is a market leading thermoformed and flexible packaging business serving a wide range of customers in food, retail and medical markets. TFP provides a variety of complex packaging to value-added categories including snacks, condiments, healthcare, prepared meals, fresh products and coffee and pet. On a pro forma standalone basis, TFP had revenue of $1.3 billion in 2023.

Sealed Air is helping Best Buy through the introduction of packaging solutions that allow the company to use more recycled packaging content for shipping Best Buy products to consumers across North America. Best Buy, the electronics, computer, appliances and technology product retailer, is taking meaningful action by using packaging that not only preserves the value of their products, but also supports the circular economy through use of packaging containing recycled content. Through this partnership, Sealed Air's packaging experts worked with Best Buy to provide them with a corresponding suite of products that helped them reduce the amount of virgin plastic used in packaging.

American Twisting is a trusted manufacturer of twisted-paper handles used in the production of paper bags. A family-owned business in continuous operation for more than 100 years, the company is headquartered and has manufacturing facilities in South Haven, Mich. Eligible full-time employees are expected to join Novolex. “American Twisting is an excellent addition to our company, and we welcome their skilled and committed team to the Novolex family,” said Stan Bikulege, Chairman and CEO of Novolex. “I’m confident that our long-standing relationship with American Twisting and their steadfast commitment to safety will ensure a smooth integration into Novolex operations.”

Greif, Inc. announced the opening of its new facility in Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. This significant milestone marks a new chapter in Greif's commitment to delivering high-quality packaging solutions while contributing to the local economy. The company’s new facility in Pasir Gudang manufactures Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), which are used in various industries such as food, chemicals, lubricants, flavors, and fragrances. Greif's reputation for excellence is highlighted by its ISO 9001:2015 certification, which reflects Greif’s stringent quality standards across its operations.

Pactiv Evergreen Inc., a leading manufacturer of fresh food and beverage packaging in North America, is excited to launch innovative Recycleware® Reduced-Density Polypropylene (RDPP) meat trays. Pactiv Evergreen’s Recycleware RDPP meat trays are the perfect solution for packer processors seeking alternatives to foam polystyrene. “Pactiv Evergreen is dedicated to producing innovative, quality packaging with a reduced environmental impact,” said Eric Wulf, President of Pactiv Evergreen’s Food and Beverage Merchandising business. “Our new Recycleware RDPP Meat Trays are vertically integrated, meaning they are extruded, thermoformed and padded at our facilities. They are processor grade and run well on existing overwrap equipment.” Pactiv Evergreen’s Recycleware RDPP meat trays have been recognized by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) as meeting the highest criteria in the APR Design® Guide for Plastics Recyclability. Additionally, they may be recycled in communities that accept polypropylene trays. The Recycleware RDPP meat trays are a sustainable alternative to foam polystyrene trays.

Fiscal Third Quarter 2024 Financial Highlights: *Net income decreased 3.5% to $87.1 million *Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $125.5 million to $76.8 million. *Total debt of $2,909.5 million increased by $738.0 million. “We are proud to present another solid quarter of performance for Greif,” stated Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO, “While global markets remain uncertain, our diligence in maintaining close contact with our customers has resulted in positive volume momentum in all regions. We are also making strides internally. We are nearing completion of the previously announced internal re-alignment of operating and commercial functions and plan to discuss the benefits of that transition in greater detail at our upcoming Investor Day on December 11”.

Have you noticed a shift in paper packaging innovation lately? We have, and so have the industry analysts whose job it is to track paper and packaging trends. Consumers prefer paper packaging, and manufacturers are responding by turning to fiber-based alternatives to plastic packaging. That’s led to what the Sustainable Packaging Coalition has dubbed “the paperization of everything” — from the obvious, like shipping boxes and product packaging, to the not-so-obvious, like can holders, blister packs, candy wrappers and even bread clips. It’s a trend that started accelerating in 2020, with a 44 percent rise in online shopping thanks to the pandemic, and it has continued to gain momentum. In fact, the e-commerce packaging industry is expected to top $100 billion by 2027, with more and more of that space taken up by paper and cardboard solutions. The more paper packaging innovation consumers see in their day-to-day lives, the more they want — and the more manufacturers must innovate. “As paper manufacturers expand the strength, capabilities and other properties of paper, you’ll continue to see new applications where previously you couldn’t have used a fiber-based solution,” says Amy McGhee, marketing and product manager for Domtar’s Specialty and Packaging Papers. “With the strength and quality of the 100-percent recycled containerboard from our Kingsport Mill, we’re making inroads in places where virgin fiber used to be the primary player.”

Developing paper for sustainable solutions that make life better. This is what Felix Schoeller stands for with its brand promise PAPER MADE FOR LIFE. Therefore, the specialty paper manufacturer is also breaking new ground in packaging with recyclable FlexPaper and PrimePaper – without any compromise on flexibility, printability and high-quality coating. Visitors of FACHPACK will be able to experience the benefits of the innovative product portfolio live at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from the 24th to 26th of September 2024. Felix Schoeller will be presenting recyclable barrier paper at the stand 234 in Hall 4A. “We are thinking further in terms of producing paper, consistently pursuing our strategy of moving away from plastic and focusing on our main raw material, paper, and showing that PAPER MADE FOR LIFE is not just lip service”, says Andreas Bergmeier, Sales and Product Senior Manager Packaging. “As a partner for high-quality, customised paper solutions and technology leader for barrier coatings, it is rather an expression of an honest striving for packaging with real added value for our customers.”

California seems poised to join the list of states that no longer allow grocery stores to offer the option of plastic bags at the checkout. On Aug. 29, lawmakers in both branches of California state government approved two companion bills that would eliminate all plastic bags from the point of sale. The legislation is focused on checkout bags as opposed to bags used to hold produce or wrap food that could cause contamination. Customers would be encouraged to bring their own bags or purchase recycled paper bags at checkout for a nominal fee.

CO-RO is a Danish company with a rich heritage. Together with their local partners around the world, they deliver over 3.5 billion servings of high-quality fruit-based drinks and ice lollies every year. Their beloved brands, including Sunquick, Suntop, Suncola, and Sun Lolly, have become household names, synonymous with quality and great taste.

Metsä Group’s production units annually generate around 12 million tonnes of wood-based carbon dioxide, and the company is increasingly focusing on promoting its large-scale capture. “Bio-based carbon dioxide is an important but still untapped side stream that could be harnessed more effectively as the technology and markets develop,” says Kaija Pehu-Lehtonen, who has been appointed the new project director of Metsä Group’s carbon capture project. If carbon capture proves viable, it will provide the forest industry with a new high-volume wood-based raw material that can be used to replace fossil-based materials. “We aim to use Nordic wood in a resource-efficient way and make ever greater use of our production side streams to convert wood into increasingly valuable products,” says Sari Pajari-Sederholm, EVP, Strategy at Metsä Group.

International Paper announced its Board of Directors elected Tom Hamic to a newly created role: Executive Vice President and President of North American Packaging Solutions, reporting to CEO Andy Silvernail. Effective September 1, Hamic will be responsible for leading the company's Container and Containerboard businesses in North America. "Tom is a strategic and effective leader with a long track record of success," said Silvernail. "The Board and I are confident he will lead the team well as we work together to deliver excellence for our customers and profitable growth for our shareholders."

• Q2 ahead of Q2 2023 • Half-year financial results below previous year due to pricing • Cash flow significantly improved • Strong volume increase in Board & Paper • For more transparency Packaging from now on reported as two divisions: MM Food & Premium Packaging and MM Pharma & Healthcare Packaging • Solid performance in Packaging divisions • Considerable reduction of carbon footprint vs. 1st HY 2023. Peter Oswald, MM CEO, comments: “The MM Group succeeded in improving its adjusted EBITDA and adjusted operating profit in the 2nd quarter compared to both the previous two quarters as well as last year’s 2nd quarter. The consistent execution of the profit & cash protection programme led to a significant increase in cash flow from operating activities and free cash flow. At the same time, the Group’s financial leverage remained largely constant.

Pregis®, a leading global manufacturer of protective packaging, mailing and bagging, and flexible packaging solutions, has made significant investments in new production lines at its Bethel, Pennsylvania, and Reno, Nevada facilities to increase capacity for its Pregis EverTec™ Mailer portfolio, with a particular focus on the EverTec Non-Cushioned Mailer. This investment underscores the company's commitment to meeting the growing needs of ecommerce fulfillment and retail industries. "This expansion results from strategic planning and determined readiness to meet surging ecommerce and retail demands for fiber-based, curbside recyclable mailers. Upgrading our existing facilities with new production lines means widening our footprint and making it easier to provide our most popular mailing solutions to customers nationwide," explains Stephan Carter, president of Pregis Mailing Solutions. "With the latest enhancements in production capabilities, Pregis continues to lead the way in delivering reliable and efficient packaging solutions to meet the evolving demands of the market."

Stora Enso proudly teams up with Enkei, providing recyclable packaging materials to protect their sustainable design pieces, made from discarded materials. Innovation with purpose – just the right kind of initiative Stora Enso likes to support. The Swedish startup Enkei needed to find a smart and sustainable packaging solution to protect their handcrafted designer table lamp Reminder (001) – without compromising on sustainability, safety or aesthetics. Packed and protected in a combination of corrugated board and the cushioning material Papira® by Stora Enso – both materials made by Stora Enso – the Reminder (001) can now safely make its way to customers all over the world.

Packaging paper manufacturer Sappi Europe offers the flexible packaging market’s most extensive portfolio of functional papers – with a focus on compelling alternatives to multi-layer material and plastic packaging. The company is further expanding its broad portfolio by adding new products such as Guard ICC, a flexible packaging paper for ice cream cones, Guard OHS a barrier and heat sealable paper for various food and non-food packaging applications and Guard Twist Gloss, a glossy, recyclable wax free barrier paper for twisting applications in the confectionary market. The new products will be presented at Sappi’s booth (Hall 4A, Stand 306) at this year’s FACHPACK (24. to 26. September) in Nuremberg, Europe’s central meeting place for the packaging industry and its users. *The perfect choice for ice cream cones: Guard ICC made for direct food contact *Guard OHS is an attractive complement to our existing high-barrier paper range *For sugar confectionery and chocolate wrappers: Guard Twist Gloss

Reliance Packaging, LLC, a manufacturer of printed plastic packaging, will invest more than $7.4 million to expand its operations and increase its capacity in the Town of Aberdeen. “This announcement is yet more proof that North Carolina is the best state for business,” said Governor Cooper in a press release. “When companies like Reliance Packaging choose to expand in Moore County, it validates the strength of our manufacturing economy, workforce, and our quality of life.” Operating in Aberdeen since 2014, Reliance Packaging extrudes plastic resin into printed heavy duty plastic bags and film for the lawn and garden market as well as many other outdoor applications. This expansion includes building improvements and two additional multi-layer film extruders for the 180,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

Graphic Packaging International, LLC announced its aspiration to achieve Net Zero Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2050 in conjunction with the release of its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance report. The ESG report outlines the company's Better, Every Day sustainability strategy and plans for achieving its new Better by 2030 sustainability goals designed to drive more circularity in its innovative paperboard consumer packaging, support a safe and inclusive culture, and protect environmental resources. "Our Vision 2030 business strategy marks an increased commitment to sustainability, innovation, and our culture," said Graphic Packaging President and CEO Michael P. Doss. "This vision will advance our path toward global leadership in sustainable consumer packaging and motivate us to deliver products that are better for our customers, better for consumers, and better for our planet."

Amcor Interim CEO Peter Konieczny said: “Amcor finished fiscal 2024 strongly, as the underlying businessdelivered another sequential improvement in volume and earnings growth, with fourth quarter adjusted EPS up9%, ahead of the expectations we set out in April. Volumes returned to year on year growth in the quarter ascustomer demand improved and our teams maintained their outstanding focus on managing costs, drivingstrong margin expansion. Annual adjusted free cash flow was at the top end of our guidance range and up 12%on last year.

Green Bay Packaging (GBP) is thrilled to announce a land acquisition near Phoenix, Arizona. The approximately 80-acre parcel is located at the NEC/SEC of Bianco and Kortsen Roads in Casa Grande. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Green Bay Packaging to Casa Grande,” said Casa Grande Mayor Craig McFarland. “This investment is a testament to our city’s strategic growth and commitment to fostering a vibrant business environment. We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership with Green Bay Packaging.” “Green Bay Packaging is excited to be a part of the great community of Casa Grande Arizona,” said GBP Executive Vice President Bryan Hollenbach. “The surrounding markets are a growing business community that we believe will be a great fit for the future presence of a significant GBP corrugated box operation. We want to thank Newmark and Land Advisors for their help in bringing this important investment to closure.”

In an era where environmental consciousness is at the forefront of consumer and corporate agendas, the packaging industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Around the world industries are strengthening their focus on sustainability and methods to reduce environmental footprints. With the rising awareness of environmental issues like plastic pollution and deforestation, businesses are turning to recycled pulp packaging to meet their needs. Recycled pulp, derived from post-consumer waste paper, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials like plastic and virgin paper. By diverting waste from landfills and reducing the demand for new raw materials, recycled pulp helps conserve natural resources.

After years in the commercial construction industry, XF Films has partnered with Chandler Properties to use Barrier-Bac, an anti-vapor barrier, in the Chandler Reserve Club, a gated residential project development in Florence, SC. This is the first time Barrier-Bac has been used in residential construction. General Manager of XF Films Frank Chen said Barrier-Bac’s debut in residential construction is a win for the Inteplast Group business unit. “The project owner agreed that this would greatly benefit the rental houses in the long run. This is the first time that our commercial grade Barrier-Bac was used on residential houses. The success of this project has opened the door for us to the residential building market, and we are excited about future possibilities,” said Chen. The topography of Florence’s flat terrain puts it at risk for flooding and higher occurrences for hurricanes, according to the city’s official website. In addition, Barrier-Bac is another layer of insulation and supports lower energy costs for residents. While single-family homes often use low-grade poly film with a 0.1 water vapor permeance rate, Barrier-Bac – has a 0.02 water permeance rate, rendering it compliant and superior to alternatives. Along with its advanced water vapor blockage, Barrier-Bac ensures longer structural integrity for homes.

Retail giant, Amazon, recently delivered a welcome break from the political news media to report on their shift to paper packaging across a significant part of their North American operations. As detailed in a press release on June 20th, 2024, Amazon reported a transition of 95% of their box “filler” from plastic air pillows to a paper void fill solution. This multi-year transition has been enabled by significant investments in their fulfillment operations, the package design engineering teams and sourcing teams. Amazon's leadership in sustainable packaging sets an example for the industry, demonstrating how aligning packaging choices with broader business objectives and sustainability goals can lead to innovative solutions and operational efficiencies. At Pregis, we’re pleased to be an innovation partner with Amazon to support their mission to “Ensure that customers receive their items undamaged, while using as little packaging as possible to avoid waste and prioritizing recyclable materials.” We share in Amazon’s focus on protecting against damage, optimizing packaging material use and designing for circularity (in layman’s terms that means enabling recyclability at end of the products life, so it does not become landfill waste).