Cosmo Films Announces CPP Film Expansion (Whattheythink.com)

Paper is a sustainable, capable packaging material. Here are some of the ways protective paper packaging can increase sustainability and reduce damages. Executive summary: *Paper is a sustainable option for shippers who want to simultaneously protect packages and meet sustainability goals. *Protective paper packaging is an excellent material for block and brace packaging and works well for industrial components like small automotive parts. *Pregis machines like the Easypack® Packmaster™ Pro complement paper packaging and allow workers to quickly and efficiently protect products during shipment. *Box-in-box products, like those commonly used by e-commerce shippers, can be filled with paper packaging to provide extra protection. *Paper is ideal for products with sharp edges or irregular shapes, as it can be ripped and torn without losing its cushioning qualities.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in March increased three percent compared to March 2020. They were up three percent when compared to the same three months of 2020. The operating rate was 91.0 percent, down 2.2 points from March 2020 and up 0.6 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of March decreased 10,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 6,000 short tons compared to March 2020.

Net sales of $1.33 billion decreased 1% as reported, with EMEA decreasing 6%, APAC decreasing 3% and the Americas up less than 1%. Net earnings were $83 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, as compared to net earnings of $63 million, or $0.44 per diluted share. The current year results were impacted by $29 million of Special Items expense, including $22 million of restructuring and other associated costs related to the cost take-out to grow program ("CTO2Grow Program"). The prior year results were impacted by $44 million of Special Items expense, $30 million of which related to the Liquibox acquisition. Income tax expense was $36 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 30.0% in the quarter. This compares to an income tax expense of $34 million in the prior year period, or an effective tax rate of 35.0%. The lower effective tax rate is primarily driven by lower accruals for uncertain tax positions in the current year.