DS Smith and Coca-Cola replace plastic handles with “LIFT UP” cardboard based packaging innovation

Huhtamaki launches ICON® packaging, a breakthrough paper technology, initially for use for ice cream containers and lids, which enables recycling in communities with paper product recycling programs across the United States. This is a significant breakthrough in delivering a sustainable solution for consumers which combines Huhtamaki’s proprietary water-based barrier coating with SFI-certified paperboard and results in the entire package being made with 95% renewable biobased material. This enables the ice cream containers and lids to be recycled along with other paper products such as folded carton packaging. “Our paper-based technology and barrier solutions are the key differentiators in ICON® ice cream packaging. The technology allows ice cream packaging to enter the existing North American recycling stream more easily. At Huhtamaki we are driven by innovation and operational excellence, designing for circularity and developing next generation innovation. ICON® packaging has been developed by Huhtamaki’s Technology and Development (T&D) and operational team as an alternative packaging solution for ice cream. Our teams use their expertise in barrier functionality, paper forming and printing to drive differentiation and deliver game-changing sustainable food packaging to our customers,” explains Ann O’Hara, President of Huhtamaki North America.

Second Quarter Highlights and other notable items: *Net sales of $4.73 billion *Net income of $16 million, Adjusted Net Income of $101 million; net income included $81 million of restructuring and other costs, net *Earnings of $0.06 per diluted share (“EPS”) and Adjusted EPS of $0.39 *Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $618 million *Consumer Packaging Adjusted EBITDA margin increased 70 bps to 18.0% *Achieved over $160 million in cost savings; expect to significantly exceed previously announced fiscal 2024 target of $300 to $400 million

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.