ePac Flexible Packaging Announces Global Expansion

The Mayr-Melnhof Group (MM) has completed the acquisition of Kotkamills, Finland, agreed in December 2020, with the approval of all relevant competition authorities. With the acquisition, MM strengthens its position on the virgin fiber board (FBB) market with an attractive range of barrier board solutions that can replace PE (polyethylene) -coated board. MM is also entering the growing market for cardboard for paper cups (cup stock). The acquisition complements MM's established market position in recycled cardboard. In addition, MM is diversifying its product range with Saturating Kraft Paper / Impregnation paper, in which Kotkamills is one of the world's leading producers. "MM Kotkamills will play a strong and dynamic role within MM as an innovator in cardboard for modern paper cups, the water-dispersion-based coating of which is already carried out on-line in the cardboard machine. Our medium-term goal is to bring the sales volume to a capacity of around 400,000 t of carton per year. We look forward to a successful collaboration with our new colleagues, "comments Peter Oswald, CEO of the MM Group.

Hood Container Corporation announced today that it has entered into an agreement to buy the packaging assets of Independent II in Louisville, KY. Independent II’s assets will complement Hood Container’s footprint and create greater converting capacity for Hood Container in the increasingly important Kentucky and Ohio region. The transaction is expected to close in the near future. Charlie Hodges, President and COO of Hood Container Corporation, commented, “Independent II adds impressive assets and capabilities to Hood Container’s current portfolio. Additionally, its location allows increased presence and growth in markets we currently serve. We are excited to add these capabilities to Hood’s offerings to better serve and care for Hood’s and I2’s existing and new customers.” Neil MacDonald, CEO of Independent II commended “I2’s team is excited to join the Hood Container family and looks forward to continuing the mission that I2 started 18 years ago to be the premier supplier of corrugated packaging in the greater Louisville area. We look forward to assisting Hood Container in reaching the full potential of I2’s state-of-the-art assets and in continuing to provide quality products and services to our customers.”

Amcor released its first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) report, which includes the results of Amcor’s climate scenario analysis exercise, along with information about the company’s climate governance structure, risk management approach and performance metrics. As a leader in sustainability, the report marks another milestone for the organization, ensuring continued transparency of its climate-related business risks as well as providing a roadmap on how to best integrate climate risk management opportunities within its operational strategy. Michael Casamento, Chief Financial Officer at Amcor, said, “The report represents the latest example of how Amcor has integrated climate-related considerations into its growth strategy and risk management framework. Adding TCFD standards to our sustainability-related reporting that already adheres to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), as well as leading the packaging industry by reporting against SASB standards, helps us continue to lead with transparent, forward-thinking environmental stewardship.”