International Paper Completes Transfer of Their North America Consumer Packaging Business to Graphic Packaging

Eric Le Lay, President of Huhtamaki’s Fiber Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania business, has been appointed President of the European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA) as of March 24, 2021. Representing Europe’s leading manufacturers of paper and fiber-based food and foodservice packaging, EPPA promotes food safety, circular solutions, and lower carbon emissions. The European paper and board packaging sector directly employs around than 50,000 people and supports the foodservice market, with an estimated turnover of EUR 70 billion, employing 1.6 million people and supplying 160 million consumers across the EU. Commenting on EPPA’s priorities for 2021, Eric Le Lay indicated that he will be focusing on better regulation and evidence-based policy making during his presidency. This to ensure that the legislation which affects paper-based packaging and the EU’s Green Deal ambitions is delivered based on sound evidence and better regulation principles and with a view to fostering environmentally viable solutions through innovation. “EPPA members are committed to reducing the environmental footprint of food and foodservice packaging without compromising food safety and human health protection. We will continue to build partnerships with organizations who share our focus on developing and delivering innovative and practical solutions to increase recycling and to reduce carbon emissions. EPPA, whose members represent both suppliers of renewable and sustainably produced raw materials and manufacturers of food service packaging, is committed to helping food retailers and hospitality businesses deliver the best consumer experience sustainably,” says Eric Le Lay, the newly appointed President of EPPA.

Papira® by Stora Enso proudly supports Baiba Glass – literarily. Our fiber-based and fully recyclable cellulose foam makes sure that Baiba’s fragile pieces safely find their way to show rooms and new homes all over the world. Glass artist Baiba was in need for a packaging solution that would protect her artwork without compromising on neither aesthetics nor sustainability. In Papira® by Stora Enso, she found a lightweight solution with excellent shock absorbing properties to support her pieces. All while providing a sustainable, streamlined and smart looking package. Papira® was cut into a perfect fit for Baiba. And in collaboration with the sustainable paper cable tie FibreStrap, Stora Enso designed a packaging solution that is bio-based, recyclable, and biodegradable – made of materials from sustainably managed forests. All while staying coherent with the Baiba brand. “Baiba Glass creates unique art pieces, and the packaging should reflect the essence of this. There is so much thought behind every piece, and we loved the challenge to capture the beauty and intention in the box as well as in the opening experience”, says Paula Martirez, Business Development Manager at Stora Enso.

On April 20 PCA’s sheet plant in Roanoke, Virginia, hosted 35 students from Virginia Tech’s packaging program for their annual Plant Tour and Social Day. Students toured the box plant, watched a presentation about PCA and enjoyed lunch with employees. In addition to the Plant Tour and Social Day, PCA Roanoke is proud to partner with Virginia Tech in a number of other ways. The plant has hired a number of interns from the Packaging School, some of which have gone on to become PCA employees after graduation.