Novolex Acquires American Twisting

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.”

Duro®, a Novolex® brand, is introducing Load & Fold® Shopping Bags and Load & Seal® Shopping Bags, tamper-evident paper bags that offer more secure transport and deliveries for restaurants and retailers. The bags feature a wide opening for easy loading, a flat bottom to keep items secure and sturdy paper twist handles for easy and reliable carrying. The Load & Fold bags offer an upscale folded top security option using a customer-supplied branded label or other adhesive to seal the bag; the Load & Seal bags offer a built-in tamper-evident adhesive strip to securely seal the bag.

Olov Winblad von Walter has been appointed VP, Husum Board and Pulp Mill. He will be responsible for managing Metsä Board’s integrated board and pulp mill at Husum. Winblad von Walter will start 20 September at the latest, and will report to Harri Pihlajaniemi, SVP Production at Metsä Board. Olov Winblad von Walter has extensive experience in the forest industry with companies including Iggesund Paperboard, Metsä Board, APRIL Fine Paper and MoDo Paper. He succeeds Pertti Hietaniemi, who will continue in his present position until Winblad von Walter’s start date. Metsä Board’s Husum mill is an integrated board and pulp mill producing fresh fibre folding boxboard, food service board and white kraftliner as well as bleached market pulp.