Novolex Earns BPI Commercially Compostable Certification for Shopping Bags and Lawn Bags

Hood Container Corporation announced that it has acquired the corrugated packaging business of Walker, MI based Kentwood Packaging Inc. The transaction includes all of Kentwood’s design, manufacturing, assembly, and fulfillment operations in Walker, including its membership in Great Lakes Wax Coatings, LLC. Jack Skoog and Tom Boluyt, co-owners of Kentwood Packaging Corporation, stated, “We have built this business successfully over the last 30 years by creating a customer-centric business model. Our focus has been to partner and collaborate with our employees, customers, and suppliers. We are extremely excited to be joining a family-owned company in Hood, whose values and culture truly mirror ours. We will be a stronger partner for our customers with the benefits of Hood’s national footprint and their ability to offer vertical supply chain integration.” Jack Skoog will continue his leadership role in this market as General Manager and Tom Boluyt after 41 years at KPC will be enjoying his retirement. Tom commented, “We have incredible employees and customers at KPC, and I have enjoyed working with them over all these years. I think they will benefit from being part of Hood Container.” Jack added, “I expect a seamless transition and look forward to a successful future with Hood Container.”

Billerud presents a machine glazed kraft paper especially adapted and validated for wrapping toilet and kitchen paper rolls. Hitting the sustainability sweet spot – renewable, recyclable and biodegradable, but also enduring tough handling as good as any PE plastic. Toilet and kitchen paper rolls are consumed in enormous numbers every day. For brand owners, switching from plastic to this paper wrapping would mean a significant sustainability gain. But also, for meeting consumer preferences. An Ipsos Global survey of 20 000 consumers (2021) shows that three out of four consumers want to get rid of single-use plastics. So, this new alternative from Billerud is a strong tool to decrease the gap between brands and consumers. Sustainability and a low carbon footprint are obvious strengths, but the new wrapping has more up its sleeve. Billerud’s white, long, soft virgin fibers enable excellent printability. The packaging will certainly stand out on the shelf.

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.