Total U.S. Boxboard Production Decreased 2 Percent in Q1 2024

Billerud has agreed with the investment company Mimir Group about a divestment of Managed Packaging, which offers packaging solutions to global brand owners. The transaction is expected to be completed during August 2023. The intention to divest the business unit Managed Packaging is a consequence of Billerud’s focus on packaging materials, which means a reduced strategic importance of service offerings. The sale will reduce complexity and positively impact Billerud's EBITDA margin.

Mill Rock Capital, a growth and operations oriented private investment firm, announced that its portfolio company Mill Rock Packaging Partners LLC has acquired All Packaging Company, a leading specialty paper packaging company focused on various consumer end markets. Mill Rock Packaging is a growth-oriented specialty packaging company focused on leading design, innovation and technology; strong operational capabilities and unparalleled customer service. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. All Packaging, based in Aurora, CO and founded in 1946, is a leading, full-service provider of specialty paperboard packaging to the food and beverage, health and beauty, pharmaceutical and other consumer end markets. The company's comprehensive service suite includes all requirements of a folding carton program, including graphic and structural design, prepress and proofing, printing and converting, in-house cutting and creasing and ancillary services. Customers rely on All Packaging to create packaging that enhances the consumer experience in both retail and e-commerce environments while maintaining brand integrity. All Packaging operates two facilities in Utah and Colorado.

Fazer is launching a chocolate Christmas calendar made from lightweight and recyclable dispersion coated paperboard from Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group. The choice of material will reduce plastic use by 1,200 kg per year compared to the PE coated board used previously and will also improve recycling of the calendar. The wood fibre used in Fazer's Christmas calendar can be fully recycled. The lightweight paperboard used in the calendar supports the circular economy and reduces waste. Thanks to the lightweight and resource-efficient design, the carbon footprint of the calendar carton is also one quarter lower than the previous one. "Climate change mitigation and the circular economy are important themes for Fazer." says Piia Soininen-Tengvall, Packaging Development Director at Fazer. "Chocolate calendars need a layer to protect the chocolate, which is usually plastic. This year we are replacing the PE coated material with recyclable Metsä Board paperboard."