Kruger Plans $700M Investment to Transform Corner Brook Mill

Kruger has announced a sweeping diversification plan to secure the future of its Corner Brook Pulp and Paper operations, proposing an investment of up to $700 million to transform the mill into a modernized, sustainable manufacturing hub. The ambitious project—pending alignment with key stakeholders—aims to position the facility as one of the most competitive in the pulp and paper industry. In addition to modernizing production lines, Kruger plans to build a new pulp storage facility, upgrade site infrastructure, improve chip handling systems, and implement a biomass drying and unloading operation for its cogeneration plant.
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Westrock Coffee Bolsters Single Serve Beverage Cup Production

Westrock Coffee is expanding its US operations with a new manufacturing facility in Conway, Arkansas, to produce millions of single-serve coffee cups daily. The private-label coffee and tea manufacturer, one of the largest in North America, opened the facility to meet rising demand from “existing and new” global customers, including “some of the largest retail and coffee brands in the region.” “The single-serve category is evolving rapidly, and we are scaling our operations to meet our customers’ needs,” says Will Ford, chief operating officer at Westrock Coffee. The company identifies rising global demand for “single-serve coffee” solutions. For example, according to Westrock Coffee, the coffee pods market, valued at US$35.3 billion in 2024, is projected to more than double to US$71.2 billion by 2034 as consumers seek “fast, high-quality coffee with added convenience.”
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Trending at Mid-Year: Packaging Design that Serves the Brand

With the first half of 2025 behind us, Packaging Digest’s January prediction that smart packaging and branding would play a pivotal role in the year’s packaging design strategies is bearing out. The integration of digital technology with physical marketing collateral, including packaging, continues apace. “Today’s consumer expects every brand interaction to reinforce a distinct personality and promise, whether they’re scrolling a mobile ad, picking up a product on shelf, or engaging with content in store or on social,” says Philip Congello, EVP of client success at marketing agency Mod Op. The idea of a brand world will become more prominent, where all aspects of a brand’s visual and experiential elements are unified. This includes packaging, advertising, digital experiences, and in-store displays and artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced tech creating a cohesive and immersive brand experience. The brand world is getting bigger.
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Billerud advances investments in Michigan mills to drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth

Billerud is advancing steadily on its investments in its Escanaba and Quinnesec mills in Michigan. This strategic initiative is the foundation of the company’s “Way Forward” strategy to enhance operational flexibility, expand product offerings, and support long-term economic and sustainability goals in North America. “In December 2024, we announced major capital investments in our Escanaba and Quinnesec mills,” said Doug Schwartz, President of Billerud North America. “These investments are vital to optimizing our paper machine capabilities, expanding into packaging materials, and continuing to deliver market-leading graphic papers, specialty label papers, and market pulp.” Escanaba Mill woodyard rebuild underway. New packaging products ready for market.
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The USPS Celebrates 250 Years of Dedicated Service

Founded in 1775 — before the founding of our country, in fact — the United States Postal Service is celebrating 250 years of continuous service. In a statement on its website about the impressive achievement, the agency notes, “On July 26, 1775, a year before declaring independence from Great Britain, members of the Second Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin the first American Postmaster General at a meeting in Philadelphia. Our founding fathers knew that a robust, reliable, and secure means of exchanging information was critical to unify the distant parts of our nation — and to maintain unity once we achieved independence.” So not only is Ben Franklin a pillar of the print community, he is also the father of the mail space as well. An impressive legacy to say the least.
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How a Toilet Paper Test Flushed Out False Claims — and What FSC Did About It

In March 2024, Which? magazine tested several “100% bamboo” toilet papers on UK shelves. The result? Some contained no bamboo at all — just fast-growing hardwoods like eucalyptus and acacia. That’s not just misleading; it’s a serious breach of trust. And trust is something FSC takes seriously. When approached for comment, we immediately opened an investigation into the FSC-certified products in question. Working with our assurance partner Assurance Services International (ASI), we investigated the fiber supply chains and uncovered clear misuse of the FSC label. The result? One Chinese certificate holder has now been blocked from the FSC system for making false claims. That means they lose the right to use our trademark and are barred from certification for a specified period. It’s one of the strongest actions FSC can take—and a clear message to others.
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INKJET MELTDOWN: Office printer loses it over double-sided print job

Chaos. Ink everywhere. The breakroom may never recover. Fortunately, sensational cleaning supplies are just a few clicks away. 💥 Budget-friendly editor's picks 🧼 Outrageous savings 🎁 Free swag on $150+ orders 👉 Stock up now at SupplyLand.com Because when printers snap, someone’s gotta clean it up. Chaos. Ink everywhere. The breakroom may never recover. Fortunately, sensational cleaning supplies are just a few clicks away. 💥 Budget-friendly editor's picks 🧼 Outrageous savings 🎁 Free swag on $150+ orders 👉 Stock up now at SupplyLand.com Because when printers snap, someone’s gotta clean it up.
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Mourning Ozzy Osbourne

The former frontman of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath died on Tuesday at the age of 76. Ozzy Osbourne, legendary frontman of the English band Black Sabbath, singer-songwriter, and TV personality, died on Tuesday at the age of 76. A pioneer of heavy metal music, Osbourne leaves behind a musical legacy spanning more than five decades. BMG manages the classic Black Sabbath song catalog outside North America.
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UPM expands North American label capacity with new coating technology at Mills River site

UPM Adhesive Materials will increase its production capacity in North America by installing proprietary multifunctional coating technology at its Mills River facility in North Carolina. The upgrade is designed to expand local supply of high-performance label materials used in wine and spirits, pharmaceuticals, industrial labeling, and postal applications, based on a company announcement from UPM Adhesive Materials. The Mills River factory, which has operated under the Raflatac brand for more than 25 years, currently produces paper and film-based label materials. With this investment, it will broaden its output to include higher-value laminates with enhanced functionality and visual appeal, catering to increasing demand in specialized packaging markets.
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Tractor Supply to ramp up store openings, with plans for 100 new locations next year

Tractor Supply on Thursday reported that Q2 net sales rose 4.5% year over year to $4.4 billion, with store comps up 1.5% — the retailer’s “largest sales quarter ever,” CEO Hal Lawton told analysts. A year ago, the company saw comps drop 0.5%. Gross margin expanded to 36.9% from 36.6% last year, as net income rose 1.1% to $430 million. The company reaffirmed its full-year outlook, saying it expects net sales to rise 4% to 8%, comps to be flat or rise as much as 4% and net income to land between $1.07 billion and $1.17 billion. In Q2 the retailer opened 24 new Tractor Supply stores and two under the Petsense by Tractor Supply banner, and closed one Petsense by Tractor Supply location. The plan is to open 100 new stores in 2026, with the help of the recent acquisition of 18 Big Lots locations, executives said Thursday.
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Turning a New Page: Sappi Enters the Book Paper Market

Sappi Europe, a leading producer of graphic papers, announces the expansion of its Galerie portfolio with the launch of Galerie Book, a mechanical uncoated paper tailored to the specific needs of the book publishing market. Produced at Sappi's world-leading Kirkniemi Mill in Finland, this strategic product expansion builds on Sappi's strengths and addresses the growing need for reliable, sustainable, and versatile book paper options.
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UPM plans to end paper production in Kaukas, Lappeenranta and plans to shift coated mechanical paper production in Finland to its Rauma mill

Driven by structural overcapacity in the graphic paper markets and the need to ensure long-term competitiveness of its operations, UPM Communication Papers plans to end paper production at UPM Kaukas paper mill, Finland, reducing the annual production capacity of coated mechanical paper by 300,000 tonnes. The shutdown of the paper machine (PM 1) is planned for the end of the year 2025. UPM’s pulp, sawn timber and biofuels production and R&D activities at UPM Kaukas integrate will continue as before. Decisions on final plans would be made after the co-determination processes have been concluded in line with local legislation in Finland. Should the plans be implemented the number of employees affected at UPM Kaukas paper mill is estimated at 220.
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What The White House ‘AI Action Plan’ Means For Advertisers

The White House on Wednesday released its AI Action Plan, a set of proposals developed by the Trump administration to meet the United States' goal for dominance in artificial intelligence (AI). Here is what we know so far.  The 90 federal actions focus on three areas: increasing private-sector innovation, expanding AI-related infrastructure and exporting American AI. The goal is set on "winning the AI race" against global competitors like China. “The United States must also drive adoption of American AI systems, computing hardware, and standards throughout the world,” according to the document. “America currently is the global leader on data center construction, computing hardware performance, and models.”
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Survey: Nearly half of consumers engage in retail therapy to improve mood

While many consumers are attempting to curb spending amid stressful financial times, retail therapy is the answer for some — with the habit fueled by buy now, pay later options. Nearly half (47%) of consumers engage in retail therapy to improve their mood, with the most common purchases being food (63%), clothing and accessories (54%), and personal care or beauty products (42%), according to a new survey from LendingTree, Overall, 54% of Americans consider retail therapy a form of "self care." More than six-in-10 (63%) Americans admit that their emotions influence their purchases, with the percentage particularly high among six-figure earners (72%), those with children younger than 18 (70%) and Gen Z respondents ages 18 to 28 (69%).
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Unlock the power of touch in your direct mail strategy-Sappi Webinar Today

SAPPI PRESENTS: Direct Mail and the Power of Sensory Marketing--Webinar TODAY sign up in the link below. Direct mail’s greatest strength is its physical presence. In today’s digital world, the tactile engagement of physical mail makes a powerful impact and leaves a lasting impression. It’s more than just a message—it’s an opportunity to strategically engage the senses and connect with consumers on multiple levels. Want to see how you can leverage the power of touch for your brand’s direct mail marketing plan?
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Introducing Pennacook Offset from ND Paper

ND Paper proudly presents Pennacook Offset, an uncoated printing paper that blends modern papermaking technology with the deep-rooted history of Rumford, Maine. Produced at our Rumford mill, this offset sheet is engineered for optimal pressroom performance, offering excellent printability, and consistent quality. With the recent installation of a new size press on R15, along with strategic mill-wide upgrades, ND Paper is investing in the future of quality, efficiency, and sustainability. These enhancements allow us to deliver even greater surface uniformity, improved print quality, and better ink holdout—ensuring that Pennacook Offset not only honors tradition, but also meets the demands of today’s print market.
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Introducing the World’s Most Sustainable Synthetic Paper.

Finally—a synthetic paper that checks all the boxes for performance and sustainability. Digital Edge Environmental Polyester is made from 100% post consumer recycled content and is 100% recyclable, thanks to a patented closed-loop process that delivers the same quality and durability as virgin material. Simply put, MIDLAND’s Digital Edge Environmental Polyester is the logical choice for printers and end-users alike who wish to excel in their approach to sustainability while minimizing their environmental impact.
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Yankee Candle is rebranding to regain relevancy amid sales declines

Yankee Candle is unveiling a rebrand on Wednesday, part of a larger strategy to gain relevancy with younger shoppers and turn around declining sales. The rebrand features a new logo and new wax formulation, on top of new behind-the-scenes strategies to juice up its marketing and invest more heavily in its store footprint. Aaron Swart, who became the svp and gm of home fragrance at Yankee Candle’s owner Newell Brands last summer, told Modern Retail a relaunch was necessary due to sales slumps, an outdated look and a need to appeal to younger customers to drive growth.
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Climate-smart packaging: Industry scales circularity through design and innovation

Climate-smart packaging innovation is advancing through circular design, the increased use of recycled and renewable materials, and improved recyclability across the value chain. Design plays a pivotal role in minimizing packaging’s environmental impact and maximizing its compatibility within a circular economy, according to Michelle Fitzpatrick, vice president and chief sustainability officer at Graphic Packaging International. “Up to 80% or more of a product’s environmental impact is determined by decisions made during its design phase."
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Industry-First Green Hydrogen Deals Signed by Andrex® and Kleenex® Producer, Kimberly-Clark

imberly-Clark UK & Ireland, manufacturer of leading household name brands including Andrex® and Kleenex®, becomes the first major consumer products company in the UK to make a significant commitment to green hydrogen, signalling its commitment to a more sustainable future. The company announces today that together with its energy partners, Carlton Power and HYRO (a joint venture between Octopus Energy Generation and RES), it is investing over £125 million into the emerging energy solution at its two plants in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and Northfleet, Kent. Combined, the two sites produce nearly one billion Andrex toilet rolls and over 150 million boxes of Kleenex tissues every year. Through the investment, Kimberly-Clark expects to see a 50% reduction versus its 2024 consumption of natural gas across its UK production lines from 2027.
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Only 1 in 5 public restrooms meet hygiene, cleanliness expectations, new Tork survey finds 

Tork, an Essity brand and the global leader in professional hygiene, announced findings of a global survey of restroom users and cleaning staff that explores attitudes toward hygiene in public restrooms, the hygiene barriers that users encounter, the challenges cleaners face and the consequences of a poor restroom experience. Public restrooms are failing hygiene expectations globally – and it’s costing businesses  The research, which surveyed 11,500 people across 11 countries, shows there are high expectations for hygiene and cleanliness in the public restroom. 74% expect moderate or high levels of hygiene. Yet, only 20% of restrooms deliver on those expectations 1. 40% of the general population is “very concerned” with hygiene and cleanliness of public spaces and that number jumps to 60% for people with conditions like germaphobia. A poor restroom experience can trigger powerful emotions and measurable business consequences. When expectations for cleanliness are not met, users feel disgusted (27%), uncomfortable (26%) and frustrated (22%). And 52% of people take action after a poor restroom experience.
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Nordstrom Rack adds five new stores to 2026 lineup — here are the locations

Nordstrom continues to expand its off-price division. The department store retailer, which in May closed on its deal to go private, is on track to open 21 Nordstrom Rack stores this year. It expects to open roughly the same amount in 2026, and has already announced a handful of openings, including a 30,000-sq.-ft. store at Turkey Creek in Knoxville, Tenn., and a 27,000-sq.-ft. store at Sarasota Pavilion in Sarasota, Fla.
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APWU Launches National Ad; Warns of Price Hikes, Post Office Closures in Anti-Privatization Campaign

This week the American Postal workers Union (APWU) launched a national advertising campaign to alert the public about proposed plans to privatize the public Postal Service. The ad called “Memo” highlights a document sent by Wells Fargo Equity Research to investors detailing how proposed plans by the White House to privatize postal services would lead to the closing of local post offices, skyrocketing price hikes to send a letter or package, and an end to the “Universal Service Obligation” where mail is delivered six and sometimes seven times a week to 169 million addresses.
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Trump’s trade war taking biggest toll on nation’s smaller, secondary ports from California to Gulf Coast

Secondary and smaller ports across the U.S. are processing less trade as shippers readjust supply chains against the latest tariff deadlines. Ports of Oakland, Jacksonville, New Orleans, and Panama City, Florida, are among those "getting sandwiched out of port calls as more shippers decide to unload their freight in the larger ports," said Paul Brashier, vice president of global supply chain at ITS Logistics. "This is not a seasonal dip, but a market recalibration," said a top official at Port of Oakland.
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Inside the CIRCLE Act’s bipartisan recycling balancing act

he bill creates an investment tax credit for eligible recycling infrastructure and aims to complement state EPR policies, boost job growth and support domestic manufacturing. Supporters of a new investment tax credit bill are leaning into its bipartisan elements in an effort to boost recycling infrastructure spending across the country. The Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies (CIRCLE) Act calls for establishing a 30% investment tax credit on private investments in certain recycling infrastructure, phased out over 10 years. Local municipalities that make similar investments would receive a direct rebate equal to the credit, according to the bill.
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Hood Container Announces $118.9 Million Modernization Project at Historic Paper Mill in St. Francisville

Hood Container Corporation, a family-owned packaging and paper company, announced it will invest $118.9 million to modernize its legacy paper mill in West Feliciana Parish, allowing the company to significantly boost production capacity and quality to meet evolving market demands. The company is expected to retain 295 current positions with an estimated salary more than 30% above the parish average. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 819 indirect new jobs.  The project will center around upgrading Hood Container’s primary paper machine, which will increase production capacity by 80,000 tons per year. With the manufacturing of more, higher-quality products, the company anticipates buying an additional 204,000 tons of wood chips and 22,000 tons of recycled boxes annually. The investment will also include significant improvements to the facility’s recovery boiler, which is essential in powering the mill.
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Vuori plots international growth with 15 stores

The activewear brand, which will open two locations this fall, has expanded its e-commerce presence to an additional 11 countries as it looks to grow overseas. As Lululemon looks to quadruple its international revenue by 2026, rival Vuori is leaning into its own global expansion. The activewear brand is opening its first locations in Seoul, South Korea, and Beijing this fall, on a path to running more than 100 stores globally by the end of the year, per a company press release emailed to Retail Dive. The Seoul store will be run by a franchise partner and open in September, while Beijing is planned for October. Those locations will be part of about 15 international stores Vuori expects to operate by 2026. The retailer already runs stores in London and Shanghai, and has a “strong start to wholesale” in Japan and Europe. At the same time, Vuori has expanded its e-commerce platform to 11 additional countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Portugal and Japan.
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ICSC: Consumers heading to stores for back-to-school shopping

Shoppers started back-to-school shopping early this year in search of deals to help offset higher costs. Nearly half (48%) of U.S. adults will make back-to-school purchases this year, according to ICSC's 2025 Back-to-School Consumer Survey. The majority (59%) expect to purchase most of their items in physical stores, up from 54% who said the same in 2024. Only 17% plan to shop fully online. Discount stores remain the most popular type of retailer for 62% of back-to-school shoppers, followed by Amazon (57%) and dollar/variety stores (42%).
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Notpla develops seaweed-based drinks carrier for London’s Allianz Stadium

Allianz Stadium in London, UK, has become the first in the country to adopt a plastic-free and home-compostable drinks carrier at the recent England XV versus France XV rugby match. The rugby ball-shaped drinks carrier was developed by Notpla, a provider of seaweed packaging. “We’re proud to work with Notpla to deliver practical, visible steps toward a more sustainable matchday and event experience. This new drinks carrier is just one more example of how these changes, delivered at scale, can make a big difference for our fans and the planet,” says Gary Cargill, director of Catering Services, Twickenham Experience, at Allianz Stadium. “This kind of collaboration — with a venue willing to lead and a caterer committed to action — is how we make plastic-free stadiums a reality and really tackle the problem of single-use plastics head-on.
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HEIDELBERG Establishes New Platform for Digital Transformation of Print Shops

Printing industry managers still regard the digitalization and automation of business and production processes as one of their biggest challenges. The entire printing sector is in the midst of the digital transformation and many print shops are searching for solutions that will enable them to put the new technological possibilities to successful use in their business models. Surveys conducted by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) among printing companies in all key markets worldwide confirm these findings. “Automation is becoming all the more important for the competitiveness of print shops as print runs shrink, the volume of small jobs grows, staff shortages increase, and personnel costs rise ever higher. In this situation, attention is focusing on hybrid print production with an automated and increasingly AI-driven workflow,” says Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer at HEIDELBERG
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Mid-Year Recap: Old and new retailers continue to expand despite challenges

From C-suite shakeups and bankruptcies to sticky inflation, tariff threats and anxious consumers, it’s been a challenging year so far for the retail industry. Uncertainty seems to be the dominant theme, among consumers and retailers alike. There’s no denying that the pace of store closures picked up considerably  these past six months, as former retail giants Party City, Joann, Forever 21 and, most recently, Rite Aid, all go dark. (On a brighter note, Big Lots got a last-minute reprieve and has been re-opening stores under its new owner.) But it’s not all doom and gloom, not by a longshot. Many retailers continue to expand. Burlington, Five Below, Nordstrom Rack, TJX Cos., Tractor Supply Co., Ollie’s, Boot Barn and Aldi are among the companies with robust expansion plans. And there are plenty more (including, of course, those perennial expanders Dollar General and Dollar Tree). Barnes & Noble has also returned to brick-and-mortar growth mode, with a smaller, more curated footprint.
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Digital printing for packaging to near $37 billion in 2030: Smithers study

The global digital packaging and label printing market is worth $22.0 billion, accounting for 4.1% of all printed packaging in 2025, says a new study by UK-based researcher Smithers. That share is forecasted to climb to 5.8% in 2030 when it will reach $36.9 billion. Digital printing is growing much more rapidly than the dominant analogue print methods. Digital is widely used in labels, but the scalability and versatility of inkjet is making it increasingly attractive for large-format presses designed to print folding cartons, corrugated, and flexible paper and film substrates. Converters are developing major improvements in upstream order processing, design, approval and prepress; and downstream finishing and logistics, as more brands and retailers take advantage of the benefits of digital print production, the report says.
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FedEx and UPS cease parcel discounts, ‘weaponize’ fuel surcharges: report

Carriers pivot to chasing profitable customers rather than protecting market share Legacy parcel carriers FedEx and UPS have begun to discontinue commercial discounts, previously offered in response to increased market competition, prioritizing instead high-yield shipments and profitability to better meet Wall Street expectations, according to the TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index published this week. Businesses are paying more per package shipped with FedEx (NYSE: FDX) and UPS (NYSE: UPS) as the couriers’ ground networks lose volume at the bottom end and replace some of that with express volume as customers trade down in service levels. The shift of cost-conscious shippers to alternative providers with slower, cheaper services is reflected in the ground parcel cost per package reaching a record high of 32% above the index’s 2018 baseline during the second quarter.
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Drewry: Ocean rates fall for fifth straight week

Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) tracking ocean freight rates declined 2.6% this week, marking the fifth consecutive week of decreases.  The analyst in an update said that the trend indicates a significant shift in market dynamics following a volatile period induced by increased U.S. tariffs in April, and a subsequent China-U.S. tariff pause. Although the tariffs initially caused a lagged market reaction that saw rates climbing in May and surging into early June, this upward trajectory has not been sustained as rates have steadily dropped since mid-June. Trans-Pacific spot rates have also felt the impact, with prices from Shanghai to Los Angeles currently down by 4% to $2,817 per forty foot equivalent unit (FEU). Similarly, rates on the Shanghai to New York route have declined by 6%, to $4,539 per FEU.  Drewry said that despite these decreases, rates on both lanes remain higher than levels observed 10 weeks ago when tariff anxieties were initially escalating. Rates from Shanghai to Los Angeles are still up 4%, while those to New York have climbed by 24% compared to the figures on May 8.
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Apparel, department stores struggling the most under US trade policy, analysis shows

U.S. apparel, footwear and department store retailers and brands are facing a tough road thanks to the country’s tariff-heavy trade policy. As they sell through inventories acquired earlier this year, import duties will eat into their profitability, and, with little room to raise prices, revenue will grow 3% at most, according to a recent Moody’s Ratings report. The analysts led by Senior Vice President Christina Boni give the sector a negative outlook, stating “the consumer environment remains difficult.”  These retailers are “the most exposed to current tariffs and vulnerable to further increases,” Boni said.
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Shoppers will show up this holiday season despite tariffs, according to survey

Shoppers won’t let economic and political turbulence deter them from holiday shopping— but many will skip the old playbook.  Three-quarters (75%) of consumers say they’ll spend the same or more on gifts this year, with Gen Z (29%) and millennials (25%) leading the charge in spending more, according to Salsify's inaugural 2025 Consumer Holiday Shopping Report.  But from AI-curated gift guides and the digital takeover of Black Friday to the decline of social media’s shopping influence, consumers will rewrite the rules of the holiday season, noted the report.
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Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased 5% in June 2025

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the June 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly report on July 17. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in June increased 5% compared to June 2024. They were down 2% when compared to the same six months of 2024. The total operating rate increased 5.8 points since May and was up 1.2 points year-to-date. Bleached and unbleached bag & sack shipments were down 9.5% compared to the first half of 2024. Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased 5% in June 2025
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Northern Pulp Ends Mill Project in Nova Scotia

Over five years after the closure of its kraft pulp mill in Pictou County, Northern Pulp has announced it will sell its assets, effectively ending discussions surrounding the construction of a new facility in Nova Scotia. The decision follows the failure of a restart project developed as part of an agreement reached with the Nova Scotia government in May 2024. A feasibility study conducted under this agreement concluded that the proposed project would not achieve the required 14% internal rate of return to justify the investment. The planned facility—a next-generation biorefinery in Liverpool with an estimated cost of more than $2.5 billion—was ultimately deemed financially unviable by its proponents.
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Random House to Publish a Book of Personal Photographs by George Harrison, Beatles Guitarist

Random House, an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, will publish THE THIRD EYE, a book of personal photographs by renowned musician and Beatles guitarist George Harrison. Spanning the years 1963 – 1969, THE THIRD EYE will feature more than 250 intimate color and black and white photographs — the majority of which are previously unpublished — of the Beatles at work and at play, from Liverpool to Shea Stadium to Adelaide to India, all taken by Harrison. The book is being compiled and curated by Olivia Harrison, George’s widow. Included will be an essay by Olivia as well as George’s own words alongside the photographs.
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What is Paperboard Packaging?

When you reach for your favorite cereal in the morning, you probably don’t think much about the box it comes in. But did you know that your cereal box isn’t made of cardboard? It’s actually made of something called paperboard! Common Uses of Paperboard Packaging Food & Beverage: Examples include dry-food boxes like cereal or pasta, frozen food packages, gum packaging and snack containers.   Pharmaceutical & Healthcare: Examples include over-the-counter medicine boxes and personal care product packaging for things like toothpaste, tissues, band-aids and bars of soap.   Cosmetics & Beauty Products: Examples include packaging for hair dye, face creams and make-up.   Electronics: Examples include small electronics like tablets, phones and cords.   Consumer Goods & Household Products: Examples include boxes of envelopes, stationery and toy packaging.
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Axel Springer CEO Tells Staff They Only Have To Explain If They Didn’t Use AI

Axel Springer, owner of Politico, Politico, Business Insider, Bild and Welt, is going all in on AI.  “Nobody in the company has to explain in the company why she or he is using AI to do something — whether to prepare a presentation or analyze a document,” said CEO Mathias Döpfner during an hour-long all-employee meeting last week, Status reports.. “You only have to explain if you didn’t use AI. That’s really something you have to explain because that shouldn’t happen.” Döpfner also lauded the development of AI.   “I tell you, what is happening at the moment with regard to technology is the biggest change in modern civilization,” The first wave of internet is nothing against these developments.”
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Online retail sales maintain growth trend in June

The case wasn't as clear when factoring in offline sales. Although total sales decreased to their second-lowest monthly figure of the year, core retail sales followed ecommerce's trend of inching up. Online retail sales inched up in June compared to May, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. That comes as total retail sales dropped steeply in the same time frame. However, both online and total retail sales increased year over year. The National Retail Federation said consumers continue to worry about the impact of government policies on the economy — specifically tariffs. “The economy is gradually slowing,” according to Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO. He said the macroeconomic environment has not yet disrupted economic fundamentals and that shoppers still have the ability to spend on priorities. However, he also said it has impacted the psyche of American consumers.
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US children routinely exposed to harmful chemicals from packaging, researchers warn

A national study reveals that young children in the US are exposed to various potentially harmful chemicals, commonly found in plastic packaging. Many of the chemicals are not routinely monitored and can pose health risks. The study published in Environmental Science & Technology was conducted by multiple institutions across the US in coordination with the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes, a program supported by the National Institutes of Health.
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Background Agreement on Chillicothe Paper Mill Closing Strengthens Local Control and Benefits

An informal agreement on the Chillicothe paper mill between the owner and the state's economic development corporation was released on social media recently. It sets five "preliminary terms" before the revised shutdown date. The Memorandum of Agreement between mill operator Pixelle (based in Pennsylvania, and owned by H.I.G. Capital of Miami, Florida) and JobsOhio was posted by Natalie Fahmy (Ohio Statehouse/Politics Reporter)on X / Twitter recently. An outline of the five terms: Pixelle is responsible for environmental remediation, demolition, and obligations to unions. Pixelle will issue a WARN Notice by June 10th, and will fulfill its obligations in the following 60-day period. Pixelle will retain proceeds from the sale of any equipment on the site. All proceeds from the sale of the property will be for the benefit of former employees and the Chillicothe community.
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Who are the Top 10 U.S. retailers in 2025?

Both Digital Commerce 360 and the National Retail Federation use 2024 sales as a starting point in their criteria for determining the top 10 U.S. retailers in 2025. Determining who the top 10 U.S. retailers are in 2025 depends on the criteria being used to compare them. After all, retailers sell in different ways through different channels. However, looking at retailers who rank based on annual global ecommerce sales, as well as by total domestic retail sales, shows just how vital online sales are to some of the industry’s most recognizable brands.
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Levin Management: Retail store managers report healthy sales year to date

Despite elevated economic volatility, retail store managers are reporting healthy sales and in-store traffic — and they expect the positive momentum to continue in the coming months. That’s according to Levin Management Corp.’s 2025 Mid-Year Retail Sentiment Survey, which polled store managers in the firm’s 125-property leasing and management portfolio (focused on the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions). The survey also reveals how retailers are responding to disruptive technologies and evolving digital marketing tools to improve business processes and customer engagement.
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AF&PA – US printing-writing paper shipments down 6% in June 2025 from year ago

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the June 2025 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing (P-W) paper shipments decreased 6% in June compared to June 2024. With a projected decline of exports, U.S. purchases of P-W papers decreased 4% in June compared to the same month last year. P-W paper inventory levels increased when compared to May 2025 – the second consecutive increase. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers for the first six months of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024 decreased 1%. While the UFS inventory level increased 4% compared to May 2025, the current level is 16% lower than June 2024. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 3% compared to June 2024 while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to May 2025. CFS imports decreased 24% while exports increased 17% in May 2025. U.S. shipments of mechanical (MECH) papers increased 2% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. MECH inventory levels increased 25% compared to last month. MECH imports decreased 13% while exports increased 31% in May 2025.
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4 Tactics to Safeguard Your Brand from Chemicals of Concern

Consumers and regulatory agencies have put a bullseye on toxic chemicals that leach into products from their packaging. Here’s what you need to do — now — to defuse disaster. To protect brands from harmful chemicals, don’t rely on vague chemical attestations; and do end testing. Take ownership of your supply chain by aligning with global regulations that are often more restrictive than FDA standards. Track package components using CAS numbers to proactively address emerging chemical concerns before they escalate. 1. Take ownership of your supply chain 2. Replace NAIS attestations with specific limits. 3. Conduct end testing. 4. Become proactive
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Stakeholders call for scaled up and accelerated remedy

At the FSC Remedy Forum held in Jakarta, Indonesia on 24 and 25 June, a diverse group of stakeholders and rights holders involved and interested in the implementation of FSC’s Remedy Framework shared a clear message with FSC. They expect to see restoration outcomes scaled up and delivered. Listening to the voices from the ground, FSC is lifting the suspension on Asia Pulp and Paper’s (APP) remedy process. APP’s remedy process was suspended in January 2025 when the sole beneficial owner of Domtar, Jackson Wijaya, was announced as the new sole beneficial owner of the APP group.
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Google’s New ‘Unsubscribe’ Tool Puts Direct Mail Back in the Spotlight.

Google just introduced a new feature in Gmail called “Manage Subscriptions.” That sounds innocent enough until you realize it’s basically an unsubscribe control panel that makes it ridiculously easy for users to cut ties with email marketers. One click, and your customer or prospect is gone from your email list forever. For consumers, this is a dream. For email marketers, it’s a gut punch. For direct mail marketers, this is a tremendous opportunity. People trust direct mail more — 82% say they view print marketing as more credible than digital Mail sticks around — it has a household shelf life of over two weeks When was the last time an email sat on someone’s kitchen table?
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Lakeside Book Company Elevates Domestic Book Manufacturing With Installation of Next-Generation Press Technology in Willard, Ohio

Lakeside Book Company announced the addition of a state-of-the-art Manroland Goss LITHOMAN at the company’s Willard, Ohio facility. This new, 64-page, 4-color offset, wide-web press is now operational, enhancing automation and setting a new standard for efficiency and sustainability. Built with cutting edge technology, the Manroland Goss LITHOMAN press includes inline control systems with self-correcting features to manage all aspects of quality, ensuring color consistency throughout the printing process.
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Kohl’s appoints digital chief amid turnaround plan

Kohl’s appointed Arianne Parisi as its chief digital officer, effective July 28, amid a broad turnaround effort to restore profitability. Parisi will report to Michael Bender, who was appointed as interim CEO in May.   Parisi joins the company after a 20-year career in retail, serving in digital or e-commerce leadership roles at JD Sports, Finish Line and Nordstrom. Most recently, she was EVP and global chief digital officer at JD Sports.
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Mark Wahlberg’s apparel brand Municipal aims to create ‘a Muniverse’ of stores, cafes and gyms

Municipal, the activewear brand co-founded by Mark Wahlberg, is evolving into a broader lifestyle company as it looks to deepen customer engagement and boost revenue beyond apparel. The company is laying the groundwork for what it calls “the Muniverse”: a retail strategy that includes properties like flagship clothing stores, coffee shops and gyms, all tailored to the surrounding community, co-founder Harry Arnett told Modern Retail. Municipal aims to have 20 flagship stores in the next seven years, and dozens of gyms in the next five to 10 years. Next week, Municipal will also launch a $100-a-year membership program for its most devoted customers. Perks include 10% off all purchases, free shipping and returns, and access to exclusive events.
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AF&PA Backs U.S. Push to Address Trade Barriers with the EU

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has expressed support for the U.S. administration's recent efforts to address trade challenges with the European Union, particularly regarding non-tariff barriers affecting the paper and forest products industry. In a statement released following U.S.-EU trade negotiations, AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock welcomed the administration’s commitment to fostering fair and reciprocal trade. She emphasized the importance of tackling both tariff and non-tariff obstacles to safeguard U.S. exports. One of the AF&PA’s key concerns is the European Union’s Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR), which the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has classified as a non-tariff trade barrier. According to the association, the regulation could put at risk more than $3.5 billion in annual exports of U.S. forest products to the EU.
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Landa Digital Printing Gets Reprieve from Israeli Court to Find Buyer or New Investor

Benny Landa has climbed many mountains in his decades-long dream to reinvent the printing process, but it appears he will need a new financial investment lifeline to continue the sale of Nanographic printing technology under his watch or, perhaps more likely, find a competitive digital printing press manufacturer to buy Rehovot, Israel-based Landa Digital Printing outright. After Landa Digital Printing recently sought bankruptcy protection for being unable to service approximately $516 million in debt, Israeli technology news site CTech, published by Calcalist, reported on July 10 that the Israeli Central District Court has given Benny Landa until the end of August to find a possible buyer or fresh investor to craft a potential settlement with its secured creditors.
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Sheridan Awarded Grant from Bluegrass State Skills Corporation to Launch Accelerated Training Program for Press and Binder Operators

Sheridan, a leader in the printing and publishing industry, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to employee development and industry innovation. Thanks to the vision and leadership of Joe Dunlap, Sheridan’s Director of Training and Development, the company has been awarded a grant from the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation program through Kentucky’s Cabinet for Economic Development to implement new and experienced operator training.
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Trucking Industry Pushes Congress for Solutions to Skyrocketing Cargo Theft

A leading, nationwide trucking company told the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee today that cargo theft is a crisis impacting the entire supply chain that requires immediate action from Congress. Donna Lemm, chief strategy officer for IMC Logistics, testified on behalf of the American Trucking Associations in support of the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act, which would establish a coordinated multi-agency response and equip law enforcement with new resources to address a surge of cargo theft incidents happening across the country. “Rising cargo theft is affecting the trucking industry across the United States.  We cannot stay silent,” said Lemm.
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Florida’s Aventura tops USA Today’s 10 Best Malls list

With more than 300 tenants, it’s the largest mall in the state of Florida. This week it can make the claim that it’s the best mall in America. Aventura Mall, located halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, has landed in the No. 1 spot of USA Today’s 10 Best Malls list. The paper lauded Aventura for its museum-worthy art collections, its chrome slide tower created by artist Carsten Holler and its claim to being the first site in Florida to host an Eataly.
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The Ocean Cleanup and AWS Join Forces to Accelerate Ocean Plastic Removal using AI

The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization dedicated to ridding the world’s oceans and rivers of plastic pollution, today announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com, Inc. company (NASDAQ: AMZN). This collaboration will leverage AWS’s advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing capabilities to enable and accelerate The Ocean Cleanup’s goal to clean the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) and remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040.
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How Walmart is looking to redefine itself to high-income e-commerce shoppers

This year, Walmart has been on a marketing blitz to change what people think of its brand, both in subtle and more obvious ways. At the start of 2025, Walmart took a subdued approach to redefining its image, updating its brand identity with a thicker, bolder logo and spark icon, as well as slightly different shades of blue and yellow — meant to modernize and refresh the brand’s visuals while acknowledging its long history in retail. In June, Walmart took a louder approach to telling people things have changed as it launched a new ad campaign called “Who knew?” The campaign includes a TV ad that opens with actor Walton Goggins from HBO’s “The White Lotus” sitting in a sauna, saying it’s a secret that it came from Walmart, but that soon everyone will know it. The same secret applied to other items shown in the ad, like dancing shoes, an accordion and even a megaphone, all of which are available on Walmart’s website and app,
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