Asahi to Become First Japanese User of WestRock CanCollar® Eco Packaging

Ahlstrom expands its offering for the medical industry by introducing Reliance® Fusion, a next-generation simultaneous sterilization wrap that helps increase efficiency in the sterilization of surgical equipment trays at hospitals. Sterilization wraps are extensively used in healthcare facilities worldwide to help maintain the sterility of surgical instruments. Ahlstrom single-use sterilization wraps help to prevent microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, spores) from easily gaining access to the tray contents, allow sterilization, provide physical protection, and maintain sterility of surgical instruments up to the point of use. They thus play a crucial role in infection prevention and patients’ safety. The sterilization process is often time-consuming, requires the use of expensive processing aids such as tray liners, and involves longer drying cycles and stocking multiple weights of sterilization wrap to ensure all moisture has been eliminated.

The third-party certification verifies mass balance chain of custody and traceability from raw materials to finished products. Given this, Pregis can produce films classified as advanced recycled (circular, bio-circular and/or bio-based). Ryan Wolcott, chief sustainability officer, explains the significance of this achievement, "Obtaining ISCC PLUS certifications for two additional facilities is a pivotal step in furthering our circular economy goals. This certification validates our ongoing investments in product development and our commitment to sustainability and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This step represents one more path toward overcoming plastic waste and our goals of incorporating recycled content into our products through both mechanically recycled and advanced recycled sources."

"With half of the year behind us, expected strong business performance through the second half and favorable non-operational tailwinds, we are raising our guidance on our full-year earnings performance." Net sales in the second quarter of 2017 were $1.8 billion, similar to the prior year second quarter. On a global basis, the 1 percent increase in price was offset by modestly lower sales volume and adverse currency translation. For the first half of 2017, the net sales increase of more than 50 basis points reflects a stronger first quarter and softer second quarter which was partly due to higher shipping days in the first quarter. Click Read More below for additional details.