April 2025: Rising Traffic, Cautious Spending

April’s data reflects a cautious consumer mindset. Although browsing activity has increased, signaling continued interest in products and services, consumers are carefully evaluating their options. Sessions were up 9.64% year-over-year, indicating heightened consumer interest or browsing activity across retail websites. However, despite the traffic growth, orders were down -0.68%, suggesting that while more consumers are browsing, many are hesitant to follow through with purchases. A significant influence was the ongoing impact of tariffs introduced earlier this year, which led to higher prices on select categories, particularly electronics, home goods, and apparel. Price-sensitive consumers may have deferred purchases or shifted to lower-cost alternatives, contributing to the flat demand growth of just 0.27% year-over-year.
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Stora Enso divests 12.4% of its Swedish forest holdings for an enterprise value of EUR 900 million

Stora Enso has entered into an agreement to divest approximately 175,000 hectares of forest land, equivalent to 12.4% of its total forest land holdings in Sweden for an enterprise value of EUR 900 million, equivalent to SEK 9.8 billion. Soya Group, will hold a 40.6% share in the newly formed company, and a MEAG led consortium will hold 44.4% of the shares. MEAG is the asset manager of Munich Re, a German insurance company. Stora Enso will retain a 15% ownership in the company. In connection with the transaction, Stora Enso and the divested entity will enter into a 15-year wood supply agreement with a possible additional 15-year extension. This will secure wood availability for Stora Enso’s Swedish business units. The new entity will also benefit from a forest management agreement under which Stora Enso will provide forest-related services. Due to the disposal, the Group’s adjusted EBITDA is expected to decrease by approximately EUR 25 million per year, of which EUR 15 million is cash-related, based on full-year 2024 numbers.
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IAB Updates Archaic Ad Agreement Terms, Seeks Public Comment

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has updated the industry's 25-year-old digital ad agreement terms through a collaboration with brands, agencies, publishers, ad tech, and legal experts. The updates should improve performance. Brands, agencies, publishers, ad tech, and legal experts collaborated with the IAB on the updated terms. In fact, 276 IAB member companies participated in redefining the terms. The goal is to bring the document and processes into the 21st century and prepare for a future of high tech and innovation, while helping to prepare the ad industry for what’s to come. Some of the changes will include faster and direct media purchases done programmatically or through a series of agentic agents.
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Mactac Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Executive Hire and Strategic Promotions

Mactac is proud to announce several key leadership updates designed to accelerate the company’s strategic growth, drive innovation, and enhance execution across the organization. Noelle Sieradzki joined Mactac on May 12 as vice president of sales and marketing for the Graphics and Merchant Products (Sheets) areas of the business. Her expertise in the pressure-sensitive market, combined with her collaborative leadership style and data-driven decision making, makes her an exceptional fit to drive continued growth in our Graphic and Sheet segments. Janet Page has been promoted to director of Mactac’s Technical Industrial Tapes business unit. A proven leader and a key force behind Mactac’s success in the industrial tape segment, Janet has consistently delivered double-digit, year-over-year growth. Her strategic focus has driven expansion in high-growth markets, including building and construction, as well as e-mobility. To further advance Mactac’s strategic initiatives, Chris Barushak has been promoted to director of Business Transformation and Strategy, where he will spearhead many of Mactac’s high-impact business initiatives, including the implementation of the enterprise-wide ERP system.
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KGL Accucoms Facilitates Inclusion of Five Leading US Publishers in India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ (ONOS) Initiative

After three years of strategic planning and collaborative effort, the Government of India has officially launched the One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS) initiative—an ambitious program designed to expand access to academic and scientific knowledge across the country. By centralizing and funding subscriptions to major academic publishers at the national level, ONOS ensures that researchers, students, and institutions can access a vast repository of high-quality scholarly content without individual licensing barriers. We’re proud to share that five of our clients are key participants in this transformative initiative, reflecting their commitment to open knowledge and research equity. “Representing five esteemed scholarly society publishers—Annual Reviews, APS, AIAA, ASM, and SPIE—in the landmark One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) initiative is both a privilege and a clear reflection of what strategic, sustained collaboration can accomplish. This milestone agreement, three years in the making, was made possible through the dedicated efforts of KGL Accucoms, whose deep understanding of the Indian research ecosystem and commitment to equitable access played a part in its realization. Through ONOS, these publishers are advancing national research priorities and reaffirming the global significance of society-led publishing. Building on this momentum, KGL Accucoms remains focused on expanding access by working to bring content from its non-ONOS partner publishers to ONOS institutions and private academic communities across India—with the broader goal of integrating them into the ONOS framework in the future.” —Rakesh Malik, Commercial Director APAC, KGL Accucoms
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ANDRITZ successfully starts up new recycled fiber line at Heinzelpaper Laakirchen, Austria

This significant upgrade represents a key transition for the PM11 paper machine, which will now produce high-quality packaging board from 100% recycled wastepaper. The conversion process involved transforming the stock preparation system from a deinked pulp line to an old corrugated containers (OCC) line. Heinzelpaper Laakirchen chose a combination of the ANDRITZ FibreFlow drum Prime (FFD) for pulping and ANDRITZ ADuro shredders for reject treatment. This innovative setup ensures superior fiber quality for the company´s high-end products while optimizing resource usage and reducing waste. Thomas Welt, CEO of Heinzelpaper Laakirchen, commented: “The successful start-up of the new recycled fiber line marks an important milestone. ANDRITZ's advanced technology and expertise have played a key role in meeting our sustainability and efficiency targets.”
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Drytac announces global launch of SpotOn Duo mounting adhesive

Drytac, the leading global manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is pleased to announce the global launch of SpotOn® Duo—a clear, double-sided mounting adhesive engineered to convert non-adhesive prints into repositionable, peel-and-stick graphics with ease and precision. SpotOn Duo features a permanent adhesive on one side—designed to adhere to the printed graphic—and Drytac’s signature removable SpotOn dot-pattern adhesive on the other, which faces the installation surface. This simple peel-and-stick solution is easy to apply, making it ideal for both professional installers and DIY users. This innovative film is especially well-suited for mounting synthetic blockout papers or cardstocks that are printed on both sides, making it a perfect choice for push/pull messaging on storefront glass and windows in retail environments.
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FedEx Announces Leadership for Independent FedEx Freight Company Upon Separation

FedEx Corp. announced several leadership roles as the company makes progress to separate its less-than-truckload (LTL) freight division. John A. Smith, chief operating officer, U.S. and Canada, of Federal Express, has been selected to serve as the president and CEO of FedEx Freight, and R. Brad Martin, vice chairman of the FedEx Corp. board of directors, has agreed to serve as chairman of the board of FedEx Freight. Both appointments will be effective upon completion of the previously announced separation of FedEx Freight from FedEx Corp. Plans for the spin-off, which is expected to occur by June 2026, remain on track. “I cannot think of two individuals with more knowledge of, or commitment to, the long-term success of the FedEx Freight business than John Smith and Brad Martin,” said Raj Subramaniam, president and CEO of FedEx Corp. “Together they have the track record and expertise to successfully lead this new and exciting chapter for the independent FedEx Freight company.”
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AAP March 2025 StatShot Report: Overall Publishing Industry Up 7.3% for Month of March, and Up 1.0% Year-To-Date

Total revenues across all categories for March 2025 were up 7.3% as compared to March 2024, coming in at $978.0 million. Year-to-date revenues were up 1.0%, at $3.2 billion for the first three months of the year. Trade (Consumer Books) revenues were up 4.4% in March at $714.8 million. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of March, in the Trade (Consumer Books) category, Hardback revenues were up 19.8%, coming in at $270.0 million; Paperbacks were down 3.5%, with $249.3 million in revenue; Mass Market was down 55.4% to $3.5 million; and Special Bindings were down 24.6%, with $11.3 million in revenue. eBook revenues were up 3.6% for the month as compared to March 2024 for a total of $86.7 million, and the Digital Audio format was up 7.7% for March, coming in at $76.6 million in revenue. Physical Audio was down 61.5%, coming in at $300 thousand.
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Nordstrom Announces Completion of Acquisition by Nordstrom Family and Liverpool

Nordstrom, Inc. announced that Erik, Pete, Jamie Nordstrom and other members of the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. have completed their all-cash acquisition of Nordstrom for $24.25 per share. Shareholders of the Company will also be paid cash dividends of $0.25 per share and $0.1462 per share, reflecting the special cash dividend and a "stub period" quarterly dividend. With the completion of the transaction, Erik and Pete Nordstrom will lead the Company as Co-CEOs. Nordstrom common stock will cease trading prior to the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on May 21, 2025 and will be delisted from the NYSE as of May 21, 2025. "The completion of this transaction is an important milestone in our nearly 125-year history," said Erik Nordstrom, co-CEO of Nordstrom. "As we embark on this new chapter, we remain focused on what matters most: providing outstanding service, offering the best merchandise, and ultimately, helping our customers feel good and look their best. We're grateful to our teams for their hard work on behalf of our business and our customers, and we look forward to building on Nordstrom's strong foundation to reach even greater heights."
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Google brings AI to new shopping experiences

Coinciding with Google’s annual I/O developer conference, the technology and search giant unveiled new ways it plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) in its shopping experiences. Building on existing work with Google’s Gemini assistant, AI Mode and AI fitting tool, the company shared early looks in a post to its corporate blog. There, it shared how a new AI Search experience will work for shopping. It also detailed features planned for agentic checkout and the state of its virtual dressing room. The latter launches in the U.S. on May 20.
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Microsoft: AI Agents May Replace Ad Tracking

Microsoft Chief Technology Officer Kevin Scott wants businesses to prioritize openness and simplicity, and believes the future will be built on artificial intelligence (AI) and the “agentic web” -- where the technology does more than answer questions and collaborates with other platforms, accessing tools and conducting sophisticated tasks autonomously. Ahead of Microsoft's annual software developer conference, which begins today, Scott warned that a closed yet integrated approach could stifle innovation. Similar to the concept of the internet of things, where all devices and mechanical appliances connected to the web and transmit data, Scott said AI agents can only reach their full potential if they can “talk to everything in the world.”
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Newspapers Run AI-Written Book Section That Lists Nonexistent Titles

The Chicago Sun-Times has confirmed that a summer reading feature titled “Heat Index: Your Guide to the Best of Summer” recommended fake books. "To our great disappointment, that list recommended books that do not exist," the Sun-Times acknowledged. The Philadelphia Inquirer also ran the section, which included books that famed authors Isabel Allende and Percival Everett never wrote. In fact, only five of the 15 books listed in the section are real, NPR says. The Washington Post reports that the section was “syndicated by King Features, a service from the Hearst media company.”
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Declined 0.3% in April

Trucking activity in the United States slipped again in April as the freight market remained choppy early in the second quarter. Specifically, truck freight tonnage decreased 0.3% after contracting 1.5% in March, according to the American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index. “After surging 2.8% in February, and hitting the highest level since late May 2024, tonnage fell a combined 1.8% in March and April,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Unfortunately, a recovery that was expected this year hasn’t transpired as the industry deals with a freight market in flux from tariffs and softening economic indicators.” In April, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 113.0, down from 113.3 in March. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was up 0.1% from the same month last year, the fourth straight year-over-year increase, albeit the smallest increase over this period.
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Aptar Beauty Introduces Derma Series

The booming dermocosmetics market will continue to grow above the beauty market average growth rate. Aptar Beauty, global leader in dispensing systems, is addressing this fast-rising segment with a range of solutions, tailored to the needs of derma brands. The Derma Series full packaging and dispensing products are complemented by value-added services in areas such as human factor design, sustainability and regulatory. The combined dermocosmetics and medical aesthetics markets have been growing double-digit over the past five years and will keep growing 2-3 points above the beauty market’s average rate*. Market indicators suggest that the growth of dermocosmetics will last. Sensitive skin problems are increasingly prevalent among the global population. Environmental and lifestyle conditions also impact skin health in the long term.
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Fruth Custom Packaging Adds Capacity to Serve Increasing Demand for Biohazard Bags and Autoclave Bags

Fruth Custom Packaging, a leading domestic manufacturer of medical packaging, has expanded operations to respond to increasing demand for biohazard bags and autoclave bags. Designed for healthcare, medical research, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries, Fruth autoclave bags include sterilization bags for medical instruments, specimen bags for transportation of biological samples, and biohazard bags for disposal of infectious waste. Engineered for impact and puncture resistance, Fruth autoclave bags meet the most demanding worldwide regulations for sterilization and decontamination, meeting ASTM tear resistance, impact resistance, and dart drop tests. Fruth autoclave bags are compatible with high vacuum steam, ETO gas, gamma or chemical sterilization methods, and meet all autoclaving specifications per USP 〈1211〉 Sterilization Assurance. The bags are also compliant with EPA regulations and meet WHO, CDC, and state health and safety codes.
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Pregis Expands its Curbside-Recyclable Paper Packaging Portfolio with White EasyPack GeoTerra

Pregis® has expanded its EasyPack® on-demand paper portfolio with the introduction of GeoTerra® paper in white. This curbside-recyclable, wrappable solution provides light cushioning protection with a clean, minimalist aesthetic – ideal for companies seeking to deliver an unboxing experience that reflects their brand identity. The new white GeoTerra paper offers a sleek, premium alternative to the original Kraft option and complements minimalist design trends favored by high-end brands. As it’s dispensed, the paper expands into an interlocking lattice structure that cushions products, delivering all-around protection in transit. “In today’s e-commerce landscape, packaging is often the first physical brand interaction, so presentation carries weight,” says Daché Davidson, Chief Marketing Officer at Pregis. “For premium beauty, wellness, and lifestyle brands, minimalist white packaging isn't just a design choice—it’s a strategic extension of brand values. Consumers prioritize clean ingredients and sustainable lifestyles, so they expect packaging to reflect those choices. White GeoTerra offers a clean aesthetic and elevated unboxing that delights customers and aligns with modern branding and sustainability.”
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Ahlstrom inaugurates new parchmentizer at the Saint-Séverin plant, strengthening customer partnerships and local commitment

Ahlstrom inaugurated its new parchmentizer, PMZ5, today, May 21st, at its Saint-Séverin plant in France. A parchmentizer is an industrial machine used in the parchmentization process, which treats cellulose-based paper to transform it into durable, grease- and water-resistant vegetable parchment. This process gives the paper a unique set of characteristics that make it suitable for demanding applications, especially in the food packaging market. This latest EUR 15 million investment in Saint-Séverin underscores Ahlstrom’s enduring commitment to sustainable innovation, customer collaboration, and to the local community that has supported Ahlstrom for generations.
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Mondi and ZARELO fire up a new paper-based packaging solution for barbecue starters

Made from Mondi’s re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5, the new packaging provides strength and durability while protecting the fire starters from moisture during storage and transport. Mondi’s re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5 is produced entirely in-house, made from FSCTM and PEFC certified paper1. As part of Mondi’s re/cycle portfolio it is recyclable in existing European paper recycling streams where facilities are in place. ZARELO’s fire starter range includes coiled wood fibres and newly introduced compact cubes, packed in three sizes: 32 pieces, 1 kg, and 2 kg. The packaging ensures puncture resistance and durability, protecting the products throughout transport and handling. Its high-quality printability enhances ZARELO’s brand visibility at the point of sale, strengthening its presence in retail chains. The transition to re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5 allowed ZARELO to switch from manual to automated filling process, improving production efficiency and optimising resources.
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Kapag and Sappi collaboration delivers innovative “Changemaker” packaging solution

For food brands seeking plastic-free alternatives without compromising performance, Kapag's innovative Changemaker concept uses Sappi's premium materials to create exceptional barrier packaging. This groundbreaking solution, developed by Kapag, combines Sappi's premium Algro Design paperboard or Fusion Topliner with AvantGuard functional barrier paper to deliver a 100% paper-based, mono-material, recyclable solution for food products that eliminates the need for plastic-based alternatives. Kapag created the Changemaker brand for all laminated paperboard products that aim to replace or significantly reduce plastics in packaging. The name Changemaker was chosen to emphasise that everyone can become a changemaker for the good of our planet by purchasing, converting and using renewable materials. First showcased at FachPack, Changemaker demonstrates how Kapag's advanced lamination technology can create sustainable packaging without compromising performance. The approach utilizes their specialised lamination process to combine Sappi's Algro Design paperboard or Fusion Topliner with Sappi's AvantGuard functional high barrier paper. While the showcase example at FachPack featured exceptional grease barrier for highly fatty Berliner doughnuts, the same concept can provide various types of protection including oxygen barriers, aroma protection, water vapour barriers, and protection against contaminants — all while maintaining the excellent printability and converting performance of Sappi's premium paperboards.
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New TASKI Jontec Care Range Enhances Appearance, Reduces Maintenance Costs for Hard Flooring

Diversey has introduced the TASKI Jontec Care floor care program, a next-generation range of state-of-the-art floor cleaning products designed to deliver the best results for any type of hard floor without intentionally added fluorinated levelling agents. The product line extends the lifetime of flooring, enhances appearance, reduces maintenance costs and offers customized solutions for all floor types in any working environment. Rigorously tested by application experts and through customer trials, the TASKI Jontec Care range guarantees premium performance. With no intentionally added fluorinated levelling agents, the TASKI Jontec Care range is better for users and for the planet. Fluorinated levelling agents are replaced by the latest advancements in chemistry and material science, providing equal or even superior product performance.
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Amazon to open fourth Virginia next-gen fulfillment center

The online giant is building its fourth robotics fulfillment center located in Virginia, on a 107-acre site in Goochland County. Amazon expects the 3.1-million-sq.ft. facility with a 650,000-sq.-ft. footprint will create more 6han 1,000 jobs. Amazon robotics fulfillment center model features automated technology solutions in all key production areas at the site, with human employees working alongside its robotic systems seamlessly in a way that wasn’t previously possible. The retailer estimates its next-generation fulfillment centers and sites with advanced robotics will require 30% more employees in reliability, maintenance and engineering roles.
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CMOs Need A Tariff Playbook — Even If Prices Don’t Spike

As tariffs once again dominate political headlines, they’re also driving consumer anxiety—even as spending hasn’t yet dropped. Gartner’s latest research shows that Americans are uneasy about the economy and trade policy but still feel reasonably confident about their ability to afford essentials and indulgences. That disconnect presents a unique challenge for marketers. Kate Muhl, vice president and analyst in Gartner’s marketing practice, tells Marketing Daily why CMOs need to prepare now for a potentially volatile fourth quarter—and why simply cutting prices or promoting “Buy American” may not be the answer.
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Composting Consortium Grant Program 2025

Atlantic Packaging is a member of the Composting Consortium, led by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy. The Consortium has just launched its 2025 Grant Program in collaboration with the US Composting Council (USCC) and the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). This initiative arrives at a pivotal moment for the U.S. composting industry, offering critical funding to help composters and municipalities expand their capacity to process certified compostable packaging and food scraps. While consumer demand for food waste diversion continues to rise, most composting facilities in the U.S. still only accept yard trimmings. This grant program aims to change that by supporting infrastructure upgrades, public education, and market development that enable the inclusion of compostable materials—helping to divert more food waste from landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Funding can be used by eligible U.S. compost manufacturers and municipalities in various ways, including: *Installing new equipment to reduce contamination from conventional plastics *Conducting trials for compostable packaging inclusion *Updating signage and outreach materials to improve participation and reduce confusion
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Konica Minolta Introduces the AccurioJet 30000

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is pleased to introduce the AccurioJet 30000 HS-UV Inkjet B2+ 29" Press, its most innovative digital UV inkjet press to date. The AccurioJet 30000 will take color capabilities, production stability and media handling capabilities to new levels of excellence, maximizing customer value and improving usability for clients. As the successor to the AccurioJet KM-1e, the AccurioJet 30000 continues Konica Minolta's unsurpassed, proven and stable technology with insistence on professional quality. This next-generation digital press features the innovative technology of the tremendously successful AccurioJet KM-1e series, with more than 350 installations worldwide. With new functions to maximize throughput and operator performance, improve productivity and image quality and ensure labor savings through automation, the technology will ultimately contribute to increased revenue for customers.
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Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation Commit $750,000 to Support Tornado Relief Efforts

Walmart Inc., along with Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation, is actively supporting impacted communities in Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri following severe storms that have left thousands with damage to their homes and many others without electricity. Together, they are committing $750,000 to support relief efforts across the impacted areas. Following the devastating storms—particularly in St. Louis, MO, and London and Somerset, KY—Walmart and Sam’s Club have been working with nonprofit organizations to provide essential resources, including: *In St. Louis: Walmart supported Annie Malone Children & Family Services to deliver two truckloads of supplies to residents. *In London, KY: At the Walmart Supercenter (Store #1113), Walmart is offering free hot meals through the support of Operation BBQ Relief. Additionally, Tides Loads of Hope laundry service and showers provided by Matthew 25: Ministries, Procter & Gamble and Walmart will be deployed to the area. *Across the impacted areas: With the loss of homes and power, Walmart and Sam’s Club have worked with ITDRC to provide wi-fi services and charging stations to those areas.
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CANPACK Invests over PLN 440 million in the Development of the Plantin Bydgoszcz, Poland

CANPACK S.A., part of CANPACK Group, Inc., and a leading manufacturer of aluminum beverage cans, is commencing an investment project in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The project involves a significant expansion of the production capacity and entails expenditures exceeding PLN 440 million. The planned investment includes both the expansion of the plant’s infrastructure and the acquisition of modern machines and equipment, as well as the modernization of existing technological lines. Thanks to the implementation of the project, CANPACK will maintain over 450 jobs and create over 100 new positions. “The investment of CANPACK in the expansion of the factory in Bydgoszcz is a response to the growing demand of our customers from Poland and Europe for aluminum beverage cans. Thanks to its implementation, the production capacity of our Bydgoszcz plant will increase by approximately one billion cans per year. Ultimately, we will create over 100 new jobs and strengthen our position in the European market, where we currently rank second among can manufacturers,” said Marian Miskov, Regional Director Poland and Steel Group Business Unit Director. “We have been present in Bydgoszcz for over 24 years, and we are proud to continue the long and rich history of beverage can production in Poland and Europe,” he added.
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Welcome to SPC, Kathy Dykstra: SPC’s new Director of Estimating

SPC adds another all-star to our team with the addition of Kathleen Dykstra, a 30-year veteran in the print industry. In her new role as Director of Estimating, Kathy will assume leadership of a mission-critical team responsible for developing the optimal production architecture for new projects and delivering pricing across SPC’s expansive platform of integrated print manufacturing, fulfillment, marketing services and technologies. “We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Kathy to the SPC family,” stated Adam LeFebvre, SPC President. “Her wealth of marketing knowledge and understanding of our expansive web, sheet & digital print manufacturing platform is extremely rare to find and she will be instrumental in SPC’s continued growth plans.”
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The Globe and Mail: Domtar Owner Plans for Growth

Domtar owner Jackson Wijaya recently spoke with reporter Nicholas van Praet, Montreal Journalist from The Globe and Mail. In the article, Wijaya opens up about beginning his business in Canada, his long-term vision, and his approach to leadership and sustainability. The story provides insight into Wijaya’s background and commitment to ensuring Domtar operates sustainably, with an emphasis on responsible management of our forest resources. “I still have faith that the Canadian people and the Canadian government will allow me to continue my investments in Canada,” Wijaya said.
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AF&PA Details U.S. Paper Production and Capacity Trends

The industry utilized its assets more effectively with total paper and paperboard operating rate reaching 87.5% in 2024, a nearly four percentage point increase from 2023. U.S. paper and paperboard production increased 3.2% last year, with increases in all categories, led by strong growth in containerboard. U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined by 2.0% in 2024, to 78.1 million tons. By comparison, the average annual rate of decline since 2015 was 0.9%. The industry continues to invest in new machines and machine conversions, particularly in the packaging and tissue sectors. Four machines came online in 2023 producing containerboard, one boxboard machine came online this month, and another will start up later this year. Containerboard capacity declined 0.9% in 2024. Despite three consecutive declines in 2022 through 2024, containerboard capacity continues to account for more than 50% of total U.S. capacity to produce paper and paperboard. Packaging paper capacity increased 4.6% on the heels of a strong 4.8% growth rate in 2023. For the second year, all the growth came in unbleached packaging papers while bleached packaging papers has now declined for six consecutive years.
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EcoVadis ranks Mondi among top 1% of companies worldwide for ninth year in a row

Mondi, a global packaging and paper manufacturer, has once again achieved Platinum status in EcoVadis’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ratings. With an overall score of 92% (up from 87% in 2024), Mondi is recognised among the top 1% of companies globally for the ninth consecutive year. "We are delighted that EcoVadis has once again rated our performance among the top 1% of companies globally. This recognition reflects our long-standing commitment to embedding sustainable practices and highlights how integral sustainability is to Mondi’s strategy and commercial success. EcoVadis supports our engagement with both suppliers and customers, helping us to drive progress across our value chain," comments Gladys Naylor, Mondi Group Head of Sustainable Development.
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Walmart Releases Q1 FY26 Earnings

We drove solid operating discipline in Q1 FY26 and grew our higher-margin businesses, such as advertising. We’re deploying capital toward the highest returns, leveraging our omnichannel strengths to enhance the customer and member experience. Our focus on delivering value and convenience to our customers and members is resonating now more than ever. We delivered continued sales momentum across the company in Q1 FY26, enabled by competitive advantages that have continued to set us apart in the retail marketplace. We delivered solid results in Q1 FY26. Transaction counts and unit volume increases drove top-line performance, with eCommerce growth across each segment and solid inventory levels demonstrating the strength and resilience of our business model.
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Effectiveness of dialogues between Swedish FSC forest managers and Sámi reindeer herders

In Sweden, FSC certificate holders conduct forest management in the same area used by the Sámi—Indigenous Peoples in Sweden—for their traditional reindeer herding activities. FSC Sweden’s national forest stewardship standard (NFSS), which is based on the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), plays a key role in facilitating landscape sharing between the two parties. Assurance Services International (ASI) conducted an investigation into the effectiveness of the NFSS in fostering dialogue and preventing disputes between Sami reindeer herders and FSC forest management certificate holders in northern and central Sweden. FSC initiated this investigation because of an increase in complaints and incidents ASI recorded since 2016 regarding disputes between Sámi reindeer herders and FSC forest managers. Stakeholders have voiced their concerns about the impact of forest management (FM) activities like timber harvesting and road building on the reindeer herding activities of the Sámi. Through this investigation, ASI and FSC sought to understand if the normative changes in the latest version of Sweden’s NFSS, effective from 2020, have improved the dialogue between the Sámi reindeer herders and FSC certificate holders, thereby resulting in a sustained reduction in disputes between the two parties.
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Tetra Pak named Servitization Innovation Leader of the Year by the Advanced Services Group

Tetra Pak has been named the inaugural Servitization Innovation Leader of the Year by the Advanced Services Group (ASG), the world’s leading authority on servitization based at Aston Business School, United Kingdom. This recognition highlights Tetra Pak’s pioneering role in applying advanced, outcome-based service models to the food and beverage sector. Such models provide customers with increased operational flexibility, predictable production costs and access to energy and water-efficient technologies, without the traditional capital investment barriers. Unlike conventional leasing or rental models, Tetra Pak’s offering is tailored to each customers’ operations, data-driven and designed to adapt over time as customer needs evolve. The Servitization Awards celebrate excellence in transforming business models through advanced services, recognising individuals and organisations that drive meaningful innovation. The Servitization Innovation Leader of the Year category honours a company that has successfully embraced servitization to unlock new forms of customer value, while serving as a benchmark for best practices and a catalyst for wider industry transformation.
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Rottneros’ interim report January–March 2025

Comments by the CEO: Focus on cost adjustments and a stable balance sheet. The first quarter was marked by weak results due to continued rising prices for pulp wood, the challenging market trend for CTMP pulp and the weaker USD. We are now working intensively on cost adjustments and further efficiency measures. Meanwhile, the chemical softwood pulp market is stable and many of our niche customers still wish to increase their volumes. We are now rapidly implementing cost adjustments and efficiency measures on all fronts in response to worsening external conditions. We are therefore doing what is necessary, even if it is painful. At the end of March, 47 employees were given notice, mainly at Rottneros Mill where we produce mechanical CTMP pulp. Overall, we expect to reduce the Group’s cost base by 35–40 MSEK on an annual basis, with full effect during the second half of 2025. Profitability is primarily being squeezed in CTMP pulp due to the tough market situation. At present, several external factors are forcing us to scale back our production and limit deliveries to fewer markets.
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Lecta renews Ineris certification for its entire range of phenol-free Termax papers

Lecta reaffirms its commitment to innovation and sustainability by renewing the official "BPA Free - No Phenols Added" certification​, guaranteeing the absence of Bisphenol A (BPA) and other phenolic compounds identified in the Ineris certification scheme, for its entire range of phenol-free Termax thermal papers. Ineris (the French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risk) has once again certified that Lecta's thermal products meet the most stringent market standards, further establishing the company as a benchmark in the sector. The Ineris "BPA Free - No Phenols Added" certification is based on a rigorous verification process that includes the evaluation of technical documentation, an audit of the manufacturing process, and an analysis of the thermal paper. This certification examines key aspects such as manufacturing, quality control, traceability, and methods for monitoring the composition of thermal paper. The audit findings have confirmed that Lecta meets all the requirements of the approval scheme, ensuring that its certified Termax products are entirely free of the fifteen phenolic compounds identified by Ineris.
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Mondi unveils Spectrum of Impressions: The Print Book to guide premium print projects with PERGRAPHICA®

Mondi proudly launches Spectrum of Impressions: The Print Book, the centrepiece of its new PERGRAPHICA® Full Spectrum Feels campaign. The campaign redefines the boundaries of premium print and design to create a multi-sensory experience, brought to life through colour, texture and detail on PERGRAPHICA® papers. The print book is created to help printers and converters showcase the full scope of their expertise to their customers, including creatives and brand owners. Compact yet powerful, it supports print sellers in promoting high value print projects and enables print buyers to explore the full technical and creative potential of PERGRAPHICA®. PERGRAPHICA® is Mondi’s uncoated premium design paper range, offering four shades of white in smooth and rough surfaces, alongside 31 PERGRAPHICA® Colours. Designed to meet the most demanding print designs, it is the ideal choice for creative and corporate design, premium publishing and luxury packaging. With a full spectrum of options, selecting the perfect paper becomes an opportunity to shape the look, feel and impact of every printed piece.
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AAP February 2025 StatShot Report: Overall Publishing Industry Down 1.9% for Month of February, and Down 1.7% Year-To-Date

Total revenues across all categories for February 2025 were down 1.9% as compared to February 2024, coming in at $971.5 million. Year-to-date revenues were down 1.7%, at $2.2 billion for the first two months of the year. Trade (Consumer Books) revenues were down 4.9% in February at $683.7 million. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of February, in the Trade (Consumer Books) category, Hardback revenues were down 4.9%, coming in at $231.4 million; Paperbacks were down 11.4%, with $226.0 million in revenue; Mass Market was down 29.3% to $6.5 million; and Special Bindings were down 8.0%, with $14.4 million in revenue. eBook revenues were up 7.8% for the month as compared to February 2024 for a total of $102.7 million, and the Digital Audio format was up 6.8% for February, coming in at $83.3 million in revenue. Physical Audio was down 36.3%, coming in at $200 thousand. Year-to-date Trade revenues were down 3.2% at $1.5 billion for the first two months of the year. Hardback revenues were down 1.3%, coming in at $524.7 million; Paperbacks were down 10.3%, with $490.0 million in revenue; Mass Market was down 21.7% to $17.6 million; and Special Bindings were up 5.9%, with $34.4 million in revenue.
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Amazon unveils Vulcan robot meant to reduce worker strain at fulfillment centers

Amazon.com Inc. introduced a new warehouse robot named Vulcan, which it says will improve fulfillment speed and reduce physical strain for workers. Vulcan is Amazon’s first robot equipped with a sense of touch, according to Alex Davies, senior editor at AboutAmazon.com. In a corporate blog post, Davies wrote that Vulcan uses artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tooling and force feedback sensors to stow and retrieve items from tightly packed storage pods — areas that typically require workers to climb ladders or crouch to access. The goal, he explained, is to reduce physical strain while increasing fulfillment efficiency.
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FSC and closer-to-nature forestry: enhancing synergies

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) acknowledges the recent Milieu study conducted on behalf of the European Commission assessing how forest certification systems align with Closer-to-Nature Forest (CNF) Management Guidelines. The findings confirm that FSC standards already reflect core CNF principles in several EU countries and highlight FSC’s ability to balance environmental, social, and economic values in forest management. With over 70 million hectares certified in Europe and more than 160 million globally, FSC is the pioneer of forest certification . Since 1994, FSC has united environmental, economic, and social stakeholders under a transparent, independently verified, and continuously evolving system. Our standards are rooted in real-world forest management and evolve using cutting edge innovation such satellite and blockchain monitoring. The report recognises the maturity and credibility of FSC stating: “these standards have evolved over decades of practical implementation and refinement, likely reflecting more closely the complex realities of forest management and the forestry sector in terms of its operations on the ground.” The message is clear: we should build on proven systems, not reinvent them.
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Deep Dive: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging, Explained

The packaging EPR landscape is rapidly changing in the U.S., so we have provided some updates here on new states with EPR laws, timelines as we know them today, and challenges producers have encountered. Given that the implementation of EPR laws is evolving so quickly, it is difficult to keep this blog post up to date with the latest. See the “Keeping Up with EPR News” section below for a list of websites that are regularly updated. Key Takeaways *Packaging EPR requires producers (usually brands) to pay fees based on the amount of type of packaging they sell into the state. *Seven U.S. states have passed packaging EPR laws. *The Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) assigned thus far to manage these EPR programs and collect fees. *Producers were required to report their 2024 packaging data for Oregon by March 31, 2025. The next deadline is for Colorado reporting, due July 31, 2025. *Companies should be conducting EPR reporting now and working to reduce and improve their packaging now to reduce fees.
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Greif Receives Supplier Innovation Award from the U.S. Postal Service

The Supplier Innovation Award celebrates partners who deliver creative, value-driven solutions that extend beyond contractual obligations. Greif earned this distinction for its part in introducing a custom double-walled corrugated pallet box to replace traditional USPS bulk containers. Manufactured with renewable and recyclable materials, the new lighter-weight box is projected to deliver substantial cost reductions to the USPS—and savings to U.S. taxpayers. "Being recognized by the USPS, one of the nation’s most critical public service organizations, is an incredible honor," said Chris Zimmerman, VP of Sales for Greif’s Containerboard and Corrugated business unit. " This award is a testament to the ingenuity, dedication, and unmatched expertise of our entire team, from our mills and corrugated plants to our service and technical teams. We are proud of the value we are delivering to the U.S. Postal Service and what it means for our colleagues and shareholders.” USPS highlighted Greif’s extensive geographic coverage, reliable on-time delivery, product quality, and forward-thinking cost-saving initiatives as key factors contributing to its selection for the award.
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Sheridan Awarded Wisconsin Fast Forward Grant to Launch Accelerated Training Program for Press and Binder Operations

Sheridan 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 Wisconsin Fast Forward program through Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development to implement an accelerated training program at its Wisconsin facilities in Random Lake and Stevens Point. The grant will fund a next-level initiative designed to “fast-track” 40 employees into skilled press and binder roles within an accelerated timeline of approximately 12 months. Traditionally, these career paths take four to six years to complete. With this new program, participants will achieve their goals in roughly one year, significantly reducing the time required to gain advanced skills and certifications. This innovative program is an extension of Sheridan Academy, the company’s comprehensive training and development platform developed and led by Joe Dunlap. Sheridan Academy was established to provide employees with opportunities to grow their careers, enhance their skills, and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success.
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GreenFirst Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2025

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. announced results for the first quarter ended March 29, 2025. The Company’s interim financial statements and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the first quarter ended March 29, 2025 are available on GreenFirst’s website. Highlights *Q1 2025 net income from continuing operations was $0.9 million or $0.04 earnings per share (diluted), compared to net loss of $26.6 million or $1.39 loss per share (diluted) in Q4 2024. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for Q1 2025 was positive $5.1 million compared to negative $0.9 million in Q4 2024. *Benchmark prices saw increases during the quarter which resulted in an average realized lumber prices of $729/mfbm for Q1 2025 which was higher than the $680/mfbm pricing realized in Q4 2024. “We are pleased to report Q1 2025 performance with positive EBITDA and net income from continuing operations, despite economic uncertainty and ongoing potential tariffs on lumber exports to the U.S. While sales volumes and production were down due to market conditions and weather-related disruptions in Ontario, strong lumber prices exceeded expectations and supported the company’s positive financial results. Looking ahead, we remain committed to disciplined capital expenditures and maintaining a strong balance sheet to navigate market volatility and potential headwinds,” said Joel Fournier, CEO of GreenFirst.
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REI’s Anniversary Sale set for May 16-26

Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op celebrates its members and their active lives with the return of its biggest sale of the year. REI’s Anniversary Sale runs May 16 – 26 with major savings on gear and apparel brands that inspire outdoor adventures. Everyone is invited to take advantage of great deals, and members will enjoy extra savings just for them. A digital catalog is available now to serve as a resource to those who wish to plan for the sale and future adventures. Highlights include: 30% off REI Co-op brand clothing and gear (excluding bikes); 20% off all Co-op Cycles bikes; 25% off all Smartwool clothing and accessories; 20% off all Thule and Yakima racks, roof boxes and rack accessories; 25% off all Hydro Flask drinkware, kitchenware and accessories.
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Springer Nature reports strong start to 2025

Springer Nature, a leading global publisher of research, today released strong results for the first three months of its financial year 2025. Revenue grew to €450 million, representing a 6% increase on an underlying [1] basis compared to the same period last year. Adjusted operating profit reached €108 million, equating to underlying [1] growth of 11%, which was mainly the result of positive revenue development during the quarter. Frank Vrancken Peeters, CEO of Springer Nature, said: “These strong first-quarter results reflect the fact that we continue to successfully deliver on our strategy to grow sustainably and to add value to our communities. I am particularly pleased with the growth in the amount of content we are making immediately open for all to use, while continuing to invest in people and technology, and to safeguard research integrity.” In the reported period, Research was a key contributor to Springer Nature's performance seeing an underlying [1] revenue growth of 7%. This was led by a strong performance in open access (OA) including an increase of about 25% [2] on prior year in published articles in its full open access (FOA) journals. Fourteen new transformative agreements were also agreed, taking the total to 80, further driving the global OA transition. In addition, around 90% of contract renewals for 2025 have already been completed.
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Tropical timber sourcing from the Congo Basin

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is committed to ensuring that responsible forest management contributes positively to the environment, local communities, and protects the rights and well-being of workers across certified operations. We take labour rights and occupational health and safety seriously, and these principles are embedded throughout our certification system. This includes the Congo Basin – a key region where tropical timber is commonly sourced - in which FSC is actively engaged in maintaining the integrity of certification through robust standards, verification, and oversight. FSC explicitly addresses workers, customary, community, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights in its Principles and Criteria (P&C), ensuring that forest management interventions uphold social responsibility. These areas are where FSC can drive meaningful impact through its standards and verification mechanisms. FSC requires all certificate holders to implement health and safety practices to protect workers from occupational hazards and to comply with workers' rights protected by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Core Conventions, which cover the abolition of child labour, the elimination of forced labour and discrimination, the freedom of association and right to collective bargaining. These requirements are reflected in both the Forest Stewardship Standards (FSS) and Chain of Custody (CoC).
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PEFC General Assembly Greenlights RED III Standards

In a significant move towards RED III (Renewable Energy Directive), PEFC has been working on the development of the PEFC RED III standards; these standards were approved by the PEFC General Assembly on 8 May 2025. The vote in the PEFC General Assembly is a final step in the PEFC standard-setting process, which adheres to robust and stringent requirements in a participatory and inclusive way. The approval of the new standards by the highest PEFC decision-making body adds significant weight to the new PEFC RED III certification scheme, which has already received a positive technical assessment from the European Commission (EC) in April 2025. These new standards will enable PEFC chain of custody certified organisations seeking RED III compliance to obtain a PEFC RED III certificate and use the PEFC certification scheme to demonstrate that the forest biomass they use meets the relevant RED III sustainability criteria.
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SPC Impact 2025: Harmonizing Impact Through Innovation and Collaboration

Pregis is a proud member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), a trademark project of GreenBlue, a nonprofit dedicated to driving innovation in sustainable packaging. As a sponsor, exhibitor, and presenter at SPC Impact 2025 in Seattle, Pregis engaged with industry leaders to explore the latest advancements and challenges in sustainability. The event centered on critical themes, including recycling, alternative materials, responsible sourcing, composting, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). While the industry has made significant strides, achieving lasting progress requires continued collaboration, strategic investment, and well-informed policy alignment to drive meaningful change. Companies are making strong progress in reducing virgin plastic use and advancing bio-based alternatives. Produce packaging, traditionally reliant on monolayer LDPE bags and rigid PET clamshells, is seeing growing interest in bioplastics. Starch-based and sugarcane-derived films offer sustainability benefits but face challenges in clarity and durability. Compostable packaging is gaining momentum, particularly in food applications, where it reduces landfill waste and delivers food excess to enrich soils. Seattle’s expanded compostable waste collection showcases its benefits, while growing infrastructure and consumer education will accelerate widespread implementation. Shifting to bio-based and fiber-based packaging encounters environmental trade-offs, particularly when tracking Scope 3 emissions from external sourcing. Measuring impact is complex, and transitioning away from plastics can lead to increased land use, water consumption, and overall emissions.
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Ahlstrom introduces Optipad™: new sustainable, high-performance filter pad offering longer cooking oil lifetime

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, launches Ahlstrom Optipad™, a new high-performance filter pad, designed for hot cooking oil filtration. It’s a cutting-edge solution that brings together innovation, sustainability, and simplicity, extending oil lifetime up to 50% and enhancing ease of use. Optipad™ combines an advanced filtration material with a filter aid, resulting in a pre-impregnated solution that efficiently eliminates particles and oil contaminants. The enhanced and durable design of the filter pad also streamlines the changing of filters, making it easier and more efficient for daily use.
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U.S. Postal Service Recommends New Shipping Services Prices for 2025

The Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for shipping services price changes to take effect July 13. The proposed adjustments were approved by the USPS Board of Governors this week. The changes would raise domestic shipping services prices approximately 6.3 percent for Priority Mail service, 7.1 percent for USPS Ground Advantage and 7.6 percent for Parcel Select. Prices are not changing for Priority Mail Express service. Although mailing services price increases are based on the consumer price index, shipping services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions. The USPS governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue.
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Postal Service Board of Governors appoints David Steiner to be 76th Postmaster General and CEO of the United States Postal Service

The U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors announced that they have chosen David Steiner to be America’s 76th Postmaster General and CEO. Pending the outcome of necessary background and ethics checks, Steiner will succeed former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March, and current Acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino, who will return to his permanent position as Deputy Postmaster General and Chief Human Resources Officer. We anticipate Steiner will formally join the organization in July, assuming his successful completion of the ethics and security clearance vetting processes. “Dave is the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time to ensure this magnificent and historic organization thrives into the future,” said Amber McReynolds, chair of the Postal Service Board of Governors. “Dave is a highly regarded leader and executive with tremendous vision, experience and skill that can be applied to the long-term mission and business needs of the Postal Service. Our Board looks forward to working with Dave as he takes on the core mandates of providing universal and excellent service for the American public and doing so in a financially sustainable manner.”
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Commission Releases Report Analyzing Postal Service’s FY 2024 Finances

The Commission published its annual Financial Analysis report, which carefully analyzes the Postal Service’s finances using a number of well-known financial parameters. This report meets the Commission’s financial reporting responsibilities and responds to the continued interest from policymakers and stakeholders in the Postal Service’s financial health. The Analysis provides greater clarity, transparency, and accountability of the Postal Service’s financial data and trends. At the end of FY 2024: The Postal Service recorded a net loss from operations of $1.8 billion and a total net loss of $9.5 billion. The Postal Service’s operating revenue was $79.5 billion, $1.2 billion higher than the previous year. Revenue from Competitive products increased by $0.5 billion and Market Dominant revenue increased by $0.8 billion in FY 2024, resulting from price increases. Total operating expenses were $81.8 billion, $0.6 billion higher than the prior year. There was a notable decrease in highway transportation expenses, which decreased by 8.2 percent from network optimization efforts as a part of the Delivering for American plan. Furthermore, air transportation expenses decreased by 20.8 percent from a shift in package volume from air to highway transportation. The Postal Service is a labor intensive organization. Labor costs account for 76.4% of total expenses and in FY 2024 total personnel operating expenses increased by $1.4 billion from FY 2023, resulting from increases in salaries, retirement and employee health benefits.
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News Corp Reports Third Quarter Results for Fiscal 2025

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Robert Thomson said: “The sustained strength of News Corp’s third quarter reflects the Company’s strategic transformation. We have pursued digital growth, realigned our assets, focused relentlessly on cost discipline and asserted the essential value of our intellectual property in a changing, challenging content world. Net income from continuing operations rose 67% to $107 million, benefiting from a 12% increase in Total Segment EBITDA to $290 million, as revenue reached $2 billion, despite blustery currency headwinds and obvious macro uncertainty. Reported earnings per share from continuing operations doubled to $0.14 and margins expanded in every segment. The completion of the sale of Foxtel to DAZN last month marked a significant moment for News Corp as we continued to focus on our core pillars and on driving growth. The transaction meaningfully strengthened our balance sheet and is expected to increase return on invested capital, and be accretive to earnings per share. It also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maximizing returns for our shareholders.
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PEFC General Assembly Greenlights RED III Standards

In a significant move towards RED III, PEFC has been working on the development of the PEFC RED III standards; these standards were approved by the PEFC General Assembly on 8 May 2025. The vote in the PEFC General Assembly is a final step in the PEFC standard-setting process, which adheres to robust and stringent requirements in a participatory and inclusive way. The approval of the new standards by the highest PEFC decision-making body adds significant weight to the new PEFC RED III certification scheme, which has already received a positive technical assessment from the European Commission (EC) in April 2025. These new standards will enable PEFC chain of custody certified organisations seeking RED III compliance to obtain a PEFC RED III certificate and use the PEFC certification scheme to demonstrate that the forest biomass they use meets the relevant RED III sustainability criteria.
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Sonoco Releases 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report

Sonoco Products Company released its 2024 Corporate Sustainability Report, marking its transformation into a more sustainable packaging company following the acquisition of Eviosys, Europe’s leading metal packaging manufacturer. The union significantly enhances Sonoco’s sustainability footprint, global reach and circular packaging portfolio with an additional 6,300 new employees and 45 facilities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Company is now a global leader in metal and fiber packaging, serving some of the best-known consumer and industrial brands, yielding measurable results toward sustainable solutions that achieve our purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life. ® Renewable energy and energy efficiency investments have helped Sonoco advance towards its Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets of 25% by 2030 from the 2020 baseline. They include solar installations in Hartsville, S.C., Texas, and Italy; high-efficiency turbo blowers in Stainland, U.K. and Subang, Indonesia; and a new biogas boiler in Subang.
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Tredegar Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Tredegar Corporation reported first quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2025. First quarter 2025 net income (loss) from continuing operations was $0.7 million ($0.02 per diluted share) compared to $2.6 million (0.08 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2024. Net income (loss) from ongoing operations, which excludes special items, was $3.6 million ($0.10 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2025 compared to $4.7 million ($0.14 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2024. A reconciliation of net income (loss) from continuing operations, a financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), to net income (loss) from ongoing operations, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, is provided in Note (a) to the Financial Tables in this press release.
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Amcor and Metsä Group partner to develop molded fiber-based food packaging solutions

Amcor and forestry industry company Metsä Group, announced a collaboration to develop three-dimensional molded fiber packaging solutions with lidding and liner for a variety of food applications. The collaboration underscores Amcor and Metsä Group’s commitment to sustainability and innovation by creating recycle-ready packaging solutions. Combining Amcor’s advanced high-barrier film liner and lidding technology with Muoto™, a wood-based molded fiber product developed by Metsä Spring, Metsä Group’s innovation company, the partnership seeks to deliver innovative fiber-based food packaging that protects perishable food products and extends shelf life. Ilya Syshchikov, Amcor’s Vice President, Global Fiber, said, “I am excited about this collaboration with our good partner Metsä. Both parties bring a wealth of materials, packaging and market knowledge to deliver more sustainable solutions to our customers with exceptional quality, functionality and efficiency.“
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International Paper Announces Facility Alignment in the Rio Grande Valley as Part of Strategic Growth Initiative in North America

International Paper announced the consolidation of its operations in the Rio Grande Valley to better serve customers. As part of its strategic growth initiative, and commitment to the Rio Grande Valley, the company will make strategic investments to convert the current Edinburg, Tex. sheet plant into a warehouse, invest in its current facility in McAllen, Tex. to increase capabilities and shift its current Reynosa, Mexico operations to a new, more modern and capable facility that is currently under construction in Reynosa. The company will close its box plant and sheet plant in Edinburg, Tex. "The decision to cease operations at our two Edinburg facilities while investing in McAllen and Reynosa allows us to focus our efforts, provide excellent customer experiences and maintain a competitive cost structure that we believe positions us for profitable growth," said Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President of Packaging Solutions North America, International Paper. The company's goal is to minimize the impact to affected employees through natural attrition, retirements and open positions at other IP facilities, including open positions at our McAllen, Tex. facility. The company will assist employees and customers through this transition.
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Royle Printing Expands Customer Service Team to Support Growth and Enhance Client Experience

Royle Printing, a leader in high-quality print solutions, is proud to announce the expansion of its customer service team, reinforcing the company’s longstanding commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience. In the past month alone, Royle has welcomed five new team members, strengthening its ability to provide dedicated, responsive service across its growing customer base. Every Royle client is assigned a dedicated account manager, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience from project inception to completion. This hands-on approach reflects Royle’s promise to deliver one of the best customer experiences in the industry. Beyond its customer service expansion, Royle remains deeply invested in mentoring future generations of print professionals. Through Youth Apprenticeship Programs and partnerships with local high schools and universities across and beyond Wisconsin, the company continues to introduce young talent to rewarding careers in the printing industry.
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Sylvamo Delivers Results In Line With Outlook, Well Positioned With Strong Balance Sheet

Management Summary from Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Michel Ribiéras: In the first quarter, we completed a heavy planned maintenance outage schedule in Europe and North America. The second quarter will be our heaviest outage quarter of the year, and by mid-year, we will have spent over 80% of the total annual planned maintenance outage costs. We returned nearly $40 million in cash to shareowners in the first quarter. We distributed $18 million via the first quarter dividend and repurchased $20 million in shares. We will continue evaluating opportunities to repurchase shares at attractive prices with $62 million remaining on our $150 million share repurchase authorization from September 2023. Our board of directors also declared a second quarter dividend of $0.45 per share, which we paid April 29. We understand one of the main risks in today’s environment is a global economic slowdown due to the current tariff situation, which could impact uncoated freesheet demand. Some shifts in uncoated freesheet and pulp trade flows are already starting to materialize. We also anticipate higher risks of inflation on our raw materials, transportation and capital spending. While these present possible challenges, these risks appear manageable because we are primarily sourcing and shipping locally, and have a very strong balance sheet. Over 90% of our raw materials are sourced locally, with very little coming from China. In Europe and North America, more than 90% of our shipments stay within their respective region. In Latin America, 80% of our shipments remain in the region. Although we export about 20% of our products from Latin America, we are well positioned as our Brazilian mills are some of the world's most competitive and low-cost uncoated freesheet facilities.
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Suzano – Heavy maintenance schedule and inventory rebuild limited pulp volumes

The pulp market showed a favorable performance in the first 2 months of 2025, with successive price increases fully implemented, in light of the effects of limited supply caused by the downtime of an important integrated paper producer in China as well as the conversion of production to dissolving pulp by one of the sector's producers. In March, market sentiment remained positive regarding pulp prices and the implementation of the new price increase announced for the period, especially after Shanghai Pulp Week - an important event in the P&P sector. However, the more uncertain global macroeconomic environment at the end of the quarter had a negative impact on market dynamics. The results of the company's pulp business were impacted by the lower volume sold, given the commercial strategy of inventory restocking to normal levels, and the lower realized price, in turn due to the invoicing of backlogs for some regions. Operating performance was according to plan, with an increase in the cash production cost, mainly due to the effect of scheduled maintenance downtimes.
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Windsor Mill Maple Trees Enable Local Syrup Production

Our Windsor Mill in Windsor, Quebec, has gone to great lengths to close its sustainability loop and nurture the forests that support its operations and the people that live and work in the surrounding area. That includes a partnership with local maple syrup producers. The Windsor Mill is one of Canada’s last fully integrated pulp and paper mills, and it owns 400,000 acres of forestland to support its operations. The mill manages its forests for multiple uses, selectively harvesting trees about once every 20 years. The mill has developed partnerships for the forests to benefit the larger community during the two decades of growing time. One of these partnerships was formed in 2016 to allow local maple syrup producers to harvest sap from the large stands of sugar maples that dominate the land. Since starting its partnership with local syrup makers, more than 260,000 taps have yielded enough tree sap for 47 maple syrup producers to create thousands of gallons of their signature product.
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Mondi Q1 2025 Trading Update

Higher sales volumes, good cost control and fewer planned maintenance shuts in the first quarter of 2025 offset lower average selling prices when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 (“Q4 2024”). Underlying EBITDA for the first quarter was €290 million, including a forestry fair value gain of €2 million (Q4 2024: €261 million including a forestry fair value loss of €27 million). In Corrugated Packaging and Flexible Packaging, stronger order books drove higher sales volumes across Mondi’s range of paper grades compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. This was supported by a solid performance in the downstream converting operations. Following selling price declines towards the end of 2024, average selling prices in the first quarter of 2025 were lower than the fourth quarter of 2024. In the last few months, paper price increases have been implemented to largely recover the declines. In Uncoated Fine Paper, market conditions remained muted with lower average selling prices in the quarter when compared to Q4 2024. Profitability was supported by strong cost control.
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The Dirt on Paper Composting

It’s important for companies and consumers to understand the end-of-life pathways for paper materials, like paper recycling or composting, so that they can make smart choices. Exploring the compostability or biodegradability of various types of paper and the advancements in bio-based coatings can help organizations make informed decisions that align with environmental sustainability at a time when consumers are demanding sustainability and transparency around practices. When paper products are not recycled, they typically end up in landfills. In these anaerobic environments, organic materials like paper decompose slowly, potentially releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Alternatively, some paper waste may be processed through combustion with energy recovery, contributing to energy production but also emitting carbon dioxide. Recycling paper products, which can be collected and reused to make new products, is the ideal solution, but recycling infrastructure can vary from state to state, even city to city. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) estimate U.S. paper recycling at 65%-69%.
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Amazon to Invest More Than $4 Billion to Launch Infrastructure Region in Chile

Amazon announced it plans to launch an Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure Region in Chile by the end of 2026. The new AWS South America (Chile) Region will give developers, startups, entrepreneurs, and enterprises, as well as financial services, retail, education, government, and nonprofit organizations, greater choice for running their applications and serving end users from data centers located in Chile. As part of its long-term commitment, Amazon is planning to invest more than $4 billion in Chile to support the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of its data centers in the country. For more information about AWS Global Infrastructure, visit aws.amazon.com/about-aws/global-infrastructure. “The AWS South America (Chile) Region will help serve the fast-growing demand for cloud services across Latin America and in Chile with secure, reliable, and efficient cloud infrastructure,” said Prasad Kalyanaraman, vice president of Infrastructure Services at AWS. “With the new AWS Region, organizations will have the ability to build with advanced AWS technologies, like artificial intelligence and machine learning, to help accelerate growth, productivity, and innovation. By investing in local talent, educational opportunities, and digital skills training, we're proud to contribute to Chile's economic growth and digital transformation for years to come.”
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Three Pulitzers For Penguin Random House

When this year’s Pulitzer Prize winners were announced at Columbia University in New York on Monday, the honorees once again included authors on the Penguin Random House roster, continuing a fine tradition for the Bertelsmann book division. Since the award was first presented in 1917, a total of 143 Penguin Random House authors have won the famous prize. This time, the recipients are Percival Everett, Jason Roberts, and Kathleen DuVal who were honored in the “Fiction,” “Biography,” and “History” categories, respectively. The Pulitzer Prize jury cited Percival Everett’s novel “James,” published by Doubleday, as “an accomplished reconsideration of Huckleberry Finn that gives agency to Jim to illustrate the absurdity of racial supremacy and provide a new take on the search for family and freedom.” “Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All Life” by Jason Roberts (Random House) was described as “a beautifully written double biography of Carl Linnaeus and Georges-Louis de Buffon.” And the nonfiction book “Native Nations” by Kathleen Duval was praised by the judges as “a vivid and accessible account” of Native American nations and communities over a thousand years.
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Savvas PathMaker Wins Gold Stevie Award

Savvas Learning Company is proud to announce that Savvas PathMaker, its all-in-one digital solution for college and career readiness, has received a Gold Stevie Award in the 23rd annual American Business Awards program. The Stevie judges praised Savvas PathMaker as an “outstanding, future-forward solution that addresses both college and career readiness in a holistic and scalable way.” Designed to offer flexibility for educators and choice for students, Savvas PathMaker delivers a comprehensive catalog of Outlier by Savvas dual-enrollment courses and Savvas CTE career and technical education (CTE) courses that give students the opportunity to discover their passions, develop skills and knowledge, and prepare for the next stage of their life, whether that be college, career, or both. More than 250 judges reviewed approximately 3,600 nominations to select the 2025 Stevie winners.
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A new model of forest management emerges in the Republic of Congo

In the Republic of Congo, Olam Agri is demonstrating that conservation and economic growth can be allies as it partners with conservation NGOs, government bodies, and ecotourism operators for local forest stewardship. Together, they drive not only biodiversity preservation but also local economic development, proving that conservation and growth can go hand in hand. This partnership is shaping the future of forest management in the Congo Basin. Watch 3 minute video at: https://fsc.org/en/newscentre/stories/a-new-model-of-forest-management-emerges-in-the-congo
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Bold looks. Smarter bottles. 2025’s ‘Bottles of the Year’ are must-see packaging designs.

Amcor announced its 2025 Bottles of the Year, in celebration of National Packaging Design Day. Annually, Amcor Rigid Packaging Bottles of the Year recognizes the best in innovative and responsible conceptual packaging designs that meet the latest trends in consumer preferences in the beverage, spirits & wine, food & dairy, home & personal care and healthcare segments. “The Bottles of the Year program celebrates the best in packaging design,” said Terry Patcheak, Vice President of R&D, Sustainability and Project Management at Amcor Rigid Packaging. “Our designers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with packaging, and we are proud to highlight that thinking through this program. With Bottles of the Year, our goal is to illustrate how evolving consumer trends and the latest technology in PET plastic packaging can drive advancements in eye-catching designs, improved consumer experience and responsible packaging choices that meet new minimum PCR standards.” A collection of five bottle designs, the Bottles of the Year are ready to be refined for commercialization. The designs highlight stand-out innovative packaging opportunities for brands in the beverage, spirits & wine, food & dairy, home & personal care, and healthcare markets.
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Mativ Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

President and Chief Executive Officer Shruti Singhal commented, "Since stepping in to lead Mativ eight weeks ago, I have seen firsthand the role we serve as trusted partner to our customers, enabling them to solve their most complex challenges. However, this past year has been incredibly challenging for our shareholders and employees. We are simply not where we need to be operationally to navigate the current demand environment or future challenges. We are pivoting to a much higher sense of urgency across our company to act swiftly, comprehensively and decisively to undertake the necessary changes to grow market share, return to sustainable and profitable growth, and most importantly restore value to our shareholders. Our top priority is to accelerate our pace of execution with a focus on three key areas: driving enhanced commercial execution, sharpening our efforts to de-lever the balance sheet, and conducting a strategic review of our portfolio. These actions are to ensure Mativ is focused on our highest value initiatives to enable our long-term success. We are executing against a clear strategic roadmap and are taking accelerated actions to position Mativ for profitable growth while de-levering our balance sheet and creating sustainable value for our shareholders.
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Lecta’s Coral Book Natural 1.5 new uncoated paper: the perfect choice for publishing

Lecta has extended its range of uncoated paper with Coral Book Natural 1.5, a high bulk paper specially designed for publishers and printers seeking excellence and distinction. Made from natural, renewable raw materials, the new paper is completely recyclable and biodegradable, in line with the industry's growing demands for products that promote sustainability and protect the environment. With a natural shade and exceptional print quality, Coral Book Natural 1.5 is ideal for black-and-white text and images, as well as CMYK projects. Available in 70, 80 and 90 g/m² and in sheet and reel formats, it delivers optimal performance for multiple printing techniques, such as offset, flexography, dry toner, laser, and HP Indigo digital systems. Thanks to its 1.5 bulk value, it offers body and presence without increasing the weight of the end product, which means a competitive advantage for literary products.
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Mondi – Q1 2025 Trading Update

Mondi plc provides an update on trading for the three months to 31 March 2025. Higher sales volumes, good cost control and fewer planned maintenance shuts in the first quarter of 2025 offset lower average selling prices when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 (“Q4 2024”). Underlying EBITDA for the first quarter was €290 million, including a forestry fair value gain of €2 million. In Corrugated Packaging and Flexible Packaging, stronger order books drove higher sales volumes across Mondi’s range of paper grades compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. This was supported by a solid performance in the downstream converting operations. Following selling price declines towards the end of 2024, average selling prices in the first quarter of 2025 were lower than the fourth quarter of 2024. In the last few months, paper price increases have been implemented to largely recover the declines. In Uncoated Fine Paper, market conditions remained muted with lower average selling prices in the quarter when compared to Q4 2024. Profitability was supported by strong cost control.
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Sappi reports results for the second financial quarter

Sappi Chief Executive Officer, Steve Binnie said: “The operating performance for the second quarter fell short of expectations due to challenging market conditions and issues that arose during scheduled maintenance shuts, with the group delivering Adjusted EBITDA of US$107 million.” Challenging market conditions prevailed across all segments, driven by heightened uncertainty from potential global trade tensions and a broader economic slowdown, which placed downward pressure on selling prices. The forestry fair value price adjustment for the quarter was a loss of US$17 million. Despite these headwinds, year-on-year sales volumes remained stable, with a modest recovery in packaging and speciality papers volumes, underscoring the long-term potential of these markets. While market conditions for graphic papers remained soft, targeted efforts to grow market share delivered positive year-on-year gains. Amid these macroeconomic challenges, the group remained focused on optimising asset utilisation and advancing cost-saving initiatives to support future performance. The quarter was negatively impacted by issues that arose during the scheduled maintenance shuts in South Africa, which required additional repairs and extended the shutdowns beyond the planned timeline thereby reducing production for the period. This resulted in an additional financial impact of US$13 million over and above the US$45 million guidance. These issues were resolved and both Saiccor and Ngodwana Mills are running well post start-up. The quarter was also affected by the extended shut for the conversion and expansion of Somerset Mill PM2 in North America, which was US$20 million as per guidance.
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Canfor Pulp reports results for first quarter of 2025

The Company reported an operating income of $10.8 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $4.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. These results were largely driven by a modest uplift in the Company’s average Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) pulp unit sales realizations in the current quarter combined with a 6% increase in pulp production compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. Commenting on the Company’s first quarter results, CPPI’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Mackie, said, “With improved operational performance and some positive momentum in market conditions early in 2025, we are pleased to see another quarter of positive results for our pulp business. Despite the increase in results, however, global economic uncertainty influenced pulp market conditions in the latter part of the first quarter and continues to do so early in the second quarter. Going forward, we will work to navigate these external challenges facing our business while focusing on improving safety, reliability and overall operating performance.”
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Kruger Inc. Shares Its 2024 Sustainability Report

This document highlights the Company's unwavering commitment to responsible business practices, which have guided its vision and operations for decades. Today, Kruger is taking this legacy further by looking through the lens of sustainable prosperity. This holistic approach aims to reach a harmonious balance between economic growth, environmental health, and social equity to drive positive outcomes for all stakeholders, society, and the planet. "Sustainable prosperity requires us to act on all fronts, from fighting climate change and protecting our resources, to enhancing energy efficiency, cultivating a healthy work environment, supporting education, and forging strong partnerships with our host communities and Indigenous peoples. This report proudly presents our recent accomplishments across these critical areas while acknowledging the journey ahead." —Eric Ashby, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Kruger Inc.
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The New York Times Company Reports First-Quarter 2025 Results

Meredith Kopit Levien, president and chief executive officer, The New York Times Company, said, “As our first quarter results show, we've had a strong start to the year. Our strategy is working and our business is growing and demonstrating resilience amidst the current economic and geopolitical uncertainty. We have a diverse portfolio of world-class news coverage and leading lifestyle products; multiple, complementary revenue lines across subscriptions, advertising, affiliate and licensing; and a model that generates significant free cash flow and a strong balance sheet. All of which makes us confident we are continuing to build a larger, more profitable New York Times company." As of the first quarter of 2025 we have updated our discussion of digital advertising revenue and no longer distinguish between “core” and “other” digital advertising. Digital advertising consists of display (which includes website and mobile applications), audio, email and video advertising revenue from advertisements that are sold either directly to marketers by our advertising sales teams or, currently for a smaller proportion, through programmatic auctions run by third-party ad exchanges. Digital advertising revenue also includes creative services fees.
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Book Manufacturers’ Institute Announces 2025 Rising Star Award Winner

The Book Manufacturers' Institute (BMI) is pleased to announce that Matt Kennell of Versa Press has been honored with the prestigious 2025 Rising Star Award. The honor was established to recognize book industry professionals who may not be long-standing industry veterans, but are making a positive impact on their companies, in their communities, and in the industry. The award was first given in 2019. This year’s Rising Star Award was presented at the 2025 BMI Spring Management Conference on April 28, 2025, in Nashville, TN. BMI Cased-In Club Member and event sponsor Andy Fetherman of Muller Martini presented the award. As the head of sales, customer service, and estimating departments with 25 team members, Kennell has strategically driven organic revenue growth and expanded the sales team from 6 to 10 representatives while implementing an innovative territory model that increased customer meetings by 18% without additional travel days. His commitment extends beyond business success to community service, where he serves as Treasurer on the Open Arms Food Pantry Board of Directors and as an Elder at Metamora Mennonite Church.
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The College of Optometrists chooses Springer Nature as new publishing partner in centenary year of its flagship title OPO

Springer Nature has been selected as the new publishing partner for The College of Optometrists' flagship journal, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO), a leading journal for contemporary research in vision science and optometry. It joins the publisher’s portfolio of around 3,000 titles, where the publisher is ranked first in research for the number of top 50 journals by impact factor. This new collaboration builds on Springer Nature and The College of Optometrists’ commitment to evidence-based high-quality research, expanding access to research with real-world impact for the public, research, policy and the optometric profession. This new partnership comes at a key moment for both Springer Nature and OPO, with OPO celebrating 100 years of publication and research excellence and Springer Nature celebrating its 10th anniversary building on 180+ years of its trusted brands.
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Postmedia announces collaboration with Investigative Journalism Bureau to strengthen Canadian journalism

Postmedia Network Inc. is proud to announce a collaborative relationship with the Investigative Journalism Bureau (IJB), reinforcing its commitment to exceptional journalism and the vital role investigative reporting plays in Canada’s democracy. At a time when the media industry continues to face rapid change, this relationship demonstrates Postmedia’s dedication to supporting journalism of the highest calibre, including a strong focus on investigative and long-form journalism. The IJB, based at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health and led by award-winning investigative journalist Robert Cribb, has established itself as a centre of excellence, producing high-impact journalism that drives public awareness, policy changes, and social progress. IJB’s work continues to earn national and international recognition for its quality and impact, with acclaimed works such as The Patient Files: Hidden Stories from Inside Ontario’s Hospitals and Suspended garnering widespread praise and prestigious awards.
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Pregis Honors Partners Driving Measurable Impact with Annual Pregis Purpose Awards

The awards honor partners who embody the Pregis Purpose: to protect what matters, preserve the planet, and ‘inspyre’ change. By adopting and delivering key Pregis sustainable product lines throughout 2024, these partners drove meaningful environmental and social progress. “Our distributor and fabricator partners play a critical role in extending the reach and impact of Pregis sustainable packaging solutions,” says Kris Getty, Chief Sustainability Officer of Pregis. “Together, we meet customer needs while delivering measurable environmental and social benefits. This year’s results highlight the power of partnership in driving lasting impact.” The annual awards span three key categories: Preserve Award: Trees saved through 100% recycled paper solutions - By providing Pregis EasyPack® 100% recycled paper packaging, including FSC® certified solutions, Pregis partners saved 573,000 trees from harvest. Inspyre Award: Lives changed through clean water partnership - By driving the adoption of the Pregis Inspyre™ portfolio, including paper, air cushioning, and mailing solutions, distributor partners have provided clean water to over 39,450 people in 2024. Renew Award: Carbon emissions reduced through recycled content - The Pregis Renew Award recognizes companies that integrate products made with 30% or more recycled content into their solution portfolios, including AirSpeed® Renew™ Inflatable Solutions and PolyPlank Renew® Foam.
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Smurfit Westrock publishes its first Sustainability Report

The report details the sustainable approach Smurfit Westrock is taking in what was a milestone year during which Smurfit Kappa and WestRock combined to become a global leader in paper-based packaging. In addition to detailed, transparent reporting, assured performance data for the two legacy companies on specific key performance indicators is included in the report. The report also covers how it is delivering for its customers in providing sustainable packaging solutions such as the delivery of 16,000 recyclable bed frames for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The company also reported winning over 100 awards for its sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. Another highlight includes the raising of $2 billion in Green Finance. The report reflects the strength of the combination as Smurfit Westrock continues to put sustainability at the forefront of its efforts to drive both business success and sustainability results.
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Kimberly-Clark Promotes Russ Torres to President and Chief Operating Officer

As President and COO, Torres will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Kimberly-Clark's business segments. He will also have responsibility for the Global Supply Chain, R&D, Global Growth and Digital Technology Solutions organizations. Torres will continue to report to Mike Hsu, Kimberly-Clark's Chairman and CEO. Kurt Laufer, current President of US Consumer Sales, will serve as Interim President, North America while the Company conducts a search to identify a permanent successor. Torres has served as President of Kimberly-Clark's North America business since October 2024, responsible for the Company's personal care, family care and professional businesses in North America. Prior to that, he served as Group President, K-C North America since 2021, where he was responsible for the consumer business in North America, and as President of K-C Professional from 2020 to 2021, where he led business-to-business operations globally. Torres has more than 25 years of experience in the consumer product goods industry, and prior to Kimberly-Clark served in a number of key senior leadership roles at Newell Brands, Bain & Company and Mondelez International (formerly Kraft Foods).
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Wiley Announces Collaboration With Amazon Web Services (AWS) to Integrate Scientific Content Into Life Sciences AI Agent

Wiley announces a new collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch a generative AI agent for scientific literature search on AWS. The first of its kind from a publisher on AWS, the AI agent will be unveiled at the 7th annual AWS Life Sciences Symposium in New York City on May 6. The AI agent will demonstrate how researchers can conduct comprehensive full-text scientific literature search across Wiley’s extensive journal content, moving beyond traditional abstract-only searches to access detailed content within main sections like methods and results. The new Wiley literature search agent is available as part of an open source toolkit for healthcare and life sciences agents that has been assembled by AWS. The toolkit offers a catalog of starter agents and an orchestration framework for organizations to build and customize their agentic systems, supporting use cases from biomarker discovery to clinical trial protocol generation. The new AI agent currently includes AI searchable access to articles under the creative commons license, such as Cancer Medicine,delivering reliable and cited insights in minutes rather than the current hours- to days-long manual process of discovering and perusing dozens of articles for relevant information. “Our collaboration with AWS demonstrates how researchers can access and leverage scientific literature to power more effective discovery across the life sciences sector,” said Josh Jarrett, SVP and GM of AI Growth for Wiley.
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HMH Unveils Annual 180 Award Recipients, Celebrating Students and Educators

Adaptive learning company HMH has announced the recipients of its 19th Annual 180 Awards, a national recognition program that honors students and educators who have demonstrated growth, leadership, and perseverance through their use of Read 180 and Math 180, HMH’s intensive intervention solutions. The 180 Awards recipients are nominated by fellow educators, coaches, intervention specialists, parents, and school leaders from across the country. The 180 Awards spotlight students who have overcome personal and academic challenges to make remarkable gains and educators who go above and beyond to deliver meaningful instruction, foster student achievement, and champion equity through intervention. “The 180 Awards are a testament to the resilience and determination of our students and the incredible impact our educators make every day,” said Matthew Mugo Fields, General Manager, Supplemental and Intervention Solutions at HMH.
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Sealed Air Reports Q1 2025 Results

"Our first quarter results were ahead of our expectations driven by continued execution on business fundamentals. We achieved organic growth in our Food business by continuing to take share in retail end markets with our case-ready solutions, while volumes in our Protective business continued to stabilize due to our ongoing transformation efforts," said Dustin Semach, Sealed Air's President and CEO. "Looking forward, we are focused on controlling the controllables, executing our transformation and supporting our customers as they navigate market uncertainties." "While our first quarter results were ahead of expectations, we continue to be prudent as we navigate the limited-visibility environment," said Roni Johnson, Interim CFO. "We are maintaining our full year guidance and will continue to assess evolving trade policies and the second-half demand environment as we progress throughout the second quarter."
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Sun Chemical to Implement Tariff Surcharge on Color Materials Products

To address rising costs caused by recent global trade developments affecting raw material tariffs, Sun Chemical will implement a tariff surcharge on impacted color materials products, including pigments, both imported and produced in the United States. Despite the high share of domestic production and sourcing, the recently installed tariffs significantly impact costs for base chemicals, raw materials, equipment parts and supply chain operations. With facilities across the Americas, Europe and Asia, Sun Chemical maintains the most balanced manufacturing footprint in the pigments industry and is committed to leveraging its global presence and supply chain network to mitigate cost impacts. “We acknowledge that this surcharge represents a significant cost increase,” said Brian Panczyk, President of the Color Materials Division, Sun Chemical. “As the tariff situation continues to evolve, we are committed to adjusting our approach fairly while pursuing supply chain options to mitigate the tariff impact. We value the business of our customers and appreciate their understanding during these challenging times.” The effective date and amount of the surcharge will vary by country and will be communicated directly to affected customers.
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Google Tests Serving Ads In Third-Party Chatbots

Google confirmed Thursday to MediaPost that it ran a limited experiment with a handful of publishers serving ads in chatbots before making AdSense for Search (AFS) broadly available to sites that host conversational AI interfaces earlier this year. AFS has been a long-standing product that allows publishers to show ads on relevant queries within the search results on a publisher’s page. The AdSense network was traditionally used to place ads in search results and across websites. Now it is running ads in chatbot interactions.
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International Paper Celebrates the Groundbreaking of Greenfield Packaging Facility in Waterloo, Iowa

Located in the heart of the Midwest, the new facility will primarily focus on serving the protein segment, providing tailored packaging solutions and meeting the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable packaging. "We are thrilled to break ground and invest in our company and the city of Waterloo," said John Berry, Group Vice President, International Paper. "This facility represents our dedication to growing in markets where we want to compete, advancing our capabilities and ensuring our customers receive quality and reliable products. We look forward to our continued future in Waterloo and are very grateful to everyone who has made today possible." The Waterloo box plant will feature cutting-edge technology and equipment, enabling International Paper to deliver innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. The plant's design incorporates the latest safety practices and industry technology.
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Metsä Board among only eight companies worldwide included in the CDP Triple A List

The global environmental non-profit CDP has published the corporate scores for 2024 disclosures. Out of 22,700 companies scored, only eight companies globally received the best Triple A rating across climate, forests and water security. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, was one of these eight companies and the only forest industry company among these highest scored companies. This is the third time Metsä Board has received the prestigious Triple A rating. Metsä Board publicly publishes mill-specific measures towards its 2030 climate change and water use reduction targets in a detailed and interactive roadmap on the company’s website. Forest-related targets also support Metsä Group’s ambition to promote regenerative forestry.
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Trioworld publishes its Sustainability Report 2024

The report shows progress in the key areas that support a circular use of plastic – an increase in the post-consumer recycled (PCR) content across the product portfolio as well as the product offering of a comparable alternative that is designed for recycling. Trioworld also reports an increase in the volume of the product portfolio offering a Loop alternative, meaning a product with a minimum of 25% PCR. “The 2024 report reflects our firm commitment to our sustainability targets and our role in driving the transition to a circular use of plastic, while navigating global economic headwinds and the adjustment to new policies and regulations”, says Oskar Karlsson, Chief Procurement Officer, and VP Sustainability at Trioworld Group.
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Mondi’s successful start up of new €400 million paper machine at Štětí reinforces leadership in sustainable packaging

The new machine enables Mondi to meet the rising demand for paper-based flexible packaging while strengthening the Group’s vertically integrated Paper Bags business. It also supports the optimisation of production efficiency across the Group’s entire kraft paper portfolio. Mondi is committed to ensure a reliable supply of kraft paper to support customers in their transition to paper-based solutions. The paper machine strengthens the company’s position as a leader in sustainable packaging, offering a full range of kraft paper products from high strength to high porosity grades, for various applications such as construction and industrial bags. "We are delighted to have started production on this paper machine. The project team did a fantastic job and ensured it was installed on time and in budget. The quality of the paper is exceptional, and we are impressed with how quickly we have been able to deliver paper that meets our customers’ expectations." Roman Senecky, COO Kraft Paper, Mondi.
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Gannett Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

"In the first quarter, we delivered significant improvement to our bottom line compared to the prior year period, along with sustained year-over-year growth in free cash flow. We continued to make notable progress towards debt reduction, repaying approximately $75 million of debt during the quarter, which lowered our leverage and further strengthened our capital structure. Our financial results in the first quarter reflect solid execution of our strategy and the resilience of our business in navigating both a challenging operating environment and the outsized impact of several items unique to the first quarter," said Michael Reed, Gannett Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "With these items now behind us, we expect to drive a marked improvement in our top-line trends for the balance of the year, led by a reacceleration in our digital businesses. We believe this perspective is supported by the fact that March marked our best performing month of the quarter for digital revenue and we are seeing improving revenue trends continue into the second quarter."
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Amazon.com Announces First Quarter Results

We’re pleased with the start to 2025, especially our pace of innovation and progress in continuing to improve customer experiences,” said Andy Jassy, President and CEO, Amazon. “From Alexa+ (our next generation of Alexa that’s meaningfully smarter, more capable, and takes actions for customers), to another delivery speed record for our Prime members, to our new Trainium2 chips and Bedrock model expansion that make it easier for AWS customers to train models and run inference more flexibly and cost-effectively, to our first Project Kuiper satellites successfully launching into low earth orbit in our quest to provide broadband access to hundreds of millions of households in rural areas without it today—we’re continuing to find meaningful ways to make customers’ lives easier and better every day.” Some other highlights since the company’s last earnings announcement include that Amazon: *Introduced Alexa+, our next-generation Alexa personal assistant who’s meaningfully smarter and more capable than her prior self, can both answer virtually any question and take actions, and is free with Prime. *Held deal events worldwide to help customers save over $500 million across Big Spring Sale in the U.S. and Canada, Spring Deal Days in Europe, and Ramadan/Eid Sale events in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and UAE. *Announced Amazon’s 11th Prime Day will be in July, when customers can expect millions of deals globally on vast selection.
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Ad Market Rebounds In March, Delivers High Single-Digit Growth

March came in like a lamb and went out like a roller coaster ride in the U.S. ad marketplace, according to just-refreshed data from Guideline's U.S. Ad Tracker. The index, which decelerated to 2.4% in February -- the worst expansion since the last ad recession ended -- bounced back to a 7.8% gain in March, implying a relatively healthy signal for the U.S. ad marketplace despite continuing concerns about the nation's economy, the macroeconomy, and geopolitical instability that have some economists predicting another looming recession.
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Nature Portfolio expands to include Nature Health and Nature Sensors in 2026

Two new Nature journals, Nature Health and Nature Sensors, will launch in January 2026. These titles will offer new avenues for research publication in evolving and expanding areas such as health research and applied science, increasing knowledge around some of the critical priorities facing us in the world. In a post-pandemic era where greater emphasis is being placed on a more resilient global health care system, Nature Health will seek to champion interdisciplinary research centred around the protection and promotion of health and disease prevention. The journal will aim to breakdown silos and to facilitate discoveries and discussions, by connecting researchers, healthcare professionals, innovators, policy makers, and the public. Ultimately, the aim of Nature Health is to identify and publish the best evidence to promote better health for all. The journal will be led by Chief Editor Ben Johnson. Nature Sensors will be the first selective multidisciplinary journal focused on sensors and sensing systems. With sensors playing an ever-growing role in our modern lives, the upcoming journal will showcase the exciting advancements in the field, whilst having a strong focus on societal applications. Essential to this, is the promotion of cross-community interaction and engagement within the applied sciences and engineering space, which the journal hopes to achieve. Nature Sensors’ Chief Editor is Olga Bubnova.
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Indian forest certification system submitted for assessment

NCCF’s Sustainable Forest Management System has been submitted to PEFC for assessment. The public consultation, which is your chance to give your feedback on this revised system, will run from 13 May to 12 July 2025. NCCF, the PEFC national member in India, revised the country’s national forest certification system to ensure its forest management standard is up-to-date and continues to meet stakeholder demands and expectations. To provide you with additional information about this revised system, we are holding a webinar on 13 May 2025 at 11:30 CEST. Register for the webinar at: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/58cc7876-d603-4019-88a2-ba3f56272d5e@cd75f75a-3441-4da3-bd89-4b993277c652
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Two Sides North America Welcomes Visual Media Alliance into the Growing Membership

Two Sides North America (TSNA), a non-profit organization advocating for the sustainable attributes of print, paper, and paper-based packaging, is pleased to announce Visual Media Alliance (VMA) as its newest member. This partnership highlights VMA’s commitment to tell the sustainability truths around paper, print, packaging, and direct mail to the greater industry and membership they serve in Northern California. “VMA is excited to be a new member of Two Sides, shared Shannon Wolford, Director of Sales and Membership. “We fully support their mission of dispelling environmental misconceptions regarding print, paper, and packaging. The content and research provided by Two Sides will be extremely valuable to VMA members as they strive to practice sustainable manufacturing. It is inspiring to know that we are part of a broader movement working toward a sustainable future.”
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Eco-Products and DNO Produce Help Bring Environmental Sustainability to K-12 School Cafeterias

Eco-Products® and DNO Produce® (DNO) have unveiled a new compostable cup and lid offering specifically designed for K-12 school nutrition programs. The unique product combination features a 4-ounce molded fiber cup made with renewable resources, which is sealed with plant-based lidding film once food, typically cut fruit or vegetables, has been placed inside.   DNO Produce is a Columbus, Ohio-based distributor of fresh-cut and bulk produce, servicing school nutrition programs in 17 states. DNO equips thousands of K-12 students with fresh fruits and vegetables daily and is working with Eco-Products to meet their goal of increasing their use of packaging made with renewable resources.
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Kimberly-Clark announces plans to invest over $2 Billion to Expand US Manufacturing

Amid rising demand for its consumer brands, which include Huggies® diapers, Kleenex® tissue, Depend® incontinence products, Scott® kitchen towels, and Cottonelle® bath tissue, these investments will significantly enhance its US manufacturing capacity, accelerate its innovation plans and support its ambitious growth targets. This broad-based investment program centers on two transformative projects: a new advanced manufacturing facility in Warren, Ohio, and an expansion of its Beech Island, South Carolina, site with a state-of-the-art automated distribution center. It also includes additional capital expenditure linked to innovation and automation upgrades across its North America supply chain network. These projects are expected to create more than 900 highly skilled jobs in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing.
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Graphic Packaging Holding Company Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Net Income in first quarter 2025 was $127 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, versus $165 million, or $0.53 per diluted share in first quarter 2024. First quarter 2025 and 2024 Net Income was impacted by special items and amortization of purchased intangibles of $27 million and $38 million, respectively. Excluding special items and amortization of purchased intangibles, Adjusted Net Income for the first quarter of 2025 was $154 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, and $203 million, or $0.66 per diluted share in first quarter 2024. Michael Doss, the Company's President and CEO said, "First quarter results fell short of our expectations in a challenging economic and consumer environment. Consumers are redoubling their efforts to find value as food prices continue to rise. Meanwhile, promotional activity is driving mix and brand switching, rather than incremental foot traffic and volume gains. Against that backdrop, we saw a small volume decline in the Americas business, but continued improvement in our International business. Leveraging our growing cost and quality advantage and the strength of our innovation portfolio, we continue to gain market position as we partner with customers in a rapidly changing market. We saw an uptick in input cost inflation during the quarter, and responded with a price increase intended to bring margins back to a more normal range. With our Waco, Texas recycled paperboard investment nearing completion, our capital spending needs decline substantially, and yesterday our Board of Directors approved a new $1.5 billion share repurchase authorization, taking the total available authorization to $1.865 billion. In February, we announced a ten percent increase in our quarterly dividend. We expect to return substantial cash to stockholders in the months and years ahead through a growing dividend and share repurchase."
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PRH and Co-Plaintiffs Push Back on Florida Book Banning Law

On April 29, in response to an April 1 request for summary judgment by Florida attorney general James Uthmeier and his legal team, the plaintiffs in Penguin Random House LLC v. Gibson urged Florida district court judge Carlos E. Mendoza to make his determination in a case targeting the improper removal of books from public school classrooms and libraries. Critics argue that the law violates the First Amendment, fails to acknowledge the expertise of librarians and educators who select books and materials, and enables unconstitutional prohibitions on school materials that are alleged to be “pornographic” or “harmful to minors.” A decision has the potential to resound in Idaho and Iowa, where books have been removed pending review and librarians have been threatened with punishment for providing materials censors find objectionable.
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Novolex brand Eco-Products Earns National Award for Reusable Foodservice Containers

Developed in partnership with reuse systems innovator OZZI®, Veda brand containers are designed for durability, repeated use and seamless integration into foodservice operations. They feature OZZI’s proprietary tracking and collection technology and are primarily designed for closed-system environments like colleges and universities, corporate campuses, military bases and hospitals. Made from durable polypropylene, the containers have been tested to withstand a minimum of 1,000 commercial washes and are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to meet food protection and safety standards. “Reuse is a critically important element of the waste diversion toolkit,” said Wendell Simonson, Director of Marketing at Eco-Products. “We’re excited to bring the same passion to reusable systems that has defined our approach to compostability, and believe the two solutions can be complementary while reuse gains traction.” By fully implementing trackable Veda containers, foodservice operations can reduce landfill waste, conserve valuable raw materials, reduce energy use and save on long-term costs.
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Amcor completes combination with Berry Global

Through this combination, Amcor enhances its position as a global leader in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions with the unique material science and innovation capabilities required to revolutionize product development and meet customers’ and consumers’ sustainability aspirations. With multiple new growth opportunities and $650 million of identified synergies, Amcor is well placed to deliver significant near- and long-term value for customers and shareholders. Amcor CEO Peter Konieczny commented, “This combination delivers on our strategy to become a stronger company with a broader, more complete offering for customers and enhanced positions in attractive categories. Our focus now turns to delivering on synergies and growth opportunities, including leveraging our extensive global footprint and enhanced innovation and R&D capabilities, while also further refining our portfolio. The outstanding work our teams have completed over the past several months enables Amcor to enter fiscal 2026 in a better position than we anticipated, with a synergy run rate that will start strong and build quickly through the year. We are now uniquely positioned to deliver more consistent growth, further improve margins and drive compelling near- and long-term value for shareholders.”
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Blaige Completes Sale of Leader in Multilayer Barrier Flexible Packaging to Soteria Flexibles

Thomas Blaige, Chairman and CEO of Blaige & Company, commented: "It was a pleasure working with the Shah family. Soteria is the ideal partner for Hamilton, providing a seamless ownership transition, workforce stability, and expanded opportunities for its customer base. It will benefit greatly from adding a top-tier, innovation-driven barrier film producer to its platform. The combined entity gains scale, technology, broader offerings, and stronger customer and supplier ties-well-positioned to drive growth through shared R&D and operational synergies." Blaige added: "We are especially proud that this marks our third transaction with a TJC portfolio company in the past decade." Hamilton Plastics, Inc., born out of a quality lab and the vision of renowned chemist Harshad Shah, was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The company has grown into a leading manufacturer of high-performance, high-value-added coextruded and barrier films serving the food, industrial, and medical markets. Hamilton operates a world-class fleet of blown film extrusion equipment and offers advanced coextrusion capabilities, including 3-, 5-, and 9-layer lines. Its 9-layer coextrusion lines represent the most advanced barrier film technology operating in North America today.
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Metsä Group establishes a conservation foundation

There is a need for additional protection of forests with significant nature values. By establishing a conservation foundation, Metsä Group wants to complement the conservation network and offer the forest owner compensation for forest sites of conservation value. The foundation will be established in the coming autumn, and its operations will start at the beginning of 2026. The conservation foundation supplements Metsä Group's services, with which the forest owner can strengthen the biodiversity of their forests. The conservation foundation focuses on the permanent protection of forests with high biodiversity value and thus supports the development of the forest conservation network. Metsä Group's impacts on biodiversity are greatest in commercial forests. The aim is to strengthen the state of nature of commercial forests through regenerative forestry measures, such as the Metsä Group Plus management model.
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Smurfit Westrock Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

Tony Smurfit, President and CEO, commented: “I am pleased to report a strong first quarter performance with Net Income of $382 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $1,252 million, in-line with our stated guidance, and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 16.4%. This performance was driven by good results across all three segments, with notable progress in North America, and is significantly ahead of the combined result for the prior year. “I am especially pleased with how well the combination has come together, with strong operational and cultural integration taking place across all three regions. Coupled with our geographic footprint and our unrivalled portfolio of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, we have a customer-focused and performance-driven team that is delivering for all stakeholders. “Our synergy program is on track to deliver $400 million, with approximately $350 million in the current year. We believe there is substantial opportunity to continue to structurally improve the business through a sharper commercial and operational focus, at least equal to our synergy target. “We continue to actively optimize our asset base. We have recently announced the closure of over 500,000 tons of paper capacity in North America. We are also closing two converting facilities in our North American region and have initiated consultations to close two of our converting facilities in EMEA & APAC.
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S&P Global Announces Intent to Separate Mobility Segment into Standalone Public Company

"S&P Global is a leader providing essential intelligence with a proven history of strong financial performance and durable growth. Separating Mobility will allow us to continue to focus on our core businesses and pursue our growth strategy," said Martina L. Cheung, President and CEO of S&P Global. S&P Global will continue as a leading provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions and will consist of its four highly synergistic core businesses – S&P Global Market Intelligence, S&P Global Ratings, S&P Global Commodity Insights and S&P Dow Jones Indices. Following the separation, S&P Global will benefit from simplified operations, increased focus on its enterprise strategy and a unified approach to powering public and private markets. With a strong leadership team bringing relevant industry experience, S&P Global will be optimally positioned to build on positive momentum in its product innovation and AI initiatives, as well as its proven track record of driving profitable growth among leading global brands. Mobility is an automotive data and technology leader with three divisions – Used Vehicle Sales & Service (including CARFAX), Strategy & Product Planning and New Vehicle Sales & Marketing. Evolving dynamics, including growing consumer demand for vehicle information, the rise of electrification and software-defined vehicles, direct-to-customer retail models and the supply chain disruptions related to tariffs are driving an increased need for Mobility's data and decisioning tools.
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UPS Releases 1Q 2025 Earnings

UPS announced first-quarter 2025 consolidated revenues of $21.5 billion, a 0.7% decrease from the first quarter of 2024. Consolidated operating profit was $1.7 billion, up 3.3% compared to the first quarter of 2024, and up 0.9% on a non-GAAP adjusted basis. Diluted earnings per share were $1.40 for the quarter; non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share were $1.49, 4.2% above the same period in 2024. “I want to thank all UPSers for their hard work and efforts in this very dynamic environment,” said Carol Tomé, UPS chief executive officer. “As a trusted leader in global logistics, we will leverage our integrated network and trade expertise to assist our customers as they adapt to a changing trade environment. Further, the actions we are taking to reconfigure our network and reduce cost across our business could not be timelier. The macro environment may be uncertain, but with our actions, we will emerge as an even stronger, more nimble UPS.”
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Independent Study Shows Resounding Success of Course Materials Programs for Students

Affordable access programs are an innovative collaboration between private sector publishers, provisioning providers, and higher education institutions. The Association of American Publishers commissioned the independent analysis from Tyton Partners to provide insight into the programs, which have now been available for almost 10 years. Tyton Partners is responsible for all findings and undertook all aspects of the research, including interviews and statistical analyses, according to the firm’s rigorous, independent standards. Distributors Barnes & Noble College, Follett, RedShelf, and VitalSource contributed anonymized course materials pricing data directly to Tyton Partners. The report, which presents data from 1,088 colleges and universities in the United States, is the first in-depth analysis of affordable access programs in practice since their inception nearly a decade ago. The findings confirm that course materials are more affordable than they were a decade ago, making them a remarkable exception to the rising cost of higher education overall. “We are proud of the extraordinary commitment of private sector publishers to deliver high-quality course materials at reduced costs, a reflection of their expertise and innovations in the education-technology space,” commented Maria A. Pallante, President and CEO, Association of American Publishers. “The result is that students can access materials without delay on virtually every subject area assigned by their professors and are all the more prepared to meet a changing, global workforce that will need their knowledge and skills.”
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Springer Nature donates its unique AI tool that identifies problematic text to publishing community

Following the successful rollout across its journals and books of its AI tool that detects cases of AI-generated nonsense text in research manuscripts, Springer Nature is now donating the tool to STM. It will be integrated into the STM Integrity Hub, an industry-wide initiative that supports publishers in ensuring the integrity of their published content, as part of its mission to develop and trial tools that publishers large and small can use to screen submissions for indicators of compromised content. Chris Graf, Director of Research Integrity at Springer Nature and Chair of the STM Integrity Hub Governance Committee, commented: “Developing this tool has been a major investment and a long-running project involving close collaboration between leading research integrity and AI teams. We are delighted we will now be able to share this technology with the wider publishing community so it can have an even bigger impact. The rise of AI has made it easier for unethical individuals to generate fake content and tools like this one which harness the power of AI and pattern recognition will be vital, particularly when they are powered by the extensive data that utilisation across the industry will deliver.”
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Unlocking Finance for Forest Protection: FSC and Mirova Partner to Drive Global Climate Action

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers dedicated to sustainable investing, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to unlock responsible finance for planted forests, sustainable management of natural forests, and other land-use projects. This strategic alliance aims to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges, including deforestation, soil degradation, climate change, biodiversity loss, and to promote equitable economic development and inclusiveness. Sustainable forest management is essential for enhancing climate resilience, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring decent livelihoods for local communities. In 2022, the world lost 6.6 million hectares of forests, primarily in tropical regions, contributing to significant biodiversity loss and an increase of 2.7 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions[i]. Through their partnership, FSC and Mirova aim to champion best-in-class forest conservation, large-scale reforestation, and responsible production of forest-based materials.
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Sonoco Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

“Our first quarter results demonstrated the strength of the new Sonoco as our global team achieved record top-line and adjusted EBITDA performance, growing 31% and 38%, respectively, while adjusted earnings per share rose 23% despite higher-than-expected interest expense, taxes and the negative impact of currency exchange rates,” said Howard Coker, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Consumer Packaging segment sales grew 83% and adjusted EBITDA jumped 127%. We completed the first phase of the integration of Eviosys as it has been rebranded Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA and we drove strong synergies across the global Metal Packaging enterprise. In addition to the benefit of the Eviosys acquisition, our Metal Packaging U.S. business achieved approximately 10% growth in organic volume/mix in the quarter. Our Industrial Paper Packaging segment improved adjusted EBITDA by 6% and EBITDA margin by approximately 200 basis points driven by year-over-year improvement in price/cost and productivity.” Coker continued, “After the close of the quarter, we successfully completed an important step in our transformation to a simpler, stronger and more sustainable company with the sale of our Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging business. We have used after-tax proceeds of approximately $1.56 billion to significantly reduce debt and strengthen our balance sheet. Today, our net leverage ratio is below 4.0X Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA and we remain on track to achieve our targeted net leverage of 3.0X to 3.3X by the end of 2026.”
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Aptar Named One of America’s Climate Leaders by USA Today for Third Consecutive Year

Aptar’s consistent recognition as a climate leader underscores its dedication to environmental stewardship. The company has implemented a comprehensive climate transition plan aligned with the latest climate science, aiming to support the transition towards a low-carbon economy. By year-end 2024, Aptar achieved significant milestones, including sourcing more than 95% of its total global electricity consumption from renewable sources. In addition, the company was recognized for its actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and further the low-carbon economy, by environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its prestigious “Climate A List” for 2024. Aptar has been actively reducing emissions for much longer than the two-years that this ranking considers. Since the Company’s baseline year 2019, Aptar has achieved a reduction of more than 75% of Scope 1 + Scope 2 absolute emissions, as monitored toward their validated science-based target. In addition to this recognition from USA Aptar has also been named among America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024 by Newsweek for six consecutive years and one of Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies for seven consecutive years.
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Crown Holdings, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

"Crown got off to an excellent start for the year, driven by strong performances in each of our global beverage can businesses," said Timothy J. Donahue, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Combined first quarter beverage can segment income climbed 24% over the prior year, attributable to robust volumes in Brazil and Europe and outstanding operational performance throughout the manufacturing network. Beverage can volume growth in North America, in the low-single digit range, was also better than expected. Increased volumes and improved manufacturing efficiencies propelled a significant advance in income in our North American food can and closures businesses, while Transit Packaging performed in line with expectations. "With respect to global trade tensions, the Company believes it is well-positioned, as essentially all products sold domestically are produced domestically. Moreover, for those select raw materials or components that may need to be imported, our contracts contain tariff pass-through provisions. The Crown team is working diligently in this dynamic environment to optimize supply chains and minimize the potential impact of tariffs.
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International Paper Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

"Reflecting on my first year, I am proud of the International Paper team for embracing transformational change and achieving tremendous progress together," said Andy Silvernail, Chief Executive Officer. "We deployed 80/20, focusing on our most valuable customers and aligning our resources accordingly. We launched key initiatives to drive step-change improvement in our performance, and invested to grow in the most attractive markets. Most recently, we welcomed our DS Smith colleagues and outlined our strategic direction at our Investor Day." "This year's first quarter results reflect higher sales and earnings, primarily driven by the DS Smith acquisition, sales price increases, and cost out," Silvernail added. "We also made good progress on growing our market position in our North American packaging business. Overall market demand, however, was softer than anticipated in both of our regions. As expected, our free cash flow was temporarily impacted by transformation costs and incentive compensation payout. In this uncertain macroeconomic environment, we are focusing on actions within our control as we accelerate our 80/20 execution to drive commercial excellence and cost out across the company."
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Metsä Board’s comparable operating result in 2025 January–March was EUR 23 million

Metsä Board’s CEO Esa Kaikkonen: “I started as Metsä Board’s CEO on 7 April. The forest industry and Metsä Group are very familiar to me, as I’ve held various duties at Metsä Group over the last 27 years. I wish to thank my predecessor Mika Joukio, who served as Metsä Board’s CEO since 2014. Mika’s profound knowledge of the paperboard market and his ability to build long-lasting customer relationships have played a key role in Metsä Board’s development and transition from a paper company to one of the world’s leading paperboard producers. Uncertainty in global trade policy is at a record high due to the decisions made by the US President, and the operating environment is expected to remain unstable in the near future. In addition, the difficult market situation has weighed on Metsä Board’s profitability for quite a while, and we are far from our long-term targets. However, I recognise several strengths at Metsä Board. Our leading position in premium fresh fibre paperboards, our know-how in the paperboard business, our long-term customer relationships, and our solid financial position offer us a good foundation for business development and shareholder value growth.
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Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–March 2025 was EUR 81 million

President and CEO Ilkka Hämälä: "Like last year, the first quarter of 2025 was marked by low demand and a weak financial result. Comparable result improved from the first quarter of 2024, largely because of the impact of political strikes in the comparison period. The market outlook for business areas is consistent with previous reports. Wood supply is progressing as planned at a slightly increasing price level, while demand in the mechanical forest industry is not showing signs of recovery in the construction industry. Demand for Kerto® LVL has remained at a good level, and sawn timber prices have increased during the first quarter. Market development of the pulp business is affected by the uncertainties concerning China’s economy, and the increased capacity of eucalyptus pulp. However, the price indexes for both the Chinese and European markets increased slightly in the first quarter.
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Pregis Expands Multi-Layer Technology for High-Performance Barrier Films at Anderson Facility

Pregis® is expanding its blown film operations at its Anderson, South Carolina facility by adding capacity for its ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barrier film options. Increased production of EVOH barrier films will allow the company to scale a variety of solutions, including its Pregis Renew™ Series sustainable portfolio. B-Series high-barrier polyethylene sealant film is the business’ most recent advancement within the Renew portfolio. This EVOH solution is engineered to be a critical replacement for metallized or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) films, offering the market an all-polyethylene, mono-material flexible packaging structure. Pregis also offers a metallized version of its film for enhanced barrier performance suitable for more demanding applications in snacks, confections, and pet treats. These solutions enable recyclability which can result in decreased landfill waste, and reduced carbon footprints by shifting from mixed-material laminations to mono-material structures. Pregis Performance Flexibles is hyper-focused on catering to this market through these latest innovations in barrier performance. “As brands seek packaging that delivers both barrier properties and recyclability, Pregis is investing in the infrastructure needed to stay ahead of that demand,” said Bob Gargione, President of Pregis Performance Flexibles. “This capacity expansion ensures our ability to support customers with high-quality, high-barrier structures that meet today’s performance standards while enabling store drop-off recyclability.”
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Stora Enso launches Performa Nova, a high-yield folding boxboard for consumer packaging

Stora Enso is expanding its core packaging material offering with the launch of Performa Nova, a next-generation folding boxboard (FBB) that combines high yield with exceptional performance. The new board is designed to meet the growing demand for renewable, recyclable, and efficient packaging solutions in segments such as dry, frozen, and chilled food, chocolate, and confectionery. Performa Nova is now available to customers for orders following the start-up of Stora Enso’s state-of-the-art consumerboard production line in Oulu, Finland. The launch is a result of a major investment in fiber-based materials, reinforcing Stora Enso’s long-term commitment to packaging sustainability and innovation. Performa Nova is produced using FiberLight Tec™, Stora Enso’s extensively tested and proven proprietary technology that enables the creation of strong yet lightweight board. The result is higher material efficiency, which allows for more packages to be produced with less raw material -- without sacrificing packaging strength or visual appearance.
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Sheridan Completes Third Print Masterclass, Advancing Hands-On Learning and Industry Knowledge for Publishing Professionals

Sheridan has successfully completed its third Print Masterclass, welcoming fifteen attendees from across the publishing industry to its Chelsea, Michigan facility for a two-day immersive learning experience. This recurring event is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the print production process through a balance of classroom insights and interactive, hands-on learning. Originally launched in 2024, the Sheridan Print Masterclass series has become a signature program for equipping publishing professionals with practical tools, industry knowledge, and real-world experience. From file preparation and production workflows to finishing and binding techniques, attendees gain a front-row view into how ideas become printed realities. “Print Masterclass is more than a tour—it’s a knowledge-sharing forum where participants roll up their sleeves and actively engage with the print process,” said Laura Baker, Marketing Director at Sheridan. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s rewarding to see how this program continues to evolve and make an impact.”
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Avoiding Accidental Greenwashing: Why Verified Sustainability Claims Are Critical for Business Trust

On April 3, 2025, Nature published a research paper titled “An Experimental Study on the Susceptibility of Purchasing Managers to Greenwashing.” The study shows that greenwashing—whether intentional or accidental—erodes trust in sustainability claims, even among experienced professionals. Its key finding: purchasing managers often struggle to distinguish between legitimate certifications and misleading environmental assertions. This highlights the growing urgency for clarity, verification, and third-party validation in environmental communications. As more companies position themselves as climate-conscious and socially responsible, the risks of overstating environmental progress—or failing to back up claims with hard data—are increasing. Even the appearance of greenwashing can undermine brand credibility, expose organizations to regulatory penalties, and stall genuine sustainability efforts. What Is Greenwashing? Greenwashing occurs when businesses exaggerate or misrepresent their environmental impact—whether deliberately or due to poor communication (OECD definition). For example, labeling a product as “eco-friendly” without measurable proof invites skepticism. Without robust frameworks to verify such claims, even well-meaning companies risk reputational harm, regulatory consequences, and loss of stakeholder trust.
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Quad reports first quarter 2025 results

Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quad, said: “Our first quarter results were in-line with our expectations, and we remain on track to achieve our 2025 guidance. We continue to focus on growing our offerings, including strategic investments in innovative solutions and superior talent, while managing for economic uncertainties. “Our powerful data capability, which is based on our proprietary, household-based data stack, is at the core of our solutions suite and is enabled by technology to help our clients connect the right message with the right audience at the right time, whether in the home, in-store or online. For example, our In-Store Connect retail media network makes it easy for retailers and brands to make consumer connections in brick-and-mortar stores, where the vast majority of retail sales still happen. We continue to build sales momentum for In-Store Connect, particularly among mid-market grocers, and recently added two new grocery clients in the West and Midwest.
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Clearwater Paper Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

“We delivered a strong first quarter, with improved operational execution, lower cost structure, and higher shipments,” said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer. “Our team also successfully completed the integration of the Augusta mill and is now focused on fully capturing volume and cost synergies by the end of 2026.” For the first quarter of 2025, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $378 million compared to $259 million for the first quarter of 2024. Clearwater Paper reported net loss from continuing operations in the first quarter of 2025 of $6 million, or $0.36 per diluted share compared to net loss from continuing operations of $2 million, or $0.12 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted EBITDA was $30 million compared to $14 million in the first quarter of 2024. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily driven by higher sales volume due to the inclusion of our Augusta facility, the absence of a significant weather event at our Lewiston, Idaho facility that negatively impacted the first quarter of 2024 and benefits from our cost reduction plan, offset by lower sales prices.
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Ahlstrom January–March 2025 financial results published

Helen Mets, President and CEO, comments on the first quarter 2025: In a volatile and uncertain market, we have achieved a record-high comparable EBITDA for the first quarter of 2025. This is driven by the ongoing disciplined execution of our strategy. We once again reached a new high for margin on variable cost per ton, thanks to our focus on pricing, variable cost efficiency, operational excellence, and an improved product mix. Additionally, our operating cash flow remained solid. Customer activity increased, and most businesses matched the solid levels achieved in the first quarter of 2024. I am particularly proud that our customer net loyalty score, already in the highest decile in our industry, improved in each of our businesses. This reflects the strength of the partnerships we have with our customers. We took significant steps to strengthen our business portfolio for the future. We recently announced the execution of a binding agreement to acquire Stevens Point, a high-end solutions provider in food, consumer packaging, and e-commerce applications. The acquisition brings Ahlstrom world-class assets, premium products, long-standing customer relationships, and an experienced team.
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Billerud Interim report January–March 2025

Comments by the CEO (Ivar Vatne): Quarter one was a solid quarter for Billerud and an encouraging start of the year. Despite significant FX headwind, primarily driven by the strengthening of SEK versus the USD, we delivered strong profitability growth in both regions and improved cash flow compared to last year. The financial performance in the quarter was in line with our own expectations. Region North America continues to deliver outstanding results. Capacity utilization at the mills has increased, and sales volumes reached their highest quarterly level in more than two years, leading to an impressive EBITDA margin of 21%. A significant milestone on our Evolve journey towards packaging materials was reached at the beginning of the year, as we produced and sold our first white kraftliner from our Quinnesec mill under the brand Tribute®. This was an important step in our journey towards locally produced packaging materials in North America. We are now actively engaged in sales dialogues and product trials with numerous packaging manufacturers and new customers. We are also progressing as per plan on our evolution investment program that will further enable large-scale paperboard production in the future.
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Drytac announces global availability of Polar Blockout UV

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the global availability of Polar Blockout UV opaque printable block out film. Polar Blockout UV is a 2.0 mil (50μ) highly opaque layered white PET film with a gloss finish. It is coated with a white pressure-sensitive, permanent aqueous acrylic adhesive which is protected by a siliconized PE coated release paper. It is the ideal solution for users to create double-sided window graphics without the need for ink layers or white ink. Launched in North America towards the end of 2023 with much success, Polar Blockout UV is now being offered to customers in markets around the world. Customers can simply pair the material with a reverse printed clear print media such as Drytac’s SpotOn Clear Gloss or for a non-PVC solution, with Drytac’s award-winning ReTac Clear PET – to produce eye-catching window graphics applications.
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AF&PA Releases Q1 2025 Containerboard Quarterly Report

According to the report, total Containerboard production in Q1 remained essentially flat (-0.4%) compared to Q1 2024. The operating rate for Unbleached Kraft Liner decreased compared to Q1 2024, while rates for all the other grades increased. The rates for all 4 grades were above 90% for the first time in over a year. Production for export increased in Q1 after 2 consecutive quarterly declines in the 2nd half of 2024, but it was still 7.7% lower than Q1 2024. Domestic new supply for Q1 increased 1.0% from the same quarter last year, but declined 3.8% from Q4 2024, which had been the strongest quarter since 2022. Inventories at mills at the end of Q1 declined 4.2% from their December 2024 levels. They were nevertheless 6.8% higher than the average mill inventories for the last 15 months.
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