WestRock Company announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining interest in Grupo Gondi for $970 million, plus the assumption of debt, representing an estimated implied enterprise value of $1.763 billion. Upon completion of this transaction, WestRock will further enhance its leading position in the growing Latin American containerboard, paperboard and consumer and corrugated packaging markets. Grupo Gondi operates four paper mills, nine corrugated packaging plants and six high graphic plants throughout Mexico, producing sustainable packaging for a wide range of end markets in the region. The tuck-in acquisition will provide WestRock further geographic and end market diversification as well as position the Company to continue to grow in the attractive Latin American market. "Acquiring the remaining interest in Grupo Gondi is the next strategic step in our broader North American paper and packaging expansion strategy," said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer of WestRock. "As onshoring continues to grow in the region, WestRock will be well positioned to meet this growing demand with fully integrated operations in Mexico. We will also have expanded capabilities to serve customers across many geographies, driving additional productivity and cost savings.”

SECOND QUARTER 2022 HIGHLIGHTS Second quarter net earnings attributable to International Paper of $511 million compared with $360 million in the first quarter of 2022 and $432 millionin the second quarter of 2021. 13% year-over-year revenue growth $65 million of earnings achieved from Building a Better IP initiatives, bringing year-to-date to $105 million Cash provided by operations of $390 million, bringing year-to-date to $978 million Returned $565 million to shareholders through share repurchases of $395 million and dividends of $170 million in the second quarter, bringing year-to-date to $1.1 billion

JANUARY–JUNE 2022 (compared to 1–6/2021) *Sales were EUR 1,232.5 million (1,049.5). *The comparable operating result was EUR 267.4 million (191.3), or 21.7% (18.2) of sales. Operating result was EUR 283.3 million (185.6). *Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.57 (0.42), and earnings per share were EUR 0.61 (0.41). *Comparable return on capital employed was 23.0% (19.3). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 95.3 million (150.7).

Novolex® released its fourth annual sustainability report, detailing progress towards its greenhouse gas reduction target and other environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. The 2021 Novolex Sustainability Report highlights Novolex’s expanded new target for greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions from operations — 30% by 2030. The new goal came after the company in 2021 met its original commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 2025. Emissions-related data were verified by a third party. This year’s report also includes a new metric, aligned with Sustainability Accounting Standards Board guidance, sharing that 78% of applicable revenues derive from products that can be recycled, composted or reused.

Highlights *Earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $0.83 *Achieved record revenue in each business segment *Achieved record segment income in Dispensing and Specialty Closures and Custom Containers *Confirmed record full year earnings outlook *Renewed long-term contract with largest steel food container customer *Announced transfer of stock listing to NYSE, effective August 1, 2022

CANPACK S.A., part of the CANPACK Group, and a global leading manufacturer of sustainable packaging announced it will increase its manufacturing capacity of aluminum beverage cans with a new production facility in Poços de Caldas, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Officials from CANPACK along with state and local officials and economic development leaders jointly announced the new facility following the approval of the project earlier today, with economic development incentives provided by both the state and local governments. With a total investment of approximately BRL 710 million (USD 140 million), this new facility represents CANPACK’s continued commitment to developing the Brazilian packaging sector. The announcement of this new plant takes place only a few months after the company committed to investing BRL 360 million (USD 70 million) in an aluminum beverage can ends production facility in Manaus (Amazonas). The total value of both investments exceeds BRL 1 billion.

Pregis continues to expand its Easypack® portfolio of paper-based packaging solutions with the introduction of GeoTerra™, a sustainable, expandable paper product that provides light cushioning and interleaving protection. Made from recyclable Kraft paper, GeoTerra helps brands throughout the North American market meet their environmental goals while providing customers more circular curbside recyclable packaging options. This inside-the-box packaging is a wrappable solution that is efficient to store and use while also providing exceptional protection attributes. GeoTerra expands during dispensing forming a lattice structure that provides a protective cushioning and interleaving for fragile products, such as glassware, cosmetics, candles, and jarred food products. The pattern nests together to lock products in place, providing six-sided protection without the need for tape or fastening, further increasing efficiency and convenience. GeoTerra arrives in compact and stackable rolls to minimize warehouse space. The proprietary dispenser is designed for easy tension adjustment allowing for a quick pull, tear, and pack motion, and the rolls are light weight and easy to load on the dispenser. The GeoTerra rolls are also available in a convenient dispenser box for mobile packing needs.

Tetra Pak announced that it will be exiting its remaining operations in Russia. This is due to the cumulative impact of the restrictions on exports to Russia leading to an unsustainable supply chain, as a result of which the company is left with no other option than to exit the country. This follows the company’s earlier decision to suspend all new investments and projects in Russia, restricting its operations to support customers for essential food items only, in line with its strongly held commitment to the principle of people’s right to access safe food. Tetra Pak has now reached an agreement to divest its Russian business to local management, with the intention of enabling business continuity for its customers, minimizing the impact on employees, and continuing to support consumers’ access to essential food.

Klabin, Brazil’s largest producer and exporter of paper for packaging and sustainable solutions for paper packaging, besides offering hardwood pulp, softwood pulp and fluff to the market, has reported Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) of R$1.843 billion in the second quarter of 2022, excluding non-recurring effects, an increase of 2% from the same period last year. Net revenue reached R$ 5.039 billion in the second quarter of this year, up 24% year on year, driven by higher sales volume and consistent growth across all business lines, which offset the impact caused by the higher real vis-à-vis the dollar on exports during the period.

Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) today reported second quarter 2022 net income of $301 million, or $3.20 per share, and net income of $304 million, or $3.23 per share, excluding special items. Second quarter net sales were $2.2 billion in 2022 and $1.9 billion in 2021. In the Packaging segment, total corrugated products shipments and shipments per day were flat (0.18%) compared to last year’s second quarter, which was up 9.6% versus the previous year. Containerboard production was 1,256,000 tons, and containerboard inventory was up 2,000 tons versus the first quarter of 2022 and up 5,000 tons compared to the second quarter of 2021. In the Paper segment, sales volume was down 17,000 tons compared to the second quarter of 2021 and down 10,000 tons from the first quarter of 2022.

Tony Smurfit, Group CEO, commented: “I am pleased to report a strong first half performance with revenue growth of 36%, EBITDA of €1,174 million, an EBITDA margin of 18.4%, EPS growth of 85% and ROCE of 19.3%. “Our strong performance is a result of the many actions we have taken over a number of years. These actions include significant customer-focused investments to meet growth, providing the most innovative and sustainable paper-based packaging in the marketplace and selective acquisitions ensuring security of supply to our customers.

A $500 million expansion is underway at Georgia-Pacific's Broadway mill. The investments will significantly enhance the company’s retail consumer tissue and towel business. Investments include building a new paper machine using through-air-dried (TAD) technology and adding associated converting equipment and infrastructure. The improvements will allow the expansion of Georgia-Pacific’s premium brands and support the growth of current and potential customers’ premium private label brands. It's expected to be complete in 2024.

Net Sales increased 36% to $2,358 million in the second quarter of 2022, compared to $1,737 million in the prior year period. The $621 million increase was driven by $278 million of pricing and $379 million of improved volume/mix related to organic growth from conversions to fiber-based packaging solutions and acquisitions. Net sales were unfavorably impacted by $36 million of foreign exchange. EBITDA for the second quarter of 2022 was $294 million, compared to $214 million in the prior year period

The Georgia-Pacific corrugated plant in Bradford, Pennsylvania, will undergo a significant upgrade with an investment topping $34 million. The funding will provide new equipment to modernize the plant’s operations. The upgrades include a new corrugator, two new converting lines, and upgrades to the shipping department, which will help the plant operate more efficiently. Newer converting equipment will improve the plant’s throughput and print capability to better meet customer needs. The plant team will begin preparing the facility for installation in the coming months, with the first equipment expected to be installed in the first quarter of 2023. It will take approximately 12 to 14 months to complete the upgrades.

Two Sides have produced a NEW Packaging fact sheet, Paper Packaging: The Natural Choice. The journey to a more sustainable future goes far beyond our packaging choices. But as packaging is often the first interaction between consumers and businesses, it is a critical element that, if poorly designed, can have a lasting effect on both consumer perceptions and the environment. Paper packaging is made from renewable materials. It is durable, attractive, recyclable and biodegradable. It is an essential component of the circular economy. Read and download the NEW fact sheet at twosides.info/fact-sheets

Net sales for the second quarter of 2022 were a record $1.91 billion, compared with last year's second quarter sales of $1.38 billion. GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco in the second quarter of 2022 was $131.7 million, or $1.33 per diluted share, compared with a loss of $(334.1) million, or $(3.34) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2021. GAAP gross profit was $387.0 million in the second quarter of 2022 compared to $262.7 million in the same period of 2021. Quarterly gross profit as a percentage of sales was approximately 20 percent compared to approximately 19 percent in the second quarter of 2021.

Sealed Air announced it has launched a BUBBLE WRAP® brand paper bubble mailer, a fiber-based padded mailer that can be recycled in curbside bins. On the outside, the BUBBLE WRAP® brand paper bubble mailer looks like a traditional mailer but it’s what on the inside that makes it different. The inner padding is made of a paper material that mimics the original BUBBLE WRAP® brand cushioning. Benefits of the BUBBLE WRAP® brand paper bubble mailer: *Smaller and lighter than traditional boxes, which reduce shipping costs and dimensional weight *Durability: Completed testing done in International Safe Transit Association certified labs that assess packaging durability through the rigors of shipping *Curbside recyclability: Certified by the Western Michigan University OCC equivalency testing protocol. The mailers will first be available to customers in SEE’s North America market, before expanding globally by early 2023.

Net sales increased by 31% in the second quarter. In comparable terms, growth reached 17%, driven by pricing actions. In most markets, demand developed favorably and has returned to pre-pandemic levels, however with some exceptions, particularly in China. Tensions on raw material availability limited our capacity to further grow volumes according to the demand, most notably in North America. We continued to mitigate the significant inflation which impacted all our major input costs, including raw materials, freight costs, energy and labor. We protected our profitability through operational efficiency improvements and pricing actions, with the adjusted EBIT increasing by 29%. Cash flow remained impacted by increased working capital and capital expenditure. We continued our organic investment into sustainable product innovation and business expansion. For example, we announced the expansion of our molded fiber product manufacturing unit in Hammond, Indiana, US. This investment in fiber technology supports market demand for more sustainable solutions in North America, such as egg cartons and cup carriers. The planned USD 100 million investment will start ramping up towards the end of 2023.

Mondi is investing nearly €65 million in three Consumer Flexibles packaging plants in Europe in order to meet growing customer demand for sustainable pet food packaging solutions. The European pet food market has grown significantly in recent years, driven by a consistent rise in pet ownership. This trend increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to continue for many years to come.(1) This project is part of Mondi’s previously announced €1 billion expansionary capital investment programme to accelerate growth in sustainable packaging and will further strengthen its leading position in the pet food packaging market.

O-I Glass, Inc. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Paddock Enterprises, LLC, has emerged from Chapter 11 protection, following affirmation by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware on June 22, 2022, of an order confirming Paddock’s Plan of Reorganization. The Plan was previously confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on May 26, 2022. Paddock emerges from Chapter 11 having achieved a final and fair resolution of its asbestos-related legacy liabilities under the Plan. “Paddock’s Chapter 11 process has been completed in a manner that provides finality for the company and, importantly, fair and equitable resolution for claimants,” said Andres Lopez, CEO of O-I Glass. 

Waddington™ North America (WNA), a Novolex® brand, announced today that it is introducing a new stand for Cutlerease®, a patented dispenser that offers customers one disposable utensil at a time. The new stand allows Cutlerease to be set up anywhere, saving even more space for foodservice operations. The stand is available for the triple-tower base to hold forks, knives and spoons or any combination of the three types of utensils. The new stand is 28 inches high and is both sturdy and easy to assemble. This triple-tower stand adds to the already versatile Cutlerease line-up, which includes the single and double bases that are ideal for small counters.

Silgan Holdings Inc. announced today that it is transferring the listing of its Common Stock from the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq) to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The NYSE is home to many leading companies, including 70% of the S&P 500. Silgan expects that its Common Stock will commence trading on the NYSE at market open on August 1, 2022 under its current ticker symbol “SLGN”. Silgan’s Common Stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq until the transfer is completed. The transfer is expected to be seamless for Silgan’s investors and stockholders, and no action is required on their part. Silgan also announced that it will ring the opening bell on the NYSE on August 1, 2022, its first day of trading on the NYSE.

Industrial packaging must be strong, which is why heavy-duty corrugated board doesn’t immediately spring to mind as the perfect solution. But for many packaging challenges, it can save time, money and resources. Automotive components, chemicals, DIY products, household appliances, sporting goods…the list of industries and manufacturers that need to package and ship their products reliably and efficiently is virtually endless. This is not by any means a trivial challenge, especially when import regulations or other issues in production and logistics or distribution bring additional complexity. Such issues usually include shipping, storage, safety, or the simple matter of handling of packaging on site. At the same time, companies need to consider their own CO2 footprint and overall sustainability, which is an area many companies struggle with. With those challenges in mind, a high-performance and reliable alternative to wood or metal is heavy-duty corrugated board, as industrial packaging for heavy loads. Weighing up to 80% less than wood or metal industrial packaging, it undergoes a broad range of tests during development, oriented to a broad range of anticipated conditions: drop tests in the lab, climate chambers, and comprehensive shipping simulations for a wide range of conditions. Most heavy-duty corrugated board solutions are better than more rigid types of packaging in absorbing shocks and vibration during transportation. And heavy-duty corrugated board can withstand demanding conditions such as heat or humidity. Especially when shipped by sea, contents are exposed to high ambient humidity and high condensation, often for several weeks. All of Mondi’s heavy-duty corrugated board grades are therefore bonded based on wet-strength parameters and are made using high-quality papers for durability across different climatic regions.

Miraclon, home of KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions, has announced its plans to open a third Flexo HUB as it continues to invest in the development and growth of the flexographic industry. Based in Oakdale, Minnesota, the new Flexo HUB will allow customers, partners and industry stakeholders based in North and South America local access to KODAK FLEXCEL NX Technology demonstrations, training and networking events. “With our hubs positioned across the globe – one representing the Asia region in Shanghai, China, and the other co-located in Europe with Miraclon’s corporate headquarters in Brussels, Belgium – Miraclon is well positioned to collaborate with customers, partners and stakeholders in the flexo industry from a truly global, yet local perspective”, says Grant Blewett, Miraclon Chief Commercial Officer. Miraclon appointed Charles Schoen as Flexo HUB Manager, Americas to oversee the HUB construction and with responsibility for all Flexo HUB technology demonstrations and training activities. He brings over 30 years of flexo platemaking and managerial experience to the role.

Inteplast Group has released the 2021 Sustainability Report outlining initiatives, partnerships, and quantitative data centered around environmental, social, and corporate sustainability goals via its website www.inteplast.com. The 2021 Sustainability Report includes Inteplast Group’s: *Collective carbon footprint *Recycling programs, associations, and supply chain partners *Components of Inteplast’s Quality Policy *Community and social sustainability updates *Natural resource and waste management practices. The document can be accessed at www.inteplast.com/media/2226/sustainability-report-2021.pdf.

Sonoco ThermoSafe and Turkish Airlines are pleased to announce a global partnership agreement for leasing the new Pegasus ULD® temperature-controlled bulk shipping container. The agreement enables pharmaceutical freight forwarders access to Pegasus ULD® containers directly from Turkish Cargo. Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Pegasus ULD® is the world’s first FAA and EASA-approved passive bulk temperature-controlled ULD container for pharmaceutical use, which enables it to speed through international air freight handling and customs processes at the lowest possible cost. With a focus on sustainability, the Pegasus ULD® is engineered with composite materials, offering a lighter solution that is also substantially more damage-resistant than traditional metal containers. Additionally, the Pegasus ULD® contains a fully integrated, FAA-approved telemetry system providing real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature and key environmental factors, precisely synchronized with GPS location.

Smurfit Kappa has harnessed its experience in eCommerce and sustainability to help a prestigious vineyard in the UK tap into the flourishing online wine space. The Kingscote Estate and Vineyard in West Sussex, which sells a range of fine wines through its ‘The Wine Caverns’ sub-brand, needed a sustainable packaging solution to drive online sales and reflect the premium nature of its brand. Smurfit Kappa utilised the eCommerce insights, knowledge and data that sit behind its eBottle portfolio as the starting point for the collaboration. The portfolio has a range of single bottle, multi-bottle and bag-in-box solutions designed to protect fragile liquid products throughout all stages of the supply chain.

The CEFLEX initiative brings together more than 180 European companies, associations and organizations that represent the entire value chain of flexible packaging. To help boost recycling rates and expand sustainable end markets, a team of CEFLEX stakeholders developed a Quality Recycling Process (QRP). The scope of QRP is to mechanically recycle a higher percentage of PE and PP than currently done for non-food contact film applications, since flexible packaging from household waste has very low recycling rates in Europe. After five semi-industrial trials, the final objective is to now build an industrial scale QRP waste processing demonstration plant that will run commercially by 2023. The trials show that flexible packaging waste can indeed be sorted and recycled into fractions that can be made into resins to produce film destined to non-food packaging applications. This can include household cleaning products, like dishwasher tablets.

Silgan Holdings Inc. a leading supplier of sustainable rigid packaging solutions for consumer goods products, announced today that it has concluded a settlement with the European Commission to end a long-running investigation of Silgan's metal packaging operations in Europe. This investigation was started in 2015 by the German antitrust authority and was transferred in 2018 to the European Commission only after the German antitrust authority determined it would be dicult for it to impose nes under German law. As part of the settlement, Silgan has agreed to pay a ne of €23,852,000 to put an end to the investigation, although Silgan does not fully concur with the facts and legal qualications put forth by the European Commission. The European Commission has agreed to fully close its investigation and not proceed any further with respect to this matter.

The Curby Mailer is a tri-laminated mailer employing a patented production process that allows for the mailer to use a paper honeycomb structure, encapsulated between an inner and outer layer of paper, to form a padded mailer. It is curbside recyclable and can be easily disposed of with other recyclable materials. "This unique production methodology delivers cushioning performance from edge-to-edge and seamto- seam, making the Curby Mailer the most effective form of sustainable replacement of bubble cushioning in the market," states Zach Kissel, IPG VP of Global E-Fulfillment. The Curby Mailer is one of several solutions that complete the entire Curby® line of sustainable packaging products which includes water-activated tape (also known as gum tape), paper void fill solutions, and paper fragile wrapping solutions. “With e-commerce shipping volumes rapidly increasing and consumers becoming ever more aware of their environmental impact, Curby products promote a circular economy and help answer these e-commerce growth challenges,” explained Kissel.

Performance White Barrier is a new sack paper from BillerudKorsnäs where a coating replaces the plastic film barrier commonly found in paper sacks. The sack paper is on par with traditional alternatives regarding shelf-life expectancy and other performance factors. Some of the main benefits are easy recycling in regular paper streams, a good printing surface for branding and product content display and no need for any changes in the supply chain. Performance White Barrier can replace most slit and perforated plastic films without significant changes in shelf-life performance, and works for a wide variety of sack paper applications including animal feed, building materials, chemical substances, dry food and mineral products. Brand owners get sustainable product packaging, and users get packaging that only consists of paper, making the sacks easy to recycle in the well-established paper recycling process.

Mondi has entered the bike packaging market with its Protector Bags, providing a new sustainable solution for Diamant to replace plastic wrapping used around the handlebars of its Trek and Diamant brands. Germany’s oldest bike manufacturer will now use Mondi’s recyclable Protector Bags that are made from renewable materials. The change means that Diamant will reduce its plastic use by 16 tonnes every year – around 85% of its previous consumption – as well as saving costs in logistics and transportation. The pre-made paper bags do not require additional wrapping or taping, as they are ready to use with a tailored closure strip developed specifically for the bicycle industry. Created from two plies of paper, Mondi’s Protector Bags are strong and flexible, making them highly puncture-proof – and they protect the bikes during storage and transport with a softer interior glaze that is friction-resistant. Due to the air permeability of paper, the bags are also breathable. Additionally, handlebar grips made of rubber can emit moisture or gas that can evaporate easily with this new packaging.

Aptar’s continued dedication to build an outstanding working relationship in the areas of product quality, delivery, customer service, plant management, and engineering let to this recognition. The five-time award-winning Daisy Sour Cream package, first introduced in the market in 2015, features Aptar’s innovative dispensing solution for inverted pouches. It combines Aptar’s proprietary SimpliSqueeze® flow control valve and flip top closure allowing for clean and controlled dispensing, in addition to an easy-to-remove tamper-evident pull ring. This solution is manufactured at Aptar Food + Beverage’s plant in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, USA.

Smurfit Kappa has completed a large-scale sustainability project at its Zülpich paper mill in Germany, which significantly reduces the plant’s CO2 emissions. The €11.5 million investment included a major redesign of the plant’s multi-fuel boiler to provide a more sustainable fuel source for the generation of steam and electricity. The mill, which produces approximately 500,000 tonnes of paper annually, is now powered by a combination of its own biogas, which is a by-product of its circular water treatment plant, natural gas, and the residual materials or so-called ‘rejects’ which occur in the paper recycling process that would otherwise be considered waste. The project reduces CO2 emissions at the Zülpich paper mill by more than 25% and saves 55,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, which represents a 2% reduction in Smurfit Kappa’s global CO2 emissions. Smurfit Kappa has the goal of achieving a 55% intensity reduction in fossil CO2 emissions by 2030 and at least net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The packaging leader has also had its 2030 emissions reductions targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative as being in-line with the Paris agreement.

Atlantic Packaging is pleased to announce that it has joined The Conservation Alliance, an organization that harnesses the collective power of business and outdoor communities to advocate for the protection of North America’s wild places. Atlantic Packaging is the first packaging company to join the more than 270 member companies whose collective annual membership dues are dispersed to grassroots environmental organizations that contribute to the long-term health of outdoor recreation and help ensure access for future generations. Family owned-and-operated for 75 years, Atlantic Packaging is committed to supporting the intelligent transition to a circular packaging supply chain and a waste-free world. With packaging accounting for over 40 percent of plastic waste according to 2018 EPA data, Atlantic Packaging has recognized its corporate responsibility to have a positive impact on sustainability. “By joining The Conservation Alliance, Atlantic Packaging is aligning with like-minded businesses collaborating around a common purpose and proudly investing in a wide range of the most compelling conservation projects in North America,” said Atlantic Packaging President Wes Carter.

Mondi has partnered with Japanese consumer goods manufacturer Kao to create a recyclable, lightweight packaging solution for its Goldwell hair lightening products. The new stand-up pouch reduces plastic usage without compromising on strength and durability and thus supports Kao and its salon business in their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint and to help salons run their businesses more sustainably. Goldwell is a salon-quality brand of Kao Salon Division, the fourth biggest professional hair care business in the world. Its broad offering of hair care, styling and colour products also includes a range of hair lightening products created for in salon use. These were previously packed in rigid plastic containers, however working with Mondi and along its EcoSolutions approach, Kao is reducing the overall amount of plastic in individual packs by 80%. Mondi’s innovative solution packs the powdered products in flexible, re-closable stand-up pouches that are made of mono-material, meaning they are recyclable. The pouch is provided to the user together with paper instructions inside a carton box, enabling the pouch to be stacked when stored, and results in a lower carbon footprint compared to the previous packaging alternative.

Huhtamaki has welcomed the conclusions of a new report, which reviews 26 scientific studies comparing the environmental impact of single-use packaging vs. reusable tableware used in takeaway settings. Conducted by Ramboll, a leading global engineering, design and consultancy company, the ‘meta-analysis’ of 26 previous scientific studies concludes that the additional and specific burdens of reusable tableware, when used for takeaway food and beverages, makes it far less sustainable than paper-based single-use tableware. The reasons for this are the energy and water required for sanitization, together with the impacts of take-back transport and the breakage rates associated with takeaway systems. Previous Life Cycle Assessments, undertaken by Ramboll for the European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA), revealed that when used within in-store settings in Quick Service Restaurants, reusable tableware systems generated 2.8 times more CO2-equivalent emissions and consumed 3.4 times more freshwater than paper-based packaging.

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is pleased to announce the receipt of the approval under the Investment Canada Act in respect of the previously announced acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. for CDN$40.50 per share by way of a plan of arrangement in accordance with Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act. The parties to the Arrangement intend to complete the Arrangement on June 28, 2022, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Pregis joined 1% for the Planet, pledging to donate one percent of sales of its Inspyre brand products to support nonprofit organizations. 1% for the Planet is a global organization with a mission to inspire businesses and individuals to support approved environmental nonprofits to build a better world and future for all. Pregis introduced its Inspyre brand in 2018 with the mission of providing customers with the option to choose packaging that does good for the world. Since the introduction, Pregis has donated a portion of the proceeds of these products, including Inspyre hybrid cushioning with water blue color tint and tissue paper packaging, to Uzima Clean Water Mission. The company plans to expand the Inspyre product offering to increase its global impact. Uzima provides water filters, hygiene kits and education to communities across the world to overcome water insecurities improving overall wellness in those communities through access to clean water.

“Packaging waste, climate change and other environmental crises demand an urgent and joined up response from the CPG [consumer packaged goods] community. The Sustainability Awards sets the agenda on best practice, turns the spotlight on the most important areas of R&D, and helps separate greenwash from the innovations that make a genuine difference. This year’s competition has introduced five new Pre-Commercialized categories, dedicated to showcasing the most important areas of emerging innovation that will hit the market in the years to come. Among the categories for commercialized products and initiatives, there are two new categories: ‘Climate’ and ‘Renewables’” – Packaging Europe. At Stora Enso, our approach to innovation combines our capabilities with renewable materials to drive change towards a more sustainable future. We address trends that affect our customers and end-consumers, while advancing solutions to reduce dependence on fossil-based materials. One of these innovations is Papira® by Stora Enso. Papira is a natural, bio-based and recyclable alternative, ideal for protective and cushioning applications in packaging. This lightweight and shock absorbent foam material is made from pulp fibers. With Papira, you can forget fossil-based foams and ensure that your packaging is renewable, biodegradable and fully recyclable in currently existing paper and board steams.

Mayr-Melnhof Group (MM) has entered into an agreement to buy Essentra Packaging (100% equity interest in ESNT Packaging & Securing Solutions Limited (UK) and its affiliates and 100% equity interest in Essentra Packaging US Inc (US)) from Essentra plc (UK) for GBP 312 million - currently around EUR 365 million. The acquisition of Essentra Packaging serves to implement MM Packaging's strategy to grow in profitable and resilient segments such as pharma secondary packaging and strengthens its position in the European market for pharma folding boxes and leaflets. Additionally, this acquisition expands MM's presence in the US market with a significant position in the East Coast pharma hub. Essentra Packaging reported sales of around £370m for 2021 - currently c.€430m. The company comprises 21 production sites in 10 countries in Europe and North America, ideally complementing MM Packaging's current position in Scandinavia through the recently acquired Eson Pac and the existing business in France. Essentra Packaging serves over 800 customers worldwide, including 19 of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies, and employs over 3,500 people.

See short video at: https://www.atlanticpkg.com/2022/06/atlantics-stretch-film-recycling-equipment/ Atlantic has invested in recycling equipment to: *Recapture used stretch film from our customers *Transform used stretch film into high-quality post-consumer resin (PCR) *Repurpose that PCR into new stretch film!

Transcontinental Inc. announced that it has acquired Banaplast S.A.S., a flexible packaging company founded in 2009 and based in Armenia, Colombia. Banaplast is active in the protection of crops in the banana and plantain agro-industrial sector and other fruit plantations. “The acquisition of Banaplast is aligned with our growth strategy of innovation and proximity to key markets in the agro-industrial segment” said Ricardo Garcia Merlo, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Latin America at TC Transcontinental Packaging. “With Banaplast we are expanding our offering, namely with banana tree bags and agro-mulches, and our network with the addition of Banaplast to our existing operations in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico. This acquisition opens new and exciting opportunities to better serve our customers”.

Kimberly-Clark Professional, a global leader in contamination control solutions for cleanrooms and laboratories, has expanded The RightCycle Program, the first large-scale recycling effort for non-hazardous lab, cleanroom and industrial PPE waste. Flex-film plastic packaging from Kimtech™ and KleenGuard™ products will now be accepted for recycling through the program. "This is a significant step in addressing a challenging waste stream that currently has very low recycling rates compared with other commodities, such as paper and cardboard," said Mike Haley, Vice President of PPE at Kimberly-Clark Professional. "As the program continues to grow and evolve, we remain committed to finding ways to expand our recycling capabilities in order to help our customers reach their goals and to deliver on our purpose of Better Care for a Better World." Since 2011, The RightCycle Program has empowered more than 900 customers to divert 3.7 million pounds of waste.

Mondi has been recognised by the Swiss Packaging Institute (SVI) for its RetortPouch Recyclable solution. The packaging won the Swiss Packaging Award for the Sustainability category and was developed for Coop’s private label range of healthy pulses and grains sold in Switzerland. RetortPouch Recyclable, made of polypropylene (PP)-based mono-material, offers exceptional shelf life and reduces potential food waste. The innovative packaging can replace complex multilayer unrecyclable packaging that uses aluminum or metallised layers to provide high barrier food protection. RetortPouch Recyclable is able to withstand high temperatures during the retort process used in food preparation and is suitable for a wide range of applications in the ready-made food and pet food industries. The packaging, which is used for Coop’s products that are manufactured by Hilcona, has an attractive yet sturdy stand-up design that includes a transparent window to allow consumers to view the product on-shelf.

The recyclable and compostable UPM Solide Lucent is a highly versatile specialty kraft paper with endless possibilities for recyclable packaging innovations. The paper is suitable as a coating base or for lamination, single-packs, bags, and wraps; UPM Solide Lucent can do it all and more! UPM Solide Lucent is a brilliant example of the type of packaging innovations the world needs right now. Through co-creation, it enables brand owners to effectively reduce the amount of fossil-based or non-recyclable materials and increase usage of materials from renewable sources in their packaging. “Together with customers and partners, we can develop truly sustainable medium and high barrier packaging solutions, matching customer needs in a wide range of food and non-food applications,” explains Mika Uusikartano, Senior Manager, Product Portfolio Management, UPM Specialty Papers. “Thanks to its outstanding sustainability credentials, this paper is a safe and smart choice for converters and brand owners looking to co-create new products with us. The target is also to reduce value chain recycling fees in the long run,” continues Tommi Heinonen, Head of Sales, UPM Specialty Papers.

A study released by R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company found the market’s most pressing challenges forced packaging decision makers to shift priorities and rethink operations, with 90% changing how their packaging is sourced. The Unpackaging Reality Report explores how converging disruptive issues like supply chain volatility, inflation, labor shortages, and increasing sustainability pressures have impacted the industry. Surveying 300 packaging decision makers in the U.S., RRD’s study found that material price hikes and supply shortages presented the biggest hurdles for the industry over the past year, with over half of respondents reporting they have been strongly impacted. These challenges, among others, forced organizations to reprioritize packaging materials (68%), budget (52%), packaging design and aesthetics (49%), and sustainability goals (45%). Despite the many challenges brought on by the pandemic and downstream issues, the report found that overall, the packaging industry proved resilient and continued to track toward a more sustainable and innovative future.

The first HolyGrail 2.0 sorting prototype was successfully validated in March this year following semi-industrial trials, using NIR and digital watermarks detection to sort packaging waste with a 99 percent detection rate and the potential to develop new, more granular post-consumer recycling streams. The Digital Watermarks Initiative HolyGrail 2.0, driven by AIM – European Brands Association, and powered by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, has the goal of assessing whether the digital watermarks technology can enable better sorting and higher-quality recycling rates for packaging in the EU. Today, more than 160 partners across the value chain are working together to refine and commercialize this concept. Sonoco, one of the largest global sustainable packaging companies, is a member of the HolyGrail 2.0 initiative to prove the viability of digital watermarking for sorting packaging waste and the business case at scale, likely with global implications. Trials in Copenhagen found that using digital watermarks on packaging resulted in 98 - 100 percent being correctly detected, with a subsequent total ejection rate of 90 - 100 percent.

Committed to bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to the market, Klabin, Brazil’s largest producer and exporter of packaging paper and paper packaging, has developed a new version of its paperboard Klamulti, designed for beverage packaging (multipack), which now has microfibrillated pulp (MFC) in its composition. This innovation, led by the Product Development and Technology Center teams at Klabin, was produced at the MFC plant located in Telêmaco Borba, Paraná. Experiments proved that the addition of MFC in the paperboard composition significantly improves the product’s properties and performance while also reducing grammage. As such, the new solution is capable of creating lighter and more resistant packaging, enhancing the efficiency of the material. The MFC production process develops the microfibrillation of the walls of pulp fibers, enabling a wider connection area between them, thereby increasing the paper’s mechanical strength.

Mondi has created a range of fit-for-purpose packaging solutions to protect and transport fresh produce from farm-to-shelf-to-home safely, efficiently and conveniently. Grow&Go encapsulates the spirit of Mondi Corrugated Solutions’ new product portfolio for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. Key to its appeal is the wide range of available options, covering everything from heavy bulk shipments to light fruit and vegetable assortments for on-shelf display. "Steep demand increases are on the horizon for small portion packaging. Small portion packs offer many benefits to the end consumer, such as providing the product to be taken directly from the shelf in its packaging without the fresh produce being touched. They also make the shopping experience more convenient – no more fussing with scales or sachets – and they protect fragile items like tomatoes for the trip home." Jan Blankiewicz, Product Innovation Manager, Mondi Corrugated Solutions The World Star award-winning CoralTray, offering hassle-free handling, protection, ventilation and visibility for up to a kilo of produce, is one of several Grow&Go solutions fulfilling this need.

DS Smith and Ipsos MORI, a global leader in market research, have conducted a new study that reveals despite the global health crisis, shoppers still have their eye on the environment; with 85% of buyers wanting to buy products that use as little packaging as possible, and almost a third (29%) disclosing that they have stopped purchasing specific brands on the grounds that their packaging was not sustainable. Regarding consumer perceptions of sustainability, the research concludes that whilst habits may have changed, attitudes have not, and it is these attitudes which continue to evolve. Notably, we discuss the extent to which consumers continue to prioritize sustainable packaging, and the willingness to act in favour of sustainable packaging has marginally increased. Furthermore, we emphasise the commercial risk for both brands and e-commerce retailers, in the absence of sustainable packaging and just how difficult it has become to ‘intercept’ the shopper journey.

According to FANUC, an industrial robotics manufacturer, there are approximately 1.9 jobs per unemployed worker in the United States. Why? Well, e-commerce is still creating strong labor demand across all areas of the supply chain. To add to that, U.S. businesses are reshoring their sourcing to domestic suppliers in hopes of combating the long overseas lead times; all of which means the creation of even more job openings across North America. Pregis attended Automate in Detroit, MI last week, and returned with a wealth of innovation trends that are adding value within the fulfillment centers of so many industries – from third-party logistics to retail. Timely Takeaways from the Event: 1. Picking and packing goes autonomous: The days of workers wearing out the warehouse floor as they transport goods from inventory to the packing area are numbered. Robotics manufacturers, such as Fetch (now owned by Zebra technologies), are now offering automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated mobile robots (AMRs) that autonomously transport goods from storage to pack stations. 2. Machine vision & artificial intelligence: Software and hardware capabilities within the optics space are beginning to reach sci-fi levels. 3. [Insert technology] as a service: Software-as-a-service (SaaS) has been around for a while, but now, technology companies are leveraging this business model for varying forms of technology – one of which is robotics. 4. The rise of integration: As businesses increasingly adopt autonomous equipment, internet-of-things (IoT), and warehouse management systems (WMS), integrators are emerging as key partners.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its May 2022 Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May increased 1 percent compared to May 2021. They were up 1 percent when compared to the same 5 months of 2021. The operating rate was 88 percent, essentially flat (+0.2 pts.) from May 2021 and up 1.1 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of April decreased 6,000 short tons from the previous month, and were down 8,000 short tons compared to April 2021.