Known for its role in developing technology that delivers more sustainable bottles, Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) is announcing ahead of National Packaging Design Day the creation and launch of PowerPostTM. By actively displacing the vacuum in the container after filling, PowerPost technology delivers a bottle nearly one-third lighter, with 30% energy reduction and 30% carbon savings over most 20 oz (600 ml) bottles available today. It also allows for up to 100% recycled material use and provides a superior consumer experience – no more spills from overflow when consumers first open their beverage. PowerPost is the most advanced lightweighting technology for hot-fill beverages on the market today. PowerPost builds on Amcor’s patented, vacuum-absorbing technology PowerStrap™. The PowerPost base has two key technologies: an invertible, central post that actively displaces vacuum, and PowerStrap, the flexible ring surrounding the post. After filling, the post is inverted to actively displace vacuum inside the container and, as the product cools down, the surrounding ring flexes to passively absorb any remaining vacuum.

Second Fiscal Quarter Highlights: Net sales of $3.8 billion, a 12% increase; Operating income of $341 million; Operating EBITDA of $555 million; Diluted earnings per share of $1.50; Adj. diluted earnings per share of $1.93; $350 million of share repurchases in 1H fiscal ‘22; Expect further opportunistic repurchases in 2H; Reaffirms fiscal 2022 adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow guidance

Berry Global Group, Inc. and Taco Bell are making strides toward a more circular approach to sustainable packaging with the launch of a new clear, all-plastic cup containing mechanically recycled post-consumer resin (PCR). The move represents progress by both organizations in meeting their publicly stated sustainability commitments: Taco Bell’s 2022 Commitments and Berry’s Impact 2025. Designed for circularity, the new, clear polypropylene (PP) cup will be testing in select Taco Bell U.S. restaurants in late 2022, with 30-ounce cups using 10% recycled, high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This conversion from Taco Bell’s virgin plastic cup and lid set will help divert waste from landfill and incineration while simultaneously improving its carbon footprint through the use of recycled plastic*.

*Record quarterly net sales of $5.4 billion increased 21.3% year-over-year *Net income of $40 million declined $73 million year-over-year, or 64.5%. Adjusted Net Income of $309 million increased $164 million year-over-year, growing 112.9% *Net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was impacted by $363 million of pre-tax restructuring and other costs ($321 million of which was non-cash), or $1.04 per diluted share, primarily associated with the previously announced closure of the Panama City, Florida paper mill *Record second quarter Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $854 million increased 33.3% year-over-year *WestRock’s board of directors authorized an additional 25 million share repurchase program

Greif, Inc. announced that it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) and coated recycled paperboard (CRB). The recycled paperboard increase is effective with new orders and shipments on and after June 6, 2022. These price increases are in response to inflationary cost increases in transportation, energy, labor, chemicals, maintenance, and other raw materials and continued strong demand across the Greif paperboard and converting network.

The need for sustainably produced packaging materials that promote the circular economy is growing worldwide. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is a leading European producer of fresh fibre paperboards and a forerunner in sustainability. The company's fresh fibre paperboards are resource-efficient and help reduce the carbon footprint of packaging throughout the value chain. Global demand for high-quality fresh fibre paperboards has grown by around 2–3% per year in recent years and is expected to continue to grow at least at the same rate in the future. According to its strategy, Metsä Board aims to grow in fibre-based packaging materials and renew its industrial operations. To support its customers' growth and strengthen its service capability, the company is exploring possibilities to increase its folding boxboard capacity in Finland or Sweden. The evaluation of options is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. Metsä Board's current annual paperboard capacity is approximately 2 million tonnes, of which 1.3 million tonnes is folding boxboard and 0.7 million tonnes white kraftliners. The company is Europe’s largest producer of folding boxboard and white kraftliners.

Highlights - Nine Months Ended March 31, 2022 • Net sales of $10,635 million, up 13%; • GAAP Net Income of $696 million, up 2%; GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of 45.6 cents per share, up 4%; • Increasing returns to shareholders: quarterly dividend increased to 12.0 cents per share; $600 million ofshare repurchases expected in fiscal 2022; RoAFE increased to 16%; and • Fiscal 2022 outlook for adjusted EPS growth raised to 9.5-11% on a comparable constant currency basis(previously 7-11%). Adjusted Free Cash Flow of approximately $1.1 billion.

Aptar CSP Technologies, will preview its first-ever active bottle featuring post-consumer recycled (PCR) content at VitaFoods Europe, Booth J60, May 10-12 in Geneva, Switzerland. The new PCR active bottles are now part of Aptar CSP Technologies’ Activ-Vial™ solutions portfolio. As with the rest of the active packaging portfolio, the company’s proprietary 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ platform technology is fully integrated into the bottle to create a microclimate to protect against moisture and other environmental conditions. Unlike traditional packaging options, the technology co-molds highly-engineered active particles into the bottle, scavenging moisture before it reaches the contents inside. Incorporating PCR content into its Activ-Polymer™ solutions is a step toward materials circularity, as sustainability becomes increasingly important to brand owners and their customers in the probiotic and nutraceuticals space.

Smurfit Kappa UK Limited has announced the acquisition of Atlas Packaging. Atlas Packaging, based in Barnstaple, North Devon, is an independent corrugated packaging provider. The company is well invested with a strong market presence in the UK which allows them to meet the needs of and deliver value to its broad customer base. With a particularly strong presence in shelf ready packaging, gift boxing and the e-commerce sector, they offer an exciting and broad range of innovative products.

Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning May 30, 2022. Sonoco said the price change reflects continued tight market conditions and inflationary pressures on manufacturing costs, including energy, freight, chemicals, packaging materials and labor. “Unfortunately, the conditions that challenged us in 2021 have not dissipated in 2022. We continue to be challenged by strong demand, increasing backlogs and inflating costs,” said Tim Davis, Division Vice President and General Manager, Paper – U.S. and Canada.

*Net sales of $1.4 billion, up 12% as reported; up 15% constant currency *Net earnings of $150 million, up 41%; EPS of $1.00, up 47% *Cash flow from operations of $48 million, down 39% *Accelerating growth investments, CapEx of $67 million, up 53%, in 2022

As a proud SPC member and SPC Impact event sponsor, Pregis is excited to share our top takeaways from the conference: A) The journey is long but achievable. All stakeholders at every stage of the value chain must collaborate together to drive systemic change. B) The evolving regulatory landscape presents a unique opportunity for packaging manufacturers. Eco-Modulation is one example driving material selection and product design. C) Recycling technology is an undeniable part of the solution. We must work diligently to improve both mechanical and chemical recycling processes.

The Huhtamaki Foundation inaugurated its first recycling plant in Khopoli, Maharashtra today to help drive circularity for packaging. The site – which is spread across 2,000 square meters – will recycle about 1,600 kilograms of post-consumer used flexible plastic waste per day from early May as the plant becomes fully operational. The Central Pollution Board of India (2012) estimates that India generates close to 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste a day and a little over 10,000 tonnes a day of plastic waste remains uncollected. The recycling plant was set up with an investment of INR 90 million as part of the Huhtamaki Foundation’s #CloseTheLoop initiative to tackle post-consumer waste to deliver a valuable secondary resource material. It will process post-consumer waste to create resin to produce refined compounds to be used for household products for consumers in India.

Neenah, Inc. announced a versatile paper-based medical packaging capable of withstanding all three widely used sterilization processes, including radiation, autoclave, and ethylene oxide. This innovative product allows customers to serve multiple markets and explore new opportunities by providing a unique alternative to polymer-based or kraft medical packaging traditionally used for nasal swabs, syringes, bandages, and other single-use applications. "By adding a radiation-resistant product to our medical packaging lineup, Neenah continues to lead the industry in offering the most advanced paper-based options available. We are thrilled to introduce a versatile paper-based medical packaging that is durable, dependable, and value-driven," says Valerie Henderson, Medical Packaging Product Marketing Manager, Neenah Industrial Solutions. Single-use medical devices are gaining popularity as they help lower costs, increase efficiency, and reduce the spread of infection. Gamma radiation is becoming a more commonly used form of sterilization technology for these devices as it quickly kills germs that can cause disease and neutralizes other harmful organisms. It is essential to the radiation sterilization process that the packaging has breathable barrier properties, excellent conformability, printability, and the ability to withstand radiation exposure to prevent risks to patients.

First Quarter 2022 Summary *Reported sales grew 9% and core sales (excluding currency effects and acquisitions) grew 13% with double-digit core growth in each segment *Pharma segment posted sales growth in all markets including the prescription drug division as demand for allergic rhinitis and asthma devices began to recover *Reported earnings per share of $0.93 compared to $1.24 in the prior year; prior year results included an effective tax rate of 17% and an unrealized gain of $17 million related to changes in the fair value of an equity investment

In March 2022, we received three recognitions for product innovations for their technical excellence, sustainability performance, and enhanced consumer experiences by DOW Packaging Innovation Awards 2021. Here is how we win to make a difference for our customers – where it matters. Our multiple award-winning Sundae cup and lid received the Diamond Finalist award at the Packaging Innovation Awards. Behind the success of this innovation is the fact that the fiber-based cup and lid are made from 100% renewable resources, with wood fibers from sustainably managed forests. They are recyclable and compostable. Moreover, this plant-based innovation provides the insulating effect needed from for ice cream packaging – also ensuring a great consumer experience. Our packaging innovation Nescafe Protect Proslim - the world’s first recyclable alu-foil free instant coffee stick received the Silver Winner Award at DOW Packaging Innovation Awards 2021. Nescafe Protect Proslim is designed to replace the aluminum instant coffee sticks with mixed polyolefin structure, making the packaging fully recyclable without compromising on product shelf-life. This product is a great example of helping our customers get ahead with sustainability without compromising on consumer preferences. We also received Silver for the Garnier Men Shampoo Color packaging innovation. We collaborated with our customer L’Oréal in India to develop this innovative product, which particularly helps enhance consumer experiences through its user-friendly design. The vast differences in the colorant and developer formulas mean that they have very different packaging needs. We successfully developed packaging that met the needs of both formulas of the color shampoo and can house the colorant and developer formula in the same sachet without them mixing until the time of use.

First Quarter Overview *Revenue growth of 33% to €3,024 million *EBITDA growth of 33% to €514 million with an EBITDA margin of 17% *Corrugated box growth of 3.6% *Significant, ongoing capital investment to support customer growth and security of supply *Sets a strong foundation for 2022

HIGHLIGHTS *First quarter net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper of $360 million ($0.95 per diluted share) compared with $107 million ($0.28 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021 and $349 million ($0.88 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. First quarter adjusted operating earnings* (non-GAAP) of $288 million ($0.76 per diluted share) compared with $301 million ($0.78 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021 and $198 million ($0.50 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. *$40 million of earnings achieved from Building a Better IP initiatives *14% year-over-year revenue growth *First quarter cash provided by operations of $588 million *Share repurchases of $406 million *Actively pursuing strategic options, including a sale of equity investment in Ilim Group

January−March 2022 (compared to 1–3/2021) • Sales were EUR 582.0 million (493.7). • Comparable operating result was EUR 121.5 million (88.8), or 20.9% (18.0) of sales. Operating result was EUR 140.7 million (82.0). • Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.26 (0.20), and earnings per share were EUR 0.31 (0.18). • Comparable return on capital employed was 21.1% (18.3). • Net cash flow from operations was EUR 92.6 million (16.8).

Sealed Air announced the introduction of prismiq™ - a digital packaging brand with a portfolio of solutions for design services, digital printing and smart packaging. “The future of digital packaging and graphics is here. prismiq™, powered by our state-of-the-art digital printing technology is creating game-changing value for customers, enabling touchless automation both in our facilities and our customers’ operations, and making sustainability for packaging real,” said Ted Doheny, President & CEO of SEE. The prismiq™ brand offers three solution categories: “With your smart phone, prismiq™ will allow you to see inside the package. Through the SEE™ Mark, multiple data signatures can be transmitted to your phone (QR, bar codes, RFID, recycling codes, date and time stamps, etc.) enhancing the human experience,” said Sergio Pupkin, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at SEE.

Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) and Danone have launched a 100% recyclable bottle for the Villavicencio water brand, made exclusively for the Argentinean market. The new label-less bottle is made from 100% recycled content and has a reduced carbon footprint of 21% compared to the previous bottle. “As longtime partners, we are excited to support Danone’s mission to have a positive impact on the environment and our health,” said Juan Cazes, general manager of Amcor Rigid Packaging Argentina. “Over the last two years, we have worked closely to produce a bottle that fully represents the Villavicencio brand, keeping the same visual elements. We used top-quality materials, helping to ensure the safety of the container and the consumer in the process, while we manufacture a bottle that, with the help of the consumer, will become another bottle once recycled.” The Villavicencio bottle can be recycled over and over, helping to support a more circular economy. Like this new bottle, many of the containers ARP designs are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is easily recycled with mechanical or chemical recycling in most markets, even when that container uses a label. Removing the label, like in the Villavicencio design, provides a greater opportunity to increase yields of recycled PET resin.

Q1 2022 in brief: • Net sales increased 31% to EUR 1,050 million (EUR 802 million) • Comparable net sales growth was 19% at Group level and 19% in emerging markets • The impact of currency movements was EUR 35 million on the Group’s net sales and EUR 3 million on EBIT

Highlights *Record earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $0.76, an increase of 15% over the prior year quarter *Record adjusted EPS of $0.78 per diluted share *Raises full year 2022 adjusted EPS guidance *Achieved record revenue in each business segment *Achieved record segment income in Dispensing and Specialty Closures and Custom Containers *Increased cash dividend per share by 14.3% *Redeemed outstanding 4 3/4% Senior Notes due 2025

Pregis has invested in a new 1960 square meter (21,000 square foot) customer experience facility in Europe designed to provide a holistic solutions approach to protective packaging challenges and reduce costly waste incurred by damaged products. The new Pregis innovation headquarters, called the Pregis IQ, is located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. It will open in April as a customer demonstration and training facility designed to optimize packaging methods.

Smurfit Kappa has introduced a cleverly engineered new packaging solution for detergent pods and capsules. The child-proof TopLock Box provides a safe, convenient and sustainable alternative to the traditional plastic box for laundry products. The patented TopLock Box features an ingenious opening mechanism making it a very attractive solution for companies seeking a sustainable alternative for their certified child-proof packaging solutions. The TopLock Box is a 100% plastic-free solution made entirely from FSC® certified paper-based packaging, which is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. It has significant environmental benefits and offers a 40% carbon footprint reduction in comparison to the traditional rigid plastic alternatives.

Joining forces with leading beverage producers, Tetra Pak is launching tethered caps on carton packages. Marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term work on design for recycling, five new tethered cap solutions are currently being introduced across Ireland, the Baltics , Spain and Germany in different product categories – a market first for these geographies. As part of a wider programme, this development paves the way for Europe-based customers to stay ahead of schedule and meet the Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive coming into force by 2024. Julia Luscher, Vice President Marketing, Tetra Pak, comments: “We are delighted to be supplying a number of customers with tethered cap solutions, helping them to ‘walk the talk’ towards their sustainability ambitions. Understanding our customers’ needs and having collected consumer insights through multiple pieces of research across various markets, our new tethered caps have been designed to enhance convenience. For instance, they are easy to open and re-close for subsequent consumption, while featuring carefully sized diameters for smooth pouring and drinking.”

*Reported Earnings: For the first quarter 2022, net earnings attributable to the Company were $0.55 per share (diluted) compared to a loss of $0.62 per share in the first quarter of 2021. First quarter 2022 earnings before income taxes were $170 million, compared to a loss of $65 million in the prior year quarter. Both periods included items management considers not representative of ongoing operations and other adjustments. *Segment Operating Profit: Segment operating profit was $231 million compared to $175 million in the prior year quarter. Segment operating profit benefited from 6.4 percent higher sales volume and 3.7 percent higher production volume (in tons). Likewise, higher segment operating profit also reflected favorable net price, continued solid operating performance and benefits from O-I’s ongoing Margin Expansion initiatives. These benefits were slightly offset by higher logistics costs.

Q1 2022 Highlights *Net Sales were $2,245 million versus $1,649 million in the prior year quarter. *Net Organic Sales increased 3% versus the prior year quarter driven by increased demand for innovative fiber-based packaging solutions and expansion into new market segments and geographies. *Net Income was $107 million versus $54 million in the prior year quarter. *Integration of recently expanded European platform continued; on track to deliver $40 million of synergies over three years. *New K2 Coated Recycled Paperboard (CRB) machine in Kalamazoo, Michigan began operating and the ramp in production is meeting expectations; on track to achieve $50 million in incremental EBITDA in 2022 and $130 million in incremental EBITDA over three years. *Global liquidity was $1,078 million at quarter end.

Packaging Corporation of America reported first quarter 2022 net income of $254 million, or $2.70 per share, and net income of $256 million, or $2.72 per share, excluding special items. First quarter net sales were $2.1 billion in 2022 and $1.8 billion in 2021. Reported earnings in the first quarter of 2022 include special items primarily for certain costs at the Jackson, AL mill for paper-to-containerboard conversion related activities.

CANPACK S.A. continues its expansion and plans to install a state-of-the-art production line of aluminum beverage can bodies in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The expansion will allow the company to increase the current capacity of the Bydgoszcz facility by approximately 1 billion pieces per year. Production is expected to start in 2024. “We are excited to increase the capacity of our facility in Bydgoszcz and continue to offer our European customer base a wide range of aluminum packaging innovations, whilst strengthening CANPACK’s footprint in Central Europe.” – says Andre Balbi, Group Chief Operations Officer at CANPACK. Ultimately, the new expansion is aimed to strengthen CANPACK’s market leader position in the Poland beverage can market.

The consolidated sales of the Group rose to EUR 1,060.4 million and were thus EUR 419.1 million above the comparative figure for the previous year (Q1 2021: EUR 641.3 million). This growth is mainly due to acquisitions and the passing on of cost increases through higher prices. At EUR 111.1 million, the operating result was EUR 49.9 million higher than in the previous year (Q1 2021: EUR 61.2 million). The significant increase in the MM Board & Paper division contrasted with a stable development at MM Packaging. The Group's operating margin thus increased to 10.5% (Q1 2021: 9.6%).

First Quarter Highlights *First quarter 2022 net sales were a record $1.77 billion, compared with $1.35 billion in the same period in 2021. *First quarter 2022 GAAP earnings per diluted share were $1.17, compared with $0.71 in the same period in 2021. *Base net income attributable to Sonoco (base earnings) for the first quarter 2022 was a record $1.85 per diluted share, compared with $1.00 per diluted share in the same period of 2021. 2021 base results throughout the release have been revised to conform with the Company’s current Base Earnings definition which excludes amortization of acquisition intangibles. The Company recently provided updated first quarter guidance of $1.70 to $1.80 per diluted share. (See base earnings definition, explanation and reconciliation to GAAP earnings later in this release.) *Cash flow from operations was $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared to $138.7 million in the same period of 2021.

Amcor announced an investment to establish new thermoforming capabilities for medical packaging in its Sligo, Ireland, healthcare packaging facility. The multi-million-dollar investment will strengthen Amcor’s leadership in the growing industry for sterile packaging, offering customers in Europe and North America another site with comprehensive healthcare solutions. “The additional capabilities in our Sligo site allow us to provide customers with even more differentiated and efficient solutions to meet their healthcare packaging needs,” said Amcor’s Chief Commercial Officer Peter Konieczny. “With our global scale and innovation capabilities, Amcor is uniquely positioned to capture growing demand for both medical and pharmaceutical packaging products globally.”

Imaflex Inc. is pleased to announce that it has signed equipment purchase agreements over the past quarter for three new co-extrusion blown film lines ("extruders") to help meet heightening demand for its products. "In recent years Imaflex has seen consistent, profitable growth in its Canadian and U.S. operations," commented Mr. Joe Abbandonato, President and Chief Executive Officer of Imaflex. "During this time, we have been upgrading all major extrusion lines in order to meet heightening market demand for enhanced film quality, which permits our converting customers' equipment to run at ever increasing speeds. Simultaneously, and as forecasted, we successfully reached our goal of selling out the capacity of our higher margin 5-layer line. Demand has been so robust on the niche products we created for this line that we recently purchased three new co-extruders." They are expected to generate additional extrusion capacity of between 12 to 15 million pounds per year, depending on product mix. Once an extruder is installed and fully operational, it should be fully utilized within 18 months. Barring any supply chain challenges, the extruders are expected to arrive at varying intervals ending the second quarter of 2023.

Huhtamaki, a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions, announces a first-to-market sustainable innovation for the global pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Huhtamaki's Push Tab® blister lid is mono-material PET and free from aluminum. It is designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of highly regulated pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging and provides the industry with a more sustainable alternative to traditional push-through blister packaging. This game changing innovation will help deliver sustainable packaging solutions for the growing global healthcare industry, whilst importantly maintaining functionality and efficiency, as Push Tab® blister lid runs on existing blister packaging lines without compromising on speed. The Huhtamaki Push Tab® blister lid is made of mono-material PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which significantly improves recyclability of the packaging, whilst remaining compatible with existing high performance blister packaging lines, without needing modifications or extra investment. Huhtamaki and its partner – Klöckner Pentaplast – bring this first-to-market innovation to help the global healthcare and pharmaceutical sector meet their sustainability targets and achieve market growth at the same time. In 2021, European packaging sales in the healthcare category had an estimated value of EUR 1.4 billion, of which approximately 50% were in blister packaging.

20/20 Custom Molded Plastics, LLC, an Inteplast Group affiliate, has acquired the assets of Covington, GA - based Vantage Products Corporation and will expand its injection molding business there. Through this new facility, 100 employment opportunities are anticipated over the next two years. Vantage, founded in 1978, was a manufacturer of polypropylene funeral services merchandise. However, 20/20 is slated to offer a wider variety of custom molded products to its customer base via its increased capacity at the 100,000 square-foot plant which houses two 2,500-ton presses and a 300-ton press. Some products 20/20 already manufactures include pallets, carts, and pool panels.

Mondi is highlighting the need for innovative packaging solutions in the fresh food industry by introducing two new recyclable packaging products - a paper-based tray and a semi-rigid plastic tray - at Anuga FoodTec. When it comes to preventing food from spoiling, the packaging industry plays a key role. Mondi has developed two new solutions to protect fresh food contents at every stage of the manufacturing and logistics process, ensuring they last longer through clever design and the potential to apply MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) to extend the shelf-life. The packaging inhibits exposure to elements such as moisture, gases and grease, and actively encourages correct consumer use, through resealable functions. This aids convenience and ease of portion control while also reducing food waste.

Huhtamaki has decided to initiate the process to divest its operations in Russia. This follows an earlier decision to stop all investments in Russia at the outbreak of the invasion of Ukraine. Huhtamaki considers that the current evolution of the situation and the long-term outlook in Russia will prevent the realization of its growth strategy and long-term ambitions in the country. Huhtamaki will continue to prioritize investments that capture the significant growth opportunities in the rest of the world, in line with its global ambitions and 2030 Strategy. The safety and wellbeing of all our colleagues remain of paramount importance. Huhtamaki has four manufacturing units in Russia, employing approximately 700 people and has successfully supported global and local customers over the last 30 years. The net sales in Russia represent approximately 3% of the Group’s total net sales. Huhtamaki will explore the market for potential buyers and will maintain its operations during this transitional period, subject to supply chain availability, to meet its contractual and regulatory obligations and to safeguard employees and customers.

Apollo announced that funds managed by Apollo affiliates (the “Apollo Funds”) have completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Novolex Holdings LLC (“Novolex” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer of diverse and sustainable packaging products for the foodservice, delivery and carryout, food processor and industrial markets, from funds managed by Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG). Carlyle will retain a minority stake in the Company. The financing for the acquisition includes the largest-ever sustainability-linked loan issued to date. Additional financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Mondi Paper Bags, part of Mondi Group, a leading global packaging and paper manufacturer, has acquired the paper bag converting lines from National Bag and Egypt Sack, two subsidiaries of Lafarge Cement Egypt, a major cement producer in the country. The acquired production lines will increase Mondi’s capacity by around 150-180 million bags annually and strengthen Mondi's position in the Egyptian paper bag market. Mondi Paper Bags already operates two plants in Egypt and with this acquisition will become a key supplier of paper bags to Lafarge Cement Egypt. "Lafarge Cement Egypt is part of leading global building material company Holcim Group who has been a key global customer of Mondi Paper Bags for years. We are excited to have signed a long-term supply agreement with Lafarge Cement Egypt and to servicing them locally in Egypt. The collaboration will offer Lafarge access to our latest innovations, industry expertise, strong plant network and customer service. Thanks to Mondi’s vertical integration, Lafarge will further benefit from our high quality Kraft paper." Claudio Fedalto, Chief Operating Officer of Mondi Paper Bags

Sonoco announced promotions among its senior operational leadership which are aligned with the Company’s strategy to simplify its operating structure to improve efficiency and effectiveness, according to Howard Coker, President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointments are effective immediately. Rodger Fuller has been named Chief Operating Officer, continuing to report to Coker. Sean Cairns has been named President of Sonoco’s Global Rigid Paper and Closures organization, including operations in Americas, Europe and Asia, reporting to Fuller. James Harrell has been named President of Global Industrial Paper Packaging, reporting to Fuller, and has responsibility for all of Sonoco’s Industrial businesses globally. Also reporting to Fuller is Russell Grissett, who will continue to lead Sonoco’s Global Flexible Packaging business as President and has more than 28 years of operating and commercial leadership with Sonoco’s Consumer businesses. Jeff Tomaszewski has been named President of Sonoco’s Diversified Businesses, reporting to Coker.

Amcor announced it is the first company to purchase certified circular polyethylene material using ExxonMobil’s Exxtend™ technology for advanced recycling. Amcor will leverage this new material across its global portfolio, providing customers in healthcare and food industries with more recycled content in a variety of solutions and applications. Increasing the use of advance recycling materials, such as circular polymers, is one way Amcor is meeting its sustainability pledge to develop all of its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025. The use of these materials will significantly add to the 113,000 metric tons of recycled material Amcor used in its packaging in fiscal year 2021. The technology behind advance recycling materials allows plastic waste to be converted into brand new products that are no different in quality and performance from ones made with virgin raw materials, providing customers peace of mind and the benefit of increasing the use of recycled content in their packaging.

The Mayr-Melnhof Group (MM) has acquired 100% of the shares in Eson Pac, based in Veddige, Sweden, from the majority shareholder Nalka Invest AB and the minority shareholders from family and management. With a total turnover of around EUR 48 million, Eson Pac develops, produces and sells high-quality secondary packaging solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. The company has three production sites in Sweden and one in Denmark, focusing on folding boxes, leaflets and labels. Eson Pac currently employs around 300 people. "With this acquisition, we are strengthening our presence within the premium segment of the packaging division. The transaction ideally complements our current customer base and offers attractive new opportunities. In combination with our existing activities, we can offer our customers even more innovative and sustainable solutions. We are very confident that together with the highly qualified team from Eson Pac, we will successfully advance the joint growth course", commented MM CEO Peter Oswald.

Mondi has joined forces with French machine supplier Thimonnier to develop a recyclable packaging that reduces plastic waste. The companies have created a new packaging for liquid refills that is designed so that it can be entirely emptied. The berlingot sachet is made from a recyclable mono-material, coextruded polyethylene (PE). It not only weighs less but also reduces plastic usage by more than 75% compared to rigid plastic bottles. The refill solution can replace the current industry standard of multilayer PVC refill containers, which are effectively not recyclable. The unusual shape of the sachet is eye catching and differentiated. The durable and leak-proof solution allows consumers to smell the product inside, a particularly useful feature for the liquid soaps it is designed to protect. The lightweight material also makes it more convenient for customers, especially those who are buying in-store.

WestRock Company announced it will permanently cease operations at its mill in Panama City, Florida, by June 6, 2022. The mill produces containerboard, primarily heavyweight kraft, and fluff pulp, with a combined annual capacity of 645,000 tons. Select grades of containerboard currently produced at the mill will be manufactured at other WestRock facilities. “A decision to close a facility and impact the lives of our employees is never easy to make,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer at WestRock. “As we implement our plans to close the Panama City mill, we do so with great appreciation for the many contributions of the team there. We are committed to assisting our Panama City team with exploring roles at other WestRock locations and outplacement assistance.”

Anthony Pratt, Executive Global Chairman of Pratt Industries and Visy, often refers to Pratt’s material recovery programs and circular strategy as harvesting the urban forest. “Through our closed loop process,” says Pratt, “we harvest the urban forest to divert 3 million tons of paper, other recyclable materials and waste-to-clean energy materials from the landfill each year.” To better explain what it means to harvest the urban forest and why it is important for Pratt, our customers and their end-users, we spoke with two leaders and experts on sustainability, material recovery and recycling. Between Cathy Foley and Shawn State, there are 50 plus years of experience and accumulated knowledge on recycling and sustainable initiatives for the paper and packaging industry. Foley has served as the Executive Vice President, Industry Relations & Supply Chain for Pratt since 2016, but she previously spent more than 20 years at the American Forest and Paper Association, including as Group Vice President. She was also elected to serve as the Chairman of the Fibre Box Association from 2020-2021.

Aptar is strengthening its local roots in Oyonnax in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region by investing 42 million euros in a new state-of-the-art prestige beauty site, which will be operational in spring 2023. With this innovative initiative, Aptar is consolidating legacy operations into a new and dynamic facility which further asserts its leadership as the driving force behind customizable luxury solutions, with more sustainable features, in France. “I am extremely proud to announce Aptar’s new center of excellence in Oyonnax, France which furthers our efforts to help our customers win in their marketplaces, especially in the prestige beauty market. The investments we are making in this new facility will strengthen our partnerships for many years to come. We remain committed to delivering on our promises to consumers and customers in the many markets we serve as we live up to our purpose of transforming ideas into solutions that improve everyday life,” said Stephan Tanda, President and CEO, Aptar.

Sun Chemical has collaborated with HP, Futamura and Mitsubishi Chemical to produce a compostable pack, which combines individual components (substrates, inks and adhesive) certified by leading testing organizations. The industrial compostable pouch comprised of Futamura’s certified home and industrially compostable cellulose film, NatureFlex™ 23NK, was printed on an HP Indigo 6K digital press and laminated using Sun Chemical’s solvent-free, industrially compostable adhesive SunLam SFC100+HAC306, and Mitsubishi Chemical’s BioPBSTM FD92PM sealant film converted by Baker Labels. The results obtained during the digital printing process, as well as the solvent-free lamination, provided comparable lamination and sealing performance to a conventional plastic-based pack.

Zume, the sustainability solutions company creating economically viable substitutes for single-use plastics, today announced it is furthering its partnership with Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals. Together, the companies are launching a comprehensive line of PFAS-free packaging to replace plastic and styrofoam with a sustainable alternative for food service applications. Popular for their grease- and water-resistant properties, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are widely used chemicals commonly found in food packaging. While molded fiber packaging can be composted, PFAS do not degrade naturally and can leach from containers and move through soils, contaminating drinking water sources and significantly damaging the sustainability and circularity profile of molded fibers. The joint partnership furthers efforts from Zume and Solenis to expand PFAS-free molded fiber solutions to replace entire categories of single-use plastic without harmful chemicals. Zume will provide its advanced molded fiber manufacturing capabilities and professional services, and Solenis will supply its unparalleled expertise in functional additives and surface coatings which increase the strength and functionality of Zume’s fiber recipes.

Viipurilainen Kotileipomo is a nearly 100-year-old company that produces pastries and artisan breads from local ingredients using traditional methods. When the bakery was looking for a new solution for its cake packaging, its key criteria were to reduce the environmental footprint of the packaging, and to make assembly quick and easy. Viipurilainen Kotileipomo and Metsä Board's packaging design team based at Metsä Board's Excellence Centre jointly developed a resource-efficient and 100% recyclable bakery packaging. The new eye-catching packaging reduces material requirements by 25%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 34% compared to the previous packaging. At the same time, the bakery was able to reduce its use of plastic by moving away from a PE-coated board. In addition to the environmental benefits, the design of the new bakery box makes it quicker and easier to assemble. "Packaging sustainability is important to us and our customers, and it's great to be able to spread the word about reducing plastic and promoting recycling. The whole product development process was carried out in a structured way at the Excellence Centre and the new stylish packaging was quickly brought to market," says Teppo Ylä-Hemmilä, Bread Artist and Innovation Director, Viipurilainen Kotileipomo.

When TymeFood needed higher-performance, more sustainable packaging for extending its reach out of London, it turned to Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper. The solution, BCoolBox, is now keeping TYME Food’s weekday meals fresh as it delivers them to all corners of the UK. "TYME Food tested several multi-material options before turning to us. After analysing the conundrum with our customer-centric EcoSolutions approach, we proposed a trial of our new BCoolBox packaging system optimised for TYME Food’s needs. BCoolBox’s tough, lightweight corrugated sides and insulation panels keep contents well protected at under 7°C for a minimum of 24 hours during standard shipment. Its all-corrugated, mono-material construction simplifies the supply chain. It’s been great to be able to prove the effectiveness of this product." Nedim Nisic, eCommerce Manager, Mondi Corrugated Solutions. BCoolBox can be thrown into the paper sorting bin, unlike multi-material packaging where the UK does not have the necessary recycling infrastructure. With their core commitment to sustainability, this was a particular concern for TYME Food’s management. “We were looking for an insulation material that would maximise the possibility of it actually being recycled. Mondi’s perforated panel concept is very smart. Paper is a material that customers know how to recycle in the conventional infrastructure in the UK rather than requiring novel education or conditions to do so. So we invited Mondi to test their product for us.” said Joe Cooke, Creative Director, at TYME Food.

The design and decoration of beverage cans may appear, on the surface, to be a straightforward affair, but there is far more to achieving an outstanding result on shelf than simply choosing some pretty shapes and colors. There is also a psychological element to be considered, as design plays a major role in how consumers perceive and differentiate between dozens of packages on display. In addition to brand image, design helps distinguish a craft beer from an energy drink from a canned water or soda, and while this may not be something most consumers are aware of, the subconscious will certainly be taking note. Fortunately for beverage brands, the can is the perfect canvas for creativity to thrive. The metal substrate offers a near infinite number of shaping and sizing options, while decorative techniques have advanced significantly in recent years. A 360-degree brandable space is waiting for a striking and efficient design, ready to covey a brand’s image with a freedom that is simply not available with alternate substrates. The versatility of aluminum cans makes them an ideal choice for all drinks categories and audiences, and the format continues to increase in popularity as a packaging format around the world.

The Circular Plastics Taskforce (CPT) is pleased to announce the support received from the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI), in the form of a financial contribution of over half a million dollars. This grant marks the official start of Phase II of the project led by the CPT, which aims to optimize the management of plastics across the recycling value chain through a better alignment between material recovery facilities (MRFs), recyclers and the needs of the different end markets for post-consumer recycled plastic. The financial partnership with the MEI, made possible thanks to Éco Entreprises Québec’s involvement in financial support management, will allow the launch of the first pilot projects of Phase II, in addition to supporting the coordination of all planned activities. Launched in 2020, the CPT is a collaborative effort of organizations wishing to find concrete solutions to improve the management of post-consumer plastics. It brings together five major food, beverage and packaging companies in Canada (Cascades, Danone Canada, Dyne-a-pak, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada and TC Transcontinental), the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) and Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ).

Greif, Inc. announced that it has completed its previously announced divestiture of the Flexible Packaging joint venture, or “FPS” for a total cash consideration of $123 million, subject to certain conditions and post-closing adjustments, to Gulf Refined Packaging. “Completion of the FPS divestiture and the exit of the joint venture relationship is an important step in advancing our Build to Last Strategy,” said Ole Rosgaard, Greif’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “I would like to thank our FPS colleagues for their hard work over the last 11 years and wish them the very best in the future.” Proceeds from the sale of FPS will be used toward debt repayment. The impact from this sale has been factored into Greif’s recently announced increased earnings guidance for Fiscal 2022.

Sonoco announced it has acquired the remaining one-third interest in Sonoco do Brasil Participacoes, Ltda, a Brazil-based flexible packaging joint venture, from private investors. Sonoco acquired its two-third interest in the joint venture in 2015 from Graffo Paranaense de Embalagens S/A, a closely held flexible packaging operation located in Pinhais, near Curitiba, Brazil. The joint venture had sales of approximately $34 million in 2021 and is a top-tier flexible packaging supplier to several global multinational consumer packaging goods companies serving confectionery, dairy, pharmaceutical and industrial markets in Brazil. The joint venture operates high-quality rotogravure printing and sophisticated lamination operations and is one of the largest converters of foil-based flexible packaging in Brazil.

Smurfit Kappa Group plc announces that it has decided to exit the Russian market. The Group has already suspended support for its Russian operations including any imports and exports and any short or long term funding. This exit will be effected in an orderly manner, during which we will continue to pay our employees and fulfil our legal obligations. Our Russian business represents less than 1% of forecasted sales Smurfit Kappa stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and everyone impacted by the totally unjustified attack on Ukraine and its people. The Group is providing, and will continue to provide, substantial humanitarian support for the Ukrainian people. We are also assisting the families of SKG employees and contractors from Ukraine as well as providing products and services to support the relief effort together with financial assistance to a number of aid agencies. We have also partnered with the Red Cross to provide funding to support their vital work.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, is developing two new international centers of excellence for advancing sustainable solutions in the consumer paper packaging industry. The growing demand for environmentally sustainable packaging led by consumers, brands and regulators is creating unique opportunities for the paper packaging industry to deliver alternatives to single-use plastics. Solenis is at the forefront in developing PFAS-free barrier coatings to help replace plastics used in fast-food packaging, corrugated board, single-use cups and other food and beverage packaging elements. The company also provides other key products, such as strength additives for paper and board packaging.