International Paper and DS Smith Combine To Create The New Global Leader in Sustainable Packaging Solutions

The combination brings together the best of both companies to accelerate growth, improve profitability and serve customers all over the world from operations in more than 30 countries. Together with DS Smith, International Paper will be a great place to work with colleagues who value excellence, ethics and safety above all else. "With a stronger portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions, the combination of International Paper and DS Smith enhances our offerings, increases innovation and expands our geographic reach," said Andy Silvernail, International Paper Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We will bring together the capabilities and expertise of two experienced teams, with similar cultures to create the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions."
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Fibre-based Packaging Producers Seek Clarity on Single-Use Plastic Packaging (SUP) Directive

The European Union’s SUP Directive May Pose Unintended Challenges for Non-Plastic Packaging. Fibre-based packaging manufacturers are unclear about how the European Union’s Single Use Plastic (SUP) Directive, adopted in 2019, will impact their business. As it applies to specific measures for minimizing litter from single-use plastic and “plastic”-containing packaging, the Directive has taken effect through national legislation. Still unclear is how the directive applies to fibre-based packaging that uses small amounts of plastic as a protective layer for perishable items. For example, cartonboard cups incorporate an internal layer to keep liquid products from seeping through the cartonboard; and fibre-based food containers often include a plastic barrier to protect the food from oxygen and to keep food oils from leaking through the packaging.
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CDP recognises Metsä Board with a triple ‘A’ score for leadership on climate change, forests and water security

Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, has been recognised for leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change, forests and water security by global environmental non-profit CDP. Based on data reported through CDP’s 2024 Climate Change, Forests and Water Security thematic questionnaires, Metsä Board is one of a small number of companies that achieved a triple A, out of over 22,000 companies scored. This is the third time that Metsä Board scored the prestigious triple ‘A’. “We have ambitious sustainability targets including 100% fossil free production and products, and reduced process water use by the end of 2030. In our wood supply, we promote regenerative forestry practices to strengthen the status of forest nature. The high score in CDP assessments year after year is a confirmation on the positive progress of our systematic work," says Mika Joukio, CEO of Metsä Board.
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Metsä Board’s comparable operating result in 2024 January–December was EUR 69 million

Metsä Board’s CEO Mika Joukio: “In October–December, demand for paperboards was lower than expected, and our delivery volumes decreased from the previous quarter. We adjusted production to match the low demand at several of our mills. Our profitability was also burdened by the repair shut-down at Metsä Fibre’s Kemi bioproduct mill, which lasted for about a month. Our sales in October–December amounted to EUR 446 million, and our comparable operating result was EUR -3.6 million. We had a positive start to 2024, with paperboard demand picking up clearly from the previous year’s record low level. However, activity faded towards the end of the year, and our paperboard deliveries, amounting to approximately 1.5 million tonnes, remained below our capacity level. Demand is still constrained by cautious purchasing behaviour and consumption focusing more on services than products. In addition, market balance has been influenced by the strong growth in Asian paperboard capacity and increasing paperboard imports especially to Turkey, the Middle East and South America.
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Metsä Group’s Kuura textile fibre shows competitive greenhouse gas emission level

Metsä Group has completed a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its Kuura textile fibre. The assessment shows that Kuura’s global warming potential (GWP100, fossil) score is less than one-third of the next best option, viscose. The Kuura project is currently in a demonstration phase. The new textile fibre is being developed by Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring. The LCA was made by Etteplan. The LCA study and comparison to alternative cellulosic fibres were critically reviewed by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden. GWP is a term used to describe the relative potency, molecule for molecule, of a greenhouse gas, considering how long it remains active in the atmosphere. Kuura's GWP is only one-fourth of cotton fibre and up to over 80 percent lower than the impact of the closest reference commercial product, lyocell fibre.
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Metsä Group’s comparable operating result for January–December 2024 was EUR 203 million

President and CEO Ilkka Hämälä: The year 2024 was exceptionally weak financially, with comparable operating profit falling to EUR 203 million. Demand in our main markets was subdued in all product groups, except for tissue and cooking papers and Kerto® LVL. At the beginning of the year, political strikes caused a loss of EUR 60 million. The effects of higher raw material and logistics costs could not be passed on to product prices, as demand was weak. Major development investments in recent years have significantly increased depreciation. The positive effects of new capacity on profits have not yet materialised in the sawmill, pulp and paperboard industries due to the start-up of production and weak demand.
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100 million seedlings from SCA in 2024

2024 was yet another year of high seedling deliveries from SCA. Nearly 100 million seedlings were delivered to private forest owners and SCA's own forests. "It feels good to be able to contribute with seedlings of high quality that provide good growth in Sweden's forests, and thus significant climate benefits," says Thomas Vestman, head of NorrPlant, SCA's seedling operations. In 2024, SCA delivered almost 100 million seedlings, which is slightly fewer compared to the previous year. "It was a good delivery year, despite the prolonged winter. But when summer arrived, it came early in May which put our nurseries in full speed. We see, however, that more and more customers choose to plant in August, which has now become our largest delivery month. That’s good, because it’s perfectly fine to plant well into the autumn," says Thomas Vestman.
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Stora Enso recognised by CDP with ‘A’ score for transparency on Climate Change

CDP assess companies based on the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of environmental risks and demonstration of best practices associated with environmental leadership. Improving corporate awareness through measurement and disclosure is essential to the effective management of carbon and climate change risk. “It is a strong endorsement of the approach and actions we take on climate change that we are a CDP Climate Change ‘A List’ company. We are committed to a continued focus on reducing emissions in our own production, as well as across our value chain in line with the Science Based Targets initiative’s 1.5-degree pathway.” says Toby Croucher, Chief Sustainability Officer.
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Amsive Announces Leadership Succession

Amsive, a leading performance marketing agency, announced today that Michael Coppola will succeed Brad Moore as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2025. Coppola, who has served as Amsive’s President since 2021, brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to advancing the company’s mission of delivering innovative, client-focused marketing solutions. Moore, who first joined as President in 2015 and has served as CEO since 2017, developed Amsive’s vision, and led its evolution for the past decade. He will transition into an advisory role, continuing to support the company’s next phase of growth. “Leading Amsive over the past ten years has been a great privilege,” said Brad Moore. “We’ve built a special company and culture through transformative growth, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together as a team. Mike’s leadership as our president these past three years has been integral to our success, and his vision and experience make him the ideal person to lead Amsive into its next chapter. I look forward to supporting him and the team in my new role.” 
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RRD Powers Print Evolution with Digital Transition of Georgia Facility

RRD, a global provider of marketing, packaging, print, and supply chain solutions, is investing in first-to-market robotic technologies and advanced digital print presses from HP to transform its Austell, GA facility into a state-of-the-art commercial print hub. The investment doubles the site’s workforce and sets a benchmark for rapid, high-volume digital production and automation. The investment enables RRD to deliver high-speed, high-quality, variable print-on-demand services to meet evolving client demand and anticipated industry shifts. The Austell site features HP’s new Indigo 120K Digital Press and PageWide Advantage 2200 with HP Brilliant Ink. The equipment is designed to empower high-volume production businesses by delivering speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
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FPAC Partnership Raises Awareness in Canada

For more than 100 years, FPAC (formerly the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association) has provided a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, paper and wood-based bioproducts producers in government, trade and environmental affairs. Its member companies also help develop action plans that advance Canadian forest health while supporting workers, communities and the environment. “Domtar and its predecessors have been member companies for many, many years,” says Derek Nighbor, FPAC’s president and CEO. “Today, Domtar operates mills all across Canada. Each region faces unique challenges, so the geographic diversity of our relationship with Domtar and their engagement across all key function areas has been great. Together, we’ve done a lot of work on forest management policies, environmental priorities, transportation, Indigenous relations and more.”
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Billerud Year-end report January–December 2024

We delivered robust financial performance in the fourth quarter and ended 2024 on a good note. During the fourth quarter, we recorded outstanding net sales growth of +20% driven by better-than-expected volume growth, enabling a solid adjusted EBITDA margin of 13%, up 5% pts vs year ago. Once again, our North American region recorded impressive results with 17% net sales growth and 19% EBITDA margin. I am also satisfied with our result in Region Europe which, despite softer market conditions, managed to grow the topline by 16% and achieve an EBITDA margin of 12%. 2024 was characterized by challenging and rapidly changing market conditions. It was nevertheless a year with significantly improved financial performance versus 2023. Our proactive actions, discipline and flexible approach with strong focus on items we can control have served us well. Our net sales grew by 5% through volume growth, mix and price management. We successfully limited the fixed cost increase below inflation and delivered another sizable contribution to the efficiency enhancement program.
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CDP recognises Mondi’s leading practices with a prestigious ‘A’ score for both climate change and forests

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has been recognised with an ‘A’ score for both climate change and forests in CDP’s 2024 disclosures. CDP also awarded Mondi an ‘A-’ score in the third category of water. These scores earn Mondi a place on CDP’s annual A List for the sixth consecutive year, demonstrating the Group’s leading sustainability practices. "We are delighted to have maintained our position on CDP’s A List. Our top scores for transparency on climate change and forests reflect our commitment to taking action on climate and our understanding of the link between climate action, sustainable forestry and water security in driving progress that reduces our impact. We are working to reduce our GHG emissions in line with our science-based Net-Zero targets, upholding our zero deforestation commitment across our supply chain, and prioritising water and biodiversity as key focus areas of our sustainability efforts." Gladys Naylor, Head of Sustainable Development at Mondi
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Norske Skog Boyer acquired by Boyer Capital Pty Ltd

Norske Skog has entered into agreement with Boyer Capital Pty Ltd, to sell the Boyer mill at an enterprise value of approximately NOK 190 million. The transaction is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2025. “We are very pleased to conclude our orderly exit from Australasia with the divestment of the Boyer mill. The discussions with David Marriner and Boyer Capital have been ongoing for some time and we believe they represent the ideal owner to both continue the production of publication paper and develop the industrial site for future activities. Norske Skog will now focus fully on the successful ramp-up of containerboard production at the Golbey mill and completing the BCTMP study at the Saugbrugs mill”, said Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog.
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Sappi first quarter results ahead of expectations; up 56% year-on-year

Commenting on the group’s results, Sappi Chief Executive Officer Steve Binnie said: “Despite continued challenging global macroeconomic conditions and weak paper markets I am pleased that the group delivered Adjusted EBITDA of US$203 million, which was ahead of expectations and substantially above last year.” Year-on-year profitability improved across all segments, supported by cost-savings, operational efficiency gains, higher dissolving pulp (DP) selling prices and sales volumes combined with improved packaging and speciality papers sales volumes.
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UPM Raflatac accelerates its growth in Graphics by acquiring Metamark

UPM Raflatac has acquired Metamark, a UK-based company to further accelerate its growth in Graphics business. UPM Raflatac’s existing Graphics business complemented with Metamark will strengthen UPM Raflatac’s overall competitiveness, bring major synergies and make UPM Raflatac a significant player in the fast-growing, high value-added Graphics segment. The Enterprise Value of the transaction is GBP 146 million (approx. EUR 175 million). Metamark, established in 1992 is a manufacturer and distributor of graphics solutions. Its product portfolio consists of high-quality self-adhesive colour films, print films for large format colour printing, laminates and wrapping films for various end-uses. The company employs approximately 185 people and has a manufacturing site in Lancaster, UK. The sales of the company is approximately GBP 65 million, and it has an EBITDA margin accretive to UPM Raflatac.
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UPS Releases 4Q 2024 Earnings

UPS announced fourth-quarter 2024 consolidated revenues of $25.3 billion, a 1.5% increase from the fourth quarter of 2023. “I want to thank all UPSers for their hard work and efforts as we closed out 2024 with an outstanding peak, delivering best-in-class service and strong financial results ahead of our targets for the quarter,” said Carol Tomé, UPS chief executive officer. Full-Year 2024 Consolidated Results: Revenue was $91.1 billion. Operating profit of $8.5 billion; Operating margin was 9.3%; Diluted EPS totaled $6.75; Cash from operations was $10.1 billion
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Mississippi Department of Education Approves Savvas Learning Company’s Full Line of Math and Social Studies Programs for K-12 Classrooms

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is excited to announce that its mathematics and social studies learning solutions for grades K-12 have been approved by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) for inclusion on its list of state-adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). The MDE determined that Savvas Mississippi math and social studies programs are fully aligned to Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards and designed to be “robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that students need for success in college and careers and to compete in the global economy.” In the state’s HQIM review rubrics, all Savvas math and social studies learning solutions received high scores — at each grade level — on all three gateways (or criteria), which include Alignment to Standards; Rigor and Instructional Practices; and Usability. Mississippi school districts can purchase state-adopted Savvas instructional materials beginning on April 1, 2025.
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Packaging Corporation of America Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

Packaging Corporation of America reported fourth quarter 2024 net income of $221 million, or $2.45 per share, and net income of $222 million, or $2.47 per share, excluding special items. Fourth quarter net sales were $2.1 billion in 2024 and $1.9 billion in 2023. Full year 2024 net income was $805 million, or $8.93 per share, and net income of $814 million, or $9.04 per share, excluding special items. Full year net sales were $8.4 billion in 2024 and $7.8 billion in 2023. Commenting on reported results, Mark W. Kowlzan, Chairman and CEO, said, “As we have seen throughout the year, demand in our Packaging segment during the quarter remained very strong. Our corrugated products plants delivered record fourth quarter total shipments and an all-time record shipments per day. The plants also set new annual records for total shipments and shipments per day. Excellent operations throughout our mill containerboard system set new quarterly and annual production records as well. This allowed us to meet our customer’s demand needs in a timely manner as well as achieve year-end inventory targets ahead of the mill outages scheduled for the first half of 2025. Although seasonally slower, volume and price/mix in the Paper segment were above last year’s levels. Throughout the Company, our employees together with the benefits of our capital spending program continued to do a great job to lessen the inflationary impact across most of our cost structure.”
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Coca-Cola Consolidated & MUST: Sustainability & Optimization in Stretch Wrapping

Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S., is leveraging Atlantic Packaging’s MUST Stretch Film Management System to optimize its stretch wrapping operations. With 65 production lines across 16 manufacturing plants, nearly 700 SKUs, and more than 100 packaging sizes, consistency, efficiency, and sustainability are top priorities. “…It helps us consistently wrap the pallets the same, making sure that we’re wrapping certain pallets the right way,” says Melanie Sabella, Coca-Cola Consolidated Vice President of Technical Services.
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Greif Announces Strategic Actions

Greif announced it will permanently cease production on the Number 1 Paperboard Machine (A1) in Austell, GA and permanently close the containerboard and uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) mill in Fitchburg, MA. “Decisions like these are extremely difficult because of the impact it has on our colleagues and their families, as well as the larger community,” said President and CEO Ole Rosgaard. “We are grateful to our colleagues in Austell and Fitchburg for their contributions to the company and are committed to helping them navigate next steps by providing severance benefits and outplacement assistance.” In total, approximately 140 positions will be impacted. Ceasing production at A1 – a non-integrated URB asset for the company - is a result of increased cost and declining demand in its major end use markets of furniture, books, and binders. The combination of high operating costs and the need for significant capital investment were the determining factors in the decision to close the Fitchburg mill. Together, these actions will reduce the containerboard capacity of Greif’s mill network by 100,000 tons, and URB capacity by 90,000 tons.
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International Paper Reports Full-Year and Fourth Quarter 2024 Results

International Paper reported full-year 2024 net earnings of $557 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, and adjusted operating earnings (non-GAAP) of $400 million, or $1.13 per diluted share. Full-year net sales were $18.6 billion in 2024 and $18.9 billion in 2023. The reported fourth quarter net loss was $147 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, and adjusted operating loss (non-GAAP) was $7 million, or $0.02 per diluted share. Fourth quarter net sales were $4.6 billion in 2024 and 2023. Full-year and fourth quarter net earnings include a pre-tax charge of $395 million for accelerated depreciation and restructuring charges, including $334 million related to the previously announced closure of the Company's Georgetown, S.C. pulp mill. "During 2024, we initiated our strategy to deliver profitable growth as the low-cost, most reliable and innovative sustainable packaging solutions provider for our customers," said Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail. "Through a disciplined 80/20 approach, we have restructured our corporate organization, added resources to the business, reduced structural costs through footprint actions and successfully piloted regional box plant optimization. In the quarter, our earnings have stabilized and we intend to accelerate earnings improvement in 2025."
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Verified assessments show Metsä Board paperboards can reduce the carbon footprint of beautycare packaging by 50%

According to a recent Metsä Board study, optimising the choice of paperboard can notably reduce the carbon footprint of packaging for beautycare and cosmetic brands. The assessments*, conducted by Metsä Board and verified by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, demonstrated the significant carbon footprint reductions achieved by switching to Metsä Board’s fresh fibre paperboard, compared to grades representative of European markets. According to the recent life cycle assessment study, switching from a solid bleached board (SBB) to Metsä Board’s folding boxboard can reduce the carbon footprint of packaging by over 50%, while replacing folding boxboard can achieve a 40% reduction or even higher. The compared grades represented board grades available in European markets.*
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Silgan Announces Record Fourth Quarter Results

Silgan Holdings Inc. reported full year 2024 net sales of $5.9 billion and net income of $276.4 million, or $2.58 per diluted share, as compared to full year 2023 net sales of $6.0 billion and net income of $326.0 million, or $2.98 per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of 2024, Silgan reported net income of $45.1 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, as compared to $64.4 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2023. "The Silgan team delivered another year of strong results, with record fourth quarter adjusted EPS and Adjusted EBIT and double digit free cash flow growth, and made significant progress on several important long-term strategic objectives that will benefit our Company in 2025 and beyond." said Adam Greenlee, President and CEO.
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Stora Enso partners with ECOR Global, pioneering in the industry with fully bio-based and formaldehyde-free board

Stora Enso is proud to announce that its NeoLigno bio-based binder is integral part of ECOR Global’s new product line, a groundbreaking fully bio-based, recyclable and formaldehyde-free board. This innovation meets the increasing demand for healthier, recyclable, high-performance materials, particularly in furniture and flooring manufacturing. The collaboration partnership between Stora Enso and ECOR Global underscores a shared vision for advancing sustainability and high climate ambitions. By replacing traditional fossil-based binders with NeoLigno, ECOR Global has successfully created a product free from formaldehyde and isocyanates, eliminating harmful chemicals while delivering performance. The two companies’ technical collaboration is leading to additional breakthroughs solidifying their commitment to sustainability.
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Tetra Pak wins Environmental Initiatives Award at SEAL Business Sustainability Awards 2025

Tetra Pak has received the Environmental Initiatives Award at the 2025 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards for its Approach to Nature framework. The SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement and Leadership) Award recognises Tetra Pak’s framework as an industry-leading example of how major companies can leverage their expertise to guide and collaborate with partners throughout the value chain to realise their own sustainability goals and address regulatory requirements.  Tetra Pak launched its comprehensive Approach to Nature framework in 2024 to address nature-related impacts across the value chain. This ambitious approach is built upon concrete actions and more than 20 measurable targets and practical actions, defining the company's contribution to halting and reversing nature loss, supporting the restoration of ecosystems and enhancing water security. As well as internal goals and actions, the framework also addresses supplier and customer nature-related impacts, including those connected to packaging end-of-life.
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Modern Litho-St. Louis Strengthens Market-Defining Direct Mail Capabilities with Key Talent Acquisition

Modern Litho announces a significant expansion of its direct mail capabilities at its St. Louis location. The company has recently onboarded several key employees with extensive industry experience in direct mail, enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality solutions. Among the new additions is Richie Graham, a seasoned professional 33-year industry veteran with a strong background in direct mail sales and operations. Graham's impressive track record includes owning and managing a successful St. Louis-based direct mail company, as well as delivering top sales results. This strategic move brings a wealth of expertise to Modern Litho St. Louis, including: •Advanced direct mail proficiency •Sophisticated data processing skills •Comprehensive warehouse management experience
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RRD Finalizes Acquisition of Williams Lea to Strengthen Business Services

RRD announced that it has successfully closed on the strategic acquisition of Williams Lea, a provider of tech-enabled business services to financial, legal and professional services firms worldwide. The acquisition was first announced December 20, 2024. Through the acquisition, Williams Lea will join RRD’s Digital, Creative and Business Services segment to further strengthen and expand its position as a transformation partner for business services and productivity solutions. This investment also complements the segment’s digital marketing capabilities that include a suite of full-funnel media, measurement and proprietary marketing technology offerings.
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Domtar Celebrates a Year of Safety Milestones and Awards

Our commitment to manufacturing safety is shared by every team member and every facility in our network. This shared commitment has led to a wide range of safety milestones and awards in 2024. Safety is, and will always be, our number one goal. “We need our employees to be constantly engaged in safe work practices,” says Richard Tremblay, president of our Pulp and Tissue Business Unit. “Ensuring safety at work is one way we care for one another and propels us to reaching our ultimate safety goal — zero injuries.” Luc Thériault, president of our Wood Products Business Unit, agrees. In a recent article, he said, “When you step back and look at the progress we’ve made in the area of safety over the past 15 to 20 years, it is truly impressive. … Our success is the result of a strong vision, unwavering determination, a refusal to compromise and the hard work of many people.” 
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Avery Dennison Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results

“We delivered strong results in 2024, achieving nineteen percent earnings growth,” said Deon Stander, president and CEO. “Both our Materials and Solutions Groups delivered strong top-and bottom-line results, with our industries recovering from downstream inventory destocking last year, once again demonstrating the strength of our overall franchise. “We remain well-positioned to continue our long track record of strong earnings growth in 2025, including accelerating growth in our high-value categories, which now account for almost half of our portfolio,” added Stander. “We are confident that the consistent execution of our strategies will enable us to meet our long-term goals for superior value creation in a range of geopolitical and macro scenarios."
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Kimberly-Clark Delivers Solid Results in First Year of Transformation

Kimberly-Clark Corporation reported fourth quarter and full year 2024 results that illustrated the strength of its innovation-led growth model, driving volume gains, improving product mix, and generating significant efficiencies enabling reinvestment in its brands, new capabilities, and generating attractive returns to its shareholders. 2024 was a breakthrough year for Kimberly-Clark with the launch of our transformative, multi-year Powering Care strategy and successfully rewiring our organization into three powerhouse segments with world-class functional support," said Kimberly-Clark Chairman and CEO, Mike Hsu. "Our full-year results exceeded our new long-term growth algorithm - supported by consistent execution across the organization - and we established a strong foundation to accelerate our strategy in 2025 and beyond." "We delivered organic top-line growth with an upward inflection in volume-plus-mix. This, coupled with improved productivity, has driven strong adjusted profit growth and fueled investments to advance our competitive advantage." Hsu continued. "We're excited about this new chapter of Kimberly-Clark, and we look forward to building on our momentum and enhancing value for all stakeholders."
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Overall Publishing Industry Up 10.3% for Month of November, and Up 7.3% Year-To-Date

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) released its StatShot report for November 2024 reflecting reported revenue for Trade (Consumer Books), Religious Presses, Higher Education Course Materials, and Professional Publishing. Total revenues across all categories for November 2024 were up 10.3% as compared to November 2023, coming in at $1.1 billion. Year-to-date revenues were up 7.3%, at $13.3 billion for the first eleven months of the year. Trade (Consumer Books) revenues were up 7.9% in November at $919.8 million. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of November, in the Trade (Consumer Books) category, Hardback revenues were up 6.9%, coming in at $384.9 million; Paperbacks were up 7.7%, with $286.6 million in revenue; Mass Market was up 17.5% to $11.6 million; and Special Bindings were up 8.3%, with $25.2 million in revenue.
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Amcor and Berry Global announce important milestone towards transaction closing

Amcor plc and Berry Global Group, Inc. announce that an important milestone towards the completion of their previously announced all-stock transaction has been reached, with filing of the definitive joint proxy statement (“the Joint Proxy Statement’) with the U.S. SEC. The Joint Proxy Statement includes notices of Amcor and Berry shareholder meetings that will both take place on Tuesday 25 February, 2025. This transaction brings together two highly complementary businesses to create a global leader in consumer and healthcare packaging solutions, uniquely positioned to accelerate growth across a broader and scaled flexible film, containers, closures and dispensing packaging portfolio. The combined company will have significant opportunities to further refine the portfolio and leverage differentiated material science and innovation capabilities to revolutionize product development, and solve customers’ and consumers’ sustainability needs.
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Tweddle Group Recognized for Outstanding Safety & Health Management Systems

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) has presented Tweddle Group its Consultation Education and Training (CET) Gold Award. Tweddle Group, a top provider of product support and information technology, earned the award for its exceptional commitment to workplace safety and health. “Our team members should be proud of this award,” said Tweddle Group President Todd Headlee. “The company works hard to be self-sufficient in its safety systems. This validates all that effort—we’ve not only met the standard OSHA requirements, but we’ve also gone further to meet the CET criteria.”
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ANDRITZ acquires recycling technology specialist ATN Engineering

International technology group ANDRITZ has acquired ATN Engineering B.V., a Dutch company specializing in advanced recycling technologies. This strategic acquisition strengthens ANDRITZ’s position as a global leader in recycling solutions by adding ATN’s state-of-the-art degassing and de-oiling systems to its portfolio. ATN Engineering is recognized as an innovator in the recycling sector with its unique drill head system, which enables the safe and efficient removal of hazardous oil and gas from end-of-life refrigerators. The company also supplies feeding logistics and equipment for the recycling of industrial coolers, air conditioning equipment, and heat pumps. ATN provides engineering, manufacturing, installation, commissioning and servicing of recycling equipment. To date, the company has delivered more than 200 degassing units worldwide.
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NAUTILUS® ProCycle: Mondi expands its premium recycled portfolio

Mondi's NAUTILUS® ProCycle, a high-quality paper made from 100% post-consumer waste for demanding print applications, demonstrates that sustainability and excellence can go hand in hand. Mondi has expanded the NAUTILUS® ProCycle portfolio by including grammages between 100 and 300 g/m2 for folio and 100 and 120 g/m2 in reel format. The paper meets the highest ecological standards, which are reflected in relevant certifications such as Cradle to Cradle® Bronze, Blue Angel, FSC™ and EU Ecolabel. This enables companies to contribute to the circular economy, conserving natural resources and promoting sustainability. The high-quality recycled paper, produced in Austria, boasts an ISO brightness of 100% and a whiteness of 135% according to the specifications of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). This makes the paper ideal for various print applications, including letterheads, envelopes, marketing brochures, company reports, advertising materials, invoices, quotations, and more. As a medium, it is perfect for conveying a consistent corporate brand image, making it particularly suitable for professional corporate identity projects.
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Mary Beth Laughton to Become REI Co-op’s Next President & CEO

REI Co-op president & CEO, Eric Artz, today announced that he will retire in March as CEO, marking a new chapter in the co-op's 87-year history. Mary Beth Laughton, a former REI Board Director and seasoned retail leader, will join REI as president on February 3, 2025, before assuming full CEO responsibilities on March 31.  Laughton has held leadership roles at Nike, Athleta, and Sephora. Her experience and personal passion balance strategic vision for the future of retail, innovation and operational rigor, love for the outdoors, and appreciation for the co-op's unique culture. She has also held board roles with Impossible Foods and Instacart. During the planned handover period, Mary Beth will be out on the road and in stores and distribution centers, building connections with employees, partners and community members. 
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Tennessee State Board of Education Approves Savvas Learning Company’s K-12 Science Solutions For Statewide Adoption For Every Grade Level

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is pleased to announce that the Tennessee State Board of Education has approved its evidence-based, standards-aligned K-12 science programs for statewide adoption. Savvas science programs are aligned to the new Tennessee Academic Standards for Science, which require science curricula to be “academically rigorous, relevant to today’s world, and attendant to what makes Tennessee a unique place to live and learn.” The programs also feature three-dimensional learning experiences that enable students to master science engineering, disciplinary core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts in a real-world, scientifically based setting.
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Revising PEFC Project Certification requirements: stakeholder feedback survey

We are revising the PEFC Project Certification requirements to respond to stakeholder needs, add value to companies, and align them with the latest version of the PEFC Chain of Custody standard, and we are looking for your feedback! Project certification provides independent verification of the use of certified timber in construction and other projects with a defined time and site. This survey aims to gather your valuable feedback to help improve these requirements. It is part of a broader effort to increase global demand for PEFC project certification and the procurement of PEFC-certified materials. Take part in the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JKCG3QR
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GreenHushing? How Companies are Avoiding Greenwashing Lawsuits with Caution, Transparency and Clarity

Businesses increasingly recognize the importance of environmentally friendly practices, especially when it comes to packaging, proper disposal and recycling, and using truly sustainable materials like paper. However, a new trend has emerged: companies are becoming more cautious about how they communicate these initiatives. Amid a rise in greenwashing lawsuits, where businesses are accused of overstating or misrepresenting their environmental efforts, many companies are shifting to a more subdued approach. This change reflects not only legal caution but also a growing demand for transparency and adherence to credible standards, such as the FTC’s Green Guides in the U.S. or the Competition Act in Canada. In an era when consumers actively seek eco-friendly options, companies have made efforts to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Terms like “biodegradable,” “recyclable,” and “carbon neutral” have appeared more frequently on packaging and in marketing.
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Smurfit Westrock showcases innovation expertise at WorldStar 2025

Smurfit Westrock has once again demonstrated its prowess in designing innovative and sustainable packaging by picking up 10 awards in WorldStar 2025. The latest accolade is testament to the packaging leader’s ability to create products that outperform on every level. Solutions that stood out for the judges in this year’s awards include: an eCommerce pack for South America’s biggest egg provider, a paper-based tray for plant-based meals and a bag-in-box solution for cleaning products. Sustainability was front and centre in each submission and illustrated how the company goes the extra mile in every project.
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Fiberside Chat: Why Paper Weight Matters for High-Impact Design

If you’re going to print something, print it beautifully. Every choice, from paper weight to finish shapes how a printed piece feels, engages, and communicates. Darcey Thompson, Director of Marketing and Creative at Southeastern Printing, shares insights on how selecting the right paperboard weight, folding and scoring techniques, and finishing options can transform a print piece into a powerful brand statement. Selecting the weight of paper for a print project isn’t just about function—it’s about creating a sensory experience that reinforces its message. It’s the heft of a direct mail piece that stops it from being discarded, the reassuring thickness of a brochure that conveys its importance, and the silky smoothness of a notecard that encourages recipients to hold onto it a little longer. Paper weight dictates the immediate sensory reaction, guiding both perception and behavior.
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Responsible waste management, a strategic sustainability target for Lecta

Within the framework of its ESG strategy​, Lecta is committed to reducing overall waste generation, increasing levels of reuse and recycling, and achieving increasingly efficient production processes. In its strategic sustainability targets for 2030, Lecta has established key performance indicators (KPIs) that ensure a transparent assessment of its progress in this regard. Management of process waste is performed in collaboration with trusted partners, to ensure compliance with current regulations and sustainable disposal as well as maximize possibilities of reuse. The majority of Lecta's waste is specific to pulp and paper manufacturing and as such is included in the European list of non-hazardous waste. This includes sludge from wastewater treatment.
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UPM Raflatac continues its collaboration with WWF Poland on circular economy and privately protected areas

UPM Raflatac and WWF Poland have renewed their contract to build a smarter future beyond fossils together. During the new three-year contract period the collaboration will focus on enabling the development of circular economy and promoting privately protected areas, especially wetlands in Poland. The three-year contract will also involve UPM Raflatac's internal and external stakeholders to increase engagement and support for these two important initiatives given the challenges we are facing today. “As part of the packaging value chain, we are constantly looking for ways to promote circular economy not only through our product and service offering, but also through collaboration. We are also committed to climate-positive forestry and enhancing biodiversity as well as sharing our expertise and assets with the communities in which we operate,” says Vera Bartsch, Director of Sustainability Development, UPM Raflatac.
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Alabama State Board of Education Approves Savvas Learning Company’s K-12 Science Solutions For Statewide Adoption For Every Grade Level

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is pleased to announce that the Alabama State Board of Education has approved its evidence-based, standards-aligned K-12 science programs for statewide adoption. Savvas science programs are aligned to the 2023 Alabama Course of Study: Science, which provides the framework for the study of science in Alabama’s public schools and the standards that support equitable, innovative, and creative learning. Designed to provide students with engaging, three-dimensional learning experiences that integrate science engineering, disciplinary core ideas, and cross-cutting concepts in a real-world, scientifically based setting, the company’s high-quality instructional materials for Alabama’s K-12 science classrooms include: Alabama elevateScience; Alabama Millesr & Levine Biology; Alabama Experience Chemistry; Alabama Experience Physics; Alabama Environmental Science: Your World, Your Turn; Physical Science: Concepts in Action.
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FSC US National Risk Assessment Revision Webinar and Survey

In November 2024, FSC International launched the revision of the FSC US Controlled Wood National Risk Assessment (US NRA) published in 2019. FSC Risk Assessments assess the risk of sourcing material from supply areas, such as controlled wood from non-certified forests, and establish mitigation measures to address those identified risks. In 2024, FSC International published the revised FSC-PRO-60-006b FSC Risk Assessment Framework, which now aligns with recently revised FSC policies and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements (see background info here). Among the main changes to the Risk Assessment Framework are that the number of categories of risk has gone from five to twelve, and the number of indicators has gone from 32 to 64; the majority of the 64 new indicators are comprised of disaggregated original indicators and seven cover new subject matter. The US is one of seventeen countries updating national risk assessments based on the revised FSC Risk Assessment Framework. To facilitate the revision of the US NRA, FSC International has contracted two US-based consulting firms: Green Value and American Green Consulting Group, LLC. Their work is being done in collaboration with FSC US and according to the timeline below.
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Contracted 1.1% in December

“For the first time since March and April truck tonnage contracted for two consecutive months,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Tonnage fell 1.8% in November, bringing the two-month total decrease to 2.9%, pushing tonnage to its lowest level since January 2024. Sluggishness in factory output continues to weigh on freight volumes, but another drag on the index has been fleet growth at private carriers, which is holding back how much freight is flowing to for-hire carriers.” In December, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 111.3 compared with 112.6 in November. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was down 3.2% from the same month last year. The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 108.8 in December, 0.9% below November. The seasonally adjusted decrease follows a sequential 1.8% drop in November, which was revised up from the December 24 press release.
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UPM: 3 trends that will change the packaging industry

In the future packaging will be at least one of these things: made of renewable materials, recyclable, possibly reusable, and optimised to protect the product while avoiding overpacking. These three trends will change packaging for good. 1. Tailored minimalism - In the future packaging design, less is more. There is a growing demand for solutions that address the problem of overpackaging. This is demonstrated by the actions and opinions of consumers, environmental groups, and legislators. 2. Return of the reusable packaging - It would be an understatement to call recyclability a packaging trend as it is the main driver in packaging design at the moment. In addition to recyclable and recycled packaging materials, there will be more and more reusable packages in the future. 3. Going beyond fossils - With companies’ ambitious climate targets and EU regulation, it’s no wonder that replacing fossil-based materials in packaging remains a growing trend. Packaging designers are increasingly looking for alternative packaging materials that minimise environmental harm while maintaining functionality and performance.
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Revising PEFC Project Certification requirements: stakeholder feedback survey

We are revising the PEFC Project Certification requirements to respond to stakeholder needs, add value to companies, and align them with the latest version of the PEFC Chain of Custody standard, and we are looking for your feedback! Project certification provides independent verification of the use of certified timber in construction and other projects with a defined time and site. This survey aims to gather your valuable feedback to help improve these requirements. It is part of a broader effort to increase global demand for PEFC project certification and the procurement of PEFC-certified materials.
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PEFC RED II certification receives official recognition by the European Commission

The European Commission has officially recognised PEFC as a RED II compliant certification scheme. Companies in the forest biomass supply chain and energy producers from forest biomass fuels will be able to use PEFC RED II certification to comply with RED II obligations. More specifically, PEFC RED II certification has been formally recognised by the European Commission (EC) to demonstrate the compliance of consignments of biomass fuels derived from forest biomass, ligno-cellulosic processing residues from forest related industries, and ligno-cellulosic waste with the sustainability criteria laid down in Article 29(6) and (7) of the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).
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Safe Shipping Without Bubble Wrap: Innovative and Fully Recyclable Paper-Based Mailers

The Lemu Group and paper manufacturer Koehler Paper introduce fully paper-based mailers for a sustainable future.The result is a mailer that is completely made of paper and makes it possible to safely ship goods without the need for plastic bubble wrap. “Koehler Eco® Paper” recycled paper, which is used in these innovative mailers, is available in grammages of 120 to 350 gsm. Its extraordinary running properties make it ideal for further processing on standard converting systems. Within this context, the collaborative efforts between Koehler Paper and the Lemu Group have focused on developing cutting-edge sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce. “We’re extremely happy that we’re now able to produce a lightweight, versatile, and fully recyclable paper mailer on our machines after our tests with Koehler’s Eco® Paper recycled paper delivered excellent results,” says Jean-Claude Jaufret, director of the Paper Bags and Envelopes division from the Lemu Group.
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AF&PA Releases December 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in December increased 13% compared to December 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 12 months of 2023. The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 87.5%, up 12.5 points from December 2023 and up 6.4 points year-to-date. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers – food wrapping – were 23.6 thousand short tons for the month of December, down 0.6% from the same month last year and down 0.5% year-to-date.
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AF&PA Releases December 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 3% in December compared to December 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 1% in November compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.2%) when compared to November 2024. November year-to-date (YTD) total U.S. net imports grew 13% compared to the same period last year. UFS and CFS net imports increased by 17% and 60% YTD, respectively. MECH shipments however, increased by just 1% YTD.
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Savvas Learning Company’s SIOP® Model Approved by Colorado Department of Education for Colorado

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, today announced that its SIOP® Model Professional Learning has been adopted by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) as a state-approved English Learner Professional Development Program. Developed by founding authors, Jana Echevarría, Ph.D., MaryEllen Vogt, Ed.D., and Deborah J. Short, Ph.D., the SIOP® Model instructional framework is proven to be effective for making grade-level content accessible and engaging for English learners (ELs) while simultaneously advancing their academic language development. To better support Colorado students who are English language learners, the CDE’s State Board of Education adopted a new English Learner Professional Learning requirement for educators holding an elementary, math, science, social studies, or English language arts (or any middle-level) endorsement on a professional license.
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Atlantic Packaging Greenville is TRUE Zero Waste Certified!

Greenville Distribution is the first Atlantic distribution-only facility to obtain a TRUE Zero Waste certification, with a waste diversion rate of 93.9% over the last 12 months. Why it Matters: Atlantic Packaging’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina, is now TRUE Zero Waste Certified, making it the first distribution-only site in the company to achieve this milestone. This accomplishment underscores our commitment to sustainability — both for ourselves and our valued customers. How We Got Here: *Teamwork: Every employee played a role in reducing waste through recycling, composting, and innovative problem-solving. *Precision: Our warehouse manager weighed dumpsters before and after hauls for four weeks to ensure accurate data. *Engagement: Employees embraced deeper waste stream analysis, found outlets for challenging materials, and explored sustainable options such as low-waste catering.
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Eagle Flexible Packaging announces $5 million expansion plans in City of Waupun

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Eagle Flexible Packaging, a Batavia, IL-based firm, announced plans to construct a new $5 million, 52,000 square foot facility in the Waupun Industrial Park. At the January 14, 2025 meeting of the Waupun Common Council, Waupun’s elected officials approved a developer’s agreement to sell city owned land to the company, paving the way for the proposed expansion to begin in early 2025. Eagle Flexible Packaging began operations in the City of Waupun in 2021, after acquiring a formerly shuttered production facility located at 4 Taylor St. The company has added 65 jobs in Waupun since opening the Taylor St facility three and a half years ago. In 2024, Eagle Flexible Packaging acquired 1208 Wilson Drive in the Waupun Industrial Park and has invested more than $3 million in that facility, including facility improvements and the addition of state-of-the-art graphics equipment to support continued growth in Waupun.
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Inside information: Metsä Board plans to close its Tako board mill and enhance the operational efficiency of its Kyro board mill

Due to the prolonged weak profitability, Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, plans to close its Tako mill as well as to improve the efficiency of its Kyro mill, and launches change negotiations at both mills and related operations. The negotiations will involve a total of approximately 360 employees and may lead to a reduction of up to 215 employees. The negotiations are expected to last at least six weeks. If the plan is implemented, production at Tako mill would end in 2025. The aim of the change negotiations at the Kyro mill is to improve the profitability of the mill and safeguard its operational conditions. Any decisions on personnel reductions and mill closure will only be taken after the change negotiations have been concluded. In recent years, the production of folding boxboard at Tako and Kyro mills has remained well below capacity due to the market situation, and the mills have had to implement several temporary layoffs. Due to weak market situation and rapidly rising costs, both mills have been loss-making in 2023 and 2024. The cost competitiveness of Tako board mill is particularly weakened by its high energy costs and the small size of its production lines. The development of the mill is limited by its exceptional location in the centre of the city of Tampere.
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Direct Mail Revival

Direct mail has been having a moment (or two) in the past year or so, as major media outlets and providers rediscover its worth to brands, companies, and organizations. In an election cycle of record political ad spending, a GroupM study estimated that $1.2 billion would be spent on mail to drive voter turnout. And CBS News, NBC’s Today Show, and The Wall Street Journal all took note of the return of the J. Crew catalog to customers’ mailboxes this fall after a seven-year absence. Like a lot of mail, though, get-out-the-vote mailers and catalogs are using updated tactics and technologies to appeal to today’s consumers, who have become more dissociated from standalone digital messages.
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Monadnock Paper Mills Earns Platinum Rating in EcoVadis Corporate Social Responsibility Assessment, Joining Top 1% of Global Sustainability Leaders

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, proudly announces its achievement of Platinum status in the EcoVadis Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) assessment. This distinction places Monadnock among the top 1% of over 90,000 companies assessed globally – underscoring its legacy of sustainability and leadership in responsible craftsmanship. EcoVadis, a trusted independent global provider of business sustainability ratings, evaluates companies across four key areas: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Monadnock’s exceptional score of 83/100 reflects its dedication to sustainability, from carbon-neutral manufacturing powered by 100% renewable wind energy to responsible fiber sourcing certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C018866). “Our journey to a Platinum rating was driven by a company-wide unwavering commitment to meaningful action,” said Richard G. Verney, Chairman and CEO of Monadnock Paper Mills. “This achievement reflects the hard work of our employees and partners, whose dedication made this significant accomplishment possible.”
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UPM Raflatac Advances Sustainability Standards with BPA and BPS-Free Direct Thermal Laminates

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, reports that all manufacturing of their Direct Thermal laminate products in North America will no longer rely on Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS) direct thermal developers. Linked to environmental and health concerns, Bisphenol compounds BPA and BPS are commonly known as developers in the reactive layers of certain direct thermal products, including those used in manufacturing pressure-sensitive label stock. UPM Raflatac collaborates closely with raw material suppliers to ensure that these substances are not intentionally added to its direct thermal products or used in the raw materials for its direct thermal face sheets.
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UPM Raflatac unveils new swatchbooks for wine, spirits, beverage and premium labeling

UPM Raflatac is excited to announce the launch of its new swatchbooks for wine, spirits, beverage and premium labeling. The swatchbooks, available in a compact and larger-scale format in the EMEIA market, allow printers, brands and designers to assess the texture, color and esthetics of a wide portfolio of high-quality label materials. “Swatchbooks are essential tools for printers and designers, providing both a visual and tactile feel of label materials. Our goal was to present our solutions in a way which is both user-friendly and uniquely inspirational for the target market,” describes Stefano Pistoni, Senior Manager, Business Growth, Wine and Spirits Label Solutions, UPM Raflatac.
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Iowa Newspapers Cut Their Print Frequency

Two Iowa newspapers, The Dubuque Telegraph Herald and Cedar Rapids Gazette have announced that would reduce their print schedules to three days a week. The Telegraph Herald will reduce its print schedule from six days a week to three: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, starting on Feb. 15. The Gazette will cut its print schedule seven days a week to three: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. It starts on Feb. 17. The two Iowa papers blamed the evolving news landscape and the shift by readers to digital for the change.
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South Carolina State Board of Education Approves Savvas Learning Company’s enVision Mathematics and Experience Math Programs for Grades K-5

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is excited to announce that its enVision Mathematics South Carolina program for Grades K-5 has been approved by the South Carolina State Board of Education (SBE) for inclusion on the new list of state-adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM). The award-winning enVision Mathematics program provides evidence-based, standards-aligned content, combined with personalized adaptive learning, to help all students develop deep conceptual math understanding, procedural skills, and fluency. In addition to enVision, the South Carolina SBE also approved Experience Math K-5, another math program by Savvas. A student-centered program that engages students through exploration and a hands-on learning approach, Experience Math K-5 also supports teachers with high-value, in-the-moment professional learning to create collaborative classrooms.
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Savvas Learning Company is Named to the GSV 150 For the Third Year in a Row

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is proud to announce that it has been named to the 2025 edition of the GSV 150, an annual list of the top 150 private companies transforming digital learning and workforce skills. This is the third year in a row that Savvas has been named to the GSV 150. “Savvas has long been a leader in utilizing adaptive technology to provide students with deeply personalized learning experiences,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “Advances in artificial intelligence are allowing us today to offer even greater personalized learning for students and enhanced support for educators in ways not previously possible. To be named to the GSV 150 is truly an honor, especially for three years running, as it recognizes our commitment to using technology to transform the K-12 teaching and learning experience.”
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How to Elevate Your Marketing with Sustainability: Build Trust and Drive Growth Today Leverage Sustainability for Long-Term Business Success

Why Marketing with Sustainability is a Must: Consumers today demand more than great products—they want brands that reflect their values. A Nielsen report found that 73% of global consumers are willing to change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact. By integrating sustainability into your marketing strategy, you can build trust, foster loyalty, and drive growth while making a meaningful impact. This quick guide explores how to align your marketing efforts with sustainability practices to gain a competitive edge and connect with the modern conscious consumer.
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Annual Printing Impressions 300 Ranking Reveals Mix of Ups and Downs

It’s been 41 years since the annual Printing Impressions list of the largest printing companies in the U.S. and Canada first launched. It was 500 companies for decades, but over the years it decreased in size due to industry consolidation and other factors. Although it has changed over the years, it continues to serve as the pulse of the industry. You’ll notice on this year's list more than a few companies on the list experienced significant growth or decline between their previous and current fiscal year sales. Although companies don’t disclose the reasons for such changes, we did have the chance to speak with a few companies that experienced significant growth in our annual Fast-Track Firms article (we will publish those profiles in the coming weeks). These companies — such as No. 38 Phoenix, Arizona's Prisma Graphic (66% growth) or No. 94 Winston-Salem, North Carolina's Salem One (35% growth) — noted investments — whether into technology, other businesses, relationships and customers, or target markets — as the primary drivers of success.
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Mondi wins 10 prestigious WorldStar Awards for innovative packaging solutions

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is proud that 10 of its innovative products have received WorldStar Packaging Awards in 2025. The awards, organised annually by the World Packaging Organisation, celebrate outstanding achievements in packaging design and technology across the globe. "We are proud to mark a milestone in 2025 with Mondi receiving more WorldStar awards than ever before. This broad recognition across our regions highlights the strength of partnerships with our customers and the creativity and collaborative efforts of our teams. These awards inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and deliver even more innovative solutions." Markus Gärtner, CEO Corrugated Packaging
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UPM – Gentle Reminder: Join our EUDR information session on January 16

We are hosting two information sessions to keep you updated on EUDR developments. Register today and join us on Thursday, January 16th for one of the following sessions: • Option 1: 9:00-9:40 EET (8:00-8:40 CET) • Option 2: 16:00-16:40 EET (15:00 - 15:40 CET). During the information session we will cover: • Updates to EU Deforestation Regulation • UPM’s implementation and EUDR compliance • Q&A from audience. register at: https://www.upmpaper.com/campaign/eudr-information-session/
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Two Sides North America Launches the Love Paper Campaign

Two Sides North America (TSNA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Love Paper Campaign, an innovative initiative to educate and inspire consumers about the sustainability, versatility, and everyday benefits of paper-based products. Now accessible at www.lovepaperna.org, the campaign highlights the essential role of paper in our lives, from books to pizza boxes, magazines to milk cartons. The Love Paper Campaign provides fact-based insights and practical tools to make informed decisions about supporting sustainable print, paper, and paper-based packaging. “At Two Sides North America, we’re passionate about sharing the story of paper as a renewable, recyclable, and responsible choice,” stated Jules Van Sant, Executive Director of TSNA. “The Love Paper Campaign is designed to inspire confidence in paper-based products and dispel misconceptions about their environmental impact, helping consumers recognize the vital role paper plays in building a sustainable future.”
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Phenix Label Doubles Production Capacity of RFID-Enabled Packaging

Phenix Label, a leader in prime labels and flexible packaging, today announced the company has doubled production capacity of RFID-enabled packaging for hard-to-tag retail items. With this increased capacity, Phenix Label enables its clients to significantly ramp up production volume, including packaging for water-based food items that have not been previously tracked using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. Phenix Label's breakthrough packaging design substantially improves reliability of RFID scanning for liquid-filled consumer packaged goods (CPG) and food items, empowering more accurate inventory management and traceability for grocery and nutraceutical brands. In fact, RFID now accounts for 32% of the food traceability market and is growing at nearly 10% per year because it enables reliable, real-time tracking throughout the supply chain, helping food retailers meet strict food standards, particularly in the event of a product recall.
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Victory Packaging becomes Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions

Spanning over 50 years Victory Packaging has built a legacy providing packaging and related services across North America, first as an independent company then as the integrated distribution arm for two successive packaging companies. Decades of experience, a zest for continuous improvement, and a focus on customer service have grown the business into a comprehensive packaging solutions provider, which today began operating as Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions. The business provides engineering, supply chain, kitting and assembly, automation, digital and logistics solutions that help customers reduce total costs, improve their sustainability footprint, mitigate risk, and grow sales. “Our new brand reflects our service-driven approach to solving business challenges, delivering value to our customers and signals our ability to tap into extensive capabilities and resources as part of one of the world’s largest paper and packaging companies,” said Scott MacDonald, president, Smurfit Westrock Packaging Solutions.
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Nordstrom Reports Holiday Sales

Nordstrom, Inc. announced a total Company net sales increase of 4.9 percent and a comparable sales increase of 5.8 percent for the nine-week holiday period ended January 4, 2025, compared with the nine weeks ended December 30, 2023. For the Nordstrom banner, net sales increased 3.7 percent and comparable sales increased 6.5 percent, while Nordstrom Rack banner net sales increased 7.4 percent and comparable sales increased 4.3 percent. "As a result of our efforts to remain competitive in the promotional environment and the strength of our offering, our holiday sales in November and December exceeded the expectations we shared during our most recent earnings call," said Erik Nordstrom, chief executive officer of Nordstrom, Inc. "For the full year, we're raising our topline outlook and reaffirming our profitability guidance." Based on holiday results, the Company has updated its fiscal 2024 outlook. The Company now expects revenue growth, including retail sales and credit card revenues, of 1.5 to 2.5 percent versus the 53-week fiscal 2023, which includes an approximately 135 basis point unfavorable impact from the 53rd week, compared with its prior outlook of flat to 1.0 percent growth. Additionally, the Company expects comparable sales growth of 2.5 to 3.5 percent versus 52 weeks in fiscal 2023, compared with its prior outlook of 1.0 to 2.0 percent growth.
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Macy’s, Inc. Provides Fourth Quarter 2024 Update

Macy’s, Inc. go-forward business achieved quarter-to-date1 comparable sales2 growth, with Macy’s First 50 locations and luxury nameplates Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury all continuing their trend of positive comparable sales2 . Macy’s digital channel also achieved comparable sales2 growth for the period1 . Macy’s, Inc. comparable sales2 were roughly flat quarter-to-date1 with Macy’s non-First 50 locations, inclusive of non-go-forward locations, performing below expectations and generating negative comparable sales2 . The company expects fourth quarter 2024 adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in-line with the previously issued range of $1.40 to $1.65 and net sales to be at, to slightly below, the low-end of the previously issued range of $7.8 billion to $8.0 billion.
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Print Book Sales Saw a Small Sales Increase in 2024

Though unit sales of print books rose by less than 1% in 2024 over 2023, it was the first annual increase in three years at outlets that report to Circana BookScan. Unit sales totaled 782.7 million in the year ended Dec. 28, 2024, compared to 778.3 million in 2023. While 2024 sales were down from the 839.7 million units sold in the peak year of 2021, the figure was higher than the 759.6 million print copies sold in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. In 2024, sales gradually improved over the course of the year and saw a 1.6% increase in the fourth quarter. For the full year, the sales performance followed a familiar path, as adult fiction was once again the driver, with units rising 4.8%. Fantasy had the biggest increase in the adult segment, up 35.8%.
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Celebrating the Unique Culture at our Hialeah Tissue Mill

All of our Domtar facilities embody our corporate culture, but each has its own unique personality, crafted year after year by the people who work there and influenced by the communities where they live, work and play. Our Hialeah Tissue Mill in Hialeah, Florida, is no exception. The mill is one of the few fully integrated tissue manufacturers in North America. It produces virgin and recycled tissue products in a variety of grades for the at-home and away-from-home markets. The mill boasts a number of environmental certifications and has achieved several safety milestones, most recently in 2024 when it reached 1,000,000 hours without a recordable injury. What makes the Hialeah tissue mill so special? According to Dinorah Diaz, a payroll specialist and human resources generalist who has been part of the Hialeah team since 1989, it comes down to respect and honesty.
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ANDRITZ bast fiber lines for flax processing start up at Van Robaeys

International technology group ANDRITZ supplied and recently commissioned two new refining and cottonizing lines for Van Robaeys, France. With the new lines, Van Robaeys is responding to the growing demand from the French market for cottonized and high-quality textile fibers from natural sources. Europe is the world’s largest producer of flax fibers, showing a 133% increase in flax cultivation areas between 2010 and 2020. The ANDRITZ teXline bast fiber lines can process up to 800 kg/h of fiber and use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure a high degree of flexibility throughout the fiber processing operations.
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AAP Welcomes USTR Review of Notorious Pirate Sites Harmful to Publishers and Authors

The Association of American Publishers today welcomed the release of the 2024 Review of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The Notorious Markets List highlights online and physical markets around the world engaged in industrial-scale copyright infringement and counterfeiting, which adversely impacts the interests of U.S. publishers, authors, and other rights holders. “This annual report is a critically important tool for identifying online sites and marketplaces that traffic in infringing copies of books and journal articles,” said Lui Simpson, Executive Vice President for Global Policy at AAP. “On behalf of publishers we thank USTR for their work in protecting the intellectual property of publishers and authors, whose livelihoods directly depend on the protection and enforcement of their rights,”
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Amazon selling its ad tools to other retailers

Amazon is looking to expand its lucrative ad business by selling the technology that powers it to other retailers. In an email to Chain Store Age, the online giant announced a new program called Amazon Ad Retail Service that lets other retailers use its own tools to showcase ads on their own websites. Built on the hosted Amazon Web Services platform, it enables retailers to show product ads on their search, browse, and product pages to help customers with product discovery and purchase decisions. The ads can incorporate availability and price, in addition to contextual information such as shopper search query, category or product being viewed to help ensure customers see ads for desired and available products.
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Postmedia Reports First Quarter Results

“The results of our first quarter signal a positive start to the 2025 fiscal year and demonstrate meaningful progress, with total revenue growing compared to this time last year,” said Andrew MacLeod, Postmedia President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am particularly encouraged by the trajectory of our advertising revenue stream, which is showing positive year-over-year growth. This, combined with strong performance in our circulation and parcel divisions, reflects the successful execution of our strategic initiatives and the increasing value we deliver to our partners,” said MacLeod. “As we move forward, we remain focused on sustainable growth and operational excellence across all our business segments.” Revenue for the quarter was $110.3 million as compared to $104.6 million in the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of $5.7 million (5.4%). Total operating expenses excluding depreciation, amortization and restructuring increased $6.1 million, or 6.1%, for the quarter ended November 30, 2024, relative to the same period in the prior year. Operating income before depreciation, amortization and restructuring in the quarter was $5.5 million, a decrease of $0.4 million relative to the same period in the prior year. Net loss in the quarter ended November 30, 2024 was $24.5 million, as compared to a net loss of $10.6 million in the same period in the prior year.
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Tidewater Direct Acquires The Notepad Store

Tidewater Direct announced the integration of the Notepad Store into its Centreville printing operation. The Notepad Store, of Wallingford Connecticut, was a well-known manufacturer of generic notepads for non-profit agencies and the trade since 2017 led by President Kevin Corbett. Tidewater Direct is known for high-quality direct mail printing, to include continuous forms printing, commercial inkjet printing and finishing to the trade, pharmaceutical printing, and direct mail generic insert printing. Common generic formats include buck slips, terms and conditions, generic letters of all types. With its fleet of conventional and inkjet presses, to include Sunday 2000s, Sanden 1500s, and Screen 520 HD and NX inkjets, Tidewater is well-positioned to vertically integrate with the Notepad Store’s padding equipment to offer a full-service solution for direct mail, pharmaceutical and retail pads. “This integration demonstrates our commitment to our business model and to our clients,” remarked Geoff Eisenberg, President and Chief Operating Officer of Tidewater when asked about the philosophy behind this acquisition. “We’re excited to offer this new product to our clients and feel that we’ll create a value proposition that makes a lot of sense in this space.”
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CHASM Exclusively Licenses AgeNT® Express Transparent Conductive Film to Mativ for Heated Glass Solutions

Mativ Holdings (Mativ), manufacturer of Argotec interlayer films for high-performance glazing, and Chasm Advanced Materials, Inc. (CHASM) have announced an exclusive licensing agreement. CHASM’s AgeNT® Silver Nanowire (AgNW) and Carbon Nanotube (CNT) hybrid performance film technology will be licensed to Mativ for transparent heating solutions in advanced glass and window applications across architectural, military, and transportation segments. This licensing agreement marks another milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Mativ and CHASM, aiming to accelerate the commercialization of a portfolio of AgeNT® Express films.
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Second US port strike averted as union, employers reach deal

The union representing 45,000 dock workers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts and their employers on Wednesday said they reached a tentative deal on a new six-year contract, averting further strikes that could have snarled supply chains and taken a toll on the U.S. economy. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group, in a joint statement, called the agreement a "win-win." The deal includes a resolution in automation, which had been the thorniest issue of on the table. "This agreement protects current ILA jobs and establishes a framework for implementing technologies that will create more jobs while modernizing East and Gulf coast ports – making them safer and more efficient, and creating the capacity they need to keep our supply chains strong," the groups said.
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Amcor named among Australia’s sustainability leaders by Dow Jones Sustainability Indices

Amcor has again been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI): Australia Index (DJSI Australia), recognized for its commitment to environmental, social and governance sustainability performance. Amcor ranked within the top 12% of the packaging and containers industry, reaffirming its leadership position in the sector. “This recognition is particularly meaningful to us – not only because it happens in the country in which we were founded 165 years ago, but also because it highlights our progress in providing responsible packaging that benefits both our customers and the Earth,” said Tracey Whitehead, Amcor’s global head of investor relations. “We remain steadfast in driving innovative change and revolutionizing product design across a wide range of materials to deliver more sustainable packaging solutions for our customers.”
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Smurfit Westrock’s paper pallet wrap set to drive down supply chain emissions

Smurfit Westrock’s innovative new paper pallet wrap is helping companies to make their supply chains significantly more sustainable. Smurfit Westrock has produced a 100% paper-based alternative to the polyethylene stretch wrap which is commonly used to stabilise pallet loads in transportation. The global stretch wrap market was valued at USD 4.27 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly1. The innovative new solution is made from Nertop® Stretch Kraft paper which is fully recyclable. Its capabilities also include high energy absorption and strong performance in humid conditions. The pallet wrap is the latest addition to Smurfit Westrock’s Better Planet Packaging Portfolio which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of packaging.
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Drytac introduces Product Specialist role with two new hires

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Payne and Anthony Shelmerdine as its Product Specialists in the UK and Ireland with immediate effect. The customer-focused and knowledge-led Product Specialist position highlights Drytac’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and expertise. Drytac Product Specialists will work closely with Drytac’s exclusive UK stockist and partner Premier to promote Drytac’s suite of products through dynamic presentations and expert training sessions. Other key responsibilities will include business development and growth, account prospecting and support, customer relationship management, and working closely with customers to recommend product solutions tailored to specific needs and applications.
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UPS Completes Acquisitions of Healthcare Cold-Chain Logistics Providers Frigo-Trans and BPL

UPS announced that it has completed the acquisition of Frigo-Trans and its sister company BPL, which provide industry-leading, complex healthcare logistics solutions across Europe. The acquisitions further enhance the end-to-end capabilities available to UPS Healthcare customers, who increasingly need temperature-controlled and time-critical logistics solutions globally. Frigo-Trans’ network includes temperature-controlled warehousing ranging from cryopreservation (-196°C) to ambient (+15° to +25°C) as well as Pan-European cold chain transportation. This combined with the logistics solutions brought by BPL’s time-critical freight forwarding capabilities further enhances UPS Healthcare solutions for customers in Europe.
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Adobe: Holiday Shopping Season Drove a Record $241.4 Billion Online and Rising 8.7% YoY

Adobe released online shopping data for the 2024 holiday season, covering the period from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. Based on Adobe Analytics data, the analysis provides the most comprehensive view into U.S. e-commerce by analyzing commerce transactions online, covering over 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail sites, 100 million SKUs and 18 product categories. Adobe Analytics is part of Adobe Experience Cloud, relied upon by the majority of the top 100 internet retailers in the U.S.* to deliver, measure and personalize shopping experiences online. Consumers spent $241.4 billion online from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, up 8.7% year-over-year (YoY) and setting a new record for e-commerce. 15 days saw consumers spend more than $4 billion in a single day (up from 11 days in 2023). Mobile shopping hit a new milestone, with the majority of online transactions (54.5%) taking place through a smartphone this season (up from 51.1% in 2023); Mobile shopping was highest on Christmas Day (Dec. 25), driving 65% of online sales (63% in 2023).
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New Wiley Partnership with M3 Digital Communications to Expand Reach of Medical Education Programs

Wiley continues to expand the reach of its medical education programs through a new partnership with M3 Digital Communications. This new partnership will enable Wiley's medical education programs to reach a larger target audience of Japanese medical professionals. M3 Digital Communications is part of the M3 Group Japan, which operates m3.com, one of the largest dedicated healthcare professional sites in Japan, with over 90% of Japanese physicians registered. The company contributes to the medical industry through integrated digital marketing services, including live streaming, websites, video content, and social media. As a result of this new partnership, Wiley and M3 Digital Communications will jointly create and distribute new medical content that meets the information needs of Japanese healthcare professionals.
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HarperCollins Holland to Acquire Lifestyle Imprints from Gottmer

HarperCollins Holland today announced it has agreed to acquire the lifestyle imprints Altamira, Becht, Dominicus, and Hollandia, along with associated personnel, from publisher Gottmer Uitgevers Groep (Gottmer), effective March 1, 2025. The acquisition will further expand HarperCollins Holland’s fast-growing position in the trade book market in the Netherlands and Belgium. The acquired imprints—part of Gottmer based in Haarlem—have more than 125 years of publishing history. They hold leading positions in their respective markets, with successful bestselling authors, a strong content pool, and exceptional brand awareness. As part of the deal, Vaarbewijs Academy, a boating license training platform, will also join the HarperCollins Holland portfolio.
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Huhtamaki appoints Ralf K. Wunderlich as President and CEO

Huhtamaki appoints Ralf K. Wunderlich (58) as President and CEO effective on January 15, 2025 when the Company’s current President and CEO Charles Héaulmé steps down. Charles will be available as needed to secure smooth transition until July 2025. "I warmly thank Charles for the excellent work during his nearly six years’ term at Huhtamaki. Under Charles’s leadership the Company has made great progress in its journey to become the first choice for sustainable packaging solutions and forming its updated 2030 growth strategy. Huhtamaki has been focusing on scaling up profitable core businesses, developing and deploying proprietary innovative sustainable packaging solutions, and driving world-class competitiveness. We wish Charles all the best in his next endeavors," says Pekka Vauramo, Chair of the Board. "I am happy and very proud of our achievements with the Huhtamaki team during the past years. The Company is on a great track and there are plenty of opportunities providing growth. This is a good time for me to move on," Charles Héaulmé comments.
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The Papira® pilot plant is proving that wood foam can phase out plastic

We are all eager to do better – to make better choices. But we need options. At Stora Enso we have great news for everyone seeking to end their fossil dependency. Papira® by Stora Enso is a revolutionizing wood-based foam, designed to reduce plastics and waste in future packaging solutions. While there has been an ongoing global conversation about the need for a sustainable alternative, a tangible solution has been evolving behind closed doors at the Pilot plant in Fors Mill in Avesta, Sweden. This is where Stora Enso is testing and verifying fully recyclable wood foam in pilot volumes, designed to phase out plastic foams across multiple industries. Meaning your electronic equipment, medicine, beauty products, and kitchen appliances in a very near future can be sustainably safeguarded during transport, storage, and handling. The material is lightweight with excellent shock absorbing properties – with the undeniable sustainable benefit of being plastic-free, fully recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.
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UPM Raflatac partners with Highlands to expand its market presence in sticky notes in the United Kingdom

UPM Raflatac is pleased to announce a new partnership with Highlands to boost the sales of UPM Raflatac Office Products in the United Kingdom. Highlands will support the growth ambitions for UPM Raflatac’s sticky notes business under the brands inFO Notes and UPM Notes. “The UK market offers great potential for our sticky notes business. We are excited to partner with a well-connected and experienced organization like Highlands to drive growth from these market opportunities,” states Ville Pollari, Director, Industrials & Office Products, UPM Raflatac. UPM Raflatac is one of the world’s largest sticky notes manufacturers with nearly 30 years of experience in the business. The company offers a broad range of products, such as sticky notes, cubes and page markers under the brand inFO Notes and a growing range of plastic-free sticky notes under the brand UPM Notes.
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Eagle Valley Publishing Acquires Several Nevada Titles

Eagle Valley Publishing has acquired the Nevada Appeal, The Record-Courier, the Lahontan Valley News and Northern Nevada Business Weekly from Pacific Publishing Company. The terms were not disclosed. The publications will be operated by Nevada News Group, a division of Eagle Valley Publishing, according to the Nevada Appeal. The 29 employees in the group will continue with Eagle Valley Publishing. Eagle Valley Publishing was founded in 2023 by Adam Trumble, the editor of the Appeal and current operations director for the publications.
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S&P Global Acquires ProntoNLP, Expanding its Generative AI-Powered Product Portfolio

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) today announced that it has acquired ProntoNLP, a leading provider of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tooling, allowing users to derive differentiated insights from unstructured and structured data. ProntoNLP’s proprietary models and LLM-based signal tools will bolster S&P Global’s textual data analytics capabilities. Founded in 2021, ProntoNLP utilizes proprietary natural language processing (NLP) capabilities coupled with large language models (LLMs) for fast, efficient and deep analysis of unstructured financial data at scale. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the company offers a set of customizable solutions for event detection and sentiment scoring. ProntoNLP will be integrated within the S&P Global Market Intelligence division of S&P Global, and its intellectual property is expected to power broader enterprise-wide applications.
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Sonoco Announces Senior Leadership Changes for 2025

Jerry Cheatham, a 36-year finance leader within Sonoco, has been named interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Chief Financial Officer Rob Dillard, who has departed the Company. Mr. Cheatham has been Vice President of Global Finance for the Company’s Industrial Paper Packaging segment since December 2022 and previously served in several finance and accounting leadership roles since joining the Company in 1988. Mr. Cheatham holds a BS degree in Accounting from South Carolina State University and an EMBA from Vanderbilt University. The Company is undergoing a retained search for internal and external candidates to identify and select a permanent Chief Financial Officer. “Jerry is a trusted and respected leader within Sonoco who brings strong financial and operational expertise into this role. He will ensure an orderly transition of duties and provide further stability to our global finance organization,” said Howard Coker, President and Chief Executive Officer. “I want to thank Rob for his contributions since joining the Company in 2018, and for helping to build our current finance team and focusing our strategy to transform Sonoco into a global leader in sustainable metal and fiber packaging through several significant transactions, including the acquisitions of Eviosys and Ball Metalpack and the recently announced divestiture of our Thermoformed and Flexible Packaging (TFP) business to Toppan Holdings. We wish him all the best in his future professional and personal endeavors.”
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Atlantic Packaging’s Quinn Corrugated Plant | Expansion & New Capabilities

Our corrugated manufacturing facility has expanded its capabilities to provide even more options for sustainable, innovative, and customer-focused packaging solutions that protect products and improve supply chain efficiency. Here are some of the benefits our customers can expect from these changes: *Located just outside of Charleston, South Carolina, our corrugated plant exists to help our customers succeed with some of the best production lead times in the market. *Whether it’s designing for multiple SKUs or creating multi-component packaging with interior forms, we deliver unmatched value. *Our hybrid business model strikes the perfect balance between packaging distribution and value-added manufacturing — representing 30% of our revenue. *From regular slotted containers to jumbo boxes and retail displays, we tailor each solution to meet your specifications with efficiency, flexibility, and superior care.
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Inteplast Engineered Films, Bison Bag Collaborate on Store Drop-Off Recyclable Stand-Up Pouch Portfolio

Inteplast Engineered Films (IEF), manufacturer of blown polyethylene (PE) films, and Bison Bag, a New York-based flexible packaging converter, have developed a comprehensive portfolio of store drop-off recyclable flexible packaging solutions. The stand-up pouches align with brand owners’ sustainable packaging goals and satisfy the increasing demands of end users for more recyclable options. Bob Stein, president of Inteplast Engineered Films, said that IEF is focused on taking a leadership role in developing sustainable packaging solutions for some time. “Through projects with suppliers, other Inteplast businesses, and development partners like Bison Bag, IEF has long recognized the exciting opportunity to be a real innovator in the emerging sustainable packaging space. Several years ago, we made it a main objective for our technical and sales teams to focus on how we can better support the shift toward recyclable flexible packaging,” said Stein. “What started as a collaboration incorporating recycled content for a large retailer eventually evolved into our full InteGreen™ family of sustainable films. Today, we’re proud to be a leader in the space.”
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US port labor talks resume with spotlight on automation

Contract talks covering 45,000 dockworkers on the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts are set to restart on Tuesday in a labor dispute that will help set the pace of automation at ports stretching from Maine to Texas. The International Longshoremen’s Association wants to eliminate past labor contract concessions on automation – notably the use of semi-automated cranes that stack containers on docks – arguing they pose a threat to jobs. If the two sides do not reach a deal by Jan. 15, workers at container ports that handle more than half of U.S. ocean imports could start a strike just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration.
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Gannett and Reuters Launch Bundle Content Offering

Gannett Co., Inc. and Reuters announced an agreement to provide media brands and publishers with a unique offering that includes ready-to-publish local, regional, state, national and international multimedia news and content. The new offering will combine Reuters extensive national and international coverage with Gannett’s USA TODAY Network coverage of local news from more than 200 publications across the country. This enables media companies to focus their efforts on the stories that matter most to their communities, while relying on Reuters and the USA TODAY Network for relevant content including breaking news, entertainment, sports and lifestyle coverage. This collaboration offers an innovative product that addresses the evolving needs of media brands leveraging USA TODAY Network’s extensive national reach and Reuters unparalleled national and international coverage. The collaboration delivers an unbiased and impartial news offering from Reuters, with USA TODAY and the USA TODAY Network’s extensive coverage on diverse topics from local communities, delivered in a single news feed.
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Robert G. Taub Elected Vice Chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission

The Postal Regulatory Commission voted unanimously to designate Commissioner Robert G. Taub as vice chairman of the Commission effective January 1, 2025, succeeding Commissioner Tom Day. Agency regulations provide that the commissioners elect a member to serve as vice chairman for a term of one year. Robert G. Taub was chairman of the Commission for more than 6 years, from December 2014 until January 2021. Three times appointed to the Commission following unanimous confirmations by the U.S. Senate in 2011, 2016, and 2023, Commissioner Taub has more than 40 years of public service experience at the local, state, and federal levels. Before joining the Commission in October 2011, he was a principal civilian advisor to the Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh. As an Army senior executive, he helped the Secretary lead a workforce of more than 1.2 million people and manage an annual budget exceeding $200 billion. Commissioner Taub was awarded the Army's Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service.
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American Packaging Corporation Leadership Transition

American Packaging Corporation (APC), a leader in flexible packaging solutions, announced Ray Graham has transitioned to the role of Chief Executive Officer and President of American Packaging. This is part of APC's leadership transition plan announced in December 2023 that included, effective January 1, 2025, the following leadership changes: *Jeff Koch, former CEO, retired on December 31, 2024, and joined APC's board of directors. *Ray Graham, APC President, is now CEO and President. "As I step into the role of CEO, I am excited about the future of American Packaging and the unlimited potential for our business," Ray Graham said. "I will continue to engage with our valued customers, strategic suppliers, and most importantly our employees, who are the most talented, results oriented team of professionals in the flexible packaging industry. As a family-owned business, APC is unmatched in our continuous investment in capital equipment, technologies, and talented people, that ensure our customers and our future customers that we are the best supplier to partner with them to achieve their packaging goals."
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Irving Forest Products Acquires Sawmill in Maine

Irving Forest Products, which owns and operates wood processing facilities in Maine and New York State, will acquire the Masardis Sawmill in Masardis, Maine. The sale will close January 5, 2025. Previously owned by Groupe Lebel, the Masardis operation has a long history of producing random-length spruce and fir lumber. It currently employs 80 people and has the capacity to produce 115 million board feet annually. The sawmill is located within close proximity to Irving’s 1.3 million acres of timberlands in Maine. “We are excited to grow our lumber production capacity in the state of Maine,” said Jerome Pelletier, VP of Irving Forest Products. “The Masardis mill is well-located to access high-quality timber. It is also serviced by the Maine Northern Railway and benefits from having a team of highly skilled and dedicated employees who have worked together for decades to ensure the success of their operation.”
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Twin Rivers Announces Leadership Transition

Twin Rivers Paper Company announced the promotion of Tyler Rajeski as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2025. Tyler succeeds Debabrata Mukherjee, who will continue his service to Twin Rivers as Chairman of the Board. Tyler joined Twin Rivers Paper in April 2022 as Vice President of Finance and was named Chief Financial Officer in August 2022, leading the company’s finance, accounting, treasury and tax functions. In April 2023, he was named President in addition to his role as Chief Financial Officer. Previously, Tyler held Associate and Senior Associate positions with Atlas Holdings (“Atlas”), which acquired Twin Rivers in 2013. Tyler completed GE’s Financial Management Program and holds a degree in finance from Siena College.
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East Coast Port Negotiation Standoff Remains ‘Unchanged’

Maersk is sending a message to customers ahead of a possible second strike at the East and Gulf Coast ports—pick up your cargo before Jan. 15. The container shipping giant said in a Tuesday advisory that it strongly encourages customers to retrieve their loaded containers from the ports ahead of the contract expiration date, as well as return all empty containers to the gateways. “This proactive measure will help mitigate any potential disruptions at the terminals,” said Maersk in the update. “Our teams are actively developing contingency plans to minimize the impact should a labor disruption occur. “ The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has maintained that it will go on strike for a second time in more than three months after walking away from negotiations in November. The ILA went on strike for three days from Oct. 1-3 before coming to an agreement on a 61.5 percent wage increase spread over six years.
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Nebraska Newspapers Saved By Last-Minute Deals (Ray Schultz)

The Ainsworth (Nebraska) Star-Journal has been saved by a last-minute purchase that the co-owner Rod Worrell calls a “Christmas miracle.” The paper is being taken over by a group that includes local radio station owner Graig Kinzie and Clint and Katie Painter, who own a car dealership in Ainsworth, the Nebraska Examiner reports. Also in the group are Kirk and Chelsea Peterson, Kinzie was preparing to assume ownership of the paper, but couldn’t find anyone to run it in the tight labor market. But the Painters came forward and said their daughter Erin is returning to town and is interested in doing the job.
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Schumann Printers Enhances Production Efficiency with Additional Kodak Magnus

At Schumann Printers (SPI), we are excited to announce the latest addition to our production line: a Kodak Magnus VLF with the fastest speed head available in the Magnus series. We are thrilled to expand our capabilities with this second Magnus system. The decision to acquire an additional Kodak Magnus was driven by our commitment to meeting the growing demands of our clients while maintaining the high standards of quality and timeliness they expect. This Magnus complements our existing equipment, allowing us to further streamline our prepress operations and improve overall efficiency. Dan Schumann, President of Schumann Printers, shared his thoughts on the acquisition: “Adding a second Kodak Magnus to our production lineup underscores our dedication to delivering on-time, high-quality results. This additional system enhances our ability to meet tight deadlines and support our clients’ diverse needs.”
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New Additions to SPI’s Saddle Stitcher Lines

Schumann Printers (SPI) is pleased to announce the latest enhancements to our production capabilities with the purchase of new Sim bases for our tabbers on the Primera Pro and Tempo 22 saddle stitchers. Additionally, we have invested in a new Sim book flipper and mail table for the SP 1000 saddle stitcher, enabling us to implement a new style of inkjetters for addressing books. These upgrades are part of our ongoing commitment to improving efficiency, simplifying processes, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving printing industry. The new Sim bases for our tabbers will optimize the performance of the Primera Pro and Tempo 22, ensuring smooth, reliable operation and reducing downtime.
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UPM listed the only forest and paper industry company in the Dow Jones World and European Sustainability Indices

UPM has been listed as the only forest and paper industry company in the Dow Jones Global and European Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for the years 2024-2025. “We are committed to creating value for our customers by using sustainable, renewable resources, reducing our environmental footprint, and increasing our positive societal impact. Sustainability is a core strategic value for UPM,” says Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility at UPM. This commitment is strongly visible in the company’s updated strategy published in September. UPM’s business portfolio is based on sustainable feedstocks and fossil-free energy, positioning the company for growth in renewable fibres, advanced materials, and decarbonisation solutions, while graphic papers continue to generate strong cash flows.
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FedEx Announces Intent to Separate FedEx Freight

FedEx Corp. announced that its Board of Directors has concluded a comprehensive assessment of the role of FedEx Freight as part of its portfolio and has decided to pursue a full separation of FedEx Freight through the capital markets, creating a new publicly traded company. The separation is expected to be achieved in a tax-efficient manner for FedEx stockholders and executed within the next 18 months. As two industry-leading public companies, FedEx and FedEx Freight will continue to pursue their growth strategies. The separation will allow for more customized operational execution along with more tailored investment and capital allocation strategies to serve the unique and evolving needs of both the global parcel and LTL markets. They will also maintain the strategic advantages of cooperation on key commercial, operational, and technology initiatives. Customers of both businesses will continue to enjoy the same superior service, speed, and coverage they have come to expect from FedEx.
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Amcor completes previously announced sale of BCNA joint venture interest for $122 million; Proceeds used to reduce debt

Amcor announced it completed the sale of its 50% interest in Bericap North America (BCNA) for $122 million on December 27, with the proceeds used to reduce debt. Fiscal 2024 total sales for the joint venture were approximately $190 million and adjusted EBIT was approximately $19 million, both of which were previously fully consolidated under Amcor’s Rigid Packaging business. Adjusted net income attributable to Amcor for fiscal 2024 was approximately $8 million. Net of the resulting reduction in interest expense, the transaction is not expected to have an impact on Amcor’s financial outlook for fiscal 2025.
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Arkansas Book-Banning Law Declared Unconstitutional

The US District Court for the Western District of Arkansas today declared Arkansas Act 372 unconstitutional in an opinion indicating that the law is overbroad and void for vagueness, and permanently enjoined its enforcement. The Arkansas law would have subjected librarians and bookstore owners to criminal prosecution for making materials available on library and bookstore shelves that could be deemed harmful to younger minors and conceivably available for younger minors to view, and mandated a library book challenge procedure in public libraries whereby individuals may challenge books based on “appropriateness” (an undefined term not based on constitutional standards). In addition, review boards would have been allowed or even invited to engage in viewpoint and content-based discrimination. The ruling came in response to the suit filed by a coalition of plaintiffs that included local Arkansas libraries, as well as authors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, and readers.
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AI Agents, 2025 Predictions For Advertisers

AI agents can analyze huge amounts of consumer data such as browsing history, purchase behavior, and social-media activity. The potential, especially for privacy concerns, could solve many of the challenges of online advertising. Google and Microsoft are working on their own individual AI agents, but there is no word on how the technology might support advertisers, brands and agencies. It is mostly speculation at this time. The technology would provide the ability to support real-time ad bidding, personalize messages and budget allocations while monitoring in real-time privacy settings based on state or country in which the ad targets the consumer.
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Contracted 1.9% in November

“The frustratingly choppy freight environment continued in November,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Since hitting a low in January of this year, tonnage is up a total of 1.1%, but the path has been fraught with nice gains one month only to come back down the next. The good news is that the overall trend this year is up, albeit at a slow rate.” In November, the ATA advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index equaled 112.5 compared with 114.6 in October. The index, which is based on 2015 as 100, was down 1% from the same month last year. The not seasonally adjusted index, which calculates raw changes in tonnage hauled, equaled 109.6 in November, 9.6% below October. The seasonally adjusted decrease follows a sequential 1.2% gain in October, which was unchanged from the November 19 press release.
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Walsworth Announces Plans to Acquire Documation

Walsworth, a family-owned printing company based in Marceline, Missouri, recently announced that it will acquire Documation on Jan. 1, 2025, bringing it into the Walsworth brand. Documation will be renamed Walsworth – Eau Claire, and will be Walsworth’s eighth facility, joining the company’s locations in Marceline, Brookfield and Fulton, Missouri; Overland Park, Kansas; Saint Joseph, Michigan; and Ripon, Wisconsin. Documation was founded in 1994, and for the last three decades, the company has offered print on demand services, utilizing digital inkjet printing technology to serve its customer base. Priding itself on its commitment to customer service, Documation has been praised by its customers for its flexibility and ease of doing business. These characteristics made it an ideal candidate to become part of Walsworth.
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What is Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, is the concept where brand owners, producers, and material manufacturers pay for the end-of-life costs to recycle or dispose of products they put on the market. Types of EPR are in place in countries around the world, including in Europe and Canada. It’s also in place in the U.S. too. Fees for producers vary based on the EPR program. Generally, fees might help cover: Material collection; Waste disposal; Technology upgrades; Educational materials; Program administration; Development of recycling end-markets.
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Nordstrom to Be Acquired by Nordstrom Family and Liverpool

Nordstrom, Inc. announced it has signed a definitive agreement under which Erik, Pete, Jamie Nordstrom and other members of the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Nordstrom not already beneficially owned by the Nordstrom Family and Liverpool in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $6.25 billion on an enterprise basis. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the Company. Under the terms of the agreement, Nordstrom common shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock they hold. The merger consideration represents a premium of approximately 42% to the Company's unaffected closing common stock price on March 18, 2024, the last trading day prior to media speculation regarding a potential transaction. In addition, the Board intends to authorize a special dividend of up to $0.25 per share (based on Nordstrom's cash on hand) immediately prior to and contingent on the close of the transaction. Upon completion of the transaction, Nordstrom will become a private company.
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News Corp Announces Agreement to Sell Foxtel to DAZN for Enterprise Value of A$3.4 Billion

Foxtel, which has transformed into a digital and streaming leader in sports and entertainment content under News Corp management, will join DAZN, a global provider of sports streaming, giving international exposure to Australian sport, while bringing Australian sports fans greater access to programming from across the globe. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholder loans in the amount of A$578 million outstanding and owing to News Corp will be repaid in full in cash at closing. Foxtel’s current debt will be refinanced at closing and transfer with Foxtel, and News Corp will hold a minority equity interest in DAZN of approximately 6% as well as one seat on its Board of Directors. Telstra Group Ltd (“Telstra”) will also sell its minority interest in Foxtel, have its shareholder loans of A$128 million repaid, and take a minority stake in DAZN of approximately 3%. The proposed transaction values Foxtel at an enterprise value of A$3.4 billion, representing more than 7x fiscal 2024 Foxtel EBITDA.
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Hearst Connecticut Media Group Negotiates To Purchase ‘The Republican-American’

The purchase could be finalized in January. “At Hearst Connecticut Media Group, we recognize the Republican-American as a pillar of journalistic excellence and a vital voice for the communities it serves,” says Mike DeLuca, group publisher and president of Hearst Connecticut Media Group. DeLuca continues, “We are committed to preserving the rich legacy of the Republican-American while enhancing its reach and resources for the benefit of readers and advertisers across Connecticut.”
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RRD to Acquire Williams Lea, Strengthening Business Support Services and Complementing Marketing Capabilities Globally

RRD announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Advent to acquire Williams Lea, a provider of tech-enabled business support services to financial, legal and professional services firms worldwide. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, pending regulatory clearance and customary closing conditions. Through the acquisition, Williams Lea will join RRD’s Digital, Creative and Business Support Services segment to further strengthen and expand its position as a transformation partner for business support and productivity solutions. This investment also complements the segment’s digital marketing capabilities that include a suite of full-funnel media, measurement and proprietary marketing technology offerings. Williams Lea is trusted by global clients to transform business processes in complex and highly regulated environments. Williams Lea clients will benefit from RRD’s client-centric approach, global reach and focus on leading technology. Williams Lea will maintain its brand name as part of RRD.
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Norske Skog Skogn signs 3-year power contract

Statkraft and Norske Skog Skogn have entered into a 3-year industrial power agreement for the supply of approximately 1 TWh (40 MW) during the period 2027–2029 to the company's paper mill in Skogn (Norway). Together with previous contracts, the agreement secures a significant portion of the mill's power supply at competitive terms through 2030. "We are very pleased with this agreement, which will provide the Skogn mill with a stable and substantial power supply at predictable prices going forward. In Central-Norway, power prices are advantageous compared to Southern Norway. The agreement helps secure jobs and the competitiveness of Skogn while also being important for the forestry industry in the region," says Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog and Chairman of Norske Skog Skogn AS.
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FedEx Reports Second Quarter Results

“Our second quarter results demonstrate that our efforts to transform our operations are working. The Federal Express segment delivered operating profit growth despite several headwinds, including the continued weak U.S. domestic demand environment as well as the expiration of our U.S. Postal Service contract,” said Raj Subramaniam, FedEx Corp. president and chief executive officer. “I am proud of the team for continuing to deliver solid service to our customers throughout the Peak season, as we create a more flexible, efficient, and intelligent network.” Consolidated operating results were negatively affected by lower-than-expected FedEx Freight revenue and profit, as sustained weakness in U.S. industrial production continued to pressure less-than-truckload industry demand. The lower FedEx Freight results were mostly offset by cost reduction benefits at Federal Express from DRIVE program initiatives and higher base yields at each transportation segment.
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AAP October 2024 StatShot Report: Overall Publishing Industry Up

Total revenues across all categories for October 2024 were up 8.3% as compared to October 2023, coming in at $1.4 billion. Year-to-date revenues were up 7.1%, at $12.1 billion for the first ten months of the year. Trade (Consumer Books) revenues were up 7.3% in October at $1.1 billion. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of October, in the Trade (Consumer Books) category, Hardback revenues were up 8.8%, coming in at $487.9 million; Paperbacks were up 6.2%, with $321.4 million in revenue; Mass Market was up 11.7% to $10.1 million; and Special Bindings were up 1.5%, with $27.2 million in revenue. Year-to-date Trade revenues were up 6.9% at $7.9 billion for the first ten months of the year. Hardback revenues were up 7.5%, coming in at $2.9 billion; Paperbacks were up 3.8%, with $2.7 billion in revenue; Mass Market was down 16.2% to $101.1 million; and Special Bindings were up 4.3%, with $187.4 million in revenue.
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Jaakko Nikkilä appointed President of Billerud Europe

Jaakko Nikkilä holds the position of Executive Vice President at UPM, heading the business area Specialty Paper with global sales of around EUR 1.5 billion, until year-end. Jaakko Nikkilä has extensive experience in both international sales and production of fiber-based packaging materials. He has been employed by the UPM Group since 1995 and served as a member of the UPM Group Executive Team since 2019. “I am very pleased that Jaakko Nikkilä will join Billerud to lead Region Europe where the focus for the coming years is to strengthen performance through our existing manufacturing assets. I am convinced that his qualities and deep understanding of the paper and packaging industry will be instrumental for Billerud going forward,” comments Ivar Vatne, President and CEO of Billerud. Jaakko Nikkilä, born 1967, is a Finnish citizen. He will assume the position as President of Billerud Europe on 1 May 2025 and will be based in Stockholm. As previously announced, Matthew Hirst will leave Billerud on 31 January 2025. Ivar Vatne will act as the interim President of Region Europe from 1 February to 30 April.
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AF&PA Releases November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

The American Forest & Paper Association released the November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6% in November compared to November 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 2% in October compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% when compared to October 2024. November year-to-date (YTD) total U.S. shipments grew 2% compared to the same period last year. UFS and CFS shipments increased by 0.1% and 7% YTD, respectively. MECH shipments however, decreased 2% YTD.
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Taiwan Becomes First in Asia-Pacific to Achieve 100% FSC Certification for Public Forests

After five years of effort, Taiwan has achieved a significant milestone in the Asia-Pacific region, with 100% of public forests now certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The certification covers nearly 1.6 million hectares, representing 71.5% of Taiwan’s total forest area—the highest certification rate in the region. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture introduced the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification system since 2018 to promote sustainable forest management. Mr. Lin Hua-qing, Director of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, emphasized that this accomplishment will help reduce Taiwan’s reliance on imported timber. By sustainably managing domestic plantations, Taiwan aims to increase self-sufficiency, reduce energy consumption, and cut carbon emissions from long-distance timber transportation.
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Sonoco Completes Strategic Review, Announces Agreement to Sell Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging (TFP) Business to TOPPAN Holdings Inc.

Sonoco Products Company announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging business to TOPPAN Holdings Inc. for approximately $1.8 billion on a cash-free and debt-free basis and subject to customary adjustments. The Transaction, which reflects the completion of the previously announced strategic review of Sonoco’s TFP business, is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close in the first half of 2025. Net proceeds from the transaction are expected to be used to repay existing debt. “The decision to sell our TFP business accelerates our portfolio simplification strategy, streamlines our organizational structure, and enables more focused capital investments in our remaining industrial paper and consumer packaging businesses,” said Howard Coker, Sonoco’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
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Closing the year as circularity champions

These increasing volumes of sold PCR products for the agri sector, show how well our circular solution for bale wrap has been received by the market. It is a solution for the future, and we can proudly say that we are leading the way together with our customers and partners. Trioworld can offer a premium Loop alternative for each product in the agricultural stretch portfolio, even the most efficient and high-performance products such as 19 µm and mantle films. Being able to achieve a constant and reliable premium quality, also in these demanding applications, is possible because we recycle the used bale wrap into new raw material in our own recycling sites and can therefor secure the quality throughout the whole process. In 2024, we also ramped up our in-house recycling capacity, which is the outcome of our significant investment at the Trioworld Reviva site in Korsberga, Sweden. Our efforts in driving the transition to a circular solution within bale wrap has also just been acknowledged at this year’s Recycling Gala, hosted on November 28th in Stockholm, Sweden, where we were able to claim first place in the category "Circular Initiative of the Year".
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2024 In Review: CJK Group’s Landmark Year of Growth, Integration, Redefinition

CJK Group, Inc. has celebrated a year-long journey of growth and realignment with many pivotal events setting the course for a dynamic future in the publishing industry and beyond. February 2024 saw the acquisition of Kodi Collective LLC, a leading portfolio of full spectrum print and creative marketing solutions spanning multiple print facilities and a full-service photography/ videography and creative studio with a network of over 400 validated suppliers. Kodi’s breadth of offerings, capabilities, and core values were instantly recognized as a perfect complement to CJK Group’s market-leading Sheridan® family of print solutions. Perhaps the most strategic developments in 2024 came from the thoughtful rebranding of Kodi Collective’s diverse offerings. In September, the three Kodi commercial digital print facilities were relaunched under the well-known Digital Lizard™ brand. The end of October marked the rebranding of Kodi’s Marketing Execution and Creative Production capabilities, once again under a highly regarded brand – Continuum™.
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Flint Group’s Sustainability Report for Financial Year 2023 highlights progress on its sustainability goals

Flint Group, a leading supplier of inks and coatings for the global print and packaging industry, announces the launch of its Sustainability Report for the 2023 financial year, which details the company’s progress against its ambitious sustainability targets. The report details substantial advancements for Flint Group’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility and highlights notable gains made against the three pillars of its PRISM framework – Product, Planet, and People. The detailed update details key achievements made throughout 2023. In 2023, Flint Group reduced its total energy consumption by 15% compared with the previous year, while its use of renewable energy grew from 16% to 24% in the same period.
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Lecta secures FSSC 22000 food safety certification for its Leitza mill

Lecta is pleased to announce that its Leitza mill in Spain has obtained FSSC 22000 food safety systems certification for its metallized papers for packaging applications in the food industry. Lecta, which had already obtained FSSC 22000 certification for its Sant Joan les Fonts mill and ISO 22000 certification for food safety management systems at its Motril mill, both in Spain, thereby guarantees the safety of its manufacturing processes and end products for packaging applications in this sector. This is an essential step in meeting the needs and trust of its clients and consumers in general. FSSC 22000 and ISO 22000 food safety standards are two of the most widely known standards in the food industry and entail rigorous audits to ensure compliance.
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FSC launches survey to gain insights into the use of bio-based materials in FSC-certified products

Bio-based materials are on the rise as companies strive to phase out fossil-based materials and transition to bio and circular economy. Today, non-forest bio-based materials are mixed with forest-based materials in FSC-certified products such as textiles, packaging, and furniture. Currently, non-forest bio-based materials are considered neutral in FSC-certified products and are exempt from FSC Chain-of-Custody requirements. FSC’s Circularity Hub is currently analyzing the use of non-forest bio-based materials in FSC-certified products to explore the potential of these emerging materials and FSC’s approach to them in the future. To gain insights into the actual use of bio-based materials, the Circularity Hub has launched a survey that FSC stakeholders are encouraged to participate in.
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FSC celebrates 30 years of championing sustainable forest management

Since its founding in 1994, FSC has championed sustainable forest management, spanning economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainability. With its rigorous and trusted forest certification system, FSC is contributing to healthy and resilient forests, upholding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and forest sector workers, promoting gender equality, and safeguarding biodiversity. Strong relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders are central to FSC’s mission and impact. As of 2024, FSC’s impact across the globe includes: *160+ million hectares of forest certified worldwide *1,150+ members from 89 countries offering environmental, economic and social perspectives *300+ staff across 42 local offices extending FSC’s reach and advocacy *60,000+ certifications issued verifying sustainable practice *1,700+ brands holding an FSC promotional licence, helping drive awareness
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GPO Awarded Nearly $470M in Contracts in 2024

The U.S. Government Publishing Office’s (GPO) print procurement program awarded $469.2 million in contracts with private-sector printing companies across the country to meet the printing and publishing needs of Federal agencies in fiscal year 2024. This work represented more than 73,00 orders. Nearly 75 percent of all printing ordered by Federal agencies from GPO is performed by private sector firms working under contract with the Agency. GPO typically competitively awards contracts to approximately 1,000 printing contractors a year. Nearly 10,000 companies are registered to do business with the Agency, using GPO as their one-stop shop for print and related services contract opportunities. In fiscal year 2024, GPO awarded jobs to vendors in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. GPO’s relationship with the private sector dates back to the 1940s. This program provides significant economic opportunity for the printing industry and local economies.
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GreenFirst Announces Agreement with Mahogany Investors for Sale of Duties

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc., is pleased to announce a strategic agreement with Mahogany Investors, LLC regarding the sale of its entitlements to refunds, including accrued interest, related to duties imposed on softwood lumber exported from Canada to the United States during the specified period 2021 and 2022. The agreed sale price for these entitlements is approximately $17,500,000 USD, with the potential for additional proceeds based on the timing and resolution of the ongoing trade dispute. “This agreement underscores our commitment to strengthening our financial foundation while maintaining focus on our core business operations,” said Joel Fournier, GreenFirst’s CEO. “By monetizing these refund rights, we are unlocking value and enhancing our ability to pursue strategic initiatives. The recent rights offering, combined with today’s transaction, will provide enough liquidity to execute Phase I of our strategic expenditures plan to become the largest sawyer in Ontario and get the company closer to becoming a top quartile lumber producer.”
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AF&PA Releases November 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the November 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report.  Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in November increased 9% compared to November 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same eleven months of 2023. The operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 75.9%, up 4.8 points from November 2023 and up 6.7 points year-to-date. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers – bag & sack – were 97.2 thousand short tons for the month of November, up 2.6% from the same month last year and up 16.6% year-to-date.
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On the path to EUDR alignment: see our webinar recording

Last week, we held the latest instalment of the PEFC alignment to EUDR webinar series, sharing news from the European Commission as well as the roll out of the new PEFC EUDR compliance support solution. With our PEFC experts Hubert Inhaizer (Sustainable Forest Management), Maja Drca (EU Affairs), Marta Martínez Pardo (Chain of Custody), and Rob Shaw (Data and Integrity), we touched on the alignment of our Sustainable Forest Management benchmark, the PEFC EUDR DDS module, partnerships with technology experts to ensure data management, and the latest new from the Commission. If you missed the webinar, you can see the recording at: https://pefc.org/news/on-the-path-to-eudr-alignment-see-our-webinar-recording
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5 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

For the printing industry and its supply chain, embracing sustainable practices is not just a smart business decision—it’s essential for our future. Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the most impactful ways to contribute to a healthier planet while ensuring long-term business success. The following five strategies are practical, actionable, and designed to make a significant difference for businesses of all sizes. 1. Track Your Emissions - Before you can reduce your emissions, you need to know where they originate. 2. Implement Energy Efficiency Measures - Improving energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions. 3. Reduce Waste - Reducing waste is a key component of sustainability. 4. Update Your Machinery - Modern machinery often incorporates innovations in automation and energy efficiency, making it more environmentally friendly than older models. 5. Validate Your Carbon Emissions and Reductions - Third-party validation of your carbon emissions and reductions adds credibility to your sustainability efforts.
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Perfection Press Becomes Part of Total Printing Systems

Perfection Press and Total Printing Systems (TPS), based in Newton IL, are pleased to announce that on December 13, 2024, Perfection Press and its commercial book printing operations have become part of TPS. We are also excited that the Perfection Press sales and support team, led by Mike Riley and David Broxterman, will also be joining TPS. To improve efficiency, book printing and binding operations of Perfection Press will be consolidated into TPS’s Newton facilities. “Our goal is to continue to offer the personalized, high-quality solutions and support of Perfection Press,” stated RJ Lindemann, Vice President of TPS. “TPS is family-owned and operated business that specializes in short-run book manufacturing (tps1.com). For over 50 years, we’ve provided high-quality products and services to our customers, while also providing a quality workplace for our employees. Our team of over 70 people continues to grow and expand, and we have nothing but optimism for the future of the printed book.”
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Mondi Neusiedler completes €20 million investment to improve energy efficiency and sustainability

Mondi has made good progress on the previously announced €20 million investment programme at its Neusiedler uncoated fine paper mills (Austria). The full benefit of the upgrades is expected from the first quarter of 2025, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased energy efficiency and operational safety. The programme includes four key projects at the Kematen pulp and paper mill: rebuild of the recovery boiler and associated infrastructure to increase energy efficiency and improve overall performance; upgrade of the pulp dryer from gas burners for air heating to steam heat exchangers to eliminate emissions and further improve safety; installation of a new steam accumulator to balance fluctuations in steam demand which improves efficiency and turbine performance; and revamp of the steam turbine with a new rotor to increase electricity production. Additional enhancements include a new steam system and heat recovery at the paper machine, and winder optimisation to improve customer reel output. The programme also included upgrades at the Theresienthal site to improve the efficiency of the paper machine’s steam and condensate system, increase automation in the additive kitchen, and introduce a refined winder concept.
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Seaman Paper expands in Germany and acquires paper manufacturer Julius Glatz GmbH

Seaman Paper Company (“Seaman Paper”), a fourth-generation, family-owned global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions with operations in the U.S., Asia, and Europe, has acquired Julius Glatz GmbH (“Glatz”), a pioneer in specialty papers based in Neidenfels, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Founded in 1885, Glatz is a family-owned company and one of the global market leaders in producing high-quality technical specialty products. The acquisition of Glatz and its subsidiaries (Julius Glatz GmbH, PaperTec GmbH, and Glatz TransTec GmbH) bolsters Seaman Paper’s longstanding presence in Germany and adds to its global expertise and technological capabilities in the production and converting of specialty paper packaging solutions replacing single-use plastics across the globe. Terms of the transaction remain confidential.
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McClatchy Wraps Up Merger With Accelerate360

McClatchy has completed its merger with accelerate360 and formed a new entity called McClatchy Media Company (MMC), which it claims reaches 100 million unique visitors per month. Announced in August, the merger combines McClatchy's 30 news products, including The Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and accelerate360's lifestyle brands such as Us Weekly, Woman's World and Soap Opera Digest. “The combination creates many opportunities to leverage our digital platform at scale, provide additional original content offerings to consumers, and targeted audience access to our marketing partners,” says Tony Hunter, chairman and chief executive officer of MMC.
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Canada’s leading news media companies launch legal action against OpenAI

Torstar, Postmedia, The Globe and Mail, The Canadian Press, and CBC/Radio-Canada filed a legal action against OpenAI. News media companies invest hundreds of millions of dollars into reporting Canadians’ critical stories, undertaking investigations and original reporting, and distributing media in both official languages in every province and territory across this country. The content that Canadian news media companies produce is fact-checked, sourced and reliable, producing trusted news and information by, for, and about Canadians. This requires significant investment, and the content produced by news media companies is copyrighted. News Media Companies welcome technological innovations. However, all participants must follow the law, and any use of intellectual property must be on fair terms.
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PEFC RED II certification: discover the latest developments

The new PEFC RED II standards are a significant move towards PEFC providing companies with a tool to demonstrate their compliance with the RED II sustainability and greenhouse gas saving criteria across the European Union (EU). These new standards will enable PEFC chain of custody certified organisations seeking RED II compliance to obtain a PEFC RED II certificate and use the PEFC certification scheme to demonstrate that the forest biomass they use meets the relevant RED II sustainability criteria.
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Wood meets Tech – as Papira® provides protective packaging for Wilfa

In an exciting collaboration between Wilfa and Papira® by Stora Enso, the wood-based packaging of the ProBaker kitchen mixer becomes a masterpiece creating a recipe for a more sustainable future. A collaboration that requires no compromise on either company’s strong focus on design, quality, safety and innovation. Who knew sustainable materials could look this good? Norwegian company Wilfa is dedicated to environmental responsibility and is actively seeking sustainable alternatives in packaging materials. With their ProBaker kitchen mixer they needed a solution that could meet their demands on sustainability, without compromising on protective features and design. “We will always try to challenge some established truths and technologies. The ProBaker has been developed together with professional bakers and users, and we’re becoming the favourite of advanced and demanding home bakers! When Stora Enso reached out to us with Papira®, we found this to be a perfect match for the ProBaker”, says Arnt Sandvik Nilsen, Category Director at Wilfa.
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Tetra Pak wins Resource Efficiency award at the Sustainable Packaging News awards 2024

Tetra Pak has received the ‘Resource Efficiency’ Award at the Sustainable Packaging News Awards 2024, for its paper-based barrier material innovation. The awards recognise the most innovative advancements in sustainable packaging over the past year. A world-first in the carton packaging industry, the paper-based barrier when combined with plant-based polymers, reduces the carbon footprint of aseptic food packaging by up to one-third, while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and performance. The carbon reduction achievement has been verified by the Carbon Trust.1
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Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Results

Net sales for the first quarter increased 7.5 percent, to $60.99 billion from $56.72 billion last year. Net income for the quarter was $1,798 million, $4.04 per diluted share, compared to $1,589 million, $3.58 per diluted share, last year. This year’s results included a tax benefit of $100 million, $0.22 per diluted share, related to stock-based compensation. Last year’s results included a tax benefit of $44 million, $0.10 per diluted share, also related to stock-based compensation. Costco currently operates 897 warehouses, including 617 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 109 in Canada, 41 in Mexico, 36 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 19 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, two in France, and one each in Iceland, New Zealand and Sweden. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.
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U.S. Postal Service Delivering Exceptional Service Through Holiday Season’s Busiest Week

With two weeks remaining before Christmas Day (Wednesday, Dec. 25), the U. S. Postal Service today reports exceptional service performance during the peak holiday rush and expects continued success throughout the season, including the busiest week of the year — the week just before Christmas. Through the substantial progress the Postal Service has made under its 10-year Delivering for America plan — a $40 billion investment aimed at modernizing and reinvigorating the organization — USPS has met the challenge of the year’s peak surge in mail and package volume with expanded processing capabilities, optimized transportation strategies, enhanced operational precision and the dedication of more than 640,000 employees nationwide. The continued transformation of the Postal Service has led to significant cost savings, increased service reliability and enhanced service performance. Currently, 98 percent of the nation’s population receives their mail and packages in an average of 2.6 days.
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Hearst Magazines Acquires MotorTrend Group

Hearst Magazines today announced the acquisition of MotorTrend Group, a Warner Bros. Discovery business, comprised of MotorTrend and a diversified portfolio of automotive digital, direct-to-consumer, social, print and live-event brands. The announcement was made by Steven R. Swartz, president and CEO of Hearst; Debi Chirichella, president of Hearst Magazines; and Alex Wellen, CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, whose auto-focused brands include MotorTrend, Hot Rod, Roadkill, Automobile, among others. Terms were not disclosed. MotorTrend Group will expand Hearst’s collection of brands for car enthusiasts and buyers providing even more up-to-the-minute content, commerce and community. MotorTrend Group’s vast portfolio embodies car culture from electric vehicles to timeless classic customs, reaching over 30 million users every month. Its robust events business draws approximately 500,000 passionate enthusiasts every year to iconic experiences such as HOT ROD Drag Week, Roadkill Nights and the Japanese Automotive Invitational at Pebble Beach.
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FSC Launches Initiative to Improve Workplace Culture in North America’s Forestry

In alignment with the FSC Strategic Framework on Diversity and Gender (2022-26), and furthering the foundational efforts of the Free to Grow in Forestry Movement, the co-leadership of FSC Canada, FSC US and FSC International, a North American Council comprised of FSC economic, Indigenous, environment and social chambers, and the International Forest Students Association (IFSA), are now working collaboratively to lead the sector toward strengthening their workplace culture for the betterment of all people. The FSC Strategic Framework on diversity and gender calls for a “paradigm shift” in workplace culture that can only be achieved by the joint efforts and contributions of all members of society. With that in mind, FSC has established an Inclusion Council for its North American membership. This council will provide strategic guidance on the development of an action plan, serving as a pilot case study for fostering the transformational change FSC aims to create internationally.
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Revolution acquires Island Plastics

Revolution Sustainable Solutions LLC, Little Rock, Arkansas, has acquired Island Plastics LLC, a Flint, Michigan-based company that produces 100 percent postconsumer recycled linear low-density and low-density polyethylene (LLDPE, LDPE) film-grade resin. Revolution says the aim of its purchase is to bolster its commitment to sustainable loop solutions and expand its recycling capabilities, particularly in the production of clear food-grade postconsumer resin (PCR) for flexible packaging and other applications. Island Plastics operates a mechanical recycling facility dedicated to producing LLDPE and LDPE PCR. Revolution says Island Plastics is the largest film recycling plant in Michigan and has been instrumental in advancing plastic recycling technologies while maintaining stringent quality standards.
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TPM Graphics Installs Fifth Versafire LV from Heidelberg

TPM Graphics, a full-service commercial printer in Arlington Heights, IL, recently installed a new Versafire LV from HEIDELBERG. This latest addition complements a Versafire EP installed in 2021. Designed to manage substantial monthly print volumes, the Versafire LV allows TPM Graphics to optimize its workload as it increasingly shifts towards digital production. This installation marks the company’s fifth Versafire purchase since 2013, underscoring its confidence in HEIDELBERG’s digital solutions and its commitment to delivering high-quality printed products for its clients. TPM Graphics, who specializes in printing for the healthcare and insurance industries, recently completed upgrading and expanding various parts of its “production arsenal.” Started in 1985, the company began digital print production nearly fifteen years ago and installed its first HEIDELBERG digital press a few years later.
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CDP Powers Its Postpress with Koenig & Bauer Allpro 145 Folder Gluer

Ever since Complete Design & Packaging was established 22 years ago in Concord, NC, its business of producing custom corrugated packaging and point-of-purchase displays has flourished due to its excellent customer service, superior quality, and expert investment strategies in the latest technology, all to deliver solutions to its nationwide customers and give the firm a powerful competitive advantage. Its 100,000 sq ft manufacturing site will become even more formidable when Koenig & Bauer delivers its Allpro 145 folder gluer by the end of the year. “Quick turnaround time is key for our customers,” says Keith Furr, general manager at CDP. “We were finding that our post press department was becoming a bottleneck and getting congested as our company grew. We needed a new high speed folder gluer to allow us to respond to our customers’ demands. This acquisition will enhance our existing capabilities. As part of our ongoing dedication to our customers, this significant investment underscores our commitment to delivering the highest quality solutions and meeting the fast turnaround needs of our client base.”
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Adobe Reports Record Q4 and Fiscal 2024 Revenue

“Adobe delivered record FY24 revenue, demonstrating strong demand and the mission-critical role Creative Cloud, Document Cloud and Experience Cloud play in fueling the AI economy,” said Shantanu Narayen, chair and CEO, Adobe. “Our highly differentiated technology platforms, rapid pace of innovation, diversified go-to-market and the integration of our clouds position us for a great year ahead.” “Adobe drove FY24 records of $21.51 billion in revenue, $8.06 billion in cash flows from operations and $19.96 billion in RPO,” said Dan Durn, executive vice president and CFO, Adobe. “Adobe’s strategy, AI innovation and massive cross-cloud opportunity position us well for 2025 and beyond.”
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Oral Statement of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy Before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

Good morning, Chairman Comer, Ranking Member Raskin, and Members of the Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to once again discuss the significant progress the U.S. Postal Service is making in accomplishing the objectives identified in the Delivering for America plan. When I agreed to take on the role as Postmaster General, the nation was in the beginning of a pandemic and the Postal Service was in an organizational crisis, facing a diverse array of challenges that put the organization on an accelerating and near-term trajectory to financial and service collapse. The Postal Service had lost almost $90 billion, was projected to lose another $200 billion over the next 10 years and was about to run out of cash before the year end.
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Huhtamaki appoints Axel Glade as President, Flexible Packaging

​Axel Glade, (55), has been appointed President, Flexible Packaging and member of the Global Executive Team at Huhtamaki. He will join the company no later than January 1, 2026. He will report to President and CEO Charles Héaulmé and will be based in Espoo, Finland. Axel joins Huhtamaki from Constantia Flexibles, a Flexible Packaging company headquartered in Vienna, Austria, where he has served as Executive Vice President of the Film Division and member of Executive Committee. Since joining Constantia in 2011, he has held several leadership roles such as SVP Consumer and CEO at Constantia Pirk. Before Constantia, Axel held various leadership roles in other packaging companies including Sealed Air and Bischof + Klein. “I am very pleased to welcome Axel to Huhtamaki and the Global Executive Team. His impressive background in the Flexible Packaging industry and his experience in leading multinational businesses will be key in leading our Flexible Packaging segment and delivering on our 2030 ambitions,” says Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO of Huhtamaki​.
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Metsä Group will introduce nature compensation in its environmental deviations

Metsä Group introduces voluntary nature compensation measures in its environmental deviations. Part of regenerative forestry, nature compensation overcompensates the harm to nature resulting from any legal violations. The operating model ensures that corrective measures linked to defective performance result in greater benefit than harm to nature. Nature compensation will be applied in matters related to the Nature Conservation Act and the Forest Act – key legislation in terms of biodiversity. The development of the compensation model is ongoing, and it will be applied retrospectively from 2023 for deviations detected. During 2025, an independent expert group invited by Metsä Group will participate in the determination of nature damage and compensation measures for these sites, while the operating model's methods are developed for the future.
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Transcontinental Inc. Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024

"Once again, we posted solid quarterly results and therefore ended the fiscal year on a strong note," said Thomas Morin, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. "I am very pleased with the excellent results for fiscal 2024 and would like to thank our teams for their disciplined work in reducing costs and improving profitability. "In our Packaging Sector, despite the ongoing pressure on our medical market activities, we reported a 6.5% increase in adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization for the quarter, mainly as a result of our cost reduction initiatives. For the fiscal year 2024, our adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization amounted to $262.2 million, up 14.2% compared to the prior year. "In our Retail Services and Printing Sector, we recorded an increase in adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortization for a second consecutive quarter. The actions taken to improve our cost structure, a more favourable product mix, including the roll-out of raddar™, as well as growth in our in-store marketing activities, continue to show results.
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Billerud’s new Science Based Targets approved – largest reductions to come from the North American operations

Billerud’s new Science Based Targets have been officially approved, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to contributing to a low carbon society. This approval highlights Billerud’s ambition to lead the industry in producing high performing, renewable paper and packaging materials. As part of this commitment, Billerud has committed to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, using 2022 as the baseline year. “We have already made significant progress in European operations, and while continuing our efforts there, the largest reductions going forward will come from our North American operations. We have established plans including a dedicated organization and the necessary investments to achieve these targets,” says Ulrika Wedberg, EVP Sustainability & Public Affairs.
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Fedrigoni confirms growth trend on nine months 2024 results

Fedrigoni closed 3Q 2024 with revenues of 468.3 million euros compared to 412.0 million in the same period of 2023 (+13.7%) and an adjusted Ebitda of 61.7 million, 8.2% higher than the 57.0 million in 3Q 2023. A growth trajectory confirmed by the results for the first 9 months of the year, which stood at 1.425.4 million in revenues (+8.7% compared to 1.311.2 million in January-September 2023) and 221.7 million in adjusted Ebitda (+8.2%, up from 204.9 million). The Group is set to end the year with revenues over 2 billion euros. “2024 was characterized again by a discrete volatility,” comments CEO Marco Nespolo, ”we started with good results in the first six months, partially driven by a recovery in the destocking trend across the value chains we serve. In the latter part of the year we had a gradual slowdown mainly due to softening growth in some end markets such as luxury and wine&spirit. Overall it was a pretty positive year that we estimate to close with about 10% growth in Revenues and Ebitda. In fact, barring any particular surprises in the last months of the year, we expect 2024 revenues to exceed €2 billion (up from €1.8 billion in 2023) and pro forma Ebitda to exceed €370 million, up about 10% from the previous year (€337.7 million)”
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Adobe Express and Box Partner to Bring Industry-Leading Creativity and AI Tools to Businesses

Box, Inc., the leading Intelligent Content Management platform and Adobe announced a partnership that will redefine how digital media is managed, created and shared in the enterprise. Adobe Express will be generally available as the default image editor in Box, empowering every Box user to easily create more engaging content without leaving Box’s secure platform. Adobe Express brings the best of Adobe’s industry-leading creative tools into an app everyone can use. Features in Adobe Express powered by Adobe Firefly generative AI are designed to be safe for business so enterprises can deploy them broadly – with confidence. With the new capabilities generally available through the Adobe Express integration, Box enterprise customers will have the ability to empower millions of individuals and teams to create the content they need for their jobs quickly and easily. Using the Adobe Express integration in Box, marketers can edit images for their next campaign, HR teams can customize compelling training content, and sales teams can develop high-impact content for their next pitch – all within their secure Box workflows, enhancing Box’s Intelligent Content Management solution.
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Macy’s, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

Third Quarter Highlights: *Macy’s First 50 locations delivered third consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth, up 1.9%. *Bloomingdale’s reported comparable sales growth of owned and owned-plus-licensed-plus-marketplace of 1.0% and 3.2%, respectively. *Bluemercury reported comparable sales growth of 3.3%. “Our third quarter results reflect the positive momentum we are building through our Bold New Chapter strategy,” said Tony Spring, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, Inc. “We are encouraged by the consistent sales growth in our Macy's First 50 locations and the strong performance of Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury. Quarter-to-date, comparable sales continue to trend ahead of third quarter levels across the portfolio. Looking ahead, we remain committed to achieving sustainable, profitable growth for Macy’s, Inc.”
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Pregis Accelerates Path to Net Zero by 2040 with Wind Power

Pregis® has taken a transformative step toward its 2040 net-zero pledge. In 2024, the company will match 100% of the electricity consumed at six facilities with wind power. The sites selected primarily produce curbside recyclable paper mailers. This milestone reduces market-based scope 2 emissions by over 4,000 metric tons of CO2e annually—the equivalent of driving from New York City to Los Angeles 3,723 times. This renewable energy initiative accelerates the company’s comprehensive decarbonization strategy, which includes: *Transitioning all global operations to renewable energy *Enhancing energy efficiency and electrification in manufacturing *Expanding on-site solar energy installations *Innovating sustainable products with lower carbon feedstocks
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ANDRITZ introduces new pilot line for dry molded fiber production

International technology group ANDRITZ has inaugurated a new technical center in Montbonnot, France, dedicated to advancing solutions for dry molded fiber production. Dry molded fiber (DMF) production uses a nearly waterless process to convert cellulose fibers into three-dimensional products for sustainable packaging. Based on its strategic partnership with the Swedish DMF pioneer PulPac, ANDRITZ is now able to offer complete dry molded fiber lines. The new technical center with its pilot line will support ANDRITZ’s development of industrial-scale solutions for high-speed, turnkey dry molded fiber production plants for the packaging industry. It will also enable customers to conduct trials, receive support on R&D projects, and create new products with customized shapes and barrier properties.
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Canfor acquires additional shares in Vida

Canfor Corporation announced that it has acquired 7% of outstanding shares of VIDA AB effective today (12/10/2024). The shares were acquired from certain minority shareholders utilizing their option privileges under the February 2019 agreement in which Canfor purchased 70% of VIDA AB, Sweden’s largest privately owned sawmill company. After concluding this transaction, Canfor owns 77% of VIDA AB.
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Redefining paper strength: Mondi and Dobis innovate with lighter, paper shopping bags containing recycled fibres

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has collaborated with Dobis to increase efficiency in the production and reduce paper grammages of their paper shopping bags for the fashion, fast food and retail industries. Dobis, a Polish converter specialising in the production of paper bags, has long been known for its focus on production efficiency and modernised operations. In its quest for excellence, Dobis has leveraged Mondi’s expertise to optimise its paper grades and successfully reduce paper weight without sacrificing the strength and print quality required for premium shopping bags. By transitioning to lighter weight papers, Dobis has not only been able to reduce material consumption, but also improve print quality and achieve clearer results with less ink, supporting the company’s sustainability goals.
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Wiley Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

*High-single digit revenue growth in Learning from favorable market conditions and AI licensing. *Low single digit revenue growth in Research from solid demand to publish and modest improvement in Research Solutions offsetting a large year-over-year swing in legacy print and licensing revenue. *Continued strong margin improvement and EPS growth. *GAAP Results: Revenue of $427 million vs. $493 million in prior year due to foregone revenue from divested businesses, Operating Income of $64 million (+39%). “ Continuous improvement is a way of life for us now, and it’s beginning to pay off in our quality growth and margin expansion,” said Matthew Kissner, Wiley President and CEO. “Learning has had a good year so far, both Academic and Professional, and Research delivered low-single digit growth with leading indicators and favorable comparisons signaling a better second half ahead. Additionally, we continue to see interest from tech companies and other corporate LLM developers for our high-value content and data to train and commercialize AI models.”
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AAP Celebrates Final Victory in Infringement Case Against Internet Archive

The Association of American Publishers announced the final resolution of Hachette Book Group v. Internet Archive, after Internet Archive declined to file a cert petition with the U.S. Supreme Court by the December 3, 2024 deadline. We are pleased that the Second Circuit’s September 4, 2024 opinion stands as the eloquent legal ending to this case, as it draws extensively on Supreme Court precedent and will be broadly impactful to other controversies, including artificial intelligence cases. “After five years of litigation, we are thrilled to see this important case rest with the decisive opinion of the Second Circuit, which leaves no room for arguments that ‘controlled digital lending’ is anything more than infringement, whether performed by commercial or noncommercial actors, or aimed at authorship that is creative or factual in nature. As the Court recognized, the public interest—and the progress of art and science that is the mandate of the Constitution’s copyright clause—is served best when authors and their publisher licensees can decide the terms on which they make their works available. We are indebted to Hachette, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Wiley, their authors, and the many amici in this case who stood up for copyright, without which we would be a less inspired and less informed society.”
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Texas State Board of Education Approves Savvas Learning Company’s Texas myView Literacy Curriculum for Grades K-5

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, is pleased to announce that its Texas myView Literacy has been approved by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) for inclusion on the state’s new list of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) for K-5 English language arts and reading and Spanish language arts and reading. Combining powerful Science of Reading-based instruction with engaging student-centered practice opportunities, Texas myView Literacy is a full-subject (core), evidence-based instructional program for grades K–5 designed to develop strong readers and writers. Savvas developed its Texas-specific myView Literacy, which is also available in Spanish as miVisión Lectura, to support educators and improve student academic outcomes while also aligning with all of the state’s educational standards, known as the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) with phonics components included.
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Survey Finds Optimism Gap Between Teachers and Administrators Yet a Broad Consensus on Solutions for Student Success

Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, today released findings from its first annual Savvas Educator Index, revealing administrators are more optimistic than teachers about the future of the teaching profession, student motivation, and the role of AI in the classroom. However, the national survey also shows agreement among educators on solutions to close the optimism gap and enhance student success. The 2024 Savvas Educator Index is designed to understand educators’ perspectives on key issues shaping K-12 education today. Its findings reflect insights from a nationwide survey of more than 1,600 K-12 educators, including teachers as well as school and district administrators.
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FSC met with Domtar representatives

FSC met with representatives of Domtar to discuss the potential implications of the transfer of the beneficial ownership of Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) to Mr. Jackson Wijaya (the current beneficial owner of Domtar) and to agree on the next steps forward in the legal review of the corporate and ownership links between Domtar and APP. We understand that the transfer of the beneficial ownership of APP to Mr. Jackson Wijaya has not yet taken place, and no details are available to us on the date of the expected transfer. The parties agreed to cooperate on a fast and rigorous process of review to examine the shareholding and ownership relationships, if any, between Domtar and APP because of this planned transfer. This review will be commissioned immediately and concluded after the transfer of beneficial ownership of APP to Jackson Wijaya is complete.
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Novolex and Pactiv Evergreen Inc. to Combine, Establishing a Leading Manufacturer in Food and Beverage Packaging

Novolex® and Pactiv Evergreen Inc. announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine, creating a leading manufacturer in food, beverage and specialty packaging products. The combination brings together two highly complementary businesses that will offer a broad product platform, establishing one of the most diverse substrate offerings in the packaging industry. The asset base will include an extensive manufacturing footprint and an expansive distribution network, enhancing the combined company’s ability to serve customers ranging from large, blue-chip brands to small businesses that serve millions of consumers every day. “This transaction reflects the continuation of our long-term growth strategy to create the industry’s most innovative, sustainable and customer-focused company,” said Stan Bikulege, Chairman and CEO of Novolex. Michael King, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pactiv Evergreen, said, “We are pleased to reach this agreement with Novolex, which shares our commitment to product quality and recognizes our potential for future growth."
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Global Packaging Solutions to Expand Albemarle Facility

Global Packaging Solutions has announced an expansion of its operations in Albemarle, NC, creating 10 new jobs and investing $4.8 million in real and business personal property. This expansion is made possible through the Rural Infrastructure Authority’s Building Reuse Grant, totaling $80,000. The Office of Governor Cooper officially announced the funding of Global Packaging Solutions’ Building Reuse Application on December 5. Global Packaging Solutions is a premier manufacturer specializing in flexible packaging and pouch production. The expansion involves establishing four new production lines and acquiring advanced machinery, effectively tripling its operational capacity within five years, according to President Jim Anderson.
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Green Bay Packaging Announces Major Investment to Modernize Arkansas Kraft Paper Mill

Green Bay Packaging (GBP) is pleased to announce a substantial investment in the modernization of its Arkansas Kraft paper mill. This is a multi-year project which significantly enhances the infrastructure of the mill and underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and operational efficiency. The investment will encompass vital replacements of key process components, including the recovery boiler and biomass boiler infrastructure. Additionally, GBP is set to install an electric turbine generator, an integral element of the decarbonization strategy that will substantially reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions. The project also includes the acquisition of approximately 300 acres of land for future investments and expansion, positioning the mill for the long-term.
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Greif Launches New Modular Packaging Solution

Greif, Inc. announced at the Pack-Expo conference in Chicago the launch of ModCan™, an innovative modular packaging solution designed to improve efficiency and safety in shipping and storing dissimilar materials and waste. Using a unique wedge-shaped design, the modular components are engineered to fit precisely into a Greif 55-gallon drum, allowing multiple materials, chemicals, or waste components to be shipped together without fear of contamination or exposure. By optimizing the available space inside a single drum, ModCan reduces the number of shipments required and improves safety by eliminating the need to transfer or consolidate materials into larger containers. This is particularly useful for waste applications in specialty manufacturing, semiconductor operations, clean rooms, laboratories, and pharmaceutical production.
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Inteplast Group Acquires CoolSeal USA

Inteplast Group has acquired CoolSeal USA, LLC. The plastic corrugated manufacturer and fabricator is based in Perrysburg, OH. CoolSeal USA will operate under Inteplast Group’s World-Pak Division. Andy Chen, general manager of World-Pak, said that CoolSeal USA’s leadership in the corrugated boards market complements Inteplast Group’s produce, warehousing, and other products used for packaging and storage. “We are enthusiastic about welcoming CoolSeal USA into the Inteplast Group fold. Its commitment to developing sustainable and recyclable products aligns with our stance on supporting supply chains that eliminate or otherwise encourage reusability and less waste,” Chen said. “With CoolSeal on our team, World-Pak, and Inteplast Group, by extension will expand our collective contributions to a circular economy beyond the industries, customers, and communities we serve.”
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Tetra Pak and Yellow Dreams set to boost carton recycling

With a joint investment of around €3 million by Tetra Pak and Yellow Dreams, a new recycling plant is set to start operations in Ittervoort (The Netherlands) in the second half of 2025. The facility will handle the non-fibre component (polyAl) from used beverage cartons, boosting the recycling capacity in the European Union (EU). Strategically located near the Belgian and German borders, the plant has the potential to process the entire volume of polyAl from beverage cartons recycled in Belgium and The Netherlands, and part of the volume from Germany. Featuring an annual capacity of 20,000 tonnes, this second Dutch plant complements the existing 8,000-tonne capacity at Recon Polymers’ facility in Roosendaal, marking a significant increase to the region’s recycling capacity. It also adds to the existing and well-established recycling infrastructure in the EU, where beverage cartons are recycled in 20 specialised paper mills, with polyAl currently processed by ten facilities.
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Ahlstrom unveils new sustainable PFAS-free filtration media for Air-Oil Separation with advanced water-repellent properties

The global industrial filtration market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by the demand for more efficient and sustainable filtration solutions. Within this landscape, the air-oil separator market is projected to grow steadily at over 5% annually over the next decade. Air-oil separators are used in compressors and vacuum pumps, where removing residual lubricating oil is critical for machinery performance, and oil and gas systems that require impurity-free final products of the highest quality. The separators play a vital role across industries in separating oil from air or gas and thereby improving equipment performance and lifespan, recycling of lubricating oils, protecting equipment, and reducing environmental emissions. To address this growing demand, Ahlstrom, a global leader in innovative filtration solutions, is proud to introduce a groundbreaking PFAS-free filtration platform with water-repellent properties specifically designed for air-oil separation applications. This new solution offers filter manufacturers a sustainable alternative to meet stringent regulatory and performance demands while maintaining durability and reliability.
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West coast port strike in Canada disrupts global supply chain

The British Columbia Maritime Employers Association has locked out more than 700 supervisors at ports throughout British Columbia. At the same time, a strike at the Port of Montreal, the biggest port in eastern Canada, continues to cause problems. The strike has already led to partial closures, affecting 40% of the port’s container traffic. Shipping delays could quickly add up, potentially disrupting important international shipments and creating significant economic challenges for global businesses and consumers. The West Coast ports are essential, managing about $576 million in daily trade and serving as a key part of North America’s ports, railroads, and trucking network. However, a long-lasting strike could seriously disrupt this system, causing problems across the supply chain.
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Cyber Monday 2024 becomes highest ecommerce sales day to date

Cyber Monday 2024 results overtook totals from the same day in 2023 to reach the highest U.S. online sales for any day historically, once again beating projections, according to Adobe Analytics data. Adobe Analytics had projected U.S. consumers would spend $13.2 billion online on Cyber Monday 2024, which already would have been a record. Then, consumers exceeded that by $100 million, spending $13.3 billion on Cyber Monday this year. That’s 7.3% more than they spent in 2023.
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Amid EUDR delay, FSC calls for swift action for deforestation-free future

The European Parliament, Council of the European Union (EU), and EU Commission have agreed to a one-year delay in the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), amongst other outcomes. This decision underscores the complexity of tackling deforestation and degradation whilst ensuring regulations are both rigorous and enforceable. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) remains a staunch supporter of the EUDR’s ambition to create deforestation-free supply chains, in Europe and globally. This delay should not deter immediate action for sustainable forestry. We urge stakeholders to take the tangible steps already available and continue advancing forest stewardship together. FSC’s recommendations: 1. Act as if the EUDR is already in effect 2. Accelerate supply chain traceability 3. Strengthen collaboration with EU authorities 4. Empower smallholders and Indigenous Peoples while collaborating with governments
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Sonoco Completes Acquisition of Eviosys

Sonoco Products Company announced the close of its acquisition of Eviosys, Europe’s leading food cans, ends and closures manufacturer, from KPS Capital Partners, LP. The transaction advances Sonoco’s portfolio transformation strategy to simplify and realign its portfolio and position the Company for long-term growth and value creation. Sonoco announced its intent to acquire Eviosys on June 24, 2024. Following the integration process, Eviosys will transition to the Sonoco brand over the coming months and will operate under Sonoco’s Consumer Packaging segment.
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Metsä Group makes a commitment within the Circular Economy Green Deal

Metsä Group has committed to the Circular Economy Green Deal. In the voluntary national initiative led by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, actors set targets for 2035 and commit to actions that promote a low-carbon circular economy. We are committed to investing in research and development related to the further processing of our industrial side streams. Our goal is that three significant products or solutions based on Metsä Group’s side streams will be commercialized by 2035. The product or solution can be commercialized either by Metsä Group or by one of our partners, however, in such a way that Metsä Group has played a significant role in the development work. Commercialization in this context means annual sales of at least hundreds of tonnes or equivalent commercial agreements. Our second goal is to reduce our energy production based on the combustion of our side streams so that in 2035 our annual bioenergy production will be 1,000 gigawatt hours less than in 2025.
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PPWR – Important clarifications regarding re-use targets for plastic pallet wrappings

November 27th, the European Parliament approved the revised text of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). It means that the legislative process for the new regulation is soon finalised. What remains is the approval by the Council and then publication in the EU Official Journal by the European Commission. Since the European Parliament in April approved the provisional agreement made with the Council, the text has been on a legal and linguistic revision. One important change in the revision concerns the general obligations for re-use of transport packaging in Article 29 paragraph 1. It has now been clarified that the requirement applies in total and not for each of the listed packaging formats. The obligation on economic operators using transport packaging, or sales packaging used for transportation is that at least 40% in total of the listed packaging types must be reusable within a re-use system from 1 January 2030,.
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Sylvamo to Pay Down Debt With $60 Million Released From Escrow

Sylvamo now has access to $60 million initially put in escrow for disputed goodwill tax deductions in Brazil which it intends to use to pay down debt. The company’s lenders agreed to eliminate the escrow after a Brazilian court ruled in its favor. The ruling—covering two-thirds of the amount disputed in several proceedings—is subject to appeal. Due to the potential liability of the goodwill tax deductions, lenders limited Sylvamo to $90 million in annual cash returns when it became an independent company in 2021. In September 2023, the company made a $60 million escrow deposit to remove the limit in its credit agreement, allowing it to return more than $90 million annually in cash to shareowners through share repurchases and dividends.
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Ahlstrom introduces fiber-based transparent tape backing, an innovative solution to reduce plastics

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, is proud to announce the launch of MasterTape® Cristal, a paper-based transparent tape backing to reduce plastic waste and promote a more sustainable future. Around 80% of the PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive) packaging tape used in the world today is made of plastic. Ahlstrom is now introducing MasterTape® Cristal, a revolutionary transparent tape backing made entirely from renewable materials. It is ideal for a wide range of applications, from gift wrapping to packaging and office use, and it offers similar strength and transparency as traditional plastic tape, ensuring no compromise on quality. This innovative tape-backing solution is not only strong and versatile but also recyclable1 and suitable for compostability2, thus reducing plastic waste and environmental impact.
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