Sonoco ThermoSafe and Korean Air Launch Partnership to Lease Pegasus ULD® Containers

Sonoco ThermoSafe and Korean Air announced a global partnership agreement for the leasing of the new Pegasus ULD® temperature controlled bulk shipping container. The agreement enables pharmaceutical freight forwarders access to Pegasus ULD® containers directly from Korean Air. Korean Air and mutual clients will also have access to other Sonoco ThermoSafe containers as part of this agreement. Sonoco ThermoSafe will support this partnership by adding ICN airport to its global service network. Services including ground handling, repairs, and preconditioning of Pegasus ULDs at ICN will be provided through Sonoco ThermoSafe’s global partnership with Unilode. Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Pegasus ULD® is the world’s first FAA and EASA-approved passive bulk temperature-controlled ULD container for pharmaceutical use, which enables it to speed through international air freight handling and customs processes at the lowest possible cost. With a focus on sustainability, the Pegasus is engineered with composite materials, offering a lighter solution that is also substantially more damage-resistant than traditional metal containers. Additionally, the Pegasus ULD® contains a fully integrated, FAA-approved telemetry system, providing real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature and key environmental factors, precisely synchronized with GPS location.
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AF&PA Releases July 2021 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in July decreased one percent compared to July 2020. They were up two percent when compared to the same seven months of 2020. The operating rate was 84.2 percent, down 1.5 points from July 2020 and up 4.0 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of July increased 8,000 short tons from the previous month and were essentially flat (+672 short tons) compared to July 2020.
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AF&PA Releases July 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased five percent in July compared to July 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased nine percent in July compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (-0.1 percent) when compared to June 2021. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased seven percent compared to July 2020 while the inventory level remained essentially flat (-0.4 percent) compared to June 2021. UFS imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up four percent and 18 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in July increased three percent compared to last July while the inventory level increased two percent compared to June 2021. CFS imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up 32 percent and 53 percent respectively. Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments increased 16 percent compared to July 2020 while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to June 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up 60 percent and 31 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in July increased 28 percent compared to last July while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to June 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up 61 percent and 180 percent respectively.
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Neenah, Inc. Introduces RECYCOTAPE™, A 100% Recyclable Packaging Tape Backing

Neenah, Inc. adds the first of its kind, environmentally forward RECYCOTAPE™ tape backing to its sustainable product offering. Consumers can now recycle shipping or packaging boxes sealed with RECYCOTAPE, as this unique packaging tape backing will break down along with the box during the recycling process. RECYCOTAPE is uniquely made from FSC® certified, sustainably sourced fibers that easily re-pulp and allow coating removal during the recycling process. As a result, these base papers can provide usable fiber to reprocess into new paper. “There is a growing interest in the market for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional packaging tapes and a viable replacement for plastic-based, non-recyclable tapes used to seal corrugated boxes. RECYCOTAPE is both,” says Chris Boothby, Tape Product Manager for Neenah.
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Felix Schoeller plans expansion of Release Liner Manufacturing to North America

The global Felix Schoeller Group is announcing plans to invest in a manufacturing operation for Release Liners at their Pulaski, New York facility. After years of rapid business growth, the company is now recognized as a leading manufacturer of siliconized poly-coated kraft (PCK) liners. Based on the unique integration into paper making, extrusion coating and siliconizing, Felix Schoeller Release Liners have become a benchmark in the self-adhesive graphics, tape, and industrial markets. The planned investment in North America is not only a geographic expansion but will also add new capabilities: The new operation is designed to coat both solventless and solvent based silicone systems to best meet the requirements of current and future customers. The new operation is expected to be operational by 2023.
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Europa-Park Uses Blue Koehler Blue4est Receipt Paper

Germany’s biggest amusement park, Europa‐Park, as begun using the innovative Blue4est® Thermal Paper of Koehler Paper. It’s also marketed under the name “Ökobon” in Germany. The blue receipt paper is durable, sustainable, recyclable and guaranteed to be free of chemically reactive components. Although fun and variety are the main focus at Europa‐Park, the family‐run enterprise that employs just under 4,450 people attaches enormous importance to sustainability as well. Using the blue Koehler receipt paper is one of the ways in which Europa‐Park is taking its customers’ interest in increased sustainability seriously. In most cases, traditional receipt paper cannot be disposed of as wastepaper, but is sorted into residual waste instead. This is not the case with the blue Thermal Paper from Koehler that Europa‐Park has been using at its 600 cash registers since August of this year.
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Per Ivar Berg becomes new Managing Director at Norske Skog Saugbrugs

Per Ivar Berg (58) has been appointed new Managing Director at Norske Skog Saugbrugs AS from February 1, 2022. He has extensive experience from a number of positions in the pulp and paper industry, in addition to food industry. Until recently, he was the Executive Vice President at TINE with responsibility for production, investments, contingency planning, product development and R&D. He has previously been Managing Director at the Norske Skog mills Follum and Parenco as well as production- and maintenance manager at Saugbrugs from 1997 to 2001. Berg graduated in 1987 with a master degree in chemical engineering at NTNU in Trondheim. "We are very pleased to welcome Per Ivar Berg as the new Managing Director at Norske Skog Saugbrugs. Together, we share the ambition to create as competitive Norske Skog Saugbrugs as possible in this demanding industry. Today, Saugbrugs is well-run mill with great potential for further development, especially within new fibre products. For Saugbrugs, Berg will enhance broad industrial experience, high ambitions and new expertise to further develop the product portfolio and mill," says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog ASA and Chair of the Board of Norske Skog Saugbrugs AS.
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USPS Reports Continued Service Performance Improvements for All Mail Categories

Fourth-quarter service performance for July 1 through August 6 included: *First-Class Mail: Delivered 88.9 percent of First-Class Mail on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 1.4 percentage points from the third quarter. *Marketing Mail: Delivered 92.6 percent of Marketing Mail on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 1.6 percentage points from the third quarter. *Periodicals: Delivered 82.9 percent of Periodicals on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 3.6 percentage points from the third quarter. For the week of July 31 – August 6, Periodicals, including newspapers and magazines, reached the highest service performance level (84.8 percent) reported for that category in nearly a year and a half, since the week of March 28 – April 3, 2020 (85.3 percent).
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Amazon On Pace to Buy Over $120 Billion of Supplies and Services from Businesses in the U.S. in 2021

Amazon is on pace to spend over $120 billion on supplies and services from businesses in the U.S. in 2021. The purchases are from more than 200,000 companies that operate in communities across the country that help keep Amazon running—from electric vehicle manufacturers to cardboard box producers to construction and engineering firms. The 2021 spending represents an increase of 20% year over year and does not include any of the products Amazon buys and sells to customers in its stores. “Millions of families rely on us to deliver what they need every day,” said Dave Clark, CEO of Worldwide Consumer at Amazon. “Delivering for our customers takes teamwork—we can’t do it alone. We rely on strong partnerships with hundreds of thousands of American businesses—from our forklift manufacturer in Kentucky to the construction company in Texas that builds our delivery stations. Today is about renewing our commitment to these businesses and betting big on them.”
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SCA engaged in water conservation project

Several tributaries of the Gimån river in Jämtland are being restored in a project that aims to recreate habitats for aninals like freshwater pearl mussels, trout and otters. The initiative is part of the EU project Rivers of LIFE. SCA is involved as a landowner and is also carrying out its own measures. Rivers of LIFE is a major conservation project within EU that will run until 2025 and aims to protect and recreate nature conservation values that are present or have been present in the aquatic environment. The project will restore habitats that were changed during the era when streams were used to transport timber, and restore parts of rivers and watercourses in Jämtland and Gävleborg. The measures will benefit species living in and around the watercourses. The goal is to restore 120 km of stream habitats.
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SGP Partnership to participate in the Kansas City Sports & Sustainability Symposium

The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership announced its participation in the Kansas City Sports & Sustainability Symposium on Aug. 17, 2021. The Symposium will be held at Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium. Attendees include regional professional and collegiate sports teams and venues, concessionaires, business and public leaders, and athletes to explore how the industry can make plays to advance healthier, more sustainable communities. The program covers sustainability focusing on local action across environmental and social fronts. SGP Partnership will participate in the showcase of sponsors, highlighting the role of SGP certified printing facilities can play in the sustainability of sporting events and venues. “I am looking forward to attending and sharing more with the Kansas City sports teams and the Green Sports Alliance on how using SGP certified printers can accelerate their sustainable contribution in local communities. With sport venues using a large amount of print including outdoor signage, arena graphics, packaging and event materials, SGP can helps align the sustainability goals of these teams in their print supply chains,” said Bryan Rose, SGP Board of Directors and vice-president at Cooley Group. “We can help make a transformative change by providing the sports industry printed materials with the best possible sustainable profile.
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Supremex Announces Strong Q2 2021 Results

Second Quarter Financial Highlights and Recent Events * Total revenue increased by 8.7% to $51.8 million, from $47.7 million in the second quarter of 2020. * Envelope segment revenue was up 7.6% to $35.2 million, from $32.8 million in the second quarter of 2020. * Packaging and specialty products segment revenue increased by 11.1% to $16.6 million, from $14.9 million in the second quarter of 2020. * EBITDA1 at $8.6 million, up 24.1%, from $6.9 million in the second quarter of 2020. EBITDA margins stood at 16.5%, up from 14.5%. * Net Earnings at $3.4 million (or $0.12 per share), up from $1.9 million (or $0.07 per share) in the second quarter of 2020. * Recorded $0.8 million of assistance from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) program. * Purchased 488,100 shares for total consideration of $1.1 million as part of the Company’s Normal Course Issuer Bid (‘’NCIB’’). * Mary Chronopoulos was appointed CFO and Corporate Secretary effective May 31, 2021.
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Sustainable Wood Products as a Generational Contract

The forest is not only a habitat for animals and plants but a retreat for people as well. It is also the economic basis for Mercer Timber Products and all companies in the Forestry sector – thus a driver of value creation, especially in rural areas. The industry is exemplary in showing that this is not a contradiction: through the sustainable management of German forests and the efficient use of our resource, wood, the timber industry is making an important contribution to climate protection and ultimately a sustainable future for us all. Wood is the most important renewable raw material in Germany. It plays an outstanding role in climate-neutral value creation and energy generation. Thanks to its sustainable management, the forests in Germany have been supplying wood for a wide variety of purposes for over 300 years. Every year, more wood grows in Germany than is used. Around 32 percent of Germany’s total area is covered with forest, making the country one of the most densely forested areas in Europe. As a PEFC-certified company, Mercer Timber Products supports this sustainable management. After all, forest management is the basis of our existence. In addition, Mercer’s use of wood takes an important step in the shift from fossil fuel energy. The bark from the harvested logs is used directly in the biomass cogeneration plant, which generates green electricity and heat for the drying process.
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Back To School, Back In Person: Using Paper to Address Learning Loss, Academic Equity

Many parents around the United States are sending their children back to school soon — in person and full time. Students and teachers, who may not have seen one another in months, will face several challenges related to the coronavirus pandemic, such as learning loss and economic disparities. The good news? Paper can help. Research is mixed on the effects of the pandemic on students, but in a poll of 1,000 public school educators conducted by the Horace Mann Educators Corporation, 97 percent of teachers reported seeing some learning loss in their students during the past year compared to previous years. Data from McKinsey in December 2020 noted that students of color were about three to five months behind in learning due to lower access to technology, the internet and in-person learning support. Reading and math are two paper-intensive subjects that typically require access to textbooks, library books and/or notebook paper. Paper can help bridge the divide in learning achievement caused by the pandemic and related economic challenges. click read more for the rest of the article
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Zume Partners with Solenis to Open Up PFA-Free Molded Fiber Packaging and Manufacturing Playbook to Global Food and CPG Brands

Zume, the sustainability solutions company creating economically viable substitutes for single-use plastics, today announced a partnership with Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals. They are open-sourcing a PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) replacement for food packaging manufacturing to food manufacturers and CPG brands across the global market. To see the open-source process, go to: zume.com/pages/freefromPFAS. In conjunction, Zume is announcing it will no longer manufacture any products that contain PFAS from its California packaging facility, effective immediately, and the company is collaborating with its global partners to ensure that all production globally is PFA-free by the end of 2021. “Open-sourcing our PFA-free solution creates a path for brands across the world to remove plastics and harmful chemicals from their consumer packaging and single-use goods,” said Zume CEO and Chairman Alex Garden. “Brands have made pledges to remove PFAS and this new launch will enable them to deliver on their promises.”
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RRD Scales Communications Solutions for Education, Maximizing the Value of the Student Journey

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announced the launch of an omnichannel offering designed to meet the education industry’s need for elevated communications agility that maximizes the value of each step in the student journey. The education industry is going through significant change due to COVID-19 and must evaluate how they acquire and engage students and seek business and operational efficiencies. As enrollment challenges persist, the pressure is on educational institutions to drive brand awareness, cultivate a sense of community, and maintain student safety. RRD has mobilized to offer a specialized set of solutions for pre-K through 12 instructional publishers, self-funded private schools, and higher education institutions. Designed to perform as an extension of marketing and business support teams, standout elements include: *Personalized, education-specific programs that support recruitment strategies, instructional content, interactive online experiences, and printed curriculum for students and teachers *Fundraising campaigns that build endowment sustainability, alumni engagement, and donor support — with quantifiable ROI *Touchless communications via NFC and/or QRC technologies to accommodate demand for contactless interactions *Signage and wayfinding for all campus facilities and spaces, with the option of white-glove installation *Customized support to help fill gaps in specific communications programs — from integrated campaigns to multichannel billing and payment systems
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New Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Are Compromised When Healthcare Providers Stop Delivery of Paper Explanation of Benefits

The recent passage of the “No Surprises Act” is being hailed as a major victory for patients and consumers. Effective January 1, 2022, the new federal law will prevent patients from receiving surprise medical bills resulting from gaps in coverage for emergency services and certain services provided by out-of-network doctors and other providers at in-network facilities. Unfortunately, critical documentation that medical consumers rely on to catch and dispute these surprises might not be where they’ve always found it: in their mailbox. Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) are essential notices that help patients understand how much each service costs, how much their insurance plan will cover, and how much they will have to pay their doctor or hospital. Until very recently, it had been a universal health insurance industry best practice to mail paper EOBs to plan members by default. read much more at: https://keepmepostedna.org/new-consumer-protections-against-surprise-medical-bills-are-compromised-when-healthcare-providers-stop-delivery-of-paper-explanation-of-benefits/
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Meredith Reports Fiscal 2021 Fourth Quarter And Full Year Results

Revenues grew to $3.0 billion, up 5 percent. Earnings from continuing operations were $307 million, compared to a loss of $209 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $683 million, compared to $548 million. Key accomplishments included: *Digital advertising revenues surpassing magazine for the first time in Meredith's history. Digital advertising grew 31 percent. Additionally, Meredith's licensing and digital and other consumer driven revenues grew 27 percent and 25 percent, respectively. *$254 million debt reduction, enabled by record Cash Flow from Operations and Free Cash Flow. Debt reduction was enabled by total company revenue performance along with proactive actions to enhance Meredith's financial flexibility. *Agreeing to sell Meredith's Local Media Group for $2.825 billion, representing a 10x valuation. The transaction, which also includes spinning Meredith's National Media Group, comprising digital and magazine, out to shareholders, is expected to advance the company's financial priorities including reducing net debt, improving financial flexibility, optimizing capital allocation to high-potential opportunities, and providing returns to shareholders.
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Suzano – Second Quarter 2021 Results

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,537 thousand tons (-9% vs. 2Q20). • Paper sales of 296 thousand tons (+26% vs. 2Q20). • Adjusted EBITDA1 and Operating cash generation²: R$5.9 billion and R$4.9 billion, respectively. • Adjusted EBITDA1 /ton3 from pulp of R$2,166/ton (+56% vs. 2Q20). • Adjusted EBITDA1 /ton4 from paper of R$1,506/ton (+12% vs. 2Q20). • Average net pulp price – export market: US$636/t (+35% vs. 2Q20). • Average net paper price4 of R$4,731/ton (+9% vs. 2Q20). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$680/ton (+13% vs. 2Q20). • Decrease in leverage to 3.3 times in USD and 3.1 times in BRL.
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Amcor announces breakthrough healthcare lidding technology for combination products

Amcor announced the launch of a proprietary healthcare lidding technology that will be utilized for combination products – those consisting of two or more regulated components (device, drug or biologic). This latest innovation from Amcor is based on a patented inert film development and laminate design. It provides a lidding solution that can withstand heat sterilization, the process of preserving and sterilizing items, while preventing drug uptake into the packaging. The packaging solution is ideal for combination healthcare products, such as devices with an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) that forms the basis of a medicine. It ensures machinability, integrity after sterilization, as well as a convenient peel opening for patients. The features of the new product complement Amcor’s existing healthcare portfolio, which range from lidding for demanding sterilization environments to high barrier overwraps protecting eye droppers and medications for the eye. Amcor collaborated with Johnson & Johnson Vision over the course of several years to develop the lidding technology for use with contact lenses. ch company contributed specific skills and perspective, notably Amcor’s expertise with film extrusion, lamination and conversion for healthcare, and J&J Vision’s expertise on ophthalmic device packaging requirements.
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Sustainability Champions recognized by SGP Partnership

The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) announced Christopher Rose of Shutterfly and Blake Pace of Primex Plastics as the first Sustainability Champions. The SGP Sustainability Champion program recognizes SGP Community Members for outstanding efforts in making the environment a better place to work and live. An SGP Sustainability Champion is committed to positive change, shows passion through leadership, and exemplifies environmental stewardship and activism. Champions look beyond immediate, short-term goals and are committed to making an impact in a larger context. Chris Rose of Shutterfly was nominated by several people, recognizing his work in achieving SGP certification for its Fort Mill, SC facility. “Chris Rose took up the cause for sustainability almost two years ago. He was excited about the challenge of receiving SGP certification, knowing it would take considerable time and effort,” said John C. Hindman, Senior Manager for Environmental Health & Safety at Shutterfly. Blake Pace is the general manager of the Primex Plastics Reedsburg, WI facility. “Blake is a firm believer in responsible manufacturing. Along with renewable energy usage, environmental efforts emphasize energy and efficiency audits, reuse and rework of pallet and packaging materials and proactive freight considerations,” said Teri Benning, Primex Plastics in her nomination submission of Blake.
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KP Tissue Releases Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

KPLP Q2 2021 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue decreased by $47.5 million or 12.3% to $339.3 million in Q2 2021 compared to $386.8 million in Q2 2020. • Adjusted EBITDA was $37.3 million in Q2 2021 compared to $64.4 million in Q2 2020, a decrease of 42.1%, and similar sequentially to the $37.5 million in Q1 2021. • TAD Sherbrooke continues to run above the expected start-up curve. • Completed financing for the Sherbrooke Expansion Project. • Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share to be paid on October 15, 2021.
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Beware the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse!

2021 is a perfect storm providing four challenges: *Paper: inventory is limited, prices continue to rise; *Postage: Mismanagement at the USPS continues to drive annual increases; *PPC Inflation: privacy and competition are driving cost upward; *Pandemic: while consumer confidence is still high, fears of inflation loom large. However, even the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse can’t kill print as the channel is currently booming – driving top-of-funnel opportunities, retargeting efforts, and creating more powerful and cost-effective prospecting audiences. Instead of waiting for customers or prospects to come to your site, print creates push campaigns that are highly profitable and cost-effective. Print marketing is still entirely relevant, even in this digital era, and smart marketers take advantage of this form of communication and the power it has with the human brain. Yes, the way we consume and share news and information has changed dramatically in the last 10 years alone. And, yes, digital marketing has in the recent past taken the limelight from traditional print media. read more at: https://cohereone.com/beware-the-four-horseman-of-the-apocalypse/
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Mailing Industry Coalition Seeks Congressional Action to Stop Postage Increase

Dear Industry Member: Representatives from the Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service (C-21), including ACMA’s Hamilton Davison, recently hosted staffers from a half dozen Congressional offices. The event was opened by mailing industry proponent Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6th, pictured at right). In addition to stressing the importance of the Postal Service, the goal was to educate a new crop of Capitol Hill postal staffers from offices that are not as familiar with what keeps the USPS delivering affordably and reliably and the need for legislation now. Representing Marketing Mail interests, Davison emphasized the potentially fatal impact the impending August 30th postage increase will have on catalog and other mailers’ future use of the mail. Other C-21 members discussed similar problems for the other mail classes from the rate hike as well as the USPS’s deliberate slowdown of mail delivery. see more detail at: https://catalogmailers.org/mailing-industry-coalition-briefs-congress-to-spur-action-on-postage-increases/
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U.S. Postal Service Announces Proposed Temporary Rate Adjustments for 2021 Peak Holiday Season

The United States Postal Service filed notice today with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) regarding a temporary price adjustment for key package products for the 2021 peak holiday season. This temporary rate adjustment is similar to one in 2020 that anticipated heightened peak-season package and shipping demand, which typically results in extra handling costs. The planned peak-season pricing, which was approved by the Governors of the Postal Service on Aug. 5, would affect prices on commercial and retail domestic competitive parcels – Priority Mail Express (PME), Priority Mail (PM), First-Class Package Service (FCPS), Parcel Select, USPS Retail Ground, and Parcel Return Service. International products would be unaffected. Pending favorable review by the PRC, the temporary rates would go into effect at 12:00 a.m., Central Time, on Oct. 3, 2021, and remain in place until 12:00 a.m., Central Time, Dec. 26, 2021. This seasonal adjustment will bring prices for the Postal Service’s commercial and retail customers in line with competitive practices. No structural changes are planned as part of this limited pricing initiative.
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‘The Atlantic’ Circulation Jumps To 830,000 (mediapost.com)

The Atlantic has reached a paid circulation of 833,410 for the first half of 2021, the largest in its 164-year history, Editor In Chief Jeffrey Goldberg and CEO Nicholas Thompson announced in a message to the staff. The number, which had been filed with the Alliance for Audited Media (AAM), includes both print and digital subscribers, including those on the iOS app and Apple News+. Growth has gone from 474,274 two years ago to 252,242 in the first half of 2020.
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Sonoco Announces Price Increase for Paperboard Tubes and Cores

Sonoco announced it will raise the price for all paperboard tubes and cores by a minimum of 8 percent, effective with shipments in the United States and Canada, on or after September 10, 2021. “Significant market tightness and additional inflationary cost pressures to our primary raw materials (uncoated recycled paperboard and adhesives) make this increase necessary,” said Doug Schwartz, Division Vice President and General Manager, North America Tubes and Cores. “Despite these market and supply chain challenges, we remain committed to maintaining the quality and service that our customers have become accustomed to when working with Sonoco.”
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Intertape Polymer Group Reports 2021 Second Quarter Results

Second Quarter 2021 Highlights (as compared to second quarter 2020): • Revenue increased 40.7% to $376.7 million primarily due to organic growth in certain film, woven, and tape products, including continued strength in products with significant e-commerce end-market exposure such as water-activated tape and dispensing machines. • Gross margin increased to 23.7% from 21.3% primarily due to a favourable product volume/mix and an increase in the spread between selling prices and combined raw material and freight costs. • Net earnings attributable to the Company shareholders decreased $0.1 million to $14.3 million primarily due to (i) an increase in finance costs mainly due to the 2018 Senior Unsecured Notes Redemption Charges(2) and the non-recurrence of a gain in the second quarter of 2020 resulting from a fair value adjustment to the Company's contingent consideration related to the Nortech Acquisition(3) and (ii) an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses mainly due to increases in both variable and share-based compensation. The unfavourable impacts were largely offset by an increase in gross profit. • Free cash flows(1) decreased by $28.8 million to $6.4 million primarily due to the decrease in cash flows from operating activities and an increase in capital expenditures as compared to minimal capital expenditures in 2020 as a precautionary measure given market uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
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Lappeenranta turns a green leaf with UPM

The city of Lappeenranta has come of age in symbiosis with UPM. For over 120 years, the forest giant has driven prosperity and innovation in the eastern Finnish border town newly voted as one of Europe’s greenest cities. “Lappeenranta wouldn’t be the vibrant city it is today without UPM,” says Mayor Kimmo Jarva. His words are more than a polite nod to the city’s top corporate taxpayer. Ever since the Kaukas mill was founded in 1873, the historic garrison town has evolved in close synergy with UPM. The mayor’s fourth-floor office provides sweeping views of the forests that have brought wealth to the town. The same forests now yield not only sawn timber, pulp and paper but also a new kind of “green gold” – circular innovations such as renewable biofuels, biochemicals and biomedical products.
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Promoting sustainable paper with City Forest initiative in China

“Copy paper and tissue paper are some of the most used paper products, but companies have not yet widely adopted sustainable paper in China,” explains Ma Lichao from FSC China. City Forest initiative is driving the change. In addition to UPM, organisations such as Kimberly-Clark, one of the world’s largest tissue paper producers, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) are together promoting the use of sustainable papers in China. The FSC has been expanding its partnership with Chinese businesses since 2019, awarding the “City Forest” certificate to office buildings that uses FSC-certified tissue paper. So far, 34 business buildings in seven major Chinese cities have participated in the program.
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Uruguayan forest certification system submitted for assessment

The Uruguayan PEFC Scheme has been submitted to PEFC for assessment. The public consultation, which is your chance to give your feedback on this revised system, will run from 23 August to 21 October. PEFC Uruguay revised the country’s national forest certification system following the entry into force of the revised 2018 PEFC Sustainable Forest Management standard. To provide you with additional information, we are holding a webinar on 23 August, at 14:00 CEST. The webinar is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.
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Cascades Sonoco Birmingham Now SQF Certified

Cascades Sonoco, a joint venture between Cascades Inc. and Sonoco Products Company, announced its Birmingham facility has been certified SQF (Safe Quality Food), a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) benchmarked certification standard. Widely applicable to nearly every stage of the food supply chain, SQF certification addresses not only farming and packhouses, but everything from food manufacturing to animal feed and pet food production. GFSI recognition has been considered the gold standard for food safety certification and harmonizes food safety standards under one umbrella to reduce risk to both producer and consumer while also managing costs, developing competencies and capacity and creating an international platform for collaboration, exchanging knowledge and networking.
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Novolex Acquires Vegware

Novolex® has acquired Vegware, a rapidly growing international provider of compostable foodservice packaging headquartered in Edinburgh, U.K. Vegware’s teams in both the U.K. and U.S. are expected to join the Novolex family. The Vegware brand will remain intact as part of Novolex’s Eco-Products portfolio of brands and will continue to sell its products under the Vegware label. “Vegware is an excellent company and its addition to Novolex is an exciting step to growing our global compostable products footprint,” said Stan Bikulege, Chairman and CEO of Novolex. “We are pleased to welcome the Vegware team to the Novolex family and maintain our momentum of supporting brands that meet society’s expectations for sustainable products.” Vegware was founded in Edinburgh in 2006 by Joe Frankel. Headquartered in Scotland, it has operations in the U.K., EU and the United States. The company sources renewable, plant-based materials to manufacture cups, cutlery, tableware and takeout packaging designed to be commercially composted with food waste. Sold in more than 70 countries, Vegware products are known for their quality, performance and design.
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Metsä Spring invests in Innomost, a startup producing valuable bioactive products from birch bark

Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring Ltd has made an equity investment in Innomost Ltd, a startup converting forest industry side streams into high-value bioactive products. The financing round totals approximately EUR 5 million, consisting of private investments and public financing from Business Finland and ELY Centre for Central Finland. Metsä Spring is participating in the round with Innovestor Technology Fund and other private investors. Innomost intends to produce valuable ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industry, as well as for other industrial applications. Metsä Group has several mills, which may provide birch bark for the production. The company’s present product portfolio includes betulin, suberin, birch charcoal powder and birch bark powder. These ingredients can be used in different cosmetic product categories, including skincare, hair care, body care, decorative cosmetics and oral care. Especially betulin and suberin have also other potential industrial uses. The Finnish skincare brand Lumene has launched a couple of cleansing products with Innomost ingredients.
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Freedom Signs Letter of Intent to Purchase Assets of Suncraft Technologies (piworld.com)

Freedom has signed an exclusive letter of intent to purchase the assets of Suncraft Technologies, and is expected to close the deal in the upcoming weeks. “We are thrilled to welcome Suncraft employees to the Freedom family and are confident that this will be a perfect fit for them, as well as their clients” states Eric Blohm, President of Freedom. “In addition to our recent digital press and lettershop expansion, the acquisition of Suncraft’s assets will further strengthen our core competencies and expand our extensive offerings to our clients.
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Ask Randy: Good News From The USPS

Yes, the forthcoming August 29, 2021 USPS rate increase is painful. But the USPS threw direct marketers a bone. Did you miss it? The USPS August rate case includes a size adjustment for first-class postcards. Marketers are no longer bound by the content restrictive size of 4.25” x 6” for First-Class Postcards. First-Class Postcards are now allowable up to 6” x 9”! August 29 pricing for this mail class ranges from $0.306/pc to $0.326/pc. Formerly 6” x 9” Postcards were required to mail at letter rates, either First-Class or Marketing Class depending on content. The new adjustment will give marketers a larger canvas to work with while also allowing them to benefit from the speedier in home delivery of First-Class Mail. more at: https://specialtyprintcomm.com/blog/ask-randy-good-news-usps/
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New York Times Misses the Point on Paper Recycling

A recent article in The New York Times, (“Maine Will Make Companies Pay for Recycling. Here’s How It Works.” 7/21/21) explored Maine’s dramatic new recycling law. But it also missed the point on paper recycling. In a letter to the editor, AF&PA responded to set the record straight: Telling readers the U.S. “recycling rate for plastics and paper products” is 32 percent is like telling them the average elevation of Denver and Death Valley is about half a mile. It may be technically true, but it clouds over more than it reveals. Whatever is true of plastic, the fact is that for all paper, the recycling rate was 66 percent in 2020. The recycling rate for paper-based packaging specifically—like cardboard boxes and corrugated containers—was a whopping 89 percent. In fact, more paper is recycled by weight from municipal waste streams than plastic, glass, steel and aluminum combined. In the context of a story about proposals in several jurisdictions that would turn our current recycling system on its head, these distinctions matter a great deal. Extended producer responsibility programs would disrupt the most effective recycling streams in the interest of improving the least effective, while imposing large new costs on producers who are already being responsible by investing capital to innovate and use a highly renewable and recyclable material—paper.
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Tronox Reorganizes Board Committee Structure to Enhance ESG Oversight

Tronox Holdings plc, the world’s leading integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment, announced that its Board of Directors had reorganized its committee structure to enhance the Board’s oversight over environment, sustainability and governance (“ESG”). Under the new structure, the Governance Committee will become the Governance and Sustainability Committee with a restated committee charter that will require management to regularly report on its progress on key ESG initiatives. The enhanced Board oversight comes on top of other significant ESG-related improvements made by Tronox, including the announcement in its most recent Sustainability Report of a detailed plan to align with a global warming scenario below 2° C and achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050; inclusion of carbon emission reduction targets in its executive compensation programs; and a commitment to be fully compliant with applicable TCFD and SASB disclosure standards when it releases its 2021 sustainability report.
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U.S. Postal Service Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results

The U.S. Postal Service today announced its financial results for the 2021 third quarter ended June 30, reporting a net loss of approximately $3.0 billion, compared to a net loss of approximately $2.2 billion for the same quarter last year. Excluding the combined effects of non-cash workers' compensation adjustments due to fluctuations in discount rates and other actuarial revaluations, the loss for the quarter would have been approximately $2.3 billion, compared to a loss of approximately $2.4 billion for the same period last year. The Postal Service reported operating revenue of approximately $18.5 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2021, an increase of $845 million, or 4.8 percent, compared to the same quarter last year. Marketing Mail revenue increased by approximately $1.0 billion, or 42.2 percent, on volume growth of approximately 4.3 billion pieces, or 38.6 percent. Marketing Mail experienced steep volume declines at the onset of the pandemic last year, but has been rebounding as the economy continues to recover. First-Class Mail revenue increased by $54 million, or 1.0 percent, on volume growth of 130 million pieces, or 1.1 percent, as the economy continues to recover. Shipping and Packages revenue decreased by $646 million, or 7.8 percent, on a volume decline of 300 million pieces, or 14.1 percent, compared to the same quarter last year, as a pandemic surge in demand for package deliveries began to abate.
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YETI Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

For the Three Months Ended July 3, 2021: Net sales increased 45% to $357.7 million, compared to $246.9 million during the same period last year. *Direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) channel net sales increased 48% to $196.9 million, compared to $133.0 million in the prior year quarter, driven by strong performance in both Drinkware and Coolers & Equipment. The DTC channel grew to 55% of net sales, compared to 54% in the prior year period. *Wholesale channel net sales increased 41% to $160.8 million, compared to $113.9 million in the same period last year, driven by both Drinkware and Coolers & Equipment. In the second quarter of 2020, wholesale channel net sales were adversely impacted by the temporary store closures due to COVID-19. *Drinkware net sales increased 69% to $192.9 million, compared to $114.3 million in the prior year quarter, primarily driven by the continued expansion of our Drinkware product offerings, including the introduction of new colorways and sizes, and strong demand for customization. *Coolers & Equipment net sales increased 23% to $157.8 million, compared to $128.6 million in the same period last year, driven by strong performance in soft coolers, bags, outdoor living products, cargo and hard coolers. Gross profit increased 52% to $209.1 million, or 58.5% of net sales, compared to $137.5 million, or 55.7% of net sales, in the second quarter of 2020.
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The Printing Industry of the Carolinas Joins Two Sides North America

Two Sides North America is pleased to welcome The Printing Industry of the Carolinas, Inc. (PICA), as our newest member. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, PICA is the regional graphics trade association serving the commercial printing, digital, wide format, mailing and packaging industries in North and South Carolina. The association provides educational programs, networking opportunities, buying power programs and conferences geared toward the printing industry. “Printers play a vital role in helping to educate print buyers and other decision makers about the sustainability, effectiveness and relevance of print, paper and paper-based packaging in today’s omni-channel world,” says Two Sides North America President Kathi Rowzie. “Two Sides is pleased to add PICA to our growing list of industry association members, and we invite their members to join us as well.”
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International Paper Announces Spinoff Name, Board of Directors

International Paper is proud to announce Sylvamo Corporation as the name of its global papers spinoff, with headquarters planned for Memphis, Tennessee. The name Sylvamo speaks to the company's connection to trees and highlights its role as a steward of sustainable forests. Sylvamo combines the Latin words for forest, "silva," and love, "amo." Company leaders translate this unique combination as "love of forests." Sylvamo, currently a subsidiary of International Paper, will be governed by a nine-member board with eight independent directors. Jean-Michel Ribiéras, senior vice president, Global Papers, will serve as the company's chairman and chief executive officer.
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Tredegar Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Second quarter 2021 net income from continuing operations was $20.7 million ($0.61 per diluted share) compared to net income from continuing operations of $14.3 million ($0.43 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2020. Net income from ongoing operations, which excludes special items and discontinued operations, was $16.1 million ($0.48 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2021 compared with $16.0 million ($0.48 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2020. *Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") from ongoing operations for Aluminum Extrusions of $19.7 million was $6.4 million higher than the second quarter of 2020 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for PE Films of $9.0 million was $6.5 million lower than the second quarter of 2020 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for Flexible Packaging Films of $8.3 million was $1.8 million higher than the second quarter of 2020
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Sonoco Implementing Price Increase for Uncoated Recycled Paperboard

Sonoco announced it is implementing a price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning September 7, 2021. Sonoco said the price increase was in response to continued tight market conditions as strong demand across the Company’s U.S. and Canada mill network has resulted in order backlogs remaining at near historic highs as well as unprecedented inflationary pressures on papermaking.
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Mayr-Melnhof Group acquisition of the Kwidzyn plant successfully completed

The Mayr-Melnhof Group (MM) has completed the acquisition of the Kwidzyn plant, Poland, agreed in mid-February 2021, with the approval of all relevant competition authorities. The acquisition of Kwidzyn is part of MM's strategy to grow high-quality virgin fiber board (FBB) with innovative, sustainable and cost-efficient grades. In addition, MM diversifies the product portfolio by integrating an attractive pulp and paper production with a focus on uncoated fine paper (UWF) and packaging kraft papers. In line with the expanded product range, the MM Karton division is renamed MM Board & Paper. "I am pleased that we are entering two new core businesses with uncoated fine paper and packaging kraft paper. MM Kwidzyn will drive our innovations for more sustainable packaging solutions in the growing virgin fiber board market and also create attractive new perspectives through the integration of pulp and paper at a European location with cost advantages. We look forward to a successful collaboration with our new colleagues, ”comments Peter Oswald, CEO of the MM Group.
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Interfor Reports Record Q2’21 Results

Interfor Corporation recorded Net earnings in Q2’21 of $419.2 million, or $6.45 per share, compared to $264.5 million, or $4.01 per share in Q1’21 and $3.2 million, or $0.05 per share in Q2’20. Adjusted net earnings in Q2’21 were $433.5 million compared to $270.6 million in Q1’21 and $10.6 million in Q2’20. Robust lumber prices in North America and strong operating performance during the second quarter of 2021 led to Interfor realizing record financial results, including records for Net earnings, Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow from operations.
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Koehler invests in a more sustainable production

After a successful first rebuild stage of the paper machine 5 in Oberkirch, Germany – with the installation of the Voith SpeedSizer film press and contactless qDryPro Compact high‐performance drying system – Koehler Paper has confirmed its confidence in Voith. Hartmut Felsch, plant manager at Koehler, Oberkirch, Germany: “"In Voith, we have found a strong and reliable partner with the highest quality standards for all areas of paper production.” Thorsten Heidt, Senior Sales Manager at Voith also confirms: “We have a long‐standing, successful business relationship with Koehler. Just recently, Koehler was able to achieve a world speed record with the new production line 8 at the Kehl location thanks to our successful cooperation and continuous optimization. We are very pleased that Koehler has again opted for our leading technologies and that our solution convinced in all points.” Koehler has selected the full‐line supplier to deliver the second modernization stage, focusing on the much‐proven NipcoFlex shoe press. The aim is to achieve an optimal production result.
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Verso Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased $61 million, or 23%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020, driven by increases in volume and favorable price/mix as the economy began to open, partially offset by $30 million, or 11%, attributable to our idled Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids mills. Total company sales volume was up from 346 thousand tons during the three months ended June 30, 2020, to 369 thousand tons during the same period of the current year. Of the 23 thousand ton volume increase, 82 thousand tons were attributable to an increase in volume, partially offset by 59 thousand tons attributable to our idled Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids mills. Operating income was $11 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $53 million when compared to operating loss of $42 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.
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USPS Reports Steady Service Performance Improvements for All Mail Categories Through July

Fourth-quarter service performance for July 1 through July 30 included: First-Class Mail: Delivered 89.0 percent of First-Class Mail on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 1.5 percentage points from the third quarter. Marketing Mail: Delivered 92.6 percent of Marketing Mail on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 1.6 percentage points from the third quarter. Periodicals: Delivered 82.7 percent of Periodicals on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 3.4 percentage points from the third quarter. For the week of July 24 - 30, Marketing Mail maintained the highest service performance level (93.7 percent) reported for that category in nearly five years, since the week of August 20-26, 2016 (93.9 percent).
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Gannett Announces Second Quarter 2021 Results

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights: • Total revenues of $804.3 million rose 4.9% compared to the prior year quarter ◦ Same store revenues (as defined and reconciled on Table No. 5 below) increased 6.8% compared to the second quarter of 2020 • Total digital revenues were $259.3 million or 32.2% of total revenues • Net income attributable to Gannett of $15.1 million • Adjusted EBITDA totaled $115.8 million, an increase of $37.8 million or 48.4% compared to the second quarter of 2020 and represented a 14.4% margin • Net cash flow provided by operating activities of $31.3 million • Free cash flow of $23.1 million
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News Corp Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results for Fiscal 2021

Fiscal 2021 Full Year Key Financial Highlights: *Revenues were $9.36 billion, a 4% increase compared to $9.01 billion in the prior year, reflecting a 30% increase in the fourth quarter *Net income of $389 million compared to a net loss of $(1.55) billion in the prior year, which included non-cash impairment charges of $1.69 billion *Total Segment EBITDA was $1.27 billion compared to $1.01 billion in the prior year *Diluted EPS were $0.56 compared to $(2.16) in the prior year – Adjusted EPS were $0.67 compared to $0.22 in the prior year *Revenues at Move, operator of realtor.com®, grew 36% year-over-year, with 68% growth in the fourth quarter, which was an acceleration from the prior quarter growth rate. Average monthly unique users grew 32% in the fourth quarter *Dow Jones saw record digital subscriptions, continued robust growth at Risk & Compliance and a strong increase in digital advertising revenues *Foxtel’s streaming products exceeded 2 million total paid subscribers as of year end, driving 40% total paid subscriber growth *Book Publishing continued to benefit from strong consumption patterns with 19% revenue growth *Announced agreement to acquire OPIS, a leading data and analytics provider for energy and commodities markets, to bolster Dow Jones’ Professional Information Business
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Bertelsmann Completes Acquisition Of Shares In Brazilian Education Company Afya

The international media, services, and education company Bertelsmann has completed the acquisition of 25 percent of the capital shares and 46 percent of the voting rights in the Nasdaq-listed education company Afya in Brazil. The Brazilian antitrust authorities had previously given their approval. The transaction, which significantly expands Bertelsmann’s involvement in the Brazilian education market, has a volume of €500 million. Bertelsmann will provide three of the eleven members of the company’s Board of Directors from now on. Afya is the leading provider of medical education and training in Brazil. Bertelsmann acquired the shares in the company from Crescera Educacional II, a fund launched in 2014 by Crescera Capital with Bertelsmann as the main investor. Afya is now to be developed further in cooperation with the Esteves founding family, which holds 24 percent of the shares and 45 percent of the voting rights, and the company’s successful management.
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New Media Champion: RTL Deutschland and G+J to Join Forces

The media companies RTL Deutschland and Gruner + Jahr are joining forces to form a new national cross-media champion. The decision follows a review process lasting several months, with the aim of deepening the successful collaboration between the country’s leading private TV, radio, and streaming group and the publishing house with its powerful brands. The new company will start operating as one at the beginning of next year. Bertelsmann CEO Thomas Rabe says: “The relevant bodies, RTL Group’s Board, and Bertelsmann’s Executive Board and Supervisory Board, have come to the conclusion that RTL Deutschland and G+J can better exploit their growth potential together. By forming this national media champion, Bertelsmann is implementing its strategic priorities as it has already done in France, the Netherlands and Belgium. This will strengthen our media businesses in the German market in the competition with the global tech platforms,” Rabe continued, “No other media company in this country can create such a cross-genre growth alliance. RTL Deutschland and G+J are a content powerhouse that combines the content expertise of 1,500 journalists, among other things. The companies bring together strong content and brands across the various media under one roof. This will generate annual synergies of around 100 million euros – largely due to growth.”
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Berry Global Announces Major Healthcare Investment in India

Berry Global Group, Inc. is again demonstrating its worldwide leadership in the design, development, and production of patient-centered healthcare solutions with the announcement of plans to establish a second manufacturing facility and global healthcare center of excellence in Bangalore, India. Planned for development near Berry’s existing Bangalore operation, the new facility will enable the company to extend its R&D expertise and scale up production in several key healthcare sectors: ophthalmic, nasal pumps, inhalation, and injectable administrations. The increased capacity will also enhance supply in India and throughout South Asia, addressing some of the fastest growing healthcare market geographies.
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Novolex Releases Third Annual Sustainability Report

Novolex released its third annual sustainability report, building on disclosures in prior editions and including many new topics reflecting Novolex’s values and commitments as well as stakeholder interests. Expansion of content continues Novolex’s journey of aligning environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting with Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) formats as well as documenting the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. New topics in the 2020 report include a greenhouse gas (GHG) target as well as disclosures related to raw material sourcing, focused giving, cybersecurity, diversity and inclusion, human rights and others. Highlights of the new content include Novolex’s first timebound target for greenhouse gas reduction from operations of 20% by 2025. Additionally, the report provides readers with greater information about Novolex products and the raw materials used to make them, aligning with SASB reporting standards for packaging companies. In 2020, 49% of raw materials were derived from renewable and post-consumer recycled (PCR) sources.
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DS Smith achieves ‘Platinum’ EcoVadis rating

In our most recent EcoVadis sustainability assessment, we achieved ‘Platinum’ rating, which places us in the top 1% of companies assessed by EcoVadis globally . Notably, we scored 90% for our performance in sustainable procurement, with praise for our Supplier Engagement programme and FSC chain of custody certification, and 80% on environmental issues, with praise for “exceptional” reporting on environmental issues. We placed in the top 2% in our industry overall.
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Mondi half-year results 2021

Highlights • Strong financial performance, good momentum ◦ Higher sales volumes, higher average selling prices and effective cost control ◦ Underlying EBITDA of €709 million, with margin of 19.5% ◦ Cash generated from operations of €552 million ◦ Balance sheet at 1.5x net debt to underlying EBITDA • Investing through-the-cycle ◦ Completed acquisition of Olmuksan, strengthening our position in the fast growing Turkish corrugated market (€88 million on an implied 100% EV basis) ◦ Good progress on capital investment projects, delivering growth, sustainability benefits and enhanced cost competitiveness (€286 million capital investments in the period) ◦ Approved €125 million upgrade and expansion of Kuopio containerboard mill (Finland) and further investment in corrugated plants to support strong growth in eCommerce • Launched Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030), our sustainability framework for the next decade • Signed €750 million revolving credit facility aligning financing with MAP2030 and extending debt maturity profile • Interim dividend declared of 20.0 euro cents per share • Well-positioned for growth in packaging markets, with cost-advantaged asset base, strong financial position and unique portfolio of sustainable solutions
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Clearwater Paper Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

For the second quarter of 2021, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $406 million, a 15% decrease compared to net sales of $481 million for the second quarter of 2020. Net loss for the second quarter of 2021 was $52 million, or $3.10 per diluted share, compared to net income for the second quarter of 2020 of $23 million, or $1.36 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, Clearwater Paper reported adjusted net loss in the second quarter of 2021 of $18 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared to second quarter 2020 adjusted net income of $28 million, or $1.67 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $15 million, compared to the second quarter of 2020 Adjusted EBITDA of $79 million. Additionally, Clearwater Paper incurred impairment and other closure costs associated with the recently announced closure of its Neenah, Wisconsin facility of $41.7 million. For the first six months of 2021, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $832 million, a 13% decrease compared to net sales of $958 million for the first six months of 2020. Net loss for the first six months of 2021 was $40 million, or $2.37 per diluted share, compared to net income for the first six months of 2020 of $33 million, or $1.99 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, Clearwater Paper reported adjusted net loss in the first six months of 2021 of $6 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to first six months of 2020 adjusted net income of $37 million, or $2.24 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for the first six months was $69 million, compared to the first six months of 2020 Adjusted EBITDA of $134 million.
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Berry Global Group, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

The net sales growth is primarily attributed to increased selling prices of $533 million due to the pass through of inflation, organic volume growth of 5%, and a $147 million favorable impact from foreign currency changes. These increases were partially offset by prior quarter divestiture sales of $62 million. The organic volume growth was primarily due to organic growth investments and continued recovery of certain markets that had previously been facing COVID-19 headwinds. The operating income decrease is primarily attributed to a $42 million unfavorable impact from price cost spread, and a $12 million increase in selling, general, and administrative expense, partially offset by a $24 million increase from the organic volume growth, and a $23 million favorable impact from foreign currency.
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WestRock Reports Fiscal 2021 Third Quarter Results

Notable items in the third quarter include: *Record net sales of $4.8 billion increased 14% compared to the prior year quarter *Net income of $250 million increased 40% compared to $179 million in the prior year quarter *Record third quarter North American per day box shipments increased 9% compared to the prior year quarter *Successfully implementing published price increases across all major paper grades; pricing realization outpaced inflation in the quarter *Generated net cash provided by operating activities of $751 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $554 million compared to $740 million and $508 million, respectively, in the prior year quarter *Reduced total debt by $270 million
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Deluxe Reports Strong Second Quarter 2021 Results

Second Quarter 2021 Financial and Segment Highlights *Revenue was $67.8 million higher than the previous year. All four segments experienced year-over-year revenue growth. Not including the First American acquisition, which closed on June 1, 2021, revenue increased $40.5 million, or 9.9 percent year-over-year. *The Payments segment delivered revenue growth of 43.1 percent over the previous year, $27.3 million of which was from First American. *Net income of $12.1 million includes $15.9 million of costs related to the First American acquisition during the quarter. *Cash flow from operations for the first half of 2021 was $83.8 million and capital expenditures were $46.6 million. Free cash flow, defined as cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, was $37.2 million, a decrease of $45.4 million as compared to 2020, largely attributable to capital investments this year and costs related to the First American transaction.
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Cascades Reports Results for the Second Quarter of 2021

Q2 2021 Highlights (comparative figures have been restated to reflect discontinued operations2) *Sales of $956 million (compared with $942 million in Q1 2021 (+1%) and $1,020 million in Q2 2020 (-6%)) *As reported (including specific items) **Operating income of $23 million (compared with $44 million in Q1 2021 (-48%) and $64 million in Q2 2020 (-64%)) **Operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBD)1 of $87 million (compared with $109 million in Q1 2021 (-20%) and $127 million in Q2 2020 (-31%)) **Net earnings per share of $0.02 (compared with $0.22 in Q1 2021 and $0.57 in Q2 2020)
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Announces Strong Second Quarter 2021 Results

Highlights from the quarter include: *Raising 2021 billings guidance to $980-1,020 million and unlevered free cash flow guidance to 12-14% of billings *Strong billings growth across the Company of 25% in Q2 and 21% YTD as demand for teaching and learning solutions grows with students returning to classrooms this fall *Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR)2 growth accelerated 106% bringing ARR to $77 million, or 8% of trailing twelve-month billings. Net Retention Rate (NRR)2 was 154% *Trailing twelve-month free cash flow of $101 million, an improvement of $29 million compared to the first quarter of 2021, reflecting strong operating leverage and the benefits of 2020 actions to align HMH’s cost structure with its Digital First, Connected strategy *Gross leverage ratio of 1.8x, below HMH’s target leverage ratio of 2.0x adjusted EBITDA
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‘Grill Girl’ Magazine Launches, Augments Food Site (mediapost.com)

In a reversal of the usual flow of things, GrillGirl.com founder Robyn Lindars has started a print magazine. Grill Girl is available at retailers and grocery stores nationwide, including Barnes & Noble, CVS and Walmart. Lindars, who started offering outdoor grilling recipes in 2008, went into print to help “elevate everyone’s grilling game,” she states. Each issue will feature over 25 recipes and advice on how to pick the right grill, grill the perfect steak, cook an entire meal on the grill and plank grill pizzas.
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UPS Rate Change Information

Effective August 16, 2021, the Fuel Surcharge table for U.S. UPS Ground services will change. Details on these changes can be found here. The UPS Ground Fuel Surcharge will continue to be based on based on the National U.S. Average on Highway Diesel Fuel Price and adjusted weekly. Changes to U.S. UPS Ground Fuel Surcharge tables will also be reflected on our Fuel Surcharge webpage beginning August 12, 2021. details at: https://www.ups.com/us/en/shipping/surcharges/fuel-surcharges.page?
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Public Consultation: Regional forest certification system for the Balkans

Stakeholders from around the world are invited to give feedback on the regional forest certification system for the Balkans. Deadline for comments is 2 October. Give your feedback now! Our national members for Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Slovenia developed a harmonized framework for their national forest management standards to create this regional system for the Western Balkans. By developing a regional system, it enables our members to maximise their impact and reach, share resources and knowledge, and reduce the costs in developing and running a forest certification system. The system is now undergoing the PEFC assessment process, carried out by an independent PEFC Registered Assessor. It must pass this process and be approved by the PEFC General Assembly before it can achieve endorsement.
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Tradeprint Promotes Their Sustainable Business Practices Further By Joining Two Sides

The print and paper advocacy group, Two Sides, are excited to announce its newest member, a print partner for thousands of marketing, creative and print professionals, Tradeprint. “We understand what the customer needs from us, and we’ll do everything it takes to deliver. We know their reputation is on the line with each and every order, that’s why we produce only the highest quality print.” says Charlene Joss, Managing Director at Tradeprint. Charlene continues, “It’s not just the high quality of print we deliver to our customers, but also the benefit of knowing that we regularly evaluate ways to reduce the impact of our operations and products on the environment so that we are protecting it to the best of our abilities. By joining with Two Sides, we will further promote the sustainable qualities of our company and an industry that has a great sustainable record.”
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Graphic Packaging Holding Company Publishes 2020 ESG Report and Launches Enhanced ESG Website

Graphic Packaging Holding Company announced that it has published its 2020 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report and launched a new ESG website that is interactive and designed for real-time dissemination of information. In the most recent report, Graphic Packaging outlines the many initiatives underway at the Company to further drive sustainability across operations and innovation in product development with the end consumer in mind. "We continue to advance our ESG program while delivering innovative packaging in support of the move to a more circular economy," said President and CEO, Michael Doss. "Significant progress and positive developments across all facets of our operations and with our people were accomplished over the past year. Our Diversity & Inclusion strategy continues to drive robust conversation, and we have implemented new programs to ensure continual progress. Employees are engaged as we grow as a workforce and provide new learning and development opportunities. Our efforts to limit impacts of our operations on the environment are driving results. We achieved further progress towards our environmental goals in 2020."
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How Pregis’ Sharp Bagging Systems Speed Up Fulfillment

Last year, the e-commerce industry grew nearly three times more than in 2019 — and this record-breaking order volume remains strong in 2021. Since March 2020, fulfillment centers have continued to work past capacity, as consumers increase their expectations surrounding lightning-fast and damage-free home deliveries. In February, Digital Commerce 360 and Bizrate found that 68 percent of consumers would be more inclined to place an order if fast shipping was available. And it’s not just e-commerce companies affected by demand — retailers are bearing the brunt, too. The same survey reported that 26 percent of shoppers ordered online for same-day delivery from major brick-and-mortar stores, almost double the rate from August 2020. As fulfillment managers look at every possible solution to meet demand, automation solutions like Pregis’ Sharp bagging systems are taking center stage, thanks to their benefits in reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and sustainability.
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Neenah Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results Led by Organic Sales Growth and Accretive Acquisition

Consolidated net sales of $269.3 million in the second quarter of 2021 increased 67 percent compared with $161.4 million in the second quarter of 2020. The increase includes strong volume growth in both segments, including net sales from the Itasa acquisition of $33.2 million. The impact from lower net selling prices was mostly offset by favorable currency effects. Excluding the Itasa acquisition, net sales grew 4% from the first quarter of 2021. Operating loss of $32.6 million in the second quarter of 2021 decreased compared to operating loss of $58.5 million in 2020. The operating loss of $32.6 million in 2021 resulted primarily from non-routine charges of $51.9 million, including asset restructuring costs resulting from the Appleton Mill closure, loss on debt extinguishment, acquisition and integration costs, pension settlement losses and other restructuring items as detailed in the GAAP reconciliation table.
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Sappi returns to profitability in third financial quarter 2021

The quarter-on-quarter improvement in Group EBITDA and overall return to profit of US$18 million was driven by strong dissolving pulp (‘DP’) prices and an excellent performance from the packaging and specialities segment. These gains were partially offset by ongoing global logistical challenges which impacted export deliveries and costs in all three regions and lower margins in Europe due to significant input cost inflation. Higher selling prices facilitated a substantial increase in EBITDA for the DP segment and sentiment generally remained buoyant on the back of steadily improving retail demand in the apparel sector. The average Chinese market price for hardwood DP increased 19% on the prior quarter to US$1,088 per ton. The EBITDA in the packaging and specialities segment reached a new record high and contributed almost half of the group EBITDA. Sales volumes increased by 23% compared to the equivalent quarter in the prior year and validate the strategic actions taken to reduce exposure to graphic paper through diversification into this segment.
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RRD Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Organic net sales increased 11.4%. The Business Services segment was up 14.3% on a GAAP basis while the Marketing Solutions segment was up 10.3% both on a GAAP organic basis from the second quarter of 2020. The Business Services segment experienced growth in several of our strategic focus areas including Packaging, Labels and Supply Chain Management. Net sales in Marketing Solutions also experienced growth, led by higher volumes in Digital Print and Fulfillment and Direct Marketing, partially offset by last year’s Census project, which was completed in mid-2020. Income from operations was $28.2 million in the second quarter of 2021 compared to loss from operations of $19.0 million in the second quarter of 2020. The second quarter of 2021 included net restructuring, impairment and other charges of $9.7 million, a decrease of $18.7 million from the prior year period primarily due to lower consulting and employee termination costs.
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O-I Glass Reports Strong Second Quarter 2021 Results

Net sales approximated $1.7 billion in the second quarter of 2021 which represented a $242 million increase from the prior year period. Higher average selling prices contributed $27 million to net sales. Adjusted for divestitures, shipments in tons increased 18 percent as higher sales volumes and favorable mix boosted revenues $255 million. Net sales benefited $79 million from favorable foreign currency translation. Recent divestitures reduced net sales by $111 million and revenue from technical services declined $8 million reflecting lower engineering project activity. Segment operating profit was $232 million in the second quarter of 2021 compared to $99 million in the prior year period.
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Quad Reports Second Quarter and Year-to-Date 2021 Results

Results for the six months ended June 30, 2021, include: Net Sales — Net sales were $1.4 billion in the six months ended June 30, 2021, down 1% from the same period in 2020, primarily due to the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter, nearly offset by year-over-year increases in print, logistics and agency solutions sales in the second quarter. Net Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations — Net earnings from continuing operations were $45 million or $0.85 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in the six months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $69 million compared to the same period in 2020, which recorded a net loss of $24 million or $0.46 diluted loss per share. Net earnings were higher due to a $26 million decrease in restructuring, impairment, and transaction-related charges, a $24 million increase from gains on the sale of businesses, and a $14 million gain from the sale and leaseback of the Chalfont, Penn., production facility in the second quarter of 2021. These increases were partially offset by approximately $30 million in non-recurring temporary cost savings in 2020.
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Berry Global Unveils the United States’ First Comprehensive, Commercial-Scale Clean Room for Nine-Layer Blown Film Manufacturing

Berry Global Group, Inc. announced its new commercial-scale clean room for blown film, supporting its growing healthcare business in rigorous healthcare and pharmaceutical applications. The ISO 7 class clean room can produce nine-layer blown films. The new installation fully encloses commercial-scale production of Berry’s proprietary nine-layer blown film from extrusion to packaging, a first in the United States. The addition further enhances Berry’s ability to supply more sensitive applications such as sterile intravenous solution bags, pharmaceutical packaging, medical equipment manufacturing, and microchip packaging. Installed in Berry’s existing Dalton, Georgia, facility, the clean room provides a controlled environment, complete with FDA-approved lubricants and contact surfaces, and a 100 percent inspection system for real-time defect detection for quality assurance.
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The New York Times Company Reports 2021 Second-Quarter Results

Total revenues for the second quarter of 2021 increased 23.5 percent to $498.5 million from $403.8 million in the second quarter of 2020. Subscription revenues increased 15.7 percent to $339.2 million, advertising revenues increased 66.4 percent to $112.8 million and other revenues increased 8.7 percent to $46.5 million. Compared with the second quarter of 2019, total revenues increased 14.3 percent, as subscription revenues increased 25.4 percent, advertising revenues declined 6.6 percent and other revenues increased 3.3 percent. Total operating costs increased 12.4 percent in the second quarter of 2021 to $421.4 million compared with $374.9 million in the second quarter of 2020, while adjusted operating costs increased 15.4 percent to $405.6 million from $351.6 million in the second quarter of 2020. Compared with the second quarter of 2019, total operating costs increased 5.8 percent, while adjusted operating costs increased 6.5 percent.
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The ODP Corporation Announces Second Quarter 2021 Results

Total reported sales for the second quarter of 2021 were $2.3 billion, an increase of 6% compared to the second quarter of 2020. The year-over-year increase in revenue was partially driven by stronger business activity as the public sector returned to work and schools began to return to in-class learning. Product sales in the second quarter were up 6% relative to the prior year period, driven by stronger demand for core supply product categories, workspaces and technology. Service revenue in the first quarter was up 8%, largely related to stronger demand for managed print and fulfillment, as well as copy and print services in both BSD and Retail Divisions. The Company reported operating loss of $78 million in the second quarter of 2021, compared to operating loss of $456 million in the prior year period. GAAP operating results in the second quarter included $122 million of charges including $115 million of non-cash asset impairment charges, and $7 million in net merger, restructuring and other operating costs. Asset impairment charges of $115 million in the second quarter of 2021 included $114 million related to impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets at CompuCom, largely related to the macroeconomic effects of COVID-19 on current business conditions. Net merger, restructuring and other operating costs of $7 million were primarily associated with the planned separation of B2B operations. Net loss was $88 million, or $(1.62) per diluted share in the second quarter of 2021, compared to net loss of $439 million, or $(8.19) per diluted share in the second quarter of 2020.
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Proudly announcing HH Global’s full suite of ESG targets

At HH Global it is important to us that we ensure our organisation grows both responsibly and sustainably, therefore our Innovation with Purpose strategy continues to evolve. A key objective of this is to enhance and develop our holistic approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) activities. The ambitions of many organisations are yet to be distilled into targets in this area. HH Global is demonstrating genuine leadership by showing our clients, colleagues and suppliers the commitments we are making, relevant not only to our own operations but to the whole of our supply chain.
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Myanmar forest certification system submitted for endorsement

The Myanmar Forest Certification Scheme was submitted to PEFC for endorsement last month. The public consultation, which is your chance to give your feedback on this new system, will run from 16 August to 14 October. This is the first time the Myanmar Forest Certification Committee (MFCC), the PEFC national member for Myanmar, has applied for PEFC endorsement of the country’s national forest certification system. To provide you with additional information, we are holding a webinar on 16 August, at 10:00 CEST. The webinar is free to attend, and everyone is welcome. Register for the webinar at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsfuCurDgiE9W7O8dsRj12DlKdZb0Md7Tn
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Amcor to partner with Michigan State University to power innovation and talent in packaging sustainability

Amcor plans to invest over $10 million in MSU’s School of Packaging – the largest investment in the history of the university’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), under which the School of Packaging sits. The funding, which forms part of Amcor’s commitment to supporting the next generation of responsible packaging talent, will be used to help the school further its high academic standards and enable facility modernization upgrades that ensure students have access to state-of-the-art technology. The partnership between these two leading organizations will also support the creation of an Endowed Chair of Packaging Sustainability to drive forward further research and innovation in the topic. Ron Delia, Amcor CEO, said, “This is an important investment in the future of the packaging industry, which will be defined by responsible, sustainable packaging solutions. MSU already attracts the greatest talent in the industry and Amcor is committed to fostering the boldest thinkers as they make ground-breaking advancements in more sustainable packaging solutions.”
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Pregis announces key commercial leadership roles for its expanded blown film operations

David Timm, president of Pregis’ performance flexible operations, has established several pivotal roles focused on creating a whole new customer experience model. These include: Russ Joseph, vice president of sales; Beth Scherpenberg, vice president of sales operations; Chad Perre, vice president of technology, and Jonathan Quinn, director of market development and sustainable flexible packaging. In their respective positions, the team will be responsible for delivering operational excellence, gold standard customer service and performance-oriented, customer-driven solutions with sustainability at the forefront.
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Interfor Announces Production Impacts in British Columbia Due to Log Supply Constraints

Interfor Corporation announced that it is expecting production disruptions at its B.C. Interior sawmills during the third quarter of 2021 due to the ongoing impacts of wildfires and other factors on log supply. “The wildfires in the B.C. Interior and the related provincial state of emergency and governmentmandated curtailment of all forest harvesting activities are expected to have a significant impact on Interfor’s operations in the next several weeks or more. This is an active situation, and we are closely monitoring the implications for our operations. We are also doing what we can to help, working cooperatively with the provincial wildfire service and local communities to support the firefighting efforts. At this time there are over 230 Interfor staff and contractors and over 90 pieces of contractorowned heavy equipment dedicated to assisting the B.C. Wildfire Service in their efforts,” said Andrew Horahan, Senior Vice President of Western Operations at Interfor. Based on current information, Interfor is expecting to curtail a minimum of 50 million board feet of production across its B.C. Interior operations in August, with the possibility of further downtime in September and beyond, depending on evolving weather conditions.
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Mercer International Inc. receives bankruptcy court sales order approval to acquire a CLT facility

Mercer International Inc. is pleased to announce that it received approval from the applicable Bankruptcy Court for a sales Order approving the acquisition by its wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-of-the-art CLT manufacturing facility located at Spokane, Washington (the “Facility”) for a price of $50 million, subject to customary adjustments. The closing of the sale is scheduled to occur shortly. The Facility is located on 54 acres of land near Spokane and has an area of about 270,000 square feet; is equipped with state-of-the-art extensive automation technologies including one of the largest CLT presses in the world; has capacity of approximately: (a) 13 million sq. ft. of 5-ply panels annually or 140,000 cubic meters of annual production based on 5-day operations ; and (b) represents about 30% of the current North American mass timber manufacturing capacity.
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GP Packaging Expands Manufacturing Curbside Recyclable Paper Padded Mailers for E-Commerce

Georgia-Pacific is expanding its manufacturing footprint for curbside recyclable paper padded mailers to support growing demand for more sustainable shipping envelopes. The new locations in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, and McDonough, Georgia, will expand availability of the mailers in the Northeast and Southeast to customers including Amazon. GP is also adding a third production line at its first mailer manufacturing site that opened in the Phoenix area in 2020. Georgia-Pacific’s expertise in paper making and paper-based packaging, and support from its research and development team, have contributed to the company’s success in its first manufacturing location and served as drivers in the expansion plans.
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Sole Source Capital Acquires I.D. Images

Sole Source Capital LLC announced that it has acquired I.D. Images (“IDI”), a premier provider of product identification solutions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Established in 1995, IDI is a manufacturer of high-quality durable and graphic intensive labels that address a broad range of product identification needs for a variety of end markets and customers. The company offers custom and stock labels to distributors, value-added resellers, and label converters and printers. Headquartered in Brunswick, OH, the company has eight manufacturing and distribution locations across the United States.
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U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors Aug. 6 Meeting to be Conducted by Live Audio Webcast Only

Due to an anticipated large gathering of people during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, out of an abundance of caution for the safety and health of our employees and the public, the Aug. 6, 2021, open session meeting of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors will now be conducted by live audio webcast only, with no in-person attendance. With no in-person attendance, the Postal Service is cancelling the previously scheduled public comment period that was to have been conducted following the adjournment of the meeting. The Board is expected to discuss the following items at the Aug. 6 meeting beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET: *Call to Order and Opening Remarks of the Chairman *Remarks of the Postmaster General and CEO *Approval of Minutes *Committee Reports *Quarterly Financial Report *Quarterly Service Performance Report *Approval of Tentative Agenda for November Meetings *Adjournment
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RRD Responds to Recent Schedule 13D Filing by Chatham

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company issued the following statement regarding the Schedule 13D filed on July 28, 2021 by Chatham Asset Management, LLC with the Securities and Exchange Commission disclosing, among other things, its current holdings of common shares and debt of RRD. RRD is open to constructive input from any of its stockholders and has been engaged in frequent dialogue with Chatham for more than two years. In addition, the Company’s Board of Directors and management continue to work extensively with external advisors to review strategic opportunities, including monetizing assets to unlock the intrinsic value of RRD. Since July 31, 2020, RRD has successfully executed the following transactions to accelerate its debt and leverage reduction: *In November 2020, RRD completed the sales of its two remaining Logistics businesses for $238 million with the assistance of an external advisor. *In December 2020, RRD generated $96 million in proceeds from liquidating certain insurance policies. *RRD completed nine real estate sales yielding proceeds of $22 million.
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SEE Reports Q2 2021 Results

Second Quarter 2021 U.S. GAAP Summary: Net sales of $1.3 billion increased 15% as reported. Currency contributed $46 million, or approximately 4%, to net sales growth, as compared to second quarter 2020. Net earnings in second quarter 2021 were $109 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, as compared to net earnings of $100 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, in second quarter 2020. The effective tax rate in second quarter 2021 was 29.7%, as compared to 30.8% in second quarter 2020.
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Acquisition of Kotkamills successfully completed

The Mayr-Melnhof Group (MM) has completed the acquisition of Kotkamills, Finland, agreed in December 2020, with the approval of all relevant competition authorities. With the acquisition, MM strengthens its position on the virgin fiber board (FBB) market with an attractive range of barrier board solutions that can replace PE (polyethylene) -coated board. MM is also entering the growing market for cardboard for paper cups (cup stock). The acquisition complements MM's established market position in recycled cardboard. In addition, MM is diversifying its product range with Saturating Kraft Paper / Impregnation paper, in which Kotkamills is one of the world's leading producers. "MM Kotkamills will play a strong and dynamic role within MM as an innovator in cardboard for modern paper cups, the water-dispersion-based coating of which is already carried out on-line in the cardboard machine. Our medium-term goal is to bring the sales volume to a capacity of around 400,000 t of carton per year. We look forward to a successful collaboration with our new colleagues, "comments Peter Oswald, CEO of the MM Group.
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AF&PA Highlights Domtar Employees’ Sustainability Focus

The pulp and paper industry is invested in the health of our forests, and sustainability continues to be a high priority in the next decade. At Domtar, we’re proud of our commitment to the environment, and to see our colleagues be recognized for their sustainability focus. The American Forest and Paper Association, of which Domtar is a part, recently released five sustainability goals for the industry to meet by 2030: *Zero injuries *Resilient forests *Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions *Drive water stewardship *Advance a circular value chain. AF&PA also highlights sustainability work at individual companies and advocates for the industry on important issues, such as recycling, postal reform and consumer choice of paper communications.
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Mondi rolls out its range of sustainable corrugated packaging solutions for growing online grocery delivery services across Central Europe

Mondi is rolling out a comprehensive portfolio of corrugated packaging solutions for the online grocery market across Central Europe. Using its wealth of experience in eCommerce packaging, Mondi has created clever new solutions for the diverse needs of grocery retailers who can now deliver a variety of goods, from perishable food to wine bottles in fit-for-purpose packaging. All boxes in the eGrocery portfolio are fully recyclable and meet customers' requirements of sustainability, cost efficiency and product protection. Mondi’s latest eGrocery packaging solutions include: Pick&ShipBox – a one-pack solution for all channels. It adapts to multiple requirements and offers convenience features such as easy lifting and opening. PantryBox – for quick and easy filling and closing. It is strong, stackable, and suitable for carrier shipping or click & collect. RecipeBox – for doorstep delivery of fresh produce and groceries. It has an integrated lid and optional holes for better ventilation. EatsBox – for smaller local deliveries by bike or scooter. It is lightweight and offers a quick filling option. Click&LoadBox – for click & collect of mixed grocery orders. It has handles for loading into cars and carrying home. Click&EnjoyBox – for holiday, gift or seasonal promotion packs. It has compartments for tall products like bottles, with an easy handle carrier. Click&CarryBox – for heavier mixed orders, providing strength and stability. It has an integrated handle for easy carrying.
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S&P Global and IHS Markit Announce Agreement to Sell OPIS and Associated Businesses

S&P Global and IHS Markit announced an agreement to sell IHS Markit's Oil Price Information Services (OPIS); Coal, Metals and Mining; and PetroChem Wire businesses to News Corp in a cash transaction valued at approximately $1.150 billion. The sale is expected to be completed at the close of the merger between S&P Global and IHS Markit. The agreement marks the culmination of S&P Global and IHS Markit's previously announced decision to explore a divestiture of these businesses and represents an important milestone on the path to regulatory approval for the merger between S&P Global and IHS Markit.
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Grainger Reports Results For The Second Quarter 2021

Grainger reported results for the second quarter 2021 with sales of $3.2 billion, up 13.1% and up 15.0% on an organic, daily, constant currency basis compared to the second quarter 2020. Both the High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment segments produced strong top-line growth. Gross margin for the second quarter of 2021 was 35.0%, a 75 basis point decline over the prior year quarter driven by pandemic-related inventory adjustments recorded in the High-Touch Solutions N.A. segment. Reported operating earnings for the second quarter of 2021 of $334 million were up 62% versus the second quarter of 2020, primarily due to losses taken in the second quarter of 2020 related to the divested Fabory business.
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Pratt Industries announces $400 million investment in new 100% recycled paper mill

Pratt Industries announced it would invest $400 million in a new 100% recycled paper mill in Henderson, Kentucky. This represents the largest single investment by the company in its history and will create more than 320 full time jobs plus an additional 700 in the construction phase. “It will be the world’s most advanced, environmentally-friendly 100% recycled paper mill,” said company owner and executive chairman Anthony Pratt. “And it means Pratt Industries will have built 6 of the last 8 paper mills in the United States.” Construction on the 450,000 sq ft mill would begin next March with a startup date scheduled for Fall 2023.
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pladis Further Boosts Sustainability Credentials Through Sonoco’s Fully Recyclable EnviroCan™ with Paperboard End

pladis, the global snack company behind some of the UK’s most loved and iconic brands, has been on a mission to substantially reduce its environmental impact by updating the packaging of various products to more ecological alternatives. This is part of the company’s sustainability agenda, which reflects its commitment to making all its packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. Most recently, pladis has made steps forward to move toward more paper-based solutions – its Mini Cheddars and Cheeselets ranges now use Sonoco’s EnviroCanTM with paperboard end. Cracker Crisps and Mini Twiglets are also set to use EnviroCanTM later this year. “Sonoco’s EnviroCan™ with paperboard end meets the recycling requirements of the UK, which is great for our brand and the consumer, who can have peace of mind when disposing of the packaging in household waste recycling bins,” says Christopher Owen, Marketing Controller at pladis UK&I.
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Greif invests $10 million in Concord, North Carolina plant expansion

Greif, Inc. announced that it is expanding its CorrChoice – Concord sheet feeder operations. The company plans to acquire and install by the spring of 2022 an Engico Jumbo Flexo Folder Gluer from Haire Group that converts corrugated scored sheets into boxes. The three color, 188” machine offers flexibility with 66” and 99” die cut cylinders and will be the third jumbo press in Greif’s CorrChoice sheet feeder network. This investment enables Greif to continue its growth with new and existing strategic customers throughout the southeastern United States while enhancing customer service through diminished lead times. The expansion is also expected to create up to 30 new jobs in Cabarrus County where the CorrChoice – Concord sheet feeder is located
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Van Gilse kilo granulated sugar bags made from sugar beet paper

As from this summer, sugar beet pulp will be used to make Van Gilse kilo bags of granulated sugar. The kilo bags will be on sale in supermarkets. Sugar beet paper is a ground breaking innovation of Cosun Beet Company and paper manufacturer Crown Van Gelder. Step by step, the paper packaging will be introduced for other Van Gilse products. The sugar beet paper was extensively tested with paper manufacturer Crown Van Gelder before being taken into use. It is suitable for direct food contact and is strong, machine processable and easy to open and close. Sugar beet paper is made in part from beet pulp, a by-product of the sugar production process that is currently used as an animal feed and a source of green gas. By replacing 20% of the wood fibres in the paper, sugar beet fibres reduce the environmental impact by 16%.
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Domtar, Paper Excellence Merger Approved by Stockholders

Stockholders of Domtar Corporation approved a proposal to adopt a business combination with Paper Excellence B.V. whereby Karta Halten B.V., an affiliate of Paper Excellence, will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Domtar common stock for $55.50 per share in cash pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger dated May 10, 2021 (the “Merger”). More than 81 percent (81.93%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Domtar’s common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting of stockholders were voted in favor of the Merger. In addition, the non-binding compensation advisory proposal was also approved by a majority of the shares represented at the meeting.
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Canfor Reports Results for Second Quarter of 2021

Record quarterly reported operating income of $1.04 billion driven by unprecedented high lumber prices and a strong operating performance across all regions; record-high quarterly sales of $2.5 billion. Results in the pulp and paper segment largely reflected materially higher Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) pulp unit sales realizations, and to a lesser extent, an 8% increase in shipments following transportation disruptions experienced in the first quarter of 2021. These factors more than offset the impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and market-related fibre cost increases in the current quarter.
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Huhtamaki set to launch next generation tube laminates with ISCC certified renewable content in partnership with LyondellBasell, Plastuni Lisses and Groupe Rocher for use in cosmetics and food sectors

Huhtamaki, a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world, has achieved an important technology breakthrough in developing next generation sustainable tube laminates. Working in partnership with LyondellBasell, Plastuni Lisses (Groupe Somater) and Groupe Rocher, Huhtamaki is launching a tube laminate with more than 40% recycled content from renewable based plastics. The laminate is primarily suitable for product applications in the cosmetics, personal care, oral care, and food sectors. The new laminate makes a significant contribution to fully circular flexible packaging solutions for these sectors. Working across the value chain where every partner has its own responsibility, LyondellBasell as the resin supplier, Huhtamaki as the laminate manufacturer, Plastuni Lisses as the tube maker and the leading cosmetics, home care and apparel company Groupe Rocher as the brand owner, Huhtamaki has successfully developed its next generation of tube laminates. For this innovative project, Huhtamaki focused on facilitating the incorporation and use of recycled materials creating recyclable products which increase the circularity of laminated tubes. To this end, it used resins from LyondellBasell’s innovative CirculenRenew polymers that are produced with renewable feedstock from bio-based sources from waste and residues such as used cooking oil, using a mass balance approach. These are certified under the ISCC PLUS standard.
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Pearson Half Year Report

Underlying revenue up 17% to £1,597m · Global Online Learning up 25% driven by strong growth in US Virtual Schools; modest growth in OPM with good underlying growth offset by discontinued programs.· Global Assessment grew 34% with growth across all divisions, following the closure of test centres and schools and exam cancellations in 2020. · North American Courseware up 2%, driven by a recovery in Canada which more than offset a 2% decline in US Higher Education Courseware. · International grew 8% with growth in courseware, clinical assessment and PTE following school, bookstore and test centre closures last year. Statutory results · Sales increased 7% to £1,597m (2020: £1,492m) reflecting underlying performance, partially offset by portfolio changes and currency movements. · Statutory operating profit £9m in H1 2021 (H1 2020: £107m), with the decrease due to the profit on disposal of Penguin Random House in 2020 and restructuring costs in 2021 partially offset by improved trading and reduced intangible charges. · Statutory EPS 2.3p (H1 2020: 6.3p).
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S&P Global Revenue Increased 8% in the Second Quarter

S&P Global eported second quarter 2021 results with revenue of $2,106 million, an increase of 8% compared to the same period last year with every segment delivering revenue growth. Net income increased 1% to $798 million. Diluted earnings per share increased 1% to $3.30 primarily due to revenue growth partially offset by increased compensation-related expenses. Merger Update: S&P Global and IHS Markit continue to progress with merger integration planning. In addition, work with global regulators remains underway and we anticipate closing the transaction in the fourth quarter of 2021. Profit Margin: The Company's operating profit margin decreased 210 basis points to 54.8% primarily due to a challenging expense comparison to the second quarter of 2020 and increased compensation-related expenses, and costs related to the pending merger with IHS Markit in 2021.
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Latest USPS Report Shows Sustained Service Performance Improvements for First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail, Periodicals

Fourth-quarter service performance for July 1 through July 23 included: *First-Class Mail: Delivered 89.3 percent of First-Class Mail on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of nearly 2 percentage points from the third quarter. *Marketing Mail: Delivered 92.4 percent of Marketing Mail on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 1.4 percentage points from the third quarter. *Periodicals: Delivered 82.8 percent of Periodicals on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 3.6 percentage points from the third quarter.
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Amazon.com Announces Second Quarter Results

*Operating cash flow increased 16% to $59.3 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $51.2 billion for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2020. *Free cash flow decreased to $12.1 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $31.9 billion for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2020. *Net sales increased 27% to $113.1 billion in the second quarter, compared with $88.9 billion in second quarter 2020. Excluding the $2.5 billion favorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, net sales increased 24% compared with second quarter 2020. *Operating income increased to $7.7 billion in the second quarter, compared with $5.8 billion in second quarter 2020. *Net income increased to $7.8 billion in the second quarter, or $15.12 per diluted share, compared with $5.2 billion, or $10.30 per diluted share, in second quarter 2020.
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Reading Time Rose 21% in Second Half of 2020 (publishersweekly.com)

The theory among publishers that book sales rose last year because people were reading more has been borne out in part by a survey recently released by the U.S. Department of Labor. According to the American Time Use survey, reading among people 15 years old and up increased by 21% in the May-December period in 2020 over the same period in 2019. The data shows that reading of all kinds increased from just under 17 minutes per day in 2019 in the same timeframe to just over 20 minutes in the comparable period last year. The biggest increase in daily reading came among 20 to 34 year-olds and in readers over 65. People older than 75 spent by far the most time reading last year (and every year for that matter), reading an average of 55 minutes per day in the 2020 May-December period.
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Aptar Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Second Quarter 2021 Summary *Reported sales grew 16% driven by strong core sales growth and positive currency effects *Core sales (excluding currency effects) increased 10% mainly on double digit core growth in Beauty + Home and Food + Beverage, driven by increased demand for our innovative dispensing solutions along with price adjustments related to rising input costs *Reported earnings per share totaled $0.81 (an increase of 29% compared to the prior year) *Reported net income totaled $55 million for the second quarter (an increase of 32% compared to the prior year) and $139 million year-to-date (an increase of 43% compared to the prior year) *Cash flow from operations was $176 million in the first half of 2021 (a decrease of 23% compared to the prior year)
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Mercer International Inc. reports second quarter and first half 2021 results

Mercer International Inc. reported second quarter 2021 Operating EBITDA increased to $83.8 million from $40.5 million in the second quarter of 2020 and from $82.0 million in the first quarter of 2021. In the second quarter of 2021, net income was $21.4 million compared to a net loss of $8.4 million in the second quarter of 2020 and net income of $5.9 million in the first quarter of 2021. In the first half of 2021, Operating EBITDA increased by 70% to $165.8 million from $97.5 million in the same period of 2020. In the first half of 2021, net income was $27.3 million compared to a net loss of $11.8 million in the same period of 2020.
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Ahlstrom-Munksjö: January-June 2021 interim financial report published

Pro forma Q2/2021 compared with Q2/2020 (AhlstromMunksjö) • Net sales increased by 21.8% to EUR 757.3 million (621.5). At constant currency rates, net sales increased by 25% on higher volumes • Comparable EBITDA improved to EUR 95.8 million (74.0), representing 12.6% (11.9) of net sales, and was driven by significantly higher sales volumes and an improved product mix. Reported Q2/2021 • Reported operating result was EUR 32.6 million and included items affecting comparability and other items of EUR -18.2 million • Net result was EUR 5.7 million including net financial items of EUR -24.8 million and taxes of EUR -2.1 million
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Koehler Group Acquires Marienthaler

The Koehler Group has acquired 100% of the shares in Marienthaler Werbe-Offsetdruck GmbH & Co. KG. Since 2019 Koehler has been a majority shareholder in the company Marienthaler, which is based in Schleiden in the Eifel mountains, specializes in the production and distribution of coasters. Kai Furler, CEO of the Koehler Group, said: “In order to bring together the company’s expertise in the production of coasters, we have reached an agreement with the Uhlmann family to take over all of the shares in Marienthaler.” The Uhlmann family, which owned the company, has thus relinquished all its interests in the company. In July the Marienthaler site and company’s production plant in Schleiden have been seriously affected in recent days by the severe flooding that has taken place in the region. This is why customer orders from Marienthaler in Schleiden will be fulfilled by KATZ GmbH & Co. KG in Weisenbach, a comany of the Koehler Group. The aim is, to make the acquisition as smooth as possible for customers.
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Pactiv Evergreen to Exit Coated Groundwood Paper Business Following Years of Market Decline

Pactiv Evergreen announced that the Company has made the difficult decision to exit the coated groundwood paper business. As a result, the Company will permanently cease production of coated groundwood paper at its Pine Bluff, AR location. The Company will continue to strategically invest in the Pine Bluff mill, which will remain an essential facility in the Pactiv Evergreen operations network, serving the fiber-based beverage packaging market. Pactiv Evergreen will work directly with our coated groundwood customers to meet their product needs and support their transition to new suppliers until production ends in Q4. The Company expects to complete the closure by October 31, 2021, with shipments continuing until inventory is depleted.
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Catalog Critiques: Making Bad Good, and Good Better (jschmid.com)

At J.Schmid, we know catalogs. But we also know that in order to stay at the forefront of change and innovation you need to be a student of your craft. We’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and where unexpected opportunities may lie. This blog series will showcase our expertise, as we take an in-depth review of well known (and lesser known) brand catalogs, uncovering triumphs and explaining mistakes, because even the best catalog can always be better. I’ve chosen a catalog from a brand that I was unfamiliar with. This was the first time I’ve seen the ROKA catalog, so it gave me a chance to view it through a fresh, unbiased lens (pun intended). These guys sell glasses. But not just any glasses. They design and make performance eyewear for athletes. Interesting concept. I’ll point out three things ROKA is doing well in their catalog, and three things they might improve upon. Hopefully these observations will help you identify strengths or weaknesses in your own book. read more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/catalog-critiques-making-bad-good-and-good-better/
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Resolute Reports Preliminary Second Quarter 2021 Results

Resolute Forest Products Inc. reported net income of $268 million for the quarter ended June 30, compared to net income of $6 million in the same period in 2020. Sales were $1,140 million in the quarter, an increase of $528 million from the year-ago period. Excluding special items, the company reported net income of $300 million, or $3.74 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $22 million, or $0.25 per share, in the second quarter of 2020. The company reported operating income of $406 million in the second quarter, compared to operating income of $6 million in the second quarter of 2020. The improvement reflects higher selling prices ($500 million) in the wood products, pulp and paper segments, offset by the stronger Canadian dollar ($39 million), higher fiber costs ($27 million), and maintenance ($14 million). At $445 million, adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter was $408 million higher than the second quarter of 2020.
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International Paper Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

*Second quarter net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper of $432 million ($1.09 per diluted share), compared with $349 million ($0.88 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021 and $266 million ($0.67 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2020 *Second quarter cash provided by operations of $766 million and year-to-date of $1.3 billion compared with $1.5 billion year-to-date in the same period of 2020 *Ilim equity earnings of $101 million, bringing year-to-date to $150 million *Share repurchases of $57 million, bringing year-to-date to $186 million *Debt reduction of $796 million, bringing year-to-date to $904 million *Monetized remaining investment in Graphic Packaging for approximately $400 million
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Ad Industry Urges California To Retract ‘Global Privacy Control’ Mandate (mediapost.com)

The ad industry is urging California Attorney General Rob Bonta to withdraw a recent mandate that companies honor the “Global Privacy Control” -- a universal opt-out tool developed by privacy advocates. That mandate, which was announced earlier this month in a frequently-asked-questions response, “will cause confusion for consumers and businesses, rather than effectuating genuine user choices,” the Association of National Advertisers, Interactive Advertising Bureau, American Association of Advertising Agencies and other groups say in a letter sent Wednesday to Bonta. California's privacy law gives consumers the right to learn what personal information has been collected about them by companies, have that information deleted, and opt out of the sale of that data to third parties.
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SKG First Half 2021 Results

*Revenue growth of 11% *EBITDA of €781 million with an EBITDA margin of 16.7% *Corrugated growth of over 10% and over 9% versus 2020 and 2019 respectively *Accelerating investment plans to meet customer needs and capitalise on growth *Agreement to acquire 600,000 tonne recycled containerboard mill *Strong and progressive corrugated price recovery offsetting significant input cost increases *Interim dividend increased by 5% to 29.3 cent per share. Tony Smurfit, Group CEO, commented: “I am pleased to report a strong first half performance with revenue growth of 11%, EBITDA of €781 million and an EBITDA margin of 16.7%. Growth in corrugated was over 10% against the same period in 2020 and over 9% on 2019 and we continue to see strong demand for our core products.
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Ahlstrom-Munksjö and Via Separations partner with the U.S. Department of Energy to enable energy efficiency

The Ahlstrom-Munksjö Mosinee plant in Wisconsin is teaming up with Via Separations to pilot a cutting edge energy efficiency project. Together, they are validating Via Separations’ Black Liquor Concentration System, which is driven by an innovation in membrane material and system design. Black liquor is the byproduct from the kraft process when digesting pulpwood into paper pulp removing lignin and other extractives from the wood, to free the cellulose fibers and allow for the papermaking process to occur. The new system will reduce energy requirements for this process, increase mill throughput, and increase production of coproducts which are used as a heating source for the plant. “In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technology Validation program and Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Via Separations is proud to support this trial. We can reduce the resource requirement per unit of pulp produced by implementing a step change process intensification,” said Shreya Dave, CEO of Via Separations. "At commercial scale, the technology has the potential to provide a 64% decrease in energy demand in the evaporator process."
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ANDRITZ to supply high-speed tissue machine to ST Paper in Duluth, Minnesota, USA

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from ST Paper to supply a new tissue machine for its recently acquired site in Duluth, Minnesota, USA. Start-up is planned for the end of 2022. The ANDRITZ tissue machine of the type PrimeLineTM W 2000 has a design speed of 2,000 m/min and a working width of 5.65 m to produce a range of bath, napkin and towel grades. The order includes: *the approach flow equipment with double dilution capability for excellent fiber preparation *a fully cantilevered PrimePress XT Evo shoe press for gentle dewatering *a 16 ft. PrimeDry Steel Yankee with head insulation, steam and condensate systems, and high-performance Yankee hood and process air systems for energy-efficient drying *mist extraction and dust removal systems for safe operation and *a PrimeReel standard reel with turn-up equipment for excellent end product quality. ST Paper acquired Verso Corporation’s idled Duluth mill in May, with the intention to convert the mill’s production from specialty paper grades to tissue.
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BillerudKorsnäs aims to divest the Beetham mill

BillerudKorsnäs is in a process with the aim of divesting the paper mill in Beetham, UK. The process is ongoing and no binding agreement to divest the mill has yet been entered into. Since BillerudKorsnäs’ machine glazed (MG) paper business has primarily been focused in Skärblacka, the strategic importance of Beetham to the rest of the group has been reduced. Beetham produces kraft paper for packaging of medical equipment, food packaging and other types of industrial applications and has a capacity of around 45 000 tonnes per year. In 2020, the facility had sales of around SEK 480 million.
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Koehler Invests More than 91 Million Euros

Koehler Group publishes figures for 2020 financial year: Despite the worldwide impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fall of total sales for German paper industry, the Koehler Group managed to perform relatively well in its market and maintained its competitive edge and invested more than 91 Million Euros during 2020. In the 2020 financial year, Koehler Group’s revenue fell by 11.7% to 769 million euros. The operating result of 66 million euros is significantly lower than the previous year’s figure and therefore significantly below target. Koehler Paper saw its sales volume fall by 1.5%, with the decrease essentially due to the decline caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Koehler Group’s equity grew by 29 million to 590 million euros during the previous financial year. The equity ratio therefore equals 57.2%, with a decrease in the balance sheet total, and has clearly exceeded the long-term objective of more than 40%.
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Tronox Reports Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights: *Record revenue of $927 million increased 4 percent sequentially, driven primarily by 5 percent higher TiO2 average selling prices and 5 percent higher zircon average selling prices *Income from operations of $150 million; Net income of $77 million *TiO2 sales volumes increased 1 percent sequentially, driven by continued recovery led by North America and Europe *Zircon sales volumes continue to be very strong, but declined 5 percent sequentially from record first quarter levels as expected. Tronox achieved another record quarter of TiO2 volumes and key financial metrics including revenue, EPS, Adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow. Second quarter revenue increased 4 percent sequentially, primarily driven by higher TiO2 and zircon average selling prices. TiO2 sales volume grew 1 percent sequentially led by growth in North America and Europe.
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Metsä Board increases annual folding boxboard production capacity by 200,000 tonnes in Husum

Metsä Board invests EUR 210 million in increasing folding boxboard capacity at its Husum mill in Sweden. The company is responding to growing demand for sustainably produced packaging materials that support the circular economy. The investment strengthens Metsä Board's position as the leading producer of folding boxboard in Europe. Metsä Board has made an investment decision to increase the annual folding boxboard capacity by 200,000 tonnes at its Husum integrated mill in Sweden. At present, the annual folding boxboard capacity of the paperboard machine BM1 is 400,000 tonnes, and after the investment it will rise to 600,000 tonnes. Additional capacity will enter the market during 2024–2025. The investment value is approximately EUR 210 million, divided in 2021–2024 and mainly in 2022–2023.
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Avery Dennison Announces Second Quarter 2021 Results

Label and Graphic Materials - Reported sales increased 25% to $1.4 billion. Compared to prior year, sales were up 17% ex. currency (up 11% vs. 2019) and up 16% on an organic basis (up 11% vs. 2019). *Label and Packaging Materials sales were up approximately 12% from prior year on an organic basis, with strong growth in both the high value product categories and the base business. *Sales increased by approximately 49% organically in the combined Graphics and Reflective Solutions businesses. *On an organic basis, sales were up high-single digits in North America, up mid-teens in Western Europe, and up approximately 20% in emerging markets. Retail Branding and Information Solutions - Reported sales increased 80% to $529 million. Compared to prior year, sales were up 73% ex. currency (up 25% vs. 2019) and up 72% on an organic basis (up 14% vs. 2019), reflecting strong growth in both the high value categories and the base business. *Intelligent Labels was up approximately 65% organically. Industrial and Healthcare Materials - Reported sales increased 49% to $197 million. Compared to prior year, sales were up 39% ex. currency (up 11% vs. 2019) and up 33% on an organic basis (up 6% vs. 2019), reflecting an approximately 60% increase in industrial categories and a high-single digit decline in healthcare categories.
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Avery Dennison to Acquire Vestcom

Avery Dennison announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Vestcom, a privately held market-leading provider of pricing and branded labeling solutions at the shelf-edge for retailers and consumer packaged goods companies, for $1.45 billion in a cash transaction, subject to certain closing and post-closing adjustments. Vestcom uses data management capabilities to synthesize and streamline store-level data and deliver item-specific, price-integrated messaging at the shopper’s point of decision. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Vestcom is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, with roughly $400 million in annual revenue. The company has 11 U.S. production facilities and approximately 1,200 employees, with sales across multiple U.S. retail channels, including grocery, drug, and dollar. Vestcom’s solutions include stackz® pre-cut, pre-sorted self-adhering shelf labels; shelfStrips® shelf-edge planogram displays; adSigns® signage kits; and shelfAdz® branded marketing displays.
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Metsä Board’s comparable operating result in January–June 2021 was EUR 191 million

January–June 2021 (compared with 1–6/2020) • Sales were EUR 1,049.5 million (945.2). • Comparable operating result was EUR 191.3 million (94.2) or 18.2% (10.0) of sales. Operating result was EUR 185.6 million (100.3). • Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.42 (0.19), and earnings per share were EUR 0.41 (0.21). • Comparable return on capital employed was 19.3% (10.7). • Net cash flow from operations was EUR 150.7 mil-lion (152.3). METSÄ BOARD’S CEO MIKA JOUKIO: “The year 2021 has been very good for Metsä Board. Demand for our fresh fibre paperboards has been strong in all our products and in all our main markets. Sales prices have risen during the first half of the year and we see the same trend continuing in the third quarter. The order books for paperboards remain at an exceptionally high level, which also supports the outlook for the rest of the year.
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Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–June 2021 was EUR 416 million

JANUARY–JUNE 2021 (1–6/2020) *Sales were EUR 2,942 million (2,453). *Operating result was EUR 379 million (163). Comparable operating result was EUR 416 million (158). *Result before taxes was EUR 354 million (139). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 391 million (134). *Comparable return on capital employed was 15.0% (6.2). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 374 million (203). President and CEO Ilkka Hämälä: "The first half of 2021 turned out to be altogether excellent for Metsä Group. The growth in demand as well as the increase in prices in the pulp business and mechanical wood products, which began during the fourth quarter in 2020, continued throughout the period. The paperboard business also continued its strong performance and there, too, the already robust demand continued to improve, due to which price levels in different market areas also took an upward turn. Demand for consumer products in tissue paper was on a significantly lower level than in the previous year, and the intermittent easing of the pandemic did not yet figure greatly in the demand for professional products.
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Huhtamaki launches Push Tab® paper, an industry-first sustainable renewable paper-based blister solution, ideal for the global healthcare industry

Huhtamaki and Syntegon, the German processing and packaging technology provider, announce a breakthrough innovation for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Push Tab® paper, the first paper-based tablet packaging, is made from renewable FSC™ certified paper and is designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of regulated pharmaceutical packaging. It provides customers a more sustainable alternative to traditional push-through packaging made of thermoformed PVC and aluminium and also helps to reduce environmental impact throughout the value chain. Push Tab® paper tablet packaging has more than 75% paper-based material sourced from FSC™ certified suppliers in Europe. Combining it with advanced barrier coating technology, Huhtamaki successfully makes the sustainable paper packaging sealable without compromising the safety, functionality, or protective properties compared to traditional mono PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) blisters. A special mechanical treatment allows consumers to push the tablet through easily without damaging the product inside. The material is further processed and formed with Syntegon's unique paper shaping technology and machinery.
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Berry Global Surpasses Goal to Eliminate 100 Million Kilowatt Hours of Electricity, Reducing Carbon Emissions by 45,000 Metric Tons

Berry Global Group, Inc. announced the approval of projects that will help the Company achieve its new milestone goal to eliminate 100 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity from its operations. Berry surpassed its initial target to eliminate 1 million kWh from the Company’s operations in 2020 and is leveraging that success to reach its 100 million kWh goal. With an original deadline of September 2021, Berry is ahead of schedule in achieving these project approvals. Through the sharing of best practices, Berry team members collaborated across 324 energy saving projects to achieve record energy reduction. In addition, five million kWh were saved through improvements that did not require capital investment. These reductions in energy directly reduce Berry’s scope 1 and 2 emissions, which inherently reduce customer’s scope 3 emissions. The emissions saved from this remarkable reduction in energy is equal to the CO2 emissions to power over 8,500 homes for one year, charge 8.6 billion smartphones, and greenhouse gas emissions of 15,000 passenger vehicles for one year.1
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Silgan Announces Second Quarter Earnings

Net income for the first six months of 2021 was $167.8 million as compared to net income of $135.8 million for the first six months of 2020. Net sales for the first six months of 2021 increased $380.0 million, or 17.2 percent, to $2.59 billion as compared to $2.21 billion for the first six months of 2020. This increase was primarily a result of higher unit volumes in each of the Dispensing and Specialty Closures and Metal Container segments, the pass through of higher raw material costs, the impact of favorable foreign currency translation and a more favorable mix of products sold in the Dispensing and Specialty Closures and Custom Container segments, partially offset by lower volumes in the Custom Container segment and a higher percentage of smaller cans sold in the Metal Container segment.
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Smurfit Kappa agrees to acquire state of the art 600,000 tonne recycled containerboard mill

Smurfit Kappa Group plc agrees to acquire Verzuolo, a containerboard business in Northern Italy, for a cash consideration of €360 million. The Verzuolo mill owned by the Burgo Group, is situated close to the port of Savona in the northwest of Italy. The PM9 machine was newly constructed in 2002 and converted into a 600,000 tonne capacity recycled containerboard machine in 2019. Verzuolo is highly complementary to SKG’s existing business and is strategically positioned to serve both the Southern European region and other markets ensuring we continue to provide the best service to our corrugated customers. The acquisition will deliver significant synergistic benefits including technical and production optimisation, and increased containerboard integration within the Group. The cash consideration will be funded from the Group’s existing resources. It is expected that the acquisition will complete during the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approval.
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Graphic Packaging Holding Company Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Graphic Packaging Holding Company reported Net Income for second quarter 2021 of $38 million. This compares to second quarter 2020 Net Income of $52 million. Michael Doss, the Company's President and CEO said, "Strong demand continued across our markets in the second quarter as consumer preferences are driving conversions to our fiber-based packaging solutions. Increased consumer mobility and consumption outside of the home resulted in higher sales in our Foodservice markets up 22% year over year, while Food, Beverage and Consumer markets continued to show healthy growth of 4%. Our teams worked tirelessly to meet customer demand, and we swiftly implemented pricing actions to offset rising commodity input costs which impacted our results in the quarter. We expect to generate significantly higher Adjusted EBITDA in the second half of 2021 driven by price-cost recovery from the successful execution of approximately $400 million of implemented and recognized pricing actions, and continued momentum from organic sales growth and strong productivity. As we address the near-term inflationary headwinds, we remain unwavering in our commitment to introduce new and innovative packaging solutions across global markets supportive of the move to a more circular economy." Net Sales increased 8% to $1,737 million in the second quarter of 2021, compared to $1,611 million in the prior year period.
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Packaging Corporation Of America Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Packaging Corporation of America reported second quarter 2021 net income of $207 million, excluding special items. Second quarter net sales were $1.9 billion in 2021 and $1.5 billion in 2020. Commenting on reported results, Mark W. Kowlzan, Chairman and CEO, said, “Demand in our Packaging segment remained very strong. Our mills and plants continued to do an outstanding job of meeting our customers’ needs while managing through certain material and chemical availability issues, a tight labor market, various freight and logistics challenges, as well as the planned maintenance outages at four of our mills during the second quarter. The mills executed the planned outages extremely well and, with the help of the No. 3 machine at the Jackson Mill, provided our plants the necessary containerboard to achieve an all-time record for total box shipments. We were also able to build some much-needed inventory; however, our weeks-of-inventory supply was at a new low for this time of year ahead of an expected very busy second half. The sales groups in both the Packaging and Paper segments are doing a great job of implementing our previously announced price increases, and we continue to deliver on the numerous initiatives and capital projects to reduce costs and improve efficiencies across all of our mills and corrugated products plants. These efforts are extremely important as we continue to experience significant cost inflation across the Company as well as logistics challenges with both our inbound and outbound freight needs.”
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Lagardère First Half 2021 Results

In the first half of 2021, Group revenue totalled €2,076 million, up 5% on a like-for-like basis. Group recurring EBIT in the first half of the year totalled €3 million, up sharply by €221 million compared to a negative €218 million in first-half 2020. Lagardère Publishing recorded decade-high recurring EBIT of €110 million (€27 million in first-half 2020), with Lagardère Travel Retail reporting recurring EBIT of -€96 million, versus -€209 million in first-half 2020. The Group reported a loss before finance costs and tax of €117 million in first-half 2021 (loss of €397 million in first-half 2020), including non-recurring/non-operating items for a net negative amount of €61 million. The loss – Group share was €171 million, versus a loss – Group share of €422 million in first-half 2020.
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Go Inspire Group Prioritises Sustainability And Joins Two Sides

The print and paper advocacy group, Two Sides, are excited to announce its newest member, one of the UK’s leading printers, Go Inspire Group. Go Inspire Group is a Marketing performance company that invests in their people, practices, and the latest technology so they remain efficient and are able to progress their environmental journey. “At Go Inspire Group, we know that your marketing print is more than just a piece of paper. It represents your brand and is a powerful, persuasive and proven addition to any marketing strategy.” says Patrick Headley, CEO at Go Inspire.
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PRC Approves Postal Rate Increase for All Market Dominant Classes

As expected in our most recent postal update in June, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has approved the postal rate increase that was proposed by the USPS. The PRC spent about a month reviewing the USPS’s proposal before formally announcing its approval on Monday, July 19th. Per the PRC, it confirmed that the planned price adjustments for all market dominant classes, including workshare discounts, are consistent with applicable regulations and applicable Commission directives and orders. The PRC also concluded that the planned classification changes, with some minor revisions described in the PRC Order, are consistent with applicable law. The new postal rates will become effective August 29th, and our analysis of numerous postage estimates shows that postage increases for Marketing Mail to be averaging about 8.6% for Flats and 6.6% for Letters. Mailings with in-home dates up to September 13th will pay current postage rates, with postage being paid on August 27th. This postal rate increase is unprecedented, with the PRC sanctioning and approving the USPS to increase rates higher than the 12-month rolling consumer price index (CPI). In effect, these rates will be about 4 times higher than the current CPI and are contrary to the rate increase guidelines laid out in the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act.
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Modern Litho Announces the Acquisition of Kansas City Based Watkins Lithographic, Inc.

Modern Litho announces it will acquire the commercial printing division of Watkins Lithographic of North Kansas City, Missouri as of August 1, 2021. The acquisition increases production capacity and further enhances the company’s suite of services which include: digital and offset print, mailing, warehousing and fulfillment, and wide format services in the Kansas City and regional markets. “After the successful acquisition of James Printing in 2018, we knew we wanted to expand our Kansas City footprint. Watkins Lithographic is a great fit in terms of their customer base, employee group, equipment, and facility. We will continue to build on the Watkins Litho tradition of serving their clients well and will look to make investments that will enhance that experience,” commented Darrell Moore, President of Modern Litho.
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Euro-Graph Publishes European Graphic Papers Statistics for May 2021

Total European shipments of graphic papers in May 2021 were UP 27.3% vs. May 2020 and are down 2.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in May 2021 were UP 8.5% vs. May 2020 and are down 9.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in May 2021 were UP 17.0% vs. May 2020 and are down 2.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in May 2021 were UP 25.6% vs. May 2020 and are down 6.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in May 2021 were UP 13.5% vs. May 2020 and are UP 1.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in May 2021 were UP 49.8% vs. May 2020 and are down 2.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in May 2021 were UP 46.7% vs. May 2020 and are UP 5.7% year-to-date.
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Ahlstrom-Munksjö to restart existing saturator in its Turin plant in Italy to support demand for high performance filtration media globally

Ahlstrom-Munksjö will restart one of its saturator in its Turin plant in Italy to support strong demand for high performance filtration media. “Based on current strong customer demand, we see a need to expand our saturating capacity,” said Giuseppe Costa, VP Filtration EMEA and APAC. “We have evaluated various options and came to the conclusion that restarting the saturator we already have in place in Turin is the quickest and most reliable way to bring qualified capacity to the marketplace in a very short period,” he added. This decision follows a series of investments announced by the group in the last few years to strengthen the company’s industrial platform and support demand growth in the industrial and engine filtration industry globally.
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MIDLAND Launches New “Specialty Media” Catalog for Offset, Digital and Inkjet Sheet Products

MIDLAND has just launched a new and innovative Specialty Media catalog for offset, digital and inkjet sheet fed printers. The all-inclusive catalog merges major sheet fed print technologies into one unique publication. Offset, HP Indigo, Dry Toner and Inkjet substrates are all featured within one book. “The Specialty Media catalog is a one-stop shop product guide that gives our customers the opportunity to find the correct printable substrate without having to thumb through multiple catalogs,” comments David Field, General Manager of Midland’s Specialty Paper & Film Division. The new product guide features synthetic papers, rigid media, window and walls films, pressure sensitive papers, integrated substrates, magnetic media and specialty paper products. “These are all products that are of high value to our customers and their end users and are application driven” added Field. The catalog is segmented into the following categories: • Non-Adhesive Synthetic • Adhesive Synthetic • Adhesive Paper • Specialty Substrates. “Our customers are going to be blown away by this updated version of the Specialty Media Catalog”, said Mike Ratcliff, President of Midland’s Specialty Paper & Film Division. “This is more than just another catalog. It is a tool for our customers to use for their customers for all of their high value print projects – it gives them a window into what’s possible”.
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New Initiative to Educate Consumers About Paper and Sustainability

Sustainability is playing an increasingly larger role in the lives of young consumers, particularly among Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Generation Z (born 1997 and after). This trend is expected to continue as Gen Z consumers enter the workforce and start setting up their own households. As a result, the Paper and Packaging Board’s “How Life Unfolds” Campaign® is launching a new sustainability-focused effort to more appealing to young consumers. “As our consumer audience begins to age up, we need to keep reaching out to younger generations with important sustainability messaging,” explains Mary Anne Hansan, president of the Paper and Packaging Board. “They are worried about the environment, have heard stories about recycling not being worthwhile and have misperceptions about the health of U.S. forests. That’s why we’ve created a campaign set to reach a younger audience with content that is both entertaining and educational.” The new effort is based in part on findings from The Hartman Group’s “Sustainability 2019: Beyond Business as Usual” study of American consumers aged 18-73. Researchers found that sustainability is “a cultural value and defining concern for today’s consumer,” and that “consumers increasingly hold companies and governments responsible for sustainability than individuals,” even as they adjust their own behaviors to lessen their personal environmental footprint.
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Koehler Invests in ECBF

The Koehler group is investing in the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) with the aim of actively fostering the development of sustainable innovations and technologies. The ECBF is the first growth investment fund to be dedicated exclusively to projects in the field of the bioeconomy in Europe, including the accompanying circular economy. With a targeted fund size of EUR 250 million, the ECBF is set to become an important international financial instrument and to contribute to making Europe climate-neutral by 2050. The circular economy conserves natural resources, and is one of the prerequisites for reaching the EU’s climate objectives in order to become climate-neutral by 2050. The Koehler Group is currently working on a range of innovations with a focus on circular economy concepts. “When developing innovations, we not only make use of internal expertise, but also rely on collaborations and start-ups. Our involvement in the ECBF will hopefully help to ensure that targeted funding is provided for promising technological developments,” Dr. Karrer continues. This not only pertains to technologies for Koehler Paper, but also to a range of other activities and business models within the Koehler Group.
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CJK Group Expands the Sheridan Brand to Encompass All CJK Group Company Printing Facilities

CJK Group, Inc. has announced that it has rebranded three of its print facilities as Sheridan sites. Bang Printing is now Sheridan Minnesota, Hess Print Solutions is now Sheridan Ohio, and Webcrafters Inc. is now Sheridan Wisconsin. With this rebranding, Sheridan now maintains eight printing locations in the US; the existing five being Sheridan Michigan, Sheridan Grand Rapids, Sheridan Kentucky, Sheridan New Hampshire, and Sheridan Pennsylvania. CJK Group Inc. is also parent company to KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd., a full-scale content services organization with locations in the US, India, and the UK. Uniting all print facilities under one name and a centralized management structure affords all Sheridan print customers more flexibility, increased capacity, and a wide array of publishing services. The markets Sheridan serves include book, journal, magazine, catalog, and commercial print.
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Target and Ulta Beauty Announce Brands and First Locations Ahead of Highly Anticipated August Launch

Target Corporation and Ulta Beauty shared details about the highly anticipated Ulta Beauty at Target, slated to begin rolling out in more than 100 Target stores nationwide and online with more than 50 specially curated prestige brands this August. The differentiated retail concept pairs Ulta Beauty's industry authority with Target's beloved experience, bringing a one-of-a-kind beauty experience to millions of guests. The companies are planning for these experiential "shop-in-shops" to reach a total of 800 Target stores across the country in the coming years. "As the retail and beauty industries continue to evolve, we take pride in being leaders that continually redefine and elevate guest experiences. Ulta Beauty at Target reflects our commitment to drive the industry forward and keep our guests meaningfully engaged," said Kecia Steelman, chief operating officer, Ulta Beauty. "Our dynamic teams have worked together to create a disruptive, exciting way to discover prestige beauty with a thoughtfully curated assortment and knowledgeable, approachable experts to serve as beauty gurus."
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USPS Reports Ongoing Service Performance Improvements Across All Mail Categories

Fourth-quarter service performance for July 1 through July 16 included: *First-Class Mail: Delivered 89.3 percent of First-Class Mail on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of nearly 2 percentage points from the third quarter. *Marketing Mail: Delivered 92.0 percent of Marketing Mail on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 1 percentage point from the third quarter. *Periodicals: Delivered 83.0 percent of Periodicals on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of nearly 4 percentage points from the third quarter. The Postal Service’s continued improvement despite seasonal effects from the Independence Day federal holiday anticipated during for the period of July 10 to July 16.
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Print Book Sales Could Grow by 2% This Year—Or by 8% (publishersweekly.com)

Few people in the industry have been willing to venture a prediction on how the book business will finish 2021, but in a July 21 presentation on industry print unit sales through the first half of the year, NPD BookScan analyst Kristen McLean laid out three possible scenarios. All outcomes assume that the rapid gains in print unit sales the industry has posted so far this year will slow in the last six months of 2021. Indeed, McLean noted that, since the end of what she called an historic first quarter, the year-to-date growth rate has lost about one point per week; in other words, growth was up 29% at the close of the first quarter and ahead 18% at the end of the second quarter. At present, she said, sales appear to be steadily gliding back to a more normal performance.
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Regional forest certification system for the Balkans submitted for endorsement

The PEFC Balkan Forest Certification Scheme was submitted to PEFC for endorsement earlier this month. The public consultation, which is your chance to give your feedback on this new system, will run from 4 August to 2 October. Our national members for Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Slovenia developed a harmonized framework for their national forest management standards to create this regional system for the Western Balkans. This is the second regional system submitted for endorsement. It follows the Congo Basin regional system, which is currently under assessment. By developing a regional system, it enables our members to maximise their impact and reach, share resources and knowledge, and reduce the costs in developing and running a forest certification system.
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Bipartisan bill would help modernize nation’s truck fleet by repealing 12% excise tax on new tractor-trailers (trucking.org)

The American Trucking Associations praised the introduction of the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2021 by Senators Todd Young (R-Indiana) and Ben Cardin (D-Maryland). The bipartisan legislation would repeal the 12% federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks, which currently adds approximately $22,000 to the cost of a new tractor-trailer. “The federal excise tax on heavy trucks is a relic from the First World War that’s now serving to keep cleaner, safer trucks off of our nation’s roads today,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of American Trucking Associations. “By repealing this antiquated tax, Congress can deliver a win for the environment, highway safety, manufacturing jobs and supply-chain efficiency. We thank Senators Young and Cardin for their bipartisan leadership in advancing a common-sense solution to the benefit of American truckers and the motoring public.” Although technological advances have made the latest tractor-trailers cleaner and safer than ever before, the FET creates a disincentive for motor carriers to modernize their fleets by placing a punitive surcharge on investments in new equipment. As a result, the average age of a truck on the road today is nearly ten years old.
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Pregis names David Timm president of its blown film operations

Timm will be responsible for delivering operational excellence and growth of Pregis’ blown film and converting operations in the new Anderson, South Carolina facility, as well as the Grand Rapids, Michigan location. The company recently announced a $80 million investment in the new South Carolina operation which will be serving food, CPG, medical, and converter market segments with engineered, customer-focused flexible packaging solutions tailored to the dynamic needs of brand owners and suppliers. “We view growth in specialty films as one of our top strategic imperatives. As the leader of this business, Dave will be charged with delivering on our aggressive goals through organic business growth and strategic expansion. He will oversee the significant investments we’ve made in our operations and build out a center of excellence with the vision of being the first choice in the market. As we look to the future, Dave will reinforce the Pregis Purpose to ‘Protect, Preserve, Inspyre’ by innovating, providing manufacturing excellence and delivering flexible packaging solutions that are driven by our Pregis 2K30 sustainability plan,” said Kevin Baudhuin, president and CEO, Pregis.
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SCA Interim Report Q2 2021

Net sales amounted to SEK 8,982m (9,480). The lower sales level was related to the discontinued publication paper operations and the divestment of Wood Supply UK. Excluding these effects, net sales increased by 17%, driven by higher selling prices in all product areas. EBITDA improved 78% to SEK 3,619m (2,031). The increase was mainly attributable to higher selling prices in all product areas, but also to good production and a stable, low cost level. EBITDA margin was 40.3% (21.4). Operating profit increased to SEK 2,927m (1,228); Operating cash flow amounted to SEK 1,581m (614); Earnings per share increased to SEK 3.25 (1.34)
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Kimberly-Clark Announces Second Quarter 2021 Results

Sales of $4.7 billion in the second quarter of 2021 increased 2 percent versus the prior year. Organic sales decreased 3 percent as volumes declined 4 percent while the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales approximately 1 percent. In North America, organic sales decreased 11 percent in consumer products and 4 percent in K-C Professional. Second quarter operating profit was $613 million in 2021 and $925 million in 2020. Results were impacted by lower sales volumes and $345 million of higher input costs, driven by pulp, other materials and distribution costs. Other manufacturing costs were higher, including inefficiencies from lower production volumes. Results benefited from higher net selling prices, $115 million of cost savings from the company's FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program, $30 million of cost savings from the 2018 Global Restructuring Program and lower marketing, research and general expense.
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UPM Half-Year Financial Report 2021: Earnings improved rapidly, UPM is fit for future growth

Jussi Pesonen, President and CEO, comments on the Q2 results: “UPM delivered a very good second quarter, and rapid recovery of our earnings continued. In the exceptional economic environment, demand for UPM’s products was strong, and overall, our price increases more than offset rising input costs. At the same time, our transformative growth projects continued on schedule and on budget, and we are in an excellent position going forwards. Our Q2 sales increased by 15% to EUR 2,384 million, and comparable EBIT was up by 51% rising to EUR 307 million from the lockdown affected Q2 of last year. Operating cash flow increased to EUR 308 million. Net debt at the end of June was EUR 750 million, and our financial position remains strong with EUR 2.5 billion in cash funds and unused committed credit facilities. The most notable improvement was seen in UPM Biorefining, where pulp and sawn timber prices soared, and the business area made its best second quarter ever. Result was held back by the scheduled maintenance shutdown at the Fray Bentos pulp mill in Uruguay, and a shutdown due to a fire at the Lappeenranta biorefinery in Finland."
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Huhtamäki Oyj’s Half-yearly Report January 1–June 30, 2021: Strong comparable net sales growth with improved profitability

Q2 2021 in brief: *Net sales increased 10% to EUR 877 million (EUR 797 million) *Reported EBIT was EUR 75 million (EUR 70 million) *Reported EPS was EUR 0.50 (EUR 0.44) *Comparable net sales growth was 14% at Group level and 20% in emerging markets *The impact of currency movements was EUR -35 million on the Group’s net sales and EUR -4 million on EBIT. H1 2021 in brief: *Net sales increased 2% to EUR 1,679 million (EUR 1,642 million) *Reported EBIT was EUR 147 million (EUR 153 million) *Comparable net sales growth was 6% at Group level and 13% in emerging markets *The impact of currency movements was EUR -81 million on the Group’s net sales and EUR -8 million on EBIT
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AAP May 2021 StatShot Report: Publishing Industry Up 11.1% for May and 23.4% Year-to-Date

Total revenues across all categories for May 2021 were up 11.1% as compared to May 2020, coming in at $1.1 billion. Year to date revenues were up 23.4%, at $5.1 billion for the first five months of the year. Trade (Consumer Books) sales were up 7.9% in May, coming in at $685.2 million, and up 23.2% year to date, with $3.5 billion in revenue. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of May, in the Trade (Consumer Books) category, Hardback revenues were up 18.7%, coming in at $252.8 million; Paperbacks were up 14.5%, with $229.9 million in revenue; Mass Market was down 15.1% to $19.2 million; and Board Books were down 4.8%, with $9.0 million in revenue.
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Consumers Want The Right To Choose How They Receive Their Communications. Latest Study Reveals (twosides.info/UK)

There is a worrying trend from organisations who increasingly want to move their customer communications online, particularly bills and statements. Typically, this decision is made for cost reasons, but misleading claims about the environment are being used all too often instead. This is commonly referred to as Greenwashing. A study, conducted by the not-for-profit organisation Two Sides and independent research company Toluna, aims to understand changing consumer perceptions towards print and paper. The study found that consumers overwhelmingly want the right to choose how they receive their communications (digitally or printed) from organisations. 76% of UK consumers (74% EU) want this choice. Defaulting people online without a choice to save cost, will impact those most vulnerable and at risk in our communities. In the UK, 6.3% of all adults have never used the internet (Office of National Statistics, 2020). Often, it is the most vulnerable members of society that depend on traditional, postal, transactional mail. The move to an online only society risks leaving older people, the disabled, rural dwellers and those on low incomes disconnected.
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Sonoco Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Net sales for the second quarter of 2021 were $1.38 billion, up 11.0 percent from last year's second quarter sales of $1.25 billion. This growth was driven by an improvement in volume/mix, higher selling prices mostly implemented to offset inflation and a favorable impact from foreign exchange. GAAP net loss attributable to Sonoco in the second quarter of 2021 was $(334.1) million, or $(3.34) per diluted share, a decrease of $389.3 million, compared with income of $55.2 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, in 2020. Gross profit was $262.7 million in the second quarter of 2021 compared to $248.0 million in the same period in 2020. Quarterly gross profit as a percentage of sales declined 92 basis points year over year to 19.0 percent.
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A new simplified range of solvent-based inks and coatings for European Flexible Packaging converters

Flint Group Packaging Inks, one of the largest ink and coatings suppliers to the global print and packaging industry, has enhanced its solvent-based range of inks and coatings for European customers. The new ONECode range is designed simplify the flexible packaging printing process, reducing process waste and increasing ease in doing business. "Under the ONECode brand, we have built a new product hierarchy including six new brands," says Kim Melander, Vice President & General Manager for Packaging Inks Europe, "These ink systems, developed to unlock the complex landscape of flexible package printing, to connect, clarify, and bring transparency to the flexible packaging printing industry.” Mr. Melander continues, “Flint Group Packaging Inks’ ONECode range will guarantee printers and converters innovative, reliable, and sustainable ink solutions that deliver the highest performance possible from your most simple to your most demanding applications.”
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Scott® 24 Hour Sanitizing Wipes Wins the 2021 World of Wipes Innovation Award

Scott® 24 Hour Sanitizing Wipes – Kimberly-Clark Professional's pre-saturated wipes with a patented formulation – has been named the winner of the 2021 World of Wipes (WOW) Innovation Award at the WOW International Conference. A team of technical specialists from The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry ( INDA ) chose Scott® 24 over 23 submissions. The product was honored for its innovation across the entire wipes value chain. Scott® 24 Hour Sanitizing Wipes are registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for disinfecting against numerous strains of bacteria and viruses – including SARS-CoV-2[1]. These pre-saturated wipes quickly disinfect and maintain surface sanitization against bacteria for a full 24 hours, even after multiple touches.[2]
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Stora Enso delivers new low-carbon material for microwavable ready-meal trays

Trayforma by Stora Enso is a new wood fibre-based material composition designed for microwavable food tray packaging. The renewable material is free of PET, has a very low share of PP and a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional meal tray products. The material contains up to 95% wood fibres, making it widely recyclable in most existing carton packaging recycling schemes. Microwavable meals are typically packed in fossil-based PET trays as the material is safe for heating. Stora Enso’s Trayforma material replaces fossil-based plastics with renewable, light-weight paperboard that significantly lowers the carbon footprint of each tray. By changing to recyclable, low-carbon trays, brand owners and retailers selling microwave ready-meals can act on circular economy commitments.
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Midland Paper to Present Case Study at Inkjet Summit 2021

For the eighth consecutive year, Midland Paper is a co-sponsor for the Inkjet Summit 2021 to be held July 26 – 28, 2021 in Austin, Texas. The Inkjet Summit is an exclusive invitation-only, hosted event designed for senior managers and business executives who want to understand how inkjet technology trends, software, consumables and finishing solutions will impact their businesses and help them shape their strategies for the future. David Field, Midland Paper’s General Manager for Specialty Paper & Films, will present a ‘Case Study’ illustrating effective print media options across a multitude of different production inkjet platforms. “The production inkjet equipment market continues to expand with OEM press announcements unveiled at a rapid rate, including a whole new wave of sheet fed inkjet options. In addition, new OEM inkjet presses are being developed for web and sheet fed configurations which adds to the complexity for printers who are aiming to make an inkjet equipment investment decision.” “We offer consultative advice for printers who plan on entering the production inkjet market. Midland Paper is truly OEM and Paper agnostic when it comes to objective advice in todays’ evolving production inkjet market”, quotes Mike Ratcliff, President of Midland Paper’s Specialty Paper & Film Division.
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Stora Enso Q2/2021 – Strong Performance and Solid Growth Continue

• Sales increased by 22.6% to EUR 2 592 (2 114) million, due to higher deliveries and prices. Sales excluding Paper increased by 28.4%. • Operational EBIT increased to EUR 364 (178) million, due to higher prices and volumes, especially in Biomaterials, Wood Products, and Packaging Materials. Operational EBIT excluding Paper increased to EUR 413 (216) million. • Operational EBIT margin increased to 14.0% (8.4%). Excluding Paper, the operational EBIT margin was 19.1% (12.9% • The value of forest assets, including leased land and Stora Enso's share of Tornator, increased to EUR 7.4 (5.4) billion. The forest valuation method was changed in Q4/2020 to market based valuation in Sweden. • Strong cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 463 (363) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR 339 (239) million. • Net debt decreased by EUR 314 million to EUR 2 975 (3 289) million.
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Stora Enso and Tetra Pak join forces to triple the recycling capacity of beverage cartons in Poland

The two companies will partner to provide circular solutions to the market. The investment in a complete recycling solution is set to significantly improve recycling throughout Central and Eastern Europe. The partnership, that follows a comprehensive feasibility study, sees the introduction of a large-scale carton repulping line at Stora Enso’s Ostrołęka production unit in Poland. The line will triple the annual recycling capacity of used beverage cartons in Poland from 25 000 to 75 000 tonnes. This will allow recycling of the entire volume of beverage cartons sold in the country and the ones coming from neighbouring countries, including Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The total investment is EUR 29.1 million. Stora Enso will invest EUR 17 million into a new repulping line that will recover the carton fibers. Tetra Pak along with Plastigram will invest a total of EUR 12.1 million to build an additional line. It will recover and separately recycle the polymers and the aluminium, using a patented separation technology. Both lines will be operational in the beginning of 2023.
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Stora Enso’s pilot plant for producing lignin-based carbon materials for batteries is now operational

Stora Enso’s pilot facility for producing bio-based carbon materials from lignin has started operations. This follows the company’s EUR 10 million investment announced in 2019. Pilot production of Lignode® by Stora Enso, wood-based carbon for batteries, is currently being ramped up. Applications include electric vehicles and consumer electronics as well as large-scale energy storage systems. The global battery market is projected to grow tenfold over the next decade as battery producers seek more sustainable materials for the electrification of mobility. Since sustainability is becoming a top priority for the automotive industry, car manufacturers and battery producers are focusing heavily on reducing carbon emissions in electric cars. Today, fossil-based carbon is used in the anodes of rechargeable batteries. By converting lignin separated from wood into carbon-based anode materials, the synthetic and non-renewable graphite material can be replaced.
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Bloomsbury: AGM Trading Update, Year-on-year revenue growth of 28%

Bloomsbury experienced strong trading for the first four months of its financial year, with year-on-year sales growth of 28%, maintaining momentum from the prior year's outstanding performance. Consumer division revenues were 26% ahead of last year, with strong print and e-book sales. Adult revenues grew by 17% and Children's revenues by 32%. Bestsellers included Tom Kerridge's Outdoor Cooking, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Silver Flames and Lisa Taddeo's Animal. UK Consumer print sales growth was ahead of the market.* Non-Consumer division revenue was 31% higher than last year, with Academic and Professional growth of 35%, driven by continued strong demand for Bloomsbury Digital Resources, which was 41% ahead of last year. Special Interest revenue increased by 23%. In June, our revenue benefitted from the two most recent strategic acquisitions: Head of Zeus delivered £859k, within Consumer Adult, and Red Globe Press delivered £478k, within Non-Consumer Academic and Professional.
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PRC Issues Advisory Opinion on Postal Service Plan to Implement Service Standards Changes Associated with First-Class Mail and Periodicals

The Postal Service’s proposal appears to target mail that consistently fails to meet service performance goals and has the most opportunity for improvement. However, the Commission is concerned that the Postal Service did not conduct any operational or pilot testing of its proposed service standard changes. The Commission finds this lack of testing problematic as mail processing is complex and requires timely execution to provide reliable service performance. In addition, the Commission notes that the Postal Service’s estimated annual cost savings for the proposed service standard changes do not indicate much improvement, if any, to the Postal Service’s current financial condition. Rather, the estimated cost savings from extending the service standard would be eliminated by additional costs associated with the growth in packages. Therefore, it is not clear that the tradeoff between financial viability and maintaining high-quality service standards is reasonable. Likewise, the Postal Service concludes that any reduction in First-Class Mail and Periodical volume due to its proposal will be modest, but that conclusion is premised upon analysis of customer satisfaction and demand that relies on numerous unproven assumptions. The Commission encourages the Postal Service to consider the full recommendations outlined in its advisory opinion prior to implementing its plan. The Postal Service should: *Regularly update and publicly communicate realistic targets throughout its implementation *Ensure cost savings are realized but balanced with and not prioritized over maintaining high-quality service standards *Closely monitor the implementation of its plan to determine whether the new potential surface transportation network actually increases efficiency and capacity utilization *Monitor more closely customer satisfaction going forward, particularly for customer and mailer segments that the change may most impact *Be more transparent in the feedback it receives from stakeholders and keep its plan flexible to the needs of customers, stakeholders, and the general public *Not rely upon its filed econometric analysis to estimate the impact of the proposed service changes on volume
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Decreased 1.5% in June

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index decreased 1.5% in June after falling 1% in May. In June, the index equaled 111.6 (2015=100) compared with 113.3 in May. “Tonnage has definitely flattened out, on average, over the last six to nine months,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “The good news is that it remains slightly above 2020 levels. “Supply chain issues are likely putting some downward pressure on tonnage,” he said. “But it is also likely that tonnage isn’t growing as much as it could because of industry-specific supply constraints. This index is dominated by contract freight, and the for-hire truckload carriers have seen their tractor counts fall because they are having difficulty finding qualified drivers. It is difficult to move more tonnage with less equipment, which is why we are seeing strong volumes in the spot market as shippers scramble to get loads moved.”
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Pregis invests $80 million in new film extrusion facility in South Carolina

Pregis is announcing a $80 million investment in a new, state-of-the-art blown film extrusion facility in Anderson, South Carolina. Headed by industry veterans, the 168,000 square foot facility will feature multiple newly-installed lines that will be producing the latest engineered films to be used downstream to manufacture performance-oriented, packaging solutions for food, CPG and medical applications. The plant will also include a world-class film laboratory to develop and test materials. In keeping with Pregis’ previously announced 2K30 environmental goals, the Anderson facility will also feature the latest in energy-efficiency in manufacturing and other plant functions.
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Allen Press Announces Mark Kohlhase CEO

Allen Press announced today that Mark Kohlhase has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Kohlhase had been serving as the Interim CEO since January 2020. As CEO, Kohlhase will continue overseeing all aspects of the company and setting long-term strategic goals and objectives. “Providing excellent customer service has been and continues to be my primary focus,” Kohlhase said. “As CEO, I believe that a servant leadership approach and a laser-like focus on our customers’ well-being will help us create long-term stability for Allen Press.” Kohlhase will continue to focus on the core competencies of commercial printing and scholarly publishing services that are Allen Press mainstays.
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DS Smith announces sale of De Hoop paper mill in the Netherlands for €50 million

DS Smith has proposed sale of its De Hoop paper mill in the Netherlands to De Jong Packaging for a cash consideration of €50 million (c. £43 million). The mill produces c.370k tonnes of mainly heavier grades of recycled paper per annum. The sale supports our strategy to have a “short paper” position in Northern Europe where there is a greater amount of external paper capacity available to the Group and also further aligns our internal paper production with our priorities in light-weight fibre-based packaging solutions for FMCG and e-commerce customers.
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ANDRITZ introduces CircleToZero® – paving the way towards pulp production with zero emissions and zero waste

International technology Group ANDRITZ has launched CircleToZero®, a holistic program for the pulp-producing industry with the goal of providing strong support to customers in their efforts to achieve maximum, sustainable production, aiming at zero emissions and zero waste production. Pairing in-house innovations with ANDRITZ’s proven and state-of-the-art technologies, CircleToZero will enable the pulp-producing industry to either eliminate or make use of side streams in pulp production and convert by-products into new added-value products.
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BillerudKorsnäs Interim Report January–June 2021

Strong sales growth continued throughout the second quarter, driven by volume growth, product mix and higher prices. Sales volumes increased compared to the same period last year despite different timing in the maintenance schedule. Profitability continued to strengthen with excellent cash flow delivery in the second quarter. Halfway into 2021, we experienced strong demand and a good sales momentum for all our product segments. *Net sales grew by 6% to SEK 6 504 million (6 156) Excluding currency effects net sales grew by 9% *Adjusted EBITDA* increased by 14% to SEK 883 million (774) *Operating profit amounted to SEK 404 million (245) *Net profit was SEK 311 million (202) *Earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.50 (0.98)
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Canfor Announces Production Curtailment in Canada

Canfor Corporation is announcing the curtailment of approximately 115 million board feet of production capacity at its Canadian sawmills during the third quarter of 2021 due to the significant supply chain challenges and transportation backlog in Western Canada as a result of the extreme wildfire conditions. “The wildfires burning in Western Canada are significantly impacting the supply chain and our ability to transport product to market. As a result, we are implementing short-term production curtailments at our Canadian sawmills beginning July 26. We are developing site specific plans to minimize the impacts to our employees and contractors,” said Stephen Mackie, Executive Vice President, North American Operations, Canfor.
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Mondi and Unilever serve up aluminium-free paper-based packaging for Colman’s Meal Makers

Unilever, together with Mondi, have developed a new high barrier paper-based packaging material for Unilever’s Colman’s dry Meal Maker and Sauces range by reducing plastic, increasing paper content, and consequently ensuring recyclability in the existing UK paper waste stream. By replacing the previous unrecyclable multi-material laminate with recyclable paper packaging, Mondi supports Unilever in its sustainability targets. The aluminium, as well as all unnecessary plastic layers of the previous material, were eliminated. This resulted in a new packaging solution with paper content of 85% and an ultra-thin functional plastic layer that seals the packaging, and provides barrier protection for the food. Mondi and Unilever’s R&D teams identified this layer as the minimum acceptable protection needed to ensure a long shelf life while maintaining high quality and reducing food waste.
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Solenis Collaborates with Pulpex to Scale Eco-friendly, PET-free Paper Bottle

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, is joining forces with Pulpex Limited and its global consortium partners to collaborate on the ongoing evolution of the Pulpex eco-friendly paper bottle. Pulpex is a new world-leading sustainable packaging technology company established by venture management firm Pilot Lite and spirits producer Diageo. The company has developed the world’s first widely recyclable PET-free paper bottle made from sustainably sourced pulp. As a technology partner, Solenis will provide chemical solutions to optimize the PET-free paper bottle, including surface treatments to enhance its functional and visual properties. The Pulpex technology allows for embossing, debossing, labeling and direct printing with food-safe colored pigments and dyes to fit brand needs.
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May Bookstore Sales Jumped 130% (publisahersweekly.com)

Bookstore sales continued their strong rebound from the lows of spring 2020. According to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau, bookstore sales soared 130% in May over May 2020, rising to $632 million. Last April and May saw the weakest bookstore sales performances of 2020, with sales in May 2020 totaling just $275 million. Compared to May 2019, May sales this year were down 9.2%.
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Ukraine celebrates the endorsement of its national system

The Association National Voluntary Forest Certification System, our member for Ukraine, is the latest national forest certification system to achieve PEFC endorsement. “The date 19 June 2021 has become a holiday for our organisation, the day our system was endorsed by PEFC,” said Mariya Maha, the National Secretary for the Association National Voluntary Forest Certification System. “It was a long, two-year path, with a lot of a challenges, but also with a lot of a small wins and the greatest thing is that we have made plenty of strong connections with all stakeholders.” After developing the national system in line with PEFC requirements, the Association submitted the system to PEFC for endorsement in 2020. The national system then underwent the PEFC assessment process, carried out by an independent PEFC Registered Assessor, as well as a public consultation.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases June 2021 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 10 percent in June compared to June 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 16 percent in June compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased four percent when compared to May 2021. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in June increased 16 percent compared to last June while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to May 2021. UFS imports decreased five percent while exports increased 33 percent in May 2021. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased four percent compared to June 2020 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to May 2021. CFS imports decreased six percent while exports increased 58 percent in May 2021. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in June increased 41 percent compared to last June while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to May 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to May 2020, up 29 percent and 41 percent respectively. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased nine percent compared to June 2020 while the inventory level decreased five percent compared to May 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to May 2020, up 26 percent and 52 percent respectively.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases June 2021 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in June increased three percent compared to June 2020. They were up two percent when compared to the same six months of 2020. The operating rate was 90.2 percent, up 1.6 points from June 2020 and up 5.0 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of June decreased 17,000 short tons from the previous month and were down 9,000 short tons compared to June 2020.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases June 2021 Containerboard Monthly Report

Total containerboard production in June increased nine percent compared to June 2020. It was up five percent when compared to the same six months of 2020. June 2021 production of containerboard for export decreased 15 percent compared to the same month last year; it was down 25 percent year-to-date. The containerboard operating rate was 92.7 percent, up 1.4 points from June 2020 and up 1.4 points year-to-date. Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of June decreased 74,000 short tons from the previous month and were down 76,000 short tons compared to June 2020.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases June 2021 Boxboard Monthly Report

Total boxboard production in June remained essentially flat (-0.1 percent) compared to June 2020. It was also essentially flat (-0.2 percent) when compared to the same six months of 2020. The boxboard operating rate was 92.7 percent, down 1.0 points from June 2020 and essentially flat (+0.4 pts.) year-to-date. Solid Bleached Boxboard production in June decreased eight percent compared to June 2020. It was down four percent when compared to the same six months of 2020. Recycled Boxboard production in June increased five percent compared to June 2020. It was down one percent when compared to the same six months of 2020. Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum production in June increased five percent compared to June 2020. It was up six percent when compared to the same six months of 2020.
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ANDRITZ to supply upgrade to the world’s largest BCTMP system for P&W grades at Shandong Huatai Paper, China

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Shandong Huatai Paper Industry Shareholding to upgrade an existing BCTMP (bleached chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp) plant to become the world’s largest mechanical pulping line for P&W (Printing & Writing) paper production at the mill in Dongying, Shandong province, China. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2022. ANDRITZ will rebuild two existing high-consistency (HC) refiners as well as the existing screw presses, disc filters and screens, and supply new equipment for all other process steps. The upgrade project features the following technological highlights: *New MSD Impressafiner with the latest IIoT features for optimum wood chip maceration and chemical impregnation *New Side-Entry Plug Feeder (SEPF) feeding system for constant and efficient HC refiner feeding *Rebuild of the existing HC refiners, including the Hydraulic Commander, to enable fully autonomous monitoring and control *New DCS system as a future-oriented control system for the new fiberline
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USPS 4th Quarter Begins with Continued Service Performance Improvements

The U.S. Postal Service reported initial fourth-quarter service delivery performance data that showed continued improvement from the third quarter across all First-Class, Marketing and Periodical mail categories. Fourth quarter service performance for July 1 through July 9 included: *First-Class Mail: Delivered 90.6 percent of First-Class Mail on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of more than 3 percentage points from the third quarter. *Marketing Mail: Delivered 91.6 percent of Marketing Mail on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with third quarter performance. *Periodicals: Delivered 84.7 percent of Periodicals on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of more than 5 percentage points from the third quarter.
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Print Book Sales Fell Last Week, Ending Long Winning Streak (publishersweekly.com)

The streak is over. The long run of unit sales of print books posting weekly sales gains over the comparable week in 2020 came to an end last week, with units falling 1.3% compared to the week ending July 11, 2020, at outlets the report to NPD BookScan. The decline is the result of continued pressure on nonfiction sales, particularly adult nonfiction, the industry’s largest category. Print sales fell 10.2% compared to a year ago in adult nonfiction. Last year at this time, books on race and social justice spurred by the #blackoutbestsellerlist campaign continued to sell in large numbers, taking up six of the top ten slots at the time. And John Bolton’s The Room Where It Happened, which was #1 on the category bestseller list, sold nearly 57,000 copies in the comparable week last year.
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DS Smith planting more than 50,000 new trees across Europe and North America

We’re partnering with One Tree Planted to plant more than 50,000 new trees across Europe and North America over the next five years as part of our commitment to protecting biodiversity and supporting the natural environment. This partnership is a new addition to the existing forestry and tree planting activity across our company. We’re committed to protect forests and enhance biodiversity wherever we operate by 2025. Through the DS Smith Charitable Foundation, we agreed to fund a tree for each of our 29,000 employees this year. The first wave of 15,000 trees will be planted in forests in Western Jutland, Denmark and in the Nucsoara commune of Argeș County, Romania. The remaining 14,000 trees for this year have been earmarked for other planting initiatives in Europe and North America.
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Future Smart™ Duo fiber lids – fundamental for the ultimate take-away experience

Every barista knows that serving the perfect take-away coffee is not just about the coffee, but also about the entire customer experience. Packaging plays an essential role in delivering the best experience for consumers. “We have been observing take-away coffee aficionados and have focused on developing innovative sustainable packaging solutions to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of the ultimate experience. Whether your coffee is hot or cold, we have figured it out. Let me tell you how,” says Neal McCone, Category Director, Quick Service Restaurants and Specialty Coffee, Fiber and Foodservice Packaging at Huhtamaki.
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Sun Chemical Launches Two New Cosmetic Effect Pigments Based on Innovative Patent-Pending Process

Sun Chemical has launched two new color travel effect pigments, Reflecks™ MD Midnight Cherry and Reflecks™ MD Midnight Sapphire, to join its Reflecks™ MultiDimensions product family. These two blackened metallic-like effect pigments based on calcium sodium borosilicate, utilize innovative multilayer technology that delivers intense chroma, color travel, and sparkle. With a new patent-pending process, the absorption colorant is embedded within the coating, aiding in easier and faster formulation as well as benefitting the end customer by minimally staining the skin. Both new products utilize color travel. Reflecks™ MD Midnight Cherry shifts from red to green and Reflecks™ MD Midnight Sapphire shifts from blue to red. The intensity of the color travel is enhanced by the built-in background color using a cutting-edge process that embeds the absorption colorant into the coating layers. This process also aids in faster and easier formulation.
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ANDRITZ to supply equipment for power and recovery boiler conversions to Domtar

ANDRITZ Inc., a member of international technology Group ANDRITZ, has been selected by Domtar Corporation to provide equipment and technical services for conversion of a power boiler and a recovery boiler at their Kingsport paper mill, in Kingsport, TN, USA. As part of this state-of-the-art conversion, the Kingsport Mill needed to repurpose their steam generation equipment. ANDRITZ will convert an existing recovery boiler into a natural gas-fired power boiler with back-up fuel oil capability by supplying the main equipment, including low NOx burners and associated fuel and air systems. ANDRITZ will also provide equipment for the mill to modify an existing bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) power boiler so that it can accommodate a change in fuels from wood and sludge firing to corrugated cardboard (OCC) rejects, natural gas, and fuel oil firing. The scope of supply also includes boiler cleaning devices, pressure part upgrades, material handling equipment, air/flue gas system upgrades, and environmental equipment to enable the mill to meet the highest environmental standards.
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Norske Skog: Higher costs, significant price increases ahead

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the second quarter of 2021 was NOK 17 million, a decrease from NOK 112 million in the first quarter of 2021. The markets are still somewhat impacted by the Covid-19 imposed restrictions, but are expected to improve during the second half of the year as a result of substantial capacity closures and expected sales price increases. As announced earlier, Norske Skog’s board of directors made a EUR 250 million investment decision to convert one machine at the Golbey (France) industrial site from newsprint to recycled containerboard. This is the second major step of the two planned European conversion projects in the group’s strategy of establishing Norske Skog as a leading independent European producer of recycled containerboard. Cash flow from operations was NOK -190 million in the quarter compared to NOK 163 million in the previous quarter, mainly due to a combination of low sales prices and higher energy and recovered paper costs during the quarter. Operating earnings in the second quarter of 2021 were NOK -277 million compared to operating earnings in the first quarter of 2021 of NOK 204 million. The quarter was negatively affected by restructuring expenses, mainly related to the closure of the Tasman mill, amounting to NOK 160 million. Net loss in the quarter was NOK 355 million compared to a net profit of NOK 194 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 779 million at the end of the second quarter, with an equity ratio of 41 %.
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Liquibox and WestRock team up to deliver the ultimate e-commerce solution for liquids

With the rise of e-commerce, many brands are experiencing leakages, costly returns and brand reputation damage when trying to force traditional brick-and-mortar liquid packaging formats through the rigors of the online fulfilment supply chain. Liquibox and WestRock, two leaders in sustainable packaging, present a Ships In Own Container (SIOC) bag-in-box solution for Amazon that delights consumers, reduces waste and ensures products arrive undamaged. The combination of Liquibox's first-to-market recycle-ready Liquipure™ flexible packaging, its wide portfolio of dispensing taps and fitments and WestRock's high impact Meta® box designs, means the most optimal e-commerce liquid format is now within reach for beverage, liquid food and home care brands that want to grow in online retail. Through this partnership, customers have access to a turn-key solution to start selling online in no time that covers everything from packaging, service and testing needs to the filling and mandrel case forming equipment. Bag-in-box is one of the fastest growing segments in the liquid packaging market, expected to reach over 2 billion liters of global volume annually by the year 2024 (source: GlobalData).
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Domtar to Restart Paper Machine at Ashdown, Arkansas, Mill to Meet Customer Demand

Domtar Corporation announced it will restart a paper machine at its Ashdown, Arkansas, mill to add the capacity necessary for the company to meet increasing customer demand. After a period of time to ramp up production, the machine is expected to resume full operation in January 2022, allowing Domtar to add 185,000 tons of uncoated freesheet capacity to its manufacturing network. The strategic initiative will help the company maintain its leadership position in the North American uncoated freesheet paper market and deliver the service and quality its customers expect. The company estimates the restart will cost approximately $10 million. A portion of the increased paper capacity may be utilized to increase thermal coated paper capacity at Domtar's West Carrolton, Ohio, facility to meet improving demand for its thermal point of sale paper.
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Sustainable forest management and fossil substitution in key role to enable EU’s green growth

European Commission has yesterday, 14th of July, published an extensive set of proposals on climate and energy policies, framing the pathway to carbon neutrality by 2050. These proposals begin a lengthy process to agree on the details. UPM is committed to supporting EU’s climate goals and has committed to the UN’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C. “We are in a unique position to offer positive climate impact through sustainable forestry, emission reductions in operations and by providing climate-friendly alternatives for substituting fossil consumption. The proposal sets a clear signal for the need to reduce emissions and focus on zero-emission energy”, states Stefan Sundman, Vice President, Public Affairs, UPM. In recent years, UPM has strongly invested in innovations that provide renewable drop-in solutions to substitute fossils. For example, UPM has invested heavily in biorefineries that provide new sustainable alternatives in advanced biofuels and biochemicals.
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