ANDRITZ to complete and start up the folding boxboard production line at JSC Management Company of the Holding Belorusskie oboi, Dobrush, Belarus

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from JSC Management Company of the Holding Belorusskie oboi, Belarus, to complete and start up its production line for folding boxboard. Start-up is scheduled for 2021. The board machine is designed to produce 200,000 tons per year of folding boxboard, with basis weights ranging from 170 to 400 g/m2. The ANDRITZ scope of supply comprises equipment and engineering services for wood handling, chemi-mechanical pulping, stock preparation and approach flow, as well as the board machine including winder and roll handling, and the automation equipment.
Read More

Domtar Recognizes Diaper Need Awareness Week 2020

Domtar recognizes Diaper Need Awareness Week every year during the third week in September. This week draws attention to the issue of diaper poverty in the United States. Launched in 2012 by the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN), Diaper Need Awareness Week encourages real talk and simple actions to ensure that all parents and caregivers have access to clean diapers and other necessities so their babies can thrive. To mark this important initiative, the mayor of Delaware, Ohio, proclaimed the week of Sept. 21 as Diaper Need Awareness Week in the city. This proclamation is particularly special to us because our Personal Care facility that manufactures our baby diaper products is in Delaware, Ohio.
Read More

Euro-Graph Publishes Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in July 2020 were down 26.4% vs. July 2019 and are down 20.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in July 2020 were down 23.7% vs. July 2019 and are down 17.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in July 2020 were down 23.4% vs. July 2019 and are down 19.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in July 2020 were down 38.5% vs. July 2019 and are down 27.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in July 2020 were down 16.6% vs. July 2019 and are down 9.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in July 2020 were down 36.6% vs. July 2019 and are down 26.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in July 2020 were down 17.1% vs. July 2019 and are down 15.5% year-to-date.
Read More

Monadnock Announces Hemp Envi Performance Board

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, is pleased to announce the expansion of its alternative fiber offerings with Monadnock Hemp Envi™ Performance Board. Monadnock developed the tree-free bright white premium board with a continued focus on both performance and sustainability. Recyclable Hemp Envi Performance Board is crafted in the United States, Forest Stewardship Council Certified (FSC® C018866), and composed of 30 percent hemp fiber and 70 percent post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber. “Hemp is an exceptionally strong agricultural fiber that has been used in papermaking for centuries, so who better than our 200-year old company to reimagine its use for the needs of 21st-century brands,” said Julie Brannen, Director, Sustainability Solutions, Monadnock.
Read More

Mondi and BIOhof replace plastic wrapping with fully corrugated solution for fresh produce

Mondi, a leading global packaging and paper manufacturer, has collaborated with BIOhof Kirchweidach, an organic farm in Bavaria, to design a sustainable packaging solution for 500g packs of tomatoes on the vine to be distributed to PENNY supermarkets, owned by major German retailer REWE Group. Coral Tray fulfils BIOhof’s objective of replacing its previous packaging, which used 2.5 g of plastic film per pack, with a recyclable and plastic-free solution, supporting REWE Group’s sustainability goals. It’s called ‘Coral Tray’ because of its resemblance to undersea coral and contribution to reducing plastic waste, potentially helping to protect marine life. This innovative new packaging is fully recyclable and made of renewable material and recycled corrugated board, which has an average recycling rate of over 80% in Europe.
Read More

Lamitech Receives A “Superior” Food Safe AIB Certification 7 Years In A Row

We are proud to announce that our production facility has passed its annual food safety inspection and audit performed by the American Institute of Baking (AIB) International. We received a Superior rating (955 out of 1000 points). This certificate of achievement signifies that Lamitech produces clean, safe paperboard products qualified for sanitary use in the food industry. As part of the review process, Lamitech was asked to demonstrate performance in the areas of operational methods and personnel practices, sanitation program and procedures, integrated pest control, overall maintenance and thoroughness of documentation to validate on-going activities. Lamitech’s food safe packaging includes Cake Boards, SBS, Polyguard and Sammyboard fish boards.
Read More

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy Remarks to National Association of Secretaries of State (as prepared for delivery)

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy delivered the following remarks today to the National Association of Secretaries of State in a conference call regarding ongoing election preparations: “Good afternoon, everyone. Thanks for the opportunity to join you today. We are less than seven weeks from Election Day. The Postal Service is ready and committed to handle whatever volume of election mail it receives. Our number one priority is to deliver election mail on-time and within the Postal Service’s well-established standards. Let me underscore that the Postal Service has more than enough capacity, including collection boxes and processing equipment, to handle all election mail this year, which is predicted to amount to less than 2% of total mail volume from mid-September to Election Day. In terms of the recent mailer, as you know the intent of our nationwide mailer was to craft one common message to encourage voters to inform themselves on how to vote by mail effectively, and to avoid providing guidance on state-specific rules and regulations. The concern that some of you have voiced about the mailer underscores why we set out to create one message and not state-specific guidance. I should note, several of you have also voiced appreciation about our educational effort to the public."
Read More

American Forest & Paper Association Releases August 2020 Boxboard Monthly Report

Total boxboard production in August decreased eight percent compared to August 2019. It was down three percent when compared to the same eight months of 2019. The boxboard operating rate was 90.4 percent, down 3.6 points from August 2019 and essentially flat (-0.4 pts.) year-to-date. Solid Bleached Boxboard production in August decreased 13 percent compared to August 2019. It was down six percent when compared to the same eight months of 2019. Recycled Boxboard production in August decreased six percent compared to August 2019. It was down two percent when compared to the same eight months of 2019. Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum production in August decreased two percent compared to August 2019. It was down one percent when compared to the same eight months of 2019.
Read More

Tony Mollica Named CEO of Twin Rivers

We are pleased to announce that 30-year paper and packaging veteran Tony Mollica joined Twin Rivers as our new Chief Executive Officer. He brings to the company a unique blend of sales, operations, and leadership experience that will accelerate our strategic transformation to becoming the market-leading manufacturer of specialty packaging, technical, label, and publishing papers. Tony replaces Tim Lowe, who will return to his role on the Board of Directors after acting as Interim CEO.
Read More

Lego is replacing its clear plastic bags with recyclable paper (fastcompany.com)

If you buy a Lego set today, the toy bricks come packed in tiny numbered plastic bags. Every year, the toy manufacturer uses hundreds of millions of those bags. But the company is starting to phase out single-use plastic, with the goal of making its packaging sustainable by 2025—and those bags are a big part of it. Next year, it will begin rolling out an alternative, with bricks packed in Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper instead. “We want to ensure recycling our bags is as easy as possible for builders,” says Tim Brooks, vice president of environmental responsibility at the Lego Group. “Plastic recycling facilities are not very common and differ from country to country, which is why we chose to make the bags out of recyclable paper.” The company tested new packaging options extensively, searching for something that would be sustainable but also strong enough to hold Lego bricks, easy to pack in boxes, and something that children liked to use. “We tested about 15 different prototypes with hundreds of children and parents but explored many more, including those made from recycled plastic and even paper made from stone,” Brooks says.
Read More

Adobe Reports Record Revenue

Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2020 Financial Highlights: *Adobe achieved record quarterly revenue of $3.23 billion in its third quarter of fiscal year 2020, which represents 14 percent year-over-year growth. Diluted earnings per share was $1.97 on a GAAP basis, representing 22 percent year-over-year growth, and $2.57 on a non-GAAP basis, representing 25 percent year-over-year growth. *Digital Media segment revenue was $2.34 billion, which represents 19 percent year-over-year growth. Creative revenue grew to $1.96 billion, representing 19 percent year-over-year growth. Document Cloud revenue was $375 million, representing 22 percent year-over-year growth. *Digital Media Annualized Recurring Revenue (“ARR”) increased $458 million quarter-over-quarter to $9.63 billion exiting the quarter, representing 24 percent year-over-year growth on a constant-currency basis. Creative ARR grew to $8.29 billion, and Document Cloud ARR grew to $1.34 billion. *Digital Experience segment revenue was $838 million. Digital Experience subscription revenue was $729 million, representing 7 percent year-over-year growth. Digital Experience subscription revenue, excluding Advertising Cloud revenue, grew 14 percent year-over-year. *GAAP operating income in the third quarter was $1.07 billion, and non-GAAP operating income was $1.40 billion. GAAP net income was $955 million, and non-GAAP net income was $1.25 billion.
Read More

Octane Acquires ​the​ Motorcycle Group from Bonnier Corp.

Octane,​ a Fintech company founded in 2014 to better serve the lending needs of the powersports market, today announced it has acquired the digital assets of ​Cycle World, Motorcyclist, Dirt Rider, Motorcycle Cruiser, UTV Driver, ATV Rider, ​and​ Cycle Volta ​from Bonnier Corp. “We are acquiring these titles because we want to support brands that get people excited about powersports,” said Jason Guss, CEO of Octane. “Our goal for this acquisition is to ensure that unbiased product reviews, rigorous and objective testing, and informed storytelling​ will continue to be available to powersports enthusiasts. When combined with Octane’s financing platform and dealership partners, consumers will soon be able to go directly from researching their dream vehicle to owning it, in a fast, seamless process.”
Read More

News Corp Announces Plan to Shift New York Printing

News Corp announced today that it plans to shift the printing of several of its publications in New York to a different facility in the city, a move which will help cut costs and secure production of print editions of The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s and the New York Post for years to come. Under the change, the publications would be printed at The New York Times’ College Point plant in Queens. This plan would result in the closure of the company’s Bronx Print Plant, where the publications are currently printed. Financial details of the arrangement were not released. The company has notified the leadership of the unions representing the employees at the Bronx Print Plant about the plan, and is entering into a period of negotiation with the unions. While the process is underway, the publications will continue to be produced at the Bronx plant.
Read More

Consumers making a fashion statement when it comes to sustainability

A new survey conducted by global packaging leader Smurfit Kappa has revealed that consumers are making a statement by demanding more sustainable packaging from brands before making online fashion purchases. The survey, which was conducted with consumers across four European countries, found 41% of online fashion shoppers have become more eco-conscious when buying the latest fashion online since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The research, which surveyed consumers in Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands and the UK, found nearly half of consumers purchase fashion items online once a month or more, reflecting its increasing popularity among both female (44%) and male (43%) shoppers. The research found: >23% of fashion consumers have researched a brand online to assess its level of sustainability >35% of fashion consumers stated they would not make an online purchase from a fashion company if they discovered its packaging wasn't eco-friendly >23% of those surveyed have re-purchased from a fashion brand based on its sustainability credentials
Read More

American Forest & Paper Association Releases August 2020 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 24 percent in August compared to August 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24 percent in August compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.3 percent) when compared to July 2020. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in August decreased 22 percent compared to last August while the inventory level increased one percent compared to July 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 20 percent and 51 percent respectively. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 19 percent compared to August 2019 while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to July 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 38 percent and 23 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in August decreased 37 percent compared to last August while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.4 percent) compared to July 2020. CM imports decreased 40 percent while exports increased 30 percent in July 2020. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 51 percent compared to August 2019 while the inventory level increased two percent compared to July 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 34 percent and 28 percent respectively.
Read More

American Forest & Paper Association Releases August 2020 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in August increased one percent compared to August 2019. They were up three percent when compared to the same eight months of 2019. The operating rate was 85.2 percent, down 2.7 points from August 2019 and down 1.0 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of August increased 4,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 12,000 short tons compared to August 2019.
Read More

American Forest & Paper Association Releases August 2020 Containerboard Monthly Report

Total containerboard production in August remained essentially flat (+0.4 percent) compared to August 2019. It was up four percent when compared to the same eight months of 2019. August 2020 production of containerboard for export decreased nine percent compared to the same month last year; it was up 23 percent year-to-date. The containerboard operating rate was 92.1 percent, essentially flat (-0.4 pts.) from August 2019 and up 2.7 points year-to-date. Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of August increased 35,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 68,000 short tons compared to August 2019.
Read More

Ahlstrom-Munksjö launches FortiCell® LAB, a new product portfolio specifically designed for the Lead Acid Battery Industry

Ahlstrom-Munksjö advances further into the energy storage market and launches Ahlstrom-Munksjö Forticell® LAB, its new portfolio of fiber-based solutions for Lead Acid Battery applications. Today, lead acid batteries are the most cost effective energy storage devices. Storing electricity from renewable energy resources, providing back up for data centers, supporting supply chain management , enabling vehicle start-stop systems and supporting electrical car charging stations. Fiber-based materials are widely used in energy storage devices and due to Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s extensive expertise in cellulose, microglass and specialty nonwoven materials, the company is developing a complete range of solutions for its customers.
Read More

Two GP Recycled Paper Mills Open Opportunities for Paper Cup Recycling

Georgia-Pacific announced today that it is now accepting mixed paper bales that contain single-use polyethylene (PE)-coated paper cups at its recycled paper mills in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Muskogee, Oklahoma. The development follows two years of partnership with the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) and collaboration with the NextGen Consortium, a global initiative led by Closed Loop Partners with founding partners Starbucks and McDonald’s, to help open opportunities for paper cup recycling. PE coatings, along with any remaining liquid and food left behind from use, have historically left single-use paper cups out of the recovery and recycling process. GP, though, has proven through its extensive re-pulping trials that the Green Bay and Muskogee mills can effectively recapture valuable cup fiber from paper cups while screening out PE-coatings and reuse the fiber to make toilet tissue, napkins and paper towels. “As single-use paper cups have grown in popularity in recent years so, too, has paper cup waste. As a leading manufacturer of paper foodservice products, we continually look for ways to consume fewer resources as part of our longer-term strategy to identify solutions that benefit society. Accepting mixed paper bales containing PE-coated cups at our Green Bay and Muskogee mills is a significant step in this direction,” said John Mulcahy, vice president of sustainability for Georgia-Pacific, which manufactures the Dixie® brand of paper cups.
Read More

Holmen mills receives the highest sustainability rating

Holmen's paperboard and paper mills have been awarded the highest possible rating by the international assessment company Ecovadis. The paperboard mills in Iggesund and Workington as well as the paper mills Braviken and Hallsta have all been awarded Ecovadis Platinum, which means that all Holmen's mills belong to the absolute top tier of all assessed companies. Ecovadis assesses companies on the basis of their performance in four themes: environment, labour & human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. With more than 65,000 assessments in over 200 sectors and 160 countries, Ecovadis is a guide for companies' choice of suppliers.
Read More

Sappi’s Spectro® Paperboard Line Certified for HP Indigo Presses

Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and dissolving pulp, today announced that its Spectro® paperboard line has been certified as compatible with all HP Indigo Digital Offset Color™ presses. As part of the certification process, the company added new Digital substrates to its C1S and C2S lines to further expand its offerings for custom, short-run packaging and commercial printing applications. The new Spectro Digital for HP Indigo C1S and C2S products obtained the highest three-star rating based on runnability, adhesion and blanket compatibility from the Rochester Institute of Technology's Printing Applications Lab as a part of the HP Indigo Media Certification Program. Each product exhibited a high percentage of ink adhesion and exhibited excellent runnability with a high level of blanket cleanliness during normal testing intervals. The adhesion levels for all calipers and sides of the board, both coated and uncoated, exhibited side-to-side consistency and tested at photo recommended levels.
Read More

Sappi joins 560 companies with combined revenue of US$4 trillion in urging governments to adopt policies now to reverse nature loss in this decade

Sappi has joined businesses around the world in calling for ambitious, collective action for nature. Covid-19 is causing societies, businesses and governments around the world to focus on ways to emerge more economically resilient from the crisis. With nature at a tipping point – nearly one million species are at risk because of human activity – we also need to focus on how to reverse nature loss. With this in mind, Sappi Limited has signed up to Business for Nature’s Call to Action, a global coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and business groups including the International Chamber of Commerce, WWF, We Mean Business, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Read More

Safe and sustainable. How our paper is meeting the challenges of the global food industry

Understandably, to our customers in the food industry, product safety standards are especially important. Which is why establishing a clear commitment to this aspect and developing a thriving product safety culture across our network is key to our continued success – and our customers’ success too. Increasingly customers expect paper that isn’t just safe - but sustainable as well. However, there is a common misconception that recycled paper is unsuitable for food packaging because it has already been used and had prior contact with other substances. All the sustainable paper products marketed and sold to the food industry are safe for food contact. If the quality of the Paper for Recycling (PfR) meets EN643 standards, if the correct EN643 grades are used and if it is carefully handled and monitored through the pulping and the manufacturing process, then the quality of the finished paper product will also be high.
Read More

Domtar to Enter Containerboard Market with Kingsport Mill Conversion

Over the last two years, Domtar has evaluated the merits of repurposing key paper machines as we adjust our white paper production capacity to match our customer demand. That’s why we recently announced we are converting our Kingsport, Tennessee, paper mill into the company’s first containerboard facility. Similar to previous decisions that have adapted our mills, like the 2016 conversion at our Ashdown Mill to produce fluff pulp, containerboard manufacturing is an exciting new market that directly aligns with our expertise and more than 100-year legacy of turning fiber into useful products. “Repurposing the Kingsport Mill provides Domtar with an excellent strategic entry point into a growing market with a very competitive, low-cost asset,” says Domtar President and CEO John Williams. “We view this as a strategic first step toward building a large value-adding business in the containerboard market.”
Read More

Interfor to Sell Gilchrist, Oregon Specialty Sawmill

Interfor Corporation announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its specialty sawmill located in Gilchrist, Oregon to Neiman Enterprises Inc. The Gilchrist sawmill, which specializes in ponderosa and lodgepole pine boards, has been curtailed since mid-June of this year due to COVID-19 related economic factors. Prior to its curtailment, the mill produced approximately 80 million board feet of lumber per year and employed approximately 150 employees. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020. Interfor will continue to own and operate its three US Northwest stud mills located in Molalla, Oregon, Longview, Washington and Port Angeles, Washington.
Read More

Mondi partners with SalzburgMilch and SPAR to reduce plastic waste from food packaging

Leading packaging and paper manufacturer, Mondi, is launching a fully recyclable 80% paper-based packaging solution for cold meats and cheese. The new packaging will reduce plastic usage for Austrian dairy producer SalzburgMilch by approximately 40 tonnes per year, compared to its previously used rigid plastic trays. Mondi has launched its innovative PerFORMing removable in partnership with SalzburgMilch for the brand SalzburgMilch Premium and the premium own-brand SPAR Natur*pur organic cheese slices. The shallow paper tray combines the recyclability of paper with the essential barrier properties of a thin plastic coating to keep food fresh and avoid waste. Technical details about the product: *Formable paper packaging with a patented barrier *Made from natural brown paper (Advantage Formable Brown) *Ideally suited for shallow food trays (e.g. for cheese, meat or fish) *High symmetrical stretch for uniform formability *Suitable for existing filling lines *Results in 70% less plastic used compared to plastic trays *70% CO2 reduction compare to plastic alternative
Read More

Stora Enso invests in Forshaga to develop sustainable barrier solutions

Stora Enso is making an investment in dispersion barrier technology at its Forshaga site in Sweden, as a step in its innovation agenda. The investment of approximately EUR 10 million enables the development and production of paperboard with barrier properties that are easier to handle in a recycling process, have a lower carbon footprint and can be compostable in industrial facilities. The new equipment is expected to come into use during the second quarter of 2021. Stora Enso Forshaga manufactures and develops barrier solutions that are required in certain packaging, for instance to protect against liquid, moisture, oxygen or fat. Liquid packaging, beverage cups and certain food packaging are some of the products that have a barrier which serves to protect the packaged product, while also ensuring that the packaging maintains its user-qualities. The investment in new dispersion technology aims to achieve the desired barrier properties in a more sustainable way. Stora Enso Forshaga has an annual capacity of approximately 120 000 tonnes of barrier coating across two machines/coating lines, with around 100 employees. Since the beginning of this year, the Forshaga site has also become a competence center within Stora Enso’s Packaging Materials division, tasked with producing and developing new bio-based barrier technologies and products.
Read More

Stora Enso plans to shut down one standard newsprint paper machine in Sweden

Stora Enso will start codetermination negotiations with employees at its Hylte Mill in Sweden regarding a plan to reorganise the mill, including permanent closure of paper machine PM3 and the deinking plant (DIP). After the planned restructuring, the mill would run on 100% thermomechanical pulp (TMP), improving the competitiveness of the mill. The planned closure of PM3 and the reorganisation of the mill would impact a maximum of 140 persons. PM3 is planned to be closed by the end of 2020 and the DIP latest in Q2 2021. Stora Enso will continue to produce standard newsprint at Hylte, Langerbrugge and Sachsen mills. The closure of Hylte Mill PM3 would not impact Stora Enso’s newsprint product offering, and we would be able to serve our customers as today.
Read More

L Brands Announces Partnership with Next PLC for Victoria’s Secret UK

L Brands, Inc. announced a partnership with Next PLC for its company-owned Victoria’s Secret business in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Under the agreement, which is subject to regulatory clearance, Victoria’s Secret U.K. and Next PLC have formed a joint venture (“JV”), where the JV will acquire the majority of the assets of the Victoria’s Secret U.K. business that is currently in Administration. The newly formed JV will operate all Victoria’s Secret stores in the U.K. and Ireland, subject to agreeing to terms with landlords. The U.K. digital (online) business, which is currently operated by Victoria’s Secret in the United States, will be folded into the JV in Spring 2021. Under the terms of the agreement, Next PLC will own 51 percent of the JV, while Victoria’s Secret will own 49 percent.
Read More

Shipping Rates to Increase for FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight Services

FedEx Express, FedEx Ground and FedEx Freight will increase shipping rates beginning January 4, 2021. These rate changes enable FedEx to continue investing in service enhancement, fleet maintenance, technology innovations and other areas to serve customers more effectively and efficiently. FedEx Express shipping rates will increase by an average of 4.9% for U.S. domestic, U.S. export and U.S. import services. FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery shipping rates will increase by an average of 4.9%. FedEx SmartPost shipping rates will also increase. FedEx Freight shipping rates will increase by an average of 4.9% for customers who use FXF PZONE and FXF EZONE, and by 5.9% for customers who use FXF 1000 and FXF 501 for shipments within the U.S. (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and between the contiguous U.S. and Canada. FedEx Freight shipping rates will also increase for shipments within Canada, within Mexico, and between the contiguous U.S. and Mexico. Details of all changes to rates, surcharges and fees are available on the FedEx website at: http://fedex.com/rates2021.
Read More

Wildfires Taking Toll on Booksellers, Publishers (publishersweekly.com)

Scores of wildfires continue to blaze across the western United States, taking a toll on booksellers and publishing professionals across California, Washington State, and Oregon. The situation was acute in Oregon, where recent fires had burned through a million acres and the state put an estimated 500,000 people on evacuation notice last week. A spokesperson for Ashland, Ore,-based Blackstone Publishing said eight employees lost their homes to the fires that have been ignited in the area. The company created a GoFundMe campaign to support these employees, and as of Sunday evening had raised more than $85,000 in donations toward its $100,000 goal. The publisher will match donations to the fund.
Read More

REI Co-op launches Gear Up to Vote campaign to mobilize civic participation among its employees and members

With less than two months before state and national elections, REI Co-op is taking action to ensure its employees, members and outdoor community have what they need to be informed and ready to participate in the voting process. To start, REI is making sure none of its employees have to choose between voting and earning a paycheck this November. The co-op is also encouraging employees (and members) to ensure their voices are heard by voting early, mail-in voting or absentee voting. For employees in states that require in-person voting, REI offers flexible scheduling options as well as the option of using one of their “Co-op Way Days,” paid time off that employees can use to put their values into action, such as community service, advocacy, voting, civil participation, outdoor recreation and stewardship.
Read More

Artificial intelligence integration further improves quality consistency at Metsä Board Kemi mill

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, is putting the latest artificial intelligence to good use at its Kemi mill in order to improve the runnability of its white kraftliner on a customer’s corrugating line. Metsä Board will be collaborating with DS Smith, a leading provider of corrugated packaging solutions operating across 37 countries. The analytical solutions and technology are supplied by Valmet, the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services to the pulp, paper and energy industries. Metsä Board’s Kyro mill began using artificial intelligence for quality management on its folding boxboard machine last year. Metsä Board is also continuing to investigate different possibilities to implement artificial intelligence on other production lines.
Read More

Sonoco ThermoSafe’s New Pegasus ULD® Receives FAA Approval

Sonoco ThermoSafe, a unit of Sonoco and the leading global provider of temperature assurance packaging for life sciences and healthcare, announced that its new Pegasus ULD® bulk temperature controlled container has received FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approval as a unit load device (ULD). The Pegasus ULD® is the world’s first passive bulk temperature-controlled container for pharmaceutical use that is an FAA-approved unit load device, which allows it to speed through existing international ground handling and customs processes at the lowest possible cost. FAA approval officially enables reciprocal EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) approval, which is anticipated in the very near future.
Read More

RRD Enters into Definitive Agreement to Sell its DLS Worldwide Logistics Business to TFI International for $225 Million Cash

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its DLS Worldwide Logistics business to TFI International for $225 million in cash, subject to a customary working capital adjustment. The agreement stipulates 10 percent of the purchase price will be held in escrow while the remainder will be paid at closing. The transaction does not include RRD’s International Mail and Parcel Logistics business and is expected to close within the next 60 days pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Dan Knotts, RRD’s President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “The sale of our DLS Worldwide business further demonstrates our strategic focus and ongoing commitment to optimize our business portfolio, reduce debt and improve liquidity, all while remaining strongly positioned as an industry leading provider of marketing and business communications. As we move through the final phase of this transaction, we are laser focused on facilitating a smooth transition for our employees while continuing to deliver the exceptional service our DLS Worldwide clients have come to expect from RRD.”
Read More

BillerudKorsnäs is the best in the industry in sustainability

In its latest ESG Risk Ratings, the sustainability analysis company Sustainalytics has ranked BillerudKorsnäs the most sustainable enterprise to invest in within the packaging sector. For the renowned Swedish company, this top ranking is proof positive that its unswerving focus on sustainability has paid off. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index already ranks BillerudKorsnäs the most sustainable packaging company in the world. In its annual assessment, the sustainability analysis company Sustainalytics rates BillerudKorsnäs as having low risk exposure combined with a strong approach to sustainability issues. In fact, BillerudKorsnäs was awarded an ESG Risk Rating score of 10.0, where low figures represent low risk, putting the company in first place among all the packaging companies analysed.
Read More

LSC Communications Announces Sale to Atlas Holdings and Supporting Creditors

LSC Communications, Inc. announced that the Company has entered into a stock and asset purchase agreement with an affiliate of Atlas Holdings LLC with the support of certain of LSC’s secured creditors. Under the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Purchaser will acquire substantially all of the Company’s assets through a combination of cash and a credit bid of obligations under the Company’s secured term loan facility and senior secured notes at the direction of the Creditor Group. The Purchaser will also assume certain liabilities of the Company, including, subject to certain prerequisite conditions being satisfied, obligations related to the Company’s qualified pension plan.
Read More

Kruger Forced to Partially Shut Down Its Brompton Mill

Due to market conditions that remain unfavorable, after a 6-month temporary shutdown, Kruger Specialty Papers is forced to permanently shut down its newsprint, specialty papers and pulp production at its Brompton Mill. However, the water treatment plant will continue to operate and the biomass cogeneration plant will restart. The Company will use all the measures at its disposal to minimize the impact of this shutdown on the 189 affected employees, including the creation of a reclassification committee. Furthermore, approximately 25 employees will return to work to restart the biomass cogeneration plant. As a result of the shutdown, Kruger’s overall annual production will be reduced by 100,000 mt of newsprint and 70,000 mt of specialty paper.
Read More

Monadnock Expands West Coast Distribution

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, announced today that it has broadened its west coast distribution. It has established a new stocking location in Kent, Washington to more fully serve its growing customer base on the U.S. West Coast. Being in King County, the heart of the Seattle–Tacoma metropolitan area, means faster fulfillment and reduced customer shipping costs for Monadnock’s in-demand and sustainably-advantaged fine paper and packaging portfolio. Shipping times will range from one to two days with the added benefit of convenient customer pick-up.
Read More

SCA to acquire 13,000 hectares of forest land in Latvia

SCA has signed an agreement to acquire forest land in Latvia. The acquisition comprises an area of 19,150 hectares, of which 13,100 is forest land. The purchase price is EUR 44.5m, approximately SEK 450m. The standing timber volume amounts to 1.8 million m3fo. Some areas of the acquired land that are not forest land, will be divested. SCA has so far acquired 30,000 hectares of forest land in Estonia and Latvia.
Read More

The Postal Regulatory Commission Approves USPS’ Temporary Price Increase for Commercial Parcels

The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) has approved the temporary price increases for commercial domestic parcel products that USPS proposed last month. Retail prices for parcel products are unaffected. The planned commercial price increases for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, First-Class Package Service (FCPS) and Commercial Parcel Select will take effect Oct. 18, 2020 at 12 a.m. Central time and continue until Dec. 27, 2020 at 12 a.m. Central time. After that, prices will revert to 2020 prices. The temporary price adjustments are in response to heightened package volume due to the coronavirus pandemic, as well as expected increases in online shopping during the holidays. Details at: https://www.prc.gov/docs/114/114473/Order5673.pdf
Read More

September Begins with a 17.5% Gain in Unit Sales (publishersweekly.com)

With all but one category posting double-digit gains, unit sales of print books rose 17.5% in the week ended Sept. 5, 2020, over the comparable week in 2019, at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. Sales in the juvenile fiction category rose 30.6% over the week ended Sept. 7, 2019, due in large part to the release of Dav Pilkey’s Grime and Punishment (Dog Man #9), which sold more than 239,000 copies in its first week. The category also received a boost from another new Scholastic title, as Ann M. Martin’s Logan Likes Mary Anne! sold more than 32,000 copies in its first week. Unit sales in the YA fiction category jumped 43.4% over 2019. Cassandra Clare’s The Lost Book of the White, Vol. 2 sold nearly 13,000 copies in its first week, putting it in third place on the category list.
Read More

US PET supply to tighten amid strong demand, force majeure declarations

The polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is facing new challenges following damages at feedstock monoethylene glycol (MEG) plants. The damages resulted in a force majeure declaration by three MEG producers, which in turn led to a force majeure declaration by a PET producer. Asia is being considered as a possible supplier of MEG until domestic plants resume operations. Local sources are hopeful that water and power at the affected plants in Louisiana may be restored in early October, but believe that the impact on PET availability will be significant. This has tightened supply as demand has remained robust. Although resin imports from Latin American may offset part of the shortage, many believe that pellets prices are likely to increase. Inquiries to Asian PET suppliers have shown an increase as prices in the region are low at $650-680/tonne FOB, but delivery would take weeks.
Read More

A is for Alternative Energy: Getting Back to the ABCs of Sustainability

In fact, it’s become so common that 7,500 companies issue sustainability or corporate responsibility reports in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative detailing various initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. It helps that this is a hot topic among consumers right now, with 77 percent of people wanting to learn ways to lead more sustainable lives. Companies have numerous options when it comes to answering the sustainability call. Among them, companies can introduce fleet vehicles with alternative energy sources, install green features such as solar panels, or use recycled and recyclable materials in their products and packaging. But sometimes it helps to get back to basics, particularly as the new school year begins. Approach learning the world of sustainability as a child would master learning their ABCs. Who knows — maybe you’ll discover a few new ideas to include in your company’s efforts, too.
Read More

And the Winners of the 2020 Gold Ink Awards Printing Contest Are … (piworld.com)

Presented by Printing Impressions, the Gold Ink Awards is the industry’s most prestigious printing competition. The competition is open to all creators and producers of printed materials, and encompasses categories within commercial printing, magazines, books, catalogs, digital printing, and packaging. This year, more than 400 entries were submitted in 43 categories. During the course of two days, several judges who — despite the pandemic — came in to Printing Impressions' offices in downtown Philadelphia to pour over the various entries, deliberating on which submissions would be crowned with Gold, Silver, Bronze, or Pewter designations. For the results go to: https://www.piworld.com/extension/gold-ink-awards/2020/
Read More

J.Crew Group Successfully Emerges From Financial Restructuring Process Positioned for Sustainable and Profitable Growth

J.Crew Group announced that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring process and emerged from Chapter 11 well positioned for long-term growth. As part of its financial restructuring, the Company has equitized more than $1.6 billion of secured indebtedness, and Anchorage Capital Group, L.L.C. has become the majority owner of the Company. To support ongoing operations and future growth initiatives, J.Crew Group is capitalized with a $400 million exit term loan due 2027 provided by Anchorage, as well as GSO Capital Partners LP and Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP, among others. In addition, the Company has access to a new $400 million ABL credit facility due 2025 agented by Bank of America, N.A.
Read More

ANA Data & Analytics Virtual Conference (jschmid.com)

Monday, Sept 14, 2020 Attend as our guest for FREE: Use code GUEST20 We’re all trying to sell something to someone. We have a great product, a great service, or a can’t-miss promotion that we want people to know about. We’ve decided to reach them through direct mail. But what should we say? What do we show? How do we stand out from all the other messages in the mailbox? And how do we do it in a matter of seconds? A smart strategy, a great mailing list and a stellar offer don’t mean anything if your creative execution is weak. There are certain creative secrets that have been proven through neuroscience that will increase the likelihood of your direct mail piece getting noticed and driving your customers to action. Simply following these four powerful recommendations will increase your chances of success. Good creative matters. Find out the secrets of how to do it. register at: https://www.ana.net/membersconference/register/id/MOC-SEP20E5
Read More

Quad Donates $25,000 to MagLiteracy.org to Kickstart Creation of National Literacy Marketplace

In celebration of International Literacy Day and the 16th anniversary of the founding of MagLiteracy.org this week, Quad announced today that it has donated $25,000 to MagLiteracy.org to kickstart the creation of a first-of-its-kind national literacy marketplace. The marketplace, a nationwide network of regional literacy banks, will facilitate donations of new, recycled or expired magazines and comic books to local literacy programs – an important tool in combatting poverty. Quad’s cornerstone contribution to MagLiteracy.org will be used to: *Establish a Magazine Literacy Lab in Madison, Wisconsin, which will serve as a training, education and resource center for individuals and groups looking to establish or grow literacy programs in their own communities, replicating MagLiteracy.org’s proven best practices, including how to engage volunteers. *Support operations at MagLiteracy.org’s newly established Ohio Literacy Bank, a warehouse in Columbus for processing large-volume magazine donations (from publishers, newsstand returns, etc.). These donations, which are sorted and boxed by volunteers, are delivered to literacy programs in Columbus and other nearby cities, including parts of Appalachia. The warehouse is the first in a planned nationwide network of regional literacy banks that will supply local literacy programs inside women’s shelters, youth mentoring programs, job training centers, meal programs and food pantries.
Read More

Novel printing process turns ordinary paper into interactive surfaces (newatlas.com)

A typical sheet of paper or cardboard is neither waterproof, interactive or able to harvest energy, but an innovative new printing technology developed at Purdue University can make it all of the above. The researchers demonstrated the technique by transforming a sheet of notebook paper into a music player, and say it could be scaled up to work with larger printing processes for more mainstream uses. “This is the first time a self-powered paper-based electronic device is demonstrated,” says study author Ramses Martinez, an assistant professor in Purdue’s School of Industrial Engineering. “We developed a method to render paper repellent to water, oil and dust by coating it with highly fluorinated molecules. This omniphobic coating allows us to print multiple layers of circuits onto paper without getting the ink to smear from one layer to the next one.” With this omniphobic coating as the starting point, the researchers were able to integrate vertical pressure sensors onto the paper. This not only enables it to become an interactive surface for a variety of applications, but also one that can harvest energy from user’s actions through friction as they apply pressure to the device, which can be used to power wireless Bluetooth communication.
Read More

July Sales Jumped in Trade, Fell in Education (publishersweekly.com)

The July edition of the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program showed a clear divide between the current fortunes of trade and educational publishers. Sales of adult books rose 20.9% in the month over July 2019, and sales in the children/young adult category increased 14.5%. Sales of religious books were up 4% over July 2019. In contrast, sales in the K-12 instructional materials category fell 24.9% compared to last July, while sales in the higher educational course materials segment fell 21.9%. Overall, industry sales from the 1,361 publishers who report sales to the AAP fell 9.4% in the month, and were down 5.8% in the first seven months of 2020 compared to a year ago.
Read More

AAP July 2020 Statshot Report: Publishing Industry Declines 9.4% for Month; 5.8% Year-to-Date

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) today released its StatShot report for July 2020 reflecting reported revenue for all tracked categories, including Trade (consumer publications), K-12 Instructional Materials, Higher Education Course Materials, Professional Publishing, and University Presses. Total revenues across all categories for July 2020 were $1.8 billion, a decline of 9.4% as compared to July 2019. Year-to-date sales were $7.5 billion, a decline of 5.8% as compared to the same period last year. Trade (consumer books) sales were notably up 17.9% year-over-year, coming in at $689.1 million. Year-to-date (January-July 2020) Trade sales were $4.3 billion, an increase of 5.0%, as compared to the first seven months of 2019. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of July, in the Trade (consumer books) category, Hardback revenues jumped 47.0%, coming in at $246.0 million; Paperbacks were down 0.2%, with $211.2 million in revenue; Mass Market was down 1.1% to $23.5 million; and Board Books were up 20.4%, with $16.5 million in revenue.
Read More

USPS Service Performance Continues Upward Trend

The United States Postal Service provided new service performance data today to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, indicating continued improvement while ensuring trucks run on time and adhering to the Postal Service’s existing transportation schedule. This data, available through the week of August 29, marks an uptick in service performance, consistent with recent trends. The percentages reported – 88.04 for First-Class Mail, 89.56 for Marketing Mail and 78.24 for Periodicals – represent service performance by the Postal Service from acceptance of a mailpiece into our system through delivery, measured against published service standards.
Read More

RRD Study Shows the Impact of COVID-19 on Marketer Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Shifting Investment Priorities and Effectively Connecting with Consumers

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD) (NYSE: RRD), a leading global provider of marketing and business communications, today released The Pivot Report, which compares pre- and intra-COVID-19 priorities for marketers and their approaches to developing effective campaigns. RRD surveyed 250 U.S. based marketers across a variety of industries in both late 2019 and mid-2020 to conduct a comparative analysis of perception changes driven by COVID-19. These survey results indicate that the global pandemic has significantly impacted marketer attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the importance of data management, and how companies emotionally connect with consumers. To read the full report, go to: https://www.rrd.com/pivot?utm_medium=link&utm_source=press%20release&utm_campaign=091020%20PR%20-%20Pivot%20Report
Read More

ANDRITZ to supply four PrimeLineCOMPACT M 1600 tissue machines to Guangdong Hengan in China

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Guangdong Hengan Paper Co., Ltd. (Hengan) to supply four tissue machines to its new mill in Yunfu, Guangdong, China, for the production of high-quality facial, toilet, handkerchief and napkin tissue grades made of virgin market pulp. Each of the new tissue machines is of the type PrimeLineCOMPACT M 1600 with a design speed of 1,700 m/min and a working width of 3.65 m. All of them are equipped with a proven PrimeFlow step diffusor headbox for superior formation quality. The 18 ft. PrimeDry Steel Yankee together with the high-load suction pressure roll and canopy hood ensure high drying capacity at reduced energy consumption compared to conventional drying systems. The scope of supply also includes an under-machine pulper.
Read More

SCA discontinues publication paper and invests in pulp production

SCA decided to discontinue the production of publication paper and to invest SEK 1,45bn in the production of chemically pre-treated thermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP) at the Ortviken industrial site in Sundsvall. The decision has been preceded by consultations with employee representatives. The proposed restructuring plan for Ortviken paper mill was announced on August 26. Following the conclusion of negotiations with employee representatives regarding the closure of publication paper production, consultations will now commence regarding the consequences of this closure for the employees. Approximately 800 employees are affected, most of whom are located at the Ortviken paper mill.
Read More

Worzalla Announces Hiring Effort as Demand for Books Soars (whattheythink.com)

Worzalla, an employee-owned company specializing in printing high-quality children’s books, movie tie-in books and cookbooks, announced it is hiring for 35 open positions at its facility in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Worzalla cites an increased demand for books during the coronavirus pandemic for the need to hire additional associates. “Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen an increase in demand for books of all categories, especially in the children’s books category for both education and entertainment,” said Richard Letchinger, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Worzalla. “Our customers across the country have been reaching out to us to print a variety of projects, both classics and new titles, to help educate and entertain kids at home.”
Read More

CJK Group Acquires Cenveo Content Services Business; Forms KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd. (piworld.com)

CJK Group, Inc. announced that it has acquired content services business Cenveo Publisher Services and Cenveo Learning from Cenveo Worldwide Limited, and will be merging them with its own content business Sheridan Journal Services and hosting platform Sheridan PubFactory to form KnowledgeWorks Global Ltd. (KGL). The combined entity employs approximately 1,500 people globally with offices in Boston, Mass.; Richmond, Va.; and Waterbury, Vt. in the U.S.; Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Noida in India; and London, UK. KGL will operate under the leadership of Atul Goel, formerly President of Cenveo Publisher Services, and he will report to Chris Kurtzman, CEO of CJK Group. Chris Kurtzman said, “The combination of these two organizations, both of whom have strong reputations and venerable histories, will create an important new entity within CJK Group, positioned for growth while delivering value for customers.”
Read More

New Film Shines Light on the US Paper and Packaging Industry’s Legacy of Innovation and Environmental Stewardship (globenewswire.com)

Debuting 9/9/2020, a new documentary gives an inside look at the U.S. paper and packaging industry’s decades-long legacy of environmental stewardship. A story of grit, passion and dedication, “Paper Makers” provides a rare and intimate insight into how the industry’s foresters, mill workers and engineers have cared for the land, working in tandem with nature for generations. In a critical decade for climate action, “Paper Makers” looks at the philosophy and practices that have made the U.S. paper and packaging industry a vocal advocate for responsible land management, sustainable design and the protection of our planet’s most valuable resources. Paper is at the forefront of environmentally friendly innovation with top brands and corporations across personal care, food and beverage, and fashion, making the switch to paper packaging as part of their sustainable business strategies. There’s new attention on paper-based materials to provide solutions for some of society’s biggest environmental challenges. But how did the industry get here? Want to check out the film? Visit www.howlifeunfolds.com/paper-makers to watch the film and follow @HowLifeUnfolds on Instagram for more information.
Read More

UPM gives 40,000 face masks to students

UPM supports Finnish universities and makes a contribution of 40,000 face masks as part of the company’s Biofore Share and Care programme. The masks will be handed to the students in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Helsinki, the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Åbo Akademi University and Chemical Engineering students at Lappeenranta University of Technology. “We support our stakeholders in making their everyday life during the Covid-19 pandemic as safe as possible. Students are important to us and interaction is a significant part of studies. The masks have been in short supply as the need for face masks in different fields has increased. Therefore, we have delivered 500,000 surgical face masks to our key stakeholders all around the world. The safety of face-to-face courses is important to students who are beginning their studies or taking laboratory courses, for example. That’s where the masks come in handy,” Pirkko Harrela, Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Relations at UPM says.
Read More

JCPenney Reaches Agreement in Principle with Brookfield Property Group and Simon Property Group to Acquire Retail and Operating Assets

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. announced that it has reached an agreement in principle to sell JCPenney through a court-supervised sale process. The Company plans to seek approval of a disclosure statement and, ultimately, confirmation of a plan of reorganization in parallel with the sale process. Related to the sale process, JCPenney expects to execute a “stalking horse” asset purchase agreement, which will track an executed letter of intent, outlining the following: *Brookfield Property Group and Simon Property Group intend to acquire substantially all of JCPenney’s retail and operating assets for $1.75 billion, which includes a combination of cash and new term loan debt. *The agreement contemplates the formation of a separate real estate investment trust and a property holding company, which will include 161 of the Company’s real estate assets and all of its owned distribution centers. The PropCos will be owned by the Company’s Ad Hoc Group of First Lien Lenders. *The OpCo and PropCos will enter into a master lease with respect to the properties and distribution centers moved into the PropCos.
Read More

UPS To Hire Over 100,000 For Holiday Season

UPS announced that it expects to hire over 100,000 seasonal employees to support the anticipated annual increase in package volume that will begin in October 2020 and continue through January 2021. “We’re preparing for a record peak holiday season. The COVID-19 pandemic has made our services more important than ever,” said Charlene Thomas, Chief Human Resources Officer. “We plan to hire over 100,000 people for UPS’s seasonal jobs, and anticipate a large number will move into permanent roles after the holidays. At a time when millions of Americans are looking for work, these jobs are an opportunity to start a new career with UPS.”
Read More

Transcontinental Inc. announces its results for the third quarter of fiscal 2020

2020 Third Quarter Results: Revenues decreased by $141.5 million, or 19.4%, from $728.9 million in the third quarter of 2019 to $587.4 million in the corresponding period of 2020. Operating earnings increased by $18.7 million, or 33.0%, from $56.6 million in the third quarter of 2019 to $75.3 million in the third quarter of 2020. In the Packaging Sector, adjusted operating earnings increased by $11.5 million, from $34.1 million in the third quarter of 2019 to $45.6 million in the third quarter of 2020. In the Printing Sector, adjusted operating earnings increased by $7.7 million, or 16.4%, from $46.8 million in the third quarter of 2019 to $54.5 million in the third quarter of 2020. Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Corporation increased by $44.9 million, from $3.4 million in the third quarter of 2019 to $48.3 million in the third quarter of 2020.
Read More

Domtar Recertifies Wabigoon Forest to New Canadian FSC Standard

Domtar recently received the new Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) recertification standard for the Canadian government lands that we manage in the Wabigoon forest. We successfully completed a surveillance audit on the Wabigoon Forest related to the new standards in July, and the auditor recommended that certification be maintained under the new Canadian FSC standard. “Our on-the-ground management practices, coupled with a rigorous provincially-mandated forest management planning process, help to hit the mark with FSC,” says Marie Cyr, general manager of the Dryden pulp mill. “We are proud of our record of sustainable forest management. The fact that the Dryden Mill has been operating in this forest area for over 100 years demonstrates that we are managing our forests sustainably.” The new Canadian FSC standard, which launched in June, replaces the previous National Boreal Standard and raises the bar for demonstrating sustainable forest management.
Read More

Neenah Presents Rethink Everything , A Salute to Dreamers, Designers, and Big Ideas

In this mercurial moment, with clients pausing projects, the world holding its breath, and creative tanks running on fumes, how are designers pivoting to meet the changing world head-on? Neenah explores that question in Rethink Everything, an inventive editorial promotion that tells the stories of six creative pioneers who dream big, think futuristically, focus on sustainability, and inspire creatives to shift the design's perception business. With this new CLASSIC® Papers promotion, Neenah aims to uplift the design community and celebrate designing for tomorrow, while rethinking everything along the way.“ With “Rethink Everything,” we shine a light on innovators, artists, designers, and printers who are reshaping the future. The world is moving quickly, but the time is now for creatives to push design boundaries. At Neenah, our desire is to provide you with both the inspiration and the backdrop to bring your creative vision to life on beautiful, sustainable paper,” says Ellen Bliske, Director of Marketing, Commercial Print, for Neenah.
Read More

Meredith Corporation Seeks Shareholder Approval Of Charter Amendment

Meredith Corporation announced that it will seek shareholder approval of an amendment to its charter that would increase options for a tax-efficient separation of the Company's National and Local media groups while preserving the rights currently held by both classes of shareholders if such a potential future event could maximize shareholder value. The proposed amendment is not in response to any specific conversations or events. Instead, the Company believes it is a prudent step to increase the number of options available. There is no timeline for nor assurance of a potential transaction resulting from this proposed charter amendment.
Read More

Coldwater Creek assets acquired by Hong Kong-based company (chainstoreage.com)

Coldwater Creek will be revived – online and in print. CWC Companies, parent company of the women’s apparel retailer, which shut down operations at the end of July, has been acquired by Newtimes Group, one of world’s largest supply providers to the apparel industry. The Hong Kong-based Newtimes said it purchased CWC’s inventory and intellectual property assets from Sycamore Partners for $12.2 million. Newtimes plans to operate the acquired assets as an independent entity under the newly formed Coldwater International and will provide sourcing and back-office support. The company plans to relaunch the Coldwater Creek website in a few weeks and issue a new Coldwater Creek catalogue before the end of the year.
Read More

Nordstrom making Election Day a holiday (chainstoreage.com)

Nordstrom wants to ensure that its employees have the time to vote on Nov. 3. The department store retailer is making Election Day a holiday for all its U.S. employees. While Nordstrom stores and operations centers will remain open, the company will work with employees to set schedules which will enable them to get to the polls. It also will provide its store, fulfillment center, distribution center and call center employees discounted rides to the polls through Lyft. "We believe every voice matters and our country is stronger when we all participate in the democratic process," said Pete Nordstrom, president and chief brand officer. "This initiative is a direct result of feedback we heard from more than 50,000 Nordstrom employees from all regions of the U.S. They told us they want to be actively engaged in their communities and help find solutions to the challenges we're facing. Enabling them to make their voices heard by voting is a meaningful and productive way we can support our people and our communities."
Read More

Huhtamaki rated ‘A’ on the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment

Huhtamaki is rated ‘A’ (on a scale of AAA-CCC) on the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment. The rating of ‘A’ or above is only given to 25% of the companies in the packaging sector. Our improvement is driven by our commitment to reduce the environmental impact of our products, optimize recyclability, as well as by our governance practices. “Huhtamaki has set itself an ambitious 2030 Sustainability Strategy. We want to become world-class leader in all three areas of sustainability: environment, social and governance. The MSCI rating shows that we are on the right track. We are determined to improve and will continue to focus on achieving carbon neutrality in our production and reaching our Science Based Targets by 2030,” says Thomasine Kamerling, EVP Sustainability and Communications.
Read More

Omnichannel Grocery Stores Create Need for Protective Food Packaging

As more people use technology to shop, grocery stores are following in the footsteps of fashion and electronics retailers by leveraging the omnichannel sales model. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders resulted in an increase in consumers purchasing groceries online. As a result, grocery retailers are now challenged to find the right protective food packaging, ensuring purchases arrive fresh and intact no matter if they’re shipped, delivered, or prepared for curbside pickup. This means brick-and-mortar grocery stores are charged with transforming into micro fulfillment centers. They now must take the same precautions consumers would to protect groceries in transit. Furthermore, employees must pick and pack items as if they were the customer themselves. And during transit, groceries need to be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations, crushing by other items, or accidental droppings. Grocery stores, especially those that haven’t started the transition to an omnichannel strategy, face three major challenges: They must carve out a footprint inside their existing stores to efficiently fill orders, re-train staff to handle in-store and online orders, and ensure that products are shipped with appropriate packaging.
Read More

Plantma X – forest management solution of the future?

Plantma X combines soil scarification and mechanical planting – at the same time. SCA borrowed a machine for a few weeks to see if it could be the solution that would enable tomorrow’s efficient planting process. The machine looks almost like something from a Star Wars film when it crawls across the clearcut in the Graninge area. The two long swivelling arms extrude from the back and plant seedlings every time the arm tips reach the ground. Plantma X has been developed in a collaboration between Grangärde Konsult och Innovation and other companies*, together with Sveaskog. Over the course of a few summer weeks, SCA borrowed the machine to carry out its own trials. Click read more below for the rest of the article.
Read More

The climate benefits of sustainable forestry

In the beginning of 2020 UPM committed to the United Nations Global Compact’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C, promising to pursue science-based measures to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. “Investors, customers, the society at large – even school children – ask about companies’ sustainability actions,” says Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility at UPM. “It is important for us to do our part. I believe our employees are very proud that we have signed this commitment.” UPM will meet this commitment by novel uses of their products, reducing CO2 emissions and by practicing climate positive forestry. Cick read more below for the rest of the article
Read More

thINK Announces Record Attendance at the thINK Ahead 2020 Live Virtual Event

thINK, an independent community of Canon Solutions America production inkjet customers, today announced their success in bringing learning and networking to the thINK community via their virtual event platform that reached a record number of attendees across the world at the 6th annual thINK Ahead conference. “I want to congratulate the thINK Board on creating a one-of-a-kind experience for Canon Solution America inkjet customers and partners. We will all remember today for a variety of reasons but most of all for the reminder that we all need to stay connected,” said Francis A. McMahon, Executive Vice President, Production Print Solutions, Canon Solutions America.
Read More

McClatchy Acquired by Chatham Asset Management, LLC

Certain funds affiliated with Chatham Asset Management, LLC announced that they have completed the previously announced acquisition of substantially all assets of The McClatchy Company. The new company will retain The McClatchy Company name. The transaction significantly strengthens the Company’s balance sheet so that it can deliver on its mission to provide essential, independent journalism to local communities across the United States. This milestone marks the official completion of the acquisition of the Company's assets and the successful transition of these assets from Chapter 11. As of September 4, 2020, the entirety of McClatchy’s 30 news organizations and all of its employees transitioned to a new private entity under Chatham ownership.
Read More

Stora Enso invests in cross laminated timber (CLT) production in Czech Republic

Stora Enso has decided to invest approximately EUR 79 million in a new production line for cross laminated timber (CLT) at its Ždírec sawmill in the Czech Republic. The investment will further enhance Stora Enso’s position as a global provider of high-quality engineered wooden elements and as a market leader in CLT. Production is scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2022. The estimated annual production capacity will be approximately 120 000 m³ after ramp-up. The investment is expected to generate annual sales of approximately EUR 70 million when run at full capacity and to meet the Wood Products division’s profitability target of 20% operational return on operating capital (ROOC).
Read More

Print Unit Sales Rose 7% at the End of August (publishersweekly.com)

Unit sales of print books rose 7.1% in the week ended Aug. 29, 2020, over the comparable week in 2019, at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. Backlist titles continued to drive growth in the juvenile nonfiction category, which posted unit gains of 39.7% over the week ended Aug. 31, 2019. Big Preschool Workbook remained the top title in juvenile nonfiction, selling more than 26,000 copies. A couple of Brain Quest titles by Lisa Trumbauer had big sales jumps in the week, including Brain Quest Workbook: Kindergarten and Brain Quest Workbook: Grade 1, which landed in the fifth and sixth spots, respectively, on the category bestseller list; the two sold about 20,000 copies combined. His Truth Is Marching On by Jon Meacham was the top new release in the week, selling more than 38,000 copies. It was #1 on the adult nonfiction list and helped to drive up sales in the category by 4.3%.
Read More

Amcor partners in pioneering packaging technology to improve recycling

Amcor announces its membership of the Digital Watermarks Initiative “HolyGrail 2.0”, which brings together over 85 companies and organisations across the packaging value chain, including key customers and industry peers. HolyGrail 2.0 is a pilot project facilitated by AIM, the European Brands Association, with the objective to prove the viability of digital watermarking technologies for accurate sorting and, consequently, higher-quality recycling. The project also aims to demonstrate the business case for digital watermarking at scale. It builds on initial research by Amcor’s partner, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, into innovations to improve post-consumer recycling.
Read More

Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG announces realignment of cardboard and folding box production at the Hirschwang site

A comprehensive examination of the framework conditions has shown that it is not possible to continue production on the board machine in Hirschwang an der Rax, Lower Austria, economically. The age and design of the machine (year of construction 1952) as well as increased market requirements prevent continued existence. 150 employees are affected, discussions about a social plan have already been started. The supply of customers from other plants of the Mayr-Melnhof Group is guaranteed. The result of the cartonboard division is expected to be impacted by around EUR 25 million, the greater part of which is due to depreciation. The Hirschwang site is to concentrate on the existing folding box production (Neupack) with 215 employees in the future. Investments to strengthen the location in this area are being examined.
Read More

Metsä Board launches a state-of-the-art Excellence Centre to accelerate paperboard and packaging innovation

Growing consumption and demand for more sustainable packaging is boosting the need for new innovations. To develop solutions for packaging today and into the future, Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, has started up operations in its new Excellence Centre at the unique bioeconomy site in Äänekoski, Finland. The centre, with its cutting-edge technology for R&D, packaging design and paperboard and packaging performance, aims to accelerate material and packaging innovation and provide a collaboration platform for customers and technology partners globally.
Read More

Smurfit Kappa’s Vitop tap surges past the 5 billion mark

Smurfit Kappa has seen volumes of its Vitop® tap pass the five billion mark. The Vitop® tap forms an integral part of the Smurfit Kappa Bag-in-Box range, a collection of sustainable packaging solutions for liquid and semi-liquid products. The Bag-in-Box products have a low carbon footprint throughout the lifecycle of the packaging due to the efficient use of materials and resources. There has been a series of sustainable innovations made to the product range to date including a reduction in film thickness for the bags and the introduction of a more compact Vitop® tap. A dedicated Bag-in-Box Circular Economy Team is also exploring further product innovations including the introduction of bio-based raw materials.
Read More

Ahlstrom-Munksjö launches groundbreaking lamination processing aid as part of ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ effort

As part of its continued focus on global sustainability leadership and from Plastic to Purpose’ campaign, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has released its innovative process aid for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and Copper Clad Laminates (CCL) laminating systems. OptiLayup™ PCB and CCL lamination aid boast sustainable features, while offering a cost-effective alternative and added technical-value compared to the plastic films traditionally used to protect the press tools, ensuring process performance in these markets. “Our ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ campaign aims at raising awareness around the world regarding the possibility of fiber-based solutions as a renewable option,” said Robyn Buss, Executive Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Food Packaging & Technical Solutions business area.
Read More

HolyGrail 2.0 launched: Mondi trials digital watermarking to separate waste for a circular economy

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has joined forces with AIM, the European Brands Association, and other partners across the value chain to prove the viability of digital watermarking for sorting waste at scale. The HolyGrail 2.0 initiative has the ambitious goal of assessing whether this pioneering digital technology can enable better sorting and higher-quality recycling rates for packaging in the EU, thereby driving a truly circular economy. Mondi was a founding member of the original Pioneer Project HolyGrail, facilitated by the Ellen MacArthur foundation. Now over 85 partners across the value chain are working together to refine and commercialise this concept, with Mondi continuing its active role in trialling the innovative technology.
Read More

Sappi announces a significant step towards climate neutrality through the upgrade of boiler 11 at its SEU Gratkorn mill

As part of Sappi’s global long term commitment to sustainability and the focus it has on climate action a decision has been reached to invest in a complete modernisation of boiler 11 at the Sappi Europe Gratkorn production site. This investment into state-of-the-art technology will see a shift from a coal boiler to a multi fuel boiler in two phases with the goal to finally use only sustainable and renewable fuels. “The rebuild is an important investment in our sustainable pulp and paper production and a further important contribution to climate protection. It allows Gratkorn mill to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30 % and is a big commitment to boosting the decarbonisation of our sector”, says Berry Wiersum, CEO Sappi Europe. This investment is part of an overall larger scale decarbonisation strategy for Sappi Europe, which in the near term seeks to deliver a 25% specific greenhouse gas reduction by 2025.
Read More

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. to Hire More Than 10,000 Seasonal Employees Nationwide To Meet Increased Demand

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. has announced its plans to hire more than 10,000 seasonal associates across its gourmet foods and gift brands for the upcoming holiday season. Hiring has commenced at Harry & David®, PersonalizationMall.com®, Cheryl's Cookies® and The Popcorn Factory® to fill critical roles to meet holiday peak demand and help customers connect with others as they navigate what is expected to be an unusual season ahead. As the company quadruples its workforce nationwide for the holiday period, it continues to prioritize the health and safety of its team members. Seasonal positions vary by brand and include full-time and part-time roles in key areas such as production, gift assembly, customer service, and distribution and fulfillment center operations, among others. The majority of these roles are being offered throughout Illinois, Ohio and Oregon, with some work-from-home positions available.
Read More

Tilly’s, Inc. Announces Fiscal 2020 Second Quarter Operating Results

*Total net sales were $135.8 million, a decrease of $25.9 million or 16.0%, compared to $161.7 million last year. *Gross profit was $41.7 million, or 30.7% of net sales, compared to $51.7 million, or 32.0% of net sales last year. *Operating income was $7.7 million, or 5.7% of net sales, compared to operating income of $12.1 million, or 7.5% of net sales, last year. *Net income was $5.3 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared to $9.3 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, last year.
Read More

PRC Hosts Technical Conference to Consider UPS Petition on Proposed Changes to USPS Costing Models

The Postal Regulatory Commission will host a technical conference to consider a United Parcel Service (UPS) petition to change how the Postal Service determines incremental costs and how it accounts for peak-season costs in its periodic reports. WHAT: The Commission has scheduled a Video Technical Conference to assist in its review of the petition. WHO: UPS and the Postal Service will present material addressing current costing methodologies and potential improvements. WHEN: September 29 at 11:00 a.m. Interested parties who wish to participate must file a notice of intent to participate no later than September 14, 2020, as provided in Order No. 5586 — Notice and Order Establishing Docket to Obtain Information Regarding Proposed Changes to Cost Methodologies and Scheduling Technical Conference. WHERE: The Technical Conference will be broadcast via Webex. Additional information including a Webex link, a conference schedule, and procedures will be sent to those who sign up. A recording of the Webex in its entirety will also be available on the Commission’s website, www.prc.gov. https://www.prc.gov/press-releases/prc-hosts-technical-conference-consider-ups-petition-proposed-changes-usps-costing
Read More

B&NE Retail Segment Took Big Hit in Q1 (publishersweekly.com)

The impact the coronavirus can have on physical stores was illustrated by the release of first quarter results by Barnes & Noble Education. For the quarter ended August 1, sales in B&NE’s retail segment dropped 42.2% from the comparable period a year ago, falling to $158.8 million. In the period, comparable store sales fell 42.8%, which B&NE said accounted for $106.6 million in lost revenue. B&NE operated 772 physical outlets in the quarter and 670 virtual stores. The company noted that since the majority of its campus stores were closed during the quarter, sales of digital textbooks increased, as did online sales of general merchandise, which includes clothing and food.
Read More

Statement on Inaugural Meeting of the Postal Service’s Expanded Election Mail Task Force

The Postal Service’s Expanded Election Mail Task Force, which was recently announced by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to enhance already-existing Election Mail efforts, held its inaugural meeting today. The meeting was productive and included the leadership of all four of the major unions of the Postal Service, as well as the leaders of our management associations. The Task Force members reviewed current plans to ensure and affirm that the Postal Service is prepared to deliver on the election. All parties at the meeting are fully focused on the mission and the importance of ensuring the election remains the number one priority for the more than 630,000 employees of the Postal Service.
Read More

Wiley Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2021 Results

Summary: +GAAP Results: Revenue of $431 million (+2%) and EPS of $0.29 (+$0.23) +Adjusted Results (at constant currency): Revenue +2% to $431 million, EBITDA +42% to $82 million, and EPS +124% to $0.42 +Research Publishing & Platforms (at constant currency): Revenue +6% and Adjusted EBITDA +19% +Shareholder Return: Wiley among select group with 27 consecutive years of annual dividend increases
Read More

SFI Conservation Grant to Help North Carolina State University Study Climate Change Mitigation and Preventing Biodiversity Loss in Forests

North Carolina State University is investigating the crucial role that SFI-certified forests play in facilitating landscape connectivity in a changing climate. Landscape connectivity represents the extent to which a landscape supports the ability of plants and animals to move across the landscape. Some species with a limited range, like salamanders or pitcher plants, depend on connected landscapes to maintain healthy populations. Connecting habitats has long been recognized as one of the keys to supporting conservation in landscapes dominated by people. But rapid changes to the earth’s climate and land use patterns mean new research is needed to ensure that conservation potential is maximized, while mitigating climate change impacts and limiting the loss of biodiversity.
Read More

Sun Chemical Signs Distribution Agreement with Icaro International

Sun Chemical agreed to name Icaro International, a distributor of woven metallic wire mesh and synthetic mesh for different screen printing applications such as printed electronics, as its distributor for Sun Chemical’s conductive and dielectric inks as well as other electronic materials in Mexico. The three-year agreement allows Sun Chemical to expand its reach to the biosensor, automotive, white goods, and electronic assembly markets across Mexico using a well-respected and widely known partner.
Read More

Thank You Tree Planters: Helping Regenerate The Forest For The Future

Between our operations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Maine, JDI Woodlands had 124 summer students who planted over 13 million trees this year. These students are dedicated, hardworking and are helping regenerate the forest for the future. A great incentive we offer to our Tree Planters if they are returning to school is between $750 - $1,000 scholarships. This year, we were pleased to give a total of $60,500 in scholarships to 71 planters!
Read More

Kimberly-Clark to Acquire Softex Indonesia, Significantly Expanding Presence in Southeast Asia

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Softex Indonesia, a leader in the fast-growing Indonesian personal care market, in an all-cash transaction for approximately $1.2 billion from a group of shareholders including CVC Capital Partners Asia Pacific IV. "This acquisition represents a compelling strategic fit and demonstrates our commitment to accelerate growth in developing and emerging markets," said Mike Hsu, Chairman and CEO, Kimberly-Clark. "Moreover, adding Softex Indonesia and its brands to Kimberly-Clark will enhance our company's underlying growth prospects and help us create even more long-term shareholder value."
Read More

Sappi celebrates Arbor Day and our heritage

There is serendipity in the fact that Arbor Week and Heritage Day are both celebrated in the month of September, which also heralds the beginning of Spring in South Africa. As the country breathes a tentative sigh of relief as it cautiously reopens the economy under Level 2 of the National COVID-19 Lockdown, there is hope for a reawakening in the human spirit of its people as it celebrates its cultural and natural heritage in many ways. At Sappi Southern Africa, where the company has 166 Important Conservation Areas (ICAs) listed on its forestry plantations in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, among them, six declared nature reserves covering an area of 6,486 hectares, there is no doubt that Sappi Southern Africa takes the conservation of biodiversity on its property seriously. This commitment is reinforced by its Threatened and Endangered Species Stewardship Programme, with its flagship Warburgia salutaris project.
Read More

paperChain assesses the use of industrial waste in several sectores

An industrial pavilion and a road section, both in the Aveiro region, are the first visible results at real scale of using waste generated in the pulp and paper industry in precast concrete structures and in bituminous mixtures for roads paving in Portugal. The challenge, which is both complex and ambitious, emerged as part of the paperChain European project and is already being put into practice in Ílhavo and Cacia: using waste from pulp production, such as lime ash, dregs and grits (granular waste) as secondary raw materials in the construction sector, integrating them in a circular economy logic. The paperChain project includes 20 partners from five EU countries committed to circularity boosting). In Portugal, the entities involved include the University of Aveiro, The Navigator Company, Spral, Megavia, RAIZ Research Institute and the Sustainable Habitat Cluster. Called "New niche markets for waste from the pulp and paper industry based on the circular economy", it is coordinated by the company Acciona Construction (Spain).
Read More

LSC Communications to Close Kendallville, Ind., Book Printing Plant (piworld.com)

LSC Communications filed a WARN notice with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development on Sept. 1 announcing its intention to begin shuttering its Kendallville book manufacturing facility located on Marion Drive effective Oct. 1, impacting all 307 employees who work there. The Chicago-based printer's operation on Lester Drive in the same roughly-10,000-resident town in northeast Indiana will remain open. "At this time, the company anticipates that all employees will be permanently separated from employment with the company by December 23, 2020," wrote Rebecca Robertson, VP of human resources, in the WARN notice. "In connection with the plant closure, no employees will have bumping rights to displace other employees working for the company," she added. "We appreciate any support or assistance you or your office can provide to help employees affected by the plant closing in finding new positions."
Read More

Marquis Commits to Meet Needs of Trade Book Publishers and Educational and Professional Markets (piworld.com)

Despite the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy and within the printing industry, Marquis is announcing two significant investments at its Toronto plant. These investments aim to increase the production capacity of monochrome and color books for trade, educational and professional publishing markets. "These investments demonstrate the trust we have in the publishing world. We sincerely believe that the paper book is resilient and will go through future crises and technological developments to remain the refuge of knowledge and imagination. We have dedicated and very professional employees who operate our equipment and the existing management team created the confidence to enable Marquis to continue to invest in the operations of Marquis Toronto," said Serge Loubier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Marquis Book Printing. click read more below for details
Read More

Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports August Sales Results

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $13.56 billion for the retail month of August, the four weeks ended August 30, 2020, an increase of 15.0 percent from $11.79 billion last year. For the 16-week fourth quarter ended August 30, 2020, the Company reported net sales of $52.3 billion, an increase of 12.7 percent compared to net sales of $46.4 billion during the similar period last year. For the 52-week fiscal year ended August 30, 2020, the Company reported net sales of $163.2 billion, an increase of 9.2 percent from the $149.4 billion during the similar period last year.
Read More

Gap Foundation Donates $100K to California Wildfire Relief; Supports Employees Through Disaster Relief Fund

In response to the devastation caused by recent wildfires throughout California, Gap Foundation will make a $100,000 donation to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s (CPD) California Wildfires Recovery Fund. To date, the 2020 California wildfire season has resulted in more than 1.6 million acres of burned land and more than 3,100 structures damaged or destroyed. Gap Foundation chose to partner with CDP because of their approach that prioritizes medium to long-term recovery, especially among vulnerable populations throughout California. Since its inception, CDP’s California Wildfires Recovery Funds has awarded more than $3 million in grants to nonprofits and community groups in northern and southern California. Through the Selvage Fund, and in partnership with E4E Relief, Gap Foundation is able to support Gap Inc. employees who have been directly impacted by the fires.
Read More

LSC Auction Delayed Until September 9 (publishersweekly.com)

The auction to acquire the assets of LSC Communications, which had been planned to take place on September 3, has been postponed until September 9. Bids for the company were due August 26, but no filings disclosing what bids have been received have not yet been made public. Although no filing has been made about the bids, a recent disclosure by LSC investment bank Evercore indicates there was quite a bit of initial interest. According to the filing, made by Evercore to get court approval to be paid for its work, the bank said it contacted 163 prospective buyers, signed 60 nondisclosure agreements, and had continuing talks with 21 potential bidders.
Read More

Cosmo Films to set up a new line for speciality polyester films

Cosmo Films will re-commence the installation of a speciality polyester films line (BOPET) by the second quarter of 2022-23. The new line will be commissioned at the Waluj plant site in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India with a capacity of 30,000 MT per annum. This plant already houses BOPP lines, extrusion coating lines, chemical coating lines, metallizers and a CPP line. The new production line will complement the existing BOPP capacity of 200,000 MT per annum and allow Cosmo Films to offer a more comprehensive speciality product basket for flexible packaging, labeling, lamination and industrial applications. The project cost is estimated to be 300 crore INR (41 million USD), which will be financed through a mix of internal accruals and loans.
Read More

Sun Chemical and DIC Corporation Acquire Seller Ink Industria e Comércio de Tintas e Vernizes Ltda

Sun Chemical and its parent company, DIC Corporation, have acquired Seller Ink Industria e Comércio de Tintas e Vernizes Ltda., a specialty inks and coatings manufacturer based in São Paulo, Brazil. With over 25 years of experience, Seller Ink has a strong market presence in both the security ink and the metal decorating markets. With the acquisition of the Brazilian-based company, Sun Chemical will increase its specialty inks and coatings offering in Latin America and will obtain a local manufacturing platform for security inks to provide first-class service.
Read More

Domtar Helps Equip Students for Remote Learning

Due to the global pandemic, most students in the United States are starting school online or following a hybrid model that combines remote learning with in-person classes. The move to remote learning means that, in addition to the typical school supplies students need to be prepared and organized in a classroom, many children will need extra supplies to succeed at home. According to Classroom Central, a nonprofit organization that equips students for education, remote learning has actually increased the need for supplies. More families are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic, and because they are not in the classroom each day, students have fewer opportunities to share supplies. “Students will need the same supplies at home that they need at school in order to take notes and complete their coursework, including writing utensils, paper and composition books,” says Karen Calder, executive director of Classroom Central.
Read More

Handling Tumultuous Times in the Tissue and Towel Market

The unfolding of the past several months has led to more unpredictability than any of us could have imagined. Stay-at-home orders, social distancing guidelines and consumer panic buying have created major irregularities in tissue and towel market dynamics and consumption patterns. These challenges also present a great opportunity to help tissue and towel producers adapt and respond to these sudden changes. As consumers around the world actively stockpiled supplies and household staple items, tissue makers were pushed to maximize production. In some countries, bath tissue sales increased by more than 50% during the early months of the pandemic. Though machine utilization rates spiked to nearly 100%, there were still difficulties meeting demand. In the wake of the global pandemic, there is a renewed emphasis on hand hygiene that has resulted in more hand washing and hand drying occasions. Many establishments are also replacing hot and jet air dryers with paper towel dispensers in public restrooms. In addition, experts recommend cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces at least once a day to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission via surface contact. All of these trends are driving an increase in paper towel usage and pushing manufacturers to enhance their product requirements.
Read More

Great projects come with even greater responsibilities

While construction of its second pulp mill in Uruguay goes on at full speed, UPM is hard at work addressing concerns associated with such large-scale projects, including community safety, housing and infrastructure, and safeguarding the environment. Construction is well underway for UPM’s second pulp plant in Uruguay. The three-year project began following an investment decision in July 2019 and will be completed in 2022. The associated construction projects in central Uruguay and Montevideo now consist of 16 building sites, meaning the new mill is already boosting the local economy and regional development. This is also allowing for the creation of new opportunities for individuals and businesses. UPM is investing USD 3 billion into the construction of the mill, in the province’s infrastructure and a pulp terminal at the port of Montevideo.
Read More

Quad’s Joel Quadraccci Urges Congress to Act on USPS Reform (whattheythink.com)

In response to election-year political gridlock on common sense reform for the struggling United States Postal Service, I sent the following letter to roughly 300 U.S. Senators and Representatives this week. This isn’t just a matter for the postal industry — it’s in the best interest of the nation’s overall economy. Dear Senator: Quad was founded by my father in 1971, when he took out a second mortgage on our home and he along with a handful of dedicated partners opened the doors to what today has grown into the nation’s largest long-run printer with nearly 20,000 employees spanning across 20 states. I was two years old when Quad began, so I have quite literally grown up as part of the industry. My father’s vision has transformed many lives through hard work, dedication and smart business. However, that vision would not have happened without the tremendous partnership Quad has forged with the United States Postal Service. Today, Quad mails more than 10 billion pieces of mail each year on behalf of our clients. This accounts for 13% of the overall marketing mail volume in the country. The USPS continues to be a vital partner to the mailing/marketing industry — an industry that is comprised of retailers, marketers, catalogers, directories, direct mailers, magazine and book publishers along with paper manufacturers, timber producers and many others. The industry employs over 7 million people and accounts for $1.6 trillion of economic activity on par with industries such as air travel, automotive and oil and gas. The industry provides family supporting jobs throughout the country and over 90% of the Postal Service’s revenue. Leading Quad at this critical time gives me a sense of urgency in knowing that the future of our industry is at stake if our leaders do not act in our best interest.
Read More

NeKoosa’s Mojave SKUs Expand by 14 Products

The past six months have brought forth a lot of change and uncertainty, but one thing has remained the same - Nekoosa's focus on growing our product offering while striving to provide excellent customer service and substrates to our distributors, end-users, printers and partners. Throughout that time, we have successfully added 14 new SKUs to our Wall Graphics®, Sign-Ad®, Premium Vinyl and Classic Vinyl offering. Check out the full SKU offering on our downloadable Mojave Wide Format Specialty Print Media flyer. https://nekoosa.com/brands/mojave-digital-media
Read More

Macy’s, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results

Second Quarter Highlights: *Comparable sales were down 34.7% on an owned basis and down 35.1% on an owned plus licensed basis, due to faster paced store recovery than originally modeled and better than expected growth of digital business. *Digital sales remained strong, growing 53% over second quarter 2019. Digital sales penetrated at 54% of total owned comparable sales. *Delivered gross margin of 23.6%, an improvement of approximately 650 basis points from first quarter 2020 due to improved retail margins from mix and better sell through of clearance merchandise. *Inventory was down 29% from a year ago, allowing the company to exit second quarter in a clean inventory position. *Finished the quarter in a strong liquidity position with approximately $1.4 billion in cash and approximately $3 billion of untapped capacity in the company’s new asset-based credit facility.
Read More

First Half Sales Slipped 1.4% at PRH (publishersweekly.com)

Increases in sales of e-books and digital audiobooks and higher online sales helped to cushion the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic at Penguin Random House, parent company Bertelsmann reported this morning. Total revenue in the first half of 2020 fell 1.4% at PRH from the comparable period a year ago, dropping to €1.63 billion. EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) fell 7.9%, to €209 million. In April, Bertelsmann also acquired the remaining 25% stake in PRH that had been held by Pearson. The U.S. had the best performance among PRH’s international companies, with sales rising 5.2%, to €990 million. “The coronavirus pandemic had a negative impact on the company’s businesses due to the extensive closures of local bookstores,” Bertelsmann reported. “In contrast, the US business demonstrated particular resilience, partially offsetting reductions in other countries.”
Read More

Postmaster General to Meet with Election Committee of Secretaries of State

As part of the ongoing preparation for the election in November, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will participate in a follow-up meeting with the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Election Committee on Thursday, Sept. 17. This meeting follows an Aug. 26 conference call with NASS President and New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, NASS Elections Committee Co-Chairs Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State, and Frank LaRose, Ohio Secretary of State, and Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. During the Aug. 26 call, DeJoy reiterated to the Secretaries of State that delivering ballots entrusted to the Postal Service is the organization’s number one priority between now and Election Day, and that the Postal Service is ready, willing, and able to handle the nation’s election mail. He underscored the Postal Service’s commitment to partnering with state election officials as they work to ensure that those who choose to use the mail to vote will have their ballots counted in anticipation of the expected spike in Election Mail amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More

Pregis introduces AirSpeed Ascent, next generation, high-pressure air cushioning system

Pregis is introducing the AirSpeed® Ascent high-pressure air cushioning system. This next generation inflator creates the patented square pattern hybrid cushioning (HC) packaging material on-demand, saving companies valuable floor space while providing superior product protection to ensure products arrive to customers undamaged. “Users will immediately notice multiple advancements in the compact, ergonomic design and the throughput speed of up to 100 feet-per-minute. But the biggest impact for packers comes from the Ascent’s ’smart logic‘ technology,” said Ryan Germann, category manager—air systems, Pregis.
Read More

Creative Graphic Services Adds Three New HP Latex R-Series Rigid Printers (piworld.com)

Creative Graphics Services (CGS), a U.S. large-format graphics communications specialist, has expanded its print capabilities with the addition of a fleet of new HP Latex R series printers. The new technology is enabling customers to enjoy high-impact graphics on virtually any rigid surface for limitless design possibilities and to fill urgent signage needs. Today, CGS is mobilized to help equip local businesses, communities and hospitals with signage to communicate social distancing, wayfinding and public health awareness as they reopen amid the continued COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More

Ahlstrom-Munksjö promotes sustainable lifestyle through the #GreenSource initiative

Ahlstrom-Munksjö is one of the founding members of the #GreenSource initiative to promote the role of forest-fiber industries in the effort to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050. #GreenSource brings together members of the European Pulp Industry Sector Association (EPIS) and the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi). The forest-fiber industry wishes to play a central role in offering solutions that respond to the needs of the European citizens and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle, while making sure that forests keep growing, absorbing CO2 and protecting biodiversity.
Read More

Why Are There Still Not Enough Paper Towels? (wsj.com)

Deb Coduto runs plants that make paper towels. The town of Naheola, Ala., where she spends much of her time overseeing a Georgia-Pacific LLC paper-products factory, hadn’t yet felt the coronavirus when orders from retailers started rising in late February. Retailers ordered five times their normal amount of paper towels one week, and the next week 10 times more, Ms. Coduto recalls. She felt a sense of foreboding. She and the nearly 1,000 workers at the Georgia-Pacific plant, which makes Sparkle paper towels and was already running 24/7, began hunting for ways to increase output. With tactics such as cutting varieties to reduce line changeover time, they eventually managed to raise its production about 25%, still not enough to meet all the orders. Ms. Coduto was often at the plant from 5 a.m. to late evening.
Read More

Mondi to invest in Szczecin plant in Poland to expand and broaden e-commerce portfolio

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has successfully completed the installation of major new equipment at its corrugated box production plant in Szczecin, Poland to meet growing e-commerce demand. The installation of the new machinery also marks further progress in Mondi’s ambition to further digitalise its business by using more advanced analytics and automation to better serve its customers with innovative and sustainable packaging and paper solutions. The new equipment includes a five-colour Bobst Masterline 2.1 HD and a Robot MUK, which will produce sustainable packaging solutions for the growing e-commerce market in north-eastern Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Poland. Both machines will be equipped with automatic palletisers, run at faster speeds to increase production capacity and ensure high quality printing. Mondi's award winning 100% recyclable SizeMeMailer and Envelope Mailer alongside other packaging solutions will be produced from this site.
Read More

Arctic Blue Gin package designed by Metsä Board wins a ScanStar award

The Arctic Blue Gin package, featuring images of Northern Lights, has won a ScanStar 2020 award. Metsä Board, the leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, designed the Arctic Blue Gin package. It featured an impressive holographic design inspired by the Northern Lights and used MetsäBoard Pro FBB Bright lightweight folding boxboard. Metsä Board designed the package structure, the original graphics, and the embossing. The Northern Lights image was created by printing on top of Envirofoil®, a plastic-free, holographic metallisation effect designed by US-based paper converter, Hazen. It uses 1% of the aluminium of traditional foil laminates – making it both economical and environmentally friendly.
Read More

Is Paper A More Sustainable Flexible Packaging Material Than Plastic? (Forbes.com)

Like many other major plastics applications, plastics use in flexible packaging has come under deep scrutiny in recent years as sustainability concerns rise and spread globally. Paper is often lauded as a far more environmentally friendly alternative but how do the two materials really compare? And what is the most sustainable solution? Historically, papers have been used in flexible packaging for many applications, including confectionery, pet food and dried food. By the early-2000s, however, paper demand as a flexible packaging substrate began to decline due to competition from down-gauging and the rise of plastic alternatives. Consumers today widely view paper as a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. A European consumer preferences survey, commissioned by Two Sides in 2020, concluded that 62% of consumers see paper and cardboard packaging as better for the environment. Additionally, 70% of consumers surveyed said they were actively taking steps to reduce their use of plastic packaging. Comparing green credentials isn’t as straightforward as some would think, however.
Read More

Unprecedented Global Growth in Flexible Packaging Drives Significant Expansion of ePac and HP Indigo Fleet

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) and ePac, the digital flexible packaging leader, today announced a new stage in their market acceleration for flexible packaging with a further rollout of 26 additional HP Indigo digital presses. ePac will be the first converter in the world to install the new HP Indigo 25K Digital Press, as it expands the transformation of the global flexible packaging market into additional locations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. “ePac is completely changing the way small and medium size businesses around the world can access new markets and level the playing field with fast, top quality flexible packaging,” said Jack Knott, CEO, ePac Flexible Packaging. “The ability for rapid growth through proven technology and global support of HP Indigo is helping us reach yet another milestone in our history and bring innovation and change to new sites around the world and the communities they serve.”
Read More

All green products start with a Greensource: climate neutrality with Europe’s forest fibre industry

UPM is one of the founding members of the #GreenSource initiative, to promote the role of forest-fibre industries in the effort to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050. #GreenSource brings together members of EPIS, the European Pulp Industry Sector Association and Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries. The forest fibre industry wish to play a central role in offering solutions that responds to the needs of the European citizens and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle while making sure that forests keep growing, absorbing CO2 and protecting biodiversity.
Read More

Bertelsmann Keeps Group Profit Near-Stable in First Half of 2020

During the reporting period, Bertelsmann’s Group revenues declined by 8.9 percent to €7.8 billion (H1 2019: €8.6 billion). The organic decline in revenues was 7.9 percent. The Group’s growth businesses were stable at €2.9 billion. They now account for 37 percent of total revenues, after 35 percent in the previous year. BMG, Majorel, Arvato Supply Chain Solutions, Arvato Financial Solutions, and the Bertelsmann Education Group, developed positively. Operating EBITDA was €1.01 billion (H1 2019: €1.29 billion). The RTL Group and Gruner + Jahr divisions in particular felt the effects of the corona-related decline in the advertising markets. In contrast, the Arvato services businesses increased their operating earnings. BMG and the Bertelsmann Education Group posted operating EBITDA at the previous year’s level. Group profit remained stable overall at €488 million (H1 2019: €502 million).
Read More

Back-To-School Ad Spend Falls 70% (mediapost.com)

With back-to-school schedules everywhere in continual flux, this BTS shopping season has gotten as unpredictable as hurricane tracking. While the National Retailer Federation reports a large increase in consumer spending as parents buy pricey new laptops and desks for home schoolrooms, national advertisers are taking a hall pass. Kantar says advertising spending for back-to-school is off 70% so far this year. The best word for consumer sentiment is still confusion. Kantar’s polling finds 13% of consumers are comfortable sending children back to school “as soon as possible,” 14% want to wait more than six months, and 25% fall somewhere in between one and five months. More than half of also say they don’t know.
Read More

Special September Issue Of DEPARTURES Recognizes Visionaries Who Are Committed To Making Positive Change In Unprecedented Times

DEPARTURES®, the leading voice of luxury and experiences published by Meredith Corporation for American Express Platinum Card® Members, today revealed its September 2020 special Visionaries issue celebrating individuals across fashion, media, food, technology, sports, wellness, and beyond whose work is positively impacting society and driving meaningful change. This second annual special issue has five separate covers, along with candid interviews with six standout visionaries. Elsewhere in the issue, DEPARTURES delves into innovation with reporting on the future of architectural design as the world adapts to new realities, takes a look at the future of fashion from the perspectives of notable photographers, highlights big thinkers on what's next in the field of wellness, shares top chefs' views on how we'll be dining out in the months and years to come, and much more.
Read More

REI Co-op to open new store in Appleton, Wisconsin on September 4, invest $10,000 in local community

REI Co-op will open its new store in Appleton, Wisconsin on September 4 for limited in-store shopping, offering a wide assortment of quality outdoor gear for hiking, camping, mountain biking and paddling. The new 20,000-square-foot store at the Center Valley shopping center was originally scheduled to open in the spring but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. REI Appleton will also offer Buy Online, Pickup In Store capabilities and zero contact bike shop services. With nearly 300,000 lifetime members in state, REI Appleton will join the co-op’s existing Wisconsin locations in Brookfield and Madison. “Appleton is an incredible community, and we’re thrilled to finally open our doors and connect our members to the many outdoor spaces in the region,” said Gary Kim, REI Appleton store manager. “Whether our members are enjoying their favorite activity or want to try something new for the first time, we’ll have the gear they need to get outside.”
Read More

Service Performance Rebounds at Postal Service

In a letter transmitted today to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Postal Service provided service performance charts showing significant increases in all mail categories. “As the charts show, service performance improved across all major mail categories in the weeks prior to my testimony (delivered on August 24), and this trend has continued through August, returning to early-July levels,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in his letter to the Committee. “This recovery took place while still adhering to our existing transportation schedules. In other words, we are improving service performance while more consistently running our trucks on time.”
Read More

3rd Generation of Crown Letsgo Silk XF Available Today

On special request from several of our customers, Crown Van Gelder decided to release its 3rd Generation Crown Letsgo Silk XF ahead of schedule in September 2020. Why explain it when we can show you. Check the short presentation of our renowned Colour Specialist Rob Boumans beneath and discover how CROWN LETSGO 3rd Generation products will add value to your business. CROWN LETSGO 3rd Generation unlocks full potential of your press at top speeds, with better image quality than ever before on our substrates. Pigment ink savings of 5-10 % without compromises are within reach* see the video at: https://www.cvg.nl/en/news/3rd-generation-crown-letsgo-silk-xf-available-today
Read More

Heinzel Group supports EPIS’ initiative #GreenSource

Heinzel Group is a member of EPIS (European Pulp Industry Sector) and therefore supports the #GreenSource initiative to promote the role of forest-fibre industries in the effort to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality target by 2050. The forest-fibre industry wishes to play a central role in offering solutions that respond to the needs of the European citizens and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle while making sure that forests keep growing, absorbing CO2 and protecting biodiversity.
Read More

Superior Litho Triples Its Overall Job Throughput and Impression Output With Its New Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 57-Inch Seven-Color Press (whattheythink.com)

Over the past year Superior Lithographics, a Los Angeles-based large format printing specialist of litho sheets and top sheets for the corrugated box industry as well as printing and converting folding cartons, has seen impressive improvements in many vital areas including product quality and data on product consistency stemming from state-of-the-art color and quality measuring systems outfitted on its new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 seven-color 57-inch press. “Since our new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 57-inch seven color press was installed last summer, we’ve seen incredible improvements within our facility,” says Jeff Ku, Vice President of Operations for Superior. “Our data has shown a 32% increase in overall sheet throughput. We’ve also seen an impressive 25% decrease in make-ready time. All this has resulted in our company experiencing an overall growth in business.”
Read More

Printer Jam: Serious Supply Issues Disrupt the Book Industry’s Fall Season (nytimes.com)

Capacity issues at the two largest printing companies are among the factors creating havoc for authors and publishers. This spring, when the pandemic forced bookstores across the country to close and authors to cancel their tours, many editors and publishers made a gamble. They postponed the publication of dozens of titles, betting that things would be back to normal by the fall. Now, with September approaching, things are far from normal. Books that were bumped from spring and early summer are landing all at once, colliding with long-planned fall releases and making this one of the most crowded fall publishing seasons ever. And now publishers are confronting a new hurdle: how to print all those books. read more at: https://www-nytimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.nytimes.com/2020/08/27/books/printing-companies-backlog-book-publishing.amp.html
Read More

Print Unit Sales Up 8% in Late August (publishersweekly.com)

With all but one category posting increases, unit sales of print books rose 8% in the week ended Aug. 22, 2020, over the comparable week in 2019 at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. Stephenie Meyer’s Midnight Sun, which sold nearly 59,000 copies in the week, continued to drive sales in the YA fiction segment, where print units rose 27.8% over the week ended Aug. 24, 2019. The YA nonfiction category had a 40.6% jump in sales, with Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi remaining in first place in the category, selling more than 12,000 copies. Big Preschool Workbook stayed #1 in juvenile nonfiction, selling more than 34,000 copies and helping to drive up print unit sales up 36.3% over 2019.
Read More

Novolex Releases Second Annual Sustainability Report

The report outlines the company’s wide-ranging sustainability efforts, the use of recycled content key among them. In 2019, the company increased its use overall of post-consumer recycled (PCR) fiber and resin in its products. For its fiber-based products, the percentage of recycled fiber in the company’s supply chain was nearly half the total procured. When using post-consumer recycled (PCR) material was not possible, Novolex focused on procuring Chain of Custody (COC) certified prime fiber content traceable to the original source. When combined, 69% of fiber volume was either PCR or COC-certified content, an increase of 4% over 2018. Plastic resin used by Novolex consisted of 4% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and 20% post-industrial resin in 2019, the same percentages as the prior year. While the reported 4% PCR is the same in 2018 and 2019, Novolex purchases of PCR material increased in total pounds. That was driven in part by the company’s two world-class polyethylene recycling centers, which specialize in recycling plastic consumer retail bags as well as films such as dry-cleaning bags, newspaper bags and other items labeled for “store drop off” recycling programs.
Read More

World Water Week: Mondi’s continued commitment to water stewardship

Water is one of the world’s most precious resources, and is inextricably linked to combating climate change. According to the UN, 2.2 billion people worldwide lack safe drinking water and the responsible use of water will help reduce floods, droughts, scarcity and pollution. As a leading manufacturer of packaging and paper, water is vital to our global operations and responsible water stewardship is central to how we do business. Since 2014 we have promoted a landscape approach to water stewardship, working together with farmers, local government, and industries, who all share a common interest in maintaining freshwater ecosystems and services.
Read More

ANA Data & Analytics Virtual Conference jschmid.com)

We’re all trying to sell something to someone. We have a great product, a great service, or a can’t-miss promotion that we want people to know about. We’ve decided to reach them through direct mail. But what should we say? What do we show? How do we stand out from all the other messages in the mailbox? And how do we do it in a matter of seconds? A smart strategy, a great mailing list and a stellar offer don’t mean anything if your creative execution is weak. There are certain creative secrets that have been proven through neuroscience that will increase the likelihood of your direct mail piece getting noticed and driving your customers to action. Simply following these four powerful recommendations will increase your chances of success. Good creative matters. Find out the secrets of how to do it. Join Us September 14th, 10 AM Central. Sustain, Grow & Transform Direct Mail Hosted by American Express. Be our guest FREE: Use code GUEST20. Register at: https://www.ana.net/membersconference/register/id/MOC-SEP20E5
Read More

The pandemic, matters of culture, and why direct-to-consumer brands are thriving (cohereone.com)

We’ve passed the six-month mark of living through a global pandemic. I’m not sure it’s an anniversary worth celebrating – it’s more of a ‘day-that-will-live-in-infamy’ type. In the retail world and working with consumer-facing brands, we’ve observed that many with a direct-to-consumer orientation have fared well. In contrast, the broader spectrum of the retail and consumer services sector has not. I’ll try to be as diplomatic as possible here – if there’s one thing Americans don’t like, it’s being told what to do. We tend to think of ourselves, our families, and our immediate communities – and probably in that order – as the best sources of information. State and federal guidelines tend to (at least initially) be met with resistance, especially when those guidelines affect one’s ability to earn a living, visit with family and loved ones, or eat a meal indoors at a restaurant. What the pandemic has revealed is simple: culture matters. Congregating limitations and business closure edicts, and the delay in loosening them, have put our culture on ice. Although, not entirely. read more at: https://cohereone.com/the-pandemic-matters-of-culture-and-why-direct-to-consumer-brands-are-thriving/
Read More

Verso Introduces Direct Mail Promotion: Vote for Verso Papers

Verso Corporation introduced a new direct mail promotion, Vote for Verso Papers, to create awareness of its extensive 7 & 9 pt. sheetfed, digital, web and inkjet printing papers amongst those designing and printing direct mail for political campaigns. The promotion was printed on a sheetfed printing press on Verso's Anthem Plus® Gloss, 7 pt. cover. "Direct mail lets you reach the right voters with the right message," said Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Aaron Haas. "In fact, mail works well for campaigns looking to reach specific audiences on topics and issues that are just not possible with mass communication, while connecting them to online content that provides more information on a candidate's views."
Read More

Lecta Publishes its Q2 2020 Results

For the quarter ended 30 June 2020, Lecta had revenue of €206.6 million versus €345.6 million in the quarter ended 30 June 2019, a decrease of €139.0 million or -40.2%. This decrease was essentially attributable to Covid-19 pandemic: • Lower sales of CWF, Specialties and Purchased Products of €-127.5 million or -39.7%, from €321.2 million in 2Q2019 to €193.7 million in 2Q2020, resulting from lower sales volumes of 124,200 metric tons or -39.8%, 187,700 metric tons in 2Q2020 vs 311,900 metric tons in 2Q2019, and a slight increase in average net sales price of +2.4€/t or +0.2%, 1,032€/t in 2Q2020 vs 1,030€/t in 2Q2019; and • Lower sales of energy of €-11.6 million or -47.2%, from €24.5 million in 2Q2019 to €12.9 million in 2Q2020, resulting from lower sales volumes of 105,400 MWh or -35.8%, 189,000 MWh in 2Q2020 vs 294,400 MWh in 2Q2019, and a decrease in average sales price of -15€/MWh or -18%, 68€/MWh in 2Q2020 vs 83€/MWh in 2Q2019. EBITDA decreased by €24.4 million, or -91.1%, from €26.8 million in 2Q2019 to €2.4 million in 2Q2020. This decrease was the result of lower sales of paper in volume, partly offset by higher margin on variable costs and lower fixed costs.
Read More

Ulta Beauty Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results

For the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2020 *Net sales decreased 26.3% to $1.2 billion compared to $1.7 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 due to the impact of COVID-19. *Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months, including stores temporarily closed due to COVID-19, and e-commerce sales) decreased 26.7% compared to an increase of 6.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. In the second quarter, transactions declined 36.2% and average ticket increased 14.9%. *Gross profit decreased to $329.0 million compared to $605.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 26.8% compared to 36.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2019, primarily due to deleverage of fixed costs due to lower sales, channel mix shifts, deleverage of salon expenses due to lower sales, and an increase in inventory reserves. These pressures were partially offset by lower promotional activity. *Operating income decreased to $12.8 million, or 1.1% of net sales, compared to $208.0 million, or 12.5% of net sales, in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. Adjusted operating income was $54.9 million, or 4.5% of net sales. *Net income was $8.1 million compared to $161.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. Adjusted net income was $41.5 million compared to adjusted net income of $159.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2019.
Read More

Direct Mail in a Post-Pandemic World (piworld.com)

The opening session for the final day of the Virtual Inkjet Summit focused on direct mail, and what marketing will look like in a post-pandemic future. COVID-19 has reshaped how brands communicate with consumers in profound ways, and inkjet is, in many ways, perfectly positioned to be the technology that helps them reconnect in very personal, meaningful ways. Barb Pellow, manager, Pellow and Partners, sat down with Darrin Wilen, president of Wilen Direct, to discuss how the current climate has re-shaped business, and what that means for direct mail’s future, as well as the role inkjet will play. Pellow noted that one thing to keep in mind is that while some industries, such as travel, or membership mailings to local events or attractions, has dropped off dramatically over the past six months, the news isn’t all bad. In fact, some markets, such as health care, elder care services, personal care products, and educational products, among others, have actually see an increase in mailings.
Read More

Gap Inc. Reports Second Quarter Results

Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2020 Results: Net sales were down 18% year-over-year, reflecting a 95% increase in online sales, offset by a 48% decline in store sales, which were impacted by partial closures during the quarter. During May, Gap Inc. began reopening stores previously closed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with approximately 90% of its global fleet open as of August 1. Second quarter fiscal year 2020 comparable sales were up 13%, driven by the strength of Gap Inc.’s scaled e-commerce business, which added over 3.5 million new customers during the quarter. The comparable sales calculation reflects online sales and comparable sales days in stores that have reopened. Operating expenses were $1.1 billion, a decrease of $198 million versus last year, primarily due to a decrease in store payroll and benefits and other store expenses resulting from store closures during the quarter. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 32.9%, an increase of 1.1 percentage points driven by lower net sales. Operating income was $73 million or 2.2% of net sales.
Read More

REI Co-op to open new store in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on September 4

REI Co-op will open its new store in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on September 4 for limited in-store shopping, offering a wide assortment of quality outdoor gear for hiking, camping, climbing and more. Designed to be a gateway to outdoor adventures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, REI Pigeon Forge will feature the co-op’s newest retail format offering a variety of gear rentals, zero contact bike shop services for maintenance and repairs and Buy Online Pickup In Store capabilities. The new 21,500-square-foot store was originally scheduled to open in the spring but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. REI Pigeon Forge marks the co-op’s fifth location in the state and will serve the co-op’s nearly 250,000 lifetime members in Tennessee and the millions of visitors that adventure in the region every year.
Read More

IEF Joins Sustainable Packaging Coalition

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) can now add Inteplast Engineered Films (IEF) to its roster of members, which includes the likes of DuPont, Hello Fresh, Clorox, and Fitbit. IEF, a manufacturer of technologically advanced film for printers, converters, and various markets, is excited to join forces with SPC’s growing collective focused on this area of sustainable and eco-friendly innovation. IEF, already expanding its sustainable film portfolio, expects to take advantage of forging partnerships within this valuable network of progressive brands such as Amazon, FedEx, and many more.
Read More

Sonoco ThermoSafe and ACL Airshop Announce Agreement for Handling and Repair of Pegasus ULD Temperature Controlled Bulk Shippers

Sonoco ThermoSafe and ACL Airshop announced a global agreement for the handling and repair of Sonoco ThermoSafe’s Pegasus ULD bulk temperature controlled containers. The Pegasus ULD™ is the world’s first passive bulk temperature controlled container for pharmaceutical use that is an approved unit load device, which allows it to speed through existing international ground handling and customs processes at the lowest possible cost. Engineered with composite materials, the unit load device will offer a lighter solution that is substantially more damage-resistant than traditional metal containers. Additionally, the Pegasus contains a fully integrated, FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved telemetry system, providing real-time, cloud-based data on payload and ambient temperature and key environmental factors, precisely synchronized with GPS location. ACL Airshop, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., and with air cargo support capabilities at more than 50 of the world’s top 100 cargo airports, will initially provide pre-conditioning, handling and repair services at air cargo facilities around the world representing key pharma hubs for import and export. As demand for the Pegasus ULD fleet continues to grow, ACL’s global footprint offers Sonoco ThermoSafe the opportunity to rapidly expand.
Read More

Domtar Sustainability for 2020 and Beyond

We achieved two of our six major goals: We reduced our total direct greenhouse gas emissions and indirect emissions from purchased energy by 19 percent at our pulp and paper mills, compared to our goal of a 15 percent reduction from 2010 levels. We also completed development of a water usage model for our mills to measure and more strategically manage the full cost of using water. In addition, we have nearly achieved two other Domtar sustainability goals that center on certified fiber procurement and employee engagement (as measured by establishing EarthChoice® Ambassador teams at each of our facilities). Finally, we are actively working toward achieving our final two Domtar sustainability goals — targeting a 0.50 recordable safety incident rate and ensuring a 40 percent reduction in waste to landfill from pulp and paper mills. click read more for more great info
Read More

Campaigns that Drive Connection (jschmid.com)

Chances are, you’re currently trying to reach your audience in a variety of ways. Maybe digital ads, search, social media, catalog, direct mail and your retail environment. What if you could tie all those efforts together with a single creative concept—a “Big Idea” that unifies all of those touch points? And what if that consistent message was delivered in such a unique and bold way that you now stood out from the competition? People now notice you. They remember you. And now they will consider you. THAT’S the power of a campaign. Need some help getting started? Read our 8-part series at: https://www.jschmid.com/services/campaigns/
Read More

ACMA (Virtual) National Forum Addresses All That’s Near & Dear to Your Company Starting Next Week; Limited Registration Still Available

Consumer Privacy 2-Parter: Hear what lessons can be learned now that the California Consumer Privacy Act is in place during the first session on Sept. 16th from 1:00-1:45. Then tune back in at 2:00 to learn about data literacy and your brand's marketing ecosystem. CohereOne CEO Tim Curtis will moderate. Crutchfield's CIO Jeff Bingaman (bottom right), Wunderman Thompson's Chief Privacy Officer Rachel Glasser (top right), KP Public Affairs Lobbyist Pat Joyce (top left), Brann & Isaacson Partner David Swetnam-Burland (bottom left) will prep you for the complexity and fluidity of evolving privacy laws. Remote Sales Tax Collection, Post-Wayfair: Brad Scott, Halstead Bead's director of finance, chairs ACMA's tax committee and along with fellow committee member, Linda Lester, VP of K-Log (both pictured at a recent House Small Business subcommittee hearing with FindTape Founder Kevin Maloney in between), he will share D.C. lobbying stories and provide an update on how the committee intends to get Federal legislation passed to make sales tax collection easier for remote merchants. The committee also will outline how other remote merchants and suppliers can get involved all for the better good. Sept. 23rd at 2:00 E.T. CLICK HERE >>> https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zoG0Zv-zTpumXJcbZIESvA to Register NOW; SPOTS ARE LIMITED
Read More

Paper bags favoured by Morrisons as they consider removing plastic bags from all stores

This week, the supermarket chain Morrisons has launched a “paper bag only” trail in eight stores. If successful, the chain will consider removing plastic bags from all stores and will offer paper bags only. Morrisons started to give their customers the choice between paper and plastic bags earlier this year when they introduced reusable paper bags into their stores at a 20p charge (the same price as a plastic “bag for life”). However, since they have seen little evidence to suggest that the plastic bags are being re-used and therefore, continue to have a negative impact on the environment, they are considering ditching them altogether. Andy Atkinson, Group Customer and Marketing Director, at Morrisons said: “We are taking another meaningful step that will remove an estimated 1,300 tonnes of plastic out of the environment each year. Our customers have told us that reducing plastic is their number one environmental concern so introducing the paper bag across the nation will provide another way of reducing the plastic in their lives.”
Read More

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports Record Revenue and Profit Growth for Its Fiscal 2020 Fourth Quarter and Full Year

Fourth Quarter Highlights: Total net revenues increased a record 61.1 percent to $418.0 million, compared with $259.4 million in the prior year period Net Income was $9.8 million, or $0.15 per diluted share. Adjusted Net Income1 was $15.1 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $8.3 million, or ($0.13) per share, in the prior year period. Full Year Highlights: Total net revenues increased 19.3 percent to $1.49 billion, compared with $1.25 billion in the prior year, reflecting strong growth across all three of the Company’s business segments. Net Income was $59.0 million, or $0.89 per diluted share. Adjusted Net Income1 increased 86.9 percent to $65.0 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, compared with $34.8 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, in the prior year.
Read More

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Reports Second Quarter Results

A summary of results for the second quarter ended August 1, 2020 as compared the second quarter ended August 3, 2019: *Net sales of $698 million, down 17% as compared to last year, reflecting the adverse impact of COVID-19 on store sales. *Gross profit rate improved 140 basis points to 60.7% on lower promotional and clearance activity. *Operating income improved to $14 million and $22 million on a reported and adjusted non-GAAP basis, respectively, as compared to an operating loss last year of $39 million, which reflected $45 million of flagship store exit charges. *Net income per diluted share improved to $0.09 and $0.23 on a reported and adjusted non-GAAP basis, respectively, as compared to net loss per diluted share last year of $0.48, which reflected the adverse impact from flagship store exit charges of approximately $0.50 per diluted share, net of estimated tax effect.
Read More

Census 2020 woes expose deep digital divide and reinforce enduring need for paper options (keepmepostedna.org)

Census 2020 is not going well. Nor is it going as planned. This critical distinction has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which again exposes the depth and breadth of the digital divide in America. Popular narratives about the digital divide that separates our nation are too often anchored narrowly on the mere availability of broadband in a community. And now, emerging narratives about Census 2020 self-reporting issues routinely fail to look beyond the pandemic disruptions. Long before the launch of this decade’s Constitutionally mandated count of the country’s resident population, planners at the Census Bureau smartly decided to embrace modern technology and create an online platform for responding to the critically important questionnaire. But then they made a giant leap of faith.
Read More

UPS Announces Executive Leadership Team Changes

UPS announced the appointment of Nando Cesarone to President, U.S. Operations and Scott Price to President, UPS International. Nando Cesarone previously served as President UPS International and in that role led the company's business operations in more than 220 countries and territories outside of the U.S. Prior to that, he served as President of UPS’s European operations, leading UPS Europe to record business performance during the company’s five-year investment program. Cesarone also served as President of the Asia Pacific Region.
Read More

Amcor joins United States Plastics Pact to advance circular economy

Amcor announced today it has joined the U.S. Plastics Pact, a collaborative, solutions-driven initiative to create a path forward to a circular economy for plastics in the United States by 2025. The U.S. Plastics Pact is focused on four ambitious goals intended to drive significant systems change by unifying diverse cross-sector approaches, setting a national strategy, and creating scalable solutions. The first North American Pact of its kind, the U.S. Plastics Pact is a collaboration led by The Recycling Partnership, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Read More

WAMI’s Water With a Mission Launches in Cans

WAMI is an Italian water brand with a twist, aiming to make a difference to millions of people who lack access to clean, accessible water. Its mission is to turn the ordinary act of drinking water into something extraordinary by providing 100 liters of water to people in need every time a product is purchased. As of July 2020, WAMI water is available in aluminum cans from Crown Bevcan Europe & Middle East, further advancing the brand’s commitment to making a positive impact in the world thanks to the package format’s infinite recyclability and ability to remain within the material loop. Available in 0.44cl size, the cans are a product of the vision of WAMI CEO Giacomo Stefanini, whose belief is that working on packaging sustainability is a key area of focus – particularly as the B-Corp (Benefit Corporation) company looks to expand its reach into the restaurant and bar trades. They have a minimal but striking design and feature the WAMI logo on a predominantly white surface alongside brushstroke effect graphics in green for natural and blue for sparkling.
Read More

Greif Reports Third Quarter 2020 Results

Third Quarter Highlights include (all results compared to the third quarter of 2019 unless otherwise noted): *Net income of $20.7 million decreased compared to net income of $62.7 million *Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $6.5 million to $135.0 million. *Total debt decreased by $240.9 million to $2,637.6 million. Net debt(4) decreased by $263.6 million to $2,539.1 million and decreased $70.8 million sequentially from the second quarter of 2020.
Read More

Shipping and Sustainability: How to Decrease Your Environmental Footprint and Increase Customer Satisfaction

In shipping and packaging, there are a lot of definitions of what “sustainability” means. In fact, because there are so many different ways that companies can make more sustainable choices, it can sometimes feel just as elusive as Bigfoot. Companies often have big ideas on how they can reduce their carbon footprints. But when it comes down to creating a definitive plan, it slips quietly into the forest, leaving us with only a grainy picture of what we want to do — and no truly concrete way to move forward with our sustainability efforts. What we do know is that shipping has a massive impact on the environment. Parcel shipping has more than doubled in the last five years, and its year-over-year growth is 17%. This affects greenhouse gas emissions, and we know that we need to create an actionable plan to mitigate these environmental repercussions. Doing this can help companies take real steps toward actually reducing their carbon footprint, so that sustainability efforts yield real, not mythical, results.
Read More

GP Packaging Begins Manufacturing Curbside Recyclable Paper Padded Mailers for E-Commerce

The growth of e-commerce has generated significant demand for sustainable packaging options, as both consumers and e-retailers look to increase the recyclability of their packaging. This curbside recyclable padded paper mailer is a sustainable alternative to non-recyclable dual material packaging. GP is expanding its offerings to include paper padded mailers. In May, the company opened a new facility in Arizona to manufacture curbside recyclable paper padded mailers with Amazon as a key customer. To manufacture this product, Georgia-Pacific created approximately 80 jobs at a new manufacturing facility in Tolleson, Arizona, outside of Phoenix. The company will begin supplying Amazon’s West Coast fulfillment centers with potential expansion to other parts of the country. “This padded paper mailer is a significant advancement in developing a sustainable packaging alternative to reduce environmental impacts,” says Adam Ganz, vice president – commercial development at Georgia-Pacific. “Shipping items to consumers in a mailer that can be tossed in the bin with the rest of their paper recyclables is a game changer. We’re excited to bring this to our customers at a time when e-commerce continues to grow rapidly.”
Read More

Laakirchen Papier continues to be committed to the production and sales of SC paper

Following the announcement by the Swedish SCA Group about discussions regarding a possible closure of its paper machines in Ortviken (Sweden) and consequently possible effects on various corporate divisions of the group, the Austrian paper manufacturer Laakirchen Papier AG comments on this issue as follows: The Heinzel Group, whose subsidiary is the Austrian paper mill Laakirchen Papier AG, has a sales cooperation with the SCA Group in place since several years. "The possible closure of the paper machines and potential effects on the sales cooperation with SCA in Western European countries such as Germany, France, Belgium or the Netherlands have no influence on the production and sales of SC paper from Laakirchen Papier. We continue to be committed to SC paper production in the future and we assure our customers that they will be delivered with our paper as usual”, says Franz Baldauf, CFO of Laakirchen Papier AG.
Read More

UPM plans restructuring and streamlining to ensure performance

To ensure future competitiveness of UPM Communication Papers, UPM announces plans for permanent closing of UPM Kaipola paper mill in Finland, sale of UPM Shotton paper mill in Wales and streamlining Communication Papers business function teams. In addition, UPM Biorefining and UPM Specialty Papers announce plans for reorganising and streamlining activities in Finnish pulp mills, UPM Forest and UPM Tervasaari mill in Finland. The planned actions would result in annual cost savings of EUR 75 million. Decisions on the final plans will be made after the co-determination procedures have been concluded. The planned closure of UPM Kaipola’s three paper machines would impact approximately 450 positions and lead to a permanent reduction of 720,000 tonnes of graphic paper capacity, thereof 450,000 tonnes of newsprint and 270,000 tonnes of coated mechanical paper.
Read More

URBN’s Q2 Profits Rebound Sharply

Total Company net sales for the three months ended July 31, 2020, decreased 16.5% over the same period last year to $803 million. Comparable Retail segment net sales decreased 13%, driven by negative retail store sales due to stores being closed for part of the quarter and lower store productivity once opened, partially offset by strong double-digit growth in the digital channel. By brand, comparable Retail segment net sales increased 11% at Free People and decreased 8% at Urban Outfitters and 25% at the Anthropologie Group. Total Retail segment net sales decreased 14%. Wholesale segment net sales decreased 51%. For the three months ended July 31, 2020, the gross profit rate decreased to 29.6% from 32.8% in the prior year’s comparable period. Gross profit dollars decreased 24.6% to $238.0 million from $315.9 million. The decrease in gross profit rate was primarily due to an increase in delivery and logistics expense due to penetration of the digital channel, followed by store occupancy expense rate deleverage. Net income for the three months ended July 31, 2020, was $34 million and earnings per diluted share was $0.35. Net loss for the six months ended July 31, 2020, was $104 million and loss per diluted share was $1.06.
Read More

Nordstrom Reports Second Quarter 2020 Earnings

SECOND QUARTER 2020 SUMMARY: • Second quarter net loss of $255 million, which included after-tax COVID-19 related charges of $14 million primarily related to corporate asset impairments, decreased from net earnings of $141 million during the same period in fiscal 2019. • In Full-Price, net sales decreased 58 percent. Excluding the Anniversary Sale event shift impact, Full-Price sales decreased in the mid-forties percent range. Off-Price net sales decreased 43 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2019. Top performing merchandise categories included home, kidswear, accessories, beauty and active in both Full-Price and Off-Price. • Total company digital sales decreased 5 percent. Excluding the Anniversary Sale event shift impact, digital sales increased approximately 20 percent in the second quarter and in the mid-teens range on a year-to-date basis. The Company’s e-commerce business continued to experience significant growth in new Nordstrom customers of more than 50 percent. • Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, was 21 percent, decreasing from 35 percent for the same period in fiscal 2019 due to planned markdowns and deleverage from lower sales volume and reflected sequential improvement in merchandise margin trends.
Read More

Chico’s FAS, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Results

For the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2020 (the "second quarter"), the Company reported: *A net loss of $46.8 million a material improvement over the thirteen weeks ended May 2, 2020 (the "first quarter"). The second quarter net loss includes the after-tax impact of inventory write-offs of $8.0 million. For the thirteen weeks ended August 3, 2019 ("last year's second quarter"), the net loss was $2.3 million. *Net sales were $306.2 million, an improvement of 9.2% from the first quarter, reflecting the benefit of strong digital sales and store reopenings. Sales decreased approximately 39.8% from last year's second quarter, reflecting disruptions related to the pandemic, including the continuation of temporary store closures and limited hours during the second quarter, as well as the impact of 74 net permanent store closures since last year's second quarter, partially offset by double-digit growth in digital performance. For the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2020, the Company reported: *A net loss of $225.1 million compared to net loss of $0.3 million for the twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2019.
Read More

Label materials supplier UPM Raflatac joins U.S. Plastics Pact, committing to meet ambitious circular economy goals by 2025

UPM Raflatac, a global leading manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels, is pleased to announce it has joined the U.S. Plastics Pact. This collaborative, solutions-driven initiative is rooted in four ambitious goals intended to drive significant systems change by unifying diverse cross-sector approaches, setting a national strategy, and creating scalable solutions to create a path forward toward a circular economy for plastics in the United States by 2025. The first North American Pact of its kind, the U.S. Pact is a collaboration led by The Recycling Partnership, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Activators like UPM Raflatac recognize that significant, systemwide change is imperative to realize a circular economy for plastics. As such, the U.S. Pact will convene more than 70 brands, retailers, NGOs, and government agencies across the plastics value chain to bring one voice to U.S. packaging through coordinated initiatives and innovative solutions for rethinking products, packaging, and business models.
Read More

Bonnier Corp. Signs Licensing Deal with Celestron for Popular Science Products

Bonnier Corp. has signed a licensing agreement for its iconic brand Popular Science with Celestron Acquisition LLC, it was announced by Elise Contarsy, Senior Vice President of Bonnier Consumer Products. Founded in 1960, Celestron offers the largest selection of consumer optical products in the world and is the global leader in telescope manufacturing. An industry leader for more than 60 years, Celestron will produce an extensive line of Popular Science products that will include telescopes, microscopes, sport optics and accessories. The deal was brokered by Evolution USA LLC, the licensing and brand management agency that represents the Popular Science brand worldwide.
Read More

Tredegar Agrees to Sell Personal Care Films Business to Fitesa

Tredegar Corporation announced that it has agreed to sell its personal care films business to affiliates of Fitesa S.A. The Personal Care Films business, which is currently reported by Tredegar within the personal care component of its PE Films segment, has approximately 400 employees worldwide and includes manufacturing sites located in Terre Haute, Indiana; Kerkrade, The Netherlands; Rétság, Hungary; Diadema, Brazil; and Pune, India. The proposed transaction excludes the packaging film lines and operations relating to the Pottsville, Pennsylvania manufacturing site currently reported by Tredegar within the personal care component of its PE Films segment. Cash proceeds from the sale net of transaction costs, purchase price adjustments and transition services are estimated at $40 to $45 million. Net cash income tax costs or benefits relating to the transaction are expected to be negligible.
Read More

36-Year Quad Print Veteran Joins Royle as Director of Operations

Royle Printing is pleased to announce Pam Rostagno has joined the Royle team as Director of Operations. Rostagno brings a broad depth of knowledge and experience from her various operations leadership positions she held at Quad. Beginning her career in their Corporate Trainee program, Rostagno spent time as a customer service representative before moving into a leadership position in that department. She advanced in her career, serving as the Plant Director at the Quad Lomira, Wis., facility and Quad Martinsburg, W.V., facility. In 2013, Rostagno accepted the position of Director of Operations at the Quad In-Store Division, where she championed the rapid growth of that business unit. Rostagno has been heavily involved in employee development, process improvement & cost analysis, strategic planning & direction, customer service, quality & production controls, LEAN/6S applications, leadership and mentoring/coaching.
Read More

Kimberly-Clark Joins U.S. Plastics Pact, Commits To Meet Ambitious Circular Economy Goals By 2025

Kimberly-Clark today announced it has joined the U.S. Plastics Pact, a collaborative, solutions-driven initiative rooted in four ambitious goals intended to drive significant systems change by unifying diverse cross-sector approaches, setting a national strategy, and creating scalable solutions to create a path forward toward a circular economy for plastics in the United States by 2025. The first North American Pact of its kind, the U.S. Pact is a collaboration led by The Recycling Partnership, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Ellen MacArthur Foundation. As part of the U.S. Plastics Pact, Kimberly-Clark and its trusted brands including Kleenex®, Cottonelle® and Huggies® join more than 70 brands, retailers, NGOs, and government agencies across the plastics value chain working to bring one voice to U.S. packaging through coordinated initiatives and innovative solutions for rethinking products, packaging, and business models.
Read More

SCA intends to invest in pulp production and initiates consultations to discontinue publication paper

SCA intends to invest SEK 1,45bn in the production of chemically pre-treated thermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP) at the Ortviken paper mill in Sundsvall. In parallel, SCA is initiating consultations with trade unions and employee representatives to discontinue the production of publication paper at the mill. SCA intends to invest to achieve an annual production volume of 300,000 tonnes of CTMP pulp at Ortviken, using the existing infrastructure. Currently, SCA produces coated and uncoated publication paper on three paper machines at Ortviken paper mill with annual sales of approximately SEK 4bn. Demand for publication paper in Western Europe has declined by approximately 5% per year since 2008.
Read More

Best Buy Reports Second Quarter Results

Domestic gross profit rate was 22.8% versus 24.0% last year. The gross profit rate decrease of approximately 120 basis points was primarily driven by higher supply chain costs as a result of the increased mix of online revenue and lower profit-sharing revenue from the company’s private-label and co-branded credit card arrangement. Domestic GAAP SG&A was $1.56 billion, or 17.1% of revenue, versus $1.76 billion, or 19.9% of revenue, last year. On a non-GAAP basis, SG&A was $1.54 billion, or 16.9% of revenue, versus $1.74 billion, or 19.7% of revenue, last year. Both GAAP and non-GAAP SG&A decreased primarily due to: (1) reduced store payroll expense; (2) lower advertising expense; (3) reduced incentive compensation expense, as the company did not pay or accrue short-term incentive expense for second quarter performance; and (4) lower medical claims expense. International revenue of $782 million increased 9.4% versus last year. This increase was primarily driven by comparable salesgrowth of 15.1%, which was partially offset by the impact of approximately 490 basis points of negative foreign currency exchange rates. International SG&A was $142 million, or 18.2% of revenue, versus $166 million, or 23.2% of revenue, last year. SG&A decreased primarily due to lower payroll and benefit expense, primarily in Canada, and the favorable impact of foreign exchange rates.
Read More

Domtar Completes Successful FSC® Certification of the Wabigoon Forest in Ontario, Canada

Domtar has successfully completed a surveillance audit on the Wabigoon Forest for the new Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) National Standard for Canada. The audit took place the week of July 13th ending with the auditor’s recommendation for certification to be maintained under the new Canadian standard. This new standard replaced the previous FSC® Boreal standard and has set the bar high for demonstrating sustainable forest management. The Wabigoon Forest was first certified to the FSC® standard in 2008. “Our on-the-ground management practices, coupled with a rigorous provincially mandated forest management planning process, helps to hit the mark with FSC®,” said Marie Cyr, general manager of the Dryden pulp mill. “We are proud of our record of sustainable forest management. The fact that the Dryden mill has been operating in this forest area for over 100 years demonstrates that we are managing our forests sustainably.”
Read More

Barnes & Noble Announces Most Anticipated Books of September

Barnes & Noble, Inc. released its Most Anticipated Books for September to launch a stacked fall publishing season after delays due to COVID-19. “A lot more reading has been done this year, one of the very few silver linings to COVID-19. Even so, new publishing has been peddling very gently since late March, absent the support of bookstores. Now the floodgates have well and truly opened, just as our bookstores get back into their stride,” said Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt. “This is when our booksellers come into their own, applying their skills to curate the best from amongst the plethora of new publishing. Our Most Anticipated Books list for September is a bold introduction to the riches of the fall publishing. With so much that is new, bookstores have suddenly become very exciting.” The below fifteen titles were chosen by Barnes & Noble’s bookselling team with a diversity of genres in mind, including fiction, mystery, poetry, history, and YA. go to: https://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/press-release/barnes-noble-announces-anticipated-books-september/
Read More

Oral Statement of USPS Board of Governors Chairman Robert Duncan Before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform

My name is Mike Duncan, and for the past two years I have been honored to serve as Chairman of the Board of Governors for the United States Postal Service. Throughout my life, I have looked for ways to help strengthen and support institutions important to American communities. That’s why I spent five years serving on the Board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, and why I serve on the Board of Alice Lloyd College near my home in Kentucky. When I accepted this position, I did so because of my admiration for the United States Postal Service and its public service mission. Click read more below for the rest of the statement.
Read More

Mactac Adhesive Meets Highest Standard for Recyclability by Association of Plastic Recyclers

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has recognized a new Mactac® pressure-sensitive adhesive innovation for the association’s highest recyclability standard. The recognized adhesive – PUREfloat™ – is a permanent acrylic emulsion adhesive intended for polyester (PET) bottle labeling applications. It was designed specifically for applications where labels applied to PET containers can be washed off cleanly to allow the container to be recycled. “Meeting APR standards is a significant step for Mactac in demonstrating our company's commitment to the environmental impact and recyclability of our products,” says Kim Hensley, Senior Marketing Manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives.
Read More

Ahlstrom-Munksjö enhances its high protection medical fabric portfolio with the addition of TrustShield™ Biological

Ahlstrom-Munksjö announces the launch of TrustShield™ Biological, a personal protective apparel medical fabric designed to shield against hazardous pathogens. The TrustShield™ product portfolio offers a range of medical fabrics designed to provide superior protection in the operating room, clinical and laboratory environments. TrustShield™ fabrics are laser resistant, protect against chemical permeation, and are highly absorbent. They can be easily converted into medical grade gowns or drapes. TrustShield™ Biological is designed for personal protective apparel applications requiring biological protection to prevent penetration of blood and other hazardous fluids that can spread and cause infections. TrustShield™ Biological is a bi-laminate (two layer) fabric that consists of a polypropylene based nonwoven layer designed for comfort, and polyethylene film layer for protection against biohazards.
Read More

Euro-Graph Publishes Monthly Statistics for the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in June 2020 were down 26.6% vs. June 2019 and are down 18.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in June 2020 were down 19.4% vs. June 2019 and are down 15.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in June 2020 were down 21.1% vs. June 2019 and are down 19.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in June 2020 were down 39.3% vs. June 2019 and are down 25.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in June 2020 were down 10.3% vs. June 2019 and are down 8.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in June 2020 were down 36.6% vs. June 2019 and are down 24.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in June 2020 were down 24.0% vs. June 2019 and are down 15.2% year-to-date.
Read More

Satellites protect four million football fields worth of endangered forests

You may know Georgia-Pacific for making paper towels, plates, cups and toilet paper. But we also preserve land for birds, bears and other wildlife. In this the video below meet wildlife biologist Bobby Maddrey, and hear how satellites keep six million acres of forests protected in this unique to GP program. Take a deeper look between the trees at Georgia-Pacific’s decade of dedication to forest mapping. With the combination of forest mapping and the advancement of satellite monitoring, GP is now able to receive automatic alerts if changes happen to tracts of land and to assess vegetation and connect with foresters directly, improving the protection of endangered forests in real-time.
Read More

PaperWorks Invests in New Equipment and Technology to Increase Capacity and Capabilities (businesswire.com)

PaperWorks is increasing its production capacity and capabilities, investing in new technology innovation and platforms in the Greensboro, North Carolina facility. The state-of-the-art equipment and new technology platforms will integrate well with PaperWorks’ highly-efficient business model by offering the most sophisticated automation geared towards in-line innovation and full-quality control. The new investment consists of: *A new 41” Offset printing press from Komori (Japan) – GLX740 with seven colors and two coaters including automating logistics, in-line color control, in-line detection systems, automated changeovers and in-line cold foil technology. This top-of-the-line technology platform will allow for the production of high-end cartons that will be highly sustainable and cost-efficient. *Two new MasterFold folding gluing lines from Bobst (Switzerland) – 110A1 with 600Meters/Min line speed including end-to-end automation through a full batch turner, easy feed and auto packer. These lines are made with a highly sophisticated servo controlled matic system and innovative technology used between job changeovers. They are equipped with a world-class, advanced gluing system and detection systems for full in-line quality and process control.
Read More

Pearson Appoints Andy Bird, CBE as Chief Executive

Pearson plc announces the prospective appointment of Andy Bird as its new Chief Executive, starting on 19th October, 2020. It is intended that John Fallon will continue as Chief Executive until that date, when he will step down from the Board and remain as an advisor until the end of the year. Andy is currently a Non-Executive Director at Pearson plc and was appointed to the Board on 1st May, 2020. Andy has had a distinguished career spanning 35 years in the media industry. Most recently he worked for The Walt Disney Company, as Chairman of Walt Disney International, responsible for the company’s businesses outside of the US. After joining in 2004, he led a major expansion of Walt Disney International, transforming the organisation into a digital-first business focused on the diverse needs of consumers around the world.
Read More

American Media, LLC To Be Integrated With Accelerate360, LLC And Renamed A360 Media

The Board of Managers of American Media, LLC's holding company have made the strategic decision to combine American Media and Accelerate360, LLC (Accelerate). The announcement was made by Accelerate CEO David Parry. As part of the consolidation, American Media will be renamed A360 Media and American Media President and CEO, David J. Pecker has been named Executive Advisor of A360 Media effective immediately. "This is a transformative event that significantly reshapes Accelerate and American Media into a new type of media and marketing company with an unprecedented reach all the way to the sales floor," said Mr. Parry.
Read More

United States Postal Service Statement on Passage of HR 8015

“The U.S. Postal Service greatly appreciates the efforts of the House of Representatives to assist us. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on more meaningful reform that will ensure our long-term health, and we remain a vital part of our nation’s critical infrastructure. We are concerned that some of the requirements of the Bill, while well meaning, will constrain the ability of the Postal Service to make operational changes that will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately improve service to the American people. We reiterate that the Postal Service is fully capable and committed to delivering the nation’s election mail securely and on time, and will do everything necessary to meet this sacred duty.”
Read More

Aptar’s Emission Reduction Goals Validated by Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi)

AptarGroup, Inc. is proud to announce its science-based targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Aptar’s targets approved by the SBTi are: *Aptar commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 28% by 2030 from a 2019 base year (well-below 2°C) *Aptar commits to increase annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 57% of total consumption in 2019 to 100% by 2030 *Aptar also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 14% by 2030 from a 2019 base year (in-line with 2°C)
Read More

WestRock Announces MPS Leadership Change

Marc Shore, president of WestRock’s Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS) business, decided to leave WestRock, effective August 17, 2020. Patrick Kivits has assumed the role of president, MPS since Shore’s departure. Kivits joined WestRock in 2019 from H.B. Fuller and has served as the executive vice president for MPS since that time, where he was responsible for the company’s MPS North America operations. In this role, Kivits worked to ensure an ongoing commitment to customers while driving continuous growth, innovation and exceptional results. He also served as steward of WestRock’s China Operations, guiding a cohesive company presence while supporting the company’s MPS China Operations.
Read More

Capmaign Building Blocks: Pocket Campaigns (jschmid.com)

We’ve all seen people go crazy for tiny houses. There’s a reason for that: smaller means simpler, quicker to build, easier on the budget. Well, the same concept works for campaigns. It’s possible to build a small, agile campaign that reaches a portion of your audience and prospects too, with a friendlier bottom line. However, as with tiny houses, you still need a strategy, skill and planning to build it. Even if it is pocket-sized. It’s also useful for testing creative messages and visuals to gauge response before a big rollout. So what are the essential parts of a campaign, and how can you scale budget? Let’s take a look. Click Read More below
Read More

Changes in Huhtamaki’s Global Executive Team

Clay Dunn, (63), President, North America business segment has decided to retire at the end of 2020 after successfully leading Huhtamaki’s business in North America since 2005. Ann O’Hara, (49), MBA, BSE (Chemical Engineering), has been appointed President, North America business segment and a member of the Global Executive Team. Ann will join Huhtamaki on November 1, 2020 and will assume the role of President, North America on January 1, 2021 following a two-month transition period with Clay Dunn. ”I would like to thank Clay for his outstanding contribution to Huhtamaki over the past 15 years,” says Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO of Huhtamaki. “Under Clay’s leadership Huhtamaki’s turnover in the United States has essentially doubled, passing the USD 1 billion milestone in 2014.”
Read More

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Book Donation Amplifies Black Voices Through Books for Equity Initiative

Learning Company Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) reinforced its commitment to racial justice with a major book donation aimed at amplifying Black voices while getting books into hands of children and families in need. HMH is in the process of donating over 50,000 titles by Black authors to more than 15 youth-serving nonprofit organizations across the United States. Donated through HMH’s Books for Equity initiative, the curated list of titles explores issues of race and features Black main characters, including works by Toni Morrison, Kwame Alexander, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Margaret Walker, Melba Pattillo Beals and many more. Recipients of the donations include City Year, Girls Write Now, Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, Communities In Schools of Central Texas, and more.
Read More

‘O, The Oprah Magazine’ To Print 4 Yearly Issues, Expand Digital (mediapost.com)

Following news last month that O, The Oprah Magazine would cease regular print publication, Oprah herself has addressed the brand’s future in a video published on its website. In a video posted on O, the media mogul hinted at big things for the brand, while announcing the print magazine will scale back to at least four special print issues a year. “There’s been a lot of chatter and a lot of speculation about O, The Magazine ending,” Oprah said from her home. “I want you to know, it’s not ending, it’s evolving. Because after 20 years of covers, I think it’s time, and I also think it’s a good thing. None of us were meant to stay the same. We evolve.”
Read More

Unit Sales Fell 5.6% Last Week (publishersweekly.com)

Everything is relative. Unit sales of print books fell 5.6% last week compared to the week ended August 8, 2020, when sales rose 10.2% over the prior week driven by several new blockbuster titles. Compared to August 17, 2019, however, sales were up 14.3% at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. The biggest factor in last week’s sales decline was the trailing off of sales of Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer, which sold more than 524,000 print copies following its release on August 4. Last week it sold a very respectable 139,000 copies, making it once again the top-selling title for the week, but the sales drop from its debut led to a 38% sales decline in the young adult segment in the week.
Read More

UPS Expanding Kansas City Air Operations

It takes plenty of space to park a wide-body cargo jet, and UPS’s facility at Kansas City International Airport is getting a lot more of it. The facility, known as an air gateway, is being renovated and expanded. The most visible part of the work is expanding the ramp from two aircraft parking spots to five. The new ramp will be 534,000 square feet, more than nine football fields in size. In addition to the new ramp, UPS also will install new sorting equipment at the gateway, more than tripling package handling capacity to 5,000 packages per hour. Construction in Kansas City is planned to begin in late October with completion in the fall of 2021.
Read More

DS Smith Appoints New Sales Director for Paper in Europe and North America

DS Smith has announced the appointment of Johan van Baarle as Sales Director of its Paper Division. Reporting to Niels Flierman, Managing Director for Paper, Van Baarle will be responsible for the division’s paper sales across Europe and North America – managing around 5 million tonnes of paper produced at DS Smith’s mills annually. Van Baarle joins DS Smith from Cargill, the global food, agricultural, finance and industrial products provider, where he has worked since 2003. During his time at Cargill Van Baarle gained a wealth of experience holding a series of senior customer focused and sales manager roles. Most recently he has been Sales Director Global Accounts in Cargill’s Cocoa & Chocolate division. Based in The Netherlands, Van Baarle will be tasked with further growing DS Smith’s paper sales across Europe and the U.S.
Read More

The modern board mill Metsä Board Kyro is celebrating its 150th anniversary

Metsä Board's Kyro mill will be 150 years old this year, 2020. The wood grinding plant along the Kyröskoski rapids was started up in 1870. Since then, the Kyro mill has manufactured market wood pulp, groundwood, sawn timber, various papers and paperboard for international markets. Today, it is a modern and efficient mill that produces high-quality folding boxboard for Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group. “Kyro people are proud of their mill. Our staff have always lived with changes and challenging times have been overcome by working together. People commit themselves to the mill for a long time, with families often having several generations involved. This has positively influenced the kind of mill Kyro is today,” says Petri Huiko, VP and mill manager of Metsä Board Kyro.
Read More

Metsä Spring and Valmet construct a pilot plant in Äänekoski to develop a significant new added-value product for the forest industry

Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring and Valmet have decided to continue the development collaboration related to 3D fibre products and hence, to invest jointly approximately EUR 20 million in a new R&D project. As part of the project, a greenfield pilot plant will be built on Metsä Group’s mill site in Äänekoski, Finland. When operational, the pilot plant will employ roughly 10 persons. The technology applied in the pilot plant converts wet wood pulp into final 3D fibre products without any intermediate steps. In other words, the new environmentally-friendly 3D fibre products are ready to be shipped to end customers as such. “Our objective is to develop a novel wood-based 3D fibre product, which can replace, for instance, packages made out of fossil raw materials. The pre-study phase with Valmet was a success. We have thus decided to accelerate the pace of development by constructing a pilot plant. I believe that our possibilities for developing a new significant added-value product for the Finnish forest industry are good”, says Jarkko Tuominen, head of the project at Metsä Spring.
Read More

Coca-Cola Europe to Use Westrock CanCollar Eco for Multi-Packs

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) announced the introduction of WestRock’s CanCollar® Eco, an innovative paperboard packaging solution, for multipack cans in Spain. The move supports its work, in partnership with Coca-Cola in Western Europe, to remove all unnecessary or hard to recycle plastic from its portfolio, avoiding the use of more than 11,000 tons of virgin plastic a year across the region. WestRock partners with customers to provide sustainable and differentiated packaging solutions that will resonate with consumers. The CanCollar Eco design is based on learnings from commercializing CanCollar® Classic in the U.S. craft beer market since 2017. Initially, Coca-Cola European Partners will launch the new paperboard CanCollar® Eco in the Balearic Islands in November 2020, a first in Europe.
Read More
Back To Top
×Close search
Search