Total Packaging Papers shipments were up 3.0 percent compared to May 2017 but down 0.2 percent year-to-date. Bag & Sack shipments were essentially flat year-to-date, Multiwall shipments were down 3.3 percent, Converting shipments were down 0.4 percent and Food Wrapping shipments were up 3.5 percent. The operating rate for May increased to 94.5 percent from 92.9 percent in April. Inventories were down 3.6 percent since April.
http://afandpa.org/media/news/2018/06/15/american-forest-paper-association-releases-may-2018-u.s.-packaging-papers-specialty-packaging-monthly-report
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WestRock Company, a global manufacturer of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, broke ground yesterday on a 285,000 square foot expansion at its consumer packaging facility in Claremont. The $47 million investment was bolstered by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund and is expected to create 50 new jobs by the end of next year. During yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony, WestRock project manager and Catawba County native Jason Smitherman remarked, “WestRock has operated on these grounds for 25 years, and this investment ensures we will be here for many more to come. This project would not have been possible without the commitment to and belief in WestRock by the City of Claremont, Catawba County, and the state of North Carolina.” The expanded facility and its employees will support WestRock’s production of sustainable, fiber-based packaging for some of the world’s leading food, food service and beverage brands.
Containerboard production was up 3.6 percent compared to December 2016 and up 3.1 percent year-to-date. The month-over-month average daily production was 1.8 percent higher compared to November 2017. The containerboard operating rate for December increased from 96.9 percent to 98.9 percent, 2.4 percentage points higher than December of 2016 and production for exports was 3.3 percent higher than December 2016. Year-to-date production of containerboard for exports is up 4.1 percent.
Pixelle Specialty Solutions announced the launch of its new ARMOR™ brand of barrier paper solutions, featuring FlexArmor™ for uncoated applications and SelectArmor™ with a coated surface for enhanced printability. The barrier papers portfolio features a wide range of capabilities from oxygen, aroma, and mineral oil barriers to chocolate, OGR and moisture vapor barriers among several others. Barriers can be applied individually or layered to enhance packaging performance. “The ARMOR™ portfolio is supported by a team of engineers across multiple mill locations who can tailor a solution to meet specific performance requirements,” said Bob van Helden, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing. “For those with a more standard packaging application, Pixelle offers preengineered, off-the-shelf solutions that are available today,” said van Helden. FlexArmor™ and SelectArmor™ are PFAS-Free and plastic free. Both product lines are available as FDA-approved for direct and indirect food contact. Basis weights range from 20lb. to 150lb. with functional one-side (F1S) and functional two-side (F2S) performance options. Wet strength is available along with bleached and unbleached options.