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

WestRock Company was recognized for packaging design excellence at the 77th Annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. The company won 18 awards, including two major awards: Rigid Box of the Year and Digital Application of the Year. Sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) and judged by packaging experts, the awards recognize packaging that represents the best in converting excellence, innovation and sustainability that the North American folding carton industry provided its customers over the past year. Click read more below for additional detail.

Sonoco ThermoSafe announced that AirBridge Cargo Airlines has signed a Master Lease Agreement (MLA) to offer ThermoSafe’s new Pegasus ULD™ bulk temperature controlled container directly to its clients. 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.

Huhtamaki has sold its operations in Russia to Espetina Ltd. Espetina is a holding company owned by Alexander Govor and Iury Kushnerov. The transaction includes four manufacturing units in Russia, employing 724 people. On April 14, 2022, Huhtamaki announced its intention to divest its operations in Russia. This followed an earlier decision to stop all investments in Russia at the outbreak of the invasion of Ukraine. “We consider that the current evolution of the situation and the long-term outlook in Russia will prevent the realization of our growth strategy and long-term ambitions in the country. We are pleased to bring to a close the subsequent review of our strategic options in Russia. As part of the process, we conducted extensive due diligence to find the best possible buyer and future partner for our local employees – the safety and wellbeing of whom remain important to us. We feel that Espetina will be a good and committed owner for the business and the future of our employees”, says Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO, Huhtamaki.