BMI Releases Industry Barometer Survey Results for April 2023

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) released the April results for its monthly survey on capacity and lead times for soft cover and hard cover books. This month’s survey also featured an update to the questions, factoring in both digital and offset printing methods. In looking at digital printing, the average hard cover capacity stayed about the same, only dropping 1 point to 64%. Lead time for digital hard cover books dropped from 17 days to 13 days. Digital soft cover books are running at 70% capacity and 12 days lead time. Both of those numbers are slightly up from March. According to responses regarding offset printing, hard cover manufacturers are running at 57% of their capacity, which is 9% less than last month. Lead times are down from 37 days to 22. The average soft cover offset capacity usage is down to 68% from 78%. Offset soft cover lead time down to 31 days from 35.
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Is it Time for the Return of the Catalog? (mytotalretail.com)

Retailers have always been at the forefront of consumer needs. They know their markets and have adapted to meet them. From blade signs to the metaverse, retail has transformed itself over and over. But like many things, trends can be cyclical. And what used to work, then didn’t work, can ultimately work better than before. How? Nostalgia is one explanation, but, more often, we find that while people evolve, they don’t ultimately change — at least not completely. People still want to connect with others. They need to engage, have experiences, explore, learn, be entertained and establish their position/identity within society. What we're seeing is that post-pandemic/quarantine psychology has elevated a renewed interest in physical engagements over digital. Thus, opening the once locked door to print marketing, direct mail and catalogs.
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Decreased 5.4% in March

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index fell 5.4% in March after increasing 0.9% in February. In March, the index equaled 111.6 (2015=100) compared with 118 in February. “After increasing a total of 2.6% during the three previous months, March’s sequential decline was the largest monthly drop since April 2020 during the start of the pandemic,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “Falling home construction, decreasing factory output and soft retail sales all hurt contract freight tonnage – which dominates ATA’s tonnage index – during the month. Despite the largest year-over-year drop since October 2020, contract freight remains more robust than the spot market, which continues to see prolonged weakness.” Compared with March 2022, the SA index decreased 5%, which was the first year-over-year decrease since August 2021. In February, the index was up 1.9% from a year earlier. During the first quarter, tonnage was 0.6% below the same three month period in 2022.
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Amcor and Tyson Foods deliver new, more sustainable package

Amcor is proud to partner again with Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies and a recognized global protein leader, to launch a more sustainable package for consumer products. The partnership of Amcor and Tyson Foods pairs two industry leaders in sustainability to innovate a first-to-market solution that provides a more sustainable package without compromise on performance. Tyson Foods’ Jimmy Dean® egg bites and frittatas are now packaged in Amcor’s AmPrima™ recycle ready forming/non-forming flexible film. The design and development of the package addresses more than sustainability needs; Amcor R&D led the development of a cost-efficient outcome that was achieved through customization of the film. Compared to a typical, less-sustainable film, Amcor’s AmPrima™ recycle ready forming/non-forming film delivers, when sent to landfill: 30%* reduction in non-renewable primary energy demands, 29%* reduction in carbon footprint, 42%* reduction in water consumption
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DS Smith announces major investment in Portugal

DS Smith, the leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, today announced an ambitious upgrade program to its kraft paper mill in Viana, Portugal. A multiyear €145M package of investments will bring some of the most up to date paper-making machinery to Viana, rebuilding the mills paper machine and reducing CO2 emissions. Marking the company’s commitment to both growth and the circular economy in Portugal, the investment package will include the rebuild of the existing paper machine and a brand-new state of the art recovery boiler which will be one of the most modern in Europe. The boiler will improve environmental performance by enhancing steam efficiency at the mill by 25%, with steam from the boiler being recycled back into the mill. The start-up of the new boiler, provided by market leader Valmet, is expected to be in early 2025.
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Tetra Pak takes carton packages with recycled content to the next level

Tetra Pak has made new advancements in the area of recycled content, expanding its offering of packaging solutions using certified recycled polymers to cover new formats, product categories and geographies. The expansion is a key milestone in the company’s journey towards a circular portfolio, turning waste into new resources, and reducing the industry’s dependence on virgin, fossil-based materials. It comes at a pivotal moment, aligning with the recently released European Commission’s proposal for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.2 Fossil-based plastic production is set to increase by 10.8% between 2021 and 20253. At the same time, 86% of shoppers are concerned about the usage of plastic and its impact on the environment, and believe that using recycled plastic is one of the best ways to tackle this challenge4. They have also started to act on it, increasingly choosing to buy products or packages with recycled material in the last year.5
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Georgia-Pacific Manufactures EarthKraft™ Mailers with Sustainability In Mind

At Georgia-Pacific, we know that natural resources are entrusted to our care and we are proud to make products that customers and consumers need in a responsible and sustainable way. This Earth Day, we are highlighting our investments in one of our many innovative and sustainable solutions – recyclable padded mailers. The growing customer and consumer demand for sustainable and efficient packaging drove our innovation efforts for producing packaging that could be recycled. Our EarthKraft™ mailers are made from 100% legally and responsibly sourced wood and are a paper-based alternative to plastic poly and bubble-padded mailers. As of 2022, over half a billion mailers have successfully been shipped and are on track to reach over one billion in 2023. EarthKraft™ mailers are SFI ® Certified which means we follow forestry best management practices to protect the land, habitat, and drinking water. Not only do our mailers create less waste, they also have a 96% re-pulpability rate which means they can be turned into more mailers (or even boxes).
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Ahlstrom expands technology capabilities in filtration, enabling new solutions with an increased lifetime from its Hyun Poong plant in South Korea

A longer filter lifetime is one of the key features helping to sustain operations and boost performance with minimal interruptions. This not only saves costs associated with frequent filter replacements but also reduces energy consumption and minimizes environmental impacts by lowering emissions. In addition, a longer filter lifetime can reduce the risk of system failures, downtimes, and potential equipment damage, further enhancing operational efficiency and reliability. New synthetic materials have more surface area available, therefore extending the filter lifetime and offering a more sustainable alternative to competing materials. The media can be used for both air and liquid filtration applications including air pollution control, oil, and fuel filtration. Products are easier to convert, which offers further savings for filter manufacturers. These capabilities reinforce our purpose to deliver products which Purify and Protect. "This investment is another example of our commitment to our customers in the Asia-Pacific region," says Kathrin Hueppe, Head of Asia, Filtration. "Improving our capabilities in the Hyun Poong plant allows us to serve their growing needs in high-performance filtration materials.”
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UPM electrifies heat and steam production at its mills in Finland and Germany

UPM is replacing the use of fossil fuels with electric boilers in heat and steam production at its mills in Finland and Germany. A total of eight boilers will be installed, mainly to replace the use of natural gas. With the introduction of the electric boilers, the company will take a step towards its 2030 target of reducing CO2 emissions from the fuels and purchased electricity by 65%. In Finland, new electric boilers can reduce CO2 emissions from the use of fossil fuels by about 50,000 tonnes per year. In Germany, electric boilers will improve security of supply for heat and steam generation and achieve even greater emission reductions. "In addition to improved security of supply and emission reduction, electric boilers will significantly increase the mills’ ability to provide demand side flexibility to the electricity system and markets," says Petri Hyyryläinen, Energy Director at UPM Communication Papers.
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Industry-Leading Digital Print Technology

“In a world where customers want things faster, simpler, eco-friendly and with greater value, we have the solution – Industry leading high speed tool-less technology. Our high speed digital printing technology increases the ease, speed, and flexibility of executing high graphic programs, while using eco-friendly water based inks. Coupled with our state of the art laser cutting technology, we are delivering the industry’s fastest print to order platform. This production strategy eliminates pre-press and plate costs, greatly accelerates speed to market, and gives our customers a competitive marketplace advantage.” – Anthony Pratt, Global Executive Chairman, Pratt Industries. See video at: https://innovations.prattindustries.com/industry-leading-digital-print-technology
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Meet the new Crown Van Gelder

Perce Thrower, UK sales, Crown Van Gelder - We ended 2022 on a positive note with a record-breaking volume of our Crown Letsgo inkjet-treated substrates, but due to a sudden cashflow problem, we went into administration in early 2023. The failure of the company was due to high costs of energy and pulp in the second half of 2022, and a drop in demand in the last months of 2022. During the tense weeks that followed we received a lot of positive messages from customers, merchants, OEMs inkjet press manufacturers and other paper mills, which increased our belief that Crown Van Gelder could and should survive. On 1 March we were able to announce that with the help of a new investor we could continue the paper mill as Crown Van Gelder International. The lead partner in the relaunch is EPAC Technologies, with whom we codeveloped our leading inkjet paper over five years ago, and we have continued to collaborate since. This will change the industry in a great way for our customers.
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Two Sides North America Launches “3 Minutes with Two Sides” Podcast

Two Sides North America today announced the launch of “3 Minutes with Two Sides,” a new podcast series created to bust the common environmental myths about print, paper and paper-based packaging. Hosted by Two Sides North America President Kathi Rowzie, the podcast follows Two Sides’ familiar approach to delivering facts about the inherent sustainability and circular life cycle of paper products, this time in a quick and easy-to-follow audio format. “Paper has a great environmental story to tell, and Two Sides is committed to telling that story in ways that are not only factual, but also highly relevant and easily accessible to our audience,” says Rowzie.“In part, this means fitting into people’s busy schedules – and we believe just about everyone can spare three minutes to learn about the sustainability of essential paper products they use every day.” The inaugural “3 Minutes with Two Sides” podcast focuses on sustainable forestry as part of paper’s circular lifecycle. To listen to the podcast go to: https://twosidesna.org/US/the-circularity-of-paper-sustainable-forestry/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TSNA%20Podcast%20Press%20Release&utm_content=TSNA%20Podcast%20Press%20Release+CID_3a65e20c6f83cab0803b42c567565d29&utm_source=Email%20marketing%20software&utm_term=click%20here
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O-I Breaks Ground On First Purpose-Built Plant For Magma Technology

O-I Glass, Inc. broke ground for a state-of-the-art greenfield glass plant in Bowling Green, KY. The facility is the first O-I facility purpose-built to leverage the company’s MAGMA technology. The groundbreaking event, attended by O-I CEO, Andres Lopez, KY Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, and a host of company and regional dignitaries, marks the beginning of a multi-phase investment of up to $240 million to enable the continued development of the company’s revolutionary MAGMA technology, while providing an unprecedented level of service to our customers and local market. MAGMA technology is designed for flexible, modular glass production and can reduce the environmental footprint of glass production. Facilities built for MAGMA will feature a smaller melter and will be constructed using more sustainable methods and materials. MAGMA technology will enable advanced technologies, including ULTRA light-weighting potential, on-off capability, and can include feed-forward and feed-back control loops to promote premium quality glass.
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UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill begins operations

UPM has received the final operating authorization for its new UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill from the environmental authorities. The start-up of the mill commences immediately, and first customer deliveries are expected to ship in May. The mill has gone through a comprehensive and thorough permitting process. Uruguayan environmental authority has monitored the construction of the mill on site throughout the project. The operating authorization process has included several inspections by the authorities, as well as third party audits by industry experts. UPM has an extensive environmental monitoring programme covering water and biota, air, soil, noise, and socio-economic aspects. Through the growth investment, UPM and its subcontractors will create 4,000 new jobs through the value chain, as well as approximately 6,000 induced jobs and a 2% increase in GDP for the Uruguay economy.
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Postal Service Begins FY23 Third Quarter with Improved Performance

FY23 third quarter service performance scores covering April 1 through April 7, included: *First-Class Mail: 92.1% of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Marketing Mail: 96.1% of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 1.5 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Periodicals: 88.3% of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 1.8 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter.
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Berry Announces Expansion of its Leading Film Manufacturing Facility in Lewisburg, Tennessee

Berry Global Group, Inc. has begun expanding one of its leading stretch film manufacturing facilities in Lewisburg, Tennessee for completion by early 2024. The 25,000 square foot expansion will support the growing demand for Berry’s highest performing, sustainable stretch films by creating space for three new cast lines, upgrading the capacity of the facilities existing post-industrial resin (PIR) reprocessing system, and extending its rail spur for resin material handling. In coordination of the expansion, Berry will add ten new jobs in the Lewisburg facility. “The ability to access innovative, sustainable film solutions is critical for our customers as they work to drive progress toward a circular, net-zero economy,” said Phil Stolz, EVP and General Manager, Performance Materials for Berry. "Expanding our Lewisburg facility will allow us to optimize the facility to help our films customers deliver against their ambitious sustainability goals.” Through collaboration with its OEM supplier, Berry will complete the installation of one cast line to support 20 million pounds of added capacity for ultra-high-performance films.
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$91 Million Upgrade at Monticello Mill to Boost Efficiency, Industry Competitiveness

Construction is scheduled to begin soon on a $91 million upgrade at Georgia-Pacific’s containerboard mill in Monticello, Mississippi. It's one of the company’s largest investments in the Lawrence County facility. The project consists of replacing the log line, which includes scales, cranes, a rechipper, unbinding racks and other critical equipment needed to safely unload trucks and prepare logs and chips for processing into pulp. “This project will create long-term value and improve our capabilities as we work to become the best manufacturer in the industry,” said Drexel Lambert, vice president for Georgia-Pacific containerboard operations.
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Billerud Temporarily Idles Escanaba, Michigan, Mill

Billerud announces the temporary idling of the Escanaba Mill for up to three weeks as a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of its employees and contractors due to a blastomycosis fungal infection outbreak. “Our top priority now and always is protecting the health and safety of our employees and contractors who work at our Escanaba Mill,” says Christoph Michalski, Billerud President and CEO. “We care deeply about their well-being and are doing everything we can to protect them and identify and address the root cause of the blastomycosis fungal infections. As a precautionary measure, we will temporarily idle the Escanaba Mill for up to three weeks to facilitate additional proper cleaning based on recommendations from NIOSH and other organizations, which requires larger portions of the mill to be vacant while this work is performed. The financial impact is assessed to be limited since the production at the Escanaba Mill was being adjusted to meet current market demand.”
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Record turnover and results for HEINZEL GROUP in 2022

HEINZEL GROUP is proud to announce a record-breaking year in 2022, achieving the highest turnover and the best earnings in the company's history. At the same time HEINZEL GROUP reduced its CO2 emissions substantially, in line with its climate targets and sustainability strategy. In the face of multiple crises in 2022, including the Ukraine crisis, the European energy crisis, and the steep general cost increases, HEINZEL GROUP showed resilience and responded flexibly to market changes. An all-time high in terms of pulp and paper prices contributed to an increase of HEINZEL GROUP's net sales by 36.6% to €2,777.4 million in 2022. In total, HEINZEL GROUP generated an EBITDA of €287.5 million, an increase of 46.8%, while lowering CO2 emissions (Scope 1&2) by 14.9% to 535,333 tons.
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The agreement to sell three of Sappi’s European graphic paper mills to the Aurelius Group lapses

Sappi Limited announced today that the intended sale to Aurelius Group of its Maastricht Mill in the Netherlands, its Stockstadt Mill in Germany and its Kirkniemi Mill in Finland (the “Transaction”) has not materialised within the agreed timeframe of the contractual agreement and therefore the agreement has lapsed. The mills included: Sappi Maastricht Mill produces 260,000 ton per annum (tpa) of coated woodfree paper and paperboard mainly sold to printers and packaging converters globally. Sappi Stockstadt Mill is an integrated pulp and paper mill located in Germany, producing 145,000 tpa of pulp which is used to produce 220,000 tpa of coated and uncoated woodfree paper mainly sold into the European print market. Sappi Kirkniemi Mill is an integrated pulp and paper mill located in Finland, producing 300,000 tpa of bleached mechanical pulp which is used to produce approximately 750 000 tpa of a variety of coated mechanical paper grades used in the print publication industry globally.
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Brand With a Purpose: Why You’re Not Patagonia

They’re like a frustrating older sibling. They get all the attention, and they get away with pretty much everything. They’re incredibly well-liked, and it seems like everyone aspires to be them. And regardless of how you feel about them, Patagonia is one of the most impressive brands out there. Why? Because they do so many things that other brands don’t. Maybe you’re thinking, “Well, our brand doesn’t sell outdoor adventure apparel, so we don’t really care what Patagonia’s doing.” But if that’s your philosophy, I challenge you to think of it this way: When their polarizing campaigns, beautifully designed catalogs and killer social media efforts drive consumers to drop $800 on a parka, guess who Patagonia is taking attention (and dollars) away from? You. see more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/why-youre-not-patagonia-2/
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UPM Specialty Papers and Henkel create a sustainable heat-sealable packaging concept delivering unrivalled levels of grease resistance

Working closely with partners from across the food packaging value network, UPM Specialty Papers is co-creating transformative solutions that reimagine the future of sustainable packaging. A long-standing relationship with Henkel, a worldwide leader in industrial and consumer businesses, has now resulted in a recyclable, heat-sealable packaging material compatible with existing packaging lines. Pushing the performance of barrier papers to an unsurpassed level of grease resistance, it offers a tried and tested concept for converters. The plastic coating traditionally required for protection and heat-sealing renders the final product difficult to recycle. Inspired by a shared focus on creating sustainable alternatives, UPM Specialty Papers and Henkel have reinvented the concept to help brand owners and converters meet ever growing consumer and regulatory demands for easy to recycle packaging.
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UPM Raflatac introduces new paper label solutions enhancing PET and HDPE recycling

UPM Raflatac is expanding its wash-off portfolio with new paper label materials that enhance the recycling of PET and HDPE. The label materials have received European certifications of recyclability from Institut cyclos-HTP for PET and HDPE packaging, and they are part of UPM Raflatac’s SmartCircle™ portfolio. “We are determined to develop solutions for circularity. While plastics have remarkable features to keep valuable content safe until consumption, we also seek ways to increase the share of certified renewable materials in the packaging that go beyond fossils. Now, in addition to our multiple plastic wash-off solutions, we are excited to expand the offer into sustainably sourced paper labels. These innovations enable high-quality recycled PET and HDPE flakes to be used again as the label material separates cleanly in the recycling process,” says Sylwia Jurys, Vice President, Paper Laminates SBU EMEIA, UPM Raflatac.
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Barry Diller Says Publishers Can And Should Sue Chatbot Firms (mediapost.com)

Media magnate Barry Diller let fly earlier this week, telling publishers they should sue to stop AI engines from stealing their content. 'If all the world's information is able to be sucked up in this maw and then essentially repackaged...there will be no publishing, it is not possible,' Diller said during the Semafor Media Summit, according to reports. He added, ““Companies can absolutely sue under copyright law.”
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ATA Statement on EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Proposals for Heavy-Duty Trucks

American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles rule: “The trucking industry starts at ‘yes.’ We share the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel efficiency and believe any regulation must be practical, achievable, and based on sound science. Our members have a long history of adopting the cleanest emissions technology on the road today and are making the necessary investments to support a decarbonized future. “As we review the proposed rule, ATA will remain engaged in the regulatory process to ensure the agency arrives at a regulation that has realistic equipment adoption timelines, is technologically feasible, and will not cause additional inflationary pressures if finalized.”
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Novolex Unveils Power Prep Wrap for Grab-and-Go Hot Sandwiches and Other Foods

Novolex®, a leader in packaging choice, innovation and sustainability, is introducing Power Prep™ wrap for grab-and-go hot sandwiches and other freshly made foods. Manufactured by Novolex brand Bagcraft®, the new wrap is laminated and insulated to keep food tasting fresh as it moves from the freezer to thawing and re-heating, and while it’s held under heat at the point of sale. This allows customers to enjoy a delicious hot sandwich that was made and wrapped off site. Power Prep wrap is ideal for convenience stores, supermarkets and other foodservice operators, catering to the growing demand for high-quality, freshly made offerings.
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Amcor first flexible packaging company to offer certified-circular plastics in Australia and New Zealand

Amcor has placed its first commercial order of certified-circular polymers leveraging ExxonMobil’s ExxtendTM technology for advanced recycling for use in packaging for the Australian and New Zealand market. The order will make Amcor the first flexible packaging company to offer certified-circular plastics in this market, which supports partial displacement of fossil-based feedstock and meets growing consumer demand for plastic circularity. Using its ExxtendTM technology, ExxonMobil offers certified-circular polymers with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification that are identical to polymers made from conventional fossil feedstock. The certified-circular polymers can be used in existing applications, that otherwise require the use of virgin resins.
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Mondi increases FunctionalBarrier Paper capacity to meet growing customer demand

Mondi is investing in innovative technologies to increase FunctionalBarrier Paper capacity in order to meet the growing demand for sustainable paper-based packaging solutions. Mondi's range of FunctionalBarrier Paper offers tailored barrier properties that reduce the amount of plastic used in packaging, supporting the development of a circular economy. The range is being supported with an investment in a new extruder at Mondi Coating Štĕtí (Czech Republic). This will comprise the construction of a production building which will house state-of-the-art machinery such as an extrusion coater and a slitting machine. Production is expected to start in 2024. In addition, investment is currently underway at Mondi Jülich (Germany) with the rebuild of an existing coater. Two new dispersion coating stations will improve barrier properties by ensuring good coverage on the base paper.
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U.S. Postal Service Files Notice with PRC for New Mailing Services Pricing

The United States Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of mailing services price changes to take effect July 9, 2023. The new rates include a three-cent increase in the price of a First-Class Mail Forever stamp from 63 cents to 66 cents. If favorably reviewed by the Commission, the proposed increases will raise First-Class Mail prices approximately 5.4 percent to offset the rise in inflation. The price changes have been approved by the Governors of the U.S. Postal Service. The price for 1-ounce metered mail will increase to 63 cents, and the price to send a domestic postcard will increase to 51 cents. A 1-ounce letter mailed to another country would increase to $1.50. There will be no change to the single-piece letter and flat additional-ounce price, which remains at 24 cents. The Postal Service is also seeking price adjustments for Special Services products including Certified Mail, Post Office Box rental fees, money order fees and the cost to purchase insurance when mailing an item.
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Revision of FSC general accreditation standard open for participation

FSC is revising the general accreditation standard FSC-STD-20-001 V4-0 General Requirements for FSC Accredited Certification Bodies. The standard ensures that FSC certifications are managed in a competent, consistent, impartial, transparent, rigorous, reliable and credible manner. The standard will be revised together with two related procedures FSC-PRO-20-003 Transfer of FSC Certificates and License Agreements and FSC-PRO-20-004 General Requirements for FSC Training Programme. Please access the process page here to learn more about this joint revision. This revision is now in the conceptual phase, and as part of this phase we will be conducting a focused consultation in May 2023 on the key proposals of this joint revision. Interested stakeholders will be asked to provide inputs and feedback on the FSC proposals. Further focused consultations may be happening at later stages of the revision process. We are now opening registration for interested stakeholders to participate in a focused consultation and stay engaged with the process through informational updates.
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New Green Star System Makes It Easier To Identify Sustainable Packaging

The launch of a new Green Star System and Green Card in March this year, from Antalis Packaging, will support customers to transition to a more sustainable future. The launch of the Green Star System and Green Card follows a survey Antalis recently conducted in partnership with IFOP among its customers in six countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Poland and UK). The study revealed customers’ CSR commitment, particularly in the areas of packaging, where the impact on the environment makes it a major issue for companies. According to the survey, environmental friendliness is the third most important consideration when buying packaging. Circular economy, carbon footprint and product origin are also factors. Antalis’ Green Star System and Green Card makes it easier for companies to access environmental information about products as well as compare their performance against a set of criteria.
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USPS Finishes FY23 Second Quarter with an Average of 2.5 Days to Deliver

The United States Postal Service reported new delivery performance metrics for the 13th week of the second quarter for fiscal year 2023 showing consistent or improved delivery performance across all mail categories. The average time for the Postal Service to deliver a mailpiece or package across the nation remained at just 2.5 days. FY23 second quarter service performance scores covering Jan. 1 through March 31, included: *First-Class Mail: 91.0% of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Marketing Mail: 94.6% of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 0.7 percentage point from the fiscal first quarter. *Periodicals: 86.6% of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 1.9 percentage points from the fiscal first quarter.
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Best Buy launches nationwide Recycle-by-Mail Technology Boxes

Recycling your old electronics is about to become easier than ever. Best Buy is introducing a new nationwide, easy-to-use program that allows you to recycle all your old tech – by mail! Starting this month, you can order a prepaid Best Buy Technology Recycling Box and ship off your old electronics for recycling. Through the service, we will give your tech a second life or recycle it responsibly to protect the environment. “We continue to build on our commitment to be there for our customers throughout the entire lifecycle of their products by making recycling simple and convenient,” said Tim Dunn, Best Buy’s head of environmental sustainability. “Sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do and this new service is another step we are taking to protect the planet today and for future generations.”
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ProMat 2023: Universal packaging trends fueling forward company fulfillment strategies

Pregis proudly showcased its packaging innovations to 50,000 industry professionals at ProMat 2023, the largest material handling, logistics, and supply chain show in the world. Coming out of the event, three critical packaging trends will add tremendous value to company fulfillment operations. Automation - E-commerce demand is raising volumes in warehouses, and to keep up, companies have no choice but to implement automation. This technology is being integrated more often, and the runway for an ROI is shorter than ever. Recyclability and Recycled Content - Protective packaging is being truly engineered with the environment in mind. Businesses, and their customers, are increasingly supporting a circular economy. Customer Experience - Protecting goods from the rigors of shipping continues to be a main proponent of customer experience, but as the world continues to lean towards direct-to-consumer offerings, companies are looking for more ways to stand out.
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RRD’s CustomPoint® Portal Provides Tailored Marketing Materials for Wizards of the Coast’s Premium Retailers

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company enabled Wizards of the Coast (Wizards) to supply key retailers with customized, launch-specific marketing materials. The partnership increased new product launch visibility and won the award for “Most Innovative Supplier of the Year” at the 2022 Toy and Game International Excellence (TAGIE) Awards. Wizards is a family of studios specializing in building role-playing, trading card, and digital games for all genres of players. With a focus on community, they partner with more than 6,000 local game store retailers through the Wizards Play Network (WPN) to bring products like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons to players around the world.
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Save Money on Your Direct-Mail Programs with USPS Promotions & Incentives Programs

As inboxes become more cluttered, mailboxes have become prime real estate. In fact, the latest data from the United States Postal Service shows that 73% of all households read their mail daily. Brands can cut through the noise and create memorable and tactile brand experiences by using and investing in technologies that take into account how customers interact with and use mail. Through their 2023 Monthly Mailing Promotions, the USPS is encouraging marketers, printers, and mailers to leverage advances in print and finishing technology to improve how consumers interact and engage with mail to drive customer engagement and response rates. Promotions range from using dynamic color and new print techniques to integrating mobile technology. Participants in these monthly promotions are eligible for significant discounts of up to 5%. This can add up to significant savings for big brands. One promotion to note is the 2023 Tactile, Sensory, Interactive Promotion which enhances how customers interact and engage with mail through multi-sensory experiences from visual effects, sound, scent, touch, and even taste!
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Walmart Outlines Growth Strategy

Walmart Inc. is kicking off its two-day 2023 Investment Community meeting, where leadership will highlight how the company is investing to strengthen its business through its people and an unparalleled, next generation supply chain network of stores, clubs, and fulfillment centers and driving future global growth opportunities across its omnichannel ecosystem and high value initiatives. The company is also reiterating its first quarter and full-year guidance for fiscal year 2024. “We are in a unique position to serve our customers and members however they want to shop, which will fuel continued growth,” said Doug McMillon, Walmart president and chief executive officer. “As we grow, we will improve our operating margin through productivity advancements and our category and business mix, and drive returns through operating margin expansion and capital prioritization.”
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Bertelsmann Investments Plans to Continue High Investment Activity in 2023

Bertelsmann Investments (BI) made 54 new and 31 follow-on investments in companies and funds in the past financial year. BI pools Bertelsmann’s global venture capital activities and the newly created growth unit Bertelsmann Next, which advances the entrepreneurial development of new growth sectors and lines of business for Bertelsmann. Here, BI strengthened its commitment in the Digital Health business especially, through various fund and direct investments totaling €60 million. Carsten Coesfeld, CEO of Bertelsmann Investments, said: “Bertelsmann Investments had a successful year in 2022 with a high level of investment activity. In the current financial year, besides investing in our funds, we will place a special emphasis on Bertelsmann Next. The main focus in the expansion of our new growth areas is on digital health, where we see great potential, especially in the U.S.”
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Status of forest management certification in Poland

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification has been a vital component of sustainable forest management in Poland for over 25 years. Until recently, approximately two-thirds of the total forest area of 9.2 million hectares in the country were FSC-certified. The certified forests are managed by the Regional Directorates of State Forests (RDSF) and two Forest Experimental Stations under the University of Poznań. Despite initiating dialogue in November 2022 between FSC International and Polish State Forests, six Regional Directorates of State Forests (RDSFs), representing an area of roughly 2 million hectares, have opted to discontinue FSC certification in their respective regions. The affected regions include: *Gdansk (FSC-certified area: 303,938 ha) - expired *Torun (FSC-certified area: 456,447 ha) - expired *Poznan (FSC-certified area: 419,535 ha) - certificate expired on 4 April, 2023 *Warsaw (FSC-certified area: 194,960 ha) - certificate expiring on 9 April, 2023 *Radom (FSC-certified area: 325,074 ha) - certificate expiring on 1 May, 2023 *Pila (FSC-certified area: 362,770 ha) - recertification granted on 10 March, 2023; license agreement terminated by RDSF Pila, effective until May 31, 2023. There are currently 2,500 FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) certificates in Poland, making it one of the top countries for FSC CoC globally.
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Klabin carries out a General Shutdown at the Puma Unit

Klabin will carry out the 2023 General Shutdown at the Puma Unit, in Ortigueira (PR), starting next week. This important event aims to ensure the proper functioning and reliability of the Unit's equipment, in addition to implementing improvements that increase the quality of the company's production process and the safety of employees and the community. Maintenance stop periods are regulatory for some industry sectors and therefore in line with Brazilian legislation. It is at this moment that the necessary interventions take place to guarantee the reliability of the operation, bringing safety to the processes and to employees and the community. The Parade also generates an opportunity for improvements and technological updates to be implemented. It should be noted that at Klabin, the stages of work are defined using the best project management practices, with a focus on safety, planning, integration and quality in the production processes of the manufacturing units.
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Government Hydrogen Boost To Help Power Kimberly-Clark Towards 100% Green Energy Target

Three green hydrogen projects that Kimberly-Clark is developing with energy industry partners have won places on the UK Government’s Hydrogen Business Model Strategy (HBMS) shortlist. The scheme will kickstart the UK’s low carbon hydrogen economy by funding a first-round allocation of 250MW of electrolytic hydrogen projects across England, Scotland and Wales. Kimberly-Clark, the parent company of leading household brands including Andrex®, Kleenex®, Huggies®, WypAll® and Scott®, expects to reduce its natural gas consumption in the UK by 61% when these three projects are operational at the end of 2025, subject to final government contract. The three hydrogen projects selected by The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) include a green hydrogen hub in Barrow-in-Furness. Being developed in partnership with Carlton Power, the Barrow Green Hydrogen hub will power Kimberly-Clark’s Cumbria manufacturing facility.
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UPM to showcase a ground-breaking recyclable high barrier packaging solution for foods with long shelf-life at Interpack 2023

UPM Specialty Papers is excited to announce that the breakthrough oneBARRIER FibreCycle structure will be on display at Interpack 2023. This innovative high-barrier packaging provides a sustainable, recyclable, paper-based alternative to the multi-laminate plastic structures commonly used for long shelf-life products. Just as importantly, it can be recycled in existing fibre recycling streams. oneBARRIER FiberCycle represents the kind of packaging the world needs right now, enabling brand owners to reduce their reliance on fossil-based or non-recyclable materials, increase their use of renewable materials, and meet their sustainability targets. Working closely with leading experts across the world, UPM Specialty Papers is co-creating a more sustainable future through fibre-based, recyclable packaging materials. oneBARRIER FiberCycle is the result of a multi-year project in partnership with BOBST, one of the leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting machinery, and Michelman, a developer of high barrier water-based coatings for packaging applications. By uniting their expertise from across the food packaging value chain, the group set out to create a recyclable paper-based packaging solution for foods with a long shelf-life. UPM Solide LucentTM offered an ideal basis for the development work. As a dense, smooth, and strong base paper, it is ideal for lightweight and uniform coatings. BOBST supplied the AluBond technology – an aluminium coating one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair and Michelman was responsible for the integrated coating system that provides priming, barrier properties and heat seal. Together these solutions have proved to be a powerful combination, resulting in a transformative approach to safeguarding food products with a long shelf-life, such as coffee, instant soup and sauce powder packets, spices, or milk powders.
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FedEx Announces Planned Consolidation of Operating Companies

FedEx Corp. is announcing today at its DRIVE Investor Event that it will consolidate its operating companies into one organization, creating efficiencies that will enhance the company's ability to meet the evolving needs of customers and ultimately build a stronger, more profitable enterprise. This phased transition, with full implementation expected in June 2024, will ultimately bring FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Services, and other FedEx operating companies into Federal Express Corporation, becoming a single company operating a unified, fully integrated air-ground network under the respected FedEx brand. FedEx Freight will continue to provide less-than-truckload freight transportation services as a stand-alone company under Federal Express Corporation. Raj Subramaniam will serve as President and CEO of the combined organization.
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Scholastic Launches Print, Digital Title To Advance STEM Skills In Grades 3-6

There will be six issues per year, and a digital format that can be read on any device. Scholastic is offering a preview, highlighting Earth Day-related careers in free articles and activities. SuperSTEM offers the following features: *A selection of cross-curricular lessons designed to achieve Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). *Topics that serve a range of reading levels in every issue. *Photography and hands-on demonstration videos. *Educator kits. *Family engagement opportunities.
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Three reasons why Papira® by Stora Enso outperforms traditional plastic foam solutions

Cushioning is an essential part of protecting fragile goods from shock and vibration. That’s why for many decades, plastic foams have been used as a versatile and cost-effective solution. However plastic based foams are problematic. If they leak out to nature the material is inert and will not degrade. Furthermore, plastic foams are generally made from finite sources, mainly crude oil, which leads to a release of fossil carbon at its end of life. To turn these challenges into a thing of the past, Stora Enso has developed a lightweight, paper-based foam for protection and cushioning in packaging. Here are three key reasons why Papira® by Stora Enso is better than conventional plastic foams. 1. A bio-based product - Plastic foams used in cushioning today are mainly made of crude oil, resulting in a product with a high carbon footprint over its lifetime and other environmental issues. 2. Recyclable in the paper stream - Even though plastic foams such as expanded polystyrene or polyethylene foams are lightweight and handy, recycling them is difficult. Paper-based Papira® by Stora Enso is designed for recycling in paper or carton streams. 3. Biodegradable and compostable - As a material, Papira® is designed to be biodegradable. Therefore, it does not become waste or pollution even if not recycled properly.
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Tetra Pak unveils recycling collaborations and investments ahead of Earth Day

In the run up to the Earth Day (22nd April), Tetra Pak is highlighting some of its recent recycling initiatives that are helping to keep valuable materials in use and out of landfills. These initiatives are part of the investments that the company has been making for decades, to support collection and recycling infrastructure across the world, growing the number of recycling operations handling cartons worldwide from 40 in 2010 to more than 200 today. According to the World Bank, global waste is predicted to increase 70% by 20501, unless immediate and significant action is taken. Despite its essential role in feeding a growing global population, food packaging can add to the issue if not properly collected and recycled. Tetra Pak’s recent collaborations are focused on creating additional recycling capacity, increasing collection rates and ensuring that materials from post-consumer beverage cartons can re-enter the economy.
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Quad Wins Multi-Million-Dollar Contract to Print Reader’s Digest

Quad is now the sole printer of the U.S. edition of Reader’s Digest, America’s fourth largest-circulation magazine. The new, multi-million-dollar contract spans the next three years. One of the best-known magazines on American shelves, Reader’s Digest’s move to Quad streamlines its annual U.S. print run of almost 20 million copies. Quad’s through-the-line solution, including a capital investment in two-up binders, gives it all the resources needed to manufacture and distribute the magazine. This end-to-end process includes Publishers’ Studio, Quad’s proprietary workflow solution for issue mapping, which Reader’s Digest has been using since 2021.
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Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. Welcomes New Director of Supply Chain and Logistics

Monadnock Paper Mills, a manufacturer of technical specialty and premium printing and packaging papers, announced that Stephen (Steve) Murphy has rejoined the Company as Director of Supply Chain and Logistics. Steve has a history with Monadnock Paper Mills. He joined the Company in January of 1988 as an hourly employee and rose to the position of Paper Machine Tender. In January1997, he was promoted to the position of Maintenance Purchasing/Stockroom Manager. Steve left Monadnock in 2007 to pursue his education and a career progression with ENCON Evaporators, Inc. of Hooksett, NH. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Management & Supply Chain, Summa Cum Laude, from Southern New Hampshire University. While attending college, he continued his career with ENCON, holding multiple positions from 2007 through 2023 including Purchasing Manager, Operations and Production Manager, Supply Chain Manager.
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Norske Skog ASA – Invitation to the opening ceremony for the new containerboard machine at Norske Skog Bruck

In connection with the start-up last week of containerboard production at Norske Skog Bruck, we invite press, investors and other interested parties to the official opening ceremony of our new containerboard machine at the Bruck industrial site on 22 June. Norske Skog Bruck started its containerboard production last week, introducing 210 000 tonnes of competitive testliner and fluting capacity to meet the growing demand for renewable packaging. The production is based 100% on recycled fibre and will use steam from the new waste-to-energy plant, which opened in April 2022. Norske Skog Bruck will start to deliver containerboard to customers in the second quarter. Full production utilisation of 95% is expected in the second half of 2025.
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The Power of Emotion

Are you a faceless brand? Are you talking to your costumer in an authentic, meaningful way? Studies in neuroscience have proven that 95% of all buying decisions are driven by emotion, not logic. We're all drawn to products or brands for much deeper, primal reasons. Hear from J.Schmid President and CCO, Brent Niemuth, on what those primal reasons are and what you and your brand can do to appeal to deeper emotional instincts. Watch video at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/the-power-of-emotion/
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Stora Enso completes the divestment of its Hylte paper site to Sweden Timber

Stora Enso has completed the divestment of its paper production site in Hylte, Sweden announced on 27 January 2023, and all related assets to Sweden Timber, a Sweden-based sawmill and planing mill company. The enterprise value of the transaction is approximately EUR 18 million and will result in the reduction of Stora Enso’s annual newsprint paper capacity by 245,000 tonnes. Using 2022 figures as a benchmark, the divestment is expected to reduce Stora Enso’s annual sales by approximately EUR 160 million. As announced earlier, Stora Enso will book a disposal loss of approximately EUR 35 million, in addition to an impairment loss of EUR 19 million recorded in Q4/2022 in its IFRS operating profit in Q2/2023, as an item affecting comparability. The final value will be subject to closing date adjustments.
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Sonoco Expands Sustainable Packaging with EnviroFlex® Paper Pre-qualification for How2Recycle® Labeling

Sonoco announces that the high barrier paper-based structure, EnviroFlex® Paper Ultimate (ULT) 1.0, has received How2Recycle® pre-qualification and has met all requirements of the Fibre Box Association’s Voluntary Standard for Repulping and Recycling. This pre-qualification comes as a result of Sonoco’s ongoing efforts to develop innovative, sustainable packaging solutions. EnviroFlex Paper ULT 1.0 is a superior oxygen, moisture, and grease barrier packaging solution available in various formats, including rollstock, heat/cold seal, sachets, and pre-made pouches. EnviroFlex Paper ULT 1.0 provides exceptional protection and preservation for perishable items, such as baked goods, confections, pet treats, salty snacks and powdered beverages, while being curbside recyclable. Sonoco understands the importance of providing safe and non-toxic materials in convenient formats. Therefore, the company has gone above and beyond to develop EnviroFlex Paper ULT 1.0 and a host of other paper-based structures without the use of chemicals of concern, such as PFAS and PVDC.
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TC Transcontinental reinvents the flyer in Montréal

TC Transcontinental announced that it has developed an innovative leaflet for Montréal that will reduce the volume of paper from flyers by nearly 60% and eliminate plastic entirely. This new product is a thin leaflet folded in four that combines flyers from various retailers into a single printed product with a limited number of pages. It will be accompanied by a digital platform that will include a wider set of promotional offerings for consumers. “Our new solution for Montréal is designed to meet the evolving needs and expectations of consumers and retailers, maintain healthy competition on prices, and bring environmental benefits exceeding the City of Montréal’s stated source reduction objectives,” said Patrick Brayley, Senior Vice-President, Premedia, Distribution and In-Store Marketing at TC Transcontinental. “Research shows that most consumers continue to rely on printed flyers to plan their visits to local stores. Flyers help Montrealers fight inflation and save up to $1,500 a year. We have paid close attention to the dialogue surrounding our offering in recent years and trust this innovation, together with our new digital platform, will deliver on the expectations of all stakeholders.”
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Paper Excellence Wins BC Cleantech Award

Paper Excellence Canada is thrilled to announce today that it has been awarded the Corporate Pioneer of the Year Award at the annual Foresight Canada BC Cleantech Awards. The award was announced during an event in Vancouver on Thursday evening. Foresight Canada’s BC Cleantech Awards are an annual event to recognize inspiring change-makers from across British Columbia that are leading the charge to a net-zero economy. The Corporate Pioneer of the Year Award recognizes a large organization or company adopting, championing or leading sustainable practices in their industry. Paper Excellence was honoured to be nominated alongside other great companies, including Copper Mountain Mining Corp., Shell, FortisBC, and the Port of Vancouver.
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Average Delivery Time Across Postal Service Network Remains Stable

FY23 second quarter service performance scores covering Jan. 1 through March 24, included: *First-Class Mail: 91.2% of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Marketing Mail: 94.7% of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 0.7 percentage points from the fiscal first quarter. *Periodicals: 87.0% of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 2.3 percentage points from the fiscal first quarter.
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PRC Releases FY 2022 Annual Compliance Determination: USPS continues to struggle with compliance in some areas

The Postal Regulatory Commission issued its FY 2022 Annual Compliance Determination assessing the Postal Service’s compliance with rates and service performance. The Commission is required to issue its Determination 90 days after the filing of the Postal Service’s Annual Compliance Report (ACR) (39 U.S.C. Section 3653). This review reflects the new pricing rules for Market Dominant products adopted in FY 2021, including rate authority mechanisms and new requirements for workshare discounts and non-compensatory products. The Commission’s analysis includes detailed findings, recommendations, and directives on compliance regarding the following subjects: *Market Dominant products’ rates and fees, including, in particular, workshare discounts and non-compensatory products *Competitive products rates and fees *Service performance of Market Dominant products
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Walgreens Boots Alliance Reports Fiscal 2023 Second Quarter Results

WBA second quarter sales increased 3.3 percent from the year-ago quarter to $34.9 billion, an increase of 4.5 percent on a constant currency basis. Operating income was $0.2 billion in the second quarter compared to $1.2 billion in the year-ago quarter. Operating income in the quarter reflects a $306 million pre-tax charge for opioid-related claims and litigation, Summit Health acquisition costs and higher costs related to the Transformational Cost Management Program. Net earnings in the second quarter were $703 million compared to $883 million in the year-ago quarter. This decrease is driven by lower operating income partially offset by a $454 million after-tax gain from the partial sale of the Company's equity method investment in AmerisourceBergen. Net cash provided by operating activities was $745 million in the second quarter.
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FSC certification in Russia is ending

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) announces the withdrawal of the remaining forest management certificates in Russia by the respective certification bodies. This is due to the decision by Assurance Services International (ASI) to terminate its FSC assurance activities in Russia. ASI’s decision will enter into force on 1 May 2023 and will be re-evaluated once the conditions allow for assurance again. Based on the risk assessment conducted by ASI, the main reason is the increasing integrity risk in the country as the security for the people involved in oversight activities in Russia can no longer be guaranteed. In addition, there are limitations to operating in the country as a result of the restricted access and sanctions. With the termination of ASI's oversight activities in Russia, certification bodies will no longer be accredited for auditing against the FSC standards in the country.
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Facts are Stubborn Things: The Truth About Paper and Deforestation

You’ve no doubt seen the impassioned ENGO fundraising claims warning that “billions of trees are cut down each year to make paper products,” and as a result, “deforestation is accelerating at a rapid pace.” Their suggested solution to this “deforestation crisis and its climate impacts” is to eliminate the use of wood fiber to manufacture paper products – 50% by 2030 – and replace it with recycled content or so called “next generation” alternative fibers. But as President John Adams once said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” And the fact is that sustainably produced North American paper products are not a cause of deforestation, no matter what some ENGOs say or how many times they say it.
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Sonoco Partners with GreenGasUSA to Reduce Emissions and Provide Renewable Energy

Sonoco has upgraded its Hartsville wastewater treatment site to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The company began treating wastewater from its paper operations in the 1950’s and in 1987, an anaerobic lagoon was added to improve the system’s efficiency. Anaerobic wastewater treatment is a highly efficient treatment process that uses less energy and produces less sludge than conventional aerobic treatment. The organic matter in the wastewater is converted to carbon dioxide and methane. In addition to the anaerobic treatment, a cover on the lagoon had been capturing the gases and routing them to a flare for destruction. In partnership with renewable natural gas developer GreenGasUSA, new biogas equipment now converts any gaseous methane to pipeline quality renewable natural gas for use in homes and businesses using the existing interstate pipeline system. It’s expected to reduce Sonoco’s greenhouse gas emissions by 8,000 metric tons per year and provide renewable energy to South Carolina.
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Ox industries makes $5 Million Invenstment in High-Speed Converting Technology

Ox Industries is increasing efficiency and production capacity with a $5 million investment in new high-speed converting lines across multiple facilities. This sophisticated technology will positively impact the productivity of Ox Industries’ vertically integrated tube and core and protective packaging plants and seamlessly merge with current operations and Ox-owned URB (uncoated recycled paperboard) mill network. Each converting line will have the most innovative automatic roll handling and finished product packaging technology to improve ergonomics, decrease on-the-job injuries, increase productivity, and enhance quality control. “We embrace continuous investment that pairs with our efficiency and employee safety values. This equipment will highlight our recent acquisitions while giving us a broader footprint to serve our customers,” said Ox Industries CEO Kevin Hayward.
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Amcor wins Packaging Excellence Award for environmental performance and shelf appeal

Amcor announced that it has earned a Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) Silver Achievement Award for its AmPrima™ PE Plus recycle-ready pouch for Lahli™ Morning Protein Bites. The pouch features Amcor’s AmPrima™ PE Plus recycle-ready film: *AmPrima™ solutions employ a variety of technologies, including proprietary techniques unavailable elsewhere, to deliver recycle-ready alternatives with no compromise on performance. *The AmPrima™ PE Plus material matches the clarity, stiffness, heat resistance, surface energy and abuse resistance of the unrecyclable incumbent film. *To aid recycling efforts, the pouch carries a How2Recycle® label for the PE stream, clearly communicating store drop-off recycling instructions.
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Smurfit Kappa delivers over 40% reduction in CO2 emissions

The comprehensive report, which covers January to December 2022, highlights the company’s progress through continued capital investment, ongoing operational improvement and collaboration with customers and other key stakeholders. Last year, Smurfit Kappa delivered several landmark achievements highlighting its continued leadership in sustainability including: *A world first in successfully trialling hydrogen in its Saillat paper mill in France *Completion of a multi-fuel boiler in the Zülpich paper mill in Germany which reduced emissions at the mill by 25% *The announcement of the Group’s largest decarbonisation project in Cali, Colombia involving an investment of almost €100 million *Commencement of a district heating project in Austria to benefit 20,000 homes across 3 communities.
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TC Transcontinental Packaging Wins Three Awards at the 2023 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards in Shelf Impact and Printing

TC Transcontinental Packaging is pleased to announce that it has been recognized with the prestigious Gold award in the Shelf Impact category for manufacturing the Procter & Gamble’s Gillette Slate Resealable Razor Pouches at the 2023 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards. Additionally, TC Transcontinental Packaging took home two Silver awards; one in the Shelf Impact category for the San Pellegrino Essenza Sparkling Water 24-case collation shrink film which includes 33% of PCR (post post-consumer recycled) content, and one in the Printing category for the Whole Foods Baking Mix Flat Bottom Pouches. “We are proud to win FPA’s “Shelf Impact” and “Printing” awards and to be recognized by the industry for our team’s technical expertise,” said Thomas Morin, President Transcontinental Packaging. “At TC Transcontinental Packaging we value the trust our customers place in us, and every TC employee strives to deliver flexible packaging solutions especially for them. We acknowledge the critical role our packaging plays in annunciating their brand message and connecting with the consumer. To do so we bring high-end technology, sustainable solutions, expertise, and passion to support our customer’s success in the market today.”
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Ahlstrom’s Cristal® Transparent Packaging papers achieve SAFER™ Designation, helping brands demonstrate human and environmental safety

In the movement to create more eco-friendly packaging, brand owners are seeking additional assurances their suppliers are providing safe and sustainable solutions that meet both packaging and consumer demands. To exceed these expectations, Ahlstrom is pleased to announce Cristal® Transparent Packaging Papers have met ChemFORWARD’s rigorous evaluation of human and environmental criteria for safer alternatives through the organization’s SAFER™ program. Cristal® transparent papers are ideal alternatives to non-renewable materials, from replacing a plastic or film in a package to creating a fully fiber-based end-use structure. “The use of transparent paper in packaging enables the food and ecommerce industries to effectively convey a value of trust in customers’ minds,” explained Guillaume Latourrette, Global Vice President of Food Packaging for Ahlstrom. “The strong sustainable attributes Cristal® already addressed as a natural, compostable, and recyclable packaging solution are now amplified by achieving SAFER™ status.”
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Billerud Appoints New President for North America

"I am confident that Kevin Kuznicki, with his experience from a variety of positions and industries, is the right person to lead Billerud's journey in the US going forward," says Christoph Michalski, President and CEO at Billerud. “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as President for Billerud North America and am optimistic about our future. I am honored to work with such a talented team across the company and look forward to continuing our journey and accomplishing great success together,” says Kevin Kuznicki, incoming President of North America at Billerud. Kevin Kuznicki succeeds Robert Kreizenbeck, who left the company this month.
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Avery Dennison Names Hassan Rmaile and Francisco Melo as Presidents for Its Two Business Segments

Avery Dennison Corporation has appointed leaders for its two business segments. Hassan Rmaile has been named president of the Materials Group. Francisco Melo has been named president of the Solutions Group, a role that has been open since Deon Stander’s appointment to president and chief operating officer in March of 2022. As earlier announced, the company now consists of two reportable segments. The Materials Group comprises what was formerly Label and Graphic Materials and Industrial and Healthcare Materials. The change reflects efforts in recent years to leverage their combined operational capabilities and technologies to enhance the ability to win in their respective marketplaces. The Solutions Group was formerly Retail Branding and Information Solutions. This name change better reflects the business’s reach and ambition for its solutions beyond retail. Rmaile and Melo report to Avery Dennison President and COO Deon Stander.
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UPM has sold all its business operations in Russia to Gungnir Wooden Products Trading

UPM has completed withdrawal of its businesses from Russia by selling all its Russian operations, including the Chudovo plywood mill, to Gungnir Wooden Products Trading. The parties have agreed not to disclose the details of the transaction. Following Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, UPM announced in March 2022 suspension of its business activities in Russia, including deliveries, wood procurement and the Chudovo plywood mill.
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Kohl’s Announces Locations of 250 New Sephora at Kohl’s Opening This Year

Kohl’s announced the 250 stores that will be adding the full-sized, 2,500 square foot Sephora at Kohl’s experience in 2023. The addition of 250 new locations brings the total Sephora at Kohl’s fleet to more than 850, achieving the partnership’s initial planned goal of the Sephora at Kohl’s rollout. “We are making great strides in building a formidable beauty business with the addition of Sephora at Kohl’s,” said Karen Daoust, Kohl’s senior vice president, general manager, Sephora at Kohl’s. “The completion of our 850 stores in 2023 is just the beginning as we look to expand Sephora at Kohl’s to all stores, enhance the customer experience and deliver prestige beauty to our customers across the country.”
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Know Your Customer: Show Them You Know Them (jschmid.com)

We spend a good deal of our marketing efforts incenting customers to be loyal to us; to be our brand advocates. But doesn’t loyalty go both ways? Don’t we, in turn, need to demonstrate our commitment to our customers? It’s a two-way street, after all—a dialogue. One way to display your commitment—or loyalty—to your customers is to show them you know them: who they are, where they are, what they buy, and what they want. We all experience this kind of dialogue daily online: ads served up to us reflect our searches from 5 minutes ago; recommender engines tell us what else we’d like based on what is in our baskets. These days, it’s expected. Ubiquitous, almost. But what about in print? I’d posit that sending a targeted, relevant print mail piece audience conveys a more authentic investment to your customer. The real impact comes from using data and understanding your customers’ behavior. Variable data printing allows us to create powerful, relevant direct mail that speaks to individuals on a truly 1:1 basis. Personalization allows us to move beyond mass mailings and “spray-and-pray” direct mail. Instead, we can create messages and offers based on customers’ demographics, preferences, and histories… and show them we know them. Let’s revisit a few ways to consider showing your customers you know them in print. I’ve written about them before: they are the Three Ps. read more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/show-them-you-know-them/
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ALA Reports Shocking Increase in Book Challenges in 2022 (publishersweekly.com)

With book banning and legislative attacks on the freedom to read continuing to surge across the country, the American Library Association announced today that it tracked a stunning 1,269 "demands to censor library books and resources" in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago, and nearly double the record-shattering 729 challenges recorded in 2021. In a release, ALA officials said the challenges involved a record 2,571 unique titles—a stunning 38% increase from the 1,858 unique titles targeted for censorship in 2021. Once again, the vast majority of works challenged were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color; 58% of reported challenges targeted works in schools and 41% targeted materials in public libraries.
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How To Make A Sustainable Industry Even More Sustainable

The beverage carton industry is one of the most sustainable packaging sectors in Europe. Discover how environmental organisations and manufacturers are pushing to make it even more circular. As one of the largest and most widely used sectors of the paper and board industry, packaging comes under a lot of scrutiny from governments, panels, organisations and the media for its environmental impact. Fortunately, through a lot of investment, hard work and dedication, it’s also one of the most sustainable industries in the world, with 83% of paper and cardboard packaging in Europe being recycled – the highest of any packaging material. One area of packaging that’s currently getting a lot of attention is the beverage carton industry. Made from an average of 75% renewable material, beverage cartons are a highly sustainable alternative to plastic and glass bottles, with most European recycling networks able to recycle the cartons easily.
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Amcor, Nfinite enter into joint research agreement to leverage nanotechnology in recyclable and compostable packaging

Amcor announced a joint research project agreement with Nfinite Nanotechnology Inc. to validate the use of Nfinite’s nanocoating technology to enhance both recyclable and compostable packaging. In the proof-of-concept phase of the project, Nfinite’s coating technology will be applied to Amcor’s existing recyclable and compostable packaging material. The objective is to deliver an oxygen barrier to improve performance for recyclable and compostable packaging. Once validated, the next stage of development will seek to ensure the products are optimized to Amcor’s manufacturing processes and analyze additional substrates, such as bio-based materials to create more sustainable applications.
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Modern Litho Announces Ownership Transition

Modern Litho, a publication and commercial printer and mailer headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri, with production facilities in St. Louis and Kansas City, announces the ownership group has wholly sold the company to two of the existing shareholders, Jeff and Jenny Davidson as of December 31, 2022. The event marks the successful transition of the mostly family-owned company to the third generation as part of its planned ownership succession. “On behalf of the outgoing ownership group, it has been our highest honor and privilege to steward the company (Modern Litho) with a firm long-term vision. We’ve made decisions large and small based on what’s best for the business, our employees, and our customers. It’s this conviction combined with truly exceptional employees, industry partners and vendors that have made Modern Litho the world-class print organization it is today. Jeff and Jenny Davidson having been part of the ownership for the last five years, will continue with the same goal and vision. We couldn’t be more proud and excited for the future of Modern Litho,” commented Darrell Moore, CEO.
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Klabin inaugurates port terminal in Paranaguá (PR)

Klabin, the largest producer and exporter of paper for packaging and sustainable solutions in paper packaging in Brazil, made official, this Wednesday (22), the start of operations at the Klabin Port Terminal (PAR-01), located on the wharf commercial center at the Port of Paranaguá, in Paraná. With the capacity to receive one million tons of pulp and paper per year, the Terminal is part of the investment package in logistics made by the Company in the State in recent years. With the operation, the unloading of short and long fiber pulp, fluff pulp and paper, from the Puma Units, located in Ortigueira (PR), and from the Monte Alegre Unit, in Telêmaco Borba (PR), can be carried out within the Port of Paranaguá. With a structure that covers an area of ​​27,530 m², leased by Klabin for 25 years, in an auction held in August 2019, the new operation also brings productivity and competitiveness to Klabin in Break Bulk, a mode of maritime cargo transport without the use of of containers, which ships large volumes directly inside the ships, allowing customers to be served on a large scale and with operational excellence.
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Chief Operating Officer Stew Gibson Appointed to FPAC Board

Paper Excellence Canada is pleased to announce that Stew Gibson, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, was recently appointed to the board of directors for Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC). FPAC is a non-profit association that represents many of Canada’s largest forestry companies. Mr. Gibson was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Paper Excellence Canada in 2022, after previously serving as Vice President – Operations West for the company. “I’m thrilled to be representing Paper Excellence Canada on the board of FPAC and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues from other forestry companies and with the FPAC leadership to advance the interests of our industry in Ottawa and across Canada,” said Gibson.
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Billerud in second place in the report Sustainable Companies

Billerud comes second when Lund University and the business newspaper Dagens Industri rank the 131 largest companies on the stock exchange in Sweden from a sustainability perspective. “We are proud to have been awarded second place out of 131 audited Swedish companies in the 2022 edition of Sustainable Companies. This recognition shows that we stand tall in Swedish industry and that our forward leaning perspective, long-term proactive sustainability work and high ambitions are appreciated. We will continue to develop our sustainability work and constantly strive to improve to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future”, says Matthew Hirst, EVP of Commercial and Sustainability at Billerud.
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New Kimberly-Clark PROFESSIONAL™ ICON™ Dispenser Collection Redefines the Touch-Free Experience in the Washroom

Kimberly-Clark Professional™ launches its ICON™ dispenser collection in the UK in March 2023. This innovative washroom solution will bring game-changing hygiene and design, combined with a new standard of dispensing performance and human-centric experience, to deliver unmatched confidence that goes beyond simply dispensing paper towels. The ICON™ portfolio showcases three system solutions for hand towels, toilet tissue and skincare, including soap and sanitiser. To gain a better understanding of how people’s attitudes towards hygiene and handwashing have shifted in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Kimberly-Clark Professional commissioned a survey¹ conducted by GfK in Europe. The survey revealed perceptions of cleanliness alongside evolving hygiene habits, expectations, and standards, such as: *76% of people have had poor experiences with hand hygiene in public washrooms since the start of the pandemic. *Almost half (46%) of respondents wash their hands more frequently than before the pandemic because they pay more attention to hygiene overall. *42% have experienced empty or improperly functioning paper towel dispensers, leading to frequent complaints.
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Join J.Schmid for Two Interactive Sessions on Creative, Content and Catalog Design

Are you headed to the NEMOA conference in Everett, MA April 4 - 6th? We'd love to see you and catch up. Join J.Schmid President & CCO Brent Niemuth as he hosts a hands-on interactive workshop on Creative and Content: Develop a look, feel and content that is clearly aligned with your brand and resonates with customers. But that's not all! J.Schmid EVP of Client Services, Michele Drohan will be leading an interactive Catalog Critique session where you'll learn the building blocks of an effective catalog, then work with peers to review and critique a catalog. If you're not registered, it's not too late! We'd love to see you there and we have a special discount to share with you. Use code BRD15 for 15% off your registration. Register now at: https://nemoaevent.org/?utm_source=marketo&utm_medium=NEMOA&utm_campaign=website
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BMI Releases Industry Barometer Survey Results for March 2023

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) released the March results for its monthly survey on capacity and lead times for soft cover and hard cover books. This month’s survey also featured an update to the questions, factoring in both digital and offset printing methods. In looking at digital printing, the average hard cover capacity rose to 65%, up from 59%. Lead time for digital hard cover books dropped from 21 days to 17 days. Digital soft cover books are running at 67% capacity and 15 days lead time. Both of those numbers are similar to February numbers. According to responses regarding offset printing, hard cover manufacturers are running at 66% of their capacity, which is 10% less than last month. Lead times are slightly down from 40 days to 37. The average soft cover offset capacity usage is down to 78% from 82%. Offset soft cover lead time is up from 27 days to 35 days, reversing a trend of dropping times.
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Increased 1.2% in February

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index rose 1.2% in February after increasing 0.6% in January. In February, the index equaled 118.4 (2015=100) compared with 117 in January. “Tonnage has increased sequentially for the last three months totaling 2.9 percent,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “As a result, the index is just 0.3 percent below the recent high in September. The fact that our index is growing sequentially and on a year-over-year basis demonstrates that contract freight continues to hold up at high levels. “Looking ahead, we continue to see evidence the inventory cycle is improving, which means bloated stocks will stop being a headwind and eventually help truck freight volumes,” Costello said. “Increased infrastructure spending will also boost volumes heading into the summer months. However, we expect to see continued freight softness related to lower home construction and slowing factory output.” Compared with February 2022, the SA index increased 2.3%, which was the eighteenth straight year-over-year gain, but the largest since October. In January, the index was up 1.4% from a year earlier. In 2022, compared with the average in 2021, tonnage was up 3.5%.
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Aptar Closures Acquires Majority Stake of Gulf Closures, Adding Manufacturing Capabilities in the Middle East

Aptar Closures, a global leader in dispensing closures and active material science solutions today announced the acquisition of majority stake in Gulf Closures, a closure manufacturer for beverage products in Bahrain. With the acquisition, Aptar Closures will leverage its global business capabilities and Gulf Closures’ manufacturing expertise, regional network, and experienced team to better serve the company’s existing customers in the Middle East while opening new market opportunities and strengthening its presence in the region. Today, Gulf Closures employs approximately 60 people at its facility in Bahrain and holds ISO and FSSC certifications. Gulf Closures is a partner to several global and other major local beverage brands in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Levant, and Africa.
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Companies partner to make compost bag with recycled content (recyclingtoday.com)

Tonawanda, New York-based NOCO’s Buffalo River Compost brand Tend says its 1-cubic-foot bags of Brian’s Best Seal of Testing Assurance-, or STA-, approved compost will be packaged using a lawn and garden bag containing 20 percent postconsumer resin (PCR) for the 2023 season. Buffalo, New York-based Buffalo River Compost launched Tend, a brand geared for direct-to-consumer lawn and garden products, in 2022. When the company began to pursue packaging options, it says it found limited sustainable options. “Some places around the country are starting to require minimum recycled content standards for plastic packaging, such as garbage bags, but due to features such as UV protection and anti-slip, we weren’t able to immediately identify suppliers that used PCR in lawn and garden bags,” says Bobbie Thoman, director of sustainability and innovation at Tend.
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World’s largest kraftliner machine enters service in Obbola

The world’s largest machine for the production of kraftliner has entered service in Obbola in Västerbotten, outside Umeå, eastern Sweden. With a total investment of SEK 7.5 billion, this major project has been completed ahead of schedule and within budget, significantly increasing opportunities to produce packaging materials that replace plastic. “At full capacity, the machine will increase capacity from 450,000 tonnes to 725,000 tonnes a year, enabling our renewable kraftliner to replace large amounts of plastic and improve the [Obbola] plant’s competitiveness on the global market,” says Gustaf Nygren, SCA Obbola Plant Director. The Expansion Obbola investment project has a total budget of SEK 7.5 billion, of which approximately SEK 1 billion has been earmarked for environmental improvements at the site. For example, a biofuel-fired mesa furnace has been installed at the plant with the potential to phase out the use of fossil fuels and save 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
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$100,000 Funding for Auburn University to Help Advance Papermaking and Research

Out with the old, in with the new! Georgia-Pacific has contributed $100,000 to Auburn University to help fund a new state-of-the-art digester that will give engineering students the ability to test and improve a newly patented innovation in papermaking. The current digester in the Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering (AC-PABE) at AU is over 30 years old with many operational issues and no longer meets teaching and research needs. That’s why the AC-PABE contacted Georgia-Pacific, a long-time partner of AU and the pulp and paper program. A digester is a key piece of equipment used in the paper-making process. Pulp mill digesters use heat and chemicals to break down wood chips into pulp. The pulp is then further refined and processed to produce paper products.
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HP Debuts the HP Indigo 200K Digital Press Designed to Accelerate Growth for the Flexible Packaging Industry

HP Inc. unveiled its new HP Indigo 200K Digital Press, designed to give digital flexible converters the competitive edge with better productivity, on-demand delivery, no minimum orders, unique designs, reduced energy consumption, and minimal waste. The new press is based on the only field-proven digital technology for digital flexible packaging and on a successful install base of over 300 HP Indigo 25K digital presses, series 4, worldwide. The new, series 5, HP Indigo 200K digital press, prints up to 56 m/min (183 ft/min) and dramatically increases the productivity of high-margin, sustainable short runs of digital flexible packaging, to be delivered in days, not weeks. “The HP Indigo 200K is a mid-web digital press especially designed for converters addressing the needs of brands in flexible packaging, but it also serves the growing requirements of the label and shrink sleeve industries for higher productivity and wider format,” said Noam Zilbershtain, VP & General manager of HP Indigo & Scitex. “Flexible Packaging is a growing market, and as HP Indigo customers are growing much faster than the market, I have no doubt that the HP Indigo 200K digital press will open the door for more flexo converters who want to join the success, and reign in industry 4.0.”
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ATA Expresses Concerns About Potential Granting of Waiver for California Truck Rules

The American Trucking Associations expressed grave concerns about media reports that the Environmental Protection Agency may be on the verge of granting the state of California waivers to implement potentially harmful and unrealistic emissions rules. “Our industry hopes these reports aren’t true. We have worked tirelessly with EPA on aggressive, achievable timelines for emissions reductions over decades. In fact, a truck in 1988 emitted as much as 60 trucks today – a more than 98% reduction – and we’re committed to the path to zero,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “If the reports are in fact accurate, let us remind you that this isn't the United States of California. As we learned in the pandemic, the supply chain can be a fragile thing – and its integrity must be preserved at the national level. This decision has little to do with improving the environment, and everything to do with placating the far left of the environmental lobby without regard for the hard-working men and women of our industry or our country who will be left to implement California’s vision for America.
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New Katan-Ex SL with slippery outside layer

Trioworld has added a new high-performance cast stretch film to its Katan-Ex range: Katan-Ex SL. Katan-Ex SL is fitted with a super slippery outside layer with non-cling properties and with all the benefits of cast film. This makes Katan-Ex SL a unique product. After successful customer testing at a large dairy company, Katan-Ex SL has demonstrated: *Pallets no longer clinging together *Less film usage, because of Katan-Ex SL's high stretchability *A reduction in cost per wrapped pallet.
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Current State and Growth of the Production Inkjet Printing Market (piworld.com)

The year-end data for 2022 is not yet final, but from all indicators it was a great year for production inkjet printing. A confluence of variables amplified the inherent flexibility benefit of digital production printing, chiefly among them the rising cost of paper and labor, which drove demand for smaller run lengths, faster turnarounds, and more versioning with relevant content — effectively stealing volume from what remains a very large offset printing market. Print providers faced slightly less challenges in obtaining paper, but paper pricing continued to increase. Bigger challenges were finding and retaining qualified labor, which drove up labor costs, a challenge that is not expected to abate. While no one likes rising costs, the majority of print providers were able to pass along those cost increases to their customers, while quietly taking a little extra for themselves.
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Paper Excellence Canada Named A Finalist for BC Clean Tech Awards

Paper Excellence Canada is very pleased to announce today that it has been named as a Finalist for the fourth annual Foresight Canada BC Cleantech Awards. Paper Excellence Canada is a finalist in the Corporate Pioneer of the Year category, which features large organizations or companies adopting, championing, or leading sustainable practices in their industry. Paper Excellence Canada stands alongside other well-known finalists in this category, including FortisBC, Port of Vancouver, Shell Canada, and Copper Mountain Mining Corporation. “We are very excited and honoured to be a Finalist for this year’s BC Cleantech Awards, and we look forward to the awards event on March 30th,” said Stew Gibson, Chief Operating Officer for Paper Excellence Canada. “To be nominated as a finalist in this category confirms the work we are doing as a company, like investing in cleantech, improving our operations and developing innovative low-carbon products, is making an impact towards meeting global climate objectives.”
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What is sustainable forestry – and why is it critical in mitigating against climate change?

Sustainable forestry is about caring for the long-term resilience of forests and is often wrongly associated with the environmentally and socially destructive practice of deforestation. Deforestation is one of the largest contributors to climate change because when trees are lost to forest fires or die and decay due to insects or disease without proper regeneration, the stored carbon is permanently released into the atmosphere. Forests are considered carbon sinks, because as trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the air, converting it into plant matter by way of photosynthesis. It’s well-documented that the destruction of these naturally occurring carbon sinks is detrimental to our environment and the balance of global temperatures. The commitment made in November 2022 at the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) is evidence of this significance, with leaders representing over 85% of the world’s forests pledging to halve and reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030.
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Ground Breaking on New Corrugated Box Plant for WestRock in Southwest Washington

Clayco, a full-service, turnkey real estate, architecture, engineering, design-build and construction firm, today celebrated the groundbreaking of WestRock’s new 410,000-square-foot corrugated box plant in Longview, Washington. Located just outside of the Vancouver, Washington metropolitan area, this marks the first collaboration between Clayco and WestRock. Developed by JB2 Partners and owned by an investment fund managed by ElmTree Funds, the new building will host a WestRock corrugated manufacturing operation, which will create approximately 40 jobs in Longview, Washington when production begins in the fall of 2023. Situated on 23.5 acres, the single-story, concrete tilt-up manufacturing facility will have a clearance height of 44 feet.
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USPS Service Performance Holds Steady at 2.5 Days

FY23 second quarter service performance scores covering Jan. 1 through March 10, included: *First-Class Mail: 91.2% of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Marketing Mail: 94.5% of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Periodicals: 86.8% of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 2.2 percentage points from the fiscal first quarter.
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AAP January 2023 StatShot: Overall Publishing Industry Up 3.5% for Month of January

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) today released its StatShot report for January 2023 reflecting reported revenue for Trade (Consumer Books), Higher Education Course Materials, and Professional Publishing. Total revenues across all reported categories for January 2023 were up 3.5% as compared to January 2022, coming in at $1.3 billion. Trade (Consumer Books) sales were up 3.1% in January, coming in at $754.9 million. In terms of physical paper format revenues during the month of January, in the Trade (Consumer Books) category, Hardback revenues were up 0.3%, coming in at $264.0 million; Paperbacks were up 7.0%, with $276.9 million in revenue; Mass Market was down 35.7% to $12.4 million; and Special Bindings was down 2.1%, with $15.6 million in revenue.
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Phoenix Paper Completes Inkjet Product Line Launch

Phoenix Paper is pleased to announce the launch of their new product line, Phoenix Inkjet. Fall of 2022, Phoenix Paper entered the Inkjet paper market, offering Phoenix Premier™, a treated inkjet sheet, and Phoenix Preferred™, an untreated inkjet sheet to Commercial Inkjet Printers. Phoenix Paper completed the launch of their Inkjet line in March of 2023 with their 7pt. and 9pt. treated Phoenix Premier™ Grades. Field trials were conducted on each Phoenix Inkjet grade at OEMs and commercial ink jet locations to ensure the products met the paper applications required by end users. Phoenix Paper Field Tech Representatives were involved in the quality trials at major OEMs and the paper scored high in all categories.
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All Koehler Paper Fast-Food Barrier Paper Now Free From Acrylates

The products Koehler NexPlus® OGR and Koehler NexPlus® Wrap now not only do without the use of fluorochemicals, but also without the use of acrylate. This makes them the sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to the packaging paper previously used in the fast food sector. With Koehler NexPlus® OGR and Koehler NexPlus® Wrap, Koehler Paper, a leading provider of paper with a disruptive barrier function for packaging solutions, has developed its fast-food paper further and brought it more into line with customer demand for sustainability. These products are now not only made without the use of fluorochemicals, as they have always been, but also without the use of acry-lates, making them a sustainable and environmentally alternative to the packaging paper currently used in the fast-food sector.
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Royle Printing Investing in the Future of Print

Royle Printing is pleased to announce they will be implementing a new training program for all employees and prospective employees at the end of this month. The program is called Advanced Careers in Print (ACP). Like many manufacturers in this country, the printing industry is experiencing a wide-spread shortage of skilled labor. Additionally, there has been a major reduction of government and higher education sponsored programs promoting and supporting the trades, leaving younger generations with little or no exposure to careers in manufacturing. To offset this trend and continue to grow and develop Royle's talented team of associates, the company has developed the ACP initiative. The program is designed to educate and train existing associates while exposing new generations to the world of print. “Our goal is to play a hands-on role in developing our team while encouraging younger generations to consider a career in print,” states Chris Carpenter, President, and Owner of Royle Printing. “Like other significant investments we’re making in our manufacturing platform, this could be the most significant considering our plans for growth and hiring needs for talented associates.”
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FedEx Corp. Reports Third Quarter Results

Third quarter results were negatively affected by continued demand weakness, particularly at FedEx Express. In addition, operating income was negatively affected by the effects of global inflation, partially offset by U.S. domestic yield improvement and cost-reduction actions. FedEx Ground operating results improved, primarily due to an 11% increase in revenue per package and cost-reduction actions. These factors were partially offset by lower package volume, higher infrastructure costs and increased other operating expenses. FedEx Freight operating results improved, driven by an 11% increase in revenue per shipment and a gain on the sale of a facility, partially offset by decreased shipments.
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Postal Service’s Election Mail Program Receives Top Honor

The U.S. Postal Service has received the Public Service Award for its Election Mail program from the nonpartisan Election Verification Network. The award is given every year to a public official or governmental unit for protecting and promoting election integrity and verifiable elections. “This award is further confirmation of the Postal Service’s deep commitment and great success in delivering the nation’s ballots securely and on time,” said Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy. “We take pride in the role our organization plays in the election process. The American people can continue to feel confident in using the U.S. Mail to fulfill their democratic duty to vote.”
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Sporting Kansas City teams up with Huhtamaki to make Children’s Mercy Park Zero Waste

Huhtamaki North America announces its sponsorship of a sports stadium. In a recently announced five-year deal, Huhtamaki will be the official “sustainable packaging provider” at Children’s Mercy Park stadium, home of the US Major League Soccer (MLS) team, Sporting Kansas City. Together, both companies will further reduce stadium’s environmental footprint. The company’s sports partnership in North America features naming rights to the Huhtamaki Shield Club at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City and community impact initiatives for the region through support of Sporting Sustainability and The Victory Project. Together with Sporting Kansas City, Huhtamaki is committed to reducing the stadium’s environmental footprint with the goal of zero waste by 2027. “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Huhtamaki, a global packaging leader with a longstanding reputation of excellence in sustainable food packaging. Together we will achieve a more sustainable future,” said Sporting Kansas City Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Jon Moses.
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Landa Hosts Open House at Quantum Group to Showcase New S10P Nanographic Press (piworld.com)

Cheryl Kahanec has keenly watched the development and maturation of Benny Landa's Nanographic printing technology since 2011 — dating back to her digital printing executive leadership roles at Sandy Alexander, followed by EarthColor. Now, as CEO of the Quantum Group, Kahanec was convinced the availability of the seven-color, 41" Landa S10P digital perfecting press could be a "game-changer" for the 30-year-old commercial and direct mail printing operation that she's led the past five years. As such, in November 2022 Morton Grove, Illinois-based Quantum Group became the first printer in the Chicago area to install a Landa S10P digital offset press. It was demonstrated running four different live jobs during an open house event held March 14 that was hosted by Landa Digital Printing at Quantum for prospective Landa printer customers, both locally and from across the country.
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Humanity Marketing (jschmid.com)

In today's digital world, the importance of humanity marketing cannot be overstated. With so much competition for attention online, businesses must stand out by showing their human side. Join J.Schmid President & Chief Creative Officer, Brent Niemuth as he shares valuable insights on implementing the humanity marketing strategy for business success with Infidigit's Country Director - Americas, Shelly Singh. watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvVKkFPF3lA
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Tredegar Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

Fourth Quarter Financial Results Highlights *Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) from ongoing operations for Aluminum Extrusions of $8.9 million was $2.0 million lower than the fourth quarter of 2021 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for PE Films of negative $2.6 million was $9.3 million lower than the fourth quarter of 2021 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for Flexible Packaging Films of $7.0 million was $0.6 million higher than the fourth quarter of 2021
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Aptar Surpasses Emissions Reduction Goals and Issues Updated Science-Based Targets in Line with 1.5°C Climate Ambition

AptarGroup, Inc. announced that it has updated its Scope 1 and 2 science-based targets, setting an emissions reduction goal consistent with requirements to limit global temperature rise to 1.5° Celsius by year 2030. In 2021, Aptar significantly surpassed the original goals for emissions reduction to the WB2°C scenario and as a result, the Company has worked to update these goals to be more ambitious. Today, Aptar is proud to announce that its Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions reduction targets align to the 1.5°C scenario and have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
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Worzalla Announces Community Contest to Help Name New Mascot

Classrooms in grades kindergarten through fourth grade at any Portage County School are invited to submit an entry to the Worzalla Mascot Naming Competition. The classroom/student that submits the winning entry will be awarded a pizza party and a $250 donation for supplies for their classroom. A teacher representing a classroom can submit entries to the Worzalla Mascot Naming Competition by emailing the following criteria to readmore@worzalla.com: 1. The classroom's name suggested name for the mascot along with a brief explanation of why it's the best name for the book mascot 2. The full name of the teacher for the classroom 3. The teacher's grade and name of the school. Nominations will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Central Time on March 31.
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ANDRITZ completes major rebuild of high-performance board machine for MM Board & Paper, Austria

Mag. Gernot Schleiss, Managing Director of MM Frohnleiten, explains: “The main objective of our investment was the modernization of the KM3 to enhance the quality of the end product, to reduce specific energy consumption and to increase productivity across the entire product range. We are convinced that ANDRITZ’s innovative PrimeLine technology will help us reach our targets.” Georg-Michael Sautter, ANDRITZ Key Account Manager Paper Board adds: “The new PrimeFlow AT headbox improves the quality of the end product, the two PrimePress X shoe presses lead to energy and bulk savings, and the PrimeRun web stabilizers ensure improved runability. All in all, the perfect package for highly efficient and high-quality production.”
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Berry Launches New Building Wrap for Bulk Water Drainage and High-Performance Weather Protection

Berry Global Group, Inc. announced that it will be expanding its line of high-performance building wraps through the launch of TYPAR® DrainableWrap™, the Company’s first drainable building wrap engineered to protect multi-story structures from the elements and manage excess moisture. TYPAR DrainableWrap Commercial has joined TYPAR MetroWrap in the brand’s growing portfolio of building wraps designed specifically for commercial structures. “The addition of TYPAR DrainableWrap Commercial is further proof of Berry Global’s commitment to the commercial market and delivering on our customer promise of Innovation for the World. Solutions for You.,” said Andrew Irvine, product manager, TYPAR. “This new commercial wrap offers the superior UV protection and tear strength needed for commercial job sites while also helping commercial builders and architects address the growing challenge of drainage in high-rise building envelopes.”
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Bloomsbury Publishing Trading Update

Revenue is now expected to be over £260 million and profit before taxation and highlighted items is expected to be some £30 million for the year ended 28 February 2023.* This follows strong trading at the end of the year. Commenting on the results, Nigel Newton, Chief Executive of Bloomsbury, said: “Bloomsbury’s unique position in combining consumer and academic publishing combined with our investment in high quality content and company acquisitions has enabled us to achieve excellent trading for the year. We have seen strong demand for our titles - in print, ebook and audio - and continued digital growth. Two of our strongest performances in the year have come from very disparate ends of our publishing strategy - fantasy novels on the one hand and academic digital resources on the other - showing how well our balanced consumer and academic portfolio is working in practice."
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ePac Announces Advance Compliance with PFAS Regulations

ePac Flexible Packaging is pleased to announce that the company has achieved compliance in advance of all state deadlines related to PFAS and plastic packaging. State Laws and regulations banning intentionally added Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) in packaging have begun to go into effect in 2023. PFAS substances do not break down in water, soil, or the human body and have been identified as a potential health hazard. Eleven states have already enacted legislation for various forms of packaging with the first plastic packaging related deadline in Vermont of July 1 2023. Many other states have legislation in process and more will follow.
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New report highlights that sustainability action must overtake claims

A new survey conducted by Smurfit Kappa, in partnership with the Financial Times, has revealed that sustainability continues to play a pivotal role in the strategy and planning of senior business leaders across Europe and the Americas. The Transparency Edge, which was conducted among 440 senior and executive business leaders across 11 major economies, showed that despite half of businesses having set ambitious plans to achieve net zero, only 11% of respondents believe they have a robust and actionable sustainability strategy. More than half (61%) that responded state that sustainability is changing the way they measure financial performance. Many of them have started to build sustainability into their leaders’ performance assessments and incentives. This underscores the impact that sustainability is already having across businesses. Almost half of businesses (47%) have prioritised packaging innovation as a way to meet their own net zero targets.
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GreenFirst Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2022

Fourth Quarter of 2022 Highlights: *Fourth quarter 2022 net loss from continuing operations was $25.9 million, compared to net loss of $16.3 million in the third quarter of 2022on the same basis . This result reflects the sharp downturn in lumber market prices seen during the fourth quarter. *Lumber prices dropped, reflecting economic headwinds and lower demand in Q4 2022, with an average selling price of $644/mfbm compared to $800/mfbm in Q3 2022. Steadily rising interest rates since Q2 2022, in response to high inflation, reduced US housing starts and caused flagging homebuilders’ confidence, which worsened during the fourth quarter.
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The Loyalty Loop: Get it Right, Drive the Next Order

So many businesses don’t do nearly enough to greet a customer warmly, and give them a brand hug at the all-important point of purchase. Every business should carefully examine how all of your customers are being exposed to your brand. “Consumers state that the post-purchase journey is the most emotional part of their customer experience, with 63% invested in the shipping, delivery and fulfillment process.” Read More at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/new-customer-journey/
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MM Group result 2022

The consolidated sales of the Group reached EUR 4,682.1 million and were thus 52.5% or EUR 1,612.4 million above the previous year’s figure (2021: EUR 3,069.7 million). At EUR 510.3 million, an operating result of EUR 240.7 million above the previous year (2021: EUR 269.6 million) was achieved. Financial income amounted to EUR 4.3 million (2021: EUR 3.3 million). The increase in financial expenses from EUR -24.4 million to EUR -32.1 million is mainly due to the raising of promissory note loans and registered bonds in the previous year to finance acquisitions and organic growth projects. The net income for the year thus increased by EUR 154.5 million to EUR 345.2 million (2021: EUR 190.7 million).
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High Performance and Circular – The new Katan-Ex Loop30

It all started with the question: is it possible to create a high performance stretch film based on recycled material whilst keeping the high-quality level? And now, Trioworld proudly presents Katan-Ex Loop30: the high performance stretch film for businesses, allowing them to both reduce their carbon footprint and keep their loads stable. Katan-Ex Loop30 arrived right on time: this product makes it easier than ever to switch to a more sustainable option. Trioworld has a strong focus on sustainability and has set clear goals for the use of Post-Consumer Recycled materials in many of its products. Trioworld is therefore proud to introduce this new high performance stretch film with 30% PCR content.
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Mondi scoops RISI PPI Product Innovation Award with paper-based Hug&Hold solution

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has won the coveted PPI Award in the Product Innovation category for its Hug&Hold packaging solution. The Fastmarkets Forest Products PPI Awards are the only global awards dedicated to recognising the achievements of companies, mills and individuals in the pulp and paper sector. Hug&Hold is a paper packaging solution designed and developed to wrap and transport PET beverage bottles, replacing plastic shrink wrap. It is a recyclable 100% paper-based solution, comprising a kraft paper sleeve and a corrugated clip to secure the bottles and offer a comfortable handle for transportation.
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Ahlstrom launches consultation process about the future of its Stenay plant in France

Ahlstrom has today launched a consultation process with employee representatives at its Stenay plant in France about the possibility to divest the plant, and if a buyer cannot be found considering closure. Stenay plant produces one-side coated specialty papers for specific uses in the packaging sector where there is overcapacity in Europe and competition with machines with a more competitive cost structure. The plant has an annual capacity of approximately 55,000 tons of specialty paper and has 127 employees.
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Gap Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter And Fiscal 2022 Results

*Net sales of $4.24 billion, down 6% compared to last year, inclusive of an estimated 1-point foreign exchange headwind. Net sales were in-line with the company’s expectations for mid-single digit declines in the quarter. -Comparable sales down 5% year-over-year. -Store sales decreased 3% compared to last year. -Online sales decreased 10% compared to last year and represented 41% of total net sales. *Gross margin was 33.6%, deleveraging 10 basis points versus last year. -Merchandise margin increased 20 basis points versus last year as higher discounting and inflationary commodity price increases were offset by lower air freight expense. -Rent, occupancy, and depreciation (ROD) deleveraged 30 basis points versus last year primarily due to lower online sales in the quarter. *Operating loss was $30 million; operating margin of negative 0.7%. *Net loss of $273 million; diluted loss per share of $0.75.
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Paper Excellence is Committed to Canadian Communities

It is well known that Jackson Wijaya, the ultimate and sole owner of Paper Excellence, is the son of the current head of APP. In the early days, Jackson benefited from some experience gained from the family business early in his life, as well as support getting his company started. This is hardly a unique or exceptional circumstance. The situation is entirely different today. Jackson operates his Paper Excellence independently. Many stakeholders and regulators – global funding institutions, regulatory bodies and certifiers, among others – have acknowledged this reality. Paper Excellence’s acquisition of Resolute was extensively reviewed under the Investment Canada Act. As we have expanded our business, we have looked for companies and markets steeped in long traditions and with best practices to share in these areas. Our recent acquisitions of Domtar and Resolute were spurred certainly by undervalued businesses that we believe with meaningful investment can be improved and modernized, but equally by the rich experience and expertise of the leadership, and deep understanding of the norms and values of the markets in which they operate.
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Barron’s Recognizes WestRock as One of 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies

WestRock, a leading provider of sustainable paper and packaging solutions, has been included in Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies list, recognizing the company’s continued commitment to sustainability and driving a more circular economy. To build its sixth annual rankings, Barron’s partnered with Calvert Research and Management, a leader in ESG investing, to develop the list by ranking the 1,000 largest publicly traded U.S. companies by market value across 230 ESG performance indicators from seven ratings companies including ISS, MSCI and Sustainalytics. Company performance was also measured across five key constituencies: shareholders, employees, customers, community and the planet. WestRock jumped into the top 50 ranked companies this year, coming in at #43.
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Transportation prices set record for rate of decline in February (freightwaves.com)

Transportation prices fell in February at the fastest rate recorded in the six-and-a-half-year history of a monthly survey of supply chain executives. The Logistics Managers’ Index (LMI) registered a reading of 36.1 for transportation costs in February, 5.9 percentage points lower than in January and below the prior record, which was established in December. A level below 50 indicates contraction while one above signals expansion. The report said the rate declines were “a little more pronounced in the later portions of the month than in the beginning of the month.” “February is generally a low point seasonally due to the consumer spending hangover from the holidays in the U.S. combined with slowness in imports due to Chinese New Year, and that was certainly reflected this year,” the report stated.
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USPS Service Performance Holds Steady at 2.5 Days

FY23 second quarter service performance scores covering Jan. 1 through Mar. 3, included: *First-Class Mail: 91.2% of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Marketing Mail: 94.5% of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Periodicals: 86.9% of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 2.2 percentage points from the fiscal first quarter.
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Wiley Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2023 Results

*GAAP Results: Revenue of $491 million (-5% vs. prior year), Operating loss of $67 million (-$113M vs. prior year), and EPS loss of $1.29 (-$1.92 vs. prior year). Losses primarily due to non-cash goodwill impairment in Education Services/University Services and restructuring charges *Fiscal 2023 Outlook: Reduced to reflect increased Academic headwinds and a publishing pause in a Hindawi special issues program *Accelerating wide-ranging simplification and optimization efforts to drive meaningful margin improvement
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Worzalla Stocks Little Free Libraries’ Bookshelves to Celebrate Dr. Seuss Day

In Celebration of Dr. Seuss' 119th birthday, Worzalla, an employee-owned book printer specializing in printing high-quality children's books, cookbooks, and hard-cover bestsellers, is donating 500 books to nearly two dozen Free Little Libraries throughout the Stevens Point community. For 130 years, Worzalla has been committed to printing high quality products and books, as well as helping residents of all ages discover a love for reading. “Dr. Seuss Day is celebrated across the country to acknowledge the impact of reading and to inspire children to explore new worlds and ideas," said Kendra Robinson, Human Resources Program Coordinator at Worzalla. "It is part of Worzalla's mission to create opportunities for children to have access to books within their communities, especially on Read Across America Day."
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Sustainability success for Flint Group with improved EcoVadis rating

Leading global print consumables manufacturer, Flint Group, is celebrating continual improvement after its updated EcoVadis rating, which saw a seven-point increase over 2022. EcoVadis’ scoring takes an evidence-based approach to measuring the supply chain sustainability efforts of a given business. Flint Group has improved its Silver Level rating overall to 65 – raising up from 58, marking it as a business making significant sustainability advances. A key driver for the improved score is the considerable rise in the company’s Environmental category score from 50 to 70 points. Steve Dryden, CEO of Flint Group, comments: “We are delighted to announce a seven-point increase to our EcoVadis score. The new score shows that our efforts are making an important difference and provides groundwork and direction for further improvement. As a business that leads the way in high-performance inks and coatings designed for circular economies, our actions must match our intentions for a more sustainable supply chain.”
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Koenig & Bauer Nine-Color Rapida 106X LED-UV Press Opens New Markets for Inland Packaging (piworld.com)

When Inland Packaging opened its third new 40,000 sq.-ft .manufacturing facility in La Crosse, WI, the domestic label and packaging manufacturer ensured that its $15 million equipment investments included a unique high speed, specially built press for the in-mold label market. To provide the finest service to its customers, management chose the pinnacle of premium offset press technology available on the market — its first Koenig & Bauer, a Rapida 106X UV LED nine color plus coater — as the centerpiece of its newest production facility. “Our state-of-the-art press and finishing equipment have opened additional capacity with increased productivity and efficiency,” says Amy Mashak, Director of Operations at Inland. “This additional capacity is allowing Inland to better serve growing markets and exceed customer demand.”
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Klabin wins two categories at the Fastmarkets RISI PPI Awards

The largest producer and exporter of packaging paper and sustainable paper packaging solutions in Brazil, Klabin was the winner in two categories of the PPI Awards, by Fastmarkets RISI, considered the most important worldwide recognition of the Pulp and Paper sector. Cristiano Teixeira, the Company's managing director, was elected “International CEO of the Year”, and the company's actions aimed at the digital transformation of its forestry operations were recognized in the “Digital Innovation” category. Since taking over Klabin's general management, Cristiano Teixeira has guided the Company's full and continuous growth process, with a focus on sustainability, operational efficiency and technology. The executive prioritizes strategic planning guided by the company's integrated, diversified and flexible business model, capable of adapting to the most diverse economic environments, and which reinforces the Company's long-term vision.
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RRD Survey Uncovers Dramatic Increase in Demand for At-Home Diagnostic Test Kits

A study released today by R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company revealed how consumerization and COVID-19 have contributed to increased demand for diagnostic test kits delivered to consumers’ homes. Nearly all of the relevant supply chain decision makers surveyed (97%) noted an increase in demand for at-home testing over the last two years. Of that group, a vast majority (95%) feel fairly confident about meeting this demand and most (95%) are looking for the right outsourcing partners to do so. RRD surveyed 200 supply chain professionals with decision-making power to understand what’s fueling the increase in at-home testing diagnostics and how well equipped organizations are to accommodate that growth on the heels of global supply chain disruption. Findings from the Diagnostic Drivers Report show heightened consumer expectations such as faster delivery timelines and the convenience of testing from home are driving growth in the at-home testing market.
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4 sustainable trends and innovations in packaging

Packaging is often the first physical touchpoint a customer has with a brand and product - the form, function, and branding of the packaging can be very influential on a purchasing decision. However, packaging has a massive sustainability problem that can’t be ignored. Today the world produces 400 million tons of plastic waste annually, 36% of which is from packaging and 85% of which ends up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Rethinking how we package products can improve the sustainability and circularity of these materials, address health concerns like microplastics and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria along the way, and even provide an improved business case. With that in mind, let’s dive into four trends and innovations in sustainable packaging that will define the future of the category. 1. Reducing and recycling plastic packaging 2. Making strides with mono-materials 3. Biodegradable and repurposable packaging 4. Antimicrobial awareness and innovation
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Media Alert: Adobe Digital Price Index: Online Prices Fall 1.4% In February; Rising Food Costs Continue To Cool

Adobe announced the latest online inflation data from the Adobe Digital Price Index (DPI), powered by Adobe Analytics. Online prices in February 2023 fell 1.4% year-over-year (YoY), marking the sixth consecutive month of a YoY price decrease, with over half of the categories (10 of 18) tracked by Adobe seeing falling prices on an annual basis. On a monthly basis, online prices in February fell 0.3%. February’s YoY price decline was primarily driven by sharp drops in discretionary categories including electronics (down 12.6% YoY, down 1.7% MoM), computers (down 16.4% YoY, down 1.4% MoM) and toys (down 6.5% YoY, down 0.4% MoM). Consumers also saw prices fall YoY for home goods: Appliances were down 3.8% YoY (down 1.8% MoM), while home/garden products fell 3.8% YoY (up 0.2% MoM). The furniture/bedding category fell for the first time after rising for 33 consecutive months, dropping 0.1% YoY (down 0.6% MoM).
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Worzalla Promotes Rich Letchinger to Vice President of Sales and Chief Marketing Officer

Worzalla, an employee-owned printing company specializing in high-quality custom products including popular children's books and movie tie-in books, announced it has appointed Rich Letchinger Vice President of Sales and Chief Marketing Officer. With 38 years of combined experience in sales and sales management, and nearly 8 years of experience working with Worzalla, Letchinger adds the title of Chief Marketing Officer to reflect the adaptation of his role in the constantly changing book industry. Moving forward, Letchinger will continue to lead Worzalla's sales and marketing team to situate Worzalla in the best possible position locally and within the broader industry, which will ensure future success for every associate with Worzalla. "I'm looking forward to new opportunities and growth for Worzalla. In my new role I plan to continue to grow sales and marketing while maintaining the company's value preposition to the market," said Rich Letchinger, Vice President of Sales and Chief Marketing Officer.
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Transcontinental Inc. Announces Results for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2023

"Increased profit in our Packaging Sector for the quarter was more than offset by the impact of lower volume in our Printing Sector, said Peter Brues, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. In this context, I appreciate the speed with which both sectors implemented cost saving measures. "Our Packaging Sector recorded solid growth in adjusted profit, continuing to build on the momentum of the previous quarters. All our segments delivered improved profit in the quarter except our Latin American operations which experienced continued volume pressures. We expect that our focus on developing sustainable products and commitment to an improved cost position will support continued improvement. "In our Printing Sector, volume decreased significantly in the quarter. Our team has a solid track record of adjusting our cost structure and has already implemented measures to mitigate the impact of lower demand. We are seeing the early benefits of our actions and we will continue to adjust as necessary.
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KP Tissue Releases Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results

KPLP Q4 2022 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue was $458.1 million in Q4 2022 compared to $424.1 million in Q4 2021, an increase of $34.0 million or 8.0%. • Net income was $16.0 million in Q4 2022, compared to net income of $42.3 million in Q4 2021, a decrease of $26.3 million. KPLP Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights • Revenue was $1,681.4 million in 2022 compared to $1,465.2 million in 2021, an increase of $216.2 million or 14.8%. • Net loss was $56.9 million in 2022, compared to net income of $42.0 million in 2021, a decrease of $98.9 million.
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Drytac materials to be showcased on leading manufacturers’ stands at Sign & Digital UK 2023

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its products will feature on a number of stands at Sign & Digital UK 2023. Taking place from 21-23 March at the NEC in Birmingham, Sign & Digital UK is the longest running event in the UK signs, graphics and display sector, welcoming a wide range of major exhibitors and thousands of visitors from all corners of the industry. Epson, Roland DG, Soyang Europe and Hybrid Services, the exclusive distributor for Mimaki printing equipment in the UK and Ireland, will all feature Drytac media solutions as part of their own product demonstrations at Sign & Digital UK 2023.
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BR Printers Announces Acquisition of JP Graphics (whattheythink.com)

Appleton, WI based JP Graphics has been acquired by BR Printers of San Jose, CA. JP Graphics serves the print market with an array of services such as offset, digital, large-format printing, and robust packaging capabilities. JP Graphics is a leading manufacturer of custom folding carton packaging and packaging accessories serving clients in food and beverage, health and wellness, and consumer goods markets. BR now maintains two facilities in the Appleton region: National Graphic Solutions (NGS) and JP Graphics Inc. “JP Graphics and BR share the same passion for providing creative solutions to our customers,” says Adam DeMaestri, President and CEO of BR Printers, “The addition of JP Graphic’s product lines, personnel, and equipment will allow us to continue to leverage our scale to offer enhanced solutions for our clients in digital print and expand to provide specialty packaging solutions. Together, we will better serve our customers with added reach, capacity, and high-end, design-forward product offerings.”
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Two Sides welcome its latest member HP, to promote sustainable print and print managed services

In late 2020, HP MPS was certified CarbonNeutral® in accordance with the CarbonNeutral Protocol, and was the world’s most comprehensive carbon neutral Managed Print Service offering. In 2021, HP extended CarbonNeutral product certification to HP Component MPS, which provides partners a mechanism to make their contractual obligations carbon neutral using the same stringent requirements and standards as HP MPS. “HP are delighted to become a member of Two Sides. We aim to be the world’s most sustainable and just tech company, taking urgent action to combat climate change, protect human rights, and accelerate digital equity. As sustainability is an important factor for many of our customers and consumers, the library of facts that we have access to by joining Two Sides, will be of great use in our own customer communications, helping to promote our print and paper products.” says Peter Jolly, UK and Ireland HP Industrial Country Manager.
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SBTi Approves Atlantic’s Plan to Reach Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2046

Atlantic is excited to announce that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved our science-based targets for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2046! Atlantic Packaging is the first North American packaging company with an approved net-zero target. Overall Net-Zero Target: *Atlantic commits to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2046, which is Atlantic’s 100th birthday. Near-Term Targets: *Atlantic commits to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 70% by 2030, from a 2021 base year. *Atlantic also commits that 55% of its suppliers by spend, covering purchased goods and services, will have science-based targets by 2027. *Atlantic further commits to reduce 25% of its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from purchased goods and services by 2030, from a 2021 base year.
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Savvas Learning Company Acquires Whooo’s Reading and its AI Technology

Savvas Learning Company, a K-12 next-generation learning solutions leader, announced today that it has acquired Whooo’s Reading and its AI-driven technology that enables teachers to quickly and easily determine whether their students comprehend the books they are reading. “Artificial intelligence technology has the power to transform K-12 education by dramatically helping to personalize the teaching and learning experience,” said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. “The AI-driven technology that supports Whooo’s Reading is a great example of this. It gives students personalized and adaptive feedback on their writing and reading skills, empowering them to grow as learners. It also provides teachers with valuable insights into which skills their students need extra support with, allowing them to customize instruction.”
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Greif Announces Rebrand of Product Circularity Program

Greif is pleased to announce the rebrand of its product circularity program, now known as Life Cycle Services by Greif. Backed by one of the most comprehensive sustainability programs in industrial packaging, Greif has a proven history of helping customers meet and exceed their sustainability goals. This initiative aligns with its recently announced 2030 Sustainability Targets, including a broader focus on advancing a circular economy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Under the new Life Cycle Services brand, Greif has aligned these end-of-life services offered by its Global Industrial Packaging (GIP) and Paper Packaging and Services (PPS) businesses.
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Pactiv Evergreen Reports Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights: *Net Revenues of $1,476 million for the fourth quarter of 2022 were down 3% compared to $1,527 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 and down 8% compared to $1,609 million in the third quarter of 2022. *Net Income from continuing operations of $27 million for the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased 21% compared to $34 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 and decreased 85% compared to $175 million in the third quarter of 2022. Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights: *Net Revenues of $6,220 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 were up 14% compared to $5,437 million in the prior year. *Net Income from continuing operations of $319 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to $33 million in the prior year.
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Robert Kreizenbeck leaves Billerud

Billerud's North America President, Robert Kreizenbeck, is leaving the company. “I would like to express a big thank you to Robert for his contributions during Billerud's startup phase in North America. He has been a key person in the integration work. I wish him all the best for the future”, says Christoph Michalski, Billerud’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Robert Kreizenbeck will be leaving Billerud later in March. A successor for the role will be announced in due course.
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European companies will now have to include details of their sustainability work in their annual reports.

Companies in the European Union will find it tougher to greenwash under new rules aimed at improving the quality and consistency of environmental reporting. From 2024, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will require all market-listed EU-based companies to publish detailed information about how sustainability issues such as climate change impact their business and how their operations affect people and the planet. In total, almost 50,000 companies are expected to be impacted by the CSRD, which accounts for three-quarters of business in the European Economic Area. As well as companies listed on regulated markets, companies with more than 250 employees, a turnover of over €40 million, and over €20m of total assets will also need to comply with the new rules. This means that European companies will need to be much more detailed in their sustainability reporting, with science-based environmental targets and climate risk included in their annual reports. That information will need to be qualitative and quantitative, forward-looking and retrospective, and based in the short, medium and long term.
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Two Sides North America Anti-greenwashing Campaign Kicks off 2023 with Big Wins

Since its inception, the Two Sides North America Anti-greenwashing Campaign has eliminated literally billions of instances of paper-related greenwashing in the United States and Canada – and engagement with large utilities, banks and insurers in January and February has set the pace for millions more in 2023. So far this year, seven additional companies representing 40 million customers have removed “go green, go paperless,” “go paperless, protect the environment” and similar claims from their marketing communications.
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Latest USPS Report Shows Sustained Service Performance

FY23 second quarter service performance scores covering Jan. 1 through Feb. 24 included: *First-Class Mail: 91.2% of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Marketing Mail: 94.4% of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Periodicals: 86.6% of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 1.9 percentage points from the fiscal first quarter.
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Aptar Beauty Acquires iD SCENT, an Innovative Expert in Paper Fragrance Sampling Solutions

Aptar Beauty, a leading and innovative dispensing solutions provider for beauty brands around the world has acquired iD SCENT, an expert in full paper fragrance sampling solutions that present multiple sustainability features. iD SCENT will further strengthen and expand Aptar’s portfolio of fragrance sampling solutions with a 100% paper-based product, customizable to each beauty brand and fully e-commerce capable. iD SCENT brings a unique know-how in fragrance encapsulation in paper, together with the company’s proprietary manufacturing process and assets. iD SCENT was founded in 2004 by Michel Caffon in Lyon, France, and has developed a strong know-how in scented paper technology, offering a wide range of full paper sampling, combined with compelling expertise in olfactory long lastingness.
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HEINZEL GROUP to convert an idled Steyrermühl paper machine for production of kraft papers for sustainable and flexible packaging

HEINZEL GROUP announces the conversion of an idled paper machine at the Steyrermühl mill in Austria for the production of sustainable kraft papers for flexible packaging. Heinzel will take over the Steyrermühl site from UPM on January 1st, 2024, according to an agreement signed in 2022, and will enter the market with a new range of unbleached and bleached kraft papers shortly thereafter. The Steyrermühl paper mill, currently still owned by UPM, has a long history of producing top-quality graphic paper products. The conversion of the machine will enable the mill to enter the growing market for packaging papers. The new kraft paper grades produced will be used in the production of bags, pouches, and other flexible packaging products. At the site UPM today operates one paper machine for newsprint production, a sawmill, and a residue incineration plant co-owned with Heinzel's Laakirchen Papier. UPM plans to continue operations as-is until the end of 2023 when the production of graphic papers in Steyrermühl will be ceased.
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Nordstrom Reports Fourth Quarter 2022 Earnings, Announces Wind-Down of Canadian Business

Nordstrom, Inc. reported fourth quarter net earnings of $119 million, and earnings before interest and taxes of $187 million, or 4.5 percent of sales, for the quarter ended January 28, 2023. For the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023, net earnings were $245 million, with EBIT of $465 million, or 3.1 percent of sales. For the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2023, net sales decreased 4.1 percent versus the same period in fiscal 2021 and gross merchandise value decreased 4.2 percent.
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Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports Second Quarter And Year-To-Date Operating Results For Fiscal 2023 And February Sales Results

Costco Wholesale Corporation announced its operating results for the second quarter and the first 24 weeks of fiscal 2023, ended February 12, 2023. Net sales for the quarter increased 6.5 percent, to $54.24 billion, from $50.94 billion last year. Net sales for the first 24 weeks increased 7.3 percent, to $107.68 billion, from $100.35 billion last year. Net income for the quarter was $1,466 million, $3.30 per diluted share. Last year’s second quarter net income was $1,299 million, $2.92 per diluted share. Net income for the first 24 weeks was $2.83 billion, or $6.37 per diluted share, compared to $2.62 billion, $5.90 per diluted share, last year. For the four-week reporting month of February, ended February 26, 2023, the Company reported net sales of $17.06 billion, an increase of 4.7 percent from $16.29 billion last year.
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Ikea takes part in forest protection initiative (chainstoreage.com)

Global home furnishings retailer Ikea is working to ensure the sustainability of the wood used in textile products it sells. Sweden-based Ikea is joining the CanopyStyle initiative from Canopy, a global non-profit environmental organization working to protecting forests, species, and climate. CanopyStyle is dedicated to keeping wood harvested from ancient and endangered forests out of the supply chain for fabrics like viscose (a cotton/polyester alternative) and rayon for fashion and home fabrics. As part of the initiative, Ikea will only purchase fabrics sourced only from wood producers that have achieved the highest ranking in forest sustainability from Canopy. The company will also work to shift to fabric sourcing from lower-impact alternatives to wood.
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Eco-Products Earns Industry First for Compostable Packaging with No-Added PFAS

Eco-Products® announced today that one of its Vanguard® clamshells has earned CMA-W approval from the Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA), making it the first molded fiber item made with no-added PFAS to be approved by CMA. Vanguard is a groundbreaking line of compostable plates and containers made from molded fiber. The award-winning products use a proprietary chemistry to achieve grease resistance without the addition of PFAS, part of a class of materials sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.” “Eco-Products is proud to be an industry leader in offering the very best, most innovative products made from renewable and recycled materials,” said Ian Jacobson, President of Eco-Products. “CMA’s approval of this item continues to distinguish Vanguard as the premier option in the no-added PFAS product category.”
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Constantia Flexibles to acquire Drukpol Flexo

Constantia Flexibles, the third largest producer of flexible packaging worldwide, has signed an agreement to acquire the Polish company Drukpol Flexo. “We are delighted by this opportunity to invest in the growth of our European flexo printing platform whilst reinforcing our successful footprint in Poland,” says Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles. On March 2nd, 2023, Constantia Flexibles has agreed to acquire the Polish flexible packaging company Drukpol Flexo sp. Z.o.o. “I am convinced that Drukpol Flexo has found the right partner for the future and continues to grow under Constantia Flexibles’ wings,” states the founder and owner of Drukpol Flexo, Zenon Ziemak.
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Use Emerging Technologies to Stand Out in the Mail (specialtyprintcomm.com)

Integrating a strategic technology-driven extension is more than just a trend in direct marketing. It can be a game-changer. Applications such as Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality, Voice Assistant, Near Field Communication, or Video enable your mail to captivate your audience for a longer period, making for a more memorable brand experience that can expand the campaign’s reach. Most important, it can drive greater response. Augmented Reality (AR) adds digital elements to a live view often by using the camera on a smartphone. AR is more than QR codes. AR both heightens engagement with a mail piece and links it directly to the online channel to extend the sales process. Now, the USPS has made this even more enticing with the Emerging Technology and Mobile Shopping postal discount incentive which runs between May 1st — November 30th. This promotion provides a 3-4% discount depending on the complexity of the technology.
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Domtar Senior Leader Joins TAPPI Board of Directors

Members of the Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper Industry (TAPPI) recently elected Bill Edwards, Domtar’s senior vice president of pulp and paper operations, to serve on the TAPPI board of directors. TAPPI is the leading association for the worldwide pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and converting industries. Through information exchange and events, it has provided management training and networking to the pulp and paper industry’s leaders for more than 100 years. Edwards leads Domtar’s pulp and paper manufacturing, converting/coating operations, and optimization efforts, and he brings more than 30 years of experience in the industry to his role on the TAPPI board of directors.
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International Paper Announces Rebrand on 125th Anniversary

International Paper announced a company rebrand to align with its strategic vision to Build a Better IP through sustainable, profitable growth and accelerated value creation. As the company celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2023, the rebrand highlights the resilience of International Paper, the sustainability of its mission and its commitment to creating what's next. The new branding is rooted in the company's legacy of safety, ethics and stewardship. It embodies a renewed sense of purpose, energy, and optimism, and marks another major milestone in the evolution of International Paper.
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Barnes & Noble is stealing the indie shop playbook, and it’s working (fastcompany.com)

If you’re strolling down the Marylebone High Street in London, you’ll stumble across a popular bookstore called Daunt Books. Inside, sunlight pours through stained glass windows, dappling rows of books organized by country, rather than theme, to appeal to armchair travelers who want to explore the world through reading. “It’s how I like to read, personally,” says James Daunt, who opened the bookstore in 1990 when he was in his twenties. “But it muddles the books because you abandon traditional subject categories.” Daunt acknowledges that his approach to bookselling is unusual, and perhaps a little risky. But it’s been a hit. He went on to open five other Daunt Book locations across London, which have thrived over the past 33 years, even as Amazon has grown explosively, putting many bookstores out of business.
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CJK Group Acquires McNaughton & Gunn; Adding to its Sheridan Family of Print Facilities

CJK Group, Inc. announced that an agreement has been completed to acquire the assets of McNaughton & Gunn in Saline, Michigan. This acquisition will bring additional capacity to Sheridan’s printing operations and will be renamed Sheridan Saline, bringing the number of Sheridan’s print locations across the country to a total of eleven. Founded in 1975 on the principle that “people make a difference,” McNaughton & Gunn has been continuously producing books for publishers and self-publishers around the world. Many of its original customers print there to this day because the company stayed true to their core value of delivering quality books that meet their customers’ individual needs.
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Creating Community: One Brand at a Time

Along with “storytelling” and “authenticity” the word “community” gets tossed around a lot these days by brands and marketers alike. While all three of these terms, and the sentiments they carry, are often used as empty platitudes or attractive phrases to sprinkle in an ‘About Us’ page, in their best uses they come from a place of sincerity and real consumer ramifications. In a 2021 study from ebbo, ‘community’ was the second highest factor that contributed to customer loyalty after product quality. But what does community mean for a brand? How can it be grown and nurtured? What does it look like? To answer these questions I want to take a look at three different brands each instilling community with their consumers in vastly different ways. Some take place in online chat rooms, others in secret shopping opportunities, and some through in-person engagement. No matter how they approach it, each of these brands takes what people love about their products and their mission and create a space for that to flourish. read more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/creating-community/
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Reorganization Of Penguin Random House U.S.

Penguin Random House Verlagsgruppe U.S. has announced organizational changes to the structure of its publishing groups, accompanied by some high-profile promotions. As announced yesterday in New York by Nihar Malaviya, Interim CEO of Penguin Random House, the former Random House Group will be split into two new publishing groups: Random House Publishing Group and Crown Publishing Group. The new Random House Publishing Group will be headed by Sanyu Dillon, previously Chief Marketing Officer of Penguin Random House U.S. As President, Random House Publishing Group, she will oversee Random House, The Dial Press, Hogarth, The Modern Library, One World, Ballantine Bantam Dell/Delacorte, Random House Worlds, Harmony/Rodale, Convergent, and WaterBrook & Multnomah. The new Crown Publishing Group will be led by David Drake, previously President Crown Publishing Group, who has been appointed President of the new Crown Publishing Group. His group now includes Crown, Currency, Clarkson Potter and Ten Speed Press publishers.
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Macy’s, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2022 Results

Fourth Quarter 2022 Highlights - Net sales of $8.3 billion, down 4.6% versus the fourth quarter of 2021; down 0.9% versus the fourth quarter of 2019. Comparable sales down 3.3% on an owned basis and down 2.7% on an owned-plus-licensed basis versus the fourth quarter of 2021; up 3.1% and up 3.3%, respectively, versus the fourth quarter of 2019. Full-Year 2022 Highlights -Net sales of $24.4 billion, down 0.1% versus 2021; down 0.5% versus 2019. Comparable sales up 0.3% on an owned basis and up 0.6% on an owned-plus-licensed basis versus 2021; up 3.5% and up 3.7%, respectively, versus 2019.
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Rapidity Join Two Sides To Promote Sustainable Print, Direct Marketing And Design Services

Two Sides is excited to announce its newest member, Rapidity, the eco-friendly printer service in London. “Rapidity are delighted to become a member of Two Sides. We work hard to be a sustainable business. We only use paper and card materials from FSC certified managed sources. All of our waste, of which there is very little due to our printing techniques, is recycled. Our factory is powered by 100% renewable sources. We always recommend to our customers more eco sustainable materials and are always introducing new products and materials that are better for our environment. By joining Two Sides, we will have an array of facts and research we can use to tell our customers just how sustainable print really is.” says Paul Manning, Managing Director for Rapidity.
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Dockworkers’ strike ends; compromise bid in looming rail strike

The Finnish Transport Workers' Union (AKT) has ended a two-week stevedores' strike. The union made the announcement shortly before 8pm on Wednesday. The AKT board unanimously accepted the deal, union boss Ismo Kokko said. "A new collective agreement has been born," he told Yle. According to Kokko, there will be salary increases of 6.3 percent over the two-year contract period. On top of this, he said there will be a so-called "delayed instalment" amounting to 1,100 euros per worker. Earlier in the evening, the National Conciliator's office said in a tweet that a negotiation result had been reached in the labour dispute. The dockworkers' strike, which has been going on for two weeks, has virtually halted all exports and imports through Finland’s harbours and slowed postal deliveries.
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Paper Excellence Welcomes Resolute Into Its Family of Companies

The Paper Excellence Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Domtar Corporation, announced the successful closing of its previously announced acquisition of Resolute Forest Products Inc. This acquisition creates a stronger and more resilient diversified forest products company, manufacturing a range of pulp products and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers, as well as lumber and tissue. The acquisition of Domtar in 2021 and Resolute today significantly increases the Group’s scale, overall product offering and geographic reach.
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RRD Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

Full Year Key messages: GAAP net sales, including the impact of foreign exchange, increased $403 million or 8.1%; GAAP net income from continuing operations was up $153 million versus the prior year period. Net sales in the fourth quarter were $1.39 billion, up $8.0 million or 0.6% from the fourth quarter of 2021. Income from operations was $229.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to $41.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Net income from continuing operations was $130.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $9.8 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2021.
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Suzano announces highest ever annual EBITDA in 2022

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,759 thousand tons (+1% vs. 4Q21). • Paper sales³ of 338 thousand tons (-9% vs. 4Q21). • Average net pulp price in export market: US$831/ton (+32% vs. 4Q21). • Average net paper price3 of R$7,079/ton (+39% vs. 4Q21). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$937/ton (+25% vs. 4Q21). • Leverage ratio declines to 2.0 times in USD and 2.0 times in BRL, despite the investment cycle. • Cerrado Project completes 45% of physical progress and 41% of financial progress.
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CVG is Changing the World of Paper 

We are very happy to be at Hunkeler Innovation Days celebrating the relaunch of Crown Van Gelder International B.V. Not only is CVG now in its best financial position in our 126 year history (debt free with 30 million Euros of equity), we will actually be able to grow our 250 person work force this year. At this show, we are running our new Crown Letsgo High Performance Mail Card (235 micron / 9 pt) stock at 150 m/min on the HP PageWide Advantage 2200. This development testifies our core capability: achieving excellent inkjet print quality, with unrivaled ink consumption reduction, minimal drying requirements and highest output. A 20% better yield than other typical 7 and 9 point papers tops it off. Material savings, energy savings and postal savings. We are happy to announce that EPAC Technologies, Inc is our lead partner in CVG’s relaunch. EPAC’s solutions and technology combined with CVG’s paper knowledge will bring unmatched benefit to our customers. EPAC already provides integrated solutions to publishers, book printers, and now CVG will be able to bring these benefits to many more printers.
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Join us for a creative workshop at NEMOA (jschmid.com)

Join J.Schmid President & CCO Brent Niemuth as he hosts a hands-on creative workshop at the Spring NEMOA conference April 4, 2023. If you're not already familiar with NEMOA, here's what you need to know: • It's the only summit for true omnichannel marketers, helping brands harness the power of print in the marketing mix. • The thought-provoking discussions and enriching sessions are 100% guaranteed to drive actionable insights. • This is the last week to get the very best prices on hotel rooms. • And one more thing...we can offer you a 15% discount with code BRD15! That's right, it's a perk we get as a board member. So if you're interested in going, register now! Register at: https://web.cvent.com/event/9a4bcadf-2109-4eb0-8ea6-305c5c036d05/regProcessStep1?_ga=2.221219032.1124295288.1677590315-614130158.1677590315
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Kohl’s Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2022 Financial Results

Fourth Quarter 2022 Results - Net sales decreased 7.2% year-over-year, to $5.8 billion, with comparable sales down 6.6%. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 23.0%, a decrease of 1,016 basis points. Clearance markdowns impacted margin by approximately 750 basis points and product cost inflation impacted margin by approximately 200 bps. Net loss was $273 million, or ($2.49) per diluted share. This compares to net income of $299 million, or $2.20 per diluted share in the prior year. Fiscal Year 2022 Results - Net sales decreased 7.1% year-over-year, to $17.2 billion, with comparable sales down 6.6%. Gross margin as a percentage of net sales was 33.2%, a decrease of 485 basis points. Net loss of $19 million, or ($0.15) per diluted share. This compares to net income of $938 million, or $6.32 per diluted share, and adjusted net income of $1.1 billion, or $7.33 per diluted share, in the prior year.
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The ODP Corporation Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

Fourth Quarter 2022 Summary: Total reported sales of $2.1 billion, up 3% versus the prior year, primarily as a result of higher sales in our B2B distribution division, ODP Business Solutions, offsetting lower sales in our consumer division, Office Depot. Office Depot sales were lower partially driven by 58 fewer retail locations in service compared to the prior year as a result of planned store closures and lower traffic. Consolidated sales results include the favorable impact related to the 53rd week in fourth quarter of 2022 of $128 million. GAAP operating income of $55 million and net income from continuing operations of $36 million, versus $31 million and $32 million, respectively in the prior year. Operating income results include the favorable impact related to the 53rd week in fourth quarter of 2022 of $20 million. Full Year 2022 Summary: Total reported sales of $8.5 billion, flat versus the prior year. Consolidated sales results include the favorable impact related to the 53rd week in 2022 of $128 million. GAAP operating income of $243 million and net income from continuing operations of $178 million, versus $234 million and net income from continuing operations of $187 million, respectively in the prior year. Operating income results include the favorable impact related to the 53rd week in 2022 of $20 million.
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Stora Enso completes the divestment of its Maxau paper site to Schwarz Produktion

Stora Enso has completed the divestment of its Maxau paper production site in Germany, and all related assets to Schwarz Produktion, part of Schwarz Group. The divestment announced on 13 September 2022 was completed today after regulatory approvals. The enterprise value of the transaction is approximately EUR 210 million. The transaction will reduce Stora Enso’s annual SC (supercalendered) paper capacity by 530,000 tonnes. Based on the 2022 figures, the divestment is expected to reduce Stora Enso’s annual sales by approximately EUR 385 million. Subject to closing date adjustments, Stora Enso will book a one-time disposal gain of approximately EUR 55 million in its IFRS operating profit in the first quarter of 2023, considered as an item affecting comparability.
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Canfor Announces 2022 and Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

2022 was another strong year for Canfor, with the strength in global lumber market fundamentals experienced late in 2021 continuing well into the current year. Significant lumber demand led by solid activity in both new home construction and the repair and remodel segment, encountered tight supply due to supply chain disruptions. The result was ongoing global pricing pressure and high benchmark lumber prices through the first part of the year. As the year progressed, rising interest rates and inflation put significant downward pressure on housing affordability and global lumber market demand, leading to a rapid decline in global lumber market pricing in the latter part of the year. In response, the Company implemented reduced operating schedules at its Western Canadian operations. The Company’s strong earnings, however, reflect the continued benefit of its global diversification strategy which helped to moderate these challenges in British Columbia (“BC”).
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Domtar Announces Sale of Dryden Mill

Domtar Corporation, a part of the Paper Excellence Group, and First Quality Enterprises, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement to sell Domtar’s Dryden pulp mill to First Quality. The Dryden transaction, expected to close early in the third quarter, is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and the closing of the Resolute Forest Products Inc. transaction. First Quality has made clear to Domtar its commitment to the Dryden Mill, its employees and the surrounding community and that First Quality fully intends to continue business operations consistent with past practices.
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URBN Reports Q4 Results

Total Company net sales for the three months ended January 31, 2023, increased 3.9% to a record $1.38 billion. Total Retail segment net sales increased 2%, with comparable Retail segment net sales increasing 3%, partially offset by a 1% negative impact of foreign currency translation. The increase in Retail segment comparable net sales was driven by mid- single-digit positive growth in retail store sales and low single-digit positive growth in digital channel sales. By brand, comparable Retail segment net sales increased 15% at the Free People Group and 9% at the Anthropologie Group and decreased 10% at Urban Outfitters. Wholesale segment net sales decreased 7% driven by a 13% decrease in Free People Group wholesale sales due to a decrease in sales to department stores partially offset by growth in specialty and close out account partners, while Urban Outfitters wholesale sales increased by $3 million. Nuuly segment net sales increased by $25.5 million driven by a 149% increase in our subscribers as of the current quarter end versus the end of the prior year’s comparable quarter.
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USPS Moves Forward with Awards to Modernize and Electrify the Nation’s Largest Federal Fleet

Overall, the Postal Service’s total investment in vehicles is expected to reach $9.6 billion, including $3 billion from Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds. The December 2022 plan announced intended acquisitions over the next five years of a 75 percent electric fleet of Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDV). Acquisitions of NGDV after 2026 will be 100 percent electric. As part of the earliest stages of the delivery vehicle replacement plan, a contract for 9,250 commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) internal combustion engine vehicles will also be concurrently awarded to fill the urgent need for vehicles. The specific locations for deployment of the vehicles and infrastructure have not yet been finalized and will depend on route characteristics, including whether a left-hand drive vehicle is mission-suitable as well as other business considerations. The Postal Service plans to begin building out its charging infrastructure across a minimum of 75 locations within the next 12 months, and thereafter to continue the infrastructure build out in the succeeding years at many additional facilities as a part of our delivery vehicle electrification strategy.
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Euro-Graph Reports Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in December 2022 were down 29.8% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 14.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in December 2022 were down 20.1% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 9.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in December 2022 were down 28.2% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 16.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in December 2022 were down 37.2% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 22.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in December 2022 were down 16.2% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 13.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in December 2022 were down 45.5% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 11.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in December 2022 were down 26.8% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 12.6% year-to-date.
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Promoting Sustainable Towel & Tissue Options

In a recent Q&A for Sanitary Maintenance magazine, Laura Ashley, Marketing Manager for Resolute Tissue, along with other manufacturers, discusses sustainable tissue and towel options, and what can be done to assist end users with their own green initiatives. What sustainable attributes are most important when differentiating between green towel and tissue options? Ashley: Three key attributes come to mind: fiber source, carbon footprint, and waste stream management. When it comes to fiber source, distributors should recommend options with certified fiber sourcing, recycled fiber (both pre- and post-consumer), certified sources (which can be a combination of certified forest and recycled fiber), and recycled sources both for the product and product packaging (these factors include recyclability, being compostable, and being biodegradable). Regarding waste stream management, this includes all phases of the product life, from production through end use. What selling points should distributors highlight when promoting sustainable towel/tissue options?  Ashley: Distributors, end users and consumers want assurances that their buying decisions represent a sound environmental choice. They are asking for proof that tissue products are made with raw material originating from sustainably managed forests, recycled material, and/or controlled sources. In the North American market, fiber certification gives that proof point.
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Solenis Completes Acquisition of the Paper Process Chemicals Business of KLK Kolb Group

Solenis has completed its previously announced acquisition of the paper process chemicals business of Kolb Distribution Ltd. The deal also includes a long-term supply agreement, in which the KLK Kolb Group will manufacture paper process chemicals exclusively for Solenis. “Bringing together the Kolb team with our consumer solutions business adds to our ability to deliver expanded offerings and provide cost-effective solutions for our EMEA pulp and paper customers. Kolb’s portfolio includes the latest innovations in deposit control, cleaning and foam control agents that will strengthen our commitment to providing more value to our customers,” said John Panichella, CEO, Solenis.
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Kohl’s Names Dave Alves President & Chief Operating Officer

Kohl's announced that 30-year retail veteran Dave Alves has been named Kohl's President & Chief Operating Officer, reporting to CEO Tom Kingsbury, effective in April. In this role, Alves will be responsible for Kohl's enterprise operations including its nearly 1,200 stores, global supply chain and distribution centers, real estate portfolio, purchasing, sustainability, risk management & compliance functions. "We are thrilled to have Dave join our senior leadership team as we drive the business forward," said Kingsbury. "Kohl's is a tremendous company with a strong and loyal customer base, and Dave is joining us at a time when we are elevating our business and our offerings for the next generation of shoppers. His deep retail background in department stores and off-price, and his experience across U.S. and global markets will be a great addition to our team."
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Public consultation: Swedish forest certification system

Stakeholders from around the world are invited to give feedback on the revised Swedish National Forest Certification System. Deadline for comments is 27 April. Give your feedback. PEFC Sweden revised the country’s national forest certification system following the entry into force of the revised 2018 PEFC Sustainable Forest Management standard. The Swedish system was submitted to PEFC after being revised in line with PEFC requirements. The national system is now undergoing the PEFC assessment process, carried out by an independent PEFC Registered Assessor. It must pass this assessment to maintain its PEFC endorsement.
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Metsä Group’s pulp production achieves excellent results for its environmental footprint

Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, has achieved excellent results in terms of sustainability and environmental efficiency in a study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems (IMWS) in Halle, Germany. The study comprehensively examined the environmental footprint of Äänekoski bioproduct mill pulp production.  The Äänekoski bioproduct mill was compared with average values of pulp mills in Europe and Latin America. Äänekoski bioproduct mill, which produces pulp e.g., for printing and writing papers, speciality papers, tissue papers and paperboards, achieves top results in the study. To sum up, pulp from Äänekoski bioproduct mill has significantly lower emissions and the lowest environmental footprint compared to the pulp produced in average level pulp mills in Europe and Latin America. The complete set of environmental impact categories can be found at the following link: Spotlight report - Life Cycle Assessment of fibres from bioproduct mill compared to fibres from average European and Latin American pulp mills
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Smurfit Kappa invests €27 million in new sustainability initiative at Spanish paper mill

Smurfit Kappa is investing €27 million in a state-of-the-art new waste management and recovery facility at its Nervión paper mill in Iurreta, Spain. The investment will see the mill adopt a fully circular production process involving the biggest landfill reduction project Smurfit Kappa has undertaken to date to support the delivery of its 2025 sustainability commitments. The lime kiln and gas treatment system will have a production capacity of 120 tonnes of lime per day and will provide significant environmental benefits. The new circular system will allow the calcium carbonate waste that is currently generated in the mill’s manufacturing process to be transformed into lime and subsequently reintroduced into the production process as a raw material. This will have a positive impact on the mill’s carbon footprint by diverting 75,000 tonnes of waste from landfill and eliminating approximately 450,000 km per year in road transport.
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Stora Enso’s lignin replaces fossil-based glue in plywood

Stora Enso’s lignin, Lineo® by Stora Enso, replaces fossil-based glue in plywood. Polish plywood manufacturer Paged has started collaborating with Stora Enso to meet their customers’ demands for bio-based and more sustainable plywood. This partnership also allows Paged to cut product carbon emissions. Across markets, consumers are increasingly turning towards eco-friendly products and demanding change. At the same time, the business demand for renewable, bio-based and circular solutions is also growing rapidly. We want to do our part and replace fossil-based materials with safer and more natural alternatives. With Lineo®, Paged has the possibility to replace 40% of fossil-based glue with lignin, resulting in a more environmentally friendly end-product. The ultimate goal for Paged is to be able to achieve several thousand tons of reduction in carbon emissions.
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Increase Direct Mail Response with Behavioral Science: Part One (piworld.com)

Are you ready to skillfully apply the principles of human behavior to your direct mail marketing messages to gain a competitive advantage? Since people default to hardwired behaviors without giving them a thought, we can use that to drive them to the response we want. We will use those behaviors to trigger them to buy our product or service leading to better direct mail results. In part one of this series, we will focus on the decision-making process and how we can use it to convert more sales with direct mail.
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The right packaging a key factor in the green transition

Living in the Bioeconomy is the title of the two-day conference Sweden is organizing during the Presidency of EU. Today, Billerud’s President and CEO Christoph Michalski spoke about the role of fibre-based packaging in the needed green transition. The conclusion is that material and design of package matters. The bioeconomy is an important part of the circular economy. Fiber-based packaging is recycled, and the fiber is reused again and again until the quality of the fiber has become so low that it no longer can be used. Then it returns to carbon dioxide and the natural carbon cycle is closed. This contrasts the fossil economy. Billerud replaces fossil-based materials with renewable and recyclable materials. Recycled content contributes to the sustainability of paper-based packaging and to a more sustainable, circular economy. “I would also like to stress the importance of food safety. Protecting food and reducing food waste have a greater impact than the actual climate impact of producing the package”, says Christoph Michalski.
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Average Delivery Time Across Postal Service Network Remains Stable

FY23 second quarter service performance scores covering Jan. 1 through Feb. 17 included: *First-Class Mail: 91.0% of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Marketing Mail: 94.4% of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter. *Periodicals: 86.1% of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 1.5 percentage points from the fiscal first quarter.
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Booksellers Respond to Book Challenges and Bans (publishersweekly.com)

On the closing day of the American Booksellers Association Winter Institute 2023, a keynote and idea exchange tackled book banning and other threats to the freedom to read. Stories of outrage were easy to come by: booksellers report going uninvited to book fairs, moving children’s books off tables occupied by general “adult” titles, or second-guessing whether to host Drag Queen Story Time. But solutions were in shorter supply. Booksellers are frustrated with schools’ and libraries’ capitulations to uninformed book challenges, despite understanding the fears of harassment and violence driving those chilling decisions. ABA chief communications officer Ray Daniels moderated a panel that included Gender Queer author Maia Kobabe, Rediscovered Books co-owner Laura DeLaney, Green Feather Book Company proprietor Heather Hall, and Kendrick Washington, director of policy at the ACLU of Washington. “I have had a wild ride over the past couple of years,” said Kobabe, whose memoir tops the American Library Association’s list of 10 most-challenged books. “I have seen a rise of book sales, but I think most of those sales are to adults and people who listen to NPR. People in book deserts are the ones missing out. We shouldn’t have to have a lawsuit in every single school district just to have the books in schools and libraries. It’s such a drain on resources.”
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Brian Mutert Named President of Brown Printing

Brown Printing of Jefferson City, Missouri and a subsidiary of Modern Litho, Inc., announces Brian Mutert has been named President of the company following the retirement of outgoing President Darla Porter. Mutert joined the company in 2013 when Brown Printing acquired Show Me Printing, which he together with his father Gary Mutert owned and operated. Since then, Mutert, serving as General Manager, has been integral in the daily sales and production management of Brown Printing. He has expanded the product and service offerings of the company including wide format, signage and display graphics, matched mailing and high-speed inserting, and variable data and imaging. Other highlights include leading the company through the integration of operations and customer onboarding that have resulted from several acquisitions of regional commercial printing companies along with sole-service contracts with shuttered in-plant print facilities.
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TASKI acquires NSS Enterprises

I am delighted to be able to share with you the news that on February 22, 2023 TASKI acquired substantially all of the assets of NSS Enterprises, Inc. The joining of TASKI and NSS will provide an expanded product offering to you, as well as expanded local resources, including sales, customer service and technical support. Toledo, OH production facilities will continue to service NSS customers, as well as expand TASKI’s footprint in the U.S. The acquisition reinforces TASKI’s dedication to expand our service and support of your business. U.S. production will allow TASKI to improve its time to market, and NSS will benefit from the synergies created by the acquisition. You will also benefit from the global research, development and innovation excellence for which TASKI is renowned. Over the coming months, a dedicated team will work through the beginning stages of integrating the two businesses, with customer service and technical support as the key focus areas. We commit to keeping you informed of the process and will provide regular updates. In the coming days and weeks, the team will be spending time with customers to discuss and explore the benefits of the TASKI-NSS enhanced offering. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak to your NSS and/or TASKI sales representative, who will be happy to discuss, in more detail, the benefits TASKI-NSS can bring to your business.
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New!! NEUJET®silk 44 lb (65GSM)

We are excited to announce that Mondi has just added a new special paper to its NEUJET family of papers. This is the 65gsm 44# NEUJET® silk. This paper grade was specifically developed for the book publishing industry, with a very high PPI - 847, brightness – 99, Opacity - 90, and Caliper – 2.36 Pt. Mondi’s complete Neujet family includes the Neujet Silk premium, NEUJET Matte, NEUJET® silk & NEUJET® matte premium, with weights ranging from 65gsm (44#) through 7Pt, 9Pt, and 11Pt. 300gsm (111#Cover). The NEUJET® silk premium & NEUJET® matte premium lines also incorporate the HP ColorPRO technology. We are offering midrange fully treated paper lines of DNS CF (coated feel) & DNS® NF (Natural Feel). The DNS® CF (coated feel) line offers calendarized papers with a very smooth finish – thus “coated feel”. Weights offered here range from 70gsm (47#) up to 160gsm (60#Cover).
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Unhappy Customers and Unexpected Opportunities (jschmid.com)

One of our clients challenged us this week to find a way to call out a product they had improved. The perception (and the truth) was that this particular product—in this particular niche industry—was indeed subpar for a while. And our client fixed it. Really, really well. What brand doesn’t slip now and then? From large, global corporations accused of being environmentally negligent, to the small online retailer that suffers an inventory issue, most businesses, at one time or another, experience the Unhappy Customer Moment. The good news? There is such an abundance of feedback channels and data now to provide immediate and rich information on how our customers are experiencing our products and our brands. The even better news? This information provides us with an extraordinary opportunity for change. To respond. To fix the problem. read more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/unhappy-customers-and-unexpected-opportunities/
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