Mondi offers customers a range of life cycle tools to assess environmental impact of products

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has enhanced its Product Impact Assessment (PIA) tool with new environmental key performance indicators (KPIs). The Group’s broad range of life cycle assessment tools are designed to provide science-based, tailored information to customers about the environmental impacts of paper- and plastic-based products for better decision-making. The Group’s PIA tool initially focused on carbon and water scarcity but now has additional KPIs to address further key aspects in the sustainable design of products, such as: ‘Designed for recycling’; ‘Recycling rates in region’; ‘Share of plastics (PO) content’; ‘Share of renewable content’; ‘Share of recycled content’; and ‘Certified for composting’.
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Metsa Board: Non-alcoholic sparkling drink in responsible packaging

The packaging design team of Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, was involved in designing a spectacular packaging for a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage. In addition to protecting the bottle, the packaging also forms a beautiful entity with the bottle. The design of both the bottle and the packaging is based on a painting by six-time world boxing champion and artist Eva Wahlström. For every product sold, 50 cents will be donated to the Finnish Cancer Foundation. "We wanted to bring consumers a product that visually transcends the everyday. The drink gets its flavour from the rose petals, which are also displayed in a striking way on the bottle and packaging," says Kimmo Koivikko of Lasso Drinks, which produced the drink. "The packaging is open on both the front and the back, forming a frame around the bottle. This also minimises the amount of material needed for the packaging. The product story was printed on the packaging in Finnish and English," says Ilkka Harju, Packaging Services Director, EMEA and APAC, at Metsä Board.
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Stora Enso divests its packaging operations in Russia

Stora Enso has divested its three corrugated packaging plants in Russia. The Company’s Lukhovitsy, Arzamas and Balabanovo packaging plants have been divested to local management. Stora Enso’s assessment is that due to the uncertainties in the Russian market, local ownership and operation will provide a more sustainable long-term solution for these businesses and their respective employees. The transaction will have no material impact on Stora Enso’s annual sales and Operational EBIT. Due to reduced business prospects for these businesses, an impairment loss of EUR 35 million was recorded in the first quarter result. The additional loss on the transaction under IFRS will be approximately EUR 55 million, consisting mainly of currency translation adjustments to be recorded at the closing date. The expenses are considered as items affecting comparability. The divested sites are located in Lukhovitsy, Arzamas and Balabanovo employing approximately 620 people and have a total annual capacity of 395 million m² of corrugated packaging.
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Resolute Announces Labor Agreement-in-Principle with Seven Canadian Pulp and Paper Mills

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced that it reached an agreement-in-principle for a four-year labor agreement with the Unifor union, representing most of the hourly employees in the company's Canadian pulp and paper operations. The agreement-in-principle is subject to member ratification. The master agreement covers seven of Resolute's pulp and paper mills in Canada: the Dolbeau; Gatineau; Kénogami; Saint-Félicien and currently indefinitely idled Amos and Baie-Comeau facilities in Quebec; and the Thunder Bay operation in Ontario. The collective agreement covers approximately 700 employees. The details of the agreement are confidential until union leadership presents its terms to members in the coming days.
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94 Percent First-Class Mail, 95 Percent Marketing Mail Delivered On-Time in First Week of May

Through the first five weeks of the third quarter, the average time for delivery of mail and packages across the postal network remained just 2.4 days. Third quarter service performance scores covering April 1 through May 6 included: *First-Class Mail: 93.5 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 5.6 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Marketing Mail: 95.0 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 2.9 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Periodicals: 86.8 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 5.3 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter.
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HH Global Launches Industry-Leading Sustainable Procurement Framework for Strategic Suppliers

As more companies establish their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) targets, there are increasing requirements to have clear and credible visibility into where they are directing their procurement spend. Access to legitimate and credentialed strategic partners is a critical component to achieving and measuring progress against ESG targets. With this in mind, we are pleased to announce a new sustainability initiative offered exclusively for HH Global strategic supplier partners. The HH Global Sustainable Procurement Framework (SPF) is a technology-enabled supply chain program aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals that will help suppliers share their ESG credentials and continuously improve on their ESG journey. We have carefully selected a group of HH Global strategic suppliers from each region to participate in the first phase of this innovative program, which launched last week.
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The U.S. Book Show Returns

After a successful launch last year, the U.S. Book Show returns with a full menu of programming for professional bibliophiles of all stripes. Highlights include PW Editors’ Picks panels, author chats, and Book Buzz panels done in cooperation with publishers. Check out the schedule here for a taste of what’s on offer and when it’s happening. On the pages that follow, you’ll find in-depth information on the discussions and meetup opportunities you won’t want to miss. Once again, there’s no need to head across town or fly across the country to participate. You’ll find everything at the U.S. Book Show website, usbookshow.com. All times given are in Eastern Time. see details at: https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bea/article/89326-the-u-s-book-show-returns.html
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Superior Court of Québec Grants Final Order to Intertape Polymer Group Inc. Approving the Arrangement with an Affiliate of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P.

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. is pleased to announce that the Superior Court of Québec has issued a final order approving the previously announced acquisition of the Company by an affiliate of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. by way of a plan of arrangement in accordance with Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act. Pursuant to the terms of the Arrangement, the Purchaser will acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company for a consideration per share of CDN$40.50 in cash. Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions to closing contained in the Arrangement agreement with the Purchaser, the Arrangement is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2022.
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Worzalla Associates Raise Funds and Play Games for Adult Literacy

Worzalla, an employee-owned printing company specializing in high-quality children’s books and cookbooks, was a sponsor of this year’s Words & Friends for Literacy event hosted and organized by the Portage County Literacy Council. After taking a pause in 2020 and a remote event in 2021 due to the pandemic, this year’s event was a success in helping raise more than $20,000. The funds Worzalla raised and all donations from other participants will support the Portage County Literacy Council’s community-based literacy programs. The Words & Friends for Literacy fundraising event invited members of the community to form teams of four or more people and host a House Party for Literacy. Teams completed challenges and raised funds during Apr. 27, 28 and/or 29. Worzalla’s team, The Jefferson Street Girls, comprised of associates Sparky Musolf, Deb Clark, Brenda Betro, Sarah Zuehlke, Sheila Jasenovsky (Team Capitan), Kim Mains, Cathy Davis, Jennifer Heisler and Shasta Grosbier, took first place in collecting a total of $2,331.00 in pledges from friends, family and fellow Worzalla associates.
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PRINTING United Alliance Works with Michigan on New Air Regulations for Printing Operations (piworld.com)

Because several areas in Michigan failed to achieve compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is moving forward with a series of new regulations designed to reduce the precursors of ozone, which are volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The Michigan counties designated as nonattainment include those in the West and the Detroit area and include Berrien, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. In addition, portions of Allegan and Muskegon counties are also designated as nonattainment. The inability to demonstrate compliance with the ozone standard has triggered requirements in the Clean Air Act requiring EGLE to develop and implement a new set of air pollution control regulations designed to reduce emissions of VOCs and NOx. EGLE will have to adopt federal Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on a variety of industries including printing since VOCs are emitted.
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Crown Van Gelder is going for Gold with development partners

Crown Van Gelder is going for Gold with development partners in the Eurosac Grand Prix on May 19-21 in Bilbao, Spain. This year, 3 members of Eurosac (Novidon, Fiorini and Crown Van Gelder) will pitch together, in collaboration with sugar beet pulp supplier Cosun and brandowner DLF in a 5 minute video, not as individual companies going for own glory, but as value chain partners. Herewith the partners show, that fast innovation for creating a greener world is possible. This is a story about how Cosun Beet Company, Novidon, Crown Van Gelder, Fiorini and DLF came together and from synergy created swift innovation with a more sustainable product as a result. DLF was looking for the reduction of the environmental impact of their 3-layer 15 KG bag for packaging grass seeds, compared to their current bag, produced with kraft paper. The new and more environmentally friendly packaging had to contribute to the sustainability ambition of DLF. The search of DLF led to Crown Van Gelder - who developed Crown Native sugar beet paper within a 5-year collaboration with Cosun - after which Fiorini as DLF’s bag producer and both Cosun and Novidon were involved.
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Kruger Enters Into a Definitive Agreement for the Acquisition of the Kamloops Pulp Mill Owned by Domtar, Inc.

Kruger announced that its affiliate Kruger Specialty Papers Holding L.P. entered into a definitive share purchase agreement pursuant to which one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries will purchase all the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of DKP Pulp ULC, a legal entity wholly-owned by Domtar Inc. that will, at the time of closing, own and operate the Kamloops Mill located at 2005 Mission Flats Road, Kamloops, British Columbia. The Kamloops Mill produces high quality Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp and unbleached softwood Kraft for customers in North America and Asia. "We're very excited about the opportunities that will arise from this acquisition, not only for Kruger but also for the Kamloops Mill, B.C. wood fibre suppliers and the local community," said François D'Amours, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Kruger Inc., Kruger Specialty Papers' parent company. "There is a natural fit between Kruger and the Kamloops Mill, which has an impressive track record in terms of performance, sustainability, health and safety and employee engagement. Kruger has always maintained excellent relationships with its employees, customers, suppliers and communities and will make every effort to ensure a smooth and efficient transition, and to continue and strengthen these relationships."
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Berry Global Commits to Reducing Scope 3 Emissions by 25% by 2025

Surpassing its initial goal of an 8% reduction in Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions four years ahead of schedule, Berry Global Group, Inc. commits to reducing its absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions 25% by 2025 (from the same 2019 baseline). The new Scope 3 target is aligned with Berry’s existing Scope 1 and 2 commitments and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi approval confirms Berry’s ambitious value chain goal is in line with current best practice and consistent with actions required to help limit warming to 1.5°C and prevent the most damaging effects of climate change. “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time. And we are committed to advancing the transition to a net-zero economy,” said Robert Flores, Berry Global’s Vice President of Sustainability. “Quickly surpassing and increasing our Scope 3 emissions target is a testament to Berry Global’s hard work, dedication, and collaboration across the plastics value chain to significantly reduce emissions.”
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USPS Postmaster Warns of “Uncomfortable” Mail Price Hikes (multichannelmerchant.com)

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said the U.S. Postal Service will be forced to initiate “uncomfortable” price increases for market dominant USPS products such as first-class mail, marketing mail and periodicals, while shippers using Parcel Select Ground can benefit from use of cubic pricing. The USPS’s new pricing schedule goes into effect July 10, with the agency warning that twice-yearly pricing adjustments will be the norm going forward, even as the delivery service standard has slowed. The USPS delayed implementation of the service slowdown until after the peak holiday season. The recent Postal Reform Act’s undoing of mandated prefunding of retiree healthcare benefits will save $50 billion over 10 years by switching pensioners to Medicare – which many argue causes other economic liability issues. But DeJoy said that still leaves a projected $110 billion dollar USPS loss over that period.
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Pregis Begins Production in New Reno, Nevada Manufacturing Facility

Pregis recently started production at its new 298,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Reno, Nevada. The facility is producing the Pregis EverTec™ cushioned mailer, a durable, lightweight, curbside recyclable, paper cushioned shipping solution. Since acquiring the technology to manufacture the envirotech shipping solution in 2020, Pregis has scaled the production and full-color digital printing of the curbside recyclable product to meet consumer demand, and it continues to add sites to serve strategic geographic markets in this rapidly growing e-commerce packaging market. The Reno plant is the newest facility to add production capacity of EverTec in addition to recently opened facilities in Arlington, Texas; Bethel, Pennsylvania; McDonough, Georgia; and the expansion of the founding Elk Grove Village, Illinois location.
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Packaging design inspired by nature

It’s a Wild Life! That’s the brief for PIDA 2022 – packaging design inspired by nature. Some 350 design students from seven countries will participate, showing packaging design projects with a personal and innovative interpretation of the brief. PIDA aims to highlight young talents and their ideas – but also to push the development of packaging design even further. This is how BillerudKorsnäs challenges convention for a sustainable future: by meeting the packaging designers of tomorrow. During May and June, BillerudKorsnäs will host the competition at five local events, and in October an international winner will be selected in a Grand Finale at Luxe Pack Monaco. PIDA 2022 will be a digital event, which enables a larger audience to be part of the exciting events. Representatives of the press are welcome to attend PIDA. Please find the dates for the different events below and register here - https://www.billerudkorsnas.com/pida/guest-registration.
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Mohawk Launches Beautiful Collection Swatchbook and Companion Inspiration Piece “Make a Memory”

In October 2021, Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc., North America’s largest privately owned manufacturer of fine papers and envelopes, introduced Paper With a Plan: A new attribute-driven approach to specifying paper. Mohawk refined and reorganized its paper portfolio into 5 distinct Collections that help make choosing paper by its properties and attributes easier. Mohawk’s paper grades are now grouped into the Beautiful, Sustainable, Expressive, Elevated, and Practical Collections. Mohawk Collections eliminate the guesswork behind paper specification giving you a simpler, more straightforward way to think about paper.
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Emission-free transport solutions take 800 trucks off the roads

Friday 13 May marks the opening of the railway tracks at Larvik Port, reducing the number of trucks on the roads between Larvik and Halden by 800. Wood chips from the Norwegian timber corporation Bergene Holm in Amundrød near Larvik will now be transported by rail to Norske Skog’s mill in Halden, replacing traditional truck transportation. With one freight train holding cargo equivalent to 30 trucks, one train departure per week can replace hundreds of trucks on the Larvik – Oslo – Halden route. By replacing the transportation methods for wood chips and timber, Norske Skog is able to reduce emissions like exhaust, particulate matter and microplastics as well as contributing to road safety.
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Disruptive Catalogs: Shape Your Story

Catalogs aren’t what they used to be – they’re better than ever (or at least the great ones are). Gone are the days of bloated spreads crammed with product after product, trying to fit an entire inventory between the front and back covers. Space has opened up, boundaries are being pushed, and perhaps most importantly - stories are being told. The changes have been driven by one key factor: consumer expectation. Between overflowing inboxes, targeted algorithms, and a mailbox full of ads that no one quite remembers signing up for a successful catalog today has to disrupt, delight, and drive. Stand out in the mail, tell an interesting story that’s beautifully arranged, and drive consumers to make online purchases. At the core of every campaign and behind every functionally aesthetic layout, is one essential ingredient – copywriting. learn more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/disruptive-catalogs-part-3/
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Cascades Reports Results for the First Quarter of 2022

Q1 2022 Highlights (comparative figures have been restated to reflect discontinued operations1) *Sales of $1,038 million (compared with $1,028 million in Q4 2021 and $942 million in Q1 2021) As reported (including specific items) *Operating income (loss) of $(4) million (compared with $(90) million in Q4 2021 and $44 million in Q1 2021) *Operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization (OIBD) of $56 million (compared with $(30) million in Q4 2021 and $109 million in Q1 2021) *Net loss per common share of $(0.15) (compared with net earnings per common share of $1.04 in Q4 2021 and net earnings per common share of $0.22 in Q1 2021)
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BMI Releases Industry Barometer Survey Results for May

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) released the May results for its monthly survey on capacity and lead times for soft cover and hard cover books. As demand has skyrocketed and supply chain woes continue to hamper all segments of manufacturing, BMI put together the survey to get a better idea of what manufacturers were facing and what publishers should expect. May is the third month of the survey. According to responses regarding hard cover books, the average manufacturer was running at 91% of their capacity, up from April’s 85%. The average lead time for completed hard cover books dropped to 91 days, down from 103 in April. For soft cover books, capacity usage went from 94% down to 92% and the average lead time went back to March’s 70 days, based on 15 responses. See more at: https://www.bmibook.com/news/bmi-releases-industry-barometer-survey-results-for-may
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Forest certification systems are essential to enable sustainable timber traceability

"What I'm most looking forward to at the PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue are practical and informed discussions on the crucial role of forests and certification to support net zero emissions by 2050," says Dr Dorothy Maxwell, Sustainability Director at Davy Horizons and a moderator of tomorrow's Stakeholder Dialogue. In our interview, she gave us an insight into her job as Sustainability Director, the role of forests for tackling climate change, and what difference certification makes for businesses. Can you briefly introduce yourself? Hello – I'm Dr Dorothy Maxwell. I'm a sustainability professional with over 20 years international experience working with business and government on sustainability. My training is a MSc and PhD in Environmental Science from Imperial College London. I’m a Fellow and, board member of the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability.
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Ox Industries Acquires 150,000 Square Foot Facility in Hanover, PA

Ox Industries acquires a 150,000 square foot facility in Hanover, PA to expand its converting capacity in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The facility will house next-generation equipment and manufacturing practices and expand just in time stocking products and services. “We are excited to expand our Hanover location and to continue to invest in the community where we originally started OX. This is part of a $15 million investment in Hanover that will vertically integrate with our 100% recycled paperboard mills and create 50 new green-collar jobs,” said CEO Kevin Hayward.
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Aptar CSP Technologies’ Activ-Blister™ Solutions Now Available for Manufacturing in the EMEA Region

Aptar CSP Technologies, part of AptarGroup, Inc. and a leader in active material science solutions to ensure product protection, extend shelf life and improve patient experience, announces a new manufacturing site able to produce its Activ-Blister™ Solutions for oral slide dose drugs in Europe. The move is part of a key strategic effort to expand production of Activ-Blister™ technology globally and is the result of a 3-way collaboration between Aptar CSP, Uhlmann (a leading pharmaceutical packaging equipment manufacturer), and Ivers-Lee, www.iverslee.com, (a local contract manufacturing organization). This collaboration consists of a fully automated Uhlmann blister machine validated to package oral solid dose drug products with Activ-Blister™ Solutions heat-staked to the foil at a rate of up to 250 blisters per minute (Figure 1). The equipment is designed to integrate Activ-Blister™ technology into the blister cavity with precision placement (Figure 2). The equipment has been fully-validated and is in place at Ivers-Lee, a CMO capable of manufacturing Activ-Blister™ solutions from R&D to commercialization. A CMO in EMEA will support regional customers and ensure speed-to-market.
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Hudson Printing Showcases Landa S10P During Open House, Announces Second S10P Installation (piworld.com)

With the backdrop of snow-capped mountains in the distance, customers of Hudson Printing in Salt Lake City entered the commercial printer's 120,000-sq.-ft. facility on May 5 for its first-ever open house. The event was intended to give attendees a tour of the facility, as well as a peek at the company's new Landa S10P nanographic printing press with perfector, which has been up and running since November 2021. Although seeing the Landa S10P running in person was a major draw during the event, Hudson Printing also announced that the 113-year-old company would in fact be installing a second Landa S10P later this year. Paul Hudson, CEO of Hudson Printing, explained that the company does a large amount of personalization printing, an area in which the Landa press has proven to be a success.
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KP Tissue Releases First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

KPLP Q1 2022 Business and Financial Highlights: • Revenue was $398.7 million in Q1 2022 compared to $310.4 million in Q1 2021, an increase of $88.3 million or 28.5%. • Net income was $1.4 million in Q1 2022 compared to $6.8 million in Q1 2021, a decrease of $5.4 million. “We delivered strong sales growth of 28.5% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2022, driven by an ongoing market recovery, increased capacity driven by Sherbrooke and a pricing increase mainly impacting our Canadian operations. Robust top-line growth was tempered by escalating inflation across many essential cost items such as pulp, freight, natural gas, packaging and labour,” stated KP Tissue’s Chief Executive Officer, Dino Bianco.
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Interfor Reports Q1’22 Results

Interfor Corporation recorded Net earnings in Q1’22 of $397.0 million, or $6.69 per share, compared to $69.7 million, or $1.15 per share in Q4’21 and $264.5 million, or $4.01 per share in Q1’21. Notable items in the quarter: • Acquisition of EACOM Timber Corporation o On February 22, 2022, the Company completed the transaction to acquire 100% of the equity interests of EACOM Timber Corporation (“EACOM”) from an affiliate of Kelso & Company. The acquisition includes seven sawmills with a combined lumber production capacity of 985 million board feet, an I-Joist plant with annual production capacity of 70 million linear feet, and a value-added remanufacturing plant with annual production capacity of 60 million board feet (the “Acquired Eastern Canada Operations”). The Company paid total consideration of $731.2 million which was funded from cash on hand and drawings on the Revolving Term Line. o The Acquired Eastern Canada Operations contributed $5.1 million of Adjusted EBITDA to Interfor’s first quarter results, which is net of $68.0 million recorded in production costs related to fair value adjustments recognized at the acquisition date.
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GreenFirst Reports Strong Results for the First Quarter of 2022

First Quarter of 2022 Highlights: First quarter 2022 (“Q1 2022”) net earnings were $34.0 million, or $0.18 per share (diluted), compared to $8.0 million, or $ 0.04 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2021 (“Q4 2021”), which was the Company’s first full quarter operating its acquired forest-products assets *Lumber pricing improved significantly in Q1 2022 and outlook continues to be strong for the remainder of the second quarter of 2022 and beyond, with continued volatility but above-historical levels expected *Asset-backed revolving loan facility of $65.0 million was undrawn at quarter end and has remained undrawn at May 11, 2022. Seasonal log inventory build up continued to be funded from strong operating cash flow *The Company plans to conclude its Transition Services Agreement with Rayonier Advanced Materials by end of May 2022
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Johnsonburg Mill Optimizes Chemical Use for Consistent Sheet Brightness

White paper, like white paint, is not just white. Brightness is an important characteristic in our paper products. The brightness of white paper matters to customers who use it for printing books, brochures or marketing mail. To achieve the specified brightness, our mills use chlorine dioxide in the pulping process, which is also widely used for treatment of drinking water. We use it to brighten pulp after it’s reduced from wood. The pulp goes through a three-stage bleaching process to achieve the desired brightness before continuing through the mill to become uncoated freesheet paper. Through a continuous improvement project, the team at our Johnsonburg Mill in Pennsylvania has managed to reduce the volume of chlorine dioxide used while maintaining the brightness our customers expect. The work also highlights Domtar’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
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Mondi switches all glassine-based release liners to certified base paper

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has switched its entire portfolio of glassine-based release liners to certified base paper. The change is part of Mondi’s ongoing, proactive approach to sustainability, which includes developing solutions that are better for the environment. Glassine-based release liners are mainly used for labels, tapes, and medical applications. By moving to certified base paper, Mondi is improving traceability, working with partners who manage forests responsibly in line with its commitment to maintain zero deforestation in its forests and supply chain. This latest move to certified glassine-based paper is another step in Mondi’s commitment to responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency.
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UPM sells the industrial site of Chapelle Darblay to the Community of Rouen

UPM closed the sale of its Chapelle Darblay newsprint mill site to the Community of Rouen today. This sale is an asset sale, covering land, the buildings and the equipment. No personnel will be transferred. UPM had permanently ceased production and agreed a social plan for its employees at its Chapelle mill in Grand-Couronne, France already in June 2020. UPM had originally committed to selling the site to a consortium of two partners, Samfi and Paprec France SAS, in October 2021. The Community of Rouen then pre-empted the sale of the Chapelle Darblay land and buildings in February 2022, cancelling the sale to Samfi and Paprec France SAS. UPM will remain committed to the French newsprint market and will continue close collaboration with its partners and customers in France.
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Sylvamo Releases First Quarter 2022 Results

First-Quarter Highlights: *Net income of $26 million ($0.59 per diluted share) compared with $62 million ($1.41 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021; first quarter 2022 net income includes the impact of a $68 million ($57 million, net of tax) impairment charge for our Russian operations as we evaluate options to exit the business *Free cash flow3 (non-GAAP) of $73 million compared with $162 million in the fourth quarter of 2021
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YETI Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

For the Three Months Ended April 2, 2022: Sales increased 19% to $293.6 million, compared to $247.6 million during the same period last year. Gross profit increased 7% to $154.9 million, or 52.7% of sales, compared to $145.2 million, or 58.6% of sales, in the first quarter of 2021. The 590 basis point decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by higher inbound freight, including a 220 basis point impact of a non-recurring true-up of prior year freight costs, and an unfavorable impact of the non-renewal of the Global System of Preferences (“GSP”) program on import duties, partially offset by price increases and a favorable mix shift to our DTC channel. Operating income decreased 17% to $33.3 million, or 11.3% of sales, compared to $40.0 million, or 16.2% of sales during the prior year quarter. Net income decreased 16% to $25.7 million, or 8.7% of sales, compared to $30.5 million, or 12.3% of sales in the prior year quarter.
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4.5 Million Books To Mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee

On June 2, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain will celebrate the 70th anniversary of her reign. To mark the occasion, the British government has commissioned the DK publishing house to produce an anniversary book. “Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration” has a print run of more than 4.5 million copies and will be distributed free of charge to students at British primary schools from the middle of the month. For the first time in British history, a regent, Queen Elizabeth II, is celebrating the 70th anniversary of her reign, known as a Platinum Jubilee – and the whole country has been preparing for this extraordinary celebration for months. The Queen ascended the throne on June 2, 1952, and for this reason the government of the United Kingdom has proclaimed June 2 of this year, a Thursday, and the following Friday, a public holiday, giving Britons four full days, June 2 to 5, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Alongside the many festivities, the official book to accompany the occasion, “Queen Elizabeth: A Platinum Jubilee Celebration,” will be distributed free of charge to British elementary schools. The book was produced by the DK publishing house, which secured the prestigious contract with Britain’s Department for Education following a tendering process last year.
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Two Sides are pleased to announce the release of the UK Q1 2022 Campaign Update

We’ve continued working hard to tell the great environmental story of print, paper and paper-based packaging. With an economy under significant pressure, more and more anti-print Greenwashing messages are popping up as organisations try to save money by pushing their customers online. Two Sides actively engage businesses, brands and organisations to desist from making these misleading messages and working with Royal Mail, through case studies, to help explain the value that print as part of a media communication plan delivers. To improve consumer perceptions of paper products, the Love Paper campaign had more than 480 adverts in national newspapers and magazines this quarter, reaching more than 20 million consumers every month. Environmentally conscious brands are also recognising the usefulness of the Love Paper logo on their paper-based marketing and paper packaging, informing customers that their brand is environmentally aware, making sustainable choices, backed up with facts and statistics. Our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our members. We are pleased to have welcomed 4 new members this year already. Thank you to all our members for your continued support.
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Brook + Whittle Continues Expansion with the announcement of a definitive agreement to acquire Diamond Flexible Packaging

Brook + Whittle, a leading provider of pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging, has acquired Diamond Flexible Packaging in Northbrook, IL. Diamond is a third generation, family-owned business with over 90 years of experience producing high quality flexible packaging solutions. Diamond is a premier flexible packaging and converting company, providing custom printed bags and pouches for a wide variety of end markets including Food, Cosmetics, Nutritional, Beverage and Healthcare. They have built a strong reputation for supplying customized, high-performance products that meet and exceed customer expectations.
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Intertape Polymer Group Reports 2022 First Quarter Results

First Quarter 2022 Highlights (as compared to first quarter 2021): • Revenue increased 17.6% to $406.4 million primarily due to the impact of higher selling prices in tape, film, woven, and protective packaging products driven by increases in the cost of many raw materials and freight. • Gross margin decreased to 21.0% from 23.9% primarily due to the unfavourable mathematical impact of Dollar Spread Maintenance(1) and increased plant operating costs. • Net earnings attributable to the Company shareholders ("IPG Net Earnings") decreased $75.7 million to a net loss ("IPG Net Loss") of $56.7 million ($0.96 basic and diluted loss per share) primarily due to charges related to the Arrangement(2) for contingent consulting fees payable upon completion as well as a significant increase in the fair value of share-based compensation awards in selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"). • Cash flows used for operating activities increased $26.9 million to $55.8 million primarily due to a greater decrease in accounts payable, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable and non-recurrence of share-based compensation settlements in the first quarter of 2021 related to cash-settled awards.
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Syracuse Label & Surround Printing validates sustainability leadership via SGP Partnership certification

The SGP Partnership, the leading authority in sustainable certification for the printing industry, announced today Syracuse Label & Surround Printing of North Syracuse, NY has achieved its sustainability certification. A recognized leader in sustainability, the company offers digital and flexographic printing solutions with a product portfolio that includes pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, cartons, hang tags, roll fed-wrap labels and other custom-made printed products. As a certified SGP facility, Syracuse Label & Surround Printing is committed to sustainability targets by reducing waste, conserving energy, sourcing sustainable materials, creating a safe workplace and lowering carbon footprint. Each year, SGP certified facilities, like Syracuse Label & Surround Printing, must propose a continuous improvement project as part of its certification. In addition, every two years, facilities must undergo an independent third-party audit.
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Paper Excellence Announces Labour Shortages Impact on Business

Paper Excellence provided an update on skilled labour shortages in British Columbia that are impacting the company’s ability to execute many of its planned shutdowns on time. The company has been dealing with delays due to shortages of skilled pressure vessel welders at its Crofton facility which will impact the length of the shutdown resulting in incremental lost pulp production due to the delays. The company is concerned that similar shortages will impact upcoming shutdowns at Howe Sound and Skookumchuck. The company currently expects a loss of about 10,000 tonnes of NBSK pulp production in total across all three sites. Paper Excellence remains committed to its customers and can supply pulp products from its other unaffected mills during these delays.
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RRD Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

Net sales in the first quarter were $1.31 billion, up $138.8 million or 11.8% from the first quarter of 2021. While first quarter net sales decreased nearly $3 million due to changes in foreign exchange, the majority of the increase relates to higher client demand for most of the Company’s products and services, and price increases to partially offset inflationary cost increases. The Company experienced significant growth in Supply Chain Management, Commercial Print and Labels products. Organic net sales increased 12.0%. Loss from operations was $25.5 million in the first quarter of 2022 compared to income from operations of $25.1 million in the first quarter of 2021. The first quarter of 2022 included $64 million of expenses related to the merger, and net restructuring, impairment and other charges of $18.9 million which increased $13.1 million from the prior year period. Net loss from continuing operations of $58.4 in the first quarter of 2022 compared to $1.7 reported in the first quarter of 2021. The 2022 net loss from continuing operations reflects the increased loss from operations, higher income taxes and loss on debt extinguishment, slightly offset by lower interest expense.
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GLGA Announces Recipients of Second Women in Print Leadership Award

The Great Lakes Graphics Association (GLGA) is proud to announce the recipients of its second annual Women in Print Leadership Award. The Women in Print Leadership Awards supports GLGA’s ongoing quest to recognize the contributions of women in the Midwest print, graphic arts, finishing and print packaging community as well as those women who support the print industry in a vendor or supplier capacity. Any woman working directly in print or in a vendor role supporting print who was in good standing with her company in Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin was eligible to be nominated. The nominations were reviewed by a panel of female print professionals outside of the Midwest, who selected one recipient per state.
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Supply Squeeze, Changing Consumer Behavior Challenges Publishers (publishersweekly.com)

A May 4 webinar hosted by Ingram Content Group addressed supply chain challenges, logistic delays, inflation, the role environmental impacts play on consumer shopping preferences, as well as how accessibility is increasing the reach for e-books and audiobooks. Participants included Rob Grindstaff, director of sales operations and product development for Ingram's Lightning Source; Ruth Jones, director of global sales and digital services at Ingram Content Group UK; and Gina Walpole, the senior services manager for Ingram Content Group UK. Panelists noted that troubles with the supply chain persist. Problems include a shortage of materials, increased freight prices, and port congestion. All of this is putting a strain on publishers as it becomes more difficult for them to accurately predict demand and, consequently, supply for a given title. It was pointed out that paper mills are operating at full capacity while some are shifting production from producing paper to packaging. Labor shortages persist across the logistics supply chain—and are predicted to carry into 2023. All this is resulting in rising costs.
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IAC Reports Q1 2022 Results

* Dotdash Meredith revenue increased 665% year-over-year to $500 million, benefitting from the Meredith acquisition. o Digital revenue was $216 million and Print revenue was $290 million. o Operating loss of $56 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $9 million reflect $26.5 million of restructuring charges incurred and transaction-related items associated with the acquisition of Meredith incurred in Q1 2022. * Angi Inc. revenue increased 13% year-over-year to $436 million, the 6th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. * Emerging & Other revenue increased 9% to $167 million.
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Sonoco Announces Price Increase for Paperboard Tubes and Cores

Sonoco announced it will raise the price for all paperboard tubes and cores by a minimum o 6 percent, effective with shipments in the United States and Canada on or after June 10, 2022. “Ongoing market tightness and additional inflationary cost pressures from rising paperboard prices, our primary raw material, along with higher labor rates, make this increase necessary,” said Doug Schwartz, Division Vice President and General Manager, North America Tubes and Cores. “Despite these supply chain pressures, we remain committed to maintaining the quality and service that our customers are accustomed.”
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Tredegar Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

First quarter 2022 net income from continuing operations was $16.5 million (0.49 per diluted share) compared to net income from continuing operations of $9.6 million ($0.29 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. Net income from ongoing operations, which excludes special items, was $16.9 million ($0.50 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2022 compared with $10.1 million ($0.30 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. First Quarter Financial Results Highlights *Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") from ongoing operations for Aluminum Extrusions of $23.9 million was $10.6 million higher than the first quarter of 2021 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for PE Films of $7.0 million was $0.2 million lower than the first quarter of 2021 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for Flexible Packaging Films of $5.0 million was $4.6 million lower than the first quarter of 2021
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Cornerstone laid at Kuopio mill, progressing Mondi’s €125 million investment programme in Finland

Mondi continues to make progress on its previously announced €125 million investment to expand and upgrade its Kuopio mill in Finland with expected start-up by the fourth quarter of 2023. This morning, regional and local officials joined Mondi’s Group CEO and other senior leaders at a ground-breaking ceremony to celebrate this major upgrade of the semi-chemical fluting mill. "Thanks to the best technology available, production capacity will increase by 55,000 tonnes per annum and product quality will be enhanced to better serve growing customer demand. The long-term sustainability of the mill will also be considerably improved, further consolidating its place in the community." Andrew King, Mondi Group CEO
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UPM Raflatac extends its CarbonNeutral® product portfolio – the whole Linerless product range is now certified as a CarbonNeutral® product

UPM Raflatac extends its CarbonNeutral® product portfolio by achieving CarbonNeutral® product certification for the whole Linerless product range. The certification is issued by Natural Capital Partners in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol. The leading global framework provides a robust and pragmatic blueprint for carbon neutrality. Direct thermal (DT) linerless labeling products help customers to reduce their packaging footprint and is in high demand in the packaging value chain. Sustainability and efficiency benefits of using linerless are significant as linerless brings up to a 40 percent reduction in material usage compared to traditional labelling technologies. DT linerless market has seen approximately 15 percent year-on-year growth in recent years.
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U.S. Postal Service Reports Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2022 Results

The U.S. Postal Service today announced its financial results for the second quarter of its fiscal year 2022 (Jan. 1, 2022 - March 31, 2022), reporting an adjusted loss of approximately $1.7 billion for the quarter, essentially flat compared to the same quarter last year. Adjusted loss excludes non-cash workers' compensation adjustments for the impacts of actuarial revaluation and discount rate changes, which are outside of management's control. On a U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") basis, the Postal Service had a net loss of $639 million for the quarter, compared to a net loss of $82 million for the same quarter last year. The Postal Service's operating revenue was approximately $19.8 billion for the quarter, an increase of $896 million, or 4.7 percent, on volume growth of 886 million pieces, or 2.9 percent, compared to the same quarter last year.
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April Best Month For Mail Delivery To Date in FY2022

Through the month of April, the average time for delivery of a mailpiece across the postal network held steady at 2.4 days. Third quarter service performance scores covering April 1 through April 29 included: First-Class Mail: 93.5 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 5.6 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. Marketing Mail: 95.0 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. Periodicals: 86.8 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 5.3 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter.
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News Corporation Reports Third Quarter Results for Fiscal 2022

Fiscal 2022 Third Quarter Key Financial Highlights *Revenues in the quarter were $2.49 billion, a record for third quarter revenue and a 7% increase compared to $2.34 billion in the prior year *Net income in the quarter was $104 million, an 8% increase compared to $96 million in the prior year *Total Segment EBITDA in the quarter was $358 million, a 20% increase compared to $298 million in the prior year, and includes $15 million of one-time transaction costs
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Amcor PowerPost™ is next-generation technology that delivers a more sustainable bottle and better consumer experience

Known for its role in developing technology that delivers more sustainable bottles, Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) is announcing ahead of National Packaging Design Day the creation and launch of PowerPostTM. By actively displacing the vacuum in the container after filling, PowerPost technology delivers a bottle nearly one-third lighter, with 30% energy reduction and 30% carbon savings over most 20 oz (600 ml) bottles available today. It also allows for up to 100% recycled material use and provides a superior consumer experience – no more spills from overflow when consumers first open their beverage. PowerPost is the most advanced lightweighting technology for hot-fill beverages on the market today. PowerPost builds on Amcor’s patented, vacuum-absorbing technology PowerStrap™. The PowerPost base has two key technologies: an invertible, central post that actively displaces vacuum, and PowerStrap, the flexible ring surrounding the post. After filling, the post is inverted to actively displace vacuum inside the container and, as the product cools down, the surrounding ring flexes to passively absorb any remaining vacuum.
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SPC Captures Seventeen Graphics Excellence Awards

SPC received three awards for our very own “SPC Innovative Format Guide”: Best of Category award in the Digital Books category; Best of Division for the Print/Graphic Arts Self-Promotion category; and Award of Excellence in the Product Catalogs with 4 or more colors category. This printed guide and digital library is distributed to clients and hosted on the SPC website for our clients to reference anytime as they brainstorm ideas and formats for future direct mail campaigns. This library includes eight categories with 150 pre-approved formats to browse and use for a variety of vertical markets. Using laminated divider cards followed by two-sided digitally produced individual format cards, the guide is built to easily expand to include future innovations. The grommet holes and screw post keep it together and organized while the clear plexiglass box keeps it safe and in sight on any marketer’s desk
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Sappi successfully advances plans for decarbonisation: Conversion at Stockstadt site seals coal exit

Responding to climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our times. As a global company, Sappi is committed to being part of the solution and is focused on decarbonising its operations. As part of its long-term global commitment to climate protection and sustainable production, Sappi will be abandoning the use of coal at its German site in Stockstadt as a next step. To this end, the current coal-fired Boiler 9 will be decommissioned, and the mill will be operated using only renewable biomass and natural gas. This transition already started at the end of 2021 and is scheduled for completion by the end of September 2022. This fits seamlessly into Sappi’s large-scale projects to reduce CO2 emissions as part of its ambitious decarbonisation roadmap: for instance, with the fuel boiler modernisation at the Gratkorn site in Austria, fuel conversion to biomass at the Kirkniemi site in Finland and the installation of a new electric boiler at the Maastricht plant in the Netherlands. Sappi’s decarbonisation targets for 2025 include reducing emissions of specific greenhouse gases (Scope 1 and 2) by 25 per cent and increasing the share of renewable energy in Europe to 50 per cent (compared to 2019). Sappi’s Stockstadt mill was founded in 1898 and is one of Sappi Europe’s ten production sites. The exiting of coal is expected to reduce annual emissions in Stockstadt by at least 100,000 tonnes of CO2. This corresponds to roughly one third of previous fossil emissions. Moreover, the project is expected to have numerous positive benefits for the environment in terms of less traffic, noise and waste.
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Stora Enso strengthens its presence in France and invests in French wood processing

Stora Enso invests in ACDF Industrie SAS and becomes a 35% shareholder of the French wood processing company. The investment is in line with Stora Enso’s growth strategy for mass timber building elements, enabling value-added, bespoke CLT (cross-laminated timber) solutions to its long-term French partners. ACDF Industrie SAS works with all engineered wood products like CLT, Glulam and LVL (laminated veneer lumber) and manufactures them into various value-added products such as walls, floors or roof elements for residential and non-residential buildings, mainly for the French market. ​
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Episode 2: Engaging a Unique Customer Base

How do you meet your customer where they are? Longtime client Bryan Seeley, Marketing Director at BSW, sits down to chat with VP Account Strategist Lauren Ackerman about the varied strategies and tactics they've used to engage their passionate-yet-nerdy audience of broadcast engineers. watch the video at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/brand-lounge-episode-2-engaging-a-unique-customer-base/
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Two Sides Global Anti-Greenwashing Campaign Momentum Continues as More Companies Remove Anti-paper Environmental Claims

As banks, utilities, telecom companies and government agencies face mounting economic uncertainties, many of these services providers are looking to cut costs by encouraging their customers to switch from paper to digital communications. But all too often, these cost-cutting appeals are cloaked in unsubstantiated and misleading environmental marketing claims that suggest going paperless is “green,” “saves trees” or “is better for the environment.” “These greenwashing claims not only fail to comply with established environmental marketing standards, but they also damage consumer perceptions of paper’s environmental sustainability,” says Two Sides North America President Kathi Rowzie. “And that’s a threat to the economic security of millions of people in the United States and Canada whose livelihoods depend on the paper, print and mailing sector.” North America’s leading corporations and other service providers influence millions of consumers every day with their anti-paper greenwashing claims, leading many to believe that the use of paper is destroying forests and is bad for the environment. For example, a 2021 Two Sides survey of U.S. consumers showed that 60% believe that U.S. forests are shrinking, when in fact, U.S. net forest area increased by 18 million acres over the past 30 years – the equivalent of 1,200 NFL football fields every day – according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Global Forest Resources Assessment. The UN FAO reports that Canada’s net forest area remained stable at around 857 million acres during the same period.
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Neenah Reports Record Sales and Improved Margins for the First Quarter 2022

*Record net sales of $284.8 million, up 25 percent from the prior year, reflecting selling price actions to recover input costs and higher volume in both segments. Excluding the effects of the April 2021 Itasa acquisition and a facility closure, net sales were 12 percent higher. *Record net sales in Technical Products of $185.6 million were 28 percent higher than the prior year period. Excluding the effects of Itasa and the facility closure, net sales were 6 percent higher. *Net sales in Fine Paper and Packaging of $99.2 million, up 21 percent from the prior year, with strong organic growth in all categories. *As expected, operating income remained pressured by unprecedented increases in input and distribution costs and labor shortages. EBIT declined from $13.6 million in the first quarter of 2021 to $12.2 million this quarter. Excluding $12.5 million of unusual items in 2021 and $6.5 million in 2022, Adjusted EBITDA this quarter was $30.3 million compared to $35.7 million in the prior year. *In January, a fire occurred at our Brownville, New York manufacturing facility. Operations were fully restored before quarter-end, but the impact of repair costs and margin from lost sales was approximately $2 million. *On March 28, Neenah announced it has entered into a definitive all-stock merger of equals agreement with Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. (NYSE: SWM). The combination is expected to form a global leader in specialty materials with combined annual revenues of approximately $3 billion and generate highly achievable, initial cost synergies of $65 million. The Form S-4 is planned to be filed by SWM shortly, and the transaction is on track to close in the second half of 2022.
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Berry Global Group, Inc. Reports Second Fiscal Quarter 2022 Results

Second Fiscal Quarter Highlights: Net sales of $3.8 billion, a 12% increase; Operating income of $341 million; Operating EBITDA of $555 million; Diluted earnings per share of $1.50; Adj. diluted earnings per share of $1.93; $350 million of share repurchases in 1H fiscal ‘22; Expect further opportunistic repurchases in 2H; Reaffirms fiscal 2022 adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow guidance
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Berry Global Develops Innovative, New Cup with Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic in Partnership with Taco Bell®

Berry Global Group, Inc. and Taco Bell are making strides toward a more circular approach to sustainable packaging with the launch of a new clear, all-plastic cup containing mechanically recycled post-consumer resin (PCR). The move represents progress by both organizations in meeting their publicly stated sustainability commitments: Taco Bell’s 2022 Commitments and Berry’s Impact 2025. Designed for circularity, the new, clear polypropylene (PP) cup will be testing in select Taco Bell U.S. restaurants in late 2022, with 30-ounce cups using 10% recycled, high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This conversion from Taco Bell’s virgin plastic cup and lid set will help divert waste from landfill and incineration while simultaneously improving its carbon footprint through the use of recycled plastic*.
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WestRock Reports Fiscal 2022 Second Quarter Results

*Record quarterly net sales of $5.4 billion increased 21.3% year-over-year *Net income of $40 million declined $73 million year-over-year, or 64.5%. Adjusted Net Income of $309 million increased $164 million year-over-year, growing 112.9% *Net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 was impacted by $363 million of pre-tax restructuring and other costs ($321 million of which was non-cash), or $1.04 per diluted share, primarily associated with the previously announced closure of the Panama City, Florida paper mill *Record second quarter Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $854 million increased 33.3% year-over-year *WestRock’s board of directors authorized an additional 25 million share repurchase program
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Deluxe Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

*Revenue for the first quarter was $114.7 million higher than the previous year. Excluding the First American acquisition, which closed on June 1, 2021, revenue increased $31.4 million, or 7.1% year-over-year. *The Payments segment delivered revenue growth of 109.1% over the previous year to $166.2 million. Excluding First American, Payments grew 4.3%. *Net income of $9.7 million included $12.7 million of acquisition amortization from the First American acquisition, as well as an increase in interest expense of $15.8 million driven by the transaction. *Cash flow from operations for the first quarter was $34.3 million and capital expenditures were $20.8 million. Free cash flow was $13.5 million, a decrease of $4.4 million compared to the first quarter of 2021, partially driven by increased cash interest payments.
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Gannett Announces First Quarter 2022 Results

First Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights: • Total revenues of $748.1 million decreased 3.7% compared to the first quarter of 2021 ◦ Same store revenues(1) decreased 2.5% compared to the first quarter of 2021 • Total digital revenues were $251.1 million or 34% of total revenues, up 9.7% over the same period in the prior year on a same store(1) basis • Net loss attributable to Gannett of $3.0 million and margin loss of 0.4% • Cash provided by operating activities of $32.4 million • Free cash flow(1) of $21.7 million
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Sonoco Advances Sustainable Flexible Packaging Options with Expansion of Solutions for Store Drop-off Recyclability

Sonoco announced it has been pre-qualified for How2Recycle® Store Drop-off labels for the EnviroFlex™ PE line of mono-material flexible packaging products. The EnviroFlex brand is part of Sonoco’s sustainable packaging portfolio, EnviroSense®, packaging with tomorrow in mind. Sonoco recognizes the critical importance of developing sustainable packaging solutions that will better protect and preserve the planet for future generations. The EnviroSense line supports Sonoco’s purpose of Better Packaging, Better Life. EnviroFlex™, a suite of sustainable flexible packaging options, includes solutions focused on recyclability, compostability and the use of post-consumer recycled content. Within the offering of recycle-ready solutions, the following items have received the How2Recyle pre-qualification for the Store Drop-off recyclable label: *EnviroFlex™ PE Premade Pouches and Rollstock *EnviroFlex™ PE Bags *EnviroFlex™ PE Cold Seal Flow Wrap
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Greif, Inc. Announces a $50 Per Ton Price Increase on All Uncoated Recycled Paperboard (URB) and Coated Recycled Paperboard (CRB) Grades

Greif, Inc. announced that it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) and coated recycled paperboard (CRB). The recycled paperboard increase is effective with new orders and shipments on and after June 6, 2022. These price increases are in response to inflationary cost increases in transportation, energy, labor, chemicals, maintenance, and other raw materials and continued strong demand across the Greif paperboard and converting network.
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Simpson Print demonstrates commitment to a more sustainable future with its SGP Partnership sustainability certification

The SGP Partnership, announced Simpson Print of Bloomingdale, ON, Canada has achieved its sustainability certification. From wide format to UV offset, digital and more, Simpson Print has a range of printing capabilities from packaging to retail displays, signage and fixtures. “Simpson Print has long since recognized the significance of sustainability within the marketplace,” said Carla Johanns, Simpson Print president. “SGP certification offered the most credible and robust resources to align our staff and customers, as we plan for a cleaner and more efficient future. Our primary objective is to be leaders in reducing our carbon footprint and taking the courageous steps required for the brands and retailers that demand sustainable action from their supply chain and vendors.”
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Winterization Project Nearing Completion at Prince Albert Pulp Inc.

Paper Excellence announced today that it is nearing completion of a significant project to winterize the pulp mill at Prince Albert Pulp Inc (PAPI). Winterizing the mill means that the interior of the mill is now heated for the first time since 2014, when the site last operated. The project will cost approximately $500,000. “Winterizing and heating the interior of the mill is another step forward as we keep working on restarting PAPI,” said Carlo Dal Monte, VP of Energy and Business Development for Paper Excellence. “As we all know, Prince Albert winters can be very cold, so being able to heat the interior of the mill means a safer working environment for our team and contractors that may be on site with us. Winterizing the mill also helps to prevent weather-related damage to the exterior of the mill and important infrastructure inside.”
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BillerudKorsnas Interim Report January-March 2022

QUARTERLY DATA - Net sales grew by 13% to SEK 7 397 million (6 520). Excluding currency effects net sales increased by 11% Adjusted EBITDA* increased to SEK 1 664 million (1 003), corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% (15%) Operating profit was SEK 1 189 million (528), Net profit was SEK 884 million (377) Earnings per share amounted to SEK 4.27 (1.82)
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$50 million Investment in Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee Mill

Georgia-Pacific recently announced plans to upgrade areas of its 640-acre Muskogee bath tissue, towel and napkin manufacturing operations. The Muskogee Mill has proposed investments of more than $50 million during the next three years to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of operations, in addition to the investment of a new production line and equipment. “These investments will help Georgia-Pacific continue our focus on transforming manufacturing equipment and processes that result in better employee safety, environmental performance, reliability and quality,” said Amy Borovich, Muskogee Mill Facility Leader. “We appreciate the support from all of our Muskogee community partners, including the Muskogee City-County Port Authority, City of Muskogee and the City of Muskogee Foundation.” Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee Mill employs more than 700 people, making it the largest private employer in the city. The mill makes bath tissue, paper towels and napkins for both retail and away-from-home markets, including such well-known consumer brands as Sparkle®.
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Lecta expands its line of Adestor film products and services

Lecta is expanding its range of Adestor self-adhesive materials and services with the launch of the new line of Adestor Standard Films adhesive film products. This new line of standard products includes both polypropylenes, which offer rigidity and high transparency, as well as polyethylenes, which fit perfectly on flexible or compressible packaging, with various finishes and thicknesses that cover a broad range of applications. The launch of this new line also represents an increase in our services for roll products, including the grades most in demand in the Exact Cut program, allowing on-demand product widths to be ordered at preset reel lengths. The entire Adestor range is manufactured in accordance with the ISO 14001 and EMAS environmental standards, the ISO 50001 energy management standard, the ISO 9001 quality standard, and the ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standard.
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Mondi Group: Trading update – Strong delivery in Q1 2022

Mondi delivered strongly in the first quarter of 2022. Demand was good across the business, supported by our broad range of innovative, sustainable packaging and paper solutions, product quality and customer service. Higher average selling prices more than offset continued cost pressures. Underlying EBITDA for the first quarter was €574 million, up 63% compared to the prior year period (Q1 2021: €353 million) and up 41% on a sequential basis (Q4 2021: €406 million). In the current context, the Group believes it is appropriate to report that excluding the Russian operations, underlying EBITDA for the first quarter was approximately €460 million, up around 70% compared to the prior year period. This performance is testament to the continued dedication of our people, our strong customer relationships and the strength of our integrated business model.
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Resolute Reports Preliminary First Quarter 2022 Results

The company reported operating income of $235 million in the quarter, compared to an operating loss of $101 million in the fourth quarter. The improvement reflects higher selling prices in all segments ($206 million) and the net favorable impact of the indefinite idling of pulp and paper operations at the Calhoun (Tennessee) mill ($7 million). This was partially offset by lower shipments as a result of logistics constraints ($29 million), as well as higher fiber ($25 million) and freight expenses ($8 million). The company recorded lower selling, general and administrative expenses ($7 million), mainly due to lower share-based compensation expenses in the quarter. The prior quarter results were unfavorably affected by charges related to the indefinite idling of pulp and paper operations at the Calhoun mill ($171 million).
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Deluxe Expands Digital Payments Network Capability by Adding BillGO to Portfolio

Deluxe has entered into an agreement with BillGO, one of the industry’s largest bill payment platforms and fintech trailblazer, to provide digitized check delivery of payments through the Deluxe Payment Exchange Network. The Deluxe Payment Exchange (DPX) is a digital payment platform for businesses of all sizes that allows payers options in how payments are made – digitally through a direct feed to a lockbox, through the issuance of an eCheck, or printed and mailed. The DPX platform also provides the recipient options to receive the payment. Deluxe and BillGO have leveraged the power of their respective networks and by linking their innovative technologies to identify payment preferences and electronic delivery addresses, have developed a “network-of-networks,” opening the door to other faster payment methods for customers of both companies.
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The New York Times Company Reports First-Quarter 2022 Results

The New York Times Company announced first-quarter 2022 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $.03 compared with $.24 in the same period of 2021. Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (defined below) was $.19 in the first quarter of 2022 compared with $.26 in the first quarter of 2021. Operating profit decreased to $6.3 million in the first quarter of 2022 from $51.7 million in the same period of 2021 largely as a result of one-time costs related to the acquisition of The Athletic Media Company (“The Athletic”), which occurred in the first quarter of 2022, as well as a result of operating losses at The Athletic. Adjusted operating profit (defined below) decreased to $60.9 million from $68.1 million in the prior year, as a result of operating losses at The Athletic. Adjusted operating profit at The New York Times Group was largely unchanged at $67.7 million as digital subscription and advertising revenue growth was offset by higher costs.
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The ODP Corporation Announces First Quarter 2022 Results

*Total reported sales of $2.2 billion, flat versus last year; higher sales in our BSD division, partially offset by lower sales in our Retail division driven by 114 fewer retail locations in service compared to the prior year as a result of planned store closures *GAAP operating income of $76 million and net income from continuing operations of $55 million, or $1.09 per diluted share, versus $69 million and $63 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, respectively in the prior year *Operating cash flow from continuing operations of $30 million and adjusted free cash flow of $16 million, versus $103 million and $96 million, respectively in the prior year *$1.4 billion of total available liquidity including $557 million in cash and cash equivalents
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Metsä Board explores possibilities to increase folding boxboard capacity in Finland or Sweden

The need for sustainably produced packaging materials that promote the circular economy is growing worldwide. Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is a leading European producer of fresh fibre paperboards and a forerunner in sustainability. The company's fresh fibre paperboards are resource-efficient and help reduce the carbon footprint of packaging throughout the value chain. Global demand for high-quality fresh fibre paperboards has grown by around 2–3% per year in recent years and is expected to continue to grow at least at the same rate in the future. According to its strategy, Metsä Board aims to grow in fibre-based packaging materials and renew its industrial operations. To support its customers' growth and strengthen its service capability, the company is exploring possibilities to increase its folding boxboard capacity in Finland or Sweden. The evaluation of options is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. Metsä Board's current annual paperboard capacity is approximately 2 million tonnes, of which 1.3 million tonnes is folding boxboard and 0.7 million tonnes white kraftliners. The company is Europe’s largest producer of folding boxboard and white kraftliners.
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Quad Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

*Increased Net Sales 5% in the first quarter of 2022, or 9% sales growth excluding divestitures, driven by increased pricing in response to inflationary cost pressures; print segment share gains from new clients; and Net Sales growth in Targeted Print and Agency Solutions. *Reported Net Loss of $1 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $49 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared to Net Earnings of $10 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $70 million in the first quarter of 2021. *Implemented additional price increase, effective May 15, 2022, to help offset inflationary cost pressures.
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USPS Connect™ eCommerce to Enhance Solutions for Online Marketplaces and Shipping Platforms

“USPS Connect™ eCommerce makes it easier for online marketplaces and shipping platforms to work directly with the Postal Service and offer their customers access to discounted rates,” said Jacqueline Krage Strako, Chief Customer and Business Solutions Officer for the United States Postal Service. As small and medium businesses grow and their shipping needs become more complex, they look to online marketplaces and shipping platforms for solutions. Through USPS Connect™ eCommerce, the Postal Service will best serve this growing customer base by offering them discounted rates.
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Amcor reports strong financial result

Highlights - Nine Months Ended March 31, 2022 • Net sales of $10,635 million, up 13%; • GAAP Net Income of $696 million, up 2%; GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of 45.6 cents per share, up 4%; • Increasing returns to shareholders: quarterly dividend increased to 12.0 cents per share; $600 million ofshare repurchases expected in fiscal 2022; RoAFE increased to 16%; and • Fiscal 2022 outlook for adjusted EPS growth raised to 9.5-11% on a comparable constant currency basis(previously 7-11%). Adjusted Free Cash Flow of approximately $1.1 billion.
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Aptar CSP Technologies to Preview Activ-Vial™ Technology with PCR (Post-Consumer-Recycled) Content at Vitafoods Europe

Aptar CSP Technologies, will preview its first-ever active bottle featuring post-consumer recycled (PCR) content at VitaFoods Europe, Booth J60, May 10-12 in Geneva, Switzerland. The new PCR active bottles are now part of Aptar CSP Technologies’ Activ-Vial™ solutions portfolio. As with the rest of the active packaging portfolio, the company’s proprietary 3-Phase Activ-Polymer™ platform technology is fully integrated into the bottle to create a microclimate to protect against moisture and other environmental conditions. Unlike traditional packaging options, the technology co-molds highly-engineered active particles into the bottle, scavenging moisture before it reaches the contents inside. Incorporating PCR content into its Activ-Polymer™ solutions is a step toward materials circularity, as sustainability becomes increasingly important to brand owners and their customers in the probiotic and nutraceuticals space.
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Smurfit Kappa acquires Atlas Packaging

Smurfit Kappa UK Limited has announced the acquisition of Atlas Packaging. Atlas Packaging, based in Barnstaple, North Devon, is an independent corrugated packaging provider. The company is well invested with a strong market presence in the UK which allows them to meet the needs of and deliver value to its broad customer base. With a particularly strong presence in shelf ready packaging, gift boxing and the e-commerce sector, they offer an exciting and broad range of innovative products.
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Tetra Pak launches pioneering initiative to help restore biodiversity

Tetra Pak announces the launch of the pioneering land restoration initiative The Araucaria Conservation Programme in Brazil, marking the industry’s first nature-based restoration project. The ambition is to generate positive environmental, economic and social benefits for local communities and restore and protect biodiversity in the region. Developed in collaboration with Apremavi, a Brazilian NGO specialising in conservation and restoration projects since 1987, the initiative is set to restore at least 7,000 hectares over a period of ten years – equivalent to 9,800 football pitches – of the Atlantic Forest, one of the richest biomes and the second most endangered in the world. Originally, this rainforest covered 17 Brazilian states, but today only 12 per cent of its original area is preserved, putting thousands of species that do not exist elsewhere at risk. The Araucaria Conservation Programme will target an area of particular risk, the Forest of Araucarias, which today only has 3 per cent of its original area preserved.
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Rayonier Advanced Materials Announces First Quarter 2022 Results

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. reported a net loss of $25 million or $(0.39) per diluted share for the quarter ended March 26, 2022, compared to net loss of $27 million or $(0.43) per diluted share for the same prior year quarter. The net loss from continuing operations for the quarter ended March 26, 2022 was $24 million or $(0.38) per diluted share, compared to net loss from continuing operations of $16 million or $(0.26) per diluted share for the same prior year quarter. The increase in the diluted loss per share was driven primarily by higher key input costs. Loss from discontinued operations for the quarter ended March 26, 2022 was $1 million or $(0.01) per diluted share, compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $11 million or $(0.17) per diluted share for the same prior year quarter. The Company sold its lumber and newsprint assets in the third quarter of 2021, and as a result, reclassified prior year amounts to conform to the presentation for discontinued operations.
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ANDRITZ to rebuild bleach plant at Stora Enso’s Skutskär Mill, Sweden

The investment in new bleaching technology will increase the capacity of the mill and support Stora Enso’s ambitious climate targets. In addition, it will improve operational performance, enhance the overall efficiency of mill maintenance and thus reduce the site’s carbon footprint. Delivery is on EPC basis and includes the installation of two COMPACT PRESS wash presses, a new reactor, an effluent fiber filter, and MC equipment – all from ANDRITZ. The COMPACT PRESS wash press is characterized by its small footprint and high availability, including extremely good washing efficiency, thus ensuring high-quality production and highest pulp cleanliness. For added sustainability and circularity, the mill will reuse the Stora Enso Oulu mill’s bleaching reactor (also supplied by ANDRITZ) and some of the mixers there.
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UPM Raflatac’s Tampere factory production has returned to normal after the strike

UPM Raflatac and the Finnish Paperworker’s Union signed a business specific collective labour agreement on April 22, 2022. As a result, the Paperworker’s Union’s strike at the Tampere factory in Finland ended on the same day and employees returned to work on April 25. The production ramp-up has proceeded as planned. Production volumes reached normal levels during the first week after the strike. “We are pleased that a new business-specific agreement is now reached with the Finnish Paperworkers’ Union, enabling us to better serve our customers in the future. The agreement allows for additional production flexibility at our Tampere factory and gives us the ability to better respond to demand peaks. Increased capacity utilization also opens future opportunities for employment,” says Antti Jääskeläinen, Executive Vice President, UPM Raflatac.
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UPM Biochemicals and KRAHN Chemie sign exclusive distribution agreement for UPM BioMotion Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF)

UPM Biochemicals and KRAHN Chemie Deutschland GmbH signed an exclusive distribution agreement to market UPM BioMotionTM Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. RFF are a completely new category of functional fillers, replacing fossil-based carbon black and precipitated silica. The distribution agreement covers UPM BioMotion™ X10, X20 and X40 product grades to be used in plastics, adhesives and sealants as well as paints and coatings. UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) have a significantly lower CO2 footprint compared to traditional, oil-based products. They enable companies to respond to drastically changing market conditions, increasing consumer demands for advanced product sustainability and to make a tangible contribution to achieving the 2050 climate targets.
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Consultation on FSC Remedy Framework closing soon!

FSC invites stakeholders to participate in this consultation process by responding to the questions found in the FSC Consultation Platform pertaining to different sections of the FSC Remedy Framework. In addition, FSC also wants feedback on specific sections of the FSC Policy to Address Conversion, which have been developed based on previous stakeholder consultations, and additional questions concerning the revised version of FSC Policy for Association. Descriptions of the different elements and sections open for stakeholder feedback are available in the FSC Consultation Platform. FSC is pleased to share a set of easy to navigate and visual communication material that unravel the interlinkages and complexities of this package of work around conversion and remedy. They are: • Informational Booklet • FAQs • Sample cases
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It’s a no brainer to use more sustainably sourced wood

“I believe the future is wood,” says Clodagh O'Reilly, a speaker at the 2022 PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue, taking place on 12 May in Dublin. “The forestry sector needs to stand together and promote the use of sustainably sourced wood.” Clodagh is the Sales and Supply Chain Director at the forestry business Coillte Forest. She has been working with Coillte for the past 14 years in a variety of finance and operational management roles. Ahead of the Stakeholder Dialogue, we spoke to her about the enormous potential of sustainable forest management for a low carbon economy, and the role of forest certification in the forestry sector.
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Sonoco Implementing Price Increase for Uncoated Recycled Paperboard

Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning May 30, 2022. Sonoco said the price change reflects continued tight market conditions and inflationary pressures on manufacturing costs, including energy, freight, chemicals, packaging materials and labor. “Unfortunately, the conditions that challenged us in 2021 have not dissipated in 2022. We continue to be challenged by strong demand, increasing backlogs and inflating costs,” said Tim Davis, Division Vice President and General Manager, Paper – U.S. and Canada.
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SPC Impact 2022: Top 3 Takeaways

As a proud SPC member and SPC Impact event sponsor, Pregis is excited to share our top takeaways from the conference: A) The journey is long but achievable. All stakeholders at every stage of the value chain must collaborate together to drive systemic change. B) The evolving regulatory landscape presents a unique opportunity for packaging manufacturers. Eco-Modulation is one example driving material selection and product design. C) Recycling technology is an undeniable part of the solution. We must work diligently to improve both mechanical and chemical recycling processes.
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SPC Receives SOC 2 Type II Attestation

Specialty Print Communications, (SPC), a direct mail & digital solutions provider, announced that it has completed its SOC 2 Type II audit, performed by KirkpatrickPrice. This attestation provides evidence that SPC has a strong commitment to security and to delivering high-quality services to its clients by demonstrating that they have the necessary internal controls and processes in place. A SOC 2 audit provides an independent, third-party validation that a service organization’s information security practices meet industry standards stipulated by the AICPA. During the audit, a service organization’s non-financial reporting controls as they relate to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system are tested. The SOC 2 report delivered by KirkpatrickPrice verifies the suitability of the design and operating effectiveness of SPC’s controls to meet the standards for these criteria.
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Interfor Acquires Minority Interest in GreenFirst Forest Products Inc.

Interfor Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Interfor East Ltd. , has acquired a total of 28,684,433 common shares in the capital of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (“GreenFirst”) from Rayonier A.M. Canada G.P., which represents approximately 16.2% of GreenFirst’s issued and outstanding common shares. The total cash consideration was approximately C$56 million, or C$1.94 per share, and certain price protection provisions will apply in limited circumstances during a defined period following the transaction. This acquisition was made for investment purposes and builds upon, and is complementary to, Interfor’s recent expansion into Eastern Canada through the acquisition of EACOM Timber Corporation in February 2022.
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Rayonier Advanced Materials Announces Sale Of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. Shares

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that it has sold 28,684,433 common shares of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Interfor Corporation for approximately $43.3 million. The agreement contains a Purchase Price Protection clause whereby the Company is entitled to participate in further stock price appreciation under certain circumstances and for a specified period. Consistent with prior communications, the Company expects to use cash proceeds from this transaction to opportunistically repay debt or assist with a holistic refinancing of its capital structure, including its Senior Notes due on June 1, 2024.
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Canfor Reports Results for First Quarter of 2022

Overview • Q1 2022 reported operating income of $742 million driven by strong lumber segment results with near record-high North American lumber pricing and strong earnings for the Company’s European lumber operations • Shareholder net income of $534 million, or $4.29 per share • Completed acquisition of Millar Western Forest Products Ltd.’s (“Millar Western”) solid wood operations and associated tenure for $440 million, including net working capital • Announced $165 million (US$130 million) investment in the US South to significantly upgrade and expand Urbana’s sawmill and planer facility • Announced the implementation of a comprehensive plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
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Canfor Pulp Reports Results for First Quarter of 2022

• Q1 2022 reported operating loss of $26 million; net loss of $20 million, or $0.31 per share • Notable uptick in global US-dollar pulp list prices in Q1; ongoing global supply chain challenges resulting in majority of price gains being realized in Q2 and Q3 • Lower furnace rebuild of recovery boiler number one (“RB1”) completed mid-April; focused on optimizing production performance going-forward • Together with Canfor Corporation, announced the implementation of a comprehensive plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 • Available liquidity of $111 million at March 31, 2022
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Huhtamaki Foundation sets up its first recycling plant in Maharashtra, India, as part of its #CloseTheLoop initiative

The Huhtamaki Foundation inaugurated its first recycling plant in Khopoli, Maharashtra today to help drive circularity for packaging. The site – which is spread across 2,000 square meters – will recycle about 1,600 kilograms of post-consumer used flexible plastic waste per day from early May as the plant becomes fully operational. The Central Pollution Board of India (2012) estimates that India generates close to 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste a day and a little over 10,000 tonnes a day of plastic waste remains uncollected. The recycling plant was set up with an investment of INR 90 million as part of the Huhtamaki Foundation’s #CloseTheLoop initiative to tackle post-consumer waste to deliver a valuable secondary resource material. It will process post-consumer waste to create resin to produce refined compounds to be used for household products for consumers in India.
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Strong Performance Continues Across All Mail Categories

Through the first three weeks of the third quarter, the average time for delivery of a mailpiece across the postal network was 2.4 days. Third quarter service performance scores covering April 1 through April 22 included: *First-Class Mail: 93.4 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 5.5 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Marketing Mail: 94.9 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Periodicals: 87.0 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 5.5 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter.
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Librarians Gather in Texas as Book Bans Mount

In Texas, libraries are a political battleground. On the same day that the Texas Library Association convened its annual convention in person for the first time since 2019, attendees learned that residents of Llano, a rural county outside Austin, were fighting back against efforts by Republican politicians to censor local libraries. It was, perhaps, a sweeter irony that the TLA’s conference, which ran April 25–28, was held in Fort Worth, in the district of state representative Matt Kraus. Kraus started a campaign to ban books in Texas last October, when he sent a letter to the Texas Education Agency asking school districts to investigate the presence of more than 850 diverse and inclusive books in school libraries. Remarking on the news from Llano, Darryl Tocker, executive director of the Tocker Foundation, the state’s most prominent charity involved in supporting rural public libraries, told PW, “It’s wrong what is happening in public libraries. There’s no other word for it.”
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Siegwerk Strengthens Its Italian Business Operations by Acquiring La Sorgente Spa

Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, one of the leading international suppliers of printing inks for packaging applications and labels, has signed a contract to purchase the Italian ink manufacturer La Sorgente Spa. The family-owned company is located in Poppi (Arezzo), Italy, and manufactures high-quality water-based flexographic inks for paper & board applications as well as solvent-based inks for flexible packaging. Founded in 1929, the company is one of the most important ink suppliers for flexographic printing in Italy today. With this acquisition, Siegwerk further expands its product portfolio for packaging printers while concretely strengthening its local footprint in the Italian market. “La Sorgente Spa is a well-established ink expert for paper & board as well as flexible packaging applications with a strong reputation in Italy. Its ink solutions fit perfectly into our product portfolio,” says Dirk Weißenfeldt, Vice President Flexible Packaging EMEA at Siegwerk. The purchase will enable Siegwerk to significantly expand its presence while building up its infrastructure and workforce to further grow in Italy.
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Clearwater Paper Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS *Delivered strong performance due to continued strength in the paperboard business and improvements in tissue *Higher pricing in both businesses helping to offset inflation *Net sales of $488 million, up 15% compared to the first quarter of last year *Net income of $17 million, or $0.97 per diluted share *Reduced net debt by $31 million in the quarter
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Neenah Brings Paper-Based, Radiation-Resistant Medical Packaging to Market

Neenah, Inc. announced a versatile paper-based medical packaging capable of withstanding all three widely used sterilization processes, including radiation, autoclave, and ethylene oxide. This innovative product allows customers to serve multiple markets and explore new opportunities by providing a unique alternative to polymer-based or kraft medical packaging traditionally used for nasal swabs, syringes, bandages, and other single-use applications. "By adding a radiation-resistant product to our medical packaging lineup, Neenah continues to lead the industry in offering the most advanced paper-based options available. We are thrilled to introduce a versatile paper-based medical packaging that is durable, dependable, and value-driven," says Valerie Henderson, Medical Packaging Product Marketing Manager, Neenah Industrial Solutions. Single-use medical devices are gaining popularity as they help lower costs, increase efficiency, and reduce the spread of infection. Gamma radiation is becoming a more commonly used form of sterilization technology for these devices as it quickly kills germs that can cause disease and neutralizes other harmful organisms. It is essential to the radiation sterilization process that the packaging has breathable barrier properties, excellent conformability, printability, and the ability to withstand radiation exposure to prevent risks to patients.
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Disruptive Catalogs: Showcase Your Brand (jschmid.com)

Catalogs have changed. For the better. They’re no longer intended to be your entire store in the mail. They’re not just a transactional tool anymore. They’re more than that. Consumers expect them to be more than that. Today, catalogs should do three things: disrupt, delight and drive people to action. This new blog series we’re calling “Disruptive Catalogs” focuses on the first of these three points. We’ll feature a series of articles that explain how your catalog can be disruptive in the mail, and in the hands of your customers. I’ll begin the conversation with some thoughts on how to properly and effectively showcase your brand on the pages of your catalog. Because as we know, everything starts and ends there—with your unique story. The thing that makes you special. https://www.jschmid.com/blog/disruptive-catalogs-part-1/
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Disruptive Catalogs: Create Impactful Covers (jschmid.com)

PROVEN FACT! Your catalog cover is the number one creative opportunity to test and increase response. Why? It’s a “first impression” and your best opportunity to inspire action. First impressions are formed in a matter of seconds and if you greet your customers (or even worse, your prospects) with “bleh” your hard work is trashed. Literally. It’s milquetoast. Merriam-Webster defines “milquetoast” as “a timid, meek, or unassertive person,” the implication being that a “milquetoast” person (or brand) is afraid to take a risk with fear of backlash. And that my friends, is the problem with most catalogs today. Brands aren’t taking risks and therefore, are not standing out in the mail. Ready to take a risk? Read on to learn three guaranteed ways to make sure your catalog covers are making an impact. https://www.jschmid.com/blog/disruptive-catalogs-part-2/
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Amazon.com Announces First Quarter Results

*Operating cash flow decreased 41% to $39.3 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with $67.2 billion for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2021. *Free cash flow decreased to an outflow of $18.6 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with an inflow of $26.4 billion for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2021. *Free cash flow less principal repayments of finance leases and financing obligations decreased to an outflow of $29.3 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with an inflow of $14.9 billion for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2021. *Free cash flow less equipment finance leases and principal repayments of all other finance leases and financing obligations decreased to an outflow of $22.3 billion for the trailing twelve months, compared with an inflow of $16.8 billion for the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2021. *Common shares outstanding plus shares underlying stock-based awards totaled 523 million on March 31, 2022, compared with 519 million one year ago. *Net sales increased 7% to $116.4 billion in the first quarter, compared with $108.5 billion in first quarter 2021. Excluding the $1.8 billion unfavorable impact from year-over-year changes in foreign exchange rates throughout the quarter, net sales increased 9% compared with first quarter 2021. *Net loss was $3.8 billion in the first quarter, or $7.56 per diluted share, compared with net income of $8.1 billion, or $15.79 per diluted share, in first quarter 2021. First quarter 2022 net loss includes a pre-tax valuation loss of $7.6 billion included in non-operating expense from our common stock investment in Rivian Automotive, Inc.
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AAP Welcomes 2022 USTR Special 301 Report Addressing Copyright Protection and Enforcement Issues in Key Markets

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) welcomes the release of the 2022 Special 301 Report by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The Special 301 Report serves the critical function of identifying continuing impediments to the ability of U.S. copyright owners to compete successfully in foreign markets, including markets of importance to the U.S. publishing industry. China remains on the Priority Watch List, with the Report again noting the prevalence of online piracy and the significant obstacles to releasing legitimate content into the market, given China’s stringent content review requirements. While Canada has made progress with respect to the certain IP and enforcement issues, per its obligations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the country continues on the Watch List, given the U.S government’s continuing concerns with the “ambiguous education-related exception added to the copyright law in 2012,” and “high levels of online piracy.”
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Help FSC streamline its standard setting processes by contributing to our second public consultation

FSC-PRO-01-001 The Development and Revision of FSC® Requirements provides the process steps for how to develop, review, revise, and withdraw international FSC requirements. FSC invites you to participate in the second public consultation of the procedure from 29 April – 30 June 2022 via the FSC Consultation Platform. Our normative framework (policies, standards, procedures, among other documents) is the backbone of how we protect and manage forests worldwide. International FSC requirements are produced following the steps set out in FSC-PRO-01-001. Revising this procedure is thus key in streamlining FSC’s normative framework to produce adaptive and user-friendly documents and continue effectively delivering on the FSC mission. Streamlining the FSC normative framework is a key goal in the FSC Global Strategy and we are looking for feedback from stakeholders to support this effort.
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Timber is key to unlocking a green and sustainable future

“Public perception of timber is unbalanced. People need to be educated about the role that forestry can play in our battle against climate change,” highlighted Conor Fahy. Conor is one of the speakers in our 2022 PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue, on 12 May in Dublin. Ahead of the Big Day, we spoke to him and other speakers, to learn more about their work, their visions, and the role of certified timber for a more sustainable world. Conor Fahy is General Manager of ECC Timber Products, Ireland’s largest exporter of sawn and planed timber products. He started working in the company as a Quality Manager after graduating from NUI Galway with a BEng (Hons) in Energy Systems Engineering. He assisted ECC to become the first Irish Sawmill to obtain PEFC chain of custody certification and has continued to oversee the company’s regular review and upkeep of the PEFC standards.
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Aptar Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

First Quarter 2022 Summary *Reported sales grew 9% and core sales (excluding currency effects and acquisitions) grew 13% with double-digit core growth in each segment *Pharma segment posted sales growth in all markets including the prescription drug division as demand for allergic rhinitis and asthma devices began to recover *Reported earnings per share of $0.93 compared to $1.24 in the prior year; prior year results included an effective tax rate of 17% and an unrealized gain of $17 million related to changes in the fair value of an equity investment
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Huhtamaki: Winning to make a difference

In March 2022, we received three recognitions for product innovations for their technical excellence, sustainability performance, and enhanced consumer experiences by DOW Packaging Innovation Awards 2021. Here is how we win to make a difference for our customers – where it matters. Our multiple award-winning Sundae cup and lid received the Diamond Finalist award at the Packaging Innovation Awards. Behind the success of this innovation is the fact that the fiber-based cup and lid are made from 100% renewable resources, with wood fibers from sustainably managed forests. They are recyclable and compostable. Moreover, this plant-based innovation provides the insulating effect needed from for ice cream packaging – also ensuring a great consumer experience. Our packaging innovation Nescafe Protect Proslim - the world’s first recyclable alu-foil free instant coffee stick received the Silver Winner Award at DOW Packaging Innovation Awards 2021. Nescafe Protect Proslim is designed to replace the aluminum instant coffee sticks with mixed polyolefin structure, making the packaging fully recyclable without compromising on product shelf-life. This product is a great example of helping our customers get ahead with sustainability without compromising on consumer preferences. We also received Silver for the Garnier Men Shampoo Color packaging innovation. We collaborated with our customer L’Oréal in India to develop this innovative product, which particularly helps enhance consumer experiences through its user-friendly design. The vast differences in the colorant and developer formulas mean that they have very different packaging needs. We successfully developed packaging that met the needs of both formulas of the color shampoo and can house the colorant and developer formula in the same sachet without them mixing until the time of use.
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Nahan Announces Rebrand as Part of Business Evolution

The rebrand reflects Nahan’s growing suite of services that include marketing strategy, creative, data, and analytics — coupled with world-class print production and postal strategies — providing a fully integrated solution for its clients. The news follows on the heels of Nahan’s earlier announcement that it had expanded its direct mail capacity and geographic footprint through the acquisition of a Pennsylvania-based facility. “Our business has evolved dramatically in recent years, including an expansion of the services we offer, enhancements to our printing platform, and considerable additions to our leadership and management teams,” said CEO Mike Ertel. “We’re excited to unveil updated branding that more accurately reflects the company we’ve become, which is a one-stop-shop for our clients’ direct marketing needs.”
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Mercer International Inc. reports first quarter 2022 results

Mercer International Inc. reported first quarter 2022 Operating EBITDA increased to a $154.5 million from $82.0 million in the first quarter of 2021 and decreased from $164.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. In the first quarter of 2022, net income was $88.9 million (or $1.35 per basic share and $1.34 per diluted share) compared to $5.9 million (or $0.09 per share) in the first quarter of 2021 and net income of $74.5 million (or $1.13 per basic share and $1.12 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021.
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ANDRITZ GROUP: Results for the first quarter of 2022

*Order intake amounted to 2,588.6 million euros (MEUR) and was thus 49.7% higher than in the previous year’s reference period (Q1 2021: 1,729.5 MEUR). In particular, the Pulp & Paper and Hydro business areas were able to increase order intake significantly compared to the reference period of the previous year. *The order backlog as of March 31, 2022, reached a record level at 9,435.1 MEUR and has thus risen significantly once again compared to the end of 2021 (December 31, 2021: 8,165.8 MEUR). *Revenue at 1,526.9 MEUR were 2.3% higher than in the previous year’s reference period (Q1 2021: 1,493.2 MEUR). This rise is largely attributable to the Metals and Separation business areas. *The operating result increased more than revenue, reaching 122.3 MEUR (+10.3% compared to Q1 2021: 110.9 MEUR). As a result, the Group’s profitability (EBITA margin) increased significantly to 8.0% (Q1 2021: 7.4%). This is mainly due to continuing good business development in the Pulp & Paper business area and the substantial earnings improvements achieved by the Metals and Hydro business areas. *Net income increased to 71.5 MEUR (Q1 2021: 62.1 MEUR).
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Stora Enso continues to invest in renewable energy at production sites

Stora Enso will invest EUR 10 million at its Enocell pulp mill in Finland to replace fossil-based heavy fuel oil with renewable pitch oil. This will reduce the environmental impact of the operations and help in reaching the ambitious target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the main energy sources for Enocell pulp mill are renewable black liquor, bark, and saw dust powder, but fossil-based heavy fuel oil is needed when the pulp mill is started up after maintenance stops or production disturbances. By replacing heavy fuel oil with pitch oil that is made from trees, Enocell pulp mill aims at becoming a site running 100% on bio-energy and, thus, reduce its fossil CO2 emissions by almost 70 000 tonnes annually, which is approximately 50% of Biomaterials division’s fossil CO2 emissions, and a significant contribution to achieving Stora Enso’s climate targets.
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1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports Results for Its Fiscal 2022 Third Quarter

*Total net revenues for the quarter were $469.6 million, down 1.0 percent compared with $474.2 million in the prior year period. Compared with the Company’s fiscal 2020 third quarter, prior to the pandemic, revenues were up 68.4 percent. *Net loss for the quarter was $23.4 million, or a loss of $0.36 per share compared with net income of $1.4 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the prior year period, primarily reflecting significant year-over-year cost increases for inbound and outbound shipping, labor, and digital marketing. Adjusted net loss1 for the quarter was $21.0 million, or a loss of $0.32 per share, compared with adjusted net income1 of $1.5 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the prior year period.
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International Paper Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

HIGHLIGHTS *First quarter net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper of $360 million ($0.95 per diluted share) compared with $107 million ($0.28 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021 and $349 million ($0.88 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. First quarter adjusted operating earnings* (non-GAAP) of $288 million ($0.76 per diluted share) compared with $301 million ($0.78 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021 and $198 million ($0.50 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2021. *$40 million of earnings achieved from Building a Better IP initiatives *14% year-over-year revenue growth *First quarter cash provided by operations of $588 million *Share repurchases of $406 million *Actively pursuing strategic options, including a sale of equity investment in Ilim Group
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Metsä Board’s comparable operating result in January–March 2022 was EUR 121 million

January−March 2022 (compared to 1–3/2021) • Sales were EUR 582.0 million (493.7). • Comparable operating result was EUR 121.5 million (88.8), or 20.9% (18.0) of sales. Operating result was EUR 140.7 million (82.0). • Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.26 (0.20), and earnings per share were EUR 0.31 (0.18). • Comparable return on capital employed was 21.1% (18.3). • Net cash flow from operations was EUR 92.6 million (16.8).
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Stora Enso Oyj Interim Report January–March 2022

Q1/2022 (year-on-year) • Sales increased by 23% to EUR 2,798 (2,276) million. • Operational EBIT increased by 53% to EUR 503 (328) million. • Operational EBIT margin increased to 18.0% (14.4%). • Operating profit (IFRS) increased to EUR 394 (161) million. • Strong cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 403 (185) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR 224 (-9) million. • The net debt to operational EBITDA ratio improved to 1.1 (2.3). The target is to keep the ratio below 2.0. • Operational ROCE excluding the Forest division almost doubled to 23.6% (12.0%), the target being >13%.
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Grainger Reports Results for the First Quarter 2022

First Quarter Highlights *Delivered sales of $3.6 billion, up 18.2%, compared to the first quarter of 2021; up 17.9% on a daily, constant currency basis *Expanded gross margin by 245 bps compared to the first quarter of 2021 *Operating earnings of $534 million, up 49.2%, resulting in EPS of $7.07, an increase of 57.8% versus the first quarter of 2021 *Produced operating cash flow of $343 million, up 16.7%; returned $163 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases
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SEE Launches Digital Packaging Brand prismiq™

Sealed Air announced the introduction of prismiq™ - a digital packaging brand with a portfolio of solutions for design services, digital printing and smart packaging. “The future of digital packaging and graphics is here. prismiq™, powered by our state-of-the-art digital printing technology is creating game-changing value for customers, enabling touchless automation both in our facilities and our customers’ operations, and making sustainability for packaging real,” said Ted Doheny, President & CEO of SEE. The prismiq™ brand offers three solution categories: “With your smart phone, prismiq™ will allow you to see inside the package. Through the SEE™ Mark, multiple data signatures can be transmitted to your phone (QR, bar codes, RFID, recycling codes, date and time stamps, etc.) enhancing the human experience,” said Sergio Pupkin, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at SEE.
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Revolutionary label-less Villavicencio water packaging from Amcor and Danone reduces carbon footprint by 21%.

Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP) and Danone have launched a 100% recyclable bottle for the Villavicencio water brand, made exclusively for the Argentinean market. The new label-less bottle is made from 100% recycled content and has a reduced carbon footprint of 21% compared to the previous bottle. “As longtime partners, we are excited to support Danone’s mission to have a positive impact on the environment and our health,” said Juan Cazes, general manager of Amcor Rigid Packaging Argentina. “Over the last two years, we have worked closely to produce a bottle that fully represents the Villavicencio brand, keeping the same visual elements. We used top-quality materials, helping to ensure the safety of the container and the consumer in the process, while we manufacture a bottle that, with the help of the consumer, will become another bottle once recycled.” The Villavicencio bottle can be recycled over and over, helping to support a more circular economy. Like this new bottle, many of the containers ARP designs are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is easily recycled with mechanical or chemical recycling in most markets, even when that container uses a label. Removing the label, like in the Villavicencio design, provides a greater opportunity to increase yields of recycled PET resin.
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Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–March 2022 was EUR 244 million

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 (1–3/2021) *Sales were EUR 1,594 million (1,400). *Operating result was EUR 341 million (136). Comparable operating result was EUR 244 million (174). *Result before taxes was EUR 330 million (121). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 232 million (160). *Comparable return on capital employed was 15.8% (12.6). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 135 million (95).
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Deluxe Chosen as Premium Preferred Supplier to Porsche North America Family of Brands

Deluxe announced that it has signed Porsche North America to a multi-year contract in its Promotional Solutions business. With the agreement, Deluxe has also signed on as title sponsor for the new Porsche Carrera Cup signature racing series in North America. Deluxe will be the premium preferred supplier to Porsche brands in North America, providing all printed products, apparel, signage kitting and other services at events across the country and to the Porsche family of brands. The Porsche racing performance team will use the exclusive Deluxe promotional solutions online technology to order custom materials and products for their team members and racing fans across the country.
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Modern Litho Welcomes “The Best Press on the Planet”

Modern Litho-Kansas City welcomes a new Heidelberg XL106 8-Color press. This new press is filled with new technology – LED ink, UV coating, and even autonomous printing. Excitement is high as we realize the tremendous advantages this new technology brings to our Kansas City location and our company. We have been busy this winter, after the acquisition of Watkins Lithographic we have been transplanting ourselves from the production facility on Taney St. to our new facility at 133 W 10th Ave in North Kansas City. With spring in the air, we see the flowers blooming and trees budding. We are surrounded by new life outside and excited about the new beginnings inside as well. veiw video at: https://modernlitho.com/2022/04/modern-litho-best-press-on-the-planet/
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Domtar, Nature Conservancy of Canada Announce Partnership

Domtar announced a long-term partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, established alongside the execution of the largest private land conservation agreement in Canadian history. A large private tract in Ontario spanning 1,450 square kilometers of boreal forest, which was managed as a wood supply to Domtar’s pulp and paper mills, will now be managed for research and conservation by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The area, formerly known as the Hearst Forest, is recognized for its extraordinary ecosystem and abundant wildlife. Domtar has agreed to transfer ownership of the land to NCC for $7 million below its appraised value as a part of this partnership.
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Holmen’s Interim Report January-March 2022

*Operating profit for January–March 2022 was SEK 1 883 million (January–March 2021: 849). Operating profit includes net SEK +266 million related to the damaged turbine at Workington, which is being treated as an item affecting comparability. Excluding the item affecting comparability, operating profit increased by SEK 768 million to SEK 1 617 million because of higher selling prices for paper and wood products. *Compared with the fourth quarter, operating profit excluding the item affecting comparability increased by SEK 432 million, mainly due to price increases for paper and increased deliveries of wood products. Profit for the fourth quarter included just over SEK +200 million from the sale of a British forest property. *Profit after tax for January–March amounted to SEK 1 483 million (675), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 9.2 (4.2).
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Norske Skog: Normalised profitability despite energy volatility

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the first quarter of 2022 was NOK 610 million, an increase from NOK 422 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Sales prices for all grades increased in the quarter as a consequence of unprecedented high energy costs in Europe and a tightened publication paper market situation. The European mills operated at full capacity during the quarter. The pellets facility Nature’s Flame was sold at a gain of NOK 175 million in the quarter. Cash flow from operations was NOK 196 million in the quarter compared to NOK 317 million in the previous quarter, positively impacted by the improved operating margins, but negatively impacted by change in working capital, being mainly an increase in trade and other receivables. Operating earnings in the first quarter of 2022 were NOK 593 million compared to operating earnings in the fourth quarter of 2021 of NOK 479 million. Net profit in the quarter was NOK 583 million compared to a net profit of NOK 400 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 924 million at the end of the first quarter, with an equity ratio of 37%.
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Tronox Reports First Quarter 2022 Financial Results

First Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights: *Produced revenue of $965 million, an increase of 8% compared to the prior year, primarily driven by higher revenue from TiO2 and pig iron *Generated income from operations of $69 million and net income of $16 million, inclusive of a one-time fee regarding the settlement agreement reached with Venator totaling $85 million including the break fee and related negotiated interest *Achieved GAAP diluted EPS of $0.10; adjusted diluted EPS of $0.60 (non-GAAP) primarily due to the settlement *Invested $103 million in capital expenditures and generated free cash flow of $86 million
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Bonnier Transforms into an Outdoor Adventure Company

Bonnier LLC, a media company respected for its iconic publications in the marine category, has restructured its business across all operations to prioritize experiential events as its growth engine for the future. The Florida-based company is harnessing the power of media as a means to accelerate consumer interactions across a wide spectrum of outdoor activities. With its new mission to fuel the passion of outdoor enthusiasts, Bonnier is reshaping itself to become the nation’s leading outdoor adventure company. “We see ourselves almost back in startup mode,” said Dr. Jens Mueffelmann, Executive Chairman. “We’re taking on the mindset of a new company with a new mission and branding, a new leadership team and investors, a new structure and way of working, and a new future. We are now fully focused on growth. Game time!” In adopting its new “We Are Outdoor Adventure” branding, Bonnier is doubling down on its core mission: to fuel passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. This mission is also reflected in the company’s new corporate website, bonniercorp.com, launched this month, which showcases Bonnier’s integrated brands and category dominance.
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Join the technical working group to revise the requirements for Forest Stewardship Standards

The revision of four normative documents regulating the requirements for development and maintenance of Forest Stewardship Standards (FSS) is starting soon. We are looking for technical working group members to support the process; apply today! Applications are open until 24 May 2022. In March 2022, during the 91st BoD meeting, the FSC Board of Directors approved a full revision of the documents, based on the review report, and recommended the revision to be done through a technical working group. The four normative documents contain requirements for development and maintenance of Forest Stewardship Standards. The revision process endeavors to update these requirements to make them outcome oriented and user friendly.
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Silgan Announces Record First Quarter Earnings

Highlights *Record earnings per diluted share (EPS) of $0.76, an increase of 15% over the prior year quarter *Record adjusted EPS of $0.78 per diluted share *Raises full year 2022 adjusted EPS guidance *Achieved record revenue in each business segment *Achieved record segment income in Dispensing and Specialty Closures and Custom Containers *Increased cash dividend per share by 14.3% *Redeemed outstanding 4 3/4% Senior Notes due 2025
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Pregis invests in new European protective packaging innovation center

Pregis has invested in a new 1960 square meter (21,000 square foot) customer experience facility in Europe designed to provide a holistic solutions approach to protective packaging challenges and reduce costly waste incurred by damaged products. The new Pregis innovation headquarters, called the Pregis IQ, is located in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. It will open in April as a customer demonstration and training facility designed to optimize packaging methods.
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Smurfit Kappa creates Better Planet Packaging alternative for detergent box

Smurfit Kappa has introduced a cleverly engineered new packaging solution for detergent pods and capsules. The child-proof TopLock Box provides a safe, convenient and sustainable alternative to the traditional plastic box for laundry products. The patented TopLock Box features an ingenious opening mechanism making it a very attractive solution for companies seeking a sustainable alternative for their certified child-proof packaging solutions. The TopLock Box is a 100% plastic-free solution made entirely from FSC® certified paper-based packaging, which is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. It has significant environmental benefits and offers a 40% carbon footprint reduction in comparison to the traditional rigid plastic alternatives.
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Tetra Pak partners with leading beverage brands to launch the world’s first tethered caps on carton packages

Joining forces with leading beverage producers, Tetra Pak is launching tethered caps on carton packages. Marking a significant milestone in the company’s long-term work on design for recycling, five new tethered cap solutions are currently being introduced across Ireland, the Baltics , Spain and Germany in different product categories – a market first for these geographies. As part of a wider programme, this development paves the way for Europe-based customers to stay ahead of schedule and meet the Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive coming into force by 2024. Julia Luscher, Vice President Marketing, Tetra Pak, comments: “We are delighted to be supplying a number of customers with tethered cap solutions, helping them to ‘walk the talk’ towards their sustainability ambitions. Understanding our customers’ needs and having collected consumer insights through multiple pieces of research across various markets, our new tethered caps have been designed to enhance convenience. For instance, they are easy to open and re-close for subsequent consumption, while featuring carefully sized diameters for smooth pouring and drinking.”
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Worzalla Hosting Hiring Tours to Showcase New Press

Worzalla, an employee-owned book printer specializing in printing high-quality children’s books, cookbooks, and hard-cover best sellers, announced that its newest printing press is now fully operational. As part of its Phase III of expansion, Worzalla purchased a Goss Sunday 2000 32-page Double Web Press that provides a broad range of print formats and page configurations. Testing of the new press, which measures nearly 200 feet in length, was a months-long process that is now complete. “The final piece of our Phase III expansion is now finished, and it’s thrilling to see books rolling off the line of this massive new press,” said Jim Fetherston, President and CEO of Worzalla. “Our associates who have been working with the Sunday 2000 press have appreciated the technological advances and increased productivity.” Along with Phase III expansion, Worzalla continues to grow their workforce which will operate the new press and for the day-to-day operations of creating the millions of books ordered by Worzalla’s customers each year.
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RRD Marketing Solutions Ranked 7th Largest U.S. Agency in 78th Ad Age Agency Report

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD), a leading global provider of marketing and business communications, earned recognition in Ad Age’s 78th Agency Report as one of the top 10 largest advertising and marketing services agencies in the U.S. The 2022 report represents the fourth consecutive year RRD Marketing Solutions is featured on the list. Produced by Ad Age DataCenter, the industry’s most authoritative source of competitive intel, the Ad Age Agency Report includes rankings of advertising, marketing services, and media agencies based on 2021 revenue.
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Ennis, Inc. Reports Results for the Quarter and Year Ended February 28, 2022

*Revenues were $99.7 million for the quarter, an increase of $9.8 million or 10.9% for the comparative quarter and $400.0 million for the fiscal year, an increase of $42.0 million, or 11.7% for the comparative fiscal year. *Earnings per diluted share for the current quarter were $0.26 compared to $0.20 for the comparative quarter last year. Earnings per diluted share were $1.11 for the fiscal year as compared to $0.93 for the last fiscal year. *Our gross profit margin for the quarter decreased on a comparative quarter basis from 29.6% to 27.5%. Gross profit margin was 28.7% for the fiscal year compared to 29.0% for the prior fiscal year.
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Private Equity Firm Makes Majority Investment in Sandy Alexander (piworld.com)

Snow Peak Capital, LLC, a Boulder, Colorado-based private equity firm, announced that it has made a majority investment in Sandy Alexander, Inc. (“Sandy Alexander” or “the Company”), a leading multi-channel marketing communications company, in partnership with Sandy Alexander’s management team and other previous owners. Founded in 1963, Sandy Alexander offers a variety of direct marketing services, including printing and finishing services as well as visual effect experiences. The firm serves the retail, casual dining, technology, automotive and healthcare industries. Sandy Alexander has multiple software offerings that cater to a broad range of customers. Sandy Alexander is headquartered in New Jersey with additional facilities in Florida and in Southern California.
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Sun Chemical Launches ElvaJet Onyx SB

Sun Chemical has launched ElvaJet Onyx SB – a new sublimation ink for textile printing. ElvaJet Onyx SB addresses market needs by delivering a high-performance ink that offers ease of use for wide-format textile printers. ElvaJet Onyx SB is designed to meet the market need for extended print runs between cleaning cycles, while the ink’s simple conversion process allows for immediate printing and easy start-up before or between print jobs. The advanced formula leads to enhanced print performance ensuring maximum system up-time with little intervention needed. The ink range maintains Sun Chemical’s trusted performance on a full range of transfer papers with superior edge definition and color transfer, while offering the deepest shade of black. ElvaJet Onyx SB is available in 1kg bottles and 2kg pouches to give printers maximum flexibility in conversion options.
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Ahlstrom-Munksjö expands its global range of sustainable release papers

Ahlstrom-Munksjö reinforces its commitment to the PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) industry worldwide by launching its biggest-ever global range of sustainable release papers for silicone coating. The expanded and harmonized range contains three main product families, and offers release papers based on sustainable, renewable fibers, spreading from 41 g/m2 up to 215 g/m2. Products feature various technologies and finishes to match any release liner application, even the most demanding and specified one. The ACTI-V® product family includes supercalendered Glassine release papers based on proprietary technology, ensuring the highest efficiency and reliability in silicone coating. ACTI-V® Industrial products, suitable for double side silicone coating, feature ideal dimensional stability for highly technical release liner applications.
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Canfor Implementing Plan to Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050

Building on our comprehensive sustainability strategy announced in October 2021, Canfor Corporation (TSX:CFP) is announcing the implementation of a comprehensive plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To achieve net-zero, Canfor has developed near term science-based targets that include reducing the carbon emissions from pulp and wood products operations, which are defined as Scope 1 and Scope 2, by 42% by 2030 compared to our base year of 2020. In addition, by 2024 we will measure and assess our global supply chain and woodlands emissions, which are defined as Scope 3, and set a science-based reduction target.
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Sappi Casting and Release Announces New Laminate Surface With Superior Aesthetics, Texture and Performance: Arrio™

Sappi, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and dissolving pulp, today launched Arrio, a decorative laminate surface solution that delivers remarkable aesthetics, premium haptics and scratch and fingerprint resistance for high-wear surfaces. By designing Arrio to serve the unmet needs of customers, Sappi will now become the only company that provides high-fidelity, 100% replicated textured finished surfaces available in flat, then expanding to include a 3D texture library over time. With its durable acrylic surface, Arrio provides extraordinarily detailed, realistic finished surfaces that will eventually support multiple textures and décor colors, gloss effects, varying depths and visible contrast. Sappi’s high-precision manufacturing process generates the exact same surface finish over time without variation or loss of definition. Arrio, which offers a superior surface to conventional melamine in aesthetics and performance, is a perfect solution for decorative and functional surfaces on furniture, work surfaces, kitchen cabinetry and more.
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Sylvamo Adopts Shareholder Rights Plan

Sylvamo's board of directors unanimously adopted a limited-duration shareholder rights plan to protect the interests of all shareholders. The rights plan is effective immediately. The board adopted the plan after Atlas Holdings confirmed it entered into a block trade that would give Atlas nearly 14% of Sylvamo's outstanding shares and informed Sylvamo it also holds an unspecified amount of derivatives on Sylvamo shares. Sylvamo's leaders maintain open dialogue with Sylvamo's investors, including Atlas, and plan to continue these conversations. Sylvamo recognizes Atlas' extensive experience in the paper industry.
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O-I Glass Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

*Reported Earnings: For the first quarter 2022, net earnings attributable to the Company were $0.55 per share (diluted) compared to a loss of $0.62 per share in the first quarter of 2021. First quarter 2022 earnings before income taxes were $170 million, compared to a loss of $65 million in the prior year quarter. Both periods included items management considers not representative of ongoing operations and other adjustments. *Segment Operating Profit: Segment operating profit was $231 million compared to $175 million in the prior year quarter. Segment operating profit benefited from 6.4 percent higher sales volume and 3.7 percent higher production volume (in tons). Likewise, higher segment operating profit also reflected favorable net price, continued solid operating performance and benefits from O-I’s ongoing Margin Expansion initiatives. These benefits were slightly offset by higher logistics costs.
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Graphic Packaging Holding Company Reports Strong First Quarter 2022 Results

Q1 2022 Highlights *Net Sales were $2,245 million versus $1,649 million in the prior year quarter. *Net Organic Sales increased 3% versus the prior year quarter driven by increased demand for innovative fiber-based packaging solutions and expansion into new market segments and geographies. *Net Income was $107 million versus $54 million in the prior year quarter. *Integration of recently expanded European platform continued; on track to deliver $40 million of synergies over three years. *New K2 Coated Recycled Paperboard (CRB) machine in Kalamazoo, Michigan began operating and the ramp in production is meeting expectations; on track to achieve $50 million in incremental EBITDA in 2022 and $130 million in incremental EBITDA over three years. *Global liquidity was $1,078 million at quarter end.
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UPM Interim Report Q1 2022: Strong performance supported by tight markets

Q1 highlights • Sales increased by 12% to EUR 2,507 million (2,234 million in Q1 2021) • Comparable EBIT was in line with last year at EUR 277 million, 11.0% of sales (279 million, 12.5%) • Operating cash flow was EUR 12 million (217 million) • Net debt increased to EUR 837 million (83 million) and net debt to EBITDA ratio was 0.46 (0.06) • Sales prices increased in all business areas and more than offset the negative impact of higher variable costs • Transformative growth projects in Uruguay and in Germany proceed well, investment estimate updated for the Leuna biorefinery
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U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors to Meet May 5

The U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors will meet May 5, 2022, in open session at Postal Service headquarters, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington, DC. The public is welcome to observe the meeting beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET in the Benjamin Franklin Room on the 11th floor. The Board is expected to discuss the following items: 1.Remarks of the Chairman of the Board of Governors 2.Remarks of the Postmaster General and CEO 3.Approval of the Minutes 4.Committee Reports 5.Quarterly Financial Report 6.Quarterly Service Performance Report 7.Approval of Tentative Agenda for Aug. 9 Meeting 8.Adjournment
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49% Of U.S. Consumers Receive The Wrong Marketing Messages From Retailers, Brands (mediapost.com)

The Container Store and multiple other retailers have revamped customer marketing strategies, with many adding shopping consumer priorities and loyalty programs, but the major hook now being thrown into the pond is a focus on emotions. Brands want to connect with consumers emotionally. Conducted online with third-party research firm YouGov, the study published by parcelLab, an operations experience management platform, shows certain shopping experiences trigger a stronger emotional response. About 1,185 U.S. adults who have shopped online participated in the survey, which was conducted from January 13-14, 2022.
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FSC blocks three companies from Peru

FSC has blocked three Peruvian certificate holders and their FSC certification has been suspended because they were unable to verify the origin of wood they sold and purchased from the Amazon. As a result, they can no longer claim FSC certifcation on their products, or use the FSC trademark label. They will also not be able to seek recertification until FSC lifts their blockage. The blocked and suspended certificate holders (along with their certifcate numbers) are: Maderera Rio Yaverija SAC (MADERYJA) (NC-FM/COC-002175); Maderera Rio Yaverija SAC (CU-COC-810564); Maderera Industrial Isabelita SAC (EMINI) (CU-COC-858403)
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Packaging Corporation Of America Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

Packaging Corporation of America reported first quarter 2022 net income of $254 million, or $2.70 per share, and net income of $256 million, or $2.72 per share, excluding special items. First quarter net sales were $2.1 billion in 2022 and $1.8 billion in 2021. Reported earnings in the first quarter of 2022 include special items primarily for certain costs at the Jackson, AL mill for paper-to-containerboard conversion related activities.
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CANPACK Expands Capacity in Poland by around 1 Billion Cans

CANPACK S.A. continues its expansion and plans to install a state-of-the-art production line of aluminum beverage can bodies in Bydgoszcz, Poland. The expansion will allow the company to increase the current capacity of the Bydgoszcz facility by approximately 1 billion pieces per year. Production is expected to start in 2024. “We are excited to increase the capacity of our facility in Bydgoszcz and continue to offer our European customer base a wide range of aluminum packaging innovations, whilst strengthening CANPACK’s footprint in Central Europe.” – says Andre Balbi, Group Chief Operations Officer at CANPACK. Ultimately, the new expansion is aimed to strengthen CANPACK’s market leader position in the Poland beverage can market.
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MM Group results for the first quarter of 2022

The consolidated sales of the Group rose to EUR 1,060.4 million and were thus EUR 419.1 million above the comparative figure for the previous year (Q1 2021: EUR 641.3 million). This growth is mainly due to acquisitions and the passing on of cost increases through higher prices. At EUR 111.1 million, the operating result was EUR 49.9 million higher than in the previous year (Q1 2021: EUR 61.2 million). The significant increase in the MM Board & Paper division contrasted with a stable development at MM Packaging. The Group's operating margin thus increased to 10.5% (Q1 2021: 9.6%).
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TC Transcontinental Stops the Distribution of Publisac in Mirabel

Following the Superior Court's decision, rendered on April 20, 2022, dismissing its motion to nullify the City of Mirabel’s by-law on the distribution of printed advertising materials, and pending its appeal of this decision, TC Transcontinental (TSX: TCL.A TCL.B) is discontinuing its Publisac service in Mirabel. As already indicated by TC Transcontinental, the opt-in distribution model adopted by the City of Mirabel is not viable for the door-to-door distribution of Publisac. TC Transcontinental is therefore moving the distribution of its clients’ printed advertising material in Mirabel to Canada Post. "We find it very unfortunate to have to discontinue the distribution of the Publisac in Mirabel after more than 30 years of operations in the City, and we regret the disappearance of 16 jobs", said Patrick Brayley, Senior Vice-President, Distribution at TC Transcontinental. "It is important however to continue to allow the population to have access to the discounts offered by flyers, particularly in the context of high inflation, as well as to their local information, and for local businesses to be able to efficiently reach their audiences and compete against the giants of e-commerce."
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Flint Group Lo Energy Heatset Ink Series Development

In these times of unprecedented energy costs it has become clear that the heatset printing sector is now under severe cost pressures from many different areas. The product development team at Flint Group’s Commercial Publication Web Division (CPW) have been assessing how we can develop our products to perform with a lower demand for oven assisted drying. Our development whilst in early stages and yet to be fully proven will also serve to reduce the total cost of print. The Lo Energy series also helps to reduce the CO2 emissions of the heatset printing process making it a secure option for the future of print. Following several tests across our customer base we are pleased to announce that we are now in a position to expand the development of this product. The Prem Eco 7000 Lo Energy Series of inks targets publications produced on improved newsprint and has shown significant reductions in drier utilisation up to 100% dependent on coverage.
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Avery Dennison Announces First Quarter 2022 Results

First Quarter 2022 Results by Segment: Label and Graphic Materials - Reported sales increased 8% to $1.5 billion. Sales were up 12% ex. currency and 12% on an organic basis Reported operating margin decreased 240 basis points to 14.0%. Retail Branding and Information Solutions - Reported sales increased 41% to $679 million. Sales were up 43% ex. currency and 20% on an organic basis, reflecting strong growth in both the high value product categories and the base business. Reported operating margin increased 90 basis points to 13.3%. Industrial and Healthcare Materials - Reported sales decreased 1% to $190 million. Sales were up 1% ex. currency and 1% on an organic basis, reflecting a low-single digit decrease in industrial categories and a low-double digits increase in healthcare categories. Reported operating margin decreased 410 basis points to 8.2%.
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94 Percent First-Class Mail Delivered On Time For Third Consecutive Week

The United States Postal Service reported new delivery performance metrics through the first two weeks of the fiscal third quarter. For the week ending April 15 and the third consecutive week, First-Class Mail on-time delivery performance was nearly 94 percent. Through the first two weeks of the third quarter, the average time for delivery of a mailpiece across the postal network was 2.4 days. Third quarter service performance scores covering April 1 through April 15 included: *First-Class Mail: 93.6 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 5.7 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Marketing Mail: 95.4 percent of Marketing Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter. *Periodicals: 87.7 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 5.8 percentage points from the fiscal second quarter.
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ATA Truck Tonnage Index Jumped 2.4% in March

American Trucking Associations’ advanced seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index increased 2.4% in March after rising 0.7% in February. In March, the index equaled 118.8 (2015=100) versus 116.1 in February. “It is important to note that ATA’s for-hire tonnage data is dominated by contract freight with minimal amounts of spot market loads,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello. “And clearly contract freight was solid in March, witnessing the largest sequential gain since May 2020. March was also the eighth straight month-to-month improvement, with a total increase of 7.4% over that period. “During the first quarter, the index rose 2.4% from the final quarter of 2021 and increased 2.6% from a year earlier. While there might be some recent softness in the spot market, for-hire contract freight tonnage remains solid and is only limited by lack of capacity—both drivers and equipment—at contract fleets.”
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Sonoco Reports Record First Quarter 2022 Results

First Quarter Highlights *First quarter 2022 net sales were a record $1.77 billion, compared with $1.35 billion in the same period in 2021. *First quarter 2022 GAAP earnings per diluted share were $1.17, compared with $0.71 in the same period in 2021. *Base net income attributable to Sonoco (base earnings) for the first quarter 2022 was a record $1.85 per diluted share, compared with $1.00 per diluted share in the same period of 2021. 2021 base results throughout the release have been revised to conform with the Company’s current Base Earnings definition which excludes amortization of acquisition intangibles. The Company recently provided updated first quarter guidance of $1.70 to $1.80 per diluted share. (See base earnings definition, explanation and reconciliation to GAAP earnings later in this release.) *Cash flow from operations was $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2022, compared to $138.7 million in the same period of 2021.
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Amcor to expand healthcare packaging capabilities in Europe

Amcor announced an investment to establish new thermoforming capabilities for medical packaging in its Sligo, Ireland, healthcare packaging facility. The multi-million-dollar investment will strengthen Amcor’s leadership in the growing industry for sterile packaging, offering customers in Europe and North America another site with comprehensive healthcare solutions. “The additional capabilities in our Sligo site allow us to provide customers with even more differentiated and efficient solutions to meet their healthcare packaging needs,” said Amcor’s Chief Commercial Officer Peter Konieczny. “With our global scale and innovation capabilities, Amcor is uniquely positioned to capture growing demand for both medical and pharmaceutical packaging products globally.”
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Imaflex Expanding Production Capacity by Approximately 12 to 15 million Pounds Annually

Imaflex Inc. is pleased to announce that it has signed equipment purchase agreements over the past quarter for three new co-extrusion blown film lines ("extruders") to help meet heightening demand for its products. "In recent years Imaflex has seen consistent, profitable growth in its Canadian and U.S. operations," commented Mr. Joe Abbandonato, President and Chief Executive Officer of Imaflex. "During this time, we have been upgrading all major extrusion lines in order to meet heightening market demand for enhanced film quality, which permits our converting customers' equipment to run at ever increasing speeds. Simultaneously, and as forecasted, we successfully reached our goal of selling out the capacity of our higher margin 5-layer line. Demand has been so robust on the niche products we created for this line that we recently purchased three new co-extruders." They are expected to generate additional extrusion capacity of between 12 to 15 million pounds per year, depending on product mix. Once an extruder is installed and fully operational, it should be fully utilized within 18 months. Barring any supply chain challenges, the extruders are expected to arrive at varying intervals ending the second quarter of 2023.
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Huhtamaki launches Push Tab® blister lid, a first-to-market, aluminum-free, mono-material PET blister lidding, for the global healthcare industry

Huhtamaki, a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions, announces a first-to-market sustainable innovation for the global pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Huhtamaki's Push Tab® blister lid is mono-material PET and free from aluminum. It is designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of highly regulated pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging and provides the industry with a more sustainable alternative to traditional push-through blister packaging. This game changing innovation will help deliver sustainable packaging solutions for the growing global healthcare industry, whilst importantly maintaining functionality and efficiency, as Push Tab® blister lid runs on existing blister packaging lines without compromising on speed. The Huhtamaki Push Tab® blister lid is made of mono-material PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which significantly improves recyclability of the packaging, whilst remaining compatible with existing high performance blister packaging lines, without needing modifications or extra investment. Huhtamaki and its partner – Klöckner Pentaplast – bring this first-to-market innovation to help the global healthcare and pharmaceutical sector meet their sustainability targets and achieve market growth at the same time. In 2021, European packaging sales in the healthcare category had an estimated value of EUR 1.4 billion, of which approximately 50% were in blister packaging.
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Inteplast Group Affiliate Acquires Vantage Products Corporation

20/20 Custom Molded Plastics, LLC, an Inteplast Group affiliate, has acquired the assets of Covington, GA - based Vantage Products Corporation and will expand its injection molding business there. Through this new facility, 100 employment opportunities are anticipated over the next two years. Vantage, founded in 1978, was a manufacturer of polypropylene funeral services merchandise. However, 20/20 is slated to offer a wider variety of custom molded products to its customer base via its increased capacity at the 100,000 square-foot plant which houses two 2,500-ton presses and a 300-ton press. Some products 20/20 already manufactures include pallets, carts, and pool panels.
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Cost Pressures and Unpredictable Supply Chain Conditions Continue to Disrupt Ink Industry

The last two years have proved to be an extremely challenging period of time for the print industry. Raw Material shortages and multiple price increases, combined with staff shortages caused by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, created arduous circumstances for all businesses involved in our industry. From printers themselves, to freight companies and suppliers of key raw materials, all were adversely affected. After over two years experiencing the challenges that the global pandemic presented, the more optimistic amongst us had hoped that 2022 would present some stabilization in the print supply chain, however, as we move in to the second quarter of the year, this stabilization is yet to materialize, and is unlikely in the near future whilst the tragic events in Ukraine continue to develop. Not only are the trials of the Covid-19 pandemic still with us, but rising inflation, increasing fuels costs, huge demand for packaging of all types and a global energy crisis have further increased the burdens faced by suppliers to the print industry. These increases, in some cases, have been so astronomic that it is not possible for any supplier to absorb, and ultimately, the increased costs have been passed down the supply chain.
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Euro-Graph Publishes Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in February 2022 were down 6.2% vs. February 2021 and are down 5.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in February 2022 were down 2.9% vs. February 2021 and are down 2.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in February 2022 were down 11.7% vs. February 2021 and are down 4.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in February 2022 were down 15.0% vs. February 2021 and are down 13.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in February 2022 were down 10.1% vs. February 2021 and are down 6.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in February 2022 were UP 6.7% vs. February 2021 and are UP 8.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in February 2022 were down 7.5% vs. February 2021 and are down 9.4% year-to-date.
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GreenFirst Offered Government Support for Relocating Kenora Mill

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. is pleased to announce that the Government of Ontario has announced that it is prepared to offer a loan of up to $17.2M (the “Loan Facility”) to support the Company’s plan to relocate and redevelop the Kenora sawmill over the next 3.5 years. Completion of the Loan Facility is subject to due diligence and negotiation of binding agreements. If completed, the Company would be able to draw down on the Loan Facility to cover 20% of its eligible project expenditures provided that the Company meets certain performance parameters including but not limited to job-creation targets and other project milestones. This strategic relocation would open the necessary expansion opportunities to ensure the mill is viable and sustainable.
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Canfor Investing $130 Million to Modernize Urbana Facility

Canfor Corporation is pleased to announce it will invest approximately $130 million USD to significantly upgrade and expand its sawmill and planer facility located in Urbana in Union County, Arkansas. The investment will capitalize on the abundant supply of high-quality fiber to enhance the manufacturing of high-value products, increase annual production at the facility by 115 million board feet, and result in a meaningful reduction in the facility’s cost structure. The investment aligns with Canfor’s growth and diversification strategy to keep pace with growing customer demand. “We are excited to be investing in our Urbana facility with state-of-the-art technology to modernize the work environment for our valued employees and significantly increase our ability to produce sustainable wood products that will meet the growing needs of our customers,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor.
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Kimberly-Clark Announces First Quarter 2022 Results

First Quarter 2022 Operating Results: Sales of $5.1 billion in the first quarter of 2022 increased 7 percent compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales 2 percent. Organic sales increased 10 percent as net selling prices rose 6 percent, volumes grew 2 percent and product mix increased sales 2 points. In North America, organic sales increased 13 percent in consumer products and increased 5 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 10 percent in developing and emerging (D&E) markets and 8 percent in developed markets. First quarter operating profit was $693 million in 2022 and $770 million in 2021. Results in 2022 include the net benefit of the acquisition of a controlling interest of Thinx and 2021 results include charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program.
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Stora Enso divests its sawmills and forest operations in Russia

Stora Enso has entered into an agreement to divest its two sawmills in Russia. The Company’s Nebolchi and Impilahti sawmills will be divested to local management. In addition, the divestment includes Stora Enso’s Russian forest operation which through its harvesting supplies wood to the sawmills. Stora Enso’s assessment is that due to the uncertainties in the Russian market, local ownership and operation can provide a more sustainable long-term solution for these business operations and the employees working there. The transaction is, pending necessary approvals, expected to be concluded within Q2 2022 and will have no material impact on Stora Enso’s annual sales and Operational EBIT. Due to decreased business prospects on these businesses, an impairment loss of EUR 70 million has been recorded in the first quarter result. The additional loss on the transaction under IFRS will be approximately EUR 60 million, consisting mainly of currency translation adjustments to be recorded at the closing date. The expenses are considered as items affecting comparability.
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UPM and Paperworkers’ Union agree on first-ever business-specific collective labour agreements – strike ends at UPM mills in Finland

UPM and the Paperworkers’ Union have agreed on first-ever business-specific collective labour agreements for five UPM businesses. The strike at UPM mills in Finland will end immediately and employees will return to work. The strike covered UPM Pulp, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac and UPM Biofuels units in Finland. UPM will restart customer deliveries as soon as possible. The conciliator submitted settlement proposals for separate collective labour agreements for UPM Pulp, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac ja UPM Biofuels yesterday, and both parties approved them on April 22, 2022.
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Swiss Chalet Partners with WestRock to Launch Recyclable Paperboard Packaging Throughout Restaurant Chain in Canada

WestRock Company has announced a partnership with Recipe Unlimited to implement a suite of recyclable paperboard packaging, intended to divert 31 million plastic containers from landfills across Canada each year. The packaging began appearing at Swiss Chalet restaurants in October, 2021 and is now available across all its locations. With a goal to replace rigid black PET trays and lids with packaging made from renewable resources, the two companies used discovery sessions in their early collaboration to zero in on the right sustainable solution. The modular system uses uncoated recycled board (URB) and EnShield® Natural Kraft to maintain the high performance standards required by Swiss Chalet, while simultaneously increasing the sustainability attributes of its takeout containers. It received the PAC Global Award for Sustainable Design during the Inclusive Opportunities & Universal Design Summit in February, 2022.
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Mondi has food industry wrapped with two sustainable packaging launches at Anuga FoodTec

Mondi is highlighting the need for innovative packaging solutions in the fresh food industry by introducing two new recyclable packaging products - a paper-based tray and a semi-rigid plastic tray - at Anuga FoodTec. When it comes to preventing food from spoiling, the packaging industry plays a key role. Mondi has developed two new solutions to protect fresh food contents at every stage of the manufacturing and logistics process, ensuring they last longer through clever design and the potential to apply MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) to extend the shelf-life. The packaging inhibits exposure to elements such as moisture, gases and grease, and actively encourages correct consumer use, through resealable functions. This aids convenience and ease of portion control while also reducing food waste.
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Huhtamaki to initiate process to divest its Russian operations

Huhtamaki has decided to initiate the process to divest its operations in Russia. This follows an earlier decision to stop all investments in Russia at the outbreak of the invasion of Ukraine. Huhtamaki considers that the current evolution of the situation and the long-term outlook in Russia will prevent the realization of its growth strategy and long-term ambitions in the country. Huhtamaki will continue to prioritize investments that capture the significant growth opportunities in the rest of the world, in line with its global ambitions and 2030 Strategy. The safety and wellbeing of all our colleagues remain of paramount importance. Huhtamaki has four manufacturing units in Russia, employing approximately 700 people and has successfully supported global and local customers over the last 30 years. The net sales in Russia represent approximately 3% of the Group’s total net sales. Huhtamaki will explore the market for potential buyers and will maintain its operations during this transitional period, subject to supply chain availability, to meet its contractual and regulatory obligations and to safeguard employees and customers.
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Negotiations between UPM and Paperworkers’ Union interrupted, union turned down four settlement proposals

UPM and the Paperworkers’ Union have not been able to come to new collective labour agreements. Today, the union turned down four settlement proposals submitted by the conciliator. The exceptionally long strike at UPM Pulp, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac and UPM Biofuels units in Finland continues. “We are deeply disappointed in the decision of the union and in the continuation of the strike that has already lasted 3,5 months. UPM has been negotiating with an earnest mind and made several compromises. We also accepted the conciliation proposals. Modernising the agreement stemming from 1940’s would be important both for the employees and the company,” says Jyrki Hollmén, Vice President, Labour Markets at UPM. “It is very disappointing that after intensive negotiations, no business was able to reach a conclusion. Petri Vanhala, chairman of the Paperworkers’ Union, confirmed in the mediation of all businesses that each business can be agreed separately. The mediation found settlement proposals for four businesses that took the needs and wishes of both parties into account. We were confident that both parties undertook to accept these settlement proposals and industrial peace would resume. Now that the union has turned down the once drafted proposals, our businesses will make a fresh start," Hollmén continues.
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SEE, ExxonMobil, and Ahold Delhaize USA Collaborate on Groundbreaking Circularity Initiative

SEE, ExxonMobil, and Ahold Delhaize USA announced their collaboration on an advanced recycling initiative, the first of its kind in the U.S. The project recycles flexible plastics from the food supply chain and remakes them into new, certified circular food-grade packaging. The initiative is expected to begin this summer and scale over time. “We’re proud to work with SEE and ExxonMobil on this collaboration, which has the potential to radically change the way retailers and manufacturers leverage food-grade recycled plastics as a key means of keeping plastics out of landfills,” said Brittni Furrow, VP, Health & Sustainability, Ahold Delhaize USA. “We’re eager to learn from this work and apply the learnings to advance our own plastics ambitions, but also advance these efforts broadly, helping to ensure a better tomorrow for our planet.” A critical challenge facing the food industry is driving a circular economy for plastics using packaging materials that have strict hygiene and performance requirements for food protection and distribution. Recovering these essential packaging materials requires innovative recycling solutions beyond traditional mechanical recycling.
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Apollo Funds Complete Acquisition of Majority Stake in Novolex

Apollo announced that funds managed by Apollo affiliates (the “Apollo Funds”) have completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Novolex Holdings LLC (“Novolex” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer of diverse and sustainable packaging products for the foodservice, delivery and carryout, food processor and industrial markets, from funds managed by Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG). Carlyle will retain a minority stake in the Company. The financing for the acquisition includes the largest-ever sustainability-linked loan issued to date. Additional financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
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The Dos & Don’ts of Modern Curbside Recycling

Recycling is part of American culture, with 94 percent of those surveyed saying they support it, and 74 percent saying it should be a top priority. Yet only half of Americans have access to curbside recycling, and many of those well-meaning recyclers go about it the wrong way. As a result, far too many items that could be recycled end up in a landfill. One of the barriers to proper curbside recycling is simply a lack of knowledge about how to do so correctly. That can lead people to either toss something that could have been recycled, or to wishcycle, meaning they put something in their recycling bin that isn’t actually recyclable. Our updated curbside recycling guide can help clear the air on what is and isn’t recyclable these days. Download and print this helpful infographic, or click through our gallery below for 12 quick recycling tips. Then, scroll down for more detailed information and links to helpful resources.
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Conciliator submits settlement proposal for UPM Biofuels

Conciliator Leo Suomaa has submitted a proposal for UPM Biofuels in the collective labour negotiations with the Paperworkers’ Union. The conciliator has asked the parties to state their position on the proposal by 14 April 2022 at 10:00 EEST, which is also the deadline for the settlement proposals for UPM Pulp, UPM Specialty Papers and UPM Raflatac, given earlier by the conciliator. The conciliation for UPM Communication Papers was interrupted last weekend. "Settlement proposals have now been given to four out of five UPM businesses aiming at collective labour agreements. More than half of UPM’s employees affiliated with the Paperworkers’ Union are now covered by settlement proposals", says Jyrki Hollmén, Vice President, Labour Markets at UPM.
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IAB: Digital Ad Revenue Jumped 35% In The U.S. In 2021 (mediapost.com)

Digital ad revenue in the U.S. rose 35% to $189 billion last year as marketers spent more to reach consumers, according to a report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) released Tuesday. David Cohen, CEO at IAB, believes that an increase in consumer use of online services and growth of small and mid-sized businesses during the pandemic fueled the increase in digital spending — specifically in digital audio and video. “We expect this digital migration to drive the continued growth of a healthy and competitive digital marketplace driven by innovation and entrepreneurship,” he stated.
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Nahan Announces East Coast Expansion of Direct Mail Platform

Nahan announced it has acquired the mail division assets of Intellus Marketing. The purchase allows Nahan to strategically expand its geographic footprint and complement its existing Minnesota facility with enhanced printing, mailing, distribution, and logistics capabilities that enable faster speed to market. “Direct mail is the fastest-growing segment of our business,” said CEO Mike Ertel. “The addition of an East Coast facility strengthens our already best-in-class platform with improved cycle time, which is integral to our end-to-end direct marketing solution.” The dual facilities will also increase Nahan’s overall print and mailing capacity to support the growing needs of its expanding customer base. The former Intellus facility, located in Montgomeryville, Pa., is equipped with a high-speed direct mail production platform which enables high volume execution of direct mail campaigns.
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Mondi acquires production assets of Lafarge Cement Egypt to strengthen its position in the region

Mondi Paper Bags, part of Mondi Group, a leading global packaging and paper manufacturer, has acquired the paper bag converting lines from National Bag and Egypt Sack, two subsidiaries of Lafarge Cement Egypt, a major cement producer in the country. The acquired production lines will increase Mondi’s capacity by around 150-180 million bags annually and strengthen Mondi's position in the Egyptian paper bag market. Mondi Paper Bags already operates two plants in Egypt and with this acquisition will become a key supplier of paper bags to Lafarge Cement Egypt. "Lafarge Cement Egypt is part of leading global building material company Holcim Group who has been a key global customer of Mondi Paper Bags for years. We are excited to have signed a long-term supply agreement with Lafarge Cement Egypt and to servicing them locally in Egypt. The collaboration will offer Lafarge access to our latest innovations, industry expertise, strong plant network and customer service. Thanks to Mondi’s vertical integration, Lafarge will further benefit from our high quality Kraft paper." Claudio Fedalto, Chief Operating Officer of Mondi Paper Bags
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Kohl’s Sends Letter to Shareholders Highlighting Strong Board

Kohl’s Corporation mailed a letter to shareholders detailing their highly qualified Board of Directors that has the necessary skills to oversee Kohl’s evolving strategy. Kohl’s urges shareholders to protect the value of their investment by voting the BLUE proxy card today FOR ALL 13 of Kohl’s highly qualified nominees. The Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) is scheduled to be held on May 11, 2022. Kohl’s shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 7, 2022 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
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Conciliator submits settlement proposals for UPM Specialty Papers and UPM Raflatac

Conciliator Leo Suomaa has submitted proposals for UPM Specialty Papers and UPM Raflatac in the collective labour negotiations with the Paperworkers’ Union. The conciliator has asked the parties to state their position on the proposals by 14 April 2022 at 10:00 EEST, which is also the deadline for the settlement proposal for UPM Pulp, given earlier by the conciliator. In the meanwhile, conciliation will continue between the Union and UPM Biofuels. The conciliation for UPM Communication Papers was interrupted last weekend, and no further meetings have been agreed. "I am pleased that the negotiations have reached a point where conciliation settlements are presented. I hope agreements will be reached soon, and we get to start the mills", says Riitta Savonlahti, Executive Vice President, Human Resources at UPM.
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HH Global awarded a multi-year contract with Samsung to support artworking services across the UK and Ireland.

HH Global are pleased to announce that we have been awarded a multi-year contract with Samsung to provide artworking services across the UK and Ireland The award follows a highly competitive tender process, in which we pitched directly against multiple agencies to provide a solution for Samsung’s studio and artworking requirements. Feedback from Samsung confirms that our solution, presentation, and creative delivery was superior to all other agencies invited to bid.
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Sonoco Announces Senior Leadership Promotions

Sonoco announced promotions among its senior operational leadership which are aligned with the Company’s strategy to simplify its operating structure to improve efficiency and effectiveness, according to Howard Coker, President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointments are effective immediately. Rodger Fuller has been named Chief Operating Officer, continuing to report to Coker. Sean Cairns has been named President of Sonoco’s Global Rigid Paper and Closures organization, including operations in Americas, Europe and Asia, reporting to Fuller. James Harrell has been named President of Global Industrial Paper Packaging, reporting to Fuller, and has responsibility for all of Sonoco’s Industrial businesses globally. Also reporting to Fuller is Russell Grissett, who will continue to lead Sonoco’s Global Flexible Packaging business as President and has more than 28 years of operating and commercial leadership with Sonoco’s Consumer businesses. Jeff Tomaszewski has been named President of Sonoco’s Diversified Businesses, reporting to Coker.
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Amcor increases use of advance recycling materials leveraging ExxonMobil’s Exxtend™ technology

Amcor announced it is the first company to purchase certified circular polyethylene material using ExxonMobil’s Exxtend™ technology for advanced recycling. Amcor will leverage this new material across its global portfolio, providing customers in healthcare and food industries with more recycled content in a variety of solutions and applications. Increasing the use of advance recycling materials, such as circular polymers, is one way Amcor is meeting its sustainability pledge to develop all of its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025. The use of these materials will significantly add to the 113,000 metric tons of recycled material Amcor used in its packaging in fiscal year 2021. The technology behind advance recycling materials allows plastic waste to be converted into brand new products that are no different in quality and performance from ones made with virgin raw materials, providing customers peace of mind and the benefit of increasing the use of recycled content in their packaging.
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TC Transcontinental condemns a City of Montreal regulation which would put an end to the Publisac

TC Transcontinental, owner of the Publisac, reacts to the City of Montreal’s announcement of its intention to implement an opt-in system for the distribution of flyers beginning in May 2023, that would lead to the end of the distribution of the Publisac on its territory. As already indicated by TC Transcontinental, an opt-in model is unsustainable because of its complexity and the prohibitive costs it would generate. "In the current inflationary context, and at a time when the population is facing an unprecedented rise in prices, the social and economic relevance of the Publisac is greater than ever," said Patrick Brayley, Senior Vice-President of the Distribution Group of TC Transcontinental. Indeed, the Publisac, in addition to giving consumers access to discounts, distributes local newspapers at an advantageous cost, helps merchants to attract customers and compete against the giants of e-commerce, and supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs. We intend to assert our rights and those of our customers if necessary."
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Koehler Paper Introduces Sustainable Blue4est® Pro Label

The new product Blue4est® Pro of the Thermal Paper division is a paper-based label material that is also known as facestock. It is being used for the new generation of environmentally friendly labels because it is produced without chemical developers. This means that it can be disposed of as wastepaper and is also approved for direct contact with food. As with the Blue4est® POS till receipt, the Blue4est® Pro self-adhesive label can be instantly recognized by consumers as environmentally friendly by its blue color. The partnership between Koehler Paper and HERMA has given rise to the world’s first, and as yet only, thermal adhesive material without chemical developers. This is yet another example of outstanding development work by the Koehler Innovation & Technology division of the Koehler Group at the headquarters in Oberkirch, Germany.
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ACMA National Forum Returns to Washington: Registration & Agenda Now Available

We're excited to formally open up registration and make the complete agenda available for the 15th Annual National Forum in Washington June 13-15, 2022. Please see the links below. In brief, here are some reasons you can't afford to miss this event: • Consumer privacy legislation continues to pop up state by state. • The Supreme Court's decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair was four years ago, but the aftereffects continue to hinder many e-commerce and catalog businesses and it’s getting worse. • Heavy focus on the significant Supply Chain Challenges. • After years of aggressive lobbying by the ACMA, the recent passage of the Postal Service Reform Act is a great first step toward ensuring your future ability to use the mail to promote your business but that alone is not enough. And More! Conference Registration - First Come First Served at https://catalogmailers.org/product/15th-annual-national-catalog-forum-registration-page/
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USPS Reports Best Consecutive Quarterly Performance For Marketing Mail

The United States Postal Service reported new delivery performance metrics for the fiscal second quarter dating through the month of March. Through the second quarter, the average time for delivery of a mailpiece across the postal network was 2.7 days. First-Class Mail performance showed steady improvements over the past five consecutive weeks, reaching 93.9 percent for the week ending April 1. The latest performance scores for Marketing Mail reflect the two best consecutive quarters since measurement began in FY 2011. Second quarter service performance scores covering Jan.1 through April 1 included: *First-Class Mail: 87.9 percent of First-Class Mail delivered on time against the USPS service standard, a decrease of 1.3 percentage points from the fiscal first quarter. *Marketing Mail: 92.6 percent of Marketing Mail deliver ed on time against the USPS service standard, consistent with performance from the fiscal first quarter.*Periodicals: 81.9 percent of Periodicals delivered on time against the USPS service standard, an improvement of 1 percentage point performance from the fiscal first quarter.
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The Book Sales Boom Has Ended (publishersweekly.com)

Unit sales of print books fell 8.9% in the first quarter, which ended April 2, from the same period in 2021, at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. The decline was expected, as first-quarter sales in 2021 soared 29.2% over the first period in 2020. Unit sales were 183.9 million in the most recent quarter, down from 201.9 million a year ago, but they were still up about 16% over the first quarter of 2020, when sales began to soften due to pandemic-related lockdowns. The only category to post a meaningful increase in the quarter was adult fiction. Colleen Hoover and fellow BookTok favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid were the big winners. Hoover’s It Ends with Us sold more than 400,000 copies in the first quarter, making it #1 on the category list, while Verity, with 312,000 copies sold, and Reminders of Him, with about 235,000 copies sold, were in second and fifth place, respectively, on the adult fiction chart.
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Public Consultation: Small changes process to amend four International Generic Indicators (IGI)

The ‘small changes’ process mandated by the FSC Board of Directors at their 86th Meeting aims to improve aspects of gender inclusiveness and the glossary of terms by revising four International Generic Indicators (IGI) in the FSC-STD-60-004 V2-0 EN. For this purpose, an internal technical working group (I-TWG) was appointed in FSC’s Performance and Standards Unit (PSU) in October 2021 to propose draft revised IGI (1.6.4, 4.6.4, 2.2.3 and 2.2.5) and to define a new glossary term. ‘Small changes’ are defined as the revision or addition of one or two requirements. PSU is following Clause 2.2 in Annex 4 of FSC-PRO-01-001 Development and Revision of FSC Normative Documents to conduct this process. FSC is now inviting you to support the process by submitting your feedback through 11 May 2022. The public consultation can be accessed here.
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