Third Quarter Financial Results Highlights: *Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") from ongoing operations for Aluminum Extrusions of $16.5 million was $0.1 million higher than the third quarter of 2019 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for PE Films of $6.0 million was $4.2 million lower than the third quarter of 2019 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for Flexible Packaging Films of $9.5 million was $5.2 million higher than the third quarter of 2019

TC Transcontinental Packaging is pleased to announce the launch of IntegrititeTM 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) collation shrink film. The new packaging can be found in the AHA® Sparkling Water printed case wrap appearing on select Sam’s and BJ's Club Store shelves this Fall in Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Indiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Delaware. IntegrititeTM PCR collation shrink film includes 30% of post-consumer plastic resin transformed into a recyclable resource. “Our R&D team has crafted a collation shrink film that is itself recyclable at store drop off locations and contains PCR without sacrificing performance, strength and durability,” said Alex Hayden, Senior Vice President, R&D and Sustainability, at TC Transcontinental Packaging. “We are proud to support The Coca-Cola Company in sourcing flexible packaging with recycled content, to contribute to the establishment of a circular economy for plastics, and to meet our shared Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment signatory vision of a future whereby plastic never becomes waste.”

From takeout food to online shopping, more people are leveraging the safety and convenience of ordering online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As unprecedented as this moment in time is, consumers’ shifting purchasing habits have a silver lining—people are paying more attention to the sustainability of product packaging. While the pandemic has compounded an environmental crisis, consumers are paying attention to issues of sustainability in a different way and prioritizing the need for greater packaging sustainability. As we navigate this “new normal,” our awareness of just how much we are consuming has sharpened our focus on the need to advance toward a circular economy for a more sustainable world. In navigating the road to greater sustainability in packaging, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Companies and customers must have access to a variety of solutions and be provided with multiple opportunities to make more sustainable choices. How do we gain traction on our journey toward a more circular economy? In a word: collaboration.

Smurfit Kappa has today announced new targets to further reduce its fossil CO2 emissions, including its ambition to reach at least net zero emissions by 2050. It has also increased its existing intermediate 2030 CO2 reduction target by 15 percentage points to 55%, in comparison to the 2005 baseline. The company will have these targets validated by the Science Based Target initiative as being in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Smurfit Kappa has been a market leader in sustainability since 2005. Before today’s announcement, the company had already achieved a reduction in CO2 emission intensity of 32.9% on its 2030 target of a 40% reduction. This impressive achievement has resulted from the successful implementation of key projects that form part of the company’s medium-term strategic plan. One such project was the installation of an industry-leading recovery boiler at the company’s Nettingsdorf Paper Mill in Austria which began operating in June of this year. The new boiler is set to cut CO2 emissions by an additional 40,000 tonnes, which translates into an additional 1.5% reduction in CO2 emissions across the business.

Branded, wood fibre-based, easy-to-recycle cups manufactured from Kotkamills’ board are now used by Bentley Suomi. The tailor-made cups commemorate the luxury brand’s more than 100-year history. The history of Kotkamills, a specialist in wood-based consumer packaging, goes back even further: it will soon be 150 years since the sawmill was established. In addition to a long history, Kotkamills and Bentley are united by a strong commitment to building a more sustainable future – without compromising quality. The wood-based products are driving Bentley Suomi to the forefront of sustainable luxury. The high-quality branded cups reflect the sustainable and innovative use of natural resources, and they are safe to use and easy to recycle.

Highlights - Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 • GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of 12.6 cents per share, up 207%; • Adjusted EPS of 15.8 cents per share, up 20% in constant currency terms; • Adjusted EBIT of $358 million, up 9% in constant currency terms; • Bemis acquisition synergies of $20 million delivered in Q1. $100 million delivered on a transaction to date basis; • Quarterly dividend increased to 11.75 cents per share; • $150 million share buy-back announced today, funded by divestment proceeds; and • Fiscal 2021 outlook for adjusted EPS growth raised to 7-12% in constant currency terms (previously 5-10%).

Sonoco ThermoSafe announced the launch of its new EOS™ line of fully curbside recyclable temperature controlled packaging in the U.S. EOS was created to give concerned life science and perishable clients a truly curbside recyclable system from a trusted provider. Several competing insulated packaging products claim curbside recyclability but use inner pellets, panels and liner coatings that can’t be separated or sorted and become unrecyclable as-is at Municipal Recycling Facilities (MRFs). As one of the largest recyclers in the U.S., Sonoco has deep expertise in both recycling technology and regulatory requirements. Prior to launching EOS, Sonoco ThermoSafe conducted substantial internal and third party university testing on its components affirming EOS’ curbside recyclability as is.

Pregis has acquired Technical Machinery Solutions (TMS), Elk Grove Village, Illinois from its privately-held owners. The acquisition also includes the Graphic Innovators business. Most recently, the company has gained attention for the equipment it has engineered which is thought to be the first used to produce a lightweight, curbside recyclable all-paper mailer. Branded the TMS Eco Mailer™, these cushioned mailers provide great protection with circularity in mind and can be recycled in all-paper recovery systems. As a result, they are the ideal solution for both consumers and brand owners seeking to meet environmental objectives.

Mondi, a leading global packaging and paper manufacturer, and Fiorini International, a leading Italian packaging converter, have developed Italy’s first 100% recyclable paper rice bag for Italian rice producer Riseria Vignola Giovanni. Made of Mondi Advantage Smooth White Strong paper, the new ‘Rice Bag’ will support Vignola’s sustainability aims to reduce use of plastic packaging. The 'Rice Bag' was designed as part of Mondi’s customer-centric EcoSolutions approach to help customers achieve their sustainability goals while meeting technical requirements such as food shelf life preservation and regulations. Vignola showed a clear commitment to use more environmentally sustainable packaging with their purchase of a new form-fill-seal machine suitable for paper-based bags. "Our fifth-generation family company has long been an innovator in Italy. In 1971, we were one of the first to pack rice in cardboard boxes, and in the 1980s we were among the first to adopt the vacuum packaging system. Now we are pleased to be leading the market once again with this fully recyclable paper rice bag for our 500g and one kilo packages, giving consumers the sustainable, recyclable packaging they increasingly prefer." Giovanni Vignola, Managing Director, Vignola

The Mayr-Melnhof Group is strengthening the Neupack folding box production at the Hirschwang site in Austria with an extensive future-oriented program. An investment plan of EUR 18 million in buildings and machines is intended to significantly increase the international competitiveness of the location in the growth markets of e-commerce packaging and high-quality printed consumer goods packaging in ultra-fine wave (microwave) for products such as food, pet food and electrical household appliances. In addition to the construction of an enlarged production and warehouse hall, investments are made in new printing technology, punching capacities as well as state-of-the-art automation and infrastructure. The aim is to lead Neupack Hirschwang into the future with bundled forces and an attractive range of products with good earnings. This makes the folding box factory a sustainable employer in the region with currently 215 employees.

The Alloyd Division of Sonoco introduced its new, patent pending, roll-feed, cut and seal machine for medical packaging applications that use Tyvek. This innovative, integrated machine brings automation to the production environment, helping to create a faster, more efficient production system for sealing Tyvek-based packaging. It makes for a versatile addition to the existing line of Aergo 2 and Aergo 2 Plus heat sealing machines. “Any time you can increase speeds, seal quality and seal accuracy, while also reducing material scrap and tooling costs, it’s a win, win, win,” said Jim Lassiter, Sonoco segment vice president, Global Plastics. “Precision and performance are so critical in medical packaging where there is very little, if any, room for error. The fact that the addition of this machine to the production process is able to dramatically reduce, or in some cases, completely eliminate operator error, delivers peace of mind for customers because they can have greater confidence in the performance of their final package.”

Leading European thermoforming packaging specialists Waddington Europe, a division of Novolex®, announced today the launch of two food packaging material options made of 100% recycled plastic that are also 100% recyclable. This represents a best in class “circular” packaging option for the food manufacturing and retail sectors. With sustainability and the environmental impact of packaging increasingly a priority for the end consumer, Waddington Europe’s in-house Innovation team have introduced the Eco Blend™ Pura and Eco Blend™ 100 products made with 100% recycled materials as competitive and cost effective options to customers.

First Nine Months Overview: *Third quarter performance ahead of our expectations *Revenue of €6,312 million for the nine months *EBITDA of €1,125 million for the nine months *EBITDA Margin of 17.8% for the nine months *Second interim dividend at 27.9 cent per share

Sonoco ThermoSafe announced that AirBridge Cargo Airlines has signed a Master Lease Agreement (MLA) to offer ThermoSafe’s new Pegasus ULD™ bulk temperature controlled container directly to its clients. The Pegasus ULD™ is the world’s first passive bulk temperature-controlled container for pharmaceutical use that is an FAA-approved unit load device, which allows it to speed through existing international ground handling and customs processes at the lowest possible cost.

Tredegar Corporation announced that it has completed the previously announced sale of its personal care films (“Personal Care Films”) business to affiliates of Fitesa S.A. Commenting on the sale, John Steitz, Tredegar’s president and chief executive officer said, “We believe that in combination with Fitesa, a worldwide leader in nonwoven fabrics, Tredegar’s former personal care business will have improved opportunities for growth.” Cash proceeds from the sale net of transaction costs, purchase price adjustments and transition services are estimated at $45 to $50 million. Net cash income tax costs or benefits relating to the transaction are expected to be negligible. The transaction excludes the packaging film lines and related operations located at the Pottsville, Pennsylvania manufacturing site (“Pottsville Packaging”), which will now be reported within the Surface Protection component of PE Films.

Ox Industries has announced it is opening a new converting operation in Sturgis Michigan. The new plant will expand Ox’s geographic reach for converted products in the Midwest. The facility will be approximately 150,000 square feet of production and warehouse space and house two fully automatic high-speed protective packaging and tube and core lines from TCM Solutions, as well as a new high speed “SheetRunner” paperboard sheeter from BW Paper Systems. The facility will be vertically integrated within the Ox paper mill network and operational in the first quarter of 2021. Ox expects the project will create up to 50 new jobs.

As an $18 billion-dollar global company, WestRock understands the important role it can play in driving greater sustainability in the packaging industry, for — and with — its customers. It does this by providing customers with a portfolio of sustainable fiber-based packaging options and working with them to create tailored sustainable packaging solutions to meet their individual sustainability needs. Every day, WestRock’s fiber-based packaging solutions deliver vital products to millions of customers, and the company is proud of the pivotal role it has played during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring consumers receive much-needed items when they need them the most.

Sustainable recycling management is becoming increasingly important in trade and industry. Colorful recycled paper from Koehler makes PresentFill® boxes and fill material more environmentally friendly. A product’s packaging is crucial for 70 percent of consumers in their decision to buy. The circular economy is thus increasingly becoming a strategic topic in the sustainability efforts of trade and industry. In addition to transport containers, packaging includes fill material to protect the packed goods. The fact that packaging is increasingly being considered with regard to environmental protection and recyclability has been conducive to the success of the Bavarian company PresentFill®. Company founder Gerald Göbel started producing filling and padding material in 2013. The “raw material” in the form of recycled paper has been delivered ever since by the Koehler Paper Group from their factory in Greiz, Thuringia. There, the family company produces recycled paper from 100% secondary fiber material, proving, through the use of brilliant colors, that sustainability can be colorful.

Finnish packaging manufacturers PackageMedia and Starcke have been awarded for their innovative products packaged in Kotkamills’ board material. Designed by PackageMedia, the Fazer Domino campaign packaging has received a ScanStar Award. The primary judging criteria of the pan-Nordic packaging competition, organised by the Scandinavian Packaging Association, were innovativeness of the idea, protective properties of the packaging, price, design, and user and environmental friendliness. The awarded Domino campaign skilfully used appealing images submitted by consumers. To delight consumers, digital technology was used to print a total of 1,200 different images on cookie packages made from Kotkamills’ AEGLE® Pro board. The good printability and excellent stiffness of AEGLE® Pro ensured the high-end result.

Third Quarter 2020 Summary: *Reported sales increased 8%, including positive effects of currency translation rates and recent acquisitions, and core sales increased 2% *Strong reported and core growth in our Pharma segment *Core sales growth in the food, personal care and home care markets *Recent acquisitions are performing well *Reported earnings per share totaled $0.95 (an increase of 12% compared to the prior year) *Reported net income totaled $64 million (an increase of 12% compared to the prior year) *Cash flow from operations was $381 million in the first nine months of 2020 (a slight increase over the prior year)

January–September 2020 (compared to 1–9/2019) •Sales were EUR 1,416.4 million (1,453.4). •Comparable operating result was EUR 156.7 million (145.3) or 11.1% (10.0%) of sales. Operating result was EUR 162.7 million (160.8). •Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.33 (0.32), and earnings per share were EUR 0.34 (0.36). •Comparable return on capital employed was 11.8% ( 11.0%). •Net cash flow from operations was EUR 226.7 million (110.9). July–September 2020 (compared to 7–9/2019) • Sales were EUR 471.2 million (489.2). •Comparable operating result was EUR 62.5 million (42.5), or 13.3% (8.7%) of sales. Operating result was EUR 62.5 million (42.5). •Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.13 (0.09), and earnings per share were EUR 0.13 (0.09). •Comparable return on capital employed was 14.3% (9.7%). •Net cash flow from operations was EUR 74.4 million (43.8).

To offer our customers a full portfolio of packaging papers, UPM Specialty Papers has launched UPM SolideTM, a family of kraft papers that feature a versatile combination of strength as well as converting properties. All grades in the portfolio offer excellent printability to maximise the shelf impact of packaging. All papers in the UPM SolideTM family are recyclable in regular paper recycling stream. The UPM Solide portfolio offers a broad range of kraft papers to choose from, with substance ranging from 45 g/m2 up to 90 g/m2. Samples and trial reels of the UPM Solide portfolio are available. UPM SolideTM combines high strength and good printability. UPM SolideTM Smooth offers high printability with good strength. Excellent choice when you need the visuals of your product to make an impact. UPM SolideTM Strong offers excellent strength and good printability. The paper is free from optical brighteners, making it an excellent choice when you are looking to convey your natural image. UPM SolideTM Lucent is a natural white translucent paper with high strength properties. The smooth surface offers good printability and convertability.

The latest industry studies estimate that as much as half of all food produced globally for human consumption is wasted every year. That is a staggering figure, particularly considering that around one in nine people on the earth do not have enough food to live a healthy life. Couple this with estimates that the global population will reach close to 9 billion people by 2050, and the need to reduce food waste to ease the strain on resources and agricultural land is more vital than ever. To look at where we can make a difference, we must first look at the food value chain. There are five steps in the process: production, handling and storage, processing and packaging, distribution and market and consumption. Emerging economies waste 40% of food during the first two steps of the value chain, while mature economies waste 40% of food during the last two steps. Processing and packaging lies in the middle of the value chain and has the potential to make an impact on both sides of the economic divide.

KeelClip™ and PaperSeal®, two award-winning packaging innovations from fiber-based packaging solutions leader Graphic Packaging International (Graphic Packaging), are being recognized again, this time at the at the Institute of Packaging Professionals' 2020 AmeriStar Packaging Awards. KeelClip, a replacement solution for plastic rings and shrink wrap on multipack cans, gathered the top awards in both sustainability and the beverages/alcoholic drinks category. PaperSeal tray, an alternative to modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum skin packaging, received the top award in the food/refrigerated category.

Net sales of $1.2 billion increased 2% as reported. Currency had a negative impact on total net sales of $12 million or approximately 1%. Net earnings were $132 million, or $0.85 per diluted share. Special Items, which were largely due to one-time net tax related benefits, contributed $5 million to net earnings. This compares to third quarter 2019 net earnings of $80 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, which were unfavorably impacted by $20 million of Special Items, including restructuring and restructuring associated costs of $15 million, net of tax.

Consider millennials as the poster children for sustainability. They’re the ones toting reusable fabric bags at your local farmer’s market and driving hybrid vehicles around town. If you think about it, it’s no surprise: they learned from the Greatest Generation, who founded Earth Day and turned environmentalism into actionable steps to preserve the planet. As millennials grab the environmentalism baton, their spending habits are expected to match their commitment to the planet. For example, one survey found that 75 percent of millennials look for and spend money on sustainable food products versus just 34 percent of Baby Boomers. As millennials spend serious cash on sustainable products across all industries — from food to cleaning supplies to wellness products — companies are quickly introducing products that appeal to their desire to protect the environment.

Net sales in the third quarter of 2020 were $1.6 billion compared to $1.7 billion in the prior year as net sales declined $76 million attributed to the divestment of ANZ. After adjusting for the sale of ANZ, average selling prices improved nearly 1 percent and increased revenue $12 million. Shipments increased 1.7 percent in tons, or $24 million, while unfavorable foreign currency translation reduced net sales by $11 million. Segment operating profit1 was $204 million in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $206 million in the prior year. Higher shipments benefited segment operating profit by $10 million. Cost inflation, which was elevated due to foreign currency pressures, more than offset the benefit of higher selling prices by $4 million. Operating costs were $6 million higher than the prior year as improved operating performance and cost control efforts substantially offset the impact of lower production levels. Current year profits were unfavorably impacted by the net effect of favorable foreign currency translation and the sale of ANZ.

Packaging Corporation of America reported third quarter 2020 net income of $139 million, or $1.46 per share, and net income of $149 million, or $1.57 per share, excluding special items. Third quarter net sales were $1.69 billion in 2020 and $1.75 billion in 2019. Excluding special items, the ($.35) per share decrease in third quarter 2020 earnings compared to the third quarter of 2019 was driven primarily by lower prices and mix in our Packaging segment ($.36) and Paper segment ($.07), lower volumes in our Paper segment ($.33), higher scheduled maintenance outage costs ($.04), and higher freight expense ($.02). These items were partially offset by higher volumes in our Packaging segment $.22, lower operating costs $.20, and lower converting $.04 and other costs $.01.

DS Smith Tecnicarton has received the Liderpack Award in the category 'best logistics and distribution packaging' for its latest innovative design, a telescopic lid valid for different packaging lengths. The system is made up of two joined sections and is equipped with several side tabs whose locking at different lengths allows the lid to be lengthened and shrunk and adapted to different dimensions. In this way, with a single element, multiple packaging references can be covered, which optimises storage space, promotes the reduction of stock costs and simplifies reference management.

Sustainable packaging, which means replacing plastic with paper wherever possible, is not just a question of material availability. While flexible packaging paper may well be threatening to displace plastic packaging, both materials still have to share the same machines for the time being. Questions concerning changeover times and even machine conversions and, above all, process reliability in processing are therefore of primary importance for machine operators. Eckard Kallies, Head of the Flexible Packaging Paper Division at the Koehler Paper Group, explains: "We know just how much pressure the consumer is exerting when it comes to greater sustainability. As a supplier to the packaging industry, we have therefore entered into a strategic partnership with Syntegon, a globally leading processing and packaging technology provider. Although people are demanding to see an instant revolution in terms of greater sustainability, this is only possible by taking an evolutionary path. To ensure that we move step by step in the right direction, Syntegon and the Koehler Paper Group are strategically combining their knowledge."

There are more and more reasons to replace the plastic Bag for Life with one in paper when you go shopping. BillerudKorsnäs and AB Group Packaging therefore proudly present the reusable paper bag, one of the world´s strongest paper bags now available in UK Supermarkets. The secret behind the power of the Reusable Paper bag is the raw material called FibreForm®“RPET, fabric or PP reusable bags have long been available for consumers but can now be replaced by a Reusable bag made of FibreForm®, says Veronica Fylkner, Sales Manager, Formable Solutions at BillerudKorsnäs. “FibreForm® is one of the strongest kraft papers in the world. It’s been on the market for a while and we are still exploring its full potential. We see several new applications we can develop with FibreForm® and we are eager to replace less sustainable materials and solutions. It is a journey that we are pleased to be on as we can help decrease the amount of plastics and aluminium in different applications on the market” says Veronica Fylkner.

Delhaize Belgium, the leading supermarket chain, has optimized its packaging process to meet the increased demand for home deliveries in partnership with DS Smith, the leading sustainable packaging provider. By creating its new Direct Box, the retailer could reduce the CO2 emissions with more than 87 tons. Nico Buelens, Project Manager Ecommerce Operations of Delhaize explains: "The new Direct Box is an innovative reusable corrugated tray. It incorporates built-in reinforcement on the handles, thisensures an extra strong Direct Box.

ePac Flexible Packaging has announced the launch of ePacConnect. ePacConnect leverages the power of digital printing to create serialized, trackable packaging, and new ways for brands to engage consumers, gain market insights and protect their brand. ePac will offer all its customers an entry-level no-cost solution, ideal for small and medium-sized brands, as well as a fee-based solution for customers with broader requirements. ePacConnect will be piloted in Q4 2020 in the US and Europe, with a full roll-out to all ePac locations planned in early 2021. All customer orders received by ePac will include smart, serialized secure QR codes on every package or the brand can opt-out and no codes will be printed. By serializing each package it is automatically digitally enabled, given a unique digital identity, and can be “activated” at any time to give brands flexibility for how and when the codes are used.

E-commerce sales jumped a whopping 49 percent in April in response to COVID-19, and since then, online retailers have been scrambling to keep up with the increased demand in shipments. In addition to using more boxes or bags, there is also more in-the-box protection used to make sure the package contents make it safely to its destination. If the materials are not properly disposed of, this additional packaging may lead to a rise in consumer waste. In spite of all this increased consumption, online shoppers still care about the environmental impact of their purchases. In a recent survey, 83 percent of consumers said they considered the environment at the checkout screen, including the excessive waste it might be generating, and the increase in their carbon footprint. In that same study, 78 percent of respondents said that companies could be doing more to mitigate packaging waste. More and more brands are becoming conscious about their impact on the environment. Eco-friendly products in fashion, personal care, and other sectors have been popular for years. But now those same values are being extended to their packaging and fulfillment strategies, and mainstream companies are joining them. Here are 7 brands using sustainable packaging to make a lasting impact on consumers: click read more below

Encase operates two integrated corrugated packaging plants in England and one sheet plant in Scotland. VPK will merge Encase with its UK corrugated operations, formerly known as Rigid Containers. The combined businesses are expected to achieve yearly sales of more than £200m in corrugated packaging and sheets. All six corrugators combine a yearly containerboard consumption of 300,000 tons, which represents a major part of the non-integrated recycled containerboard consumption in UK.

O-I Glass, Inc. and Germany’s Krones AG signed a strategic collaboration agreement that aims to elevate glass by innovating together and to jointly create solutions for the growing glass market. “For O-I, glass is the preferred packaging solution in a world that increasingly values health, premium products and the environment. Not only does it maintain the integrity of the products and protects the environment, as customers and consumers intend, but it also offers magnificent opportunities for establishing brands and implementing sustainable solutions,” explains Andres Lopez, President and CEO at O-I. “This agreement is the first step that O-I and Krones are taking together in order to offer clients completely integrated, end-to-end solutions in the future.” Focus areas include improvements in glass filling and packaging line speed and efficiency; enhanced agility and flexibility of responding to market trends; development of innovative and sustainable glass systems; and advancements in digital solutions such as direct-to-glass digital printing technology.

Q3 2020 in brief • Net sales decreased 1% to EUR 847 million (EUR 855 million) • Adjusted EBIT was EUR 86 million (EUR 72 million); reported EBIT was EUR 65 million (EUR 68 million) • Adjusted EPS was EUR 0.56 (EUR 0.45); reported EPS was EUR 0.43 (EUR 0.41) • Comparable net sales growth was 2% at Group level and -2% in emerging markets. Q1-Q3 2020 in brief: • Net sales decreased 1% to EUR 2,489 million (EUR 2,524 million) • Adjusted EBIT was EUR 229 million (EUR 218 million); reported EBIT was EUR 217 million (EUR 213 million) • Adjusted EPS was EUR 1.46 (EUR 1.40) reported EPS was EUR 1.40 (EUR 1.36) • Comparable net sales growth was -1% at Group level and -6% in emerging markets

Net sales for the third quarter of 2020 were $1.31 billion, down 3.1 percent from last year's third quarter sales of $1.35 billion. The sales decline was driven by lower volume/mix, a stronger U.S. dollar and lower selling prices. These negative impacts were partially offset by sales added from acquisitions. GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco in the third quarter was $83.4 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, a decrease of $8.6 million, compared with $92.1 million, or $0.91 per diluted share, in 2019. Gross profit was $257.0 million in the third quarter compared to $265.5 million in the same period in 2019. Quarterly gross profit as a percentage of sales was essentially flat year over year at 19.6 percent. Third-quarter selling, general and administrative expenses increased $5.8 million from the prior year to $126.1 million.

Key highlights: *Stable sales volumes despite challenging markets *Successfully accomplished maintenance shutdowns *Accelerated delivery of the cost and efficiency programme *Strong operating cash flow generation *Recyclable Flow Wrap launched. Quarterly data: *Net sales declined by 5% to SEK 5 561 million (5 833). Excluding currency effects sales declined by 3% *Operating profit was SEK 86 million (149) *Net profit from continuing operations was SEK 52 million (77) *Earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.25 (27.83)**

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, announced the continued growth of its membership, adding 21 new companies this Fall, bringing active membership to 943. “The addition of 21 new members demonstrates confidence in PMMI’s ability to provide timely resources that drive the packaging and processing industry forward. We are committed to adding value to our members’ businesses so they can stay competitive and adjust to our constantly changing climate,” says Glen Long, senior vice president, PMMI. “Now more than ever, we are excited about our growth and look forward to continuing to support our membership.”

Silgan Holdings Inc. reported record third quarter 2020 net income of $112.9 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, as compared to third quarter 2019 net income of $81.3 million, or $0.73 per diluted share. Net sales for the third quarter of 2020 were $1.49 billion, an increase of $167.2 million, or 12.7 percent, as compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was the result of higher net sales in all of the businesses. Income before interest and income taxes for the third quarter of 2020 was $174.0 million, an increase of $41.3 million as compared to $132.7 million for the third quarter of 2019, and margins increased to 11.7 percent from 10.0 percent for the same periods. The increase in income before interest and income taxes was the result of higher income in each of the businesses. Rationalization charges were $2.5 million and $3.2 million for the third quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively, and acquisition related costs were $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2020.

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

Q3 2020 Highlights: *Net Sales were $1,697.7 million versus $1,581.6 million in the prior year period. *Net organic sales increased 4.2% in the quarter and increased 3.5% for the first nine months of 2020 versus the prior year period. *Net Income was $63.7 million versus $52.1 million in the prior year period. *Global liquidity was $1,557.1 million at quarter end. *Returned $366.7 million to stakeholders in share repurchases, dividends, partnership distributions and redemptions; included $89.9 million in common shares repurchased during the quarter.

Graphic Packaging International earned a noteworthy number of awards at the 2020 Paperboard Packaging Council's carton competition, including the top honor, Paperboard Package of the Year, in addition to the Innovation, Sustainability and Folding Carton of the Year awards. KeelClip™ is the winner of two top accolades: Paperboard Package of the Year and the Innovation award. KeelClip is a unique paperboard design that not only replaces plastic rings, top clips and shrink wrap multipacks for cans; it also offers merchandising benefits that similar beverage packaging does not. The concept combines an efficient paperboard clip with the benefits of a stabilizing 'keel' structure to strengthen the top panel and optimize clip performance. KeelClip works with the widest range of cans and multi-count configurations and at the speeds required by large beverage operations, allowing brand owners to present a premium and sustainable image with a billboard for branding and can orientation. The award affirms the company's approach to creating innovative packaging solutions that helps brands achieve sustainability goals and meet consumer demand for packaging made from renewable materials.

There has been a surge in consumer demand for Bag-in-Box wines in the current year according to new data, partially caused by changing behaviours due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Research by packaging leader Smurfit Kappa in collaboration with Wine Intelligence found that Bag-in-Box wine attracted 3.7 million new consumers in France and the UK during the past six months. The survey analysed the behaviour of monthly wine drinkers in France and the UK, who have increasingly moved to drinking and entertaining at home due to the restrictions of the pandemic. France is the biggest market for Bag-in-Box wine and the UK is currently one of the fastest growing. Consumers noted freedom of consumption, ease of transport and value for money as the main motivations when purchasing Bag-in-Box wines. Other benefits of Bag-in-Box wine include its ability to preserve wine for up to 6-8 weeks after opening compared to 2-3 days in a glass bottle, and its lower carbon footprint.

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 November 16, 2020. Sonoco cited significantly longer backlogs at its mills along with continuing inflation of input costs, especially freight and papermaking chemicals as the drivers for this pricing action.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in September increased 14 percent compared to September 2019. They were up four percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. The operating rate was 92.3 percent, up 6.7 points from September 2019 and essentially flat (-0.1 pts.) year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of September decreased 3,000 short tons from the previous month, and were up 12,000 short tons compared to September 2019.

Total Containerboard production in September increased four percent compared to September 2019. It was up four percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. September 2020 production of containerboard for export decreased 12 percent compared to the same month last year; it was up 19 percent year-to-date. The containerboard operating rate was 95.9 percent, up 3.7 points from September 2019 and up 2.8 points year-to-date. Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of September decreased 67,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 25,000 short tons compared to September 2019.

Total Boxboard production in September decreased six percent compared to September 2019. It was down three percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. The boxboard operating rate was 88.3 percent, down 3.6 points from September 2019 and down 0.8 points year-to-date. Solid Bleached Boxboard production in September decreased 11 percent compared to September 2019. It was down six percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. Recycled Boxboard production in September decreased one percent compared to September 2019. It was down two percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019. Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum production in September decreased four percent compared to September 2019. It was down one percent when compared to the same nine months of 2019.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Segezha Pulp and Paper Mill, a member of the Segezha Group (part of PJSC Sistema), to supply stock preparation equipment for its mill in Segezha, Republic of Karelia, Russia. Start-up is scheduled for the beginning of 2021. The new system will feature a capacity of 350 bdmt/d and process bleached market pulp bales to produce a new final product – white high-porosity sack paper. The scope of supply comprises the bale feeding line with a manual dewiring station, an ANDRITZ FibreSolve FSV pulper for efficient slushing, a ModuScreen CP protection screen, as well as the complete control and electrification system.

Atlantic Packaging Products Ltd. officially announced the construction of a new 100% recycled paper machine in Whitby, Ontario. The new paper machine will be Atlantic's second recycled paper machine in Whitby, and is being built adjacent to their current machine which has been operational since the 1990s. The new machine will be one of the most technologically advanced machines in North America producing 400,000 tons per annum of high performance light weight medium and liner. Production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2022.

Evergreen Packaging®, a global leader in plant-based packaging solutions today announced that Clover Sonoma, a third-generation family-owned and operated dairy, is transitioning its half-gallon organic milk to the PlantCartonTM package with RenewablePlusTM paperboard by Evergreen. “As a company, we continuously look for innovative approaches to reaching sustainability goals, and packaging is an important part of that,” said Kristel Corson, vice president of sales and marketing at Clover Sonoma. “We are the first dairy to switch to Evergreen Packaging’s fully renewable plant-based milk carton, and we chose the RenewablePlus cartons because they support responsible forest management, while utilizing less plastic, encouraging recycling, and decreasing the use of fossil fuels.” “As the world’s most trusted forest certification, the Forest Stewardship Council® demonstrates that Clover Sonoma and Evergreen Packaging are meeting the highest standards of responsible forest management,” said Chris McLaren, Chief Markets and Marketing Officer for FSC® US. Evergreen Packaging is Forest Stewardship Council certified (FSC®-C016043).

International Paper announced that it completed the previously disclosed sale of its Brazilian corrugated packaging business to Klabin S.A. The business has three containerboard mills and four box plants. The company will continue to run its papers business and forestry operations in Brazil.

ND Paper is pleased to introduce a new offering of bleached and natural kraft bag paper products manufactured at our Rumford, Maine mill. Ideal for multi-wall bags, retail bags, and converting applications, these papers range from 40 lb. to 80 lb. (3,000 ft2 basis) and are produced from 100% virgin fiber, with options for post-consumer waste content. "Combined with our 100% recycled packaging grades from our recently rebuilt B25 machine in Biron, Wisconsin, ND Paper is now able to offer a wide range of options to converters and brand owners," says Matt Stapleton, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Our kraft and recycled grades are designed to meet demanding print, converting, and sustainability requirements for a multitude of end use applications." All ND Paper packaging products are available with FSC, SFI, and PEFC chain of custody certification. These new offerings are yet another example of how ND Paper is investing to be sustainable now and for the next 100 years.

With demand increasing, Novolex® brand Shields® is stepping up production of its innovative poly mailers to help companies ship their products more reliably and securely. Manufactured in the USA, the Shields eCommerce mailer bag is durable, puncture resistant and waterproof. Its easy-to-use closure uses a secure, pressure-sensitive adhesive with an anti-static release liner. The mailer is also labeled with the How2Recycle® “store drop-off” label, which instructs consumers and businesses to bring mailers to participating retailers for recycling. “The pandemic is creating an intense need for secure poly mailers manufactured dependably in the USA,” said Martin McDonough, Vice President of Sales for Shields. “We are increasing production of our high-quality mailers so we can help as many companies as possible ship their products more reliably and securely.”

Sonoco announced it has signed an agreement to sell its Europe contract packaging business to Prairie Industries Holdings, a Wisconsin-based contract packaging and contract manufacturing firm backed by The Halifax Group, a Washington, D.C.-based global investment firm, for $120 million in cash. The transaction is subject to normal closing requirements and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2020. Sonoco’s Europe contract packaging business (Sonoco Poland Packaging Services Sp. z o.o.) produced net sales of approximately $300 million in 2019 and provides full-service custom packaging and supply chain management solutions to global consumer product goods companies through six contract packaging facilities in three locations and a warehouse all in Poland. The business is part of Sonoco’s Display and Packaging segment and has approximately 2,600 employees.

The Tetra Pak® Tubular Heat Exchanger equipment​ has become the first tubular heat exchanger to receive the EHEDG certification​ meeting the leading food safety standards in Europe, in accordance with new standards. Tubular Heat Exchangers are used for the heating and cooling of liquid food, so they are safe for consumption. The Heat Exchanger is the most critical component in a processing line as it is the hottest part during heat treatment and where fouling is most likely to occur. Therefore, innovation advances in hygienic engineering and design are key to consistently meet increasing food safety demands.

E-commerce is booming. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans spent $211.5 billion on online shopping in the second quarter of 2020, up 31.8% quarter over quarter. Every one of those orders generated a shipment. And because of shelter in place policies, there’s an increased volume in large bulky items being shipped that would normally be purchased in stores. Packaging Digest finds that, “As much as 11% of unit loads arriving at a distribution center have some level of case damage.” Transport and handling issues are certainly a cause of this, but the root of the problem often lies in insufficient packaging. Shipping oversize packages is notoriously more expensive than standard parcels, racking up surcharges and additional handling fees, not to mention more labor intensive when it comes to finding the right container and materials. Click read more below for the rest of the article

Metsä Board’s, part of Metsä Group, comparable operating result for the third quarter of 2020 is better than the company’s result guidance issued on July 30, 2020. The result guidance in Metsä Board’s January–June 2020 half-year financial report was: “Metsä Board’s comparable operating result for the third quarter of 2020 is expected to weaken compared to the second quarter of 2020.” The comparable operating result for the second quarter of 2020 was EUR 60.5 million. The comparable operating result for the third quarter of 2020 is estimated to be approximately EUR 62 million.

Metsä Board, the leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, is delighted to announce that five cartons produced using its quality paperboards were selected as winners at the 2020 European Carton Excellence Awards at a virtual ceremony organised on 7th October. Metsä Board’s paperboard was used for the winner in the category of Food & Drink Packaging, Virgin Fibre, as well as for two Platinum Award winning cartons and for two Gold Award winning cartons. “The demand for packaging continues to grow and new, sustainable solutions as well as innovations are needed to replace fossil-based materials and to ensure circularity. Sustainability has become an integral part of packaging design,” says Maarten Florizoone, Sales Director, Converters Team at Metsä Board. “I am proud that Metsä Board’s ecological and recyclable paperboards were selected by our customers and partners for the five award winning packages, and I would like to congratulate all the teams behind the winning designs.” click read more below for details

Berry Global Group, Inc. announced that it is investing in a state-of-the-art Reicofil R5 asset to provide incremental capacity to serve the fast growing Asia healthcare markets. The investment is targeted to meet forecasted market and customer growth and will be focused on high performance applications in the desired healthcare markets. The nonwovens investment supports Berry’s strategy to further its leadership position in healthcare. The new asset will be installed at Berry’s Nanhai, China, facility, which is strategically positioned to serve customers in the rapidly growing Southeast Asia region. Current projections are for startup in the September quarter of 2022. “We are committed to further partnering with our customers to pursue growth opportunities around the world. The added capacity achieved through this asset is a next step in advancing our market leading position in healthcare material solutions,” said Curt Begle, President of Berry’s Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division.

In this blog post, we look at how working with your packaging provider early in the product development process can help combat food waste. If food waste were represented as a standalone country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally after China and the U.S.1This statistic may not be well-known, but it is one we are keenly aware of at Crown. That is why we have partnered with Dr. Lilly DaGama, a food waste consultant and founder of The Food Waste Doctor, to drill down into the food waste issue and discover where metal packaging can make an impact. The value of involving packaging manufacturers early in the process – even as early as the concept phase–as opposed to the point when a product is already developed can not be underestimated. Far more can be done to ensure the package itself can make a difference in terms of food waste if this is the case, as features can be incorporated before a concept goes into production.

Greif, Inc. announced it has been awarded a Gold Rating in sustainability performance by EcoVadis for the third year in a row. EcoVadis is an independent rating agency specializing in the evaluation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), including sustainable development and performance monitoring of suppliers. This achievement places Greif among the top three percent of suppliers evaluated by EcoVadis. “We are pleased that our ongoing sustainability efforts have once again been recognized by EcoVadis with our third consecutive Gold Rating," said Pete Watson, Greif's President and Chief Executive Officer. “Greif’s commitment to sustainability is outlined in The Greif Way, is embedded in our business strategy and is critical to our customers’ success. I would like to thank our global colleagues for their continued commitment to sustainability and for their hard work to improve our performance in this key area.”

Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50/ton (USD/ST) increase on all domestic and export corrugating medium grades shipping from its Hartsville, S.C. paper mill. The prices are effective with shipments on and after November 2, 2020. According to Tim Davis, division vice president and general manager, Paper and Adhesives, U.S./Canada, Sonoco is responding to changes in market demand and extended order backlogs, in line with other North American containerboard producers.

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

Sealed Air Corporation announced a three-year partnership with Gastromotiva, a nonprofit organization based in Brazil that uses the power of gastronomy, food, and education to address social inequality, improve nutrition education, fight hunger, eliminate food waste, and create local jobs. Since 2006, Gastromotiva has served more than 500,000 meals, recovered more than 220,000 pounds of food and engaged more than 100,000 people worldwide in nutrition education. Sealed Air’s investment will empower Gastromotiva to achieve food security goals that align across three pillars: *Education: Sealed Air and Gastromotiva will co-create a global education module on sustainable packaging and food waste reduction for students to learn more about innovations that minimize food waste. *Workforce Development: Sealed Air and Gastromotiva will develop a system to connect low-income youth and other vulnerable populations with Gastromotiva partners for job opportunities and career development. *Expansion: Gastromotiva will standardize its educational methodology and develop an integrated educational platform for expansion to strategic locations in Brazil and Mexico, which will ensure vulnerable communities have access to the Gastromotiva network of NGOs and partners working to create a sustainable food system.

One of these combinations is not like the rest: Oil and water. Day and night. Protection for fragile items and eco-friendly packaging. There’s a myth that packaging a fragile item with various forms of padding isn't eco-friendly. We’re here to tell you that belief is, in fact, entirely wrong. As one out of 10 packages arrives damaged, the perceived sustainability hit from protective packaging pales in comparison to the environmental impact of returning, repackaging, and then reshipping a new product. That’s why it’s critical to securely nestle fragile goods inside their respective boxes. Think about it: all it takes is just one accidental drop to damage or completely break an item before it reaches its final destination. And the last thing you want is a customer to enthusiastically unbox brand-new champagne glasses to find a pile of shattered glass instead. No matter how delicate an item is, there are numerous eco-friendly packaging solutions to guarantee its arrival in pristine condition. Here are four eco-friendly packaging options to ensure even the most delicate items travel safely and remain intact: click read more below for the rest of the article

Cascades Inc. is pleased to announce plans to proceed with the strategic Bear Island mill conversion project located in Virginia. Subject to obtaining final permits, the currently idled newsprint machine will be converted to a 1st quartile containerboard machine capable of producing high-quality, lightweight, 100% recycled linerboard and medium for the North American market. The total cost of the Bear Island mill project will be US$380 million, which includes the initial US$35 million acquisition cost paid to White Birch Papers in 2018. The plant will have an annual production capacity of 465,000 short tons and is scheduled to start up in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Mondi has partnered with Adelaide Brighton Cement and Pope Packaging on the development of a new water-resistant paper bag called ‘Rain Barrier,’ made out of Mondi’s Advantage Protect White sack kraft paper, for the Australian construction market. Standout characteristics include its water repellent surface and high tensile strength in a wet environment. While a standard paper bag absorbs water, the qualities of the Rain Barrier bag, keeps water from seeping in, as it stays on the surface where it evaporates. The paper itself is rain resistant for up to six hours and can resist water ingress for up to five full days when stored in damp conditions.

Green Bay Packaging Inc. has acquired Third Dimension Inc., a packaging company based in Geneva, Ohio. The acquisition went into effect Oct. 1. Third Dimension is focused on corrugated packaging innovation, molded foam packaging and four-color digital printing. The company was founded in 1991 by Louis DeJesus and Jeanette DeJesus. The company has facilities in Geneva and Middlefield, Ohio, and services customers in Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky. “The acquisition of Third Dimension is a great fit for Green Bay Packaging. This acquisition gives us the opportunity to grow our business in several states,” says Will Kress, president and CEO of Green Bay Packaging. “Third Dimension has the perfect culture, workforce and strong leadership that fit the GBP model and we look forward to expanding their business and facilities.”

UPM Raflatac’s Forest Film™ label material has received the 2020 Innovation in Responsible Sourcing Award from the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC). The announcement came on Wednesday, September 30, at the SPC Innovator Awards ceremony as part of this year’s SPC Advance virtual event. Forest Film is the world’s first polypropylene film label material derived entirely from wood-based sources based on mass balance approach and brings UPM Raflatac’s vision of “labeling a smarter future beyond fossils” to life. "Forest Film deserves attention for being a notable introduction of bio-based polypropylene with a well understood feedstock and an assurance mechanism for responsible sourcing,” says Adam Gendell, Associate Director of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. "It is a significant advancement in the field of bio-based plastics, and we feel it's earned its status as the winner of Innovation in Responsible Sourcing in the 2020 SPC Innovator Awards.”

Berry Global Group, Inc. announced its Biesheim, France, facility has achieved International Sustainability and Carbon Certificate (ISCC). Berry has been awarded the certificate from SGS Germany GmbH, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing, and certification company. The certification enables the site to sell ISCC Plus certified nonwovens. “As the leading nonwovens provider globally, we continue to advance our product offerings to customers,” said Achim Schalk, EVP and General Manager, EMEIA, for the Health, Hygiene, and Specialties Division of Berry. “One of Berry’s core values is sustainability, as we know it is for many customers. With this certification, we can now offer another level of certified, sustainable nonwoven materials.” The ISCC Plus certification is validating the “mass balance system” utilization in the supply chain, tracking the quantity and sustainability characteristics of circular and/or biobased content in the value chain and attribute it based on verifiable bookkeeping with predefined and transparent rules. This certification enables customers of Berry to certify their usage of mass balance raw materials as the entire supply chain has been evaluated.

Mondi has been recognised in this year’s Austrian Green Star Packaging Awards for two recent sustainable packaging innovations developed using its customer-centric approach, EcoSolutions: PerFORMing - paper-based packaging with special barrier coating to protect cheese slices - Austria’s biggest retailer REWE worked together with Mondi to launch a more sustainable cheese tray for their organic brand Ja! Natürlich. Mondi developed a special kraft paper, Advantage Formable Brown, to replace rigid plastic trays. Its unique stretch characteristics mean it can be formed into a shallow tray enhanced with a special barrier coating. Fully recyclable thermoforming plastic film for meat - Mondi was able to reinvent packaging for Austrian meat producer Hütthaler. The packaging was designed for recycling while maintaining optimum barrier properties and replacing a previous, less sustainable, packaging.

Smurfit Kappa has extended its range of sustainable and biodegradable products for the agricultural sector with the launch of BanaBag®. BanaBag® is an innovative and sustainable product created by Smurfit Kappa to address the quality assurance needed for excellent bagging during the complete growth cycle of the banana plant. It is a unique solution for organic producers because it protects the fruit from disease and insects, whilst also reducing the overheating that can result from using other materials like plastic. The BanaBag® is made from cellulose which acts as a natural insulator to the growing bananas maintaining the quality of the product even in higher temperatures.

Cascades is launching the first 100% recycled and recyclable thermoformed cardboard tray designed for fresh food packers using automated equipment in North America. This thermoformed tray delivers a unique innovative food packaging solution that was developed entirely using a circular economy approach and ecodesign principles. The tray is composed of 100% recycled fibres, mostly sourced from post-consumer sources certified "Recycled" under the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) standard.1 In addition, it is designed with a patented water-based coating that protects it from moisture without compromising the recyclability of the cardboard. Unlike traditional containers coated with a thin layer of plastic or other non-recyclable coatings, this food tray is easily recyclable and can be placed in the recycling bin. Its SurfSHIELD® water-based coating also helps preserve the integrity and freshness of food, reducing food waste.

Amcor, in collaboration with Nestlé, launched the world’s first recyclable flexible retort pouch. The new high barrier pouch, using Amcor’s AmLite HeatFlex Recyclable solution, will first appear in stores in the Netherlands in October 2020. Amcor and Nestlé partnered to overcome one of the largest challenges facing the industry – the inability to recycle retort flexible packaging – and have achieved a technical breakthrough which underscores both companies’ long-term commitment to more sustainable packaging solutions. The partners collaborated during the product development process, testing for heat resistance, machine performance, shelf-life and recyclability in the real world.

Sonoco has once again been named one of 100 “Best for Vets” companies by Military Times. Sonoco joins other well-known brands, including Kellogg Company, Amazon, Deloitte and L’Oréal USA on the distinguished list. “Our Veterans are some of our brightest and hardworking associates,” said Howard Coker, president and CEO. “They bring specific attributes that align with our mantra of ‘People Build Businesses by Doing the Right Thing,’ including loyalty, teamwork and determination. We are proud to be included on such a distinguished list.” Representing the most prominent annual public rankings of its kind, Best for Vets evaluates companies’ cultures, veteran recruiting, veteran policies and accommodations for members of the National Guard and reserves.

BillerudKorsnäs joins forces with Syntegon Technology to launch Recyclable Flow Wrap, a paper based packaging solution that enables a shift from conventional plastic to renewable and recyclable materials. Flow wrap is a type of flexible packaging used for many products in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector and today plastic film flow wrap is standard for FMCG. BillerudKorsnäs Recyclable Flow Wrap is an innovative paper packaging solution, based on primary fibres from well-managed forests and with high barrier performance that can be recycled as paper.

It’s not unusual in the Western world to throw away leftovers and discard slightly damaged food without a second thought. Yet when we consider that 135 million people face acute food shortages, it is clear that food waste is an issue we can no longer afford to ignore.(1) Food waste campaigner Tristram Stuart has said, “Cutting food waste is a delicious way of saving money, helping to feed the world and protect the planet.” He’s right, confronting food waste is critical to the health of people, the planet and business. It’s staggering that two billion people could be fed with the 1.3 billion tonnes of food that is lost or wasted every year – the combined population of Europe and Africa.(2) In places like Europe almost half lost is at the consumer end of the supply chain, while in developing countries a significant proportion of post-harvest food is wasted. Regardless of location, these high losses are mainly due to lack of proper storage, improper handling and inadequate packaging.(3) click read more below for the rest of the article

Stora Enso has started the production of formed fiber food service products at Hylte Mill in Sweden. The production ramp-up follows the investment announced in 2019 and enables the manufacture of products that are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. The PureFiberTM by Stora Enso eco-product range is produced without plastic and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), enabling a safe and sustainable alternative for fresh food packaging. The Group is also investing in more formed fiber capacity in Sweden and China. Through its partnership with HS Manufacturing Group and its patented technology, PROTĒAN®, Stora Enso offers a plastic-free barrier technology for food contact packaging applications. The joint patent-pending technology offers a recyclable and biodegradable solution that gives fiber-based packaging water-, grease- and oil-resistant barrier properties, without plastic or PFAS. The solution can be applied for a range of products, such as single-use food service items. A Life Cycle Analysis study shows that the PureFiberTM product line has a CO2 footprint that is approximately 75% lower compared to competing packaging materials.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding the passage of New Jersey’s Paper Bag Ban (NJ Senate Bill 864 / Assembly Bill 1978): “The American Forest & Paper Association opposes bans on paper products and urges Governor Phil Murphy to issue a conditional veto that removes paper from New Jersey’s bag ban. In voting to become the first and only state in the nation to ban paper bags, the New Jersey Legislature has undermined an environmentally responsible option for consumers. Furthermore, the ban on paper bags sends an alarming message in devaluing family wage jobs, which are often union labor, in addition to the indirect jobs supported by the paper and wood products industry in the state. “Paper is part of the environmental solution, but New Jersey is treating it like the problem. Governor Murphy should take action to ensure continued consumer access to a recyclable, reusable and compostable product - the paper bag.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ePac Flexible Packaging and RePurpose Technologies (RPT) have announced a partnership to effectively solve the crisis that leads to 9 out of 10 pieces of discarded plastic waste polluting our environment*. The community-based model, which can be replicated easily, provides a transparent and economically viable solution that can once and for all cure the grave problem of our overflowing landfills. By forming this partnership, ePac and RPT will create replicable recycling facilities starting in 2021 that are able to create a circular community-focused solution. The ability to track and trace every package will provide supply chain transparency to all parties in the value chain.

At EUR 1,266.5 million, the consolidated sales of the Group almost reached the previous year's level (1st half of 2019: EUR 1,275.5 million). At EUR 122.5 million, the operating result was 1.2% or EUR 1.5 million below the previous year's figure (1st half of 2019: EUR 124.0 million) and includes expenses from the termination agreement with the former CEO in the amount of EUR -8.6 million, which were booked in equal parts in the divisions. Depreciation and amortization increased from EUR 67.6 million to EUR 89.2 million, which includes market-related impairments in the long-term assets of both divisions in the amount of EUR 20.9 million. The Group's operating margin remained unchanged at 9.7% (1st half of 2019: 9.7%). The profit for the period decreased accordingly by 8.0% to EUR 84.9 million (1st half of 2019: EUR 92.3 million).

The 200-year-old US paper manufacturer’s Monadnock Envi PC 100 Coated Performance Board is a smooth, cool white grade that is FSC certified and made from 100% post-consumer waste recycled fibre. It is targeted at luxury packaging applications including cosmetics, fragrances, wine and spirits and high-end fashion and tech products. “The world’s leading brands have been clamouring for a sustainable, high-performing, and beautifully coated packaging material and that’s exactly what Envi PC 100 delivers,” said Julie Brannen, director, sustainability solutions at Monadnock.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has notified Amcor that the AmPrima™ PE Plus recycle ready solution with heat-resistance has met APR’s responsible innovation requirements for moulded parts and films over three mils in thickness. Amcor’s AmPrima recycle ready solutions offer customers a more sustainable choice for their flexible packaging needs without compromising performance. AmPrima PE Plus with heat resistance was developed to meet more critical requirements for demanding applications such as flow-wraps, pouches with spouts, lidding and more. AmPrima PE Plus solutions meet all the performance expectations of non-recyclable laminates, and satisfy customers’ needs for more complex options for strength, stiffness, clarity, higher line speeds, fitments, graphics and print finishes in a recycle-ready format.

E-commerce is expected to reach $3.914 trillion globally by the end of 2020. And in order to snag a significant market share from the hundreds of thousands of competing e-commerce retailers that are just a few clicks away, differentiation is key. Direct to consumer (D2C) companies, in particular, allocate a lot of their budgets to marketing and branding — in some cases, 30 percent of sales. With consumers having more access to competitor products at their fingertips, D2C brands need to make a connection with consumers and give a reason to become a brand loyal customer. Unboxing also allows companies to showcase their brand through packaging, including their sustainability efforts.

Mondi is supplying zooplus with a pre-made FlexiBag Recyclable and BarrierPack Recyclable form-fill-and-seal (FFS) reel material, which are both certified recyclable by the Institute cyclos HTP which specialises in the classification, assessment and certification of recyclability of packaging. While seeking greater recyclability for its packaging, the online retailer was not willing to compromise on any performance properties, including barrier protection, or aesthetics. Mondi’s materials provide all the necessary barrier properties to protect against the unwanted transmission of moisture, oxygen and odours with a high premium look and feel. Mondi’s expertise made it possible to maintain the desired aesthetics on the packaging, so that the previously metallised highlights on the label and in the eyes of the wolf are also recyclable.

Fiscal 2020 Full Year Highlights • GAAP net income of $612 million and earnings per share (EPS) of 38.2 cents per share; • Bemis integration well ahead of original expectations. Pre-tax synergy benefits of $80 million delivered; • Adjusted free cash flow of $1.2 billion, up 26%; • $500 million share buy-back completed. Shares on issue reduced by 3.5% during the year; and • Fiscal 2021 outlook: constant currency adjusted EPS growth of 5-10%. Adjusted free cash flow of $1.0-$1.1 billion.

Flint Group, a leading provider of consumables and equipment for the global packaging industries, has announced a series of key investment actions in its Russian packaging inks business to further extend support to customers in the region. Doug Aldred, President Flint Group Packaging Inks, said: “As one of the largest packaging markets in the world, Russia holds significant growth opportunities for our business. We’re delighted to announce a series of strategic commitments to the region to ensure our current and future customers are receiving best in class product and service solutions.” With a presence in the Russian market spanning more than 25 years, the company has confirmed that a new packaging inks manufacturing site is currently under construction, conveniently located south west of Moscow in the Kaluga region.

Total boxboard production in July decreased seven percent compared to July 2019. It was down two percent when compared to the same seven months of 2019. The boxboard operating rate was 90.4 percent, down 3.3 points from July 2019 and essentially flat (+0.3 pts.) year-to-date. Solid Bleached Boxboard production in July decreased 15 percent compared to July 2019. It was down five percent when compared to the same seven months of 2019. Recycled Boxboard production in July decreased seven percent compared to July 2019. It was down one percent when compared to the same seven months of 2019. Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum production in July increased two percent compared to July 2019. It was up one percent when compared to the same seven months of 2019.

Total containerboard production in July remained essentially flat (-0.2 percent) compared to July 2019. It was up four percent when compared to the same seven months of 2019. July 2020 production of containerboard for export decreased seven percent compared to the same month last year; it was up 28 percent year-to-date. The containerboard operating rate was 89.4 percent, down 1.6 points from July 2019 and up 3.1 points year-to-date. Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of July decreased 7,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 67,000 short tons compared to July 2019.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in July increased seven percent compared to July 2019. They were up three percent when compared to the same seven months of 2019. The operating rate was 84.5 percent, up 2.2 points from July 2019 and down 0.7 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of July decreased 1,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 17,000 short tons compared to July 2019.

CVS reported a 10-fold increase in prescription deliveries after they waived fees, as health insurance companies encouraged consumers to sign up for 90-day mail-order prescriptions to avoid running out of their medications. The surge created a serious challenge for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs): how to quickly ship prescriptions to patients, meet government requirements for pharmaceutical packaging, and improve sustainability in the process. What can PBMs do to meet the increased demand while protecting prescriptions with the correct packaging? Here’s what to know. click read more below for the rest of the article

• Revenue decreased 9.4% to $267.8 million primarily due to a decrease in volume/mix and lower selling prices. The decrease in volume/mix was primarily due to the net impact of COVID-19 on demand. • Gross margin decreased to 21.1% from 21.9% primarily due to the unfavorable impact of unabsorbed overhead costs related to production slowdowns in the second quarter of 2020 to manage inventory levels at facilities that experienced COVID-19 related declines in demand, partially offset by a net decrease in all other plant-related operating costs driven by cost savings initiatives. • Net earnings attributable to the Company shareholders ("IPG Net Earnings") increased $8.3 million to $14.8 million ($0.25 basic and diluted earnings per share) primarily due to (i) a gain resulting from a fair value adjustment to the Company's contingent consideration related to the Nortech Acquisition(2) , (ii) a decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") mainly driven by decreases in travel expenses and variable compensation both related to the impacts of COVID-19, and (iii) a decrease in income tax expense mainly driven by the non-recurrence of the Proposed Tax Assessment(3) recorded in the second quarter of 2019. These favourable impacts were partially offset by a decrease in gross profit.

SmartLife uses a combination of top class filling-performance diagnostics and practical training in order to identify opportunities for improvement within the supply chain that will ultimately increase the shelf-life of Bag-in-Box wines. This diagnostic process provides a unique opportunity for customers to benchmark the oxygen level of their product against Smurfit Kappa’s unique worldwide oxygen database. Speaking about the new service Patrick Vuchot, Scientific Director of Smurfit Kappa Bag-in-Box, said: “We have capitalised on our 40 years of expertise as market leader in Bag-in-Box solutions to create SmartLife.

The development of sustainable packaging solutions is not a new endeavor at Sun Chemical but has accelerated in the past ten years as awareness of environmental issues has dramatically increased, as has the demand for cutting and recycling household waste and reducing carbon emissions and other pollutants. Consequently, Sun Chemical has organized a Corporate Sustainability Committee to further strengthen its approach to addressing the sustainability needs of the packaging industry. Comprised of eight executive leaders, including Myron Petruch, Carlo Musso, Chris Parrilli, Fernando Tavara, Robert Fitzka, Greg Hayes, Russell Schwartz, and Jim Van Horn, the Corporate Sustainability Committee will work together to guarantee company-wide engagement in sustainability initiatives and will build and oversee the company’s sustainability strategy, ensuring that proper resources are assigned for timely and effective implementation.

In response to significant growth of their customer base, Rootree Inc., Canada’s leader in sustainable digital flexible packaging, opened a second location in Montréal, Québec, and also moved their head office from Hamilton, Ontario to Burlington, Ontario. Over the past year, Rootree Inc.’s customer base has rapidly grown across North America. In order to continue to provide quality service for sustainable digital flexible packaging, Rootree Inc. opened a second location in Montréal, Québec to serve their French-speaking and Québec-based clients more effectively. The expansion allows Québec and East Coast-based Canadian and US clients to: *communicate with bilingual sales representatives, *access Rootree Inc.’s offices and showrooms from a more central location, and *receive sample deliveries in less time.

As shoppers demand products that are better for the environment, retailers can’t help but take notice. In fact, the consumer packaged goods industry has already started to reap the rewards. In just five years, 50 percent of their growth was attributed to a rise in sustainable products. Even so, 78 percent of consumers think companies need to do more for the environment. To capture a portion of the money consumers are now spending toward sustainable companies, it’s time companies reevaluate their practices. But the question is, how? Sustainable practices allow companies to connect with consumers and improve their bottom line — all at the same time. Plus, retail logistics go a long way toward demonstrating to customers that you’re doing right by the environment.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company announced that International Paper has notified the Company of its intent to continue the monetization process of its ownership interest in Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC (the "Partnership"). Per the agreement, the Partnership will purchase approximately 17.4 million partnership units from International Paper for $250 million. As a result, Graphic Packaging's ownership interest in the Partnership will increase from approximately 81.1% to 85.5%. The purchase will be funded with cash on hand and a draw on the domestic revolving credit facility.

Sealed Air Corporation has announced it has signed a collaboration agreement with Plastic Energy, an industry-leading company in advanced recycling technology. Additionally, Sealed Air has made an equity investment in Plastic Energy Global, the parent company of Plastic Energy. Plastic Energy Global was established in 2012 with the goal of creating a circular economy for plastics by diverting plastic waste away from landfills and oceans. Headquartered in London, the company has two operations in Spain and projects developing in Western Europe and Asia, with a vision for 50 new facilities over the next 10 years. "We’re excited to join forces with Plastic Energy to innovate faster and accelerate the development of new technology that eliminates waste and ensures a circular economy for plastics,” said Ted Doheny, Sealed Air President & CEO. “This collaboration will help us meet our 2025 sustainability pledge and lead the way in transforming our industry.”

The coronavirus pandemic’s demand-shock, brick-and-mortar store closures and stay-at-home orders have upended retail sales. As total spending declines, online spending is projected to surge by 18% in 2020, reflecting the impact of new buyers joining the online retail space as a result of the pandemic. With ecommerce expected to reach 14.5% of total retail sales this year – both an all-time high and the biggest ever share increase in a single year* – the findings of Two Sides’ recent U.S. Packaging Preferences Survey provide brand owners with valuable insights into consumers’ current thinking on packaging materials, online shopping and related behavior. *More than half of consumers (57%) prefer products ordered online to be delivered in paper/cardboard packaging, and two-thirds (66%) believe paper/cardboard packaging is better for the environment than other types of packaging. *70% of consumers prefer products ordered online to be delivered in appropriate fitting packaging, i.e., not too big for the size of the product inside. click read more below for additional insights

Second Quarter Financial Results Highlights *Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") from ongoing operations for Aluminum Extrusions of $13.3 million was $5.3 million lower than the second quarter of 2019 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for PE Films of $15.3 million was $4.2 million higher than the second quarter of 2019 *EBITDA from ongoing operations for Flexible Packaging Films of $6.5 million was $3.6 million higher than the second quarter of 2019

Q2 2020 Highlights *Sales of $1,285 million (compared with $1,313 million in Q1 2020 (-2%) and $1,275 million in Q2 2019 (+1%)) As reported (including specific items) *Operating income of $94 million (compared with of $90 million in Q1 2020 (+4%) and an operating income of $82 million in Q2 2019 (+15%)) *Net earnings per share of $0.57 (compared with $0.24 in Q1 2020 and $0.33 in Q2 2019)

Second Quarter 2020 U.S. GAAP Summary: Net sales of $1.2 billion decreased 1% as reported. Currency had a negative impact on total net sales of $42 million or approximately 4%. Net earnings were $100 million, or $0.64 per diluted share. Special Items had a negative impact of approximately $18 million on net earnings in the quarter, which was largely due to restructuring and restructuring associated charges of $14 million ($11 million, net of taxes).

Highlights • Robust financial performance in a challenging environment ◦ Underlying EBITDA of €738 million with margin of 21.4% ◦ Profit before tax of €466 million ◦ Basic underlying earnings of 73.0 euro cents per share ◦ Cash generated from operations of €602 million ◦ Return on capital employed of 17.1% ◦ Strong balance sheet with 1.4 times net debt to 12-month trailing underlying EBITDA at 30 June 2020

Net sales in the second quarter of 2020 were $1.4 billion, compared to $1.8 billion in the second quarter of 2019. Average selling prices improved approximately 1 percent and increased revenue $18 million. However, lower shipments due to the pandemic negatively impacted sales by $255 million. Unfavorable foreign currency translation reduced net sales by $88 million. Segment operating profit1 was $95 million in the quarter, compared with $236 million in the same period of 2019. Current year profits were impacted $6 million by unfavorable foreign currency translation. The benefit of higher selling prices more than offset incremental cost inflation by $1 million. Reflecting the impact of the pandemic, sales volume in tons declined approximately 15 percent from the prior year quarter and negatively impacted segment operating profit by $84 million. Segment operating profit was negatively impacted by $52 million as lower production levels were partially offset by improved operating performance and cost control efforts. Production levels were down approximately 20 percent from the second quarter of 2019 reflecting required curtailment to comply with government decrees to manage the pandemic, including disruptive lock downs in Mexico and the Andean countries, as well as the company’s effort to align supply with lower demand and manage inventory.

ePac Holdings Europe has established two new locations for its digital-only production plants in both Lyon in France and Wrocław in Poland, in line with its previously announced expansion plans into continental Europe. The new manufacturing center in France will be strategically located near Lyon, in the town of Bourgoin Jallieu. Operations will be headed up by Jonathan Schmitt, who is the managing partner at ePac Lyon. The new ePac facility in Poland will be located in Wrocław, where Maciej Plamieniak will take the reins, and like ePac Lyon, orders will be fulfilled by the UK until full manufacturing is online.

Third quarter of fiscal 2020 financial highlights include: *Net sales of $4.2 billion decreased by 9.7% compared to the prior year quarter *Segment EBITDA margins improved sequentially across both segments in a rapidly changing economic environment *Generated net cash provided by operating activities of $740 million *More than $3.2 billion of availability under long-term committed credit facilities and cash and cash equivalents at June 30, 2020

Sonoco announced it has acquired Can Packaging, a privately owned designer and manufacturer of sustainable paper packaging and related manufacturing equipment, based in Habsheim, France, for total consideration of €41.7 million, or approximately $49 million. Founded by George Sireix in 1989, Can Packaging operates two paper can manufacturing facilities in France along with a research and development center where it designs and builds patented packaging machines and sealing equipment. Can Packaging is projected to produce sales of approximately €23 million or $27 million in 2020 and provides sustainable paperboard packaging to a number of large consumer food brands distributed across Europe. The business has approximately 60 associates.

Third Quarter Highlights (all comparisons made to the June 2019 quarter): *Net sales up 50 percent to $2.9 billion *Operating income up 61 percent to $347 million *Operating EBITDA up 67 percent to $581 million *RPC Group Plc (“RPC”) integration and synergy realization progressing ahead of plan *Increased fiscal year 2020 cash flow from operations and free cash flow guidance to $1.45 billion and $830 million, respectively

O-I Glass, Inc. announced it completed the sale of its Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) business unit to Visy Industries. Gross proceeds approximated AUD $947 million including a related sale-leaseback agreement which approximated AUD $214 million. Based on recent currency exchange rates, gross proceeds represented approximately USD $677 million. Approximately 95 percent of proceeds are being received at time of closing and the remaining balance will be paid within 12 months of closing without conditions precedent. Net proceeds will be principally used to reduce debt. O-I ANZ is the largest manufacturer of glass bottles and containers in Australia and New Zealand and the business generated sales of approximately AUD $754 million and EBITDA of approximately AUD $124 million in 2019.

Second Quarter 2020 Summary: *Reported sales and core sales decreased 6% primarily due to the negative effects of COVID-19 on the beauty and beverage markets as well as passing on lower resin costs; negative currency effects were offset by contributions coming from acquisitions *Reported sales growth of 7% and core sales growth of 6% in our Pharma segment was offset by decreases in reported sales and core sales in our Beauty + Home and Food + Beverage segments *Reported net income totaled $42 million (a decrease of 43% compared to the prior year) *Cash flow from operations was $228 million in the first half of 2020 (an increase of 3% compared to the prior year)

Second Quarter 2020 Highlights: *Second quarter net earnings (loss) attributable to International Paper of $266 million, compared with $(141) million in the first quarter of 2020 and $292 million in the second quarter of 2019. First quarter 2020 net earnings included an after-tax charge of $337 million for the impairment of the net assets and write-off of foreign currency translation adjustment following the announcement of the sale of our Brazil Packaging business. *Second quarter adjusted operating earnings* (non-GAAP) of $305 million compared with $226 million in the first quarter of 2020 and $460 million in the second quarter of 2019 *Second quarter cash provided by operations of $890 million and year-to-date of $1.5 billion compared with $1.8 billion year-to-date in the same period of 2019 *Liquidity position of $3.6 billion at the end of the second quarter compared with $3.5 billion at the end of the first quarter, which reflects cash and unused committed facilities

January–June 2020 (compared to 1–6/2019) • Sales were EUR 945.2 million (964.2). • Comparable operating result was EUR 94.2 million (102.8), or 10.0% (10.7%) of sales. Operating result was EUR 100.3 million (118.3). • Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.19 (0.23), and earnings per share were EUR 0.21 (0.27). • Comparable return on capital employed was 10.7% (11.7%). • Net cash flow from operations was EUR 152.3 million (67.1). April–June 2020 (compared to 4–6/2019) • Sales were EUR 473.1 million (477.1). • Comparable operating result was EUR 60.5 million (41.0), or 12.8% (8.6%) of sales. Operating result was EUR 66.5 million (46.4). • Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.13 (0.09), and earnings per share were EUR 0.15 (0.10). • Comparable return on capital employed was 13.9% (9.7%). • Net cash flow from operations was EUR 72.3 million (30.7).

Sonoco ThermoSafe is building PharmaPortal™, a vendor-neutral blockchain platform for use by pharmaceutical manufacturers and carriers. Built on IBM Blockchain Transparent Supply, PharmaPortal intends to address the industry’s needs to trace assets across many different supply chain participants, record a single version of the truth on all events generated on a package’s journey, integrate this data with that of other businesses across an industry-scale network, and provide access controls to help ensure each data owner maintains control over who can access it on the network. The openly governed blockchain network built on open source technology will initially focus on end-to-end traceability of temperature-controlled drugs, such as vaccines, and provide an audit trail of environmental condition monitoring to help protect the efficacy of these lifesaving, life-extending and life-enhancing medicines. To help drive its development, Sonoco will invite industry leaders to collaborate on the initiative to optimize the safety and efficiency of global temperature controlled pharmaceutical distribution.

Packaging Corporation of America reported second quarter 2020 net income of $57 million, or $0.59 per share, and net income of $132 million, or $1.38 per share, excluding special items. Second quarter net sales were $1.54 billion in 2020 and $1.76 billion in 2019. Reported earnings in the second quarter of 2020 include $.79 per share of special items expense primarily for the impairment of goodwill associated with our Paper segment (as described below), the previously reported closure of our corrugated products production facility in San Lorenzo, CA, and costs and expenses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cascades Inc. announces that it will close its Etobicoke, Ontario Containerboard packaging facility as part of the strategic repositioning of its Containerboard platform in Ontario and the Corporation's continuing global optimization initiatives. Cascades' Etobicoke Containerboard Packaging operations will permanently close no later than August 31, 2021, and the property will be put up for sale. Over the coming weeks and months, Cascades will work to minimize the impact of this announcement on the 125 employees related to this facility. It is important to note that this announcement has no impact on the activities of our Cascades Recovery+ facility and offices that are also located in Etobicoke.

Key Points: Strong performance against key metrics* EBITDA of €735 million, with an EBITDA margin of 17.5%*Free cash flow of €238 million *ROCE of 14.8% *Leverage of 2.1x *Dividend payment of 80.9 cent per share. “Our European business performed strongly in the first six months with an EBITDA margin of 17.6% and flat corrugated box volumes. “The EBITDA margin of the Americas business improved again year-on-year from 17.1% to 19.0%.

Announced in 2018, Sonoco’s commitments for sustainable use and increased recyclability of packaging by 2025 include: *Sonoco will increase the equivalent by weight, the amount it recycles, or causes to be recycled, from 65 percent to 85 percent, relative to the volume of packaging it places into to the global marketplace. In 2019, the Company recycled or caused to be recycled 83 percent of the products it placed in the marketplace. *Sonoco is committed to increasing the use of post-consumer recycled resins in its plastic packaging from 18 percent to 25 percent. Sonoco utilized 21 percent recycled content in its plastic supply chain in 2019, including 18 percent post-consumer content. *Sonoco will ensure that approximately 75 percent of its rigid plastic packaging can carry the relevant on-package recyclable claim.

Mondi Paper Bags has acquired two paper bag lines from Helwan Cement Company and InterCement Sacs, two major cement producers in Egypt. The acquired production lines will increase Mondi’s capacity by approximately 60-80 million bags annually and strengthen Mondi's position in the Middle Eastern bag market, particularly in supporting suppliers to the construction industry. Mondi Paper Bags, a global producer that operates two plants in Egypt, will also become the exclusive supplier of paper bags to Helwan Cement Company and InterCement Sacs. "We are excited to have signed long-term supply agreements with two of our biggest customers in Egypt further securing our position in the Middle Eastern market.

American Carton Company, Mansfield, TX, has installed a six-color Komori Lithrone GX40 press with both conventional UV and UV LED to increase its folding carton print capacity. Folding cartons are the company’s primary product, and American Carton currently holds a number of globally-recognized certifications to meet the quality and U.S. FDA safety compliance requirements of its clients in the pharmaceutical, medical device, food, personal care products and retail markets. American Carton chose the GLX640 for its ability to meet both complex packaging requirements and high-end commercial print applications, making it possible to expand on what the company can offer its customers. Key to American Carton’s success is the full range of services it offers, from design and prototyping through printing to die-cutting, embossing and finishing. General Manager, Trent Tucker, expects the GLX640 to become the company workhorse.

Italian converter AMB SpA has acquired German firm PTS (Prime Tray System) Verpackungen, a manufacturer of injection-moulded cups, bags and composite plastics films. Located in Gauting, Bavaria, PTS has been responsible for sales of the AMB product range for several years. With the purchase, AMB is keen to strengthen its market position in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. AMB operates from five locations in Europe, employs 435 people and boasts turnover of more than €160 million ($184m).

Mactac® Industrial Tapes announces the launch of MacBond® FBR899 Series Tapes, a versatile line of industrial tapes designed to adhere to nearly any and every surface. The product line features Mactac’s workhorse MacBond FBR899 adhesive. Unlike any other adhesive on the market, FBR899 offers the highest-tack rubber available, as well as an excellent blend of adhesion and peel. It has exceptional low-surface energy (LSE) performance and superior adhesion to most open- and closed-cell foams, as well as corrugated materials. Additionally, it forms aggressive bonds to textiles and textured surfaces.

Mactac®, a leading supplier of pressure-sensitive papers and films, and ARMOR, a leader in the design and production of thermal transfer ribbons, are partnering to bring thinner, more sustainable thermal transfer solutions to the labeling industry. Both companies offer thermal transfer solutions that are designed to help reduce the labeling industry’s environmental impact, including Mactac’s Optiscan® thermal transfer products with BLOOM® hi.mpact™ liner and ARMOR’s inkanto® APR1 wax-resin thermal transfer ribbon. When Optiscan products (Optiscan V, Optiscan K and Optiscan 2C) with BLOOM hi.mpact and APR1 ribbon are used jointly as a comprehensive thermal transfer solution, printers, converters and end-users benefit.

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of premium lightweight paperboards and part of Metsä Group, is glad to announce that its paperboards have now achieved DIN CERTCO certificates in industrial compostability complying with DIN EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 standards. In addition, Metsä Board’s eco-barrier paperboard MetsäBoard Prime FBB EB also holds a home compostability certificate. As one of the leading companies, Metsä Board provides certification across its product line helping customers choose packaging materials that comply with their requirements. “In order to enhance circular economy our main target is that our paperboards are recycled after use. But recycling is not always possible – the paperboard may be contaminated due to its contents and cannot be recycled. In this instance compostability is the next best alternative,” says Helena Moring-Vepsäläinen, Product Safety Manager at Metsä Board.

Q2 2020 in brief •Net sales decreased 8% to EUR 797 million (EUR 867 million) •Comparable net sales growth was -8% at Group level and -12% in emerging markets. H1 2020 in brief •Net sales decreased 2% to EUR 1,642 million (EUR 1,669 million) •Comparable net sales growth was -3% at Group level and -8% in emerging markets.

As brands compete for consumer attention, 81 percent of shoppers have tried something new because the package caught their eye. Appearance or aesthetics of the package has led to 63 percent of shoppers repurchasing a product, and 52 percent have completely switched brands based on new packaging, according to Westrock. Bottom line, the look and feel of packaging are primary drivers that influence a customer’s purchasing decision in the aisle. It’s a powerful enabler that meets consumers’ need for a personalized brand experience. One of the key ways to create that experience is the use of finishing technologies. Amcor’s AmPlify™ finishing technologies for packaging is a portfolio of solutions designed to create engagement opportunities through more intense experiences with packaging elements that embody a product’s flavor, texture and scent.

Until recently, packaging optimization was largely overlooked as brands and retailers scrambled to keep up with exploding e-commerce demand and customer expectations for faster deliveries. Now, packaging has become one of the highest priorities for many e-commerce providers. End consumers have made their voices heard and have demanded that providers focus on waste and recyclability of the e-commerce packages they receive. Providers are challenged with addressing often conflicting sustainability objectives to gain the approval of internal and external stakeholders. click read more below for details

DS Smith Tecnicarton has designed and manufactured a new packaging for the metallurgical sector in four-wave laminated cardboard, especially suitable for heavy bulks in the sector, whether they are positioned or extendable parts. It is a unique packaging that is extremely resistant and able to adapt to the needs of the product and its transport conditions. In addition, the possibility of customizing the measures, allows to adapt it to the European regulations, as well as to the maritime platforms or to the measures stipulated by the client. Another of its main advantages is that its folding system allows a single piece to function as both a bottom and a body and to be assembled in a single movement. This innovation introduces significant cost savings in the assembly process, as time is significantly reduced; it facilitates stacking and allows for a significant reduction in storage space.

In order to better serve it’s growing customer base ePac Flexible Packaging, the leader in fast time to market custom printed finished pouches and roll stock, has announced an expansion in operations to serve its rapidly growing customer base. Throughout 2020 ePac has been adding new manufacturing facilities in North America, expanded internationally, and added printing and finishing equipment to its existing operations. These expansion projects will continue to run through the balance of 2020 and into 2021. With its core mission to serve locally based small and medium-sized brands, the additional capacity will drive down lead times while enabling the company to also handle longer run length jobs.

Net income for the first six months of 2020 was $135.8 million, as compared to net income of $77.7 million, for the first six months of 2019. Net sales for the first six months of 2020 increased $86.5 million, or 4.1 percent, to $2.21 billion as compared to $2.12 billion for the first six months of 2019. This increase was primarily a result of higher volumes in each of the businesses, including the impact from acquisitions, and a more favorable mix of products sold in the closures business, partially offset by the pass through of lower raw material costs across all businesses, a less favorable mix of products sold in the metal and plastic container businesses and the impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation.

Q2 2020 Highlights *Net Sales were $1,611.0 million versus $1,552.8 million in the prior year period. *Net Income was $52.1 million versus $63.8 million in the prior year period. *Net organic sales increased 1.5% in Q2 and 3% in the first half of 2020 versus the prior year periods. *Continue to operate safely and effectively; investing in multiple protocols focused on the well-being of employees and serving customers globally. *Successfully closed the 70,000 ton White Pigeon, Michigan Coated Recycled Board (CRB) mill and shut down the 120,000 ton West Monroe, Louisiana PM1 containerboard machine. *Repurchased $38.0 million in common shares during the quarter; delivered $64.9 million to stakeholders in share repurchases, dividends and partnership distributions.

Mactac®, a leading supplier of pressure-sensitive papers and films, and ARMOR, a leader in the design and production of thermal transfer ribbons, are partnering to bring thinner, more sustainable thermal transfer solutions to the labeling industry. Both companies offer thermal transfer solutions that are designed to help reduce the labeling industry’s environmental impact, including Mactac’s Optiscan® thermal transfer products with BLOOM® hi.mpact™ liner and ARMOR’s inkanto® APR1 wax-resin thermal transfer ribbon. When Optiscan products (Optiscan V, Optiscan K and Optiscan 2C) with BLOOM hi.mpact and APR1 ribbon are used jointly as a comprehensive thermal transfer solution, printers, converters and end-users benefit. These innovative products help create a labeling industry with more sustainable solutions. By focusing on sustainable product development, both Mactac and ARMOR are helping ensure the labeling industry is making strides in reducing the impact on the environment.

Dune Packaging Ltd has partnered with Mondi to grow its market share by offering more complex, multicolour designs on its open mouth paper bag packaging. Working with Mondi, Dune Packaging is now using Mondi's Advantage Kraft White Print paper to produce high quality packaging for consumer food produce including flour, maize and grain. The current market norm in East Africa is two-colour flexo printing thereby limiting the "shelf appeal" for consumers. By investing in improved machinery as well as upgrading the bleached kraft paper they use has enabled Dune Packaging to supply bags of even higher quality and value to their growing customer base.

Total Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging shipments in June increased four percent compared to June 2019. They were up two percent when compared to the same six months of 2019. The operating rate was 86.8 percent, essentially flat (-0.1 pts.) from June 2019 and down 1.2 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of June decreased 5,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 17,000 short tons compared to June 2019.

Total Containerboard production in June increased one percent compared to June 2019. It was up five percent when compared to the same six months of 2019. June 2020 production of containerboard for export increased five percent compared to the same month last year; it was up 34 percent year-to-date. The containerboard operating rate was 90.1 percent, up 1.8 points from June 2019 and up 3.9 points year-to-date. Mill inventories of containerboard at the end of June decreased 4,000 short tons from the previous month and were up 48,000 short tons compared to June 2019.

Total Boxboard production in June decreased one percent compared to June 2019. It was down one percent when compared to the same six months of 2019. The boxboard operating rate was 93 percent, up 1.1 points from June 2019 and up 0.9 points year-to-date Solid Bleached Boxboard production in June remained essentially flat (-0.4 percent) compared to June 2019. It was down three percent when compared to the same six months of 2019. Recycled Boxboard production in June decreased five percent compared to June 2019. It was down zero percent when compared to the same six months of 2019. Unbleached Kraft & Gypsum production in June increased four percent compared to June 2019. It was essentially flat (+0.4 percent) when compared to the same six months of 2019.

O-I Glass, Inc. announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) business unit to Visy Industries (Visy), one of the world’s largest privately owned packaging and resource recovery companies. Gross proceeds on the sale and related sale-leaseback agreement with Charter Hall, a leading property management company, will approximate AUD $947 million. “The sale of our ANZ operations is consistent with our strategy to properly align our business with the interests of our global customer base, improve financial flexibility and maximize shareholder value. O-I will continue to develop its leading market positions across Europe and the Americas as well as the company’s interests in Asia. The sale of ANZ follows an in-depth strategic review of our global business portfolio and operating structure which is now substantially complete following this transaction. We received a full and fair price for ANZ, and this sale represents a significant milestone in our business transformation as we optimize our structure and prioritize debt reduction,” said Andres Lopez, CEO.

Visy/Pratt Industries Exec chmn Anthony Pratt is leading a recycling resurgence. His US company Pratt Industries was the fifth largest US boxmaker in 2019 with a 7% market share and an estimated 27.5 billion ft2 of shipments. The US boxes are made mostly out of lowcost mixed paper. His five containerboard mills with 1.91 million tons/yr of 100% recycled content containerboard capacity are nearly fully integrated to 70 Pratt corrugated plants, including 30 sheet plants. Pratt US last year generated more than $3 billion in sales and $550 million in EBITDA, in a year of record-low mixed paper pricing at a negative-$2/ton average and containerboard prices an estimated 175-200% more than the firm’s production cost.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2020 were $1.25 billion, down 8.4 percent from last year's second quarter sales of $1.36 billion. The sales decline was driven by lower volume/mix, a stronger U.S. dollar and lower selling prices. These negative impacts were partially offset by increased sales from acquisitions. GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco in the second quarter was $55.2 million, compared with $81.2 million. Second-quarter GAAP earnings included net after-tax non-base charges totaling $24.9 million, $16.7 million of which were related to operational restructuring activities primarily related to capacity reductions in the Company's North America paper mill network. Gross profit was $248.0 million in the second quarter compared to $275.3 million in the same period in 2019.

The convenience of online shopping is shifting a larger share of the retail marketplace to e-commerce. In 2019, e-commerce was 16.4 percent of total retail sales globally. But recent indicators show a strong rise in e-commerce that will lead to busier fulfillment centers. For example, Sally Beauty saw a 555 percent increase in its U.S. digital growth in the third quarter of 2020 compared to last year, and 163 percent growth in its European arm in the same time period. By 2023, e-commerce will amount to 22 percent of global retail sales. This jump in online purchasing will lead to big changes for fulfillment centers, particularly as consumers purchase a larger variety of items from the comfort of their homes. The future of e-commerce holds an increase in perishable purchases online, demand for rapid fulfillment, a need for more warehouse space, and more direct-to-consumer brands creating a memorable unboxing experience. As a result, fulfillment centers will need to find ways to package more orders and ship them out faster. click read more below for much more info

Clearwater Paper Corporation introduced ReMagine™, a folding carton paperboard brand with up to 30 percent post-consumer recycled fiber. Inspired by circular economy principles, ReMagine provides high definition print capability and superior converting performance. The new folding carton brand is now available to the company’s customers. ReMagine is distinct, offering up to 30 percent post-consumer recycled fiber that is Food and Drug Administration compliant for all types of food contact. This new brand of solid bleached sulphate (SBS) provides an optimized balance of post-consumer recycled fiber and renewable virgin fiber, converting speed, and high definition print capability. The brand also offers Forest Stewardship Council® FSC-C008402 chain of custody certification.

Mondi, has partnered with Austrian meat producer Hütthaler to produce a fully recyclable thermoforming film made from a mono-material for their meat and sausage products. The film is made of a mono-material solution that can be fully recycled and provides a barrier to protect the food and extend its shelf life. The independent cyclos-HTP Institute for Recyclability and Product Responsibility has awarded this film the highest classification "AAA" for recyclability. Hütthaler's requirement was to replace the previously used film with a recyclable solution. The company was looking for a more sustainable approach that would not compromise on quality or the attractive presentation of the food.

Lead2030 was launched by One Young World, the global forum for young leaders, in November 2018 to support youth-led innovation to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s winning project comes from Genecis Bioindustries, a Canadian-based start-up, which makes compostable plastic from food waste. Genecis has been awarded $50,000 from Mondi as well as 12 months of corporate mentorship focused on business development, marketing/communications support as well as technical mentorship on the potential market applications of PHA polymers in packaging.

The Hood Container paper mill in West Feliciana Parish is undergoing a $50 million upgrade to boost its efficiency and capacity. The project is expected to support 75 construction jobs but not add new permanent jobs to the mill's 306 existing employees, company, state and local officials announced Thursday. The mill has a $23 million annual payroll. The announcement was made by Wayne Morgan, senior vice president of Hood Container of Louisiana LLC, and Gov. John Bel Edwards.

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. announced its preliminary estimated revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The Company estimates that its revenue is approximately $267 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to the outlook range communicated on May 13, 2020 of $235 million to $250 million. With the outperformance of revenue, management also expects adjusted EBITDA(1) to be greater than the top end of the outlook range of $34 million that the Company communicated on May 13, 2020 as well.

Intertape Polymer Group Inc. published its 2019 annual sustainability report, titled “We Package, We Protect & We Sustain”. The report provides an overview of the Company’s sustainability progress in 2019 and highlights IPG's sustainability opportunities in the years ahead. The report was prepared with reference to certain Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”) standards with details provided in the index section of the report. “Sustainability is a core pillar of our long-term strategy and we believe it is a key component to meeting the needs of our stakeholders as well as the growth of our business,” said Greg Yull, President and CEO of IPG. “While this year’s report is published as society is dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, our approach to sustainability is a long-term initiative that requires consistent and continuous support. In fact, the ingrained culture of health and safety within our daily operations at the plant level underpinned our ability to maintain ongoing operations in the face of the pandemic.”

TC Transcontinental Packaging is proud to announce the launch of a new website section on sustainability and flexible packaging. The section is available at www.tc.tc/packaging/sustainability and is accessible through desktop and mobile. The content has been updated to share with clients and consumers the benefits of flexible packaging, including its positive impact for the environment. It is modern, engaging and full of resources. From TC Transcontinental’s 2025 commitment to a 10-step journey to create sustainable packaging, the new website section sets out what brands and CPG’s need to consider to help them achieve their sustainability objectives.

Sonoco FRESH (Food Research Excellence for Safety and Health), a Sonoco and Clemson University initiative to develop new technologies and new forms of packaging to optimize the fresh food lifecycle, is pleased to host a series of events focused on innovations in packaging. With the theme of “Safe. Secure. Sustainable.,” the February 2021 Summit, hosted on the campus of Clemson University, will offer a unique opportunity to stimulate high impact discussions on how the issues associated with each part of the food value chain can be used as opportunities to drive business and benefit society. Attendees, industry and academic experts will participate in presentations, panels and roundtables to foster knowledge growth and solutions. Registration for the Summit will open in late summer 2020. In preparation of the Summit, Sonoco FRESH will host sneak peek webinars September 22-23, 2020.

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is investing in its flexible packaging plants, in Aramil and Pereslavl in Russia, to provide customers with improved flexibility and a broader portfolio, including sustainable packaging solutions. To meet rising demand in Russia for sustainable packaging for the confectionary, food and dry and wet pet food markets, Mondi will broaden the range of competitive packaging solutions. The plant in Aramil will also install a nine-layer co-extrusion line to produce high-barrier films by the end of 2020. This updated product portfolio will offer a range from mono-materials to multi-layer high-barrier laminates, many of which already meet current sustainability criteria, such as recyclability.

Global packaging leader Amcor today published results from its latest research into consumer perceptions of sustainability and packaging. The proprietary insights give Amcor and its customers a unique understanding of evolving preferences, including a willingness to pay more for differentiated products from top brands. Michael Zacka, Amcor’s chief commercial officer, said consumers are increasingly making buying decisions that factor in environmental considerations and expect brands to provide more responsible packaging options. The survey of more than 4,000 participants found differences in perception between countries, but that overall consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of their choices. Across the countries surveyed, 83% say they check on-pack instructions to know how to dispose of packaging.

Vegpro, the largest fresh baby lettuces producer in Canada, and Cascades have established a partnership aimed at replacing all Fresh Attitude salad containers, traditionally made from virgin plastic, with 100% recycled and recyclable plastic containers. Custom-designed for Vegpro by Cascades, these containers are manufactured at the Cascades Inopak plant in Drummondville, Québec. The two companies have teamed up to offer consumers a container with a smaller environmental footprint that also helps to extend the shelf life of salads. The containers improve airflow and prolong conservation time by limiting the build up of excess humidity. This way, the baby lettuces remain fresh and crisp longer.

MacDermid Graphics Solutions announces a strategic partnership with the Digimarc Corporation (NASDAQ: DMRC) to expand the application of Digimarc for packaging in the global flexographic printing market. MacDermid is delighted to be the first flexographic plate manufacturer to partner with Digimarc. MacDermid’s world-class products and technical support enable printers to deliver the highest print quality to meet the demands of brand owners. MacDermid’s vast expertise in flexographic printing, combined with the Digimarc Platform, provides brand owners with increased product traceability throughout the supply chain. Additionally, brands can heighten the consumer’s pre-purchase and post-purchase experiences through interactive and dynamic data embedded in the packaging designs.

Food packaging is incredibly important to our day-to-day lives but pressing sustainability issues mean that alternative materials are becoming a requirement rather than an option. The next time you’re in a grocery store imagine that food packaging didn’t exist. Your bananas and oranges don’t need packages, but buying milk or flour is suddenly a whole lot more complicated. Many foods wouldn’t be available at all, because they wouldn’t remain fresh. Food packaging is extremely important to our modern lives and plays a critical role in both the safety and sustainability of our food supply. Food packaging must be a good marketer so that people want to buy the product. It must also be cost-effective. Increasingly, people demand sustainable packaging. Perhaps most importantly, packaging must be a protector, so the food remains safe.

Flow Cosmetics, a Finnish natural cosmetics company, has selected paperboard from Metsä Board, part of the Metsä Group, as its packaging material of choice, for its innovative range of shampoos, body and face soaps. Bar-shaped cosmetic products are ecological to use as well as to transport and store. MetsäBoard Natural FBB was selected for the packaging board for its visual appearance, lightness, and ecology. In addition, the uncoated surface of the paperboard has a pleasing natural look and feel. “As part of our zero waste principle, we chose sustainable MetsäBoard Natural FBB board. We wanted to ensure that our products are natural all the way through to the packaging, and that they comply with stringent quality requirements,” says Riitta Jänkälä, Founder and CEO of Flow Cosmetics. "It's also important to us that all our packaging boards are recyclable after use."

For the full year, revenue (continuing operations) declined 2 per cent on a constant currency basis. There was a positive contribution from European corrugated box volumes (£22 million) and an incremental c. nine month contribution from Europac (which was acquired in mid January 2019) of £376 million, offset in Europe by reduced pricing of external paper, recyclate and box prices (together down £285 million year on year), and a decline in other volumes particularly due to increased paper and recyclate integration and reduced volumes of corrugated sheet (down £175 million). The reduced sales price across the European operations was driven principally by a fall in testliner and kraftliner pricing, which partly fed through into corrugated packaging pricing progressively through the year as indexed contracts adjusted for the market price of paper, the main input cost. The North America business also recorded a fall in revenue (down £63 million), principally reflecting lower paper prices into the export market. Operating profit improved 6 per cent (constant currency) to £455 million (2018/19: £427 million).

Smurfit Kappa’s Bag-in-Box packaging is perfectly suitable for sanitiser due to it being a hygienic, easy-to-use and flexible solution that is available in a range of sizes from 1.5 to 20 litres and is suitable both for end consumers or as a refill solution. Furthermore, Bag-in-Box’s high performance films have a high oxygen barrier to protect products from air and light so the hand sanitiser’s physical and chemical properties remain intact. The packaging also brings a number of environmental benefits including the ability to optimise the supply chain and reduced weight and plastic in comparison to other traditional packaging. For instance, a 5L Bag-in-Box pack uses 54% less plastic than to a 5L PET bottle.

Espoma Organic, a lawn and garden brand, continues to showcase their commitment to the environment by replacing fossil-fuel-derived polymers in their packaging with more sustainable alternatives. In response to Espoma Organic’s mission to “develop the finest organic gardening products that work in harmony with nature, grow beautiful gardens and make a greener world for the future,” global packaging company Amcor partnered with the brand to innovate more sustainable packaging and launch a new bio-based polymer package. The polyethylene (PE) film contains 25 percent bio-based material, derived – in this case – from sugar cane. “We know consumers increasingly are paying attention to product packaging as they make purchasing decisions,” said Troian. “The use of renewable materials in packaging offers brands a new way to stand out on store shelves while driving down the total carbon footprint of their products.”

Mondi won five awards for its innovative and sustainable designs at the 2020 WorldStar Packaging Awards. This year’s award ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19, so Mondi’s designers are sharing their insights on the thinking behind their design packaging. Designers and the award-winning products: *Herbert Reitbrugger, UpliftBox in the Household category from Mondi Corrugated Solutions Grünburg, Germany *Marco Rammler, DashV1Box in the Transit category from Mondi Corrugated Solutions Ansbach, Germany *Eva Hrychova, Stabilization Box in the Other category from Mondi Corrugated Solutions Bupak s.r.o, Czech Republic *Nadja Nickel, Sales Manager for Protector Bags in the Transit category from Mondi Paper Bags and aPak, a Swedish Packaging dealer *Jens Koesters, StripPouch in the Household category from the German cleaning products maker Werner & Mertz and Mondi Consumer Flexibles

WestRock Company received 19 awards at this year’s Outstanding Merchandising Achievement (OMA) Awards – the most of any entrant – including the distinguished Creative Award. The OMAs celebrate merchandising and design excellence in the retail space. They are presented by SHOP! Association, a global non-profit trade association dedicated to enhancing retail environments and experiences. WestRock won the distinguished Creative Award for a permanent display for a large personal care consumer goods company that was launching a new shaving product designed specifically for women. The WestRock-designed display reinforced the company’s brand messaging with elements of playfulness and humor.