BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years April 29, 2024 VOL. 40, NO. 18
It’s A Wrap! PPC Spring Outlook Conference Inspires, Invigorates BY SUSAN RILEY Like champions themselves, paperboard packaging professionals left the Paperboard Packaging Council’s Spring Outlook & Strategies Con- ference ready to conquer the world after spending three team-building days together at the Dallas Cowboys headquarters. The April 17-19 event offered creative leadership approaches that PPC members can add to their playbooks to attract and retain employ- ees. Presentations from industry experts highlighted the status of the economy and the latest US packaging policy trends while PPC provid- ed updates on a host of their strategic initiatives.
FMI Report: AI Packaging Market To Grow 29.3 Percent The global AI in packaging market is expect- ed to reach $23,415.2 million by 2034, repre- senting a 29.3 percent growth rate from 2024, according to a report released by Newark, Delaware based Future Market Insights (FMI). “AI is revolutionizing packaging opera- tions by improving analytics, optimizing algo- rithms, and controlling design and quality. It predicts equipment faults, schedules repairs, and streamlines production. AI-driven supply chain management systems enable real-time inventory tracking, demand forecasting, and route optimization, boosting productivity and reducing costs,” said Ismail Sutaria, Lead Con- sultant or Packaging and Materials at FMI. AI is rapidly developing in packaging de- sign, utilizing algorithms to analyze product specifications, industry trends, and consumer preferences, FMI said. This technology is set to create aesthetically pleasing, practical, and economical packaging designs. AI also op- timizes structural integrity and predicts con- sumer reactions to different packaging styles using machine learning techniques. AI plays a crucial role in the packaging in- dustry’s quality control procedures, enabling CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
In opening remarks, Eric Frank, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Koenig & Bauer, shared his existential musings in response to the oft-asked question of what one does for a living. “Box Maker” simply doesn’t say enough. “We all should be more proud of ourselves and what we do and we need to be unified in how we inform the industry about the value that each one of us brings to society and into the world every day,” Frank said. “I believe we should be representing the beauty of our industry and everything we have to offer and all share our love of this industry as print enthusiasts.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 The Spring Outlook & Strategies Conference kicked off with a reception, lawn games and Texas barbecue at The Star, the Dallas Cowboy’s headquar- ters and state-of-the-art training facility.
WHAT’S INSIDE
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 5 Lewisburg Printing Names Clay Davis As New CEO 6 AICC Offering Virtual, In-Person Events For Emerging Leaders 10 IP Plant Manager Selected As Women MAKE Awards Honoree 14 CartoMicro Invests In EMBA Ultima Casemaker
EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER
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Corrugated Converting Equipment
Load Tag Inserter
Material Handling Equipment
Digital Converting Systems
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Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry
AI To Grow (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
AVERAGE CONTAINERBOARD PRICES The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States the week previous to issue. Prices in some areas of the country may be higher or lower than the tabulated average. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser.
faster and more accurate examination of products and ma- terials, identifying flaws, ensuring legal compliance, and reducing waste, FMI said. AI automates inspection duties, reducing the need for physical intervention and maintain- ing high product quality standards. The packaging market is adopting AI technology for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, offering compa- nies opportunities for expansion and competitiveness. Machine learning, computer vision, and data analytics are being used to enhance packaging design, manufacturing, and distribution. As AI continues to develop, its influence on the packaging sector is expected to grow. In the competitive landscape, key AI solution providers in the packaging industry include Amazon Inc., IBM, Mic- rosoft Corporation, GE Digital, Open AI, Midjourney Inc., Canva, Adobe, ABB Group, Cognex Corporation, and oth- ers. Leading companies actively invest in research and de- velopment to enhance their AI capabilities and offer inno- vative packaging solutions. In November 2021, ABB Robotics partnered with Zume to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics in their glob- al continuous packaging production. In October 2021, Schneider Electric Canada and Opti- Mach partnered to expand operational duties and provide customers with robotic and autonomous solutions.
REGION E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest
42# Kraft liner $955.00-960.00 $970.00-980.00 $970.00-980.00 $ 970.00-980.00 $1000.00-1010.00 $973.00-983.00
26# Semi-Chem. Medium
Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.
$ 890 .00-9 4 0.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 2 5.00-9 4 5.00 $9 0 8.00-9 2 8.00
West Coast U.S. Average
SHEET PRICES BY REGION (AVERAGE) Per 1MSF, local delivery included, 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. Sheets
E. Coast Midwest South-SW S. CA N.CA/WA-OR US Aver.
200# 275#
$62.26
$72.05
$62.69 $82.80
$85.35 119.54
$73.13 101.29
97.32
99.89
90.86
113.65
OYSTER UP-CHARGE 8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
275# DBL-WALL 350# DBL-WALL
107.46 118.45
114.69 129.32
116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56
141.08 148.46
122.76 131.80
CANADIAN SHEET PRICES (AVERAGE) In Canadian Dollars, per 1MSF, local delivery included, under 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. 200# 275# Oyster UC 275#DW 350#DW $78.56 $99.18 $9.00 $96.32 $105.83 CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton.
42# Kraft Liner 26#
Semi-Chem Medium
East West
$9 2 0.00 $ 96 5.00
$9 1 0.00 $9 4 5.00
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Calling Profero Systems just another equipment supplier is like calling the Tour just a bike ride. Profero Systems
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Lewisburg Printing Company Names Clay Davis As New CEO
POWER PRECISION PERFORMANCE
Lewisburg, Tennessee based Lewisburg Printing Compa- ny (LPC) and its affiliate companies (Huston Patterson, Sig- ma Graphics, Hawk Converting, LLC and LPC TX Visual) announced the appointment of Clay Davis as their new
Chief Executive Officer. LPC, a portfo- lio company of Radial Equity Partners, manufactures printed materials and packaging for a broad range of mar- kets, including personal care, food & beverage, healthcare, and other con- sumer markets. Clay brings a wealth of experience
Clay Davis
in printing, packaging, and consumer products from a suc- cessful leadership career spanning over two decades. His proven track record of driving growth and innovation po- sitions him as a strong successor to lead LPC into its next phase of expansion. Prior to joining LPC, Clay was President and CEO of Stouse LLC, where he led initiatives to accelerate growth and foster a culture of excellence. His passion for deliver- ing exceptional customer service and outstanding quality is consistent with the core values of LPC. “I am honored and excited to join Lewisburg Printing Company,” said Davis. “This company has a proud track record of delivering high quality printing and packaging solutions while exceeding client expectations. I look for- ward to working closely with the talented team at LPC to continue driving growth and creating value for our clients.” Clay succeeds Hale Hawkins, who served as CEO of LPC since 2002 and will continue as a member of the Board of Directors. “We are delighted to welcome Clay as our new CEO,” Hawkins said. “His skills and experience will help propel our company forward, building upon the strong foundation that we have established over our long history.”
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AF&PA Releases March Packaging Papers Report
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) re- leased its March 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report. Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in March decreased 5 percent compared to March 2023. They were down 2 percent when compared to the same 3 months of 2023. The operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 82.5 percent, up 5.7 points from March 2023 and up 9.5 points year-to-date. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers — bag & sack — were 99,700 short tons for the month of March, down 0.3 per- cent from the same month last year but up 3.5 percent year-to-date.
kolbusamerica.com | sales@kolbus.com | 888-705-0051
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AICC Offering Two Events For Emerging Leaders
ELs will tour the DS Smith Riceboro Paper Mill, followed by lunch and a deep-dive workshop focused on this year’s EL theme of “Engage!”
AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, an- nounced it will offer two upcoming events tailored for Emerging Leaders in the packaging industry. These events promise valuable insights, networking opportunities, and leadership development sessions to foster growth and in- novation within the sector. The Q2 C-Suite Webinar will be held on Thursday, May 2, at 2:00 pm ET. It will introduce Emerging Leaders to Gary Brewer, President, Package Crafters, Inc., and AICC Vice-Chair. Based in High Point, North Carolina, and Sa- vannah, Georgia, Package Crafters specializes in custom corrugated packaging solutions. Brewer's insights promise to offer Emerging Leaders fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to inspire growth within their organizations. The Emerging Leader Annual Workshop held from May 29–31 in Savannah also hosted by Brewer, promises an immersive experience filled with networking opportuni- ties, plant and paper mill tours, and valuable career de- velopment and leadership training sessions. Hosted by Gary Brewer, AICC Vice-Chair, along with the team from Package Crafters and Creative Packaging, this event is a must-attend for emerging leaders looking to elevate their careers.
The workshop will equip emerging leaders with the skills and strategies to foster engagement within their teams and organizations. Hosted by Omar Abdullah of AchieveNext, the training will emphasize cultivating a culture of collaboration, communication, and motivation. Attendees will leave with enhanced engagement-driven competencies, personalized action plans, and the tools needed to drive career development and success within their companies. AICC’s Emerging Leaders celebrated the program’s 10th anni- versary during the Spring Meeting in Palm Springs, California on April 8-10.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Nebula’s advanced closed-loop technology scans for moisture, temperature, and planarity —correcting variations in real-time with its patented moisture control system.
HUMIDITY SCANNER The humidity control scanner detects the corrugated board moisture and temperature data with an “S” movement that allows a real-time reading of values on the line at a controlled speed.
WARP SCANNER Continuous and real-time monitoring of the production line provides immediate insights and data, enabling prompt adjustments within a dynamic closed-loop control system.
Watch Video
770-425-3353 www.cstsystems.net CST Systems is the exclusive distributor for Renova in North America*, Central America and the Caribbean. * Excluding Mexico
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sales by state
Over 175 Apstars Installed
Over 175 Apstars Installed
group.com
Over 175 Apstars Installed
hairegroup.com
AICC Emerging Leaders (CONT’D FROM PAGE 6)
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month December 2023
Attendees will also see the world-famous Savannah Bananas in action and network during a low country-style dinner at a 19th-century fort on the Savannah River.
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2023 2022
29.711 30.124
-1.4
7.819 7.927
-1.4
Industry Total
Year-to Date
December 2023
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2023 2022
380.555 400.520
-5.0
7.611 7.979
-4.6
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2023 2022
2.4080 2.4260
-0.7
30.9333 32.5461
-5.0
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
Dec. Nov.
2.1892 2.1071
3.9
3.5 3.5
6.1
These events are only open to AICC Emerging Lead- ers. To learn more about the AICC Emerging Leader Pro- gram, visit www.AICCbox.org/Leader . To register, visit www.AICCbox.org/Calendar. For more information, contact Taryn Pyle, Director of Education & Leadership Development, tpyle@AICCbox. org, or Chelsea May, Education and Training Manager, cmay@AICCbox.org or (703) 836.2422.
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2023 2022
19 19
250 251
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
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TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR ENTIRE SYSTEM
The BSP Express Link control system is designed specifically for the corrugated industry to measure the performance of key components with complete accuracy. It allows remote monitoring from anywhere, alarming you if any systems are not operating within parameters.
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Manufacturing Institute Honors IP Plant General Manager Sarah Dale The Manufacturing Institute — the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Man- ufacturers — announced that Sarah Dale, Plant General
Award,” Sarah said. “For the organization to take time, which is in short sup- ply, to consider me for this notable award, was a treasure, but then, for an external group to review my nomination alongside impressive leaders and recognize my work — I am honored.” The Women MAKE Awards are part of the MI’s Wom- en MAKE America initiative, which is the nation’s marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing. Women account for about half of the U.S. labor force but represent less than one-third of the manufacturing work- force. Women MAKE America aims to build the 21st-centu- ry manufacturing workforce by empowering and inspiring women in the industry. “With more than 600,000 open jobs in manufacturing today and the continued need to fill millions more jobs by the end of the decade, it’s critical for manufacturers to en-
Manager at International Paper has been recognized as a 2024 Women MAKE Awards honoree. This annual national awards pro- gram honors women who have demon- strated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the
Sarah Dale
factory floor to the C-suite. “I was delighted to be selected for the Women MAKE
gage the largest underrepresented pool of talent: women,” said MI President and Ex- ecutive Director Carolyn Lee. As part of its Vision 2030 goals, IP aims to have 30 percent overall representation of women in all positions and 50 percent of women in salaried positions. Additionally, the company’s Women in IP Employee Networking Circle (ENC) is committed to actively contributing to the growth and development of women in IP’s workforce, providing career guidance, pro- fessional development and fostering con- nections. ICPF Attends ‘Pack Jam’ As Platinum Sponsor The International Corrugated Packag- ing Foundation (ICPF) attended the 2024 “Packaging Jamboree,” hosted at the Uni- versity of Wisconsin-Stout as a Platinum sponsor. The event was attended by over 160 packaging students from programs across the country, including Michigan State Uni- versity, Clemson University, Virginia Tech, Rutgers University, and more. As part of the event, ICPF and students attended keynote and breakout sessions discussing the industry’s growing empha- sis on sustainability, ways to capitalize on the capability of machine learning, and how to foster professional growth in the industry. ICPF and attendees also toured UW- Stout’s packaging design and testing labs and participated in a career fair for stu-
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CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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Nonstop Performance
EAM-Mosca’s CTV SoniXs ® features an asymmetric platen with five strap heads to accommodate the widest variety of load sizes and strap patterns. Strap placements range from 9” - 56.5”.
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ePS Names Michael Naughton As Business Development Manager Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based eProductivity Software has named Michael Naughton as its new Business Devel- opment Manager for Packaging. “This opportunity marks a significant milestone in my career, further deepening my involvement with the vi-
ICPF Attends (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)
dents to network with industry professionals and learn more about career opportunities.
brant packaging and printing indus- try,” Naughton said. “I am profoundly grateful for the chance to contribute to this wonderful company, and very eager to bring my industry experience along with my passion to help compa- nies really make a difference.” Originally from Newcastle, Austra-
Michael Naughton
lia, “Mick” Naughton moved to the US in 1997 and today lives in Phoenix, Arizona. His career in the packaging and printing industry stems back more than 30 years with the majority of those years working at ESKO in Dayton, Ohio. With recent attendance at PPC’s Spring Outlook Con- ference in Dallas earlier this month, Naughton says he is looking forward to connecting with industry partners at various shows throughout 2024. Currently, he is gearing up for the ePS Connect Confer- ence in Las Vegas, Nevada August 19-22. For more infor- mation, visit epssw.com .
ICPF promoted several student-focused resources, such as the free career portal, newly developed Jobs Quiz, and updated website. As the nation’s only student-led packaging conference, the annual event presents a valu- able opportunity to educate our future workforce and pro- mote the vast opportunities in the corrugated packaging industry. ICPF encourages attendance or becoming a sponsor for Pack Jam 2025 at the Rochester Institute of Technolo- gy in New York.
Do you need printed sheets? We have your answer.. Introducing Heartland’s ColorCorr. This is “flexo-printing in the round”. On our corrugator we can print up to 109” wide. The advantage is that we can print the equivalent of ½ roll at a time and not be required to keep several rolls of very expensive preprinted paper on the floor. Much less waste and risk. In continual print mode, we use either laser-engraved rubber rolls or solid rubber rolls to print a “flood coat” or a repeating pattern. If we are printing a repeating pattern, we can run a two-color design on the paper. Customers have found that running sheets we print can allow them to run a lighter-grade due to reduced caliper loss, and in some cases eliminate one or more machine passes.
For more information contact: Charlie Freeman | 816-500-8889 | cfreeman@heartlandsheets.com Tim Kramer | 816-841-8317 | color@heartlandsheets.com
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CartoMicro Invests In EMBA Ultima For Smaller Volume, High Quality Demands BY DAN BRUNTON
León, Mexico based CartoMicro, founded in 1989, began its journey in the corrugated board industry, but over time, new processes and technology were incorporated such as manufacturing single- and double-wall corru- gated in different flutes, as well as the production of folded and die-cut boxes for different uses and sectors. As the demand for the company’s products increased, storage and delivery logistics were also incorporated to effectively meet customers’ needs, which has been one of CartoMicro’s main focuses right from start. “We stand out for flexibility and reliability. We have a special focus on attention and service to our customers, continually improving the value offer based on market needs. We investigate, develop, and incorporate technology, processes and materials based on this,” said Jorge Velázquez Bonilla, COO.
Customer Care Portal
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When the business was established, CartoMicro was mainly focused on serving the local market, but over the years, they have expanded to deliver not only throughout Mexico but even to international destinations such as the United States, Europe, and Asia. CartoMicro serves the needs of several sectors including industrial (au- tomotive, textile, electronics, furniture) and agri-foods (fresh, processed and beverages), and their customers are distributors. In 2018, to improve quality and service in their box converting division, CartoMicro made an important investment by acquiring a casemaker from EMBA. Observing a market demand oriented towards smaller volume pro- duction — but still a demand for high quality and price sensitive — the choice was made for an EMBA Ultima. CartoMicro’s expectations of the machine contributing to a continued growth have been met. “The machine has met our expectations of availability, productivity, quick order changes and quality, currently being one of the company’s most valuable assets. It allows us to manufacture everything from large quantities of industrial boxes to high-performance products for specialized sectors,” said Jorge Velázquez Bonilla. “Receiving this kind of response is something we value highly, when we meet our customers’ demands and expectations then we have suc- ceeded with our work – focusing on customer-driven development,” said Anders Troedsson, Area Sales Manager, EMBA. “We are proud to have delivered a fast and flexible machine, with short CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
Corrugator Scheduling
Automated Performance Costing
Partner Integrations:
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Do More with Less APB is an automated and integrated plant planning system designed to help your schedulers do less manual work. By utilizing scheduling optimization technology, your planning department can focus on exceptions only. Visibility Enables Optimization Our intuitive scheduling solution features seamless, bidirectional data flows with core backend systems. Easy-to-Understand Dashboards Machine capacity charts provide graphical real-time information of the equipment’s backlog state and next available delivery dates. Improve Capacity through Automation Our proprietary algorithms leverage cutting edge automation to dynamically prioritize your most critical scheduling constraints. ADVANCED PLANNING BOARD
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CartoMicro Invests (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
set-up times, that will allow CartoMicro to provide a diverse range of products and help them increase their capacity as they continue to expand their business.” It was essential that their investment generate high-vol-
ume, high-quality box production. But also significant was the sup- port and service EMBA has provided both be- fore, during and after the installation of the machine. “Regardless of what questions we have, we always receive full sup- port from EMBA,” said Bonilla. “Throughout our
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cooperation, they have always delivered what they promised. The confidence we have in EMBA is very high.” Box production started only two weeks after the instal- lation of the latest machine. A well-functioning and suc- cessful installation is based on good cooperation between
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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CartoMicro Invests (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION is a recognized leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than simply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your proposed system. Our equipment is found in Printing, Folding Carton and Corrugated plants throughout the country and the world. “With good guidance from the EMBA trainers and us- er-friendly maintenance manuals, our work on the ma- chines has flowed satisfactorily. EMBA’s excellent service has been a fundamental factor in continuing to learn and grow together,” Bonilla said. “Our technicians have been well received and they ex- perience that the operators at CartoMicro have been ac- commodating and solution-oriented throughout the pro- cess.” “Teach the teacher” is a successful concept that Carto- Micro has implemented. One person learns all the details of operating and maintaining the machine and then trains others. both parties before delivery, but undoubtedly during in- stallation. “The installation of an EMBA machine is always preced- ed by clear instructions to have a process as smooth as possible. “In CartoMicro’s case, the conditions for an efficient in- stallation and start-up have been absolutely right both of the times and they have followed our instructions to the full. “In addition to that, they have also adopted our advice regarding maintenance and operation of machines in the best way,” confirms Camilla Larsson, Manager Aftermarket, EMBA.
HAS NEVER CORRUGATED LOOKED BETTER
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION PH: 901-454-5016 FAX: 901-324-7979 e-mail: sales@accfilter.com • www.accfilter.com
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The Royal Group Wins 4 Awards At Shop! OMA Competition Cicero, Illinois based The Royal Group announced that its design team took home four awards at the Shop! Mar- ketPlace Outstanding Merchandising Achievement (OMA) awards contest that honors retail displays that push the boundaries of merchandising and design today to set fu- ture standards. The winning displays included: Responsible Beauty Endcap - Silver in Cosmetic & Fra-
grance Category: The Responsi- ble Beauty display represents a seamless integration of sustain- able products, manufacturing practices, and consumer educa- tion within the beauty landscape. Michelob Ultra Golf – Bronze
Japonesque End Cap – Bronze in Cosmetic and Fra- grance Category: The Japonesque display not only met the immediate objective of creating a temporary yet dura- ble display, but also showcased our dedication to sustain- ability, innovation, and operational efficiency in the cos- metic retail landscape. Mars Permanent Wing – Bronze in Drug Store Retailer Category: The Mars display achieved its goal of boosting incremental sales from impulse purchases through its sec- ondary placement outside of the candy aisle, which serves as a testament to our capabilities as a permanent display manufacturer for major retailers.
in Beverage Category: The Mi- chelob Ultra Golf gained prime placement at a beverage dis- tribution convention for An- heuser-Busch distributors and exceeded anticipated orders nationwide, proving visual ap- peal and desired impact don’t have to be comprised when meeting various constraints.
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FLEXO ROTARY DIE CUTTER
MORE BOXES EVERY MINUTE . . . PERIOD! Since 1955 we have been serving the corrugated industry with both new and used equipment. Now more than ever, we offer practical and affordable solutions to meet the needs of today’s boxmaker.
K7io The Original Multi-Color Inside/Out Flexo Rotary Die Cutter Pioneers in inside/outside printing offering quality printing and die cutting. The K7 offers the ability to print on both sides of the box in a single pass. The K7 Series can be equipped with slotting and scoring and a SHINKO Super Alpha folder gluer/counter ejector thereby making it a K7S. Global has also incorporated a unique configuration to our K7S 66” X 142” 1636 Flexo Folder Gluer creating the “Dual-Line”. The Dual-Line configuration enables a customer with two of the same size machines to have side tracking printer interchangeability. Sizes Available: 66” X 110” to 66” X 190”
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SINCE 1955
PPC Spring Outlook (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
retention rate with over 20 new members since 2022. Thirty percent of those attending the conference were new attendees. “It’s good to see growth and continuity,” Brodie said, noting record-breaking attendance at the last Folding Car- ton Boot Camp who two more set for May and November. Brodie also shared updates on some of the PPC ini- tiatives that are being implemented. PPC has identified 10 sustainability and industry issues that it is monitoring, including EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and
PPC In Action Steve Scherger, Chief Financial Officer, Graphic Pack- aging International, recognized PPC Chair Laura Brodie,
CEO of Pusterla 1800 North America, for her efforts to improve the organization, noting that PPC University is coming together un- der her leadership as well as PPC Next, a program that will focus on next-generation leadership, that kicks off with a Leadership Summit July 17-19 in Warrenville, Illinois. “Her commitment challenged us to be
TRUTH in Labeling, and is reporting that information in biweekly roundups. Cur- rently, PPC is monitoring over 30 bills in the US and Canada and is creating a list of members interested in grassroots lobbying. Emily Leonczyk, Exec- utive Director of PPC, en- couraged first-time attend- ees to learn more about Trees Into Cartons, Cartons
Laura Brodie of Pusterla 1800, with Steve Scherger of Graphic Packag- ing International, was recognized for her leadership as PPC chair.
even more forward-facing in how we approach sustain- ability,” said Scherger, who will be taking over the chair- manship in the fall. Brodie credited PPC’s staff and their commitment for much of the organization’s accomplishments over the past year and a half with PPC having record-breaking sponsor participation and an impressive 90 percent membership
Emily Leonczyk Executive Director of PPC
Into Trees (TICCIT.info), PPC’s educational and outreach initiative that targets third through fifth grade students. “I really encourage you to take a look at how your or- ganization can participate in TICCIT. It is a great way to CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
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PPC Spring Outlook (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)
“Culture is everyone’s responsibility. It doesn’t matter your role in your organization. You will have the opportuni- ty to make everyone’s day better or you can make it worse, and culture starts at the leadership level,” she said. “Who is
engage online, spark curiosity, and talk about what it is that we do in the packaging industry. I will tell you that our members are also using it as a recruitment tool,” she said. She also announced that the deadline to enter the 81st annual 2024 North America Paperboard Packaging Com- petition has been extended to May 17. Rules and guide- lines are available at paperbox.org . Additionally, PPC's nominee for the 2024 Woods Schol- ar Award is Hayden Poirier, Mechanical Engineer at South- ern Champion Tray in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Creative Leadership Two of the event speakers, Lisa Ryan, MBA, CSP and founder of Grategy, and Mark Brothers, Senior Vice Presi- dent of Human Resources at RRD Solutions, were selected as part of PPC’s leadership and workforce development initiatives offering solutions to address the challenge of at- tracting and retaining talented staff members. In an interactive presentation, Ryan emphasized the value of work culture in attracting and keeping good em- ployees. In the “awesome, average, and awful” categories of bosses, Ryan said that it is the awesome bosses who create a work environment where employees can thrive and are given opportunities that allow them to grow. Em- ployers can’t afford to keep toxic employees because too often it results in the best employees leaving the company, she said.
it for you? Is it that recep- tionist that lights up the room when people come in? Is it that person in the plant who is running that line like they’re the boss? Start paying attention to the people who are lit up and make those invita- tions because you have no idea how you can im- pact the lives of the peo- ple who work for you.” Managers, however, tend to raise their people
the way that they were raised, Ryan said. “If you as a leader were never thanked, you never felt valued, you never felt appreciated for what you did — you’re going to do the same for your people,” she said. “What are those characteristics that we can start to adopt? Because when we get the culture right, it makes up for a whole bunch.” Ryan said that small gestures, made through acts of ap- CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 Lisa Ryan was a featured speak- er on creative leadership.
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Colbert Packaging Brings TICCIT To Students For Earth Day Kenosha, Wisconsin based Colbert Packaging announced their participation in the Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees (TICCIT) program with presentations at the River- view School in Silver Lake, Wisconsin, and Bittersweet Elementary School in Mishawaka, Indiana. Building on its tradition of educating students about sustainability and the lifecycle of trees, Colbert employee teams, led by Human Resources Managers, Todd Douth- it in Elkhart and Kevin Pittner in Kenosha, reached more than 150 second- and third-grade students. Earth Day 2024 marks the seventh year of Colbert’s involvement in TICCIT. Teams from Colbert’s Kenosha and Elkhart loca- tions volunteered to help. Students and teachers partic-
ipated with great enthusiasm. The hands-on engagement activity gave students the opportunity to plant a sapling in a Kevin Pittner of Colbert Packaging talks about the lifecycle of trees with elementary students.
paperboard carton filled with soil to bring home. The program shows families that the carton, planted directly in the ground, provides protection and a natural water funnel for the new tree. As the tree grows, the carton will break down and complete the “trees into cartons, cartons into trees” cycle. The visual presentation was topped off with a hands-on session where stu- dents were invited to prepare and take home their very own tree sapling in a pa- perboard planter. “The TICCIT curriculum teaches the next generation that trees are a sustainable crop, just like other agricultural crops such as corn and soybeans, and highlights the importance of recycling,” said Colbert Mar- keting Manager Wanda Speer. Colbert’s commitment to sustainability includes support of wind energy, zero manufactur- ing waste to landfill practices, responsible paperboard sourcing, and participation in EcoVadis’ business sustainability ratings platform. For more information about Colbert Packaging and sustainability, visit colbert- pkg.com/sustainability/ . “Thank you for the engaging and in- formative presentation given to our sec- ond-grade students at Bittersweet Elemen- tary,” said Bittersweet Elementary teacher, Karen Delio. “The students learned a lot about trees and tree products. Mr. Douthit and his crew were attentive to our students and even gave each student a tree to take home and plant! Great presentation.” Created by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), the TICCIT program teaches young learners about the role trees play in the environment and our circular economy.
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PPC Spring Outlook (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
preciation and meaningful efforts to get to know employ- ees, have a huge impact on a leader’s ability to connect.
ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com
Advantzware provides a comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP requirements of full scale pack- aging plants and integrated companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and account- ing, this scalable system supports companies that produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase dis- plays, assembled partitions, and paperboard products. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com Air Conveying Corporation is a leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than sim- ply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your pro- posed system. Our equipment is found in printing, folding carton and corrugated plants throughout the world. We've been designing, manufacturing and engineering pneumatic conveying systems since 1984. We partner with our customers to ensure they operate efficiently and guar- antee our systems meet or exceed their specifications. ASDI specializes in full pull-through systems trim separators, and NFPA compliant systems with full electronic controls. AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com AIR SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. www.airsystemsdesign.com Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and com- prehensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated scheduling software, and engineered automation technol- ogy. For over 30 years, Amtech has kept our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with customer digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.com World’s largest Anilox and Glue & Metering roll manufac- turer, providing the widest selection of corrugated engrav- ings and complementary services. Anilox engraving options available from our North American manufacturing facility include elongated 75°, 60°, 45°, plus Apex’s patented GTT technology. Glue rolls are produced with Hardened Stain- less Steel and a max TIR of 10 µ for Single, Double Facers.
“The old soft skills are now the new hard skills,” she said. “They want to know you, they want to know that you care about them and that you know their name, that you know a little bit about them.” Listening is also key, especially to millennial and gen Z employees, because they see world differently, as is a will- ingness to invest in employees through training and other resources. Too often, managers don’t have in-depth con- versations until the exit interview, Ryan said. That’s why she advocates for “stay” interviews, where bosses talk to their people about what attracted them to their job, what excites them and how their jobs could be better. Additionally, the ability to share and articulate an orga- nization’s mission is key not only in showing existing em- Madison Keyser, Director of Corporate Development at Utah Paperbox, speaks during Ryan’s presentation.
ployees the big impact they are having on the world but in encouraging new people to join the industry. “Do we want a bunch of employees who are looking to update their LinkedIn profile and leave or are we look- ing at creating a culture where people are so happy that other people notice?” Ryan said. “It’s
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the small gestures that you do consistently every day that have big impact. It’s not about outbidding the competition, it’s about not caring enough; it’s not about filling jobs, it’s about creating fulfilling work.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
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PPC Spring Outlook (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
Benchmarks Chris Maurer, Vice President of Sales, Graphic Packag- ing International, updated members on the PPC Bench- mark Committee, which will be rolling out a safety forum where members can exchange information and share ex- periences in how their organizations have improved safety and learned from near misses. The committee produces a report including a monthly market flash report for the in- dependents to compare their sales performance with their peer sets. Other reports include a quarterly market report bringing together both integrated and independents, a quarterly financial performance report, and a special wage report that looks at hourly wages and offers an industry perspective on holiday and paid-time-off benefits. Industry Icons Applause and respect was bestowed on industry icon Doug Herr, Director of Sales, Folding Carton, Bobst North America, who is retiring. “It’s been a fantastic 47 years, and I’m very, very for- tunate to not only join a tremendous organi- zation and tremendous company, but also to be amongst all of you,” Herr said. “I remember when I first joined PPC when they first allowed vendors into the orga- nization, the number of owners, big shots, who spent the time to make me feel comfortable in the organization when I was a much younger individual. It says a lot about the or- ganization and the members.” Herr introduced Trent Tucker, General Manager of American Carton Company, who presented the member spotlight. Tucker, another distinguished leader in the print- ing and packaging industry, is also in the process of retir- ing. Herr said that his professional relationship with Tucker has grown into a fantastic friendship over the years. “And it’s not only the friendship that Trent and I have, I know that Trent also has a similar friendship with all of you because he’s an incredible individual,” Herr said. Plant Tours The last day of the conference was reserved for tours at American Carton Company and Southern Champion Tray, both in nearby Mansfield, Texas, who graciously opened their doors to two busloads of members for an inside peak into their impressive operations. American Carton Company, a full-service carton com- pany that designs and manufactures packaging solutions for a variety of businesses, was founded by the late Joe Harris and today is under the leadership of sisters Jana Doug Herr of Bobst NA.
ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com
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AES is a leading full-service provider of integrated convey- ance systems specializing in scrap, trim, and dust. AES en- gineers custom scrap systems and works as a partner in process improvement to help businesses achieve greater profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Products include balers, shredders/hoggers, core shredders, filters, fans, and specialized dust control and collection systems. AES is the ex- clusive distributor for the AirShark Rotary Material Separator. For a wide variety of new and used equipment on to- day’s market, visit our website at www.acm-corp.com. BAUMER HHS CORPORATION www.baumerhhs.com hhs is a global leader in advanced gluing, camera verifica- tion and quality assurance systems for the packaging indus- try. Zero-defect quality and elevated production speeds are key parameters in the manufacturing of corrugated boxes. With hhs Xcam Box Monitoring and non-contact flap gluing of corrugated board, hhs offers every option for quality as- surance in the production of boxes with flexo folder gluers. AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com BLOWER APPLICATION COMPANY (BLOAPCO) www.BloApCo.com BloApCo has served the corrugated industry since 1933 with a variety of scrap handling solutions, including Hori- zontal Floor Shredders, Trim Cutters, and Material Handling Fans and Conveying Systems. BloApCo Shredders allow for continuous shredding and pneumatic removal of sheet waste stacks of all sizes, roll slab, cores, and carton scrap.
CORRUGATED MACHINERY SPECIALISTS www.cmsretrofits.com
Leading manufacturer and installer of quality retrofits, up- grades and replacement parts for S&S and Prime Flexo Folder Gluers. Specialists in reconditioning of S&S Flexo Folder Gluers, including ink, air and electrical systems.
CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com
Serving the corrugated box industry since 1991, Chicago- based Corrugator Belt Service LLC maintains corru- gator belts for peak board quality and performance.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
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