Board Converting News, November 3, 2025

November 3, 2025

VOL. 41, NO. 44

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years

Forecast 2026: Rising Costs, Sluggish Consumers BY PHILLIP M. PERRY Manufacturers can look forward to a gradually improving, if challenging, operating environment in 2026. “The US economy is holding up admi- rably well despite a major trade shock caused by tariffs,” said Bernard Yaros Jr., Lead U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics (oxfordeconomics. com). “We look for an acceleration in growth in 2026 as stimulus from the One Big Beautiful Bill gets underway.”

Saica Group Invests Over $110M In Second U.S. Plant Spanish company Saica Group has an- nounced that it has begun to build its second Saica Pack plant in the U.S., a new corrugat- ed manufacturing operation in Anderson, In- diana. With an investment of more than $110 million, Saica Group is one of the largest and most advanced European players in the de- velopment and production of recycled paper for corrugated packaging. Saica Pack is the Saica Group’s division dedicated to produc- ing high-performance corrugated packaging solutions. At a groundbreaking ceremony last week, the company celebrated the construction on its new state-of-the-art factory. Among the attendees were former State Senator Tim La- nane, representing the Mayor of Anderson; David J. Adams, Indiana Secretary of Com- merce; and Rob Sparks, Executive Director of the Madison County Economic Development Corporation, among other regional represen- tatives. Representatives from Saica, construc- tion partners Miller Valentine Construction, CSX, and FM Global, as well as other key stakeholders and community leaders, were also present at the ceremony.

Oxford Economics expects real GDP to grow by 2 percent in 2026, up a bit from the 1.7 percent expected when 2025 numbers are final- ly tallied. Both years, among the most sluggish growth environments of the past decade, are underperforming the 2.8 percent increase of 2024. (Gross Domestic Product, the total value of the nation’s goods and services, is the most commonly utilized measure of economic growth. “Real” GDP subtracts the effects of inflation). Higher Profits The nation’s economic growth depends largely on the launch of new business initiatives. Unfortunately, manufacturers are holding back for a number of reasons. Interest rates, while declining, are still at the high- est levels since 2022. Costs for materials and supplies are increasing. There is uncertainty about the nation’s future trade policy. Lower and middle income consumers, nervous about inflation, are tapped out and closing their wallets. Against such headwinds, a host of otherwise at- tractive projects can look less promising. One might also expect business profitability to suffer. Yet Oxford CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 4 TAPPI Appoints Roberts As New President And CEO 6 ICPF Nominates Hollenbach To Circle Of Distinguished Leaders 8 Atlas Container Named 2025 Innovator Of The Year 24 Domtar Recognized By NRC For Outstanding Leadership

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Designed with future growth in mind, the almost 350,000-square-foot facility will produce more than 1,200,000 MSF of corrugated packaging. Shipping of pa- per rolls will be reduced to the plant being connected to a railroad line. This site will also serve as a backup plant for Saica Pack in Hamilton, Ohio, to reinforce supply chain

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. REGION 42# Kraft liner 26# Semi-Chem. Medium $ 900.00-925. 00 $ 825. 00 -$850.00 U.S. Average 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 $970.00 $960.00 West $1,015.00 $995.00 REGION Saica Group Invests (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1) Susana Alejandro, President and CEO of Saica Group, said: “Saica is committed to stability and long-term growth in the U.S. This investment is proof that we are moving forward with our plans in the U.S. as we are convinced that we can provide products that will differentiate us in a crowded market.” Factory operations are expected to begin in Q4 2026 with recruiting for management and technical positions beginning later this year. Within the first two years of op- erations, they anticipate creating more than 50 full-time jobs, potentially reaching over 100 full-time jobs once the plant is running at full capacity.

security. The site will include manufacturing, converting and production areas, along with a warehouse and office space. Being in Anderson, Saica expands its geographic reach in the Midwest, creating a stronger service platform for the future. This investment follows a previous announcement on Saica´s growth plans, where the company is planning to invest around $800 million in the U.S. market over the next several years.

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November 3, 2025

TAPPI Appoints Lawton C. Roberts As New President and CEO TAPPI, the leading association for the global pulp, pa- per, tissue, packaging, and converting industries, has an- nounced the appointment of Lawton C. Roberts as its next

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President and Chief Executive Of- ficer, effective November 3, 2025. Roberts will succeed Larry N. Mon- tague, who is set to retire at the end of the year after 19 years of distin- guished leadership. Montague, who took the helm in 2006, has been instrumental in

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expanding TAPPI’s global footprint, enhancing safety and education initiatives, and strengthening member engage- ment across all sectors of the industry. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this incred- ible community,” said Montague. “From day one, our fo- cus was on putting members first—literally placing them at the top of our organizational chart. I’ve seen this indus- try evolve, grow stronger, and come together in ways that continue to inspire me. I’m confident Lawton is the right person to lead TAPPI into its next chapter.” Roberts, currently TAPPI’s Chief Operating Officer, has been with the organization since 2017 and has worked CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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ICPF Nominates Bryan Hollenbach To Circle Of Distinguished Leaders The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF), co-sponsored by AICC, The Independent Pack- aging Association and Fibre Box Association (FBA), has

TAPPI Appoints (CONT’D FROM PAGE 4)

alongside Montague since 2006 in various capacities. His deep understanding of TAPPI’s mission, strong rela- tionships within the industry, and operational leadership made him a unanimous choice by TAPPI’s Board of Direc- tors following a rigorous, months-long search process led by TAPPI’s Executive Committee and an external executive recruitment firm. “Lawton brings passion, institutional knowledge, and a clear vision for the future,” said Kim Nelson, TAPPI Board Chair. “His leadership will ensure continued momentum in serving our members and supporting innovation across the pulp, paper, and packaging value chains.” Roberts and Montague will work closely through the re- mainder of 2025 to ensure a seamless transition into the new year.

announced the nomination of Bryan Hollenbach for induc- tion into ICPF’s Circle of Distin- guished Leaders. The program honors ex- ceptional individuals -- leaders whose vision, creativity and energy have moved the corru- gated industry forward. Bryan had a long-standing career in the

Bryan Hollenbach

paper and packaging industry, recently re- tiring as executive vice president of Green Bay Packaging, a position he held since 2011. He oversaw the company’s paper mills, woodlands, and corrugated and pa- perboard packaging divisions. Bryan began his 21-year career with Green Bay in 2004 as VP and general manager of its Green Bay Shipping Container plant. Prior to Green Bay Packaging, he served as VP of operations for Solo Cup and Hoff- master/Fonda Group. Bryan was very active in the industry, serving on many industry as- sociation boards and chairing many includ- ing ICPF’s Board of Directors, FBA’s Board of Directors, and American Forest & Paper Association’s (AF&PA) Board of Directors. Friends, business colleagues, firms, and organizations can honor Bryan by making a donation in his name. Nomination contri- butions are tax deductible and support the Circle of Distinguished Leaders Program, as well as ICPF’s work to grow the workforce of the corrugated packaging industry. Those making donations to honor Bry- an will be recognized during his induction ceremony at the 2026 FBA Annual Meeting and in a subsequent release to the packag- ing trade press. Contact Caitlin Salaverria at csalaverria@ icpfbox.org if you would like to join in rec- ognizing Bryan by making a tax deductible “nomination donation” to ICPF. ICPF then will forward an invoice with mailing and ACH instructions for your accounting de- partment. For more information on the Circle of Distinguished Leaders, visit www.careersin- corrugated.com .

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Atlas Container Named 2025 Innovator Of The Year For ‘Second Chance’ Program AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, in partnership with Board Converting News , proudly announces the winner and finalists of the 2025 Innovator of the Year Competition. Designed to recognize for- ward-thinking solutions that enhance the efficiency, productivity, quality, and profitability of independent box plants, this year’s competition once again showcased the creativity and commitment to progress that define AICC members.

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For over two decades, the Innovator of the Year Competition has pro- vided a platform for box makers and suppliers to showcase their most impactful innovations. The program continues to evolve as a leading in- dustry forum, spotlighting the technological and operational advance- ments that drive success across production, material handling, manufac- turing, training, and administrative processes. Each year, the AICC Plant Innovations Committee issues a call for entries from member companies in various categories. Submissions are carefully reviewed, and finalists are selected to present their innovations to attendees at the AICC Annual Meeting, where members cast their votes to determine the winners. This year’s category was box maker in- novations and ideas. 2025 Innovator Of The Year Winners & Finalists The 2025 competition culminated during the AICC Annual Meeting in Chicago, where attendees voted to select this year’s top innovators. Their achievements represent the ingenuity and community spirit at the heart of independent packaging. First Place: Atlas Container Corporation A Second Chance Program: From Detention to Successful Reintegration Atlas Container was recognized for its powerful workforce initiative that provides individuals transitioning from detention with meaningful employment and support for reintegration into society. The program demonstrates how innovation in human resources and social responsi- Gary Brewer of Package Crafters, left, and Len Prazych, President/Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Board Converting News, right, co-present the 2025 In- novator of the Year Award to Paul Centenari of Atlas Container.

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bility can strengthen both people and businesses. Second Place: Liberty Diversified International Lead the Line: Innovation in Frontline Leadership

Liberty Diversified International earned second place for its inno- vative leadership development program designed to empower front- line managers. This initiative enhances communication, accountability,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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Pamarco Appoints New VP Of Sales And Marketing For The Americas Roselle, New Jersey based Pamarco has confirmed the appointment of Charles (Chuck) Doyle as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Americas. Based in Alpharetta, GA, Doyle

Atlas Container (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)

and team performance—driving operational excellence through leadership at every level. Third Place: Coastal Container A One-Page Plan: Visual Management Coastal Container’s entry secured third place with a streamlined visual management system that simplifies strategic planning. The “One Page Plan” improves clari- ty, engagement, and alignment across teams, turning complex business goals into actionable, measurable out- comes. “All this years’ finalists have implemented difference making concepts that provide answers to the challeng- es of labor, efficiency, and customer satisfaction,” said AICC President Mike D’Angelo. “Atlas Container’s Second Chance program really resonated with the voters as a practical and compassionate solution that can be repeat- ed at many other AICC member operations.” AICC congratulates all the finalists and thanks every member company that submitted entries this year. Their innovations inspire progress and strengthen the indepen- dent packaging community. The category for the 2026 Innovator of the Year com- petition is Supplier Non-Machinery. Call for entries will be- gin in May of 2026. For more information about the Inno- vator of the Year Competition and to watch videos of the finalists, visit www.AICCbox.org/Innovator .

will join Pamarco’s Executive Team, where he will play an inte- gral role in strengthening custom- er relationships, guiding strategic growth, and supporting success across the Americas. With a long-standing career in the flexographic printing industry,

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AICC has announced a free webinar being offered on No- vember 13, 2025. As a follow-up to his dynamic keynote presentation at the 2025 AICC Annual Meeting in Chica- go, Hall of Fame speaker and bestselling author Sam Rich- ter will return to host the webinar, Generative AI and Your Future. Richter’s closing session at the Annual Meeting capti- vated attendees with an engaging and accessible look at how generative artificial intelligence is transforming indus- tries, workplaces, and daily life. He encouraged leaders to adapt to this rapidly evolving technology and harness it as a competitive advantage. Generative AI refers to systems capable of creating new content — such as text, images, data, or designs — based on the patterns they’ve learned from existing infor- mation. Rather than simply analyzing data, these tools can generate new ideas and solutions, opening possibilities for automation, innovation, and efficiency across nearly every business function. For the packaging industry, that could mean smarter design workflows, more efficient cus- tomer communication, and data-driven insights to improve operations. In the upcoming webinar, Richter will take a deeper dive into the practical side of AI adoption. He’ll demonstrate

about how companies are using generative AI to improve productivity, marketing, and customer engagement. AICC members who attend will gain not only technical insights but also a better understanding of how to prepare their businesses for a digital future. Registration for Generative AI and Your Future is free for all AICC members. Learn more and sign up at www. AICCbox.org/Calendar . Sam Richter delivers a keynote at the AICC Annual Meeting.

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November 3, 2025

NAM Reports Manufacturing Activity Advances To Two-Month High According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the S&P Global Flash U.S. Manufacturing PMI rose from 52.0 to 52.2 in October, a two-month high. This con- tinues the trend in business conditions with nine of the past 10 months signaling growth. Factory production grew for the fifth consecutive month, while new orders increased at the steepest pace in one-and-a-half years, driven by the domestic market. On the other hand, export orders for manufactured goods fell at the fastest rate since February, with sales to China and Europe falling. Inventories continued to grow, but only marginally, as declining backlogs caused manufacturers to reduce in- put buying in October. Meanwhile, supplier delivery times shortened compared to September. Manufacturers’ input cost inflation increased at the slowest pace since February but remained incredibly high and continued to be attribut- ed to tariffs. Selling prices for goods accelerated in October but stayed below rates seen in the preceding six months. Firms continued to report difficulties passing higher costs on to customers due to suppressed demand and increased competition. Overall business activity advanced to a three-month

high, increasing from 53.9 in September to 54.8 in Octo- ber. This reading is accompanied by the largest rise in new business seen in 2025, with both the service sector and manufacturing experiencing growth in business activity in October. Overall, new order growth rose at the steepest level so far this year despite service exports falling. De- spite price increases in manufacturing, service sector in- flation eased in October.

Meanwhile, optimism about future business conditions fell in October, amid continued uncertainty around trade policy and the ongoing federal government shutdown. Manufacturing optimism declined to the second lowest level since June 2024 despite continued hope that tariffs could stimulate domestic production in the coming year. Learn more at www.nam.org .

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November 3, 2025

Navigating Packaging EPR Mandates: A Strategic Roadmap For Producers The U.S. packaging industry is undergoing a significant, mandatory transformation. With seven states—Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington—enacting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging laws, the regulatory landscape is rap- idly evolving. Producers cannot afford a reactive stance; compliance must be a core business strategy. EPR laws fundamentally shift the financial and oper- ational responsibility for packaging waste management from municipalities to producers. This structure, which incorporates eco-modulation, is designed to incentivize a circular economy by promoting recyclable designs, plastic material reduction, and greater use of post-consumer re- cycled (PCR) content. For packaging manufacturers and brand owners, navi- gating these complex, jurisdiction-specific rules requires a proactive strategic response. The Three Tenets Of EPR Compliance While implementation timelines and requirements vary, all U.S. EPR for packaging policies feature three key pillars. 1. Design For Recyclability: As EPR mandates expand, designing for recycling is no longer optional—it’s essen- tial. Recyclability must be embedded early in the product development process, not addressed as an afterthought. • Use the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) Design® Guide for new and redesigned packaging. The How- 2Recycle labeling program is also valuable. • Replace problematic plastics like polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with widely recycled materials such as PET (RIC 1), HDPE (RIC 2), and PP (RIC 5). • Transition away from carbon black to black colorants. • Ensure oxygen and moisture barriers that are critical for food safety and shelf life are compatible with existing recycling streams. 2. Source Reduction Using fewer materials in packaging is a highly effec- tive way to reduce environmental impact, minimize overall waste management, and cut production costs. Implement lightweighting by reducing material thickness and right-sizing packages to avoid unnecessary material use. • Eliminate extraneous secondary or tertiary packaging elements. • Thermoforming is inherently lighter and limits material inefficiencies compared to injection molding process- es, supporting immediate material reduction goals. • Align with stringent source reduction requirements to streamline processes and reduce the complexity of multi-state compliance. 3. PCR Content PCR requirements are ramping up alongside EPR poli- cies, aiming to drastically reduce reliance on virgin plastic. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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Navigating EPR (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)

Securing a verified supply of PCR is a critical near-term challenge. • Producers must pay close attention to state-by-state variations. • Scrutinize supplier processes. Some EPR laws exclude PCR derived from mass balance or chemically recycled sources. • Establish robust internal systems to track and mea- sure the impact of PCR usage. Tools like Life Cycle As- sessments (LCAs) and supplier impact calculators help quantify these metrics. From Compliance To Competitive Advantage Non-compliance with packaging EPR regulations is not a viable business risk. Penalties, such as California’s po- tential $50,000 per day per violation, can quickly eclipse the cost of proactive adaptation. Furthermore, states may prohibit the sale of products in non-compliant packaging, severely impacting market access. Non-compliance may even result in suspension or loss of packaging distribution licenses. U.S. producers who prioritize the three core tenets are de-risking their supply chain, optimizing material costs, and demonstrating market leadership. Proactive compli- ance is the clear path to advancing broader sustainabili- ty goals while ensuring business continuity in this rapidly evolving regulatory environment.

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Smurfit Westrock Dismissed From Ongoing Price-Fixing Lawsuit According to an update on Packaging Dive , Smurfit We- strock was dismissed from the ongoing price-fixing lawsuit brought by Artuso Pastry against the eight major existing paper and packaging companies. But other adjacent enti- ties were also named. Like Graphic Packaging International last month, Smurf- it Westrock was dismissed without prejudice. That means a defendant could be called back to the case later if new information comes to light of its potential involvement, al- though legal experts say it’s not a common scenario. The court documents do not address why GPI and SW were dismissed, and the companies declined to comment on litigation. The defendants banded together to file a motion to dis- miss on Oct. 20, the deadline set by the court for such fil- ings. The dismissal reason “failure to state a claim” means even if some of the facts the plaintiff stated are true, they don’t establish a legal claim, explained an attorney with antitrust defense expertise who reviewed the complaint but is not involved in the case. In this case, the motion to dismiss suggests that even if it were true that all of the defendants simultaneously raised their prices, the plaintiff does not provide sufficient CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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facts to show collusion, specifically an advance agreement to raise prices. Because it’s typically difficult for a plaintiff to access details about any alleged price-fixing agreements, “anti- trust complaints often rely on circumstantial facts to show the existence of an agreement, and the court must make a determination as to whether those facts are sufficient,” Hurtado said. Another common argument in this type of dismissal request for antitrust cases is the plaintiff does not have standing to sue the defendants because it did not suffer antitrust injury, Hurtado explained. For instance, if a plain- tiff purchased corrugated boxes from an independent sup- plier who purchased the material from one of the named manufacturers, the court would have to determine if the plaintiff’s injuries were too derivative or remote, Hurtado said. “To overcome this type argument, the plaintiff would not only need to allege that it was injured, but it would also need to allege that the injury was directly caused by the defendant’s alleged anticompetitive conduct,” he said. While GPI and SW were dismissed without prejudice, PCA requested in its new filing to be dismissed “with prej- udice,” meaning this would permanently end the case against the company — and the same case couldn’t be brought against it again.

Follow Board Converting News on LinkedIn and Facebook to get the most current news and information for the corrugated and folding carton industries.

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Domtar Awarded For Outstanding Corporate Leadership By NRC Fort Mill, South Carolina based Domtar has received The Fred Schmitt Award for Outstanding Corporate Leadership by the Colorado-based National Recycling Coalition (NRC). Domtar’s recycled containerboard mill in Kingsport, Tennessee, was honored for showing leadership, innova- tion and success as a model in recycling and diversion. The Kingsport mill was nominated by the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and selected by the NRC for its “transformative conversion into Tennessee’s largest recy- cled manufacturer.” Domtar says the mill, which reopened in early 2023, is home to the second-largest recycled containerboard ma- chine in North America.

“This recognition from the National Recycling Coalition is a tremendous honor and a testament to our employees’ dedication to sustainability,” says Tony Clary, interim mill manager in Kingsport. “Through innovation and hard work, From left: Jan Martin, Domtar; Peter Adrian, Chairman, NRC Board of Directors; and Teresa Bradley, President, NRC Board of Directors.

our team has redefined what’s possible in cir- cular manufacturing—not just for Domtar, but for our entire industry.” The Kingsport mill’s two-year conversion project transformed an uncoated freesheet paper machine into Domtar’s first 100 per- cent-recycled-containerboard facility. The mill now produces approximately 600,000 tons of recycled linerboard and cor- rugated medium each year while consuming nearly 700,000 tons of old corrugated con- tainers (OCC) and other recovered paper grades. Domtar says during the mill construction project, it repurposed 31,500 tons of con- crete and brick from the demolition of the previous mill as foundation fill for its new fa- cility. “This action eliminated roughly 1,000 dump-truck trips and kept those materials out of landfills,” the company says. “Domtar has been an incredible corpo- rate partner to our city and region, and this national recognition reinforces what we al- ready know here in Kingsport: that this com- pany is helping lead the way in sustainability and innovation,” says Miles Burdine, presi- dent and CEO of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce. “The mill’s transformation is not only a re- markable industrial achievement but also a powerful example of how business growth and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand to strengthen our community.” The NRC award was presented during the organization’s Annual Conference Awards Reception in October at Wichita State Uni- versity in Kansas. Last year, the mill was hon- ored by the Tennessee Recycling Coalition. For more information, visit www.domtar- packagingkingsport.com .

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November 3, 2025

Partnering for Your Success Domtar’s 100% recycled portfolio of performance liner and performance medium delivers exceptional strength with less fiber, helping you build a packaging story that’s both performance-driven and planet-friendly. Domtar is dedicated to partnering with independent corrugated converters, strengthening your business and driving success.

domtar.com/packaging

Forecast 2026 (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

Economics expects it to follow the same general pattern as the GDP. “We look for corporate profits to rise by 4.9 percent in 2026,” said Yaros. “That’s up substantially from the 0.5 percent expected when 2025 numbers are final- ized.” Even so, the 2026 pace remains slower than the 7.9 percent clocked in 2024. The expected 2026 rebound in profitability stems from a belief that stimulus from Washington will lift all boats. “We believe the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, with its tax cuts for businesses and households, should help the economy regather some steam in early 2026,” said Anir- ban Basu, Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group (sage- policy.com). The legislation’s 100 percent bonus deprecia- tion should help fuel business investment, while large tax refunds should invigorate consumer spending. Both activi- ties are important drivers of the nation’s economy.

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.

This stimulus from Washington is arriving at the same time manufacturers are getting a more solid footing on the nation’s shifting trade policy. “There has been a bit of a shock to the system in and around tariffs over the past year, and it is taking some time for many companies to understand their impact,” noted Andrew Petryk, Head of Industrials at Brown, Gibbons Lang & Company, an invest- ment banker (bglco.com). Specifically, companies have responded to China tariffs by sourcing imports from other countries—a move which has also lent succor to the nation’s recent supply chain ills. “Lead times have diminished as companies have found al- ternative or additional suppliers,” said Petryk. “Those that relied on one or two vendors now have three, four or five.” Manufacturers should also benefit from a decline in the cost of money over the coming months, as the Federal Re- serve shifts its focus from fighting inflation to bolstering employment. “We look for inflation to peak at just above 3 percent when 2025 numbers are finalized, and for the Fed to cut interest rates into 2026 until the federal funds rate falls to about 3 percent,” said Yaros. That rate, while much higher than the rates of early 2022, is a considerable im- provement over the 4.3 percent of mid-2025. Declining interest rates, which encourage businesses to launch new initiatives, are also a reflection of looser CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL www.albint.com

Albany International has a corrugator belt for every appli- cation. Our reputation for durable performance is the trade- mark of the most dependable belts in service today.

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November 3, 2025

Forecast 2026 (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

pockets on the part of the nation’s lenders. “Credit con- ditions have improved significantly for businesses,” said Basu. “Companies with strong balance sheets will find bankers very willing to supply debt. We also know that equity investors, including private equity, remain quite ag- gressive in supplying capital.” Housing Doldrums Speaking of lower interest rates, they can’t come soon enough for a major driver of the nation’s economic activity: the housing sector. “Housing is in a funk,” said Yaros. “Sin- gle-family homebuilders are contending with a growing supply of unsold, completed new homes, as well as great- er competition from the resale market and falling home prices in a rising number of regions.”

ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com

ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nano-technology laser engraving in our NC and NV manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.

AES (ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES) www.aesales.net

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.

The high cost of money is not helping matters. “A signif- icant increase in interest rates since the summer of 2022 has increased the monthly payments required from buyers of new or existing homes,” said Petryk. “They have also led to a significant market shortage because families who bought homes three to five-plus years ago are loath to sur- render their sub-3 percent mortgages.” Mortgage rates have an important impact on the con- sumer attitudes that are vital drivers of the economy. While lower short-term rates may be coming from the Federal Reserve, it’s unclear how much effect they will have on the longer-term ones that apply to the funding of new homes. “I do not forecast mortgage rates coming down enough to make a big difference in single-family construction,” said Bill Conerly, Principal of his own consulting firm in Lake Oswego, Oregon (conerlyconsulting.com). Wary builders. Reluctant sellers. Sluggish buyers. It’s all having an effect on the housing market. Oxford Economics expects starts to fall by 4.3 percent in 2025 and decline by another 2.3 percent in 2026 after dropping by 3.5 per- cent in 2024. Prices for existing homes are expected to increase only 1.5 percent in 2025 and 2.3 percent in 2026 after rising by 4.4 percent in 2024. Concerned about the rising cost of living, consumers are cutting back on spending of all kinds. Their hesitancy affects the retail sector, which is an important driver and

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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November 3, 2025

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Forecast 2026 (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

bellwether of the economy. “Our forecast for year-over- year retail sales growth is 3.8 percent for 2026, down from the 4.5 percent of 2025,” said Scott Hoyt, Senior Director of Consumer Economics for Moody’s Analytics (economy. com). Much of the increase in both years is due to inflation. “High prices are a bit of a mixed bag,” said Hoyt. “They undermine consumer purchasing power and confidence, but they also support nominal sales by lifting the prices of the goods retailers are selling.” Construction Woes Outside of the single-family home market, contractors are having problems of their own. Multifamily builders, working through a backlog of units under construction, are hesitant to break ground on new ones. “I think we’ll see less multifamily construction in 2026,” said Conerly. “Vacancy rates are going up and rents have been coming down at the rate of about one percent a year.” Meanwhile, contractors attached to the commercial, of- fice and hotel markets are feeling the sting of a slowing economy, high interest rates, and an environment rife with uncertainty. “Many areas of non-residential are trending flat or edging down,” said Conerly. “Even the chip fabs, while still strong, are tapering down.” The one bright construction sector: data centers. They show no signs of diminishing and are big customers for electricians, plumbers, and suppliers of scaffolding and manufactured products of all kinds. “When I look at the detail and the economic statistics of what kind of capital equipment is being bought, I am seeing a lot of data cen- ter-related equipment in there,” said Conerly. “Data cen- ters also require a lot of garden variety wiring, connectors, and plumbing for cooling.” Every sector of the construction industry shares a common challenge: labor availability. Oxford Economics forecasts an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent and 4.3 percent at the end of 2025 and 2026, respectively. That’s not much higher than the 4.1 percent clocked at the end of 2024. Low unemployment, largely due to slowing growth in the nation’s working age population and aggressive im- migration policies, can result in rising labor costs. Business Confidence For all business sectors, money and labor are not the only production factors on the rise. “The real problem is the world has become much more expensive in the last few years,” noted Basu. “Construction materials are more expensive. And of course there are tariffs on items like steel, aluminum, and copper.” Little wonder the high cost of doing business is top of mind for many operators. “As we head into 2026, the area of most concern for manufacturers is profit margin,” said Basu. “Many operators are simultaneously experiencing an increase in costs of delivering services while demand fades.” Given the variety of business concerns, it’s little won-

CORRUGATED REPLACEMENTS, INC. www.corrugatedparts.com

Corrugated Replacements, Inc. is a production powerhouse that manufactures high quality machine parts and replace- ment parts for the corrugated and paperboard converting industries. CRI can redesign, engineer, and manufacture any part while providing a rapid turn-around rate, keeping machines running at their peak performance and limiting down time.

C.U.E., INC. www.AnvilCovers.com

Makers of single and dual-width Timesaver® Anvil Covers, the premier urethane anvil cover for corrugated die cutting. Timesaver® covers feature construction of solid steel back- ing and solid steel locking components to ensure a precise fit every time. C.U.E., Inc. also offers Dura-Latch and Cor- Lock anvil covers, and urethane Lead Edge Feed Wheels.

EMBA www.embausa.com

The EMBA group supports a complete line of corrugated converting machinery for the worldwide market. EMBA’s Quick Set technology enables the highest productivity across a broad range of converting equipment, from mini to super jumbo. EMBA also includes the McKinley jumbo line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters as well as ser- vice, rebuilds and upgrades for both EMBA and McKinley.

EAGLEWOOD TECHNOLOGIES, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com

Eaglewood Technologies offers trusted cleaning technolo- gies for the world’s best printers and converters. Solutions include the award winning Sitexco+ Anilox Laser System, the Nanovis Parts Washing System, the Sitexco L10 Label System, the innovative Sanilox™ System or Alphasonics solutions. We also offer Xpress™ mobile cleaning service at your facility or ours. ESKO www.esko.com ArtiosCAD and Kongsberg are the most trusted names in CAD/CAM solutions. Esko’s ArtiosCAD is the most widely used CAD software in the world. Esko’s Kongsberg series of tables brings you reliable, outstanding quality for sample- making and short run production.

DOMINO www.dominodigitalprinting.com

Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 44th year, Domino is headquartered in the UK and North America headquarters are Illinois. Domino has 25 subsid- iaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 2,900 employees worldwide .

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