Board Converting News, September 29, 2025

September 29, 2025

VOL. 41, NO. 39

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

TPC Packaging: A Century Of Craftsmanship And Innovation BY EMILY LEONCYZK Walking into TPC Packaging in Chattanooga, TN, felt less like entering a factory and more like entering a gallery of craftsmanship with a rich history. Every corner of the facility carried the weight of a century of expertise paired with a clear eye toward the future. TPC is an all-inclusive supplier of folding cartons, rigid boxes, and shaped canisters for cosmetics, health and beauty, spirits, pharmaceu- tical, and collectable gaming industries that is celebrating its 100th year anniversary. This family–owned and operated company has not only expanded its physical footprint but also its capabilities, investments, and vision for what lies ahead.

Bay Cities Expands East With Cincinnati Office

Pico Rivera, California based Bay Cities has announced the opening of its newest office in Blue Ash, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati – an expansion designed with client success in mind. With offices already in Los Angeles, Cali- fornia and Bentonville, Arkansas, Cincinnati’s strategic location further strengthens Bay Cit- ies’ national footprint by being in the Eastern Time Zone, enhancing client services across all U.S. time zones efficiently. This proximity enables faster response times, same-day customer visits when neces- sary, and expedited prototype delivery – of- ten same-day or next-day. Leading the Cincinnati office is Jeff Craig, Bay Cities' Senior Vice President of Sales. Born in Chicago and a lifelong Midwesterner, Jeff brings 35 years of industry experience with a deep focus on high-end graphics, dis- plays, and retail supply chain expertise. Under his leadership, the Cincinnati team is positioned to provide clients with the in- sight, service, and responsiveness they ex- pect from Bay Cities. Additionally, Cincinnati's location offers

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

During my visit, I spent the day with third-generation owners and siblings, Hilda Murray, Joey, Mark, and Kurt Schmissrauter. Hilda, Exec- utive Vice President, set up every department to give me a full, behind- the-scenes look at the operation they proudly lead. From start to finish, the Schmissrauter family’s welcoming presence, and the genuine warmth of their team, created an unmistakable sense of family that permeates the company culture. By the end of the day, one thing was undeniable: TPC’s dedication to advancing and champi- oning our industry is woven into every aspect of their business. A Facility Built For The Next Century TPC recently expanded its footprint by 60,000 square feet, creating CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 Third generation owners and siblings, Hilda Murray, Executive Vice Presi- dent and Joey Schmissrauter, President.

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x AES Acquired By Recycling Equipment, Inc. 10 Packrite Achieves SQF Food Safety Certification 16 BAHMÜLLER Strengthens Sales Team In North America Corrugated Takes Center Stage At Parcel Forum 2025

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not only reflects our commitment to being closer to our cli- ents, it also allows for rapid turnarounds and tailored solu- tions,” said Sahar Mehrabzadeh, Executive Vice President of Sales at Bay Cities. “We have a team of seasoned sub- ject matter experts who understand the nuances of each retailer's requirements, enabling us to help our clients suc- ceed at retail with precision and confidence.”

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

Bay Cities (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

convenient access to major retailers like Kroger, head- quartered nearby, presenting unique partnership and ser- vice opportunities similar to Bay Cities’ Bentonville pres- ence with Walmart. The new Cincinnati office is equipped with: • Full graphic and structural design services • Project management • Sales support • Color mockup production and digital printing capabil- ities • Retailer execution expertise “Expanding into the Midwest with a full-service office

“The City of Blue Ash is excited to welcome Bay Cit- ies to its new offices,” said Blue Ash Mayor Jill Cole. “The company is a perfect addition to the community. Bay Cit- ies’ investment here not only brings new jobs, but also strengthens our vibrant, local economy.” With this expansion, Bay Cities continues to deliver best-in-class service, speed to market, and tailored solu- tions to our nationwide client base, while upholding our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and employee ownership.

www.boardconvertingnews.com

September 29, 2025

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September 29, 2025

Turn Trim Waste into Revenue

One Size Never Fits All G.F. Puhl Designs Scrap Systems to Meet YOUR Needs Our customers have various needs for scrap and dust collection systems based on several factors including building layout, available space for the equipment, distance conveyed, local codes for noise and height as well as air permitting and available operating and maintenance staff. Change the game with a custom-designed system by G.F. Puhl. It can make all the difference. When it comes to trim collection systems, there’s virtually no problem we haven’t solved. Problem: No space for a baler room. No budget for baler room staff. Solution: Try outdoor auger compactors requiring minimal operator interaction. Auger compactors achieve higher compaction than conventional ram compactors with less maintenance and no hydraulic fluid. Dual compactor systems allow continuous running while the waste Solution: Request a custom system with remanufactured equipment. G.F. Puhl sells remanufactured balers, blowers, separators, filters, and more. The savings can be significant and the warranty adds peace of mind. Problem: No room for a scrap system inside the building. Solution: If your building footprint won’t support additional trim waste equipment, go outdoors. Exterior systems like an above-roof or ground-level concentrator will boost your capacity. Problem: Your existing system doesn’t meet codes and the inspector has notified you of a problem with the existing system. Solution: G.F. Puhl’s NFPA trained engineering team designs NFPA and OSHA compliant systems that are as safe as they are durable. Problem: Dust is out of control. Solution: G.F. Puhl systems are designed to minimize the hazards created by ambient dust. Dust briquetters, certified explosion isolation valves, flame front diverters, and other safety features maximize safety. Problem: No way to monitor the system unless you’re on site. Solution: G.F. Puhl leads the pack with proprietary technology that makes it possible to monitor the system from wherever you are. Request PLC touch screen controls with real-time pressure balancing and real-time remote via your smart phone or computer. G.F. Puhl’s expert engineering team has more than 50 years of combined experience designing, fabricating installing, and commissioning trim and dust collection systems of every kind, including outdoor systems with dual compactors, above roof systems with single or multiple cyclones and balers and below roof screen separator systems. If you’re looking for a vendor that can help you solve the scrap collection puzzle once and for all, contact G.F. Puhl today. 615.230.9500 or sales@gfpuhl.com hauler is changing out the container. Problem: No budget for a new system.

Balers • Shredders • Trim Collection Systems Dust Collection Systems • Cyclones • Trim Separators Spiral Duct • Used Equipment • Filters • Briquetters

Advanced Equipment Sales Acquired By Recycling Equipment Inc. Souderton, Pennsylvania based Advanced Equipment Sales (AES), a leader in custom air conveyance and bal- ing and dust control systems, announced today that it has been acquired by Recycling Equipment Inc. (REI), based in Newton, NC. With the addition of AES, REI now oper- ates from three locations: Newton, NC; Fort Worth, TX; and Souderton, PA. Founded in 1989, AES has built a reputation for engi- neering, building, and maintaining efficient scrap handling and baling systems that improve profitability and sustain- ability for their customers. Under the new partnership, AES will continue operations in Souderton with founders Jeff and Jill Dietterich remaining in leadership roles. “We are excited to join forces with REI and see this as an incredible opportunity for AES, our employees, and our customers,” said Jeff Dietterich, President. “Together, we will expand our capabilities and deliver even greater value to the industries we serve.” AES looks forward to continuing its work with expand- ed resources as part of the REI family. With a strong commitment to sustainability, REI is spe- cializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing dis- tributing a wide range of recycling equipment for various industries and applications.

Bruce Benson, Former FBA President, Passes Away

The FBA community mourns the passing of Bruce Ben- son, former association president, who died peacefully on August 31 at the age of 86. Throughout his distinguished

career, Bruce served as both a dedicated leader and pas- sionate advocate for the cor- rugated industry, earning the respect and admiration of col- leagues across the field. "I had the privilege of serv- ing on the FBA Board during

Bruce's presidency. His integrity and leadership set the standard for all future presidents to emulate, including myself," said Bob McIlvaine, President of FBA. "His legacy extends beyond his professional contributions, and he will be remembered for the positive impact he made on every- one he encountered." A Chicago native, Bruce returned to the area after earning his degree from Johns Hopkins University in Bal- timore to build his life alongside his wife Barbara and their children. Beyond his professional achievements, he was deeply committed to his community and faith, while main- taining a passion for poker and his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears.

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NOZZLES ACTIVATE SEPARATELY Nebula has 16 to 18 moisture management points according to the application width, and each can be activated separately.

WATER FLOW RATE REGULATION The ratio of air and heated water is automatically set to maximize moisture received by the board’s fibers and reduce overstarching.

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September 29, 2025

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SIMPLE DESIGN, SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY & EASE OF MAINTENANCE Engineered Recycling Systems takes decades of engineering experience and integration expertise to provide turnkey solutions. We design, service and install world-class recycling trim removal and dust control systems. By providing our customers with equipment and system designs that deliver unprecedented levels of quality and craftsmanship, our solutions increase efficiency and cut labor costs.

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Menasha Announces Partnership With Amazon Transparency Program Neenah, Wisconsin based Menasha Packaging Company, North America’s largest independent provider of packag- ing and supply chain service solutions, has announced its strategic partnership with the Amazon Transparency Program. This collaboration, supported by Menasha’s invest- ments and advancements in variable data printing tech- nology, empowers suppliers selling through Amazon to seamlessly integrate Transparency codes into their pack- aging strategies, ensuring product authenticity and en- hancing consumer trust. The Amazon Transparency program combats coun- terfeit products by assigning unique 2D alphanumeric codes to each unit sold. These codes are scanned by Amazon prior to shipment, verifying authenticity and pro- tecting brands from the damaging effects of counterfeit sales and negative reviews. Menasha Packaging offers end-to-end support for brands wanting to deliver packaging solutions to Ama- zon in this space—from primary to secondary packag- ing—through: • Advanced Variable Data Printing (VDP): Menasha’s sophisticated VDP capabilities allow for seamless integration of unique identifiers and tracking codes

across packaging materials. • Comprehensive Packaging Solutions: Support for a wide range of packaging formats including folding car- tons and corrugate, with flexibility for both large and short production runs. • End-to-End Co-Packaging Services: Integrated co-pack- ing services streamline the production process and ensure quality control throughout, while supporting Amazon’s sustainability initiatives with Ship In Product Packaging (SIPP) compliant packaging. “We are pleased to welcome Menasha Packaging to the Transparency Service Provider (TSP) program. Their ad- vanced variable data printing capabilities and comprehen- sive co-packing services, combined with seamless Trans- parency API integration, enable brands to protect their products through a simplified, single workflow solution. Additional benefits to brands and suppliers include: • Brand Protection: Eliminate counterfeit risks and safe- guard reputation. • Increased Sales: Authentic products drive consumer confidence and repeat purchases. • Operational Efficiency: Streamlined packaging integra- tion with Menasha’s agile services. • Customer Engagement: Transparency codes offer a di- rect channel to connect with consumers. • Supply Chain Insights: Real-time tracking of product au- thenticity and inventory. Visit www.menasha.com/transparency to learn more.

www.boardconvertingnews.com

September 29, 2025

FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE TURN TO THE CORRUGATOR STEAM SYSTEM EXPERTS

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Packrite Achieves SQF Food Safety Certification

High Point, North Carolina based Packrite, LLC, a leading provider of innovative high-quality high-graphic packag- ing solutions, today announced it has earned Safe Quality Food (SQF) Certification, a globally recognized standard of excellence in food safety and quality management. The SQF Certification, part of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), confirms that Packrite’s manufacturing operations meet rigorous international standards for food safety, quality, and consistency. This achievement under- scores the company’s ongoing commitment to support- ing its customers in the food industry with packaging that protects product integrity and enhances consumer confi- dence.

“Earning SQF Certification reflects our team’s dedica- tion to excellence and reinforces our promise to deliver packaging that meets the highest global standards,” said

Michael Drummond, CEO of Packrite. “Food safety is central to everything we do, and this certification provides our cus- tomers with added assurance that their products are supported by packaging they can trust.” Benefits For Customers The certification provides Packrite’s partners with several key advantages: •Assurance of Compliance – Packaging manufactured in alignment with interna- tionally recognized food safety require- ments. •Reliability and Consistency – Every prod- uct meets the same high standards, sup- porting customer supply chain confidence. •Enhanced Market Position – Customers benefit from partnering with an SQF-cer- tified supplier, reinforcing their own food safety and compliance programs. Packrite’s SQF Certification is the result of significant investment in training, sys- tems, and facility enhancements. The com- pany will maintain its certification through ongoing audits and a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring long-term align- ment with evolving industry standards. “This milestone is not just a certifica- tion—it’s a reflection of our values as a company,” added Anthony Woodruff, Di- rector of Quality and Safety. “We are proud to stand alongside our food industry part- ners and contribute to the safety, quality, and trust consumers expect.” As Packrite celebrates this accomplish- ment, it continues to build on its strong foundation of quality, safety, and innova- tion. The SQF Certification is another step in ensuring Packrite remains a trusted part- ner to food manufacturers and brands.

www.boardconvertingnews.com

September 29, 2025

Mesirow Advises Superior Litho On Sale To Momentium

COMMUNITY DATA CONNECTION DESIGN INNOVATION

Chicago, Illinois based Mesirow announced it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Superior Lithographics (“Superior” or the “Company”) on its sale to Momentium, a portfolio company of CORE Industrial Partners (“CORE”). Superior Lithographics is a high-graphic provider of folding cartons, lithographic labels, and top sheets for the graphic corrugated industry. With a strategic market focus on resilient food and consumer end markets, Supe- rior’s facility is strategically located to proactively serve its customers. Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Superior operates out of three co-located facilities totaling 126,000 square feet. Doug Rawson, owner of Superior, said, “For nearly 40 years we have prided ourselves on delivering high-quality products to our valued customers. Mesirow’s longstand- ing relationships and sector expertise were instrumental in identifying the right partner for Superior and in bring- ing this deal to fruition. We view Momentium as the ideal partner to carry forward the relationships built with both customers and our tremendous employee base, and we’re excited to enter a new chapter of growth as part of the platform.” Melanie Yermack, Managing Director and Co-Head of Packaging at Mesirow Investment Banking, said, “We are proud to have advised Superior on this transaction. We believe this partnership provides an ability to seamlessly service customers from coast to coast. We look forward to following Momentium’s continued growth and success.” Rick Weil, Managing Director and Co-Head of Packag- ing at Mesirow Investment Banking, added, “The Superior Lithographics team has built a strong reputation for excel- lence in the folding carton sector and will be a great addi- tion to the Momentium platform.”

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CUIR Appoints Jacob As New Sales Director

CUIR Corrugated Converting Machinery, a French manu- facturer of flexo die cutters for corrugated manufacturing, has announced has confirmed the appointment of Martin

Suppliers Leverage Our Reach!

Jacob (pictured left) as its new Sales Di- rector, bringing valuable expertise and a strong commitment to helping custom- ers succeed.

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“Martin’s leadership will play a key part in strengthening relationships and driving growth for our corrugated converting solutions,” said Fabien Val-Duprez, CEO, CUIR. Jacob added, “I’m excited to contribute to the growth of such a great company, embrace this exciting new chal- lenge, and learn alongside inspiring and highly profession- al teams.”

Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

www.boardconvertingnews.com

September 29, 2025

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TAPPI Offers CQ Database® To Streamline Contractor Mgmt. TAPPI streamlines and simplifies contractor management with the TAPPISAFE Contractor Qualification (CQ) Data- base®, a program designed to help mills, plants, and con- verting sites manage contractor safety and compliance more effectively. Developed in response to industry feedback, the cloud- based tool centralizes critical documentation, ensuring fa- cilities can keep track of licenses, insurance, safety man- uals, and other essential records in one secure platform. By consolidating information such as business licenses, OSHA logs, insurance certificates, contracts, safety man- uals, EMR certificates, and service agreements, the CQ Database® gives both mills and contractors visibility and peace of mind while reducing administrative burdens. The CQ Database® allows you to store and manage a wide range of essential documents, including: • Business licenses • OSHA logs • Insurance certificates • Contracts • Safety manuals • EMR certificates • Service agreements With everything centralized, your team can focus on

safety and efficiency—not chasing paperwork. The CQ Database® provides: • Fast Contractor Verification: Our team reviews and verifies contractor safety compliance within 24 hours, so you’re not left waiting or wondering. • Automatic Reports & Reminders: Receive monthly notifications alerting you to upcoming expirations or documentation gaps—well before they become an issue. • Personalized Profiles: Contractors and mill/plant ad- mins can tailor profiles to align with each facility’s unique compliance standards. • Certified Technical Support: Our support staff are risk management certified and trained to assist with everything from troubleshooting to compliance guid- ance. Curious to see how it works? Visit tappisafe.org/ cq-database to learn more or request a demo.

Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985 DRIVE your message to the GREEN... with the credibility of Board Converting News behind it! Sponsor a weekly Monday morning issue blast or we can ‘Tee It Up’ any time you like to our full online circulation of 7,500+. You provide the copy, images and link to a video or website and we’ll do the rest!

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September 29, 2025

BAHMÜLLER Strengthens Sales Team In North America

BAHMÜLLER continues to expand its market presence in North and South America and is strengthening its sales team. Michael Donnert and Andreas Schneiders will jointly assume responsibility as Area Sales Managers for this im- portant market. With over 20 years of experience in the packaging in- dustry — more than a decade of it in the corrugated sector — Schneiders brings extensive expertise to his new role as Area Sales Manager USA & South America. He will work closely with Donnert, who has been successfully active as a Senior Sales Manager in the corrugated industry for de- cades.

Quality Leads = New Customers

The American market is also increasingly focusing on automation. For this, Bahmüller offers complete stack-to- stack solutions. The development partnership with premi- um automation provider MuK further increased the need to expand the sales force. With Donnert and Schneiders, Bahmüller has built a strong team to further develop cus- tomer relations across the American continent. The North and South American markets offer tremen- dous potential to expand Bahmüller’s market presence with its product portfolio and deliver real added value to its customers. Schneiders is new to the Bahmüller team and looks for- ward to his new challenges. He is ideally prepared, having worked closely with Bahmüller for many years and being highly familiar with both the products and internal struc- tures — ensuring a smooth start in his new role. In early October, the Bahmüller team will be present at the AICC Annual Meeting in Chicago and subsequently at CorrExpo in Savannah, Georgia. BAHMÜLLER is a global systems supplier serving the automotive, corrugated converting, and precision tools industries. As a mid-sized company, it has evolved from an equipment manufacturer into an innovative high-tech partner, dedicated to advancing process technology and delivering continuous improvements for its customers. Left to right: Michael Donnert, Ulrich Wolz and Andreas Schneiders.

Read the articles in Board Converting News every week to learn about the people, places and machinery that will open the doors to new or repeat business.

Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

www.boardconvertingnews.com

September 29, 2025

Modernize your Packaging Business. Optimize your Operations for the Future.

Discover how to stay ahead. In our latest guide, Modernizing the Corrugated and Folding Carton Packaging Industry: A Strategic Imperative for Sustainable Growth, we explore: • Why modernization is critical • Analyst insights from Smithers, PMMI, and McKinsey • Key technologies required for modernizing: MES, APS, AI, and more • Real-world examples of companies boosting efficiency and quality • A clear implementation roadmap to sustainable, future-ready operations

Don’t just react—lead. Download the guide and see how Amtech Software is helping packaging leaders modernize and thrive.

Packaging Quality: The Hidden Driver Of Production Efficiency

That’s why companies should ask questions like: • What is my average downtime per week? • Do packaging failures or shipment delays ever impact my schedule? • How frequently do packaging-related quality issues oc- cur? • Have we reviewed our packaging specs in the last 12 months? These questions often uncover that packaging isn’t just a supply cost, it’s a production factor with major implica- tions. The True Cost Of Downtime In today’s fast-paced, automated manufacturing world, every second of downtime carries a cost. While price is an important factor in packaging decisions, it’s just one part of the bigger picture. Accurate Box Company has seen firsthand that packaging quality directly drives production efficiency and overall throughput. “These results validate what we’ve always believed: quality packaging pays for itself,” said Lisa Hirsh, President and CEO of Accurate Box Company. “When you minimize downtime and maximize throughput, you’re not just saving costs on packaging, you’re improving the performance of an entire facility.” That perspective takes on added weight when looking at the real cost of downtime. A line can cost several thou- sand dollars per hour to operate, and even brief stoppag- CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

In a recent partnership with a Fortune 500 food company, Paterson, New Jersey based Accurate Box’s packaging delivered measurable improvements to automation per- formance. The results were striking: • 119 percent longer run time on a product line, more than doubling its mean time before failure. • 30 percent increase in output per hour across the facil- ity after switching to Accurate Box’s packaging.

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September 15, 2025

AF&PA Releases August 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly Report The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) re- leased the August 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly report on September 17.

Packaging Quality (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)

es due to packaging issues add up quickly. The Impact Of Packaging Quality

The improvement seen by the food company came from one simple change: higher-quality boxes. Before switching suppliers, the company faced frequent jams and slowdowns on automated lines. Once Accurate Box took over production of its litho-laminated packaging, those issues dissipated. With boxes that ran smoothly at full speed, the company maximized productivity. In high-volume environments, small disruptions can snowball into major delays. But when packaging works in harmony with automation, it keeps lines running at full speed, eliminates unnecessary waste, and helps teams hit their targets with fewer headaches. The Bottom Line Accurate Box’s investment in state-of-the-art equip- ment and structural design capabilities ensures its pack- aging runs consistently on automated lines. This reliability translates into less downtime, smoother runs, and ulti- mately higher throughput at lower operating costs for its customers. “Our mission is to go beyond delivering boxes. We deliver consistency, quality, and reliability,” added Hirsh. “When packaging is done right, it drives productivity.” For more information about Accurate Box Company, visit www.accuratebox.com .

Total packaging papers and specialty packaging ship- ments in August increased 5 percent compared to August 2024. They were down 1 percent when compared to the same eight months of 2024. • The bleached operating rate increased to 78.2 percent, tying January 2025 for the highest level over the last 15 months. • Unbleached bag & sack shipments were up 6 percent from last August, but down 5.4 percent year to date. • Total inventories were up 7.3 percent from the same month last year.

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September 15, 2025

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TAPPI Hosts Paper Machine Operations Course In Atlanta

Nalco Chemical. Today, he provides consulting and training through his firm, Tom Rodencal & Associates. A past TAPPI Board Director and recipient of the TAPPI Distinguished Service Award, Tom is recognized world- wide as an authority in paper machine diagnostics and troubleshooting. • Michael Kaegbein, Albany International: With a de- gree in Paper Manufacturing from the Munich Univer- sity of Applied Sciences, Michael has led press section optimization for Albany International customers across the U.S. and Canada for over a decade. His career also includes production management at one of Europe’s largest recycled fiber mills, where he oversaw process improvements and major startups. • Kevin Kroon, Albany International: Kevin holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and has more than 25 years of industry experience. He began his career in mill oper-

Last week, TAPPI hosted a Paper Machine Operations Course in Peachtree Corners (Atlanta), GA. Participants didn’t just learn theory, they gained practical, unbiased insights from professionals who have collectively trained thousands of operators, audited hundreds of machines, and pioneered innovations in machine performance. The course stood apart because of its exceptional fac- ulty, a team of respected experts who have shaped paper- making performance across the globe: • Tom Rodencal, Course Chair, Tom Rodencal & Asso- ciates: A TAPPI Fellow with more than 40 years in pa- per machine operations, Tom has held leadership roles with International Paper, Georgia Pacific, Domtar, and

ations at Kimberly-Clark before moving to Albany International, where he now serves as Director of Forming Applications for the Americas, specializing in forming section optimization across all product grades. •John Lucius, Albany International: With over 30 years in the pulp and paper in- dustry, John is Director of Dryer Fabric Applications for the Americas Corridor at Albany International. His extensive field experience spans forming, press, and dry- er fabric sales and service, as well as vibra- tion and pulsation analysis for predictive maintenance. •John A. Neun, representing Kadant: A TAPPI Fellow and licensed Profession al Engineer, John has surveyed and analyzed hundreds of paper and tissue machines during his career. With deep expertise in vacuum, water, cleaning, and fabric sys- tems, he is also an inventor holding six U.S. patents and a frequent presenter for TAPPI and other industry organizations. •Alexandre Laplante, Albany Internation- al: Alexandre brings more than 20 years of paper industry experience to this program, with a career dedicated to drying technol- ogy and optimization. After earning his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Sherbrooke University and a degree in Pulp & Paper Technology from Trois-Rivières College in Canada, Alexandre has held key roles in dryer fabric design, process engineering, and troubleshooting across North America and Asia. Today, he is Product Manager for drying products in the Canadian and U.S. markets, where he continues to specialize in dryer audits, optimization, and training. Stay abreast of TAPPI trainings by visit- ing TAPPI.org .

www.boardconvertingnews.com

September 29, 2025

Without

how often do you stop?

JB MACHINERY

“ A lot! Before we installed InKomand, a job like this had a crew member dedicated to ink management and we still

stopped every few hundred sheets to clean the plates. ”

“ With InKomand we can run full orders without stopping a single time, and the crew doesn’t touch the ink. ”

— Luis Valladares

Abbott-Action Packaging Director of Manufacturing

See us at Booth 426

InKomand, the fully automated ink management system JB Machinery Inc. | +1-203-544-0101 | jbmachinery.com InKomand and the JB logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of JB Machinery, Inc.

Corrugated Packaging Takes Center Stage At Parcel Forum 2025 Parcel Forum 2025, held September 23–25 in Schaum- burg, Illinois, featured several discussions highlighting cor- rugated packaging’s unique value in today’s supply chain. Cory Martin, Executive Vice President of the Fibre Box Association (FBA), and Mackenzie Crigger, Sustainability Manager at International Paper (IP), participated in two sessions that underscored corrugated’s advantages, from

ing innovations and practices. Their session was part of a broader event that brought together leaders from the e-commerce, packaging fulfillment, and logistics sectors to explore the latest innovations and trends shaping the industry. Benefits Of Right-Sizing Packaging Right-sizing packaging can mean much more than a reduction in materials. That’s according to Jack Groot, Re- gional Sales Manager at Packsize. Groot also noted some of the operational, environmental, and consumer benefits companies see when cutting unnecessary space out of packaging. On the operational side, Groot said his customers often describe a decrease in damages. “You essentially have projectiles in a box banging back and forth. That could mean they’re rubbing up against each other and causing scratches, it could mean some sort of quality defect,” said Groot. “Just by right-sizing in general, we usually see that products arrive where they’re going with less damages, in a better state.” An optimized package size can also mean a reduction in carbon footprint, as Groot explained, “the logic is more items on a UPS or FedEx truck, less trucks on the road.” The environment isn’t the only winner when right-sizing packaging, according to James Malley, CEO of Paccurate, during another session at the event. “It’s a rare case in supply chain where you can save money and lower your CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

its circular lifecycle and recy- clability to its role in right-siz- ing strategies that reduce waste and improve efficiency. In their joint presentation, “Ordinary but Extraordinary: Exploring the Eco-Advantages of the Tried and True Corrugat- ed Package,” the pair high- lighted the environmental and

Cory Martin, Executive Vice President at FBA.

economic benefits of corrugated packaging, with Martin emphasizing its circular lifecycle and superior recyclability compared to plastic alternatives. He also discussed how corrugated boxes can contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce fuel costs by enabling more effi- cient truckloads. Crigger shared insights into IP’s sustainable packag-

• Machinery selection • Plant layout • Project Management • Consulting

A true corrugated industry veteran with nearly 50 years’ experience, Richard Etra can help you with every aspect of box plant operation. Contact Richard today for a no-cost consultation: email: richard_etra@etracorrugatedsolutions.com ph: 917-647-9520

www.boardconvertingnews.com

September 29, 2025

with HIGH-SPEED BREAKING up to 92” maximum operating width MAXIMIZE DIE CUTTER UTILIZATION

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CREATIVE SYSTEMS & SOLUTIONS SINCE 1929

Parcel Forum (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)

environmental impact; it’s like getting paid to be greener.” For consumers, right-sized packaging can lead to a better experience with the product, or even the return pro- cess, Groot said. “Think about your own life, when you get a box that’s oversized, that’s more stuff to recycle, it’s more items to throw away. Just make it easy on the consumer,” Groot said. “Some of our solutions implement a tear strip, for an easy opening experience and easy closing experi- ence, because returns are more prevalent now than ever before. If you have a right-size box that’s easy to open, and you don't like the item, you can put it back into that same box and ship it.” As Gen-Z takes up more of the e-commerce consumer base, cutting waste to benefit the consumer becomes es- pecially important, according to Malley. “Gen X is the first generation that actually makes changes to their buying behavior if they perceive waste. This is good for them, bad news for operations that have not thought this through yet. They will not only not buy from you again, they will also complain about it online,” Malley said. The Recyclability Of Corrugated Material The chasing arrows aren’t the end of the story when determining a package’s recyclability, according to Martin. He explained some of the determining factors for practical recyclability. “Just because something has the recycling symbol on it, doesn’t necessarily mean it is fully recyclable. Yes, it might be able to be recycled, but there has to be infrastructure there, there has to be an end market there, and there has to be a reuse for it. If those things aren’t there, then it’s likely just going to go to landfill,” said Martin. Martin referenced EPA data marking the national rate for all plastics recycling at around 9 percent, compared to a 69-74 percent recycling rate for corrugated board, which he cited from the American Forest & Paper Association. “We have stats from EPA showing that by weight, the U.S. collects more paper and corrugated than plastic items, steel, and aluminum combined. This is an astound- ing number,” said Martin. That recycled content can feed right back into produc- tion as well; about half of the material used to create cor- rugated packaging is OCC (old corrugated containers) or post-consumer content of some sort, according to Crigger. “I can really only speak for International Paper, but we bring in about 7 million tons of recycled content every year, so that’s a critical piece of our supply chain,” Crigger said. “We can always take more recycled content into the system, depending on what you’re going to make, what you’re trying to package. We have mills that make 100 per- cent recycled content and that serves fine for its function.” FBA’s presentations at Parcel Forum mark the launch of a bold initiative to deepen engagement with retailers and industry partners. As part of this effort, FBA will also be speaking at PACK EXPO and participating in October’s International Fresh Produce Association Global Show and the Paper and Plastic Recycling Conference.

Consumers expect online product purchases to arrive in pristine condition. Retailers and E-tailers need to minimize costly returns. Shipping in corrugated boxes makes everyone happy. Corrugated

packaging combines structural rigidity with wavy flutes to cushion and protect contents from damage. Perfect for stacking, cubing,and meeting the needs of omni- channel distribution to delight consumers with joyful unboxing experiences. When it comes to protecting goods, corrugated delivers.

LEARN MORE

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

Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com

www.boardconvertingnews.com

September 29, 2025

Two industry leaders have combined to give you more. CHAMPION of MORE. Meet Jeff Carter.

LPC star Jeff Carter is another one of our Champions of More who is committed to giving you more . Our labels arrive in pristine condition and when you work with Jeff, you get more assurance of that. And with LPC’s 9 state-of-the-art printing presses, all equipped with densitronic and color control systems, you get more quality. More flexibility. And more ways to do any job. Even the impossible ones. Jeff makes up the backbone of our team in the bindery department which has the task of being the final stop in our quality control. Because, like all of us here at LPC, he loves his work. And you’ll love ours. LPC. Champions of More .

Lewisburg Printing Company + Huston Patterson

402 East Commerce, Lewisburg TN, 37091 | 123 W. North St., Decatur IL, 62525 | 1.800.559.1526 | lpcink.com

TPC Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

a facility of more than 200,000 square feet dedicated to growth. The new modular layout supports the group’s rap- idly growing rigid box division, digital and flexo workflows, and a full suite of specialty packaging services. Over the past five years, the company has invested more than $25 million in new technologies and this facility’s expansion, paving the way for as many as 100 new jobs.

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.

Walking through the plant, I saw everything from CAD design and pre-press to service, scheduling, and press operations. Their investment in technology is evident not only in scale but also the beauty of the products coming off the line. The rigid boxes, in particular, were breathtak- ing: polished, elegant, and perfectly aligned with TPC’s refreshed branding. And while I was fortunate enough to hear hints of what’s still to come (my lips are sealed), it was clear that every step TPC takes is with tomorrow in mind. Beauty Meets Innovation TPC’s capabilities read like a masterclass in premium packaging: recyclable metallized substrates with holo- graphic registration, digital foil, cast and cure, lenticular effects, cold and hot foil stamping, silkscreen finishes, embossing, lamination, windowing, and more. But seeing these techniques in action was something else entirely. In the CAD department, designers walked me through their approach to customer challenges, transforming pa- perboard and rigid boxes into true showstoppers. Their systems are elegant, their solutions precise, but beyond the machines and workflows, what stood out most was the people. Pride, care, and creativity were evident at every step of each project, ensuring that the final product not only meets but exceeds expectations. Family Leadership, Future Focus Today, TPC’s fourth generation has entered the mix. Spending time with Erich Murray and Blaes Green, I could see how their values, vision, and spirit are preparing the company for its next century. They balance carrying the Schmissrauter family legacy with innovation, growth, and collaboration. This dual focus on respecting legacy and preparing for the future defines TPC. After a hundred years, they are CONTINUED ON PAGE 32 Hilda Murray, Executive Vice President, left, and Emily Leon- cyzk, Executive Director & Vice President, PPC.

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.

www.boardconvertingnews.com

September 29, 2025

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