Board Converting News, May 18, 2026

May 18, 2026

VOL. 42, NO. 20

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985

ICPF, PMMI Partner To Reach Workforce Of The Future BY ASHLEY PRAZYCH Walk into just about any box plant today and the same reality is start- ing to surface. Seasoned employees are getting closer to retirement, institutional knowledge is becoming harder to replace, and the next generation is not arriving at the same pace. The challenge is not new, but it is becoming increasingly pressing. Manufacturing demand continues to grow, yet the pipeline of incoming talent has not kept up. According to a study by Deloitte and the Manu- facturing Institute, 3.8 million manufacturing jobs are expected to open by 2033, with roughly half projected to go unfilled.

Where Will The Present Price Environment Lead? BY BOB COHEN Can we sometimes be accused of being lambs to the slaughter? As box plant owners,

we love our indepen- dence of action, ex- cept when it comes to the pricing model that affects our most important purchasing decision: our basic raw material. We are living in an

Bob Cohen

increasingly volatile global economy, which makes our jobs difficult enough. Adding to the confusion is the way prices are determined in the box market. We rely on a publication whose methodology is opaque in making pricing decisions for a $41 billion industry. That publication recognizes announced containerboard price increases almost with- out fail, regardless of supply and demand conditions. It also does so in the absence of accompanying box and sheet price increase announcements. In the last three months, the benchmark Fastmarkets RISI containerboard price index

At the same time, research from Soter Analytics shows just 14 per- cent of Gen Z would consider industrial work as a career, while broader sentiment points to concerns around pay, advancement, and long-term opportunity. Those perceptions stand in contrast to the reality across sectors like corrugated, where skilled roles are increasingly technical, stable, and, in many cases, competitively compensated. For those inside the corrugated industry, that disconnect can feel frustratingly familiar. The work is stable, the technology has advanced, and the career paths are available to anyone who puts in the work. But outside the industry, that message hasn’t fully landed. Closing that gap requires consistent exposure, earlier engagement, and a clearer connection between what students perceive as the truth and what the industry actually offers. Organizations like the Internation- al Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) and the PMMI Foundation are leaning into that responsibility, working to reach students before career decisions are already made and to present manufacturing in a way that feels tangible and relevant. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 8 Atlantic Packaging Celebrates 20 Years Of New Forest Mill 12 Peter Schiffenhaus Of Smurfit Westrock Passes Away At 62 14 Domtar Receives 2026 SFI Leadership Conservation Award 16 TRG Packaging Acquires Columbia Container

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global oversupply. This follows a year in which demand conditions were so weak that U.S. containerboard producers shut about 10 percent of total domestic industry capacity. With the uncertain economic situation resulting from the Iran conflict, one integrated producer’s CEO nonethe- less recently told analysts that “supply is tight.” This fantasy is setting the table for the more recently announced price hike for June. Independent box makers are now faced with a Faustian bargain not of their making. There is absolutely no basis for a second round of price increases scheduled for June. We don’t know what the publication will do with the announcement, but I’m confi- dent pressure will build for RISI to recognize at least some of it. The integrated producers never adequately explain their logic for these price increase announcements. Is the rapid price movement related to cost pressures, ineffi- ciencies, or something else not easily defined? Analysts and investors may not care, but we independents do. It impacts our clients and their view of our industry. Perhaps some independent box makers don’t mind the constant containerboard price increases. They may see this as an opportunity for margin improvement. What we’ve seen historically, in a period of rapid containerboard price increases, is that the companies raising container- board prices might react very differently in the box market. Is the tight domestic containerboard market kept artificially CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

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

Price Environment (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

was down by $20/ton in February, only to suddenly rise by $40/ton in March and another $30/ton in April. As has been the case in the past, other producers acted in lock step to the original announcement. Does it make sense for prices to fall one month, only to rise in the following two months when there is ongoing weak demand that the large producers have acknowledged themselves? This price increase is being implemented in a market that can only be described as tepid, with operating rates at just 91 percent, containerboard inventories at 4.5 weeks (well above the historical average of 4.0) and substantial

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Price Environment (CONT’D FROM PAGE 3)

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tight by increasing export? A case in point is that U.S. containerboard producers exported 35 percent more tons than they intended to in 2025, where the price of containerboard is dramatical- ly lower than domestic prices. This trend has continued into 2026, with producers exporting 44 percent more tons than they originally intended in Q1, per AF&PA data via Bloomberg. With box shipments at 2015 levels, raising prices amid chronically weak demand goes against almost every rational economic model. In fact, Bloomberg has pointed out that as prices rise on boxes, demand declines. I’ve asked my association, the AICC, to come out against this recently announced increase for June. Unfor- tunately for me, the membership has mixed feelings about rising prices. Many independent producers hope to gain margin as prices rise. It may be a fool’s bargain. Count me as deeply skeptical. So, I raise my voice, even if I am a voice of one. Bob Cohen is president of Acme Corrugated Box. Fam- ily-owned since 1918, Acme Corrugated is a third-gener- ation, independent corrugated box manufacturer serving customers in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region. Its state-of-the-art robotics and machinery are housed in a 320,000-square foot facility in Hatboro, Pennsylvania – one of the most modern and well-equipped box plants in the country.

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Integrateds Struggle To Pass Through Rising Costs As Demand Stays Soft According to multiple media outlets, packaging producers are facing renewed pressure as ongoing conflict in the Middle East adds another layer of strain to an already pro- longed downturn. The industry has been contending with weaker condi- tions since the post-pandemic e-commerce surge tapered off. Consumer demand softened under inflationary pres- sure, followed by the impact of tariffs. Now, additional cost pressure is emerging as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz push energy prices higher. For box makers, the timing is particularly challenging. “The consumer is being overall more hesitant,” Andy Sil-

vernail, CEO of International Paper, said on a recent earn- ings call. “We expect that to continue for a little bit of time as the uncertainty is out there economically, kind of broad- based uncertainty that was first driven by trade and tariffs, and now the conflict in the Middle East.” A pullback in demand, tied both to consumer behavior and a gradual shift toward alternative packaging materials,

has led to plant closures across the industry. Shipments of corrugated used in boxes and retail displays fell to a 10-year low in 2025, according to the Fibre Box Association (FBA), and Q1 shipments this year were also at their lowest seasonal levels since 2015. One of the most immediate impacts from the conflict has been on transportation costs. While U.S. natural gas prices have re- mained relatively stable due to strong do- mestic supply, retail diesel prices climbed to seasonal record levels in mid-April. Higher gas prices cut into consumer spending, and uncertainty caused by geo- political matters can exacerbate that. A hit like this typically translates into the use of fewer corrugated boxes, and therefore low- er packaging demand, experts say. Inflation and lagging consumer sen- timent are also reflected in home sales numbers, which significantly influences packaging sales; fiber company executives, including at Greif, have referenced the housing tie. The seasonal housing market typically ramps up to its annual peak at this point in the year, but the Iran war is among the myriad factors tamping down sales. “If you don’t get consumers back to the market and buying homes now in April and May, you basically have squandered a year,” because housing sales losses in the first half of the year are “really tough to make up in the back half,” said Michael Roxland, senior paper and packaging analyst at Tru- ist Securities. If consumers are concerned about geopolitics “and they’re not spending as much, that means less packaging.” Roxland continued, “It’s a very dynamic situation. The longer this drags on, the more risk there is to not only the economy, but the consumer.”

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Atlantic Packaging Celebrates 20-Year Anniversary Of New Forest Mill

Atlantic Packaging Products, the Ontario division of the Atlantic Packag- ing group of companies, shares one of its most enduring sustainability stories: the New Forest Mill. Two decades ago, the company transformed a former pickle factory site into a 100% recycled paper mill. Today, it stands as a high-performing operation built on people, process, and a long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Glenn Taylor, Senior Vice President of Mill Manufacturing Operations, offers a closer look at how New Forest was built and how it continues to evolve.

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Q: How did New Forest come to be? Glenn Taylor (Glenn): It was built during a down market, very much in keeping with how Irving thinks. He tends to buy when others are selling. He thinks long-term. Someone called Irving and said, ‘You’re building a paper machine.’ His answer was, ‘I’d be crazy to build in this market.’ And there it was. That long-term mindset continues to define the mill’s direction. “We started out with a paper machine,” said Irving Granovsky, Chair- man. “Now it is a phenomenal paper machine, like the others at Atlantic.” New Forest’s foundation has always been its people, from early lead- ership to today’s operators who continue to improve performance year after year. Werner Thoma, the mill’s first manager, now retired, reflects: “Togeth- er with Irving and a strong team, it became what it became.” Retired Vice Chairman John Cherry adds: “This mill has stayed vibrant through 20 years. Today it runs better than ever.” That continuity was clear during the anniversary celebration. Q: What stood out to you at the 20-year celebration? Glenn: Seeing retirees come back, sharing stories of how their ca- reers here supported their families. That connection means everything. Paul Kalbun, New Forest Mill Manager, reflected: “What stands out most about the first 20 years isn’t just growth or milestones, it’s consis- tency. The willingness to adapt, to solve problems, to learn, and to keep moving forward together. That’s what defines the New Forest team.” Over the past several years, the New Forest team has strengthened performance across quality, productivity, and safety, even as recycled fiber quality has become more challenging and customer expectations have increased. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Atlantic Packaging employees of past and present gathered for the New For- est 20th Anniversary Celebration.

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Q: How has sustainability shaped operations at New Forest? Glenn: Recycling is not simple. What comes in is not clean and has been getting worse over the years. We find metal, plastic, glass, and even materials that were never meant to be in fibre streams from the Blue Box Program. But we have built the systems to handle that and produce the high-quality paper that today’s customers demand. The mill operates 100 percent recycled fiber, continu- ously processing post-consumer and industrial materials into paper used in sustainable packaging. Continued in- novation from our team has dramatically improved final paper quality while the raw material stream continues to degrade. This approach keeps large volumes of material out of landfill and reintroduces it into the circular economy. One part of this system is New Forest’s anaerobic di- gester, which processes wastewater byproducts and con-

Q: What defines the mill’s performance today? Glenn: Over the last four to five years, the team has improved quality, productivity, and safety, all at the same time. They have pushed this into what I would call a world- class operation, hitting about 85 percent OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), which very few mills achieve. He also highlighted significant gains in safety perfor- mance: On safety, their OSHA incident rate has come down dramatically to about 1.6, which is tremendous for a paper mill of this size and complexity. For Production Manager Kugenthini Tharmakulase- karam, the driver remains culture: “The dedication and pride here make all the difference.” Sustainability has been central to New Forest from the beginning.

verts organic material into methane. That energy is captured and reused within mill operations, helping offset natural gas con- sumption. Q: What role does that system play in sustainability goals? Glenn: Our anaerobic digester turns waste into fuel. That is something we are proud of, because it means our waste be- comes part of our energy system. Water use is also closely managed. Wa- ter is drawn from the lake, used in the pa- permaking process, treated, and returned through municipal systems before re-enter- ing the natural environment. The only loss is steam generated during production. These systems reflect a broader strate- gy focused on reducing waste, improving efficiency, and extending the life of recycled fibres through ongoing investment in tech- nology and process optimization. Q: What’s the key takeaway after 20 years? Glenn: You give good people the right tools and processes, and they succeed.” That principle continues to guide New Forest, where sustainability, performance, and people remain closely connected. As Atlantic Packaging Products looks ahead, New Forest represents what is pos- sible when long-term thinking, responsible manufacturing, and strong teams come to- gether. Its progress over the past 20 years re- flects not only where we have been, but how we continue to evolve by investing in our people, advancing sustainable practic- es, and strengthening our ability to support customers. Visit: atlantic.ca .

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Peter Schiffenhaus Of Smurfit Westrock Passes Away At 62

He is survived by his loving wife, Maggie, and his two sons, Peter Jr. and William, who were the center of his world. Peter met Maggie in San Francisco in 1989, where their shared love of the outdoors immediately drew them to- gether. They married in wine country and spent their first twelve years in California, where both Peter Jr. and William were born. He was a devoted husband and father— al- ways present, supportive, and proud. Athletics were a cornerstone of Peter’s life, and he found great joy in both competition and exercise. His fa- vorite sports were hockey and lacrosse and he was a long- time member of Montclair Golf Club, where Peter was an avid tennis player and golfer—sports that reflected both his skill and his love of camaraderie. He remained commit- ted to daily workouts and a healthy lifestyle. Peter spent every summer of his youth on Cape Cod, a place where he held special memories with family and dear friends. He spent many months in Santa Cruz over the last couple of decades, where he loved surfing alongside his sons. Peter also had a green thumb and a true talent for cooking. He enjoyed growing fresh vegetables, whether for canning tomatoes and pickles or sourcing ingredients for the delicious meals he prepared. Peter will be remem- bered for his witty humor, contagious laughter, and genu- ine kindness. The family encourages donations in his memory to Montclair Lacrosse, Clary Anderson Arena, The Surfrider Foundation, or The American Cancer Society.

Peter Robert Schiffenhaus passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 62. Peter was born and raised in Montclair, New Jersey, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. He was the son of Larry and Bet- ty Schiffenhaus, whose love and guidance helped shape the man he became. Peter also shared a close bond with his siblings—Chip, Mary Ann, Betsy, Peggy, Patty, and Mark— and treasured the many memories they created together over the years. Peter built a successful career as a respected sales professional in the packaging industry, where he was known for his integrity, dedication, and ability to build last- ing relationships. In his early days after graduation from college, he worked for Viking Container and Golden Bear Packaging in the San Francisco area, before joining the family box business at Schiffenhaus Industries in New Jer- sey. After the family sold the box business, he built a suc- cessful sales career with Rock Tenn and then on to Smurfit Westrock. Above all else, Peter’s greatest passion was his family. Peter Schiffenhaus

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Domtar Receives 2026 SFI Leadership In Conservation Award The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) has named Fort Mill, South Carolina based Domtar the recipient of its 2026 SFI Leadership in Conservation Award, recognizing the company’s conservation collaborations and forest man- agement and fiber sourcing practices in North America. “Domtar exemplifies the type of leadership that is help- ing shape the future of conservation in North American for- ests,” says Lauren T. Cooper, chief conservation officer at SFI. “Their dedication to conservation spans partnerships with researchers, field implementation and regional col- laboration. In these ways, Domtar continues to play a key role in helping SFI bring our conservation vision to life.” SFI selected Domtar for deep and sustained engage- ment with the SFI Climate Smart Forestry Initiative and contributions to field-level research. For example, Dom- tar is a central partner in Silva21, a research program that brings together a variety of stakeholders to improve the resilience of Canadian forests. Regional leadership and specific conservation projects with other certified organi- zations related to habitat and biodiversity also played a role in the selection. “Forest certification is of significant importance to us. It supports Domtar’s commitment to operational excellence. Our team’s daily forest management operations are ver- ified through government oversight and certification to independent third-party standards such as SFI’s,” says Éti- enne Vézina, vice president of forestry and certification at Domtar. “That external validation helps ensure we meet certification standards and stay at the forefront of what for- estry will look like tomorrow.” SFI is an independent, globally recognized certification framework, providing Domtar’s customers with the assur- ance that the company adheres to rigorous responsible forest management and chain of custody standards. Orga- nizations certified to SFI standards must undergo rigorous third party audits conducted by accredited, independent certification bodies, providing credibility and transparency for certified organizations and their customers. “Our leadership defines ambitious sustainability goals, but real impact happens in the forests, where our field teams advance climate-smart practices and protect bio- diversity every day,” says Samuel Bourque, certification manager at Domtar. “This award recognizes the alignment between our commitments and the work being done on the ground.” Since 2004, Domtar and SFI have partnered across forestry operations, certification, sustainability and innova- tion. 100% of Domtar’s manufacturing facilities and forest operations are certified to SFI standards. In addition, Domtar’s owned and managed lands in Canada are certified to SFI standards. Today, Domtar is the world’s largest holder of SFI Forest Management cer- tificates.

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TRG Packaging Acquires Columbia Container

Emerald Packaging Acquires Blower-Dempsay Corp.

Chicago, Illinois based TRG Packaging and Display Solu- tions, one of the nation’s largest independent corrugated and display manufacturers, has announced the acquisition of Columbia Container, a full-service corrugated manufac- turer based in Baltimore, Maryland. Columbia Container serves national, regional, and local customers with a broad range of products, from traditional brown boxes to litho-mounted point-of-purchase displays. Known for its strong customer focus, the company has built a reputation for responsive service, knowledgeable support, and reliable turnaround times that help custom- ers bring products to market efficiently. “This acquisition strengthens our network in the Mid-At- lantic market and adds a team with a proven ability to exe- cute,” said Kevin Miller, CEO of TRG Packaging and Display Solutions. “It allows us to better align capacity, enhance responsiveness, and further extend our capabilities across the region.” Brendan Moynihan, President of Columbia Container, added, “Partnering with TRG expands our scale and oper- ational platform, allowing us to do more for our customers while maintaining the service and execution they expect. It positions us to grow more effectively and respond with greater agility as needs evolve.”

Union City, California based Emerald Packaging, a supplier of flexible packaging solutions for the produce industry, has expanded its capabilities with the acquisition of San- ta Ana, California based Blower-Dempsay Corp., a family owned manufacturing and distribution company specializ- ing in corrugated solutions, folding cartons, and industrial packaging engineering and distribution. The deal is the first acquisition in Emerald Packaging’s 63-year history and gives the company a well-positioned second California location to serve its customers in Arizo- na and northern Mexico. The purchase will eventually increase Emerald’s head- count from 250 today to over 300 by the end of the year. Emerald will benefit not only from increased capacity, but a strong geographic link to its largest customers. Em- erald will now be only three hours to the Mexicali crossing as opposed to over a day, which is critical to serving cus- tomers in that region. Emerald’s new Santa Ana facility features an eight col- or, 52” wide Windmoeller & Hoelscher printing press, two Nordmeccanica laminators, two slitters and a thermal oxi- dizer. The company plans to add slitters with laser and hot needle capability and a second printing press soon. Visit: empack.com .

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Katz Americas Invests In Koenig & Bauer Rapida Press

Katz Americas, the leading pulpboard beverage producer of highly decorated custom-made coasters in North and South America, invested in a Koenig & Bauer Rapida 145 sheetfed press for its Johnson City, Tennessee facility.

The firm, which is a loyal Koenig & Bauer customer, leads this market niche with its fun, creative messaging for corporate events and parties to market a brand’s prod- ucts. Its beverage coasters are known for spotlighting the unique messaging and positioning of its customers’ brands that increases engagement with all market segments. The new large format Rapida press elevates the print- er’s capabilities with unique cutting-edge technology, add- ed capabilities, and greater efficiency, all to ensure added capacity as the firm reaches a broader base of new cus- tomers. AICC To Host Northeast Summit This Summer In New Jersey AICC will host its Northeast Summit June 15-16, 2026, at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, New Jersey, bringing together independent corrugated packaging profession- als from across the region for two days of networking, in- dustry discussion, and operational insight. The summit will feature educational sessions, peer en- gagement, and networking opportunities focused on is- sues impacting independent converters. The summit will also include a golf tournament, and an optional plant tour of Middletown, New York based President Container, available to registered attendees. President Container operates a 625,000-square-foot fa- cility equipped with two corrugators and a wide range of high-speed converting equipment, making it one of the most advanced independent corrugated facilities in North America. Gene Marks, CPA, a frequent speaker at AICC meetings known for his commentary on economic trends, technolo- gy, and business management, will deliver a presentation at the meeting. AICC’s regional summit highlights the impact of small- er-format industry gatherings focused on practical discus- sion and relationship-building among independent con- verters and suppliers.

Quality Leads = New Customers

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

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ICPF, PMMI (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

careers look like and where they can fit in the industry.” An Interactive Learning Experience At the expo, ICPF and the PMMI Foundation, the chari- table arm of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Pro- cessing Technologies, will share exhibit space at PMMI’s Booth #857. This will position them in the center of Skill- sUSA TECHSPO, a hands-on introduction to the industry’s

SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference One of the ways that effort is taking shape this year is through partnership and presence at the upcoming Skill- sUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia from June 1-5, 2026. ICPF will join PMMI at the SkillsUSA NLSC, one of the largest gatherings of career and technical education (CTE) students in the country. The event draws more than 19,000 attendees annually, including over 6,500 student compet- itors across 114 skilled and leadership disciplines. For or- ganizations focused on workforce development, it offers something increasingly difficult to replicate elsewhere: a concentrated, national audience of students already en- gaged in hands-on, skills-based learning. ICPF’s role includes serving as a Silver Sponsor of Skill- sUSA, supporting national programming while deepening its engagement with the organization’s network of more than 444,000 students and educators. The partnership also includes workforce engagement initiatives, from a na- tional communications effort to a speaker series designed to bring industry professionals directly into classrooms. “Opportunities like SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference allow us to expand awareness of ca- reers in our industry while also creating opportunities for direct engagement,” said Caitlin Salaverria, president of ICPF. “It’s about helping students understand what these

equipment, processes, and career pathways, presented in a way that’s tangible and immediate. As part of the conference experience, both ICPF and the PMMI Foundation will participate in the SkillsUSA scavenger hunt, an interactive, digital experience that en- courages students to explore the show floor, visit exhibitor booths, and engage with industry representatives. Attend- CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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ICPF, PMMI (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

six distinct tracks for students, instructors, and administra- tors. These range from student development and creden- tialing to instructor innovation and leadership training, all grounded in the SkillsUSA Framework. For ICPF, that environment presents an opportunity to engage not just students, but also the educators and ad- ministrators who influence career pathways long before students enter the workforce. The conference also balances competition and learn- ing with community-building. Events like the Champion’s Festival, an evening gathering with food, music, and activ- ities, will serve as informal networking spaces where stu- dents, instructors, and industry partners interact outside the structure of the show floor. While not directly tied to re- cruitment, those moments have the potential to shift how students perceive the industries represented. Expanding The Talent Pipeline ICPF’s participation at NLSC is one piece of a broader strategy outlined in its multi-year roadmap. Approved in 2023, that plan focuses on four key areas: strengthening existing programs, expanding outreach into trade schools and high schools, increasing industry awareness, and evaluating partnership opportunities with national organi- zations. The SkillsUSA collaboration checks several of those boxes at once. It extends ICPF’s reach into the high school and trade school pipeline, builds on an existing nation- CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

ees are encouraged to stop by the PMMI booth to take part in multiple scavenger hunt experiences, learn more about packaging career pathways, and explore opportuni- ties for employment across the industry. Beyond the exhibit hall, the structure of the NLSC itself reinforces that message. The SkillsUSA Championships remain the centerpiece, where thousands of state cham-

pions compete in disciplines ranging from industrial main- tenance and mechatronics to additive manufacturing and robotics. But the event has broadened in recent years to include more comprehensive development tracks. SkillsUSA LEARN, for example, is being positioned as a reimagined professional development platform, offering

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ICPF, PMMI (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

ingly complex systems. Turning Awareness Into Opportunity

al platform, and connects the foundation with a partner (PMMI) that has a long history of workforce engagement in adjacent sectors of packaging and processing. More broadly, it reflects a shift in how the corrugated industry approaches workforce development. Tradition- al recruitment methods like job postings, local outreach, word-of-mouth are no longer sufficient on their own. The competition for talent now spans industries, many of which have been more aggressive in promoting their career paths to younger generations. At the same time, Gen Z’s evolving relationship with work presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While fewer express initial interest in industrial careers, as noted in the study, many are actively moving away from the tradi- tional four-year college-to-corporate path. Trade schools, apprenticeships, and hands-on careers are gaining trac- tion—just not always in sectors like corrugated that lack visibility. Students need to see the technology, understand the roles and opportunities, and hear directly from people who have built careers in the industry. Demand in the corrugated and packaging industries remains strong and continues to grow, driven by e-com- merce, food and beverage, and industrial sectors. At the same time, operations are becoming more automated and data-driven, increasing the need for technically skilled workers who can operate, maintain, and optimize increas-

Without a consistent pipeline of talent, even the most well-equipped plants face limitations. ICPF and PMMI are working to mitigate these challenges by strengthening awareness of an industry that continues to evolve but is still too often overlooked by younger generations consid- ering their future careers.

Students attending the NLSC this June are not being asked to commit to a career on the spot. What they are being offered is a clearer view of what is possible for their future. A conversation at a booth, a demonstration at TECHSPO, or an interaction with someone already work- ing in the industry can be enough to shift perspective.

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Metsä Board, HEIDELBERG Announce Strategic Collaboration Norwalk, Connecticut based Metsä Board, a leading Eu- ropean producer of premium fresh fiber paperboards, in- cluding folding boxboards, foodservice boards, and white kraftliners, and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEI- DELBERG), a global market leader in integrated, future ready solutions for the printing, packaging and converting industries, have entered into a strategic collaboration.

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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. 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 collaboration will include joint R&D projects, pilot production runs and customer demonstrations at HEIDEL- BERG’s Print Media Centers, as well as Metsä Board’s Ex- cellence Centre and Design Studios. By combining Metsä Board’s expertise in high quality, lightweight paperboard materials with HEIDELBERG’s ad- vanced offset, flexographic, digital printing and converting technologies, the partnership aims to accelerate innova- tion across the packaging value chain while opening new opportunities for customers to achieve high productivity and efficient production workflows. “Our collaboration with HEIDELBERG allows us to offer our customers new possibilities in packaging design and production efficiency, while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and premium quality,” says Erja Hyrsky, SVP, Commercial Operations at Metsä Board. “Working closely with HEIDELBERG as a system inte- grator enables faster development and testing of solutions that support our customers’ evolving packaging needs,” Hyrsky continues. Metsä Board’s recyclable, fresh fiber-based paper- boards, combined with HEIDELBERG’s efficient, high-per- formance production processes, provide a strong platform for developing packaging solutions that address increas- ing regulatory and performance requirements. “By combining advanced printing and converting tech- nologies with Metsä Board’s premium lightweight paper- board, HEIDELBERG enables high performance packaging applications for demanding market and regulatory require- ments,” says Andreas Lang, SVP, Global Accounts and Packaging, at HEIDELBERG. Through this collaboration, both companies aim to help customers develop future-ready packaging solutions in a rapidly evolving market. From left: Erkki Nyberg, Metsä Board; Maarten Florizoone, Metsä Board; Andreas Lang, HEIDELBERG; Erja Hyrsky, Metsä Board; and Elina Huopio, Metsä Board.

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