March 2, 2026
VOL. 42 NO. 9
BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985
PPC To ‘Share Intelligence’ At Spring Conference In Louisville BY ASHLEY PRAZYCH All things folding carton and rigid boxes will take center stage at the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC)’s Spring Outlook and Strategies Conference, March 25–27, 2026, at the Omni Louisville. Speed networking. Brand-driven panel conversations. A for- ward-looking economic address. Sustainability at the forefront. A behind-the-scenes plant tour. Women in Packaging. Celebrations of safety excellence and pioneering legacy. A leadership deep dive. AI in manufacturing and the latest technology shaping plant operations. And celebration, Louisville style.
Containerboard Price Surge Hits Top Packaging Players According to multiple sources, shares of ma- jor paper and packaging producers sold off last week after a surprisingly weak container- board pricing update. International Paper slid 7.1 percent, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) lost 6.8 percent, and U.S.-listed shares of Smurfit Westrock retreated nearly 5 per- cent in the wake of the pricing news. Analysts at global wealth management firm, Stifel, say the declines followed the lat- est packaging paper and board price data for February released by index provider RISI. The new figures showed an unanticipated drop in containerboard prices, which pressured senti- ment across the sector. Stifel said RISI reported that container- board prices fell by $20 per ton in February, a move described as unexpected and driven by increasing discounts in the market. By contrast, boxboard grades were un- changed from the prior month across all cat- egories for the second month in a row. This stability came after SBS Folding paperboard had already recorded a cumulative decline of $100 per ton across November and Decem- ber. Stifel noted that the February price index
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Designed for folding carton converters and industry suppliers, the three-day program brings together decision-makers navigating eco- nomic volatility, workforce pressures, sustainability demands, and rap- id technological change. From high-impact content to meaningful peer exchange, PPC’s Spring Conference promises to deliver the insights, relationships, and practical strategies that move business forward. As packaging decisions grow more complex and customer expec- tations rise, PPC’s Spring Meeting provides something increasingly essential: shared intelligence. “This is a period that demands sharper thinking and stronger collaboration,” said Emily Leonczyk, President, PPC. “PPC exists to bring our industry together to share credible in- sight, benchmark performance, and build leadership capacity. When converters and suppliers learn alongside one another, the entire indus- try becomes more resilient and more competitive.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
WHAT’S INSIDE
6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 8 Buckeye Corrugated Plans Grand Opening For Reno 10 SUN, LMC Deliver FFG At Welch Packaging, Paige Company 14 Sultana Packaging Invests In Kolbus Flexo Rotary Die Cutter 24 Metsä Board To Open Packaging Studio In Milan
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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
Containerboard Prices (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
for boxboard grades was in line with expectations. Stifel pointed out that Graphic Packaging, Smurfit We- strock, and Sappi are the companies with the greatest ex- posure to U.S. paperboard pricing. Kraft paper prices also held steady on a month-over-month basis, which the firm said was consistent with its forecasts. Stifel emphasized that International Paper and Smurf- it Westrock are the names with the most direct exposure to the recent containerboard price decline. The firm said this pricing pressure is likely to act as a headwind for their shares in the near term and acknowledged that it had not foreseen this particular price move.
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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FOLDING SECTION UPGRADES THAT MOVE THE INDUSTRY FORWARD
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Buckeye Corrugated Plans Grand Opening, Showcase For Reno Facility Fairlawn, Ohio based Buckeye Corrugated (BCI), a lead- ing U.S.-based manufacturer of corrugated packaging and retail display solutions, is advancing its West Coast expan- sion strategy with a Grand Opening and Innovation Show- case this June at its newest facility in Reno. While BCI’s Reno operation has already begun sup- porting customers as a regional packaging and distri- bution hub, the June event marks the company’s official market-facing activation, highlighting expanded capabili- ties now coming online to serve brands across Northern Nevada, Northern California, and the broader western U.S. The 100,000-square-foot Reno facility serves as BCI’s West Coast manufacturing and logistics platform, de- signed to reduce lead times, streamline supply chains, and provide localized corrugated packaging and retail display solutions closer to customers operating west of the Rocky Mountains. “This is an important step forward in our West Coast growth strategy,” said Scott Fuselier, Vice President, Enter- prise Sales, BCI. “The Reno facility allows us to bring our design expertise, manufacturing discipline, and custom- er-first approach closer to brands that value speed, flex- ibility, and performance. The showcase is about demon- strating what that means in real terms for our customers.”
The Grand Opening and Innovation Showcase will feature: • An inside look at BCI’s Reno-based operations • Demonstrations of corrugated packaging capabilities and retail display solutions • Networking with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders • Leadership remarks outlining BCI’s long-term West Coast strategy BCI selected Reno for its access to major transportation corridors, proximity to key West Coast markets, and grow- ing manufacturing workforce. Managed by Adam Williams, Area Vice President, West, and Anne Carbajal, General Manager, the location supports the company’s continued investment in American Sourced & Made manufacturing while enabling better service for western customers. Additional details regarding the June Innovation Show- case, including invitations and programming, will be an- nounced closer to the event. Founded in 1958, Buckeye Corrugated partners with brands across a variety of industries to deliver packag- ing solutions engineered for performance in transit, on the shelf, and at scale. BCI combines the power of a large manufacturing network with the responsiveness of a local partner. From advanced printing and structural design to optimized logistics and sustainability initiatives, BCI contin- ually invests in technology and talent to stay ahead of the industry and deliver measurable value to our customers. For more information, visit www.bcipkg.com .
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8 March 2, 2026
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MACHINERY SHOWROOM TRAINING CENTER AND
SUN, LMC Deliver Flexo Folder Gluer At Welch Packaging, Paige Company As corrugated converters face mounting pressure to in- crease throughput and respond quickly to shifting custom- er demands, flexo folder gluer investments are becoming more strategic than ever. Today’s buying decisions are less about raw speed alone and more about how reliably performance can be delivered shift after shift. Recent installations at Welch Packaging Group and Paige Company, supported by SUN Automation Group, featuring flexo folder gluer platforms from Latitude Machin- ery Corporation (LMC), illustrate how the right equipment, paired with experienced service and application support, can translate installation decisions into measurable pro- duction impact on the floor.
Record-Setting Output At Welch Packaging Group At Welch Packaging Group’s Chicago facility, a recent production milestone demonstrated the upper limits of what today’s full-servo mini flexo folder gluers can achieve. Their LMC Mini Full Servo FFG produced a record-break- The Welch Packaging and LMC teams stand beside the LMC Mini Full Servo flexo folder gluer.
ing 206,750 boxes in an eight-hour shift. The milestone was achieved during standard operations and reflected a delib- erate, well-coordinated effort between the plant team and their equipment partners. According to the management team at Welch Packaging Group, the goal was clear from the outset: to operate the machine at its maximum rated speed of 27,000 box- es per hour while maintaining consistency and control. Designed for high-speed performance with precise motion control, the LMC Mini Full Servo platform supports converters running aggressive schedules without sac- rificing quality. Welch’s result underscores how full-servo architecture enables re- peatable, high-throughput flexo converting without sacrificing consistency. Paige Company Expands Capacity With The LMC PP-Series While Welch’s achievement highlights maximum output, Paige Company’s recent expansion demonstrates how converters are using mid-size flexo folder gluers to balance capacity, flexibility, and return on investment. Operating in the competitive New York metropolitan market, Paige Company produces a wide range of value-added packaging. As demand for mid-sized and specialty products grew, the company identified the need to relieve pressure on smaller machines while consolidating mul- tiple operations into a single pass. To meet that need, Paige Company installed an LMC PP-Series Flexo Folder Gluer (PP2-1025), a mid-size platform en- gineered to balance throughput, precision, CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
10 March 2, 2026
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SUN, LMC (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)
and versatility. The PP-Series supports applications rang- ing from standard RSCs to complex die-cut and specialty glued products. The LMC PP2-1025 enabled Paige to achieve signifi- cant gains in production efficiency, allowing the operation to run up to 400,000–500,000 square feet per shift while
supported higher-volume runs by effectively managing waste before boxes entered the folding section. Building on the success of the initial installation, Paige Company has since ordered a second PP-Series machine to further expand capacity and support continued growth. A Repeatable Model For Flexo Converting Success Together, these installations reflect a broader trend in flexo converting: converters are prioritizing proven equip- ment platforms supported by strong regional partners who understand the realities of high-volume production. Suc- cess increasingly depends on the alignment of machinery capability, operator expertise, and aftermarket support. For SUN Automation Group, projects like these rein- force the importance of strong OEM partnerships and long-term customer support in delivering sustainable per- formance gains across a wide range of flexo folder gluer applications.
consolidating one production line for a major record stor- age customer. As Michael Levine, President of Paige Com- pany, explained, two separate operations were combined into a single pass, allowing orders to be completed more efficiently. By streamlining workflows, Paige reduced han- dling, labor, and cycle time while maintaining quality stan- dards. The machine’s integrated scrap removal system Paige Company achieved significant gains with the LMC PP2- 1025 flexo folder gluer.
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Bay Cities Appoints Khojayan New Chief Operating Officer
Sultana Packaging Group Invests In Kolbus Flexo Rotary Die Cutter Mexico based Sultana Packaging Group has reaffirmed its commitment to KOLBUS Group GmbH with the acquisition of a new RD 115S flexo rotary die-cutter for its facility in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
Pico Rivera, California based Bay Cities has announced the appointment of Richard Khojayan as its new Chief Op- erating Officer. With over two decades of experience transforming complex manufacturing operations into streamlined,
high-output environments, Khojayan (pictured left) joins Bay Cities at a pivotal time of growth, innovation, and strategic expansion. His career spans global brands and manu- facturing leaders such as Unilever, Nestlé, Nature Made, Harman Kar- don, and Golden West Packaging
“The decision follows nearly a decade of successful operation with Hycorr rotary die-cutters, which have been in use since 2015 and have consistently delivered high re- liability, stable performance, and strong KPI results on the production floor,” explains Ing. Juan Carlos Martínez-Dan- iel, Director General, Sultana Packaging Group. “This prov- en track record made Kolbus – who acquired Hycorr back in 2011 – the clear choice as we evaluated options to up- grade our converting assets.” He continues, “We are delighted to be continuing the excellent working relationship with Sultana,” explains Ro- man Lopez, Managing Director, Kolbus de Mexico. “This latest sale of the RD 115S to Sultana is based on years of solid production from their existing machines.”
Richard Khojayan
Group (formerly Fleetwood Fiber). His operational reach includes industries like food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, medical devices, automotive, aerospace, and corrugated & folding carton production. “Richard has a talent for uncovering hidden capac- ity and turning operational pain points into performance gains,” said Greg Tucker, Chairman and CEO, Bay Cities. “His background in corrugated, CPG, and high-mix envi- ronments—along with his sharp focus on flow, accountabil- ity, and customer impact—makes him the ideal leader to drive operational excellence across our facilities.”
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Atlantic Packaging Wins Best-In- Class For Packaging Innovation Scarborough, Ontario based Atlantic Packaging Products has announced that its packaging solution for the Zavida Coffee Roasters® Organica coffee has won the Best-in- Class PAC Global award in the Technical category for pack- age innovation design at the 2026 PAC Global Awards. The new Zavida Coffee Roasters Organica Keurig 72 Pods box stands as a testament to the power of digital print technology. This premium corrugated package, produced on the Koenig & Bauer Durst SPC 130, demonstrates the exceptional precision and colour depth now achievable through direct digital print on uncoated white-top corru- gated.
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“The Koenig & Bauer Durst SPC 130 press enables high- speed, high-quality production that redefines traditional printing methods, offering exceptional flexibility and fast- er speed to market to meet evolving customer demands,” said Larissa Fritzen, Plant Manager at Atlantic. “We’ve been partnering with Atlantic for more than twenty years. This collaboration is a clear example of how innovative internal graphic design at Zavida together with the corrugated expertise and advanced digital print ca- pabilities of Atlantic, can elevate packaging and make it stand out on the shelf; enabling us to communicate our brand value and positioning effectively without compro- mising on quality or environmental responsibility,” said Adi Montas, Marketing Commercialization Manager at Zavida Coffee Roasters. Designed to reflect the natural, sustainable essence of the Organica brand, this packaging showcases vivid, high-resolution imagery with remarkable clarity. “The intricate textures and organic tones reinforce the brand’s environmental commitment through visual story- telling. The use of uncoated white-top corrugate aligns with eco-conscious values, offering a tactile experience that complements the design,” said Anthony Memme, Dig- ital Print Manager at Atlantic. The Zavida Organica project brought together Zav- ida, its design team, and technical experts from Atlantic Packaging Products to leverage digital innovation for sustainable packaging, highlighting how partnership and advanced digital printing drive both creative quality and measurable market impact.
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
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Packaging manufacturers invest heavily in equipment, materials, and people. Amtech solutions turn those investments that sheet feeders, sheet plants, and full box plants make into measurable profit. Our AI-powered ERP, MES, and CRM systems streamline operations so plants can run leaner, faster, and smarter. • Full-plant control: from procurement to production to shipping. • Real-time visibility: identify issues before costly bottlenecks. • Industry-specific: workflows geared toward the packaging processes. • Comprehensive solution: advanced costing, scheduling, and shipping.
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Metsä Board To Open Packaging Studio In Milan This Summer Norwalk, Connecticut based Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, will open a new Packaging Design Studio in Milan in summer 2026, a significant step in accelerating packaging innovation and strengthening collaboration with European brand owners, converters, and packaging developers. “Located in one of Europe’s leading design capitals, the Milan studio gives us a perfect setting to work even more closely with our customers. The studio makes it easy to connect, test ideas and move towards solutions that keep pace with the fast-evolving packaging landscape,“ says Erja Hyrsky, SVP, Commercial Operations.
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Equipped with modern tools and advanced AI-sup- ported design and simulation technologies, the studio will enhance the way workshops, design sprints, and co-cre- ation sessions are carried out more effectively, especially in projects where sustainability targets, performance re- quirements or regulatory changes drive the need for new solutions. Bringing packaging design, product development, and technical competence into one location enables greater cooperation across the packaging value chain. The studio provides a place where insights, materials, and manufac- turing requirements can be considered holistically, sup- porting customers in developing solutions that are both functional and ready for implementation. “With the new studio in Milan, we are creating a space where innovation, design, and technical excellence meet,” says Ilkka Harju, Director, Packaging Design Services. “This enables us to work side by side with customers and partners on solutions that move efficiently from idea to im- plementation.” The Milan studio complements Metsä Board’s existing Excellence Centre in Äänekoski, Finland, which focuses on material research, packaging performance testing, and holistic packaging development, as well as the company’s Packaging Design Studio in Norwalk, CT, which supports customers in North America. Opening in summer 2026, the Milan Packaging Design Studio will welcome customers, partners, and industry stakeholders to explore and develop new packaging solu- tions together.
Increased Productivity With cycle time as little as 15 seconds, the TopBot can keep pace with high-speed equipment…processing units in excess of 200 per hour. Improved Product Quality The robotic precision of TopBot creates units with dunnage placement accuracy; yielding improved appearance and consistency as it ships to your Customer. Operator Savings & Safety TopBot reduces dependance on manual labor for dunnage application; reducing direct cost and potential for injury of operators working in a moving conveyor zone.
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18 March 2, 2026
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Georgia-Pacific West Chester Achieves Production Record
AF&PA Releases January 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) re- leased the January 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report. Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in January decreased 1 percent compared to January 2025.
HP reports that Georgia-Pacific has reached an outstand- ing digital production milestone that showcases the power of long running platforms in skilled hands. Georgia-Pacific’s Hummingbird operation in West Chester, Ohio, has reached an exciting milestone with a worldwide monthly production record on one of the orig- inal HP PageWide T1100S Presses. This accomplishment underscores the strength of the team’s processes, their deep technical expertise, and the durability of the plat- form—even after years of continuous high volume. The record setting month underscores how West Ches- ter has built a strong, reliable foundation of digital produc- tion, enabling them to support a growing and increasingly demanding business with exceptional print consistency and efficiency. Their ability to drive high quality throughput over time reflects both their operational maturity and their commitment to continuous improvement. Ed Hoolehan, Director of Operations, for Georgia-Pa- cific’s West Chester facility commented, “This milestone reflects the hard work of our entire team from sales to op- erations to our capability partners, and it truly shows our commitment to optimizing every part of the printing pro- cess. We’re excited to continue pushing what’s possible with digital.”
• The total operating rate for the packaging papers seg- ment was 80.7 percent, higher than both January 2025 and December 2025, but lower than the overall rate for 2025 (81.2 percent). • Unbleached multiwall shipments were up 6.9 percent from last January. • Imports of packaging papers were up nearly 6 percent in 2025 compared to 2024 based on the latest data available.
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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PPC Meeting Preview (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
The 2026 program places leadership strategies at its core. Professional speaker and former CEO Dan Irvin will lead a multi-session experience that blends keynote insight with interactive workshops. His programming fo- cuses on intentional leadership, adaptability, and clarity in high-pressure environments — equipping leaders with practical frameworks they can apply immediately within their organizations. Leadership development will continue beyond the main stage through the Women in Packaging session and leadership brunch, led by long-time facilitator Ann Bow- ers-Evangelista, which provides space for meaningful con- nection and peer exchange, while roundtable discussions will challenge attendees to articulate the value and future of fiber-based packaging with confidence and alignment. The speaker line-up includes: Keynote: Dan Irvin, Professional Speaker & Author In his keynote presentation, From Production to Pres- ence: 3 Habits of Consciously Intentional Leaders, Dan invites his audience to step away from the daily demands
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.
of production and performance to reflect on who you are as a leader, not just what you produce. Drawing from his leadership journey and his book Stop Being Busy, Be More, Dan shares three habits of con- sciously intentional leaders through real stories, lessons learned, and
Dan Irvin
practical application. Attendees will leave with clear, ac- tionable next steps to lead with greater clarity, presence, and impact inside their organizations. Dan Irvin is a high-energy, fun-loving leader, consultant, motivator, author, and public speaker whose valuable in- sights and relatable stories of success and passion con- sistently set up entrepreneurs and employees across the nation for personal and professional growth. As a former CEO and COO, Dan helps leaders remove distractions so that they can lead intentional, fulfilled, and meaningful lives. His popular presentations and train- ings offer structure, fun, and best practices that are both thought-provoking and buck the age-old mentality of “this is how it’s always been done.” Too often, we become uber-focused on “being busy” and ultimately lose sight of our goals. Dan’s thoughts and ideas get you back on track. Dan’s message will have you laugh and cheer, and his per- sonality will convince you to stop taking life so seriously. Visit: www.danirvin.com . SESSION: The Touch Advantage: Untouched is Unsold Vicki Strull, Principal, Vicki Strull Creative Collective, will share findings from a Sappi-commissioned study con- ducted with Clemson University. The research demon- strates that physical engagement with premium packag- ing can increase purchase likelihood by up to 50 percent, reinforcing the role of folding cartons as both a protective
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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22 March 2, 2026
Single Point Single Operator Full Automation
Optimizing the flexo process for maximum productivity, quality and efficiency.
®
JB Machinery Inc. | +1-203-544-0101 | jbmachinery.com JB MACHINERY
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Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
barrier and a strategic sales driver. Premium packaging is preferred nearly three times more than plain options, es- pecially for gifting or unfamiliar categories, and it sparks
ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com
95 percent more positive emotions, often signaling luxury more than the product itself. This presentation de- livers clear, data-backed proof that packaging can be a powerful, stealth sales tool. Vicki Strull is a left-brained Ivy League intellectual and a dynamic
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
Vicki Strull
right-brained creative with over 25 years in the industry. Known for the energy she brings to graphic design, strate- gic thinking, and brand positioning, Vicki is a design strat- egist who has become an indispensable marketing and creative partner for some of the top brands in America, including HP, Bayer, Coppertone, and Pizza Hut. She cur- rently serves as an adjunct professor of design at Tulane University. Visit: www.vickistrull.com . SESSION: Reframing Brand Expectations: What Brand Owners Need to Know Facilitated by Paul Schutes, Executive Director of the Recycled Paperboard Alliance and President of the Recy- cled Paperboard Technical Association, this brand-owner
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.
panel will share firsthand perspec- tives on how sustainability goals and customer expectations are shaping packaging decisions. Panelists will discuss the realities of pursuing more sustainable packaging, where expectations and operational con- straints diverge, and how paper-
Paul Schutes
board compares to other substrates. Attendees will gain clearer insight into brand priorities, shared challenges, and opportunities for stronger alignment around practical, achievable solutions. Paul Schutes is the President of the Recycled Paper- board Alliance (RPA) and the Recycled Paper Technical Association (RPTA), the 2 leading industry associations dedicated to expanding the use and improving the man- ufacture of recycled fiber products. Paul is a paperboard and packaging expert with over 40 years of experience in the industry. During his career in paperboard packaging Paul has held senior positions in packaging design, engi- neering, sales and production. Paul will be joined by several expert panelists, includ- ing Courtney Chance, the Vice President of Supply Chain & Quality Assurance at Nothing Bundt Cakes. In her cur- rent role, she provides executive leadership over strate- gic sourcing, quality, and packaging for a rapidly growing national brand. With nearly 20 years of experience across foodservice and packaging, she has directed enter- prise-level domestic and international sourcing initiatives,
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.
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Martin/Avco
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Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
supplier diversification, and cost-optimization strategies while safeguarding brand integrity and product quality. Courtney is recognized for positioning packaging as a strategic enabler of scalability, operational resilience, and long-term value creation. Member Spotlight: Bob Neff, Owner, Neff Packaging Solutions At the Spring Meeting, Bob Neff will take the stage to share how Neff Packaging Solutions has built more than a century of success by combining innovation, technology, and customer-driven thinking. Founded in 1918 and now a third-generation fami- ly-owned business, Neff operates a 122,000 sq. ft. state- of-the-art facility recognized as one of the most techno- logically advanced folding carton plants in North America. With dedicated digital printing capabilities, an in-house Innovation Center, and a strong focus on lean, sustainable solutions, Neff partners with leading consumer brands to solve complex packaging challenges efficiently and cre- atively. Bob’s spotlight will offer insight into how long-term relationships, operational excellence, and continuous in- novation fuel growth in today’s packaging marketplace. PPC Spring Meeting attendees will have the option to join a tour of the Neff Packaging Solutions plant on Wednesday, March 27th at 8:30 AM. SESSION: What Happens Next? A Look at the Scenarios Chris Kuehl, Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intelligence, delivers a clear, data-driven look at the cur- rent economic environment and what may come next.
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.
Drawing on national and local eco- nomic indicators, he examines how inflation, tariffs and trade, and work- force pressures are shaping today’s outlook. Emphasis is placed on why local data points often provide the most actionable insight, helping au- diences cut through uncertainty and
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.
Chris Kuehl
better prepare for a range of economic scenarios ahead. Dr. Chris Kuehl provides forecasts and strategic guid- ance for a wide variety of corporate clients and business organizations around the world. He is the economic an- alyst for several national and international organizations Prior to starting Armada in 1999 he was a professor of economics and finance for 15 years – teaching in the US, Hungary, Russia, Estonia, Singapore and Taiwan. He holds advanced degrees in economics, Soviet studies and East Asian studies. Chris is the co-author of The Flagship and the Strate- gic Intelligence System – both publications from Armada. He presents to over 125 associations and businesses each year – in the US and globally. SESSION: ChatGPT, AI, Agents, Automation and Beyond Gene Marks, CEO of The Marks Group, will explore how AI is reshaping manufacturing and packaging. You’ve read
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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We’ve got our customers cov ered... TM
...with our fiberglass backed, boltless, full double-wide blankets and an extensive inventory of corrugated parts needed by virtually every box plant in the country. We are proud to be an official distributor of Policart and Rodicut anvil covers. Stafford is the industry’s go-to source for everything corrugated.
www.go2stafford.com • 800.282.5787 PROUD DISTRIBUTOR OF POLICART AND RODICUT ANVIL COVERS
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Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
about ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Google Gemini, and other AI tools that will be changing the way we work, both in the short and longer term. As a business leader
you want to leverage this technolo- gy to increase both productivity and profits. So what should you know now? Gene’s session will examine how AI can optimize internal workflows, support predictive maintenance, enhance logistics planning, and im-
THE HAIRE GROUP www.hairegroup.com
Haire Group is the premier provider of new machinery for the corrugated industry. From the Apstar line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters, the Encore line of flexo folder gluers and rotary die cutters, and the Engico flexo folder glu- er, Haire is able to pair clients with the best machinery solu- tions for the best value to meet their needs. Haire Group’s service department helps its customers maximize uptime and profitability through superior 24/7 service and support, a pre-install training center, and over a million dollars’ worth of spare parts at their offices just outside of Chicago. Haire Group has been the industry’s #1 pre-owned machinery bro- ker and plant equipment appraiser since 1976. HarperLove is the leading provider of specialty adhesives, performance additives, and wet-strength resins to corru- gated packaging manufacturers. With the largest and most experienced field service and technical support team posi- tioned throughout the U.S. and Latin America, HarperLove has a long-standing reputation for providing outstanding service and delivering demonstrable performance improve- ments. HarperLove’s renowned services include not only innovative product development and custom product for- mulation, but also machine and process assessments, ad- hesive formula adjustments, machine tuning, detailed ser- vice reporting, and more. HARPERLOVE www.HarperLove.com Kernic Systems has been a leading global provider of re- cycling equipment solutions since 1978. For over 40 years, Kernic Systems has provided balers, air conveying and dust collection systems, shredders, industrial vacuums, and re- cycling equipment to a wide range of markets. Today, Ker- nic Systems serves customers with an expanded offering of standard products and custom-engineered systems through three primary business divisions: Recycling Solu- tions, Dust Collection and Air Pollution Control, and Material Handling. Kiwiplan provides state-of-the-art software solutions to cor- rugated, folding carton, plastics and flexible packaging fa- cilities around the globe. Kiwiplan’s Total Solution delivers comprehensive, seamless real-time flow of information from sales order management to dynamic total plant scheduling and inventory control through shipping. With deep manu- facturing and distribution expertise, Kiwiplan knows the specific problems customers face and provides the spe- cialized software they need to adapt, compete, and win in today's rapidly changing world. KERNIC SYSTEMS www.kernicsystems.com KIWIPLAN www.kiwiplan.com
Gene Marks
prove quality control. For folding carton manufacturers balancing cost pressures, workforce challenges, and ris- ing customer expectations, the conversation will focus on purposeful tools rather than hype. Gene Marks is a longtime Forbes technology columnist who has focused primarily on artificial intelligence since 2022, Gene writes extensively about AI’s real-world im- pact on businesses and contributes to outlets including The Guardian, Entrepreneur, and Accounting Today. He is the author of several business management books, in- cluding The AI Business Playbook, and speaks nationally to industry associations and corporate audiences about how AI and emerging technologies affect productivity, profitability, and strategic investment decisions. Gene also hosts the Paychex Thrive Podcast and frequently appears on major media outlets such as Fox Business and CNBC. Visit: www.genemarks.com. Awards And Honors During the conference, PPC will present its highest honor, the Robert T. Gair Award for Lifetime Achieve- ment, to outgoing PPC President Ben Markens. Markens’
decades of service and leadership strengthened PPC’s benchmarking programs, advocacy presence, and collaborative culture, helping re-es- tablish the association as the trusted authority for paperboard packag- ing converters and suppliers across North America.
Ben Markens
In addition, PPC will recognize industry leaders in op- erational excellence through its expanded Chair’s Safe- ty Awards Program. For more than a decade, the Chair’s Safety Award has recognized the PPC member facility that achieved the highest number of hours worked without an OSHA-recordable incident. This year, PPC has broadened the program to include multiple plant sizes, ensuring mem- ber companies of all sizes are recognized for extraordi- nary safety performance. “As our industry continues to evolve, clarity and col- laboration are competitive advantages,” Leonczyk added. “Spring Meeting ensures our members leave not only in- formed, but aligned with better insight, stronger connec- tions, and a clearer path forward.” Visit paperbox.org for more details about the event.
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