Board Converting News, February 24, 2025

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 40 years February 24, 2025 VOL. 41, NO. 8

Building The Talent Pipeline: ICPF Offers Employer Toolkit BY SUSAN RILEY The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation’s new employer toolkits check all the boxes in line with its mission to introduce the next generation to the multi-faceted packaging industry so that they come to see a career in corrugated as a viable option for their future and, in turn, become key players in its ongoing success. With career fair season upon us, ICPF is offering a treasure chest of career resources for both employers and students, which can play a pivotal role in overcoming the industry’s talent shortage. Caitlin Sala- verria, ICPF President, said that the latest resources—two employer

SUN To Serve As Exclusive US Distributor For Kolbus Glen Arm, Maryland based SUN Automation Group has announced a strategic partnership with Kolbus Group, a manufacturer of corru- gated machinery. SUN will serve as the exclu- sive US and Canadian agent and distributor for Kolbus machinery, parts, and service, in- cluding the RD rotary die cutter and BX Mo- tion product lines. SUN will also manage after- market parts and service for Hycorr rotary die cutters—supporting the hundreds of Hycorr machines operating in North America. This collaboration represents a major ex- pansion of SUN’s product and service port- folio, reinforcing its commitment to providing world-class solutions for both independent and integrated boxmakers. “The US corrugated market presents the biggest growth opportunity for Kolbus, and this partnership with SUN Automation Group positions us to better serve customers in this key region,” said Dr. Thomas Grimm-Bosbach, CEO of Kolbus Group. “We are fully commit- ted to the corrugated marketplace and excit- ed to work alongside SUN, a trusted leader known for its service and innovation.” By leveraging SUN’s established infra- CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

toolkits—provide a turnkey collection of materials for industry hiring and talent acquisition teams to help supplement their current recruit- ment strategies. “One of the biggest challenges in finding new employees is a com- bination of awareness and perception,” Salaverria said. “Many students aren’t familiar with the range of career opportunities in the corrugated packaging industry, and don’t realize the many benefits from choosing careers in our industry compared to others. Additionally, our industry faces the challenge of competing for talent with companies that offer ‘glamorous’ roles. “We need to better share our industry’s sustainability story and the importance of making an everyday essential product that’s the back- bone of the American supply chain.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 ICPF partnered with The Royal Group last year to host a corrugated boat race event at Morton West High School in Berwyn, Illinois.

WHAT’S INSIDE 6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 4 IP Lays Off 674 People, Closes 4 Facilities 6 CCCA Names Desgagnés New Executive Director Robert ‘Bob’ Morgan, Geo. Martin Leader, Passes At 72 22 Supplier Reports: Part 5

In Loving Memory

1952-2025 Bob Morgan

The corrugated industry has lost a remarkable leader. Bob Morgan dedicated over 35 years to George Martin Company, where his expertise shaped not just the company’s success but the industry itself. Beyond his professional achievements, Bob was a devoted family man who cherished time with his loved ones. His legacy lives on in the people he mentored, the businesses he strengthened, and the friendships he built.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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

“By aligning with SUN, Kolbus gains the infrastructure needed to provide the domestic aftermarket support that is critical for long-term success in the US and Canada,” said Jeff Dietz, President of Kolbus Americas Inc. “Our partnership strengthens our ability to support customers at every stage, providing them with a competitive advan- tage in an evolving market.” “Kolbus’ engineered solutions complement our existing product line, strengthening our ability to serve more box- makers across the industry,” said Chris Kyger, President of SUN Automation Group. “Our confidence in their technol- ogy and shared commitment to innovation and customer service make this partnership a natural fit.” From Left, Gokul Gopakumar, VP of Technology and Business Development, SUN; Greg Jones, Executive VP, SUN; Chris Ky- ger, President, SUN; Dr. Thomas Grimm-Bosbach, CEO, Kolbus Group; Rudiger Nitz, Partner of Max Valier Holding; and Jeff Dietz, President, Kolbus America.

SUN To Serve (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

structure and aftermarket expertise, this partnership en- sures domestic support, service, and accessibility for the Kolbus product line. “Kolbus aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver the best-in-class technology, innovation, and support to the corrugated industry,” said Greg Jones, Executive Vice President at SUN Automation Group. “Our partnership is built on trust, confidence, and a shared commitment to providing boxmakers with high-quality, performance-driv- en solutions.” SUN says its aftermarket support will provide a seam- less experience for existing Kolbus and Hycorr customers.

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February 24, 2025

IP Announces 4 Facility Closures, Lays Off 674 Employees Memphis, Tennessee based International Paper an- nounced the permanent closure of its Red River container- board mill in Campti, Louisiana; recycling plant in Phoenix, Arizona; box plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania; and sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Missouri. All facilities will cease operations by the end of April 2025. The company said that the Red River container- board mill closure is expected to reduce its container- board capacity by approximately 800,000 tons on an an- nualized basis. In total, 495 hourly employees and 179 salaried employ- ees will be affected. The company said it will work to min- imize the impact on employees by using attrition, retire- ments, and current vacancies at other International Paper locations. Team members at these locations will receive outplacement assistance, access to mental health support resources and, in some cases, severance benefits. “The decision to close any facility is difficult because of the impact on our team members, their families and the surrounding communities,” said Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President, North American Packaging Solutions, International Paper. “We greatly appreciate the contributions from our departing team members and will do all we can to support them.”

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February 24, 2025

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CCCA Appoints Serge Desgagnés As New Executive Director The Canadian Corrugated & Containerboard Association announces the appointment of Serge Desgagnés as the

Marketing and Sales from The University of Montreal. Serge served for many years on the boards of the CCCA, Paper & Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) and the International Corrugated Case Association (ICCA). His national and international industry experience will bring a strong knowledge and insight to the association. For more information, visit cccabox.org . ICPF Funds Corrugated Packaging Research Program At MSU A collaborative research and education program focused on the sustainability of corrugated packaging is underway at Michigan State University (MSU) thanks to grant funding provided by the International Corrugated Packaging Foun- dation (ICPF).

new Executive Director. Serge has a long-standing history with the CCCA, having served as a board member for many years, representing Kruger Packaging L.P. Serge brings considerable in- sight to the sector through his distin- guished career spanning 45 years. The majority of his career was built

Serge Desgagnés

at Kruger in varying roles. Most recently, he was Vice-Pres- ident of Sales and Marketing at Kruger. He has a degree in

ICPF announced that Dr. Amin Jooda- ky, Assistant Professor at MSU’s School of Packaging is establishing a collaborative and interdisciplinary team to focus on ed- ucating students and enhancing the sus- tainability of corrugated packaging. The project, driven by faculty, students, techni- cians, and support staff, will involve a peri- od of investigation and research followed by the creation of real-world packaging solutions. Students will also participate in an industry-specific workshop on corru- gated box mechanics, design, and testing. Overall, the initiative will foster innovation and encourage students to pursue careers in the corrugated packaging industry or conduct research in this field. Industry companies will also take part in the program, helping to direct studies and research and providing MSU students with valuable industry exposure as guest speakers, experiential tour hosts, and more. Green Bay Packaging has already signed up to participate. Interested com- panies can contact csalaverria@icpfbox. org for more information. ICPF President, Caitlin Salaverria said, “ICPF was excited to provide funding to Michigan State University on this reward- ing and worthwhile program. Not only will the funding provide solutions for real-world corrugated packaging applications, but students will also be equipped with prac- tical packaging design skills enhancing their readiness for industry careers and build valuable connections and networks with corrugated industry companies.” “This ICPF-funded program provides

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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February 24, 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 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: 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

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 hauler is changing out the container. Problem: No budget for a new system. 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: 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.

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

ICPF Funds (CONT’D FROM PAGE 6)

Business Coalition (FBC). On February 13, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R- SD) and Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) reintroduced the Death Tax Repeal Act. Both Ways and Means Chairman Smith and Senate Finance Chairman Crapo are original cosponsors as is all of Senate Leadership. JD Vance sponsored this legis- lation last Congress. The House bill kicked off with 175 original co-sponsors which is more original co-sponsors than total last Congress, including members of leadership and almost every single member of the House Freedom Caucus. Democrat Con- gressman Sanford Bishop is the co-lead. “We appreciate your work to lead the country towards a commonsense tax code that does not impose a destructive double or triple tax at death,” the letter read. The letter argues that the federal estate tax has resulted in loss of small business capital, fewer jobs and lower wag- es while repealing the death tax would spur job creation and grow the economy. “The death tax contributes a very small portion of fed- eral revenues,” the letter said. “The estate tax currently ac- counts for approximately one-half of one percent of federal revenue. There is a good argument that not collecting the estate tax would create more economic growth and lead to an increase in federal revenue from other taxes. A Tax Foundation analysis found repeal of the death tax would increase federal income taxes by $145 billion over 10 years CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

students with a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on ex- perience in corrugated packaging design, research, and industry practices. By integrating education, workshops, and networking, the initiative helps prepare students for careers in sustainable packaging,” said Joodaky. “We ap- preciate ICPF’s support in making this program possible, facilitating both technical training and industry connec- tions that will benefit students as they enter the field and careers.” The program is set to be completed later this year. “As an industry sponsored foundation, ICPF has worked for 40 years to advance student and faculty knowledge of the industry and to promote development of a highly trained workforce,” said Salaverria. “We’ve provided over $14 million in donations of equipment and grants to universities through our University Awards Pro- gram and look forward to continuing our efforts over the coming years.” AICC Among 200 Groups Pushing Repeal Of ‘Death Tax’ AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, joined 200 other groups who signed a letter in support of the Death Tax Repeal Act sent to Capitol Hill by the Family

We’ve got our customers covered… …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. The innovator of the original fiberglass-backed knuckle locking anvil cover, Stafford is the industry’s go-to source for everything corrugated. TM

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February 24, 2025

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With a 99% on-time install record and some of the best service and support in the business, you can count on your crew from Haire Technical Group to keep your machine running at maximum capacity. And because they are located throughout the US, you can be assured that your service and support team will be there for the life of your machine.

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AICC Among (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)

using a more realistic, ‘dynamic’ economic analysis.” Additionally, supporters of the repeal say the death tax forces family businesses to incur insurance and estate planning expenses. “The death tax is unfair. It makes no sense to require grieving families to pay a confiscatory tax on their loved one’s nest egg.”

COMMUNITY DATA CONNECTION DESIGN INNOVATION

AF&PA Releases January Packaging Paper Report

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) re- leased the January 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly re- port. Total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in January increased 4 percent compared to January 2024. The operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 81.4 percent, up 3.3 points from January 2024. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers – bag & sack – were 104,800 short tons for the month of January, down 1.6 percent from the same month last year. The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bock- man at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or (202) 463- 4716.

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February 24, 2025

Robert ‘Bob’ Morgan, Former President Of Geo. M. Martin, Passes Away At 72 Robert “Bob” Morgan, former President of the Geo. M. Martin Compa- ny and a respected leader in the corrugated packaging industry, passed away peacefully at his home in Benicia, California on February 8, 2025. He was 72. Bob earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Management, and Marketing from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Min- nesota. He dedicated most of his working career to the corrugated in- dustry, where his leadership and expertise left a lasting impact. He began his journey in corrugated in a sales role at the former Ward Machinery Company. In 1985, he joined Geo. M. Martin as Sales Manager. Bob was promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing in 1989 and ascended to the role of President in 2002.

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Bob and Donna Morgan

As President of Geo. M. Martin, he played a pivotal role in the compa- ny’s continued growth and innovation, earning the respect and admira- tion of colleagues, customers, and industry peers alike. Bob retired from the company in 2020 but maintained his connection to Geo. M. Martin and the corrugated industry as a member of the company’s Board of Di- rectors. Under Bob’s leadership, Geo. M. Martin solidified their role as the industry’s leader in corrugated material handling equipment. During his tenure the company introduced such innovations as the Pozi-Stack system, patented Quik-Break nicked bundle breaker, patented Scrubber Technology and many other products and features now considered in- dustry standards. Bob was known for his focus, integrity, and commitment to develop- ing lasting customer relationships. His influence extended far beyond the workplace, touching the lives of many who had the privilege of knowing Bob and working alongside him. “Bob will be dearly missed by everyone at our company,” said George R. Martin, President of Geo. M. Martin. “He was respected by customers and industry associates around the world, as well as those who worked closely with him here. Bob’s leadership and coordination skills helped us through a very rough time in our history and certainly helped transform

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February 24, 2025

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Robert ‘Bob’ Morgan (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)

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our company into the industry leader we are today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.” Bob cherished spending as much time as he could with his family who will forever cherish his love, wisdom, and unwavering support. He is survived by Donna, his wife of almost 50 years; son Robert “Bobby” (Jessica) Morgan III; daughters Samantha (Andy) Freeman and Brittany (Justin) Pebet; sisters Sharon (Jerry) Weiland and Deborah Solan; brother Craig (Darlene) Morgan; and his grandchildren Ma- lia, Maddie, Macie, Dillon, Sienna, Sloane, and Sutton. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, industry associates, and all who knew him. Catholic Prayer Service will be held Monday, March 3rd at St. Dominic’s Church. Burial will be private at St. Dom- inic’s Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, Benicia. Please visit the on- line tribute at passalacquafuneralchapel.com .

Koenig & Bauer To Present At PRINT UV 2025 In Las Vegas

Nothing’s more rewarding than a couple made for each other.

Würzburg, Germany based Koenig & Bauer announced its participation at the upcoming PRINT UV 2025 conference set for March 10-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chris Travis, Vice President of Print Technology at Koe- nig & Bauer (US) and his colleague Dirk Winkler, Head of Print Technology at Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed, will dive into the latest technology of UV and LED curing will be among the industry speakers at the show.

That’s why the engineers at ARC International have focused their skills and talents on crafting perfect matches between the components that must work in tandem on your flexo folder gluers and die-cutters: • Anilox Rollers and Ink Chambers • Anilox and Wiper Rollers • Feed and Pull Rollers • Glue and Meter Rollers You can achieve the press speeds and print quality you need to fill your most demanding orders by pairing your team with The ARChitects of Flexo . Contact ARC today to learn how these engineered matches of flexo folder gluer and die-cutter components (new or reconditioned) can help you achieve a more perfect union of production and profits.

“Koenig & Bauer is proud to display its strong support for PRINT UV, the premier all-in-one conference event for leaders in the global UV printing industry, and its commit- ment to UV printing,” Travis said. “If a printer is using UV or wants to begin using UV, this is the only conference dedicated to UV and LED UV Chris Travis, left, Vice President of Print Technology at Koenig & Bauer (US), and Dirk Winkler, Head of Print Technology at Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed will be among the industry speakers at PRINT UV 2025.

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www.boardconvertingnews.com

February 24, 2025

Double Your Production with the Twin Box Slitter ®

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Koenig & Bauer To Present (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)

ICPF Offers (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

printing. Here you’ll find three days of prime networking events where you can obtain invaluable resources, recon- nect with peers, learn innovative coating applications and UV embellishments to better compete in the marketplace, and hear about the most recent advancements in our in- dustry. As a staunch supporter, Koenig & Bauer reinforces its dedication to UV technology and providing excellent solutions for our customers.” The keynote speaker will be Kerry Brown, Vice Presi- dent of Operations at Sandy Hook, Connecticut based Cur- tis Packaging who will discuss how UV Reigns Supreme: Unleashing The Power And Potential Of UV Printing. Curtis serves some of world’s most discerning global brands in the cosmetic, spirits, chocolate, golf, and pharmaceutical markets that depend on UV printing.

The Visit a Local Middle/High School Toolkit includes a sample message to educators to help introduce organi- zations and facilitate conversations between hiring teams

and relevant academic programs, as well as two options for hands-on activities that can be brought to the class- room. Both activities offer students the opportunity to work directly with corrugated materials, compete for priz- es, and learn more about the industry behind the boxes they see every day. The Career Fair Employer Toolkit provides all the in- formation and ICPF resources industry companies need

to connect with students and showcase the benefits of working in the corrugated packaging industry. They’ll find helpful tips to prepare for the fair, ideas to strengthen digital connections, and ICPF resources that can be shared with job seekers and students to get them considering a career at their company and in the corrugated packaging industry at large. One of the interesting activities to fea- ture in a career fair booth is the ICPF on- line Jobs Quiz designed for young people ages 12 to 25. Students answer a series of questions to see what careers in the corrugated industry are most suitable for their personality. While some learn bet- ter through hands-on experience, others prefer learning from others, collaborating, structured programs with set guidelines or experimenting and pursuing new ideas on their own. The ICPF website, careersincorrugat- ed.com , also highlights many other re- sources ICPF has developed to showcase the benefits of finding a rewarding job and lifelong career in corrugated. “Connecting with the younger genera- tion is the key to building a successful tal- ent pipeline,” Salaverria said. “The industry needs to build a sus- tainable workforce, and by engaging with younger people, box makers can attract fresh ideas, new perspectives, and an understanding of modern technologies and sustainability trends. Reaching out to current, capable students is also a way to bridge the skills gap, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary knowledge to handle future industry chal-

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February 24, 2025

Real-Time Insights into Your Business with Amtech Visual Analytics

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ICPF Offers (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)

lationships with educational institutions and students, we can ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers in the fu- ture,” she said.

lenges. Moreover, younger generations are increasingly interested in the environmental impact of the products they interact with and should be drawn to the packaging industry because of its critical role in sustainability.” Students have responded enthusiastically to the hands- on, interactive activities presented by ICPF in partnership with packaging companies that help them understand the real-world applications of the corrugated packaging indus- try. Many were impressed by the connection between the materials they encounter daily (boxes are everywhere) and the larger supply chain and sustainability efforts. “We’ve also seen students’ interest solidify once they get inside a box plant because it makes the industry more tangible,” Salaverria said. “This allows them deeper insight into how packaging impacts everything from the everyday consumer to the environment—really sparking their curi- osity, especially when they can see a clear career pathway within the industry.” Companies that have used ICPF’s career and outreach tools have shared positive feedback, particularly in terms of increased recognition and access to a motivated pool of future talent, Salaverria said. ICPF’s resources are specifi- cally designed to streamline the recruitment process and aid industry hiring and talent acquisition personnel. ICPF plays a critical role in initiating outreach and in- creasing industry awareness. “By fostering long-term re-

Last year, ICPF and The Royal Group worked together on a corrugated boat race at Morton West High School in Berwyn, Illinois. Students took on the challenge by creat- ing boat designs as a fun after school project where cre- ativity and art skills met up with the practicality of engi- neering. The fact that there were some impressive cash prizes—$2,000 for first place—helped generate excite- ment and participation which culminated in a boat launch at the high school swimming pool where the corrugated boats’ structural integrity and swiftness was put to the test. Students work on their corrugated boat design. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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February 24, 2025

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For full features and specifications, visit koenig-bauer-celmacch.com Contact Kevin Erbe at kevin.erbe@koenig-bauer.com, 303.718.0023

ICPF Offers (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)

official sponsor of Pack Jam 2024, engaging with hun- dreds of packaging students at eight universities including University of Wisconsin-Stout, Michigan State University, Clemson University, Virginia Tech, and Rutgers University. ICPF shared career opportunities with students at the Rutgers Packaging Engineering Career Fair in New Bruns- wick, New Jersey, which brought together packaging professionals, research faculty and future packaging en- gineers. ICPF secured a multi-year partnership with Proj- ect Learning Tree, an SFI Initiative to develop academic materials that will help introduce 3rd through 12th grade students to careers in packaging. Salaverria said that ICPF also spent time exploring in- dustry-specific certificates and tracks at trade schools and community colleges to build the industry’s talent pipeline. From these efforts, ICPF pledged to provide a grant to Ivy Tech Community College awarding up to $50,000 in stu- dent scholarships for two newly created corrugated indus- try Interdisciplinary Workforce Degrees for Machine Oper- ators and Maintenance Technicians. ICPF is co-sponsored by AICC, The Independent Pack- aging Association, and the Fibre Box Association. Since its inception in 1985, ICPF has formed partnerships with more than 25 colleges and universities, gifted more than $13 million in corrugated equipment and $20 million in design software in addition to developing online curricula and job postings. For information about hosting an outreach event or career fair resources, visit careersincorrugated.com .

On Manufacturing Day, ICPF hosted 36 students from Ceres High School’s MPGT Academy in Modesto, Cali- fornia, for a box plant tour and point-of-purchase display competition at Pacific Southwest Container. Students saw firsthand the intricacies of box-making behind the scenes and commented that there was much more to box making

than what they imagined. The career options—machine operators, packaging engineering, maintenance, account- ing, and graphic design to name a few—are wide-ranging with competitive pay and opportunities for advancement. Last year, Salaverria was a guest speaker and panel- ist at the Poly Pack Symposium at Cal Poly focusing on sustainability and women in packaging. ICPF was also the One of ICPF's many activities challenges students to build a corrugated phone case.

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The Leader in Scrap Removal and Air Systems Solutions

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Gluing on Specialty Folder Gluers is Our Specialty

Sustainability initiatives are changing the packaging landscape and Baumer hhs is ready to help you meet those challenges. Our PX1000 cold glue applicator coupled with the new ULT 400 XL are the pair to get it done. The PX1000 runs the widest ranges of non-contact cold glues and the ULT 400 XL verifies the glue dot or bead is in the right place without the aid of UV tracers, no matter the variety of board or thicknesses. Get your corrugated board onboard with Baumer hhs and let us show you how special you are to us.

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SUPPLIER REPORTS 2025 (PART 5) ALLIANCE MACHINE SYSTEMS Spokane, Washington: Marius Batrin reports, “Alliance Ma- chine Systems International has been providing high-qual-

successful innovation happens when companies listen to their customers and respond to their needs. By listening, we gain valuable insight into what issues our customers face in their plants, and how they can be addressed. From there we can innovate new and exciting solutions, tailored specifically to what we have heard and seen. Our tagline, ‘We keep things moving,’ continues to ring true in 2025, and we take pride in the reliability, efficiency, and useful- ness of each of our products. “Our line of robotic palletizers has been particularly im- pactful in recent years. The sustained success of our RAP- TOR line—including the RAPTOR 4x2, RAPTOR XR-RDC, and RaptorPAL—shows the monumental impression these machines have had on the industry since their launch and continue to make today. This year, we are excited to intro- duce a new robotic palletizer—the RAVEN. Designed to in- tegrate with 50-inch flexo machines, the RAVEN offers the same palletization capabilities as the RAPTOR series but in a more compact form factor, with speeds of up to 12 bun- dles per minute. This drives us forward in our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that address real-world production challenges. “As we look forward to 2025, we are expanding our CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

ity automation technology in the cor- rugated industry for over 40 years. Alliance builds machine systems that improve efficiency and boost production for our customers in North America, South America, and around the world. “We are truly thankful for all our loyal customers, and this year we re-

Marius Batrin

main focused on continuing to build and maintain the trust they have placed in us; we have been an industry leader for decades, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Despite many industry-wide challenges over the last few years, we continue to believe that providing the highest quality products to our customers remains unmatched in priority. With every machine that we ship, we strive to cre- ate the best possible experience for our customers, from installation to operation, every step on the journey mat- ters. “Alliance continues to be at the forefront of innova- tion in the corrugated industry, and we understand that

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February 24, 2025

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Supplier Reports, Part 5 (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

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leadership in the specialty folder gluer market by bring- ing JD Engineers into the Alliance family of companies. Our flagship specialty folder gluer, the J&L Mark 5, will be joined by the JD BOXR, expanding our offering to include machine widths from as small as 50” (1250mm) up to 210” (5330mm). The JD BOXR compliments J&L Mark 5 by bringing features and capabilities that have been devel- oped around the competitive market for smaller footprints. These features include advanced machine controls, inno- vative module options, and other improvements. “Alliance has provided prefeeders in the corrugated industry for decades, and innovation has always been a key focus for our team. Our latest innovation is the Feed- MAX-e, an electric prefeeding system designed to provide all of the benefits of our legacy prefeeders, while incor- porating the high-performance features and benefits of electric machines. The FeedMAX-e is fully modular, and can be customized to continuous shingle, block-staging, inverting, and conventional block-push bottom feed con- figurations. “Beyond these new machines, Alliance offers a com- plete lineup of equipment for the corrugated production line, including feeders, stackers, breakers, conveyors, loadformers, and more. Each piece of equipment is de- signed with one goal in mind: keeping production moving efficiently. Our systems are built to handle the demanding pace of corrugated plants while ensuring reliability and ease of use. When customers reach out to Alliance, they know they’re not just getting machinery—they’re getting a partner that understands the details of corrugated produc- tion and works alongside them to find practical solutions to increase output and reduce downtime. “We remain committed to providing high-quality prod- ucts, driving innovation, and maintaining long-term part- nerships with our customers. By continuing to listen, learn, and respond to the needs of the industry, Alliance Machine Systems is dedicated to helping our customers achieve

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success in an increasingly fast-moving world.” For more information, visit alliancellc.com . ARC INTERNATIONAL

Charlotte, North Carolina: Mike Foran reports, “Having cel- ebrated our 40th anniversary in 2024, ARC International

continues to be a major full-service supplier of roller products, equip- ment and services to the corrugated industry. For single facers and glue machines on the corrugator, ARC’s cladded stainless steel glue applica- tor rollers, whether fabricated new or reconditioned, continue to pro- vide years of efficient starch applica-

Mike Foran

tion without corrosion or delamination issues. “Many ARC customers have converted from traditional

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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February 24, 2025

Supplier Reports, Part 5 (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

quadrangular cell patterns to ARC’s 60-degree hexagonal Starch Saver pattern with thinner cell walls and less depth for more efficient release and easier cleaning. ARC’s tech- nical field personnel can monitor the condition of engraved glue applicator rollers to ensure that adequate starch is being applied. Meter/doctor rollers are supplied with op- tional surfaces. Knife rollers, both pull and exit rollers, are supplied with carboxylated nitrile, chrome and molybde- num surfaces, dependent upon OEM specifications. “For flexo folder-gluers and flexo die-cutters, ARC of- fers an array of products and services. First, of course, is the heart of the flexographic press, the anilox roller. ARC’s laser engraved ceramic anilox rollers, whether 60-degree hexagonal HD or 75-degree extended hex HV, are the company’s premier offering. ARC’s field technicians work closely with box plant personnel to determine which de- sign and what line count is best suited for their particular print jobs. Standard line and solid work may call for one style of engraving, while vignettes, half-tone or process work may require more specific engravings. These ARC technicians also routinely provide anilox roller audits on- site in box plants to determine the condition of rollers, whether worn, scored, plugged with ink, or in good run- ning shape. They also conduct Anilox 101 seminars to en- sure that machine operators understand how to properly handle and care for the rollers on a daily basis. “To make certain that corrugated board is properly fed into the flexo machine without crush or skewing issues, ARC supplies both new and reconditioned feed and pull rollers. Feed rollers are offered with numerous elastomer- ic compounds and varying durometer hardnesses. Since wear is often found toward the center of feed rollers, which leads to crush on the outer edges of wider sheets, ARC provides a Visual Wear Grid to help monitor when a feed roller should be replaced. On the lower pull rollers, ARC provides both 45-degree pin-up patterns or a straight knurl pattern, again dictated by OEM specifications. For older flexo machines that still meter the anilox roller with a rubber wiper roller, ARC can resurface these rollers with the proper durometer or supply newly fabricated replace- ments. ARC has the most extensive library of blueprints in the industry for corrugated rollers, which enables them to confirm and supply the necessary replacement roller! “Whether it’s a conversion from a two-roller wiper sys- tem or the replacement of a worn-out or leaking aluminum doctor blade chamber, ARC is partnered with Technoflex and BFT carbon fiber doctor blade chambers to provide the most efficient 100 percent carbon fiber chambers. Once an order is established, field personnel go on-site to inspect and measure each print station to ensure a proper fit and exceptional ink metering efficiency. “ARC also supplies an array of both powdered and liquid cleaning products and brushes for both anilox and glue rollers. Whether it’s a cleaning agent to be used dai-

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.

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.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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February 24, 2025

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