Board Converting News, February 23, 2026

February 23, 2026

VOL. 42, NO. 8

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

Atlas Container: 40 Years Of Intentional Independence BY LEN PRAZYCH AND ASHLEY PRAZYCH At a time when many independent box plants are being forced to choose between chasing scale or standing still, Atlas Container con- tinues to chart a steady course of growth. From its Severn, Maryland facility just outside Baltimore, the company has built a business that remains firmly regional, operationally flexible, and intentionally inde- pendent nearly four decades after its current ownership—brothers Paul and Peter Centenari—entered the corrugated industry.

IP To Close Washington Containerboard Facility

Memphis, Tennessee based International Pa- per recently filed a worker adjustment and retraining notification (WARN) in the state of Washington revealing plans to close its Yaki- ma Box container facility in Union Gap. The facility is scheduled to permanent- ly cease operations by April, eliminating 102 jobs. “The Yakima facility, and all of its team members, have been a valuable part of In- ternational Paper Company for a number of years, and we regret the news we must share today,” Katie Donelan, a human resources business partner, says in the WARN filing. The Union Gap site provided packaging and recycling products and services and, ac- cording to Yakima County records, the 10.5- acre property has been the site of a light in- dustrial building since the mid-1960s. International Paper has four remaining sites in Washington, including two packaging facilities and a recycling facility. In November 2025, IP announced plans to close packaging facilities in Compton, Califor- nia, and Louisville, Kentucky. The sites were expected to cease operations by January, im-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Atlas manufactures corrugated packaging for a wide mix of cus- tomers, many of them small, family-owned, and operating in the same regional markets Atlas serves. The company’s ability to handle varied work, adapt to changing customer requirements, and maintain consis- tency through shifting market conditions has helped it grow without losing sight of how an independent box plant needs to operate. A recent visit to the Atlas operation in Severn offered an up-close look at how that approach plays out on the floor and in the office, from equipment decisions and plant layout to labor strategy and leadership philosophy. What emerges is a picture of a company shaped less by single turning points than by years of deliberate choices, all aimed at keeping the business relevant, competitive, and built to last. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 Paul Centenari, owner of Severn, Maryland based Atlas Container and recip- ient of the 2025 BCN/AICC Innovator of the Year Award.

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x

Emily Leonczyk Takes The Reins At PPC

Koenig & Bauer Partners With Women-Owned Businesses 14 ICPF Helps Bring Corrugated Education To Primary Schools 30 Supplier Reports, Part Five

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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

Industry Articles ( May be hiding in plain view )

If spotted in your organization, approach with extreme excitement and report to BCN immediately!

IP To Close Facility (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

Share the story of your company’s success with an ARTICLE in Board Converting News. The corrugated and folding carton industries are waiting! Brand Owners, Converters & Decision-Makers READ BCN Don’t keep it a secret! Articles generate leads for converters and suppliers!

pacting 125 employees in Compton and 93 in Louisville. The November announcement followed a string of an- nouncements throughout last year that saw International Paper attempt to streamline its operations as it integrated with London-based packaging company DS Smith, which it acquired in early 2025. The moves included the closure or sale of four con- tainerboard mills in North America (three in the United States and one in Mexico), four recycling facilities (two in the United States and two in Mexico) and three packaging facilities.

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

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BloApCo Appoints Balderas VP Of Sales And Marketing

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Germantown, Wisconsin based BloApCo (Blower Appli- cation Company) has announced that Mike Balderas has

joined the company, strengthening its commitment to growth and cus- tomer-focused solutions in the paper converting and industrial manufac- turing markets. Balderas brings more than 15 years of experience in sales leader- ship, marketing, and business devel-

opment within industrial and manufacturing environments. His background includes building and leading high-per- forming sales teams, expanding market presence, and working with customers to deliver impactful solutions. In this role, Balderas will focus on supporting custom- ers, expanding strategic relationships, and helping drive continued growth across BloApCo’s product lines. His ex- perience aligns with the company’s emphasis on perfor- mance, reliability, and long-term customer partnerships. BloApCo is known for designing and manufacturing heavy-duty industrial fans and air-handling solutions. The addition of Balderas reflects the company’s ongoing in- vestment in talent and leadership to better serve its cus- tomers and the broader converting market. Mike Balderas

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Emily Leonczyk Takes The Reins At Paperboard Packaging Council The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) enters 2026 with renewed focus and momentum, announcing new leadership while preparing to honor a longtime industry champion at its upcoming Spring Outlook & Strategies Conference in Louisville, KY, from March 25-27, 2026. Emily Leonczyk assumed the role of President of PPC on January 1, marking a new chapter for the association as it advances its mission to grow, promote, and protect the North American paperboard packaging industry. Since joining PPC leadership as Executive Director and Vice President, Leonczyk has worked closely with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and mem- ber companies to reaffirm the association’s purpose and

strengthen its role as the trusted authority for the paper- board packaging industry. Her work has focused on clari- fying PPC’s role: to serve as the industry’s collective voice, expert resource, and convening table for converters and suppliers navigating an increasingly com- plex marketplace. From left, Hilda Murray, TPC Printing & Packaging; Ben Markens, outgoing President of the PPC; and Emily Leonczyk, President of the PPC.

“Our members are the voice of the fold- ing carton and rigid box industries, and my top priority is making sure there is a seat at the table for their perspectives, experience, and shared challenges,” Leonczyk said. Additionally, Hilda S. Murray, Executive Vice President and Owner of TPC Printing & Packaging, has been elected Chair of the PPC Board of Directors. A respected leader and advocate for independent con- verters, Murray brings decades of business and industry experience to the role. Under her leadership, TPC, a 100-year-old, fam- ily-owned folding carton converter based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has evolved through multiple industry transformations while maintaining a reputation for crafts- manship, innovation, and sustainability. In addition to these leadership updates, PPC prepares to honor Ben Markens, out- going PPC President and longtime industry leader, with the Robert T. Gair Award for Lifetime Achievement at PPC’s Spring Meet- ing in Louisville this March. Throughout his tenure, Markens played a pivotal role in ex- panding benchmarking programs, strength- ening advocacy efforts, and fostering a cul- ture of collaboration. “Ben’s impact on PPC and the industry is profound,” Leonczyk said. “He brought clar- ity, conviction, and a deep respect for the people who make this industry work. His leadership strengthened PPC not just as an organization, but as a community.” PPC looks ahead to 2026 with confi- dence, guided by new leadership, strength- ened by continuity, and grounded in collab- oration, and community.

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Koenig & Bauer Forges Strong Relationships With Women-Owned Printing Businesses Dallas, Texas based Koenig & Bauer is partnering with a strong, dynamic group of successful women who are leading and growing their printing and packaging businesses to new heights and profitability. These pres- idents and CEOs are among a distinguished network of trailblazers that have chosen Koenig & Bauer as trusted advisors to provide advice on becoming the most advanced printing and packaging firms, discuss the latest equipment, and to commit to elevating the industry. “For many years women have been holding leadership roles in the printing industry and we’re very proud to be associated with these wom- en who are achieving successful milestones,” says Eric Frank, senior vice president of marketing at Koenig & Bauer. “Our own history includes a strong remarkable woman named Fanny Koenig, who stepped in deci- sively in 1833 following the unexpected death of her husband, Friedrich.

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During a severe crisis, her entrepreneurial intuition secured vital or- ders, revitalizing production and, alongside Andreas Bauer, paving the way for the company’s continued existence and social mission. who in 1833 took over the company after her young husband Friederich Koenig died unexpectedly. Today, Koenig & Bauer continues to promote women within our organization and across the industry. This long-standing cul- ture is part of what has ensured our legacy of success.” These successful owners pride their achievements on their educa- tion, dedication to listening, and fostering inclusive environments while at the same time embracing their leadership roles to ensure that their customers and company achieve unbridled success. They have gained a high acumen of technical knowledge as well as financial and business knowledge. While these women leaders have all reached the pinnacle of success, they’ve also seen a sea change in the industry. “I think the industry is much different for women in the printing and packaging market now than when I started out,” says Lisa Hirsh, Presi- dent and CEO of Accurate Box, a manufacturer of litho-laminated corru- gated packaging in Paterson, New Jersey. “Thirty years ago, I was the only woman in most of the meetings I attended and one of very few at industry events. Now there are many more women in every level of busi- ness and especially in purchasing and sales.” The growth of women-owned graphic arts businesses reflects the strengths and skills many female executives bring to leadership roles. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Samara Ronkowitz, Executive Vice President at Accurate Box Company, left, and Lisa Hirsh, CEO and President of Accurate Box Company.

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Koenig & Bauer (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)

“My advice would be to ‘lean in’ and ask a lot of ques- tions and work on solutions to a problem instead of just pointing out the problem. It is much more productive if you can be part of the solution,” says Hirsh. Kowa-Morelli advises other female leaders to spend time listening to the people who do the work every day. “Empower your team to do their best work. Be present. Earn respect and trust by showing up and engaging with people, not just managing from a distance.” Rosado offers two tips: invest in your workforce and embrace the latest technology. “At 3A, empowering our employees through continuous training and development is vital. By fostering a culture of collaboration and support, we elevate our team’s skills and drive the overall success of our business. We also recently acquired a state-of-the- art Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 that exemplifies our com- mitment to innovation. This strategic investment not only enhances our operational efficiency but also positions us Women CEOs emphatically embrace opportunities in the industry and its rewards. Kowa-Morelli points to a de- fining moment to help transform Huston Patterson, a sister organization. “We had reached a point of complacency,” she recalls. “Within 18 months, we completely reshaped the business reigniting accountability, culture, and results. That transformation not only restored pride and energy as leaders in the industry.” Opportunities and Rewards

“I believe one of the greatest strengths women bring to leadership is the ability to balance compassion with drive,” says Tonya Kowa-Morelli, former COO and president of Lewisburg Patterson Company. “Success in this industry requires both the heart to understand your people and the determination to move the business forward. It’s also vital to lead from within. Passion and dedication are contagious when your team sees you working alongside them.” Sarah Skinner, president of Ingersoll Paper Box Co. Limited, approaches her position as “very democratic and collaborative. I try to promote teamwork and invite input in decision making and promote communication and in- novation.” Key qualities, according to Marie Rosado, president at 3A Press, begin with leadership and empowerment. Strong leadership is not about authority, she says, it’s about in- spiring others, building trust, and creating an environment where people feel motivated to give their best. Empow- erment means not only lifting yourself but also opening doors for others to rise alongside you.” With decades of leadership experience, what advice would these women CEOs provide to other females seek- ing to lead a print organization? Keeping an open mind, continuing to learn, connect with fellow industry profes- sionals, and adopt new technology are but a few pieces of key recommendations.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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FOLDING SECTION UPGRADES THAT MOVE THE INDUSTRY FORWARD

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Koenig & Bauer (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)

tor women in print, offering education, peer forums, and leadership development. These include Women in Wide Format, Women In Screen Printing, and Girls Who Print. The Paperboard Packaging Council has established the Women’s Leadership Council, a vibrant and engaged com- munity of female leaders who come together regularly to discuss shared experiences and develop strategies for success. Emily Leonczyk has recently been elevated to presi- dent of the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) where she oversees a team mostly made up of women. “At PPC, we’re tracking incremental but consistent growth in the number of women engaging across the paperboard packaging industry and participating in PPC events, from operational roles to executive leadership,” says Leonczyk. “Over the last three years, we’ve seen an increase in women’s attendance at our major conferences.

across the organization, but it positioned the company for long-term success and strength in a competitive market. It was proof that when people believe in the vision and see progress, momentum follows.” For Rosado, the first major customer order symbolized more than revenue. It was a symbol of trust, a leap of faith from a customer who believed in their capabilities. Koenig & Bauer continues to see women rise in lead- ership roles at printing businesses. Accurate Box Com- pany recently promoted Samara Ronkowitz to executive vice president, the fourth-generation member of the Hirsh family to lead the business. She will proudly continue the legacy of female management at the firm. Industry Associations and Advocacy A growing number of organizations support and men-

As PPC’s first female president, this is a meaningful moment, especially alongside Hilda Murray, a dynamic leader who serves as vice president and co-owner of TPC Packaging and as Chair of the PPC Board of Directors.” “It’s an honor to serve as PPC’s Board Chair at such a pivotal time,” says Murray. “Converters share a spirit of creativity and collaboration that drives continuous im- provement. My goal is to support our mem- bers through change, celebrate one anoth- er’s success, and keep the industry moving forward together.” Another influential organization is the Women in Print Alliance. “The enthusiasm surrounding our first year as a membership organization has exceeded expectations,” said Lisbeth Lyons Black, director of the Women in Print Alliance. “We’ve built a pow- erful global network connecting women across roles, experience levels, and market segments.” Finally, for women working in the flexo industry, the Fourth Annual Women of Flexo is forthcoming in which women across all flexo roles – including administration, fi- nance, prepress, production, and leader- ship – can attend educational seminars and workshops to help enhance their positions. Koenig & Bauer sees vast opportunity for women to thrive across all areas of the graphic arts industry. It is a principle embedded in the compa- ny’s 208-year history, dating back to Fanny Koenig’s leadership and vision. That legacy continues to shape the company’s commit- ment to innovation, inclusion, and excel- lence today. Visit: www.us.koenig-bauer.com .

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PPEC Delivers 2026 Environmental Outlook: EPR, Plastics, And PFAS BY RACHEL KAGAN From the evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, to plastics policy in flux, the pending CUSMA review, PFAS, and environmental claims, these are some of the environmental issues the Paper and Pa- perboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) will be watching in the year ahead. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – a policy ap- proach where producers are financially and operationally responsible for managing the recycling of their packaging – continues to evolve across Canada, while new EPR laws are being introduced across the United States. Together, these developments are increasing costs and complexity across the packaging value chain. In Canada, the most recent shift is in Ontario, where the Blue Box program transitioned from a municipally operat- ed system with partial producer funding to a full producer responsibility model. As of January 1, 2026, obligated pro- ducers are 100% financially and operationally responsible for residential packaging and paper recycling. As programs transition and expand, challenges, and learning curves are inevitable in a complex recycling sys- tem with multiple stakeholders and overlapping regulato- ry requirements. EPR is not a simple policy to explain or implement. As a result, media coverage and stakeholder communications will not always capture its full complexity, even as EPR reshapes recycling systems and influences packaging decisions across North America. EPR can be expected to remain a widely discussed issue in 2026. Plastics Canada’s plastics policy framework remains in flux. While the Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations re- main in force, the legal foundation underpinning the fed- eral approach continues to be challenged. The Federal Court of Appeal has not yet issued its decision in Respon- sible Plastic Use Coalition v. Canada, a case that raises questions about the federal government’s designation of “plastic manufactured items” as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). Although the ban remains in effect pending the Appeal, this ongoing legal uncertainty can make it harder for busi- nesses to make decisions about packaging design and material choices. Globally, negotiations toward a UN Global Plastics Trea- ty will continue in 2026. Canada, as a founding member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, reiter- ated its commitment to a global agreement when the G7 Environment Ministers met last fall and “reaffirmed their constructive engagement towards an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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PPEC Environmental Outlook (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)

Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) While trade policy is not environmental policy, it can have potential impacts on recycling systems and packag- ing decisions. As PPEC previously noted in its blog, Ex- ploring the Environmental Implications of Potential Tariffs , trade measures targeting specific materials or jurisdictions can influence supply chains, sustainability planning, and environmental outcomes in subtle ways. The Canada–US–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) is scheduled for its first six-year joint review in July. While the review is not expected to result in direct changes to recycling regulations, changes could potentially affect re- cycling systems, packaging decisions, and sustainability planning. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – a class of chemicals used across various industries, found in prod- ucts such as firefighting foams, textiles, cosmetics, and some types of food-contact packaging – remain an evolv- ing issue, with regulatory activity accelerating. Key issues for the paper packaging industry include the need to distinguish between intentionally added PFAS and unintentional, or legacy, PFAS, and how recycled con- tent may be affected. As regulatory approaches continue to develop in Canada and globally, understanding how PFAS move through supply chains and recycling systems, and how they can be managed and mitigated, remains an evolving area of research. Environmental Claims PPEC continues to monitor developments related to making environmental claims in Canada, including Budget 2025’s proposal to amend certain greenwashing provi- sions under the federal Competition Act. Proposed chang- es include removing the requirement that environmental claims be substantiated using internationally recognized methodologies. This comes on the heels of a recent leadership change at the Competition Bureau, as Commissioner Matthew Bo- swell ended his term early. Under his leadership, the Com- petition Act was amended to strengthen provisions aimed at addressing greenwashing, which is the act of making misleading or false environmental claims. Taken together, these developments introduce uncer- tainty about how environmental claims will be interpreted and enforced going forward. As this evolves, businesses should be mindful of a shifting environmental claims legal and regulatory landscape in Canada and review company and product sustainability disclosures to assess risk and ensure appropriate substantiation. PPEC’s Bottom Line These issues reflect a common theme: environmen- tal policy affecting packaging and recycling is becoming more complex and the impacts are adding up. In 2026, the industry will be dealing with several policies at the same time, many of which are still evolving.

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Domtar Announces Clary Manager Of Kingsport Mill Fort Mill, South Carolina based Domtar has announced Tony Clary as the new manager of its Kingsport mill. Clary has worked at the Kingsport mill since 2023, serv- ing as production manager and OCC & utilities manager before assuming the role of interim mill manager.

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He brings 27 years of experi- ence in the paper industry, the re- lease states, “leading high-volume manufacturing operations for sev- eral major paper producers.” His background includes expertise in process optimization, production

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efficiency, quality assurance and compliance with environ- mental and safety standards. Clary graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Pulp & Paper Science and Technology. “Tony has played an important role in the Kingsport conversion and is a well respected leader among employ- ees and within the community,” said Rildo Martini, vice president of Packaging Operations at Domtar. “We are confident he will continue to foster strong relationships and help drive the mill’s ongoing success.” The Kingsport mill has operated in the Model City for more than a century. In January 2023, the mill became Domtar’s first 100-percent recycled packaging facility. Troy Wilson, who preceded Clary, served as the Kingsport mill manager for over four years.

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Building the future of our workforce begins earlier than you think. ICPF is excited to share the release of a New Employer Toolkit: Plan a Day of Career Exploration, de- signed to help our partners introduce elementary and middle school students to our industry in a structured, en- gaging way. This ready-to-use resource includes engaging lesson plans, hands-on building and design activities, printable worksheets and teaching tools, and more — equipping your team with the necessary tools to deliver a meaning- ful learning experience that connects sustainability, career planning, teamwork, and real-world problem solving. Early exposure builds awareness. Awareness builds a strong workforce. By leveraging this toolkit, your organi- zation can support career development professionals in your area, strengthen school partnerships, and increase the visibility of #careersincorrugated to students in various stages of learning. Download the complete toolkit for free at careersincor- rugated.com.

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Atlas Container (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

A Practical Entry Into Corrugated Paul Centenari, Atlas Container’s CEO, did not enter the corrugated industry through a family connection or a long apprenticeship on the plant floor. His background was in finance, and his path into the box business was shaped less by intention than by a series of practical decisions that eventually pointed him and his brother Peter in a new di- rection. After graduating from business school, Centenari took a job in investment banking. It lasted ten months. “I got fired,” Paul says with a laugh, reflecting on his young, headstrong attitude that earned his termination. “The next day I called my brother and said, ‘I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is obvious. The good news is that I’ve got ten months of experience, and I think we can do something with that.’”

The brothers started a small investment banking firm, closed a handful of deals, and ran the business for about three years. Eventually, both came to the same conclusion: “We decided we wanted to get real jobs so we started looking at industries where we could actually buy a com- pany,” Paul says. The brothers’ research took them through a wide range of sectors, but corrugated packaging stood out for rea- sons that were almost entirely practical: It was regional, it was relatively low-tech, and it relied on equipment that retained its value over long periods of time. Further, cus- tomers tended to be repeat buyers, purchasing the same products year after year with incremental changes rather than constant reinvention. “It wasn’t glamorous,” Centenari says. “But it made sense.” In 1987, through then AICC president, Steve Young, Centenari obtained a directory of box plants and began reaching out directly. He and his brother Peter contacted roughly 500 companies, focusing primarily on smaller, in- dependent sheet plants. About 25 responded. With no background in corrugated manufacturing, the CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 The Fosber corrugator, which includes components from mul- tiple generations of equipment.

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

20 February 23, 2026

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Atlas Container (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

mary production hub has remained unchanged. Holston’s familiarity with the floor comes from having worked across the business. He started at Atlas while still in high school, working on the plant floor and assist- ing with design. After graduating, he returned full-time as head designer for five years, spent time in sales, then moved into production, serving as quality control manager for six years before returning to sales, where he has been for the past five. “When you’ve been involved in design, production, and quality, you understand how decisions in one area affect everything else,” Holston says. That perspective runs in the family. Holston’s father, Dale, worked at Atlas his entire career, serving as both plant manager and sales manager. He was among the original employees at the company’s earlier Merchant Drive location and later worked under Paul and Peter Cen- tenari as the business grew into its current footprint. That depth of experience shapes how the Severn plant operates today. The production layout reflects an empha- sis on reliability and adaptability rather than chasing the latest technology, setting the foundation for the equip- ment decisions Atlas has made over time. Flexibility At The Forefront The equipment mix on Atlas Container’s Severn plant floor reflects a clear priority: keep the operation flexible, reliable, and suited to the work coming through the door. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Centenaris spent months visiting plants throughout the Northeast, trying to understand the business from the floor up. Eventually, they identified a Baltimore-area operation priced within reach. Financing the acquisition required raising $800,000, which meant presenting the deal to more than a dozen banks. The sellers ultimately carried a note and retained equity, a structure that aligned interests and gave the Centenaris confidence as first-time owners. The transaction closed at four o’clock in the morning, the day before Thanksgiving in 1988. “And that’s how we got into the box business,” Paul Centenari says. Fiercely Independent, Regionally Focused More than three decades after entering the corrugated business, Atlas Container remains fiercely independent, family-owned, and regionally focused. Much of the com- pany’s institutional knowledge resides in employees who have spent most or all of their careers there, including DJ Holston, who bills himself as “sales associate,” and whose experience at Atlas spans most of the operation. During a tour of the Severn plant, Holston explains how the operation works today and how it has evolved over time. Atlas purchased the building in 1996, a facility that had already been used for corrugated manufacturing un- der previous ownership. Since then, the plant has been expanded and updated, but its role as the company’s pri-

22 February 23, 2026

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A RECYCLING EQUIPMENT INC COMPANY

BEFORE

Scrap and Dust Collection System Upgrade CUSTOM-ENGINEERED CONVEYANCE SUPPORTS GROWTH AT TAVO PACKAGING. TAVO Packaging is a custom folding carton manufacturer based in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, serving large-volume customers in food service, refrigerated and frozen foods, bakery products, and quick-serve restaurant markets. Known for consistent quality and responsiveness, TAVO recently undertook a facility expansion to support increased production capacity. As part of that growth, the company identified the need to modernize its scrap and dust collection system to keep pace with new high- speed converting equipment and evolving operational demands.

The Challenge

The Solution With additional production capacity coming online, TAVO’s existing scrap system began to show its limits. Outdated rooftop cyclones detracted from the building’s appearance, while an undersized system restricted baling flexibility and throughput. Cyclones exhausting to atmosphere created negative air pressure inside the facility, contributing to energy inefficiencies and cleanliness concerns. Additionally, a centrally located baling room required unnecessary material handling, as scrap had to travel longer distances before being stored and transported. Advanced Equipment Sales (AES) partnered with TAVO to design and install a custom scrap and dust handling system aligned with the facility’s expansion goals. The new system was strategically relocated adjacent to the loading docks, reducing internal scrap movement and improving overall material flow. A new dust collector eliminated negative pressure issues and enhanced plant cleanliness, while a dedicated baling room streamlined bale handling and staging. To further improve performance and aesthetics, AES installed AirShark ™ rotary separators beneath the roof, delivering high air-handling capacity in a compact footprint while eliminating the need for large, unsightly cyclones.

The Results

The upgraded scrap conveyance system now supports higher production volumes while improving plant safety, cleanliness, and energy efficiency. Exterior aesthetics were enhanced, material handling was simplified, and TAVO gained a scalable solution designed to support long-term operational growth.

CONTACT AES TO DISCUSS YOUR SCRAP COLLECTION NEEDS

AESALES.NET | 1-800-572-9998 | SALES @AESALES.NET

Atlas Container (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

ning. That keeps things moving.” Glue application is monitored through a Valco Melton detection system that photographs every glue tab as it passes. Boxes that fail inspection are marked with UV ink and automatically diverted, reducing the risk of defects reaching the customer. Scrap from all machines feeds into a centralized recovery system and is baled using an Amer- ican Baler, which provides consistency and predictability. Paper for the corrugator is sourced from multiple sup- pliers, allowing Atlas to manage availability and pricing without locking itself into a single source. For heavier-duty applications beyond the Severn plant’s triplewall capacity, Atlas operates Universal Jumbo equipment at a nearby fa- cility, providing additional capability without crowding the main production floor.

Rather than wholesale replacement, Atlas has taken an in- cremental approach, upgrading and modifying machines over time to extend their usefulness and match changing customer needs. One of the first machines Holston points out is the Fos- ber corrugator the Atlas team refers to as the “franken-ga- tor,” a reference to the novel Frankenstein and nickname earned because the dry end was updated three or four years ago, while other sections incorporate components from earlier generations of equipment. “It’s got pieces from a couple different machines,” says Holston. “But it does exactly what we need it to do, and it runs well.” That assessment carries across much of At- las Container’s production floor. The company’s product mix is largely brown box work, with a heavy concentration of doublewall and some triplewall applications. The plant regularly runs C-flute, B-flute, E-flute, and various double- wall combinations, and roughly 50 to 60 percent of total production is die cut. That mix drives both scheduling and equipment decisions.

Design support remains an important part of the offer- ing. Atlas employs three in-house designers using Artios- CAD, a resource Holston says many customers depend on. Atlas does not operate digital printing equipment in- house, a decision that has been made deliberately. High- end graphics, litho work, and digital printing are handled through trusted partners, with printed sheets returned to Atlas for converting. “If we had the volume to justify it, maybe,” Holston says. “But digital printers costing four million dollars or more is a big investment for us.” Regional By Design The same practical mindset that shapes Atlas Contain- er’s operations also defines how the company is orga- nized and how it goes to market. Most of Atlas’s customers are regional, many are family-owned, and many value di- rect communication over layered account structures. The company’s sales organization reflects that, with a dozen salespeople covering Maryland, Washington, DC, Pennsyl- vania, and New Jersey. Several members of the sales team are based locally and share territory rather than operating within rigid geographic lines. That structure keeps sales closely connected to production and design, allowing is- sues to be addressed quickly and expectations to be set accurately. The American Baler provides consistency and predictability in managing recovered scrap.

Two Ward die cutters remain central to that work, one configured for one-color jobs and the other for three col- ors, supported by two Post gluers for finishing. The layout is designed to accommodate frequent changeovers and a wide range of order sizes, reflecting Atlas’s willingness to handle both small and large runs without disruption. “We’ve always tried to keep the plant set up so we can say ‘yes,’” Holston says. “Whether it’s a few hundred boxes or a few hundred thousand, we don’t want the equipment or lack of it to be the reason we can’t do the job.” Recent investments have focused on tightening quali- ty control and improving efficiency while preserving flex- ibility. Atlas added three newer machines over the past several years, including a Latitude and two Embas. One of those, an Emba 215 four-color Quick Set, is very well suited for smaller boxes and shorter runs. “The print stations are on top,” Holston explains. “So you’re setting up the next job while the machine is still run- Marquip Ward United’s piece of Atlas’ “Franken-gator.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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February 23, 2026

Thermal Imaging ™ Proactive Quality Control

Uniform paper temperature and moisture levels are essential for producing high-quality corrugated sheets. Unfortunately, the human eye can’t detect hidden variations ingrained in the paper until an obvious defect is produced. CoparSolutions’ Thermal Imaging measures IR radiation across the web to identify and display temperature inconsistencies before they become downstream issues. Real-time graphic depiction allows operators to quickly recognize and correct potential problems.

X Dramatically reduce waste X Store production data for review and troubleshooting (optional) X Increase corrugator profitability

X Detect and correct inconsistencies before they become issues X Consistently produce high-quality board

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR TOTAL CORRUGATOR CONTROL +1.708.496.1859 u CoparSolutions.com

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