Board Converting News, April 27, 2026

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985 April 27, 2026 VOL. 42 NO. 17

Sandusky Packaging: 60 Years, Three Generations, Single Focus BY STEVE YOUNG Sandusky Packaging Corp. (SPC) in Sandusky, Ohio, last year celebrat- ed its 60th anniversary in business. Randy Johnson, President, displays an owner’s pride in how far the company has advanced. “We’re proud of where we’ve been, but we’re even more excited about where we’re going.” As if to put an exclamation point on his statement, Johnson rolls out on the conference room table an architect’s plans to expand the company’s 55,000-square-foot footprint. He’s modest about the scope of the added space: 5,000-square-feet to the south and another 19,000-square-feet to the east.

IP To Acquire North Pacific Paper

Memphis, Tennessee based International Pa- per (IP) has reported that it has entered into an agreement to acquire North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC), a portfolio company of One Rock Capital Partners, for $360 million. NORPAC operates out of Longview, Wash- ington and employs approximately 500 peo- ple at its paper mill, where it operates three industry-leading machines that produce ap- proximately one million tons of container- board and other grades annually. The facility will complement IP’s existing mill system, in- creasing system flexibility, reducing costs and expanding capabilities to support growing customer demand. “This acquisition is a strong strategic fit for our business and supports our long term val- ue creation priorities,” said Tom Hamic, Execu- tive Vice President and President, Packaging Solutions North America, International Paper. “NORPAC’s attractive customer base, location and operational capabilities strengthen our ability to serve customers in the growing West Coast region. We look forward to partnering with the mill team and its customers to deliver a safe, seamless integration.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Yet the plans underscore Johnson’s determination to position San- dusky Packaging for its next chapter of growth in the paperboard pack- aging sector. “We’re in a good spot,” Johnson says of the company’s current trajectory, “But we don’t want to plateau right here; we’re going to keep going.” The Original Winning Team Sandusky Packaging Corporation was founded in 1965 by four em- ployees of the former Sandusky Folding Box. The four had aspirations of buying Sandusky Folding at the time, but their plans were thwarted when the owner sold to another group of investors. So, Richard Longer, Lester Norman, William McRobbie, and Herbert Hoelzer pooled their entrepreneurial zeal and opened their doors as Sandusky Packaging CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 The key players at Sandusky Packaging, from left: Betsy Santoro, VP of Fi- nance; Jamie Smith, Quality Manager; and Lindsay Lewis, Director of Inside Sales.

WHAT’S INSIDE 8 ICPF Inducts Hollenbach To Circle Of Distinguished Leaders 10 Mid America Paper Recycling Marks 100 Years Of Operation 16 Cold Corr of Monterey First In U.S. To Order Cold Corrugator 18 EU Approves Merger Between IP, DS Smith

EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER

Congratulations, Bob! The employee-owners of SUN Automation Group proudly congratulate you on your induction into the AICC Hall of Fame and thank you for your lasting contributions to the corrugated industry.

EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER

Machinery and Handling for the Corrugated Board Industry

SUN IS THE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR LANGSTON, GERMANY-BASED KOLBUS, TAIWAN-BASED LATITUDE MACHINERY CORPORATION, AND ITALY-BASED PARA.

sunautomation.com

1-410-472-2900

Index Reports Second Consecutive Monthly Increase In C’Board Prices According to a report released by Fastmarkets RISI, North American containerboard prices increased for the second consecutive month in April, with the benchmark index ris- ing $30 per ton following a $40 per ton increase in March. Those gains follow a $20 per ton decline in February, resulting in a net year-to-date increase of $50 per ton. The March movement marked the first recognized price in- crease by the index in 13 months, after a prolonged period of flat or declining pricing. Earlier in the year, several major producers had an- nounced plans to implement $70 per ton increases begin- ning in March. However, market conditions at the start of 2026 were unpredictable. Fastmarkets RISI reported a February dip that surprised some observers, particularly as producers had pointed to improving demand trends and the impact of a nearly 10 percent reduction in North American containerboard ca- pacity announced in 2025. Implementation of those increases has not been con- sistent. Some market contacts reported delays, with cer- tain price hikes pushed into June. There are also indica- tions that recent pricing data may reflect some level of pre-buying, as customers moved to secure tons ahead of increases taking hold.

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

IP To Acquire (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

“NORPAC is a high-quality business built on the strength of its first-rate management team and employees,” said Tony Lee, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of One Rock Capital Partners. “We are proud to have achieved together a years-long transformation of NORPAC during our owner- ship. We believe this transaction with International Paper underscores the value created at NORPAC and positions the company for continued success.” The NORPAC acquisition, part of International Paper’s strategic transformation to maximize value creation for customers, shareholders and employees, is subject to reg- ulatory approval.

TURNKEY SCRAP COLLECTION & BALING SYSTEMS CONVEY WITH CONFIDENCE ™ Better scrap handling starts with better engineering —AES solutions are built to support production and protect profits.

• Extra capacity to scale up as you grow • NFPA-compliant dust control solutions • Fresh Air systems for energy savings • Nationwide installation, service and support

• Fully automated scrap collection and baling • Total integration with production processes • Remote system access and monitoring

535 HAGEY ROAD, SOUDERTON, PA 18964 (800) 572-9998 | SALES@AESALES.NET WWW.AESALES.NET |  

A RECYCLING EQUIPMENT INC COMPANY

April 27, 2026 3

www.boardconvertingnews.com

TOOLING THAT DRIVES PERFORMANCE

WWW.SAUERSYSTEM.COM WWW.SAUERSYSTEM.COM

Turn Trim Waste into Revenue Custom Designed Codes Compliant Systems to Meet Your Needs

• Real-time pressure balancing for best available technology in dust control. • System PLC Touch Screen Controls give you the whole system status from the control panel. Remote panels available for any area of your facility for ease of management. • Typical Filter Media Sizing is for 18 to 24 months media life. • Passive Explosion and Isolation equipment that is always ready with minimal or no moving parts and no follow up certifications required. • Field UL Certified Systems available. According to UL, Puhl is the first to have a combined trim and dust collection “whole system” UL listed in the field. For your peace of mind, knowing the system “as installed” has been field certified to meet UL requirements is the gold standard of safety. UL listing a system on site can also reduce insurance premiums and local authority having jurisdiction inspection time. • Directional and Windowed Material Handling Duct Inspection Doors. See what is happening in the ducts from the ground without needing a lift or tools. Focusing on safety and reliability our systems include:

Balers • Shredders • Trim Collection Systems • Dust Collection Systems • Cyclones • Trim Separators Spiral Duct • Used Equipment • Filters • Briquetters Follow us on LinkedIn Our systems are designed to operate reliably for decades and can be retrofitted to meet changing codes. All our systems meet OSHA and NFPA 654 Codes. 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.

Calling Profero Systems just another equipment supplier is like calling the Tour just a bike ride. Profero Systems

Proven unsurpassed customer service over the long run, commitment to our customers is second to none!

Add value to your Corrugating Process, be the go-to Company for your customers.

DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND!

www.ProferoSystems.com

704-923-0990

PO BOX 950 DALLAS, NC 28034

We provide customized solutions for your entire plant. Whether you're equipping a new plant, upgrading an existing facility, or looking for automation equipment for specific machinery, WSA-USA delivers comprehensive solutions.

WSAUSA.COM INFOWSAUSA.COM

6 April 27, 2026

CCM ® OCT Filter STATE-OF-THE-ART, HIGHLY ADVANCED DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM

• Only standard hand tools are required for all maintenance • Direct drive with no chains or sprockets • No tools for media change required » just zip it up » media change out in minutes • Filter is accessible for visual inspection during operation, Significant Advantages Over Conventional Dust Filtration Technology

» no shutdown required • Filter media advantages - high dust collection efficiency

- low pressure loss due to constant deep cleaning of the filter media in minutes - long service life

Safety-Driven Design

• No pressure fluctuations within the system • No compressed air required to clean the filter media

www.engineeredrecycling.com

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

info@engineeredrecycling.com

ICPF Inducts Bryan Hollenbach To Circle Of Distinguished Leaders The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) has announced that Bryan Hollenbach has been inducted as the 30th member of the ICPF Circle of Distinguished Leaders. The induction ceremony took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, during Fibre Box Association’s (FBA) Annu- al Meeting in La Jolla, California. The Circle of Distinguished Leaders program honors exceptional leaders whose vision, creativity, and energy have moved the corrugated packaging industry forward. Bryan recently retired from Green Bay Packaging after a distinguished 21-year career, most recently serving as Executive Vice President since 2011. In this role, he over- saw the company’s paper mills, woodlands, and corrugat- ed and paperboard packaging divisions. He joined Green Bay Packaging in 2004 as Vice President and General Manager of its Green Bay Shipping Container plant. Throughout his career, Bryan was deeply engaged in the industry, serving in numerous leadership roles across key organizations. He was a longtime board member of ICPF and past chair of FBA and the American Forest & Paper Association’s (AF&PA) Kraft Containerboard Sector, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to advancing the industry and supporting its future workforce. ICPF extends its sincere thanks to the many individuals

and organizations who made donations in Bryan’s name to support ICPF programs and initiatives. These contributions help advance the foundation’s mission to grow the work- force of the corrugated packaging industry.

ICPF would like to recognize the following contribu- tors who supported Bryan’s induction: AICC, Atlas Con- tainer, BW Papersystems, FBA, Great Northern Corpora- tion, Green Bay Packaging, Greif, Jamestown Container Companies, Kruger, Liberty Diversified International, Bob & Debbie McIlvaine, Pacific Southwest Container and Schwarz Partners. Caitlin Salaverria, President of ICPF and Bryan Hollenbach, the 30th individual to be inducted into the ICPF Circle of Dis- tinguished Leaders.

–

Innovating Material Handling Machinery for the Corrugated Industry Since 1996 . □ Stackers □ Bundle Breakers □ Load Formers □ Conveyor Systems □ Digital Technologies

8 April 27, 2026

Unleash the

of Full Lines

Go from zero to hero with Haire Group’s innovative full lines . By integrating your Apstar or Encore finishing machine with our powerful add-ons like the prefeeder, vacuum stacker, bundle breaker, or palletizer, our full line will provide you with an unparalleled solution for safety, efficiency, and productivity. It’s the seamless integration you deserve with the streamlined, powerful operation you need.

Unleash the superpowers of your corrugated production today!

EXPECT MORE

HAIREGROUP.COM

Mid America Paper Recycling Marks 100 Years Of Continuous Operation Chicago, Illinois based Mid America Paper Recycling (MAPR), a fourth-generation leader in paper and recycling solutions, is celebrating a century of continuous operation serving suppliers, paper mills, and industrial packaging partners across North America. Mid America’s centennial was recognized by AICC, the leading association representing independent corrugated and packaging companies, as part of its Member Milestone Program, honoring companies that have achieved signifi- cant anniversaries of continuous operation. The recogni- tion highlights the company’s enduring role in supporting the paper packaging and recycling industry. Founded in 1926, Mid America has grown from a lo-

cal scrap operation into a trusted recycling partner known for its deep market knowledge, operational discipline, and long-standing customer relationships. Over the past century, the company has built its reputation by helping businesses increase revenue, reduce costs, and improve sustainability outcomes through smarter management of their recyclable materials. “For 100 years, this business has been built on relation- ships,” said Don Gaines, a fourth-generation leader of the company. “Markets change. Customers change. But what doesn’t change is how you show up, being genuine, shar- ing your knowledge, and helping people find better ways to operate. That’s what earns trust over time.” Unlike many companies in the recycling brokerage space, Mid America’s approach extends well beyond buy- ing and selling commodities. The company brings a con- sultative, operations-driven service model by conducting

on-site audits, mapping material flow, and identifying inefficiencies across the recy- cling stream. By improving segregation, enhancing bale integrity, aligning grades with the right mill demand, and stream- lining logistics across multi-site plant net- works, Mid America transforms recycling from a cost center into a more disciplined, value-generating part of a packaging firm’s operation. “We’ve never been just a transactional business,” Gaines added. “It’s about walk- ing a facility, understanding their process- es, and asking the right questions. How can we help you make more money, im- prove efficiency, enhance worker safety or eliminate unnecessary costs? That’s how you create real value and that’s why cus- tomers stay with you.” That philosophy has helped Mid Ameri- ca stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace, where success is defined not by participation, but by the ability to con- sistently deliver value across complex sup- ply chains. “Anybody can enter the recycling busi- ness,” Gaines said. “But staying in it and growing over decades comes down to ex- perience, attention to detail, and delivering on what you say you’re going to do.” A key differentiator has been the com- pany’s ability to match specific grades of recyclable material to the right end mar- kets, which helps minimize costly down- grades and maximize value for customers. Combined with a high-touch service model and deep mill relationships across the U.S., this expertise enables Mid Amer- ica to consistently deliver measurable re- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

10 April 27, 2026

www.boardconvertingnews.com

Setting the global standard for rotary die cutting.

ServoPro Rotary Die Cutter continues to set the standard worldwide, with 50+ systems installed globally across leading packaging producers. From North America to Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia .

Trusted by industry leaders, and built to perform where it matters most. Proven. Global. Ready for what’s next.

AF&PA Publishes March 2026 Packaging Papers Report

Mid America Paper (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)

sults for packaging, printing, and manufacturing customer partners. The company’s longevity is also reflected in its culture, with a strong emphasis on employee retention, collabo- ration, and continuity. Many team members have spent decades with the organization, contributing to a level of institutional knowledge that is difficult to replicate. As Mid America celebrates this milestone, it is also en- tering a new phase of growth as part of FV Recycling, a broader platform designed to expand capabilities, scale operations, and bring additional resources to customers. “Reaching 100 years is something we’re extremely proud of,” Gaines said. “But it’s not the finish line. It’s a re- sponsibility to keep delivering, improving, and earning the trust of the people we work with every day.” “Mid America Paper Recycling represents exactly what this industry is built on: relationships, operational exper- tise, and long-term trust,” said Gene Smith, president of FV Recycling. “As part of FV Recycling, we’re proud to build on that 100-year foundation and bring additional scale and capabilities to customers across North America.” Together, Mid America and FV Recycling are positioned to deliver the next generation of recycling solutions, com- bining a century of experience with expanded resources, reach, and innovation. Visit: midamericapaper.com .

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has published the March 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in March augmented sev- en percent compared to March 2025. They were up three percent when compared to the same period in 2025.

• Total unbleached packaging paper shipments in March were at its top level in over two years, with an operating rate that exceeded 90 percent. • Bleached packaging papers were also up in March, in- creasing 5.5 percent from the same month last year, but down year-to-date. • Total inventories were at their lowest compared to the last 13 months.

STATE-OF-THE-ART, HIGHLY-ADVANCED DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM Safety-Driven Design

www.engineeredrecycling.com

info@engineeredrecycling.com

12 April 27, 2026

www.boardconvertingnews.com

At Movitec, we can adjust our electronic pre-stretch system to optimize both light and heavy loads. Each wrap uses the correct tension and stretch percentage for the best balance between film use and pallet stability, reducing your overhead costs.

Learn more. Contact us today!

eammosca.com | marketing@eammosca.com | 844-859-6968

Colbert Sustainable Paperboard Tests Safe For Secondary Packaging One Clean Carton®, from Kenosha, Wisconsin based Col- bert Packaging Corporation, once again passed a series of laboratory tests to confirm its suitability for pharmaceutical and food-safe secondary packaging. New for 2026, Colbert submitted test samples using

Achieve Accurate & Consistent Results with Application- Specific Solutions

both standard SBS board and SBS comprised of 30 percent post-consumer recy- cled fiber. Both samples con- sisted of agri-based inks and water-based coatings and adhesives, using offset litho- graphic printing technology. Additionally, both carton sam- ples included an agri-based offset printed ‘Instructions for Use’ insert glued inside. All components of One

Single Coated Double Coated

Foam Cloth Vinyl Cushion-Plate Mounting Tapes Cylinder Diameter Build-Up Tapes Specialty Thin Tapes Flexible Carrier Tapes Graphic Print Mounting Tapes Accessory Tape Products All Types of PSA Tapes for General & Specialty Applications

For more information on product specs, pricing, and availability, contact our team of specialists: adheso-graphics.com

Clean Carton, including inks, coatings and adhesives, are tested to ensure they meet environmental and safety stan- dards to be considered clean and safe for indirect food and drug contact. In order to state the Clean Carton claim, packaging samples underwent comprehensive analytical testing. “Our customers tasked with sourcing safe and sustain- able packaging have more options in choosing One Clean Carton with confidence,” says Ryan Hart, vice president of sales and marketing. “This round of independent lab test- ing proved that paperboard containing PCR fiber meets the standards for clean, low migration, low odor, low VOC that is critical to secondary packaging for many healthcare and food products.” All tests were conducted under accelerated conditions (worst case), measuring potential extractables, volatile out-gas products, semi-volatile out-gas products, and sen- sory (odor) evaluation. Key components of One Clean Carton include: • Colbert’s standard SBS, uses Clearwater Candesce® C1S, ensuring only virgin fiber with no mechanical pulp in a middle ply. This composition provides for superior performance on press, resulting in less waste and low- er consumption of raw materials and ink. • Colbert also added a print run using Clearwater ReMagine® SBS, containing 30 percent post-consumer recycled fiber. • The agri-based inks comply with the Swiss Ordinance regarding food-safe inks. • The aqueous coatings originate in the U.S. and meet or exceed U.S. federal and state guidelines. • One Clean Carton water-based adhesives meet or ex- ceed V.O.C. emission requirements. For more details about One Clean Carton, visit www. colbertpkg.com .

Quality Leads = New Customers

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

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

14 April 27, 2026

www.boardconvertingnews.com

A RECYCLING EQUIPMENT INC COMPANY

Custom-Engineered Automated Scrap Removal System AN UPGRADE IMPROVES EFFICIENCY AND SUPPORTS FUTURE GROWTH AT SEABOARD FOLDING BOX. Seaboard Folding Box Company is a full-service provider of high-quality folding cartons with extensive design, pre-press, printing, and finishing capabilities in Westminster, MA. Seaboard has a 60+ year track record of manufacturing folding cartons for a wide range of industries and takes pride in getting the job done right and on time, every time. After building a reputation for responsiveness, attention to service, and top-notch quality, its old scrap system was struggling to keep up with production, and a planned expansion to a new facility required a better way to handle manufacturing scrap.

The Challenge

Seaboard’s scrap system was undersized, overloaded, and labor- intensive, limiting its ability to support additional equipment lines and to segregate scrap grades effectively to improve bale quality. And with a move to a new facility featuring a fully conditioned production floor, the company also needed a more energy-efficient solution to reduce heat loss and operating costs.

The Solution

AES provided a turnkey system to deliver the speed, reliability, and capacity needed to support future growth. The scope of work included system design and engineering, equipment selection and integration, fabrication, rigging, and installation of twin cyclone collectors and associated equipment. AES also installed a fresh air make-up system that eliminated the need for an expensive dust filtration system while improving HVAC efficiency. Energy-efficient motor controls further reduced energy expenditures and helped the facility secure a sizable rebate from its utility provider.

The Results

The new system delivered improved operational efficiency, labor savings, and built-in redundancy with capacity for future growth. Seaboard achieved significant energy savings, received a sizable utility rebate, and avoided the upfront cost of installing a dust filtration system.

CONTACT AES TO DISCUSS YOUR SCRAP COLLECTION NEEDS

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

Cold Corr of Monterey™ First In U.S. To Order Interpac Cold Corrugator Cold Corr of Monterey™, a newly formed corrugated sheet producer and sister company of Cumberland Contain- er, based in Monterey, Tennessee, has become the first company in the United States to order Interpac’s patented cold corrugation technology. The milestone marks a signif- icant step forward for the independent converting indus- try, bringing an innovative sheet production process to the American market for the first time. Interpac’s patented cold corrugation technology, an in-house, innovative, eco-friendly manufacturing process that produces corrugated board on a smaller scale without steam, high temperatures, or energy-intensive heating is uniquely suited for independent sheet converting plants.

Specialty Folder Gluers

Precision. Performance. Proven Results.

• Parts & Machine Reviews • Operator Training • Rebuilds & Relocations • Reconditioning in Racine, WI

Recently, Interpac’s Chief Operating Officer Dale Harris and Operations Manager Colin Shaw traveled to Monterey to meet with Cold Corr leadership, tour the proposed in- stallation site, and begin the planning process for the cor- rugator’s positioning and layout. Mark Jared, Director of Cold Corr of Monterey, com- mented: “We are excited to be the first to bring cold corru- gation technology to the United States. After visiting ma- chines in operation in Germany and Canada, Cold Corr™ is convinced this technology will be a tremendous asset to independent converters. Having Dale and Colin here was an important first step in getting the positioning and layout of our cold corrugator right. Cold Corr will serve Cumberland Container as a primary customer, alongside other specialty converters, delivering high-quality flat sheets and specialized corrugated prod- ucts in a reliable and timely manner. As Cold Corr’s anchor customer, Cumberland Container will benefit from a ded- icated, proximate supply source — allowing it to continue growing its business and expanding into specialty prod- ucts. Cumberland Container is already looking forward to receiving the first sheets Cold Corr produces.” While Cold Corr and Cumberland Container share a fa- cility, the two companies operate as separate entities in a commercial supplier-purchaser relationship. Tennessee hospitality was, by all accounts, excellent — and Interpac looks forward to a strong working relationship with Cold Corr of Monterey as the project moves forward.

Revolutionizing Automation in Corrugated

Top Bot

p Bot

Top Dunnage Placement Robot Dunnage Placement Robot Advanced Machine Vision 3D vision adapts to stack size & location for reliable dunnage placement Increased Productivity 15-second cycle time tops units in excess of 200 per hour Operator Savings & Safety Reduce labor cost and potential injury of operators working on moving conveyor Experience the future of efficiency with the innovative TopBot, designed to automate the precise placement of dunnage onto corrugated sheet stacks and bundled units. Advanced robotics and machine vision provide automation solution to the last manual operation on the corrugator. Advanced Machine Vision TopBot utilizes 3D vision systems to adapt to varying stack sizes and configurations, providing reliable performance every time.

roductivity duct Quality abor Cost

Bob@Kaska-Robotics.com

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.

16 April 27, 2026

www.boardconvertingnews.com

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

European Commission Approves Merger Between IP and DS Smith According to multiple media reports, the planned merger between International Paper and DS Smith has received approval from the European Commission. The approval comes with significant conditions. The Commission’s Phase I decision requires International Paper to divest several box plants in France, Portugal and Spain to address competition concerns. The assets earmarked for sale include facilities in Mortagne, Saint-Amand and Ca- bourg in France, Ovar in Portugal and Bilbao in Spain. The merger, which will result in the creation of one of the world’s largest paper-based packaging groups, takes place against a backdrop of rising costs and structural pressures in the paper and packaging sector. The EU’s requirement to sell assets reflects concerns that the combined company could otherwise dominate certain regional markets. “We would have preferred to retain these sites, but we are confident we will find suitable buyers,” said Andrew Sil- vernail, CEO of International Paper. He added that the merger is expected to strengthen the company’s position, particularly in North America and the EMEA region. Both companies present sustainability as a key ratio- nale for the merger. International Paper highlights targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent and

to rely entirely on sustainably sourced or recycled fiber. DS Smith, for its part, promotes circular business mod- els and aims for all packaging to be recyclable or reus- able. The company has also set targets to reduce plastic use in retail and eliminate landfill waste. Yet, questions remain about how far such commit- ments translate into real-world impact. The packaging industry remains heavily dependent on energy, logistics and raw materials, meaning emissions and resource con- sumption are still substantial. The merger, therefore, raises broader questions about whether consolidation leads to meaningful environmental improvements – or primarily strengthens market control in an already concentrated sector. International Paper, headquartered in Memphis, Ten- nessee employs around 39,000 people globally and re- ported revenues of over 21 billion dollars in 2022. It is one of the largest producers of fibre-based products globally. DS Smith, founded in London, England in 1940, has ap- proximately 30,000 employees and operates in 37 coun- tries. The company reported revenues of just over $10B in 2023 and focuses on recyclable packaging solutions. The combined entity is expected to have a strong presence across Europe and North America, potentially reshaping competition in the global packaging market. Whether the merger delivers on its stated sustainabil- ity ambitions remains uncertain, particularly as regulatory scrutiny and cost pressures continue to intensify.

Stay Visible in Print and Online!

Board Converting News gives you multiple ways to stay top of mind with your customers:

n Sponsor a weekly Monday issue

n Email blast to our full online circulation

n Internet or video sponsorship

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

You provide the text, image, or video link and we’ll handle the rest!

18 April 27, 2026

www.boardconvertingnews.com

Building AI-powered ERP, MES and CRM solutions that boost efficiency and drive profitability

Why Amtech

“We moved from 0% to 65-85% automated scheduling across machines and achieved our original 95% on-time-in-full goal and set a new target of 98%.” —Coleman Containers, Independent Sheet Plant - Toronto, Canada “These applications have made things so much smoother in operations and keeps us moving faster and better so we can keep competing against our competitors and be successful overall.” —Nelson Container, 24-hour Make- To-Order Sheet Plant - Germantown, Wisconsin

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.

Discover the Amtech difference. Scan here to learn more.

Amtech Software is proud to be the headline sponsor of the SPA 113th Sheet Plant Association Conference

Sandusky Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

foods category are expected to decline, and these rep- resent upwards of 40 percent of total folding carton ship- ments. Adam Josephson, Principal of Sakonnet Research, an economic reporting and forecasting firm, wrote in a re- cent analysis that “the past two years weren’t good ones for many consumer and packaging companies due to the cumulative effects of high inflation and the lack of real in- come growth.” Illustrating his point, he laid out Q4 2025 year-over- year volumes for several major consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies: Campbells, -4 percent; Conagra, -1 per- cent; Kraft Heinz, -4 percent; and PepsiCo, -3 percent. Ma- jor players like Smurfit-WestRock and Graphic Packaging dominate the paperboard carton market, marshalling 70- 80 percent of the carton supply chain to these end users. Consequently, they bear the brunt of the ebbs and flows, particularly in the packaged grocery segment. Graphic Packaging, for example, reported two consec- utive negative quarters for the last half of 2025, ending the year essentially flat, when, as its Q4 2025 presentation states, “normal conditions assume modestly positive over- all volume growth in the low single digits.” Sandusky Packaging, a nimble independent, plays on the periphery, away from this fray. Johnson is shy about quoting percentages, but he says that SPC’s growth in the past year has been “significant” – far greater than the RISI Fastmarkets report tells. He credits the company’s diverse customer mix across key end-use markets for the ability to outpace the larger industry averages. “We always say we have 25 percent automotive; 25 percent pharmaceutical; 25 percent food and beverage; and 25 percent everything else,” he said when asked to categorize SPC’s business segments. Two bright spots in SPC’s end-use roster are the phar- maceutical industry and food and beverage, particularly private-label brands and smaller, less well-known food processors. In the health care and pharmaceutical are- na, Johnson believes that SPC’s business has punched up through the 25 percent threshold, saying, “If we really did the numbers, it might be as high as 35 percent of our overall business.” Within these broad categories, he adds, the business is spread across a large number of accounts. “Nobody’s really over 10 percent of our work, so being di- versified with so many customers, we don’t have these big ups and downs at all; it’s always steady.” Tactical And Strategic Investment Sandusky Packaging has not arrived at its current posi- tion by happenstance. Rather, Johnson, Norman, and the company’s leadership have over the past 20 years me- thodically invested in the capital infrastructure required to grow and cater to a specific mix of customers. The simple technology required at the company’s outset – the one- and two-color press – was long ago sidelined in favor of greater automation, higher running speeds and enhanced print quality. SPC’s initial investments were in used equip- ment, and, as Johnson tells it, with mixed results. “We did

Corp. on Sandusky’s west side. Longer served as Presi- dent; Norman as Secretary-Treasurer, and McRobbie and Hoelzer First- and Second- Vice Presidents, respectively. The Four are honored as “The Original Winning Team” in SPC’s “Founders’ Conference Room,” and their legacy lives on in the company, with Johnson, McRobbie’s grand- son, serving as President, and Greg Norman, Les Norman’s son, Vice President. Kevin Norman, Greg’s brother, retired in 2017, and Jim Longer, Richard Longer’s son, in 2019. Within the company there is an evident respect – even reverence – for this generational lineage. “We attribute much of our success to Jim Longer and Kevin Norman working over 40 years with our company,” Johnson said. For his part, Johnson represents the third generation of ownership: “My grandfather, Bill McRobbie, ran the plant.” Johnson started at SPC in 1986, his freshman year in col- lege, hand-stripping stacks off the die cutter. From there, to shipping; shift supervisor; HR manager; director of oper- ations; to vice president. He was named President in 2019.

Greg Norman is a 41-year veteran of SPC, having start- ed his career there in 1985 in Accounts Receivable and in- ventory management. “I was director of AR/Inventory and did a brief stint as plant manager,’ he said. “Now I’m doing all the estimating and inventories.” Anticipating retiring in July of this year, he adds, “I’m the last of the second gen- The US folding carton industry in 2025 produced 5.0 million tons of product valued at $11.6 billion, according to the Fastmarkets/RISI 2025-26 Industry Trends Report produced for the Paperboard Packaging Council. Looking back, the Report tracks a nearly 12 percent growth in fold- ing carton shipments between 2019-2022, the pandemic years, but declining roughly 5 percent in 2023-2024. The Fastmarkets report sees a more positive outlook for the industry through 2029, with measured but anemic growth of just over 1 percent per year, to 5.3 million tons and $13.3 billion in sales. Seven key growth markets are identified, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and household supplies. Meanwhile, two segments in the packaged processed eration of SPC ownership.” Playing On The Periphery Randy Johnson, left, and Greg Norman represent the third and second generations of Sandusky Packaging ownership.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

20 April 27, 2026

www.boardconvertingnews.com

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

Sandusky Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

of course, but the sheets weren’t as clean and it wasn’t as fast.” The new capability in the Hawk allowed SPC to inventory more rolls of paperboard and control the quality of sheets. “This allowed us to control our ship dates more accurately to better serve our customers,” said Johnson. The Hawk 1650 was the right machine to feed SPC’s new printing press -- acquired around the same time -- the Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106, a seven-color plus coater workhorse and the centerpiece of the company’s manu- facturing floor. Johnson, Norman and team had specific re- quirements in making the K&B choice: faster set-up times; running speeds of up to 20,000 sheets per hour; in-run sheet inspection capability and fast color measurement and control. The 106, a medium-format press, can accom- modate sheets up to 29.1” to 44.75,” which makes it the optimum configuration for Sandusky Packaging’s particu- lar mix of business.

buy a few printing presses along the way,” he recalled. “We got this six-color for $10,000 in North Carolina and I thought it was great, until we got it her and we’re like, ‘Oh, this is old technology.’” Greg Norman remembers the defining moment clearly: “It was the late 90s or early 2000s – and when I say this, I mean it respectfully – the old guys retired and said, ‘It’s time to let the kids see what they can do.’” Johnson and Norman set their sights on a circa-1965 Bobst 1260 SP plat- en die cutter to speed up their cutting line. The machine had a rated ability to run up to 5,000 sheets per hour, de- pending on the caliper of the substrate. “It was 1995 or ’96 when we got our first Bobst cutter,” Norman recalled. “We thought that was the greatest thing ever.” The high- er running speeds on the cutting line, though, forced the

This new firepower, however, tested the limits of SPC’s older Bobst 1260 SP and two SP 102 CER Bobst die cut- ters, so in 2024, Johnson added a Bobst Mastercut 106 Autoplaten die cutter to handle the added workload. The Mastercut 106 handles sheets up to 29.3” x 41.7” at speeds up to 11,000 sheets per hour, cutting, stripping and blank- ing in one pass. Important for SPC’s graphics-heavy pro- duction runs is the Mastercut’s unique cut-to-print register system for extremely precise die-cutting, and the ability to store up to 5,000 job set-ups. The addition of the Mastercut relieved a chokepoint in SPC’s production flow. “Die cutting was our bottleneck; it was holding us back,” Johnson said. “Once we got the Mastercut, I was like, ‘All right. Now every department has a good flow of product.’” Looking back to the expansion plans on the conference room table, Johnson points out that the initial 5,000 feet to the south will allow the company to move cutting die stor- age there, opening space for an anticipated new Bobst die cutter. “We’re going to have to buy another die cut- ter,” he said. “We need to have more capacity.” The 19,000 feet planned for the eastern side of the building will allow space for its large paperboard roll inventory, thus opening space for a second printing press. Sandusky Packaging chose the BW Papersystems Hawk sheeter for its Marquip knife technology providing high speed sheeting and cleaner stacks.

next equipment decision, this one coming in 2001: a new folder-gluer line to accommodate the increased die-cutter output. Johnson and his team chose the Bobst Media 100 II. It was the company’s first piece of new machinery, and its acquisition changed the company’s capital equipment paradigm. The Bobst Media 100 II Folder/Gluer is designed for high-speed carton and folding box assembly in commer- cial packaging environments, supporting straight-line gluing, crash-lock bottoms and various corner styles. Key specifications include a min/max width of 2.2” and 39.4”; and min/max length of 2.3” and 23.6”. Says Johnson: “The Bobst Media 100 was our first new equipment purchase, and I’m like, ‘Man, this is nice to have a new piece of equipment.’ It got us going, saying, ‘This is the way to go!’” The next phase of equipment purchas- es happened several years later, but in quick succession: “The big jump was in 2017-2018 when we got the sheeter and new printer, because it was either make or break at that point,” said Johnson. The sheeting capability was key, in Johnson’s view, and SPC chose the BW Papersystems Hawk 1650 Dual Rotary Sheeter with features ensuring stacking quality and Marquip cutting knife technology. “The Hawk Sheeter was a game-changer,” Johnson said. “We had a sheeter, SPC’s Bobst Mastercut 106 is capable of running 11,000 sheets per hour.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

22 April 27, 2026

www.boardconvertingnews.com

TOP-TIER SERVICE PROVEN PERFORMANCE. RELIABLE RESULTS.

GLOBAL BOXMACHINE’S TEAM OFFERS:

PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

24/7/365 TECHNICAL SUPPORT

SAME-DAY & NEXT-DAY DELIVERY

TURNKEY INSTALLATION

REMOTE TROUBLESHOOTING

Complete systems. Ready to run.

Proactive care. Fewer interruptions.

Real people. Real fast. Anytime.

Fast diagnostics. Minimize downtime.

In-stock parts. Delivered fast.

847-949-5900 | parts@boxmachine.com | service@boxmachine.com

Sandusky Packaging (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

to major brand owners.” GMI certification is unique in that uses quality and print measurements self-selected by the printer. To that end, Johnson and Norman credit the KBA Rapida 106 because the press tracks print and color mea- surements on which Sandusky Packaging has chosen to be tested.

Sustainability + Quality + Technology = Sales Johnson and his team credit these successive invest- ments in new technology with bolstering key quality goals and jumpstarting marketing initiatives. Sandusky Packag- ing maintains several certifications essential for the com- mercial print and packaging industry. First up is ISO 9001, a baseline certification for manufacturers just to be in the game. This was followed by the SFI – the Sustainable For- estry Initiative. Lindsay Lewis, Director of Inside Sales, has seen greater emphasis in recent years on sustainability is- sues among current and new customers, making SFI indis- pensable. “I feel like it’s growing,” she said of the interest from buyers. “We get more and more questions on that – about the board material that we use.” She adds a gener- ational twist, saying, “I think the younger age has pushed more ‘recyclable’ and ‘going green,’ so it’s kind of trickled down and we see it more and more.” Sandusky Packaging also holds a G7 Master Printer Certification, which validates a printer’s ability to deliver consistent, predictable and accurate color across print processes, and GMI, Graphic Measures International, considered a gold standard among packaging printers and their customers. According to the GMI website, the body “certifies, monitors and measures the performance of designated packaging suppliers—a process that holds them accountable to print and color standards important

To Lewis, these are important selling points for grow- ing SPC’s business. “A lot of our growth comes from ex- isting customers or word of mouth,” she said. The added capital investments and accompanying quality levels im- proved the company, she feels. “They pushed us,” she said. “When the customer is supplying artwork, if you want the business, you have to adjust, and we had to adjust and improve.” Randy Johnson, President, stands beside Sandusky Packag- ing’s Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 seven-color press.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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!

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

24 April 27, 2026

www.boardconvertingnews.com

featuring the ChromaCUT High Tech An RDC for every need...

Versatile

Productive • Exceptional print quality, IR & hot air drying • Set-while-run & automatic set-up for fast changeovers • Real-time print and die cut inspection

Reliable

• Modular design

• Robust design with direct drive axes • Low maintenance/Low cost of ownership • Recognized for long term durability, reliability and performance

• Easily configurable to meet current and future needs

• Available in Right and Left-hand configurations

• Inside/Outside print

• Top vacuum stacker included

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

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online