Board Converting News, March 28, 2022

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 38 years March 28, 2022 VOL. 38, NO. 13

Flying ‘Under The Radar,’ American Box Company Soars BY LEN PRAZYCH Until 2016, Shawnee, Kansas based American Box Company had, ac- cording to Vince Hayden, one of the company’s four owners, always flown “under the radar.” It was back then, fueled by new equipment purchases and subsequently, a change in ownership, the company be- gan branching out and expanding to new and unforeseen production heights.

ND Paper To Convert Paper Machine At Wisconsin Mill ND Paper, the U.S. subsidiary of Nine Drag- ons Paper (Holdings) Limited, is taking criti- cal steps to build on its growth in packaging products. At ND Paper’s Biron, Wisconsin mill, the company will be converting its B26 paper machine at the end of 2022 from coated me- chanical papers to lightweight, high-strength recycled packaging products. Today, the Biron Division, located in cen- tral Wisconsin, employs more than 300 full- time personnel and operates two paper production lines with a combined annual pro- duction capacity of approximately 530,000 short tons. Its B25 paper machine produces approximately 270,000 short tons annually of corrugating medium and linerboard for pack- aging applications, while the B26 machine produces approximately 260,000 short tons annually of lightweight coated mechanical (CM) papers for end uses like catalogs, maga- zines and retail inserts. Upon completion of the conversion, both the machine and the mill will have increased annual manufacturing capacity. The B26 ma- chine will have capacity for over 500,000 short tons of packaging paper, and the mill, in

American Box was originally founded as American Box & Tape Co. in November 1975, when two former co-workers from General Box Co. first opened its doors in North Kansas City, Missouri. With the partners’ nearly five decades of packaging experience and a burning desire to become a leader in Kansas City’s independent corrugated market, the company prospered and to this day, has some of its original “captive” core customers. Hayden, a son of one of the original two owners, purchased the company in summer of 2021 with Jeff Sharfstein, the former owner of Strive Group, which was purchased by Menasha eleven years ago, Ron Lemar of Rex Carton, and Garrett Bradley, formerly of Bennett Packag- ing, who is president of American Box Company. Hayden joined the company in 1995, when American Box was op- erating out of a 40,000-square-foot “landlocked” facility prior to mov- ing to its current location in Shawnee in 2014. Bradley, who had been with Bennett Packaging for 27 years, was selling capital equipment CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 Garrett Bradley, left, and Vince Hayden are two of four owners (the others are Jeff Sharfstein and Ron Lemar) of Shawnee, Kansas based American Box Company, which the group purchased last year.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

WHAT’S INSIDE SC Health Leaders Ask EPA To Take Action Against New Indy

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

10 Huston Patterson, Sigma Graphics Merge With LPC

Pete Snyder Retires After 42 Years In Corrugated Industry 38 Forest Management Is Critical To Canada’s Packaging Industry

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 E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest

42# Kraft liner

26# Semi-Chem. Medium

$1005.00-1010.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1050.00-1060.00 $1023.00-1032.00

Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.

$940.00-990.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $975.00-995.00 $958.00-978.00

West Coast U.S. Average

The Price is Right

SHEET PRICES BY REGION (AVERAGE) Per 1MSF, local delivery included, 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. Sheets

E. Coast Midwest South-SW S. CA N.CA/WA-OR US Aver.

200# 275#

$62.26

$72.05

$62.69 $82.80

$85.35 119.54

$73.13 101.29

97.32

99.89

90.86

113.65

OYSTER UP-CHARGE 8.34

8.34

8.34

8.34

8.34

8.34

275# DBL-WALL 350# DBL-WALL

107.46 118.45

114.69 129.32

116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56

141.08 148.46

122.76 131.80

More box makers and brokers are relying on the containerboard pricing in Board Converting News to negotiate their contracts with end users.

CANADIAN SHEET PRICES (AVERAGE) In Canadian Dollars, per 1MSF, local delivery included, under 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. 200# 275# Oyster UC 275#DW 350#DW $78.56 $99.18 $9.00 $96.32 $105.83 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.

SEE THE CURRENT PRICES IN PRINT OR ONLINE AT WWW.BOARDCONVERTINGNEWS.COM.

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

42# Kraft Liner 26#

Semi-Chem Medium

East West

$970.00

$960.00 $995.00

$1,015.00

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March 28, 2022

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ND Paper To Convert (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 )

Core Competency

total, will have capacity for over 800,000 short tons. The conversion will include construction of a new recy- cling facility paired with machine modifications. The new, state-of-the-art pulping facility will provide over 1,550 short tons per day of OCC pulp for paper operations. As the pri- mary raw material for the facility, OCC – post-use consum- er cardboard removed from the waste stream – is collect- ed and processed into a renewable fiber-based pulp. This pulp is used in the manufacture of sustainable, lightweight packaging papers. Construction will commence in the first quarter of 2022 with commissioning anticipated by the end of 2022. The OCC recycling plant project will help advance ND Paper’s commitment to sustainability by reducing energy use and removing landfill waste. Studies have shown that using one ton of recycled paper, in place of greater energy consuming resources, can save 380 gallons of oil, 7,000 gallons of water, 4,100 kilowatts of energy, 4.3 tons of C02, and more than 3 cubic yards of landfill space. These changes further support the strategic transfor- mation of the Biron Division and the Company. Over recent years, demand for packaging grades, such as kraft paper and linerboard, have experienced substantial growth due to a shift toward e-commerce and consumer demand for more sustainable products. Growth is expected to contin- ue in these markets into the future.

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March 28, 2022

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SC Health Leaders Ask EPA To Take Action Against New Indy Odor Issue According to local media reports, South Carolina health leaders are urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to quickly take action against New Indy over odor issues emanating from its containerboard manufacturing plant in Catawba, South Carolina. Once EPA makes its de- termination, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) says it will issue an enforcement order to the facility, an order that could take stronger actions that go beyond the measures of any federal decree. Thousands of neighbors living nearby have lodged formal complaints about the constant rotten egg smell. In December, the EPA proposed a $1.1 million fine if the paper mill did not comply with Clean Air Act standards. The South Carolina DHEC says they continue to work with

state and federal leaders to address the negative impact the New Indy facility is having on the wellbeing of the peo- ple who live in the area. To more quickly mitigate the odor issues stemming from operations at New Indy, DHEC is urging the U.S. En- vironmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to expedite the process of determining whether it will proceed with a Consent Decree with New Indy. The EPA lodged a proposed consent decree and says New Indy has agreed to robust relief designed to prevent hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations above levels that endanger people’s health at its Catawba mill. New Indy would also pay a civil penalty of $1,100,000. The proposed Consent Decree was filed on December 30, 2021, and the public comment period ended on March 11, 2022. “We value the important relationship we’ve built with the EPA after decades of working together on key envi-

ronmental issues in our state, and we’ll con- tinue to maintain that essential cooperation in the future, but right now South Carolinians deserve expedient, effective action in regard to New Indy,” DHEC Director Dr. Edward Sim- mer said. “For too long, residents of North and South Carolina who live near the facil- ity have been enduring undesirable levels of odors that are impacting their quality of lives. It is imperative that a decisive action be taken to end the harm being done to the community.” DHEC first began receiving complaints from residents in York and Lancaster coun- ties and bordering areas of North Carolina in January of 2021. The agency said it quickly implemented an investigation with the assistance of EPA that identified New Indy as a significant con- tributor to the odors and, since then, the agency has taken extensive efforts to require the facility to alter operations and mitigate the odors. These efforts include an Order to Correct Undesirable Levels of Air Contami- nants issued by DHEC on May 7, 2021. This order remains outstanding and will ultimately be replaced by an enforcement order that will assure the sources of the un- desirable levels of air contaminants are iden- tified and New Indy reduces its emissions that are impacting the communities. DHEC officials say it is important that the final EPA Consent Decree and the final DHEC enforcement order include explicit mainte- nance, operation, and anti-backsliding re- quirements. DHEC officials say they have investigated potential risks to groundwater and the nearby Catawba River posed by the facility and has not identified any concerns.

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40 ft of paper travel from preheater to hot plates 3 seconds of heat, glue and bonding 1 chance to get it right! the ZONE

Design & Production

Chicago Electric offers 10 technology solutions to control ‘the Zone’ CORRUGATOR Sectoral preheating plate

Our sectoral preheating plates provide direct heat by means of a double steam circuit, allowing for efficient heating in hard-to-access locations, as well as to act as a steam shower to open the paper’s fibre, making it receptive to absorbing the heat and the glue.

This translates into increased speed and improved quality of the cardboard sheet finish.

The system’s main advantages are as follows:

• The plate may only be used to heat, only to humidify, or both options at the same time. • The plate is sectored, which allows for applying humidity to the sections. • It provides temperature in previously inaccessible locations and near the location needed. • It compensates the loss of temperature dissipated due to distance, speed or limitations of the exiting preheaters. • Quick transferring of heat to the paper. • The combination of the hot plate and steam shower allows for providing heat even to the hardest papers to heat. • Does not dry out the paper. • Possibility of operating as a humidifier and pre-conditioner. • Maintains and improves the fibre’s elasticity. • Acts according to the operator’s needs. • Facilitates the paper’s hygroscopy to absorb the glue and improve rubberising.

CONTROLLABILITY

1. Wrap Arm - Position & Temperature 2. Preheater Direct Drive

DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT

3. Steam Plate 4. Contact Roll 5. Glue Machine Direct Drive Touch Productivity Issue—Glue Unit Many glue units run with a rider roll or a guiding bar system. The rider roll with paper gap allows a precise glue application, but requires frequent Contact Roll

PRODUCTIVITY

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DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT

calibrations and settings. Bar systems avoid this, but compensate this with the risk of exces- sive glue application. The system contains many wearing parts. Solution The contact roll combines the ad antage of both systems and ensures minimum contact between board and applicator roll. The system uses small pneumatic cylinders in order to achieve a “soft touch.”

6. Gap Control 7. Curved Plate 8. Roller Shoe Press When it comes to a short-term increas of web tension, spring loaded systems with shoes or airpressure activated system have problems in compensating these. The system is lifted for a short time. This may result in de-lamination and in the ‘double kiss’ effect. Solution For a defined and exact bonding point of the web fiv weight rollers will be installed usually over the first flat hotplate of the heating section. The rolls are mounted into a frame, which is actuated by means of two pneumatic cylinders. P oductivity Issu —Double Kiss Bonding

PRODUCTIVITY

PRODUCTIVITY

DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT

Roller Shoe

DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT

9. Thin Wall Hot Plates 10. Pressure System Benefits —Exact glue application due to defined contact of applicator roll to web. Web is in contact to less flute tips compared to bar systems. • High precision glue application • Less moisture applied to web —No wear of shoes and springs —No adjustment of shoes or paper gap —Uniform glue application over entire w orking width for all flutes by use of pneumatic cylinders instead of springs — Less contamination by paper dust and glue remains —No jam of board because of web breaks caused by splice joints going through 630-784-0800 Benefits —Rollers secure exact defined first point of contact of liner and single-faced board - No double kiss —Frame design avoids unintended lifting of roller shoe (compared to spring or air loaded systems) - No double kiss —Pressure can be increased or released for special grades or products 490 Tower Blvd., Carol Stream, IL Contact Chicago Electric to GET IT RIGHT 630-784-0800 info@chicagoelectric.com chicagoelectric.com Solution The ProPress system ensures an optimum heat transfer to the board. It offers a wide range of set- tings. The loadi g pressure can be varied, the number of shoes can be lifted in accordance t the line speed. The outer shoes can be lifted in accordance to the paper width. The shoe bars will be delivered pre-assembled for a short installation time. —Liftable for easy paper infeed and for cleaning of the machine —Position adjustable in paper direction to avoid grooves in hotplate Press Productivity Issue—Poor Heat Transfer Rollers are usually limiting the heat transfer, since they often have contact mainly on the edges of the plates due to wear or bent plates. They also cause often loss of caliper and bearing need to be replaced frequently. Airpressure actuated systems can only supply a limited pressure and have com- pared to shoe systems a closed surface. Pressure Shoe

Plate vity Issue—Poor Heat Control l hotplates are slow to react to pressure due to high steam volume and massive y also have high heat radiation and heat profile. Worn plates can damage crease edge crush.

Thin-Wall Hot Plates

t by peripheral drilled hot plates. anufactured out of special wear and nt steel, through which a continuous is drilled, with one inlet and one outlet. ecured by a massive steel frame.

CORR24usa.com

ance from steam to paper surface results in fast heat flow n higher plate surface temperature

Benefits

WestRock Breaks Ground On Expansion In NC

Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month December 2021

Norcross, Georgia based WestRock broke ground on March 16 on a 285,000-square-foot expansion at its pack- aging facility in Claremont, NC. The $47 million investment was bolstered by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund. The project is expected to create 50 new jobs by the end of next year. The expanded facility and its employees will support WestRock’s production of sustainable, packaging for some of the world’s leading brands. WestRock has been in Claremont for 25 years.

Year

Actual

Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change

2021 2020

34.195 34.916

-2.1

8.549 8.729

-2.1

Industry Total

Year-to Date

December 2021

Year

Actual

Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change

2021 2020

416.338 406.776

2.4

8.294 8.071

2.8

Industry Total

Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)

Year

Month

Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change

AF&PA Releases February Packaging Papers Report

2021 2020

2.7372 2.7727

-1.3

33.8477 33.0739

2.3

Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)

AF&PA released the February 2022 Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report. Total shipments in February decreased two percent compared to February 2021. They were down two percent when compared to the same two months of 2021. The operating rate was 86.8 percent, down 1.1 points from February 2021 and down 1.0 points year-to-date. Mill inventories at the end of Febru- ary increased two thousand short tons from the previous month, and were down 11 thousand short tons compared to February 2021.

Corrugator Plants Only

Date

Percent Change Weeks of Supply

Percent Change

Dec. Nov.

2.256 2.203

2.4

3.3 3.3

0

Shipping Days

Year

Month

Year-to-Date

2021 2020

20 20

251 252

SOURCE: Fibre Box Association

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March 28, 2022

Huston Patterson, Sigma Graphics Merge With Lewisburg Printing Co. Decatur, Illinois based Huston Patterson and Sigma Graph- ics (together, HP), leading suppliers of high-graphic print- ed materials, last week announced the companies have merged with Lewisburg Printing Company (LPC). LPC, a portfolio company of Radial Equity Partners, manufactur- ers of printed materials and packaging for a broad range of markets, including personal care, food & beverage, healthcare, and other consumer markets. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1895 in Decatur, Huston Patterson man- ufactures printed materials for the packaging and Point of Purchase markets. The company is a G7 Master Print- er with a broad range of capabilities, including large and small format lithographic and digital printing as well as val- ue-added prepress and finishing services. The company provides unparalleled value and performance through the effective use of both technology and craftsmanship. Sigma Graphics, located in Ottawa, Illinois, is Huston Patterson’s specialty products division. Founded in 1898, LPC is a manufacturer of high-graph- ic printed materials and packaging. LPC is a G7 Master Printer and offers a wide range of capabilities, including large and small format lithographic, flexographic and digi- tal printing as well as value-added prepress and finishing

services to provide its customers with high quality printed solutions. LPC has approximately 250 employees located in Tennessee and Texas with a mission to ensure its cus- tomers receive products and services that exceed their expectations with unmatched speed to market. “Our goal has always been to exceed the expectations of our clients and to be the best partner and employer in the large format printed materials and packaging indus- try,” said Huston Patterson President, Tonya Kowa-Morelli. “I am thrilled to be able to broaden our value proposition to our employees, clients and vendors. LPC and HP have both been leaders in the print industry for over 125 years. Our partnership, along with the support of Radial, will pro- vide the perfect platform for continued growth.” “HP has a strong reputation as a high quality suppli- er and brings complementary manufacturing capabilities, customer relationships, and geographic reach,” said Hale Hawkins, IV, CEO of LPC. “We share a philosophy of ex- ceeding customer expectations, delivering unmatched speed to market and providing exceptional service. We look forward to working with the talented team at HP as we continue our growth both organically and through ac- quisitions.” The merger represents a continuation of Radial Equity Partners’ focus on investing in the packaging industry. The Radial team has previously led packaging investments in Alpha Packaging, Chesapeake Corporation, Mold-Rite Plastics and Multi Packaging Solutions.

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March 28, 2022

Longtime TAPPI Member Pete Snyder Retires After 42 Years In The Corrugated Industry Longtime starch-based corrugating adhesive expert Peter “Pete” Snyder, an active member in TAPPI’s Corrugated Division for 36 years, has an- nounced his retirement from HarperLove. Pete worked 42 years in the corrugating industry, including for National Starch, Corrugated Chemicals, and Ringwood. For the past 24 years, he was the National Accounts Manager at HarperLove, specializing in wet strength adhesives, triple wall production, bonding waxed and coated

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substrates, research and development, and board testing. His noted accom- plishments include the development of both powder and liquid polymer bond- ing additives for starch adhesives and the invention and refinement of the chemistry for the popular and valuable One Bag Mix (OBM) products. He joined TAPPI in 1986, and his 36-year membership reflects a deep passion for advancing the industry. He instructed both “Best Practices on the Corrugator” and “Intro to Corrugated”

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Pete Snyder

courses for TAPPI, and along with Ed Riley, also designed and participated in the Corrugated Short Course. Pete has presented technical sessions at Corrugated Week®, CorrExpo® and SuperCorrExpo®. He also partici- pated for 22 years in the peer-reviewed Standards testing and approval process as a Standard-Specific Interest Group (SSIG) member, working to- ward measurement, evaluation, and description of pulp, paper, packaging, and related products. Pete was also involved in supporting the future of the industry as an active volunteer in the TAPPI Foundation, a student-fo- cused philanthropy that funds generous scholarships, supports the annual Student Summit, and provides assistance to all TAPPI Student Chapters. “TAPPI was an invaluable investment in my career,” Pete notes, “and I look forward to remaining involved even after retirement.” An incredibly active Corrugated Division volunteer, Pete’s honors in- cluded the 2021 President’s Choice Award, Corrugated Packaging Divi- sion Technical Award and Harry J. Bettendorf Prize in 2004, the 2011 Cor- rugated Packaging Division Leadership and Service Award, and the 2016 Corrugated Lifetime Achievement Award. He served as Chair of the Cor- rugated Board Technical Service Committee (CORBOTEC), the Fiberboard Shipping Container Technical Committee (FISCOTEC), the Corrugator Scholarships and Awards Committee, and the Cullison Scholarship Com- mittee. He also actively served on the Division Council, Division Steering Committee, Technical Services Committee, the Corrugated Supplier Ad- visory Committee, the Marketing Advisory Committee, the TOC Awards Committee, the In-Process Subcommittee, Process Control and Quality Assurance Committee and the Technical Information Papers (TIPs) Review Subcommittee. His Local Section Committee memberships included Chicago TAPPI (Corrugated), Minnesota Local Section, South Central TAPPI Local Section (Corrugated), and the Virginia-Carolina TAPPI Local Section. Upon learning of Pete’s retirement, TAPPI President & CEO Larry N. Montague said, “Pete represents the best of the best of our TAPPI mem- bership and his successful, rewarding career is proof-positive that being CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

700+ Plants 60,000 Users North America Latin America Europe

  

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March 28, 2022

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Snyder Retires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)

an active member can bolster and improve not only your industry knowledge, but your professional network and growth.” In retirement, Pete plans to tutor math at local schools and is considering consulting work. “I will miss all of my friends and colleagues at HarperLove and in corrugating plants in the U.S. and Canada,” Pete said. “Cheers!” Pete’s email address is peterasnyder@outlook.com.

Board Converting News is read by more independent and integrated decision-makers in the corrugated and folding carton industries than any other weekly publication. LEVERAGE YOUR REACH. Expansive Reach

TAPPI Journal Awards Best Research Paper For 2021

Each year, the TAPPI Journal (TJ) Editorial Board honors the best content by nominating and voting for the TAPPI Journal Best Research Paper, which is ultimately selected based on scientific merit, innovation, creativity, and clarity. The winning paper, “Application of foamed additives to the surface of wet handsheets,” was authored by Terry Bliss with co-authors Mingxiang Luo and Matthew Nicho- las. Bliss is a research fellow at Solenis, LLC in Wilmington, DE, while Luo is a global market development manager and Nicholas is a process research engineer, also with So- lenis. The foam additives research appeared in the Janu- ary 2021 issue and is now available as a free download.

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

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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AICC Announces Live And Virtual Upcoming Events In April 2022 AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, is hosting live and virtual events this April. More than 600 people have already registered for the AICC 2022 Spring Meeting, April 6-8, in Palm Desert, Cali- fornia. The meeting will have many networking opportuni- ties, including the 8th Annual Independents’ Cup Charity Golf Tournament, tours of Fruit Growers Supply and En- corr Sheets, the Accelerate Sales Forum, and a special program with keynote speaker Sean McDermott, Founder, Traction Group. Critical topics for the industry, such as the state of the industry, transportation, strategies to increase profitability, and more, will be discussed in general ses- sions and workshops throughout the event. Learn more at www.AICCbox.org/Meeting .

TAPPI Journal Awards (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)

“This study is an impactful demonstration,” said TJ Edi- torial Board Member Scott Rosencrance. “The work com- bines foam form concepts with optimization of chemical additive application. Extending the window of operation for some specialty additives can allow continued evolu- tion of wet-end system configurations, ultimately resulting in acceleration of commercial implementation of emerging production processes and grades.” Bliss will also be awarded the Honghi Tran TAPPI Jour- nal Best Research Paper Prize. The $2,000 cash prize is endowed by Professor Emeritus Honghi Tran, Ph.D., of the University of Toronto and author or co-author of more than 80 papers published in TJ. Tran established the Prize in 2019 to encourage high-quality research in TJ. The award will be presented at TAPPICon, April 30-May 4, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

One of the greatest ROIs for a company can be found by growing their share of wallet from key accounts. During Key Account De- velopment on Wednesday, April 13, Mark Al- len Roberts, CEO, OTB Solutions, will share his key account development model and help at- tendees learn to leverage current customers. Wednesday, April 20, AICC Technical Ad- visors Tom Weber and Ralph Young will focus on why understanding the characteristics or property values of the components purchased is critical and how they relate to other options in the industry in Material Testing and Why you Need it Now. Troubleshooting Printing Problems, Tues- day, April 26, will teach operators the root cause of print problems and builds on the foundation of operators who have learned how to set accurate settings. Kern Cox, Senior Lecturer, Clemson University, will bring his experience on issues with ink transfer, anilox rolls, and ink drying. Milton Corsey, Director of Human Capital Solutions, AchieveNEXT, brings his experi- ence on Thursday, April 28, on Developing a High Performance Team. Attendees will learn to build their high-performance team by en- suring the pieces fit together, rather than fo- cusing on how great members are individu- ally. Attendees will gain an understanding of the stages of team development, the types of teams, and how to encourage the three ele- ments of high-performance teams. Register for these events at www.AICCbox. org/Calendar . Questions can be directed to Taryn Pyle, Director of Education & Leadership Development, tpyle@aiccbox.org, or Chelsea May, Education and Training Manager, cmay@ aiccbox.org or (703) 836-2422.

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CSO: SEC Filings Reveal Hidden Ransomware Costs, Losses CSO, the global company that provides news and analysis on security and risk management, reported that the ran- somware scourge reached unprecedented levels in 2021, with ransomware threat actors demanding, and often re- ceiving, ransom payments in the millions of dollars. The world’s largest meat processor, JBS, confirmed in June 2021 that it paid the equivalent of $11 million in ran- som to respond to the criminal hack against its operations. The actual costs of ransomware attacks, including lost revenue, can far eclipse the simple dollar amount of any ransom paid. For most private companies, the costs of ran- somware attacks can be hidden from view, which is one reason why mandatory ransom payment reports for all or- ganizations recently became law. On the other hand, publicly traded companies are obligated to report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) any cyber incidents that materially af- fect their operations, including ransomware attacks. Most publicly traded corporations registered with the SEC fulfill this obligation by reporting these attacks on an SEC form called 8-K. (Note: the SEC is developing plans to require all publicly traded firms to report material cybersecurity inci- dents within four days after the registrant determines that it has experienced such an incident.)

CSO’s examination of 8-K filings at the SEC found 30 publicly traded companies that reported a ransomware incident, paid ransomware-related expenses, or received ransomware-related insurance reimbursements during 2020 and 2021. Although most of these filings deemed the ransomware attacks as not material or lacked data to spell out the costs experienced in dealing with the inci- dents, seven contained sufficient cost data to shed light on how high the costs of a ransomware incident can go. Norcross, Georgia based WestRock was hit by a ran- somware attack on January 23, 2021, that disrupted its IT and operational technology systems. The company said that the impact on net sales and segment income from the lost sales and operational disruption during its second quarter of 2021 was $189 million and $80 million, respec- tively. WestRock also said it incurred approximately $20 million of ransomware recovery costs, primarily profes- sional fees. WestRock said it expects to recover the ran- somware losses from cyber and business interruption in- surance in future periods. Visit csoonline.com for more on CSO, serves enter- prise security decision-makers and users with the critical information they need to stay ahead of evolving threats and defend against criminal cyberattacks. With incisive content that addresses all security disciplines from risk management to network defense to fraud and data loss prevention, CSO offers insight to support key decisions and investments for IT security professionals.

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

www.go2stafford.com 800-282-5787 IS THE MANUFACTURER OF STAFFORD ANVIL COVERS ®

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Koenig & Bauer Customers Praise Post-Press Finishing Equipment Printers are finding it necessary to invest in their finishing department to remain leaders in their field. While prepress and press equipment usually takes center stage in a print- er’s arsenal, post-press equipment such as die cutters and folder gluers are playing an equally prominent role. Koe- nig & Bauer customers are seeking the latest automated equipment and have found innovative post press solu- tions. Investment in capital equipment, such as post-press, depends on a thorough evaluation to receive the maxi- mum return on their investment. These leading printers, among many others, have chosen Koenig & Bauer post- press equipment to exceed their production goals.

“In our first six years of entering the post-press marketplace we have seen tremendous growth not only with existing customers but new cus- tomers as well,” says Tom Fitzger- ald, Director of Post-Press Products. “With a focus on offering the best service and support along with our

leading-edge technology, our customer base is increasing dramatically each year. Repeat orders prove the versatility and flexibility of our equipment. Our technology evolution CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 Tom Fitzgerald

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It’s time to revolutionize The new CorruCUT rotary die-cutter pushes what is possible

The CorruCUT is designed for high-performance rotary production of die-cut corrugated products with ultimate flexo post-printing quality. You will achieve paramount performance from the latest embedded technology with a brand new operating concept. It is available with the industry's shortest lead time from our factory to your floor. The CorruCUT has a maximum production output of 12,000 boards per hour, including setup while running, integrated remote maintenance for the ultimate uptime, and the easiest machine to operate – the CorruCUT will increase your profitability. Call us to set up a custom demonstration. Koenig & Bauer (+1) 214 790-8801 jurgen.gruber@koenig-bauer.com koenig-bauer.com

Koenig & Bauer Customers (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

line, auto bottom, and four- and six- corner. The Koenig & Bauer team worked closely with our team to customize the folder gluer so that it can produce unique, value-add- ed styles. These would typically require at least two pass- es but the Omega Allpro has reduced it to a single pass. The machine is very quick to make-ready and produces extremely high-quality results.” Ingersoll Paper Box (IPB) invested in a high-speed Koe- nig & Bauer Optima 106K die cutter to boost its production and efficiency. It complements its Koenig & Bauer Rapi- da 106 seven-color 41-inch fully-automated printing press, which gave IPB added capabilities, faster production speeds, and broadened its customer base. “When comparing the Koenig & Bauer 106K to the press it has replaced, we have achieved production run speed gains of 30-40 percent and a reduction of make ready times of 20-25 percent,” says Sarah Skinner, Inger- soll’s president. “Couple that with the ease of use and op- erator satisfaction, the Koenig & Bauer 106K has been a solid addition to our line-up.”

is expanding with the launch of the new CutPRO Q 106, a high-speed flatbed die-cutter, which is equipped with new and unique features that will yield greater productivity for our customers. Our popular folder gluers offer automated set-up and processes that allow them to be more operator friendly and intuitive for fast makeready and ease of use.” Ellis Paper Box was the first North American printer to install the Omega Allpro 90 folder gluer. Dave Ellis, its president, was attracted to the folder gluer because it could handle a wide range of substrates from carton- board to corrugated, is extremely versatile, and capable of producing the most complex range of carton styles, which minimizes makeready and maximizes productivity. “The Omega Allpro folder gluer plays a very important role within our organization,” says Ellis. “It gives us the flex- ibility to manufacture all styles of cartons including straight

Ingersoll produces billions of custom box- es of packaging for customers in such indus- tries as pharmaceutical, consumer goods and food packaging—all with a commitment to quality control and continuous improvement. It is always seeking to expand its capital in- vestments in newer and better equipment to ensure that it maintains its reputation as a trusted supplier of paperboard packaging. The Optima 106K flatbed die cutter supports that mandate. The Optima 106K provides In- gersoll with high quality, high productivity, easy handling, and fast preparation. This new- est generation of Koenig & Bauer blankers is equipped with new tooling technology to do sheeting in a fast and easy method. It is capa- ble of handling paper, cardboard, plastic and corrugated boards up to 1.5mm. Lithographic Industries, a privately-owned, third generation packaging printer located in Broadview, IL, chose to invest in its business by adding a Koenig & Bauer Optima 106 die cutter after thoroughly investigating what was competitively offered in the marketplace. “We depend on equipment that is oper- ating smoothly and efficiently with minimal downtime,” says Louis A. Ebert, president of Lithographic Industries. “The superior technol- ogy from the Koenig & Bauer Optima 106 die cutter has significantly increased our through- put and led to enhanced client satisfaction. Our die cutter has completely eliminated variability right from the start. It registers the sheet perfectly. Additionally, it has reduced waste and increased our productivity, which is important as the need for capacity has grown.” Visit koenig-bauer.com for more.

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American Box Co. (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 )

produce 24,000 pieces per hour. EDF has installed seven machines in Europe but American Box was the first instal- lation in the United States. Hayden praises the machine’s set up while run and order recall capabilities. “We put it in to handle some of the capacity that we saw during the pandemic and it’s paid off extremely well in that regard,” says Hayden, who ordered the machine just af-

with Barberan when the opportunity with American Box presented itself. “We came into the ownership of a very well-run company with a great team of employees,” says Bradley. “Our business really took off when people started having everything delivered to their doorstep. And busi- ness only appears to be getting better.” Darth Vader “Like many other independent box makers, we’ve en- joyed tremendous growth and we’re very fortunate that business is good,” adds Hayden, who took over day-to-day operations of American Box 10 years ago. He relied on the instincts sharpened from decades of corrugated industry experience to invest in a game-changing piece of equip- ment in early 2020, just prior to the onset of Covid-19. “Everyone thought I was losing my mind when I made my ‘pandemic purchase,’” he says of Haire Group’s newest line, the FD 618, a 4-color, 24-inch by 70-inch high-speed mini flexo folder gluer. “Our mini was running at capacity when Haire came out with this newest machine and we saw an opportunity to grow our line. The machine was a perfect fit. We call it the Darth Vader.” Like the fictional protagonist of the Star Wars trilogy, the new machine is as intimdating as it is powerful and is indeed a force to be reckoned with. Manufactured in Italy by EDF Europe, the European division of Dongfang Preci- sion Group, the machine boasts a die cut section and can

ter the lockdown began. Haire Group technicians installed “Darth Vader” in October of 2020 and it was up and run- ning in two weeks. An EAM Mosca Unitizer provides front and back end support, respectively. Although it did alter some start times, stop times and American Box’s ‘Darth Vader,’ EDF Europe’s 4-color flexo folder gluer from Haire Group, can produce 24,000 pieces per hour.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Do you need printed sheets? We have your answer.. Introducing Heartland’s ColorCorr. This is “flexo-printing in the round”. On our corrugator we can print up to 109” wide. The advantage is that we can print the equivalent of ½ roll at a time and not be required to keep several rolls of very expensive preprinted paper on the floor. Much less waste and risk. In continual print mode, we use either laser-engraved rubber rolls or solid rubber rolls to print a “flood coat” or a repeating pattern. If we are printing a repeating pattern, we can run a two-color design on the paper. Customers have found that running sheets we print can allow them to run a lighter-grade due to reduced caliper loss, and in some cases eliminate one or more machine passes.

For more information contact: Charlie Freeman | 816-500-8889 | cfreeman@heartlandsheets.com Tim Kramer | 816-841-8317 | color@heartlandsheets.com

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American Box Co. (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

none,” principles the current ownership team has whole- heartedly embraced. American Box continues to be a crit- ical resource for the design and manufacturing of custom packaging, displays and packaging supplies for its new and old customers today. The company runs extended 10- hour shifts four days a week. It does not own a corruga- tor; it buys its sheets on the open market. The specialty

break cycles to “maintain distancing,” American Box never shut down due to the pandemic. The company was fortu- nate in that its approximately 50 employees – and about 25 temporary employees, as needed – experienced no in- fections through the heart of Covid-19. The few infections

items and displays that represent about five percent of American Box’s business – the remaining 95 percent is up to 4-color brown box – ships throughout the country to customers as far away as California to the west and New Jersey to the east. CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 American Box Company invested in a new Apstar 1632 die cut- ter from Haire Group in 2018.

that did strike the company occurred during the spread of the Omicron variant. Second To None When it was founded in 1975, the original partners of American Box & Tape Co. dedicated themselves to pro- viding superior customer service and reliability “second to An EAM Mosca Unitizer efficiently supports American Box Company’s increased output.

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American Box Co. (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)

The company’s long relationship with Haire Group was more solidified in 2016 with the purchase of a used J&L Specialty Folder Gluer, followed by purchases of smaller machinery and some conveyor. In 2018, Hayden decided to put in a brand new Apstar 1632 die cutter, one of the first in the market to be all servo-driven, which significantly

Board Converting News is read by more independent and integrated decision-makers in the corrugated and folding carton industries than any other weekly publication. LEVERAGE YOUR REACH. Expansive Reach

increased American Box’s footprint, its capabilities and the quality of its boxes. “From when we were founded until our first Apstar installation in 2018, we were pretty heavy on the brown box side,” says Hayden. “The Apstar’s 4-color capability

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

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Let’s Tell Our Recycling Story

Investment, Jobs Created, Tons Produced

Rick Van Horne, Director of Creative Marketing srvan614@me.com Corrugated Supplies Corp. LLC

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