Board Converting News, September 25, 2023

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 39 years September 25, 2023 VOL. 39, NO. 39

A West Coast Paperboard Packaging Odyssey BY EMILY LEONCZYK

AICC 2023 Annual Meeting Brings Home Key Takeaways The AICC Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ken- tucky last week was marked by bourbon, box plants, and business but also offered plenty of valuable takeaways designed to spark learn- ing opportunities and inspiration for manu- facturers, suppliers, and professionals at all levels and expertise among the corrugated industry's most innovative organizations. Some 500 AICC members convened at the downtown Marriott where conversations overflowed from ballroom to ballroom and all corners in between throughout the three- day event. AICC brought info-packed panel sessions, inspiring keynotes, and the latest trends in family business, automation, legisla- tion, artificial intelligence, sustainability and a lot more. Jana Harris, President of Harris Packaging and American Carton Company of Haltom City, Texas, and AICC Chairwoman, shined a supportive light on those individuals demon- strating leadership in the industry and young packaging talent. She also shared her passion for education and updated members on her efforts to establish online packaging courses for high school STEM students.

In the surprisingly dynamic world of packaging, the Paperboard Pack- aging Council (PPC) plays a pivotal role in connecting industry players, fostering innovation, and championing excellence. Recently, I had the privilege of embarking on an insightful journey to the West Coast, where I visited five distinguished PPC members at their manufacturing facilities. Each visit provided me with a unique window

into the state-of-the-art practices, innovative approaches, and custom- er-centric philosophies that define these industry leaders. This trip was a transformative experience, giving me the opportunity to explore the operations of PPC members Royal Paper Box, Superior Lithographics, Advance Paper Box Company, Ink Systems Inc., and Pre- ferred Printing & Packaging. Stop 1: Royal Paper Box — Extending the Royal Treatment My journey began with a visit to Royal Paper Box, where I was greet- ed by President Darryl Carlson, an industry leader who epitomizes “the royal treatment.” The encounter not only offered me an intimate perspective into the company's ethos but also underscored the signif- icance of meaningful customer relationships. I was deeply impressed by their focus on both their customers and team members. Royal’s commitment to excellence, even in the face of adversity in the form of a recent tornado striking Los Angeles, left a lasting and no- CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 Emily Leonczyk and the management team at Royal Paper Box

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

WHAT’S INSIDE

6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x 3 Mason Wells Acquires Accord Carton, LLC 4 WestRock Stock Up 8 Percent After Smurfit Kappa Merger 6 Pratt Industries Opens $700M Box Plant In Henderson, KY 10 IP Opens New Corrugated Facility In Pennsylvania

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Mason Wells Acquires Accord Carton, LLC

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.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin based Mason Wells announced the closing acquisition of Accord Carton, LLC, a folding carton converter serving food and beverage end markets. The company will be owned by Mason Wells, members of the Codo family, and other board members and co-in- vestors. Accord was founded in 1940 by Abraham Codo, the grandfather to third-generation brothers, Robert and Bill Codo, who have led the business for nearly 30 years. Headquartered in Alsip, Illinois, Accord offers large-format production capabilities and serves global and regional consumer packaged goods companies throughout North America. Since 1998, Mason Wells has invested in numerous midwest-based companies in the packaging materials and converting sector supporting family-ownership transitions. “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Mason Wells and continue the company’s growth,” said Robert Codo. “Their experience successfully building packaging businesses will provide Accord the resources to support its long-term growth initiatives. We look forward to build- ing upon Accord’s world-class capabilities to continue pro- viding top-notch service to existing and new customers.”

REGION E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest

42# Kraft liner $955.00-960.00 $970.00-980.00 $970.00-980.00 $ 970.00-980.00 $1000.00-1010.00 $973.00-983.00

26# Semi-Chem. Medium

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

$ 890 .00-9 4 0.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 0 5.00-9 2 5.00 $9 2 5.00-9 4 5.00 $9 0 8.00-9 2 8.00

West Coast U.S. Average

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

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.

42# Kraft Liner 26#

Semi-Chem Medium

East West

$9 2 0.00 $ 96 5.00

$9 1 0.00 $9 4 5.00

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September 25, 2023

WestRock Stock Up Eight Percent After Smurfit Kappa Merger Atlanta, Georgia based WestRock, one of the world's larg- est containerboard producers, and Europe's Smurfit Kap- pa have signed a definitive agreement to create a $20B packaging giant called Smurfit WestRock. WestRock stock climbed by approximately eight per- cent during the hours after the deal was announced, while Smurfit's London-listed shares declined by approximately nine percent. Under the deal, WestRock shareholders will receive one new Smurfit WestRock share and $5 in cash for each WRK share they hold. This equates to $43.51 per share. Smurfit and WestRock together generated last 12 months' adjusted annual revenue of aboout $34B as of June 30, which would make Smurfit WestRock the largest listed global packaging partner by revenue. Shareholders of Smurfit and WestRock will own about 50.4 percent and 49.6 percent of the combined compa- ny, respectively. Smurfit WestRock will be listed on NYSE and the London Stock Exchange. Smurfit Kappa CEO Tony Smurfit and and its chair, Irial Finan, will lead the combined firm. “We will have the leading assets, a unique global foot- print in both paper and corrugated, significant synergies, and enhanced scale to deliver value in the short, medium and long term,” said Tony Smurfit.

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September 25, 2023

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Pratt Industries Opens $700M Box Plant In Henderson, KY

Conyers, Georgia based Pratt Industries, Inc. announced the official opening of its $700 million 100 percent recy- cled paper mill and corrugated box factory in Henderson, Kentucky. Pratt bills it as the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly paper mill ever built that will save the equivalent of 25,000 trees every day. “This is a very proud day for our company because this investment represents a major part of my recent pledge to the United States Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, to invest $5 billion in recycling and clean energy infrastructure in the U.S. over the next 10 years,” said Pratt Executive Chairman Anthony Pratt.

“This will help reduce landfill, cut methane gas emis- sions, and create green collar American manufacturing jobs as championed by President Biden.” Pratt now has assets invested in America to the val- ue of $12 billion and has created 12,000 American green manufacturing jobs. The Australian-born businessman was joined at the grand opening of the 1.1 million square foot factory by Ken-

tucky Governor Andy Beshear, Ambassa- dor Caroline Kennedy, and the Australian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Kevin Rudd. “I want to congratulate Pratt Industries on this newest milestone in Henderson,” Beshear said in a news release. “The quality job opportunities for hun- dreds of Kentucky residents this project is bringing to the region is something to cel- ebrate. Pratt Industries is a perfect fit for the Henderson community, and I want to thank Anthony Pratt and his team for their commitment to the commonwealth.” Pratt said it was an honor to open the factory with Governor Beshear and Am- bassadors Kennedy and Rudd. “When we first met two years ago, I told Governor Beshear we were planning to make this investment in Ohio or Indiana, and that we needed adequate electricity and water to power the paper mill – and he moved mountains to make it happen in Kentucky – so we’re opening this mill to- day because of Governor Beshear’s lead- ership. “He’s the greatest governor in these United States of America,” said Pratt. “I congratulate him for his laser focus on job creation — this factory will employ 325 Kentuckians in well-paying, green-col- lar, manufacturing jobs at an average wage of around $100,000 per person and takes Pratt Industries’ workforce to over 12,000 Americans in 72 factories spread across more than 25 states, making it the largest Australian employer of Americans.” The company has also built six of the last eight paper mills in America – all pro- CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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September 25, 2023

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Pratt Industries (CONT’D FROM PAGE 4)

Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month June 2023

ducing only 100 percent recycled paper. The new paper machine in Henderson, more than twice the length of a football field, will produce 1,500 tons of 100 percent recycled paper every day. It will then be made into corrugated boxes at Pratt’s converting plants across the country .

Year

Actual

Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change

2023 2022

33.006 34.817

-5.2

7.501 7.913

-5.2

Industry Total

Year-to Date

June 2023

Year

Actual

Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change

2023 2022

189.149 206.082

-8.2

7.447 8.113

-8.2

Industry Total

Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)

Year

Month

Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change

2023 2022

2.7037 2.8541

-5.3

15.5017 16.9061

-8.3

Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)

“We are transforming America’s recycling and manu- facturing sectors through these initiatives,” said Pratt. “We’re actually in the landfill avoidance business which is good for greenhouse gas reduction as well be- cause as things decay in the landfill, they produce meth- ane gas which is 84 times worse for climate change than carbon dioxide.” More than 700 guests attended the opening including Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali’s widow and the co-founder of the Ali Center in Louisville, and Claire Babineaux-Fonte- not, CEO of Feeding America.

Corrugator Plants Only

Date

Percent Change Weeks of Supply

Percent Change

June May

2.2422 2.3221

-3.4

3.6 3.9

-7.7

Shipping Days

Year

Month

Year-to-Date

2023 2022

22 22

127 127

SOURCE: Fibre Box Association

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September 25, 2023

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IP Opens New $100M Corrugated Packaging Facility In Pennsylvania Memphis, Tennessee based International Paper an- nounced the opening of its newest corrugated packaging facility in Atglen, Pennsylvania.

munities and will produce corrugated packaging for pro- duce, processed food, beverage, shipping, distribution, and e-commerce customers. “Our corrugated packaging business is an important part of International Paper. This strategic investment will add local jobs and help us better serve our customers," said Tom Hamic, Senior Vice President and Chief Com- mercial Officer, International Paper. “After months of hard work, it is exciting to see construction complete with ma- chines running. At Atlgen, we are helping to create what's next by making fiber-based sustainable products our cus- tomers value," said Darrin Hinds, Regional General Manag- er, International Paper. The project was a collaborative effort between Interna- tional Paper and local, county and state community part- ners. Atglen was selected based on its access to a skilled workforce, multi-mode transportation capabilities and easy distribution access to strategic markets. “This was really a team effort and we're grateful for ev- eryone that contributed to its success including our team at Atglen, colleagues from across International Paper, and partners within the community," said Cameron Rushing, Plant Manager. “We look forward to being part of the local community and the success of the Atglen facility.” International Paper is a global producer of packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products and one of North America's largest recyclers, employing 39,000 people. For more information, visit internationalpaper.com .

The new $100 million facility is providing more than 100 manufacturing jobs to Atglen and the surrounding com- Darrin Hinds, Regional General Manager, and Cam Rushing, Plant General Manager, cut the ribbon to officially inaugurate IP's newest state-of-the-art box corrugated packaging plant.

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September 25, 2023

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AICC Annual Meeting (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

“If you have a STEM school that you're already working with, or one that you want to work with, and you want to implement some of this as well, we highly recommend you reach out to us at AICC or myself and we'll make sure we can help you get that going," Harris said.

Three local companies — Premier Packaging, Independent II, and Greif CorrChoice — graciously opened their doors for tours of their state- of-the-art facilities where two busloads of attendees were allowed an in- side look at their operations and the practices that drive their success in the industry following by lunch and bluegrass music at the historic Farm- ington Plantation. Greg Jones of SUN Automation, was honored as an AICC Champion by Jana Harris, AICC Chairwoman.

Greg Jones, Executive Vice President of Sun Automation Group, and Greg Tucker, CEO of Bay Cities Container, Pico Rivera, California, were recognized as AICC member Champions for going “above and beyond” in their efforts to promote the value of being a member of the association. Jordan Dawson, Customer Service/Purchasing Representative of Har- ris Packaging, an EL junior delegate, recognized to ELs who are “aging From left, are Jordan Dawson, AICC EL presenter, and graduating Emerging Leaders Lauren Frisch of Wasatch Container; John McQueary, EL presenter; Drew Breier, Jamestown Container; Paul Wagner, Lawrence Paper Company; Ryan Zambon, Weber Display and Packaging; and Alan Ferrera of Cajas De Carton Sultana.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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AICC Annual Meeting (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)

"We hold multiple virtual and in-person training and net- working events throughout the year, and more than half of those events are completely free to our members,” he said. “Some other exciting events we have planned for the year include our next C-Suite series webinar, which is a free quarterly webinar series both within and outside of organization and outside of our industry.” Matt Davis, President of Packaging Express and AICC

out” of the program after serving for a number of years and making significant contributions. Harris urged AICC members to invite their young pro- fessionals to join the Emerging Leaders program, which offers a support system for young leaders 35 and under in the packaging industry and networking opportunities that

help them grow as leaders. John McQueary, Vice President of Sales at CST Sys- tems, a senior delegate for AICC’s Emerging Leaders (EL) said that there are currently 122 enrolled members, 21 of whom are new in 2023, and 55 of whom attended the AICC Annual Meeting. From left, are Jordan Dawson; Matt Davis, President of Pack- aging Express and AICC First Vice Chairman; and John Mc- Queary.

First Vice Chairman, was recognized for his leadership with Emerging Leaders and association with the EL workshop in Colorado Springs. “We're also looking forward to to our an- nual virtual winter social networking event in December.” From left, Jana Harris, highlights student design competition winners Edwin Barrera, University of Texas-Arlington; Cory Richard Williams and Xinh Beardmore of Dunwoody College of Technology; and scholarship recipients Jack White of West- ern Michigan University, and Bryanna Thobe of Clemson.

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September 25, 2023

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AICC To Host Webinar On R&D Tax Credits

AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, an- nounced an upcoming webinar on October 24 focusing on tax credits for sustainability research and development. Planning is vital to manage the income tax burden for companies and owners. One item that manufacturers of- ten overlook in their annual planning is the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit. In this webinar led by Tom Moul, Director of Strategic Tax Services at Stambaugh Ness, participants can learn how this credit can help you lower your tax bill and keep cash in your pocket by under- standing what activities qualify for the credit and learning the process for capturing data needed to calculate the credit. Moul specializes in customized planning that increases tax efficiency by considering the unique big-picture needs and goals of each client. Working closely with companies, Moul outlines steps to minimize taxes, identify alternatives, and understand tax implications. This webinar is available for free to AICC members in good standing. To register, visit aiccbox.org or contact Taryn Pyle at tpyle@aiccbox.org or (703) 836-2422. Tom Moul

16

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September 25, 2023

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Jamestown Container Joins P+PB Box To Nature Initiative Falconer, New York based Jamestown Container Compa- ny announced its participation in The Paper and Packag- ing Board’s (P+PB) Box to Nature program. This initiative aims to revolutionize consumer behavior by promoting re- sponsible recycling practices and sustainability. Studies show that two out of three consumers admit to

program aligns perfectly with our values and commitment to environmental stewardship. We hope other packaging companies will also participate in this program, so we can achieve higher recovery rates for recyclable materials.” Jamestown Container has been providing corrugated packing solutions for more than 65 years. Starting with just five employees, the company has since grown into a multi-facility, concept-to-finished goods corrugated and packaging foam supplier. Case Paper Names Johnson Vice President Of Supply Chain Harrison, New York based Case Paper introduced Jeff Johnson as the new Vice President of Supply Chain. John- son has a background in supply chain, purchasing and

not consistently recycling. Almost half of consumers find some aspects of recy- cling challenging, with only an estimated 40 percent being recovered. The Box to Nature program is com-

capital expense management. As a former VP of Supply Chain and Pro- curements at National Dentex and a VP of Supply Chain Operations at PACE, his prior negotiations result- ed in partnerships with freight giants like FedEx and UPS. Johnson is dedicated to mak-

mitted to changing this narrative. The Box to Nature program features an instruction- al mark on packaging that consumers can scan via a QR code. They’re led to a branded page, which thanks them for their recycling efforts and encourages further engage- ment with an interactive quiz and recycling tips. Joseph M. Palmeri, President of Corrugated Packaging for Jamestown Container, noted how important it is for the company to participate in this program. “We believe it’s our responsibility to ensure that our products contribute to a greener, more sustainable planet. The Box to Nature

ing Case Paper the MVP of the paper industry, a goal he seems ready and willing to take on as an ultra-marathoner, participating in a 50K race earlier this year. Jeff Johnson

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September 25, 2023

FBA Tech Box: EPCRA Tier II Reporting For Box Plants BY CHASE KAMMERER

port: Store hazardous chemicals in quantities equal to or exceeding the established threshold levels (10,000 pounds for most chemicals, 500 pounds for extremely hazardous substances). The facility is not exempt under Section 311(e) (5) of EPCRA (e.g., retail facilities, small manufacturers, or processors). 2. Identify hazardous chemicals on-site: Compile a comprehensive list of all hazardous chemicals stored at the box plant. This includes common chemicals used in the manufacturing process, such as adhesives, coatings, solvents, and cleaning agents. This information can be found in section 2 of the Safety Data Sheets (SDS). 3. Determine reporting thresholds: Review the report- ing thresholds for each hazardous chemical to determine if it exceeds the established threshold levels.. 4. Obtain SDSs: Collect SDSs for all hazardous chem- icals stored on-site. SDSs provide detailed information about the chemical composition, hazards, and safe handling procedures.

EPCRA (Emergency Planning and Community Right-to- Know Act) requires certain facilities, including box plants,

to submit an annual inventory of hazardous chemicals stored on-site to the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), Local Emergen- cy Planning Committee (LEPC), and the local Fire department. Here are the steps to follow for EPCRA - Tier II reporting for box plants:

Chase Kammerer

1. Determine if reporting is required: Box plants that meet the following criteria are required to file a Tier II re-

DESIGNS THAT INCREASE PRODUCTION

5. Compile necessary information: Gather the following information for each hazardous chemical: chemical name and Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) num- ber; quantity stored on-site; Physical and health hazards; and storage location within the facility 6. Fill out the Tier II reporting form: Use the Tier II reporting form provided by the SERC or the appropriate regulatory agen- cy in your state. Include all the required information for each hazardous chemical. 7. Submit the report: File the Tier II re- port with the SERC, LEPC, and the local fire department by the deadline. Check with your state or local agencies for specif- ic submission instructions and deadlines. Some states may require electronic sub- mission through their designated online reporting system. 8. Maintain records: Keep a copy of the filed Tier II report and supporting docu- mentation (such as SDSs and inventory records) for at least three years. These re- cords may be subject to inspection by the regulatory agencies. 9. Annual updates: Review and update the Tier II report annually to reflect any changes in hazardous chemicals stored on-site, quantities, or storage locations. It is important to note that EPCRA re- quires facilities to make certain information available to the public, including emergen- cy responders, upon request. This typical- ly includes providing access to the Tier II report and chemical inventory information. For additional guidance and specific re- CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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September 25, 2023

FBA Tech Box (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

skill gaps that may impact their potential. The Sales Management Cohort is designed for Sales Managers and individuals in sales leadership positions.

quirements, the FBA website provides an FAQ for SARA Title III obligations with information on Sections 301-304 and 311-312. Refer to the EPCRA regulations and contact your state or local regulatory agency responsible for EP- CRA compliance. They can provide further instruction and assist with any questions related to Tier II reporting for box plants. Chase Kammerer is the Technical Services Manager at Fibre Box Association (FBA). If you have technical ques- tions about the corrugated industry, you can reach him directly at ckammerer@fibrebox.org. AICC Accepting Apps For Sales Advisory, Management Programs AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, an- nounced it is accepting applications for its innovative Sales Advisory Group and groundbreaking Sales Manage- ment Cohort professional development programs. The Sales Advisory Group aims to empower sales rep- resentatives, coordinators, and customer service profes- sionals to reach the pinnacle of their selling potential. It is strategically designed to harness data-driven insights through sales skills and relationship diagnostics, enabling participants to assess their selling strengths and pinpoint

The program commences with a rigorous assessment phase that em- ploys cutting-edge sales manage- ment skills and relationship diagnos- tics. Participants gain insights into their management strengths while identifying skill gaps that might im- pede their team’s performance.

Mark Roberts

AICC has collaborated with two industry experts, Mark Roberts, a sales consultant and coach, and Ed Wallace, a best-selling author and sales training facilitator, to curate a comprehensive program that combines data-driven as- sessments, practical coaching, and collaborative learning.

Through a holistic approach that combines in-person sessions, virtual workshops, and personalized one- on-one coaching, participants will be equipped with the tools to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible

Ed Wallace

results in real-world sales and management scenarios. More information about both programs can be found at www.AICCbox.org/Advisory . Direct questions to Taryn Pyle, Director of Education & Leadership Development, at tpyle@AICCbox.org or (703) 836.2422.

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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FLEXO ROTARY DIE CUTTER

MORE BOXES EVERY MINUTE . . . PERIOD! Since 1955 we have been serving the corrugated industry with both new and used equipment. Now more than ever, we offer practical and affordable solutions to meet the needs of today’s boxmaker.

K7io The Original Multi-Color Inside/Out Flexo Rotary Die Cutter Pioneers in inside/outside printing offering quality printing and die cutting. The K7 offers the ability to print on both sides of the box in a single pass. The K7 Series can be equipped with slotting and scoring and a SHINKO Super Alpha folder gluer/counter ejector thereby making it a K7S. Global has also incorporated a unique configuration to our K7S 66” X 142” 1636 Flexo Folder Gluer creating the “Dual-Line”. The Dual-Line configuration enables a customer with two of the same size machines to have side tracking printer interchangeability. Sizes Available: 66” X 110” to 66” X 190”

1486 St. Paul Avenue, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 USA 847-949-5900 800-621-4343 www.boxmachine.com THE ORIGINAL WORLD WIDE LEADER IN MULTI COLOR INSIDE/OUTSIDE PRINT TECHNOLOGY

SINCE 1955

Packaging Odyssey (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

The core of their vision is to be the most respected in- dependent printer in the Western United States, and they achieve this through their innovative approach of engag- ing team members in the problem-solving process.

ticeable impact on company culture and morale. Through effective crisis communication and operational resilience, Royal Paper Box demonstrated the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Their team banded together and did not miss a beat (although maybe some sleep), and were diligently focused on serving their customers, even while operating under stress. Darryl plans to take the stage at PPC’s upcoming Fall Meeting to share his key takeaways from the experience. While the tornado may have put their expansion plans a bit behind schedule, their team worked quickly to ensure it was just a blip on the radar (figuratively and literally). I was inspired by the chance to walk the freshly broken ground as they continue to expand their royal reach. Stop 2: Superior Lithographics - Showcasing Lean Man- ufacturing Mastery My journey continued with a stop at Superior Litho- graphics, where I met with President & COO Jeff Ku, an industry success story in his own right. Jeff spent over a decade working his way through the ranks, and is leading the operation today, for good reason. Ku’s noticeable background in lean manufacturing struck me, and my visit highlighted his commitment and leader- ship, evidenced by the incorporation of employee sugges- tions on safety and operational efficiency.

I learned that Superior Lithographics had implement- ed over 3,000 team member suggestions since launching the program 11 years ago, a testament to their dedication to creating a fulfilling work environment. Every member of the Superior Lithographics team has an opportunity for their voice to be heard, and this process of listening to new ideas is how we push our industry forward. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 Leonczyk and Jeff Ku, President, Superior Lithographics.

Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985

Give your digital marketing campaign a boost! Leverage your message to your potential customers with the credibility of Board Converting News behind it. Sponsor a weekly Monday issue or we’ll send out an eblast any day of the week to our full online circulation. 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

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Celebrating a quarter century of innovation

Since 1998 JB Machinery has been developing innovative solutions to maximize productivity, quality and PROFITABILITY.

... And friendships that have spanned decades.

Productivity — Quality — Protability

JB Machinery Inc., | +1-203-544-0101 | jbmachinery.com

Visit us at FEFCO booth 101 , October 25-27, 2023

Packaging Odyssey (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

This includes engaging new talent, too. Ku shared his commitment to supporting recent graduates like those from his alma mater, Cal Poly. I was delighted to see a familiar face on my tour, a re- cent Student Design Challenge winner who we hosted during last year’s Fall Meeting via the Paperboard Packag- ing Alliance (PPA), a joint initiative of the American Forest & Paper Association and PPC. The total experience solidified how involving your workforce at every level in continuous improvement leads to elevated performance and a culture of innovation. Stop 3: Advance Paper Box Company-Packaging Spec- trum - A Century of Excellence Celebrating a remarkable milestone of 100 years in business, Advance Paper Box Company-Packaging Spec- trum opened its doors to me, with owners Nickie Silk, Evan Gardner and Vice President George Rodarte offering me a glimpse into their expansive 500,000 square-foot manu- facturing and warehouse facility.

For the latest, up-to-the minute news in the Flexo Industry — acquisitions, installations, market trends, personnel changes — visit FlexoMarketNews.com EVERY day. On your laptop or mobile device.

My visit coincided with the anticipation of the com- pany's centenary celebrations, creating an atmosphere charged with history and accomplishment. It’s not every day that companies turn a hundred years old! Paperboard packaging has existed since the mid-1800s, and the fact that Advance Paper Box Compa- ny-Packaging Spectrum has been in business for over half of that time is a testament to their hard work and fortitude. As I walked through the facility, I was immersed in the legacy and evolution of packaging over the past centu- ry. The experience underscored the enduring power of innovation and adaptability as Advance Paper Box Com- pany-Packaging Spectrum continues to thrive in an ev- er-evolving industry. Emily Leonczyk with Nick Silk and George Rodarte of Advance Paper Box.

www.FlexoMarketNews.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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The best of

two worlds

Two companies team up for your success!

Koenig & Bauer Celmacch’s expertise with converters have enabled us to develop machines for you with the highest technological standards in the industry. This supports maximum reliability, quality and flexibility. Our range of products meet different investment strategies and productivity requirements, ranging from entry-level models to machines that are equipped with the highest levels of automation, sophistication and the highest throughput.

Contact us for information on how you can become the next success story.

tom.fitzgerald@koenig-bauer.com

Packakging Odyssey (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)

onated with me, showcasing how a seamless approach can drive both operational efficiency and customer satis- faction. Everything in the world is getting more expensive, and unfortunately, our industry is not immune to these strains. We’re excited to see Preferred Printing & Packag- ing growing in spite of such challenges, and we can’t wait to hear Jim present at the PPC Fall Meeting to help oth- ers in the industry who might be struggling. The site visit painted a vivid picture of a family-owned business forging a path to a sustainable future while maintaining its commit- ment to personalized service. Stop 5: Ink Systems Inc. – Pushing Manufacturers to Dream Big My journey took a final colorful turn as I stepped into the world of Ink Systems Inc., led by President Carl Hirsch. A fascinating tour through the ink process revealed the intricate science and artistry behind ink manufacturing for the offset printing industry. Ink Systems manufacturing headquarters demonstrat- ed one of their quality assurance tests in their UV ink lab- oratory. They showed me how they ensure inks are dried and cured properly for cartons produced by many of our PPC members’ converting operations. Connecting my recent tours with Ink Systems’ opera- tions provided a more complete understanding of the role ink application experts play in the packaging process. CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Stop 4: Preferred Printing & Packaging - Forging a Path to Sustainable Growth My next stop was at Preferred Printing & Packaging, where I engaged with Vice President Jim Frassetto, a vi- sionary leader passionate about sustainable growth.

As I toured the plant, Jim shared his insights into the company's success and their holistic approach to turn- key production processes. The experience illuminated the company's dedication to staying lean and agile while achieving impressive growth. The emphasis on a "turnkey production process" res- Leonczyk and Jim Frassetto of Preferred Printing & Packaging

• Machinery selection • Plant layout • Project Management • Consulting

A true corrugated industry veteran with nearly 50 years’ experience, Richard Etra can help you with every aspect of box plant operation. Contact Richard today for a no-cost consultation: email: richard_etra@etracorrugatedsolutions.com ph: 917-647-9520

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AUTOMATED SHEET SAMPLING

SQC/SQX DIVERTER with optional SCRUBBER ® TECHNOLOGY

QQ High-speed sampling QQ Outstanding board control QQ Automatic set-up QQ Enhanced scrap removal QQ LQC - Length Quality Control System

LEARN MORE www.geomartin.com

GEO. M. Martin Company • 1250 67th Street Emeryville, California 94608, United States 510.652.2200 • Fax 510.652.6447 • email info@geomartin.com

ROTARY DIE CUTTER STACKERS & PERIPHERALS

The Martin logo and the word Scrubber are Registered Trademarks of the Geo. M. Martin Company.

Packaging Odyssey (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

A vital part of PPC’s mission is to connect the best man- ufacturers with the highest quality suppliers, and Ink Sys- tem’s success in our industry is a testament to that.

ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com

Advantzware provides a comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP requirements of full scale pack- aging plants and integrated companies. With modules for estimating, scheduling, production, inventory and account- ing, this scalable system supports companies that produce corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point of purchase dis- plays, assembled partitions, and paperboard products. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com Air Conveying Corporation is a leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than sim- ply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your pro- posed system. Our equipment is found in printing, folding carton and corrugated plants throughout the world. We've been designing, manufacturing and engineering pneumatic conveying systems since 1984. We partner with our customers to ensure they operate efficiently and guar- antee our systems meet or exceed their specifications. ASDI specializes in full pull-through systems trim separators, and NFPA compliant systems with full electronic controls. AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com AIR SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. www.airsystemsdesign.com Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and com- prehensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated scheduling software, and engineered automation technol- ogy. For over 30 years, Amtech has kept our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with customer digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.com World’s largest Anilox and Glue & Metering roll manufac- turer, providing the widest selection of corrugated engrav- ings and complementary services. Anilox engraving options available from our North American manufacturing facility include elongated 75°, 60°, 45°, plus Apex’s patented GTT technology. Glue rolls are produced with Hardened Stain- less Steel and a max TIR of 10 µ for Single, Double Facers.

Emily Leonczyk and Carl Hirsch of Ink Systems Inc.

The Return Flight My West Coast tour offered a wide view of the packag- ing industry's innovation, resilience, and customer-centric philosophies. Each encounter with PPC members reinforced my un- derstanding of the ideas and people that make the paper- board packaging industry so unique. From weathering storms to embracing lean practices and celebrating heritage to pioneering precision, these organizations epitomize the Paperboard Packaging Coun- cil's mission to foster excellence and collaboration. As I return home, I carry with me a wealth of insights that will undoubtedly shape the future of the packaging industry through PPC's ongoing endeavors. The Paperboard Packaging Council has an exciting fall ahead! From October 25-27, they’ll be hosting their an- nual Fall Meeting in San Diego, which includes the can’t- miss Women’s Leadership Council, Carton Competition Awards, and more. If you make it to either one of these industry events, make sure to say hi to Emily! Emily Leonczyk is Director of Operations for the Pa- perboard Packaging Council and COO & Executive Vice President of The Markens Group.

**LOGOS **TEXT

ALBANY INTERNATIONAL www.albint.com

Albany International has a corrugator belt for every appli- cation. Our reputation for durable performance is the trade- mark of the most dependable belts in service today.

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INTRODUCING

LINERBOARD A NEW LIGHTWEIGHT SO POWERFUL, YOU’D THINK IT WAS A HEAVYWEIGHT.

LIGHTER I STRONGER I SUSTAINABLE

FSC | ISO 14001 | SFI | ISO 9001 FDA Compliant | C-TPAT Certified

containerboard.kruger.com

Durst Unveils Hawk Eye System With AI Capability

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

Brizen, Italy based Durst Group has unveiled the full de- tails of a new technology that utilizes computer vision and artificial intelligence for high-quality label production. The Durst Hawk Eye system is designed to assist op- erators and automate print quality. It helps reduce set-up time and waste for enhanced efficiency and competitive total cost of ownership for Tau RSC platform printers.

ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com

ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nano-technology laser engraving in our NC and NV manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.

AES (ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES) www.aesales.net

AES is a leading full-service provider of integrated convey- ance systems specializing in scrap, trim, and dust. AES en- gineers custom scrap systems and works as a partner in process improvement to help businesses achieve greater profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Products include balers, shredders/hoggers, core shredders, filters, fans, and specialized dust control and collection systems. AES is the ex- clusive distributor for the AirShark Rotary Material Separator. For a wide variety of new and used equipment on to- day’s market, visit our website at www.acm-corp.com. BAUMER HHS CORPORATION www.baumerhhs.com hhs is a global leader in advanced gluing, camera verifica- tion and quality assurance systems for the packaging indus- try. Zero-defect quality and elevated production speeds are key parameters in the manufacturing of corrugated boxes. With hhs Xcam Box Monitoring and non-contact flap gluing of corrugated board, hhs offers every option for quality as- surance in the production of boxes with flexo folder gluers. AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com BLOWER APPLICATION COMPANY (BLOAPCO) www.BloApCo.com BloApCo has served the corrugated industry since 1933 with a variety of scrap handling solutions, including Hori- zontal Floor Shredders, Trim Cutters, and Material Handling Fans and Conveying Systems. BloApCo Shredders allow for continuous shredding and pneumatic removal of sheet waste stacks of all sizes, roll slab, cores, and carton scrap.

The Durst Hawk Eye includes a scanner system, work- station, and touch screen monitor. It corrects print mis- takes, such as missing nozzles, inline and in real time. Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems are in place to de- tect and localize any problems without speed reduction. Neighboring nozzles help compensate with larger drops to ensure print quality. Operators do not need to complete any set-up and there is no need to print a special test pattern. “The Durst Hawk Eye is a game-changer for the digital printing industry,” said Martin Leitner, Product Manager of Durst Group. “This technology will greatly increase productivity and efficiency, but, more importantly, it will reduce waste and the carbon footprint of our customers.” Other announcements by Durst include important ink developments. It is expanding the Tau RSC ink portfolio with the new Tau RSC LED inks. The new ink set, available in CMYK, with optional or- ange, violet, green and white, helps reduce energy con- sumption during the operation. Durst has also unveiled the new Tau RSC UV Ink 3 high speed UV inks, formulated without the need for TPO pho- toinitiator. Durst is a family company with an 80-year history ded- icated to innovation, customer orientation, sustainability and quality. For more information, visit durst-group.com .

CORRUGATED MACHINERY SPECIALISTS www.cmsretrofits.com

Leading manufacturer and installer of quality retrofits, up- grades and replacement parts for S&S and Prime Flexo Folder Gluers. Specialists in reconditioning of S&S Flexo Folder Gluers, including ink, air and electrical systems.

CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com

Serving the corrugated box industry since 1991, Chicago- based Corrugator Belt Service LLC maintains corru- gator belts for peak board quality and performance.

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