BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 38 years October 3, 2022 VOL. 38. NO. 40
AICC Chairman Harris’ Theme: ‘Better Minds, Better Boxes’ BY SUSAN RILEY Jana Harris is passionate about education, especially education that prepares and attracts the next generation of workers to careers in the corrugated industry. Last month at Corrugated Week 2022 in San Antonio, Texas, for- mer AICC Chairman Gene Marino, President of Chicago, Illinois based
Rusken Packaging Acquires Select Products Inc. In TN Cullman, Alabama based Rusken Packaging has announced the acquisition of Select Prod- ucts Inc. (SPI), headquartered in Manchester, Tennessee, approximately 60 miles east of Nashville. The acquisition was effective Au- gust 29. A family-owned independent company, SPI has been operating for approximately 14 years offering a wide array of corrugated kitting and assembly capabilities. Additional- ly, SPI has eight robotic arms that will allow Rusken to increase its efficiency for custom- ers in the Tennessee market. The SPI team takes pride in its ability to provide customized corrugated packaging solutions and assem- bled kits specific to their customers’ needs. “This strategic acquisition is a continua- tion of our plans to grow our footprint in the Southeast and beyond,” said Rusken VP of Operations, David Ortiz. “Rusken Packaging is committed to improving our processes via new technology so that we can better service our customer base.” SPI and Rusken’s combined growth in Man- chester, Tennessee, will be led by Rusken’s Tim Hughes, working alongside John Green-
Akers Packaging Service Group, passed the gavel to Harris, CEO and Co-Owner of Haltom City, Texas based Harris Packaging and Mans- field, Texas based American Carton Company. In her first task as chairman, Harris presented Marino and his wife, Megan Marino, with the AICC’s crystal globe in recognition of the Ma- rinos’ deep commitment to AICC and their many hours of traveling throughout North America over the past year of Marino’s term. Harris announced her “Better Minds, Better Boxes” educational theme and said she will look to AICC members for their opinions, sug- gestions and help as she embraces her new leadership role. “I believe if we’re going to continue to grow in this industry, we’ve got to get in front of the next-generation workers,” she said. “We have great career opportunities for these kids, but we’ve just got to get out there and spread the news.” As a longtime supporter of education through the AICC’s Emerging CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 Gene Marino passed the ceremonial gavel of AICC Chairmanship to Jana Harris during AICC’s award ceremony at Corrugated Week 2022.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
WHAT’S INSIDE 3 Buckeye Corrugated Wins BCN/ AICC Innovator Of Year Award 5 Innovation, Creativity On Tap At PPC Fall Conference In TX 14 Rusken University Graduates 13 In New Continuing Ed Program 28 Converters, Suppliers Talk Supply Chain Challenges At CW
2 October 3, 2022
Buckeye Corrugated Wins BCN/AICC 2022 Innovator Of The Year Award Each Corrugated Week, AICC and Board Converting News (BCN) sponsor the Innovator of the Year award to recog- nize suppliers and box makers and their contributions
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
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.
to improving plant production and efficiency. This year’s award went to Buckeye Corrugated for its Portable Roller Conveyor Platform. Buckeye designed a patented plat- form to provide sure footing when crew members need to access conveyors. The platform features an anti-slip sur- face and can be attached to any rolling conveyor. Len Prazych, BCN’s Editor in Chief, left, and Gene Marino, AICC Chairman, right, present Andy Williams, holding cup, and Jack Nebesky of Buckeye Corrugated with the IOY award.
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$970.00
$960.00 $995.00
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October 3, 2022
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Leadership, Innovation, Creativity On Tap At PPC’s Fall Conference This October 26-28, paperboard packaging executives will gain valuable knowledge about industry innovation, folding carton creativity, and actionable leadership strat- egies at the 2022 Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference hosted by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) in Austin, Texas. Taking the stage at the Hyatt Regency Austin will be renowned speakers who will discuss the importance of streamlining the production of folding cartons; reveal leading economic indicators; facilitate Q&A panels; and present awards celebrating both the best folding carton designs of the year and top creations from up-and-coming university design students. “We’ve put together a robust agenda to help our ex- ecutives elevate their supply chain strategies so they can prosper amid cyclical turns in the economy and markets,” support and celebrate student designers from all over the country with our awards ceremony for the 2022 Student Design Challenge.” For those seeking thoughtful lessons and actionable best practices from top industry leaders, Mike Doss, Pres- ident and CEO of Graphic Packaging International, will provide a keynote that will include insights he’s learned throughout his 30-year career in our industry. Doss will also discuss strat- egies for driving growth, insights on industry consolidation, and tactics to bring the paperboard packaging in- dustry forward with sustainable solutions and forecasting for the future. With leadership strategies in this new workplace era taking the forefront for many businesses, a company cul- ture that empowers its innovators can generate a thriv- ing work atmosphere, according to keynote speaker Leo Chan, founder of Abound Innovation, Inc. In Chan’s pre- sentation, the innovation expert will shine a light on key tactics organizations can implement to ensure innovation is consistently nurtured and expanded. Erich Murray, plant manager at TPC Printing & Packag- ing, will present his leadership lessons from the frontlines of battle as a former active military officer who, throughout nearly a decade, served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Europe. Murray will discuss the shared challenges of his career said PPC President Ben Markens. “After a full day of informative ses- sions and networking with fellow boxmakers, we’re thrilled to cele- brate the best paperboard pack- aging designs of the year at our 2022 North American Paperboard Packaging Competition Awards, and Ben Markens Mike Doss
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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PPC’s Fall Conference (CONT’D FROM PAGE 5)
Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month June 2022
paths, with lessons that transcend from leading teams in the military to leading teams in our industry. Jeff Rosensweig, Director of the John Robson Program for Business, Public Policy, and Government at Goizueta Business School of Emory University, will be back to excite the PPC audience. Rosensweig will update attendees on the latest economic indicators and how they will affect the paperboard packaging market this coming year. Rounding out the rest of the conference will be a va- riety of dynamic committee meetings, and sessions for communities of interest, including the Women’s Leader- ship Council and New Generation Leaders, that will look at the supply chain disruptions and demographics affecting these changes. “We look forward to welcoming our members to the heart of Texas where they’ll network with our executive ranks and gather new ideas to strengthen and grow their businesses,” said Markens. “Members will also see the passing of the gavel to our new Board president, Laura Brody of Burt Rigid Box, as she lays the groundwork for the future of our association. Attendees will walk away with valuable insights into the latest converting solutions, advice from our expert speakers, and plenty of opportuni- ties to network and grow with a welcoming community of industry peers.” Visit paperbox.org/ events to register.
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2022 2021
34.771 35.948
-3.3
7.903 8.170
-3.3
Industry Total
Year-to Date
June 2022
Year
Actual
Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change
2022 2021
205.855 208.569
-1.3
8.019 8.170
-2.1
Industry Total
Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)
Year
Month
Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change
2022 2021
2.8451 2.9436
-3.0
16.8851 17.0466
-0.9
Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)
Corrugator Plants Only
Date
Percent Change Weeks of Supply
Percent Change
Jun. May
2.4415 2.3469
4.0
3.8 3.6
5.6
Shipping Days
Year
Month
Year-to-Date
2022 2021
22 22
127 126
SOURCE: Fibre Box Association
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AICC’s Member Champion Award Given To SUN’s Jones, PC’s Brewer The AICC Champion Award is presented annually to rec- ognize an AICC member or members that have made outstanding contributions in furthering the Association’s membership. These efforts can include recruiting new
This year’s honorees were recognized during the AICC’s Award presentation during Corrugated Week: Gary Brewer, President of High Point, North Carolina based Package Crafters, and Greg Jones, Executive Vice Presi- dent of Glen Arm, Maryland based SUN Automation Group. Recipients of the award are selected by the Member- ship & Marketing Committee Chair. All employees at AICC member companies are eligible for the award. Questions
about the award and the value AICC brings to a company can be directed to Virginia Humphrey, Director of Mem- bership & Marketing, at (703) 535-1383 or vhumphrey@ aiccbox.org. Former AICC Chairman, Gene Marino presented a 2020 Mem- ber Champion Award to Greg Jones of SUN Automation Group.
members, retaining members who may need encourage- ment to maintain their membership, or assistance in help- ing member companies increase their engagement with the Association. Former AICC Chairman, Gene Marino, right, presented a 2020 Member Champion Award to Gary Brewer of Package Crafters.
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The Importance Of Packaging In Food Safety And Health BY MARY DRAIN
September was National Food Safety Education Month (FSEM). Consumers are encouraged to take an active role in preventing foodborne illness by following proper food safety practic- es that can help lower their chance of getting sick. It’s also a great op- portunity to remind consumers about the important role that pack- aging plays to keep goods clean and safe on their journey to consumers, whether it’s to their favorite restaurants and stores, or to their front doorsteps. Fresh produce has been documented by the U.S. Cen- Mary Drain
ter for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a leading source of food-borne illness (CDC, 2015). With the pas- sage of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
in 2011, the supply chain has become an even greater source of scrutiny for growers, shippers and retailers. FSMA now requires U.S. entities to take a proactive rather than reactive approach to food safety (US FDA, undated). Food-borne illness has not been directly associated with shipping and transport con- tainers. But our industry has done our due diligence by conducting multiple indepen- dent studies, which confirm that corrugated containers that transport fresh produce are safe and clean. There are a combination of United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) re- quirements that must be met for compliance with food packaging regulations. While you may think you’re not involved since the reg- ulations are specific to direct food contact, your customers may assume it includes all packaging. This means it helps to be knowl- edgeable on the subject. Two FAQs on the Fibre Box Association (FBA) website at fibrebox.org provide spe- cific information on what you need when a customer asks for certification of compli- ance with food safety requirements. If you aren’t part of a direct food contact program, since neither the USDA nor the FBA certify or approve packaging materials, box plants must self-certify with a Statement of Assur- ance, or with a “Continuing Product Guar- antee.” Please see the FAQs for specific details. PFAS, synthetic chemicals known also as per- and poly-fluoroalkyls, have been regulated lately in at least 21 states. This in-
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Food Safety (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)
Rusken Acquires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
cludes six states where their sale or manufacture has been restricted or banned from food and/or consumer products and packaging, according to the NCSL (National Confer- ence of State Legislatures). Proposed EPA regulation focuses on drinking water and waste management/treatment. However, FDA scrutiny is on food packaging. “Conducting regular self-audits for possible exposure to PFAS risk and potential regulatory vi- olations can result in long term savings for companies and should be commonplace in their own risk assessment.” (FDA PFAS Action Targets Food Packaging, July 21, 2022, The National Law Review) Find out whether your vendors of inks, special (hot melt) adhesives and treatments or coatings have tested their products for total organic fluorine content, which is considered the simplest way to assess a material’s total PFAS content. Or ask for assurance that PFAS haven’t been intentionally added. Those are the probable inputs of PFAS to your products, if any. Mary Drain is the Director of Technical Services at Fi- bre Box Association (FBA), where she has been responsi- ble for managing the technical, safety & health, and envi- ronmental issues for the association since 2015. She also manages wax replacement protocols, FAQs, research and compostability. Reach her at mdrain@fibrebox.org.
wood and Josh Wood, the current management team at SPI. The Rusken team is happy to partner with the SPI or- ganization that optimally aligns with its customer-centric approach and culture. This acquisition is part of a strategic focus to expand Rusken’s footprint throughout the South-
east, further growing its existing capabilities and customer base in the Tennessee market. Rusken Packaging has other facilities in Cullman, AL; Heflin, AL; Luverne, AL; Jackson, TN; Clarksville, TN; Knox- ville, TN; Manchester, TN; Charlotte, NC; Cowpens, SC; At- lanta, GA; Conyers, GA; Harrisburg, AR; New Orleans, LA; Jackson, MS; and Tupelo, MS. John Greenwood, left, and Josh Wood are part of the manage- ment team at SPI ready to grow Rusken’s business in TN.
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Rusken University Graduates Thirteen In New Continuing Education Program
A continuing education program launched earlier this year by Cullman, Alabama based Rusken Packaging has proven to be a big hit among those who are ready to up their game in the world of corrugated boxes.
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Rusken University graduated 13 people from its inaugural class in March and there is already a waiting list for the next session. The three- day, in-person program was designed for Rusken employees, industry partners and other corrugated professionals who want to learn more about the industry. “Whether you are a customer service rep, or one of our partners, you want to be confident when talking to customers in your packaging knowl- edge so you can be a trusted supplier,” said Chief Operating Officer Ran- dy Whiteaker. “Our vision for the program is to see employees and part- ners complete the course with a better understanding of the corrugated basics to help better serve their customers.” The graduating class of Rusken University’s inaugural class of 2022.
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Courses include Corrugated 101, Design Basics, Equipment and Ca- pabilities and Positional Selling taught by six of Rusken’s packaging ex- perts. Rusken’s industry partners said they especially enjoyed the tour of the plant to see how the boxes are made and how advanced the systems A Rusken Packaging subject matter expert instructed the inagural class.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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October 3, 2022
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Rusken University (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)
and processes are from corrugated sheets all the way to the finished product. Another standout on the tour was the variety of equipment that Rusken uses in those processes. “What I loved about our plant tour was the fact that I could see all the wonderful capabilities of Rusken Pack- aging and what the opportunities could be for my custom- ers,” said Gordon Wright of Rusken Packaging in Knoxville. Students also spent a full day in the Design Lab, both of which generated enthusiastic feedback from students. One noted how quickly Rusken’s team works to turn around designs and samples. “What a fabulous, fabulous class,” said industry partner Cindy Butler. “It takes you from the beginning of the pro- cess all the way through. On top of that you get to see the wonderful facilities at Rusken and how much they have done to increase the technology of a box.”
Rusken University is free for Rusken em- ployees and its customers and partners. Based on interest received so far, a high- er-level course for graduates of the corru- gated basics is also planned. The next ses- sion will be announced on Rusken’s social media platforms and those interested can apply online at www.rusken.com once the enrollment period starts. Rusken plans to host the program twice a year. Seating is limited. Workforce Summit Slated For October In Cincinnati Learn about innovative solutions to address today’s workforce development challenges at The Manufacturing Institute’s Workforce Summit, taking place October 18-20, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, in Cincin- nati, Ohio. The Manufacturing Institute’s employer-led summit will focus on cooper- ation and partnerships to solve key work- force development issues facing modern manufacturing. Featured topics include Recruitment and Retention, Apprenticeship and Earn-and- Learn, Diversity & Inclusion, Approaches to Engaging Youth, Second Chance Hiring, and Skills for the Future of Manufacturing. Attendees will leave with a better un- derstanding of the workforce development challenges of today, solutions for tomorrow and new partners who will help attendees put best practices to work. Go to www.themanufacturinginstitute. org to register for the event.
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AICC Recognizes Design, Scholarship Winners At Corrugated Week 2022 Elizabeth Collins of Indiana State University was recog- nized at Corrugated Week 2022 for her first-place award
who are majoring in packaging engineering or a related packaging field. It is in honor of the late J. Richard Troll, a founder of the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) and the International Corrugated Pack- aging Foundation (ICPF). Also honored was the winner of the AICC Student Packaging Design Competition, Ciara Johnson of Clemson University, who took first place in the graphics category. The competition honors the best student designs entered in three categories and gives students an opportunity to show off their talent and creativity to corrugated packag- ing and display professionals from around the world. “It’s the wonderful talent like that that makes this indus- try grow,” said AICC Chairman Gene Marino.
Acme Corrugated Box Co. Launches New Web Site
Hatboro, Pennsylvania based Acme Corrugated Box Com- pany has announced the launch of its new website at www.acmebox.com . “As we continue to expand and mod- ernize our current facility we feel our website should re- flect the same,” said Bob Cohen, President of the company that has been a family owned and operated independent doing business in the Philadelphia area since 1918. “The redesign provides a more relevant, easier to navigate, and robust user experience.”
of the J. Richard Troll Memorial Scholarship. The schol- arship fund is devoted to college or university students Elizabeth Collins, left, and Ciara Johnson, show off their re- spective honors during Corrugated Week 2022 in San Antonio.
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Keypoint Intelligence Acquires Karstedt Partners Of Eden, NY
Keypoint Intelligence announced that it has acquired Karstedt Partners, LLC of Eden, New York. The transaction enables Keypoint Intelligence to accelerate product devel- opment efforts to serve all facets of the packaging supply chain, which is under extreme pressure to come up with new products and practices over the next decade. “As part of the Keypoint Intelligence family and using the extensive tools and capabilities of their extremely tal- ented team of researchers and analysts, Karstedt Partners will be able to have an even greater impact on the indus- try that we love so deeply,” said Kevin Karstedt, CEO and Founder. “My partner Jeff Wettersten and I are pleased to be able to expand the level of consulting and information sharing to an extended range of clients in an industry that is experiencing unprecedented challenges in supply chain and technology disruption.” Anthony Sci, President and CEO, Keypoint Intelligence, said, “We are excited about the growth opportunities and expansion of our offerings in the packaging market. Com- bining Keypoint Intelligence’s focus on improving business goals and increasing bottom lines with Karstedt Partners’ analysis and assessments of the ever-changing landscape of digital package printing is a powerful combination and will allow us to further serve our customers.”
Brand Owners, Converters & Decision-makers Read BCN
Share the story of your company’s success with an ARTICLE in Board Converting News. The corrugated and folding carton industries are waiting!
Don’t keep it a secret! Articles generate leads, too!
Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 lprazych@nvpublications.com
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Gov. Edwards Tours Pratt, Praises $250M Investment In Louisiana Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards recently toured Pratt Industries’ Shreveport, Louisiana facility in celebra- tion of the company’s $250 million investment in the state. According to local news reports, Edwards had nothing but great things to say about the wages and quality of life the company affords its 250 employees, as well as the compa- ny’s dedication to protecting the environment as a produc- er of 100 percent recycled containerboard. Anthony Pratt, Executive Global Chairman of Pratt In- dustries, refers to Pratt’s material recovery programs and circular strategy as harvesting the urban forest. “Through our closed loop process, we harvest the urban forest to di- vert three million tons of paper, other recyclable materials and from the landfill each year.”
Earlier this year, Pratt Industries announced that it will open a facility in Cedar Hill, Texas, that will manufacture corrugated boxes and custom packaging solutions and employ 150 full-time workers. Pratt said that it will be the company’s 71st factory in the U.S. Pratt is the country’s fifth largest corrugated packaging company and operates an extensive recycling company to supply five 100 percent recycled paper mills in the coun- try. Pratt has demonstrated significant growth with state- of-the-art manufacturing facilites in 25 states. Domino’s, WestRock Launch Initiative To Boost Pizza Box Recycling Pizza box recycling has long been a source of debate in the industry, but this latest effort may be a sign of grow- ing consensus. According to an article on wastedive.com ,
the new campaign aligns with Domino’s broader box recycling efforts. In 2020, the company joined The Recycling Partnership. That same year it increased the recycled content in its pizza boxes from 40 percent to 72 percent. Domino’s also promotes piz- za box recycling to customers via email and social media. An estimated three billion pizza boxes — about 600,000 tons of corrugated — are used each year. Traditionally, they haven’t been accepted in curbside collection pro- grams because recyclers said grease con- tamination impacts the fiber quality to such a degree that it loses strength and cannot be recycled. WestRock released an industry study two years ago that many say debunked the myth about these recyclability issues. It concluded that pizza boxes in the recycling stream contain an average grease level of 1-2 percent by weight, and concentrations below 10 percent only cause low levels of fiber strength loss. Grease only significant- ly interferes with fiber recycling when the level reaches 20 percent, the study says, so fiber strength loss should be minimal for boxes with average grease levels. The AF&PA supports the study and says its member companies endorse pizza box recycling. It encourages communities to update their recycling guidelines to accept boxes that don’t contain food. “Pizza boxes are recyclable and used to make new products at U.S. mills across the country every day,” said Heidi Brock, AF&- PA president and CEO. “AF&PA members want the valuable fiber from pizza boxes in their recycling streams.”
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AICC Chairman Harris (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION is a recognized leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than simply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your proposed system. Our equipment is found in Printing, Folding Carton and Corrugated plants throughout the country and the world.
Leaders program, industry foundations, her alma mater, the University of Texas at Arlington, as well as her local STEM school, Harris has worked hard to maintain connec- tions that have been beneficial to her company, as well as the industry.
The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) partnered with Harris’ alma mater, the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), in 2013 to help introduce packag- ing design and graphics into the school’s liberal arts course offerings. Harris said that UTA’s president at the time was excited about the program because it offered arts students a career path they probably never even considered. Harris said that her experience being on campus and around ed- ucators showed her that very few people knew anything about the industry. But, as experience has also shown her, “Once we open the door, they’re pretty much hooked. You all know once you get into this industry, you’re in it.” Harris serves on UTA’s presidential and advisory board and is on campus every semester during Business Week. It provides a great opportunity to meet the faculty, talk about her family’s business and the career opportunities in the industry. Harris Packaging volunteers as design compe- tition judges, and Harris Packaging’s founder, Joe Harris, also a UTA alumnus, sponsors the Joe Harris Scholarship. “Dad gets to pick out a winner every semester and he really enjoys doing that,” she said. “He put himself through school while he was working full-time and had a family, so he likes to be able to share that as something special to the scholarship to others who are in the same boat.” The strong relationship Harris Packaging has with the deans and faculty at UTA has been a big win in terms of talent. Harris said they have hired 10 UTA students so far. When her companies are looking for a new hire, it is a great resource to find the best and brightest candidates. “I highly recommend making those connections,” she said. As Harris focuses on promoting packaging education to the next generation of workers, she sees three avenues to pave the way. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 In her first official task as Chariman, Jana Harris presented Gene and Megan Marino with the AICC Globe in appreciation and recognition of their past year of extensive travel.
AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION PH: 901-454-5016 FAX: 901-324-7979 e-mail: sales@accfilter.com • www.accfilter.com
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AICC Chairman Harris (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)
ing a packaging program at the school and hope to be able to share information that AICC members can take to their local STEM schools. Emerging Leaders & Young Professionals AICC and TAPPI invest heavily in their respective pro- grams for young people in the packaging industry. TAP- PI’s Young Professionals Division provides an avenue for
Industry Foundations While the ICPF partners with colleges and universities to support box making careers, the newly formed Founda- tion for Packaging Education, supports training for the in- dustry’s existing employees. The foundations complement each other as ICPF works to get students to the industry’s front door, and the Foundation for Packaging Education is there to support continuing education after employees are hired. “Both of these foundations are very important, and I think they play a huge role on our industry’s future,” Harris said. “Please continue to support both of those founda- tions, and if you’re not already doing it, please consider it.” Trade Schools A pool of talent exists in the nation’s trade schools and Harris said that the industry needs to tap into it. “We’ve all had issues in filling positions on our plant floor and obviously that’s only been amplified in the last couple of years,” Harris said. “I believe if we team up to- gether in corrugated, building bridges, and get out in front of these students, we could bring packaging to a brand- new audience that we didn’t know even exists.” American Carton, a folding carton facility co-owned with Jana’s sister, Jenise Cox, has already tapped into the “pool” by hiring its first intern from a local STEM school. Harris said they are also in conversations about support-
college students, recent graduates, and early career pro- fessionals to develop leadership and technical skills and build relationships with other industry professionals. The AICC Emerging Leaders John McQueary, National Sales Man- ager of CST Systems, and Cassi Malone, Director of Customer Experience at Corrugated Supplies Company, recognized Jana Harris in appreciation of her support of the EL program.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 28
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AICC Chairman Harris (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)
Moderator Mike Kohler of Kohler Coating referred to the supply chain disruptions of the past two years as “the proverbial monkey wrench in the gears” of an efficiently operating industry. “Everyone, whether suppliers or con- verters, has experienced it,” he said. Machine Compare is helping alleviate the current sup- ply chain challenges by creating a global online pool of spare parts across all industries. Findley’s research shows upwards of $285,000 worth of excess spare parts in the corrugated industry alone. Machine Compare CEO Ben- jamin Findley said that this inventory could be tapped if it were catalogued in a single online platform to provide a faster delivery of already-available parts and components to plant sites when needed. This practice is common in industries such as aviation, and Findley foresees it could also apply to the corrugated converting sector. Mark McNay of SMC Packaging Group presented two perspectives in his company’s experience with supply chain slowdowns: first, as a consumer of materials for the production of corrugated boxes; and second as a suppli- er to his customers. In the first instance, McNay cited the principal concerns of many boxmakers: containerboard, sheets and the “other raws” of starch, pallets, glue and other consumables. He listed other areas where SMC and others have experienced delays: OEM parts; capital equip- ment; transportation in the forms of trucks and rail cars; natural gas and diesel fuel and electricity.
AICC Emerging Leaders Program offers training, network- ing and leadership opportunities to young people who are ready to commit to their professional development. Harris said she is a big believer in these programs, not- ing that they are there for the industry, AICC members and associates alike and are truly worth the investment. As a host to a previous Emerging Leader trip, Harris urges AICC members to embrace their own “superstars” within these programs. “Just seeing their excitement about our industry gave me confidence in the future health and growth of not only my company, but our industry as a whole,” she said. Converters, Suppliers Talk Supply Chain Challenges At CorrWeek A panel made up of converters and solution suppliers discussed the challenges of delays and disruptions in the raw material supply chain during a breakout session last month at AICC/TAPPI Corrugated Week 2022 in San An- tonio, Texas. Panelists included Benjamin Findley of Machine Com- pare, Mark McNay of SMC Packaging Group and Andrew Akers of Akers Packaging Service Group, who spoke to the 100-plus people in attendance.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
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Converters, Suppliers (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
In SMC’s capacity as a supplier to its customers, Mc- Nay said that “dynamic business growth” driven by chang- ing consumer behavior over the past two years has put a strain on the industry’s ability to satisfy its customers’ demand. In efforts to help their customers adapt, SMC has proactively “coached” buyers to avoid panic buying, which has driven large gyrations in inventory. McNay said that in the current scenario, the “Just in Time” inventory man- agement practices honed so finely over the past 20 years are no longer realistic and must be balanced to reflect the industry’s ability to predictably deliver finished boxes Andrew Akers of Akers Packaging Service Group echoed McNay’s comments about the delays in raw mate- rial supplies, adding that a major problem for his company has been receiving incoming roll stock via rail. He also cit- ed delays in equipment installation due to the extended backlogs of machinery suppliers and the inability of tech- nicians from European manufacturers to travel to the U.S. due to COVID travel restrictions. McNay and Akers described steps they’ve taken to al- leviate these disruptions, including: • Strengthening relationships with existing suppliers • Identifying other independents to form a parts ex- change • Identifying alternative sources of supply for parts and consumables • Working with customers to achieve more accurate de- mand forecasts • Proactively communicating with customers to prevent panic buying Copies of all the presentations given during Corrugat- ed Week can be found at www.corrugatedweek.org . Still Room For Five More Couples To Attend ICPF Holiday Weekend In NY The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) annouced that it can accommodate an additional five cou- ples on its Holiday Weekend on December 9-11 in New York City. Attendees can enjoy the best New York has to offer during the holiday season while supporting ICPF, an industry foundation dedicated to education and growing the labor force of the corrugated packaging industry. Participants will begin with a Friday evening reception at Becall’s on December 9, sponsored by Pratt Indus- tries. On Saturday, December 10, participants will attend a matinee of the latest Broadway hit, MJ, sponsored by BW Papersystems. That night, executives and spouses will attend a reception and dinner at the renowned Em- pire Steak House. The reception is sponsored by Fosber America, and the dinner is sponsored by WestRock. Ad- ditional weekend sponsors include Green Bay Packaging and Greif. Visit www.icpfbox.org to register.
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