Board Converting News, April 13, 2026

April 13, 2026

VOL. 42 NO. 15

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

Morrisette Packaging, Suppliers Visit Italy For New RDC Demo BY LEN PRAZYCH It’s mid-February in Desenzano del Garda, Italy, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of Milan proper, where the 2026 Winter Olympics are being hosted in multiple venues in and around the picturesque village of Cortina d’ Ampezzo in the Veneto region of Northern Italy. In the sleek, modern headquarters and manufacturing facility of Koenig & Bauer|Celmacch, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) to the southwest,

PCA, Smurfit Westrock Announce Plant Closures Packaging Corporation of America has an- nounced that it will close its converting plant in Richmond, Virginia, affecting about 110 em- ployees, with the shutdown expected to be completed by the end of June. In a March 31 WARN filing to the state of Virginia, PCA said the facility at 2000 Rich- mond Highway will cease operations be- ginning June 1. The company indicated the closure will impact all employees at the site, although a small number may be asked to remain temporarily beyond the initial 60-day notice period to support the shutdown. PCA said it will work with state and local of- ficials, including the Virginia Dislocated Work- er Program, to provide assistance to affected employees. The company also plans to offer transfer opportunities for workers interested in relocating to other PCA operations where positions are available.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

WHAT’S INSIDE WHAT’S INSIDE 12 Frank Reynolds To Retire After 30 Years With SUN 20 PPC Spring Meeting 2026: Where Focus Meets Action 42 Koenig & Bauer Celmacch: Local Roots To Global Reach 46 Engico Succeeds With ‘Jumbo’ Ambitions, Innovations 54 Neely: Exploring A Sales Opportunity Beyond Price 60 Hitek Announces Transition In Company Ownership 6 x x 8 x x 12 x x 26 x x

I’m being hosted by Rodolfo Celotti, the company’s owner and manag- ing director; his son, Luca Celotti, general manager; several engineers, members of the sales staff; multiple suppliers and the true “guests of honor,” John Morrisette, President of Greensboro, North Carolina based Morrisette Packaging, and Mike Bowman, Morrisette’s Technical Manager, who are here to witness the start-up and demonstration of their company’s latest and perhaps most transformative purchase, a new Koenig & Bauer|Celmacch ChromaCUT High Tech 8-color Rotary Die Cutter. I shared the story of Morrisette Packaging’s explosion onto the cor- rugated landscape in the October 6, 2025, issue of Board Converting News. With extra distribution at the AICC Annual meeting in Chicago, it served as Morrisette’s formal introduction to the AICC community— CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 Morrisette Packaging leaders, Koenig & Bauer|Celmacch employees, and ink and printing plate suppliers celebrate the successful start-up and demon- stration of a new Koenig & Bauer|Celmacch ChromaCUT High Tech 8-color Rotary Die Cutter in Desenzano del Garda, Italy.

At the same time, PCA continues to invest elsewhere, including upgrades at facilities acquired from Greif last year. The company was also the first major container- board producer to announce a 2026 price increase, with a planned $70 per ton increase effective March 1. WestRock Services, a division of packaging company Smurfit Westrock, has also announced plans to close its corrugated plant in Wakefield, Massachusetts, resulting in 91 job losses. The cuts are expected to begin on May 18. Robby Johnson, a spokesperson for Smurfit Westrock, wrote in an email Friday that “production at the plant will be moved to facilities within the Smurfit Westrock net- work.” He did not elaborate on the reasons for the closing, noting the decision was made as part of the company’s “optimization efforts.” Some of the affected employees are represented by In- ternational Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 3, or National Conference of Firemen & Oilers 32BJ SEIU, Local 3, ac- cording to the notice. In Massachusetts, Smurfit Westrock has additional facil- ities in Bellingham, Springfield and Devens. Johnson con- firmed that those facilities are still operational. The Wake- field facility opened in 1966. Smurfit Westrock makes paper-based packaging prod- ucts, including corrugated containers and consumer pack- aging. That includes cardboard boxes for wine, produce packaging, beer bottle packaging and folding cartons for food, beauty and other products.

AVERAGE CONTAINERBOARD PRICES The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States the week previous to issue. Prices in some areas of the country may be higher or lower than the tabulated average. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. REGION 42# Kraft liner 26# Semi-Chem. Medium $ 900.00-925. 00 $ 825. 00 -$850.00 U.S. Average CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton. 42# Kraft Liner 26# Semi-Chem Medium East $970.00 $960.00 West $1,015.00 $995.00 REGION

PCA Closure (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

Hourly production and maintenance employees at the Richmond plant are represented by the United Steelwork- ers. A nearby satellite warehouse in North Chesterfield, Vir- ginia, which employs six people, will remain in operation. PCA said it will continue running the facility and work with the union on staffing. The Richmond closure follows earlier reductions at PCA’s Wallula, Washington mill, where the company an- nounced in February it would shut down the No. 2 paper machine and related kraft pulping operations, affecting about 200 employees.

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Bay Cities Appoints Mehrabzadeh Chief Revenue Officer Pico Rivera, California based Bay Cities, a leading de- signer and manufacturer of retail packaging and in-store displays, has announced the promotion of Sahar Mehra-

get, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and newer partnerships such as HEB, Meijer, and Albertsons. More broader store types are being introduced to Sahar under her new role. “Bay Cities has always served as the crucial liaison be- tween brands and the retailers they serve,” Mehrabzadeh noted. “In today’s fast-paced retail environment, that role is more important than ever, helping our clients navigate complexity and stand out on shelf.” With 20 years at Bay Cities, Mehrabzadeh has risen through the ranks from Marketing Manager to Director of Sales and EVP of Sales. Her promotion to CRO formally recognizes her as a company officer and positions her as the official successor to CEO Greg Tucker. “Sahar has earned this role through two decades of relentless commitment to our clients, our people, and our growth,” said Greg Tucker, Chairman and CEO of Bay Cities. “She started here at 21, learned this business from the ground up, and understands every layer—from design to retail execution. As an employee-owned company, we believe in developing leaders from within, and Sahar rep- resents the very best of that philosophy. Her appointment as Chief Revenue Officer formalizes what many of us have long known. She is uniquely positioned to help lead Bay Cities into its next chapter and ensure we remain focused on what matters most, our customers and our culture.” “This isn’t just a title change,” Mehrabzadeh added. “It’s a critical step in the succession plan for Bay Cities’ future.” Visit: www.bay-cities.com .

bzadeh to Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In this newly created ex- ecutive role, Mehrabzadeh will oversee all revenue-generating functions and client-facing teams across the company, aligning them under a unified strategy to drive growth and enhance cus- tomer experience. “My passion has always been

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in front of the client,” said Mehrabzadeh. “As CRO, my mis- sion is to bring together the key players, from design to sales, marketing, and customer service, under one vision that puts the customer first and drives sustainable revenue growth.” Mehrabzadeh now leads client-facing departments in- cluding Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Project Man- agement, Supply Chain, and Design, strengthening align- ment between sales opportunities and design execution. She will also focus on expanding Bay Cities’ strategic retail relationships with partners including Walmart, Tar-

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Frank Reynolds Of SUN Automation Retires After Over Three Decades With Company For more than three decades at SUN Automation Group, Frank Reynolds has been the person colleagues turn to when something needs to be understood, solved, or simply talked through. On April 30, that chapter will close when Reynolds retires from SUN. In preparing this article, conversations with colleagues, friends, and

family revealed something unexpected. The sto- ries were different, the roles varied, and the per- spectives came from across departments and decades. Yet the descriptions of Frank remained remarkably consistent Across both his professional and personal life, Reynolds became known not just for how he approached problems, but for how he treat- ed people along the way. Thoughtfully, carefully, and with genuine intention.

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Frank Reynolds

At SUN, that same approach made him someone colleagues relied on across functions. With the discipline of an engineer, the perspective of sales, and the calm presence of a trusted leader, Reynolds often served as something of a “Swiss Army knife” within the organization. Reynolds joined SUN in 1991 when the company had around 20 em- ployees. Starting in engineering design, his role grew as the business expanded its global footprint and product portfolio. But Reynolds’ ana- lytical and methodical approach to business had developed long before his time at SUN. He began his career as a draftsman at Black & Decker and later worked with companies including Ward and Prime Technolo- gy. Those early roles helped build the technical foundation that would shape the rest of his career. Curiosity has long shaped Reynolds’ approach to both work and life. His wife, Karen Reynolds, says he has always been fascinated by how things work. As a child, he was often by his father’s side, studying what- ever project was underway and trying to figure out how it all fit together. For more than a decade at SUN, Reynolds focused on engineering design. In 2003, he made a move that surprised even those closest to him when he applied for an internal sales position. Karen remembers the moment clearly: “He came home and said he was thinking about applying for the sales job,” she said. “I was surprised because Frank was an engineer in both personality and trade. Howev- er, once he explained it was an internal role and how he craved a new challenge, we knew it was the right move. And sure enough, it was. He was instantly happier and motivated by the opportunities it provided for connecting and growing.” The position allowed Reynolds to apply his engineering background in a new way. Instead of designing equipment, he helped customers un- derstand how machines could solve real operational problems. Chris Kyger, President of SUN Automation Group, says Reynolds’ commitment to learning helped shape the culture around him: “Frank is analytical and methodical, but he’s also always learning,” Kyger said. “He attends sessions, reads constantly, and asks questions. That mind- set pushes the people around him to keep learning, too.” That same instinct also shaped how Reynolds worked with others. Rather than simply providing answers, he often took the time to explain how and why systems worked the way they did. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Frank Reynolds (CONT’D FROM PAGE 12)

Amy Zappardino, Senior Sales Coordinator at SUN Au- tomation Group, says that patience and willingness to lis- ten defined his day-to-day leadership: “Frank is incredibly kind and compassionate,” she said. “He listens and genu- inely cares about the people he works with.” Colleagues say that his steady, understanding pres- ence created an environment where people felt comfort- able asking questions. Aaron Schlothauer, Vice President of Engineering at SUN Automation Group, says Reynolds’ respect for others set the tone across teams: “Frank always treated people with respect,” Schlothauer said. “Whether it was direct re- ports, coworkers, or leadership, he approached everyone the same way.” Faith also played an important role in shaping Reyn-

Frank with his wife, Karen.

olds’ approach to leadership. Those who know him well say his beliefs reinforced values he carried into the work- place: humility, patience, and service to others.

Many colleagues describe it as servant leadership. Reynolds focused on helping others succeed rather than drawing atten- tion to himself. His breadth of experience across en- gineering, sales, and leadership made him someone colleagues relied on when collaboration was needed. Greg Jones, Executive Vice President at SUN Automa- tion Group, says Reynolds’ presence often helped bring teams together. “Back when we operated more in si- los, Frank was one of the only people who could move between departments and really bring people together,” Jones said. “Everyone let their guard down when he walked into the room because they knew his intentions were always good. He puts others first, leads by example, and backs it up with deep knowledge of the business.” That ability to connect people wasn’t limited to formal roles or responsibilities. It carried into the relationships he built over time, both inside and outside of SUN. Eric Aulton, Product Manager – RDC at SUN Automation Group and a longtime col- league and friend, has worked alongside Reynolds for more than three decades. The two first met before they were even coworkers, seated together at a wedding through a mutual connection. A short time later, Reynolds joined SUN, beginning what would become a de- cades-long connection. “Frank is one of the most dependable, honest, and trust- worthy people I know,” Aulton said. “His patience is unwavering, and he’s remark- ably consistent in both his work ethic and how he treats people.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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Frank Reynolds (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)

Those same qualities also shaped how Reynolds was viewed across the broader corrugated industry. Andy Goettsch, Vice President of Sales at Goettsch International, says those qualities made working with Reynolds both productive and enjoyable. As Goettsch joked when reflecting on their years working together, the friendly rivalry between Reynolds’ Ravens and his Bengals often found its way into their conversations. For Reynolds, however, the most meaningful part of his career has always been the relationships he built along the way. “He’s really going to miss the people,” Karen said. “SUN has been part of our lives for a long time.” Now, after more than three decades with the company, Reynolds is looking forward to spending more time with family. Karen and Frank plan to enjoy time with their chil- dren, Megan and her husband Josh, and Frank and his wife Alexis, along with their grandchildren Caden and Aylee. For someone who has spent a lifetime trying to under- stand how things work, Reynolds ultimately discovered that the most important systems aren’t machines at all. They are the people who build them, support them, and trust each other enough to solve problems together. After more than 30 years at SUN, that may be the lega- cy he leaves behind. Visit: www.sunautomation.com .

Hunt Valley, Maryland based Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America Corrugating Machinery Division (MHIA) announc-

es that Jon Rhoades has officially as- sumed full responsibility for the North- east U.S. and Canada sales territory, effective April 1, following the retire- ment of longtime Regional Sales Man- ager John Bacot. Rhoades, who was promoted to

Jon Rhoades

Regional Sales Manager in October 2025, has spent the past several months working alongside Bacot to ensure a seamless transition. Since September, he has collaborat- ed closely with customers across the region, maintaining continuity and strengthening relationships ahead of the transition. Prior to moving into sales, Rhoades held roles in Field Service and as a Machinery Continuous Improvement Spe- cialist, where he worked directly with customers to opti- mize equipment performance, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency. “Jon brings the right mix of field experience and cus- tomer focus to lead this region,” said Christine Little, Direc- tor of Sales. “He’s ready to move it forward.” Visit: mhiacorr.mhi.com .

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NAM Releases Q1 2026 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Q1 2026 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey shows optimism among manufacturers is rising, with 75.3 percent reporting a pos- itive outlook for their company, up 5.4 percentage points from the previous quarter. For the first time since 2023, manufacturers’ outlook topped the historical average of 74.3 percent, and man- ufacturers expect most indices to improve meaningfully over the next 12 months. Sales and production are pro- jected to rise 3.8 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively, up from the previous quarter’s forecast of 2.8 percent and 2.4 percent growth. The NAM conducted the survey over a 16-day period in February 2026. Additional findings include: • 70.6 percent of manufacturers cited trade uncertainties as a top business challenge for the fifth consecutive quarter. • For the second consecutive quarter, rising health care/ insurance costs (69.8 percent) remained the second most-cited business challenge for manufacturers. • Raw material and other input costs are not anticipated to slow, rising at the same pace as projected in Q4 (4.1 percent) and ranking as the third-highest business con- cern at 57.5 percent.

• A majority of manufacturers (54.6 percent) report they utilize either Canada or Mexico for critical parts of their supply chains—82.2 percent of those manufacturers say they source raw materials or other inputs from ei- ther country, while 62.7 percent benefit from a strong customer base across the border. AF&PA Warns Of Cost Impact Of EPR On Consumer Goods In U.S. As more U.S. states move toward extended producer re- sponsibility (EPR) legislation, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is cautioning that the policy could lead to higher costs for everyday consumer goods. AF&PA notes that shifting these costs upstream to pro- ducers may eventually influence pricing across a wide range of consumer goods. Paper packaging remains es- sential in daily life—from corrugated shipping containers to food cartons, pharmacy bags, and tissue products—and added fees have a way of moving through the supply chain into retail pricing. Those added costs are like a hidden tax on everyday essentials, with the greatest impact often felt by working families. AF&PA also points out that paper is already one of the most widely recycled materials in the U.S., raising ques- tions about how much additional benefit EPR policies would bring to an already established recycling stream.

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PPC Spring Meeting 2026: Where Focus Meets Action BY PAPERBOARD PACKAGING COUNCIL

In a moment defined by rapid change, shifting expecta- tions, and increasing complexity, PPC’s Spring Meeting in Louisville brought the folding carton industry together to do what matters most: focus, align, and act. Over three days, one idea surfaced again and again: the most successful companies are those that are inten- tional about how they lead, invest, and respond to what’s changing around them. Setting the Tone: Leadership, Community, and Direction The meeting opened with a clear call to action from PPC leadership: this is a moment for the industry to be more intentional, more aligned, and more engaged.

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PPC President Emily Leonczyk positioned PPC not just as a convening point, but as a working platform where members exchange insight, challenge assumptions, and turn ideas into action that drives real industry impact. PPC Board Chair Hilda Murray reinforced that message, urging members to actively engage by contributing, con- necting, and helping shape the industry’s direction rather than simply reacting to it. Eric Frank, SVP of Marketing at Koenig & Bauer, our Diamond Sponsor, grounded the conversation in the cus- tomer. Packaging is not just functional; it is a direct sig- nal of quality and trust. How a product arrives, opens, and feels plays a critical role in its perception. Together, these perspectives set the tone for the meet- ing: focus on what matters, take ownership, and execute with clarity. Leadership Starts with Intentionality Professional Speaker & Author, Dan Irvin, challenged leaders to step out of reactive mode and rethink how they manage their time, prioritize, and make an impact. At the center of his message were the habits of inten- tional leaders—starting with a simple yet often-overlooked principle: slow down to speed up. Key themes included: • If you don’t define what matters, your time will be con- sumed by what doesn’t • Align your time and energy with what drives meaning- ful outcomes, not just output • The most important priorities must be scheduled, not squeezed in • Focus is a leadership discipline, not a default

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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PPC Spring Meeting (CONT’D FROM PAGE 20)

to sustainability, grounded in operational and commercial constraints. Panelists Courtney Chance (Nothing Bundt Cakes), Benjamin Dunlap (U.S. Mint), and Kate Stites (The Fold Design) emphasized that broad commitments no lon- ger define sustainability; it is being measured by what can actually be implemented. Key shifts discussed: • Brands are prioritizing incremental improvements, such as material reduction or recyclability enhancements, rather than relying solely on ambitious future goals. • Sustainability now sits alongside cost, scalability, and product experience as a “top priority” • Solutions must work across global supply chains, meet varying regional regulations, and maintain consistency in brand presentation. The takeaway: Sustainability is not a separate initiative. It is a set of trade-offs that must be managed in real time, with practical, scalable solutions aligned with business performance. Policy Is Moving Fast Abigail Sztein, Executive Director of Recovered Fiber at AF&PA, outlined a regulatory environment that is becom- ing more active, more fragmented, and more consequen- tial for packaging decisions. Key developments discussed: • Ongoing legal and legislative activity around EPR and truth-in-labeling laws, including state variation

• Taking time to think, communicate, and prioritize leads to better execution and stronger results The takeaway was realistic: define what matters, pro-

tect your time, and lead with intention. Packaging As A Moment Of Decision

Vicki Strull, Principal of Vicki Strull Creative Collective, focused on a critical yet often overlooked driver of pur- chase behavior: what happens when a consumer physical- ly engages with packaging. Her research quantified the impact of touch: • The number of touches and time spent handling a package directly increases the likelihood of purchase • Premium packaging reaches decision thresholds fast- er. For example, approximately 17 seconds of touch can increase purchase likelihood by 50 percent • Spot gloss achieves that lift in about 11 seconds, foil in 17 seconds, embossing in 26 seconds • Plain packaging takes 41 seconds to have the effect • At four touches, premium packaging can drive up to a 90 percent higher likelihood to buy The takeaway: packaging performance is not just visu- al. Material choice, finishes, and physical interaction are measurable drivers of consumer decision-making. Sustainability: From Ambition to Execution The brand panel, led by Paul Schutes, President of the Recycled Paperboard Alliance, brought a real-world lens

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PPC Spring Meeting (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

• Increased involvement from industry groups through advocacy efforts and legal challenges • A growing gap between policy intent and operational feasibility The takeaway: Regulatory change is no longer a future consideration; it is actively shaping material choices, la- beling, and compliance requirements. Companies need to monitor developments closely and engage early. Waiting for clarity is no longer a viable strategy. AI: Opportunity With Discipline Gene Marks, CEO of The Marks Group, focused on how businesses should approach AI in practical terms, not as a trend, but as an operational tool. The reality about AI is that it’s already embedded in ev- eryday platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace,

CRM, and ERP systems. Current use cases are delivering value in customer service, sales support, reporting, con- tent creation, and operations, and the risks are real and im- In a tour led by Neff Packaging President and CEO, Bob Neff, PPC members got a behind-the-scenes look at the operations.

mediate, including data quality issues, mis- information, bias, and security concerns. The takeaway: AI is a productivity multi- plier, but only when applied with discipline. Companies that approach it strategically will gain efficiency and insight; those that don’t risk wasted investment or exposure. Member Spotlight & Plant Tour This year’s Member Spotlight featured Neff Packaging Solutions, a company that reflects what long-term investment, inno- vation, and disciplined execution look like in practice. Led by Bob Neff, President/CEO, the company, founded in 1918 and now in its third generation, has built its position through a combination of advanced tech- nology, operational discipline, and custom- er-driven thinking. From dedicated digital printing capabilities to an in-house Innova- tion Center, Neff continues to evolve while maintaining a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability. That story extended beyond the stage on Friday morning, when Neff opened its doors to PPC members for a Plant Tour of its 122,000 sq. ft. facility just outside of Louisville. Attendees saw firsthand how those principles translate into real opera- tions, from equipment and workflow to ex- ecution on the production floor. The takeaway: Success comes from aligning innovation with execution and building systems that support both cus- tomer needs and long-term growth. Women in Packaging Council: Playing the Long Game The Women in Packaging Council ses- sion, led by Dr. Ann Bowers-Evangelista,

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PPC Spring Meeting (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

The takeaway: Long-term career growth is not acciden- tal. It requires clarity, intentional relationships, and con- sistent action. Playing the long game starts with how you

focused on building long-term influence rather than short- term success. Through structured exercises, participants mapped their careers, networks, and strengths in real time, turning reflection into action.

show up today. Safety In Action

This year, PPC expanded its Safety Excellence Awards Program to recognize performance across multiple cate- gories and measures. These awards highlight companies that have demonstrated sustained commitment to safe op- erations through strong systems, accountability, and em- ployee engagement. The 2026 Safety Excellence Award honorees includ- ed PaperWorks, BOXit Corporation, Warneke Paper Box, Pioneer Packaging, Menasha Packaging Company, and Southern Champion Tray. The program culminated with PPC’s highest safety honor, the Chair’s Safety Award, presented to Smurfit We- strock (Joplin, MO). This recognition represents the high- est total hours worked without an OSHA-recordable injury Across every session, from leadership to economics to AI, the same principle emerged: Focus. Focus on what drives real outcomes. Focus on what matters most to your business. Focus on building long-term value, not chasing short-term noise. Or, as reinforced throughout the meet- ing: not every trend deserves your attention. The right ones demand it. across all categories: 1,014,240 hours. The Thread That Connected It All

Key takeaways: • Career growth is not just about what you do, but how you are known. • Advancement depends on building the right mix of re- lationships, including mentors, sponsors, and underde- veloped connections. • Your value comes from how you solve others’ prob- lems. Influence is built through contribution, not just connection. • Effective leaders understand where they have influ- ence and where they need to build it.

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April 13, 2026

ICPF Donates New Cutting Table To Indiana State University The International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) is expanding its partnership with Indiana State University to strengthen the future talent pipeline for the corrugat- ed packaging industry. Through new equipment, student workforce development, and expanded outreach to high school students, the collaboration continues to create meaningful opportunities for hands-on learning and career exploration. Building on a strong and growing relationship, ICPF has donated a new precision cutting table to Indiana State University’s Bailey College of Engineering and Technology to support the university’s Packaging Application and Col- laborative Knowledge (PACK) Center and has also piloted a Packaging Student Worker program that is already pro- ducing strong results. Together, these efforts help Indiana State students gain exposure to corrugated design, proto- typing, testing, and industry-connected project work. Through the pilot Packaging Student Worker program, Indiana State University was able to hire 12 students who have gained exposure to corrugated design projects and testing. Students worked on weekly projects, gained ex- perience with testing and prototyping equipment, and en- gaged with industry professionals while building practical skills that support career readiness.

“ICPF is proud to continue strengthening our long- standing partnership with Indiana State University,” said Caitlin Salaverria, ICPF President. “This cutting table will expand the Packaging Engineering Technology program’s capacity to deliver hands-on, industry-aligned learning ex- periences, while the Career Immersion Program will help students gain early insight into the many rewarding career pathways available in corrugated packaging.” Beginning in Fall 2026, Indiana State University will launch its full Career Immersion Program, which will offer up to 30 undergraduate students the opportunity to work hands-on in the PACK Center through paid positions de- signed to enhance career readiness while students are still on campus. As part of the experience, students will also be introduced to corrugated manufacturing through facility tours and direct industry exposure. The program will also create opportunities for up to 15 high school students through the Experiential Learning Scholars initiative, a week-long, credit-bearing course of- fered as part of Sycamore Summer Scholars. The experi- ence is designed to introduce students to the corrugated packaging industry and help them better understand the range of career opportunities available within it. “Caitlin and the ICPF team have been amazing to work with and have been a pivotal part of the growth of our pro- gram at Indiana State University,” said Brian James, Senior Instructor and Program Director for Packaging Engineer- CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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ICPF Donates (CONT’D FROM PAGE 28)

ing Technology at Indiana State University. “We are excited to help introduce high school students to the packaging industry and the many opportunities available in corrugat- ed packaging. My own career was in corrugated, working in design, quality, and continuous improvement, so I have seen firsthand the support, innovation, and growth that can come from within the industry. ICPF’s investment in our students is helping us create meaningful hands-on ex- periences that prepare students for the future.” Matthew Branson, current Packaging Student Ambas- sador, also emphasized the impact of the initiative on stu- dent learning in the lab. “The Packaging Student Workers have been a great added value to the lab, and they get to have hands-on ex- periences,” said Branson. “We have weekly projects that come through, get to talk with industry professionals, and see how projects grow. It has been valuable showing stu- dents the testing and prototyping machinery in the lab, and we all feel more connected.” ICPF’s support reflects a continued commitment to helping students connect classroom learning with real in- dustry practice. By supporting new technology, paid stu- dent experiences, and early outreach efforts, the partner- ship is helping Indiana State University expand access to packaging education while building stronger awareness of careers in corrugated packaging. TAPPI Bestows Title Of Fellow On Eleven Members TAPPI has announced it will bestow the title of Fellow on 11 members in an upcoming ceremony. Fellow is an hon- orary title bestowed upon a small percentage of TAPPI’s membership and is given to individuals who have made extraordinary technical or service contributions to the in- dustry and/or the association. The 2026 TAPPI Fellows are: • John M. Buzzell III, Retired, formerly Director of Techni- cal Services for Containerboard Sales, Georgia Pacific • Douglas W. Coffin, Ph.D., Professor, Miami University, 2026 TAPPI Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Winner • Bill Edwards, Senior Vice President, Pulp & Paper Op- erations, Domtar • Kelly Frey, Retired, formerly Technical Service Engineer at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company • Gary Furman, Ph.D., Senior Corporate Scientist, Nalco Water, An Ecolab Company • ZhiHua Jiang, Ph.D., Director, Alabama Center for Pa- per and Bioresource Engineering, Auburn University • Greg Jones, Executive Vice President, SUN Automa- tion Group • Alexander Koukoulas, Ph.D., Independent Advisor, A2K Consultants, LLC

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