Board Converting News, March 23, 2026

March 23, 2026

VOL. 42, NO. 12

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

FMLA Laws: How To Avoid Costly Legal Errors BY PHILLIP M. PERRY

SupplyOne Acquires Specialty Packaging

Newtown Square, Pennsylvania based Sup- plyOne, Inc., a distributor with corrugated converting capabilities, has announced its acquisition of Specialty Packaging, LLC, a packaging solutions distributor based in East Hartford, Connecticut. Founded in 2012, Specialty Packaging was founded by Chris Orsini and Keith Streib, who will continue to lead the business post-clos- ing. In addition to being a full-service pack- aging provider, Specialty Packaging has ex- tensive offerings in food packaging including films, trays, bags and corrugated containers. Notably, Specialty Packaging’s portfolio in- cludes its proprietary SteamRight® microwav- able packaging solution, which is designed to allow frozen food products to steam directly within the package. The business also pro- vides a wide range of protective packaging, equipment and service, packaging design, warehousing and logistics to its customers. “The addition of Specialty Packaging strengthens our presence in New England while adding meaningful capabilities in packaging distribution, food packaging and equipment—two key strategic priorities for

After sustaining a serious back injury on the job, Andy was faced with surgery and rehabilitation. He applied for time off, provided his employ- er with the requisite paperwork, and was granted up to 12 weeks of leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

So far so good. Then things cratered. At the end of 12 weeks Andy was still experiencing residual pain that would prevent him from per- forming his normal job duties. But when he asked for additional leave, his employer terminated him. It was a bad decision that cost Andy’s employer significant financial penalties. The reason? The company had overlooked a key fact: Cover- age for Andy’s condition overlapped with another law—the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). And that one required employers to offer reasonable workplace accommodation for employees with conditions that substantially limit major life activities. A Confusion Of Laws Our opening story typifies a growing problem: Laws affecting leave policies constitute a confusing matrix of protections that challenges and penalizes even well-intentioned employers. “The most common error we see regarding leave policies is the fail- ure of employers to take into account the interplay of federal, state and local laws,” said James W. Seegers, partner at law firm Baker & Hostetler ( bakerlaw.com ). “And that comes back to bite them.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

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

4 Volk Packaging To Integrate Volk Paxit

PPC Members Inspire Youth With 2026 TICCIT Program 14 WPR Celebrates 10 Years Of Manufacturing Intelligence 20 Accurate Box Now Provides Dual-Sided Litho Printing

EVERYTHING CORRUGATED UNDER

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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

Industry Articles ( May be hiding in plain view )

If spotted in your organization, approach with extreme excitement and report to BCN immediately!

SupplyOne Acquires (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

Share the story of your company’s success with an ARTICLE in Board Converting News. The corrugated and folding carton industries are waiting! Brand Owners, Converters & Decision-Makers READ BCN Don’t keep it a secret! Articles generate leads for converters and suppliers!

SupplyOne,” said Todd Renehan, President and CEO of SupplyOne. “Joining SupplyOne is an exciting next chapter for our team and our customers,” said Chris Orsini, Managing Partner of Specialty Packaging. “SupplyOne’s scale, op- erational strength, and commitment to service excellence will allow us to enhance our breadth of offerings to cus- tomers while maintaining the culture and responsiveness that have defined Specialty Packaging since its founding.” This transaction represents SupplyOne’s 47th acquisi- tion as it continues to expand across North America.

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

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Volk Packaging To Integrate Volk Paxit

BloApCo Floor Shredders

Sanford, Maine based Volk Packaging has announced that Volk Paxit will soon be absorbed into Volk Packaging. Volk Paxit has been a separate entity from Volk Packaging since its inception in 2020, and effective on or before April 1, 2026, Volk Paxit will be known as Volk Packaging, San- ford. The move is intended to better serve customers and streamline internal operations. For customers, the change will primarily involve the Sanford operation being identified as Volk Packaging rather than Volk Paxit. Purchase orders, quotes, and other correspondence will bear the Volk Packaging name, and customers who have not yet set up Volk Packaging as a vendor will receive the necessary documentation to do so. Volk CORE values also remain the same: Customer Centric, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. And Volk Packaging’s CORE focus hasn’t changed since the compa- ny started in 1967. Dan Brochu, Volk Packaging Sanford’s General Manag- er, has been with the company for 25 years and is now leading Volk Packaging Sanford with the same skill, pas- sion and dedication to customer care he has displayed in Biddeford for a quarter century. For questions, contact Dan at dbrochu@volkboxes.com or (207) 571-5515, or Derek Volk, CEO, at (207) 571-5511.

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The value of lasting over time.

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Additional URB Producers Announce Price Increases

was the first with such an increase in 2026, and its early February announcement came simultaneously with a $70 per ton containerboard price hike. Greif is implementing the $60-$70 per short ton in- crease, depending on the grade, on new URB orders and shipments as of April 6, while it will increase tube and core and protective prices by a minimum of 7.5 percent on April 13. Sonoco’s URB price increase is slated for April 3, and its 8 percent increase on all other converted paperboard products hike is scheduled for April 15. Greif said the URB hike is due to increased costs, such as for labor and utilities, while Sonoco’s reasons include inflationary input costs, tightening market conditions and increased mill utilization rates. Similarly, Cascades in Feb- ruary had cited higher input costs. Sonoco, Greif and Cascades are the first, second and

According to a report on Packaging Dive , four more un- coated recycled board (URB) producers have announced price increases. Ox Industries, the third largest North American URB producer, announced a $70 per ton URB price increase as of April 6. It also intends to raise prices by 8 percent on April 13 for converted products such as tubes, cores and protective packaging. The company cited inflationary pressure for inputs and tight market conditions. Greif became the second major uncoated recycled paperboard producer within the last week to announce a price increase, after Sonoco earlier this month. Cascades

fourth largest North American URB produc- ers, respectively. Producers’ price increase announcements come just after a round of similar activity from containerboard produc- ers. For those, Cascades joined other con- tainerboard producers such as International Paper, Packaging Corporation of America and Smurfit Westrock. The containerboard bumps were for $70 per ton, with all slated to occur the first week of March. Weeks after those announcements, Fast- markets RISI shocked the industry by report- ing that monthly containerboard prices fell by $20 per ton in February compared with January. While analysts noted that the index only covers the open market — generally estimated at less than 10 percent of the en- tire containerboard market — they also said the $20 per ton decrease could jeopardize producers’ abilities to get full recognition of their hikes. URB order activity improved, which could be supportive of Cascades’ March 2 price increase for that grade, re- ported Michael Roxland, senior paper and packaging analyst at Truist Securities. In February, George Staphos, BofA Secu- rities analyst, said that URB markets showed slight improvement in bookings and longer lead times. Overall boxboard demand was stable, including from plastic-to-fiber trends. “This is interesting, as the sustainability theme seemed to cool recently amid afford- ability concerns,” he said. Both Staphos and Roxland noted that producer substitution among boxboard grades is occurring, which stands to bene- fit grades other than solid bleached sulfate. “Substitution among grades also seems to be a growing topic of discussion as the SBS premium to recycled grades has eroded,” Staphos said.

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Turn Trim Waste into Revenue Puhl custom designs systems to meet your needs.

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PPC Members Inspire Next Generation Through 2026 TICCIT Program

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) proudly celebrates the season launch of its Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees (TICCIT) program, a hands-on environmental education initiative that continues to grow in reach and impact across North America. Developed by PPC in 2010, TICCIT teaches school-aged children about the renewability and sustainability of paper and paperboard pack- aging while helping them understand the essential role trees play in our ecosystem. Each year, PPC member companies bring the program into classrooms and communities, guiding students through interactive les- sons and tree-planting activities that demonstrate the circular lifecycle of paper-based products.

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

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Every year, PPC members reach thousands of students across the country, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to sustainability educa- tion and community engagement. Since its launch, the TICCIT program has helped students plant over 150,000 trees across North America. A key milestone for the program this year is PPC’s new partnership with Neighborhood Forest, a mission-driven nonprofit organization that provides free trees to children every Earth Day. Through this collabora- tion, TICCIT participants receive 6–12-inch native or fruit-bearing sap- lings, helping connect students directly with nature while reinforcing the message that trees are a renewable resource. “Programs like TICCIT show how our industry can make sustainability tangible for the next generation,” said Emily Leonczyk, President of the Paperboard Packaging Council. “By partnering with organizations like Neighborhood Forest and engaging students through hands-on learn- ing, our members are helping young people understand the role renew- able materials play in a circular economy. “The TICCIT program ignites a moment of discovery and opens the door to a bigger story about how paperboard packaging is made, why renewable materials matter, and the many creative, technical, and busi- ness careers that make it all possible. It also allows our member com- panies to connect with their local communities in a meaningful way. We hope experiences like this inspire students to see packaging not only as an environmental solution, but also as a field filled with exciting oppor- tunities.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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

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

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

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TICCIT Program (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)

By planting their saplings at home, students share the sto- ry with their families and communities, creating a lasting connection between sustainable packaging, responsible forestry, and everyday life. Packaging manufacturers interested in bringing TICCIT to their communities are encouraged to start by reaching out to the PPC to learn more about the program. The first step is identifying an ambassador within your company who is excited to champion the effort and help lead the ex- perience locally. From there, the PPC team provides guid- ance, resources, and connections to fellow members who have hosted successful events and are eager to share ideas and best practices. Partnering with Neighborhood Forest also allows PPC and its members to expand the reach and impact of the TICCIT program. By working with an organization dedicat- ed to connecting children with nature, PPC can help make access to tree saplings easier and more scalable for par- ticipating converters. The collaboration simplifies the pro- cess for member companies to host events while ensuring students receive healthy, regionally appropriate trees to plant at home. Together, PPC and Neighborhood Forest are helping more communities experience the powerful lesson at the heart of TICCIT: that renewable materials and responsible forestry create a cycle where trees truly be- come cartons and cartons can help grow new trees. Join PPC members in reaching more students by visit- ing https://ticcit.info .

What makes the TICCIT program especially impactful is the way PPC member companies bring it to life in their own communities. PPC provides the program framework, resources, and guidance to members at no cost, allowing packaging converters to shape each experience to reflect their local community and team culture. Over time, TICCIT has become a meaningful community engagement and team-building opportunity that employees look forward to year after year. From classroom presentations to interac- tive activities, the creativity of PPC members continues to expand what the program can be. Through TICCIT, students learn that trees are a renew- able resource, much like fruits and vegetables, and ex- plore how paperboard packaging is produced, recycled, and responsibly returned to the environment. The pro- gram’s message of Trees into Cartons, Cartons into Trees, memorably comes to life for students. Each child receives a tree sapling packaged in a paperboard carton produced by one of the participating member companies. Students take the sapling home and plant it with their families, turn- ing a classroom lesson into a hands-on experience that continues beyond the school day. This simple but powerful activity helps students see cir- cularity in action. The same renewable material used to make the carton that protects products on store shelves is also part of the cycle of growing new trees for the future.

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TAPPI Names Coffin Winner Of 2026 Gunnar Nicholson Award

Roberts. “His research has bridged the gap between fun- damental science and practical application, providing in- sights that have influenced both academic research and

industrial practice across the global pulp and paper industry. We are proud to recognize his remarkable contribu- tions with the Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award.” Dr. Coffin’s career is defined by a unique blend of high-level industrial experience and academic rigor. He be-

TAPPI, the leading association for the pulp, paper, tissue, packaging and converting industry has announced that Douglas W. Coffin, Ph.D., has been named winner of the prestigious Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award. Dr. Cof- fin is a Professor in the Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is a globally recognized authority on the mechan- ics of fiber-based materials for research delving into the complexities of dimensional stability, creep, and the me- chanical behavior of paper and board. “Dr. Coffin’s work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of the mechanical behavior of paper and paperboard,” said TAPPI President and CEO Lawton C.

Dr. Coffin

gan his professional journey as an engineer for the Elec- tric Boat Division of General Dynamics from 1989–1994, where he focused on structural analysis. He then transi- tioned to academia, serving on the faculty of the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) from 1994–2002 before beginning his long-standing tenure at Miami Uni-

versity. He also spent a year as a guest researcher at STFI in Stockholm, Sweden from 1999–2000. Dr. Coffin has played a significant role in educating and mentoring future engineers and scientists in the forest products sector. During his career at Miami University and earlier at IPST, he has worked with dozens of graduate and undergraduate students on research topics ranging from nanofibers and pulping to tissue durability and recy- cled fiber performance. A TAPPI member since 1994, he joined the TAPPI Journal Editorial Board in 2018, serving as Editor in Chief from 2021 to 2023, and again from May 2024 to December 2025 following the passing of Peter Hart, Ph.D., to ensure the Journal’s momentum and ongoing initiatives were maintained. He is a past chairman of the TAPPI Pa- per Physics Committee and continues to serve as the TAPPI representative to the Fundamental Research Committee of the Pulp and Paper Fundamental Research So- ciety (PPFRS). Notably, he has served as the program secretary for the Fundamental Re- search Symposium in 2022 and 2026. First presented in 1985, the prestigious Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal Award is TAPPI’s highest technical honor in recogni- tion of an individual’s exceptional industry contributions. It is presented annually only if the individual has made preeminent scien- tific and engineering achievements of prov- en commercial benefit to the world’s pulp, paper, board, and forest products industries including forestry, derived products, and their process technologies. The award will be presented at TAPPI- Con®, April 26-29, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.

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THIS ITALIAN MASTERPIECE IS USHERING IN A CORRUGATED Renasce

A renaissance of sophistication and innovation is upon us with the introduction of Haire’s Encore FD 821 Flexo Folder Gluer . With features like full servo design, set-up-while-run print units, and revolutionary rotary shear glue tab technology, this Italian-designed and -manufactured marvel is bridging world-class design and cutting-edge speed. Experience the rebirth of corrugated production—where timeless craftsmanship meets modern performance.

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WPR Services Celebrates 10 Years Of Manufacturing Intelligence Fishers, Indiana based WPR Services has announced its 10-year anniversary, marking a decade of innovation, pat- ented technology, and industry leadership in manufac- turing intelligence. Since its founding, the company has

The Perfect Combo Get Peak Performance From Your Equipment with Matched Component Sets

remained committed to delivering transparency, operational integrity, and measurable ROI to manufacturers. Over the past decade, WPR Ser- vices has introduced a suite of break- through platforms that have reshaped how organizations understand and manage their operations. The flagship

Chris Harris

POWtalk™ platform—built on a patented transparency and accountability framework—set a new industry benchmark for real time visibility and digital trust. This foundation enabled the expansion of the POW suite, including POWwatch™, POWlink™, and POWstop™, each designed to reduce downtime, strengthen decision making, and empower teams with actionable insights. WPR Services also broadened its impact through iBox Build™, a rapid deployment training system that preserves institutional knowledge and accelerates workforce read- iness. Combined with the company’s ROI driven audits, predictive maintenance strategies, and client education programs, WPR Services has helped organizations tran- sition from reactive operations to proactive, data driven excellence. “Reaching our 10 year milestone is a testament to the manufacturers who trusted us to help modernize their op- erations and automation,” said Chris Harris, Founder of WPR Services. “Our mission has always been to make in- dustrial environments safer and more efficient—and that mission is only gaining momentum.” As WPR Services enters its second decade, the com- pany plans to expand its analytics capabilities, deepen platform integrations, and continue leading the industry toward smarter, safer, and more resilient operations. AICC To Offer Dynamic Lineup Of Breakout Sessions At Spring Meeting One of the highlights of the upcoming AICC Spring Meet- ing is the lineup of dynamic breakout sessions designed specifically for independent corrugated and packaging leaders. These interactive discussions will cover key industry topics including leadership, integrating emotional intelli- gence with AI, Cybersecurity, and how AI is transforming ERP plant management. Attendees will gain practical in- sights from industry peers while sharing real-world chal- lenges and solutions.

Nothing’s more rewarding than a couple made for each other.

That’s why the engineers at ARC International have focused their skills and talents on crafting perfect matches between the components that must work in tandem on your flexo folder gluers and die-cutters: • Anilox Rollers and Ink Chambers • Anilox and Wiper Rollers • Feed and Pull Rollers • Glue and Meter Rollers You can achieve the press speeds and print quality you need to fill your most demanding orders by pairing your team with The ARChitects of Flexo . Contact ARC today to learn how these engineered matches of flexo folder gluer and die-cutter components (new or reconditioned) can help you achieve a more perfect union of production and profits.

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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AICC Breakout (CONT’D FROM PAGE 14)

Matt Eichmann will lead two leadership-focused ses- sions aimed at helping manufacturing executives strength-

en leadership pipelines and manage ongoing operational change. In the first session, Ready Now Leaders: Building Your Bench One Conversa- tion at a Time , Eichmann will explore why many succession plans fall short and outline practical ways to identify

Matt Eichmann

and develop high-potential leaders within an organization. The session will include tools such as a leadership bench mapping exercise, succession readiness scorecards, and development planning templates. Eichmann’s second session, Calm Under Fire: A Practi- cal System for Leading Through Constant Change , will fo- cus on helping leaders navigate the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity that often define manufacturing environments. Participants will be introduced to a frame- work designed to counter those pressures through clear vision, improved understanding, operational clarity, and organizational agility, along with tools for strategic plan- ning and decision-making. Another two-part breakout series will be led by K.M. Zouhary, focusing on the growing intersection of emotion- plore self-awareness, self-regulation, and practical strate- gies for maintaining focus and effective communication in technology-driven environments. Zouhary’s second session, The Emotionally Intelligent Leader: Connecting Across Generations , will address the challenges leaders face in managing multigenerational teams. Participants will engage in exercises designed to strengthen empathy, motivation, and communication skills while learning to recognize and respond to emotional cues in workplace interactions. Cybersecurity will also take the stage during a panel discussion titled Cyber Security: Threats, Tactics & Trends . The session will feature Tom Trinchi of Jamestown Con- tainer Companies and Roftiel Constantine of BW Papersys- tems, with Theo Peterson of Amtech Software moderating. The panel will examine emerging cyber threats and strate- gies companies can use to protect their operations. In another panel discussion, ERP & Plant Management Systems in the Age of AI , industry technology leaders will discuss how AI-driven tools such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation are being integrated into ERP and plant management systems to im- prove decision-making and operational efficiency. For more information, visit aiccbox.org . al intelligence and emerging technol- ogies. The first session, AI + EI = OH: Integrating Emotional Intelligence with AI , will examine why emotional intel- ligence remains essential as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in the workplace. The session will ex- K.M. Zouhary

Suppliers Leverage Our Reach!

Board Converting News is read by more independent AND integrated decision-makers than any other industry publication. Advertise in BCN in print and/or online to leverage our expansive reach!

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AICC To Host Free Cybersecurity Webinar, Amtech To Present AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, will host an upcoming webinar, Preventing a Plant Shutdown: Cy- bersecurity Essentials , presented by Amtech Software on Thursday, April 2, at 2:00 p.m. ET. This timely session will help packaging industry leaders understand the growing threat of cyberattacks and the steps they can take to pro- tect their operations. Manufacturing has consistently ranked among the most targeted industries for cyberattacks in recent years. As artificial intelligence continues to accelerate the so- phistication, speed, and scale of these attacks, packaging plants face operational risks that can be as disruptive as catastrophic events like fires or floods. A single cyber incident can halt production, disrupt supply chains, compromise safety systems, and cause sig- nificant financial and reputational damage. This webinar is designed specifically for packaging IT and operations leaders seeking to understand their cybersecurity maturi- ty better, identify vulnerabilities, and strengthen business resilience. During the session, presenters will break down cyber- security fundamentals in practical terms and share action- able strategies that organizations can implement to re- duce risk and safeguard plant continuity.

Participants will learn: Common cyber risk factors with- in manufacturing and packaging plants; how to evaluate their organization’s current cybersecurity maturity; and practical steps to improve cyber resilience and reduce the risk of operational shutdowns. The webinar will feature two experts from Amtech Soft- ware. Michael Ochi, Director of Prod- uct Marketing at Amtech Software, brings extensive industry experience to the discussion. As an industrial en- gineer, Ochi has managed continuous improvement initiatives on production lines and has more than a decade of experience delivering ERP, MES, and inventory management solutions through professional services and product teams. Theo Peterson, Vice President of Infrastructure & Se- curity at Amtech Software, will join him. Peterson leads enterprise IT op- erations, platform engineering, and information security for the company. His background includes building and operating security and infrastructure programs in high-growth environ- ments, with a focus on aligning risk management with execution speed, operational resil- ience, and customer trust. Register for the webinar at aiccbox.org . Theo Peterson Michael Ochi

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Koenig & Bauer CEO Predicts Optimistic Future For NA Market As he begins a new year in his dual role as CEO and CFO of Koenig & Bauer (US/CA), Gerrit Zwergel is applying decades of leadership to help customers capture the in- dustry’s next wave of opportunity across packaging, com- mercial, label, and emerging segments. With more than 40 years at Koenig & Bauer, Zwergel brings a steady, long- range perspective on what printers need now and what they will need next: practical AI adoption, streamlined pro- cess digitalization and production ecosystems that turn data into decisions, while remaining sustainable.

cialist team and the continual integration of AI to provide the highest uptime and net throughput for its customers. What can Koenig & Bauer customers look forward to? Plans call for introducing the industry’s leading innova- tions geared toward the highest automation, consistent print quality, along with the expansion of newly developed reporting systems. Koenig & Bauer’s 208-year core focus will remain on training operational, mechanical, electrical, and maintenance teams to guarantee its customers swift implementation of its new technology. Koenig & Bauer has long maintained a strong focus on packaging, label, commercial, and emerging markets. New product introductions, including CI flexo technology, corrugated high board line portfolio, the RotaJET digital web-fed press, and the VariJET digital inkjet sheetfed press, will allow printers to offer a wider range of applica- tions and deliver more value to their customers. Its Rapida line for sheetfed presses – ranging from half and mid to large formats – consists of highly competitive machines recognized for their superior automation, highest operat- ing speed, and unique custom configurations that position them among the top choices in the industry. “Our management team is developing programs to fi- nancially address customer investments in 2026 and be- yond,” says Zwergel. “I am proud to lead our forward-think- ing management team and complete organization into the future as we evolve with the dynamic marketplace while introducing game-changing new technology.” Accurate Box Expands Capabilities To Include Dual-Sided Litho Printing Paterson, New Jersey based Accurate Box Company has expanded its manufacturing capabilities with the installa- tion of a Lamina System FASLINE Edge litho-laminator, to include double-sided litho printing on corrugated packag- ing. With this addition, Accurate Box says that it is the first company in the U.S. able to produce litho graphics on both sides of a corrugated box entirely in-house. This project was led by Accurate Box’s Innovation Team in response to a growing demand for double-sided print- ed packaging. The goal was to bring this process entire- ly in-house to better support customer needs with higher quality, faster turnaround, and more flexibility. After exten- sive research and evaluation, Lamina emerged as the best solution to achieve this capability. The Lamina machine gives Accurate Box the opportu- nity to offer premium graphics on both sides of the box to enhance product communication, instructions, and brand storytelling. By incorporating more graphics directly on the packaging, companies can reduce or eliminate the need for additional components like inserts or labels. Accurate Box expands its manufacturing capabilities through this new fully integrated in-house process, deliv- ering a better consumer experience through intentional, high-graphic packaging.

Gerrit Zwergel

Under his vision, Koenig & Bauer is expanding innova- tion across offset and postpress systems while strength- ening its digital toolkit, including the myKyana ecosystem from Koenig & Bauer Kyana and authentication solutions such as Stegano provided by Koenig & Bauer Vision & Protection. Equally important, the company will continue investing in people. Koenig & Bauer’s long-standing com- mitment to building the future workforce remains a priority, with additional emphasis on expanding its renowned ap- prenticeship program. “I believe 2026 will be an exciting year for the graphic arts industry as well as for our own company,” states Zw- ergel. “We see optimism in the marketplace as purchas- ing levels have returned. Our exceptional North American team and our European manufacturers strongly support our valued customers by consulting with them on process improvements and providing reporting systems for da- ta-driven workflow analysis. We are continually focusing on investing internally in the highest automation, empha- sizing optimization and digitalization across all segments. Our focus is to ensure our customers can differentiate themselves in their respective markets while identifying major consumer and industrial trends.” Zwergel sees the cornerstone of the organization continually focusing on its service and parts initiatives to continue supporting its customers as the industry’s lead- ing trusted advisor. Its COO Chris Talbert is 100 percent focused on further developing the firm’s wide breadth of support infrastructure including the customer service spe-

20 March 23, 2026

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FMLA Laws (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

Steep Penalties When laws mandate conflicting protective standards, added Ndjatou, the general rule is that employers must follow whatever provides the greatest benefit or protec- tion. “In practice, this can be complicated, especially for multi-state employers.” He suggests mapping out which laws apply to which employees based on work location, and then designing policies that meet or exceed the most protective standard in each jurisdiction. Noncompliant employers face significant consequenc- es including fines, civil penalties, back pay, interest, and in some cases private lawsuits or government enforcement actions. “Some states impose penalties that are equal to, or triple, the amount of unpaid wages or leave benefits,” said Harvey R. Linder, an employment and labor partner at CM Law ( cm.law ). “Administrative fines can range from $100 to $15,000 per violation, depending on severity and whether the employer is a repeat offender. Furthermore, those fines can be per-employee in the case of a class action suit. In some states, violation of paid leave laws can be a misdemeanor which can lead to jail time for the per- petrator.” The laws of various jurisdictions can pile up. “You can be looking at three times the penalties if an incident vio- lates federal, state and local laws,” said Kirkland Wayne Davis, SVP of HR Client Services & Employment General Counsel with Congruity HR ( www.congruityhr.com ). “Fur-

Meeting legal requirements is especially challenging because of the number of laws that apply. At the Fed- eral level, the FMLA covers employers with 50 or more employees and the ADA to those with 15 or more. At the state level, the number of jurisdictions that mandate some degree of paid family leave, often for the smallest of em- ployers, has risen from three to 12 and now protect about a third of Americans, according to a recent tally by The Economist. An upward trend in paid sick leave mandates is also visible at city and county jurisdictions. “Time off policies are very popular with workers, and that’s why you are see- ing so much more legislative activity,” said Edgar Ndjatou, Executive Director of Workplace Fairness ( workplacefair- ness.org ). “Employers will have to start getting ready for more of the same.” Two forces are adding fuel to the fire, noted Ndjatou. The first is the growing need among employees to provide care for aging relatives. A second is the tendency for peo- ple to look upon leave as a pathway to improved health care. “Many people do not have access to sufficient health insurance. So a lot of them are saying, ‘if you’re not going to give me the best health insurance, what else are you giving me?’ And they look upon time off to take care of medical issues as the next best thing.”

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22 March 23, 2026

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FMLA Laws (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

Attorneys say that employers can stay out of trouble by avoiding the following common errors in policies and procedures: #1: Untrained Supervisors “Companies need to train their supervisors on how to recognize triggering events when employees put the com- pany on notice about leave,” said Dolly Clabault, Subject Matter Expert in HR Resources at J.J. Keller ( jjkeller.com ). “How the supervisor responds in that moment is criti- cal. They put the company at risk if they do not follow man- dated procedures.” She recommends annual compliance training to remind forgetful supervisors of the right thing to do. #2: Discouraging Leave A valued employee requests leave—just when the business is about to start an important project. Frustrating? Yes. Optional? No. “Mixed messages from supervisors, even informal comments such as ‘we’re really busy right now,’ can have a chilling effect on employees who are le- gally entitled to take leave,” said Ndjatou. “The company must treat leave as a normal part of doing business rather One supervisor thinks people should come to work when they’re sick. Another disagrees with some legally protected reasons for leave. A third thinks a certain worker has been abusing the system. than an exception or inconvenience.” # 3: Inconsistent Implementation

thermore, an employer who has had a violation is on the radar. Prior offenders are much more likely to incur addi- tional audits or scrutiny.” The costliest cases involve court trials. “Litigation can get very expensive vary fast,” said Seegers. Employers can be on the hook for attorney’s fees—both for their own counsel and the employee’s—as well as back pay and even forward pay if the employee can show the difficulty of getting another job. There is also the potential for emo- tional distress damages if an employee has been worried about being terminated.” Avoiding Issues Employers need to take a holistic approach, devoting time and effort into understanding how their workplace policies and procedures interact with federal, state, and local laws. The task is made more difficult by continual changes in the law that can blindside employers. “Delaware, Maine, Minnesota, Washington state, and Colorado are among the many jurisdictions that have recently expanded the scope of their leave regulations,” said Davis. More jurisdic- tions are adding reporting requirements, expanding rights into areas such as fertility treatment. Finally, the legal defi- nition of “family member” at the state level is expanding to include siblings, grandparents, parents-in-law, and domes- tic partners and even close friends.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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