Declining Demand For Cardboard Signals Warning For US Growth According to an article in Packaging Gateway , reduced demand for cardboard packaging is ringing alarm bells across the United States. Far more than just a shipping material, corrugated cardboard is a barometer of consum- er activity and industrial health. When fewer boxes are being made and shipped, it usu- ally signals that households are spending less, businesses are pulling back, and economic momentum is slowing. Cardboard Boxes As An Economic Indicator Cardboard boxes may seem ordinary, but they move almost everything in the modern economy. Economists sometimes refer to corrugated packaging demand as the “cardboard box index” because it provides an early glimpse into the state of trade, manufacturing and retail. Recent figures show shipments of corrugated boxes in the US have fallen to their lowest level in years. This drop matters because consumer spending drives around two- thirds of the American economy. If businesses are ordering fewer boxes, it suggests fewer goods are being produced, transported and bought. Historically, declines in cardboard demand have preceded wider economic slowdowns. CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Former SUN President Ted Hartka Passes Away
Glen Arm, Maryland based SUN Automation shares the loss of former colleague and friend, Theodore (Ted) Hart- ka, whose contributions to both the organization and the broader corrugated machinery in- dustry were immeasurable.
Ted earned his Mechanical En- gineering degree from Johns Hop- kins University before going on to design machinery for Langston Greenwood. Ted held leadership positions at Staley Machinery, Prime Technology, and ultimate-
Ted Hartka
ly SUN Automation, bringing strong technical expertise, vision and leadership. In all, Ted compiled over 50 years serving the corrugated community. At SUN, Ted served as President from the late 1996 un- til 2008, overseeing all day-to-day operations. During this time, he played a pivotal role in strengthening partnerships with corrugated OEMs and key box plant personnel across the globe. Beyond his many professional achievements, Ted will be remembered for his faith, his friendship, and his unwavering dedication to those he worked alongside. SUN salutes Ted for the indelible mark he left on the company and on the corrugated industry.
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October 13, 2025
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