N.V. Business Publishers Corporation (with offices in New Jersey and Illinois) is truly the only trade journal specialist that serves the worldwide corrugated and folding carton industries with separate publications. The company is fully integrated with publishing, design, reproduction and origination. N.V. produces a selection of magazines (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and bi-monthly) exclusively covering every aspect of the Corrugated, Folding Carton, Flexographic Printing, and Recycling industries. An added extension for our worldwide publications is our affiliate in England, Brunton Publications, Ltd.
Vol. 23 No. 17 An N.V. Publication Market News FLEX Serving The Flexographic Printing Industry For More Than Two Decades ®
August 16, 2021
Greif CEO Examines Company Culture
Program Announced For Label Congress A lineup of speakers from across the label and package printing indus- try are set to take part in the Label Congress 2021 educational program that will run alongside the main ex- hibition on the first two days of the show,which will take place from Sep- tember 29-October 1 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rose- mont, Illinois. Market Trends The program includes a two-day topical conference offering a mix of 10 presentation and panel-led ses- sions. A Label Academy-led technical master class also takes place on the third day of the show. Day one of the conference focuses on global market trends and key tech- nologies. Among the session high- lights is the opening joint presenta- tion providing a global market view, led by TLMI president Linnea Keen and AWA president Corey Reardon. Other day one highlights include Filip Weymans, VP Global Market- ing, Flint Group Digital/Xeikon, and
by Greg Kishbaugh
Y ears ago, PeteWatson, CEO of Greif, Delaware, Ohio, learned many lessons about teambuilding and leadership as a foot- ball coach.Those lessons have served him well as the leader of the packaging company, helping him to shape the company’s corporate culture.
Greif CEO Pete Watson
“When it comes to the company’s culture, I have to own it,” he said in opening remarks at last week’s SuperCorrExpo show in Orlando, Florida.“There is no delegating when building a corpo- rate culture.” The company, which employs 16,500 people in 41 countries around the world speaking 17 different languages, has the goal to “be the best performing customer service company in the world” in the industrial packaging market. It is an aspirationWat- son freely admits is easier to say than it is to do on a practical — and continual — basis.
(Cont’d on Page 4)
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Company Culture (Cont’d from Page 1)
to the business,” saidWatson. Watson spoke of the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement, especially in regards to marginal gains. “If every one of our 16,500 employees can make a small but significant improvement to our customers’ experiences every day, then those marginal gains be- come very significant over time,” he said. Upheaval Like every company, Greif has faced massive up- heaval from Covid-19. From supply chain disruptions to economic uncertainty, nothing personally affected Watson more than the inability to visit face-to-face with his multi-national team members. “You cannot lead culture from behind a desk,”he said. This meant that, like many others,Watson had to turn to Zoom, but he has worked round the clock to make certain to stay in touch with team members and to hear what they have to say. “To be a leader, you must first listen,” he said. “In ad- dition, you must respect people’s time, employees and customers. So, if I am doing a Zoom meeting with someone who is overseas, we conduct the call on their time.That means if I have to make the Zoom call at 4 o’clock in the morning my time, I’m happy to do so. I want people to know, as part of our culture, that
The pursuit of that goal lead Watson and the execu- tive team at Greif to formulate an action plan entitled The Greif Way. “Manufacturing is a team sport,”Watson said,“so our corporate culture begins with the importance of ev- eryone in our organization being on the same team, which is why ‘Engaged Teams’ is the first item in the Greif Way’.” Under the banner of ‘Engaged Teams’, the welfare, health and safety of employees’ comes first —“No one can do good work if they do not feel safe,”Watson said — while the importance of accountability aligned to value creation is also addressed. The Greif Way The Greif Way also espouses that the company must seek to deliver a superior customer experience, cre- ate value for customers through a solutions-based ap- proach, and earn customers’ trust and loyalty. Finally, the Greif Way addresses ‘Enhanced Perfor- mance’ through value-driven growth — “Nothing cre- ates value unless you do it for the customer,”Watson said — margin and free cash flow expansion via the Greif Busines System, and integrating sustainability to the company’s business model. “The environment and sustainability have to be core
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Flexo Market News August 16, 2021 3
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Label Congress Program (Cont’d from Page 1)
Get your company in front of the flexo industry’s key decisionmakers. Flexo Market News’ readership is comprised of Presidents, Owners, VPs and General Managers of flexo operations — the key people who make decisions on equipment purchases. An ad in Flexo Market News is a direct sales meeting with thousands of the industry’s best thinkers and most influental leaders. Reach Owners, President, VPs and General Managers The Top Minds In The Flexo Industry Are Waiting To Hear From You
AB Graphic International’s West Coast Regional Sales Manager Jim Kehring, who will present on digital em- bellishment technology. Other session topics include: a panel discussion examining whether converters should diversify into flexible packaging,with panelists including Matt Bennett, Global VP, Packaging Strategy, Fujifilm; and a further panel discussion looking at the benefits of hybrid printing. Avery Dennison will also present on how to get smarter with the Internet of Things. Participating converters include Mark Weg- mann, Owner of Wegmann Companies, AWT and Pre- mier Markings. Future-Proofing Day two is themed around future-proofing business- es. Highlights include the opening session on data transparency, led by Federico D’Annunzio, Founder of transpar3nt.com and winner of the 2020 Label In- dustry Global Award’s global achievement honor.Mike Rottenborn, CEO, Global Graphics; Geert Van Damme, Managing Director, Cerm; and Robert Buongiorno, President, BST North America, are among the panel- ists at a later discussion on how far industry 4.0 and automation can go; while sustainability is the topic of another panel discussion featuring Julian Cass, VP North America NW, Flint Group, Kevin Clunie,VP sales & marketing / CELAB VP, Mactac, and Abby Meyer, re- search engineer, Belmark. Other topics to be debated include creating a culture of continuous improvement and how to recruit / retain young talent. Master Class Additionally, the in-depth master class hosted by the Label Academy on October 1 will cover self-adhesive label materials. Delegates will gain a technical under- standing of the nature and construction of self-adhe- sive laminates, how they are made, the importance of materials and the need for different adhesives. They will also learn why different laminate constructions are needed, their usage, how to identify them, and different self-adhesive testing procedures. Presenters include Cynthia FrostWhite, President and CEO, Chan- neled Resources Group,who will provide an overview of release liner substrates (papers and films),and Melis- sa David, Product Line Manager – Packaging Division, FLEXcon, who will cover identification and character- istics of self-adhesive materials. Avery Dennison will present on paper and synthetic paper face materials, while 3M will guide attendees through some of the adhesive systems and substrates. All conference sessions will be made available on-de- mand the day after they take place.
To boost your market presence contact:
Greg Kishbaugh / 317-306-1060 / flexo@nvpublications.com
Robyn Smith / 910-553-4055 / rsmith@nvpublications.com
4 August 16, 2021 Flexo Market News
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Company Culture (Cont’d from Page 3)
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their time is important to me.” Watson also shared to Core Values at the heart of the Greif Way. Ethical :We can be trusted to do what is right. Grief’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics guides our deci- sions and actions. Strong through diversity : We encourage and em- brace our diversity of culture, language, location and thought. Our differences define but do not divide us; our common interests unite us. From the many we are one: Greif. Serious about sustainability :We honor our history as we focus on our future.We use financial, natural and human resources wisely without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Committed to continuous improvement :We always look for ways to make our work, our products, our ser- vices, and our company better. As a parting thought,Watson made it clear that there is nothing accidental about a company’s culture.“You must be intentional in driving culture.” AWT Labels Joins Association Of Plastics Recyclers AWT Labels & Packaging, Minneapolis, Minnesota, has joined the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR), an international trade association representing the plastics recycling industry.The stated goals of APR are to increase supply of recycled materials; enhance the quality of recycling; expand the demand for recycled materials; and to communicate the value of recycling as it relates to the environment and cost effectiveness. AWT prints and converts a significant amount of syn- thetic film materials for pressure-sensitive labels,as well as the printing of roll stock for flexible packaging prod- ucts.Additionally, the company offers several recyclable solutions and was recently recognized for an industry award highlighting our commitment to sustainability. TLMI Announces Theme For Annual Meeting TLMI has chosen a theme for its upcoming Annual Meeting, which will take place October 17-19, at the Naples Grande Hotel in Florida. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Thrive: Back to Better.” During the two-and-a-half-day, in-person event, at- tendees will be hearing from industry economist Alan Beaulieu, in addition to presentations featuring a CEO Panel Discussion, Supply Chain Strategies and Stability, Workforce Development, and Sustainability.
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Flexo Market News August 16, 2021 5
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ARC_.5pFMN_Eng.indd 1
3/31/21 5:52 PM
Success in the Cannabis Packaging Market
by Chelsea McDougall, Senior Content Marketing Manager, S-One Labels & Packaging; TLMI TechCon- nect sub-committee co-chair. The legal cannabis market has exploded in recent years and has ushered in an entirely new range of ap- plications for label and packaging producers. Legal cannabis is already a big market, with 2020 U.S. sales projected to be $12.48 billion.As more U.S. states come online allowing adult use, and the federal gov- ernment toys with legalization, it is a market that’s only poised for more growth.And more growth means more brands looking for high-end labels and packaging. In 2020, adult use cannabis sales were projected to be $12.48 billion, and are expected to reach $30.47 billion by 2025, representing a 16 percent growth rate year over year, according to Prohibition Partners. While this emerging market provides plenty of label and packaging possibilities,make no mistake: this indus- try comes with its fair share of hurdles and headaches. Last year provided a lot of bright spots for cannabis brands as more states legalized some form of adult use, whether it was for medical or recreational purposes, and attitudes about cannabis use relaxed. Locked Down When the COVID-19 pandemic forced lock downs for much of the country, cannabis businesses were deemed essential, and allowed to remain open. With that, the adult use market soared. More people at home led to more consumers pur- chasing legal cannabis products to experiment, to treat anxiety, or to ease boredom. California alone reported a 156 percent sales growth at the start of the pandem- ic, according to a report by Prohibition Partners. In 2020, the United States also saw more states adopt legal cannabis laws, though cannabis is federally pro- hibited. Today, 15 states allow adult recreational use; 19 have medical laws on the books, and legislation is pending in Mississippi. Canada allows recreational adult use throughout the country, though it is highly regulated. Fast Acting The COVID-19 pandemic still very much dominates the federal agenda, and many observers predict that we won’t see major action on cannabis reform in 2021. “The states may act faster than the federal govern- ment, that is true, but that means it’ll continue to be a patchwork of different legal systems between the (Cont’d on Page 8)
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Albdesign Orders First MPS Press
Primoreels Purchases Second Nilpeter FA-17 After Fire Primoreels, a Danish dairy lidding company acquired a 9-color FA-17 in 2018 from Nilpeter.That press was, however, damaged in a devastating fire in September 2020, that affected much of Primoreels’ production and significantly reduced the company’s manufactur- ing capacity. The company is now back in full force
Albdesign, a printer in Albania, has purchased its first MPS EFS 430 automated 6-color flexo printing press.
Elvis Sula, CEO of Albdesign ( left ) and Sebastiaan Rakhorst, MPS Regional Sales Director.
BestBrightHalfHOUSE.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/18 4:26 PM Page 1 The EFS 430 is an automated multi-substrate flexo press designed for label production and flexible pack- aging printing on various substrates. Leading the sale were Sebastiaan Rakhorst, MPS Re- gional Sales Director, together with Sasa Papic from Flexypack Doo Subotica, the MPS local representative in Albania.
and has invested in a new FA-17. During the restart, Primoreels purchased a refurbished Nilpeter FA-2500 to run production as quickly as possible after the fire. Primoreels CEO, Henrik Sahlberg ( left ) with Nil- peter’s Allan Pedersen during the factory acceptance test of the new FA-17.
The Best And The Brightest Are Waiting To Hear From YOU
An ad in Flexo Market News is a direct sales meeting with thousands of Presidents, Owners, VPs and General Managers of flexo operations — the key people who make decisions on equipment purchases.
Greg Kishbaugh 317-306-1060 flexo@nvpublications.com Robyn Smith 910-553-4055 rsmith@nvpublications.com
Flexo Market News August 16, 2021 7
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Cannabis Packaging (Cont’d from Page 6)
Internet Directory Potential customers can locate your products and services, clicking directly to your website. Both in print and online, it’s a cost-effective means to reach Flexo Market News readers and increase your bottom line.
states. That might accelerate Congressional action,” said StaceyWalker, a member of the Linn County Board of Supervisors, in a report on the cannabis market by Prohibition Partners. This patchwork approach creates headaches for can- nabis brands and their supply chains — particularly label and packaging producers trying to navigate pack- aging regulations that change across state lines. Shifting Regulations Not only does each U.S. state have its own set of reg- ulations for cannabis sold in its state, but those regula- tions are known to change constantly.This means that labels and packaging could quickly become obsolete. The United States differs from its Canadian neighbor, where cannabis is legalized throughout the country. Canada’s packaging laws prohibit what goes on pack- aging,which limits the opportunity for brand differen- tiation. Understanding these laws can help make a cannabis savvy label and packaging converter stand out. S-One Labels & Packaging created a Cannabis Resource Guide to help customers navigate these regulations. The Cannabis Resource Guide features an up-to-date and interactive map detailing U.S. packaging laws by state, as well as articles on child-resistant packaging and an interview with a leading cannabis packaging converter. Huge Opportunity When it comes to labels and packaging, there’s per- haps no bigger opportunity than in the U.S. recre- ational cannabis space. Flower makes up most of the products at dispensaries, but other products include vapor pens, edibles in any form imaginable, cannabis concentrates, pre rolled joints, topicals, tinctures and sublingual oils, beverages, and capsules. According to market figures from the Society of Plas- tics Engineers, most cannabis products are packaged in concentrated containers, typically glass or plastic. Tubes and pouches make up 18 percent and 16 per- cent of the packaging formats, respectively.Other pop- ular packaging formats are jars, bottles, and wrappers. Brand Packaging When it comes to flexible packaging, the cannabis market is still dominated by blank premade pouches with a label slapped on.There’s opportunity for brand- ing and brand differentiation here as flexible packag- ing — as we’ve seen with other end use segments — continues to replace rigid packaging. Sustainability continues to be a hot topic, as demand
qxp_Layout 1 8/13/19 6:20 PM P ge 1
To take advantage of this opportunity contact:
Greg Kishbaugh / 317-306-1060 / flexo@nvpublications.com
Robyn Smith / 910-553-4055 / rsmith@nvpublications.com
Get your company in front of the flexo industry’s key decisionmakers. Flexo Market News ’ readership is comprised of Presidents, Owners, VPs and General Managers of flexo operations — the key people who make decisions on equipment purchases. An ad in Flexo Market News is a direct sales meeting with thousands of the industry’s best thinkers and most influental leaders. Reach the Decisionmakers
(Cont’d on Page 10)
8 August 16, 2021 Flexo Market News
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Strong Consumer Sales Drives Packaging Demand Businesses that faced pandemic struggles are show- ing signs of recovery, increasing orders with packaging producers in response to consumer demand for more home and personal care products. DS Smith, a packaging producer with global head- quarters in London, England, and U.S. headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, said packaging sales often are seen as a barometer of the health of key industry sectors. The company shared its latest data that indicate U.S. shopping trends on the upswing as consumers grad- ually return to work and play amid fewer pandemic restrictions. Among the highlights of DS Smith’s report, compar- ing the first six months of 2021 to that same period last year, its customer sales of shipping and storage boxes for: • home and personal care products jumped 296 per- cent; • fashion and accessories grew 105 percent, includ- ing major online and chain clothing companies; • distilled spirits went up 372 percent and beer in-
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creased 53 percent; and • supplies of wine leaped 847 percent.
DS Smith reported that its packaging sales in the sport, leisure and toy category increased 99 percent in the early months of 2021 compared with that same stretch a year before. It ranged from packaging for wa- ter sports to crayons and musical instruments to arts and crafts products. Luggage and footwear packaging made a significant 221 percent jump, according to sales data from DS Smith. Possibly reflecting an uptick in those domestic travel plans, packaging for retailers selling auto parts and related equipment and industrial accessories rose 137 percent. Also showing growth, sales spiked 17 percent for fur- niture and home décor, including from companies spe- cializing in kitchen and bath cabinets, bedding, couch- es, chairs and similar items.
To take advantage of this opportunity contact:
Greg Kishbaugh / 317-306-1060 / flexo@nvpublications.com
Robyn Smith / 910-553-4055 / rsmith@nvpublications.com
Flexo Market News August 16, 2021 9
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Flexo Market News
Cannabis Packaging (Cont’d from Page 8)
from cannabis consumers is pushing cannabis brands to adopt an all-encompassing environmental strategy, from water and land usage to packaging. As mentioned, cannabis regulations are a moving tar- get, and yet, there’s one regulation that remains nearly universal: child-resistant packaging. Even states that le- galize cannabis use and don’t start with child-resistant requirements, most states end up there as the market evolves. Take Michigan for example. When its program launched in 2018, they didn’t require child-resistant packaging at first. Only a short time later, Michigan lawmakers changed the regulation requiring it. That meant cannabis brands were stuck with obsolete non- compliant inventory. Better Safe Industry experts recommend creating child-resistant packaging right out of the gate, regardless of what state law says at the time, to avoid a Michigan scenario. The path to child resistance is interesting and oddly specific. To achieve child resistance, the package must first be tested in an independent lab on 50 boys and girls between 3 ½ to 4 years old.The children are given a sample packaging and given 5 to 10 minutes to open. After 5 minutes, if a child has not attempted to use his or her teeth, the test administrator then announces that the children can use their teeth to get into the packaging if they want to. Only a small percentage of children can gain access to the package for it to pass and move on to the next step of testing that involves seniors between 50 and 70 years old.The goal here is to ensure that children stay out, but the seniors can still get in. Dynamic Child-resistant flexible packaging tends to use 4 to 4.5 mil opaque films. Converters often use opaque films because some states mandate that the product is not seen through the packaging.The thickness is a standard set by California and Colorado, although it doesn’t apply to every state. For states that don’t have a thickness requirement, 4 mil is generally the thinnest gauge that is recommend- ed for a child-resistant application. If a converter has thermal lamination capabilities, they can use a 3 mil film, and add a 1 mil thermal lamination on top and achieve the same level of thickness for puncture and tear resistance. The market is a dynamic one that’s filled with equal parts opportunity and challenges.
Adheso-Graphics, Inc. www.adheso-graphics.com
AGI manufactures, distributes and converts current technology flexo mounting tapes and backing sys - tems for corrugated plate mounting. Flexstik hard vinyl, FlexSoft, bi.esse brand, Gold Series. Thin tapes for sleeve and Narrow web plate mounting. Specialty tapes that cover the vast thick - ness range requirements and specific adhesion systems for all flexo mounting requirements. We provide technical service and problem solving ser - vices for unique customers & applications. A&V manufactures a complete line of photopolymer plate processing systems and is a leading distribu - tor of flexographic platemaking materials. A&V also sells digital imaging systems and software specifical - ly designed for flexography. Apex International www.apexinternational.com Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. www.andersonvreeland.com Apex International is an award-winning global lead - er of anilox rolls, sleeves, glue sets, metering prod - ucts, and print maintenance solutions. With five production facilities on four continents, a grow - ing portfolio of clients in over 80 countries, and a high-performance continuous-improvement culture, Apex’s mission is the customer’s production suc - cess. Through technical innovation, service, and manufacturing precision, Apex delivers reliable, durable, and predictable metering solutions to its client’s presses every day. ARC International www.ARCInternational.com ARC International is a world leader in the manufac - turing of roller products for flexography. The latest nanotechnology laser engraving in our Charlotte and Las Vegas manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers. Eaglewood Technologies, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com Eaglewood Technologies provides the award-winning Sitexco Laser Systems, Sanilox ™ Systems and Sani- Blast ™ Mobile Service. Sitexco Laser Systems are the latest technology in anilox roll cleaning and are perfect for packaging and label printers. Sanilox ™ Systems are the global standard of reliable, environmentally safe anilox roll cleaning. Sani-Blast ™ cleaning service has been cleaning rolls for over 20 years and offer several cleaning options to minimize downtime.
10 August 16, 2021 Flexo Market News
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TLMI Sponsors Workforce Webinar
nology, Eastern Washington University, Illinois State, Indiana State University, Michigan State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Ryerson University, University of Wisconsin – Stout, and Virginia Tech. In other news, Esko has formed a new partnership with Technology Global Services Limited to distribute its range of AVT print inspection solutions in Nigeria. Lagos-based Technology Global will act as distribu- tor for the full range of Esko AVT Apollo, Jupiter and Argus inspection solutions for packaging, the AVT Titan metal sheet decoration inspection system and the AVT Helios inline inspection system for labels, as well as the company’s label and packaging workflow software. Stora Enso Partners With Vogue Scandinavia Stora Enso and Vogue Scandinavia have formed a strategic partnership to replace plastics in magazine packaging. As a part of the partnership, Stora Enso will provide Vogue Scandinavia with sustainability and packaging design expertise. A renewable, carbon neutral eco-package concept will be available for the first issue of Vogue Scandina- via, to be published this month.
BestBrightHalfHOUSEtwo.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/18 4:28 PM Page 1 Esko, the global developer of integrated software and hardware solutions for the packaging and label sec- tors, announced its latest donations toward education ahead of the commencement of the new school year. Among the more-than-30 schools utilizing Esko soft- ware are Appalachian State University, Clemson Uni- versity, Cal Polytech State, Dunwoody College of Tech- TLMI is sponsoring a Workforce Webinar featuring Claudia St. John, President of Affinity HR Group, on Wednesday, August 18th, at 2pm EST. During her pre- sentation, St. John will review her company’s mid- year 2021 Labor Market Summary and answer attend- ee’s workforce questions.The event, open to all TLMI members in addition to prospective members, will cover the most pressing issues employers are facing in today’s marketplace including hiring trends, wage growth, compensation and benefits trends, vaccine re- quirements, masking and hybrid work scenarios and the legislation driving mandates and companies’ evolv- ing internal policies. Esko Invests In Future Generations Of Workforce
The Best And The Brightest Are Waiting To Hear From YOU
An ad in Flexo Market News is a direct sales meeting with thousands of Presidents, Owners, VPs and General Managers of flexo operations — the key people who make decisions on equipment purchases.
Greg Kishbaugh 317-306-1060 flexo@nvpublications.com Robyn Smith 910-553-4055 rsmith@nvpublications.com
Flexo Market News August 16, 2021 11
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IP Reports Strong Corrugated Demand
Flexo Market News
Corrugated packaging and containerboard demand remained “very strong” in the second quarter of the year, according to International Paper (IP), a Memphis, Tennessee-based global producer of fiber-based pack- aging, pulp and paper products. “In our papers business, demand recovery accelerat- ed in the second quarter across our key geographies,” said Mark Sutton, Chairman and Chief Executive Offi- cer of International Paper, during the company’s sec- ond-quarter earnings call July 29.“We grew revenue by 15 percent as compared to the second quarter of last year with price realization accelerating in all of our business segments. Our mills and converting system performed well.” IP reported that it achieved second-quarter net earn- ings of $432 million, about $1.09 per diluted share, compared with $349 million, 88 cents per diluted share, in the first quarter of the year and $266 million, or 67 cents per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2020. Second-quarter adjusted operating earnings were at $421 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, compared with $299 million in the first quarter of the year and $305 million in the second quarter of 2021. “We see the rise in OCC cost as a reflection of the underlying strength in global demand for corrugated packaging.” -- Tim Nicholls, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, International Paper. Second-quarter cash provided by operations was $766 million, and year to date cash totaled $1.3 billion compared with $1.5 billion in the same time frame of 2020.Additionally, the company had a debt reduction of $796 million in the quarter, bringing its debt reduc- tion to date to $904 million. Tim Nicholls, Senior Vice President and Chief Finan- cial Officer at International Paper, added that old cor- rugated containers (OCC) represented about half of the sequential increase in the company’s input costs. IP reported that its joint venture with Ilim Group, which operates major Russian pulp & paper mills, joint venture equity yielded earnings of $101 million in the second quarter of the year, bringing year-to-date earn- ings for that business segment to $150 million.The in- creased earnings for this segment were driven by high- er export and domestic sales prices for softwood pulp, hardwood pulp and containerboard. The company also monetized its remaining invest- ment in Graphic Packaging for about $400 million. In the second quarter of the year, IP’s Industrial Pack- aging operating profits were at $408 compared with $447 million in the first quarter of the year.
DuPont Packaging Graphics www.cyrel.com/na
DuPont Packaging Graphics is the world’s leading supplier of flexographic printing systems in digital and conventional formats; including Cyrel® brand photopolymer plates, Cyrel® FAST processing equipment, Cyrel® round sleeves, mounting and fin - ishing products. For more than 35 years, beginning with Cyrel®, the first photopolymer printing plate, through to to - day’s digital workflow revolution, DuPont has been driving innovation in the Flexo and package printing industries. The Digital Cyrel® FAST imaging system has been broadly recognized for its efficiency, productivity, print performance, and environmental benefits. Flint Group www.flintgrp.com Flint Group Flexographic Products develops, man - ufacturers and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables, including: nyloflex ® photopoly - mer printing plates and processing equipment, and dayCorr ® die-cutting blankets and anvil covers. With a strong customer focus, unmatched service and support, and superior products, Flint Group strives to provide exceptional value, consistent quality and continuous innovation to customers around the world. Harper Corporation of America www.harperimage.com We’ve made ceramic anilox rolls longer than any - one in the world and pride ourselves on being the best in the world. Whether wide web, narrow web, newspaper, or corrugated markets, Harper continu - ously strives to bring new flexographic products and services to the printing industry that will improve the quality of your graphics. Flexotecnica’s patented Safe Sleeve Change ® system and Speedy Clean ® auto washup system are designed to give converters a competitive edge through Flexotecnica’s commitment to research and development. Sales, service and support for Flexo - tecnica presses is provided by KBA North America, Inc. in Dallas, Texas with U.S. resident technicians, an extensive spare parts inventory and an experi - enced, dedicated service staff. KBA-Flexotecnica – Get the Edge www.kba-flexotecnica.com/en/
12 August 16, 2021 Flexo Market News
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Containerboard, Corrugated Demand Surges At PCA Packaging Corp. of America (PCA), a packaging pro- ducer based in Lake Forest, Illinois,has reported strong containerboard and corrugated demand in its latest earnings report. Overall, PCA said it achieved second-quarter 2021 net income of $207 million, or $2.17 per share. Sec- ond-quarter 2021 net sales were $1.9 billion compared with $1.5 billion in the same time frame of 2020.The company said earnings before interest, taxes, deprecia- tion and amortization (EBITDA) for the second quarter, excluding special items, totaled $397 million this year compared with $299 in the second quarter of 2020. In PCA’s Packaging segment, total corrugated prod- ucts shipments and shipments per day were up 9.6 percent in the second quarter of the year over the second quarter of 2020. PCA reports that container- board production was 1.192 million tons, and contain- erboard inventory was up 20,000 tons from both the second quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. Tom Hassfurther, Executive Vice President of Corru- gated Products at PCA, said outside sales volume of con- tainerboard was 43,000 tons above the second quarter of 2020 but down slightly compared with the first quar- ter of the year because of lower export shipments. Looking ahead to the third quarter, Mark Kowlzan, PCA Chairman and CEO, said PCA expects demand will remain strong for containerboard and corrugated products with one additional day for box shipments. Additionally, he said he expects recycled fiber costs to remain high in the third quarter of the year. “You have to believe with the current trends it’s go- ing up and there is nothing that indicates it’s going to go down anytime soon. Some of the latest data that’s come out indicates record-low nationwide inventory levels of recycled fiber availability, all-time demand for all recycled fibers across the board.And so, unless something happens to the marketplace in the world, I don’t see that changing.”
Industry Events
Labelexpo Europe September 21-24, 2021 Brussels Expo Brussels, Belgium
CorrExpo 2021 September 27 - 29, 2021 St. Louis, Missouri
FTA Fall Conference October 4-6, 2021 Frisco, TX
Label Congress 2021 September 29-October 1, 2021 Brussels Centre Expo Brussels, Belgium
TLMI Annual Meeting October 17-19, 2021 Naples Grande Beach Resort Naples, FL
Labelexpo Europe April 26-29, 2022 Brussels Centre Expo Brussels, Belgium
Inovar Packaging Group Acquires Precision Label
Inovar Packaging Group, LLC, has completed its ac- quisition of Precision Label, Inc. in Oceanside, Califor- nia, in partnership with the existing Precision Label management team.This is Inovar’s sixth platform com- pany and adds to its existing manufacturing footprint in Dallas,Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida;Milwaukee,Wisconsin; and Kansas City,Kansas. Founded in 1998, Precision Label serves the personal care, food and beverage and nutrition sectors.
Labelexpo Americas September 13-15, 2022 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, IL
Flexo Market News August 16, 2021 13
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People & Places Miraclon
Miraclon has appointed Chris Mitch- ell as Midwestern US Sales Manager. The role includes supporting and enabling customers to maximize the capabilities of their KODAK FLEXCEL NX Solutions and aiding prospec- tive customers to achieve business growth with new investments in FL- EXCEL NXTechnology from Miraclon. Mitchell joins Miraclon with more than 20 years’ experience in the flexographic printing industry. Chris Mitchell
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Uteco is looking to expand our North American/Canadian Salesforce. A great opportunity for an enthusiastic, expe - rienced, and motivated individual looking to join our fast growing company. Qualified candidates should send resume Mario.Mucciacciaro@Uteco.com .
Global Graphics Global Graphics Software has ap- pointed Peter Kushnieruk as manag- er of OEM sales for the Americas. He joins Paul Hagen to strengthen the U.S. team as part of expansion plans for North and Latin America. Kush- nieruk has more than 30 years’ expe- rience of print technology.
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A B Graphics Jim Kehring has moved from tech- nical sales into the new position of West Coast Regional Sales Manager, for A B Graphics, where he will cov- er Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon andWashington State, and will report directly into Al Spendlow, ABG’s U.S. Managing Director. Repacorp, Inc. Acquires T&T Graphics, Inc.
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Repacorp, Inc., a label and packaging manufacturer with headquarters inTipp City,Ohio,has acquiredT&T Graphics in Miamisburg, Ohio.T&T Graphics will con- tinue to service their customers as T&T Graphics, Inc., a Repacorp Company.The ownership of T&T Graphics selected Repacorp, Inc.,due to both companies having similar cultures and philosophies needed to integrate customers and employees. T &T Graphics, established in 1971 by brothersTodd and TomWalker, produces products using flexograph- ic printing. In 2008, two long-term employees, Marty Clark and Tony Albers, purchased T&T Graphics. Marty leads the sales and service efforts, andTony led the op- erational systems and policies at T&T Graphics.
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