Board Converting News, July 13, 2026

BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries Since 1985 July 13, 2026 VOL. 42 NO. 28

Avoid Getting Sued For Workplace Discrimination BY PHILLIP M. PERRY

Early Bird Registration Open For Corrugated Week 2026 Early bird registration is now open for Corru- gated Week 2026, taking place September 28-30 in Fort Worth, Texas. Jointly hosted by AICC and TAPPI, the industry’s premier event will once again bring together corrugated professionals from around the world for three days of education, innovation, networking, and business development. Early bird rates are available through Au- gust 31 for AICC and TAPPI members. Dis- counted pricing includes $1,350 for the full conference, $650 for a single-day pass, and $250 for exhibit hall-only access. Rates will increase after the early bird deadline. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 1,400 corrugated industry profes- sionals representing more than 450 compa- nies and over 25 countries. With more than 145 exhibitors, attendees will have the op- portunity to explore the latest technologies, equipment, products, and services driving the future of corrugated manufacturing and pack- aging. The conference agenda features a mix of educational programming, networking events, and exclusive industry experiences.

Sophia was hired with great expectations. Her resume was flawless. Her references were enthusiastic. Her job interviews revealed deep understanding of the industry’s challenges. Reality, alas, proved disappointing. Sophia fell into the habit of com- ing to work late. Her performance was sub-par when she did show up. And she started bad mouthing the company to colleagues when her supervisor’s back was turned.

Finally, her boss had enough. Sophia was terminated. And that sparked a discrimination lawsuit, alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The reason? Sophia claimed she was fired not because of her performance but because her Attention-Deficit/Hy- peractivity Disorder (ADHD) was impacting her behavior. While Sophia’s employer was determined to fight the charges, the company attorney said it did not have a leg to stand on. Why? Its case was doomed because Sophia’s supervisor had come up short in three essential duties. He had not informed his charge of her poor perfor- mance, not attempted to determine any possibly protected causes for that performance, and not provided any remedial coaching. These failures meant that Sophia was surprised by her termination. And that surprise turned into a suspicion of bias that sparked litigation. More Lawsuits The employer in our opening story ended up settling for a six-figure sum. That resolution is not unlike the results of similar lawsuits around the country. And that should serve as a wake-up call for companies everywhere. CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

WHAT’S INSIDE 4 Inside Domtar’s Kingsport Mill: Q&A With Butler, Ashley 8 PPC Members Bring TICCIT To Classrooms In North America 16 AICC Canada Gives Box Plant Supervisors Tools To Thrive 20 California SB 343 Update Recognizes Carton Recyclability

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Four M Corporation’s Chris Mehiel Passes Away Peacefully In FL Four M Commercial Operations has announced that Chris Mehiel passed away peacefully at his home in Vero Beach, Florida on June 29th, after a sixty-year career as a suc- cessful entrepreneur in the paper and packaging business. Along with his brother Dennis, Chris Mehiel founded Four M Corporation in Baltimore, Maryland in 1966, and saw it grow from stitching solid fibre full telescope mu- nitions containers for the US Government in a garage (thanks to an $8,000 loan from the Small Business Admin- istration), to the nation’s largest corrugated partition man- ufacturer by the late 1970’s. Chris rejoined his brother in the late 1990’s and, as Chief Operating Officer, helped Four M’s successor com- pany Box USA become the largest independent manufac- turer of corrugated packaging in North America. In addition, Chris also founded, owned and operated a number of other successful businesses in the space over the years, including WestStreet Industries, Specialty Pack- aging and Eastern Recycling Services, and was known to be an honest and principled executive by those who knew and did business with him. Chris Mehiel is survived by his wife Susan along with his three children, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Early Bird (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

Attendees can participate in the Corrugated Clas- sic Golf Tournament at Bear Creek Golf Course, connect during the TAPPI Young Professionals and AICC Emerg- ing Leaders event, attend multiple networking receptions, and enjoy an authentic night out at the rodeo. Plant tours will also be offered at Harris Packaging, American Carton Company, and Thacker Industrial Service Company, pro- viding an inside look at leading corrugated operations. The keynote lineup includes Laurent Sellier, Pres- ident and CEO of Smurfit Westrock North America, who will open the conference with insights into the trends re- shaping the global corrugated industry. Closing the event will be Will Cain, political analyst, columnist, sports com- mentator, and host of The Will Cain Show. Cain’s keynote will examine the economic and cultural forces influencing American manufacturing and commerce while connecting those broader trends to the corrugated industry’s role in the marketplace. Throughout the three-day event, attendees can expect industry-leading educational sessions, hands-on access to innovative technologies and solutions on the show floor, and numerous opportunities to strengthen existing rela- tionships while building new ones with customers, suppli- ers, and industry peers. For more details about the event and to take advan- tage of early bird pricing, visit www.corrugatedweek.org .

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Inside Domtar’s Kingsport Mill: Q&A With Butler, Ashley

dles, ready for efficient forming and filling. The resulting packaging protects products through distri- bution while supporting merchandising and product com-

It’s been three years since Domtar’s Kingsport Mill’s con- version to a 100 percent recycled packaging mill was cel- ebrated at its grand opening event, and it’s been nearly three and a half years since the first roll of containerboard was produced successfully at the mill. We asked Mike Butler, senior director of sales for Dom- tar’s packaging business and vice chairman of AICC’s As- sociate board, and Laura Ashley, channel marketing man- ager for packaging products, about Domtar’s packaging products and how the mill and product line are performing, three years into producing 100 percent recycled contain- erboard. What kinds of recycled containerboard products are made at Domtar’s Kingsport Mill? The Kingsport Mill manufactures two types of premium, 100 percent recycled containerboard: Performance Liner- board and Performance Medium, both components used to manufacture corrugated packaging, like boxes used for e-commerce shipments. Our containerboard is produced in large rolls and sup- plied to corrugated converters, where it is combined into corrugated sheets and die-cut into custom box blanks with integrated features such as handles, flaps, and ventilation. These blanks are folded, glued and stacked into flat bun-

Laura Ashley and Mike Butler.

munication at the point of sale across industries—from food and beverage to electronics, apparel, and automo- tive parts. How does the quality of Domtar’s products compare to past 100 percent recycled containerboard products? Domtar entered the containerboard market in 2023 with the transformation of the Kingsport Mill, investing in state-of-the-art recycled papermaking technology to produce containerboard that performs and looks very dif- ferently from earlier recycled grades. So, we are glad you asked the question because our recycled containerboard is nothing like the recycled containerboard of yesteryear.

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Domtar (CONT’D FROM PAGE 4)

compete with our customers. We become an extension of their business. As a supplier, we focus on delivering pre- mium 100 percent recycled containerboard and building long-term, collaborative partnerships with our custom- ers. Our approach is simple: when our customers succeed in the marketplace, we succeed. How does Domtar source the recycled fiber for contain- erboard? Domtar’s Kingsport Mill can process approximately 660,000 tons of recycled fiber annually, including pre- dominantly OCC (Old Corrugated Containers), and a small amount of other recovered paper. This recycled fiber is sourced through a network of supply partnerships and mu- nicipal recycling programs. Domtar’s most recogniz- able OCC supply partnerships are with retailers and manufacturers like Food City, Goodwill Industries of Ten- neva Area, Inc. and the American Greetings manufacturing plant, based in Tennessee.

Unlike the dull “recycled grey” tones of the past, Dom- tar’s 100 percent recycled containerboard is a consistent warm brown appearance comparable to virgin container- board. Also, the market perception of recycled container- board was often associated with lower strength and has shifted to higher strength and better performance. These characteristics support the ability to design strong, reliable corrugated packaging using less material, which most often means using a lower basis weight. Our cus- tomers gain the ability to give their end users the capabili- ty to “lightweight” their packages. Independent corrugated converters are at the heart of Domtar’s packaging business model. Why this market? Domtar doesn’t own or operate box plants, sheet plants or sheet feeders. This means we do not

We are fortunate to have these and other excellent supply partnerships bring- ing in a steady stream of local and region- ally recycled material within a closed-loop recycling system. With the grocer Food City, which is headquartered not far from the mill in Abingdon, Virginia, we receive 5 truck- loads a day of OCC bales gathered from their 150+ stores weekly. Corrugat- ed packaging is a backbone of the food supply chain—used to move, protect, and display most grocery products before they reach the shelf. As of Earth Day 2026, Domtar had pro- cessed 1.5 million tons of recyclable mate- rial into new, high-quality containerboard. What sustainability advantages does the Kingsport Mill offer? In addition to producing 100 percent re- cycled containerboard, the Kingsport Mill’s 2023 transformation introduced significant process efficiencies. Compared to its pre- vious operation as a virgin freesheet mill, the recycled containerboard process now uses minimal chemicals, approximately 70 percent less water and approximately 50 percent less energy. How has Domtar’s approach changed as the company has integrated Domtar, Reso- lute Forest Products and Paper Excellence under the Domtar name and private own- ership of Jackson Wijaya? The integrated Domtar has a shared vi- sion of being “the fiber for the future.” We are even more deeply dedicated to this mission, to this robust industry and to producing premium 100 percent recy- cled containerboard.

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PPC Members Bring TICCIT® To Classrooms Across North America BY PAPERBOARD PACKAGING COUNCIL

Every spring, PPC members step out of their facilities and into class- rooms to share a story that many students have never heard before: the story of how trees become cartons, and how cartons help support a more sustainable future. Through TICCIT® (Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees), PPC’s sig- nature sustainability education program, member companies introduce students to the renewable and recyclable nature of paperboard packag- ing through hands-on learning, tree planting, and conversations about environmental stewardship. This year, PPC members brought TICCIT to schools and communities throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, helping students understand the important role forests, recycling, and paper-based pack- aging play in a circular economy. Teaching Sustainability Through Experience What makes TICCIT unique is its hands-on approach. Students don’t just learn about sustainability; they experience it. At each event, volun- teers explain how paperboard packaging is made from renewable re- sources, discuss the importance of responsible forestry and recycling, and help students plant their own tree saplings in biodegradable paper- board cartons to take home.

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The result is a lesson that extends far beyond the classroom. As stu- dents care for their trees, they gain a tangible connection to the con- cepts of sustainability, stewardship, and renewable resources. PPC Members Making An Impact This year’s TICCIT program showcased the incredible commitment of PPC members to their communities. Participating in TICCIT for the first time, 3A Press brought the pro- gram to Escuela Elemental Urbana in Lajas, Puerto Rico. Working along- side Para la Naturaleza, students planted approximately 200 saplings across school grounds, helping create shade and beautify the campus for future generations. At Hazelgreen Elementary School, Accord Carton introduced more than 110 students to the importance of recycling, renewable resources, and sustainable packaging. Every student planted a white pine sapling and took it home. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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TICCIT (CONT’D FROM PAGE 8)

Case Paper supported TICCIT outreach efforts by dis- tributing 114 trees while helping students learn about sus- tainability and responsible resource management. Colbert Packaging hosted three TICCIT events this year and engaged employees through volunteer educa- tion programs and activities, strengthening participation across the organization. Curtis Packaging continued its commitment to envi- ronmental stewardship by supporting TICCIT activities and helping students better understand the relationship between forests, renewable resources, and paperboard packaging. Diamond Packaging once again demonstrated its longstanding commitment to sustainability through partic- ipation in TICCIT and environmental education initiatives

within its community. On Earth Day, Joe Piper joined fifth-grade students at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Birmingham, Al- abama. Students received saplings to plant at home and worked together to plant a tree on school grounds, creat-

ing a lasting reminder of the day’s lessons. Malnove Packaging Solutions support- ed TICCIT efforts through its Jacksonville and Omaha operations, helping bring sus- tainability education and tree-planting ex- periences to local students. Manchester Industries , a division of Clearwater Paper, hosted a TICCIT event at The Museum School of Avondale Estates near Atlanta, Georgia. Students learned about trees, recycling, and paperboard packaging before planting saplings and helping plant a tree on school property. Metsä Board Americas Corporation in- troduced approximately 80 students at Ste- phen F. Austin Elementary School to sus- tainable forestry, renewable paper-based packaging, and environmental stewardship. Pak-Pro brought TICCIT to third-grade students in Toccoa, Georgia, helping young learners understand the connection be- tween forests, recycling, and sustainable packaging. PaperWorks hosted a TICCIT event at Baden Public School in Baden, Ontar- io, where fifth- and sixth-grade students received approximately 70 saplings and learned about responsible forest manage- ment. RRD Packaging Solutions hosted six TICCIT events across the country, including activities in Washington, Ohio, Iowa, and South Carolina. Through these efforts, the company distributed 468 saplings while teaching students about sustainability and renewable resources. Volunteers from Southern Champion Tray spent time with local third-grade stu- dents in Tennessee and Texas, sharing les-

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TICCIT (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)

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sons on recycling, responsible forestry, and sustainable packaging. Valco Melton introduced fifth-grade students at E.H. Green Elementary School to paperboard manufacturing, recycling, and sustainable forestry, and helped them plant saplings of their own.

One of the largest TICCIT efforts of the year came from Smurfit Westrock . Across North America, the company hosted more than 71 TICCIT events, reaching over 9,800 students in the United States and another 125 students in Canada. Employee volunteers visited schools, including Arnold Mill Elementary School, Allen Jay Elementary School, East- field Elementary School, Woodland Elementary School, Red Bank Elementary School, California Elementary School, Franklin Elementary School, and many others. Through classroom presentations, sustainability les- sons, and tree-planting activities, Smurfit Westrock volun- teers helped thousands of students understand the envi- ronmental benefits of renewable, paper-based packaging. Growing More Than Trees While every TICCIT event is unique, they all share a common purpose: helping students understand that sus- tainability starts with everyday choices. Whether planting saplings in Puerto Rico, Ontario, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, or beyond, PPC mem- bers are helping build a deeper appreciation for renew- able resources and environmental stewardship. “TICCIT is one of the most meaningful ways our indus- try gives back,” said Emily Leonczyk, President of PPC. “Ev- ery year, our members dedicate their time and expertise to helping students understand sustainability through hands- on learning. These experiences leave a lasting impression and help connect future generations to the importance of renewable materials, responsible recycling, and environ- mental stewardship.” PPC extends its sincere appreciation to all participat- ing member companies for helping make the 2026 TICCIT program a success. Together, our members are helping students see that sustainability isn’t just a concept; it’s something they can be part of every day.

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AICC Canada Gives Box Plant Supervisors Resources To Thrive The role of a box plant supervisor has never been more demanding. Today’s supervisors are expected to manage production schedules, maintain quality standards, support safety initiatives, motivate employees, and continuous- ly improve plant performance, all while adapting to new technologies and managing customer expectations. Technical expertise remains important, but the most successful supervisors understand that leadership, com- munication, and continuous learning are equally critical to long-term success. This is where AICC Canada membership can make a significant difference. Through education, networking, in- dustry resources, and professional development opportu- nities, AICC Canada helps supervisors build the skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in a modern manu- facturing environment. Great Supervisors Never Stop Learning One of the defining traits among high-performing su- pervisors is a commitment to ongoing learning. The cor- rugated packaging industry continues to evolve through automation, changing workforce expectations, sustain- ability initiatives, and new customer requirements. Super- visors who continue to develop their knowledge are bet- ter equipped to respond to these changes and guide their

teams through them. AICC Canada supports box plant supervisor develop- ment through more than 80 online training courses avail- able to employees at member companies. These courses cover topics ranging from packaging fundamentals and safety to leadership and customer service. For supervi- sors, this means access to practical learning that can be applied immediately on the plant floor. The Best Solutions Often Come From Industry Peers Every plant faces challenges. Whether it’s improving productivity, reducing waste, increasing employee en- gagement, or navigating labour shortages, supervisors are often tasked with finding solutions quickly. One of the most valuable lessons AICC Canada offers is that supervisors don’t have to solve these problems alone. Through industry events, advisory groups, plant tours, and networking opportunities, members gain access to a com- munity of independent packaging professionals who are willing to share ideas and experiences. These conversa- tions often provide practical solutions that can save signif- icant time and resources. The ability to learn from others who have faced similar challenges is one of the unique advantages of belonging to an industry association built specifically for indepen- dent converters. Leadership Matters More Than Ever Many supervisors begin their careers because they

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excel in operational or technical roles. However, leading people requires complex skill sets. Successful supervisors know how to communicate expectations clearly, coach employees effectively, manage conflict professionally, and build trust within their teams. AICC Canada’s educational programming and lead- ership-focused resources help supervisors strengthen these capabilities and prepare for future leadership op- portunities. Leadership development remains a key fo- cus throughout the association’s training offerings and industry programs. Many leaders struggle to find time to integrate professional development into their work weeks. AICC webinar recordings are available for members to view at their convenience.

As experienced leaders retire across the industry, or- ganizations that invest in developing supervisors today will be better prepared for tomorrow’s leadership chal- lenges. AICC offers a number of leadership development pathways that might be suitable for an emerging leader on your team. Understanding The Business Beyond The Plant Floor Exceptional supervisors understand how their deci- sions impact the broader organization. • Production efficiency affects profitability • Safety performance affects culture and retention • Quality impacts customer relationships • Workforce engagement influences long-term business success Through industry reports, publications, webinars, and meetings, AICC Canada helps supervisors gain a broad- er understanding of the factors shaping the packaging industry and the businesses they support. Broadening perspectives helps supervisors move beyond day-to-day problem solving and become stronger contributors to company-wide goals. Continuous Improvement Starts With Strong Leadership Continuous improvement is often associated with ma- chinery, processes, and metrics. In reality, it starts with people. Supervisors set the tone for workplace culture as they influence employee engagement, accountability, communication, and performance every day.

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California SB 343 Update Recognizes Carton Recyclability According to a report from Recycling Today , the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRe- cycle) has published an update to its Senate Bill 343 Final Findings Report following a thorough review of additional information regarding carton sortation for recycling across California. The revised findings confirm that food and beverage cartons meet the statewide sortation threshold required for recyclable labeling under the statute. The June 24, 2026 update revises Table 2 of CalRecy- cle’s SB 343 Final Findings Report to reflect that cartons are now sorted for recycling by large-volume transfer and processing facilities serving 62 percent of California coun- ties. This exceeds the threshold established by SB 343 that determines whether a package can be labeled as re- cyclable. “This update reflects the real and growing capacity of California’s recycling system to recover and recycle food and beverage cartons,” said Jordan Fengel, President of the Carton Council. “We are pleased that on-package labelling will contin- ue to accurately communicate that cartons should be recy- cled, helping to provide sufficient material to established and emerging recycling end markets.”

CalRecycle’s updated evaluation incorporates newly verified sortation at three California material recovery fa- cilities (MRFs): • Western Placer Waste Management Authority MRF in Roseville; • Pacific Recycling Solutions MRF in Ukiah; • Cold Canyon Landfill MRF in San Luis Obispo. Together with facilities previously identified by CalRe- cycle, these operations sort cartons into PSI Grade 52 bales and serve 21 California counties. The update reflects how cartons are collected, sorted, and marketed through- out the recycling system. “This milestone is the result of continued collabora- tion across the recycling value chain,” Fengel said. “We appreciate the facilities that have invested with us in car- ton sortation, the communities that include cartons in their recycling programs, and CalRecycle’s careful review of all available data.” SB 343 permits the use of the chasing-arrows symbol and other recyclability claims only for products and pack- aging that satisfy the criteria outlined in California law. Cal- Recycle’s characterization findings provide the collection and sortation data used to evaluate materials under those requirements. The Carton Council will continue working with commu- nities, material recovery facilities and recycling end mar- kets to expand carton recovery and ensure that valuable carton material is returned to productive use.

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Avoid Getting Sued (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)

“Employment discrimination lawsuits are on the in- crease,” said Pam Howland, an employment litigation de- fense attorney and founder of Idaho Employment Lawyers ( idemploymentlawyers.com ). “Employers need to take steps to reduce unintended management errors that can spark costly litigation.” The numbers tell the tale. The EEOC processed 88,201 new discrimination charges in fiscal year 2025, a 44 per- cent increase over the number five years earlier. Why the increase? Attorneys point to a number of reasons—not least an increased awareness of worker rights and a reg- ulatory expansion of disability-related claims. There has also been greater labor market volatility, with attendant hirings, firings and promotions creating the very situations that can spark bias lawsuits.

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Meanwhile, workers are protected by an upsurge in legislative and regulatory actions from a variety of juris- dictions. “Our society is increasingly bureaucratized,” said Charles Krugel, a labor and employment lawyer ( charlesakrugel.com ). “Businesses must deal with federal, state, and local laws governing the employment relation- ship.” Court interpretations can also expand the scope of legislation. Some of the new regulations may seem surprising. In more than 20 states, for example, employers are banned from asking prospective workers about salary histories. “The law is trying to balance out gender inequities,” ex- plained Rafael E. Lázaro, founding partner of Lázaro Law Group ( lazarolawgroup.com ). “The idea is that a pros- pect’s pay from previous employment could be the result of bias, and the goal is to give the person a fresh start.” The categories of protected characteristics are also in- creasing. They include race, age, sex, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, preg- nancy and genetic information, along with mental illness. Recent expansions have included marital and caregiver status, political affiliation, and even lawful off-duty con- duct. Additionally, people are protected against penalties for caring for disabled family members. Higher Penalties Whatever the specific charge, the risk of elevated fi- CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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Avoid Getting Sued (CONT’D FROM PAGE 22)

before they happen,” said Lázaro. “There are risks all around, from the very time the employee is hired, through the management stage and on to termination. And new challenges are arising all the time, because the law is un- der constant change.” Attorneys advise taking the following steps to avoid the Recently a job interviewer commented on a prospect’s unusual name and asked if they were from Slovenia or Montenegro. There followed an extended discussion about national origin. It all seemed cordial and insignificant. Unfortunately, the failure to hire the individual sparked a claim for national origin discrimination. Lesson learned: Avoid conversational excursions into personal characteristics protected by law. Seemingly inno- cent questions such as ‘what’s your graduation date?’ or ‘when did you serve in the military?’ can backfire because they provide insight into a person’s age and can lay the groundwork for an age bias lawsuit. seven most common—and costly—mistakes: Mistake #1: Going off script in job interviews That same advice extends to discussions of educa- tional achievements. “You don’t want to ask about social clubs people were members of, or fraternities at college, or anything that goes beyond the name of their university,” advised Gosseen. Bonus tip: Prepare a list of allowable questions and in- struct interviewers to stay on script.

nancial settlements remains the same. “Lawsuits for dis- crimination can be costly,” said Robert I. Gosseen, senior counsel at Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg & Atlas (ssrga.com). Plaintiffs will commonly seek back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for pain and suffering, and in the case of egregious behavior, uninsurable punitive dam- ages. “You’re also looking at the potential liability for the other side’s attorney’s fees, which alone can run from four to six figures,” said Gosseen. An employer’s risk doesn’t stop there. “Under many state anti-discrimination laws, personal liability accrues to the executive or the supervisor who aids and abets dis- crimination,” said Gosseen. And the damage to a compa- ny’s reputation can be considerable, which makes it hard- er to recruit top talent. Increasing settlements are coming at a time when the costs for protecting businesses are also going up. “Em- ployment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) is going through the roof,” said Jared S. Pope, an employment law attorney and CEO of Work Shield (workshield.com). “Some companies are experiencing double digit annual premium increases.” Costly Mistakes The changing operating environment only highlights the importance of being proactive. “Litigation is the prod- uct of employers taking insufficient steps to avoid issues

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Avoid Getting Sued (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

Mistake #2: Ignoring sexual harassment claims. Most people think sexual harassment involves quid pro quo transactions in which managers offer promotions for sexual favors. But there are other kinds. “Comments about an individual’s body and clothing, sexually charged state- ments, touching, and suggestive after-hours text messag- ing—All can create hostile work environments,” said Wil- liam K. Phillips, Managing Partner of Phillips & Associates ( newyorkcitydiscriminationlawyer.com ). Any complaint must be dealt with quickly and efficient- ly. “A common mistake when someone raises a sexual ha- rassment issue is looking the other way when an accused manager is sufficiently high up in the organization,” said Lázaro. “The company may feel the individual is too im- portant or is bringing in too much money, so they end up protecting the manager rather than the employee.”

ADVANTZWARE www.advantzware.com

Advantzware provides a comprehensive system to address the business management needs of the independent box business, as well as the ERP requirements of full scale pack-

aging plants and integrated companies. AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION www.accfilter.com

Air Conveying Corporation is a leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than sim- ply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your pro- posed system. Our equipment is found in printing, folding carton and corrugated plants throughout the world. We've been designing, manufacturing and engineering pneumatic conveying systems since 1984. We partner with our customers to ensure they operate efficiently and guar- antee our systems meet or exceed their specifications. ASDI specializes in full pull-through systems trim separators, and NFPA compliant systems with full electronic controls. AMTECH SOFTWARE www.amtechsoftware.com AIR SYSTEMS DESIGN, INC. www.airsystemsdesign.com Amtech offers the industry’s most innovative and com- prehensive corrugated and packaging ERP, integrated scheduling software, and engineered automation technol- ogy. For over 30 years, Amtech has kept our customers competitive in an ever-changing economy with customer digital storefronts and workflows, business intelligence, automated scheduling for corrugators, converting and shipping, proactive roll stock and inventory management. APEX INTERNATIONAL www.apexinternational.com World’s largest Anilox and Glue & Metering roll manufac- turer, providing the widest selection of corrugated engrav- ings and complementary services. Anilox engraving options available from our North American manufacturing facility include elongated 75°, 60°, 45°, plus Apex’s patented GTT technology. Glue rolls are produced with Hardened Stain- less Steel and a max TIR of 10 µ for Single, Double Facers.

Attorneys advise separating the involved individuals to obviate further activity deemed harassing and then con- ducting an investigation by a disinterested party. Bonus tip: Update the complainant on a timely basis. Employees who feel unheard are tempted to consult with attorneys. Mistake #3: Not accommodating disabilities. Managers must respond with sensitivity when an em- ployee requests accommodation for a physical or mental disability. “Claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are a huge source of litigation,” said Howland. The ADA protects people with physical or mental dis- abilities, and individuals perceived as disabled. Protected categories can include depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, autism, blindness or deafness, cancer, diabetes, and many others. The law may also protect individuals who support disabled family members. “It’s essential for employers to have what’s called ‘inter- active discussions’ with their employees regarding disabil- ities,” said Krugel. “Too often, we see employers arbitrarily claim a proposed accommodation is unreasonable without discussing the matter with the workers and with medical professionals.” Bonus tip: Err on the side of accommodation: Modify the work environment if at all possible.

AOPACK LTD www.aopackmachine.com

Aopack is a leading manufacturer of automatic corrugated box making machines for short-run and on-demand pro- duction. 1,200+ machines operate in 60+ countries. The BM2800-Ultra integrates digital printing, slitting, slotting, creasing, and vibrating knife cutting, delivering efficient, flexible solutions for customized corrugated box orders.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

26 July 13, 2026

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Avoid Getting Sued (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)

Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY

Mistake #4: Not providing a channel for reports Employees who don’t feel heard feel unempowered. And when management seems to turn a deaf ear to dis- crimination complaints, workers turn to attorneys as their earpiece. “Employers need to provide communication channels that allow workers to feel they have a clear path to resolu- tion,” said Pope. Those channels can include safe places to report incidents of discrimination. Attorneys advise communicating the existence of such channels using a variety of media: The company bulletin board, the e-newsletter, emailed memos, and the compa- ny employee handbook. Bonus tip: Ensure employees have the names of indi- viduals outside their chain of command to whom they can report bias issues. Mistake #5: Not training supervisors Front line supervisors must act quickly with appropriate responses to bias reports. “Often supervisors are ignorant of the law,” said Lázaro. “They need to at least be trained to the degree they can recognize potential red flag legal issues and request assistance when needed.”

ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com

ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nano-technology laser engraving in our NC and NV manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.

AES (ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES) www.aesales.net

AES is a leading full-service provider of integrated convey- ance systems specializing in scrap, trim, and dust. AES en- gineers custom scrap systems and works as a partner in process improvement to help businesses achieve greater profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Products include balers, shredders/hoggers, core shredders, filters, fans, and specialized dust control and collection systems. AES is the ex- clusive distributor for the AirShark Rotary Material Separator. For a wide variety of new and used equipment on to- day’s market, visit our website at www.acm-corp.com. BAUMER HHS CORPORATION www.baumerhhs.com hhs is a global leader in advanced gluing, camera verifica- tion and quality assurance systems for the packaging indus- try. Zero-defect quality and elevated production speeds are key parameters in the manufacturing of corrugated boxes. With hhs Xcam Box Monitoring and non-contact flap gluing of corrugated board, hhs offers every option for quality as- surance in the production of boxes with flexo folder gluers. AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com BLOWER APPLICATION COMPANY (BLOAPCO) www.BloApCo.com BloApCo has served the corrugated industry since 1933 with a variety of scrap handling solutions, including Hori- zontal Floor Shredders, Trim Cutters, and Material Handling Fans and Conveying Systems. BloApCo Shredders allow for continuous shredding and pneumatic removal of sheet waste stacks of all sizes, roll slab, cores, and carton scrap.

Lázaro provides a recent example. Margaret had been coming in late. She told her supervisor that she was the sole caretaker for her father and needed to take him to therapy in the mornings. The manager did not identify that as a potential risk and took disciplinary action—a move that was deemed to violate the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Bonus tip: Quiz supervisors annually to ensure they un- derstand company procedures. Mistake #6: Inadequate documentation Employers should maintain adequate written records of all hiring, promotion and disciplinary activities. “The best defense against bias charges is documentation that describes how a company tried to help an employee fix performance issues,” said Howland. “An employer who doesn’t have sufficient documentation has thrown away the best defense to show that their actions were for lawful, non-discriminatory reasons.”

CORRUGATED MACHINERY SPECIALISTS www.cmsretrofits.com

Leading manufacturer and installer of quality retrofits, up- grades and replacement parts for S&S and Prime Flexo Folder Gluers. Specialists in reconditioning of S&S Flexo Folder Gluers, including ink, air and electrical systems.

CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com

Serving the corrugated box industry since 1991, Chicago- based Corrugator Belt Service LLC maintains corru- gator belts for peak board quality and performance.

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