International Paper and DS Smith, two of the leading producers of sustainable packaging, containerboard and pulp products, combined forces on January 31, 2025 to create a new global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, focused on the attractive North American and EMEA regions.

CONFORMiT is proud to announce the public release of Johnny – the first generative AI agent for Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS), available exclusively at ehs.ai.

Voith’s service solutions for each machine segment of the production line offer papermakers direct access to the expertise of the leading full-line supplier. At DS Smith’s Kemsley Mill in the UK, a service approach with regular inspections of all stock preparation equipment ensures optimal maintenance for resource-efficient production and high-quality stock.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s announcement of 25% tariffs on all products from Canada and Mexico:

Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) today reported fourth quarter 2024 net income of $221 million, or $2.45 per share, and net income of $222 million, or $2.47 per share, excluding special items. Fourth quarter net sales were $2.1 billion in 2024 and $1.9 billion in 2023. Full year 2024 net income was $805 million, or $8.93 per share, and net income of $814 million, or $9.04 per share, excluding special items. Full year net sales were $8.4 billion in 2024 and $7.8 billion in 2023.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) today reported full-year 2024 net earnings of $557 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, and adjusted operating earnings (non-GAAP) of $400 million, or $1.13 per diluted share. Full-year net sales were $18.6 billion in 2024 and $18.9 billion in 2023.

SCA increases the prices on brown and white kraftliner in Europe by € 90 per metric ton. The new price is valid from March 1, 2025.

In March 2024, Voith carried out extensive upgrades to the predryer section and the heat recovery of paper manufacturer Jass' PM 3 at its Fulda site. Since up to two-thirds of the energy consumed during paper production is required in the dryer section, Jass is achieving great savings potential and significantly increased machine availability at the site.

The world’s largest pulp supplier, Suzano, announces a long-term commercial agreement with the AI-powered land use and supply chain management startup, Marvin. Alongside this, Suzano’s venture capital arm, Suzano Ventures, has completed a strategic follow-on investment into Marvin, following its initial investment in October 2023.

Greif, a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, will permanently cease production on the Number 1 Paperboard Machine (A1) in Austell, GA and permanently close the containerboard and uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) mill in Fitchburg, MA.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the Q4 2024 Boxboard report. 

Greif announced that it will permanently close the containerboard and uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) mill in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and permanently cease production on the Number 1 Paperboard Machine (A1) in Austell, Georgia.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the Q4 2024 Containerboard Quarterly report. 

Kelly Spicers, a leading West Coast distributor of paper, packaging, wide format products and facilities solutions, announced today that it has acquired Denver-based Creative Packaging Group, an independent packaging distributor with customers across the Rocky Mountain region.   

A new spool holder that features a lever-operated clamp and a conical face for mounting rolls concentric to the shaft in bagging, label making, packaging, and related machinery has been introduced by Stafford Manufacturing Corp. of Wilmington, MA.

Stora Enso announces that its NeoLigno bio-based binder is integral part of ECOR Global’s new product line, a groundbreaking fully bio-based, recyclable and formaldehyde-free board. This innovation meets the increasing demand for healthier, recyclable, high-performance materials, particularly in furniture and flooring manufacturing.

Koehler Renewable Energy has taken another important step in its mission to generate more renewable energy from its own facilities than the Koehler Group needs for its paper production operations by 2030. More specifically, its project for directly powering the Koehler Paper site in Oberkirch with self-produced green energy is taking shape: After a detailed analysis, the area on the Schwend ridge between Oberkirch and Kappelrodeck was identified as an ideal site for wind turbines that will be used to power the Oberkirch plant directly.

According to a recent Metsä Board study, optimising the choice of paperboard can notably reduce the carbon footprint of packaging for beautycare and cosmetic brands. The assessments, conducted by Metsä Board and verified by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, demonstrated the significant carbon footprint reductions achieved by switching to Metsä Board’s fresh fibre paperboard, compared to grades representative of European markets.

The FisherSolve database is a tool to learn more about the environmental impact from every paper producer in the world.

A partnership between the Carton Council, Elof Hansson USA Inc. and the Upcycling Group will bring a new recycling manufacturing facility to Lodi, California, by the end of Q3. Designed to transform post-consumer food and beverage cartons into durable, sustainable building materials, the facility will support regional recycling efforts and help meet the growing demand for sustainable construction materials.

Edilio Stefani, Chairman of the Sofidel Group, passed away suddenly at his home on January 30.

Kadant Johnson LLC, a subsidiary of Kadant Inc., announced the promotion of Chad Corte to President. In this capacity, Corte is responsible for the company's operations in Three Rivers, Michigan which include R&D, manufacturing, and commercial activities.

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