Staff

FLINT GROUP introduce the new nyloflex FSC Digital is a new printing plate for the corrugated indus­try which can contribute to lowering the total cost of own­ership while increasing quality due to the unique low plate hardness of only 26 Shore A. The trend towards low-cost liners has become accepted, particularly in the corrugated market. This has resulted in spe­cial print requirements in order ...[Read More]

World demand for corrugating boxes is forecast to increase 3.4% per year to 213 billion sqm in 2013, in line with real (inflation-adjusted) gains in GDP. In addition, ongoing development in small flute and high-quality graphic board will allow corrugated boxes to penetrate traditional folding carton applications, espe­cially in the developed world. Grea­ter interest in corrugated packaging as a po...[Read More]

The Rewe Group has announced that they will stop the rollout of RFID in its distribution centers – A surprising turnaround in the RFID strategy. Instead, Rewe will focus on the internal application of new technology for tracking their owned reusable crates and containers. “The use of RFID on pallets and packaging/transport packaging doesn’t pay off today,” says Frank Wiemer...[Read More]

Although longer term the forecast for corrugated boxes is forecast to increase 3 to 4% per year through 2013 (to 213billion square meters), many voice short term concerns. Yes, paper boxes continue to be the environmental choice for packaging to protect and transport items; but, reusable plastic crates are providing competition. Containerboard prices, assisted with good demand, remain steady after...[Read More]

International Paper’s profits have more than trebled in its packaging business after a tax rebate and its acquisition of Weyerhauser. In the company’s two packaging divisions, overall operating profit hit $369m, compared to $101m in the same period last year, thanks to a $285m boost from the pre-tax credit. The US firm received a $482 pre-tax credit for using alternative energy sources, a result o...[Read More]

If the forecast by The Freedonia Group is right, by 2013, Americans will use a staggering 300 billion food containers each year. The Group predicts that US demand for food containers will grow by 2.5 percent annually over the next five years to a total value of $25 billion versus $22 billion in 2008. Demand for bags and pouches has grown by a robust 5.9 percent annually, from $6.9 billion a year i...[Read More]

Managing director John Weedon said there had been strong demand growth for innovative corrugated packaging in the past year, particularly from discount retailers looking to use retail-ready packaging. “To satisfy this increased level of business we needed to expand our conversion capacity, which is why we ordered the Visionfold and Visioncut,” he said. Bobst said that Staffordshire-based Weedon’s ...[Read More]

“This acquisition would not be a game-changing event but it would consolidate SKG’s position in the UK corrugated market,” Lars Kjellberg, analyst for Credit Suisse, told FoodProductionDaily.com. The takeover, should it go ahead, would allow SKG to improve its operational efficiency and cut costs, he added. “It would of course increase its market share and cement its position as UK number two to D...[Read More]

Last July the UK-based company announced the €247m (₤207m) takeover, which is subject now to regulatory approval and a shareholder vote. Due to its product mix, Otor operates at significantly higher margins compared to DS Smith and the combination will result in margin improvement for the enlarged group. In addition, DS Smith sees the Otor acquisition as an opportunity to build its presence in the...[Read More]

Packaging trends in Europe are compared with the U.S. since they occupy similar geographic areas, have similar climates and topographical features, and their containerboard companies supply many of the same global food, beverage and consumer goods companies. However, average basis weights of corrugated are now 20% lighter in Europe than the U.S A critical look at the geographic factors, the fiber ...[Read More]

Corrugated board manufacturers have reported that packaging volumes are returning to pre-recession levels, thanks in a large part to the stability of the food sector. According to annual statistics from the European Manufacturers of Corrugated Packaging (FEFCO), volumes in the first few months of 2010 have so far exceeded results from 2007, before the financial crisis hit. This improvement comes o...[Read More]

Smurfit Kappa Group (SKG), announcing a 20 per cent hike revenue mid August, due to input cost pressures such as raw materials, labour and energy costs. Price recovery helped earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the three months to end June reach €221m, up from €84 million on the same period last year. SKG chief executive Gary McGann today said that the Group’s...[Read More]