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Board Converting News, July 12, 2021

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BoardConverting Serving the North American Corrugated and Folding Carton Industries for 37 years July 12, 2021 VOL. 37, NO. 26

Domtar Enters Containerboard Market With TN Mill Conversion BY REBECCA RENDON For more than 100 years, Domtar’s Kingsport Paper Mill has been a proud employer and community partner in the city of Kingsport, Ten- nessee, and the surrounding area, not only as a large employer, but also a supporter of local vocational education, environmental sustain- ability and civic and recreational programs that enhance the daily lives of their neighbors.

Pregis To Invest $14M In GA For E-Commerce Growth Deerfield, Illinois based Pregis, a manufactur- er of protective packaging, will be investing more than $14 million in a new manufacturing facility in the Atlanta area to support e-com- merce growth in the Southeast. The new 298,000-square-foot facility will be located in McDonough, Georgia, and is the latest in a series of investments in protective packag- ing manufacturing facilities to support e-com- merce demand. Pregis recently announced two manufac- turing facilities in Texas, one in Bethel, Penn- sylvania, in addition to an existing facility in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The McDonough facility will be producing the recently rebranded Pregis EverTec mailer, which features lightweight, recyclable all-pa- per cushioned construction. Pregis is current- ly looking to fill 80 new manufacturing posi- tions there, with room to expand production and employment opportunities in the future. In total, the new EverTec manufacturing loca- tions are expected to create approximately 450 new jobs. “E-commerce is continuing to grow ex- ponentially. Pregis’ investment in a Georgia

Domtar, which is one of the largest integrated manufacturers of un- coated freesheet paper in North America, continues to invest in the lo- cal Kingsport community. The company announced a $350 million plan to convert the Kingsport Mill to produce 100 percent recycled contain- erboard grades targeted to independent corrugated converters across North America. This investment will make the facility home to what is believed to be the second-largest recycled containerboard machine in North America, producing nearly 600,000 tons of high-quality recycled papers. Steve Henry, Domtar’s Senior Vice President of Packaging, ex- plained that the decision to convert this existing paper mill came to fruition after years of studying the containerboard marketplace. Domtar CEO John Williams’ experience in the European packaging market, as well as Henry’s experience working with companies like Georgia Pacif- ic and International Paper, led them to explore this new long-term stra- tegic plan to build a large and cost-competitive packaging business. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 From left, Domtar CEO John Williams; Steve Henry, Domtar’s Senior Vice President of Packaging; and Troy Wilson, Kingsport Mill Manager.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

WHAT’S INSIDE 10 ISM: Manufacturing, Economy Grow Again In June 14 Jim Porter Reflects On Career, Lessons, Market Dynamics 22 SCE Features 200 Entries For Box Manufacturing Olympics 49 Smurfit Kappa Acquires Cartonbox In Mexico

T H A C K E R I N D U S T R I A L S E R V I C E C O M P A N Y

O P E R A T O R T R A I N I N G T A I L O R E D T O Y O U R G O A L S Before any training star ts, we need to know your goals. We’ l l help you identi f y them, customize them, measure them and help achieve the expectations set by your team. Our intensive training wi l l encompass two ful l days at your faci l ity for al l par ticipants, during the week or on a weekend. Al l you need is a room for training your group and the machine you want to train on.

O U R T E A M

Our Training team consists of three corrugated industry exper ts with nearly 100 years of combined experience. Their backgrounds are in both integrated and independent companies with roles ranging from Machine Operator to Director of Operations. Making them more than qual i f ied to tackle any machine and training issue. Cal l today to learn how your team can benef it from the industry ’s premier training program.

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July 12, 2021

C u r r e n t O p e r a t o r E x p e r i e n c e

S T E P 1

M a c h i n e t y p e G o a l s / E x p e c t a t i o n s

I s s u e s

Q U E S T I O N N A I R E

P l a n 2 d a y s w i t h i n y o u r s c h e d u l e

S T E P 2

1 d a y c l a s s r o o m a n d 1 d a y a t m a c h i n e

S C H E D U L E

1 - B o x S e t u p C a l i b r a t i o n T o o l i n g

S T E P 3

T R A I N I N G

T r o u b l e s h o o t i n g

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July 12, 2021

AVERAGE CONTAINERBOARD PRICES The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout the United States the week previous to issue. Prices in some areas of the country may be higher or lower than the tabulated average. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser.

REGION E. Coast Midwest Southeast Southwest

42# Kraft liner

26# Semi-Chem. Medium

$1005.00-1010.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1020.00-1030.00 $1050.00-1060.00 $1023.00-1032.00

Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del. Short Ton Del.

$940.00-990.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $955.00-975.00 $975.00-995.00 $958.00-978.00

West Coast U.S. Average

SHEET PRICES BY REGION (AVERAGE) Per 1MSF, local delivery included, 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. Sheets

E. Coast Midwest South-SW S. CA N.CA/WA-OR US Aver.

200# 275#

$62.26

$72.05

$62.69 $82.80

$85.35 119.54

$73.13 101.29

97.32

99.89

90.86

113.65

OYSTER UP-CHARGE 8.34

8.34

275# DBL-WALL 350# DBL-WALL

107.46 118.45

114.69 129.32

116.54 137.25 117.82 145.56

141.08 148.46

122.76 131.80

CANADIAN SHEET PRICES (AVERAGE) In Canadian Dollars, per 1MSF, local delivery included, under 50MSF single item order, truckload delivery. 200# 275# Oyster UC 275#DW 350#DW $78.56 $99.18 $9.00 $96.32 $105.83 CANADIAN LINERBOARD & MEDIUM The average prices reported are tabulated from prices PAID by various sources throughout Canada. Prices may be higher or lower in various areas of the country. The prices tabulated here are intended only for purposes of reference. They do not connote any commitment to sell any material at the indicated average. Transactions may be completed at any time at a price agreed upon by seller and purchaser. Prices are Canadian $ and per metric ton.

42# Kraft Liner 26#

Semi-Chem Medium

East West

$970.00

$960.00 $995.00

$1,015.00

Pregis To Invest (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 )

manufacturing location is yet another commitment to of- fering a diverse portfolio of shipping solutions tailored to the growing demand among brand owners and ecom- merce retailers for sustainable, efficient and cost-effective solutions,” said Pregis President and CEO Kevin Baudhuin. “We are also pleased to be creating employment opportu- nities in the Atlanta metro area for this unique e-commerce solution.” Pregis acquired the technology to manufacture the sustainable mailer solution in October 2020 with the goal to scale the production of the curbside recyclable product to meet consumer demand. Pregis also self-manufactures the proprietary equipment used to produce the unique mailer. “I extend my thanks to Pregis for their commitment to creating advanced manufacturing and distribution jobs for hardworking Georgians,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “The company’s continued investment in the Peach State is a testament to our top-notch workforce training pro- grams and to Georgia’s welcoming, pro-business environ- ment.” For more than a decade, Pregis has brought to the mar- ketplace a portfolio of products that address environmen- tal concerns, as well as delivering the protective attributes critical for damage-free delivery of products to consumers. Visit www.pregis.com for more information.

www.boardconvertingnews.com

July 12, 2021

P+PB Confirms Dates For Annual ‘State Of The Campaign’ Webinars The Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB) has confirmed the dates for its annual “State of the Campaign” webinars on Tuesday, July 13th; Thursday, July 15th; and Tuesday, July 20th for member companies, media and partners. This year, Mary Anne Hansan, President, P+PB, will dis- cuss the campaign’s initial approach to communicating sustainability and the look and feel of the new creative de- signed to appeal to the younger end of the demographic, consumers between the ages of 18-34 who are concerned about the environment and want to do their part. “According to research from the Carton Council, con- sumers overwhelmingly agree that knowing what prod- ucts are created from the materials they recycle inspires them to recycle more,” said Hansan. “This first wave of new work brings paper recycling to life showing consum- ers the kinds of products their paper and packaging recy- cling can be turned into.” P+PB’s annual State of the Campaign webinars are open to anyone interested in learning about the Paper and Packaging Board’s consumer campaign. Register to attend one of four 45-minute State of the Campaign we- binars: July 13 @ 11-11:45am EST; July 15 @ 11-11:45am EST; July 15 @ 3-3:45pm EST; or July 20 @ 11-11:45am EST by visiting paperandpackaging.org .

Box Shipments ( U.S. Corrugated Product Shipments) Industry Shipments In Billions of Square Feet Month March 2021

Year

Actual

Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change

2021 2020

37.992 34.784

9.2

8.259 7.906

4.5

Industry Total

Year-to Date

March 2021

Year

Actual

Percent Change Avg Week Percent Change

2021 2020

102.939 99.108

3.9

8.170 7.743

3.0

Industry Total

Containerboard Consumption (Thousands of Tons)

Year

Month

Percent Change Year-to-Date Percent Change

2021 2020

3.0967 2.8627

8.2

8.4625 8.1907

3.3

Container Board Inventory - Corrugator Plants (Thousands of Tons)

Corrugator Plants Only

Date

Percent Change Weeks of Supply

Percent Change

Mar. Feb.

1.9332 1.9337

0.0

2.9 3.0

3.4

Shipping Days

Year

Month

Year-to-Date

2021 2020

23 22

63 64

SOURCE: Fibre Box Association

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July 12, 2021

40 ft of paper travel from preheater to hot plates 3 seconds of heat, glue and bonding 1 chance to get it right! the ZONE

Design & Production

Chicago Electric offers 10 technology solutions to control ‘the Zone’ CORRUGATOR Sectoral preheating plate

Our sectoral preheating plates provide direct heat by means of a double steam circuit, allowing for efficient heating in hard-to-access locations, as well as to act as a steam shower to open the paper’s fibre, making it receptive to absorbing the heat and the glue.

This translates into increased speed and improved quality of the cardboard sheet finish.

The system’s main advantages are as follows:

• The plate may only be used to heat, only to humidify, or both options at the same time. • The plate is sectored, which allows for applying humidity to the sections. • It provides temperature in previously inaccessible locations and near the location needed. • It compensates the loss of temperature dissipated due to distance, speed or limitations of the exiting preheaters. • Quick transferring of heat to the paper. • The combination of the hot plate and steam shower allows for providing heat even to the hardest papers to heat. • Does not dry out the paper. • Possibility of operating as a humidifier and pre-conditioner. • Maintains and improves the fibre’s elasticity. • Acts according to the operator’s needs. • Facilitates the paper’s hygroscopy to absorb the glue and improve rubberising.

CONTROLLABILITY

1. Wrap Arm - Position & Temperature 2. Preheater Direct Drive

DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT

3. Steam Plate 4. Contact Roll 5. Glue Machine Direct Drive Touch Productivity Issue—Glue Unit Many glue units run with a rider roll or a guiding bar system. The rider roll with paper gap allows a precise glue application, but requires frequent Contact Roll

PRODUCTIVITY

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DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT

calibrations and settings. Bar systems avoid this, but compensate this with the risk of exces- sive glue application. The system contains many wearing parts. Solution The contact roll combines the ad antage of both systems and ensures minimum contact between board and applicator roll. The system uses small pneumatic cylinders in order to achieve a “soft touch.”

6. Gap Control 7. Curved Plate 8. Roller Shoe Press When it comes to a short-term increas of web tension, spring loaded systems with shoes or airpressure activated system have problems in compensating these. The system is lifted for a short time. This may result in de-lamination and in the ‘double kiss’ effect. Solution For a defined and exact bonding point of the web fiv weight rollers will be installed usually over the first flat hotplate of the heating section. The rolls are mounted into a frame, which is actuated by means of two pneumatic cylinders. P oductivity Issu —Double Kiss Bonding

PRODUCTIVITY

DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT

Roller Shoe

DOUBLEBACKER IMPROVEMENT

9. Thin Wall Hot Plates 10. Pressure System Benefits —Exact glue application due to defined contact of applicator roll to web. Web is in contact to less flute tips compared to bar systems. • High precision glue application • Less moisture applied to web —No wear of shoes and springs —No adjustment of shoes or paper gap —Uniform glue application over entire w orking width for all flutes by use of pneumatic cylinders instead of springs — Less contamination by paper dust and glue remains —No jam of board because of web breaks caused by splice joints going through 630-784-0800 Benefits —Rollers secure exact defined first point of contact of liner and single-faced board - No double kiss —Frame design avoids unintended lifting of roller shoe (compared to spring or air loaded systems) - No double kiss —Pressure can be increased or released for special grades or products 490 Tower Blvd., Carol Stream, IL Contact Chicago Electric to GET IT RIGHT 630-784-0800 [email protected] chicagoelectric.com Solution The ProPress system ensures an optimum heat transfer to the board. It offers a wide range of set- tings. The loadi g pressure can be varied, the number of shoes can be lifted in accordance t the line speed. The outer shoes can be lifted in accordance to the paper width. The shoe bars will be delivered pre-assembled for a short installation time. —Liftable for easy paper infeed and for cleaning of the machine —Position adjustable in paper direction to avoid grooves in hotplate Press Productivity Issue—Poor Heat Transfer Rollers are usually limiting the heat transfer, since they often have contact mainly on the edges of the plates due to wear or bent plates. They also cause often loss of caliper and bearing need to be replaced frequently. Airpressure actuated systems can only supply a limited pressure and have com- pared to shoe systems a closed surface. Pressure Shoe

Plate vity Issue—Poor Heat Control l hotplates are slow to react to pressure due to high steam volume and massive y also have high heat radiation and heat profile. Worn plates can damage crease edge crush.

Thin-Wall Hot Plates

t by peripheral drilled hot plates. anufactured out of special wear and nt steel, through which a continuous is drilled, with one inlet and one outlet. ecured by a massive steel frame.

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ance from steam to paper surface results in fast heat flow

The Markens Group Launches New Web Site

The Markens Group (TMG), headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, has announced the launch of its new web site at markens.com . “The site has truly been a labor of love, from the broad strokes to the tiniest details,” said Presdient and CEO, Ben Markens. “We meticulously honed the design, accessibili- ty, and layout of content – all to ensure it reflects who we are as people and as an organization.” Here are some of the new features to look for when visiting the site: • Our tagline is ‘moving associations forward,’ and now our website reflects that same sentiment. • The bowtie – a symbol that runs synonymous with Ben and the organization – has been sprinkled throughout the site to add some on-brand flair. • Also peppered throughout the site are hand drawings by founding partner, Jennie Markens. Jennie drew a portrait of each Markens Group team member, and they are proudly hung in the front lobby of our office for all to see. Art is infused within our company culture, and we’re proud to showcase Jennie’s art on our site. • Along with the improved ease of navigation, the new site also clearly showcases TMG’s services, making it easier for new faces to interact with us while also creat- ing a better avenue for old friends to check-in.

The Price is Right More readers rely on Board Converting News’ containerboard pricing to negotiate their contracts. SUBSCRIBE TODAY.

Robyn Smith at 910-553-4055 /[email protected] Len Prazych at 518-366-9017 / [email protected]

www.boardconvertingnews.com

July 12, 2021

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Whether you need to design and build a new corrugator steam system or a perfectly matched retrofit, turn to Boiler & Steam Performance for the most efficient process and reliable solution. We also offer specialized expertise to solve complex challenges and practical support to help you maintain peak performance. BACKED BY A 30 YEAR HERITAGE OF QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE.

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ISM: Manufacturing, Economy Grow Again In June

increase of 2.3 percentage points compared to the May reading of 58.5 percent. The Prices Index registered 92.1 percent, up 4.1 percentage points compared to the May figure of 88 percent and the index’s highest reading since July 1979 (93.1 percent). The Backlog of Orders Index reg- istered 64.5 percent, 6.1 percentage points lower than the May reading of 70.6 percent. “The Employment Index registered 49.9 percent; 1 percentage point lower compared to the May reading of 50.9 percent. The Supplier Deliveries Index registered 75.1 percent, down 3.7 percentage points from the May figure of 78.8 percent. The Inventories Index registered 51.1 per- cent, 0.3 percentage point higher than the May reading of 50.8 percent. The New Export Orders Index registered 56.2 percent, an increase of 0.8 percentage point com- pared to the May reading of 55.4 percent. The Imports Index registered 61 percent, a seven percentage point in- crease from the May reading of 54 percent.

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in June, with the overall economy notching a 13th consecu- tive month of growth, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. The report was issued by Timothy R. Fiore, CPSM, C.P.M., Chair of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee: “The June Manufacturing PMI®registered 60.6 percent, a decrease of 0.6 percentage point from the May reading of 61.2 percent. This figure indicates expansion in the over- all economy for the 13th month in a row after contraction in April 2020. The New Orders Index registered 66 percent, decreasing 1 percentage point from the May reading of 67 percent. The Production Index registered 60.8 percent, an

“Business Survey Committee panelists reported that their companies and suppli- ers continue to struggle to meet increasing levels of demand. Record-long raw-material lead times, wide-scale shortages of critical basic materials, rising commodities pric- es and difficulties in transporting products are continuing to affect all segments of the manufacturing economy. Worker absen- teeism, short-term shutdowns due to parts shortages, and difficulties in filling open po- sitions continue to be issues that limit manu- facturing-growth potential. Optimistic panel sentiment remained strong, with 16 positive comments for every cautious comment. “Demand expanded, with the (1) New Or- ders Index growing, supported by the New Export Orders Index continuing to expand, (2) Customers’ Inventories Index continuing at very low levels and (3) Backlog of Or- ders Index continuing at a very high level. Consumption (measured by the Production and Employment indexes) improved in the period, posting a combined 1.3 percentage point increase to the Manufacturing PMI calculation. The Employment Index, which held back further expansion, contracted after six straight months of expansion, as panelists continued to note significant dif- ficulties in attracting and retaining labor at their companies’ and suppliers’ facilities. Inputs — expressed as supplier deliveries, inventories, and imports — continued to support input-driven constraints to produc- tion expansion, at higher rates compared to May, due to problems in supplier deliveries. The Prices Index expanded for the 13th con- secutive month.

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July 12, 2021

ISM: Manufacturing (CONT’D FROM PAGE 10)

All of the six biggest manufacturing industries — Com- puter & Electronic Products; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Food, Bever- age & Tobacco Products; and Petroleum & Coal Products, — registered moderate to strong growth in June. “Manufacturing performed well for the 13th straight month, with demand, consumption and inputs registering growth compared to May. Panelists’ companies and their supply chains continue to struggle to respond to strong demand due to the difficulty in hiring and retaining direct labor. Continued high backlog levels, too low customers’ inventories and record raw-materials lead times are being reported. Labor challenges across the entire value chain continue to be the major obstacles to increasing growth,” says Fiore. Seventeen of 18 manufacturing industries reported growth in June, in the following order: Furniture & Relat- ed Products; Machinery; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Computer & Electronic Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Chemical Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Man- ufacturing; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Textile Mills; Primary Metals; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Pa- per Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Wood Products; and Petroleum & Coal Products. No industry re- ported a decrease in June.

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Jim Porter, Recently Retired From WestRock, Reflects On Career, Lessons, Market Dynamics BY JACKIE SCHULTZ For nearly half a century, Jim Porter has worked, and in many instances, led, prominent independent and integrated paper and packaging com- panies, placing him in a category of distinguished industry veterans. On December 31, 2020, he retired as WestRock President, Business Devel- opment & Latin America. In a videoconference interview, Porter reflect- ed on his 46-year career and provided some insight on industry trends, present-day topics and some advice for young professionals.

Cosmo DeNicola Chairman, Amtech Software

Packaging ERP Algorithmic Scheduling Web-Based Access Online Customer Portals

He began his career in 1974 with a degree in Forest Management from the University of Missouri. His first job was field forester with Mena- sha in the company’s Washington State timberlands. In 1993, he joined Southern Container and was President and Chief Operating Officer when RockTenn acquired the company in 2008. He was President of RockTenn’s Corrugated Packaging business, leading the string of acqui- sitions that led to RockTenn becoming the second largest corrugated packaging company in the world. With the merger of MeadWestvaco in 2015, RockTenn became WestRock. He was then President of West- Rock’s Paper Solutions business, leading the operation, sales and global supply chain of all WestRock mills. In his final four years with WestRock, he focused on the growth of the Latin America businesses, including Integrated Forestry, Virgin Containerboard Mill and Corrugated opera- tions in Brazil and joint venture with Grupo Gondi in Mexico. In 2018, Porter received the RISI Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation’s Circle of Dis- tinguished Leaders. When asked about his proudest achievements, he says he has three: the startup of Southern Container’s Solvay recycled containerboard mill in upstate New York, the growth of RockTenn and the teams of people who helped him achieve those successes. Regarding the Solvay mill, he says, “The Grossman family bet the farm with their first paper machine and later turned it into three machines. It’s still one of the most efficient, productive and profitable paper mills in the country. The team concept and work culture that we built there was just extraordinary.” When South- ern Container was sold, RockTenn was a $2 billion company. “Over the next 12 years, the senior leadership team, which I was blessed to be a Although retired after nearly 50 years in the paper and packaging industry, Jim Porter still maintains a lifelong passion for forestry and the outdoors.

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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July 12, 2021

STOP GUESSING.

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Get Answers-Be Proactive. • There’s a board increase or decrease? • My volume goes up or down? • I lost my largest customer? • My MIX changed ? • I bought a new machine? • I sold more sheets? • My labor costs go up 5%? • I added OT or another shift?

With Amtech’s NEW AUTOMATED PERFORMANCE COSTING To Learn More or Schedule a Demo Darren Artillio: [email protected] 215.639.9540 www.amtechsoftware.com/accurate-costing

ARC International, REPROFLEX3 Announce U.S. Partnership Charlotte, North Carolina based ARC International and UK based REPROFLEX3, a flexographic pre-press specialist, have announced a new technical partnership in the United States to deliver REPROFLEX3’s Vortex print technology to the Americas. The exclusive partnership is aimed at the growing demand for high-quality corrugated packaging graphics across all flute lines and print across the territory. REPROFLEX3’s Vortex technology has been consid- ered a “game changer” for corrugated corrugated print- ers, whether it is brown box or multi color high graphics. It allows post print graphics to be produced at higher screen levels with superior solid coverage. Designs that would normally be printed using a pre-print or digital process, can now to be more cost effective and printed directly on a corrugated flexo folder gluer. Vortex technology will also allow brown box printers to achieve better ink coverage on their boxes due to how the ink is transferred from the plate surface. Vortex can deliver improved press set-up time, high impact graphics and solid color densities. ARC International, a leading anilox roller manufacturer for the corrugated industry in North America, has recent- ly invested in new laser technologies that will integrate a new Fibertronic engraving process, allowing ARC anilox rollers to complement the Vortex process by producing the highest tolerances, roller-to-roller. The ARC team will be enabling integration of Vortex technology as well as performing audit analyses to tune in anilox specs. The new alliance will be supported by Canada based DTM Flexo Services and its extensive industry knowledge to bring added value to the process. Pacificolor, a supplier of prepress services in both the U.S. flexo and offset print industries, is also supporting the partnership. REPROFLEX3, ARC International, DTM and Pacificolor will officially launch Vortex at SuperCorrExpo, taking place August 8-12, 2021, in Orlando, Florida. Micheal Foran, President, CEO and Founder of ARC International, said, “When we were first introduced to RE- PROFLEX3, we immediately recognized the benefits that the Vortex technology could offer to the North American corrugated market. We’re excited to bring this European FTA award-winning technology to the table for both the integrated and independent box makers throughout North America. “With our broad customer base and existing corporate roller programs in place, we feel that ARC International’s technical service team, along with DTM Flexo Services in Canada, can show the corrugated industry how the Vor- tex process can enhance their overall print quality, just as we’ve been able to do over the years with our Opticell and HV High Volume anilox rollers. The new HVV High Volume Vortex roller will be the perfect partner to the Vortex plate technology.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

ThePerfectCombo Get PeakPerformance FromYour Equipment withMatched Component Sets

Nothing’s more rewarding than a couple made for each other. That’s why the engineers at ARC

International have focused their skills and talents on crafting perfect matches between the components that must work in tandem on your exo folder gluers and die-cutters: • Anilox Rollers and Ink Chambers

• Anilox andWiper Rollers • Feed and Pull Rollers • Glue andMeter Rollers You can achieve the press speeds and print quality you need to ll your most demanding orders by pairing your team with The ARChitects of Flexo. Contact ARC today to learn how these engineered matches of exo folder gluer and die-cutter components (new or reconditioned) can help you achieve a more perfect union of production and prots. Meet us at

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July 12, 2021

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7/2/21 2:27 PM

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ARC International (CONT’D FROM PAGE 16)

established delivery partner Pacificolor, who is committed to working with us to expand the technology’s reach and support our plate delivery and fulfilment needs. “We’re also seeing movement for brand owners to dec- orate their outside packaging to enhance the consumer experience and better promote their brand. Vortex is a highly effective, new-generation technology for flexo print- ing on corrugated board. We can’t wait to showcase its ca- pabilities at SuperCorrExpo in Orlando next month at the ARC International booth #2123.” “Combining these four fantastic companies and their technologies will bring corrugated print to a much high- er standard here in North America,” added Dave McBeth President of DTM Flexo. “The Vortex technology combined with high tolerance anilox technology will allow printers to now take jobs that would normally be printed pre-print and have them printed directly onto a box. “The cost savings for customers and end users are huge. The process will also allow brown box printers to produce a higher quality box with great solid graphics. Having been in the anilox and pre-press platemaking world for 35-plus years, and understanding how ink re- leases onto dots and how, in turn, that is transferred to the board, bringing these two companies together (ARC and R3), with expertise in award winning plate technology and anilox, I expect will revolutionize corrugated print here in North America.”

“We are delighted to be teaming up with ARC Interna- tional and DTM Flexo Services to drive Vortex in the U.S.

corrugated market,” said Andrew Hewitson, REPROFLEX3 co-founder. “This alliance creates great synergies with our

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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July 12, 2021

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ARC International (CONT’D FROM PAGE 18)

AIR CONVEYING CORPORATION is a recognized leader in the industry of Pneumatic Conveying Systems and has been in business since 1968. As an equipment manufacturer rather than simply a sales organization, we have complete control over the quality of material and products which make up your proposed system. Our equipment is found in Printing, Folding Carton and Corrugated plants throughout the country and the world.

Tim Hirsch, Owner, Pacificolor LLC said, “We have a great relationship with REPROFLEX3 and we’re excited to be supporting the delivery of Vortex through our state-of- the-art prepress facilities in Utah, Colorado and Minnesota. This powerful technical partnership brings the capabilities of Vortex to the market and presents a fantastic opportuni- ty for us and our client base to move to a whole new level. “Once we verified the fantastic results that REPROF- LEX3 was reporting with their innovative Vortex system — particularly the significant reduction in dot gain and ink usage — we were eager to find a way to introduce this technology to ARC customers,” added ARC International’s Foran. “That’s going to happen at SuperCorr. “We continuously analyze emerging flexo technologies that have the potential to help our customers maintain and improve the quality of their products or the efficiency of their operations. For many of them this might be a quan- tum leap in the kind of package they can now offer to new customers using existing equipment.” The four companies — ARC International, REPROF- LEX3, DTM Flexo and Pacificolor LLC — are inviting attend- ees at SuperCorrExpo, taking place August 8-12 in Or- lando, Florida, to visit ARC International’s booth #2123 to introduce the new technology to box makers so they can enhance the consumer experience and better promote their customers’ brand.

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July 12, 2021

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SuperCorrExpo Features 200 Entries For Box Manufacturing ‘Olympics’ A major highlight of TAPPI/AICC’s SuperCorrExpo 2021, August 8-12, in Orlando, Florida, is the premier of the Box Manufacturing Olympics (BMO) on the trade show floor. BMO, an elite corrugated competition, combines TAP- PI’s biennial CorrPak and AICC’s Packaging Design event for the very first time. For years, these two competitions have showcased talent across the industry and around the world ranging from simple sophistication to comprehen- sively creative – designed and produced by both integrat- ed and independent box plant employees. With four years of innovation and technological ad- vancements since SCE 2016, and another year of pent-up creativity ready to burst onto the scene, participating com- panies have captured the excitement and fervor of SCE 2021 with nearly 200 unique and exceptional entries. A team of independent judges will critique each entry and award “Best of Industry” honors, among others, to the win- ners in each category. Attendees will also have the oppor- tunity to participate by voting for the “Attendees’ Choice” winner. “After a year of forced lockdowns coupled with an in- credible increase in demand for corrugated production, it’s no wonder this competition has garnered a record-shatter- ing amount of entries,” noted BMO Chair Cordes Porcher.

“We are so excited to showcase this amazing breadth of worldwide talent within our industry.” In addition to the BMO entries being showcased on the SCE show floor, there are also eight special relation- ship-building events, along with more than 240 exhibitors, many with working equipment and live demonstrations.

New to the Expo Floor this year will be all five of the keynote presenta- tions, including two leading indus- try CEOs: Pete Watson, President and CEO of Greif, Inc. on Monday, August 9 at 9:45 am; David Sewell, CEO of WestRock on Wednesday, August 11 at 10:50 am; Richard Boyd, iD8 & innov8 on Tuesday, August 10 at 11:00 am; and Jim Morris, athlete, author, teacher and inspiration for the movie “The Rookie” on Thurs- day, August 12 at 10:30 am. To learn more and to register, for the event, visit supercorrexpo.org . Select one of three flexible registra- tion options available and save up

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Co-founder and CEO of Tanjo, Inc. on Monday, August 9 at 10:45 am; Duncan Wardle, Former Disney Exec & Founder,

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to $12,000 when registering multiple box plant employ- ees. Special pricing is also available for exhibit hall-only access.

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July 12, 2021

Domtar Enters (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 )

market and look at how needs are being met and the un- met needs of independent converters.” Domtar has leveraged their customer relationships to identify a compelling value proposition with the indepen- dent converters. Domtar will not own or operate compet- ing box plants. They found that independent converters were looking for long term competitive suppliers that they can rely on to truly be their partner and an extension of their business.

Multiple Mill Conversions In 2018, the company launched its asset conversion roadmap, which identified four of Domtar’s 13 pulp and paper mills, including Kingsport, that could be converted to containerboard over time. Other mills that were chosen for possible conversion, in addition to the Kingsport Mill, include Ashdown, AR; Marlboro, SC; and Hawesville, KY.

The Domtar management team and state and local officials participated in a cermonial groundbreaking in Kingsport, Tennessee.

“We didn’t view it as a sprint necessarily, but more of a 10-year roadmap, showing the potential of a 2.5-mil- lion-ton containerboard system at the end of the journey,” said Henry. “Our decision was driven by the fact that you cannot just convert an asset and hope that the market is there. We really took the time to study the containerboard

“Global and local customers are looking for sustainable packaging solutions. The global customers know they can get different packaging solutions from Europe and else- where, and have expressed frustration that they can’t al- ways get those options here in North America,” said Henry.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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Domtar Enters (CONT’D FROM PAGE 24)

Booth # 2011

Land Swap Domtar announced in August 2020 the plans to convert the Kingsport Mill from uncoated paper production to the company’s first containerboard facility, with hopes of be- coming one of North America’s leading lightweight recy- cled containerboard suppliers. As a necessary part of the mill conversion, Domtar and the city of Kingsport agreed to swap land parcels. Through this effort, the city will re- ceive 40-acres of land and Domtar will receive Domtar Cloud Park. They’ve also agreed to contribute $500,000 toward relocating a community Skate Park that is currently located on the land. Repurposing the site will be an extensive process. Demolition work began in November 2020 and all major pieces of equipment have been purchased, preparing the

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way for eventual construction activities. The project is on schedule to start up in Q4 of 2022. They’ve begun imple- menting the operations readiness plans for the mill start- up and the packaging management teams are in place. Kingsport is expecting to begin bringing employees back at the end of this year or beginning of 2022. In December, Domtar experienced a devastating loss with the passing of Marty Barfield, following a long illness. Barfield was the general manager of the Kingsport Mill and a key architect of the work system for the new contain- erboard operation that is under construction. In January, Troy Wilson was appointed Kingsport Mill manager. Join- ing the Kingsport community from Domtar’s Johnsonburg Mill in Pennsylvania, where he was previously the Paper Mill Manager, he brings significant containerboard expe- rience. Wilson is excited to lead the Kingsport team and carry on Barfield’s vision of creating a high-performance culture as they take an exciting next step in the Mill’s pres- ence in Kingsport. Growing Demand For Recycled Grades With more daily commodities being delivered in boxes and consumption of packaging materials on the rise, Dom- CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 Domtar CEO John Williams shares his thoughts on Domtar’s new mill conversion project at the press conference prior to the groundbreaking.

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Domtar Enters (CONT’D FROM PAGE 26)

business decision.” Domtar looks to put an emphasis on lightweighting and providing innovative packaging solutions. The mill will pro- duce a full range of recycled products with basis weights ranging from 18# to 42#, to serve a variety of customers who may be seeking ways to reduce the amount of pack- aging and moving towards a lower basis weight with ex- ceptional strength and durability. “We are making sure we take a long-term strategic view of which customers we want to partner with, based on a variety of factors, not just geographic location. Ultimately, we are open to serving all of the North American footprint, as well as exporting some too,” said Henry. Big Machine A greenfield OCC plant with fiber fractionation will consume nearly 660,000 tons of recycled material to pro- duce new containerboard. Domtar is utilizing the newest, uncoated free sheet machine in North America, which started up in 2003 and working with Voith to upgrade the machine to produce premium recycled liner and medium. The machine has a 340-inch wide trim, which is well po- sitioned to serve 110-inch corrugators. The Voith machine at Kingsport will have the ability to run up to 4,500-feet per minute, making it one of the fastest containerboard machines in North America and the second largest recy- cled machine in North America. The system will include Voith’s BlueLine products, including water, sludge and re- CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

tar feels that sustainable paper-based packaging is the right decision and most importantly, helps protect the en- vironment from plastic waste. “We continue to see a great- er adoption of recycled grades,” said Henry. “There used to be a more specific selection of recycled grades versus

kraftliner, but the industry is constantly learning more on how to build a better box with recycled grades, while preserving the strength of the board in the converting process.” Henry states that the recycled product has been sourced from the right part- ners in the region, to secure

Steve Henry

materials they will need for next year, as an initiative led by Mike Butler, Senior Director of Fiber Sourcing at Domtar. “Containerboard is a growing business. It grows at about two percent per year and the pandemic has just sped that up,” said Wilson. “People are working from home and ordering online. E-commerce is redefining how we buy. Now, everything comes in a box. I see it growing further as we move along. Domtar had the project planned and a team in place at Kingsport, prior to COVID-19, and the pandemic just reaffirmed that they had made the right

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