Carton & Box Reporter

Published: March 01, 2010

PPC, NAPA Merge

SPRINGFIELD, MA | The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) and the North American Packaging Assn. (NAPA) merged on February 19 and are moving forward as the Paperboard Packaging Council. The merger brings together nearly 200 member companies and offers expanded member benefits.

PPC board chair Tony Petrelli says, “This is one of the most historic, extremely significant moments in PPC's 80-plus year history. This merger expands and enhances the work, resources, and impact of our association at a critical time in the packaging industry.”

NAPA board chair Dave Ellis adds, “It's a win-win for industry and association members. The synergy established between these two associations throughout the years helped create this unique opportunity to unite as a larger, stronger, and better-positioned voice to address the challenges of our ever-changing global marketplace.”

“This was truly a member-driven event, says Steven Levkoff, current PPC vice board chair and incoming board chair. “The shared perspective of experience, industry persistence, and commitment to success created this unique opportunity to unite the industry in a new way, as one voice.”

PPC president Ben Markens adds, “At a time when many are thinking smaller, this boosts PPC's momentum and capacity for progress. It exponentially expands member benefits as well as educational, networking, and marketing opportunities for all members.”

Independence Corrugated Saves Energy

MILWAUKEE, WI | WPS Global recently installed its customized energy-saving solution at Independence Corrugated, Oak Creek, WI. The system reportedly guarantees to reduce energy consumption by at least 10%. According to Independence Corrugated's John Lingle, “We acted on this fast because we've witnessed first-hand how WPS Global's systems quickly translate to significant and enduring electrical savings. We can look forward to a return on our investment and incremental savings for at least 15 years.”

• WPS Global | www.wpsglobal.net
  Circle 335 or visit www.freeproductinfo.net/pff

Bell Invests in VLF

KENNESAW, GA | Heidelberg recently sold a Speedmaster XL 162 VLF press to Bell Inc., Sioux Falls, SD. Bell is supporting its new press with a Suprasetter 162 VLF CtP system. Both the press and platesetting device are scheduled to be installed in April.

Bell VP Ben Graham says, “We believe that together these installations will create a model of highly efficient print and plate production. Bell will be in a position to offer even the largest customers the kind of speed and flexibility we're known for.”

In addition to Heidelberg lasers and patented Intelligent Diode System, the Suprasetter is said to feature excellent depth of focus, internal temperature stabilization, and straightforward operation.

• Heidelberg | www.heidelberg.com
  Circle 336 or visit www.freeproductinfo.net/pff

• Colbert Packaging, Elkhart, IN, receives Sustainable Forestry Initiative Chain of Custody Certification from NSF-ISR as well as Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification from Scientific Certification Systems. Both certifications encompass Colbert operations in Lake Forest, IL, and in Elkhart.
• Caraustar Industries, Atlanta, GA, increases prices by $50/ton on all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard and converted products produced by its mills, effective February 8. Prices of tubes and cores and all other uncoated recycled paperboard converted products also are increased, effective February 15.
• Masterpiece Graphix, Fenton, MO, releases Masterpiece Premium 18 pt C1S board stock, which has been certified by Hewlett-Packard for the HP Indigo WS6000 industrial roll press.
• The Folding Carton Group of Menasha Packaging, Neenah, WI, achieves certification to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council fiber-sourcing standards. Menasha also launches a redesigned website at www.menashapackaging.com as part of an overall rebranding campaign. The site is said to make it easier for customers to navigate the product and services offerings of the company's nine operational groups.
• Since the launch of the Kongsberg XP digital cutting table in 2009, EskoArtwork, Gent, Belgium, reports more than 60 successful operational installations worldwide. The Kongsberg XP series is designed to operate continuously in a 24/7 production environment targeted at corrugated packaging companies and manufacturers of POP and permanent in-store product displays.