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IN THIS ISSUE:


INDUSTRY NEWS


MILL NEWS



PRINTING NEWS


PACKAGING NEWS

MEDIA NEWS

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS

IN OTHER NEWS

Issue 411, October 27, 2016

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INDUSTRY NEWS

 

Total Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased 8% in September

Source:  American Forest & Paper Association/Printing Impressions, October 24, 2016

     According to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)'s newly released September 2016 Printing-Writing Paper Report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 8% in September compared to September 2015. Total printing-writing paper inventory decreased 4% from August levels.
  • Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 8% year-over-year in September, after recording three year-over-year increases in 2016. UFS imports increased 18% year-over-year in August with exports increasing 14%.}
  • September coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 3% compared to September 2015. Imports of CFS papers increased 10% in August with exports increasing 10% year-over-year as well.
  • Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 13% in September compared to September 2015. Imports of UM papers were down 2% in August while exports of UM in July decreased 22% compared to the previous year.
  • Coated mechanical (CM) shipments in September decreased 14% when compared to September 2015. Imports of CM increased were flat in August compared to August 2015 with exports down 12%.

Less Graphic Paper, More Packaging Paper and Board in US Recovered Paper Supply Drives Cost, Quality Concerns for Global Paper Producers

Source:  RISI, October 12, 2016 

     By 2030, less than 5% of the US recovered paper (RCP) supply will consist of old newspaper (ONP). This decline takes on global significance, as 70% of this recovered ONP supply is actually exported. Even as more paper gets recycled every year, changes in the RCP content mix are forcing producers to adjust, in the US and around the world. US Mixed Paper, ONP and High Grade Recovered Paper: Trends in Availability and Quality, a new report from RISI, analyzes the drastic evolution of RCP volumes and composition since 2000, and forecasts how these trends will shape global markets through 2030.

“We focused on these three grades of recovered paper because their availability has been and will continue to be limited” said Hannah Zhao, lead author of the new study and Senior Economist with RISI. “Consumers are consuming less graphic paper, especially newspaper, and the ONP and high grades supply therefore has been constrained. At the same time, the boom in online commerce has increased demand for containerboard, which leads to more OCC supply. Also, single-stream recycling has diluted the ‘purity’ of each graded RCP bale – especially for old newspaper.

“These shifts are affecting the composition of individual RCP grades, RCP prices and utilization for paper producers, in the US as well as China,” continued Zhao. “Looking ahead, China’s import controls and expanded RCP collection are reducing demand. This shift will reshape prices and availability of US RCP for other Asian producers.”

“Volumes and prices have periodically peaked and declined since 2000, and there are grade-specific variations within the larger trend line. To develop our forecast out to 2030, we looked at all of these, and projected their impact both on the US and global markets that depend on this important source of supply.”

Read full article.



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NFL Coach Smashes Tablet and Goes Back to Paper

Source:  Phil Riebel, Two Sides North America, October 24, 2016

     Back in 2014, Microsoft struck a deal to supply the NFL with Surface tablets as a coaching tool.  I am sure it has many benefits … but seeing the video of Bill Belichick throw down his Microsoft Surface tablet in frustration made my day! 

Bill’s reasons for chucking the tablet are no surprise - he said that the technology failed him and made his job harder because it was too undependable and inconsistent.  He is going back to simple, functional, renewable and recyclable PAPER!

I understand completely!  When given a choice the majority of people prefer paper over screens for many applications, for the same reasons Bill is switching - it’s simple, practical and more relaxing to use.  Our 2015 US consumer survey confirmed this:
  • 88% believe that they understand and can retain or use information better when they read print on paper, a significantly higher percentage than reported for screen devices.
  • When given a choice between paper and screens, 81% indicated that they prefer to read print on paper. These percentages drop to below 40% for any screen device.
  • 81% indicated they are most relaxed when reading print on paper. Computers, tablets and smartphones are seen as much less relaxing ways to read (37% and lower).
  • 80% stated a clear preference for reading print on paper for complicated materials in contrast to only 13% preferring to read complicated materials on a computer screen. Mobiles and smart phones were preferred by only 3% for reading complicated materials. 
Check out these key points and more in the Two Sides Fact Sheet on Learning and Literacy, for example, studies comparing print vs. screens find that print readers: Read more quickly; experience less mental fatigue; report lower levels of eye fatigue; find it easier to concentrate; retain more of what they read; and score better on reading comprehension tests.

Read full article.

MILL NEWS


Appleton Coated Expands Product Options with Ethos Enhanced Inkjet Paper

Source:  Appleton Coated, October 26, 2016

     Appleton Coated has expanded its inkjet product offering with the introduction of Ethos® Enhanced Inkjet, a new inkjet-optimized product offering a smooth, silk, coated-like feel. This high-brightness, blue-white paper is specifically designed to provide enhanced image quality and improved color vibrancy in comparison to standard uncoated inkjet papers. 7 Pt. and 9 Pt. products are available immediately. Additional basis weights will be added, the company said.

“This new product combines the smooth silky feel and vibrant image quality of a coated inkjet paper with the press performance of an uncoated one.” says John Mazuroski, Appleton Coated's vice president uncoated and specialty products.

“This is a high-performance paper designed to work on multiple platforms, with both dye-based and pigment-based inks, and will be offered in both web and sheets. This makes it ideal for many applications including direct mail, publishing, transpromo, and commercial printing.”

Appleton Coated's inkjet product manager, Amy Ambos, added, “Ethos Enhanced Inkjet is part of the HP ColorPRO Technology Partnership Program, meeting industry leading performance standards for color excellence in digital printing. Appleton Coated will support the Ethos Enhanced product line with a service platform including inventory of the most popular sizes.

“Technology continues to evolve with inkjet presses and our growing offering of products is expanding with it. We have updated What Works and Where, our comprehensive guide to inkjet presses and the corresponding Appleton Coated substrates that perform on them. This online guide gives clear answers to customers and prospective customers.”

For an online copy of What Works and Where and information about Appleton Coated, Just ask your Millcraft account manager.


Read full article.


PRINTING NEWS


Eight Print Technology Advances That’ll Give you a Competitive Edge

Source:   Bill Michael, Xerox Digital Printing Hot Spot, October 19, 2016

     Technology has moved at a rapid pace over the last few years, and today’s presses are more like powerful computers. Previously high-end features have percolated down to entry‑level presses, and automation has changed everything – simplifying complex processes, reducing waste and pushing up productivity as it eliminates manual labor.Combine that with a powerful suite of software tools, and you have a winning combination that’s helping print shops meet the challenges of the 21st century.

In his current blog, Bill Michael lists eight must-have print technologies to gain competitive edge in today's marketplace:

1. Take image quality to the next level
The latest generation of presses now includes Ultra HD Resolution image quality for the first time ever.  1200 x 1200 dpi at 10-bit resolution processing delivers crystal-clear output. You get smoother, crisper resolution of objects and hugely improved graphic fill sweeps. Four times the pixels on a page makes for a better page, with no slowdown or degradation. Compact belt fusers deliver excellent image quality up to 350gsm, allowing you to run all kinds of stocks, including 
envelopes.

2. Stay connected
With next-generation print technology, your press is connected to the manufacturer, who analyzes real-time performance and proactively maximizes your uptime.  Smart technology automatically makes adjustments when issues come up, so they can be resolved remotely without having to put in a service call. Meter readings are submitted automatically, and supplies outages can be eliminated thanks to automatic smart 

3. Automate complex workflows
Workflow automation is one of the biggest advances in new presses.  As you create a workflow, decision-making is automated, guiding you through available paths. You can pre-flight and impose a job quickly and easily – often going from electronic file to print-ready format in seconds.  Complex workflows can then be saved and turned into simple, repeatable, profitable processes. You can also automate your color management processes so you hit the right color the first time, every time.

4. Simplify paper registration
Mechanical and optical sensors make sure you get stable, accurate registration all the way along the paper path, from the tray to the finisher. So you can print on different stock weights and finishes (even synthetics such as linen or felt) while ensuring the highest levels of image quality and amazing registration.

5. Integrate print with multichannel marketing
Web-to-print functionality lets you offer new products and services, simplify print-ordering processes, increase productivity and expand the capabilities you offer your customer. You can integrate print campaigns with email, web, mobile and video, creating solutions with targeted cross-media marketing.

6. Print on any media
If you’re still using older technology, you know all about the challenges of printing on different media.Enter the new range of presses, which can handle coated or uncoated papers, envelopes, labels, business cards, glossy brochures, window decals, durable or synthetic papers, tabs, embossed papers and more. You name it, they can handle it. You can even create stock profiles to automate the process, helping you save time and achieve consistent quality on every print run.

7. Get up close and personal
Today’s advanced presses are ready to meet the challenge of 'mass personalization' in targeted communcations.Variable data printing is now a reality, allowing print shops to produce customized output. Using delimited or XML promotional data, you can include variable text, images, layers and barcodes using conditional logic. You can even assemble a variable document on the fly.

8. Stay flexible and scale up with ease
Today’s presses are highly flexible, so you can work the way you want to and do more every day. You can print jobs from anywhere: from your desktop, through web submission and even from a USB drive. Removable carts give you unload-while-run capability, maximizing press uptime.  These next-generation presses are infinitely scalable, and can grow as your business does. Their modular design means that if you want to add capability, you simply add a module. So you can start small and affordably, and grow your press as your business does.


Read full article.
 


PACKAGING NEWS


Pharma to Lead U.S. Packaging Growth through 2020

Source: Freedonia Group/Jim Butschli, PackWorld, October 25, 2016

     Packaging demand in the U.S. will rise 3.5% annually through 2020, predicts Freedonia in its new report.

Gains will be supported by increases in nondurable goods output and growth in consumer spending, according to the industry market research firm. It projects food packaging to remain the largest market segment, but expects pharmaceutical packaging demand to rise 5.4% per year over the forecast period, showing the fastest pace among the leading markets.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers seek less costly packaging, says the report, which notes that advances in pharmaceutical packaging demand will continue to be driven by increases in pharmaceutical shipments.

“Growth, however, will trail the upward pace of drug shipments as drug manufacturers remain more sensitive to package pricing than are consumers to medication prices,” says Freedonia. “Profit pressures resulting from competing generics and the drug benefit schemes of managed care providers will continue to prompt U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers to pursue improved packaging efficiencies. Nonetheless, evolving consumer and medical provider preferences for unit-dose and other convenient drug delivery formats will boost demand for high-value-added medication containers.”


Read full article.


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Largest Innovation Stage Ever at PACK EXPO International/Pharma EXPO Reflects Growth in Packaging Machinery Market

Source:   PMMI, October 26, 2016

     The Innovation Stage at PACK EXPO International and Pharma EXPO 2016 (Nov. 6–9; McCormick Place, Chicago) will produce the largest on-floor education program since its inception in 2012, with 71 Innovation Stage sessions across four stages, featuring new technology and advances from all segments of the processing and packaging market.

According to the soon to be released 2016 PMMI State of the Packaging Industry – U.S. Packaging Machinery Report and infographic from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the U.S. Packaging Machinery Market is estimated at $10 billion as of 2015. The new advances on display on the Innovation Stage are fueling industry growth.

As the infographic highlights, the value of domestic shipments of packaging machinery is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.4 percent to $8.5 billion in 2020. The labeling, decorating and coding, and case handling machinery groups are forecast to grow the fastest of all machinery types to 2020, at CAGRs of 3.9 and 2.5 percent respectively. The pharmaceuticals sector is forecast to grow the fastest of all sectors to 2020, at a CAGR of 2.8 percent. This is followed by the beverages sector, which is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 2.4 percent.

PACK EXPO International and Pharma EXPO will bring together more than 2,500 exhibitors showcasing their processing and packaging innovations to 50,000 attendees in over 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space. Learn more and register at packexpointernational.com. Registration for the show is $100 and includes admission to all exhibits and the Innovation Stage.

To see more about the State of the Packaging Machinery Market, download the 2016 PMMI State of the Packaging Industry infographic here.


Read full article.

MEDIA NEWS

 

Direct Mail Campaigns Can Drive Holiday Sales

Source:   Ink on Da Paper, Occtober 20, 2016

     With today’s focus on email marketing, it can be easy to overlook the power of direct mail. But think about your own inbox and how overwhelming it can become. That’s where a physical piece of direct mail can stand out. In fact, a survey by Epsilon showed that 77 percent of consumers sort through their physical mail as soon as they get it.

Direct mail may be a savvy pivot from tactics many of your competitors maybe using. During the holiday season, most business-to-consumer brands are entrenched in competitive sales and aggressive pricing, but either of those can drive down profit margins. Even though slashing prices to stay competitive can keep companies afloat during the holidays, it’s a short-term strategy. The advantage of a direct mail campaign is that it can show consumers a commitment to their journey toward a happy holiday season.

The advantage of a direct mail campaign is two-fold: likelihood of consumers opening their mail around the holidays, making it an ideal time to increase the odds of your message being read. And, you’re likely to reach consumers right at their point of decision, providing a ready answer to a holiday challenge.


Read full article 

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The 2016 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Is Here

Source:  Adrianne Pasquarelli, Ad Age, October 26, 2016

     This years marks the 90th year of printing of the always opulent Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, which started as a 16-page leaflet in 1926.  By contrast, the 2016 edition, which will mail to 750,000 households, weighs in at 300 pages (104 more than last year's) and features more than 700 items.  While 40% of the products are priced under $250, the other 60% is highlighted by a $7,600 wood and leather tennis table; $65,000 his-and-hers, Lily Pulitzer-trimmed island cars; a $700,000 Downton Abbey-inspired week-long stay at three English estates; and the priciest item in the catalogue - a $1.5 million Cobalt Valkyrie-X private jet coated in rose-gold, the metallic hue of the season. 

And because it's the season of giving, the Dallas-based department store plans to donate $200,000 for every plane purchase to its art charity foundation.

Experts agree that the annual publishing event is more for brand marketing than direct sales, providing "high-end brands with the ability to prove quality and breadth of merchandise, two important emotional engagement drivers for department stores," according to Robert Passikoff, founder of consultancy Brand Keys.  "From a media perspective, [these catalogs] are not readily tossed into the recycling bin, so whether you are purchasing a private island or a weekend retreat at a castle…they are there as brand reminders for months, if not years," he said.

Suffice it to say, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is a clear example of catalogs remaining effective marketing tools.  "The physical receipt of a catalog can also carry more resonance with the consumer, conveying the lifestyle look and feel of the brand and bringing it directly into the hands of the consumer," said Neil O'Keefe, senior VP of CRM and member engagement at DMA-the Data & Marketing Association. "Many brands have seen returns on modern catalogs as they come alongside in synchronicity with brand messaging from other channels and devices."


Read full article.

SUSTAINABILITY NEWS

 

Walmart Reignites ‘Passion around Packaging’ with Sustainable Packaging Playbook

Source:  Packaging World, October 26, 2016  

     Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has released a comprehensive Sustainable Packaging Playbook for its suppliers culled from 10 years of experience working toward a reduction in packaging across its supply chain as part of its zero-waste aspirations. The 20-page document was unveiled on Oct. 25 at a summit held at Walmart’s Bentonville, AR, home office, attended by several hundred suppliers (brand owners), merchants, and NGO partners.

The playbook has been compiled as a guide for suppliers to enhance their packaging sustainability to improve their Sustainability Index score and reduce the cost of goods. Launched in 2009, the Sustainability Index was developed for Walmart by The Sustainability Consortium as a way to establish baselines around sustainability throughout a product’s life cycle and track progress against those goals. In 2012, Walmart committed to buying 70% of the goods sold in its U.S. stores and clubs from suppliers participating in the index by 2017.

In her introduction at the summit, Walmart Senior Vice President of Sustainability Laura Philips shared a comment made to her before the event began by an attendee: “She said to me, ‘I am super-excited about today, because this is the day we are going to reignite the passion around packaging at Walmart.’”

Throughout the summit, team members from both Walmart and Sam’s Club elaborated on the three goals highlighted in the new playbook: optimize design, source sustainably, and support recycling.

Shared Steve Bratspies, Chief Merchandising Officer at Walmart, “We’ve eliminated a lot of unnecessary packaging [since 2006]; it’s really been the focus of all the work we’ve done to date, and it needs to continue to be. But now is the right time to broaden our focus, to include sourcing sustainably and include recycling more in our mindsets as we think about packaging.”

 

IN OTHER NEWS


Paper Ballots May Boost Confidence in Election Results

Source:  Domtar, October 24, 2016

     While voters may not necessarily want to return to a strictly pen-and-paper system, they want a physical record of their votes. A recent poll taken by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center asked 532 adults about their voting preferences. When asked whether they prefer paper ballots or computerized touch-screen voting to ensure an accurate count, 69 percent of respondents chose paper ballots; just 23 percent preferred touch-screen computerized systems.

Several states have, in the past decade, moved back toward paper ballots to build confidence in the electoral process. Maryland, for instance, relied on pen-and-paper ballots in its primary elections earlier this year. So, too, did Michigan, Oklahoma and New York and Maryland.

Election fraud investigator Richard Hayes Phillips advocated for an entirely paper system in an article earlier this year, titled “What Constitutes an Election Audit,” about his experience auditing an election in Ohio.

“In my judgment,” he wrote, “the solution is this: paper ballots, counted by hand, in full public view, at the polling place, on election night, no matter how long it takes.”

Thomas Howard, Domtar’s vice president for government relations, said he hears similar concerns from elected officials.  “With the possible threat of election hacking by foreign governments, there is a renewed interest in developing systems that are less susceptible to outside influence and provide for a backup trail,” Howard said. “While backup trails can take several forms, including computer tapes, there is concern that the security of computer tapes gives one little comfort. Paper backups are often cited as the most dependable form of backup. One of the leading systems is sort of a hybrid whereby paper ballots are marked then scanned to be tabulated.”

“Paper is harder to transport and secure, and is often harder to count and dispose of than purely electronic means,” Howard said. “But the trade-off of security is seen as being worth the additional cost.”

Despite the concerns, many experts don’t recommend standardizing voting systems across every state and local government. The variety of systems currently in use likely discourages a systemic, electronic breach.

One piece of paper almost everyone agrees we should see more of in the coming weeks? The small sticker that says “I Voted.”

Read full article.



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Cavs' Three-Pointers Grow into Trees, Partnerships

Source:  Fresh Water Cleveland, October 24, 2016

     The Cleveland Cavaliers made 433 three-pointers at their home games during the regular season last year, which ended with an NBA Championship.

While those points were planted in the hoop, they're soon to bloom green courtesy of the Trees for Threes program, which is a partnership program between the Cavs, PwC, Holden Arboretum, Davey Tree and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy (WRLC).
 
Last Wednesday, Oct. 19, 60 of what will eventually total 433 trees were planted around the Great Lakes Science Center.  The group of volunteers included Cavs legend Campy Russell as well as other representatives of the Cavs, partner organizations and students and teachers from Cleveland Metropolitan School District MC2 STEM High School.
 
“It was a beautiful fall day,” says Emily Bacha, Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s director of communications and marketing. “We had over 100 corporate volunteers and 100 students there. Not only were there beautiful, robust trees planted, it will create a beautiful canopy in downtown.”
 
Davey Tree donated the trees, which consist of eight different varieties – ranging from Japanese tree lilacs and kousa dogwoods to maples, white oaks and elms.
 
Now in its second year, the Trees for Threes program helps restore Cleveland’s dwindling tree canopy.
 
On Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m., an additional 273 saplings will be distributed to guests who attend the screening of the film Tiny Giants at the Great Lakes Science Center’s new state-of-the-art digital theater. 

Next spring, 100 more trees will be distributed through WRLC’s Reforest Our City grant program. Fourteen organizations – many of them community development corporations – benefit from the program.


Read full article.
            
Visit Millcraft's website or contact Susan Morgan, Millcraft's Corporate Projects Manager, for additional information on Millcraft's business awards and national diversity and environmental certifications.
Copyright © 2016 The Millcraft Paper Company, All rights reserved.


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