Read the July 9th, 2025 Green Bay Innovation Group Newsletter here.
July 9th, 2025 Newsletter
Author: admin
GBIG NEWS | 93 Stories and Links on the Internet 07/09/2025
GBIG News
Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news members. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.
Read the latest 93 Stories and Links on the Internet below.
Featured Stories
- The Legacy Paper Group announces plans to restart pm8 at Port Huron Mill
- UW Madison graduate programs ranked highly by US News
- The Dirt on Paper Compostability
- PFAS: The Biggest Cover Up in History was kept hidden for years.
- Global Pulp and Paper Market Outlook Opportunities and Forecasts 2025 and Beyond.
- Why wildfires are to blame for the world’s staggering loss of forestry
- Security label market to grow 6.9% through 2032
- Master Gallery Foods Plymouth, Wisconsin purchases converting facility in Northern California.
- Charter Next Generation appoints Lisa Alteri as Chief Operation Officer
- Afraid awarded Engineering Assignment at Green Bay Packaging Arkansas Kraft Division mill modernization
- WEDC has to scale back after Republicans decline to take up for additional funds to support small businesses
- co-op replaces plastics with cardboard
- Paper Revolution the latest in sustainable industry trends
- Robotics manufacturer moving North American Headquarters to Wisconsin
- California passes bill to limit pfas in food packaging
- After massive cuts to forest service US enter fire season woefully unprepared
- Bring Bold Ideas to UW Madison Engineering – Devesh Ranjan Dean of Engineering
- Kaukauna paper mill recognized for energy efficiency excellence
- Two Maine Paper Mills new study finds dirtiest in USA. ND Paper in Rumford burning tires and coal.
- Wisconsin based Nosco high speed tamarack is delivering smart packaging for supply chains.
- Wisconsin Supreme Court delivers win in fight over forever chemicals
- Sustainability legislation drives packaging innovation for recycling
- Paper Company to clean up decades of pfas contamination under Michigan settlement
- ST Group Oconto Falls acquires South Carolina tissue from Cascades
- WEDCcelebrate Catalents $45 million expansion
Packaging
- Flexible packaging market to hit $301 billion by 2031
- RFID Packaging new markets FDA Food Traceability
- The hidden cost of packaging inefficiency
- Paper Packaging Market worldwide to grow at 4.9% CAGR
- Recyclable packaging a sustainable solution
- Luxury Packaging Resolving the Tensions between Creativity and Impact
- Paper and Paperboard packaging market worth $451.8 billion by 2030
- International Paper to explore building a new state of the art sustainable packaging facility in Salt Lake City
- Unlocking Smart Packaging
- Why clear plastic film is everywhere in packaging?
- Vegetable parchment paper market rising demand for sustainable packaging
- FPI packaging industry enters 2025 with cautious optimism
- Packaging films in food packaging films in food industry set to transform global supply
- Molded fiber packaging at a crossroad: costs, supply, and performance
- The multidimensional impact of packaging on purchasing
- The impact of ai data on the Packaging and Converting Industry
- Waste Management in Germantown, Wisconsin upgrades film recycling
- American Packaging Wisconsin Showcase flexible packaging options for stand-up pouch
Sustainability
- Wisconsin based Placon sets up shop in Costa Rica
- Sustainable Manufacturing Market to reach $430.64 billion at a CAGR of 11.1% through 2032.
- Collaboration within the pulp and paper industry driving sustainability
- Sustainability reshapes business models
- 5 Ways to effectively depict brand sustainability
- Consumers value sustainability affordability first
- Menasha Corporation focus on sustainability
- Walmart and other Major Companies pull out of plastic pact and focus on more sustainable goals.
Sponsors
- Rocket Industrial expands Chicago presence with new distribution center
- JPMorgan/Chase: Understanding equipment loans and financing them
- McAdams Graphics direct marketing experts
- BW Converting showcases the power of tactile direct mail at Amplify
- Bradyplus acquires Mississippi Distributor
- Robinson designs metal fabrication plants for flexibility
- ECO3 demonstrates how flexo Converters can do more with less.
- First Business Bank representative Laura Ostering Vice President of Equipment Financing
- Packerland Websites: Harness the power of ai Websites ranking
- First Business Bank changing the guard and thank you Corey Chambas.
- Curt Joa set to acquire cellulose Converting solutions
- Robinson provides commercial manufacturing and assembly.
IDDBA Hosts Record-Breaking Show in New Orleans
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 25, 2025
New Orleans, LA — The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) held their annual show June 1-3 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. More than 10,000 attendees perused over 1,000 exhibitors (a new record for IDDBA), with over 230 exhibitors showcasing their products for the first time at the show.
IDDBA 2025 brought together today’s leaders and tomorrow’s innovators to grow the future of their businesses. Attendees gained insight and engaged face-to-face with buyers, merchandisers, manufacturers, distributors, and executives who share a passion for food and this industry.
General session speakers included Kevin Costner, Michael Strahan, Carla Hall, and Claire Saffitz. Chefs Hall and Saffitz held cooking demonstrations in IDDBA’s Close-Up Kitchen, and the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro, held a cooking demonstration on the show’s final day.
Meanwhile in What’s in Store Live, attendees explored an immersive, trend-forward experience in a fully merchandised space, featuring exhibitor products and bringing to life the insights and inspiration from IDDBA’s What’s in Store publication.
This year’s Champions of Change Awards, in partnership with Supermarket News, recognized 24 industry leaders from the retailer/wholesaler and supplier/vendor communities who consistently demonstrate excellence and superior results. The inaugural Career Connection Live event connected students and up-and-coming talent with industry leaders, internships, and networking opportunities. Certified Salumiere Professionals built charcuterie boards in Salumi’d and the annual Cake’d Awards went to Lindsey Shaub from Festival Foods (Grand Champion) and Lisa Dowling from Market of Choice Inc. (Fan Favorite.)
Finally, the annual post-show food drive generated 177,312 pounds of donations to local food banks in the area! Facilitated by Second Harvest South Louisiana, 21 trailer trucks delivered donated dairy, bakery, foodservice, and deli items to the New Orleans Food Bank and Baton Rouge Food Bank for distribution to the local communities.
Efforts have begun on next year’s show in Orlando, with booths and hotels already being reserved!
IDDBA 2026 is June 7-9 in Orlando, FL. Find out more here: IDDBA 2026
About IDDBA: The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association is a nonprofit membership organization serving the dairy, deli, bakery, cheese, and supermarket foodservice industries. Member companies enjoy exclusive benefits and services including the annual tradeshow, leading-edge research, training programs, management tools, and an annual trends report. For more information contact IDDBA at 608-310-5000 or visit iddba.org.
Discover the Future For Your Business September 16th: Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating,Packaging
For immediate release.
For more information, contact Marty Ochs, 608.698.3333 or martinpochs@gmail.com
GREEN BAY WI. Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG) with its partners and an industry panel will provide a current view of industries crucial to regional and national economies.
The event is set to take place from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm followed by a networking event from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m, Tuesday September 16, 2025, at Miron Construction in Neenah, WI. The day promises to offer the latest commentary and innovations in industry, plus networking with leaders at lunch and a First Business Bank sponsored meet-and-greet later in the day.
“This informative meeting is a must-attend for anyone involved in production and related manufacturing who wants to stay competitive in a fast-evolving marketplace,” said Marty Ochs, GBIG Executive Director.
David Zamarin, CEO, Impermea Materials, agreed: “From the evolution of plastics-to-paper specialties, we will review the next steps in sustainable responsibility and high-performance solutions.”
Speakers and panelists include those from: Miron Construction, Amcor, Impermea Materials, UW Stevens Point, Sun Chemical, Hoffmaster Group, Ahlstrom, BPM, BiOrgin, and Midland Paper.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a variety of cutting-edge materials and technologies, including specialty papers, sustainable packaging, advanced printing capabilities, and the latest in converting technologies.
Sign-up: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events or, call Marty Ochs at 608.698.3333
Check-in: Between 7:30 and 8:30 am on September 16. The cost is: $100.00 per person
Cloveridge Converting – De Pere, WI. Adds Paper Straw Manufacturing
Cloveridge Converting LLC. is a converter of paper and non-wovens for the agricultural and service industries. Cloveridge Converting towels are completely bio-degradable providing a choice of textures as well as sizes to meet a variety of customers with quick turnaround and innovative solutions!
Jeff Jaco owner of Cloveridge Converting has acquired equipment to convert paper into straws. Cloveridge Converting is finalizing the installation and expected to be up and running next month. With the closure of a major producer of paper straws and an opportunity to purchase the equipment, he moved forward! He was inspired by his daughter Haley who recently graduated with a master’s degree in environmental science and policy. She got Jeff’s attention on the impact of plastic straws on the environment. Jeff secured a Paper Company in NE Wisconsin to be able to supply him with the bio-degradable paper product. He understood the drawbacks of paper straws and the benefits. The paper straws are FDA-regulated and PFAS free. As consumers, we need to determine what are the best products to meet their personal needs. Plastic Straws are one of the largest used-one-time items with a substantial impact on the environment! The global paper straw market size is $3.18 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to hit around USD $16.65 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 20.27% from 2025 to 2034.
Wisconsin has the largest Converting Industry in the USA with over three hundred plus converters of paper, film, board, corrugated, plastics, and other materials. In addition, Wisconsin is the leader in Specialty Paper Production in the USA.
Join the Green Bay Innovation Group for the Premier Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating, and Packaging Conference on September 16th with outstanding speakers for the ALL-DAY event followed by networking. Go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – Specialty Paper to register. The cost is $100.00 per person.
Green Bay Innovation Group Announces the Premier Specialty Paper, etc. Event on September 16th
The Green Bay Innovation Group announced the Premier Conference in the USA – Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating, and Packaging on September 16, 2025, in Neenah, Wisconsin with an outstanding line up of industry experts. Go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com to register – Specialty Paper. The cost is $100.00 per person.
The movement from Plastics to Paper Products will be a challenge for the Paper and Pulp Industries! We have witnessed Paper and Pulp Mill Closing across the United States. However, we are seeing more new capacity in Specialty Papers, Corrugated, Paperboard, and Tissue due to favorable Packaging Trends for Sustainability and Recycling of Paper Products. Recycled Fiber Based Materials are key elements of sustainable packaging solutions. With a combination of emerging solutions in barrier coating technologies, recycled paper products, public demand, and regulatory pressures, companies will be forced to innovate to meet new packaging solutions and paper is an outstanding alternative to plastics!
Types of Paper & Packaging Products
- Kraft Paper for paper bags, boxes, and a wide variety of uses!
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Paperboard Cartons
- Molded Pulp is especially in the Food Products Industry!
- Wax-Coated and Poly-Coated papers for the Food Packaging Industry
- Parchment, Pan Liner, Butcher, and Baking Paper
- Glassine Paper
Sustainability Considerations
- Use FSC-recycled paper sources.
- E-Commerce Paper Mailers are a growth market.
- Cosmetics & Person Care Paper Tubes, Wraps, etc.
- Apparel with Paper Garment Bags, and other packaging options.
The Challenges, Solutions, and Future of Paper Packaging is based upon cost-effective barrier coating, water resistance, durability, protection, grease-proofing, etc. In the case of recycling, coating can be difficult to separate from all paper products in the repulping processes. However, the technology for recycling these poly-coated material is advancing, and newer facilities can process them. We are witnessing new coating products that are fully compostable coatings. Aqueous barrier coated paper is a fitting example of a fully recycled poly-coated replacement and very cost effective! With recent advances in coating technology, transitioning away from petroleum based thermoplastic coating is not only possible, but also crucial for sustainability and long-term industry success.
Serendipity, AI and Circularity: EDANA Innovation Forum 2025 Inspires Bold Ideas for the Nonwovens Sector
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 18/06/2025 – Paris, France
Paris, 18th of June 2025 – EDANA’s Innovation Forum 2025, held on 11–12 June in Station F, Paris, brought together a vibrant cross-section of industry leaders, researchers, startups and innovation experts to explore the dynamic evolution of the nonwovens sector. With a rich two-day agenda that combined high-level keynote addresses, thematic sessions, research showcases and networking events, the Forum served as a hub for ideation, collaboration and inspiration around the sector’s most urgent challenges and exciting opportunities.
“Innovation is a key factor to stay competitive — but more than that, it’s the foundation for resilience and long-term relevance. By embedding sustainability, digitalization and collaboration into the core of our innovation culture, we’re not just keeping pace with change — we’re shaping the future of our industry.” said EDANA General Manager Murat Dogru in his opening address.
Speakers explored how textile waste can become high-value products, how fibre level modelling replaces costly prototyping, and how AI enables more autonomous and sustainable manufacturing. “Nonwovens are robust and can tolerate stress. This gives an opportunity in the recycling textile to tackle the textile tsunami.” – Maria Ström, CEO of The Loop Factory.
The Forum also welcomed nature-powered innovations set to transform the fibre landscape. “What if we made fibres from agricultural waste? Natural fibres are extraordinary, and we wouldn’t even have to use the leaves that are grown, but the ones already on the ground and that are now considered waste.” – Dr. Carmen Hijosa, Founder & Creative Director of Ananas Anam.
The afternoon turned its spotlight on research institutes from across Europe, examining how their strategic priorities align with industry needs. “It is crucial that people in the nonwovens industry understand what’s going on on the other side of the fence and to understand what R&D people are doing”, said Matthew Tipper, CEO of Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute (NIRI). “We need collaboration between the real needs of the industry and research institutes.”
Towards the end of the first day, the EDANA Innovation Forum featured a workshop on capturing serendipity. “Not all progress is planned”, said Dieter Eichinger, CEO & Founder of Eichinger. “Some of the most transformative ideas are born from surprises, and we need to make space for it to imagine the imaginable”.
The first day ended with a cocktail dinner aboard the Excellence, gliding through the heart of Paris on the River Seine, admiring the beauty of the City of Light and its stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
Day two began with a provocative and practical keynote on AI as a creative partner in product development. “AI doesn’t replace creativity,” said Oliver Breucker, Co CEO & AI Consultant at Roover Consulting. “It amplifies it. It clears space for us to think bigger, iterate faster, and design better — with the customer always at the centre.”
Moreover, sustainable innovation is no longer confined to early-stage R&D. From fibre-based packaging to carbon-zero superabsorbents, speakers showcased products ready to hit the market, each with compelling environmental and commercial benefits. “It’s not about choosing between performance and sustainability anymore,” said Alexandros Skouras, Director of Hygiene Sector at Paptic. “The next generation of materials offers both.”
The forum also invited Walter Johnsen, Venture Science Associate at Marble Studio, who offered a strategic lens on how deep-tech entrepreneurship can fast-track climate progress. In addition, four startups took the stage to showcase how they’re transforming diapers, textiles, fashion and chemical processes. “Innovation is not about making things slightly better,” said Miki Agrawal of Hiro Technologies. “It’s about asking: what if we start completely differently and solve the root problem instead of patching the old one?”
To end the second day, Maxime Guillaud, CEO of INSKIP, mapped out how startups and ecosystems are evolving — and what the nonwovens industry can learn from other sectors. “Innovation doesn’t just come from technology — it comes from how we organise people and capital around ideas,” said Maxime. “That’s where ecosystems matter.” The event concluded with a guided visit to Station F, the world’s largest startup campus, reinforcing the importance of ecosystems in scaling transformative ideas.
EDANA extended its heartfelt thanks to all speakers, moderators, partners and participants whose energy and insight made the Forum such a success. The connections made in Paris will continue to drive meaningful progress in the months and years ahead! See you in 2027!
About EDANA
Comprising over 260 members, EDANA is the leading global association advocating the benefits of nonwovens for society. Since 1971, EDANA has been providing a comprehensive range of services to enhance the industry’s goals and performance, including supporting sustainability ambitions, responsible product stewardship, and addressing common technical, regulatory and market challenges. EDANA also organizes several application-specific and geographic-focused industry events.
For further information please contact:
Felipe Cossio Cuartero
Mobile: +32 499 689 249
E-mail: felipe.cossio@edana.org
Website: www.edana.org
Quad Plus: The Benefits of Working with Professional Engineering Consultants
In today’s fast-moving industrial and commercial sectors, success depends on precision, safety, and efficiency. When project demands exceed internal capacity or technical knowledge, professional engineering consultants provide the specialized support needed to maintain progress, reduce risk, and ensure compliance.
Why Engineering Consultants Matter
Professional engineering consultants offer specialized expertise that internal teams may lack. Their experience spans multiple industries and project types, equipping them to identify issues early, recommend proven solutions, and adapt to evolving codes and technologies. This helps businesses avoid delays, scope creep, and redesigns.
- Specialized Technical Expertise. Consultants understand detailed engineering principles across electrical, mechanical, civil, and control systems.
- Objective Evaluation. External consultants provide impartial assessments based on technical merit and regulatory standards, not internal politics or legacy assumptions.
- Up-to-Date Knowledge. Their familiarity with evolving NEC codes, OSHA regulations, and industry-specific standards ensures designs and installations meet current compliance requirements.
Applications Across Project Phases
Professional engineering services deliver value throughout all stages of a project. In the early planning phase, consultants assess site constraints, system compatibility, and regulatory requirements to align scope with reality. During design and specification, they prepare detailed technical documentation that minimizes rework and delays during implementation.
As systems move toward commissioning, consultants help conduct design reviews and factory acceptance tests, ensuring performance benchmarks are met before installation. If an existing system shows signs of underperformance, they are equipped to identify root causes and propose targeted upgrades that restore reliability and reduce downtime.
Value-Added Results
The benefit of hiring consultants lies in what they prevent: delays, oversights, and compliance failures. When working with consultants, companies can expect:
- Faster Turnarounds. Experienced consultants streamline decision-making and reduce design iterations.
- Cost Savings. Their designs prioritize long-term reliability, not just upfront cost, to lower lifecycle expenses.
- Improved Safety & Compliance. By adhering to high technical and legal standards, consultants help protect assets and avoid legal risk.
- Scalable Support. Whether you’re managing a single-line upgrade or a multi-phase facility expansion, engineering consultants adapt to the project’s scale without sacrificing detail.
By addressing problems before they escalate and aligning every step with industry standards, professional engineering consultants reduce risk while keeping projects efficient and on course.
Choosing the Right Partner
When selecting a firm, it’s important to focus on those offering professional engineering consultant services with Licensed Professional Engineers (PEs) in relevant disciplines. Look for firms with direct industry-specific experience, a strong track record of safety and code compliance, and clear communication and documentation practices.
When evaluating what is a professional engineer, remember that licensure isn’t just a credential. It is a legal requirement for engineers who take responsibility for public safety and system integrity.
Real World Results
For complex and high-stakes projects, professional engineering consultants are a strategic asset. Their ability to solve technical problems, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance leads to systems that are safer, lower in cost, and deliver better long-term performance. To learn more about professional engineering consultant services, contact Adam Kahler at akahler@quadplus.com or (815) 210-9885.
Keller, Inc. to Build for Closet 1 Interiors
Keller, Inc. has been chosen as the Architect and General Contractor/Builder on a ground up 18,800+ sq. ft. facility for Closet 1 Interiors located on Neubert Road, near Hwy 15 & Mayflower Road in Greenville, Wisconsin. The new facility will dedicate 12,500 sq. ft. of the space for manufacturing and 6,300 sq. ft. will be dedicated to a state-of-the-art showroom and office space for employees. The new project location is strategically positioned to increase traffic to the showroom, supporting the company’s continued growth and visibility. In addition to enhancing customer access, the new facility will significantly improve operational efficiency across the organization.
The team at Closet 1 Interiors selected Keller, Inc. as their builder of choice due to our attention to detail, comprehensive on-staff interior design services, and our commitment to creating an innovative and functional building design. The project is set to begin this summer and will be completed in early 2026.
For more information on Keller, Inc., Top Metal Builder in the Nation as reported by “Metal Construction News”, visit www.kellerbuilds.com.
Swing Big With Gbig Golf Outing Was a Smashing Success
The Swing Big with GBIG Golf Outing was a smashing success with 217 golfers and 46 Hole Sponsors. We had outstanding weather with excellent networking opportunities for all.
Congratulations to C.G. Bretting Manufacturing Company. The foursome won the tournament for a second year in a row with a score of 54.
The biggest winners are the nonprofit organizations that will benefit from the golf outing. Green Bay Innovation Group raised approximately $41,500 to give to nonprofit organizations. Recipients include:
- Trees for Tomorrow, an environmental education center founded by the pulp and paper industry
- Valley Packaging Industries (VPI), an organization offering community programs, packaging solutions, and employment to people with disabilities or disadvantages
- Apricity, a residential treatment facility for men and women struggling with drug and alcohol addition in the Fox Cities
- St. John’s Ministries, an organization creating lasting change for those experiencing homelessness or housing instability in the Green Bay area
- Food pantries, educational programs, and other nonprofit organizations
Amundsen-Davis raised $400 from ticket sales, and we had over $800 from raffle ticket sales. Thanks for your generosity!
We want to thank First Business Bank for co-sponsoring the event and thank all of our Hole Sponsors for their support. We want to thank Steve Van Dyke for organizing the outing, plus Valley Packaging Industries, Apricity, Packerland Websites, and all of the other volunteers.
If you aren’t already a Green Bay Innovation Group member, consider becoming one. The cost is very reasonable, with great benefits. We have close to 200 members! Go to: www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – Memberships to register online.
American Custom Converting GBIG Members
Big Systems GBIG Members
StoraEnso GBIG Members
Mc Clone Insurance GBIG Members
If you have any questions, contact Marty Ochs, Executive Director, Green Bay Innovation Group
608-698-3333, martinpochs@gmail.com.
