SPRINGFIELD, MA - Recording numerous achievements and upgrades over the past year - and during a time of conservative business expenditures and investments - the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has witnessed increased participation, sold-out events, and enhanced digital presence, securing its position as North America’s preeminent trade association for folding carton/rigid box converters and suppliers.

As part of their data reporting and benchmarking program, PPC annual Trends Reportgenerated record-breaking downloads. Members were provided with online samples of data reports, including the Safety Boxscore Report and the Overall Equipment Effectiveness Report (representing 170 printing presses), which resulted in record participation. The association also implemented a new data report for rigid box manufacturers and a Canadian Market Flash Report.

With its devoted membership, PPC also saw record-breaking attendance at their 2013 Associate Member Showcase Breakfast and Technical and Production Design Summit, two sold-out plant tours, and its highest turnout for the annual TICCIT (Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees) program to date, distributing 13,500 saplings to school children across North America.

In addition PPC sponsored a groundbreaking, peer-reviewed study that proved that lower weight, plastic-based primary packaging does not necessarily lead to lower non-renewable energy usage or lower greenhouse gas emissions when compared to renewable paperboard.

On the technology front, PPC optimized their presence on social media sites, expanding participation on the association’s social media platforms by over 50%. They also released six educational webinars to members on topics such as the Affordable Care Act, Forest Certification, and Tips and Tricks in Structural Design. Following the launch of their new URL paperbox.org, PPC made numerous enhancements to their web site, improving functionality and increased user visits by 10%. 

“It’s been a tremendous year,” remarked Ben Markens, President at PPC. “The fact that many new members joined our association this past year is a testament to the industry’s commitment to growth and to the strength of the paperboard packaging industry in general.”