WestRock debuts new fiber-based solution to CanCollar portfolio

US – American corrugated packaging company WestRock has introduced CanCollar X, the latest product in its CanCollar portfolio of multipack solutions.
As the newest addition to the family of solutions automated by the patented CanCollar Fortuna platform, CanCollar X uses a similar fiber-based, glue-free minimalist design preferred by consumers to maximize can visibility.

It is also comfortable for consumers to handle and optimizes the use of material to bundle multipacks for larger formats.

WestRock said that CanCollar X uses up to 50% less material than traditional, fully enclosed packaging. The packaging solution is intended for sustainable, large-format canned beverage packaging.

CanCollar X maximises can visibility using a fibre-based, glue-free design that is easy to handle, and makes the most use of the available material when bundling multipacks for bigger formats

WestRock sustainability Vice-President Chris Davidson said: “Whether it’s beer, soft drinks or sparkling water, across the globe, large multipacks of cans are packaged in shrink film.

“With CanCollar X, we have an opportunity to significantly reduce materials when compared to fully-enclosed cartons and replace hard-to-recycle plastic shrink wrap with recyclable fiber-based packaging, improving circularity at an impressive scale.”

WestRock’s CanCollar X is automated by the CanCollar Fortuna platform, a newly patented beverage packaging machine that uses star wheels, metering screws and an advanced linear drive system to move containers.

The company recently received a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), expanding the range of its intellectual property.

WestRock Global Packaging Systems vice president John Perkins said: “Our robust portfolio of intellectual property anchors our ability to nurture and grow successful relationships as we look to make our planet better.

“It’s through our unique integrated position in the industry that we’re able to innovate with an expert perspective on all aspects of the process – from fiber sourcing to recycling – to arrive at thoughtful product design, make positive contributions to the circular economy, and deliver on WestRock’s promise of a more sustainable future.”

WestRock breaks ground on US$97M paper mill expansion

Meanwhile, the company has announced the start of construction on a US$97 million Jackson Parish paper mill expansion.

The investment in the construction of a new woodyard and new equipment will increase capacity and efficiencies and reduce operating costs at the facility, the company said.

It comes on the heels of the recently completed five-year modernization plan that the company announced in 2017.

WestRock employs more than 450 people with an annual payroll of more than US$44 million in north Louisiana.

“WestRock’s latest investment in this facility is an investment in the workers of north Louisiana and the rural revitalization of our state,” Gov. Edwards said at a ground-breaking ceremony.

“These critical upgrades ensure the long-term viability of a facility responsible for more than 450 direct jobs and hundreds more indirect jobs in Jackson Parish. We’re grateful for the company’s continuing commitment to Louisiana’s workers, to our rural communities, and to the growth and diversification of our timber industry.”

The Hodge mill, situated on a 1,700-acre site, was operated by Rock-Tenn Company until the company merged with MeadWestvaco in 2015 to form WestRock.

The multinational paper and packaging solutions manufacturer has 320 locations employing 50,000 employees in 30 countries.

Its Hodge facility produces high-quality containerboard that is used in manufacturing corrugated containers.

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