Andres Lopez

Retaining your high performers - and developing new ones - is critical in today’s uncertain, fast-paced business environment. Here’s how to do it. https://dy.si/BW2f4

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It appears that the candidates understand the opportunity here, but how can your brand benefit from North American, factory-direct packaging production? -Reduce Scope 3 emissions -Create a more efficient supply chain -Achieve a direct line of communication with your packaging manufacturer -Establish a solid risk aversion strategy..... Just to name a few. DM with questions or stop by booth D23 at LuxePack NY (May 8 & 9) and say hello. #IndirectSourcing #VendorManagedInventory #Nearshoring #PaperBags #RetailPackaging #SupplyChain #Retail #FashionRetail #Packaging #Jewelry #Beauty

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McKinely Paper, a subsidiary of Bio Pappel-Mexico, plans to cease operations at its paper mill in Port Angeles, Washington, effective August 25. The mill currently produces Recycled Corrugated Medium and Bags and Sacks. The decision appears to have been influenced by local market conditions and competitiveness, as Port Angeles boasts lower costs compared to McKinely’s other mills. However, there may be additional strategic considerations to explore. The site demonstrates strong competitiveness across various global destinations. (Note: The width of the bars indicates the annual import of the grade into the country, the height indicates Port Angeles’ cash cost and freight to the destination country, and the dots indicate the Competitive Average of all other producers worldwide to the same country.) #pulp #pulpandpaper #pulpandpaperindustry #packaging #packagingindustry #strategy #tissue

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The labor wages in Mexico from the last 4-5 has had a good impact for the economy, however this labor increase has forced the Manufacturing Industry to be more active with continuous improvement projects to absorb the additional cost. The increase in wages in Mexico has had several significant impacts across various sectors: Improved Living Standards: Higher wages have helped improve the purchasing power of many workers, allowing them to better meet their basic needs, such as food, housing, and healthcare. Economic Growth: Increased wages can lead to higher consumer spending, which stimulates economic growth. As workers have more disposable income, they tend to spend more, benefiting local businesses. Labor Market Dynamics: Wage increases can attract more individuals into the labor market, reducing unemployment rates. However, it can also lead to challenges for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, which may struggle to afford higher labor costs. Inflationary Pressures: In some cases, significant wage increases can contribute to inflation if companies pass on the increased labor costs to consumers through higher prices. Formalization of Employment: Higher wages can motivate more workers to seek formal employment, leading to increased tax revenues for the government and better access to social security benefits for workers. Challenges for Businesses: While higher wages can benefit workers, businesses, especially in low-margin industries, may face challenges in managing increased labor costs. This could lead to layoffs or reduced hiring if companies cannot absorb the costs. Sectoral Variations: The impact of wage increases can vary by sector. Industries that rely heavily on low-wage labor may experience more significant adjustments than those that can more easily absorb increased costs. Overall, while wage increases can positively impact workers and stimulate the economy, they also pose challenges that need to be managed to ensure sustainable growth and employment. What other actions you been taking as Organization leader? How much % of increase are you budgeting for 2025?

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Thank you, IndustryWeek, for sharing this insightful article. The concept of Lean as a lifestyle choice is truly disruptive. It revolutionizes the way people interact and tackle challenges. Witnessing the positive change in people is both exciting and refreshing. At the Maryland World Class Consortia, Ltd. Lean Peer Group meetings, Dave Rizzardo and I regularly discuss this topic. #lean #leanleadership #industryweek #leanmaryland #mwcc #mdmfg

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Attention #SingleServeCapsules! I appreciate you are reviewing investment decisions and have questions around compostable capsules and which way the market is likely to swing - industrial or home. There are no easy answers and we are likely to remain in the legislative limbo for at least 18-24 months - as the EU Commission shall give the mandate to the European standardisation organisation 12 months from the date of entry into force (expected date January 2026) to prepare or update harmonised standards for home compostability and industrial compostability. What we know now is that Member States cannot ban rigid compostable coffee capsules, but may or may not accept them to be collected together with the organic waste fraction. As of January 2024, there is mandatory organic waste collection across the EU, which will fuel development of infrastructure for industrial composting. Household organic waste is processed in both industrial composting conditions and at anaeribic digestion sites. The waste processed in AD sites is dominated by municipal and commercial food waste, while IC sites are dominated with garden waste (source ECN report 2022). The harmonised European standard for industrial composting is EN 13432, and requires at least 90% disintegration after twelve weeks, 90% biodegradation (CO2 evolvement) in six months, and includes tests on ecotoxicity and heavy metal content. My understanding is that for several years, there has been no international standard specifying the conditions for home composting of biodegradable plastics. In 2022, CEN/TC 261 SC 4 WG 2 finalised the standard on home compostable carrier bags (EN 17427). Additionally, there are several national standards, such as the Australian norm AS 5810. Belgian certifier Vinçotte (now TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium) had developed the OK compost home certification scheme, requiring at least 90% degradation in 12 months at ambient temperature. Based on this scheme, the French standard NF T51-800 was developed, specifying the very same requirements for certification. In absense of a harmonised legislative approach and PPWR asserted Member States 'flexibility', unfortunately we are likely to witness potential further delays in large-scale investment in compostable capsules solutions. I'd encourage everyone to be part of our Capsules network by joining the conference in Malaga 30.09 - 2.10. #CompostableCapsules #CoffeeCapsules

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NEGOTIATION COMPETENCIES: Why, if negotiation is a fundamental competency for success in both personal and professional contexts, are few people aware of learning and training teams for success? Working with Negotiation by Design and Pablo Restrepo-Sáenz for more than 20 years, improving and mastering my skills, and motivating my teams to learn and practice the theory with solid coaching from Pablo and his team, I can say I saw the change, the value in the final P&L, and my team's motivation to prepare negotiations and get more all the time. In this turbulent time, how is your competence level in Negotiation to support reaching your business/personal goals? Don't hesitate; preparation and practice improve your results. As Pablo says, stay focused on the process at all times.  Thanks to all Negotiation By Design team! Hugo McIntosh Ernesto Carrizosa Adolfo Velasco Catrillon

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The release of our 2023 Purpose-led Performance Progress Report highlights our commitment to more than sustainability goals - it’s about building resilience throughout our business. We’re increasing resilience of the small holder farmers who grow our iconic raw materials. By providing resources, training and support, we’re helping them adapt to changing climate and to secure their livelihoods. Through our Grown for Good framework, we’re now sustainably sourcing more than 90% of our top five branded iconic ingredients. And, because we understand our unique responsibility to protect the future of flavor, we’ve had our net-zero target by 2050 validated by the Science-based Target initiative(SBTi) and have completed climate scenario analyses to better understand the long-term resilience of our business, ensuring that we remain sustainable and successful for generations to come. Through our Purpose-led Performance, we are making positive impact in communities around the globe.

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I recently had the opportunity to attend a fantastic commercial training program in Cali, Colombia. The sessions were insightful, focusing on key strategies and best practices essential for our industry. I particularly valued the hands-on exercises that allowed us to apply what we learned. Here are a few key takeaways: 1. *Effective Team Leadership:* Encouraging open communication and collaboration empowers team members, boosting productivity and morale. Clear goals, regular feedback with coaching are crucial to keep the empowered. 2. *Accelerating Growth:* Customer-centric strategies are vital for faster growth. Understanding and addressing customer needs fosters loyalty and strong relationships. 3. *Managing a Healthy Pipeline:* A well-structured pipeline is essential for sustainable growth. Regularly reviewing opportunities and nurturing leads ensures no potential is overlooked. Connecting with fellow professionals was a highlight, as we shared experiences and built a supportive network. Thank you, Andrés Velásquez Velasco Alvaro Zumaeta Lina María Ramírez Vera, for this enriching experience! #AmcorTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment #CaliColombia #Commercialexcellence #ContinuousLearning #Leadership #GrowthStrategy

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This collaboration between PTA Plastics, Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), CONNSTEP, Inc. and FullBore showcases the power of partnership in driving advanced manufacturing technology to Connecticut manufacturers. Next- up, PTA and FullBore are deploying a flexible-line install of WinH across PTA’s manufacturing operation, leveraging i4.0 & IIOT technology to enhance efficiency and productivity. This next phase of the initiative addresses the specific needs of small to mid-sized manufacturers in Connecticut, like PTA, which are low volume-high mix enterprises. PTA COMPLETES OVER 200 set-ups per month. Together, they are paving the way for agile, flexible solutions that maximize the positive impact of WinH. Kudos to the team for working hand in hand to drive innovation and meet the evolving demands of the manufacturing sector! #ptaplastics #CCAT #ConnStep #Industry40 #FullBore #IIOT

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Exciting news: Dow is advancing our mechanical recycling capabilities through the acquisition of Circulus Holdings, PBLLC, a leading recycler of plastic waste into post-consumer resins.   This partnership will enhance our capacity to produce high-quality recycled materials by contributing 50,000 metric tons of recycled materials annually towards Dow’s 2030 Transform the Waste goal to transform plastic waste and other forms of alternative feedstocks into 3 million metric tons of circular and renewable solutions annually.   By combining Dow's industry-leading materials science technology with Circulus' film recycling expertise, we aim to provide sustainable solutions across packaging, industrial, consumer, and transportation markets.   Collaborating with partners across the value chain remains a key priority for Dow as we advance a circular economy.   Read the official announcement here: https://lnkd.in/gjXaN8gQ   #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #TeamDow #SeekTogether  

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It is great to see a fifth state implement an EPR program but it would be even better if we had a national program that addressed the shortfalls of the current recycling system. Imagine if the Clean Air Act had been a state by state law. There would still be states selling leaded gasoline, 50 years later, because it is cheaper to make. National recycling legislation with minimum content requirements would provide an effective guide for companies to follow. Real results, not more discussions, surveys and committees are required.

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I always say that the true power and success of our company is in the people who make up Sappi North America, and no one exemplifies this more than Doug Brooks, a Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt, lifelong adventurer, trusted teammate and valuable mentor, who is retiring in October after 32 years at SNA.   With more than 45 years of adventures in his personal life and the paper industry, Doug eagerly applies himself to every challenge in everything he does, whether he’s jumping out of a helicopter in the backwoods of Alaska, diving with sharks or leading significant improvement projects at the mills. After taking a job with Sappi South Africa in 1992, he soon became General Manager of the Stanger Mill, where he was involved in several post-apartheid community development projects, led the mill to achieve Sappi’s first ISO9002 accreditation and instituted a Total Quality/Continuous Improvement process. During his time at Stanger, he became a member of Sappi Fine Paper's Board of Directors. A graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in chemical engineering, Doug moved back to Maine in 1996 and became the Business Unit leader for Paper Machine 1 at the Somerset Mill. Later, as Manager of Special Projects, he led productivity and quality initiatives in China, Europe, South Africa, Minnesota, Westbrook and Michigan. In his latest role as a LSS Black Belt at the Somerset Mill, Doug’s work saved the company over $15 million. He trained and mentored numerous Green Belts and contributed to many significant improvements throughout the mill, including projects related to safety, productivity, quality, emissions and cost reduction across all assets. There isn’t a challenge that Doug turned down or a problem he couldn’t fix. His hands-on approach and his belief in going to Gemba—the Japanese term for “actual place,” often used for the shop floor or any place where value-creating work actually occurs—were part of his success. The idea is simple: if you want to improve your business, you need to learn more about your processes, people and customers; you need to go and see for yourself, and that is what Doug did. But it was the relationships he built and the trust he earned with all who had the opportunity to work with him that will be missed the most. He is currently in South Africa, where his career started with Sappi, to help the team there with one last project. Doug will spend his retirement enjoying his family, including his wife Susan, his five children and two grandchildren.

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Sustainability over short-term answers wins every time

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One of the most important projects in my professional life begins. Thanks so much FabCast Solutions

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Knowledge is power and Husky just so happens to be offering it for free.

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Consumer insights are key in driving informed decisions around sustainability. Having the right information allows for more thoughtful and impactful conversations on delivering sustainability goals!

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During my New Hire Orientation at Greif roughly 2.5 years ago, I was first introduced to the Accountability Ladder. I love what it stands for and my TEAM and I often reference it to ensure that we as a Global OPEX TEAM are "staying above the line". At the beginning of this fiscal year, my mentor/coach sent us a note with an actual stop watch. The note stated the following: "Plan in years...Think in months...Work in hours...Act in minutes!" With that said, we are all human and will operate below the line at times. However, the difference between a Champion and a Victim is how quickly you recognize it and what actions you take to quickly get yourself back above the line. I have coached my TEAM to recognize when they are below the line and to hit their virtual stop watch and count in minutes how long it takes them to get back above the line. Think about it. Do you want to be a Champion or a Victim? Do you want to be surrounded by Champions or Victims? Honestly, the choice is ours... Thanks for listening and be SAFE/Healthy!

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Thanks to Atlas Material Testing Technology for allowed me to improve my knowledge and be an expert in this industries each day.

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