On April 21st, 2021, the European Commission published a package of measures containing the proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability reporting: the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which reviews and strengthens the current directive on non-financial reporting, aiming to expand the range of economic entities required to draft a non-financial statement. Indeed, from 2026, the NFS will also be mandatory for SMEs—which represent 99% of European Union companies—and must be provided in a digital format.   What the non-financial statement is and what information it must contain The non-financial statement and the sustainability report highlight the best practices that companies implement for sustainable growth. There are five minimum areas to address: Environmental impact: consumption of energy and water resources, distinguishing between those produced from renewable and non-renewable sources, and emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants, with specific indication of carbon dioxide (CO2). Social impact: current and future impact in terms of health risk (and beyond) on the health and safety of individuals in society. Initiatives for the social and cultural development of the regions where the company operates. Worker protection: measures adopted to counter illegal hiring practices and child labor exploitation; improving the working environment while ensuring inclusion and gender equality. Protection of human rights: a list of all actions implemented to counter any type of human rights violation or discrimination. Anti-corruption: a list of all tools used to combat active corruption (which company executives might commit) and passive corruption (of which the company could be a victim). All included information must strictly comply with internationally recognized standards, first and foremost the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative). Who is required to file an NFS? Directive 254/14/EU (2014) and Legislative Decree 254/2016, which transposed it in Italy, mandate this requirement only for public interest entities with more than 500 employees that have exceeded specific size limits (total balance sheet: 20 million euros and total net sales and service revenues: 40 million euros). Limiting the requirement only to this category heavily restricted the directive's spread in Italy, considering that the Italian NFSs monitored by Consob in 2020 numbered only 204. Given the growing relevance of sustainability-related risks and because listed SMEs comprise a large portion of all listed companies in the Union, it is appropriate to extend the obligation to the following entities in order to ensure investor protection: listed companies with fewer than 500 employees, including SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) whose securities are traded on European regulated markets; large companies, even if unlisted. To achieve greater clarity regarding the presentation methods and required reporting frameworks for companies, the Commission relies on the Taxonomy, through which it aims to overcome the significant confusion surrounding reporting systems.  For whom is the NFS not mandatory? Micro-enterprises: currently and in the future, these will remain completely excluded from the reporting requirement. Unlisted SMEs: these companies can voluntarily prepare structured disclosures regarding sustainability based on standards aligned with their specific features. Corporate Social Responsibility and the expansion of the NFS At the core of the intent to extend non-financial reporting to small and medium-sized enterprises is the growing awareness that achieving success in international markets does not depend solely on good profit performances, but also on fulfilling social commitments. This is what is defined as Corporate Social Responsibility: namely, the set of actions implemented with the goal of actively addressing ethical and social impact issues and integrating them into business objectives.  Cart-One has always been committed to adopting innovative solutions for sustainable growth. Take a look at our CERTIFICATIONS.

4.5 billion Euros in turnover, a 13% growth, and 8.3 billion square meters produced: these are the results relating to the Italian corrugated cardboard packaging industry, which were announced during the annual GIFCO conference held last May 13th and 14th, 2022, in Lecce. What emerged from the GIFCO 2022 annual conference The corrugated cardboard packaging sector continues to grow. Among the main factors are the exponential growth of e-commerce and the increasingly strong choice to adopt more sustainable packaging for the planet. An important sector, which accounts for nearly 20% of the paper supply chain, represented by the Federation of Paper and Graphics, which generates a turnover of 25.3 billion Euros, approximately 1.4% of GDP. This was communicated by GIFCO, the specialization group belonging to Assografici (Italian National Association of Printing, Paper Converting, and Transforming Industries), during the annual reporting meeting of activities carried out in the previous year. In the opening report, President Fausto Ferretti – Managing Director of Cart One Parma – presented the official figures for the sector, which in 2021 recorded a total national production – by weight – of nearly 4.5 million tons, with a growth of 12% compared to 2020. During the event, the topic of the evolution of raw material prices was addressed, which influences the costs of paper and finished packaging, as well as corporate budgets. According to data recorded by the Milan Chamber of Commerce, comparing April 2021 with April 2022, there was an increase ranging from +46% to +69% for linerboard and from +22% to +76% for fluting paper. To this scenario, the continuous and significant difficulties in raw material procurement must be added, affecting not only paper-based materials but also auxiliary resources. The well-known journalist Sebastiano Barisoni, deputy director of Radio 24 and historical voice of Focus Economia, also moderated the round table organized during the morning of May 14th. This panel was composed of distinguished representatives from the business and banking worlds, who discussed the national and international economic scenario within a context, like the current one, heavily influenced by the energy shock and complex sourcing of all raw materials. Stay updated on our NEWS.

In the case of relocation, transfers, or simply sending a gift from Italy abroad, it is always necessary to equip yourself adequately and follow a few simple tips. How to ship household appliances: suitable packaging. Do you need to ship a small or large household appliance but don't know where to start? Well, then it's time to learn how to distinguish between the various products and understand the different packaging methods, provided they are always safe, resistant, and of high quality. Let's find out all the details in this article. Read also: “How to pack a television and special objects for a move” Small or large household appliances The world of household appliances is truly vast. Therefore, it is first necessary to distinguish between small and large household appliances. Depending on the specific classification, the shipping method, process logistics, and, of course, the packaging system will change as well. Shipping small appliances If you need to ship one or more small appliances, you must always remember that the more delicate they are, the more adequate filler material you will need to use to avoid potential impacts and damage to the item. In this case, the best advice is to use corrugated cardboard boxes (American type), especially triple-wall ones. Generally, fillers are employed to protect and fully safeguard the item being shipped from vibrations, impacts, and jolts that normally occur during transport by vehicles. Bubble wrap, for instance, is among the best-known filler materials—a polyethylene sheet featuring air bubbles. Furthermore, since these are small and lightweight appliances, they may be shipped via standard couriers along with other types of goods. In the latter case, the important thing is to adequately protect each appliance using reliable packaging materials, for example by wrapping it in bubble wrap and then completely lining it with polystyrene sheets 2-3 cm thick. Complete the operation by placing everything inside a highly resistant cardboard box, leaving no empty spaces between the inner wrapping and the box. Let's now discover the best packaging according to the small appliance to be shipped: electronic equipment, such as computers and monitors, hairdryers, microwave ovens, and kitchen tools: double-wall box, which is not particularly heavy or bulky; small electronic devices, such as cables, phones, intercoms, small emergency or alarm devices: die-cut boxes with reinforced closure, which are secure, sturdy, and reusable. Shipping large appliances If, on the other hand, you need to ship appliances with large dimensions and significant weight, such as washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, vacuum cleaners, and so on, you must opt for triple-wall boxes and pallets (wooden platforms) that allow heavy packages to be handled with specific loading and unloading equipment (such as forklifts). The pallet, therefore, is a wooden platform on which the goods to be transported are placed and secured; the best on the market, safe and approved under European law, is the EURO and EPAL pallet. For greater security and to better immobilize the corner guards, wrap your appliance in bubble wrap, but also use organic packing peanuts or paper void filler before loading it onto the wooden platform. If there are fragile parts (such as glass shelves in refrigerators), it is preferable to remove and pack them separately with sheets of bubble wrap, to be then inserted into a cardboard box and placed inside the appliance itself or on the pallet. Next, you will need to arrange the appliance inside the triple-wall box, such as semi-ready triple-wall boxes, featuring staples on the sides to provide greater support and resistance up to 500 kg, with a maximum size reaching 120 x 80 x 80 cm. In addition, you can also decide to use polystyrene profiles or corner protectors to shield the corners, which are the most delicate parts of your package. To find out more: “GIFCO Conference 2022: corrugated cardboard figures in Italy in 2021” If you need valuable packaging with high-quality products and cutting-edge technologies, choose CART-ONE. Discover all our products and ensure the best performance. Contact us to receive all the information you want.

Among the consequences of Coronavirus stands out the emergency of reorganizing professional environments in total safety and in full compliance with current regulations. The Green Spacer cardboard protective barriers have been specially designed to cope with this situation, with total respect for the environment. They have the same protective functions as plexiglass separators and advantageous prices. Green Spacer Protective Barriers: features and benefits Green Spacer screened safety devices are equipped of a PET window which guarantees: Perfect visibility and total sanitation; Product recyclability and disposal, with minimal impact on the environment Other features: Lightness and manageability: which do not in the least affect the stability of the product; Personalization: you can have your company or business logo printed; Sound absorption: no rebounding of the sound, an inevitable event with plexiglass barriers. Working in often crowded and noisy open space environments, sound insulation is essential for the proper conduct of activities. Green Spacer is also excellent for use in the school environment. This for two fundamental aspects: Cardboard safety: unlike an extremely heavy and fragile Plexiglass barrier, which at the first fall could turn into a potential danger for students, thanks to its lightness and flexibility, cardboard is totally safe. Feeling of tranquility: populating classes with colored protective barriers, in a period of uncertainty and fear, will transmit to the pupils feelings of security and tranquility. Green Spacer cardboard protective panels: how the project was born The project was born from the intelligence of SPG Design, an innovative company that capitalizes on the knowledge and experience of Sandra S.p.a. The Design line originates from the collaboration, focused on the production of sustainable packaging: aesthetically beautiful, colored, sustainable and functional cardboard objects and articles. In this context Green Spacer was born: cardboard protective barriers, eco-friendly and at advantageous prices.

Environmental issues and those concerning recycling have recently returned to the fore, especially following the recent Coronavirus pandemic. According to the opinion of many geologists, including Mario Tozzi, zoonoses are the consequence of a type of exploitation of resources that damages biodiversity through the destruction of ecosystems. In this sense, the greater frequency of contact between domestic and wild fauna is the cause of the transmission of viruses between different animal species, which in some cases involves a further leap of species to humans. Changing production cycles in the name of the circular economy can partially solve the problem of environmental pollution. Awareness raising actions by government bodies are also fundamental, as is individual initiative through the limitation of waste, sustainable consumption, recycling and active participation. Caring for the environment: an essential necessity When we talk about care and respect for the environment, we can no longer afford to pursue an abstract concept, but we must act on the basis of concrete actions that have proven effectiveness. Rethinking production with a view to circularity is a strategy that aims not only to undertake virtuous production cycles, but which at the same time tends to implement a supply chain made up of production, use, recycling and reuse of raw materials. If the objectives imposed by the European Union regarding recycling have seen our country in advance in most cases (link to previous articles), on the other hand not only industries, but also local authorities and the individual they can do a lot to implement the recycling chain. Local authorities and schools: what the role of recycling should be Even today, along the edges of the provincial or city roads we cannot notice rubbish abandoned without any restraint. Separate collection is more effective if every single individual is committed, fighting what are the wrong and sometimes illegal behaviors. A lot of help can also come from schools. Through dedicated projects, it is possible to raise awareness of environmental issues and the importance of recycling. Inserting diversified containers, but also activating creative recycling projects, as well as promoting works that help to understand the importance of recycling, can be a winning strategy to make young citizens more respectful of the environment and able to promote actions, both in the workplace, both in private life, aimed adolescent to eco-sustainability. Likewise, it is important that in public places, clubs and entertainment venues, stations are distributed to eliminate waste in a differentiated manner, following the instructions generally shown on the packs. The separate waste collection containers must bear clear and intuitive indications that can facilitate the delivery of waste in the most appropriate way. Activities can be promoted that further motivate recycling, such as rewarding virtuous condominiums through tax relief or by setting up machines that return tickets for public transport in exchange for the recycling of some materials, as happens in other countries, in particular with plastic bottles, so as to make the recovery chain more efficient. The promotion of activities that allow reflection on environmental issues is also very useful: neighborhood committees and associations could monitor the state of the places and involve the community in cleaning and recycling actions, so as to offer awareness raising opportunities that turn into concrete actions of surveillance and improvement of the territory. The world of arts and the environment: how culture can motivate recycling Environmental issues have inspired many artists and screenwriters. There is no shortage of exponents of environmental art, who with their ideas have framed natural phenomena by reproducing them in paintings and sculptures: their activity also focuses on the fragility of nature up to the most extreme forms, which aim to prevent deterioration and the environmental situation. The world of culture also offers us numerous examples through cinematography, whether with a documentary and investigative slant, or through historical or fantastic narration, has repeatedly brought to the fore the issues of environmental degradation, pollution and uncontrolled exploitation of the resources. From the sci-fi Avatar to Erin Brockovich, to then move on to animated cinema, each director has brought their own vision on the topic hoping to have a strong impact not only on adults, but also on the younger generations. If in 2008 it was the turn of Disney, with its robot WALL-E speaks to us of a wasteland in which man has exploited resources to the limit, reducing the landscape to an uninhabitable landfill, in 2020 it is the turn of an all-Italian film. We are talking about TRASH: The Legend of the Magic Pyramid, the film that arrived in cinemas on October 16 and presented for the first time as an opening title as part of the Alice nella Città event as part of the Roma Festival. The feature film is directed by Luca della Grotta and Francesco Dafano, produced by AL ONE and distributed by Notorius. The film was supported by the Italian consortia for the recycling of packaging. In this sense, the Made in Italy work has received the applause of CONAI and the supply chain consortia CIAL, COMIECO, COREPLA, COREVE and RICREA, which have decided to support Trash thanks to its environmental message and in support of the circular economy. The film, in fact, emphasizes and makes young and old alike reflect on the importance of recycling as a way to give waste a new purpose. As we have seen, global action is important to safeguard the planet. If many industries, such as CART-ONE for example, are adapting their procedures with a view to a circular economy, the consumer becomes an active part of this supply chain through actions that involve active participation in the differentiation of waste. At the same time, the stimula proposed by the cultural world can also contribute to spreading more food for thought, for an approach to the planet's resources that takes place in a more conscious and sustainable way. In this sense, CART-ONE has adopted a supply chain that favors the production and minimization of waste through processes that minimize the environmental impact and that adopt solutions for the recycling of production waste.

Ecogrip Delivers the sustainable multi-packaging of bottles. 100% recyclable corrugate Sustainable alternative to single-use plastic Complete solution for bottle multi-packs Blue Box Partners, the pan-European Alliance of suppliers for corrugated board packaging solutions, has launched ECOGRIP, a corrugated alternative to shrink wrap for the multi-packing of a wide range of bottles that builds on the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging. Research has shown retailers and consumers are wanting more sustainable packaging solutions when they make purchasing decisions. Moreover, the EU’s single-use plastic (SUP) Directive, which came into force on 3rd July 2019, aims to reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. This has caused large brands and manufacturers to re-evaluate their packaging strategies and seek out alternatives. ECOGRIP is designed to replace single-use shrink-wrap plastic for bottles between 330ml and 1.5 litres, providing a recyclable and biodegradable corrugate solution for multi-packs. Adaptable to the many different bottle styles on the market regardless of diameter, it provides brands, retailers and consumers with a sustainable multi-packing solution for four, six or eight bottles. The ergonomic design makes it easy to transport, handle and store and the corrugated board can be customised through a variety of print technologies for maximum brand and on-shelf impact. “Every business is now focused on sustainability” said Armin Höttges, managing director at Blue Box Partners. “While we continue to see improvements in recycling rates for many packaging products, secondary packaging such as shrink-wrap falls into the category of single-use plastic which can create issues if not disposed of responsibly. This has resulted in considerable pressure from governments, environmental groups and consumers - all of whom are demanding packaging which is more sustainable and the launch of ECOGRIP now delivers a solution for brands that want an effective multi-packing option.” Blue Box Partners is the alliance of VPK Group, Klingele Paper and Packaging Group, Hinojosa and Cart-One, who together offer expertise and collective intelligence, delivering local solutions across Europe. Working with brands to develop packaging solutions that not only solve their current issues around single-use plastic, but also provide sustainable packaging solutions for the long term, the launch of ECOGRIP is the perfect example of the partnership. Available through all Blue Box Partners members and with both manual and automated packing options, ECOGRIP provides consumers, retailers and brand owners with a complete solution for the sustainable multi-packing of bottles.

Sandra (Cart-One Parma) has been producing corrugated cardboard packaging for over 60 years for customers specializing in multiple sectors. Always distinguished by its innovative ability that leads it to adopt new sustainable and cutting edge solutions, Sandra in 2010 installed in its production area an HS corrugator with 3.35 meters width (the largest model available on the market) and in 2017 a single-pass inkjet printer, which leads the company to progressively expand its product portfolio, with proposals for packaging, displays and materials destined for the point of sale, which are increasingly personalized and avant-garde. Joint ventures and national and international alliances Despite its large turnover that only exceeded 180 million euros in 2018, the company remains a family-owned company led by Fausto Ferretti, son of the founder. In order to be able to effectively serve whole Italy from a logistical point of view, Cart-One joint venture with the 'Antonio Sada & Figli' of Salerno was born. Thanks to this successful collaboration, the two companies join - in 2014 - the alliance with Blue Box Partners: the members are all family-run businesses, specialized in the production of packaging, displays and paper. The precious exchange of ideas, skills and opinions among the owners of the Partnership leads the members to make important collective decisions regarding the introduction of new technological solutions aimed at optimizing the workflow: this has led the BBP members to hold the largest European base of single-pass inkjet printing machines. Thanks to the adoption of digital printing, in the last two years Sandra has created a department entirely dedicated to this type of product. For smaller customers, the company also offers a turnkey service that deals with both structural design and identity of the products (POP displays, fruit and vegetable trays, bag-in-boxes and shelf ready packaging). Adopting digital printing to stand out from the competition The digital production approach aims to stand out from the competition and adopt techniques and processes that are difficult to replicate from Italian competitors. To do this - explains Daniele Plazzi - he invested time and money traveling between North America and Japan, to understand in advance the progress that technology would have made in the near future. The target? Reducing dependence on external suppliers for pre-press work and printing plant construction Ensure faster responses to customers to shorten the time of launch of new products on the market. Sandra carefully observes the first installations of reel-fed pre-print inkjet technologies and concludes that the most suitable choice is a post-print solution. "If the purchasing decisions of consumers are also influenced by the appearance of boxes and displays, our goal was to offer a brighter and more glossy print, capable of capturing more attention," says Plazzi. So, in 2010 Sandra factory in Casale di Mezzani welcomes to Nasikajet, the digital printing line based on Barberan's inkjet technology, which Sandra has customized and renamed. The research and development of the company towards new medium-term goals never stops. The Company is constantly looking towards new horizons with the aim of being always updated on the new types of products available on the market, especially on machines with larger print size and new types of inks. Sustainable development projects Sandra's commitments and ambitions do not end there. Its development projects fully include the progressive replacement of plastic from disposable plastic packaging used in canteens and fast food outlets. The Mission? Offer alternative and eco-sustainable solutions, capable of guaranteeing the same performance. Would you like to know more? To learn more, download the article published on Italia Publisher English-Italia-PublisherDownload

Firstly, we want to inform you of the purchase of Industries San Cayetano in the north east of Spain. This company is specialized in single high value packaging made of corrugated board or solid board. Innovative and customized packaging is one of their best strengths. Their products are well known in the fishing and frozen sector, in which they continue to be the market leader. This incorporation will allow us to improve our temperature controlled packaging, especially for the meat, food-processing, wine, fish and frozen sector. This added to the recent launch of the “single pass” digital printer, we are undoubtedly able to satisfy all our customer’s demands and needs. Secondly, the Hinojosa Group, at the end of July, closed the purchase of the paper manufacturing plant, Torrespapel in the north east of Spain. Our goal is to incorporate this as soon as possible in order to make it part of our supply chain of raw materials. To achieve this we will be investing in 40 new jobs. These two incorporations reinforce our strategic plan of a better customer focus as well as an improved integration of our supply chain. As a result, Hinojosa and its eleven plants in Spain is consolidated and is one of the fastest growing companies in Spain. This also reinforces the BBP’s presence in the Spanish territory which allows better service for its customers and at the same time strengthens the relationship with the partners of the alliance. Rubén MartínezManaging Partner of BBP, President of the Hinojosa Group

From September 12th to 27th at the Galleria San Ludovico, Borgo del Parmigianino in Parma. The aim is to share, through videos and multimedia stations, even with non-experts, the fundamental role of food packaging, illustrating the birth and evolution of the technologies that have allowed, and continue to allow, food—in any state and shape—to be packaged, portioned, and consumed in absolute hygiene and safety. The exhibition also highlights the industrial realities of the Parma district and the surrounding territories that have significantly contributed to the development of this sector. There are 9 sectors featured in the exhibition: water and beverage, dairy, oil-wine-beer, canned fish, secondary packaging, coffee, pasta, and meat. OPEN EVERY DAY 10:00 - 17:00 • SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10:30 - 18:30 • CLOSED ON TUESDAY

One year after the European experience at the Blue Paper papermill in Strasbourg, Cart-One hosted the Blue Box Partners Innovation Day 2016 at the Antonio Sada & Figli plant in Pontecagnano, from April 27th to 29th! 30 technicians from all over Europe joined together for three days to share knowledge and information regarding the research and development of new packaging solutions. See you next year for Innovation Day 2017!

Cart-One was pleased to host the annual Sales and Board Meeting of Blue Box Partners in Parma. 28 participants shared a unique goal: to grow in Europe and to increasingly become the point of reference for innovation, quality, and service for our clients.

Desire increases anticipation, and when paired with enthusiasm, it is with this very spirit that the industry trade fairs resume in the month of May 2022.  Two in-person events for companies in the packaging and corrugated cardboard supply chain: Milan May 3rd-6th IPACK-IMA and from May 18th-20th the FEFCO Summit in Amsterdam.  These events represent an interesting meeting opportunity for key players in the eco-technological packaging innovation market, because it is the exchange of ideas that fuels ingenuity.  The Ipack-Ima Event  IPACK-IMA, the trade fair organized by Ipack Ima Srl—a joint venture between UCIMA (Italian Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Association) and Fiera Milano—will showcase innovative solutions for the entire consumer goods and durable goods industry, covering all processing stages of the production chain. From processing, packaging, end-of-line, labeling, packaging materials and design, through to automation and digitalization.  An excellent opportunity for market professionals on an international scale and a privileged meeting place for food and non-food industry buyers, it stands as a significant event and a symbol of restart for all involved sectors. The FEFCO Summit  FEFCO – the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers – is organizing “Fit for the Future”, the Summit that will take place in Amsterdam at the NH Collection Barbizon Palace.  During the sessions, urgent issues that the sector must promptly address will be tackled, particularly the European Green Deal—a strategic plan involving the adoption of a wide array of initiatives such as laws, decrees, and investments, aimed at countering global warming and ongoing climate change.  For this reason, the Summit has placed the themes of sustainability and climate neutrality at the very top of its agenda: a crucial moment to understand how the European corporate system can transition toward a climate-neutral society to build a better future. The objective is to show how the continuous efforts within the corrugated cardboard industry offer significant and concrete solutions in this regard.