Core Insights - The merger between Smurfit Kappa and WestRock is focused on leveraging the strengths of both companies while addressing organizational differences, particularly in operational management and decentralization [1][6][29] Group 1: Organizational Structure - WestRock is moving towards a centralized organizational model, while Smurfit Kappa emphasizes a decentralized approach, allowing individual plants to operate almost as standalone entities [1][7] - The owner-operator model is preferred for most functions, as it is believed to be more effective in the long term compared to a centralized structure [7] Group 2: Market Strategy and Operations - The focus is on bringing innovation to the corrugated and consumer packaging markets, ensuring quality and timely delivery as foundational principles [2] - The combined company has approximately 250 locations in North America, with a significant emphasis on hands-on management to identify strategic opportunities [5][6] Group 3: North American Market Insights - There are notable differences between the U.S. and European markets, particularly in employer-employee relationships and the asset base, with the U.S. market being more fragmented due to mergers and acquisitions [8][10][11] - The European model of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is more established than in the U.S., which is still in the early stages of implementation [12][14] Group 4: Infrastructure and Asset Quality - Initial perceptions of WestRock's asset quality were negative, but recent tours have shown that the asset base is solid, with many opportunities for improvement [28][29] - The company is focusing on creating a network of "superplants" to enhance competitiveness in complex markets like Chicago [23][24] Group 5: Leadership and Company Culture - Leadership emphasizes the importance of understanding operations through direct engagement rather than relying solely on presentations [20][22] - The merger has fostered a strong sense of alignment and energy within the company, with a focus on collaboration and shared goals [30][31]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles is expected to fundamentally transform the textile and fashion industry in the coming years, with a focus on sustainability and responsibility among manufacturers [1][3]. Group 1: Central Demands for Future Model - The associations have outlined six central demands for a future model that aligns with the EU Waste Framework Directive, emphasizing ecological effectiveness, resource conservation, and practical take-back structures by 2028 [3]. - Manufacturers will be responsible for the costs associated with the collection, sorting, and recycling of textiles placed on the market in the EU, along with providing accurate data on the quantities of textiles they introduce [4]. Group 2: Implementation and Legislative Focus - The implementation of EPR in Germany should occur in close collaboration with the industry, with legislators focusing on establishing minimum requirements [5]. - Consistent market surveillance is deemed essential, particularly concerning third countries, and sanction mechanisms should also apply to foreign retailers and online marketplaces to ensure a level playing field [5]. Group 3: Additional Requirements - The associations advocate for collection quotas, ecological product requirements, and a Europe-wide uniform ecomodulation that minimizes bureaucracy [6]. - There is a call for fair financing distribution for consumer communication campaigns, which should involve all stakeholders and be supported by political measures, alongside mandatory transparency in the use of license fees [6]. Group 4: Participating Associations - The six associations involved in this initiative include the German Retail Association (HDE), German Textile and Fashion Industry Association (textil+mode), BTE Federal Association of the German Textile, Shoe and Leather Goods Retailers, Federal Association of the German Sporting Goods Industry (BSI), German Fashion Association, and the Federal Association of E-Commerce and E-Commerce Versandhandel Deutschland e.V. (bevh) [7].