COVID-19 news and updates
PAC members contribute to their communities The Packaging Consortium (PAC) recently asked it members to reveal how they're contributing during the current pandemic. Below are just some of the wonderful altruistic efforts from PAC members: • Atlantic Packaging team facilitating donations to local food bank • BASF's Giving Campaign donating supplies to Cornwall frontline workers • Bayer's commitment during the coronavirus pandemic • Canadian Tire donated masks and scrubs to Markham Participation House • Cascades collaborates with partners to manufacture medical visors • Club Coffee fuelling essential workers • Coca-Cola Foundation coronavirus contributions • Crown Holdings CMbE collegues producing ventilator parts • Dare Foods supports food banks during COVID-19 • Dow commits $3 million to COVID-19 relief, producing hand sanitizer • Emballages Mitchel-Lincoln supporting local food banks and charities • Enterprises mobilize in response to the COVID-19 crisis • Flow Water keeping communities hydrated • GSK actions to support the global response to COVID-19 • Henkel launches comprehensive global solidarity program • HP 3D printing in support of COVID-19 containment efforts • Keurig Dr. Pepper takes action ad COVID-19 crisis continues • Klöckner Pentaplast fabricating face shields for local hospital • Help the Helpers: Lush scent-free soap • Nestle donating water to front-line workers in GTA • P&G Canada steps up to join COVID-19 relief efforts • TC Transcontinental donating gift bags to frontline workers • Tim Hortons: Proudly serving those who serve our communities • Walmart Canada provides 17 million meals to Food Banks Canada • Winpak helps front-line medical workers
ISA cancels its re-scheduled Sign Expo 2020 The International Sign Association (ISA) has cancelled its annual ISA International Sign Expo 2020 that had been rescheduled to August 22-25. ISA President and CEO Lori Anderson emphasized that the decision was a difficult one. “While we won’t be able to gather as a community in 2020,
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we’re jumping right in to focus on the ISA International Sign Expo 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (date to be announced). Our role in providing information, education and opportunities to connect will continue. Thank you for being a part of the ISA community and we hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.” Lori Anderson
UV associations dismiss use of UV light on the human body Recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that ultraviolet (UV) light can be used on the human body to kill the COVID-19 virus have been totally dismissed by major industry associations. The International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA) and RadTech North America, released this statement (edited): “There are no protocols to permit the safe use of UV light directly on the human body at the wavelengths and exposures proven to kill viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. UV light under these conditions can also cause severe skin burns, skin cancer and eye damage. We strongly recommend that anyone using UV light to disinfect medical equipment, surfaces, or air in the context of COVID-19, use applications that are supported by sound scientific evidence, follow all recommended health and safety precautions, and avoid direct exposure of the body to the UV light.”
Facts on COVID-19 transmission via paper and cardboard surfaces Two Sides North America, an industry association proactively promoting the sustainability of print and paper, has revealed guidance from the world’s leading health organizations – including the World Health Organization (WHO), The Journal of Hospital Infection, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The facts suggest that the risk of COVID-19 transmission from surfaces is relatively low. According to the WHO: “The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low, and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package is also low.” The most recent scientific research found that of plastic, stainless steel and cardboard, the virus lasted the longest on plastic (up to 72 hours) and the shortest on cardboard (up to 24 hours). That time is reduced even more when a surface is exposed to air. Plus, the printing process itself will also decrease the potency of any virus.
GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | June 2020 | 11
