AICC and INSCO launch specialized corrugator defect training in Fort Worth

Bridging the Gap Between Board Quality and Converting Efficiency

The intersection of corrugator output and converting efficiency remains one of the most critical friction points in modern box plants. To address this persistent operational bottleneck, AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has partnered with specialized training provider INSCO to deliver a highly targeted educational program during Corrugated Week 2026.

Scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Texas, the intensive session titled "Corrugator Defects: How Sheet Quality Impacts Converting Performance" aims to bridge the technical knowledge gap between board manufacturing and downstream processing. The four-hour program will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., serving as a practical capstone to the industry's premier gathering.

The High Cost of Substrate Inconsistencies in 2026

In 2026, independent converters are navigating a complex manufacturing landscape. While investments in high-speed, highly automated converting machinery have surged across the sector, these advanced lines are increasingly unforgiving of substrate inconsistencies. Warped boards, washboarding, edge delamination, and poor moisture profiles do not just cause minor delays; they trigger catastrophic jams, excessive waste, and severe margin erosion on modern flexo folder gluers and rotary die-cutters. Understanding the root causes of these defects is no longer exclusively the domain of the corrugator supervisor—it is a fundamental requirement for the entire production team.

This is where the AICC and INSCO partnership delivers tangible value. INSCO, established in 2020 by industry veterans, has built a strong reputation across Europe and Latin America for its pragmatic, factory-floor approach to technical education. With established alliances with organizations like ACCCSA, AFCO, and ASPACK, INSCO focuses on closing the skills gap through applied training. By bringing their expertise to Corrugated Week, they are providing North American independent box makers with access to world-class troubleshooting methodologies.

Breaking Down Production Silos

The curriculum is designed to break down the traditional silos that often exist between the wet end, the dry end, and the converting department. Operators and plant managers will learn to identify how specific corrugator settings—from steam pressure and adhesive application to tension control—directly correlate with the runnability of the sheet during printing, scoring, and folding. This holistic view of plant operations is essential for reducing waste and improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

The inclusion of this specialized training elevates the broader agenda of Corrugated Week 2026. Jointly hosted by TAPPI and AICC from September 28-30, the event is projected to draw over 1,400 professionals from across the global corrugated supply chain. Beyond the expansive exhibit hall showcasing the latest manufacturing technologies, the 2026 edition features high-profile keynote presentations, including strategic insights from Laurent Sellier, CEO of The Americas at Smurfit Westrock.

For AICC members, this initiative underscores the association's commitment to empowering independent packaging manufacturers. Competing against integrated giants requires independents to be more agile, more efficient, and better trained. As the industry grapples with ongoing workforce turnover and the retirement of seasoned operators, structured, expert-led training programs like this one are critical for transferring institutional knowledge to the next generation of packaging professionals.

The collaboration between AICC and INSCO is a prime example of how targeted technical education can directly impact a box plant's bottom line by turning operators into proactive problem solvers. Are your production teams currently equipped to trace a converting jam back to its exact origin on the corrugator? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai