AICC Empowers Members with Four Continuous Improvement Webinars
AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, is pleased to announce the launch of a four-part Continuous Improvement (CI) Webinar Series, free to AICC members in good standing. Designed to provide practical tools, proven strategies, and industry-specific insights, this series will help independent packaging companies strengthen their culture of Continuous Improvement and achieve lasting operational success.
The series will be led by Sándor Wolkensperg, Vice President of Operations at Royal Containers, a recognized expert in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement. With decades of experience leading operational excellence in corrugated and packaging, Sándor will deliver actionable lessons that participants can apply immediately to their own plants.
Session 1: Building a Lean Culture that Lasts
Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 2:00 pm ET
This opening session introduces the principles of Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of leadership and culture in sustaining change. Attendees will learn how to identify the “8 wastes” common in corrugated converting, recognize cultural enablers and barriers, and understand how leadership drives long-term CI success.
Learning Highlights:
- Understand the history and principles of Lean and CI.
- Recognize the 8 wastes and their impact on operations.
- Identify cultural challenges to Lean adoption.
- Explore how leadership and engagement shape CI outcomes.
Session 2: Eliminating Waste, Maximizing Flow, Lean Tools
Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
The second session dives into the core Lean tools that every plant can use to drive measurable improvements. From analyzing material flow to reducing changeover times, attendees will discover methods that directly impact productivity and cost savings.
Learning Highlights:
- Apply Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to visualize material and information flows.
- Implement 5S workplace organization in tooling, ink stations, and die storage.
- Use SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) techniques to reduce setup/changeover times.
- Leverage standardized work as the foundation for consistent quality and operator training.
Session 3: From Theory to Plant Floor
Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
Building on the concepts introduced earlier in the series, this session bridges Lean theory to practical application in corrugated operations. Through real-world industry case studies, participants will see how Lean projects deliver tangible benefits.
Learning Highlights:
- Review corrugated-specific Lean projects that improved throughput, reduced defects, and shortened lead times.
- Apply root cause analysis tools like 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams to quality issues.
- Learn how to engage teams in Kaizen events to foster a culture of collaborative problem-solving.
- Translate Lean tools into day-to-day plant practices for measurable improvements.
Session 4: Driving Long-Term Success
Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
The final session focuses on sustaining and expanding Continuous Improvement efforts across an organization. Attendees will learn how to measure what matters, build effective governance structures, and ensure CI becomes an integral part of their company’s DNA.
Learning Highlights:
- Identify key operational KPIs for corrugated converting (OEE, downtime, waste %, throughput, on-time delivery).
- Use visual management systems and Gemba walks to sustain improvements.
- Create CI governance structures for leadership accountability.
- Expand CI efforts beyond single projects into enterprise-wide initiatives, including supplier and customer collaboration.
About the Speaker
Sándor Wolkensperg is a Six Sigma Black Belt, certified Lean Manufacturing Practitioner, and highly experienced operations leader. Currently serving as Vice President of Operations at Royal Containers, he has also held leadership positions at Smurfit Stone, RockTenn, Graphic Packaging International, and Cenveo. In addition to corporate leadership, Sándor teaches Continuous Improvement at Conestoga College in Cambridge, Ontario, mentoring the next generation of packaging professionals.
Every improvement starts with one decision. Make one today and register for the Continuous Improvement Webinar Series at www.AICCbox.org/Calendar.
Questions can be directed to Rebecca Rendon, Sr. Education Manager, at rrendon@aiccbox.org or 571.629.7613.
About AICC, The Independent Packaging Association
AICC provides the education, tools, and information your company and employees need to thrive in the paper packaging industry. When you invest and engage, AICC delivers success.
www.AICCbox.org | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/aicc/