Latest news with #BHN
Business Wire
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Blackhawk Network (BHN) and Monadnock Paper Mills Partner to Drive Sustainable Innovation in the Global Gift Card Market
PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dedicated to leading sustainability efforts within the industry through innovation and collaboration, global branded payments leader Blackhawk Network (BHN) has partnered with Monadnock Paper Mills to introduce Renovo, a new sustainable, fiber-based gift card substrate that brings a wealth of differentiated features to the global gift card market. A more eco-friendly alternative to PVC, Renovo not only leads the market with its uncompromising breadth of sustainability features, but it also introduces a new level of card resilience and manufacturing compatibility through its unique 30pt thickness and proprietary treatments. Already certified for use at several of the largest card manufacturers in North America, Renovo will be rolled out globally later this year. Just over two years after formally announcing its public-facing initiatives to create a more sustainable future for the gift card industry, BHN is proud to announce that it has exceeded its goal to convert at least 75% of its globally distributed physical gift cards to fiber-based substrates by the end of 2024, with a current conversion rate of 85%. 'For years, BHN has actively pursued opportunities to improve sustainability efforts in our industry,' said Cara Renfroe, SVP Global Operations, BHN. 'With this initiative, we aimed to raise the bar, taking gift card materials to the next level and we succeeded in creating a best-in-class substrate. Renovo leads other alternatives from a sustainability standpoint and also offers the most durable and versatile eco-friendly product on the market today. We could not be more excited about Renovo and the amazing partnership we have built with Monadnock.' Renovo offers many unique benefits: 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Fiber: Made with Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC) certified materials, demonstrating a commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship Manufactured Carbon Neutral: Manufactured carbon neutral with verified emission reductions (VERS) certified under the GHG Clean Projects Protocol Recyclable: Third-party verified as recyclable, designed for easy disposal in curbside mixed recycling bins Multi-Platform Coating for Printing Versatility: Features a unique coating optimized for use on a variety of printing technologies—including HP Indigo 35,000, Datacard ® MX8100™ Card Issuance Systems, Flexographic, and Offset Printing—offering exceptional adaptability for diverse production needs Seamless Transition from Plastic: Provides the most rigid, water and moisture-resistant, versatile 30 pt. paper gift card substrate in the market, making it an ideal replacement for traditional plastic gift cards without compromising quality or performance. 'Renovo showcases our commitment to environmentally responsible solutions that make a real impact,' said Lisa Taylor, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Monadnock Paper Mills. 'At Monadnock, we are committed to creating products that help our partners meet their environmental goals without compromising on quality or performance, and this partnership exemplifies that effort.' To learn more, please visit About Blackhawk Network Today, through BHN's single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world's largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, eGifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN's network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at About Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. Founded in 1819 and based in Bennington, NH, Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., works with the world's leading brands to craft and customize environmentally responsible performance papers for commercial printing, packaging, and technical applications. Monadnock is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and maintains that fiber-based alternatives to plastic can be cost-efficient, environmentally sensitive, and beautiful. For more information about Monadnock Paper Mills, go to or call customer service at (800) 221-2159. FSC® C018866 – The mark of responsible forestry.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
AG Campbell to discuss opioid crisis impact on rural western Mass.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The opioid crisis continues to impact western Massachusetts with the attorney general expected to address the ongoing impact it's having on local cities and towns. Attorney General Andrea Campbell will be in the region Tuesday to learn about how it's disproportionately impacting rural areas as the fight against addiction and the opioid crisis continues in the commonwealth. According to the CDC, rates of drug overdose deaths in rural areas are rising and have surpassed rates in urban areas. Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is one of the organizations that plans to speak with the attorney general. When asked what challenges rural areas face when it comes to dealing with this crisis, Tony Boswell, Senior VP of BHN, told 22News, 'I think the biggest challenge is access. There are very few clinics out in remote areas—and transportation is also an issue.' In efforts to close this gap, BHN uses mobile methadone clinics to identify and reach the areas they deem as a 'methadone desert.' On the state level, Massachusetts state senator John Velis, the chair of the mental health substance use and recovery committee, is urging communities to utilize a statewide opioid settlement fund; To fight opioid addiction, especially in rural communities. 'There's been a bit of a slower rollout,' says Velis. 'To me, that's incredibly problematic. We still find ourselves in the throes of an addiction crisis. Supply right now is more contaminated—I would argue–then its ever been in the history of this country.' A substance use disorder bill was signed into state law at the end of 2024 to reduce drug-related deaths and support residents they need to recover from addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and needs help, call the 24/7 National Drug Helpline at 1-844-289-0879. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
07-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Blackhawk Network (BHN) Launches New Exclusive Branded Payment Services to Help Brands Build and Fully Capitalize on Their Gift Card Programs
Blackhawk Network (BHN), a global leader in branded payment solutions, has launched new Branded Payment Services designed to help brands more efficiently manage and scale their physical and digital gift card programs. Powered by BHN's expertise and global connections, these configurable bundles integrate key strategic services into cohesive solutions tailored to individual business needs. These offerings encompass end-to-end services available through a single vendor, including digital gifting platforms, card production, AI-driven customer care, comprehensive processing, demand planning, marketing, advanced fraud protection and distribution through BHN's expansive network. With the global gift card market projected to grow to $5.7 trillion by 2034, brands that aim to join the industry's upward trajectory need experienced partners like BHN that can expand their brand's penetration across retail, ecommerce and social media channels while simplifying program management, mitigating risks and boosting profitability. 'Brands today face increasing complexity in managing gift card programs across multiple vendors and channels,' said Brett Narlinger, head of global commerce, BHN. 'Our new Branded Payment Services simplify this process, offering significant cost savings, operational ease, and scalability. Thanks to our unique position in the market and extensive network, our roadmap for innovation is unmatched. BHN provides a complete set of integrated services to streamline program management and empower our clients to focus on growth and consumer engagement—and be confident in the reliability and expertise we bring to their gift card program operations.' BHN's Branded Payment Services include: Comprehensive Processing Solutions: Reliable, secure processing solutions designed for seamless management of gift card transactions. Robust infrastructure ensures fast, accurate processing—which serves as a gateway to other opportunities like wallet services—to minimize disruptions and maximize transaction security. Digital Gifting Platforms: B2C digital gifting technology features the ability for brands to host their own programs digitally—extending market reach and enabling ongoing enhancements to their platforms to meet customer expectations. Featuring custom branding, these platforms can feature 'buy now' buttons for smooth checkout, enable social commerce and include referral links to Card Production: Flexible, customizable options for physical gift cards featuring sustainable materials and packaging. Brands can reinforce their identity with distinctive design choices and order in bulk—while ensuring smooth card delivery to businesses and consumers alike via an industry-leading fulfillment center. AI-Enhanced Customer Care: Omnichannel award winning cardholder services powered by advanced artificial intelligence, ensuring responsive and efficient interactions for businesses and their customers. This AI-driven approach boosts service efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Demand Planning and Strategic Marketing: Data-driven performance reporting helps measure and forecast tailored marketing campaigns that enhance consumer engagement and drive sales. Near-real-time metrics also support streamlined, accurate inventory management to meet consumer demand. Access to Massive Distribution Network and Strategic Marketing: BHN clients can boost their brand reach and visibility through opt-in inclusion on BHN's line of exclusive One4all multi-brand gift cards. BHN can also provide expertise to ensure brands are maximizing their exposure to key target audiences and industries (e.g., retail, loyalty, incentives) through the right channels. BHN Protect: Advanced fraud detection technology and proactive monitoring services to ensure robust security and risk mitigation. BHN's security solutions proactively identify and neutralize threats, safeguarding program integrity and brand reputation. For more information about BHN's Branded Payment Services, visit . Today, through BHN's single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world's largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, eGifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN's network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at Solomon Joseph (905) 510-1400 SOURCE: Blackhawk Network Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 04/07/2025 08:00 AM/DISC: 04/07/2025 08:03 AM
Associated Press
30-01-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Gift Cards Win Holiday: Demand Fueled by Flexible Delivery, AI, Loyalty Programs and Gift Cards for Returns
During another record-breaking holiday shopping season with retail sales growing 4% over 2023, gift cards also saw significant year over year growth. According to the latest consumer research from global branded payments provider, Blackhawk Network (BHN), 56% of surveyed consumers reported that they purchased a gift card this holiday season, an 8% increase over 2023. The total average value of gift cards received also saw a jump, with surveyed consumers reporting the total value increased to $209 on average, a notable increase from $161 a year ago. 'In addition to demonstrable growth in gift card purchases, the industry saw increased demand for gift cards across a spectrum of use cases from promotions to returns, presenting unique Q1 opportunities for retailers,' said Jay Jaffin, chief marketing officer, BHN. 'Gift cards not only encourage foot traffic and repeat business, but also enable merchants to acquire new customers who are eager to spend their holiday gift cards in the beginning of the new year. Our research also found that gift cards helped consumers alleviate some financial stress during and after the holidays. Seventy-four percent of consumers said purchasing gift cards assisted them in sticking to their holiday budget and 59% said receiving a gift card eases financial stress after the holiday shopping season.' Following the 2024 holidays, BHN surveyed US consumers to learn what gifts they gave, what they received, how they shopped and how they plan to spend or use their gifts in 2025. Key findings from the research include: Digital gift cards saved the holidays The 2024 holiday shopping season was shorter than in years past, driving many shoppers to seek solutions in a pinch on Christmas Eve and even Christmas Day. Flexible delivery options drove digital gift card purchases this holiday and helped last-minute shoppers deliver the perfect gift. Forty-nine percent of surveyed consumers purchased digital gift cards this holiday, up 5% over 2023. While Gen Z drove much of the increase with 60% having purchased a digital gift card, Boomers were twice as likely as younger generations to purchase digital gift cards at the last-minute. AI was this season's holiday helper According to BHN's 2024 Holiday Forecast, 50% of younger generations and 24% of older generations planned to use AI for holiday shopping. BHN's post-holiday research found 65% of younger generations and 37% of older generations actually used AI for holiday shopping, and 73% of all consumers found it to be a useful gift shopping tool. Surveyed shoppers mainly used AI to find the best prices (23%) and get product recommendations (22%), but shoppers also found AI helpful to create holiday gift lists (14%), make shopping easier and faster (14%), simplify their shopping experience (11%) and buy holiday gifts (6%). Points, perks and promotions powered holiday spending Deals, promotions and loyalty points alleviated some holiday financial stress for shoppers and gave them a little extra spending power this holiday. Of the surveyed consumers, 77% leveraged sales, deals and promotions to purchase holiday gifts, up from 72% in 2023. Using deals, consumers saved an average of $151, and 28% said they used their savings to purchase more holiday gifts. More consumers also exchanged loyalty points for gifts this holiday season. Fifty-nine percent of younger consumers exchanged loyalty points for gifts—up from 52% in 2023—while 40% of older consumers used points to cover holiday gifts, an increase from 31% in 2023. Retailers can turn holiday hype to Q1 hustle Most consumers surveyed plan to spend their holiday gift cards in the first two months of the year, including 83% of consumers that said they love using their gift cards to take advantage of post-holiday shopping deals. Holiday returns can be a Q1 pain point for retailers, but gift cards offer an opportunity to spin returns into gift card gold. Of surveyed consumers, 22% say they need to return a gift this year, up from 16% in 2023. Of consumers that need to make a return, 8 in 10 want gift cards when they return items. This is all good news for retailers, with 8 in 10 shoppers also reporting that they plan to spend more than the value of their gift card. On average, consumers surveyed plan to spend $81 more than the value of their gift card. For more findings and insights for the year ahead, download the Gift Cards for the Holidays infographic. Today, through BHN's single global platform, businesses of all kinds can tap into the world's largest network of branded payment solutions. BHN helps businesses grow revenue, increase loyalty, motivate and reward their teams, disburse funds and engage consumers. Branded payment solutions include the issuance and distribution of gift cards, eGifts, corporate payouts and rewards, along with the technology to deliver these products in seamless, integrated ways. BHN's network spans the globe with more than 400,000 consumer touchpoints. Learn more at Courtney Brunkow (303) 717-9575 [email protected] SOURCE: Blackhawk Network Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 01/30/2025 07:58 AM/DISC: 01/30/2025 07:58 AM
