Gannett Reports First Quarter Results

First Quarter 2018 Consolidated Results • Operating revenues were $723.0 million, compared to $773.5 million in the first quarter of 2017. • Favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates benefited revenues by $7.5 million. • Same store, day adjusted (1) operating revenues declined 7.2%, an improvement compared to the 8.8% decline in the fourth quarter of 2017. The improvement was due to stronger digital advertising revenue and our strategic subscriber pricing initiatives. • Total digital revenues increased 9% to $255.5 million, or approximately 35% of total revenue. • GAAP net losses were $0.4 million, including $14.4 million of after-tax restructuring, asset impairment charges and other costs. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

U.S. states, industry join call for end to Trump’s newsprint tariff

An organization of western U.S. states and Canadian provinces is joining the call for the U.S. government to drop its preliminary duties on imported newsprint and book paper. The U.S. Commerce Department has imposed preliminary duties on Canadian uncoated paper that total more than 28 per cent. That’s adding greatly to the costs of U.S. newspapers that are already struggling, says the executive of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, a group of government and private-sector representatives. PNWER members include B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, with a head office in Seattle. Its executive statement, released Thursday, notes that the U.S. paper industry has shifted away from newsprint as demand in the U.S. has declined by 75 per cent since 2000. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Iran nuclear worries pushes crude oil to 4-year high

Brent crude on Monday touched its highest level since 2014 as oil prices increased on rising tension between the US and Iran. The international oil price, which has benefited from a lift in US demand and Opec supply constraints this year, rose nearly 1 per cent to $75.53 in European trading after earlier hitting a session peak of $75.89, its highest level since November 2014. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Interfor Reports Q1’18 Results

Interfor Corporation recorded net earnings in Q1’18 of $33.0 million, or $0.47 per share, compared to $36.2 million, or $0.52 per share in Q4’17 and $19.7 million, or $0.28 per share in Q1’17. Adjusted net earnings in Q1’18 were $36.8 million or $0.52 per share, compared to $45.1 million, or $0.64 per share in Q4’17 and $22.7 million, or $0.32 per share in Q1’17. Adjusted EBITDA was $81.1 million on sales of $527.6 million in Q1’18 versus $89.5 million on sales of $532.8 million in Q4’17. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

AT&T Wants Supreme Court To Strip FTC Of Authority Over Broadband

AT&T plans to ask the Supreme Court to reverse a high-profile decision that restored the Federal Trade Commission's authority to prosecute broadband providers, the telecom said this week in court papers. The company's statement came in a status report submitted to U.S. District Court Judge Edward Chen in the Northern District of California. He is presiding over an FTC lawsuit alleging that AT&T duped millions of wireless customers by promising unlimited data, but throttling their speeds after they hit a monthly data cap. AT&T argued that the lawsuit should be dismissed on the ground that the FTC lacks authority over telecoms like itself. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Going beyond forests: PEFC to open certification to farmers and agroforestry – Give your feedback now!

Our revised Sustainable Forest Management benchmark is now up for public consultation, and we are asking you to share your insights and knowledge to help us further improve this vital document. Our Sustainable Forest Management benchmark is at the core of what we do. It provides the basis for the requirements that forest owners or managers must meet to achieve PEFC certification at local level. We therefore need to ensure that it continues to meet the demands and expectations – now and in the future. From expanded social requirements to refined definitions within the forest, and even the opportunity to broaden the scope of sustainable forest management; together with our stakeholders we have moved this benchmark forward – and now we need to hear from you. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Unplanned Shutdown of Rottneros Vallvik Mill has a Negative Impact on Production

Production in the Vallvik Mill has been affected by an unplanned shutdown due to disturbances in the bleaching plant and the recovery boiler. Repair work is underway and normal production is scheduled for Wednesday 9 May. The shutdown represents an estimated production loss of about 6,000 tonnes corresponding to approximately 6 percent of the Group's total planned production for the quarter.
Read More

Mohawk Announces Price Increase on Envelope Products

Mohawk is announcing a price increase of 3.0% on all Domtar Lynx ® and and Earth Choice® Envelopes, and on all International Paper Accent ® Opaque and Springhill ® Envelopes effective with orders taken on June 4, 2018. This price increase will be applied to all contracts and promotions, within agreed upon terms, which include these grades. Manufacturing orders for these envelopes on file with Mohawk prior to June 4, but shipping after that date, will retain the agreed upon price.
Read More

Price Increase Announcement – Select HP Large Format Supplies

Effective June 1st, HP is increasing the list prices on select large format supplies (some SKUs will not change – including PageWide XL and HP T3500 DesignJet eMFP ink SKUs). Actual price increases will vary by SKU, between 3% and 15%. As part of HP’s normal portfolio management process, the company regularly reviews pricing for all its products and adjusts accordingly.
Read More

U.S. Paper Recovery Rate Reaches 65.8 Percent in 2017

“Paper recycling brings continued economic, environmental and social benefits to communities across the country,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. “We thank the millions of Americans who choose to recycle every day for their essential contributions to paper recycling’s success.” “Paper is one of the most successfully recovered and recycled commodities in the U.S. because of our strong, market-driven voluntary system,” said AF&PA Board Chairman and GEC Packaging Technologies CEO John Rooney. “Our industry will continue to support and implement education programs and initiatives that drive awareness and increase access to paper recycling.” Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Mercer International Inc. Reports Record First Quarter Results

Mr. David M. Gandossi, the Chief Executive Officer, stated: "We are pleased with our performance and results for the first quarter of 2018 as: * we generated record Operating EBITDA of $99.4 million in the current quarter; * in 2018 we continued realizing on identified fiber synergies between the Friesau Facility and our German pulp mills. In the first quarter of 2018, including fiber, we estimate we have realized approximately $3.5 million of synergy savings; and * our pulp mills had solid production in the current quarter, with no scheduled maintenance downtime. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Oceanwood new owner of Norske Skog AS

Oceanwood has entered into a sale and purchase agreement (the SPA*) to buy the entire issued share capital of Norske Skog AS (Norske Skog). Following a four-month competitive auction process, in which more than 100 prospective bidders were approached, Oceanwood emerged as the winning bidder by offering the highest value in cash for the shares and the intercompany loans. John Chiang, an Investment Adviser of Oceanwood, says: “Our first investment in Norske Skog was back in 2015 and we have supported and worked constructively with the group since. In November 2017, as it became apparent that it would be difficult to reach a consensual solution and solve the financial issues in the former Norske Skogindustrier holding structure, we decided to act to protect the operating companies. With the subsequent auction process now concluded, we are very excited to team up with Norske Skog’s management and employees. We share the ambition to see the new Norske Skog Group succeed and to realise the potential that we believe is inherent in the business as it continues to transform and grow.” Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Novolex To Acquire The Waddington Group From Newell Brands

Novolex, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group and an industry leader in packaging choice and sustainability, announced it will acquire The Waddington Group from Newell Brands, Inc. The transaction is expected to close in approximately 60 days. Headquartered in Covington, Ky., The Waddington Group is a global manufacturer and marketer of packaging and disposables serving the foodservice, bakery, deli, produce and confectionery markets. Novolex is a leading provider of packaging solutions serving retail, grocery, food service, hospitality, institutional and industrial markets. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Smurfit Kappa Group plc Q1 2018 Trading Update

First Quarter Overview – Significant year-on-year improvement across all key metrics * Group underlying1 revenue growth of 7% year-on-year * Group EBITDA growth of 22% year-on-year to €340 million * EBITDA margin of 15.7%, significant year-on-year improvement * Increased ROCE of 16.1% * Improved net debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.2x; medium-term target of 1.75x to 2.5x. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

LSC Communications Expands Relationship with Workman Publishing to Include End-to-End Order-to-Cash & Digital Content Management Services

LSC Communications announced a multi-year agreement with Workman Publishing that renews and expands the companies’ relationship. In addition to renewing its printing, warehousing, fulfillment and distribution services, LSC will provide Workman with end-to-end Order-to-Cash (“OTC”) services. LSC’s OTC platform includes customer service, order and credit management, invoicing, cash application, and dispute resolution, as well as sales and inventory analysis reporting. Workman will also join LSC’s digital content management platform Harvest, which provides publishers with opportunities to increase ebook sales through online marketplace monitoring, sales analysis & keyword generation. The relationship between Workman and LSC goes back more than forty years. Since 1973, LSC (originally through Banta/RR Donnelley) has been Workman’s largest print vendor, responding with tremendous creativity to Workman’s needs for unusual formats and display ideas. In 1978 it also became Workman’s warehousing and distribution partner. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

LSC Communications Reports First Quarter 2018 Results

First quarter net sales were $929 million, up $108 million, or 13.2%, from the first quarter of 2017. After adjusting for acquisitions, changes in foreign exchange rates, pass-through paper sales, and the adoption of new revenue recognition standards, organic net sales decreased 1.7% from the first quarter of 2017 which represents an improvement in the Company’s organic net sales trend. This improvement was driven by sales performance in the Print segment, especially within the book reporting unit, that was more than offset by the impact of customer inventory reductions in the Office Products segment. GAAP Net Income: First quarter 2018 net loss was $11 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2017. The first quarter 2018 net loss included after-tax charges of $7 million and first quarter 2017 net income included after-tax charges of $5 million, both of which are excluded from the presentation of non-GAAP net income. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Resolute Reports Preliminary First Quarter 2018 Results

The company recorded operating income of $48 million in the quarter, compared to $53 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. Operating results benefitted from the continued positive price momentum across most of our product offerings ($37 million), a decrease in maintenance outages and lower share-based compensation expense. These favorable elements were not sufficient to offset the significant increase in freight costs, seasonally higher energy costs, aggravated by unusually cold weather conditions, an increase in market-based stumpage fees and a decrease in shipments. Sales volumes were lower due to transportation challenges, timing of export sales, seasonally lower demand for supercalendered papers and lower productivity. The operating results in the previous quarter also included a gain on the disposition of assets of our Mokpo (South Korea) paper mill ($13 million). Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–March 2018 was EUR 208 million

January–March 2018 (1–3/2017) *Sales were EUR 1,428 million (1–3/2017: EUR 1,216 million). *Operating result was EUR 208 million (131). Comparable operating result was EUR 208 million (128). *Result before tax was EUR 185 million (130). Comparable result before tax was EUR 185 million (126). *Comparable return on capital employed was 16.6% (12.5). *Cash flow from operations was EUR 34 million (-1). Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Metsä Board’s comparable operating result in January–March 2018 was EUR 69 million

January–March 2018 (10–12/2017) • Sales were EUR 492.3 million (451.3). • Comparable operating result was EUR 69.0 million (54.4), or 14.0% (12.0) of sales. The operating result was EUR 69.0 million (54.4). • Comparable earnings per share were EUR 0.15 (0.12), and earnings per share were EUR 0.15 (0.12). • Comparable return on capital employed was 15.8% (12.4). Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

ANDRITZ GROUP: Results for the first quarter of 2018

Order intake at 1,532.8 million euros (MEUR) reached a very favorable level and was thus only slightly below the high level of the previous year’s reference period (-1.7% versus Q1 2017: 1,560.0 MEUR). The Hydro, Metals, and Separation business areas saw very positive development and were able to achieve – partially significant – increases in order intake compared to the previous year. Sales decreased to 1,291.0 MEUR and were thus 6.9% below the level of the previous year’s reference period (Q1 2017: 1,386.2 MEUR). This is largely due to a decline in sales in Pulp & Paper (a large pulp mill project still had a significant impact on sales in the previous year’s reference period) and Metals (decline in sales due to the low order intake in the second and third quarter of last year). Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Aptar Acquires Reboul, An Established and Innovative Leader in Prestige Beauty Packaging

AptarGroup, Inc. announced that as of May 1, 2018, it has acquired Reboul from Vacheron Industries SAS. Reboul is a French leader in the design and industrial production of high-quality metal components, metal-plastic sub-assemblies, next generation lipstick mechanisms, and complete color cosmetic packaging solutions. This strategic acquisition brings to Aptar complementary and distinctive capabilities including deep metal drawing, high speed metal stamping, as well as differentiated lipstick mechanism design and manufacturing. The transaction positions Aptar well to capitalize on growth in the color cosmetics market, while further strengthening its ability to serve customers in the skincare and fragrance markets. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Berry Global Group, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results

The net sales increase of $161 million from the prior year quarter was primarily attributed to acquisition net sales of $106 million, selling price increases of $59 million due to the pass through of higher resin prices, and a $34 million favorable impact from foreign currency changes, partially offset by a 2% base volume decline. The operating income increase of $13 million from the prior year quarter was primarily attributed to acquisition operating income of $20 million, a $13 million decrease in selling, general and administrative expense due to synergies and cost reductions, a $7 million decrease in depreciation and amortization, and a $5 million favorable impact from foreign currency changes, partially offset by a $22 million negative impact from under recovery of higher cost of goods sold, and a $7 million negative impact from lower base volumes, and a $3 million increase in business integration expenses. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Oil slips as OPEC, Iran worries bump against U.S. output

Oil prices slipped on Thursday as swelling U.S. crude inventories and record weekly U.S. production clashed with OPEC supply cuts and the potential for new U.S. sanctions against Iran. On Wednesday, a report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a 6.2-million-barrel jump in U.S. crude inventories C-STK-T-EIA. U.S. oil production rose to a record of 10.62 million bpd, putting it ahead of Saudi Arabia, the biggest OPEC producer. U.S. drilling for new production is also increasing, encouraged by rising prices following OPEC’s production curbs. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Announces First Quarter 2018 Results

HMH reported net sales of $220 million for the first quarter of 2018, down $2 million compared to $222 million in the same quarter of 2017. The net sales decrease was driven by a $2 million decrease in our Education segment, partially offset by a slight increase in our Trade Publishing segment. Net loss of $101 million in the first quarter of 2018 was $19 million, or 16%, lower compared to a net loss of $121 million in the same quarter of 2017, due primarily to the same factors impacting operating loss and a favorable change in our tax provision of $9 million, from an expense of $14 million for the same period in 2017 to an expense of $5 million in 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

NORPAC to Hire 50 New Employees, Restarts Paper Machine on Limited Basis

With the U.S. uncoated groundwood papers industry starting to see a level playing field against unfairly traded imports, North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC) CEO Craig Anneberg announced the hiring of 50 new full- and part-time employees and the limited restart of operations for Paper Machine 1 (PM1) idled this past year: "NORPAC has a world-class facility that can compete with anyone in the world on a level playing field. With the recent trade case preliminary determinations made by the Department of Commerce, important steps toward fair competition for American producers, NORPAC is excited to announce the hiring of 50 new employees and the limited restart of operations for Paper Machine 1 at our Longview facility to meet growing demand. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Norbord Reports First Quarter 2018 Results

Norbord Inc. reported Adjusted EBITDA of $170 million for the first quarter of 2018 versus $103 million in the first quarter of 2017 and $204 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. The year-over-year improvement is primarily due to higher North American oriented strand board (OSB) prices and shipment volumes, as well as higher European panel prices. The quarter-over-quarter decrease is due to lower North American OSB price realizations and shipment volumes. North American operations generated Adjusted EBITDA of $156 million compared to $102 million in the same quarter last year and $195 million in the prior quarter. European operations delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $18 million versus $6 million in same quarter last year and $12 million in the prior quarter. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

SCA increases prices on publication paper

SCA increases prices on coated publication paper, CMR , and improved uncoated publication paper by 40 Euro per tonne. “We see a substantially stronger demand for publication paper, “ says Ulf Edman Vice President Sales and Marketing Publication Paper. The new prices are valid for all deliveries from July 1 this year.
Read More

Sealed Air Reports First Quarter Results

Net sales of $1.1 billion increased 10% on an as reported basis. Currency had a positive impact on total net sales of 4%, or $36 million. As reported, net sales increased across all regions. Net loss from continuing operations on an as reported basis was $208 million, or $(1.25) per diluted share, as compared to $54 million, or $(0.27) per diluted share, in the first quarter 2017. Net loss in the first quarter 2018 was unfavorably impacted by $293 million of special items, primarily related to $290 million of provisional tax expense for one-time tax on unrepatriated foreign earnings pursuant to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("TCJA"). Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Solenis and BASF to Combine Paper and Water Chemicals Businesses

Effective May 2, 2018, Solenis and BASF signed an agreement to combine BASF’s paper and water chemicals business with Solenis to jointly create a customer-focused global specialty chemical company. The combined company intends to operate under the Solenis brand and will be positioned to provide expanded offerings and cost-effective solutions for customers in two specialty chemical businesses: paper technologies and industrial water technologies. “Together, we have a unique opportunity to create a customer-focused global specialty chemical company with an enhanced focus and expanded offerings,” said Solenis President and CEO John Panichella, who will lead the combined company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. “I am pleased that our cultures are closely aligned and that our companies share a strong common desire to create value for our customers. Together, as one team of experts, we will continue to strive toward excellence in innovation, sustainability and safety.” Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Xerox Reports First-Quarter 2018 Results

Strong start to operating cash flow, at $216 million in the quarter; Continued revenue growth in managed document services and Global Imaging Systems operations; Adjusted operating margin of 10.4 percent, down 0.6 points year-over-year; operating margin, excluding equity income, up 0.5 points; Core operating profit, excluding equity income, grew 5 percent year-over-year. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

The New York Times Company Reports 2018 First-Quarter Results

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2018 increased 3.8 percent to $413.9 million from $398.8 million in the first quarter of 2017. Subscription revenues increased 7.5 percent, while advertising revenues decreased 3.4 percent and other revenues increased 5.0 percent. Operating costs increased in the first quarter of 2018 to $378.0 million compared with $368.6 million in the first quarter of 2017, largely due to higher compensation costs, which was partially offset by lower print production and distribution costs. Adjusted operating costs increased to $358.5 million from $348.6 million in the first quarter of 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Quad/Graphics Wins U.S. Bank Credit Card Acquisition Program

Quad/Graphics Inc. announced that it has signed a multi-year, multi-million-dollar contract with U.S. Bank to manage credit card acquisition programs for hundreds of its small and mid-size regional banks. The volume for the U.S. Bank programs is significant: more than 70 million data-driven mailpieces annually. Quad, which began production on the programs earlier this year, is using its state-of-the-art direct mail platform for producing the mailpieces that are hyper-personalized with data elements highly relevant to each individual recipient to increase engagement and inspire action. In addition, Quad will engage its delivery optimization services to lower postage costs, reduce mail handling and cycle times, and offer more predictable, in-home arrival intelligence. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Georgia-Pacific to close mill in Augusta

Georgia-Pacific has announced that the formerly known Augusta Select Tissue mill in Augusta, Canada, would be closing, reports WRBC. The company pinned the mill’s closure on increased competition in the industry and improved performance of other facilities. Some of the equipment will be moved to other units, while other will be sold for scrap. The property will also eventually be sold, according to the company. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Resolute Announces Ratification of Unifor Labor Agreement in Canada

"We are pleased with the support expressed by our employees. The company and the union have invested a great deal of time and resources over the last several years addressing public policy issues facing our company and industry. The collaborative environment we enjoy today is built on mutual trust and transparency," said Yves Laflamme, president and chief executive officer. "Our employees and their union leaders are committed to help keep our Canadian pulp and paper mills competitive, while providing stability for our customers, shareholders, communities and other partners." The collective agreements cover approximately 1,100 hourly employees represented by Unifor at Resolute's Amos, Baie-Comeau, Dolbeau, Gatineau, Kénogami and Saint-Félicien mills in Quebec, and Thunder Bay mill and indefinitely idled Thorold facility in Ontario. The eight operations account for about 40% of the company's total pulp and paper capacity. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Trend Offset Printing and LSC Communications Enter into a Definitive Agreement for Trend to Acquire LSC’s Retail Offset Printing Facilities

LSC Communications and Trend Offset Printing announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Trend to acquire LSC’s retail offset printing facilities. Newspaper inserts, which are traditionally used by retailers to advertise promotional offers, are the main product produced on LSC’s retail offset assets. The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the second quarter. Anthony Lienau, Chairman of the Board of Trend Offset, commented, “This acquisition will further Trend’s commitment to the retail sector of our business. Trend Offset is dedicated to providing all clients with great customer service, superior quality and increasing speed to market across all of our plants and platforms. We look forward to providing a smooth transition for customers and employees alike.” Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

RR Donnelley Reports First Quarter 2018 Results

Net sales in the quarter were $1.71 billion, up $48.9 million or 2.9% from the first quarter of 2017. On an organic basis, consolidated net sales increased 1.3% driven by higher volumes in both segments as well as higher fuel surcharges in Business Services, partially offset by price pressure in Business Services. From a products and services perspective, Packaging, Logistics, Direct Mail and Business Process Outsourcing accounted for most of the increase while Commercial Print was down due to ongoing secular pressure and lower specialty card sales. Gross profit in the first quarter of 2018 was $294.7 million or 17.3% of net sales versus $326.8 million or 19.7% of net sales in the prior year quarter. The favorable impact of volume growth and cost reduction initiatives was more than offset by inflationary increases, primarily in paper and costs of transportation, unfavorable changes in foreign exchange rates, operational inefficiencies due to volume reductions from two clients and modest price pressure. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Quad/Graphics Reports First Quarter 2018 Results

Net sales for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018, were $968 million, representing a 3.1% decrease as compared to 2017. Organic sales declined 5.1% due to ongoing print industry volume and pricing pressures after excluding acquisitions (2.0% impact), pass-through paper sales (-0.2% impact) and foreign exchange (0.2% impact), and is consistent with previous guidance. The Company incurred a net loss of $3.5 million, or $0.07 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, which included a special $22 million non-cash employee stock ownership plan contribution as part of the benefit of tax reform. Net cash provided by operating activities was $2 million for the first quarter 2018, compared to $63 million in the first quarter of 2017, and Free Cash Flow decreased $62 million to a negative $22 million. These variances were primarily due to expected timing differences in 2018 versus 2017 for cash generated from working capital, which will be weighted more towards the fourth quarter. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

LSC Communications and RRD Enter into a Definitive Agreement for LSC to Acquire the Print Logistics Component of RRD’s Logistics Business

LSC Communications and R.R. Donnelley & Son’s Company announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for LSC Communications to acquire the Print Logistics component of RRD’s Logistics business. RRD’s Print Logistics capabilities include a range of logistics services and technologies to optimize the print distribution and mail supply chain, including solutions that drive postal discounts. The acquisition is expected to close in Q3 2018. President of LSC Logistics, George Zengo, commented, “As we continue to strengthen LSC’s logistics solution offering, the combination of RRD’s Print Logistics with our recent acquisitions of Fairrington and The Clark Group greatly expands our national footprint. This gives LSC the natural synergies and scale to improve service and add more value to our current client base, as well as extends our reach deeper into a variety of other industries.” Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Printed books have a positive future, a new survey indicates

There is a bright future for printed books, a recent survey finds. According to the results, printed books will continue to be important, relevant, interesting and still very much appreciated compared to e-books and audiobooks. As one of the leading book paper and cover providers, Stora Enso conducted a study with 80 in-depth interviews in 13 countries across Europe, Asia and North America together with research company Opticom International. The aim was to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities regarding book publishing and consumption. Participants included publishers, retailers, printers, merchants and new players such as audio and e-book publishers as well as companies that transfer physical books into digital format. “One of the main findings was that there is a positive future for printed books”, says Essi Lauri, VP, Head of Segment Newsprint & Book, in Stora Enso Paper division. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Better with Less – Design Challenge finalists announced

The international packaging design competition Better with Less – Design Challenge, organised by Metsä Board was created to find new environmentally-friendly and functional packaging solutions for some of the world’s most frequently used and fastest growing types of consumer packages. The competition was launched in November and by the time it closed at the end of March 2018 there had been an impressive 302 design concepts entered from 38 different countries. The competition jury included several renowned packaging design experts who now have selected the following ten finalists: Janne Asikainen - Koepala Cup Pocket™; Jeroen Caelen - Plastic banning toilet roll; Abdullah Cam - Moisture Face Creme Cosmetic Package; Insik Chung - ECO cake tray; Alessandro Grossi - Playing nature; Gerlinde Gruber - Fune - Sushi take-away; Sī Míng Guì - A scarf which can be turned into a hanger; Yukihiro Hozumi - Paperboard pocket tissue case; Pawel Krawczugo - Twist; Iiro Numminen - Stretching inner part. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Allen Press Leads the Way with 19 Printing Awards at PIA GraphEx 2018

Allen Press, Inc. is the recipient of 19 awards from the Printing & Imaging Association of MidAmerica’s 2018 Graphic Excellence Competition (GraphEx). The 19 awards are the most of any company competing in the 2018 GraphEx competition. Of the winning submissions, 9 entries were Best of Category with the 2018 Alaska by Rail Calendar winning a Best of Kansas City Bronze Award and Orchids winning a Division III Silver Award. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Oil Trades Near $68 Before U.S. Stockpile Data, Iran Decision

Futures in New York increased 0.6 percent after a 1.9 percent drop on Tuesday. U.S. crude inventories rose 3.43 million barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute was said to report. That compares with a 1.23 million-barrel gain in a Bloomberg poll of analysts ahead of Wednesday’s government data. The oil market has priced in a more than 50 percent probability that the U.S. will sanction Iran, according to Standard Chartered Plc. If the API’s stockpiles data is reflected in the government announcement, it would be the biggest build since early March. The industry body was also said to show crude inventories in the American oil-storage hub of Cushing, Oklahoma, rose by 725,000 barrels last week. Gasoline stocks increased by 1.6 million barrels while distillates declined 4.08 million. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Heidelberg presents new Versafire EP high-performance digital printing system

“The new Versafire EP delivers extremely stable production at a constantly high speed,” sums up Marcus Unterleider, Managing Director of the Unterleider Medien Gruppe. The company, based in Rödermark, has been testing the new high-performance digital printing system from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) for several weeks. The Versafire EP is based on the tried-and-tested platform of the Versafire CP and has been systematically enhanced for the needs of customers in the graphics industry. Like the recently introduced Versafire EV (press released from 20 March 2018), the Versafire EP has been developed for flexible production and maximum performance. Both machine models from Heidelberg feature the Prinect Digital Frontend (DFE) and an intuitive user interface that simplifies prepress work. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Top takeaways from the first European shopping bag summit

Challenges, opportunities and new ways of working were the topics of the day at Europe’s first shopping bag summit, hosted by Mondi. The paper bag industry took an important step towards sustainable innovation when leading shopping bag converters, suppliers and customers came together in Prague on 19 April for Let’s Paper the World 2018 – the first European shopping bag summit, organised by Mondi Group’s Speciality Kraft Paper segment. Participants included global brands Benetton, H&M and REWE Group; bag manufacturers; papermakers and paper associations; ink and glue producers; bag machine manufacturers; and market intelligence leader Mintel. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Shutterfly Announces First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Net revenues were $199.7 million, a 4% year-over-year increase. Shutterfly Consumer net revenues totaled $152.1 million, a 5% year-over-year decrease which was consistent with the Company's expectations of a mid-single digit decline in the first quarter of 2018 as indicated on prior earnings calls. Shutterfly brand growth was supported by strong performance in Photo Books as well as the Wedding Shop, which was launched in the third quarter of 2017, and was offset by anticipated revenue declines in the non-Shutterfly brands due to the platform consolidation and the brand shutdowns over the course of 2017. Shutterfly Business Solutions net revenues totaled $47.7 million, a 52% year-over-year increase. GAAP operating loss totaled $34.1 million and net loss was $27.2 million or a $0.83 loss per share. Adjusted EBITDA was $7.1 million, a $9.0 million year-over-year increase primarily due to growth in the Shutterfly brand and the benefits of the platform consolidation and restructuring. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Transcontinental Inc. completes the transformational acquisition of Coveris Americas

Transcontinental Inc. is pleased to announce that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of the business of Coveris Americas, a business previously held by Coveris Holdings S.A. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Coveris Americas manufactures a variety of flexible plastic and paper products, including rollstock, bags and pouches, coextruded films, shrink films, coated substrates and labels. Coveris Americas operates 21 well invested production facilities in the United States, Canada, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and China. With this Acquisition, TC Transcontinental welcomes 3,100 employees, the majority of whom are located in North America and Latin America. "We could not be prouder of this historical acquisition as we become a North American leader in flexible packaging,” said François Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. “We started building our Packaging network only four years ago through a robust acquisition strategy to complement our well established printing and media operations and, today, the acquisition of Coveris Americas marks a major milestone in our continued journey to long-term profitable growth." Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Apple’s newest campus includes 9000 trees!

Apple has introduced a new campus called the ‘Apple Park’ in Cupertino, California. It is reported that 80 percent of it will feature landscaping, which is set to include 9,000 trees. The new structure spans about a mile in circumference and is a single ring. The entire facility is powered by renewable energy. Solar panels on the roof generate up to 17 megawatts of power, enough for 75 percent of demand during peak times. The rest of the building’s needs are met by onsite fuel cells powered by biofuel or natural gas. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Resolute Invests close to $13 Million in its La Doré Wood Products Facilities in Quebec

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced major investments totaling $12,956,700 in its La Doré wood products facilities, located in the Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. The announcement was made during a press conference attended by Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, as well as dignitaries and company employees. The investments will be used to integrate new technologies into the manufacturing processes in order to sustain the facilities' continuously enhanced performance in an ever-changing competitive environment. Also through these investments, energy efficiency will be improved as operational processes are modernized. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Quad/Graphics Achieves HITRUST CSF® Certification to Manage Risk, Improve Security Posture and Meet Compliance Requirements

HITRUST CSF (Common Certified Framework) certified status demonstrates that Quad/Graphics’ HealthVision™ Solution and the HiCO Environment have met key regulations and industry-defined requirements and are appropriately managing risk. This achievement places Quad/Graphics in an elite group of organizations worldwide that have earned this certification. By including federal and state regulations, standards and frameworks, and incorporating a risk-based approach, the HITRUST CSF helps organizations address these challenges through a comprehensive and flexible framework of prescriptive and scalable security controls. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. Reports Results for Its Fiscal 2018 Third Quarter

For the third quarter of 2018, total revenues increased 2.1 percent to $238.5 million compared with $233.7 million in the prior year period. On a comparable basis1 (adjusted for the sale of Fannie May Confection Brands, which closed on May 30, 2017) total revenues increased 10.2 percent. Comparable revenue growth was driven primarily by strong revenue growth of 8.9 percent in the Company’s Consumer Floral segment, combined with growth of 15.5 percent (adjusted for the sale of Fannie May) in the Company’s Gourmet Foods and Gift Baskets segment. Comparable revenue growth benefited from the shift of the Easter holiday into the period. Gross profit margin for the quarter was 39.2 percent, compared with 40.0 percent in the prior year period. Comparable gross profit margin for the prior year was 39.9 percent. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Domtar Corporation Reports Preliminary First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

Domtar Corporation reported net earnings of $54 million ($0.86 per share) for the first quarter of 2018 compared to a net loss of $386 million ($6.16 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2017 and net earnings of $20 million ($0.32 per share) for the first quarter of 2017. Sales for the first quarter of 2018 were $1.3 billion. "We continued to see strong price momentum for our products in the first quarter with higher price realizations in both of our pulp and paper businesses," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Despite improved results, some of our operations were adversely affected by severe weather, notably in our pulp business, which impacted production and costs. Constrained availability of trucking options also contributed to higher than expected freight costs in the first quarter. Nevertheless, the short-term outlook for pulp and paper markets continues to be favorable." Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

EFI Reports Record First Quarter Revenue For Q1 2018

For the quarter ended March 31, 2018, the Company reported record first quarter revenue of $239.9 million, up 5% compared to first quarter 2017 revenue of $228.7 million. GAAP net loss was $3.6 million compared to GAAP net income of $4.8 million for the same period in 2017 or $(0.08) per diluted share compared to $0.10 per diluted share for the same period in 2017. Non-GAAP net income was $17.2 million, down 33% compared to non-GAAP net income of $25.8 million for the same period in 2017 or $0.38 per diluted share, down 31% compared to $0.55 per diluted share for the same period in 2017. Cash flow from operating activities was $6.3 million compared to $14.9 million during the same period in 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Asia Pulp & Paper Achieves Gold Rating in EcoVadis CSR Assessment

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) announced that it has achieved a gold rating from EcoVadis, the global leader in sustainability assessments, for its continued commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) throughout its business operations. This achievement places the company in the top five percent of organizations rated. This is the second time APP has received this recognition from EcoVadis. The rating is based on anextensive assessment of four key areas in APP’soperations in Indonesia and China – Environment; Labor Practice and Human Rights; Sustainable Procurement; and Fair Business Practices. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

New Magazine to Launch from Bauer Media’s Real-Life Portfolio

SIMPLY YOU will offer 40+ women inspirational REAL-life stories and practical tips for self-improvement. The team behind Bauer Media’s best-selling real-life magazines Take a Break and that’s life are to launch a new title. Simply You, on sale on 3 May, will feature a unique mix of inspirational and engaging real-life stories, practical advice, cost-saving tips, health advice and high-street buys. Initially, Simply You will be published monthly from May as part of a three-month trial to establish the title in the marketplace. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Oil Slides While Traders Await Trump Decision on Iran Accord

Futures in New York dropped as much as 1.1 percent after rising 0.5 percent earlier. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country has documents that prove Iran had a program to build atomic bombs. That’s raising concern Trump may pull the U.S. out of a nuclear accord between Iran and world powers, a move that energy consultant FGE says could cut the Persian Gulf nation’s 2019 oil exports by 700,000 barrels a day. FGE Chairman Fereidun Fesharaki said Trump is likely to restore sanctions on Iran, meaning buyers would have to cut their crude purchases from the country in 180 days. The nation’s exports could drop by 200,000 to 500,000 barrels a day this year, leading to higher oil prices, he said. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Introducing VIVO ColourPortal and VIVO ColourCloud

VIVO Colour Solutions, Flint Group’s Paper & Board division is proud to be the first ink supplier to offer a cutting edge end to end integrated press room digital colour management service. Adding to this platform, Flint Group announces the launch of VIVO ColourPortal and VIVO ColourCloud. VIVO ColourPortal provides a fast, structured, and professional communication interface between the customer and Flint Group’s Global Colour Centre (GCC). The GCC delivers a centralised colour service supporting a comprehensive range of colour related requests. Services range from individual colour matching and DigiSwatch creation, to group wide, multi-site, colour mapping and private colour cloud management projects. VIVO ColourPortal is how 21st century customers communicate with colour experts. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Four Publishing Trade Groups Criticize Google’s Ad Policy Change in Letter to CEO

As a response to Google’s announced ad policy change for publishers on April 26, created in accordance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that goes into effect May 25, four publishing trade groups released a letter addressed to Sundar Pichai, Google CEO, that criticizes the demands placed on publishers as well as the lack of information provided by the company in their policy change. Top executives from Digital Content Next, European Publishers Council, News Media Alliance and News Media Association, representing publishers like Hearst, Conde Nast and National Geographic, expressed the concerns they share about the regulations placed on publishers who wish to continue using Google’s advertising services in the European Union. The three areas highlighted in the letter that pose the most concern and create uncertainty for the trade groups are Google’s Controller Terms, responsibility of obtaining legal consent, and the complete placement of liability of said consent on the publisher and not on Google. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Glatfelter Reports First Quarter 2018 Earnings

Glatfelter reported first quarter of 2018 net income of $5.7 million, or $0.13 per diluted share compared with $11.6 million, or $0.26 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted earnings for the first quarter of 2018 were $8.6 million, or $0.19 per diluted share compared with $17.2 million, or $0.39 per diluted share for the same period a year ago. Consolidated net sales totaled $410.6 million and $390.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Foreign currency translation favorably impacted the year-over-year comparison by $21.8 million. On a constant currency basis, Composite Fibers’ net sales were essentially flat and Advanced Airlaid Materials’ increased by 7.8%. Specialty Papers’ net sales declined 3.1% in the year-over-year comparison. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

GreeNest egg packaging comes to the U.S.

Huhtamaki’s innovative GreeNest® egg packaging, using 50 percent grass fibers, is now available in the United States. In partnership with Sauder’s Eggs, Huhtamaki has introduced an environmentally conscience egg package nearly as natural as Sauder’s Pasture Raised Eggs themselves. Our GreeNest® line of molded fiber egg packaging provides the same protection as traditional molded fiber egg packaging, while being both home and commercially compostable. Customers will be able to actually see and feel the grass fibers on the surface of the packaging, reinforcing brands who value sustainability. It all comes together with a patented production technology that produces a completely natural product made from grass collected in nature reserves. The process also reduces the carbon footprint of production by 10 percent while consuming less recovered paper. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

LEIPA on its way to market leadership in White Top Testliner business

After first “paper on reel” on March 31st, LEIPA will soon complete the startup period of its PM 5 and begin supplying customers with uncoated White Top Testliner from PM 5. LEIPA Group CEO Peter Probst: “We look forward to growing successfully with our customers and partners. The demand for White Top Liner remains consistently high and the trend is rising. Prices are at a high level as well. These factors result in excellent conditions for the market launch of the PM 5.” As an international market leader LEIPA will have developed a one-stop shop for their customers with the PM 3 and PM 5, offering an annual total capacity of 700,000 tons of coated and uncoated White Top Testliner. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Sappi North America Launches Groundbreaking Retrospective Collection, The Reflected Works, at HOW Design Live

Sappi North America announced a new addition to The Reflected Works, an educational collection showcasing the creative marketing campaigns of S.D. Warren Company, which Sappi Limited acquired in 1994. The collection originally consisted of three printed booklets and online archives, each showcasing a different area of marketing expertise, and was recently expanded to include additional work from notable designer W.A. Dwiggins. The collection demonstrates Sappi's creative leadership since 1854 as the S.D. Warren Company. Featuring various S.D. Warren advertisements, educational pieces and promotions from 1910 – 1969, the series provides a comprehensive look at how the industry has changed over the past century, as well as how it has stayed the same. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

HBG Makes Strides in Hitting Environmental Goals

Hachette Book Group has been one of the most steadfast publishers in reporting its annual progress on meeting its environmental goals—and late last week, the company reported it had made steady, if small, gains towards its targets. During 2017, HBG reduced its carbon footprint by 2%, slightly below its annual reduction goal of 2.5% for the 2017 to 2020 period. The company noted that expansion at the publisher—which included the integration of Perseus, the growth in title output, and the growrth in number of employees and office locations—had played a role in the slight miss of the 2.5% carbon reduction goal. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

AMPCo and Wiley Announce New Publishing Partnership

John Wiley and Sons Inc., announced its partnership with The Australasian Medical Publishing Company Pty Ltd (AMPCo) to publish the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). The MJA is produced by AMPCo, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) — the most influential membership organisation representing registered medical practitioners and medical students of Australia. In the top 20 general medical journals globally, the MJA is the leading general medical journal in the Asia–Pacific region. The MJA covers issues surrounding Australian health care, clinical research and practices and developments within medicine. Wiley will assume online publishing and distribution responsibilities in January 2019. The partnership will provide institutional customers with access to the MJA via the Wiley Online Library platform. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More

Heeter Achieves Sustainability Certification with SGP

The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), the leading authority in sustainable printing certifications for print manufacturers, announced today Heeter has achieved SGP certification. Heeter is a service leader among single-source providers of complex print, direct mail, fulfillment and digital marketing to the casino, healthcare, pharmaceutical, retail and education industries. They focus on delivering marketing communications reliably and securely. Heeter offers innovative print solutions, advanced technology, and cost-effective distribution methods to a multitude of diverse clients. Click Read More below for additional information.
Read More
Back To Top
×Close search
Search