Phoenix Paper completes 5M recommissioning project for Pulp Dryer

Pixelle Specialty Solutions (“Pixelle”), a leading manufacturer of specialty papers in North America, launched a new product portfolio of premium ballot papers tailored for local, state and federal elections across the United States. As the 2024 national and local elections draw near, Pixelle is positioned to support polling nationwide with a wide range of high-performance ballot papers that are made in the U.S.A. Pixelle’s ballot paper portfolio includes options for hand-marked ballots, machine-readable ballots compatible with major voting systems, and durable mail-in/absentee ballots. Basis weights range from 80 lb. to 100 lb. and include durable, uncoated heavyweight stocks that deliver excellent opacity and trouble-free printing on web offset, sheetfed, digital toner and inkjet presses. Additionally, Pixelle’s ballot papers offer consistent post-processing for folding, scoring and perforation.

Pelican Lake First Nation and Witchekan Lake First Nation and Paper Excellence Canada announced today the signing of a Letter of Intent that sets out the intentions of all parties to build a collaborative relationship with each other in Saskatchewan. “We now have agreements with all the industries around us,” said Chief Peter Bill of the Pelican Lake First Nation. Chief Anne Thomas of the Witchekan Lake First Nation added, “First and foremost in establishing a partnership is standing on common ground with a vision based on positive values. Touring the mill gave me an insight to possible opportunities.”

President and CEO Ilkka Hämälä: The economy continued to be weak in the third quarter of 2024. In the wood market, trade was normal, and prices remained at a record high, compared with figures across the last two decades. A high cost level combined with low demand across the board resulted in a weak result for the third quarter. The quarterly result was significantly improved by the business interruption insurance compensation for the accident at the Kemi bioproduct mill, which was allocated to the first half. Negotiations on the final insurance compensation are still underway, but EUR 67 million in compensation was recorded for the third quarter. The slowdown in the construction industry continues, and there are no signs of a change in the demand for sawn timber and plywood. Demand for Kerto® LVL has remained strong, proving the product’s competitiveness in construction industry solutions. In China, the pulp market picked up in September, and prices began to gradually increase in softwood pulp trade. Demand remained stable in the European pulp market even though prices continued to decrease, still remaining higher than the price level in Asia. In Europe, the paperboard market continues to be affected by Asian paperboard imports to regions neighbouring the EU such as Türkiye. In the US, the market situation has remained slightly stronger than in Europe. As is typical of consumer products, demand for tissue papers has been stable, and profitability has remained at a reasonable level.