Paper Clips Industry News | Midland Paper Packaging + Supplies

L’Oréal’s new beauty-line comes in a water-resistance paper bottles

Shane Wolf, L’Oréal’s global manager for Redken, Pureology and Mizani, is heading up a new project focused on seed diversity, small-scale organic farmers and sustainability. Seed Phytonutrients came to fruition due to a culmination of partners dedicated to creating a brand with four cores objectives: seed diversity, supporting organic farmers, promoting natural beauty and leading sustainability. Not only is the product sustainable and organic, but the packaging is also uniquely qualified to help the planet. The external shell is 100% paper-based and is recyclable and compostable. Shane Wolf tells Two Sides UK how important it was to use paper-based packaging for this brand and the positive impact it will have on the planet. Click Read More below for additional information.

Teamsters: 260,000 UPS workers ready to strike for better contract

United Parcel Service workers have given their union the go-ahead to call a strike in what would be their first walkout -- and one of America's most far-reaching picket lines -- in decades. The vote gives union negotiators more sway in contract talks with the shipping giant. The tally released by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Tuesday night had 93 percent of UPS members endorsing the authorization and 91 percent of UPS freight employees backing the measure. A national pact with the union covers about 260,000 UPS workers, and the current contract expires July 31. Click Read More below for additional information.

Fiber giant targets contaminated loads

Georgia-Pacific, one of the world’s largest paper-product manufacturers, is working to scale up a patented technology to recover material from food-soiled packaging. Georgia-Pacific plans to launch a demonstration plant for its Juno technology at its Toledo, Ore. containerboard factory, near the city of Newport on the Oregon coast. “This is a new, innovative process we’ve been working on for a while,” Julie Turner Davis, director of public affairs and communications for GP Packaging and Cellulose, told Resource Recycling. “We are excited that we are making good progress on it.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Cenveo Receives Court Approval of its Disclosure Statement

Company Reaches Agreement with Brigade Capital Management In Support of its Plan of Reorganization - Cenveo, Inc. announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has approved its amended disclosure statement, paving the way for the Company to commence solicitation of votes for approval of its amended plan of reorganization and emerge from Chapter 11 this summer.

The New Yorker Staff Has Unionized

The era of white-collar organized labor is fully upon us: the editorial staff of The New Yorker wants to unionize. This morning, organizers sent a letter to the magazine’s editor, David Remnick, asking that the institution and its corporate owner, Condé Nast, voluntarily recognize their membership in the NewsGuild of New York. (Publications ranging from the New York Times to Jacobin have bargaining units with the NewsGuild.) Organizers say that of the 115 or so union-eligible employees, nearly 90 percent have signed union cards. The group includes copy editors, web producers, fact-checkers, photo and design staff, the social-media and publicity teams, editorial assistants, and assistant editors. Management and senior-level employees are excluded, as are staff writers, whose job title would not escape the red pen of the magazine’s fact department: Writers at The New Yorker are nearly all independent contractors, rather than staff, and thus do not receive health care or other benefits, despite being largely prevented from writing for other outlets. The relatively few editorial staffers who’ve expressed concerns with the unionizing effort say they are worried about retaliation in an industry where reputation is the coin of the realm. Click Read More below for additional information.

AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report for Friday, 6/08/18

June 8, 2018
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National Average Price for Regular – Current: $2.934; Month Ago: $2.813; Year Ago: $2.358. National Average Price for Diesel – Current: $3.203; Month Ago: $3.080; Year Ago: $2.504.

Key Currency Exchange Rates for Friday, 6/08/18

June 8, 2018
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American Dollar to Canadian Dollar = 0.769815; American Dollar to Chinese Yuan = 0.156023; American Dollar to Euro = 1.175389; American Dollar to Japanese Yen = 0.009136; American Dollar to Mexican Peso = 0.048855.

Oil Prices Cool After Recent Rally

June 8, 2018
Midland Paper Clips
Misc

Oil prices edged lower Friday, giving up some of the ground made in a recent rally spurred by supply concerns in Venezuela and Iran. The economic crisis in Venezuela is curtailing the country’s oil production, while the planned reinstatement of U.S. sanctions against Iran is expected to hit production from the third-largest member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Click Read More below for additional information.

Eddie Bauer and Pacific Sunwear combined under new umbrella

Golden Gate Capital has established a new operating company for two of its portfolio companies that it acquired out of bankruptcy. The new PSEB Group is composed of Eddie Bauer and Pacific Sunwear of California, both of which will maintain their distinct brand opportunities. It will have a retail footprint of more than 700 stores and is on track for approximately $1.5 billion in combined total sales in 2018, including $400 million in ecommerce sales. Although earlier reports suggested that Golden Gate might merge the companies in an effort to consolidate stores, there was no talk of store closings in the announcement. Click Read More below for additional information.

Rapak® North America Achieves ‘Excellent’ Score on SQF Certification Audit for the 4th Year in a Row

Rapak North America, a business unit of DS Smith Plastics and market leader in Bag-in-Box packaging and filling systems, announced that two of their facilities located in the United States of America, achieved excellent scores of 98 out of 100 points on the new SQF, Edition 8.0 certification audits last month. Rapak has continually scored ‘E’ for Excellent at all locations since 2015. The SQF, Edition 8.0 Food Safety Code for Manufacture of Food Packaging certification is a company-wide initiative to supply safe food packaging products and a requirement of Rapak’s top key customers within the food industry. Receiving an Excellent score on these audits validates the commitment and dedication of Rapak employees to supplying safe products to their customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

Transcontinental Inc. announces its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2018

Highlights •Revenues increased by $36.0 million, or 7.2%, from $498.7 million to $534.7 million. •Operating earnings increased by $31.2 million, or 46.0%, from $67.8 million to $99.0 million. •Net earnings increased by $22.5 million, or 48.5%, from $46.4 million to $68.9 million. •Acquired Multifilm Packaging Corporation, a flexible packaging supplier located in Elgin, Illinois. •Sold 33 publications, including 32 local newspapers, of which those sold on June 6, 2018, and the Métro Montréal daily newspaper, as well as their related web properties.Click Read More below for additional information.

UPS Expands Ocean Freight Service In 130 New Trade Lanes

UPS announced a major expansion to its ocean Less-Than-Container Load (LCL) service with the addition of direct sailings in 130 lanes. The origin and destination countries cover most of the globe, including ports in Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe, U.S. the Carribean and the Middle East. Customers who do not have enough cargo to fill an entire ocean freight container can still access cost-effective ocean transportation using UPS’s extensive network of capabilities and freight facilities. Customers benefit from an economical way to transport goods versus other modes of transportation while gaining access to a broad portfolio of value-added and alternative services. These services include cargo insurance and financing solutions from UPS Capital, customs brokerage services, supplier management, sea-air service, UPS Preferred ™ LCL, and China-Europe Rail service. Click Read More below for additional information.

Brazil’s Suzano lost 80,000 tonnes of pulp production during truckers’ protest

Brazilian pulpmaker Suzano Papel e Celulose SA lost about 80,000 tonnes of pulp production and 25,000 tonnes of paper production during a late-May truckers’ strike, the company said in a securities filing on Thursday. For an 11-day period in late May, truckers protesting high fuel prices blocked highways across Brazil, seriously affecting industries ranging from retail to agribusiness to aviation. (Reporting by Gram Slattery)

Healthcare-packaging customers benefit from Amcor’s continued investment in new technologies

Greater specificity and national differences in labelling information on healthcare products across Europe, combined with a growth in precision medicines, are changing customer expectations about how packaging is made. In response, global packaging leader Amcor is continuing to invest to meet customers’ needs across Europe. Amcor’s latest digital printing press is now online at its Cramlington, U.K., site and is the company’s third major investment in new presses across its European operations since 2016. This new press joins two UV-Flexo presses already in operation at Amcor’s sites in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, and Alzira, Spain, as well as other existing digital printing capabilities. Using the trio of presses, Amcor is manufacturing packages for healthcare-product companies, large and small; offering greater flexibility and achieving lower costs, even in shorter runs. Click Read More below for additional information.

APP’s response to Mongabay’s article “Paper giant denies secretly owning ‘independent’ suppliers” published on 5 June 2018

In reference to Goh Lin Piao, Managing Director of APP's response in the Mongabay article as to whether other Sinar Mas businesses fell outside our Forest Conservation Policy, his answer specifically refereed to Golden Energy and Resources, which is a public-listed coal mining operation. He underlined the point that each industry and each supply chain has its only unique production and sustainability challenges and hence requires its own unique policy in line with the industry in which it operates in – even within companies that are part of the same brand. The sustainability challenges faced by a forest company will be different from those of a mining business. The Forest Conservation Policy was drafted specifically for APP and its wood supply chain. It has done tremendous good for it. Nevertheless, it is too simplistic to imagine that APP’s FCP is a one-size fits all solution for all companies in different industries. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oil settles at 2-month low as crude supplies rise unexpectedly

June 7, 2018
Midland Paper Clips
Misc

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday that crude supplies climbed by 2.1 million barrels for the week ended June 1. Analysts surveyed by S&P Global Platts had forecast a decline of 1.3 million barrels, while the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday reported a fall of 2 million barrels, according to sources. The EIA also reported that total domestic crude production rose by 31,000 barrels a day to fresh weekly record of 10.8 million barrels a day. Gasoline stockpiles jumped by 4.6 million barrels for the week, while distillate stockpiles rose 2.2 million barrels, according to the EIA. Click Read More below for additional information.

Retailers back legislation that reins in tariffs

The NRF called on lawmakers to pass bipartisan legislation introduced on Wednesday that would require congressional approval of “Section 232” tariffs. This includes the steel and aluminum tariffs recently imposed by the Trump administration, and any additional tariffs in the future. The legislation was introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), and a bipartisan group of senators. The proposed tariffs have triggered widespread retaliation against United States exports. The administration is also considering tariffs on automobiles and auto parts. Click Read More below for additional information.

Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports May Sales Results

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $11.02 billion for the retail month of May, the four weeks ended June 3, 2018, an increase of 14.1 percent from $9.66 billion last year. For the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2018 the Company reported net sales of $103.26 billion, an increase of 12.1 percent from $92.11 billion last year.

Klabin showcases sustainable packaging solutions at Expocitros

Klabin is one of the exhibitors at the 44th Expocitros and the 40th Citriculture Week, organized simultaneously by the Sylvio Moreira Citriculture Center until June 8, in Cordeirópolis in the interior region of São Paulo. The company is showcasing its recyclable corrugated board packaging solutions for the agricultural produce segment, especially citrus fruits. Visitors can learn about and explore the characteristics of Klabin’s packaging solutions, which are tailor-made to the specifications of diverse products in this market. The Company’s corrugated board boxes come in specific formats to accommodate and pack fruits, vegetables, greens and other food products, thus guaranteeing resistance, food protection, as well as ease of storage and transportation. Moreover, the packaging is recyclable and produced from raw material obtained from planted and certified forests. Click Read More below for additional information.

Groupe Lexis Média inc. acquires three more TC Media publications: L’Avantage votre journal, L’Avantage Gaspésien and L’Avant-Poste

Transcontinental Inc.’s Media Sector, TC Media, announces the sale of three more of its local newspapers, as well as their related web properties, to Groupe Lexis Média inc., a company of which Mr. Frédéric Couture is President. In total, 26 employees of the various publications and 1 employee from TC Media’s Production team are transferred to Groupe Lexis Média inc. TC Transcontinental also concluded a multi-year agreement for the printing and distribution of all of these titles. The publications sold to Groupe Lexis Média inc. are: L’Avantage votre journal (Rimouski), L’Avantage Gaspésien (Matane) and L’Avant-Poste (Amqui). Click Read More below for additional information.

Johnson & Quin Adds to 140+ Years of Innovation with Latest SCREEN Truepress Jet High-Speed Inkjet Press

With over 140 years in the printing business, Johnson & Quin has proven that innovation is key to staying ahead of the competition. And yet, while new technologies can add capabilities and open new markets, the progressive direct mail services provider also knows the value of trusted partnerships. As such, Johnson & Quin is looking forward to both growing its partnership with SCREEN Americas and adding new solutions with the early summer installation of the new Truepress Jet520NX inkjet press, its second high-speed solution from the long-time graphic arts equipment manufacturer in just 3 years. Click Read More below for additional information.

Recycled paper bottles expected to hit supermarket shelves

The Choose Water bottle, developed by a British scientist, James Longcroft, aims to replace plastic bottles and help save the world’s oceans from plastic waste. The outer lining of the bottle is made out of recycled paper, while the waterproof inner lining is made with a composite material which was developed in-house. All elements of the bottle can fully decompose within three weeks when left in water or landfill and can be eaten by sea creatures without harm. The steel cap on the bottle will also rust and fully decompose within a year whereas, plastic usually takes hundreds of years to break down. Longcroft, who lives in Scotland, is finalising patents and started crowdfunding in order for the bottles to be mass produced and stocked in supermarket shelves. He has raised just over £35,000 and expects the water bottle to be launched in September 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

Cenveo Reaches Agreement with Key Stakeholders in Support of its Plan of Reorganization

Cenveo, Inc. announced that it has reached an agreement with its major stakeholders to clear the path for approval of the Company's first amended plan of reorganization, which will enable the Company to emerge from Chapter 11 this summer. The Plan of Reorganization has the support of over 70% of the Senior Secured Noteholders, the holders of certain funds and accounts under management that collectively own or control a percentage of the Company's senior secured first-in, last-out notes, who also hold a percentage of the first lien notes, second lien notes, and senior unsecured notes, as well as the support of the Unsecured Creditors Committee whose members consist of trade creditors, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, certain unions, and the indenture trustee for the unsecured noteholders. A hearing before the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York is scheduled for June 7, 2018 for the Company to seek approval of its first amended disclosure statement and to establish the voting procedures for the Plan of Reorganization. The terms of the Plan of Reorganization will enable the Company to exit Chapter 11 with a highly deleveraged balance sheet, which will allow the Company to focus on its operations and grow its businesses. Click Read More below for additional information.

International Paper Will Not Make Offer to Acquire Smurfit Kappa

International Paper Company confirmed that the company will not make an offer for Smurfit Kappa Group plc, given the lack of engagement by Smurfit Kappa's Board of Directors and Management. In February 2018, International Paper provided representatives of Smurfit Kappa's Board of Directors with a proposal to acquire the company. Following discussions with shareholders of both companies, IP put forward a revised proposal on March 26, 2018. IP believes the revised proposal was highly attractive and formed a sound basis for engagement, which the company viewed as essential to determining the full value potential of the combination. Click Read More below for additional information.

SEC approves paperless mutual-fund reports

Expressing concern for the environment and a desire to meet consumers' communication preferences, the SEC has voted to allow fund companies to post documents on websites and tell shareholders how to access them electronically. The move was a nod to a longstanding request from the mutual fund industry, which has pressed for email, rather than regular mail, to be the default method for disseminating shareholder reports, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Technically, the shift involved a rule change passed on a 4-1 vote that will allow funds to post the documents on websites and tell shareholders how to access them electronically. Click Read More below for additional information.

L Brands Reports May 2018 Sales

L Brands, Inc. reported net sales increased 10 percent to $851.9 million for the four weeks ended June 2, 2018, compared to net sales of $774.3 million for the four weeks ended May 27, 2017. Comparable sales for the four weeks ended June 2, 2018, increased 5 percent compared to the four weeks ended June 3, 2017. The company reported net sales of $3.478 billion for the 17 weeks ended June 2, 2018, an increase of 8 percent compared to net sales of $3.211 billion for the 17 weeks ended May 27, 2017. Comparable sales for the 17 weeks ended June 2, 2018, increased 3 percent compared to the 17 weeks ended June 3, 2017. Click

6 Sustainable Printing Facts for World Environment Day

Each year on June 5, World Environment Day is observed and celebrated in over 100 countries. Since 1974, the United Nations has used this day to promote awareness about the protection of our environment worldwide. The World Environment Day website perhaps says it best, “Above all, World Environment Day is the ‘people’s day’ for doing something to take care of the Earth. That something can be focused locally, nationally or globally; it can be a solo action or involve a crowd. Everyone is free to choose.” There are many misconceptions about the printing industry with regard to paper manufacturing and environmental responsibility. In celebration of World Environment Day, we’d like to share some facts and educate our audience about our use of paper materials. Although we use large quantities of paper for commercial print production, we strive to be environmentally sustainable in all facets of our business operation. Click Read More below for additional information.

ANDRITZ receives order from UPM to rebuild paper machine in Dörpen

With the rebuild of PM2, the UPM group will increase the capacity of release paper production by an additional 110,000 t/a. Start-up after the rebuild is scheduled for the final quarter of 2019. The complex rebuild with demanding technological requirements, not only for the equipment but also for the process and product quality, was prepared in close cooperation between UPM and ANDRITZ. Apart from the rebuild of PM2, the ANDRITZ scope of supply also includes modification of the stock preparation system, approach flow and broke system. All sections of the paper machine will be modified. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oil steady on Venezuela exports, supply concerns

June 6, 2018
Midland Paper Clips
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Oil prices steadied on Wednesday after Venezuela raised the prospect of a halt to some crude exports, easing worries about oversupply after reports that the U.S. government had asked Saudi Arabia and some other producers to increase output. Falling Venezuelan oil output helped push crude benchmark Brent LCOc1 to more than $80 a barrel last month, but prices have eased since then on talk of higher supply by other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Click Read More below for additional information.

Crown’s Spartanburg Plant to Offset One-Third of its Electricity Usage with Significant Solar Panel Installation

Crown Holdings, Inc.’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, aerosol plant is set to offset one-third of its annual electrical usage by implementing a new solar panel array, covering approximately five acres. The project marks Crown’s first use of solar power energy worldwide and contributes to one of the Company’s 2020 sustainability goals of reducing its energy consumption by implementing renewable and alternative energy projects at the local level. “Crown’s mission is to continue identifying unique sustainability projects that align with our commitment to manage and conserve resources and bring innovations to market that support the sustainability efforts of our customers and consumers,” said John Rost, Director of Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Crown Holdings, Inc. “Working with Keystone Power Holdings to enact a project of this scale is a prime example of this effort in action. This project also contributes to Crown’s wider goal of continuing to drive down its emissions.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Texas Monthly and 5280 Clean Up at the City and Regional Magazine Awards

Columbus Monthly, Seattle Met, and Denver’s 5280 earned top prizes for General Excellence at the 33rd annual City & Regional Magazine Awards, administered by the University of Missouri School of Journalism and announced Monday at the City & Regional Mag Association’s annual meetup in New Orleans. Twenty-five year-old 5280 and 12 year-old Seattle Met were first-time winners in the General Excellence category, which is split into three prizes based on circulation level. Columbus Monthly, which won among magazines with a circulation of 30,000 or less, had previously won a General Excellence award under a different format in 2001. All three were finalists in their respective categories last year. Click Read More below for additional information.

Annual Environmental Training for JDI Foresters and Contractors – 800 Hours to a Team of Over 200

Every year in the spring and summer, JDI Chief Naturalist Kelly Honeyman and JDI Fish & Wildlife Manager John Gilbert team up to coordinate over 800 hours of training to over 200 contractors and foresters in the regions where JDI operates. The environmental training includes: • Rare Plant Habitat Identification and Training • Stick Nest Identification and Protection Policy • Operating near watercourses, including vernal pools and wetlands • Unique Areas Program • Review of Species of Concern Guide • Review of Forest Certification Process and Successes. JDI’s biodiversity strategy encompasses research, training, and the application of technology to ensure that our forestry operations meet our biodiversity objectives. JDI’s international award-winning Unique Areas Conservation Program has grown from 29 sites in the 1980’s to 1,454 sites in 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

New KBA-Iberica Optima 106 Die Cutter Significantly Boosts Capacity At Lithographic Industries

With an expanding market and the “best business in years,” Lithographic Industries, a privately-owned, third generation packaging printer located in Broadview, IL, chose to invest in its business by adding a new KBA-Iberica Optima 106 die cutter after thoroughly investigating what was competitively offered in the marketplace. The firm, which is known for its high-quality blister card printing in combination gang runs, has always remained a bit under the radar in its one-story facility on a quiet street in this suburb of Chicago. But its customers have long recognized the firm’s fine heritage as the oldest combination blister card manufacturer in the U.S. since 1961, its superb quality, and its service-oriented philosophy. For nearly six months, the KBA-Iberica Optima 106 has proven its ruggedness, efficiency, and high speed as an integral part of the firm’s production, providing Lithographic Industries with a competitive edge as the demand for blister packs has posted a sharp rise. It is paired with the firm’s unique 11-color Koenig & Bauer Rapida 41-inch sheetfed offset press, the only one of its type in the U.S., offering two sided printing for nine-over-two combination blister card and insert card printing. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mercer International Inc. Announces Proposed Expansion and Optimization of Friesau Facility

Mercer International Inc. announced that it has determined to proceed with a Phase II expansion and optimization project at its Friesau sawmill. The project is designed to, among other things: * increase annual lumber production capacity at the Friesau Facility by approximately 200 million board feet to an aggregate of approximately 750 million board feet on a continuous operating basis, through the addition of two new sorting lines and the completion of expansions to existing sorting lines; * improve production grade capabilities by modifying primary breakdown lines to allow for expanded sorting capabilities, including the processing of shorter and more variable log grades; and * improve efficiencies at the Friesau Facility, including by increasing production speeds and lowering personnel costs. Click Read More below for additional information.

Ripon Printers Promotes Julie Newhouse to Company President.

The future success of every printing company lies in its ability to delight customers. Ripon Printers responded by promoting former Director of Customer Care, Julie Newhouse, to company president. She brings nearly 30-years experience in the graphic arts industry, including management roles in prepress, manufacturing, sales, and customer support. Prior to joining Ripon Printers in March 2016, Newhouse worked for two years at Service Litho-Print, Inc. as an estimator and then as estimator-customer support manager. She also previously spent 23 years at Independent Printing Company where she worked her way up from composition coordinator to vice president of manufacturing, and then general manager–custom products value stream. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mondi Group completes acquisition of Powerflute

Mondi has announced that all conditions have been satisfied and it has completed the acquisition of 100 percent of the outstanding shares in Powerflute Group Holdings, a division of Nordic Packaging and Container Holdings, for a total consideration of EUR 365 million on an enterprise value basis. Powerflute operates an integrated pulp and paper mill in Kuopio (Finland) with an annual production capacity of 285,000 tons of semi-chemical fluting. The business will be integrated into Mondi’s Packaging Paper business unit. Click Read More below for additional information.

Twin Rivers Paper Completes Acquisition of Pine Bluff, Arkansas Paper Mill

Twin Rivers Paper Company LLC announced that it completed the acquisition of the paper mill located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Twin Rivers, headquartered in Madawaska, Maine, produces specialty packaging, label, publishing, and technical specialty papers as well as dimensional lumber. It is owned jointly by Atlas Holdings LLC and Blue Wolf Capital. The mill acquired under this agreement produces Multiwall, Converting and Bag grade unbleached kraft papers serving a variety of food, agricultural, and industrial applications. With basis weights between 40# and 78#, the mill has a capacity in excess of 140,000 US short tons. This acquisition marks Twin Rivers’ second investment in packaging and technical markets in recent years, following the purchase of the paper manufacturing assets of the Burrows Corporation in 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oil climbs, but record U.S. crude output, higher OPEC supplies drag

June 5, 2018
Midland Paper Clips
Misc

Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday after falling nearly 2 percent in the previous session, but growing U.S. production and expectations of higher OPEC supplies continue to weigh on sentiment. Over the weekend, OPEC and non-OPEC Arab oil ministers agreed on the need for continued cooperation to balance global supply, Kuwait's state news agency KUNA reported. In March, U.S. crude output rose to 10.47 million barrels per day, the highest on record, according to a monthly report by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Click Read More below for additional information.

U.S. Appellate Court Upholds USPS Pricing Against UPS Challenge

A U.S. Appellate Court ruling in Washington DC upheld the U.S. Postal Service’s pricing methodology, knocking down a challenge from UPS that categorized it as unfair and anticompetitive, according to a report in Bloomberg. The three-judge panel found that the USPS’s transfer of some profits from its monopoly on first-class mail delivery to offset parcel delivery costs did not amount to a subsidy of those operations, which is forbidden under the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act. The USPS’s pricing is set by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Click Read More below for additional information.

Caraustar Announces a $50 Per Ton Price Increase on All Uncoated Recycled Paperboard (URB) Grades

Caraustar Industries, Inc. announced a price increase of $50 per ton on all uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) grades. The increase on the uncoated recycle board grades will be effective starting with shipments on July 9, 2018. The increase is in response to strong market dynamics and inflationary cost pressures in transportation, chemicals and other recycled paperboard input materials.

Sealed Air to Offer Plantic™ Bio-Based Food Packaging in the United States, Canada and Mexico

Sealed Air Corporation has entered into an agreement with Kuraray America, Inc., a Japanese chemical company, to offer food packaging materials derived from its Plantic™ bio-based resins. “We are expanding our portfolio of sustainable solutions with Plantic’s bio-based materials. This solution enables us to offer a renewable packaging option and continue helping the industry address food waste by extending the shelf-life and freshness of food,” said Karl Deily, President of Sealed Air Food Care. Through this new cooperation with Kuraray, Sealed Air will offer Plantic materials to package perishable foods such as poultry, beef and seafood in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Click Read More below for additional information.

DS Smith to buy Europac for $2.2 billion

UK-based packaging group DS Smith Plc has offered to buy Spanish rival Europac for 1.9 billion euros ($2.2 billion) including debt to bolster its position in western Europe’s fast-growing packaging market. A deal would be DS Smith’s biggest acquisition to date and the latest in an industry benefiting from growing demand from online retailers. “Europac’s board of directors has confirmed that the acquisition is friendly and attractive,” DS Smith said on Monday, adding it had received undertakings to accept the offer from shareholders owning 58.97 percent of the Spanish company. Click Read More below for additional information.

Three new titles in two-year Hearst extension for Wyndeham

Wyndeham Group has secured a two-year extension of its print contract with Hearst UK which includes the addition of three new titles. The three new arrivals, Red, Red Travel and Country Living, bring the number of magazines Wyndeham prints for Hearst up to 18, and will be printed at Wyndeham Roche in Cornwall. Wyndeham's first magazine work for Hearst was the printing of lifestyle weekly Reveal in the early 2000s. It secured 10 titles in 2016 in the wake of Polestar’s collapse. Group sales director Jon Hearnden said: “We have a very strong relationship with Hearst UK and over its span we have proven ourselves to be reliable and capable of turning over a consistent product. Click Read More below for additional information.

Verso to Amend Grade Offering

In an effort to manage our extensive paper manufacturing system in the most efficient and responsive way, Verso is discontinuing production of our Focus® grade as of July 31, 2018. Our current Focus® inventory will be available for sale until it is extinguished. Our Influence® offering will continue to be Verso’s flagship brand for the No. 3 coated freesheet web market. The elimination of the Focus® grade allows for expanded production of Influence® Gloss, Soft-Gloss®, Matte, and Gravure. With this streamlined grade structure, Verso’s inventory replenishment of Influence® will also be enhanced. Click Read More below for additional information.

Irving to Increase SC Prices 7/1/18

The global printing and writing paper markets continue to evolve at a faster pace than seen in some time. We have seen many recent challenges facing our industry such as significant global capacity closures and conversions away from paper, global wood and pulp shortages, chronic and ongoing North American logistics issues and rising inputs costs to name a few. To keep pace with these new realities please be advised that Irving Paper will increase its prices of Irving SCA, Irving SCB, Irving Radiance (SCA+) and Irving Opulence (SCA++) $40 USD/Short Ton (all Basis weights) effective with new and existing orders shipping on and after July 1, 2018 in the US Market and $50 CDN / Short Ton in Canada. This increase is in addition to the previous March and May increases.

Resolute Forest Products to Increase Prices on White Paper Grades 7/1/18

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after July 1, 2018, Resolute’s White Paper grades noted below will increase by US$30/short ton. Products impacted by this price increase are limited to the following: ResoluteSelect 70, 65; ResoluteBook 70, 65,60 & ResoluteBook 70 Cream. The increase will be applicable to all basis weights and finishes, and all upcharges apply.

Huhtamaki has completed the acquisition of Ajanta Packaging

Huhtamaki has completed the acquisition of Ajanta Packaging's business in India. Ajanta Packaging is a manufacturer of pressure sensitive labels in India. The annual net sales of the acquired business are approximately EUR 10 million and it employs altogether 170 people. The debt free purchase price was approximately EUR 13 million. The business will be reported as part of the Flexible Packaging business segment as of June 1, 2018.

Oil down as U.S. supply grows, OPEC considers higher output

June 4, 2018
Midland Paper Clips
Misc

U.S. crude production climbed in March to 10.47 million barrels per day (bpd), a monthly record, data from the Energy Information Administration showed last week. U.S. drillers added two oil rigs in the week to June 1, bringing the total to 861, the most since March 2015, energy services company Baker Hughes said on Friday. That was the eighth time drillers have added rigs in the past nine weeks. Click Read More below for additional information.

Siemens and HP are expanding innovation for industrial 3D printed parts with full color.

HP Inc. and Siemens expanded their longstanding collaboration to enable even more advanced functionality across a broader set of Siemens PLM software to change the way users can design and manufacture with HP’s Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology. Siemens’ NX and Solid Edge Software deliver support for Full-Color 3D Printing Capabilities through HP Multi Jet Fusion. With the latest releases, Siemens, a leader in digital innovation software, and HP, the global industry leader in 3D printing, will enable users of Siemens’ NX™ software and Solid Edge® software to design and produce full color 3D-printed parts. HP’s Jet Fusion 3D 300/500 series is the industry’s first 3D printing solution for the production of engineering-grade, functional parts in full color, black or white – with voxel-level control – in a fraction of the time of other solutions. Click Read More below for additional information.

Stora Enso opens Europe’s largest wood fibre-based biocomposite plant

Stora Enso’s investment of EUR 12 million in a biocomposite plant is part of the company’s ongoing process of becoming a renewable materials company. It shows that Stora Enso is a leader in the bioeconomy, with the ability to provide innovative, more sustainable alternatives to plastic. The company’s biocomposites, DuraSense™ by Stora Enso, make it possible to reduce the consumption of plastic by up to 60% and replace it with renewable wood fibre. Uses for biocomposites include everything from consumer goods to industrial applications, such as furniture, hand tools, automotive parts, toys and kitchen utensils. The combination of natural wood fibre, polymers and additives offer the mouldability of plastic with the sustainability and workability of wood. Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki acquires the majority of CupPrint in Ireland

Huhtamaki has acquired the majority of Cup Print Unlimited Company, a privately-owned paper cup manufacturer based in the Republic of Ireland. With the acquisition Huhtamaki improves its access to the growing market of short run custom-printed cups and boosts its on-line commercial activity. The short run capability also allows Huhtamaki to even better support its current customers' promotional activities. CupPrint is specialized in short run custom printed cups with quick delivery time. It has an on-line service model which allows efficient design and delivery of small volumes. CupPrint's annual net sales are approximately EUR 14 million and it employs altogether approximately 110 people in its manufacturing unit in Ireland and sales office in Germany. Click Read More below for additional information.

125-year-old book and printing company near Ann Arbor is closing

It is with heavy hearts we announce that Edwards Brothers Malloy will be closing our doors as of June 15. As you can imagine, this is a difficult time for our employees as we work through the process of shutting down our facilities while finishing projects for our customers with work in-house. We do, however, want to take this moment to thank you for your support and business through the years. Our employees and customers have been the cornerstone of our 125-year history. We wish you all the best going forward. John Edwards and Bill Upton

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Reports First Quarter Results

Net sales were $730.9 million, up 11% from last year, with comparable sales up 5%. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the calendar shift resulting from the 53rd week in fiscal 2017 benefited first quarter net sales by approximately 4% and 1%, respectively, which do not impact comparable sales. By brand, net sales increased 13% to $423.6 million for Hollister and increased 7% to $307.3 million for Abercrombie from last year. By geography, net sales increased 10% to $449.1 million in the U.S. and increased 12% to $281.8 million in international markets from last year. Net other operating income was $2.6 million, compared to $1.7 million last year, primarily related to foreign currency gains. Click Read More below for additional information.

Lecta Introduces New Creaset Bags

One of the main European manufacturers of shopping bags and packaging accessories, Fiorini International, has produced a new bag for Lecta's one-side coated paper Creaset Bags range, introduced at the Packaging Première fair, an exclusive event devoted to luxury packaging held in Milan from May 15 to May 17. Using the slogan "Pure Inspiration" and with a sophisticated design that transmits elegance and lightness, this attractive bag showcases the paper, part of a versatile range that enables you to create anything you can imagine, as the motto of the Creaset brand suggests: "Endless Possibilities". From a perfume label to a wine label to premium flexible packaging applications, the possibilities are infinite. Click Read More below for additional information.

AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report for Friday, 6/01/18

June 1, 2018
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National Average Price for Regular – Current: $2.957; Month Ago: $2.811; Year Ago: $2.381. National Average Price for Diesel – Current: $3.213; Month Ago: $3.067; Year Ago: $2.513.

Key Currency Exchange Rates for Friday, 6/01/18

June 1, 2018
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American Dollar to Canadian Dollar = 0.771135; American Dollar to Chinese Yuan = 0.155831; American Dollar to Euro = 1.167321; American Dollar to Japanese Yen = 0.009136; American Dollar to Mexican Peso = 0.050059.

Brent premium over WTI hits new 3-year high

June 1, 2018
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The spread between Brent crude oil futures contracts and U.S. WTI stood at its widest for three years on Friday with the latter set for a second consecutive week of declines as U.S. oil output comes close to matching that of top producer Russia. The premium has doubled to more than $11 a barrel in about a month as a lack of pipeline capacity in the United States traps much of the output inland. U.S. crude production has been rising to record levels since late last year. In March, it jumped 215,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 10.47 million bpd, a new monthly record, the Energy Information Administration said on Thursday. Click Read More below for additional information.

RILA warns of ‘three-front trade war’

The Retail Industry Leaders Association voiced its opposition to the White House announcement on the Thursday that it will impose new steel and aluminum tariffs on imports from the European Union, in addition to Canada and Mexico. Quach said that imposing tariffs raises the stakes for U.S. allies to take retaliatory measures that will hurt the nation’s exporters while creating more uncertainty for American businesses. “The administration has created a three-front trade war, targeting NAFTA, China, and now the European Union, with no resolution to any of these disputes in sight,” Quach said. Click Read More below for additional information.

Costco Wholesale Corporation Reports Third Quarter and Year-to-Date Operating Results for Fiscal 2018

Costco Wholesale Corporation announced its operating results for the third quarter (twelve weeks) and the thirty-six weeks ended May 13, 2018. Net sales for the quarter increased 12.1 percent, to $31.62 billion, from $28.22 billion last year. Net sales for the first thirty-six weeks of fiscal 2018 increased 12.0 percent, to $95.02 billion, from $84.82 billion last year. Net income for the quarter was $750 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, compared to $700 million, or $1.59 per diluted share, last year. Click Read More below for additional information.

Green Bay Packaging Inc. Announces Acquisition of Wisconsin Packaging Corp.

Green Bay Packaging Inc. announced the acquisition of Wisconsin Packaging Corp., a corrugated sheet plant in Fort Atkinson, WI. Wisconsin Packaging Corp. was founded in 1986 and will operate as part of Green Bay Packaging Inc. The acquisition is effective May 31, 2018. Wisconsin Packaging Corp. specializes in the design and manufacture of corrugated packaging and retail displays for clients throughout the United States. “Wisconsin Packaging is proud to become a member of Green Bay Packaging. Our family has grown our business in Fort Atkinson, our goal always being to provide for the everchanging needs of our customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sears prepares to close 72 stores

The operator of Sears and Kmart stores posted a first-quarter loss of $3.93 a diluted share. Revenue fell due to fewer stores and a 12% drop in comparable-store sales. The Hoffman Estates, Illinois-based retailer said Thursday that it has identified 100 unprofitable stores, and 72 of them will begin store-closing sales in the near future. It will announce the locations to close by midday. Click Read More below for additional information.

Quad/Graphics Teams Up with ELLE to Produce Personalized Covers

To create the covers, ELLE selected 50,000 names from their subscriber list, using demographics and other audience data to target those most likely to be Kim Kardashian West fans and ensure the greatest impact. Once the list of subscribers was narrowed to 50,000, the team at ELLE had Kim Kardashian West come in and hand-write each letter of the alphabet, allowing them to create a custom font. Kardashian West also provided several personal sayings - things she would actually say in person. The personalized print cover was created using variable data printing (VDP), which ELLE partnered with HP and printer Quad/Graphics to execute. George Forge, executive director of digital print for Quad/Graphics, says the company has decades of experience producing this type of work. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa hits impressive milestone with 4 billionth Vitop tap

The Vitop® tap occupies the No. 1 position in the world for wine taps and has revolutionised the Bag-in-Box® system. The Vitop® tap quickly grew in popularity due to its tamper-proof design and high oxygen barrier which provide extended shelf life and product freshness. Tests on the Vitop® tap have revealed it to have a leak rate of just 1 in 5 million, a key contributor to its industry-leading position. To reach such high standards, each tap is individually tested under rigorous quality control standards. Ease of use has also contributed to its global appeal as it requires little effort to obtain a regular flow rate and is self-closing. Click Read More below for additional information.

Ulta Beauty Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results

• Net sales increased 17.4% to $1,543.7 million compared to $1,314.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017; • Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 8.1% compared to an increase of 14.3% in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The 8.1% comparable sales increase was driven by 5.1% transaction growth and 3.0% growth in average ticket; • Retail comparable sales increased 4.7%, including salon comparable sales growth of 3.2%; • Net income increased 28.2% to $164.4 million compared to $128.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki Trialling a New Fiber Based Ready Meal Packaging

A trial version of a renewable fiber based ready meal packaging will be tested with consumers in the UK starting end May. Huhtamaki is part of a three-party consortium developing an alternative to existing plastic ready meal trays. The concept is tested with two Italian style ready meals at a major UK retail chain in May-June. The trial is part of a project aiming at developing a bio-based ready meal package for the UK market. The new tray offers a viable alternative to black plastic packaging, which is problematic for the waste processers' lasers that identify materials for recycling. Ready meal consumption continues to grow throughout Europe and new sustainable solutions are welcome. The new material feels like cardboard and is made of fiber derived from Forest Stewardship Council certified sources. Click Read More below for additional information.

Bain Capital to acquire Gruppo Cordenons

Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private equity firm, through Fedrigoni Holding Ltd, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Gruppo Cordenons, a leading international manufacturer of high end specialty papers for luxury packaging and premium publishing applications. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network. Gruppo Cordenons will be acquired and managed as an independent company. However, over time, Fedrigoni Group shareholders see a significant opportunity to share best practices, increase operations know-how and improve service and innovation by strengthening its range of high value-added special papers and key relationships with customers, supplemented by a brand that is widely recognized on international markets, where Gruppo Cordenons generates almost 70% of its turnover. Click Read More below for additional information.

Catalyst Announces Price Increases on Newsprint and Directory Papers Effective 7/1/18.

Please be advised, effective with shipments July 1, 2018 the US transaction price for 45 gsm Marathon Newsprint from Catalyst Paper will be increasing by $22.00/Metric Tonne for new and existing orders. 43 gsm and 40 gsm Marathon Lite newsprint will be increasing according to past practice. Please be advised, effective with shipments July 1, 2018, the US transaction price for 20.9# (34gsm) directory business with Catalyst Paper will be increasing by $30.00 / short ton for new and existing orders. Other basis weights will be increased according to past practice.

J.Crew Group, Inc. Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results

•Total revenues increased 3% to $540.5 million. Comparable company sales increased 1% following a decrease of 8% in the first quarter last year. •J.Crew sales decreased 7% to $391.9 million. J.Crew comparable sales decreased 6% following a decrease of 11% in the first quarter last year. •Madewell sales increased 39% to $115.8 million. Madewell comparable sales increased 31% following an increase of 11% in the first quarter last year. •Operating loss was $0.9 million compared to $151.0 million in the first quarter last year. •Net loss was $33.9 million compared to $121.0 million in the first quarter last year. Click Read More below for additional information.

Better with Less – Design Challenge: winning design introduces an ingenious alternative to bubble wrap

The winner of the international packaging design competition Better with Less – Design Challenge has been chosen. Exceptionally high-quality entries were submitted, and the winning design ‘Stretching Inner Part’ by Iiro Numminen, was considered by the judges to be extremely appealing, versatile, scalable and easy to implement. The Better with Less – Design Challenge, organised by Metsä Board, aimed 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. Launched in November 2017, the competition inspired designers around the world – altogether 302 design concepts were entered from 38 different countries. The international competition jury included renowned packaging design experts from various fields – related to packaging, design, brand strategy and innovation. Click Read More below for additional information.

Allen Press Installs World’s Fastest Stitcher

Allen Press, Inc. is excited to announce the purchase of a Muller Martini Tempo 22 Saddle Stitcher. The Tempo 22 is among the world’s fastest saddle stitchers, producing up to 22,000 booklets per hour. The acquisition further cements Allen Press’ position as the most advanced and versatile printing company in Kansas and Missouri. Customers will benefit greatly from this technological marvel which will deliver faster turnaround times, top quality and greater efficiencies on the production of all 8 ½ x 11 range saddle stitched materials. Click Read More below for additional information.

APP statement on NGO allegations regarding APP suppliers and corporate structure

After studying in detail the report put together by the Koalisi Anti Mafia Hutan (KAMH), we are unsure of what wrongdoing they are alleging APP have committed. It is not unusual for any company to have significant economic or operational relationships with other companies in their supply chain. This is especially so in highly integrated supply chains like ours. APP’s key focus is to ensure that our wood supply is free from deforestation. Our links and influence over our suppliers play a major part in ensuring that. As stated in the KAMH report’s disclaimer, all the information presented about the ownership structures of companies in our supply chain are from publicly available sources, including our own disclosures. We are unsure as to how KAMH has arrived at the conclusion that this information is being deliberately hidden from public view. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oil Slips as U.S. Crude Inventories Show Signs of Increasing

May 31, 2018
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Oil fell, compounding a monthly decline, after U.S. crude inventories were said to rise by more than expected. Futures in New York fell 0.6 percent, set for the first monthly drop since February. On Wednesday, the American Petroleum Institute was said to report a 1 million barrel increase in crude stockpiles, double the gain forecast in a Bloomberg survey of analysts. Prices have declined about 4 percent since Saudi Arabia and Russia last week proposed to phase out supply curbs by OPEC and its allies. Click Read More below for additional information.

Domtar Internship Program Offers Hope for Immigrants in Sweden

Since 2014, a unique Domtar internship program has helped immigrants find work and make connections in Aneby, Sweden. The program also helps people who are reentering the workforce after a long gap. For people like Moustafa Alahmad, this 10-week internship program is a lifeline. Alahmad is an ambitious, intelligent young man who studied finance at university. He speaks Kurdish, Arabic, Ukrainian and Russian. Forced to escape the civil war in his home country of Syria, Alahmad fled to Sweden, a nation known for its culture of inclusion and equality. Since he arrived, he has been able to earn enough money to get by, but it’s been difficult to find a steady job. Click Read More below for additional information.

Nippon Paper Group Announces Reorganization of Production Structure for its Paper Business

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (“the Company”) has announced that, at a meeting of the Board of Directors held today, the Company resolved to reorganize the production structure for its paper business. Hokkaido Mill (Yufutsu) is to shut down all paper production machines and related equipment for the production of paper (253,000 MTPY). Fuji Mill (Fuji) is to shut down all paper production machines and related equipment for the production of paper (135,000 MTPY). Kushiro Mill is to shut down its No. 8 paper production machine due to a decline in newsprint demand (143,000 MTPY). Click Read More below for additional information.

Connecting certified forests to sustainable construction

Using wood in construction is fantastic. It looks good, is easy to work with, is healthy for the people living and working within it and is great for our planet – but only if it comes from a sustainable source. Whatever timber you choose, whether solid wood or engineered wood such as CLT and glulam, it is vital that it comes from a forest that is managed sustainably, ensuring it is around for generations to come. But how can you be sure that the wood actually came from such a sustainably managed forest? The answer, of course, is PEFC certification! Click Read More below for additional information.

Brazil’s Suzano shuts mills due to trucker strike

Brazilian pulp and paper producer Suzano shut operations throughout Brazil over the weekend in response to an ongoing strike by truck drivers over diesel fuel prices, a company spokesman said Tuesday. Rafael Mastrocola, head of investor relations for Suzano, told S&P Global Platts the company already had reduced output, since Friday took it further and "as of now we have halted pretty much all of our sites." Click Read More below for additional information.

Chico’s FAS, Inc. Reports First Quarter Results

For the first quarter, net sales were $561.8 million compared to $583.7 million in last year's first quarter. This decrease of 3.8% primarily reflects a comparable sales decline of 5.9% and the impact of 41 net store closures since last year's first quarter, partially offset by the favorable impact of the calendar shift due to the 53rd week in fiscal 2017. The comparable sales decline was primarily driven by lower transaction count. For the first quarter, gross margin was $226.9 million, or 40.4% of net sales, compared to $237.4 million, or 40.7% of net sales, in last year's first quarter. This 30 basis point decrease primarily reflects the initial implementation costs and launch of a new expedited shipping program, partially offset by a 70 basis point improvement in maintained margin. Click Read More below for additional information.

Lecta Publishes its Q1 2018 Results

For the first quarter ended 31 March 2018, Lecta had revenue of €375.4 million versus €376.3 million in the first quarter ended 31 March 2017, a decrease of €0.9 million or -0%. EBITDA decreased by €4.9 million, or -16%, from €30.2 million in 1Q2017 to €25.3 million in 1Q2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oil Holds Near $67 as Market Tumult Subsides After OPEC Worries

May 30, 2018
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Oil steadied near $67 a barrel as markets regained some composure following renewed trade tensions between the U.S. and China, political turmoil in Europe and simmering concerns that OPEC may ease its output curbs. Futures in New York were little changed, though still almost $6 below last week’s high. China said it would respond accordingly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese imports. Encouraging economic data in Europe blunted panic related to Italy’s political crisis, which on Tuesday helped boost a gauge of oil market volatility to its highest level since February. Click Read More below for additional information.

New head of the Holmen Paper business area

Lars Lundin has been appointed Senior Vice President Paper and will take up his new role no later than the first of december 2018. He succeeds Nils Ringborg, who will remain part of Group management as advisor to the CEO. "Lars has shown himself to be an excellent manager of change, with years of experience in both production and marketing. His collection of skills will be invaluable in the continued drive to develop our business and I have no doubt that Lars will take Holmen Paper to new heights", says Henrik Sjölund, President and CEO of Holmen. Click Read More below for additional information.

Kotkamills en route towards a plastic free world – one coffee cup at a time

ISLA® Duo cupstock is Kotkamills' solution to an ever-growing problem. It does not contain any plastics or waxes that are harmful for the environment or health. Easy recycling makes ISLA® Duo cups an integral part of the circular economy and makes sure that the valuable wood fibre can be reused. A traditional single-use coffee cup includes a barrier layer made from plastic, which prevents absorption of liquids and greases. The barrier layer in ISLA® Duo products is a water-based dispersion coating instead of PE plastic. Being plastic-free enables the products to be easily recyclable in normal paper and board recycling, and the wood fibre can be reused fully. ISLA® Duo cupstock doesn't contain any waxes harmful for the health nor do they cumulate in the nature like plastic. Click Read More below for additional information.

Booksellers Predict Hot Sales This Summer

Summer is a key time for booksellers around the country in regions that attract tourists during the season, and for those that see increased foot traffic from teachers and children. “Our Chamber of Commerce anticipates a 5% rise in visitors to Alaska this summer,” said Jenny Stroyeck at the Homer Bookstore in Homer, Alaska. “Our foot traffic does go up in the summer.” She noted that with the long driving distances between towns, parents like to buy their kids books to ensure peace and quiet on the road. The Homer Bookstore has had a slight dip in sales so far this year—it is down 2% compared to the same period in 2017—but, like many stores around the country, anticipates a boost from some big seasonal events. The Kachemak Writers’ Conference, which will be held in Homer in June and will feature Anthony Doerr as the keynote speaker, should produce some strong numbers for the indie. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sonoco Implementing Price Increase for All Uncoated Recycled Paperboard Products

Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning July 2, 2018. Sonoco cited continuing inflation of input costs, especially freight and papermaking chemicals, and significantly longer backlogs at its mills as the drivers for this pricing action. Sonoco is one of the largest integrated manufacturers of uncoated recycled paperboard in the United States and Canada, producing more than one million tons annually from 11 mills.

Tetra Pak® Tubular Heat Exchanger achieves 3-A certification

Tetra Pak today announces that its new tubular heat exchanger with P2P (Product to Product) technology now has 3-A certification. P2P heat exchangers are typically used by dairy, beverage and ice cream producers, and can also process products with particles. They offer up to 50% improved energy efficiency compared to Product to Water (P2W) alternatives through lower steam and cooling water consumption. Designed to achieve optimum hygiene, Tetra Pak’s machine is constructed with an innovative oxygen-free welding technique that eliminates crevices and potential hygiene blind spots, to achieve zero risk of bacteria aggregation. Click Read More below for additional information.

Forecast worsening for paper supply (European Perspective)

Earlier this month PrintWeek reported on the ‘perfect storm’ of global events that have tightened the supply of graphical papers and resulted in paper mills resorting to allocation for the first time since 2001. Factors in the mix are wide-ranging with the surging global demand for pulp being at the forefront, fuelled by its ever-expanding uses in new and existing markets, such as hygiene and tissue products, as well as the backlash against plastic with manufacturers seeking paper-based alternatives. “Pulp is no longer a one-trick pony,” says Mario di Lieto, managing director of Stora Enso division LumiPaper. “There’s a much broader use for cellulose today than just paper. It’s being used for plastic substitute, for clothing, for biomass for energy, all sorts of applications.” As a result of this soaring demand, pulp prices have been pushed up further and further from $700-$750 (£520-£557) a tonne a year ago, to nearly $1,200 causing a knock-on effect across the print and packaging industry, among others. Click Read More below for additional information.

Catalyst Paper enters into Agreement to sell U.S. mills

Catalyst Paper announced that it has entered into a Sales and Purchase Agreement with ND Paper LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Ltd.(“ND Paper”), a Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed company, for the sale of Catalyst’s U.S. operations to ND Paper for US$175 million. Upon the closing of this transaction, ND Paper will acquire Catalyst’s Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin mills along with the associated staff at the company’s U.S. operations center in Dayton, Ohio. Catalyst has agreed to provide transition support services to ND Paper to assist with the development of certain operational and administrative functions required for the two U.S. mills. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Price Increase Effective July 1, 2018

Effective with deliveries on or after July 1, 2018, UPM is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Groundwood and Coated Freesheet Web grades. The transaction price of Coated Groundwood Grades will increase $2.00/cwt, including all basis weights and finishes of Cote; Ultra; Valor; Star. The transaction price of Coated Freesheet Web will increase $2.00/cwt ($40/st), including all basis weights and finishes of Finesse.

Stora Enso enters into strategic partnership with Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Stora Enso has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Through the agreement Stora Enso and SLU intend to establish a long-term collaboration in research and development, education, competence building, and innovation within the fields of forestry and bio-based materials. The main objective of the collaboration is to jointly drive research projects to develop new knowledge within sustainable forestry and wooden biomaterials. Special focus areas include bio-based materials, forest and ecosystem management, forest technology and plant- and forest production. Moreover, the collaboration will act to strengthen competence development of staff members at Stora Enso and SLU. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sonoco to Acquire Conitex Sonoco Joint Venture

Sonoco announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 70 percent interest in the joint venture of Conitex Sonoco for approximately $133 million in cash. Conitex Sonoco is a vertically integrated, global leader in the manufacture of paper-based cones and tubes used in the textile industry. The transaction is subject to normal international regulatory reviews and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018. The Conitex Sonoco joint venture was formed in 1998 between Texpack, Inc., a Spanish-based global provider of paperboard and paper-based packaging products, and Sonoco’s former North America textile cone business. In 2017, the joint venture had total sales of approximately $245 million and produced more than 300,000 tons of uncoated recycled paperboard, which was used to produce approximately 1.4 billion tubes and cones for the global spun yarn industry. The company also produces adhesives, flexible intermediate bulk containers and corrugated pallets. The joint venture has 13 manufacturing locations in 10 countries, including four paper mills and seven cone and tube converting operations as well as two other production facilities. Click Read More below for additional information.

Publishers Keep an Eye on Paper Costs

With industry sales largely flat, one way publishers have maintained their profit margins in recent years is by operating more efficiently and taking costs out of the supply chain. But publishers’ ability to contain costs could be put to the test this year as the price of paper rises. As one publisher noted, because of an overall decline in demand, paper prices have been good for several years. In early 2018, however, a number of events have led to a decline in the paper supply and an increase in prices. A recent report by printer Quad Graphics noted that the cost of uncoated groundwork paper rose $35 per ton on February 1 and rose another $25 per ton March 1. Costs have risen in part because of a reduction in supply, as a number of Canadian mills have either closed or, in search of better margins, switched from producing paper to manufacturing other products, such as packaging, explained Matt Baehr, executive director of the Book Manufacturers’ Institute; the institute recently held its annual meeting, which focused on paper issues. Click Read More below for additional information.

Appvion Launches DocuCheck Inkjet Security Papers

DocuCheck Inkjet Security Papers are available in DocuCheck Basic®, DocuCheck Ghost®, DocuCheck Impede®, DocuCheck Watermark®, and DocuMark® Custom. DocuCheck Inkjet Security Papers offer the same security features as the high-performing DocuCheck product line. With a wide variety of in-paper features such as invisible fibers, indicator stains and watermarks, DocuCheck Inkjet Security Papers provide customers with security options and help businesses prevent, deter or detect fraud. “Appvion’s commitment to remain responsive to the business market needs as well as the printing industry’s demands motivated us to develop DocuCheck Inkjet Security Papers,” says Dave Pauly, Appvion’s director of carbonless, security and specialty papers. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sustainable Water Management: The Heart of Our Pulp and Paper Mills

When people think of paper manufacturing, the first natural resource that comes to mind is probably trees. But water plays an equally important role in our industry. That’s why sustainable water management is one of our top priorities. The location of our facilities shows how important water is to our manufacturing process. We’ve built our mills near abundant water supplies, such as the shores of rivers, to draw water for our operations. Managing these natural resources is important to us and to the communities in which we live. Click Read More below for additional information.

Introducing VIVO ColourSuite for the packaging industry!

Flint Group is proud to be the first ink supplier to offer a cutting edge integrated press room digital colour management service – VIVO Colour Solutions! Adding to this platform, Flint Group announces the launch of VIVO ColourSuite and VIVO ColourSuite Viewer. VIVO ColourSuite is a web-based dual software package providing on-press spectral job/colour measurement and approval functionality, plus the additional and unique opportunity to view real time colour performance graphs and a reporting dashboard across multiple machines, sites, and regions. Click Read More below for additional information.

Kotkamills adds a new member to its family of plastic free consumer boards

Kotkamills’ family of AEGLE® consumer boards is complemented by the freshest member of the family. AEGLE® Barrier Plus promotes the wider use of non-plastic packaging solutions. Easily recyclable AEGLE® Barrier Plus packaging board is especially suited for packaging greasy food, sandwiches, bakery products and frozen foods. The packaging industry is one of the key players in preventing litter ending up in the oceans and nature. Traditionally, packaging industry uses plastic barrier layer on packaging board in order to prevent grease and fluids from absorbing into the packaging material. Alternatively, organic fluorochemicals can be used as grease barriers but they might be harmful for the health. Degradation of plastic can take up to hundreds of years in natural conditions which means they are a burden for the environment for a long time, even ending up in the food chain. Click Read More below for additional information.

PEFC: We explain the changes to our sustainable forest management benchmark

Do you want to give your feedback as we revise our benchmark for sustainable forest management? But feel like you need more information on how this vital document is changing? Then make sure you register for our upcoming webinars! Taking place 12 and 14 June, these webinars will introduce and explain the main proposed changes to PEFC ST 1003 – the international benchmark that provides the basis for the requirements that forest owners or managers must meet to achieve PEFC certification at local level. Make sure you register now so you don’t miss out. Click Read More below for additional information.

Green printing. Reality or fad?

We sometimes tend to forget the sustainable advantages that paper has compared to other materials. The fact that it’s chemical free, biodegradable, has low CO2 emissions and is of sustainable origin are almost taken for granted. With the increasing attention on plastic waste and the scary images of plastic islands floating in our oceans, paper’s being perceived more positively than ever before. Janosch Schenk, Technical Customer Service Engineer, Alfeld Mill reveals just why: “Although there is no recognised certification system for green printing, we can identify trends and standard practices in the different industry segments. The reality from the paper perspective is that green printing doesn’t really bring any new difficulties to the table. We don’t need to adjust our processes because independent certifications already exist for paper that demand certification requirements. For us, green printing is a new name for something we already do.” Here are ways green printing’s already being put into practice: Click Read More below for additional information.

Book Publisher Revenue Up 6.2% in First Quarter of 2018

Publishers’ revenue increased by $143.2 million (+6.2%) for the first quarter of 2018 (Jan - March) compared to the same period in 2017. These numbers include sales for all tracked categories (Trade - fiction/non-fiction/religious, PreK-12 Instructional Materials, Higher Education Course Materials, Professional Publishing, and University Presses). The increases are attributed primarily to strong growth in trade (consumer) books in January and February. Trade books increased by $94.7 million (+6.3%) to $1.59 billion in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, with growth in Adult Books, Children & Young Adult Books and Religious Presses. Publishers also saw increased revenue for Professional Books, University Presses and Higher Ed Course Materials. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oil prices are falling fast. Here’s why

May 29, 2018
Midland Paper Clips
Misc

What a difference a week can make. Oil prices surged to their highest level in over three years last week, and strategists were marveling that prices had shot up so quickly. Now prices are slumping. US crude oil futures have dropped by nearly 10% to trade around $66.50 per barrel, down from about $73 last week. Global benchmark Brent crude oil has dropped by about 6% to trade around $76, after peaking above $80. The sharp price decline was triggered on Friday by Saudi Arabia, the biggest oil exporter in the world and de facto leader of oil cartel OPEC. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oil prices slide as OPEC, Russia mull output increase

May 25, 2018
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Oil prices plunged on Friday as reports said OPEC and Russia are considering lifting production by as much as 1 million barrels a day to meet the shortfall in supply from Iran and Venezuela. The losses came after media reports hit saying the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia are discussing plans to lift their production for the first time since 2016. Bloomberg said the major producers are considering pumping between 300,000 and 800,000 more barrels of oil a day, while Reuters said the number could be as high as 1 million barrels. Click Read More below for additional information.

NORPAC Announces Price Increase on Newsprint Products for US

Please be advised we plan to increase the price of our 27.7# (45.0 gsm.) standard newsprint by $22.00 per metric ton effective July 1, 2018. Prices for all other newsprint basis weights will be adjusted proportionally as per past practices.

Gap Inc. Reports First Quarter Results

For the first quarter ended May 5, 2018: • Net sales were $3.8 billion, an increase of 10% compared with last year. Excluding the impact from the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard, net sales increased 6% compared with last year. * The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars positively impacted the company’s net sales for the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 by about $40 million. First quarter net sales details appear in the tables at the end of this press release. • Gross profit was $1.43 billion, an increase of 10% compared with last year. Excluding the impact from the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard, gross profit increased about 3% compared with last year. Click Read More below for additional information.

AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report for Friday, 5/25/18

May 25, 2018
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National Average Price for Regular – Current: $2.969; Month Ago: $2.782; Year Ago: $2.372. National Average Price for Diesel – Current: $3.208; Month Ago: $3.043; Year Ago: $2.510.

Key Currency Exchange Rates for Friday, 5/25/18

May 25, 2018
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American Dollar to Canadian Dollar = 0.772086; American Dollar to Chinese Yuan = 0.156568; American Dollar to Euro = 1.167135; American Dollar to Japanese Yen = 0.009137; American Dollar to Mexican Peso = 0.050923.

Euro-Graph Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in March 2018 were down 8.1% vs. March 2017 and are down 4.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in March 2018 were down 12.7% vs. March 2017 and are down 8.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine papers in March 2018 were down 14.1% vs. March 2017 and are down 10.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in March 2018 were down 3.3% vs. March 2017 and are UP 1.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in March 2018 were down 1.3% vs. March 2017 and are UP 7.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in March 2018 were down 10.8% vs. March 2017 and are down 6.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in March 2018 were down 4.0% vs. March 2017 and are down 4.2% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional information.

Paper Plays a Key Role During Graduation Season

What could be more exciting than the end of the school year? For many students, the answer is graduation season. May and June mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in many families’ lives. And paper is there every step of the way, even in this digital world. What would graduation season be like without paper? Just imagine that you’re walking across the stage on your graduation day. A crowd of family and friends are in the audience to cheer you on. You reflect on your achievements and consider where you’ll hang your beautiful framed diploma. You shake hands with a school official, and then you hear, “Congratulations on your graduation! Log on to our website to access your diploma.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Thank you to all our New Brunswick Contractors – 84 NB companies from Saint John to Tracadie and everywhere in between!

The recent $40 million modernization projects at the Irving Pulp & Paper and Irving Tissue facilities in Saint John represent an investment in the future of New Brunswick. At peak, the projects included over 1200 workers from 84 local contractors and more than 400 employees at these two Saint John mills. Every year there are more than 1700 small N.B. businesses across more than 250 communities - from two employees to hundreds - that supply goods and services to the JDI forest products value chain. From seed to shelf we are adding value and jobs. Click Read More below for additional information.

Textbook Is First to Use Clickable Paper for Access to Multimedia Content

IntuIdeas' John Parsons, who co-authored "Introduction to Graphic Communication" with former Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department Head Harvey Levenson, describes release of the first textbook to use Ricoh's Clickable Paper technology. Printed by Edwards Brothers Malloy on its high-speed Ricoh Pro VC60000 inkjet press, the four-color book combines print and multimedia engagement, including access to related digital media content and reader-to-reader interaction. Click Read More below for additional information.

Preem and RenFuel to create the world’s first lignin plant for biofuels

Preem and RenFuel are assessing, in collaboration with Rottneros, the construction of the world’s first lignin plant for biofuels, at the pulp mill in Vallvik, Söderhamn. The plant is expected to produce an annual volume of 25,000-30,000 tonnes of lignin, and will be completed in 2021. The collaboration between the companies means that Preem will be the first fuel manufacturer in Sweden to use lignin in its production. Via the company Lignolproduktion AB, which is jointly owned by Preem and RenFuel, the aim is to reach a total annual production capacity of 300,000-500,000 tonnes of lignin, based on the assumption that more plants similar to that in Vallvik are established in the future. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oil slips further below $80 a barrel as focus on OPEC intensifies

May 24, 2018
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Oil prices recorded their largest one-day drop in two weeks on Thursday, with expectations building that OPEC will end an output deal that has been in place since the start of 2017 due to concerns about supplies from Venezuela and Iran. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries may decide in June to lift output to make up for reduced supply from Iran and Venezuela and in response to concerns from Washington about a rally in oil prices, OPEC and oil industry sources told Reuters. Click Read More below for additional information.

L Brands Reports First Quarter Earnings

Earnings per share for the first quarter ended May 5, 2018, were $0.17 compared to $0.33 for the quarter ended April 29, 2017. First quarter operating income was $154.8 million compared to $209.2 million last year, and net income was $47.5 million compared to $94.1 million last year. The company reported net sales of $2.626 billion for the first quarter ended May 5, 2018, an increase of 8 percent compared to sales of $2.437 billion for the quarter ended April 29, 2017. Comparable sales for the first quarter ended May 5, 2018, increased 3 percent compared to the thirteen weeks ended May 6, 2017.

Best Buy Reports Better-than-Expected First Quarter Results

Domestic revenue of $8.41 billion increased 6.3% versus last year driven by comparable sales growth of 7.1%, partially offset by the loss of revenue from 17 large-format and 193 Best Buy Mobile store closures over the past year. International revenue of $697 million increased 13.1% versus last year. This increase was primarily driven by comparable sales growth of 6.4%, due to growth in both Canada and Mexico, and approximately 500 basis points of positive foreign currency impact. Domestic gross profit rate was 23.3% versus 23.6% last year. International gross profit rate was 23.4% versus 24.5% last year. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM renames itself UPM Communication Papers

UPM Paper Europe and North America (ENA) business has been renamed UPM Communication Papers to underline the industry focus and global reach of the business area. It also highlights UPM's long-term commitment to sustaining its global graphic paper business, building on the view that paper will continue to be an important part of the media mix in the publishing industries and business communication. UPM Communication Papers is a world leading producer of graphic papers, offering an extensive product range for advertising and publishing as well as home and office uses. Click Read More below for additional information.

Expera Coated Products Launches Ultra-Modern Line of AeroBak Liners for Advanced Composites

Expera Coated Products announced today a new brand of liners used in the manufacture of Advanced Composites. AeroBak™ liners are designed with specific properties and performance characteristics to meet the extreme challenges encountered during the manufacture and delivery of prepreg. These properties represent years of development of both the base sheet and the coatings. “Expera Coated Products’ AeroBak™ liners deliver solutions to the market using unique technologies that extend our products beyond traditional release liners,” explained Harry Challender, Vice President of Expera Coated Products. “Through collaboration, our team leverages the depth of experience we have in both paper and coating technologies to provide a distinct product to address individual requirements. Expera Coated Products is committed to this industry as witnessed by our recent investment in capacity designed around the unique needs of the composite market.” Click Read More below for additional information.

“Think out of the Box” – Heidelberg shows packaging solutions for the digitized future

In the middle of May, more than 400 guests from all over the world attended the Packaging Day hosted by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site. Under the slogan “Think out of the Box”, they witnessed the premiere of the Primefire 106 – what up until then was only available to see in customers’ print shops and in the laboratory environment is now also installed in the Print Media Center Packaging, and thus completes the extensive demo range in the world’s biggest demo center for packaging solutions. Heidelberg is the only manufacturer to integrate offset and digital printing including finishing via the Prinect workflow, and is opening up new business models for packaging printing. The Packaging Day offered the visitors a platform for getting new ideas and inspiration for their current and future business models. Three information tours – “Packaging as you like”, “Operational Excellence”, and “Special Applications” – addressed the trends in the industry and provided a comprehensive presentation of the corresponding solution from Heidelberg. Click Read More below for additional information.

Kimberly-Clark to Expand Production at its North Carolina Nonwovens Plant

Kimberly-Clark Corporation has approved $30 million for expansion and improvements to its nonwovens manufacturing facility in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The plant produces nonwoven materials for Kimberly-Clark's North American adult and feminine care brands including Depend, Poise and U by Kotex. The two-year project will focus on expanding the plant's production capacity and efficiency, and is expected to add 14 new jobs at the site, while maintaining current employment. Click Read More below for additional information.

SCA: Ortviken reduces carbon emissions from fossil fuels by 60%

SCA is aiming to become completely fossil free. The Ortviken paper mill has taken a major step in the right direction and last year reported the lowest level ever of emissions from fossil fuels. In conjunction with BioCoop, Ortviken invested in a new combustion unit which made it possible to replace oil and LPG with wood powder. In 2012, Ortviken emitted 43,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, a figure that dropped to 17,000 tonnes in 2017. "This is the lowest level of emissions of fossil carbon dioxide from oil and LPG ever. In 2017, we emitted 26,000 tonnes less carbon dioxide compared with five years ago. This is equivalent to 283,000 journeys in a Volvo car between Sundsvall and Stockholm," says Charlotta Lindberg, environmental engineer at the Ortviken paper mill. Click Read More below for additional information.

SKG to acquire Reparenco for approximately €460 million

Smurfit Kappa Group plc is pleased to announce that it has agreed to acquire Reparenco, a privately owned paper and recycling business in the Netherlands, for a cash consideration of approximately €460 million following a competitive process. Reparenco operates a two machine paper mill in the Netherlands with a capacity of 675,000 tonnes together with a 750,000 tonne recovered fibre operation. Reparenco employs 315 people with Gross Assets of €189 million and generated EBITDA of €41 million in the 12 months to April 2018, during which time the business continued to ramp up production. Click Read More below for additional information.

Stein Mart, Inc. Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results

During the first quarter of 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). As a result of the new accounting standard, income relating to our credit card program and gift card breakage that previously offset selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses has been recorded in other revenue in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for all periods presented. The increase in other revenue for the first quarter of 2018 is the result of higher penetration from our growing credit card program. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2018 was $96.1 million or 29.4 percent of sales compared to $95.6 million or 28.3 percent of sales in 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.

Wood to Supercapacitors: Sustainable highly conductive electrode materials from ultrathin carbon nanofiber aerogels derived from nanofibrillated cellulose

May 24, 2018
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Carbon aerogels are ultralight, conductive materials, which are extensively investigated for applications in supercapacitor electrodes in electrical cars and cell phones. Chinese scientists have now found a way to make these electrodes sustainably. The aerogels can be obtained directly from cellulose nanofibrils, the abundant cell-wall material in wood, finds the study reported in the journal Angewandte Chemie. Supercapacitors are capacitors that can take up and release a very large amount of energy in a very short time. Key requirements for supercapacitor electrodes are a large surface area and conductivity, combined with a simple production method. Another growing issue in supercapacitor production—mainly for smartphone and electric car technologies—is sustainability. However, sustainable and economical production of carbon aerogels as supercapacitor electrode materials is possible, propose Shu-Hong Yu and colleagues from the University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. Click Read More below for additional information.

Feldmuehle Uetersen to be sold to holding company

The continued existence of Germany's specialty paper manufacturer Feldmuehle Uetersen, which has been in insolvency proceedings since January this year, is assured. With effect from 1 June, the company will be taken over by a holding company, according to Andreas Jung, spokesman of insolvency administrator Dr. Tjark Thies. The company reports that the buyer is a holding company that has not yet been active in the paper industry. Paper production is said to continue unchanged. Feldmuehle Uetersen can produce up to 250,000 tpy of white, coated label paper, packaging paper, and graphic paper.

Company eliminating 60 jobs in Middletown, Ohio

A company with a Middletown presence is laying off 60 employees starting this summer. All affected employees at Essity Operations Wausau, 700 Columbia Ave., have been notified of their layoff dates and that their separation from employment will be permanent, according to a mass layoff notice sent Thursday to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Employees are expected to be terminated from employment starting Aug. 16, with all separations complete by the end of September. Fifty-four of the affected employees are represented by a union. Click Read More below for additional information.

RISI Reports Price Increases by Lecta, Burgo

RISI reports that Lecta and Burgo are separately raising prices by 6% to 7% on CWF and UWF grades effective with deliveries from July 2018 onward.

Urban Outfitters Reports Q1-2018 Results

Total Company net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2018, increased 12.4% over the same period last year to a record $856 million. Comparable Retail segment net sales increased 10%, driven by strong, double-digit growth in the digital channel and positive retail store sales. By brand, comparable Retail segment net sales increased 15% at Free People, 10% at the Anthropologie Group and 8% at Urban Outfitters. Wholesale segment net sales increased 13%. Net income for the three months ended April 30, 2018, was $41 million and earnings per diluted share was $0.38. Click Read More below for additional information.

Target Reports First Quarter 2018 Earnings

Total revenue of $16.8 billion increased 3.4 percent from $16.2 billion last year, reflecting sales growth of 3.5 percent combined with a slight decline in other revenue. First quarter sales growth reflected comparable sales growth of 3.0 percent combined with the contribution from non-mature stores. Comparable digital channel sales grew 28 percent and contributed 1.1 percentage points of comparable sales growth. Operating income was $1,041 million in first quarter 2018, down 9.9 percent from $1,155 million in 2017. First quarter operating income margin rate was 6.2 percent, compared with 7.1 percent in 2017. First quarter gross margin rate was 29.8 percent, compared with 30.0 percent in 2017, reflecting pressure from digital fulfillments costs and sales mix, partially offset by the benefit of the Company's cost saving efforts and the net impact of changes to the Company's pricing and promotions. Click Read More below for additional information.

Layoffs underway at GP’s Camas paper mill

Reality is setting in for about 225 paper mill workers in Camas. Layoffs announced in November 2017 are now underway. Many losing their jobs have worked at the mill for decades. Workers expressed a lot of sadness, grieving the loss of jobs they spent decades doing. The decision is forever changing the city that was built around it. “There's been a paper mill in Camas for 138 years,” Korhonen said. “We were proud to make paper in Camas." Click Read More below for additional information.

DS Smith to acquire CCC to boost its box-making capacity

DS Smith will acquire Corrugated Container Corporation (CCC), for an undisclosed amount, to boost its box-making capacity. It will acquire four CCC facilities in North America in Tennessee, North Carolina and two sites in Virginia, which employs more than 190 people. Click Read More below for additional information.

Colleen Gregoire Joins Allen Press as Marketing Strategist

Allen Press, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of Colleen Gregoire as Marketing Strategist. Colleen brings over 20 years of experience in print and digital marketing, graphic design, direct mail and program development. In her new role, Gregoire will focus on helping Lawrence businesses develop innovative and results-driven marketing strategies. Colleen will be a valuable resource to the local business community and will help grow Allen Press’s in-house marketing agency. Click Read More below for additional information.

Here’s what happens if the oil rally turns into an ‘oil shock’

May 23, 2018
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The global oil benchmark flirted with the $80-a-barrel level again on Tuesday, underlining concerns that an unexpectedly strong crude rally could eventually begin to weigh on economic growth. The combination of renewed U.S. sanctions on Iran, potential sanctions on Venezuela, a rising geopolitical risk premium, strong demand and other factors have made talk of $100 crude sound less outlandish. Indeed, some analysts argue that the backdrop now leaves the market more open to potential price spikes. So what if oil did climb back to triple digits for the first time since 2014? Economists led by Arend Kapteyn at UBS laid it out in a wide-ranging note on Tuesday. Click Read More below for additional information.

Shutterbug Shuts the Door on Print After 45 Years

Much like photography itself, Shutterbug magazine is turning its focus to digital. Today, UK-based AVTech Media announced it is ceasing Shutterbug magazine’s print edition after 45 years in order to pour more resources into its website, citing a seven-fold increase in digital traffic over the last four years. Despite a circulation of nearly 100,000 readers, the cost of production and slipping ad revenues evidently called for a strategic shift. Click Read More below for additional information.

HPE Reports Fiscal 2018 Second Quarter Results

Second quarter net revenue of $7.5 billion was up 10% from the prior year and up 6% when adjusted for currency. Second quarter GAAP diluted net earnings per share (“EPS”) from continuing operations was $0.54, up from GAAP diluted net EPS from continuing operations of ($0.29) in the prior-year period. Click Read More below for additional information.

Interfor Resumes Operations at Grand Forks Sawmill

Interfor Corporation announced that it has resumed operations at its sawmill in Grand Forks, BC following severe flooding in the area over the past two weeks. The sawmill was temporarily curtailed on May 10, 2018 as a precautionary measure due to the escalating flooding in the region. Even though the sawmill was not operating during this time, a series of measures were taken by mill personnel to protect the operation against potential damage. Fortunately, such actions limited the risk to the mill’s infrastructure and equipment and has allowed the mill to resume operations now that the water level has receded. There are ongoing issues in the region related to rail line damage and the Company will be working with its carriers and customers to manage through the related logistics issues. Click Read More below for additional information.

For Publishers, 2018 Is Off to a Decent Start

The four large publicly traded consumer publishers that recently reported their financial results for the quarter ended March 31 were all able to point to some good financial news. HarperCollins had the best results, with sales up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year and profits rising 16.2%. In a conference call discussing results, Susan Panuccio, CFO of HC parent company News Corp, said the sales gains were led by the general and Christian publishing divisions. Backlist titles did particularly well, accounting for 58% of revenue in the quarter, compared to 52% a year ago, Panuccio said. She added that the strong performance of the backlist helped to boost margins. Another important contributor was downloadable audiobooks. The format had strong gains in the quarter, helping to offset softness in e-book sales and leading to a 5% increase in overall digital sales at HC compared to the prior year. The company said that downloadable audio accounted for about 25% of all digital revenue in the recent period. Digital sales represented 22% of consumer revenue for the quarter—the same percentage the format accounted for in the quarter last year. Click Read More below for additional information.

Stora Enso accelerates growth in renewable materials by co-operating with the startup Sulapac

Stora Enso and Sulapac have signed a joint development agreement to combat the global problem of plastic waste by accelerating the use of fully renewable, recyclable and biodegradable materials in packaging. Through the joint development agreement, Stora Enso will licence Sulapac’s materials and technology, and begin the development of fully renewable caps and closures for liquid packages. Other areas for joint development work include food packages and packages for consumer electronics. Click Read More below for additional information.

Arandell Names V. Clark Vialle New Business Development Executive

Arandell Corp., the trusted leader in premier catalog printing and omni-channel solutions, announced today that V. Clark Vialle has joined the New Business Development Sales Team to enhance the Northeastern/Greater Boston market. Vialle is Arandell’s newest sales executive to join this month, strengthening its sales force to meet the needs of the company’s continued growth plan. In this position, Vialle will be responsible for new client acquisition and client consultation in areas of marketing strategy, quality and color improvements, paper, print production and postal optimization. Vialle will report to Stephen Sanfelippo, Arandell’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Click Read More below for additional information.

US crude rises 1.4% to 3.5-year high on Venezuela and Iran supply concerns

May 22, 2018
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Crude prices strengthened on Monday, reversing course as geopolitical tensions continued to support the market and a trade war between the U.S. and China was declared "on hold." Geopolitical concerns that U.S. sanctions on Iran could curb the country's crude exports have led crude prices to trade higher in recent weeks, and the market is now weighing the possibility of additional sanctions on Venezuela following the country's presidential election. Click Read More below for additional information.

Bloomsbury: Audited Preliminary Results for the year ended 28 February 2018

Financial Highlights •Total revenues grew by 13% to £161.5 million (2016/17: £142.6 million). Revenues from overseas customers grew by 16% to £101.2 million, and are now 63% of total revenues •Profit before taxation and highlighted items* grew by 10% to £13.2 million (2016/17: £12.0 million), above market expectations •Proposed final dividend of 6.36p per share, making a total dividend of 7.51p per share for the year, up 12% (2016/17: 6.7p per share) •Diluted earnings per share, excluding highlighted items*, grew by 10% to 13.92p (2016/17: 12.63p) •Strong cash conversion of 161% (2017: 180%), with net cash of £25.4m at 28 February 2018 (2017: £15.5m) •Strong autumn book list and acquisition of I. B. Tauris & Co. Ltd ("IBT") will mean performance for 2018/19 will be well ahead of our previous expectations. Click Read More below for additional information.

Turpentine: A Surprising Journey from Forest to Flavors and Fragrances

May 22, 2018
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What do toothpaste, perfume, soap and ink have in common? The surprising answer is turpentine. This versatile byproduct of the pulp- and paper-making process is used in a wide range of everyday products. Consider a typical day: You wake up and brush your teeth. Then you take a shower using your favorite soap. After you get dressed, you apply some makeup or a spritz of cologne or perfume. You might not have realized it, but before you left home this morning, you used a number of products that contain a special form of turpentine that Domtar makes. Your perfume’s floral fragrance and your toothpaste’s minty freshness originated as crude sulfate turpentine, a USDA-certified, all-natural and renewable byproduct of the pulp- and paper-making process. In fact, many of the scents and flavorings in products you encounter every day are derived from byproducts of the pulp- and paper-making process. Click Read More below for additional information.

Georgia-Pacific Launches Hummingbird™ to Provide Unmatched Digital Print Capabilities

Digital presses have revolutionized the packaging industry, delivering high-impact color and creating a new paradigm for versioning and customization. Despite its innovations, digitally printed packaging has not always offered solutions across the full spectrum of sizes and quantities. With the launch of Hummingbird™ digital packaging solutions, Georgia-Pacific is overcoming that barrier by producing digital pre-print for a full range of customer needs, from specialty versions to everyday large runs and beyond. Hummingbird is the first packaging supplier in North America to provide 110-inch wide web capability for digital pre-print at lengths limited only by converting capability. The technology delivers high-quality, digitally printed corrugated packaging that gets products to market up to 80 percent faster than traditional methods and provides a new range of marketing and supply chain management opportunities for brands. The size, quality and speed of the press also dramatically increases the cost effectiveness of digitally printed packaging, even at high volume. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa produces pioneering and sustainable primary packaging for food

The food-safe MB12 packaging helps customers to eliminate mineral oil migration with a sustainable solution. The Smurfit Kappa MB12 technology is designed to prevent the migration of mineral oil into packaged food. MB12’s efficiency has been verified by Eurofins, the world leader in food and pharmaceutical product testing, to give customers full confidence that the primary packaging acts as a barrier to provide robust protection against outside influences.1 An independent year-long study by the Technical University of Dresden found that Smurfit Kappa’s MB12 was the most effective product on the market for protecting packaged food against potential contamination. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sun Chemical Forges Distribution Partnership with Cyngient

May 22, 2018
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Sun Chemical has named Cyngient as a strategic distribution partner of its inks, coatings, and other solutions for offset, narrow web tag and label (NWTL), commercial sheetfed and folding carton printers. The new partnership allows Sun Chemical and Cyngient to reach their North American inks customers faster and more efficiently, and jointly provide customers with technical and product support. Cyngient customers will now have access to Sun Chemical’s full range of solutions for the marketplace which can be combined with many of Cyngient’s specialties, including special effects, soft touch and tactile coatings, cold foil solutions, and in-mold products. Click Read More below for additional information.

Evergreen – Price Announcement Effective 7/1 – Coated Paper

Effective with all orders shipping on or after July 1, 2018, Evergreen Packaging is raising the transaction price on all specialty and coated groundwood products by $2.00/cwt. This increase applies to all products, including, but not limited to, the brands listed below: TruSpec4; TruSpec4.5; TruSpec5; Coated Freesheet; Coated 1-Side. ALL Grades, Basis Weights and Finishes. All standard upcharges will continue to apply.

American Forest & Paper Association Releases April 2018 Boxboard Report

Total boxboard production increased 4.0 percent when compared to April 2017 and increased 2.6 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production increased over the same month a year ago and increased compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production increased when compared to April 2017 and increased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard increased compared to April 2017 and increased when compared to last month.

American Forest & Paper Association Releases April 2018 Printing-Writing Paper Monthly Report

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased four percent in April compared to April 2017. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased less than one-half of one percent from March. Imports of printing-writing papers decreased less than one-half of one percent compared to March 2017 imports, while exports remained flat compared to March 2018. •Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in April 2018 increased year-over-year, the third increase in four months. Imports of UFS decreased 22 percent year-over-year in March – the tenth consecutive decrease of 12 percent or more. Exports of UFS papers increased 25 percent in March compared to March 2017. •Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in April 2018 by more than 20 percent. Imports of UM decreased one percent year-over-year in March. Exports of UM decreased 45 percent year-over-year in March. •Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper and coated mechanical (CM) papers in April both declined year-over-year for the eleventh consecutive month. Imports of CM papers increased 33 percent compared to March 2017, partly on the strength of a 47 percent year-over-year increase in CM imports from Canada.

BPM Paper Endorses the Paper & Packaging-How Life Unfolds® Promotional Campaign

Wisconsin based paper mill, celebrates Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® promotional campaign from the Paper and Packaging Board. The Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® campaign is an industry-funded effort to highlight the important role paper and packaging play in lives, helping to accomplish goals and keep goods and products safe. “We are pleased to see the Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® campaign in the market,” said Jim Koronkiewicz, BPM General Manager. “Our mill has made paper for over 75 years and while we have observed the increased use in technology, statistics show that paper usage creates a long-lasting impression and helps aid communication. The use of promotional videos, information and new brand ambassadors help to strengthen the consumer connection established by the campaign." Click Read More below for additional information.

Trump personally pushed postmaster general to double rates on Amazon, other firms

President Trump has personally pushed U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan to double the rate the Postal Service charges Amazon.com and other firms to ship packages, according to three people familiar with their conversations, a dramatic move that probably would cost these companies billions of dollars. Brennan has so far resisted Trump’s demand, explaining in multiple conversations occurring this year and last that these arrangements are bound by contracts and must be reviewed by a regulatory commission, the three people said. She has told the president that the Amazon relationship is beneficial for the Postal Service and gave him a set of slides that showed the variety of companies, in addition to Amazon, that also partner for deliveries. Click Read More below for additional information.

Kimberly-Clark Awards $1.2 Million in Bright Futures College Scholarships

Kimberly-Clark announced its 2018 Bright Futures Scholarship Program has awarded $1.2 million in college scholarships to 60 children of Kimberly-Clark employees in 17 U.S. states. Recipients were chosen based on academic achievement, leadership, work experience and involvement in extracurricular activities. Marking its 26th year, the Bright Futures program provides scholarship grants worth up to $20,000, or $5,000 per school year, for full-time students attending accredited colleges and universities. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $40 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 students. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Helsinki Court of Appeal has rejected the claims of Metsähallitus in the raw wood case

On 21.5.2018, the Helsinki Court of Appeal rendered its judgment in a case in which Metsähallitus claims damages from Metsäliitto Cooperative, Stora Enso Oyj and UPM-Kymmene Corporation based on their conduct on the wood market in 1997–2004. In its judgment, the Court of Appeal rejected the claims made by Metsähallitus and ordered Metsähallitus to compensate the defendants’ legal costs. The total amount of the joint and several claim for damages made by Metsähallitus in the Court of Appeal was 124.9 million euros. Metsäliitto Cooperative’s share of the capital of the claimed damages was 39.1 million euros. In addition, Metsähallitus claimed compensation for indirect damages, VAT, interest and compensation for legal costs. Click Read More below for additional information.

Austria, Canada, UK and Uruguay achieve PEFC re-endorsement

The Austrian, Canadian, UK and Uruguayan national forest certification systems have successfully achieved PEFC re-endorsement, confirming they continue to meet our globally recognized Sustainability Benchmarks. Combined, these four systems account for over 40 million hectares of sustainably managed forest. For both Austria and the UK, this is the fourth time these systems have achieved PEFC endorsement; it is the third time for Canada and the second for Uruguay. Click Read More below for additional information.

Soft Fiction Sales Result in Dip in Mid-May Unit Sales

Unit sales of print books fell by less than 1% in the week ended May 13, 2018, compared to the similar week in 2017, at outlets that report to NPD BookScan. Gains in nonfiction largely offset declines in fiction in the week. Units increased 4% in the adult nonfiction category over the week ended May 14, 2017, as the segment had the industry’s two biggest-selling books: Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines sold more than 171,000 copies, while The Soul of America by Jon Meacham sold nearly 39,000 copies in its first week, landing it in the second spot on both the category and overall bestseller lists. Print unit sales in juvenile nonfiction rose 7% over 2017; a number of new books helped give the segment a boost. Click Read More below for additional information.

St1 and SCA form partnership to produce renewable fuels

The aim of the partnership is to construct a new facility to produce advanced renewable fuels from tall oil with a capacity of 100 000 tonnes per annum. Construction of the new facility, subject to permission process and final approval from both companies, is expected to cost around 500 MSEK to build and is planned to be operational in 2021. Tall oil is a residual product from the production of kraft pulp in SCA’s mills Östrand, Obbola and Munksund. SCA is presently expanding its kraft pulp mill Östrand and as a result the production of tall oil from the mill will increase by more than 100 per cent. Between the two partners, the parties constitute the full value-chain from the raw material to the refining process, distribution and sale of the renewable fuel to the customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

TFT’s response to Greenpeace’s decision to end its engagement with Asia Pulp and Paper

Greenpeace announced its decision to withdraw its engagement with APP after 5 years of cooperation. The issues flagged by Greenpeace that resulted in this disengagement came to light when Associated Press raised some of these concerns in an article in December last year. Since then APP has worked specifically to address the problems that fall within the scope of responsibility of the company, including agreeing on a detailed action plan with TFT to address these issues. Despite concerns raised by Greenpeace, our teams remain confident that maintaining an open dialogue and a strong working relationship with APP and all its stakeholders is essential to achieving success. We have witnessed this along our journey of supporting APP’s Forest Conservation Policy since 2013, where we faced similar challenges and found solutions collectively. Hence, TFT recommends that customers stay engaged with APP and their supply chain, closely tracking the company’s progress till the issues are resolved. Markets should also not move away from the transformation journey. Their support for transformation is essential to make sure this positive move happens. Click Read More below for additional information.

Catalyst Paper Announces Price Increase for July 1, 2018

Please be advised that, effective with deliveries July 1, 2018, the US transaction price for the following grades from Catalyst Paper will be increasing for new and existing orders. Grades impacted include: Orion®; Vision®; Escanaba®; Dependoweb®; Capri®; Consoweb®. This increase applies to all basis weights as designated above, finishes and grade extensions.

Nordstrom Reports First Quarter 2018 Earnings

Total Company net sales increased 5.8 percent for the first quarter ended May 5, 2018 compared with the quarter ended April 29, 2017. This reflected an increase of approximately 250 basis points primarily due to the shift of a Nordstrom Rewards loyalty event into the first quarter relative to the second quarter last year. Comparable sales for the first quarter ended May 5, 2018 increased 0.6 percent, compared with the 13-week period ended May 6, 2017. First quarter net earnings were $87 million compared with $63 million during the same period in fiscal 2017. Results in 2017 included an interest expense charge of $18 million related to a debt refinancing. Click Read More below for additional information.

ANDRITZ to supply bio-methanol plant for Södra’s Mönsterås mill in Sweden

The bio-methanol treatment plant supplied by ANDRITZ is designed to produce 5,000 tons of bio-methanol per year. The plant is a key part of a new process producing sustainable bio-methanol from renewable raw material. Bio-methanol can be used in shipping, for example, as a stand-alone fuel, as well as for the production of biodiesel (RME), as an additive in petrol, or as a raw material in the chemical industry. The methanol produced is compliant with the IMPCA Reference Specifications for merchantable methanol. Start-up of the plant is scheduled for the third quarter of 2019. The global methanol production is in the order of 80 million tons per year and is generated mostly from fossil raw materials. In the chemical wood pulping process, methanol is formed as a by-product that contains many impurities. This raw methanol is purified to a merchantable bio-methanol, which is chemically identical to fossil-based methanol. The bio-methanol generated contributes towards reducing the amount of fossil greenhouse gas emissions. Click Read More below for additional information.

AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report for Friday, 5/18/18

May 18, 2018
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National Average Price for Regular – Current: $2.914; Month Ago: $2.731; Year Ago: $2.338. National Average Price for Diesel – Current: $3.167; Month Ago: $3.017; Year Ago: $2.499.

Key Currency Exchange Rates for Friday, 5/18/18

May 18, 2018
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American Dollar to Canadian Dollar = 0.780393; American Dollar to Chinese Yuan = 0.156770; American Dollar to Euro = 1.178209; American Dollar to Japanese Yen = 0.009010; American Dollar to Mexican Peso = 0.050626.

US crude ends flat, settling at $71.49, as oil fails to hold gains on Iran sanctions concern

May 18, 2018
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Brent, the international benchmark for oil prices, hit a session high of $80.50 a barrel on Thursday, its strongest level since Nov. 24, 2014, when it topped out at $80.85. The contract eased back to $79.19 by 2:25 p.m. ET, down 9 cents. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude ended the day unchanged from the previous session at $71.49 a barrel. WTI earlier hit a high going back to Nov. 28, 2014 at $72.30 a barrel. Click Read More below for additional information.

heinzelsales acquires Firgos Malaysia

heinzelsales (Wilfried Heinzel AG), the sales network of Heinzel Group, announces the acquisition of Firgos (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., a paperboard trading company based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With a team of eleven employees and a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Firgos Malaysia offers paper and board products from suppliers around the world to customers across Southeast Asia. heinzelsales has taken over the company from Mayr-Melnhof Cartonboard International GmbH, a subsidiary of Austrian paperboard producer Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG. Mayr-Melnhof will continue serving Southeast Asian customers through Firgos Malaysia. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sappi North America Opens 2018 ‘Ideas that Matter’ Call for Entries

Sappi North America announced the call for entries for its 2018 Ideas that Matter grant program, inviting designers to show the world how design – specifically print – can play an important role in changing lives for the better. Sappi established the Ideas that Matter grant program 19 years ago to fund designers who apply their creative talents to causes that address significant issues facing our society. For nearly two decades, Sappi has witnessed firsthand how the creative and integrated work of designers can change society. Sappi remains committed to the belief that good ideas inspire people to take action, and great ideas change the world. Though many media choices are available, print is at the heart of influential and effective messaging and a perfect complement to promote positive social causes. Click Read More below for additional information.

American Forest & Paper Association Releases April 2018 Containerboard Report

Containerboard production was up 0.7 percent compared to April 2017 and up 0.7 percent year-to-date. The month-over-month average daily production compared to March 2018 was 0.5 percent lower. The containerboard operating rate was 98.3 percent, 2.5 percentage points higher than the same month last year. Production for exports was 3.0 percent lower than April 2017 and 5.8 percent lower year-to-date.

American Forest & Paper Association Releases April 2018 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly Report

Total Packaging Papers shipments were up 12.3 percent compared to April 2017, but down 1.0 percent year-to-date. Bag & Sack shipments were flat year-to-date. Multiwall shipments were down 6.7 percent, Converting shipments were down 0.4 percent and Food Wrapping shipments were up 3.1 percent. The operating rate for April increased slightly to 92.9 percent from 92.7 percent in March. Inventories were down 0.8 percent since March.

Verso Announces Coated Paper Price Increase for July 2018

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of July 1, 2018 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Freesheet Web and Coated Groundwood Web grades by 4% to 6%. This includes, but, is not limited to: ArborWeb Plus® web; Sterling® Ultra web; Sterling® Ultra caliper web; Productolith® Pts. web; Publishers Matte®; Publishers ThinBulk®; ArborWeb® web; Influence® web; Focus® web; Liberty® web; Balance® web; New Era® Matte; New Era® ThinBulk. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.

O-I Announces Plant Closure in Atlanta

Owens-Illinois, Inc. announced that it has finalized plans to cease production at its Atlanta, GA, plant. The closure is expected to occur on or after July 18, 2018. O-I intends to facilitate the closure in a respectful manner for the approximately 250 people impacted at the Atlanta plant. Current customers of the plant will be served by other domestic plants in the O-I network. The Company remains strongly focused on optimizing the overall efficiency of, and investments in, its regional plant network. The required capital outlay for the Atlanta operations and continued decline of beer in the domestic market influenced the decision to close the plant. O-I's supply-demand profile in the U.S. will be roughly balanced after this closure. Click Read More below for additional information.

White Birch sets $22/tonne June 15 price increase on 45-g newsprint (RISI)

White Birch Paper set a $22/tonne price increase on shipments of 45-g (27.7-lb) newsprint, effective June 15. All other basis weights will be increased according to past practice, White Birch said.

Bertelsmann Accelerates its Revenue Growth in First Quarter of 2018

◾ Revenues rise to €3.99 billion ◾ Organic growth improves to 2.7 percent ◾ High-growth businesses show organic revenue growth of 7.9 percent ◾ Operating EBITDA before negative exchange-rate effects up year-on-year ◾ Group profit at €172 million. Click Read More below for additional information.

6 Proofreading Tips That Start With Paper

Whether you write a little or a lot, you should take a moment to look for errors before sending that email or submitting that report or presentation. But should you proofread on paper or on your computer? We asked professionals for their top proofreading tips, and they recommended proofreading on paper. Why? Because proofreading on paper delivers better results. Tom Stafford, who studies typos (short for typographical errors) at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, explained why it can be so difficult to spot errors when proofing onscreen. Click Read More below for additional information.

Fortress Global Enterprises Reports First Quarter 2018 Results

Fortress Global Enterprises Inc. reported 2018 first quarter operating EBITDA loss from continuing operations of $1.4 million compared to operating EBITDA loss from continuing operations of $5.7 million in the previous quarter and operating EBITDA from continuing operations of $6.0 million in the prior year comparative period. The Dissolving Pulp Segment generated operating EBITDA of $0.2 million and corporate costs were $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki: Our new 100% biodegradable and recyclable PRESTIGE wine bottle dividers reuse the excess of Burgundy’s vine shoot

Huhtamaki La Rochelle in France is proud to introduce a new range of bottle dividers, the PRESTIGE, created in collaboration with Vitis Valorem, located at Meursault, Burgundy. PRESTIGE range is the result of a big idea, paying homage to the vitality and natural qualities of wine and at the same time building on our deep knowledge of using recycled materials. Our new bottle divider uses a new and unique raw material normally wasted every year: vine shoots. “Our aim was to create a high-quality, natural bottle divider solution for wineries including a new sustainable raw material,” says Amandine Duranton, Wine Segment Sales Manager from Huhtamaki in France. “The 100% biodegradable and recyclable PRESTIGE wine bottle dividers are made of recycled paper and vine shoot powder.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Pabst Brewing Company Selects InnerWorkings as its Marketing Execution Partner

InnerWorkings, Inc. announced a new long-term contract with Pabst Brewing Company, North America’s largest privately held brewing company. Under a five-year contract, InnerWorkings will be the exclusive provider for Pabst’s retail marketing execution. The full scope of services includes branded merchandise, creative services, retail environments and displays, warehousing and logistics, and point-of-sale marketing collateral – all powered by a single technology solution to simplify processes, deliver flexibility, and improve transparency. InnerWorkings will reinvent the buying process for Pabst, add creative resources to support innovation, and advance the migration toward a digital in-store customer experience. Click Read More below for additional information.

JCPenney Reports First Quarter 2018 Financial Results

For the first quarter ended May 5, 2018, total net sales decreased 4.3 % to $2.58 billion compared to $2.70 billion for the first quarter ended Apr. 29, 2017. The decline in total net sales was primarily the result of the 141 stores that closed in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2017. Comparable sales increased 0.2 % for the first quarter. Credit income, which was previously reflected as a reduction to SG&A, was $87 million for the first quarter this year compared to $83 million in the first quarter last year. For the first quarter, the Company’s net loss was $78 million, or ($0.25) per share, compared to a net loss of $187 million, or ($0.60) per share in the same period last year. Adjusted net loss was $69 million, or ($0.22) per share, for the first quarter this year compared to adjusted net income of $2 million, or $0.01 per share, for the first quarter last year. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mayr-Melnhof Group Results for the first Quarter of 2018

The Group's consolidated sales went up to EUR 592.1 million and were thus 1.3 % above the comparative figure of the previous year (1Q 2017: EUR 584.5 million). The slight increase results from both divisions. Operating profit at EUR 57.1 million was 12.8 % or EUR 6.5 million above the previous year’s value (1Q 2017: EUR 50.6 million). A rise at the cartonboard division contrasted with a decline at the packaging division. The Group's operating margin reached 9.6 %, following 8.7 % in the first three months of 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.

Walmart Reports Q1 FY19 Results

•Total revenue was $122.7 billion, an increase of $5.1 billion, or 4.4%. Excluding currency2, total revenue was $120.7 billion, an increase of $3.2 billion, or 2.7%. •Walmart U.S. comp sales1,2 increased 2.1%, and comp traffic increased 0.8%. •Sam's Club comp sales1,2 increased 3.8% led by comp traffic growth of 5.6%. Tobacco sales negatively impacted comp sales by approximately 140 basis points •The company generated $5.2 billion in operating cash flow. Click Read More below for additional information.

Meredith’s FOOD & WINE Reveals New Look In June Issue

Meredith Corporation's FOOD & WINE announced that its June issue marks the debut of a fresh editorial redesign. The issue is on newsstands today and is accessible at FoodandWine.com. Since joining FOOD & WINE in June 2017, Editor-in-Chief Hunter Lewis has led the brand's creative team to inspire and empower their audience to eat, drink, entertain, and travel better—every day and everywhere. The purpose of the magazine's design evolution is to deliver a fresher look, a more joyful experience, and more service on every page. "We're excited to give coverage of food, recipes, and drink even more real estate in every issue," said Lewis. "With any creative endeavor, the look will continue to evolve, as will our coverage of the chefs, winemakers, and tastemakers who are shaping our dynamic food and drink culture." Click Read More below for additional information.

Resolute Forest Products Announces Newsprint Price Increase

We are announcing a US$22/metric tonne (for 45.0 gsm) newsprint price increase effective with shipments on or after June 15, 2018. Other basis weights will be adjusted accordingly. Please note that this price increase does not apply to Ponderay Newsprint Company.

Macy’s, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2018 Earnings

Net sales in the first quarter of 2018 totaled $5.541 billion, an increase of 3.6 percent, compared with sales of $5.350 billion in the first quarter of 2017. Comparable sales on an owned basis were up 3.9 percent in the first quarter and up 4.2 percent on an owned plus licensed basis. The company estimates that comparable sales in the first quarter of 2018 benefited approximately 250 basis points from the shift of Friends and Family from the second quarter to the first. Excluding this, the company estimates that comparable sales were up 1.7 percent on an owned plus licensed basis. Macy's, Inc.'s operating income for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $238 million, or 4.3 percent of sales, compared to $219 million, or 4.1 percent of sales, for the first quarter of 2017. Operating income for the first quarter of 2018 totaled $257 million, or 4.6 percent of sales, excluding impairment and other costs of $19 million, which primarily relate to the wind-down of Macy's China Limited as discussed below. The company anticipates recognizing additional charges of approximately $10 million related to the wind-down over the course of fiscal 2018. There were no impairment and other costs in the first quarter of 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.

Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Halt Tariffs on Canadian Newsprint Paper

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. Senate, led by Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), have introduced a bill that would delay dumping tariffs and countervailing duties currently being applied to imports of Canadian uncoated groundwood (UGW), or newsprint, being used primarily by newspaper, book, directory and circular printers, as well as other publishers and printers. The PRINT (Protecting Rational Incentives in Newsprint Trade) Act would suspend the import taxes of up to 32% on Canadian uncoated groundwood paper and would require the U.S. Department of Commerce to complete a study within 90 days on the economic health of the newsprint and U.S. newspaper industry in general. The bill would also postpone any action by the Commerce Department and the International Trade Commission on newsprint import duties until President Donald Trump receives the report and certifies that the taxes are in the economic interests of the United States. Click Read More below for additional information.

APP Response to Greenpeace Statement

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) is disappointed by the statement released by Greenpeace today. Greenpeace has been an integral partner in our sustainability journey since 2013, and their engagement and support has resulted in much progress in the fight against deforestation in Indonesia. Greenpeace were instrumental in the drafting of our Forest Conservation Policy (FCP), which has helped APP achieve a deforestation-free supply chain. Among many other achievements, APP has also identified and protected more than 600,000ha of natural forest through the implementation of High Carbon Stock Approach and High Conservation Value studies within its concessions and those of its third party suppliers. Their statement today, however, has expanded the issue to the rest of the Sinar Mas Group, which is outside the scope of the FCP. Over the past three months, we have been communicating with Greenpeace transparently to address the issues raised by Associated Press (AP) report. Click Read More below for additional information.

IEA warns global oil demand may suffer as crude nears $80

May 16, 2018
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Global demand for oil is likely to moderate this year, as the price of crude nears $80 a barrel and many key importing nations no longer offer consumers generous fuel subsidies, the International Energy Agency said on Wednesday. Oil has risen 51 percent in the last year, driven by coordinated supply cuts and, this month, by concern over Iranian supply after the United States said it would reimpose sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear activities. Click Read More below for additional information.

Rainforest Alliance Partnership Preserves Forests, Promotes Biodiversity

For nearly two decades, our Rainforest Alliance partnership has helped preserve the integrity of North American forests and promote biodiversity conservation through responsible paper production and fiber sourcing. Our shared initiatives include some of the earliest forest certification projects as well as ongoing landowner education efforts. The Rainforest Alliance’s CEO, Han de Groot, recently spoke about changes at the organization since their merger with UTZ this past January and the enduring relationship and shared goals with Domtar. Q: Our Rainforest Alliance partnership has endured since 2000, thanks to our shared ideas on sustainable forestry. What makes this partnership unique? Click Read More below for additional information.

US e-commerce sales grow 14% in Q1 2018

First-quarter U.S. e-commerce sales grew 14.1% compared with the first quarter of 2017, according to Adobe Analytics’ Digital Dollar report—a new year-round report that tracks revenue trends beyond the holidays. While not as strong as Q4’s 2017 year-over-year growth of 14.7%, Adobe says this is the first-ever Q1 with more than $100 billion in U.S. online retail revenue. Adobe’s data is based on an analysis of more than 1 trillion visits to more than 4,500 retail sites and 55 million SKUs, and it measures online transactions at what Adobe considers to be 80 of the largest 100 U.S. web retailers. Click Read More below for additional information.

Metsä Group establishes an innovation company and plans to build a demo plant in Äänekoski, Finland for the production of textile fibres

Metsä Group has established a new innovation company, Metsä Spring Ltd. The company will, together with partner organisations, invest in new endeavours with the target to identify and develop new business opportunities in sustainable forest-based bioeconomy and circular economy. Niklas von Weymarn has been appointed CEO of the company. He transfers to Metsä Spring from the position of VP, Research in Metsä Fibre, also part of Metsä Group. The office of Metsä Spring is in the heart of the internationally-acknowledged Otaniemi innovation campus in Espoo, Finland. The establishment of the new innovation company does not affect the current research and development activities of Metsä Group’s current business areas. ”With the establishment of Metsä Spring, we want to create a new dimension to Metsä Group’s innovation activities and thereby participate more actively in the development of new business concepts in forest-based bioeconomy and circular economy. A large share of new ideas are generated outside our company and the new business concepts are increasingly developed in novel partnerships. The new innovation company enables Metsä Group to better take part in this activity,” says Metsä Group’s President and CEO and Metsä Spring’s Chairman of the Board Ilkka Hämälä. Click Read More below for additional information.

March Bookstore Sales Increased 3.5%

Bookstore sales rose 3.5% in March over the same month in 2017, according to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Sales for the month were $734 million, up from $709 million a year ago. The March increase followed a 2.3% gain in February, which ended a six-month slide in bookstore sales. The two-month rally in bookstore sales, however, was not quite enough to overcome the steep decline bookstore sales posted in January. Click Read More below for additional information.

TC Transcontinental Packaging Wins Big at the 2018 Excellence in Flexography Awards

TC Transcontinental Packaging is pleased to announce that it swept the Wide Web/Process/Film category at the 2018 Excellence in Flexography Awards of the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) by winning a Bronze, Silver and Gold award. Additionally, TC Transcontinental Packaging was the recipient of the coveted “Best of Show” award, for Transcontinental Robbie’s Post Fruity Pebbles/Cocoa Pebbles packages, while also winning a Silver award in the Wide Web/Line/Film category as well as in the Wide Web/Screen/Film category, a Bronze in the Wide Web/Screen/Coated Paper category, and a Self-Promotion award for its Inspire NexGen 240 bag. For the second year in a row, TC Transcontinental Packaging has been recognized with the prestigious “Best of Show” for its printing performance and execution. These back-to-back awards are further proof that TC Transcontinental Packaging is creating some of North America’s finest and most innovative flexible packaging; each carefully tailored and printed to meet the specific needs of its customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

Stora Enso launches a Green Bond Framework

Stora Enso launches its Green Bond Framework as part of its Sustainable Finance approach. The ambition is to offer a loan-format to support sustainability-focused fixed income investors and to report the direct environmental impacts of some its investments and business activities. The Group will use this bond format to complement its other funding sources. Stora Enso’s strategy on Sustainable Finance is a natural part of its overall agenda on sustainability and an integral part of its focus on being the world’s leading renewable materials company. Stora Enso’s goal is to work with funding partners for whom sustainability is a key part of their lending agenda. Stora Enso’s aim is to have all its suppliers, including those for financial services join the Stora Enso Supplier Code of Conduct. We see this as generating competitive advantage and thus prefer to partner with banks and financial service providers that make sustainability a leading issue in their respective eco-systems. Click Read More below for additional information.

Stora Enso launches biocomposites as a renewable replacement for plastics

Stora Enso is launching its wood-based biocomposites, DuraSense™ by Stora Enso. This is another major step on the group’s journey to replacing fossil-based materials with renewable solutions. DuraSense is available to companies seeking high performance and a sustainable, bio-based alternative to plastics. DuraSense enables the use of renewable fibres, such as wood, to substitute for a large portion of fossil-based plastic. The production of biocomposites began in 2018 at Stora Enso’s Hylte Mill in Sweden, following the EUR 12 million investment announced in 2017. At full production, the mill’s annual production capacity is 15 000 tonnes, which is the largest capacity in Europe dedicated to wood fibre composites. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Home Depot Announces First Quarter Results

The Home Depot®reported sales of $24.9 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, a 4.4 percent increase from the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Comparable sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 were positive 4.2 percent, and comp sales in the U.S. were positive 3.9 percent. Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 were $2.4 billion, or $2.08 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $2.0 billion, or $1.67 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2017. For the first quarter of fiscal 2018, diluted earnings per share increased 24.6 percent from the same period in the prior year. Click Read More below for additional information.

Allen Press and The Pitch Announce Printing Collaboration

Allen Press, Inc. and The Pitch magazine are pleased to announce a new printing relationship. The Pitch will be printed in Lawrence, Kansas by Allen Press beginning with the June 2018 issue. “As local owners ourselves, we’re really pleased to connect with Allen Press to be our exclusive magazine printing partner,” said Stephanie Carey. Carey and her husband Adam, both natives of Kansas City, purchased The Pitch late last year and restored the alternative publication to local ownership again for the first time in nearly twenty years. “We knew of Allen Press by its reputation for high-quality work in the Kansas City area and the region,” said Adam Carey, chief operating officer for The Pitch. “They share our commitment to the Lawrence and Kansas City communities and we think they’re an ideal fit,” he added. Click Read More below for additional information.

Barnes & Noble Announces 22nd Annual Summer Reading Campaign Encouraging Kids to Read All Summer Long

Barnes & Noble, Inc. announced the return of its customer-favorite Summer Reading Program. Now in its 22nd year, the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program encourages kids across the country in grades 1-6 to celebrate the joy of reading all summer long and gives them the exciting opportunity to earn a free book by reading eight books and turning in a completed reading journal listing the books they’ve read. Free books this year include perennial favorites such as Pete the Cat, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Artemis Fowl, plus many more for children in grades 1-6. “The Summer Reading Program is one of our most popular campaigns at Barnes & Noble because it encourages kids to engage with reading material during the summer, while providing parents with the peace of mind that their families are still learning and growing,” said Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children’s Books at Barnes & Noble. “We’re really excited about this year’s exceptional lineup of recent bestsellers and timeless favorites, and we encourage kids across the country in grades 1-6 to get their journals soon so they can experience the joy of reading and earn their free book.” Click Read More below for additional information.

BillerudKorsnäs initiates negotiations on new organisation

BillerudKorsnäs today announces that negotiations with labour unions over a proposal for new organisation will be initiated within short. The proposal contains a full profit and loss responsibility in three divisions. “During my first months with BillerudKorsnäs, it has become clear to me that we have great conditions for profitable growth. In order for us to take maximum advantage out of these conditions, we need to become faster and clarify accountability within the company. This we now want to accomplish through a new organisation in three divisions with full profit and loss responsibility”, says Petra Einarsson, President and CEO of BillerudKorsnäs. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oil gains while U.S. crude’s discount to Brent deepens

May 15, 2018
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Oil prices rose on Monday as OPEC reported that the global oil glut has been virtually eliminated, while U.S. crude’s discount to global benchmark Brent widened to more than $7, its deepest in five months. U.S. shale production is expected to hit a record 7.18 million barrels per day (bpd), the Energy Information Administration said. The production growth may be far from over, contributing to U.S. crude’s discount to Brent, analysts said.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Martha Stewart Team Up on New Book The Martha Manual: How to Do (Almost) Everything

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Sequential Brands Group announced a new partnership for the release of Martha Stewart’s next three lifestyle books. Each title will be an essential guide to doing things the Martha way, featuring fresh content that captures her impeccable taste and incomparable guidance on everything from entertaining, to healthy living, to organizing, and decorating. “So many of us have admired Martha Stewart for decades. She’s a cultural icon the nation continually turns to for trusted advice,” says Deb Brody, VP Editor-In-Chief, HMH Trade Publishing. “We are overjoyed to launch this partnership between Martha Stewart and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt with her lifetime’s expertise collected for the first time in one indispensable volume. This is the book Martha’s fans have been waiting for.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Welcome to Packaging Premiere of Milan

Packaging Première exhibition has been a great success last year gathering designers, advertising agencies, brand owners and the major players of the sector. This year the number of converters and exhibitors has considerably increased. Kotkamills is confirming its strong presence with its high performance virgin fibre folding boxboards AEGLE® White and AEGLE® Pro. Most of the key customers in cosmetic, body care, pharma and luxury packaging will be also present with their own booths or visiting Kotkamills and Sapii Srl representing the Kotkamills products in Italy. A big success is again expected with Kotkamills’ AEGLE® brand recognized as a main player in these sectors.

Appvion Receives Court Approval of Sale to Lender Group Led by Franklin Advisers

Appvion, Inc. announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the sale of substantially all of the Company's assets to a group of its lenders led by Franklin Advisers, Inc. The sale is expected to be completed by the end of May. The Purchaser submitted the previously announced stalking horse bid on February 8, 2018. Under the terms of the executed asset purchase agreement filed with the Bankruptcy Court, the total consideration is approximately $340 million plus the assumption of substantial liabilities, including many of the Company's contractual obligations. The transaction will substantially reduce Appvion's debt from approximately $585 million to less than $175 million and provide additional liquidity to fund the Company's operations. Kevin Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of Appvion, said, "We are pleased to receive the Court's approval of the sale of our company to a group of our lenders who have been long-term supporters of Appvion. Their continued investment is a vote of confidence in the future of our business." Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa takes another stride forward in reaching sustainability goals

Smurfit Kappa has achieved a 26% reduction in CO2 emissions three years ahead of time, according to its annual Sustainable Development Report, which was published today. The packaging leader had set an ambitious target to reduce the relative total fossil CO2 emissions in its mill system by 25%. In today’s report, the packaging leader confirmed that it had surpassed the target, which had a 2020 deadline, at the end of 2017. While Smurfit Kappa’s paper-based packaging is renewable and recyclable, the paper production process itself is energy intensive. Reaching the climate change goal further reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by focusing on energy efficiency and the use of renewable sources of fuel such as biomass, where feasible. Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Raflatac expands food labeling range with four new food-safe products

UPM Raflatac is introducing four new food-safe labeling products to the European market. This will expand the company's food labeling range, providing a wider range of material options for brand owners and packaging designers. All four products meet the European Union's stringent requirements for food safety. Synthermal Clear Plus is a high-clarity direct thermal film that provides excellent product visibility for a no-label look on food packaging. Demonstrating a clear commitment to product safety, the film is Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) free - taking the European Union legislation that requires thermal paper sold in Europe to be BPA free after 2 January 2020 one step further. Synthermal Clear Plus has excellent convertibility with a great deal of flexibility for process improvements at the printer. Click Read More below for additional information.

Resolute to Invest Over $52 million in its Saint-Félicien Pulp Mill in Quebec

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced a $52.3 million strategic investment plan for its Saint-Félicien pulp mill, located in the Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, and many dignitaries and company employees. "The significant investments at Saint-Félicien are expected to improve several areas of the operation, increasing the average daily production capacity by 76 metric tons and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels by 20%," said Yves Laflamme, president and chief executive officer. Click Read More below for additional information.

Lecta Announces Price Increase for North America

Please be advised that Lecta will increase its prices by 5%, for new orders with a delivery date on and after May 14th, 2018. This increase is applicable on web rolls of: Condat Gloss, Silk, Matte, Digital; Garda Gloss and Silk Matte, Digital; Creator Star and Silk Matte, Digital; Mill and private brands Gloss, Silk, Matte, Digital.

Colbert Packaging Inspires Elementary School Students in Salem, Wisconsin, to be Wise Stewards of Natural Resources

Colbert Packaging Corporation recently hosted a TICCIT® (“Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees”) event for elementary students in Wisconsin’s Salem School District. Jeff MacDougall, production manager at Colbert Packaging, led the educational outreach program, which drew participation from over 320 students in the third, fourth and fifth grades. Salem students learned how trees are grown and harvested for the making of paper and paperboard, and then turned into packaging materials that are recyclable and renewable. Click Read More below for additional information.

Technicote Westfield Announces Price Increase

Effective with all orders placed on/after June 15, 2018 Technicote Westfield will increase prices by 5% for all Strata pressure sensitive sheeted products. Orders placed prior to June 15, 2018 and scheduled to ship within standard lead times will receive current pricing.

Sappi Announces Price Increase for North America

Sappi North America announces a transactional price increase of 4% to 6% on new and unconfirmed orders that book with confirmed delivery dates on or after Monday, May 14, 2018 on the following products: • McCoy Web • Opus Web • Somerset Web • Flo Web • Galerie Web. Standard differentials and upcharges apply. The price increase includes all basis weights and finishes and all private label programs.