Ahlstrom launches Ahlstrom BioProtect™, a new, sustainable, and protective solution for Laundry Care applications

January–June 2020 (​​​​1–6/2019) •Sales were EUR 2,453 million (2,809). •Operating result was EUR 163 million (232). Comparable operating result was EUR 158 million (308). •Result before taxes was EUR 139 million (202). The comparable result before taxes was EUR 134 million (279). •Comparable return on capital employed was 6.2% (12.1). •Cash flow from operations was EUR 240 million (183). April–June 2020 (4–6/2019) •Sales were EUR 1,200 million (1,372). •Operating result was EUR 102 million (49). Comparable operating result was EUR 96 million (128). •Result before taxes was EUR 93 million (36). The comparable result before taxes was EUR 86 million (115). •Comparable return on capital employed was 7.6% (10.2). •Cash flow from operations was EUR 190 million (142).

Sappi Limited, a leading producer of dissolving pulp sold under the brand name Verve, is pleased to announce that it has completed a self-assessment of the Higg Facility Social and Labour Module (FSLM) at its Ngodwana and Saiccor Mills in South Africa. The self-assessment results were very positive and highlight Sappi’s commitment to maintaining a high level of social and labour practices. Ngodwana and Saiccor Mills produce dissolving pulp under the Verve brand, which is used primarily in the textile and hygiene product industries. Developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, the Higg FSLM is part of a suite of tools that enables manufacturing facilities within the textile value chains to measure themselves against a standard set of criteria in the areas of recruitment and hiring, working hours, wages and benefits, worker treatment, worker involvement, health and safety, termination and management systems.

Paper Excellence provided an update on skilled labour shortages in British Columbia that are impacting the company’s ability to execute many of its planned shutdowns on time. The company has been dealing with delays due to shortages of skilled pressure vessel welders at its Crofton facility which will impact the length of the shutdown resulting in incremental lost pulp production due to the delays. The company is concerned that similar shortages will impact upcoming shutdowns at Howe Sound and Skookumchuck. The company currently expects a loss of about 10,000 tonnes of NBSK pulp production in total across all three sites. Paper Excellence remains committed to its customers and can supply pulp products from its other unaffected mills during these delays.