Port Hawkesbury Paper is pouring $400 million into the construction of a wind farm in Nova Scotia's Guysborough County that is targeted to supply 60 per cent of the paper mill's current power needs. The Point Tupper papermaker's sister company, Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind, officially broke ground on the Goose Harbour Lake Wind Farm in late August. It intends to launch up to 31 wind turbines, with the intent of delivering 130.5 megawatts of power from Crown land that is already licensed to the company for wood harvesting. The company said the turbines will be active in 2026. The provincial Department of Environment and Climate Change approved the project's class 1 environmental assessment in early 2023.

Stora Enso is pleased to announce a milestone partnership with Södra, Sweden's largest forest owner association. The two companies have signed a long-term agreement under which Södra will supply Stora Enso with kraft lignin from Södra's Mönsterås site, in Sweden. This facility is set to begin operations in 2027. As part of this collaboration, Stora Enso grants Södra a license to its innovative technology in lignin area. Earlier this year, Södra announced its investment in a new kraft lignin production site, reinforcing its dedication to advancing sustainable forest products. Through this supply agreement, Stora Enso and Södra aim to enhance the development of lignin as a sustainable non-fossil-based material, with broad applications across various industries. "We are excited to partner with Södra in this important endeavor," says Juuso Konttinen, Senior Vice President & Head of Biomaterials Growth at Stora Enso. "This agreement not only secures one additional reliable supply of kraft lignin for our innovative products such as Lignode for batteries but also underscores the growing importance of lignin in creating sustainable solutions across industries. By leveraging our expertise in lignin technology, Södra will be able to produce high-quality lignin that aligns with our sustainability commitments."

In a groundbreaking move to bolster America’s clean energy future, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains and the state of Michigan’s Competitiveness Fund have selected Mitra Chem, a leading innovator in battery materials, for up to $125 million in awards. This substantial funding, with additional funding anticipated from the state of Michigan, will support Mitra Chem to establish a cutting-edge battery material manufacturing facility in Muskegon, Michigan. The site will be the first mass production facility for lithium iron phosphate cathodes in North America, unlocking a domestic supply chain that strengthens U.S. national security and expands the domestic workforce. Mitra Chem is launching the American Production of Lithium Iron Phosphate and Future Innovation (AmPLIFI) project as a linchpin to building a robust domestic electric vehicle battery supply chain that is cleaner, safer, faster, more affordable, and independent of China. The grant, aligned with the goals of the Inflation Reduction Act, marks a significant step towards establishing the United States as a global leader in battery manufacturing for EVs, energy storage systems (ESS), and defense applications.

Mondi launches its new recyclable Protective Mailers made entirely of paper. The innovative mailers, developed in collaboration with Amazon, enable eCommerce companies to securely ship goods without the need for plastic bubble wrap, while remaining fully recyclable in conventional paper waste streams. The Protective Mailers are made from Mondi’s strong but lightweight kraft paper and open-flute material, offering a unique combination. The flexible design offers the possibility of customising the open fluting to the needs of the product, ensuring resilience and product protection to prevent goods from shifting inside the mailer and safeguard products in transit. The good printability of Mondi’s kraft paper enables customers to add effective branding and distinctive designs to each mailer.

SCA has launched a new tool with AI functionality for digital forestry planning. In 2023, small-scale tests were conducted to scale up to more extensive tests in 2024. “It’s incredibly exciting. It involves both new technology and new working methods that give us several advantages,” says Magnus Bergman, who leads SCA Forest’s technology and digitization staff. The goal is that by 2025, all forest planners at SCA Forest will use digital forestry planning to prepare for harvesting in SCA’s own forests. “Digital forestry site planning brings several positive aspects. The most important is that we achieve more efficient forestry site planning thanks to higher and more consistent quality of our forest data, and a large part of the planning work can be done in the office. Additionally, we can plan more during the winter,” says Magnus.

Total printing-writing paper shipments increased 4% in August compared to August 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 11% in July compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels in August decreased 4% when compared to July 2024. Individually, U.S. shipments in all 3 major P-W categories (UFS, CFS and MECH) exhibited a combination of positive and negative changes in August compared to the same period last year. Uncoated Free Sheet shipments decreased 1%, Coated Free Sheet shipments increased 16%, and Mechanical papers shipments increased 17%.

Lecta formalized its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy as a key pillar of our business strategy for the future in 2022. As part of this strategy, we set ambitious targets for 2030 and defined key performance indicators (KPI's) for our work and progress in this area, linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). Determined to meet this challenge and in line with its information transparency policy, Lecta regularly monitors its progress at a Group level and publishes its consolidated ESG performance results on an annual basis. As reflected in our latest Sustainability Report, 2023 was a good year in terms of progress towards many of our ESG objectives, especially those related to the environment. Both the organizational carbon footprint (OCF) and Lecta's product carbon footprint (PCF) have decreased yearly since 2021.

Billerud has appointed Doug Schwartz as President Billerud North America and member of the company’s Group Management Team, effective 30 September. Doug Schwartz has extensive experience in the U.S. forest and paper industry, including serving in key leadership roles at companies such as Sonoco Products Company (Sonoco), International Paper and Champion International Corporation. He most recently held the position of Vice President and General Manager, Rigid Paper Containers at Sonoco. “I am very happy that Doug, with his proven track record, will now lead our North America operations, which are integral to Billerud’s business and growth strategy. Together with our competent American team, he will continue our commitment to serve our customers by delivering our core products—graphic paper, specialty papers, and pulp, as well as cartonboard and other packaging materials. At the same time, he will lead the team in identifying strategic product development initiatives to diversify and expand our product portfolio," says Ivar Vatne, Billerud CEO and President.

With the increasing cost of school supplies, the start of a new school year can be a stressful — and expensive — time for families and teachers alike. With rising prices affecting every household, school supply donations can help bridge the gap and ensure that every student and teacher has what they need for academic success. The average U.S. household will spend around $875 on school supplies during the 2024 back-to-school season, and more than 90 percent of teachers spend their own income on supplies for their classrooms. This year, to assist students and educators in their communities, employees at Domtar’s North American locations engaged in local school supply drives and fundraising events. We also continued our partnerships with customers like ODP Corporation and organizations like Classroom Central to give back to our communities.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has switched more than 95% of its range of release liners and extrusion solutions to PEFC and FSC™ certified base paper sources*. This is a further step towards responsible sourcing and transparency in the supply chain and also reflects Mondi’s ongoing commitment to develop solutions that are sustainable by design and support customers in achieving their sustainability goals. By using certified paper sources, it supports traceability and sourcing from forests that are managed responsibly. All parties involved are committed to producing responsibly sourced paper.

Kruger Inc. announced today a $32.4 million investment at its Kamloops Pulp Mill to implement innovative technology to diversify its product portfolio and expand into fast growing markets. In addition to improving Kruger Kamloops’ competitiveness, performance, and environmental footprint, this initiative will contribute to securing 340 jobs at the Mill, as well as 1,000 indirect jobs in B.C. This project was announced during a press event held at the Kruger Kamloops facility in the presence of the Honourable Brenda Bailey, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation; Eric Ashby, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kruger Inc.; Roman Gallo, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Kruger’s Pulp and Paper Division; and Irene Preto, General Manager of the Kamloops Pulp Mill.

When it comes to home design, our choices reflect not only our tastes but also our values, lifestyle, and goals for the future. This philosophy drives Amber Roy of Amber Dawn Interiors to design authentic spaces for her clients, and decorating with an eye toward environmental considerations is a growing part of the conversation. Amber recently collaborated with Astek Home and Monadnock Paper Mills—both sustainability-minded organizations—to help her client transform a purely functional laundry room into a beautiful space she felt good about. After choosing fresh countertops, tall cabinets, and crown molding to add character to the room, she knew that a unique wallpaper would be the detail that tied the whole project together. Wallpaper technology has advanced significantly in the last few decades, and the gamut of offerings now includes pre-pasted options for DIYers. Vinyl is still popular, but according to Amber, the shift is trending toward mindful material choices and alternative substrates that offer the same vibrant color quality and performance without all the chemicals and messy adhesives.

Canfor Corporation announced the completion of the subdivision and sale of its Forest License in the Mackenzie Timber Supply Area (TSA) equally to the McLeod Lake Indian Band and the Tsay Keh Dene Nation. “Building on our long-standing relationships, Canfor is pleased to have reached this arrangement that will expand the Nations’ participation in the forest economy and stewardship of forest resources in the region,” said Stephen Mackie, Executive Vice President North American Operations. “We believe this agreement will support improved fibre access in the TSA and generate significant economic benefits for local and regional communities.” Total proceeds from this tenure sale and the previously announced disposition of associated Mackenzie sawmill assets are $69 million.

Our Kingsport Mill was named the 2024 Business Recycler of the Year by the Tennessee Recycling Coalition (TRC) during the organization’s annual Tennessee Sustainability Conference. The award is given annually to businesses that practice outstanding leadership in recycling and waste prevention. The Kingsport Mill award recognizes Project Smoky — the conversion of the facility’s uncoated freesheet paper machine into the company’s first 100-percent recycled containerboard facility. The mill, which resumed operations in January 2023, is home to the second-largest recycled containerboard machine in North America and is the largest recycled manufacturer in the state of Tennessee. Kingsport Mill now produces approximately 600,000 tons of high-quality recycled linerboard and corrugated medium every year.

Lecta is pleased to announce the launch of its new ​Termax range of high substance thermal papers, designed specifically for ticketing applications. This new product offering is designed to meet the growing demands for quality and durability for a wide range of applications in admission and access control ticketing for events, transportation tickets, boarding passes, parking lot tickets, data carrier tags for product identification and tracking in the supply chain and logistics and supermarket shelf labels, among others. The new Termax products include Termax TFX (phenol-free) and Termax TFS (BPA-free) papers, available from 105 to 130 g/m2, and the top coated Termax TC30X (phenol-free) paper, available from 115 to 135 g/m2. These papers are characterized by their excellent pre-printing on both sides, and their high thermal image stability and durability.

Phoenix Tag™ is engineered to deliver exceptional durability and strength, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including tags, labels, and specialty packaging. This robust paper product is designed to withstand the rigors of industrial use while maintaining excellent print quality and performance. Whether for retail tags, industrial labeling, or high-end packaging, Phoenix Tag™ offers the reliability and versatility that businesses demand. Phoenix Ledger™ is crafted with precision for applications that require superior surface smoothness and consistent performance. This premium product is perfect for financial records, certificates, and high-end printing tasks where quality cannot be compromised. Phoenix Ledger™ offers excellent opacity and smoothness, ensuring crisp and clear prints for professional-grade documents.

In its third sustainability report, which was published at the end of August, the family-owned company provides an insight into further details of its sustainability strategy, how it is being implemented and what progress has already been made. What’s more, the Koehler Group has set 38 ambitious goals in different areas of action and is revealing them for the first time in the report. As a family-owned company, the Koehler Group firmly believes that it too has a responsibility to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals through its business activities. With the publication of the 2030 Sustainability Strategy in 2022, the Koehler Group set out the company’s roadmap to sustainable growth.

Containerboard production at Norske Skog Golbey in France is expected to start during the first quarter of 2025, previously the second half of 2024. Commissioning of roll warehouse, containerboard winder, and the effluent station is ongoing. In addition, pre-commissioning (I/O check) has started for the OCC drum pulper and will start in early October for the paper machine (PM1). The BCTMP main study at Norske Skog Saugbrugs has commenced with support from engineerng consultants and vendor dialogues. Final investment decision is still expected during the first half of 2025.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, has recently earned APR Design® for Recyclability Recognition for its clear and white polypropylene (PP) labels with hotmelt, UPM Raflatac SmartCircleTM wash-off adhesive, and general-purpose acrylic adhesives. This recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) validates that these labels meet or exceed the recycling criteria for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles in the North American recycling system. Notably, this accolade marks the first pressure-sensitive label (PSL) material certified by APR for natural HDPE.

Supremex Inc., a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of envelopes and a growing provider of paper-based packaging solutions, announced today the release of its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) report. The ESG report, which covers activities for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, underlines the Company’s commitment to understand the full scope of its impact on the environment and society before establishing sciencebased targets. “As stewards of the environment, responsible corporate citizens, and advocates for positive change, we recognize the critical role ESG plays in shaping our future,” said Stewart Emerson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Supremex. “A more thorough understanding of our impact in such areas will provide Supremex with the ability to carry out targeted sustainability practices and initiatives that will have a significant positive effect on the environment, our employees and local communities. We are dedicated to being a transparent and accountable organization, and look forward to sharing our progress as we continue along our ESG journey.”

The Supervisory Board of Heinzel Holding GmbH is pleased to announce the appointment of Karl Achleitner (MEng, MBA) as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Heinzel Holding, effective September 2, 2024. Achleitner will join the top management team of HEINZEL GROUP, alongside CEO Sebastian Heinzel. Karl Achleitner (born 1977) brings extensive industry experience to his new role. He began his career at the Laakirchen paper mill in Austria, training as a paper technician in the 1990s. He later served, amongst other roles, as assistant to the production manager on Laakirchen’s PM10 from 2002 to 2007. Achleitner's career then took him to the United Kingdom (Aylesford Newsprint Ltd. 2007-2011) and Australia (Orora Paper 2011-2018). Most recently (2018-2024), Achleitner held the position of Senior Vice President Operations Paper at Progroup Paper in Germany, being responsible for the company’s containerboard machines as a member of Progroup AG’s executive management team.

EcoVadis has awarded UPM a platinum score based on the company’s sustainability performance in four categories: Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. Only one percent of the 130,000 global companies assessed received a platinum rating. UPM scored 81/100 in the Manufacture of Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard industry. “The feedback from Ecovadis, both on strengths and areas of improvement, is extremely valuable and helps us to continuously improve our sustainability performance,” says Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility, UPM.

Sappi has awarded GAW technologies with an order to increase the efficiency of production processes - in detail to expand the storage of starch as well as a retrofitting / boosting of efficiency for pigment tanks at its Ehingen mill in Germany. The order also includes several safety technical audits of existing silos. The equipment deliveries are scheduled for the end of this year and beginning of 2025. Health, Safety and Environment are very important factors in the strategies and within the success of Sappi. Just recently, Sappi has again achieved Platinum, the highest rating in EcoVadis' sustainability assessment across all three of its manufacturing regions - Europe, North America, and South Africa.

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the launch of Interlam Eco Anti-Graffiti pressure sensitive overlaminate film in North America. A 1.0 mil (25μ) clear PET laminating film, Interlam Eco Anti-Graffiti is designed to safeguard graphics from vandalism such as graffiti. Coated with a pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive and shielded by a siliconized PE coated paper release liner, the film ensures exceptional durability and performance in all applications. The film’s robust anti-graffiti features ensure the easy removal of unwanted markings without damaging the substrate or printed graphics, while its strong resistance to dirt and pollutants also maintains pristine graphics over time.

*Operating profit for January-June 2024 amounted to SEK 1 927 million (January-June 2023: 2 875). The decrease in operating profit is due to lower paper prices and the positive impact of income from the sale of surplus electricity the previous year. *Compared with the first quarter, operating profit for the second quarter increased by SEK 39 million to SEK 983 million. The operating margin was 17 per cent (17). *Profit after tax for January-June amounted to SEK 1 487 million (2 261), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 9.3 (14.0).

Drytac will carry out live demonstrations of its leading products at Booth SL6089, while its materials will also feature across the stands of partner companies throughout the event. Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce details of its upcoming appearance at PRINTING United Expo 2024. Running from September 10-12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada, PRINTING United Expo 2024 will welcome thousands of visitors from both the North American market and further afield across the wider print industry.

*Q2 2024 net loss from continuing operations was $14.5 million or $0.08 per share (diluted), compared to net loss of $13.4 million or loss of $0.08 per share (diluted) in Q1 2024. Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2024 was negative $12.1 million compared to negative $3.5 million in Q1 2024. Both the lumber and paper operations had a negative contribution to Q2 2024 as a result of weak market conditions. *Lumber sales volumes in Q2 2024 were lower than Q1 2024 due to the continued drag on lumber demand as housing affordability remains significantly impacted by high mortgage rates. There also remain an oversupply of lumber, which resulted in lower field takeaways. Average realized lumber prices of $637/mfbm for Q2 2024 were also lower than the $644/mfbm pricing realized in Q1 2024. Benchmark prices continued to be under pressure subsequent to Q2 2024. The recent cuts by the Bank of Canada is signalling a reversal in monetary policy. *The valuation provision for lumber and log inventory was increased to $3.2 million from $1.0 million at the end of Q1 2024, generating a $2.2 million charge to lumber cost of sales in Q2 2024. *Our lower duty rate has positively impacted the Company’s earnings and free cash flow since August 1, 2023. The Company’s initial duty deposit rate, totaling 20.23%, remained in effect for almost two years, since the Company’s acquisition of its sawmill and paper mill assets on August 28, 2021. *The Company plans to complete a spin-out transaction of Kap Corporation (“Kap”), the holding company of Kap Paper Inc., which holds all operating assets related to the paper mill operations.

Lecta is set to reinforce its position as a comprehensive supplier of paper solutions by taking a stand for the first time at Fachpack, a leading trade fair for the packaging industry that takes place this year from September 24 to 26 in Nuremberg, Germany. The company will showcase its wide range of innovative products for different sectors like industrial and consumer packaging. Lecta offers an extensive portfolio of papers with multiple applications in the packaging market: *Diva Art: The range of coated and metallized paperboards for rigid packaging, with excellent printability and an exceptional finish, ideal for premium and luxury brands. *EraCup: A functional paperboard whose characteristics make it the ideal choice for hot beverage single-use cups and on-the-go disposable food containers. The product is recyclable in standard paper recycling circuits. *Coral (uncoated), Creaset (one-side coated) and KraFit (brown kraft paper): Three versatile ranges of papers for shopping bags, available in a wide variety of grammages and finishes, offering high resistance and durability. *Adestor: Self-adhesive papers and films to meet the labeling needs of different sectors: beverages, food, logistics and transport, retail, personal care and household.