Members of Unifor Local 10-B voted 80 per cent in favour of a new four-year contract that helps secure the future of the pulp mill with significant investments over the next two years. "Our new collective agreement is good for workers and good for the community," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "We're proud to work with Domtar to ensure a future for this mill and hundreds of good jobs that Kamloops can rely on." The new collective agreement commits the parties to finding solutions on retiree health benefits, it also works on retention and training of trade workers, and streamlines administration while improving benefits. Unifor says that these gains will be important for the next generation of mill workers as a wave of retirements creates openings. "The collaborative working relationship we have with the union is something that I'm very proud of" stated Jean-Claude Allaire, General Manager of the Domtar Kamloops Mill. "It's our commitment to finding innovative solutions that resulted in a meaningful agreement for both parties". The framework of the new contract is built on Unifor's Western Canada pulp and paper pattern agreement. Click Read More below for additional detail.

A hearing ended Monday after nearly seven hours of discussion, to decide the future of Appleton Coated and its more than 600 workers. It looks like the future could be a little bit brighter for those workers. During Monday's hearing the judge was supposed to either approve of the $21 million purchase agreement or deny the sale. However, some changes were made to those original purchase agreements after a different offer came through from the employee union and a lending firm. "We will work to do our very best to provide an operating budget to each of the steelworkers and the receiver. We will work very hard. That's not a guarantee, but if it's not done by the end of the day tomorrow it will be done the following day," explained Mark Friedlander, Industrial Assets attorney. Now, Industrial Assets says it will pay $20 million , with more money to provide an operating budget to keep the plant open for 45 days. Over those 45 days Appleton Coated will run with only 200 employees to fulfill current orders. The mill typically employs more than 600 people. Click Read More below for more of the story.

The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by reason of imports of certain uncoated groundwood paper from Canada that are allegedly subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value. Chairman Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, Vice Chairman David S. Johanson, and Commissioners Irving A. Williamson and Meredith M. Broadbent voted in the affirmative. As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue to conduct its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations on imports of this product from Canada, with its preliminary countervailing duty determination due on or about November 2, 2017, and its preliminary antidumping duty determination due on or about January 16, 2018. Click Read More below for additional detail.

A bi-partisan group of the House of Representatives on September 18 asked the International Trade Commission (ITC) to deny a petition filed by the North Pacific Paper Company (Norpac) that requests antidumping and/or countervailing duties of over 50 percent on newsprint imported from Canada. The bipartisan letter, led by Representatives Chuck Fleischmann (R-Chattanooga, TN) and Jamie Raskin (D-Rockville, MD), argued that a well-documented shift from printed newspapers to digital alternatives has caused a dramatic decline in newsprint consumption. And, that this trade dispute, brought on my one mill with 400 employees, could put at risk 175,000 jobs in the newspaper industry. Other representatives that signed the letter include House Republican Conference chair, Cathy McMoriss Rodgers (R-WA) and representatives Mike Rogers (R-AL), Diane Black (R-TN) and Ralph Norman (R-SC). Last week the Alliance Board of Directors sent its own letter to the ITC opposing the petition. The petition is also opposed by a broad coalition of U.S. and Canadian paper manufacturers, who understand that sharp price increases on customers could accelerate the decline in newsprint demand. The ITC is expected to make a preliminary determination on petition on September 22. If the Commission decides to move forward, the ITC and the Department of Commerce will conduct investigations and hearings that could lead to a final determination in late spring 2018.

Please be advised effective with shipments October 23rd, 2017, Domtar Lightweight Opaque Papers pricing will increase by $2.00/cwt. USD and $2.50/cwt. CDN.

•August uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased year-over-year for the first time since August 2016. The August shipments of UFS also hit the highest monthly total since March 2016. Imports of UFS decreased by 28% year-over-year in July – the second consecutive decrease of 20% or more. Meanwhile, exports of UFS papers increased 30% year-over-year in July, which is the third consecutive increase of 20% or more. •August shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers declined. And while shipments of coated two-sides #1-#2 also decreased year-over-year in August, they still reached the highest monthly total thus far in 2017. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 13% year-over-year in July; it is the first year-over-year decline in 2017. Exports of CFS papers increased 11% year-over-year in July, the fifth increase in the past seven months. •Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in August, but reach third highest level in 2017. Imports of CM increased in July, up 11% compared to July 2016, while exports of CM decreased 20% in July. •While shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers declined year-over-year in August, the export data registered a year-over-year increase in July. Imports of UM decreased 3% year-over-year in July while exports of UM increased 10% year-over-year in July – the fourth year-over-year increase in the first seven months of 2017. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in July 2017 were up 1.1% vs. July 2016 and are down 0.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in July 2017 were down 3.3% vs. July 2016 and are down 3.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine papers in July 2017 were up 0.9% vs. July 2016 and are up 2.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mecanical reels in July 2017 were up 5.0% vs. July 2016 and are down 1.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mecanical (improved & others) in July 2017 were up 5.8% vs. July 2016 and are up 1.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in July 2017 were up 1.9% vs. July 2016 and are up 1.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in July 2017 were up 0.9% vs. July 2016 and are down 0.5% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Norske Skog is pleased to announce that secured bond holders holding 65 % of the aggregate principal amount of the secured notes due in 2019 (the "Secured AHC") have confirmed their support for the board's proposal launched on 18 September. Norske Skog is currently working to gain support from the other secured and unsecured bondholders. "We are very pleased to have obtained support from the majority of the secured bond holders, and we are currently in dialogue with the group's other secured and unsecured bond holders. The board's proposal is the best solution given the circumstances, and should provide a better return for stakeholder groups than the alternative. The alternative will trigger a complex insolvency process, which will result in Norske Skog being 100% owned by the secured bond holders." said Mr. Christen Sveaas, Chairman of Norske Skogindustrier ASA. Norske Skog will also enter into joint contingency planning with the Secured AHC to prepare for a potential insolvency process and share pledge enforcement on Norske Skog AS level if the board's proposal does not obtain sufficient levels of support from other creditors. Even without sufficient approval level, normal operations at all Norske Skog's mills will continue, and the value of Norske Skog and the interests of employees, customers, suppliers and local communities will be protected "The value of Norske Skog is the operating business units, which include seven profitable paper mills. These operations will continue as normal independent of the outcome of the recapitalization proposal. The secured bond holders are large professional investors with capital and ability to operate Norske Skog along with the employees," said Mr. Lars P. S. Sperre President and CEO of Norske Skog. Click Read More below for additional detail.

CO2 Solutions Inc. provided an update on progress at the Corporation's first commercial project with Fibrek General Partnership, a subsidiary of Resolute Forest Products Inc., and Serres Toundra Inc. The project entails the deployment of a 30-tonne per day (tpd) CO2 capture unit and ancillary equipment at a pulp mill in the Saint-Félicien region of Quebec (Canada) and the commercial reuse of the captured CO2 by the adjacent Serres Toundra greenhouse facility (the Project). The Project is following its course as planned. In the spring of 2017, the preliminary engineering was finalized. Since then, the detailed engineering has been largely realized and will be completed in October 2017. The Resolute Forest Product's Saint-Félicien pulp mill completed its planned annual shutdown for maintenance which allowed the CO2 Solutions' team to install the required connections from the Fibrek plant to route the flue gas to the future CO2 capture unit. This is an important milestone towards the completion of the unit which is expected to be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2018. Click Read More below for additional detail.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced plans to invest approximately $300 million to convert its No. 15 paper machine at the Riverdale Mill in Selma, Ala. from uncoated freesheet to high quality whitetop linerboard and containerboard. The conversion is targeted to be completed by mid-year 2019. The investment will add 450,000 tons of annual capacity, with flexibility to shift between containerboard products. Converting Riverdale No. 15 will position International Paper to grow its Industrial Packaging business, continue to provide attractive jobs to Riverdale team members and remain a significant supplier of uncoated freesheet in North America. "Our customers expect us to support their growth and this machine conversion will meet their needs," said Tim Nicholls, IP's senior vice president, Industrial Packaging the Americas. "Our Industrial Packaging business continues to focus on our customers in strategic channels including our box business, domestic and export containerboard and specialty grades."Click Read More below for additional detail.

Please be advised that Resolute Forest Products will raise the price of its Uncoated Free Sheet Connect, Connect Envelope and Connect Tablet grades by US$2.00 cwt effective with shipments on or after November 1, 2017. This increase will apply to all basis weights, and includes all upcharges.

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) today expressed its support for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union for commencing its provisional application. This agreement will immediately result in the elimination of quotas and tariffs of up to 10% on Canadian exports of wood-based panels and other wood products to the European Union. “We welcome the provisional application of the agreement, as a start to freer trade within the area,” CEO of FPAC, Derek Nighbor. “The prosperity of the forest products industry relies on strong exports, which CETA will help support.” Last year the Canadian forest sector exported more than $1 billion of wood, pulp and paper products to the EU member states. This is 3% of total exports of Canadian forest products making Europe the 4th largest international market for the sector. The largest importers of Canadian forest products in Europe are the United Kingdom followed by Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, today received an award for its investment in the state of Minnesota from the Minnesota Office of Foreign Direct Investment, under the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The award highlights the company’s contributions to the economic vitality of local communities, and its commitment to keeping Minnesota a world-leading business destination. “We are honored and delighted to receive this award from the Governor’s office for our contributions to the great state of Minnesota,” said Mark Gardner, president and CEO of Sappi North America. “Through the investments made under Sappi’s 2020Vision strategy, we’re ensuring that our Cloquet facility will continue to operate at this high standard for many years to come.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Tembec Inc. announced that, as a result of legislation that went into effect today, approval of the acquisition by Rayonier Advanced Materials of all of the outstanding shares of Tembec under the Investment Canada Act is no longer required as a closing condition of the Transaction. This new legislation, entitled the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act, provides for, among other things, the increase of the threshold for governmental approval of an acquisition of a Canadian business by certain non-Canadian investors (including investors from the United States, such as Rayonier Advanced Materials) from an enterprise value of the Canadian business of CDN$1 billion, to CDN$1.5 billion. As such, the Transaction falls below the new threshold. Subject to obtaining other necessary and customary governmental approvals relating to certain forestry and energy-related agreements, as well as the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Transaction, it is expected that the Transaction will be completed in the second half of the fourth quarter of 2017.

Verso Corporation announced that its board of directors, as part of its ongoing efforts to maximize stockholder value, has formed a Strategic Alternatives Committee comprised of independent directors Eugene I. Davis, Alan J. Carr and Steven D. Scheiwe, with Mr. Davis serving as chairperson. The committee, with the assistance of Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., the company's financial advisor, will lead Verso's continuing efforts to identify and evaluate a range of potential strategic transaction alternatives, including the possible sale of some Verso mills, engage in discussions and oversee the due diligence process with parties potentially interested in transactions with the company, and recommend to the board whether any proposed transaction is in the best interests of the company and its stockholders. "Verso is committed to exploring strategic transaction alternatives, and the committee will facilitate this process," said Verso Chairman of the Board Rob Amen. "The committee is charged with proceeding expeditiously, but will evaluate alternatives carefully for their ability to provide superior value to Verso's stockholders." Click Read More below for additional detail.

On September 19, 2017, the Receiver of Appleton Coated LLC conducted a going concern auction of the Company’s assets. The auction was the culmination of a comprehensive marketing effort to find a buyer. As part of the sale and marketing process, the Receiver requested that all potential buyers agree to hire substantially all of Appleton Coated’s employees as part of any purchase agreement. Unfortunately, none of the qualified bidders that attended the auction were in a position to agree to that request. The Receiver will ask the Court overseeing the receivership proceeding to approve the highest and best offer he received for the Company’s assets on Friday, September 22, 2017 in Outagamie County Circuit Court. Due to the auction results, the Receiver must immediately wind down the Company’s business operations beginning Wednesday September 20th and lay off substantially all of the employees of Appleton Coated. A limited number of employees will remain to ensure that the Company’s assets are properly maintained for the new owner until the proposed closing of the sale on September 29, 2017. Orders for stock product will continue to be accepted. Manufacturing orders that have been produced but not yet shipped, will be shipped. Manufacturing orders that have been accepted, but not yet produced, will be reviewed with new ownership to determine whether they will be produced and shipped. New manufacturing orders will not be accepted at this time.

The alternative to the company's proposal will likely lead to bankruptcy at the parent company Norske Skogindustier ASA but Norske Skog AS and the mills will continue operations as normal under new ownership. Norske Skog group has launched a new recapitalisiation proposal. According to the parent company Norske Skogindustrier ASA, this proposal provides a final opportunity to reach a consensual solution among all bondholders and shareholders. Among the the key terms of the proposed recapitalisation transaction is the conversion into equity of all outstanding, secured and unsecured bond debt, resulting in secured note holders acquiring 94% equity ownership in Norske Skogindustrier ASA. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Printing companies, paper distributors, packaging converters, marketers and graphic designers across the U.S. and Canada now have immediate access to the newest expansion of cast-coated Kromekote, the world’s most elegant printing and label papers from CTI Paper USA. A new swatchbook and print demonstration is available. Highlights: New embossed, pearlescent Kromekote Jade Text and Cover line for dry toner/laser and offset printing. New for HP Indigo: thick and luxurious 14- and 18-point ultra bright-white board, following growing demand for heavyweights. New 18-point ultra bright-white board also for dry toner/laser and offset printing. Newly issued swatchbook presents the extensive product line—new print demo features the iconic embossed Kromekote Apple on a gold foil-stamped cover. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Effective with orders shipping on or after November 1, 2017, Evergreen Packaging is increasing the transaction prices for all grades by $2.00 cwt. This increase applies to all products including, but not limited to the following brands: Rapier; RapierW; Seasons Colors; SunKraft Brown; Natural Kraft; White Foldur Kraft; Gray Kraft; Buff Kraft; Skyland Offset; Skyland Reply Card; Drawing Paper; Multipupose; Conical Cup; Stick Paper; Office Stock / File Folder. All standard upcharges will continue to apply.

Expera Specialty Solutions is proud to be exhibiting at PackExpo 2017, highlighting a diverse portfolio of specialty paper products that span a variety of end-use applications. From highly technical applications, to offering multiple sustainable packaging solutions, Expera creates custom specialty paper products for each of their customers. Expera is launching its new brand of medical papers known as Health-Gard™. Health-Gard™ medical papers provide sterilizable packaging solutions that meet market requirements for cytotoxicity and microbial barrier. These coating base papers, available in multiple basis weights, are ideal for form-fill-seal and pouch applications where a fiber-free peel is critical. Other Health-Gard™ applications include papers for medical lidding stock and lamination, and medical garments and drapes. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after October 16, 2017, Twin Rivers Paper Company will be implementing a US $2.00/cwt price increase on all Publishing grades.

Please be advised with orders shipping on October 9, 2017 Suzano Pulp and Paper will raise prices by 4-6% on the following products: Suzano® Branded and Private Label Office Papers; Prisma Bright® Offset Rolls. All standard up-charges and terms of sale remain in effect until further notice.

Operating profit for January–June 2017 was SEK 1 152 million (January–June 2016: SEK 1 063 million, excluding items affecting comparability). The improvement in earnings was due to higher wood product prices, better earnings from forests and the divestiture of the newsprint mill in Madrid. Compared with the first quarter, operating profit decreased by SEK 102 million to SEK 525 million as a result of a maintenance shutdown within paperboard and seasonally lower hydro power production. Profit after tax for January–June amounted to SEK 880 million (587), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 10.5 (7.0). Return on capital employed increased to 9.4 (8.4) per cent. Production of paperboard, paper and wood products has been established at a higher level than previous years and the sales mix has developed well. Cash flow was strong and largely covered the SEK 1 billion dividend that was paid in April.

Announced jointly by Kruger Products and the Government of Québec in July 2016, the $55-million investment to purchase and install PM8 received a $39.5-million loan from Investissement Québec, which is acting as an agent of the Government of Québec in this project. Kruger Products also received support from the Joliette RCM and the Municipality of Crabtree – through the Fonds de développement des territoires – Fonds d’aide aux entreprises volet 2 (Territories Development Fund – Business Assistance Fund, stream 2) – to complete this investment. The Company also took the opportunity to reveal its recent acquisition of a new $12-million winder. This new, more efficient machine manufactures paper products for the away-from-home market and will enable the Crabtree Plant to boost its annual production by 29%. The Crabtree Plant now has plenty of room to grow over the coming years. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Due to an unexpected further sharp rise in raw material prices, Sappi Europe is forced to continue passing on this cost inflation by increasing its WFU and WFC Sheets and Reels grade prices from October 2017 onwards by 5-8%. Despite strong order books and good operating rates, margins continue to be depressed by this severe input cost inflation. Sappi’s sales representatives will be in touch with their customers to agree on the specifics over the next weeks.

Effective with shipments on or after October 12, 2017, Flambeau River Papers will increase the transaction price by 5% for the following grades of paper as follows: FRP Offset Papers; FRP Glacier and Torchglow Opaque Papers; FRP Reply Card Papers; FRP Laser Bond Papers; FRP Converting Papers. All current standard upcharges and differentials remain in effect.

Effective with shipments of October 12, 2017 or latter West Linn Paper Company will increase the price on its uncoated offset by $2.00/cwt. This pricing change includes the following grades: West Linn Paper Uncoated Offset Smooth & White Wove Envelope. This price increase applies to all basis weights and finished plus all related private label grades and associated brand extensions.

Effective with shipments on or after October 1, 2017, NORPAC will increase the price of our uncoated freesheet papers by $2.00/cwt. This includes all mill-branded as well as private and generic labeled cut-size and rolls. All up-charges and shipping policies remain unchanged.

Georgia-Pacific announced today a new lumber production facility in Talladega, Alabama. Construction on the $100 million, 300,000-square-foot, technologically advanced plant is scheduled to begin immediately with an anticipated startup in late 2018. Once it is fully operational, the plant will employ more than 100 full-time employees and generate an estimated $5 million in annual payroll. “The availability of talent and natural resources makes Talladega an ideal site for this new lumber production facility,” said Fritz Mason, vice president and general manager, Georgia-Pacific Lumber. “The City of Talladega, Talladega County, and the State of Alabama have been incredibly supportive of this new venture and we look forward to a long and beneficial relationship.” “Georgia-Pacific’s new investment in Talladega will bring good jobs and enhanced opportunities to the area’s citizens while also benefiting timber owners in the region,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “I am committed to working closely with businesses like Georgia-Pacific, which has a significant presence in the state, as we demonstrate to the world that Alabama is open for business and eager to form strong partnerships.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Some media reports have presented at somewhat inaccurate description of the actual situation of the Norske Skog group. Norske Skogindustrier ASA is still a listed company with a separate board elected by the shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting of Norske Skog on 24 August this year. The board of Norske Skogindustrier ASA consists of: Christen Sveaas (Chair), Eilif Due, Jon-Aksel Torgersen, Ragnhild Wiborg and Annette Malm Justad as members elected by shareholders. Employee-elected board members are Cecilie Jonassen, Paul Kristiansen and Svein Erik Veie. Norske Skogindustrier ASA is the parent company of a group with a complex corporate structure that comprises several subsidiaries, as shown in the attached overview of the company structure. In Norske Skog AS, which is a subsidiary of the Norske Skogindustrier ASA group, a new board was elected yesterday. Newly elected board members of Norske Skog AS are Sven Ombudstvedt (Chair) and Nils Ingemund Hoff. In addition, Rune Sollie (CFO of Norske Skogindustrier ASA) will remain as board member. Holders of the EUR 290 million bond maturing in 2019 (SSN) have, according to the bond terms, the right to elect a new board of Norske Skog AS, as this bond is in default and has been accelerated and declared payable immediately in its entirety. The EUR 290 million bond has security against inter alia the shares of Norske Skog AS. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Effective with shipments on or after October 13, 2017, Appleton Coated will be increasing prices on Ethos Uncoated Offset, Ethos Uncoated Offset 30% PCRF and Ethos Uncoated Offset 100% PCRF by 4 to 6%.

Effective with shipments on or after October 12, 2017, CellMark is increasing the prices on our virgin and recycled cut-size products as well as our white and colored file folder grades by $2.00/cwt. This includes - AlmaPlus; AlmaOffice; AlmaEco; File Folder. If you have any questions regarding these changes, please call your sales representative.

Glatfelter is announcing a 4-6% price increase for the listed grades and product lines sold in our United States market. The increase will be effective with shipments on or after October 16, 2017. Uncoated converting papers: All Envelope grades; Transform®Laser MOCR; Logan® Reply Card. Printing & Imaging papers: All Cut Size Papers (Mill/Private Label); Spring Forge® Offset; Thor® Plus & Thor® PCW; Spring Forge® Digital; Hopewell Offset. Engineered Products: Pixelle® Basic; Repro Bond. All current standard differentials and upcharges remain in effect.

Effective with shipments on or after October 11, 2017, pricing will increase approximately 6% on the following grades: Finch Commercial Printing Papers: Finch 94 Rolls; Finch Offset Rolls & Finch Converting Papers: Finch Reply Postcard, 7 pt. and 9 pt. Rolls; Finch ThruPut Wove Rolls; Finch Forms Bond; Finch MOCR Laser; Finch Engineering Bond; Finch CAD Inkjet Bond & Finch Office Papers: Finch Premium Multipurpose; Finch Multipurpose; Finch Copy; All private-label brands; General White Box. All standard upcharges apply and all customer-specific inventory programs will increase with shipments on or after October 11, 2017.

Effective with shipments on or after October 11, 2017, pricing will increase approximately 4-6% on the following grades: New Leaf Ingenuity 100% PCW Sheets and Rolls (96 bright Text & Cover); New Leaf Harmony 100% PCW Sheets and Rolls (93 bright Opaque-Offset). All standard upcharges apply and all customer-specific inventory programs will increase with shipments on or after October 11, 2017.

Stora Enso announced in February plans to permanently close down one paper machine 8 (PM8) and related reorganisation at the Kvarnsveden Mill in Sweden that could affect a maximum of 140 people at the mill. PM8 was permanently shut down in June, and the negotiations between central parties have now been concluded. The impact of the reorganisation and PM8 closure was mitigated through individual solutions, such as early retirement. Altogether the number of people affected will be 122. Stora Enso is convinced that through the measures taken, it is possible to improve the competitiveness of the Kvarnsveden Mill going forward. Production at Kvarnsveden Mill will continue on two lines, PM10 for improved newsprint paper and PM12 for SC papers.

Catalyst applauds the government’s commitment to eliminate the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on electricity for commercial and industrial users in its 2017 budget update, which will assist in protecting jobs in British Columbia’s pulp and paper sector, says Len Posyniak, Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Services. Effective this fall, the PST on electricity for commercial and industrial users will be reduced from 7% to 3.5%. On April 1, 2019, electricity for commercial and industrial users will be fully exempt from the PST. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of October 1, 2017 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Uncoated Freesheet Grades by as much as 6%. This includes, but, is not limited to: Ideal® Offset; Ideal® Reply Card. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades. Should you have any questions, please contact your Midland Paper sales professional.

Effective with shipments October 9, 2017, Boise Paper will raise prices by $2/cwt on all private label and branded office papers, printing papers, and converting papers. All minimums, up-charges and shipping policies remain unchanged. Please contact your Boise Paper sales representative with any questions regarding these changes.

Please be advised that we will increase our prices by an average of 5% on the following products, effective with shipments on or after October 6th, 2017. This includes • Rolland Enviro Copy, • ReproPlus. All standard upcharges will remain unchanged. Orders already confirmed for shipment on or after October 6th, 2017 will be priced as acknowledged.

Effective with shipments October 6, 2017, the price for the following products will increase 4-6%: • Husky® and EarthChoice® Opaque Offset Rolls • Domtar® Reply Card Rolls • Domtar® branded and Private Label Office Papers • Converting Papers. All current standard differentials and upcharges remain in effect.

Effective with shipments October 11, 2017, International Paper will increase prices by $2/cwt on the following products: * Williamsburg: Offset Rolls & Return Postcard Rolls; * Postmark® White Wove Envelope; * DataSpeed® Laser MOCR; * Office Papers: All Private Label + Generic White Box + Relay. This increase applies to virgin, recycled and treated products. All standard upcharges will continue to apply.

Norske Skog's newly elected board of directors is progressing the recapitalization process and will continue to work to develop a sustainable, industrially based recapitalization proposal to the stakeholders of the group. This recapitalization proposal will be based on the current operating performance and outlook for the Norske Skog group, and will seek to provide a robust industrial and financial platform for the future development of the group. The board's current intention is to make public the industrially based recapitalization proposal on Monday 18 September (at 13.00 CET), after which date the group's financial creditors will be expected to have a 10 business day period until 2 October at 17.00 CET to accept or reject the board's proposal. The recapitalization proposal will be based on the recently announced 2017 gross operating earnings estimate of around NOK 700 million. The recapitalization proposal will reduce the group's debt position and interest payments to a level which leaves Norske Skog as an industrial company with a realistic and long term sustainable capital structure to enable future development of the group in a rather challenging international business environment. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Neenah announces the release of DISPERSA (TM) Dissolvable Paper, a water-soluble paper that dissolves completely and rapidly in water. DISPERSA (TM) Dissolvable Paper addresses key market needs dictated by an increased focus on environmental awareness, industrial and consumer safety, and convenience. It is 100% dispersible in water in seconds or minutes, depending on conditions, and suitable for flexographic, laser, and inkjet printing technologies. The paper has unique dry strength properties that allows it to withstand the converting processes, but still dissolves when exposed to water. Applications include food rotation labels for reusable food containers in commercial kitchens and heat sealable pouches for safer handling of hazardous substances. DISPERSA (TM) Dissolvable Paper will be manufactured in the USA.

“We have been making offset since 2010 and lightweight opaques since 2013,” explains Jim Bird, Appleton Coated’s uncoated product manager, “and our uncoated products have an excellent reputation with our customers.” Bird continues, “The Swatchbook is a tool that showcases the grades and is an extension of the brand’s continued growth in the market.” “The Offset section of the book features a comparison of 100% Post-Consumer Recovered Fiber (PCRF) Offset, 30% PCRF Offset, and Virgin Fiber Offset to showcase the printed and unprinted excellence of these three offerings.” Bird continues, “Customers are remarking that our sustainable options are virtually indistinguishable from their virgin counterparts. A notable benefit of the book is that every grade and basis weight shown in the book features printed and unprinted examples.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Board of BillerudKorsnäs has decided to exercise the authorization granted to it by the Annual General Meeting on 10 May 2017, regarding repurchase of own shares. At the time of this press release, BillerudKorsnäs has 948,476 own shares in treasury. Repurchases may take place on one or more occasions during the period from 12 September 2017 until the next Annual General Meeting, up to a maximum amount of 314,690 shares. Repurchases shall be made on Nasdaq Stockholm at a price per share that is within the registered interval at any given time, i.e. the interval between the highest buying price and lowest selling price. Payment for the shares shall be made in cash. The purpose of the repurchase is to secure future delivery of shares to the participants in BillerudKorsnäs’ long term share based incentive programmes.

As a member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), Boise Paper is a corporate leader who makes a difference by pre-investing in the vital work of the American Red Cross. Through a unique partnership, Boise Paper donates a majority of the office paper the Red Cross uses annually, helping reduce a large administrative expense and allowing the Red Cross to invest more funds in critical humanitarian needs. Donations from ADGP members, like Boise Paper, enabled the Red Cross to be among the first responders on the ground, preparing for the large response effort as Hurricane Harvey bore down on Texas and Louisiana. Contributions from ADGP members power the ability of the Red Cross to provide compassionate care to those in need – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping people be prepared to respond in emergencies. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Expera Specialty Solutions has announced its newly branded Flame-Gard™ Technology. Expera provides flame-resistant solutions for multiple end-use applications. "Flame-resistant papers will char when exposed to a flame, and will not 'support' combustion, self-extinguishing when the flame source is removed," explained Jeff Murphy, Sales and Marketing Director for Expera Specialty Solutions. Expera produces flame-resistant papers across multiple applications. From utility grades and papers used in building and construction, to school craft papers, Expera's innovative technology provides targeted protection. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Kruger Inc. is announcing today a $377.6-M transaction to diversify operations at its Brompton and Wayagamack Mills into specialty niches, such as flexible food packaging, labelling and digital printing. This major project, undertaken in partnership with the Government of Québec, will help to maintain more than 500 jobs in the Mauricie and Estrie regions. The announcement was made today in the presence of Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec; Dominique Anglade, Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Digital Strategy; and Joseph Kruger II, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kruger, as well as Ministers Luc Blanchette, Julie Boulet, and Luc Fortin. Kruger and the Government of Québec have formed a partnership by which Investissement Québec, acting as the government's agent, will grant loans and a loan guarantee totalling $59.8 million and acquire an equity participation of 37.5%, or $44.6 million, in the new entity Kruger Specialty Papers Holding L.P. The new entity comprises the assets of the Brompton and Wayagamack Mills, as well as the Biomass Cogeneration Plant adjacent to the Brompton Mill. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Appleton Coated’s new Ethos Enhanced Inkjet Swatchbook highlights the product’s versatility. Featuring samples printed across multiple high-speed inkjet platforms – including the HP PageWide, Kodak Prosper, Ricoh IPS5000 & Pro VC60000, Canon ColorStream & VarioPrint i300, and Screen TruePress – the book is a showcase of the capabilities of this silk, coated-like inkjet paper. “The swatchbook is printed by our customers across North America,” explains Amy Ambos, Appleton Coated’s inkjet product manager, “using both dye and pigment inks. Ethos Enhanced Inkjet is an obvious choice for many direct mail, commercial and publishing applications.” Ambos continues, “Our customers are impressed with the print quality, runnability, and product availability. The product is manufactured at our mill in Combined Locks, Wisconsin, ensuring the quick-turn required by many customers.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

During the night between September 5th and 6th, there was a fire in one of the buildings at BillerudKorsnäs’ production unit in Karlsborg and the production has been stopped since then. After analysing the impact of the fire, BillerudKorsnäs now expects Karlsborg to be back to full production during the week starting with Monday September 18th. "The most important thing is that no person has been injured in the fire. We have now assessed the impact of the fire and the work with making the unit ready for start of production is ongoing at high intensity. We expect full production to be reached during next week, i.e. the week starting with Monday September 18th. As it is a complex start-up after this type of event, there is some uncertainty about the exact timing", says Per Lindberg, President and CEO of BillerudKorsnäs. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Sappi North America’s publication, “Verticals: The Marketing of Higher Education,” was selected as the 2017 winner of the annual Positively Print award. Pursuing the organization’s mission to educate its stakeholders, Sappi launched the Verticals series to examine individual vertical markets and the unique challenges, traditions, and idiosyncrasies each faces when communicating with its target audience. This first installment of the Verticals series aims to bring colleges and universities across the United States a set of best practices for attracting new students through in-depth research and case studies. “Verticals: The Marketing of Higher Education” brings industry statistics to life, busts myths on marketing to this demographic, and includes a five-page pullout full of special effects and cross-channel marketing tips. With competition stronger than ever, the publication creatively demonstrates how print, a sustainable choice, effectively cuts through digital clutter, helping colleges and universities create a lasting impression to stand out with students and their families. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Sappi Limited, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, will be showing its full range of speciality and packaging grades at the 2017 Pack Expo Las Vegas September 25-27, 2017. Sappi is committed to offering customers high-quality, innovative and sustainable specialty products and solutions via its robust global network. "We are experts in what we do and a reliable partner when it comes to challenging packaging solutions as well as the manufacturing processes for these types of packaging,” said Mark Odgers, Director of Packaging, Sappi North America. “In light of the high investment levels and significant amount of work that Sappi has put into packaging and speciality papers, we’re excited to share our full product line and what’s next for us at Pack Expo. We are delighted to invite all visitors to stop by to discuss their specific requirements with us."

Appleton Coated’s new Ethos Enhanced Inkjet Swatchbook highlights the product’s versatility. Featuring samples printed across multiple high-speed inkjet platforms – including the HP PageWide, Kodak Prosper, Ricoh IPS5000 & Pro VC60000, Canon ColorStream & VarioPrint i300, and Screen TruePress – the book is a showcase of the capabilities of this silk, coated-like inkjet paper. “The swatchbook is printed by our customers across North America,” explains Amy Ambos, Appleton Coated’s inkjet product manager, “using both dye and pigment inks. Ethos Enhanced Inkjet is an obvious choice for many direct mail, commercial and publishing applications.” Ambos continues, “Our customers are impressed with the print quality, runnability, and product availability. The product is manufactured at our mill in Combined Locks, Wisconsin, ensuring the quick-turn required by many customers.”

Glatfelter (NYSE: GLT) today announced that Dante C. Parrini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and John P. Jacunski, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will be presenting at the 2017 KeyBanc Capital Markets Basic Materials & Packaging Conference on September 12, 2017, at the InterContinental Hotel in Boston, MA. The presentation will begin at 12:05 p.m. Eastern.

On average J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) awards over $250,000 in educational scholarships each year. We award some of these scholarships to the children of our valued employees who are pursuing their education at a post-secondary level. Recently, seven students were awarded scholarships in a ceremony at our Saint John Head Office. “Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners,” said Mary-Beth Tingly, Director of Human Resources for Irving Business Services. “We are pleased to award scholarships for students who excel academically, and show a passion for community involvement. Best of luck in your chosen field. We hope you will keep summer and co-op opportunities with J.D. Irving, Limited in mind throughout your education.”

This August, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) volunteered to host a visit to our operations as part of the Atlantic Canadian Teachers’ Tour, held in Truro, Nova Scotia. Educators from all over the Atlantic Provinces gathered to learn more about the forestry industry and how it impacts our region. The three-day tour involved tours of local mills, private woodlot owners land and JDI freehold land, pre-commercial thinning and commercial thinning.