The Board of Directors of the Europac Group has approved its 2017 annual accounts, which recorded a net profit of 78 million euros, 59.4% up on 2016. Aggregate sales increased by 10.9% to 1,186 million euros, Aggregate sales increased by 10.9% to 1,186 million euros, while consolidated sales reached 868 million euros, 8.4% more than a year ago. Consolidated EBITDA amounted to 158 million euros, 25% up on the 127 million euros of the previous year, while recurring EBITDA totalled 147 million euros, 19.3% up on the previous year. The difference between consolidated and recurring EBITDA is mainly due to the extraordinary effects of the sale of the packaging factory in Tangier and the logistics operator at the port of Viana do Castelo, as well as settlement of the guarantees linked to the acquisition of the paper and packaging factories in Rouen (France) in 2008. In this context, the EBITDA margin rose by 2.4 percentage points to 18.2%, while EBIT amounted to 106 million euros, 37.1% up on the previous year.

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According to the February 2018 Printing-Writing Monthly report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in February compared to February 2017. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers decreased four percent in February. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent from January 2017. Imports of printing-writing papers began 2018 four percent lower than January 2017 imports, while exports began the year 12 percent less than January 2017.

The Management Board of Arctic Paper has of February 22 and adopted a long-term financial target of EBIT 10 percent. The Management Board has also adopted a new strategy for its paper business – A Future in Paper - Strategic Agenda 2022 – showing the way to a growing and more profitable business. “Our mission is to offer a variety of superior, reliable and eco-friendly paper products and services which turn highly creative ideas into distinctive experiences and cater for the latest printing technologies. The new strategy is built on the ambition to reach a sustainably higher profitability, with a set target of EBIT 10 percent at the latest 2022”, comments Per Skoglund, CEO of Arctic Paper.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of April 22, 2018 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Supercalendered grades, including but not limited to: Voyager® web; Superior Gloss® web. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of April 22, 2018 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Freesheet Sheets and Sheeter Roll grades, including but not limited to: Sterling® Premium sheets/sheeter rolls; Sterling® Premium Digital™ sheets/sheeter rolls; Sterling® Premium Digital™ for HP Indigo sheets/sheeter rolls; Anthem Plus® sheets/sheeter rolls; Blazer Digital® sheets/sheeter rolls. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.

This letter is to notify you that NORPAC will raise the price of our Norbrite grades effective with shipments/invoices on or after May 1, 2018. Specific grades affected by this change in pricing include: Norbrite 65; Norbrite 70; Norbrite 75; Norbrite Plus; Norbrite Offset; Norbrite Hybrid; Norbrite 92 Max; Norbrite Book Cream; Norbrite Book Blue White. Additionally, be advised we plan to increase the price of our 27.7# (45.0 gsm.) standard newsprint. The increase will be phased in over two months as follows. $22.00 per metric ton on April 1, 2018 and $22.00 per metric ton on May 1, 2018. Prices for all other newsprint basis weights will be adjusted proportionally as per past practices.

As part of a settlement entered into by Verso with two Canadian producers of supercalendered papers, Verso today requested that the U.S. Department of Commerce revoke its order imposing duties on supercalendered papers made by those Canadian producers and imported into the U.S. The SC paper tariffs were intended to offset the impact of Canadian subsidies paid to Canadian producers of SC paper in order to help U.S. producers who were injured by the subsidized imports. However, injurious Canadian SC imports continue to enter the United States even with the tariffs, and imports from other non-U.S. SC producers which are not subject to the tariffs have increased. These factors offset the benefits of the tariffs to Verso. If the Department of Commerce grants Verso’s request to revoke the tariffs, it could provide Verso with a meaningful amount of cash over time, which we will evaluate how to use to best benefit our company and make us an even healthier supplier. However, there is no assurance that the Department of Commerce will grant our request to revoke the tariffs or that such funds will be provided to Verso. Be assured that we continue to make supercalendered paper at the Duluth Mill. Verso’s decision to settle the trade case is unrelated to any decisions about potential changes to Verso’s production assets at the Duluth Mill or to the types of products we make there.

The increase will be valid for deliveries ex mill from May 1st, 2018 onwards. The costs for carbonless paper in reels and sheets continue to rise. Prices for pulp, chemicals, especially for leuco dyes, result in considerably higher production costs. It is therefore inevitable to increase sales prices globally for carbonless paper as well. The increase will be 6 - 8% and be valid for deliveries from May 1st onwards.

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions announced the launch of its new Cut Vinyl Film Portfolio, re-engineered for industry-leading weeding performance and a longer shelf life. The Portfolio of films is incorporated in the “Color with Character” theme of the Avery Dennison Booth #3623 at ISA Sign Expo, March 22 - 24, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Cut Vinyl Film Portfolio features HP750 High Performance and SC950 Supercast Film in the broadest color selection available. The films feature an enhanced shelf life and the fastest and easiest weeding, when compared to competitive products, for best-in-class results. The films in the Cut Vinyl Film Portfolio are ideal for indoor and outdoor signage, fleet graphics and crafting. Additional product details can be found at graphics.averydennison.com/CutVinylFilms. Click Read More below for additional information.

Please be advised that we will increase our prices by $2.00/CWT for shipments West of the Rockies on all Rolland printing and publishing grades, effective with shipments on or after April 15th 2018. Price increases apply to all; rolls, folio and cut size. All standard upcharges will remain unchanged. Orders already confirmed for shipment on or before April 15th 2018 will be priced as acknowledged.

AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement in strong support of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). AF&PA and member company leaders will meet with administration and Congressional offices on March 20 to advocate for free and fair trade policies that recognize the strong global position of the paper and wood products industry. “NAFTA countries account for $9.6 billion or 45% of our industry’s pulp and paper exports, making them a vital industry market. As negotiators work to modernize NAFTA with Canada and Mexico, we support constructive changes that will ensure these markets remain open to our country’s exports and recognize the benefits of an interconnected supply chain. Maintaining open access for U.S. exports and a level playing field for U.S. companies, retaining the investor-state dispute settlement mechanism, implementing transparent and sound science-based regulatory practices and combatting illegal logging and associated trade remain our top priorities. Click Read More below for additional information.

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. introduces Ultrahide® Blockout Poster. Ultrahide is a high-performance, Forest Stewardship Council Certified, 100 percent opaque blockout poster stock ideal for indoor retail, hospitality and event signage. Ultrahide is engineered for superior performance in varying moisture conditions. The bright white, coated printing surface is optimized for excellent photographic reproduction using offset, screen, latex inkjet, and UV inkjet printing equipment. The single-ply construction makes the product more stable and more economical than pasted alternatives on the market. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sappi North America announces a transactional price increase on new and unconfirmed orders that book with confirmed delivery dates on or after Monday, April 16, 2018 on the following products: • Opus Folio Sheets, Digital Sheets and Sheeter Rolls – all basis weights, all finishes • Flo Folio Sheets, Digital Sheets and Sheeter Rolls – all basis weights, all finishes • EuroArt Folio Sheets, Digital Sheets and Sheeter Rolls – all basis weights, all finishes. Standard differentials and upcharges apply. This price increase includes all private label programs.

Please be advised we plan to increase our Standard Newsprint price by US$ 65.00 per metric tonne (for 45.0 gsm), effective with shipments on or after April 1st, 2018 and by US$ 65.00 per metric tonne (for 45.0 gsm), effective with shipments on or after May 1st, 2018. Prices for our other basis weights as well as our bulky book and other specialty grades will be adjusted accordingly.

“As we review the details of the DC Circuit Court’s ruling, we are pleased the court upheld the practical start-up and shut-down provisions but continue to urge the EPA to conclude a 25-year rulemaking roller coaster ride by responding quickly to the court’s remand on the carbon monoxide limits. Our companies are focused on generating essential power from their boilers and deserve affordable and achievable standards that are not constantly in flux.”

Koehler Paper Group, leading manufacturer of thermal paper is increasing prices for its thermal paper product range by 10 - 12% for new orders, effective immediately. This increase is driven by the global shortage of Leuco dye (ODB-2 color former), resulting in an unprecedented cost increase for this essential chemical used in thermal paper production.

The tissue production group is expanding its US presence through an integrated plant (paper mill and converting) in Inola with an output of 120,000 metric tons a year, a total investment of 360 million dollars within 2020. Sofidel's first greenfield investment in the US, in Circleville, Ohio, will instead be completed by the end of 2018. Sofidel, one of the global largest tissue (paper for hygienic and domestic use) production players, today announces a major new stage in its journey of international growth, initiating a new greenfield investment in the United States to build an integrated plant - i.e. including both the paper mill and converting lines - in Inola, Oklahoma, around 30 miles east of Tulsa. Click Read More below for additional information.

We are announcing a US$70/MT (45 gsm) newsprint price increase to be phased in over two months. The price will increase by US35/MT (45 gsm) effective with shipments on or after April 1, 2018 and a second US$35/MT (45 gsm) will be implemented on shipments on or after May 1, 2018. The transaction price for all other basis weights and other Uncoated Groundwood products (Krubook and Krubrite) will be adjusted accordingly.

Brazil’s Suzano Papel e Celulose SA will pay Fibria Celulose SA’s shareholders 52.50 reais ($15.92) per share in a merger that will create the world’s largest pulp maker, the companies said in statements on Friday. Additionally, Fibria’s shareholders will receive 0.4611 shares of Suzano for every share they hold in Fibria. Click Read More below for additional information.

In response to the announcement by the Department of Commerce regarding preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian imports of Uncoated Groundwood (UGW) Paper, Printing Industries of America President and CEO Michael Makin made the following statement: “Yesterday, the Department of Commerce announced preliminary anti-dumping duties of up to 22.16 percent on Canadian imports of Uncoated Groundwood (UGW) Paper. This is compounded by preliminary countervailing duties averaging 6.5 percent on the same product announced in January. These tariffs will negatively impact paper used for newsprint, directories, book publishing, and advertising circulars, raising costs for production and, ultimately, print customers. In an industry in which it is difficult to absorb forced cost increases, the effect will likely be less production, fewer pages printed, a faster shift to digital content of news and books, and more diversion of advertising from print to electronic platforms. All of this havoc has been caused by one company in the paper industry filing a trade remedy case alleging unfair trade practices by Canada. The majority of U.S. newsprint manufacturers, the trade associations representing the industry, and U.S. customers oppose the trade petition on UGW paper. Click Read More below for additional information.

Premier Dwight Ball is worried about the impact of huge tariffs on newsprint from Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, following the introduction of another new tarriff by the United States. Just two months after the mill was hit by an export duty of nearly 10 per cent, the U.S. Department of Commerce on Tuesday announced an anti-dumping duty of 22.16 per cent — the result, it says, of a preliminary investigation that found Canadian exporters underpriced uncoated groundwood paper by up to that amount. The total tariffs will now add 32 per cent to the cost of newsprint — the highest duties of any mill in Canada. Click Read More below for additional information.

Fortress Global Enterprises Inc. is pleased to announce that it has signed a share purchase agreement (the "SPA") with S2G Biochemicals Inc. ("S2G") and its shareholders, whereby the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of S2G for a purchase price of $2,500,000, payable by the issuance of 666,652 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $3.75 per Fortress Global share. Upon completion of the transaction, Fortress Global, intends to commission the construction of a demonstration plant to produce xylitol at its Fortress Specialty Cellulose (“FSC”) Mill, utilizing proprietary process technologies, know-how and expertise developed by S2G and Mondelez International, Inc. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar polyol that has a sweetening property matching that of cane sugar but with 40% fewer calories. In addition, based on third-party research, the Company believes that xylitol is currently the best nutritive sugar substitute with respect to the prevention of dental cavities. Click Read More below for additional information.

Kenneth Nystén has a solid background in the pulp and paper industry, from various positions in companies such as Stora Enso and Metsä-Serla. He comes most recently from the Finnish chemicals company Kemira Oy. Kenneth Nystén was born 1958 in Espoo, Finland. He holds a Bachelor degree in Economics from Uppsala University and an MBA from Seton Hall University in the U.S. “Kenneth is a driven business manager with a broad experience from leading positions within our industry, in particular the paperboard industry. His proven ability to create strong results and motivated sales teams, will be of great importance as we move forward and further develop our paperboard business” says Daniel Peltonen, President and CEO at Iggesund Paperboard. Click Read More below for additional information.

Norbord Inc. announced that a shortage of wood will cause it to temporarily suspend production at its oriented strand board (OSB) mill in 100 Mile House, British Columbia. Norbord currently expects the suspension to commence on or about May 14, 2018 and to continue for approximately one month. The significant wildfires that the province of British Columbia experienced in the summer of 2017 seriously damaged logging areas surrounding the 100 Mile House mill. Further, the severe weather conditions this winter have limited loggers' ability to access the forests during the months when the mill typically builds its annual log inventory. Combined, these extraordinary circumstances have impacted Norbord's ability to secure a sufficient wood supply to operate the mill on a continuous basis during this one-month period. Click Read More below for additional information.

Catalyst Paper will continue to vigorously defend itself against an unwarranted and onerous U.S. trade action following today’s disappointing decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce that it will impose a 22.16% anti-dumping duty deposit on the company’s exports of uncoated groundwood paper products. Uncoated groundwood directory paper was excluded from the duty. “We are very disappointed with this decision,” says Ned Dwyer, President & Chief Executive Officer. “This U.S. trade action is unwarranted and without merit.” Click Read More below for additional information.

On behalf of the workers in our sector, Forest Products Association of Canada is disappointed in this outcome and strongly believes that these duties are completely unjustified and represent a costly and losing proposition for workers and paper customers on both sides of the border. FPAC applauds the swift response issued last night from Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr – they unequivocally defended Canada’s interests. In addition to strongly defending Canadian workers and businesses against these unfounded duties imposed by our U.S. neighbours, FPAC is calling on the Trudeau government to do the following: •Continue efforts to support industry’s efforts to aggressively diversify export markets. •Partner with FPAC and Canada’s forest products sector and our workers to further enable the transformation of our sector into new and innovative product areas. •Activate employment support programs for any Canadian workers who might be impacted in the event of reduced shifts or job losses. Click Read More below for additional information.

Orient Paper, Inc. announced that it resumed production at its manufacturing facilities on March 14, 2018. Production had been suspended since late January due to a government-mandated restriction on the supply of natural gas.

The American government is imposing more anti-dumping duties on Canadian newsprint. The U.S. Department of Commerce says a preliminary investigation has found Canadian exporters underpriced uncoated groundwood paper by between 0 and 22.16 per cent. Uncoated groundwood paper includes newsprint, as well as paper for book publishing, printing and writing. The department says it calculated a dumping rate of 22.16 per cent for Catalyst Paper Corp. of British Columbia. It says Resolute Forest Products and White Birch were both found to have dumping rates of 0 per cent. Click Read More below for additional information.

Please be advised that Irving Paper will increase its prices of Irving SCA, Irving SCB, Irving Radiance (SCA+) and Irving Opulence (SCA++) for the US and Canadian markets, effective with all new and existing orders shipping on and after May 1, 2018. This increase affects all basis weights.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after May 1, 2018, Twin Rivers Paper Company will be implementing a price increase for the US market on the following grades: Publishing • Freesheet: Snowbrite Opaque®, Custom Brite®, Custom Plus®, Twin Rivers® Opaque, Twin Rivers® Offset, Pharmopaque®, PharmBrite 92™, and SnowBrite Pharm®; • Hybrid grades: Border Brite®, Bridge Opaque®, Bridge Supreme®, Frontier Opaque, Frontier Supreme, Frabrite® 76 & 72, and all tablet and converting grades; • All private label grades and proprietary products; Packaging • Acadia®, Bladepak®, TR Specialty Bag, and all other packaging papers; Label • Alliance® Label (TT & Release) and customized base papers; Technical • All technical grades

Solenis has launched its new Tapestry℠ Yankee Coating Solutions to help tissue makers produce a consistently reliable Yankee coating while improving manufacturing performance and controlling operational costs. The new Solenis Tapestry Yankee Coating Solutions offering includes a family of advanced chemistries and technologies, a team of application and field service specialists experienced in optimizing Yankee coating properties, and R&D support focused on tissue-making science and innovation. “Tissue makers face consumer demands every day — demands for softer, stronger and more absorbent products,” said Richard Cho, global marketing director, Tissue and Towel. “The Yankee cylinder is critical to meeting these demands, but difficulties with Yankee operation can affect manufacturing productivity, product quality and, in some cases, asset life. The new Tapestry Yankee Coating Solutions from Solenis can help tissue makers overcome these challenges.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Due to the increase of costs for raw materials, especially for pulp, and for chemicals and logistics, Papierfabrik Koehler will raise its prices for reacto® carbonless paper in Latin America. The increase will be 8 – 12% and will be effective for deliveries ex mill from Mai 1st, 2018 onwards.

Resolute Forest Products plans to put up a new distribution center at its Calhoun, Tenn., production site as the company grows its tissue business. The 300,000-square-foot distribution center under construction will provide storage for tissue products made at the mill, said Debbie Johnston, the company's director of U.S. public affairs. The goods later will be shipped to Resolute's retail customers, she said. Johnston said the center, slated for completion in August, will employ more than 30 people. She said construction of the center is the latest phase of $400 million Resolute is spending when it announced it was entering the tissue market in 2015. Click Read More below for additional information.

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) applauds the Canadian government, and in particular Minister Champagne, on the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam. This agreement will benefit the Canadian forest products industry by eliminating tariffs, as well as providing clear provisions to help settle disputes and avoid unfair blocking of imports because of concerns about issues such as insects or other contaminants. For example, forest products from Canada now face:. •31% tariff to Vietnam for certain kinds of wood, going down to 0% starting Year 1 and up to 27% for paper, which will be at 0% by Year 4. •40% tariff to Malaysia for plywood and up to 25% for paper, down to 0% by Year 6. •10% tariff to Japan for wood products, going down as low as 5% in Year 1 and 0% as early as Year 11. “The CPTPP will increase Canadian forest products access to key global markets,” says CEO of FPAC, Derek Nighbor. “Growing exports will create more middle class jobs in the over 600 forest dependent communities across Canada and help the forest sector diversify its markets.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Comments to Results of Operations - Comparison of Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 to Three Months Ended December 31, 2016: • Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2017 decreased by $7 million compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. The sales decline was primarily attributable to a decrease in total sales volume due to the general softening of demand for coated papers and our capacity reductions at our Androscoggin Mill. • Gross margin, excluding depreciation, amortization and depletion expenses, decreased from 16.6% of net sales in the fourth quarter of 2016 to 13.3% in the fourth quarter of 2017. Comments to Results of Operations - Comparison of 12 Months Ended December 31, 2017 to 12 Months Ended December 31, 2016: • Net sales for the 12 months of 2017 decreased by $180 million compared to the 12 months of 2016. The sales decline was attributable to a decrease in total sales volume and a decrease in pricing, partially offset by improvement in product mix. The decrease in volume and pricing were driven by general softening of demand for coated papers and our capacity reductions at the Androscoggin Mill. • Gross margin, excluding depreciation, amortization and depletion expenses, decreased from 11.1% of net sales in the 12 months of 2016 to 9.1% in the 12 months of 2017. Gross margin was favorably impacted in 2016 by $22 million and in 2017 by $4 million as a result of gains included in cost of products sold, associated with the elimination of certain postretirement benefit costs. Click Read More below for additional information.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö announces the launch of Ahlstrom-Munksjö Trinitex® Advance W3200, a unique E12 filtration media specifically designed for pulse jet gas turbine applications. “Following on from the high level of interest generated by the Trinitex® Advance W3000 launch in November last year, we are very pleased to now introduce Ahlstrom-Munksjö Trinitex® Advance W3200” says Robin Guillaud, VP Business Development Filtration and Performance; “Trinitex® Advance W3200 is a natural extension of our Trinitex® Advance product range and has been designed for pulse jet gas turbine applications requiring the highest level of performance” he adds. Click Read More below for additional information.

KPLP Q4 2017 Financial Results: Revenue in Q4 2017 was $340.0 million, compared to $339.6 million in Q4 2016, an increase of $0.4 million or 0.1%. The increase in revenue was primarily due to a selling price increase in Canada, offset by lower Consumer sales volume in Canada and the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange on U.S. dollar sales. Net loss in Q4 2017 was $18.0 million, compared to $4.5 million in Q4 2016, primarily due to lower Adjusted EBITDA of $9.2 million, an increase in tax expense of $5.8 million, a decrease in the gain on sale of non-financial assets of $2.5 million and a change in fair value of derivatives of $0.4 million in Q4 2017. These items were partially offset by a decrease in the change in amortized cost of Partnership units liability of $3.3 million and lower depreciation expense of $0.5 million. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mercer International Inc. announces that it has received the decision of the tribunal in respect of its previously announced claim against the Government of Canada under the North American Free Trade Agreement. In a split decision, a majority of the tribunal ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to decide certain of the Company's claims under NAFTA and, with respect to the Company's other NAFTA claims, that they were highly complex and technical and that it would be inappropriate for the tribunal to re-determine matters calling for specialist judgment and, as a result, there was no violation of NAFTA. As is customary in these matters, the tribunal awarded costs to Canada of approximately $6.9 million. Click Read More below for additional information.

Nekoosa, comprised of Nekoosa Coated Products, RTape Corp, and CET Films, announced today the acquisition of Catalina Graphic Films, effective as of March 1, 2018. Catalina Graphic Films, headquartered in Calabasas, CA with manufacturing facilities in Chicago, IL and Las Vegas, NV, is a leading manufacturer of pressure sensitive products used primarily for printed retail point of purchase advertising and promotion. Nekoosa is making the acquisition to support expanded manufacturing capability, product portfolio expansion, and a national manufacturing footprint. “Nekoosa is proud to combine its 50 year legacy with the equal 50 year family legacy of Catalina Graphic Films, and create a truly special business that can service our customers with an incredibly broad portfolio of products, services, and capabilities,” said Paul Charapata, CEO of Nekoosa. Click Read More below for additional information.

The EU has today released a report related to a Trade Barrier Regulation ("TBR") investigation launched following a complaint submitted by CEPI, the European association representing the paper industry. The report upheld the complaint finding that the measures imposed by Turkey on the imports of certain varieties of paper such as office paper, books, envelopes and paper used for direct mail marketing (otherwise known as uncoated wood free (“UWF”) paper) from the EU were inconsistent with both WTO and the EU-Turkey Customs Union rules. “CEPI takes pride in its strong commitment to free trade with its partners. The decision by the Turkish authorities to remove these unfair measures is applaudable; however this issue should never have been escalated in the first place. It is our expectation that the Turkish authorities stand by their obligations under the EU-Turkey Customs Union Agreement in the future” says Sylvain Lhôte, Director General at CEPI. Click Read More below for additional information.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Relative to Third Quarter 2017: Net sales of $43.5 million in the fourth quarter decreased $1.7 million, or 3.7%, from the third quarter driven by seasonality factors. Converted product sales declined $1.5 million; a decline of $1.9 million due to volume, offset by higher average-selling prices having a positive impact of $0.4 million. Parent roll sales decreased $0.2 million, as the effect of lower sales volume outpaced an increase in the average selling price compared to third quarter 2017. Average selling prices were, to a degree, positively impacted in the fourth quarter by the inclusion of Orchids' new ultra-premium products manufactured at Barnwell. Cost of goods sold, net of depreciation, in the fourth quarter declined by $2.5 million to 84.6% of net sales, down from 87.0% in the third quarter, representing our second consecutive decline as a percentage of sales. Total cost of sales increased to 94.2% of revenue in the fourth quarter, up from 93.9% in the third quarter. Total depreciation increased to 9.6% of net sales in the fourth quarter from 6.9% of net sales in the third quarter as a result of the addition of the Barnwell facility. Click Read More below for additional information.

In order to prepare Kotkamills Absorbex Oy, a subsidiary of Kotkamills Oy and the leading global supplier of Laminating Papers, to meet the increasing demand, as well as to replace the discontinuing production volume of Paper Machine 7 in Tainionkoski, Imatra (Stock Exchange release on the 3rd of July 2017), Kotkamills Oy has started the pre-feasibility study of a new Paper Machine 3 (PM 3) in Kotka. The final decision of this possible investment will be done by the end of year 2018. The capacity, cost estimation and start-up timing of the the PM 3 will be published later on subject to the positive investment decision. After the possible start-up of the PM 3, Kotkamills Oy is maximizing the integration advantages of the Kotka site. In addition to the efficient investment cost of PM 3 to the already available infrastructure, the energy and fixed costs per produced volumes of the whole integrated site would be lower than today. The possible investment would have a positive impact on the profitability of Kotkamills Group. Click Read More below for additional information.

Filled with entertaining urban legends and popular misconceptions, Sappi's new "True or False" booklet challenges frequently heard myths such as, "humans only use 10% of their brains" and "lightning never strikes the same place twice." It also refutes the widespread belief that uncoated printing papers cost less than coated. In addition to comparing costs, performance capabilities, and environmental benefits between coated and uncoated sheets, "True or False" presents an actual side-by-side demonstration of the same image printed with the same press settings on Sappi McCoy Matte and Silk and two comparable uncoated grades, so readers can see the tactile and visual differences for themselves. "Some myths about coated and uncoated paper have been around so long that people accept them as fact, but not everything that people believe to be true is true," says Patti Groh, Director of Marketing Communications, Sappi North America. "A premium smooth uncoated sheet may cost as much as 170% more than a comparable coated sheet such as Sappi's McCoy. Click Read More below for additional information.

The transaction includes the acquisition of CPG’s Carmignano and Condino Mills in Italy, its digital imaging business located in Cham, Switzerland as well as all brands and know-how. The main benefits of the acquisition include: Supports Sappi’s diversification strategy and 2020vision to grow in higher margin growth segments; Strengthens Sappi Europe’s specialities and packaging papers footprint and skills; adds 160,000 tons of speciality paper to our capacity; Increases Sappi’s relevance in specialities and packaging papers, opening up new customers and markets to Sappi’s existing products and generating economies of scale and synergies; Gaining greater share-of-wallet with valued brand owners; accelerating innovation and new product development; Improved near-term profitability and serve as platform for organic growth and further acquisitions. Will add €183 million of sales and approximately €20 million of EBITDA before taking into account synergies; Builds on the investments currently underway to increase specialities and packaging papers capacity at our Somerset, Maastricht and Alfeld Mills; Unlocks the growth potential of the CPG speciality paper business. Click Read More below for additional information.

A few quick conversations with employees will confirm for anyone how these awards were earned at Huhtamaki. For all those who work to supply Walmart with the items they need for stores across the country, they all say the same thing — “It’s not just me.” Everyone including the employees who make the product, sales management and commercialization, product managers, finance professionals, operations managers, and the logistics team are excited to make sure that high quality product reaches its destination on time. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sappi North America has joined on as a new funding partner of The Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit that applies corporate funding to improve recycling efforts in communities across the country. In doing so, the company will be working to help transform recycling nationwide, increase materials recovery, and reduce the creation of greenhouse gases that add to climate change. Currently, still less than half of recyclables in U.S. homes are getting captured; just 22 million tons out of an available 46 million tons are recycled every year1. While the funding and management of recycling systems has fallen on the shoulders of cities and towns across the country, now, through The Recycling Partnership, nearly 40 companies, including Sappi are committing financial resources to work with the nonprofit and local governments to improve recycling systems. Click Read More below for additional information.

Lecta announ​ces a price increase of 7% on its different grades for labelling applications: coated 1s, metallized papers, cast coated and self-adhesive papers. The price increase is unavoidable to offset the continuous increase in manufacturing costs due to the rising costs of pulp and other raw materials. The new prices will be effective on deliveries from April 2th, 2018. Lecta sales teams are at our customers' disposal to provide specific information on how the price increase will be applied by product on a country-by-country basis.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in December 2017 were down 3.4% vs. December 2016 and were down 1.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in December 2017 were down 7.0% vs. December 2016 and were down 3.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in December 2017 were down 12.4% vs. December 2016 and were down 2.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in December 2017 were UP 4.9% vs. December 2016 and were down 0.3% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional information.

Due to continuing input cost increases and unsustainable profit levels, Sappi is forced to continue passing on this cost inflation by increasing its WFC and WFU in sheets and reels by 6-8% effective on deliveries from April 1st 2018 for all European and Overseas markets. Despite strong order books 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 following weeks.

Despite the extremely strong order books the mechanical coated paper profit margins continue to be depressed due to continuing cost creep. Sappi addresses the cost inflation by increasing its LWC and MWC paper grades prices by 4% effective on deliveries from April 1st 2018 for all markets as validities allow. In order to reach sustainable profitability levels subsequent inflationary increases are expected during the year. Sappi’s sales representatives will be in touch with their customers to agree on the specifics over the following weeks.

The Navigator Company announced today that it will be increasing prices our Uncoated Woodfree papers by 5 to 7 % in Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania and Latin America. This measure will be effective with orders shipping April 2nd , 2018. The Navigator Company sells its products to 130 countries over five continents, under its own paper brands with a strong reputation for superior and consistent quality - Navigator, Pioneer, Inacopia, Discovery, Soporset and Inaset.

Highlights: * Q4, 2017 adjusted operating income of $190.8 million, aided by improved lumber unit sales realizations and record-high pulp and paper earnings; operating income of $598.5 million and record-high sales of $4.66 billion in 2017 * Adjusted net income of $114.8 million, or $0.89 per share; $363.4 million, or $2.77 per share, for 2017 * CVD/ADD duty deposit rate reduced from 27.98% to 20.52% following final determination by US Department of Commerce; combined duty expense of 14.34% recorded in fourth quarter of 2017 to reflect impact of updated sales and cost data on ADD rate in 2017 * Net debt of $97.5 million, or 4.6% net debt to total capitalization, at December 31, 2017 * Construction of new state-of-the-art US$120 million greenfield sawmill in Georgia approved by Board of Directors: 275 million board feet of high-value dimension Southern Yellow Pine lumber. Click Read More below for additional information.

The Board of Directors of Canfor Corporation approved the construction of a new, state-of-the-art sawmill in Washington, Georgia. The new sawmill, which will cost approximately US$120 million and have a production capacity of 275 million board feet, will employ best-in-class mill technology, capitalizing on an excellent fibre resource in the region to produce high-value dimension and specialty lumber products. Strategically located near the Company’s existing glulam facility in Washington and the larger population centers in Athens and Augusta, the new mill will be able to draw on a strong and skilled employee base. Construction will commence in the second quarter of 2018, with the official start-up projected for the third quarter of 2019. At full run rates, assuming 2017 market pricing, the sawmill is forecast to generate annual EBITDA of approximately US$35 million. Click Read More below for additional information.

Lecta announces a price increase of 6% to 7% on all its 2 side coated woodfree and uncoated woodfree grades in sheets and reels. This price increase is essential in order to offset the continuous increase in manufacturing costs due to pulp price evolution. The new prices will be effective on deliveries from April 2th, 2018.

According to the January 2018 Printing-Writing monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in January compared to January 2017. A small increase in shipments of uncoated free sheet was not enough to offset the year-over-year declines in January for the other three grades. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased one percent from December 2017. Imports of printing-writing papers finished 2017 five percent lower than 2016 imports while exports finished the year five percent higher than 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.

Boise Paper announced a new program to deliver rolls and sheets specifically intended for use in commercial grade digital printers. All products in the line have been performance tested and carry a laser guarantee. Products include Boise POLARIS® branded rolls and sheets, as well as Boise® Offset and Boise® Opaque rolls. “We’re committed to delivering what our customers need,” said Tina Brennan, Senior Marketing and Planning Manager for Boise Paper. “We know digital products are essential for commercial printers, and we want to make sure our offering enables success with those applications.” Click Read More below for additional information.

One of Susan Gionet’s favourite days of the year? Delivering new books for young students at Glen Falls school in Saint John. The books go to Glen Falls School Literacy Night, hosted annually for parents and students. “We have family-friendly, fun activities for parents and students planned,” said Jill Nylen, Community Schools Coordinator at Glen Falls. “With the help of Irving Paper and their donation of books and prizes, this will help our students build their home libraries.” “We are always thankful for our partnership with our Irving Paper PALS,” she said. “Their willingness to support our students and our school is overwhelming. It’s nice to have a partnership where our students benefit greatly.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Georgia‐Pacific announced it will build a new softwood lumber production facility in Warren County, Georgia. Construction of the $135 million, 340,000‐square foot, technologically advanced plant is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2018 with an anticipated startup in spring 2019. Georgia‐Pacific’s existing lumber plant in Warren County will continue full operations until the new facility is completed. After startup of the new plant, Georgia‐Pacific estimates hiring an additional 30 to 40 employees, bringing its workforce in Warren County to approximately 150 people. “We have enough property next to our existing mill in Warren County to build a larger facility equipped with the latest in lumber manufacturing technology,” said Fritz Mason, vice president and general manager, Georgia‐Pacific Lumber. “We have a great team at Warrenton and building a new state‐of‐the‐art facility on this site will make it competitive for years to come. The team has earned it.” The new facility will be capable of over three times the output of the current facility. The existing facility has been operating since the early 1970s and technology in the lumber production business has changed significantly since that time. Click Read More below for additional information.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by up to 15 percent on all wet strength resins globally, effective immediately. The price increase is necessary due to the significant increase in key raw material costs combined with a tightening of available supply.

As per 28 February Iggesund Paperboard’s Vice President Sales and Marketing, Arvid Sundblad, leaves his position for new opportunities outside the company. “For many years, Arvid Sundblad has provided extensive knowledge, good relationships and solutions to develop Iggesund Paperboard to where we are today”, says CEO Daniel Peltonen. The process of finding a replacement will start immediately and until a permanent solution is found, Daniel Peltonen will act as Sales Director. "We thank Arvid for his commitment during these years and the great efforts he made for the company and wish him luck in future challenges," concludes Daniel Peltonen

The Navigator Company announces that it will be increasing prices by 6 to 8 % in Europe. This measure will be effective with orders shipping March 26th, 2018. The paper industry cost drivers continue to show a steady rise. This fact results on the need to defend our profitability and therefore, the Navigator Company will be applying a price increase in Europe in all products and markets, ranging from 6% to 8% and from 26th March dispatches.

Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday "it's hard to tell" whether Kimberly-Clark Corp. will take his administration's tax deal to keep its Neenah and Fox Crossing plants open. "We put the best offer we could on the table," Walker told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin after speaking at the Lincoln Day Dinner for the Winnebago County Republicans. "... Even though it's not new jobs, we thought, unlike just anybody out there, when you think of an industry that has such a large impact, an employer that has such a large impact, that's why we said we should parallel what we did for (Foxconn)." Click Read More below for additional information.

American workers employed in the U.S. forest products industry descended on Washington, D.C., this week and made over 485 visits with members of Congress and administration officials. Their goal was to educate officials on the impacts of legislative and regulatory decisions on the environment as well as the families and communities that depend on forest products manufacturing for their livelihood. The group of workers were from The Pulp & Paperworkers' Resource Council (PPRC), a grassroots organization of hourly employees in the forest products industry who educate about issues affecting American manufacturing jobs in their industry. "The good-paying jobs that forest products manufacturing provides is vital to our economy," said David Wise, PPRC chairman. "The PPRC believes that our elected and government officials need to help protect the environment and not support regulations and legislation that hurts U.S. workers. It's imperative that we ensure a competitive playing field for the American forest products industry in the global market." Click Read More below for additional information.

Mercer International Inc. reported strong results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017. Operating EBITDA* in the fourth quarter of 2017 increased by 54% to a record $89.1 million compared to $57.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and by 39% from $64.0 million in the prior quarter of 2017. For 2017, Operating EBITDA increased by approximately 36% to $252.3 million from $185.7 million in 2016. For the fourth quarter of 2017, our net income was $41.7 million, or $0.64 per basic and diluted share, compared to $18.5 million, or $0.29 per basic and $0.28 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $21.1 million, or $0.33 per basic and $0.32 per diluted share, in the prior quarter of 2017. For 2017, net income was $70.5 million, or $1.09 per basic and $1.08 per diluted share, after giving effect to a loss on the early settlement of debt of $10.7 million (or $0.16 per basic and diluted share), compared to $34.9 million, or $0.54 per basic and diluted share, in 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.

Verso Corporation announced plans to upgrade the shuttered pulp line and No. 3 paper machine at its Androscoggin Mill in Jay, Maine, enabling this equipment to restart for the manufacture of packaging products. The paper machine and associated pulping capacity were temporarily idled in January 2017 and shut down in July 2017 as a result of declining demand for the graphic paper products formerly produced on the machine. With an anticipated completion date in the third quarter of this year, this project will help Verso continue to diversify its product mix into growing market segments and is expected to create approximately 120 full-time jobs at the mill and additional jobs throughout the Maine forest products supply chain. The estimated total capital cost of the project is $17 million, $4 million of which will come from a Maine Technology Asset Fund 2.0 challenge grant administered by the Maine Technology Institute. Funds from the grant will be become available as certain milestones in the project are reached. Click Read More below for additional information.

Domtar Corporation (NYSE: UFS) (TSX: UFS) today reported a net loss of $340 million ($5.42 per share) for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to net earnings of $70 million…

JANUARY–DECEMBER 2017 (1–12/2016) •Sales were EUR 5,040 million (4,658). •Operating result was EUR 581 million (442). Comparable operating result was EUR 566 million (439). •Result before tax was EUR 506…

Suzano Pulp and Paper (B3: SUZB3), one of the largest integrated pulp and paper producers in Latin America, announces today its consolidated results for the fourth quarter of 2017 (4Q17)…

Financial summary for the quarter •EBITDA excluding special items US$172 million (Q1 2017 like-for-like US$181 million) •Profit for the period US$63 million (Q1 2017 US$90 million) •EPS excluding special items…

Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN) today reported fourth quarter net income attributable to Rayonier of $64.2 million, or $0.50 per share, on revenues1 of $239.7 million. This compares to net income attributable…

Glatfelter (NYSE: GLT) today reported a net loss of $10.1 million, or $0.23 per share for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared with a net loss of $16.2 million, or…

The company reported net sales of $436.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2017, up 2.6% compared to net sales of $425.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2016. Net…

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement in response to the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture passing H…

UPM is studying biofuels development opportunities by starting an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a possible biorefinery in Mussalo, Kotka, in south-eastern Finland. The study of a possible Kotka Biorefinery…

Kimberly-Clark’s plan to make deep cuts in its workforce involves hundreds of employees in Wisconsin. According to the consumer products giant, it plans to close the Neenah Nonwovens facility within…

The NPTA Alliance has selected Thomas O’Connor Jr., CEO and Chairman of Mohawk to receive the 2018 Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award at the NPTA Annual Convention in New…

Bankruptcy has been opened in Norske Skogindustrier ASA. Pursuant to Continuing Obligations section 15.1 (1) cf. Stock Exchange Act section 25 (1), Oslo Børs has today passed the following resolution:…

MFGR, LLC announced today that it has sold the former Expera/Old Town pulp mill based in Old Town, Maine to OTM Holdings, LLC. OTM Holdings plans to redevelop the site…

International Paper (NYSE: IP) today reported full-year 2017 net earnings attributable to International Paper of $2.1 billion ($5.13 per diluted share) compared with net earnings of $904 million ($2.18 per…

Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) today announced the selection and appointment of Yves Laflamme as Resolute’s new president and chief executive officer, and a member of the…

Q4 GAAP net income of $13 million or $0.14 per share / 2017 GAAP net loss of $84 million or $0.93 per share Adjusted EBITDA of $102 million / $364…

Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, today launched its new educational site, POP from Sappi, for marketers, creatives, designers and printers looking…

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., is calling on the U.S. Department of Commerce to reverse its recent decision to impose duties on special paper from Canada used in…

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY) today announced preliminary, unaudited results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 30, 2017. All non-GAAP financial measures referenced in this document are reconciled to…

Q4 2017 highlights •Comparable EBIT increased by 29% to EUR 366 million (283 million in Q4 2016). •Sales prices and delivery growth boosted earnings, outstripping the impact of higher input…

Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE: PKG) today reported fourth quarter 2017 net income of $269 million, or $2.84 per share and $1.56 per share excluding special items. Fourth quarter net…

Neenah® Wide Format expands its best-selling Neenah conVerd line with the introduction of conVerd® Zebra Board and conVerd® Tuxedo Board. These two new black and white rigid boards are designed…

The business, a producer of coated woodfree fine papers and packaging board based in Lenningen, initiated insolvency proceedings yesterday (30 January) at the local court of Esslingen. The 340-staff company,…

JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2017 (compared with the year-earlier period, continuing operations) •Net sales increased 8% to SEK 16,664m (15,373) •Adjusted EBITDA improved 15% to SEK 3,761m (3,269) •The…

Operating profit for 2017 amounted to SEK 2 166 million (2016: SEK 2 162 million excluding items affecting comparability). Deliveries of paperboard, paper and wood products increased and the sales…

WestRock Company (NYSE:WRK) (“WestRock”) and KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation (NYSE:KS) (“KapStone”) announced today the signing of a definitive agreement, pursuant to which WestRock will acquire all of the outstanding…

WestRock Company (WestRock) (NYSE:WRK), a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, today announced results for its fiscal first quarter ended December 31, 2017. First Quarter 2018 Highlights •Earned…

QUARTERLY DATA Net sales for the fourth quarter increased by 2% compared with the same quarter of the previous year, mainly as a result of improved selling prices. EBITDA was…

Orient Paper, Inc. (NYSE MKT: ONP) (“Orient Paper” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of diversified paper products in North China, today announced that it will temporarily suspend…

Huhtamaki has agreed to establish a joint venture with Smith Anderson Group Limited, one of Europe’s leading paper bag suppliers, to manufacture and sell foodservice paper bags in Eastern Europe.…

(AF&PA) announced the election of GEC Packaging Technologies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Rooney as the new AF&PA Board Chair and released its 2018 slate of AF&PA Board officers. Paper…

A major employer in northeast Wisconsin is cutting 12 to 13 percent of its global workforce. Kimberly-Clark is cutting 5,000 to 5,500 jobs, or 12 percent to 13 percent of…

Total European shipments of graphic papers in November 2017 were down 1.4% vs. November 2016 and were dow 0.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in November 2017 were down…

Due to further increases in pulp costs and the extremely high cost increase for colour formers, Mitsubishi HiTec Paper, is forced to raise prices for the entire Thermoscript thermal paper…

Catalyst Paper, which owns the Crofton pulp and paper mill, expects its business will be impacted by the newly-announced punitive duties on newsprint sales to the US if the ruling…

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) today expressed its support for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand,…

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today reported year-end 2017 results and provided its 2018 outlook. The company also announced a new global restructuring initiative and established a multi-year savings target for…

FPInnovations and Resolute Forest Products (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) today announced a significant investment in the implementation of a TMP-Bio pilot project in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The pilot project will…

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Stora Enso to increase the capacity of the evaporation plant of their Enocell Mill in Finland. Start-up of the upgraded evaporation…

Sappi, a leading global producer of dissolving wood pulp, speciality and packaging papers, graphic (printing and writing) paper and biomaterials is investing in its mill in Gratkorn. After finishing the…

The Navigator Company announced today that it will be increasing prices by $2.00 / cwt (44 USD/metric ton) of all Navigator North America Soporset Premium Opaque Offset Printing Papers (Text…

Duluth City Council will be asked this Monday to take a step that could keep the city’s papermaking industry alive and protect 240 full-time jobs. Councilors will take up a…

The renewable materials company Stora Enso signed today a global framework agreement (GFA) with the three global unions at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva. Observer signatures were made…

Verso Corporation announced that the Strategic Alternatives Committee formed by its Board of Directors in September 2017, has, at the direction of the Board, expanded its evaluation of potential transaction alternatives to include other alternatives, including but not limited to, a potential sale or merger of the entire company. As previously announced, the Committee, with the assistance of Houlihan Lokey Capital, Inc., the company's financial advisor, has been charged with identifying and evaluating a range of potential strategic transaction alternatives to maximize value to Verso stockholders, and with recommending to the Board whether any potential transaction is in the best interests of the company and its stockholders. Click Read More below for additional information.

The difficulties with production availability continued in the fourth quarter 2017 which impacted sales volumes negatively despite a very strong market. Operating profit (EBIT) for full year 2017 is calculated to be approximately MSEK 2 240 which is lower than expected but gives a margin of 10 percent. It is mainly the production facilities in Gruvön and Gävle that are affected, which impact sales negatively within business areas Consumer Board and Corrugated Solutions. Click Read More below for additional information.

Expera Specialty Solutions product brand, Resin-Gard™, represents its advanced line of saturating papers engineered to achieve uniform saturant (resin or latex) pickup required by manufacturers to meet finished product performance requirements. Resin-Gard™ offers dimensional stability, engineered strength, and surface properties that meet specific processing needs, providing customers with a comprehensive line of quality products. “Resin-Gard™ provides the market with multiple application possibilities,” said Jeff Murphy, Director of Sales and Marketing for Expera Specialty Solutions. “From building and construction and home décor, to recreation and filter medium, the possibilities are endless.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Koehler Paper Group, leading manufacturer of thermal paper is increasing prices for its thermal paper product range by 12-15 % for shipments from April 1st, 2018 onwards. This increase is essential in order to offset the extreme rise of specialty chemical costs, mainly colorformer as well as historically high pulp prices.

Sappi expands its container board product range and with Fusion Uncoated, offers an uncoated fresh fibre liner in the corrugated board market. With the development of Sappi’s Fusion Uncoated, a fully bleached fresh fibre liner, the specialist paper manufacturer is continuing to expand its product offering for the high-volume corrugated board market. Fusion Uncoated is based on the paper concept for the already very successful Fusion Topliner. In contrast to the double-coated Fusion Topliner, Fusion Uncoated has a natural, uncoated surface. Ideal applications include corrugated board and carton packaging, requiring a high white appearance for the topliner, inner liner and fluting. "Sappi's core expertise lies in the production of fresh fibre papers,” says Bernd Gelder, Product Group Manager for Containerboard at Sappi. “This makes the development of Fusion Uncoated a logical next step in our ambition to create an ever more appealing container board portfolio. We can now offer an uncoated surface with a natural look for the premium corrugated board sector. Fusion Uncoated is wood-free and impresses with its high whiteness and strength values." Click Read More below for additional information.

UPM Biofuels has received a sustainability certificate for the cultivation of the Brassica carinata crop - a new feedstock for biofuel production - in Uruguay. The RSB (The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) certification in biofuel feedstock production complements UPM Biofuels' existing sustainability certifications like ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) and RSB certifications for its UPM BioVerno biofuel production. "RSB certification acknowledges our strong commitment to sustainability in all operations, now also in biofuel feedstock production with local farmers. This is also the first RSB certificate in Uruguay and creates new sustainable practices for agriculture," says Liisa Ranta, Manager, Sustainability, UPM Biofuels Development.

Irving Paper, Irving Wallboard plant and J.D. Irving Ltd. offices on Bayside Drive all remained closed Thursday night, but employees could be back to work on Friday, based on preliminary air quality tests at the mill, said Keith. "Employees will return to these work sites when two separate tests have determined we meet the safe, regulated exposure levels," she said. "Employee safety is our top priority and a responsibility that we take very seriously." "The evacuation of the mill and [air quality] testing was underway prior to the employee reporting to hospital," said Keith. The company is maintaining contact with the employee and co-operating fully with WorksafeNB, she added. Click Read More below for additional information.

Effective with shipments February 12, 2018 the price for the following products will increase by 3%-6%: • Cougar® Rolls and Sheets • Lynx® Opaque Ultra Rolls and Sheets • Husky® Opaque Offset Rolls and Sheets • EarthChoice® Opaque Offset 30% Rolls and Sheets • Domtar Reply Card Rolls and Sheets • EarthChoice® Colors Opaque Text and Cover • EarthChoice® Colors Multipurpose • EarthChoice® Colors Index, Tag and Vellum Bristol • EarthChoice® Hots Text and Cover • EarthChoice® Tradebook • ci2000® • EarthChoice® Envelope including colors • Engineering Laser Bond • Enterprise Postal Advantage™ • Laser Forms Bond including processed rolls and box forms • White Wove Envelope • Domtar Bagstock • Domtar Tablet • Brown Kraft Envelope • Domtar Ink Jet products including processed rolls • Business Papers products including Xerox® Vitality and all Domtar mill and private label brands • Xerox® Bold and Xerox® Revolution products. Price increases apply to all pack types; rolls, folio and cut size. All current standard differentials and upcharges remain in effect.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. expressed praise for Wednesday's filing by the Government of Canada at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Canada launched a wide-ranging complaint against the United States, challenging a host of measures inconsistent with its WTO obligations. Resolute applauds the Canadian action, standing up for Canadian jobs and families, the company's customers and business partners in the United States, and the international rule of law. "Resolute has been a victim of this pattern of behavior by the United States Department of Commerce. We are repeatedly confronting the same discredited protectionist policies when we fairly sell paper and lumber to American consumers who need and want these products," stated Richard Garneau, president and chief executive officer. Click Read More below for additional information.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced its top 2018 advocacy priorities that include free and fair trade, transportation efficiencies, regulatory process reforms and government policies that respect market dynamics for paper-based products. The association will pursue them as it supports the pulp, paper, packaging and wood products industry’s ability to grow the economy and create American manufacturing jobs. “Enactment of historic comprehensive tax reform sets a welcome stage for AF&PA to focus on key 2018 advocacy priorities that will further our industry’s ability boost the economy and create jobs and opportunity for all Americans,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. “Free and fair trade policy, efficient transportation measures, systemic regulatory process reforms and policies that respect market place competition and consumer choice for paper-based products rank high on our list. We are eager to continue working with the Administration and Congress and state governments to advance shared goals that will open the door for our companies to invest, innovate and compete at home and around the globe. With more than 900,000 employees in rural and urban communities across 45 states, we are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation with an ability to thrive with the support of forward-thinking public policy.” Click Read More below for additional information.

The US Department of Commerce imposed unwarranted countervailing duties up to 9.93% on imported Canadian uncoated groundwood paper (newsprint). Forest Products Association of Canada strongly believes that these duties are completely unjustified and protectionist in nature. We call on the federal government to stand with us and the over 4,500 hard-working Canadians from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador who could be impacted by this frivolous trade action. As it has with the softwood lumber dispute, this trade action will bring real harm to U.S. workers and businesses, impacting over 600,000 American jobs. We applaud the leadership of the many Democratic and Republican U.S. Senators, and the publishers of over one thousand small and medium-sized U.S. newspapers who have demanded that Washington not impose countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian newsprint. Click Read More below for additional information.

Wednesday, 1/10/18, the Government of Canada launched a complaint against the United States challenging Washington’s use of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties. Canada said U.S. procedures broke the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Anti-Dumping Agreement, the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes. “These rates tabled last night by the U.S. on uncoated groundwood paper represent the third action that stands to hurt hard working men and women in our mill communities across Canada,” says Derek Nighbor, CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada. “These duties are unwarranted and without merit and we 100% support the federal government’s “WTO filing” position. Canada and the U.S. share a longstanding and important relationship, but in the face of these unfounded trade actions it’s important that our government defends Canada’s interests”.

• Commerce has calculated a preliminary subsidy rate of 6.09 percent for mandatory respondent Catalyst Paper Corporation (Catalyst), 9.93 percent for mandatory respondent Kruger Trois-Rivieres L.P. (Kruger), 4.42 percent for mandatory respondent Resolute FP Canada Inc. (Resolute) and 0.65 percent for voluntary respondent White Birch Paper Canada Company NSULC (White Birch). All other producers/exporters in Canada have been assigned a preliminary subsidy rate of 6.53 percent. • As a result of the preliminary affirmative determination, Commerce will instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to require cash deposits based on these preliminary rates. • The merchandise covered by this investigation is certain paper that has not been coated on either side and with 50 percent or more of the cellulose fiber content consisting of groundwood pulp, including groundwood pulp made from recycled paper, weighing not more than 90 grams per square meter. Groundwood pulp includes all forms of pulp produced from a mechanical pulping process, such as thermo-mechanical process (TMP), chemi-thermo mechanical process (CTMP), bleached chemi-thermo mechanical process (BCTMP) or any other mechanical pulping process. The scope includes paper shipped in any form, including but not limited to both rolls and sheets. Certain uncoated groundwood paper includes but is not limited to standard newsprint, high bright newsprint, book publishing, directory, and printing and writing papers. The scope includes paper that is white, off-white, cream, or colored. Click Read More below for additional information.

In a victory for Norpac — and potential blow to local newspapers — the U.S. Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that it will start imposing preliminary antidumping and countervailing duties on Canadian paper producers. The move comes in response to a petition filed in August in which the Longview papermaker alleged that Canadian paper manufacturers hold an unfair advantage over domestic producers. Norpac claimed that Canadian paper companies benefit from 65 different subsidies that add up to hundreds of millions of dollars. The federal and provincial subsidies include government grants, tax breaks, subsidized loans, raw materials at below-market costs and cheap subsidized electricity, according to Norpac. A Commerce investigation found that Canadian uncoated groundwood paper — the same product used to print newspapers — was subsidized by an average of 6.53 percent, Norpac said Tuesday. Click Read More below for additional information.

Effective with all shipments from February 1, 2018, we will increase the price of our Uncoated Free Sheet Offset Rolls by $2.00/cwt. This includes all mill branded as well as private labeled rolls. All standard up-charges and shipping policies remain in effect.

Due to suspected information security breach Metsä Board Corporation announces preliminary information on sales and profitability in the fourth quarter of 2017. In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales were approximately EUR 451 million, comparable operating result was approximately EUR 54 million and earnings per share were approximately EUR 0.12. Figures are based on preliminary unaudited information. Metsä Board Corporation will publish its 2017 Financial statements bulletin on 8 February 2018.

Flambeau River Paper announced the shutdown of its #3 paper machine to be effective immediately. #3 paper machine primarily produces commodity white papers and has been impacted by the ongoing and unprecedented rise in pulp costs coupled with an in-elasticity of commodity paper price. Flambeau River Papers’ #1 and #2 paper machines along with the Flambeau pulp mill, woodyard and utilities will continue to operate uninterrupted on a 24 hour, 7 day a week schedule. It is important to point out that PM 1 and PM 2 produce primarily specialty and value-added papers. The size and capabilities of these two paper machines, along with integrated nature of the mill, make them competitive and well suited for continued success in these markets. Over the last five years the mill has worked hard and qualified propriety specialty papers on these machines. Also manufactured on PM 1 and PM 2 are Flambeau’s other value-added papers such as Torchglow and Glacier Opaque branded papers, custom FDA compliant papers, fluorescent colored papers, wet-strength papers, saturating base stocks, deeply colored papers, watercolor papers, book papers, endleaf papers, lightweight offset papers, converting and drawing stocks. Paper grades historically produced on PM 3 such as Offset Papers and Laser Bond papers will not be part of the productive capacity of FRP as we proceed forward. We will work in concert with you and communicate the status of pending orders and shipments.

Wet and mild weather in the fall and early winter has led to a shortage of pulpwood in late 2017 and early 2018. The root cause of the shortage of pulp wood is the unusually wet and mild start of the winter. Normal winters the ground freezes which allows for efficient forestry. At present, forestry machines cannot be used in the forests in certain areas. In addition, the possibility of driving on the forest road network is limited in some areas, which also reduces the flow of wood. The situation is the same in the Nordic countries, western Russia and the three Baltic states. BillerudKorsnäs has taken measures to minimize the effects of the lack of pulpwood and follows the situation on a daily basis. The measures taken are mainly mix changes in production and redistribution of flows to optimize the use of wood. Click Read More below for additional information.

Boise Paper is pleased to announce that our ASPEN® line of multi-use recycled copy papers recently earned Green Seal® certification under its GS-7 Printing and Writing Paper Standard, one of the most rigorous environmental certifications in the industry. Green Seal’s thorough review and on-site audit has verified that ASPEN recycled papers conserve natural resources and protect human and environmental health while delivering the performance customers expect. Specifically, ASPEN recycled papers contain a significant percentage of post-consumer materials, are processed without chlorine, and contain minimal heavy metals. Click Read More below for additional information.

White-collar workers in Finland’s paper industry on Tuesday threatened to go on strike later this month in a dispute with employers over a new wage deal. About 3,000 clerical workers are due to begin a week-long strike on Jan. 17, trade union Pro said, adding that a refusal to work overtime is due to start already on Tuesday. The paper industry, including companies such as UPM (UPM.HE), Stora Enso (STERV.HE) and Metsa Group, accounted for 22 percent of all Finnish exports in 2016.

Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private investment firm, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Fedrigoni, a leading global producer of specialty papers and self-adhesive labels. The Fedrigoni family will retain a minority stake in the business. Established in 1888 and headquartered in Verona, Italy, Fedrigoni is internationally recognised for its high-quality product range and customer service. In 2017, the Company is expected to generate sales of approximately €1.1bn. It has manufacturing facilities in Italy, Spain and Brazil and a global distribution network, with more than 2,700 employees. Fedrigoni sells directly to its multinational customers including fashion houses and fine wine producers, through its own distribution network. Its products include special papers for luxury packaging and labels for the food and beverage and pharma industries. Click Read More below for additional information.

Millar Western Forest Products Ltd., announced that it is continuing to execute its growth strategy through the acquisition of Spruceland Millworks Inc. Millar Western has acquired all shares of the company, its manufacturing operations in Acheson, Alberta and its woodlands assets. The transaction brings together two companies that have enjoyed a productive business relationship for decades. Spruceland Millworks is a value-added manufacturer and international distributor of high quality SPF wood products. Started in 1982 by Ben Sawatzky with a simple table saw and a second-hand forklift, the company today has grown to become a “go-to” supplier for its customers and trusted employer in the region. Its more than 100 highly-skilled employees operate a 130,000-square foot manufacturing facility in Acheson, Alberta. Click Read More below for additional information.

•The U.S. imposes final duties on Canadian softwood lumber, following failed talks to end the decades-long dispute between the two countries. •The U.S. Department of Commerce announces slightly lower initial duties for Canadian producers West Fraser Timber and Canfor Corp., with combined anti-dumping and countervailing duties of 23.6% and 20.5% respectively, and maintains rates for Resolute Forest Products. •Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross says the U.S. is confident the WTO, which may eventually rule on the dispute, would take its side; the DoC accuses Canada of unfairly subsidizing and dumping softwood lumber, a charge Canada denies.

On August 29, 2017, the Department of Commerce (the Department) initiated a less-than-fair value (LTFV) investigation of imports of certain uncoated groundwood paper from Canada.[1] Currently, the preliminary determination is due no later than January 16, 2018. On August 29, 2017, the Department of Commerce (the Department) initiated a less-than-fair value (LTFV) investigation of imports of certain uncoated groundwood paper from Canada.[1] Currently, the preliminary determination is due no later than January 16, 2018. Therefore, pursuant to section 733(c)(1)(A) of the Act, we are postponing the deadline for the preliminary determination by 50 days (i.e., 190 days after the date on which the investigation was initiated). As a result, the Department will issue its preliminary determination no later than March 7, 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

Albury’s Norske Skog paper mill will stop production during peak power demands to help avoid major summer blackouts. The Border business was among 14 industrial electricity users and producers who have signed contracts with the Australian Energy Market Operator to help avoid large-scale blackouts like those which hit South Australia last summer. Visy was also included but the company was unable to confirm if its Wodonga plants would be affected. Under the agreement, Norske Skog would shut down its paper machine and recycled fibre plant for a set time, likely to be between an hour and several hours, during peak demand so its electricity could be used elsewhere across the network. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sawlog prices were up in most regions of the world in the 3Q/17. The price increases from the 2Q/17 were generally smaller in local currencies than in US dollar terms because of the weakening US dollar. In US dollar terms, quarter-to-quarter prices were up the most in Europe (+7.9%) and Oceania (+6.1%), while the upward price adjustments were more modest in North America (+2.8%) and Latin America (+2.2%). The Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) has gone up for three consecutive quarters to reach $75.69/m3 in the 3Q/17. The increase of 5.1% from the 2Q/17 was the biggest quarter-to-quarter jump since 2010. In addition, the GSPI is at a three-year high because of the recent strengthening of sawlog prices throughout the world. With the outlook for continued strong demand for lumber in key markets and higher consumption of sawlogs, it is likely that the price index will continue upward in the coming quarters. Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki has completed the sale of the vacated manufacturing facility and related land usage rights in Guangzhou, China, as announced on April 21, 2017. Further, to conclude the consolidation of its foodservice packaging operations in South China, Huhtamaki closed down the manufacturing unit in Shandong, China, impacting app. 200 jobs. The product range manufactured in Shandong will in the future be sourced externally. In addition, to gain synergies from the recent acquisition of International Paper's foodservice packaging operations in China, comprising of manufacturing units in Tianjin and Shanghai, Huhtamaki has decided to consolidate its manufacturing operations in Tianjin into one unit. All manufacturing operations will be transferred to the unit acquired from IP. Employees currently working at the unit to be closed will be offered equivalent work opportunities at the continuing Tianjin unit. The transfer is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Dongguan Jianhui Paper to install three FibreFlow drum pulping systems at the mill in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China. Start-up is scheduled for the second quarter of 2018. The scope of supply comprises a FibreFlow drum pulping system for the 300 bdt/d stock preparation line for the top ply, which uses ONP (Old Newspaper Pulp) as raw material. Two additional FibreFlow drum pulping systems will be installed for production of the filler ply in two parallel lines that process MOW (Mixed Office Waste) with a total capacity of 1,400 bdt/d. Click Read More below for additional information.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Stora Enso Narew Sp. z.o.o., Poland, to supply an FRX shredder and a metal separator to the mill in Ostrołęka, Poland. The FRX shredder, which is part of the ANDRITZ Franssons product line, will process rejects from the pulping processes of two existing board production lines. Start-up of the new shredder, which will process around 60 tons of rejects per day, is scheduled for January 2018. The shredder will be installed upstream of the reject treatment system, which is part of the 455,000 tons per year board production line for which ANDRITZ also delivered the complete OCC line including reject treatment. Click Read More below for additional information.

In 2017, Lollicup's Reifenhauser extruder, which produces plastic sheets from resin, became completely operational. By adding this machine, they were able to cut energy use by about 20 percent and improve production by 40 percent, allowing more products to be produced domestically. "The extruder is capable of making thicker, higher quality sheets of plastic," said Production Supervisor Ron Gonzales. "These sheets are used to form Karat® cups and lids." 2017 also saw the initial phases of a new manufacturing plant in Rockwall, Texas. The manufacturing plant is projected to be operational in 2018 and will allow Lollicup to produce more products, in addition to adding products to their Karat and Karat Earth™ lines. Click Read More below for additional information.

KP Tissue Inc. announced that Mr. Mario Gosselin has decided to retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer of KP Tissue and Kruger Products L.P. as of March 8, 2018, and that Mr. Dino Bianco will succeed him. Mr. Gosselin began his career with Kruger Inc. almost 40 years ago and has held a number of senior positions with the group in both Canada and the U.K. Mr. Gosselin was appointed CEO of KPLP in October 2012. "Although Mario has achieved many accomplishments throughout his career, he will be remembered above all for his leadership, the successful implementation of many capital projects including the TAD Project in Memphis, the seamless transition to a public company and growing KPLP's sales from $923 million in 2012 to $1.2 billion in 2016. On behalf of the Board and of all the employees, I would like to sincerely thank Mario for his exceptional contributions," said Mr. Joseph Kruger II, Chairman of Kruger Products. Click Read More below for additional information.

Modular construction, using timber as a key element, is a credible solution to fast and sustainable house building. However, Metsä Wood believes that more needs to be done in terms of sharing knowledge and innovation in wood construction to further advance the use of this material in mainstream construction. In order to help facilitate this process, Metsä Wood has launched its Open Source Wood initiative at www.opensourcewood.com. Metsä Wood's Executive Vice President, Esa Kaikkonen, explains: "Not enough knowledge about modular wood design and building is shared, so wood construction remains niche. There is plenty of innovation but it is difficult to find, so Open Source Wood is our solution. We believe that with open collaboration the industry can achieve significant growth." Click Read More below for additional information.

Demand for imported softwood lumber to the US has fallen by six percent during the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. In contrast, Chinese import volumes have been up 21% year-over-year. Demand for imported softwood lumber to the US has fallen by six percent during the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. In contrast, Chinese import volumes have been up 21% year-over-year. The lumber trade in Europe has also picked up in 2017 with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Spain having increased imports the most so far in 2017. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa, also known as the MENA countries, have sharply reduced consumption of lumber this year, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). In the first eight months of 2017, Egypt and Algeria (the two biggest lumber consumers in the region) have decreased their imports by 24% and 39% respectively as compared to the first eight months of 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in October 2017 were UP 0.2% vs. 2016 and were down 0.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in October 2017 were down 1.5% vs. 2016 and were down 3.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in October 2017 were down 6.8% vs. 2016 and were down 0.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in October 2017 were UP 6.1% vs. 2016 and were down 0.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical in October 2017 were UP 3.1% vs. 2016 and were UP 2.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in October 2017 were down 0.9% vs. 2016 and were UP 1.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in October 2017 were UP 1.1% vs. 2016 and were down 0.7% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional information.

Norpac will raise the price of its Norbrite grades by $35.00 per short ton effective with shipments/invoices on or after February 1, 2018. Specific grades affected by this change in pricing include: Norbrite 65; Norbrite 70; Norbrite 75; Norbrite Plus; Norbrite Offset; Norbrite Hybrid; Norbrite 92 Max; Norbrite Book Cream; Norbrite Book Blue White.

Effective with orders starting February 1, 2018 and later, Tekra, A Division of EIS, Inc. will increase prices on all products in our digital film line by 4-8%. This includes Dura-Go®, JetView™, Digi-Go™, DuraKote™ and ToneKote™ products. This increase is necessitated by inflation, rising operational costs, and raw material costs.

Effective January 2nd 2018, we will enact an across-the-board 5% price increase. This increase includes all Neo Star (and private labeled product): C2S gloss/silk text and cover, pro-digital C2S gloss/silk text and cover, KNIGHT C2S/C1S board grades, pro-digital KNIGHT C2S/C1S board grades, C1S label, and cast coated paper. We hope to continue our excellent relationship with our customers, and assure you our quality of service will reflect a similar increase.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced the closing of a transaction to acquire the 49 percent equity interest held by The New York Times Company in Donohue Malbaie Inc. for a cash purchase price in the amount of C$20 million. Resolute already owned 51 percent of the shares of Donohue Malbaie. Donohue Malbaie owns and operates a paper machine with an annual production capacity of 224,000 metric tons of newsprint in Clermont (Quebec). The Clermont operation, which employs 153 workers, also houses all the equipment that produces the thermomechanical pulp supplying the machine. With this transaction, Resolute becomes sole owner of the Clermont operation. Click Read More below for additional information.

According to the November 2017 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased six percent in November compared to November 2016. Shipments of uncoated free sheet shipments remained flat while the remaining three major printing-writing grades declined year-over-year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased less than one-half of one percent from October 2017. •November uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments were flat year-over-year following year-over-year increases in two of the previous three months. •Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper in November declined by a double-digit percentage for the second consecutive month. •Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in November for the sixth consecutive month. •Exports of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased 4% year-over-year in September, but reached second-highest level in the past 24 months. Click Read More below for additional information.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö taking the first step towards a potential capacity expansion plan at its Louveira plant in Brazil. “Demand for filtration media in South America is expected to continue to grow in the coming years and we clearly foresee the need to increase capacity in the future to support the growing demand for filtration media in the region” states Fulvio Capussotti, Executive Vice President of the Business Area Filtration & Performance. “The acquisition of this land constitutes an important steps towards our overall ambition to further develop an industrial platform in South America that will enable us to continue to support our filtration customers in the region for the years to come” he adds. Click Read More below for additional information.

Fortress Paper Ltd. reports that its wholly owned subsidiary, Fortress Security Papers AG ("FSP"), has entered into and completed a share purchase agreement with the Swiss National Bank ("SNB") and Orell Füssli Holding AG ("OF"), pursuant to which the Company sold the two legal entities representing their security paper products business comprised of all of the shares of its wholly owned subsidiaries, Landqart AG and Landqart Management and Services AG, to SNB and OF for an aggregate purchase price of CHF21,500,000 (approximately CDN$28 million). With the sale of Landqart, Fortress Paper no longer operates in the security paper products segment. Click Read More below for additional information.

Please be advised that Lecta will increase its prices by 4%, for new orders with a delivery date on and after January 18th, 2018. This increase is applicable on rolls and sheets of: Condat Gloss, Silk, Matte, Digital (Mill and private brands); Garda Gloss and Silk; Creator Star and Silk. Also please note, the upcharge for 60lb Text will be increased to $3.00 cwt in conjunction with the general price increase. All other differentials remain the same.

In the near future, certain uncoated groundwood paper products imported into the United States from Canada may be subjected to U.S. countervailing (CVD) and/or anti-dumping (AD) duties. These duties arise from petitions made by North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC), a U.S.-based pulp and paper manufacturer, to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission that allege Canada’s UGW paper exports are unfairly priced and/or that Canadian federal and provincial governments subsidize domestic producers – including Catalyst – thereby placing U.S. manufacturers of uncoated groundwood paper at an unfair disadvantage. I am writing to advise that Catalyst intends to implement price surcharges on our uncoated groundwood paper products we import into the USA that are subject to these CVD and AD duties. These surcharges will directly mirror the charges imposed on Catalyst by the U.S. Government. We will inform you of the level of Surcharge as soon as it becomes available. Click Read More below for additional information.

Canada’s lumber industry has been able to survive the impacts of preliminary duties, largely thanks to soaring lumber prices. While industry production will remain virtually flat this year, industry revenues are on pace to grow by 8 per cent, according to The Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Industrial Outlook: Wood Products Manufacturing – Autumn 2017. “Lumber prices are at their highest levels in over a decade due to a perfect storm of factors, including supply constraints in B.C. from the wildfires this summer, and increased demand from a recovering U.S. housing market and rebuilding efforts in hurricane-affected regions,” said Michael Burt, Director, Industrial Trends, The Conference Board of Canada. “The surging lumber prices are providing a welcome relief from the costs of the lumber duties imposed by the U.S., but this is not likely to last.” Click Read More below for additional information.

The Board of Directors has appointed Hans Sohlström President and CEO of Ahlstrom-Munksjö, effective as of June 30, 2018, at the latest. Sohlström is currently the President and CEO of Ahlström Capital Group. Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s current President and CEO Jan Åström, (b. 1956), will retire from the position on June 30, 2018, at the latest. He has been the President and CEO of the company since its creation through the merger of Ahlstrom Corporation and Munksjö Oyj on April 1, 2017, and before that he was the President and CEO of Munksjö since 2008. Click Read More below for additional information.

Oslo Byfogdembete (Oslo Bankruptcy Court) has on 19 December and 20 December 2017, appointed lawyer Tom Hugo Ottesen as bankruptcy trustee for the following companies: Norske Skogindustrier ASA Norske Treindustrier AS Norske Skog Holding AS Lysaker Invest AS Norske Skog Eiendom AS. In addition to the bankruptcy filing of Norske Skogindustrier ASA on 19 December 2017, the board of directors of Norske Treindustrier AS, Lysaker Invest AS, Norske Skog Eiendom AS and Norske Skog Holding AS have filed for bankruptcy at Oslo Byfogdembete (Oslo bankruptcy court) today, Wednesday 20 December 2017. The deadline for claims to the bankruptcy trustee is set to 23 January 2018. See the enclosed court order from Oslo Byfogdembete. Questions concerning the bankruptcy process and the bankruptcy estate must be addressed to the trustee.

On December 20, 2017, PaperWorks Industries, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the "Company") and five (5) holders of the Company's 9.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2019 (the "Notes"), holding approximately 87% of the outstanding Notes (the "Ad Hoc Group"), entered into a restructuring support agreement (the "RSA") regarding a comprehensive financial restructuring of the Company's debt and equity structure. Among other things, the proposed restructuring will reduce the Company's long term debt by approximately $275 million, which represents approximately 70% of the Company's funded indebtedness, through a repayment of the Company's existing ABL credit facility and an exchange of the Notes for new debt and new common equity in the reorganized Company. Under the RSA, the Company's pro forma capital structure will consist of a $115 million post-restructuring financing facility, inclusive of $70 million of new capital back stopped by the Ad Hoc Group. Click Read More below for additional information.

On October 24, UPM announced plans to permanently close paper machine 5 at UPM Blandin in Minnesota, United States in response to overcapacities in the North American paper market. All related processes have now been completed, and paper machine 5 will be permanently closed latest on 30 December 2017. The closure will reduce the annual capacity of coated magazine paper by approximately 128,000 tons. The number of positions affected is 148. Paper production related to paper machine 6 will continue at the Blandin site. Click Read More below for additional information.

Due to industry wide inflationary conditions on nearly all raw material purchases, Ritrama Inc. is announcing a price increase averaging 5-7% for all film and paper products effective with shipments on or after January 1, 2018. The price increases being instituted are a reflection of the raw material inflation. We have been working closely with our suppliers both locally and globally to minimize the impact while maintaining both quality and constant supply. In addition, we have taken every precaution to control other operating costs in an effort to remain competitive in times of escalating costs. We will continue to drive productivity and cost reduction programs in order to support our mutual market competitiveness.

Due to continuous increase of manufacturing costs, effective with new orders entered for January production and warehouse orders with shipping on or after January 15th 2018, Burgo Group is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Freesheet Sheets grades by approximately 4%.

Please be advised that, effective with shipments February 1, 2018, the US transaction pricing from Catalyst Paper will increase by approximately 4% for the following products: Electrabrite; Electrabrite Book; Electrastar. This increase applies to all basis weights, finishes and brightness.

Norske Skog's operations will continue to run as normal. For employees, suppliers and customers, there will be no change, it will be business as usual. The bankruptcy of Norske Skogindustrier ASA is financial and concerns mainly shareholders and bondholders of Norske Skogindustrier ASA. Oceanwood, the majority holder of the Senior Secured Notes (SSN), has started the process to enforce on the SSN collateral in Norske Skog AS. The ownership of Norske Skog AS, the parent company of all operating business units, will thus be transferred to new owners in an auction process. Oceanwood has entered into a joint venture (JV) with Aker in a bid to buy and operate Norske Skog AS. The JV is providing financial support to Norske Skog throughout the auction process. Click Read More below for additional information.

The board of Directors of Norske Skogindustrier ASA has decided to file for bankruptcy at Oslo skifterett (Oslo bankruptcy court) today, Tuesday 19 December 2017. The board's decision is unanimous and is due to the fact that there is no longer a realistic opportunity to achieve a voluntary recapitalization solution for the Norske Skog group. The group's largest secured creditor, Oceanwood Capital Management Ltd (Oceanwood), has informed the board that it is not willing to support any such solution. The group's operational activities will continue in Norske Skog AS as normal with as little impact as possible from the bankruptcy proceedings of the listed Norske Skogindustrier ASA. The non-listed Norske Skog AS will be the new operating parent company of the Norske Skog group, and will continue the head office function that has been performed by Norske Skogindustrier ASA. The board and management of Norske Skogindustrier ASA have over an extended period worked hard to achieve a consensual recapitalization of the Norske Skog group and thereby avoid bankruptcy proceedings for the parent company. This work was well advanced and had broad support from the capital structure in October and November 2017. The board's decision to file for bankruptcy is therefore made with great disappointment that this goal was not achieved, said Christen Sveaas, Chairman of the board of Norske Skogindustrier ASA. Click Read More below for additional information.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of January 15, 2018 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Economy Freesheet Sheets and Sheeter Roll grades by 4% to 6%. This includes, but is not limited to: Anthem Plus® sheets/sheeter rolls, Blazer Digital® sheets/sheeter rolls. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.

Sappi North America announces a transactional price increase on new and unconfirmed orders that book with confirmed delivery dates on or after Monday, January 15, 2018 on the following products: A $2.00 per CWT US$/$2.56 per CWT CAD$ increase on: Flo Folio Sheets, Digital Sheets and Sheeter Rolls – all basis weights, all finishes, EuroArt Folio Sheets and Digital Sheets – all basis weights, all finishes. Standard differentials and upcharges apply. This price increase includes all private label programs.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after February 1, 2018, Resolute’s White Paper grades will increase by US$35/short ton. Products impacted by this price increase include, but are not limited to, the following: Ecopaque Offset, Ecopaque Laser; Equal (Offset & Book); Alternative (Opaque, Offset & Offset+); ResoluteSelect 75; ResoluteSelect 70, 65; ResoluteBook 75, 70, 65, 60 & ResoluteBook 70 Cream; Alternative Book, Alternative Book Cream; ResoluteSert Plus. The increase will be applicable to all basis weights and finishes, and all up charges apply.

Effective with all shipments on or after January 29, 2018, Nekoosa Coated Products will increase prices on the following carbonless paper and supplies: All carbonless sheets and rolls - 6% & All carbonless supplies - 6%

Catalyst Paper today announced the appointment of Sean Krajnik as Vice President & General Manager of the Biron mill, effective January 2, 2018. Mr. Krajnik brings extensive experience in the pulp and paper industry to his new role. He has spent more than 20 years in the coated specialty papers segment working in progressively senior roles, including product development, quality management, technical services, and production and mill management. Most recently, Mr. Krajnik was the mill manager of a major Las Vegas-based tissue, paper and converting facility. Click Read More below for additional information.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices for process chemicals and alkaline sizing products for the pulp and paper industry. Process chemicals will increase up to 25 percent effective immediately or as customer contracts allow. Alkaline and AKD sizing products will increase by 15 to 25 percent. These price increases are necessary due to the increase in certain raw material costs combined with a tightening overall global supply chain.

Domtar Corp. and others this week handed out some early Christmas presents to local teachers and students in the form of 40,000 books. And the teachers seemed to really appreciate it. “This is great,” says Shyrese Johnson, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Windings Springs Elementary in Charlotte. “It’s absolutely wonderful,” agrees Melissa White, a third-grade teacher at Fort Mill Elementary School. Both teachers were busy taking free books off the shelves at Classroom Central, a nonprofit in Charlotte that provides schools supplies for teachers and students. Domtar and First Book, another nonprofit, donated 40,000 books to teachers and students in Mecklenburg and York counties as a way to promote literacy, says Heather Alverson Stowe, Domtar corporate responsibility manager. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sappi Limited, the South African based leading global supplier of dissolving wood pulp (DWP), speciality and packaging papers, printing (graphic) papers and biomaterials has confirmed plans and ongoing projects to significantly increase DWP capacity by 2020. In particular, Sappi has started preparatory work for the potential expansion of its Saiccor DWP Mill to ensure that the company would be in a position to increase the mill's capacity by up to 250,000tpa to meet strong projected demand growth. Building on the previously announced debottlenecking investments which will increase the Saiccor Mill capacity by 10,000tpa by the end of 2018, work has also started at increasing the chipping capacity and modernising the Saiccor Mill wood yard. The new equipment for the wood yard is scheduled to be delivered and installed at the end of 2018, with start-up planned for January 2019. The wood yard investments will result in cost, quality, environmental and efficiency benefits to the Saiccor Mill and is also a major step towards preparing the Saiccor Mill to expand by a further 250,000tpa. Click Read More below for additional information.

Norske Skog AS has appointed Evercore Partners International LLP (Evercore) to act as its financial adviser in connection with a sale of Norske Skog AS and its subsidiaries (the Norske Skog group's operating businesses) by way of a competitive sale process which will commence imminently. A range of bidders will be invited to participate in the competitive sale process. Norske Skog group's seven paper mills will continue as normal, and our customers, suppliers and other business partners will continue to receive high quality products and services from Norske Skog without interruption throughout the competitive sale process. Click Read More below for additional information.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after January 12, 2018, Twin Rivers Paper Company will be implementing a US $50.00/ton price increase on all Packaging, Technical, and Label grades.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after January 15, 2018, Twin Rivers Paper Company will be implementing a US $40.00/ton price increase on our publishing papers, including: • Freesheet: Snowbrite Opaque, Custom Brite, Custom Plus, Custom Supreme, Twin Rivers Opaque, Twin Rivers Offset, Pharmopaque, Snowbrite Pharm, Pharm Brite 92 and all private label grades • Hybrid: Border Brite, Bridge Opaque, Bridge Supreme, Frontier Opaque, Frontier Supreme, Frabrite 76, all tablet/converting products and all private label grades.

Cascades Inc. is pleased to announce that it received the Tissue – Innovation Award for its Cascades Fluff & Tuff™ brand at the 9 th edition of the Pulp & Paper International Awards, which took place in Brussels on November 29. Cascades Tissue Group launched the national brand on March 14, 2017 . "We launched a line of toilet paper and paper towels that is among the softest and strongest on the market, while maintaining all of the green properties our products are known for. Our objective was simple, to offer consumers the comfort and performance they're looking for in a product, while also protecting the environment. We wanted our new and improved products to become the brand of choice for more and more families across the country, and we are achieving this goal. Convincing the industry of the innovative value of products and winning over consumers in a matter of months was a considerable but worthwhile challenge," said Jean Jobin , President and Chief Operating Officer of Cascades Tissue Group. Click Read More below for additional information.

SCA invests mSEK 196 in increased production of White-top kraftliner, packaging paper with a white surface, in the Munksund papermill in Piteå. Through this investment, the mill’s capacity to produce white kraftliner will increase from 150,000 tons to 200,000 tons per annum. The total production capacity will not increase as a result of the investment. The investment will affect the woodroom, where the pulpwood is debarked, and the pulpmill. The project will be finished and in operation in May 2019. "This is an important step in our development towards more value-added products in Munksund papermill", says Mats Nordlander, President Business Area Paper. "The demand is increasing for white kraftliner with excellent printing properties. Through this investment we increase the production of high-value products in Munksund and we can optimize the production of kraftliner in the Obbola papermill. Thereby we improve the competitiveness of both mills." Click Read More below for additional information.

The Company presented information during Investor Day that highlighted: •WestRock has the scale, differentiated strategy and the capabilities to generate attractive long-term returns for investors. •The Company expects to increase adjusted EBITDA margins in its corrugated packaging and consumer packaging segments and generate significant cash flow over the next several years, and to deploy its capital to high-return internal projects and acquisitions, and return increasing capital to stockholders. •WestRock has the opportunity to expand its margins and deploy its capital to grow adjusted EBITDA from $2.3 billion in fiscal year 2017, to more than $4 billion in fiscal year 2022. WestRock reiterated its fiscal 2018 guidance for revenue of at least $16.3 billion, adjusted segment EBITDA of more than $2.8 billion and adjusted operating cash flow of at least $2.3 billion. Click Read More below for additional information.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of January 15, 2018 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Uncoated Freesheet Grades by $2.00/cwt US ($2.55/cwt CAD), including but not limited to: Ideal Offset; Ideal Reply Card. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.

Verso Corporation and Sappi North America praised the decision of a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel, which upheld the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on imports from Indonesia. The decision, released yesterday, confirms that the U.S. acted consistently with its WTO obligations when it imposed countervailing duties of 17.93 percent and antidumping duties of 20.13 percent. Yesterday's decision means that countervailing duties that were imposed in November 2010 on certain types of coated paper from Indonesia will remain in effect. The Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission determined in 2016 that the market situation warranted the continuation of the duties for an additional 5-year period. The paper products covered by the petitions include certain types of coated paper that use sheet-fed presses with a GE brightness rating of 80 or higher and weighing up to 340 grams per square meter. The papers are used in commercial printing to create magazines, books, direct mailing, and corporate collateral. Click Read More below for additional information.

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the U.S. lumber industry is materially injured by Canadian government subsidies of their softwood lumber industry. Voting 4-0 in favor of the U.S. lumber industry, the ITC ruling follows a U.S. Department of Commerce determination that imports of softwood lumber from Canada are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of Canada. "The U.S. Lumber Coalition fully supports the enforcement of America's trade laws. The evidence presented to the ITC was clear - the massive subsidies that the Canadian government provides to its lumber industry and the dumping of lumber products into the U.S. market by Canadian companies cause real harm to U.S. producers and workers," said U.S. Lumber Coalition Co-Chair and Co-President of Pleasant River Lumber Company, Jason Brochu. "Now, with a level playing field, the U.S. lumber industry, and the 350,000 hardworking men and women who support it, can have the chance to compete fairly." Click Read More below for additional information.

We herewith announce a price increase of 5 - 7 % for all our uncoated fine paper products. It will be implemented for deliveries starting from 2nd January 2018. This price increase is primarily caused by continuously increasing fibre input cost and general cost inflation.

Finally, some good news on Appleton Coated. One of the shuttered paper mill’s machines is reportedly starting back up on Monday, and the mill is recalling 50 workers. Representatives for Industrial Assets, the mill’s new owner, declined comment on the reported restart. But some workers and the regional head of the United Steelworkers union say some employees got recall notices on Tuesday. “It’s a temporary thing. We’re hopeful,” said Michael Bolton, the Menasha-based director of United Steelworkers District 2, which covers Wisconsin and Michigan. “We agreed to a 90-day temporary operation," he said. "The new owner said he was going to try and sell this or get it going again. He’s living up to what he said. It’s better than seeing it sit idle.” The 50 recalled workers will join 38 employees who had been previously retained for mill maintenance, for a total of 88. Click Read More below for additional information.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by seven percent on most (AKD) sizing products and all wet strength products across the North America region, effective immediately or as customer contracts allow. The price increase is necessary due to the increase in certain raw material costs combined with a tightening overall global supply chain. “We are unable to absorb the impact of the increased costs that we are currently experiencing but we will continue to work in partnership with our customers to help mitigate the increases,” said Jose Santolaya, global product director, Functional Chemicals, Pulp and Paper. Click Read More below for additional information.

Due to recent cost changes and market conditions French Paper is announcing our first price increase since 3-3-14, over three and a half years. This increase consists of $5/cwt for Glo-Tone and $4/cwt across all other grades, with equivalent changes made among envelope items. All changes will apply to orders placed after December 15th. Along with these pricing changes we have begun the discontinuation of our Mod-Tone grade and will sell remaining items as inventory is available.

The transaction includes the acquisition of CPG’s Carmignano and Condino Mills in Italy, its digital imaging business located in Cham, Switzerland as well as all brands and know-how. It will be funded through internal cash resources. The transaction is conditional on the approval from certain competition authorities. We expect the acquisition to be completed during the first calendar quarter of 2018. The main benefits of the acquisition include: *Supports Sappi’s diversification strategy and 2020vision to grow in higher margin growth segments. Strengthens Sappi Europe’s speciality and packaging papers footprint and skills; adds 160,000 tons of speciality paper to our capacity. *Increases Sappi’s relevance in speciality papers, opening up new customers and markets to Sappi’s existing products and generating economies of scale and synergies. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mactac continues to focus on delivering premium quality products at competitive prices. The recent inflationary environment impacting our markets has brought about challenges and volatility related to raw material pricing, freight, and the overall availability of key components. We have worked diligently with our suppliers to ensure a reliable supply of materials allowing us to continue to provide outstanding service in the pressure sensitive market. Having already absorbed a significant level of price increases along with indications of continued tightness of supply and price escalation, we find it necessary to recover part of these increased costs with a 5% increase on all Sheet and Graphic products effective on all orders placed beginning January 15, 2018 shipping within our standard published lead-times. Click Read More below for additional information.

Canfor Pulp Products Inc. announced that it has taken a temporary and unscheduled outage on one production line at its Northwood Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) Pulp mill located in Prince George, British Columbia (“BC”), as a result of a tube leak in the number five recovery boiler. Canfor Pulp anticipates the number five recovery boiler to be down for approximately two weeks, and is currently projecting 15,000 tonnes of reduced NBSK pulp production during the fourth quarter 2017, as well as higher associated maintenance costs and lower projected shipment volumes. To mitigate the impact of the incident, Canfor Pulp is continuing to operate the second production line at the Pulp mill and will advance certain mill maintenance activities previously scheduled to be performed in the first quarter of 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa operations from both sides of the Atlantic were lauded with the company’s Zülpich Paper Mill in Germany winning the ‘Resilience – Managing Risk’ award and the Cali Paper Mill in Colombia taking the prize for ‘Bringing Paper to Life – Innovative Printing & Writing Campaign of the Year’. The Zülpich Mill, which was established in 1873, has an exemplary record in health and safety and a robust risk management strategy. Speaking about the award, Christian Ludwig, Managing Director, said: “We have always had the full support of the Group to build up our resilience strategy to the standard is at today and we are encouraged to take an innovative approach to finding solutions. The Cali Paper Mill certainly delivered on the brief of ‘Bringing Paper to Life’ with its CartoPrint school paper display. The vibrant appearance of the product, which was created in a collaboration with the Packaging Division, was inspired by its sustainable forestry origins and the ongoing work to preserve biodiversity that the company carries out. Click Read More below for additional information.

Brazil’s Suzano Papel e Celulos closed a deal to acquire a majority stake in Amazonian paper factory Facepa for 310 million reais ($95 million), the wood pulp and paper maker said on Monday in a securities filing. Suzano said it had agreed to buy 92.84 percent of total shares and 99.99 percent of common shares in the company, which manufactures paper towels, napkins, diapers and tissue in factories in Belem and Fortaleza with total capacity of 50,000 tonnes per year. The price is subject to adjustments, Suzano said in the filing.

Please be advised, effective with shipments as of January 1, 2018, Domtar Specialty Papers pricing will increase by $2.50/cwt. USD on bleached and unbleached Food Packaging, Medical Packaging, Industrial Grades, Coating Base and Release Paper Products. We pledge to continue to earn your business by providing quality products and reliable service while investing in the future through innovation.

Due to large increases in key input material costs, including over a two-fold increase in colorformers to ensure an uninterrupted supply, that cannot be offset by our on-going internal continuous improvements, cost reductions, and operating excellence efforts, Glatfelter is announcing a price increase for carbonless roll products, carbonless sheet products and security papers sold in our United States and Canadian markets. The increase will be effective with shipments on or after January 15, 2018. The increase will be 6% for the following items: All Glatfelter Carbonless Roll products; Carbonless Roll Accessories (CF and CB Sprays); Defensa® Security CB products; All Glatfelter Carbonless Sheet Products; Fan-Apart Adhesive. The increase will be $4.00/cwt for the following item: Defensa® Basic. The increase will be $5.00/cwt for the following items: Defensa® Premium Defensa® Design; Defensa® Security Gate Defensa® True. All current standard differentials and upcharges remain in effect.

The Province of New Brunswick announced its plan regarding sawmills impacted by softwood lumber duties on shipments to the United States. A dedicated effort on this important file is crucial to the survival of New Brunswick’s forest products sector as we know it today. Sawmills are the lifeblood of many rural communities. Hundreds of New Brunswick woodlot owners and wood producers depend on these sawmills. A successful sawmill is the vital source of wood chips to the value chain of products made throughout New Brunswick – from particleboard in St. Stephen to tissue in Dieppe, pulp in Edmundston and paper in Saint John. Thousands of New Brunswick jobs and local suppliers depend on this sector which impacts more communities than any other industry in the province. Maintaining New Brunswick’s historic 35-year exclusion requires the unity and support of all political parties. Click Read More below for additional information.

Pushing the boundaries in sports and print: Sappi’s Algro Design® Card forms basis for new 2018 photo calendar. “Move X-treme. Discover your possibilities” – This is the umbrella theme under which ACTEGA Terra, Koenig & Bauer and Sappi have continued their successful joint calendar project over the last few years. The new 2018 calendar, hot off the press, depicts athletes who push themselves to their limits, whether in speed skating, white water kayaking or motocross. Steely resolve and perfect preparation can lead to outstanding sporting success. The rewards: strong emotions, a great deal of public interest and the satisfaction of having accomplished something extraordinary. These are reactions similar to those experienced by three companies from the worlds of speciality papers, quality printing and overprint varnishes for high-quality finishing as they produce their annual calendar. Click Read More below for additional information.

Holmen has signed an agreement to sell forest properties in north-west Jämtland, Sweden, for SEK 100 million. The sale is expected to be completed in January 2018. The Group’s earnings will be positively impacted by just over SEK 70 million in the first quarter of 2018 since the sale price exceeds the carrying amount according to IAS 41. With holdings of over 1 million hectares of productive forest land, Holmen is one of Sweden’s largest forest owners. “This forest land is located far from our production facilities and has significant other values than forestry. We intend to reinvest the sales proceeds in forest located closer to our own production facilities,” says Henrik Sjölund, President and CEO of Holmen. Click Read More below for additional information.

As part of optimising the Rottneros Group, a new organisation is introduced with a group-wide sales organisation and a site manager for each mill. At the same time, a group-wide safety function is established, which becomes part of the Human Resource Department. The purpose of the new organisation is to create an increased focus within each sub-area. Through the new organisation, the mills can focus wholeheartedly on productivity, quality, environment, costs and completion of Agenda 500. The common safety function also means that we will be able to get even more out of our high-priority safety work in the future, while it can be conducted in an efficient way, comments Lennart Eberleh, President and CEO of Rottneros. Click Read More below for additional information.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö announces the launch of Ahlstrom-Munksjö Trinitex® Advance W3000, a unique filtration media specifically designed for pulse jet gas turbine applications. “Trinitex® Advance W3000 has the ability to combine EPA (Efficiency Particulate Air) efficiencies, whilst delivering highest protection of the gas turbine in all demanding conditions, especially humid or industrial environments” says Cedric Vallet, Product Manager at Ahlstrom Munksjo. “ Trinitex® Advance W3000 delivers high particulate removal efficiency, reducing corrosion and fouling, thus minimizing maintenance and unplanned shut downs. It also delivers higher efficiency at a low level of pressure drop, helping to minimize energy consumption. Trinitex® Advance W3000 enables extended performance in all challenging environments, increasing filter lifetime and reducing frequency for filter change” he adds. Click Read More below for additional information.

Total European shipments of Graphic Papers were down 4.2% in September vs. September 2016 and are down 0.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of Newsprint were down 5.5% in September vs. September 2016 and are down 3.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of SC-Magazine were down 11.1% in September vs. September 2016 and are flat year-to-date. Total European shipments of Coated Mechanical Reels were down 4.6% in September vs. September 2016 and are down 1.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of Uncoated Mechanical were UP 4.2% in September vs. September 2016 and are UP 2.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of Coated Woodfree were down 1.4% in September vs. September 2016 and are UP 1.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of Uncoated Woodfree were down 3.9% in September vs. September 2016 and are down 0.9% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional information.

The 19th edition of European Paper Week will mark CEPI’s 25th anniversary and takes place in the background of industry’s transformation towards a low-carbon, circular bioeconomy. As part of this year’s theme, attendees are invited to look forward and ‘Sense the Future’ by experiencing through the five senses the innovative, bio-based potential of the industry. “Industry transformation is gaining pace. This year’s European Paper Week provides an occasion to look forward at how we can, as the leading renewable and recyclable material industry, unleash the full potential of a circular bioeconomy,” says Sylvain Lhôte, Director General at the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). As part of the industry’s ambition to lead Europe’s bioeconomy transformation, this year’s event will play host to the inaugural Europe-only edition of the Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Awards, where eight accomplished researchers will make the case for their industry-changing ideas. Click Read More below for additional information.

Funds managed by Oceanwood Capital Management and Aker Capital AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aker ASA, have today issued a joint press release stating the intention to form a new company (Bidco), which will bid in an auction process to ensure that there is a strong new owner of Norske Skog's paper mills. The board of directors of Norske Skogindustrier ASA is pleased that Aker, with its strong industrial knowledge and financial expertise, has taken a role together with Oceanwood in the recapitalization of the Norske Skog group. The board of directors of Norske Skogindustrier ASA will continue to safeguard the interest of all its stakeholders through the recapitalization process. As part thereof, the Norske Skog group's seven paper mills will continue as normal, and our customers, suppliers and other business partners will continue to receive high quality products and the best service from Norske Skog without interruption through the remainder of the recapitalization process. Click Read More below for additional information.

Shareholders representing 98% of the owners in Bergvik Skog AB, a Swedish forest holding company, have agreed to initiate discussions, based on a non-binding letter of intent, aiming at structural changes in Bergvik Skog Group. These shareholders are Stora Enso, Länsförsäkringar, FAM, BillerudKorsnäs, Kåpan Pension, Tredje AP-fonden, Persson Invest, Karl Hedin AB and Tham Invest. “The wood supply agreement with Bergvik Skog, established 15 years ago, expires next year. Together with our partners, we have had a successful journey which now comes to an end. The planned transaction is a natural next step for us, as we strongly believe in the bioeconomy and want to secure our competitive raw material supply in the long term. We will seek support from the remaining 2% outstanding shareholders as well as all other relevant stakeholders”, says Karl-Henrik Sundström, CEO of Stora Enso. Bergvik Skog’s Swedish forest assets are owned by its subsidiaries Bergvik Väst AB and Bergvik Öst AB, representing approximately 83% and 17% respectively. Click Read More below for additional information.

BillerudKorsnäs has signed a letter of intent to acquire Bergvik Skog Öst AB, owned by Bergvik Skog AB. Bergvik Skog Öst AB comprises approximately 350,000 hectares of forest land in Sweden. The transaction will secure parts of BillerudKorsnäs’ wood supply, and improve the possibilities to manage the mix of internal and external wood flows in order to increase efficiency. Bergvik Skog AB was formed in 2004 through an acquisition of the Swedish forest holdings of Korsnäs and Stora Enso. The biological assets of Korsnäs represented in 2004 approximately 17% (Bergvik Skog Öst AB) and the Stora Enso assets approximately 83% (Bergvik Skog Väst AB). As part of the transaction in 2004, long term wood supply agreements were agreed between Bergvik Skog AB and Korsnäs and Stora Enso. Click Read More below for additional information.