Norske Skog: Update on recapitalization process

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.
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Stora Enso announces intent to acquire forest assets in conjunction with planned structural changes in Bergvik Skog AB

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.
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BillerudKorsnäs intends to acquire forest assets

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.
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Norske Skog: Performance impacted by currency

Norske Skog's gross operating earnings (EBITDA) in the third quarter 2017 were NOK 143 million, a decrease from NOK 190 million in the second quarter 2017. Gross operating earnings declined despite an increase in sales volume in Europe due to NOK appreciation, and less domestic demand in Australasia resulted in more low-margin export sales. Operating earnings in the third quarter was NOK 73 million compared to negative operating earnings of NOK 52 million in the second quarter of 2017. Net loss in the third quarter was NOK 9 million compared to a net loss of NOK 546 million in the second quarter 2017, mainly due to non-cash currency effects on debt and changes in the valuation of power contracts. Cash flow from operations declined to a negative NOK 162 million in the quarter from a positive NOK 187 million in the second quarter. Net interest-bearing debt increased by NOK 459 million to NOK 7 038 million in the third quarter, reflecting a negative cash flow for the period and unpaid interest costs related to the ongoing recapitalization process. At the end of the third quarter, the group had a negative book equity of NOK 689 million. As part of the ongoing recapitalization process, the board has decided not to pay interest on the group's outstanding debt. The cash balance at the end of the third quarter was NOK 426 million and is sufficient to support the operations until a recapitalization solution takes place. Norske Skog's board and administration continue discussions with the creditors to launch as soon as possible a new and broadly supported offer for converting debt to equity and a new bond. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Stora Enso to divest the Baienfurt sheeting centre

Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its sheeting centre business in Baienfurt, Germany to Pyroll, a Finnish converting firm. The sheeting centre operations started in April 2009 and is 100% owned by Stora Enso. This divestment supports Stora Enso’s growth strategy for its consumer board business, where the focus is to generate value to customers by being the global benchmark in high quality virgin fibre carton board. Running sheeting centre operations is not part of Stora Enso’s core business. The new owner has sheeting operations as its core and is in a better position to further develop Baienfurt. Stora Enso will remain a key customer to the Baienfurt sheeting centre. Click Read More below for additional information.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases October 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report

According to the October 2017 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased seven percent in October compared to October 2016. Shipments of uncoated free sheet managed a year-over-year increase but this was more than offset by decreases in the remaining three major printing-writing grades. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers also decreased, down nine percent in October. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased nine percent from September 2017. •October uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased year-over-year for the second time this year. Imports of UFS decreased by 12 percent year-over-year in September – the fourth consecutive decrease of 12 percent or more. Meanwhile, exports of UFS papers continue to climb, up 26 percent year-over-year in September, the fifth consecutive increase of 17 percent or higher. •Recent mill shuts leave coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments down year-over-year. This is a significant change from last month’s peak for the year, as two recent mill shuts factor in to the decline this month. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 17 percent year-over-year in September, the third consecutive year-over-year decline. Meanwhile, exports of CFS papers increased 4 percent year-over-year in September, the seventh increase in the past nine months. •Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in October for the fifth consecutive month. Imports of CM increased in September, up 23 percent compared to September 2016. Exports of CM decreased, down 9 percent in September to 24,200 tons – the lowest level in more than five years. •Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers have declined year-over-year in every month when compared to the same month in 2016. Imports of UM decreased 13 percent year-over-year in September and exports of UM decreased 4 percent year-over-year in September.
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Rayonier Advanced Materials Completes Acquisition of Tembec

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of Tembec Inc., combining two complementary high purity cellulose businesses and diversifying its product offerings with integrated forest products, paper, paperboard and newsprint businesses. The combined company, which will operate under the name Rayonier Advanced Materials, will be a stronger, more diversified global leader in its core businesses with an expanded international footprint that further positions it to serve the larger customer base with the highest quality products and services. In addition, the combined company offers enhanced new product development capabilities, a broader and more versatile asset base, and the financial strength to invest back into its businesses for continued growth. “This acquisition advances our strategic growth objectives and provides an accretive and attractive value proposition for our shareholders by more than doubling our revenues, diversifying our product offering in high purity cellulose and allowing us to expand into new adjacent businesses,” said Paul Boynton, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rayonier Advanced Materials. “Rayonier Advanced Materials and Tembec are not only a good strategic fit, but we are also an excellent cultural fit. We are excited to welcome the Tembec employees to Rayonier Advanced Materials as we continue to execute on our four strategic pillars of growth.”
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Glatfelter Announces Price Increase on Tag/Index Products in the US Market

Glatfelter is announcing a price increase for the listed grades and product lines sold in our United States market. The increase will be effective with shipments on or after January 1, 2018. The increase will be $2/cwt for the following items: Sealer Envelope Worthington Index; Tiffin Tag (White & Manila) Index Card; Shawnee Vellum Bristol. The increase will be $3/cwt for the following items: Tiffin Tag (Colors) File Folder. All current standard differentials and upcharges remain in effect.
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Sappi North America Price Increase on Packaging/Specialty Products

Sappi North America announces a US$3.00 per CWT transactional price increase on new and unconfirmed orders that book with confirmed delivery dates on or after Monday, January 1, 2018 on the following packaging and specialty products: • Fusion Topliner • Parade Prima • Algro Design • Algro Finess • Algro Fin • Algro Teepack • Algro Kraft Y • Algro Sol • Leine Kraft • Leine Mühle • Leine Silk. Standard differentials and upcharges apply. The price increase includes all basis weights and finishes.
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Sappi Europe to increase prices on Woodfree grades by 6-8% from January 1st 2018

Due to continuing input cost increases and unsustainable profit levels, Sappi is forced to continue passing on this cost inflation by increasing its Woodfree grades prices by 6-8% effective on deliveries from January 1st 2018 for all European markets. This follows previous announcements made for its LWC and MWC grades. 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.
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Lecta’s New GardaPremium Natural Catalogue

GardaPremium Natural is a 2 side coated woodfree silk paper with a smooth surface and a natural shade. It offers good thickness, extraordinary runnability, high stiffness and good resistance to cracking on fold, in addition to high opacity. These characteristics guarantee excellent print results for any type of project, as with all of Lecta's premium coated papers. With the new GardaPremium Natural catalogue, you can directly observe the paper's natural white shade, obtained without the addition of optical brighteners. This neutral tone is perfect for enhancing color as well as black-and-white images, highlighting every detail. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi Europe to increase prices on Woodfree grades by 6-8% from January 1st 2018

Due to continuing input cost increases and unsustainable profit levels, Sappi is forced to continue passing on this cost inflation by increasing its Woodfree grades prices by 6-8% effective on deliveries from January 1st 2018 for all European markets. This follows previous announcements made for its LWC and MWC grades. 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.
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Domtar’s Kingsport, Tennessee, mill awarded for million-hour safety mark

Montreal-based papermaker Domtar has announced its Kingsport, Tennessee, paper mill has been awarded the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) Governor’s Award of Excellence for Workplace Safety. The safety award recognizes outstanding achievement in employer-employee safety programs for the prevention of workplace injury. As part of its qualification criteria, Domtar’s Kingsport mill had to accumulate 1 million hours worked without a lost-time or restricted-duty incident. While this is the first public recognition for the Kingsport mill, Bill MacPherson, manager of the mill, says it has achieved the 1-million-hour milestone several times in the past. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Verso Expands GlazeArmor™ Family to Include New Natural Kraft Lightweight Oil and Grease Resistant Papers

"Foodservice packaging converters and end users are seeking natural kraft OGR paper options that offer the right combination of quality, performance and run-to-run consistency," said Mike Weinhold, Verso President of Graphic Papers. "Our GlazeArmor™ family of OGR papers excels in these critical areas, and we will deliver these solutions with the same level of highly personalized customer service, experienced technical resources, and overall attention to detail that customers have come to expect from Verso." GlazeArmor™ natural kraft options are an exciting addition to the broader portfolio of Verso's machine-glazed laminating and converting papers, which are relied upon by flexible packaging converters worldwide. Featuring OGR levels ranging from Kit 5 to as high as Kit 12, GlazeArmor™ NK OGR and GlazeArmor™ NK Micro are Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)-free and are designed to work well in low to high oil and grease end uses. These OGR papers offer excellent runnability and converting performance, both key performance requirements for end-use applications such as sandwich and deli wraps, foodservice liners, microwave popcorn bags and laminated food pouches. Click Read More below for additional information.
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New Product Category Rules Issued for Paper Products

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), in collaboration with the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and FPInnovations issued Product Category Rules (PCR) for Market Pulp, Paper and Paperboard, Containerboard and Tissue products manufactured in North America. The PCR provides rules and requirements for conducting paper product life cycle assessment (LCA) reports as well as developing Type III Environmental Product Declarations that communicate the environmental footprint of products to customers. The PCR development process included the participation of a broad stakeholder group including manufacturers, trade associations, government agencies, non-government organizations, retail representatives, independent parties, academia and other Environmental Product Declarations program operators. “This PCR has been approved by an independent peer review panel of recognized LCA experts,” said Debbie Steckel, Executive Director of the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment. “It conforms to the requirements of ISO International Standards, providing consistent and transparent environmental evaluation standards with the highest degree of credibility.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Part of Camas paper mill to shut down, between 280 and 300 jobs lost

Georgia-Pacific on Tuesday announced it plans to shut down several operations at its Camas mill and cut up to 300 jobs. Between 120 and 140 jobs will remain at the mill, which opened in 1885 and in the 1980s employed around 2,400. “The paper mill is the reason Camas exists,” said Peter Capell, city administrator. “The biggest concern we have about this is the people. They have mortgages, college payments, retirement. It’s something I wouldn’t wish on anybody.” The Atlanta, Ga.-based company and subsidiary of Koch Industries said the cuts stem from dives in demand for communications paper, mainly used in offices for printers, copiers and the like. “It’s definitely not a reflection of the employees, they have worked very hard and taken a lot of pride in running these assets and keeping them going, but it’s just a situation where it’s a declining marketplace,” said spokeswoman Kristi Ward. “People just aren’t using as much office paper as they used to.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi delivers robust full year and 4th quarter results

Sappi Chief Executive Officer Steve Binnie, commenting on the group’s performance, said: “Sappi has delivered another strong set of results with profits up 6% year-on-year. I am very pleased with the growth of the dissolving wood pulp (DWP) and speciality packaging businesses. Furthermore our initiatives to reduce variable costs and the benefits of lower interest charges were able to help mitigate higher paper pulp prices and a stronger Rand/Dollar exchange rate during the reporting period. “Capital expenditure in 2018 is expected to increase to US$450 million as we continue the conversions in both Europe and North America, complete the Saiccor and Ngodwana debottlenecking and start the upgrade of the Saiccor wood-yard. The increase in expansionary capital spending during 2018 is focused on higher margin growth segments including dissolving wood pulp and speciality packaging. This will position us for stronger profitability from 2019 onwards.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Appvion sorts out job loss details in Appleton

Appvion and United Steelworkers Union representatives met Wednesday to begin discussing details of the paper company’s consolidation plan that will eliminate 200 jobs in Appleton. That number represents about one-quarter of Appvion’s local 800-employee workforce, and is part of a larger trend that worries paper industry watchers. Appvion's layoffs were first announced in a Nov. 9 story. It followed the company's filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October. “The first layoffs will occur in January and would continue as we transition most of our carbonless coating and converting operations to the Roaring Spring Mill (in Pennsylvania) during 2018," said spokesman Bill Van Den Brandt. "We project that we will complete the transition process in third quarter 2018.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Monadnock Paper Mills Announces Price Increase for East/Central Territory Effective 12/11/17

Please be advised that Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is raising list prices effective December 11, 2017. Pricing on orders placed prior to today’s date will not change regardless of ship date. Orders placed after today’s date and shipped prior to December 11, 2017 will receive today’s price. All existing contract pricing will be reviewed within the terms of the contract. The price increase will be $3/cwt on our text and cover grades as well as Envi PC80 Folding Box Board.
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Sappi North America Invests $5.94 Million in Cloquet, Minn. Mill

Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, today announced a $5.94 million capital investment in its Cloquet, Minn. mill to replace the headbox on Paper Machine 12 (PM12). This investment enabled Sappi to maintain its capacity by adding a state-of-the-art, dilution profiled headbox that produces excellent basis weight profiles. A headbox is an integral part of the paper machine responsible for spreading the pulp fibers evenly to form the sheet. "This investment shows Sappi's unwavering commitment to its graphic papers and packaging customers," said Mark Gardner, President and CEO, Sappi North America. "The new headbox will ensure that we're fulfilling orders to the highest quality standards that Sappi's customers have come to expect. This project will not only improve upon our longstanding history with the graphic papers market, but also support our growing paper-based packaging business." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Tembec Announces Preliminary Results of Consideration Elections in Connection with Transaction

Pursuant to the terms of the Transaction, Tembec shareholders had the right to elect to receive either C$4.75 in cash or 0.2542 shares of Rayonier AM common stock per Tembec Share, subject to proration so that approximately 67% of the aggregate consideration is paid in cash and approximately 33% is paid in Rayonier AM common stock. The results of the elections received prior to the election deadline of 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on November 9, 2017 are as follows: •Shareholders representing 1,644,879 Tembec Shares elected to receive the Per Share Cash Amount; •Shareholders representing 67,878,518 Tembec Shares elected to receive the Per Share Stock Consideration; and •Shareholders representing 30,476,603 Tembec Shares did not make an election. Since the aggregate number of Tembec Shares in respect of which registered Tembec shareholders have elected to receive the Per Share Cash Amount is less than the Cash Consideration Number (as defined in the plan of arrangement attached to the amending agreement dated as of July 23, 2017 by and between Rayonier AM and Tembec), holders of Tembec Shares who elected to receive the Per Share Stock Consideration will be subject to proration in the manner described in Tembec's management information circular dated June 13, 2017 (the "Circular"). Click Read More below for additional information.
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Verso Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 to Three Months Ended September 30, 2016: • Net sales for the third quarter of 2017 decreased by $54 million compared to the third 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, partially offset by a 1% increase in price. • Gross margin, excluding depreciation, amortization, and depletion expenses, increased from 4.9% of net sales in the third quarter of 2016 to 11.1% in the third quarter of 2017. Gross margin in the third quarter of 2016 was negatively impacted by work-in-process and inventory fair value adjustments associated with fresh-start accounting of $41 million. Without these fresh-start accounting adjustments, gross margin percentage would have been relatively flat quarter over quarter. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Arctic Paper Group After 3rd Quarter of 2017: Results Influenced by Further Increase in Pulp Prices

In the 3rd quarter of 2017 the Arctic Paper Group generated sales revenue of nearly PLN 735.9m. EBITDA was PLN 70.8m and operating profit PLN 38.5m. The Group’s net profit on continuing operations in Q3 2017 was PLN 25.6m. The weaker results of Arctic Paper in the 3rd quarter were due primarily to the effect of a further increase in pulp prices which has not been fully offset yet by higher paper prices. The result was also affected by the planned stoppage at the Arctic Paper Kostrzyn plant for 12 days in July of this year, connected with an investment to increase the production efficiency at that plant. Per Skoglund, CEO of Arctic Paper, commented: “The decline in profit is mainly due to continued high pulp prices, which we will not be able to fully compensate for by price increases during 2017. On top of that, a planned investment stoppage in Arctic Paper Kostrzyn affected sales and profit during the period. The investment in increased production efficiency will have a future positive impact and strengthen our ability to serve our customers in a competitive way.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Rottneros invests another 117 SEKm within the framework of Agenda 500

As a next step in the capacity development of Rottneros Mill, Rottneros’ Board has granted further investments in the CTMP line. The investment, CTMP Step 2, increases capacity by approximately 18,000 tonnes per year and is expected to be operational in the fall of 2018. The investment follows the strategic development plan Agenda 500, where a first capacity-enhancing investment in the CTMP line was made in 2016. Within Agenda 500, Rottneros Mill has put into operation a bio mass boiler in the third quarter of 2017 that replaces an oil-based boiler and made the mill practically fossil-free. The expansion of the purification plant is an ongoing investment that is expected to be put into operation in 2018. The Rottneros Mill has a strong position as a supplier of high yield pulp. With increased capacity, we ensure that Rottneros can be a reliable supplier of CTMP and an attractive partner for our customers, says Lennart Eberleh, President and CEO of Rottneros AB. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Appvion to Consolidate Carbonless Paper Manufacturing Operations

Appvion, Inc. announced plans to consolidate the majority of the carbonless paper coating and rewinding operations currently performed at its plant in Appleton, Wisconsin, to its integrated pulp and paper mill in Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, and relocate the Appleton Plant’s sheeting operations to an Appvion-operated facility near the mill. The company expects the transition will begin in January and be completed in the third quarter of 2018. Consolidating Appvion’s carbonless paper manufacturing, rewinding, and sheeting to the Roaring Spring area, where Appvion already produces this product, will help position the company for long-term success by increasing the efficiencies of its manufacturing and logistics operations. The consolidation plan will result in the shutdown of three under-utilized coaters and related rewinding and sheeting equipment at the Appleton Plant and the elimination of approximately 200 hourly and salaried jobs at that facility. Approximately 300 hourly and salaried plant employees will be retained at the Appleton Plant to continue producing the company’s thermal paper products and some carbonless and specialty coated grades. Employment at Roaring Spring Mill and at Appvion’s thermal paper coating plant in West Carrollton, Ohio, will be unaffected by the plan. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Fortress Paper Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results

Fortress Paper Ltd. reported 2017 third quarter operating EBITDA of $0.2 million, a decrease of $7.4 million relative to the comparative prior year period and a decrease of $4.1 million over the previous quarter. The Security Paper Products Segment generated operating EBITDA of $1.8 million, the Dissolving Pulp Segment generated operating EBITDA loss of $0.5 million, and corporate costs were $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Neenah Paper Announces Corporate Name Change to Neenah, Inc. Effective January 1

Neenah Paper, Inc. announced that the Company will change its name to Neenah, Inc. effective on January 1, 2018. The Company's ticker symbol on the New York Stock Exchange will remain "NP" and names of subsidiaries will not be affected. "As we've continued to successfully execute our strategy to increase our presence in growing and profitable specialty niche markets, the last name of "paper" does not sufficiently reflect the diversity of our current and future company," said John O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer. "The Neenah name, however, will continue to represent a product portfolio known for high performance and premium quality, as well as a company appreciated for its disciplined capital allocation and commitment to providing attractive returns to investors."
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UPM Plywood introduces new fire retardant WISA®-SpruceFR structural plywood for building and construction

UPM Plywood introduces a new fire retardant WISA-SpruceFR structural plywood for building and construction end uses. WISA-SpruceFR combines the market leading quality and structural performance with B-s1, d0 fire classification - the highest a wood product can have. "This is uniquely different type of plywood product released to the market," says Riku Härkönen, Product Manager at UPM Plywood. "There are products which are either extremely expensive, pressure treated, or they come with conditions and requirements for other structural solutions," Härkönen describes. Unlike in many other fire-resistant wooden products, the fire-retardant treatment in WISA-SpruceFR does not compromise the plywood's technical properties; the panels preserve the original qualities of untreated WISA-Spruce plywood. Also, different from many other wood panels, WISA-SpruceFR does not require any special structural design to achieve the fire classification. It can be used just like a regular plywood panel. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Neenah Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results

Third Quarter Highlights •Revenue of $245.1 million increased 5 percent, or $12.2 million, from $232.9 million in the prior year. •Operating income of $29.0 million increased 8 percent, or $2.1 million, from $26.9 million in the prior year. •Earnings per diluted share (E.P.S.) of $1.10 increased 16 percent from $0.95 per share in 2016. •On an adjusted basis, E.P.S. of $1.02 in 2017 increased 3 percent from $0.99 in 2016. Adjusted E.P.S. excluded $0.12 per share in 2017 for net proceeds from an insurance settlement, and acquisition, integration, and restructuring costs of $0.04 per share in both years. •Cash generated from operations of $36.2 million decreased from $40.6 million in 2016 while capital spending of $8.0 million in the quarter decreased from $20.8 million in the third quarter of 2016. •A binding agreement was signed to acquire Coldenhove, a Netherlands-based performance materials company and leader in digital transfer media, with annual sales of $45 million. Closing occurred on November 1, with a payment of $45 million. Click Read More below for additional information.
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KP Tissue Releases Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

KPLP Q3 2017 Business and Financial Highlights -- Revenue increased by 7.5% to $336.3 million in Q3 2017 compared to Q3 2016 -- Adjusted EBITDA was $39.4 million in Q3 2017 compared to $45.6 million in Q3 2016 -- TAD Products sales and Adjusted EBITDA contribution continued to be strong, in line with previously set targets -- Successful start-up of new Paper Machine #8 and a new converting line in Crabtree, Quebec site. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Orchids Paper Products Company Announces Third Quarter 2017 Results

Net sales increased $6.7 million, or 18%, in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter of 2017. The increase in net sales principally reflects the continuing ramp-up of new business, which began to be produced and shipped late in the second quarter of 2017. Converted product net sales increased $7.2 million, with $6.9 million of the increase attributable to increased volume and $0.3 million due to an increase in the average selling price. Parent roll sales decreased $0.5 million, reflecting the utilization of increasing mill capacities to service new converted-product business. Cost of sales increased $5.5 million, or 15%. Standard cost of sales increased $4.2 million, or 15%, consistent with the change in sales. Major contributors to the remaining $1.3 million increase in cost of sales include: approximately $0.9 million of increased freight cost based on changes in customer and geographic distributions; approximately $1.0 million of increased material costs, principally for virgin fiber; approximately $1.2 million of increased overhead costs not yet covered by production and sales at the new Barnwell, South Carolina facility; and other factors such as inventory obsolescence resulting from changes in customers' product lines and certain manufacturing efficiency variances. Partially offsetting these noted changes in costs were: approximately $1.3 million of variances were capitalized that were directly attributable to preproduction test runs necessary to get Barnwell's new equipment ready for its intended use, and Pryor's absorption variance improved by approximately $0.6 million. Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPM and the Government of Uruguay sign an investment agreement to establish a competitive operating platform for a possible new pulp mill in Uruguay

UPM and the Government of Uruguay have signed an investment agreement, which outlines the local prerequisites for a potential pulp mill investment. The agreement details the roles, commitments and time-line for both parties as well as the relevant items to be agreed prior to the final investment decision. The agreement defines the requirements for the operating environment of a world-class pulp mill project. The site of the mill would be close to the city of Paso de los Toros, in the department of Durazno in central Uruguay. A long-term industrial operation requires stable and predictable operational environment. This will be supported by several measures in the areas of regional development, environment, forestry and land planning as well as labour and energy conditions. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Appleton Coated Update

We continue to accept stock orders and run limited finishing equipment (primarily sheeters and winders) to process and convert existing work in process to customer specific sizes. We have inventory remaining in most of our grades including: • U1X sheets • U2:XG Sheets • U2 Sheets & Web • Utopia Premium Sheets • Utopia Inkjet • Reincarnation Sheets • C1S Sheets (limited amounts) • Ethos Offset 30-100% PCRF • Ethos Enhanced Inkjet • Ethos Uncoated Inkjet with ColorPRO • Ethos Pharma Insert Opaque
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Sappi Europe to increase prices on LWC and MWC grades by 6-8% from January 1st 2018

Due to continuing input cost increases Sappi is forced to continue passing on this cost inflation by increasing its LWC and MWC grades prices by 6-8% from January 1st 2018 for all markets. This follows previous announcements made for its woodfree coated and woodfree uncoated grades. 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.
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U.S. to issue import duties on Canadian softwood lumber

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Thursday it will impose countervailing and antidumping import duties on several Canadian softwood lumber firms. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the department determined Canada is providing unfair subsidies to its producers of softwood lumber at rates from 3.34 percent to 18.19 percent and has sold softwood lumber to the United States at 3.20 percent to 8.89 percent less than fair value. "While I am disappointed that a negotiated agreement could not be made between domestic and Canadian softwood producers, the United States is committed to free, fair and reciprocal trade with Canada," Ross said. As a result of the findings, Commerce instructed U.S. Customs and Border Protection to collect import duties averaging 20.83 percentt on Canadian lumber imports. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Canadian Forest Sector Disappointed With Final U.S. Softwood Lumber Duties

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is disappointed with the U. S. Commerce Department’s announcement of final duties on Canadian softwood lumber. These are unwarranted duties that the U.S. is levying against our industry and it will result in Americans paying more to build and renovate their homes. FPAC will continue to work alongside the federal government, provincial governments and our provincial forest products association partners to ensure that Canada’s forest products sector remains competitive and innovative in the face of these protectionist measures. "We appreciate that the federal government has pledged its continued support to defend our sector and our workers against these tariffs which are completely without merit,” said Derek Nighbor, CEO of Forest Products Association of Canada.
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Norske Skog Meaningful progress with holders of the NSF facility and the Perpetual Notes

Norske Skog has over the last few days made meaningful progress with the holders of the EUR 100 million NSF facility and the majority holder of the 2115 Perpetual Notes towards find a mutual acceptable solution where these financial instruments are included in the consensual recapitalization of the Norske Skog group. If a solution is achieved, Norske Skog will have received indicative support from the requisite majority of all relevant financial instruments in the Norske Skog capital structure. Due to the need to include a solution for the NSF facility and the Perpetual Notes in the overall recapitalization proposal, a new consent solicitation to the secured and unsecured noteholders will need to be launched. It is not anticipated that the updated consent solicitation will include any material changes to the terms set out in the current consent solicitation statement. As a new consent solicitation will have to be launched, the current consent solicitation will not be extended and will therefore expire on 3 November 2017 at 17:00 CET. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sentinel Capital Partners Acquires Nekoosa

Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm that invests in promising companies at the lower end of the middle market, today announced the acquisition of Nekoosa, a leading manufacturer of specialty paper and film products used in the graphics and commercial print markets. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Headquartered in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, Nekoosa produces a comprehensive suite of specialty engineered materials in four key product areas: application and pressure sensitive tapes used to protect and transfer graphics onto surfaces such as store windows and commercial vehicles; specialty synthetic papers that offer a digitally printable tear-and-water-proof alternative to lamination; sheeted digital and offset grade carbonless paper; and extruded film products used in wall panel, credit card, and lighting applications. Through a network of more than 1,000 global distributor partners, Nekoosa serves a highly-diverse base of more than 70,000 commercial print and graphics shops in 65 countries. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Fortress Paper Provides Operational Update on its Landqart Mill

Fortress Paper Ltd. announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Landqart AG, has received notices from one of its significant international customers cancelling that portion of purchase orders which were scheduled for production and delivery by the Landqart Mill in the fourth quarter of 2017 and in fiscal 2018. The cancelled purchase orders represent approximately 16% of the budgeted order book at the Landqart Mill for fiscal 2017 and 30% for fiscal 2018. Despite other suppliers experiencing similar cancellations, Landqart continues to have dialogue with the customer to potentially reinstate all or a portion of the cancelled orders over an extended period of time within fiscal 2018. There are no assurances that any reinstatement will be forthcoming. Management is seeking to fill the production void caused by the cancellations and is deploying various strategies, including: (a) pulling forward existing purchase orders, (b) seeking new orders from existing and new customers, and (c) requesting special one-time supplemental orders from existing customers for immediate production. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Interfor Reports Q3’17 Results

INTERFOR CORPORATION recorded net earnings in Q3’17 of $16.8 million, or $0.24 per share, compared to $24.5 million, or $0.35 per share in Q2’17 and $15.1 million, or $0.22 per share in Q3’16. Adjusted net earnings1 (which takes into account the effects of share-based compensation expense and non-recurring items) in Q3’17 were $20.0 million or $0.29 per share, compared to $28.7 million, or $0.41 per share in Q2’17 and $20.7 million, or $0.30 per share in Q3’16. Adjusted EBITDA1 for Q3’17 was $60.5 million (or $70.0 million excluding the impact from $9.4 million of softwood lumber duties expense), on sales of $489.2 million versus $77.4 million on sales of $511.4 million in Q2’17. Notable items in the quarter included: * Mixed Benchmark Lumber Prices and Stronger Canadian Dollar * Total lumber production was 645 million board feet, or 10 million board feet fewer than the prior quarter. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Orient Paper, Inc. Pre-announces Unaudited Preliminary Financial Results for the Third Quarter 2017

Zhenyong Liu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Orient Paper, commented, "Our third quarter results largely reflected the impact of a government mandated temporary restriction on production volume that has been in place since November 2016. Total revenue decreased by 10.6% year over year to $33.5 million on the back of a 36.1% drop in overall volume that more than offset the increase in blended average selling prices. Looking ahead, we expect the newly elected Communist Party of China leaders to continue to promulgate rules and regulations on environmental protection that could lead to government-mandated temporary restriction or suspension on paper production from time-to-time, leading to significant changes in pricing and supply/demand balances." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Neenah Completes Purchase of Coldenhove

Neenah Paper, Inc. announced that it had completed the previously announced purchase of the outstanding equity of W.A. Sanders Coldenhove Holding B.V. Coldenhove is a specialty materials manufacturer based in the Netherlands, with a leading position in digital transfer media and other technical products. Upon closing, the Company made a cash payment of approximately $45 million. The payment was financed through almost $14 million of available cash on hand, with the balance from incremental borrowing against the Company's existing global revolving credit facility. Interest rates on the additional short term debt were under two percent.
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Resolute Reports Preliminary Third Quarter 2017 Results

The company recorded operating income of $48 million in the quarter, an improvement of $95 million compared to the second quarter of 2017, as adjusted EBITDA increased to $118 million from $83 million in the previous quarter. The company's operating results were positively impacted by increases in sales of market pulp and wood products, where shipments and pricing improved compared to the previous quarter. Profitability was also supported by lower manufacturing costs and savings derived from the closure of a high cost machine in our specialty papers segment, resulting in operating margin improvements that offset volume declines. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Boise Paper and Box Tops for Education™ Launch “Give the Gift of Box Tops” Sweepstakes

In the spirit of the holiday season, Boise Paper and Box Tops for Education™ launched the "Give the Gift of Box Tops" Sweepstakes today, giving three winners the chance to help their local schools. Through November 30, 2017, U.S. residents can enter the sweepstakes daily for the chance to win 10,000 Bonus Box Tops and 400 reams of Boise Paper products for the participating school of their choice. "Boise Paper is proud to support America's schools as a partner of General Mills' Box Tops for Education program," said Paul LeBlanc, vice president of Boise Paper. "We love seeing first-hand how Box Tops make a difference for schools throughout the country, and we are excited that this sweepstakes will give three lucky winners the chance to truly make a difference with an unexpected gift for the holidays." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Rayonier Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results

Rayonier Inc. reported third quarter net income attributable to Rayonier of $24.7 million, or $0.19 per share, on revenues of $177.9 million. This compares to net income attributable to Rayonier of $39.4 million, or $0.32 per share, on revenues of $171.4 million in the prior year quarter. The prior year third quarter results included $1.2 million of costs related to shareholder litigation.1 Excluding this item, pro forma net income2 was $40.6 million, or $0.33 per share, in the prior year period. Third quarter operating income was $39.3 million versus $49.7 million in the prior year period. Prior year third quarter operating income included $1.2 million of costs related to shareholder litigation.1 Excluding this item, pro forma operating income2 was $50.9 million in the prior year period. Third quarter Adjusted EBITDA2 was $69.9 million versus $87.2 million in the prior year period. The decline in Adjusted EBITDA2 relative to the prior year period was primarily due to lower real estate results, as the prior year period included a $48.3 million sale comprised of 17,772 acres in Georgia. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi North America Unveils New Marketing Resource, ‘The Five Second Rule’ Supported by Sappi’s Line of High-Quality Web Cover Grades for a Flawless First Impression

Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, has revealed its newest promotional resource for brand managers, “The Five Second Rule”. With only five seconds to convince a customer to read a piece of direct mail, first impressions are critical. Printed on Sappi’s multiple web cover grades, Opus and Somerset, the kits come in a stunning exterior envelope, designed to illustrate direct mail’s ability to instantly stand out and create a memorable experience so that consumers are driven to take action. Inside, readers will find inspiration for making collateral that resonates with four unique direct mail examples. Direct mail is the preferred method of brand communications for consumers aged 18-34[i], with marketing representing more than half of the total mail volume in the U.S.[ii] Together, these figures illustrate the immense need for businesses to employ thoughtful, targeted and high-quality direct mail campaigns that will stand out. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Stora Enso to divest Puumerkki, a wholesaler of wooden building materials

Stora Enso has divested 100% of its shares in the Finnish Puumerkki Oy and the Estonian Puumerkki AS to Mimir Invest AB, a global investment firm. Puumerkki is a specialised wholesaler of wooden building materials and was 100% owned by Stora Enso. This divestment supports Stora Enso’s Wood Products division in focusing on its growth strategy and further build on the strength of the premium portfolio of products and services. Puumerkki’s wholesale business does not belong to Stora Enso’s core business. The new owner is in a better position to give Puumerkki the attention it deserves and ensure its long-term development. Puumerkki will continue to be a key customer for Stora Enso’s renewable building materials also going forward. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–September 2017 was EUR 381 million

January–September 2017 (1–9/2016) • Sales were EUR 3,712 million (3,483). • Operating result was EUR 397 million (333). Comparable operating result was EUR 381 million (332). • Result before tax was EUR 345 million (275). Comparable result before tax was EUR 330 million (275). • Comparable return on capital employed was 11.2 per cent (10.5). Comparable return on capital employed excluding investments related to the bioproduct mill was 14.0 per cent (11.9). • Cash flow from operations was EUR 611 million (298). July–September 2017 (7–9/2016) • Sales were EUR 1,260 million (1,143). • Operating result was EUR 143 million (107). Comparable operating result was EUR 134 million (103). • Result before tax was EUR 109 million (89). Comparable result before tax was EUR 100 million (85). • Comparable return on capital employed was 10.8 per cent (9.8). Comparable return on capital employed excluding investments related to the bioproduct mill was 13.7 per cent (11.1). • Cash flow from operations was EUR 420 million (177). Click Read More below for additional information.
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Norske Skog: Broad support from bondholders, extension required

Norske Skog has so far received support from a clear majority of both the secured and the unsecured noteholders for the proposed recapitalization solution. Norske Skog has now likely surpassed the thresholds required to implement the transaction by way of Schemes of Arrangement. However, the transaction is also contingent upon support from the majority holder of the EUR 100 million NSF and the 2115 Perpetual Notes. The consent solicitation deadline is extended until Friday 3 November at 17:00 CET to allow sufficient time to allow for further discussions with the holders of NSF and Perpetual Notes. Click Read More below for additional information.
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KaMin LLC Announces Price Increase for Paper and Packaging Grade Kaolin Clays

KaMin LLC announced that it will increase prices for kaolin clay products for the global paper and packaging industry 5 percent effective Jan. 1, 2018, or as contracts allow. "This price increase is necessary to ensure our long-term sustainability," stated Mark Gillespie, Vice President of Commercial. "KaMin has continued to invest to meet regulatory requirements, as well as continued increases in labor, energy and freight/logistics costs." KaMin LLC also announces that its energy surcharge policy will remain unchanged. The threshold of $5/MMBTU and incremental surcharges by product type will remain the same. This policy applies to all slurry, spray-dried hydrous and calcined kaolin grades sold to the paper industry globally.
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Petra Einarsson appointed new CEO of BillerudKorsnäs

The Board of Directors of BillerudKorsnäs has appointed Petra Einarsson new President and CEO of the company. Petra succeeds Per Lindberg who is, after 12 successful years, leaving BillerudKorsnäs on his own request for a new assignment. Petra Einarsson will assume her new position at the turn of the year 2017-2018. ”I am very glad to present Petra Einarsson as new President and CEO of BillerudKorsnäs”, says Lennart Holm, Chairman of the Board. “Petra is a highly experienced and competent leader. She has during her years as President of Sandvik Materials Technology shown her capability to successfully develop a complex process industry in a competitive environment. With Petra as new CEO, I am convinced we will succeed in our ambitions to further develop BillerudKorsnäs to new levels.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Glatfelter Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results

Glatfelter reported net income of $12.1 million, or $0.27 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2017 compared with net income of $19.6 million, or $0.44 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2016. Adjusted earnings for the third quarter of 2017 was $21.9 million, or $0.50 per diluted share compared with $24.0 million, or $0.54 per diluted share, for the same period a year ago. On an adjusted basis, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and excluding pension expense (“Adjusted EBITDA”) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, totaled $50.6 million and $49.1 million, respectively, an increase of 3.1%. Adjusted earnings and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financials measures for which reconciliations to the nearest GAAP-based measure are provided within this release. Consolidated net sales totaled $413.3 million and $405.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In the Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials business units, net sales increased by 5.0% and 6.6%, respectively, on a constant currency basis. Specialty Papers’ net sales declined 4.0% in the quarter-over-quarter comparison. Click Read More below for additional information.
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SCA Interim Report Q3 2017

JANUARY 1 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 (compared with the year-earlier period, continuing operations): •Net sales increased 9% to SEK 12,422m (11,434) •Adjusted EBITDA improved 10% to SEK 2,683m (2,443) •The adjusted EBITDA margin was 21.6% (21.4) •Adjusted operating profit was SEK 1,838m (1,616) •Operating profit totaled SEK 1,725m (1,739) •Net profit for the period totaled SEK 1,278m (1,358). Click Read More below for additional information.
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WestRock Wins Two Awards at This Year’s Spirit of Alliance Awards

The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) recognized supplier diversity champions at the 35th Spirit of Alliance Awards, held on August 25, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis hotel. The Spirit of Alliance Gala honors the corporations, Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and supplier diversity advocates that are setting the standard for small business development and creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses in Georgia. The Spirit of Alliance Awards honors corporations', Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and supplier diversity advocates that are setting the standard for small business development and creating opportunities for minority-owned businesses in Georgia. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Demand For Paper Mills Decline While Market For Tissue, Sanitary Paper Is Expected To Rise

Wisconsin has lost about one-third of its paper mills in the last two decades. More companies are nearly bankrupt or are exploring the possibility of selling their mills. This fall, Industrial Assets Corp., a Los Angeles-based used machinery dealer, bought the Appleton Coated paper mill in Combined Locks, Wisconsin. In addition, Verso Corp. formed a committee to explore the potential sale of some of its mills. The company operates mills in both Duluth and Stevens Point. Jeff Landin, president of the Wisconsin Paper Council, said Wisconsin’s paper industry is doing well overall, but some mills are struggling. "You’ve seen some of that in the Appleton Coated issue where they’ve gone through receivership, but it’s really a byproduct of what they produce. It’s the coated paper market that’s challenged," he said. But, Landin said tissue, packaging and specialty papers make up more than 90 percent of products in Wisconsin’s paper industry. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Verso Corporation Announces Price Increase on C1S Sheets & Rolls

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of November 20, 2017 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Coated One Side (C1S) sheet and roll products by $2.00/cwt USD/$2.50/cwt CAD. This includes, but is not limited to: Sterling® Ultra C1S; Sterling® Litho C1S; Aspect®; OptiLabel™; UniSil™. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades. Should you have any questions, please contact your Verso professional sales representative. Thank you for your continued support.
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Euro-Graph Publishes August Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers were UP 0.3% vs. August 2016 and are down 0.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint were down 1.0% vs. August 2016 and are down 3.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine were down 0.8% vs. August 2016 and are UP 1.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels were down 0.6% vs. August 2016 and are down 1.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical were UP 2.3% vs. August 2016 and are UP 2.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree were UP 2.6% vs. August 2016 and are UP 1.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree were UP 0.8% vs. August 2016 and are down 0.3% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Domtar Corporation Reports Preliminary Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Domtar Corporation reported net earnings of $70 million ($1.11 per share) for the third quarter of 2017 compared to net earnings of $38 million ($0.61 per share) for the second quarter of 2017 and net earnings of $59 million ($0.94 per share) for the third quarter of 2016. Sales for the third quarter of 2017 were $1.3 billion. Operating income was $89 million in the third quarter of 2017 compared to operating income of $64 million in the second quarter of 2017. Depreciation and amortization totaled $80 million in the third quarter of 2017. The increase in operating income in the third quarter of 2017 was the result of higher volume and average selling prices, favorable productivity, and lower maintenance and raw material costs. These factors were partially offset by unfavorable exchange rates and higher selling, general and administrative expenses. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Mercer International Inc. Reports Strong 2017 Third Quarter Results

Mercer International Inc. reported strong results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 as Operating EBITDA* increased by 34% to $64.0 million from $47.9 million in the same quarter of 2016 and by 64% from $39.1 million in the prior quarter. In the current quarter, net income increased to $21.1 million, or $0.33 per basic and $0.32 per diluted share, compared to net income of $11.9 million, or $0.18 per basic and diluted share, in the comparative quarter and a net loss of $2.1 million in the prior quarter. Mr. David M. Gandossi, the Chief Executive Officer, stated: "In the third quarter of 2017, pulp prices in Europe and North America increased as a result of continued steady demand and were generally flat in China compared to the prior quarter of 2017. Overall our average pulp sales realizations were approximately 2% higher in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the prior quarter of 2017. " Click Read More below for additional information.
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Norbord Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results

Norbord Inc. reported Adjusted EBITDA of $200 million for the third quarter of 2017 versus $115 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $165 million in the second quarter of 2017. The improvement is primarily due to higher North American oriented strand board (OSB) prices and shipment volumes. North American operations generated Adjusted EBITDA of $184 million compared to $106 million in the same quarter last year and $157 million in the prior quarter. European operations delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $14 million versus $10 million in the same quarter last year and $9 million in the prior quarter. "Our third quarter performance continued to accelerate and we delivered our best Adjusted EBITDA result in 13 years," said Peter Wijnbergen, Norbord's President and CEO. "In North America, our shipment volumes increased 5% and benchmark OSB prices were 36% higher year-over-year due to already strong OSB demand that was pushed even further by the hurricanes in the US south. In Europe, our financial performance is back on track as improved panel prices outpaced the currency translation headwind from the weaker Pound Sterling and the negative impact of higher resin prices." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Suzano Reports 3Q17 Results

The increase in the Company's cost and expense structure has lagged inflation due to productivity gains and the focus on cost discipline. Our commitment to financial discipline is reinforced by the reductions in both gross and net debt, as well as by significant lengthening of our amortization profile (from 62 to 80 months). The leverage ratio remains at a healthy level (2.3x Net Debt/Adjusted EBITDA) and the total average debt cost remains competitive (4.4% p.a. in USD). The Adjusted EBITDA² of R$1.041/ton and strong Cash Generation¹ of R$795/ton were other metrics in which we outperformed the overall industry. The ROIC of 13.0% reflects the positive impact from pulp prices, as well as from cost and expense discipline and the margin recovery in the paper segment. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Glatfelter Recognized for Service Excellence by Rockline Industries

Glatfelter announced that its Advanced Airlaid Materials Business Unit (AMBU) was recently recognized for exemplary core values and excellent service by Rockline Industries during their annual State of Rockline strategic supplier event in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on October 4, 2017. The Supply RRITE Award recognizes the supplier that best demonstrates the Rockline core values of Renew, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence. Rockline is one of the world’s largest private-label manufacturers of coffee filters and consumer, medical and commercial wet wipes. Glatfelter supplies Rockline with airlaid materials manufactured at its facility in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Glatfelter also manufactures airlaid materials in its Falkenhagen, Germany facility, and is planning to be operational with its first U.S. airlaid facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas by early 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.
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The Navigator Company Announces Results for the First 9 Months of 2017

Highlights first 9 months 2017 (vs. first 9 months 2016): * Paper volume hits new record level of 1 158 thousand tons (up 3 thousand tons), with average price still lower than last year * Turnover up +5% with strong performance in pulp, energy and tissue business: − Pulp sales grow 32% in value, with volume and price both rising − Power sales up 16%, reflecting successful operation of power generation assets − Tissue sales grow by 11% in volume and value * EBITDA of € 300 million in line with previous year and EBITDA/sales margin of 25% (vs. 26%). Click Read More below for additional information.
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Norske Skog: Strong support for the recapitalization

We are pleased that practically all stakeholders targeted in the consent solicitation process are supporting for a consensual recapitalization of the current Norske Skog group. We will now spend time to ensure the registration and documentation of formal support for the recapitalization occurs. Equally important, we will do our outmost to obtain the support to the recapitalization from the holders of the NSF and the 2115 Perpetual Notes holders," said Mr. Christen Sveaas, Chairman of Norske Skogindustrier ASA. Regardless of the outcome of the recapitalization process, the business operations at our seven paper mills will continue as normal. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Monadnock Paper Mills Names Dawn Soucek as a Senior Technical Sales Manager

Monadnock Paper Mills announced that Dawn Soucek has joined the company's sales and marketing team as a Senior Technical Sales Manager. Soucek is a proven business development professional with extensive experience in technical/specialty papermaking. For over 11 years, she was responsible for developments in specialty barriers and packaging at Verso Specialty Papers. “Dawn will represent Monadnock from her home base in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. We are looking forward to growing our presence in the mid-west region of the United States where there are significant growth opportunities for Monadnock's technical/specialty papers,” said Brendan Lesch, vice president of sales and marketing at Monadnock. “Dawn's background in packaging, chemistry and applied sciences will help us accelerate the development and customization of new products.”
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Mohawk December 2017 Price Increase

Mohawk is announcing a price increase of approximately 2.0% on Fine Papers effective with orders taken on December 4, 2017. Please see the attached list for grade specific details. All Fine Paper envelopes will increase by approximately 1.5%. This price increase applies to all contracts and promotions, within agreed upon terms, which have grades included in this announcement. Also note that manufacturing orders for these papers on file with Mohawk prior to December 4, but shipping after that date, will retain the agreed upon price.
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Resolute FP December 2017 and January 2018 US Newsprint Price Increase Announcement

We are announcing a US$30/metric tonne (for 48.8 gsm) newsprint price increase to be phased in over two months. The price will increase US$15/metric tonne (for 48.8 gsm) effective with shipments on or after December 1, 2017 and a second US$15/metric tonne (for 48.8 gsm) increase will be implemented with shipments on or after January 1, 2018. Other basis weights will be adjusted accordingly. Please note that this price increase does not apply to Ponderay Newsprint Company.
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Sappi Announces Price Increase

Sappi North America announces a US$2.00/cwt transactional price increase on new and unconfirmed orders that book with confirmed delivery dates on or after Monday, November 20, 2017 on the following packaging products: LusterCote (all basis weights). Please note that all new orders must be confirmed a minimum of 10 days prior to the commencement of the production run.
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Avery Dennison Announces Third Quarter 2017 Results

We delivered a strong quarter, with earnings above our expectations,” said Mitch Butier, Avery Dennison President and CEO. “LGM’s organic growth rate rebounded, as expected, and margin remained strong; RBIS delivered another great quarter, with continued strong sales growth and margin expansion; and IHM delivered solid organic sales growth while integrating two recently completed acquisitions. “We raised our guidance for full-year earnings per share, reflecting our better than expected operating results,” said Butier. “The effective execution of our strategies continues to enhance our competitive advantage, driving profitable growth and higher returns.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Stora Enso interim report January–September 2017

Q3/2017 (year-on-year): Sales of EUR 2 509 (EUR 2 393) million increased 4.8%: the third consecutive quarter of sales growth. Sales excluding the paper business increased 11.1%. Operational EBIT increased 32.4% to EUR 290 (EUR 219) million. This was mainly due to favourable sales prices and increased volumes from the recent strategic investments, and good cost management. The ramp-up of Beihai Mill continues to proceed ahead of plan, and it is expected to reach full production during the first half of 2018, and operational EBITDA break-even in Q4/2017. Q1–Q3/2017 (year-on-year): Sales at EUR 7 534 (EUR 7 364) million increased 2.3%. Sales excluding the paper business increased 9.2%. Operational EBIT at EUR 724 (EUR 693) million increased 4.5%, mainly due to higher volumes. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Ahlstrom-Munksjö interim report January-September 2017: Strong organic sales growth

CEO comments, Jan Åström: “We achieved strong organic growth of over five percent in the quarter and were able to maintain our operational result despite the accelerated cost inflation in some of our key raw materials. Our performance was once again led by excellent results in the Filtration & Performance, and Industrial Solutions business areas. We will continue to work on our pricing to mitigate the cost pressure and address the challenges in the coated one-sided papers business. The integration work following the merger is gaining momentum as we achieved an annual run rate of about EUR 17 million in synergy benefits by the end of the quarter. We are now fully comfortable that we can exceed the original target of EUR 35 million and estimate that annual synergy benefits of above EUR 40 million can be reached by the second quarter of 2019. Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPM Paper ENA plans to reduce graphic paper capacity and optimize operations to increase competitiveness

In light of the global market situation for graphic papers, and to sustain its competitiveness and leading position in the market, UPM Paper ENA plans to: • optimize operations at its UPM Nordland Papier and UPM NorService units in Dörpen, Germany, Europe's biggest fine paper site. Streamlining internal processes and investing in automation will enable a sustainable improvement of the fixed cost structure. • permanently close paper machine 5 at UPM Blandin in Minnesota, United States, reducing the annual capacity by approximately 128,000 tons of coated magazine paper in response to overcapacities in the North American paper market. The closure is expected to be completed by end of Q1 2018 the latest. Paper production related to paper machine 6 is planned to continue at the Blandin site. In total 223 positions are estimated to be affected by these plans in Dörpen at UPM Nordland Papier and UPM NorService. At UPM Blandin, it is estimated that 150 positions will be affected by the plans. Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPM: Excellent quarter, further steps in transformation

Q3 2017 highlights: •Comparable EBIT increased by 12% to EUR 351 million (314 million in Q3 2016). •Good growth in deliveries and strong operational efficiency with no significant maintenance activity. •Strong operating cash flow at EUR 486 million (506 million). •Net debt decreased to EUR 623 million (1,479 million). •UPM announced a new focused growth project at the UPM Chudovo plywood mill in Russia. •UPM announced the next step towards entering a new sustainable biochemicals business. Q1-Q3 2017 highlights: •Comparable EBIT increased by 8% to EUR 926 million (859 million in Q1-Q3 2016). •Solid profit performance continued through a turn in input cost environment. Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPM moves forward in sustainable biochemicals business

UPM moves forward with the development of biochemicals business by evaluating the potential of building a biorefinery in the Chemical Park Frankfurt-Höchst in Germany. The new-to-the-world biorefinery would combine novel technologies and utilize sustainable wood raw material in an innovative way. This opportunity is the outcome of more than five years of extensive technology development and piloting. The planned industrial scale biorefinery would convert wood into bio-monoethylene glycol (bMEG), bio-monopropylene glycol (bMPG) and lignin up to 150,000 metric tons per year. Production would be based on hardwood from sustainably managed forests in Central Europe. Application areas for bio-monoethylene glycol include textiles, bottles, packaging and deicing fluids. Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPM seeks growth in attractive plywood segments by expanding the competitive UPM Chudovo plywood mill in Russia

UPM further strengthens its position as the leading plywood manufacturer in Europe. Following successful growth investments in Finland and Estonia over the past few years, UPM expands its Chudovo plywood mill in Russia by investing EUR 50 million. The project will increase the mill's production capacity by 45,000 to 155,000 m3 while also broadening the mill's product portfolio. In addition to the production capacity growth, a new bio heat boiler will be built at the mill site. "The expansion of the Chudovo mill is an important step in executing our strategy. Our goal is to further strengthen our leading position in priority end-use segments. New competitive birch plywood capacity improves our ability to respond to growing demand in our key markets, while delivering industry-leading quality and reliability," says Mika Sillanpää, Executive Vice President of UPM Plywood. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Ahlstrom-Munksjö PureArmor™ breathable impervious nonwoven fabric combines superior protection with great comfort

Ahlstrom-Munksjö, a global leader in fiber-based materials, announces the launch of Ahlstrom-Munksjö PureArmor™, a breathable impervious fabric for blood borne pathogen and cleanroom apparel protection. “PureArmor™ eliminates the need to choose between comfort and protection. It offers the highest possible level of protection for sensitive environments without sacrificing the wearer's comfort, which is unique when compared to fabrics frequently used in cleanroom apparel,” said Lionel Bonte, Vice President, Medical, Ahlstrom-Munksjö. The new PureArmor™ fabric is a next generation tri-laminate nonwoven that has extremely low lint, making it suitable for applications that are sensitive to particle contamination. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Holmen’s interim report January-September 2017

Operating profit for January–September 2017 was SEK 1 745 million (January–September 2016: SEK 1 583 million excluding items affecting comparability). The improvement in earnings was due to higher wood product prices and better earnings from forests. Compared with the second quarter, operating profit increased by SEK 68 million to SEK 593 million, mainly because second-quarter earnings were negatively affected by a maintenance shutdown. Profit after tax for January–September amounted to SEK 1 336 million (982), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 15.9 (11.7). Return on capital employed increased to 9.4 (8.4) per cent. Cash flow was strong during the year. A dividend of SEK 1 008 million has been paid while net financial debt decreased by SEK 360 million.
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Neenah announces the highly anticipated launch of Touché Papers

Neenah announces the highly anticipated relaunch of Touché Papers. With new color additions to the line, Neenah now has a complete portfolio of the best-selling soft touch papers on the market. The name Touché, which comes from the French verb toucher, meaning, “to touch,” depicts the essence of these papers. “Soft touch papers are ideal for projects that are meant to get noticed. Handing someone a business card that not only looks beautiful, but also feels unique is guaranteed to make an impression. An elegant book cover with this soft, subtle texture instantly invites the consumer to reach out and touch it. These papers are elegant and sophisticated, are known for their on-press performance, and offer a luxurious touch like no other paper can,” says Auburne Gahlman, Marketing Manager, Neenah. Click Read More below for additional information.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases September 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report

According to the September 2017 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in September compared to September 2016. All four of the major printing-writing grades posted year-over-year shipment declines. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers also decreased, down six percent in September. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased one-half of one percent from August. •September uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased year-over-year following the year-over-year increase in August. Imports of UFS decreased by 18% year-over-year in August – this follows two consecutive decreases of 20% or more. Meanwhile, exports of UFS papers increased 17% year-over-year in August, which follows three consecutive increases of 20% or more. •Operating rate for coated free sheet (CFS) paper producers in September hits highest level since September 2016. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 9% year-over-year in August, the second consecutive year-over-year decline. Exports of CFS papers increased 6% year-over-year in August, the sixth increase in the past eight months. •Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in September for the fourth consecutive month. Imports of CM increased in August, up 7% compared to August 2016. Exports of CM also increased, up 28% in August to 35,700 tons – the highest level since November 2016. •Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers have declined year-over-year in every month when compared to the same month in 2016. Imports of UM decreased 11% year-over-year in August while exports of UM increased 1% year-over-year in August – the fifth year-over-year increase in the first eight months of 2017.
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Canfor Reports Results for Third Quarter of 2017

Canfor Corporation reported net income attributable to shareholders (“shareholder net income”) of $66.2 million, or $0.51 per share, for the third quarter of 2017, compared to shareholder net income of $81.3 million, or $0.61 per share, for the second quarter of 2017 and net income attributable to shareholders of $50.9 million, or $0.38 per share, for the third quarter of 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, shareholder net income was $213.6 million, or $1.62 per share, compared to $112.9 million, or $0.85 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company reported operating income of $105.4 million for the third quarter of 2017, down $25.6 million from reported operating income of $131.0 million for the second quarter of 2017, with the decline reflecting lower operating earnings in both the lumber and pulp and paper segments. Lumber segment results were impacted by a decline in Southern Yellow Pine (“SYP”) lumber prices, a 5 cent, or 7%, stronger Canadian dollar, as well as increased log costs in Western Canada, the latter reflecting continued weather-related challenges and the effects of the worst fire season in recorded history in the BC Interior. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Canfor Pulp Products Inc. Announces Third Quarter 2017 Results

Canfor Pulp Products Inc. reported net income of $12.6 million, or $0.19 per share, for the third quarter of 2017, compared to $20.2 million, or $0.31 per share, for the second quarter of 2017 and $22.4 million, or $0.34 per share, for the third quarter of 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s net income was $56.9 million, or $0.86 per share, compared to $47.7 million, or $0.70 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company reported operating income of $21.1 million for the third quarter of 2017, down $10.4 million from the $31.5 million reported for the second quarter of 2017. While pulp shipments and production were both up quarter-over-quarter, the related increase in operating income was more than offset by the impact on unit pulp and paper sales realizations of a significantly stronger Canadian dollar. Pulp shipments and production volumes were up 10% and 11%, respectively, from the previous quarter, principally reflecting a decline in scheduled maintenance outages. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Kimberly-Clark Announces Third Quarter 2017 Results

Executive Summary: ◦Third quarter 2017 net sales of $4.6 billion increased 1 percent compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates benefited sales by nearly 1 percent and organic sales rose slightly. Organic sales were similar in North American consumer products. Outside North America, organic sales increased 3 percent in developing and emerging markets and fell 3 percent in developed markets. ◦Diluted net income per share for the third quarter was $1.60 in 2017 and $1.52 in 2016. Results benefited from volume growth, cost savings and reduced marketing, research and general spending, while performance was impacted by lower net selling prices and input cost inflation. ◦The company continues to expect that full-year 2017 net sales and organic sales will be similar, or up slightly, year-on-year. The company also continues to anticipate that full-year 2017 earnings per share will be at the low end of its target range of $6.20 to $6.35. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Norske Skog: Strong shareholder support for the recapitalization

All the major shareholder groups of Norske Skogindustrier ASA have indicated their strong support for the consensual recapitalization solution between the Unsecured Committee and the Senior Secured Noteholder Committee reached yesterday. Among the 20 largest shareholders, who control about 38 % of the total number of shares in Norske Skogindustrier ASA, there are already over 75 % support for the recapitalization proposal. At the last general meetings, there have been about 35 - 40 % attendance from the shareholders, where the largest shareholders would constitute more than 90 % of the votes. The transaction will need the support of existing shareholders of Norske Skogindustrier ASA, with a 2/3 majority in an extraordinary general meeting. Among the 20 largest shareholders, there are some nominee accounts, where the shareholder is not known to the public or the company. Such nominee accounts represent almost 20 % of the total number of shares controlled by the 20 largest shareholders, and their vote is therefore unknown to the company. "We are pleased to see that all known major shareholders will support the recapitalization transaction. As repeatedly stated, all alternatives to a consensual solution will entail significantly less value for all parties and rather complicated insolvency processes. If the proposal is successful, the transaction will reduce the group's gross debt from approximately NOK 9 billion to approximately NOK 3 billion and reduce annual cash interest costs from approximately NOK 600 to 200 million", says Mr. Christen Sveaas, chairman and the largest shareholder of Norske Skogindustrier ASA. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Lecta announces a price increase for its Thermal and Carbonless paper deliveries, effective January 2nd, 2018

The price increase for both product ranges will be from 8 to 10% depending on format and country. This price movement is essential in order to offset the continuous increase in manufacturing and distribution costs. 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.
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Turn-Key Paper Mill Opportunity for Packaging Grades – Appleton Coated Paper, WI

Steven Mattes, CEO of Industrial Assets Corp., states the site has over a billion USD of investment capital put into the infrastructure and equipment at the site. The workforce is determined to keep the mill in operation with a high level of technical knowledge and work ethic. Industrial Assets and its partner, Maynards Industries, are uniquely suited to find the perfect strategic buyer, most likely in the growing packaging grade sector. This mill's infrastructure is very desirable, featuring a 50 MW Cogeneration system, which will provide low cost energy, the site includes rail service, all permits in place for an immediate restart for a domestic or foreign buyer. This 55-acre site with 1.2 million sq. ft. is ideal for running containerboard grades. The (3) paper machines have trim widths ideal to serve the corrugator converters with a customer base ready to enter into production output agreements. The Jagenberg off-machine coater laminator provides the distinct advantage to produce linerboard to the growing demand of the high end graphics segment of commodity packaging. "We have a combined ability to provide direct financing and leasing program for all size companies to take advantage of this very unique opportunity," said Taso Sofikitis, CEO/President of Maynards. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Norpac: 70# Orca Offset being discontinued, 50# and 60# will continue to be important grades for the mill.

For a variety of reasons we haven’t been able to reach our targeted output when running 70# Orca. Now with the new two machine scenario coming we have a new scenario and we can’t continue making all current grades. Even though we run the risk (small) of losing some 50 & 60# Orca offset we have come to the conclusion that 70# Orca Offset needs to be discontinued. Therefore we have no future blocks of this grade in our production planning. If you do get inquiries from the market kindly inform customers that we have discontinued production of 70# Orca Offset.
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BCI Hawkeye Division adds a Bobst VISIONCUT 1.6 PR autoplaten die-cutter with Power Register

In order to better serve our Customer’s needs, BCI Hawkeye completed in October the installation of a Bobst VISIONCUT 1.6 PR autoplaten die-cutter with Power Register, a state-of-the-art system for unmatched print-to-cut accuracy. This technology will support the growing need for precision die-cutting of micro flute, single wall, double wall, and litho-laminated corrugated board.
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Metsä Group’s bioproduct mill inaugurated in Äänekoski

The forest industry continues to be a key export sector and a major employer in Finland. Its economic importance is emphasised by the fact that raw materials and services needed in production are mainly sourced from Finland. Metsä Group's Äänekoski bioproduct mill is an example of the forest industry of the new era. Its positive impacts on the Finnish economy are substantial,” Sauli Niinistö says. The forest industry continues to be a key export sector and a major employer in Finland. Its economic importance is emphasised by the fact that raw materials and services needed in production are mainly sourced from Finland. Metsä Group's Äänekoski bioproduct mill is an example of the forest industry of the new era. Its positive impacts on the Finnish economy are substantial,” Sauli Niinistö says. Pulp production at Äänekoski is increasing to 1.3 million tonnes from roughly 0.5 million tonnes. The bioproduct mill is a significant project in terms of Metsä Group’s competitiveness. It is expected to achieve its nominal capacity in mid-2018, which will make Metsä Group the world’s largest producer of softwood market pulp. With this new bioproduct mill, Äänekoski’s industrial ecosystem will develop and grow further, as the mill serves as a platform for the manufacture of new bioproducts. In the first phase, new bioproducts will include product gas, sulphuric acid, biogas and biofuel pellets. Key bioproduct development projects include lignin products, textile fibres and biocomposites. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi Europe announces price increase for Packaging and Speciality Papers as of January 1st, 2018

Continuous sharp input cost rises since the beginning of the year, particularly pulp prices, have now increased to a point where Sappi can no longer absorb them . Therefore Sappi Europe today announces price increases for all Packaging and Speciality Papers with effect of January 1st, 2018. The increase will be 7 % for all uncoated grades and 5 % for all coated grades for Flexible Packaging, Label Papers, Containerboard, Silicon Base Papers and Paperboard. The price rise will apply to all European and Overseas markets. The final implementation will be discussed by Sappi’s sales team with their customers over the next weeks. Existing agreements will be certainly respected.
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Verso Lifts Temporary Order Moratorium

The temporary moratorium on order entry of new manufacturing orders of Coated and Uncoated Freesheet Web products from Verso Corporation has been lifted. Please work with your Midland Paper, Packaging & Supplies customer service representatives as soon as possible for your Coated Freesheet Web needs. Should you have any questions, please contact your Midland Paper, Packaging & Supplies professional sales representative. Thank you for your continued support.
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Verso Corporation Announces Order Moratorium

Due to recent industry events and in order to protect the planned requirements of Verso’s existing customer base, there will be a temporary moratorium on order entry of new manufacturing orders of both C1S and C2S Coated and Uncoated Freesheet Web products. The moratorium is applicable to all Coated and Uncoated Freesheet Web, including but not limited to: Coated Freesheet Web: ArborWeb Plus®; Sterling® Ultra; Sterling® Ultra Book; Sterling® Ultra TrueJet®; Sterling® Ultra caliper; Productolith® Pts. C1S and C2S; Publishers Matte®; Publishers ThinBulk®: ArborWeb®; Influence®; Influence® Book; Focus®; Aspect®; Sterling® Ultra C1S; Sterling® Litho C1S; Ideal® Offset; Ideal® Reply Card. This temporary moratorium will be lifted as soon as practical, but could last as long as 48 hours.
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UPM Announces Price Increase on Coated Groundwood and Coated Freesheet Web Grades

Effective with deliveries on or after November 18, 2017, UPM is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Groundwood and Coated Freesheet Web grades. The transaction price of Coated Groundwood Grades will increase $1.00/cwt, including all basis weights and finishes of: Cote; Ultra; Valor; & Star. The transaction price of Coated Freesheet Web will increase $2.00/cwt, including all basis weights and finishes of Finesse.
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Mohawk Releases the Thirteenth Issue of the Mohawk Maker Quarterly at AIGA Design Conference 2017

Mohawk introduced the thirteenth issue of its celebrated Mohawk Maker Quarterly at AIGA’s annual Design Conference in Minneapolis. Each issue of the Mohawk Maker Quarterly relies on a single word for its creative framework. In issue thirteen, that word is disruption. Consistent with the ongoing strategy behind the publication, issue thirteen seeks to provide thought-provoking inspiration for graphic designers around the world through engaging content and well-considered design on paper. Issue thirteen may have been the most challenging issue to date. That’s because the term “disruption” is so commonly used that it’s lost its meaning. Bandied about business culture as the term-du-jour, disruption has earned more than a few eye rolls and for good reason. Despite this troublesome ubiquity, disruption’s essence of exploration, discovery and revolution are successfully recaptured in issue thirteen. To do this, the team at Hybrid Design went looking for thinkers and doers who are upending the world as we know it. These iconoclasts are reframing the way we consider such basic concepts as time, ownership and success. They’re redefining images, spaces and perceptions in radical ways. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Norske Skog: Final solution with creditor committees reached

The board of directors and management of Norske Skog are pleased to announce that it has managed to broker a consensual solution between the Unsecured Committee, the Senior Secured Noteholder Committee and major shareholders. The two bondholder committees and the major shareholders have agreed on a split of the equity ownership of Norske Skogindustrier ASA, following the recapitalization transaction that these groups will support. With this development, over 80% of the senior secured noteholders and more than 50% of the unsecured noteholders have now indicated their willingness to support such an adjusted recapitalization proposal. Therefore, the relevant boards in the Norske Skog group have resolved to revise the terms of the ongoing consent solicitation in accordance with the split agreed. The formal consent solicitation deadline is extended until Wednesday 25 October at 17:00 CET to allow adequate time for the group's noteholders to submit their formal consents. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi Announces Order Moratorium

Effective immediately, Sappi is announcing a temporary order moratorium on all items of the following: • Opus Web • Somerset Web • Flo Web • Flo Sheets and Sheeter Rolls • LusterCote C1S. Any unconfirmed orders in our system and any inquiries will be held for review through Thursday, October 19th, when we will determine which orders and inquiries we can confirm. In light of recent industry developments, this is a short-term measure designed to secure Sappi’s production capacity for the protection of Sappi’s existing customers.
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West Linn Paper Company Ceasing Operations and Winding up Business

West Linn Paper Company today annouced that it is ceasing operations and will commence a winding up of its business supervised by its second lien lender. "We are deeply disappointed to end the mill’s 128 year history, the last twenty of which resulted from a major restructuring and restart when our current ownership took control of West Linn Paper Company. The commitment and support that we received from our employees, our lenders and our owners as we sought to adapt to structural changes in our markets has been remarkable. However, several unforeseeable events have led to a significant reduction in available pulp, making continued operations impossible. As a result we will wind up our operations as quickly and efficiently as possible, beginning immediately." states Brian Konen, Chief Operating Officer for West Linn Paper Company. Company officials said that orders for stock product will continue to be accepted. Orders that have been produced but not yet shipped will be shipped. Manufacturing orders that have been accepted, but not yet produced, will be reviewed and customers will be contacted shortly with confirmations as to whether those orders will be produced. The Company will not be accepting new manufacturing orders going forward.
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Port Hawkesbury Paper Mill Update

We would like to provide an update regarding today’s announcement by West Linn Paper Company that it is ceasing operations. It is with disappointment that we learned of West Linn Paper’s closure. The mill has a proud history of 128 years, including the past 20 years since it was restarted under the current ownership. We understand that operating as a non-integrated paper mill was ultimately impossible in today’s challenging marketplace, particularly given recent events resulting in a significant reduction of pulp availability. At Port Hawkesbury Paper, it will be business as usual. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi North America Announces Recipients of the 18th Annual Ideas that Matter Grant

Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, today announced the ten grant recipients of its 18th annual Ideas that Matter program, where financial support is given to designers who create print integrated projects to maximize social impact. The ten projects selected this year highlight how design and creativity can help solve prominent social issues. Through communication projects and campaigns using paper and print, the winning projects focus on climate change, encourage high school students to consider urban planning, educate girls about their reproductive rights, support quality journalism, address prison reform, and explore solutions for delivering humanitarian aid - inspiring change across the country, and around the world. As an integral part of Sappi's corporate social responsibility platform since 1999, the Ideas that Matter grant program has funded over 500 nonprofit projects and contributed more than $13 million to a wide range of causes that use design as a positive force in society. The program is open to North American designers who have partnered with a nonprofit organization and developed a communication campaign that is ready for implementation. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Important Neenah Customer Announcements

1. PRICING ANNOUNCEMENT: Neenah is announcing a price increase of approximately 2% on select Commercial Brands of paper and envelopes. The list below provides information for all brands that are being increased. 2. NON-REPLENISHED SKU ANNOUNCEMENT: In our continuing effort to provide best-in-class service to you on our core brands and our high performing items, we will no longer be replenishing select under-performing skus from our portfolio. The impacted items will be available while supplies last. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Important Neenah Wide Format Announcement

Neenah is announcing a price increase of approximately 3% - 5% on several of our Wide Format brands. We’ve also taken this opportunity to better align our conVerd Board® brand pricing across the products within that portfolio. The list below information for all brands that are being increased. Wide Format - BANNER-BRITE; BLOX-LITE®; CITYLIGHT®; CONVERD BOARD® 1.5MM; CONVERD BOARD® 3.0 MM; CONVERD BOARD® 3.5MM; CONVERD BOARD® 4.7MM; CONVERD BOARD® 6.0 MM; DIGISCAPE®; DUOBOARD®; ENDURA®; EVERYDAY PHOTO; ENVIROSCAPE MURAL®; FLEXART®; GREENLIGHT® II Plus; IMAGEASE®; LUSTRÉ BOARD®; NEENAH® Photo Satin. Wide Format Brands excluded from this price increase include: CLASSIC CREST® Wide Format, ESSE® Wide Format and ASTROBRIGHTS® Wide Format. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Kruger Newsprint Price Increase

The Antidumping and Countervailing Duties cases filed by Norpac in August against the Canadian UGW industry has reached the official stage of being investigated by the United States ITC and DOC. The increasing legal costs and the incremental costs associated with the inordinate amount of our corporate personnel’s time that is associated with the efforts needed to defend ourselves from the unfounded accusations levied on our industry are staggering. We also expect to have to start depositing interim duties beginning in early January 2018. Therefore, effective December 1, 2017, we will increase our 48.8 gms newsprint transaction price by $30/MT. The transaction price for our other newsprint and UGW grades and basis weights will increase accordingly. It is Kruger’s intention to rescind this increase once the threat of the duties is lifted and once the investigation is completed.
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Resolute Contributes to Relief Efforts in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico

In the wake of the destruction caused by a series of hurricanes that recently hit the Southern United States and the Caribbean, Resolute has stepped up to assist the rebuilding and humanitarian efforts with donations of lumber and tissue products, as well as basic necessities. We are donating, through Habitat for Humanity, a railcar of lumber to Houston, devastated by unprecedented flooding triggered by Hurricane Harvey. The lumber will be used to help rebuild Habitat homes that were damaged, at no cost to the homeowners, as well as for new homes scheduled for construction later this fall and during the spring of next year. The lumber will be shipped from our La Doré (Quebec) sawmill and is scheduled to arrive in Houston by mid-November. We also sent tens of thousands of packages of bath tissue and paper towels from our Calhoun (Tennessee) operation. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Appleton Coated Update

On October 10, 2017, Industrial Assets Corp. completed the purchase of Appleton Coated LLC. Industrial Assets Corp. is a California-based corporation specializing in capital financing acquisition and sale of distressed manufacturing companies. Going forward, Appleton Coated will continue limited operations while working with Industrial Assets to secure a strategic buyer that plans to operate at full capacity. To that end, Appleton Coated will be taking/processing orders and has stock of its Utopia, C1S, Reincarnation and Ethos products. Our Customer Service area is available from 7:00 AM CST to 5:30 PM CST to accept inquiries and orders. We look forward to continuing to work with you and thank you for your support and loyalty to Appleton Coated. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Neenah Grows Technical Products Platform with Agreement to Acquire Coldenhove

Neenah Paper, Inc. announced it had signed a definitive agreement to purchase all of the outstanding equity of W.A. Sanders Coldenhove Holding B.V. Coldenhove is a specialty materials manufacturer based in the Netherlands, with a leading position in digital transfer media and other technical products. Coldenhove has annual sales of over $45 million with EBITDA of approximately $6 million. The company's advanced media is a critical component used in dye sublimation, a growing method of digital image transfer. The purchase price is expected to be approximately $45 million, subject to final closing adjustments, and will be financed with available cash and short term borrowings. Closing is expected to occur on November 1, and is subject to customary conditions. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Catalyst Paper Implements New Recruitment & Onboarding System

The new system has limited data entry requirements allowing individuals interested in a career with Catalyst to enter their credentials quickly and easily. The new system also allows the company to maintain an easily searchable database of candidates for current or future jobs. Anyone interested in employment with Catalyst or considering a job change should visit the company’s careers site (catalystpaper.com/careers) and input their credentials. For over a century, Catalyst has been an integral part of the North American pulp and paper industry. It is proud to be recognized as a leader in product technology innovation and environmental sustainability, founded on a tradition of operational excellence and personal ownership for business performance. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Fort Smith Glatfelter plant to begin production in November

Glatfelter, the York, Pa.-based global manufacturer of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials, soon will begin making its sought-after “airlaid” products in Fort Smith for the “wipes and hygiene markets.” The company announced in March 2016 it would spend $80 million to repurpose the unused Mitsubishi building at 8201 Chad Colley Blvd. in Fort Smith’s Chaffee Crossing for what has become its 13th manufacturing facility. Glatfelter is creating at least 80 new, high-tech manufacturing jobs in Fort Smith. The company projected in March 2016 it would be up and running in Fort Smith by late 2017 or early 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.
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West Linn Paper Coated Paper Price Increase

Effective with shipments of November 1, 2017 West Linn Paper Company will be increasing prices of our coated products by 4 - 7% on all surfaces of the following products: •Capistrano •Sonoma •Nature Plus •Nature. This price increase applies to all basis weights and finishes plus all related private label grades and associated brand extensions.
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Fortress Paper Restarts Production at its Dissolving Pulp Mill

Paper Ltd. is pleased to announce that the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill (the "FSC Mill") restarted on October 6, 2017, three days earlier than previously announced in its September 27, 2017 news release. The Company has completed the necessary repairs at the FSC Mill caused by the failure of a pressurized auxiliary gas collection system and has re-commenced production of dissolving pulp. Mr. Giovanni Iadeluca, President of the FSC Mill, commented: "We wish to thank our team at the FSC Mill for their tireless efforts in resolving the system failure and achieving a restart three days earlier than originally anticipated. The FSC Mill restarted the normal ramp up of its operations on October 6th, the production and cogeneration facility are now operating in ordinary course.” Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Ned Dwyer Appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst Paper

Ned is an industry veteran with more than 30 years in the pulp and paper industry gained in progressively senior roles with global companies. He most recently served as Catalyst’s Chief Operating Officer. Ned is recognized for successfully leading major operational and performance improvements in cost, productivity, efficiency, quality and safety. He has a track record for successful machine start-ups and rebuilds, as well as leading product development for emerging markets. Ned holds a Bachelor of Science (Paper Science and Engineering) from the State University of New York and Syracuse University.
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Mondi Group: Trading update 11 October 2017

Underlying operating profit for the third quarter of 2017 of €245 million was 8% above the comparable prior year period (€227 million). The Group benefited from higher average selling prices partly offset by higher costs and negative currency effects. Underlying operating profit was in line with the second quarter of 2017, with the positive pricing momentum seen across most product segments offset by rising costs, negative currency effects and the usual seasonal downturn in Uncoated Fine Paper. Like-for-like sales volumes were above the comparable prior year period, driven by good growth in containerboard and Fibre Packaging. Selling prices for the Group’s key paper grades were above those of both the comparable prior year period and the previous quarter as the upward momentum in pricing witnessed over the first half continued. Costs were generally higher than the comparable prior year period and the previous quarter. Wood, energy and chemical costs were higher than the comparable prior year period while benchmark paper for recycling prices were up 15% compared to the third quarter of 2016, and 6% higher sequentially. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Norske Skog: The boards’ final recapitalization proposal

The key terms of the proposed recapitalization transaction are: - Issuance of a new senior secured EUR 250 million bond loan carrying 8.5 % interest with a 2022 maturity to the owners of the EUR 290 million bond loan and the EUR 100 million NSF-facility. The new bond loan will have the same collateral security as today's secured debt. The existing claims of the secured bond loan holders and NSF-lenders in excess of EUR 250 million, including accrued interest, will be converted to equity. - The conversion into equity of all outstanding unsecured bond debt amounting to approximately EUR 500 million including accrued interest. - After such conversions, the equity ownership of Norske Skogindustrier ASA will be split as follows: a. Secured note holders: 91.0 % b. Unsecured noteholders: 6.3 % c. Existing shareholders: 2.7 % - The board will propose an equity offering by Norske Skogindustrier ASA of up to approximately NOK 500 million with preferential rights for existing unsecured bondholders and shareholders, allocated by approximately NOK 300 million to the unsecured bondholders and approximately NOK 200 million to the shareholders. If fully subscribed, this will entail an increase in their ownership interest from 9 % to approximately 28 %. The subscription price will be set at a valuation of 6x the revised 2017 GOE guidance of EUR 75 million. - Warrants will be issued for up to 10 % of the equity in Norske Skogindustrier ASA to those who have subscribed to the above equity offering. The warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for shares if the sum of the group's average net debt and market value exceeds EUR 525 million in a consecutive period of 6 months prior to 30 June 2019. The subscription rights expire worthless on 30 June 2019 if not exercised. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Valmet to supply a grade conversion rebuild for Sappi Lanaken Mill in Belgium

Valmet will supply a vast grade conversion rebuild with a wide scope of automation for Sappi Lanaken Mill in Belgium. In the project, the mill's paper machine 8 (PM8) currently producing lightweight coated (LWC) paper grades will be rebuilt to also produce lightweight and high-quality woodfree coated paper grades, which the mill will gradually start producing. The start-up of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for 2019. The project is an EPC delivery (engineering, procurement and construction) with an extensive site operation scope. The order was included in Valmet's third quarter of 2017 orders received. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The value of an order of this type is typically around EUR 60-80 million. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Verso Corporation Announces Price Increase on Coated Web Products

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of November 1, 2017 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Freesheet Web and Coated Groundwood Web grades by $2.00/cwt USD/$2.70/cwt CAD. This announcement includes, but, is not limited to: Coated Freesheet Web: ArborWeb Plus® web; Sterling® Ultra web; Sterling® Ultra TrueJet® web; Sterling® Ultra caliper web; TrueJet® Book web; Publishers Matte®; Publishers ThinBulk®; ArborWeb®; Influence® web; Focus® web. Coated Groundwood Web: Liberty® web; Balance® web; New Era® Matte; New Era® ThinBulk. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.
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Mitsubishi HiTec Paper to increase prices for thermal and carbonless papers.

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper will be increasing prices for the whole THERMOSCRIPT thermal paper range as well as the GIROFORM carbonless paper range on January 1, 2018. The level of increase will vary depending on region and application. This is due to the further increased raw material and logistics costs, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network. Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe GmbH is a German subsidiary of Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd., Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty paper.
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Glatfelter Announces a New Line of Opaque Uncoated Printing Papers

Glatfelter announced the introduction of Adena Opaque 96, a new brighter and whiter shade of paper, providing an additional cost-effective option to its growing line of opaque papers, further enhancing the ability for customers to bundle products and streamline their supply chain. Adena Opaque 96 is manufactured at Glatfelter’s Specialty Papers facilities in Chillicothe, OH and Spring Grove, PA, whose central locations enable Glatfelter to offer service that supports small orders and quick turn requests. “Glatfelter offers one of the broadest uncoated paper portfolios and has been the industry’s trusted source for book publishing and uncoated printing papers for more than 150 years. With the introduction of Adena Opaque 96, customers will have the ability to bundle nearly a dozen different product lines such as: tags, ledgers, index, inkjet, security papers, carbonless, laser MOCR and form bond, just to name a few,” said David Dickerhoof, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Glatfelter’s Specialty Papers Business Unit. “One call to Glatfelter avoids the cost and inconvenience of coordinating multiple suppliers and eliminates freight inefficiencies, saving customers time and money.”
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Norske Skog: Update on the consent solicitation process

Norske Skog is in the process of finalizing the documentation for a revised consent solicitation proposal to the group's bondholders and shareholders. The revised consent solicitation proposal will be made public within 1700 CET, Tuesday 10 October 2017. It is very important to emphasize to our customers, suppliers, employees and other stakeholders of the Norske Skog group that the production at our seven paper mills and the other operating business of the group's subsidiaries will continue as normal irrespective of the outcome of the recapitalization process.
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UPM Paper ENA introduces a game-changing paper innovation at World Publishing Expo

UPM is proud to introduce a unique paper innovation at the exhibition: UPM Impresse plus C. This pioneering SC paper is custom-developed for coldset web offset printing, offering a smooth, silky finish, solid images and a soft velvety touch. For coldset printers the paper offers an excellent opportunity to grow their core business by adding higher quality commercial titles, inserts, special-interest supplements and value-added advertising to their portfolios. The use of value-added papers in coldset printing improves print quality, meets the varied needs of advertisers and thus increases press utilisation in commercial printing. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Verso Corporation Announces Board Chairman Succession Plan

Verso Corporation announced that Robert M. Amen, chairman of the company's board of directors, has decided not to stand for reelection at the company's 2018 annual meeting of stockholders and, in connection with his decision, has resigned as chairman of the board effective October 6, 2017. In connection with Amen's resignation as chairman, the Verso board has selected Eugene I. Davis, chair of the Strategic Advisory Committee and chair of the Finance and Planning Committee of the board, and Alan J. Carr, chair of the Compensation Committee of the board, as interim co-chairmen of the board. In a joint statement, Davis and Carr said, "On behalf of the entire board, we want to express our gratitude to Rob for his service to Verso. With grace, wisdom and dedication, Rob led by example as chairman of the board. We are pleased that he intends to remain on the board until the end of his term as a director, and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors."
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Sappi North America Price Increase

Sappi North America announces a transactional price increase of $2.00/cwt USD/($2.70/cwt CAD) on new and unconfirmed orders that book with confirmed delivery dates on or after Wednesday, November 1, 2017 on the following products: McCoy Web, Opus Web, Somerset Web, Flo Web, Galerie Web . Standard differentials and upcharges apply. The price increase includes all basis weights and finishes and all private label programs.
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Mohawk Expands Wide Format Inkjet Portfolio Several New Products to be Introduced at 2017 SGIA Expo in New Orleans

Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, announces the continued expansion of its wide format inkjet portfolio designed to meet the needs of the growing display graphics market. New products in Mohawk’s Wide Format Inkjet portfolio include Fine Paper for art reproduction, metallic-faced adhesives, economy canvas, and a non-skid product for floor display graphics. New items are designed to support a wide variety of printing applications. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Midland Paper Attends thINK 2017 for 3rd Year

Next week, Midland Paper, Packaging + Supplies, one of North America's largest independent distributors of media for business communications, will be participating for a third year in a row as a Gold Sponsor in the thINK 2017 Customer Conference. This exclusive industry event will take place in Boca Raton, FL from October 9 - 11. thINK 2017 is one of the largest invitation-only, hosted summits designed for senior managers and business executives who want to understand how Canon Solutions America’s production inkjet printing technology, software and solutions will help them grow their business now and in the future. The event is sold out with over 500 Canon Solutions America customers, industry leaders and solution partners coming together as a powerful community designed to connect, collaborate and inspire. “We are honored and excited to once again participate as a founding partner of this incredibly important independent user group and industry event. Our goal at Midland is to help Canon customers across the country address their most challenging inkjet media needs with new products and solid solutions”, said David Field, Midland’s Senior Business Manager, Inkjet Technologies. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Appleton Coated sale ‘like a death in the family,’ worker says after Thursday ruling

Appleton Coated sale 'like a death in the family,' worker says after Thursday ruling Industrial Assets Corp., a used machine dealer and liquidator based in Los Angeles, will be the new owner of the Appleton Coated paper mill as of Friday. The $20 million sale, plus a $1.5 million backstop fund, was approved by Outagamie County Judge Gregory Gill in a hearing on Thursday morning. It included $2.25 million to cover employee health insurance through October and wages for about 100 employees to be recalled for a few weeks to keep the mill at "hot idle" status. That number will then be reduced to 30 employees. The new modified agreement includes the stipulation that Industrial Assets will market the mill for 90 days to see if a new buyer can be found who will restart and operate the mill as a going concern. According to the modified purchase agreement, Industrial Assets met with Appleton Coated management and “determined that the management’s projections for profitable short-term operations were not achievable.” Click Read More below for more of the story.
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Norske Skog: Clarification on the consent solicitation process

After the release of the stock exchange notice of today at 17:21, the company has been informed that the board of Norske Skog AS has decided to support an extension of the consent solicitation deadline for the board's recapitalization proposal. However, due to practical matters, it was not possible to make the Norske Skog AS resolution within the deadline at 17:00 CET, and consequently, the offer period has expired. The discussions with the key stakeholder groups will continue in order to achieve a consensual recapitalization solution for the Norske Skog group during the next days even though the offer period has expired. If these discussions are successful, an updated recapitalization proposal will be launched.
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International Paper to halt newsprint production in Madrid

International Paper (IP) intends to stop newsprint production at the Madrid mill in Spain in mid-September, according to Euwid. The sites PM62 will be converted to production of containerboard slated to start in the fourth quarter of this year, as planned. The company is targeting a full ramp-up of the machine for early 2018. IP acquired the Madrid mill from Holmen in mid-2016 with the aim to make it a mill for recycled corrugated case material. PM 62 has the capacity to produce 330,000 tpy of newsprint.
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Appvion Receives Court Approval of First Day Motions to Support Ongoing Operations

Appvion, Inc. announced that it has received approval from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware of all of the first day motions related to its Chapter 11 filing. Collectively, the orders issued by the Bankruptcy Court will help ensure that the Company continues operating its business in the ordinary course during its restructuring process. “We remain focused on operating our business as usual and serving our customers’ needs as we continue constructive discussions with our lenders on an expedited restructuring and emergence,” said Kevin Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of Appvion. “The approval of our first day motions transitions us smoothly into our restructuring process, from which we expect to emerge with a sustainable capital structure, well positioned to compete, and primed to further invest in the innovation that has made Appvion a market leader in coated paper.” Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Avery Dennison Makes Capital Investment in Liquid Crystal Specialty Films Developer Gauzy

Avery Dennison Corporation said it has made an investment in Gauzy, an Israeli-based developer and manufacturer of liquid-crystal-based materials, films, applications and solutions for a variety of end markets including construction, automotive, consumer electronics, home appliances, the solar industry and more. Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, Gauzy has successfully commercialized several initial “smart glass” products, including an embedded switchable window film that can alternate from clear and frosted with the touch of a button. Gauzy is the lead provider that offers a fully warranted, integrated solution that includes window films, hardware controllers for film operation and preservation, and complete certification and training with verification tools for worldwide partners. The film is currently used in architectural applications and is under evaluation for automotive applications. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Mondi to showcase professional printing papers at Frankfurt Bookfair

Mondi, the international packaging and paper Group, will exhibit its wide range of professional paper solutions for book printing at the Frankfurt Bookfair held from 11 to 15 October in Frankfurt, Germany. The Mondi booth is located in Hall 4 / Booth F94. As a professional printing paper manufacturer, Mondi offers sustainable paper solutions for all printing technologies and needs. Book printing customers will find more than they expect at the Mondi booth. Johannes Klumpp, Marketing & Sales Director at Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper, explains, “We can offer the right solution for any printing technology – whether digital, hybrid, offset, HP indigo or high-speed inkjet. At the Frankfurt Bookfair, customers can explore the quality of Mondi’s design papers, tinted portfolio and our high-speed inkjet papers.” Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Norske Skog extends consent deadline for the board’s recapitalization proposal

Norske Skog has decided to extend the consent solicitation deadline for the ongoing recapitalization proposal from 3 October until Thursday 5 October at 17:00 CET. Norske Skog will use the period up to the new expiration deadline to speed up the continued discussions with the various stakeholder groups to try to achieve sufficient support for a consensual recapitalization solution for the Norske Skog group. The Board of Directors will continue to follow and evaluate the situation thoroughly during this period. We need some extra time to align initiatives among the various stakeholders. We believe that the extension of the consent deadline will improve the chances of reaching a solution," said Mr. Christen Sveaas, Chairman of Norske Skogindustrier ASA.
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Port Hawkesbury Paper celebrating five years of staying open

Five years ago this week, many in the Strait of Canso area breathed a collective sigh of relief when its largest single employer restarted production after a yearlong shutdown. The reopening of what is now Port Hawkesbury Paper came after a year of legal wrangling and negotiations with the various groups that have a stake in the future of the mill, formerly NewPage Port Hawkesbury, which had shut down when its parent company filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States. It’s a very different company than when it shut down in September 2011. Only one of the mill’s two paper machines — the newer supercalendered machine that produces paper for the magazine and catalogue market — went back into production, cutting the number of employees by about half to around 300. Click Read More below for more of the story.
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Questions go unanswered Monday on Appleton Coated’s fate

Appleton Coated’s employees were left hanging Monday afternoon with no news on their mill's sale to Industrial Assets Corp., a used machine dealer and liquidator based in Los Angeles. Last Monday, Outagamie County judge Gregory Gill asked lawyers to have the modified purchase agreement complete in five business days. On the fifth day, which was Monday, the court closed at 4:30 p.m. with nothing filed. Many questions linger about what's going to be in the final documents. Will the mill still get a 45-day reprieve in which an estimated 195 workers will be called back to operate some of the paper machines? Will Industrial Assets use that time to seek a new buyer who could potentially operate the mill going forward? About 550 of the 620 employees were laid off on Sept. 19 and 20. Click Read More below for more of the story.
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AF&PA Statement on Administration Regulatory Agenda

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman and Clearwater Paper Corporation President and CEO and AF&PA Board Chair Linda Massman issued the following statement after attending the White House “Cut the Red Tape” event where Vice President Mike Pence outlined the administration’s regulatory agenda. “We support the administration in its mission to achieve regulatory reform that will allow the paper and wood products industry to innovate, invest, create jobs and compete at home and around the globe,” said Harman. “Our companies account for four percent of U.S. manufacturing GDP, employ 900,000 men and women in rural and urban communities across 45 states and meet a roughly $50 billion annual payroll. When we work together to advance regulatory policies that unleash economic growth, our industry’s future only brightens.” Click Read More below for more of the story.
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Lecta’s Premium Publishing Papers at the Frankfurt Book Fair

The company will exhibit its full range of premium coated and uncoated papers for the publishing industry. Once again, Lecta will attend the Frankfurt Book Fair, October 11th to 15th, bringing together professionals worldwide at the largest publishing event of the year. This year, Lecta will present its new book "Vertical", a suggestive series of photographs taken vertically from a variety of perspectives and distances. The book is printed on Lecta's premium range of publishing papers, showing the excellent print results that can be achieved on a number of different papers. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Appvion Initiates Process to Restructure Debt and Position Business for Long-Term Success

Appvion, Inc. announced that it and certain of its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to facilitate a balance sheet restructuring and better position the business for long-term growth and success. The Company expects to continue operations as usual and has obtained a commitment for $85 million in new debtor-in-possession ("DIP") financing from a group of its first lien lenders. Subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, this DIP financing, combined with cash generated by the Company, is expected to provide more than adequate liquidity to support ongoing operations during the process. "We thoroughly explored various alternatives to address our debt and have been engaged in constructive discussions with our lenders regarding sponsorship of a plan to delever the Company and enhance our liquidity," said Kevin Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of Appvion. "While those discussions are active and continuing, we determined that pursuing a restructuring through Chapter 11 is the best path forward for Appvion and our stakeholders. We believe this process will result in a sustainable capital structure for our business." Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Norske Skog extends consent deadline for the board’s recapitalization proposal

Norske Skog has decided to extend the consent solicitation deadline for the ongoing recapitalization proposal from 29 September until Tuesday 3 October at 17:00 CET. The consent solicitation deadline has been extended from Friday 29 September until Tuesday 3 October 2017 at 17:00 CET. Norske Skog will use the period prior to the new expiration deadline to continue discussions with various stakeholder groups to try to achieve sufficient support for a consensual recapitalization solution for the Norske Skog group. The Board of Directors will continue to follow and evaluate the situation thoroughly during this period. - The recapitalization process is challenging, as we knew it would be, but we want to allow time to finalize our discussions with the various stakeholders. We believe that the extension of the consent deadline will improve the chances of reaching a solution, especially after the last day's actions from different stakeholders. As we have previously made clear, the board of Norske Skogindustrier ASA firmly believes that only less beneficial alternatives to a consensual solution exist. Norske Skog has 7 profitable business units that will continue normal operations regardless of the outcome of the consent solicitation process," said Mr. Christen Sveaas, Chairman of Norske Skogindustrier ASA.
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UPM Plywood starts using a new sustainable WISA BioBond gluing technology

UPM Plywood starts using a new sustainable lignin based WISA BioBond gluing technology in plywood manufacturing. In the new technology 50% of the fossil-based phenol has been replaced with lignin obtained as a by product of kraf pulp production. "Our long term goal has been to develop a gluing technology that utilizes lignin as raw material. The technological breakthrough that now has been achieved is the most significant innovation in plywood gluing in five decades" says Susanna Rinne, Vice President, Business Development at UPM Plywood. UPM Plywood plans to take the new gluing technology into use gradually in all of its plywood mills. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Irving Consumer Products Breaks Ground on their New $400 Million Tissue Production Plant in Macon, Georgia

Irving Consumer Products broke ground on the construction of their new $400 million state-of-the-art tissue plant in Macon, Georgia today at an event at the site of their future home. Joined by Mayor Robert Reichert and Charlie Gatlin, Special Projects Advisor for Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), President Robert K. Irving acknowledged the next step in the construction of the new facility. “We’re excited to begin construction on this new plant. The plant will create over 200 permanent, skilled jobs and allow us to continue to meet our customers’ growing demands,” said Robert K. Irving, President of Irving Consumer Products. “It will also provide growth in our home province. The pulp will be from Irving Woodlands, manufactured at our New Brunswick pulp mill.” The new plant will produce ultra-premium quality household paper products including soft bath tissue and high quality paper towel that is both strong and absorbent. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Relief, hope and anger follow news that Appleton Coated mill to get 45-day extension

Questions remain on exact details of Appleton Coated's sale to Industrial Assets Corp. after a marathon six-hours-plus hearing Monday in Outagamie County court. Questions also remain on exactly what its 600-plus employees can expect – or hope for – in the long run. It appears the mill has dodged the bullet of an immediate shutdown and liquidation, but might only operate in a limited capacity for 45 days with a staff of 195, about a third of its workers. Still, that's a victory some are celebrating. “We get a second chance,” said Tom Nelson, Outagamie County executive. Nelson had initially objected to the mill's sale to the liquidator and petitioned for more time for a different buyer to come forward in a joint statement with Combined Locks village president John Neumeier. Click Read More below for more of the story.
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Fortress Paper Provides Update on Auxiliary System Failure at its Dissolving Pulp Mill

Fortress Paper Ltd. reports that it has completed an assessment of the failure of a pressurized auxiliary gas collection system at the Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill (the "FSC Mill") in Thurso, Québec that was reported on September 21, 2017. The Company has identified the source of the failure and is in the process of repairing and replacing the damaged components. The Company has dispatched personnel to multiple supplier and repair locations to further attempt to expedite the work to be completed. Based on best effort commitments provided by equipment and parts suppliers, management believes that production at the FSC Mill will be restarted on or prior to October 9, 2017. The Fifth Digester Project continues to advance in the normal course and the cogeneration facility continues to operate at a reduced rate. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Norske Skog unsecured bond holder recapitalization proposal

Norske Skog has today received a recapitalization proposal from a majority of senior unsecured noteholders (the "Unsecured Proposal"), and Norske Skog will for the purpose of information parity publish the Unsecured Proposal. The board of Norske Skogindustrier ASA will review the Unsecured Proposal in an appropriate manner. The approval deadline for Norske Skog's ongoing consent solicitation is set to Friday 29 September at 17.00 CET.
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Judge gives five days to finalize Appleton Coated sale

The suspense is not completely over for Appleton Coated and its 620 employees. The struggling paper mill's sale to Industrial Assets Corp., a used machinery dealer based in Los Angeles, progressed in a six-hour marathon hearing Monday before Outagamie County Circuit Court Judge Gregory Gill. "I'm not going to take any action," Gill said late Monday. "We have definitive things in place but we're not at the finish line." Lawyers have a maximum of five days to hash out the details of a hybrid agreement that states Industrial Assets will pay $20 million for Appleton Coated and at the same time market the mill as an ongoing operation for 45 days. Mark Freedlander, an attorney for Industrial Assets, said "we have reached an agreement and we are responsible for marketing the entity as a going concern." Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Domtar workers approve new collective agreement

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

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

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

A bi-partisan group of the House of Representatives on September 18 asked the International Trade Commission (ITC) to deny a petition filed by the North Pacific Paper Company (Norpac) that requests antidumping and/or countervailing duties of over 50 percent on newsprint imported from Canada. The bipartisan letter, led by Representatives Chuck Fleischmann (R-Chattanooga, TN) and Jamie Raskin (D-Rockville, MD), argued that a well-documented shift from printed newspapers to digital alternatives has caused a dramatic decline in newsprint consumption. And, that this trade dispute, brought on my one mill with 400 employees, could put at risk 175,000 jobs in the newspaper industry. Other representatives that signed the letter include House Republican Conference chair, Cathy McMoriss Rodgers (R-WA) and representatives Mike Rogers (R-AL), Diane Black (R-TN) and Ralph Norman (R-SC). Last week the Alliance Board of Directors sent its own letter to the ITC opposing the petition. The petition is also opposed by a broad coalition of U.S. and Canadian paper manufacturers, who understand that sharp price increases on customers could accelerate the decline in newsprint demand. The ITC is expected to make a preliminary determination on petition on September 22. If the Commission decides to move forward, the ITC and the Department of Commerce will conduct investigations and hearings that could lead to a final determination in late spring 2018.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases August 2017 Printing-Writing Paper Report

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

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

Norske Skog is pleased to announce that secured bond holders holding 65 % of the aggregate principal amount of the secured notes due in 2019 (the "Secured AHC") have confirmed their support for the board's proposal launched on 18 September. Norske Skog is currently working to gain support from the other secured and unsecured bondholders. "We are very pleased to have obtained support from the majority of the secured bond holders, and we are currently in dialogue with the group's other secured and unsecured bond holders. The board's proposal is the best solution given the circumstances, and should provide a better return for stakeholder groups than the alternative. The alternative will trigger a complex insolvency process, which will result in Norske Skog being 100% owned by the secured bond holders." said Mr. Christen Sveaas, Chairman of Norske Skogindustrier ASA. Norske Skog will also enter into joint contingency planning with the Secured AHC to prepare for a potential insolvency process and share pledge enforcement on Norske Skog AS level if the board's proposal does not obtain sufficient levels of support from other creditors. Even without sufficient approval level, normal operations at all Norske Skog's mills will continue, and the value of Norske Skog and the interests of employees, customers, suppliers and local communities will be protected "The value of Norske Skog is the operating business units, which include seven profitable paper mills. These operations will continue as normal independent of the outcome of the recapitalization proposal. The secured bond holders are large professional investors with capital and ability to operate Norske Skog along with the employees," said Mr. Lars P. S. Sperre President and CEO of Norske Skog. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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CO2 Solutions Provides Update on Saint-Félicien Pulp Mill and Greenhouse Carbon Capture Project

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Operating profit for January–June 2017 was SEK 1 152 million (January–June 2016: SEK 1 063 million, excluding items affecting comparability). The improvement in earnings was due to higher wood product prices, better earnings from forests and the divestiture of the newsprint mill in Madrid. Compared with the first quarter, operating profit decreased by SEK 102 million to SEK 525 million as a result of a maintenance shutdown within paperboard and seasonally lower hydro power production. Profit after tax for January–June amounted to SEK 880 million (587), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 10.5 (7.0). Return on capital employed increased to 9.4 (8.4) per cent. Production of paperboard, paper and wood products has been established at a higher level than previous years and the sales mix has developed well. Cash flow was strong and largely covered the SEK 1 billion dividend that was paid in April.
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Kruger: No. 8 paper machine started up

Announced jointly by Kruger Products and the Government of Québec in July 2016, the $55-million investment to purchase and install PM8 received a $39.5-million loan from Investissement Québec, which is acting as an agent of the Government of Québec in this project. Kruger Products also received support from the Joliette RCM and the Municipality of Crabtree – through the Fonds de développement des territoires – Fonds d’aide aux entreprises volet 2 (Territories Development Fund – Business Assistance Fund, stream 2) – to complete this investment. The Company also took the opportunity to reveal its recent acquisition of a new $12-million winder. This new, more efficient machine manufactures paper products for the away-from-home market and will enable the Crabtree Plant to boost its annual production by 29%. The Crabtree Plant now has plenty of room to grow over the coming years. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Sappi Europe forced to increase prices on WFU and WFC grades by 5-8% in October

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

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

Effective with shipments of October 12, 2017 or latter West Linn Paper Company will increase the price on its uncoated offset by $2.00/cwt. This pricing change includes the following grades: West Linn Paper Uncoated Offset Smooth & White Wove Envelope. This price increase applies to all basis weights and finished plus all related private label grades and associated brand extensions.
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GP Invests $100 Million In New Talladega Lumber Facility, Adds 100 Jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expera Specialty Solutions has announced its newly branded Flame-Gard™ Technology. Expera provides flame-resistant solutions for multiple end-use applications. "Flame-resistant papers will char when exposed to a flame, and will not 'support' combustion, self-extinguishing when the flame source is removed," explained Jeff Murphy, Sales and Marketing Director for Expera Specialty Solutions. Expera produces flame-resistant papers across multiple applications. From utility grades and papers used in building and construction, to school craft papers, Expera's innovative technology provides targeted protection. Click Read More below for additional detail.
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Kruger Announces a $377.6-M Transaction to Diversify Two of its Québec Paper Mills into Specialty Niches

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