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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please be advised we will be increasing the US market price of our newsprint on a 45 gsm basis by $US 32/MT effective with shipments December 1, 2017. 43 gsm and 40 gsm Marathon lite newsprint will be increased according to past practice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effective immediately, the temporary order moratorium on CFS Web, Economy Sheets, and C1S has been lifted. Please work with your Midland Paper, Packaging & Supplies Sales Representative if you have any questions.

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.

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.

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.

RISI reports that LEIPA will increase the transaction price of all coated mechanical reels by 30 Euros per ton for all grades in all markets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Due to insufficient results and the significant cost increases for pulp and other raw materials, chemicals and logistics Papierfabrik August Koehler SE is increasing its prices for all products by 7 - 12 % for deliveries from January 1st 2018 onwards.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effective for all new and confirmed orders with deliveries of November 1, 2017 and later, Catalyst Paper will be implementing a price increase of $2.00/cwt for the following paper products: Coated Freesheet Grades: Orion®; Vision®. This increase applies to all basis weights, finishes, grade extensions and related private label products.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please be advised that, effective with shipments November 1, 2017, Catalyst Paper will be implementing a $2.00/cwt. ($40/ST) USD price increase on its Rumford Offset grade for new and existing orders. This increase applies to all basis weights, finishes and grade extensions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weyerhaeuser Company today announced effective immediately that all its lands in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Missoula, Sanders and Ravalli counties in Western Montana are closed to public access due to the extreme forest fire danger. The closure will remain in effect until further notice.

As of September 1, 2017, Appleton Coated Green Power will no longer carry Green-e certification. Our relationship with Green-e ended on August 31, 2017. Although products in the warehouse still have the Green-e logo imprinted on the labels, these items are no longer sold with this certification. All Appleton Coated products that carry the Appleton Coated Green Power designation in inventory now and moving forward will continue to have 100% of the electricity used to manufacture these products matched with renewable energy credits (RECS), which is primarily wind.

When your employees and customers understand the fundamentals of paper, they better understand the value your company provides. After a successful event last September, NPTA Paper School returns this fall in Chicago, IL. This half-day program teaches the most important topics in paper and provides each attendee with a strong foundation of knowledge to build on. The six classroom sections are taught by paper industry leading experts from top paper mills. Attendees will receive access to the PRINT17 tradeshow floor and take a guided tour of the most advanced printing equipment in the world.

Paradigm Hyperloop is a team of students from Memorial University of Newfoundland, College of the North Atlantic, and Northeastern University of Boston that has been planning, designing, and developing a hyperloop pod, which is a conceptual fifth mode of transportation that involves levitating train-like vehicles that travel through low pressure vacuum tubes. The team has been at the project for two years! J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) is proud to sponsor the innovative work that the Paradigm Hyperloop team is doing.

Sappi Limited is pleased to announce that it will bolster its biorefining expertise through the acquisition of the Xylex® and Versalac® technologies owned by Plaxica Limited. The transaction will result in Sappi acquiring the sugar clean up technologies which includes the patents, knowhow, equipment and key technical staff of Plaxica. The size of the transaction does not require regulatory disclosure. Since 2013, Sappi has advanced its efforts to expand its biorefining expertise. Part of the strategy is to extract and clean-up C5 hemicellulose sugars from our Pre-Hydrolysis Kraft (PHK) liquors for further value add to higher value products. Commenting on the transaction, Louis Kruyshaar, Executive Vice President of Sappi Biotech said “Plaxica’s Xylex® solution is rated as one of the most advanced to offer optimum efficiency and economics for separation and clean-up of C5 sugars from pulp mill hydrolysates.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

American paper companies have imposed a 20% duty on coated paper from the Port Hawkesbury Mill in Nova Scotia, while Irving Paper in New Brunswick and Catalyst Paper of Britsh Columbia have had a 18% tariff imposed. North Pacific Papers of Washington State has also filed for countervailing duties on Canadian uncoated groundwood paper from Canada. The Hawkesbury mill won on appeal in its first round with the NAFTA panel. The U.S. has until mid-summer to appeal that decision, while other cases are being appealed by both the Canadian Federal and Provincial governments. During a recent rally in Phoenix Arizona, U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. will “probably” terminate NAFTA because he doesn’t think a deal can be made. His comments come about a week after re-negotiation talks began. The U.S. has also formally demanded that the Chapter 19 dispute resolution panels favoured by Canada be scrapped. In the past, the majority of its decisions have been won by Canada. Ottawa has promised to walk away from the talks before it accepts a NAFTA without these panels. The first round of NAFTA talks held recently failed to bridge the differences between Canada, the USA and Mexico, and left little signs of any real compromises. Next month, Mexico will host the second round of talks from September 1-5. Talks will then move to Canada later in September and return to the United States in October.

International Paper has pledged $1 million to support disaster relief efforts in the communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Harvey. The International Paper Foundation will contribute $750,000 to the American Red Cross chapters in Texas and Louisiana, and will contribute $250,000 to Feeding America. International Paper has established strategic partnerships with these organizations to provide disaster relief in communities where IP employees live and work. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Mondi has decided to postpone its €135 million investment in a new 90,000 tonne per annum machine glazed speciality kraft paper machine at its Steti mill in the Czech Republic. Commenting on the decision, Peter Oswald, Mondi CEO, said, “We have decided to postpone the machine glazed speciality kraft paper machine investment after a careful review of market conditions. While the proposed new machine remains an exciting investment opportunity, offering the lowest cost production of its sort in Europe, recently announced industry capacity expansions are expected to result in a market imbalance over the period in which the new machine was planned to come on line. There is no change to our €335 million investment in modernising the mill including rebuilding the fibre lines, de-bottlenecking the existing packaging paper machines and a new recovery boiler, which is progressing as planned.”

Total European shipments of graphic papers in June 2017 were UP 0.5% vs. June 2016 and are down 0.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in June 2017 were down 1.7% vs. June 2016 and are down 3.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in June 2017 were down 2.2% vs. June 2016 and are UP 2.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in June 2017 were UP 1.7% vs. June 2016 and are down 2.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical (improved and others) in June 2017 were UP 0.6% vs. June 2016 and are UP 1.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in June 2017 were UP 5.7% vs. June 2016 and are UP 1.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in June 2017 were down 1.1% vs. June 2016 and are down 0.8% year-to-date.

For the second quarter ended 30 June 2017, Lecta had revenue of €360.7 million versus €357.6 million in the second quarter ended 30 June 2016, an increase of €3.1 million or +1%. This increase was attributable to: • Lower sales of CWF, Specialties and Purchased Products of €-4.6 million or -1%, from €341.6 million in 2Q2016 to €337.0 million in 2Q2017, resulting from lower sales volumes of 500 metric tons or -0%, 377,000 metric tons in 2Q2017 vs 377,500 metric tons in 2Q2016, and a decrease in average net sales price of -11€/t or -1%, 894€/t in 2Q2017 vs 905€/t in 2Q2016; and • Higher sales of energy of €+7.7 million or +48%, from €16.0 million in 2Q2016 to €23.7 million in 2Q2017, resulting from higher sales volumes of 10,000 MWh or +4%, 271,500 MWh in 2Q2017 vs 261,500 MWh in 2Q2016, and an increase in average sales price of +26€/MWh or +42%, 87€/MWh in 2Q2017 vs 61€/MWh in 2Q2016. The costs of raw materials and consumables used increased by €7.0 million, or +4%, from €182.5 million in 2Q2016 to €189.5 million in 2Q2017, and as a percentage of revenue they increased from 51.0% in 2Q2016 to 52.5% in 2Q2017. The absolute increase was mainly attributable to higher purchased volumes, and an increase in the average consumption prices of pulp of +38€/t and latex from 2Q2016 to 2Q2017. Click Read More below for additional detail.

NORPAC announced that they will raise the price of their Norbrite grades by $35.00 per short ton ($1.75/cwt) effective with shipments/invoices on or after October 1, 2017. Specific grades affected by this change in pricing include: Norbrite 65 ;Norbrite 70; Norbrite 75; Norbrite Plus; Norbrite Offset; Norbrite 92 Max; Norbrite Book Blue White; Norbrite Book Cream; Norbrite Hybrid

Please be advised that, effective with shipments October 1, 2017, the US transaction pricing from Catalyst Paper will increase $1.75/cwt ($35/short ton) for the following products: Electrabrite; Electrabrite Book; Electrastar. This increase applies to all basis weights, finishes and brightness.

Please be advised we plan to increase the price of our 30# (48.8 gsm.) standard newsprint by $30.00 per metric ton effective October 1, 2017. Prices for other newsprint basis weights will increase proportionally as per past practices.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after October 1, 2017, Resolute’s White Paper grades will increase by US$35/short ton. Products impacted by this price increase include, but are not limited to, the following: Ecopaque Offset, Ecopaque Laser, and Equal (Offset & Book); Hybrid (Smooth, Vellum & Envelope); Alternative (Opaque, Offset & Offset+); ResoluteSelect 75; ResoluteSelect 70, 65; ResoluteBook 85, 75, 70, 65, 60 & ResoluteBook 70 Cream; Alternative Book, Alternative Book Cream; ResoluteText 80, ResoluteText Cream; ResoluteSert 65 The increase will be applicable to all basis weights and finishes, and all up charges apply.

Please be advised that, effective with shipments on or after October 1, 2017, Resolute Forest Products will raise its newsprint price by US$30/metric tonne (for 48.8 gsm). Prices for other basis weights will be adjusted accordingly. Please note that this price increase does not apply to Ponderay Newsprint Company.

Effective with deliveries on or after October 1, 2017, UPM is increasing the transaction price of all Supercalendared and Coated Groundwood grades. The transaction price of Supercalendered (SC) grades will increase $2.00/cwt, including all basis weights and finishes. Grades impacted include: Eco; Impresse; Impresse Plus; Max; Cat; Smart The transaction price of Coated Groundwood grades will increase $1.00/cwt, including all basis weights and finishes. Grades impacted include: Cote; Ultra; Valor; Star. Please note that the Coated Groundwood portion of this price increase is being announced and implemented in addition to our previous price increase letter dated June 2, 2017, implemented on deliveries July 1 and later.

According to the July 2017 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in July compared to July 2016. This is the eleventh consecutive year-over-year decrease following a modest fractional increase in August 2016. All four printing-writing grade categories posted year-over-year shipment declines in July. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased two percent from June 2017. •July uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased year-over-year at the lowest rate since the last increase in August 2016. Imports of UFS decreased by 22% year-over-year in June while exports of UFS papers increased 41% year-over-year in June. The 68,200 tons exported in June was the highest level of UFS exports since March 2015. •Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers decreased year-over-year in June for the 13th consecutive month. Imports of UM increased 8% year-over-year in June while exports of UM decreased 14% year-over-year in June. •July shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers declined for the second consecutive month following the only year-over-year increase in 2017. Shipments of coated one-side free sheet papers decreased three percent year-over-year in July but remain flat for the year-to-date. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 8% year-over-year in June while exports of CFS papers decreased 4% year-over-year in June. •Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in July, the second consecutive decline. Imports of CM decreased in June, down 5% compared to June 2016 while exports of CM increased 12% in June.

The foundation stone of Metsä Wood’s new birch plywood mill was laid in Pärnu, Estonia. The greetings in the ceremony were delivered by the Minister of Public Administration of Estonia Mr. Jaak Aab and the President and CEO of Metsä Group Mr. Kari Jordan. “This is an important investment for Metsä Wood and the whole Metsä Group. It is done to better meet the globally growing plywood demand and to further improve Metsä Wood’s industrial efficiency. The new mill is a good example of Finnish-Estonian cooperation. Estonia has favourable business climate and it offers good logistical connections to our main markets.” said CEO of Metsä Group Kari Jordan in today’s ceremony. The annual birch plywood production capacity at the Pärnu mill will be 50 000 cubic metres and the total investment is approximately 55 million euros. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Pursuant to the recommendation from the election and remuneration committee of Norske Skog announced earlier today, several changes in board of directors were proposed to the extraordinary general meeting to be held tomorrow, 24 August 2017. On this basis, the planned public launch of a revised recapitalization transaction will be postponed in order to provide the new board with an opportunity to review the recapitalization transaction and allow for discussions with relevant stakeholders prior to a public launch. In the interim, the work with finalizing the documentation for the committed EUR 16 million liquidity facility continues. As previously announced, a significant majority of senior secured bond holders (SSN) (EUR 290 mill, due in 2019) and the holders of the Norwegian Securitisation Facility (NSF) (EUR 100 mill, due in 2020) have committed to provide a EUR 16 million liquidity facility to support the operating business of Norske Skog. The work with finalizing the documentation for this liquidity facility is being progressed in an expedite manner. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Effective with all orders shipping on or after October 1, 2017, Evergreen Packaging is raising the transaction price on all coated groundwood products by $1.00/cwt. This increase applies to all products, including, but not limited to, the following brands: TruSpec4; TruSpec4.5 Low Glare; TruSpec4.5; TruSpec5. All standard upcharges will continue to apply.

Neenah Paper has characterized its new synthetic paper as “a significant addition” to its portfolio of labels for harsh environments. The Neenah Performance Labels portfolio of high performing, highly engineered substrates is designed for applications in demanding conditions. Its Kimdura line of label stock has been used for more than 30 years for challenging applications – including labels and tags for drum chemicals, hazard communications, health care, industrial, logistical and outdoor. Kimdura DualTech is available at 3.5pt (98g/sqm), adds an option for both inkjet and laser printing platforms, and is compliant with BS 5609 Part 2 and 3. “Our customers expect Neenah to develop products to fit their evolving needs. Kimdura DualTech demonstrates best-in-class performance and chemical resistance with laser and inkjet printers, even when exposed to a wide range of industrial and household solvents,” said Srinivas Nomula, Senior Director of Marketing at Neenah Performance Labels & Specialties. “Similar products in the marketplace showed little or no resistance to industrial chemicals when printed using laser printers. Kimdura DualTech outperformed other labels, with even barcodes remaining legible during harsh testing environments.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Norske Skog's gross operating earnings (EBITDA) in the second quarter 2017 were NOK 190 million, an increase from 158 million in the first quarter 2017. The European units contributed less to gross operating earnings than in the first quarter ; whereas, the Australasian units gross operating earnings improved. Operating earnings in the second quarter was NOK -52 million compared to positive operating earnings of NOK 2 million in the first quarter of 2017. Net loss in the second quarter was NOK 546 million compared with a net loss of NOK 274 million in the first quarter 2017. Cash flow from operating activities before net financial items seasonally increased from NOK 175 million in the first quarter 2017 to NOK 226 million in the second quarter 2017. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Georgia-Pacific LLC announced today that it has reached an agreement to sell its pine chemicals business to Ingevity for $315 million, including certain pine chemicals-related assets at the Crossett, Arkansas plant. The acquisition is subject to regulatory clearance and Ingevity and Georgia-Pacific expect to close on the transaction in late 2017. Separately, Ingevity will enter into several contract manufacturing arrangements for oilfield and mining products currently produced at other Georgia-Pacific facilities. The parties will also separately enter into a 20-year, market-based crude tall oil (CTO) supply contract. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Please be advised that, effective with shipments on or after October 1, 2017, Resolute Forest Products will raise its Coated and SC paper prices by amounts specified below (see primary grades listed). The products impacted by the price increase include, but are not limited to, the following: ResoluteBrite 76 Gloss; ResoluteBrite 76 Satin; ResoluteGloss; ResoluteBlonde Gloss = + $1.00/cwt US and ResoluteSCA+; ResoluteSCA; ResoluteSCB; ResoluteSNC = + $2.00/cwt US. The increases will be applicable to all basis weights and finishes, and all up charges apply.

Production at Metsä Wood's new Kerto® LVL line in Lohja has started. The construction project has progressed according to plan and in schedule. The investment is part of Metsä Wood's EUR 100 million investment program for Kerto® LVL and plywood, and it supports the company’s industrial efficiency strategy. At the Lohja mill, three Kerto LVL production lines were operating until the end of last year. With the investment, one of the old lines has been dismantled and another old line is being run down by the end of 2017. The new Kerto LVL line increases the mill’s production capacity by 20,000 m3 per year. The mill has a total capacity of 120,000 m3. The new line will reach full capacity within one year.

Norske Skog has extended the deadline for the current exchange offers and consent solicitations to 23 August 2017. The existing short-term standstill agreements has also been extended to 23 August 2017, to allow for additional time to conclude the ongoing stakeholder discussions and finalisation of applicable documentation. The group has received a commitment letter for a EUR 16 million liquidity facility from the majority holders of the SSN (EUR 290m, 2019) bond and the NSF (EUR 100m, 2020) loan. Norske Skog plans to launch a revised recapitalization proposal with support from the majority holders of the SSN bond and the NSF loan early next week. The liquidity facility will allow Norske Skog to meet its operational cash flow needs. "We are very pleased that key stakeholders are supporting the business operations of the group through a committed liquidity facility. Our paper mills are highly competitive businesses with a prosperous future irrespective of the final solution to the group's capital structure." said Lars P.S. Sperre, President and CEO of Norske Skog. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Tembec Inc. announced that they received clearance from the Competition Bureau of Canada, without condition, of the previously announced proposed statutory arrangement under Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act involving the acquisition by Rayonier Advanced Materials of all of the outstanding shares of Tembec. In addition to clearance by the Competition Bureau, the Transaction already has received antitrust clearance from the Anti-Monopoly Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, and the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. As such, Rayonier Advanced Materials and Tembec have now received all required antitrust clearances. The Transaction has also been approved by Tembec’s shareholders and by the Québec Superior Court. Subject to obtaining other necessary approvals, as well as the satisfaction or waiver of other conditions to the Transaction, it is expected that the Transaction will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Effective with shipments October 1, 2017 and after, Kruger will increase the transaction price of all coated grades by $1.00/cwt. This includes: Krukote Offset, Krukote HI Bulk, Krukote 76, Krukote 80, Krukote Recycled. The increase will apply to all basis weights. Also, as stated in their letter of June 7, 2017, to the degree that it is not already fully implemented, it is Kruger's intention to fully implement the July 1, 2017 increase of $2.00/cwt on all of the grades listed above and all basis weights to all customers.

Appleton Coated today said that it has filed a voluntary state Chapter 128 petition for receivership to allow the company’s operations to continue under the supervision of a court-appointed receiver named by the Outagamie County Circuit Court. Company officials said the petition and appointment of a receiver will allow the company to continue operations under the direction of the receiver, who will lead a process aimed at selling the company’s assets to a buyer who will continue operations. “Despite the best efforts of our employees and ownership group and the introduction of new products, this step is the best option at this point,” said Doug Osterberg, Appleton Coated’s president and chief executive officer. “While the company has made significant progress in diversifying its product offerings and entering new markets, the overall business climate is very challenging, and operating under a state court-appointed receiver is the best route to transition the business to sustained profitability.” He said the company’s bank has agreed to fund operations during the receivership and that the business will continue to operate during the transition. He added the company will be able to pay salary and wages and fund benefits for current employees. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Consistent with our June 1, 2017 letter, prices for Supercalendered Web grades listed in that letter are increasing by $2.00/cwt USD/$2.70/cwt CAD. To the extent not already implemented, the pricing will apply to all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of October 1, 2017 or later. Additionally, in reference to our July 27, 2017 letter for #4 Web grades, we are changing the implementation dates and amount of increase to read as follows: 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 #4 Web Grades by $1.00/cwt USD/$1.26/cwt CAD, including but not limited to: Liberty® web; Balance® web; New Era® Matte; New Era® ThinBulk. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.

Determined to stay competitive in the face of Canadian government-subsidized competition, the North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC) announced the reorganization of its operations. In October 2017, NORPAC will reduce its production capacity by idling one of its three paper machines and expanding the remaining capacity to serve customers. "As we seek to level the playing field under U.S. trade laws to counteract the dumped and subsidized imports from Canada, NORPAC will become a nimbler, stronger supplier to our customers by reorganizing around our two remaining paper machines," said Craig Anneberg, CEO of NORPAC. "Our company is constantly working to improve both our products and operations to remain competitive despite unfair import pricing and Canadian government-subsidized competition." "To keep our company competitive and protect our employees, NORPAC will use all the tools at its disposal under the U.S. trade law to address and counteract the dumped and subsidized imports from Canada," said Anneberg. Click Read More below for additional detail.

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). Click Read More below for additional detail.

Resolute Forest Products announces production cuts to their paper business in Calhoun. The company will close paper machines #3 & #5 at the Calhoun plant. That will cost 222 jobs to the operation on the Hiwassee River at the McMinn/Bradley line. The company says they are still committed to the remaining operations at the plant. 491 workers will remain. Resolute has recently expanded operations there, investing in a tissue machine and converting operation, and a continuous pulp digester. Both will remain in operation. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Metsä Group’s next-generation bioproduct mill in Äänekoski came into operation as planned on Tuesday, 15 August 2017 at 6:00 in the morning. Pulp deliveries from the new mill to customers will begin in early September 2017. The construction project was carried out as planned, in accordance with its schedule and its EUR 1.2 billion budget. Before the bioproduct mill started up, the old pulp mill in Äänekoski was shut down and its dismantling is currently in progress. The bioproduct mill will achieve its nominal capacity approximately a year after start-up. The mill will produce 1.3 million tonnes of pulp per year, along with other bioproducts such as tall oil and turpentine. New bioproducts that already complement the product concept include product gas from bark, sulphuric acid from the mill’s odorous gases, and biogas and biofuel pellets from sludge. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Effective for all new and existing orders with confirmed deliveries October 1, 2017 and later, Catalyst Paper will be implementing a price increase of $1.00/cwt for the following paper products: Coated Groundwood Grades: Escanaba®; Dependoweb®; Capri®; Consoweb®. Catalyst Paper will also be implementing a price increase of $2.00/cwt for the following paper products: SC Grades: Electracal®; Electraprime®. This increase applies to all basis weights, finishes, grade extensions and related private label products.

Fortress Paper Ltd. reported 2017 second quarter operating EBITDA of $4.3 million, a decrease of $2.0 million relative to the comparative prior year period and a decrease of $3.2 million over the previous quarter. The Dissolving Pulp Segment generated operating EBITDA of $3.5 million and the Security Paper Products Segment generated operating EBITDA of $2.8 million. Corporate costs included in operating EBITDA were $2.0 million. After 36 years in the forestry industry, including nearly five years at Fortress Paper, Yvon Pelletier will be retiring from the Company effective October 1, 2017. Chadwick Wasilenkoff will re-assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and President and continue to serve as Chairman of the board. In order to facilitate a smooth transition of Mr. Pelletier’s duties and strong customer and government relationships, he has agreed to a two year consulting agreement. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Effective with all new or previously entered orders shipping after 9/11/17 the price of our SC products will be increased by $2/cwt and CAD$2.50. This includes Artisan Plus, Artisan, Prominence Plus, Prominence and Maritime and all basis weights of these grades.

Please be advised that Irving Paper will increase its prices of Irving SCA, Irving SCB, Irving Radiance (SCA+) and Irving Opulence (SCA++) $40USD/ST and $50CDN/ST effective with all new and existing orders shipping on and after September 1, 2017. This increase affects all basis weights.

Norske Skog has received a well-developed recapitalization proposal from a substantial number of the secured holders of the SSN (EUR 290m, 2019) bond and the NSF (EUR 100m, 2020) loan, as detailed in the 28 July 2017 stock exchange release. Certain unsecured bondholders have further provided an alternative proposal. To further secure the financial situation of the operating business, Norske Skog is in the process of receiving a commitment letter for a EUR 16 million liquidity facility from a substantial number of the holders of the SSN and NSF. "We are very pleased that key stakeholders are willing to support the business operations of Norske Skog through liquidity facilities like the offered loans. Our paper mills are highly competitive business units with a prosperous future irrespective of the final solution to the group's capital structure. We have now secured the operating business by both relief on interest payments and this new financing, and there should be no reason to question the stability of our operating business through the refinancing" said Lars P.S. Sperre, President and CEO of Norske Skog. Click Read More below for additional detail.

After several months of laboratory work by the Research and Development team in Bordeaux France, Tembec has developed a very high viscosity cellulose grade. Just days ago, the production of this new grade, called Biofloc XV20, took place at the Tartas Specialty Cellulose mill in France. It is a tremendous success because a new world record for viscosity of a wood pulp was achieved. Tembec, the world leader in specialty cellulose for use in the production of cellulose ethers, responded to the needs of its main customers. “This new product can now compete directly with cotton linter pulp and opens new opportunities for our customers,” said Christian Ribeyrolle, Executive Vice President of the Specialty Cellulose Group. “Our customers in this segment needed a replacement for cotton linter pulp by a product which is less affected by market cycles but is of equivalent quality. Biofloc XV20 is now part of our product portfolio.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Harvesting wood for the needs of the bioproduct mill in Äänekoski started today, on 11 August 2017. Until now, wood has been delivered to the old pulp mill and for the test runs of the new mill. The bioproduct mill start-up will begin in mid-August 2017. Buying woodfor the bioproduct mill began already in 2016. Direct harvesting begins today with thinning in the forest of Metsä Group’s owner-member Timo Akselin in Uurainen, Central Finland. The harvesting at the stand was carried out by the Saarijärvi-based Forest-Linna Oy, and the transportation was taken care of by Kuljetus H & H Heinonen Oy, based in Multia. “The start-up of the bioproduct mill is drawing closer, and we can now start increasing the harvesting volumes,” says Juha Mäntylä, EVP, Wood Supply, Metsä Group. Harvesting volumes will increase gradually this and next year. The bioproduct mill will reach its nominal production of 1.3 million tonnes of pulp approximately a year after its start-up. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Irving Consumer Products is pleased to announce the expansion of its United States business operations with the construction of a new $400 million state-of-the-art tissue plant in Macon, Georgia. The new plant will create over 200 jobs and allow the company to double its ThruAir Dry capacity, increasing it by 75,000 tonnes, the equivalent of 15 million cases. “We’re pleased to be expanding our business in the United States. We’re excited by the opportunity in Macon and in Georgia. We’re looking forward to building a strong relationship with the wonderful people of this community,” says Robert K. Irving, President of Irving Consumer Products. “Selecting Macon for our new facility provides us with an opportunity to establish a footprint in a region that has proven itself as being a strong supporter of business. It will allow us to reach key markets, and will help to continue to drive our growth.” Mr. Irving further adds, “This expansion is possible because of the commitment of our employees, customers and suppliers. It is their support that has allowed us to grow and expand.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Wood costs for the pulp industry in Europe were generally lower in the 1Q/17 than in the previous quarter, continuing a downward trend that, depending on the country, has lasted for 4-6 years. The biggest price declines for pulplogs and sawmill residues in early 2017 occurred in Germany and France, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The price reductions occurred mainly because of an oversupply of pulplogs, unchanged demand for wood fiber from the pulp industry, and reduced usage of raw-material by the competing wood pellet sector. In neighboring Austria, conifer pulplog prices have been very stable during most of 2015 and 2016 (in Euro terms) and prices did not change much in the 1Q/17. However, the weakening of the Euro against the US dollar has resulted in Austrian pulplog prices falling seven percent in two years. In the Nordic countries, wood fiber costs in the 1Q/17 were at their lowest levels since 2006 (in US dollars). This was mostly thanks to the weakening of the local currencies in both Sweden and Finland. The wood fiber costs currently account for about 60% of the manufacturing cost when manufacturing pulp in the region, according to Fisher International, so a reduction in prices for pulplogs and wood chips has a major impact in improving the competitiveness of the pulp and paper industry when competing in the global market place. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Verso Corporation reported financial results for the second quarter of 2017, including net sales of $585 million, a net loss of $49 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $(4) million. "Despite a challenging second quarter in which profitability was hampered by lower volume and pricing, rising input costs and inventory reduction initiatives, Verso is building momentum toward significantly improved results in the second half of the year as we anticipate realization of price increases, continue to aggressively cut costs and profitably grow our specialty papers business," said Verso Chief Executive Officer B. Christopher DiSantis. "In addition, we've made substantial progress in evaluating Verso's long-term strategic options, which potentially include paper machine conversions to enable expansion or entry into growing markets, enhancements to current assets that support a more profitable product mix, and corporate development opportunities." Click Read More below for additional detail.

Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty materials for commercial and digital printing is proud to announce the release of A Maker’s Field Guide to Envelopes, the latest in a series of comprehensive, printed guides designed to inspire and educate designers, their clients and printers on the importance of choosing the right materials for print. “The new Maker’s Field Guide to Envelopes is the latest expression of Mohawk’s ongoing commitment to helping demonstrate the pivotal role materials play in the success of every print job,” said Chris Harrold, Vice President, Creative Director, Mohawk. “Envelopes are equal part function and first impression. An envelope is like a handshake that simultaneously says ‘hello’ and ‘open me first!’” A Maker’s Field Guide to Envelopes was created by Aurora Design to complement Mohawk’s Maker’s Field Guide to Texture and Color and the Mohawk Maker Quarterly, an award-winning publication which highlights the beauty and tactility of fine paper. Both publications have become go-to resources for makers and creatives worldwide as print is rediscovered as a powerful alternative to digital communication. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Vancive Medical Technologies™, an Avery Dennison business, and Eloquest Healthcare®, Inc. have partnered to develop an innovative post-operative dressing that contains an antimicrobial agent called chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). The antimicrobial properties of CHG inhibit microbial growth within the dressing. CHG is extremely difficult to incorporate in an absorbent adhesive dressing, making the development of the BeneHold™ CHG platform a significant technical accomplishment for Vancive. The Eloquest Healthcare ReliaTect™ Post-Op Dressings with CHG are the first to combine CHG in an absorbent, transparent and waterproof design. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Revenue in Q2 2017 was $314.4 million, compared to $295.8 million in Q2 2016, an increase of $18.6 million or 6.3%. The increase in revenue was primarily due to higher sales volume and the favourable impact of foreign exchange on U.S. dollar sales. Cost of sales in Q2 2017 increased to $267.1 million, compared to $249.9 million in Q2 2016, primarily due to higher sales volumes, an increase in fibre and natural gas prices and the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange on U.S. dollar denominated costs, as well as higher freight and warehousing costs, partially offset by cost reduction initiatives and the impact of capital projects. As a percentage of revenue, cost of sales were 85.0% in Q2 2017 compared to 84.5% in Q2 2016. Net income in Q2 2017 was $9.9 million, compared to $12.0 million in Q2 2016, primarily due to an increase in the change in amortized cost of Partnership units liability of $2.5 million and an increase in tax expense of $1.3 million. These increases were partially offset by higher Adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 million. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Tembec Inc. announced that the Québec Superior Court issued a final order approving the previously announced statutory arrangement under Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act involving the acquisition by Rayonier Advanced Materials of all of the outstanding shares of Tembec. The Transaction has already received clearance from Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, and the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have notified Rayonier Advanced Materials and Tembec that the Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger notification waiting period was terminated. Applications for clearance from the applicable regulatory authorities in Canada and China, respectively, are pending. Subject to obtaining other necessary approvals, as well as the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Transaction, it is expected that the Transaction will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Rayonier Inc. reported second quarter net income attributable to Rayonier of $26.2 million, or $0.20 per share, on revenues of $194.7 million. This compares to net income attributable to Rayonier of $109.8 million, or $0.89 per share, on revenues of $261.6 million in the prior year quarter. The prior year second quarter results included $0.6 million of costs related to shareholder litigation1 and $101.3 million of income from a Large Disposition.2 Excluding these items, proforma net income3 was $9.1 million, or $0.07 per share, in the prior year period. Second quarter operating income was $46.9 million versus $121.6 million in the prior year period. The prior year second quarter operating income included $0.6 million of costs related to shareholder litigation1 and $101.3 million of income from a Large Disposition.2 Excluding these items, pro forma operating income3 was $20.9 million in the prior year period. Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA3 was $86.4 million versus $45.0 million in the prior year period. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Appvion recorded second quarter operating income of $5.1 million compared to operating income of $3.9 million for second quarter 2016. The improved earnings in second quarter 2017 were driven by volume growth for the Company's tag, label and entertainment (TLE) products and carbonless papers segment. Continued execution of profit improvement initiatives, improved manufacturing performance, and lower selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses also contributed to the earnings improvement. Those results were partially offset by the impact of lower net sales caused by lower market prices for the Company's thermal receipt paper and unfavorable product mix in the carbonless papers segment. Total company shipment volume was relatively flat compared to second quarter 2016. Appvion's second quarter 2017 net sales of $164.0 million were $9.6 million lower than second quarter 2016. Year-to-date net sales of $330.7 million were $23.4 million, or 6.6%, lower compared to the same period in 2016, largely as a result of lower prices for thermal paper products as well as lower shipment volume and unfavorable product mix. Total company shipment volume was down approximately 2% compared to first half 2016. Thermal shipment volume declined more than 3%, while carbonless increased less than 1%. Click Read More below for additional detail.

UPM Raflatac, one of the world's leading suppliers of self-adhesive label materials, has completed its acquisition of the assets of Irving, Texas-based Southwest Label Stock. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price or other transaction details. This acquisition will allow UPM Raflatac to expand its reach in the Texas and the Southwestern U.S. label markets by being highly responsive and offering a wider range of its high-quality products with fast turnaround. UPM Raflatac is also excited to announce a continuation and expansion of Southwest Label Stock's well-known small roll service. With this service, UPM Raflatac customers will be able to purchase single rolls of laminate trimless at 2,500 feet, shipped in boxes throughout North America. Click Read More below for additional detail.

INTERFOR CORPORATION recorded net earnings in Q2’17 of $24.5 million, or $0.35 per share, compared to $19.7 million, or $0.28 per share in Q1’17 and $23.2 million, or $0.33 per share in Q2’16. Adjusted net earnings1 (which takes into account the effects of share-based compensation expense and non-recurring items) in Q2’17 were $28.7 million or $0.41 per share, compared to $22.7 million, or $0.32 per share in Q1’17 and $17.5 million, or $0.25 per share in Q2’16. Adjusted EBITDA1 for the second quarter, 2017 was $77.4 million (or $84.7 million excluding the impact from $7.3 million of softwood lumber duties expense), on sales of $511.4 million versus $60.3 million on sales of $456.8 million in Q1’17. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Orchids Paper Products Company reported results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The following tables provide selected financial results for second quarter 2017 compared to second quarter 2016 and first quarter 2017. Net sales decreased $1.0 million, or 2%. Major factors include: parent roll sales volume increased $3.7 million; converted-product sales volumes declined $2.3 million; and there was a decrease of $2.3 million in average converted-product prices, reflecting both the lower prices associated with new bids which became effective in 2017 and the product mix sold to a changing mix of customers. Cost of sales increased $4.4 million, or 13%. Standard cost of sales for parent rolls increased $2.4 million due to the much higher number of parent-roll tons sold. This leaves a $2.0 million, or 7%, increase in cost of sales that is primarily attributable to converted product sales. Major contributors to this increase include: start-up costs at Barnwell including additional direct labor and overhead, the liquidation of older higher-cost inventory, fiber and other material cost increases, labor usage, and health care cost increases. Additionally, the second quarter of 2016 benefited from the recovery of $1.1 million in business interruption insurance proceeds, which did not reoccur in 2017. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Suzano Papel e Celulose announces its consolidated results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 (2Q17). In the second quarter of 2017, the pulp segment continued to deliver solid results, driven mainly by strong and healthy demand from Asia. The commodity’s positive fundamentals once again supported successive price increases in all regions. The weaker BRL also had a positive effect on industry profitability. The paper segment remained pressured by Brazil’s caustic macroeconomic scenario. The Suzano Mais Program, which works to strengthen relations with agents at the end of the value chain, helped to enhance the profitability of the paper business. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) today announced it has been ranked #1 in the consumer packaged goods category on Forbes' 2017 list of America's Best Large Employers. In addition, Kimberly-Clark was ranked #48 among the top 500 employers across all industries, up from #147 last year. The annual Forbes "America's Best Employers" rankings were compiled via an independent survey of 30,000 U.S. employees in 25 industries. Employees were asked how likely they were to recommend their company to friends and family, and which organizations they would choose in addition to their own. The survey also looked at benefits, workplace diversity, career development opportunities and recognition of employee performance.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) today reported a net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, of $74 million, or $0.82 per share, compared to a net loss of $42 million, or $0.47 per share, in the same period in 2016. Sales were $858 million in the quarter, down $33 million, or 4%, from the second quarter of 2016. Excluding special items, the company reported a net loss of $3 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to net income, excluding special items, of $2 million, or $0.02 per share, in the second quarter of 2016.

“I am pleased to report that during the past quarter Sappi delivered profits up 81% from a year ago, reduced debt by a further 17% (US$265 million) year-on-year. We also repaid US$400 million in bonds from cash reserves which will generate savings of approximately US$21 million per annum on our net interest charge. “Sappi’s third quarter is seasonally and historically its weakest quarter due to the slow-down in business activity during the Northern Hemisphere summer holiday period and Sappi’s choice to use this quarter to undertake major annual maintenance shuts. The past quarter’s earnings (EBITDA ex special items) at US$155 million where almost flat on a year ago. Higher volumes were offset by higher raw material prices and a stronger Rand/Dollar exchange rate.

"Each of our businesses delivered top line growth in the second quarter, overcoming currency headwinds and global capacity constraints as we ramp-up our new U.S. filtration capacity. Customer qualification of this filtration facility continues to progress well and start-up costs of $3 million in the quarter were in line with projections. Bottom line results also reflected a timing lag as we implement selling price increases to offset the rise in input costs in the first half of the year," said John O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer. "With our strong financial position and continued success in targeted categories like filtration, performance materials and premium packaging, we remain confident about future investment opportunities for organic and strategic growth that can deliver value for our shareholders."

Georgia-Pacific continues to expand its corrugated packaging business with the acquisition of Ohio-based PAX Corrugated Products. PAX operates a corrugated sheet plant with more than 100 employees in Lebanon, Ohio. Terms of the deal are not disclosed. “Georgia-Pacific has had a working relationship with PAX Corrugated for many years so we knew their organization would be an excellent fit with the GP Corrugated team,” said Billy Medof, president – GP Corrugated. “The PAX team will continue to deliver quality products and service to their customers as they do today. Their graphics and converting proficiency will accelerate our growth in digitally printed sheets from our Digital Print Solutions business and their display capability will expand our growing display business.”

Boise Paper, a division of Packaging Corporation of America, was honored with the 2017 3M Supplier of the Year Award in recognition of the company’s contribution to improving 3M’s competitiveness. This year, 3M recognized 15 suppliers – among thousands in its global supply base – for world class performance in providing products and/or services. These suppliers were identified and rated based on strategic spend, contract compliance, actions taken to improve 3M’s relevance and overall supplier performance (quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost, technology roadmaps). An awards ceremony will be held Aug. 4 at the 3M Championship in Blaine, Minn. Click Read More below for more of the story.