Metsä Group will construct a demo plant for lignin refining in connection with its Äänekoski bioproduct mill. The equipment will be supplied by technology group ANDRITZ. Construction will begin in Summer 2024, and the demo plant will be completed in late 2025. The plant’s daily capacity will be two tonnes of the lignin product. Lignin is a substance in wood that binds wood fibres together. In pulp production, lignin is separated from the fibres into black liquor in the chemical cycle and used as bioenergy. Lignin could also be used in chemical and material applications. Metsä Group and ANDRITZ will focus on developing the production process of the new lignin product and its integration with the bioproduct mill, as well as the product properties suitable for various end uses.

Phoenix Paper is proud to announce the latest addition to their Premier Treated Inkjet Line of quality papers with the release of Premier Inkjet Envelope TM. This new addition to the Phoenix Paper product line including Phoenix Premier Treated TM and Phoenix Premier Book TM solidifies Phoenix Paper’s dedication to inkjet technology and the critical role paper plays in helping today’s commercial printers maximize their inkjet investment and increase offerings to their customers. The creation of Phoenix Paper’s Premier Inkjet Envelope is in large part based on customer feedback, the launch of new inkjet printing equipment, as well as direct mail industry trends.

Fedrigoni announces a significant transformation in its executive team: Rodrigo Lacerda (formerly Bostik) will take over the Self-Adhesives business unit and Fulvio Capussotti will lead RFID, Innovation, ESG and Energy Transition. Lacerda, as the new Executive Vice President of the Self-Adhesives business unit, will bring his 30 years of international experience in leading global companies such a Bostik and Parex. Fulvio Capussotti, who led the Self-Adhesives division for nearly five years, will now transition to the role of Executive Vice President RFID, Innovation, and Chief Sustainability Officer.

Sappi Southern Africa has achieved GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance (FSA) 2020 certification for Pelletin, one of its Lignin products used as an additive in animal feed manufacturing, making it only the second organisation in Africa to attain this prestigious certification. GMP+ is the world’s largest and most rigorous animal feed certification scheme, focused on enabling companies to contribute to safe animal feed throughout the entire production chain, with an emphasis on the need for quality assurance and risk management in the production and trade of animal feed. Sappi’s certification is for the ‘Trade in Feed’ and ‘Production of Feed Additives’ categories, respectively. Pelletin is a technical lignin that primarily functions as a binder in the production of compound animal feeds. It is a natural wood-based product that acts as a natural glue that binds all the feed ingredients and additives together to produce cost-effective compound feed pellets with enhanced durability and strength.

In a significant move to address the evolving needs of the graphics industry, UPM Raflatac is pleased to announce the expansion of its Graphics Solutions product range. Designed to meet growing customer demands for high quality, durable and versatile materials, the expansion includes the launch of a range of new, self-adhesive products. The new solutions being showcased include a range of self-adhesive films and protection laminates specifically engineered with high tack adhesive for large format printing (LFP) applications. Available to customers from April, the new High Tack Polymeric LFP range is tailored for demanding indoor and outdoor LFP applications on polar and non-polar surfaces, offering key benefits for customers including a high initial tack and a clear, non-yellowing adhesive that is resistant to temperature, water, chemicals and UV.

The acquisition of Crane Stationery marks a significant milestone for WP Strategic Holdings as it expands its portfolio into the luxury goods sector. This strategic move underscores WP Strategic Holdings' dedication to fostering the growth and development of companies with rich legacies and a commitment to excellence. Tom O'Connor Jr, former CEO at Mohawk Paper, and instrumental figure in facilitating the acquisition, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the transaction. His extensive experience and deep industry knowledge were invaluable assets in navigating the complexities of the deal and ensuring a smooth transition.

Highlights *Fourth quarter 2023 net loss from continuing operations was $21.6 million or $0.12 per share (diluted), compared to net earnings of $2.7 million or earnings of $0.01 per share (diluted) in the third quarter of 2023. For fiscal 2023, net loss from continuing operations was $48.8 million or $0.27 per share (diluted), compared to a net loss of $4.1 million or $0.02 per share (diluted) in 2022 on the same basis. *Average lumber prices for Q4 2023 were lower than Q3 2023, with an average selling price of $611/mfbm compared to $642/mfbm in Q3 2023. There was strong pricing momentum in the first half of Q3 2023 due to supply related concerns, which benefited results at the beginning of the third quarter. Despite lower prices, volumes in Q4 2023 were higher than Q3 2023 due to increased demand in the latter half of Q4 driven by positive trends in US housing starts and the central banks indicating a pause of further interest rate hikes. *The valuation provision for lumber and log inventory was decreased to $4.3 million from $8.7 million at the end of Q4 2022, generating a $4.4 million credit to cost of sales in fiscal 2023. *US Department of Commerce’s (“US DOC”) Final Determination of its Fourth Administrative Review resulted in a final duty rate of 8.05%. The Company stands to benefit from an approximate US$6.9 million (CAD$9.2 million) recovery on duties paid in 2021, as recorded in 2023. Additionally, the ongoing lower duty rate has positively impacted the Company’s earnings and free cash flow since August 1, 2023.

UPM Biochemicals announced another important milestone in the development of the world’s first biorefinery in Leuna, Germany. In partnership with DB Cargo, the first deliveries of wood have now been made to Leuna by rail, establishing and testing the direct rail link to the Leuna operations’ wood yard. This will enable UPM to transport wood sustainably and to strengthen local supply chains, increasing the security of supply with critical raw materials. DB Cargo, specialists in the sustainable and climate-friendlier transport of goods, is a long-standing partner for timber transportation in the rail sector and has been handling UPM’s paper and pulp freight for several years. It is worth mentioning, that wood handling and processing activities have started as part of the commissioning and start-up work for the biorefinery. The first wood chips made of wood from sustainably managed regional forests have been produced, confirming the overall progress made on-site.

The Paper Workers’ Union has terminated its collective agreements with UPM Pulp, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac and UPM Biofuels businesses to expire mid-term on 21 or 22 April 2024, depending on the agreement. "The Paper Workers’ Union's decision to terminate the collective agreements in the middle of the contract period is regrettable. We had hoped that wage increases and productivity improvements could have been discussed constructively without terminating the agreements. Our aim is to find mutually beneficial solutions without creating unnecessary insecurity," says Jyrki Hollmén, Vice President, Labour Markets at UPM. UPM's businesses and the Paper Workers’ Union have been negotiating for the last two years of the contract period. So far, the negotiations have focused on the parties' objectives. The business environment has changed significantly since the agreements were signed in 2022. UPM underlines the importance of defining wage increases in relation to mutually agreed productivity improvements.

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the global availability of ReTac Clear PET PVC-free film. The award-winning product was initially launched in North America in September 2023 but is now also being made available to Drytac customers in the UK and in markets across Europe. A 3.0 mil (75µ) clear polyester (PET) film with a clear ReTac adhesive​, ReTac Clear PET forms part of Drytac’s popular ReTac range of solutions. It has been specifically developed with the environment in mind and is ideal for POP, retail and hospitality window, wall, and counter-top graphics. The film can be applied to all flat and simple curved surfaces. Printable on both Latex and UV machines, ReTac Clear PET is available in roll widths of up to 54 inches (approx. 137cm).

Antti Jääskeläinen, Executive Vice President, UPM Raflatac, will be leaving UPM to assume the role of President and CEO in the Finnish logistics and distribution company Posti Group Oyj. He will continue with his duties in UPM until the end of July 2024. Antti joined UPM in 2014 and was appointed to UPM’s Group Executive Team in 2016 with responsibility for UPM Raflatac Business Area. During recent months Antti has also held the interim responsibility for UPM Communication Papers Business Area. “I want to thank all my colleagues in UPM for the great journey together in creating a future beyond fossils and building the global profitable growth of UPM Raflatac. UPM is a great company with great people, and I am convinced that UPM will continue to build a strong future. I wish everybody the best of success,” says Antti Jääskeläinen.

The research, called Carbon Sinks+, aims to understand how commercial forests affect to climate change in ways other than as carbon sinks and stores. For example, forests also have an impact on the formation of aerosol particles and clouds, rainfall and the reflection of sunlight back into space, all of which affect to climate change. “It is not yet known which forest or ecosystem has the greatest overall cooling effect on the atmosphere and by which mechanisms. It is known that forests act as carbon sinks, but the SMEAR (station for measuring Earth surface-atmosphere relations) study aims to find out what else commercial forests do for the climate”, explains Markku Kulmala, Professor of Aerosol and Environmental Physics at the University of Helsinki, who is leading the study. The study will measure more than a thousand different variables, and the main measurement site will be the Hyytiälä forest station at the University of Helsinki, where measurements have been taken for decades.

UPM has high aspirations in responding to the global climate challenge. Sustainably produced pulp is one of the answers when aiming for a future beyond fossils. Here are some key facts on our sustainability efforts. 1. Zero tolerance for deforestation - UPM’s business is based on forests. This is a strong reason to ensure that the forests always grow more than they are used. 2. Improving biodiversity in our own forests - As a leader in the industry, UPM was the first forest company in the world to make a commitment to increasing the biodiversity of its own forests. 3. Ultimate goal of climate positive portfolio - The majority of airborne emissions that UPM mills produce are biomass-based from renewable sources. 4. Zero Solid Waste to landfill globally by 2030 - Most of UPM’s waste is reused in other processes such as energy generation.

Searching for the ultimate eco-friendly solution for your next label initiative? We've got you covered. Wausau Coated Products proudly introduces our latest innovation - a range of five new clear sheet products boasting 90% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) PET (Polyester) content. This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. Why choose our new products for your next label project? Here's why: • Eco-Friendly Excellence: Our new clear sheets offer the performance of other films but with a major eco-advantage – they are made from 90% PCR PET • It’s The Right Thing To Do: Just like tossing your aluminum cans into the recycling bin instead of the trash at home, buying and using products with recycled content is the right thing to do. • Versatile Applications: Whether you're looking for permanent or removable signage solutions, or need eco-friendly options for product and regulatory labeling, our new 90% PCR PET sheets are the perfect choice.

Sappi North America Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, announced today its innovative collaboration with Biophilica, the company behind Treekind®. Treekind is one of the only plastic free leather alternatives that is 100% biobased, home compostable, non-toxic, and PETA vegan certified, notably benefiting from Sappi’s textured release paper to give the material an ultra-realistic look and feel. Understanding the important role that touch plays in consumers’ relationship with products, it was paramount for Biophilica to create a product with an authentic, non-plastic-like feel. Touch has the power to shift consumers’ minds into a deeper level of engagement – one more conducive to building a lasting relationship and connection with a brand. To help facilitate this vision in 2022, Sappi stepped in to deliver a high-fidelity, 3D, leather grain solution to impart texture to Treekind through the application of Sappi’s Ultracast Viva® release paper.

• 2023 operating loss of $532 million; shareholder net loss of $326 million • Q4 2023 operating loss of $191 million; shareholder net loss of $117 million • Solid earnings for the Company’s European and US South operations in 2023, with persistent challenges in British Columbia • Successful execution of significant capital growth program in the US South throughout 2023 • Sustained pressure on global lumber market conditions and pricing through most of the fourth quarter, drove quarter-over-quarter decline in results in all lumber operating regions, most notably in Western Canada • Moderate uplift in global pulp market fundamentals through the fourth quarter driven by a slight increase in demand and purchasing activity in most major regions; 20% improvement in pulp production quarter-overquarter

• 2023 operating loss of $128 million; net loss of $96 million • Q4 2023 operating loss of $15 million; net loss of $13 million • Moderate uplift in global pulp market fundamentals through the fourth quarter driven by a slight increase in demand and purchasing activity in most major regions • 20% increase in pulp production in the fourth quarter reflecting improved operating performance at both the Northwood and Intercontinental NBSK pulp mills • Persistent challenges associated with the availability of economic fibre in British Columbia

Mondi, a global leader in the production of sustainable packaging and paper, recently put a new slitting and rewinding unit into operation at its Slovak paper mill in Ružomberok. The equipment allows for an extended capacity in narrow reels thus complementing Mondi’s portfolio offering. “We want to give our customers supply security for their paper needs in folio and various reel widths and for this we needed to extend our narrow reel capacity,” explains Bernhard Cantzler, Marketing and Sales Director at Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper. This wide paper portfolio is offered from Mondi SCP, Mondi’s integrated pulp and paper mill located in Slovakia fulfilling strict sustainability requirements. All Mondi uncoated fine paper brands produced at the site are Cradle to Cradle Certified® at the Bronze level. This certification ensures that, regardless of the level, all certified products are safe, circular and responsibly made. Depending on the specific product the papers carry the EU Ecolabel and are chain of custody certified according to PEFC and/or FSCTM requirements.

ANDRITZ supplied energy-efficient and environmentally leading technology for UPM’s largest investment to date. With a capacity to produce 2.1 million tons of eucalyptus pulp per year, the mill is the biggest in Uruguay and the world’s biggest single line mill in operation. It will also contribute around 1 TWh of surplus green electricity per year to the Uruguayan power supply. UPM will use the pulp from the Paso de los Toros mill to meet the rising demand of existing customers, particularly in China, but also to target new markets. Having successfully established itself as a reliable pulp supplier in the Asia-Pacific region and in Europe during the last decade, UPM is now using this experience, as well as the increased capacity, to develop the North American market.

Felix Schoeller is fulfilling its PAPER MADE FOR LIFE brand promise with five sustainable product solutions at this year's FESPA Global Print Expo (19-22.03.2024) in Amsterdam. The new TRANSFER DT paper with 67 percent less plastic is a sustainable addition to the transfer films in the product portfolio; the S-RACE® TERRA sublimation paper made of 65 percent recycled fibres, the SCM pro terra and the polyethylen-free ULTRA green photo paper are the consistent implementations of the promise to use resources and make an essential contribution to society consciously and the environment with sustainable paper solutions - without compromising on quality. As if that were not enough, Felix Schoeller is also taking a sustainable approach to packaging its digital media products. In close consultation with customers, the aim is to make this 100% plastic-free in future. You can experience the unique, sustainable solutions and new products live at the trade fair stand in Hall 12, Stand D21.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions (“Pixelle”), a leading manufacturer of specialty papers in North America, launched a new product portfolio of premium ballot papers tailored for local, state and federal elections across the United States. As the 2024 national and local elections draw near, Pixelle is positioned to support polling nationwide with a wide range of high-performance ballot papers that are made in the U.S.A. Pixelle’s ballot paper portfolio includes options for hand-marked ballots, machine-readable ballots compatible with major voting systems, and durable mail-in/absentee ballots. Basis weights range from 80 lb. to 100 lb. and include durable, uncoated heavyweight stocks that deliver excellent opacity and trouble-free printing on web offset, sheetfed, digital toner and inkjet presses. Additionally, Pixelle’s ballot papers offer consistent post-processing for folding, scoring and perforation.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, opens a new slitting and distribution terminal in Mumbai, India. The new facility further improves service and quality to UPM Raflatac’s customers and strengthens the relationships in the region. “Our talented team has created a great workplace for our employees, a great facility to serve our customers and a great platform for growth. With the new modern facility, we can stock more material locally which will optimize lead times, enhance service, and help meet the diverse and dynamic needs of our customers,“ says Alan Wright, Senior Vice President, EMEIA Region, UPM Raflatac. The new Mumbai terminal, operational since February, will soon see the addition of another slitting machine. Its strategic central location extends UPM Raflatac’s reach across the country.

Fedrigoni has set the goal for 2030 to have 100% of its special paper families with a verified level of recyclability according to the Aticelca 501/19 method, one of the most rigorous and in line with current regulations. If the paper product falls into one of the four recyclability classes (A+, A, B, C), it means that it can be collected in paper and recycled in paper mills, and the company is authorized to use the “Recyclable with paper – Aticelca® 501” mark for commercial purposes. More intense colors can generate a drop in recylability class (for example, bringing the classification from an A+ level to an A level if going from a light color to a more intense one), limit the use of paper, or require a greater use of colors or coatings to cover intensely colored fibers. In addition, the recycling of differently colored and deep papers leads to the creation of gray recycled papers, with optical inhomogeneity; these papers can only be used for limited applications (for example, inside a box). At Fedrigoni, we recover our colored paper waste through a color flow (from white to black) to maximize its optical homogeneity.

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,761 thousand tons (stable vs. 4Q22). • Paper sales³ of 386 thousand tons (14% vs. 4Q22). • Net average pulp price in export market: US$572/ton (-31% vs. 4Q22). • Average net paper price3 of R$6,732/ton (-5% vs. 4Q22). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$816/ton (-13% vs. 4Q22). • Leverage of 3.1 times in USD and 3.0 times in BRL. • Cerrado Project completes 86% of physical progress and 78% of financial progress.

Rottneros introduces our brand; Spring by Rottneros - the same high-quality CTMP pulp as before but now with its own name. In connection with the brand introduction, the article structure is also simplified to harmonize with the usual way of classifying different CTMP qualities on the market. We have a strong brand for our chemical pulp, Robur Flash. Now we want to create an equally strong brand for our CTMP quality, says Kasper Skuthälla, Rottneros Sales and Business Development Manager. Spring by Rottneros is a quality primarily developed for the needs of the growing cardboard market and can also be adapted for a range of other special applications. It is approved for food contact and can be obtained as environmentally certified.

Nekoosa announces the launch of Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper, a new paper for the transfer of sharp, high-definition color images onto both hard and soft surfaces such as metal, wood, ceramic, fabric, glass, fiberglass and more. Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper is compatible with all major dye sublimation printer brands designed with water-based ink systems. “Nekoosa's Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper is setting a new standard for print quality and durability in the industry. With ecommerce driving corporate and consumer demands for personalized products across various sectors, the need for short run, high-definition printing with added versatility has never been more critical for growth,” says Rita Gibson, Product Manager at Nekoosa. As a part of the Nekoosa Promise™ portfolio, Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper is paper-based and 100% recyclable, aligning with Nekoosa’s commitment to offering sustainable products. The portfolio offers print media solutions that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing quality, performance or affordability.

The Fedrigoni Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of special papers, self-adhesive materials, and RFID solutions, announces the acquisition of certain assets of Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc., the company it entered into an industrial partnership with last September 2022 to strengthen the distribution of specialty fine papers in the North American market. The transaction was finalized through a NewCo incorporated by Fedrigoni to acquire Mohawk's assets in a sale process initiated by a financial institution, following a period of significant financial distress that affected the U.S.-based company in the past months. The transaction entirely cleared the new company from existing indebtedness, allowing to preserve the majority of existing jobs, industrial activities and customer relationships. Founded in 1931, Mohawk is a family-owned company that produces some of the best-known specialty papers for designers, brands, and printers and that - like Fedrigoni - has strongly innovated in the field of digital printing and sustainability. The sharing of core values such as solid know-how and a focus on innovation and environmental impact reduction led to the acquisition of this firm, which becomes part of the Fedrigoni Special Papers division and represents an important piece in the group's overseas growth strategy.

The blue thermal paper from Koehler Paper, known under the trade name Blue4est®, is becoming increasingly popular due to its sustainability; a result of a complete absence of color developers and that it can be easily disposed of as wastepaper. The blue checkout rolls from the world’s leading thermal paper manufacturer from Oberkirch have now become the subject of a promotional campaign in the Renchtal region. Eight businesses and restaurants from the city Oberkirch have come together voluntarily to use their logos on the back of the blue till paper in an act of solidarity to campaign for a green Renchtal. In addition to the eight logos, they are also highlighting the main advantage of the blue thermal paper: It is environmentally friendly and can be recycled. This makes it clear to customers that their blue receipt is helping to protect the environment and represents an even greener Renchtal.

Mativ Fourth Quarter 2023 Highlights (Continuing Operations) *Sales were $452.3 million down 13.7% year over year, reflecting lower volume *GAAP loss was $13.6 million, GAAP EPS was $(0.25), and GAAP Operating Loss was $2.2 million. Results included $10.6 million ($0.19 per share) related to asset write-downs due to footprint rationalization, integration costs from the Merger, and divestiture costs from the EP Divestiture. Mativ Full Year 2023 Highlights (Continuing Operations) *Sales increased 24% to $2,026.0 million, reflecting the full benefit of the Merger; Sales decreased 9% on a comparable basis, reflecting lower volume partly offset by higher selling prices and favorable currency translation *GAAP Loss was $507.7 million, GAAP EPS was $(9.33), and GAAP Operating Loss was $413.9 million, which all included significant expenses related to goodwill impairment, integration, and restructuring

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the global availability of ReTac Duo double-sided mounting adhesive. Previously only available in North America but now being offered to customers worldwide, ReTac Duo is a clear, double-sided mounting adhesive on a clear PET carrier. It has a permanent adhesive on one side and ReTac ultra-removable adhesive on the other. The permanent adhesive side of the film sticks to the desired graphic, while ReTac ultra removable adhesive on the other means the graphic can be easily applied, repositioned and removed for repeated use. Such is the flexibility and adaptability of ReTac Duo that it can adhere to walls, doors, windows, or any other smooth surface, without leaving behind residue when removed.

Last spring, the board of the Rottneros Group decided to invest 93 MSEK in a solar park and energy storage. This is part of the Group's efforts to increase the share of renewable electricity, but also to reduce its exposure to the electricity market. The procurement is now complete. Nordic Solar will deliver the solar panels and Powerworks the energy storage. With these contracts in place, everything is lined up to build the Rottneros group's first solar park and energy storage. The facility is expected to generate 3 GWh/year. It is a smaller part of the electricity consumption in the factory, but an important part of the Rottneros Group's long-term sustainability strategy.

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Moorim P&P, South Korea, to upgrade an evaporation plant at its Ulsan mill, which produces bleached kraft pulp and different types of high-quality paper. The refurbishment will help to increase the mill’s efficiency and reduce consumption of resources. Mr. Kim Sangwoo, Project Director, Moorim P&P, says, “We have set ambitious energy saving targets for our Ulsan mill. This upgrade will increase the capacity of our evaporation line no. 1 and the final dry solids content of the black liquor, which supports these targets. ANDRITZ’s efficient technologies will contribute to water and energy savings.” The upgraded evaporation plant is designed to produce a stable, high-solids black liquor stream for efficient combustion in the recovery boiler. All condensates generated in the evaporation plant can be 100% re-used in other mill areas reducing the need for raw water.

Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights: *Revenue of $686 million *Income from operations of $8 million; Net loss attributable to Tronox of $56 million *GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.36; Full Year 2023 Financial Highlights: *Total revenue of $2,850 million *Income from operations of $186 million; Net loss attributable to Tronox of $316 million; *Adjusted EBITDA of $524 million; *GAAP diluted loss per share of $2.02; *Capital expenditures of $261 million *Returned $89 million to shareholders in the form of dividends

Financial Highlights – 2023 Full Year *Net income from continuing operations of $253 million *Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of $504 million *Free cash flow3 of $294 million *Paid regular and special dividends totaling $57 million *Repurchased 1,574,133 shares of our common stock for approximately $70 million, resulting in 41.2 million shares outstanding as of Dec. 31 *Ended the year with net debt of $730 million ($950 million of gross debt and $220 million cash on hand). Financial Highlights - Fourth Quarter vs. Third Quarter *Net sales of $964 million vs. $897 million (7.5% increase) *Net income from continuing operations of $49 million vs. $58 million *Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of $167 million vs. $197 million *Free cash flow3 of $104 million vs. $155 million

Fluff pulp is cool. Who knew? The people of Arkansas, that’s who. They voted Domtar’s fluff pulp the coolest thing made in their state. The Coolest Thing Made in Arkansas is a program sponsored by Arkansas Business, a weekly business journal and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas. Fluff pulp from our mill in Ashdown, Arkansas, uses wood harvested from sustainably managed forests in the region. In the final stage of voting, called the “Featured Four,” our fluff pulp competed against rubber bands, a sliding shoe sorter and aluminum swirl tables. We’re honored to have been chosen the winner in the 2023 contest.

Financial summary for the quarter *EBITDA excluding special items US$156 million (Q1 FY23 US$290 million) *Net debt US$1,216 million (Q1 FY23 US$1,241 million) *EPS excluding special items 8 US cents (Q1 FY23 30 US cents) *Production at Stockstadt and Lanaken Mills in Europe permanently ceased

The Rumford outage recently wrapped up a historic outage and we would like to thank everyone for the hard work over the past few months.This outage was a massive undertaking, and we are excited for a more efficient and more productive future. Throughout August and September, the historic mill received a deep-cleaning, some much-needed TLC, and several major repairs and significant projects took place throughout the mill. This outage is a significant milestone in ND Paper’s commitment to operational efficiency and safety and approximately 1,000 contractors were on site performing various functions. Unlike the simultaneous annual outage, a cold outage involved a complete shutdown of all equipment and electricity. This pause in production allowed our team to make critical repairs and replacement on typically inaccessible machinery. The cold outage spanned nine days (September 5th to September 14th) and included major steam, air, water, electrical and sewer system repairs. All four boilers were taken offline, allowing for the execution of 88 work orders focused on steam system leaks and valve issues.

Our donation of $50,000 to Vancouver Island University has supported 19 student awards in the past two years. “Awards are great incentive for students to focus on their learning and when received instill a sense of pride as they meet their goals,” says Brad Jannaway, Instructor and Department Chair of HMT in Trades and applied Technologies “From a practical standpoint, the award will likely come at a time they really need it and can help them move into their chosen careers.” Created with the $50,000 donation, the Paper Excellence Award Fund gives students who did well in the program a financial boost as this graduate. Congratulations to the 19 students who received these $1,000 awards in 2022 and 2023. The 2024 recipient selections will take place between April and August.

Lecta expands its line of Termax thermal products and launches its two new high-quality grades of Termax top-coated thermal paper on the market, Termax TC20X and Termax TC20XB, for a wide variety of self-adhesive labels. The two new grades of paper in this product line are made to be used as adhesive facestock for food and industrial label applications in which there may be adverse conditions such as moisture, grease or solvents. Both products are highly resistant to grease, water, solvents, scratching and plasticizers, and are therefore an excellent solution to these problems. In addition to excellent chemical and environmental resistance, Termax TC20X and TC20XB papers provide high image resolution, good temperature resistance, high sensitivity, and both are phenol-free. The TC20XB also has a protective layer on the back to protect the label when used with more demanding adhesives.

UPM has been recognised by the global environmental non-profit organisation CDP for its leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change and forests, securing a place on the annual 'A List'. Based on data reported through CDP's 2023 Climate Change and Forests questionnaires, UPM is one of a small number of companies to achieve a double 'A' out of more than 21,000 companies assessed. For the water questionnaire, UPM received an A-, which is also a leadership position. "In today's world, all three aspects of the CDP are very important for all of us," says Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility, UPM.

Mondi plc (Mondi), a global leader in the production of sustainable packaging and paper, has completed the acquisition of Hinton Pulp mill in Alberta, Canada, from West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd (West Fraser) for a total consideration of USD 5 million. The mill has the capacity to produce around 250,000 tonnes of pulp per annum and will provide the Group with access to local, high-quality fibre from a well-established wood basket as part of a long-term partnership with West Fraser. Mondi intends to invest in the mill to improve productivity and sustainability performance and, subject to pre-engineering and permitting, invest in expanding the facility primarily with a new kraft paper machine which will integrate its paper bag operations in the Americas to support future growth.

Zhao Lei, President, Wuzhou Special Paper, says: “In collaboration with ANDRITZ, we have set a world record by achieving a capacity of 1,500 admt/d using just one HC refiner in our new production line. With this cutting-edge system, we will be self-sufficient in pulp production, guaranteeing top-quality products without having to rely on outsourcing.” Zhang Yancheng, Vice General Manager, Wuzhou Special Paper, adds: “ANDRITZ's proven technology, coupled with its team of domestic and international experts, has greatly supported our production line start-up. We're very satisfied with the high fiber quality and the low energy consumption.” The new system produces pulp for premium folding boxboard using eucalyptus and acacia chips as raw material. The patented state-of-the-art P-RC APMP (Pre-conditioning Refiner Chemical Alkaline Peroxide Mechanical Pulp) process ensures optimum pulp quality at minimum operating cost and lowest environmental impact.

Q4 2023 highlights: *Sales decreased by 22% to EUR 2,531 million (3,231 million in Q4 2022) *Comparable EBIT decreased by 51% to EUR 323 million, 12.8% of sales (653 million, 20.2%) *Operating cash flow was EUR 456 million (1,576 million), supported by cash inflow from working capital. 2023 highlights: *Sales decreased by 11% to EUR 10,460 million (11,720 million in 2022) *Comparable EBIT decreased by 52% to EUR 1,013 million (2,096 million), and was 9.7% (17.9%) of sales *Operating cash flow was record strong at EUR 2,269 million (508 million), supported by cash inflow from energy hedges

Avery Dennison Corporation announced preliminary, unaudited results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 30, 2023. Unless otherwise indicated, comparisons are to the same period in the prior year. “Earnings per share were in line with our expectations for the fourth quarter, increasing sequentially for the fourth consecutive quarter,” said Deon Stander, president and CEO. “Volume in both Label Materials and Apparel Solutions improved sequentially, continuing to recover from slow market conditions, largely due to inventory destocking, while our Intelligent Labels platform continues to accelerate. “In Intelligent Labels, we are targeting to deliver significant growth in 2024, as apparel rebounds and we accelerate the adoption of our solutions that help address key industry challenges in logistics, food and general retail, further advancing our leadership position at the intersection of the physical and digital.

According to Forbes magazine, each year 4 million baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, leave the workforce, taking with them valuable institutional knowledge that future generations might miss out on. At Domtar, we’re working to capture and transfer that institutional knowledge before it’s gone. Since April, Manufacturing Knowledge Development Senior Director Larry Warren has worked with a steering team of operational leaders, both at corporate offices and manufacturing sites, to create an intentional operations training structure. The aim is to ensure consistent operator training, development and institutional knowledge transfer across our manufacturing network as older employees retire and new ones take their place.

Commensurate with the recent divestiture of the Company’s Engineered Papers business, Mativ Holdings, Inc. announced organizational realignment initiatives that will streamline organizational size and complexity, and leverage business-critical resources to enhance customer support. As a result of these initiatives, the Company expects to achieve an annualized run-rate of $20 million of overhead cost reduction in 2024 and an additional $20 million by the end of 2026, effectively reducing overhead costs by approximately 15% over that timeframe. The first wave of this initiative is primarily driven by workforce reductions and indexed toward senior levels of the organization. The second wave of savings will be unlocked by system integrations, further restructuring, and transactional efficiencies. The 2024 charges associated with these initiatives are estimated to be $15-$20 million, which are expected to be incurred predominantly in the first half of 2024.

Key highlights *Weak volumes in North America and negative price and mix impact in both regions *Sequentially lower input costs, mainly related to pulpwood in Europe *Another strong delivery of our efficiency enhancement program *Excellent cash delivery through working capital focus *Negative profit impact from revaluation of biological assets in the associated company BSÖ. Quarterly data Q4 *Net sales decreased by 20% to SEK 9,566 million (11,971) *Operating loss SEK 191 million (profit: 1,353) including items affecting comparability of SEK -244 million (-52) *Net loss SEK 330 million (profit: 940)

Ahlstrom is proud to announce the launch of PureLid™, a fiber-based lid offering for single-serve coffee capsules to support the coffee industry in its sustainability journey. With its ground-breaking design, PureLid™ offers a high-performing, home-compostable alternative to aluminum or plastic lids used in coffee capsules. PureLid™ has received the OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL certifications from TÜV®. OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL certifications confirm that PureLid™ can be composted at home and in an industrial facility. All tests have been carried out with an independent laboratory certified and accredited to ISO 17025. This innovative, patented coffee lid structure is ready to seal on coffee capsules, making it an ideal choice for manufacturers who are looking to embrace the future of sustainable coffee packaging.

Ahlstrom pursues its over 50-year commitment and drive of the future of the global filtration industry by investing in a new production line for molecular filtration media in Turin, Italy. Air quality in closed environments such as buildings and vehicles is a major concern in many areas of the world. In this context, particulate filter media play an important role in removing solid particles and aerosols from the air. Molecular filter media are used in complement, removing gaseous pollutants, including volatile organic compounds, inorganic gases (such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia), and odors, and delivering the cleanest air to people and processes. The new line is being designed to produce the highest-performance adsorbent materials for premium filtration applications, including next-generation cabin air and fuel cell air intake, as well as a complete range for HVAC and cleanrooms.

In a strategic move to streamline its operations and enhance its commitment to sustainability, Sustana proudly announces the rebranding of its subsidiary companies, including Sustana Fiber, Rolland, and Hanna Paper, under the united Sustana umbrella. Fabian de Armas, Chairman and CEO of Sustana, expressed his enthusiasm for the rebrand, stating, “This strategic move marks a significant milestone in our journey toward a more circular and nature-positive future. By uniting our business units under the Sustana brand, we are creating a stronger, more united company around our shared purpose – to make sustainability an ingredient in everyday products.”

The persistent global economic downturn is proving to be much tougher than anticipated with depressed markets, geopolitical instability and weak economic growth combining to put significant pressure on Sappi, particularly in Europe. In response we announced on 10 October 2023 the start of a consultation process on the possible closure of Sappi Lanaken Mill. We have completed this process and agreed on the social plan for the employees. Production of paper ended in December 2023. The closure of the site should be completed during the second calendar quarter of 2024. Details regarding the financial impact once all closure elements are taken into account will be provided during the first quarter financial results announcement.

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed the previously announced decentralization of its lumber mill and paper mill operations. In connection with the decentralization, Terry Skiffington has been engaged as Chief Executive Officer of the paper mill division. Mr. Skiffington is a skilled executive with a broad range of experience in the pulp and paper sector in Canada and globally. The strategic decision to decentralize the businesses and management is expected to improve the ability to focus on the unique aspects of each business, provide for more efficient decision-making processes and to allow for increased entrepreneurialism and cost-control measures.

Domtar’s commitment to literacy drives our investments in community libraries across Canada and the United States. We recognize the integral connection between paper and learning, as well as the unique role of local libraries. As part of our 175th anniversary celebration, we made one of the largest community investments in our history to support the construction of a new community library in Windsor, Quebec, home to our Windsor Mill. Domtar committed $225,000 to support the project, which will relocate the Patrick Dignan Library to a new building that will offer more space and improved accessibility. “Domtar’s partnership with the library project is a natural fit. In addition to being a mobilizing and inclusive project for the entire community, it is directly linked to our product, paper,” says Sylvain Bricault, general manager of the Windsor Mill.

UPM Raflatac plans to open a new state-of-the-art slitting and distribution terminal in the Toronto, Canada metropolitan area. The new facility will improve service and quality to UPM Raflatac’s customers in Eastern Canada and Northeastern U.S., while strengthening relationships in the region. “We have made significant investments in our production capabilities to meet the demand for self-adhesive paper and film products. The recent decision to expand our global network of terminals with a brand-new facility in Canada is a testament to our long history of enabling our customers to grow,” said Morgan Dundas, Sales Director, UPM Raflatac Americas.

Following the transfer of Massimo Reynaudo from UPM Communication Papers to lead UPM-Kymmene Corporation as its President and CEO, Antti Jääskeläinen has been appointed to act as interim Executive Vice President of UPM Communication Papers until a successor has been appointed. Antti Jääskeläinen assumes this role on top of his current duties and continues in his current role as Executive Vice President of UPM Raflatac. Antti Jääskeläinen’s biographical details are available at the company’s website. Saara Tahvanainen has been appointed Executive Vice President responsible for UPM’s Stakeholder Relations, and member of UPM’s Group Executive Team. Stakeholder Relations covers communications, brand/marketing, corporate responsibility, and public affairs. She will start in the role latest on 15 July 2024. She will report to Massimo Reynaudo, President and CEO, and will be based in Helsinki, Finland.

GT2 Redevelopment LLC, a Joint Venture of New Mill Capital Holdings, Infinity Asset Solutions and Camjay LLC, has acquired the assets of Pixelle Specialty Solutions in Jay, ME. The acquisition includes the real estate of the main paper mill site as well as all mill equipment and the adjacent cogeneration power plant. “We are thrilled to have acquired the Jay mill and plan on making a significant investment to bring economic life back to the property,” said Tony McDonald, President of Camjay. “The site’s heavy infrastructure can be repurposed for a variety of industrial uses, and we have already started the process of identifying potential new users for the property.”

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, will invest $193 million to expand its operation in the City of Suffolk, Virginia. The company will build a new 80,000-square-foot production facility, packaging facility and tank farm, and add a new rail spur to accommodate production of polyvinylamine (PVAm) polymer products, which are used in paper and cardboard manufacturing. This new facility will be used to grow the existing polymer product line and add additional capacity of this critical monomer to the existing supplier. The project will create 34 new jobs. “Solenis is a global leader in the specialty chemical industry with a 40-year history in the City of Suffolk, and this major investment and expansion demonstrates that manufacturing is thriving in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Hampton Roads has the skilled workforce, business climate, and logistics advantages, including our world-class port, to enable Solenis to add significant capacity to supply the international paper manufacturing market.”

The global water purification market is fast-moving with continuous advancements in technologies and applications. There is an increased focus on more sustainable solutions to address the growing concerns about water quality and the need for reliable water purification solutions. Ahlstrom supports the water purification market and contributes to the availability of clean water by launching a new water filtration solution for enhanced particulate removal in pre-filtration applications. The new filter material can be used as a stand-alone or as a complement to the existing Ahlstrom Disruptor® and Hollytex® ranges. The new pre-filter is suitable for both residential and industrial uses. It removes contaminants such as rust, sand, and other debris that may end up in water pipelines, ensuring the highest quality of water. The pre-filter delivers superior performance and quality consistency when used as a pleated filter design.

All papers sourced by UPM Raflatac, whether used as a face paper or a release liner in its labeling materials, are now certified under a credible third-party forest certification scheme. Having all papers certified is one of UPM Raflatac’s 2030 responsible sourcing and climate targets, which was now achieved six years ahead of time. “Reaching our 2030 target this far in advance is a significant milestone that we could not have achieved without the support and close collaboration of our suppliers, and the drive and commitment of our employees. Third-party forest certification is one important element in our responsible sourcing approach, combined with supplier assessment and development activities, as well as continuous risk monitoring and management,” says Maria Seppälä, VP Sourcing, UPM Raflatac.

According to the plans, production would end by summer 2024. The change negotiations at the Merikarvia sawmill concern all the sawmill’s 79 employees. “The Merikarvia sawmill has reached the end of its technical life cycle, which is why we’ve initiated plans to close down its operations,” says Ismo Nousiainen, CEO of Metsä Fibre. The annual production capacity of the Merikarvia sawmill is approximately 220,000 m3 pine sawn timber, and the annual wood consumption is approximately 455,000 m3.

Duluth's longtime paper mill is expected to be sold to an Italian paper products company, about a year into operations as ST Paper. Sofidel, which operates several plants in the United States, expects to not only preserve but add employees, said ST Paper spokesman Bill Broydrick. "This is good news," he said of expanding operations at the mill, which first opened in 1987 and is a major taxpayer and utility customer, employing about 100. Both Duluth's City Council and St. Louis County commissioners need to sign off on two aspects of the deal, and that could happen this month.

HEINZEL GROUP is pleased to announce the successful completion of its acquisition of the Steyrermühl paper mill in Upper Austria from UPM. This strategic move reinforces Heinzel's commitment to sustainability and growth in the paper and packaging industry. The acquisition agreement for the mill including its roughly 400 employees was signed in June 2022 for a takeover in 2024. Already in March 2023 the ownership of an idled graphic paper machine in Steyrermühl was transferred to HEINZEL GROUP and a conversion project there is well on track. Once converted by the second quarter of 2024, the machine will produce up to 150,000 tons of brown and white low-grammage kraft papers per year to be marketed under HEINZEL GROUP’S well-established STARKRAFT brand. With the closing of the transaction HEINZEL GROUP has now also taken over the Steyrermühl sawmill, a local power plant run with biomass and residues, and other facilities. HEINZEL GROUP plans to develop Steyrermühl into a supply center for heat and renewable energy for both the neighboring Laakirchen paper mill and the wider Laakirchen community.

Billerud – including Billerud North America - retains its position as one of the world’s most sustainable companies in its industry sector. This year’s results from the globally recognized Dow Jones Sustainability Indices show that Billerud continues to be one of the leading companies in the Containers & Packaging category. The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices is based on the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA), which is a comprehensive annual evaluation of corporate sustainability efforts and performance. The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index includes the top ten percent of more than 2500 publicly listed companies. The CSA is based on an analysis of corporate governance, environmental performance, and social performance, divided into 23 categories. Billerud is among the top 10 percent in the industry in the 2023 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.

Andrei Krés has been appointed as the new CFO of Billerud. Andrei has been the acting CFO since August 2023 and will assume the permanent role immediately. Andrei Krés joined Billerud in 2011 and has since then held several different positions within the company including Head of Group Treasury, Vice President of Group Finance and since August 2023 as acting CFO. "I am entirely confident that Andrei, with his strong financial profile and deep experience within the company, will contribute positively to our financial development as well as bring valuable expertise to the Group Management Team," says Ivar Vatne, CEO and President of Billerud.

Metsä Group has made its second Swedish investment in FineCell (FineCellOx AB), developer of the FineCell technology and producer of CellOx dry cellulose powder. The company will use the EUR 1 million seed funding to improve its material application know-how, engage with potential customers, and finalise the material needed for making an investment decision concerning a demo production facility. The funding round lead by Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring consists of a group of investors, including EIT InnoEnergy and the company’s founder. The FineCell technology can turn pulp into added-value biomaterial that can be used both as a powder and as a water solution, i.e., a hydrogel. These can replace fossil-based chemicals in beauty and healthcare products, as well as in paints. FineCell is a spinout of the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.

International technology group ANDRITZ has received a follow-up order from Brazilian pulp and paper producer Suzano for a major conversion project at the Limeira pulp mill. The project will enable Suzano to increase its eucalyptus-based fluff pulp production capacity from 100,000 to 440,000 tons per year to meet the growing global demand for personal hygiene products. Suzano is the only company in the world producing fluff pulp from hardwood – based on ANDRITZ technology.

Wood is a natural, renewable resource, and Lecta firmly supports its responsible use to preserve forests, the environment and its value for our society at large. Our Responsible Purchasing of Wood and Forest-Based Products Policy states our commitment regarding the purchasing of pulp and fiber. The policy and its requirements, along with the principles in our Code of Ethics and Lecta's Integrated Management System Policy, ensure the correct management of our purchases, in line with our sustainability targets. In keeping with these values, Lecta’s PEFC and FSC® C011032 Chain of Custody system has been in place for years to guarantee accountability and the protection of forest resources through tracking systems.

VIDA AB, owned 70% by Canfor Corporation, announced that it will invest approximately 700 million SEK (CAD$85 million) at its Bruza Sawmill in Hjältevad, expanding production from 175 million board feet to 240 million board feet. This major investment includes a new highcapacity planing mill equipped with the latest technology, a new boiler, wood drying kilns and warehouse. “I’m very happy that we’ve made this decision to increase our capacity in eastern Småland, together with our sawmills in Vimmerby and Mörlunda. This investment clearly demonstrates that we believe in wood as the material of the future, and in Hjältevad as a place to grow our business,” said Måns Johansson, CEO of Vida AB and President, Canfor Europe.

Clearwater Paper Corporation has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, an annual update on the company’s progress against its multi-year sustainability goals. The report also announces Clearwater Paper’s new strategic sustainability framework, Everyday Responsibility. This forward-looking strategy centers the company’s sustainability work and initiatives on three distinct pillars: Resource Stewardship, Trusted Products, and Thriving People and Communities. “Our new strategic sustainability framework reflects our unwavering commitment to Everyday Responsibility, which aligns with Clearwater Paper’s core values, sustainability goals and business objectives,” said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer. “It serves to guide our present and future actions and helps us communicate with our stakeholders more effectively. Together, we will continue to be a company that customers are excited to partner with, our employees are proud to work for and that our communities can count on.”

The Board of Billerud has appointed Ivar Vatne to be the President and CEO of Billerud. Ivar Vatne has been acting President and CEO since July 2023 and enters the permanent position with immediate effect. “The Board has conducted a thorough recruitment process and has evaluated both internal and external candidates. We are very pleased that Ivar is willing to take on the job and it shows real strength that we find the best candidate within the company. Ivar is a highly appreciated leader, and he has deep knowledge about the company’s strategic direction. He has also proved that he understands the importance of continuous improvements to secure competitiveness, and has the ability to drive them”, says Jan Svensson, Chairman of Billerud.

Lecta has developed new metallized papers with functionalities specifically oriented towards flexible packaging, recyclable products with the aim of replacing some of the materials currently in use that contain plastic. The new Metalvac Seal and Metalvac Barrier WV are the result of innovative w​ork based on Lecta's expertise in direct high-vacuum metallization, the application of coatings and the search for the appropriate components to achieve the desired functionalities. Both products we present have characteristics suitable for specific flexible packaging applications, and in both cases, they are recyclable and therefore more sustainable. Metalvac Seal: Suitable for graphic and flexible packaging applications (such as flowpacks, sachets, envelopes, or wrappers) for non-food products (collectible cards, stickers, toys, hotel amenities, etc.) and food products that do not require a specific barrier. Metalvac Barrier WV: Suitable for flexible packaging applications (such as flowpacks, sachets, wrappers, caps, etc.) for both non-food and food products (such as confectionery, coffee, tea, powdered products, etc.).

Julie Schertell, CEO of Mativ, commented, “We are very pleased with the completion of the sale of Engineered Papers. They have a great team and strategy in place for a successful future. For Mativ, this is an important part of unlocking our strategy to become a leading manufacturer of specialty materials. As we head into 2024, over 80% of our revenue will be from our Advanced Technical Materials segment, where we have strong positions in large, growing, profitable markets.” The net impact of the transaction on Mativ’s debt is expected to be a reduction of more than $600 million, which equates to approximately 35% of Mativ’s outstanding debt balance as of the end of the third quarter, and is subject to customary post-closing adjustments. This debt reduction is expected to be effective early December 2023. “This transaction fully aligns with our commitment to continued debt reduction and operational focus in attractive markets that accelerate our growth and expand our margins,” stated Schertell. “It marks a key milestone in the transformation of Mativ and aligns with our strategy to focus our efforts, accelerate growth, and drive value for our shareholders.”

Recently, there has been an increase in contradictory information being spread about the recyclability of Blue4est® checkout receipts. Whereas the German Environment Agency states it is fully recyclable, according to the association INGEDE (International Research Community for De-Inking Technology) blue checkout receipts can cause problems when disposed of as wastepaper, even in small quantities. This statement is inaccurate, and is causing confusion among consumers. The first sustainable and recyclable thermal paper Blue4est® – also known as the blue receipt or eco-receipt – was launched onto the market in 2015. Now, a host of customers across Europe are using these sustainable checkout receipts. The innovative technology has since been refined, with the introduction of Blue4est® Pro paper for labels in 2022. Blue4est® is produced entirely without chemical developers, which is why the German Environment Agency recommends disposing of it as wastepaper. This allows the paper to be recycled and reused as a new raw material. Some time ago, the German Environment Agency officially confirmed – including via an announcement on its website – that blue checkout receipts can be disposed of as wastepaper.

UPM Raflatac announces Soprema as its main partner in label waste recycling in the EMEIA region. Soprema, one of the world's leading companies in waterproofing and a specialist in roofing and insulation, will transform the label waste collected through RafCycle™ by UPM Raflatac recycling service into new construction and insulation materials. Soprema is a key player in the construction sector. With a presence of 123 manufacturing sites and over 120 subsidiaries worldwide, Soprema is known for its commitment to sustainable construction solutions and investment in innovation. The collaboration with UPM Raflatac further underlines Soprema's dedication to sustainability. UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle service is committed to liner waste recycling. With this innovative partnership, label waste is converted into insulation solutions, supporting the use of renewable sources in the construction industry at Soprema’s site in France.

UPM invests nearly 10 million euros in the modernization of the Korkeakoski sawmill. A new split saw supplied by USNR will start operating at the sawmill in 2025. This is a very significant investment in the efficiency and competitiveness of the Korkeakoski sawmill. "The sawmill industry has a long history of over 60 years in Korkeakoski. Great work has been done here for a long time, and this investment is an excellent continuation of that. The Korkeakoski sawmill has been a model example of excellent production efficiency, and this investment will further strengthen our position", says Korkeakoski Sawmill Director Janne Klaavuniemi. In the modernization of the sawmill, the split saw in the second stage of sawing will be renewed, along with automation and other equipment. The investment enables more efficient use of raw materials, as the same amount of logs convert to more end product. Modern equipment also increases energy efficiency.

Paper Excellence is pleased to announce that we will be matching donations up to $50,000 this Giving Tuesday. We are proud to support vulnerable youths and help them forge a bright future. The Take a Hike foundation collaborates with public school districts to engage vulnerable youths in a mental health and emotional well-being program. Their mission is to empower these vulnerable youth with the skills and resilience they need to graduate high school, build healthy relationships and achieve success. They provide a safe and caring community by engaging youth in clinical counselling, and regular outdoor adventures.

On October 11, 2023, Paper Excellence announced an additional $175,000 contribution towards wildfire recovery efforts in Shelburne County to follow its $25,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross Nova Scotia & Atlantic Canada Fires Appeal earlier in the year. The earlier $25,000 donation received matched support from the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia, leading to a total of $250,000 towards wildfire rebuilding efforts in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. In October, community members in Shelburne County gathered to celebrate the contributions from Paper Excellence, as well as generous contributions of lumber and support from Freeman Lumber, Scotsburn Lumber, and Wilson’s Home Hardware Building Centre in Barrington.

Canfor Corporation announced it will curtail operations at its Polar Sawmill located in Bear Lake British Columbia, north of Prince George, following an orderly wind-down. The curtailment is the result of a shortage of economically available fibre in the region and is expected to be in place for a period of approximately six months. The Company will continue to evaluate market conditions and fibre availability in the region and adjust operations accordingly.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and more sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, recently won the 2023 Calvin Frost Elevation Sustainability Award at the 2023 Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute, Inc. (TLMI) Annual Meeting. This award acknowledges TLMI members that have made significant strides in environmental and social aspects of sustainability. UPM Raflatac works in many areas to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. The company is making huge strides towards its 2030 commitments, including progress towards their certified paper commitment, as well as towards their CO2e reduction targets. This year EcoVadis has recognised UPM with a platinum score based on the company’s sustainability performance in the following four categories: Environment, Labour and human rights, Ethics and Sustainable procurement. Only one per cent of the 100,000 global companies assessed received platinum.

*Third quarter 2023 net earnings from continuing operations was $2.7 million or $0.01 per share (diluted), compared to net loss of $9.7 million or a loss of $0.05 per share (diluted) in the second quarter of 2023 on the same basis.*Average lumber prices for Q3 2023 were higher than Q2 2023, with an average selling price of $642/mfbm compared to $596/mfbm in Q2 2023. There was strong pricing momentum toward the latter half of the second quarter due to supply related concerns, which benefited results at the beginning of the third quarter. However, volumes in the third quarter were lower than Q2 2023 due to reduced demand given macroeconomic uncertainties. *The valuation provision for lumber and log inventory was decreased to $1.9 million from $8.7 million at the end of Q4 2022, generating a $6.8 million credit to cost of sales in the three quarters ended September 30, 2023.

To meet increased demand for its skin care products, Kimberly-Clark Professional has made a multimillion-dollar investment to expand production and strengthen its North American supply chain. This investment will increase bottling capacity by 275% for Kleenex® and Scott® soaps and sanitizers to grow the skin care category and better meet the needs of its customers. “We know that customers depend on our skin care solutions to keep their workplaces hygienic,” said Susan Gambardella, President, Kimberly-Clark Professional North America. “Never was this more important than since 2020, when hand hygiene demand soared virtually overnight.”

Q3 2023 Highlights *Sales of $1,198 million (compared with $1,168 million in Q2 2023 and $1,174 million in Q3 2022); *Operating income of $80 million (compared with $64 million in Q2 2023 and $25 million in Q3 2022); *Net earnings per common share of $0.34 (compared with net earnings per common share of $0.22 in Q2 2023 and a net loss per common share of ($0.02) in Q3 2022); *Net debt1 of $2,088 million as of September 30, 2023 (compared with $2,076 million as of June 30, 2023).

Clearwater Paper Corporation, a premier supplier of quality tissue and bleached paperboard products, reported that it temporarily suspended certain manufacturing operations at its Lewiston, Idaho facility. An incident impacting the regional natural gas system has resulted in the disruption of natural gas deliveries to the mill and the surrounding areas. “We are focused on the safety of our employees and maintaining our assets while we wait for repairs on the gas pipeline to be completed,” said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer. “We expect to resume the impacted operations in the coming days.”

The net investment amount for the conversion project at Norske Skog Golbey will increase from EUR 265 to 300 million. As of the 3rd quarter of 2023, a net EUR 200 million has been invested in the project. The increase is generally due to increased purchase prices for goods and services throughout the project period as well as somewhat delayed deliveries of equipment. The start-up of production of packaging in Golbey is postponed to the second half of 2024 due to delivery delays. Considerable effort will be devoted going forward to ensure that the conversion project is completed within the new framework. The Golbey project will convert a paper machine (PM1) from producing newsprint to producing recycled containerboard. The machine will have a capacity of 550,000 tonnes and is expected to reach 95% utilisation within 2-3 years after startup. Together with the already converted paper machine (PM3) in Bruck, this project will provide Norske Skog with a total capacity of 760,000 tons of containerboard.

Kruger Products Q3 2023 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue was $473.4 million in Q3 2023 compared to $427.0 million in Q3 2022, an increase of $46.4 million or 10.9%. • Net income was $12.9 million in Q3 2023 compared to a net loss of $38.8 million in Q3 2022, an increase of $51.7 million.

Financial Highlights – Third Quarter vs. Second Quarter *Net income from continuing operations of $58 million vs. $49 million *Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of $197 million vs. $77 million. Commercial and Operational Highlights – Third Quarter vs. Second Quarter *Price and mix decreased by $55 million due primarily to lower paper prices in Europe and on exports from Latin America, as well as lower global pulp prices *Volume increased by $6 million due to increases in Latin America and North America *Operations and other costs improved by $1 million due to better operating and supply chain results offset by $13 million in higher unabsorbed fixed costs from increased economic downtime *Planned maintenance outage expenses decreased by $55 million *Input costs improved by $27 million driven by favorable fiber, chemical and transportation costs

Mativ Third Quarter 2023 Highlights (Continuing Operations) *Sales decreased 9.7% to $498.2 million, reflecting lower volume partly offset by higher selling prices and currency translation *GAAP loss was $464.3 million, GAAP EPS was $(8.50). Results included a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $401.0 million and $24.3 million related to asset write-downs and the planned divestiture of Engineered Papers

Batteries play an important role in driving the electrification of transportation and developing more sustainable transportation solutions. Vehicles with advanced batteries are reducing air pollution and emissions, thereby leading to lower environmental impact. Recent advancements in lead-acid batteries are focused on higher performance as well as on lowering the overall environmental footprint of the battery lifecycle. Ahlstrom’s portfolio for battery materials includes a wide range of pasting materials, film separator reinforcement, and Absorbent Glass Matt (AGM) media. Ahlstrom is now taking further steps to become a leading, single-source provider of fiber-based battery materials by expanding its offering with a hybrid pasting material.

Against a backdrop of a persistently volatile and challenging macroeconomic environment Sappi delivered EBITDA excluding special items of US$731 million for the year ended September 2023. The widespread disruption caused by ongoing geopolitical instability, weak global economic growth, rising interest rates, and an underperforming Chinese economy negatively impacted markets for our products. The South African business delivered record EBITDA (in ZAR) and North America the second highest ever EBITDA. The group generated significant cash which enabled a further reduction of net debt at year-end to US$1,085 million, the lowest level in 30 years.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the world’s most trusted forest certification system, is proud to announce its 2023 FSC-US Leadership Awards, recognizing uncommon excellence that advances responsible forest management and forest conservation. “It is a great honor to recognize the efforts of such diverse organizations and individuals”, says Stuart Hale, Co-Chair of the FSC-US Board of Directors. “They are leading the way in demonstrating how well-managed forests can provide benefits through sustainable resources and natural climate solutions.” *Monadnock Paper Mills, for its Unplastic Initiative – nine eco-friendly, FSC-certified fiber-based alternative products. Remarkably, Monadnock’s sustainable solutions have already replaced more than 10 billion conventional plastic gift cards worldwide.

For more than a century, Rothschild Mill has operated on the Wisconsin River five miles south of Wausau, Wisconsin. From its humble beginnings in 1909, the mill has grown to produce Cougar® and Lynx®, some of the world’s finest printing and publishing papers. It has also given rise to a thriving community that many of its staff call home. “I never expected 28 years ago when I started in the environmental department that I would still be here. I thought I would work two to three years and then move back home to Green Bay,” says Dave Faucett, who has served as the mill’s general manager since 2017. “But the culture and pride at this mill are addicting. It’s fun to be part of the team here, and Rothschild is a great place to raise a family. It was really easy to stay here.”

Noteworthy among its numerous advantages are: *Recyclability in standard paper and cardboard circuits *High opacity *Good folding properties *Good mechanical resistance *An even, glossy, smooth surface *Excellent printability for offset, flexo and rotogravure printing. Metalvac is an ideal paper for manufacturing high-quality wet-glue and self-adhesive labels, as well as for graphic applications. You may also look forward to hearing more about our new range of functional metallized papers, especially designed for flexible packaging for food and non-food products, in the near future.

Metsä Group and industrial maintenance service provider Quant Finland have agreed to halve the consumption of fossil hydraulic oil together in Metsä Group's plywood and Kerto LVL mills by 2027 compared to 2022. Quant is Metsä Group's maintenance service partner at its Kerto LVL and plywood mills located in Lohja, Punkaharju, Suolahti, Äänekoski and Pärnu. Hydraulic oil is widely used in production machinery and equipment. Oil consumption can be reduced through close monitoring, systematic maintenance and investments. Large industrial players have significant potential to reduce the environmental impact of the forest industry when working together.

• Q3 2023 consolidated operating loss of $65 million, including a $49 million operating loss from the pulp business; adjusted operating loss of $86 million; adjusted shareholder net loss of $19 million, or $0.16 per share • Continued strong results in the US South; solid European results despite seasonal downtime; another challenging quarter for Western Canada • Persistent pressure on global lumber market demand and pricing through much of the quarter • Market-driven curtailments in Western Canada & seasonal downtime in Europe led to lower shipments • Confirmed future investment of approximately $200 million in a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston, British Columbia • Challenging results for Canfor Pulp despite stable global pulp market fundamentals; Northwood NBSK Pulp Mill scheduled maintenance completed as planned; restart delayed due to operational challenges

• Q3 2023 reported operating loss of $49 million; net loss of $36 million, or $0.55 per share • Stable global pulp market fundamentals throughout the quarter, as a slight uptick in purchasing activity in China was offset by ongoing challenging conditions in other global regions • Northwood NBSK Pulp Mill scheduled maintenance downtime and inspection of recovery boiler number one completed as planned; restart delayed due to operational challenges

FPInnovations is a private not-for-profit R&D organization that specializes in the creation of solutions that accelerate the growth of the Canadian forest sector and its affiliated industries to enhance their global competitiveness. It is ideally positioned to perform state-of-the-art research, develop advanced technologies, and deliver innovative solutions to complex problems for every area of the sector’s value chain, from forest operations to consumer and industrial products. Their expertise spans the pulp and paper industry, forest operations, wood products, and bio-sourced products sectors. With the forest industry at heart, their mission is to accelerate forest sector growth and transformation and enhance forest sector competitiveness. They hold their core values in high regard: Innovation, Agility, Collaboration, and Integrity.

Norske Skog has worked closely with the insurance company, equipment suppliers, and other parties to determine the extent of damages following the rockslide on 27 April. The rockslide caused significant damage to buildings, cranes, machinery, and equipment associated with paper machine 6 (PM6). A settlement has now been reached between Norske Skog Saugbrugs and the insurance company regarding insurance coverage for both business interruption and property damage, estimated up to NOK 2.4 billion, which will jointly be covered by the insurance company, the Norwegian Natural Perils Pool, and reinsurers. "The rockslide on 27 April this year was a traumatic experience for Saugbrugs employees, Halden residents, and Norske Skog. Fortunately, no one was physically injured in the rockslide, but PM6 and its associated building structures sustained substantial damage. After significant efforts from mill employees and other stakeholders, we are pleased to have reached an agreement with our insurance company for both business interruption and property damage, estimated up to NOK 2.4 billion. We have had an excellent dialogue and been treated very fairly by our insurance company throughout the process," says Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog.

Thanks to the expansion of our laser range, the whole range of reacto® carbonless paper, which are suitable for laser printing, are now available from trade outlets. The laser grades offer customers outstanding printing quality and flawless carbon copy function for a range of different applications. Customers can expect reliable and high-quality paper that helps them to optimize their business processes. The laser grades of the reacto® carbonless paper boast outstanding copying properties after printing. They are ideal for preprint, can be effortlessly used on all dry toner-based printing systems and also work on various inkjet printers.

*Outstanding performance driven by strong operational results and continued market strength in tissue *Net sales of $520 million, down 3% from the third quarter of last year *Net income of $37 million, or $2.17 per diluted share *Redeeming 2025 notes in Q4 2023 with a combination of a new term loan, cash on hand, and drawing on existing ABL facility *Repurchased $5 million of outstanding shares, with $10 million remaining under program *Reduced net debt by $69 million from second quarter of this year, $416 million since 2020

• Pulp sales of 2,486 thousand tons (-11% vs. 3Q22). • Paper sales1 of 331 thousand tons (stable vs. 3Q22). • Average net pulp price in export market: US$547/ton (-33% vs. 3Q22). • Average net paper price1 of R$7,085/ton (+3% vs. 3Q22). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$861/ton (-2% vs. 3Q22). • Leverage of 2.7 times in USD and 2.6 times in BRL. • Cerrado Project completes 78% of physical progress and 68% of financial progress.

January–September 2023 (1–9/2022) *Sales were EUR 4,624 million (5,239). *Operating result was EUR 443 million (986). Comparable operating result was EUR 431 million (966). *Result before taxes was EUR 438 million (961). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 430 million (934). *Comparable return on capital employed was 8.3% (20.0). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 487 million (828). July–September 2023 (7–9/2022) *Sales were EUR 1,509 million (1,823). *Operating result was EUR 41 million (397). Comparable operating result was EUR 51 million (391). *Result before taxes was EUR 49 million (396). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 60 million (385). *Comparable return on capital employed was 3.2% (23.5). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 469 million (372).

Positive outcome reflects the strength in Rottneros’ business model *NET TURNOVER decreased by 14 percent to 693 (806) MSEK. *THE LIST PRICE of NBSK pulp was 21 percent lower in USD and 19 percent lower in SEK compared with the third quarter of 2022. *PRODUCED VOLUME excluding groundwood pulp ­amounted to 88.8 (85.9) thousand tons, an increase of 3 percent. *SOLD VOLUME of sulphate pulp and CTMP totalled 102.3 (86.1) thousand tons.*EBIT (operating profit) was 49 (185) MSEK. The quarter continued to be affected by a weak European market. *NET PROFIT was 33 (270) MSEK. *THE BALANCE SHEET remains strong.

Ten UPM Raflatac adhesives for logistics and e-commerce paper labels have been certified as recyclable in the paper and board-based packaging stream by the applied research and services institute Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS) in 2023. These adhesives are intended for large volume solutions, providing customers with the added benefit of recycling-compatible, verified labeling solutions without requiring any product changes. To evaluate the recyclability, PTS has tested ten UPM Raflatac's paper labels containing the referred adhesives. The labels were tested as part of the packaging material at a mass share of 10%, following the PTS-RH 021:2012 Category II methodology for evaluating the recyclability of paper and board-based packaging. Due to the obtained results of fibre yield, sheet adhesion, and optical impurities, ten of the UPM Raflatac adhesives applied on the paper labels received verification.

Key highlights Q3 • Higher sales volumes in both regions compared to last quarter, offset by price and mix deterioration • Sequentially lower input costs and lower fixed cost than normalized level • Efficiency enhancement program on track – delivered SEK 175 million in the quarter • Earnings per share positively impacted by recognition of tax credits in the US • Strong operating cash flow with tight control on working capital • Frövi recovery boiler project completed on time, spec and budget. Quarterly data Q3 • Net sales decreased by 14% to SEK 10,210 million (11,814) • Operating profit SEK 415 million (1,536) • Net profit SEK 656 million (1,347)

Operating profit for January-September 2023 was SEK 4 041 million (January-September 2022: SEK 5 905 million). Excluding the item affecting comparability last year, operating profit decreased by SEK 1 599 million due to weaker market conditions for wood products and paperboard. Compared with the second quarter, operating profit for the third quarter increased by SEK 28 million to SEK 1 166 million. The operating margin was 22 (20) per cent. Profit after tax for January-September amounted to SEK 3 159 million (4 606), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 19.6 (28.5).

“Earnings per share were in line with our expectations for the third quarter, again increasing sequentially,” said Deon Stander, president and CEO. “Volume in both Label Materials and Apparel Solutions improved sequentially, continuing to recover from slow market conditions, largely inventory destocking, while our Intelligent Labels platform continued to accelerate adoption into new categories. Highlights: *3Q23 Net sales of $2.1 billion -Sales change ex. currency (non-GAAP) down 10% -Organic sales change (non-GAAP) down 11% *3Q23 Reported EPS of $1.71

Massimo Reynaudo has been appointed President and CEO of UPM-Kymmene Corporation as of 1 January 2024. Jussi Pesonen will continue as the President and CEO until 31 December 2023, after which he will work as an advisor to the Company and its management until he will retire from UPM on 30 April, 2024. Massimo Reynaudo has been with UPM since 2017. Reynaudo is an Italian citizen and was born in 1969. He is currently Executive Vice President, UPM Communication Papers. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President of UPM Raflatac from 2017 to 2021. Earlier in his career, between 1995 and 2017, he held several senior positions at Kimberly-Clark Corporation. He has a master’s degree in engineering from Politecnico di Torino and additional studies in business administration and management. “Massimo has an excellent international background and a very solid track record at UPM as an engaging change leader. Both in UPM Raflatac and in UPM Communication Papers, he has driven positive change of the businesses, renewed the commercial strategy and built high-performing teams to improve the performance of each business. He has a clear vision of how to continue value creation through UPM’s Biofore strategy. I wish Massimo the best of success in his new demanding role,“ says Henrik Ehrnrooth, Chair of the Board of UPM.

Q3 2023 highlights *Sales decreased by 24% to EUR 2,584 million (3,420 million in Q3 2022) *Comparable EBIT decreased by 72% to EUR 220 million, 8.5% of sales (779 million, 22.8%) *Operating cash flow was EUR 641 million (-201 million), supported by cash inflow from working capital and energy hedges *Net debt decreased to EUR 2,363 million (3,133 million) and the net debt to EBITDA ratio was 1.27 (1.39) *Pulp and electricity sales prices significantly lower than last year, impacting UPM Fibres and UPM Energy. Successful margin management in other business areas *Demand for many of UPM's products started to gradually recover *UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill and the OL3 nuclear power plant unit contributed significantly to UPM's deliveries *UPM Communication Papers to permanently close its Plattling mill in Germany *UPM received platinum in the EcoVadis responsibility assessment with a high industry score *UPM joined the UN Global Compact Forward Faster Initiative

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Crawford as Territory Sales Manager for the Southwest US. Based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, Chris will be responsible for Southern California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Chris has a wealth of industry knowledge, having worked across both the print and signage markets since 2005. This includes serving in a range of senior positions with various leading print and sign shops, as well as at major print and graphics distributors.

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the third quarter of 2023 was NOK 327 million, a decrease from NOK 380 million in the second quarter of 2023. The main driver for the lower third quarter EBITDA was lower publication paper sales prices. The cash flow from operations in the quarter was NOK 173 million. Deliveries of packaging paper increased according to ramp-up plans, and Norske Skog Bruck received favourable quality feedback from customers. The Norwegian government proposed to increase the quota price floor for receiving CO2-compensation. “We are very pleased by the positive feedback from our containerboard customers, and that we are well underway to become one of the leading independent supplier of recycled containerboard in Europe. At the same time, we are maneuvering our mills to be as cost effective as possible. By the end of the fourth quarter 2023, Saugbrugs PM5, in addition to PM4, will produce and deliver quality SC magazine paper to our customers,” says Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog. Cash flow from operations was NOK 173 million in the quarter compared to NOK 353 million in the previous quarter, mainly due to lower EBITDA, receivable insurance compensation, and increased working capital. Operating earnings in the third quarter of 2023 were NOK 36 million compared to operating earnings in the second quarter of 2023 of NOK 146 million.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., the global leader in High Purity Cellulose, announced that it has engaged Houlihan Lokey as its financial advisor to explore the potential sale of its paperboard and high-yield pulp assets located at its Temiscaming site. This strategic move is aligned with RYAM's commitment to enhancing its operational and financial performance, optimizing its portfolio to align with its long-term growth strategy, and providing flexibility to pay down debt and reduce leverage. The engagement of Houlihan Lokey, a renowned global investment bank, underscores RYAM's dedication to a rigorous and diligent evaluation of its strategic options.

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the North American launch of its new Drytac Polar Blockout UV opaque printable block out film. Joining the Drytac Zero range of products, Polar Blockout UV is a 2.0 mil (50μ) highly opaque layered white PET film with a matte finish. It is coated with a white pressure-sensitive, permanent aqueous acrylic adhesive which is protected by a 50# siliconized PE coated release paper. It is the ideal solution for two-sided window graphics and other block out layer requirements. The film’s high opacity prevents graphics from showing through on the other side when being used as a cover up graphic, offering a highly effective solution to customers seeking to produce bold and impactful applications.

Paper Excellence Canada is pleased to announce a $175,000 contribution to support the ongoing recovery efforts for individuals, families, and communities in Shelburne and Barrington, Nova Scotia, who were affected by the wildfires in June 2023. Of the total funds, $115,000 will directly support families rebuilding damaged and destroyed homes, and $60,000 will support the We Rise Again Fund – Shelburne County’s efforts to help community members recover. Paper Excellence is grateful for its contribution partners, Freeman Lumber and Scotsburn Lumber, who are providing more than $66,000 in in-kind lumber to support rebuilding efforts, and Wilson’s Home Hardware Barrington for helping Paper Excellence provide families most in need with building supplies.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, announces a new line of Graphics Solutions, now available in North and South America. UPM Raflatac acquired AMC AG in Germany last year, which included this line of high-quality self-adhesive films and laminates, large format versatile printing and sign films. “Following a successful portfolio of these Graphics Solutions in Europe, we are excited for the opportunity to partner with distributors and provide quality, cost effective materials here in the Western Hemisphere,” stated Gabrielle Whittaker, Director, Films & Specials, UPM Raflatac Americas.

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce that Glen Fitzgerald has been promoted to the position of Director of Sales for the Americas. In his new role, Glen will assume responsibility for overseeing all graphic and industrial sales across the Americas, a key region for Drytac. Glen has been promoted to the senior role after serving as Technical Sales Manager for Industrial Products in Canada since joining Drytac in September of 2021. He played a major part in Drytac’s ongoing expansion within the Canadian market in that time.

Norske Skog has completed a transaction for the sale of the Tasman mill industrial site and remaining mill assets to the Australasian pulp, paper, and packaging group Oji Fibre Solutions for approximately NOK 70 million (NZD 10.9 million). The sale of the mill site and realisation of certain other related assets, including buildings, electricity equipment, piping, water, and other infrastructure, will generate a total financial gain on sale of approximately NOK 57 million (NZD 8.8 million). “We are pleased to finally have concluded this sales agreement with Oji after lengthy process of negotiations and obtaining all required regulatory approvals for the sale. The sale of the Tasman industrial site to Oji is a material steps towards concluding Norske Skog’s long-term business commitment in New Zealand,” commented Geir Drangsland, President and CEO of Norske Skog.

With the slogan "Paper as a Sustainable Story", Lecta will present its innovative range of top quality recyclable, biodegradable paper especially designed for the publishing industry. The Condat and Garda brand coated papers and the Coral Book ​uncoated papers are the perfect canvas for the compelling stories and journeys books take us on. Made using natural, renewable raw materials, these papers are a reflection of Lecta's commitment to sustainability and its ongoing search for environment-friendly paper solutions. In this edition, Lecta's goal is to strengthen its relationship with the publishing sector by also sharing its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives and targets. This is part of our continuous efforts to become an increasingly sustainable company, and thus contribute to creating a better world.

Mondi plc announced the agreement to sell its last remaining facility in Russia, Joint Stock Company Mondi Syktyvkar, together with two affiliated entities to Sezar Invest LLC for a total cash consideration of RUB 80 billion. Mondi is pleased to confirm closing has been accelerated and the sale has now completed. Mondi has therefore concluded its exit from Russia. Mondi has received RUB 57 billion into its London bank account and it is in possession of a letter of credit for the final RUB 23 billion, which will be paid in two equal instalments in each of November and December 2023. It is intended that the net proceeds from the sale of all Mondi’s Russian assets will be distributed to Mondi shareholders in a timely manner once the final instalments of the consideration in respect of Mondi Syktyvkar have been received.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, will showcase their more sustainable sticky notes products at the Insights-X stationery expo in Nuremberg, Germany on 11-14 October 2023. UPM Raflatac will be participating in the expo under the Global Notes by UPM Raflatac brand name after acquiring the AMC AG and the Global Notes brand in 2022. UPM Raflatac will introduce its new UPM Notes product range. UPM Notes offers a selection of different colorful sticky note pads and cubes made from FSC™-certified (FSC C003094) paper. To eliminate the use of unnecessary plastic, the notes are wrapped in transparent FSC™-certified plastic-free paper, making the packaging renewable, recyclable, and significantly lighter when compared to traditional cardboard packaging. UPM Raflatac is the first in the market to offer an innovative beyond fossils alternative for packaging sticky notes.

As part of our 2030 Sustainability Strategy, Lecta has taken a further step in our track record with EcoVadis​, the world's most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. We have just begun a new partnership at the Group level to assess sustainable performance throughout our supply chain. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance transparency and accoun​​tability in our procurement processes using the strict standards set by EcoVadis' methodology. Lecta's suppliers will be evaluated on the four key pillars of sustainable development: environment, labor, business ethics and sustainable procurement. These evaluations will enable us to identify areas for improvement and work closely with our suppliers to drive positive change. This is essential for our goal of delivering the highest quality products while minimizing our impact on the planet and society, as well as ensuring compliance with European Green Deal objectives, one of Lecta's main commitments.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals for water-intensive industries, completed the acquisition of CedarChem LLC on October 2, 2023. As part of the acquisition, Solenis will acquire all CedarChem operating assets. Headquartered in Cedartown, Georgia, CedarChem offers a full suite of water and wastewater treatment products for industrial and municipal markets, primarily in the southeastern U.S. The acquisition aligns with Solenis’ direct go-to-market strategy to provide customers with improved chemical and wastewater treatment product and service offerings.

Sappi Europe’s Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland, has successfully made the switch from using fossil fuels to renewable energy to fuel the production of the Galerie paper range. A €16.5 million investment into state-of-the-art facilities and machinery for the reception, storage and handling of biofuels is the latest in a string of efforts by Sappi in meeting its Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)-approved emissions reduction goal across all its regions. Biomass residues such as bark, sawdust and wood chips, largely locally sourced, now fuel the Kirkniemi Mill Galerie paper operations, setting the stage for a 90% reduction in direct fossil greenhouse gas emissions. This upgrade now works alongside the multi-fuel boiler built in 2015, enabling the mill to reduce nearly 230,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. This means that Kirkniemi Mill is now able to reduce the carbon footprint of the Galerie paper range by 40%. All this comes as part of a longstanding sustainability focus at Kirkniemi that has, in recent years, brought continuous improvements in environmental performance across areas including freshwater usage, emissions to watercourses and energy efficiency.

Paper Excellence Canada is pleased to announce the resumption of kraft pulp operations at its Catalyst Crofton mill, bringing more than 300 workers back to their jobs. While market conditions allow for the restart of our pulp operations, the curtailment of paper operations at Crofton is being extended to the end of October. “In spite of challenges posed by exceptionally low pulp and paper prices driven by global market fluctuations, we are pleased to announce that we are resuming pulp production and reinstating a portion of our workforce at our Crofton mill. While this is a positive development, we will continue to assess the ongoing viability of maintaining Kraft pulp operations at Crofton to ensure it is cost effective to operate and consistent with our overall business strategies,” said Krista Cuddy, Catalyst Crofton, Interim Director – Operations & Integration.

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the launch of its new Drytac ReTac Clear PET film in North America. Available to purchase now, ReTac Clear PET is a 3.0 mil clear polyester (PET) film with a clear ReTac adhesive​ and forms part of Drytac’s popular ReTac range of solutions. The film can be applied to all flat and simple curved surfaces, opening up its use to a wide range of applications such as point-of-purchase wall and window graphics. The solution has also been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for incidental food contact, extending its reach to projects including counter-top graphics.

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. and Atlas Holdings announced the signing of a definitive agreement for the sale of West Fraser’s Quesnel River Pulp mill in Quesnel, British Columbia and its Slave Lake Pulp mill in Slave Lake, Alberta to Atlas. Atlas owns and operates several pulp, paper and wood products businesses in Canada and the United States. Millar Western logoThe agreement announced today includes related woodlands operations and timber holdings in Alberta and a long-term fibre supply agreement for the Quesnel River Pulp facility. Upon closing of the transaction, the Quesnel River and Slave Lake pulp mills will be operated by Millar Western Forest Products, which joined the global Atlas family of manufacturing and distribution businesses in 2017. Millar Western is a more than 100-year-old Canadian forest products company headquartered in Edmonton with existing pulp mill operations in Alberta, establishing a strong foundation and a bright future for the Quesnel River and Slave Lake pulp mills.

Ahlstrom is a leading global manufacturer of high performance, fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Ahlstrom BioProtect™ is a one source, sustainable, nonwoven solution for laundry care, incorporating patent pending technology to protect laundry from color run during the wash cycle. Ahlstrom BioProtect™ delivers high dye-catching performance, protecting laundry from color runs. Its ability to lock up loose dyes found in the wash water enables it to prevent dye transfer and color runs, maintaining the original color of clothes. The product is biodegradable and biobased, utilizing 100% naturally derived fibers and manufactured with wet-laid technology for premium quality.

Ahlstrom has successfully started the production of new, calendered, and embossed synthetic filter media for the first commercial orders from its Huyn-Poong plant in South Korea. The new materials offer extended filter lifetime and generate less flow restriction due to a higher available surface area. This makes these media a more sustainable alternative to competing materials. A longer filter lifetime combined with outstanding durability is a key feature helping to sustain filter operations and boost performance. This not only saves costs associated with frequent filter replacements but also reduces energy consumption and minimizes environmental impacts by lowering emissions. “The new calendering and embossing capabilities further advance synthetic filter media solutions. They improve durability and open a wide range of possibilities for extended performance, as well as improving the sustainability of filtration units. This allows us to better serve growing needs in high-performance filtration materials,” comments Kathrin Hueppe, Head of Filtration, Asia.

Mondi plc announces that it has entered into an agreement to sell its last remaining facility in Russia, Joint Stock Company Mondi Syktyvkar, together with two affiliated entities to Sezar Invest LLC for a total cash consideration of RUB 80 billion to be paid in a series of instalments as set out below. The Business employs approximately 4,500 people and is a leading provider of uncoated fine paper and containerboard to the domestic Russian market.

Canfor Corporation is pleased to announce that it will be investing approximately $200 million to build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston, British Columbia. This low cost, high efficiency facility will have an annual production capacity of approximately 350 million board feet. Don Kayne, President and CEO made the following statement today: “I’m very pleased to be making this announcement in British Columbia, where Canfor has been proudly headquartered for 85 years. This project represents another significant investment by our Company to strengthen our diversified operating platform and ensure that we can continue to deliver the high-value products that are in demand by our customers around the globe.

Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, today announced its 2023 Ideas that Matter grant recipients, whose winning proposals celebrate the power of print design to address social issues. This year, recipients’ projects addressed a range of issues, including restorative justice, diversity and inclusion, intergenerational engagement, education, urban segregation and community building. Since 2021, entrants have been asked to align their submissions with at least one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that grant applications are focused on critical and timely global societal concerns.

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce that it will demonstrate a range of its market-leading solutions at the upcoming PRINTING United Expo 2023. Taking place from October 18-20 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, PRINTING United will welcome thousands of visitors from all corners of the printing market, as well as attendees from related industries. Drytac will have a heavy presence throughout the event; running its own dedicated booth, working with partner companies, and taking part in special features, maximizing the opportunity to connect with a highly diversified audience.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions has improved safety and productivity at its Spring Grove, Pennsylvania facility by installing a smelt spout robot manufactured by Valmet. The smelt robot is essential for keeping recovery boiler spouts open and improving efficiencies in the liquor recovery cycle. The first smelt robot installation of its kind in North America, the robot regularly cleans the recovery boiler smelt spouts ensuring stable smelt flow, optimum cleaning and safer boiler operation, without manual intervention. “We’re proud to introduce the industry-first smelt robot installation in North America, supporting our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and innovation in specialty papers,” said Ross Bushnell, President and Chief Executive Officer, Pixelle. “By leveraging the latest automation technology, we are positioned to drive greater mill safety, productivity and quality.”

Paper Excellence is proud to have taken part in the ASEAN-Canada Roundtable last week. Davis Chiu and Blair Dickerson represented us in Jakarta, talking about the forest industry’s support and use of clean bioenergy and Paper Excellence’s commitment to Indigenous partnerships. Thanks also to Goldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of Canada, who spoke to the need for regulatory certainty in Canada to create clear pathways for innovation.

Paper Excellence has committed $200,000 to support the rebuilding efforts for the individuals, families, and communities in Shelburne and Barrington, Nova Scotia, impacted by the wildfires in June 2023. With eligible matching from Canada and Nova Scotia governments, our total impact is $250,000. The wildfire that impacted Shelburne County was the biggest in Nova Scotia’s history. We’re pleased to work with the Canadian Red Cross Atlantic Canada, the Community Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Municipality of Barrington, and the Municipality of Shelburne to support the Nova Scotians who need it. Paper Excellence Canada is committed to supporting the provinces and communities we operate in, especially during challenging times like those experienced in Nova Scotia.

The approximately 240 workers of the factory accepted on Friday afternoon by 81.3% the solution hypothesis presented to both parties by the conciliator of the case in the general assembly. The company also accepted this proposal. The workers are happy with the result of today’s (Friday) meeting. Obviously, no one wanted to continue on the picket line, at least until winter. Daniel Bilodeau reacted on the line. The return to work will be gradual, starting September 18. Workers have been on strike since July 4. The company imposed this measure after a third production stoppage by employees.

Discovery Paper is thrilled to invite you to our upcoming webinar, "Discover the Way of the Eco Switch," taking place on September 21st. This event will bring together distinguished paper industry experts who will share their valuable insights on key sustainability topics. During the webinar, we will have the pleasure of hosting an engaging discussion featuring: • Jonathan Tame (Two Sides) - Unveiling the captivating "Love Paper" Campaign and its positive impact on raising awareness of the sustainability and attractiveness of paper. • Pedro Silva (The Navigator Company) - Demystifying the differences between recycled and virgin fibre, shedding light on their respective environmental impacts. • Andrew Gilbert (The Navigator Company) - Exploring the multiple sustainability benefits of using lighter paper.

The board of directors of Norske Skog ASA has appointed Geir Drangsland as the new CEO as of 1 September. Drangsland succeeds Tore Hansesætre, who has decided to leave Norske Skog after more than 14 years in the company. Geir Drangsland, who has served as the chair of the board since March 2023, steps out of the board of directors to become the new CEO of Norske Skog effective from 1 September 2023. Arvid Grundekjøn has been selected the new chair of the board of directors. Grundekjøn has been member of the board of directors since 2018. "I am pleased to announce Geir Drangsland as the new CEO of Norske Skog. Geir has an extensive background from the forest industry, and has worked closely with the management since his entrance in Norske Skog. At the same time, I will use the opportunity to thank Tore Hansesætre for his valuable contribution in Norske Skog’s transformation journey both as CEO and responsible for the mill conversion projects," says Arvid Grundekjøn, chair of Norske Skog ASA.

American Eagle Paper Mills® is pleased to announce that we are adding 11 x 17 to our 20# Eagle Color 30 cut size portfolio. Our five select colors include canary, green, blue, pink, and ivory and are available for immediate shipment. As with all our products these can assort with other Eagle grades for truckload delivery. The minimum order quantity of any Eagle cut size item remains one pallet. As always Eagle Color® 30 continues to build on our portfolio of recycled alternatives: 30% recycled, FSC certified, and Elemental Chlorine Free.

UPM Raflatac is extending the scope of its CarbonNeutral® certified labeling materials to cover the entire lifecycle emissions of a label. This allows its customers to offer their printed and converted labels as CarbonNeutral® product certified. The development builds on UPM Raflatac's Life Cycle Assessment service, Label Life, which recently received a new certificate of validity from leading international assurance service provider, DEKRA. UPM Raflatac’s CarbonNeutral® certified products include the linerless label range with solutions designed for all direct thermal linerless main end uses, including hospitality, e-commerce and logistics, and grocery retail. The CarbonNeutral® certified products also include pressure-sensitive labels in the lower-carbon range RAFNXT+ designed for a variety of labels used in food, logistics, and home care packaging.

Metsä Group plans to boost biodiversity on its land areas in Kemi. Covering more than 650 hectares, the designated site encompasses Metsä Group’s mill area and other areas in the Kemi urban environment. Metsä Group’s operations in Kemi include a bioproduct mill, currently under construction, and a paperboard mill. The company aims to increase regional biodiversity at all its mill locations across Europe, which number more than 20. The goal is to modify land use on the Metsä Group Kemi site to improve the state of nature in the industrial environment. The special features of local nature will be taken into account in the project, and the living conditions of endangered species will be improved. Biodiversity in the area will be increased experimentally and by adopting new operating methods. For example, more than 12 hectares of meadows and sunlit habitats will be added to the Kemi mill area. Only local vegetation will be used in establishing open habitats, and these habitats will be made suitable for endangered species. Various other approaches to increasing the biodiversity of industrial environments will also be tested on the mill site.

Following the rockslide and subsequent production stop at Saugbrugs PM6 (paper machine 6) in April this year, Norske Skog has decided to restart production at the previously idled PM5. The restart of PM5 allows Norske Skog to continue supplying SC magazine paper to its customers and keep its market position. “The decision to restart production at PM5 is important to maintain Saugbrugs as a preferred supplier of SC paper in Europe, while the restoration work is ongoing at the PM6 plant,” says Per Ivar Berg, Managing Director at Norske Skog Saugbrugs. The business interruption at PM6 is covered by insurance. Cash flows relating to the restart and production from PM5 will be netted against the insurance coverage, thus the financial impact for Norske Skog Saugbrugs will be largely neutral. Prior to being idled in late 2020, PM5 had a production capacity of up to 100 000 tonnes of SC magazine paper. Saugbrugs PM6 has a capacity of 260 000 tonnes SC magazine paper. Operations at Saugbrugs PM4 continue with its capacity of 100 000 tonnes of SC paper.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and more sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, has received a new certificate of validity from leading international assurance service provider, DEKRA, for its Label Life service. This new certificate confers validity to the LCA calculation engine and the whole process of generating LCAs at scale. As a result, customers wanting to communicate their potential impact in the labeling value chain can now do so with increased assurance. With the EU in the process of developing a ‘digital product passport’ (DPP) that will be issued for all products on the market, UPM Raflatac decided to be a step ahead of the legislative requirements. The company has designed its product passport prototype (PPP), an environmental declaration, based on existing standards and norms. Generated by the newly validated Label Life service, the product passport prototype enables UPM Raflatac’s customers and brands to communicate their labeling’s potential environmental impact. It includes a wide range of metrics that are broken down into life cycle stages: cradle-to-gate, transport-to-customer, printing, and end of life.

As the new academic year begins, about 60% of students may go back to school without supplies in hand. For some families and teachers in lower-income communities, the cost of school supplies can cause significant stress and limit student achievement. Domtar is committed to investing in relationships throughout communities – with our customers, with our neighbors, and with our schools. And each year, we invest in teachers’ and students’ needs alongside customers such as ODP Corporation and organizations like Classroom Central during back-to-school season. Domtar is a longtime vendor partner of The ODP Corporation’s StartProud!® back to school program, which supports students and teachers at nearly 30 Title I elementary schools with school supplies and needed equipment.

The new Polar Grip Air film will initially be made available to purchase in the North American market from August 2023. Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the launch of its latest product – Polar Grip Air. The latest addition to the incredibly popular Drytac Polar Grip range, Polar Grip Air is a 3.2 mil white polymeric PVC film featuring a high-tack grey adhesive with a bubble-free technology release liner.

In an effort to address prevalent supply chain uncertainties and to maintain the commercial viability of its Graphic Paper business, Sappi Europe will keep prices for its Woodfree Coated Paper grades stable at today’s level for the remainder of 2023. This commitment facilitates customers' ability to commit to business in advance of the traditionally busier fourth quarter for the printing industry. Market conditions are similar across the region, but obviously diverge between countries and segments and as such Sappi Europe’s sales personnel is always available for these individual customer specifics. Sappi Europe remains fully committed to serving the printing business and will work closely with our customers to ensure the best possible outcome throughout the print media value chain.

Sustana, a manufacturer of premium, sustainable recycled fiber and paper products, announces the appointment of Aaron Ling to Director of Sustainability. In this role Aaron will be responsible for driving the implementation of Sustana’s ESG initiatives and supporting the development of the group’s sustainability strategy. Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Concordia University and has several accreditations and certifications including Economic Sustainable Project Delivery, Decision Analysis Training and is an Accredited Professional from the Green Building Council of Australia. Aaron has 17 years of experience in Corporate Sustainability target setting, reporting and scenario analysis. Aaron has a wealth of international experience having worked in Japan, Canada, Australia, and the United States.

Sylvamo is offering small shareowners a convenient way to own at least 100 shares or sell their holdings. Voluntary sale and purchase programs – often called “odd lot” programs – are periodically offered by public companies to help small shareowners and reduce administrative costs. Shareowners who participate will be assessed a $3.50 processing fee per share purchased or sold, with a maximum fee of $60 per account. Beginning Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, eligible registered shareowners are being informed by mail and will be able to participate through Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, subject to early termination or extension of the program.

Tronox Holdings plc, the world’s leading integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment, announced the closing of its $350 million incremental term loan under the Company’s existing credit agreement, the proceeds of which are expected to be used to repay outstanding borrowings under the Company’s existing revolving credit facilities and enhance available liquidity for upcoming capital expenditures.

Billerud is introducing a new organization whereby the company harmonizes and operates its business in two distinct geographical regions - Europe and North America. Billerud further appoints Andrei Krés as acting CFO, effective immediately. Matthew Hirst, previously EVP Commercial, has been appointed President of Billerud Europe and will lead the new European organization consisting of Commercial, Operations and Procurement & Wood Supply functions. Kevin Kuznicki remains President of the North American organization. "I’m pleased that Matthew has taken the position of leading the Europe region, and I’m convinced he will take the region forward on the journey to challenge conventional packaging solutions and create the packaging of tomorrow”, says Ivar Vatne, acting CEO and President of Billerud.

*Sales increased 56.7% to $668.3 million, reflecting the benefit of the merger; 8% organic sales decline with negative volume/mix offsetting price increases *GAAP loss was $4.5 million, GAAP EPS was $(0.08), which all included merger integration and purchase accounting expenses* On August 1, Company announced the proposed sale of Engineered Papers and capital allocation changes *Approximately $575 million of expected net proceeds to be used to reduce net debt by 35%

Kruger Products Q2 2023 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue was $466.3 million in Q2 2023 compared to $397.5 million in Q2 2022, an increase of $68.8 million or 17.3%. • Adjusted EBITDA1 was $55.0 million in Q2 2023, compared to $11.8 million in Q2 2022, an increase of 365.8%. • Net income was $14.5 million in Q2 2023 compared to a net loss of $35.5 million in Q2 2022, an increase of $50.0 million.

*Net income from continuing operations of $49 million ($1.14 per diluted share) vs. $97 million ($2.25 per diluted share) *Adjusted operating earnings1 (non-GAAP) of $49 million ($1.14 per diluted share) vs. $108 million ($2.51 per diluted share) *Adjusted EBITDA2 (non-GAAP) of $124 million (13.5% margin) vs. $208 million (22.1% margin) *Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of $77 million vs. $63 million

Mativ Holdings, Inc. announced two appointments to its executive leadership team. Mark W. Johnson will succeed Ricardo Nuñez as chief legal officer, general counsel and secretary for the ~$3 billion specialty materials company. Johnson will assume the leadership of the company’s legal team on September 1, 2023, from Nuñez, who will be departing the company the same day. Additionally, Rajeev Kapur has been named Mativ’s new chief information officer, effective immediately. Both Kapur and Johnson will report directly to Mativ chief executive officer Julie Schertell.

Antti Koulumies, M.Sc. (Eng.), has been appointed Senior Vice President, Timber and Forest. Koulumies will take the leadership of UPM Forest and continue to lead UPM Timber. The current leader of UPM Forest Sauli Brander, B.Sc. (Eng.), eMBA, has been appointed Vice President, UPM Global Forest Affairs. He will focus on global forest advocacy as well as global forestry themes, such as climate-positive forestry and biodiversity. Both appointments will take effect on 1 September 2023. Koulumies and Brander will continue to report to Bernd Eikens, Executive Vice President, UPM Fibres, and they will also continue as members of UPM Fibres business area management team.

myCordenons, a leading Italian manufacturer of luxury specialty papers, today announced a new long-term distribution agreement with CTI Paper USA, one of North America’s largest suppliers of premium papers and envelopes. Under the new agreement, CTI Paper USA is the exclusive distributor of myCordenons’ full range of branded specialty papers across the United States and Canada. The company stocks, services and distributes a wide array of myCordenons’ FSC-certified uncoated text and cover brands, including Stardream, Plike, So…Silk, Wild, and Natural Evolution.

EcoVadis has recognised UPM with a platinum score based on the company’s sustainability performance in the following four categories: Environment, Labour and human rights, Ethics and Sustainable procurement. Only one per cent of the 100,000 global companies assessed received platinum. UPM’s score 87/100 was one of the highest in the Manufacture of Pulp, Paper and Paperboard industry. “Compared to last year, our carbon score improved most,” says Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility, UPM. “We are extremely proud that our climate change related management and strong decarbonisation ambition with approved Science Based Targets were recognised with the highest possible Leader status. UPM’s top rating recognises the work we have done to promote sustainability in the whole value chain and embraces our work towards the future beyond fossils.”

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,513 thousand tons (-6% vs. 2Q22). • Paper sales1 of 294 thousand tons (-9% vs. 2Q22). • Adjusted EBITDA2 and Operating cash generation3 : R$3.9 billion and R$2.2 billion, respectively. • Adjusted EBITDA2/ ton from pulp of R$1,269/ton (-40% vs. 2Q22). • Adjusted EBITDA2/ton from paper of R$2,481/ton (+14% vs. 2Q22). • Average net pulp price in export market: US$562/ton (-23% vs. 2Q22). • Average net paper price1 of R$7,002/ton (+13% vs. 2Q22). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$918/ton (+7% vs. 2Q22). • Leverage of 2.2 times in USD and 2.0 times in BRL. • Cerrado Project completes 70% of physical progress and 57% of financial progress. Forecast for the start of operations to occur by June 2024.

The group faced persistent challenges in the global economy and encountered ongoing weakness in paper and pulp markets, leading to a reduction in EBITDA to US$106 million for the quarter ended June 2023. Specifically, the paper businesses experienced a significant downstream destocking cycle. Customers reduced their inventories in anticipation of lower prices, thereby affecting demand. In response, we proactively curtailed excess production in Europe and North America, implemented various cost-saving initiatives across our operations, and applied measures to optimise working capital. The profitability of  the South African business was more stable, bolstered by the dissolving pulp business. Despite the challenging economic environment, we generated cash in the quarter and liquidity in the group remained strong.

Mactac® Graphics & Signage Solutions announces the launch of Printvinyl Scored™, the first of its kind for the wide-format graphics industry. The new product line includes two pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) products with a scored liner for screen and wide-format printers. Mactac Printvinyl™ film is recognized for its proven quality and consistent printability. The new precision-scored liner, with a 1.25" spacing, guarantees a seamless and hassle-free removal process. Products are printable on both the film face and liner, expanding promotional messaging capabilities with an easy-to-remove scored liner that simplifies the application experience. PVS528UR features an ultra-removable acrylic adhesive with a 3.2 mil matte white polymeric vinyl film and 78# bleached kraft liner back scored liner at 1.25” apart. PVS528P has a permanent acrylic adhesive with a 3.2 mil matte white polymeric vinyl film and 78# bleached kraft liner back scored liner at 1.25” apart.

For the second quarter of 2023, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $525 million compared to net sales of $526 million for the second quarter of 2022. Net income for the second quarter of 2023 was $30 million compared to net income for the second quarter of 2022 of $15 million. For the first six months of 2023, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $1.1 billion, a 3% increase compared to net sales of $1.0 billion for the first six months of 2022. Net income for the first six months of 2023 was $54 million compared to net income for the first six months of 2022 of $31 million.

Resolute Forest Products Inc., a subsidiary of Domtar Corporation and a part of the Paper Excellence Group, today announced that, on August 1, 2023, it completed the previously disclosed sale of the Thunder Bay (Ontario) pulp and paper mill to an affiliate of Atlas Holdings, pursuant to the terms of the asset purchase agreement dated May 26, 2023. Resolute will continue to operate its sawmills and woodlands operations in Northwestern Ontario. With the closing of the transaction, the parties have entered into certain ancillary agreements, including a long-term woodchip and biomass supply agreement pursuant to which Resolute will continue to provide chips and biomass to the Thunder Bay mill.

Sustana, the sustainable fiber and paper industry leader, announced today that it has completed a transaction with Hanna Paper, one of the largest high-grade paper recycling companies in North America. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Hanna processes 300,000 tons of paper annually through its eight recovery facilities across North America. The company employs approximately 200 employees and services over 1,000 customers. “Today marks an exciting milestone for Sustana and the long-term stability of our supply chain,” said Fabian de Armas, CEO of Sustana. “We are steadfast in our commitment to sustainability, and we are thrilled to welcome Hanna, a long-time leader in our industry, to the Sustana family. We look forward to growing together with Hanna and its team as we continue to deliver on our vision of a circular economy.”

Mativ Holdings, Inc. announced that it has received a binding offer from Evergreen Hill Enterprise, Pte. Ltd., to acquire Mativ’s Engineered Papers business, part of Mativ’s Fiber Based Solutions reporting segment, for $620 million. Subject to customary closing date adjustments, Mativ expects to receive net proceeds (net of taxes and other items) of approximately $575 million in the proposed transaction, which would be primarily used for debt paydown. Julie Schertell, CEO of Mativ, commented, “The proposed sale of Engineered Papers is a key milestone in the transformation of Mativ and aligns with our strategy to focus our efforts, accelerate growth, and drive value for our shareholders. This pivotal action positions our portfolio for faster growth and focuses our resources on categories with the most promising revenue and margin expansion opportunities. While a solid business, EP’s concentration in the tobacco industry is not aligned with Mativ’s long-term ambition and presents a more attractive value proposition under new strategic ownership. Our talented and dedicated employees will continue to deliver outstanding products and service to EP’s long-standing customer base, and we are confident in a smooth transition.”

UPM Biochemicals has acquired SunCoal Industries GmbH, a German-based company that developed a unique technology portfolio to produce performance products from renewable raw materials. With this acquisition SunCoal Industries’ technology will be integrated into the production of UPM’s BioMotionTM Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF), one of the products to be produced at UPM Biochemical’s first-of-its kind biorefinery in Leuna and strengthen the overall technology portfolio of UPM’s biorefining businesses. The ownership of SunCoal Industries and its team specializing in lignin valorization enables UPM to strengthen the role as a leading supplier of sustainable, renewable functional fillers to the rubber and plastic markets by further developing the technology inhouse. SunCoal Industries’ experts will bring additional capabilities to further develop the RFF production technology and processes and support UPM’s ambitious growth plans in the biorefining space.

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (TSX: GFP) is pleased to announce the reduction in its softwood lumber duty deposit rate from 20.23% to 7.99%, which is expected to take effect on or about August 2, 2023. This official change by the United States Department of Commerce (“US DOC”) results from the Final Determination of the Fourth Administrative Review of softwood lumber imports from Canada to the United States for the year 2021. Since August 28, 2021, upon the acquisition by GreenFirst of the Rayonier sawmills, the US DOC assessed GreenFirst’s duty deposit rate on softwood lumber imports to the United States at a significantly higher rate than its Canadian peers. The net effect of the US DOC’s decision has resulted in a reduction in GreenFirst’s earnings and a corresponding overpayment of softwood lumber duties in relation to other Canadian exporters. We believe the amount of the overpayment up to the end of June is approximately US$21 million; however, at this time we are not certain when this reimbursement may occur. Beyond this overpayment, GreenFirst has an additional US$51 million of duties on deposit pending a broader industry settlement.

The Paper Excellence Group announced its updated organizational structure for its business units following the recent acquisitions of Resolute Forest Products in March 2023 and Domtar in November 2021. Steve Henry, currently Domtar's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has been named President of the Paper & Packaging business unit with responsibility for all legacy Domtar pulp, paper and packaging operations as well as Paper Excellence Canada's Port Alberni and Crofton mills. The leader of the Pulp & Tissue business unit consisting of all legacy Resolute pulp, paper and tissue operations as well as the non-integrated Paper Excellence Canada pulp mills will be announced at a later date. Hugues Simon will continue to serve as President of the Wood Products business unit. Mr. Simon has extensive experience in wood products operations, finance and sales with Resolute and its predecessor companies.

Mactac® Graphics & Signage Solutions announces the launch of Printvinyl Scored™, the first of its kind for the wide-format graphics industry. The new product line includes two pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) products with a scored liner for screen and wide-format printers. Printvinyl Scored products have a durability of 5 years. These products are available in permanent and removable adhesives and can be wide-format digital or screen-printed *PVS528UR features an ultra-removable acrylic adhesive with a 3.2 mil matte white polymeric vinyl film and 78# bleached kraft liner back scored liner at 1.25” apart. *PVS528P has a permanent acrylic adhesive with a 3.2 mil matte white polymeric vinyl film and 78# bleached kraft liner back scored liner at 1.25” apart.

Billerud's board announces that the company's President and CEO Christoph Michalski is leaving the CEO role at Billerud, with immediate effect. Michalski has held the position of CEO since November 2020. The board of Billerud has appointed the current CFO and deputy CEO, Ivar Vatne, as acting CEO. Ivar Vatne joined the company as CFO in May 2019 and has also been deputy CEO since October 2022. Before Billerud, Ivar has a background from senior positions within Arla, Fiskars and P&G. “The board is confident that Ivar Vatne can quickly step into the role of acting CEO and that he can lead the implementation of our established strategy”, says Jan Svensson, chairman of the board in Billerud.

Overview • Q2 2023 operating loss of $67 million including a $57 million reversal of a previously recognized inventory write-down; • Strong earnings continued at the Company’s European and US South operations with persistent challenges in British Columbia • Sustained pressure on global lumber market fundamentals and pricing, particularly in North America • Increased North American lumber production & shipments despite ongoing curtailments in British Columbia and permanent closure of Chetwynd facilities and temporary closure of Houston sawmill • Significant deterioration in global pulp market fundamentals; closure of the pulp line at Prince George Pulp and Paper Mill; subsequent to quarter-end, short curtailment of Northwood NBSK pulp mill amidst British Columbia port strike

January–June 2023 (1–6/2022) *Sales were EUR 3,116 million (3,416). *Operating result was EUR 402 million (589). Comparable operating result was EUR 380 million (574). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 18 million (456). April–June 2023 (4–6/2022) *Sales were EUR 1,481 million (1,822). *Operating result was EUR 127 million (248). Comparable operating result was EUR 104 million (330). *Comparable return on capital employed was 5.9% (20.5). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR -19 million (321).

Second Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights: *Produced revenue of $794 million, a 12% increase compared to the prior quarter, or a 16% decrease compared to the prior year *Generated income from operations of $84 million, and a net loss of $269 million, inclusive of a valuation allowance of $293 million established against the deferred tax assets within our Australia jurisdiction; adjusted net income was $24 million (non-GAAP) *Delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $168 million, at the high end of the guided range, and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.2% *Invested $55 million in capital expenditures in the quarter *Generated $81 million in free cash flow in the quarter

Q2 2023 highlights • Sales were EUR 2,558 million (2,562 million in Q2 2022) • Comparable EBIT decreased by 71% to EUR 114 million, 4.5% of sales (387 million, 15.1%) • Delivery volumes were impacted by destocking in various product value chains • Pulp and energy prices decreased to cyclical bottom levels • Operating cash flow was EUR 459 million (-879 million), supported by cash inflow from energy hedges • UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill in Uruguay ramping up production according to the plan • The OL3 nuclear power plant unit began regular commercial electricity production • Permanent closures of PM6 at UPM Schongau, Germany and PM4 at UPM Steyrermühl, Austria

“Earnings per share increased sequentially in the second quarter, a trend we expect to continue in coming quarters,” said Mitch Butier, Chairman and CEO. “Volumes in our Materials businesses continue to recover from slow market conditions, largely destocking, while our Intelligent Labels platform accelerates adoption into new categories. "While it's good to see the continuing sequential improvements in our Materials businesses and the building momentum in Intelligent Labels, the pace of our recovery is slower than anticipated. Our results for the quarter were below our expectation due to lower revenue, something the team was able to largely offset through cost reduction actions,” Butier added.

In March 2023, Ahlstrom launched a consultation process with employee representatives at its Stenay plant in France about the possibility to divest the plant, and if a buyer cannot be found considering closure. After a long process to identify potential buyers, Ahlstrom has received a binding offer from Accursia Capital to acquire the Stenay plant. The potential acquisition is subject to consultation with employee representatives. Since the beginning of the consultation period, finding a buyer has been Ahlstrom’s priority. The group has been working actively with all the local economic and political stakeholders in the area to support the process of finding a buyer. With a strong commitment to achieving a positive outcome for all parties involved, Ahlstrom would be dedicated to making every effort during the transition to ensure the plant successfully enters its new chapter.

The second quarter was challenging with all-time low sales volumes and with currency-neutral net sales declining by 18% compared to the same period last year. The largest sales decline was in North America due to the continued inventory destocking resulting in production curtailments. This, in combination with historically high fiber costs in Europe led to a weak result. By all indications, the blastomycosis outbreak at the Escanaba mill is behind us. Following a three-week idling and deep cleaning of the facilities, operations were successfully resumed on the 8th of May. We continue to work closely with local, state and federal health experts as they complete their analysis of the testing and sample collection at the mill. Results will be made publicly available in due course. The negative financial impact of the outage and the deep clean was SEK 85 million in the quarter. From the 1st of April, our financial results are reported according to a regional structure. Business conditions differ vastly between Europe and North America, even if the current situation of high inventories and destocking applies to both regions. Region Europe’s profitability deterioration in the second quarter was primarily due to all-time-high fiber cost and soft volumes. Region North America on the other hand delivered a comparatively healthy margin, despite an operating rate of 50-60%, thanks to our cost-leadership and tight cost control.

Sylvamo is releasing its first environmental, social and governance (ESG) report, demonstrating its commitment to building a better future on the promise of paper. The report illustrates the company’s 2022 contributions to the circular, low-carbon economy while improving people’s lives where it does business. “We are excited to release our first report, which highlights our progress toward our 2030 goals,” said James McDonald, chief sustainability officer. “Our strategy will help Sylvamo remain a sustainable company that generates profits for our shareowners, protects the environment and improves people’s lives.”

Following the announcement of a tentative agreement in the labour dispute at B.C. ports, Canfor Pulp Products Inc. is announcing that Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George will resume production next week (the week of July 17).

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the second quarter of 2023 was NOK 380 million, a decrease from NOK 675 million in the first quarter of 2023. The main driver for the lower second quarter EBITDA was lower publication paper sales prices. The cash flow from operations in the quarter was NOK 353 million. During the second quarter Norske Skog entered the packaging paper market with a successful production start-up of Bruck PM3, and the first rolls of packaging paper delivered to customers. The rockslide at Norske Skog Saugbrugs will likely keep the paper machine PM6 out of the publication paper market through the first half of 2024. An insurance compensation for business interruption is therefore recognized in the second quarter results. The start-up of the Golbey conversion project is postponed to the second quarter of 2024. Despite the rockslide at Norske Skog Saugbrugs and weakened demand in all segments in the quarter, we have managed to maintain high sales volumes, healthy profitability and a strong financial position.

Fire crews from Port Alberni, Cherry Creek, Beaver Creek and Sproat Lake fire departments took hours to put out a fire in the Paper Excellence Catalyst paper mill in Port Alberni on Friday. Just before 3 p.m., 911 dispatch informed the Port Alberni Fire Department that a barge carrying hog fuel — unrefined wood byproduct used in biomass burners and construction — was on fire. Port Alberni Deputy Fire Chief Wes Patterson said that the majority of the fire was initially contained to a conveyor belt system used to unload the barge with hog fuel. “As the wind picked up, as it usually does in the afternoon in the Port Alberni inlet, it started to blow these embers onto the land and started to cause spot fires,” Patterson said..

After failed attempts to sell the Stockstadt site, Sappi decided launch consultations on the future of the fine paper mill. On 14 April 2023 Sappi announced that the negotiations to sell its Stockstadt, Germany; Maastricht, The Netherlands; and Kirkniemi, Finland, mills could not be completed and the sale had lapsed. Sappi Stockstadt is an integrated pulp and paper mill producing 145,000 tpy of pulp which is converted to 220,000 tpy of coated and uncoated woodfree paper mainly sold into the European print market.

International technology group ANDRITZ received an order from Norske Skog Skogn to supply a thermomechanical pulping (TMP) line for its newsprint mill in Levanger, Norway. The ANDRITZ solution combines secondhand and new equipment to provide a customized package that precisely fits the local conditions. The new line will allow Norske Skog Skogn to change its raw material mix and thus reduce variable costs and the environmental impact of its operations, in particular NOx emissions, fossil CO2 emissions, and landfilled waste.

Lecta presents its first Sustainability Report integrating the three essential areas – environmental, social and governance – used to assess the sustainable performance of organizations. In 2022, Lecta formalized a complete ESG strategy as a key pillar of its long-term corporate activities, and in this first 2022 Sustainability Report it specifies the most relevant aspects and ambitious improvement objectives with a view to the 2030 Agenda. Key Performance Indicators (KPI) are also well defined in order to measure our continuous progress in this commitment. "We have been working for a long time on sustainability issues, and we have now formulated clear targets and our roadmap toward 2030," states Gilles Van Nieuwenhuyzen, CEO of Lecta.

Rottneros has entered into a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) including Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) with the third largest German energy group Energie Baden-Württemberg (EnBW). The utility will supply Rottneros with just over 30 GWh/annum of clean energy delivered from the 116 MW Målarberget wind farm in Sweden over an 8.5-year period starting in 2025. The partnership marks an additional step in Rottneros’ ambitions to reduce the environmental impact of its operations and its exposure to the volatile and uncertain electricity market. Rottneros’ goal is a fossil-free production according to GHG Scope 1 & 2 by 2030. The emissions from Rottneros’ operations come mainly from its external purchase of electricity, which is also their third largest variable cost item. In addition to helping Rottneros meet its climate targets, long-term PPAs are part of the company’s active work to reduce its long-term exposure to electricity price movements.

Paper Excellence Canada today announced it has once again been voted one of Canada’s 2022 Best 50 corporate citizens by Corporate Knights. Paper Excellence Canada is a diversified manufacturer of pulp and paper, including printing and writing, packaging, and specialty papers. The Best 50 award is judged using key performance indicators that relate to the organization’s raw resource use, emissions profile, social performance, safety performance, and percentage of revenue from clean sources. “We continue to be proud of our long association with Corporate Knights and their Best 50 program. Our sustainability report, Forward Focused: 2022 Sustainability Report, was just published last week and I encourage anyone interested in Paper Excellence Canada to read it,” said Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications.

UPM has signed an agreement on the sale of the recovered paper sorting plant ASK Kinsau in Germany to the Fisel Holding GmbH & Co. KG, a recovered logistics and municipal waste disposal company. The sale and purchase agreement includes the site and buildings. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. All employees of ASK Kinsau will be transferred to the new owner. “We are pleased, having found a long-term oriented and innovative buyer for the Kinsau site. The Fisel Group has a high level of expertise in handling recovered paper. As an integral part of this recycling company the sorting facilities could be better developed and optimized,” says Marco Kulterer, responsible for RCP Supply Chain & Operations at UPM Sourcing.

Today, binders are largely based on components of fossil origin. Stora Enso has created a binder, NeoLigno® by Stora Enso - Bio-based materials | Stora Enso NeoLigno® by Stora Enso, which is made of bio-based materials. Stora Enso together with RISE, IsoTimber, and Moelven, have proven that the bio-based binder works in construction elements on industrial scale, making them 100% fossil-free. NeoLigno® by Stora Enso is a binder made from lignin, which is an organic polymer present in all land-living plants, such as trees. Lignin is the natural binder in wood, it keeps the fibers together and protects the material from rotting. NeoLigno® is bio-based and free from formaldehyde and isocyanate. For two and a half years, Stora Enso, RISE, IsoTimber, and Moelven have worked together in a project with the aim to produce fossil-free construction boards and elements.

Stora Enso intends to divest its wood products DIY (Do It Yourself) unit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands to Megahout, backed by the private equity company Quadrum Capital. Closing is expected in Q3 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and consultation with employee representatives. The intended divestment of Stora Enso Timber DIY Products B.V. is in line with Stora Enso’s long-term strategy to focus on developing integrated mills for wood products production. The Amsterdam planing site is a small non-integrated unit with limited investment and growth opportunities and thus considered a non-core asset for Stora Enso.

The largest producer and exporter of packaging paper and sustainable solutions in paper packaging in Brazil, Klabin will hold, between June 28 and July 8, the General Shutdown at the Monte Alegre Unit, in Telêmaco Borba (PR). The action is provided for by Regulatory Norms for maintenance and necessary adjustments, in order to guarantee the perfect operation of all equipment, as well as the safety and integrity of employees and the entire community. In addition to maintenance, the General Shutdown allows the Unit to undergo eventual improvements, such as technological updates, always with the objective of improving productivity and operational safety, with the adoption of the best practices available in the market.

Paper Excellence Canada has published its third sustainability report: Forward Focused: 2022 Sustainability Report. Paper Excellence Canada is one of Canada’s foremost forest businesses utilizing large scale, technically advanced manufacturing at its core. We are part of global and North American supply chains that depend on Canada’s well-managed forests which allow us to deliver a growing range of products to our customers. Forward Focused: 2022 Sustainability Report looks at both our achievements and our opportunities to do better within this framework. This report also looks at our environmental and economic impacts nationally and on a mill-by-mill basis. From an environmental standpoint, 82% of our total energy use was renewable in 2022 while we have continued to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions—now down by 67% since 1990. We were also gratified that Corporate Knights recognized our ongoing efforts and named us one of Canada’s 50 Best Corporate Citizens in 2022.

International technology group ANDRITZ has installed a new spunlace pilot line at its center of competence in Montbonnot, France. It allows customers and partners to conduct trials for producing nonwovens from recycled and/or natural fibers such as hemp, flax, and cotton. The new pilot line features optimized web forming and entanglement for smooth processing of sensitive and irregular fibers. The innovative card set-up is designed to protect and maintain the quality of the fibers while achieving outstanding productivity rates.

As part of Sappi Europe's full scale decarbonisation roadmap, Gratkorn mill is expanding the share of biomass to be used as an energy source, further driving the move away from fossil fuels as part of the mill’s contribution to the European roadmap. The project follows the recent modernisation of the power plant boiler which enabled the shift from coal to a combined approach of biomass and natural gas. The mill is now embarking on a next step, enhancing its infrastructure and therefore capacity in order to handle the delivery, sorting and processing of increased biomass levels. This increased utilisation requires an improved biomass handling system at the mill as well as decentralised intermediate storage terminals within the surrounding regions.

Paige Goff, Domtar’s vice president of sustainability, recently spoke to business leaders at an MX.0Southeast event focused on data-driven, resilient and sustainable manufacturing. She shared more about the comprehensive structure of Domtar’s ESG approach and outlook. When people talk about costs as a barrier to being more sustainable, Goff counters that it’s more expensive to do nothing. “There is an initial investment, but it pays off in the long run,” she says. “Our customers expect us to do the right thing and be responsible stewards of the environment. Our reputational risk is their reputational risk.” Similarly, she says, an effective ESG approach is important for recruiting and retaining talent. The E in ESG gets the most attention, with the emphasis on environmental responsibility and care for natural resources. It’s an area where Domtar has been a leader, particularly in forestry. But the G also plays a crucial role in our ESG approach. Governance is how we connect the dots from senior leadership to the frontlines of manufacturing, Goff says. Our ESG committee includes leaders from across the organization with a diverse collection of roles and responsibilities.

UPM inaugurated its Paso de los Toros pulp mill in the department of Durazno in Central Uruguay. The inauguration event was attended by the President of Uruguay Luis Lacalle Pou, several ministers and representatives of other stakeholders who have participated in the successful execution of UPM’s growth project in Uruguay. The UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill has an annual production capacity of 2.1 million tonnes of eucalyptus pulp. The mill represents the latest and best available technology. It is energy efficient with minimal environmental impacts and optimised maintenance. With an increase of more than 50% in UPM’s current pulp capacity, this growth investment creates a step change in the scale of UPM’s pulp business and future earnings. It also has a significant impact on Uruguay’s economy and creates significant opportunities for the country’s people and communities.

Through a unique value-chain collaborative innovation, sustainable specialty materials leader Ahlstrom and cosmetic brand Terre de Couleur have launched a biodegradable and reusable, fiber-based hair cap for home and professional cosmetic use. Terre de Couleur had an ambitious goal – to remove or decrease the plastic content in their single-use 100% plastic hair cap without compromising the performance nor the usage experience and comfort of hair professionals and consumers alike. The cap offers many advantages in cosmetic applications such as shower use, hair mask applications, and hair coloring in professional or home setting to allow: *Hair protection *Maintains optimal humidity and heat for color or hair care setting *Hand washable and reusable *Chain-of-Custody Forestry Certified according to FSC® and PEFC™ standards *Ahlstrom’s Genuine Vegetable Parchment certified home compostable with OK COMPOST HOME from TÜV and industrially compostable with OK COMPOST from TÜV (EN13432)

Resolute Forest Products Inc. today announced the ratification of a four-year master labor agreement with the Unifor union covering 525 hourly employees at ten company woodlands in Quebec, following an agreement-in-principle reached on May 11. "We are pleased to renew this agreement, which underscores the contribution of our woodlands employees to the company's success and provides stability for our customers, communities and other partners," said Remi G. Lalonde, president and chief executive officer. The individual collective agreements ratified on May 26 cover Resolute's Abitibi and Nord-du-Québec (Comtois, Senneterre), Côte-Nord, Lac-Saint-Jean (Girardville, La Doré, Mistassini, Péribonka, Saint-Félicien, Saint-Thomas) and Mauricie woodlands operations.

Resonating with the ambitious EU regulatory targets for reducing waste, UPM Specialty Papers has introduced a new “LinerLoop compatible” label to promote closed loop recycling of release papers used in self-adhesive labels and tapes. Release papers carrying the label qualify for recycling in UPM LinerLoopTM, which is the first commercial-scale closed-loop recycling solution for silicone coated release papers. Currently some 50% of used release papers and matrix materials are recycled in Europe, but it is estimated that only 15% are recycled back to release papers in a closed loop (source: CELAB, AWA). As a member of CELAB-Europe and AFERA, UPM Specialty Papers works towards increasing the share of closed-loop recycling. Recycling silicone coated papers in a circular fashion is a technically demanding process. One factor, for instance, impacting closed-loop recycling is the shade of paper. As the typical shade of glassine used in label applications is white or some other light shade, recycling darker coloured glassine grades in the same stream would contaminate the recycled pulp.

Sappi North America Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, announced today that several of its employees have received awards for their endeavors in creative graphics, leadership and innovative initiatives. The Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) awarded Beth Cormier, VP of research, development and sustainability, a Women in Industry Division’s 2023 Woman of the Year Award; recognized Joseph Fernandez, research fellow, with the 2023 Coating & Graphic Arts Division Technical Award and BASF Charles W. Engelhard Medallion and Honorarium; and bestowed Matthew Howard, area process systems manager, with the TAPPI Award for Best Process Control Paper. Additionally, David Niles, senior print and converting scientist, received the Michael H. Bruno award from the Technical Association of Graphic Arts (TAGA).

Resolute Forest Products Inc., a subsidiary of Domtar Corporation and a part of the Paper Excellence Group, today announced that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell its Thunder Bay (Ontario) pulp and paper mill to an affiliate of Atlas Holdings. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of the year, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions, including obtaining required regulatory approvals. Resolute will continue to operate its sawmills and woodlands operations in Northwestern Ontario. At the closing of the transaction, the parties will enter into certain ancillary agreements, including a long-term woodchip and biomass supply agreement pursuant to which Resolute will continue to provide chips and biomass to the Thunder Bay mill.

As per the latest study of Tulchin Research, the majority of American consumers prefer paper receipts over digital receipts when it comes to their own purchases from retail sources. The majority of them say that paper receipts have the crucial advantage of being better when it comes to protecting personal information. Tulchin Research is an award-winning public opinion research firm that specializes in opinion surveys. The survey, which was initiated by the Paper Receipt Converting Association (PRCA), was based on responses from 1,000 randomly selected adults 18 years or older in the USA. Three out of four survey respondents preferred paper receipts, while only one fourth preferred a digital receipt sent to their phones by e-mail or text message. Meanwhile, eight out of ten American consumers said they wanted to decide themselves which type of receipt they wanted for their purchases and were not interested in having the decision made for them. “These results are surprising, since they go against the general trend towards digitalization,” Koehler America General Manager Steve Graves says before adding: “This development shows that paper receipts are experiencing a renaissance, and I’m pretty sure that these survey results would be nearly identical if we were to survey Europeans instead.”

Mactac®, a LINTEC Company, is acquiring Label Supply, headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Label Supply has been servicing the Canadian roll label market for more than three decades. The acquisition is expected to close June 1, 2023, and consists of an established, turnkey facility with 11 finishing assets, a comprehensive transportation/shipping fleet, robust laboratory and technical resource group, and an in-house ink partner. With the added support of Mactac, Label Supply benefits from a larger customer base, capital access, information technology, and broad, consistent product supply. The acquisition expands the geographic reach of both companies in the Canadian market, creating a unique service and product offering that provides specialty products, service, and large quantities to more customers throughout Eastern Canada.