Sylvamo Announces New Latin America Senior Leader

Sylvamo is announcing a senior leadership change for its Latin America division. Tatiana Kalman has been elected senior vice president and general manager, Latin America, effective June 1. Kalman joins Sylvamo from BASF, most recently serving as managing director and senior vice president, Business Unit Personal Care Europe. “We welcome Tatiana to our company. She will help us continue building a better future for our employees, customers and investors,” said Jean-Michel Ribiéras, chairman and chief executive officer.
Read More

Domtar Celebrates EAM Expansion in Jesup, Georgia

Domtar’s Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM) facility in Jesup, Georgia, recently celebrated the completion of a $90 million project that added a large-scale airlaid production line to the facility as well as 75 new jobs. The EAM expansion makes Domtar a leading nonwovens provider. The facility hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 23 that included remarks from Domtar leaders and Georgia state and county officials. Staff from U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter’s office also attended. “The EAM expansion adds more scale and technology, and combining it with our world-class fluff pulp business, we will deliver more value to our customers and Domtar for many years to come,” said Steve Henry, Domtar executive vice president and chief operating officer. “We are very confident and excited by what the future holds for Domtar’s pulp business and EAM.”
Read More

Avery Dennison Announces Planned CEO Succession

Avery Dennison Corporation announced that its board of directors, as a result of a planned succession process, has elected the company’s president and chief operating officer, Deon Stander, as president and chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2023. Current chairman and CEO, Mitch Butier, will serve as executive chairman of the company’s board of directors. “It has been a privilege to have led Avery Dennison for much of the past decade. I have been fortunate to have worked with such a tremendous team at this wonderful company -- a team that has raised the bar by both delivering superior results, while also positioning us for even greater successes in the future,” said Mitch Butier, chairman and chief executive officer, Avery Dennison. “With the company so well positioned, I am confident it is the right time to transition the role of CEO to Deon.”
Read More

Ahlstrom supports the transition to renewable energy sources with Elektro-Tek® electrotechnical papers

As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, the demand for high-performance insulation materials for electrotechnical uses is on the rise. Supporting this transition, electrotechnical papers are designed as an ideal solution for demanding applications such as high-voltage cables, distribution transformers, instrument transformers, power transformers, and bushings. Ahlstrom offers a comprehensive range of innovative electrotechnical papers under a new brand Elektro-Tek® that offer excellent thermal and electrical properties. The key features required in electrotechnical papers include for example their insulation properties, density and thermal endurance, to enable the insulation to perform in operation for the defined lifecycle of the highest quality OEM producers.
Read More

UPM Biochemicals and URSA develop new sustainable insulation to achieve step change in the environmental performance of the construction materials industry

UPM Biochemicals and URSA, one of the leading producers of glass wool and mineral wool in Europe, today announced the development of more environmentally friendly building insulation that will help to reduce energy consumption and lower CO2 emissions. URSA will produce sustainable glass wool made from an innovative, binder based on UPM BioPiva™ lignin. It will be one of the most natural insulation material available on the market. The new binder implemented by Ursa is based on the proprietary lignin-resin technology developed by UPM Biochemicals. URSA and UPM Biochemicals have closely collaborated in optimizing binder composition for best physical characteristics of the new insulation material and smooth runnability on URSA’s production lines.
Read More

Nekoosa discontinues MagneCote®

In an effort to focus on products that fit best within our manufacturing capabilities, we are discontinuing our MagneCote® product. Today, we will no longer manufacture this product or actively promote it on our website. Limited inventory is available at our Nekoosa, Wisconsin facility for purchase on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. If you want to purchase any remaining merchandise, please contact your assigned Nekoosa Business Development Manager (BDM) for additional information.
Read More

Canfor and Canfor Pulp Jointly Release 2022 Sustainability Report

Canfor Corporation (TSX:CFP) and Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (TSX:CFX) jointly announce the release of the 2022 Sustainability Report, which outlines performance on topics such as climate change, sustainable forestry and energy management, and social issues such as inclusion and diversity, and Indigenous relations. “Climate change is one of the most pressing issues we are facing today, and sustainable forest management and low carbon forest products can play a key role in addressing our changing climate,” says Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor. “Sustainability is at the very core of what we do, and our 2022 Sustainability Report outlines the progress we are making.
Read More

Sappi North America Releases 2022 Sustainability Report

Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, today released its 2022 Sustainability Report, highlighting its commitment to science-based targets in creating sustainable products and business practices. The company also secured the EcoVadis Platinum sustainability rating for the third year in a row, keeping Sappi at the top 1% of companies rated for sustainability. In 2022, the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) continued to play an integral role in shaping Sappi’s business practices. The UNSDGs not only provide a global benchmark for sustainability, but also help guide Sappi’s approach to new sustainable product development; achieve record-breaking employee safety; elevate diversity in senior management; collaborate with partners on forward-trending projects; and more.
Read More

GreenFirst Reports Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2023

First Quarter of 2023 Highlights: *First quarter 2023 net loss from continuing operations was $20.2 million, compared to net loss of $25.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2022 on the same basis. Lumber prices dropped, reflecting economic headwinds and lower demand in Q1 2023, with an average selling price of $605/mfbm compared to $644/mfbm in Q4 2022. The Q1 2023 valuation provision for lumber and logs inventory was increased to $11.9 million from $8.7 million at the end of Q4 2022. *Sold its two Quebec mills for gross proceeds of $94.1 million, subject to working capital adjustments, at a $3.5 million loss on disposal. *Reducing overheads and operating costs while increasing production efficiencies. *Signed a non-binding letter of intent to sell approximately 30 of 118 acres of the land in Kenora. *The Company has significantly deleveraged its balance sheet by reducing its outstanding debt and is no longer subject to financial covenant ratios.
Read More

Mativ Announces First Quarter 2023 Results

Mativ First Quarter 2023 Highlights *Sales increased 66.9% to $679.0 million, reflecting the benefit of the merger; 1% constant currency organic sales growth *GAAP loss was $7.7 million, GAAP EPS was $(0.14), and GAAP Operating Profit was $9.3 million, which all included merger integration and purchase accounting expenses *Price increases more than offset the impacts of higher input costs; however, lower volumes primarily from customer de-stocking and manufacturing challenges drove margin pressure *$25 million incremental synergy realization still expected in 2023, with procurement and supply chain activities building upon 2022 SG&A actions; easing input costs also expected to support sequential margin improvements
Read More

Ahlstrom ECO™, a renewable lignin-impregnated filter media, wins the American Filtration Society’s New Product of the Year award

Ahlstrom ECO™, a new range of renewable and sustainable filtration solutions for automotive applications, was selected as the New Product of the Year by the America Filtration Society (AFS) on May 2, 2023. The Product of the Year award is given to a company introducing the most significant new product in the previous year. Ahlstrom ECO™ is a renewable and sustainable filter media which utilizes lignin-based impregnation, thereby limiting the use of fossil-based resin. The resin contains a significant amount of bio-based renewable lignin, while the mechanical properties and durability of the filter media, even in challenging environments, are maintained. Ahlstrom ECO™ supports the increased sustainability demands of the global transportation market and offers a new choice for filter manufacturers. Ahlstrom ECO™ was first developed in our Louveira plant in Brazil.
Read More

Sylvamo Reports First Quarter 2023 Results

“We generated $208 million in adjusted EBITDA, which was consistent with our outlook of $205 million to $215 million, and achieved a 22% adjusted EBITDA margin,” said Jean-Michel Ribiéras. “We maintained a strong balance sheet and repurchased 80% of our outstanding notes to eliminate restrictive covenants in the notes agreement. These steps enabled us to continue on the path to returning more cash to shareowners.” Financial Highlights – First Quarter vs. Fourth Quarter *Net income from continuing operations of $97 million ($2.25 per diluted share) vs. $88 million ($1.99 per diluted share) *Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of $63 million vs. $142 million
Read More

Sylvamo Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Greg Gibson, senior vice president and general manager, North America, will be elected senior vice president, Commercial Excellence, until his retirement March 31, 2024. Gibson joined the industry in 1982 and has served in various sales, marketing, general management and senior leadership roles in North America and Europe. Rodrigo Davoli, senior vice president and general manager, Latin America, will be elected senior vice president and general manager, North America. Davoli joined the industry in 1993 and has served in various finance, strategic planning, sales, marketing, general management and senior leadership roles in Latin America and Europe. They will assist each other with transitions throughout the third quarter.
Read More

Canfor Reports Results for First Quarter of 2023

Overview • Q1 2023 adjusted operating loss of $146 million; adjusted shareholder net loss of $145 million, or $1.20 per share • Strong earnings from the Company’s European operations and more modest earnings from its US South operations outweighed by continued pricing pressure on its Western Canadian operations • Increased lumber production & shipments notwithstanding North American market-related challenges; uplift in pulp production despite ongoing fibre constraints
Read More

Lean Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement Yield Results for Domtar

Through Lean Six Sigma projects and other continuous improvement initiatives, our teams have uncovered millions of dollars in efficiencies and process optimization savings across our manufacturing network. To date, 11 Domtar employees are Lean Six Sigma Black Belts. To achieve this, professionals attend two weeks of classroom training and pass a certification exam. Additionally, Black Belt candidates must complete a process improvement project at their location using the program’s fundamental tools, with oversight from a certified mentor.
Read More

Clearwater Paper Reports First Quarter 2023 Results

For the first quarter of 2023, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $525 million, an 8% increase compared to net sales of $488 million for the first quarter of 2022. Net income for the first quarter of 2023 was $24 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, compared to net income for the first quarter of 2022 of $17 million, or $0.97 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, Clearwater Paper reported adjusted net income in the first quarter of 2023 of $25 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, compared to first quarter 2022 adjusted net income of $18 million, or $1.03 per diluted share.
Read More

The Board of Holmen has resolved to buy back shares

The Board of Directors of Holmen has decided to exercise its authorisation from the Annual General Meeting held on 28 March 2023 to buy back own shares. Repurchases may amount to a maximum of 3 million shares of series B during the period from and including 3 May 2023 until the next annual general meeting, on one or several occasions. The shares will be bought on Nasdaq Stockholm in accordance with its Issuer Rules, at a price per share within the price range on Stockholm Nasdaq at any given time, by which is meant the range between the highest buying price and the lowest selling price published continuously by Nasdaq Stockholm.
Read More

Sappi Casting and Release Announces New Textures Ahead of interzum 2023

Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and dissolving wood pulp, has announced it will showcase seven new and recently launched textures from its Arrio finished surface and Ultracast decorative laminate release paper lines during interzum 2023 in Cologne, Germany from May 9-12, 2023. Sappi will also display a decorative laminate texture six-pack and a “bio-lab” that will highlight materials such as bio-based leather alternatives whose aesthetics benefit from the use of Sappi release paper. The six-pack will include these new or recently launched textures: Matte Stipple: This all-over delicate granular design is inspired by plaster effects in the decorative coatings of walls and ceilings. Lunaris: With its elevated concrete look, Lunaris expresses the spirit of surface patterns eroded over time, celebrating the beauty of naturally created texture. Koa: Koa's curly, wavy pattern is arguably one of the most beautiful woodgrain textures in Sappi’s catalog. Kenwood CD (CD=cross direction) is a modern and sophisticated version of Sappi's popular Kenwood design, aimed at the medium-high-end door market. Cayenne: Cayenne is a natural, fresh and trendy wood texture inspired by a refined linear Italian walnut surface. Bond: Bond rounds up every elevated laminate collection with the warmth and coziness of a textile finish.
Read More

Suzano Reports First Quarter 2023 Results

The more challenging macroeconomic scenario and market pulp fundamentals pressured the revenues during the quarter. The decline in pulp prices and sales volumes in relation to the previous quarter resulted in lower adjusted EBITDA from the segment compared to 4Q22. The paper business unit registered EBITDA per ton growth, driven by better prices despite lower sales volume associated with a strategy to recompose inventories. Consequently, adjusted EBITDA in the quarter came to R$6.2 billion, down 25% from 4Q22, and 20% higher than in 1Q22.
Read More

Holmen invests to strengthen book paper and increase packaging paper production

To further strengthen Holmen's market-leading position in book paper and increase production of Holmen's new packaging product, INNR, the company is investing SEK 450 million in rebuilding a paper machine at Braviken Paper Mill. "In 2022, we launched a new corrugated board product, Holmen INNR, which has been well received by the market. Holmen's paper products have a low climate footprint and are lighter than traditional alternatives, making them resource efficient without compromising on strength, quality or overall feel," says Lars Lundin, Senior Vice President Paper. Rebuilding PM52 at Braviken Paper Mill will broaden the product range for book paper while enabling Holmen to efficiently increase the production of fluting for use in the centre layer of corrugated boxes. The rebuild is planned for autumn 2024 with an estimated cost of SEK 450 million.
Read More

Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–March 2023 was EUR 276 million

January–March 2023 (1–3/2022) *Sales were EUR 1.634 million (1.594). *Operating result was EUR 276 million (341). Comparable operating result was EUR 276 million (244). *Result before taxes was EUR 271 million (330). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 272 million (232). *Comparable return on capital employed was 15.3% (15.8). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 38 million (135).
Read More

Ahlstrom achieves accreditation through Pet Sustainability Coalition

Ahlstrom has received the significant honor of successfully achieving the Pet Sustainability Coalition’s “Pet Sustainability Accredited” status. The Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC), an organization committed to advancing sustainability in the pet industry, recognizes Ahlstrom's commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its products and operations through the accreditation. As part of the accreditation process, Ahlstrom underwent a demanding assessment of its sustainability practices, including its environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance policies. The assessment evaluated various aspects of the company's sustainability performance, such as its carbon footprint, waste management, and water use.
Read More

Landslide in Halden has stopped Norske Skog Saugbrugs PM6

There was a landslide at Norske Skog Saugbrugs around 04:30 CET today on 27 April 2023. This has had a material impact on building structures, cranes, and other machinery and equipment relating to PM6, which will result in a production stop for a longer period. "There has been a significant landslide which has caused great damage to the building structure for PM6 at Saugbrugs. We are working to get a full overview of the situation and risk of further landslides, but at the moment it is considered too dangerous to enter the area. This will result in a production stop on PM6 for a longer period. Most importantly, no one were harmed in the landslide, but it has been a traumatic and shocking experience for all involved and the local community" says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog ASA. Saugbrugs PM6 has a capacity of 260 000 tonnes SC magazine paper. Operations at Saugbrugs PM4 continue, the machine has a capacity of 100 000 tonnes SC magazine paper. The production and financial impact is currently uncertain, but further information will be provided when there is a clear overview of the situation
Read More

Rottneros is investing in renewable energy

The Board of Directors of Rottneros has decided to invest a total of approximately 86 MSEK in renewable electricity at Rottneros Mill. The investments include a solar park and a battery storage and are part of a long-term strategy to reduce the groups exposure to the electricity market. The start-up is planned for 2024. The solar park is expected to generate over 3 GWh annually, which can be compared to the company's annual purchased electricity demand of around 220 GWh. The purpose of the battery storage is primarily to contribute to an improved balance on the electricity market, which also generates revenue from Svenska Kraftnät and thus a favourable return on investment.
Read More

Billerud Interim report January–March 2023

Key highlights Q1 *Organic* and currency-neutral sales growth of 6% *Market-related downtime in several mills due to customers’ destocking and expectations of weaker market conditions *Prices increased for liquid board and speciality paper, were stable for graphic paper and cartonboard, and decreased for other product categories *All-time high input costs. Quarterly data Q1 *Net sales increased by 55% to SEK 11,495 million (7,397), whereof Billerud North America accounted for SEK 3,311 million (–) *Operating profit was SEK 806 million (1,189) *Net profit was SEK 639 million (884)
Read More

Ahlstrom launches Ahlstrom ECO™, a renewable lignin-based automotive filter media

Ahlstrom introduces a new range of renewable and sustainable filtration solutions for automotive applications. Ahlstrom ECO™ is a technology supporting the increasing sustainability demands of the global transportation market and offering a new choice for filter manufacturers. Developed by Ahlstrom, a new renewable and sustainable filter media utilizes lignin-based* impregnation, replacing fossil-based resin. The resin solution contains a significant amount of bio-based, renewable lignin, whilst the mechanical properties and the durability of the filter media, even in challenging environments, are maintained. According to Ahlstrom’s initial estimates1, the new lignin-based impregnated filter media displays a lower carbon footprint than a standard fossil-based resin media. Additionally, the lignin-based impregnation recipe brings a significant reduction, between 50-70%, of formaldehyde emissions during the curing process.
Read More

Resolute Inaugurates New Cellulose Filament Plant in Quebec

Resolute Forest Products Inc. held a ceremony to inaugurate its new commercial-scale plant for the production of cellulose filaments at its Kénogami paper mill in Saguenay, Quebec. Cellulose filaments, also known as nanofibrillated cellulose, are a novel biomaterial derived from wood fiber, which can be used as a natural additive in many products to improve technical performance. Announced in 2020, the construction of the $27 million facility was part of a $38 million investment project in the company's Kénogami mill. Remi G. Lalonde, Resolute's president and chief executive officer, led the inauguration ceremony, also attended by Andrée Laforest, Quebec Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, as well as by local officials, dignitaries and Resolute employees.
Read More

Sappi’s platinum sustainability status is once again verified by EcoVadis

Trust, but verify. This is the value of third-party assessments including the annual review undertaken by EcoVadis. All three of Sappi’s manufacturing regions – Europe, North America and South Africa – once again achieved the highest possible rating, platinum, in the annual EcoVadis Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ratings. This achievement places the regions individually and Sappi collectively in the top 1% of over 90,000 companies assessed by EcoVadis. Enhancing trust is one of Sappi’s key strategic fundamentals. We work to make every day more sustainable for people, communities and the planet. We demonstrate this through our tangible actions, our partnerships, through public reporting, by the group’s alignment with the United Nations Global Compact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and importantly also through various assessments and verifications.
Read More

UPM Interim Report Q1 2023

Q1 2023 highlights *Sales increased by 11% to EUR 2,787 million (2,507 million in Q1 2022) *Comparable EBIT grew by 29% to EUR 356 million, 12.8% of sales (277 million, 11.0%) *Delivery volumes were impacted by destocking in various product value chains *Operating cash flow was EUR 714 million (12 million), supported by cash inflow from energy hedges *Net debt increased to EUR 2,167 million (837 million) and the net debt to EBITDA ratio was 0.82 (0.46) *UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill in Uruguay started up production on 15 April
Read More

These Times Demand New Signs: Go Green & Go Wide… or Go Home

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, demonstrates yet again that it’s keeping up with the times by introducing our newest “Un-Plastic®” and sustainable wide format and signage materials. “For Brands and retailers that are looking to fulfill their sustainability commitments without compromising durability, printability, and, of course, great style – the search ends here with Monadnock and our two newest product lines” said Lisa Taylor, Vice President Sales and Marketing. “We invested in developing Boulevard™ and Pavilion™ PC 100 without compromise, without plastic, and without a doubt that these times demand new signs.”
Read More

Twin Rivers Paper Names Tyler Rajeski as President & CFO

Twin Rivers Paper Company has announced the promotion of Tyler Rajeski to President and Chief Financial Officer. In the new role, Rajeski will oversee all functions of the business, including finance, procurement, operations, customer supply chain, sales and human resources. Rajeski continues to report to the Chief Executive Officer of Twin Rivers Paper, Debabrata ‘Deba’ Mukherjee. “Tyler has done a spectacular job leading several significant initiatives for Twin Rivers Paper, including a major refinancing of the business that has provided Twin Rivers with a strong working capital position, and the recent sale of the company’s Plaster Rock softwood lumber operation that benefits Twin with a long-term supply agreement,” stated Mukherjee. “Tyler’s impressive accomplishments in a relatively short timeframe have created strategic value for the business that will help ensure its long-term success.”
Read More

Ahlstrom expands technology capabilities in filtration, enabling new solutions with an increased lifetime from its Hyun Poong plant in South Korea

A longer filter lifetime is one of the key features helping to sustain operations and boost performance with minimal interruptions. This not only saves costs associated with frequent filter replacements but also reduces energy consumption and minimizes environmental impacts by lowering emissions. In addition, a longer filter lifetime can reduce the risk of system failures, downtimes, and potential equipment damage, further enhancing operational efficiency and reliability. New synthetic materials have more surface area available, therefore extending the filter lifetime and offering a more sustainable alternative to competing materials. The media can be used for both air and liquid filtration applications including air pollution control, oil, and fuel filtration. Products are easier to convert, which offers further savings for filter manufacturers. These capabilities reinforce our purpose to deliver products which Purify and Protect. "This investment is another example of our commitment to our customers in the Asia-Pacific region," says Kathrin Hueppe, Head of Asia, Filtration. "Improving our capabilities in the Hyun Poong plant allows us to serve their growing needs in high-performance filtration materials.”
Read More

UPM electrifies heat and steam production at its mills in Finland and Germany

UPM is replacing the use of fossil fuels with electric boilers in heat and steam production at its mills in Finland and Germany. A total of eight boilers will be installed, mainly to replace the use of natural gas. With the introduction of the electric boilers, the company will take a step towards its 2030 target of reducing CO2 emissions from the fuels and purchased electricity by 65%. In Finland, new electric boilers can reduce CO2 emissions from the use of fossil fuels by about 50,000 tonnes per year. In Germany, electric boilers will improve security of supply for heat and steam generation and achieve even greater emission reductions. "In addition to improved security of supply and emission reduction, electric boilers will significantly increase the mills’ ability to provide demand side flexibility to the electricity system and markets," says Petri Hyyryläinen, Energy Director at UPM Communication Papers.
Read More

Meet the new Crown Van Gelder

Perce Thrower, UK sales, Crown Van Gelder - We ended 2022 on a positive note with a record-breaking volume of our Crown Letsgo inkjet-treated substrates, but due to a sudden cashflow problem, we went into administration in early 2023. The failure of the company was due to high costs of energy and pulp in the second half of 2022, and a drop in demand in the last months of 2022. During the tense weeks that followed we received a lot of positive messages from customers, merchants, OEMs inkjet press manufacturers and other paper mills, which increased our belief that Crown Van Gelder could and should survive. On 1 March we were able to announce that with the help of a new investor we could continue the paper mill as Crown Van Gelder International. The lead partner in the relaunch is EPAC Technologies, with whom we codeveloped our leading inkjet paper over five years ago, and we have continued to collaborate since. This will change the industry in a great way for our customers.
Read More

UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill begins operations

UPM has received the final operating authorization for its new UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill from the environmental authorities. The start-up of the mill commences immediately, and first customer deliveries are expected to ship in May. The mill has gone through a comprehensive and thorough permitting process. Uruguayan environmental authority has monitored the construction of the mill on site throughout the project. The operating authorization process has included several inspections by the authorities, as well as third party audits by industry experts. UPM has an extensive environmental monitoring programme covering water and biota, air, soil, noise, and socio-economic aspects. Through the growth investment, UPM and its subcontractors will create 4,000 new jobs through the value chain, as well as approximately 6,000 induced jobs and a 2% increase in GDP for the Uruguay economy.
Read More

Billerud Temporarily Idles Escanaba, Michigan, Mill

Billerud announces the temporary idling of the Escanaba Mill for up to three weeks as a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of its employees and contractors due to a blastomycosis fungal infection outbreak. “Our top priority now and always is protecting the health and safety of our employees and contractors who work at our Escanaba Mill,” says Christoph Michalski, Billerud President and CEO. “We care deeply about their well-being and are doing everything we can to protect them and identify and address the root cause of the blastomycosis fungal infections. As a precautionary measure, we will temporarily idle the Escanaba Mill for up to three weeks to facilitate additional proper cleaning based on recommendations from NIOSH and other organizations, which requires larger portions of the mill to be vacant while this work is performed. The financial impact is assessed to be limited since the production at the Escanaba Mill was being adjusted to meet current market demand.”
Read More

Record turnover and results for HEINZEL GROUP in 2022

HEINZEL GROUP is proud to announce a record-breaking year in 2022, achieving the highest turnover and the best earnings in the company's history. At the same time HEINZEL GROUP reduced its CO2 emissions substantially, in line with its climate targets and sustainability strategy. In the face of multiple crises in 2022, including the Ukraine crisis, the European energy crisis, and the steep general cost increases, HEINZEL GROUP showed resilience and responded flexibly to market changes. An all-time high in terms of pulp and paper prices contributed to an increase of HEINZEL GROUP's net sales by 36.6% to €2,777.4 million in 2022. In total, HEINZEL GROUP generated an EBITDA of €287.5 million, an increase of 46.8%, while lowering CO2 emissions (Scope 1&2) by 14.9% to 535,333 tons.
Read More

The agreement to sell three of Sappi’s European graphic paper mills to the Aurelius Group lapses

Sappi Limited announced today that the intended sale to Aurelius Group of its Maastricht Mill in the Netherlands, its Stockstadt Mill in Germany and its Kirkniemi Mill in Finland (the “Transaction”) has not materialised within the agreed timeframe of the contractual agreement and therefore the agreement has lapsed. The mills included: Sappi Maastricht Mill produces 260,000 ton per annum (tpa) of coated woodfree paper and paperboard mainly sold to printers and packaging converters globally. Sappi Stockstadt Mill is an integrated pulp and paper mill located in Germany, producing 145,000 tpa of pulp which is used to produce 220,000 tpa of coated and uncoated woodfree paper mainly sold into the European print market. Sappi Kirkniemi Mill is an integrated pulp and paper mill located in Finland, producing 300,000 tpa of bleached mechanical pulp which is used to produce approximately 750 000 tpa of a variety of coated mechanical paper grades used in the print publication industry globally.
Read More

Klabin carries out a General Shutdown at the Puma Unit

Klabin will carry out the 2023 General Shutdown at the Puma Unit, in Ortigueira (PR), starting next week. This important event aims to ensure the proper functioning and reliability of the Unit's equipment, in addition to implementing improvements that increase the quality of the company's production process and the safety of employees and the community. Maintenance stop periods are regulatory for some industry sectors and therefore in line with Brazilian legislation. It is at this moment that the necessary interventions take place to guarantee the reliability of the operation, bringing safety to the processes and to employees and the community. The Parade also generates an opportunity for improvements and technological updates to be implemented. It should be noted that at Klabin, the stages of work are defined using the best project management practices, with a focus on safety, planning, integration and quality in the production processes of the manufacturing units.
Read More

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. Welcomes New Director of Supply Chain and Logistics

Monadnock Paper Mills, a manufacturer of technical specialty and premium printing and packaging papers, announced that Stephen (Steve) Murphy has rejoined the Company as Director of Supply Chain and Logistics. Steve has a history with Monadnock Paper Mills. He joined the Company in January of 1988 as an hourly employee and rose to the position of Paper Machine Tender. In January1997, he was promoted to the position of Maintenance Purchasing/Stockroom Manager. Steve left Monadnock in 2007 to pursue his education and a career progression with ENCON Evaporators, Inc. of Hooksett, NH. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Management & Supply Chain, Summa Cum Laude, from Southern New Hampshire University. While attending college, he continued his career with ENCON, holding multiple positions from 2007 through 2023 including Purchasing Manager, Operations and Production Manager, Supply Chain Manager.
Read More

Stora Enso completes the divestment of its Hylte paper site to Sweden Timber

Stora Enso has completed the divestment of its paper production site in Hylte, Sweden announced on 27 January 2023, and all related assets to Sweden Timber, a Sweden-based sawmill and planing mill company. The enterprise value of the transaction is approximately EUR 18 million and will result in the reduction of Stora Enso’s annual newsprint paper capacity by 245,000 tonnes. Using 2022 figures as a benchmark, the divestment is expected to reduce Stora Enso’s annual sales by approximately EUR 160 million. As announced earlier, Stora Enso will book a disposal loss of approximately EUR 35 million, in addition to an impairment loss of EUR 19 million recorded in Q4/2022 in its IFRS operating profit in Q2/2023, as an item affecting comparability. The final value will be subject to closing date adjustments.
Read More

Paper Excellence Wins BC Cleantech Award

Paper Excellence Canada is thrilled to announce today that it has been awarded the Corporate Pioneer of the Year Award at the annual Foresight Canada BC Cleantech Awards. The award was announced during an event in Vancouver on Thursday evening. Foresight Canada’s BC Cleantech Awards are an annual event to recognize inspiring change-makers from across British Columbia that are leading the charge to a net-zero economy. The Corporate Pioneer of the Year Award recognizes a large organization or company adopting, championing or leading sustainable practices in their industry. Paper Excellence was honoured to be nominated alongside other great companies, including Copper Mountain Mining Corp., Shell, FortisBC, and the Port of Vancouver.
Read More

Billerud Appoints New President for North America

"I am confident that Kevin Kuznicki, with his experience from a variety of positions and industries, is the right person to lead Billerud's journey in the US going forward," says Christoph Michalski, President and CEO at Billerud. “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as President for Billerud North America and am optimistic about our future. I am honored to work with such a talented team across the company and look forward to continuing our journey and accomplishing great success together,” says Kevin Kuznicki, incoming President of North America at Billerud. Kevin Kuznicki succeeds Robert Kreizenbeck, who left the company this month.
Read More

Avery Dennison Names Hassan Rmaile and Francisco Melo as Presidents for Its Two Business Segments

Avery Dennison Corporation has appointed leaders for its two business segments. Hassan Rmaile has been named president of the Materials Group. Francisco Melo has been named president of the Solutions Group, a role that has been open since Deon Stander’s appointment to president and chief operating officer in March of 2022. As earlier announced, the company now consists of two reportable segments. The Materials Group comprises what was formerly Label and Graphic Materials and Industrial and Healthcare Materials. The change reflects efforts in recent years to leverage their combined operational capabilities and technologies to enhance the ability to win in their respective marketplaces. The Solutions Group was formerly Retail Branding and Information Solutions. This name change better reflects the business’s reach and ambition for its solutions beyond retail. Rmaile and Melo report to Avery Dennison President and COO Deon Stander.
Read More

UPM has sold all its business operations in Russia to Gungnir Wooden Products Trading

UPM has completed withdrawal of its businesses from Russia by selling all its Russian operations, including the Chudovo plywood mill, to Gungnir Wooden Products Trading. The parties have agreed not to disclose the details of the transaction. Following Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, UPM announced in March 2022 suspension of its business activities in Russia, including deliveries, wood procurement and the Chudovo plywood mill.
Read More

Chief Operating Officer Stew Gibson Appointed to FPAC Board

Paper Excellence Canada is pleased to announce that Stew Gibson, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, was recently appointed to the board of directors for Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC). FPAC is a non-profit association that represents many of Canada’s largest forestry companies. Mr. Gibson was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Paper Excellence Canada in 2022, after previously serving as Vice President – Operations West for the company. “I’m thrilled to be representing Paper Excellence Canada on the board of FPAC and I look forward to working alongside my colleagues from other forestry companies and with the FPAC leadership to advance the interests of our industry in Ottawa and across Canada,” said Gibson.
Read More

Billerud in second place in the report Sustainable Companies

Billerud comes second when Lund University and the business newspaper Dagens Industri rank the 131 largest companies on the stock exchange in Sweden from a sustainability perspective. “We are proud to have been awarded second place out of 131 audited Swedish companies in the 2022 edition of Sustainable Companies. This recognition shows that we stand tall in Swedish industry and that our forward leaning perspective, long-term proactive sustainability work and high ambitions are appreciated. We will continue to develop our sustainability work and constantly strive to improve to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future”, says Matthew Hirst, EVP of Commercial and Sustainability at Billerud.
Read More

$100,000 Funding for Auburn University to Help Advance Papermaking and Research

Out with the old, in with the new! Georgia-Pacific has contributed $100,000 to Auburn University to help fund a new state-of-the-art digester that will give engineering students the ability to test and improve a newly patented innovation in papermaking. The current digester in the Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering (AC-PABE) at AU is over 30 years old with many operational issues and no longer meets teaching and research needs. That’s why the AC-PABE contacted Georgia-Pacific, a long-time partner of AU and the pulp and paper program. A digester is a key piece of equipment used in the paper-making process. Pulp mill digesters use heat and chemicals to break down wood chips into pulp. The pulp is then further refined and processed to produce paper products.
Read More

Paper Excellence Canada Named A Finalist for BC Clean Tech Awards

Paper Excellence Canada is very pleased to announce today that it has been named as a Finalist for the fourth annual Foresight Canada BC Cleantech Awards. Paper Excellence Canada is a finalist in the Corporate Pioneer of the Year category, which features large organizations or companies adopting, championing, or leading sustainable practices in their industry. Paper Excellence Canada stands alongside other well-known finalists in this category, including FortisBC, Port of Vancouver, Shell Canada, and Copper Mountain Mining Corporation. “We are very excited and honoured to be a Finalist for this year’s BC Cleantech Awards, and we look forward to the awards event on March 30th,” said Stew Gibson, Chief Operating Officer for Paper Excellence Canada. “To be nominated as a finalist in this category confirms the work we are doing as a company, like investing in cleantech, improving our operations and developing innovative low-carbon products, is making an impact towards meeting global climate objectives.”
Read More

Phoenix Paper Completes Inkjet Product Line Launch

Phoenix Paper is pleased to announce the launch of their new product line, Phoenix Inkjet. Fall of 2022, Phoenix Paper entered the Inkjet paper market, offering Phoenix Premier™, a treated inkjet sheet, and Phoenix Preferred™, an untreated inkjet sheet to Commercial Inkjet Printers. Phoenix Paper completed the launch of their Inkjet line in March of 2023 with their 7pt. and 9pt. treated Phoenix Premier™ Grades. Field trials were conducted on each Phoenix Inkjet grade at OEMs and commercial ink jet locations to ensure the products met the paper applications required by end users. Phoenix Paper Field Tech Representatives were involved in the quality trials at major OEMs and the paper scored high in all categories.
Read More

GreenFirst Reports Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2022

Fourth Quarter of 2022 Highlights: *Fourth quarter 2022 net loss from continuing operations was $25.9 million, compared to net loss of $16.3 million in the third quarter of 2022on the same basis . This result reflects the sharp downturn in lumber market prices seen during the fourth quarter. *Lumber prices dropped, reflecting economic headwinds and lower demand in Q4 2022, with an average selling price of $644/mfbm compared to $800/mfbm in Q3 2022. Steadily rising interest rates since Q2 2022, in response to high inflation, reduced US housing starts and caused flagging homebuilders’ confidence, which worsened during the fourth quarter.
Read More

Paper Excellence is Committed to Canadian Communities

It is well known that Jackson Wijaya, the ultimate and sole owner of Paper Excellence, is the son of the current head of APP. In the early days, Jackson benefited from some experience gained from the family business early in his life, as well as support getting his company started. This is hardly a unique or exceptional circumstance. The situation is entirely different today. Jackson operates his Paper Excellence independently. Many stakeholders and regulators – global funding institutions, regulatory bodies and certifiers, among others – have acknowledged this reality. Paper Excellence’s acquisition of Resolute was extensively reviewed under the Investment Canada Act. As we have expanded our business, we have looked for companies and markets steeped in long traditions and with best practices to share in these areas. Our recent acquisitions of Domtar and Resolute were spurred certainly by undervalued businesses that we believe with meaningful investment can be improved and modernized, but equally by the rich experience and expertise of the leadership, and deep understanding of the norms and values of the markets in which they operate.
Read More

KP Tissue Releases Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results

KPLP Q4 2022 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue was $458.1 million in Q4 2022 compared to $424.1 million in Q4 2021, an increase of $34.0 million or 8.0%. • Net income was $16.0 million in Q4 2022, compared to net income of $42.3 million in Q4 2021, a decrease of $26.3 million. KPLP Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights • Revenue was $1,681.4 million in 2022 compared to $1,465.2 million in 2021, an increase of $216.2 million or 14.8%. • Net loss was $56.9 million in 2022, compared to net income of $42.0 million in 2021, a decrease of $98.9 million.
Read More

Drytac materials to be showcased on leading manufacturers’ stands at Sign & Digital UK 2023

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce its products will feature on a number of stands at Sign & Digital UK 2023. Taking place from 21-23 March at the NEC in Birmingham, Sign & Digital UK is the longest running event in the UK signs, graphics and display sector, welcoming a wide range of major exhibitors and thousands of visitors from all corners of the industry. Epson, Roland DG, Soyang Europe and Hybrid Services, the exclusive distributor for Mimaki printing equipment in the UK and Ireland, will all feature Drytac media solutions as part of their own product demonstrations at Sign & Digital UK 2023.
Read More

Robert Kreizenbeck leaves Billerud

Billerud's North America President, Robert Kreizenbeck, is leaving the company. “I would like to express a big thank you to Robert for his contributions during Billerud's startup phase in North America. He has been a key person in the integration work. I wish him all the best for the future”, says Christoph Michalski, Billerud’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Robert Kreizenbeck will be leaving Billerud later in March. A successor for the role will be announced in due course.
Read More

HEINZEL GROUP to convert an idled Steyrermühl paper machine for production of kraft papers for sustainable and flexible packaging

HEINZEL GROUP announces the conversion of an idled paper machine at the Steyrermühl mill in Austria for the production of sustainable kraft papers for flexible packaging. Heinzel will take over the Steyrermühl site from UPM on January 1st, 2024, according to an agreement signed in 2022, and will enter the market with a new range of unbleached and bleached kraft papers shortly thereafter. The Steyrermühl paper mill, currently still owned by UPM, has a long history of producing top-quality graphic paper products. The conversion of the machine will enable the mill to enter the growing market for packaging papers. The new kraft paper grades produced will be used in the production of bags, pouches, and other flexible packaging products. At the site UPM today operates one paper machine for newsprint production, a sawmill, and a residue incineration plant co-owned with Heinzel's Laakirchen Papier. UPM plans to continue operations as-is until the end of 2023 when the production of graphic papers in Steyrermühl will be ceased.
Read More

Domtar Senior Leader Joins TAPPI Board of Directors

Members of the Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper Industry (TAPPI) recently elected Bill Edwards, Domtar’s senior vice president of pulp and paper operations, to serve on the TAPPI board of directors. TAPPI is the leading association for the worldwide pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and converting industries. Through information exchange and events, it has provided management training and networking to the pulp and paper industry’s leaders for more than 100 years. Edwards leads Domtar’s pulp and paper manufacturing, converting/coating operations, and optimization efforts, and he brings more than 30 years of experience in the industry to his role on the TAPPI board of directors.
Read More

Paper Excellence Welcomes Resolute Into Its Family of Companies

The Paper Excellence Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Domtar Corporation, announced the successful closing of its previously announced acquisition of Resolute Forest Products Inc. This acquisition creates a stronger and more resilient diversified forest products company, manufacturing a range of pulp products and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers, as well as lumber and tissue. The acquisition of Domtar in 2021 and Resolute today significantly increases the Group’s scale, overall product offering and geographic reach.
Read More

Suzano announces highest ever annual EBITDA in 2022

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,759 thousand tons (+1% vs. 4Q21). • Paper sales³ of 338 thousand tons (-9% vs. 4Q21). • Average net pulp price in export market: US$831/ton (+32% vs. 4Q21). • Average net paper price3 of R$7,079/ton (+39% vs. 4Q21). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$937/ton (+25% vs. 4Q21). • Leverage ratio declines to 2.0 times in USD and 2.0 times in BRL, despite the investment cycle. • Cerrado Project completes 45% of physical progress and 41% of financial progress.
Read More

CVG is Changing the World of Paper 

We are very happy to be at Hunkeler Innovation Days celebrating the relaunch of Crown Van Gelder International B.V. Not only is CVG now in its best financial position in our 126 year history (debt free with 30 million Euros of equity), we will actually be able to grow our 250 person work force this year. At this show, we are running our new Crown Letsgo High Performance Mail Card (235 micron / 9 pt) stock at 150 m/min on the HP PageWide Advantage 2200. This development testifies our core capability: achieving excellent inkjet print quality, with unrivaled ink consumption reduction, minimal drying requirements and highest output. A 20% better yield than other typical 7 and 9 point papers tops it off. Material savings, energy savings and postal savings. We are happy to announce that EPAC Technologies, Inc is our lead partner in CVG’s relaunch. EPAC’s solutions and technology combined with CVG’s paper knowledge will bring unmatched benefit to our customers. EPAC already provides integrated solutions to publishers, book printers, and now CVG will be able to bring these benefits to many more printers.
Read More

Stora Enso completes the divestment of its Maxau paper site to Schwarz Produktion

Stora Enso has completed the divestment of its Maxau paper production site in Germany, and all related assets to Schwarz Produktion, part of Schwarz Group. The divestment announced on 13 September 2022 was completed today after regulatory approvals. The enterprise value of the transaction is approximately EUR 210 million. The transaction will reduce Stora Enso’s annual SC (supercalendered) paper capacity by 530,000 tonnes. Based on the 2022 figures, the divestment is expected to reduce Stora Enso’s annual sales by approximately EUR 385 million. Subject to closing date adjustments, Stora Enso will book a one-time disposal gain of approximately EUR 55 million in its IFRS operating profit in the first quarter of 2023, considered as an item affecting comparability.
Read More

Canfor Announces 2022 and Fourth Quarter 2022 Results

2022 was another strong year for Canfor, with the strength in global lumber market fundamentals experienced late in 2021 continuing well into the current year. Significant lumber demand led by solid activity in both new home construction and the repair and remodel segment, encountered tight supply due to supply chain disruptions. The result was ongoing global pricing pressure and high benchmark lumber prices through the first part of the year. As the year progressed, rising interest rates and inflation put significant downward pressure on housing affordability and global lumber market demand, leading to a rapid decline in global lumber market pricing in the latter part of the year. In response, the Company implemented reduced operating schedules at its Western Canadian operations. The Company’s strong earnings, however, reflect the continued benefit of its global diversification strategy which helped to moderate these challenges in British Columbia (“BC”).
Read More

Domtar Announces Sale of Dryden Mill

Domtar Corporation, a part of the Paper Excellence Group, and First Quality Enterprises, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement to sell Domtar’s Dryden pulp mill to First Quality. The Dryden transaction, expected to close early in the third quarter, is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and the closing of the Resolute Forest Products Inc. transaction. First Quality has made clear to Domtar its commitment to the Dryden Mill, its employees and the surrounding community and that First Quality fully intends to continue business operations consistent with past practices.
Read More

Euro-Graph Reports Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in December 2022 were down 29.8% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 14.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in December 2022 were down 20.1% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 9.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in December 2022 were down 28.2% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 16.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in December 2022 were down 37.2% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 22.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in December 2022 were down 16.2% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 13.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in December 2022 were down 45.5% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 11.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in December 2022 were down 26.8% vs. December 2021 and shipments were down 12.6% year-to-date.
Read More

Solenis Completes Acquisition of the Paper Process Chemicals Business of KLK Kolb Group

Solenis has completed its previously announced acquisition of the paper process chemicals business of Kolb Distribution Ltd. The deal also includes a long-term supply agreement, in which the KLK Kolb Group will manufacture paper process chemicals exclusively for Solenis. “Bringing together the Kolb team with our consumer solutions business adds to our ability to deliver expanded offerings and provide cost-effective solutions for our EMEA pulp and paper customers. Kolb’s portfolio includes the latest innovations in deposit control, cleaning and foam control agents that will strengthen our commitment to providing more value to our customers,” said John Panichella, CEO, Solenis.
Read More

Metsä Group’s pulp production achieves excellent results for its environmental footprint

Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, has achieved excellent results in terms of sustainability and environmental efficiency in a study conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems (IMWS) in Halle, Germany. The study comprehensively examined the environmental footprint of Äänekoski bioproduct mill pulp production.  The Äänekoski bioproduct mill was compared with average values of pulp mills in Europe and Latin America. Äänekoski bioproduct mill, which produces pulp e.g., for printing and writing papers, speciality papers, tissue papers and paperboards, achieves top results in the study. To sum up, pulp from Äänekoski bioproduct mill has significantly lower emissions and the lowest environmental footprint compared to the pulp produced in average level pulp mills in Europe and Latin America. The complete set of environmental impact categories can be found at the following link: Spotlight report - Life Cycle Assessment of fibres from bioproduct mill compared to fibres from average European and Latin American pulp mills
Read More

Stora Enso’s lignin replaces fossil-based glue in plywood

Stora Enso’s lignin, Lineo® by Stora Enso, replaces fossil-based glue in plywood. Polish plywood manufacturer Paged has started collaborating with Stora Enso to meet their customers’ demands for bio-based and more sustainable plywood. This partnership also allows Paged to cut product carbon emissions. Across markets, consumers are increasingly turning towards eco-friendly products and demanding change. At the same time, the business demand for renewable, bio-based and circular solutions is also growing rapidly. We want to do our part and replace fossil-based materials with safer and more natural alternatives. With Lineo®, Paged has the possibility to replace 40% of fossil-based glue with lignin, resulting in a more environmentally friendly end-product. The ultimate goal for Paged is to be able to achieve several thousand tons of reduction in carbon emissions.
Read More

New!! NEUJET®silk 44 lb (65GSM)

We are excited to announce that Mondi has just added a new special paper to its NEUJET family of papers. This is the 65gsm 44# NEUJET® silk. This paper grade was specifically developed for the book publishing industry, with a very high PPI - 847, brightness – 99, Opacity - 90, and Caliper – 2.36 Pt. Mondi’s complete Neujet family includes the Neujet Silk premium, NEUJET Matte, NEUJET® silk & NEUJET® matte premium, with weights ranging from 65gsm (44#) through 7Pt, 9Pt, and 11Pt. 300gsm (111#Cover). The NEUJET® silk premium & NEUJET® matte premium lines also incorporate the HP ColorPRO technology. We are offering midrange fully treated paper lines of DNS CF (coated feel) & DNS® NF (Natural Feel). The DNS® CF (coated feel) line offers calendarized papers with a very smooth finish – thus “coated feel”. Weights offered here range from 70gsm (47#) up to 160gsm (60#Cover).
Read More

Mativ Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

Mativ Fourth Quarter 2022 Highlights *Sales increased 69% to $660.1 million, reflecting the benefit of the merger; 6% constant currency organic sales growth, or 2% including negative currency impacts; 20%+ sales growth in release liners and protective solutions led the portfolio *GAAP Income was $2.5 million, GAAP EPS was $0.04, and GAAP Operating Profit was $26.9 million, which all included significant expenses related to the Neenah merger integration *Continued positive momentum in price/cost performance drove margin expansion *≈$5 million cost synergies realized in 2022; ≈$25 million incremental synergies expected in 2023. Mativ Full Year 2022 Highlights *Sales increased 51% to $2,167.4 million, reflecting the benefit of the merger; 11% constant currency organic sales growth, or 7% including negative currency impacts *Double-digit sales growth in release liners, protective solutions, and packaging and specialty papers led top-line performance with strong pricing more than offsetting higher input costs *GAAP Loss was $6.6 million, GAAP EPS was $(0.18), and GAAP Operating Profit was $51.4 million, which all included significant expenses related to the Neenah merger closing and integration
Read More

Pulp and Paper Workers Advocate for Forest Products Industry

Seven Domtar colleagues joined nearly 90 other pulp and paper workers from across the United States in Washington, D.C. in February to educate elected officials and advocate for our industry. The employees took part in a fly-in sponsored by the Pulp & Paperworkers’ Resource Council (PPRC), a grassroots organization of hourly employees in the forest products industry. The PPRC brings pulp and paper workers to the capital annually to speak with members of Congress and administrative officials at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Office of Management and Budget, and other government agencies on issues affecting American manufacturing jobs in the industry. This year, the group made more than 550 visits with members of Congress and administrative officials to discuss the effects of legislative and regulatory decisions on the environment and on people who make their living in forest products manufacturing. These pulp and paper workers represented 57 mills in 22 states.
Read More

Sustana’s GHG Emissions Reduction Goal Approved by The Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi)

Sustana is thrilled to join the ranks of hundreds of companies with GHG emission reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and in line with limiting global average temperature rise to 1.5° C. We committed to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions 42% by 2030 from a 2021 base year and have pledged to measure and reduce Scope 3 emissions. "Sustainability has always been at the root of Sustana's identity, and this commitment furthers our mission to mitigate climate change and be good stewards of the environment," said Fabian de Armas, Chief Executive Officer for Sustana.
Read More

Nova Scotia Innovation Hub Announces Project to Highlight Nova Scotia Bioeconomy Sector

The Nova Scotia Innovation Hub (NSIH) is announcing the launch of a new initiative aimed at promoting Nova Scotia’s extensive bioeconomy infrastructure to audiences around the world. The Bioeconomy Sites Project showcases industrial sites across the province to national and international firms in the low-carbon renewable resource sector. “Nova Scotia’s vibrant renewable resource sectors make it an excellent location for biotechnology and bioresource firms,” says Geoffrey Clarke, Director of Business Development for Port Hawkesbury Paper, one of the locations profiled on the site. “This exciting new medium will showcase Nova Scotia to international investors and encourage innovation and collaboration within the province.”
Read More

Drytac welcomes France-based ID Numérique as new branded dealer partner

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce France’s ID Numérique as its latest branded dealer partner. A specialist distributor of materials and consumables for large-format digital printing, ID Numérique is a highly trusted and reputable name in the French market, working with customers across the country on all manner of projects. As a Drytac branded dealer partner, ID Numérique will offer a wide range of Drytac’s market-leading products to both new and existing customers in France.
Read More

Mactac® Spartanburg Receives ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certification

Mactac® announces that its Spartanburg, S.C. facility, which is the most innovative pressure-sensitive materials manufacturing site in the U.S., has earned ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification. “Having the ISO 9001 certification signifies that Mactac has a systematic quality management system in place and that it is working,” says James Houser, Mactac Spartanburg Quality Assurance Manager. “This is a big deal for our customers. It assures them that Mactac has knowledgeable, trained, and experienced operators who are dedicated to producing quality products. It also provides a foundation for a quality-driven future.”
Read More

ANDRITZ to supply TAD tissue machine to Procter & Gamble, Box Elder, Utah mill, USA

The new PrimeLineTAD machine will be supplied with state-of-the-art energy efficient process equipment to meet P&G’s demanding sustainability targets. ANDRITZ and Procter & Gamble have been strong business partners for many years. In 2007, ANDRITZ supplied and started up a TAD tissue/towel machine at Procter and Gamble’s Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA site that fully met P&G’s expectations. This was followed by another TAD tissue/towel machine at Procter and Gamble’s Box Elder facility, which started up successfully in 2011. Procter and Gamble, one of the largest manufacturers of premium consumer bath tissues and paper towels in North America, produces the brands of Charmin, Puffs, and Bounty.
Read More

EcoVadis confirms Mondi’s leading sustainability practices with Platinum rating

Mondi, a global packaging and paper manufacturer, has maintained its Platinum status in EcoVadis’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ratings for the seventh consecutive year. The Group’s overall score of 84% places Mondi among the top 1% of global companies assessed. "As a trusted global platform for sustainability and corporate social responsibility ratings, EcoVadis is particularly useful to support our engagement with customers who request access to our disclosures. Being again rated among the top 1% of companies globally, recognises our continuous efforts to embed sustainability principles more deeply throughout our organisation and our value chain" Gladys Naylor, Mondi Group Head of Sustainable Development
Read More

Stora Enso and Valmet collaborate to develop next-generation lignin

Stora Enso and Valmet have started collaborating on next-generation lignin product and process development to drive Stora Enso’s lignin-based businesses and further improve the performance of the Valmet LignoBoost technology. The objective of the partnership is to further develop the quality and customer value of lignin, increase the supply by optimised process machinery and asset design, and to accelerate the speed of meeting the growing lignin demand of the future. In biomaterials innovations, where Stora Enso’s agenda is focused on lignin, we bring innovative and sustainable materials to the market to replace fossil-based materials. Through know-how, strategic collaborations, and partnerships, we work to accelerate breakthrough innovations in areas such as lignin-based carbon for energy storage and bio-binders. Already today, wood-based lignin replaces fossil-based materials in asphalt, plywood, furniture panels, and dyestuff, to name a few.
Read More

Australia’s white paper industry is dead, leaving rural communities to pick through the pulp (theguardian.com)

The last remaining manufacturer Opal will cease production of Reflex at the Maryvale mill, with up to 200 jobs in doubt. The M5 occupies a shed nearly half a kilometre long, turning forest pulp into tonnes of Reflex white copy paper daily. Last financial year it produced 116,000 tonnes of copy paper for the domestic market, plus 88,000 tonnes for export. In December it was switched off indefinitely. Workers signed the final roll with “last one” and “RIP M5”. The mill produced its last ream of copy paper in January. On Tuesday Reflex’s manufacturer, Opal, announced it would close the M5 and cease Reflex paper production permanently. Its packaging lines of brown kraft paper and paperboard will continue.
Read More

Tronox Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results

Tronox Holdings plc , the world’s leading integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment, reported its financial results for the quarter ending December 31, 2022: Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights: *Revenue of $649 million *Income from operations of $36 million; Net loss of $14 million *Adjusted EBITDA of $113 million. Full Year 2022 Financial Highlights: *Total revenue of $3,454 million *Income from operations of $458 million; Net income of $500 million (includes $301M of tax valuation allowance reversals) *Adjusted EBITDA of $875 million; *GAAP diluted EPS of $3.16; *Capital expenditures of $428 million *Reduced total debt to $2.5 billion
Read More

Sylvamo Enters Into Cooperation Agreement, Appoints Two New Independent Directors

Sylvamo's board of directors entered into a cooperation agreement with Atlas Holdings, its largest shareowner, adding two new independent directors to its board. Effective March 1, Sylvamo will add Karl Meyers and Mark Wilde, expanding the company's board to 11 directors. "We look forward to welcoming Karl and Mark to our board," said Jean-Michel Ribiéras, chairman and chief executive officer. "They will bring valuable expertise to Sylvamo." The cooperation agreement includes customary restrictions and voting commitments. Sylvamo will nominate Meyers and Wilde for election with its other directors during its 2023 annual shareowners meeting. The board also determined it would terminate Sylvamo's shareholder rights plan immediately.
Read More

Clearwater Paper Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2022 Results

2022 FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS *Operational and weather-related issues impacted paperboard operations *Completed planned major maintenance at the Lewiston, Idaho facility *Net loss of $6 million, or $0.34 per diluted share and Adjusted EBITDA of $28 million *Net sales of $527 million, up 8% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021. 2022 FULL YEAR HIGHLIGHTS *Delivered strong performance due to robust demand for paperboard products *Net income of $46 million *Net sales of $2.1 billion, up 17% compared to 2021 due to higher pricing and stronger tissue volumes *Net debt reduction of $108 million in the year, $377 million since 2020
Read More

Sylvamo Delivers Strong Earnings in First Full Year

Financial Highlights - 2022 Full Year: *Net income from continuing operations of $336 million ($7.57 per diluted share) *Cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations of $418 million *Board of directors initiated a quarterly dividend of $0.1125 per share, paid for in the third and fourth quarters for a total of $10 million *Repurchased 1,556,835 shares of our common stock for approximately $80 million in the fourth quarter, resulting in 42.6 million shares outstanding as of Dec. 31
Read More

AF&PA Announces New Board Leadership and Members

The AF&PA Board of Directors comprises top industry leaders representing a broad spectrum of companies in the paper and wood products manufacturing sector. AF&PA also welcomed 5 new directors: Arsen Kitch, President and Chief Executive Officer, Clearwater Paper Corporation; Charles Hodges, President and Chief Operating Officer, Hood Container Corporation; Dick Carmical, Chief Executive Officer, The Price Companies, Inc.; Mark Ushpol, Executive Vice President, Food & Consumer Packaging, Ahlstrom; Ole Rosgaard, President and Chief Executive Officer, Greif, Inc.
Read More

Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–December 2022 was EUR 1,276 million

January–December 2022 (1–12/2021): Sales were EUR 6,980 million (6,017). Operating result was EUR 1,302 million (874). Comparable operating result was EUR 1,276 million (914). Result before taxes was EUR 1,270 million (832). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 1,240 million (872). Comparable return on capital employed was 19.5% (16.2). Net cash flow from operations was EUR 1,227 million (1,023). October–December 2022 (10–12/2021): Sales were EUR 1,741 million (1,560). Operating result was EUR 316 million (221). Comparable operating result was EUR 311 million (220). Result before taxes was EUR 309 million (215). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 306 million (214). Comparable return on capital employed was 18.0% (14.7). Net cash flow from operations was EUR 399 million (427).
Read More

Lecta obtains Ineris certification for its phenol-free Termax papers

With Termax, Lecta boasts an extensive range of thermal papers that is constantly evolving to meet POS, ticket and label application needs. Over the last years, Lecta has developed a series of high-quality thermal products that have recently obtained the official "No phenols added" certification issued by Ineris, the French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risk. This certification guarantees that there is no Bisphenol A (BPA), S (BPS), F (BPF) or 12 other phenolic compounds in our Termax TFX, Termax TEX, Termax TC20X and Termax TCLLX products. In addition to this "phenol-free" recognition, the entire Termax range is manufactured in accordance with ISO 14001 and EMAS environmental standards, ISO 50001 energy management standards, ISO 9001 quality standards and ISO 45001 standards for occupational health and safety management systems. The range is also available with PEFC or FSC® C011032 Chain of Custody forest certification upon request. Termax is Lecta's fully updated range of heat-sensitive papers specially designed to grow with your business.
Read More

Sappi delivers solid performance for first financial quarter 2023

Commenting on the group’s results, Sappi Chief Executive Officer Steve Binnie said: “I am pleased with another strong performance from the Group which was well above pre-Covid levels and the best ever first quarter results. EBITDA of US$290 million was 21% above the prior year and in line with guidance provided in the previous quarter. The positive results were underpinned by year-on-year pricing gains for paper products which offset cost inflation, lower sales volumes and delivered an EBITDA margin of 17.5%.”
Read More

Ahlstrom launches a new high-performance filter media range for HVAC with longer filter lifetime and lower environmental impact

Ahlstrom now launches the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) filter media portfolio from its brand-new production machine in Turin (Italy), supporting our customers in their ambition to offer best performing and premium quality filters to the most demanding end-uses. Uniqueness of our offering comes from state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies which deliver best reliability in performance as well as lower environmental impact. Ahlstrom has used its long experience and extensive competences to develop the complete range of filtration materials which are protecting people and equipment in closed environments. The product range covers today options from ISO Coarse 85% to ISO ePM1 80% rating (ISO16890:2016) in a standard version and in a high permeability version for most challenging requirements. All products have limited flow restriction and extended dust holding capacity with excellent consistency.
Read More

Mondi’s high-speed inkjet papers race towards Hunkeler Innovations Days at full throttle

Back at high speed, the Hunkeler Innovation Days in Lucerne, Switzerland will be held from February 27 to March 2. Over the past three years, where the pandemic prevented this industry event from happening, high speed inkjet printing continued to evolve and will continue to do so according to the 2021 Smithers report “The Future of Print Equipment Markets to 2026”. For both types of high-speed presses – reel fed and sheet fed – the market is growing. In Europe, inkjet reel fed installations are expected to grow by around 50% between 2021 and 2026. Still, sheet fed inkjet installations top these figures as they are expected to grow by 126% in Western Europe and by 288% in Eastern Europe in the same period. Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper – part of the international packaging and paper group Mondi – developed the largest selection of high-speed inkjet papers in close collaboration with renowned OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). The papers feature ideal gamut, reels as well as sheets in grammages ranging from 60 to 300 gsm and various surface treatments.
Read More

Potential buyers run rule over CVG (printweek.com)

A number of interested parties have visited Crown Van Gelder sparking hopes that the mill could be rescued and restart production in the near future. The Netherlands-based papermaker, best known for its Crown Letsgo range of high-speed inkjet papers, filed for bankruptcy last week after running out of cash. A source close to the situation said they were hopeful for a speedy resolution: “For the time being the [paper] machines are not running but hopefully we can be up and running again soon – this is a very good company and we will restart.”
Read More

Paper Excellence Makes Historic Donation of $150,000 to Ducks Unlimited Canada to Support Wetlands Stewardship and Education in Canada’s Boreal Forest

On World Wetlands Day, Paper Excellence Canada announced it has donated $150,000 to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). The largest single donation in Paper Excellence Canada’s history will support wetlands conservation and stewardship in boreal forest regions of Saskatchewan and British Columbia. The donation will also support wetlands training for residents and employees in industries that operate or work in the boreal forest regions of the two provinces. “On behalf of Paper Excellence Canada, I am thrilled to present this donation to Ducks Unlimited Canada and begin this exciting investment in supporting wetlands stewardship and education,” said Carlo Dal Monte, Vice President for Paper Excellence Canada. “Paper Excellence Canada is committed to conservation and sustainability in the regions where we operate, and working with Ducks Unlimited Canada on this initiative is another example of our company’s ongoing work.”
Read More

UPM financial statements release 2022

2022 highlights • Sales increased by 19% to EUR 11,720 million (9,814 million in 2021) • Comparable EBIT increased by 42% to EUR 2,096 million (1,471 million), and was 17.9% (15.0%) of sales • Operating cash flow was EUR 508 million (1,250 million), impacted by cash outflows from energy hedges in highly exceptional energy markets • Net debt increased to EUR 2,374 million (647 million) and the net debt to EBITDA ratio was 0.94 (0.35). A significant part of the increase in net debt is temporary, due to the cash flow impacts of energy hedges and future energy generation • In April, UPM and the Paperworkers’ Union agreed on the first-ever business-specific collective labour agreements • In June, UPM announced the sale of the Steyrermühl site in Austria to secure competitiveness and adapt newsprint production to long-term market development • In September, UPM Raflatac completed the acquisition of AMC AG
Read More

Avery Dennison Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results

Highlights: *FY22 Reported EPS of $9.21, up 4% **Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) of $9.15, up 3%, up 11% ex. currency *FY22 Net sales increased 7.5% to $9.0 billion - Sales growth ex. currency (non-GAAP) of 13.1% - Organic sales growth (non-GAAP) of 9.5% *4Q22 Reported EPS of $1.51 *4Q22 Net sales declined 7.2% to $2.0 billion - Sales change ex. currency (non-GAAP) of (0.8%) - Organic sales change (non-GAAP) of (0.9%)
Read More

Navigator acquires Gomà-Camps Group’s

Consumer Tissue business in Spain The Navigator Company completed the acquisition of Gomà-Camps Group’s Consumer Tissue business, including the acquisition of Spanish company GOMÀCAMPS CONSUMER, S.L.U. and French company GOMÀ-CAMPS FRANCE SAS (hereinafter referred to as "GC Consumer"). This acquisition is part of an ambitious plan for diversification and development of the Navigator Group, strengthening the Group’s position as the second largest Iberian producer of tissue, with an annual production capacity that now stands at 165,000 tonnes.
Read More

Michigan governor signs legislation granting Billerud investment support for Escanaba Mill transformation

As previously announced, Michigan State legislatures have approved legislation to grant Billerud investment support of up to USD 200 million in funding to support Billerud’s investment plans. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the legislation, approving the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) appropriation of the funds. The transformation of the Escanaba Mill is planned to be the cornerstone of Billerud’s expansion into North America, one of the largest and growing markets in primary fiber premium cartonboard. The project is expected to support hundreds of high paying jobs and require a significant number of contractors during the construction period. This funding follows additional incentives recently approved by the State of Michigan Administrative Board, including approval of the Forest Products Processing Renaissance Zone. The zone exempts Billerud from paying almost all state and local property taxes at the Escanaba Mill.
Read More

Billerud Year-end Report January–December 2022

Key highlights Q4: *Organic* and currency neutral sales growth of 14% *Solid operating cash flow and strong balance sheet *Shift towards softer demand and declining sentiment. Quarterly data Q4: *Net sales increased by 79% to SEK 11,971 million (6,688), whereof Billerud North America accounted for SEK 4,004 million *Operating profit was SEK 1,353 million (418), including items impacting comparability of SEK -52 million (-177) *Net profit was SEK 940 million (320). Comments by the CEO: Full-year performance 2022 has been excellent. Organic and currency neutral sales growth for the year was 16%. The EBITDA margin was 19% and earnings per share increased from SEK 7.2 to SEK 20.1. The Board of Directors proposes an approximately 75% increase of dividend to SEK 7.5 per share.
Read More

Stora Enso signs an agreement to divest its Hylte paper site and will discontinue the Anjala site divestment process

Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its paper production site in Hylte, Sweden and all its related assets to Sweden Timber, a Sweden-based sawmill and planing mill company. The enterprise value is approximately EUR 18 million. The completion of the transaction is expected in the first half of 2023. Concerning the Anjala paper site in Finland, Stora Enso has decided to discontinue the divestment process. The Hylte site transaction, along with the discontinuation of the Anjala divestment, concludes Stora Enso’s plan announced in March 2022 to divest four of Stora Enso’s five paper production sites. In line with its strategy, Stora Enso’s focus is on long-term growth for its renewable products in packaging, building solutions and biomaterials innovations. The retained Anjala and Langerbrugge sites will continue paper production and serving their respective customers. The agreement to divest the Hylte paper site to Sweden Timber has no immediate impact on production nor customer deliveries.
Read More

Year-end Report for SCA 2022

January–December 2022 compared with January–December 2021 *The carrying amount of SCA’s forest assets increased to SEK 97.9bn (84.5) as of December 31, 2022 due to continued increase in transaction prices for forest assets in Northern Sweden. *Net sales increased 10% to SEK 20,794m (18,822), which mainly related to higher selling prices in containerboard and pulp. *EBITDA increased 12% to SEK 10,194m (9,109). The increase was mainly attributable to higher selling prices. Cost increases were largely offset through control over SCA’s own value chain with a high degree of self-sufficiency in wood, energy, and logistics. EBITDA margin was 49.0% (48.4). *Operating profit increased to SEK 8,642m (7,634). *Operating cash flow was SEK 5,685m (5,216) and fully financed ongoing strategic capital expenditures.
Read More

Michigan State legislatures have approved legislation to grant Billerud investment support

Billerud is evaluating significant investments to transform its Escanaba mill into a world-class paperboard production facility and has applied for investment support from the State of Michigan. The Michigan House of Representatives and Senate has passed legislation approving an appropriation of up to USD 200 million in funding to support Billerud’s plans. The legislation must be approved by Michigan’s Governor, which is expected to occur within two weeks. A pre-feasibility study about Billerud’s planned conversion of the Escanaba mill to paperboard production is ongoing and planned to be completed during the first half of 2023, after which the company’s Board of Directors can make an investment decision.
Read More

Norske Skog Skogn invests NOK 180 million

Norske Skog Skogn will invest around NOK 180 million, after NOK 40-50 million in grant funding from the NOx fund, in a new thermomechanical production line (TMP) that will replace expensive recycled paper with fresh fibre. The new TMP line will reduce variable costs, significantly reduce NOx and fossil CO2 emissions, and reduce landfilled waste. Start-up is expected in the first half of 2024. Today, newsprint is produced at Norske Skog Skogn with a pulp mix, consisting of wood fiber and recycled paper. The investment will replace the use of expensive recycled paper fiber with fresh wood fiber in newsprint production. The production capacity of thermomechanical wood pulp will increase by 100,000 tonnes.
Read More

Monadnock Paper Mills Announces Addition of Ultrahide PC 100 Blockout Poster to the Envi Portfolio Line of Poster Substrates

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. introduces Ultrahide® PC 100 Blockout Poster. Ultrahide is a high-performance, Forest Stewardship Council® Certified, 100 percent opaque blockout poster stock ideal for indoor retail, hospitality and event signage. In answer to the call for more sustainable materials to replace PVC, styrene and vinyl, Ultrahide is now made with 100 percent post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber and it is curbside recyclable in the mix paper waste bin. Ultrahide is engineered for superior performance in varying moisture conditions. The bright white, uncoated printing surface is optimized for excellent photographic reproduction using offset, screen, latex inkjet, and UV inkjet printing equipment.
Read More

Canfor Restructuring B.C. Operations to Create a More Sustainable Footprint

To better align manufacturing capacity in British Columbia with the available long-term fibre supply, Canfor is restructuring its B.C. operations by permanently closing its Chetwynd sawmill and pellet plant and temporarily closing its Houston sawmill for an extended period to facilitate a major redevelopment on the site. The Company intends to build a new, modern, globally competitive manufacturing facility that employs state of the art technology to produce high value products from the sustainable timber supply in the region. Project planning, scoping, preliminary engineering and budgeting are underway. The Company will undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the availability of economic fibre and a thorough project financial analysis, supporting a final investment decision by the end of the second quarter of 2023. Both facilities will be closed following an orderly wind down of operations that is expected to conclude early in the second quarter of 2023 and will remove approximately 750 million board feet of annual production capacity.
Read More

International Paper Reaches Agreement to Sell Ownership Interest in Ilim Joint Venture

International Paper announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its 50% interest in Ilim SA, the holding company for its Ilim joint venture (JV), to its JV partners for $484MM (USD) equity value. The sale is subject to regulatory approvals in Russia. This transaction indicates ~$3.5 billion in total enterprise value (TEV) for Ilim based on a ~3.1X EBITDA multiple on 2022 full-year results*. The Company also received an indication of interest from its JV partners to purchase all of the Company's shares (constituting a 2.39% stake) in JSC Ilim Group for $24MM (USD) on terms and conditions to be agreed. The Company intends to pursue an agreement to sell the JSC Ilim Group shares, and to divest other non-material residual interests associated with Ilim, to its JV partners.
Read More

Euro-Graph Reports November 2022 Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total shipments of graphic papers in November 2022 were down 23.7% vs. November 2021 and were down 12.5% year-to-date. Total shipments of newsprint in November 2022 were down 18.8% vs. November 2021 and were down 8.7% year-to-date. Total shipments of sc-magazine in November 2022 were down 18.4% vs. November 2021 and were down 15.9% year-to-date. Total shipments of coated mechanical reels in November 2022 were down 29.2% vs. November 2021 and were down 20.9% year-to-date. Total shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in November 2022 were down 13.9% vs. November 2021 and were down 13.7% year-to-date. Total shipments of coated woodfree in November 2022 were down 36.0% vs. November 2021 and were down 8.0% year-to-date. Total shipments of uncoated woodfree in November 2022 were down 20.4% vs. November 2021 and were down 11.4% year-to-date.
Read More

Paper Excellence Announces $50 Million Investment to Restart Paper Operations at Crofton: Recalls Over 100 Workers

Paper Excellence announced that it will invest nearly $50 million to upgrade its Crofton mill’s paper operations and towards reductions in its carbon footprint. The investment sees the restart of its C2 paper machine putting over 100 employees back to making paper at the site. Paper operations were recently curtailed due to weakening Chinese paper markets and escalating input costs. “This investment will enhance the development of innovative products that replace banned plastics with renewable paper while significantly reducing carbon emissions,” said Stew Gibson, Chief Operating Officer for Paper Excellence Canada. Gibson said that the Company has been working closely with Provincial and Federal Governments to restore value-added manufacturing jobs at Crofton. “The Government of Canada has contributed $14.3 million through Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program and the Government of British Columbia contributed $4.5 million in provincial funds to help make today’s announcement possible” added Gibson. The C2 paper machine will be transformed to produce stronger, water-resistant paper grades which replace single-use plastics, while the investment also reduces natural gas consumption through more efficient use of waste bark fuel in the mill’s boiler.
Read More

A revolutionary bio-based furniture board, joint development by Koskisen and Stora Enso

Koskisen is a Finnish wood industry company producing sawn timber and panel products, such as birch plywood, furniture, and construction boards made of chip board. Koskisen uses Stora Enso’s bio-based binder, NeoLigno® by Stora Enso, to replace fossil-based resins used in furniture boards. Both the furniture board raw material and the binder are made of wood and sourced from the production process flows of both companies. This results in all raw materials of the Zero Furniture Board being bio-based.
Read More

100% fossil-free structural boards and building elements with NeoLigno® by Stora Enso

Together with RISE, IsoTimber and Moelven, Stora Enso has been working on the most recent development of NeoLigno – 100% fossil-free structural boards and building elements. Stora Enso has launched NeoLigno®, a revolutionary lignin-based binder for particleboard and insulation applications. We are committed to doing good for people and the planet, which is why we always look to innovate new, renewable alternatives where fossil-based materials are being used today. In this case, we asked ourselves: What if we could come up with a bio-based binding agent that keeps all the technical qualities of traditional binders while also being safe and renewable? Our answer to this question is NeoLigno® by Stora Enso.
Read More

ND Paper to Increase Efficiency at Rumford Division with Support from Grant Funding

Maine Governor Janet Mills announced an award of $1,000,000 from the final round of the Forest Recovery Initiative of her Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to ND Paper (NDP) for an upcoming project at NDP’s Rumford Division to enhance the efficiency of its R15 packaging paper machine. “This financial support will greatly assist our efforts to increase the efficiency of our R15 paper machine and, ultimately, the long-term sustainability of the Rumford Mill,” said Ken Liu, Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With help from the State of Maine, we are able to improve critical areas on the machine that will benefit our customers and establish R15 as a leading producer of packaging papers in North America.” “The work we’re doing at our Rumford Division is a huge part of our future and our 100-year vision to thrive as a business and as a positive contributor to the communities in which we operate,” said Liu. “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Governor Mills and the State of Maine for their support of both ND Paper and the forest products industry through this exceptional program.”
Read More

Ahlstrom launches new FibRoc® performance solutions for plasterboards, delivering excellent fire and moisture resistance and helping to reduce environmental impact

Together in cooperation with customers, Ahlstrom has developed a new portfolio that consists of the most effective solutions for the plasterboard market. FibRoc® Plasterboard is a new offering of protective and durable solutions for high performance plasterboard applications. What differentiates it from other solutions on the market is that it is a combination of glass, synthetic and natural fibres, delivering excellent dimensional stability, good protection, durability and reduced environmental impact in all high performance application areas. “Our high performance solutions for plasterboards deliver excellent fire and moisture resistance,” says Pierre Mary, Vice President, Nonwovens. “Delivering protection against flame spread, protecting against moisture and producing no mold growth in wet and humid environments, ensuring better indoor air quality.” he adds.
Read More

Drytac appoints Cathy Radoncic as Northeast US Territory Manager

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the appointment of Cathy Radoncic as its new Northeast Territory Manager for the US, with immediate effect. Cathy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Drytac team, having worked in the print industry for more than 35 years across a range of management roles with both manufacturers and suppliers. In this management role of Northeast Territory Manager, Cathy will be responsible for Drytac’s operations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
Read More

West Fraser Announces Indefinite Curtailment of Perry Sawmill

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced today that it will indefinitely curtail its Perry Sawmill in Florida later this month. Today’s decision is the result of high fiber costs and softening lumber markets. The indefinite curtailment of Perry Sawmill will impact approximately 126 employees and will reduce West Fraser’s US lumber production by 100 million board feet. West Fraser expects to mitigate the impact on effected employees by providing work opportunities at other West Fraser operations. High fiber costs at Perry and a low-price commodity environment have impaired its ability to profitably operate. The indefinite curtailment of Perry Sawmill better aligns our production capacity with demand.
Read More

New Generation of Matte-Coated Inkjet Papers from Mitsubishi HiTec Paper (whattheythink.com)

For many years, Mitsubishi HiTec Paper's matt inkjet papers have established themselves as the standard in the market. Now the Bielefeld-based speciality paper manufacturer has revised the entire matt portfolio of its jetscript® inkjet media. The new generation of matt inkjet papers with basis weights from 70 to 228 g/m² impresses with a whole range of product improvements. The optimised coated ink-receiving layer enables particularly vivid, lifelike and brilliant colours. The homogeneous, even surface of the new papers is particularly noticeable with large-area prints. The higher optical ink density optimises the reproduction of dark and black shades in particular. The application areas of the new inkjet papers range from large-format and poster prints in retail and at the POS, direct mailings, publishing and brochures to photos and photo books.
Read More

Interfor Announces Temporary Production Curtailments in Q1’23

Interfor Corporation announced plans to reduce its lumber production output in the first quarter of 2023 by at least 100 million board feet, or 8% of quarterly capacity, as economic conditions and market uncertainty continue to impact lumber demand. This temporary reduction in output is expected to be mostly concentrated outside of Interfor’s US South operating region. The Company currently expects to resume its normal operating schedule in April 2023, but will closely monitor market conditions and adjust its production plans accordingly
Read More

Canfor Pulp Announces Right-sizing of Operating Footprint with Permanent Closure of Pulp Line at Prince George Pulp and Paper Mill

Following extensive analysis of its operating footprint and the long-term supply of economic residual fibre, Canfor Pulp Products Inc. (TSX: CFX) is announcing the decision to permanently close the pulp line at its Prince George Pulp and Paper Mill, which will result in a reduction of 280,000 tonnes of market kraft pulp annually. The Specialty Paper facility at the site will continue to operate. “In recent years, several sawmills have permanently closed in the Prince George region due to reductions in the allowable annual cut and challenges accessing cost-competitive fibre. This has had a material impact on the availability of residual fibre for our pulp facilities and we need to right-size our operating platform. As a result, we have made the very difficult decision to shut down the pulp line at Prince George Pulp and Paper Mill and will continue to operate the Specialty Paper facility,” said Kevin Edgson, President and CEO, Canfor Pulp. Over the next few months, the Company will be following an orderly wind down process. The pulp line is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2023 and is anticipated to impact approximately 300 positions across the organization by the end of the year.
Read More

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. Welcomes New Southeast Regional Manager

Monadnock Paper Mills, a manufacturer of technical specialty and premium printing and packaging papers, announced that Brigitte O’Connor has joined the Company as Southeast Regional Sales Manager. Brigitte has more than 25 years of experience in the industry with a strong background in graphic communications, paper, packaging and printing. Most recently, she was a senior account executive for Standard Press, Atlanta, GA, where she demonstrated strong territory growth through strategic and educational initiatives. Previously Brigitte held sales and account development roles for Unisource Worldwide and Fox River Paper.
Read More

CTI Paper USA Launches New Line of T & C COLORS, COLORMATES!

CTI Paper USA, a leading full-service supplier of premium printing and converting substrates, has launched COLORMATES®, a comprehensive new line of printing papers featuring high-bright favorites and fashion-forward colors. The new uncoated text and cover papers target merchants, commercial and in-plant printers, as well as converters and brand marketers/designers in the U.S. and Canada. A new COLORMATES® swatchbook and print demonstration is now available. COLORMATES® is Forest Stewardship Council certified and produced elemental chlorine free. The premium line—in 20 colors including one bright white—is available in 111-lb. cover and 81-lb. text, folio and cut-size, with select matching envelopes. Applications include dry toner, laser and offset printing as well as converting and high-end packaging.
Read More

Paper Excellence Announces Donation of $50,000 to the Canadian Red Cross

Paper Excellence Canada announced it has donated $50,000 to the Canadian Red Cross. A majority of the donation will support ongoing emergency management operations in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, while a donation of $20,000 was made earlier this fall to Nova Scotia Red Cross in response to Hurricane Fiona. Paper Excellence Canada currently has operations in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. “The Red Cross is a constant, comforting presence across the world, but that is especially true here at home in Canada, so we are very pleased to be supporting the Red Cross in the provinces where Paper Excellence Canada operates,” said Graham Kissack, Vice President EH&S and Corporate Communications for Paper Excellence Canada.
Read More

Next is Now: Domtar Celebrates 175 Years in 2023

In 2023, Domtar is celebrating 175 years of manufacturing products people use every day. Our company is built on more than a century of anticipating what our customers need and what consumers want to buy for everyday living. Our story is one of successful reinvention, and as we continue to change and grow, we take confidence from our strong legacy. Our next chapter begins now. Our roots trace back to 19th-century England. That’s when Henry Potter Burt established Burt, Boulton Holdings Ltd. His company specialized in treating lumber to prevent decay, and business boomed as demand for railway ties and wharf pilings grew in Europe and North America. As the company grew, he moved to Canada and founded Dominion Tar and Chemical Company in 1903. We grew along with Canada’s industrialization and diversified over the years, making products including chemicals, consumer products, construction materials, and paper and packaging. Over the years, we purchased other facilities and companies across North America, some of which are integral parts of Domtar today.
Read More

Canfor Extending Temporary Curtailments in B.C.

Canfor Corporation is announcing an extension of sawmill curtailments in British Columbia (B.C.) due to ongoing weak market conditions and the lack of available economic fibre. The production capacity will be reduced through two-week curtailment extensions in January at select solid wood facilities in B.C. This will remove approximately 21 million board feet in addition to the 150 million board feet previously announced on December 5, 2022. The Company will continue to adjust operating rates to align with market conditions and the available supply of economically viable timber.
Read More

GreenFirst CEO Rick Doman Retires

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. announces the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, Rick Doman, for personal reasons effective December 31, 2022. GreenFirst’s Chairman, Paul Rivett, has temporarily assumed the role of Executive Chair and interim CEO in order to ensure the focus of the company during this transition, including continuing the progress of initiatives that are underway and beginning the search for a new executive to replace the retiring Mr.Doman. Mr. Doman will continue as a Director of GreenFirst, and Marty Proctor has become Lead Independent Director.
Read More

Stora Enso completes the divestment of its Nymölla paper site to Sylvamo

Stora Enso has completed the divestment of its Nymölla paper production site in Sweden, and all related assets to Sylvamo, a US-based global producer of uncoated paper. The divestment announced on 15 September 2022 was closed today after regulatory approvals. The enterprise value of the transaction is approximately EUR 150 million. The Nymölla site’s capacity is 485,000 metric tonnes of woodfree uncoated office papers, with Multicopy as the leading paper brand. Based on the 2021 figures, the divestment is expected to reduce Stora Enso’s annual sales by approximately EUR 290 million. Subject to closing date adjustments, Stora Enso will book a one-time disposal loss of approximately EUR 25 million (including currency translation adjustments) in its IFRS operating profit in the first quarter of 2023, as an item affecting comparability.
Read More

Resolute, Paper Excellence Merger Receives Canadian Competition Bureau Approval

The Paper Excellence Group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Domtar Corporation, a global diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing, and packaging papers, and Resolute Forest Products Inc., a global forest products company, jointly announced that the Canadian Commissioner of Competition has entered into a consent agreement regarding the parties' business combination. Once the combination has been finalized, Domtar will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Resolute stock for $20.50 per share and one contingent value right tied to potential duty deposit refunds of up to $500 million. The consent agreement filed by the Canadian Commissioner of Competition with the Competition Tribunal today completes one of the remaining conditions to the closing of the transaction. The transaction remains on course to close in the first half of 2023, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the other conditions to the closing of the merger. (All financial information is in U.S. Dollars)
Read More

RYAM’s Jesup Facility Impacted by Natural Gas Supply Disruption

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that its facility at Jesup, Georgia has been impacted by a force majeure declared by its natural gas provider, Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C., due to an unscheduled outage of the Elba Express Pipeline’s Hartwell Compressor Station. Southern Natural Gas Company has asserted that, during the period of the SNG Force Majeure Event, which commenced on December 24, 2022, RYAM’s Jesup facility will be subject to a financial penalty for each MMBtu of natural gas consumed in excess of a contractually allocated amount. Based on this and other current assumptions, the Company expects the Event could reduce EBITDA by approximately $775,000 to $900,000 per day. Accordingly, if the SNG Force Majeure Event were to continue through the end of 2022, the Company estimates that its aggregate EBITDA would be approximately $6 to $7 million lower than it otherwise would have been without the financial penalty. The Company’s facility at Fernandina Beach, Florida is not affected by the SNG Force Majeure Event.
Read More

Euro-Graph Publishes October 2022 Statistics of the Euorpean Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in October 2022 were down 19.2% vs. October 2021 and were down 11.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in October 2022 were down 11.1% vs. October 2021 and were down 7.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in October 2022 were down 26.6% vs. October 2021 and were down 15.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in October 2022 were down 25.3% vs. October 2021 and were down 20.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in October 2022 were down 18.0% vs. October 2021 and were down 14.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in October 2022 were down 26.5% vs. October 2021 and were down 5.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in October 2022 were down 13.1% vs. October 2021 and were down 10.5% year-to-date.
Read More

UPM proceeds towards the final phases in its growth project in Uruguay

UPM is finalizing the construction works of the new pulp mill in Uruguay and enters the final phases of the project. The start-up of the UPM Paso de los Toros pulp mill is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2023. While the project work continues intensively, the finalization of the construction works is an important milestone in the project. Since the investment decision in July 2019, over 20,000 people have been involved in the various construction sites related to the growth investment, including the construction of the UPM Paso de los Toros mill, the pulp terminal in the port of Montevideo and the 11 housing areas around Paso de los Toros.
Read More

GreenFirst Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell Two Sawmills for Approximately $90M

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its La Sarre and Béarn sawmills and its Abitibi and Témiscamingue forestry operations, as well as their related assets and business operations (the “Quebec Assets”) to Chantiers Chibougamau Ltée (“Chantiers Chibougamau”), a long-standing Quebec-based and family-controlled forestry company, for approximately $90 million in cash payable at closing, including approximately $40 million for specific working capital items (subject to customary closing adjustments). Quebec-based employees are expected to continue to be employed by Chantiers Chibougamau post-closing. GreenFirst expects to use the net proceeds from the sale to strengthen its balance sheet and continue investing in its Ontario operations. The sale of the Quebec Assets is expected to close in Q1 2023.
Read More

Lignode® – The Future of Fast Charge Electric Car Batteries

The struggle: material availability and consumer needs. As the struggle on critical raw materials continues to be a problem in vehicle electrification, we are going to need to mine a huge number of metals like cobalt and lithium to electrify the world’s vehicle fleet. This is where smaller batteries become important. – Currently, manufacturers of the next generation’s electric vehicles are competing on range. This means putting big and powerful batteries into future cars so they can travel farther between charges, says Otto Kivi, Senior Business Development Specialist in battery materials at Stora Enso. The solution: Lignode® by Stora Enso – an alternative to graphite. EV batteries are based on lithium-ion constructions made up of lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and graphite. The last-mentioned is used for the negative end of a lithium-ion battery known as the anode. While graphite deposits are not scarce, the supply of battery-grade graphite used in EV batteries is much tighter. In addition, graphite is a strictly layered material which can be slow to charge. However, Stora Enso has come up with a solution where graphite is replaced with hard carbon. Lignode® by Stora Enso has an amorphous, highly open structure enabling faster charging/discharging and higher cycling stability. This lignin-based hard carbon can replace natural or synthetic graphite either in parts or completely.
Read More

SCA acquires wind farm in Markbygden

SCA has acquired its first wind farm with the purchase of 36 wind turbines in Markbygden in Piteå municipality, northern Sweden. The park is acquired from the German company Enercon. The acquisition is in line with the company’s previously stated goal of becoming one of the Sweden’s leading providers of fossil-free electricity generated by wind power. Twenty per cent of Sweden's installed wind power capacity is currently located on land owned by SCA. The park is located in Markbygden in Piteå municipality, which has been designated by the Swedish Energy Agency as a national interest for wind farms and consists of a total of 36 turbines with a total installed capacity of about 85 MW. The annual electricity production from the site is estimated at close to 200 GWh. Of the 36 wind turbines, 15 are located on SCA land. The remaining 21 wind turbines are operated under agreements with about 10 landowners that are valid until 2062.
Read More

Canfor Pulp Temporarily Curtailing Intercontinental Pulp Mill

Canfor Pulp Products Inc. is announcing the immediate curtailment of its Intercontinental Pulp Mill, which is expected to be in place for four weeks. The curtailment is due to the lack of available economic fibre as a result of sawmill curtailments. The downtime will remove approximately 24,000 tonnes of market kraft pulp. “The sawmill curtailments occurring in BC are materially reducing the residual fibre available for pulp mills. Based on the near-term fibre outlook, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily curtail Intercontinental Pulp Mill,” said Kevin Edgson, President & CEO, Canfor Pulp. “We regret the impact the downtime will have on our employees, their families, our suppliers and the community. We are working to support them through this time.”
Read More

Ahlstrom FiltEV®, high performance filtration solutions for electric vehicles, wins Product of the Year award in the filter media category by Waterloo Filtration Institute

Ahlstrom FiltEV® Fuel Cell Air Intake filter media has won the Product of the Year award in Filter Media category by Waterloo Filtration Institute (WFI) on December 6th, 2022. This award promotes product development in the filtration and separation industry for a clean, healthy, and sustainable world and it was announced during the WFI 2022 Annual Conference. The purity of the cathode air intake is an essential parameter in the performance and the reliability of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles. By removing the finest particles and harmful gases Ahlstrom FiltEV® Fuel Cell Air Intake media protects the catalyst and the membrane and extends the fuel cell lifetime. Our proprietary technology platform, designed for high basis weight adsorbent media, delivers flexibility, outstanding performance and optimal processability to fulfill the most challenging requirements from the industry.
Read More

Felix Schoeller Group plans to invest more than $100 million in expanding its capacity in North America by 2025

The Felix Schoeller Group is systematically implementing its growth program for North America. Starting in 2023, capacities at the company's sites in the USA and Canada will be significantly expanded in three steps. In the first step, a new silicone coater will be installed at the Pulaski, NY site in mid-2023. This will enable the Felix Schoeller Group to supply the North American market with domestically produced siliconized papers and films. In doing so, the company is relying not only on solvent-free silicone technology, but adding solvent-based silicone technology to their portfolio – while utilizing particularly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technological solutions. The second step is the expansion of the paper machine capacity in Drummondville, Canada, from currently 32,000 tons to over 40,000 tons per year. This increase is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2023. And finally, the specialty paper manufacturer plans to invest in the construction of a second paper machine for the North American market. The plan is to add up to 50,000 tons of capacity for the decor and release liner markets.
Read More

Sappi Europe announces major paper machine upgrade and modernisation at its Gratkorn mill

Sappi Europe’s Gratkorn mill in Austria is Europe’s leading producer of coated woodfree paper on two paper machines, supporting Sappi Europe’s market leadership and in particular its core Commercial Print business. The mill has benefited from a regular investment programme, including in recent years the upgrade of the PM9 in 2019. The current upgrade and modernisation project will focus on Paper Machine 11 (PM11), which will undergo extensive modernisation of automation and electrical equipment including drives, control systems, quality control and inspection systems as well as upgrades to the coating profile and other areas. This investment will improve and consolidate Gratkorn’s position as the leading producer of Woodfree Coated paper and demonstrates Sappi Europe’s continuing commitment to the Commercial Print business and belief in the continued important role of print media.
Read More

Stora Enso plans to divest its consumer board production site and forestry operations in China

Stora Enso has initiated a sales process for a possible divestment of its consumer board production site in Beihai, China. The divestment would also include the Group’s forestry operations in the surrounding region, which supply raw material to the Beihai site. The sales process supports Stora Enso’s strategy to focus on long-term profitable growth within the areas of renewable packaging, building solutions and biomaterials innovations. Stora Enso’s Beihai production site started operations in 2016. It has a modern mechanical pulp mill and a premium consumer board line serving the Chinese market. The annual production capacity is 250,000 tonnes of mechanical pulp and 550,000 tonnes of consumer board. Stora Enso also operates 70,000 hectares of land in the Guangxi region for eucalyptus plantations, established in 2003, for fiber supply. The combined operations employ approximately 1,000 people including the forest operations. Stora Enso owns approximately 80% of the production site and forest operations, and its local partners and International Finance Corporation (IFC) own the remaining share. Stora Enso will work together with all stakeholders to complete the divestment process.
Read More

Crown Van Gelder announces new direct mail inkjet paper

High energy costs, rising postal tariffs and other inflationary factors are here to stay. In response to increased needs for affordable direct mail inkjet paper with high quality print results, Crown Van Gelder recently launched their extended portfolio of Crown Letsgo High Performance, with 140 and 180 gsm - 7 and 9 pt caliper - for stiff but lighter one piece mailers and direct mail cards. This extended range is commercially available in Europe and North America from January 2023. It will make the difference for many printers and their customers, to enable printed messaging to remain an important part of their marketing strategy. Inkjet printing is becoming a main stream method for every market segment needing print as a functional part for communication, promotion and visibility. More, but smaller orders, the need for personalization, fast response and acceptable cost are the main drivers. Inkjet treated and inkjet coated substrates will be a vital part of this growth, supporting vibrant print results, lower drying requirements (energy savings), reduced ink consumption and faster speed compared to non-treated or offset coated substrates. Contact your Midland sales professional for additional details on this product.
Read More

Sole Sourch Portfolio Company ID Images Acquires Summit Labels and Precision Label

Sole Source Capital LLC, an industrial-focused private equity firm, today announced that its portfolio company, ID Images (“IDI”), a premier provider of product identification solutions, has acquired Summit Labels and Precision Label in separate transactions. The acquisitions bring the total number of add-on investments for IDI to seven since becoming a Sole Source Capital portfolio company in August 2021, with the company’s most recent acquisition of Hickman Label announced just last month. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed. Jointly-owned Vancouver, Canada-based Summit Labels and Calgary, Canada-based Precision Labels are both manufacturers of prime labels for the food & beverage, industrial, and nutraceutical end markets. The companies’ Canadian facilities expand IDI’s presence across Canada while increasing its exposure to digital printing and prime label offerings. In addition, the companies' design and marketing teams often collaborate with clients to help create branding strategies through custom labeling.
Read More

Recycled Fiber and Paper Leader Sustana Joins UN Global Compact, is Committed to Sustainable Development Goals

Sustana, the sustainable fiber and paper industry leader, has joined the United Nations (UN) Global Compact initiative. Sustana’s engagement in the UN Global Compact — a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible business practices – reflects its longstanding and continued adherence to sustainable practices and its ongoing support for the Ten Principles focused on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. “With this announcement, Sustana is proud to continue its commitment to developing solutions to move society toward a greener, more circular future,” said Fabian de Armas, Chief Executive Officer for Sustana. “Over the years, Sustana has proven to be a leader in the sustainable pulp and paper business,” said Jeffrey Crawford, Vice President of Sustainability for Sustana. “We look forward to partnering with the UN Global Compact, its US and Canada Local Network members, and companies throughout our value chain to help move the world toward a sustainable future through responsible business action.”
Read More

Stora Enso and Huhtamaki advance European paper cup recycling initiative with new partners

The Cup Collective, a programme founded by Stora Enso and Huhtamaki to capture the value of used paper cups through recycling at an industrial scale, has welcomed its first partners. The new partners include McDonald’s, SSP - The Food Travel Experts, C2 Centre, and the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB), all further supporting the initiative’s ability to significantly increase paper cup recycling volumes in Europe. The Cup Collective initiative, which is the first of its kind in Europe, aims to recycle half a billion paper cups in Europe within the first two years. The first paper cup collection bins are now available in public venues throughout Brussels including restaurants and transit hubs. Collected cups are recycled in facilities in the region including Stora Enso’s site in Langerbrugge, Belgium. Partnership in the Cup Collective is open to a wide range of stakeholders both within and outside of the value chain including food service providers, retailers, transportation services, waste collectors and management services, and other actors across Europe.
Read More

Canfor Temporarily Curtailing Canadian Production Capacity

Canfor Corporation is announcing a temporary reduction in Canadian production due to very weak market conditions. The production will be reduced through curtailments at all solid wood facilities in B.C. and Alberta. This will remove approximately 150 million board feet in December and January. The curtailments will start to be implemented on December 19, 2022 and will range from one to four weeks across its Canadian operations. The Company will continue to adjust operating rates to align with market conditions and anticipates that the majority of its BC facilities will operate below full capacity in the New Year. “Due to the significant decrease in demand for solid wood products and challenging economic conditions, we are temporarily curtailing production in Canada. We will be working to mitigate the impacts on our employees by providing support and identifying meaningful work during the downtime,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor.
Read More

Twin Rivers Paper Announces Sale of its Eastern Canada Lumber Mill to Longtime Supplier Groupe Lebel

Twin Rivers Paper Company has reached a definitive agreement to sell its softwood lumber mill in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, to eastern Canadian lumber manufacturer and North American forest products leader Groupe Lebel. Group Lebel is a longtime supplier to Twin Rivers Paper. The transaction includes a long-term supply agreement for the Plaster Rock mill to continue providing Twin Rivers Paper with by-product chips and biomass utilized by the company’s pulp and cogeneration operations in Edmundston, New Brunswick.
Read More

Mactac earns ISO 9001:2015 certification

The ISO 9001 certificate is the world's most recognized international certification standard for a quality management system. It provides guidance for companies that aim to ensure products and services consistently meet quality requirements. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified site, Mactac Minneapolis has a systematic quality management system in place and is committed to cost and waste reduction, continuous improvement, regulatory compliance and more. ‘At Mactac, we believe quality is key to a successful business and our sustainable quality culture is at the core of everything we do,’ said Jennifer Zenar, director of quality at Mactac.
Read More

Paper Excellence is Signatory of COP27 Action Declaration

Paper Excellence is one of the industry leaders that joined the Action Declaration on Climate Policy Engagement in support of governments to address climate change. The initiative was developed by Corporate Knights and Global 100 Council COP27. The Action Declaration outlines how industry in the movement to decarbonize the economy will support ambitious action to close the say-do gap on countries’ emission reduction by: *supporting climate change actions aligned with the Paris Agreement when engaging with policymakers; *working with their major industry/trade associations to advance alignment with the Paris Agreement; and *monitoring and disclosing climate policy alignment for their companies and their major industry/trade associations.
Read More

Domtar Announces CEO Transition Plan

Domtar Corporation announced that President and CEO John Williams’ retirement date will be June 30, 2023. Williams has planned to leave the company after fourteen years in his leadership role; however, he will continue as a part-time advisor regarding strategic growth opportunities. Additionally, to continue Domtar’s forward momentum, Steve Henry, currently Senior Vice President of Packaging, has been appointed to the role of Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective immediately. As EVP and COO, Henry will lead the pulp, paper and packaging operations and commercial functions at Domtar, while Williams will continue to lead all corporate functions until his retirement. “On behalf of Domtar and the Management Committee, I want to thank John for his leadership and commitment to our employees, customers and communities over the past fourteen years,” said Henry. “He joined the company during a recession and has navigated ever-changing industry dynamics and economic fluctuations to transform Domtar into the strong pulp, paper and packaging company that it is today. I am honored to build on his legacy and continue serving our stakeholders.”
Read More

ANDRITZ to supply key components for broke handling to Sappi Austria, Gratkorn mill

The new broke handling will be part of the production line PM9 producing high-quality wet strength paper, such as label paper in the future. ANDRITZ will deliver high-consistency (HC) pulping, high-density (HD) cleaning and deflaking for processing the special type of broke. Specific trials on pulping and deflaking of wet-strength paper were conducted at the ANDRITZ stock preparation pilot plant in Graz, Austria in advance. The trials were carried out with comparable raw material from Sappi and confirmed the pulp properties and operating characteristics required by Sappi for the future. Flavio Froehli, VP Marketing & Sales at Sappi Europe: “We are very pleased that we will also be able to produce wet-strength label paper at our Gratkorn mill in the future. This investment underscores our strategy to establish Sappi as the leader within the label sector, adding to the supply of value adding products across our entire business.”
Read More

Lecta Ltd Interim Report as at 30 September 2022

Revenue: For the third quarter ended 30 September 2022 Lecta had revenue of €514.6 million versus €342.3 million in the third quarter ended 30 September 2021, an increase of €172.3 million or +50%. EBITDA increased by €25.9 million, from €8.9 million in 3Q2021 to €34.7 million in 3Q2022. This increase was essentially due to higher sales of paper in volume and higher sales prices, partly offset by higher production cost and higher labor and fixed costs. Revenue: For the nine months ended 30 September 2022, Lecta had revenue of €1,522.3 million versus €923.8 million in the nine months ended 30 September 2021, an increase of €598.4 million or +64.8%. EBITDA increased by €126.6 million, from €30.0 million in September 2021 YTD to €156.5 million in September 2022 YTD. This increase was the result of higher sales of paper in volume, and higher sales prices, partly offset by lower margin on variable costs, and higher fixed costs. EBITDA in September 2022 YTD includes the €38.6 m€ compensation received as a consequence of the anticipated termination and renegotiation of gas purchase agreements in Spain with the current supplier.
Read More

Euro-Graph Reports Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in September 2022 were down 11.0% vs. September 2021 and were down 10.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in September 2022 were down 4.9% vs. September 2021 and were down 7.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in September 2022 were down 17.1% vs. September 2021 and were down 14.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in September 2022 were down 13.2% vs. September 2021 and were down 19.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in September 2022 were down 11.5% vs. September 2021 and were down 13.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in September 2022 were down 11.9% vs. September 2021 and were down 2.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in September 2022 were down 10.4% vs. September 2021 and were down 10.2% year-to-date.
Read More

UPM Raflatac helps brands increase efficiency and hit sustainability goals with expanded OptiCut™ Linerless Label portfolio

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable labeling materials, recently expanded their Direct Thermal (DT) Opticut Linerless labels portfolio. The OptiCut products in this portfolio are customized for various applications in hospitality, retail and weigh scales, transport and warehousing, and industrial food. “We widened our OptiCut Linerless portfolio to enable brands to maximize efficiency and find solutions for each unique packaging type. The adhesive properties for each of our seven OptiCut products were designed for various application environments,” stated Brinder Gill, Director, Paper Laminates, UPM Raflatac Americas.
Read More

Domtar Celebrates 50 Years of Cougar® at Rothschild Mill

Domtar’s Cougar® paper brand has given life to creative ideas across North America for a half century. Featured in presidential holiday cards, the Kate Spade Brand Book and music festival posters, Cougar’s reputation for quality and consistency has set the brand apart. But it all begins at our Rothschild Mill on the east bank of the Wisconsin River. That’s where more than 320 mill employees recently celebrated 50 years of Cougar alongside senior Domtar leaders and community stakeholders. The two-day event included birthday cake, employee giveaways and mill tours. The 50th anniversary event recognized the work behind the printed page. Employees and leaders celebrated the mill’s commitment to quality and safety. Guests included representatives from the Wisconsin Paper Council and the Wausau Chamber of Commerce.
Read More

Batteries from trees – enabling sustainable electrification

Increasing demands for electrification mean more and more batteries are needed. Societies are built around electrification. Batteries are everywhere. This is true now, but it will also be true for the years to come at an ever-increasing pace. We need to find new and smart solutions to meet the demands of the future – solutions based on renewable materials. As a renewable natural resource, wood represents a favourable alternative to fossil-based and other non-renewable materials, and as such, trees are pivotal in fighting climate change. Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and that carbon stays in the fibers when they are made into products, even through recycling. Carbon storage can be increased by substituting materials from finite resources with renewable alternatives. With Lignode® by Stora Enso, we use lignin from sustainably managed Nordic forests and turn into an anode material for batteries.
Read More

Fedrigoni to acquire French mill (printweek.com)

Fedrigoni Group has agreed yet another buy, which will give the business a dominant presence in the worldwide market for premium papers for wine and spirits. The acquisitive Italian group has signed an agreement with Papeterie Zuber Rieder to take over the business, subject to consultation with the French firm’s works council. Papeterie Zuber Rieder was founded in 1881. It employs 130 staff and since the turn of the century has focused its offering on specialty papers for labels, packaging and perfumed cards. Its range includes food grade papers and 'ice bucket proof' labels. Fedrigoni said the buy would create “the first global player in premium papers for wines and spirits”, and Zuber Rieder would benefit from its production capabilities and international network.
Read More

Total U.S. Printing-Writing Paper Shipments Decreased Four Percent in October 2022

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its October 2022 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 4% in October compared to October 2021. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 6% in October compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% when compared to September 2022. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in October increased 7% compared to last October, while the inventory level increased 1% compared to September 2022. UFS imports increased 41% while exports decreased 12% in September 2022. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 1% compared to October 2021 while the inventory level decreased 4% compared to September 2022. CFS imports and exports both increased compared to September 2021, up 62% and 16% respectively. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in October remained essentially flat (0.1%) compared to last October while the inventory level increased 3% compared to September 2022. CM imports increased 31% while exports decreased 12% in September 2022. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 22% compared to October 2021 while the inventory level increased 33% compared to September 2022. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to September 2021, down 11% and 38% respectively.
Read More

Monadnock Launches HP Indigo Solutions Portfolio of 100% Post-Consumer Waste Recycled Material

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is pleased to announce its HP Indigo Solutions Portfolio of 100% Post-Consumer Waste (PCW) paper, packaging, and environmental graphics materials. The product portfolio, complete with a comprehensive listing of available weights, sizes, and properties, is now featured in a comprehensive Stock Guide publication. Either certified or optimized for use on HP Indigo printers, all portfolio offerings are made with Forest Stewardship Council-certified 100% PCW recycled fiber, manufactured carbon neutral and made with 100% Green-e certified wind powered electricity. Additionally, the recycled paper is processed chlorine free, and the entire production process operates under third-party Certified ISO 14001 Environmental and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
Read More

Stora Enso forms partnership with Voodin Blades to develop sustainable wind turbine blades from wood

Stora Enso and Voodin Blade Technology GmbH have signed a partnership agreement to develop sustainable wind turbine blades from wood. Under the agreement, the two companies are committed to developing sustainable alternatives for wind turbine blades and creating a competitive and reliable supply chain. They are currently producing and installing a 20 m blade for a 0.5 MW turbine and have plans for an 80 m blade. Wind power blades are typically produced with fibreglass and carbon fibre, energy-intensive non- renewable plastics made from petrochemicals that cannot be easily recycled. Tens of thousands of ageing blades today end up in landfills. By developing blades with sustainable wood, Stora Enso and Voodin Blades can make the blades lighter and reduce the overall dependency on fossil fuel extraction.
Read More

Kruger Products to shut down older production assets in Memphis

KP Tissue Inc. and Kruger Products announced that it will shut down certain older and inefficient production assets including a Light Dry Crepe paper machine and six converting lines in early January, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. High quality facial tissue and premium Through Air Dry (“TAD”) products will continue to be produced at its Memphis plant by approximately 400 remaining employees. The 165 employees impacted by this decision will receive severance and employment transition support. The Memphis plant is operated by Kruger Products’ subsidiary, K.T.G. (USA) Inc. and after the asset shutdown will have a production capacity of 85,000 Metric Tonnes. “While this is a difficult decision, it is necessary to ensure the continued success, competitiveness, and growth of our Memphis plant. We have invested over $400 million (USD) at our Memphis plant since 2010 and it will continue to be an important part of our business. We would like to sincerely thank our employees for their ongoing dedication and hard work.” said Dino Bianco, CEO of Kruger Products.
Read More

Sole Source Portfolio Company ID Images Acquires Hickman Label

Sole Source Capital LLC, an industrial-focused private equity firm, announced that its portfolio company, ID Images (“IDI”), a premier provider of product identification solutions, has acquired Lebanon, Tennessee-based Hickman Label. The acquisition marks the fifth add-on investment for IDI since it became a Sole Source Capital portfolio company in August 2021. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed. Founded in 2016, Hickman Label is a provider of highly-customized label solutions for the ondemand inkjet market. On-demand inkjet labels enable customers to print small batch, prime labels via their own desktop printers. In addition, Hickman’s robust ordering platform has the unique capability of integrating into its distribution customers’ websites utilizing a plug-in tool. The company sells to a mix of distributors and end users with more than 2,000 active customers across North America.
Read More

Lecta is investing in a refuse-derived fuel (RDF) boiler for its Condat mill

Lecta has decided to invest in a refuse-derived fuel (RDF) boiler for its Condat paper mill in France, which will be finished by mid-2024. This is a great energy transformation project that presents multiple environmental and economic advantages, in line with the Sustainability goals that Lecta is working on. The RDF boiler project is based on circular economy, as we will collect from local sources the waste with high biogenic content that will be used as fuel. This will help to reduce the volume of waste that currently cannot be recovered and would otherwise end up in landfills. Regarding energy, the new boiler will cover about 50% of the mill’s steam needs. This will increase the mill’s competitiveness because the generation of steam will be much less expensive than with natural gas. In addition, there will be a reduction of gas related CO2 emissions by a total of 55.000 tonnes per annum.
Read More

Mativ Announces Third Quarter 2022 Results

Mativ Third Quarter 2022 Highlights: *Sales increased 76% to $674.1 million with 12% constant currency organic sales growth, or 7% organic growth including negative currency impacts; strong sales growth in release liners, protective solutions, filtration, and paper and specialty packaging led the portfolio *GAAP EPS was $(0.43), and included significant expenses related to the Neenah merger closing and integration; Adjusted EPS was $0.74 *GAAP Operating Loss was $13.9 million; Adjusted Operating Profit was $65.5 million, up 24% on a comparable basis (see non-GAAP reconciliation) *Pricing actions across the Company driving top-line gains and offsetting raw material cost increases, with margin expansion across most categories
Read More

Sylvamo Delivers Strong Results, Fortifies Financial Position

Third Quarter Highlights: *Net income from continuing operations of $109 million ($2.44 per diluted share) compared with $84 million ($1.89 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2022 *Free cash flow3 (non-GAAP) of $114 million compared with $39 million in the second quarter of 2022 *Announced an agreement to acquire an uncoated freesheet mill in Nymolla, Sweden, for an attractive price of 150 million euros (approximately $150 million). Third Quarter Commercial and Operational Highlights: *Price and mix improved by $60 million versus the prior quarter, outpacing energy and input cost inflation *Operations and costs increased $3 million this quarter, while total planned maintenance outage expenses improved by $14 million *Input costs grew by $46 million versus the prior quarter, reflecting energy and input cost inflation
Read More

Sappi announces record earnings

Financial summary for the quarter and full year: *EBITDA excluding special items - For the quarter US$391 million (Q4 FY21 US$177 million); For the year US$1,339 million (FY21 US$532 million) *Profit for the period - For the quarter US$26 million (Q4 FY21 US$35 million); For the year US$536 million (FY21 US$13 million) *EPS excluding special items - For the quarter 44 US cents (Q4 FY21 11 US cents); For the year 138 US cents (FY21 15 US cents) *Net debt US$1,163 million (FY21 US$1,946 million)
Read More

GreenFirst Reports Financial Results for the Third Quarter of 2022

Third Quarter of 2022 Highlights *Third quarter 2022 (“Q3 2022”) net loss was $23.3 million or a $0.13 loss per share (diluted), compared to net earnings of $30.7 million or $0.16 per share in the second quarter of 2022 (“Q2 2022”). This quarter marked the one-year point for the Company operating its acquired forest- products assets. *Lumber continued to experience price volatility in Q3 2022, with an average selling price of $780/ mfbm compared to $1,255/mfbm in Q2 2022. Steeply rising interest rates and inflation reduced demand for lumber products from the second quarter onward, and remain a concern impacting US housing starts and homebuilders’ confidence. *On September 23, 2022, the Company entered into a credit agreement with a tier-1 Canadian bank for up to $140.0 million consisting of a term loan of $15.0 million and an asset-backed revolving credit facility of up to $125.0 million (collectively, the “Credit Facility”). This refinancing replaced a high yield secured term loan (US$87.3 million outstanding at extinguishment)and a $65.0 million asset-backed loan facility (undrawn at time of extinguishment). *On November 7, 2022, the Company announced the sale of its 203,000 acres of private forest land south of Kapuskasing, Ontario, to a third party for cash proceeds of $49.2 million.
Read More

Norske Skog Skogn enters into a new long-term energy contract with Statkraft

Norske Skog Skogn and Statkraft have entered into a new long-term industrial energy agreement, which together with previous contracts, will secure large parts of the mill's energy supply on competitive terms until 2030. - This agreement will give the Skogn mill stable energy supply at predictable and acceptable prices. The agreement contributes to secure jobs and the long-term competitiveness of Skogn. At the same time, this is important for the forest sector in Central Norway, says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog and chairman of Norske Skog Skogn AS.
Read More

UPM Raflatac receives RecyClass recognitions for pressure sensitive labels for PP and HDPE packaging recycling

UPM Raflatac has received recognitions from RecyClass for multiple label products* with different adhesive technologies. The granted recognitions expand UPM Raflatac’s portfolio of RecyClass recognized PE (polyethylene) label materials and extends the portfolio to include PP (polypropylene) label materials. Both the PE and PP materials are recognized to be recycling compatible with colored HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) and PP packages. This means that the PE and PP labels can be recycled either in PP or HDPE colored recycling streams. The recognition for the PP recycling stream compatibility is first of its kind in the world. “At UPM Raflatac we are working towards a more sustainable and circular future. One big part of this is making consumer plastic packaging recyclable. We are proud that we are the first self-adhesive label company to provide RecyClass approved recycling compatible labeling solutions for PP packaging. According to extensive, independent testing done by Plastics Forming Enterprises (PFE), our unprinted labels have had limited impact on the recycling quality on both PP and HDPE colored recycling streams. This proves that our labels don’t hinder the recycling process or recyclate quality,” says Katja Kivelä, Business Director, Food and HPC, Films & Specials SBU EMEIA, UPM Raflatac.
Read More

Wynnchurch Invests in Nekoosa, Growing Appvion Platform

Appvion, a Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. portfolio company, announced the addition of Nekoosa Coated Products, LLC to the platform. Headquartered in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, Nekoosa is a leading provider of specialty engineered materials for the graphics and commercial print markets in North America and Europe. Laurie Andriate, CEO of Appvion, said in a statement, “We are bringing together two great companies with complementary businesses and capabilities to accelerate growth and create additional value for our customers. I’m excited to welcome the Nekoosa team to Appvion.” “I’m excited for our teams as we move forward and write a new chapter together,” said Paul Charapata, CEO of Nekoosa. “We know each other well and will build upon our long history to proudly produce innovative products that help all our stakeholders succeed.”
Read More

Paraná increases pulp and paper exports by 21% with Klabin’s mega logistics operation

Paraná exported more than one million tons of paper and pulp between January and July 2022, a growth of 21% compared to the same period in 2021. The consolidated number of 1,091,752 tons , according to data from SECEX (Special Secretariat for Foreign Trade and International Affairs), it is strongly encouraged by Klabin, which a year ago began its mega operation to transport and export the production of the Puma II Project via the port of Paranaguá, including an investment of more than R$ 300 million at the Ortigueira Railway Terminal, in partnership with Brado and TCP, capable of transporting 125 thousand tons of pulp and paper in containers per month, connecting the Puma Unit to the port. Positioning itself today as the 5th largest exporting state of paper and cellulose in Brazil, Paraná has Klabin as the main company operating in the segment. The recent expansion of the Puma II, the result of R$ 12.9 billion of investments, considered the largest private investment in the state, started its production and exportation in 2021, and already represents 6% of the total loads of paper and pulp shipped by the region. in the year 2022.
Read More

Howe Sound Pulp & Paper Mill Supports Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue

It is with great appreciation to their dedicated and committed volunteers that the Howe Sound Pulp & Paper Mill recently presented a $1,500 donation to the Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue (SCSAR) – a fantastic non-profit organization. The SCSAR relies on donations to maintain a state of readiness and help conduct life-saving operations within our community. Thank you for the work you do!
Read More

“Digibook Technology” Uses Printing Paper from Koehler Paper for Promo Book

The company “Digibook Technology” chooses ICEWHITE IQ® from Koehler for the new edition of its promo book. Digital printing paper is ideally suited for machines developed by “Digibook Technology” for industrial book production as well as full-page printing. “Digibook Technology” is an ever-expanding medium-sized company based in Switzerland. For over 10 years, the company has been a leading provider of innovative machine program solutions for cost-effective, fully automated production of digitally printed hardcover books in short runs. “The digital printing paper from Koehler Paper impresses in this area with perfect processing properties and optimal quality for digitally printed applications,” says Jens Krüger, Sales and Partnering Manager at “Digibook Technology”.
Read More

Amcor reports strong first quarter fiscal 2023 result

Highlights - Three Months Ended September 30, 2022•Net sales of $3,712 million, up 9%;•GAAP Net income of $232 million, up 15%; GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of 15.5 cps, up 18%;•Adjusted EPS of 18.1 cps, up 10% on a comparable constant currency basis;•Adjusted EBIT of $392 million, up 9% on a comparable constant currency basis;• Quarterly dividend increased to 12.25 cents per share.
Read More

GreenFirst sells interest in private forest land for $49.25 million

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, GreenFirst Forest Products (QC) Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell its interest in approximately 203,000 acres of private forest land to Perimeter Forest Limited Partnership for cash consideration totaling $49.25 million. The Property is located in the boreal forest south of Kapuskasing, Ontario. “The sale of these lands will allow Perimeter to foster long term ecosystem benefits on the Property and unlocks hidden value for GreenFirst shareholders.” Daniel Andres, Perimeter’s Chief Operating Officer noted that “GreenFirst’s legacy of good stewardship of the land combined with its attractive ecological features were value drivers for Perimeter”.
Read More

Ahlstrom invests in South America to support filtration customers with a new lamination capability

Ahlstrom perpetuates its 50-year commitment and support to the global Filtration industry by investing EUR 2 million in a new laminator at Louveira plant, Brazil. With a planned installation in 2023, the equipment is expected to be fully operational by Q1 2024. This strategic growth initiative will expand manufacturing capabilities at Louveira plant. It reinforces our ambition in local and regional filtration markets by offering customers shorter lead-times and improved local technical support.
Read More

Stora Enso Imatra Mills’ wood handling upgrade reaches completion – water consumption will decrease by 85 per cent

Stora Enso invested EUR 80 million to centralise and modernise wood handling at Imatra Mills to enhance its production capabilities for premium packaging board. The investment will additionally reduce the consumption of process water and mitigate environmental impacts. The project, which started up in the first quarter of 2021, is now complete. The modernisation of Imatra Mills’ wood handling was completed on schedule. From now on, wood will be debarked and handled centrally on Kaukopää Mill’s new debarking line. The project included the installation of a third debarking line, improvements to chip handling systems, and modifications to the infrastructure of the existing wood yard. The centralised and modernised wood handling capacity will improve the stability and efficiency of the process.
Read More

Resolute Reports Third Quarter 2022 Results

Resolute Forest Products Inc. reported net income of $87 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, compared to net income of $80 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, in the same period in 2021. Sales were $974 million in the quarter, an increase of $157 million from the year-ago period. Excluding special items, the company reported net income of $85 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, compared to net income of $67 million, or $0.84 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2021. The company reported operating income of $124 million in the quarter, compared to $217 million in the second quarter. The $93 million reduction reflects lower realized prices in wood products ($185 million), partially offset by higher prices in the pulp, paper and tissue segments ($48 million), higher shipments in wood products ($40 million) and lower manufacturing costs ($12 million). The company also recorded higher selling, general and administrative expenses ($17 million), reflecting a higher share-based compensation expense and costs incurred in relation with the acquisition by the Paper Excellence Group.
Read More

Seaman Paper grows printing and converting capacity with the acquisition of Eagle Tissue LLC

Seaman Paper Company is pleased to announce the acquisition of South Windsor, Connecticut-based Eagle Tissue LLC, a provider of tissue paper printing and converting services. “We believe this acquisition will greatly improve the service and production capabilities of both Seaman and Eagle, and we expect our customers to benefit from this enhancement,” said Ken Winterhalter, CEO of Seaman Paper. “Importantly, the team at Eagle Tissue shares our passion for people and the planet, and their hard work and dedication to customer relationships align perfectly with our core values at Seaman Paper.” “We are excited to join such an incredible team of like-minded people. We have grown our business and partnerships over the last 26 years, and I believe this is the perfect next step for Eagle,” added Bob Costa, CEO of Eagle Tissue.
Read More

Supremex Announces Strategic Acquisition in the United States

Supremex Inc. announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Royal Envelope Corporation (“Royal”), an envelope manufacturer and lithography company located in Chicago. This transaction was concluded for a total cash consideration of US$18.7 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis plus US$2.0 million for manufacturing equipment that was recently commissioned. “We are very excited with this acquisition that expands our reach in the fragmented U.S. envelope market and gives us a significant manufacturing presence in the U.S. Midwest,” said Stewart Emerson, President and CEO of Supremex. “Royal has established itself as one of the preeminent direct mail envelope manufacturers in North America, utilizing a modern fleet of envelope converting equipment, in-house lithographic printing and embellishing, targeting the financial services sector. We expect this acquisition will generate significant synergies and additional operating efficiencies throughout our network. We are pleased that John, Matt and Mike Pusatera will remain with the Supremex team.”
Read More

Interfor Reports Q3’22 Results

Interfor Corporation recorded Net earnings in Q3’22 of $3.5 million, or $0.06 per share, compared to $269.9 million, or $4.92 per share in Q2’22 and $65.6 million, or $1.05 per share in Q3’21. Adjusted net earnings in Q3’22 were $31.5 million compared to $280.2 million in Q2’22 and $46.7 million in Q3’21.
Read More

Canfor Reports Results for Third Quarter of 2022

Overview • Q3 2022 reported operating income of $108.6 million; quarterly sales of $1.7 billion • Downward pressure on global lumber market fundamentals and pricing following highs earlier in the year • Reduced Western Canadian operating schedules & European seasonal downtime led to lower shipments • Strong global pulp fundamentals & improved pulp production following capital-related downtime • Shareholder net income of $87.4 million, or $0.71 per share
Read More

Suzano Reports Q3-2022 Results

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,797 thousand tons (+5% vs. 3Q21). • Paper sales³ of 331 thousand tons (-2% vs. 3Q21). • Average net pulp price in export market: US$821/ton (+25% vs. 3Q21). • Average net paper price3 of R$6,905/ton (+40% vs. 3Q21). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$883/ton (+24% vs. 3Q21). • Leverage ratio declines to 2.1 times in USD and 2.2 times in BRL, despite the investment cycle. • Cerrado Project completes 31% of physical progress and 24% of financial progress
Read More

Holmen and SCA evaluates a new sawmill in Rundvik

Holmen and SCA have decided to initiate a pre-study to evaluate the viability of building a new, large-scale sawmill together in the northern Swedish community of Rundvik in the county of Västerbotten. The pre-study, which only concerns a production cooperation at the Rundvik Sawmill, is set to begin straight away and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2023. Holmen produces sawn and refined wood products for joinery, construction and builders’ merchants. Following the acquisition of Martinsons in 2020, Holmen also offer customised solutions in CLT and glulam for climate-smart, large-scale wood construction.
Read More

Paper Excellence Group and Resolute Announce Intention to Sell Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Mill

The Paper Excellence Group and Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced their intention to sell Resolute's Thunder Bay pulp and paper mill to further facilitate the regulatory review process. "Today's announcement is a clear demonstration of our commitment to timely complete the acquisition of Resolute," said Patrick Loulou, vice chair and chief strategy officer of the Paper Excellence Group. "This is a very hard thing to do, but we believe it is necessary in order to accelerate our strategic combination with the Paper Excellence Group," stated Remi G. Lalonde, Resolute's president and chief executive officer. "The mill is an exceptional asset. I am confident that the dedicated and talented team in Thunder Bay will have a prosperous future with any company fortunate enough to have them as part of their organization."
Read More

Metsä Group’s comparable operating result in January–September 2022 was EUR 966 million

January–September 2022 (1–9/2021) *Sales were EUR 5,239 million (4,457). *Operating result was EUR 986 million (652). Comparable operating result was EUR 966 million (694). *Result before taxes was EUR 961 million (616). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 934 million (658). *Comparable return on capital employed was 20.0% (16.4). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 828 million (596). July–September 2022 (7–9/2021) *Sales were EUR 1,823 million (1,515). *Operating result was EUR 397 million (273). Comparable operating result was EUR 391 million (278). *Result before taxes was EUR 396 million (263). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 385 million (267). *Comparable return on capital employed was 23.5% (18.8). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 372 million (222).
Read More

Tronox Reports Third Quarter 2022 Financial Results

Third Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights: *Produced revenue of $895 million, an increase of 3% compared to the prior year, driven by higher TiO2, zircon and pig iron prices and higher pig iron volumes *Generated income from operations of $163 million and net income of $123 million *Delivered Adjusted EBITDA of $247 million and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 27.6% *Invested $112 million in capital expenditures, primarily in our vertical integration and newTRON initiatives *Generated free cash flow of $25 million in the quarter *Returned $110 million to shareholders in the nine months ending September 30, 2022 in the form of share repurchases and dividends
Read More

Euro-Graph Publishes Monthly European Graphic Paper Statistics for August 2022

Total European shipments of graphic papers in August 2022 were down 11.2% vs. August 2021 and were down 10.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in August 2022 were down 10.1% vs. August 2021 and were down 7.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in August 2022 were down 17.4% vs. August 2021 and were down 14.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in August 2022 were down 21.1% vs. August 2021 and were down 20.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in August 2022 were down 17.3% vs. August 2021 and were down 13.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in August 2022 were down 4.8% vs. August 2021 and were down 0.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in August 2022 were down 4.3% vs. August 2021 and were down 10.2% year-to-date.
Read More

Avery Dennison Announces Third Quarter 2022 Results

Label and Graphic Materials *Reported sales increased 12% to $1.5 billion. Sales were up 20% ex. currency and 20% on an organic basis.*Reported operating margin increased 60 basis points to 14.3%. *Inflation continues to be significant in the company’s materials businesses, with it now anticipating more than 20% inflation in 2022 compared to prior year. Retail Branding and Information Solutions *Reported sales increased 17% to $623 million. Sales were up 22% ex. currency and 7% on an organic basis. *Reported operating margin increased 120 basis points to 12.2%. Industrial and Healthcare Materials *Reported sales decreased 2% to $192 million, up 5% on an organic basis. *Reported operating margin increased 100 basis points to 10.6%.
Read More

Suzano Notice to the Market | Acquisition of Kimberly Clark tissue business in Brazil

Suzano S.A. hereby informs its shareholders and the market in general the execution, on October 24th, 2022, of an Equity Purchase Agreement entered into by and between the Company, as Buyer, Kimberly-Clark Brasil Indústria e Comércio de Produtos de Higiene Ltda. (“KC Brasil”), as Seller, and KimberlyClark Worldwide, Inc. (“KC”) as guarantor, for the acquisition, by the Company, subject to certain conditions precedent, of all the quotas held by KC Brasil in a new company that will be the holder of the assets related to the business of manufacturing, marketing, distributing and/or selling of tissue products, including toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, tissues, as well as other paper products in Brazil, including ownership of the brand “NEVE”. As part of the deal, the other global brands currently used by KC Brasil will be licensed to the Company for a specific term. The main asset included in the Transaction consists on a tissue production plant, located in the municipality of Mogi das Cruzes, in the State of São Paulo, with an annual production capacity of approximately 130 thousand tons. The Transaction is aligned with the Company’slong-term strategy to “advance in the links of the value chain”, as is widely public knowledge, representing geographic complementarity and synergy gains with its current consumer goods business (tissue).
Read More

UPM Interim Report Q3 2022: UPM delivers all-time high quarterly results with excellent performance in all businesses

Q3 highlights *Sales increased by 36% to EUR 3,420 million (2,523 million in Q3 2021) *Comparable EBIT grew by 84% to EUR 779 million, 22.8% of sales (424 million, 16.8%) *Operating cash flow was EUR -201 million (318 million), impacted by cash flow from energy hedges. Other operating cash flows were largely as expected *The rise in energy futures prices continued, causing short-term cash outflow impact from energy hedges. Respectively, it indicates the strong earnings potential of UPM Energy *Sales prices increased in all business areas and more than offset the negative impact of higher variable costs *Cash funds and unused committed credit facilities totalled EUR 5.2 billion at the end of Q3 2022. UPM signed EUR 4.3 billion of credit facilities during Q3 *In August, EcoVadis recognised UPM on Platinum level based on the company’s sustainability performance *In September, UPM Raflatac completed the acquisition of AMC AG *In October, the new deep sea pulp terminal in the port of Montevideo in Uruguay was inaugurated
Read More

Billerud Interim Report – January-September 2022

Key highlights Q3: Strong organic* and currency neutral sales growth of 20%; Record underlying EBITDA performance; Price and mix management more than offset cost inflation; Excellent cash delivery and all-time low leverage. Quarterly data Q3: Net sales increased by 82% to SEK 11,814 million (6,494), whereof Billerud North America accounted for SEK 3,718 million; Operating profit was SEK 1,536 million (639); Net profit was SEK 1,347 million (477)
Read More

Kimberly-Clark Announces Third Quarter 2022 Results

Executive Summary *Third quarter 2022 net sales of $5.1 billion increased 1 percent compared to the year-ago period, including organic sales growth of 5 percent. *Diluted net income per share for the third quarter was $1.38 in 2022 and $1.39 in 2021. *Third quarter adjusted earnings per share were $1.40 in 2022, down 14 percent compared to $1.62 in 2021. Adjusted earnings per share exclude certain items described later in this news release. *The company continues to target full-year 2022 organic sales growth of 5 to 7 percent and expects adjusted earnings per share at the lower end of $5.60 to $6.00 range
Read More

Global Water Technologies Leader Solenis Chooses Delaware for $40M Expansion

Delaware-based global water technologies leader Solenis has chosen its hometown of Wilmington as the site for a $40 million research and development expansion. In response to increasing market demand for its sustainability-focused products and expertise and with an eye toward long-term growth, Solenis will expand its R&D operations with a move to the 100,000-square-foot Building 713 at Chestnut Run Innovation and Science Park (CRISP). CRISP is a former DuPont campus that MRA Group is developing into a hub for a range of life sciences and advanced chemical companies. The new CRISP facility will provide Solenis with 20,000 square feet more lab space than the company currently has at its existing R&D center on Ashland’s Wilmington campus. In addition to more space, the larger, upgraded site will allow Solenis to add up to 46 new highly skilled Delaware jobs — including lab technicians, scientists and R&D supervisors — within the next three years.
Read More

Klabin launches PineFluff eXcel, a fluff pulp made from a mix of softwood and hardwood fibers

Committed to bringing to market innovative solutions that increase productivity and sustainability, Klabin announces the launch of PineFluff eXcel, a fluff pulp made from a mix of fibers (eucalyptus hardwood pulp and pine softwood pulp) targeting the hygiene products market (baby and adult diapers, sanitary pads, pet mats, etc.). A global pioneer in combining pine and eucalyptus fibers, the solution expands alternatives for innovative designs that improve aspects such as fluid retention and distribution as well as softness of the end product reaching consumers. Laboratory studies showed excellent potential for defibrated material, which enhances the perception of softness to touch and comfort during product use. The solution also brings competitive advantages for distribution logistics, packaging optimization and lower energy consumption during production.
Read More

Paper Excellence Announces Crofton Union Issued Strike Notice

Paper Excellence on 10/21/2022 announced that one of the unions at its Crofton mill, the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) local 2, has given 72-hour strike notice, putting the union in a strike position on Saturday October 22, 2022. Since July 2022, the company has been negotiating with PPWC local 2, which represents 370 of the 575 employees that work at the site. Those discussions have recently hit an impasse, and the company’s mediation request was rejected by the union. The negotiations committee will continue to meet as they try to resolve the situation. To protect the health and safety of employees, the integrity of the local environment, and preserve the company’s assets at Crofton, Paper Excellence has begun a controlled and orderly shutdown of the kraft pulp mill and mechanical paper operations.
Read More

Stora Enso Oyj Interim Report January-September 2022

Q3/2022 (year-on-year) *Sales increased by 15% to EUR 2,963 (2,577) million. *Operating profit (IFRS) increased to EUR 511 (386) million. *EPS was EUR 0.47 (0.38) and EPS excl. fair valuations (FV) was EUR 0.47 (0.37). *Cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 639 (485) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR 489 (347) million. Q1-Q3/2022 (year-on-year) *Sales were EUR 8,816 (7,445) million. *Operational EBIT was EUR 1,536 (1,102) million.
Read More

Smurfit Kappa paper mill unveils new sustainable innovation

Smurfit Kappa’s Townsend Hook paper mill in the UK has introduced a new state-of-the art drying process innovation to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Traditionally, paper drying is one of the most energy-intensive aspects of the manufacturing process. The innovative new processes implemented have resulted in a 6% reduction in steam energy consumption and a 5% reduction in total CO2 emissions from the Kent-based paper mill. A ‘digital twin’ approach was used in the project to create a virtual representation of the drying system to simulate how it would perform. An early example of digital twin technology usage was during the rescue mission of the Apollo 13 spacecraft in 1970 when computer models were used to determine flight characteristics far from earth.
Read More

Interfor Announces Temporary Production Curtailments in Q4’22

Interfor Corporation announced plans to reduce its lumber production output in the fourth quarter of 2022 by approximately 200 million board feet, or 17% of quarterly capacity, as current economic conditions and market uncertainty have led to reduced lumber demand. This temporary reduction in output is expected to be spread across each of the Company’s operating regions, primarily timed around U.S. Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods, and used to accelerate ongoing capital and maintenance projects. The Company’s lumber inventories are currently within normal volume parameters, and these plans are expected to maintain the balance between production and market demand through the remainder of 2022. The Company currently expects to resume its normal operating schedule in January 2023, but will closely monitor market conditions and adjust its production plans accordingly.
Read More

BIXOLON Certified BLUE4EST® Thermal Paper

BIXOLON has certified the blue Blue4est® thermal paper for use in its premium SRP-380 thermal receipt printer. BIXOLON’s SRP-380 printer delivers perfect printing results every time on the blue thermal paper thanks to the smart media function, a special Blue4est® setting. The blue receipt is continuing its ascent as more and more companies put a premium on sustainability as they respond to their customers’ demand for more environmentally conscious products and services. Consumers can easily recognize that the receipts are environmentally friendly given the paper’s blue color. This is a result of the novel way in which the paper works: Koehler’s Innovation & Technology division developed a process which completely eliminates the need for color developers, meaning the Blue4est® till receipt is fully recyclable and can be disposed of as wastepaper.
Read More

Norske Skog: Good quarter despite turbulent operating conditions

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the third quarter of 2022 was NOK 508 million, a decrease from NOK 905 million in the second quarter of 2022. The third quarter EBITDA was impacted negatively by reduced volumes and higher fixed costs per tonnes following the closure for conversion of PM3 to containerboard production at Norske Skog Bruck, reduced CO2 compensation in Norway and significant increases in energy and raw materials, which more than offset the increase in sales prices for all grades. The containerboard conversion projects are progressing as planned. “Despite the turbulence in the energy and raw material markets, we have been able to sustain satisfactory margins on our publication paper products. Our conversion projects at Bruck and Golbey are progressing as planned, and will contribute to a long-term sustainable industrial platform,” says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog.
Read More

Holmen Interim Report January-September 2022

*Operating profit for January–September 2022 was SEK 5 905 million (January–September 2021: 2 725). Excluding the item affecting comparability, operating profit increased by SEK 2 764 million to SEK 5 640 due to higher selling prices, while cost inflation was limited by our high level of wood and energy self-sufficiency. *Compared with the second quarter, operating profit for the third quarter decreased by SEK 180 million to SEK 1 921 million. A weaker wood products market had an adverse impact, but this was largely offset by higher earnings in other business areas. *Profit after tax for January–September amounted to SEK 4 606 million (2 136), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 28.5 (13.2).
Read More

UPM Communication Papers evolves graphic paper offering in partnership with the newest generation of HP PageWide inkjet presses

UPM Communication Papers is collaborating with HP Inc to pilot a new generation of digital printing papers specifically designed for high-speed inkjet printing technology. The new portfolio includes four treated, coated grades, that provide productive and smooth printing, excellent image production and ease of use for customers. The ColorPRO papers are compatible with all existing HP Inkjet presses, as well as the newest generation that will be unveiled at PRINTING United Expo in Las Vegas (October 19th-21st, 2022).
Read More
Back To Top
×Close search
Search