Modernisation of the power plant boiler at Sappi’ s production site in Gratkorn, Austria, is finally completed. As of now, more sustainable fuels will be used instead of coal to power the paper machines at the company’s largest mill in Europe. During a transitional phase, the new state-of-the-art boiler will run on natural gas and biomass. In the future, predominantly biomass will be used. “Our ultimate goal is to use only sustainable and renewable fuels. This will make us more independent in the future, especially in times of gas shortages and uncertainty on the energy market,” explains Sappi Gratkorn Managing Director Max Oberhumer. By entirely phasing out coal, the Gratkorn plant is making an important contribution to climate protection and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 30 per cent. The project is a top priority on Sappi Europe’s sustainability agenda. The 35 million euro investment represents a clear commitment to the Gratkorn site and shows that climate and environmental protection are deemed pivotal in the paper industry. More information on the shift from coal to renewable resources at Sappi’s Gratkorn mill is available at: www.sappi.com/co-creating-a-shift-from-coal-to-renewables-at-gratkorn-mill

UK paper making has been dealt a further blow after Arjowiggins Group’s UK operations – including the historic mills at Stoneywood and Chartham – were placed into administration after the business became unsustainable in the face of spiralling costs for energy and raw materials. Administrators Blair Nimmo and Alistair McAlinden from Interpath Advisory were appointed joint administrators at ten Arjowiggins Group UK subsidiary companies on the afternoon of 22 September 2022. An MBO team acquired the business and assets of the Arjowiggins Fine Papers and Arjowiggins Chartham businesses in September 2019, just a few months before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. The deal came about after a complex saga involving the insolvency of its former French parent group and was supported by Scottish Enterprise, which provided £7m of funding. The Stoneywood mill has been making paper since 1770 and specialises in fine papers, while Chartham has been in operation since 1738 and makes translucent papers. Stoneywood’s brands for graphics and packaging include Conqueror, Curious Collection, Keaykolour and Delos. It had also diversified into making casting papers, security papers and smart papers for printed electronics.

The Fedrigoni Group and Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. have entered into a manufacturing agreement to expand the reach of their specialty papers globally. Shared core values of craftsmanship, innovation, and sustainability make this a natural and valuable opportunity for both organizations. The Fedrigoni Group is the first global player in the manufacture of high added value specialty papers for luxury packaging and other creative applications and world leader in premium labels and self-adhesive materials. Mohawk, founded in 1931, is family owned and operated, manufacturing some of the world's most recognized specialty papers for designers, consumer brands, and printers. Mohawk's early innovation in digital printing and sustainability secured its leadership position in these two significant growth sectors. “The agreement with Mohawk is a further element in our growth strategy in a market with excellent prospects such as specialty papers, especially for luxury packaging, where we intend to consolidate our global primacy. Many synergistic opportunities are also present for our selfadhesive materials division, which will expand its leading position in premium labels for the wine market in the US", comments Marco Nespolo, CEO of Fedrigoni Group. "This is an important step forward to reinforce our geographical penetration in the United States, where we will directly produce and distribute high value-added papers, leveraging all possible industrial and commercial synergies with our Group. We will also better support the ESG strategies of our clients, especially those in the luxury sector by giving them the option of moving to near shoring rather than global purchasing”.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC has announced the mill located in Jay, ME will close in the first quarter of 2023. The mill employs approximately 230 people who will be affected by the closure. The mill produces specialty label and release papers, as well as industrial and packaging solutions for eCommerce and food service. Its two paper machines have a capacity of 230,000 tons annually. The mill has endured significant business and financial challenges that were compounded by the April 2020 rupture of one of its pulp digesters and catastrophic damage impacting the continued operability of the entire pulp mill. No one was injured in the event, and the mill subsequently transitioned into higher margin specialty products and invested capital to increase operational efficiencies while operating on purchased pulp. The company intends to work with its customers where possible to transition their products to other Pixelle mills or to plan for volumes of orders in the limited production leading up to mill closure.

Canfor Corporation is announcing a temporary reduction in production in British Columbia (BC) due to challenging market conditions. The production capacity will be reduced through a two-week curtailment beginning September 26, 2022 at the majority of solid wood facilities in BC and will be followed by the resumption of reduced operating schedules until the end of 2022. This is expected to result in a reduction of approximately 200 million board feet of production capacity. “We are temporarily curtailing production in BC due to reduced market demand. We will leverage our global operating platform to prioritize the requirements of our customers,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor. To limit the impact on employees, they will have the opportunity to work during the downtime to complete maintenance projects and other site activities.

Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its Nymölla paper production site in Sweden, and all related assets to Sylvamo, a US-based global producer of uncoated paper. The enterprise value is EUR 150 million. Closing is expected in the beginning of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals. 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. Stora Enso will, at closing, book a one-time disposal loss of approximately EUR 20 million in its IFRS operating profit, as an item affecting comparability, subject to closing date adjustments.

UPM Raflatac has completed the acquisition of AMC AG (Advanced Methods of Coating). The acquisition announced in May 2022 was closed on 15 September 2022 after regulatory clearances. AMC AG employs more than 300 people and has two production sites in Northern Germany, in Kaltenkirchen and in Hagenow. UPM Raflatac expects to realize significant synergies through the acquisition. By joining forces with AMC AG UPM Raflatac will accelerate its growth and expand its product portfolio. New product areas include Viscom/Graphics materials which are currently sold under the Intercoat brand, and removable self-adhesive stationary products under the brand names Global Notes and Print Inform. Furthermore, the transaction will strengthen UPM Raflatac’s position in Central Europe.

Sappi Europe is set to extend its capacity at its mill in Gratkorn, Austria, enabling the mill to also manufacture wet-strength label papers. The double-digit million-euro investment in a state-of-the-art technical infrastructure will drive expansion of the site – and establish Sappi as a leader in the label sector for the long term. • Innovation through investment: expansion of the Gratkorn mill’s technical infrastructure • Increased demand for high-quality label papers • Guaranteed production and delivery reliability

Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its Maxau paper production site in Germany, and all related assets to Schwarz Produktion, part of Schwarz Group, one of the top retailers in the world. The enterprise value is approximately EUR 210 million. Closing is expected in the beginning of 2023, at the latest, subject to regulatory approvals. This transaction is part of the earlier announced plan 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 potential for its renewable products in packaging, building solutions and biomaterials innovations. Schwarz Produktion is expected to assume ownership for the Maxau site in the beginning of 2023. Schwarz’s plan is to continue paper production at the site, and the 440 employees belonging to the mill organisation at Maxau will be part of the transaction. Stora Enso will continue to operate the Maxau site and serve its supercalendered paper (SC) customers until the closing of the transaction.

As of September 1st, Technicote, a North-American company specializing in self-adhesive solutions, is the latest addition to Beontag’s growing family of international companies. The acquisition marks Beontag’s entry to the North American market, and is another step in its global expansion and internationalization strategy initiated in 2020. Besides the United States, Beontag has operations in other countries, such as Argentina, Uruguay, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, among others. This acquisition is more than Beontag wanting to enter a new market. It was also motivated because of the broad network of customers that Technicote has had for more than four decades and the diversity of products they offer in the segments of graphic and self-adhesive materials. Their portfolio offers a wide range of self-adhesive rolls and sheets, as well as solutions in silicone coated release liners and is a perfect fit for Beontag’s expanding international portfolio of products. Technicote will also be integrating many of those products into their North American range.

Along with members of the community, provincial and federal elected representatives, staff at Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp mill (MLMP) and Paper Excellence Canada today celebrated 30 years of the pulp mill being in operation. The mill is located just east of Meadow Lake and has been operational since 1992. MLMP was the first mill Paper Excellence Canada acquired in 2007. The mill employs over 200 full-time employees, creates approximately 1,300 direct and indirect jobs, and creates approximately $470 million in economic activity annually. MLMP produces approximately 400,000 tonnes of bleached chemi-thermal mechanical pulp (BCTMP) annually. BCTMP is used to make a variety of products from tissue and paper towel to food and board packaging.

The world’s first autonomously operated logyard cranes have been successfully lifted up at Metsä Fibre’s bioproduct mill in Kemi, Finland. Supplied by international technology group ANDRITZ, the delivery includes two 2 x 25-ton cranes on a 540 m long runway with a storage capacity of approximately 120,000 m3. The cranes will handle approximately 7.6 million m3 wood/year shipped on trucks and trains as well as handling log storage and wood feeding to the pulping process. The cranes feature the latest in Artificial Intelligence, thus optimizing log handling, minimizing wood losses and securing environmentally friendly and cost-effective operation when compared to traditional log-handling solutions. The fully autonomous logyard cranes featuring Artificial Intelligence are part of the comprehensive ANDRITZ portfolio of sustainable solutions and products that help customers reaching their goals with regard to environmental protection and sustainability

365 days of operation and a trajectory that stands out for its excellent performance. One year after the start of activities for the first paper machine (PM) of the Puma II Project - the biggest investment in Klabin's history, which includes the construction of two paper machines with integrated pulp production -, the MP27 surpassed the mark of 330 thousand tons of Eukaliner® and Eukaliner White® produced and sold to the domestic and foreign markets, reinforcing the Company's vocation for the development of sustainable and innovative solutions in paper and paper packaging in Brazil. The machine, which has the capacity to produce 450,000 tons per year, surpassed the learning curve expected for the period. Developed and patented by Klabin, the Eukaliner® product range, produced at MP27, is the first in the world with kraftliner paper made 100% from eucalyptus fiber, which guarantees advantages such as the optimization of the forest area necessary for its production. (less resource for manufacturing the same volume of paper), in addition to properties such as a more robust structure, which allows for a reduction in the weight of corrugated cardboard packaging with increased resistance and better printing quality.

Suzano S.A. informs its shareholders and the public that, regarding the project “Partial retrofit of the pulp production plant located in Aracruz involving the replacement of parts in the recovery boiler and installation of a crystallization system”, as disclosed in the Material Fact notice dated December 19, 2019, the following is planned during its implementation phase in the fourth quarter of 2022: • Temporary downtime of the A line production for around 45 days due to interventions in the recovery boiler; • No adjustments to the Company’s original operating plan for 2022, which will ensure that clients’ needs are fully met without any changes to the commercial strategy. The project’s capital investments amount to R$298 million, of which R$188 million was already invested by July 2022, with the remaining amount considered in the capex estimate for the year disclosed by the Company on July 27, 2022.

Canfor Corporation is announcing reduced operating schedules effective September 12, 2022 at its Swedish facilities due to a decrease in market demand. The reduced operating schedules will result in a 15% decrease in production capacity and are anticipated to be in effect through the fourth quarter. “Rising inflation and mortgage rates in Europe, which are expected to persist into the fall, is impacting demand for lumber and as a result we are reducing production capacity. We are committed to continuing to meet the needs of our customers,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor. The decrease in production capacity will be achieved through reduced shifts. The Company will continue to assess and make adjustments to operating schedules based on changes in market demand.

For the second quarter ended 30 June 2022 Lecta had revenue of €529.4 million versus €310.7 million in the second quarter ended 30 June 2021, an increase of €218.7 million or +70%. The costs of raw materials and consumables used increased by €75.7 million, or +18.6%, from €155.9 million in 2Q2021 to €231.6 million in 2Q2022, and as a percentage of revenue they decreased from 50.2% in 2Q2021 to 43.7% in 2Q2022. The absolute increase was mainly attributable to higher produced and purchased volumes, and to an increase in the average consumption price of pulp of 193€/t of paper. Labor costs increased by €5.2 million, or +11.9%, from €43.4 million in 2Q2021 to €48.5 million in 2Q2022, and as percentage of revenue they decreased from 14.0% in 2Q2021 to 9.2% in 2Q2022. EBITDA increased by €35.9 million, from €11.6 million in 2Q2021 to €47.5 million in 2Q2022. 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.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will implement an energy surcharge on all products and product lines of up to 20% on all orders shipped on or after September 1, 2022, for all customers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). The continued impact of limited availability of gas from Russia has resulted in extremely high and volatile gas prices in Europe. As a result, higher costs are being experienced by our manufacturing plants in addition to price escalations in key raw materials from our suppliers.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in June 2022 were down 16.4% vs. 2021 and are down 10.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in June 2022 were down 10.7% vs. 2021 and are down 6.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in June 2022 were down 20.2% vs. 2021 and are down 11.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in June 2022 were down 28.1% vs. 2021 and are down 21.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in June 2022 were down 22.2% vs. 2021 and are down 12.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in June 2022 were down 8.8% vs. 2021 and are UP 0.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in June 2022 were down 14.8% vs. 2021 and are down 11.8% year-to-date.

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the appointment of Daniel Farias as Technical Engineer with immediate effect. Based at Drytac’s specialist factory facility in North America, Daniel’s new role is to support the business with technical sales support and product management. He will also take a lead role in all aspects of quality assurance including continual improvements, technical data sheets, external audits and quality implementation. Daniel brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, having previously worked in a quality assurance position within the tapes and adhesives sector. In this role, Daniel implemented various new systems to improve production and workflow across the business.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 1% in July compared to July 2021. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 3% in July compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% when compared to June 2022. • Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 1% compared to July 2021 while the inventory level increased 5% compared to June 2022. UFS imports increased 8% while exports decreased 25% in June 2022. • U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in July increased 2% compared to last July while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to June 2022. CFS imports and exports both increased compared to June 2021, up 32% and 6% respectively. • Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 18% compared to July 2021 while the inventory level increased 2% compared to June 2022. CM imports increased 48% while exports decreased 41% in June 2022. • U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in July increased 16% compared to last July while the inventory level decreased 13% compared to June 2022. UM imports increased 9% while exports decreased 10% in June 2022.

*Operating profit for January-June 2022 was SEK 3 984 million (January-June 2021: 1 747). Excluding the item affecting comparability of SEK +266 million, operating profit increased by SEK 1 972 million to SEK 3 719 million. This was due to price increases in every product area, while cost inflation was limited by our high level of wood and energy self-sufficiency. *Profit after tax for January-June amounted to SEK 3 125 million (1 373), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 19.3 (8.5). *A total of SEK 1 862 million of ordinary and extraordinary dividends was paid in April. Thanks to strong cash flow, net debt has decreased by roughly SEK 300 million since year-end.

UPM and Dongsung Chemical announce a development partnership that will accelerate the introduction of renewable, sustainable forest-sourced materials into the Asian market and reduce fossil resource consumption. Dongsung Chemical, headquartered in South Korea and UPM Biochemicals, headquartered in Germany have agreed to form a strategic partnership to develop renewable products using bio-based raw materials, initially for footwear materials. Dongsung Chemical has signed a Letter of Intent for this strategic partnership to develop a renewable polyurethane product based on UPM Biochemicals’ biobased mono-ethylene glycols (MEG), UPM BioPura™. UPM is investing 750 million Euros to build the world’s first industry scale biorefinery at Leuna in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, to convert sustainably sourced, certified woody biomass into next generation biochemicals. The facility aims to produce 220,000 tonnes annually in total. Bio-MEG is one of the outputs. UPM targets the start-up for end 2023.

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, is pleased to announce that it has earned a gold rating in the EcoVadis Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) assessment. This achievement places the company in the top eight percent of the 90,000 companies ranked by EcoVadis. The company has achieved a 30% increase in its performance level since earning a silver rating in its assessment in 2015. Monadnock is FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified (FSC C018866) ensuring that the fiber it sources comes from responsibly managed forests and recycling facilities that meet the highest environmental and social standards. Its products are manufactured carbon neutral, and they use 100% renewable Green-e certified wind-powered electricity, all under a third-party certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.

International technology group ANDRITZ and Paracel S.A., Paraguay, have signed a contract under which ANDRITZ is to supply all process equipment and energy-efficient and environmentally friendly pulp production equipment for Paracel’s 1.8 million ton/year pulp mill to be built in Concepción, Paraguay. ANDRITZ will supply all equipment on an EPC basis. The order value for ANDRITZ will be more than 1.5 billon US dollars. The contract is expected to be booked during 2023.

Following an extensive and long-term strategic analysis, Rottneros' Board of Directors has decided to discontinue the production of groundwood pulp in Rottneros Mill as there are no prospects for long-term sustainable profitability. The decision means that about 40 people will be made redundant. The cost of the closure is expected to amount to approximately 60 MSEK. Production is expected to cease at the end of 2022, following the conclusion of trade union negotiations which are now beginning. The Group plans to invest 160 - 200 MSEK to significantly increase capacity and production in the mill's CTMP line. In 2021, the Group's production of groundwood pulp amounted to 64 000 tons, corresponding to 16 percent of Rottneros' total production of 395 300 tons. During the same year, the groundwood line's share of the Group's net sales amounted to just over 10 percent, while the contribution, including electricity hedges, to the Group's net profit was marginal. The costs for the closure, approximately 60 MSEK, consist mainly of redundancy costs and will be charged in the Group's earnings for the third quarter. Only a minor part is write-downs of fixed assets.

Mondi plc has agreed to acquire the Duino mill near Trieste (Italy) from the Burgo Group for a total consideration of €40 million. The mill currently operates one paper machine producing lightweight coated mechanical paper. Mondi plans to convert this paper machine to produce around 420,000 tonnes per annum of high-quality recycled containerboard for an estimated investment of around €200 million. Close to two important export harbours, Duino is ideally located to supply the Group’s Corrugated Solutions plants in Central Europe and Turkey as well as to serve the growing local Italian market. The containerboard machine will strengthen backward integration in Corrugated Packaging and provide us with security of supply to better serve our customers.

Second Quarter of 2022 Highlights *Second quarter 2022 (“Q2 2022”) net earnings were $29.5 million or $0.15 per share (diluted), compared to $34.0 million or $ 0.18 per share in the first quarter of 2022 (“Q1 2022”). This was the Company’s third full quarter operating its acquired forest-products assets. *Lumber pricing remained strong in Q2 2022, with an average selling price of $1,255/mfbm compared to $1,325/mfbm in Q1 2022. Rising interest rates and inflation headwinds, coupled with macro supply tightening and the risk of disruptions to lumber supply underlies our expectation of continued volatility in lumber prices. *The Company made a voluntary repayment of US$8.9 million on its outstanding term debt during the second quarter of 2022. *Asset-backed revolving loan facility of $65.0 million was undrawn at quarter end and has remained undrawn at August 10, 2022. Strong operating cash flow continues to fund working capital needs. Cash and equivalents ended Q2 2022 with a balance of $74.2 million.

Koehler Paper in Oberkirch is taking advantage of the summer period to carry out necessary work on its three paper machines, its power plant, and its infrastructure. In addition to maintenance tasks, it is also planning a number of improvements so that when the machines are started up again in mid-August it will be able to continue producing premium paper for the international market. "It is not possible to carry out major works on these complex machines during production. As these machines normally run in continuous operation, these types of stoppages are necessary to ensure that our technology is always up to date,” says Hartmut Felsch, Mill Director at the Koehler Paper site in Oberkirch.

Mondi plc announces that it has entered into an agreement to sell its most significant facility in Russia, Joint Stock Company Mondi Syktyvkar, together with two affiliated entities to Augment Investments Limited for a consideration of RUB 95 billion, payable in cash on completion. The proposed Disposal follows Mondi’s announcement on 4 May 2022 that, having assessed all options for the Group’s interests in Russia, it had decided to divest its Russian assets. Accordingly, Mondi launched a competitive auction process to find a suitable new owner for Syktyvkar. Syktyvkar is a wholly owned integrated pulp, packaging paper and uncoated fine paper mill located in Syktyvkar (Komi Republic). The Business employs approximately 4,500 people and it is a leading provider of uncoated fine paper and containerboard to the domestic Russian market.

"We saw increasing earnings and operating margins in the second quarter after a successful first quarter. We are also raising our adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow full-year guidance based on our first half of the year performance and our second half outlook," said Jean-Michel Ribiéras. "We remain committed to reducing debt, investing in high-return projects and returning cash to shareowners as we continue delivering on our investment thesis." Second Quarter Highlights *Net income from continuing operations of $84 million ($1.89 per diluted share) compared with $55 million ($1.25 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2022 *Repaid $48 million of debt, achieving a gross debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.2x. Second Quarter Commercial and Operational Highlights *Price and mix improved by $73 million versus the prior quarter, mainly due to prior price increases implemented in all regions *Operations improved by $2 million and total planned maintenance outage expenses rose by $17 million in North America *Input costs grew by $16 million versus the prior quarter, reflecting higher chemical, energy, fiber and transportation costs.

KPLP Q2 2022 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue was $397.5 million in Q2 2022 compared to $339.3 million in Q2 2021, an increase of $58.2 million or 17.1%. • Net loss was $35.5 million in Q2 2022 compared to net income of $2.2 million in Q2 2021, a decrease of $37.7 million. “We delivered another strong quarter of double-digit revenue growth in Q2 2022, but the depth, breadth and speed of inflation severely impacted our operating results and lowered profitability,” stated KP Tissue’s Chief Executive Officer, Dino Bianco. “We expect a partial recovery in the third quarter as successive pricing increases begin catching up with the inflationary curve, productivity gains are felt at our Memphis operations, and extensive cost management initiatives take effect. By the end of the fourth quarter, we anticipate a full recovery based on peaked pulp prices and reduced freight rates along with additional pricing adjustments. Consequently, we are highly confident about returning to a normalized margin in the near term.”

Polar® Transit Air - With excellent opaque characteristics, the 3.2 mil (80μ) premium, matte white polymeric self-adhesive PVC Polar® Transit Air is suitable for smooth, flat or simple curve surfaces such as sports arena boards, commercial vehicles and indoor and outdoor display signage. As well as incorporating Drytac’s bubble-free technology for an easy install, it has a removable pressure-sensitive adhesive that allows for field installation in cold weather without the need for wet application techniques. Polar® Smooth 150 Air - This 6-mil (150μ), self-adhesive white polymeric printable matte PVC film with removable bubble-free air egress adhesive technology is designed for graphics that need to be easily installed and removed without the need for lamination. It is suitable for numerous applications such as temporary construction hoardings, point of sale applications, interior décor applications – including the installation of graphics onto windows, walls, melamine and glass – as well as most other flat or simple curve surfaces. Dimensionally stable, Polar® Smooth 150 Air is phthalate-free, can be applied without stretching or tearing, and is cleanly removable. It is coated with a pressure-sensitive, removable aqueous acrylic adhesive protected by a 90# PE coated kraft bubble free release paper.

Mativ Second Quarter 2022 Highlights (reflects legacy SWM results) •Sales increased 13% to $426.4 million; organic sales growth of 11% with strong demand and pricing actions across the business driving top-line gains and offsetting cost increases •GAAP EPS of $0.36, up from $0.06; Adjusted EPS of $0.86, down 4%; Adjusted EBITDA up 1% year-over-year and up 5% sequentially. Neenah Second Quarter 2022 Highlights (not included in Mativ results) •Net sales increased 14% to $306.8 million; organic sales growth was 17%, driven by release liners, water filtration, and industrials and broad strength across the paper and packaging portfolio •GAAP operating income was $17.0 million; Adjusted EBITDA increased 14% to $36.2 million; price increases more than offset higher input costs

Resolute Forest Products Inc. reported net income for the quarter ended June 30 of $256 million, compared to net income of $268 million, in the same period in 2021. Sales were $1,058 million in the quarter, a decrease of $82 million from the year-ago period. Excluding special items, the company reported net income of $155 million, compared to net income of $300 million, in the second quarter of 2021. The company reported operating income of $217 million in the quarter, compared to $235 million in the first quarter. The $18 million variation mainly reflects higher shipments ($47 million) across all segments, more than offset by higher manufacturing costs ($55 million), mainly related to fiber ($25 million) and maintenance ($19 million) costs, as well as energy prices ($7 million).

Notable items in the quarter: • Record Lumber Production and Shipments o Lumber production totaled a record 1.0 billion board feet, representing an increase of 99 million board feet quarter-over-quarter and the fifth consecutive quarter of record production. • Moderating Lumber Prices o Interfor’s average selling price was $1,104 per mfbm, down $306 per mfbm versus Q1’22. • Strong Free Cash Flow Generation o Interfor generated $218.2 million of cash flow from operations before changes in working capital, or $3.98 per share. • Strong results from Eastern Canada Operations o The Eastern Canada Operations contributed $115.7 million of Adjusted EBITDA to Interfor’s second quarter results, which is net of $17.3 million recorded in production costs related to fair value adjustments recognized at the acquisition date.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. reported a net loss of $23 million or $(0.36) per diluted share for the quarter ended June 25, 2022, compared to net income of $122 million or $1.89 per diluted share for the same prior year quarter. The net loss from continuing operations for the quarter ended June 25, 2022, was $25 million or $(0.39) per diluted share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $8 million or $0.13 per diluted share for the same prior year quarter. Net income from continuing operations in the prior year quarter included a $25 million tax benefit resulting from remeasuring the Company’s Canadian deferred tax assets at a higher tax rate following the announcement of the disposal. Unless otherwise stated, information in this press release relates to continuing operations.

Today the Norway’s Prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre and the Minister of Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre visited Viken Skog’s Follum mill in Hønefoss. The plan of BillerudKorsnäs and the Norwegian forest owner group Viken Skog to establish production of bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) in Norway attracts large interest. Through a long-term partnership with Viken Skog, BillerudKorsnäs will secure both tailormade BCTMP and wood supply supporting the strategy for sustainable and profitable growth in paperboard. The Follum mill already has much of the infrastructure needed to establish such a production line and is in an area with competitive and sustainable wood supply and good transports to BillerudKorsnäs’ board mills. The ongoing feasibility study is expected to be completed during the first half of 2023. BillerudKorsnäs strategy has a clear goal - to deliver sustainable growth in packaging materials. To get the opportunity to develop the new mill in Follum as a state of the art sustainable operation is in line with our strategy. We aim for negative CO2 footprint in production with bio gas and carbon capture, says Christoph Michalski, President and CEO at BillerudKorsnäs.

*Record quarterly net sales of $5.5 billion increased 14.6% year-over-year *Net income of $378 million increased $128 million year-over-year, or 51.1%. Adjusted Net Income of $396 million increased $128 million year-over-year, growing 47.6% *Record Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $1.006 billion increased 24.0% year-over-year *Earned $1.47 per diluted share (“EPS”) and Adjusted EPS of $1.54, compared year-over-year to $0.93 and $1.00, respectively, increasing 58.1% and 54.0%, respectively *Net leverage ratio within targeted range

Highlights • Strong performance across the business ◦ Margin expansion in all continuing businesses, supported by good selling price realisation and solid operating performance in challenging conditions ◦ Key capital investments contributing to performance ◦ Total EBITDA including discontinued Russian operations (prior to special items) of €1,170 million, up 65% yearon-year • Around €1 billion of expansionary projects underway, approved or under advanced evaluation – capturing growth in our packaging markets, building on our leading market positions and adding to our strong track record of disciplined capital allocation • Completed sale of the Personal Care Components business for an enterprise value of €615 million, delivering greater focus

The packaging and speciality papers segment reached another record level of profitability despite flat year-on-year sales volumes, which were constrained by available capacity and low inventory levels in North America and South Africa. Demand remained robust and further selling price increases lifted margins for the segment. Graphic paper sales volumes were 4% higher than the prior year. The segment benefited from tight market conditions which supported selling price increases and drove margin growth. These favourable market conditions enabled all assets to run at full operating rates during the quarter. A substantial improvement in profitability of the European business was a result of favourable market conditions, which facilitated selling price increases in the paper segments and enabled the region to offset higher costs across all input categories. Profitability of the North American business continued its upwards trajectory with the region recording yet another record quarterly EBITDA of US$118 million.

German papermaker Feldmuehle is switching fuel from gas to light heating oil at short notice due to the gas supply crisis, while paper federation Cepi has warned about possible disruption to paper and packaging supplies if mandatory consumption cuts are enforced in the EU. Feldmuehle said it was taking rapid action to switch to light heating oil as fuel for steam generation at its Uetersen mill, which makes paper for labels and packaging. CEPI said that the pulp and paper industry had a fundamental role as a provider of critical products, and called on member states to consider entire value chains when responding to the crisis. “As its manufacturing partly depends on gas, possible disruptions in the industry’s gas supply would affect the entire logistics of the EU, availability of paper packaging for food and pharmaceuticals, as well as essential hygiene products,” CEPI stated.

For the first six months of 2022, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $1 billion, a 22% increase compared to net sales of $832 million for the first six months of 2021. Net income for the first six months of 2022 was $31 million, or $1.83 per diluted share, compared to net loss for the first six months of 2021 of $40 million, or $2.37 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, Clearwater Paper reported adjusted net income in the first six months of 2022 of $36 million, or $2.13 per diluted share, compared to first six months of 2021 adjusted net loss of $6 million, or $0.37 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for the first six months was $122 million, compared to the first six months of 2021 Adjusted EBITDA of $69 million. Net sales in the Pulp and Paperboard Products segment were $562 million for the first six months of 2022, up 26% compared to net sales of $447 million in the first six months of 2021. Segment operating income for the first six months of 2022 was $102 million, compared to $38 million for the first six months of 2021.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö is investing in new technology and converting its existing boilers at its Mosinee and Rhinelander plants in Wisconsin, United States, to reduce its carbon emissions and landfill waste. These investments at the Mosinee production plant will enable a reduction in its carbon footprint by an estimated 20%, and a reduction of landfill waste by more than 10%. The project is estimated to be completed at the end of the second quarter in 2023. In addition, the Rhinelander production plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 14% and landfill waste by more than 50%. A new energy center and associated buildings at Rhinelander will consolidate and simplify energy operations, enabling the plant to house a future boiler and a heat recovery steam generator. The project will commence immediately and is estimated to be completed in the third quarter of 2023.  

Canfor Corporation is pleased to announce it will invest approximately $210 million USD to build a new, state-of-the-art sawmill complex in southern Alabama. Using leading technology, the new sawmill will have an annual production capacity of 250 million board feet on a two-shift basis and will provide a new, modern work environment for the approximately 130 people who will be employed directly, in addition to supporting significant indirect jobs. In alignment with our sustainability goals and decarbonization targets, the facility design includes investment in a biomass-fueled lumber drying system. Startup of the facility is anticipated in the third quarter of 2024. “Building on Canfor’s proud operating history in Alabama, we are excited to invest in a new world-class facility that will ensure our long-term ability to operate competitively. In addition, the facility’s versatility and flexibility will enhance our ability to more closely align our production of high-quality products with market demand,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor.

Overview • Q2 2022 reported operating income of $532 million; quarterly sales of $2.2 billion • Downward pressure on North American lumber market fundamentals; significant decline in US-dollar lumber benchmark pricing; uptick in European market pricing largely tied to traditional quarterly lag • Improved lumber & pulp shipments despite ongoing transportation challenges • Shareholder net income of $374 million, or $3.02 per share

GP Cellulose is investing about $80 million to add fluff capacity at its GP Cellulose Alabama River mill near Monroeville, Alabama. The project is being implemented in phases and will increase the mill’s ability to produce fluff pulp upon completion. The Alabama River mill operates two lines, one currently producing only paper pulp bales. This investment upgrades production by adding the ability for this line to also produce fluff pulp rolls. The mill’s second line was upgraded to produce both paper pulp bales and fluff pulp rolls in 2011. “This investment will enable GP Cellulose to address the increasing fluff pulp needs of our customers worldwide,” said Munir Abdallah, President – GP Cellulose. “The completion of this project will add capability and flexibility to our system to meet a wider range of needs and position us to grow with our customers.”

January–June 2022 (1–6/2021) *Sales were EUR 3,416 million (2,942). *Operating result was EUR 589 million (379). Comparable operating result was EUR 574 million (416). *Result before taxes was EUR 564 million (354). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 550 million (391). *Comparable return on capital employed was 18.3% (15.0). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 456 million (374). April–June 2022 (4–6/2021) *Sales were EUR 1,822 million (1,542). *Operating result was EUR 248 million (243). Comparable operating result was EUR 330 million (242). *Result before taxes was EUR 235 million (232). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 317 million (231). *Comparable return on capital employed was 20.5% (17.2). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 321 million (279).

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,663 thousand tons (+5% vs. 2Q21). • Paper sales3 of 324 thousand tons (+10% vs. 2Q21). • Average net pulp price in export market: US$732/ton (+15% vs. 2Q21). • Average net paper price3 of R$6,200/ton (+31% vs. 2Q21). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$854/ton (+26% vs. 2Q21). • Leverage ratio in USD declines to 2.3 times and stable net debt in USD, despite the investment cycle. • Cerrado Project achieves 21% of physical progress and 15% of financial progress.

Heinzel Holding GmbH and Paracel S.A. jointly announce that Heinzel has entered into an investment agreement to become the strategic equity investor in Paracel, an afforestation and pulp mill project in Paraguay, South America. Paracel has now received equity commitments from a group of Paraguayan and European business families, with Heinzel's investment completing the needed strategic equity for the project. Heinzel will hold 25% of Paracel's shares at project completion. Paracel is planning to produce 1.8 million metric tons of eucalyptus pulp per year in Concepción in northern Paraguay, with forestry assets of more than 180,000 hectares of land owned by the company. Since the start of the project in late 2018, the pioneering project has passed important milestones: Paracel has already planted more than16,000 hectares of forestry, completed the design of the pulp mill, received the construction permit and completed the required environmental and social impact assessments. It has started significant groundworks on the mill site and kicked off social programs and conservation projects for native forests. As one of the world's major afforestation projects it has also completed documentation for the carbon sequestration effect of planting more than one hundred million trees.

Label and Graphic Materials - Reported sales increased 8% to $1.5 billion. Sales were up 14% ex. currency and 15% on an organic basis. Retail Branding and Information Solutions - Reported sales increased 24% to $658 million. Sales were up 27% ex. currency and 5% on an organic basis. Industrial and Healthcare Materials - Reported sales increased 1% to $198 million. Sales were up 5% ex. currency and 7% on an organic basis reflecting a mid-single digit increase in industrial categories and a high teens increase in healthcare categories.

Designed for both graphic applications and luxury packaging. Raw materials, functionality and printing techniques are fundamental factors when choosing a type of packaging. With more than 80% of purchasing decisions made at the point of sale, product presentation is key to brand recognition. This is why Lecta has created a versatile range of SBS graphic paperboard with a silk finish: Diva Art (1-side coated) and Diva Art Duo (2-side coated), for creative, sustainable projects. Both stand out for their excellent machining characteristics, providing for high on-machine performance throughout production. With consistent smoothness and whiteness, and rich color reproduction, this unique range is suitable for most finishing processes such as screen printing, stamping, flocking or dry embossing. Diva Art and Diva Art Duo were developed for offset, flexo and digital printing, and they offer excellent finishing and handling performance. Their outstanding print quality for both text and color images make them ideal for creative graphics, communications and packaging projects, including book covers, folders, labels, postcards and greeting cards, or packaging for cosmetics, perfumes and premium beverages.

Second Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights: *Produced revenue of $945 million, an increase of 2% compared to the prior year, driven by higher revenue from TiO2 *Generated income from operations of $190 million and net income of $375 million, inclusive of a reversal of a portion of the valuation allowance in Australia relating to deferred tax assets resulting in a non-cash benefit of $262 million *Achieved GAAP diluted EPS of $2.37; adjusted diluted EPS of $0.84 (non-GAAP) primarily due to the exclusion of the Australian valuation allowance reversal of $1.65 *Invested $99 million in capital expenditures, primarily in our newTRON and vertical integration initiatives *Repurchased $25 million or approximately 1.5 million shares during the second quarter; total share repurchases of $50 million year-to-date

Total European shipments of graphic papers in May were down 9.1% vs. 2021 and are down 9.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in May were down 7.6% vs. 2021 and are down 6.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in May were down 8.0% vs. 2021 and are down 9.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in May were down 22.0% vs. 2021 and are down 19.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in May were down 10.6% vs. 2021 and are down 10.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in May were UP 3.6% vs. 2021 and are UP 2.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in May were down 9.9% vs. 2021 and are down 11.2% year-to-date.

Sales of $5.1 billion in the second quarter of 2022 increased 7 percent compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales 2 percent. Organic sales increased 9 percent as net selling prices rose 9 percent, product mix increased sales 1 percent and volumes declined 1 percent. In North America, organic sales increased 11 percent in consumer products and increased 8 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 8 percent in developing and emerging (D&E) markets and 9 percent in developed markets. Second quarter operating profit was $621 million in 2022 and $613 million in 2021. Excluding the charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program, 2021 adjusted operating profit was $676 million.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announces the ratification of a four-year labor agreement with the Unifor union covering 1,000 employees working in eight of the company's Quebec sawmills, following an agreement-in-principle reached on July 15. "We are pleased to have renewed the labor agreement with employees of this important business segment," said Remi G. Lalonde, president and chief executive officer. "The collective agreement underscores their contribution to the company's success and provides stability for our customers, communities and other partners." The collective agreements ratified on July 22 cover hourly employees represented by Unifor at Resolute's Comtois, Girardville, La Doré, Maniwaki, Mistassini, Normandin, Outardes and Saint-Thomas facilities.

The Navigator Company and Hamburg-based developer P2X-Europe have decided, subject to the approval of the relevant anti-trust authorities, to create a unique and powerful joint venture, P2XPortugal, to develop a world-class production facility for industrial-scale production of non-fossil jet fuels or e-SAFs (e-Sustainable Aviation Fuels) – carbon-neutral synthetic kerosene, based on green hydrogen and biogenic CO2. This project leverages on Portugal's highly competitive renewable energy sources and on biogenic CO2 generated by Navigator's biorefineries using sustainable forests, which together constitute the two critical elements for the successful production of net-zero synthetic feedstocks for the chemical industry and jet fuels on an industrial scale, fostering the decarbonization of the aviation industry. The JV is tapping into the extensive know-how of P2X-Europe, a global pioneer in PtL (Power-to-Liquids) project development and technology configuration and its parent companies’ H&R Group and Mabanaft market expertise in waxes for the chemical-pharmaceutical industry and in liquid fuels.

Mercer International Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the parent company of HIT for consideration of €270 million, inclusive of forecasted net working capital of approximately €43 million. HIT owns, among other things, 100% of a timber processing and value-add pallet production facility in Torgau, Germany (the “HIT Facility“) and a wood processing facility in Dahlen, Germany that produces garden products.

Stora Enso and Northvolt are joining forces to create sustainable batteries using lignin-based hard carbon produced with renewable wood from the Nordic forests. The aim is to develop the world’s first industrialised battery featuring anode sourced entirely from European raw materials, lowering both the carbon footprint and the cost. The companies have entered into a Joint Development Agreement to create a sustainable battery featuring anode produced from renewable raw materials sourced sustainably and locally in the Nordic countries. “The joint battery development with Northvolt marks a step on our journey to serve the fast-growing battery market with renewable anode materials made from trees. Our lignin-based hard carbon, Lignode® by Stora Enso, will secure the strategic European supply of anode raw material, serving the sustainable battery needs for applications from mobility to stationary energy storage,” says Johanna Hagelberg, Executive Vice President for Biomaterials at Stora Enso.

Q2/2022 (year-on-year) • Sales increased by 18% to EUR 3,054 (2,592) million. • Operational EBIT increased by 39% to EUR 505 (364) million. • Operational EBIT margin increased to 16.5% (14.0%). • Operating profit (IFRS) increased to EUR 399 (182) million. • Cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 404 (463) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR 247 (339) million. • Operational ROCE excluding the Forest division increased to 22.8% (18.1%), the target being >13%. Q1-Q2/2022 (year-on-year) • Sales were EUR 5,852 (4,868) million. • Operational EBIT was EUR 1,008 (692) million.

January–June 2022 compared with January–June 2021 *Net sales amounted to SEK 10,914m (8,982). The increase was mainly attributable to high demand for SCA’s products, higher selling prices and increased sales to core markets. Through its own logistics company, SCA has a unique control over logistics from the forest to the customer, which has benefited delivery reliability in a turbulent period. *EBITDA improved 58% to SEK 5,729m (3,619). The increase was mainly attributable to higher selling prices in all product areas while a high degree of self-sufficiency in wood, energy and logistics enabled good cost control. EBITDA margin increased to 52.5% (40.3). *Valuation of SCA’s forest assets increased to SEK 87.9bn compared to SEK 84.5bn at year-end previous year due to further increased prices on forest assets in Northern Sweden *Operating profit increased to SEK 4,958m (2,927) *Operating cash flow strengthened to SEK 3,085m (1,581) and thereby continued to finance ongoing strategic investments

Q2 2022 highlights *Sales increased by 7% to EUR 2,562 million (2,384 million in Q2 2021) *Comparable EBIT grew by 26% to EUR 387 million, 15.1% of sales (307 million, 12.9%) *Operating cash flow was EUR -879 million (308 million), impacted by cash flows from energy hedges. Other operating cash flows were largely as expected *Sales prices increased in all business areas and more than offset the negative impact of higher variable costs *Transformative growth projects in Uruguay and in Germany proceed well *In May, UPM announced the acquisition of AMC AG to accelerate growth and enter new product segments in UPM Raflatac *In June, UPM announced the sale of the Steyrermühl site in Austria to secure competitiveness and adapt newsprint production to the long-term market development. H1 2022 highlights *Sales increased by 10% to EUR 5,069 million (4,618 million in H1 2021) *Operating cash flow was EUR -867 million (526 million), impacted by cash flows from energy hedges in the highly exceptional energy markets

Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 2% when compared to May 2022. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in June increased 2% compared to last June while the inventory level decreased 2% compared to May 2022. UFS imports increased 18% while exports decreased 20% in May 2022. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 2% compared to June 2021 while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to May 2022. CFS imports increased 10% while exports decreased 1% in May 2022. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in June decreased 16% compared to last June while the inventory level decreased 8% compared to May 2022. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to May 2021, down 16% and 19% respectively. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 28% compared to June 2021 while the inventory level decreased 4% compared to May 2022. UM imports increased 8% while exports decreased 30% in May 2022.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS *All-time high sales, EBITDA and operating cash flow *First quarter where Verso was included – net sales growth 75% *Strong organic growth, both in Europe 17% and North America 19% *Price and mix improvements more than offset the cost inflation *Excellent cash delivery and strong balance sheet position. QUARTERLY DATA *Net sales grew by 75% to SEK 11 408 million (6 504), whereof Billerud North America accounted for SEK 3 738 million *Operating profit was SEK 1 609 million (404) *Net profit was SEK 1 419 million (311)

The report illuminates how the Company is advancing its environmental and sustainability ambitions and aligns with the standards and recommendations of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting frameworks. In addition, the report introduces the Company’s 2030 target to reduce its Scope 1 GHG emission intensity by 35%, as validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative. “The production of sustainable, renewable, bio-based products has always been a core element of our business. This inaugural Sustainability Report highlights our sustainability aspirations, the initiatives we are advancing to improve our operations, and the progress we are making each year,” said Juan Carlos Bueno, President and CEO of Mercer International. “We are proud of our work to date and look forward to preparing ourselves further for a low-carbon and circular future driven by renewable natural resources.”

Robert Harvey joined Twin Rivers as the company’s Chief Operations Officer in February. A native of Maine, Harvey recently relocated to the company’s flagship operation and headquarters office in Madawaska, Maine. Tyler Rajeski was named Vice President of Finance in April 2022, leading the company’s finance, accounting, treasury and tax functions. “Rob and Tyler are great additions to our executive team, bringing a high level of expertise to their respective roles,” stated Chief Executive Officer Debarata ‘Deba’ Mukherjee. “The deep papermaking and continuous improvement experience Rob brings to the business has already resulted in operational improvements. Tyler was working closely with our team and creating value via his role with Atlas Holdings, enabling a fast and seamless transition.”

As Kimberly-Clark celebrates 150 years of providing Better Care for a Better World, the Kimberly-Clark Foundation announced that it will honor this milestone anniversary by awarding three $150,000 grants to global nonprofit organizations that are working to improve the well-being of people around the world. Kimberly-Clark employees selected the grant recipients via online voting from a list of nonprofit organizations that focus their work on the priority areas of the company's brands and the Kimberly-Clark Foundation. The awardees are: *Water.org has positively transformed more than 45 million lives around the world with access to safe water or sanitation; *She's the First has worked with grassroots organizations to make sure girls everywhere are educated, respected and heard; and *Project HOPE has provided nurses and midwives with the skills they need to save the lives of women and babies around the world.

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the second quarter of 2022 was NOK 905 million, an increase from NOK 610 million in the first quarter of 2022. Sales prices for all grades increased in the quarter as a consequence of high energy costs in Europe and a tight publication paper market. The containerboard conversions and energy projects are progressing as planned. Cash flow from operations was NOK 473 million in the quarter compared to NOK 196 million in the previous quarter, positively impacted by the improved operating margins, but negatively impacted by change in working capital, being mainly an increase in inventories, and trade and other receivables. Operating earnings in the second quarter of 2022 were NOK 1 195 million compared to operating earnings in the first quarter of 2022 of NOK 593 million. The quarter was positively affected by non-cash changes in fair value of energy contracts in Norway amounting to NOK 419 million. Net profit in the quarter was NOK 935 million compared to a net profit of NOK 583 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 1 012 million at the end of the second quarter, with an equity ratio of 42%.

The Paper Excellence Group, Domtar’s owner, announced it has entered an agreement to purchase Resolute Forest Products through Domtar. Under the agreement, Domtar will acquire all outstanding shares of Resolute common stock. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2023. With this addition to its family of companies, the Paper Excellence Group will further build out its forest products portfolio in North America following the successful acquisition of Domtar last year. Resolute will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Domtar, under the auspices of the Paper Excellence Group. Domtar and Resolute will continue to operate independently under their own names.

Paper Excellence today announced it has once again been voted one of Canada’s 2022 Best 50 corporate citizens by Corporate Knights. This is the fifteenth time that the company has achieved the Best 50 Award with Corporate Knights. Paper Excellence operates six pulp and paper facilities in British Columbia and Saskatchewan. The Best 50 award is judged using key performance indicators that relate to the organization’s raw resource use, emissions profile, social performance, safety performance, and percentage of revenue from clean sources.

Flexible packaging is the fastest growing plastic packaging category. Because it is predominanty single-use, with very low recycling and high leakage rates, it is also by far the most challenging market segment to address on the journey towards a circular economy. Koehler Paper played an important part in the latest project of the international charity “Ellen MacArthur Foundation”, to point out options for a circular economy in flexible packaging. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, was launched in 2010 with the aim of accelerating the transition to the circular economy. They create evidence-based original research on the benefits of a circular economy, and how it can contribute to solving global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.

Sappi is pleased to announce that all three of its manufacturing regions – Europe, North America and Southern Africa – have 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 all companies reviewed. EcoVadis is the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, intelligence and collaborative performance improvement tools for global supply chains. Over 90,000 companies from over 160 countries across more than 200 purchasing categories have been assessed. Companies are evaluated for their performance in terms of a total of 21 criteria, which in turn are divided into four general areas: environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable labeling materials, is strengthening its position and service capabilities in the Americas market with a new state-of-the-art two-meter slitter and increased production automation in its Mills River factory over the next two years. “We are excited about the ability to provide better service to our customers through improved capacity, capabilities and productivity. We are continually advancing our production sites to increase our output in the Americas and exceed quality benchmarks,” stated Tim Kirchen, Senior Vice President, UPM Raflatac, Americas.

International technology group ANDRITZ has established a new inline Wetlace™ CP pilot line with an original design at its center of competence in Montbonnot, France. From now on, ANDRITZ partners will be able to conduct trials and test all options available for wipes production – from carded staple fibers to pulp and various combinations thereof – thanks to the new inline Wetlace™ CP line. Customers will benefit from the expertise of the ANDRITZ specialists with this fully engineered process, combining both spunlace and wetlaid technologies, so that they can move forward to more sustainable options while maintaining a high level of product quality, in particular by achieving high CD strength and good linting properties. Over the past few decades, ANDRITZ has continued to innovate with various nonwoven processes, like spunlace, WetlaceTM and Wetlace™ CP, with the aim of optimizing the use of raw materials and focusing on sustainability by reducing the synthetic fiber content.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in April 2022 were down 14.8% vs. April 2021 and year-to-date shipments were down 8.8%. Total European shipments of newsprint in April 2022 were down 10.5% vs. April 2021 and year-to-date shipments were down 5.4%. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in April 2022 were down 16.5% vs. April 2021 and year-to-date shipments were down 9.6%. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in April 2022 were down 27.6% vs. April 2021 and year-to-date shipments were down 18.8%. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in April 2022 were down 14.1% vs. April 2021 and year-to-date shipments were down 10.0%. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in April 2022 were down 1.6% vs. April 2021 and year-to-date shipments were UP 2.4%. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in April 2022 were down 17.3% vs. April 2021 and year-to-date shipments were down 11.5%.

Domtar’s sustainability journey begins in the forest, but our work as an industry leader in sustainable forestry continues with our focus on verified fiber sourcing in our sustainability agenda moving toward 2030. “Our sustainable forestry principles have guided our practices for many years,” says Paige Goff, Domtar’s vice president for sustainability. “We now have advanced technology and other tools to help us be even more effective in applying those principles to our supply chain.” Building on a long history of responsibility in the forest, Domtar has set two significant goals in the area of verified fiber sourcing: *We’ll source 100 percent of our fiber from responsibly managed forests. *We’ll increase our use of recycled fiber and improve the recyclability of our products and packaging.

Kati ter Horst, Executive Vice President, Paper Division and a member of the Group Leadership Team, has decided to leave Stora Enso as of 1 July 2022. After more than 25 years with the Company, she will now pursue career opportunities outside of Stora Enso. Kati ter Horst joined Stora Enso in 1996 and has been leading the Company’s Paper division since 2014. “As a highly valued member of our Group Leadership Team, Kati has been instrumental in driving Stora Enso’s transformation journey into a renewable materials company by contributing to strategy development. She has showed strong leadership and has played a key role in the extensive restructuring process of our paper business. I want to express my gratitude to Kati for her significant contributions to Stora Enso, while wishing her all the best in her future endeavours,” says Annica Bresky, President and CEO at Stora Enso.

UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF), recently acknowledged as the most important sustainability project in the elastomer and rubber industry will go live at the Nuremberg International Rubber Conference DKT from 27-30 June. After a postponement due to Covid, the expert community of the rubber and plastics industry is finally meeting in person at the leading trade fair for the sector. It's the perfect time to introduce UPM's new product – the next best thing to transform the rubber industry. UPM BioMotion™ RFF were initially launched in late 2021. These fillers are more than just a product; they mark a solution for urgent industry needs. Renewable Functional Fillers can be a real game-changer, as they will enable a radical step forward in the sustainability performance of rubber and plastic products in various end-uses. The two materials that RFF can replace best are carbon black and precipitated silica. Both are highly CO2-intensive in production, non-renewable and challenging to recycle.

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and Neenah, Inc. announced the future name of the combined company upon completing the pending all-stock merger of equals. Each company’s shareholders are scheduled to vote on the transaction on June 29, 2022. The transaction is expected to close on or around July 1, 2022, subject to Neenah and SWM shareholder approval, approval by antitrust authorities in Poland, and other customary closing conditions. Upon close, the new company name will be Mativ, Inc. (“Mativ”) and its shares will begin trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "MATV." The "SWM" and "NP" ticker symbols will be deactivated.

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is pleased to announce additional product offerings for Astrolite PC 100, the luxurious and sustainable fine papers crafted with 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber. Created with a high-fidelity six-color printing process (CMYKOG), the new Astrolite PC 100 swatchbook results in a stunning visual that demonstrates the possibilities when printing on highly crafted recycled papers. These grades are perfect for annual reports, CSR reports, fashion lookbooks, catalogs, product brochures, newsletters, presentation kits, portfolios, pocket folders, corporate stationery, and premium packaging. In addition to the featured print demonstrations, the new Astrolite PC 100 swatchbook features the recently expanded full slate of its three separate product lines: Astrolite PC 100 Velvet, Astrolite PC 100 Smooth, and Astrolite PC 100 Digital+, including a wider range of sheet sizes certified for HP Indigo.

The 2021 Sustainability Report brings our goals to the forefront. This year, Sappi North America has aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that were most relevant to our work. We continue to meet these targets by reducing our water consumption, increasing our renewable energy usage, and minimizing our carbon footprint. Our sustainability practice also includes giving our employees the tools to advance their careers and become leaders in their fields. We hope you’ll see how important it is that we not only care for the planet and our people, but also create lasting prosperity.

UPM has signed an agreement to sell 100% of the shares of its Austrian subsidiary UPM Kymmene-Austria GmbH to the HEINZEL GROUP, a leading pulp, packaging and paper producer and trader in Central and Eastern Europe. The transaction comprises the UPM Steyrermühl site with approx. 400 employees, including the newsprint paper machine with an annual capacity of 320,000 tonnes and the Steyrermühl sawmill operations with an annual timber capacity of 370,000 cubic meters. The parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the deal. Closing of the transaction and end of newsprint production at UPM Steyrermühl are planned for the end of 2023. HEINZEL is planning to take over responsibility for the mill after closing. Until then, all operations continue as is. HEINZEL plans to operate the UPM Steyrermühl site outside of graphic papers as an integrate together with its Laakirchen mill, which is located in the same communicaty. HEINZEL is considering the production of packaging materials to complement their existing product portfolio.

Kruger Products officially inaugurated its Sherbrooke Tissue Plant, which was commissioned in 2021, and also broke ground at its expansion project where another tissue plant will be built on a site adjacent to the Sherbrooke Plant by 2024. This second project, which represents further investments of $351.5 million, will deliver on the Company’s vision to make Sherbrooke a major premium-quality tissue product manufacturing hub in North America, featuring Canada’s most advanced and best-performing TAD tissue machine. In total, the Company will have invested nearly $1 billion in the Estrie Region since 2018. The Sherbrooke Plant’s inauguration and the ground breaking of the expansion project took place in the presence of Mr. Joseph Kruger II, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Kruger Inc.; François Legault, Premier of Québec; Pierre Fitzgibbon, Québec Minister of Economy and Innovation; Geneviève Hébert, Member for Saint-François and Deputy Government Whip; Évelyne Beaudin, Mayor of Sherbrooke; Dino Bianco, Chief Executive Officer, Kruger Products L.P.; and Patrice Bégin, General Manager, Kruger Products Sherbrooke Plant.

Stora Enso is leasing the former paper machinery hall at its Veitsiluoto site in Finland to the textile technology company Infinited Fiber Company, which plans to build a commercial-scale factory to produce regenerated textile fiber from textile waste. Earlier this month Stora Enso sold its district heating business at Veitsiluoto to utility infrastructure company Nevel, a provider of advanced industrial and municipal infrastructure solutions. “We always want to find sustainable and financially robust long-term solutions to ensure a viable future for our former sites. I am pleased with our rapid progress in signing a lease with companies that can take advantage of the Veitsiluoto infrastructure and bring new business to the area. Our work at Veitsiluoto continues in order to bring more activity and jobs to the site," says Seppo Parvi, Stora Enso's CFO and Country Manager for Finland.

Koehler has joined the World BioEconomy Circle, a communication platform for stakeholders who have dedicated themselves to the subject of the bioeconomy. The objective of the BioEconomy Circle is to enable discussion of and improve on the latest developments, ideas, and visions in the circular bioeconomy, and to facilitate mutual learning. The BioEconomy Circle has grown substantially since it was introduced by the World BioEconomy Forum™, which was founded in 2018 by Jukka Kantola. The forum brings together a global community of stakeholders, who can use the platform to find out about a broad range of events and other activities in the field of the bioeconomy. It was set up in response to the increasing importance of this field.

Headquartered in Nova Scotia, Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) is the leading producer of supercalendered papers in North America, manufacturing SCA+ and SCA++ products for use in catalogs, magazines and retail inserts, as well as specialty papers. The company’s paper production capacity includes three thermomechanical (TMP) pulp lines that supply high-quality fiber to the papermaking process. PHP ships its products to customers throughout North America and around the world. “Port Hawkesbury Paper is pleased to support Two Sides North America because we share similar objectives when it comes to the long-term sustainability of our company, our industry and the resources that supply us,” says Port Hawkesbury Co-Manager Bevan Lock. “Our aim is to provide long-term ecological, social and cultural sustainability while managing and maintaining a sustainable wood supply and economic viability for our company, local wood suppliers and sawmills.”

The company will continue to successfully manage a broad portfolio of attractive niche businesses, supported by a tailored operating model. Effective as of July 1, 2022, the Group will serve five growing and distinctive end markets, also forming the basis for five divisions, allowing for significant organic and inorganic growth. The divisions will be supported by global functions and centers of excellence for scale, synergies, and excellence. The five end-markets and corresponding divisions are: Filtration – Mission-critical air and liquid filtration applications. Food & Consumer Packaging – Solutions for improved food safety, product preservation, and bacteria prevention, helping extend product life and protect human health. Healthcare – Technologies serving essential societal uses in medical, laboratory, and life science settings including diagnostics, bioprocessing, and medical performance barriers. Building Materials – Highly engineered building material applications for every face of the building. Market growth is driven by urbanization and increasing demand for sustainable building materials. Technical Materials – Highly technical applications including protective materials such as insulation, precision coating, tape, and others.

The new Adestor line includes our latest exclusive labeling products, designed and printed with various finishes that highlight the versatility, elegance and quality of our premium self-adhesive products. The new Adestor catalog is further evidence of Lecta's commitment to sustainability, featuring innovations aimed at reducing the environmental impact and promoting a circular economy: Essence Nature DfE 90 WS, 100% recycled material with textured finish; Stonepaper® 144 DfE, certified Cradle to Cradle Silver made from mineral powder; and Cold Ice White 110 HWS with HWS technology, which allows the commonly used film laminate to be eliminated, replacing it with a natural high wet strength layer, resulting in a plastic-free label. The entire Adestor range is manufactured in accordance with the ISO 14001 and EMAS environmental standards, the ISO 50001 energy management standard, the ISO 9001 quality standard, and the ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standard. Products are available with PEFC™ Chain of Custody or FSC® C011032 forest certification upon request.

The Green Valley Energie (GVE) joint venture, in which Norske Skog is a 10% minority equity holder, is ready to commence construction of a biomass boiler at the mill site of Norske Skog Golbey, France, following recent completion of debt financing. GVE is a biomass energy plant, which will produce electricity and heat from waste and residue materials. Electricity sale from GVE is ensured through a feed-in tariff contract, while steam will be used for Norske Skog's Golbey mill. "This energy project is one more milestone in the on-going transition of Norske Skog towards new growth markets and sustainable energy. The biomass boiler will ensure a stable, long-term supply of cost-competitive and 100 percent renewable steam as an alternative to fossil energy sources like natural gas, shielding us from increasingly volatile energy markets," says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog.

Stora Enso introduced NaturaFluff Eco to the market in 2021. This lower carbon footprint fluff pulp has now fulfilled the requirements and qualified for the Asthma Allergy Nordic label. Consumers are increasingly looking for products which are natural, safe to use and have a low environmental footprint. NaturaFluff Eco is an oxygen-delignified fluff pulp, which means that no bleaching chemicals are used in its production. As a result, the fluff pulp has a warm, natural beige colour and a more than 30% lower carbon footprint in comparison to traditional fluff pulp, without compromising on product performance. NaturaFluff Eco is perfectly suited for use in absorbent hygiene products, such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene, adult incontinence products, as well as in air-laid nonwoven materials such as napkins, table-tops and various pads.

Starting from May 2022, the lignin-based WISA® BioBond bonding technology is being used in all UPM’s WISA spruce plywood products. WISA BioBond is UPM Plywood’s proprietary bonding technology in which at least 50% of fossil-based phenol in the glue is replaced with wood’s own natural bonding agent, lignin. UPM is the first plywood manufacturer in the world to adopt such a lignin-based solution in its entire range of spruce products. More than just a new type of glue, WISA BioBond is a comprehensive technology that helps further reduce WISA products’ already low fossil CO2 emissions over their lifecycle. The technology has been used in UPM’s birch plywood mills since 2017. By making it the standard in the WISA spruce range, UPM is helping constructors and builders meet their own sustainability targets. “WISA plywood is a material with excellent sustainable qualities already. It is made from renewable raw material and acts as a carbon storage throughout its lifetime. With WISA BioBond, we develop our plywood products and take their environmental performance one step further. This brings the material closer to the UPM vision of a future beyond fossils,” says Susanna Rinne, VP, Strategy and Business Development at UPM Plywood.

After many years of advocacy by Domtar, our industry partners, customers and consumers, Congress passed legislation in favor of U.S. postal reform in March. In early April, President Joe Biden signed the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022. The bipartisan legislation will help the United States Postal Service (USPS) become more financially sound, and it codifies important services, such as six-day delivery. “Because nearly a third of the product we make at our mills travels through the mail each day, Domtar views the U.S. Postal Service as a business partner,” says Kathy Wholley, vice president of communications and public affairs. “For years we have been advocating for substantive legislative proposals that make needed reforms to the postal service. These changes will help the partnership between us, our customers and the postal service remain strong, as well as benefit American consumers.” Much more at: https://newsroom.domtar.com/us-postal-reform-2022/

Paper Excellence is pleased to have received $4.5 million from the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program. This funding will help support an important transformation project taking place at our Catalyst Port Alberni mill. The $4.5 million will be invested at Catalyst Port Alberni to expand the mill’s production capacity for food packaging papers. Traditionally, this mill produced printing and writing grades; however, demand for these products has been in steady decline. Transitioning to food grade papers means meeting growing market demand, providing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic serving containers, and advancing BC’s circular economy. The new grades will be produced using unique pulping capabilities developed at the Catalyst Port Alberni mill that net a higher yield in fiber use. As a result, the mill will be able to increase the amount of food packaging materials it produces but will use less residual wood fibre to do so.

The release papers are produced at Condat, Lecta's mill in France. After the launch several months ago of its new range of Linerset release liners with Linerset CCK (Clay Coated Kraft) release paper, Lecta now presents Linerset Glassine, a supercalendered paper for siliconization with very good lay-flatness, caliper, transparency and high resistance. Available in yellow and white, respectively, Linerset Glassine Y (Yellow) and Linerset Glassine W (White) are produced in substances from 45 to 78 g/m² for application on self-adhesive labels. Introducing these new release liners, Lecta advances in its transformation and diversification project at its Condat mill in France. With an investment of more than 80 million euros, Lecta has transformed its Line 8 paper machine at Condat with the aim of manufacturing release liners for siliconization. Lecta also has acquired a new supercalender, making Condat one of the most modern, efficient and environment-friendly factories in Europe.

Whether in store, online or at the doorstep, every detail in the cost umer journey matters. To help brands better connect with consumers, Neenah has released its newest Idea Shop by Neenah promotion. Designed in collaboration with the world renowned Design Army the promo highlights the power of attention grabbing packaging, point of purchase, and other uniquely branded samples that transcend the screen and engage the senses across each carefully branded consumer touchpoint. The cleverly packaged Idea Shop branded promotion pulls out all the stops, starting with a gorgeous deep black soft touch folding board box accented with black foil for a premium, sophisticated look and feel. Upon opening, lucky recipients are greeted with a personalized welcome, setting the stage for the layers of elegantly designed, distinctively printed goodies beneath. Everything that follows is a masterclass in creating sensory intrigue, welcoming a second touch, and leaving an impression.

UPM Raflatac is the first company in the world to invest in Ocean Bound Plastics (OBP) waste as label raw material in their new Ocean Action labels. The Ocean Action labels are made from ocean bound plastic using mass balance approach. Ocean bound plastic is abandoned plastic waste recovered from areas up to 50km inland from waterways, defined as “at risk of ending up in the ocean” by OBPCert. The new innovative label material is made possible by close collaboration with multiple partners in the product’s value chain. ”The new innovative Ocean Action label material is the latest step in our beyond fossils journey. It does not only help prevent the plastic waste from ending up in the oceans but also offers brand owners the possibility to meet their recycled content targets for packaging. The Ocean Action label material is an easy-to-use drop-in solution created especially for food and cosmetics end-uses as it has exactly the same performance as the current fossil-based labels,” says Eliisa Laurikainen, Business Development Manager from UPM Raflatac.

Stora Enso has started a feasibility study at its paper production site in Langerbrugge, Belgium, for the conversion of one of the two paper lines into a high-volume recycled containerboard line. Aligned with Stora Enso’s strategic focus on renewable materials, the investment would support the growth opportunity created by the increasing demand for recycled packaging board. Stora Enso’s Langerbrugge site currently has two paper lines in production, one for newsprint and one for supercalendared (SC) magazine paper. The feasibility study will focus on the conversion of the site’s newsprint paper line. The conversion would enable Stora Enso to further grow its recycled and recyclable packaging materials capacity and to meet the growing demand in end-use segments such as industrials, e-commerce, furniture and electronics. The feasibility study is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2023.

Today we are all experiencing the serious impact of climate change. Sappi Europe, as a global company, is committed to pursuing a stringent decarbonisation plan to reduce detrimental effects on the environment. As part of its long-term global commitment to climate protection and sustainable production, the company has successfully converted many of its production sites to renewable energy. At its Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland, Sappi Europe has invested an amount in the double-digit millions which will enable the full conversion of its energy supply to renewable bioenergy. This investment will reduce the mill’s direct fossil greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 90 per cent, equivalent to 230 000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. “This is just one of many measures we are taking on our journey towards greater sustainability. We are committed to being part of the solution and are rigorously focusing on our decarbonisation plan,” confirms Marco Eikelenboom, CEO of Sappi Europe. Visitors to the PulPaper event in Helsinki will have an opportunity to find out more about how the company is achieving its goals to become sustainable and future-proof.

Paper Excellence is pleased to welcome Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo – North Cowichan and Parliamentary Secretary for Forests to its Catalyst Crofton mill today to see how the recently awarded $5.85 million of CleanBC funding will impact the operation. Catalyst Crofton’s GHG emission reduction project is a combination of three process improvements that will result in a significant reduction in total steam energy demand, resulting in decreased natural gas usage at the mill. The three areas of focus for this project are: 1. Re-engineering an unused diffusion washer with state-of-the-art diffusion washing technology to maximize the black liquor fuel quality while using less steam energy. 2. Investing in fibre filter equipment to remove valuable wood fibre from the black liquor fuel and increase the efficiency of the evaporation process. 3. Automate the cleaning process of Evaporator #3 to improve steam efficiency through reduced evaporator downtime.

Kruger is pleased to announce that its affiliate Kruger Specialty Papers Holding L.P. today completed the acquisition of Domtar’s pulp mill in Kamloops, British Columbia. The Kamloops facility, which manufactures northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBSK) and unbleached softwood kraft pulp, will continue to operate as usual, honouring all existing volume commitments and agreements with customers and suppliers. The Mill’s 320 jobs will be maintained. In addition, Kruger intends to maintain ongoing initiatives to continue modernizing the Mill. This acquisition will also enable Kruger to secure the supply of high-quality pulp for some of its paper mills, including those in Quebec, where the Company is investing about $1 billion for the construction of two state-of-the-art tissue plants.

Building Strong Relationships reviews 2021 and looks at both our achievements and our opportunities to do better. In particular, it highlights the work we did in building relationships with the Indigenous communities in whose traditional territories we operate and our corporate giving campaign which had a greatly increased budget in 2021. The report also looks at our environmental and economic impacts nationally and on a mill-by-mill basis. From an environmental standpoint, 85% of our total energy use was renewable in 2021 and we have continued to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions—now down by 66% since 1990. From an economic perspective, the total economic activity created by Paper Excellence Canada operations was $4.8 billion. “Paper Excellence Canada’s spent this last year putting our words into action and I’m proud of what we have achieved,” said Graham Kissack, Vice President, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications. “Our vision is to be a profitable, sustainable, and globally competitive fibre products provider that is environmentally and economically beneficial to all stakeholders and this year’s achievements have supported us in that aim.”

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that De Lyle W. Bloomquist has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Bloomquist succeeds Vito J. Consiglio, who has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), with the mutual agreement of the Board. In connection with Mr. Bloomquist’s appointment, the Board named Lisa M. Palumbo as Non-Executive Chair of the Board. Mr. Bloomquist has served on the Company’s Board since 2014 and was named Non-Executive Chair of the Board in May 2020. He has decades of domestic and international leadership experience in the chemicals, minerals and materials industries, including in finance, sales, logistics, operations, IT, strategy and business development capacities. Mr. Bloomquist most recently served as a partner at Windrunner Management Advisors LLC, a management advisory services business, and prior to that served as the President, Global Chemical Business of Tata Chemicals Limited, and President, CEO and Director of Tata Chemicals North America Inc.

UPM Raflatac has signed an agreement to acquire AMC AG, a Germany-based company. This acquisition accelerates growth and expands the product offering of UPM Raflatac. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price or other transaction details. The transaction is expected to be closed latest in Q3, 2022. The closing of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals. With this acquisition, UPM continues in its strategic path, adding to the organic growth in the attractive specialty packaging material value chain and strengthens the company’s transformation and long-term value creation in one of its three spearheads of growth. AMC AG, founded in 1996 with roots going back to 1959 is a private company with long-term private owners. The company has two production sites Kaltenkirchen and Hagenow in Northern Germany. AMC’s business includes coating of pressure sensitive filmic labelstock and Viscom/Graphics materials under the Intercoat brand, and removable self-adhesive stationary products under the brand names Global Notes and Print Inform. The company employs more than 300 people and the latest financial year sales of AMC AG was EUR 110 million. UPM Raflatac expects to accelerate AMC’s growth and realize significant synergies.

Canfor Corporation is announcing the continuation of reduced operating schedules at its Western Canadian sawmills due to the ongoing global supply chain challenges. The Company has been operating at approximately 80% of production capacity since late March 2022. In addition, the Company will be implementing two weeks of rotating downtime across its primary sawmills in July and August, which will help align production capacity with the sustainable timber supply and transportation availability. The Company will use this downtime to complete maintenance projects and other site activities to help mitigate the impact on employees. These capacity reductions are expected to result in an incremental impact of approximately 275 million board feet by the end of August, in addition to the 100 million board feet reduction previously announced on March 30th.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its April 2022 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments remained essentially flat (+0.3 percent) in April compared to April 2021. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased one percent when compared to March 2022. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in April increased one percent compared to last April while the inventory level increased one percent compared to March 2022. UFS imports increased 12 percent while exports decreased 26 percent in March 2022. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased five percent compared to April 2021 while the inventory level increased two percent compared to March 2022. CFS imports increased 16 percent while exports decreased ten percent in March 2022. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in April decreased 21 percent compared to last April while the inventory level increased six percent compared to March 2022. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to March 2021, down 21 percent and nine percent respectively. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 15 percent compared to April 2021 while the inventory level increased one percent compared to March 2022. UM imports increased 13 percent while exports remained essentially flat (-0.1 percent) in March 2022.

Carol Hoffman Schoedinger has joined Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. as Senior Sales Manager. Ms. Schoedinger will have responsibility for selling Monadnock’s full suite of sustainable printing, packaging and technical/specialty papers in the U.S. Midwest. Prior to joining Monadnock, Ms. Schoedinger held a range of sales and business development roles with WestRock, Evergreen Packaging and Appleton Coated. She has a breadth of experience in the paper industry and a strong understanding of the needs of the print design community. Her strengths include developing long standing partnerships and exceeding customer expectations through creative graphic solutions.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, closed on the acquisition of Neu Kimya Anonim Şirketi on May 26, 2022. Located in Istanbul, Turkey, Neu Kimya serves the heavy/light water treatment and oil and gas markets in Turkey, Southeast Europe and the Middle East. The acquisition of Neu Kimya fits well with Solenis’ direct-to-market strategy and will offer customers in the region improved product and service offerings. "This new acquisition adds to our strategic growth plan following our recent ownership change to Platinum Equity," said John Panichella, CEO, Solenis. "With the ongoing support from the Platinum Equity team, we continue to proactively seek other opportunities for similar acquisitions that enhance our ability to serve customers."

Total European shipments of graphic papers in March 2022 were down 11.1% vs. March 2021 and are down 7.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in March 2022 were down 11.1% vs. March 2021 and are down 4.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in March 2022 were down 12.0% vs. March 2021 and are down 7.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in March 2022 were down 18.8% vs. March 2021 and are down 15.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in March 2022 were down 11.9% vs. March 2021 and are down 8.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in March 2022 were down 4.6% vs. March 2021 and are UP 3.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in March 2022 were down 10.0% vs. March 2021 and are down 9.6% year-to-date.

We appreciate your trust in Monadnock as your partner and supplier and want to thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate all of the unprecedented challenges relative to fulfilling your paper needs. Nothing could fully prepare any of us for the appearance and consequences of COVID-19 in 2020, nor did anyone comprehend the domino effect that would ensue relative to the availability of essential raw materials – specialty chemicals, fiber and adhesives, available converting capacity, logistics and transportation issues, and labor shortages. We are actively managing the challenges we face, providing transparency, and continuing to deliver results for all of our customers. Despite facing longer manufacturing lead times, we are leveraging our long-standing supply chain relationships to deliver what you need.

Stora Enso and wood technology company Modvion are partnering to establish wood as the material of choice for wind turbine towers. The collaboration’s purpose is to demonstrate the vast possibilities in using wood in demanding constructions. Modvion builds wind turbine towers with laminated veneer lumber (LVL), which proportionate to its weight is stronger than steel. Stora Enso is a leading supplier of mass timber products, including LVL. The towers are built in lightweight modules, enabling taller towers and easy transportation on public roads without permits or road reconstructions. Taller towers reach stronger winds, leading to more cost-efficient energy production.

Global consumer brands are facing increasing pressure from governments and consumers to improve their sustainability. Reducing the footprint of packaging and labelling is one critical area where sustainability can be improved. Compensating for today’s unavoidable emissions, UPM Raflatac has announced that RAFNXT+ is the world’s first CarbonNeutral® certified label material. Sustainable packaging and carbon neutral labelling, clearly explaining both the packaging and the labelling’s sustainable components, are increasingly seen as an important step to encourage consumers to purchase more sustainable products. To help their many customers take positive climate action, in 2019, UPM Raflatac announced that RAFNXT+ was the world’s first label material verified by the Carbon Trust to reduce its carbon footprint and help mitigate climate change. Now, the company has taken a step further and has introduced its RAFNXT+, the world’s first CarbonNeutral® label material certified as a CarbonNeutral® product by Natural Capital Partners.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy’s Board of Directors has agreed an ownership reorganization plan under which the production assets, debts, and liabilities relating to its Decor business will be transferred from Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy, without liquidation, to a newly formed company that will be named Munksjö. In the ownership reorganization, Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy will divest the majority share of and remain with a minority share in the new Munksjö company to Ahlström Capital BV (wholly owned subsidiary of Ahlström Capital Oy) and Nidoco AB, both of which are affiliates of the current minority owners of Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy. The planned reorganization is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2022, following which Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy will start preparing plans for changing its business name to Ahlstrom.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced ratification of a four-year collective agreement by Unifor union members at seven of the company's pulp and paper mills in Canada, following an agreement-in-principle reached on May 15, 2022. "We are pleased with the result of the vote, which is a testament to the hard work and collaborative efforts of both the company and the union in recent years to address the challenges we are facing and to ensure the competitiveness of the business," said Remi G. Lalonde, president and chief executive officer. "Thanks to the support of our employees, we continue to pursue our vision to operate a model manufacturing company, built with the strongest business values, the highest respect for sustainability and the calling to serve our people and communities."

Stora Enso has launched a comprehensive biodiversity programme and related targets for its land holdings in Sweden. The programme, which covers the Company’s forest land in Sweden, has five focus areas, each with specific actions and measurable targets for 2030. Combined with the ongoing biodiversity work, the new biodiversity programme with more than 30 actions will lead to increased nature values and strengthened biodiversity across Stora Enso’s land holdings in Sweden. Some examples of activities from the programme’s focus areas and main targets for 2030: • Deadwood: Over 40% of red-listed forest species depend on deadwood. Stora Enso aims to increase the amount of dead wood on its land holdings by 40%. • Broadleaved trees: Broadleaved trees provide critical habitats for many species. Stora Enso will double the number of broadleaved trees in young forests and plant 700,000 birch trees annually. • Water: Watercourses and wetlands are often rich in biodiversity since many species depend on water for different life stages. Stora Enso will identify four major water landscapes for restoration and remove migration barriers in all identified valuable watercourses. • Species and habitats: An umbrella species is an animal or plant that lives in an area with many other endangered species. The new biodiversity programme focuses on protecting four umbrella species, which in turn benefit hundreds of other red-listed species. • Active biodiversity management: actions in this focus area include increasing annual prescribed burning by 20% on average in the protection areas over a five-year period.

Over the years, the definition of sustainability has evolved, and now customers are the driving force behind companies’ sustainability practices. Committing to environmental stewardship in product innovation and manufacturing processes will benefit the community, employees, and customers for generations to come. Encapsulating this philosophy, Sustana is elevating the principle of sustainability to a core corporate level and assimilating it as an integral part of their everyday business practice. The leading manufacturer of sustainably produced premium recycled fiber and paper solutions is committed to sustainable manufacturing and being good stewards of valuable resources such as energy and water. To read the full article in Manufacturing Technology Insights, go to: https://www.manufacturingtechnologyinsights.com/sustana

Sylvamo's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program to acquire up to $150 million of the company's common stock. "Our strong free cash flow enables us to begin returning cash to shareowners," said Jean-Michel Ribiéras, chairman and chief executive officer. "We also expect to continue paying down debt and will repurchase shares opportunistically to further increase our equity value.”

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has pledged to create sustainable, fiber-based solutions. PurposeSeal™ is pushing the boundaries of fiber-based end-use applications. PurposeSeal™ is a heat-sealed paper carefully constructed to ensure quality and protection for end-use packaging solutions. It boasts additional sustainability benefits when applied to Cristal™ Transparent Packaging Papers or trulyNatural™ unbleached papers. Ahlstrom-Munksjö recently received recyclability certification for the Cristal™ transparent paper product family, including PurposeSeal™ technology. These products have passed the SBS Equivalency (WMU SBS-E) testing protocol certifying these innovative papers recyclable from Western Michigan University. Additionally, Cristal™ and PurposeSeal™ have obtained 3rd party certification from Centre technique du papier, certifying Cristal™ heal seal coating is recyclable to the European Union’s EN13430 standards.

At Resolute, we continue to deliver on our strong commitment to climate change mitigation and green energy projects that optimize the use of renewables. Our two Florida tissue mills – Sanford and Hialeah – are taking advantage of the Sunshine State’s favorable climate to participate in ™, a community program offered by Florida Power & Lighting (FPL) that helps local homes and businesses access emissions-free energy. FPL operates dozens of solar energy centers across the state, increasing the use of solar power on the energy grid and helping to offset the use of other non-renewable energy resources. Resolute began participating in SolarTogether in July 2021. We anticipate a total annual reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of about 7,000 metric tons (7,716 short tons) of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) in 2022 for our two Florida tissue mills. “This innovative program is helping Resolute achieve our sustainability targets,” said Patrice Minguez, president of Resolute Tissue. “Not only are we purchasing green energy to power our Florida operations, we are proud to support Florida’s clean energy revolution.”

Q1/2022 compared with Q1/2021 Pro forma • Net sales increased by 27.0% to EUR 918.9 million (723.5) • Comparable EBITDA improved to EUR 122.3 million (107.7), representing 13.3 (14.9) of net sales. Reported Q1/2022 compared with Q1/2021 - • Reported operating result was EUR 40.7 million (-8.0) and included items affecting comparability and other items of EUR -33.7 million (-47.4) • Net result was EUR 14.0 million (-23.9) including net financial items of EUR -16.1 million (-20.2) and taxes of EUR -10.6 million (4.3)

As previously announced, Julie Schertell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Neenah, will serve as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Jeff Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of SWM, will serve as a strategic advisor. John D. Rogers, Non-Executive Chairman of the SWM Board, will serve as Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Directors. The senior leadership team announced today includes: Omar Hoek, Chief Operating Officer; Andrew Wamser, Chief Financial Officer; Ricardo Nuñez, General Counsel, Secretary & Chief Compliance Officer; Natalie Poteran, Chief Transformation Officer; Sarma Malladi, Chief Information Officer; Mike Rickheim, Chief Human Resources & Administrative Officer

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced that it reached an agreement-in-principle for a four-year labor agreement with the Unifor union, representing most of the hourly employees in the company's Canadian pulp and paper operations. The agreement-in-principle is subject to member ratification. The master agreement covers seven of Resolute's pulp and paper mills in Canada: the Dolbeau; Gatineau; Kénogami; Saint-Félicien and currently indefinitely idled Amos and Baie-Comeau facilities in Quebec; and the Thunder Bay operation in Ontario. The collective agreement covers approximately 700 employees. The details of the agreement are confidential until union leadership presents its terms to members in the coming days.

Crown Van Gelder is going for Gold with development partners in the Eurosac Grand Prix on May 19-21 in Bilbao, Spain. This year, 3 members of Eurosac (Novidon, Fiorini and Crown Van Gelder) will pitch together, in collaboration with sugar beet pulp supplier Cosun and brandowner DLF in a 5 minute video, not as individual companies going for own glory, but as value chain partners. Herewith the partners show, that fast innovation for creating a greener world is possible. This is a story about how Cosun Beet Company, Novidon, Crown Van Gelder, Fiorini and DLF came together and from synergy created swift innovation with a more sustainable product as a result. DLF was looking for the reduction of the environmental impact of their 3-layer 15 KG bag for packaging grass seeds, compared to their current bag, produced with kraft paper. The new and more environmentally friendly packaging had to contribute to the sustainability ambition of DLF. The search of DLF led to Crown Van Gelder - who developed Crown Native sugar beet paper within a 5-year collaboration with Cosun - after which Fiorini as DLF’s bag producer and both Cosun and Novidon were involved.

Kruger announced that its affiliate Kruger Specialty Papers Holding L.P. entered into a definitive share purchase agreement pursuant to which one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries will purchase all the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of DKP Pulp ULC, a legal entity wholly-owned by Domtar Inc. that will, at the time of closing, own and operate the Kamloops Mill located at 2005 Mission Flats Road, Kamloops, British Columbia. The Kamloops Mill produces high quality Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp and unbleached softwood Kraft for customers in North America and Asia. "We're very excited about the opportunities that will arise from this acquisition, not only for Kruger but also for the Kamloops Mill, B.C. wood fibre suppliers and the local community," said François D'Amours, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Kruger Inc., Kruger Specialty Papers' parent company. "There is a natural fit between Kruger and the Kamloops Mill, which has an impressive track record in terms of performance, sustainability, health and safety and employee engagement. Kruger has always maintained excellent relationships with its employees, customers, suppliers and communities and will make every effort to ensure a smooth and efficient transition, and to continue and strengthen these relationships."

In October 2021, Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc., North America’s largest privately owned manufacturer of fine papers and envelopes, introduced Paper With a Plan: A new attribute-driven approach to specifying paper. Mohawk refined and reorganized its paper portfolio into 5 distinct Collections that help make choosing paper by its properties and attributes easier. Mohawk’s paper grades are now grouped into the Beautiful, Sustainable, Expressive, Elevated, and Practical Collections. Mohawk Collections eliminate the guesswork behind paper specification giving you a simpler, more straightforward way to think about paper.

KPLP Q1 2022 Business and Financial Highlights: • Revenue was $398.7 million in Q1 2022 compared to $310.4 million in Q1 2021, an increase of $88.3 million or 28.5%. • Net income was $1.4 million in Q1 2022 compared to $6.8 million in Q1 2021, a decrease of $5.4 million. “We delivered strong sales growth of 28.5% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2022, driven by an ongoing market recovery, increased capacity driven by Sherbrooke and a pricing increase mainly impacting our Canadian operations. Robust top-line growth was tempered by escalating inflation across many essential cost items such as pulp, freight, natural gas, packaging and labour,” stated KP Tissue’s Chief Executive Officer, Dino Bianco.

Interfor Corporation recorded Net earnings in Q1’22 of $397.0 million, or $6.69 per share, compared to $69.7 million, or $1.15 per share in Q4’21 and $264.5 million, or $4.01 per share in Q1’21. Notable items in the quarter: • Acquisition of EACOM Timber Corporation o On February 22, 2022, the Company completed the transaction to acquire 100% of the equity interests of EACOM Timber Corporation (“EACOM”) from an affiliate of Kelso & Company. The acquisition includes seven sawmills with a combined lumber production capacity of 985 million board feet, an I-Joist plant with annual production capacity of 70 million linear feet, and a value-added remanufacturing plant with annual production capacity of 60 million board feet (the “Acquired Eastern Canada Operations”). The Company paid total consideration of $731.2 million which was funded from cash on hand and drawings on the Revolving Term Line. o The Acquired Eastern Canada Operations contributed $5.1 million of Adjusted EBITDA to Interfor’s first quarter results, which is net of $68.0 million recorded in production costs related to fair value adjustments recognized at the acquisition date.

First Quarter of 2022 Highlights: First quarter 2022 (“Q1 2022”) net earnings were $34.0 million, or $0.18 per share (diluted), compared to $8.0 million, or $ 0.04 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2021 (“Q4 2021”), which was the Company’s first full quarter operating its acquired forest-products assets *Lumber pricing improved significantly in Q1 2022 and outlook continues to be strong for the remainder of the second quarter of 2022 and beyond, with continued volatility but above-historical levels expected *Asset-backed revolving loan facility of $65.0 million was undrawn at quarter end and has remained undrawn at May 11, 2022. Seasonal log inventory build up continued to be funded from strong operating cash flow *The Company plans to conclude its Transition Services Agreement with Rayonier Advanced Materials by end of May 2022

White paper, like white paint, is not just white. Brightness is an important characteristic in our paper products. The brightness of white paper matters to customers who use it for printing books, brochures or marketing mail. To achieve the specified brightness, our mills use chlorine dioxide in the pulping process, which is also widely used for treatment of drinking water. We use it to brighten pulp after it’s reduced from wood. The pulp goes through a three-stage bleaching process to achieve the desired brightness before continuing through the mill to become uncoated freesheet paper. Through a continuous improvement project, the team at our Johnsonburg Mill in Pennsylvania has managed to reduce the volume of chlorine dioxide used while maintaining the brightness our customers expect. The work also highlights Domtar’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has switched its entire portfolio of glassine-based release liners to certified base paper. The change is part of Mondi’s ongoing, proactive approach to sustainability, which includes developing solutions that are better for the environment. Glassine-based release liners are mainly used for labels, tapes, and medical applications. By moving to certified base paper, Mondi is improving traceability, working with partners who manage forests responsibly in line with its commitment to maintain zero deforestation in its forests and supply chain. This latest move to certified glassine-based paper is another step in Mondi’s commitment to responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency.

Financial summary for the quarter: • EBITDA excluding special items US$337 million (Q2 FY21 US$112 million) • Net debt of US$1,793 million (Q2 FY21 US$2,070 million) • Profit for the period US$188 million (Q2 FY21 loss of US$23 million) • EPS excluding special items 35 US cents (Q2 FY21 loss of 1 US cents)

UPM closed the sale of its Chapelle Darblay newsprint mill site to the Community of Rouen today. This sale is an asset sale, covering land, the buildings and the equipment. No personnel will be transferred. UPM had permanently ceased production and agreed a social plan for its employees at its Chapelle mill in Grand-Couronne, France already in June 2020. UPM had originally committed to selling the site to a consortium of two partners, Samfi and Paprec France SAS, in October 2021. The Community of Rouen then pre-empted the sale of the Chapelle Darblay land and buildings in February 2022, cancelling the sale to Samfi and Paprec France SAS. UPM will remain committed to the French newsprint market and will continue close collaboration with its partners and customers in France.

First-Quarter Highlights: *Net income of $26 million ($0.59 per diluted share) compared with $62 million ($1.41 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021; first quarter 2022 net income includes the impact of a $68 million ($57 million, net of tax) impairment charge for our Russian operations as we evaluate options to exit the business *Free cash flow3 (non-GAAP) of $73 million compared with $162 million in the fourth quarter of 2021

Paper Excellence provided an update on skilled labour shortages in British Columbia that are impacting the company’s ability to execute many of its planned shutdowns on time. The company has been dealing with delays due to shortages of skilled pressure vessel welders at its Crofton facility which will impact the length of the shutdown resulting in incremental lost pulp production due to the delays. The company is concerned that similar shortages will impact upcoming shutdowns at Howe Sound and Skookumchuck. The company currently expects a loss of about 10,000 tonnes of NBSK pulp production in total across all three sites. Paper Excellence remains committed to its customers and can supply pulp products from its other unaffected mills during these delays.

UPM Raflatac extends its CarbonNeutral® product portfolio by achieving CarbonNeutral® product certification for the whole Linerless product range. The certification is issued by Natural Capital Partners in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol. The leading global framework provides a robust and pragmatic blueprint for carbon neutrality. Direct thermal (DT) linerless labeling products help customers to reduce their packaging footprint and is in high demand in the packaging value chain. Sustainability and efficiency benefits of using linerless are significant as linerless brings up to a 40 percent reduction in material usage compared to traditional labelling technologies. DT linerless market has seen approximately 15 percent year-on-year growth in recent years.

Stora Enso invests in ACDF Industrie SAS and becomes a 35% shareholder of the French wood processing company. The investment is in line with Stora Enso’s growth strategy for mass timber building elements, enabling value-added, bespoke CLT (cross-laminated timber) solutions to its long-term French partners. ACDF Industrie SAS works with all engineered wood products like CLT, Glulam and LVL (laminated veneer lumber) and manufactures them into various value-added products such as walls, floors or roof elements for residential and non-residential buildings, mainly for the French market. ​

*Record net sales of $284.8 million, up 25 percent from the prior year, reflecting selling price actions to recover input costs and higher volume in both segments. Excluding the effects of the April 2021 Itasa acquisition and a facility closure, net sales were 12 percent higher. *Record net sales in Technical Products of $185.6 million were 28 percent higher than the prior year period. Excluding the effects of Itasa and the facility closure, net sales were 6 percent higher. *Net sales in Fine Paper and Packaging of $99.2 million, up 21 percent from the prior year, with strong organic growth in all categories. *As expected, operating income remained pressured by unprecedented increases in input and distribution costs and labor shortages. EBIT declined from $13.6 million in the first quarter of 2021 to $12.2 million this quarter. Excluding $12.5 million of unusual items in 2021 and $6.5 million in 2022, Adjusted EBITDA this quarter was $30.3 million compared to $35.7 million in the prior year. *In January, a fire occurred at our Brownville, New York manufacturing facility. Operations were fully restored before quarter-end, but the impact of repair costs and margin from lost sales was approximately $2 million. *On March 28, Neenah announced it has entered into a definitive all-stock merger of equals agreement with Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. (NYSE: SWM). The combination is expected to form a global leader in specialty materials with combined annual revenues of approximately $3 billion and generate highly achievable, initial cost synergies of $65 million. The Form S-4 is planned to be filed by SWM shortly, and the transaction is on track to close in the second half of 2022.

Paper Excellence announced today that it is nearing completion of a significant project to winterize the pulp mill at Prince Albert Pulp Inc (PAPI). Winterizing the mill means that the interior of the mill is now heated for the first time since 2014, when the site last operated. The project will cost approximately $500,000. “Winterizing and heating the interior of the mill is another step forward as we keep working on restarting PAPI,” said Carlo Dal Monte, VP of Energy and Business Development for Paper Excellence. “As we all know, Prince Albert winters can be very cold, so being able to heat the interior of the mill means a safer working environment for our team and contractors that may be on site with us. Winterizing the mill also helps to prevent weather-related damage to the exterior of the mill and important infrastructure inside.”

QUARTERLY DATA - Net sales grew by 13% to SEK 7 397 million (6 520). Excluding currency effects net sales increased by 11% Adjusted EBITDA* increased to SEK 1 664 million (1 003), corresponding to an adjusted EBITDA margin of 22% (15%) Operating profit was SEK 1 189 million (528), Net profit was SEK 884 million (377) Earnings per share amounted to SEK 4.27 (1.82)

Georgia-Pacific recently announced plans to upgrade areas of its 640-acre Muskogee bath tissue, towel and napkin manufacturing operations. The Muskogee Mill has proposed investments of more than $50 million during the next three years to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of operations, in addition to the investment of a new production line and equipment. “These investments will help Georgia-Pacific continue our focus on transforming manufacturing equipment and processes that result in better employee safety, environmental performance, reliability and quality,” said Amy Borovich, Muskogee Mill Facility Leader. “We appreciate the support from all of our Muskogee community partners, including the Muskogee City-County Port Authority, City of Muskogee and the City of Muskogee Foundation.” Georgia-Pacific’s Muskogee Mill employs more than 700 people, making it the largest private employer in the city. The mill makes bath tissue, paper towels and napkins for both retail and away-from-home markets, including such well-known consumer brands as Sparkle®.

Lecta is expanding its range of Adestor self-adhesive materials and services with the launch of the new line of Adestor Standard Films adhesive film products. This new line of standard products includes both polypropylenes, which offer rigidity and high transparency, as well as polyethylenes, which fit perfectly on flexible or compressible packaging, with various finishes and thicknesses that cover a broad range of applications. The launch of this new line also represents an increase in our services for roll products, including the grades most in demand in the Exact Cut program, allowing on-demand product widths to be ordered at preset reel lengths. The entire Adestor range is manufactured in accordance with the ISO 14001 and EMAS environmental standards, the ISO 50001 energy management standard, the ISO 9001 quality standard, and the ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standard.

Mondi delivered strongly in the first quarter of 2022. Demand was good across the business, supported by our broad range of innovative, sustainable packaging and paper solutions, product quality and customer service. Higher average selling prices more than offset continued cost pressures. Underlying EBITDA for the first quarter was €574 million, up 63% compared to the prior year period (Q1 2021: €353 million) and up 41% on a sequential basis (Q4 2021: €406 million). In the current context, the Group believes it is appropriate to report that excluding the Russian operations, underlying EBITDA for the first quarter was approximately €460 million, up around 70% compared to the prior year period. This performance is testament to the continued dedication of our people, our strong customer relationships and the strength of our integrated business model.

The company reported operating income of $235 million in the quarter, compared to an operating loss of $101 million in the fourth quarter. The improvement reflects higher selling prices in all segments ($206 million) and the net favorable impact of the indefinite idling of pulp and paper operations at the Calhoun (Tennessee) mill ($7 million). This was partially offset by lower shipments as a result of logistics constraints ($29 million), as well as higher fiber ($25 million) and freight expenses ($8 million). The company recorded lower selling, general and administrative expenses ($7 million), mainly due to lower share-based compensation expenses in the quarter. The prior quarter results were unfavorably affected by charges related to the indefinite idling of pulp and paper operations at the Calhoun mill ($171 million).

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. reported a net loss of $25 million or $(0.39) per diluted share for the quarter ended March 26, 2022, compared to net loss of $27 million or $(0.43) per diluted share for the same prior year quarter. The net loss from continuing operations for the quarter ended March 26, 2022 was $24 million or $(0.38) per diluted share, compared to net loss from continuing operations of $16 million or $(0.26) per diluted share for the same prior year quarter. The increase in the diluted loss per share was driven primarily by higher key input costs. Loss from discontinued operations for the quarter ended March 26, 2022 was $1 million or $(0.01) per diluted share, compared to a loss from discontinued operations of $11 million or $(0.17) per diluted share for the same prior year quarter. The Company sold its lumber and newsprint assets in the third quarter of 2021, and as a result, reclassified prior year amounts to conform to the presentation for discontinued operations.

The investment in new bleaching technology will increase the capacity of the mill and support Stora Enso’s ambitious climate targets. In addition, it will improve operational performance, enhance the overall efficiency of mill maintenance and thus reduce the site’s carbon footprint. Delivery is on EPC basis and includes the installation of two COMPACT PRESS wash presses, a new reactor, an effluent fiber filter, and MC equipment – all from ANDRITZ. The COMPACT PRESS wash press is characterized by its small footprint and high availability, including extremely good washing efficiency, thus ensuring high-quality production and highest pulp cleanliness. For added sustainability and circularity, the mill will reuse the Stora Enso Oulu mill’s bleaching reactor (also supplied by ANDRITZ) and some of the mixers there.

UPM Raflatac and the Finnish Paperworker’s Union signed a business specific collective labour agreement on April 22, 2022. As a result, the Paperworker’s Union’s strike at the Tampere factory in Finland ended on the same day and employees returned to work on April 25. The production ramp-up has proceeded as planned. Production volumes reached normal levels during the first week after the strike. “We are pleased that a new business-specific agreement is now reached with the Finnish Paperworkers’ Union, enabling us to better serve our customers in the future. The agreement allows for additional production flexibility at our Tampere factory and gives us the ability to better respond to demand peaks. Increased capacity utilization also opens future opportunities for employment,” says Antti Jääskeläinen, Executive Vice President, UPM Raflatac.

UPM Biochemicals and KRAHN Chemie Deutschland GmbH signed an exclusive distribution agreement to market UPM BioMotionTM Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. RFF are a completely new category of functional fillers, replacing fossil-based carbon black and precipitated silica. The distribution agreement covers UPM BioMotion™ X10, X20 and X40 product grades to be used in plastics, adhesives and sealants as well as paints and coatings. UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) have a significantly lower CO2 footprint compared to traditional, oil-based products. They enable companies to respond to drastically changing market conditions, increasing consumer demands for advanced product sustainability and to make a tangible contribution to achieving the 2050 climate targets.

Interfor Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Interfor East Ltd. , has acquired a total of 28,684,433 common shares in the capital of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. (“GreenFirst”) from Rayonier A.M. Canada G.P., which represents approximately 16.2% of GreenFirst’s issued and outstanding common shares. The total cash consideration was approximately C$56 million, or C$1.94 per share, and certain price protection provisions will apply in limited circumstances during a defined period following the transaction. This acquisition was made for investment purposes and builds upon, and is complementary to, Interfor’s recent expansion into Eastern Canada through the acquisition of EACOM Timber Corporation in February 2022.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that it has sold 28,684,433 common shares of GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Interfor Corporation for approximately $43.3 million. The agreement contains a Purchase Price Protection clause whereby the Company is entitled to participate in further stock price appreciation under certain circumstances and for a specified period. Consistent with prior communications, the Company expects to use cash proceeds from this transaction to opportunistically repay debt or assist with a holistic refinancing of its capital structure, including its Senior Notes due on June 1, 2024.

Overview • Q1 2022 reported operating income of $742 million driven by strong lumber segment results with near record-high North American lumber pricing and strong earnings for the Company’s European lumber operations • Shareholder net income of $534 million, or $4.29 per share • Completed acquisition of Millar Western Forest Products Ltd.’s (“Millar Western”) solid wood operations and associated tenure for $440 million, including net working capital • Announced $165 million (US$130 million) investment in the US South to significantly upgrade and expand Urbana’s sawmill and planer facility • Announced the implementation of a comprehensive plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

• Q1 2022 reported operating loss of $26 million; net loss of $20 million, or $0.31 per share • Notable uptick in global US-dollar pulp list prices in Q1; ongoing global supply chain challenges resulting in majority of price gains being realized in Q2 and Q3 • Lower furnace rebuild of recovery boiler number one (“RB1”) completed mid-April; focused on optimizing production performance going-forward • Together with Canfor Corporation, announced the implementation of a comprehensive plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 • Available liquidity of $111 million at March 31, 2022

FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS *Delivered strong performance due to continued strength in the paperboard business and improvements in tissue *Higher pricing in both businesses helping to offset inflation *Net sales of $488 million, up 15% compared to the first quarter of last year *Net income of $17 million, or $0.97 per diluted share *Reduced net debt by $31 million in the quarter

Mercer International Inc. reported first quarter 2022 Operating EBITDA increased to a $154.5 million from $82.0 million in the first quarter of 2021 and decreased from $164.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. In the first quarter of 2022, net income was $88.9 million (or $1.35 per basic share and $1.34 per diluted share) compared to $5.9 million (or $0.09 per share) in the first quarter of 2021 and net income of $74.5 million (or $1.13 per basic share and $1.12 per diluted share) in the fourth quarter of 2021.

*Order intake amounted to 2,588.6 million euros (MEUR) and was thus 49.7% higher than in the previous year’s reference period (Q1 2021: 1,729.5 MEUR). In particular, the Pulp & Paper and Hydro business areas were able to increase order intake significantly compared to the reference period of the previous year. *The order backlog as of March 31, 2022, reached a record level at 9,435.1 MEUR and has thus risen significantly once again compared to the end of 2021 (December 31, 2021: 8,165.8 MEUR). *Revenue at 1,526.9 MEUR were 2.3% higher than in the previous year’s reference period (Q1 2021: 1,493.2 MEUR). This rise is largely attributable to the Metals and Separation business areas. *The operating result increased more than revenue, reaching 122.3 MEUR (+10.3% compared to Q1 2021: 110.9 MEUR). As a result, the Group’s profitability (EBITA margin) increased significantly to 8.0% (Q1 2021: 7.4%). This is mainly due to continuing good business development in the Pulp & Paper business area and the substantial earnings improvements achieved by the Metals and Hydro business areas. *Net income increased to 71.5 MEUR (Q1 2021: 62.1 MEUR).

Stora Enso will invest EUR 10 million at its Enocell pulp mill in Finland to replace fossil-based heavy fuel oil with renewable pitch oil. This will reduce the environmental impact of the operations and help in reaching the ambitious target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the main energy sources for Enocell pulp mill are renewable black liquor, bark, and saw dust powder, but fossil-based heavy fuel oil is needed when the pulp mill is started up after maintenance stops or production disturbances. By replacing heavy fuel oil with pitch oil that is made from trees, Enocell pulp mill aims at becoming a site running 100% on bio-energy and, thus, reduce its fossil CO2 emissions by almost 70 000 tonnes annually, which is approximately 50% of Biomaterials division’s fossil CO2 emissions, and a significant contribution to achieving Stora Enso’s climate targets.

Q1/2022 (year-on-year) • Sales increased by 23% to EUR 2,798 (2,276) million. • Operational EBIT increased by 53% to EUR 503 (328) million. • Operational EBIT margin increased to 18.0% (14.4%). • Operating profit (IFRS) increased to EUR 394 (161) million. • Strong cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 403 (185) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR 224 (-9) million. • The net debt to operational EBITDA ratio improved to 1.1 (2.3). The target is to keep the ratio below 2.0. • Operational ROCE excluding the Forest division almost doubled to 23.6% (12.0%), the target being >13%.

JANUARY–MARCH 2022 (1–3/2021) *Sales were EUR 1,594 million (1,400). *Operating result was EUR 341 million (136). Comparable operating result was EUR 244 million (174). *Result before taxes was EUR 330 million (121). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 232 million (160). *Comparable return on capital employed was 15.8% (12.6). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 135 million (95).

*Operating profit for January–March 2022 was SEK 1 883 million (January–March 2021: 849). Operating profit includes net SEK +266 million related to the damaged turbine at Workington, which is being treated as an item affecting comparability. Excluding the item affecting comparability, operating profit increased by SEK 768 million to SEK 1 617 million because of higher selling prices for paper and wood products. *Compared with the fourth quarter, operating profit excluding the item affecting comparability increased by SEK 432 million, mainly due to price increases for paper and increased deliveries of wood products. Profit for the fourth quarter included just over SEK +200 million from the sale of a British forest property. *Profit after tax for January–March amounted to SEK 1 483 million (675), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 9.2 (4.2).

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the first quarter of 2022 was NOK 610 million, an increase from NOK 422 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Sales prices for all grades increased in the quarter as a consequence of unprecedented high energy costs in Europe and a tightened publication paper market situation. The European mills operated at full capacity during the quarter. The pellets facility Nature’s Flame was sold at a gain of NOK 175 million in the quarter. Cash flow from operations was NOK 196 million in the quarter compared to NOK 317 million in the previous quarter, positively impacted by the improved operating margins, but negatively impacted by change in working capital, being mainly an increase in trade and other receivables. Operating earnings in the first quarter of 2022 were NOK 593 million compared to operating earnings in the fourth quarter of 2021 of NOK 479 million. Net profit in the quarter was NOK 583 million compared to a net profit of NOK 400 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 924 million at the end of the first quarter, with an equity ratio of 37%.

First Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights: *Produced revenue of $965 million, an increase of 8% compared to the prior year, primarily driven by higher revenue from TiO2 and pig iron *Generated income from operations of $69 million and net income of $16 million, inclusive of a one-time fee regarding the settlement agreement reached with Venator totaling $85 million including the break fee and related negotiated interest *Achieved GAAP diluted EPS of $0.10; adjusted diluted EPS of $0.60 (non-GAAP) primarily due to the settlement *Invested $103 million in capital expenditures and generated free cash flow of $86 million

Ahlstrom-Munksjö reinforces its commitment to the PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) industry worldwide by launching its biggest-ever global range of sustainable release papers for silicone coating. The expanded and harmonized range contains three main product families, and offers release papers based on sustainable, renewable fibers, spreading from 41 g/m2 up to 215 g/m2. Products feature various technologies and finishes to match any release liner application, even the most demanding and specified one. The ACTI-V® product family includes supercalendered Glassine release papers based on proprietary technology, ensuring the highest efficiency and reliability in silicone coating. ACTI-V® Industrial products, suitable for double side silicone coating, feature ideal dimensional stability for highly technical release liner applications.

Sappi, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and dissolving pulp, today launched Arrio, a decorative laminate surface solution that delivers remarkable aesthetics, premium haptics and scratch and fingerprint resistance for high-wear surfaces. By designing Arrio to serve the unmet needs of customers, Sappi will now become the only company that provides high-fidelity, 100% replicated textured finished surfaces available in flat, then expanding to include a 3D texture library over time. With its durable acrylic surface, Arrio provides extraordinarily detailed, realistic finished surfaces that will eventually support multiple textures and décor colors, gloss effects, varying depths and visible contrast. Sappi’s high-precision manufacturing process generates the exact same surface finish over time without variation or loss of definition. Arrio, which offers a superior surface to conventional melamine in aesthetics and performance, is a perfect solution for decorative and functional surfaces on furniture, work surfaces, kitchen cabinetry and more.

Sylvamo's board of directors unanimously adopted a limited-duration shareholder rights plan to protect the interests of all shareholders. The rights plan is effective immediately. The board adopted the plan after Atlas Holdings confirmed it entered into a block trade that would give Atlas nearly 14% of Sylvamo's outstanding shares and informed Sylvamo it also holds an unspecified amount of derivatives on Sylvamo shares. Sylvamo's leaders maintain open dialogue with Sylvamo's investors, including Atlas, and plan to continue these conversations. Sylvamo recognizes Atlas' extensive experience in the paper industry.

Q1 highlights • Sales increased by 12% to EUR 2,507 million (2,234 million in Q1 2021) • Comparable EBIT was in line with last year at EUR 277 million, 11.0% of sales (279 million, 12.5%) • Operating cash flow was EUR 12 million (217 million) • Net debt increased to EUR 837 million (83 million) and net debt to EBITDA ratio was 0.46 (0.06) • Sales prices increased in all business areas and more than offset the negative impact of higher variable costs • Transformative growth projects in Uruguay and in Germany proceed well, investment estimate updated for the Leuna biorefinery

First Quarter 2022 Results by Segment: Label and Graphic Materials - Reported sales increased 8% to $1.5 billion. Sales were up 12% ex. currency and 12% on an organic basis Reported operating margin decreased 240 basis points to 14.0%. Retail Branding and Information Solutions - Reported sales increased 41% to $679 million. Sales were up 43% ex. currency and 20% on an organic basis, reflecting strong growth in both the high value product categories and the base business. Reported operating margin increased 90 basis points to 13.3%. Industrial and Healthcare Materials - Reported sales decreased 1% to $190 million. Sales were up 1% ex. currency and 1% on an organic basis, reflecting a low-single digit decrease in industrial categories and a low-double digits increase in healthcare categories. Reported operating margin decreased 410 basis points to 8.2%.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in February 2022 were down 6.2% vs. February 2021 and are down 5.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in February 2022 were down 2.9% vs. February 2021 and are down 2.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in February 2022 were down 11.7% vs. February 2021 and are down 4.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in February 2022 were down 15.0% vs. February 2021 and are down 13.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in February 2022 were down 10.1% vs. February 2021 and are down 6.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in February 2022 were UP 6.7% vs. February 2021 and are UP 8.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in February 2022 were down 7.5% vs. February 2021 and are down 9.4% year-to-date.

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. is pleased to announce that the Government of Ontario has announced that it is prepared to offer a loan of up to $17.2M (the “Loan Facility”) to support the Company’s plan to relocate and redevelop the Kenora sawmill over the next 3.5 years. Completion of the Loan Facility is subject to due diligence and negotiation of binding agreements. If completed, the Company would be able to draw down on the Loan Facility to cover 20% of its eligible project expenditures provided that the Company meets certain performance parameters including but not limited to job-creation targets and other project milestones. This strategic relocation would open the necessary expansion opportunities to ensure the mill is viable and sustainable.

Canfor Corporation is pleased to announce it will invest approximately $130 million USD to significantly upgrade and expand its sawmill and planer facility located in Urbana in Union County, Arkansas. The investment will capitalize on the abundant supply of high-quality fiber to enhance the manufacturing of high-value products, increase annual production at the facility by 115 million board feet, and result in a meaningful reduction in the facility’s cost structure. The investment aligns with Canfor’s growth and diversification strategy to keep pace with growing customer demand. “We are excited to be investing in our Urbana facility with state-of-the-art technology to modernize the work environment for our valued employees and significantly increase our ability to produce sustainable wood products that will meet the growing needs of our customers,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor.

First Quarter 2022 Operating Results: Sales of $5.1 billion in the first quarter of 2022 increased 7 percent compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales 2 percent. Organic sales increased 10 percent as net selling prices rose 6 percent, volumes grew 2 percent and product mix increased sales 2 points. In North America, organic sales increased 13 percent in consumer products and increased 5 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 10 percent in developing and emerging (D&E) markets and 8 percent in developed markets. First quarter operating profit was $693 million in 2022 and $770 million in 2021. Results in 2022 include the net benefit of the acquisition of a controlling interest of Thinx and 2021 results include charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program.

Stora Enso has entered into an agreement to divest its two sawmills in Russia. The Company’s Nebolchi and Impilahti sawmills will be divested to local management. In addition, the divestment includes Stora Enso’s Russian forest operation which through its harvesting supplies wood to the sawmills. Stora Enso’s assessment is that due to the uncertainties in the Russian market, local ownership and operation can provide a more sustainable long-term solution for these business operations and the employees working there. The transaction is, pending necessary approvals, expected to be concluded within Q2 2022 and will have no material impact on Stora Enso’s annual sales and Operational EBIT. Due to decreased business prospects on these businesses, an impairment loss of EUR 70 million has been recorded in the first quarter result. The additional loss on the transaction under IFRS will be approximately EUR 60 million, consisting mainly of currency translation adjustments to be recorded at the closing date. The expenses are considered as items affecting comparability.

UPM and the Paperworkers’ Union have agreed on first-ever business-specific collective labour agreements for five UPM businesses. The strike at UPM mills in Finland will end immediately and employees will return to work. The strike covered UPM Pulp, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac and UPM Biofuels units in Finland. UPM will restart customer deliveries as soon as possible. The conciliator submitted settlement proposals for separate collective labour agreements for UPM Pulp, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac ja UPM Biofuels yesterday, and both parties approved them on April 22, 2022.

UPM and the Paperworkers’ Union have not been able to come to new collective labour agreements. Today, the union turned down four settlement proposals submitted by the conciliator. The exceptionally long strike at UPM Pulp, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac and UPM Biofuels units in Finland continues. “We are deeply disappointed in the decision of the union and in the continuation of the strike that has already lasted 3,5 months. UPM has been negotiating with an earnest mind and made several compromises. We also accepted the conciliation proposals. Modernising the agreement stemming from 1940’s would be important both for the employees and the company,” says Jyrki Hollmén, Vice President, Labour Markets at UPM. “It is very disappointing that after intensive negotiations, no business was able to reach a conclusion. Petri Vanhala, chairman of the Paperworkers’ Union, confirmed in the mediation of all businesses that each business can be agreed separately. The mediation found settlement proposals for four businesses that took the needs and wishes of both parties into account. We were confident that both parties undertook to accept these settlement proposals and industrial peace would resume. Now that the union has turned down the once drafted proposals, our businesses will make a fresh start," Hollmén continues.

Conciliator Leo Suomaa has submitted a proposal for UPM Biofuels in the collective labour negotiations with the Paperworkers’ Union. The conciliator has asked the parties to state their position on the proposal by 14 April 2022 at 10:00 EEST, which is also the deadline for the settlement proposals for UPM Pulp, UPM Specialty Papers and UPM Raflatac, given earlier by the conciliator. The conciliation for UPM Communication Papers was interrupted last weekend. "Settlement proposals have now been given to four out of five UPM businesses aiming at collective labour agreements. More than half of UPM’s employees affiliated with the Paperworkers’ Union are now covered by settlement proposals", says Jyrki Hollmén, Vice President, Labour Markets at UPM.

Conciliator Leo Suomaa has submitted proposals for UPM Specialty Papers and UPM Raflatac in the collective labour negotiations with the Paperworkers’ Union. The conciliator has asked the parties to state their position on the proposals by 14 April 2022 at 10:00 EEST, which is also the deadline for the settlement proposal for UPM Pulp, given earlier by the conciliator. In the meanwhile, conciliation will continue between the Union and UPM Biofuels. The conciliation for UPM Communication Papers was interrupted last weekend, and no further meetings have been agreed. "I am pleased that the negotiations have reached a point where conciliation settlements are presented. I hope agreements will be reached soon, and we get to start the mills", says Riitta Savonlahti, Executive Vice President, Human Resources at UPM.

The new product Blue4est® Pro of the Thermal Paper division is a paper-based label material that is also known as facestock. It is being used for the new generation of environmentally friendly labels because it is produced without chemical developers. This means that it can be disposed of as wastepaper and is also approved for direct contact with food. As with the Blue4est® POS till receipt, the Blue4est® Pro self-adhesive label can be instantly recognized by consumers as environmentally friendly by its blue color. The partnership between Koehler Paper and HERMA has given rise to the world’s first, and as yet only, thermal adhesive material without chemical developers. This is yet another example of outstanding development work by the Koehler Innovation & Technology division of the Koehler Group at the headquarters in Oberkirch, Germany.

The conciliator has announced that the conciliation between UPM Communication Papers and Paperworkers’ Union has been interrupted, as the parties’ views are still far apart. At the same time, the conciliator announced that the conciliation in UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac and UPM Biofuels continues. For UPM Pulp the conciliator has already submitted a settlement proposal. Unlike before, the Paperworkers’ Union is now ready to finalise agreements for UPM’s different businesses non-simultaneously. This means that UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Raflatac, and UPM Biofuels prepare to find solutions on the same schedule as UPM Pulp, which is expected to state its position on the settlement proposal by April 14, 2022. Next meetings between UPM Communication Papers and the Paperworkers’ Union have not been scheduled.

BillerudKorsnäs’ Annual and Sustainability report for 2021 is from today available on the company’s website at: https://www.billerudkorsnas.com/globalassets/cision/documents/2022/20220408-billerudkorsnas-annual-and-sustainability-report-2021-en-0-4233775.pdf

Initially announced in January 2020, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has completed its investment and started production for additional capacity in both filtration and energy storage materials at its plant in Turin, Italy. By successfully expanding manufacturing facilities, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is making a strong commitment to customers in both the High-Performance Filtration and Energy Storage markets. The new machine at the Turin plant is a state-of-the-art line specifically designed to produce glass microfiber media. The line will serve applications where glass microfiber media is required, supporting Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s growth initiatives in industrial filtration as well as in Absorbed Glass Matt (AGM), a key component in Lead Acid Batteries. In addition, the new line will also be able to deliver online saturated filter media, supporting the increasing global demand for filtration media.

Frank Shaffer has joined Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. as Technical Services Manager. In this newly developed role, Frank will act as liaison between Monadnock and its vendors and customers relative to new product development, quality, sales and marketing. Prior to joining Monadnock, Frank was with Hub Folding Box, Mansfield, MA, for the past six years. Prior to that he held positions with Timbar Packaging & Display, and Two C Pack Systems. Frank also founded Souhegan Color, Inc. which merged with Eastern Rainbow in 1999. He has a strong background in commercial print operations, secondary packaging, and media. He is a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology with a BS degree in Printing Technology. “I’m pleased to welcome Frank to our team,” said Dr. Rajan Iyer, Vice President of Research & Development and Technical Services at Monadnock. “His extensive background in print platforms, post-press converting, and product development raises the level of consultative service we can provide to our customers.”

Pixelle Specialty Solutions Holding LLC announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Pixelle was formed in 2018 by Lindsay Goldberg, a private investment firm that focuses on partnering with families, founders and management teams seeking to actively build their businesses. Pixelle has built an industry-leading four-mill specialty paper platform with mills in Chillicothe, OH; Jay, ME; Spring Grove, PA; and Stevens Point, WI. Collectively the mills operate 11 paper machines and produce more than one million tons of paper annually. Timothy Hess, Pixelle’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Together with Lindsay Goldberg, Pixelle has developed a broad, innovative portfolio of industry leading brands across the specialty papers and sustainable packaging markets. In under four years, we have transformed Pixelle into the leading specialty-focused paper producer in North America through three strategic acquisitions and successful implementation of a continuous improvement program. We thank Lindsay Goldberg for their partnership and look forward to our next chapter with H.I.G. Capital.”

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. is pleased to announce plans to restart the second paper machine at its Kapuskasing Paper Mill. GreenFirst has received over $1.2 million from the Skills Development Fund of the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to support the recruiting, hiring, and training of more than 45 new employees. On August 28, 2021, GreenFirst acquired the Kapuskasing Paper Mill from Rayonier Advanced Materials, which was only operating one paper machine at the time. GreenFirst will begin to restart the second paper machine in May, thereby increasing direct employment to almost 300 jobs in Kapuskasing and surrounding areas, these positions welcome youth, women and Indigenous applicants. The restart will occur in multiple phases starting in May, with the goal of full production (7 days – 24 hours operation) by October 2022.

The A62 paper machine at our Ashdown Mill is once again fully operational thanks to excellent planning and foresight by our commercial paper team, along with outstanding dedication and agility from our manufacturing production team. The strategic initiative to restart the previously idled machine, as well as a sheeter to convert the rolls into cartons of copy paper, is helping us maintain our leadership position in the North American uncoated freesheet paper market and deliver the service and quality our customers expect.

The Paperworkers’ Union announced that the strike at most UPM’s Finnish mills will continue until 30 April 2022, unless new collective labour agreements are reached before that. Yet another extension of two weeks to the strike comes at a moment when negotiations between the union and UPM businesses continue intensively, and the conciliator has submitted a settlement proposal in the negotiations between UPM Pulp and the union. The parties must state their position on the proposal by 14 April. "Drafting of business specific collective agreements, led by the conciliator, has continued intensively during the past weeks. There is already a settlement proposal for UPM Pulp. Now it is important to focus on solving the open questions in the remaining UPM businesses", says Jyrki Hollmén, Vice President, Labour markets, UPM.

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. welcomed Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry to the Paper Mill in Kapuskasing to announce that the Ontario government is providing $400,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to support and strengthen the forestry sector in Northern Ontario. Funds will go towards the restart of the curtailed paper machine that would allow GreenFirst to reposition the operation towards further growth while adding 45+ new jobs at the Kapuskasing Paper Mill.

Canfor Corporation announced that it will implement reduced operating schedules at its Western Canadian sawmills effective April 4, 2022 due to the cumulative effects of the unprecedented global supply chain crisis that has been ongoing for several months. The reduced operating schedules will remain in effect for a minimum of four weeks and the Company will continue to assess and make adjustments to operating schedules as supply chain conditions evolve. “We are experiencing extreme supply chain challenges that are significantly impacting our operations and it has become imperative to reduce operating schedules to address our unsustainable inventory levels. We regret the impact that the reduced operating schedules will have on our employees, contractors and communities and we will make efforts to mitigate the negative effects,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor. “We will continue to leverage our global operating platform to minimize disruptions in supply to our customers.” It is anticipated that the reduced operating schedules will impact production capacity by a minimum of 100 million board feet.

Canfor Pulp Products Inc.is announcing a minimum six-week extension of the curtailment of BCTMP production at Taylor Pulp due to the ongoing transportation shortages that have resulted in continued high finished product inventories at the pulp mill. “Unfortunately, the ongoing rail transportation situation has not improved, and we have no choice but to extend the current production curtailment,” said Kevin Anderson, VP Operations, Canfor Pulp. “We are very disappointed in the ongoing impact this is having on our employees, their families and the community.” The curtailment extension will further reduce the production of BCTMP by at least 25,000 tonnes.

WestRock Company announced Alpa Sutaria has joined the Company as senior vice president, Strategy and Sustainability. In her role, Sutaria will lead WestRock’s enterprise strategy development work as well as partner with business leaders to drive company-wide strategic initiatives. She will also be responsible for strengthening WestRock’s position as a leader in sustainability Alpa comes to WestRock from the Coca-Cola Company, where she most recently served as vice president and general manager of Sustainability, North America, responsible for embedding sustainability into the company's overall business strategy. She led efforts to advance the company’s sustainability objectives, including efforts to reduce packaging waste, increase water sustainability and improve the company’s carbon footprint. Throughout her tenure at Coca-Cola, Alpa held a variety of Strategy, Marketing, and Finance leadership roles. Additional experience includes a strategy and operations role at Deloitte where she led a broad range of complex projects from concept through execution.

Verso Corporation announced it has received necessary approvals from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin to complete its previously announced merger with BillerudKorsnäs AB ("BillerudKorsnäs"). Verso has now received all regulatory approvals necessary to complete the merger. The transaction is expected to close on March 31, 2022.

UPM Raflatac’s innovative Vanish PCR plastic labeling materials for the U.S. market have again been independently certified by SCS Global Services as featuring at least 90 percent post-consumer recycled content (PCR) in both the face and liner. The UPM Raflatac Vanish™ PCR range of clear PET films label materials enables brands to maximize eye-catching visuals with more sustainable labels that support the circular economy. Ideal for food, beverage, or personal care end-uses, these thin yet robust products use less raw material compared to other standard clear-on-clear products. Vanish PCR is the only clear-on-clear labeling solution on the market that incorporates recycled content, featuring PET face and liners made from 90 percent post-consumer recycled content. The recycled content in all of the UPM Raflatac 1.2 mil and 0.92 mil face and liner label materials have been verified in accordance with SCS Global Services’ Recycled Content Standard.

Stora Enso has initiated a sales process for a possible divestment of four paper production sites. In line with Stora Enso’s strategy, paper is not a strategic growth area for the Group. The divestment intent is aligned with the Group’s strategy to focus on long-term growth potential for its renewable products in packaging, building solutions and biomaterials innovations. Stora Enso’s paper production sites intended for divestment are: Anjala in Finland, Hylte and Nymölla in Sweden, and Maxau in Germany. The assets are high-quality sites for paper and pulp production with strong infrastructure, and skilled and experienced staff.

After two consecutive years achieving a Gold Level evaluation status, Solenis has earned the Platinum Recognition Level for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) performance by EcoVadis, a collaborative platform providing sustainability ratings and performance improvement tools for global supply chains. “We are extremely delighted that Solenis has been able to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and in return was awarded the Platinum status, EcoVadis’ highest possible rating,” said Dr. Daniel Grell, Chief Safety, Regulatory and Quality Officer at Solenis. “Building further on our internal emphasis on people, performance and continuous improvement in the area of sustainability, we were able to continue this rewarding journey. As a result, we improved our overall score from last year by more than 15 percent!”

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. and Neenah, Inc., two leading global manufacturers of specialty materials, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals with combined revenues of approximately $3 billion, expanded scale and capabilities, and accelerated growth opportunities. This transaction brings together two organizations with highly complementary technologies, geographies and product portfolios in specialty materials. The combined company will capitalize on powerful megatrends with strong positions in large, growing categories including Filtration, Healthcare & Wellness, Protective & Adhesive Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Packaging & Specialty Paper. Under the terms of the agreement, which was unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies, shareholders of Neenah will receive 1.358 shares of SWM common stock for each share of Neenah common stock owned. Following the closing of the transaction, SWM shareholders will own approximately 58 percent of the combined company, and Neenah shareholders will own approximately 42 percent of the combined company, in each case, on a fully diluted basis.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in January 2022 were down 3.3% vs. January 2021 and were down 3.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in January 2022 were UP 0.9% vs. January 2021 and were UP 0.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in January 2022 were UP 4.7% vs. January 2021 and were UP 4.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in January 2022 were down 12.7% vs. January 2021 and down 12.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in January 2022 were down 2.9% vs. January 2021 and down 2.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in January 2022 were UP 9.4% vs. January 2021 and UP 9.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in January 2022 were down 11.1% vs. January 2021 and down 11.1% year-to-date.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that it qualifies as an “Inspected Raw Material” by Nordic Swan Ecolabelling. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel sets strict environmental requirements in all phases of manufacturing, including requirements for eco-friendly chemicals used in ecolabeled products. The status will appear on products made with RYAM’s fluff pulp and indicates to consumers and commercial buyers that the product is sustainably produced and environmentally friendly. “The Nordic Swan Ecolabel exemplifies our commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing and is an important component of realizing RYAM’s BioFuture,” said Vito Consiglio, President and CEO of Rayonier Advanced Materials. “Increasingly, consumers expect that the products they buy be sourced with eco-friendly materials. The ecolabel will help consumers easily identify products made with our fluff pulp as green sustainably produced and environmentally friendly.”

Fourth Quarter of 2021 Highlights *The fourth quarter of 2021 (“Q4 2021”) was the Company’s first full quarter operating its newly acquired forest products business **Q4 2021 net earnings of $8.0 million or $0.04 earning per share *Lumber pricing improved in Q4 2021 and into 2022 with continued volatility expected *Made significant strides in reducing reliance on transitional services arrangement with key hires in human resources, IT and accounting *Asset backed revolving loan facility of $65.0 million was undrawn at December 31, 2021 and has remained undrawn at March 23, 2022. Cash from operations has funded the seasonal log inventory build-up *Invested in Boreal Carbon Corporation, an entity focused on acquiring and managing forestry projects in North America to generate carbon credits

Due to the current extraordinary situation, a temporary cost surcharge for our products is unfortunately unavoidable. The general surcharge will be levied on a segment basis and will apply from 1 April 2022 until further notice. The cost surcharge will affect all products produced in Germany. The surcharge will be shown separately on the invoice. Against the background of the current dynamics in the markets, we ask for your understanding for this measure and the short notice involved. Thank you very much.

Climate change requires everyone to use natural resources more efficiently, and more and more consumers demand sustainable products. The numbers relating to increased eco-awareness are quite substantial: over a third of consumers are prepared to pay up to 25 percent more for a more sustainable option and 85 percent of people indicate having shifted their purchase behaviour towards more sustainable options. Sustainability is becoming an important purchase criterion and 60 percent of consumers already consider it as such. Stora Enso’s pulp customers are getting more and more questions about their products’ sustainability and if these products are compostable. As responsibility lies at the heart of Stora Enso, we initiated a project to certify all our paper pulp grades as compostable. This means that Stora Enso’s paper pulp grades must fulfill specific compostability criteria according to EN 13432 standard; these are measured by an independent external party.

To support the shift to renewable and recyclable materials in shopping and takeaway bags, Stora Enso launches CarrEco Brown™. Made from 100% fresh fibers, the material has high strength and tear resistance properties and is also safe for direct food contact. By offering renewable, fiber-based materials suited for paper bags, Stora Enso accelerates the shift away from plastic. Stora Enso now expands its paper bag materials portfolio with CarrEco Brown, a new unbleached and uncoated board that is fully recyclable. Through its unique three-layer structure, CarrEco Brown offers exceptional strength properties suitable for strong shopping bags. The material is also safe for direct food contact and contains only FDA-compliant chemicals which makes it ideal for takeaway food and groceries. “Unbleached paper bags are a good fit with the preferences of today’s eco-conscious consumers. We are well-positioned to meet the growing demand for paper bags, especially in trending end-use areas such as takeaway food. Our newest material CarrEco Brown can help our customers seize these growth opportunities in a sustainable way,” says Oscar Duarte, Business Segment Director, Kraftliners at Stora Enso Packaging Materials.

Tronox Holdings plc, the world’s leading integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment, announced that it has entered into a long-term power purchase agreement with the South African independent power producer, SOLA Group, to provide 200 MW of solar power to Tronox’s mines and smelters in the Republic of South Africa. The Company anticipates the project should be fully implemented by the fourth quarter of 2023. Today’s announcement is only one example of numerous projects and investments being pursued by Tronox to meet its publicly announced goal to align with a global warming scenario below 2° C and achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050. “Tronox’s renewable energy project with SOLA Group will reduce our global carbon emissions by approximately 13% compared to our 2019 baseline and has the full support of our Board of Directors and senior management,” commented Melissa Zona, Tronox Holdings plc’s Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer.

ND Paper, the US subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited, is taking critical steps to build on its growth in packaging products. At ND Paper's Biron, Wisconsin mill, the company will be converting its B26 paper machine at the end of 2022 from coated mechanical papers to lightweight, high-strength recycled packaging products. Today, the Biron Division, located in central Wisconsin, employs more than 300 full-time personnel and operates two paper production lines with a combined annual production capacity of approximately 530,000 short tons. Its B25 paper machine produces approximately 270,000 short tons annually of corrugating medium and linerboard for packaging applications, while the B26 machine produces approximately 260,000 short tons annually of lightweight coated mechanical (CM) papers for end uses like catalogs, magazines and retail inserts. Upon completion of the conversion, both the machine and the mill will have increased annual manufacturing capacity. The B26 machine will have capacity for over 500,000 short tons of packaging paper, and the mill, in total, will have capacity for over 800,000 short tons.

Part of innovating means pushing boundaries and taking risks to bring new and exciting products to the market. Mohawk Renewal launched in April 2020 as a groundbreaking line of papers made with recycled cotton textiles and alternative fibers, including straw. To make Mohawk Renewal possible, we had to forge together an unprecedented supply chain with strategic partners. One of these partners, Columbia Pulp — the only North American supplier responsible for processing wheat straw into pulp to make Mohawk Renewal Straw — announced in February 2022 that they were ceasing operations. We have exhausted every avenue in Columbia Pulp's absence, but without a supplier, we cannot continue to support this industry-disrupting product and will have to discontinue Straw from the Mohawk Renewal portfolio effective immediately. We will sell the remaining inventory of Mohawk Renewal Straw to depletion without replenishment.

Conciliator Leo Suomaa has submitted a proposal for a settlement in the collective labour agreement negotiations between UPM Pulp and the Paperworkers’ Union. The conciliator has asked the parties to state their position on the proposal by 14 April 2022 at 10:00 EET. In the meanwhile, the conciliator will continue the conciliation with the Union and with UPM’s other businesses. Paperworkers’ Union has now also agreed that all business can run the negotiations parallel instead of having them one by one. "I am pleased that the negotiations have reached a point where the conciliator has seen it possible to submit a proposal for a settlement. I am hopeful that the agreement will be reached, and I hope we get to start the mills as soon as possible," says Juha Kääriäinen, Vice President, Finland Pulp Operations at UPM Pulp, the chief negotiator for UPM Pulp.