West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Georgia Pacific’s oriented strand board (“OSB”) mill near Allendale, South Carolina for approximately $280 million. The transaction is anticipated to close following successful completion of U.S. regulatory reviews and satisfaction of customary conditions. Management will provide an update and further details about the transaction on West Fraser’s third quarter earnings call on October 28, 2021. All dollar amounts in this news release are expressed in U.S. dollars. The Allendale facility, which initially began producing OSB in 2007, has been idle since late 2019 and has an estimated stated capacity of approximately 760 million square feet (3/8-inch basis). The Company intends to invest an estimated $70 million of additional capital to upgrade and optimize the facility in preparation for its restart and this upgrade is anticipated to take approximately nine months to complete. The mill is expected to directly employ approximately 135 people and be one of the lowest cost mills in the Company’s OSB portfolio after the optimization is complete and the mill has ramped up to full production, a process that typically takes 18-24 months after restart.

Q3/2021 (year-on-year) •Sales increased by 23.9% to EUR 2 577 (2 079) million due to higher prices and deliveries. •Operational EBIT increased to EUR 410 (175) million, driven by higher volumes and prices, especially in Biomaterials, Wood Products and Packaging Materials. •Operational EBIT margin increased to 15.9% (8.4%). •Operating profit (IFRS) increased to EUR 386 (145) million. •Strong cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 485 (399) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR 347 (250) million. •Operational ROCE excluding the Forest division increased to 20.0% (7.8%), and was clearly above the long-term target of more than 13%. Q1–Q3/2021 (year-on-year) •Sales were EUR 7 445 (6 400) million. •Operational EBIT more than doubled to EUR 1 102 (532) million.

Stora Enso is investing EUR 97 million to expand the board production at the Skoghall site in Sweden. At the same time, Stora Enso is initiating a pre-feasibility study to convert the second, currently idle, line at its Oulu site in Finland, to a packaging board line. Market demand for sustainable packaging is increasing. Stora Enso is a global leader in consumer packaging with strong market positions in attractive end-uses. The investment in Skoghall will further drive profitable growth in attractive end-use segments, such as liquid packaging board and coated unbleached kraftliner, and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023. Following the investment, the annual packaging board production at Skoghall can be increased by approximately 100 000 tonnes, to a total capacity exceeding 900 000 tonnes, subject to environmental permits. Growth in sustainable packaging is a long-term strategic objective for Stora Enso. Following the successful conversion in Oulu from paper to kraftliner production for food applications, Stora Enso has decided to initiate a pre-feasibility study to convert the second, idle paper line into a packaging board line. The first conversion ramp-up in Oulu has proceeded ahead of plan since production started at the beginning of the year. A second conversion would further improve the Oulu site’s flexibility and competitiveness, through integrated pulp availability, additional fixed and variable cost savings, and ability to utilise the adjacent deep-sea harbour. The pre-feasibility study will be completed early 2022.

Q3 2021 highlights: • Sales increased by 24% to EUR 2,523 million (2,028 million in Q3 2020) • Comparable EBIT increased by 98% to EUR 424 million, 16.8% of sales (215 million, 10.6%) • Operating cash flow was EUR 318 million (365 million) • Demand for UPM’s products was good, and overall, price increases more than offset the rapid rise in input costs • UPM completed the sale of the UPM Shotton newsprint mill in the UK • The global sustainability ratings provider EcoVadis recognised UPM on the highest possible Platinum level for its responsible performance in 2021 • UPM was recognised as one of the world’s 37 most sustainable companies by the UN Global Compact Q1–Q3 2021 highlights • Sales increased by 12% to EUR 7,141 million (6,392 million in Q1–Q3 2020) • Operating cash flow was EUR 844 million (659 million)

Packaging Corporation of America reported third quarter 2021 net income of $251 million, or $2.63 per share, and net income of $257 million, or $2.69 per share, excluding special items. Third quarter net sales were $2.0 billion in 2021 and $1.7 billion in 2020. In the Packaging segment, total corrugated products shipments and shipments per day were up 2.3% over last year’s third quarter. Containerboard production was 1,256,000 tons, and containerboard inventory was up 91,000 tons from the third quarter of 2020 and up 17,000 tons compared to the second quarter of 2021. In the Paper segment, sales volume was down 33,000 tons compared to the third quarter of 2020, and up 2,000 tons compared to the second quarter of 2021.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in August 2021 were UP 16.3% vs. August 2020 and are UP 5.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in August 2021 were UP 6.2% vs. August 2020 and are down 3.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in August 2021 were UP 7.7% vs. August 2020 and are UP 3.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in August 2021 were UP 20.8% vs. August 2020 and are UP 3.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in August 2021 were UP 8.6% vs. August 2020 and are UP 5.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in August 2021 were UP 31.9% vs. August 2020 and are UP 10.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in August 2021 were UP 20.2% vs. August 2020 and are UP 11.2% year-to-date.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding estimates that net sales were EUR 777 million for the third quarter in 2021, 19% higher compared to third quarter in 2020 (EUR 654 million1) and pro forma2 net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 were EUR 2,258 million, 13% higher compared to the same period last year (EUR 1,994 million1). Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding further estimates that comparable EBITDA was EUR 93 million for the third quarter in 2021, 18% higher compared to the third quarter in 2020 (EUR 79 million1) and comparable EBITDA was EUR 3863 million for the last twelve months ended September 30, 2021, 16% higher compared to comparable EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2020 (EUR 334 million1). In the third quarter 2021 delivery volumes increased by 6% and were the key driver for the improvement in both net sales and comparable EBITDA. These figures are preliminary in nature and the actual results for this period may differ from these preliminary estimates.

Sales of $5.0 billion in the third quarter of 2021 increased 7 percent versus the prior year. In North America, organic sales increased 3 percent in consumer products and 16 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales were up 6 percent in developing and emerging (D&E) markets and were even with year-ago in developed markets. Third quarter operating profit was $657 million in 2021 and $666 million in 2020.

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the third quarter of 2021 was NOK 111 million, an increase from NOK 17 million in the second quarter of 2021. Sales price increases in the quarter were offset by unprecedented increases in raw material costs, in particular energy. The utilization rate was very high due to a tightened market for publication paper following significant capacity closures and post Covid-19 demand recovery across all grades. Following the quarter, Norske Skog successfully financed the EUR 350 million containerboard conversion investment with debt facilities of EUR 265 million. The substantial capacity closures have eliminated the imbalance in both the newsprint and magazine paper markets. There have been substantial price hikes in the European markets during the third quarter caused by the unprecedented volatile energy and raw material costs situation currently experienced in Europe. These cost increases are expected to continue and may necessitate further price increases in the fourth quarter of 2021 and into 2022,” says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog.

Stora Enso has introduced the newest addition to its NaturaFluff pulp product portfolio, NaturaFluff Eco by Stora Enso. NaturaFluff Eco is a new fluff pulp grade with a lower carbon footprint, enabling producers of hygiene products – such as baby diapers, incontinence pads and feminine care – to offer consumers a new generation of environmentally friendly, absorbent hygiene products. Consumers are increasingly looking for products that 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 roughly 30% lower carbon footprint in comparison to traditional fluff pulp, without compromising on product performance. NaturaFluff Eco is perfectly suited for use in demanding hygiene applications, such as baby care, feminine care, and adult incontinence care products, or in air-laid nonwoven materials such as napkins, table-tops and various pads.

UPM has signed an agreement to sell its Chapelle Darblay newsprint mill site to a consortium of two partners Samfi and Paprec France SAS. The transaction is subject to customary approvals. The sale of Chapelle Darblay is an asset sale, and no personnel will be transferred. UPM has permanently ceased production and agreed a social plan for its employees at its Chapelle newsprint mill in Grand-Couronne, France in June 2020. Samfi and Paprec plan to develop the site into a platform for the supply of green energy and the production of raw materials from recycling. The future site would consist of a sorting and packaging plant for paper and plastics, an on-site power generation facility using biomass and a production facility for renewable hydrogen.

UPM has sold the Kaipola mill site in Jämsä, Finland, to Kaipola Green Port Oy. Kaipola Green Port is a real estate development company owned by Finnish private citizens. The sale consists of the real estate, and no personnel was transferred. Kaipola Green Port plans to develop the mill site for manufacturing and industrial logistics purposes. UPM closed the Kaipola paper mill permanently in early 2021. “Kaipola is now open to development from a new basis. The mill site has an excellent infrastructure and offers many possibilities for a professional real estate developer”, comments Vice President Hannu Havanka of UPM Real Estate.

International technology group ANDRITZ has successfully started up the tissue production line delivered to Xuong Giang Paper Mill, Vietnam, a subsidiary company of Bac Giang Import Export JSC. The PrimeLineCOMPACT S 1300 tissue machine has a design speed of 1,300 m/min and a paper width of 2.85 m, processing virgin pulp as raw material to produce high-quality facial and toilet tissue as well as napkins. It is equipped with a 12-ft. PrimeDry Steel Yankee – manufactured at the ANDRITZ Steel Yankee Business Center in Foshan, China – with a steam-heated hood to ensure highly efficient drying and substantial energy cost savings compared to operations with a cast-iron Yankee and gas-heated hood.

Sappi has entered into a Water Stewardship agreement with WWF-SA (World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa), aimed at improving the water security in the uMkhomazi catchment area. With its significant manufacturing and forestry footprint in this catchment area, which forms part of the Southern Drakensberg Strategic Water Source Area in KwaZulu-Natal, it makes sense for Sappi to focus its collaborative efforts here, where its Saiccor Mill and 42,000 ha of its forestry land is situated. The catchment also serves commercial farmers, subsistence farmers and domestic users in dispersed settlements across the area, but with it being underdeveloped, faces extensive development changes soon. To meet the future needs of all users, sufficient water at an acceptable level of assurance and quality must be secured. Sappi believes that this can only be achieved through multi-stakeholder collaboration across the landscape. To help coordinate and facilitate the approach, Sappi has launched a two-year project with WWF to engage local communities, civil organisations, leadership and regulatory authorities in dialogue and cooperation focused on water stewardship. This collaborative approach is an extension of an innovative structure, known as the Integrated Community Forum (ICF), which Sappi introduced and uses to engage with local adjacent communities.

As part of the company strategy to invest and grow in the Electric Vehicle and Industrial Filtration markets, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has developed new capabilities to test gas adsorption performance at its Pont-Evêque R&D center in France. Investment has been completed to assist strategic, high-priority R&D projects to develop next generation molecular filters for fuel cell air intake filters, premium cabin air filters (for EV and ICE), and clean room environments. Gas adsorption performance is the primary technical feature of molecular filter media, with specific products designed to treat gaseous pollutants, thus decision was taken to have internal capability installed at Ahlstrom-Munksjö.

International technology group ANDRITZ has successfully started up the main equipment forming part of an innovative mechanical pulping line supplied to hygiene and health company Essity in Mannheim, Germany. The new system features a capacity of 100 bdmt/d and processes 100% wheat straw to produce bleached straw pulp for the mill’s own tissue production. As raw material for pulp production, the facility mainly uses FSC- and/or PEFC-certified thinning and waste wood from the area surrounding the mill. Essity has now also been using plant-based agricultural residue from local farms for the production of high-quality tissue since the new equipment was started up. The innovative process uses less water and energy and can thus be considered a breakthrough in sustainable tissue manufacturing. The plant in Mannheim is the first of its kind in Europe and the first in the world to operate on a large scale.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by 15 to 20 percent across all product lines in North America and Latin America, effective October 15, or as customer contracts allow. These price increases are necessary due to unprecedented supply chain constraints and increasing costs for raw materials, transportation and packaging.

UPM BioMotion™ Renewable Functional Fillers (RFF) represent UPM's latest revolutionary development in sustainable solutions. They address the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions of rubber and plastics products by offering a truly sustainable alternative to fossil-based carbon black and precipitated silica, the dominating functional fillers used in rubber and plastic products today. The RFF portfolio will be produced from sustainably sourced hardwood at our first-of-its-kind biorefinery in Leuna, Germany. The launch of this new product range emphasizes UPM's promise to create a future beyond fossils and marks another step in the company's transformation. With the building of the biorefinery in Leuna progressing, we now start taking visible steps in commercializing our portfolio of innovative renewable chemicals. This is a clear signal to the market that we are going to be a credible and competent partner in transforming our customers' businesses to become more sustainable," says Juuso Konttinen, Vice President UPM Biochemicals.

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from SCA (Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget) to rebuild a disc filter at their pulp mill in Ortviken, Sundsvall, Sweden. After the rebuild, the production capacity of the disc filter (originally supplied by ANDRITZ) will be tripled to 900 bdmt/d, and the filtrate flow will be increased to a maximum of 130,000 l/min. The refurbished disc filter will ensure the requested throughput at different beating degree levels, ranging from 300 to 700 CSF, for the production of various high-quality pulp grades. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter 2022. The ANDRITZ scope of supply comprises the main disc filter components, such as: *New hollow shaft with high-volume filtrate channels – the largest-volume filtrate channels ever designed for an ANDRITZ disc filter *396 ANDRITZ SuperFlow sectors for 22 filter discs with customized filter bags *State-of-the art disc guiding system *New filtrate valve with automated adjustment to the different beating degrees *New knock-off and cleaning shower systems *New repulper screw *On-site services for installation and start-up as well as supervision of start-up

UPM Raflatac’s unprinted SmartCirle™ PE labels with acrylic and hotmelt adhesive technologies have received recognition from RecyClass. The granted approval proves SmartCirle PE can be recycled in the HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) coloured stream*. RecyClass’ endorsement helps UPM Raflatac to meet the needs of brand owners in their search for recycling compatible labels. Traditionally, plastic packaging has been designed with functionality and brand in mind, while its end-of-life management has been disregarded. Today, moving forward in the transition towards a circular economy, the design for recycling stands as an essential measure to accomplish circular life for plastics. It is the driver to improve recycling rates, quality and quantity for mechanical plastics recycling.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that, effective immediately, it will increase prices for all its Cellulose Specialties products by a minimum 15 to 30 percent depending on product grade, as contracts allow. The purpose of this increase is to help the Company offset the accelerating impacts of cost inflation throughout its global supply chain. “As the Company has entered the second half of 2021, it has been confronted by the realities of substantial cost inflation,” said Paul Boynton, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Specifically, the Company is experiencing marked increases with respect to four core components of its Cellulose Specialties input costs – fiber, chemicals, energy and freight – and the Company currently expects these increases to continue well into 2022. These actions are a necessary step in the current global environment and will supplement ongoing cost- and efficiency-improvement initiatives at the Company’s four best-in-class High Purity Cellulose facilities.”

Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Cristal™ transparent packaging papers have recently achieved BPI® compostability certification and Cristal™ heat sealable papers have additionally received a How2Recycle® label. How2Recycle® communicates the recyclability of a package – a standardized program built to comply with legal guidance, such as the US Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides – and reduces confusion by creating a clear, straightforward label that enables brands to convey to consumers how to dispose of a package. The system provides reliability, completeness, and transparency for recyclability claims. “We are proud that our Cristal™ products, both transparent papers and transparent heat seal packaging products, recently passed Western Michigan University’s testing protocol for recyclability,” said Zack Leimkuehler, Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Technical Solutions business. “Achieving BPI® compostability certification, in addition to adding the How2Recycle® label, offers our customers and the marketplace yet another fiber-based solution to reduce traditional non-renewable substrates in packaging engineering.”

Canfor Corporation announces our bold ambition to become a leader in sustainability, a vision that includes commitments to sustainable forestry, a stronger focus on safety, health, wellness, inclusion and diversity amongst our employees, and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities. Canfor is also announcing its positive final investment decision in support of the construction of the first phase of Arbios Biotech’s (Arbios) innovative biomass to low carbon biofuel plant in Prince George, British Columbia. The plant will use first-of-a-kind technology to convert sawmill residues, primarily bark, into high value renewable biocrude which can be further processed in refineries to produce low-carbon transportation fuels. Arbios is a joint venture between Canfor and Licella Holdings Ltd. “Today, we begin an ambitious sustainability journey that will change how we work and the impact we have on our communities and the planet. We imagine a future as sustainable as our forests,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor. “This is an opportunity as much as it is our responsibility. Sustainable solutions are in demand around the world. Customers consider environmental and social impact a priority when making their buying decisions. Employees want to work for a company that’s protecting and nurturing their environment and communities. Together we will frame the future.”

Metsä Tissue, the tissue paper business of the forest industry group Metsä Group, is planning to invest in a new tissue mill in the UK. The plan consists of 240 000 tons of tissue paper production capacity, built in several phases during the upcoming decade. The plans are part of the company’s Future Mill programme to drive world class environmental performance in tissue production. The production of the planned UK mill would be based on using sustainable fresh fibre pulp, and the first phase of the investment would be ready during 2025 to serve the professional and consumer tissue markets in the UK and Ireland.

Georgia-Pacific announced that it is modernizing one of its premier sawmills in its Pineland, Texas lumber complex with a $120 million investment. Construction is expected to begin early next year and is scheduled to be completed in late 2022. The Pineland Lumber Complex was built in the 1910s and is the largest business in Sabine County, where Pineland, Texas, sits. The investment should increase the mills’ overall production. The modifications include a new sawmill which will replace the existing stud mill that was built in the 1960s. The new mill will have the ability to produce 450 million board feet of dimensional lumber each year once operational and running at full capacity, compared to the 380 million it can currently produce. It should also increase the number of trucks delivering the wood from 250 to 300 loads each day.

Metsä Group launches a programme to be implemented between 2021 and 2030 to provide financial contributions and expertise to support regionally relevant and effective development projects that improve biodiversity and the state of waters in Finland. These projects, which will be implemented outside commercial forests, may relate, for example, to bird waters and wetlands, watercourse routes, small waters and riparian habitats, pollinator habitats or new water protection methods. "One of Metsä Group's strategic sustainability targets is to safeguard biodiversity. We are implementing our ecological sustainability programme in commercial forests to safeguard forest biodiversity. With our new nature management programme, we want to play a role in improving the state of nature in Finland also outside the commercial forests. Our investments, which will amount to millions of euros during the programme, have no financial return expectations," says Ilkka Hämälä, President and CEO of Metsä Group.

International Paper Company announced the completion of its previously announced separation and spin-off of its global printing papers business, now operating as Sylvamo Corporation (NYSE: SLVM). Each International Paper shareholder received one share of Sylvamo common stock for every eleven shares of International Paper common stock held on the record date. International Paper continues to own approximately 19.9% of the outstanding shares of Sylvamo common stock. "The spin-off enhances the strategic flexibility and focus for long-term success and value creation at both companies. International Paper is now a highly-advantaged, corrugated packaging-focused company, well-positioned to grow earnings and cash generation," said Mark Sutton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Sylvamo common stock is expected to begin "regular way" trading on the New York Stock Exchange today under the symbol "SLVM" and the CUSIP number 871332 102. The receipt of Sylvamo common stock in the distribution is tax-free to International Paper stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for the gain or loss attributable to cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock. International Paper shareholders are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to the U.S. federal, state and local or foreign tax consequences, as applicable, of the spin-off.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö continues to focus on the growth segment of electrification, enhancing its latest product offering, totally dedicated to filtration media solutions for electric vehicles. The new solutions complement the products launched in May which included filtration solutions for cabin air, transmission and cooling systems. “I am very pleased to introduce our enhanced and expanded range of products from the FiltEV® platform,” said Cedric Vallet, Head of Business Development, Industrial Filtration & New Vehicles. “Through the enhancement of our cabin air portfolio, we are offering new filtration solutions delivering better protection for passengers. Better protection against fine particulates, thanks to HEPA media particulate efficiency, and against harmful gases and odours, thanks to increased absorption of a wide range of molecules.”

UPM has permanently closed paper production at its Shotton newsprint mill site in North Wales, United Kingdom. The site and all related assets will now be transferred to Eren Paper Ltd, a subsidiary of Modern Karton Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.Ş., the containerboard and corrugated packaging business of the Turkish industrial conglomerate Eren Holding (“Eren”), thereby closing the transaction announced in May 2021. Eren will now start working on the conversion of the site. The Renewable Energy Generation plant, the Material Recovery and the Recycling Facility (MRRF) will continue operations throughout the conversion process, as communicated by Eren, corresponding to their role in the regional utility infrastructure. UPM Shotton was founded in 1983 and has been producing newsprint paper. Production capacity during the last years was 260,000 tonnes annually. The paper mill currently employs 183 people directly and an additional 231 in the site’s Material Recovery and the Recycling Facility and other service operations.

Walk into the absorbent hygiene section of your local pharmacy or grocery store and you’ll see our Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM) airlaid products everywhere. “We produce absorbent cores for many hygiene products including diapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins and bed pads used in hospitals and nursing homes,” says EAM facility manager Kim Sumner. EAM is poised for continued growth and success for many years to come thanks to an expansion project announced earlier this year that will add a large-scale airlaid nonwovens production line to the Jesup, Ga.–based facility. When complete in 2022, the expansion will make Domtar the second-largest airlaid supplier in the United States and third-largest in the world. Airlaid is a nonwoven material that falls between paper and textiles, according to Lori Venn, vice president of airlaid sales and marketing. Airlaid nonwoven products are widely used in today’s absorbent hygiene products because of their superior absorption properties.

Mondi, global leader in packaging and paper, has been chosen by the Jane Goodall Institute Austria as the supplier for the first issue of their new annual magazine Be inspired using Mondi's premium recycled paper brand NAUTILUS®. "By inspiring people to conserve the natural world we all share, we improve the lives of people, animals and the environment. Our partners understand the importance to act sustainable and are equally ambitious to protect natural resources in their field." Dr. Jane Goodall, scientist and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute “When choosing our partners, it is important to us that they share our sustainability philosophy and aspirations. Mondi puts great efforts into recycling paper and a circular economy. NAUTILUS® mission “For the love of nature” is an excellent fit with the values of the Jane Goodall Institute”, says Doris Schreyvogel, Managing Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Austria.

Jari Voutilainen has been appointed Metsä Group's Senior Vice President, Sourcing and Logistics as of October 1, 2021. He reports to President and CEO Ilkka Hämälä. Voutilainen has worked at Metsä Group since 2013. He moves to his new role from the position of Metsä Group's SVP, Corporate Affairs. Prior to that, he served as SVP, Logistics. Jarmo Toikka, who has been responsible for Metsä Group's sourcing since 2009 and also for logistics since 2018, has been appointed SVP, Business Process Development. In his new role, he reports to Metsä Group’s EVP, Strategy Sari Pajari-Sederholm.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 14 percent in August compared to August 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 12 percent in August compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased three percent when compared to July 2021. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in August increased 12 percent compared to last August while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to July 2021. UFS imports and exports both increased compared to July 2020, up 13 percent and 17 percent respectively. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 20 percent compared to August 2020 while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to July 2021. CFS imports and exports both increased compared to July 2020, up 46 percent and six percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in August decreased five percent compared to last August while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to July 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to July 2020, up 27 percent and 15 percent respectively. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 14 percent compared to August 2020 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to July 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to July 2020, up 33 percent and 33 percent respectively.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in July 2021 were UP 10.6% vs. July 2020 and were UP 3.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in July 2021 were UP 6.7% vs. July 2020 and were down 3.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in July 2021 were UP 8.6% vs. July 2020 and were UP 2.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in July 2021 were UP 10.4% vs. July 2020 and were UP 1.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in July 2021 were UP 5.8% vs. July 2020 and were UP 5.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in July 2021 were UP 30.3% vs. July 2020 and were UP 7.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in July 2021 were UP 5.8% vs. July 2020 and were UP 10.1% year-to-date.

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, UPM Raflatac takes a step further in providing its customers with more sustainable solutions in labeling and introduces its RAFNXT+, the world’s first CarbonNeutral® label material certified as a CarbonNeutral® product by Natural Capital Partners. "The recent IPCC climate report showed that the time to act is now. There is more than a 50% chance that global warming will exceed 1.5 °C in early 2030s. Consumer brands have set ambitious climate targets, and they are looking for tangible solutions to take positive action in a credible manner. Product packaging plays an important role here, and we can help our clients make a difference in the battle against climate change," says Robert Taylor, Sustainability Director at UPM Raflatac. As a part of its climate approach, UPM Raflatac is continuing reducing its own emissions as well as emissions from raw materials and transportation. The positive climate action of choosing RAFNXT+ instead of a standard labeling material is verified by The Carbon Trust, including the smarter use of raw materials which reduces pressure on forests and increases the capacity to improve mitigation of climate change.

Verso Corporation announced that it has entered into a Confidentiality Agreement with Atlas FRM LLC. The special committee of the Board of Directors of Verso previously communicated to Atlas its determination, made in consultation with its financial and legal advisors, that Atlas' previously disclosed $20.00 per share all-cash offer to acquire Verso was insufficient and that the Special Committee would only consider a potential transaction if Atlas meaningfully increased its offer from $20.00. The two parties agreed to exchange additional information under the terms of the Agreement to facilitate ongoing discussions regarding a potential transaction with Atlas on mutually acceptable terms. There can be no assurance that any negotiations between Verso and Atlas will take place following the exchange of additional information, and if such negotiations do take place, there can be no assurance that any transaction with Atlas (or any other party) will occur or be consummated. Verso does not intend to comment on or disclose further developments regarding the Special Committee's evaluation unless and until it deems further disclosure is appropriate or required.

The Koehler Group is to convert its power plant at the Koehler Paper site in Greiz from pulverized lignite to fine wood fraction fuel. The experts at Koehler Renewable Energy, a part of the Koehler Group, have succeeded in developing an innovative technique that will allow a type of biomass to be used as fuel in the existing coal‐fired power plant in a completely new way. It is an innovation on the market. The plant’s conversion from lignite to fine wood fraction as the fuel, is part of the Group’s climate strategy. It is an important contribution to keeping Koehler’s promise of producing more energy from renewable sources by 2030 than is required for its paper production operations. In total, the conversion will save 24,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year at the Greiz site. In addition, converting the fuel will also significantly reduce sulfurous emissions and pollutants compared with pulverized lignite.

At Monadnock Paper Mills we are serious about supporting our world’s forests. That is why all Monadnock printing and packaging papers meet Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) standards and bear the FSC logo. Technical/specialty paper grades may be manufactured to FSC standards upon request. (License Code: FSC C018866) FSC stands for the Forest Stewardship Council®. It is the world’s most trusted responsible forest certification. The FSC logo signifies that the wood or paper product or material originated from responsible sources including forests managed carefully with trees, animals, and local community benefit at heart. FSC stands against illegal logging and deforestation, stands up for rare and endangered species, for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and workers’ rights, and FSC meets high environmental standards. In fact, FSC is helping to achieve 40 targets under 14 of 17 of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). FSC stands against illegal logging and deforestation, stands up for rare and endangered species, for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and workers’ rights, and FSC meets high environmental standards.

The global launch of the new HP PageWide XL Pro 5200 MFP, HP PageWide XL Pro 8200 MFP and HP PageWide XL Pro 10000 printers is a fact. The HP PageWide XL Pro Sheet Feeder accessory is an exciting innovation, enabling fast, good quality production of posters and other large format printed items. Crown Van Gelder and the HP team in Barcelona thoroughly tested and selected a range of large format media with the right balance in image quality, runnability and cost for those brand new market opportunities. We have three initial grades selected in B1 and B2 size*: Crown Letsgo Universal 3rd Gen 120 gsm, Crown Letsgo Silk 3rd Gen 170 gsm and Crown Letsgo Matte 3rd Gen 235 gsm, all with ColorPRO Technology. Available now for ordering in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and North America region.

Metsä Group is planning to construct a new Kerto® LVL mill on its expanding mill area in Äänekoski, Finland. The final decision on the investment, the value of which is approximately EUR 200 million, is pending the completion of a local detailed plan for the area. The new Kerto LVL mill is expected to use around 375,000 cubic metres of log procured from Finland. According to plans, the production of the new mill will be mainly sold to customers in Europe and Asia. The market outlook is excellent for lightweight, environmentally friendly Kerto LVL products that speed up construction, especially in industrial prefabrication, modular construction and traditional project construction. The development of a hybrid element structure combining concrete and Kerto LVL products has also made good progress and will further boost demand.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö announced that it plans to temporarily idle #8 Paper Machine in December 2021, along with its #20 Supercalender and #21 Rewinder in July 2022 at its Rhinelander, Wisconsin Plant in the United States. #8 Paper Machine has a capacity of 14,000 tons per year. The total number of people affected is yet to be determined based on retirements and other potential job assignments. “In a very competitive marketplace, we must continue to provide cost-effective and innovative products, challenging our machine capabilities to generate optimum results,” said Robyn Buss, Executive Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö's Food Packaging & Technical Solutions Business Area. “Our robust manufacturing platform is well-positioned for continued success. By utilizing several other machines in our regional system, we will provide our customers with the level of service required to meet their needs.”

International Paper Company announced that, in connection with its previously announced separation and spin-off of its global papers business, International Paper's board of directors declared a pro rata distribution of approximately 80.1% of the outstanding shares of Sylvamo Corporation (NYSE: SLVM) common stock to be made effective at 12:01 a.m. New York City time on October 1, 2021 to International Paper's shareholders of record as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on September 15, 2021, the previously-announced record date for the distribution. Each International Paper shareholder will receive one (1) share of Sylvamo common stock for every eleven (11) shares of International Paper common stock held on the record date. Following the distribution, International Paper will own approximately 19.9% of the outstanding shares of Sylvamo common stock. International Paper shareholders will not receive fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock. Instead, fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock will be aggregated and sold in the open market, with the net proceeds distributed pro rata in cash payments to the International Paper shareholders who would otherwise receive a fractional share of Sylvamo common stock.

Providing products people around the world rely on every day involves not just manufacturing, but also millions of miles of transporting. By using smart shipping practices, Domtar has reduced the environmental effects of transporting its products. In 2021, we will move about 240,000 pulp and paper shipments over the road. To get them to their destinations, drivers will travel more than 126 million miles, which is equal to about 5,100 trips around the equator. Our products are also traveling by train. Nearly 1,120,000 tons of our pulp and paper will be packed on more than 16,000 rail cars in North America. Over the last 10 years, we have circumvented more than 650,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions through strategic planning that helps us get products moved as efficiently as possible while also limiting our impact on the environment. “We have a sophisticated and cost-effective third-party distribution network to get products to customers,” says Debbie Campbell, Domtar’s director of transportation. “Yet we’re always looking at ways to improve efficiency and sustainability when it comes to transporting our products.” Click read more below for additional detail.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced that Doug Cunningham, currently Managing Director of Kimberly-Clark Australia and New Zealand, has been named President of its EMEA consumer business, and report to Chairman and CEO Mike Hsu. Cunningham will be responsible for one of the company's most dynamic and diverse regions, serving consumers in 120 countries with iconic brands across developed, developing and emerging markets. "Since joining Kimberly-Clark, Doug has delivered strong consumer-inspired innovation to grow our leading brands and gained market share across our categories. He has also strengthened our customer relationships and built and developed an excellent leadership team. He is a great fit to lead our EMEA business," said Hsu.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced that the board of directors appointed, effective today, Duncan K. Davies as an additional member of the company's board, and that Mr. Davies will succeed Bradley P. Martin as the company's non-executive chairman. Mr. Martin of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited will continue to serve as vice chairman of Resolute's now eight-member board. "Duncan has outstanding credentials and a proven track record of success in the North American forest products industry," said Remi G. Lalonde, president and chief executive officer. "We have identified wood products as a key pillar of our transformation strategy, and bringing Duncan's deep knowledge of the industry on board is an excellent step in that direction to complement our existing board and strategy. I want to also express our gratitude to Brad for his leadership and guidance as chairman for the last nine years. I'm delighted that Brad will continue to contribute to our success in his new role as vice chairman."

Global Win Capital Corporation (GWCC) ultimately owned by Shanying International, announced the appointment of Michael Grimm as its new president and chief executive officer. Grimm assumes day-to-day leadership of the North American business unit and underlying investment in North America which includes Phoenix Paper Wickliffe LLC. Mr. Grimm brings more than 30 years of relevant manufacturing experience to his new role. The announcement was approved by the board of directors of GWCC and was shared by Henry Yan Vice President of Shanying International, who remarked that Grimm was a “standout in a long, intensive international search.” Henry also added, “Mike is a strong match for what we were looking for to lead the North American business unit. He brings direct experience in the Uncoated Freesheet market as well as a solid track record of leading manufacturing organizations through highly successful operational and commercial transformations. We welcome Mike and are excited about the extensive knowledge and experience he brings to Phoenix Paper.”

Paper Excellence is pleased to announce that its Prince Albert facility has been granted a softwood fibre allocation of 1,033,564 cubic meters per year by the provincial government. “This fibre is critical to the restart of the Prince Albert pulp mill which is currently planned for the fall of 2023,” said Carlo Dal Monte, Vice President of Energy and Business Development. “This decision reflects the Saskatchewan government’s forward thinking and robust job creation ambitions. They have been terrific to work with—taking a real interest in our project and the Prince Albert community.” Paper Excellence’s Prince Albert team continues to bring better definition to the project in terms of facility equipment. “We remain dedicated to completing the facility’s pre-engineering and filing necessary provincial environmental approvals to achieve our targeted late 2023 restart date,” said Dal Monte. “As with many large projects, we are refining our understanding of the facility’s economics and the needed funding arrangements.”

In August, Phoenix Paper finished a 5M recommissioning project for our Pulp Dryer. The addition of the Pulp Dryer will allow Phoenix Paper to more efficiently operate the back end of the mill, as well as add a secondary product of baled pulp. The project was complex, upgrading former equipment and raising the roof of the building to accommodate the newer standard size of rail cars. The project was completed on time, on budget, with zero injuries. Congratulations to the entire team and our contractors for a job well done!

You are probably already aware that environmental stewardship is one of Monadnock Paper Mill’s core beliefs. But we’re also keeping a close eye on the future—that of our organization, our economy, and our planet. That’s why we are long-time partners with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Power (2007), SmartWay Transport (2010), and WasteWise Partner (2002) Programs. Through the EPA programs, we’ve committed to: *Using green power as a way to reduce the impacts associated with conventional electricity use. *Moving goods in the cleanest, most efficient way possible in the U.S. and Canada, SmartWay partners protect the environment, enhance North America’s energy security and foster economic vitality. *Promoting the use and reuse of materials more productively over their entire life cycles. One hundred percent of Monadnock’s papers are made with renewable wind-powered electricity that is certified by Green-e® (Third-party Certified Renewable Energy Certificates) and we’ve delivered: *Promoting environmental awareness among our customers, suppliers, converters, employees, and local residents. *Providing environmentally sustainable products and services to our customers. *Maintaining our record of compliance with environmental regulations and standards. *Continuing to invest in research to determine innovative ways to reduce waste and to efficiently use natural resources. *Choosing materials with minimal environmental impacts during the design and development of new products. *Encouraging legislators and state officials to develop sound environmental policies and regulations. *Committing to continual improvement in pollution prevention and in reducing environmental impacts identified in our 14001 Environmental Management System.

Packaging and Specialty paper manufacturer Sappi and packaging machine manufacturer Rovema – two internationally acknowledged frontrunners in sustainability – have joined forces in a strategic partnership to offer customers reliable, sustainable packaging solutions. Find out how the conversion to paper-based solutions can be achieved effectively and reliably in the upcoming episode of the Blue Couch Series on Tuesday, 21 September at 10 a.m. (CET) at www.sappi-bluecouch.com. *“Functional Paper Packaging – Cooperation leads to perfect packaging” *René Köhler from Sappi and Jens Torkel from Rovema will be guests on the Blue Couch *Tuesday, 21 September at 10 am (CET). Sustainable packaging is about much more than simply the packaging materials used. It also considers the technology that is deployed to process them. Since 2018, Sappi and Rovema have been collaborating as partners in the development of integrated packaging solutions as a complete package for forward-looking customers who wish to position themselves sustainably in the market. So far, these projects have yielded extremely positive results thanks to in-depth knowledge transfer between the paper manufacturer and the machine manufacturer.

Canfor Corporation announced it has provided $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross’ British Columbia Fires Appeal to support their response efforts. “As a forestry company headquartered in BC, we are committed to supporting our communities, our workers, their families and their neighbours. With so many people facing a difficult time, we are pleased to be able to make this donation to support the tremendous work of the Canadian Red Cross,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO. “On behalf of Canfor, I want to say thank you to the firefighters, first responders, volunteers and individuals who are working tirelessly to keep people safe.” The 2021 forest fire season has impacted tens of thousands of British Columbians in communities across the province. The donation will be used to support immediate relief efforts for families and help with long-term recovery and preparedness for future events.

UPM Raflatac has appointed Philip Coates to the position of Key Account Director, Americas Region, as of September 1, 2021. Philip has over 25 years of experience in the pressure-sensitive label (PSL) business, most of which he spent in various leadership and sales roles at UPM Raflatac. “We are seeing rapid changes happening in UPM Raflatac’s customer base and the Americas PSL market. Consolidation is creating label converters with different needs and expectations,” states Coates. “I’m excited to help UPM Raflatac adapt to the requirements of these customers and continue providing them with outstanding customer support.” Coates is as a member of the UPM Raflatac Americas Management Team. He also serves as a board member for TLMI, a label industry association in the U.S.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has acquired the electrotechnical paper business from German-based KÄMMERER. Through the transaction, Ahlstrom-Munksjö expands its electrotechnical paper offering in area of semiconductor papers used in special applications such as high-performing power cables and transformers. With a reinforced offering, Ahlstrom-Munksjö can further improve its customer service and expertise in this sector. Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a leading electrotechnical insulation paper manufacturer and has developed unique competence in several paper product areas for the global electrotechnical transmission and distribution industry. These include cables, distribution transformer insulation​, instrument transformers​, power transformers​ and bushings. Used as insulation material in electrical applications, electrotechnical papers require high purity to achieve low conductivity. Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s electrotechnical paper manufacturing in Jönköping uses internally produced pure and clean unbleached long fiber pulp from its Billingsfors mill in Sweden, which gives unique control of the entire manufacturing process and ensures high-quality paper products for its customers.

Avery Dennison Corporation announced it completed the acquisition of Vestcom for the purchase price of $1.45 billion, subject to customary adjustments. Vestcom is a market-leading provider of pricing and branded labeling solutions at the shelf-edge for retailers and consumer packaged goods companies. It uses data management capabilities to synthesize and streamline store-level data and deliver item-specific, price-integrated messaging at the shopper’s point of decision. Vestcom is now an Avery Dennison company.

In PakoPharm®, Koehler Paper has a specialty paper in its range, which is exclusively used as package inserts for medications and cosmetics or as instructions for use. Low paper weight and good readability are particularly important for these applications. Koehler’s PakoPharm® thin printing paper meets both of these requirements. This specialty paper with a grammage of 37 gsm to 60 gsm is ideally suited for printing and further processing on both sides, so even the smallest characters can be read with no problem. Thanks to its excellent running properties and printability in printing and folding machines, PakoPharm® is also perfect for challenging print jobs. As a leading developer and manufacturer of reel fed folding machines, GUK values outstanding quality, innovation and sustainable responsibility. With more than 70 years’ experience, the company develops and produces complex high capacity folding machines. Over 65,000 folding machines have been sold bearing the name GUK as a quality seal. The company account for approx. 70% of the worldwide demand for reel fed folding machines. “Whenever we build a new machine for package inserts for someone, wherever they are in the world, we prefer to test with PakoPharm®. That way we know that it works,” says Sebastian Faulhaber, Corporate Development and Marketing at GUK.

Stora Enso has completed the union negotiations regarding the closure of pulp and paper production at Kvarnsveden. A total of 340 people will be permanently laid off. Some 25% of the redundancies can be managed through pension arrangements, and 100 people have already found new jobs within Stora Enso or with an external employer. The redundancies will mostly take effect in November. In April 2021, Stora Enso announced a plan to permanently close down pulp and paper production at its Kvarnsveden site due to the declining paper market. As a result of the co-determination negotiations regarding the Kvarnsveden site, pulp and paper production will be closed permanently from 30 September 2021. The customer service centre at Kvarnsveden will be closed by 31 December 2021. The power plant will continue to operate, but only for the purpose of district heating and for maintaining the buildings onsite. When the co-determination plan was announced in April, the maximum personnel impact was estimated to be 440 people. As a result of the negotiations, 340 people will be permanently laid off. Some 25% of the redundancies can be managed through pension arrangements, and 100 people have already found new jobs within Stora Enso or with an external employer.

UPM will continue its efforts to initiate business-specific collective bargaining with the Paperworkers’ Union. Since spring, UPM has sought to enter into business-specific collective bargaining to negotiate flexible ways of organising work, working hours and salaries, as well as competence development within businesses with Paperworkers’ Union and employee representatives by business. However, the Paperworkers’ Union has not welcomed business-specific negotiations but has required a single company-level collective labour agreement. If Paperworkers’ Union does not accept UPM's businesses as contractual partner, the businesses need to prepare the working conditions after the turn of the year without collective labour agreement to ensure business continuity and payroll. UPM would then act according to the labour law, UPM practices and personal employment contracts. "We do not wish it would come to that, but it is a better alternative than forcing our completely different businesses into one mould," says Riitta Savonlahti, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, UPM.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that it has completed its previously announced sale of its lumber and newsprint assets to GreenFirst Forest Products Inc., a Canadian lumber company, for a total purchase price of approximately US$235 million, subject to final adjustments. The total purchase price is payable approximately 85 percent in cash and 15 percent of common shares in GreenFirst, which is subject to a six-month holding period. Notably, RYAM retained all the cash generated by the Purchased Assets prior to closing plus rights and obligations related to all softwood lumber duties, including any potential interest on the duties, previously paid to the U.S. Department of Commerce of approximately $110 million. As previously disclosed, the proceeds will be used to repay debt and make strategic capital investments focused on the High Purity Cellulose segment.

Canfor Corporation announced that it will implement reduced operating schedules at its BC sawmills, with the exception of WynnWood, starting the week of August 30. As a result, Canfor’s BC mills are expected to operate at approximately 80% of production capacity and operating schedules may continue to vary as economic conditions warrant. “Due to challenging market conditions, we are implementing reduced operating schedules at our BC sawmills that will remain in place until demand and pricing meaningfully improve. We recognize the impact that volatile lumber markets have on our employees, contractors and communities and we will make efforts to mitigate the negative effects,” said Stephen Mackie, Executive Vice President, North America, Canfor. “We will also leverage our global operating platform to minimize disruptions in supply to our customers.”

Known as IMAGin® Simply Sustainable™, the new product line is PVC-free and consists of polyester (PET) and polypropylene (PP) films that meet current regulatory standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety and Improvement Act (CPSIA). IMAGin Simply Sustainable products are primarily designed for window or glass surfaces but are versatile for other applications as well. The films are created with a unique polymer technology that delivers notable benefits over traditional static cling products or similar PVC-based products. The product line offers removable and permanent products, including: *Crystal Cling (SS299): This 4.0-mil gloss clear removable PET film offers excellent clarity and print compatibility with UV and latex inkjet printers. It features a 3.0-mil polyester traction back release liner and is intended for short- to medium-term advertising on glass surfaces such as windows, displays and signboards. *Print Friendly Opaque (SS129): Designed for medium-term advertising on glass surfaces such as windows, displays and signboards, this 2.3-mil gloss white permanent block-out PP film can be printed with UV inkjet printers. It is top-coated and protected with a 50# bleach glassine liner. *White Magic Cling (SS99) and Clear Magic Cling (SS29): Available in gloss white (SS99) or gloss clear (SS29), this 2.0-mil soft, flexible PP removable film is designed to cling to any smooth glass surface, including windows, office doors, display cases or beverage coolers. It also works well on other smooth, glossy plastic and shiny metal surfaces. It is supplied with a 90# poly-coated layflat liner for ease of processing and handling and can be printed with conventional screen and offset, UV screen and offset, UV inkjet and latex printers.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in June 2021 were UP 33.9% vs. June 2020 and are UP 2.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in June 2021 were UP 11.5% vs. June 2020 and are down 6.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in June 2021 were UP 28.1% vs. June 2020 and are UP 1.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in June 2021 were UP 43.2% vs. June 2020 and are UP 0.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in June 2021 were UP 26.9% vs. June 2020 and are UP 5.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in June 2021 were UP 57% vs. June 2020 and are UP 4.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in June 2021 were UP 41.7% vs. June 2020 and are UP 10.7% year-to-date.

Resolute’s commitment to renewable energy benefits both the environment and our bottom line. We generate three quarters of our total energy needs from renewable sources such as carbon-neutral biomass and hydroelectricity. In 2020, our commitment to renewable energy continued to result in a significant drop in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity, which reflects the volume of emissions per unit of production. We recorded a 56% reduction in GHG emissions intensity compared to 2000 levels, a tangible demonstration of Resolute’s carbon leadership. We also reduced our absolute GHG emissions by 83.4% over 2000. Replacing high-emission fuels like coal with less-carbon-intensive fuels benefits both the environment and our bottom line. We have been scope 1 coal-free since April 2014. We have also reduced the use of bunker C oil at our Clermont, Dolbeau and Saint-Félicien mills in Quebec, and initiatives are currently underway at several facilities to reduce the use of natural gas and to promote biomass or electricity utilization. In 2020, 75% of our fuel energy needs were met using biomass, including bark, wood residues and biosolids, which we use to help power our facilities rather than sending these waste products to landfill. This approach reduces our consumption of fossil fuels, as well as the GHG emissions associated with their use.

Tristram Wilkinson, currently serving as President of Kimberly-Clark's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) consumer business, has been named President of the company's Asia Pacific consumer business, and will have responsibility for the company's largest international region with operations in more than 30 countries, including China, India, Australia, Korea and the ASEAN member states. Wilkinson will continue to report to Chairman and CEO Mike Hsu and will be based in Singapore. Wilkinson is succeeding Aaron Powell, who is departing the company for an external opportunity. A successor to Wilkinson will be named in the near future.

Mactac® Distributor Products announces its OODLES multi-print wall media has earned UL 10b and 10c certification, meeting the latest compliance requirements for out-facing elevator door applications. Compliance is necessary for any elevator wraps being used in the healthcare industry, such as in hospitals and other care facilities. Earlier this year, The Joint Commission, a leading accreditation and regulating body in healthcare, changed the fire rating for elevator doors, requiring the UL 10b and 10c certification to apply graphics materials on outside-facing doors. Compliance is also recommended for outdoor elevator graphics in schools, universities, hotels, and other similar buildings and facilities. “Customers can now confidently apply Mactac OODLES media to elevator doors within these settings and have peace of mind knowing that they are in compliance with the required safety standards,” says Amanda Smith, Product Manager, Mactac Distributor Products. “The certification adds to the versatility OODLES media already delivers.”

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased five percent in July compared to July 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased nine percent in July compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (-0.1 percent) when compared to June 2021. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased seven percent compared to July 2020 while the inventory level remained essentially flat (-0.4 percent) compared to June 2021. UFS imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up four percent and 18 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in July increased three percent compared to last July while the inventory level increased two percent compared to June 2021. CFS imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up 32 percent and 53 percent respectively. Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments increased 16 percent compared to July 2020 while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to June 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up 60 percent and 31 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in July increased 28 percent compared to last July while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to June 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to June 2020, up 61 percent and 180 percent respectively.

Neenah, Inc. adds the first of its kind, environmentally forward RECYCOTAPE™ tape backing to its sustainable product offering. Consumers can now recycle shipping or packaging boxes sealed with RECYCOTAPE, as this unique packaging tape backing will break down along with the box during the recycling process. RECYCOTAPE is uniquely made from FSC® certified, sustainably sourced fibers that easily re-pulp and allow coating removal during the recycling process. As a result, these base papers can provide usable fiber to reprocess into new paper. “There is a growing interest in the market for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional packaging tapes and a viable replacement for plastic-based, non-recyclable tapes used to seal corrugated boxes. RECYCOTAPE is both,” says Chris Boothby, Tape Product Manager for Neenah.

The global Felix Schoeller Group is announcing plans to invest in a manufacturing operation for Release Liners at their Pulaski, New York facility. After years of rapid business growth, the company is now recognized as a leading manufacturer of siliconized poly-coated kraft (PCK) liners. Based on the unique integration into paper making, extrusion coating and siliconizing, Felix Schoeller Release Liners have become a benchmark in the self-adhesive graphics, tape, and industrial markets. The planned investment in North America is not only a geographic expansion but will also add new capabilities: The new operation is designed to coat both solventless and solvent based silicone systems to best meet the requirements of current and future customers. The new operation is expected to be operational by 2023.

Germany’s biggest amusement park, Europa‐Park, as begun using the innovative Blue4est® Thermal Paper of Koehler Paper. It’s also marketed under the name “Ökobon” in Germany. The blue receipt paper is durable, sustainable, recyclable and guaranteed to be free of chemically reactive components. Although fun and variety are the main focus at Europa‐Park, the family‐run enterprise that employs just under 4,450 people attaches enormous importance to sustainability as well. Using the blue Koehler receipt paper is one of the ways in which Europa‐Park is taking its customers’ interest in increased sustainability seriously. In most cases, traditional receipt paper cannot be disposed of as wastepaper, but is sorted into residual waste instead. This is not the case with the blue Thermal Paper from Koehler that Europa‐Park has been using at its 600 cash registers since August of this year.

Per Ivar Berg (58) has been appointed new Managing Director at Norske Skog Saugbrugs AS from February 1, 2022. He has extensive experience from a number of positions in the pulp and paper industry, in addition to food industry. Until recently, he was the Executive Vice President at TINE with responsibility for production, investments, contingency planning, product development and R&D. He has previously been Managing Director at the Norske Skog mills Follum and Parenco as well as production- and maintenance manager at Saugbrugs from 1997 to 2001. Berg graduated in 1987 with a master degree in chemical engineering at NTNU in Trondheim. "We are very pleased to welcome Per Ivar Berg as the new Managing Director at Norske Skog Saugbrugs. Together, we share the ambition to create as competitive Norske Skog Saugbrugs as possible in this demanding industry. Today, Saugbrugs is well-run mill with great potential for further development, especially within new fibre products. For Saugbrugs, Berg will enhance broad industrial experience, high ambitions and new expertise to further develop the product portfolio and mill," says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog ASA and Chair of the Board of Norske Skog Saugbrugs AS.

Zume, the sustainability solutions company creating economically viable substitutes for single-use plastics, today announced a partnership with Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals. They are open-sourcing a PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) replacement for food packaging manufacturing to food manufacturers and CPG brands across the global market. To see the open-source process, go to: zume.com/pages/freefromPFAS. In conjunction, Zume is announcing it will no longer manufacture any products that contain PFAS from its California packaging facility, effective immediately, and the company is collaborating with its global partners to ensure that all production globally is PFA-free by the end of 2021. “Open-sourcing our PFA-free solution creates a path for brands across the world to remove plastics and harmful chemicals from their consumer packaging and single-use goods,” said Zume CEO and Chairman Alex Garden. “Brands have made pledges to remove PFAS and this new launch will enable them to deliver on their promises.”

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,537 thousand tons (-9% vs. 2Q20). • Paper sales of 296 thousand tons (+26% vs. 2Q20). • Adjusted EBITDA1 and Operating cash generation²: R$5.9 billion and R$4.9 billion, respectively. • Adjusted EBITDA1 /ton3 from pulp of R$2,166/ton (+56% vs. 2Q20). • Adjusted EBITDA1 /ton4 from paper of R$1,506/ton (+12% vs. 2Q20). • Average net pulp price – export market: US$636/t (+35% vs. 2Q20). • Average net paper price4 of R$4,731/ton (+9% vs. 2Q20). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$680/ton (+13% vs. 2Q20). • Decrease in leverage to 3.3 times in USD and 3.1 times in BRL.

KPLP Q2 2021 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue decreased by $47.5 million or 12.3% to $339.3 million in Q2 2021 compared to $386.8 million in Q2 2020. • Adjusted EBITDA was $37.3 million in Q2 2021 compared to $64.4 million in Q2 2020, a decrease of 42.1%, and similar sequentially to the $37.5 million in Q1 2021. • TAD Sherbrooke continues to run above the expected start-up curve. • Completed financing for the Sherbrooke Expansion Project. • Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share to be paid on October 15, 2021.

The city of Lappeenranta has come of age in symbiosis with UPM. For over 120 years, the forest giant has driven prosperity and innovation in the eastern Finnish border town newly voted as one of Europe’s greenest cities. “Lappeenranta wouldn’t be the vibrant city it is today without UPM,” says Mayor Kimmo Jarva. His words are more than a polite nod to the city’s top corporate taxpayer. Ever since the Kaukas mill was founded in 1873, the historic garrison town has evolved in close synergy with UPM. The mayor’s fourth-floor office provides sweeping views of the forests that have brought wealth to the town. The same forests now yield not only sawn timber, pulp and paper but also a new kind of “green gold” – circular innovations such as renewable biofuels, biochemicals and biomedical products.

Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring Ltd has made an equity investment in Innomost Ltd, a startup converting forest industry side streams into high-value bioactive products. The financing round totals approximately EUR 5 million, consisting of private investments and public financing from Business Finland and ELY Centre for Central Finland. Metsä Spring is participating in the round with Innovestor Technology Fund and other private investors. Innomost intends to produce valuable ingredients for the cosmetics and personal care industry, as well as for other industrial applications. Metsä Group has several mills, which may provide birch bark for the production. The company’s present product portfolio includes betulin, suberin, birch charcoal powder and birch bark powder. These ingredients can be used in different cosmetic product categories, including skincare, hair care, body care, decorative cosmetics and oral care. Especially betulin and suberin have also other potential industrial uses. The Finnish skincare brand Lumene has launched a couple of cleansing products with Innomost ingredients.

Tronox Holdings plc, the world’s leading integrated manufacturer of titanium dioxide pigment, announced that its Board of Directors had reorganized its committee structure to enhance the Board’s oversight over environment, sustainability and governance (“ESG”). Under the new structure, the Governance Committee will become the Governance and Sustainability Committee with a restated committee charter that will require management to regularly report on its progress on key ESG initiatives. The enhanced Board oversight comes on top of other significant ESG-related improvements made by Tronox, including the announcement in its most recent Sustainability Report of a detailed plan to align with a global warming scenario below 2° C and achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050; inclusion of carbon emission reduction targets in its executive compensation programs; and a commitment to be fully compliant with applicable TCFD and SASB disclosure standards when it releases its 2021 sustainability report.

International Paper is proud to announce Sylvamo Corporation as the name of its global papers spinoff, with headquarters planned for Memphis, Tennessee. The name Sylvamo speaks to the company's connection to trees and highlights its role as a steward of sustainable forests. Sylvamo combines the Latin words for forest, "silva," and love, "amo." Company leaders translate this unique combination as "love of forests." Sylvamo, currently a subsidiary of International Paper, will be governed by a nine-member board with eight independent directors. Jean-Michel Ribiéras, senior vice president, Global Papers, will serve as the company's chairman and chief executive officer.

Interfor Corporation recorded Net earnings in Q2’21 of $419.2 million, or $6.45 per share, compared to $264.5 million, or $4.01 per share in Q1’21 and $3.2 million, or $0.05 per share in Q2’20. Adjusted net earnings in Q2’21 were $433.5 million compared to $270.6 million in Q1’21 and $10.6 million in Q2’20. Robust lumber prices in North America and strong operating performance during the second quarter of 2021 led to Interfor realizing record financial results, including records for Net earnings, Adjusted EBITDA and cash flow from operations.

After a successful first rebuild stage of the paper machine 5 in Oberkirch, Germany – with the installation of the Voith SpeedSizer film press and contactless qDryPro Compact high‐performance drying system – Koehler Paper has confirmed its confidence in Voith. Hartmut Felsch, plant manager at Koehler, Oberkirch, Germany: “"In Voith, we have found a strong and reliable partner with the highest quality standards for all areas of paper production.” Thorsten Heidt, Senior Sales Manager at Voith also confirms: “We have a long‐standing, successful business relationship with Koehler. Just recently, Koehler was able to achieve a world speed record with the new production line 8 at the Kehl location thanks to our successful cooperation and continuous optimization. We are very pleased that Koehler has again opted for our leading technologies and that our solution convinced in all points.” Koehler has selected the full‐line supplier to deliver the second modernization stage, focusing on the much‐proven NipcoFlex shoe press. The aim is to achieve an optimal production result.

Net sales for the three months ended June 30, 2021 increased $61 million, or 23%, compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020, driven by increases in volume and favorable price/mix as the economy began to open, partially offset by $30 million, or 11%, attributable to our idled Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids mills. Total company sales volume was up from 346 thousand tons during the three months ended June 30, 2020, to 369 thousand tons during the same period of the current year. Of the 23 thousand ton volume increase, 82 thousand tons were attributable to an increase in volume, partially offset by 59 thousand tons attributable to our idled Duluth and Wisconsin Rapids mills. Operating income was $11 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $53 million when compared to operating loss of $42 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.

For the second quarter of 2021, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $406 million, a 15% decrease compared to net sales of $481 million for the second quarter of 2020. Net loss for the second quarter of 2021 was $52 million, or $3.10 per diluted share, compared to net income for the second quarter of 2020 of $23 million, or $1.36 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, Clearwater Paper reported adjusted net loss in the second quarter of 2021 of $18 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared to second quarter 2020 adjusted net income of $28 million, or $1.67 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $15 million, compared to the second quarter of 2020 Adjusted EBITDA of $79 million. Additionally, Clearwater Paper incurred impairment and other closure costs associated with the recently announced closure of its Neenah, Wisconsin facility of $41.7 million. For the first six months of 2021, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $832 million, a 13% decrease compared to net sales of $958 million for the first six months of 2020. Net loss for the first six months of 2021 was $40 million, or $2.37 per diluted share, compared to net income for the first six months of 2020 of $33 million, or $1.99 per diluted share. On a non-GAAP basis, Clearwater Paper reported adjusted net loss in the first six months of 2021 of $6 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, compared to first six months of 2020 adjusted net income of $37 million, or $2.24 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA for the first six months was $69 million, compared to the first six months of 2020 Adjusted EBITDA of $134 million.

Q2 2021 Highlights (comparative figures have been restated to reflect discontinued operations2) *Sales of $956 million (compared with $942 million in Q1 2021 (+1%) and $1,020 million in Q2 2020 (-6%)) *As reported (including specific items) **Operating income of $23 million (compared with $44 million in Q1 2021 (-48%) and $64 million in Q2 2020 (-64%)) **Operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBD)1 of $87 million (compared with $109 million in Q1 2021 (-20%) and $127 million in Q2 2020 (-31%)) **Net earnings per share of $0.02 (compared with $0.22 in Q1 2021 and $0.57 in Q2 2020)

Consolidated net sales of $269.3 million in the second quarter of 2021 increased 67 percent compared with $161.4 million in the second quarter of 2020. The increase includes strong volume growth in both segments, including net sales from the Itasa acquisition of $33.2 million. The impact from lower net selling prices was mostly offset by favorable currency effects. Excluding the Itasa acquisition, net sales grew 4% from the first quarter of 2021. Operating loss of $32.6 million in the second quarter of 2021 decreased compared to operating loss of $58.5 million in 2020. The operating loss of $32.6 million in 2021 resulted primarily from non-routine charges of $51.9 million, including asset restructuring costs resulting from the Appleton Mill closure, loss on debt extinguishment, acquisition and integration costs, pension settlement losses and other restructuring items as detailed in the GAAP reconciliation table.

The quarter-on-quarter improvement in Group EBITDA and overall return to profit of US$18 million was driven by strong dissolving pulp (‘DP’) prices and an excellent performance from the packaging and specialities segment. These gains were partially offset by ongoing global logistical challenges which impacted export deliveries and costs in all three regions and lower margins in Europe due to significant input cost inflation. Higher selling prices facilitated a substantial increase in EBITDA for the DP segment and sentiment generally remained buoyant on the back of steadily improving retail demand in the apparel sector. The average Chinese market price for hardwood DP increased 19% on the prior quarter to US$1,088 per ton. The EBITDA in the packaging and specialities segment reached a new record high and contributed almost half of the group EBITDA. Sales volumes increased by 23% compared to the equivalent quarter in the prior year and validate the strategic actions taken to reduce exposure to graphic paper through diversification into this segment.

Mercer International Inc. is pleased to announce that it received approval from the applicable Bankruptcy Court for a sales Order approving the acquisition by its wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-of-the-art CLT manufacturing facility located at Spokane, Washington (the “Facility”) for a price of $50 million, subject to customary adjustments. The closing of the sale is scheduled to occur shortly. The Facility is located on 54 acres of land near Spokane and has an area of about 270,000 square feet; is equipped with state-of-the-art extensive automation technologies including one of the largest CLT presses in the world; has capacity of approximately: (a) 13 million sq. ft. of 5-ply panels annually or 140,000 cubic meters of annual production based on 5-day operations ; and (b) represents about 30% of the current North American mass timber manufacturing capacity.

Sole Source Capital LLC announced that it has acquired I.D. Images (“IDI”), a premier provider of product identification solutions. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Established in 1995, IDI is a manufacturer of high-quality durable and graphic intensive labels that address a broad range of product identification needs for a variety of end markets and customers. The company offers custom and stock labels to distributors, value-added resellers, and label converters and printers. Headquartered in Brunswick, OH, the company has eight manufacturing and distribution locations across the United States.

The pulp and paper industry is invested in the health of our forests, and sustainability continues to be a high priority in the next decade. At Domtar, we’re proud of our commitment to the environment, and to see our colleagues be recognized for their sustainability focus. The American Forest and Paper Association, of which Domtar is a part, recently released five sustainability goals for the industry to meet by 2030: *Zero injuries *Resilient forests *Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions *Drive water stewardship *Advance a circular value chain. AF&PA also highlights sustainability work at individual companies and advocates for the industry on important issues, such as recycling, postal reform and consumer choice of paper communications.

As from this summer, sugar beet pulp will be used to make Van Gilse kilo bags of granulated sugar. The kilo bags will be on sale in supermarkets. Sugar beet paper is a ground breaking innovation of Cosun Beet Company and paper manufacturer Crown Van Gelder. Step by step, the paper packaging will be introduced for other Van Gilse products. The sugar beet paper was extensively tested with paper manufacturer Crown Van Gelder before being taken into use. It is suitable for direct food contact and is strong, machine processable and easy to open and close. Sugar beet paper is made in part from beet pulp, a by-product of the sugar production process that is currently used as an animal feed and a source of green gas. By replacing 20% of the wood fibres in the paper, sugar beet fibres reduce the environmental impact by 16%.

Stockholders of Domtar Corporation approved a proposal to adopt a business combination with Paper Excellence B.V. whereby Karta Halten B.V., an affiliate of Paper Excellence, will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Domtar common stock for $55.50 per share in cash pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger dated May 10, 2021 (the “Merger”). More than 81 percent (81.93%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Domtar’s common stock entitled to vote at the special meeting of stockholders were voted in favor of the Merger. In addition, the non-binding compensation advisory proposal was also approved by a majority of the shares represented at the meeting.

Record quarterly reported operating income of $1.04 billion driven by unprecedented high lumber prices and a strong operating performance across all regions; record-high quarterly sales of $2.5 billion. Results in the pulp and paper segment largely reflected materially higher Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) pulp unit sales realizations, and to a lesser extent, an 8% increase in shipments following transportation disruptions experienced in the first quarter of 2021. These factors more than offset the impact of the stronger Canadian dollar and market-related fibre cost increases in the current quarter.

Mercer International Inc. reported second quarter 2021 Operating EBITDA increased to $83.8 million from $40.5 million in the second quarter of 2020 and from $82.0 million in the first quarter of 2021. In the second quarter of 2021, net income was $21.4 million compared to a net loss of $8.4 million in the second quarter of 2020 and net income of $5.9 million in the first quarter of 2021. In the first half of 2021, Operating EBITDA increased by 70% to $165.8 million from $97.5 million in the same period of 2020. In the first half of 2021, net income was $27.3 million compared to a net loss of $11.8 million in the same period of 2020.

Pro forma Q2/2021 compared with Q2/2020 (AhlstromMunksjö) • Net sales increased by 21.8% to EUR 757.3 million (621.5). At constant currency rates, net sales increased by 25% on higher volumes • Comparable EBITDA improved to EUR 95.8 million (74.0), representing 12.6% (11.9) of net sales, and was driven by significantly higher sales volumes and an improved product mix. Reported Q2/2021 • Reported operating result was EUR 32.6 million and included items affecting comparability and other items of EUR -18.2 million • Net result was EUR 5.7 million including net financial items of EUR -24.8 million and taxes of EUR -2.1 million

The Koehler Group has acquired 100% of the shares in Marienthaler Werbe-Offsetdruck GmbH & Co. KG. Since 2019 Koehler has been a majority shareholder in the company Marienthaler, which is based in Schleiden in the Eifel mountains, specializes in the production and distribution of coasters. Kai Furler, CEO of the Koehler Group, said: “In order to bring together the company’s expertise in the production of coasters, we have reached an agreement with the Uhlmann family to take over all of the shares in Marienthaler.” The Uhlmann family, which owned the company, has thus relinquished all its interests in the company. In July the Marienthaler site and company’s production plant in Schleiden have been seriously affected in recent days by the severe flooding that has taken place in the region. This is why customer orders from Marienthaler in Schleiden will be fulfilled by KATZ GmbH & Co. KG in Weisenbach, a comany of the Koehler Group. The aim is, to make the acquisition as smooth as possible for customers.

Pactiv Evergreen announced that the Company has made the difficult decision to exit the coated groundwood paper business. As a result, the Company will permanently cease production of coated groundwood paper at its Pine Bluff, AR location. The Company will continue to strategically invest in the Pine Bluff mill, which will remain an essential facility in the Pactiv Evergreen operations network, serving the fiber-based beverage packaging market. Pactiv Evergreen will work directly with our coated groundwood customers to meet their product needs and support their transition to new suppliers until production ends in Q4. The Company expects to complete the closure by October 31, 2021, with shipments continuing until inventory is depleted.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. reported net income of $268 million for the quarter ended June 30, compared to net income of $6 million in the same period in 2020. Sales were $1,140 million in the quarter, an increase of $528 million from the year-ago period. Excluding special items, the company reported net income of $300 million, or $3.74 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $22 million, or $0.25 per share, in the second quarter of 2020. The company reported operating income of $406 million in the second quarter, compared to operating income of $6 million in the second quarter of 2020. The improvement reflects higher selling prices ($500 million) in the wood products, pulp and paper segments, offset by the stronger Canadian dollar ($39 million), higher fiber costs ($27 million), and maintenance ($14 million). At $445 million, adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter was $408 million higher than the second quarter of 2020.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from ST Paper to supply a new tissue machine for its recently acquired site in Duluth, Minnesota, USA. Start-up is planned for the end of 2022. The ANDRITZ tissue machine of the type PrimeLineTM W 2000 has a design speed of 2,000 m/min and a working width of 5.65 m to produce a range of bath, napkin and towel grades. The order includes: *the approach flow equipment with double dilution capability for excellent fiber preparation *a fully cantilevered PrimePress XT Evo shoe press for gentle dewatering *a 16 ft. PrimeDry Steel Yankee with head insulation, steam and condensate systems, and high-performance Yankee hood and process air systems for energy-efficient drying *mist extraction and dust removal systems for safe operation and *a PrimeReel standard reel with turn-up equipment for excellent end product quality. ST Paper acquired Verso Corporation’s idled Duluth mill in May, with the intention to convert the mill’s production from specialty paper grades to tissue.

Koehler Group publishes figures for 2020 financial year: Despite the worldwide impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fall of total sales for German paper industry, the Koehler Group managed to perform relatively well in its market and maintained its competitive edge and invested more than 91 Million Euros during 2020. In the 2020 financial year, Koehler Group’s revenue fell by 11.7% to 769 million euros. The operating result of 66 million euros is significantly lower than the previous year’s figure and therefore significantly below target. Koehler Paper saw its sales volume fall by 1.5%, with the decrease essentially due to the decline caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Koehler Group’s equity grew by 29 million to 590 million euros during the previous financial year. The equity ratio therefore equals 57.2%, with a decrease in the balance sheet total, and has clearly exceeded the long-term objective of more than 40%.

Second Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights: *Record revenue of $927 million increased 4 percent sequentially, driven primarily by 5 percent higher TiO2 average selling prices and 5 percent higher zircon average selling prices *Income from operations of $150 million; Net income of $77 million *TiO2 sales volumes increased 1 percent sequentially, driven by continued recovery led by North America and Europe *Zircon sales volumes continue to be very strong, but declined 5 percent sequentially from record first quarter levels as expected. Tronox achieved another record quarter of TiO2 volumes and key financial metrics including revenue, EPS, Adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow. Second quarter revenue increased 4 percent sequentially, primarily driven by higher TiO2 and zircon average selling prices. TiO2 sales volume grew 1 percent sequentially led by growth in North America and Europe.

Label and Graphic Materials - Reported sales increased 25% to $1.4 billion. Compared to prior year, sales were up 17% ex. currency (up 11% vs. 2019) and up 16% on an organic basis (up 11% vs. 2019). *Label and Packaging Materials sales were up approximately 12% from prior year on an organic basis, with strong growth in both the high value product categories and the base business. *Sales increased by approximately 49% organically in the combined Graphics and Reflective Solutions businesses. *On an organic basis, sales were up high-single digits in North America, up mid-teens in Western Europe, and up approximately 20% in emerging markets. Retail Branding and Information Solutions - Reported sales increased 80% to $529 million. Compared to prior year, sales were up 73% ex. currency (up 25% vs. 2019) and up 72% on an organic basis (up 14% vs. 2019), reflecting strong growth in both the high value categories and the base business. *Intelligent Labels was up approximately 65% organically. Industrial and Healthcare Materials - Reported sales increased 49% to $197 million. Compared to prior year, sales were up 39% ex. currency (up 11% vs. 2019) and up 33% on an organic basis (up 6% vs. 2019), reflecting an approximately 60% increase in industrial categories and a high-single digit decline in healthcare categories.

Avery Dennison announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Vestcom, a privately held market-leading provider of pricing and branded labeling solutions at the shelf-edge for retailers and consumer packaged goods companies, for $1.45 billion in a cash transaction, subject to certain closing and post-closing adjustments. Vestcom uses data management capabilities to synthesize and streamline store-level data and deliver item-specific, price-integrated messaging at the shopper’s point of decision. The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Vestcom is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, with roughly $400 million in annual revenue. The company has 11 U.S. production facilities and approximately 1,200 employees, with sales across multiple U.S. retail channels, including grocery, drug, and dollar. Vestcom’s solutions include stackz® pre-cut, pre-sorted self-adhering shelf labels; shelfStrips® shelf-edge planogram displays; adSigns® signage kits; and shelfAdz® branded marketing displays.

JANUARY–JUNE 2021 (1–6/2020) *Sales were EUR 2,942 million (2,453). *Operating result was EUR 379 million (163). Comparable operating result was EUR 416 million (158). *Result before taxes was EUR 354 million (139). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 391 million (134). *Comparable return on capital employed was 15.0% (6.2). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 374 million (203). President and CEO Ilkka Hämälä: "The first half of 2021 turned out to be altogether excellent for Metsä Group. The growth in demand as well as the increase in prices in the pulp business and mechanical wood products, which began during the fourth quarter in 2020, continued throughout the period. The paperboard business also continued its strong performance and there, too, the already robust demand continued to improve, due to which price levels in different market areas also took an upward turn. Demand for consumer products in tissue paper was on a significantly lower level than in the previous year, and the intermittent easing of the pandemic did not yet figure greatly in the demand for professional products.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in May 2021 were UP 27.3% vs. May 2020 and are down 2.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in May 2021 were UP 8.5% vs. May 2020 and are down 9.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in May 2021 were UP 17.0% vs. May 2020 and are down 2.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in May 2021 were UP 25.6% vs. May 2020 and are down 6.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in May 2021 were UP 13.5% vs. May 2020 and are UP 1.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in May 2021 were UP 49.8% vs. May 2020 and are down 2.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in May 2021 were UP 46.7% vs. May 2020 and are UP 5.7% year-to-date.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö will restart one of its saturator in its Turin plant in Italy to support strong demand for high performance filtration media. “Based on current strong customer demand, we see a need to expand our saturating capacity,” said Giuseppe Costa, VP Filtration EMEA and APAC. “We have evaluated various options and came to the conclusion that restarting the saturator we already have in place in Turin is the quickest and most reliable way to bring qualified capacity to the marketplace in a very short period,” he added. This decision follows a series of investments announced by the group in the last few years to strengthen the company’s industrial platform and support demand growth in the industrial and engine filtration industry globally.

The Koehler group is investing in the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF) with the aim of actively fostering the development of sustainable innovations and technologies. The ECBF is the first growth investment fund to be dedicated exclusively to projects in the field of the bioeconomy in Europe, including the accompanying circular economy. With a targeted fund size of EUR 250 million, the ECBF is set to become an important international financial instrument and to contribute to making Europe climate-neutral by 2050. The circular economy conserves natural resources, and is one of the prerequisites for reaching the EU’s climate objectives in order to become climate-neutral by 2050. The Koehler Group is currently working on a range of innovations with a focus on circular economy concepts. “When developing innovations, we not only make use of internal expertise, but also rely on collaborations and start-ups. Our involvement in the ECBF will hopefully help to ensure that targeted funding is provided for promising technological developments,” Dr. Karrer continues. This not only pertains to technologies for Koehler Paper, but also to a range of other activities and business models within the Koehler Group.

Net sales amounted to SEK 8,982m (9,480). The lower sales level was related to the discontinued publication paper operations and the divestment of Wood Supply UK. Excluding these effects, net sales increased by 17%, driven by higher selling prices in all product areas. EBITDA improved 78% to SEK 3,619m (2,031). The increase was mainly attributable to higher selling prices in all product areas, but also to good production and a stable, low cost level. EBITDA margin was 40.3% (21.4). Operating profit increased to SEK 2,927m (1,228); Operating cash flow amounted to SEK 1,581m (614); Earnings per share increased to SEK 3.25 (1.34)

Jussi Pesonen, President and CEO, comments on the Q2 results: “UPM delivered a very good second quarter, and rapid recovery of our earnings continued. In the exceptional economic environment, demand for UPM’s products was strong, and overall, our price increases more than offset rising input costs. At the same time, our transformative growth projects continued on schedule and on budget, and we are in an excellent position going forwards. Our Q2 sales increased by 15% to EUR 2,384 million, and comparable EBIT was up by 51% rising to EUR 307 million from the lockdown affected Q2 of last year. Operating cash flow increased to EUR 308 million. Net debt at the end of June was EUR 750 million, and our financial position remains strong with EUR 2.5 billion in cash funds and unused committed credit facilities. The most notable improvement was seen in UPM Biorefining, where pulp and sawn timber prices soared, and the business area made its best second quarter ever. Result was held back by the scheduled maintenance shutdown at the Fray Bentos pulp mill in Uruguay, and a shutdown due to a fire at the Lappeenranta biorefinery in Finland."

Trayforma by Stora Enso is a new wood fibre-based material composition designed for microwavable food tray packaging. The renewable material is free of PET, has a very low share of PP and a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional meal tray products. The material contains up to 95% wood fibres, making it widely recyclable in most existing carton packaging recycling schemes. Microwavable meals are typically packed in fossil-based PET trays as the material is safe for heating. Stora Enso’s Trayforma material replaces fossil-based plastics with renewable, light-weight paperboard that significantly lowers the carbon footprint of each tray. By changing to recyclable, low-carbon trays, brand owners and retailers selling microwave ready-meals can act on circular economy commitments.

• Sales increased by 22.6% to EUR 2 592 (2 114) million, due to higher deliveries and prices. Sales excluding Paper increased by 28.4%. • Operational EBIT increased to EUR 364 (178) million, due to higher prices and volumes, especially in Biomaterials, Wood Products, and Packaging Materials. Operational EBIT excluding Paper increased to EUR 413 (216) million. • Operational EBIT margin increased to 14.0% (8.4%). Excluding Paper, the operational EBIT margin was 19.1% (12.9% • The value of forest assets, including leased land and Stora Enso's share of Tornator, increased to EUR 7.4 (5.4) billion. The forest valuation method was changed in Q4/2020 to market based valuation in Sweden. • Strong cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 463 (363) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR 339 (239) million. • Net debt decreased by EUR 314 million to EUR 2 975 (3 289) million.

Stora Enso’s pilot facility for producing bio-based carbon materials from lignin has started operations. This follows the company’s EUR 10 million investment announced in 2019. Pilot production of Lignode® by Stora Enso, wood-based carbon for batteries, is currently being ramped up. Applications include electric vehicles and consumer electronics as well as large-scale energy storage systems. The global battery market is projected to grow tenfold over the next decade as battery producers seek more sustainable materials for the electrification of mobility. Since sustainability is becoming a top priority for the automotive industry, car manufacturers and battery producers are focusing heavily on reducing carbon emissions in electric cars. Today, fossil-based carbon is used in the anodes of rechargeable batteries. By converting lignin separated from wood into carbon-based anode materials, the synthetic and non-renewable graphite material can be replaced.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has launched CircleToZero®, a holistic program for the pulp-producing industry with the goal of providing strong support to customers in their efforts to achieve maximum, sustainable production, aiming at zero emissions and zero waste production. Pairing in-house innovations with ANDRITZ’s proven and state-of-the-art technologies, CircleToZero will enable the pulp-producing industry to either eliminate or make use of side streams in pulp production and convert by-products into new added-value products.

Strong sales growth continued throughout the second quarter, driven by volume growth, product mix and higher prices. Sales volumes increased compared to the same period last year despite different timing in the maintenance schedule. Profitability continued to strengthen with excellent cash flow delivery in the second quarter. Halfway into 2021, we experienced strong demand and a good sales momentum for all our product segments. *Net sales grew by 6% to SEK 6 504 million (6 156) Excluding currency effects net sales grew by 9% *Adjusted EBITDA* increased by 14% to SEK 883 million (774) *Operating profit amounted to SEK 404 million (245) *Net profit was SEK 311 million (202) *Earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.50 (0.98)

Canfor Corporation is announcing the curtailment of approximately 115 million board feet of production capacity at its Canadian sawmills during the third quarter of 2021 due to the significant supply chain challenges and transportation backlog in Western Canada as a result of the extreme wildfire conditions. “The wildfires burning in Western Canada are significantly impacting the supply chain and our ability to transport product to market. As a result, we are implementing short-term production curtailments at our Canadian sawmills beginning July 26. We are developing site specific plans to minimize the impacts to our employees and contractors,” said Stephen Mackie, Executive Vice President, North American Operations, Canfor.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 10 percent in June compared to June 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 16 percent in June compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased four percent when compared to May 2021. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in June increased 16 percent compared to last June while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to May 2021. UFS imports decreased five percent while exports increased 33 percent in May 2021. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased four percent compared to June 2020 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to May 2021. CFS imports decreased six percent while exports increased 58 percent in May 2021. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in June increased 41 percent compared to last June while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to May 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to May 2020, up 29 percent and 41 percent respectively. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased nine percent compared to June 2020 while the inventory level decreased five percent compared to May 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to May 2020, up 26 percent and 52 percent respectively.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Shandong Huatai Paper Industry Shareholding to upgrade an existing BCTMP (bleached chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp) plant to become the world’s largest mechanical pulping line for P&W (Printing & Writing) paper production at the mill in Dongying, Shandong province, China. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2022. ANDRITZ will rebuild two existing high-consistency (HC) refiners as well as the existing screw presses, disc filters and screens, and supply new equipment for all other process steps. The upgrade project features the following technological highlights: *New MSD Impressafiner with the latest IIoT features for optimum wood chip maceration and chemical impregnation *New Side-Entry Plug Feeder (SEPF) feeding system for constant and efficient HC refiner feeding *Rebuild of the existing HC refiners, including the Hydraulic Commander, to enable fully autonomous monitoring and control *New DCS system as a future-oriented control system for the new fiberline

ANDRITZ Inc., a member of international technology Group ANDRITZ, has been selected by Domtar Corporation to provide equipment and technical services for conversion of a power boiler and a recovery boiler at their Kingsport paper mill, in Kingsport, TN, USA. As part of this state-of-the-art conversion, the Kingsport Mill needed to repurpose their steam generation equipment. ANDRITZ will convert an existing recovery boiler into a natural gas-fired power boiler with back-up fuel oil capability by supplying the main equipment, including low NOx burners and associated fuel and air systems. ANDRITZ will also provide equipment for the mill to modify an existing bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) power boiler so that it can accommodate a change in fuels from wood and sludge firing to corrugated cardboard (OCC) rejects, natural gas, and fuel oil firing. The scope of supply also includes boiler cleaning devices, pressure part upgrades, material handling equipment, air/flue gas system upgrades, and environmental equipment to enable the mill to meet the highest environmental standards.

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the second quarter of 2021 was NOK 17 million, a decrease from NOK 112 million in the first quarter of 2021. The markets are still somewhat impacted by the Covid-19 imposed restrictions, but are expected to improve during the second half of the year as a result of substantial capacity closures and expected sales price increases. As announced earlier, Norske Skog’s board of directors made a EUR 250 million investment decision to convert one machine at the Golbey (France) industrial site from newsprint to recycled containerboard. This is the second major step of the two planned European conversion projects in the group’s strategy of establishing Norske Skog as a leading independent European producer of recycled containerboard. Cash flow from operations was NOK -190 million in the quarter compared to NOK 163 million in the previous quarter, mainly due to a combination of low sales prices and higher energy and recovered paper costs during the quarter. Operating earnings in the second quarter of 2021 were NOK -277 million compared to operating earnings in the first quarter of 2021 of NOK 204 million. The quarter was negatively affected by restructuring expenses, mainly related to the closure of the Tasman mill, amounting to NOK 160 million. Net loss in the quarter was NOK 355 million compared to a net profit of NOK 194 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 779 million at the end of the second quarter, with an equity ratio of 41 %.

Domtar Corporation announced it will restart a paper machine at its Ashdown, Arkansas, mill to add the capacity necessary for the company to meet increasing customer demand. After a period of time to ramp up production, the machine is expected to resume full operation in January 2022, allowing Domtar to add 185,000 tons of uncoated freesheet capacity to its manufacturing network. The strategic initiative will help the company maintain its leadership position in the North American uncoated freesheet paper market and deliver the service and quality its customers expect. The company estimates the restart will cost approximately $10 million. A portion of the increased paper capacity may be utilized to increase thermal coated paper capacity at Domtar's West Carrolton, Ohio, facility to meet improving demand for its thermal point of sale paper.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö is dedicated to providing sustainable alternatives to non-renewable plastic materials in everyday life. Two new technologies further this goal, solidifying the important role that paper will play in an eco-friendly future. EnduraFlex™ technology creates stretch in crepe and extensible papers, resulting in a product that can compete with alternative flexible materials. Extensible papers are structured to accommodate stretch; the surface of the paper is not affected by its inherent flexibility. Likewise, crepe papers produced with EnduraFlex™ technology showcase new levels of stretch without compromising appearance or functionality. The end uses of EnduraFlex™ papers are widely variable, ranging from use in construction materials to e-commerce and decorative packaging solutions. HydroSize™ papers offer a sustainable alternative to traditional waterproof materials. Ahlstrom-Munksjö has developed enhanced water resistance within paper fibers and structure, preventing product saturation. The resulting papers are able to repel water and other liquids for long periods. This new technological opportunity provides consumers with a water resistant option in several different areas, including agriculture, gardening and various e-commerce packaging solutions such as cold chain insulated packaging.

Verso Corporation confirmed that it has received an unsolicited proposal from Atlas Holdings LLC regarding a potential transaction to acquire all outstanding shares of Class A common stock of Verso for $20.00 per share in cash. Consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities, Verso's Board of Directors, in consultation with its financial and legal advisors, will carefully review and evaluate the proposal to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of Verso and its stockholders. Verso stockholders need take no action at this time.

Sappi Limited announces its partnership with EcoVadis, a global leader in third-party evaluations of business sustainability performance. The two companies will collaborate to assess the sustainability performance of Sappi’s suppliers through proactive ratings and evaluations using EcoVadis’ methodology. As a global forest products leader, Sappi produces pulp, paper and biomaterials made from woodfibre sourced from well-managed forests and plantations. Sappi’s partnership with EcoVadis demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by empowering the company to gain a clearer view of its supply chain and suppliers, evaluate and promote responsible business practices, and scale its collective contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as outlined in its Thrive25 business strategy.

Give your challenging pressure-sensitive applications a strong base with Linerset, Lecta’s new release liner. The Linerset paper range guarantees high performance for all your self-adhesive materials in labelling, graphic films, tapes and industrial applications. Linerset CCK and Linerset CCK Duo are the first products from this new release liner range. Linerset CCK is a one-side clay-coated release paper for siliconization with good dimensional stability and lay-flatness. Available from 55 to 135 g/m², lower substances are generally used for labelling and the higher substances for graphic film applications. Linerset CCK Duo is a two-side clay-coated release paper for siliconization with a special reverse side treatment. With good dimensional stability as well and extra lay-flatness, the 120 to 135 g/m² substances from have been specially developed for graphic film applications. Additional Linerset glassine and Linerset SCK release liners will also be available soon in order to expand the new Linerset range.

To meet customer demand for sustainable direct thermal printing labels, Neenah announces the market launch of water-dispersible DISPERSA® DT (Direct Thermal), an innovative extension to its popular DISPERSA® portfolio. DISPERSA DT was developed as a sustainable solution for applications such as food rotation labels and reusable plastic container labels. Using the innovative technology developed for their paper-based DISPERSA line, Neenah added a direct thermal print coating to DISPERSA DT labels that are designed to disperse in water along with any imprinted or handwritten graphics. “In direct thermal printing, media selection has a direct impact on the life of the print head. Our proprietary direct thermal coating is less abrasive which contributes to less coating residue build up on the print heads and more life out of your equipment,” says Kelli Clark, Label Product Manager for Neenah.

Mondi extends its Color Copy original flagship range with extra-long digital formats (with lengths up to 1200mm) to meet the growing demand for digitally printed applications and allows for a host of new print applications. The papers offer the highest possible quality in digital colour printing and provide customers the choice between different long-sheet applications, (personalised for each customer), both in large scale or single items. Color Copy original ELDFs are compatible with all major printing machine manufacturers e.g. Konica Minolta, Ricoh, Xerox, Canon and others. The range is both FSC® and EU Ecolabel certified as well as part of the Green Range, Mondi´s umbrella trademark for sustainable paper solutions, and has a ColorLok® certification for excellent colour reproduction and faster drying in inkjet printing. "It is always our goal to produce high quality products that meet evolving needs and are sustainable by design. Color Copy original ELDFs are the perfect addition to our longstanding product range as we keep pushing the barrier in innovation." Johannes Klumpp, Marketing & Sales Director at Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper

Paper Excellence announced that it recently donated 9,000 jack pine seedlings to the James Smith Cree Nation. James Smith Cree Nation is located on Treaty 6 territory, approximately 60 kilometres east of Prince Albert. The jack pine is native to Saskatchewan and produces excellent habitat for local plant and animal species. The seedlings planted this year will grow to become a forest on the James Smith Cree reserve. “Paper Excellence understands the importance of being good neighbours and greatly values its relationships with Indigenous communities,” said Carlo Dal Monte, Vice President Energy and Strategic Development for Paper Excellence. “We’re pleased to be able to make this donation to the James Smith Cree Nation and, in a small way, support their connection to the land and desire to invest in sustainable forestry.”

ANDRITZ is providing – on EPCC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Civil Construction) basis – four of the six most important process islands in the pulp mill: *A complete Wood Processing Plant using ANDRITZ’s proven technologies. *An ANDRITZ HERB Recovery Boiler with high steam parameters of 101 bar(a) and 515°C to maximize power generation. *Two environmentally friendly hardwood Fiberlines, for capacities of 2.6 to 2.8 million t/y of kraft pulp or 1.5 million t/y of dissolving pulp. *Two innovative EvoDry Pulp Drying Systems for the most energy-efficient pulp drying based on the high-capacity Twin Wire Former technology. *ANDRITZ is also supplying a Non-Condensable Gas (NCG) treatment system that enables safe and environmentally friendly treatment of all types of diluted or concentrated malodorous gases, thus meeting the strictest environmental and social requirements.

“Der Papyrer von der Goeltzsch,” a collaborative project between companies Koehler Paper, RISSMANN, druckpartner and bellazinnfigur, focuses on two traditional handcrafts: namely, paper production and tin casting. These two traditional materials also have a big future too. Paper and tin are natural products that provide a real sensory experience. The project stands for outstanding craftsmanship, responsible production, sensory materials, and sustainable use of resources. Above all, it shows how sustainability and high-quality packaging can be combined to produce luxury items. Koehler Paper came up with the idea of producing sustainable yet high-quality packaging, containing a historical tin figure. The limited-edition box contains a high-quality printed and finished booklet containing interesting information on the “Papyrer von der Goeltzsch”, as well as a postcard and a tin figure. “Our recycling paper are a sustainable alternative for use in luxury packaging, with no compromises made in terms of quality, reliability or appearance. The ‘Papyrer von der Goeltzsch’ project is a great example of this,” stresses Udo Hollbach, CEO of Koehler Paper at the Greiz mill.

Designed as one of the most efficient specialty paper machines in the world, Koehler Paper commissioned Voith's production line 8 at its Kehl mill at the end of October 2019 - after a previous project time of only around two and a half years. Thanks to ongoing optimization, the company recently achieved a groundbreaking level of performance for the production of around 40 gsm base paper at a continuous speed of more than 1,400 m/min. Thanks to intensive cooperation, permanent project support and continuous optimization from Koehler and Voith, the line achieved an average speed of 1,410 m/min over a period of 24 hours as well as a maximum value of 1,432 m/min - a world record for the MG paper machine.

Platinum Equity announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals used in water-intensive industries, from Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (“CD&R”) and BASF in a transaction that implies an enterprise value for Solenis of $5.25 billion. As part of the transaction, Solenis is expected to merge with Sigura Water, an existing Platinum Equity portfolio company the firm acquired in 2019, for a total combined transaction value of approximately $6.5 billion. The combined company is expected to generate approximately $3.5 billion of revenue and serve a diverse range of customers around the world in consumer, industrial and pool water treatment markets. Founded in 1907 and headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Solenis is a global leader in supplying innovative specialty chemicals and services for process, functional and water treatment applications to consumer and industrial markets.

Cascades Inc. is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with an affiliate of funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, Inc. to sell its 57.6% equity interest in Reno De Medici S.p.A. for an all-cash price of €1.45 per share, corresponding to a total net cash consideration of approximately €315.3 million. The purchase price is not subject to adjustment, except in case of potential leakages of value to the seller, provided that RDM's 2020 dividend that was paid to the shareholders in May 2021 will not be considered a leakage. The selling price represents a 24% premium to RDM's 90-day volume weighted moving average share price, and a 6.9x multiple to RDM's last twelve months adjusted operating income before depreciation as of March 31, 2021. Upon closing of the recently announced acquisition of Eska Group, the RDM group operations will grow to nine mills and five specialized cutting and sheeting centers across Europe and the USA.

Lecta has published its new 2020 Environmental Report, highlighting actions and improvements carried out over the last two years. As a responsible company firmly committed to sustainability, minimizing our environmental footprint is one of our main objectives. In a year marked by the devastating impact of the pandemic and the consequent loss of production efficiency, the new report shows how the primary environmental goals of this period were still achieved. It further defines new commitments for the future and an overall goal to return to the extraordinarily positive trends in our environmental parameters prior to COVID-19. The report also underscores the considerable organizational effort made in response to the pandemic to ensure to the greatest degree possible the health and safety of everyone who is part of Lecta, while maintaining operations and service to our customers, who serve essential market segments.

Neenah, Inc. announced a number of operational changes consistent with the Company’s commitment to accelerating growth, strengthening margins, and creating value for customers and shareholders. Actions include: *Investing $13 million in new release liner coating capacity in support of its growing specialty coatings business and the recent ITASA acquisition *Restarting an idled Fine Paper & Packaging asset in support of its premium packaging business *Ceasing operations at its Appleton, Wisconsin facility. “These actions will drive accretive value and accelerate efforts toward our long-term revenue growth goal of 5% annually with strong, consistent margins. Both the investment in coating capacity for release liners and the start-up of an idled asset in support of premium packaging are aligned with our strategy to extend our capabilities into larger, growing markets with customers that value unique, premium solutions,” said Julie Schertell, Neenah’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Closing a facility is always a difficult decision and not one we take lightly. This decision is not a reflection of our employees or their efforts, as the team has consistently worked hard to overcome obstacles, improve safety and drive results. We'll continue to provide innovative filtration solutions and serve customers from our other manufacturing facilities in Europe and North America.”

Stora Enso has completed the co-determination negotiations concerning the closing down the pulp and paper production at its Kvarnsveden site in Sweden. The closure will take place by the end of the third quarter of 2021. In April 2021, Stora Enso announced a plan to permanently close down pulp and paper production at its Kvarnsveden site due to the declining paper market. As a result of the co-determination negotiations regarding the Kvarnsveden site, pulp and paper production will be closed permanently by the end of the third quarter of 2021.The customer service centre located at Kvarnsveden will be closed down by the end of 2021. Power plant will continue to operate, however only for the purpose of district heating and for maintaining buildings onsite. When the co-determination plan was announced in April, the maximum personnel impact was estimated to be 440 people. Following the closure decision, co-determination negotiations regarding personnel impact and the related redundancies will begin shortly. No lay-offs will be executed before these negotiations have been concluded.

Paper Excellence announced it has been voted one of Canada’s 2021 Best 50 corporate citizens by Corporate Knights. This is the fourteenth time that the company has achieved the Best 50 award with Corporate Knights. (Previous awards were presented to Catalyst Paper which is now wholly owned by Paper Excellence.) 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.

2020 was a turbulent year and 2021 still is. Everybody around the world is dealing with the massive impact of the Corona (COVID-19) virus. It also impacted the results of Crown Van Gelder in 2020 but we were able to write black figures. Our priority was to protect the health of our employees and maintain the service to our customers within the given circumstances. After two years of research in 2020 Crown Van Gelder developed Crown Native with the Dutch agricultural cooperative Cosun Beet Company as a strategic partner. The agricultural process residue from Cosun’s production process, beet pulp, forms a valuable resource for the paper and Crown Van Gelder succeeded in creating paper made out of 20% beet pulp, thus achieving environmental gains in several areas. Crown Van Gelder will start selling paper made with sugar beet fibres in 2021.

Kimberly-Clark published its annual report on sustainability, providing the first update on the company's global progress toward its 2030 sustainability strategy and goals, aimed at addressing the social and environmental challenges of the next decade with commitments to improve the lives and well-being of 1 billion people in underserved communities around the world with the smallest environmental footprint. "Reflecting on the past year, I am incredibly proud of how Kimberly-Clark and our people responded in a powerful way when the world needed us the most," said Mike Hsu, Chairman and CEO, Kimberly-Clark. "We know the hard work is still ahead of us, and growing for good means that we must be bolder and act faster to help address the social and environmental challenges facing our customers, consumers, communities, and the planet."

Sappi Europe has partnered with Shippeo, the European leader in real-time transportation visibility solutions. This partnership will create a fully transparent supply chain helping to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction through innovative digital supply chain capabilities. Sappi Europe employs 5,600 people across the region producing 3.7 million tons of paper and 1.12 million tons of paper pulp each year across ten mills. Sappi Europe is part of South Africa-based Sappi Limited one of the leading global providers of pulp, paper, packing and sustainable woodfibre products and solutions. This partnership with Shippeo will see real-time visibility incorporated into internal transportation and last leg customer deliveries across the continent. There is an ongoing need for supply chain cost reduction, greater customer focus with higher service levels. Digitizing processes in the supply chain is therefore a key focus area. Being able to provide real time delivery updates will increase internal efficiencies and improve overall customer service.

UPM Raflatac announced in October 2020 its plans to simplify its organisation and increase efficiency in operations and distribution. All related employee consultation processes in various European countries have now been completed. As a result, the number of positions at UPM Raflatac will decrease by 129. UPM Raflatac provides support for employees who are affected by the reductions.

UPM supports EU’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050 and recognizes the need to set more ambitious targets already for 2030. While the revision will support industry’s transformation by setting more stringent targets, UPM is deeply concerned of the regulatory uncertainty the revision may create for the coming years as it may slow down much needed green growth investments. Therefore, the revision should be limited, fit for purpose, and focus on measures that support the increased ambition. Furthermore, UPM calls for policies that recognize the pivotal role of renewable raw materials in replacing the use of fossil resources. Renewability and circular material use in production and consumption open large potential for effective climate change mitigation. The use of sustainably sourced renewable materials offers a unique solution to replace fossil consumption. UPM is committed to “Climate Positive Forestry”, which focuses on increasing the biomass in the forests and their growth through economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable forest management. We make sure that our forests remain carbon sinks and thus support efforts to mitigate climate change.

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. announces that Rick Doman has replaced Larry G. Swets, Jr. as Chief Executive Officer of GreenFirst and Paul Rivett has replaced Kyle Cerminara as Chairman of the board of directors of GreenFirst (the Board). Both Larry G. Swets, Jr. and Kyle Cerminara will remain on the Board. These changes were determined to be in the best interests of the Company going forward as GreenFirst transitions to a lumber and forestry company and moves towards the closing of the previously announced asset purchase transaction involving the acquisition of lumber and forestry assets of certain subsidiaries of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.

Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. At Mercer, we’re committed to being part of the solution. We believe technology and innovation can help get us there. For us, accountability means that we are accountable individually and have a responsibility to our partnerships. We contribute and take ownership beyond our job descriptions. This definition is broad and multifaceted, but like our other values, accountability is in everything we do. We’re a producer of green energy, a partner in healthy forest practices, and innovators working to advance cleaner technology. We take these roles seriously. Every day, we strive to build a more sustainable, resilient future for us all. In 2021, Mercer Celgar is embarking on a capital investment project to upgrade our existing woodroom. This project has a total cost of $31.4 million, of which $4.5 million is funded through Natural Resources Canada’s Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program. Completion of the woodroom upgrade project will improve the competitiveness of the pulp mill operation, reduce emissions, improve fibre utilization, and create local jobs during the construction phase.

Red Leaf Pulp Ltd., developer of a proprietary low-carbon pulping process, and Valmet, Ltd. have signed a long-term Teaming Agreement to exclusively collaborate and pursue commercialization of Red Leaf's innovative ag-based pulping process in North America, employing Valmet's fiberline and other value-added equipment. Red Leaf's initial plant in Regina Saskatchewan is expected to start commercial production in 2023 and will have the capacity to produce 600 tonnes per day of market pulp from waste wheat straw collected and aggregated from local producers.

WSBC’s mission is to advance sustainable principles and practices through the power of business. WSBC supports businesses and sustainability professionals through an array of programming, education, resources, and tools and is a catalyst for organizations looking to integrate sustainability into the fabric of their organizations. “As the demand for sustainability continues to shape our industry, brands and consumers are looking for supply chain partners that offer sustainable products and solutions,” said Renée Yardley, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “When businesses work together to provide sustainable recycled paper products, brand’s sustainability goals are achieved, driving sustainability to consumers and ultimately better for our planet.”

Total European shipments of graphic papers in April 2021 were UP 13.9% vs. April 2020 and are down 8.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in April 2021 were UP 1.2% vs. April 2020 and are down 13.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in April 2021 were UP 21.4% vs. April 2020 and are down 6.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in April 2021 were UP 10.3% vs. April 2020 and are down 11.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in April 2021 were UP 16.9% vs. April 2020 and are down 1.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in April 2021 were UP 19.0% vs. April 2020 and are down 10.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in April 2021 were UP 21.5% vs. April 2020 and are down 1.5% year-to-date.

WestRock Company announced its commitment to setting a new greenhouse gas emissions reduction target that is aligned with current climate science. WestRock has confirmed its commitment with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and will develop, validate and publish a science-based target within 24 months. “Building on a proud legacy in sustainable forestry and fiber management, we believe in the promise of a sustainable future, and we are committed to working with our customers, our supply chain and the communities where we work to get there together,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer of WestRock. “That’s why we have prioritized setting emissions reduction targets to help reduce this critical element impacting climate change.”

Paper Excellence recently partnered with Cumberland Wood Products (CWP) to plant 1,000 jack pine seedlings in and around the First Nation community of Cumberland House. Cumberland House Cree Nation formed CWP to provide economic benefits directly to the communities and shareholders who remain stewards of Kitaskīnaw, the Saskatchewan River Delta. This spring, using seedlings facilitated by Paper Excellence through its partnership in Meadow Lake, CWP managed the plant with several volunteers from the community on May 27 and June 3. The jack pine is native to Saskatchewan and produces excellent habitat for local plant and animal species. The seedlings planted this year will provide a natural ecosystem buffer for key areas around the Northern Saskatchewan community, and serve to naturally enhance the regrowth on reserve.

Domtar leaders, along with numerous Georgia state and local officials, recently broke ground to celebrate the expansion of our Jesup, Georgia-based Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM)* facility. The project will add a large-scale airlaid production line to the facility, making Domtar a leading nonwovens provider. “This project is an integral part of our long-term strategy to grow our position as a leading global absorbent materials and technology business, offering our customers both fluff pulp and airlaid nonwoven materials,” said Domtar President & CEO John Williams about Domtar’s goal to become a leading nonwovens provider. “Combining EAM’s expertise with our world-class fluff pulp business will allow us to deliver value to our customers, and Domtar, for many years to come.” “When it comes to absorbent hygiene products, what you can’t see is often the most important part,” said Lewis Fix, Domtar vice president, commercial pulp and airlaid. “We design and manufacture customizable, thin and flexible airlaid and laminate materials that keep customers comfortable and dry. Manufacturers incorporate these high-performance materials into a wide range of products sold under the NovaThin® and NovaZorb® brands.”

Mondi has approved a €125 million capital investment project at its semi-chemical fluting mill in Kuopio, Finland. This investment will increase the facility’s capacity by around 55 thousand tonnes per annum to meet growing customer demand; enhance product quality and cost-competitiveness; and strengthen the mill’s environmental performance. The project includes an upgrade of the wood yard, fibre line, evaporation plant and paper machine. Start-up is planned for the fourth quarter of 2023. ProVantage Powerflute®, the semi-chemical fluting produced at the mill, is a high performance and top quality containerboard grade. Due to its high strength, moisture resistance and durability, it is a key component of fresh fruit and vegetable trays and boxes as well as specialised applications.

Following the takeover by Koehler and its then sister company Euler GmbH & Co. KG the mill saw significant investment. This allowed the company to switch from producing punched card to high-quality colored office and specialty card made from 100% waste paper. It’s clear just from looking at the variety of Euler ColorTech paper available that the paper machine 1 (PM 1) developed into a real all-rounder during its 50-year career. One unique feature of the PM 1 is that it can quickly switch between colors and paper types, which is due to the short material and water circulation in the machine’s approach flow, according to Holger Palm, Plant Manager at Koehler Greiz. Another special feature of the PM 1 are the two efficient material processing systems and the resulting duplex paper formation. Thanks to these two systems, two different colored paper webs can be couched in the machine. “We are proud, with the help of PM 1, to have established ourselves firmly on the market for high-quality ‘Made in Germany’ recycled paper over the last 50 years,” says Holger Palm.

Trayforma by Stora Enso is a new wood fibre-based material composition designed for microwavable food tray packaging. The renewable material is free of PET, has a very low share of PP and a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional meal tray products. The material contains up to 95% wood fibres, making it widely recyclable in most existing carton packaging recycling schemes. Microwavable meals are typically packed in fossil-based PET trays as the material is safe for heating. Stora Enso’s Trayforma material replaces fossil-based plastics with renewable, light-weight paperboard that significantly lowers the carbon footprint of each tray. By changing to recyclable, low-carbon trays, brand owners and retailers selling microwave ready-meals can act on circular economy commitments.

A conveyor feeding wood chips both to the hardwood and softwood digesters at Metsä Board’s Husum pulp mill in Sweden caught fire on Friday, 18 June at about 12.30 CET. The city fire brigade managed to get the fire under control by about 14.30 CET and could hand over the responsibilities for surveillance to the Husum mill local fire brigade at 21.30 CET. The fire did not spread to other buildings and it did not cause personal injuries. The cause of the fire is being investigated. Investigation at the parts and facilities damaged by the fire has been started on Saturday morning. Currently, pulp and paperboard production at the Husum integrated mill is at a standstill. According to preliminary estimates, pulp production would be at a standstill for four weeks. Paperboard production is expected to start in the coming days at a lower than normal capacity. The magnitude of the damage caused by the fire and effects on production are under further evaluation.

Stora Enso has completed the installation of dispersion barrier technology at its Forshaga site in Sweden and production has now started. Completion of the installation follows the company’s EUR 10 million investment announced in 2020. The installation was carried out on time and the production of new products will be ramped up during the coming months. Dispersion barrier technology enables the production of more sustainable packaging solutions, facilitating the use of renewable wood fiber materials in demanding end uses such as food packaging. These products are also easier to handle in a recycling process, have a lower carbon footprint and can be composted in industrial facilities.

Sappi North America, Inc. announced that it will sell its hydroelectric assets on the Presumpscot River in Maine to Dichotomy Power LLC, pending satisfactory completion of regulatory and other approvals. The move is designed to allow Sappi to focus on its core competencies and is consistent with Sappi's recent restructuring of the Westbrook site. "We are happy to have found a strategic buyer in Dichotomy Power, a company with a wealth of expertise in this area, so that Sappi can continue to focus on its core competencies," said Mike Haws, President and CEO, Sappi North America. "Today's announcement allows us to redeploy resources to further develop our growing businesses."

Stora Enso has completed the co-determination negotiations concerning closing down the pulp and paper production at its Veitsiluoto site in Finland. The closure will take place during the third quarter of 2021. As a result of the negotiations, 550 people will be permanently laid off. Some 28% of the redundancies can be managed through pension arrangements. In April 2021, Stora Enso announced a plan to permanently close down pulp and paper production at its Kvarnsveden and Veitsiluoto sites due to the declining paper market. As a result of the co-determination negotiations regarding the Veitsiluoto site, the three paper machines, chemical pulp and groundwood production, and the sheeting plant will be closed permanently. The sawmill will continue operating at the site within the Wood Products division and employ some 50 persons. Pulp and paper production at Veitsiluoto is estimated to cease during the third quarter of 2021. The co-determination negotiations concerning the Kvarnsveden site in Sweden are still ongoing.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö expands its platform of durable building applications by launching FibRoc® Ceiling, a new offering of high performance solutions for ceiling applications. Following the launch of Fibroc® Flooring last year, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is pleased to announce the second portfolio launch of Fibroc® Ceiling. The new portfolio consists of a wide range of high performance fiber-based solutions for perforated plasterboard ceilings, mineral wool and wet felt ceilings, as well as perforated wood and metal ceilings. It brings together a wide range of high performance products for ceiling applications, making it easier for business partners to recognize and understand the product benefits. “Our high performance products deliver an excellent level of noise reduction,“ says Pierre Mary, Vice President, Nonwovens. “Delivering acoustic comfort within a room, as well as incorporating fire resistance, while meeting necessary safety standards” he adds.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 11 percent in May compared to May 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased six percent in May compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.3 percent) when compared to April 2021. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased 22 percent compared to May 2020 while the inventory level increased two percent compared to April 2021. UFS imports and exports both increased compared to April 2020, up 10 percent and 25 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in May decreased 16 percent compared to last May while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to April 2021. CFS imports decreased 14 percent while exports increased 32 percent in April 2021. Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 14 percent compared to May 2020 while the inventory level increased one percent compared to April 2021. CM imports decreased 17 percent while exports increased five percent in April 2021. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in May increased 16 percent compared to last May while the inventory level decreased 15 percent compared to April 2021. UM imports increased 10 percent while exports decreased 17 percent in April 2021.

Sustainability is an integral part of Kotkamills’ operations and is at the core of our strategy. Read more about our sustainable business on our Sustainability Report 2020. Kotkamills promotes sustainable lifestyles, living, and consumption. Sustainability is an integral part of Kotkamills’ operations and is at the core of our strategy. We want to be a trusted, agile, and successful partner that provides new and sustainable wood-based solutions now and in the future. Read more about our sustainable business from the Sustainability Report 2020.

Marc G. Serré, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., today announced $4.5 million to Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership, a company based in Castlegar, British Columbia, to deploy innovative technology and processes that improve fibre processing and address regional fibre availability issues in British Columbia. The project deploys a first-of-its-kind, high-capacity and low-operating-cost stationary flail debarker at the mill. This new flail debarker removes bark from wood that would previously end up as debris after the harvesting process. This will reduce the amount of forest waste and lower emissions from decreased forest residue burning.

Koehler has been producing colored paper such as index cardboard for more than 100 years. It is still popular for applications such as registers, brochures or index cards. Now the stock range has been expanded. Koehler's index board has been a real classic for many years. It is unimaginable, but colored paper like the index board already appeared in the Koehler Paper production book more than 100 years ago. This shows us that such a traditional quality is still up-to-date and is still used by our customers for various applications such as registers, brochures, index cards and much more. We are even more pleased to be able to expand our range to include the 70 x 100 cm LG and SG formats and thus meet the wishes of our customers. This format is available from one pallet in the colors white, yellow, buff, pink, azure and deep green. For further details, please do not hesitate to contact our FineTech Paper sales team.

Continuing its leadership in sustainability, the American Forest & Paper Association announced Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future, a new set of sustainability goals for the paper and wood products industry. “We have been and will continue to be a leader in sustainability,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “The paper and wood products industry was one of the first U.S. manufacturing industries to adopt quantifiable sustainability goals back in 2011, and today these new ambitious goals will build upon that success in the decade ahead.” Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 advances the industry’s comprehensive sustainability record over the last decade and includes a transparent reporting process for achieving each goal. “Sustainable practices are at the foundation of this industry, which manufactures essential and innovative products used by millions of Americans each day, from renewable resources,” said Graphic Packaging President and Chief Executive Officer and AF&PA Board Chair Mike Doss. “We have a strong track record of delivering on sustainability commitments and these goals will guide our progress further into the future.”

Sappi Europe announces a price increase for Transjet, Basejet and Inkjet grades by 8-15 % valid for deliveries from 1July 2021. The unprecedented and ongoing rise of raw material costs, particularly pulp, chemicals and energy in combination with extremely high freight rates makes price adjustments unavoidable. Sappi’s sales team will be in contact with customers to discuss the detail and support the implementation.

Lecta announces, with immediate effect, a price increase of up to 15% for new orders of thermal and carbonless papers. The price increase is unavoidable to offset the continuous increase in manufacturing and transport costs. Lecta sales teams are at our customers’ disposal to provide specific information on how the price increase will be applied by product on a country by country basis.

GP’s Sweetwater gypsum mill just made a sweet deal with the independent school district (ISD) of Sweetwater, Texas. They’re investing $200k into their career and technology education (CTE) program. The donation is intended to give students the foundational knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the workforce. The investment allows Sweetwater educators to redesign their existing curriculum and learning spaces for students as young as Pre-K all the way to the high school level, where students will receive OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration) training and exposure to safe operating procedures. There are 265 students currently enrolled in the CTE program and they will have the opportunity under this partnership to be certified in OSHA along with understanding general operation and safety procedures in industrial settings.

Antti Koulumies, the new Senior Vice President of UPM Timber, stepped into his position in early June, at a point when the timber business is booming. At the same time, the carbon footprint and effect on biodiversity of raw materials are ever more important to customers. Koulumies believes that UPM Timber, as a pioneer of responsible practices in the timber industry, has everything it needs to meet customer expectations now and to further develop in the future. “UPM Timber’s product – timber from responsibly grown forests – is very much in tune with my own values. All four of our sawmills run on renewable energy, and our timber products sequester carbon throughout their lifespan”, he explains.

Verso Corporation announced the preliminary results of its "modified Dutch auction" tender offer for the purchase for cash of shares of its Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, having an aggregate purchase price of not more than $55.0 million, which expired at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of Thursday, June 10, 2021. Based on the preliminary count by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the depositary for the tender offer, a total of 3,039,712 Shares were properly tendered at or below the purchase price of $18.10 per Share and not properly withdrawn.

Verso Corporation today announced the launch of its redesigned website, featuring all-new content that covers numerous topics and areas of interest, from its library of paper promotions to sustainability information and much more. "At Verso, we saw an opportunity to create a more impactful online presence that's better aligned with our industry leadership and innovative, resilient spirit," said Verso Director of Communications Shawn Hall. "New technology enabled us to build a much more dynamic, user-friendly site for an experience that both informs and inspires." The new website takes the user through sections for products, careers, sustainability and education—featuring Verso's highly popular Ed® series—as well as investor and customer resources. The showstopper: the product promotion section, which shows visually stunning photo layouts of printed Verso product promotions, many providing the opportunity to order the actual printed piece. "It's just beautiful," said Hall. "A perfect expression of the vibrant future we see for our company."

Paper Excellence announced today that several key roles have been filled as work to restart the Prince Albert pulp mill ramps up. Charles Ray was hired as Director, Project Delivery and is responsible for ensuring the project is constructed on time, within budget and in accordance with all safety and environmental standards. The other following individuals have also recently joined the Prince Albert team: Bob Hajnal – Project Safety Manager; Brett Knoll – QA/QC Project Manager; Dale Richardson – Community Relations Manager; Blair Rydberg – Power and Recovery Manager; Heather Walker – Operations Administration Assistant; Brett Young – DCS/Power Distribution Project Manager.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced additional capital investments of $50 million in its wood products operations to support its continued growth, and it confirmed the repayment of all amounts outstanding under its revolving and term credit facilities, reducing debt by $180 million in the second quarter. The additional $50 million in wood products investments include: $22 million to modernize equipment at the Senneterre (Quebec) sawmill, which will enhance overall efficiency and productivity of the Abitibi regional operations; $13 million at the Thunder Bay / Fort William First Nation (Ontario) sawmill to increase capacity by up to 40 million board feet with new equipment and modifications to the fiber flow; and $15 million at the Glenwood (Arkansas) and Cross City (Florida) sawmills to support fiber optimization and overall efficiency. The Cross City investment will also increase capacity by up to 20 million board feet. Each of these projects will serve to generate additional value from Resolute's wood products segment across market cycles.

Stora Enso has decided to invest EUR 21 million to improve the competitiveness and environmental performance of the Anjala-Ingerois production sites. Stora Enso will also invest EUR 26 million in modernising the pulp production at Nymölla in Sweden. The goal of the investment at Anjala paper- and Ingerois board production sites is to reduce the emissions and to ensure flexible use of different fuel mixtures in heat production. The project work is planned to start during the second quarter of 2021 and to be completed in the third quarter of 2023. The project at Nymölla is the second modernisation step towards making the pulp production process more competitive and sustainable for the future. The objective of the investment is to increase the annual softwood pulp production capacity from approximately 220 000 tonnes to 245 000 tonnes. The modernisation is planned to start during the second quarter of 2021 and to be completed in the third quarter of 2022. In Anjala Stora Enso produces book papers, magazine papers and improved newsprint. In Nymölla Stora Enso produces chemical pulp and woodfree uncoated paper for office use.

Metsä Group is expanding the operations of its innovation company Metsä Spring that was established in June 2018. So far, Metsä Spring has been mainly involved in development activities outside the current business areas of Metsä Group. From now on, it will also support research and development related to Metsä Group’s current business areas. Research and development cooperation will be increased both within Metsä Group and with different research institutions and stakeholders. A wider innovation ecosystem plays a central role in the Metsä Group model. With this change, the company aims to strengthen its position even further in different networks and carry out research and development cooperation actively with various partners. “Metsä Group has to be able to continuously renew itself. We improve Metsä Group’s readiness to react to a changing operating environment and be better positioned in the forefront of development. We must find new development areas that promote sustainable bioeconomy. At the same time, we must be able to develop our current products so that they can be used for a wider range of end uses,” says Ilkka Hämälä, President and CEO of Metsä Group.

Resolute is committed to managing the resources in our care with the highest respect, differentiating the company as an environmental supplier of choice. Our ongoing commitments and annually revised targets help us improve our environmental management performance and reduce our overall footprint. Here are some highlights from our 2020 sustainability reporting, prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards. In 2020, we recorded 13 environmental incidents, surpassing our 2019 performance of 18 incidents. Continuous improvement moves us toward our long-term aspirational goal of zero incidents. We also trained over 200 directors, managers and superintendents to reinforce the company’s commitment to environmental incident management and regulatory compliance. Training took place via four virtual sessions led by our Legal team. We take a preventative and proactive approach to environmental management – driven at the local level by our operations’ managers and overseen by Resolute’s senior management. Our employees work collaboratively across all levels to develop and implement environmental risk audits designed to identify potential non-compliances or environmental incidents before these occur.

Santanol, Mercer’s plantation and distillation company in Western Australia that grows, distills, and sells Indian Sandalwood oil, is known in the fragrance industry for its sustainable practices and high-quality oil. Used in flavour and fragrance, aromatherapy, skincare and pharmaceutical products, Sandalwood adds a luxurious depth and history to its products. But just how do we produce this high-quality oil while maintaining our commitment to Pure. Ethical. Sandalwood? The Santanol plantations were established as part of a global conservation program, with our Research and Development Centre developing methods to grow East Indian Sandalwood trees in the Australian climate. These methods needed to ensure that the trees were protected without compromising the habitat for local wildlife or tampering with the quality of this rare resource – environmental integrity and product integrity work hand-in-hand for material this fine.

Since the initiation of the strategic review process in New Zealand in October 2020, a process made necessary by the secular decline of the publication paper industry and the impact of COVID-19, Norske Skog has explored a range of alternatives for the Tasman mill. Following a careful review, this process has resulted in a decision to close the Tasman mill and a sale of the mill’s assets. Production will cease by 30 June 2021, reducing Norske Skog’s newsprint capacity by approximately 150,000 tonnes per annum. The Tasman mill has only produced very limited volumes during 2021. Norske Skog will honour all redundancy and contractual obligations to the mill’s approximately 160 employees as the workforce is progressively reduced during the third quarter. The decision to close the Tasman mill follows a detailed review over the past eight months. It will address the substantial imbalance between newsprint production capacity and customer demand in the Australasian region. The Tasman mill has been an important contributor to the regional economy in New Zealand for the past 66 years, producing more than 15 million tonnes of publication paper over its lifetime. I would like to thank everyone who has worked at the mill for their outstanding contribution throughout the years, and their significant efforts to ensure a long and good life for the mill, says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog.

It is the busiest time of the year, when our Nordic forests are being regenerated by planting or seeding. This year, Stora Enso will plant a total of more than 48 million tree seedlings in Finland, Sweden, Russia and Estonia. In northern forests, the planting season is typically about 150 days long, which means that, during this year’s planting season, about 320 000 seedlings are planted every day. Using cultivated plants and seeds, forests can grow as much as 20% faster than they would naturally. This means added value for forest owners and Stora Enso, as well as for nature and the climate. In 2020, Stora Enso invested 68 million euros in forest growth. In 2021, Stora Enso and Tornator are, together, planting 14 million seedlings in Finland. In Sweden, where Stora Enso owns approximately 1.4 million hectares of forest and where seedlings are delivered from Stora Enso's own nurseries, the company is planting 33 million seedlings. Russia follows, with approximately 850 000 plants in Carelia and 250 000 in Novgorod. In Estonia, Stora Enso is planting around 31 000 seedlings in private forests.

Canfor Corporation is excited to announce it will invest approximately $160 million USD to build a new, state-of-the-art sawmill near DeRidder, Louisiana. The Company is pleased to be receiving significant state and local incentives in support of the project. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 250 million board feet on a two-shift basis and will directly employ about 130 people plus create significant additional indirect jobs. The Louisiana facility will have manufacturing capacity and flexibility to produce a wide variety of highvalue wood products for our customers. Startup is expected to commence late in the third quarter of 2022. The investment in Louisiana is in addition to the approximately $300 million of 2021 capital spending, including about $200 million for the solid wood and pulp operations in Western Canada and $100 million for the solid wood operations in the U.S. South.

Red Leaf Pulp Ltd., developer of a proprietary wheat straw-based pulp mill, announced the Company will locate its initial facility in Regina, Saskatchewan. The Company has secured properties on the west side of the City of Regina and will commence construction of the $350 Million facility in early 2022. The initial plant will have the capacity to produce approximately 182,000 tonnes of market pulp annually from waste wheat straw collected and aggregated from local producers. This represents a $350 Million direct investment in the local community and is expected to create 110 permanent full-time jobs, and 250 jobs during construction.

UPM has completed the employee consultation process in Finland started in April. The company will improve efficiency in global functions by reorganising and streamlining the operations. As a result, the number of employments in Finland will decrease by 28. In Germany and Austria, the process is still on-going. UPM provides support for employees who are affected by the reductions. It includes outplacement services and training opportunities that support re-employment of the affected employees. In 2020, the company decreased fixed and variable costs in different businesses and functions. Earlier this year, UPM completed the employee consultation process in UPM Timber to improve profitability and strengthen competitiveness.

Tom Pazdera has been named the new Vice President and General Manager of ND Paper’s Rumford Division. Pazdera brings three decades of experience with internationally recognized companies including International Paper, MeadWestvaco, Boise Paper and, most recently, as President and Unit Head of AV Terrace Bay, in Ontario, Canada, where he oversaw day-to-day operations of an 1,100 tons per day NBSK plant. “Tom brings incredible knowledge and industry experience that will prove instrumental in helping us create a new era of growth and success at our Rumford Division,” said ND Paper CEO Ken Liu. “Because beyond operations and management of our largest facility, Tom will also be critical in helping us execute the continued capital transformation program for the division and the company.” In addition to his background as a project engineer, Pazdera has guided business operations and management teams at several largescale paper manufacturing sites across the country during crucial turning points. “Tom is a proven leader of transformational organizations, because he brings the personable leadership as well as the technical knowledge to advance our operations during a critical time,” confirmed Michael LaVerdiere, ND Paper Executive Vice President and COO.

The transport of timber and wood chips between Larvik and Norske Skog Saugbrugs in Halden has long taken place using trucks. Norske Skog is now using trains on the stretch, which will significantly reduce CO2 emissions from the transport. The train line will transport timber and wood chips from Bergene Holm in Amundrød near Larvik to Norske Skog Saugbrugs in Halden. The transport to the east will consist of an approximate 50/50 split between wood chips from the sawmill at Amundrød and pulpwood from surrounding forests. In return, Bergene Holm will transport sawn timber from the Halden area to the sawmill at Amundrød. Thanks to Norske Skog Saugbrug's strategy of moving transport from road to rail, by the end of 2021 the company will annually have a total of 7 500 fewer lorries on Norwegian roads compared with 2015. Following the introduction of all transport measures, Norske Skog Saugbrugs will have reduced CO2 overall emissions for inbound timber and wood chip logistics by just over 25 per cent.

Sappi offers Transjet Tacky Industrial, a coated dye sublimation paper for digital transfer printing, specially developed for high-speed inkjet printing on highly elastic textiles. Also new is the uncoated dye sublimation paper Basejet, which has been developed for light designs for high-speed digital printing of fashion and home textiles. · Transjet Tacky Industrial: Immediate tack effect, high ink transfer, fast ink drying; no ghosting on elastic textiles thanks to reversible tack · Basejet: Consistent print quality for light designs, fast ink-drying, very fast transfer process. Transjet Tacky Industrial enables highly elastic fabrics to be printed on industrial high-speed machines that work with a higher glycol content, such as printheads from Kyocera. The paper is first printed with the desired image or pattern which is then transferred to the elastic polyester fabric by means of heat and pressure.

Verso Corporation announced that Brian D. Cullen will become its Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective June 16, 2021. "I am very pleased to have someone of Brian's caliber join Verso's leadership team and serve in this critical role for our company," said President and Chief Executive Officer Randy Nebel. "His operating finance proficiency and experience combined with his strong strategic thinking and leadership skills will be extremely beneficial to Verso as we continue to strengthen our position as a leader in the paper industry." Mr. Cullen has over 20 years of broad financial and strategic leadership experience, with the majority of his career holding executive and senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, including McDonald's Corporation and The Procter & Gamble Co. Prior to joining Verso he served as US Vice President of Finance and Controller for McDonald's Corporation. Mr. Cullen holds a B.B.A. in Finance with accounting concentration from The University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has expanded its portfolio of biodegradable and renewable fiber-based solutions for food packaging papers, receiving compostability certification from the Biodegradable Products Institute®. Continuing to be at the forefront of sustainable product offerings, Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s FluoroFree® and ParaFree® food packaging papers produced in North America are now BPI® certified, in addition to offering multiple sustainability attributes in a single product. These certifications facilitate the possibility for Ahlstrom-Munksjö customers, whether converters or brand owners, to achieve their own sustainability goals. By using a scientific process, BPI officially certifies compostable products that meet ASTM D6400 and ASTM D6868 standards for compostability. BPI Certification proves that a material will compost in a commercial composting facility, leaving behind no toxic residue or microplastics.

Mondi has signed a new €750 million 5-year revolving multicurrency credit facility agreement (‘RCF’) to refinance the existing €750 million facility that was due to mature in July 2022. It includes an option to extend the RCF by one or two years with each bank's approval. The RCF incorporates key sustainability targets linked to MAP2030 (Mondi’s Action Plan to meet its ambitious 2030 sustainability goals), classifying the facility as a Sustainability Linked Loan. MAP2030 is designed to tackle global issues across the value chain with commitments focused on three action areas: circular-driven packaging and paper solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate. All areas are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development goals as part of Mondi’s focus on being sustainable by design.

UPM has entered a partnership with Aalto Design Factory to study sustainable design. Aalto Design Factory will investigate the extent that sustainability guides designers’ choices and explore new perspectives and ways of addressing sustainability throughout the life cycle of products and services. For example, decisions on materials are often made already during early design phases, and these have a significant impact on the resulting product sustainability. UPM is keen to participate widely in research and development promoting sustainability. The core aim of Aalto Design Factory’s research project Design+Sustainability is to find new, effective means of promoting sustainability and to yield new information about how sustainability can be promoted from the earliest stage of the design process in the creation of new products and services.

Metsä Group has started a planning process with the City of Äänekoski with the aim of expanding the production of mechanical wood products at the Äänekoski mill site in the future. A detailed plan is being applied for as an industrial area for the Henttalanmäki area south of the existing mill site. The area currently has a general plan in force and it is mainly owned by Metsä Fibre, a part of Metsä Group. “One of Metsä Group's strategic targets is to increase the production of products that store carbon for a long time such as sawn timber, LVL and plywood. With the plan change that is now being launched, we are preparing to expand the production of our mechanical wood products at the Äänekoski mill site. The synergy benefits of operating in a large mill integrate are significant related e.g. to the utilization of raw materials, logistics and energy, ”says Ilkka Hämälä, President and CEO of Metsä Group.

American Eagle Paper Mills announced today Allan Bobb, Machine Room Superintendent, and Colin Symons, Furnish Prep Manager, have become the first employees invited to the ownership team since the Mill reopened in 2003. “This a cause for celebration amidst challenging times in our industry and our community. Buying into the Mill underscores the significant commitment Allan and Colin have made to American Eagle and to their fellow employees. They bring dedication and talent to the Mill every day. They believe in the Mill’s future and are an important part of its success,” said Scott Igoe, President and partner. Board member Philip Devorris agreed. “I couldn’t be happier than having Allan and Colin join the ownership team, a group that includes long-time employee-owners, Igoe, Clark Adelman and Bill Naugle. As an outside owner, along with my partners Harry Sickler and Todd Lewis, we recognize Allan and Colin as key leaders in the Mill’s future.”

Clearwater Paper Corporation announced the indefinite closure of its Neenah, Wisconsin facility, which includes three tissue machines and ten converting lines, removing a total paper production capacity of approximately 54,000 tons. Clearwater Paper intends to indefinitely close Neenah and exit the away from home business by the end of July 2021. “Despite the best efforts of our dedicated employees, our Neenah location and assets cannot cost effectively compete in the markets that we serve,” said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer. “This was a difficult decision, because it affects our people, their families and the Neenah community.” The facility’s approximately 290 employees will be impacted by the closure.

WestRock Company announced the future retirement of Jeff Chalovich, president of Corrugated Packaging and chief commercial officer, after an incredible 23-year career with WestRock. Moving forward, WestRock has also announced an evolution of its commercial and operational leadership structure and team reporting to president and chief executive officer, David B. Sewell. New Executive Leadership Structure and Roles: *Patrick (Pat) Lindner is assuming the role of president, Commercial, Innovation and Sustainability. *Patrick Kivits is assuming the role of president, Consumer Packaging. *Pete Durette is assuming the role of president, Corrugated Packaging, leading the converting sales and operations for the corrugated box business. *John O’Neal is assuming the role of president, Global Paper. This new organization combines the sales and commercial operations of the Consumer and Corrugated paperboard and containerboard businesses. *Tom Stigers is now responsible for the operations of all WestRock mills in the role of president, Mill Operations.

Since 1992, wood fuel pellets are produced at the Murbergsviken industrial site in Härnösand. In the drying process, terpenes and resin acids – natural substances in wood - are emitted. When vapour and particles are subject to sunlight, sometimes a refraction phenomenon occurs that makes the vapours look blueish and they may have an odd smell. “We now invest in new technology, a wet electrical filter, to better contain particles and thereby minimize the occasions when blue haze occurs”, says Per-Arne Persson, mill manager at SCA Bionorr.

Interfor Corporation announced that it has reached an agreement with Georgia-Pacific Wood Products LLC and GP Wood Products LLC to acquire four of its sawmill operations located in Bay Springs, MS, Fayette, AL, DeQuincy, LA and Philomath. The total purchase price of US$375 MM, which includes working capital, will be funded entirely from cash on hand. The Sawmill Operations are highly complementary to Interfor’s existing platforms in the US South and the US Northwest, and the acquisition will support accelerated growth and enhance the Company’s position to benefit from robust market conditions. The acquisition will be immediately accretive to Interfor’s earnings and is expected to provide attractive returns in both the near-term and over the long-term.

A robust COVID-19 operational plan focused on the health and safety of employees, contractors and the wider community has been vetted and reviewed with provincial officials. The $20 million maintenance shutdown at Irving Tissue and Irving Pulp & Paper will proceed beginning Sunday May 30. The mills are scheduled for maintenance every 12 to 18 months to inspect, certify, upgrade and maintain machinery. Recent shutdown plans have been deferred twice, due to the pandemic. The last maintenance shutdown was performed in September 2019. “The work underway represents an annual investment in the future of the mill and community. Ongoing maintenance work and investments in environmental improvements and equipment modernization are what have allowed it to be one of the longest running mills in the country,” says Mark Mosher, VP of Irving Pulp & Paper, Limited. “Today, the Saint John pulp mill is at the heart of the forest products value chain in the province and sustains many jobs across New Brunswick communities.” More than 800 local contractors will be on-site over a 12-day period to complete key maintenance work.

For the first quarter ended 31 March 2021 Lecta had revenue of €270.8 million versus €316.6 million in the first quarter ended 31 March 2020, a decrease of €45.8 million or -15%. This decrease was essentially attributable to COVID-19 pandemic: • Lower sales of CWF, Specialties and Purchased Products of €46.9 million or -16%, from €299.3 million in 1Q2020 to €252.4 million in 1Q2021, resulting from lower sales volumes of 35,100 metric tonnes or -12%, with 264,900 metric tonnes in 1Q2021 vs 300,000 metric tonnes in 1Q2020, and a decrease in average net sales price of 45€/t or -4.5%, with 953€/t in 1Q2021 vs 998€/t in 1Q2020; and • Higher sales of energy of €1.1 million or +6.5%, from €17.3 million in 1Q2020 to €18.4 million in 1Q2021, resulting from lower sales volumes of 19,400 MWh or -6%, with 290,300 MWh in 1Q2021 vs 309,700 MWh in 1Q2020, and an increase in average net sales price of 8€/MWh or +14%, with 63€/MWh in 1Q2021 vs 56€/ MWh in 1Q2020. EBITDA decreased by €14.7 million, or -61%, from €24.2 million in 1Q2020 to €9.5 million in 1Q2021. This decrease was essentially due to lower sales of paper in volume. It was also due to lower sales prices, lower margin on unit variable costs, and nearly stable fixed costs.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by 5 to 15 percent on all water treatment, process and pulp & paper product lines across the EMEA region, effective immediately or as customer contracts allow. The price increase is necessary due to the tightening of raw material supply globally and escalating energy, packaging and transportation costs.

A fire that erupted late Tuesday at the Verso Paper Mill in Wisconsin Rapids is being blamed on lightning, during a storm that passed through the area. The Verso Corporation issued a statement Wednesday saying that the lightning strike caused a fire at the scrubber stack. Witnesses saw heavy smoke and flames shooting from the building after the fire broke out. The Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department brought the blaze under control at about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö advances further into the growth segment of electrification, launching its first product offering, totally dedicated to filtration media solutions for electric vehicles. Today, electricity is the fastest growing source of energy and clearly the fuel of the future. With infrastructure for electric-vehicle charging rapidly expanding, double digit annual growth is expected for electric vehicles, supporting key environmental goals of reducing air pollution and addressing climate change. It is estimated that only-electric vehicles will represent 25% of light vehicles production in 2030. Ahlstrom-Munksjö understands the market challenges and has developed several commercial solutions to address unmet customer needs for high performance filtration materials for electric vehicles. This includes filtration solutions for cabin air, transmission and cooling systems.

Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its Sachsen Mill located in Eilenburg, Germany, to the Swiss-based family-owned company Model Group. Sachsen Mill has an annual production capacity of 310 000 tonnes of newsprint specialty paper based on recycled paper. Under the agreement, Model Group will own and operate Sachsen Mill after the transaction is closed. Stora Enso will continue to sell and distribute Sachsen’s paper products under a contract manufacturing agreement for a period of 18 months after the closing. After that period, Model will convert the mill to the production of containerboard. All 230 employees at Sachsen Mill will move to Model Group with the transaction. “We believe Model will be a good owner to ensure long-term development of the Sachsen Mill. We will continue to serve our customers with high quality paper products from Sachsen Mill at least until the end of 2022,” said Kati ter Horst, EVP, Stora Enso’s Paper division.

Mactac® Distributor Products is enhancing its IMAGin® PrintVinyl and PrintVinyl Grey promotional media series, providing customers more options for economical vinyl solutions. Designed for wide-format printing applications, including UV inkjet, solvent, eco-solvent, and latex digital printing, IMAGin PrintVinyl and PrintVinyl Grey has been an industry-leading promotional media for nearly two decades. It provides printability, color, and performance at an economical cost. PrintVinyl and Print Vinyl Grey products are intended for graphic application to walls, windows, and floors. The product line includes: *PV300 series: a 3.2 mil matte or gloss white, soft-calendared PVC film coated on one side with a removable or permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive and supplied with a 78# clay coated liner. *PVG300 series: a 3.2 mil gloss or matte white, soft-calendared PVC film that is coated on one side with removable or permanent, opaque, gray acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive and supplied with a 78# clay coated liner. *PVG529P: a 3.5 mil gloss or matte white, soft-calendared PVC film that is coated on one side with permanent or removable, opaque, gray acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive and supplied with a 90# Layflat liner.

Paper Excellence is pleased to announce the first barge has been successfully loaded with chips produced by Atli Chip Limited Partnership which is a new First Nations partnership for the Company. The Atli Chip Limited Partnership, situated in Beaver Cove, is majority owned by Atli Resources LP with minority stakes owned by Paper Excellence and Wahkash Contracting Ltd. Atli Resources LP is the forestry arm of the ‘Namgis First Nation. Wahkash Contracting Ltd. is a stump-to-dump logging contractor specializing in remote logging in coastal BC. “As part of this partnership, Paper Excellence also entered into a chipping services agreement to receive all the chip and hog production from the facility,” said Paper Excellence’s Chief Forester, Quinton Hayward, RPF. “This first barge of chips will be consumed by one of our four coastal mills located in Powell River, Port Mellon, Crofton and Port Alberni. It is an exciting milestone in this partnership.”

The fiberlines will have a capacity of 1,000 admt/d and 670 admt/d, respectively, and will process a mixture of eucalyptus, acacia and poplar wood chips for the production of folding boxboard (FBB). ANDRITZ will supply the main equipment – from chip washing to the storage tower – for both fiberlines, featuring the following highlights: *MSD Impressafiner for wood chip maceration to enable optimum chemical impregnation *High-consistency (HC) refining stage with TX68 refiner, including an advanced feeding system for optimum fiber development and lowest shive levels *Low-consistency (LC) refining stages with TwinFlo refiners for low specific energy consumption and well-developed fibers *Four newly developed PrimeFilter D disc filters for fiber recovery and thickening. The innovative disc filters feature the so-called HHw (high consistency, high freeness, wider space between discs) technology for advanced feeding and optimum flow conditions within the filter as well as CC bagless sectors for advanced operation and reduced maintenance.

Wisconsin Rapids fire officials say there’s an ongoing investigation into cause of a fire at the Verso Paper Mill on West Riverview Expressway. Multiple fire departments were called to help fight the fire Tuesday evening. It was mostly contained by 10:15pm. Witnesses say black smoke was seen rising from the part of the complex. A former employee of the mill says the fire was in the Kraft Mill where wood chips were cooked into pulp. The paper mill was opened in 1904. It was Rapids’ largest employer until it was shut down in the summer of 2020.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in March 2021 were down 4.7% vs. March 2020 and are down 13.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in March 2021 were down 12.4% vs. March 2020 and are down 18.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in March 2021 were UP 2.0% vs. March 2020 and are down 13.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in March 2021 were down 12.1% vs. March 2020 and are down 17.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in March 2021 were UP 0.6% vs. March 2020 and are down 6.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in March 2021 were down 3.1% vs. March 2020 and are down 16.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in March 2021 were UP 2.4% vs. March 2020 and are down 7.1% year-to-date.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased three percent in April compared to April 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased six percent in April compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased two percent when compared to March 2021. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in April increased 13 percent compared to last April while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to March 2021. UFS imports increased 12 percent while exports decreased 22 percent in March 2021. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 17 percent compared to April 2020 while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to March 2021. CFS imports decreased 21 percent while exports increased 14 percent in March 2021. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in April decreased 35 percent compared to last April while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to March 2021. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to March 2020, down nine percent and 29 percent respectively. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 21 percent compared to April 2020 while the inventory level increased 12 percent compared to March 2021. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to March 2020, down one percent and 47 percent respectively.