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.

KP Tissue Inc. and Kruger Products L.P. announced that certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of KPLP have closed financing transactions to fund the previously announced expansion of its Sherbrooke operations. The financings, totalling $240 million, include the previously announced $165 million in investments by Investissement Québec, as well as a credit agreement between Kruger Products SB Inc. and National Bank of Canada, the Bank of Nova Scotia and CIBC who acted as co-lead arrangers and joint bookrunners. The credit agreement includes senior credit facilities in an amount of $75 million to be made available to KPSB. In connection with the financings, KPLP’s credit agreement with National Bank of Canada (acting as administrative agent) was amended to, amongst other things, increase the amount of permitted debt.

The American Forest & Paper Association released the 61st Paper Industry Capacity and Fiber Consumption Report, indicating overall U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined 1.6 percent in 2020, compared to the average decline of 1.1 percent per year since 2011. Notably in 2020, containerboard capacity expanded, continuing a decade-long trend, and reaching a record high of 40.4 million tons. Tissue paper capacity has also been trending upward, increasing for the past five years, as well as eight of the last 10 years. Meanwhile, U.S. mill consumption of recovered fiber reached the second-highest level in the past decade. The increase was driven by mill consumption of corrugated, the largest grade of recovered fiber, which reached a record high of 22.8 million tons in 2020. Boxboard was the only packaging grade to decline last year, however survey responses indicate a slight rebound in 2021.

Sappi Europe announces the appointment of Flavio Froehli as Vice President, Marketing & Sales with immediate effect for the entire Sappi Europe portfolio reporting to Marco Eikelenboom, Chief Executive Officer, Sappi Europe. Flavio holds an MBA from University of Minnesota and Vienna University of Economics & Business. He is an experienced marketing & sales executive with an extensive background in the Paper, Packaging & Pulp industry. Flavio joined Sappi as Sales Director, Graphics with the acquisition of M-real Graphics in 2008. Since joining Sappi, he was involved in several change initiatives. In his latest capacity as Director, Business Strategy & Development, appointed in 2018, he was also in charge of leading a cross-functional, cross-business team of collaborative experts accelerating Sappi’s transition into growth markets by identifying, evaluating, and selecting products that are today being manufactured on originally Graphics-dedicated machines.

Stora Enso and Vogue Scandinavia have formed a strategic partnership to replace plastics in magazine packaging. As a part of the partnership, Stora Enso will provide Vogue Scandinavia with sustainability and packaging design expertise. A renewable, carbon neutral eco-package concept will be available for the first issue of Vogue Scandinavia, to be published in August this year. As a part of the partnership, Stora Enso will provide Vogue Scandinavia with renewable magazine packaging, along with packaging design and automation services. The Vogue Scandinavia magazine packaging aims to be fully carbon neutral, with a renewable, low-carbon raw material and energy efficient production. The remaining emissions are offset by using the CarbonZero service by Stora Enso, in collaboration with compensation partner South Pole. Stora Enso will provide Vogue Scandinavia with advisory services for sustainable materials and cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessments. Stora Enso will also support Vogue Scandinavia in transparent sustainability reporting.

Winfried Schaur has been appointed as Executive Vice President, Technology and Mika Kekki as Executive Vice President, UPM Plywood as of October 1, 2021. Both will be members of UPM’s Group Executive Team and report to Jussi Pesonen, President and CEO. They will succeed Jyrki Ovaska and Mika Sillanpää who both will retire at the age of 63 at the end of 2021. Winfried Schaur is currently the Executive Vice President, UPM Communication Papers and member of the Executive Team. He has held several senior positions in UPM’s paper business since 2001. Mika Kekki is currently the Vice President, Production & Operations, responsible for UPM’s eight plywood mills and production related support functions. He has held several management positions in UPM and preceding companies since 1994.

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is expanding its popular Envi Card Stock portfolio with the introduction of Envi PC 100 Card 28 pt., crafted from 100% post-consumer waste fibers. In the last 10 years, more than 10 billion gift, membership, and loyalty cards have been produced on Envi Card by the world’s leading retailers, restaurants, hotels, and brands. This is a testament to the viability of converting PVC card programs to engineered paper. The “Un-Plastic® alternative,” a drop-in replacement for legacy plastic and PVC substrates, will be particularly attractive to issuers looking to enhance their sustainability portfolios. Envi Card has been qualified by printers and card manufacturers around the world. Like all Envi Card Stock materials, Envi PC 100 Card is manufactured in the U.S. and is FSC® certified, manufactured carbon neutral (VERs), and made with 100 percent renewable Green-e certified wind-powered electricity (RECs) under a third-party certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.

Mactac® is expanding its role as a leading member of the CELAB (Circular Economy for Labels) global consortium, announcing the naming of company leaders to the consortium’s executive boards. Ed LaForge, President and Chief Executive Officer for Mactac, will serve as vice president of CELAB’s global executive board, and Kevin Clunie, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mactac Performance Adhesives Group, will serve as vice president of CELAB’s North America branch executive board. Additionally, Brittany Eppley, Mactac’s Marketing and Communications Manager will play a leading role on the CELAB North America branch communications team. Mactac’s parent company, LINTEC, is also a member of the organization within the CELAB Europe regional branch.

Domtar Corporation announced it will expand its Jesup, Georgia based Engineered Absorbent Materials (EAM) facility. The project will play an integral role in helping the company grow its position as a leading global absorbent materials and technology business offering fluff pulp and airlaid nonwoven materials. "This expansion is a strategic step toward strengthening our value proposition as an essential partner to absorbent hygiene customers around the world," Lewis Fix, Domtar vice president, commercial pulp and airlaid, said. Domtar's EAM facility has been developing and manufacturing innovative, high-quality absorbent core solutions since 1998. This expansion project will add a large scale Dan-Web airlaid production line to the facility. The machine will be fully operational in 2022, enhancing Domtar's ability to supply both domestic and global customers with unique absorbent materials solutions.

Verso Corporation announced the completion of the sale of the company's closed mill in Duluth, Minnesota, to ST Paper 1, LLC, effective May 13, 2021. "Since the idling of the Duluth Mill in July 2020, we have been working diligently to find a viable and sustainable alternative for the Duluth Mill," said President and Chief Executive Officer Randy Nebel. "We are pleased to have found a buyer who plans to operate the Duluth Mill in the future, providing local employment opportunities and serving the local business community and residents of the Duluth area."

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has completed an investment in one of its filtration material production lines in Binzhou, China. The machine rebuild adds production capacity and new capabilities that will further enhance the product portfolio. The production line will be able to deliver the highest performing oil, fuel, air and industrial filtration materials, which will strengthen Ahlstrom-Munksjö's offering and service for the Asian customers. The investment plan was initially announced in January 2020. "This investment reinforces our commitment to our customers in Asia," says Kathrin Hueppe, Head of Asia, Filtration & Performance Solutions business area. "Improving our capability in the Binzhou plant allows us to serve their growing needs in high-performance filtration.”

Glatfelter Corporation (NYSE: GLT), a leading global supplier of engineered materials, today announced it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Georgia-Pacific’s U.S. nonwovens business for $175 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The transaction includes an airlaid manufacturing operation in Mount Holly, NC along with a nonwovens product development operation in Memphis, Tenn.

Kimberly-Clark Professional announced a donation of over 1 million face masks and cleaning products to school districts across the country. The donation, consisting of Kimberly-Clark Professional™ General Purpose Face Masks, Scott® 24 Wipes and Scott® Gel Hand Sanitizer with Moisturizers, will support over 235,000 K-12 students, faculty and administrators in nearly 400 schools across 15 states where Kimberly-Clark employees live and work, including locations in Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin, among others. "We know that many schools across the country are still in need of proper supplies to help protect students and faculty as they work to finish the school year strong," said Susan Gambardella, President, Kimberly-Clark Professional North America.

UPM has signed an agreement to sell its Shotton newsprint mill site in North Wales, United Kingdom and all related assets 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. The closing of the transaction is planned for late Q3 2021. Eren’s plan is to integrate the Shotton site into its existing business units and to make further investment at the site. All 190 employees currently working at UPM Shotton will be part of the transaction. Newsprint production is planned to stop by 30 September 2021 and Eren will take over responsibility for the mill as of 1st October 2021. While the concrete timeline for the conversion plans will be communicated by Eren, it is already known that the Renewable Energy Generation plant and Material Recovery and Recycling Facility (MRRF) will continue operations throughout the conversion process, corresponding to their role in the regional utility infrastructure.

As a leading global manufacturer of label stock for the digital printing market, UPM Raflatac knows how important it is to match the right label materials to the right printer. The company’s innovative Label Material Finder for Digital Printers tool has recently undergone a series of upgrades to make it even easier for converters to learn which of UPM Raflatac’s high-quality and sustainable paper and film labeling materials will perform best on their printers. This innovative tool provides up-to-date and accurate product information about UPM Raflatac's digital label stock materials as well as star ratings for how they will perform on various digital printers, ranging from small desktop models to industrial-scale digital presses. Go to: https://www.upmraflatac.com/products-and-services/services/print-house-services/printer-recommendation-tool-ratings-and-oem-information/ to access UPM Raflatac’s upgraded Label Material Finder for Digital Printers tool. It is also available for registered users on the MyRaflatac customer platform.

Sustana a manufacturer of premium, sustainable recycled fiber and paper products, announces the appointment of Emily Olson to Director and Sustainability Ambassador. In this new role, Emily will be an ambassador for driving Sustana Group’s sustainable products, strategy, and circular economy initiatives across Sustana Fiber and Rolland, advancing the group’s leadership in providing sustainable recycled products to the paper industry. This leadership position reflects Sustana’s continued commitment to drive sustainability within the paper and packaging sector. Emily’s strategic vision, using systemic-based strategies and the capability to provide solutions for corporate sustainability goals, regenerative initiatives, and circular economy, will bring together Sustana’s key offerings of sustainable recycled closed-loop solutions for consumers and brands.

Stora Enso is today launching its latest lignin-based innovation, NeoLigno® by Stora Enso. NeoLigno is a fully bio-based binder system without formaldehyde and isocyanates, thus, providing healthier indoor and working environments. Hazardous chemicals aren't always visible to the naked eye, yet they may be in homes or products used every day. Stora Enso is on a mission to replace such products with renewable materials. The new binder NeoLigno demonstrates the unique properties and potential of lignin. Lignin is nature's second most common macromolecule after cellulose. It is found in all plants and makes up to a third of the composition of wood. Lignin is a renewable raw material free from toxic substances and fully traceable to its area of origin. NeoLigno is a bio-based, high-performing alternative for industries currently using fossil-based binders or hazardous chemicals. Initial target applications for NeoLigno are in particleboards and insulation materials used in the building and construction industry.

*Operating income was $55 million, $67 million favorable to the comparable period in 2020, driven by higher prices for lumber and commodity High Purity Cellulose along with stronger cellulose specialties volumes *Driven by higher book income tax expense, first quarter loss from continuing operations was $27 million, $2 million unfavorable to the comparable period in 2020; expect minimal cash taxes in 2021 *First quarter Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $91 million was up $64 million from the comparable quarter in 2020 primarily driven by higher lumber and High Purity Cellulose commodity prices along with stronger cellulose specialties volumes *Generated $21 million of Free Cash Flow for the quarter driven by higher prices partially offset by seasonal working capital build; expect $50 million from cash tax refunds during the next 12 months *Announced sale of lumber and newsprint assets for approximately $214 million, subject to inventory value adjustment, with a closing expected in the second half of the year, focusing the Company on its core High Purity Cellulose business, and the opportunity to further leverage sustainable, bio-based solutions

International technology Group ANDRITZ has been awarded orders from Nine Dragons Paper, China, to supply equipment and key process technologies for five of their mills. The scope of supply on EPS basis includes the following equipment: *A white liquor plant with a capacity of 10,500 m3/d, including a recausticizing plant and an ANDRITZ LimeKiln. The recausticizing plant delivery includes a green liquor cooler, a LimeSlake slaker-classifier, three causticizer tank agitators, a drum filter for dregs handling, a LimeWhite filter for white liquor filtration to achieve high white liquor quality, and a LimeDry filter for efficient lime mud filtration to ensure high lime mud dryness and consequently a low heat consumption in the kiln. The ANDRITZ LimeKiln, with a capacity of 950 t/d burnt lime, will be equipped with a high-efficiency LimeCool sector cooler. *A recausticizing plant with a capacity of 5,800 m3/d. *Two ash re-crystallization (ARC) systems with ash handling capacities of 400 t/d and 200 t/d respectively, to treat the ash from the electrostatic precipitator by decreasing the chloride and potassium content while recovering sodium and sulphate. *A recausticizing plant with a capacity of 5,800 m3/d. *An ash re-crystallization (ARC) system with an ash handling capacity of 200 t/d to treat the ash from the electrostatic precipitator by decreasing the chloride and potassium content while recovering sodium and sulphate. *Three recausticizing plants with a capacity of 2,500 m3/d each.

Twin Rivers Paper Company’s Edmundston pulp mill recently completed a biomass cogeneration unit maintenance shutdown; a project which began in the middle of April. In planning for more than a year, the project was designed to maintain and refurbish the co-generation unit to ensure green power continues to flow to the grid uninterrupted. “The last 14 months have been a challenge for everyone with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the last number of months have been a roller-coaster for the Edmundston region as case counts have risen and fallen back down again,” says Brian McAlary, Vice-President Development, Technical & Export Sales.

Notable items include: *Record second quarter North American per day box shipments up 5.5% compared to the prior year quarter *Successfully implementing published PPW price increases across all major paper grades *Quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share declared by Board of Directors, an increase of $0.04 per share, or 20%, as separately announced *Net sales of $4.4 billion, flat to the prior year quarter despite $189 million of lost sales due to the impact of the ransomware incident and winter weather (“the Events”) *The lost sales and operational disruption from the Events had a negative impact of $80 million pre-tax, or $0.23 per share, on both earnings per diluted share and Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share

With Mark Petersen’s retirement May 21, 2021 as Sr Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Catalyst Paper is pleased to announce the following changes within the Sales & Marketing Organization. Christophe Kusel, Director of International Sales, will take on the role and responsibilities in a promotion to Vice President, Paper Sales & Marketing reporting to Patrick Corriveau, Vice President, Catalyst Paper and Packaging. The US sales organization, Catalyst Paper (USA) Inc, as well as Richmond BC based Business Operations and Customer Service will report through to Christophe. Jean Buckwalter has been promoted to Vice President Specialty Sales, reporting to Christophe. Jean will continue to see to the nurturing and sales of our ongoing focus in the Food and Specialties arena. Sarah Walters, VP Paper & Packaging Sales will report to Christophe and see to the continued success of our printing & writing Coated sales strategy, as well as taking on a leadership role for the Catalyst packaging initiatives.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö is exploring strategic options for its Decor business, including the possibility of divesting the business. The review process, first announced on September 17, 2019, has been impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak. In 2020, the Decor business saw strong customer demand with tailwinds from increased consumer spending on furniture and domestic refurbishments as a consequence of structural changes related to working from home accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. For the full year, comparable EBITDA increased, partly driven by higher raw material efficiency, and reached 14% of sales in the fourth quarter. In the past months, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has progressed with the carve-out of Decor with the objective of enabling the business to operate as a stand-alone entity. Decor has also been discussing opportunities for partnering with leading Chinese suppliers to create a more global leader with strong presence in Europe, South America and Asia.

The Gregor Calendar Award competition has a history spanning more than 70 years and is organized by Graphic Club Stuttgart e.V. and the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Housing Construction, with the Association of Printers and Media of the State of Baden-Württemberg acting as a project partner. Perhaps more importantly, however, the competition has long been known as an important catalyst for the creative industry. It should come as no surprise then that around 600 calendars from Germany, Europe, Israel, and Japan were submitted for this year’s competition. Or that two of the winners used Koehler paper. “The United Nations declared 2021 the ‘International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor,’ and the extraordinary ‘International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor’ calendar tackles this topic with powerful color compositions, interesting graphics, and beautiful illustrations while undergirding everything with facts on the problem. With a stellar design and a splendid printed presentation, it truly raises awareness of the issue while leaving a lasting impression.” That was the jury’s explanation for the award presented for the calendar. The project was the result of a collaboration between Koehler and Quedlinburg Druck GmbH, the Druckerei Erdenberger print shop, and the Landsiedel|Müller|Flagmeyer creative agency, and used Koehler recycled paper. More specifically, it was printed on creative print, diamond, 210 gsm – premium recycled paper that combines a natural paper look and feel, elegant aesthetics, and superlative properties for further processing.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö invests in a new post-screening system at its Aspa pulp mill, in Sweden, in order to produce even cleaner ECF (Elementary Chlorine Free) and UKP (Unbleached Kraft Pulp) specialty pulp. The new post-screening is expected to be fully commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2021. In addition to facilitating even cleaner and purer pulp, the new post-screening system will increase the production capacity and allow expansion to new customers and market segments with high demand for clean pulp world-wide. “I am very happy for this investment which is strategically important for us going forward to further establish us as a market leader in pure and clean bleached and unbleached Kraft Pulp”, says Anders Jansson, Head of Sales Specialty Pulp. The post-screening system will be installed during the planned annual autumn maintenance stop.

The New Wood competition for products and solutions for the wood-based bioeconomy challenged pioneering companies to offer new solutions to global challenges. The prizes of the competition were handed out on April 29, 2021. Kotkamills and Pyroll together were one of the six finalists in the competition with responsible serving packs made for Norwich City FC. The steering group of the New Tree project awarded our competition proposal an honorable mention of Everyday Heroes, and in the public vote, the proposal took second place. The jury assesses the societal significance of the solutions as well as the ability to respond to global challenges and promote sustainable development goals. The winning solutions also had to have international market potential and make innovative use of wood.

Mercer International Inc. reported first quarter 2021 Operating EBITDA increased to $82.0 million from $57.0 million in the first quarter of 2020 and from $49.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. In the first quarter of 2021, net income was $5.9 million compared to a net loss of $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2020 and a net loss of $13.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Mr. David Gandossi, the Chief Executive Officer, stated: “In the first quarter, our mills continued to run well and safely due to our extensive COVID-19 protection measures. Our Friesau sawmill’s strong operating results allowed us to take full advantage of the strong U.S. lumber market.

Midland received the communication below from our Zanders Mill representative today: It is with heavy hearts that I tell you Zanders Paper has officially stopped production and we will close our doors. Unfortunately, a viable agreement could not be found between our investment group and the insolvency administrator to allow Zanders to move forward.

• Q1 GAAP net income of $87 million / $1.06 per diluted share • Adjusted EBITDA of $221 million • Net debt at $449 million / liquidity at $653 million at quarter-end • Repurchased 1.7 million shares in Q1 (2%) / 8.7 million in last twelve months (10%) • Recent U.S. pension relief measures to improve free cash flow by approx. $30 million/year • Target to reduce GHG emissions by 30% against 2015 levels by 2025

The Company reported operating income of $4.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, an improvement of $33.2 million from the reported operating loss of $28.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, reflecting improving global pulp market conditions, combined with a 25% increase in pulp production quarter-over-quarter. During the first quarter of 2021, global pulp markets experienced a surge in US-dollar list prices in response to an uptick in demand, particularly from China, combined with ongoing global logistic constraints and supported by strong price increases on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. As a result, Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) pulp list prices on orders from China saw sharp increases throughout the period, reaching a high of US$973 per tonne in March to average US$883 per tonne for the current quarter, up US$246 per tonne, or 39%, from the previous quarter. Prices to North America also saw sharp increases, although not at the same levels as those in China, up US$164 per tonne, or 14%, quarter-over-quarter to US$1,302 per tonne (before discounts). Reflecting the lag between orders and shipments, the significant majority of these price gains will be realized in the second quarter. NBSK pulp unit sales realizations reflected improved prices on shipments in the current period, which more than offset a 2 cent, or 3%, stronger Canadian dollar. Average Bleached Chemi-Thermo Mechanical Pulp (“BCTMP”) unit sales realizations were broadly in line with the previous quarter as more modest upward positive trends in BCTMP US-dollar pricing were largely offset by the stronger Canadian dollar.

Overview * Record quarterly reported operating income of $603 million driven by historically high lumber prices and improved global pulp market conditions; record-high quarterly sales of $1.94 billion * Shareholder net income of $428 million, or $3.42 per share * Net debt of $85 million at March 31, 2021; $225 million repayment of term debt in the current quarter * Cumulative cash deposits of $615 million on countervailing and anti-dumping duties at March 31, 2021

Summary: *Operating profit for January–March was SEK 849 million (January–March 2020: 628). The increase in earnings can be attributed to higher prices and volumes for wood products, as well as lower production costs in paperboard. *Compared with the fourth quarter, operating profit increased by SEK 254 million due to rising prices for wood products and seasonally higher earnings from hydro power, as well as the negative impact on the previous quarter of a major maintenance shutdown in paperboard. *Profit after tax for January–March amounted to SEK 675 million (491), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 4.2 (3.0).

First Quarter 2021 Financial Highlights: *Record revenue of $891 million increased 14 percent sequentially, driven primarily by double-digit growth in both TiO2 and zircon volumes and 3 percent higher TiO2 average selling prices *Income from operations of $125 million; Net income of $26 million *GAAP diluted income per share of $0.12; *TiO2 sales volumes increased 15 percent sequentially, at the top end of the guided range, driven by global demand strength led by growth in Europe and Asia Pacific; TiO2 average selling prices increased 3 percent sequentially, with price increases implemented in all regions *Zircon sales volumes increased 30 percent sequentially as a result of stronger than expected market growth, particularly in China, while selling prices remained level *Feedstock and other products sales decreased 29 percent sequentially, primarily due to the conclusion in the fourth quarter of 2020 of the mandated chloride slag sales per the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) consent order relating to the Cristal acquisition

First Quarter 2021 Results by Segment: Label and Graphic Materials - Reported sales increased 17.3% to $1.38 billion. Sales were up 8.4% ex. currency and 7.6% on an organic basis. Reported operating margin increased 170 basis points to 16.4%. Retail Branding and Information Solutions - Reported sales increased 20.1% to $483 million. Sales were up 15.0% ex. currency and 9.3% on an organic basis, reflecting strong growth in both the high value categories and the base business. Reported operating margin increased 470 basis points to 12.4%. Industrial and Healthcare Materials - Reported sales increased 29.8% to $192 million. Sales were up 18.8% ex. currency and 16.3% on an organic basis, reflecting an approximately 20% increase in industrial categories and a low-single digit decline in healthcare categories. Reported operating margin increased 220 basis points to 12.3%.

JANUARY–MARCH 2021 (1–3/2020) *Sales were EUR 1,400 million (1,253). *Operating result was EUR 136 million (61). Comparable operating result was EUR 174 million (62). *Result before taxes was EUR 121 million (46). Comparable result before taxes was EUR 160 million (48). *Comparable return on capital employed was 12.6% (4.9). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 95 million (36).

Ahlstrom-Munksjö advances further into the energy storage market by signing a marketing license with Soteria Battery Innovation Group (BIG), allowing the company to proceed with the technical ramp-up to manufacture fiber-based separator solutions to the lithium-ion battery industry. The agreement is an important step in the commercialization of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s solutions to the energy storage market. “This demonstrates our confidence in our ability to supply the lithium-ion battery market with a safe and efficient fiber-based separator. It is a milestone for our partnership with Soteria BIG,” says Bertrand Rupin, Head of Business Development, Energy Storage at Ahlstrom-Munksjö. Demand for energy storage is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by vehicle electrification, a shift towards renewable energy, an increasing demand in stationary applications and effective electricity supply chain management. Fiber-based materials are widely used in energy storage devices and thanks to its extensive expertise in cellulose, microglass and specialty nonwoven materials, Ahlstrom-Munksjö is developing a complete range of solutions to its customers under the FortiCell® product platform.

Q1 2021 highlights • Sales decreased by 2% to EUR 2,234 million (2,287 million in Q1 2020) mainly due to lower prices of graphic papers and unfavourable changes in currencies • Comparable EBIT was EUR 279 million, 12.5% of sales (279 million, 12.2%), in line with last year • Pulp demand continued to be good and pulp prices increased rapidly. Strong markets continued for labelling materials, specialty papers and energy • Operating cash flow increased to EUR 217 million (137 million) • Strong financial position continues. Net debt was EUR 83 million (-405) and cash funds and unused committed credit facilities totalled EUR 3.2 billion at the end of Q1 2021 • UPM issued a EUR 500 million Green Bond under the EMTN programme in March

Total European shipments of graphic papers in February 2021 were down 14.1% vs. February 2020 and are down 18.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in February 2021 were down 20.2% vs. February 2020 and are down 21.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in February 2021 were down 15.8% vs. February 2020 and are down 21.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in February 2021 were down 15.3% vs. February 2020 and are down 20.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in February 2021 were UP 2.5% vs. February 2020 and are down 9.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in February 2021 were down 19.3% vs. February 2020 and are down 23.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in February 2021 were down 8.2% vs. February 2020 and are down 11.7% year-to-date.

Key highlights: *Strong net sales *Ramp-up at Gruvön (KM7) reached EBITDA break-even *Excellent production quarter with increased operational efficiencies *Net sales grew by 2% to SEK 6 520 million (6 364). Excluding currency effects net sales grew by 5% *Adjusted EBITDA* increased by 27% to SEK 1 003 million (791), mainly due to the ramp-up at Gruvön *Operating profit amounted to SEK 528 million (280) *Net profit was SEK 377 million (164)

Norske Skog’s board of directors has made the final investment decision to convert one machine at the Bruck (Austria) industrial site from newsprint to recycled containerboard production. This is the first 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. The conversion at Bruck will introduce 210 000 tonnes of competitive containerboard capacity to meet the growing demand for renewable packaging. The project has received financing commitment from regional banks. Containerboard production will be based 100% on recycled fibre and will use steam from a new waste-to-energy plant, making Bruck a cost leading and green energy producer. “This investment decision represents the coming of a new era for Norske Skog and is a major step to become a leading independent European producer of high-quality, renewable and environmentally produced containerboard. The conversion project illustrates the inherent potential of our industrial sites and will strengthen Norske Skog’s asset base and cash flow generation for decades ahead,” says Norske Skog’s CEO Sven Ombudstvedt.

Northern Pulp Nova Scotia announced that the British Columbia Supreme Court (the “Court”) has approved the requests made by Northern Pulp to, among other things, extend the protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the “CCAA”) to October 31, 2021. The Court has also approved the amendment of the interim financing milestones under the interim financing facility to coincide with the Stay Extension and approved an additional draw of $6.0 million to meet obligations during the extended timeframe. Throughout the Stay Extension, Northern Pulp will continue to manage and maintain the mill and advance plans to transform its operations.

In commemoration of Earth Day, ND Paper is excited to announce the launch of a new recycled pulping operation at its Old Town Division. This innovative new production line will produce approximately 200 metric tons per day of unbleached recycled pulp. Using patent-pending, proprietary technology, the line will consume regionally-sourced recovered paper, primarily old corrugated containers, as its primary feedstock; this incremental demand for scrap paper is anticipated to improve local recycling and ultimately reduce disposal alternatives like landfilling. In addition, while traditional pulping operations typically require considerable use of water, this new line is novel as it requires very little consumption. At full operation, the recycled pulping operation will support approximately 20 new jobs in the state of Maine, as well as drive benefit via indirect and induced job creation. Indirect jobs are defined as those related to all of the in-Maine supply chain of vendors providing the materials and services required for pulp production, while induced jobs are those supported by employee and vendor spending. Further, ND Paper intends to spend money locally and elsewhere in the State on services including fiber sourcing, operational and maintenance supplies, and logistics.

Executive Summary *First quarter 2021 net sales of $4.7 billion decreased 5 percent compared to the year-ago period, including an organic sales decline of 8 percent. *Diluted net income per share for the first quarter was $1.72 in 2021 and $1.92 in 2020. *First quarter adjusted earnings per share were $1.80 in 2021 compared to $2.13 in 2020. Adjusted earnings per share exclude certain items described later in this news release. *Diluted net income per share for 2021 is anticipated to be $6.65 to $7.15. *The company is now targeting full-year 2021 organic sales growth of 0 to 1 percent and adjusted earnings per share of $7.30 to $7.55. The prior outlook was for organic sales growth of 1 to 2 percent and adjusted earnings per share of $7.75 to $8.00. The updated earnings outlook reflects significantly higher input cost inflation and lower sales volumes, partially offset by higher net selling prices and additional cost savings.

Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. unveiled a groundbreaking portfolio of papers, Mohawk Renewal, made from rapidly renewable, sustainable fibers—namely hemp, straw and recycled cotton—in April of last year. Mohawk's world-class engineers have devised a process that allows the mill to create the beautiful, high-performance papers Mohawk is renowned for using rapidly renewable, new fibers. The alternative fibers Mohawk has chosen for its groundbreaking line rely on waste from agriculture and garment manufacturing. By using scraps that would've otherwise been disposed of, we're reducing waste and pollution while creating something beautiful. Now, the entire range of Mohawk Renewal Hemp, Mohawk Renewal Straw and Mohawk Renewal Recycled Cotton papers have been reviewed and found to be in compliance with United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for use as an Indirect Food Additive (IFA), a designation for materials used in the handling, holding or packaging of food. This means that Renewal products are suitable for use in packaging and labeling applications that involve direct food contact.

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the first quarter of 2021 was NOK 112 million, a decrease from NOK 146 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The markets are still impacted by the Covid-19 imposed restrictions, but are expected to improve during the year as a result of both already effectuated, but also newly announced capacity closures. As announced earlier today, Norske Skog’s board of directors has made a EUR 100 million investment decision to convert one machine at the Bruck (Austria) industrial site from newsprint to recycled containerboard production. This is the first 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 163 million in the quarter compared to NOK 73 million in the previous quarter, mainly due to a reduction in working capital related to Norwegian CO2-compensation received for 2020 in the quarter. Operating earnings in the first quarter of 2021 were NOK 204 million compared to operating earnings in the fourth quarter of 2020 of NOK -1 276 million. The quarter was positively affected by non-cash change in fair value of energy contracts in Norway and New Zealand amounting to NOK 199 million. Net profit in the quarter was NOK 194 million compared to a net loss of NOK -1 363 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 401 million at the end of the first quarter, with an equity ratio of 43 %.

Stora Enso will start co-determination negotiations with employees at its Kvarnsveden Mill in Sweden and Veitsiluoto Mill in Finland regarding a plan to permanently close down pulp and paper production at both mills. The planned closures would take place during the third quarter of 2021, and affect directly 670 people in Finland and 440 people in Sweden. Paper demand in Europe has declined for over a decade. This trend has further accelerated due to the pandemic, which has led to changes in consumer behaviour. As a consequence, there is a significant overcapacity in the European paper market, which has resulted in historically low price levels and challenged the cost-competitiveness of many paper mills. Both Kvarnsveden and Veitsiluoto mills are loss-making, and their profitability is expected to remain unsatisfactory also going forward. No decisions regarding the planned closures nor employee impact will be taken until the local co-determination negotiations have been concluded.

Q1/2021 (year-on-year) *Sales increased by 3.1% to EUR 2 276 (2 207) million, due to higher deliveries and prices.*Operational EBIT increased to EUR 328 (180) million, due to lower costs. *Operational EBIT margin increased to 14.4% (8.1%). *Operating profit (IFRS) decreased to EUR 161 (262) million. *EPS was EUR 0.18 (0.19) and EPS excl. fair valuations (FV) was EUR 0.22 (0.11). *Cash flow from operations amounted to EUR 185 (146) million. Cash flow after investing activities was EUR -9 (-32) million. *The net debt to operational EBITDA ratio was 2.3 (2.3). *Operational ROCE excluding Forest division increased to 12.0% (7.8%)

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 20 percent in March compared to March 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 18 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased five percent when compared to February 2021. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 14 percent compared to March 2020 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to February 2021. UFS imports increased five percent while exports decreased 39 percent in February 2021. U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in March decreased 29 percent compared to last March while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to February 2021. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to February 2020, down 23 percent and two percent respectively. Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 40 percent compared to March 2020 while the inventory level increased two percent compared to February 2021. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to February 2020, down two percent and nine percent respectively. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in March decreased 15 percent compared to last March while the inventory level decreased eight percent compared to February 2021. UM imports remained essentially flat (-0.2 percent) while exports decreased 28 percent in February 2021.

Paper Excellence announced the permanent closure of the Mackenzie Pulp Mill located in Mackenzie, BC. Production at the mill was originally curtailed in June 2020 due to market impacts caused by COVID-19 and lack of local economic fibre. Since acquiring the Mackenzie mill in 2010, Paper Excellence has invested more than $360 million in the facility. However, despite these investments and the committed team of employees in Mackenzie, the facility’s small production capacity and the ongoing lack of local economic fibre meant the mill could not be globally competitive. Paper Excellence is restarting one of the paper machines in its Powell River mill in early May, investing with and establishing jointly beneficial partnerships with First Nations, and making a $13 million capital investment in the Port Alberni facility to diversify into higher-value markets. Furthermore, Paper Excellence is working towards making a significant capital investment in its Crofton facility and restarting its facility in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

Fire at Kotkamills' sawmill at 3:45 in a Debarker machine caused minor financial damages. No one was injured. In-house fire-Fighters and Municipal fire-Fighters opened the machine and extinguished the fire. The fire caused only minor damages on the sawmill's production. Repair and maintenance work has been done today. Tomorrow, on April 15th, after the production test runs, the sawmill production will be restarted. According to current estimates, the financial damages will be a few tens of thousands of euros. The production at the paper and board machines was not affected.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced executive leadership changes in support of its global business strategy. Russ Torres, president of Kimberly-Clark Professional (KCP), has been named Group President of Kimberly-Clark North America. In his new role, Torres will lead Kimberly-Clark's North American consumer business, maker of many of the industry's most iconic brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Cottonelle, and Depend. Torres will succeed Kim Underhill who is departing after 33 years with the company. A successor to Torres at Kimberly-Clark Professional will be named in the near future. Torres will continue to report to Mike Hsu, Kimberly-Clark Chairman and CEO.

Neenah is expanding their popular ENDURA® Wide Format line to include ENDURA® POSTER in a new seven mil, 500-foot roll. It is also adding an innovative seventeen mil matte finish ENDURA® ART to the portfolio. These additions are in response to market demand created by wide format equipment enhancements while providing a trusted, durable and cost-efficient signage solution for various retail, hospitality, attractions, and commercial art businesses. “The new 500-foot roll is a game-changer for our printing partners. The new sizing means fewer interruptions of print runs for reloading, less stopping to purge and clean the printer, and more manageable time, effort, and labor per project. In our tests on 150 vs. 500-foot rolls we saw a decrease in production times by a minimum of 15%,” said Jason Leonard, Business Development Manager for Neenah.

Kromekote®, one of North America’s best-known premium cast-coated paper brands, is now available in four new thick, luxurious, ultra-bright white heavyweights for production-rated digital printing and color copiers. The papers are FSC-certified, recyclable and elemental chlorine free. Two new 14- and 18-point Kromekote items are certified for use on all HP Indigo presses. Two other new 14- and 18-point papers are certified for use on Konica-Minolta AccurioPress (bizhub). The second group of new products are also engineered for optimal performance on other production-rated dry toner presses and color copiers, including Xerox, Kodak, Kyocera, Canon, Oce and Ricoh. These papers feature a proven universal coating that makes them fully compatible with all offset presses, delivering extra advantage and efficiencies for merchants and print professionals.

UPM continues to take action to ensure the company’s competitiveness. UPM aims to increase efficiency of its global functions by reorganising and streamlining the operations in Finland, Germany, and Austria. If implemented, the plans would decrease the number of employments in the functions by up to 51. Employee consultations on efficiency improvements will be started according to national practices. Final decisions will be made after the employee consultation procedures have been concluded in each country. UPM aims for continuous improvement in cost efficiency. 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.

Bruce Hogan has been named the new Vice President and General Manager of ND Paper’s Old Town Division. A pulp and paper industry veteran, Hogan brings 33 years of experience with internationally recognized companies including International Paper, Mohawk Fine Papers, Essity and Appvion. “Bruce brings a breadth of knowledge that will be instrumental in helping us usher in a new era of growth and excellence at our historic Old Town Mill,” said ND Paper CEO Ken Liu. “Because beyond operations, Bruce will also be critical in helping us execute the continued capital transformation program for the Division.”

Sappi Europe announces a price increase for all its woodfree coated and woodfree uncoated paper grades by 7 – 10 % effective 1. June 2021 for all markets in Europe. This is in addition to the previously announced and implemented increases. Sharply rising input costs in raw materials and freight rates due to global logistic constraints make the increase unavoidable and will likely be followed by subsequent increases as the trend continues.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and GreenFirst Forest Products Inc. announced that the parties have entered into a binding asset purchase agreement pursuant to which RYAM has agreed to sell all of its lumber and newsprint facilities and related assets located in Ontario and Québec to GreenFirst for an expected purchase price of approximately US$214 million including inventory on hand at the time of closing which is payable approximately 85% in cash, 15% common shares of the capital of GreenFirst. In addition, a chip offset credit note will be issued to RYAM by GreenFirst in the amount of CDN$7.9 million, which may be set off against amounts owing to GreenFirst for chip purchases, equally over the next 5 years. Notably, RYAM will retain all of the cash generated by the Purchased Assets plus all softwood lumber duties, including earned interest on the duties, paid to the U.S. Department of Commerce through the closing date. RYAM estimates the duties to be approximately $110 million at the time of closing. The Purchased Assets: *include six lumber mills which are located in Chapleau, Cochrane, Hearst and Kapuskasing in Ontario and in Béarn and La Sarre in Québec as well as one newsprint mill located in Kapuskasing, Ontario. *produced 604 million board feet in 2020 with a combined nameplate capacity of 755 million board feet and are capable of producing a wide range of forest products used in residential and commercial construction, including dimensional lumber, wood chips and by-products. *include the lumber and newsprint mills as well as certain real property, machinery, inventory, permits, licenses and other related assets. *exclude accounts receivable and accounts payable.

The Navigator Company announced today that it will increase paper prices in Europe from 6% to 9%. This increase will be effective for all dispatches from 10th of May, and the Company will inform shortly about the details of the new prices to be applied by product. This decision was taken following not only further worldwide cost increases in pulp, chemicals and logistics, with structural effects in the profitability of the industry in Europe and across the globe, but also a robust demand for Navigator’s products and brands during late 2020 and the first months of 2021.

UPM Raflatac has earned multi-site certification to the first edition of the ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System for its ten label stock production facilities. The certification complements UPM Raflatac’s existing certifications to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System standards. DNV, a global assurance and risk management company, awarded the certification on March 9, 2021, after completing a combination of in-person and remote audits in UPM Raflatac facilities worldwide.

Due to the current economic environment and the continued significant increase in raw material, manufacturing and logistics costs, Lecta announces a second price increase of 8% on all its 2-side CWF and UWF grades in sheets and reels. The new prices will be effective on deliveries from June 1st, 2021.

Neenah, Inc. announced that it has joined CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™, the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. One of nearly 2,000 CEOs that have come together for CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™, Julie Schertell, is committing herself and Neenah to advance diversity and inclusion efforts in the company and in the communities where Neenah employees live and work. The CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion™ commitment is driven by a realization that addressing diversity and inclusion is not a competitive issue, but a societal issue that CEOs can play a critical role in addressing. Companies from 85 industries have signed on, giving the signatory group additional unique perspectives on how to develop comfortable environments for employees to thrive. “A diverse and inclusive workforce facilitates community, increases awareness and builds empathy,” said Julie Schertell, CEO and President – Neenah, Inc. “It also drives innovation and creativity, as employees feel accepted and welcomed to bring their whole selves to work every day, along with their unique perspectives and experiences. All of this leads to greater value, growth and opportunities for our employees, our company, communities and shareholders.”

UPM sells its Jyväskylä plywood mill site and premises, located in Säynätsalo, Jyväskylä in Finland, to real estate developer Redeve Oy. The transaction was completed today, and the ownership of the real estate was transferred to Redeve immediately. At the same time, businesses currently renting premises on the site, will become tenants of Redeve. “We are delighted to find a buyer for the mill site so quickly. The site has been developed as a business district already while the plywood mill was operating. We have had successful co-operation with Redeve also earlier and we believe this good news for the further development of the site”, says Jaakko Kaijalainen, Property Manager at UPM. Redeve has earlier bought the Myllykoski mill site and the Voikkaa business district from UPM and operates business districts on both locations. Same is being planned also for Säynätsalo.

Lecta, with Adestor, its widely known brand of self-adhesive materials, is pleased to announce that it has joined CELAB (Circular Economy for Labels), a global industry initiative that is working to create a more sustainable pressure-sensitive labelling industry by increasing access to matrix and liner recycling. Lecta joins CELAB in Europe, which includes other leading companies in the European self-adhesive label value chain. CELAB's activities focus on sharing information, identifying and rolling out recycling solutions for label materials, and educating stakeholders, policymakers and the public through proactive communications.

Three Domtar facilities were among a group of nearly 150 South Carolina-based companies recognized for outstanding workplace safety at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s annual safety awards ceremony. The Marlboro Mill, Tatum Converting Center and Rock Hill Converting Center received the award based on their lost workday case rate during the calendar year. “When you talk to businesses throughout the state, one of the biggest issues you hear about is the importance of keeping workplaces and employees safe,” says South Carolina Chamber Interim CEO Swati Patel. “We are proud to recognize the companies on this list for taking steps in 2020 to make safety a top priority.” While 2020 brought many challenges to our operations, we established new processes and guidelines to ensure we were doing everything we could to protect employees’ health and safety. Throughout the year, we adapted our work to keep employees and our communities safe.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by 5 to 15 percent on all paper and process 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 supplies globally and escalating energy, packaging and transportation costs.

Neenah, Inc. announced that it had completed the previously announced agreement to acquire Global Release Liners, S.L., the parent company of Industrias de Transformacion de Andoain, S.A. (“ITASA”), from Magnum Capital and other minority shareholders. The Company funded the purchase price of approximately €205 million, inclusive of debt extinguishment and subject to customary closing adjustments, through available cash-on-hand and an upsizing of Neenah’s existing Term Loan B from $200 million to $450 million. Interest rates on the Term Loan B are variable and are currently at 3.5 percent. Neenah will continue to maintain a strong liquidity position, with ample availability under its revolving credit line and a projected debt to EBITDA of approximately three times after closing the transaction.

Paper Excellence is proud to announce the acquisition of an interest in the Atli Chip Limited Partnership. The Partnership has acquired the assets of the North Island Chipping facility situated in Beaver Cove, BC, located on the traditional territory of the ‘Namgis First Nation. The facility is capable of processing 300,000 to 400,000 m3 of chips per year for use in the pulp and paper industry from local supplies of pulpwood and salvage wood. Atli Chip Limited Partnership is majority owned by Atli Resources LP with minority stakes owned by Paper Excellence and Wahkash Contracting Ltd.

We are pleased to announce that Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. has joined as a patron of the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership, highlighting its environmental leadership and commitment to the industry’s growing sustainable supply chain. The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) is a non-profit organization that certifies printing facilities’ sustainability best practices, including and beyond regulatory compliance. SGP advocates best practices and innovation among print community stakeholders, aligning the printing industry and its customers in the pursuit of a more accountable sustainable supply chain. Monadnock is a long-time leader in crafting sustainable and premium printing, packaging, and specialty technical papers for leading brands worldwide.

HEINZEL GROUP recorded a respectable result in the challenging environ-ment of 2020 and created a good basis for further growth after completely freeing itself from debt. Sebastian Heinzel joins the management as Chief Strategy Officer with immediate effect. HEINZEL GROUP increased production in both the paper and pulp segments in the 2020 financial year, with total production rising to 1,607,030 metric tons in 2020. The growth in paper volume is at-tributable to the first full year of operation of the PM3 in Pöls, which specializes in low-grammage kraft paper, and the very good performance of the PM10 in Laakirchen, which produced more con-tainerboard than in the previous year. Total sales volume amounted to 3.7 million metric tons and was slightly lower than in 2019 due to the corona pandemic. Coupled with lower market prices, HEINZEL GROUP’s net sales consequently declined to EUR 1,611.7 million. Although lower wood prices and large-scale savings measures had a positive effect, HEINZEL GROUP’s EBITDA, at EUR 126.0 million, fell to the level of 2017. The group’s EBIT decreased to EUR 57.7 million and net profit for the year to EUR 39.9 million. Against this backdrop it is all the more remarkable that HEINZEL GROUP was able to completely free itself from debt and increase the equity ratio to 59.2%.

Our goal is for you to recognize Verso as a customer-centric organization that delivers best-in-class paper and pulp products with the highest level of service. We know that we have opportunities to improve in this area, and are working diligently to develop new initiatives to do just that. One way we believe we can become more customer-focused is by realigning the current structure and leadership of our Sales, Marketing and Supply Chain organization. We’ve determined that the SVP of Sales, Marketing and Supply Chain role can be more effective with three separate leadership positions. The good news is that you are already familiar with the leaders of these positions as outlined below. Aaron Haas will continue to lead the Marketing, Business Development, Product Development and Customer Technical Service organizations as SVP of Marketing and will continue to report to me. John Schultz will continue to lead the Sales organization as SVP of Sales for all product categories and will now report directly to me. Brian Seitz will continue to serve as Director of Supply Chain, which includes Customer Service, Logistics, and Planning, Scheduling and Delivery, under the leadership of David West.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC announced it has completed two strategic investments that will further strengthen its portfolio and enhance service to new and existing customers. On March 31st , Pixelle acquired the specialty paper business Rollsource from Veritiv Corporation. On April 5th , Pixelle acquired the carbonless rolls and security papers business from Appvion Operations Inc. The acquisition of Rollsource includes the book of business primarily serving the forms printer market, and includes a converting facility in Pittsburg, KS. Pixelle will retain key Rollsource employees in order to ensure continuity in operations, sales and customer service. The acquisition of Appvion’s carbonless rolls and security papers business will enable Pixelle to serve new customers with Pixelle’s portfolio of ExcelOne® and Trans/Rite® carbonless papers and broad line of Defensa® security products. No production assets are included in the transaction. Pixelle will manufacture carbonless roll products for former Appvion customers at its Chillicothe, Ohio specialty paper mill, building on decades of experience producing carbonless products.

Mactac® announced that it has acquired Duramark Products Inc., previously known as Ritrama USA. The acquisition consists of the company’s Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Moore, South Carolina, facilities, including its new world-class coaters and advanced automation technologies. Both locations will be rebranded under the Mactac name, creating one of the largest, most diversified pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) suppliers in North America. “We are thrilled to make this announcement and to maximize Duramark Products’ recent investments in state-of-the-art equipment and processes,” said Ed LaForge, president, and CEO of Mactac. “We will leverage our experience and established network to help both locations reach their full potential, bringing much-needed product diversification and capacity to the industry.” Mactac’s continued focus on market growth and its diverse account base led to a need to strategically expand operations. With this significant investment, Mactac is affirming its continued commitment to expanding its technology, capacity, and adhesive formulation capabilities to be a full-service resource for customers.

“AF&PA looks forward to working with the Administration and Congress on important infrastructure investment proposals, many of which are included in President Biden’s American Jobs Plan. Modernizing our nation’s infrastructure and investing in manufacturing jobs will be welcome improvements for the U.S. forest products industry, which employs approximately 950,000 individuals and manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually. “However, AF&PA cannot support the tax increases put forth in the Made in America Tax Plan. These increases would adversely impact U.S. manufacturing and put jobs at risk during a fragile economic recovery. This aspect of the proposal would significantly upset global competitiveness while undermining the promises of the American Jobs Plan."

During last year, we reviewed Stora Enso’s strategic agenda and identified our focus areas going forward. We want to focus on and take leading market positions in the segments where we see potential for future growth, namely packaging, wooden construction and biomaterials innovation from lignin. As a consequence of our strategic direction, we are in the process of exiting the segment of dissolving pulp for viscose production globally. This segment is not core for us and stands for only a small part of our overall business. Dissolving pulp is produced at Stora Enso’s Enocell mill, which currently produces both standard and dissolving pulp grades. Production at the Enocell mill will continue with other types of pulp grades than dissolving pulp and for other end uses than viscose.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced that it is notifying customers in the U.S. and Canada of plans to increase net selling prices across a majority of its North America consumer products business. The increases will be implemented almost entirely through changes in list prices and are necessary to help offset significant commodity cost inflation. The percentage increases are in the mid-to-high single digits. Nearly all of the increases will be effective in late June and impact the company's baby and child care, adult care and Scott bathroom tissue businesses.

Commenting on Marco beginning his journey as Sappi Europe’s CEO, Steve Binnie, Chief Executive Officer of Sappi Limited said: “I look forward to seeing Sappi Europe taken forward by Marco’s drive and vision. Marco is an experienced leader who has been integral to the development and execution of Sappi’s strategy and the investments and decisions we have made in Europe to ensure we maintain our graphic papers leadership while growing our packaging and specialities businesses. I am confident that under Marco’s leadership the business will take full advantage of the exciting opportunities for the pulp and paper industry in Europe and across their export markets.” “The appointment is testimony to the success of Sappi’s strong succession planning processes and the importance we place on stability and continuity during any such leadership transition.”

Servera® papers offer the highest kit level for a paper free of fluorochemicals, while being cost-effective. These eco-friendly papers are available in bleached and natural options. Manufacturing with natural pulp integration, Ahlstrom-Munksjö offers customers the product solutions they desire to address end-user sustainability needs in the QSR market. “Our Servera® papers offer great printability and are flexible for multiple converting processes, in addition to the strength and grease-resistance they provide,” stated Jeff Murphy, Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Food Packaging Solutions business. “Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s extensive history of providing food packaging papers to the Quick Service Restaurant market combined with our vast portfolio of sustainable packaging options makes Servera® papers the best QSR solution in the marketplace.”

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by 7 to 15 percent on all process and water treatment 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 supplies globally and escalating energy, packaging and transportation costs.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in January 2021 were down 22.3% vs. January 2020. Total European shipments of newsprint in January 2021 were down 23.2% vs. January 2020. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in January 2021 were down 26.9% vs. January 2020. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in January 2021 were down 25.2% vs. January 2020. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in January 2021 were down 20.2% vs. January 2020. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in January 2021 were down 14.9% vs. January 2020.

Domtar is working to build circular economies at each of our mills. In the past several years, the Windsor Mill has gone to great lengths to close its sustainability loop and nurture the forests that support its operations and the people that live and work in the surrounding area. That includes a partnership with local maple syrup producers. The Windsor Mill is one of Canada’s last fully integrated pulp and paper mills, which means it owns forestland — 400,000 acres of it — to support its operations. The mill manages its forests for multiple uses, selectively harvesting trees about once every 20 years. The mill has developed partnerships for the forests to benefit the larger community during the two decades of growing time. One of these partnerships was formed in 2016 to allow local maple syrup producers to harvest sap from the large stands of sugar maples that dominate the land. Since starting its partnership with local syrup makers like Simon Bellegarde five years ago, the Domtar forest’s more than 140,000 taps have yielded enough tree sap to make about 33,000 U.S. gallons of maple syrup each year.

UPM Timber has completed the employee consultation process started in early February on its plans to improve profitability and strengthen competitiveness. Based on the negotiations, the number of positions at UPM Timber will decrease by 43. As a result of the negotiations, UPM Timber is renewing the management model of its sawmills and streamlining its supply chain. In addition, the small log line at Kaukas sawmill will be closed by the end of June 2021 and the operating model of Korkeakoski sawmill will be optimized.

Fulfill the expectations of today’s sustainability-minded consumers with premium packaging and collateral that’s authentic, environmentally responsible… and highly cost-competitive over “natural-looking” text and cover alternatives. Proven innovation, outsized impact for premium retail brands. Food, beverage, apparel, accessories, beauty/cosmetics, cannabis—and so much more. • Glama KRAFT is a printing, converting and packaging substrate that brings the distinctive look and feel of real kraft paper to premium recyclable text and cover. Truly a league of its own. • 90% post-consumer fiber, 100% recycled and Forest Stewardship Council certified • Optimized for 6+ color printability, foil stamping and embossing—offset and heat-set web to dry toner equipment and HP Indigo. • High affordability and cost-effectiveness for brand owners.

Expanding its LINTEC® labelstock portfolio, Mactac® announces the addition of retro-reflective films to its product line-up. Designed for label applications such as warehouse racking, pallet labels, safety, and warning labels, construction signage, and industrial labeling, the retro-reflective films are ideal for barcode scanning. The films are constructed from a polyester material uniquely embedded with glass beads that enable long-range barcode scanning – up to 50-feet. Retro-reflective films feature long-term indoor durability and 1 to 2 years outdoor durability. “The glass beads give the retro-reflective polyester films a light silver appearance and allow barcode scanning from a distance, making them great for warehouses and other applications where pallets or products are often stacked and harder to reach,” said Cassandra Semonin, Marketing Manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives.

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. was recognized with three 2020 American Graphic Design Awards, presented annually by Graphic Design USA (GDUSA). Monadnock Astrolite PC 100 Swatchbook – Brochures + Collateral category (self); Luxury Performance Board Toolkit – Sales Promotion/Self Promotion category (client); “Sustainability is Kindness” Hemp Sample Box – Direct Mail + Direct Response category (client). “We love the opportunity to showcase our sustainable paper and packaging innovations,” says Lisa Berghaus, director of marketing communications at Monadnock. “It is a true testament to the hard work of our team, partners, and clients.”

Following on the heels of Tony Mollica’s appointment to CEO of Twin Rivers, the company continues to build on its play to win strategy with the announcement of six new, highly experienced cross-functional team members. The team is well-positioned to realize company-wide strategic objectives as it drives advancements in innovation and productivity, as well as operational, commercial, and customer service excellence. Mark Lukacs has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Stepping into the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer is Jeffrey Hederick who will work closely with Mollica and other senior leaders to enhance commercial excellence capabilities that drive growth and customer satisfaction. Hederick will lean on the business and customer insight of seasoned team members Tony Rigelman, Vice President of Sales, and Brian McAlary, Vice President of Business Development, Technical and Export Sales. John Graves has been appointed to Vice President of Innovation and Productivity, another newly created position. Mike Soucy, a Twin Rivers veteran of over 28 years, has been named General Manager of the Plaster Rock operation. John Bates, who has spent the past four years working with the New York mills in various capacities, has been named the Director of NY Operations. Rounding out the new team members is Jason Querze, Customer Service Manager.

Lecta announces a price increase on its self-adhesive products effective for deliveries from 19th April 2021. The increase will be from 8% to 10% depending on format and product. The increase is necessary to offset the increase in manufacturing costs due to the continuously rising prices in raw materials.

Mondi Group has joined forces with the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) to support good water stewardship performance across its operations. AWS is a global membership collaboration comprising businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the public sector. Members contribute to the sustainability of local water resources through their adoption and promotion of a universal framework for the responsible use of water – the International Water Stewardship Standard (or AWS Standard) – which drives, recognises and rewards good water stewardship performance. With AWS and WWF, Mondi developed a Group water stewardship standard that is designed to set out how its mills will use operational and catchment-based context to determine contextually appropriate levels of water stewardship responses. This work was guided by the AWS Standard and considers each of Mondi's mills' exposure to water-related risks using WWF’s Water Risk Filter.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by up to 20 percent on all wet strength resins in EMEA, effective immediately or as contracts allow. The price increase is necessary due to lack of raw material availability, escalating key raw material costs and a surge in freight costs that has led to additional pressure on our global supply chain. “We are unable to absorb the impact of the increased costs that we are currently experiencing but we will continue to work in partnership with our customers to help mitigate the increases,” said Jose Santolaya, director, EMEA marketing and product management.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 29 percent in February compared to February 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24 percent in February compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased one percent when compared to January 2021. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in February decreased 19 percent compared to last February while the inventory level remained essentially flat (-0.1 percent) compared to January 2021. UFS imports increased 39 percent while exports decreased 32 percent in January 2021. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 32 percent compared to February 2020 while the inventory level decreased two percent compared to January 2021. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to January 2020, down 26 percent and three percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in February decreased 38 percent compared to last February while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to January 2021. CM imports decreased 22 percent while exports increased 24 percent in January 2021. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 31 percent compared to February 2020 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to January 2021. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to January 2020, down 14 percent and 47 percent respectively.

Mondi has started up new production lines for melt-blown nonwoven fabric and medical face masks at its site in Gronau, Germany to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Mondi Gronau has over 50 years of experience in the production and processing of films, nonwovens and elastic components for hygiene products. Last year Mondi announced it would start up production lines to produce both the important base material, melt-blown nonwoven fabric, as well as the medical face mask themselves. With the new lines, Mondi is building up a local value chain in Germany to address the needs of the pandemic. The fully integrated production with two highly automated high-speed machines allows the output of 700 high-quality medical face masks per minute. This is approximately seven times higher than the standard face mask production line and will produce at least one million medical grade masks a day. The masks are certified as a medical product by the German Johner Institute as well as meeting the German standards OEKO-TEX and Dermatest.

The Kuura textile fibre is produced in Äänekoski, Finland, at Metsä Spring and Itochu’s jointly-owned demo plant. The joint demo phase project, which is built around the Äänekoski demo plant, aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel production process and textile fibre product, from both a technical and economic standpoint. This advanced direct dissolution method saw its beginnings in a collaboration with universities and research institutions over a decade ago. The demo phase began in late 2020 and it is estimated to last approximately two years. “We are testing a novel way of producing textile fibres from undried pulp, based on safer and more environmentally friendly chemicals. Our project has now reached a point where we can shift our focus more on investigating the fibre’s market potential and its suitability in different applications. Our partner ITOCHU, which has operated in the textile industry for over 100 years already, plays a key role in this. The launch of the Kuura brand supports ITOCHU work at the customer front,” says Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Spring.

Lecta announces a price increase on all its Specialty paper grades of 10% effective for deliveries from 1 April 2021 for all European and Overseas markets. The increase is necessary due to the sustained increase in prices of pulp and chemicals along with the sharp increase of freight costs. This follows Lecta’s previous announcement made on Thermal paper grades.

Due to current, strong price increases for raw materials as well as massive transport surcharges, Zanders Paper will implement a price adjustment for all products. The adjustment will range from five to ten percent, depending on product and region, and will take effect for all delivery dates from 19 April 2021.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has established a viable partnership with Italian filter producer Virgis S.P.A for the distribution of an innovative HEPA filtration solution produced by Webasto. The innovative solution makes indoor environments safer against COVID-19 as well as other viral and bacterial organisms. The launch of the high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) devices HFT300 and HFT600 in Europe in 2020 has rapidly met the demand for increased protection in vehicles and buildings. The main purpose of these filter devices is to protect the passengers and the operators in emergency vehicles, school buses and public transportation vehicles. The first units were primarily installed in ambulances in Germany and the U.S., as well as in public buses in the Netherlands and school buses in the U.S. The promotion of this innovative solution for private sectors such as offices, restaurants and museums has also started.

KPLP Q4 2020 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue was $385.0 million in Q4 2020 compared to $348.1 million in Q4 2019, an increase of $36.9 million or 10.6%. • Adjusted EBITDA was $36.2 million in Q4 2020, including $4.5 million of TAD Sherbrooke start-up costs, compared to $46.0 million in Q4 2019, a decrease of 21.3%. • Successful start-up of new TAD Sherbrooke paper machine, project completed on time and on budget. • Announced the $240 million Sherbrooke Expansion Project. • Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share to be paid on April 15, 2021. KPLP Full Year 2020 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue was $1,516.0 million in 2020 compared to $1,357.2 million excluding the divested Mexico business in 2019, an increase of $158.8 million or 11.7%. • Adjusted EBITDA was $197.8 million in 2020, up from $145.0 million in 2019, an increase of 36.4%.

Toshiba and UPM Raflatac are pleased to announce they have entered into a European-wide collaboration. By joining forces, the companies are creating a compelling linerless print solution with Toshiba’s latest linerless printer technology and UPM Raflatac’s high performance linerless OptiCut™ label portfolio. Through this collaboration, Toshiba and UPM Raflatac will provide a ready-to-use solution for linerless printing. Their customers can now take advantage of the tested and approved combination of Toshiba’s BV420D-GL linerless printer and UPM Raflatac’s OptiCut linerless label material to have a perfectly matched printing experience. With e-commerce being one of the fastest-growing sectors, the need for efficient and reliable processes to ensure all shipments are labeled correctly is increasing. The Toshiba-UPM Raflatac collaboration brings together deep technological know-how and expertise that support clients by creating sophisticated print applications for them.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced its commitment to reduce absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 30% against 2015 levels by 2025. This new target builds on the company's 83% reduction in absolute GHG emissions from year-2000 levels, two-thirds of which reflect reductions in emission intensity. By achieving its target, the company will have reduced its emissions by nearly 700,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents per year compared to its 2015 level. Some of the more recent projects on which the company is relying to achieve its commitment include: *an efficiency enhancement at the Saint-Félicien (Quebec) pulp mill to improve production capacity and reduce fossil-fuel use by up to 20%; *a modernization of the cogeneration turbine at the Coosa Pines (Alabama) pulp mill to reduce purchased electricity use by 6%; and *the installation of a sophisticated heat recovery unit at the Thunder Bay (Ontario) pulp and paper mill to recover waste heat and, as a result, decrease the use of fossil fuels by over 20%.

UPM Biomedicals is excited to announce its collaboration with bioconvergence company CELLINK. The partnership brings together UPM’s expertise for producing non-animal derived, nanocellulose biomaterials with CELLINK’s years of experience in method development for 3D bioprinting, offering new groundbreaking solutions to this growing life sciences market. Advances in 3D printing in the past decade have been outstanding, and the technology is becoming more widely used for various cutting-edge applications. 3D bioprinting is already important in areas such as cancer research, where tumour models can be printed to test their response to different treatments. More recently scientists have been exploring the use of this technology in a clinical setting, with the possibility of printing tissues or organs that can then be transplanted into patients. Using non-animal derived raw materials, such as UPM’s nanofibrillar cellulose, for bio-ink formulations makes transplants into humans much more effective, reducing the possibility of an immune response or rejection.

Solenis will increase prices by 10 to 15 percent on all polyacrylamide polymers, coagulants and retention aids across the EMEA region, effective immediately, or as customer contracts allow. Originally announced last month, Solenis readjusted the price increase and also included coagulants to the list of products affected. The increase is necessary due to the major impact on key feedstock costs, and also from raw material shortages that are tighter than anticipated.

The company confirmed that it plans to restart Number 11 Paper Machine at Catalyst Powell River, on or around May 1st. Paper Excellence says this restart reflects the recent recovery in global paper markets and its “long-term commitment to the Powell River facility.” A total of 200 jobs will return with the startup of the paper machine. The machine was curtailed last spring after an external malware attack, and the COVID-19 pandemic simultaneously impacted the mill’s paper production as well as global paper demand.

Powell River’s paper mill is scheduled to resume production in May, according to mayor Dave Formosa. Speaking at the city council meeting on March 4, Formosa said he wanted to announce that the Catalyst Paper Corporation mill in Powell River will be starting up one paper machine. “We’re looking for that to happen in May,” said Formosa. “They are anticipating four- to six-week lead time so certain workers will be called back to the operation to start getting the facility ready to fire up one machine. “They will be making a new product that has not been made here before. It’s a brown, heavy paper that will line boxes, so it’s a box liner, which happens to have a good market. That’s good news.” Formosa said the mill is hoping to start up a second machine once it gets enough orders for the thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) operation. He said that is where the mill would take pulp from the TMP operation, dry it on the paper machines onto rolls, and then sell it into Asia as a raw material.

Designed for year-round use, including cold weather applications, REBEL® Removable multi-print media from Mactac® increases business opportunities for print service providers (PSPs). Rated for 32-degrees Fahrenheit and higher, Mactac’s REBEL Removable 500 series is known for its printability on multiple print platforms, including UV and solvent screen printing, solvent, eco-solvent and latex printing, UV inkjet and offset printing. It is available in bright white, matte, and clear finishes and comes with a 90# Superflat™ liner. It is ideal for point-of-purchase and promotional signage, decals, windows, indoor floor applications and more, and has a 2-year removability after application on most surfaces. The series’ high-performance films, including the popular matte white RB528R, offer 99-percent opacity built into the facestock, eliminating pigment interference to ensure pure adhesion to the application substrate.

UPM, Arla Finland and K Group have teamed up with Oppi&ilo to create Finland’s first educational activity book designed to teach Finland’s 60,000 preschoolers about recycling. The Kierrätyskaverit (“Recycling friends”) activity book aims to make recycling a fun, easy and inspiring part of their daily lives. The 32-page book is distributed free of charge, containing a variety of creative tasks to inspire preschoolers to discover the secrets of recycling and the circular economy. Four tips for teaching children about recycling 1. Explore together: What kind of different packages can you find at home? What kind of recycling instructions are there on the labels? 2. How should you sort your afternoon snack waste? Check the wastebin after you snack and sort the trash correctly. 3. Could you reduce your water consumption? Think together: How much water do you consume – and why? 4. Head out for a trip into nature. What do you see there? Can you find something that does not belong there?

After a successful year of transformation in 2019, Zanders Paper posted a strong first quarter of 2020; then the coronavirus pandemic hit the global economy and led to a significant decline in sales of specialty papers for consumables. The various effects of this challenging situation could not be compensated completely by the German company despite the increased operating profitability and the fundamentally good set-up and positioning. Taking these circumstances into account, the Zanders Paper management has decided to carry out the continuation of the long-term restructuring of the company within the framework of insolvency proceedings and today filed an application to this effect with the competent district court in Cologne. This is done to protect the interests of all stakeholders including but not limited to the employees, creditors, customers and the City of Bergisch Gladbach. This gives Zanders Paper a breathing room to further rebuild and shape the company for the future. During the opening insolvency proceedings, which are expected to last two to three months, business operations will be continued by the insolvency administrator.

Sappi Europe announces a price increase for all its Packaging and Speciality paper grades by 7 – 11 % valid for deliveries from 1 April 2021. Sharply rising input costs, particularly relevant to pulp and energy in combination with very high freight rates due to global logistic constraints make price increases unavoidable.

Neenah, Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Global Release Liners, S.L., the parent company of Industrias de Transformacion de Andoain, S.A., from Magnum Capital and other minority shareholders for €205 million in cash. Closing is expected to occur in early April and is subject to customary conditions. ITASA is a leading global coater and converter of release liners used in fast-growing hygiene, tapes, industrial, labels, composites and various other end markets. With COVID-impacted sales of $120 million in 2020, Neenah expects sales of approximately $140 million in 2021 and consistent, pre-synergy mid-teen EBITDA margins. ITASA has historically grown sales by more than 8 percent annually and serves global markets from its operations in Spain, Mexico and Malaysia.

Domtar Corporation announced that it completed the previously disclosed sale of its Personal Care business to affiliates of American Industrial Partners for $920 million. This divestiture is a significant milestone in the Company’s strategic transformation to become a leading paper, pulp and packaging company. "The sale of The Personal Care business is part of our ongoing effort to strategically optimize our portfolio and allows us to strengthen our balance sheet, enhance liquidity and buy back shares," said John D. Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer. "I want to thank the employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the process, and for their contributions over the years." The Company plans to use $600 million of the proceeds to reduce debt and $300 million to repurchase shares.

UPM's goal is to develop, encourage and reward every employee in their work. UPM paid a total of EUR 51 million as short-term incentives to employees in 2020. The incentives were paid for the good 2019 results and for personal success in one's own work. The figures are outlined in the Annual Report that was published today. Over the last five years, UPM has paid nearly EUR 300 million in incentives to its employees. The incentives are mainly determined by the financial indicators, of which EBITDA is the most important. In addition, every employee can earn one-third of the incentive by the achievement of personal and/or team performance targets. Last year, UPM employees earned on average of 5.6%, or approximately EUR 3,200, additional income from the company's incentive schemes.

KP Tissue Inc. and Kruger Products L.P. announced the completion of construction and successful start-up of their state-of-the-art Sherbrooke manufacturing facility featuring Canada’s largest and most modern through-air-dry (TAD) tissue machine. The new facility also comprises three converting lines which have been successfully commissioned. Kruger Products also announced a further investment of $240M to expand the Sherbrooke operation with new production lines as well as the construction of a new tissue manufacturing facility over the next three years. This investment is part of the Company’s broader focus on expanding its business and continuing to offer high quality tissue products to customers across North America. The investment announced today is supported by the Government of Québec through Investissement Québec (“IQ”) which is investing $165M in loans.

For the fourth quarter of 2020, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $453 million, a 4.0% increase compared to net sales of $435 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2019. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2020 was $23 million, compared to net income in the fourth quarter of 2019 of $2 million. On a non-GAAP basis, Clearwater Paper reported adjusted net income in the fourth quarter of 2020 of $25 million, compared to fourth quarter 2019 adjusted net income of $6 million. For the full year 2020, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $1.9 billion, a 6.1% increase compared to net sales of $1.8 billion for 2019. Net income for the full year was $77 million in 2020, compared to a net loss for 2019 of $6 million. On a non-GAAP basis, Clearwater Paper reported adjusted net income for 2020 of $89 million, compared to 2019 adjusted net income of $4 million.

For durable, high strength labelling to withstand extreme conditions. Lecta expands its portfolio of Adestor pressure-sensitive products for the industrial, logistics and healthcare industries with the launch of Adestor PET Laser MW. The new Adestor PET Laser Matt White facestock provides excellent performance for outdoor labelling and durable applications (high resistance to water, chemicals and fluctuating temperatures). This new product is HP Indigo certified and ideal for use with variable data printing technologies.

Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2020 declined by $273 million or 47% compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019 as a result of significant declines in sales volume and unfavorable price/mix. Operating loss was $118 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $128 million when compared to operating income of $10 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019. Net sales for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 declined by $1,085 million or 44% compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 as a result of significant declines in sales volume and unfavorable price/mix. Operating loss was $128 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, a decrease of $91 million when compared to operating loss of $37 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019.

Thursday February 25, at 7.07 am, SCA closed permanently paper machine LWC4 at Ortviken paper mill. With this, SCA’s all production of publication paper has come to an end. Publication paper production started at Ortviken in the year 1958 with production of newsprint. Ortviken has grown as a producer of first newsprint and then coated publication paper for magazines and commercial print. Ortviken has produced up to 800 000 tonnes per annum and was one of the world’s largest mills for publication paper production.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in December 2020 were down 11.8% vs. December 2019 and were down 19.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in December 2020 were down 15.5% vs. December 2019 and were down 19.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in December 2020 were down 8.2% vs. December 2019 and were down 17.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in December 2020 were down 19.2% vs. December 2019 and were down 26.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in December 2020 were down 2.2% vs. December 2019 and were down 7.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in December 2020 were down 10.5% vs. December 2019 and were down 24.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in December 2020 were down 8.3% vs. December 2019 and were down 13.3% year-to-date.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Highlights: *Fourth quarter and full year income from continuing operations was $9 million, and $0 million, respectively, $66 million and $119 million higher than comparable periods in 2019, respectively *Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $53 million was up $44 million from the comparable quarter in 2019 primarily driven by higher lumber and High Purity Cellulose prices *Full year 2020 Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations of $153 million improved $78 million from the prior year primarily driven by strong demand for lumber and reduced costs across segments as a result of improved reliability *Generated $73 million of Free Cash Flow through the year ended December 31, 2020 driven by prudent management of capital expenditures and improved working capital; expect $55 million from cash tax refunds during 2021 *Completed refinancing in December to extend maturities, remove financial maintenance covenants and enhance liquidity

Precision Paper Converters (PPC), headquartered in Northeast Wisconsin, celebrates the fourth anniversary of the startup of their Bretting Varium facial line with new additions to increase capacity and capabilities. The Bretting accumulator, Valley Tissue Packaging case packer, Tri-Phase Automation quality vision system and centralized palletizing system will increase capacity and allow additional focus on quality which are both important factors to the continued growth of PPC. Installation was completed by The Boldt Company and Eland Electric Corporation. Startup began mid-December and is expected to be running at full speed in Q1 of 2021.

Overview • Record-high 2020 reported operating income of $727 million; adjusted operating income of $735 million; shareholder net income of $544 million, or $4.35 per share • Fourth quarter of 2020 reported operating income of $420 million; adjusted operating income of $321 million; shareholder net income of $336 million, or $2.68 per share • Net debt of $270 million at December 31, 2020, improvement of $256 million from prior quarter; available liquidity of $1.4 billion; net debt to capitalization of 9.3% at December 31, 2020 • Cumulative cash deposits of $594 million on countervailing and anti-dumping duties at December 31, 2020

Highlights • Robust financial performance with excellent cash generation ▪ Underlying EBITDA of €1,353 million, with margin of 20.3% ▪ Cash generated from operations of €1,485 million ▪ Strong balance sheet at 1.3x net debt to underlying EBITDA • Investing through-the-cycle with capital investment projects delivering growth, enhanced cost competitiveness and sustainability benefits • Delivered against our 2020 Growing Responsibly sustainability commitments and set new ones, the Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030) • Leveraging long-term trends of sustainability, e-commerce and enhancing our customers' brand value • Well-positioned with cost-advantaged asset base, strong balance sheet and unique portfolio of sustainable solutions

The Board of Directors appointed the following leaders to the Management Committee, effective February 23, 2021: Maria Brennan has been appointed to the role of senior vice president, procurement. James (Bill) Edwards has been appointed to the role of senior vice president, pulp and paper operations. Steven Henry has been appointed to the role of senior vice president, packaging. Stephen Makris has been appointed to the role of senior vice president, business transformation. Robert Melton has been appointed to the role of senior vice president, pulp and paper commercial. In addition, Domtar today announced that Zygmunt Jablonski, senior vice president and chief legal and administrative officer will be departing on April 2, 2021 after 13 years with the company. Nancy Klembus will assume the role of senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary. Richard McAtee will assume the role of senior vice president, human resources.

⚫ Revenue increased by 7.1% year-on-year to a historical high of RMB 30.9 billion ⚫ Sales volume achieved record high of 8.6 million tonnes ⚫ Net profit1 was RMB 4.0 billion; a year-on-year increase of 75.6% ⚫ Gross profit margin of 20.9%; a year-on-year increase of 3.8 percentage points ⚫ Net profit margin of 13.0%; a year-on-year increase of 5.1 percentage points

Production at UPM sawmills is now running completely on renewable energy. Since the beginning of 2020, no fossil energy sources have been used in production at any of the company’s four sawmills. Fossil-free production enables UPM to produce even more sustainable timber products with the smallest possible carbon footprint, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation. The reduced carbon footprint of UPM’s timber products also helps our customers reach their respective emission reduction targets. UPM has systematically worked to achieve a transition to fossil-free production at its sawmills. Both thermal energy and electricity are used at all UPM sawmills.

The Navigator Company announced today that it will increase tissue prices by 6 to 8% in all markets. This increase will be effective for all dispatches from 1st of April. The Company will inform its clients shortly about the details of the new prices to be applied. This decision was taken following the generalised and significant price hikes in many input cost, notably in commodities like chemical products, packaging products (plastics and containerboard), logistics, and pulp, being the latter the main cost factor for tissue production. The tissue industry has seen abrupt price increases of 15-20% or more in some of these input costs over the last 3 months, which made it impossible not to reflect these in its finished goods prices.

After serving the pulp and paper industry for more than 100 years, Solenis is well known as a leading supplier of process and functional chemistries. The Wilmington, Delaware-based company already had a world-class portfolio of products, state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems and a global network of professionals respected for their consultative approach to working with customers. Meanwhile, the Germany-based BASF had built its reputation as an innovative chemical company, and its 2008 acquisition of CIBA expanded its colorants portfolio and expertise even more, establishing BASF as the go-to reference in the market. But every great team can be improved. For Solenis, which did not count colorants expertise as a core competency, the pickup of BASF’s basic dyes, direct dyes and pigment preparations was a key addition that strengthened an already robust portfolio. Now, Solenis has fully assimilated the acquired technologies and is well positioned to offer a colorants portfolio that gives papermakers great flexibility, along with support from a technical team.

Fourth Quarter Highlights *Consolidated revenues of $206.9 million were 8 percent higher than the third quarter, but down 3 percent compared to the prior year. The sequential quarterly increase was due to a continued recovery in both segments with a pronounced rebound in Technical Products. *Technical Products revenues of $137.1 million were up 11 percent from the prior year, with record fourth quarter adjusted operating income of $18.0 million driven by record sales in the filtration business. *Consolidated operating income of $14.9 million compared with $22.1 million in the prior year. *Available liquidity of $176 million remained strong, with cash generated from operations of $13.0 million. *Quarterly cash dividends of $0.47 per share increased 4 percent compared to $0.45 per share in the prior year. Full Year Highlights *Revenues of $792.6 million decreased 16 percent compared to 2019, as a result of lower volumes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. *A loss per diluted common share in 2020 of ($0.96) compared to earnings of $3.26 per share in 2019. *In April, the Company published its annual Corporate Sustainability Report, highlighting initiatives and progress in addressing Environmental, Social and Governance matters. *In July, the Company successfully refinanced its Senior Notes and entered into a $200 million Term B Loan due in 2027. *The Company maintained strong liquidity throughout 2020 with careful management of working capital and spending, and ended the year with cash and equivalents of $37 million and no borrowings against its $175 million revolving credit facility.

Clearwater Paper Corporation announced that it temporarily suspended its pulp and paperboard operation in Cypress Bend, Arkansas. The cold weather has resulted in the curtailment of natural gas deliveries to the mill as natural gas providers prioritize residential needs. “We are focused on the health and safety of our employees, maintaining our assets, and working to meet customer needs during this unexpected outage,” said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer. “We intend to resume operations as soon as we are safely able to do so.” The company will provide an update on the anticipated impacts of the outage during its fourth quarter and full year 2020 earnings announcement, scheduled for Thursday, February 25.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Highlights: *Revenue of $783 million *Income from operations of $94 million; Net income from continuing operations of $57 million *TiO2 selling prices remained level, benefiting from margin stability initiatives, and sales volumes increased 8 percent versus fourth quarter 2019 driven by improved market demand globally *Zircon volumes increased 48 percent versus fourth quarter 2019 driven primarily by strong demand in China. Full Year 2020 Highlights: *Revenue of $2,758 million *Income from operations of $271 million; Net income from continuing operations of $995 million *Total acquisition synergies of $243 million achieved, exceeding run rate synergy target of $220 million set at Investor Day in 2019; $193 million reflected in EBITDA, exceeding $183 million target set on third quarter 2020 earnings call *Cash flow provided by operating activities of $355 million; *$200 million discretionary debt repayment made in December 2020

Headquartered in Cohoes, New York, Mohawk is North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers and envelopes which are used for commercial and digital printing, social stationery, high-end direct mail and packaging. With a culture of innovation reaching back to its beginning in 1931, Mohawk is committed to providing materials that help make every printed project more beautiful, effective and memorable. A family-owned business since its inception, Mohawk serves the creative needs of designers, brand-owners and printers in more than 60 countries around the globe. A leader in environmentally and socially responsible paper making since the 1980s, Mohawk sources pulp responsibly, conserves the water its craft relies on and harnesses wind power for its mills. Many of Mohawk's recycled and virgin papers are certified by Green Seal and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Mohawk was the first U.S. manufacturer of commercial printing papers to match 100% of its electricity with wind power renewable energy credits (RECs) and the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production.

Mercer International Inc. reported fourth quarter 2020 Operating EBITDA increased to $49.5 million from negative $34.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 and $45.6 million in the third quarter of 2020. In the fourth quarter of 2020, net loss was $13.0 million (or $0.20 per share) compared to a net loss of $72.7 million (or $1.11 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2019 and net income of $7.5 million (or $0.11 per share) in the third quarter of 2020. In 2020, Operating EBITDA decreased by 8% to $192.7 million from $210.4 million in 2019 and the net loss was $17.2 million (or $0.26 per share) compared to $9.6 million (or $0.15 per share) in 2019.

Domtar has been honored as one of the winners of the Beyond the Bag Challenge, led by the Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag — a collaboration convened by Closed Loop Partners with leading retailers, environmental partners, global design firm IDEO and others. The challenge attracted more than 450 global participants, and nine winners were announced on Feb. 16. Though the single-use plastic bag remains ubiquitous in retail operations today, rising concerns about plastic waste have spurred efforts to identify viable alternatives. The consortium assembled leading retailers to find innovative solutions that serve the function of today’s single-use plastic retail bag, offering ease and convenience for consumers while reducing the product’s negative environmental impacts. Domtar’s winning submission is a 100 percent paper-based material that is sourced from a renewable natural resource, robust enough for limited reuse in a bag application and curbside recyclable.

As a consequence of the fast and significant increases in the market price of pulp, Crown Van Gelder will be increasing prices by 6 to 8% per ton on its High Speed Inkjet, Graphical, Label & Packaging grades, in reels & sheets, for deliveries from 1st April 2021.

Norske Skog ASA has successfully completed a EUR 150 million senior secured bond issue with maturity in March 2026. The new bonds will have a coupon of 3 months EURIBOR plus 550 bps. We are satisfied with the strong investor demand and to have secured new long-term financing for the group, allowing us to pursue our strategic growth initiatives, says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog. The net proceeds from the bond issue will inter alia be used to refinance Norske Skog’s outstanding bond maturing in June 2022 (“NSKOG01”). The refinancing is part of a group-wide capitalisation process to finance strategic investments into the growing and high-margin recycled containerboard market.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions LLC has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the carbonless rolls and security papers business of Appvion Operations, Inc. The transaction is expected to close in April 2021 and will not include any Appvion production assets. Carbonless rolls formerly manufactured by Appvion will be manufactured by the Pixelle specialty papers mill in Chillicothe, OH, and security papers formerly manufactured by Appvion will be manufactured by Pixelle or Pixelle supply partners. The acquisition expands the Pixelle product portfolio by building on Pixelle’s established brands of carbonless papers (ExcelOne® and Trans/Rite®) and adding DocuCheck® and DocuMark® security papers to Pixelle’s existing brand (Defensa®).

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 25 percent in January compared to January 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 22 percent in January compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased three percent when compared to December 2020. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 20 percent compared to January 2020 while the inventory level increased three percent compared to December 2020. UFS imports increased 41 percent while exports decreased 40 percent in December 2020.U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in January decreased 32 percent compared to last January while the inventory level increased two percent compared to December 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to December 2019, down 21 percent and six percent respectively. Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 33 percent compared to January 2020 while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.1 percent) compared to December 2020. CM imports decreased 34 percent while exports increased 12 percent in December 2020. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in January decreased 24 percent compared to last January while the inventory level increased 14 percent compared to December 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to December 2019, down 19 percent and eight percent respectively.

Avery Dennison said it has agreed to acquire JDC Solutions, Inc., a privately owned manufacturer of pressure-sensitive specialty tapes headquartered in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, for the purchase price of $24 million. JDC employs approximately 75 employees located at its headquarters and manufacturing site in Tennessee, with approximately $30 million in annual revenue. JDC manufactures specialty tapes for use in a variety of high-value industrial applications, and has longstanding relationships with U.S. converters serving the automotive, consumer appliance, and building and construction industries, among others. Upon completion of the acquisition, JDC’s manufacturing operations, workforce and product portfolio will become part of Avery Dennison’s Performance Tapes North America business. The acquisition is expected to close in Q1, subject to customary conditions and approvals.

Crown Native is available for sale starting from February 2021 after 2 years of development. Environmental friendly and food compliant. The commercialization of the sugar beet paper makes Crown Van Gelder the first in the world to produce 'sugar beet paper' at an industrial level. The new product line called 'Crown Native' reduces the environmental impact by 16% through the usage of less wood fibers compared to traditional paper. A second advantage of using sugar beet pulp is that it is FDA* compliant. Crown Native is also approved by the BfR36** and suitable for food packaging, unlike most types of recycled papers that contain print ink residue. This makes sugar beet paper the ideal choice for product packaging and also for shopping bags or promotional print. Crown Native is the perfect fit for brands with a sustainability ambition.

TenderGuard™ BioBased can be used as an inner or outer coverstock layer of a civil face mask. It is highly breathable, biocompatible, and non-irritating, so it's gentle on the skin and comfortable to wear for long durations. Mainly comprised of polylactic acid, which is a biopolymer made from sustainable and renewable sources, TenderGuard™ BioBased is an alternative to synthetic spunbond material.  TenderGuard™ BioFilter is a sustainable filter media that can be used as a single layer or combined as a double layer for higher filtration performance in a barrier face covering. This unique fabric is made up of a special blend of cellulosic and cellulose-based manmade fibers making the filter media 100% bio-based. The TenderGuard™ product portfolio consists of protective fabrics applicable for medical use as well. TenderGuard™ Natural is a wetlaid fabric that can be used as the inner or outer layer of a face mask. It is environmentally friendly, and the hypoallergic inner layer makes it super soft for the wearer. With both layers together, TenderGuard™ Natural achieves nearly 50% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency, which is remarkable without a filtration layer included. TenderGuard™ Smooth consists of bicomponent spunbond fabrics that are made with a proprietary technology that minimizes raised fibers. This creates a smooth surface to help eliminate any skin irritation, which is essential when it comes to a face mask. TenderGuard™ Smooth is hypoallergenic, so it is gentler on the skin, making it ideal to wear for long durations.  

At Lecta we remain firm in our commitment to the environment and sustainability, offering natural paper solutions in which quality assurance is always guaranteed. We are now proud to present Recytal Matt, a new 2-side coated recycled paper in a natural white shade, with excellent results with all types of printing methods. Obtained from 100% recycled fiber, this new paper generates less waste, promoting a circular economy. The Recytal Matt range has FSC® Chain of Custody certification and is available in substances from 90 to 240 g/m2 in sheets and reels. It is suitable for an extensive range of applications such as books, brochures, catalogs, direct marketing, folders, inserts, magazines, environmental reports, etc. Recytal Matt is the natural choice for all types of high-quality prints and finishes, contributing to a more sustainable world.

Domtar Corporation reported a net loss of $59 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to a net loss of $92 million for the third quarter of 2020, and a net loss of $34 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Sales for the fourth quarter of 2020 were $0.9 billion. The fourth quarter 2020 results include an after-tax loss of $43 million from discontinued operations related to the announced sale of the Personal Care Business, compared to earnings of $19 million for the third quarter of 2020 and earnings of $10 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Excluding discontinued operations and the items listed below, the Company had earnings from continuing operations before items1 of $19 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to loss from continuing operations before items1 of $1 million for the third quarter of 2020 and loss from continuing operations before items1 of $9 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.

JANUARY–DECEMBER 2020 (1–12/2019) *Sales were EUR 5,055 million (5,473). *Operating result was EUR 376 million (374). The comparable operating result was EUR 368 million (495). *The result before taxes was EUR 330 million (316). The comparable result before taxes was EUR 322 million (436). *Comparable return on capital employed was 7.1% (9.6). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 667 million (485). OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2020 (10–12/2019) *Sales were EUR 1,357 million (1,290). *Operating result was EUR 97 million (32). The comparable operating result was EUR 94 million (76). *The result before taxes was EUR 88 million (18). The comparable result before taxes was EUR 86 million (62). *Comparable return on capital employed was 7.4% (6.1). *Net cash flow from operations was EUR 306 million (232).

Leading global packaging and paper group Mondi is launching a range of new paper-based release liners which are created using recycled and light-weight materials and provide a more sustainable solution for a range of applications. The new products have been created with FSC®1 or PEFC® certified paper to ensure responsible sourcing and, being lighter in weight, they offer a sustainable solution for labels, tapes, envelopes and industrial usage. EverLiner labelite is a lighter option to standard glassine for label applications, with the same thickness of 58 gsm glassine but engineered to a reduced weight of 47 gsm. This results in 20% less raw material used to produce the liner. EverLiner M R is the first release liner on the market using a recycled base paper. The machine glazed paper (MG) with 70% FSC® recycled certified content reduces the amount of fresh fibres used and is FSC® certified so ensures responsible sourcing.

Q4/2020 compared with Q4/2019*Net sales decreased by 1.7% to EUR 689.2 million (701.3). At constant currency rates, net sales increased by 3.5% on higher volumes *Comparable EBITDA improved to EUR 89.6 million (70.5), representing 13.0% (10.1) of net sales, supported by lower variable costs and higher volumes *Operating result improved to EUR 43.7 million (16.0), supported by higher comparable EBITDA and lower items affecting comparability (IAC). Q1–Q4/2020 compared with Q1–Q4/2019: *Net sales decreased by 8.0% to EUR 2,683.3 million (2,915.3). At constant currency rates, net sales decreased by 5.3% due to lower selling prices and a less favorable product mix. *Comparable EBITDA increased to EUR 334.2 million (312.9), representing 12.5% (10.7) of net sales, supported by lower costs *Operating result improved to EUR 176.2 million (103.2), supported by a capital gain of EUR 32.0 million from the sale of the fine art paper business and lower items affecting comparability (IAC)

Interfor Corporation announced that it has reached an agreement with WestRock Company to acquire its sawmill located in Summerville, South Carolina (the “Summerville Mill”) for cash consideration of US$59 million. For the 12 months ended December 31, 2020, the Summerville Mill produced approximately 125 million board feet of lumber. A new permit was received in 2020 that allows for the production of up to approximately 200 million board feet of lumber per year and Interfor has identified a number of operational and capital investment initiatives to optimize and increase production going forward. The Summerville Mill is located 65 miles southwest of Interfor’s Georgetown, South Carolina mill and 115 miles northeast of Interfor’s Meldrim, Georgia mill. This strategic positioning will allow for log sort optimization and procurement synergies across these three mills.

Solenis will increase prices by up to 8 percent on all polyacrylamide polymers and retention aids across the EMEA region, effective March 1, 2021, or as customer contracts allow. The price increase is necessary due to the major impact on key feedstock costs. Several Force Majeure situations at major acrylonitrile producers in EMEA and North America over the last few months have caused a shortage in product availability, significant cost increases and production and supply chain issues. Acrylonitrile is the key raw material for making acrylamide monomer and polyacrylamide polymers used in papermaking, municipal water treatment, mining and oil and gas applications. “Solenis is making every effort to overcome this shortage and secure a cost-competitive supply of polyacrylamides to our customers. We thank our customers for their continued business and partnership,” said Dr. Norbert Steiner, director, Global Product Management, Industrial Polymers.

Kruger Products’ mill in Gatineau, Que. is receiving $15,000 from the federal government to help implement an energy management information system (EMIS). The tissue manufacturer matched the contribution to the project, bringing the total investment to $30,000. The EMIS is expected to further reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency. Kruger Products has reduced its energy consumption intensity by 15 per cent and its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 28 per cent since 2009.