Kruger Announces Newsprint/UGW price Increase

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the April 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly report. According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 13% in April compared to April 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 1% in March compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 2% when compared to March 2024. Unlike previous months, changes in U.S. shipments across the 3 major P-W categories (UFS, CFS, and MECH) in April all showed increases compared to the same period last year. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) shipments increased by 9%, coated free sheet (CFS) shipments increased by 22%, and mechanical (MECH) paper shipments increased by 25%.

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

Lecta announ​ces a price increase of 7% on its different grades for labelling applications: coated 1s, metallized papers, cast coated and self-adhesive papers. The price increase is unavoidable to offset the continuous increase in manufacturing costs due to the rising costs of pulp and other raw materials. The new prices will be effective on deliveries from April 2th, 2018. 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.