Negotiations between UPM and Paperworkers’ Union continue in conciliation process, union announces extension to the strike at several UPM mills in Finland

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

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

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.