Paper Excellence is building a cleaner future in Port Alberni

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

As previously announced, Michigan State legislatures have approved legislation to grant Billerud investment support of up to USD 200 million in funding to support Billerud’s investment plans. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the legislation, approving the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) appropriation of the funds. The transformation of the Escanaba Mill is planned to be the cornerstone of Billerud’s expansion into North America, one of the largest and growing markets in primary fiber premium cartonboard. The project is expected to support hundreds of high paying jobs and require a significant number of contractors during the construction period. This funding follows additional incentives recently approved by the State of Michigan Administrative Board, including approval of the Forest Products Processing Renaissance Zone. The zone exempts Billerud from paying almost all state and local property taxes at the Escanaba Mill.

On February 11, Paper Excellence first publicly raised serious concerns about poor rail service provided by CN Rail. Full CN rail service is critical to moving products from Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp mill to global markets. While rail service has not yet improved, Paper Excellence has appreciated the recent advocacy the Saskatchewan government has undertaken with the federal government and the Minister of Transport, Minister Alghabra. Specifically, Minister Fred Bradshaw has written a strong letter to Minister Alghabra that raises the rail challenges we, and many other industries, continue to face, and we would like to thank the Minister for doing that. Saskatchewan’s economy relies significantly on rail companies to transport goods to market, and we look forward to the government’s continued support in rectifying, as soon as possible, the ongoing lack of CN rail service that continues to negatively impact our business operations.