Robert Kreizenbeck leaves Billerud

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced its top 2018 advocacy priorities that include free and fair trade, transportation efficiencies, regulatory process reforms and government policies that respect market dynamics for paper-based products. The association will pursue them as it supports the pulp, paper, packaging and wood products industry’s ability to grow the economy and create American manufacturing jobs. “Enactment of historic comprehensive tax reform sets a welcome stage for AF&PA to focus on key 2018 advocacy priorities that will further our industry’s ability boost the economy and create jobs and opportunity for all Americans,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. “Free and fair trade policy, efficient transportation measures, systemic regulatory process reforms and policies that respect market place competition and consumer choice for paper-based products rank high on our list. We are eager to continue working with the Administration and Congress and state governments to advance shared goals that will open the door for our companies to invest, innovate and compete at home and around the globe. With more than 900,000 employees in rural and urban communities across 45 states, we are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation with an ability to thrive with the support of forward-thinking public policy.” Click Read More below for additional information.

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

UPM Raflatac plans to open a new state-of-the-art slitting and distribution terminal in the Toronto, Canada metropolitan area. The new facility will improve service and quality to UPM Raflatac’s customers in Eastern Canada and Northeastern U.S., while strengthening relationships in the region. “We have made significant investments in our production capabilities to meet the demand for self-adhesive paper and film products. The recent decision to expand our global network of terminals with a brand-new facility in Canada is a testament to our long history of enabling our customers to grow,” said Morgan Dundas, Sales Director, UPM Raflatac Americas.