Sappi achieves PEFC Group Scheme certification for small growers

Metsä Group’s Kemi mills are getting ready for a maintenance and connection shutdown to prepare for the deployment of the largest ever investment of the forest industry in Finland – the new bioproduct mill and paperboard mill expansion in Kemi. The shutdown will begin on Sunday, 10 September 2023, and the aim is to start up the mills on 20 September 2023. During shutdown, odours may occur, and there may be temporary traffic congestion around the mill area, especially at the beginning of the week starting on 11 September. Odours may also occur before the shutdown due to preparations for the bioproduct mill's start-up.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company announced it will permanently decommission the K3 coated recycled paperboard (CRB) machine in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The K3 machine is one of three CRB machines at the Kalamazoo facility and is the company's longest-running machine. K3 ceased operation on July 1 and today's announcement reflects the decision to permanently shut down the 125,000-tons per annum machine. Removing higher-cost, less efficient production capacity is part of Graphic Packaging's CRB optimization plan first announced in 2019 alongside the transformational investment in a new, state-of-the-art K2 CRB machine. Permanently decommissioning the older machine is the company's next step of network optimization. With K2 reaching expected quality, cost improvement and volume commitments ahead of schedule, the permanent decommissioning of K3 supports more efficient resource use and margin enhancement goals for the CRB network, while continuing to service increased customer demand for high quality coated recycled paperboard.

WestRock Company announced that Ward Dickson will retire as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective November 30, 2021. In addition, the company announced Alexander (Alex) Pease will succeed Dickson as WestRock’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire WestRock team, I want to thank Ward for his tremendous leadership as the Company’s chief financial officer,” said David B. Sewell, chief executive officer of WestRock. “Throughout his career with the Company, Ward maintained a steady focus on supporting WestRock’s significant growth and built an outstanding track record of creating value for our shareholders. We all wish Ward the very best in his retirement.” Sewell added, "I'm pleased that Alex Pease will be joining WestRock as our new chief financial officer. Alex's success and experience as a public company CFO, his financial expertise and his outstanding leadership qualities will be a valuable addition to the WestRock team."