Sappi Europe increases price for dye sublimation and large format inkjet papers

Nekoosa announces the launch of Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper, a new paper for the transfer of sharp, high-definition color images onto both hard and soft surfaces such as metal, wood, ceramic, fabric, glass, fiberglass and more. Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper is compatible with all major dye sublimation printer brands designed with water-based ink systems. “Nekoosa's Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper is setting a new standard for print quality and durability in the industry. With ecommerce driving corporate and consumer demands for personalized products across various sectors, the need for short run, high-definition printing with added versatility has never been more critical for growth,” says Rita Gibson, Product Manager at Nekoosa. As a part of the Nekoosa Promise™ portfolio, Nekoosa Dye Sublimation Transfer Paper is paper-based and 100% recyclable, aligning with Nekoosa’s commitment to offering sustainable products. The portfolio offers print media solutions that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing quality, performance or affordability.

Sales of $4.7 billion in the first quarter of 2018 were up 5 percent compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates benefited sales by 3 percent. Organic sales improved 2 percent, as volumes increased 3 percent while net selling prices were down 1 percent. In North America, organic sales increased 3 percent in consumer products and 2 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 2 percent in developed markets and 1 percent in developing and emerging markets. First quarter operating profit was $247 million in 2018 and $848 million in 2017. Results in 2018 included $577 million of charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program. First quarter 2018 adjusted operating profit was $824 million. Results were impacted by $175 million of higher input costs, driven by a $105 million increase in pulp and a $45 million increase in other raw materials. The operating profit comparison was also affected by lower net selling prices. Click Read More below for additional information.

Appleton Coated today said that it has filed a voluntary state Chapter 128 petition for receivership to allow the company’s operations to continue under the supervision of a court-appointed receiver named by the Outagamie County Circuit Court. Company officials said the petition and appointment of a receiver will allow the company to continue operations under the direction of the receiver, who will lead a process aimed at selling the company’s assets to a buyer who will continue operations. “Despite the best efforts of our employees and ownership group and the introduction of new products, this step is the best option at this point,” said Doug Osterberg, Appleton Coated’s president and chief executive officer. “While the company has made significant progress in diversifying its product offerings and entering new markets, the overall business climate is very challenging, and operating under a state court-appointed receiver is the best route to transition the business to sustained profitability.” He said the company’s bank has agreed to fund operations during the receivership and that the business will continue to operate during the transition. He added the company will be able to pay salary and wages and fund benefits for current employees. Click Read More below for additional detail.