The Navigator Company to increase uncoated woodfree paper prices by 5-7%

Cascades Inc. announces the appointment of Mr. Hugues Simon as its new President and CEO. Currently President of the Wood Products business at Resolute Forest Products, Mr. Simon will assume his new role no later than July 1, 2024. The appointment follows an extensive succession planning and recruitment process, supported by an international firm, in anticipation of Mario Plourde’s planned retirement. After more than 11 years at the helm of the Company, Mr. Plourde will support the new President and CEO during a transition period lasting until December 2024, after which he will act as a Special Advisor. A graduate in administration from the Université de Sherbrooke, Hugues Simon has over 30 years of experience in key positions in the manufacturing sector, including as President, of the Wood Products business at Resolute Forest Products. Previously, Mr. Simon was President of BarretteWood Inc., where he worked from 2012 to 2020.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has completed an investment in one of its filtration material production lines in Binzhou, China. The machine rebuild adds production capacity and new capabilities that will further enhance the product portfolio. The production line will be able to deliver the highest performing oil, fuel, air and industrial filtration materials, which will strengthen Ahlstrom-Munksjö's offering and service for the Asian customers. The investment plan was initially announced in January 2020. "This investment reinforces our commitment to our customers in Asia," says Kathrin Hueppe, Head of Asia, Filtration & Performance Solutions business area. "Improving our capability in the Binzhou plant allows us to serve their growing needs in high-performance filtration.”

Recently, there has been an increase in contradictory information being spread about the recyclability of Blue4est® checkout receipts. Whereas the German Environment Agency states it is fully recyclable, according to the association INGEDE (International Research Community for De-Inking Technology) blue checkout receipts can cause problems when disposed of as wastepaper, even in small quantities. This statement is inaccurate, and is causing confusion among consumers. The first sustainable and recyclable thermal paper Blue4est® – also known as the blue receipt or eco-receipt – was launched onto the market in 2015. Now, a host of customers across Europe are using these sustainable checkout receipts. The innovative technology has since been refined, with the introduction of Blue4est® Pro paper for labels in 2022. Blue4est® is produced entirely without chemical developers, which is why the German Environment Agency recommends disposing of it as wastepaper. This allows the paper to be recycled and reused as a new raw material. Some time ago, the German Environment Agency officially confirmed – including via an announcement on its website – that blue checkout receipts can be disposed of as wastepaper.