U.S. slaps final duties on Canadian lumber

Paper Excellence Canada announced that 1057863 B.C. Ltd, Northern Pulp Nova Scotia, Northern Timber Nova Scotia and other related non-operating affiliates (collectively, “Northern Pulp”) have obtained an initial order under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (“CCAA”). The initial order stays proceedings against Northern Pulp in order to provide it with an opportunity to restructure its business and financial affairs. Paper Excellence Canada has not sought relief in the CCAA proceedings. Northern Pulp owns a pulp mill in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. The pulp mill, which had been operational since 1967, was forced to stop production by January 31, 2020, after the Province of Nova Scotia’s decision to require Northern Pulp to cease using the Boat Harbour Effluent Treatment Facility (BHEFT). This left the mill with no ability to treat or transport pulp effluent. Since January, Northern Pulp has been conducting a safe and environmentally sound hibernation of the mill, which would allow it to reopen in the event a proposed new Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) receives the necessary approvals.

Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, has revealed its newest promotional resource for brand managers, “The Five Second Rule”. With only five seconds to convince a customer to read a piece of direct mail, first impressions are critical. Printed on Sappi’s multiple web cover grades, Opus and Somerset, the kits come in a stunning exterior envelope, designed to illustrate direct mail’s ability to instantly stand out and create a memorable experience so that consumers are driven to take action. Inside, readers will find inspiration for making collateral that resonates with four unique direct mail examples. Direct mail is the preferred method of brand communications for consumers aged 18-34[i], with marketing representing more than half of the total mail volume in the U.S.[ii] Together, these figures illustrate the immense need for businesses to employ thoughtful, targeted and high-quality direct mail campaigns that will stand out. Click Read More below for additional information.

Appvion, Inc. announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the sale of substantially all of the Company's assets to a group of its lenders led by Franklin Advisers, Inc. The sale is expected to be completed by the end of May. The Purchaser submitted the previously announced stalking horse bid on February 8, 2018. Under the terms of the executed asset purchase agreement filed with the Bankruptcy Court, the total consideration is approximately $340 million plus the assumption of substantial liabilities, including many of the Company's contractual obligations. The transaction will substantially reduce Appvion's debt from approximately $585 million to less than $175 million and provide additional liquidity to fund the Company's operations. Kevin Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of Appvion, said, "We are pleased to receive the Court's approval of the sale of our company to a group of our lenders who have been long-term supporters of Appvion. Their continued investment is a vote of confidence in the future of our business." Click Read More below for additional information.