Paperclips Blog | IWCO Results

03.07.2013
Publishers Raising Digital Sub Prices, Paywalls Pay Off

Publishers who use Press+, the metered access platform created by Journalism Online and now owned by RR Donnelley, are raising subscription prices and lowering the number of articles visitors can view for free before having to pay.

Far from seeing online readership drop after implementing paywalls (as once feared), publishers feel confident enough to push the model further for additional revenues.

Among the more than 400 publishers using the Press+ platform, the average price for a monthly subscription has increased from $6.66 in July 2011 to $9.26 today, for 39% growth in less than two years; 5% of that increase came in the last six months, a survey of Press+ customers conducted by the company.

Most publishers have reduced the number of articles visitors can view for free before running into a subscription roadblock -- from 13 in January 2012 to 10 today. Currently, 35% of Press+ publishers allow free access to five articles or less, while 41% allow free access to six to 10 articles, 18% allow access to 11 to 15 articles, and 5% allow access to 16 articles or more.
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03.07.2013
PaperWorks Industries sells flexible packaging assets to Exopack

PaperWorks Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce the March 1 sale of its flexible packaging assets to Exopack, a $900M flexible packaging company serving the pet food, frozen food, meat and cheese, beverage, industrial, electronics and medical devices through 17 North American production facilities. Both Exopack and PaperWorks are owned by the private investment firm Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

“We plan to move all of our flexible manufacturing equipment to Exopack sites in North America in the coming months,” said Lisa Pruett, Senior Vice President Sales at PaperWorks Packaging Group. “The relationships we have built with our flexible packaging customers are extremely valuable to us, which is why we will maintain the day-to-day management of the business.”

PaperWorks customers will have the opportunity to tap into Exopack’s vast resources and manufacturing footprint. “I can assure our customers that there will be absolutely no disruption to supply and quality, and that service and reliability will only be improved by Exopack’s resources,” said Pruett.
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03.07.2013
SFI Applauds EU's New Illegal Logging Rules

Kathy Abusow, President and CEO of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® Inc. (SFI®), today applauded the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR), which took effect March 3 and prohibits illegally harvested timber or products derived from such timber to be brought in the European Union.

"Illegal logging undermines responsible forest governance, damages wildlife habitat, and reduces the potential for forests to provide stable supplies of products and support local communities," Abusow said. "The EUTR, just like the U.S. Lacey Act, is an important regulatory tool to address illegal logging and enable legal global trade in forest products."

Abusow is speaking at The Economist World Forests Summit in Stockholm, Sweden, on the timely topic of timber regulations that prohibit the sale of illegally harvested timber. On this panel, Abusow applauded timber regulations as one of many important mechanisms to combat illegal logging. She also asked the audience to remember that while illegal logging is a global problem, responsible forestry is the solution given the many economic, environmental, and social values that working forests support.

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03.07.2013
UPM’s commitment to sustainable products recognised in the EU Ecolabel Communication Award 2012

UPM has been awarded the EU Ecolabel Communication Award 2012 in the Producer/Retailer category. UPM Paper is the largest producer of newsprint, graphic and copying papers with the EU Ecolabel. Third-party ecolabels prove the environmental quality of products and support customers in their choices.

"With so many different environmental labels currently existing, producers and consumers know that having the EU Ecolabel is the best way to prove throughout Europe that their products have excellent environmental performance", says Michele Galatola, EU Ecolabel Coordinator, DG Environment, European Commission.

The EU Ecolabel Communication Award recognises holders of the EU Ecolabel that have shown outstanding achievement in increasing public awareness and knowledge of the EU Ecolabel through promotional campaigns. The jury is composed of the European Commission, representatives of several Competent Bodies, as well as the press and a representative of an NGO.

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03.06.2013
Walgreens February Sales Decrease 2.2 Percent

Walgreens had February sales of $5.75 billion, a decrease of 2.2 percent from $5.88 billion for the same month in fiscal 2012. Last year’s total February sales benefited from one extra day because of the leap year. Excluding last February’s leap day, this year’s February sales increased 1.5 percent. Total front-end sales decreased 3.1 percent compared with the same month in fiscal 2012, and were flat when excluding last February’s leap day. All comparable store sales and comparable prescription figures below compare the first 28 days in February 2012 to the 28 days in February 2013.

Comparable store front-end sales decreased 1.4 percent, while customer traffic in comparable stores decreased 4.9 percent and basket size increased 3.5 percent.

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03.06.2013
Torstar Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter Results

Torstar Corporation today reported financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012.

Highlights for the quarter:
Revenue was $395.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, down $29.6 million from $425.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and a decrease at TMGTV resulting from lower product sales, revenue was down $23.0 million (5.4%) in the fourth quarter. Net income attributable to equity shareholders was $24.1 million ($0.30 per share) in the fourth quarter, down $40.2 million ($0.51 per share) from $64.3 million ($0.81 per share) last year.

Highlights for the year:
Revenue was $1,485.7 million in 2012, down $63.1 million from $1,548.8 million in 2011. Excluding the impact of acquisitions and a decrease at TMGTV resulting from lower product sales, revenue was down $64.9 million (4.2%) in 2012. Net income attributable to equity shareholders was $103.2 million or $1.30 per share in 2012 down $114.5 million or $1.44 per share from $217.7 million or $2.74 per share in 2011. Excluding the impact of CTV Inc. in 2011, Torstar would have reported net income attributable to equity shareholders of $143.1 million or $1.80 per share in 2011.

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03.06.2013
Smurfit Kappa UK confirms significant investment in the South West during 2013

Smurfit Kappa the European leader in innovative paper based packaging has announced a major investment package consisting of a six-colour flexographic, rotary die-cut press, an enhanced material handling system and corrugator upgrades for its Yate, Bristol plant.

The main investment is part of Smurfit Kappa’s continuing development of its High-Quality Post Print (HQPP) service at the BRC and AIB certified site. Supplying a wide range of customers in the South of England, as well as major national brands and Pan-European customers, Smurfit Kappa Yate has drawn from the knowledge and experience of award winning HQPP, six-colour printing expertise at other Smurfit Kappa UK plants. As part of the development process, John Wroot has moved to become Operations Director at Yate from Smurfit Kappa’s Chelmsford plant, one of Europe’s foremost and award winning HQPP plants.

Beyond the new machine outlay Smurfit Kappa Yate is upgrading the plant’s material handling system to give greater accuracy and reliability, and when combined with modular enhancements on the corrugator will drive additional improvements in quality and service at the high volumesite.

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03.06.2013
Metsa Board to Hike Prices for White-top Kraftliner in Europe, Middle East and Africa

Metsa Board announced that it will increase the prices of all Kemiart white-top kraftliner grades by EUR 50 per ton in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, effective for deliveries as of April 8.

Metsa Board said the price hike is due to the continued high input costs associated with production.

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03.06.2013
Arandell Does it Again – Places in the WOA Print Awards

Arandell, announced today that they received 2nd and 3rd place in the 2012/2013 Web Offset Association’s Print Awards, held annually by the Printing Industries of America.

Arandell’s 2nd place award was for producing Peruvian Connection | Summer 2012, using heatset printing 4/color on coated paper (perfect bound). Arandell was also commended for Zingerman’s | 2012 Fall Buyers Guide which was produced using heatset printing 4/color on uncoated paper. The catalogs were assessed on registration, level of difficulty, folding / binding / finishing and overall craftsmanship of product.

Jim Treis, Arandell Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, stated, “The WOA Print Awards demonstrate the hard work and tireless effort our teams put forth to create a flawless artistic marketing piece. Having the opportunity to win a category is not an easy challenge and something to be very proud of.”
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03.06.2013
Catalyst Paper Q4 results impacted by lower sales volumes, higher maintenance and stronger Canadian dollar

Catalyst Paper results in the fourth quarter were negatively impacted by lower sales volumes, higher maintenance spending and a stronger Canadian dollar.

Catalyst posted a net loss of $35.2 million for the quarter, in contrast to net earnings of $655.7 million in the third quarter, when the one-time gains realized on emergence from creditor protection were booked. Before specific items, net losses were $15.7 million and $7.5 million in Q4 and Q3 respectively. Adjusted EBITDA was $7.2 million in Q4, with no impact from restructuring costs, and $13.8 million in Q3 ($14.0 million before restructuring costs).

Market conditions were mixed during the fourth quarter, with North American paper demand down from the third quarter for directory and newsprint, and up for coated and uncoated grades. Benchmark prices were up for newsprint and coated and otherwise stable for paper, while there was moderate benchmark price recovery for pulp. A market curtailment at Powell River was necessary over the holidays to balance production with orders, and Catalyst incurred a loss from discontinued operations largely due to an increased estimated pension withdrawal liability associated with the Snowflake closure.

Net earnings of $583.2 million for 2012 were heavily impacted by one-time non-cash restructuring credits and fair value accounting adjustments. This compared with a $974.0 million net loss in 2011 which was driven largely by asset impairment charges.

Catalyst entered creditor protection on January 31, 2012, and exited on September 13, having achieved a US$390.4 million or 60 per cent reduction in its debt, savings in annual interest expense of US$33.9 million, and a range of other cost reductions. The restructuring included the permanent closure of its Snowflake mill at the end of the third quarter. Results from this discontinued operation are excluded from those being reported, with comparative periods having been restated accordingly.

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03.06.2013
Cascades receives LEED Gold certification for the expansion of its Lachute plant

Cascades is pleased to announce that the expansion of its Tissue Group plant in Lachute, Québec, has received the coveted LEED® Gold certification. The plant is the first paper manufacturing facility to obtain LEED®-NC (New Construction) certification in the Canadian paper industry.

The Environmental Performance Rewarded

The 6 800 m2 expansion project of the Lachute plant received the Gold level of LEED® certification thanks to Cascades' continuous efforts to reduce its ecological footprint. This concern demonstrates the company's will to remain at the forefront of environmental protection, which concerns not only its production activities but also the continuous improvement of its buildings.

This project was recognized for its exemplary performance regarding:

The reduction of its drinking water consumption, evaluated at 46.57%

The use of regional materials, with 47.08% of costs used for the purchase of materials produced and extracted locally

The presence of certified wood, accounting for 96.36% of total cost for materials

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03.06.2013
Brent Crude Trades Near Four-Day High on Pipeline Halt

Brent crude was little changed near its highest in four days as a North Sea pipeline system remained shut. Venezuela, OPEC’s fourth-biggest producer, announced the death of President Hugo Chavez.

Futures fluctuated, having climbed by the most in a month yesterday. Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro said on state television that Chavez died at 4:25 p.m. at a military hospital in Caracas. The Brent pipeline system has been shut since an oil leak was discovered March 2 on the Cormorant Alpha platform. U.S. crude stockpiles rose 5.6 million barrels last week, data from the American Petroleum Institute showed.

“There’s still positive sentiment, risk appetite is still high,” said Filip Petersson, a commodities strategist at Stockholm-based bank SEB AB, who estimates that a fair value for Brent would be $105 a barrel. “There’s plenty of crude out there at the moment.”

Brent for April settlement was at $111.21 a barrel, down 40 cents, on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange at 11:08 a.m. in London after advancing as high as $112.23.

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03.06.2013
Staples, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Performance

Staples, Inc. announced today the results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 2, 2013.

Total company sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $6.6 billion, an increase of three percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding $461 million of sales for the 53rd week in fiscal year 2012, total company sales decreased four percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.

On a GAAP basis, the company reported fourth quarter 2012 net income of $90 million, or $0.14 per share, from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc., compared to net income of $284 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, achieved in the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding the impact of charges taken during the fourth quarter of 2012, the company reported non-GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc. of $308 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, compared to $284 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, achieved in the fourth quarter of 2011. Fourth quarter 2012 results on a GAAP basis include $181 million of pre-tax charges related to European store closures and restructuring, U.S. store closures and accelerated Australia tradename amortization, a $57 million pre-tax charge related to the early extinguishment of debt, as well as a $26 million pre-tax charge related to the termination of the company's existing joint venture agreement in India. The company's fourth quarter 2012 results on a GAAP basis also include pre-tax income of $83 million related to the extra week in 2012.

For the full year 2012, total company sales decreased one percent to $24.4 billion compared to full year 2011. Excluding the favorable impact of the extra week in 2012, total company sales decreased three percent to $23.9 billion versus the prior year.

On a GAAP basis, the company reported a net loss from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc. of $161 million, or $0.24 per share, compared to net income of $988 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, achieved in 2011. Excluding the impact of the charges taken during the fourth quarter of 2012 described above, as well as previously announced charges recorded during 2012 and a tax refund in 2011, the company reported non-GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc. of $936 million, or $1.39 per diluted share, during 2012, compared to $967 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, achieved during the prior year.

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03.06.2013
Kohl's Department Stores Opens Nine New Stores

Kohl’s Department Stores announces the grand openings of nine new stores today, creating approximately 950 jobs nationwide and bringing the company’s store count to 1,155 stores across 49 states. Locations opening today include Decatur, Ala., Danville, Ill., Ames, Iowa, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Minot, N.D., Sherwood, Ore., Hermitage, Pa., Spring Township, Pa. and Denton, Texas.

“As Kohl’s continues to grow, investing in our stores remains a priority,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “We are pleased to open nine new locations today and have plans to remodel 30 locations this year. Our stores provide an inspiring destination for customers and reinforce our commitment to delivering an exciting shopping experience through quality brands, exceptional value and convenience.”

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03.06.2013
Clearwater Paper to Close Thomaston, Ga., Tissue Converting Facility

Following a comprehensive analysis, Clearwater Paper Corporation today announced the planned permanent closure of its Thomaston, Ga., tissue converting and distribution facility. The gradual shutdown of converting equipment will occur on a schedule throughout the year, with some operations running into the first quarter of 2014, affecting a total of 150 employees.

"This has been a difficult decision—one where the company reviewed many scenarios and alternatives to closing the plant," said Tom Colgrove, president of Clearwater Paper's consumer products division. "We have concluded that consolidating regional converting and permanently closing Thomaston was the solution to best serve the needs of our southeastern customers and improve the overall logistics of our national manufacturing network."

Displaced Thomaston employees will be given an opportunity to apply for open positions at other Clearwater Paper facilities. In addition, the company is offering separation and incentive pay for employees who remain at Thomaston until their established final day of work. Also, the company is working closely with West Central Georgia Private Industries Council and the Economic Development Division at the Southern Crescent Technical College to assist with career transition services where needed. Clearwater Paper will integrate most of the equipment from Thomaston in its facilities at Oklahoma City and Shelby, N.C.

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03.05.2013
EU introduces illegal timber import controls

The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) requires importers or sellers of timber and wood products to keep records of the sources of their supplies. Interpol estimates that illegal logging contributes up to 30% of timber in the global market, costing in excess of 15bn euros ($20bn/£13bn) each year. The EU accounts for 35% of the world's primary timber consumption.

The law, which was adopted by the European Parliament and Council back in October 2010, is only just coming into force because of the measures member states and private companies had to put in place.

Operators, which refers to "those who first place a timber product on the EU market" - through a "due diligence" system - are required to "make every effort to ensure that the wood they trade in is legal". The due diligence system (DDS) comprises three elements, including access to information relating to shipments' country of origin, quantity and suppliers' details; evaluation that the timber was produced in compliance with the laws of the country of origin; taking additional steps to ensure the legality of the timber if there is any doubt over its provenance. In addition, the EUTR requires traders ("those who sell or buy the timber already on the EU market") to keep "adequate information so that the wood they deal in can be easily traced".

Officials say the new law covers a wide range of products, from paper and pulp to solid wood and flooring, and forms a part of ongoing efforts to help tackle the global problem of illegal logging. Illegal logging is defined as the harvesting of wood that breaches the laws or regulations of the country of origin. The European Union says it has "severe economic, environmental and social impacts for some of the world's most valuable remaining forests and the billions of people that rely on them."

In 2012, Interpol and the UN launched Project Leaf, an initiative to combat illegal logging and organised forest crime. In February, Interpol said almost 200 people had been arrested in a wide-ranging international anti-illegal logging operation. The global anti-crime agency added that the three-month effort spanned 12 Central and South American countries, and $8m (£5.2m) worth of timber had been seized.

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03.05.2013
Smurfit Kappa completes CoC certification programme

Smurfit Kappa, one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products with operations in Europe and the Americas, is proud to announce that all relevant packaging operations in Europe are now Chain of Custody certified. This is in line with the Company’s long-term sustainability commitment and covers 19 European countries where Smurfit Kappa is present, namely: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

This ambitious programme started more than three years ago with the certification of all virgin paper mills, followed by all recycled paper mills and has concluded with every relevant packaging production operation being certified. The granting of these certificates is evidence of Smurfit Kappa’s objective to fully comply with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Chain of Custody certification schemes.

These certificates enable Smurfit Kappa to assure its customers that its packaging is produced from solely sustainable raw material. Packaging materials can now be traced and the Chain of Custody certification guarantees that no unsustainable material has entered the supply chain.

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03.05.2013
Quad/Graphics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2012 Results

Quad/Graphics, Inc. today reported fourth quarter and full-year 2012 results that were in line with management's originally announced annual guidance with the exception of Recurring Free Cash Flow, which surpassed the Company's upwardly revised guidance. For full financial results, please see the accompanying information.

Net sales for the fourth quarter 2012 were $1.1 billion versus $1.2 billion for the same period in 2011. Fourth quarter 2012 Adjusted EBITDA was $174 million compared to $187 million for the same period in 2011, and Adjusted EBITDA margin was 15.3% compared to 15.4% for the same period in 2011. The quarterly results reflect expected volume declines, pricing pressures on print and byproduct sales, and challenges in the book product line. Partially offsetting these impacts in the quarter were lower selling, general and administrative costs, and incremental synergy savings.

For the full-year 2012, net sales were $4.1 billion versus net sales of $4.3 billion for the previous year. Full-year 2012 Adjusted EBITDA was $566 million compared to $618 million for the previous year, and Adjusted EBITDA margin was 13.8% compared to 14.3% for the previous year. Recurring Free Cash Flow was $375 million compared to $340 million for the previous year, continuing the Company's track record of solid cash-flow generation.

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03.05.2013
A. Schulman Offers To Acquire Ferro Corporation

A. Schulman, Inc. announced today that it has made a proposal to the Board of Directors of Ferro Corporation (NYSE: FOE) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Ferro common stock for per-share consideration of $6.50, representing an estimated total enterprise value of approximately $855 million including total indebtedness. The offer represents a 25 percent premium over the closing price of Ferro common stock on March 1, 2013, and a 32 percent premium over the volume-weighted average trading price over the preceding 60-day period.

The Company said its proposed offer price of $6.50 per share includes an immediate cash payment of $3.25 for each Ferro share outstanding and $3.25 worth of A. Schulman common stock. When cost savings and synergies are fully implemented, A. Schulman estimates annual savings of $35 million over and above the previously announced Ferro targets. Based on these additional savings, A. Schulman believes that its offer presents the opportunity for significant future value to Ferro shareholders through the equity portion of the consideration. A. Schulman stated that its offer was based upon publicly available information about Ferro, which reported sales of approximately $1.2 billion through the first nine months of its fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. However, with greater visibility into Ferro's businesses, A. Schulman expects its offer could be adjusted subject to customary due diligence.

A. Schulman expressed its "strong intent" in pursuing the combination in a letter to Ferro on February 13, 2013. Ferro's Board rejected A. Schulman's offer and expressed their belief that the company should remain independent. A. Schulman first contacted Ferro in November 2012.

"A. Schulman and Ferro are both recognized leaders in specialty chemicals with value-added product lines, similar business models, complementary competencies, markets and applications," said Joseph M. Gingo, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of A. Schulman. "We believe our combination will deliver superior value to our respective shareholders and offer better value to customers, and we would welcome the opportunity to engage in a mutually beneficial dialogue with Ferro's Board and management."

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03.05.2013
Lecta Confirms Price Hike for Coated Woodfree Paper

Lecta has informed its customers that the company will continue implementing the announced price increase of 5 - 6% on its CWF (coated woodfree) paper.

Lecta said the price hike is the result of the high cost of its primary raw materials, transportation and energy.

In a written statement, the company said, "After the success in the price movement in our distribution network in the southern part of Europe, Lecta confirms that price increase will be totally consolidated till end of March also in the rest of the EEA.

"Further price increases will be needed in 2013 to recover the minimum profitability that would guarantee actual quality and service levels," Lecta added.

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03.05.2013
WTI Crude Rebounds From 10-Week Low; Brent Pipeline Remains Shut

Oil rebounded from the lowest level in 10 weeks as traders speculated recent declines may have been excessive, while a North Sea pipeline system remained shut after a platform leak.

Both West Texas Intermediate and Brent futures rose as much as 0.6 percent. The Brent pipeline system was closed for a third day after an oil leak was discovered March 2 on the Cormorant Alpha platform, according to Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. (TAQA) PJSC, the operator known as Taqa. U.S. crude stockpiles probably increased for a seventh week, the longest stretch since May, a Bloomberg News survey showed before Energy Department data tomorrow.

“It’s worth keeping an eye on developments at Cormorant Alpha since any prolonged disruption in the North Sea would support Brent,” said Andrey Kryuchenkov, an analyst at VTB Capital in London who predicts that Brent will trade in a range of $109 to $112 a barrel this month.

WTI for April delivery rose as much as 58 cents to $90.70 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $90.38 at 10:39 a.m. London time.

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03.05.2013
Appleton Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results

Appleton’s 2012 net sales of $849.8 million decreased 0.9% compared to 2011 net sales of $857.3 million. Appleton’s fourth quarter 2012 net sales of $205.5 million were flat when compared to fourth quarter 2011. Adjusting for the Company’s decision to discontinue the sale of carbonless papers into certain non-strategic international markets, fourth quarter and full year 2012 net sales were up 7.9% and 3.1%, respectively. The Company’s strong revenue growth from thermal papers almost entirely offset full year 2012 revenue declines in carbonless papers and Encapsys.

Appleton reported a 2012 operating loss of $88.5 million compared to an operating loss of $9.4 million in 2011. Excluding one-time and other items as explained below, adjusted operating income was $74.8 million, $30.0 million higher than adjusted operating income reported for 2011. Costs related to ceasing papermaking operations at the West Carrollton, Ohio facility and transitioning to Domtar base paper were $117.4 million for the year and included $28.6 million of restructuring expense, $77.4 million of other related costs and $11.4 million of transition costs.

During fourth quarter 2012, the Company adopted mark-to-market accounting for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans whereby all gains and losses are immediately recognized in current year earnings. In addition, the Company also elected to change its method of accounting for certain costs included in inventory, whereby retiree benefit costs for former employees are excluded from inventoriable costs. Both of these accounting method changes were retroactively applied to all periods presented. The change in retiree benefits accounting resulted in a mark-to-market adjustment of $33.6 million in fourth quarter 2012 and $51.1 million in fourth quarter 2011.

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03.05.2013
Avery Dennison Unveils New North American Collection of Price-Neutral FSC®-Certified Label Constructions

Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials today introduced a new collection of North American Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper label materials. The new products’ prices are comparable with those of non-certified alternatives to drive the use of FSC-certified materials throughout the value chain.

The new collection of FSC-certified products contains 22 specifications featuring three paper facestocks – Fasson® 54# Semi-Gloss FSC, Fasson Lightweight Dairy FSC and Fasson Estate Label®No. 8 FSC – commonly used in wine, spirits, dairy and food applications. The new offering is a result of the company’s commitment to develop and offer sustainable label and packaging solutions to converters and brand owners.

“We have heard clearly from members of our value chain about the need for innovations that focus on improving sustainability,” said Darrell Hughes, vice president and general manager, Materials Group North America. “As a market leader, it’s our responsibility to produce and promote items that contribute to the environmental health of our planet. This price-neutral collection of select FSC-certified constructions is the next step in our effort to make our industry more sustainable.”

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03.05.2013
Avery Dennison Announces Responsible Paper Procurement Policy

Avery Dennison Corporation announced today that it has formalized a company-wide policy to promote responsible paper sourcing and procurement. The policy will be available in the Reports and Downloads section of the company’s sustainability website.

“As a leader in labeling and packaging materials and solutions, we recognize that we have a responsibility to help our customers and our industry become more sustainable,” said Dean Scarborough, Avery Dennison chairman, president and CEO. “Our policy will guide us in sourcing materials responsibly, using them more efficiently in our operations, and developing greener products from them.”

Developed with the support of non-governmental organization Rainforest Alliance, Avery Dennison’s policy commits the company and its businesses to: Identify and disclose the sources of the pulp, natural fiber and paper in its labeling and packaging materials and solutions; Help ensure that its suppliers follow sustainable forest management practices; Evaluate and reward sound environmental performance on the part of its supply chain partners; Seek to maximize its use of recycled content and fiber sourced from Forest Stewardship Council-certified forestry operations; Work to avoid controversial fiber sources.

Avery Dennison is working with external certification experts, including Rainforest Alliance, to assess the potential risk to the company’s supply chain of illegal timber or irresponsibly harvested fiber and develop systems and procedures for documenting, verifying and reporting supplier performance.

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03.04.2013
The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2012 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Yankee Holding Corp. and The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 29, 2012. Yankee Holding Corp., a direct subsidiary of YCC Holdings LLC, is a holding company that was formed in connection with the Company's Merger with an affiliate of Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC on February 6, 2007 (the "Merger"), and is the parent company of The Yankee Candle Company, Inc.

Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $342.1 million as compared to net sales of $316.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of $25.5 million or 8.1%. Retail sales were $234.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2012 as compared to $216.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2011, an increase of $17.9 million or 8.3% from the prior year fourth quarter. Sales from the Company's Wholesale segment were $64.0 million, a decrease of $2.4 million or 3.7% versus the prior year fourth quarter. Sales in the Company's International segment were $43.7 million, an increase of $10.0 million or 29.7% from the prior year fourth quarter.

The Company recorded net income of $61.1 million, or 17.9% of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to net income of $54.8 million, or 17.3% of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2011.

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03.04.2013
Verso CFS Price Increase

Effective with all orders shipping on or after April 1, 2013, Verso Paper Corp. is increasing the transaction price of all Coated Freesheet grades.

The increase applies to all Coated Freesheet grades, including but not limited to the following brands: Influence® $2.50/cwt ($50/short ton); Velocity® $2.50/cwt ($50/short ton)

All grades, basis weights, bulks and finishes.

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03.04.2013
Twin Rivers Paper Company Releases Acadia® Laminating

Twin Rivers Paper Company, a leader in lightweight specialty packaging, label and publishing papers, expands its specialty packaging options with the release of a high performance laminating base paper, Acadia Laminating. This uncoated, machine-finished paper is engineered to deliver optimal uniformity and smoothness to perform under the most demanding laminating conditions. Available in a broad range of basis weights, it is ideal for foil-laminated applications such as candy bars, bags, hamburger wraps, sandwich wraps and gift wraps.

“We recognize the importance of having a rich product portfolio and giving our customers more options for their converting or end-use applications. Acadia Laminating is one of the many packaging options we will be launching in 2013,” says Dave Deger, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Twin Rivers Paper Company.
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03.04.2013
The Newark Group to Hike Price for All Coated Grades of Recycled Paperboard

The Newark Group announced a $40 per ton price increase on all coated grades of recycled paperboard effective with shipments on or after April 2, 2013.

“The increase is necessary due to the escalating costs of raw materials, freight and energy,” said Raymond Vargo, Jr., Vice President of Sales, Newark Paperboard Mills.

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03.04.2013
Study: Men's Mags May Be Bad For Men

What do Fortune, Wired and Field & Stream have in common? They’re all read mostly by men, and contain large numbers of ads that may contribute to “hyper-masculinity,” leading to “troubling behavior in young men,” according to a new study just published in Sex Roles, an academic journal.

The researchers, led by Megan Vokey, a Ph.D. candidate from the University of Manitoba, tracked advertising in eight magazines with a primarily male audience, scoring each ad on four components: Toughness, violence, dangerousness and callous attitudes toward women and sex. The authors found that these “hyper-masculine depictions” were common in all titles, regardless of age or earnings.

At least one of these four attributes was found in 56% of the total sample, while in some magazines, it was as many as 90%. But titles aimed at younger, less affluent readers were more likely to contain such ads. Game Informer, Playboy and Maxim had the most; Fortune and Golf Digest the least.

Ads with either a sexual or violent tone were less common. “Masculine ideology valuing toughness and danger may be more accepted generally by men than are overt violence and callousness towards women and sex,” the authors say. Other studies have linked hyper-masculinity with such problems as “dangerous driving, drug use and violence towards women.”

Increasingly, academic researchers are examining the impact ads can have on public health issues ranging from obesity to anorexia to binge drinking. Sometimes, as in the case of food marketing to children, the result has been stepped-up regulations.
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03.04.2013
Ilim Group’s New Paper Machine at Koryazhma produces First Paper

On the 3rd of March in Koryazhma, Arkhangelsk oblast, Ilim Group’s new paper machine build as a part of Big Koryazhma investment project made paper for the first time.

During the coming weeks, Ilim Group’s specialists, supported by experts from International Paper and representatives of equipment suppliers, will be working together to bring the machine up to full production, and help it meet all of the product quality parameters.

New high quality office and offset paper – will soon enter Russian market.

Big Koryazhma is a project is an investment of $270 million, involving construction of a new paper machine, installation of an off-machine coater, installation of cut-size and folio sheeters, construction of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) plant and implementation of infrastructure projects. Construction of a new paper machine in Koryazhma started in summer of 2011 at the production site of Ilim Group Branch in Koryazhma. As a result of the project Russia's most advanced state-of-the-art paper machine has started operations and will produce more than 150,000 tons per year of office paper. In summer of 2013 the company will start producing 70,000 tons of coated paper per year to make Ilim Group Russia's first and only manufacturer of this product. The project was approved by Ilim Group's Board of Directors on June 30, 2010. The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has given this project priority status.

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03.04.2013
Chico's FAS, Inc. Reports Earnings Per Share Increase of 27% in Fourth Quarter and 32% in Fiscal 2012

Chico's FAS, Inc. today announced its financial results for the fiscal 2012 fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 2, 2013. The Company also provided its outlook.

For the fourteen-weeks ended February 2, 2013 (the fourth quarter), when excluding non-recurring acquisition and integration costs related to the Boston Proper acquisition, the Company reported net income of $32.7 million, an increase of 29.8% compared to net income of $25.2 million in last year's thirteen-week fourth quarter, and earnings per diluted share of $0.20, an increase of 33.3% compared to $0.15 per diluted share in last year's fourth quarter. Including non-recurring acquisition and integration costs, the Company reported net income of $31.5 million, an increase of 25.6% compared to net income of $25.1 million in last year's fourth quarter, and earnings per diluted share of $0.19, an increase of 26.7% compared to $0.15 per diluted share in last year's fourth quarter. These results represent the highest fourth quarter earnings per share since 2005.

For the fifty-three weeks ended February 2, 2013 (fiscal 2012), when excluding non-recurring acquisition and integration costs, the Company reported net income of $182.2 million, an increase of 26.1% compared to net income of $144.4 million for the fifty-two week year ended January 28, 2012 (fiscal 2011), and record earnings per diluted share of $1.09, an increase of 29.8% compared to $0.84 per diluted share in fiscal 2011. Including non-recurring acquisition and integration costs, the Company reported net income of $180.2 million, an increase of 27.9% compared to net income of $140.9 million in fiscal 2011, and earnings per diluted share in fiscal 2012 of a record $1.08, an increase of 31.7% compared to $0.82 per diluted share in fiscal 2011.

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03.04.2013
WTI Oil Futures Decline to Trade Near $90 a Barrel

West Texas Intermediate crude fell to trade near $90 a barrel after money managers cut bets on rising prices.

Futures retreated for a third day in New York after sliding to a 10-week low on March 1. Net-long positions in WTI dropped 16 percent, according to data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Services industries in China expanded at the slowest pace in five months in February, a survey of purchasing managers showed yesterday.

“Oil is going to remain under pressure for a while yet,” said Christopher Bellew, a senior broker at Jefferies Bache Ltd. in London, who correctly predicted last month that prices were set to drop. “When prices were strong last month there was an influx of fresh speculative buying, and the opposite is happening now.”

WTI for April delivery fell as much as 59 cents to $90.09 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It was at $90.51 at 11:33 a.m. London time.

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03.04.2013
Bertelsmann Acquires Full Ownership of Music Company BMG

Bertelsmann, the international media group, is taking full ownership of the innovative music rights management company BMG by acquiring the shares currently held by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR), and will continue to develop BMG as a wholly owned subsidiary. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is scheduled to close during the first half of this year. The parties have agreed to keep the financial details of the transaction confidential. BMG administers the rights to more than one million songs, including works by such artists as Bruno Mars, Duran Duran, Gossip, Johnny Cash, and Will.i.am. It also represents the master rights (composition and recording) of artists who include Brian Ferry, Nena and Anastacia.

Bertelsmann Chairman & CEO Thomas Rabe said: “This is a great day for Bertelsmann: We are bringing the music home to our group. A few years after our exit from the traditional music business, in association with KKR, we have succeeded in building the world's fourth-largest music rights management business.” Rabe emphasized that KKR has been a good partner. “Our partnership made it possible for BMG to take advantage of consolidation opportunities and to rapidly advance the organic expansion of the business. I thank them for an excellent collaboration.”

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03.04.2013
Barnes & Noble Reports Fiscal 2013 Third Quarter Financial Results

Barnes & Noble, Inc. today reported sales and earnings for its fiscal 2013 third quarter ended January 26, 2013.

Third quarter consolidated revenues were $2.2 billion, a decrease of 8.8% as compared to the prior year. Third quarter consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were $55 million, as compared to $150 million a year ago. Third quarter consolidated net losses were $6.1 million, as compared to net earnings of $52 million a year ago. Third quarter results were adversely impacted by NOOK inventory charges and promotional allowances discussed below in the NOOK section. Third quarter net losses were $0.18 per share, which includes the impact of the dividend on redeemable preferred shares, as compared to net earnings of $0.71 per share a year ago.

On January 23, 2013, the company announced the completion of its strategic partnership with Pearson, which invested $89.5 million in NOOK Media LLC for preferred membership interests representing a 5% equity stake. Following the closing of the transaction, Barnes & Noble now owns approximately 78.2% of the NOOK Media subsidiary and Microsoft, which also holds preferred membership interests, owns approximately 16.8%.

The company ended the third quarter with cash of $214 million and no borrowings under its $1 billion Revolving Credit facility, as compared to a net debt position of $74 million a year ago.
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03.04.2013
Arjowiggins graphic launches the innovative 100% recycled High speed inkjet paper portfolio

Arjowiggins Graphic has announced the launch of its Innovative 100% recycled High speed Inkjet paper portfolio, a range of OEM qualified and sustainable products designed to run on all Inkjet digital presses including the latest generation of machines. Once again Arjowiggins Graphic meets market demand and continues to lead industry innovation with an exciting new range of 100% recycled papers, engineered specifically for inkjet colour printing.

“This Inkjet Portfolio complements the rest of our digital product offering. We see this product range as an innovative and alternative solution for printers and their Corporate clients. These specially engineered, premium quality web inkjet papers are already creating profitable new markets in transpromo and direct mail, with increasing commercial print applications,” said Jean Charles Monange, sales and marketing director, Arjowiggins Graphic.

The Cocoon and Cyclus Jet families provide a unique combination of high quality performance at full press speed and Improve color depth in combination with ink consumption reduction.

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03.04.2013
Arctic Paper Group in 2012: increased revenue and share of mature European market, expansion of Arctic Paper Group

Arctic Paper S.A., the second-largest European producer of bulky book paper by volume and one of Europe’s leading producers of high-quality graphic paper, generated revenue through four quarters of 2012 of over PLN 2.6bn, or 2.9% higher than in 2011. Excluding the costs of the one-off events of the listing on NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm and the tender offer for shares of the Swedish company Rottneros AB, the group’s EBITDA in 2012 was almost PLN 32.6m, or 17.2% higher than the year before, while net profit was 132.6% higher than in 2011, at almost PLN 28.1m.

Despite continuing weak demand for high-quality paper in Europe, in 2012 the company increased its sales volume by 23,000 tonnes, or 3.1%, over 2011, thus increasing its share of the mature market in spite of the fairly difficult situation in the industry. Utilization of the company’s production capacity in 2012 as a whole was at the high level of 96%.

In 4Q 2012, sales revenue fell from the 3rd quarter, but this phenomenon is typical for the end of each calendar year, in connection with the limited demand for graphic paper in the last three weeks of the year. Sales revenue was PLN 615m, more than 8% lower than in 3Q 2012 and in 4Q 2011. On an annual basis sales revenue increased by 2.9%, to PLN 2.6bn.

In 2012, the Arctic Paper Group increased its sales volume over 2011 levels by more than 23,000 tonnes, or 3.1%, which, with declining sales volumes in Europe, meant that the group increased its market share.

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03.04.2013
American Forest & Paper Association Releases January 2013 Printing-Writing Paper Report

The American Forest & Paper Association has released its January 2013 Printing-Writing Paper Report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments were down 3 percent from January 2012.

Additional key findings:
•January shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers increased in 5 percent compared to January 2012, the third year-over-year increase in the past four months.
•Uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers shipments of 766,300 tons in January were 3 percent below the same period last year.
•January uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 10 percent when compared to January 2012.
•January shipments of coated mechanical (CM) decreased 9 percent compared to January 2012 to 255,900 tons.

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03.04.2013
Best Buy Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Results

Best Buy Co., Inc. today announced results for the 13-week fourth quarter (“Q4 FY13”) and 53-week fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 (“FY13”), as compared to the 13-week fourth quarter (“Q4 FY12”) and the 52-week fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 (“FY12”). In FY13, the extra week occurred during the first quarter.

Domestic revenue of $12.55 billion declined 0.3% versus last year. This decline was driven by the loss of revenue from 49 big box stores that were closed earlier in the year, but was substantially offset by a positive 0.9% comparable store sales increase and incremental revenue from 126 additional Best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores. It is important to note, however, that comparable store sales in the quarter benefitted from an estimated 35 basis points due to a calendar shift in this year’s “pre-Super Bowl” sales from Q1 FY14 to Q4 FY13.

Domestic online sales increased 11.2%, reaching a record $1.3 billion as momentum accelerated throughout the quarter. Highly effective “traffic-generating” marketing initiatives drove these better-than-expected results.

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03.04.2013
Gap Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share Increase of 66 Percent

Gap Inc. today reported fourth quarter and full year results for fiscal year 2012 and provided guidance for fiscal year 2013. Improved product performance and continued global expansion helped drive an 8 percent increase in net sales for the full year. The company reported earnings per share for the 53 weeks ended February 2, 2013 increased 49 percent to $2.33 on a diluted basis, compared with $1.56 for the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2012.

“Our results in 2012 were stellar in many ways, and I’m very pleased with how well our product resonated with customers,” said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc. “We enter 2013 focused on leveraging our global brands to gain more market share and continuing to increase shareholder value.”

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03.04.2013
Limited Brands Reports Fourth Quarter and Earnings

Limited Brands, Inc. today reported 2012 fourth quarter and full-year results.

Adjusted earnings per share for the 14-week fourth quarter ended Feb. 2, 2013, which exclude certain significant items as detailed below, were $1.76 compared to $1.50 for the 13-week fourth quarter ended Jan. 28, 2012. Fourth quarter adjusted operating income was $907.8 million compared to $786.5 million last year, and adjusted net income was $519.2 million compared to $459.2 million last year.

Including the significant items below, reported fourth quarter earnings per share were $1.39 compared to $1.17 last year; operating income was $787.8 million compared to $641.1 million last year; and net income was $411.4 million compared to $359.4 million last year.

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03.04.2013
J.C. Penney Company Reports 2012 Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. today announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended February 2, 2013. For the quarter, jcpenney reported a net loss of $552 million or $2.51 per share. Excluding restructuring and management transition charges and non-cash primary pension plan expense, the Company's adjusted net loss for the quarter was $427 million or $1.95 per share.

For the year, jcpenney reported a net loss of $985 million or $4.49 per share. Excluding markdowns related to the alignment of inventory with the Company's new strategy, restructuring and management transition charges, non-cash primary pension plan expense and the net gain on the sale or redemption of non-operating assets, the Company's adjusted net loss for the year was $766 million or $3.49 per share.

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03.04.2013
Cenveo Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Results

Cenveo, Inc. today announced results for the three months and full year ended December 29, 2012.

The Company generated net sales of $451.8 million for the three months ended December 29, 2012, compared to $486.5 million for the same period last year. The Company generated net sales of $1.8 billion for the year ended December 29, 2012, compared to $1.9 billion for the prior year. The decrease in net sales was primarily due to lower sales in our print and envelope product lines as a result of lower direct mail volumes from our financial services customers, the closure and consolidations of a print plant and two envelope plants and our decision to exit certain low margin business. Net sales from our label and packaging business lines decreased slightly for the fourth quarter and full year of 2012 due to our decision to exit low margin business within those platforms, which has been offset largely by our e-commerce initiatives and new account wins in our packaging business.

Operating income was $34.0 million for the three months ended December 29, 2012, compared to $39.0 million for the same period last year. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to lower sales, lower byproduct recoveries and increased pension expense, offset in part by lower compensation-related expenses. Non-GAAP operating income was $41.6 million for the three months ended December 29, 2012, compared to $46.7 million for the same period last year. For the year ended December 29, 2012, operating income was $112.2 million, compared to $117.8 million for the prior year. The decrease in operating income was primarily due to increased restructuring, impairment and other charges as a result of the closure and consolidations of a print plant and two envelope plants along with other cost savings actions, lower sales, lower byproduct recoveries and increased pension expense, offset in part by our lower cost structure due to the integration of our Envelope Product Group acquisition and lower compensation-related expenses. For the year ended December 29, 2012, non-GAAP operating income was $151.9 million, compared to $157.2 million for the prior year. Non-GAAP operating income excludes integration, acquisition and other charges, stock-based compensation provision, and restructuring, impairment and other charges.

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02.27.2013
Quad/Graphics Reports Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2012 Results

Quad/Graphics, Inc. today reported preliminary unaudited fourth quarter and full-year 2012 results in advance of management's attendance at the 2013 Baird Business Solutions Conference in New York City on February 27, 2013. For reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Recurring Free Cash flow to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) measures, please see the accompanying information.

Highlights of expected results for Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2012:
Net sales expected to be $1.1 billion in the fourth quarter and $4.1 billion for the full-year 2012.
Adjusted EBITDA expected to be $174 million in the fourth quarter and $566 million for the full-year 2012.
The Company expects to generate $375 million in full-year Recurring Free Cash Flow, surpassing increased revised guidance of $340 million, partially benefitted by $15 million in lower capital expenditures that moved from 2012 into 2013.
In 2012, the Company repaid $120 million in debt, maintaining its year-end leverage of 2.39x within the targeted range of 2.0x to 2.5x.

“Despite ongoing economic and industry challenges in 2012, we expect our fourth quarter and full-year 2012 results to be in line with our previously discussed expectations,” said Joel Quadracci, Quad/Graphics Chairman, President & CEO. “During the fourth quarter, we paid a $2 special dividend and announced an increase in our regular 2013 quarterly cash dividend by 20% to $0.30 per share. In early 2013, we completed the Vertis Holdings, Inc., acquisition, which is a natural and strategic fit. We believe all of these activities added value for our shareholders, and were made possible by our strong focus on generating Recurring Free Cash Flow and maintaining a strong balance sheet, while simultaneously paying down debt.”

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02.27.2013
"End Of An Error": Variety.com Goes Free this Friday

Amidst a sea of online competition that includes Hollywood Reporter, TheWrap and Deadline Hollywood, the grandfather of media trade publications is changing its model to keep pace. On Friday March 1, Variety.com will lower its paywall as it begins a new chapter of the century-old trade’s history. CEO of owner Penske Media, Jay Penske said of the move at the Variety site, “Internally, we’ve been referring to the paywall dropping as ‘the end of an error.’ It was an interesting experiment that didn’t work.”

New hires and promotions for the Penske-owned publication will navigate these new waters. A trio of editors-in-chief has been installed by CEO Jay Penske and new Variety publisher Michelle Sobrino (left). Claudia Eller, most recently of the Los Angeles Times, Cynthis Littleton, recent Variety deputy editor, and Andrew Wallenstein, recent TV editor, will share the duties across print and digital platforms. The company is quick to point out that for the first time in the brand’s history women are in a leadership role. The three-part editorial team is designed to bring comprehensive expertise of film, TV and digital media together for tighter collaboration and cross-platform focus.

While online content will go free, Variety claims to be committed to its paid print publication, which will bow a new weekly format on March 26. The daily Variety newspaper will cease publication with the March 18 issue. The company s planning an ambitious schedule of special editions throughout the year, highlight key industry issues like violence in media.

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02.27.2013
Boise Inc. Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Year End 2012

Boise Inc. today reported net income of $13.5 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2012, compared with net income of $16.3 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2011. Net income for the year ended 2012 was $52.2 million, or $0.52 per diluted share, compared with $75.2 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, for the year ended 2011. Net income excluding special items for the year ended 2012 was $71.6 million, compared with $79.9 million for the year ended 2011.

EBITDA excluding special items(1) was $78.7 million for fourth quarter 2012, compared with EBITDA excluding special items of $85.0 million for fourth quarter 2011. EBITDA excluding special items was $331.8 million for the year ended 2012, versus our record 2011 EBITDA excluding special items of $340.2 million.

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02.27.2013
WTI Crude Rebounds From 2013 Low; Iran Talks End Without Deal

West Texas Intermediate rose from its lowest level this year. World powers and Iran ended two days of talks without agreement on the country’s nuclear program.

Futures gained as much as 0.5 percent. Iranian nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili said negotiations with the U.S. and its partners will resume next month in Istanbul as discussions in Almaty, Kazakhstan, concluded. Americans and others made no offer to ease oil or financial sanctions on Iran, said a U.S. official, asking not to be identified. Crude inventories climbed by 904,000 barrels last week to 373.4 million, the highest level since December, the American Petroleum Institute said yesterday.

“Although there are promises for another round of talks and statements on both sides seem to be putting a positive spin to the talks, there was no deal done,” said Amrita Sen, chief oil market strategist at consultant Energy Aspects Ltd. in London.

WTI for April delivery was at $92.86, up 23 cents at 10:49 a.m. London time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

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02.27.2013
American Forest & Paper Association Releases January 2013 Kraft Paper Sector Report

The American Forest & Paper Association released its January 2013 Kraft Paper Report on Feb. 22.

Total Kraft paper shipments were 140.5 thousand tons, an increase of 19 percent compared to the prior month. Bleached Kraft paper shipments increased year-over-year 17 percent, and unbleached Kraft paper shipments increased 7 percent year-over-year. As a result, total Kraft paper shipments begin the year 9 percent higher than 2012. Total month-end inventory decreased 14 percent to 73.5 thousand tons this month compared to December 2012 month-end inventories.

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02.27.2013
American Forest & Paper Association Releases January 2013 Paperboard Statistics Report

The American Forest & Paper Association has released its January 2013 U.S. Paperboard Report.

Total boxboard production increased by 0.9 percent compared to January 2012 and increased 1.7 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production increased over the same month last year and increased compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production decreased compared to January 2012 and decreased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard increased compared to January 2012 and increased when compared to last month.

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02.27.2013
American Forest & Paper Association Releases January 2013 Containerboard Statistics Report

The American Forest & Paper Association has released its January 2013 U.S. Containerboard Statistics Report.

Containerboard production rose 1.7 percent over December 2012 and 3.5 percent over the same month last year. The month-over-month average daily production increased 1.7 percent. The containerboard operating rate for January 2013 gained 1.3 points over December 2012, from 95.8 percent to 97.1 percent.

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02.27.2013
Port Alberni mill reaches 10-year year milestone as supplier for Rolling Stone Magazine

Catalyst Paper's Port Alberni mill is marking 10 years as the supplier of coated mechanical paper for Rolling Stone Magazine, Wenner Media's flagship publication. As the only producer of coated mechanical paper in Western North America, Catalyst's Port Alberni mill also supplies paper for the popular Men's Journal, and the Westcoast edition of Us Weekly.

Catalyst President and CEO Kevin J. Clarke paid tribute to Wenner Media and Bulkley Dunton (the company that handles Wenner's paper supply) while in Port Alberni to meet with employees, City officials, community and business leaders.

"We have an excellent relationship and a shared commitment to being great partners. The titles they publish on our paper have great name recognition and having a long-standing anchor account helps grow additional coated business because people can see our paper in print, not only on a roll or in a sample pack," said Mr. Clarke.

With a total coated mechanical capacity of 223,000 tonnes, Catalyst produces Electracote, a coated four and Pacificote, a coated five product, on Port Alberni's No. 5 paper machine and the company's product development team is now testing the capability to make an even higher quality coated grade.
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