Norpac Price increase on Orca Offset

UPM Biochemicals has announced the launch of a new range of bio-based plant stimulants, UPM SolargoTM. This launch marks UPM’s entry into the large and profitable agrochemicals market with an innovative, sustainable alternative to fossil raw materials-based products. UPM SolargoTM biostimulants are a highly innovative solution for sustainable agriculture providing scientifically proven benefits for a broad range of crops cultivated in fields and greenhouses with a significantly optimized environmental footprint compared to incumbent fossils-based products. They aid plant growth by improving the quality of soil microbiome and by increasing water retention. Unlike traditional fertilizers, UPM SolargoTM biostimulants do not directly provide nutrients to the plant. Instead, they increase nutrient absorption, utilization efficiency and stress tolerance of the plant. In long term testing, UPM SolargoTM products have shown to increase crop yield and quality. More importantly, UPM SolargoTM has the potential to help significantly reduce demand for classical fertilizers based on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), the production and use of which is held responsible for up to 80% of CO2-emissions in crop production1.

The Nicolet Mill was honored on June 28, 2018 – receiving Focus on Energy’s “Energy Efficiency Excellence Award” for its commitment to reducing energy waste. Nicolet has been active in identifying and implementing energy reduction projects, and as part of the Focus on Energy grant program, has worked with Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and Focus on Energy on assessments of their processes, and has integrated many energy-saving changes based on the assessment results. Recent energy efficiency projects at Nicolet include LED lighting upgrades, steam system management upgrades, and installing more efficient agitators and pulper rotors. The Nicolet Mill was the only industrial company to receive this honor this year.

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the third quarter of 2022 was NOK 508 million, a decrease from NOK 905 million in the second quarter of 2022. The third quarter EBITDA was impacted negatively by reduced volumes and higher fixed costs per tonnes following the closure for conversion of PM3 to containerboard production at Norske Skog Bruck, reduced CO2 compensation in Norway and significant increases in energy and raw materials, which more than offset the increase in sales prices for all grades. The containerboard conversion projects are progressing as planned. “Despite the turbulence in the energy and raw material markets, we have been able to sustain satisfactory margins on our publication paper products. Our conversion projects at Bruck and Golbey are progressing as planned, and will contribute to a long-term sustainable industrial platform,” says Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog.