Sun Chemical to Display Ink, Pre-laid Overlays, Pre-patched Holograms, Magnetic Tape and Security Applications for Plastic Cards during the 2018 ICMA EXPO

Sun Chemical will showcase its full range of screen and offset inks, pre-laid overlays, pre-patched holograms, magnetic tapes, security solutions and electronic materials for credit and laminated cards printing during the 2018 ICMA EXPO in Orlando, Fla. on March 26-29. “Card manufacturers, issuers and branding firms want to partner with a company that can offer a complete range of solutions for credit and laminated card printing,” said Penny Holland, Vice President, Marketing and Industrial Applications, North American Inks, Sun Chemical. “During ICMA EXPO, we look forward to showing how Sun Chemical’s wide range of solutions for card printing can help customers streamline their operations.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil Rises a Second Day as Equity Gains Offset Supply Concerns

After jumping 2.2 percent on Monday, futures added 1 percent in New York on Tuesday. European and Asian stocks rose as President Donald Trump faced resistance to plans for a series of import tariffs, while a diplomatic breakthrough with North Korea also boosted optimism. Still, the International Energy Agency’s warning that OPEC production cuts will unleash a supply surge from the U.S. and other producers maintained a note of caution in the market. The production cuts that helped push prices above $60 a barrel are triggering a flood of supply from OPEC’s rivals including Brazil and Canada, which will cover all growth in global demand until 2020, the IEA said. The agency may also raise its forecast for U.S. output if oil stays above $60 a barrel, Birol said during the CERAWeek oil conference in Houston. Non-OPEC growth is so strong that the oil market will change for years, he said. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Nordstrom And Anthropologie Announce Partnership

Nordstrom announced a partnership with Anthropologie to introduce more than 200 items from Anthropologie Home at select Nordstrom full-line stores and on Nordstrom.com, beginning March 19th. The Anthropologie Home collection will encompass categories including kitchen, dining and entertaining, bed and bath textiles, room décor, stationery and hardware. "We are thrilled to be launching the best of Anthropologie Home into 15 Nordstrom stores and on Nordstrom.com. Home is a category we continue to evolve and being Anthropologie's partner will allow us to introduce dynamic home product with a regular cadence," said Gemma Lionello, executive vice president and general merchandise manager, Nordstrom. "We look forward to providing our customers with another way to shop one of their favorite home brands." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Target Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Earnings

Target Corporation announced its fourth quarter and full-year 2017 results. The Company reported GAAP earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations of $2.02 in fourth quarter and $5.32 for full-year 2017, compared with $1.46 and $4.58 in 2016, respectively. Fourth quarter Adjusted EPS were $1.37, compared with $1.45 in 2016. Full-year Adjusted EPS were $4.71, compared with $5.01 in 2016. The attached tables provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP to GAAP measures. All earnings per share figures refer to diluted EPS. "Our fourth quarter results demonstrate the power of the significant investments we've made in our team and our business throughout 2017. Our team's outstanding execution of Target's strategic initiatives during the year delivered strong fourth quarter traffic growth in our stores and digital channels, which drove healthy comparable sales in every one of our five core merchandise categories," said Brian Cornell, chairman and chief executive officer of Target Corporation. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Prinzhorn’s Hamburger Rieger to start construction of 500,000 tonne/yr containerboard machine (RISI)

In March 2018, Hamburger Rieger GmbH will start the scheduled construction of its second paper machine at its Spremberg location. The new plant’s commissioning is scheduled for summer 2020. The planned product range includes white and brown corrugated base papers (testliner) based on 100% recycled paper. With a width of 7.80 metres, the machine will produce 500,000 tonnes of paper per year. For the preparation of white base materials an environmentally friendly deinking section will be installed. It combines innovative resource-conserving raw material processing and the paper machine's patented mode of operation.
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Nekoosa Acquires Catalina Graphic Films

Nekoosa, comprised of Nekoosa Coated Products, RTape Corp, and CET Films, announced today the acquisition of Catalina Graphic Films, effective as of March 1, 2018. Catalina Graphic Films, headquartered in Calabasas, CA with manufacturing facilities in Chicago, IL and Las Vegas, NV, is a leading manufacturer of pressure sensitive products used primarily for printed retail point of purchase advertising and promotion. Nekoosa is making the acquisition to support expanded manufacturing capability, product portfolio expansion, and a national manufacturing footprint. “Nekoosa is proud to combine its 50 year legacy with the equal 50 year family legacy of Catalina Graphic Films, and create a truly special business that can service our customers with an incredibly broad portfolio of products, services, and capabilities,” said Paul Charapata, CEO of Nekoosa. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Retailers push to end special tax treatment for online brands

Conventional retailers are working with industry groups to overturn a tax break that benefits e-commerce brands. On Monday, the Retail Industry Leaders Association public policy organization called Retail Litigation Center, along with more than 20 retail and wholesale trade associations, filed a document to overturn a rule that the Supreme Court adopted in the pre-Internet era. Specifically, the group hopes to influence the court to reverse special tax breaks given to online retailers. The brief highlights the pending Supreme Court case, South Dakota v. Wayfair, Overstock, and Newegg, which seeks to repeal the law that keeps states from collecting sales tax from online purchases unless those retailers have a physical presence within their state. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Institutional Investor Shutters Print Edition

After 51 years in print, Institutional Investor will scrap its paper edition and go digital-only after its April issue, the financial magazine announced this week. The decision comes as the result of “sustained and substantial growth in online reader traffic,” and increased demand among advertisers for digital marketing solutions, according to a statement. “Asset managers and allocators have an increased desire to consume content and market digitally, given the ease of access, efficient targeting, and generational change in the industry,” said Institutional Investor CEO Diane Alfano in the statement. “It’s exciting to watch the evolution of our business and the shift from print to community.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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European Commission Upholds CEPI Trade Complaint against Turkey

The EU has today released a report related to a Trade Barrier Regulation ("TBR") investigation launched following a complaint submitted by CEPI, the European association representing the paper industry. The report upheld the complaint finding that the measures imposed by Turkey on the imports of certain varieties of paper such as office paper, books, envelopes and paper used for direct mail marketing (otherwise known as uncoated wood free (“UWF”) paper) from the EU were inconsistent with both WTO and the EU-Turkey Customs Union rules. “CEPI takes pride in its strong commitment to free trade with its partners. The decision by the Turkish authorities to remove these unfair measures is applaudable; however this issue should never have been escalated in the first place. It is our expectation that the Turkish authorities stand by their obligations under the EU-Turkey Customs Union Agreement in the future” says Sylvain Lhôte, Director General at CEPI. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Orchids Paper Products Company Announces Fourth Quarter And Full Year 2017 Results

Fourth Quarter 2017 Relative to Third Quarter 2017: Net sales of $43.5 million in the fourth quarter decreased $1.7 million, or 3.7%, from the third quarter driven by seasonality factors. Converted product sales declined $1.5 million; a decline of $1.9 million due to volume, offset by higher average-selling prices having a positive impact of $0.4 million. Parent roll sales decreased $0.2 million, as the effect of lower sales volume outpaced an increase in the average selling price compared to third quarter 2017. Average selling prices were, to a degree, positively impacted in the fourth quarter by the inclusion of Orchids' new ultra-premium products manufactured at Barnwell. Cost of goods sold, net of depreciation, in the fourth quarter declined by $2.5 million to 84.6% of net sales, down from 87.0% in the third quarter, representing our second consecutive decline as a percentage of sales. Total cost of sales increased to 94.2% of revenue in the fourth quarter, up from 93.9% in the third quarter. Total depreciation increased to 9.6% of net sales in the fourth quarter from 6.9% of net sales in the third quarter as a result of the addition of the Barnwell facility. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Rejection of Unsolicited and Highly Opportunistic Approach

Smurfit Kappa announces that it has received an unsolicited proposal from International Paper Company, headquartered in Memphis, USA, whereby International Paper would acquire Smurfit Kappa and Smurfit Kappa shareholders would receive a combination of cash and a minority holding in the combined business. The Board of Smurfit Kappa has carefully considered the Proposal and believes it is in the best interests of the Group’s shareholders and other stakeholders to pursue its future as an independent company, operating as the European and Pan-American leader in paper-based packaging. Smurfit Kappa is a world leader in paper-based packaging with an established track record of consistently delivering strong and improving operating and financial performance. Click Read More below for additional information.
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WestRock Renews Commitment to The Recycling Partnership

WestRock has renewed its membership with The Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit that leverages corporate funding to improve recycling efforts in communities across the U.S.. The company signed on as a funding partner for the fourth straight year. "WestRock is an industry leader that has consistently put sustainability at the forefront of its operations," says Keefe Harrison, CEO of The Recycling Partnership. "Without the support of our funders, our goal to improve recycling across the country would be unachievable. By renewing their membership, WestRock is helping advance our mission of building stronger recycling systems, creating jobs, and protecting the environment." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Wiley Reports Third Quarter 2018 Results

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. announced results for the third quarter ending January 31, 2018. • Third quarter revenue up 4% to $455.7 million, or down 1% at constant currency • Third quarter GAAP EPS up 45% to $1.19 primarily due to impact of the US Tax Act; Adjusted EPS down 14% at constant currency • Year-to-date revenue up 4% to $1,318.9 million, or up 1% at constant currency • Year-to-date GAAP EPS $2.39 compared to $1.15 in prior year; Adjusted EPS at constant currency up 1%. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Meredith vows to slash circulation over proposed postal rate hike

Meredith, now the nation’s largest magazine publisher, will slash magazine frequency and circulation levels and close print titles if a proposed 40 percent hike in postal rates over the next five years takes hold, its chief executive Thomas Harty said. The Postal Regulatory Commission is proposing price hikes from 34 to 41 percent for second-class mail, known as periodicals class. A vote is expected this spring. “The proposed increased for the periodical class will require Meredith to pursue magazine closures, circulation cuts, issue frequency reductions, conversions to digital-only formats and alternate delivery for some magazine subscription copies,” Harty said in testimony submitted to the PRC. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Amazon Celebrates More Than 10,000 Full-Time Employees in Illinois

This year, Amazon will celebrate its third year fulfilling customer orders out of Illinois and surpassing the milestone of 10,000 full-time employees in the state with job opportunities for people with all types of experience, education and skill levels—from human resources, engineers and facilities technicians, to those seeking entry-level positions and on-the-job training. We couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Illinois family. Our team in the Land of Lincoln has been instrumental in providing outstanding customer experiences, raising the bar on our operational excellence, and continuing to innovate on behalf of the customer. We feel fortunate to have been able to create more than 10,000 jobs in just three years and gratified by the amazing support we’ve received from the community,” said Sanjay Shah, Amazon’s Vice President of North America Customer Fulfillment. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil Steadies as Libya Restarts Biggest Oil Field After Stoppage

Futures in New York rose 0.2 percent after a 3.6 percent decline last week. The Sharara field, Libya’s biggest, has started producing again after stopping on Sunday following a closure of the pipeline carrying oil to the Zawiya refinery, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The halt came shortly after protests disrupted output at another Libyan deposit in February. Libyan production had been surging in recent months, becoming a thorn for the market on concern that further growth could test the country’s pledge to curb production as part of OPEC’s plan to limit a global oversupply. The increase, together with warnings of rising U.S. output from organizations including the the International Energy Agency, has prevented prices from regaining the highs of January even as most OPEC members continue to cut supply. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Four Magazines Share Top Rank in Latest Readership Study

Four titles shared the rank of top print audience performers in November 2017, according to the latest GfK MRI’s issue Specific (IS) Readership Study. Forbes, Men’s Journal, New York Times Magazine and People received IS scores of 140. Forbes magazine’s Nov. 14 issue (IS audience: 9,115,000) featured an “exclusive interview” with Donald Trump, titled “Inside Trump’s Head.” Men’s Journal’s (3,645,000) Nov. 17 issue featured Thor star, Chris Hemsworth, and how he got “ripped” to play Marvel’s action hero while maintaining a “down-to-earth” persona. The Nov. 5 issue of New York Times Magazine (5,840,000) featured Barack Obama on their illusion cover that imitated a turning page and posed the simple headline question “Why Can’t Democrats Turn The Page?” Entertainment magazine People (53,061,000) featured their Sexiest Man Alive in the Nov. 27 issue, which announced Blake Shelton as the 2017 title holder. Click Read More below for additional information.
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HarperColllins Publishers Buys AMACOM Books

HarperCollins Publishers announced it has acquired the trade book assets of AMACOM from the American Management Association International (AMA). HarperCollins will take over all front list and backlist publication, sales, distribution, and licensing of the more than 600 books in AMACOM's catalog. AMACOM, which primarily focuses on personal and professional growth and business leadership, will be a sub-imprint of the recently launched HarperCollins Leadership (HCL) imprint, which is run out of the company's Nashville, TN offices. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. "Business, management and leadership are key growth areas for HarperCollins internationally," said Brian Murray, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers. "The purchase of AMACOM's trade publishing will allow us to broaden our catalog of books with potential in emerging markets, from Asia to South America. It is a natural fit for our expanding publishing programs." Click Read More below for additional information.
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GPO Report: Agency Bid Out $340M to Private Sector in Fiscal Year 2017

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) releases its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2017. In it, Acting Director Jim Bradley reports another year of positive financial results for the agency. GPO’s operations recorded positive net income of $38.3 million for the year. Total revenues for the year equaled $874.3 million. “From the materials used in the Presidential inauguration to the digitization of the entire Congressional Record and our vigorous digital programs, GPO upheld its commitment to serve as the Federal Government’s publisher in FY 2017,” said Acting Director Jim Bradley. “Our positive financial results will allow us to keep pushing our program of modernization forward. We look forward to repeating this record of achievement in FY 2018.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPM Raflatac brings its high quality wine labeling solutions to Eastern Winery Exposition

Every winery has a story to tell as unique as the wines it bottles. But, with more wineries in the Eastern U.S. and Canada than ever before, standing tall among the competition has never been more difficult. And the label material a winery uses is key in catching the consumer's eye. UPM Raflatac, one of the global leaders in the production of wine label materials, is pleased to announce it will be bringing its wine experts to the Eastern Winery Exposition in Lancaster, Pennsylvania from March 6-8. Winemakers and wine industry professionals are invited to stop by UPM Raflatac's set-up at booth 173 in the Lancaster County Convention Center to learn more about what the company's wine label materials can do to distinguish wine brands. Samples of wine label materials will be available as well. Click Read More below for additional information.
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HP Indigo Digital Press Achieves New Idealliance Master Elite Level ISO/PAS 15339 Certification

Idealliance, the global communications non-profit organization, with 11 offices around the world, has certified the HP Indigo 1x000, 7x00, 5x00 Press Series and the HP Indigo Label & Packaging Web Press Series with its Master Elite Level ISO/PAS 15339 Certification designations. Idealliance ISO/PAS 15339 Certification is an extended compliance program of the Digital Press Certification for digital printing press manufacturers, allowing OEMs to certify demonstration of press aptitude as it relates to hitting specified color spaces and the ability to hold color tolerance. By achieving both the Idealliance Digital Press and the Master Elite Level of Idealliance ISO/PAS 15339 Certification, the HP Indigo presses demonstrated clearly not only their capability to print to the largest color gamut, Universal Extra Large CRPC 7 within CIEDE2000 tolerances as specified in CGATS TR 016-2014, but also their capability to hold color consistently. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Quad/Graphics Delivers In-Magazine Product Sample for Marc Jacobs

Quad/Graphics announced that it has released Marc Jacobs’ newest mascara brand in Quad’s PromoPage™ sampling carrier affixed to a major fashion publication. The publication targeted 50,000 subscribers to receive the full-sized mascara product sample with their home-delivered issue. To see a video of the revolutionary solution, visit http://go.qg.com/publishing-innovation. Product sampling is an important marketing strategy in the United States, accounting for $34 billion in marketing spend in 20161. In addition: • 81% of consumers agreed that experiencing a product increases their comfort level when purchasing2. • 94% of households stated that sampling is a good determining factor of product effectiveness3. • 92% of consumers surveyed reported they bought a product after trying a sample4. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Gap Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2017 Results

The company’s fourth quarter fiscal year 2017 comparable sales were up 5 percent compared with an increase of 2 percent last year. Comparable sales by global brand for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2017 were as follows: • Old Navy Global: positive 9 percent versus positive 5 percent last year • Gap Global: flat versus flat last year • Banana Republic Global: positive 1 percent versus negative 3 percent last year. For fiscal year 2017, the company’s comparable sales were up 3 percent compared with a decline of 2 percent last year. Comparable sales by global brand for fiscal year 2017 were as follows: • Old Navy Global: positive 6 percent versus positive 1 percent last year • Gap Global: negative 1 percent versus negative 3 percent last year • Banana Republic Global: negative 2 percent versus negative 7 percent last year. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Nordstrom Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2017 Earnings

Nordstrom, Inc. reported fourth quarter earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter ended February 3, 2018 of $0.89, which included impacts associated with corporate tax reform consisting of a $0.25 charge primarily related to its income tax provision and a one-time pretax investment in its employees of $16 million or $0.06. Net sales for the fourth quarter increased 8.4 percent, inclusive of approximately $220 million related to the 53rd week, and comparable sales increased 2.6 percent. For fiscal 2017, earnings per diluted share was $2.59, including corporate tax reform-related reductions of $0.31. Earnings were in-line with the Company's prior outlook of $2.90 to $2.95, which did not incorporate the impacts related to corporate tax reform. Net sales increased 4.4 percent and comparable sales increased 0.8 percent, slightly exceeding the Company's prior outlook for sales growth of approximately 4.2 percent and comparable sales increase of approximately 0.5 percent. Click Read More below for additional information.
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JCPenney Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2017 Earnings Exceeded Expectations

Full Year 2017 Results: Total net sales decreased (0.3) % to $12.51 billion compared to $12.55 billion last year. Comparable sales increased 0.1 % for full year 2017. The slight decline in total net sales was primarily due to store closures in 2017, most of which closed in the first half of the year, and was partially offset by incremental sales for the 53rd week. Net loss was ($116) million, or ($0.37) per share, compared to net income of $1 million, or $0.00 per share last year. This reduction was driven primarily by restructuring charges associated with the fiscal 2017 store closures and voluntary early retirement program. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Kimberly-Clark Recognized for Energy and Climate Leadership

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced it has won a 2018 Climate Leadership Award for Excellence in the Greenhouse Gas Management (Goal Setting) category, the company's second Climate Leadership Award in two years. The Climate Leadership Award is presented by the Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions and The Climate Registry, and celebrates organizations that set and achieve aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals. In a separate event earlier this week, Kimberly-Clark also was honored with a Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Award for its programs focused on creating a culture of energy conservation at its manufacturing sites. The Smart Energy Decisions Innovation Award recognizes the use of innovative technologies and progressive practices among large electric power users. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Kotkamills Group Oyj to conduct pre-feasibility study for paper machine investment

In order to prepare Kotkamills Absorbex Oy, a subsidiary of Kotkamills Oy and the leading global supplier of Laminating Papers, to meet the increasing demand, as well as to replace the discontinuing production volume of Paper Machine 7 in Tainionkoski, Imatra (Stock Exchange release on the 3rd of July 2017), Kotkamills Oy has started the pre-feasibility study of a new Paper Machine 3 (PM 3) in Kotka. The final decision of this possible investment will be done by the end of year 2018. The capacity, cost estimation and start-up timing of the the PM 3 will be published later on subject to the positive investment decision. After the possible start-up of the PM 3, Kotkamills Oy is maximizing the integration advantages of the Kotka site. In addition to the efficient investment cost of PM 3 to the already available infrastructure, the energy and fixed costs per produced volumes of the whole integrated site would be lower than today. The possible investment would have a positive impact on the profitability of Kotkamills Group. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Advertising Falls To Lowest Share Of Time Spent With Media Ever

Even as consumer time spent with media continues to expand -- inching up 0.3% last year -- the percentage of time consumers spend with ad-supported media continues to decline, according to the 2018 edition of an annual report tracking and forecasting consumer media usage. The study, which was previewed by Research Intelligencer, comes as a major industry futurist -- Publicis’ Rishad Tobaccowala -- predicts that ad-supported media exposure is about to experience a cliff effect, declining as much as 30% over the next five years as consumers shift their attention to non-ad-supported media. The good news is that the total amount of time Americans spent consuming media rose to 70.7 hours per week last year. The bad news for Madison Avenue is that the share of time spent with ad-supported media fell to 44.4%, its lowest point ever. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Goss, manroland web systems to Combine; Contiweb to Separate

Goss International’s printing press business and manroland web systems, both manufacturers and service providers of web offset printing systems for newspapers, commercial products and packaging, are planning to combine their complementary businesses. The combined company will benefit from the companies’ complementary geographic footprints, create extensive synergies, ensure long-term viability, and provide value-oriented solutions, especially in the area of aftermarket services. In the future, the new entity will be a strong business partner to all international web printers. Subject to regulatory approval, the merger is expected to be completed by the middle of 2018. The Contiweb business of Goss International is not included in this transaction (see below for additional details on Contiweb). Click Read More below for additional information.
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Transcontinental Inc. announces its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2018, which ended January 28, 2018.

"I am satisfied with our first quarter financial results, which show that our profitability has increased while we continue the transformation of our organization,” said François Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. "In the printing division, the demand for our retailer-related service offering remained relatively stable. Furthermore, we implemented initiatives aimed at continuously optimizing our printing platform, namely the consolidation of our Québec newspaper printing plants. In addition, we will transfer to Hearst the operations of our California facility as of April 2018. Consequently, we will repatriate state-of-the art equipment to some of our Canadian plants, which will generate synergies mainly starting in 2019. "In the packaging division, this year's first quarter results were mainly affected by timing differences in purchases at one of our plants, but we anticipate that organic sales growth in 2018 will be similar to 2017. In addition, we pursued in a very active manner a number of promising acquisition opportunities. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil futures set for weekly drop as stock markets and US crude inventories weigh on prices

Oil prices were set on Friday to post their first weekly decline in three weeks following a sell-off in global stock markets after news of planned U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium raised fears of a trade war. U.S. crude is on track for a 4.5 percent drop this week, its first weekly decline in three, having given up much of the gains in recent weeks when sentiment was boosted by a fall in inventories at the Cushing delivery point for WTI. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil Extends Drop as U.S. Stockpiles Climb and Dollar Strengthens

Futures in New York fell as much as 1.1 percent, after losing 3.6 percent in the previous two sessions. U.S. crude stockpiles last week rose to the highest level since December, while gasoline reserves expanded at four times the predicted rate. Meanwhile, data for November showed the shale boom drove U.S. output to a record. U.S. stockpiles of oil stored in tanks and terminals rose by 3.02 million barrels to about 423 million, the fourth increase in five weeks, according to the Energy Information Administration. That compares with a median estimate for a 3 million-barrel gain in a Bloomberg survey. Gasoline inventories expanded by 2.48 million barrels, more than the 600,000-barrel average estimate. Click Read More below for additional information.
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L Brands Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Earnings

Earnings per share for the 14-week fourth quarter ended Feb. 3, 2018, were $2.33 compared to $2.18 for the 13-week quarter ended Jan. 28, 2017. The extra week in 2017 represented approximately $0.10 per share. Fourth quarter operating income was $986.6 million compared to $987.6 million last year, and net income was $664.1 million compared to $631.7 million last year. Net sales were $4.823 billion for the 14-week fourth quarter ended Feb. 3, 2018, compared to $4.489 billion for the 13 weeks ended Jan. 28, 2017. Comparable sales for the 14-week fourth quarter ended Feb. 3, 2018, increased 2 percent compared to the 14 weeks ended Feb. 4, 2017. The extra week in 2017 represented approximately $160 million in sales. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Cascades Announces Strong Annual Net Earnings for 2017, and Releases Results for the Fourth Quarter of 2017

Q4 2017 Highlights: • Sales of $1,082 million (compared to $1,103 million in Q3 2017 (-2%) and $979 million in Q4 2016 (+11%)) • As reported (including specific items) • Operating income of $45 million (compared to $51 million in Q3 2017 (-12%) and $33 million in Q4 2016 (+36%)) 2017 Annual Highlights: • Sales of $4,321 million (compared to $4,001 million in 2016 (+11%)) • As reported (including specific items) • Operating income of $175 million (compared to $221 million in 2016 (-21%)) Click Read More below for additional information.
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Best Buy Reports Better-than-Expected Fourth Quarter Results

Best Buy Co., Inc. announced results for the 14-week fourth quarter (“Q4 FY18”) and 53-week year ended February 3, 2018 (“FY18”), as compared to the 13-week fourth quarter (“Q4 FY17”) and 52-week year ended January 28, 2017 (“FY17”). The company reported Q4 FY18 GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.23, which included the negative impact from items related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“tax reform”) of approximately $1.17 in diluted earnings per share. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for Q4 FY18 were $2.42, an increase of 25% from $1.93 in Q4 FY17. “We are excited to report strong results for the fourth quarter and the year,” said Hubert Joly, Best Buy chairman and CEO. “We are especially proud of our 9.0% comparable sales growth in the quarter, which brings our annual comparable sales growth to 5.6% for the year. Customers are responding very positively to our Best Buy 2020 strategy, and I want to enthusiastically thank all our associates for their great work in delivering these results. The level of energy and dedication to serving customers that I see across the company is truly inspiring.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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KBA-Iberica Optima 106 K Die Cutter Provides “Staggering Improvements” To Productivity at Ellis Paper Box

•63% increase in throughput; 32% increase in run speed •Push button automation, 8,000 sph run speeds •Improved uptime and quality has resulted in improved bottom line •KBA North America along with KBA-Iberica team improves long term commitment to Ellis. In today’s competitive folding carton industry, manufacturers are continually challenged by demanding customers who request unique value-added features. That’s become even truer when those customers are leading international pharmaceutical firms. Canadian packaging specialist Ellis Paper Box, a member of the Ellis Group, the country’s largest privately-held manufacturer of folding cartons, has made it its mandate---and ultimately its successful reputation as one of the most valued manufacturers in the industry---to understand and respect the demanding standards required by the pharmaceutical industry. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi Releases “True or False” Guide about Coated and Uncoated Paper

Filled with entertaining urban legends and popular misconceptions, Sappi's new "True or False" booklet challenges frequently heard myths such as, "humans only use 10% of their brains" and "lightning never strikes the same place twice." It also refutes the widespread belief that uncoated printing papers cost less than coated. In addition to comparing costs, performance capabilities, and environmental benefits between coated and uncoated sheets, "True or False" presents an actual side-by-side demonstration of the same image printed with the same press settings on Sappi McCoy Matte and Silk and two comparable uncoated grades, so readers can see the tactile and visual differences for themselves. "Some myths about coated and uncoated paper have been around so long that people accept them as fact, but not everything that people believe to be true is true," says Patti Groh, Director of Marketing Communications, Sappi North America. "A premium smooth uncoated sheet may cost as much as 170% more than a comparable coated sheet such as Sappi's McCoy. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi successfully concludes its acquisition of the speciality paper business of Cham Paper Group Holding AG (CPG)

The transaction includes the acquisition of CPG’s Carmignano and Condino Mills in Italy, its digital imaging business located in Cham, Switzerland as well as all brands and know-how. The main benefits of the acquisition include: Supports Sappi’s diversification strategy and 2020vision to grow in higher margin growth segments; Strengthens Sappi Europe’s specialities and packaging papers footprint and skills; adds 160,000 tons of speciality paper to our capacity; Increases Sappi’s relevance in specialities and packaging papers, opening up new customers and markets to Sappi’s existing products and generating economies of scale and synergies; Gaining greater share-of-wallet with valued brand owners; accelerating innovation and new product development; Improved near-term profitability and serve as platform for organic growth and further acquisitions. Will add €183 million of sales and approximately €20 million of EBITDA before taking into account synergies; Builds on the investments currently underway to increase specialities and packaging papers capacity at our Somerset, Maastricht and Alfeld Mills; Unlocks the growth potential of the CPG speciality paper business. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Book Publisher Revenues up 27.6% in October 2017

Publishers saw increased revenues in October, up $251 million (+27.6%) for October 2017 vs October 2016. The strong month brings revenues for Jan. – Oct. 2017 to $12.44 billion, up +1.7% for the year-to-date. Every category saw an increase in revenues for Oct. 2017, which include sales to bookstores, wholesalers, direct to consumer, online retailers, etc.) Trade books are up +16.5% for Oct. 2017 vs Oct. 2016 and 1.6% year-to-date. The greatest growth in the trade category was adult books, which saw $123.5 million (+25.8%) revenue growth. Publishers report that the significant increase is due to several factors including the book debuts from well-known authors. Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPM Raflatac’s new digital printer recommendation tool helps you identify the best label stock products for your printer

UPM Raflatac offers the highest-quality digital papers and films in the pressure sensitive label industry and one of the broadest film face stock portfolios in the digital market. But with such a diverse selection available, it can be daunting to find precisely the right materials for your digital printers. Help is here with UPM Raflatac's newly launched digital printer recommendation tool, which promises to deliver a comprehensive database of paper and film materials suitable for a variety of digital printing technologies. This innovative new tool provides up-to-date and accurate product information about UPM Raflatac's digital label stock materials as well as ratings for how they will perform on various digital printers, ranging from small desktop models to industrial-scale digital presses. Whether looking for paper or matte, gloss, white or clear film face stock materials, this new tool has you covered. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Barnes & Noble Reports Fiscal 2018 Third Quarter Financial Results

Total sales for the third quarter were $1.2 billion, declining 5.3% as compared to the prior year. Comparable store sales decreased 5.8% for the quarter, primarily due to lower traffic. Comparable store sales trends did improve in January, declining 3.5%. The consolidated third quarter net loss was $63.5 million, or $0.87 per share, as compared to prior year net earnings of $70.3 million, or $0.96 per share. Third quarter results include a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $133.6 million, and a severance charge of $10.7 million associated with the Company's transition to a new labor model. Click Read More below for additional information.
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InnerWorkings Announces Select Preliminary Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Results

Select Preliminary Unaudited Fourth Quarter 2017 Highlights • Gross revenue is expected to be between $303 million and $308 million in the fourth quarter, an increase of 12 to 14% compared with $270.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. • Gross profit (net revenue) is expected to be between $74 million and $75 million in the fourth quarter, an increase of 8 to 9% compared to $68.7 million in the same period of 2016. Select Preliminary Unaudited Full Year 2017 and Recent Highlights • Gross revenue is expected to be between $1,138 million and $1,143 million in 2017, an increase of 4 to 5% compared with $1,090.7 million in 2016. • Gross profit (net revenue) is expected to be between $281 million and $282 million, a 7% increase compared to $263.5 million in 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Chico’s FAS, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2017 Results

For the fourteen weeks ended February 3, 2018 ("the fourth quarter"), the Company reported net income of $28.0 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to net income of $13.5 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the thirteen weeks ended January 28, 2017 ("last year's fourth quarter"). For the fourth quarter, gross margin was $221.6 million, or 37.7% of net sales, compared to $213.4 million, or 35.5% of net sales, in last year's fourth quarter. This 220 basis point increase primarily reflects a 170 basis point improvement in merchandise margin driven by lower average unit costs and a reduction in store occupancy costs. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Office Depot, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Results

Total reported sales for the fourth quarter of 2017 were $2.6 billion compared to $2.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016, a decrease of 5%. Sales for the full year 2017 were $10.2 billion, a decline of 7% compared to the prior year. Fourth quarter and full year 2016 results benefited from an additional 53rd week sales of approximately $143 million and have been removed from our adjusted sales change below. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Office Depot reported operating income of $59 million. The Company recognized a net loss from continuing operations in the fourth quarter of 2017 of $48 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, resulting from a net tax expense of approximately $68 million associated with changes to the Company’s U.S. deferred tax assets and tax valuation allowance due to recent tax law reform. Click Read More below for additional information.
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RR Donnelley Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Results

Net sales in the quarter were $1.93 billion, up $66.9 million or 3.6% from the fourth quarter of 2016. On an organic basis, consolidated net sales increased 2.6% driven by significant volume growth in the International segment. Gross profit in the fourth quarter of 2017 was $365.0 million or 19.0% of net sales versus $363.7 million or 19.6% of net sales in the prior year quarter. Income from operations was $104.6 million in the fourth quarter compared to a loss from operations of $466.9 million in the 2016 quarter. Net loss attributable to common stockholders from continuing operations of $52.8 million in the fourth quarter compared to a net loss of $488.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases January 2018 Boxboard Report

Total boxboard production decreased 0.8 percent when compared to January 2017 and decreased 1.2 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production increased over the same month a year ago and was flat compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production decreased when compared to January 2017 and decreased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard decreased compared to January 2017, but increased when compared to last month.
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Oil Set for First Monthly Drop Since August on U.S. Stock Fears

Futures in New York were little changed, putting them on course for a 2.8 percent drop in February. An industry report was said to show U.S. oil inventories rose last week, which would be the fourth expansion in five weeks if confirmed in government data. The head of OPEC plans to dine with shale producers in Houston next week at a time when America is pumping at record levels and threatening the group’s efforts to curb a global glut. U.S. crude output is forecast to rise to a record level in February, stoking fears that shale producers may derail OPEC’s strategy of reducing output to clear a global glut. The producer group’s Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo said he will meet with U.S. shale company executives for dinner on Monday in Houston, the second time he has met with some of the cartel’s top rivals.
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Budget 2018 Helps Support Forest Sector Priorities On: Addressing Climate Change; Skills Training and Expanding Trade

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) sees some encouraging opportunities for Canada’s forest products sector in today’s federal budget including measures to support our transition to a low carbon economy, skills training, and expanding trade. In the budget tabled by Finance Minister Bill Morneau entitled “Equality & Growth a Strong Middle Class”, he earmarked: * Over $2 billion to support skills training to help build a workforce for the future * Commitment to protect and expand markets * Over $3 billion for environmental initiatives to help address climate change, support conservation and move to a low-carbon economy. “Budget 2018 sends some positive signals that support the forest sector’s priorities, with investments to build capacity to address climate change, skills training to build a workforce for the future, and supports the further diversification of our export markets,” said FPAC CEO Derek Nighbor. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Walmart names Huhtamaki Supplier of the Year

A few quick conversations with employees will confirm for anyone how these awards were earned at Huhtamaki. For all those who work to supply Walmart with the items they need for stores across the country, they all say the same thing — “It’s not just me.” Everyone including the employees who make the product, sales management and commercialization, product managers, finance professionals, operations managers, and the logistics team are excited to make sure that high quality product reaches its destination on time. Click Read More below for additional information.
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The AEGLE™ has landed

Kotkamills Oy will launch the AEGLE™ Barrier Light in the show. AEGLE™ Barrier Light is an ideal packaging material, for example, for the needs of large fast-food chains. The products are also suited for short-term packaging of other greasy food-to-go products where a barrier is required. You are welcome to meet our sales representatives to learn more about our solutions for the packaging and food service industries, including the development of innovative, easily recyclable, barrier coated products. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi North America Joins The Recycling Partnership to Improve Recycling Efforts in Communities Across the Country

Sappi North America has joined on as a new funding partner of The Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit that applies corporate funding to improve recycling efforts in communities across the country. In doing so, the company will be working to help transform recycling nationwide, increase materials recovery, and reduce the creation of greenhouse gases that add to climate change. Currently, still less than half of recyclables in U.S. homes are getting captured; just 22 million tons out of an available 46 million tons are recycled every year1. While the funding and management of recycling systems has fallen on the shoulders of cities and towns across the country, now, through The Recycling Partnership, nearly 40 companies, including Sappi are committing financial resources to work with the nonprofit and local governments to improve recycling systems. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Torstar Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter Results

Highlights for the fourth quarter: • Ended 2017 with $71.4 million of cash and cash equivalents as well as $9.1 million of restricted cash; Torstar has no bank indebtedness. • Cash provided by operating activities was $23.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 reflecting $31.6 million of cash generated by operating activities partially offset by an $8.1 million increase in working capital. • Our net income from continuing operations was $7.8 million ($0.10 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2017. This compares to net income of $0.7 million ($0.01 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.
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WestRock’s CanCollar, a paper-based multipack solution for your canned beer

The CanCollar is cool. It’s also perfect for craft breweries who want to embrace better environmental stewardship. WestRock’s CanCollar is a durable, environmentally friendly, paperboard-based multipack solution for cans. The CanCollar is made from 86 percent renewable fiber and up to 15 percent recycled content. But maybe the best part of the CanCollar setup is that WestRock (an American paper and packaging manufacturer) also makes the machinery that smaller brewers and beverage companies can use to pack cans using the CanCollar. Watch the video above to see how easy these suckers are to install over your cans. The machinery, known as The Chunk, has helped breweries reduce line labor by 30 percent, giving one employee the ability to apply CanCollar to a full case of 24 cans in 12 seconds using a simple one-motion applicator. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Freight Update 2-27-18

As you are most likely aware, the packaging industry and much of North America has faced significant shipping and logistics challenges over the past several months. Several factors such as demand for freight services outstripping the number of trucks on the road, inclement weather conditions, and the implementation of the new Electronic Logging Device (ELD) regulations in December 2017, have collectively compounded the issue of imbalance in the truck and driver supply. The ELD mandate will have an impact on freight costs. Most carriers that have implemented ELDs have reported productivity decreases of approximately 15% with fewer miles driven per day. It is also expected that some capacity may be taken out of the market due to the rising costs. The net result of all of this is high load to carrier ratios driving up freight rates which often change with little notice. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Lecta to Increase the Prices of Label Papers by 7%

Lecta announ​ces a price increase of 7% on its different grades for labelling applications: coated 1s, metallized papers, cast coated and self-adhesive papers. The price increase is unavoidable to offset the continuous increase in manufacturing costs due to the rising costs of pulp and other raw materials. The new prices will be effective on deliveries from April 2th, 2018. Lecta sales teams are at our customers' disposal to provide specific information on how the price increase will be applied by product on a country-by-country basis.
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Euro-Graph Publishes Monthly Statistics of the European Graphic Papers Industry

Total European shipments of graphic papers in December 2017 were down 3.4% vs. December 2016 and were down 1.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in December 2017 were down 7.0% vs. December 2016 and were down 3.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in December 2017 were down 12.4% vs. December 2016 and were down 2.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in December 2017 were UP 4.9% vs. December 2016 and were down 0.3% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil Near Three-Week High as Investors Await U.S. Inventory Data

Futures in New York slid 0.3 percent after closing at the highest since Feb. 5 on Monday as crude exports from a key Libyan terminal were disrupted. The focus now shifts to U.S. stockpiles, which are forecast to have risen last week. While they increased in three of the past four weeks, the pace of gains slowed, allaying fears that American supply will undermine OPEC’s output curbs. U.S. inventories probably rose by 2 million barrels last week, following a surprise drop in the previous week, according to a Bloomberg survey before Energy Information Administration data due Wednesday. The number of rigs drilling for oil in the U.S. has risen for five consecutive weeks to the highest in almost three years, Baker Hughes data show. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Pregis acquires engineered foam manufacturer Rex Performance Products

Pregis LLC has acquired Rex Performance Products (RPP), Marysville, Michigan, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition will enable Pregis to build on its leadership position as one of the largest foam producers in North America. Founded in 2011, RPP is known for its high-quality laminated foam technology, as well as its customer-centric approach to doing business. The acquisition adds another 100,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, as well as 150,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space to the Pregis network. RPP currently has 85 employees. RPP has been led by Don Tate, president and chief executive officer, who will be joining Pregis and leading the combined engineered foam business going forward. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sun Chemical Launches SunCure Accuflex UV Flexo Ink System for Various Food Packaging Applications

Sun Chemical has launched SunCure® Accuflex UV, a new UV ink system for primary and secondary food packaging that is not manufactured with Bisphenol A (BPA)-based materials and meets low migration specifications. Designed for both folding carton and flexible film packaging applications where high press performance, color vibrancy and regulatory compliance are critical, SunCure AccuFlex UV flexo inks offer good adhesion to a variety of film substrates, provide great flexo viscosity stability under high shear conditions, and exhibit excellent UV cure response. Available in North America, SunCure AccuFlex UV inks can be used for a variety of paper packaging applications and feature low post-odor properties that are essential to many brand owners. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Macy’s, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and FY 2017 Earnings

Sales in the fourth quarter of 2017 totaled $8.666 billion, an increase of 1.8 percent, compared with sales of $8.515 billion in the fourth quarter of 2016. Comparable sales on an owned basis were up 1.3 percent in the fourth quarter and up 1.4 percent on an owned plus licensed basis. Total sales in the fourth quarter of 2017 reflect a 14th week of sales, whereas comparable sales are on the same 13-week basis as fiscal 2016. Sales in fiscal 2017 totaled $24.837 billion, down 3.7 percent from total sales of $25.778 billion in fiscal 2016. Comparable sales on an owned basis declined 2.2 percent in fiscal 2017. Macy's, Inc.'s operating income for the fourth quarter of 2017 totaled $1.213 billion, or 14.0 percent of sales, compared to $815 million, or 9.6 percent of sales, for the fourth quarter of 2016. Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2017 totaled $1.397 billion, or 16.1 percent of sales, excluding restructuring and other costs of $152 million and non-cash retirement plan settlement charges of $32 million. For fiscal 2017, Macy's, Inc.'s operating income totaled $1.807 billion, or 7.3 percent of sales, compared with operating income of $1.315 billion, or 5.1 percent of sales, for fiscal 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Meredith Corporation Reaches Agreement To Sell Time Inc. UK To Epiris

Meredith Corporation announced that it has entered into a binding agreement with Epiris Fund II, advised by Epiris LLP (a UK private equity firm), to sell Time Inc. UK. Formerly owned by Time Inc., Time Inc. UK was acquired by Meredith on January 31, 2018, as part of its acquisition of Time Inc., which had been in the process of selling Time Inc. UK. Time Inc. UK is one of the UK's leading media companies, creating quality content that entertains millions of UK consumers every day. With a heritage spanning 165 years, its portfolio encompasses more than 50 well-known brands, including Country Life, What's on TV, Woman's Weekly and Wallpaper*, and operates across multiple platforms – print, online, mobile, TV and experiences. Click Read More below for additional information.
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APP leads adoption of global sustainability reporting standards in Indonesia

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), part of Sinarmas, received the Special Commendation for Early Adopted GRI Standards at the Sustainability Reporting Awards (SRA) in Solo, Indonesia. This is the fifth award that APP received from the SRA and recognizes APP as a trailblazer in the adoption of the newest GRI Standards for its sustainability reporting in the country. Issued by the independent standards organization Global Reporting Initiative in early 2017 to replace the earlier version “G4 Guidelines”, the GRI Standards is the world’s first standardized sustainability reporting structure to be applied globally. The organization recommended early adoption of the latest GRI Standards, which otherwise would be officially effective from 1 July 2018. Heeding the call, APP had applied the latest standards in developing its 2016 Sustainability Report. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil Steady on Libya Halt as Saudis Promise a Smooth End to Curbs

Futures in New York were little changed, after rising 3 percent the previous two sessions. Libya’s crude loadings from the Mellitah terminal will be “modified” after protests impeded output at the El-Feel field. Cuts by OPEC and its allies may be phased out in 2019 in a way that won’t disturb the market, Saudi oil minister Khalid Al-Falih said. Still, U.S. supply remains a threat, with the nation’s rig count rising for a fifth week to the highest since April 2015. Oil has risen more than 5 percent this year, following a second annual gain, as a drain in U.S. stockpiles and growing demand reassure investors that production cuts led by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries are working. While America continues to pump record volumes, accompanied by an increase in exports, Al-Falih said the global oil market is re-balancing and bloated inventories are shrinking. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Leonard Cronin Named Forester of the Year

Leonard Cronin, Regional Manager of Finch Forest Management, was presented the 2017 Forester of the Year award by the New York Society of American Foresters (NYSAF). This honor recognizes Len’s outstanding contributions to the profession of forestry, the stewardship of forest resources in New York, and the objectives of the Society of American Foresters. Bruce Breitmeyer, NYSAF awards committee chair, notes “Len has had an outstanding career with over 30 years of ‘feet in the forest’ in the Adirondacks and Upstate New York. His leadership at Finch in his forestry profession has been outstanding and his efforts directly contributed to the excellent condition of some of the most prestigious lands in the Adirondacks.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Online subscription retailers face tougher regulation

Auto-renewal subscription programs are a great way for e-commerce businesses to build a constant revenue stream. And they benefit both the company and the consumer. Companies can sell their product or service consistently over a period of time, while the customer doesn’t have to be hassled with repurchasing the product or service every month or year. My daughter has a guinea pig, and we have set our Amazon account to send us her preferred guinea pig food each month, for which we get automatically charged the same amount each month. Little Trevor will never starve! Similarly, we subscribe to Netflix, and we pay a fee that is automatically charged to our credit card each month. Many subscription programs offer new customers the ability to try a service for free for a trial period. To take advantage of the free trial offer, customers have to provide a credit card that will be automatically charged at the end of the trial if the customer does not cancel in time. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sappi Europe to increase prices for Woodfree Coated and Woodfree Uncoated paper grades by 6-8% from April 1st 2018

Due to continuing input cost increases and unsustainable profit levels, Sappi is forced to continue passing on this cost inflation by increasing its WFC and WFU in sheets and reels by 6-8% effective on deliveries from April 1st 2018 for all European and Overseas markets. Despite strong order books margins continue to be depressed by this severe input cost inflation. Sappi’s sales representatives will be in touch with their customers to agree on the specifics over the following weeks.
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Sappi Europe to increase prices for Mechanical Coated paper grades by 4% from April 1st 2018

Despite the extremely strong order books the mechanical coated paper profit margins continue to be depressed due to continuing cost creep. Sappi addresses the cost inflation by increasing its LWC and MWC paper grades prices by 4% effective on deliveries from April 1st 2018 for all markets as validities allow. In order to reach sustainable profitability levels subsequent inflationary increases are expected during the year. Sappi’s sales representatives will be in touch with their customers to agree on the specifics over the following weeks.
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The Navigator Company to increase paper prices by 5-7%

The Navigator Company announced today that it will be increasing prices our Uncoated Woodfree papers by 5 to 7 % in Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania and Latin America. This measure will be effective with orders shipping April 2nd , 2018. The Navigator Company sells its products to 130 countries over five continents, under its own paper brands with a strong reputation for superior and consistent quality - Navigator, Pioneer, Inacopia, Discovery, Soporset and Inaset.
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Pearson Reports 2017 Results

Highlights: Operating performance on track • 2017 adjusted operating profit of £576m is at the top end of our upwardly-revised October 2017 guidance range, adjusting for currency movements. • Adjusted earnings per share of 54.1p is above the October 2017 guidance range of 49.0p-52.0p reflecting strong profitability, a lower than expected tax rate of 11.1% and after a net interest charge of £79m. • Total underlying revenues declined 2%, in line with the performance in the nine-months, due to a decline of 4% in North America partly offset by stabilisation in Core and Growth. • Statutory operating profit for the year was £451m (2016: a loss of £2,497m). Click Read More below for additional information.
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Canfor Reports Results for Fourth Quarter of 2017

Highlights: * Q4, 2017 adjusted operating income of $190.8 million, aided by improved lumber unit sales realizations and record-high pulp and paper earnings; operating income of $598.5 million and record-high sales of $4.66 billion in 2017 * Adjusted net income of $114.8 million, or $0.89 per share; $363.4 million, or $2.77 per share, for 2017 * CVD/ADD duty deposit rate reduced from 27.98% to 20.52% following final determination by US Department of Commerce; combined duty expense of 14.34% recorded in fourth quarter of 2017 to reflect impact of updated sales and cost data on ADD rate in 2017 * Net debt of $97.5 million, or 4.6% net debt to total capitalization, at December 31, 2017 * Construction of new state-of-the-art US$120 million greenfield sawmill in Georgia approved by Board of Directors: 275 million board feet of high-value dimension Southern Yellow Pine lumber. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Canfor Announces Construction of New State-of-the-Art Greenfield Sawmill in Washington, Georgia

The Board of Directors of Canfor Corporation approved the construction of a new, state-of-the-art sawmill in Washington, Georgia. The new sawmill, which will cost approximately US$120 million and have a production capacity of 275 million board feet, will employ best-in-class mill technology, capitalizing on an excellent fibre resource in the region to produce high-value dimension and specialty lumber products. Strategically located near the Company’s existing glulam facility in Washington and the larger population centers in Athens and Augusta, the new mill will be able to draw on a strong and skilled employee base. Construction will commence in the second quarter of 2018, with the official start-up projected for the third quarter of 2019. At full run rates, assuming 2017 market pricing, the sawmill is forecast to generate annual EBITDA of approximately US$35 million. Click Read More below for additional information.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases January 2018 Containerboard Report

Containerboard production was up 0.7 percent compared to January 2017. The month-over-month average daily production compared to December 2017 was 2.9 percent lower. The containerboard operating rate was 97.2 percent, or 2.2 percentage points higher than January 2017. Production for exports was 10.5 percent lower than January 2017, which was the month with the second highest export volume in 2017.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases January 2018 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly Report

Total Packaging Papers shipments were 219,200 tons, 9.5 percent lower than January 2017. Bag & Sack shipments were down 13.4 percent month-over-month and Multiwall shipments were down 19.0 percent. Food Wrapping shipments were up 0.4 percent. The operating rate for January was 84.3 percent, the second lowest over the last 13 months. Inventories were 171,800 tons, up 3.6 percent since December 2017.
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Oil Heads for Second Weekly Gain After Surprise Stockpile Drop

Futures in New York are up 1.5 percent this week after closing at the highest level in two weeks on Thursday. While the U.S. is pumping near record volumes, exports also jumped to a four-month high last week, helping drain the nation’s stockpiles. Oil stocks in the biggest U.S. storage hub plunged to the lowest level in more than three years. While crude struggled after the best January performance in more than a decade, it’s now finding its footing again as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies including Russia pledge to persist with output curbs to re-balance the market, and demand remains robust. Click Read More below for additional information.
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HPE Reports Fiscal 2018 First Quarter Results

First quarter net revenue of $7.7 billion was up 11% from the prior year and up 9% when adjusted for currency. First quarter GAAP diluted net earnings per share (“EPS”) from continuing operations was $0.92, up from GAAP diluted net EPS from continuing operations of $0.15 in the prior-year period. First quarter non-GAAP diluted net EPS from continuing operations was $0.34, up from non-GAAP diluted net EPS from continuing operations of $0.28 in the prior-year period. “Our strong Q1 performance is proof that we have the right strategy and improved execution,” said Antonio Neri, President and CEO of HPE. “We had good revenue growth across every business segment, continued to execute HPE Next with no disruption to the business, and delivered strong shareholder return in the form of share repurchases and dividends.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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UPS To Deploy First Electric Truck To Rival Cost Of Conventional Fuel Vehicles

UPS announced it plans to deploy 50 plug-in electric delivery trucks that will be comparable in acquisition cost to conventional-fueled trucks without any subsidies – an industry first that is breaking a key barrier to large scale fleet adoption. The company is collaborating with Workhorse Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WKHS) to design the vehicles from the ground up, with zero tailpipe emissions. “Electric vehicle technology is rapidly improving with battery, charging and smart grid advances that allow us to specify our delivery vehicles to eliminate emissions, noise and dependence on diesel and gasoline,” said Carlton Rose, President, Global Fleet Maintenance and Engineering for UPS. “With our scale and real-world duty cycles, these new electric trucks will be a quantum leap forward for the purpose-built UPS® delivery fleet. The all electric trucks will deliver by day and re-charge overnight. We are uniquely positioned to work with our partners, communities and customers to transform freight transportation.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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LSC Communications Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Results

Fourth quarter net sales were $999 million, up $80 million, or 8.7%, from the fourth quarter of 2016. After adjusting for acquisitions, changes in foreign exchange rates, and pass-through paper sales, organic net sales decreased 4.6% from the fourth quarter of 2016. Fourth quarter 2017 net loss was $58 million, or $1.68 per diluted share, compared to net income of $9 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2016. The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2017 reflected $24 million of one-time provisional tax expense related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which will be further detailed in the 2017 Form 10-K, as well as the impact from non-deductible goodwill impairment charges. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2017 was $85 million, or 8.5% of net sales, compared to $80 million, or 8.7% of net sales, in the fourth quarter of 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.
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American Forest & Paper Association Releases January 2018 Printing-Writing Paper Monthly Report

According to the January 2018 Printing-Writing monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in January compared to January 2017. A small increase in shipments of uncoated free sheet was not enough to offset the year-over-year declines in January for the other three grades. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased one percent from December 2017. Imports of printing-writing papers finished 2017 five percent lower than 2016 imports while exports finished the year five percent higher than 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil Falls Toward $61 on Concern U.S. Inventories Expanded Again

Futures lost as much as 1.5 percent in New York. Inventories probably rose 2.9 million barrels last week, according to a Bloomberg survey before a government report later Thursday. Global equities and industrial metals also dropped after an upbeat U.S. growth outlook fueled the possibility of interest-rate hikes. U.S. crude inventories rose by 1.84 million barrels in the week through Feb. 9, data from the Energy Information Administration show. While analysts surveyed by Bloomberg expect a further increase in this week’s numbers, the American Petroleum Institute was said to report a decline of 907,000 barrels. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Boise Paper launches new digital papers program

Boise Paper announced a new program to deliver rolls and sheets specifically intended for use in commercial grade digital printers. All products in the line have been performance tested and carry a laser guarantee. Products include Boise POLARIS® branded rolls and sheets, as well as Boise® Offset and Boise® Opaque rolls. “We’re committed to delivering what our customers need,” said Tina Brennan, Senior Marketing and Planning Manager for Boise Paper. “We know digital products are essential for commercial printers, and we want to make sure our offering enables success with those applications.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Announces Full Year 2017 Results

Net Sales for the full year increased $35 million, or 2.5%, year over year. The net sales increase was driven by a $19 million increase in our Trade Publishing segment and a $16 million increase in our Education segment during the current period. Operating loss for the full year 2017 was $114 million, $197 million lower than the $311 million operating loss recorded in 2016. Net loss of $103 million for the full year 2017 was $182 million lower than the net loss of $285 million in 2016, due primarily to the same factors impacting operating loss offset by a $15 million unfavorable change in our income tax benefit in 2017, from an income tax benefit of $65 million for the same period in 2016 to an income tax benefit of $50 million in 2017. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Lecta Presents Its Newest Environmental Report

In keeping with our commitment to respect for the environment and our focus on sustainability, Lecta carries out its business activity with the aim of minimizing environmental impact in the communities and areas where we operate, thereby contributing to their wellbeing. In spite of challenging economic circumstances, this entails allocating a significant portion of our budget to this goal. Over the past ten years, nearly 135 million euros have been invested in projects to minimize environmental impact. These investments have been allocated to many ambitious projects at our manufacturing sites. The primary goals have been to increase energy efficiency, decrease air emissions and optimize the use of natural resources in the manufacture of our distinct multiproduct portfolio, based on paper as a natural, renewable raw material. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Dickinson Press, Kingsport Book Launch New Short-Run Four-Color Printing Facility

Kingsport Book LLC is excited to announce the launch of its newly built Kingsport Book Commercial. Kingsport Book Commercial was built with the goal of being able to offer the most competitive, short-run four-color book and commercial printing solution available in the industry. Phase 1 of this multi-million expansion continues to build on the goals established by PCC (Printer Consolidation Co.), a Blackford Capital portfolio company to build a world-class company focused on the ever-changing needs of the book printing industry. Kingsport Book, located in Church Hill, Tenn., has developed a strong reputation as a high-end book finishing and fulfillment company. To complement the deluxe bindery operation, a sister company has been built to service short-run offset and digital printing needs as well as to support the surrounding areas with the most advanced equipment available. In the expanded 135,000-sq.-ft. facility, a 10-color Komori perfecting press has been installed along with finishing, prepress and digital equipment. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Tetra Pak delivers more than half a billion fully renewable packages

Tetra Rex® Bio-based, which was launched in October 2014, is manufactured solely from Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) certified and controlled sources paperboard, together with plastics derived from sugar cane, all traceable to their origins. Packages made from renewable materials are essential for preserving the environment for future generations. Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over time and enable a move away from fossil fuel-based materials, reducing the environmental impact as well as improving resource efficiency. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Canada-U.S. Forest Health and Innovation Summit Rooted in Collaboration

Forest health and innovation challenges and opportunities don’t observe borders and that is the spirit in which delegates will be participating in the 4th Canada-U.S. Forest Health Summit, February 21-23 in Ottawa. “Trade irritants or disputes may generate headlines but beneath that is a successful history of collaboration between Canada and the United States,” says Derek Nighbor, CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada, who is participating in the summit. “On both sides of the border, we face complex challenges from addressing climate change to protecting communities from wildfires; to preventing pest outbreaks, supporting species at risk, and protecting watershed health. This week’s Summit provides a great opportunity for cross-border information sharing.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Apex Plastics adds Capabilities and Capacity with New Equipment

Custom blow-molder Apex Plastics has added a new Aoki 250LL-50S injection blow molding machine. By adding the new Aoki machine, Apex has not only added additional capacity, but also added to their already impressive list of capabilities. Apex Plastics has established themselves as a leader in extrusion blow-molding, and with the addition of the Aoki 250LL-50S they have the added capability of injection blow-molding. The Aoki is a versatile injection blow-molding machine that is able to mold a variety bottles and containers from narrow neck to wide mouth. With the Aoki, Apex Plastics gained the added capability of running PET material. This has opened up a wide range of new products for Apex to pursue. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Command Packaging has been sold to Delta Plastics of the South

Lincoln International is pleased to announce Command Packaging, LLC, has been sold to Delta Plastics of the South, LLC. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Command is an industry pioneer and market leading provider of flexible packaging solutions, focused on supplying 100% certifiably sustainable carryout bags across the food service, retail and grocery industries. Headquartered in Vernon, California, the Company offers technically-sophisticated capabilities, including extrusion, printing, conversion and value-added services to 400+ blue chip customers nationwide. These customers rely on Command to solve their most complex carryout bag challenges and design products that represent their brands through superior quality, innovation and premium graphics. Click Read More below for additional information
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Irving Paper Team Gives New Books to their PALS at Glen Falls School’s Literacy Night

One of Susan Gionet’s favourite days of the year? Delivering new books for young students at Glen Falls school in Saint John. The books go to Glen Falls School Literacy Night, hosted annually for parents and students. “We have family-friendly, fun activities for parents and students planned,” said Jill Nylen, Community Schools Coordinator at Glen Falls. “With the help of Irving Paper and their donation of books and prizes, this will help our students build their home libraries.” “We are always thankful for our partnership with our Irving Paper PALS,” she said. “Their willingness to support our students and our school is overwhelming. It’s nice to have a partnership where our students benefit greatly.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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New $135 Million Lumber Plant Announced In Warrenton, Georgia

Georgia‐Pacific announced it will build a new softwood lumber production facility in Warren County, Georgia. Construction of the $135 million, 340,000‐square foot, technologically advanced plant is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2018 with an anticipated startup in spring 2019. Georgia‐Pacific’s existing lumber plant in Warren County will continue full operations until the new facility is completed. After startup of the new plant, Georgia‐Pacific estimates hiring an additional 30 to 40 employees, bringing its workforce in Warren County to approximately 150 people. “We have enough property next to our existing mill in Warren County to build a larger facility equipped with the latest in lumber manufacturing technology,” said Fritz Mason, vice president and general manager, Georgia‐Pacific Lumber. “We have a great team at Warrenton and building a new state‐of‐the‐art facility on this site will make it competitive for years to come. The team has earned it.” The new facility will be capable of over three times the output of the current facility. The existing facility has been operating since the early 1970s and technology in the lumber production business has changed significantly since that time. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Edwards Brothers Malloy Offset Book Plant Consolidation Reflects Industry Convergence

Edwards Brothers Malloy announced that it plans to consolidate all offset printing operations into its Ann Arbor, Mich., location by the end of 2018. As a result, it will be closing its offset printing facility located in Lillington, N.C., which will impact the job positions of approximately 100 workers employed there over the next nine-month period. “This was a very difficult decision,” said John Edwards, Edwards Brothers Malloy president and CEO, in a prepared statement. “We continue to see shrinking demand for offset printing and double-digit growth in digital printing. We want to increase our digital footprint and be sure we’re well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities and new markets.” The phased shutdown of the Lillington offset printing facility is planned to begin in April and should be completed by the end of the year, according to the company. Edwards added that the move will lead to “some” job growth in Michigan and that Lillington employees are encouraged to apply for work at its Ann Arbor location. Click Read More below for additional information.
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HP Launches High-Definition Digital Press for Commercial Printing

HP Inc. announced commercial availability of its HP Indigo 12000 HD Digital Press with breakthrough high-definition imaging, the next step in the evolution of HP’s market-leading1 Series 4 large format press platform with more than 700 units installed worldwide. The High Definition Imaging System for the B2-sized HP Indigo 12000 HD Digital Press doubles image resolution, delivering sharper, smoother, finer print, enabling print service providers (PSPs) to surpass offset quality and open new digital possibilities in high-end commercial and photo applications. The press uses an all-new High Definition Imaging System, using 48 parallel laser beams and high screen sets up to 290 LPI. Click Read More below for additional information
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Quad/Graphics Acquires Leading Marketing Services Provider

Quad/Graphics, Inc. announced it has acquired Ivie & Associates, a premier marketing services provider and one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the country. The business combination creates a powerful marketing solution that addresses clients’ increasing need for improved process efficiency and marketing spend effectiveness. The combined offering, fueled by both companies’ talent, expertise and technology, will provide clients unmatched scale for onsite marketing services, integrated execution, and expanded subject matter expertise in digital, media and creative. Click Read More below for additional information
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Quad/Graphics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2017 Results

Net earnings improved during the fourth quarter of 2017 to $55 million, an $18 million year-over-year increase, despite a 2.8% decrease in net sales to $1.2 billion. Organic sales decreased 2.8% due to ongoing industry volume and pricing pressures, after excluding pass-through paper sales (-0.3% impact) and favorable foreign exchange (0.3% impact). Net earnings improved for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $107 million, a $62 million increase from 2016, despite a 4.6% decrease in net sales to $4.1 billion. Organic sales decreased 3.5% due to ongoing industry volume and pricing pressures after excluding pass-through paper sales (-1.1% impact), and is consistent with the Company’s previous guidance. Net cash provided by operating activities was $344 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Free Cash Flow was $258 million, compared with $246 million for 2016, and was at the top end of the Company’s guidance range. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Walmart’s US online sales grow 44% in 2017 despite Q4 stumble

In the first full fiscal year after the Jet.com acquisition, Walmart posted a 44% increase in e-commerce sales to $11.5 billion across all its U.S. sites. However, web sales grew only 23% in the fourth quarter as problems managing inventory resulted in some items being unavailable to online shoppers. Walmart, No. 3 in the Internet Retailer 2017 Top 500, also announced a 47% year-over-year rise in gross merchandise value—the value of all goods sold on its e-commerce sites, a figure that includes merchandise sold by other merchants on Walmart.com and Jet.com. Overall, the company’s revenues were up 3.0% year over year, a $14.5 billion rise to $500.3 billion. The company’s 23% online growth in the fourth quarter was down from last quarter, which saw a 50% increase, and Q4 last year, during which online sales grew 29%. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Brent Drops From 2-Week High as U.S. Warns of `Phenomenal’ Surge

Oil is struggling to regain the highs of January after a sell-off in global equities seeped into crude markets earlier this month. Surging U.S. production continues to challenge efforts by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its friends to alleviate a global oversupply, with forecasts pointing to record output from the Permian shale basin. “Prices are vulnerable to the downside over the coming months,” said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS Group AG in Zurich. “Though the market likes OPEC and its allies’ show of unity, we still need to see how U.S. shale companies will react on higher prices and eventually offset all the efforts of OPEC and others to reduce inventories.” The increase in U.S. production is not “a blip,” Brouillette said. “We are optimistic about 2019 and 2020 too.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Plans drawn up for World’s tallest Wooden Skyscraper

Sumitomo Forestry, a Japanese company is planning to build the world's tallest wooden skyscraper to mark its 350th anniversary in 2041. Only 10% of the 70-storey W350 tower would be steel, combined with about 180,000 cubic metres of indigenous wood which will make up for 90% of the building. This will limit the carbon footprint of the building as the wood will store the carbon instead of emitting it into the atmosphere. There will be about 8,000 homes, with trees and foliage on balconies at every level, creating a pleasant space for plants and living organisms and in turn contributing to the biodiversity of the city. In doing so, the company will be on track to meet its wider objective to create environmentally-friendly and timber utilising cities and maintain the livelihood of the forest ecosystem. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Communicating benefits of forest products key to unlocking potential contribution to SDGs

The environmental rationale for protecting forests is well known. Lesser known, but equally significant, is the role of forest products. Forest products are key to a green economy, an economy that relies on sustainable materials with a minimal environmental footprint. Rovaniemi Action PlanThis is the spirit of the Rovaniemi Action Plan, a regional blueprint to support the contribution of the forest sector to the transition to a green economy. Approved in 2013, the Rovaniemi Action Plan remains the main framework to guide the transition to a green economy in the forest sector in the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) region. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Iggesund Paperboard’s Vice President Sales & Marketing leaves the company

As per 28 February Iggesund Paperboard’s Vice President Sales and Marketing, Arvid Sundblad, leaves his position for new opportunities outside the company. “For many years, Arvid Sundblad has provided extensive knowledge, good relationships and solutions to develop Iggesund Paperboard to where we are today”, says CEO Daniel Peltonen. The process of finding a replacement will start immediately and until a permanent solution is found, Daniel Peltonen will act as Sales Director. "We thank Arvid for his commitment during these years and the great efforts he made for the company and wish him luck in future challenges," concludes Daniel Peltonen
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LSC Communications Enhances Book Production Capabilities with the Purchase of New Wide-Web Goss Press and High-Speed Binding Line

LSC Communications announced a major investment in its Book Platform to boost productivity, capacity and efficiency. LSC will invest in its Willard, OH facility with the installation of a new Goss wide-web press and a new high-speed binding line. This investment will support the continued strength of the 4-color book market category, making LSC’s Willard, OH location the most advanced 4-color plant in the United States. Dave McCree, President of the LSC Book Group commented, “LSC will continue to grow and expand its supply chain and publisher services offerings, yet also strongly believes in the need to continue to advance its core print capabilities. This investment solidifies our position as the category leader, delivering innovative solutions to our Publishing clients.”
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Albertsons Companies and Rite Aid Merge to Create Food, Health, and Wellness Leader

Albertsons Companies, one of the nation's largest grocery retailers, and Rite Aid Corporation, one of the nation's leading drugstore chains, announced a definitive merger agreement under which privately held Albertsons Companies will merge with publicly traded Rite Aid. Under the terms of the agreement, in exchange for every 10 shares of Rite Aid common stock, Rite Aid shareholders will have the right to elect to receive either (i) one share of Albertsons Companies common stock plus approximately $1.83 in cash or (ii) 1.079 shares of Albertsons Companies stock. Depending upon the results of cash elections, upon closing of the merger, shareholders of Rite Aid will own a 28.0 percent to 29.6 percent stake in the combined company, and current Albertsons Companies shareholders will own a 70.4 percent to 72.0 percent stake in the combined company on a fully diluted basis. Immediately following completion of the merger and assuming that all Rite Aid shareholders elect to receive shares plus cash, Albertsons Companies will have approximately 392.9 million shares outstanding on a pro forma and fully diluted basis. Following the close of the transaction and the share exchange, Albertsons Companies' shares are expected to trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Click Read More below for additional information
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Operating revenues were $854.2 million, including approximately $49.1 million from the 53rd week, compared to $867.0 million in the prior year quarter. Favorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates benefited revenues by $4.2 million. Same store operating revenues declined 8.8%, an improvement compared to a decline of 9.4% in the third quarter of 2017, due to our strategic subscriber pricing initiatives and the inclusion of a full quarter of ReachLocal revenue in our same store calculation. Total digital revenues increased to $272.3 million, or approximately 31.9% of total revenue. GAAP net losses were $13.6 million, including a $42.8 million tax expense from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and $27.6 million of after-tax restructuring, asset impairment charges and other costs. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Gap Inc. Announces Departure of Gap Brand President

Gap Inc. announced that Jeff Kirwan, president and CEO of Gap brand, will leave the company. “Under Jeff’s leadership we made significant progress on the operating model of Gap brand. We are faster and more responsive than ever before, we radically improved quality and fit, and we centered the brand on the aesthetic that our customers love: casual, optimistic and American. We have also seen the results of exceptional marketing and customer engagement reflected in increased traffic, improved sales and the strength of the digital business” said Art Peck, chief executive officer of Gap Inc. “While I am pleased with our progress in brand health and product quality, we have not achieved the operational excellence and accelerated profit growth that we know is possible at Gap brand. As we move into the brand’s next phase of development, Jeff and I agreed it was an appropriate time for a change in leadership,” Peck continued. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® launches characters for campaign

The Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® campaign revealed two new animated characters to further strengthen consumer connection to paper and packaging. The new industry brand ambassadors are a springboard for inspiring creativity, connection and achievement–qualities consumers around the world appreciate when using paper and paper-based packaging products. “Paper and packaging products are prevalent in our lives, and it was our goal to create highly-relatable characters to represent the vital roles that paper and packaging play for each and every one of us,” shares Mary Anne Hansan, president of the Paper and Packaging Board. “We launched the Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds® campaign in 2015, and we are thrilled to introduce these new characters to help consumers nationwide recognize and remember the value of paper in their everyday lives.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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The Navigator Company to increase paper prices by 6-8% in Europe

The Navigator Company announces that it will be increasing prices by 6 to 8 % in Europe. This measure will be effective with orders shipping March 26th, 2018. The paper industry cost drivers continue to show a steady rise. This fact results on the need to defend our profitability and therefore, the Navigator Company will be applying a price increase in Europe in all products and markets, ranging from 6% to 8% and from 26th March dispatches.
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Quantum Group Appoints Former Mittera/EarthColor Executive as CEO

Quantum announced industry leader Cheryl Kahanec as its new CEO, effective February 16, 2018. Kahanec has more than 35 years of experience in the marketing communications and digital print industry, including transitioning traditional print companies into early digital success stories. In her leadership role at Quantum, she will drive the company’s strategic vision to continue to develop integrated and innovative solutions to help marketers succeed in today’s technology and data-driven marketplace. “After an extensive national search, we are excited to welcome Cheryl as Quantum’s new chief executive officer,” said Peter Cahall, chairman of the board of directors for Quantum. “She is one of our industry’s top innovators and an authority in our field. Her extensive expertise, demonstrated success and passion fit perfectly with our commitment to providing service and solutions for our customers.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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S&S Posts Solid 2017 Sales, Earnings

Simon & Schuster finished 2017 on a high note, posting a 12% increase in revenue in the fourth quarter over the comparable period in 2016. The publisher also saw a 22% jump in operating income. With the strong finish, sales for the full year rose 8% over 2016, to $830 million, while earnings increased 11%, to $132 million. S&S CEO Carolyn Reidy said 2017 was a year in which most of S&S's plans came to fruition. She noted that all four of the publisehr's major operating groups posted sales gains over the previous year. The audio group, led by sales of downloadable audio, saw the biggest gain, followed by the international group, the adult group, then the children's group.The company's distribution business also had higher sales in the year. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Empire Magazine Publishes Five Iconic Covers as Steven Spielberg Takes Over

The five covers depict iconic scenes from Spielberg’s most famous movies; Jaws, Raider Of The Lost Ark, E.T The Extra Terrestrial and Saving Private Ryan and well as one featuring the new virtual reality blockbuster, Ready Player One, which hits cinemas on 29 March. This major publishing event builds on a long and established relationship between Empire, the world’s biggest movie magazine and the legendary film director which has spanned over three decades. Inside the special issue, on sale on Thursday 22 February, readers can look forward to an exclusive interview and photo shoot with Spielberg himself, an access all areas feature on his new virtual-reality film Ready Player One, plus exclusive interviews and essays from iconic directors and actors including Martin Scorsese, JJ Abrams, Tom Hanks, Christopher Nolan, Josh Brolin, Edgar Wright, JA Bayona, Colin Trevorrow, Rian Johnson, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern and Sam Neill. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Oil Set for Weekly Gain as Dollar Weakens, Markets Stabilize

Futures in New York were little changed Friday and poised for a 3.7 percent weekly gain after the greenback slumped to a three-year low. A rebound in stocks from the U.S. to Asia is also boosting confidence the markets are stabilizing. West Texas Intermediate for March delivery added 7 cents to $61.41 on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 6:13 a.m. local time. Total volume traded was about 31 percent above the 100-day average. Brent for April settlement climbed 19 cents to trade at $64.52 on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange. The global benchmark traded at a $3.22 premium to WTI for the same month.
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Sun Chemical and Eastman Introduce Recycle-Friendly PETG Shrink Sleeves

Sun Chemical has launched its SunLam™ De-seaming Adhesive for shrink-labeled containers. This new de-seamable adhesive helps recyclers improve recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) yield without process changes. Developed in partnership, Sun Chemical and Eastman extensively tested SunLam on labels made with Eastman Embrace™ LV copolyester. It has received a “Responsible Innovation Acknowledgment” by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) after passing stringent testing outlined by the APR. By changing from a traditional solvent to SunLam De-seaming Adhesive, shrink labels deseam and release during the whole bottle wash step of the wet recycling process, without sacrifice of label performance. The label removal occurs prior to color, infrared and manual sorting, thus preventing shrink-labeled PET bottles being removed from the rPET stream due to misidentification. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Sealed Air Announces Price Increases for Its North American Product Care Products

Sealed Air Corporation announced that it is implementing a price increase on products in its North American Product Care business. The increases will be effective April 1, 2018. The price adjustments are necessary because of increases in raw materials, freight, and other input costs. A seven (7) percent price increase will be applied to the following products: Bubble Wrap® IB Film, Bubble Wrap® Brand Air Cellular Products, Cell-Aire® Packaging Foam and Laminate Products, Fill-Air® Inflatables Film, FloWrap™ Film, Jiffy® TuffGard® Mailers, Jiffy® ShurTuff ® Mailers, NewAir I.B.® Film, PriorityWrap® Bubble, Shrink Film Products and Materials, Specialty Foams Products and Materials, TempShield™ Reflective Foil Air Cellular Material, and Wonderfil™ Film. A five (5) percent price increase will be applied to the following products: Consumable Paper for all Sealed Air Paper Systems, PriorityWrap® Rigid Board, Custom Wrap™ Converted Paper, Kushion Kraft® Converted Paper, Jiffylite® Kraft Bubble Mailers, Jiffy® Utility Mailers, Jiffy® Padded Envelopes, Jiffy Rigi Bag® Mailers, Korrvu® Suspension & Retention, Macerated Pads, and Rapid Fill® Automated Bags. The business also previously announced increases in the prices of Instapak® products, which are effective March 15, 2018: lnstapak® chemical formulation prices will increase 15 cents per pound, lnstapak® packaging film prices will increase 6 percent and lnstapak Simple® "A" and "B" Component prices will increase 2 percent.
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Walker: ‘Hard to tell’ whether Kimberly-Clark will take tax deal to keep plants open

Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday "it's hard to tell" whether Kimberly-Clark Corp. will take his administration's tax deal to keep its Neenah and Fox Crossing plants open. "We put the best offer we could on the table," Walker told USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin after speaking at the Lincoln Day Dinner for the Winnebago County Republicans. "... Even though it's not new jobs, we thought, unlike just anybody out there, when you think of an industry that has such a large impact, an employer that has such a large impact, that's why we said we should parallel what we did for (Foxconn)." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Inkjet Summit Offers Unique Learning Approach and Relationship-Building Format

The sixth annual Inkjet Summit will be held at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., April 9-11, 2018. The Inkjet Summit is an invitation-only, hosted event specifically designed for senior managers and business executives at printing companies and corporate enterprises who are looking to develop strategies, understand their options and make major investment decisions around production inkjet digital printing technology. The focus of the 2018 Inkjet Summit will be on sharing insight on key factors of successful production inkjet press adoption. Panels and presentations will include sessions on press implementations, sales requirements, end-to-end workflows and technology options. Application segments covered include everything from Transaction and Direct Mail/Marketing through Publishing (books, catalogs and magazines), General Commercial and In-Plant printing. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Forest Products Employees Arrive On Capitol Hill To Communicate Threats To Manufacturing Jobs, Environment

American workers employed in the U.S. forest products industry descended on Washington, D.C., this week and made over 485 visits with members of Congress and administration officials. Their goal was to educate officials on the impacts of legislative and regulatory decisions on the environment as well as the families and communities that depend on forest products manufacturing for their livelihood. The group of workers were from The Pulp & Paperworkers' Resource Council (PPRC), a grassroots organization of hourly employees in the forest products industry who educate about issues affecting American manufacturing jobs in their industry. "The good-paying jobs that forest products manufacturing provides is vital to our economy," said David Wise, PPRC chairman. "The PPRC believes that our elected and government officials need to help protect the environment and not support regulations and legislation that hurts U.S. workers. It's imperative that we ensure a competitive playing field for the American forest products industry in the global market." Click Read More below for additional information.
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Mercer International Inc. Announces Record 2017 Fourth Quarter and Near Record Year End Results

Mercer International Inc. reported strong results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017. Operating EBITDA* in the fourth quarter of 2017 increased by 54% to a record $89.1 million compared to $57.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 and by 39% from $64.0 million in the prior quarter of 2017. For 2017, Operating EBITDA increased by approximately 36% to $252.3 million from $185.7 million in 2016. For the fourth quarter of 2017, our net income was $41.7 million, or $0.64 per basic and diluted share, compared to $18.5 million, or $0.29 per basic and $0.28 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2016 and $21.1 million, or $0.33 per basic and $0.32 per diluted share, in the prior quarter of 2017. For 2017, net income was $70.5 million, or $1.09 per basic and $1.08 per diluted share, after giving effect to a loss on the early settlement of debt of $10.7 million (or $0.16 per basic and diluted share), compared to $34.9 million, or $0.54 per basic and diluted share, in 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.
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U.S. e-commerce sales growth decelerates in January

New figures from the U.S. Census Bureau suggest online sales grew roughly 15.9% in January, a slight deceleration from strong gains in December and November. What the government agency calls “nonstore sales” reached $54.97 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis in January, a 10.2% increase compared with $49.87 billion. Nonstore sales mainly take place online but also include other channels such as mail and telephone orders, door-to-door sales and sales through vending machines. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Bauer Media: July – December 2017 Magazine ABCs

Bauer Media remains the UK’s leading consumer magazine publisher by total paid-for copies sold and Retail Sales Value. Commenting on the results Rob Munro-Hall, Group Managing Director, Bauer Magazine Media UK said: “Bauer Media retains its leading position in the highly competitive TV Listings and True Life markets. We’re extremely proud of our performance this period - TV Choice is the only magazine in the UK to sell over 1 million copies a week and Take a Break’s monthly companion magazine has seen an impressive 25% YOY uplift. We’ve also seen continuing success for our Specialist magazines, particularly our gardening titles Garden News and Garden Answers, whilst Practical Photography is the fastest growing monthly magazine in the UK. These standout performances demonstrate how magazines play a critical role in the lives of our readers, creating meaningful connections in a truly trusted environment. Our world class editorial teams are tireless in ensuring that they have a deep understanding of their audiences, both through insight and instinct. This enables us to deliver content that has a strong cultural impact whatever the passion area and brings readers back every week or month.” Click Read More below for additional information.
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Meredith Corp. Makes the Case for Magazines

Stephen Lacy, executive chairman of Meredith Corp., the magazine publisher and owner of 17 broadcast television stations, has had his share of disappointments. In 2013, he tried to buy a group of magazines from Time Warner Inc., only to see Time Warner spin off all its magazines under the Time Inc. umbrella. Mr. Lacy persisted. Meredith-with its long history of women's service titles that include Better Homes & Gardens, Shape and Allrecipes-appeared the most likely partner for Time Inc., whose properties include such women's brands as Real Simple, InStyle and People. Now, after several years of trying, Mr. Lacy has acquired Time Inc. for $1.85 billion, establishing Meredith as the country's largest magazine publisher. It represents a daring bet on the future of print magazines at a time when print advertising and circulation revenues continue to slump. Click Read More below for additional information.
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O-I’s Containers Achieve Cradle to Cradle Certification

Owens-Illinois, Inc. is the first food and beverage packaging company to achieve a gold rating in material health on the Cradle to Cradle Product Scorecard. The Cradle to Cradle Certified(TM) Products Program is one of the premier sustainability certifications for products around the world and across industries. "The certification provides brand owners, consumers, regulators, and shareholders tangible validation of our company's ongoing commitment to sustainability," said Jim Nordmeyer, VP, Global Sustainability at O-I. "It's an important baseline and helps us identify next steps to improve our environmental and social performance." Nearly 90 percent of O-I's glass operations were certified across product categories and for certain container colors in the beer, non-alcoholic beverage (NAB), spirit, wine and food markets. The certification is based on five categories: material health, material reutilization, water stewardship, renewable energy use, and social fairness. Click Read More below for additional information.
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Verso Announces Plans to Restart Paper Machine in Jay, Maine

Verso Corporation announced plans to upgrade the shuttered pulp line and No. 3 paper machine at its Androscoggin Mill in Jay, Maine, enabling this equipment to restart for the manufacture of packaging products. The paper machine and associated pulping capacity were temporarily idled in January 2017 and shut down in July 2017 as a result of declining demand for the graphic paper products formerly produced on the machine. With an anticipated completion date in the third quarter of this year, this project will help Verso continue to diversify its product mix into growing market segments and is expected to create approximately 120 full-time jobs at the mill and additional jobs throughout the Maine forest products supply chain. The estimated total capital cost of the project is $17 million, $4 million of which will come from a Maine Technology Asset Fund 2.0 challenge grant administered by the Maine Technology Institute. Funds from the grant will be become available as certain milestones in the project are reached. Click Read More below for additional information.
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McClatchy Reports Fourth Quarter 2017 Earnings

Total revenues in the fourth quarter of 2017 were $244.7 million, down 6.7% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016. Headwinds that impacted advertising included a soft holiday retail advertising season and continued declines in print advertising. Adjusted net income, which excludes the items above, was $3.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $53.7 million, down 15.0% compared to the fourth quarter last year. Operating expenses were down 6.1% while adjusted operating expenses, which exclude non-cash and certain other charges, were down 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Click Read More below for additional information.
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