Ahlstrom expands its FibRoc® portfolio delivering the ultimate solution for wall liner

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 29 percent in February compared to February 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24 percent in February compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased one percent when compared to January 2021. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in February decreased 19 percent compared to last February while the inventory level remained essentially flat (-0.1 percent) compared to January 2021. UFS imports increased 39 percent while exports decreased 32 percent in January 2021. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 32 percent compared to February 2020 while the inventory level decreased two percent compared to January 2021. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to January 2020, down 26 percent and three percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in February decreased 38 percent compared to last February while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to January 2021. CM imports decreased 22 percent while exports increased 24 percent in January 2021. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 31 percent compared to February 2020 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to January 2021. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to January 2020, down 14 percent and 47 percent respectively.

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the first quarter of 2022 was NOK 610 million, an increase from NOK 422 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Sales prices for all grades increased in the quarter as a consequence of unprecedented high energy costs in Europe and a tightened publication paper market situation. The European mills operated at full capacity during the quarter. The pellets facility Nature’s Flame was sold at a gain of NOK 175 million in the quarter. Cash flow from operations was NOK 196 million in the quarter compared to NOK 317 million in the previous quarter, positively impacted by the improved operating margins, but negatively impacted by change in working capital, being mainly an increase in trade and other receivables. Operating earnings in the first quarter of 2022 were NOK 593 million compared to operating earnings in the fourth quarter of 2021 of NOK 479 million. Net profit in the quarter was NOK 583 million compared to a net profit of NOK 400 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 924 million at the end of the first quarter, with an equity ratio of 37%.

For many years, Mitsubishi HiTec Paper's matt inkjet papers have established themselves as the standard in the market. Now the Bielefeld-based speciality paper manufacturer has revised the entire matt portfolio of its jetscript® inkjet media. The new generation of matt inkjet papers with basis weights from 70 to 228 g/m² impresses with a whole range of product improvements. The optimised coated ink-receiving layer enables particularly vivid, lifelike and brilliant colours. The homogeneous, even surface of the new papers is particularly noticeable with large-area prints. The higher optical ink density optimises the reproduction of dark and black shades in particular. The application areas of the new inkjet papers range from large-format and poster prints in retail and at the POS, direct mailings, publishing and brochures to photos and photo books.