Harvesting wood for the needs of the bioproduct mill in Äänekoski started today, on 11 August 2017. Until now, wood has been delivered to the old pulp mill and for the test runs of the new mill. The bioproduct mill start-up will begin in mid-August 2017. Buying woodfor the bioproduct mill began already in 2016. Direct harvesting begins today with thinning in the forest of Metsä Group’s owner-member Timo Akselin in Uurainen, Central Finland. The harvesting at the stand was carried out by the Saarijärvi-based Forest-Linna Oy, and the transportation was taken care of by Kuljetus H & H Heinonen Oy, based in Multia. “The start-up of the bioproduct mill is drawing closer, and we can now start increasing the harvesting volumes,” says Juha Mäntylä, EVP, Wood Supply, Metsä Group. Harvesting volumes will increase gradually this and next year. The bioproduct mill will reach its nominal production of 1.3 million tonnes of pulp approximately a year after its start-up. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Irving Consumer Products is pleased to announce the expansion of its United States business operations with the construction of a new $400 million state-of-the-art tissue plant in Macon, Georgia. The new plant will create over 200 jobs and allow the company to double its ThruAir Dry capacity, increasing it by 75,000 tonnes, the equivalent of 15 million cases. “We’re pleased to be expanding our business in the United States. We’re excited by the opportunity in Macon and in Georgia. We’re looking forward to building a strong relationship with the wonderful people of this community,” says Robert K. Irving, President of Irving Consumer Products. “Selecting Macon for our new facility provides us with an opportunity to establish a footprint in a region that has proven itself as being a strong supporter of business. It will allow us to reach key markets, and will help to continue to drive our growth.” Mr. Irving further adds, “This expansion is possible because of the commitment of our employees, customers and suppliers. It is their support that has allowed us to grow and expand.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Wood costs for the pulp industry in Europe were generally lower in the 1Q/17 than in the previous quarter, continuing a downward trend that, depending on the country, has lasted for 4-6 years. The biggest price declines for pulplogs and sawmill residues in early 2017 occurred in Germany and France, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). The price reductions occurred mainly because of an oversupply of pulplogs, unchanged demand for wood fiber from the pulp industry, and reduced usage of raw-material by the competing wood pellet sector. In neighboring Austria, conifer pulplog prices have been very stable during most of 2015 and 2016 (in Euro terms) and prices did not change much in the 1Q/17. However, the weakening of the Euro against the US dollar has resulted in Austrian pulplog prices falling seven percent in two years. In the Nordic countries, wood fiber costs in the 1Q/17 were at their lowest levels since 2006 (in US dollars). This was mostly thanks to the weakening of the local currencies in both Sweden and Finland. The wood fiber costs currently account for about 60% of the manufacturing cost when manufacturing pulp in the region, according to Fisher International, so a reduction in prices for pulplogs and wood chips has a major impact in improving the competitiveness of the pulp and paper industry when competing in the global market place. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Verso Corporation reported financial results for the second quarter of 2017, including net sales of $585 million, a net loss of $49 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $(4) million. "Despite a challenging second quarter in which profitability was hampered by lower volume and pricing, rising input costs and inventory reduction initiatives, Verso is building momentum toward significantly improved results in the second half of the year as we anticipate realization of price increases, continue to aggressively cut costs and profitably grow our specialty papers business," said Verso Chief Executive Officer B. Christopher DiSantis. "In addition, we've made substantial progress in evaluating Verso's long-term strategic options, which potentially include paper machine conversions to enable expansion or entry into growing markets, enhancements to current assets that support a more profitable product mix, and corporate development opportunities." Click Read More below for additional detail.

Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty materials for commercial and digital printing is proud to announce the release of A Maker’s Field Guide to Envelopes, the latest in a series of comprehensive, printed guides designed to inspire and educate designers, their clients and printers on the importance of choosing the right materials for print. “The new Maker’s Field Guide to Envelopes is the latest expression of Mohawk’s ongoing commitment to helping demonstrate the pivotal role materials play in the success of every print job,” said Chris Harrold, Vice President, Creative Director, Mohawk. “Envelopes are equal part function and first impression. An envelope is like a handshake that simultaneously says ‘hello’ and ‘open me first!’” A Maker’s Field Guide to Envelopes was created by Aurora Design to complement Mohawk’s Maker’s Field Guide to Texture and Color and the Mohawk Maker Quarterly, an award-winning publication which highlights the beauty and tactility of fine paper. Both publications have become go-to resources for makers and creatives worldwide as print is rediscovered as a powerful alternative to digital communication. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Vancive Medical Technologies™, an Avery Dennison business, and Eloquest Healthcare®, Inc. have partnered to develop an innovative post-operative dressing that contains an antimicrobial agent called chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). The antimicrobial properties of CHG inhibit microbial growth within the dressing. CHG is extremely difficult to incorporate in an absorbent adhesive dressing, making the development of the BeneHold™ CHG platform a significant technical accomplishment for Vancive. The Eloquest Healthcare ReliaTect™ Post-Op Dressings with CHG are the first to combine CHG in an absorbent, transparent and waterproof design. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Revenue in Q2 2017 was $314.4 million, compared to $295.8 million in Q2 2016, an increase of $18.6 million or 6.3%. The increase in revenue was primarily due to higher sales volume and the favourable impact of foreign exchange on U.S. dollar sales. Cost of sales in Q2 2017 increased to $267.1 million, compared to $249.9 million in Q2 2016, primarily due to higher sales volumes, an increase in fibre and natural gas prices and the unfavourable impact of foreign exchange on U.S. dollar denominated costs, as well as higher freight and warehousing costs, partially offset by cost reduction initiatives and the impact of capital projects. As a percentage of revenue, cost of sales were 85.0% in Q2 2017 compared to 84.5% in Q2 2016. Net income in Q2 2017 was $9.9 million, compared to $12.0 million in Q2 2016, primarily due to an increase in the change in amortized cost of Partnership units liability of $2.5 million and an increase in tax expense of $1.3 million. These increases were partially offset by higher Adjusted EBITDA of $1.4 million. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Tembec Inc. announced that the Québec Superior Court issued a final order approving the previously announced statutory arrangement under Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act involving the acquisition by Rayonier Advanced Materials of all of the outstanding shares of Tembec. The Transaction has already received clearance from Germany’s Federal Cartel Office, and the United States Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have notified Rayonier Advanced Materials and Tembec that the Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger notification waiting period was terminated. Applications for clearance from the applicable regulatory authorities in Canada and China, respectively, are pending. Subject to obtaining other necessary approvals, as well as the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Transaction, it is expected that the Transaction will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Rayonier Inc. reported second quarter net income attributable to Rayonier of $26.2 million, or $0.20 per share, on revenues of $194.7 million. This compares to net income attributable to Rayonier of $109.8 million, or $0.89 per share, on revenues of $261.6 million in the prior year quarter. The prior year second quarter results included $0.6 million of costs related to shareholder litigation1 and $101.3 million of income from a Large Disposition.2 Excluding these items, proforma net income3 was $9.1 million, or $0.07 per share, in the prior year period. Second quarter operating income was $46.9 million versus $121.6 million in the prior year period. The prior year second quarter operating income included $0.6 million of costs related to shareholder litigation1 and $101.3 million of income from a Large Disposition.2 Excluding these items, pro forma operating income3 was $20.9 million in the prior year period. Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA3 was $86.4 million versus $45.0 million in the prior year period. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Appvion recorded second quarter operating income of $5.1 million compared to operating income of $3.9 million for second quarter 2016. The improved earnings in second quarter 2017 were driven by volume growth for the Company's tag, label and entertainment (TLE) products and carbonless papers segment. Continued execution of profit improvement initiatives, improved manufacturing performance, and lower selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses also contributed to the earnings improvement. Those results were partially offset by the impact of lower net sales caused by lower market prices for the Company's thermal receipt paper and unfavorable product mix in the carbonless papers segment. Total company shipment volume was relatively flat compared to second quarter 2016. Appvion's second quarter 2017 net sales of $164.0 million were $9.6 million lower than second quarter 2016. Year-to-date net sales of $330.7 million were $23.4 million, or 6.6%, lower compared to the same period in 2016, largely as a result of lower prices for thermal paper products as well as lower shipment volume and unfavorable product mix. Total company shipment volume was down approximately 2% compared to first half 2016. Thermal shipment volume declined more than 3%, while carbonless increased less than 1%. Click Read More below for additional detail.

UPM Raflatac, one of the world's leading suppliers of self-adhesive label materials, has completed its acquisition of the assets of Irving, Texas-based Southwest Label Stock. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price or other transaction details. This acquisition will allow UPM Raflatac to expand its reach in the Texas and the Southwestern U.S. label markets by being highly responsive and offering a wider range of its high-quality products with fast turnaround. UPM Raflatac is also excited to announce a continuation and expansion of Southwest Label Stock's well-known small roll service. With this service, UPM Raflatac customers will be able to purchase single rolls of laminate trimless at 2,500 feet, shipped in boxes throughout North America. Click Read More below for additional detail.

INTERFOR CORPORATION recorded net earnings in Q2’17 of $24.5 million, or $0.35 per share, compared to $19.7 million, or $0.28 per share in Q1’17 and $23.2 million, or $0.33 per share in Q2’16. Adjusted net earnings1 (which takes into account the effects of share-based compensation expense and non-recurring items) in Q2’17 were $28.7 million or $0.41 per share, compared to $22.7 million, or $0.32 per share in Q1’17 and $17.5 million, or $0.25 per share in Q2’16. Adjusted EBITDA1 for the second quarter, 2017 was $77.4 million (or $84.7 million excluding the impact from $7.3 million of softwood lumber duties expense), on sales of $511.4 million versus $60.3 million on sales of $456.8 million in Q1’17. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Orchids Paper Products Company reported results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017. The following tables provide selected financial results for second quarter 2017 compared to second quarter 2016 and first quarter 2017. Net sales decreased $1.0 million, or 2%. Major factors include: parent roll sales volume increased $3.7 million; converted-product sales volumes declined $2.3 million; and there was a decrease of $2.3 million in average converted-product prices, reflecting both the lower prices associated with new bids which became effective in 2017 and the product mix sold to a changing mix of customers. Cost of sales increased $4.4 million, or 13%. Standard cost of sales for parent rolls increased $2.4 million due to the much higher number of parent-roll tons sold. This leaves a $2.0 million, or 7%, increase in cost of sales that is primarily attributable to converted product sales. Major contributors to this increase include: start-up costs at Barnwell including additional direct labor and overhead, the liquidation of older higher-cost inventory, fiber and other material cost increases, labor usage, and health care cost increases. Additionally, the second quarter of 2016 benefited from the recovery of $1.1 million in business interruption insurance proceeds, which did not reoccur in 2017. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Suzano Papel e Celulose announces its consolidated results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2017 (2Q17). In the second quarter of 2017, the pulp segment continued to deliver solid results, driven mainly by strong and healthy demand from Asia. The commodity’s positive fundamentals once again supported successive price increases in all regions. The weaker BRL also had a positive effect on industry profitability. The paper segment remained pressured by Brazil’s caustic macroeconomic scenario. The Suzano Mais Program, which works to strengthen relations with agents at the end of the value chain, helped to enhance the profitability of the paper business. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) today announced it has been ranked #1 in the consumer packaged goods category on Forbes' 2017 list of America's Best Large Employers. In addition, Kimberly-Clark was ranked #48 among the top 500 employers across all industries, up from #147 last year. The annual Forbes "America's Best Employers" rankings were compiled via an independent survey of 30,000 U.S. employees in 25 industries. Employees were asked how likely they were to recommend their company to friends and family, and which organizations they would choose in addition to their own. The survey also looked at benefits, workplace diversity, career development opportunities and recognition of employee performance.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) today reported a net loss for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, of $74 million, or $0.82 per share, compared to a net loss of $42 million, or $0.47 per share, in the same period in 2016. Sales were $858 million in the quarter, down $33 million, or 4%, from the second quarter of 2016. Excluding special items, the company reported a net loss of $3 million, or $0.03 per share, compared to net income, excluding special items, of $2 million, or $0.02 per share, in the second quarter of 2016.

“I am pleased to report that during the past quarter Sappi delivered profits up 81% from a year ago, reduced debt by a further 17% (US$265 million) year-on-year. We also repaid US$400 million in bonds from cash reserves which will generate savings of approximately US$21 million per annum on our net interest charge. “Sappi’s third quarter is seasonally and historically its weakest quarter due to the slow-down in business activity during the Northern Hemisphere summer holiday period and Sappi’s choice to use this quarter to undertake major annual maintenance shuts. The past quarter’s earnings (EBITDA ex special items) at US$155 million where almost flat on a year ago. Higher volumes were offset by higher raw material prices and a stronger Rand/Dollar exchange rate.

"Each of our businesses delivered top line growth in the second quarter, overcoming currency headwinds and global capacity constraints as we ramp-up our new U.S. filtration capacity. Customer qualification of this filtration facility continues to progress well and start-up costs of $3 million in the quarter were in line with projections. Bottom line results also reflected a timing lag as we implement selling price increases to offset the rise in input costs in the first half of the year," said John O'Donnell, Chief Executive Officer. "With our strong financial position and continued success in targeted categories like filtration, performance materials and premium packaging, we remain confident about future investment opportunities for organic and strategic growth that can deliver value for our shareholders."

Georgia-Pacific continues to expand its corrugated packaging business with the acquisition of Ohio-based PAX Corrugated Products. PAX operates a corrugated sheet plant with more than 100 employees in Lebanon, Ohio. Terms of the deal are not disclosed. “Georgia-Pacific has had a working relationship with PAX Corrugated for many years so we knew their organization would be an excellent fit with the GP Corrugated team,” said Billy Medof, president – GP Corrugated. “The PAX team will continue to deliver quality products and service to their customers as they do today. Their graphics and converting proficiency will accelerate our growth in digitally printed sheets from our Digital Print Solutions business and their display capability will expand our growing display business.”

Boise Paper, a division of Packaging Corporation of America, was honored with the 2017 3M Supplier of the Year Award in recognition of the company’s contribution to improving 3M’s competitiveness. This year, 3M recognized 15 suppliers – among thousands in its global supply base – for world class performance in providing products and/or services. These suppliers were identified and rated based on strategic spend, contract compliance, actions taken to improve 3M’s relevance and overall supplier performance (quality, delivery, responsiveness, cost, technology roadmaps). An awards ceremony will be held Aug. 4 at the 3M Championship in Blaine, Minn. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Madison Paper Industries, a partnership of UPM and Northern SC Paper Corp., a subsidiary of The New York Times Company, concluded the sale of its hydro power facilities to Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, LLC, a hydroelectric power producer, based in Morristown, NJ, USA on 31 July 2017. The transaction was announced by Madison Paper Industries in April 2017.

UPM concluded the sale of its hydro power facilities in Steyrermühl, Austria to Energie AG, an energy infrastructure company located in Upper Austria on 31 July 2017. The transaction was announced in March 2017.

Appvion, Inc. has extended its Triumph® High-Speed Inkjet Paper line with the addition of four treated products: 9 pt. Triumph Treated Universal in rolls and sheets, 9 pt. Triumph Treated Ultra P in rolls, and 32 lb. Triumph Universal and Triumph Ultra P in rolls. “We continue to expand our portfolio of Triumph High-Speed Inkjet Papers to meet the ever-advancing demands of the inkjet printing industry,” states Scott Harman, Appvion’s director of digital products. “Appvion’s commitment is to add value to paper. With these product extensions, we are offering our customers added value through more high-quality, superior-performing paper choices—all which yield the excellent finish and vibrant color that provide exceptional results to meet their various application needs.” Click Read More below for additional details.

Glatfelter reported a net loss of $5.7 million, or $0.13 per share for the second quarter of 2017 compared with net income of $2.0 million, or $0.04 per diluted share in the second quarter of 2016. On an adjusted earnings basis, the loss for the second quarter of 2017 was $2.6 million, or $0.06 per share compared with adjusted earnings of $2.8 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the same period a year ago. Consolidated net sales totaled $387.3 million and $406.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In the Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials business units, net sales increased by 1.4% and 4.9%, respectively, on a constant currency basis. Specialty Papers’ net sales declined 8.6% in the quarter-over-quarter comparison. Click Read More below for additional details.

Klabin, Brazil's largest paper producer and exporter, the leading manufacturer of paper and board for packaging, corrugated board packaging and industrial bags, and the only company in Brazil to produce hardwood, softwood and fluff pulp in the same plant, registered its 24th consecutive quarter of growth in financial results. The company recorded adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of R$595 million in the second quarter of 2017, which is 11% higher than in the same period in 2016. In the second quarter of the year, the company highlights in its balance sheet the strong and sustained performance of the Puma Unit which, after the annual maintenance shutdown at the end of March this year, concluded the ramp-up process and recorded pulp sales volume of 337,000 tons in 2Q17, 12% higher than in 1Q17.Of the total sales volume in the second quarter of this year, 252,000 tons were hardwood pulp and 85,000 tons were softwood and fluff pulp. Click Read More below for additional details.

As announced on 14 July 2017, the ad hoc committee of holders of the EUR 290 million senior secured notes and the holders of the EUR 100 million NSF loan notes due 2020 (the "NSF"), who hold approximately 46 per cent. of the group's financial indebtedness (excluding local facilities), have provided Norske Skog with a recapitalization proposal. The company has shared its views on the proposal with the SSN AHC and the NSF holders and the SSN AHC and the NSF holders have shared their proposal with other creditor groups. The company has also received a short-form term sheet from the SSN AHC and the NSF holders relating to the provision of (i) a short term Euro 15 million secured facility guaranteed by certain members of the group and (ii) a backstop guarantee facility to help support the operating business of the company's subsidiaries. The company is in the process of considering these financing proposals. To allow for the conclusion of the ongoing stakeholder discussions to be reflected, the company has also today announced that the deadline for the current exchange offers and consent solicitations has been further extended from 31 July 2017 to 11 August 2017. Click Read More below for additional details.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of September 1, 2017 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all #4 Web grades by $1.50/cwt USD/$1.93/cwt CAD. This includes, but is not limited to: Liberty® web; Balance® web; New Era® Matte; New Era® ThinBulk. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.

"Verso's focused product development and innovation initiatives have resulted in a portfolio of label and release liner papers that now includes more than 60 unique products, making it the largest offering in North America," said Verso President of Graphic Papers Mike Weinhold. "Verso's breadth of specialty products makes it easy for our customers to choose the paper that best fits their unique needs, and these paper selectors now make that selection easier than ever." "These paper selectors detail the light to heavyweight release liners and multipurpose to special application facestock papers Verso has developed for our customers' pressure sensitive laminating needs," said Ed Buehler, Vice President and General Manager of Verso's Specialty Papers business. "We've highlighted end-use applications, mill locations and specifications for many of our respected brands, all in one simplified printed piece that provides customers with a convenient guide to the right Verso specialty paper to meet their needs, no matter how complex the end-use application." Click Read More below for additional details.

Sonoma® Jet, a high-speed, digital coated inkjet matte paper, is now qualified for HP PageWide web presses through the ColorPRO Technology program. The Sonoma Jet coatings are optimized for HP’s high-speed, inkjet presses utilizing pigmented inks and will give printers outstanding ink holdout, as well as improved press speeds and performance. Available in 45#, 60# and 70# matte, the Sonoma Jet paper is ideal for book printing, personalized and variable print, inserts, and transactional, healthcare, and financial documents. The Sonoma Jet grade offers excellent opacity, printability, ink mileage, throughput and bindery efficiency which results in enhanced quality, higher speeds and lower costs for the printer. Contact your Midland Paper Sales Professional for additional information.

Domtar Corporation reported net earnings of $38 million ($0.61 per share) for the second quarter of 2017 compared to net earnings of $20 million ($0.32 per share) for the first quarter of 2017 and net earnings of $18 million ($0.29 per share) for the second quarter of 2016. Sales for the second quarter of 2017 were $1.2 billion. Excluding items listed below, the Company had earnings before items1 of $38 million ($0.61 per share) for the second quarter of 2017 compared to earnings before items1 of $20 million ($0.32 per share) for the first quarter of 2017 and earnings before items1 of $38 million ($0.61 per share) for the second quarter of 2016. Click Read More below for additional details.

Expera is rolling out its refreshed line of Glass-Gard Prime™ and Glass-Gard™ papers, highlighting a diverse portfolio of specialty paper products that span a variety of end-use applications. From highly technical glass applications, to offering protection in automobile manufacturing, tough conditions have met their match. “Glass-Gard Prime™ papers help prevent scratching and particle generation on the finished glass product, which are high priorities in technical glass manufacturing,” explained Robyn Buss, Vice President Sales and Marketing for Expera Specialty Solutions. “Expera has developed proprietary manufacturing processes to remove the components that cause flaws on a finished glass product.” Click Read More below for additional details.

Mercer International Inc. reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017. Operating EBITDA* in the second quarter of 2017 increased by approximately 13% to $39.1 million from $34.7 million in the same quarter of 2016 but declined from $60.2 million in the prior quarter. In the current quarter, strong operating performance was partially offset by a large planned maintenance shut along with foreign exchange losses on foreign currency balances. In the current quarter, we had 22 days of annual maintenance downtime at our pulp mills compared to 21 days in the comparative quarter and no such downtime in the prior quarter of 2017. For the second quarter of 2017, we had a net loss of $2.1 million, or $0.03 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $4.2 million, or $0.07 per basic and diluted share, in the comparative quarter. In the prior quarter, we had net income of $9.7 million. Click Read More below for additional details.

Q2 2017 HIGHLIGHTS: •Adjusted earnings of $1.10 per diluted share, more than double Q2 2016. •Adjusted EBITDA of $165 million, $71 million higher than Q2 2016. •North Central benchmark OSB price averaged $330 per Msf, up 25% from Q2 2016. •Capacity utilization at Norbord's North American mills up 3% year-over-year. •Repaid $61 million in temporary drawings on accounts receivable securitization program. Click Read More below for additional details.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Tembec Inc. announced that the holders of record of its common shares have approved the resolution authorizing the previously announced statutory arrangement under Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act pursuant to which Rayonier Advanced Materials will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Tembec. The Arrangement Resolution was approved by 95.04% of the votes cast by Tembec Shareholders at the special meeting held earlier today. The completion of the Transaction remains subject to approval by the Québec Superior Court at a final hearing, which is expected to take place on August 7, 2017. In addition to court approval, the Transaction remains subject to other closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals. It is expected that the Transaction will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The changes include the shutdown of Paper Machine 24 (“PM24”) at the Company’s Chillicothe, OH facility, the elimination of approximately 50 affected hourly positions at the facility, and a reduction of 70 salaried positions across the business unit. The PM24 shutdown will remove approximately 80,000 tons, or 10%, of capacity from the Specialty Papers Business Unit and reduce the Chillicothe facility’s exposure to purchased pulp. The Company plans for production to be absorbed by the remaining seven paper machines in the business unit. “The supply-demand imbalance in the printing and writing markets continues to put pressure on industry operating rates and selling prices. In light of the challenging market conditions, we must aggressively manage costs by eliminating capacity without impacting our ability to service our customers. While these are difficult decisions, we must take the actions necessary to strengthen our Specialty Papers business and position Glatfelter for long-term success,” said Dante C. Parrini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Click Read More below for additional details.

International Paper reported second quarter 2017 net earnings attributable to International Paper of $80 million ($0.19 per share) compared with net earnings of $209 million ($0.50 per share) for the first quarter of 2017 and net earnings of $40 million ($0.10 per share) in the second quarter of 2016. Net earnings in all periods include the impact of special items, if any, non-operating pension expense and discontinued operations. Adjusted operating earnings in the second quarter of 2017 were $270 million ($0.65 per share) compared with $249 million ($0.60 per share) in the first quarter of 2017 and $379 million ($0.92 per share) in the second quarter of 2016. Click Read More below for additional details.

Canfor Corporation reported net income attributable to shareholders of $81.3 million, or $0.61 per share, for the second quarter of 2017, compared to shareholder net income of $66.1 million, or $0.50 per share, for the first quarter of 2017 and a net income attributable to shareholders of $36.0 million, or $0.27 per share, for the second quarter of 2016. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company’s shareholder net income was $147.4 million, or $1.11 per share, compared to $62.0 million, or $0.47 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2016. The Company’s adjusted shareholder net income for the second quarter of 2017 was $104.2 million, or $0.78 per share, compared to an adjusted shareholder net income of $59.3 million, or $0.45 per share, for the first quarter of 2017, and adjusted shareholder net income of $26.5 million, or $0.20 per share, for the second quarter of 2016. Click Read More below for additional details.

Packaging Corporation of America reported second quarter 2017 net income of $143 million, or $1.52 per share and $1.52 per share excluding special items. Second quarter net sales were $1.6 billion in 2017 and $1.4 billion in 2016. Excluding special items, the $.27 per share increase in second quarter 2017 earnings compared to the second quarter of 2016, was driven primarily by higher prices and mix ($.25), sales volumes ($.09), and production volumes ($.03) in our Packaging segment, lower annual maintenance outage costs ($.05), lower taxes ($.06) and a partial insurance recovery related to the DeRidder Mill incident ($.02). These items were partially offset by higher costs for energy ($.06), fiber ($.05), labor ($.03) and chemicals ($.01), higher freight ($.02), interest ($.02), depreciation ($.02) and other expenses ($.01), and lower Paper segment prices and mix ($.01). Click Read More below for additional details.

Metsä Tissue will rebuild paper machine 5 at its Düren mill in Germany. The total investment is approximately EUR 15 million and the rebuild starts immediately. The new volumes will be available on the market during the last quarter of 2018. “We expect the demand for baking and cooking papers to continue to grow during the coming years. This investment will increase Düren mill’s paper production capacity by 10.000 tons, which will help us to secure our leading position as a global supplier of high-quality baking and cooking papers”, says Mariusz Jedrzejewski, SVP Baking & Cooking, Metsä Tissue. “We have production in Düren, Germany, and Mänttä, Finland, where we increased the production capacity in 2016. Both mills play a significant role in our Baking & Cooking business. Our products are made of fresh fibre, and the wood originates from sustainably managed Northern forests. This high-quality raw material combined with our strong production expertise result in high endurance and consistent high quality products.”

Consolidated sales for the three-month period ended June 24, 2017, were $419 million, as compared to $376 million in the same quarter a year ago. The Company generated net earnings of $17 million or $0.17 per share in the June 2017 quarter compared to net earnings of $9 million or $0.09 per share in the June 2016 quarter. Operating earnings before depreciation, amortization and other items (adjusted EBITDA) was $59 million for the three-month period ended June 24, 2017, as compared to adjusted EBITDA of $26 million a year ago and adjusted EBITDA of $54 million in the prior quarter. Click Read More below for additional details.

British Columbia-based Catalyst Paper Corp. projects that a $56 million investment in a tissue-making machine at its Rumford mill would support 62 full-time jobs. The Bangor Daily News reported that Catalyst has applied for a $25 million loan through the Finance Authority of Maine's Major Business Expansion and for $12.7 million in state tax credits or taxpayer cash through the state's New Markets Capital Investment program, to help finance the machine. Catalyst plans to put in $13.9 million of its own money into the project.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced the appointment of Patrice Minguez as president of the company's tissue group. This is a new role, reporting to Richard Garneau, president and chief executive officer. Patrice Minguez will serve as a member of Resolute's Executive Team and will oversee all tissue operations as well as sales and marketing functions. This includes the Atlas Tissue operations in Florida and the new state-of-the-art tissue and converting facilities at Calhoun, Tennessee. He will also be accountable for the company's Calhoun pulp and paper mill. Click Read More below for additional details.

Q2/2017 (year-on-year): • Sales of EUR 2 528 (EUR 2 526) million increased marginally despite the divestment of paper mills. • Sales excluding the paper business increased 7.1%. • Operational EBIT decreased from EUR 226 million to EUR 219 million. This was mainly due to the impact of higher maintenance costs of EUR 15 million compared to a year ago. The operational EBIT margin was 8.7% (8.9%). • Balance sheet strengthened further; net debt to operational EBITDA was 2.0 (2.2) despite a dividend payment. • The ramp-up of Beihai Mill continues to proceed ahead of plan, and it is expected to reach operational EBITDA break-even in Q4/2017, one quarter earlier than previously forecast. • Varkaus kraftliner mill is expected to reach full production during the second half of 2017. A positive quarterly operational EBIT was achieved in Q2/2017. • Stora Enso signed today an agreement to divest its holding in the equity accounted investment Bulleh Shah Packaging Ltd. to the main owner Packages Ltd. Q1–Q2/2017 (year-on-year): • Sales of EUR 5 025 million increased 1.1%. Sales excluding the paper business increased 8.3%. • Operational EBIT of EUR 434 million decreased 8.4%, mainly due to increased maintenance costs. Click Read More below for additional details.

The Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW) has given Ponderay Newsprint the ten (10) days written notice of termination of the Labor Agreement. The Labor Agreement terminated in its entirety on July 24, 2017. The Company has continued to delay in meeting with the Union and has delayed in providing information that is relevant to the collective bargaining process. The Union believes that terminating the current labor agreement is an essential step in the direction of the Union's goal of achieving a new labor agreement. Termination of the Labor Agreement will provide the Union the opportunity to engage in an unfair labor practice strike to encourage the employer to bargain to an agreement in good faith. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in May 2017 were UP 3.8% vs. May 2016 and were down 1.2% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in May 2017 were down 1.9% vs. May 2016 and were down 4.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine papers in May 2017 were UP 6.5% vs. May 2016 and were UP 3.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in May 2017 were UP 5.7% vs. May 2016 and were down 2.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in May 2017 were UP 4.9% vs. May 2016 and were UP 1.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree papers in May 2017 were UP 10.0% vs. May 2016 and were UP 0.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree papers in May 2017 were UP 2.0% vs. May 2016 and were down 0.7% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional details.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö will release additional capacity at its Turin plant in Italy to meet the growing demand for engine and industrial filtration media. Fulvio Capussotti, Executive Vice President of Business Area Filtration and Performance, states: “This capacity increase aims at improving our current service level but also, more strategically, enables us to offer to our customer an industrial platform on which they can build on to further grow their business. The plan will include investments on selected assets, re organization of planning practices and additional staffing. This capacity release will be concluded at the beginning of 2018 and will significantly increase our ability to answer the current and future needs of our filtration customers”. Click Read More below for additional details.

Nordic Paper is a leading Swedish-based producer of kraft and greaseproof paper. Three of Nordic Paper’s mills are located in Sweden, and the fourth one in Norway. A China-based pulp and paper company, Anhui Shanying Paper Industry Co., LTD (“Anhui Shanying Paper”), has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 % of the shares in Nordic Paper Holding AB from Special Situation Venture Partner lll and Petek GmbH. Click Read More below for additional details.

In a letter today, Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) of the Senate Finance Committee urged Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to negotiate a softwood lumber trade deal with Canada that would lessen the harmful impact of subsidized Canadian lumber imports on the U.S. economy. The Senators' letter also expressed strong support for fair competition and the enforcement of existing U.S. trade laws. "The U.S. Lumber Coalition applauds the efforts by members of the Senate Finance Committee to push for a fair trade deal, especially the letter's provision calling for a clean quota agreement to hold Canada to its commitments and maintain a stable, enforceable system," U.S. Lumber Coalition spokesperson Zoltan van Heyningen said. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Q2 2017 highlights: • Comparable EBIT increased by 2% to EUR 270 million (264 million in Q2 2016). • Favourable market demand continued. • High maintenance activity and seasonally higher fixed costs impacted comparable EBIT by approximately EUR -20 million compared with Q2 2016, EUR -45 million compared with Q1 2017. • Solid operating cash flow at EUR 269 million (434 million). • Net debt decreased to EUR 1,046 million (1,876 million). • UPM announced new focused investments at the Kaukas pulp mill and Tampere labelstock factory. Click Read More below for additional details.

Avery Dennison Corporation announced preliminary, unaudited results for its second quarter ended July 1, 2017. Unless otherwise indicated, comparisons are to the same period in the prior year. “We continued to make good progress against our strategic and financial objectives in the second quarter," said Mitch Butier, Avery Dennison President and CEO. "LGM generated strong profitability despite a short-term moderation in organic growth; RBIS had a great quarter, with accelerated sales growth and margin expansion as our multi-year transformation delivers; and IHM continues to make progress against its strategic priorities, including the completion of two acquisitions. “We have raised our outlook for full-year earnings per share, reflecting continued strong operating performance and a reduction in the tax rate," said Butier. "We continue to remain confident that the consistent execution of our strategies will enable us to meet our long-term goals for superior value creation through a balance of profitable growth and capital discipline.” Click Read More below for additional details.

Executive Summary ◦Second quarter 2017 net sales of $4.6 billion decreased 1 percent compared to the year-ago period, as organic sales were down 1 percent. Organic sales fell 2 percent in North American consumer products, reflecting category softness, less promotion shipments and competitive activity. Outside North America, organic sales declined 3 percent in developed markets and rose 2 percent in developing and emerging markets. ◦Diluted net income per share for the second quarter was $1.49 in 2017 and $1.56 in 2016. Results were impacted by lower sales and input cost inflation, while the comparison benefited from cost savings. Second quarter adjusted earnings per share were $1.53 in 2016, which excludes items described later in this release. ◦Full-year 2017 net sales and organic sales are expected to be similar, or up slightly, year-on-year. The company's previous estimate was for sales and organic sales to be up 1 to 2 percent. ◦The company anticipates full-year 2017 earnings per share will be at the low end of its target range of $6.20 to $6.35. Click Read More below for additional details.

Financial review H1 2017: The Group's comparable net sales growth was 2% during the first half of the year with a positive contribution from all business segments. Comparable growth in emerging markets was 1%. Growth was strongest in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia, while net sales declined significantly in India. The Group's net sales grew to EUR 1,511 million (EUR 1,414 million). Foreign currency translation impact on the Group's net sales was EUR 36 million (EUR -39 million) compared to 2016 exchange rates. The majority of the positive impact came from the US dollar, Russian ruble and Indian rupee, while the impact from pound sterling and certain emerging market currencies was negative. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Tembec Inc. announced that they have entered into an amendment to the arrangement agreement under which Rayonier Advanced Materials has agreed to acquire Tembec for an increased consideration valued at C$4.75 per Tembec share. The revised terms were unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies. Under the Amended Arrangement Agreement, Tembec shareholders will have the right to elect to receive either C$4.75 in cash or 0.2542 shares of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock per Tembec common share, subject to proration so that approximately 67% of the aggregate consideration is paid in cash and approximately 33% is paid in Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock. The increased consideration represents a 17% increase in value offered for the shares compared to the initial terms and a premium of 61% to the closing price of Tembec’s shares on May 24, 2017, the day immediately before the initial announcement concerning the Arrangement. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Xerox (NYSE: XRX) announced today that its board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per share on Xerox common stock. The dividend reflects the one-for-four reverse stock split that became effective on June 14, 2017. The dividend is payable on October 31, 2017 to shareholders of record on September 29, 2017.

According to the June 2017 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in June compared to June 2016. All four printing-writing grades posted year-over-year shipment declines in June. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased one percent from May 2017. Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) papers decreased 3% year-over-year in June following the increase last month. U.S. imports of CFS papers increased 25% year-over-year in May and exports of CFS papers increased 12% year-over-year in May.

Under the theme 'a grip on any challenge', Avery Dennison is launching an Advanced Adhesives portfolio that expands converters’ options with four new adhesive choices - including a clear non-yellowing hotmelt adhesive for chilled food applications; a reclosure adhesive with high solvent resistance for household wipes; a compostable adhesive for fruit and vegetable packaging; and a heat-activated adhesive for automotive textile labelling.

Tembec Inc. (TSX: TMB) ("Tembec" or the "Company") today provided an update in response to the recent public broadcast solicitation by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. ("Oaktree") in connection with the proposed acquisition (the "Arrangement" or the "Transaction") by Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. ("Rayonier AM") of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Tembec (the "Tembec Shares").

Verso Corporation (NYSE: VRS) today announced plans to permanently shut down the No. 3 paper machine and associated equipment at its Androscoggin Mill in Jay, Maine, reducing annual coated paper production capacity at the mill by approximately 200,000 tons. The shutdown will be effective August 1 and is expected to be complete by the end of the third quarter of 2017. The No. 3 paper machine and a recovery boiler and digester that support it were idled in January of this year in response to declining customer demand that resulted in more coated paper capacity than could be filled. Most products made on the No. 3 paper machine were transitioned to lower-cost machines in other Verso mills.

Less waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, fewer workplace injuries. Less of each of these means a more sustainable business and highlights how Domtar Corporation (NYSE: UFS) (TSX: UFS) is working smart for the long term. The company released its 2017 Sustainability Report today, detailing the company’s endeavors to take a longer term view of creating and preserving value for our shareholders, customers, employees and communities.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (the “Company” or “Rayonier Advanced Materials”) (NYSE: RYAM) today reaffirmed its commitment to acquire Tembec Inc. (“Tembec”) (TSX: TMB) on the terms previously agreed with Tembec.

Containerboard production was 3.8 percent higher compared to June 2016. The month-over-month average daily production compared to May 2017 was 0.7 percent higher. The containerboard operating rate for June decreased from 99.3 percent to 96.3 percent, which was, however, 1.7 percent higher compared to June of last year.

Total boxboard production decreased 0.9 percent when compared to June 2016, and decreased 0.1 percent from last month. Unbleached Kraft Boxboard production decreased over the same month as last year and decreased compared to last month. Total Solid Bleached Boxboard & Liner production increased when compared to June 2016, and increased compared to last month. The production of Recycled Boxboard increased compared to June 2016, but decreased when compared to last month.

Cascades Inc. (TSX: CAS), a leader in the recovery and manufacturing of green packaging and tissue products, invites the media representatives to the official inauguration its new state-of-the-art, 284,000-square-foot tissue converting facility in Scappoose, Oregon .

Multi-Color Corporation ("Multi-Color") (NASDAQ: LABL) announces today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Labels Division of Constantia Flexibles ("Constantia Labels") from Constantia Flexibles GmbH ("Constantia Flexibles") for approximately $1.3 billion (€1.15 billion), payable in cash and stock.

International Paper Company (NYSE: IP) announced the election of Christopher M. Connor to its board of directors effective October 1, 2017. Mr. Connor, age 61, retired as Executive Chairman of The Sherwin-Williams Company in December of 2016. Mr. Connor joined The Sherwin Williams Company in 1983 and served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 2000 to December 2015. Mr. Connor is Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, and serves on the board of directors for both Eaton Corporation plc. and Yum! Brands, Inc. He will be assigned to join the Board's Audit and Finance Committee and Management Development and Compensation Committee.

Tembec Inc. (TSX: TMB) (“Tembec”) announced today that Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) has recommended that shareholders of Tembec vote FOR the proposed plan of arrangement (the “Arrangement”) involving the acquisition by Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. (“Rayonier AM”) of all of the outstanding shares of Tembec (the “Tembec Shares”). In connection with this recommendation, ISS noted that: "The proposed premium offer consideration provides shareholders with flexibility to participate in the growth opportunities associated with the combined business of increased size, scale and liquidity and/or to receive the consideration in the form of cash that provides immediate liquidity (subject to proration limits).

Weyerhaeuser Company today announced effective immediately the ban of all campfires on its lands in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Missoula, Sanders and Ravalli counties in Western Montana due to high fire danger. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Tembec Inc. announced that they have received notification of clearance from Germany's Federal Cartel Office in connection with the previously announced proposed statutory arrangement under Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act involving the acquisition by Rayonier AM of all of the outstanding shares of Tembec. Subject to obtaining the approvals of the holders of Tembec Shares and the Québec Superior Court and other necessary approvals and clearances, as well as the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to the Transaction, it is expected that the Transaction will be completed by the end of 2017.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of August 12, 2017 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Specialty coated, uncoated and natural kraft (NK Series) grades by $2.50/cwt USD, including but not limited to the following product families: Flexible Packaging Papers: PointFlex™; PointMatt™; FlexPack Essential™; GlazeWrap, GlazeWrap A and GlazeWrap NK; GlazeBag and GlazeBag NK; PointWax™; PointWax™ Transfer; GlazeArmor™ and GlazeArmor™ NK. Technical Papers: Aspect® Pressure Sensitive Face Papers and Release Liner Papers; OptiLabel™; OptiPrime™; Sterling® Ultra C1S; UniTherm®; OptiTherm™; GlazeSil™ and GlazeSil™ NK; UniSil™; PointSil™; PointTrac™; PointGard™; GlazeTape™ and GlazeTape™ NK. Label and Converting Papers: Aspect® C1S C/S Label; Sterling® Litho C1S (100lb or less basis weights (3300ft2) web rolls); Sterling® Ultra C1S (100lb or less basis weights (3300ft2) web rolls); Reflections™; CraftPoint™; DuraPoint™; LithoPoint™; ProPoint™; OmniPoint™; Sterling® Metallizing; EcoPoint™. The increase applies to all basis weights (unless noted), bulks, finishes and related private label grades. Should you have any questions, please contact your Midland Paper Sales Professional. Thank you for your continued support.

For the past several weeks we have faced challenging market conditions, similar to our competitors. In response to the market, Port Hawkesbury Paper has decided to curtail production beginning at 7am on Sunday, July 16th and span through to 7am on Sunday July 23, 2017. No deliveries will be impacted as a result of the curtailment and we anticipate full operation for the balance of the year.

The Board of Norske Skogindustrier ASA has decided to extend the consent deadline for the ongoing recapitalization transaction and to postpone the publication of the second quarter financial report from 13 July until 23 August. The consent deadline has been extended from 12 July until 31 July 2017 (at 23:59 New York time). Norske Skog will use the period prior to the new expiration deadline to continue discussions with various creditors regarding its ongoing efforts to achieve the transactions contemplated by the exchange offer and consent solicitation memorandum. The Parent's Board of Directors will continue to follow and evaluate the situation thoroughly during such period. The publication of the second quarter report was postponed due to the significant uncertainty inherent in the ongoing recapitalization process.

UPM, the world's leading paper manufacturer, has launched a new innovation, UPM Impresse plus C, a pioneering SC paper custom-developed for coldset web offset printing. UPM Impresse plus C offers a smoother, glossier finish and a unique, magazine-quality result that sets new benchmarks in CSWO printing. The velvety finish and appealing texture enable superior-quality print reproduction characterised by intense colours and rich contrasts. This new innovation opens up a whole new range of business opportunities for CSWO printers, whilst also enabling more efficient utilization of press capacity. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Nippon Paper Industries launches "b7 Light", a new product in the "b7" series. The new product will be produced with the PM N4 and CM 4 at Nippon Paper Industries' Ishinomaki Mill in Japan. The "b7" series uses Nippon Paper Industries' unique bulking technology to produce well-textured coated paper that achieves low base weight and high paper thickness. The paper is available in 67g/m2, 77g/m2, 87g/m2 and 97g/m2 at 10g/m2 unit in terms of the base weight, and designed under a lineup concept similar to that of b7 TRANEXT in terms of paper thickness. Click Read More below for additional detail.

A smoldering fire at KapStone caused in an unknown amount of damage to mill’s biggest paper machine Tuesday. Crews from Longview Fire and Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to a call of a smoldering fire at about 7:15 a.m. Tuesday morning at Paper Machine No. 10. By the time firefighters arrived, sprinklers had already doused much of the flames, but there was a small amount of smoldering from the burning machine, said Captain Randy Bradshaw of Longview Fire. Firefighters worked with KapStone crews to identify hot spots underneath the hood of the machine and on the roof, Bradshaw said. KapStone’s own emergency response team used the company’s hoses to put out the hot spots, Bradshaw said. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Avery Dennison Corporation announced the appointment of Gregory S. Lovins to senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective immediately. Mr. Lovins, 45, will be responsible for leading financial operations across Avery Dennison, and will also oversee the company's information technology group. Mr. Lovins has served as the company’s vice president and interim chief financial officer since March 2017 and has also been the company’s treasurer since August 2016. He has more than 20 years of experience with Avery Dennison, having served in various positions of increasing responsibility across the company, including global finance leadership for what is now the Label and Graphic Materials segment. Click Read More below for more of the story.

Norbord Inc. reported that its OSB mill in 100 Mile House, British Columbia has temporarily suspended production due to the wild fires burning nearby in the region and in order to comply with evacuation orders in the 100 Mile House and surrounding areas. At the time of evacuation, the mill was secure. At this time, Norbord is assessing the impact to its production schedule. All mill employees have been safely evacuated and no injuries have been reported. The 100 Mile House mill has a stated annual production capacity of 440 million square feet (3/8-inch basis).

In our continuing effort to provide best-in-class service to you on our core brands and our high performing items, we will no longer be replenishing select under-performing skus from our portfolio. The impacted items will be available while supplies last. Select skus in the following brands will be impacted: • ASTROBRIGHTS® Papers (13 sheet skus) • CAPITOL BOND® Papers (2 skus) • CLASSIC COTTON® Papers (3 sheet skus) • CORONADO® SST Papers (7 sheet skus) • CRANE’S BOND® Papers(1 sheet sku, 1 envelope sku) • CRANE’S CREST® Papers (2 sheet skus) • CRANE’S LETTRA® Papers (2 sheet skus) • ENVIRONMENT® Papers (3 sheet skus, 19 envelope skus) • EXACT® Brights Papers (4 sheet skus, 33 envelope skus) • EXACT® Index (2 sheet skus) • FOX RIVER SELECT® Papers (3 sheet skus, 33 envelope skus) • GILBERT® Cotton Papers (1 sheet sku) • HOWARD® Linen Papers (1 sheet skus) • NEUTECH® Papers (3 sheet skus, 33 envelope skus) ** The balance of the skus within these brands WILL continue to remain available. ** Please contact your Midland Paper Sales Professional for additional details.

A new page-turning promotional lookbook of unique surface design treatments — including arresting images, unconventional diecuts, spectacular printing and specialty techniques — has just been released by Neenah. The book is crafted on papers from The Design Collection, Neenah’s range of pearlized surfaces, unique textures and dramatic colors, inspired by Italy’s top fashion houses and America’s leading designers. “These are highly unique papers that naturally draw attention,” says Auburne Gahlman, Associate Brand Manager, Neenah. “With this lookbook, we set out to consider surface design in relation to these extraordinary papers. The result shows how conceptual aesthetics, through means such as line, texture, color, light, and patterning, can be alluring to both hand and eye.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

On June 30, 2017, Orchids Paper Products Company entered into Amendment No. 5 to its Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated June 25, 2015 by and among the Company, U.S. Bank National Association and the other lenders party thereto. The Credit Agreement Amendment, among other things, struck the fixed charge coverage for the period ended June 30, 2017, thereby also waiving a requirement for a Cash Reserve, as defined in the Credit Agreement, to be funded by that date. Covenants for future periods remain unchanged from the prior amendment. Additionally, the Company agreed not to make any dividend or other distribution payment with respect to its equity unless the Company has achieved a Leverage Ratio of less than 4.0:1.0 for two consecutive fiscal quarters and no Default or Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) exists or would exist following such payment. The amount and timing of dividend payments otherwise remains subject to the judgment and approval of the Board of Directors. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Stora Enso has decided to invest EUR 45 million in a new production unit for cross laminated timber (CLT) in connection with its Gruvön Mill in Sweden. The investment will further enhance Stora Enso’s position as a global provider of high quality engineered wooden elements and as a market leader in CLT. The production is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2019. The estimated yearly capacity of the production line will be approximately 100 000 m³ after ramp-up, subject to required approvals being in place. The investment is expected to generate annual sales of approximately EUR 50 million when run at full capacity and over time significantly exceed the Wood Products division’s profitability target, operational return on operating capital (ROOC) of 18%. Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Kotkamills group has been producing Saturating Base Kraft (laminating papers) in Tainionkoski, Imatra on Paper Machine 7 (PM 7) leased from Stora Enso Oyj since the separation of Kotkamills from Stora Enso in 2010. The operations are part of the Group’s Industrial Products segment. Stora Enso Oyj has notified Kotkamills Oy that the leasing agreement concerning Tainionkoski PM7 will be terminated in accordance with its terms to expire at the end of 2018. Click Read More below for additional detail.

UPM has signed a contract to sell forest estates to Silvestica Green Forest Finland Oy. The contract covers 6,877 hectares of forestry land located in Kajaani, Sonkajärvi and Sotkamo in Finland. In addition, the parties have signed a separate long-term wood purchase and forest management agreement. Silvestica Green Forest Finland Oy is committed to certify the estates according to FSC® and to join the UPM managed FSC group certificate (FSC C 109750). For the time being the estates are PEFCTM certified. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. Silvestica Green Forest Finland Oy is owned by a Swedish company Silvestica Green Forest AB, which is an investment fund for institutional investors founded in spring 2017 by SEB, the leading Nordic financial services group. Silvestica owned companies will invest in forest estates in Sweden, Finland and the Baltic countries. The forests will be managed by CRK Forest Management AB with CEO Rickard Lehmann in charge of forest activities and reporting to investors. Click Read More below for additional detail.

As a leader of innovative solutions in the specialty paper industry, Expera has continued to customize its line of food packaging and processing papers with its newly launched brand Prepera™ Food Processing Papers. Expera’s Prepera™ Papers keep individual food slices neatly separate and wrapped, while easily releasing from products that have been vacuum packaged, frozen, or thawed. Offering a breadth of performance options, Expera produces layout sheets for raw and pre-cooked applications as well as paper-based solutions designed to address a variety of needs in today’s refrigerated and frozen food categories. “Prepera™ papers are used in a wide variety of applications and they have the flexibility necessary for unique and demanding applications,” said Robyn Buss, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Expera. “Whether it’s bacon layout, or an interleave application for cheese or meat, these papers are safe, sustainable, and provide the food release properties necessary for all types of performance.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

The Heinzel Group has now initiated its next strategic initiative in the packaging paper segment. This will see the installation of a second large paper machine for the production of bleached kraft papers at the Zellstoff Pöls AG location in Austria. So-called MG papers are employed for flexible packaging and demonstrate above-average market growth. Kurt Maier, the Heinzel Holding CEO: “Using the new machine, we will be able to manufacture 200,000 tonnes of MG papers annually at the Pöls location. With pulp production in Pöls being expanded at the same time, this has only marginal impact on our annual market pulp capacity of 400,000 tonnes. Following our recent investments at our Raubling and Laakirchen mills, the Pöls project represents another step forward on our packaging paper segment path.” Click Read More below for additional detail.

Do you ever wonder why there are so many different types of vinyls? If you go to the Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions website you will see that we have two specific lines of media. One is the Digital line and the other is our Screen & Cut line which includes the Supreme Wrapping films and Conform Chrome series of films. Some of you may be wondering what the difference is, so in this blog post I will give a brief explanation of each and why you would use one over another. The Screen & Cut line is our oldest product line and dates back to the time when films were only screen printed, thermal transfer printed, or plotter cut. Within this line, we have our cast opaque, metallic, ultra-metallic and translucent films. We also have intermediate and economy calendered films as well as reflective products. In the last few years, we have added our very popular Supreme Wrapping Film 900 series (SW 900) which is a 3.2 mil cast film designed for color change wraps and the Conform Chrome films, which is a 5.7 mil chrome film material, designed primarily for vehicle accents and is frequently used for wraps.

On the occasion of the re-start of Paper Excellence’s Chetwynd pulp mill, the media-shy company opened up a bit in an interview with Business in Vancouver. “Many pulp manufacturers look at the pulp industry [to be in] sunset,” Chang told the magazine. “Paper Excellence, our vision is different. We look at it as sunrise. We will be here for a century – as far as Asia continues emerging.” Paper Excellence does have the benefit of selling its pulp to APP mills, not on the open market, so it is not as vulnerable to pulp price fluctuations, Chang explained.