Total European shipments of graphic papers in July 2020 were down 26.4% vs. July 2019 and are down 20.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in July 2020 were down 23.7% vs. July 2019 and are down 17.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in July 2020 were down 23.4% vs. July 2019 and are down 19.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in July 2020 were down 38.5% vs. July 2019 and are down 27.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in July 2020 were down 16.6% vs. July 2019 and are down 9.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in July 2020 were down 36.6% vs. July 2019 and are down 26.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in July 2020 were down 17.1% vs. July 2019 and are down 15.5% year-to-date.

We are proud to announce that our production facility has passed its annual food safety inspection and audit performed by the American Institute of Baking (AIB) International. We received a Superior rating (955 out of 1000 points). This certificate of achievement signifies that Lamitech produces clean, safe paperboard products qualified for sanitary use in the food industry. As part of the review process, Lamitech was asked to demonstrate performance in the areas of operational methods and personnel practices, sanitation program and procedures, integrated pest control, overall maintenance and thoroughness of documentation to validate on-going activities. Lamitech’s food safe packaging includes Cake Boards, SBS, Polyguard and Sammyboard fish boards.

We are pleased to announce that 30-year paper and packaging veteran Tony Mollica joined Twin Rivers as our new Chief Executive Officer. He brings to the company a unique blend of sales, operations, and leadership experience that will accelerate our strategic transformation to becoming the market-leading manufacturer of specialty packaging, technical, label, and publishing papers. Tony replaces Tim Lowe, who will return to his role on the Board of Directors after acting as Interim CEO.

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 24 percent in August compared to August 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24 percent in August compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels remained essentially flat (+0.3 percent) when compared to July 2020. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in August decreased 22 percent compared to last August while the inventory level increased one percent compared to July 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 20 percent and 51 percent respectively. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 19 percent compared to August 2019 while the inventory level decreased one percent compared to July 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 38 percent and 23 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in August decreased 37 percent compared to last August while the inventory level remained essentially flat (+0.4 percent) compared to July 2020. CM imports decreased 40 percent while exports increased 30 percent in July 2020. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased 51 percent compared to August 2019 while the inventory level increased two percent compared to July 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to July 2019, down 34 percent and 28 percent respectively.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö advances further into the energy storage market and launches Ahlstrom-Munksjö Forticell® LAB, its new portfolio of fiber-based solutions for Lead Acid Battery applications. Today, lead acid batteries are the most cost effective energy storage devices. Storing electricity from renewable energy resources, providing back up for data centers, supporting supply chain management , enabling vehicle start-stop systems and supporting electrical car charging stations. Fiber-based materials are widely used in energy storage devices and due to Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s extensive expertise in cellulose, microglass and specialty nonwoven materials, the company is developing a complete range of solutions for its customers.

Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and dissolving pulp, today announced that its Spectro® paperboard line has been certified as compatible with all HP Indigo Digital Offset Color™ presses. As part of the certification process, the company added new Digital substrates to its C1S and C2S lines to further expand its offerings for custom, short-run packaging and commercial printing applications. The new Spectro Digital for HP Indigo C1S and C2S products obtained the highest three-star rating based on runnability, adhesion and blanket compatibility from the Rochester Institute of Technology's Printing Applications Lab as a part of the HP Indigo Media Certification Program. Each product exhibited a high percentage of ink adhesion and exhibited excellent runnability with a high level of blanket cleanliness during normal testing intervals. The adhesion levels for all calipers and sides of the board, both coated and uncoated, exhibited side-to-side consistency and tested at photo recommended levels.

Interfor Corporation announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its specialty sawmill located in Gilchrist, Oregon to Neiman Enterprises Inc. The Gilchrist sawmill, which specializes in ponderosa and lodgepole pine boards, has been curtailed since mid-June of this year due to COVID-19 related economic factors. Prior to its curtailment, the mill produced approximately 80 million board feet of lumber per year and employed approximately 150 employees. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020. Interfor will continue to own and operate its three US Northwest stud mills located in Molalla, Oregon, Longview, Washington and Port Angeles, Washington.

Stora Enso is making an investment in dispersion barrier technology at its Forshaga site in Sweden, as a step in its innovation agenda. The investment of approximately EUR 10 million enables the development and production of paperboard with barrier properties that are easier to handle in a recycling process, have a lower carbon footprint and can be compostable in industrial facilities. The new equipment is expected to come into use during the second quarter of 2021. Stora Enso Forshaga manufactures and develops barrier solutions that are required in certain packaging, for instance to protect against liquid, moisture, oxygen or fat. Liquid packaging, beverage cups and certain food packaging are some of the products that have a barrier which serves to protect the packaged product, while also ensuring that the packaging maintains its user-qualities. The investment in new dispersion technology aims to achieve the desired barrier properties in a more sustainable way. Stora Enso Forshaga has an annual capacity of approximately 120 000 tonnes of barrier coating across two machines/coating lines, with around 100 employees. Since the beginning of this year, the Forshaga site has also become a competence center within Stora Enso’s Packaging Materials division, tasked with producing and developing new bio-based barrier technologies and products.

Stora Enso will start codetermination negotiations with employees at its Hylte Mill in Sweden regarding a plan to reorganise the mill, including permanent closure of paper machine PM3 and the deinking plant (DIP). After the planned restructuring, the mill would run on 100% thermomechanical pulp (TMP), improving the competitiveness of the mill. The planned closure of PM3 and the reorganisation of the mill would impact a maximum of 140 persons. PM3 is planned to be closed by the end of 2020 and the DIP latest in Q2 2021. Stora Enso will continue to produce standard newsprint at Hylte, Langerbrugge and Sachsen mills. The closure of Hylte Mill PM3 would not impact Stora Enso’s newsprint product offering, and we would be able to serve our customers as today.

Due to market conditions that remain unfavorable, after a 6-month temporary shutdown, Kruger Specialty Papers is forced to permanently shut down its newsprint, specialty papers and pulp production at its Brompton Mill. However, the water treatment plant will continue to operate and the biomass cogeneration plant will restart. The Company will use all the measures at its disposal to minimize the impact of this shutdown on the 189 affected employees, including the creation of a reclassification committee. Furthermore, approximately 25 employees will return to work to restart the biomass cogeneration plant. As a result of the shutdown, Kruger’s overall annual production will be reduced by 100,000 mt of newsprint and 70,000 mt of specialty paper.

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, announced today that it has broadened its west coast distribution. It has established a new stocking location in Kent, Washington to more fully serve its growing customer base on the U.S. West Coast. Being in King County, the heart of the Seattle–Tacoma metropolitan area, means faster fulfillment and reduced customer shipping costs for Monadnock’s in-demand and sustainably-advantaged fine paper and packaging portfolio. Shipping times will range from one to two days with the added benefit of convenient customer pick-up.

SCA has signed an agreement to acquire forest land in Latvia. The acquisition comprises an area of 19,150 hectares, of which 13,100 is forest land. The purchase price is EUR 44.5m, approximately SEK 450m. The standing timber volume amounts to 1.8 million m3fo. Some areas of the acquired land that are not forest land, will be divested. SCA has so far acquired 30,000 hectares of forest land in Estonia and Latvia.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Guangdong Hengan Paper Co., Ltd. (Hengan) to supply four tissue machines to its new mill in Yunfu, Guangdong, China, for the production of high-quality facial, toilet, handkerchief and napkin tissue grades made of virgin market pulp. Each of the new tissue machines is of the type PrimeLineCOMPACT M 1600 with a design speed of 1,700 m/min and a working width of 3.65 m. All of them are equipped with a proven PrimeFlow step diffusor headbox for superior formation quality. The 18 ft. PrimeDry Steel Yankee together with the high-load suction pressure roll and canopy hood ensure high drying capacity at reduced energy consumption compared to conventional drying systems. The scope of supply also includes an under-machine pulper.

SCA decided to discontinue the production of publication paper and to invest SEK 1,45bn in the production of chemically pre-treated thermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP) at the Ortviken industrial site in Sundsvall. The decision has been preceded by consultations with employee representatives. The proposed restructuring plan for Ortviken paper mill was announced on August 26. Following the conclusion of negotiations with employee representatives regarding the closure of publication paper production, consultations will now commence regarding the consequences of this closure for the employees. Approximately 800 employees are affected, most of whom are located at the Ortviken paper mill.

UPM supports Finnish universities and makes a contribution of 40,000 face masks as part of the company’s Biofore Share and Care programme. The masks will be handed to the students in the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Helsinki, the School of Chemical Engineering at Aalto University, the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Åbo Akademi University and Chemical Engineering students at Lappeenranta University of Technology. “We support our stakeholders in making their everyday life during the Covid-19 pandemic as safe as possible. Students are important to us and interaction is a significant part of studies. The masks have been in short supply as the need for face masks in different fields has increased. Therefore, we have delivered 500,000 surgical face masks to our key stakeholders all around the world. The safety of face-to-face courses is important to students who are beginning their studies or taking laboratory courses, for example. That’s where the masks come in handy,” Pirkko Harrela, Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Relations at UPM says.

In this mercurial moment, with clients pausing projects, the world holding its breath, and creative tanks running on fumes, how are designers pivoting to meet the changing world head-on? Neenah explores that question in Rethink Everything, an inventive editorial promotion that tells the stories of six creative pioneers who dream big, think futuristically, focus on sustainability, and inspire creatives to shift the design's perception business. With this new CLASSIC® Papers promotion, Neenah aims to uplift the design community and celebrate designing for tomorrow, while rethinking everything along the way.“ With “Rethink Everything,” we shine a light on innovators, artists, designers, and printers who are reshaping the future. The world is moving quickly, but the time is now for creatives to push design boundaries. At Neenah, our desire is to provide you with both the inspiration and the backdrop to bring your creative vision to life on beautiful, sustainable paper,” says Ellen Bliske, Director of Marketing, Commercial Print, for Neenah.

Stora Enso has decided to invest approximately EUR 79 million in a new production line for cross laminated timber (CLT) at its Ždírec sawmill in the Czech Republic. 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. Production is scheduled to begin during the third quarter of 2022. The estimated annual production capacity will be approximately 120 000 m³ after ramp-up. The investment is expected to generate annual sales of approximately EUR 70 million when run at full capacity and to meet the Wood Products division’s profitability target of 20% operational return on operating capital (ROOC).

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has joined forces with AIM, the European Brands Association, and other partners across the value chain to prove the viability of digital watermarking for sorting waste at scale. The HolyGrail 2.0 initiative has the ambitious goal of assessing whether this pioneering digital technology can enable better sorting and higher-quality recycling rates for packaging in the EU, thereby driving a truly circular economy. Mondi was a founding member of the original Pioneer Project HolyGrail, facilitated by the Ellen MacArthur foundation. Now over 85 partners across the value chain are working together to refine and commercialise this concept, with Mondi continuing its active role in trialling the innovative technology.

As part of Sappi’s global long term commitment to sustainability and the focus it has on climate action a decision has been reached to invest in a complete modernisation of boiler 11 at the Sappi Europe Gratkorn production site. This investment into state-of-the-art technology will see a shift from a coal boiler to a multi fuel boiler in two phases with the goal to finally use only sustainable and renewable fuels. “The rebuild is an important investment in our sustainable pulp and paper production and a further important contribution to climate protection. It allows Gratkorn mill to reduce its CO2 emissions by 30 % and is a big commitment to boosting the decarbonisation of our sector”, says Berry Wiersum, CEO Sappi Europe. This investment is part of an overall larger scale decarbonisation strategy for Sappi Europe, which in the near term seeks to deliver a 25% specific greenhouse gas reduction by 2025.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Softex Indonesia, a leader in the fast-growing Indonesian personal care market, in an all-cash transaction for approximately $1.2 billion from a group of shareholders including CVC Capital Partners Asia Pacific IV. "This acquisition represents a compelling strategic fit and demonstrates our commitment to accelerate growth in developing and emerging markets," said Mike Hsu, Chairman and CEO, Kimberly-Clark. "Moreover, adding Softex Indonesia and its brands to Kimberly-Clark will enhance our company's underlying growth prospects and help us create even more long-term shareholder value."

There is serendipity in the fact that Arbor Week and Heritage Day are both celebrated in the month of September, which also heralds the beginning of Spring in South Africa. As the country breathes a tentative sigh of relief as it cautiously reopens the economy under Level 2 of the National COVID-19 Lockdown, there is hope for a reawakening in the human spirit of its people as it celebrates its cultural and natural heritage in many ways. At Sappi Southern Africa, where the company has 166 Important Conservation Areas (ICAs) listed on its forestry plantations in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, among them, six declared nature reserves covering an area of 6,486 hectares, there is no doubt that Sappi Southern Africa takes the conservation of biodiversity on its property seriously. This commitment is reinforced by its Threatened and Endangered Species Stewardship Programme, with its flagship Warburgia salutaris project.

Due to the global pandemic, most students in the United States are starting school online or following a hybrid model that combines remote learning with in-person classes. The move to remote learning means that, in addition to the typical school supplies students need to be prepared and organized in a classroom, many children will need extra supplies to succeed at home. According to Classroom Central, a nonprofit organization that equips students for education, remote learning has actually increased the need for supplies. More families are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic, and because they are not in the classroom each day, students have fewer opportunities to share supplies. “Students will need the same supplies at home that they need at school in order to take notes and complete their coursework, including writing utensils, paper and composition books,” says Karen Calder, executive director of Classroom Central.

The unfolding of the past several months has led to more unpredictability than any of us could have imagined. Stay-at-home orders, social distancing guidelines and consumer panic buying have created major irregularities in tissue and towel market dynamics and consumption patterns. These challenges also present a great opportunity to help tissue and towel producers adapt and respond to these sudden changes. As consumers around the world actively stockpiled supplies and household staple items, tissue makers were pushed to maximize production. In some countries, bath tissue sales increased by more than 50% during the early months of the pandemic. Though machine utilization rates spiked to nearly 100%, there were still difficulties meeting demand. In the wake of the global pandemic, there is a renewed emphasis on hand hygiene that has resulted in more hand washing and hand drying occasions. Many establishments are also replacing hot and jet air dryers with paper towel dispensers in public restrooms. In addition, experts recommend cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces at least once a day to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission via surface contact. All of these trends are driving an increase in paper towel usage and pushing manufacturers to enhance their product requirements.

While construction of its second pulp mill in Uruguay goes on at full speed, UPM is hard at work addressing concerns associated with such large-scale projects, including community safety, housing and infrastructure, and safeguarding the environment. Construction is well underway for UPM’s second pulp plant in Uruguay. The three-year project began following an investment decision in July 2019 and will be completed in 2022. The associated construction projects in central Uruguay and Montevideo now consist of 16 building sites, meaning the new mill is already boosting the local economy and regional development. This is also allowing for the creation of new opportunities for individuals and businesses. UPM is investing USD 3 billion into the construction of the mill, in the province’s infrastructure and a pulp terminal at the port of Montevideo.

The past six months have brought forth a lot of change and uncertainty, but one thing has remained the same - Nekoosa's focus on growing our product offering while striving to provide excellent customer service and substrates to our distributors, end-users, printers and partners. Throughout that time, we have successfully added 14 new SKUs to our Wall Graphics®, Sign-Ad®, Premium Vinyl and Classic Vinyl offering. Check out the full SKU offering on our downloadable Mojave Wide Format Specialty Print Media flyer. https://nekoosa.com/brands/mojave-digital-media

Further to Canfor Corporation’s announcement on June 17, 2020, its 70%- owned subsidiary, Vida Group, has completed the purchase of three sawmills located in Sweden from Bergs Timber.

Deb Coduto runs plants that make paper towels. The town of Naheola, Ala., where she spends much of her time overseeing a Georgia-Pacific LLC paper-products factory, hadn’t yet felt the coronavirus when orders from retailers started rising in late February. Retailers ordered five times their normal amount of paper towels one week, and the next week 10 times more, Ms. Coduto recalls. She felt a sense of foreboding. She and the nearly 1,000 workers at the Georgia-Pacific plant, which makes Sparkle paper towels and was already running 24/7, began hunting for ways to increase output. With tactics such as cutting varieties to reduce line changeover time, they eventually managed to raise its production about 25%, still not enough to meet all the orders. Ms. Coduto was often at the plant from 5 a.m. to late evening.

On special request from several of our customers, Crown Van Gelder decided to release its 3rd Generation Crown Letsgo Silk XF ahead of schedule in September 2020. Why explain it when we can show you. Check the short presentation of our renowned Colour Specialist Rob Boumans beneath and discover how CROWN LETSGO 3rd Generation products will add value to your business. CROWN LETSGO 3rd Generation unlocks full potential of your press at top speeds, with better image quality than ever before on our substrates. Pigment ink savings of 5-10 % without compromises are within reach* see the video at: https://www.cvg.nl/en/news/3rd-generation-crown-letsgo-silk-xf-available-today

Water is one of the world’s most precious resources, and is inextricably linked to combating climate change. According to the UN, 2.2 billion people worldwide lack safe drinking water and the responsible use of water will help reduce floods, droughts, scarcity and pollution. As a leading manufacturer of packaging and paper, water is vital to our global operations and responsible water stewardship is central to how we do business. Since 2014 we have promoted a landscape approach to water stewardship, working together with farmers, local government, and industries, who all share a common interest in maintaining freshwater ecosystems and services.

Verso Corporation introduced a new direct mail promotion, Vote for Verso Papers, to create awareness of its extensive 7 & 9 pt. sheetfed, digital, web and inkjet printing papers amongst those designing and printing direct mail for political campaigns. The promotion was printed on a sheetfed printing press on Verso's Anthem Plus® Gloss, 7 pt. cover. "Direct mail lets you reach the right voters with the right message," said Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Aaron Haas. "In fact, mail works well for campaigns looking to reach specific audiences on topics and issues that are just not possible with mass communication, while connecting them to online content that provides more information on a candidate's views."

For the quarter ended 30 June 2020, Lecta had revenue of €206.6 million versus €345.6 million in the quarter ended 30 June 2019, a decrease of €139.0 million or -40.2%. This decrease was essentially attributable to Covid-19 pandemic: • Lower sales of CWF, Specialties and Purchased Products of €-127.5 million or -39.7%, from €321.2 million in 2Q2019 to €193.7 million in 2Q2020, resulting from lower sales volumes of 124,200 metric tons or -39.8%, 187,700 metric tons in 2Q2020 vs 311,900 metric tons in 2Q2019, and a slight increase in average net sales price of +2.4€/t or +0.2%, 1,032€/t in 2Q2020 vs 1,030€/t in 2Q2019; and • Lower sales of energy of €-11.6 million or -47.2%, from €24.5 million in 2Q2019 to €12.9 million in 2Q2020, resulting from lower sales volumes of 105,400 MWh or -35.8%, 189,000 MWh in 2Q2020 vs 294,400 MWh in 2Q2019, and a decrease in average sales price of -15€/MWh or -18%, 68€/MWh in 2Q2020 vs 83€/MWh in 2Q2019. EBITDA decreased by €24.4 million, or -91.1%, from €26.8 million in 2Q2019 to €2.4 million in 2Q2020. This decrease was the result of lower sales of paper in volume, partly offset by higher margin on variable costs and lower fixed costs.

Following the announcement by the Swedish SCA Group about discussions regarding a possible closure of its paper machines in Ortviken (Sweden) and consequently possible effects on various corporate divisions of the group, the Austrian paper manufacturer Laakirchen Papier AG comments on this issue as follows: The Heinzel Group, whose subsidiary is the Austrian paper mill Laakirchen Papier AG, has a sales cooperation with the SCA Group in place since several years. "The possible closure of the paper machines and potential effects on the sales cooperation with SCA in Western European countries such as Germany, France, Belgium or the Netherlands have no influence on the production and sales of SC paper from Laakirchen Papier. We continue to be committed to SC paper production in the future and we assure our customers that they will be delivered with our paper as usual”, says Franz Baldauf, CFO of Laakirchen Papier AG.

To ensure future competitiveness of UPM Communication Papers, UPM announces plans for permanent closing of UPM Kaipola paper mill in Finland, sale of UPM Shotton paper mill in Wales and streamlining Communication Papers business function teams. In addition, UPM Biorefining and UPM Specialty Papers announce plans for reorganising and streamlining activities in Finnish pulp mills, UPM Forest and UPM Tervasaari mill in Finland. The planned actions would result in annual cost savings of EUR 75 million. Decisions on the final plans will be made after the co-determination procedures have been concluded. The planned closure of UPM Kaipola’s three paper machines would impact approximately 450 positions and lead to a permanent reduction of 720,000 tonnes of graphic paper capacity, thereof 450,000 tonnes of newsprint and 270,000 tonnes of coated mechanical paper.

SCA intends to invest SEK 1,45bn in the production of chemically pre-treated thermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP) at the Ortviken paper mill in Sundsvall. In parallel, SCA is initiating consultations with trade unions and employee representatives to discontinue the production of publication paper at the mill. SCA intends to invest to achieve an annual production volume of 300,000 tonnes of CTMP pulp at Ortviken, using the existing infrastructure. Currently, SCA produces coated and uncoated publication paper on three paper machines at Ortviken paper mill with annual sales of approximately SEK 4bn. Demand for publication paper in Western Europe has declined by approximately 5% per year since 2008.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö announces the launch of TrustShield™ Biological, a personal protective apparel medical fabric designed to shield against hazardous pathogens. The TrustShield™ product portfolio offers a range of medical fabrics designed to provide superior protection in the operating room, clinical and laboratory environments. TrustShield™ fabrics are laser resistant, protect against chemical permeation, and are highly absorbent. They can be easily converted into medical grade gowns or drapes. TrustShield™ Biological is designed for personal protective apparel applications requiring biological protection to prevent penetration of blood and other hazardous fluids that can spread and cause infections. TrustShield™ Biological is a bi-laminate (two layer) fabric that consists of a polypropylene based nonwoven layer designed for comfort, and polyethylene film layer for protection against biohazards.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in June 2020 were down 26.6% vs. June 2019 and are down 18.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in June 2020 were down 19.4% vs. June 2019 and are down 15.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in June 2020 were down 21.1% vs. June 2019 and are down 19.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in June 2020 were down 39.3% vs. June 2019 and are down 25.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in June 2020 were down 10.3% vs. June 2019 and are down 8.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in June 2020 were down 36.6% vs. June 2019 and are down 24.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in June 2020 were down 24.0% vs. June 2019 and are down 15.2% year-to-date.

Stora Enso has appointed Annette Stube as EVP, Head of Sustainability and a member of the Group Leadership Team. She will start on 1 September 2020. Annette Stube is a Danish citizen who joins from a position as Head of Sustainability in A.P. Moller–Maersk, an integrated transport and logistics company. Previously she has worked as Director of Sustainability programmes in the global healthcare company Novo Nordisk. She has a master’s degree in psychology and an Executive Board Education from Copenhagen Business School. She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Finnish energy company Fortum. Annette Stube succeeds Stora Enso’s current Head of Sustainability Noel Morrin who retires in the end of year 2020. Noel Morrin joined Stora Enso in 2015.

FibDex® wound dressing – made from nanofibrillar cellulose by UPM Biomedicals – has taken a significant step in its path to market, as leading medical device distributor Steripolar Oy now sells the product in Finland. FibDex is the first clinical product of renowned forest-based bioindustry company UPM and shows promising signs for future developments, such as cell therapy. ”We are excited to offer this Finnish product, made from Finnish raw material, first in the world to Finnish healthcare professionals and patients,” said Johana Kuncova-Kallio, Director of UPM Biomedicals. “Nanofibrillar cellulose has proven its potential both in the development of cell therapies and in clinical applications, and we are committed to further innovation.” Kaj Dahlström, CEO of Steripolar, added: “We were attracted to the ingenuity of FibDex. We are always looking for products and solutions that offer diverse and pain-free healing, while minimizing damage to the environment.”

Solenis is working with a North American tissue maker to deliver continuous process improvement with autonomous chemistry control through its secure OPTIX™ Applied Intelligence artificial intelligence (AI) platform. Developed with ProcessMiner™, a leading AI platform, Solenis’ adaptive analytics system accurately learns complex variable relationships in pulp and paper manufacturing processes and yields a digital measure of product quality. Autonomous manufacturing using AI with machine learning allows for improved product quality, optimized use of raw materials and reduced water and energy consumption. Deployed at St. Croix Tissue in Baileyville, Maine, OPTIX recently enabled the mill to accomplish something that was previously impossible. Using a closed-loop controller in conjunction with OPTIX quality parameter predictions, the mill was able to control its strength chemistry autonomously to ensure optimal chemical feed and adhere to target parameters.

Aug. 18, 2020, marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. It took women’s suffrage activists nearly 100 years to win that right, and the campaign wasn’t easy. But like other movements to create social and political change, it could not have been done without paper. Paper played an essential role in getting the amendment written and passed. First, there was the original newspaper ad announcing the first women’s rights convention. Countless leaflets, letters, newspaper clippings and other documents later, there was The History of Women’s Suffrage. Scholars have stayed busy over the last century telling the story of a journey to create social and political change that has benefitted generations of women — and set the stage for future movements to ensure all Americans have the right to vote. click read more below for the rest of the story

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 26 percent in July compared to July 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 24 percent in July compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased five percent when compared to June 2020. Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 22 percent compared to July 2019 while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to June 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to June 2019, down 14 percent and 36 percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in July decreased 14 percent compared to last July while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to June 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to June 2019, down 22 percent and 29 percent respectively. Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 46 percent compared to July 2019 while the inventory level decreased eight percent compared to June 2020. CM imports decreased 67 percent while exports increased 39 percent in June 2020. U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in July decreased 27 percent compared to last July while the inventory level decreased 19 percent compared to June 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to June 2019, down 48 percent and 59 percent respectively.

HIGHLIGHTS • Pulp sales of 2,778 thousand tons (+25% vs. 2Q19). • Pulp inventory reduction of approximately 220 thousand tons. • Paper sales of 235 thousand tons (-22% vs. 2Q19). • Average net pulp price - Export Market: US$470/t (-25% vs. 2Q19). • Average net paper price5 of R$4,330/ton (+7% vs. 2Q19). • Pulp cash cost ex-downtime of R$599/ton (-14% vs. 2Q19). • Capture of operating synergies in line with planning.

A judge in British Columbia has granted Northern Pulp creditor protection until the end of 2020 and approved an interim financing agreement that will see the mill receive $15 million from third-party lenders. Justice Shelley Fitzpatrick delivered her decision Thursday in B.C Supreme Court via teleconference following two days of arguments. The ruling means the mill, which was facing a cash crunch, now has the liquidity to get it to the end of the year as it works toward completing environmental cleanup work required by the Nova Scotia government at a site in Pictou County and works on a restructuring effort in hopes of eventually reopening the operation.

*Operating profit for January-June was SEK 1 170 million (January-June 2019: 1 217). Price decreases and production curtailments in paper had a negative impact on profit, which was largely offset by higher profit from paperboard and forest. *Compared with the first quarter, operating profit decreased by SEK 86 million to SEK 542 million as a result of lower demand for paper caused by COVID-19. Profit for paperboard and wood products increased. *Profit after tax for January-June amounted to SEK 902 million (954), which corresponds to earnings per share of SEK 5.6 (5.7).

The self-assessment results, have exceeded internal expectations and positions the operation as a leader in sustainable practices, evidenced by a low environmental footprint. Unfortunately, current Covid-19 restrictions have prevented an on-site verification process from taking place, however members of the SAC are invited to connect via the Higg portal to view the results and engage with us further in this regard. The Higg FEM is part of the Higg Index suite of tools that was developed by the SAC to allow the apparel industry to measure their sustainability performance. Sappi joined the SAC in February 2019 and remains a committed member of the organisation, being a participant in many of the SAC events and engaging in ongoing discussions on how to enhance the tools on offer.

“Though Democrats and Republicans disagree about many things in an election year, members in both parties and in nearly all states support having a paper record of some kind to ensure that election results are accurate,” says Tom Howard, vice president of government relations for Domtar. In 2018, Congress approved $380 million to assist states in improving the security of federal elections. Legislators gave states flexibility in spending but sent clear signals about the importance of having a voter-verified paper record of every vote. Those paper records would be valuable in case a post-election audit is needed to ensure that voting machines produced accurate results.

As we look to celebrate our 90-year anniversary in 2021, we will be going back to our roots to focus on what we do best: making the most enduring and beautiful papers in the world. In that spirit, the Mohawk management team is committed to reshaping our business to meet the evolving needs of the market to ensure sustainable and profitable growth. Mohawk will refocus our product portfolio leading with beautifully crafted & differentiated products that have defined Mohawk for decades. Effective immediately, we will begin to phase out and discontinue the sales and marketing efforts for: • Mohawk Specialty Digital portfolio which includes all Polyesters, PVC, Synthetic Paper, and PaperTyger® products • Chromolux portfolio from Zanders • Mohawk Everyday Digital Gloss & Silk • Mohawk Loop Silk Coated • Mohawk ProPhoto • And a number of slow-moving items for both paper and envelopes. Contact your Midland Paper, Packaging & Supplies sales professional for additional information.

On Friday, FPAC submitted some perspectives and recommendations to the federal government’s 2021 Pre-Budget Consultations to outline how Canada can leverage the power of sustainable forest management and innovation to kick start economic recovery in Canada’s rural and northern communities. “Our commitment to sustainable forest management and keeping our forests as forests forever combined with our innovative workforce and products puts Canadian forestry in the driver’s seat of being able to help drive economic recovery in some 600 northern and rural Canadian communities,” said FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor. “From sustainably-sourced Canadian pulp for PPE to using wood waste to make biomaterials and biofuels to beautiful and carbon-storing wood buildings that architects and engineers the world over are turning to – we have a huge opportunity to unlock the potential of Canadian forestry and forest products to help Canada build back better and spur much needed economic recovery,” Nighbor added.

Microsphere Removable • Microsphere removable comes in matte white, matte clear or gloss white finishes with a 90# layflat polycoated paper liner. *Also available in Augusta matte white embossed finish. • Available in 4, 6 and 8 mil vinyl facestock options rated for <3 years of outdoor use. • Suitable for short term indoor and outdoor applications, clean removability <1 year. High-Peel Removable • Available in a 6 mil semi-rigid matte white vinyl facestock rated for <3 years of outdoor use. • Adhesive properties allow for application to a broader range of surfaces like painted plywood, concrete, textured walls painted with low VOC paints. • Options available with a 90# layflat or 90# air-egress layflat polycoated paper liner. • Clean removability <6 months. Print Compatibility: HP Indigo, Conventional and UV Offset, Latex, Eco-Solvent, Solvent, UV Wide Format, Screen. Contact your Midland Paper, Packaging & Supplies sales professional for more information.

*Second quarter 2020 net earnings of $0.34 per share; earnings before items1 of $0.36 per share *Announces significant cost savings program with expected annual savings of $200 million *Execution of asset repurposing plan with conversion of Kingsport, TN and Ashdown, AR *Commences review of strategic alternatives for Personal Care Division - click read more below for details

Second Quarter 2020 Highlights: *Net sales of $268 million, down $334 million compared to second quarter 2019 *Net loss of $(34) million or $(0.99) per diluted share, compared to net loss of $(112) million or $(3.23) per diluted share in second quarter 2019 *Adjusted EBITDA of $(9) million, compared to $44 million in second quarter 2019

KPLP Q2 2020 Business and Financial Highlights • Revenue increased by $21.1 million or 5.8% to $386.8 million in Q2 2020 compared to $365.7 million in Q2 2019. Excluding the divested Mexico business, Q2 2020 revenue increased by $46.5 million or 13.7%. • Adjusted EBITDA was $64.4 million in Q2 2020 compared to $31.5 million in Q2 2019, an increase of 104.6%. • TAD Sherbrooke site progressing on time and on budget despite the temporary shutdown in Q1 2020 due to the implementation of strict COVID-19 protocols. • Declared a quarterly dividend of $0.18 per share to be paid on October 15, 2020.

*Net sales of $161.4 million decreased 36 percent compared with $253.4 million in the prior year. Technical Products segment sales decreased 28 percent and Fine Paper and Packaging revenues declined 48 percent. The decline in revenues in both segments resulted primarily from lower volumes caused by impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. *An operating loss of $(58.5) million compared with operating income of $19.8 million in the prior year period. Excluding adjusting items of $59.0 million in 2020 and $3.5 million in 2019, adjusted operating income declined from $23.3 million in 2019 to $0.5 million in 2020 as a result of lower sales and production volumes and related manufacturing fixed cost inefficiencies, partly offset by reductions in manufacturing and selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") costs, and benefits of lower input prices net of selling price changes.

For the second quarter of 2020, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $480 million, a 6% increase compared to net sales of $452 million for the second quarter of 2019. Net income for the second quarter of 2020 was $23 million compared to net loss for the second quarter of 2019 of $0.4 million. For the first six months of 2020, Clearwater Paper reported net sales of $958 million, a 9% increase compared to net sales of $881 million for the first six months of 2019. Net income for the first six months of 2020 was $33 million compared to net income for the first six months of 2019 of $3 million.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. reported a loss from continuing operations for the quarter ended June 27, 2020 of $13 million or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to a loss of $19 million or $0.46 per diluted share for the same prior year quarter. Year-to-date net loss from continuing operations for the six months ended June 27, 2020 was $38 million, or $0.60 per diluted common share, compared to a net loss of $47 million, or $1.10 per diluted common share for the same prior year period. The decrease in the diluted loss per share was due primarily to the conversion of the Company’s preferred stock into approximately 13 million shares of common stock in August of 2019.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will support The Navigator Company, a major Portuguese industrial group and Europe’s leading pulp and paper manufacturer, with a €27.5 million loan for the construction and operation of a new biomass boiler at their integrated mill facility located in Figueira da Foz, a cohesion region in Portugal. This project is the first major step of The Navigator's decarbonisation strategy, launched recently with the aim of making the company carbon neutral by 2035 (15 years ahead of the EU target of 2050) in line with the Paris Agreement, the EU Green Deal and Portugal’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality. Replacing the existing equipment with a new biomass boiler is part of the company’s investments for offsetting carbon emissions and is seen as crucial for preserving and improving its competitiveness and market presence in a cyclical business sector, especially now amid the far-reaching economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On an adjusted basis, earnings from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, were $9.9 million, compared with $8.5 million. Consolidated net sales totaled $216.2 million and $235.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. On a constant currency basis, Composite Fibers’ and Airlaid Materials’ net sales decreased by 6.3% and 7.2%, respectively. “Glatfelter’s solid second quarter results, in the midst of a global pandemic, demonstrate the resiliency of our new business model and continued demand for our portfolio of engineered materials that are essential for producing a variety of consumer staples,” said Dante C. Parrini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Composite Fibers outperformed expectations for the quarter, due in part to strong shipments in the food and beverage category and better than expected demand for wallcover products. Profitability for this segment relative to guidance was also better than expected, driven by lower downtime and continued cost control.”

Mercer International Inc. reported second quarter 2020 Operating EBITDA decreased to $40.5 million from $70.0 million in the second quarter of 2019 and from $57.0 million in the first quarter of 2020. In the second quarter of 2020, net loss was $8.4 million (or $0.13 per share) compared to net income of $10.3 million in the second quarter of 2019 and a net loss of $3.4 million in the first quarter of 2020. In the first half of 2020, Operating EBITDA decreased by 50% to $97.5 million from $193.8 million in the same period of 2019. In the first half of 2020, net loss was $11.8 million compared to net income of $61.9 million in the same period of 2019.

Resolute Forest Products Inc. reported net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, of $6 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, compared to net income of $25 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, in the same period in 2019. Sales were $612 million in the quarter, a decrease of $143 million from the year-ago period. Excluding special items, the company reported a net loss of $22 million, or $0.25 per share, compared to net income of $11 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2019. The company reported operating income of $6 million in the second quarter. The $14 million improvement over the previous quarter reflects the favorable impact of the weaker Canadian dollar ($11 million), stronger pulp pricing ($9 million) and higher lumber shipments ($9 million), offset by lower paper and pulp shipments ($18 million) and softer quarter-over-quarter lumber pricing ($5 million), despite a late quarter increase in pricing.

January–June 2020 (​​​​1–6/2019) •Sales were EUR 2,453 million (2,809). •Operating result was EUR 163 million (232). Comparable operating result was EUR 158 million (308). •Result before taxes was EUR 139 million (202). The comparable result before taxes was EUR 134 million (279). •Comparable return on capital employed was 6.2% (12.1). •Cash flow from operations was EUR 240 million (183). April–June 2020 (4–6/2019) •Sales were EUR 1,200 million (1,372). •Operating result was EUR 102 million (49). Comparable operating result was EUR 96 million (128). •Result before taxes was EUR 93 million (36). The comparable result before taxes was EUR 86 million (115). •Comparable return on capital employed was 7.6% (10.2). •Cash flow from operations was EUR 190 million (142).

Ahlstrom-Munksjö announces a further investment in its Binzhou plant to be able to produce abrasive backing papers locally in China. Through this investment the company will further strengthen its leading position in abrasive backings globally. The investment project, involving an upgrade of an existing machine on site, will start in Q1 2021 and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2021. The construction work will not cause disruptions to the existing customers.

Mondi has developed the world’s first sustainable polycoated kraft (PCK) paper release liner, which is being launched on a global scale. Such liners are indispensable to carry and protect pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) products, and currently are often discarded once the PSA products are used. Mondi’s NextLiner uses a recycled base paper with a coating made from renewable resources. Using recycled fibres and renewable materials can have a positive impact on the environmental footprint of NextLiner, used in graphic arts, tapes and other industrial applications. Technical Data: *NextLiner is currently available in a 90-pound PCK grade (90# Liner), a standard graphic arts grade. Additional grades are available by adjusting the polycoating and paper weight. *NextLiner is available in a plain or structured version (as AirXLiner™). *Polycoated kraft paper has several advantages over alternative constructions, as it doesn’t tear easily and offers comparable moisture resistance properties. It has good layflatness, even when wet, and typically comes in an overall higher grammage (e.g., 90-gramm) compared to the standard, thinner options often used for labels.

Financial summary for the quarter: *Severe impact from Covid-19 on profitability *EBITDA excluding special items US$26 million (Q3 2019 US$118 million) *Loss for the period US$73 million (Q3 2019 Profit of US$8 million) *Net debt US$1,977 million (Q3 2019 US$1,728 million) *EBITDA from packaging and specialities segment increases 109%. For the quarter dissolving pulp (DP) and graphic paper sales volumes were 29% and 40% lower respectively. In response, a number of cost containment initiatives were implemented which, along with a positive currency movement, resulted in fixed costs being US$67 million less than the equivalent quarter last year. Consequently, the group generated EBITDA excluding special items of US$26 million compared to US$118 million in the equivalent quarter last year, which led to a decline in profitability and a loss of US$73 million for the quarter.

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. announces its newest line of coated text and cover papers, Astrolite PC 100® Velvet C2S, is the only premium, coated 100-percent recycled sheet compatible with heatset web presses that is manufactured in the U.S. In independent testing, Velvet demonstrated superior performance with no defects: *On an 8-color Rotoman AC press, the 80 lb. text weight printed up to 35,000 impressions per hour (1,145 fpm) without any web breaks and resulted in excellent print quality. *The product ran to standard operating densities without any major changes to fountain keys. *Velvet offered a good operating window for paper and ink tack build and will sustain up to eight colors down on each side.

The U.S. Department of Labor put a new rule into effect that allows employee benefit plan administrators to use an electronic “notice-and-access” disclosure system, as a default method, which will make it much more difficult for millions of Americans who received critical, paper-based information about their 401k, pension and retirement plan rules. In a 2019 Pew Research Center survey, 10 percent of U.S. adults said they do not use the internet. American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in response to the rule: “The American Forest & Paper Association is disappointed the Department of Labor’s ‘notice-and-access’ rule will result in fewer Americans receiving critical financial information to help them plan for retirement. “By creating electronic disclosures as the default, U.S. retirement plan holders must now navigate an onerous process to retrieve critical plan and benefit information that would otherwise arrive automatically and reliably by mail."

Q2/2020 compared with Q2/2019 -Net sales decreased by 16.6% to EUR 621.5 million (745.1), mainly due lower delivery volumes -Comparable EBITDA decreased by 11.7% to EUR 74.0 million (83.8), representing 11.9% (11.2) of net sales, supported by variable and fixed costs reduction actions -Operating result of EUR 25.8 million (35.0). Q1-Q2/2020 compared with Q1-Q2/2019: -Net sales decreased by 10.9% to EUR 1,339.6 million (1,502.8), negatively impacted by price, product mix and volumes -Comparable EBITDA increased by 4.4% to EUR 165.7 million (158.8), representing 12.4% (10.6) of net sales, as lower variable costs more than offset lower selling prices and deliveries -Operating result of EUR 99.6 million (52.9), including a capital gain of EUR 32.0 million from the sale of the fine art paper business

Total European shipments of graphic papers were down 35.8% in May 2020 vs. May 2019 and were down 17.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint were down 27.6% in May 2020 vs. May 2019 and were down 14.5% year-to-date. otal European shipments of sc-magazine were down 31.3% in May 2020 vs. May 2019 and were down 19.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels were down 41.4% in May 2020 vs. May 2019 and were down 23.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) were down 20.8% in May 2020 vs. May 2019 and were down 7.6% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree were down 49.3% in May 2020 vs. May 2019 and were down 22.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree were down 35.8% in May 2020 vs. May 2019 and were down 13.6% year-to-date.

This past Spring, our sawmill in Ashland, Maine turned on a turbine that reduces the site's carbon footprint by 1000 tonnes of C02. The turbine is part of a $1.8 million dollar investment in the mill which also included an upgrade to the boilers and an additional control room. This energy efficient project was completed just prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, which all J.D. Irving, Limited Maine operations navigated without any cases of COVID-19 or layoffs. The turbine will allow the site to limit their purchase of electricity, by choosing a greener option. Burning bark, that is already being removed from the logs, creates steam pressure and spins the turbine, creating its own electricity. In addition, there is now sawdust that can be transported to Grand River Pellets (GRP), JDI's pellet plant. The use of site generated mill residues as fuel also reduces landfill disposal and the ash generated from the wood can be used as a soil conditioner on agricultural land. See how JDI ash from other sites is being used on farmers fields here.

Net sales were $1.53 billion, down 14.9 percent. Sales were down 12.0 percent ex. currency, and down 13.7% on an organic basis. Reported operating margin declined 350 basis points to 8.1 percent. Adjusted EBITDA margin declined 60 basis points to 14.0 percent, while adjusted operating margin declined 140 basis points to 10.7 percent. Reported net income was $0.95 per share, compared to $1.69 per share in the prior year second quarter. Adjusted net income was $1.27 per share, down 26 percent, above the company’s expectations, reflecting a sales decline below the low end of its outlook range in April. Year-to-date free cash flow was $109 million, down 34 percent. Free cash flow in the second half of the year is expected to accelerate reflecting normal seasonality as well as higher net income and an increased focus on working capital productivity.

• Second quarter of 2020 reported operating income of $97 million, includes $81 million recovery of previous inventory write-downs in the lumber segment • Vida Group (“Vida”) announced agreement to purchase Bergs Timber Production AB (“Bergs”) sawmill assets for $43 million plus working capital, which will add 215 million board feet to Vida’s annual capacity • Completed acquisition of Elliott Sawmilling Co., LLC (“Elliott”) • Announced permanent closure of Isle Pierre sawmill, located near Prince George, British Columbia (“BC”) due to an insufficient supply of economically viable timber

The Company reported an operating loss of $6.3 million for the second quarter of 2020, down $12.4 million from operating income of $6.1 million reported for the first quarter of 2020. Reported results for the second quarter of 2020 included an $8.2 million finished pulp and raw material inventory write-down at period end. After adjusting for this, the Company’s operating income was $1.9 million for the second quarter of 2020, up $6.5 million from a similarly adjusted operating result in the previous quarter. The Company’s operating results for the second quarter of 2020 reflected direct and indirect impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on global markets, and more specifically the pulp and paper business.

H1 2020 highlights *Sales decreased by 18% to EUR 4,364 million (5,298 million in H1 2019) due to lower deliveries of graphic papers and lower pulp and paper sales prices *Comparable EBIT decreased by 33% to EUR 482 million (719 million), and was 11.0% (13.6%) of sales *UPM's transformative pulp project in Uruguay and biochemicals project in Germany are well on track with the planned start-up timeline *Operating cash flow was EUR 293 million (756 million) *Net debt decreased to EUR 301 million (366 million) *Cash funds and unused committed credit facilities totalled EUR 2.0 billion at the end of June

Sales of $4.6 billion in the second quarter of 2020 increased slightly compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales approximately 4 percent, while organic sales increased 4 percent. Volumes increased 2 percent and changes in net selling prices and product mix each improved 1 percent. In North America, organic sales increased 12 percent in consumer products but fell 3 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 3 percent in developed markets but fell 3 percent in developing and emerging markets, driven by Latin America. Second quarter operating profit was $925 million in 2020 and $670 million in 2019. Results in both periods include charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program. Second quarter adjusted operating profit was $1,012 million in 2020 and $789 million in 2019. Results benefited from organic sales growth, $120 million of cost savings from the company's FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program and $55 million of cost savings from the 2018 Global Restructuring Program. Input costs decreased $80 million, driven by pulp, while other manufacturing costs rose year-on-year. Advertising spending increased and general and administrative costs were also higher compared to the prior year. Foreign currency translation effects reduced operating profit by $15 million and transaction effects also negatively impacted the comparison.

A scheduled maintenance outage is a critical part of any mill’s operation. The downtime gives employees an opportunity to complete necessary maintenance that isn’t possible during normal operations, and it ensures the mill continues to run safely and efficiently. It’s also important to the community. Vendors and contractors who travel to the site to assist with the outage support the local economy by staying in hotels, eating in restaurants and shopping at local businesses. Then the COVID-19 pandemic started, and Dryden Mill Manager Marie Cyr and her team had some tough decisions to make. With support from Domtar’s corporate leadership, the team decided to proceed with the maintenance outage, but it designed a reduced work scope that focused only on tasks deemed essential for the mill’s safe and efficient operation. More work would be performed by mill employees, reducing the need for outside service providers by 80 percent. In addition, the majority of the 100 outside providers who were required would come from within Northwestern Ontario, eliminating the need for travel from outside the region. The change in scope also meant the outage would take 21 days instead of 9 days.

Q2/2020 (compared with Q2/2019) *Sales decreased by 18.9% to EUR 2 114 (2 608) million, due to lower deliveries and prices, as a result of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. *Operational EBIT decreased to EUR 178 (299) million. The impact of lower sales was partly offset by good cost management. *Operational EBIT margin was 8.4% (11.5%). *Operating profit (IFRS) was EUR 226 (142) million. *Strong liquidity at EUR 2.1 billion, including cash and committed credit facilities and good access to funding sources. *Operational ROCE was 6.8% (11.8%), below the strategic target of over 13%.

In June UPM announced plans to permanently close its Jyväskylä plywood mill. The employee consultation processes regarding the plan have now been completed. UPM Jyväskylä plywood mill will be permanently closed on 31.07.2020. The reduction of personnel is 147 people. The planned actions will strengthen UPM Plywood’s overall competitiveness and performance in the long run. UPM will recognise restructuring charges of approximately EUR 22 million as items affecting comparability in its Q2 2020 results. The planned actions would result in annual savings of approximately EUR 11 million.

Mactac® Distributor Products announces its latest innovation in indoor floor graphics, IMAGin® M-Dot Floor. A ‘print and stick’ indoor floor graphic material, IMAGin M-Dot Floor (MD128FW54L82) is extremely easy to print and apply. It consists of a 7.9-mil matte white PVC film that is directly printable with latex, UV and solvent-based inkjet printing methods, requires no lamination, and is coated on one side with Mactac’s specially formulated semi-sphere structured clear removable pressure-sensitive adhesive. It is supplied with a 74# white Kraft release liner.

Sappi Europe is very happy to report that its Alfeld site PM 3 is operational again as of the 20th of July, significantly ahead of the planned restart date. As previously reported the largest area of reconstruction focused on the machine hall with limited damage to the machine. The repair work was carried out by an excellent team of internal and external workers and our thanks go out to them for their efficiency and most importantly for their safe and pragmatic approach. Our teams at our Carmignano mill are also to be thanked for offering a back up solution which was quickly put in place while our repairs were conducted.

JANUARY 1 – JUNE 30, 2020 (compared with January 1 – June 30, 2019): *Net sales declined 8% to SEK 9,480m (10,304). The lower sales were mainly related to lower selling prices. *EBITDA amounted to SEK 2,031m (2,900), a decrease primarily due to lower selling prices *Operating cash flow was SEK 614m, (1,245). Earnings for the second quarter of 2020 were in line with the preceding quarter, but declined year on year.

Our Sawmills Division has recently completed a $4.9 million investment at the Kedgwick Sawmill. The modernization has meant work for nearly 60 contractors from other small communities from Bathurst to Edmundston. "This modernization will make our mill more efficient; processing the same logs and achieving more lumber and improved quality for our customers. Continued investment is what helps sustain over 100 good paying jobs in the community," says Jean-Sebastien Roy, Mill Manager at the Kedgwick Sawmill. The additional production by the new sawline will allow us to increase the volume of Premium Lumber, which is produced for North America's leading home improvement stores. Wood chips that are a by-product of the sawmill go to New Brunswick pulp and paper mills to help make paper and tissue products.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 25 percent in June compared to June 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 25 percent in June compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased six percent when compared to May 2020. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in June decreased 28 percent compared to last June while the inventory level decreased eight percent compared to May 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to May 2019, down 26 percent and 44 percent respectively. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased 13 percent compared to June 2019 while the inventory level decreased two percent compared to May 2020. CFS imports increased two percent while exports decreased 42 percent in May 2020. click read more for additional statistics

Appvion Operations, Inc., launches an industry leading antimicrobial coating technology for a variety of substrates called SafeShield™! SafeShield technology prevents the replication of DNA and new cell formation! Independent lab tests demonstrate up to 99.99% reduction in non-pathogenic bacteria on the paper’s surface even after printing and post processing. To ensure the efficacy of SafeShield, the antimicrobial coating is formulated with components that have gone through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) review and registration processes.

Net sales for the second quarter declined by 2% to SEK 6 156 million (6 293). Higher sales volumes were primarily offset by significantly lower sales prices compared to last year in Division Paper. Net sales for the quarter were positively impacted by currency effects by 1%. Adjusted EBITDA increased to SEK 774 million (539), mainly as a result of lower maintenance costs compared with last year, lower fibre costs, reduced KM7 start-up impact and cost savings.

Holmen signed an agreement to acquire Martinsons, one of Sweden's leading players in sawn and processed wood products. The purchase price is SEK 1.0 billion for 100 per cent of the shares. The acquisition will almost double Holmen's sales of wood products to over SEK 3 billion, while also advancing positions in wood construction and providing Holmen with the capacity to process the majority of the raw material from its own forests in its own industry. Martinsons consists of two well-invested sawmills in northern Sweden with extensive processing of wood products for Scandinavian wood construction, as well as a project operation for construction of complete frames made of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams for purposes such as offices, sports centres and apartment buildings. The company has 470 employees, most of whom work in processing.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced preliminary second quarter results which were impacted by COVID-19 market-related conditions. The Company expects earnings and Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter to be slightly below prior year, driven by an approximately 12 percent decline in revenues. Compared to the prior year period, results for the second quarter were aided by improvements in Forest Products and Paperboard segments driven by increased prices for lumber and lower raw material costs for paperboard, respectively. These benefits were offset by COVID-related impact on: 1) global demand for High Yield Pulp and Newsprint; 2) sales volumes in High Purity Cellulose due to softer demand in textile, automotive and construction end markets; and 3) logistics delays impacting High Purity Cellulose volumes. Corporate costs increased modestly from prior year, primarily due to an increase in non-cash charges. With a focus on working capital and capital expenditures, liquidity improved $19 million in the quarter to $164 million, including $49 million of cash.

UPM will permanently cease production at its Chapelle newsprint mill in Grand-Couronne, France today. The consultation process with employee representatives was completed on June 15th, 2020 according to French legislation and approved by French authorities on July 15th, 2020. The closure impacts 228 people. UPM offers support to employees in order to alleviate the effects caused by staff reductions in relation to the closing of the mill. With the closure of the mill UPM will reduce a total of 240.000 tonnes of its newsprint paper capacity.

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the second quarter of 2020 was NOK 138 million, a decrease from NOK 379 million in the first quarter of 2020, mainly due to national restrictions on movement of goods and people following the outbreak of the corona pandemic. The restrictions had severe negative impact on operations due to a sudden and considerable drop in demand for publication paper. Operating earnings in the second quarter of 2020 were NOK -122 million compared to operating earnings of NOK 90 million in the first quarter of 2020 impacted by impairment recognized in the quarter. Net loss in the quarter was NOK 59 million compared to a net loss of NOK 374 million in the previous quarter. The previous quarter was impacted by unrealised currency loss that was only partially reversed in the second quarter as NOK was stronger at the quarter end. Cash flow from operations was NOK -109 million in the quarter compared to NOK 470 million in the previous quarter.

Only a few weeks after start-up, the 5.6 m wide PrimeLineTM W6 tissue machine that was delivered by ANDRITZ to Arkhbum Tissue Group LLC in Vorsino (Kaluga region), Russia, reached a speed of 2,000 m/min with a grammage of 16 g/m² and is now producing high-quality facial, toilet, napkin, and kitchen towel grades made of 100% virgin pulp (bleached hardwood and softwood pulp). Irina Galakhova, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Arkhbum Tissue Group LLC, says: “We are extremely satisfied with our products – and so are our customers. We appreciate the high quality and softness. In addition, we achieve remarkable cost savings compared to systems with conventional presses and Yankees.”

As people grow weary of online entertainment and digital communication in the age of COVID-19, industry analysts have noticed some interesting paper trends, particularly when it comes to books, education, entertainment and communication. There’s no question that the coronavirus pandemic has changed many things about our daily lives, from the way we work and learn to the way we shop and play. The buying and consuming habits that have emerged over the past several months will keep sociologists and scientists busy for years as they study the effect of isolation on modern human behavior. But as the novelty of working and learning from home wears off, only to be replaced by digital overload and Zoom fatigue, people have started turning off their electronics and embracing analog alternatives, if only for a few hours at a time. The resulting paper trends have created some bright spots for our industry. click read more below for details...

Matt Spence, Vice-President Biomaterials at Sappi Biotech explains: “Valida is a highly fibrillated cellulose manufactured by Sappi. Derived from woodfibre, it is a 100% natural, biodegradable and sustainable material. Valida can successfully perform as an opacifier and thickener in sanitising gels, providing a natural alternative for acrylate-based polymers while providing some unique additional benefits, including: *replacing microplastics with a natural ingredient *sustainable and biodegradable *moisturising the skin *imparting a superior skin feel *unique texture *having passed cosmetics ingredient safety studies covering: - skin irritation - skin sensitisation - skin blockage, and - skin penetration.

Headquartered in Mexico City, Mexico, Poliquímicos is a leading producer and supplier of specialized chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, including the pulp and paper markets in Mexico. The business will be integrated into Solenis as part of its direct-to-market strategy. “The acquisition of Poliquímicos will enhance Solenis’ direct sales channel in the Mexican market and improve our production capabilities in the region,” said John Panichella, CEO, Solenis. “With more than 46 years of history in Mexico, we are thrilled to welcome the Poliquímicos team and are excited to provide them with the full suite of Solenis products to better serve our customers.”

The American Forest & Paper Association released new industry guidance that aims to clear up consumer confusion regarding the recyclability of pizza boxes. The guidance resulted from a study conducted by WestRock – an AF&PA member company – that found the presence of grease and cheese at levels typically found on pizza boxes does not impact manufacturing in a negative way. “Corrugated pizza boxes are successfully recycled every day at paper mills throughout the country, yet consumers remain confused by mixed messages suggesting that some boxes should not be put in the recycle bin,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “So, let’s be clear: pizza boxes are recyclable. Consumers should not be concerned about grease or cheese – simply remove any leftover pizza and place the box in the recycle bin. We encourage communities to update their residential recycling programs guidelines to explicitly accept pizza boxes that are free of food.”

Mondi has commissioned a crude tall oil plant (CTO-plant) at its Syktyvkar pulp and paper mill. The new equipment allows processing of all sulphate soap generated as a by-product of the pulp production process in the mill. As a result of this investment, the mill will be able to produce up to around 40,000 tonnes of crude tall oil annually. The new CTO-plant produces softwood and hardwood tall oil obtained through sulphuric acid treatment of sulphate soap which is a by-product of the pulp cooking process. Softwood tall oil is used at Mondi Syktyvkar to mitigate pitch deposits at the digesters, while hardwood tall oil is sold to external companies dealing in petrochemical, road construction, paint and coating. In recent years, tall oil has been intensively used for biodiesel fuel production primarily in Scandinavian countries.

Sappi announces the closure of Paper Machine 2 at its Stockstadt Mill in Germany as well as Paper Machine 9 and the energy complex at its Westbrook Mill in the USA. Following an exhaustive consultation process an agreement was reached with mill employee representatives to permanently close PM2, which has a Coated Woodfree paper production capacity of 240 000 tons per annum. Stockstadt will now focus on its strong and growing uncoated woodfree offering. Approximately 170 employees will leave the company with production expected to cease on 30 September 2020. After a period of review, Sappi North America has decided to permanently shut PM9 and the majority of the energy complex at its Westbrook Mill in the State of Maine. Approximately 75 employees will be impacted. The impacted assets are expected to close by end of calendar year 2020.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) proposed rule: “AF&PA is pleased the EPA has moved forward in proposing an achievable Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rule. This is the result of more than two decades of work that gives the forest products industry regulatory certainty while encouraging the use of renewable, carbon-neutral fuel. “While limits for several boiler types have become more stringent, we believe they are feasible and affordable. Already, to date, our industry has invested $1 billion in controls to meet Boiler MACT obligations.

The Company is pleased to announce that all necessary conditions precedent required for the implementation of Recapitalisation have been obtained and it is expected that the Recapitalisation Effective Date will be 16 July 2020. The Company welcomes this positive development and is confident that following the Recapitalisation the Company will emerge with a solid liquidity position and healthy balance sheet. In particular, the Company considers that the Recapitalisation will significantly improve the Group’s liquidity profile, reduce the Group’s net leverage and increase the Group’s flexibility.

Sugar pulp can be applied as a sustainable substitute for wood fibre to produce paper on an industrial scale. Crown Van Gelder recently signed a Letter of Intent with Cosun Beet Company for the joint development of innovative solutions for sustainable paper and packaging materials.

To coincide with World Environment Day and South Africa’s Environment Month, on 04 June 2020, Sappi Limited committed to set science-based targets through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Through heightening our focus and ambition on climate action, we look to increase our contribution to building a resilient, thriving world. Within the context of Sappi’s 2025 sustainability targets, we have established a global specific greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target of 17% reduction in combined Scope 1 & 2 emissions under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action. By region this translates to a 2025 GHG reduction target of: • Europe: 25% reduction from FY19 baseline • South Africa: 20% reduction from FY19 baseline • North America: 5% reduction from FY19 baseline

Genera, a US manufacturer of domestically sourced and produced ag-based pulp and molded fiber products, has named Timothy Watkins and Tyler Winston to two top engineering positions at the company's East Tennessee facility. The announcement marks continued progress toward full production of Genera's innovative Earthable® line of sustainable, ag-based fiber products later in 2020. Genera will manufacture molded fiber food service products like plates, bowls, and takeout containers. These products will be fully biodegradable and compostable.

Crown Van Gelder is investigating together with Eneco a next step into a sustainable future by maybe building an electrical boiler of 25 megawatt onsite! (big water cooker). This boiler can be powered by electricity provided by an offshore wind farm close to the factory. With the boiler Crown Van Gelder is able to power down the gas burning turbine during days with enough wind! Hopefully there is enough wind and funding to make this happen. Check this Dutch spoken movie with English subtitles by clicking read more below.

The construction of Empire Recycled Fiber mill in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania is scheduled to commence this fall. The work on the mill project had started almost a year ago. The financing for the project is expected to close during Q3 2020. The construction works may take 12-14 months, thus gearing up for a 2022 startup. Upon full operations, the plant will employ approximately 110 full-time manufacturing employees. According to company press release, the mill will be constructed at an investment of $125 million. The facility will take in over 500,000 tons per year of recovered fiber and produce almost 440,000 tons per year of recycled paper pulp to be used as raw material by paper manufacturers.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding the newly implemented U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA), which marked its entry into force today: “The American Forest & Paper Association recognizes that today is a historic day marking the entry into force of the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will preserve free and fair trade in North America and commit the countries to combat illegal logging and associated trade."

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, is participating in the Piloting Alternatives for Plastics project, a global initiative to help develop the next generation of fiber-based materials to replace plastics used in food packaging, filters, hygiene products and other goods. Solenis is joining more than 50 other companies in the technical consortium, including major packaging and paper manufacturers, led by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT). During the 30-month project, the group will work to identify materials and manufacturing methods best suited for full-scale development. The goal is to reduce the time it takes to move projects from initial laboratory results into commercial production.

Neenah, Inc. announced that the Company has entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement, providing a Term Loan B Facility of seven years in the amount of $200 million. The Facility is rated BBB-by S&P Global Ratings and Ba3 by Moody's Investors Service. Neenah also announced today that it is calling its outstanding 2021 notes for redemption in full on July 16, 2020. Proceeds under the new Facility will be used to redeem the $175 million of outstanding 5.25% 2021 notes, repay borrowings under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility, and for general corporate purposes. The Company also has amended its Global Asset Based Lending Agreement to reduce the revolving credit facility from $225 million to $175 million and make certain other changes related to the refinancing and resizing. The interest rate under the new Facility will be determined based on LIBOR or other published rates, with an expected initial rate of approximately 5.00%. The Term Loan Credit Agreement contains no financial maintenance covenants and includes other customary covenants for agreements of this nature. The Facility may be prepaid with a one percent call premium for the first 12 months, after which it may be prepaid, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö establishes a partnership with Spanish sports and life style accessories company BUFF® to provide filter media for face masks. The BUFF® face masks are now available in the United States and Canada following a launch in Europe in June. Each BUFF® face mask includes five single-use filters in the original packaging. Replacement filters are sold separately in packs of 30 units.

Kotkamills’ easily recyclable and biodegradable ISLA® Duo barrier board has received the Seedling and DIN-Geprüft certifications for industrial compostability. The internationally recognized certificates have been issued by DIN CERTCO to demonstrate the biodegradability of the environmentally friendly product and the compliance of ISLA® Duo with the European standard EN 13432. “The certificates issued to ISLA® Duo are a result of dedicated product development and a very fine achievement. Developing environmentally friendly products and sustainable solutions is our main objective,” notes Kotkamills’ CEO Markku Hämäläinen.

Dr.-Ing. Fabian Gaus, 39, has joined the management board of LEIPA Group GmbH on 1 July 2020. He takes over the newly created function of Chief Sales Officer (CSO). His central field of responsibility in this function will be the goal- and future-oriented development of the LEIPA Group's sales activities. With a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, Dr. Gaus has extensive knowledge in the manufacturing and energy industries, and with asset-heavy businesses in particular. Most recently, Dr. Gaus was Managing Director and CFO of Innogy Renewables US and Georgia Biomass, two subsidiaries of European utility innogy group in the United States. Georgia Biomass operates the largest wood pellet plant in the world.

Appvion is a North American leader in specialty papers and coatings. We aim to achieve sustained profitable growth for continued successful business development and improved corporate citizenship through responsible business practices and integrity. We are committed to building environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and effective corporate governance into all aspects of our business while ensuring that ecological stewardship is a key component of our corporate responsibility. Our approach to sustainability is focused on four key areas: Environment; Community; Workplace; and Economy.

TAPPI has named Steve Voorhees, chief executive officer of WestRock, as the TAPPI/PIMA Executive of the Year. WestRock, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a global provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions. “Since taking the helm at WestRock in 2015, Steve has expertly managed its electrifying growth, helping WestRock more efficiently and economically serve customers,” says Larry N. Montague, TAPPI president and CEO, in a statement.

As part of its continued focus on global sustainability leadership, Ahlstrom-Munksjöhas initiated its ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ campaign, highlighting first its new brand of CelluSnack™ snack packaging papers. “Our ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ campaign aims at raising awareness around the world regarding the possibility of fiber-based solutions as a renewable packaging option,” said Robyn Buss, Executive Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Food Packaging & Technical Solutions Business Area. “Consumers and brand owners are demanding more sustainable solutions that reduce their impact on the environment and also have a positive end-of-life story – anywhere from compostability and biodegradation to recyclability. By promoting the story of ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ we are encouraging food and industrial packaging producers globally to consider fiber and paper-based solutions as they innovate products for their customers.”

Peter Greven GmbH & Co. KG, a leading manufacturer of oleochemical additives, signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Solenis Switzerland GmbH, a leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals. Effective immediately, Solenis will be the authorized distributor for Peter Greven's calcium stearate dispersions for paper coating applications in the European Union,the United Kingdom and Russia. "Calcium stearates are used in paper coating formulations, mainly in printing grades,as lubricants to facilitate the process of coating the paper," said Jose Santolaya, director, Product Management EMEA. "As the channel to market for these dispersions in the paper industry, Solenis will provide these products under our Nopcote™ coating lubricants brand. We have one of the largest lubricant product portfolios on the market today including standard and specialty lubricants."

Lecta expands its offering of Adestor self-adhesive products for the healthcare industry with the launch of Adestor Laser 60 LB DfE. Hospitals and laboratories handle chemical samples and tests that require a high degree of traceability to ensure the monitoring of all the coded data on test tubes. The identification of the containers, through variable labeling, requires label integrity, both in terms of adhesion and data legibility. The new Adestor Laser 60 LB DfE facestock, with greater environmental efficiency, provides excellent performance for all small-diameter labeling applications used in the most frequently performed analysis processes in laboratories. This new product is also ideally suited to different variable data printing technologies.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in April 2020 were down 29.1% vs. April 2019 and are down 12.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint in April 2020 were down 25.5% vs. April 2019 and are down 11.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine in April 2020 were down 35.9% vs. April 2019 and are down 16.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels in April 2020 were down 35.1% vs. April 2019 and are down 18.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) in April 2020 were down 14.4% vs. April 2019 and are down 4.0% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree in April 2020 were down 36.2% vs. April 2019 and are down 15.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree in April 2020 were down 23.5% vs. April 2019 and are down 8.1% year-to-date.

Paper Excellence Canada today announced that Catalyst Paper Corporation has been voted amongst Canada’s Best 50 corporate citizens by Corporate Knights. This is the thirteenth time that Catalyst Paper, which operates pulp and paper facilities in Crofton, Port Alberni, and Powell River, British Columbia, has achieved the Best 50 Award with Corporate Knights. The Best 50 Award is judged using 21 key performance indicators that relate to the organization’s raw resource use, emissions profile, innovation, women in key positions, safety performance, and percentage of revenue from clean sources. Paper Excellence’s VP of Environment, Health and Safety, Graham Kissack, said “We’re extremely proud to be part of this group of leading Canadian companies demonstrating that sustainable business practices can be both profitable while offering long term stability and protection of our ecosystems.”

Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County General Manager Colin Willenbrock issued the following statement regarding the indefinite idling of Ponderay Newsprint Company: “Ponderay Newsprint has long been an outstanding employer and community partner in the Pend Oreille valley. While recent news of the mill being indefinitely idled has long been anticipated, it still hits us hard to know this chapter in our community’s story may be coming to a close. We will be creating a page on our website for customers – including PNC employees who live in Pend Oreille County – to learn about energy assistance programs, financial resources, and other helpful information as we make this transition together.

Transcontinental Advanced Coatings announces that it has added reflex™ CE Gloss high-performance films to its reflex™ line of hardcoated films. The new reflex™ CE Gloss is a clear gloss, hardcoated film formulated on optical grade, highly stabilized polyester. It is coated in a certified ISO Class 7 (Class 10,000) cleanroom. The product boasts a scratch-resistant, proprietary hardcoat formulation on one side of the film and a print receptive coating on the other, enabling printing with both solvent and UV screen print inks. The performance characteristics of reflex™ CE Gloss include excellent optical clarity and haptic functionality, exceptional hardness, chemical resistance, and flexibility that enables embossing. The price-performance point of reflex™ CE Gloss makes it the ideal product for next-generation Electronic Displays, Membrane Touch Switches (MTS), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), Printed Electronics, Functional Controls, Sensors, Capacitive Touch Interfaces, and Durable Labels. Tested to over 3 million actuations, reflex™ CE Gloss has industry-leading flex life.

KP Tissue Inc., which holds a limited partnership interest in Kruger Products L.P., announces that Michael Korenberg has, effective today’s date, resigned as Chairman and a director of KPT and as a director of KPGP Inc., the general partner of KPLP. We sincerely thank him for his four years of service and leadership on the Board. With Mr. Korenberg's resignation, KPT is now seeking the appointment of a new independent director on its board, who will also serve as a nominee of KPT on the board of KPGP Inc.

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Sun Paper to supply pulp dewatering and white liquor plant technologies and key process equipment for their new pulp mill in Beihai, China. Start-up is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021. The scope of supply on EPS basis includes the following equipment: Wet lap system with two production lines for a capacity of 1,120 admt/d bleached hardwood kraft pulp, each consisting of a Twin Wire Press for pulp dewatering, a cutter-layboy and a baling line. Evaporation plant with a high-concentration section for a total evaporation capacity of 1,100 t/h and a final dry solids content of 85%. Ash re-crystallization (ARC) system, with an ash handling capacity of 400 t/d, to treat the ash from the electrostatic precipitator by decreasing the chloride and potassium content while recovering sodium and sulfate.

On the doorstep of a decisive decade for climate change, Kimberly-Clark has announced expanded new targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and aligned with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. Kimberly-Clark's ambitions for 2030 include a commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations and supply chain for its trusted brands, including Huggies®, Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Scott®, Kotex® and Depend® by 50 percent for absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions (direct and indirect) from its operations. The commitment also includes a 20 percent reduction in absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services and end of life treatment of sold products. Both targets are based on a new 2015 base year.

As part of sustainable logistics concepts and in order to increase supply chain reliability for an important raw material, pulp, Koehler is making greater use of rail transportation. “We have expanded the existing rail connection, which was too small, added manual underground switches to it, and also purchased a modern shunting robot. This will enable employees to handle shunting work at the plant independently and flexibly and to process four times as much incoming tonnage,” explained Andreas Riedlinger, logistics team leader at Koehler. Total investments amounted to EUR 1 million. Since the start of the year, three to four weekly block trains have re-placed deliveries by truck, which amounted to as many as 15 per day.

Paper Excellence Canada announced that 1057863 B.C. Ltd, Northern Pulp Nova Scotia, Northern Timber Nova Scotia and other related non-operating affiliates (collectively, “Northern Pulp”) have obtained an initial order under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (“CCAA”). The initial order stays proceedings against Northern Pulp in order to provide it with an opportunity to restructure its business and financial affairs. Paper Excellence Canada has not sought relief in the CCAA proceedings. Northern Pulp owns a pulp mill in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. The pulp mill, which had been operational since 1967, was forced to stop production by January 31, 2020, after the Province of Nova Scotia’s decision to require Northern Pulp to cease using the Boat Harbour Effluent Treatment Facility (BHEFT). This left the mill with no ability to treat or transport pulp effluent. Since January, Northern Pulp has been conducting a safe and environmentally sound hibernation of the mill, which would allow it to reopen in the event a proposed new Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) receives the necessary approvals.

Neenah, Inc. announced that the Company is seeking to refinance its $175 million of unsecured Senior Notes which are due in May 2021. The Company anticipates refinancing the Notes with the proceeds of a new $200 million Term Loan B facility with a tenor up to seven years. The objectives of the refinancing are to increase the Company’s financial flexibility and extend its weighted average debt maturity. Terms of the potential refinancing will be disclosed upon the completion of the transaction, which is expected later this month. The proposed refinancing is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that it will be completed.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö takes further steps into the energy storage market and pre-launches Ahlstrom-Munksjö Forticell®, its new platform of fiber-based solutions for energy storage applications. Electricity is the fastest growing source of energy and demand for energy storage is expected to grow significantly in coming years, driven by vehicle electrification, a shift towards renewable energy, an increasing demand in stationary applications and effective electricity supply chain management. Fiber-based materials are widely used in energy storage devices and, thanks to the Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s extensive expertise in cellulose, microglass and specialty nonwoven materials, the company is developing a complete range of solutions to its customers.

Minerals Technologies Inc. announced today that it has signed an agreement with Phoenix Paper LLC to re-establish a 35,000 ton per year satellite precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) plant at its paper mill in Wickliffe, Kentucky. This paper mill had been idled for the past five years and was recently purchased and restarted by Phoenix Paper, a subsidiary of Shanying International, a Chinese-based company focused on entering the North American paper market. MTI has been providing its PCC from nearby sources to the Wickliffe site since the facility restarted operations in November of 2019. "We are very pleased to collaborate with Phoenix Paper to support production of higher value grades from their paper machine in Wickliffe, Kentucky, using our PCC technology," said Douglas T. Dietrich, Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited to see the redeployment of our PCC assets in North America through this opportunity."

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 35 percent in May compared to May 2019. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers decreased 30 percent in May compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased three percent when compared to April 2020. *Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 34 percent compared to May 2019, while the inventory level decreased four percent compared to April 2020. UFS imports and exports both decreased compared to April 2019, down 28 percent and 29 percent respectively. *U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in May decreased 31 percent compared to last May, while the inventory level decreased two percent compared to April 2020. CFS imports and exports both decreased compared to April 2019, down two percent and 25 percent respectively. *Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 36 percent compared to May 2019, while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to April 2020. CM imports and exports both decreased compared to April 2019, down 32 percent and 13 percent respectively. *U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in May decreased eight percent compared to last May while, the inventory level decreased three percent compared to April 2020. UM imports and exports both decreased compared to April 2019, down 27 percent and 42 percent respectively.

Canfor Corporation announced that its 70%-owned subsidiary, Vida Group, has entered into an agreement to purchase three sawmills located in Sweden from Bergs Timber for a purchase price of CAD$43 million plus working capital. The three mills, which are located in Vimmerby, Mörlunda and Orrefors, Sweden, will add approximately 215 million board feet to Vida’s annual capacity. With additional investment, Vida anticipates the production capacity of the mills can be increased to 300 million board feet. After taking into account this additional production capacity, Sweden represents 22% of Canfor’s globally diversified operating platforms, plus 43% in British Columbia, 31% in the Southern United States and 4% in Alberta.

As a step in the ongoing process to improve efficiency and enhance the company’s ability to adapt to major changes in the outside world, BillerudKorsnäs intends to implement a simplified organizational structure as of August 1, 2020. The new organization will be built along the business flow around three functional areas: Wood Supply, Operations and Commercial. In parallel, the resources for sustainability and innovation will be grouped in a common new function, Sustainability & Strategic Development. “We need to cater for rapidly changing customer needs for sustainable products and solutions. The organizational structure now being implemented is one important step on a journey creating conditions that will allow a more optimal utilization of our resources and enhance our ability to adapt to changes in the outside world,” says Lennart Holm, acting CEO of BillerudKorsnäs. As of August 1, the Executive Management Team will consist of the following members; Lennart Holm, acting CEO, Ivar Vatne, CFO, Helene Biström, EVP Commercial, Tor Lundqvist, EVP Operations, Uno Brinnen, acting EVP Wood Supply, Ulf Eliasson, EVP Sustainability & Strategic Development and Paulina Ekvall, EVP HR.

Monadnock announces line of RIT HP Indigo 3-Star Certified media made with 100 percent post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber. The line includes uncoated and coated options under its flagship Astrolite PC 100® line of fine recycled printing papers. Astrolite PC 100 Digital+ for HP Indigo is available in weights ranging from 80 lb. text to 130 lb. double-thick cover. Astrolite PC 100 Velvet C2S with a universal coating optimized for HP Indigo (LEP), dry toner (EP) and offset lithography presses, available in weights ranging from 80 lb. text to 150 lb. cover. This single ply 150 lb. cover is unique to the industry. All products in the Astrolite PC 100 line have a matching shade. The surface is crafted using the best formulation chemistries for optimal LEP print performance. The Velvet coating provides an exquisite matte print surface that is unlike any other coated fine printing paper. The grades are available in a full range of sizes including 12×18” to 29.5×20.75” to accommodate the full portfolio of HP Indigo sheet fed digital presses.

These higher grade medical masks, which are much sought after, have been donated with the assistance of The Solidarity Fund to the KwaZulu Natal Department of Health on Monday 15 June. This donation is at a cost of just under R10 million and the result of a truly collaborative effort across the global Mondi network. "As MEC of Health in Kwa-Zulu Natal, I am deeply appreciative of Mondi’s contribution. The FFP3/N95 respiratory masks are in high demand because they are designed to protect medical staff when caring for patients known or suspected to be infected with a newly identified infectious respiratory virus. The masks will be distributed to public hospitals across the province over the coming weeks," said KZN Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu.

Norske Skog will take a major step in its continued transformation towards a growing and high-margin business by converting two newsprint paper machines into renewable containerboard production. The conversions at Golbey and Bruck will introduce 765,000 tonnes of competitive containerboard capacity to meet the growing demand for renewable packaging. Following the conversions, both mills will have access to green energy and have reduced their carbon footprints to become among the best performers in the industry. Norske Skog will continue to be a reliable supplier of all publication paper grades after the planned conversions. Newsprint capacity will be reduced with 360,000 tonnes, balancing the market for the Norske Skog’s remaining European publication paper capacity. Norske Skog plans to invest approximately EUR 350 million in the conversion projects over an 18-month period commencing in H2 2021. The investments are expected to generate an annual EBITDA of approximately EUR 70-80 million at full utilisation, based on historical prices for containerboard and recovered paper.

Mactac® releases the latest edition of its industry-preferred foam bonding guide, which offers the most recent updates and guidance in adhesive-foam selections. An excellent resource for fabricators and converters, the guide aids in adhesive selection for foam bonding applications – from gaskets, seals, and gap-filling to thermal and acoustical insulation, vibration dampening, filtration, dunnage, cushioning and everything in between. “Mactac is a known expert in material handling and we’ve tested many popular grades of foam to confidently recommend adhesives based on our research,” says Janet Page, Senior Marketing Manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives. “The newest edition of our customer-favorite foam-bonding guide offers our latest recommendations to help customers select the best adhesive for their application.”

Clearwater Paper Corporation announced a key divisional executive appointment. Joanne P. Shufelt is named senior vice president and general manager of the consumer products division, effective immediately. Ms. Shufelt succeeds Arsen Kitch, who was named president and chief executive officer of the company in April 2020. Ms. Shufelt joined Clearwater Paper in 2012 as vice president of sales and marketing for consumer products and has since grown in leadership responsibilities while in this role. Previously, she held sales leadership positions at Duro Standard Products, a private packaging company, and AbitibiBowater Inc., now Resolute, Inc., a pulp, paper, and tissue company.

July will see shovels in the ground as the Sawmills Division of J.D. Irving, Limited begins a long-awaited investment at Doaktown. The $35 million project will see the mill’s footprint grow by 14,000 square feet bringing together the sawmill, planer mill and value added centre under one roof. Currently the sawmill is located on the other side of the road. New, state-of-the-art technology will be installed throughout the lumber production process. The company is targeting spring 2021 for the commissioning and start-up of the new facility.

Young people in South Africa’s rural areas have been using their power to communicate by getting active on their social media platforms with useful information about curbing the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. Thanks to a useful set of illustrated messages created by Sappi Southern Africa about how to combat the disease, the team of Abashintshi are actively aligning their activities with the theme for South Africa’s 2020 Youth Month, which is : “Youth Power: Growing South Africa together in the period of COVID-19”. The Abashintshi are a group of enthusiastic youngsters who volunteered to receive community development training sponsored by Sappi over the last recent years and have been using this knowledge to bring about social mobilisation in their communities. “Normally they would be arranging the Sappi-sponsored school holiday programmes around now to keep youngsters entertained, but the lockdown and the disruption of school schedules, prevented them from doing so this year”, comments Mpho Lethoko, Sappi Southern Africa Communications Manager.

Mondi is paving the way to become one of the leading suppliers of premium recycled paper with its established brand NAUTILUS®. Over the past few months, the business has initiated several steps to meet increasing demand for premium recycled paper and goes to the heart of Mondi's approach to sustainability. In 2020, Mondi launched three new members of the NAUTILUS® family, NAUTILUS® ProCycle, NAUTILUS® ProCycle high-speed inkjet and NAUTILUS® SuperWhite for HP Indigo. *NAUTILUS® ProCycle is a 100% recycled office paper meeting the highest environmental standards. It is CO2 neutral and offers EU Ecolabel, FSCTM and Blue Angel certification. The paper has a high degree of whiteness (UV 100 / CIE whiteness 135), which is achieved without using optical brighteners in the production process. Therefore, NAUTILUS® ProCycle is currently the only recycled paper on the market that is produced in line with the new standards of the Blue Angel ecolabel. It is available in 80 g/m² A4 and A3 sizes. *NAUTILUS® ProCycle high-speed inkjet is especially tailored to high-speed inkjet printing presses. It is available in reels of 80 and 90 g/m2. Its special surface treatment for dye and pigment inks retains ink on the paper surface for crisper colours with lower ink consumption. Additionally, it is optimised for quick water absorption, fast drying, no offsetting and, consequently, increased productivity. *NAUTILUS® SuperWhite for HP Indigo is the ideal sustainable alternative to bright white paper made from virgin fibre as it is produced entirely from post-consumer waste paper and with a CIE whiteness level of 150. The entire range, from 80 to 350 gsm, is certified for HP Indigo presses, which is ideal for runnability, blanket compatibility and ElectroInk adhesion.

Paper Excellence Canada announced the curtailment of operations at its pulp mill in Mackenzie, British Columbia targeting the final week of June 2020. Paper Excellence has substantially invested to improve mill operations since acquiring the Mackenzie facility in 2010. Despite best efforts by the company and its committed team of employees in Mackenzie, the COVID-19 global pandemic is having negative impacts on pulp markets creating conditions that no longer support the on-going operation of the mill. Furthermore, the deep fibre shortage in BC and the Mackenzie region have affected the mill’s competitiveness. This shortage was exacerbated by recent curtailment of sawmills in the Mackenzie region dramatically reducing economic fibre availability.

Self-adhesive label stock supplier UPM Raflatac has achieved sustainability certification from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Scheme ISCC PLUS at three of its factories and nine distribution terminals worldwide. The company is proud to make a change in the sustainable labels value chain and be one of the first adopters in the packaging industry to deliver this certification. UPM Raflatac’s ISCC PLUS certified products via mass-balance approach include UPM Raflatac Forest Film™ and UPM Raflatac PP C-PCR. ISCC PLUS is one of the leading global sustainability certification schemes for a fully traceable supply chain to support the transition to a circular economy and bioeconomy. It allows biobased raw materials as well as waste and residue-based feedstock for plastic labels to be certified. The ISCC PLUS certification provides a strong external proof of sustainably managed raw materials and value chains for renewable and chemically recycled products. This truly sustainable packaging value chain brings customers and brand owners closer to their sustainability goals.

Mactac® Roll Label announces the addition of thinner, more sustainable thermal transfer labeling solutions to its Optiscan® product line-up. The two new products feature facestocks that are 14 percent thinner caliper than current products and Mactac’s recently launched ultra-thin 1.7-mil BLOOM® hi.mpact™ glassine paper liner. Optiscan K features a coated thermal transfer facestock that is 14 percent thinner caliper than current products and uses less paper/coating at only 34 lb. basis weight. Optiscan V has an uncoated, super smooth vellum thermal transfer facestock that is 14 percent thinner caliper than most current products. Mactac’s BLOOM hi.mpact liner reduces the labeling industry’s environmental impact and increases converter/end-user profitability.

The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), of which Domtar is an industry partner, has created a coalition of more than 160 industry thought leaders and suppliers to provide active aging guidance for communities throughout North America as they prepare to reopen safely after COVID-19. Participants in the ICAA COVID-19 Senior Living Task Force include “representatives of for-profit, not-for-profit and affordable housing — organizations providing active-adult and independent living, continuing care retirement communities/life plan, assisted living, long-term care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.” Domtar Personal Care’s Chris Lee, senior marketing manager for Attends®, and Melissa Weston, vice president for global commercial excellence, participated in the launch of the task force in late May. They joined in discussing the issues that will shape the future of active aging, including adult incontinence.

Paper Excellence Canada announced today that Northern Pulp notified Nova Scotia Environment of its intention to pause the Environment Assessment for the new Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) to facilitate further detailed discussions with stakeholders about how Northern Pulp and the community can best work together to foster a clean environment, maintain and protect jobs, and contribute to a strong Nova Scotian economy. “We remain concerned that the Environmental Assessment, based on the current terms of reference, is ambiguous and would not result in a clear outcome. Instead, it could lead to more uncertainty, division, and disappointment among stakeholders,” said Graham Kissack, VP, Environment, Health, Safety and Communications for Paper Excellence Canada, on behalf of Northern Pulp. “Pausing the assessment will provide time for us to further engage the community in discussion about the mill and its future, how we can best co-exist, and an appropriate Environmental Assessment process for the environmental improvement being proposed.”

Solenis is expanding production at its Ankleshwar facility in India to manufacture its next-generation Pergafast™ 425 color developer for the thermal paper market. Part of Solenis’ imaging product line, the patented Pergafast™ 425 provides additional performance capabilities as compared to the company’s well-known Pergafast™ 201 color developer. Color developers are used in the formulation of the coating layer in thermal papers. They play a key role in developing the image on the paper when exposed to heat in the thermal printing process. Thermal paper is used in various applications, such as supermarket receipts and packaging labels. “With this new expansion, we intend to support our customers in their journey towards more sustainable products,” said Christophe Zebst, director, Product Management.

Verso will indefinitely idle paper mills in Duluth, Minnesota, and Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, while exploring viable and sustainable alternatives for both mills, including restarting if market conditions improve, marketing for sale or closing permanently. The decision to reduce production capacity is driven by the accelerated decline in graphic paper demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The stay-at-home orders have significantly reduced the use of print advertising in various industries, including retail, sports, entertainment and tourism. According to Fastmarkets RISI, North American printing & writing demand fell by 38% year-over-year in April, and operating rates are expected to drop well below 70% during the second quarter. Verso expects to idle the Duluth Mill by the end of June 2020, and the Wisconsin Rapids Mill by the end of July 2020, resulting in the layoff of approximately 1,000 employees. Verso will continue to supply graphic and specialty papers in roll and sheet form, as well as packaging papers and pulp.

UPM Plywood introduces a new water repellent WISA-SpruceWR plywood that enables efficient and effortless construction even in changing weather and humidity conditions. The water repellent yet breathable surface of WISA-SpruceWR slows down the absorption of moisture into the panel while allowing it to evaporate. Thanks to the wood-based treatment agent, WISA-SpruceWR is a genuinely sustainable and safe choice made from renewable raw materials. Designed for structural uses, WISA-SpruceWR provides significant benefits especially for developers and builders. WISA-SpruceWR is available in four common thicknesses (12–21 mm), in both straight-edged and easy-to-install tongue-and-groove options. Made entirely of spruce, WISA-SpruceWR’s technical properties are the same as those of regular WISA-Spruce plywood: the panel’s strength and light weight make it ideal for all kinds of frame construction, such as walls and floors.

Clearwater Paper Corporation announced a preliminary update to the company’s previous outlook for second quarter 2020 Adjusted EBITDA of $45 to $55 million. Due to demand, production, and cost trends in April and May that were more favorable than previously anticipated, the company now expects Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2020 to be in the range of $71 to $77 million. In addition, in connection with its fourth quarter of 2019 earnings call, the company provided its outlook expectations for certain revenue and cost components for the full year of 2020. Due to anticipated performance in the second quarter of 2020, the company now believes that it will, in the aggregate, outperform the previous full-year expectations. The company will provide greater details regarding its performance and results for the second quarter of 2020 on its upcoming earnings call on August 4, 2020.

UPM is aiming to find sustainable solutions for replacing fossil-based raw materials and offering environmentally sound alternatives. One of the most recent innovations is UPM Formi EcoAce biocomposite, launched at the beginning of 2020. This revolutionary biocomposite is almost 100 % based on renewable resources. UPM Formi EcoAce contains certified wood and cellulose fibers as well as certified renewable PP polymers from SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE™ solutions. The renewable PP polymers are made of wood-based feedstock from UPM Biofuels’ production. UPM’s BioVerno production is certified by both ISCC PLUS and RSB, and the sustainability of the material has been verified accordingly. At the beginning of 2020, Akvila Cutlery launched a next generation reusable cutlery made from total wood-based raw materials, UPM Formi EcoAce. The cutlery is made from softwood fibres and wood waste derived ISCC-certified bio-polypropylene, implementation of zero-deforestation. The material does not compete with food production as many other bio-based materials, which is totally unique in the world.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of a proposed rulemaking (EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-00044) on how EPA considers benefits and costs in designing regulations under the Clean Air Act. The proposal requests public comment on how EPA can be more consistent and transparent in considering the best available scientific and technical information on societal benefits and costs when crafting its air quality regulations. EPA is requesting public comment for 45 days from the publication of the proposed rule.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that, in working with its lenders under its Senior Secured Credit Agreement, it has entered into an amendment under which, among other changes, the lenders have agreed to relax the financial covenants through 2022. In addition, the Amendment provides additional liquidity to the Company by reducing the minimum availability the Company is required to maintain under its revolving credit facility. The Amendment added a 1 percent LIBOR floor and lenders were paid a customary fee as consideration for their consent to the Amendment. “In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was prudent to obtain additional financial flexibility to ensure continued compliance with our covenants,” said Paul G. Boynton, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe we now have the runway to manage the business through these challenging conditions, enabling us to continue to service our customers and emerge a stronger and more profitable organization.”

Since the beginning of June 2020, Dr. Kurt Maier (CEO of Heinzel Group) has been the new President of Austropapier, the Association of the Austrian Paper Industry. He succeeds Christian Skilich, who has represented the Austrian paper industry both nationally and internationally since 2018. With Kurt Maier, CEO of the Heinzel Group, a further high-profile board member and industry expert is now taking the lead in representing the interests of the paper industry. Born in Graz in 1961, he received his doctorate from Graz University of Technology in 1991. From 2005 to 2016 he was board member of Zellstoff Pöls AG, first as Chief Financial Officer, later as Chairman of the Board. He then moved to the Heinzel Group headquarter in Vienna, where he has been CEO since 2016.

The Koehler Paper Group has joined the 4evergreen alliance, thereby underlining its efforts to ensure sustainability and protect the environment. This forum was created by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) with the aim of increasing the role played by fiber-based packaging in achieving a sustainable circular economy, while at the same time also minimizing the impact of packaging on our climate and environment. 4evergreen brings together the entire value chain and unites it behind a common goal: To increase the role of the bio-based economy within the packaging industry. The alliance is made up of paper manufacturers, food and drink brands like Nestlé and Danone, and companies within the packaging industry (including market leaders Tetra Pak and AR Packaging), but it also includes brands, retailers, and suppliers within the technological and material sectors, right up to those working in sorting and recycling.

After nearly two years of planning and construction, Windsor Mill’s newly reconfigured woodroom is now one of the largest and most modern in North America. The woodroom upgrade allows the mill to increase productivity while reducing fiber loss between the forest and the mill. The woodroom is where logs are debarked and processed into wood chips to feed the mill. The woodroom upgrade involved replacing two existing log-processing lines with one modern, state-of-the-art line. While the previous system could process only 8-foot-long logs, the new single-line system boasts more capacity and can handle logs that are 4 to 26 feet long. Windsor Mill Manager Sylvain Bricault says the debarking process improvement will reduce fiber loss by 4 percent each year, allowing the mill to get more usable fiber from the same amount of wood.

Evergreen Packaging® announced the release of TruSpec® Inkjet Book with ColorPRO Technology, a new digital coated matte paper developed in conjunction with HP. Evergreen is the only North American coated paper producer utilizing cutting edge HP ColorPRO technology. TruSpec Inkjet Book is certified for all HP inkjet presses and in head-to-head product comparisons has proven to provide vastly improved press speed, superior ink densities and color gamut, with stellar lay-flat properties. TruSpec is raising the bar for Inkjet substrate performance. Printer segments from Book Publishing, Direct Mail, and Commercial Print to Packaging, can be more efficient, saving time and money without the traditional speed-to-quality trade-off. “TruSpec Inkjet Book is the first new product in Evergreen’s Pine Bluff digital paper focus and continues our 30 year history as a leading producer of coated publishing and commercial grades,” said Ken Russell, Vice President Paper and Specialty at Evergreen. “This new product is a great fit with our manufacturing process and capabilities. Coupling this product innovation, with our proven service platform, is enabling Evergreen to provide incredibly flexible service, with one stop shopping for paper basis weights ranging from 45 lb. – 60 lb., and roll widths from 18” – 50+”. Collaborating with HP on ColorPRO Technology provides commercial printers and publishers with an opportunity to expand and enhance their business via a paper that prints faster, uses less ink, and comes from a mill with a dependable service platform.”

Verso Corporation announced that Terrence M. Dyer has been appointed Verso's Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Communications, effective June 1, 2020. "I am pleased to have Terry join Verso and our senior leadership team with responsibility for leading our human resources and communications initiatives that support our strategic business plans," said President and Chief Executive Officer Adam St. John. "Terry brings more than 20 years of human resources experience to Verso and has a solid reputation for companywide talent strategies that support current and future business performance, employee engagement and retention."

UPM Plywood is planning to permanently close its Jyväskylä plywood mill, which is producing spruce and birch plywood. The company starts a consultation process concerning the entire personnel working at the mill. UPM Jyväskylä plywood mill employs 167 people. The Profitability of Jyväskylä plywood mill has been weak for a long time, even during periods of high-demand. Despite investments as well as savings and improvement activities, the profitability has not improved to a sustainable level.

Effective June 1, 2020, Solenis LLC closed on its previously announced acquisition of the paper business of ChemSystems, a division of AECI Ltd. Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, ChemSystems is a leading producer and supplier of specialized chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, paper and tissue manufacturing industries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The business will be integrated into Solenis as part of its direct-to-market strategy.

Canfor Corporation, further to its announcement on November 9, 2018, completed the purchase of Elliott Sawmilling Company Inc. on May 31, 2020. Elliott adds over 210 million board feet of production capacity.

Mercer International Inc. reports that its Celgar mill, in addition to regularly planned maintenance downtime of five days, will be taking approximately 30 days of additional downtime (aggregate 52,000 ADMTs) in July 2020. The additional downtime largely results from reduced fiber availability in the mill’s procurement area as a result of Covid related sawmill curtailments in British Columbia, the imposition of sawlog equivalent stumpage charges on pulpwood and complex stumpage rules which result in a significant amount of pulp wood already harvested being left to burn in the forest.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced the election of Resolute Forest Products President and CEO Yves Laflamme and Sonoco Products Company President and CEO Robert Tiede to serve on its Board of Directors. The election took place during the June 28 summer board meeting. AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement, “Yves Laflamme and Robert Tiede bring deep industry experience and valuable leadership to the table as we work to advance the paper and wood products industry’s top advocacy priorities. We are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation – eager to innovate and invest in the future with the help of common sense public policy, including regulatory reform, free and fair trade and efficient transportation measures. Together, we will put our companies’ compelling story and its needs before the administration, Congress and decision makers at the federal and state levels so they can take the action necessary to help us grow the economy and create American manufacturing jobs.” Click Read More below for additional information.

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

The company’s acquisition has been finalized. Feldmuehle Uetersen announced that it will be transferred to a subsidiary of the Berlin-based Beteiligungsgesellschaft Kairos Industries with effect from 15 June 2018 and will be continued in full. ‘Feldmuehle’ was founded specially for the transfer. The insolvency administrator and restructuring expert Dr. Tjark Thies from the Hamburg law firm Reimer Rechtsanwälte had concluded an acquisition agreement with Kairos in May 2018. This agreement was under several challenging conditions, which were met the week ended June 15. "The successful completion of this refurbishment is largely thanks to the dedication, flexibility and responsiveness of the Feldmuehle employees," says Thies.

Stora Enso has started a feasibility study and an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a possible investment in Oulu. The feasibility study and the EIA evaluate a potential conversion of the Oulu paper mill into packaging board production. The feasibility study is expected to be concluded by the end of 2018, and the EIA process is expected to take a minimum of 6 months. Currently, Oulu Mill has a production capacity of 360 000 tons of chemical softwood pulp and 1 080 000 tons of woodfree coated papers on two paper machines. The potential investment would include a new chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) plant, a brown-based cartonboard line with a capacity of 450 000 t/a and a kraftliner line with a capacity of 400 000 t/a. The potential conversion of Oulu Mill would enable Stora Enso to further improve its position in the growing consumer board and packaging solutions businesses and take a major step in its transformation. The other option is to continue the current fine paper production. Click Read More below for additional information.

Lecta extends its portfolio of Metalvac products with the new Metalvac G paper, an extensive range of high substance papers (from 105 g/m2 to 170g/m2), especially designed for high-end graphic applications and premium packaging. Metallized papers are the perfect choice for these end uses where sophistication and exclusivity are the goal, thanks to their glossy metallic appearance, their optimum brightness and their being 100% recyclable mono-material. The new Metalvac G range offers the possibility of creating exclusive packaging, especially for premium look envelopes and gift bags with Metalvac G 105 g/m2, and for board lamination for rigid boxes and prestige packaging with Metalvac G 115 - 170 g/m2. Metalvac G also guarantees the best results in offset, UV offset, flexography and silkscreen printing, and is suitable for hot-melt and water-based glues. Click Read More below for additional information.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Borregaard ASA announced LignoTech Florida, owned 45 percent by RYAM and 55 percent by BRG, officially begun operations at the new lignin plant in Fernandina Beach. The plant has production capacity of 100,000 dry metric tons of lignin with the option of a second phase that can later expand production by an additional 50,000 dry metric tons “We are excited to complete construction phase of the plant, on time and within $110 million combined budget,” said Paul G. Boynton, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rayonier Advanced Materials. “This investment provides new jobs for the Fernandina Beach community, diverse and environmentally-friendly products for Rayonier Advanced Materials, and a solid return on capital for our investors.” Lignin, a natural component of wood, is a co-product of Rayonier Advanced Material’s sulphite cellulose manufacturing process in Fernandina Beach. The new operation will process the lignin into value-added products that provide environmentally-friendly alternatives to fossil fuel-based products used globally in construction, agriculture and other industrial applications.

For 170 years, Domtar has manufactured useful products for thousands of applications. For the past 20 years, pulp and paper have been at the center of our business. Domtar’s Paper division is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America. We are the private brand expert and leading producer of many of the most successful brands of copy paper and we produce and market a number of highly respected, well-known commercial printing, publishing, digital and inkjet paper brands. Our network of mills and converting sites give us 3 million tons of papermaking capacity annually to help us to serve our customers, support our employees and strengthen our communities. That’s how our paper makes life better every day. Domtar is a global manufacturer with a history spanning more than 150 years. Click Read More below for additional information.

Zanders GmbH has filed for the opening of ‘debtor in possession’ proceedings in the local court in Cologne on the 22 June 2018. This is a restructuring process to secure the continued operation of Zanders. It has become necessary primarily because of high pension fund payments, which continuously weigh on our operations, and a drastic increase in raw material and energy costs in the last few months, together with difficult conditions and overcapacity in our industry. By engaging in this process we can accomplish a successful restructuring that will see Zanders GmbH back in a strong, competitive trading position. In the past three years we have made many operational improvements which have delivered annual sales growth of 12%. Under the supervision of the court we believe we can build on this growth, increase our efficiency and create a solid base to continue to deliver to our customers. Click Read More below for additional information.

Total European shipments of graphic papers were down 0.3% in April '18 vs. April '17 and are down 3.5% year-to-date. Total European shipments of newsprint were down 7.0% in April '18 vs. April '17 and are down 7.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of sc-magazine were down 1.2% in April '18 vs. April '17 and are down 8.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated mechanical reels were UP 6.8% in April '18 vs. April '17 and are UP 2.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated mechanical (improved & others) were UP 7.3% in April '18 vs. April '17 and are UP 7.1% year-to-date. Total European shipments of coated woodfree were down 2.9% in April '18 vs. April '17 and are down 5.8% year-to-date. Total European shipments of uncoated woodfree were UP 1.3% in April '18 vs. April '17 and are down 3.0% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional information.

Production at the expanded Östrand pulp mill began according to plan during the midsummer holiday (i.e. this weekend). SCA is investing SEK 7.8bn in the operation and the project is on budget and schedule. SCA decided in 2015 to invest in an increased production capacity at the Östrand pulp mill – from 430,000 tonnes to about 900,000 tonnes of bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBSK). Following an extended maintenance stop, which began in April of this year, the expanded pulp mill is now in operation. Production capacity in the expanded pulp mill is expected to increase successively during 2018 and 2019. 2020 is therefore expected to be the first year with full production, corresponding to 900,000 tonnes. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. announces the launch of Keaykolour by Arjowiggins Creative Papers. Long established outside the U.S., Keaykolour has just undergone an extensive product update resulting in a range of 43, fresh colors. And Mohawk will be the exclusive North American distributor for this incredibly beautiful line of uncoated fine paper. The new Keaykolour portfolio offered by Mohawk is made up of 43 fresh colors, in 2 weights (80 text and 111 cover), sized at 27.5x39.3 inches, in a natural vellum finish. The entire product line is stocked in Mohawk’s U.S. warehouses for quick turn delivery through Mohawk merchants across North America and is available for immediate ordering. “Using colored paper has never been so easy and accessible,” says Chris Harrold VP, Creative Director for Mohawk. “Simply choose from 43 colors in text or cover weight and we will have it to your doorstep in just a few days.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Boise Paper has offered a 99.99% Jam-Free Guarantee® on their Boise POLARIS® Premium Multipurpose paper since 2009 and on X-9® Multi-use Copy and ASPEN® 30 Multi-use Recycled Copy papers since 2013. They have recently expanded this guarantee to cover ASPEN 50 and 100 Multi-use Recycled Copy papers, as well as the Inkjet, Laser, and Color Copy papers in their Boise POLARIS Premium line. “We know how important the jam-free guarantee is to customers with large volume, high-speed printers,” says Mary Ignas, senior director of marketing. “They need to maximize efficiency with as little downtime as possible. That’s why we’ve partnered with BLI for the last ten years to validate the guarantee on our highest volume products.” Click Read More below for additional information.

Millions of fans of Chip and Joanna Gaines, of Magnolia Homes and HGTV’s Fixer Upper fame, are getting a taste of quality from Domtar’s Rothschild Mill this year. That’s because Joanna Gaines’ new cookbook, “Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering,” was printed on 80-lb. Lynx® paper made at Rothschild Mill. The book, published by HarperCollins, includes personal stories and homestyle recipes of family favorites and classic comfort food from the couple’s new restaurant in Waco, Texas. It has received glowing reviews from lovers of all the Magnolia Homes brand and was a New York Times No. 1 bestseller. Our Rothschild Mill colleagues also received high marks from the publisher; Domtar has worked with HarperCollins for more than 20 years. It’s rewarding to know that our customers and partners value our high-quality Lynx paper and excellent customer service. Click Read More below for additional information.

RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry, today announced that Steve Voorhees, Chief Executive Officer of WestRock, a leading provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions, has been named the 2018 North American CEO of the Year. The award will be presented to Steve Voorhees at the North American Conference on October 11, 2018 in San Francisco, California at the Parc 55 Hotel. Click Read More below for additional information.

European institutions have come to an initial agreement on the revised Renewable Energy Directive. UPM Biofuels welcomes the agreement as it creates an obligatory advanced biofuel blending mandate in all EU Member States starting at 0.2% in 2022, double counted, and rising to 3.5% in 2030. "The UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery, the world's first to produce wood-based renewable diesel on a commercial scale, has proven the potential as a significant producer of truly sustainable advanced biofuels. UPM BioVerno, which reduces GHG emissions up to 80% compared with fossil fuels, has found a solid market place. The agreement will further boost interest in the most sustainable biofuels and strengthens the position of advanced low-ILUC fuels, such as UPM BioVerno, that have minimal risk of causing indirect emissions or land use change," says Sari Mannonen, Vice President, UPM Biofuels. Click Read More below for additional information.

The proposed transaction includes Georgia-Pacific’s operations located in Steinfurt, Germany, along with sales offices located in France and Italy. The Steinfurt facility produces high-quality airlaid products for the table-top, wipes, hygiene, food pad, and other nonwoven materials markets, competing in the marketplace with nonwoven technologies and substrates, as well as other materials focused primarily on consumer based end-use applications. The Steinfurt facility is a state-of-the-art, 32,000-metric-ton-capacity manufacturing facility that employs approximately 220 people. In 2017, the Business generated net sales of $99 million and EBITDA of $18 million. The Company expects to realize synergies in excess of approximately $6 million per year within three years, and expects to incur one-time costs of approximately $7 million for transaction fees and integration. Click Read More below for additional information.

Please be advised we plan to increase the price of our cut-size papers by $2.50 CWT effective July 20, 2018. This increase applies to all uncoated freesheet brands of NORPAC copy paper as well as Natural Choice and Natural Choice 30. Please also note we will be increasing the standard upcharge for Orca 30 and Natural Choice 30 to $5.00 CWT. All other terms and conditions remain in effect.

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased five percent in May compared to May 2017. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased three percent from April. Imports of printing-writing papers in April increased four percent compared to April 2017 imports, while exports declined one percent compared to April 2018. •Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments in May 2018 edged down slightly year-over-year. Imports of UFS decreased less than one-half of one percent year-over-year in April. Exports of UFS papers increased 13 percent in April compared to April 2017. •Purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers increased year-over-year in May 2018 for the second time this year. Imports of CM increased 24 percent year-over-year in April. Exports of CM increased two percent year-over-year in April. •Shipments of coated free sheet (CFS) paper and uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in May both declined year-over-year. Imports of UM papers increased seven percent compared to April 2017, while imports of CFS papers decreased 12 percent compared to last April.

Lecta announces a price increase of 5% on all its CWF 1 side grades and self-adhesive materials.​​​ The price increase is a consequence of the continuous increase in manufacturing costs. The new prices will be effective on deliveries from July 2nd, 2018.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö continues to grow its attractive Filtration business as customer demand increases globally. In the Filtration and Performance business area, the company will invest about EUR 28 million to expand manufacturing capacity as well as product capabilities. The project will start in 2018 and is expected to be completed during the first half of 2020. Fulvio Capussotti, Executive Vice President of Business Area Filtration and Performance, states: “This investment will enable us to create additional capacity in Turin, Italy, and will allow us to support growing demand for high-end filtration materials. Turin is already Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s largest plant globally and this investment will further consolidate our position as one of the leading global platforms for high-performance filtration material development and production. This investment also includes rebuilding and modification of our existing plants in Malmedy, Belgium and in Ställdalen, Sweden. Click Read More below for additional information.

A new four-year tentative agreement has been reached between Catalyst Paper and Unifor, representing approximately 750 workers in British Columbia. "This agreement achieves the pattern bargaining goals that Unifor set for the western pulp sector, which is helping to raise standards across the board," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "I congratulate the bargaining committee on obtaining a fair deal in these very challenging times for the Canadian pulp and paper industry." Click Read More below for additional information.

Continuing to be at the forefront of sustainable product offerings, Expera Specialty Solutions announced its launch of a broad line of SOAR Sustainable Food Packaging and Processing Papers. These papers have the ability to achieve multiple sustainability goals in a single product. New to Expera's SOAR product portfolio is Wax Alternative papers. "Our Wax Alternative papers are manufactured without the addition of paraffin or other petroleum-based materials, creating a more sustainable alternative to the traditionally used quick service restaurant packaging," explained Robyn Buss, Vice President Sales & Marketing for Expera Specialty Solutions. "These products maintain a high-level of performance and are stronger on a pound-for-pound basis, allowing for improved yield and decreased transportation costs." Click Read More below for additional information.

Independent German paper mill Feldmuehle Uetersen has confirmed that it has been acquired, with more than 95% of jobs saved. Following reports last month that the business, which filed for insolvency in January, had been acquired by a holding company, the buyer’s identity has now been unveiled as a subsidiary of Berlin-based private equity company Beteiligungsgesellschaft Kairos Industries. “The successful completion of this refurbishment is largely thanks to the dedication, flexibility and responsiveness of the Feldmuehle employees," said Thies. Click Read More below for additional information.

Please be advised that, effective with shipments July 15, 2018, the US transaction price for the following grades from Catalyst Paper will be increasing for new and existing orders - Electrabrite; Electrabrite Book; Electrastar. This increase applies to all basis weights, finishes and brightness.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Kruger’s Trois-Rivières Mill, located in Québec, Canada, for a major reconfiguration of their TMP (thermo-mechanical pulp) peroxide bleach plant. Start-up is scheduled for the final quarter of 2018. The scope of supply includes: Delivery of new ANDRITZ components: HC mixer, HC bleach tower discharge system, two MC pumps; One reconditioned pulp screw press; Upgrade of two existing twin wire presses to achieve a higher production rate; Modification of one existing ANDRITZ twin wire press to move the drive to the other side; Basic engineering, erection supervision, as well as commissioning and start-up assistance are also part of the ANDRITZ scope. Click Read More below for additional information.

Iggesund Paperboard, a subsidiary within the Holmen group, is currently implementing efficiency measures to secure an efficient business and safeguard the long-term profitability of Iggesund Mill. The redundancies are part of an efficiency package aimed at improving production capacity and reducing costs. Local negotiations with the affected employee organisations will now begin with a view to completing the cutback in personnel before the end of the year. Click Read More below for additional information.

Appvion announced completion of the sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets to a group of its lenders led by Franklin Advisers, Inc. The transaction will significantly reduce Appvion’s debt, provide additional liquidity, and better position the Company to compete long-term in the evolving specialty paper market and further invest in the innovation that has made it a market leader. As previously announced, the sale was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware on May 14, 2018. The total consideration was approximately $365 million, plus the assumption of substantial liabilities, including many of the Company’s contractual obligations. Prior to the closing of the transaction, the Company reached agreement with the United Steelworkers Union on new collective bargaining agreements for Appvion’s manufacturing facilities in Appleton, Wisconsin, West Carrollton, Ohio, and Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania. The new three-year agreements, which were ratified at the end of May, cover approximately 830 Appvion employees. Click Read More below for additional information.

In keeping with its commitment to the environment and increased energy efficiency, Lecta has announced an innovative renewable energy project to harness solar radiation for thermal power to be used in manufacturing processes at its Condat Le Lardin-Saint-Lazare mill. With the help of an expert specialized in the installation of thermal power plants for the paper industry, starting this fall Lecta will have a thermal solar power plant at the mill with a capacity of 3.4 MWth. Its total surface area will be 1.4 hectares, with 45,434 square feet of solar panels deployed on the surrounding land and an ability to provide around 3,900 MW/year of energy. Panels with solar trackers, mechanical devices that orient the collectors, will follow the position of the sun during the day and convert the sun's rays into thermal energy that will be sent to the mill as hot water. Click Read More below for additional information.

Kruger Products L.P. Away-From-Home division (AFH) announced the launch of Titan® Bold, a striking new line up of roll towel and bathroom tissue dispensers to its Ultimate Washroom® Collection. "With an ultra-modern, sleek design and a gleaming black finish, Titan® Bold pushes dispenser design and technology, making this an exciting achievement for Kruger Products," said Sandra Garcia, marketing manager, Kruger Products L.P., AFH. "These stunning new offerings took two years to bring to life and required intensive collaboration with engineering, welding and design teams at Dispensing Dynamics, a Hunter company, to transform our innovative designs into reality." Click Read More below for additional information.

The mill, which began operating in 1928, quickly established itself as a leading supplier of kraftliner in France and then extended its reach throughout Europe. The Cellulose du Pin mill produces kraftliner from local maritime pine and recycled fibres and has a strategic location in the heart of the Aquitaine Forest beside a major transport route connecting Madrid, Bordeaux and Paris. The plant produces 500,000 tonnes of kraft annually. Click Read More below for additional information.

Brazilian pulpmaker Suzano Papel e Celulose SA lost about 80,000 tonnes of pulp production and 25,000 tonnes of paper production during a late-May truckers’ strike, the company said in a securities filing on Thursday. For an 11-day period in late May, truckers protesting high fuel prices blocked highways across Brazil, seriously affecting industries ranging from retail to agribusiness to aviation. (Reporting by Gram Slattery)

International Paper Company confirmed that the company will not make an offer for Smurfit Kappa Group plc, given the lack of engagement by Smurfit Kappa's Board of Directors and Management. In February 2018, International Paper provided representatives of Smurfit Kappa's Board of Directors with a proposal to acquire the company. Following discussions with shareholders of both companies, IP put forward a revised proposal on March 26, 2018. IP believes the revised proposal was highly attractive and formed a sound basis for engagement, which the company viewed as essential to determining the full value potential of the combination. Click Read More below for additional information.

With the rebuild of PM2, the UPM group will increase the capacity of release paper production by an additional 110,000 t/a. Start-up after the rebuild is scheduled for the final quarter of 2019. The complex rebuild with demanding technological requirements, not only for the equipment but also for the process and product quality, was prepared in close cooperation between UPM and ANDRITZ. Apart from the rebuild of PM2, the ANDRITZ scope of supply also includes modification of the stock preparation system, approach flow and broke system. All sections of the paper machine will be modified. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mercer International Inc. announced that it has determined to proceed with a Phase II expansion and optimization project at its Friesau sawmill. The project is designed to, among other things: * increase annual lumber production capacity at the Friesau Facility by approximately 200 million board feet to an aggregate of approximately 750 million board feet on a continuous operating basis, through the addition of two new sorting lines and the completion of expansions to existing sorting lines; * improve production grade capabilities by modifying primary breakdown lines to allow for expanded sorting capabilities, including the processing of shorter and more variable log grades; and * improve efficiencies at the Friesau Facility, including by increasing production speeds and lowering personnel costs. Click Read More below for additional information.

Twin Rivers Paper Company LLC announced that it completed the acquisition of the paper mill located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Twin Rivers, headquartered in Madawaska, Maine, produces specialty packaging, label, publishing, and technical specialty papers as well as dimensional lumber. It is owned jointly by Atlas Holdings LLC and Blue Wolf Capital. The mill acquired under this agreement produces Multiwall, Converting and Bag grade unbleached kraft papers serving a variety of food, agricultural, and industrial applications. With basis weights between 40# and 78#, the mill has a capacity in excess of 140,000 US short tons. This acquisition marks Twin Rivers’ second investment in packaging and technical markets in recent years, following the purchase of the paper manufacturing assets of the Burrows Corporation in 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.

In an effort to manage our extensive paper manufacturing system in the most efficient and responsive way, Verso is discontinuing production of our Focus® grade as of July 31, 2018. Our current Focus® inventory will be available for sale until it is extinguished. Our Influence® offering will continue to be Verso’s flagship brand for the No. 3 coated freesheet web market. The elimination of the Focus® grade allows for expanded production of Influence® Gloss, Soft-Gloss®, Matte, and Gravure. With this streamlined grade structure, Verso’s inventory replenishment of Influence® will also be enhanced. Click Read More below for additional information.

The global printing and writing paper markets continue to evolve at a faster pace than seen in some time. We have seen many recent challenges facing our industry such as significant global capacity closures and conversions away from paper, global wood and pulp shortages, chronic and ongoing North American logistics issues and rising inputs costs to name a few. To keep pace with these new realities please be advised that Irving Paper will increase its prices of Irving SCA, Irving SCB, Irving Radiance (SCA+) and Irving Opulence (SCA++) $40 USD/Short Ton (all Basis weights) effective with new and existing orders shipping on and after July 1, 2018 in the US Market and $50 CDN / Short Ton in Canada. This increase is in addition to the previous March and May increases.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after July 1, 2018, Resolute’s White Paper grades noted below will increase by US$30/short ton. Products impacted by this price increase are limited to the following: ResoluteSelect 70, 65; ResoluteBook 70, 65,60 & ResoluteBook 70 Cream. The increase will be applicable to all basis weights and finishes, and all upcharges apply.

Stora Enso’s investment of EUR 12 million in a biocomposite plant is part of the company’s ongoing process of becoming a renewable materials company. It shows that Stora Enso is a leader in the bioeconomy, with the ability to provide innovative, more sustainable alternatives to plastic. The company’s biocomposites, DuraSense™ by Stora Enso, make it possible to reduce the consumption of plastic by up to 60% and replace it with renewable wood fibre. Uses for biocomposites include everything from consumer goods to industrial applications, such as furniture, hand tools, automotive parts, toys and kitchen utensils. The combination of natural wood fibre, polymers and additives offer the mouldability of plastic with the sustainability and workability of wood. Click Read More below for additional information.

Huhtamaki has acquired the majority of Cup Print Unlimited Company, a privately-owned paper cup manufacturer based in the Republic of Ireland. With the acquisition Huhtamaki improves its access to the growing market of short run custom-printed cups and boosts its on-line commercial activity. The short run capability also allows Huhtamaki to even better support its current customers' promotional activities. CupPrint is specialized in short run custom printed cups with quick delivery time. It has an on-line service model which allows efficient design and delivery of small volumes. CupPrint's annual net sales are approximately EUR 14 million and it employs altogether approximately 110 people in its manufacturing unit in Ireland and sales office in Germany. Click Read More below for additional information.

Bain Capital Private Equity, a leading global private equity firm, through Fedrigoni Holding Ltd, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Gruppo Cordenons, a leading international manufacturer of high end specialty papers for luxury packaging and premium publishing applications. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network. Gruppo Cordenons will be acquired and managed as an independent company. However, over time, Fedrigoni Group shareholders see a significant opportunity to share best practices, increase operations know-how and improve service and innovation by strengthening its range of high value-added special papers and key relationships with customers, supplemented by a brand that is widely recognized on international markets, where Gruppo Cordenons generates almost 70% of its turnover. Click Read More below for additional information.

Please be advised, effective with shipments July 1, 2018 the US transaction price for 45 gsm Marathon Newsprint from Catalyst Paper will be increasing by $22.00/Metric Tonne for new and existing orders. 43 gsm and 40 gsm Marathon Lite newsprint will be increasing according to past practice. Please be advised, effective with shipments July 1, 2018, the US transaction price for 20.9# (34gsm) directory business with Catalyst Paper will be increasing by $30.00 / short ton for new and existing orders. Other basis weights will be increased according to past practice.

Since 2014, a unique Domtar internship program has helped immigrants find work and make connections in Aneby, Sweden. The program also helps people who are reentering the workforce after a long gap. For people like Moustafa Alahmad, this 10-week internship program is a lifeline. Alahmad is an ambitious, intelligent young man who studied finance at university. He speaks Kurdish, Arabic, Ukrainian and Russian. Forced to escape the civil war in his home country of Syria, Alahmad fled to Sweden, a nation known for its culture of inclusion and equality. Since he arrived, he has been able to earn enough money to get by, but it’s been difficult to find a steady job. Click Read More below for additional information.

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (“the Company”) has announced that, at a meeting of the Board of Directors held today, the Company resolved to reorganize the production structure for its paper business. Hokkaido Mill (Yufutsu) is to shut down all paper production machines and related equipment for the production of paper (253,000 MTPY). Fuji Mill (Fuji) is to shut down all paper production machines and related equipment for the production of paper (135,000 MTPY). Kushiro Mill is to shut down its No. 8 paper production machine due to a decline in newsprint demand (143,000 MTPY). Click Read More below for additional information.