Feldmuehle switches fuel, Cepi warns on gas crisis (printweek.com)

International technology group ANDRITZ has installed a new spunlace pilot line at its center of competence in Montbonnot, France. It allows customers and partners to conduct trials for producing nonwovens from recycled and/or natural fibers such as hemp, flax, and cotton. The new pilot line features optimized web forming and entanglement for smooth processing of sensitive and irregular fibers. The innovative card set-up is designed to protect and maintain the quality of the fibers while achieving outstanding productivity rates.

The Company reported operating income of $4.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, an improvement of $33.2 million from the reported operating loss of $28.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, reflecting improving global pulp market conditions, combined with a 25% increase in pulp production quarter-over-quarter. During the first quarter of 2021, global pulp markets experienced a surge in US-dollar list prices in response to an uptick in demand, particularly from China, combined with ongoing global logistic constraints and supported by strong price increases on the Shanghai Futures Exchange. As a result, Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) pulp list prices on orders from China saw sharp increases throughout the period, reaching a high of US$973 per tonne in March to average US$883 per tonne for the current quarter, up US$246 per tonne, or 39%, from the previous quarter. Prices to North America also saw sharp increases, although not at the same levels as those in China, up US$164 per tonne, or 14%, quarter-over-quarter to US$1,302 per tonne (before discounts). Reflecting the lag between orders and shipments, the significant majority of these price gains will be realized in the second quarter. NBSK pulp unit sales realizations reflected improved prices on shipments in the current period, which more than offset a 2 cent, or 3%, stronger Canadian dollar. Average Bleached Chemi-Thermo Mechanical Pulp (“BCTMP”) unit sales realizations were broadly in line with the previous quarter as more modest upward positive trends in BCTMP US-dollar pricing were largely offset by the stronger Canadian dollar.

Catalyst Paper today announced the appointment of Sean Krajnik as Vice President & General Manager of the Biron mill, effective January 2, 2018. Mr. Krajnik brings extensive experience in the pulp and paper industry to his new role. He has spent more than 20 years in the coated specialty papers segment working in progressively senior roles, including product development, quality management, technical services, and production and mill management. Most recently, Mr. Krajnik was the mill manager of a major Las Vegas-based tissue, paper and converting facility. Click Read More below for additional information.