L.L.Bean CEO to depart next spring

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its Q1 2024 Containerboard Quarterly report. According to the report, total containerboard production in Q1 increased 7% compared to Q1 2023. U.S. operating rates for all major grades of conatainerboard in Q1 2024, except Semichemical Medium, increased compared to Q4 2023 while total production was down 0.7% (Q1 had 1 less day than Q4). Unbleached Kraft Liner production for export surged more than 41% over its year-ago levels. The Q1 2024 export total was higher than any quarter in 2023. Despite the significant increase in exports, domestic new supply was up 3.7% from Q1 2023 due to the increase in domestic production, as well as a 12.6% increase in imports of containerboard. New supply declined slightly from Q4. Mill inventories ended the quarter at 429,400 short tons, lower than at the end of 2023, but higher than any other month last year.

This Earth Day, we’re proud to launch Domtar Connects — a companywide framework that brings together contributions and employee-led community service to strengthen the places where we live and work. Inspired by the legacy of the EarthChoice Ambassador (ECA) Program and countless employee-led grassroots initiatives, Domtar Connects is designed to engage employees, align with our corporate values and maximize our impact. The program complements owner Jackson Wijaya’s commitment to philanthropy. Domtar Connects focuses on causes that reflect both who we are and what we make. Guided by our Community Investment Policy and grounded in our vision, mission and values, our contributions center around three key areas. *Education and Literacy: Domtar produces paper for books and learning materials, helping to foster education and literacy. *Humanitarian Needs: Our products support essential services and rebuilding efforts in times of crisis or natural disasters. *Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: Our business is rooted in forest products, and we prioritize sustainability in our operations and in the communities we serve.

Key highlights of the 2022 CSR Report include: *EcoVadis Gold Rating: Monadnock received EcoVadis gold rating, placing it in the top eight percent of the 90,000+ companies ranked by EcoV Since earning a silver rating in the 2015 assessment, the company has achieved a 30% improvement in performance level. *Sustainable Resource Management: In 2022, Monadnock enabled its customers to avoid the consumption of 42,400,000 pounds of wood. The company also saw a 58% increase in post-consumer waste (PCW) usage since 2021. *Waste Reduction: Trash to landfill was reduced by 11% over 2021 with an excellent diversion rate of 98.6%. For context, a Zero Waste company is often defined by a minimum 90% diversion rate. *Innovative Collaborations: Monadnock collaborated with a global brand to pioneer a paper-based, 100% post-consumer waste recycled bag closure.