Pixelle Renames Industry-Leading Book Paper Brand

UPM Raflatac has completed the acquisition of AMC AG (Advanced Methods of Coating). The acquisition announced in May 2022 was closed on 15 September 2022 after regulatory clearances. AMC AG employs more than 300 people and has two production sites in Northern Germany, in Kaltenkirchen and in Hagenow. UPM Raflatac expects to realize significant synergies through the acquisition. By joining forces with AMC AG UPM Raflatac will accelerate its growth and expand its product portfolio. New product areas include Viscom/Graphics materials which are currently sold under the Intercoat brand, and removable self-adhesive stationary products under the brand names Global Notes and Print Inform. Furthermore, the transaction will strengthen UPM Raflatac’s position in Central Europe.

Paper Excellence is pleased to welcome Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo – North Cowichan and Parliamentary Secretary for Forests to its Catalyst Crofton mill today to see how the recently awarded $5.85 million of CleanBC funding will impact the operation. Catalyst Crofton’s GHG emission reduction project is a combination of three process improvements that will result in a significant reduction in total steam energy demand, resulting in decreased natural gas usage at the mill. The three areas of focus for this project are: 1. Re-engineering an unused diffusion washer with state-of-the-art diffusion washing technology to maximize the black liquor fuel quality while using less steam energy. 2. Investing in fibre filter equipment to remove valuable wood fibre from the black liquor fuel and increase the efficiency of the evaporation process. 3. Automate the cleaning process of Evaporator #3 to improve steam efficiency through reduced evaporator downtime.

Members of Unifor Local 10-B voted 80 per cent in favour of a new four-year contract that helps secure the future of the pulp mill with significant investments over the next two years. "Our new collective agreement is good for workers and good for the community," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "We're proud to work with Domtar to ensure a future for this mill and hundreds of good jobs that Kamloops can rely on." The new collective agreement commits the parties to finding solutions on retiree health benefits, it also works on retention and training of trade workers, and streamlines administration while improving benefits. Unifor says that these gains will be important for the next generation of mill workers as a wave of retirements creates openings. "The collaborative working relationship we have with the union is something that I'm very proud of" stated Jean-Claude Allaire, General Manager of the Domtar Kamloops Mill. "It's our commitment to finding innovative solutions that resulted in a meaningful agreement for both parties". The framework of the new contract is built on Unifor's Western Canada pulp and paper pattern agreement. Click Read More below for additional detail.