Rayonier Advanced Materials and Tembec Announce Approval from Superior Court of Québec in Connection with Transaction

Despite the extremely strong order books the mechanical coated paper profit margins continue to be depressed due to continuing cost creep. Sappi addresses the cost inflation by increasing its LWC and MWC paper grades prices by 4% effective on deliveries from April 1st 2018 for all markets as validities allow. In order to reach sustainable profitability levels subsequent inflationary increases are expected during the year. Sappi’s sales representatives will be in touch with their customers to agree on the specifics over the following weeks.

Demand for imported softwood lumber to the US has fallen by six percent during the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. In contrast, Chinese import volumes have been up 21% year-over-year. Demand for imported softwood lumber to the US has fallen by six percent during the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. In contrast, Chinese import volumes have been up 21% year-over-year. The lumber trade in Europe has also picked up in 2017 with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Spain having increased imports the most so far in 2017. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa, also known as the MENA countries, have sharply reduced consumption of lumber this year, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). In the first eight months of 2017, Egypt and Algeria (the two biggest lumber consumers in the region) have decreased their imports by 24% and 39% respectively as compared to the first eight months of 2016. 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.