Keeping a Pulse on Pulp and Paper: August’s Headlines and Highlights

In collaboration with MarketIntel News, FisherSolve delivers an expansive news service dedicated to the pulp and paper industry. Subscribers are sent daily email updates containing the latest information on capital projects, mergers and acquisitions, business closures and launches, financial updates, technological advancements, market shifts, and beyond.

Below is a compilation of prominent industry headlines recently featured in FisherSolve News.

Billerud Introduces Its Portfolio of Coated Liners to the US Market

As part of the company’s expansion into the North American market, Billerud, a world-leading manufacturer of superior paper and packaging materials, is introducing its portfolio of coated liners to the US market. This introduction will enable great improvements in sustainability and cost performance for both packaging converters and brand owners.

"Strong liners with excellent printability don’t need to be thick and heavy. With 100% virgin fibers and a multi-layer construction, Billerud´s coated liners are so strong that packaging converters can use a lighter base weight which means better packaging performance and runnability at lower costs. This improves their resource efficiency and reduces their carbon footprint throughout the value chain,” said Rolf Gustafsson, Senior Director Product Management Containerboard at Billerud. Read the full article on Cision.com.

Sappi Europe Decides to Maintain Stable Prices for Woodfree Coated Paper Grades for Rest of 2023

To combat supply chain uncertainties and ensure the continued success of its graphic paper business, Sappi Europe has announced that it will be keeping prices for its woodfree coated paper grades unchanged for the rest of 2023. This decision not only provides stability for customers but also allows them to plan their business activities ahead of the busy fourth quarter. By maintaining consistent pricing, Sappi Europe aims to foster trust and confidence in the market while navigating the challenges of the current industry landscape.

Georgia-Pacific’s $500 Million Brawny Project Makes Strides at Its Site in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Georgia-Pacific is making significant progress on its investment in a new paper machine utilizing through-air-dried (TAD) technology at its Green Bay, Wisconsin mill. With construction now a year underway, the project is on track for a 2024 start-up. As part of its commitment to sustainable practices, Georgia-Pacific has extended the stormwater sewer infrastructure by 10,000 feet, allowing for the continued reuse of stormwater in the paper-making process. Read the full article at Georgia-Pacific.

Pulp Exports from Brazil up Nearly 2% in 1H2023

Pulp exports from Brazil totaled 9.1 million tonnes between January and June 2023, up 1.5% from the corresponding period in 2022. In terms of value, the pulp exports grew by 8.2%, totaling US$4.1 billion. Of this, pulp exports to China increased by 25.4% and to North America by 19.9% in the first half of 2023. Paper exports totaled 1.1 million tonnes. In the first half of 2023, Brazilian pulp production reached 12 million tonnes while paper production reached 5.3 million tonnes in the period. The production of paper for packaging was 2.9 million tonnes and sanitary paper stood at 701,000 tonnes, according to the Brazilian Tree Industry (Ibá).

US Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Flat in July 2023: AF&PA

The US packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments remained flat in July 2023 compared to July 2022. Shipments of bag & sack were 89,400 short tons, while the operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 78.0%, up 5.4 points from July 2022, according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) July 2023 Packaging Papers Monthly report. Read the full article at the American Forest and Paper Association. 

Shanying International Holdings Plans to Start Up OCC Line in 4Q2023

According to an inside source at Shanying International Holdings, the company is making preparations to launch an OCC line at its Shanying Jilin site in the fourth quarter of 2023. Despite a delay, the company remains committed to bringing this project to fruition.

Kimberly-Clark to Stop Consumer Facial Tissue Business in Canada

In a strategic move, Kimberly-Clark has announced that it will be discontinuing its consumer facial tissue business in Canada starting in August 2023. The decision comes as the company recognizes the unique complexities of the Canadian market. However, Canadian consumers can still enjoy Kimberly-Clark's other popular brands, including Kleenex professional facial products, consumer hand towel products, Cottonelle, Viva, 'U' by Kotex, Poise, Depend, Huggies, Pull-Ups, and Goodnites. Read the full article in the Clayton County Register. 

Levy for Paper and Board Packaging Set to Go Up in Italy

Starting October 1, 2023, packaging producers and users in Italy will face an increased environmental levy. Conai, the Italian consortium of packaging suppliers and converters, has recently announced that the levy for paper and board packaging will be raised from the current €5 per tonne to €35 per tonne. This significant increase aims to encourage sustainable practices and reduce the environmental impact of packaging production and usage. 

Ahlstrom and The Paper People Develop Fiber-Based Frozen Food Packaging

Ahlstrom and The Paper People have launched a sustainable solution to replace traditional fossil-based plastic and films for frozen food packaging. It is available with the Paper Peoples’ Paperlock G technology, and combined with Ahlstrom’s FluoroFree barrier papers, it achieves significant grease-resistance. This packaging can be printed in up to 10 colors using both flexographic and digital printing and comes with a compostable zipper in both standard and inno-lok style configurations. Read the full article at Ahlstrom.com. 

Mayr-Melnhof Karton Forecasts Machine Downtime Linked to Market Conditions in 3Q2023

Mayr-Melnhof Karton AG has predicted a substantial machine downtime at its Board & Paper division in the third quarter of 2023. This is due to the weak overall economy and sluggish private consumption, the company said. Taking this into account, a recovery of results is not yet predictable. In response, a profit and cash protection program has been initiated aiming at comprehensive cost savings, optimizing working capital and reducing new capital expenditure, said the company in its 2Q2023 report. Read the full report from the MM Group.  

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