Technology Group Voith is planning on acquiring 90 percent of the shares in Toscotec S.p.A. A corresponding purchase contract was signed on Dec. 20, 2019. Both parties agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the November 2019 U.S. Containerboard Monthly report. According to the report, total containerboard production in November decreased one percent compared to November 2018. It was down four percent when compared to the same 11 months of 2018.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the November 2019 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in November decreased four percent compared to November 2018. They were down six percent when compared to the same 11 months of 2018.

Metsä Tissue, part of Metsä Group, has agreed to divest its napkin business to keeeper Group, which is part of Mutares Group. The transaction includes the real estate, machinery and equipment and warehouses at the Stotzheim mill in Germany as well as the Fasana and Mondial brands. As a result of the transaction, the mill’s personnel is planned to be transferred to the new owner as existing employees.

The Lenzing Group and Duratex, the largest producer of industrialized wood panels in the southern hemisphere, announce that they will build a 500,000 t dissolving wood pulp plant in the State of Minas Gerais, near Sao Paulo (Brazil). The start-up is planned for the first half of 2022. In the joint venture, Lenzing holds a 51 percent, Duratex a 49 percent stake.

The Supreme Administrative Court has rejected the environmental permit for the Finnpulp bioproduct mill in Kuopio. The decision came after the vote, with two members in favor of an environmental permit. The decision is final and can no longer be appealed.

The Milwaukee Business Journal reports that an affiliate of ND Paper Inc. could invest $49 million in a box plant in Racine County that would create 88 jobs, according to an announcement by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.

Valmet launches a completely redesigned Valmet Total Solids Measurement – Valmet TS (patent pending) for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. Valmet Total Solids Measurements have gained an excellent reputation in wastewater treatment plants around the world for solids pumping control, thickening, digesting, dewatering and dry cake applications.

Cascades has launched a new, fully recyclable cardboard container for fresh food packaging in the North American market, as an alternative to traditional solutions that historically have not had a recyclable interior coating. The new cardboard tray is certified according to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards and, in addition to being recyclable, is made from 100 per cent recycled fibers (mainly from post-consumer sources).

Kemira has been awarded with the Gold level rating by the global sustainability rating platform EcoVadis. With a total score of 75 out of 100, this puts Kemira among the top 1% of companies in the world.

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) Sinar Mas has announced that for the second year in a row, the company won a Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive. The Green Supply Chain Award recognizes companies making sustainability a core part of their supply chain strategy, and working to achieve measurable goals within their own operations and supply chains.

Archroma, a global leader in color and specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, today announced its transition plan for the function of Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors of Archroma has appointed Heike van de Kerkhof to succeed current CEO Alexander Wessels effective January 6, 2020.

Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and dissolving wood pulp, today announced the promotion of Tom Radovich to Managing Director of Sappi North America's Cloquet Mill in Minnesota, effective as of Dec. 1, 2019. This news follows the appointment of Mike Schultz, former Managing Director, as Vice President of Manufacturing for Sappi North America this past fall. Radovich has served as interim Managing Director of the Cloquet Mill since September.

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