Nordic forestry companies are shuttering paper machines at an unprecedented pace as the Covid-19 pandemic accelerates a long-running decline in demand.

There has been a surge in consumer demand for Bag-in-Box wines this year according to new data, partially caused by changing behavior due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Research by packaging leader Smurfit Kappa in collaboration with Wine Intelligence found that Bag-in-Box wine attracted 3.7 million new consumers in France and the UK during the past six months.

Twenty novel technologies have scope to optimize production and open new revenue channels in the paper and board industry across the next decade, according to the latest research from Smithers. The impetus to innovate is being stimulated by multiple long-term drivers, and in the short term by the need to react to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Valmet has completed the acquisition of PMP Group, the provider of technologies and services for the paper industry.

Toscotec will rebuild two tissue machines in Western Europe and Africa for a leading tissue manufacturer that remains confidential. The projects are on a turnkey basis and are scheduled for completion in 2021.

Futura, technological leader in creating and delivering tissue converting solutions, whose production value in 2019 was over 60 million euro, has finalized the acquisition of Plusline, a company active in ‘smart’ tissue packaging technology operative from its headquarters in Bologna.

They’re called Hot Topics for a reason. Join in-depth discussions on critical topics that have an immediate effect on your mill during PEERS 2020 Hot Topics Breakfasts.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its September 2020 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning November 16, 2020.

Valmet will supply an extensive paper machine grade conversion rebuild and a wide scope of automation to Modern Karton Sanayii Ve Ticaret at its Tekirdağ Mill in Turkey. In the project, paper machine PM 3 which is currently producing recycled containerboard, will be rebuilt to produce high quality coated containerboard grades. The start-up of the rebuilt paper machine is scheduled for the beginning of 2022.

UPM confirmed that it will permanently close its Kaipola paper mill in Jämsä, Finland, by mid-December. UPM's second paper mill in Jämsä, UPM Jämsänkoski, will continue operations with one graphic paper machine and two specialty paper machines.

Saica Group has held a groundbreaking event at the site of its first U.S. plant, 2995 McBride Court, Hamilton Enterprise Parkway in Hamilton, Ohio. The 350,000 square-foot plant will manufacture corrugated packaging. The project marks Spanish company Saica’s expansion into the U.S. market, and represents a $72-million investment.

The supply of A.Celli tissue and paper rewinders for the Shandong Sun Holdings Group continues with the sale of another 3 top of the range tissue rewinders for the Beihai plant, in the province of Guangxi, China.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its September 2020 Containerboard Monthly report. 

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its September 2020 Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report.

Valmet will supply a new OptiConcept M container board making line with extensive package of automation to Shanying Paper, Guangdong at its Zhaoqing mill in China. The new board making line (PM 52) will produce kraft top liner grades and expand Shanying Paper’s business to Guangdong area.

Atlantic Packaging Products officially announced the construction of a new 100% recycled containerboard machine at its paper mill in Whitby, Ontario, Canada.

Belzona Polymerics, one of the world leading providers of high-performance polymeric repair composites and protective coatings is excited to announce the launch of a new product to add to their comprehensive portfolio of solutions for industrial maintenance.

Iggesund Paperboard’s new Inverform™ for ready-made meal packaging trays ticks all the boxes for sustainability and performance.

The Optima Group based in Schwaebisch Hall, Germany, has made sustainability one of its central tenets. To this end, a Sustainability Department has been set up to concentrate on developing ideas and solutions.

Heinzel Group’s operations are characterized by saving resources, environmental protection, energy efficiency and use of renewable sources of energy.

Sonoco (NYSE: SON) announced Elizabeth Rhue has been named Staff Vice President of Global Sustainability, reporting directly to President and CEO Howard Coker.

UPM announced that it will establish a new labor markets team which will start its activities in the beginning of December. The background to the decision is the announcement of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation to discontinue the collective bargaining in the Finnish labor markets at the end of the ongoing agreement period.

It’s not too late to take advantage of the 30% discount on all TAPPI Press publications. 

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Figure out how to improve your business operations in the “Integrated Plant and Personnel Safety Solutions for Pulp and Paper Mills, Converting, Printing & Packaging” free webinar to be held on Tuesday, November 3rd 11AM – 12PM EST.

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