As highly transmissible coronavirus (COVID-19) omicron cases surge in New York City and across the country, doctors warn that some face masks offer better protection than others.

Runtech Systems-supplied vacuum system rebuild has been successfully started up at Essity AustralAsia (formerly Asaleo Care), New Zealand. 

The Swedish startup company Biosorbe uses cellulose and microorganisms to decontaminate soil, water and air. Recently Biosorbe inaugurated its first factory and entered a partnership that enables them to expand to an international market.

Valmet will supply IQ Quality Control System to Oy Essity Finland Ab. The new system will replace the old third-party system and will be installed on production line 9 at the company’s tissue mill in Nokia, Finland.

Members of the Paperworkers' Union, the Finnish Electrical Workers´ Union and the Trade Union Pro have [on Jan. 1] started strikes at UPM mills in Jämsänkoski, Kouvola, Lappeenranta, Pietarsaari, Rauma, Tampere and Valkeakoski.

Motion Industries, Inc., a leading distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, has completed the purchase of Kaman Distribution Group ("KDG") for a purchase price of approximately $1.3 billion in cash, effective January 3, 2022.

By Derek Nighbor, President and CEO, FPAC

Forests are intrinsic to Canadian life. We know that with the great power of Canada's forest resources, comes an even greater duty for sustainable management and responsibility.

Sappi Europe has informed its customers that the ongoing challenges with unparalleled high energy tariffs will force it to address its pricing early in 2022.

Valmet will deliver an oxygen delignification system, including additional Valmet TwinRoll presses to Arkhangelsk’s Pulp and Paper Mill in Novodvinsk, Russia. The order includes both technology and automation deliveries. The start-up of the new systems is scheduled for the second half of 2022.

Ox Industries has acquired York, South Carolina-based York Industries, Inc. The company is a leading producer of green protective packaging and paper tubes and cores, converting over 16,000 tons of uncoated recycled paperboard.

Huhtamaki has acquired full ownership of its Polish joint venture company Huhtamaki Smith Anderson sp. z o.o. from Smith Anderson Group Ltd. (SA). The company manufactures and sells foodservice paper bags in Eastern Europe at Huhtamaki's facility in Czeladz, Poland.

Valmet will supply Model Paper Eilenburg in Germany with an extensive paper machine grade conversion rebuild, which will convert the mill's paper machine production from newsprint grades to lightweight, recycled containerboard grades.

International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced it will build a state-of-the-art corrugated packaging plant in Atglen, Pennsylvania. The facility will employ approximately 150 team members.

Greif, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its 50% share in the Flexible Packaging joint venture, or "FPS" to Gulf Refined Packaging (GRP) for a total cash consideration of $123 million, subject to certain conditions and post-closing adjustments.

CBC News reports that Northern Pulp is suing the Province of Nova Scotia for potentially hundreds of millions of dollars related to the early end of its lease to use Boat Harbour to treat effluent, and the subsequent shutdown of the mill.

For a more efficient and stable paper production, Voith presents the new automatic outer layer gluing system TailFix. In the edge area of the parent roll, the solution reliably fixes the loose paper ends with a special glue and thus prevents the occurrence of flying paper shreds.

Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Ltd ("Nine Dragons Paper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has won the InnoESG Prize 2021 – ESG Care Prize, co-awarded by UNESCO HK Global Peace Centre, Rotarian Action Group for Peace, and SocietyNext Foundation for its outstanding performance in corporate social responsibility, environmental initiatives, and efforts in the creation of a more sustainable society.

Metsä Fibre has announced the following changes in its management team:

Stephanie Holdt will be appointed as Chief Financial Officer and member of the Voith Group’s Corporate Board of Management. In the second quarter of 2022 she will succeed Egon Krätschmer, who is retiring as of April 30, 2022.

PEFC announces that Ben Gunneberg is departing PEFC after a long and distinguished career as Secretary General/CEO.

Please view the list of Upcoming January Webinars and Events.

Explore exhibit and sponsorship opportunities to showcase your commitment to nanotechnology and renewable materials at TAPPI Nano 2022.

Learn good operating practices for your lime kiln and gain understanding of the theories that back them up.

Gain Comprehensive Understanding of Test Methods with Minimal Time Commitment.

Wood is looking for applications to fill the position of Senior Project Manager in Atlanta, Georgia. Are you interested? If so, apply today.