Over the Wire

The survey reports U.S. industry capacity data for 2014 and 2015 for all major grades of paper, paperboard,and pulp, as well as fiber consumption, based on a comprehensive survey of all U.S. pulp and paper mills. Survey respondents represent more than 88% of the U.S. industry capacity.

 

The U.S. tissue price index decreased slightly in April. The new level as of this past month is close to a four-year low.

 

"Manufacturers of food products prefer food contact paper for cost-efficient packaging, as their light weight and durability enables reduced transportation and handling costs," said the VP of Technavio. "Retailers and product manufacturers also use paper packaging materials to increase their brand visibility, and distinguish their products from other products available on the market."

 

With more than 20 new export-oriented pellet plants being built or having credible plans to operate in the next two years in the southern U.S. states, further significant growth in North American pellet exports can be expected.

 

U.S. bleached kraft pulp imports were down 2.8% y/y through the first quarter of this year. Bleached softwood kraft was down 3% and bleached hardwood kraft (BHK) was off by 2.5%.

 

The abstract suggests the paper packaging/cup industry can benefit positively compared with other sectors of cups mentioned. A key market trend identified is increased demand for biodegradability—a challenge for conventional petrol-plastics and foil/metal materials, while paper products are more easily recyclable and can even be composted if necessary in proper conditions.

 

The new production line in Brazil will have annual pulp production capacity of 1.75 million metric tons. Combined with its existing capacity, already in operation, the Três Lagoas unit will reach a total annual production capacity of 3 million tons, making it one of the world’s largest eucalyptus pulp production sites.

 

"U.S. paper recovery’s ongoing success is possible thanks to the voluntary, market-driven product recovery system," said AF&PA's CEO. AF&PA Board Chairman and Sappi North America President and CEO Mark Gardner added that "industry education programs and initiatives, and the millions of Americans who recycle every day help ensure continuously high paper recovery rates."

 

Xu Nanping of the Chinese Academy of Engineering told the state press agency that treatment film filtering technology has turned the 32,000-metric tons of wastewater discharged by Jiangsu Oji Paper Co. each day into clean water, industrial salt, and dried mud.

 

The inspection and control of the product being realized to the facility, the passage to customs, is made much more quickly. This makes it easier to import fiber, which represents 25% of the deliveries to the Windsor mill.

 

Part of the agreement is a novel type of yankee hood system jointly developed by the companies and especially designed for the needs of the tissue manufacturing process. It also provides additional features...

 

James Lopez , president and CEO, said that "Tembec has already expressed its concerns, on many occasions, to the Québec Government regarding wood costs at its sawmills in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Unfortunately, these costs have increased more than 20%..."

 

AR Packaging, Germany, this past week announced its plan to expand the plant in Krakow, Poland, and invest in upgrading of machinery equipment at the plant in Graz, Austria after their acquisition from MeadWestvaco Corp. (soon to be WestRock).

 

Smurfit Kappa’s Sangüesa mill in the North of Spain is being hailed as an "ambitious project" site. Production volume will be up to 30,000 metric tpy of glazed papers, a product being used more (especially in European markets) in favor of plastics for paper packaging food, creating shopping bags, or making gift paper.

 

"This is a strategic decision based on our business needs and ability to be competitive long-term and has nothing to do with the quality of work from G-P's employees at the plant," the company said in a press release about the historic U.S. mill site, marking the end of the paper industry in the city. Most of the complex was shuttered in 2000.

 

Iggesund established inventory position and sheeting capabilities in Pomona, Calif., USA, with the objective of making Invercote readily available for quick-turn market demand. "Now is the time to increase our presence on the West Coast, where we know there is a density of brand owners who will appreciate the quality level we offer..." said the president of Iggesund Americas.

 

In addition to an undetermined number of positions eliminated through attrition or layoffs, the KapStone letter said the company will cut costs through reduced capital spending, more efficient use of energy and chemicals, plus worker retraining programs.

 

With a focus on environmental sustainability, this project responds to growing customer demand by introducing high-quality recyclable barrier board to the market. Unlike other generally used plastic-coated boards, the barrier board of Kotkamills (Finland) can be recycled without any special measures.

 

VPK Packaging Group is already in the process of shipping specialized machinery to the U.S. from Germany, with plans to install the machinery during the last two weeks of May and open a core winding site in Stevens Point, Wis., USA, with production beginning in June.

 

American investigators have until later this summer to decide whether a Point Tupper paper mill violated international trade law by accepting millions in government subsidies. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced it will delay a preliminary decision into its paper mill probe at the request of the American paper companies that filed the complaint...

 

The research team claims they have been able to drastically reduce the amount of energy needed to power the process, as well as the need for expensive chemicals. The pilot plant will test the manufacturing of dry redispersible Cellulose NanoFibrils (CNF).

 

Product features include an adjustable bale with a fully integrated operator control handle for easy maneuverability, an all-steel welded frame with dual air cylinders to rotate loads horizontally and vertically, and a locking attach/release valve and vacuum reservoir to maintain vacuum hold in case of a power outage.

 

The first model was successfully installed last summer to improve the dewatering capacity of a paper machine that had an inefficient suction couch and overall low sheet solids leaving the former. Initial startup performance demonstrates a 7.33% increase in solids entering the press section.

 

Sappi, Johannesburg, South Africa, announced this past week that continuously rising input costs and, consequently, declining profit margins have made corrective pricing measures inevitable as Sappi Europe’s (Brussels, Belgium) business is unsustainable at current price levels.

 

"Sustainable land-use practices and certification can help these private landowners to leverage the value of their natural resources while protecting the unique habitats, water quality, and biodiversity of the Southeast region of the country." Working with Avery Dennison, Columbia Forest Products, Domtar, and Staples, the Rainforest Alliance aims to create sustainable management plans and improve market opportunities for these small landowners.

 

Cobalt will offer complete systems for sugar mill, pulp and paper, and biomass power facility retrofits with a cost-effective biorefinery module, taking advantage of benefits of co-location (feedstock supply, logistics, permits) while enhancing overall facility returns.

 

According to the company, Gary McGann has been recognized within the industry and by capital markets as the outstanding CEO of their sector. Their board is grateful for his substantial contribution in leading the group’s growth and development over the last 13 years.

 

The Gulf Coast TAPPI Local Section will be hosting its 2015 Annual Meeting, June 10-13, at the Seascape Resort and Conference Center in Destin, Fla., USA, with two days of technical workshops and one day devoted exclusively to fun and recreational activities.

 

2015 PEERS features keynote speaker, John D. Williams, CEO and president of Domtar. Three special all-day workshops are also being offered prior to the start of the 2015 PEERS Conference, October 25-28 in Atlanta, Ga., USA. Each presents an opportunity to expand your knowledge and learn from our industry’s best.

 

Michael served on the board of directors of numerous industry associations including TAPPI for many years and was a founding member of the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation. In 2014, he was recognized as one of the "50 most influential leaders in the global pulp and paper industry."

 

Online registration is now open for this annual event that supports the section scholarship fund. Spots do fill quickly! Checks and all major credit cards are accepted for this June 12 event in Auburn, Maine. Deadline for entry is June 5.

 

From general safety orientations to mill-specific classes, our direct eLEARNING courses are designed with both student and our industry's employers in mind. Select courses are now available and can also be customized.

 

Known by many in the paper industry as a "guru" on paper curl and how to eliminate or at least minimize it, Charles passed away on April 28 after a short illness.

 

In addition to discussing the industrialization of nanocellulose, this one-hour free June 3 webinar will explain how microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) will be used in the future to enhance barrier at high humidity with clay and oxidized nanocrystals. Sponsored by the TAPPI Nanotechnology Division.

 

Coming off a record breaking year in 2014, including a 40% growth in attendance, Specialty Papers 2015 will bring together experts from across the specialty papers supply chain on the most topical content relevant to this sector of the industry. Sponsored by TAPPI and Smithers Pira, this year's conference will return to "The Brew City" (Milwaukee, Wis., USA) this September 15-17.

 

This glossary defines hundreds of terms commonly used in flexographic printing and pre-press operations. It will be a valuable reference for everyone involved in converting and printing. TAPPI members have a chance to purchase this useful text for less than $30.00.

 

The conference "Engaging the Heart and Mind" will be held June 7-10 in Savannah, Ga., and will focus on bringing together safety and industry professionals, as well as lawyers and OSHA experts to navigate the ever-changing field of pulp and paper industry safety. Learn who PPSA has announced as their Keynote speaker...

 

This work contains more than 460 photos, graphs, and high resolutions SEMs. The book highlights 60 global market pulps--pulps selected for their distinctive properties, outstanding attributes, and ability to represent the wide-range of market pulps available in the world. For a limited time, this title is available to both members and non-members for the same affordable price for this cutting edge industry information. Don't miss out!