Over the Wire

Brazil’s September 2015 BEK (bleached eucalyptus kraft) pulp exports were up 13.2% y/y. There was a big surge of Brazil BEK exports to China, up 47.2% in September.

 

According to the Guide, the G8 countries (U.S., Canada, Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Russia, and Japan) contributed $280.5 billion in 2014 to the global containers and packaging industry, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.9% between 2010 and 2014.

 

RAPP president director Kusnan Rahmin said the Asian market — China in particular — has been showing an upward trend in pulp and paper demand. China’s pulp demand is forecast to grow 6.4% annually, reaching 14.3 million tons in 2025.

 

Containerboard output by U.S. producers this past month was less than 1% lower than Sept. 2014. The month-over-month average was a few percentage points lower and the monthly operating rate also decreased slightly.

 

Bleached kraft paper shipments decreased slightly from 8,700 tons in August 2015 to 8,600 tons in September, while unbleached kraft paper shipments decreased from 134,900 tons to 128,000 tons.

 

Jose Miranda, head of Tissue of Grupo Portucel–Soporcel, Portugal, reported that the "the new TM 2 is running at an speed of 1,900 m/min. only two weeks after the startup date, producing high quality tissue." As a leading force in the international pulp and paper market, the Portucel Soporcel Group is one of Portugal's strongest brands on the world stage.

 

Mirador is a new online tool for viewing the forestry activities scheduled for Domtar's forestlands in Southern Quebec. Visitors can view information about the forest management projects on the 160,000 hectares of land.

 

According to Resolute, all but 0.77% of the 17.87% subsidy rate is based on two specific programs Commerce said it discovered during its on-site verification of the company's submission, based on records provided in the extensive disclosure.

 

This brief explores Verso's 40-year-plus relationship with American Packaging Corp. (APC) and examines keys to success in the flexible packaging market.

 

An analysis of the company's recent shutdowns by KeyBanc Capital Markets published Monday said WestRock "is reportedly planning to restart the Newberg mill after some capital investments and changes in grade mix." The mill, based in Oregon, USA, is scheduled to shut down in the middle of next month.

 

This closure will not affect the operations and employees in Xerium’s Global Rolls R&D Center in Middletown. In fact, it will give the R&D team more room to accomplish product development and prototypes on next generation products.

 

The BillerudKorsnäs production at Tervasaari in Finland consists of one paper machine with a capacity of 100,000 metric tpy of machine glazed papers. The paper machine is non-integrated with pulp production, which results in an unfavorable cost position, despite the fact that the machine is among the largest of its kind.

 

The main goal of the project is to boost the mill’s capacity by adding approximately 100, 000 metric tpy of high-strength corrugating medium (100% OCC) to be converted into packaging boxes for various industrial use.

 

Coshocton, Ohio, USA, Mayor Steve Mercer said a corporate spokesperson told him WestRock is examining its operations companywide to meet the demand for its products, which serve the global packaging market. Company officials notified the facility this past Friday of the upcoming closing scheduled for Nov. 28.

 

Several communities in this U.S. state have advanced measures that would ban the common food packaging material due to environmental concerns, including one piece of legislation that could ban use statewide. Paper packaging suppliers are likely to benefit from the opportunity to replace Styrofoam.

 

Benefits of the upgrade include enhanced whiteness, improved print quality, and the possibility to select a lower grammage due to the increased strength and stiffness. The improvements to the liner products have been made possible by the upgrade of PM4 in Gävle in 2014.

 

"Consumers are making it quite clear that a social purpose is among the top factors that influence a purchase decision. The acquisition of Ultra Green's consumer goods line and rebranding into Compo and Bim Bam Boo allows us to build upon a legacy of quality-products that customers are asking for," said Zoe Levin, co-founder of Ecosentials.

 

British papermaker James Cropper reports that it has successfully mimicked the luxurious look and feel of suede in paper form, creating a new generation of tactile luxury papers. Carvetian Suede is produced using a minimum of 40% recycled, post-consumer fibers, making it an environmentally-friendly choice.

 

In an effort to show multiple modern uses for paper products, five brand characters are introduced for each of these unique samples found inside of this new promotional case — each representing different demographics and branches of the retail industry, with a compelling and useful look at "who are they?" and "what hooks them?"

 

Businesses and institutions continue to incorporate modern elements with a focus on functionality in a wide range of facilities, such as restaurants, hotels, and office spaces. The Tork Image Design line responds to the demands of an image-conscious customer while continuing to improve upon performance.

 

Performa Brilliance has the highest whiteness on both the top and reverse side among all FBB products in the market and also very high brightness and bulk. Performa Brilliance is additionally available with linen embossing for a distinctive look and feel.

 

The wish to offer economic benefits to papermakers played an important role in the development of the Uni series, Voith noted. For example, it said that the development goal for the UniFilm roll cover was to substantially extend the metering rod service life.

 

Sappi Europe SA has announced a price increase of 5%-8% for all European coated and uncoated graphic papers, effective January 2016.

 

Clairmont has more than 20 years of experience with food manufacturing, foodservice, and packaging companies. He has proven leadership skills in both rigid and flexible packaging sales organizations.

 

Van de Ven has worked at a range of companies including DSM, Noveon/Goodrich, Ferro Corp., and CSM. He earned his B.S. degree in engineering from Tilburg University in the Netherlands, majoring in business administration and supply chain, and received an MBA from the transnational University Limburg in Belgium.

 

The candidates are: Richard Berry, VP and CTO, CelluForce; James R. Haeffele, Director of Technology, Tissue Americas Supply Chain, SCA AMERICAS; and Tony Lyons, Technical Director, Imerys. Per the TAPPI Bylaws members of the organization have until November 1 to review the slate.

 

The company is seeking an experienced Chemist/Material Scientist to join the Research and Development division.

 

It is important for the nonwovens and technical industry to understand the health and environmental aspects of nanoscience and technology as it may influence future products in the market place. Don't miss this great learning opportunity being held Wednesday, November 4.

 

Greg Bunker, director of Adhesives and Functional Materials at Dow Chemical, will deliver the keynote address at the 2016 NETInc. Conference. In his talk, Bunker will share Innovative new ways to grow the nonwovens market in an ever changing world.

 

The benefits of the TAPPISAFE Safety Orientation Program are becoming more apparent. Read our case studies to learn more about the ‘real world’ experiences of TAPPISAFE at mill facilities such as Weyerhaeuser, Columbus, Miss., USA, and the Domtar Ashdown, Ark., USA, facilities.

 

More experts needed to review the TAPPI T 438 "Zinc and cadmium in paper" standard.

 

Don't miss out on your chance to save 30% off on the TAPPI Press book of the month. The manual also features the new informative chapter, "Troubleshooting – Starch Adhesives and the Corrugated Bond".