Over the Wire

Lyocell is a type of man-made fiber derived from bleached wood pulp. Lyocell is predicted to continue growing in popularity versus other similar materials such as cotton and rayon. The market is predicted by one firm to be growing at a CAGR of approx. 6% from 2018 to 2023.

 

Recard’s supply included a Crescent Former machine with a 1,850-m/min. speed and 2,850-m/min. format, with a production capacity of 120 metric tpd. It will be fed by two stock preparation lines for virgin fibers and equipped with two rewinders.

 

Russian group is reacting to new restrictions in the Chinese market on solid waste by producing more pulp & paper-based sustainable and environmentally friendly boards. Multiple projects will boost output by 700,000 metric tpy to Chinese partners.

 

Wet paper-grade pulp will be used as the raw material. The new technology is estimated to be more environmentally-friendly than the textile fiber production technologies currently in use. EUR 40 million is being invested into the demo plant now beginning construction and scheduled to open in late 2019.

 

"With Oceanwood as a financially strong new owner, the Norske Skog Group and our employees now have a unique opportunity to further develop a sustainable business platform capable of strengthening our core business and investing in promising new growth projects..."- Norske Skog's President.

 

In court documents seen by Reuters late this past month for a lawsuit that preceded arbitration, Paper Excellence alleged that rising pulp prices played a big part in J&F wanting to call off the deal because J&F wanted a higher price.

 

The sale of Asia represents the complete exit of Spicers from its ambitious overseas expansion plans, which saw the business lose hundreds of millions of dollars in Europe under its former PaperlinX entity. Spicers will now focus on the markets of Australia and New Zealand.

 

To fill more than 20 immediate openings, Amcor Flexibles Madison will host a job fair at the plant on Saturday, Oct. 13. Current needs include both entry-level and highly skilled manufacturing positions. Company will upgrade its Madison facilities to expand capacity, improve quality, and reduce waste while updating technology.

 

Graphic Packaging announced on Monday that it has completed the purchase announced on August 28 of the SBS paperboard producer at a price of $95 million.

 

Company has fully acquired remaining 70% interest in the joint venture of Conitex Sonoco, a vertically integrated global leader in the manufacture of paper-based cones and tubes used in the textile industry, for $143 million. Venture was formed in 1998 with Texpack, Inc, a global provider of paper packaging products.

 

All three paper machines at the Florence, S.C., USA kraft linerboard mill have resumed normal production. The mill lost approximately 10,000 short tons of containerboard production. Financial impact is expected to be approximately $12 million.

 

"...We will be reviewing the accord’s details to ensure that the agreement preserves and improves the market access that has benefitted our industry and its workers. We look forward to working with Congress in the coming weeks." - AF&PA.

 

The WTO Dispute Settlement Body ruled in May 2017 that China had imposed anti-dumping duties on Canadian exports of cellulose pulp in a manner that breached China's obligations under the WTO's Anti-Dumping Agreement. China was later given until April 22, 2018 to comply with the ruling.

 

The Spanish Government's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAMA) has created an operating group focused on improving the traceability and efficiency of the wood supply using blockchain technology. Goal is to apply the solution to all the products from the forest related industries so as to reduce costs.

 

With this new supply, A.Celli Nonwovens has gone a step further in securing success in China, and now offers its client significant advantages in terms of quality and productivity of the line as well as in conquering the Chinse market, which is of particular interest to the company.

 

$185 million transaction includes G-P's operations located in Steinfurt, Germany, along with sales offices located in France and Italy. Glatfelter financed the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and borrowing under its existing revolving credit facility.

 

RibbedTee manufactures their EVO TENCEL shirts in the U.S. with TENCEL, which is made from sustainable cellulosic fibers from wood pulp and excels thanks to its high absorption capabilities, unique nano-fibril structure, and amazingly smooth surface.

 

Enzymes are active on the molecular building blocks of lignin, which scientists have been trying for decades to find a way of breaking down efficiently until recent breakthroughs. Designed for lignin's nano-engineered break down, enzymes could convert to a raw material for creating bio-nylon, certain bio-plastics, other bio-based chemicals, and even bio-fuel.

 

Research conducted at the Unversity of Delaware has created another method to convert lignin into bioproducts. Process works on a molecular level to convert batches of lignin (until recent breakthroughs a mostly-waste product in the P&P industry) into an ideal type of biopolymer to make into duct tape, yellow multi-purpose, and paper ribbon for painters.

 

Research is inspired by the natural behavior of pine cones transforming in response to being immersed in water. Lays new groundwork for the future development of smarter, self-assembling materials.

 

A total of four new products: Universal Polyester, Premium Polyester, Synthetic Paper, and Pressure Sensitive. Designed to deliver durable, cost-effective digital printing solutions ideal for the most challenging applications. Products are environmentally friendly and eliminate the need for over-lamination.

 

The new Pure-Pak carton is available in three sizes – 1 litre, 750ml and 500ml – and runs on the E-PS120A aseptic filling machine.

 

Company is offering its new, preconfigured, very compact case packer in four variants for different types of cartons – boxes, boxes with lids, wrap-around boxes or RSC cartons.

 

Company's newly launched open contest entries have a goal to find new business models and earning logics for innovation of biobased and biodegrable alternatives for food packaging.

 

Global megatrends and their impacts on the environment and society make it clear that a major turnaround in the use of non-renewable fossil-based products and materials is needed. As a leader of the bio-based forest industry, UPM said its mission is to be a part of the solution.

 

In this position, Dirk van Meerbeck is responsible for the global sales for the White Top Testliner, Special Paper and Board production areas with a total capacity of 870,000 metric tpy.

 

Claim your seats now while they last for TAPPI’s Tissue 101 training!

 

Members of the association have until Nov.1, 2018 to review the slate.

 

Join TAPPI Four States Local Section December 4-5 in Texarkana, Tex., USA.

 

Gain insight on how collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, academics, and government can lead to technology advancements and new opportunities at PEERS 2018.

 

TAPPI provides tailored courses and trainings delivered right to your company’s doorstep.

 

There’s still time this year to improve your commercial papermaking knowledge with hands-on courses led by Dr. Gerry Ring at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.