Week of 1 September 2025: Phase VIII of the Modern Pulp & Paper Industry: Recapitalization for Quality and Efficiency

There have been many distinct phases to the pulp and paper industry since the dawn of the industrial revolution. In this column, I want to focus on the three that have taken place since 1994 (I can count at least five pre-1994 which we will ignore for the moment). The first two of these modern phases have been sales or demand driven. The one we are in right now is technology (quality and efficiency) driven. It is Phase VIII.

More on Innovation

Mondi announced it is launching its re/cycle PaperPlus Bag Advanced, a high-performance paper bag designed to protect humidity-sensitive goods, while significantly reducing plastic content. And Sonoco recently announced its partnership with NaturGrops GmbH, a newly established family-owned company dedicated to delivering natural, high-quality, and sustainable dog snacks, by providing an eco-friendly packaging solution.

Corruption: A Sinking Tide Lowers All Boats (So Learn to Fly)

Ever heard of Transparency International that tracks the corruption of countries across the globe? Their goal is to stamp out corruption (good luck at that), and they provide some pretty interesting statistics.

Waste Is Built In

Yes, I said it...waste is built into our society. "It's fiduciary" the gentry tells us. You want your investments to increase, don't you? You want jobs? You want to retire someday? Well then, wash your clothes after every use. Get the latest mobile phone because it's better than the one you have. Eat astronomical portions for every meal. Rather than fix what's broken, it's better to just buy another washer, DVD player, car, TV, vacuum cleaner, coffee maker, camera, etc. Brands will design their products to fail - it's called "planned obsolescence."

From Ambition to Action: Setting Meaningful Environmental Targets in the Pulp, Paper and Packaging Industry

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance is increasingly measured by how well companies define and meet internal environmental targets. For the pulp, paper, and paper-based packaging sectors, setting clear and credible goals is no longer optional - it's essential.

Patent Applications and Patents

Asset Management

I recently attended an hour-long technical presentation entitled "The Latest in Process IIoT". Over half of it discussed HART protocol. If you have spent much time in process control, that should tell you something.

[Adv.] Bright Technologies

(Adv.) SAP offers you an easy direct link to their breaking developments

Greenpeace: Forest Stewardship Council Risks Reputation by Lifting Suspension of Asia Pulp & Paper's Remedy Process

Civil Society criticizes the move, citing failure to conclude investigations into the scope of forestry giant's empire and gross misrepresentation of community views.

The Hidden Cost of "Paperless": Rethinking the Environmental Impact of AI and Digital Communications

For more than a decade, the message "go paperless, go green" has been used by companies and organizations encouraging customers to opt for digital over print. But as we know from our own research and newly emerging data, this long-standing assumption is due for a rethink.

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Fiber Processing

Steam and Condensate Chronicles

Where is Jim this week?

As I travel, I am always looking for someone to go to dinner with, share a barbeque sandwich lunch and so forth.

Miami student receives Paperitalo Publications endowed scholarship

Natalie Lang, left, is shown receiving the Paperitalo Publications endowed scholarship from Jim Thompson, at the Miami University Paper Science & Engineering Foundation Meeting, April 8, 2025. Natalie will be a sophomore in the fall.

Online auction for Graphic Packaging Middletown, Ohio mill assets

An online auction will be held Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025 for assets from the Graphic Packaging Middletown, Ohio mill.

IFC joins IDB Invest and Finnvera on Arauco Brazilian pulp financing package

Forestry company Arauco has sealed a US$2.2bn export credit agency-backed financing package from a diverse group of lenders to develop a pulp production factory in Brazil.

Building on Nippon Dynawave property a total loss after industrial fire in Longview, Washington

Longview Fire said the blaze was contained to the one building. No injuries were reported.

Spinnova signs deal to buy Suzano out of joint venture

Based on the prior agreement, Spinnova Oyj has today signed binding agreements to buy all Woodspin Oy and Suzano Finland Oy shares from Suzano S.A. for a total of EUR 2 (two euros).

Amcor Announces Expansion of Its Healthcare Packaging Network in Costa Rica

Amcor's expansion of its healthcare packaging network in Costa Rica includes a new warehouse and distribution facility. Amcor's facility will provide optimized supply chain efficiency for trays, die-cut lids, forming films, bags, and labels.

More layoffs coming at Pixelle Chillicothe, Ohio paper mill

Union vice president Tim Jenkins with United Steelworkers Local 731 said the next round of layoffs will leave a skeleton crew of just 50 to 60 employees behind.

U.S. paper industry opposes tariffs on Brazilian eucalyptus pulp essential to tissue production

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is calling on the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to exempt Brazilian bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (HTS code: 4703.29) from potential Section 301 tariffs, arguing that the material is indispensable to the U.S. tissue industry and cannot be sourced domestically at commercial scale. The group submitted its formal comments as part of USTR's ongoing investigation into Brazil's trade practices.

Kimberly-Clark to shift four production lines from Fox Crossing, Wisconsin to Malaysia, Vietnam

Kimberly-Clark is slated to cut 25% of its production capacity at its Cold Spring facility in Fox Crossing, reducing 16 lines to 12 effective January 2026, according to local union leaders

Judge approves process to sell off Northern Pulp assets

The company has yet to submit a reclamation plan to the Nova Scotia government.

International Paper announces facility closures, investment in Riverdale mill, sale of Global Cellulose Fibers Business

IP to Sell Global Cellulose Fibers Business to American Industrial Partners; Other Changes Include a $250 Million Investment in the Riverdale Mill in Selma, Ala. and the Closure of Riceboro Mill, Savannah Mill and Savannah Box Plant

Sylvamo Corp Announces Riverdale Mill Transition Plan

Sylvamo Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jean-Michel Ribiéras stated that the Riverdale supply agreement is not part of the company's long-term strategy. He noted that Sylvamo has been planning for this conversion since its 2021 spinoff from International Paper and has made strategic investments in its North American footprint.

Containerboard price-fixing lawsuit moves ahead in Federal Court

The class-action antitrust lawsuit that a customer brought against eight of the largest containerboard producers in the United States is progressing. Industry observers and analysts are keeping tabs on whether the companies in question try for another price increase this year despite the lawsuit.

Domtar to indefinitely idle Grenada, Mississippi Mill in September; 181 workers impacted

Domtar says it will "idle" its Grenada facility next month, indefinitely.

Metsä Board starts installation phase of board machine modernisation at Simpele mill

MetsäBoard Classic FBB renewed to meet growing quality and sustainability demands.

Novolex closing Pactiv Evergreen plant in California, affecting 127 employees

Novolex is shutting down a former Pactiv Evergreen plant in Bakersfield, California, according to a WARN notice posted by the state. The company is permanently closing the manufacturing facility come Oct. 14, impacting 127 employees.

Northern Pulp gets initial $104 million bid for timberlands, seeks court approval

Bid from Ontario-based Macer Forest Holdings would leave nothing for cleanup costs.

Canfor fined nearly $500K after B.C. mill worker injured

The 'high-risk' violation involved an unguarded hydraulic system that pumps toxic chemicals created in the pulping process.

Södra invests $140 million in Kinda sawmill to raise lumber capacity by 50 percent

In line with its strategy to make more of every tree and to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of family forestry, Södra has decided to invest more than a billion SEK in its sawmill in Kisa, southern Östergötland. This investment is crucial for the future of the sawmill and will contribute significantly to the growing need for timber construction in the green transition.

UFP Industries expands reach in North America

Edge, a manufacturer of exterior trim, siding and interior accents, announced it is growing its footprint by expanding its partnership with Associated Building Material Distributors of America, Inc.

UPM Specialty Papers to display new co-created recyclable packaging solutions

At Fachpack, visitors will have the opportunity to explore UPM's innovative portfolio of fibre-based, recyclable packaging papers, designed to help customers and brand owners achieve their future packaging ambitions.

Lenzing unveils digital platform to boost supply chain efficiency

The platform serves as a centralized resource to facilitate the management of certifications and branding, provide detailed technical information about fibres, and enhance partnership engagement with Lenzing, said the company.

Henkel and MM Board & Paper win German Packaging Award 2025

Henkel's Blue Star brand with MM Board & Paper recycled cartonboard receives top honours in "Functionality and Convenience" category.

Kimberly-Clark Appoints Stacey Valy Panayiotou as Chief Human Resources Officer

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced the appointment of Stacey Valy Panayiotou to Chief Human Resources Officer, effective September 10th. Panayiotou will succeed interim Chief Human Resources Officer Viviane Cury, who will resume her prior role as Vice President, Talent Business Partner for North America.

Greif Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2025 Results

Net income decreased 49.6% to $39.3 million or $0.67 per diluted Class A share compared to net income of $78.0 million or $1.35 per diluted Class A share primarily due to a $46.1 million gain from the divestiture of Delta Petroleum Company, Inc. during the third quarter of 2024 (the "Delta Divestiture").

Have you tried the Paperitalo Supplier Directory lately?

If you are looking for goods and services in the pulp and paper industry, you need to check out the Paperitalo Directory!

International Paper and Kraton execute strategic continuity of services agreement

Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of specialty polymers and high-value biobased products derived from pine chemicals, announced the execution of agreements with International Paper to maintain uninterrupted site services at Kraton's Savannah, Georgia facility.

Avery Dennison to acquire Meridian's flooring business

Avery Dennison Corporation, a leading global materials science and digital identification solutions company, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the U.S.-based flooring adhesives business of Meridian Adhesives Group, a global adhesives manufacturer, for the purchase price of $390 million. The acquisition is subject to certain customary closing and post-closing adjustments.

How PotlatchDeltic Protects Air Quality

Air emissions from our wood products facilities are generated primarily from the combustion of fuels to generate energy.

Successful Forest Stewardship Relies on a Deeper Understanding of Local Landowners

Forests are essential to our society. They help protect air and water quality, support plant and wildlife biodiversity, sequester carbon, offer recreational opportunities, and provide economic value.

Lenzing AG Accelerates Energy Transition With Expanded Renewable Energy Portfolio

Photovoltaic expansion at Lenzing site enhances energy independence.

Greif Announces Retirement of General Counsel Gary Martz

Martz joined Greif in 2002 as the company's first in-house counsel and went on to build a global function responsible for corporate governance, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, litigation, the company's Global Real Estate Services, and other matters.

Interview with University of Maine senior Justin Pelletier

The University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation was incorporated in 1952 by 12 UMaine graduates financially supporting and preparing well-educated engineering students for careers in the pulp and paper and allied industries. Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with senior Justin Pelletier. We asked him a few questions about his experiences at UMaine.

Student Spotlight: Tatum Havard of Georgia Tech

Paperitalo Publications was able to interview Tatum Havard, and we asked her a few questions about her experiences at Georgia Tech.

Student Spotlight: Caleb Breining of Western Michigan

The Western Michigan University Paper Technology Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation founded by industry leaders in 1958. The mission of the corporation has been and continues to be to support the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering at Western Michigan University. Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with Caleb Breining, who is a junior in the program. We asked him a few questions about his experiences at Western Michigan.

Student Spotlight: Levi Arnold of Syracuse

Paperitalo Publications interviewed senior Levi Arnold and we asked him about his experiences at Syracuse.

Interview with UWSP Paper Science and Engineering Junior Troy Knutson

Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with Troy Knutson, a junior in the program, and we asked him a few questions about his experiences at UWSP.

Student Spotlight: Jacob Kanuk of Miami University

The Paper Science & Engineering Foundation at Miami University was founded in 1960 through the donations of several local paper mills and corporations who wanted to ensure the education of future paper engineers. The foundation continues to actively work with students in the paper science and engineering program at Miami University. Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with senior Jacob Kanuk. We asked him a few questions about his experiences at Miami.

Student Spotlight: Eilee Keske of Minnesota, graduating in Spring 2025

At the University of Minnesota, the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering discovers and teaches solutions for the sustainable use of renewable resources and the enhancement of the environment. Eilee Keske is a student in the program, and she shares some of her experiences at Minnesota.

The Light Green Machine Institute

Ideas you can use now.

Capital Arguments for July 2025

Check out TALOtech groups on LinkedIn

The purpose of the TALOtech groups on LinkedIn is to provide a convenient forum for people working within the manufacturing part of this industry to share technical and operating related dialog to promote safe and competitive operations.

Energy & the Environment News

Your contributions are welcome in this department, regardless of point of view. A few criteria--if you send us a copyrighted piece, also provide a permission to publish statement from the owner. We will not publish overtly political pieces or anonymous pieces.

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About SAP Selects

This section contains a collection of Paperitalo articles highlighted by SAP for their relevance to how the paper and packaging industry is evolving and how technology can help support that progress.

Just around the corner now

A bit of technology five years in the making. It is about time.

Pulp & Paper Radio International Program Schedule and Archives

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Volatility in the OCC/wastepaper market, trends in the recovered fiber and sustainable packaging markets

We welcome Myles Cohen, founder of Circular Ventures, LLC, to discuss the volatility in the OCC/wastepaper market, plus trends in the recovered fiber and sustainable packaging markets.