Week of 10 August 2020: Where do we get these people?

Well, we finally got relocated to the new location. Much safer here than it was in that crazy city. The Great Mother called us to order. "Okay, rats, what do we have on the docket for today?"

Fraud Prevention

In a recent article, Fraud Magazine, discusses an overlooked component of fraud - twisted rationalizations.

Patent Applications and Patents

Appvion Announces Antimicrobial Technology

SafeShield technology prevents the replication of DNA and new cell formation! Independent lab tests demonstrate up to 99.99% reduction in non-pathogenic bacteria on the paper's surface even after printing and post processing.

Essity Leans on Digital Tools to Fortify Their Manufacturing Supply Chain While Improving Machine Health and Productivity

Augury, a leading AI-based Machine Health solution provider, announced that Essity, an innovative global leader in professional hygiene, consumer tissue and personal care products, has chosen Augury's machine health solutions to help drive the digital transformation of its supply chain.

[Adv.] Verity IA Software, Inc.

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

As online shopping continues to grow, brands should consider consumers' packaging preferences

The coronavirus pandemic's demand-shock, brick-and-mortar store closures and stay-at-home orders have upended retail sales.

International Paper Joins Savannah River Clean Water Fund

International Paper, one of the world's leading producers of renewable, fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper, has joined the Savannah River Clean Water Fund (Fund), a coordinated effort to permanently protect and responsibly manage forests - nature's water filter - in the Savannah River watershed.

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.

Pratt Industries and Talo Analytic International celebrate 25 year relationship

Gary Byrd of Pratt Industries and Jim Thompson of Talo Analytic International recently celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the two companies' relationship. The relationship started in November of 1993.

For the occasion, Talo Analytic International commissioned a "tombstone" reminiscent of those typically prepared to celebrate a deal closing and presented it to Mr. Byrd.

Talo Analytic International began working with Pratt Industries when Pratt's Conyers, Georgia Mill was first financed. Talo Analytic International has been the principal technical adviser on the financing of every Pratt mill in the United States. Talo Analytic International was also a key adviser on the Visy Tumut Mill in Australia in the late 1990's.

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Corner Brook mill resumes operations

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd. resumed operations on Monday following a week-long production shutdown for maintenance.

Crews put out fire at Roseburg Forest Products facility

Several fire crews responded after a fire broke out at Roseburg Forest Products in Medford, Oregon on Aug. 11 around 4:50 am.

Mohawk cuts announced

2020 has been one of the most challenging and defining business years for many of us. There have been many negative impacts from COVID-19 but there have been many positive outcomes too. The enduring reality of COVID-19 and its effect on the market, both short and long term, is driving important strategic decisions across organizations, large and small.

Verso agrees to sell two Luke machines

Verso says it has entered into an equipment purchase agreement with Halkali Kagit Karton Sanayi ve Tic. A.S., a company organized under the laws of Turkey, whereby Verso agreed to sell, and the Purchaser agreed to purchase, certain equipment at Verso's Luke Mill, primarily including two paper machines.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company Announces Second $250 Million Acquisition of International Paper's Minority Partnership Interest

Graphic Packaging Holding Company announced that International Paper has notified the Company of its intent to continue the monetization process of its ownership interest in Graphic Packaging International Partners, LLC (the "Partnership").

Verso continues to explore options for idled Duluth, Minn. paper mill

The Duluth mill may need to shift production to kraft paper packaging materials in order to survive.

Eighth Circuit Cools Off Antitrust Claims Based on Alleged Patent Fraud

The US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed a grant of summary judgment dismissing antitrust and tortious interference claims based on fraudulent procurement of patents where the plaintiff failed to show a knowing and willful intent to deceive the US Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). Inline Packaging, LLC v. Graphic Packaging International, LLC, Case No. 18-3167 (8th Cir. June 18, 2020) (Smith, J.).

Domtar to shutter paper machine work in Ashdown, Ark., transition to softwood and pulp production

Domtar Corp. announced Friday (Aug. 7) it would permanently shutter its paper machine operations at its Ashdown plant to save $200 million by 2021. The South-Carolina based company will transition its Ashdown operations to softwood and fluff pulp production..

Domtar Corp. to close Port Huron, Mich. paper mill, eliminating about 200 jobs; also shutting down Ashdown, Ark. machine

As part of the cost savings program, overall the company will permanently close the uncoated freesheet manufacturing at the Kingsport, Tennessee and Port Huron, Michigan mills, the remaining paper machine at the Ashdown, Arkansas mill and the converting center in Ridgefields, Tennessee. These actions will reduce the Company's annual uncoated freesheet paper capacity by approximately 721,000 short tons, and will result in a workforce reduction of approximately 780 employees. The Kingsport and Ashdown paper machines, which have been idled since April 2020, will not recommence operations. The Port Huron and Ridgefields mills are expected to shut down by the end of the first quarter of 2021.

Following layoffs, Domtar Kingsport Mill closing, to be converted and reopen in 2023

Domtar announced in a quarterly report that it is shutting down uncoated freesheet manufacturing at the Kingsport Mill. The mill has been idle since April 2020 and will not recommence operations. The layoff has impacted more than 300 people.

PCA considers expansion project costing up to $170 million

Packaging Corporation of America may spend up to $170 million to move from South 21st Street in Newark, Ohio to build a new, larger facility on a Thornwood Drive site once considered for an ethanol plant.

Resolute Forests Products may reopen idled El Dorado facility

Resolute Forest Products is continuing plans to reopen its sawmill in El Dorado, Ark., that has been closed since last summer.

Future uncertain for employees after closure of Verso Mill

Many people in Wisconsin Rapids are without a job Monday night after the Verso Paper Mill shut down production. Other Verso workers know their job there has an expiration date.

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!

Settlement With DuPont Likely on PFAS Liability, Chemours Says

The Chemours Co. and DuPont likely will reach a settlement in a lawsuit where Chemours claims its former parent saddled it with millions of dollars to clean up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in the environment, the company's chief executive officer said Friday.

Lawrence, Wisconsin residents sound off in opposition of Georgia-Pacific construction plan

Neighbors say the location outweighs any financial gains this project would bring to Lawrence.

Sappi Europe awarded Platinum for sustainability in EcoVadis rating

Sappi Europe receives top rating for sustainability.

British Columbia judge approves Northern Pulp loan

Nova Scotia taxpayers are out another $15 million unless the province grants Northern Pulp an environmental approval of the mill's controversial proposed effluent treatment plant.

Mondi Receives EcoVadis' New Platinum Rating for Sustainability

Leading global packaging and paper manufacturer Mondi has achieved platinum status in the EcoVadis CSR ratings in recognition of the Group's strong commitment to sustainability.

CMPC closes $100 million sustainability-linked loan with BNP Paribas

This is the first sustainability-linked loan for CMPC and the first for BNP Paribas in Latin America. It is also the first sustainability-linked loan ("RCF") in Chile with comprehensive environmental Key Performance Indicators ("KPIs").

Kruger to supply pulp for the manufacture of ecofriendly disposable masks

Kruger Inc. has entered into a partnership with Pulp Moulded Products Inc. (PMP) for the supply of low-carbon footprint fibres that will enable PMP to produce a prototype of a low-cost, single-use biodegradable mask. Developed by PMP for non-frontline workers and civilians, this ecofriendly alternative will be made from KruPulp, Kruger's FDA-compliant and FSC®-certified pulp.

Menasha Corporation Publishes 10th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report; Includes COVID-19 Response And Actions

Menasha Corporation, parent company of Menasha Packaging, announces the publication of its tenth annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report, highlighting the company's environmental, social and governance performance during calendar year 2019 and the first half of 2020.

Monadnock Presents The Sustainable Menu

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. says, "We are very pleased to announce our Sustainable Menu of printing papers to meet the quickly changing menu needs of bars, restaurants, and hospitality businesses operating under stringent COVID-19 regulations."

Smurfit Kappa to participate in world's first project on hydrogen energy storage

Smurfit Kappa has announced it has been chosen to participate in an innovative energy research project on renewable energy storage. The HYFLEXPOWER project will see Smurfit Kappa's Saillat Paper Mill in France become the first plant in the world to introduce an integrated hydrogen gas turbine demonstrator.

Sonoco Thermosafe to develop vendor-neutral blockchain platform

Sonoco ThermoSafe, a subsidiary of Sonoco, is developing a vendor-neutral blockchain platform to deliver improved transparency and traceability across the pharmaceutical supply chain.

#MoveInMiami is Aug. 13

For the past seven years, the motto of #MoveInMiami has been, "They unpack. We give back." While the unpacking is different this year, Miamians can still support what matters to them most at Miami University on Aug. 13 through #MoveInMiami.

Student Spotlight: Geordin Craun of Western Michigan

Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with Geordin Craun, a senior in the program. We asked her a few questions about her experiences at Western Michigan.

NC State Names New Dean of College of Natural Resources

Myron Floyd has been named dean of the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University after a nationwide search. His appointment becomes effective April 1.

The Light Green Machine Institute

Ideas you can use now.

Saving energy

Saving energy was a topic Jim Thompson discussed a few weeks back. With fuel prices at record lows, it seems a weird time to discuss saving energy. But back in the day, when Union Camp was an entity in the 70s and 80s, the company leadership were geniuses at forecasting the paper industry fortunes six months to a year in advance. It seemed when everyone else was doing one thing we were doing another. And some time later, our approach was usually proven the best.

Capital Arguments for July 2020

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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March 2020

Download Audio File of the March 2020 Nip Impressions columns.

February 2020

Download Audio File of the February 2020 Nip Impressions columns.