Week of 1 June 2026: Safety Month

Sunday, 24 May 2026, I watched the sporting event of the year that I thoroughly enjoy--the Indianapolis 500. The greatest auto race in the world has succeeded in seriously improving its performance and dramatically improving its safety record. Why can't we do the same? In Paperitalo's publication, PaperMoney, we have a department, "Risks: Fires, Fatalities and Catastrophes." We started this chronicle of such events in 2017. There has been no discernible improvement in the nine years since then.

Energy Transitions

There have been several recent announcements regarding energy.

U-Turn in Policy: How Transportation Reforms are Reshaping the Paper Industry

The current administration has shifted transportation policies in ways that directly affect large industries like pulp and paper, because the previous focus on "equity" and "climate-focused" infrastructure grants has been replaced by a clear priority on industrial output, economic efficiency, and traditional infrastructure. Here are the critical policy shifts reshaping transportation for the paper industry...

Digital Dementia

We're all susceptible to Digital Dementia. Even NASA couldn't remember how they got to the moon on 4 kilobytes of RAM. At least that's what I heard. For the Boomers, GenX, and Millennials...remember when we all used to maintain a physical address/phone book decades ago? We still do, in a sense, maintain those databases of contacts, but we're digital now. It's just as important to do so now as then, however, it so much easier.

Single site Industry 4.0

Most of our discussion of Industry 4.0 has focused on connecting facilities to the rest of the enterprise through the Internet. What if your entire enterprise is a single site?

[Adv.] Wieland

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

Metsä Conservation Foundation offered more than a thousand hectares of forest for conservation

Forest owners are interested in the voluntary protection of their forests, offering more than 1,000 hectares for the first application round organised by Metsä Conservation Foundation. These 85 sites represent diverse forests from all over Finland.

AF&PA Statement on the EU's EUDR Review: No Fixes, More Risk

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock has expressed disappointment that the European Union declined to make the practical changes needed for workable, risk-based implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) for U.S. forest products manufacturers.

Read the monthly Industree 4.0 newsletters here

Check out the monthly newsletters here or subscribe and have them emailed to you hot off the press!

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.

Washington inspectors enter Nippon Dynawave Longview paper mill to investigate deadly implosion

State regulators have gained full access to the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. paper mill in Longview to launch a comprehensive safety probe into last week's chemical implosion that killed 11 workers.

No injuries reported after fire breaks out at McKinley Paper Mill in Combined Locks, Wisconsin

Firefighters remained on scene for approximately three hours. A damage estimate is not yet available.

Saothair Capital Partners Completes the Acquisition of EAM Corp. from Domtar Corporation

Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Jesup, Georgia, EAM (www.eam-corp.com) is a leading developer and manufacturer of nonwoven airlaid and laminated absorbent materials used in feminine hygiene, adult incontinence, baby diaper, medical, industrial and food packaging applications.

Canada announces $130 million for 56 forest-sector transformation projects

Canada plans to advance a national transformation of the forest sector by providing close to $130 million for 56 projects across Canada and by enhancing financing supports, including expanded regional funding and changes to Business Development Bank of Canada programs, Natural Resources Canada announced.

Remembering the 11 men killed in the Nippon Dynawave Longview paper mill accident

Officials have identified all 11 victims killed in the accident. Families are paying tribute to their loved ones on social media and through online fundraisers.

Smurfit Westrock announces €600 million investment

Smurfit Westrock has announced plans to invest approximately €600 million across its operations in France, reinforcing its long-term commitment to French manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability ahead of the Choose France initiative.

Mondi strengthens corrugated solutions operations in Germany through targeted site upgrades

Targeted upgrades at the Greven and Ebersdorf plants enhance efficiency, quality and customer service.

Workers want 'full accountability' from Nippon after paper mill disaster, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez says

The Washington congresswoman called out Nippon executives after the deadly incident.

New details released after explosion at International Paper facility in North Carolina

International Paper explosion in Warren County caused by boiler system malfunction.

Washington Guard Responds to Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company Longview Paper Mill Implosion

Following a tank implosion and chemical spill at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co., the Washington National Guard mobilized Soldiers and Airmen to support first responders with air monitoring, decontamination and facility search-and-recovery operations.

Lenzing AG appoints Georg Kasperkovitz as Chief Executive Officer

Kasperkovitz will assume this role in addition to his current function as Chief Operations Officer (COO).

Dr. Michael J. Kocurek, founder of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Paper Science program, passes away at age 83

Dr. Kocurek founded the Paper Science program at UWSP in 1970 and played a defining role in establishing the strong academic and industry-connected foundation that continues to distinguish the program today. His leadership, commitment to students, and dedication to advancing paper science education helped shape generations of professionals who have gone on to serve and lead across the pulp, paper, packaging, and allied industries.

All missing victims recovered in Nippon Dynawave Washington paper mill explosion; 11 dead

The investigation into last week's chemical tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave plant in Longview is ongoing. The deceased were identified as Gilberto Bernal, 52; Tyler Covington, 29; Brad Covington, 27; Robert Wilson, 48; Dale Miller, 54; Jared Ammons, 35; Braydon Finkas, 38; Clinton Duran, 26; John Forsberg, 51; Norman Barlow, 58; and Dillon Miller.

Washington state crews find body of another victim in Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co. paper mill disaster

Discovery brings death toll from chemical tank rupture in Longview to nine, with two workers still unaccounted for.

8 Confirmed Dead After Chemical Tank Implosion at Nippon Dynawave Paper Mill, 3 Others Remain Missing

After two bodies were found earlier this week, officials announced that rescue crews had recovered the remains of another six victims on Thursday, May 28.

Weyerhaeuser fined after worker killed at Grande Prairie lumber mill

The charges stemmed from a fatal incident on Nov. 18, 2023, when a worker attempted to clear a blockage from a machine using a pike pole. The pole was ejected from the machinery and struck the worker, resulting in death.

Metsä Group inaugurates the world's most modern tissue mill in Mariestad, Sweden

Metsä Group has made significant investments in strengthening its tissue business in Europe. The €370 million investment in Mariestad is one of the largest in the European tissue industry and reflects Metsä Tissue's commitment to the future of European hygiene and tissue sector.

UPM and Sappi have signed a definitive agreement on the graphic paper Joint Venture

UPM has signed a definitive agreement to form a graphic paper Joint Venture with Sappi, and the parties have secured financing arrangements that will provide a robust financial standing for the Joint Venture.

Domtar responds to lawsuit over odors from Kingsport mill

In the response, Domtar denies that members of the public "have suffered damages or injury due to noxious odors emitted from the facility."

UPM appoints Joonas Rauramo as Executive Vice President, UPM Energy

Rauramo, born in 1983, will join UPM from Coolbrook Oy, where he has served as CEO since 2022 and prior to that was Executive Vice President, Strategy & Industrial Partnerships.

Sonoco Releases Corporate Sustainability Report Highlighting Progress and Award-Winning Products

In 2025, the Company completed its significant transformation and today has built award-winning, global market-leading franchises in both metal and paper packaging across industrial markets.

Essity recognized on CDP Supplier Engagement A List for seventh consecutive year

The recognition highlights Essity's continued efforts to work closely with suppliers to address climate-related impacts across the value chain.

Södra decides on a profit distribution of SEK 696 million

At Södra's Annual General Meeting, a decision was taken to distribute SEK 696 million in profit to Södra's members. The meeting was marked by strong member engagement, with a focus on the cooperative's development, long-term competitiveness and the impact of the external environment.

British Columbia invests $155 million to plant 125 million trees

The Province of British Columbia is investing $155 million toward reforestation programs to plant more than 125 million trees across the province, and federal funding of more than $200 million brings combined support to more than $355 million, according to the Province of British Columbia.

LP Building Solutions Announces Chief Financial Officer Succession Plan

Alan Haughie to retire, Aaron Howald named successor.

Magnera Introduces Universa™ A new industrial wiper platform from Chicopee® and Sontara®

Universa™ is a new, consolidated range of industrial wipers that brings together the trusted performance of Chicopee® and Sontara®.

Sun Chemical launches SunGame™ for high-speed trading card manufacturing

Sun Chemical will launch SunGame™, a product line specifically for the fast-growing trading card and gaming industry, consisting of high-quality inks, durable coatings, advanced brand protection solutions and innovative smart packaging concepts. The range supports high-speed, vibrant color and high-quality output while meeting stringent toy safety requirements.

Avery Dennison® Expands Supreme Wrapping Film™ Portfolio with Five New Trend-Setting Colors

Avery Dennison® Graphics Solutions has debuted five new colors for its flagship Supreme Wrapping Film™ color change vehicle wrapping film product line. These strategic color additions provide installers with high-demand finishes that bridge the gap between luxury aesthetics and the reliable, professional-grade performance the industry expects from the SW900 series.

Metsä Group's SVP, Group R&D Katariina Kemppainen to chair a major European bioeconomy organisation

Katariina Kemppainen, Senior Vice President, Group R&D at Metsä Group, has been appointed Chair of the Board of the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) on 28 May 2026.

Hamburger Containerboard hikes prices on input cost

Hamburger Containerboard announced Thursday a €60 per metric ton price increase on all grades of recycled containerboard in European markets beginning in June.

Spanish Ambassador to the UK visits Saica's recycled paper mill in Manchester

Susana Alejandro, Saica's CEO welcomed Ambassador Emma Aparici to the company's Manchester site, home to the PM11 paper machine and a flagship example of circular economy manufacturing in the UK.

Student Spotlight: Junior Naomi Halphen of Georgia Tech

Paperitalo Publications interviewed Naomi Halphen, and we asked her a few questions about her experiences at Georgia Tech.

Student Spotlight: Graduating senior Kelsey Mosqueda of the University of Washington

Kelsey Mosqueda is a senior in the UW program. Kelsey is graduating this spring with her Bioresource Science & Engineering degree and will be working at International Paper in Springfield, Oregon. We asked her about her experiences at the University of Washington.

Interview with University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Paper Science and Engineering Graduating Senior Ethan Fisher

Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with Ethan Fisher, a graduating senior in the program, and we asked him a few questions about his experiences at UWSP.

Student Spotlight: Graduating senior Aimee Lambert 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 Aimee Lambert, who is a graduating senior in the program. We asked her a few questions about her experiences at Western Michigan.

Student Spotlight: Senior Avery Hendl 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 Avery Hendl. We asked her a few questions about her experiences at Miami.

Student Spotlight: Interview with N.C. State Paper Science and Engineering junior Abby Hickman

Abby Hickman shares her experiences at N.C. State.

Interview with University of Maine senior Kenzie Karpinski

The University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation leads a partnership between the University of Maine, the Pulp and Paper industry and aspiring engineering students. Its role is to recruit, support and prepare talented engineering students to become the next great leaders in the pulp and paper industry, while also helping to meet the workforce needs of the industry, specifically in chemical, civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with senior Kenzie Karpinski. We asked her a few questions about her experiences at UMaine.

Student Spotlight: Cameron Borner of Minnesota, graduating in Spring 2026

At the University of Minnesota, the Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE) program prepares students to solve real-world problems with practical, sustainable solutions. It brings together biological sciences, engineering principles, and technology to address society's growing demands for material, food, and energy using renewable resources. Cameron Borner is a student in the program, and he shares some of his experiences at Minnesota.

The Light Green Machine Institute

Ideas you can use now.

Capital Arguments for April 2026

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.

Check out the Paperitalo Library

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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.