Week of 4 May 2026: Transportation Month

We are on the cusp of a transportation revolution. From the warehouse to the consumer's converting transportation needs, change is afoot. For years, this has been a labor-intensive area with tremendous capital investment. This is rapidly changing. I thought I would start out this month by relating my personal experience in one area of rapidly changing transportation--lawnmowing.

More on Innovation

UPM Specialty Materials and Felix Schoeller announced that they introduce customizable, fiber-based solution for flexible food packaging.

Balancing Renewable Fiber, Energy Demands, and Rising Expectations: The Pulp Industry's Environmental Story

The pulp and paper industry has made significant environmental progress over the years. In just a generation or two, the transformation has been outstanding - with impressive advances even in the last five to ten years. With this in mind, let's examine the environmental performance of our mills: the day-to-day challenges operators face, the real gains achieved through sustained investments, and the practical steps that can be taken. Because the modern world continues to rely on the essential products our mills make.

Efficiency Effects - Jevons Paradox

In the 90's there was a vision for what business called the "paperless office." The advent and adoption of computers, email, cheap printers, database recordkeeping, etc. was supposed to drive office paper usage into the dustbin of history. What did we actually experience? US office paper consumption rose 14.7% between 1995 and 2000. Despite the digital tool kit, people in the office environment printed more drafts, emails, and files than ever before. This effect, or some would call it a paradox, has a name...Jevons Paradox.

Which mill to close?

Last year in the United States there were approximately 140 mill or converting plant closures or curtailments resulting in the loss of approximately 20,000 jobs. Nobody likes this, but when the health of the business is at stake these repulsive decisions need to be made.

When the Sprinklers Aren't Enough

The Ontario warehouse fire and what it reveals about the response gap in high-fuel-load facilities.

[Adv.] Bright Technologies

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

Trish Witkowski and Ford Bowers Headline FSEA Print Embellishment Conference Programming

The FSEA Print Embellishment Conference, taking place June 17-19 in Nasvhille, Tennessee, has announced its complete lineup of speakers and sessions for the conference.

Suzano helps lift over 140,000 people out of poverty in its areas of operation over a five-year period

Initiatives focusing on income generation and economic inclusion are benefiting key regions and reinforcing the value of the company's social responsibility strategy

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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.

Graphic Packaging, NextEra Energy to build 250 MW solar plant in Texas

Graphic Packaging Holding Company, a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, has announced a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. Through the agreement, NextEra Energy Resources plans to build a 250-megawatt solar energy plant in West Texas, advancing Graphic Packaging's commitment to source renewable electricity and reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Online auction for High End Stock Prep, Pulping, and Finishing Equipment from the former Georgia-Pacific Specialty Pulp Mill will be held May 7

An online auction will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 for High End Stock Prep, Pulping, and Finishing Equipment from the former Georgia-Pacific Specialty Pulp Mill in Perry, Florida.

Tractor-trailer fire at Pregis facility in Glens Falls, New York sends heavy smoke over city

Officials said the truck driver was taken to the hospital and a firefighter broke a finger. City officials also said one worker was taken to the hospital, but that person's condition was not known.

BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group Raises US$1.24 Billion for Largest Reforestation Fund to Date

BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (BTG Pactual TIG), one of the world's largest timberland managers, announced the close of fundraising for its Latin American Reforestation Strategy, reaching US$1.24 billion in commitments.

UPM-Kymmene Board of Directors has approved a demerger plan concerning the separation of the Plywood business into a new listed company

Based on the strategic review, the Board of Directors of UPM has approved a demerger plan concerning a partial demerger of UPM. According to the demerger plan, UPM will demerge so that all assets and liabilities of UPM relating to the UPM Plywood business area, or mainly serving the UPM Plywood business area, are transferred to WISA Group Plc ("WISA Group"), a company to be established in the demerger (the "Demerger").

UFP Industries acquires Berry Pallets for about $20 million

UFP Industries announced the acquisition of the operating assets, including real estate, of Berry Pallets, Inc., a pallet manufacturer based in Waseca, Minnesota for approximately $20 million.

UPM, Sappi paper joint venture may lead to price hikes, EU regulators warn

The move will likely require the companies to offer concessions such as asset sales to address the competition concerns.

Sofidel to Pay $80,000 in EEOC Sex Discrimination, Retaliation Lawsuit

Paper manufacturer settles federal lawsuit charging it with sexual harassment at its Inola, Oklahoma plant and firing the woman after she complained.

Unifor calls on governments to act after Interfor announces wind down of Nairn Centre sawmill

Unifor is calling for urgent, coordinated action from all levels of government following Interfor's announcement that it is indefinitely curtailing operations at its Nairn Centre sawmill.

UPM and Sappi's planned graphic paper Joint Venture proceeds to phase II of EU merger control

On April 28, 2026 the European Commission announced the opening of a Phase II investigation, which is a normal step in the Commission's merger review process in cases where initial concerns have not been fully resolved during Phase I.

Kimberly-Clark flags potential $170 million cost impact from higher oil prices

Keeps annual forecast intact as personal care products demand holds up

Boise Cascade faces $6.38 million fine for illegal plywood import scheme

Boise Cascade Company pleaded guilty to a felony violation of the Lacey Act for its role in a timber trafficking scheme that evaded countervailing and anti-dumping duties on plywood imported from China.

Valmet to start layoff talks covering 40 percent of Finland staff

Valmet will start change negotiations in Finland on May 4 under the Finnish Co-operation Act that may include temporary layoffs of less than 90 days, with possible layoffs implemented from June 2026 through the end of December 2026.

Amcor opens advanced healthcare packaging coating facility in Malaysia

A $35 million USD investment brings advanced air-knife coating technology and sterile medical packaging capabilities to Southeast Asia, further strengthening a healthcare regional supply chain.

Avery Dennison Announces Strategic $75 Million Investment in Wiliot to Scale Physical AI

Avery Dennison Corporation, a leading global materials science and digital identification solutions company, has announced a $75 million minority investment in Wiliot, a global leader in Physical AI for supply chains. This strategic investment deepens the long-standing partnership dedicated to creating a more intelligent, transparent and connected world.

EU expected to probe UPM and Sappi joint venture

The companies may be forced to offer concessions, such as asset divestments.

Mondi hikes prices and cuts jobs amid war risks

The company said heightened tensions in the Middle East had added to instability in an already difficult operating backdrop.

Sofidel: a new photovoltaic system now operational in the United Kingdom

Following the commissioning of a new biomass boiler in France in March, the Group - celebrating its 60th anniversary this year - has brought a new photovoltaic system into operation at its Rothley Lodge converting facility in Leicester, UK

Smurfit Westrock Chelmsford manufacturing site set to close with roughly 74 job losses

Approximately 74 employees will be impacted by the closure, the firm said on Thursday (April 23). The warehouse on Widford Industrial Estate in Chelmsford manufactures and supplies corrugated sheet board to customers across the UK. They support a wide range of markets, including food, drink and cosmetics.

Suzano Selects Avondale Global Gateway as Gulf Coast Hub, Bringing Regular Wood Pulp Imports Back to Louisiana for First Time in More Than 30 Years

Five-year agreement establishes Avondale Global Gateway as a key Gulf Coast terminal for Suzano's growing North American operations.

Greif Reports Fiscal Second Quarter 2026 Results

Net income decreased 32.3% to $12.6 million or $0.22 per diluted Class A share compared to net income of $18.6 million or $0.32 per diluted Class A share.

Avery Dennison Announces First Quarter 2026 Results

Delivered strong earnings growth and free cash flow in dynamic quarter.

Clearwater Paper Reports First Quarter 2026 Results

Net loss of $13 million, or $0.80 per diluted share versus net loss of $6 million, or $0.38 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2025.

Sonoco Again Named One of America's Most Trustworthy by Newsweek

Companies were selected through a comprehensive screening process that included both public and private U.S.-headquartered organizations with revenues exceeding $500 million.

Huhtamäki reports better-than-expected operating profit

The quarter was characterized by geopolitical challenges, unfavorable currency effects, and weather-related disruptions in North America. Cash flow showed a marked improvement, with all segments contributing positively.

PepsiCo, Givaudan, Smurfit Westrock and Statkraft Sign 10‑Year Renewable Energy Agreement to Advance Value Chain Decarbonization Across Europe

PepsiCo, Givaudan, Statkraft and Smurfit Westrock announce a renewable energy initiative enabled by the pep+ REnew program, supported by Statkraft, to reduce emissions across Europe.

Metsä Group's first-quarter loss deepens to Euro 4 million as muted pulp demand and US tariffs bite

Metsä Group reported a comparable operating result of Euro 4 million for the Q1 2026, compared to Euro 81 million in the same period last year, due to muted demand for market pulp in Europe and China, lower delivery volumes, and the negative impact of US import tariffs.

LP Building Solutions Unveils LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Trim & Siding Coastal Capsule

Curated color collection designed for coastal aesthetics and proven performance.

The Board of Directors of Metsä Board resolved on a share-based incentive scheme for 2026-2030

The Board will decide separately on the commencement and length of any possible earning period for each key employee.

UPM-Kymmene reports higher than expected adjusted operating profit

UPM-Kymmene reported first-quarter revenue in line with expectations, while adjusted operating profit came in ahead of forecasts.

Following member dialogue Södra board revises profit distribution proposal and opens up trading below nominal value for issued contributed capital

In 2025, dramatic changes in the external environment had a significant impact on Södra's profitability and results.

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.

UMaine student leads development of new low cost, mass-manufacturable microdroplet generators

Microdroplet generators are devices that produce tiny, precise liquid samples used for large-scale drug testing, cosmetics, cell analysis and scientific research.

Miami University Paper Science & Engineering Foundation names Mike Lopane as new executive director

Mike will assume the Executive Director's role on January 1, 2026 with the retirement of our current Executive Director, Dr. Gary Rudemiller. Gary has been in this role for eight years now, and we wish him well in his retirement.

The Light Green Machine Institute

Ideas you can use now.

Capital Arguments for March 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.

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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.