Week of 2 February 2026: Innovation Month

When we come to innovation month, I have tended to think along the lines of mechanical engineering, since that is my first love. However, these days, I think I have been selling innovation short over recent years. Innovation in our pulp and paper mills can take many forms. I will outline some of these forms this week and expand them over the rest of the month.

More on Sustainability

Red Leaf Pulp, a Canadian company, is pioneering North America's first large-scale, non-wood pulp mill using wheat straw to make high-quality pulp for sustainable packaging, tissue and molded products.

From Antarctic Ice to Mill Uptime: The Rise of AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance in Mills

While researching for my writing, I was poring over a stack of HR materials when I came across a highly popular LinkedIn article on the subject. It was spectacularly out of touch - in fact, the advice would've invited eye rolls in every paper mill and been tossed in the garbage, it was so impractical.

Seeing Around Corners

There's a critical skill in both business and in life that involves seeing into the future...accurately. It involves the ability to "read the tea leaves" as some people say. The idiom originates from the ancient practice of tasseography, a form of early fortune-telling that involved interpretation of loose tea leaf formation at the bottom of your empty cup. Sounds ridiculous to me, but hey, some people put their belief behind such parlor games. However, in the ensuing centuries, better leading indicators were developed to shine some light on what both the short-term and long-term future look like. In other words, how you should play the game to win.

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.

Closed Loop ERP

The closed loop ERP is the end of the rainbow for Industry 4.0. The promise of Industry 4.0 is the enterprise that is fully connected from the plant floor to the top of the enterprise with real time data used for automated processes.

[Adv.] Allnorth

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

Report: Paper Trail to Nowhere, Investigative Findings on Domtar

The company, formerly known as Paper Excellence, was previously investigated in a 2022 report by Greenpeace Canada and partner organizations, which exposed its complex ownership structure, including links to Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and the larger Sinar Mas Group -- companies with a documented track record of environmental and human rights violations. This led to hearings with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources (RNNR) to which Wijaya failed to appear and participate to clarify his company's activities.

Greenpeace Canada investigation reveals Domtar's lobbying resulted in over $200M of Canadian public funds

A two-part investigative report released today by Greenpeace Canada reveals that Domtar, the largest pulp and paper company to ever operate in Canada, has been receiving significant amounts of public funds from the government while expanding corporate control on the forestry industry with limited transparency and accountability. Domtar's operations cover 22 million hectares of forest across Canada, or almost 10% of all managed forest land across the country.

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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.

International Paper to Create Two Independent Public Companies

International Paper, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, announced Jan. 29 its plan to create two independent, publicly traded companies: International Paper will be comprised of its current business in North America including both legacy IP and DS Smith assets, and the EMEA Packaging business will be comprised of both legacy DS Smith and IP assets in EMEA. The separation will create two leading sustainable packaging solutions companies, each with focused management teams and business models, tailored investment and capital allocation strategies, and compelling financial profiles.

Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue shareholders overwhelmingly approve Kimberly-Clark's acquisition of Kenvue

Key milestone in creating a global health and wellness leader; Transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026

State backs Legacy Paper investment at former Domtar site

A long-idle paper manufacturing site in Port Huron is moving closer to redevelopment with new state support.

Late-Night Fire Breaks Out At Ahlstrom Windsor Locks, Connecticut Manufacturing Facility

Sprinklers helped control a fire inside industrial equipment at the longtime Ahlstrom facility, and no injuries were reported.

Update: University of Maine Student Dies in Gas Incident at Woodland Pulp Mill

Kasie Malcolm, a chemical engineering student participating in a co-op program through UMaine, died at the hospital last night from injuries sustained at the plant. Malcolm had worked at the mill since June.

Worker passes away after gas incident at Woodland Pulp, according to mill spokesperson

Another worker involved in the incident was sent to Calais Hospital Tuesday night as well, with serious injuries; their condition is unknown at this time.

Broken Water Pipe Causes Damage at Marcal Paper Facility

The cause of the pipe break is under investigation, and officials are assessing the extent of the damage to the property.

Appvion employees lose bid to recover ESOP funds after bankruptcy, next case set for trial

A state appeals court rejected an attempt by members of the Appvion Employee Stock Ownership Plan to recover damages after a bankruptcy filing.

B.C. forest sector faces 'another tough year' in 2026

Forests minister scrambles to increase timber to B.C.'s forest industry.

Rayonier and PotlatchDeltic Announce Stockholder Approvals for Merger

Merger expected to close after market close on January 30, 2026.

Fire at International Paper facility in Tennessee

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Chinese company to build $500 million paper mill in Uzbekistan

A Chinese firm, Huanrong Paper, is set to construct a paper manufacturing plant in Uzbekistan's Samarkand region, in a project valued at around $500 million, local authorities have said.

Tetra Pak invests €60 million in owned pilot plant to advance its paper-based barrier technology development

Tetra Pak takes another major step towards the next generation of sustainable packaging materials with its €60 million investment in a new pilot plant for its paper-based barrier technology at the company's facility in Lund, Sweden.

International Paper Completes Sale of Global Cellulose Fibers Business to American Industrial Partners (AIP)

International Paper, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has completed the sale of its Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF) business to funds affiliated with American Industrial Partners (AIP). As part of the sale agreement, AIP acquired the GCF business for $1.5 billion including the issuance to International Paper of preferred stock with an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $190 million.

Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper Halts Newsprint Production, Cuts 150 Jobs

Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper has decided to halt its newsprint production due to a significant decline in demand. This decision will impact 150 jobs as per their latest announcement on January 22. The company will be filing notices with the provincial labor ministry to implement this change within the current quarter.

Curtailment of Western Forest Products Chemainus sawmill will continue through 2026

About 120 employees were laid off in July, with hopes they would return to work in the new year.

Metsä Board to acquire a Sheeting and Distribution Hub in the Netherlands

Metsä Board has today signed an agreement to acquire the Winschoten Sheeting and Distribution Hub in the Netherlands from Konvertia Group. The transaction is expected to be completed in February 2026. The parties have mutually agreed not to disclose the acquisition price.

Packaging stocks rise after PCA announces $70 per ton price hike

Packaging stocks rose on Friday after Packaging Corp. of America announced plans to increase containerboard prices by $70 per ton effective March 1, according to Bloomberg's Green Markets Box Report.

First Nations-owned Vancouver Island wood chip plant set to close in March

The statement says a major factor was last month's announcement of the closure of Domtar's pulp mill in Crofton, B.C., which Atli says effectively eliminated the demand for wood chips produced at Beaver Cove.

Essity signs EUR 400m loan agreement with the European Investment Bank

Essity has secured a EUR 400m loan at favorable terms with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The loan has a tenor of 7 years and will support the company's research, development, and innovation initiatives across all business areas.

Pregis Launches EasyPack® Strata, a High-Speed On-Demand Paper System Designed for Versatile Protection in Fulfillment Operations

Strata forms structured paper pads that optimize space within the box, enabling more uniform packing and reducing unnecessary material use.

Greif Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2026 Results

Net income increased to $176.6 million or $3.00 per diluted Class A share compared to net income of $6.6 million or $0.13 per diluted Class A share.

Packaging Corporation of America posts quarterly results miss on softer demand, higher costs

Packaging Corporation of America reported fourth quarter 2025 net income of $102 million, or $1.13 per share, and net income of $209 million, or $2.32 per share, excluding special items.

LP Building Solutions Announces Board Leadership Succession, Elects F. Nicholas Grasberger III Independent Chairperson

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, announced its Board of Directors (Board) has elected F. Nicholas Grasberger III as independent Chairperson of the Board, effective Feb. 19, 2026.

Kimberly-Clark beats profit estimates on cost cuts, demand for everyday essentials

Kimberly-Clark beat estimates for quarterly profit on ‌Tuesday, helped by cost controls and steady demand for its products including Huggies diapers and Kleenex tissues in North America, China and other key markets.

Fortune names Smurfit Westrock as one of the worlds most admired companies

Smurfit Westrock has been included on the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies 2026 list.

CDP Once Again Recognizes Sofidel's Environmental Commitment

Sofidel continues to strengthen its leadership in environmental sustainability, starting the new year with renewed recognition from CDP, one of the world's foremost authorities on environmental performance disclosure.

SCA awarded Gold in EcoVadis Sustainability Rating and strengthens its position

SCA has been awarded a Gold Medal in EcoVadis' global sustainability assessment for 2025. At the same time, the company's overall score has increased from 78 to 79, placing SCA among the top five percent of companies worldwide.

Unilever and Saica Group develop paper band for deodorant packaging

Unilever and Saica Group have collaborated to replace the former plastic shrink film used for promotional packs of Axe deodorant with a paper grouping band, said to be designed for recycling.

Stora Enso introduces Performa Lumi, a lightweight GC1 folding boxboard with premium visual performance

Stora Enso introduces Performa Lumi, a new GC1 folding boxboard (FBB) designed for brands seeking both premium visual impact and efficient material use. Produced on Stora Enso's new BM6 packaging line in Oulu, Finland, Performa Lumi expands the Performa range alongside Performa Nova, offering a complementary option for everyday beauty, personal care, and healthcare packaging.

Sealed Air Celebrates Innovation and Its Iconic Brand on National Bubble Wrap® Appreciation Day

Original inventor honors the brand's legacy with a Big Game "Pop Pack" activation designed to spark excitement and engage fans.

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.

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 December 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

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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.