Week of 18 August 2025: Pulp Rats, Part 3/2025

By Fos, the Rat: Actually, I am Priscilla Rhodent, the DA in last week's column. Fos asked me to take over for this week and describe the background research that had been completed before this case went to trial.

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.

Luddites 2.0

Over time, "Luddite" became a term for anyone resisting technological change, though the original movement was more about labor rights than a blanket rejection of progress. We have now reached a point in history, and technological advancement, that virtually EVERY knowledge-based worker is in jeopardy of being augmented, then replaced with algorithms.

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.] Sebright Products

(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.

Read the monthly Industree 4.0 newsletters here

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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.

Bain considers €8 billion Ahlstrom sale or Amsterdam IPO

Bain Capital is evaluating strategic options for Ahlstrom, the Finnish specialty materials manufacturer, including a potential sale or initial public offering that could value the business at up to €8bn, according to a report by Bloomberg citing sources familiar with the matter.

RYAM and USW Petition the U.S. Government for Relief from Unfairly Traded Imports of High-Purity Dissolving Pulp from Brazil and Norway

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., a U.S. and global leader of cellulose-based technologies, together with the United Steel Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union AFL-CIO ("USW"), announced the filing with the US Department of Commerce ("USDOC") and the US International Trade Commission ("USITC") of parallel antidumping and countervailing duty petitions on Brazil, and an antidumping petition on Norway, concerning U.S. imports of High Purity Dissolving Pulp ("HPDP").

Rottneros writes down value of fixed assets in Rottneros Mill

Rottneros has decided to write down the value of fixed assets in Rottneros Mill. The reason is that the mill cannot utilize its full capacity in the prevailing weak market for the mechanical pulp CTMP. The impairment charge amounts to SEK 140 million.

Smurfit Westrock closing Cedar Rapids, Iowa location

Smurfit Westrock will close in early October, according to the Iowa WARN site.

UPM Adhesive Materials invests in Malaysia factory to accelerate growth in Southeast Asia

UPM Adhesive Materials, formerly known as UPM Raflatac, is investing in a new, state-of-the-art coating line and other facility and material handling upgrades in its label material factory in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

New pulp mill boosts Suzano's sales and revenue in the second quarter of 2025

Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, announces its results for the second quarter of 2025 (2Q25), reporting sales of 3.7 million tonnes of pulp and paper. Sales increased 28% over the same period in 2024 (2Q24), mainly reflecting the strong operational contribution of the new Ribas do Rio Pardo pulp mill, whose production started in July 2024. Net revenue in the quarter totaled R$13.3 billion, a 16% increase compared to 2Q24.

Greif Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell Timberlands to Molpus Woodlands Group for $462 Million

This transaction, which includes over 173,000 acres of timberlands across the Southeastern United States, follows Greif's previously announced intent to divest the business as part of its strategic portfolio optimization. The deal is expected to close shortly before or after the Company's fiscal year end, subject to customary closing conditions.

Fire crews respond to explosion at Roseburg Forest Products facility in Oregon

An investigation had determined the fire was accidental. No injuries were reported.

Fire at Domtar facility in Plymouth, North Carolina extinguished, no injuries reported

A fire at the Domtar facility located in Plymouth on Sunday, August 3 was successfully extinguished. The blaze broke out on the wood yard chip conveyor and the structures supporting it, according to a social media post by the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department. Crews cleared the scene around 3 p.m.

Chemours, DuPont, Corteva settle New Jersey PFAS claims for $875 million

Chemours, DuPont and Corteva have agreed to pay $875 million over 25 years to the State of New Jersey to settle environmental claims including pollution linked to PFAS, or "forever chemicals", the companies said on Monday.

Metsä Group to launch the planning of a significant cost savings and profit improvement programme

Due to prolonged weak profitability and the uncertain market outlook, Metsä Group is to initiate the planning of a significant cost savings and profit improvement programme. The aim of the programme is to achieve annual cost savings of approximately EUR 300 million, which are expected to be implemented gradually from 2026.

RYAM and GranBio Sign MOU to Explore Cellulosic SAF Project at Jesup Facility

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., the global leader in cellulose specialty products, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GranBio LLC, a pioneer in biochemicals and biofuels, to jointly explore the development of a small-scale commercial cellulosic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) facility co-located at RYAM's Jesup, Georgia site.

Georgia-Pacific President and CEO Announces Retirement, Company Announces New CEO

Georgia-Pacific is sharing the news that Christian Fischer, president and CEO, announced he is retiring from the company at the end of October and will work to transition his responsibilities beginning in August. Christian joined Georgia-Pacific in 1989 and has held numerous leadership roles. He was named president and CEO in 2017. Mark Luetters, currently executive vice president of Koch, Inc., with responsibility overseeing several Koch companies, including Georgia-Pacific, will continue in that role while serving as Georgia-Pacific's president and CEO.

Greif to Permanently Close California Facility in Connection with Cost-Cutting Efforts

Greif said it will permanently close its steel and polymer drum facility in Merced, Calif., as part of its previously announced optimization efforts.

Specialty Papers US Returns to Chicago to Take on 2025's Challenges and Opportunities

Specialty Papers US (SPUS), North America's premier conference dedicated to innovations in the specialty paper supply chain, will return to Chicago, Illinois from Monday, October 27 through Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Sebright Products, Inc. Announces ISO 9001 Certification

ISO 9001 certification offers a wide range of benefits for both the company and its customers.

Fire Contained at Oxford, Alabama National Gypsum Plant; No Injuries Reported

A fire broke out Monday afternoon, July 28, at the National Gypsum plant in Oxford, prompting a large response from local and regional emergency crews. The Oxford Fire Department (OFD) responded to the call and successfully contained the fire to a single room. No injuries were reported.

Sappi concludes $500 million expansion project at its Somerset Mill in Maine

In response to rising demand for high-quality, fiber-based sustainable packaging, Sappi North America announced that it is delivering commercial product to customers following the completion of Project Elevate, the $500 million conversion and expansion of Paper Machine No. 2 (PM2) at its Somerset Mill in Maine.

Cascades invests over $5.3 million in its Granby, Quebec plant

These additions will increase production by 20% by the end of 2025.

Canada invests $45.7 million in 30 wildfire research and Indigenous-led projects

Canada is allocating $45.7 million to advance wildfire science, improve risk assessments, and strengthen community resilience through 30 projects nationwide. The investment supports both research initiatives and Indigenous-led fire stewardship, with $41.7 million directed to 20 research and demonstration projects and $3.9 million to 10 Indigenous-led projects, according to Natural Resources Canada.

LP Building Solutions Appoints Lynn Cobb as Vice President, Marketing

In this newly created role, Cobb will lead the development and execution of LP's commercial strategy, working in close partnership with the company's Sales, Supply Chain, and Customer Experience teams. She will oversee brand management, product innovation, and commercialization initiatives designed to drive demand and deepen customer engagement.

Novolex Appoints James "JT" Jones as Chief Procurement Officer

Novolex®, a leading manufacturer in the food and beverage packaging industry, announced that James "JT" Jones has been appointed Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), effective August 11, 2025. In this role, Jones will be responsible for leading the company's global procurement team, processes and strategy. He will be based in Lake Forest, IL and will report to Novolex Chairman and CEO, Stan Bikulege.

Western Forest Products Second Quarter 2025 struggles amid market volatility

Net loss was $17.4 million in the second quarter of 2025, as compared to a net loss of $5.7 million in the second quarter of 2024, and net income of $13.8 million in the first quarter of 2025.

Interfor Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results; Adjusted EBITDA of $17 million and Net Earnings of $11 million

Interfor recorded net earnings in Q2'25 of $11.1 million, or $0.22 per share, compared to a net loss of $35.1 million, or $0.68 per share in Q1'25 and a net loss of $75.8 million, or $1.47 per share in Q2'24.

How PotlatchDeltic Works With Suppliers and Contractors

PotlatchDeltic takes our governance principles seriously to ensure that we run our business in an ethical and transparent manner, and we expect the same from our suppliers and contractors.

Tork Achieves Milestone in Data-Driven Cleaning Technology Reaching More Than One Billion People Traveling Through Connected Buildings

Five of the world's 10 busiest airports use Tork technology for cleaning.

Mativ Holdings, Inc. reports loss of $9.5 million in second quarter

The Alpharetta, Georgia-based company said it had a loss of 18 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs and restructuring costs, were 33 cents per share.

Manufacturers nix the USDA's Paper and Packaging Board

The paper and paper-based packaging industry's national research and promotion program, administered by the Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB), will not continue following the results of the July continuance referendum vote.

Magnera Reports Third Quarter Results - Provides Updated Outlook

Confirming post-merger adjusted free cash flow and Adjusted EBITDA range.

Sappi reports $33 million loss in Q3 2025 amid market challenges

Sappi reported a $33 million loss for the third quarter to June 2025, versus a $51m profit at the same time last year, but a better result is anticipated in the fourth quarter, CEO Steve Binnie said Thursday.

Rayonier Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

Second quarter net income attributable to Rayonier of $408.7 million ($2.63 per share), pro forma net income of $9.6 million ($0.06 per share), and Adjusted EBITDA of $44.9 million.

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.

Check out the Paperitalo Library

Items just for you

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

Click here to listen to our latest episodes!

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.