Week of 10 November 2025: The foam is too pink!

The boss called me into his office, "Thompson, I want you to go to (major beer customer) with (carton plant manager) and solve this complaint!" "What's the complaint?" "They say the foam is too pink in the graphics on the last two truckloads of cartons we sent them. You go down there with (carton plant manager) and keep those loads sold!"

Is AI Revolutionizing Quality Control in Manufacturing?

In an article from Quality Magazine, it states that the "convergence of automation and quality is redefining how manufacturers detect defects, maintain standards and continuously improve processes."

Quality Paper: Making a Difference

The book "The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy discusses how to eradicate bad habits that derail your progress, teaches how to instill a few key disciplines that help you make some big breakthroughs, and helps motivate you to do things that you don't feel like doing. It's a good read. But when I bought the book, it was like déjà vu: the book seemed hauntingly familiar, but I only had one copy of the book. And then it dawned on me. I looked on my iPad and sure enough, there it was. A digital copy of "The Compound Effect". I'd read the whole book nine months before, and remembered nothing of it - until I reread the paper copy.

Krafty Women

My introduction to the amazing world of papermaking began in 1990. That was the very first class my freshman year of college in Paper Science & Engineering. Of the 60 or so freshman also in that class, there were like 6 females in a sea of males. I think that kind of scene played out in many universities offering STEM fields of study in those days. Interestingly, the freshman class dwindled to about 40 by the time we reached graduation several years later. It was a difficult curriculum after all. That kind of turn-over was not unusual. ALL of the women from freshman year made it to graduation and landed a permanent position somewhere in the field of papermaking.

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

The Nucleus of Industry 4.0

The human race has been in an eternal search for the laws of nature. There came a time when the idea of the atom originated. People like Becquerel, Rutherford, Chadwick, Curie, Einstein, and others studied and tested to better understand the atom until the time came that we knew enough about it that we can use it, for better or worse. The result of this yielded capabilities such as the following...

[Adv.] Sebright Products

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

ISA's Automation.com Gets an Upgrade, Refreshing Its Digital Experience

The International Society of Automation (ISA) -- the leading professional society for automation -- has relaunched its news publication for the global automation community, Automation.com, with a refreshed design and improved site navigation based on ISA technical content topics. This upgrade offers a more modern look and feel with advanced search capabilities and more intuitive topic organization.

AF&PA Calls on EU to Address Non-Tariff Trade Barriers Following Proposal to Delay EUDR Implementation

EUDR continues to pose a critical trade risk for U.S. paper manufacturing.

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.

The axe falls on 100 Mile House mill: West Fraser Timber to shutter facilities on both sides of the border

Citing a drooping softwood lumber demand, compounded by higher duties and additional tariffs that have reached 45 per cent for U.S. markets, West Fraser Timber announced Thursday its plans to permanently shutter both its Augusta, Ga., and 100 Mile House lumber mills by the end of 2025.

Woodland Pulp pausing mill operations until end of December

The hiatus for Washington County's largest employer is due to a downturn in the global pulp market and comes after increases in tariffs on Canadian lumber.

Suzano Reports Increased Operational Efficiency With Lower Cash Cost in the Third Quarter of 2025

Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, announces its results for the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25), reporting sales of 3.6 million tonnes of pulp and paper combined, a 20% increase on the same quarter last year (3Q24). The positive result is driven by the operations of the Ribas do Rio Pardo pulp mill, inaugurated in 2024, and by the integration of paper production from assets acquired in the United States in October 2024.

Södra tests carbon capture technology in Värö

In early 2026, a pilot project for carbon capture will be launched at the Värö industrial site. The initiative aims to build knowledge around the technology and explore new business opportunities using biogenic carbon dioxide as a raw material.

Valmet Initiates Negotiations on Temporary Layoffs in Finland

Valmet has announced that, starting November 10, the company will begin negotiations aimed at implementing temporary layoffs within its Packaging and Paper business area, as well as units within Global Supply in Finland.

Shutdown at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper begins, Kruger officials anxious to start $700 million retrofit

Vice President Darren Pelley says significant rainfall is needed to get back to normal operations at the mill. He says this is financially quite challenging being shut down but Kruger's $700 million transformation plan for the mill, which was announced in July, has now become more urgent.

Smurfit Westrock opens world's first dedicated clinical packaging facility in Dublin

Over €40m was invested in the brand new site, which will provide packaging solutions for clinical trials and regulated pharma packaging.

LP Building Solutions Announces CEO Transition Plan; Jason Ringblom to become CEO following Brad Southern's retirement

LP Building Solutions (LP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, announced that Chief Executive Officer Brad Southern will retire effective February 19, 2026, after leading the company since 2017.

Sonoco concludes $725 million divestment of ThermoSafe unit

Sonoco said net proceeds will be applied towards repaying existing borrowings.

UPM Energy commissions grid-balancing ultracapacitor at Kuusankoski hydropower plant

UPM Energy's ultracapacitor at the Kuusankoski hydropower plant is now operational. The six-megawatt device stores energy and provides balancing power to the electricity grid. The need for fast and flexible balancing power has increased with the growing use of renewable, weather-dependent forms of energy, such as wind and solar power. The investment, announced in August 2024, triples UPM's ultracapacitor capacity and further strengthens the ability of hydropower to balance the electricity grid quickly and efficiently.

Kimberly-Clark agrees to buy Tylenol owner Kenvue in $48.7 billion deal, creating consumer staples giant

The combined company would bring together brands like Huggies and Kleenex with the likes of Band-Aid and Tylenol. It would generate estimated 2025 annual net revenue of roughly $32 billion.

Kruger Corner Brook mill hitting pause on newsprint, citing low water levels having impact on power supply

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper will temporarily pause newsprint production starting Monday due to low water levels impacting the ability of Deer Lake Power to supply sufficient energy to operate the mill.

Weyerhaeuser completes $459 million timberland acquisitions and advances $410 million divestitures

Weyerhaeuser Company reports it completed two timberland acquisitions valued at $459 million and advanced three divestitures of non-core properties totaling $410 million in expected proceeds. The company confirms the third divestiture will close in early 2026 and expects the total cash inflow from all sales to exceed the funds spent on the acquisitions.

Sappi Europe completes closure of Alfeld mill assets, cuts 180 positions

The measure will result in the reduction of approximately 180 positions through unfilled vacancies, voluntary agreements, and redundancies.

Georgia-Pacific will close Illinois box plant, affecting 134 employees

Georgia-Pacific notified employees Oct. 30 it plans to permanently shut its box plant in Mt. Olive, Illinois, by Dec. 31, according to Lauren Campen, senior manager of public affairs and communications for corrugated.

Community of Ear Falls, Ontario rallies to support forestry jobs

Unifor members in Ear Falls, Ont., gathered at the municipal government building to call for immediate action to reopen the Interfor Ear Falls sawmill that recently shut down production.

Smurfit Westrock to close California corrugated facility, affecting 141 workers

Smurfit Westrock plans to permanently close a corrugated sheet and box facility in California, and 141 employees will be affected, according to a company worker adjustment and retraining notification letter the state.

International Paper swings to quarterly loss on $1 billion impairment charge

The company posted a net loss of $1.10 billion, or $2.09 per share, for the quarter ended September 30, compared with a profit of $150 million, or 43 cents per share, a year earlier.

Kimberly-Clark beats quarterly sales estimates as demand holds for household staples

Net sales of $4.2 billion were in line with prior year with organic sales growth of 2.5 percent offset by divestitures and business exits.

Lecta's EraCup Natural Achieves the flustix "Less Plastics Product" Certification, Driving Sustainable Innovation in Food Service Packaging

This international recognition reinforces Lecta's commitment to a new era of responsibility for paper packaging and positions EraCup Natural among the most advanced solutions on the market.

Cascades recognized for its commitment to sustainability

Cascades Inc., a leader in eco-friendly recycling, packaging and hygiene solutions, is proud to announce that it has recently been recognized by several renowned organizations for its commitment to sustainable development. These honors reflect Cascades' continued excellence in social responsibility and environmental performance.

UFP Packaging's Corrugated Division Achieves FSC® and SFI® Chain of Custody Certifications

UFP Packaging announced that its corrugated division has received the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain of Custody standard and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) Chain of Custody and Corporate Policies standards. The certifications demonstrate the company's commitment to ensuring its fiber comes from sustainably managed sources and help customers meet their own sustainability and sourcing requirements.

Interfor reports $216 million Q3 loss as tariffs, weak prices, and duty adjustments pressure results

Interfor Corporation reported a net loss of $216 million for the third quarter of 2025, compared with earnings of $11 million in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $184 million on sales of $689 million, versus a gain of $17 million on $781 million in Q2.

Sappi Europe to increase coated mechanical reel prices by 5-7% from January 2026

Sappi Europe will raise prices for its coated mechanical reels by 5 to 7%, effective 1 January 2026. The company cites persistently high costs for energy, transport, labour, chemicals and fibre as the primary driver for the increase, noting that internal efficiency measures have been insufficient to offset the structural cost pressures.

Pulp market weakness and regional demand slowdown reduce CMPC earnings in third quarter 2025

Net income was $34 million, less than half the previous quarter's result.

Amcor reports solid first quarter result and reaffirms fiscal 2026 outlook

Packaging solutions company Amcor has registered a growth in its first-quarter (Q1) profit and reaffirmed its earnings guidance for fiscal 2026. The company's net income reached $262m in Q1 (ended 30 September 2025). This included costs related to its acquisition of Berry Global, which was finalized in April.

Mercer International Grapples With Declining Sales And Rising Costs

Mercer International Inc. reported third quarter 2025 Operating EBITDA of negative $28.1 million, a decrease from positive $50.5 million in the same quarter of 2024 and negative $20.9 million in the second quarter of 2025.

Greif ups cost savings projection despite 'bumpy' fiscal 2025

Greif, Inc., a world leader in industrial packaging products and services, announced two-month fourth quarter and eleven-month fiscal 2025 results.

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!

UPM joins Cefic to strengthen the role of renewable chemistry in Europe

UPM, the world-leading producer of wood-based biochemicals and biofuels, has joined Cefic - the European Chemical Industry Council. By becoming part of Europe's strongest chemical industry network, UPM underlines its commitment to strengthening the role of renewable chemistry as an integral part of a competitive and sustainable European chemical industry.

Western Forest Products' adjusted EBITDA falls to negative $65.9 million on softwood lumber duty expense

The net loss for the quarter was $61.3 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 October 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.

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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.