Week of 9 March 2026: Negotiations--Raw Materials (Except Fiber)

I am following the same format all month. Please refer to last week's column for further information on this. I told ChatGPT I was going to take the role of a buyer and purchase chemicals for my pulp and paper mill. What will get me the best result in negotiations? Here are the results...

Will AI dumb people down?

While AI has its place, people shouldn't become dependent on it for basic thinking. There's a real fear for the younger generations becoming heavily dependent on AI.

Negotiating with Anyone: Actionable Steps to Stay Calm and Win

Negotiating with people who are easy to get along with is a pleasure. Yet negotiating is difficult when you're dealing with strong personalities, or when there's a lot of stress for one reason or another. So here are some very practical action items for negotiating, no matter whom you're dealing with.

Knowledge will be free. Then what?

Hopefully some of you reading this piece have capitalized on this whole artificial intelligence (AI) arc that we have been witness to the last few years. Let's take a short trip down memory lane to see how this arc began...

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.

Dangerous Highways

In the United States there are about 35 thousand motor vehicle deaths per year. The odds of dying in an auto accident are about 700 times higher than in air travel. Wow, it sure is dangerous, isn't it? Why would you ever want to be on a highway? In like manner, the Internet is a dangerous place.

[Adv.] CR Meyer & Sons

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

Unifor forestry delegates select Domtar as pattern bargaining target

Unifor delegates from across Eastern Canada kicked off bargaining preparations for the forestry industry by selecting Domtar as the target company for the upcoming round of pattern bargaining.

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.

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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.

It's almost here: Online auction for Graphic Packaging East Angus, Quebec mill assets will be held March 10-11

An online auction will be held beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2026 for assets from the Graphic Packaging East Angus, Quebec mill.

Rottneros appoints Per Bjurbom as President and CEO

Rottneros' Board of Directors has resolved to appoint Per Bjurbom as President and CEO with effect from 12 March 2026, whereby acting President and CEO Magnus Wikström will leave this position.

Western Forest Products starts up new continuous kiln at Chemainus facility in Canada

Western Forest Products has begun loading the first batches of lumber into one of two new continuous dry kilns at its value-added division in Chemainus, Canada. The new capacity will increase output of kiln-dried products, including lumber used for glued laminated timber in mass timber applications.

Södra, OX2 and TES advance feasibility study for e-NG production in Värö

Södra, OX2 and TES have decided to move into the next phase of developing a potential facility for producing e-NG - a renewable gas that can replace fossil natural gas - in Värö. With support from The Industrial Leap, the parties are launching an in‑depth feasibility study to assess the project's technical, legal and commercial conditions.

Canada invests over $4.4 million in 10 Prairie forest projects

The Government of Canada is investing over $4.4 million in 10 projects in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and Natural Resources Canada said the projects will advance manufacturing and processing, diversify forest products and export markets, and support First Nation and Métis groups and forestry businesses, Natural Resources Canada announced.

Stora Enso presents executive management team for the new forest asset company

Stora Enso Oyj announces the members of the executive management team of the new forest asset company, which is planned to be demerged from Stora Enso. The demerger is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027.

Roseburg Forest Products restarting construction activities at Dillard MDF plant in Oregon

Roseburg Forest Products has resumed construction activities at its Dillard MDF plant in southern Oregon, a central project to the company's long-term growth strategy. The facility will feature a next-generation Siempelkamp continuous press capable of producing both MDF and HDF panels ranging from 2 mm to 28 mm in thickness. The restart follows a pause in early 2025 due to economic uncertainty.

Fire crew extinguishes fire at Pactiv Evergreen Corporation favility

No one was injured in the fire, and it was contained to a smokestack.

UPM to modernize Tyrvää power plant - supports the growth of clean and flexible electricity generation

UPM Energy is investing over EUR 20 million in the extensive modernization of the Tyrvää hydropower plant. The project will ensure the plant, located in the Pirkanmaa region, Finland, can operate safely far into the future.

Cascades invests $6.9 million to boost Kingsey Falls recycled boxboard plant capacity

Cascades, the leader in environmentally responsible packaging and hygiene product manufacturing, is proud to announce it has invested $6.9 million in its Kingsey Falls uncoated recycled boxboard manufacturing plant (Papier Kingsey Falls) to increase its equipment's production capacity and product quality.

Fire quickly extinguished at Baileyville Woodland Pulp paper mill

No injuries were reported.

Production shutdown at Metsä Group's Joutseno pulp mill

Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, is initiating a production shutdown at its Joutseno pulp mill on 31 March 2026. The production shutdown is used to adjust pulp production to match the current uncertain demand situation in the Asian markets.

LP Building Solutions plans expansion, more jobs at Bath, NY facility

The company plans to add 46,000 square feet of indoor storage and expand a production line by 20,000 square feet.

Mark your calendar: Online auction for Graphic Packaging East Angus, Quebec mill assets will be held March 10-11

An online auction will be held beginning Tuesday, March 10, 2026 for assets from the Graphic Packaging East Angus, Quebec mill.

Sealed Air shareholders approve Clayton, Dubilier & Rice acquisition deal

Sealed Air (SEE) Corporation conducted a special stockholder meeting, where shareholders approved all proposals, including a significant one concerning the company's acquisition by an affiliate of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R).

Ahlstrom's Mosinee, Wisconsin facility announces closure of two paper machines, pulp mill

Company says roughly 200 workers will be affected by the operational changes.

Rumford, Maine paper mill owners face lawsuit after worker falls 85 feet down chimney

A lawsuit filed against ND Paper and several other companies alleges workplace safety violations played a role in 35-year-old Damion Hatcher falling nearly eight stories "into the opening of a chimney while performing cleaning services."

Western Announces Ratification of La-kwa sa muqw Forestry Limited Partnership and United Steelworkers Agreement

Western Forest Products Inc. announced that employees represented by the United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 at La-kwa sa muqw Forestry Limited Partnership ("LFLP") have voted to ratify a new collective agreement. The 6-year collective agreement is retroactive and expires June 14, 2030.

DP World Grows Brazil Contract Logistics Footprint with Suzano Warehouse Deal

Five-year contract strengthens integrated supply chains for global pulp and paper leader, Suzano, while DP World's Santos terminal hits record container volumes in 2025.

Smurfit Westrock creates retail store made entirely from cardboard

Smurfit Westrock joined forces with Spanish fashion brand Ecoalf to create a store made from 100% paper and cardboard.

Metsä Group offers summer jobs for 16-17-year-olds at mill sites and forest locations

Metsä Group will once again employ 16-17-year-olds in summer jobs involving forest planting and yard maintenance at mill sites across Finland. These summer jobs provide young people with a safe and well-supervised opportunity to gain their first experience of working life.

Canfor Pulp shareholders approve plan for Canfor Corp to acquire remaining shares

The company said the special resolution approving the arrangement received support from 96.02% of shareholders voting at a special meeting, and 84.42% of votes excluding those of the purchaser and its affiliates.

Pregis Expands Wind Energy Use, Advancing Progress Toward Net Zero by 2040

Pregis®, a global supplier of protective packaging, mailing and bagging solutions and flexible packaging continues to progress toward its 2040 net-zero commitment by expanding the use of renewable wind energy across additional U.S. manufacturing locations.

OnceMore® and Avavav - Phase two unveiled at Milan Fashion Week

Avavav and OnceMore® took the next step in their creative exchange as four new styles debuted for AW26 during a presentation at Milan Fashion Week this past weekend.

Monadnock Paper Mills Earns TÜV OK Home Compost Certification for Paper-Based Durable Card Solution

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States and a leader in premium, environmentally responsible paper solutions, announced that its Compostable Card has been awarded the TÜV OK Home Compost certification.

Essity's Annual Report 2025

In 2025, Essity's net sales amounted to SEK 138bn and EBITA excl. IAC to SEK 19.6bn.

SCA aims for 40 percent lower emissions from RoRo vessels

Starting on 1 October 2026, SCA will implement changes to its sea transport using RoRo vessels (Roll-on/Roll-off) by reducing speed, increasing vessel load factors, and adjusting how the ports in Umeå and Piteå are used. One effect of these changes is that emissions from the vessels will be reduced by approximately 40 percent.

Mayr Melnhof Karton: Why a Packaging Portfolio Audit Is the First Strategic Move for EU PPWR

The European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU PPWR) represents a significant regulatory milestone and a structural shift in how packaging is designed, assessed and placed on the European market.

Greif Named 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award Winner for a Third Time

Greif, a global leader in performance packaging products and services, announced that it has received the 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award (GEWA) for the third consecutive year. In addition to receiving this award, which recognizes the most engaged workplace cultures in the world, Greif was also among a select few honorees to be named a Winner With Distinction, highlighting its significant efforts to help employees thrive.

UPM Annual Report 2025, Corporate Governance Statement and Remuneration Report published

The Annual Report includes the company's Financial Statements and the Report of the Board of Directors and the Sustainability Statement as well as the Corporate Governance Statement and the Remuneration Report.

LP Building Solutions Introduces LP BurnGuard™ FRT OSB

The first commercialized FRT OSB certified to meet IBC and IRC definitions, featuring fully integrated fire-retardant protection.

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 February 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.