Week of 6 February 2023: A bit about railroads

It is transportation month and I will be the first to admit that this column will likely not make you any money. But occasionally, we should have a little education and fun without worrying about ROI, eh? Over the years, when I have brought up these matters with individuals, I get, "Well I didn't know that." So perhaps I can give you a little education, too.

Capital Projects Trends

Despite a recession and inflation, capital projects in the pulp and paper industry in 2022 were up from 2021.

Avoid Capital Project Delays in Pulp and Paper Mills

Surely you've completed one of those "simple" home projects that ended up requiring multiple trips to Home Depot. Once finished you likely breathed a deep sigh of relief as you quietly kicked yourself for your lack of planning. Similarly, the paper industry is a very capital intensive industry - referring to last month's article, many capital projects focus on reducing fossil fuel usage. But when your capital project ends up requiring multiple trips and delays due to forgotten items, results can be disastrous. So what are proven steps management can take to reduce these needless trips and delays?

Patent Applications and Patents

Failure Prevention Associates--Vibration Analysis Training Seminars

Failure Prevention Associates (FPA) will be conducting Vibration Analysis Training Seminars in Houston, Texas on April 25-28, Aug. 15-18 and Oct. 3-6 for Level 1 Certification Training, and Level 2 Certification Training on Nov. 7-10.

Södra launches new high-tech timber truck - controlled with VR

A new timber truck without a crane cab and controlled with virtual reality is currently rolling in Götaland. It is the result of a development project between Södra and the suppliers Exte and Hiab to increase safety and at the same time strengthen efficiency. The project will be evaluated in 2023 and guide future investments.

[Adv.]TAII

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

Why the Paper Industry Isn't Attractive (to Investors)

There's been a steady decline in the paper industry that we've all had front row seats to for years now. The play "Death of a Salesman" doesn't quite compare to the "Death of Print." To be more specific, printing and writing paper like magazines and newspapers. Unfortunately, labels get looped into this group, too.

Why The North American Paper Market Rejects Glassine

The North American label industry has taken hit after hit when it comes to availability of materials for release liner. While 87% of release liner is paper-based, recent events like the Pixelle mill closure have succeeded in removing large amounts of materials from the market. As alternative options are being utilized, there's one option we're not seeing much of: glassine.

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.

Todd Brooks of NORPAC in Longview, Washington, wins Capital Arguments Project Manager of the Year Award

We had an opportunity to gather on the evening of 6 October 2022 and award the Capital Arguments Project Manager of the Year Award to Todd Brooks of NORPAC in Longview, Washington. Todd came in on budget on a tough project that was done entirely during the Covid Era. Todd learned the meaning of Force Majeure and still pulled it in on budget. Great job, Todd!

International SAP Conference For Forest Products, Paper and Packaging in Madrid

I am just from the SAP Conference in Madrid and I have to tell you my head is still spinning. One cannot understand the rapid advancement being made in business and process software unless one listens to the users.

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Nordic Paper receives permit for increased production volume at Bäckhammar

At Bäckhammar, Nordic Paper manufactures unbleached kraft papers of different qualities primarily for packaging end-uses.

Northstar Recycling Acquires Sonoco Sustainability Solutions

Northstar is an asset-light provider of sustainability-oriented managed waste and recycling solutions to leading food, consumer packaged goods, and other industrial clients.

WestRock Paper Mill labor dispute resolved in Russell County, Alabama

The United Steelworkers Union at the Mahrt Mill announced on January 31 that they have officially accepted their contract with WestRock.

Holmen to invest in new CLT production plant in Sweden

The new plant is expected to be operational by spring 2024.

Western Forest Products' Port Alberni mill closes as company seeks viable path

The Alberni-Pacific Division facility has been closed since last fall, but the curtailment was only expected to last for six months, unless market conditions changed.

UFP Industrial Changes Name to UFP Packaging

Name better reflects company's business focus, products, opportunity.

WestRock holds job fair as 120 day Union lock-out continues

As more than 400 workers continue to be locked out of the WestRock paper mill in East Alabama, the company was looking to hire new employees Thursday during a job fair.

Port Hawkesbury Paper sister company pitches Guysborough County wind farm

Port Hawkesbury Paper Wind has submitted a proposal to the province to construct a 29-turbine wind farm.

Michigan legislature approves $200 million for Billerud paper mill

The roughly $200 million in state tax dollars earmarked for the Escanaba Mill will supplement a $1.06 billion investment by Swedish parent company Billerud to expand paper product production at the mill. The project would help the mill retain nearly 1,200 jobs at the 2,000-acre site in Wells and Escanaba townships in Delta County.

Norske Skog Skogn investing NOK 180 million

Norske Skog Skogn will invest around NOK 180 million, after NOK 40-50 million in grant funding from the NOx fund, in a new thermomechanical production line (TMP) that will replace expensive recycled paper with fresh fibre. The new TMP line will reduce variable costs, significantly reduce NOx and fossil CO2 emissions, and reduce landfilled waste. Start-up is expected in the first half of 2024.

Stora Enso signs an agreement to divest its Hylte paper site and will discontinue the Anjala site divestment process

Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its paper production site in Hylte, Sweden and all its related assets to Sweden Timber, a Sweden-based sawmill and planing mill company. The enterprise value is approximately EUR 18 million. The completion of the transaction is expected in the first half of 2023. Concerning the Anjala paper site in Finland, Stora Enso has decided to discontinue the divestment process.

Smurfit Kappa invests €6 million in solar panels at Spanish mill

Smurfit Kappa has announced a €6 million investment at its Sanguesa paper mill in Spain, which will see the construction and installation of up to 12,000 solar panels on land adjacent to the mill. The solar panels will reduce CO2 emissions by over 3200 tonnes annually and provide significant cost savings.

Canfor shuts down operations in Chetwynd and Houston, B.C., cutting about 400 jobs

Canfor has announced the permanent closure of its Chetwynd, B.C. operations, as well as a temporary closure of its Houston sawmill, creating further challenges for forestry industry workers.

U.S. to raise tariffs for Canada's two largest lumber companies as trade fight persists

West Fraser has to pay a new duty rate of 9.38 percent compared to its current tariff of 8.25 per cent. Canfor will see growth for Canadian softwood sold in the United States to 7.29 percent, compared to the current 5.87 percent.

Boise Cascade plans new door shop facility in Kansas City

Our Building Materials Distribution (BMD) division announced the planned addition of our 10th door shop. Located in Kansas City, this new 150,000 sq. ft. millwork facility is expected to begin production in June 2023.

Metsä Group receives Finland's most startup-friendly company award for the second year running

Metsä Group has been honoured for its support of startup communities, advancing sustainable innovations related to various wood-based materials with investments, R&D and production support, thus helping startups bring their innovation to the masses.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Publishes 2022 ESG Progress Update

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced the release of its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Progress Update (the "Update"), as a supplement to the Company's comprehensive 2021 ESG Report.

Sofidel Participates in Military Spouse Employment Partnership

MSEP gives partnering businesses priority access to a unique and talented group of professionals - military spouses. They are skilled, diverse and motivated, with a strong work ethic. When MSEP companies and organizations hire military spouses, they gain outstanding employees with 21st century skills.

JD Irving to see property assessment increases for each of its four New Brunswick pulp, paper mills in 2023

J.D. Irving, Limited will see property assessment increases for each of its New Brunswick pulp and paper mills in 2023, following increases in both 2022 and 2021. In 2023, approximately $4.9 million in provincial and municipal property taxes will be paid on pulp and paper mills located within Saint John alone, an increase of 19 per cent in three years.

Stora Enso sees challenging year ahead

Stora Enso on Tuesday said higher costs would be likely to squeeze its margins in 2023 after the Finnish forestry group produced its strongest annual results in more than 20 years, although profit declined in the fourth quarter.

Sofidel in the top 1% of companies rated by EcoVadis for sustainability in the tissue paper industry

Sofidel, one of the world's leading paper groups for the production of paper for hygienic and domestic use known particularly in Italy and Europe for its Regina brand, has again this year received Platinum recognition from EcoVadis for its approach to sustainability and therefore confirming its place among the top 1% of companies in its sector worldwide.

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!

Monadnock Paper Mills Announces Addition of Ultrahide PC 100 Blockout Poster to the Enviportfolio Line of Poster Substrates

Ultrahide is a high-performance, Forest Stewardship Council® Certified, 100 percent opaque blockout poster stock ideal for indoor retail, hospitality and event signage.

Sealed Air Maintains A-Climate Change Score From CDP

Sealed Air has been awarded an A or A- for its work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the last nine years consecutively and has previously been recognized by CDP as a Supplier Engagement Leader.

Ahlstrom's FluoroFree® Technology leads the industry in next generation grease-resistant packaging solutions

Ahlstrom has led the marketplace in the movement towards more sustainable solutions for fiber-based food packaging, and its new generation of FluoroFree® technology is achieving grease-resistance in the most challenging food packaging applications.

Georgia-Pacific Brings Paid Accounting Apprenticeship Program to Atlanta

People from any background or experience level can get on the fast track to careers in accounting or as a tax analyst, with a flexible new option in Atlanta, where the Georgia-Pacific (GP) Apprenticeship Program is launching in partnership with WSU Tech.

LP Building Solutions Partners with Vancouver Island University

LP to support Indigenous People in Trades Training and Women in Trades programs

Forestry Sector Contributes $2.5M Towards BCIT's New Trades and Technology Complex

A collection of forestry organizations including Canfor, West Fraser, Tolko, Hampton Lumber, Mosaic Forest Management, Paper Excellence, and Binational Softwood Lumber Council have come together to invest in trades programs through the new BCIT Trades and Technology Complex (TTC), made possible with funding from the Province of BC and industry partners.

University of Maine researchers discover new uses for paper mill products

Following the September announcement of the mill in Jay closing, that leaves six mills still standing in Maine.

The Light Green Machine Institute

Ideas you can use now.

Gees, Is This Ever Random

Fleas and ticks seem particularly bad this year. If your cat or small dog seems lethargic, they may be overrun with fleas. They can literally drain the life out of a small animal. Our vet recommends a vet supplied topical treatment rather than OTC medicines from retail stores.

Capital Arguments for November 2022

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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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

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Volatility in the OCC/wastepaper market, trends in the recovered fiber and sustainable packaging markets

We welcome Miles 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.