Week of 15 June 2026: Safety--Can't Hear It

I must have told this story before, but it is worth telling again. We were rebuilding a paper machine on an accelerated schedule. It was a massive rebuild. I was the Owner's representative on night shift. We had about 75 jackhammers and 2 hoe rams operating on each shift, all inside the paper machine building. The noise was unimaginable...

Energy Transitions

There have been several recent announcements regarding energy.

Safety: Digging Beneath the Numbers

The tragedy at Nippon Dynawave Packaging in Longview, Washington, on May 26, 2026 serves as a sobering reminder that the pulp and paper industry is hazardous, even in an era of advancing technology and heightened awareness.

Digital Dementia

We're all susceptible to Digital Dementia. Even NASA couldn't remember how they got to the moon on 4 kilobytes of RAM. At least that's what I heard. For the Boomers, GenX, and Millennials...remember when we all used to maintain a physical address/phone book decades ago? We still do, in a sense, maintain those databases of contacts, but we're digital now. It's just as important to do so now as then, however, it so much easier.

Finnish bio-based materials project advances 100% cellulose-based film and coating technology as a scalable alternative to fossil-based packaging

A new cellulose-based material platform developed in Finland responds to tightening regulatory requirements and industry pressure to both replace and reduce plastic in packaging, including emerging thresholds such as limiting plastic content to below 5 wt% in fibre-based materials. The technology enables transparent, high-performance films and coatings that match the functionality of plastics, while supporting industrial scalability and enabling simplified recycling or biodegradation across multiple environments.

[Adv.] CR Meyer & Sons

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

Perseus Information Security Consulting Becomes Fully Accredited Certification Body for ISASecure ACSSA Program

The International Society of Automation (ISA) -- the leading professional society for automation -- announced Perseus Information Security Consulting has received full accreditation from the A2LA Accreditation Body to serve as an ISO/IEC 17065 accredited certification body (CB) for the globally recognized certification program ISASecure®, a wholly owned subsidiary of ISA.

Resetting cost competitiveness in pulp and paper packaging

Overcapacity, volatile costs, and weak demand are compressing margins. Successful companies are harnessing AI to pursue cross-functional interventions that target the total cost baseline of a mill.

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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.

Some workers back to work at Nippon Dynawave paper mill where 11 died

This past week, the Japanese-owned company confirmed that some shipping activities had resumed, and a union spokesperson said a number of workers were back at the mill, with the remainder ready and available to come back when they're called."

Rockwall EDC Announces Pratt Industries Expansion in Technology Park in Texas

"We are excited to expand our operations in Texas. The growth of our Rockwall box plant will bring advanced technology and increased capacity directly to our customers, while complementing our existing manufacturing, recycling and transportation network across the state and region," said Pratt Industries Executive Chairman Anthony Pratt. "This expansion further drives our commitment to investing in recycling, sustainability, and American manufacturing jobs."

BTG Pactual TIG Acquires Jamestown's Timberland Platform

Acquisition includes approximately 90,000-acre U.S. timberland portfolio

Contractor hospitalized after falling into pit at Smurfit Westrock's Longview paper mill

Arriving at the mill, crews found the man had "moderate" injuries after falling into the pit, placed him in a rescue basket, then lifted him to safety.

New autopsy findings released for victims of Nippon Dynawave disaster in Longview, Washington

According to the coroner's office, eight victims died from alkaline chemical burns. One victim, 48-year-old Robert Wilson of Clatskanie, Ore., died from alkaline chemical burns and blunt force injuries. Another victim, 38-year-old Braydon Finkas of Cathlamet, Wash., died from alkaline chemical burns and asphyxia due to aspiration of a foreign object.

Woodland Pulp paper mill deaths confirmed to be caused by hydrogen sulfide

Kasie Malcolm and Allen Hornberger died after a Jan. 27 gas leak at the Woodland Pulp mill.

USG Corporation Expands North American Manufacturing Network With $210 Million New Alberta Wallboard Plant

The CAD$210 million facility adds important wallboard capacity in Western Canada and strengthens USG's broader North American manufacturing network.

Metsä Wood to cut 100 positions in Finland and Estonia

The measures will lead to the termination of employment or a change in duties for 72 people./p>

Canfor to acquire PinkWood I-joist facility in Calgary for $68 million

Located in Calgary, AB, PinkWood has 120 employees, with production capacity of 46 million linear feet. 

Irving Forest Products to double Ashland, Maine mill capacity to 250 million board feet

Irving Forest Products will modernize and expand its Ashland sawmill in Nashville Plantation, doubling annual lumber production capacity from 130 million to 250 million board feet and increasing employment from the equivalent of 140 full-time positions to approximately 220.

2023 fire sparked employee maintenance concerns at Nippon Dynawave plant in Longview

Employees at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview raised concerns about equipment maintenance years before a chemical tank rupture that killed 11 people and injured seven others.

Remembering the Nippon Dynawave Longview victims as coroners' procession brings bodies home

A freeway procession was held Saturday, June 6, to return the Longview paper mill victims to their homes from King County.

Leaking chemicals found at another Washington mill, Cosmo Specialty Fibers, records show

At the Cosmo Specialty Fibers site in Cosmopolis, regulators have repeatedly warned of growing dangers, including the potential for a "catastrophic release," which could threaten those on the site, the environment and public health.

Sofidel breaks ground on $775 million expansion at Port of Inola in Oklahoma

Sofidel will construct a new building to house the 75,000 tons-per-year Valmet Through-Air-Drying (TAD) tissue machine and install converting lines with matching capacity to produce finished goods.

Mill workers at site of Nippon Dynawave Longview tank implosion will be paid until early August

The paper mill employs 550 people. It's unclear how many employees are unable to work but will be compensated.

Notice Regarding the Incident at U.S. Subsidiary Nippon Dynawave Packaging (Fifth Update)

Due to this incident, production has been suspended. The impact of this incident on the environment and our financial performance is still being assessed.

EU regulators pause probe into $1.65 billion UPM-Sappi deal, await data

The review will resume once the information is submitted, with a new deadline for a decision. The previous deadline was October 26.

International Paper Completes $360 Million Acquisition of North Pacific Paper Company

IP expanding capabilities to serve the growing West Coast region.

Officials: Sonoco Spartanburg County, South Carolina facility fire contained but could smolder for days

Sonoco will have a 24-hour fire watch set up for the coming days, officials said.

Greif to hike prices for recycled paperboard, tube and core products from July

According to Greif, the paperboard increase reflects higher raw material and freight expenses, together with growing demand for these products.

Graphic Packaging elects Larry M. Venturelli as Chairman of the Board of Directors

Larry M. Venturelli succeeds Philip R. Martens, who is retiring from the Board after serving as a director since November 2013 and as chairman since May 2016.

Smurfit Westrock Achieves Top Supplier Recognition from Roca with Five-Star Rating

Smurfit Westrock, global leader in sustainable, innovative paper-based packaging solutions, has been awarded a prestigious five-star supplier rating by Roca, one of Europe's leading bathroom manufacturers.

Metsä Tissue achieves EcoVadis Platinum for the seventh consecutive year - further improving its score

Metsä Tissue has received Platinum rating in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment for the seventh consecutive year -- and this year's result is its strongest yet. The company scored 91 out of 100, up from 83 the previous year, placing it in the top one per cent of over 150,000 companies rated globally.

UPM Adhesive Materials highlights climate progress and value chain collaboration in its 2025 Climate Review

UPM Adhesive Materials has published its Climate Review 2025, outlining significant steps toward its 2030 climate targets. The report highlights reductions in operational emissions, expanded collaboration with suppliers, and ongoing support for customers through transparent data, reliable services and impactful material solutions.

Stora Enso's Oulu pulp production granted internationally recognized food safety certification - first in Finland

Stora Enso's Oulu business unit hosts Finland's first pulp mill to achieve FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification), strengthening food safety assurance across the entire value chain for packaging customers. For customers, the certification and its systematic approach provide added assurance: processes are audited, risk management is systematic, and food safety is integrated into daily operations.

LP Building Solutions Earns The Tennessean's Top Workplaces Award for Fifth Consecutive Year

One of only 24 companies recognized in its category, reflecting LP's continued investment in workplace culture and team member experience.

New climate report from UPM Communication Papers marks major progress toward 2030 climate target

UPM Communication Papers has published its 2025 climate report, showing strong progress on the climate action roadmap. In Europe, fossil CO₂ emissions from own operations and purchased energy (Scope 1 and 2) fell by 38% per tonne of paper in 2025, measured against the 2023 baseline year. The reduction demonstrates accelerated implementation of the climate action roadmap.

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!

Sonoco Returns to FORTUNE 500 List

In addition to Fortune 500 placement, Sonoco earned industry recognition in 2025-2026 from FORTUNE, Newsweek and USA TODAY for corporate responsibility and climate leadership.

Avery Dennison Launches Clima™ Window Films for Advanced Solar Control

Avery Dennison has launched the Clima Architectural Window Films series, an advanced portfolio engineered for India to provide superior solar control and energy efficiency for commercial and luxury residential properties.

ArborGen Strengthens Global Leadership Team to Support Continued Growth and Innovation

Patrick Cumbie, Ph.D., has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer while continuing to serve as Vice President of Product Development.

Student Spotlight: Junior Naomi Halphen of Georgia Tech

Paperitalo Publications interviewed Naomi Halphen, and we asked her a few questions about her experiences at Georgia Tech.

Student Spotlight: Graduating senior Kelsey Mosqueda of the University of Washington

Kelsey Mosqueda is a senior in the UW program. Kelsey is graduating this spring with her Bioresource Science & Engineering degree and will be working at International Paper in Springfield, Oregon. We asked her about her experiences at the University of Washington.

Interview with University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Paper Science and Engineering Graduating Senior Ethan Fisher

Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with Ethan Fisher, a graduating senior in the program, and we asked him a few questions about his experiences at UWSP.

Student Spotlight: Graduating senior Aimee Lambert 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 Aimee Lambert, who is a graduating senior in the program. We asked her a few questions about her experiences at Western Michigan.

Student Spotlight: Senior Avery Hendl 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 Avery Hendl. We asked her a few questions about her experiences at Miami.

Student Spotlight: Interview with N.C. State Paper Science and Engineering junior Abby Hickman

Abby Hickman shares her experiences at N.C. State.

Interview with University of Maine senior Kenzie Karpinski

The University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation leads a partnership between the University of Maine, the Pulp and Paper industry and aspiring engineering students. Its role is to recruit, support and prepare talented engineering students to become the next great leaders in the pulp and paper industry, while also helping to meet the workforce needs of the industry, specifically in chemical, civil, computer, electrical and mechanical engineering. Paperitalo Publications was able to catch up with senior Kenzie Karpinski. We asked her a few questions about her experiences at UMaine.

Student Spotlight: Cameron Borner of Minnesota, graduating in Spring 2026

At the University of Minnesota, the Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering (BBE) program prepares students to solve real-world problems with practical, sustainable solutions. It brings together biological sciences, engineering principles, and technology to address society's growing demands for material, food, and energy using renewable resources. Cameron Borner is a student in the program, and he shares some of his experiences at Minnesota.

The Light Green Machine Institute

Ideas you can use now.

Capital Arguments for April 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.