Week of 2 February 2026: Innovation Month

When we come to innovation month, I have tended to think along the lines of mechanical engineering, since that is my first love. However, these days, I think I have been selling innovation short over recent years. Innovation in our pulp and paper mills can take many forms. I will outline some of these forms this week and expand them over the rest of the month.

More on Sustainability

Red Leaf Pulp, a Canadian company, is pioneering North America's first large-scale, non-wood pulp mill using wheat straw to make high-quality pulp for sustainable packaging, tissue and molded products.

From Antarctic Ice to Mill Uptime: The Rise of AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance in Mills

While researching for my writing, I was poring over a stack of HR materials when I came across a highly popular LinkedIn article on the subject. It was spectacularly out of touch - in fact, the advice would've invited eye rolls in every paper mill and been tossed in the garbage, it was so impractical.

Seeing Around Corners

There's a critical skill in both business and in life that involves seeing into the future...accurately. It involves the ability to "read the tea leaves" as some people say. The idiom originates from the ancient practice of tasseography, a form of early fortune-telling that involved interpretation of loose tea leaf formation at the bottom of your empty cup. Sounds ridiculous to me, but hey, some people put their belief behind such parlor games. However, in the ensuing centuries, better leading indicators were developed to shine some light on what both the short-term and long-term future look like. In other words, how you should play the game to win.

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.

Closed Loop ERP

The closed loop ERP is the end of the rainbow for Industry 4.0. The promise of Industry 4.0 is the enterprise that is fully connected from the plant floor to the top of the enterprise with real time data used for automated processes.

[Adv.] Allnorth

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

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.

Greenpeace Canada investigation reveals Domtar's lobbying resulted in over $200M of Canadian public funds

A two-part investigative report released today by Greenpeace Canada reveals that Domtar, the largest pulp and paper company to ever operate in Canada, has been receiving significant amounts of public funds from the government while expanding corporate control on the forestry industry with limited transparency and accountability. Domtar's operations cover 22 million hectares of forest across Canada, or almost 10% of all managed forest land across the country.

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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.

Louisiana-Pacific proposes $157 million facility in North Branch, Minnesota

The project is a candidate for up to $10 million in funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's Minnesota Forward Fund, which provides grants and loans to businesses making "large private capital investments in new and existing industries."

Sonoco and ENGIE Announce Commencement of 140-Megawatt Virtual Power Purchase Agreement

Will represent over 83% of Sonoco U.S. electricity needs.

Multi-Color Corporation has filed for pre-packaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), a global label solutions provider, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company has entered a restructuring support agreement with its major secured lenders to sail through the proceedings.

Edgewell Personal Care Completes the Sale of its Feminine Care Business to Essity for $340M

Edgewell Personal Care Company announced that it has completed the sale of its feminine care business to Essity, a leading global health and hygiene company based in Sweden, for $340 million. Edgewell intends to use the net proceeds from the sale, after taxes and transaction costs, primarily to strengthen its balance sheet and pay down the balance of U.S. revolving credit facility while continuing to invest in the long-term growth of its core businesses.

International Paper Company to Close Facility in Union Gap, Washington, 102 Jobs Leaving

The workers at Union Gap will be offered severance packages, and some may be offered positions at other facilities. Layoffs are also planned for CA and Kentucky this year.

Rayonier and PotlatchDeltic Announce Closing of Merger of Equals

The company intends to announce a new name and ticker symbol later in the first quarter of 2026.

Kimberly-Clark, Suzano Joint Venture Could Face U.K. Competition Probe

Kimberly-Clark, which makes Scott toilet paper and Huggies diapers, said in June that it struck a $3.4 billion deal to sell most of its international tissue business to Brazil's Suzano, creating a joint venture in which it would hold a 49% interest. The companies said at the time Suzano would also have the option to purchase Kimberly-Clark's remaining ownership interest in the future.

Cascades announces the sale of its Richmond, British Columbia, packaging plant to Crown Paper Group

Cascades Inc. announces that it has entered into an agreement with Crown Paper Group ("Crown") for the sale of its corrugated packaging plant located in Richmond, British Columbia, for a total value of $65.5 million, including the real estate assets and subject to working capital adjustments and the assumption of certain liabilities.

International Paper to Create Two Independent Public Companies

International Paper, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, announced Jan. 29 its plan to create two independent, publicly traded companies: International Paper will be comprised of its current business in North America including both legacy IP and DS Smith assets, and the EMEA Packaging business will be comprised of both legacy DS Smith and IP assets in EMEA. The separation will create two leading sustainable packaging solutions companies, each with focused management teams and business models, tailored investment and capital allocation strategies, and compelling financial profiles.

Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue shareholders overwhelmingly approve Kimberly-Clark's acquisition of Kenvue

Key milestone in creating a global health and wellness leader; Transaction expected to close in the second half of 2026

State backs Legacy Paper investment at former Domtar site

A long-idle paper manufacturing site in Port Huron is moving closer to redevelopment with new state support.

Late-Night Fire Breaks Out At Ahlstrom Windsor Locks, Connecticut Manufacturing Facility

Sprinklers helped control a fire inside industrial equipment at the longtime Ahlstrom facility, and no injuries were reported.

Update: University of Maine Student Dies in Gas Incident at Woodland Pulp Mill

Kasie Malcolm, a chemical engineering student participating in a co-op program through UMaine, died at the hospital last night from injuries sustained at the plant. Malcolm had worked at the mill since June.

Worker passes away after gas incident at Woodland Pulp, according to mill spokesperson

Another worker involved in the incident was sent to Calais Hospital Tuesday night as well, with serious injuries; their condition is unknown at this time.

Broken Water Pipe Causes Damage at Marcal Paper Facility

The cause of the pipe break is under investigation, and officials are assessing the extent of the damage to the property.

Appvion employees lose bid to recover ESOP funds after bankruptcy, next case set for trial

A state appeals court rejected an attempt by members of the Appvion Employee Stock Ownership Plan to recover damages after a bankruptcy filing.

B.C. forest sector faces 'another tough year' in 2026

Forests minister scrambles to increase timber to B.C.'s forest industry.

Rayonier and PotlatchDeltic Announce Stockholder Approvals for Merger

Merger expected to close after market close on January 30, 2026.

Fire at International Paper facility in Tennessee

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Kadant Names Mike Soucy Vice President, Corporate Accounts

Soucy has been a key member of Kadant Johnson's leadership team since 2016, when he assumed responsibility for the systems engineering group.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company Q4 2025 slides: New CEO unveils turnaround plan amid profit decline

2025 Net Sales $8.6 billion, versus $8.8 billion in 2024

Billerud posts another strong year in North America supported by favorable market conditions in US

In the fourth quarter, Billerud North America delivered a 20% earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) margin, continuing its trend of "excellent profitability". The company's mill operating rates rose to 79% in the fourth quarter, up from 68% in the same period of 2024.

Amcor supports city‑scale reusable packaging initiative in Ottawa

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, is proud to participate in a groundbreaking city-scale packaging reuse project launching in Ottawa, Canada.

SCA CEO Steps In as Interim Head of Containerboard and Pulp After Leadership Change

Until a new Head of Business Area is appointed, President and CEO Ulf Larsson will serve as interim Head of Business Areas Containerboard and Pulp. Kalela will leave his role on 30 January 2026 and will, together with the company, ensure a robust transition process.

Sun Chemical Implements Price Hike on Nitrocellulose Containing Products in Latin America

Sun Chemical Packaging and Graphics will implement a price increase across its portfolio of nitrocellulose‑containing products in Latin America, driven by sustained and significant increases in nitrocellulose costs. The adjustments take effect immediately, or as stipulated in existing customer agreements, with the level of increase varying by product type and nitrocellulose content.

U.S. containerboard production falls 4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025

U.S. containerboard production decreased by 4% for the full year 2025 compared to 2024, according to the American Forest & Paper Association. The operating rate for the sector remained stable, ending the year above 91%, the industry organization reported.

SCA delivered 93.2 million seedlings in 2025

SCA delivered a total of 93.2 million seedlings in 2025. Of these, 49.2 million went to private forest owners, while the remainder were planted in SCA's own forests. Roughly every fourth seedling planted in Swedish forests comes from SCA.

Weyerhaeuser's adjusted EBITDA falls 52 percent on extremely challenging market conditions

Weyerhaeuser Company reported Adjusted EBITDA of $140 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, a 52% decrease from $294 million in the same period last year, due to extremely challenging market conditions.

Södra's divestment of its forest holdings in the Baltics is now completed

The agreement between Södra and the Ingka Group's investment company, Ingka Investments, regarding Södra's forest holdings in the Baltics has now been approved and finalised.

Huhtamäki Oyj Announces Executive Changes

Huhtamaki Oyj has appointed Riikka Tieaho (age 50) as Executive Vice President, Sustainability, Corporate Affairs & Legal, and General Counsel. Riikka will be a member of the Global Executive Team, reporting to President and CEO Ralf K. Wunderlich. She will start in her role no later than June 1, 2026 and will be based in Espoo, Finland.

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!

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 December 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.