Leading Stories

Metsä Fibre is developing a new lignin product at its Äänekoski demo plant. The new lignin product, produced from lignin separated from the pulp process, can replace the fossil-based chemicals used in concrete production. The product is also being considered for other uses.

The company is working with an adviser as it seeks to reach an agreement, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential information. A deal hasn't been finalized and it's possible one won't be reached.

Four people had to be taken to hospital by ambulance after inhaling smoke, and in total between 10-15 people suffered smoke damage.

The International Paper - Riegelwood Mill application has been reviewed by the DAQ, Air Quality Permitting Section in Raleigh, North Carolina to determine compliance with the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission air pollution regulations.

The closing of the local International Paper facility affects at least 100 workers.

Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging business ("TFP") to TOPPAN Holdings Inc. for approximately $1.8 billion on a cash-free and debt-free basis and subject to customary adjustments.

The International Paper Company in Georgetown will see its final production Dec. 17 and then the process of closing the plant will get under way, according to a company spokesperson.

Stora Enso said Wednesday it will record impairments totaling some 724 million euros ($760 million) in its fourth quarter, citing weaker demand and increased costs.

Using the IFS solution, GBP will improve asset reliability by obtaining clearer visibility into asset availability, usage, and lifecycle.

Investigators are looking into what started the fire.

Company says it will release information in mid-2025.

Mondi has made good progress on the previously announced €20 million investment programme at its Neusiedler uncoated fine paper mills (Austria). The full benefit of the upgrades is expected from the first quarter of 2025, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased energy efficiency and operational safety.

Hood Container, a leader in the Containerboard and Packaging Industry, is pleased to announce the appointment of Alan Clark as the new President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Alan Clark succeeds Charlie Hodges, who will retire after a nearly 50-year career in the pulp and paper business.

Veritiv Operating Company, a leader in specialty packaging distribution, announced that it has acquired Arjay Company, including substantially all assets of PPE Sales, LLC, a distributor of packaging solutions and equipment serving customers in Long Island and the Greater Metropolitan New York area. The transaction represents the fifth acquisition of 2024 for Veritiv under the leadership of Sal Abbate, Veritiv's Chief Executive Officer.

Temporary shut down over the Christmas holidays due to imbalance in global newsprint demand.

As 11 civil society organizations, we call on decision-makers within the U.S. and Canadian governments to fully investigate this development and its implications to the forest industry writ large; we urge the European Commission to reject the proposed concentration of the two companies; we urge the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to revoke Domtar's FSC certifications and we urge Domtar's current purchasers not to renew contracts with the company..

Multiple emergency crews responded to a building fire located at International Paper in Conklin on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

The fire department said a piece of machinery at the facility may have started the fire.

Town officials confirmed Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 10, that a malfunction at the mill resulted in a release of spent black liquor which caused precipitation of brown or tan colored snow.

The sale comprises Orora Packaging Solutions (OPS), which has almost 70 distribution and manufacturing facilities, and approximately 3,000 employees.

Trex Company, the world's leading manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and residential railing, has joined forces with Weyerhaeuser, a global leader in sustainable forestry and one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in North America, to significantly expand Trex's presence across the Southwest region.

After concluding this transaction, Canfor owns 77% of VIDA AB.

The investment at the Crossett mill will add 50 new jobs and will increase converting capacity for high quality bath tissue, including Georgia-Pacific's valued Angel Soft® brand. Initial production from this investment is expected in 2026. By the end of this project, Georgia-Pacific will have invested more than $250 million at Crossett since 2019.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said 13 crews and two specialist appliances were sent to the fire at the Sapphire Paper Mill in Leslie at about 05:15 on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Billerud, who bought the facility when it was first closed, still owns it but has sold the idle areas to the Capital Recovery Group. That's where the demolition comes into play.