Ahlstrom-Munksjö advances into the North American customized digital printing market, and launches Ahlstrom-Munksjö WallStar® Digital, its new portfolio of fiber-based solutions for digital printing applications. Demand for customized digital printing is growing, led by changing consumer demand, where personalization is extremely important. Digitally printed wallcoverings can be used to change a room quickly, whilst at the same time add impact through use of personalized designs. Environmental aspects are also of high importance, as consumers in North America become more aware of sustainability and the type of materials they wish to use. Consequently, digital printers are looking for PVC free media which allows printing in small, unique, personalized quantities. WallStar® Digital is a directly printable, PVC free, nonwoven portfolio from Ahlstrom-Munksjö, delivering benefits for both printers and end users.

Domtar Corporation announced that President and CEO John Williams’ retirement date will be June 30, 2023. Williams has planned to leave the company after fourteen years in his leadership role; however, he will continue as a part-time advisor regarding strategic growth opportunities. Additionally, to continue Domtar’s forward momentum, Steve Henry, currently Senior Vice President of Packaging, has been appointed to the role of Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective immediately. As EVP and COO, Henry will lead the pulp, paper and packaging operations and commercial functions at Domtar, while Williams will continue to lead all corporate functions until his retirement. “On behalf of Domtar and the Management Committee, I want to thank John for his leadership and commitment to our employees, customers and communities over the past fourteen years,” said Henry. “He joined the company during a recession and has navigated ever-changing industry dynamics and economic fluctuations to transform Domtar into the strong pulp, paper and packaging company that it is today. I am honored to build on his legacy and continue serving our stakeholders.”

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 1% in July compared to July 2021. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 3% in July compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% when compared to June 2022. • Uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments decreased 1% compared to July 2021 while the inventory level increased 5% compared to June 2022. UFS imports increased 8% while exports decreased 25% in June 2022. • U.S. purchases of coated free sheet (CFS) papers in July increased 2% compared to last July while the inventory level decreased 1% compared to June 2022. CFS imports and exports both increased compared to June 2021, up 32% and 6% respectively. • Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments decreased 18% compared to July 2021 while the inventory level increased 2% compared to June 2022. CM imports increased 48% while exports decreased 41% in June 2022. • U.S. purchases of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers in July increased 16% compared to last July while the inventory level decreased 13% compared to June 2022. UM imports increased 9% while exports decreased 10% in June 2022.