The global printing and writing paper markets continue to evolve at a faster pace than seen in some time. We have seen many recent challenges facing our industry such as significant global capacity closures and conversions away from paper, global wood and pulp shortages, chronic and ongoing North American logistics issues and rising inputs costs to name a few. To keep pace with these new realities please be advised that Irving Paper will increase its prices of Irving SCA, Irving SCB, Irving Radiance (SCA+) and Irving Opulence (SCA++) $40 USD/Short Ton (all Basis weights) effective with new and existing orders shipping on and after July 1, 2018 in the US Market and $50 CDN / Short Ton in Canada. This increase is in addition to the previous March and May increases.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 10 percent in June compared to June 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 16 percent in June compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased four percent when compared to May 2021. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in June increased 16 percent compared to last June while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to May 2021. UFS imports decreased five percent while exports increased 33 percent in May 2021. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments decreased four percent compared to June 2020 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to May 2021. CFS imports decreased six percent while exports increased 58 percent in May 2021. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in June increased 41 percent compared to last June while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to May 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to May 2020, up 29 percent and 41 percent respectively. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments decreased nine percent compared to June 2020 while the inventory level decreased five percent compared to May 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to May 2020, up 26 percent and 52 percent respectively.

Billerud has appointed Doug Schwartz as President Billerud North America and member of the company’s Group Management Team, effective 30 September. Doug Schwartz has extensive experience in the U.S. forest and paper industry, including serving in key leadership roles at companies such as Sonoco Products Company (Sonoco), International Paper and Champion International Corporation. He most recently held the position of Vice President and General Manager, Rigid Paper Containers at Sonoco. “I am very happy that Doug, with his proven track record, will now lead our North America operations, which are integral to Billerud’s business and growth strategy. Together with our competent American team, he will continue our commitment to serve our customers by delivering our core products—graphic paper, specialty papers, and pulp, as well as cartonboard and other packaging materials. At the same time, he will lead the team in identifying strategic product development initiatives to diversify and expand our product portfolio," says Ivar Vatne, Billerud CEO and President.