Resolute Forest Products Inc. announced that a tentative four-year agreement has been reached with Unifor, subject to ratification by their members. Unifor represents the majority of hourly employees working across the company's Canadian pulp and paper operations. The master agreement covers eight of Resolute's Canadian pulp and paper mills. The agreement applies to the Amos, Baie-Comeau, Dolbeau, Gatineau, Kénogami and Saint-Félicien facilities in Quebec, as well as the Thunder Bay mill and currently indefinitely idled Thorold operation in Ontario. Click Read More below for additional information.

Crown Van Gelder starts production of Crown Letsgo 3rd generation grades as of 1 February 2021. The Crown Letsgo 3rd generation grades will bring visible quality improvements in the print result of presses operating with pigment inks and provide the opportunity to improve the Total Cost of Print by reducing ink consumption (5-12%) and save on drying energy*. Crown Van Gelder will switch production for the following grades: *Crown Letsgo Universal; *Crown Letsgo Matte; *Crown Letsgo Silk and Bright Silk, ColorPRO branded version. Inkjet paper makes perfect sense, even now “substrate independent” solutions are offered by press manufacturers. For anyone wanting best runnability on their press, there is no alternative to good quality inkjet paper.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced the introduction of a second generation (2G) bioethanol product for Europe’s fast-growing biofuels market. Produced using wood-based feedstock (not in competition with food), RYAM will be among the first in France to produce 2G bioethanol fuel from wood. With a ninety percent smaller carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel-based gasoline, RYAM’s bioethanol product will help petrochemical companies meet their need for clean and renewable energy in the European market and contribute to reduced climate change. “With the successful development of second-generation bioethanol products, RYAM is taking an important step toward achieving our BioFuture and promoting a more sustainable world,” said Vito Consiglio, President and CEO of Rayonier Advanced Materials. “The strong demand for this innovative, renewable biofuel represents another example of how we can leverage our existing biorefineries and knowledge of cellulose chemistry to provide biobased solutions.”