Paper’s Business Pitch

As part of the company strategy to invest and grow in the Electric Vehicle and Industrial Filtration markets, Ahlstrom-Munksjö has developed new capabilities to test gas adsorption performance at its Pont-Evêque R&D center in France. Investment has been completed to assist strategic, high-priority R&D projects to develop next generation molecular filters for fuel cell air intake filters, premium cabin air filters (for EV and ICE), and clean room environments. Gas adsorption performance is the primary technical feature of molecular filter media, with specific products designed to treat gaseous pollutants, thus decision was taken to have internal capability installed at Ahlstrom-Munksjö.

Printing Papers operating profits in the first quarter of 2018 were $64 million versus $136 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. In North America, the benefits from increased sales prices and a favorable mix were more than offset by higher planned maintenance outages and higher input costs related to transportation and energy. In Brazil, seasonally lower sales volumes and an unfavorable geographic and product mix exceeded the benefits from higher sales price realizations. In Europe and Russia, earnings decreased due to higher planned maintenance outage costs, higher input costs and lower sales volumes, partially offset by improved pricing. Industrial Packaging operating profits in the first quarter of 2018 were $437 million ($464 million excluding special items) compared with $609 million ($614 million excluding special items) in the fourth quarter of 2017. In North America, strong demand in box and export containerboard markets, along with price realization, were more than offset by seasonally lower sales volume, production constraints due to weather related disruptions and maintenance outage costs. Click Read More below for additional information.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after July 1, 2018, Resolute’s White Paper grades noted below will increase by US$30/short ton. Products impacted by this price increase are limited to the following: ResoluteSelect 70, 65; ResoluteBook 70, 65,60 & ResoluteBook 70 Cream. The increase will be applicable to all basis weights and finishes, and all upcharges apply.