Paper Excellence announced the indefinite curtailment of its paper operations at the Catalyst Crofton facility starting in early December 2022. Paper markets in China served by the mill have significantly weakened while there have been substantial cost escalations for chemicals, energy and wood fibre used at Crofton. The intersection of these pressures has materially impacted the financial viability of the paper operation. We expect to operate Crofton’s paper machines for 60 days following this announcement. We will be working closely with both unions as this decision affects about 80 Unifor employees and 70 PPWC employees. We recognize the hardship this will have on both our employees and the Cowichan Valley. We hope to minimize these impacts through union discussions that will consider secondments, utilization of earned time off and employment insurance. The mill’s pulp operations will continue production during the paper curtailment. Paper Excellence is working with both Provincial and Federal Governments while it conducts studies at the Crofton facility to consider accelerating its conversion into natural food and packaging grades.

SCA’s Wifstamon nursery had its seed extraction premier this past winter. Using an in-house developed kiln and seed separator, SCA can now process cones to obtain seeds from its own pine seed plantations. In the seed extraction process, the cones open up and release their seeds. It may sound simple, but it requires a quality-assured work method so as not to damage the valuable seeds. For many years, SCA has hired a contractor for its cone kilning, but as of this year, the company can process a large share of the cones itself. “It's good to be able to do some of the extraction in-house,” says Marlene Lagergren, who was the project manager for the project. “In addition, we create employment over the winter in our otherwise very seasonal business. And we enhance our skills,” adds Anders Tolblad, Manager at NorrPlant.

Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty materials for commercial and digital printing is proud to announce the release of A Maker’s Field Guide to Envelopes, the latest in a series of comprehensive, printed guides designed to inspire and educate designers, their clients and printers on the importance of choosing the right materials for print. “The new Maker’s Field Guide to Envelopes is the latest expression of Mohawk’s ongoing commitment to helping demonstrate the pivotal role materials play in the success of every print job,” said Chris Harrold, Vice President, Creative Director, Mohawk. “Envelopes are equal part function and first impression. An envelope is like a handshake that simultaneously says ‘hello’ and ‘open me first!’” A Maker’s Field Guide to Envelopes was created by Aurora Design to complement Mohawk’s Maker’s Field Guide to Texture and Color and the Mohawk Maker Quarterly, an award-winning publication which highlights the beauty and tactility of fine paper. Both publications have become go-to resources for makers and creatives worldwide as print is rediscovered as a powerful alternative to digital communication. Click Read More below for additional detail.