Domtar Corp. and others this week handed out some early Christmas presents to local teachers and students in the form of 40,000 books. And the teachers seemed to really appreciate it. “This is great,” says Shyrese Johnson, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Windings Springs Elementary in Charlotte. “It’s absolutely wonderful,” agrees Melissa White, a third-grade teacher at Fort Mill Elementary School. Both teachers were busy taking free books off the shelves at Classroom Central, a nonprofit in Charlotte that provides schools supplies for teachers and students. Domtar and First Book, another nonprofit, donated 40,000 books to teachers and students in Mecklenburg and York counties as a way to promote literacy, says Heather Alverson Stowe, Domtar corporate responsibility manager. Click Read More below for additional information.

Sappi Limited, the South African based leading global supplier of dissolving wood pulp (DWP), speciality and packaging papers, printing (graphic) papers and biomaterials has confirmed plans and ongoing projects to significantly increase DWP capacity by 2020. In particular, Sappi has started preparatory work for the potential expansion of its Saiccor DWP Mill to ensure that the company would be in a position to increase the mill's capacity by up to 250,000tpa to meet strong projected demand growth. Building on the previously announced debottlenecking investments which will increase the Saiccor Mill capacity by 10,000tpa by the end of 2018, work has also started at increasing the chipping capacity and modernising the Saiccor Mill wood yard. The new equipment for the wood yard is scheduled to be delivered and installed at the end of 2018, with start-up planned for January 2019. The wood yard investments will result in cost, quality, environmental and efficiency benefits to the Saiccor Mill and is also a major step towards preparing the Saiccor Mill to expand by a further 250,000tpa. Click Read More below for additional information.

Norske Skog AS has appointed Evercore Partners International LLP (Evercore) to act as its financial adviser in connection with a sale of Norske Skog AS and its subsidiaries (the Norske Skog group's operating businesses) by way of a competitive sale process which will commence imminently. A range of bidders will be invited to participate in the competitive sale process. Norske Skog group's seven paper mills will continue as normal, and our customers, suppliers and other business partners will continue to receive high quality products and services from Norske Skog without interruption throughout the competitive sale process. Click Read More below for additional information.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after January 12, 2018, Twin Rivers Paper Company will be implementing a US $50.00/ton price increase on all Packaging, Technical, and Label grades.

Please be advised that effective with shipments on or after January 15, 2018, Twin Rivers Paper Company will be implementing a US $40.00/ton price increase on our publishing papers, including: • Freesheet: Snowbrite Opaque, Custom Brite, Custom Plus, Custom Supreme, Twin Rivers Opaque, Twin Rivers Offset, Pharmopaque, Snowbrite Pharm, Pharm Brite 92 and all private label grades • Hybrid: Border Brite, Bridge Opaque, Bridge Supreme, Frontier Opaque, Frontier Supreme, Frabrite 76, all tablet/converting products and all private label grades.

Cascades Inc. is pleased to announce that it received the Tissue – Innovation Award for its Cascades Fluff & Tuff™ brand at the 9 th edition of the Pulp & Paper International Awards, which took place in Brussels on November 29. Cascades Tissue Group launched the national brand on March 14, 2017 . "We launched a line of toilet paper and paper towels that is among the softest and strongest on the market, while maintaining all of the green properties our products are known for. Our objective was simple, to offer consumers the comfort and performance they're looking for in a product, while also protecting the environment. We wanted our new and improved products to become the brand of choice for more and more families across the country, and we are achieving this goal. Convincing the industry of the innovative value of products and winning over consumers in a matter of months was a considerable but worthwhile challenge," said Jean Jobin , President and Chief Operating Officer of Cascades Tissue Group. Click Read More below for additional information.

SCA invests mSEK 196 in increased production of White-top kraftliner, packaging paper with a white surface, in the Munksund papermill in Piteå. Through this investment, the mill’s capacity to produce white kraftliner will increase from 150,000 tons to 200,000 tons per annum. The total production capacity will not increase as a result of the investment. The investment will affect the woodroom, where the pulpwood is debarked, and the pulpmill. The project will be finished and in operation in May 2019. "This is an important step in our development towards more value-added products in Munksund papermill", says Mats Nordlander, President Business Area Paper. "The demand is increasing for white kraftliner with excellent printing properties. Through this investment we increase the production of high-value products in Munksund and we can optimize the production of kraftliner in the Obbola papermill. Thereby we improve the competitiveness of both mills." Click Read More below for additional information.

The Company presented information during Investor Day that highlighted: •WestRock has the scale, differentiated strategy and the capabilities to generate attractive long-term returns for investors. •The Company expects to increase adjusted EBITDA margins in its corrugated packaging and consumer packaging segments and generate significant cash flow over the next several years, and to deploy its capital to high-return internal projects and acquisitions, and return increasing capital to stockholders. •WestRock has the opportunity to expand its margins and deploy its capital to grow adjusted EBITDA from $2.3 billion in fiscal year 2017, to more than $4 billion in fiscal year 2022. WestRock reiterated its fiscal 2018 guidance for revenue of at least $16.3 billion, adjusted segment EBITDA of more than $2.8 billion and adjusted operating cash flow of at least $2.3 billion. Click Read More below for additional information.

Effective with all new and existing orders with confirmed delivery dates of January 15, 2018 or later, Verso Corporation is increasing the transaction price of all Uncoated Freesheet Grades by $2.00/cwt US ($2.55/cwt CAD), including but not limited to: Ideal Offset; Ideal Reply Card. The increase applies to all basis weights, bulks, finishes and related private label grades.

Verso Corporation and Sappi North America praised the decision of a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel, which upheld the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on imports from Indonesia. The decision, released yesterday, confirms that the U.S. acted consistently with its WTO obligations when it imposed countervailing duties of 17.93 percent and antidumping duties of 20.13 percent. Yesterday's decision means that countervailing duties that were imposed in November 2010 on certain types of coated paper from Indonesia will remain in effect. The Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission determined in 2016 that the market situation warranted the continuation of the duties for an additional 5-year period. The paper products covered by the petitions include certain types of coated paper that use sheet-fed presses with a GE brightness rating of 80 or higher and weighing up to 340 grams per square meter. The papers are used in commercial printing to create magazines, books, direct mailing, and corporate collateral. Click Read More below for additional information.

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the U.S. lumber industry is materially injured by Canadian government subsidies of their softwood lumber industry. Voting 4-0 in favor of the U.S. lumber industry, the ITC ruling follows a U.S. Department of Commerce determination that imports of softwood lumber from Canada are sold in the United States at less than fair value and subsidized by the government of Canada. "The U.S. Lumber Coalition fully supports the enforcement of America's trade laws. The evidence presented to the ITC was clear - the massive subsidies that the Canadian government provides to its lumber industry and the dumping of lumber products into the U.S. market by Canadian companies cause real harm to U.S. producers and workers," said U.S. Lumber Coalition Co-Chair and Co-President of Pleasant River Lumber Company, Jason Brochu. "Now, with a level playing field, the U.S. lumber industry, and the 350,000 hardworking men and women who support it, can have the chance to compete fairly." Click Read More below for additional information.

We herewith announce a price increase of 5 - 7 % for all our uncoated fine paper products. It will be implemented for deliveries starting from 2nd January 2018. This price increase is primarily caused by continuously increasing fibre input cost and general cost inflation.

Finally, some good news on Appleton Coated. One of the shuttered paper mill’s machines is reportedly starting back up on Monday, and the mill is recalling 50 workers. Representatives for Industrial Assets, the mill’s new owner, declined comment on the reported restart. But some workers and the regional head of the United Steelworkers union say some employees got recall notices on Tuesday. “It’s a temporary thing. We’re hopeful,” said Michael Bolton, the Menasha-based director of United Steelworkers District 2, which covers Wisconsin and Michigan. “We agreed to a 90-day temporary operation," he said. "The new owner said he was going to try and sell this or get it going again. He’s living up to what he said. It’s better than seeing it sit idle.” The 50 recalled workers will join 38 employees who had been previously retained for mill maintenance, for a total of 88. Click Read More below for additional information.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by seven percent on most (AKD) sizing products and all wet strength products across the North America region, effective immediately or as customer contracts allow. The price increase is necessary due to the increase in certain raw material costs combined with a tightening overall global supply chain. “We are unable to absorb the impact of the increased costs that we are currently experiencing but we will continue to work in partnership with our customers to help mitigate the increases,” said Jose Santolaya, global product director, Functional Chemicals, Pulp and Paper. Click Read More below for additional information.

Due to recent cost changes and market conditions French Paper is announcing our first price increase since 3-3-14, over three and a half years. This increase consists of $5/cwt for Glo-Tone and $4/cwt across all other grades, with equivalent changes made among envelope items. All changes will apply to orders placed after December 15th. Along with these pricing changes we have begun the discontinuation of our Mod-Tone grade and will sell remaining items as inventory is available.

The transaction includes the acquisition of CPG’s Carmignano and Condino Mills in Italy, its digital imaging business located in Cham, Switzerland as well as all brands and know-how. It will be funded through internal cash resources. The transaction is conditional on the approval from certain competition authorities. We expect the acquisition to be completed during the first calendar quarter of 2018. The main benefits of the acquisition include: *Supports Sappi’s diversification strategy and 2020vision to grow in higher margin growth segments. Strengthens Sappi Europe’s speciality and packaging papers footprint and skills; adds 160,000 tons of speciality paper to our capacity. *Increases Sappi’s relevance in speciality papers, opening up new customers and markets to Sappi’s existing products and generating economies of scale and synergies. Click Read More below for additional information.

Mactac continues to focus on delivering premium quality products at competitive prices. The recent inflationary environment impacting our markets has brought about challenges and volatility related to raw material pricing, freight, and the overall availability of key components. We have worked diligently with our suppliers to ensure a reliable supply of materials allowing us to continue to provide outstanding service in the pressure sensitive market. Having already absorbed a significant level of price increases along with indications of continued tightness of supply and price escalation, we find it necessary to recover part of these increased costs with a 5% increase on all Sheet and Graphic products effective on all orders placed beginning January 15, 2018 shipping within our standard published lead-times. Click Read More below for additional information.

Canfor Pulp Products Inc. announced that it has taken a temporary and unscheduled outage on one production line at its Northwood Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (“NBSK”) Pulp mill located in Prince George, British Columbia (“BC”), as a result of a tube leak in the number five recovery boiler. Canfor Pulp anticipates the number five recovery boiler to be down for approximately two weeks, and is currently projecting 15,000 tonnes of reduced NBSK pulp production during the fourth quarter 2017, as well as higher associated maintenance costs and lower projected shipment volumes. To mitigate the impact of the incident, Canfor Pulp is continuing to operate the second production line at the Pulp mill and will advance certain mill maintenance activities previously scheduled to be performed in the first quarter of 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa operations from both sides of the Atlantic were lauded with the company’s Zülpich Paper Mill in Germany winning the ‘Resilience – Managing Risk’ award and the Cali Paper Mill in Colombia taking the prize for ‘Bringing Paper to Life – Innovative Printing & Writing Campaign of the Year’. The Zülpich Mill, which was established in 1873, has an exemplary record in health and safety and a robust risk management strategy. Speaking about the award, Christian Ludwig, Managing Director, said: “We have always had the full support of the Group to build up our resilience strategy to the standard is at today and we are encouraged to take an innovative approach to finding solutions. The Cali Paper Mill certainly delivered on the brief of ‘Bringing Paper to Life’ with its CartoPrint school paper display. The vibrant appearance of the product, which was created in a collaboration with the Packaging Division, was inspired by its sustainable forestry origins and the ongoing work to preserve biodiversity that the company carries out. Click Read More below for additional information.

Brazil’s Suzano Papel e Celulos closed a deal to acquire a majority stake in Amazonian paper factory Facepa for 310 million reais ($95 million), the wood pulp and paper maker said on Monday in a securities filing. Suzano said it had agreed to buy 92.84 percent of total shares and 99.99 percent of common shares in the company, which manufactures paper towels, napkins, diapers and tissue in factories in Belem and Fortaleza with total capacity of 50,000 tonnes per year. The price is subject to adjustments, Suzano said in the filing.

Please be advised, effective with shipments as of January 1, 2018, Domtar Specialty Papers pricing will increase by $2.50/cwt. USD on bleached and unbleached Food Packaging, Medical Packaging, Industrial Grades, Coating Base and Release Paper Products. We pledge to continue to earn your business by providing quality products and reliable service while investing in the future through innovation.

Due to large increases in key input material costs, including over a two-fold increase in colorformers to ensure an uninterrupted supply, that cannot be offset by our on-going internal continuous improvements, cost reductions, and operating excellence efforts, Glatfelter is announcing a price increase for carbonless roll products, carbonless sheet products and security papers sold in our United States and Canadian markets. The increase will be effective with shipments on or after January 15, 2018. The increase will be 6% for the following items: All Glatfelter Carbonless Roll products; Carbonless Roll Accessories (CF and CB Sprays); Defensa® Security CB products; All Glatfelter Carbonless Sheet Products; Fan-Apart Adhesive. The increase will be $4.00/cwt for the following item: Defensa® Basic. The increase will be $5.00/cwt for the following items: Defensa® Premium Defensa® Design; Defensa® Security Gate Defensa® True. All current standard differentials and upcharges remain in effect.

The Province of New Brunswick announced its plan regarding sawmills impacted by softwood lumber duties on shipments to the United States. A dedicated effort on this important file is crucial to the survival of New Brunswick’s forest products sector as we know it today. Sawmills are the lifeblood of many rural communities. Hundreds of New Brunswick woodlot owners and wood producers depend on these sawmills. A successful sawmill is the vital source of wood chips to the value chain of products made throughout New Brunswick – from particleboard in St. Stephen to tissue in Dieppe, pulp in Edmundston and paper in Saint John. Thousands of New Brunswick jobs and local suppliers depend on this sector which impacts more communities than any other industry in the province. Maintaining New Brunswick’s historic 35-year exclusion requires the unity and support of all political parties. Click Read More below for additional information.

Pushing the boundaries in sports and print: Sappi’s Algro Design® Card forms basis for new 2018 photo calendar. “Move X-treme. Discover your possibilities” – This is the umbrella theme under which ACTEGA Terra, Koenig & Bauer and Sappi have continued their successful joint calendar project over the last few years. The new 2018 calendar, hot off the press, depicts athletes who push themselves to their limits, whether in speed skating, white water kayaking or motocross. Steely resolve and perfect preparation can lead to outstanding sporting success. The rewards: strong emotions, a great deal of public interest and the satisfaction of having accomplished something extraordinary. These are reactions similar to those experienced by three companies from the worlds of speciality papers, quality printing and overprint varnishes for high-quality finishing as they produce their annual calendar. Click Read More below for additional information.

Holmen has signed an agreement to sell forest properties in north-west Jämtland, Sweden, for SEK 100 million. The sale is expected to be completed in January 2018. The Group’s earnings will be positively impacted by just over SEK 70 million in the first quarter of 2018 since the sale price exceeds the carrying amount according to IAS 41. With holdings of over 1 million hectares of productive forest land, Holmen is one of Sweden’s largest forest owners. “This forest land is located far from our production facilities and has significant other values than forestry. We intend to reinvest the sales proceeds in forest located closer to our own production facilities,” says Henrik Sjölund, President and CEO of Holmen. Click Read More below for additional information.

As part of optimising the Rottneros Group, a new organisation is introduced with a group-wide sales organisation and a site manager for each mill. At the same time, a group-wide safety function is established, which becomes part of the Human Resource Department. The purpose of the new organisation is to create an increased focus within each sub-area. Through the new organisation, the mills can focus wholeheartedly on productivity, quality, environment, costs and completion of Agenda 500. The common safety function also means that we will be able to get even more out of our high-priority safety work in the future, while it can be conducted in an efficient way, comments Lennart Eberleh, President and CEO of Rottneros. Click Read More below for additional information.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö announces the launch of Ahlstrom-Munksjö Trinitex® Advance W3000, a unique filtration media specifically designed for pulse jet gas turbine applications. “Trinitex® Advance W3000 has the ability to combine EPA (Efficiency Particulate Air) efficiencies, whilst delivering highest protection of the gas turbine in all demanding conditions, especially humid or industrial environments” says Cedric Vallet, Product Manager at Ahlstrom Munksjo. “ Trinitex® Advance W3000 delivers high particulate removal efficiency, reducing corrosion and fouling, thus minimizing maintenance and unplanned shut downs. It also delivers higher efficiency at a low level of pressure drop, helping to minimize energy consumption. Trinitex® Advance W3000 enables extended performance in all challenging environments, increasing filter lifetime and reducing frequency for filter change” he adds. Click Read More below for additional information.

Total European shipments of Graphic Papers were down 4.2% in September vs. September 2016 and are down 0.9% year-to-date. Total European shipments of Newsprint were down 5.5% in September vs. September 2016 and are down 3.7% year-to-date. Total European shipments of SC-Magazine were down 11.1% in September vs. September 2016 and are flat year-to-date. Total European shipments of Coated Mechanical Reels were down 4.6% in September vs. September 2016 and are down 1.4% year-to-date. Total European shipments of Uncoated Mechanical were UP 4.2% in September vs. September 2016 and are UP 2.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of Coated Woodfree were down 1.4% in September vs. September 2016 and are UP 1.3% year-to-date. Total European shipments of Uncoated Woodfree were down 3.9% in September vs. September 2016 and are down 0.9% year-to-date. Click Read More below for additional information.

The 19th edition of European Paper Week will mark CEPI’s 25th anniversary and takes place in the background of industry’s transformation towards a low-carbon, circular bioeconomy. As part of this year’s theme, attendees are invited to look forward and ‘Sense the Future’ by experiencing through the five senses the innovative, bio-based potential of the industry. “Industry transformation is gaining pace. This year’s European Paper Week provides an occasion to look forward at how we can, as the leading renewable and recyclable material industry, unleash the full potential of a circular bioeconomy,” says Sylvain Lhôte, Director General at the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). As part of the industry’s ambition to lead Europe’s bioeconomy transformation, this year’s event will play host to the inaugural Europe-only edition of the Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Awards, where eight accomplished researchers will make the case for their industry-changing ideas. Click Read More below for additional information.

Funds managed by Oceanwood Capital Management and Aker Capital AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aker ASA, have today issued a joint press release stating the intention to form a new company (Bidco), which will bid in an auction process to ensure that there is a strong new owner of Norske Skog's paper mills. The board of directors of Norske Skogindustrier ASA is pleased that Aker, with its strong industrial knowledge and financial expertise, has taken a role together with Oceanwood in the recapitalization of the Norske Skog group. The board of directors of Norske Skogindustrier ASA will continue to safeguard the interest of all its stakeholders through the recapitalization process. As part thereof, the Norske Skog group's seven paper mills will continue as normal, and our customers, suppliers and other business partners will continue to receive high quality products and the best service from Norske Skog without interruption through the remainder of the recapitalization process. Click Read More below for additional information.

Shareholders representing 98% of the owners in Bergvik Skog AB, a Swedish forest holding company, have agreed to initiate discussions, based on a non-binding letter of intent, aiming at structural changes in Bergvik Skog Group. These shareholders are Stora Enso, Länsförsäkringar, FAM, BillerudKorsnäs, Kåpan Pension, Tredje AP-fonden, Persson Invest, Karl Hedin AB and Tham Invest. “The wood supply agreement with Bergvik Skog, established 15 years ago, expires next year. Together with our partners, we have had a successful journey which now comes to an end. The planned transaction is a natural next step for us, as we strongly believe in the bioeconomy and want to secure our competitive raw material supply in the long term. We will seek support from the remaining 2% outstanding shareholders as well as all other relevant stakeholders”, says Karl-Henrik Sundström, CEO of Stora Enso. Bergvik Skog’s Swedish forest assets are owned by its subsidiaries Bergvik Väst AB and Bergvik Öst AB, representing approximately 83% and 17% respectively. Click Read More below for additional information.

BillerudKorsnäs has signed a letter of intent to acquire Bergvik Skog Öst AB, owned by Bergvik Skog AB. Bergvik Skog Öst AB comprises approximately 350,000 hectares of forest land in Sweden. The transaction will secure parts of BillerudKorsnäs’ wood supply, and improve the possibilities to manage the mix of internal and external wood flows in order to increase efficiency. Bergvik Skog AB was formed in 2004 through an acquisition of the Swedish forest holdings of Korsnäs and Stora Enso. The biological assets of Korsnäs represented in 2004 approximately 17% (Bergvik Skog Öst AB) and the Stora Enso assets approximately 83% (Bergvik Skog Väst AB). As part of the transaction in 2004, long term wood supply agreements were agreed between Bergvik Skog AB and Korsnäs and Stora Enso. Click Read More below for additional information.

Norske Skog's gross operating earnings (EBITDA) in the third quarter 2017 were NOK 143 million, a decrease from NOK 190 million in the second quarter 2017. Gross operating earnings declined despite an increase in sales volume in Europe due to NOK appreciation, and less domestic demand in Australasia resulted in more low-margin export sales. Operating earnings in the third quarter was NOK 73 million compared to negative operating earnings of NOK 52 million in the second quarter of 2017. Net loss in the third quarter was NOK 9 million compared to a net loss of NOK 546 million in the second quarter 2017, mainly due to non-cash currency effects on debt and changes in the valuation of power contracts. Cash flow from operations declined to a negative NOK 162 million in the quarter from a positive NOK 187 million in the second quarter. Net interest-bearing debt increased by NOK 459 million to NOK 7 038 million in the third quarter, reflecting a negative cash flow for the period and unpaid interest costs related to the ongoing recapitalization process. At the end of the third quarter, the group had a negative book equity of NOK 689 million. As part of the ongoing recapitalization process, the board has decided not to pay interest on the group's outstanding debt. The cash balance at the end of the third quarter was NOK 426 million and is sufficient to support the operations until a recapitalization solution takes place. Norske Skog's board and administration continue discussions with the creditors to launch as soon as possible a new and broadly supported offer for converting debt to equity and a new bond. Click Read More below for additional information.

Stora Enso has signed an agreement to divest its sheeting centre business in Baienfurt, Germany to Pyroll, a Finnish converting firm. The sheeting centre operations started in April 2009 and is 100% owned by Stora Enso. This divestment supports Stora Enso’s growth strategy for its consumer board business, where the focus is to generate value to customers by being the global benchmark in high quality virgin fibre carton board. Running sheeting centre operations is not part of Stora Enso’s core business. The new owner has sheeting operations as its core and is in a better position to further develop Baienfurt. Stora Enso will remain a key customer to the Baienfurt sheeting centre. Click Read More below for additional information.

According to the October 2017 Printing-Writing Monthly report from the American Forest & Paper Association, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased seven percent in October compared to October 2016. Shipments of uncoated free sheet managed a year-over-year increase but this was more than offset by decreases in the remaining three major printing-writing grades. U.S. purchases of printing-writing papers also decreased, down nine percent in October. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased nine percent from September 2017. •October uncoated free sheet (UFS) paper shipments increased year-over-year for the second time this year. Imports of UFS decreased by 12 percent year-over-year in September – the fourth consecutive decrease of 12 percent or more. Meanwhile, exports of UFS papers continue to climb, up 26 percent year-over-year in September, the fifth consecutive increase of 17 percent or higher. •Recent mill shuts leave coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments down year-over-year. This is a significant change from last month’s peak for the year, as two recent mill shuts factor in to the decline this month. U.S. imports of CFS papers decreased 17 percent year-over-year in September, the third consecutive year-over-year decline. Meanwhile, exports of CFS papers increased 4 percent year-over-year in September, the seventh increase in the past nine months. •Coated mechanical (CM) paper shipments declined year-over-year in October for the fifth consecutive month. Imports of CM increased in September, up 23 percent compared to September 2016. Exports of CM decreased, down 9 percent in September to 24,200 tons – the lowest level in more than five years. •Shipments of uncoated mechanical (UM) papers have declined year-over-year in every month when compared to the same month in 2016. Imports of UM decreased 13 percent year-over-year in September and exports of UM decreased 4 percent year-over-year in September.

The Navigator Company announced today to its Customers that it will be increasing prices across its uncoated woodfree papers portfolio in Middle East, Africa, Asia, Oceania and Latin America, and it will be effective from 1st of January 2018, ranging from 5% to 7%.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of Tembec Inc., combining two complementary high purity cellulose businesses and diversifying its product offerings with integrated forest products, paper, paperboard and newsprint businesses. The combined company, which will operate under the name Rayonier Advanced Materials, will be a stronger, more diversified global leader in its core businesses with an expanded international footprint that further positions it to serve the larger customer base with the highest quality products and services. In addition, the combined company offers enhanced new product development capabilities, a broader and more versatile asset base, and the financial strength to invest back into its businesses for continued growth. “This acquisition advances our strategic growth objectives and provides an accretive and attractive value proposition for our shareholders by more than doubling our revenues, diversifying our product offering in high purity cellulose and allowing us to expand into new adjacent businesses,” said Paul Boynton, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rayonier Advanced Materials. “Rayonier Advanced Materials and Tembec are not only a good strategic fit, but we are also an excellent cultural fit. We are excited to welcome the Tembec employees to Rayonier Advanced Materials as we continue to execute on our four strategic pillars of growth.”

Glatfelter is announcing a price increase for the listed grades and product lines sold in our United States market. The increase will be effective with shipments on or after January 1, 2018. The increase will be $2/cwt for the following items: Sealer Envelope Worthington Index; Tiffin Tag (White & Manila) Index Card; Shawnee Vellum Bristol. The increase will be $3/cwt for the following items: Tiffin Tag (Colors) File Folder. All current standard differentials and upcharges remain in effect.

Sappi North America announces a US$3.00 per CWT transactional price increase on new and unconfirmed orders that book with confirmed delivery dates on or after Monday, January 1, 2018 on the following packaging and specialty products: • Fusion Topliner • Parade Prima • Algro Design • Algro Finess • Algro Fin • Algro Teepack • Algro Kraft Y • Algro Sol • Leine Kraft • Leine Mühle • Leine Silk. Standard differentials and upcharges apply. The price increase includes all basis weights and finishes.

Please be advised that, effective with shipments on or after January 1, 2018, Resolute Forest Products will raise its directory price by US$50/short ton. Your sales representative can address any questions you may have regarding this increase.

Due to continuing input cost increases and unsustainable profit levels, Sappi is forced to continue passing on this cost inflation by increasing its Woodfree grades prices by 6-8% effective on deliveries from January 1st 2018 for all European markets. This follows previous announcements made for its LWC and MWC grades. Despite strong order books margins continue to be depressed by this severe input cost inflation. Sappi’s sales representatives will be in touch with their customers to agree on the specifics over the following weeks.

GardaPremium Natural is a 2 side coated woodfree silk paper with a smooth surface and a natural shade. It offers good thickness, extraordinary runnability, high stiffness and good resistance to cracking on fold, in addition to high opacity. These characteristics guarantee excellent print results for any type of project, as with all of Lecta's premium coated papers. With the new GardaPremium Natural catalogue, you can directly observe the paper's natural white shade, obtained without the addition of optical brighteners. This neutral tone is perfect for enhancing color as well as black-and-white images, highlighting every detail. Click Read More below for additional information.

Due to continuing input cost increases and unsustainable profit levels, Sappi is forced to continue passing on this cost inflation by increasing its Woodfree grades prices by 6-8% effective on deliveries from January 1st 2018 for all European markets. This follows previous announcements made for its LWC and MWC grades. Despite strong order books margins continue to be depressed by this severe input cost inflation. Sappi’s sales representatives will be in touch with their customers to agree on the specifics over the following weeks.

Montreal-based papermaker Domtar has announced its Kingsport, Tennessee, paper mill has been awarded the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) Governor’s Award of Excellence for Workplace Safety. The safety award recognizes outstanding achievement in employer-employee safety programs for the prevention of workplace injury. As part of its qualification criteria, Domtar’s Kingsport mill had to accumulate 1 million hours worked without a lost-time or restricted-duty incident. While this is the first public recognition for the Kingsport mill, Bill MacPherson, manager of the mill, says it has achieved the 1-million-hour milestone several times in the past. Click Read More below for additional information.

"Foodservice packaging converters and end users are seeking natural kraft OGR paper options that offer the right combination of quality, performance and run-to-run consistency," said Mike Weinhold, Verso President of Graphic Papers. "Our GlazeArmor™ family of OGR papers excels in these critical areas, and we will deliver these solutions with the same level of highly personalized customer service, experienced technical resources, and overall attention to detail that customers have come to expect from Verso." GlazeArmor™ natural kraft options are an exciting addition to the broader portfolio of Verso's machine-glazed laminating and converting papers, which are relied upon by flexible packaging converters worldwide. Featuring OGR levels ranging from Kit 5 to as high as Kit 12, GlazeArmor™ NK OGR and GlazeArmor™ NK Micro are Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)-free and are designed to work well in low to high oil and grease end uses. These OGR papers offer excellent runnability and converting performance, both key performance requirements for end-use applications such as sandwich and deli wraps, foodservice liners, microwave popcorn bags and laminated food pouches. Click Read More below for additional information.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), in collaboration with the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and FPInnovations issued Product Category Rules (PCR) for Market Pulp, Paper and Paperboard, Containerboard and Tissue products manufactured in North America. The PCR provides rules and requirements for conducting paper product life cycle assessment (LCA) reports as well as developing Type III Environmental Product Declarations that communicate the environmental footprint of products to customers. The PCR development process included the participation of a broad stakeholder group including manufacturers, trade associations, government agencies, non-government organizations, retail representatives, independent parties, academia and other Environmental Product Declarations program operators. “This PCR has been approved by an independent peer review panel of recognized LCA experts,” said Debbie Steckel, Executive Director of the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment. “It conforms to the requirements of ISO International Standards, providing consistent and transparent environmental evaluation standards with the highest degree of credibility.” Click Read More below for additional information.