Paper Clips

A week after the white liquor tank implosion disaster, the Longview community mourns the 11 people killed. Implications are emerging for paper and packaging industry supply chains. The pain and sense of loss is palpable in this 38,000-person community in Southwest Washington, as well as in the surrounding areas of the state and neighboring Oregon. Gov. Bob Ferguson called for Washington state agency buildings’ flags to remain at half staff through sunset on June 7. For generations, Longview has had the distinction of being a “mill town,” even as the industrial strip has grown to include other industries such as metals production. Locals describe a tight-knit community where nearly everyone knows someone who has worked at one of the wood or paper mills. Nippon Paper continues to state that the Longview incident’s impact on production, shipments and financial performance is still being assessed. But the paper and packaging industry is beginning to get a sense of current and potential future supply chain effects from the production curtailment. Analysts are flagging that fallout from the Nippon Dynawave incident likely will ripple through the paper and packaging industry. The Longview mill produces roughly 300,000 metric tons of paperboard for cartons and cups annually.

White liquor, a superheated chemical mixture used to break down wood into paper pulp, is at the center of the deadly tank implosion at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview. The facility employs a common process for making paper known as kraft or kraft pulping. In kraft pulping, wood chips are processed under high pressure and heat (anywhere from 300 to 330 degrees Fahrenheit) while being exposed to extremely caustic chemicals that cause the wood to break down into pulp. White liquor is one of the three main chemical solutions used in this paper-making process. It's a highly alkaline solution, similar to bleach, that will cause severe chemical burns if it comes into contact with skin.  White liquor is arguably the strongest and most important substance in kraft pulping. It's the first compound that the wood is exposed to, and it quickly breaks down the wood chips into a thick pulp. Almost half of the wood completely dissolves into the liquid. Ultimately this compound is extremely dangerous. The chemical solution is so hot and caustic that it will almost immediately cause second and third-degree burns upon contact with skin. Vapors released by white liquor are also flammable, and can cause damage to the eyes, lungs and throat if inhaled.

UPM has signed a definitive agreement to form a graphic paper Joint Venture with Sappi, and the parties have secured financing arrangements that will provide a robust financial standing for the Joint Venture. A non-binding letter of intent (LOI) on the transaction was signed on December 4, 2025. As earlier announced, the planned Joint Venture will include the entire UPM Communication Papers business and Sappi’s graphic paper business in Europe. The Joint Venture will be owned 50/50 by UPM and Sappi. It will operate as an independent company, managing its own operations, resources, and decisions within agreed shareholder boundaries.

The company said it’s evaluating impacts to shipments following an incident at Nippon Dynawave Packaging, which produces paperboard cartons, cups and other products. A deadly incident occurred at Nippon Dynawave Packaging’s pulp and paper mill on Tuesday morning in Longview, Washington, where a chemical tank containing white liquor imploded. The site produces three-layer bleached paperboard, among other outputs.  The Longview Fire Department and other emergency responders have been offering updates. One person is confirmed dead, nine people are unaccounted for, and there were nine confirmed injuries, as of the most recent update. Additional rescues are not expected, according to local news outlets. Japan-based parent company Nippon Paper confirmed in a notice Wednesday that a chemical tank at the facility collapsed, resulting in “multiple casualties,” and the cause of the accident is currently under investigation. “The impact of this accident on our financial performance, the environment, production, and shipments is currently being assessed,” the company said. “We express our deepest condolences and offer our heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. We also sincerely apologize for the immense concern and inconvenience this has caused to the local community, our business partners, and all related parties,” Nippon Paper wrote.

One person was killed, nine were injured and nine others remain missing after a major chemical implosion at a Longview pulp and paper mill Tuesday morning, authorities said. The rupture of a tank was reported around 7:20 a.m. at the Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility in Longview, according to the city’s fire department. The incident involved a vat of chemical treatment product described as white liquor. Eight employees and a firefighter were injured; it’s unclear if the person who died was an employee. All nine of the people who remain unaccounted for work at the mill, according to a joint statement sent by the city of Longview shortly before 5 p.m.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Robert Kenneth Irving mark his passing today in Moncton, New Brunswick, following a courageous battle with cancer. Robert K. Irving, Co-CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited, was born on December 3, 1954, in Saint John, New Brunswick. He was the second-oldest son of James Kenneth Irving and Jean Elizabeth Saunders Irving, a grandson of K.C. Irving, and a devoted brother to James (Jim), Mary-Jean and Judith. Together with his wife of nearly 40 years, Jill (née Gougeon), he raised four children: Megan (Jordan), Meredith (Lance), Olivia (Christopher), and Robert James (R.J.) (Samantha). His children were a great source of pride and joy, and he celebrated their accomplishments with love and admiration. That joy only grew when he became a grandfather to Warren, Sutton, Collins, and Fraser – a role he cherished deeply. An innovative and tireless entrepreneur, Robert established and grew successful businesses in various sectors including paper products, food processing, agriculture and transportation. He believed in doing things right the first time and no detail was too small to ignore. He embodied a sentiment his father often quoted: “The best fertilizer is the farmer’s footsteps in the soil.” He thrived on being where the action was – in the fields with farmers, on the manufacturing floor, or in transport terminals. He especially enjoyed meeting with customers at their offices or hosting them at J.D. Irving locations.

Sylvamo is making significant progress on $145 million in high-return projects at its South Carolina facilities.  The investments will improve long-term efficiency, lower costs and increase capacity at the company’s Eastover, South Carolina mill, only strengthening its position as one of the most competitive paper mills in the world.  These projects are part of an overall strategy to invest in low-risk, high-return projects that strengthen business and create long-term value. The $100 million project to optimize and speed up the No. 2 Paper Machine remains on schedule, with most work planned during the extended fourth-quarter maintenance outage. Once complete, this project is expected to improve flexibility, reduce costs and enhance product mix across both paper machines, resulting in approximately 60,000 additional short tons of uncoated freesheet annually.

International Paper has acquired Delmarva Corrugated Packaging in Dover, Delaware. The strategic acquisition of this facility will enhance International Paper's capabilities, expand its market presence, and increase its capacity to produce the highest-quality sustainable packaging solutions for customers.

Fastmarkets reports that Sappi North America sold 106,000 tonnes of graphic papers in the first quarter of 2025, or 18.5% less compared with the 130,000 tonnes sold in the same quarter last year. Slightly lower than the 103,000 tonnes sold in the fourth quarter of 2025.

A Canadian First: The new production line will manufacture a new generation of plastic-free, chemical-free materials Kruger Inc. today announced a $333 million investment marking its entry into the nonwovens sector and advancing its long-term portfolio diversification strategy. This new division will focus on manufacturing some of the industry’s most sustainable materials for a broad range of wipe applications. Central to this major project is the installation of the first production line of its kind in Canada, to be built on Île-de-la-Potherie in Trois-Rivières, adjacent to Kruger’s Wayagamack paper mill, with commissioning scheduled for 2028. Key characteristics of the future materials Nonwoven materials made from 100% natural ingredients, including wood fibres sourced from responsibly managed forests, primarily from Canada Plastic-free and chemical-free Biodegradable and compostable Wet and dry strength, high absorbency, and added bulk for a more cloth-like feel, all exceeding current industry standards

Tony Smurfit, President and Group Chief Executive of Smurfit Westrock, was presented with the ‘Distinguished Leadership Award’ at The Ireland Funds’ 50th Anniversary Gala in New York on May 7. This award recognizes an individual whose leadership and pioneering contributions have made a lasting impact on the world. At the event, Tony was commended for being an ‘outstanding’ business leader for his role at the helm of a packaging giant which spans 40 countries.  “It’s both an honor and a privilege to receive this prestigious award from The Ireland Funds,” said Tony Smurfit. “At Smurfit Westrock, I work alongside a team of talented and dedicated people who have all played their part in building the global leader in sustainable packaging that we have today. It’s quite a transformation journey from where we started with one small box plant in Dublin.”

The paper and building products company is using guidance developed by nonprofit GS1, which manages UPC standards. Seven states have passed extended producer responsibility laws: California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. UPC barcodes are used by more than 2 million companies globally. Georgia-Pacific is adding packaging-specific metrics, including the glue and tape. Georgia-Pacific has started tracking package weight, materials and origins — alongside traditional retail metrics — using existing barcodes.  That change will make it simpler for the maker of Brawny and Dixie products to prepare filings for extended produce

The hygiene and health company Essity initiates a strategic review of the Consumer Tissue business area's global operations. The review will evaluate strategic alternatives with the aim of creating the best possible conditions for the Consumer Tissue business and the Group to develop to their full potential and maximize value creation. "Essity's Consumer Tissue business has a strong offering under its own brands, retailer brands, and through private label, with leading market positions and an efficient supply chain. The strategic review will evaluate different options for the ownership of Consumer Tissue and is part of our efforts to optimize Essity's product portfolio and maximize value creation," says Ulrika Kolsrud, President and CEO, Essity.

Twin Rivers Paper today announced the acquisition of Potsdam Specialty Paper Inc. , a leader in the development and manufacturing of specialty latex, acrylic, and other saturated base papers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. PSPI's paper mill in Potsdam, New York, adds 26,000 tons of annual production capacity to Twin Rivers' asset base.

Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer, announces its results for the first quarter of 2026 (1Q26), achieving a new all‑time record in pulp sales. Over the 12‑month period from April 2025 to March 2026, the company sold 12.7 million tonnes of pulp, the highest volume ever recorded in its history. During the same period, Suzano also sold 1.7 million tonnes of paper across the packaging, printing and writing, specialty, and tissue segments.

UPM has been included among the leading companies and as the only company in its sector in the Dow Jones World and European Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for 2025–2026, placing it among the world's most rigorously assessed sustainability leaders for several years in a row. The DJSI evaluates thousands of the world's largest companies based on environmental, social and governance performance. Companies are evaluated through S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and only the top-ranked in each industry are selected for inclusion. “This recognition reflects the disciplined work we have done across our company for years. UPM offers a broad range of materials and solutions that hundreds of millions of people rely on every day. The renewable fibres, advanced materials, and decarbonization solutions we offer transform supply chains and enable daily sustainable choices,” says Saara Tahvanainen, EVP, UPM Marketing, Sustainability and Communications.

Avondale Global Gateway (AGG) and Suzano today announced a five-year terminal services agreement that will bring regular wood pulp imports back to Louisiana for the first time in more than 30 years. Under the agreement, AGG will serve as one of Suzano’s terminals in the Central Gulf Coast for their wood pulp shipments arriving from Brazil, to be distributed across North America by rail. The first vessel is scheduled to arrive at AGG in the first week of May this year. The agreement marks a significant milestone for both Louisiana and Suzano, the world’s largest pulp supplier and one of Brazil’s biggest exporters which has been present in the American market for over 40 years.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company , a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, announced a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with NextEra Energy Resources, LLC. Through the agreement, NextEra Energy Resources plans to build a 250-megawatt solar energy plant in West Texas, advancing Graphic Packaging's commitment to source renewable electricity and reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This North America agreement builds on the momentum from a VPPA that Graphic Packaging supported in Spain, consisting of three solar plants expected to cover 70% of the company's energy demand in Europe. Renewable energy is a key driver within Graphic Packaging's Better, Every Day sustainability program, which aims to reduce the Company's GHG emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) opposes proposals to expand Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) incentives to include whole trees, pulpwood and other woody biomass. These policies would raise wood fiber costs and put U.S. pulp and paper mill jobs at risk. This initiative runs contrary to the Administration’s efforts to reshore U.S. manufacturing. “Renewable fuel incentives should not sacrifice U.S. mill jobs by incentivizing wood fiber away from the manufacturing sector. Expanding RFS incentives to whole trees or pulpwood would distort the market for fiber and undermine mill competitiveness.

UPM announced in December 2025 the conclusion of a non-binding letter of intent to form a graphic paper Joint Venture with Sappi. The proposed transaction is subject to merger control approval from the European Commission and authorities in other jurisdictions such as the US and China. On April 28, 2026 the European Commission announced the opening of a Phase II investigation, which is a normal step in the Commission’s merger review process in cases where initial concerns have not been fully resolved during Phase I. UPM continues to engage openly and constructively with the Commission during this second part of the process to address the initial concerns set out in the Commission’s Phase II opening decision. UPM remains convinced of the Joint Venture’s benefits to customers and the entire industry by strengthening the resilience of European graphic paper supply in declining markets.

Hansol Paper and Moorim, South Korea’s first- and second-largest paper companies, issued formal apologies on the 23rd after the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) sanctioned them for price-fixing. The KFTC imposed corrective orders and a total fine of 338.3 billion Korean won on six paper companies—Hansol Paper, Moorim Paper, Moorim P&P, Moorim SP, Hankuk Paper, and Hongwon Paper—for colluding to raise printed paper prices from February 2021 to December 2024, a period of 3 years and 10 months. This marks the largest-ever penalty in the domestic paper industry’s history. The companies were found to have met at least 60 times, coordinating seven rounds of price hikes by raising base prices or reducing discounts, resulting in an average 71% price increase.

A new report from the Book Manufacturers’ Institute on the state of the book industry predicts that printing is on the cusp of potential major changes. The report notes that because American book manufacturers are no longer preoccupied with meeting European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements (print products were removed from the regulations late last year), they are better positioned to integrate digital printing, AI tools, and better communication with publishers to create a more efficient manufacturing environment. One potential shift in the publisher-printer relationship could stem from publishers' growing acceptance of digital printing, as they become more willing to deviate from offset printing in order to lower costs. “Historically, purchasing has trended toward sourcing books at the lowest unit cost, which would then be printed with conventional technology and stored in inventory as needed,” the report states. “As book demand has dropped amidst digitization, publishers are now increasingly less inclined to purchase in such high volumes with inventory and disposal costs potentially negating the low unit cost savings.”

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. ("RYAM" or the "Company") announced that the Company is engaged in a formal process to explore strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. In connection with the strategic alternatives review The strategic review will consider a range of potential strategic, business and financial alternatives, which may include, among other things, a sale of all or part of the Company, a strategic investment, a merger or other business combination, or other strategic or financial alternatives, as well as continuing to execute on the Company's standalone strategic plan.

Kruger Energy has begun construction of the Saint-Paul-de-Montminy wind farm in Quebec, a project with an installed capacity of 196 MW and an investment of more than $580 million. The facility is being developed across the municipalities of Saint-Paul-de-Montminy, Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire and Sainte-Apolline-de-Patton and is expected to begin operations in December 2027. The project is being carried out in partnership with the Alliance de l’énergie de l’Est and Potentia Renewables. Following the completion of regulatory approvals, construction activities have entered the implementation phase.

In the midst of widespread funding shortfalls for most rural Alabama hospitals, Georgia-Pacific operations in Escambia and Monroe counties are helping hospitals there with a much-needed funding boost. Georgia-Pacific’s Brewton Containerboard and Alabama River Cellulose facilities donated a total of $500,000 to three rural hospitals in Alabama. The funding will help local hospitals provide critical health services to the community.

Ecostrat and BMI Group recently announced a collaboration to leverage BDO Zone Ratings to 'ready-state' BMI's legacy pulp and paper assets across Canada for next-generation investment in the bioeconomy. The collaboration will use BDO Zone Ratings to advance the development of multi-product biorefinery platforms capable of producing biofuels, renewable chemicals, biogas, engineered wood products, including mass timber, and other advanced manufacturing technologies at BMI properties. BMI Group has acquired a portfolio of nine former pulp and paper mill sites across Canada with the intention of repurposing them for new industrial uses.

Kimberly-Clark announced the organizational structure and key leadership that will become effective upon completion of its pending acquisition of Kenvue Inc. Kimberly-Clark and Kenvue first announced the $48.7 billion deal on Nov. 5, 2025. Some of Kenvue's well-known brands include Tylenol, Aveeno, BAND-AID Brand, Johnson's, Listerine and Neutrogena. After close, the combined company will operate with four business segments, each driving a focus on winning in its local markets. The transaction remains on track to close in the second half of 2026, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other remaining customary closing conditions.

Clearwater Paper announced the restructuring of its Cypress Bend, Arkansas facility, resulting in the reduction of approximately 20% of salaried and hourly roles at the facility. The company plans to operate the facility at about half of its production capability.  "We are faced with a supply driven downturn in our industry that is pressing margins and cash flows. We've made this difficult decision to improve our operating rates and reduce costs," said Arsen Kitch, president and chief executive officer. Clearwater Paper has an installed capacity of about 1.4 million tons of SBS across 3 mills and 5 paper machines: Lewiston, Idaho; Cypress Bend, Arkansas; and Augusta, Georgia.

"We are disappointed by the court's decision denying our motion to join the challenge to Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act. While we respectfully disagree with the ruling, AF&PA remains fully committed to pursuing all available legal and strategic options to protect our members' interests. "As Oregon's program moves into implementation, it is becoming clear that the law imposes significant and unnecessary burdens on paper products that are already among the most successfully recycled materials in the United States.

An Oregon judge offered new clarity this past week on who is temporarily exempt from enforcement of the state’s extended producer responsibility for packaging law, and imposed limits on other…