"Verso's focused product development and innovation initiatives have resulted in a portfolio of label and release liner papers that now includes more than 60 unique products, making it the largest offering in North America," said Verso President of Graphic Papers Mike Weinhold. "Verso's breadth of specialty products makes it easy for our customers to choose the paper that best fits their unique needs, and these paper selectors now make that selection easier than ever." "These paper selectors detail the light to heavyweight release liners and multipurpose to special application facestock papers Verso has developed for our customers' pressure sensitive laminating needs," said Ed Buehler, Vice President and General Manager of Verso's Specialty Papers business. "We've highlighted end-use applications, mill locations and specifications for many of our respected brands, all in one simplified printed piece that provides customers with a convenient guide to the right Verso specialty paper to meet their needs, no matter how complex the end-use application." Click Read More below for additional details.

Demand for imported softwood lumber to the US has fallen by six percent during the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. In contrast, Chinese import volumes have been up 21% year-over-year. Demand for imported softwood lumber to the US has fallen by six percent during the first nine months of 2017 as compared to the same period in 2016. In contrast, Chinese import volumes have been up 21% year-over-year. The lumber trade in Europe has also picked up in 2017 with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Spain having increased imports the most so far in 2017. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa, also known as the MENA countries, have sharply reduced consumption of lumber this year, reports the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ). In the first eight months of 2017, Egypt and Algeria (the two biggest lumber consumers in the region) have decreased their imports by 24% and 39% respectively as compared to the first eight months of 2016. Click Read More below for additional information.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) proposed rule: “AF&PA is pleased the EPA has moved forward in proposing an achievable Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rule. This is the result of more than two decades of work that gives the forest products industry regulatory certainty while encouraging the use of renewable, carbon-neutral fuel. “While limits for several boiler types have become more stringent, we believe they are feasible and affordable. Already, to date, our industry has invested $1 billion in controls to meet Boiler MACT obligations.