Despite technology’s prominence in the 21st century, when it comes to education and productivity, students and parents still prefer the oldest technology, paper. In fact, the clear majority of parents (96 percent) feel that paper is essential to learning. The recently released, Paper and Productive Learning: The Third Annual Back-to-School Report from the Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB), reveals that 93 percent of college students and 87 percent of 7-12 grade students believe that paper is an essential part of being able to achieve their educational goals.

US crude oil prices have slipped back after strong gains as the White House prepared to announce a decision on whether it will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Iran’s oil production has bounced back to nearly 4m barrels a day since world powers eased sanctions over its nuclear programme. Reimposing sanctions could reduce Iranian oil exports by 200,000-300,000 barrels a day, according to RBC Capital Markets. Click Read More below for additional information.

Due to a massive shortage in silicones and silicone-based materials from manufacturers, Sun Chemical will increase prices by 35 percent on its entire silicone-based product line in North America, effective January 15, 2018. “Because of the silicone shortage we’re seeing in the industry, our suppliers have passed on price increases beyond anything we have seen in recent years,” said Dennis Sweet, Vice President-Commercial, Rycoline and Distributors, North American Inks, Sun Chemical. “While Sun Chemical has utilized all its resources to offset these shortages and increases, it has now become necessary to pass some of these increases on.”