SCA intends to invest SEK 1,45bn in the production of chemically pre-treated thermo-mechanical pulp (CTMP) at the Ortviken paper mill in Sundsvall. In parallel, SCA is initiating consultations with trade unions and employee representatives to discontinue the production of publication paper at the mill. SCA intends to invest to achieve an annual production volume of 300,000 tonnes of CTMP pulp at Ortviken, using the existing infrastructure. Currently, SCA produces coated and uncoated publication paper on three paper machines at Ortviken paper mill with annual sales of approximately SEK 4bn. Demand for publication paper in Western Europe has declined by approximately 5% per year since 2008.

Supremex Inc. announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Royal Envelope Corporation (“Royal”), an envelope manufacturer and lithography company located in Chicago. This transaction was concluded for a total cash consideration of US$18.7 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis plus US$2.0 million for manufacturing equipment that was recently commissioned. “We are very excited with this acquisition that expands our reach in the fragmented U.S. envelope market and gives us a significant manufacturing presence in the U.S. Midwest,” said Stewart Emerson, President and CEO of Supremex. “Royal has established itself as one of the preeminent direct mail envelope manufacturers in North America, utilizing a modern fleet of envelope converting equipment, in-house lithographic printing and embellishing, targeting the financial services sector. We expect this acquisition will generate significant synergies and additional operating efficiencies throughout our network. We are pleased that John, Matt and Mike Pusatera will remain with the Supremex team.”

The blue thermal paper from Koehler Paper, known under the trade name Blue4est®, is becoming increasingly popular due to its sustainability; a result of a complete absence of color developers and that it can be easily disposed of as wastepaper. The blue checkout rolls from the world’s leading thermal paper manufacturer from Oberkirch have now become the subject of a promotional campaign in the Renchtal region. Eight businesses and restaurants from the city Oberkirch have come together voluntarily to use their logos on the back of the blue till paper in an act of solidarity to campaign for a green Renchtal. In addition to the eight logos, they are also highlighting the main advantage of the blue thermal paper: It is environmentally friendly and can be recycled. This makes it clear to customers that their blue receipt is helping to protect the environment and represents an even greener Renchtal.