International technology group ANDRITZ has installed a new spunlace pilot line at its center of competence in Montbonnot, France. It allows customers and partners to conduct trials for producing nonwovens from recycled and/or natural fibers such as hemp, flax, and cotton. The new pilot line features optimized web forming and entanglement for smooth processing of sensitive and irregular fibers. The innovative card set-up is designed to protect and maintain the quality of the fibers while achieving outstanding productivity rates.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 14 percent in August compared to August 2020. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 12 percent in August compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased three percent when compared to July 2021. U.S. purchases of uncoated free sheet (UFS) papers in August increased 12 percent compared to last August while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to July 2021. UFS imports and exports both increased compared to July 2020, up 13 percent and 17 percent respectively. Coated free sheet (CFS) paper shipments increased 20 percent compared to August 2020 while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to July 2021. CFS imports and exports both increased compared to July 2020, up 46 percent and six percent respectively. U.S. purchases of coated mechanical (CM) papers in August decreased five percent compared to last August while the inventory level decreased three percent compared to July 2021. CM imports and exports both increased compared to July 2020, up 27 percent and 15 percent respectively. Uncoated mechanical (UM) paper shipments increased 14 percent compared to August 2020 while the inventory level decreased six percent compared to July 2021. UM imports and exports both increased compared to July 2020, up 33 percent and 33 percent respectively.

Daniel Dejan, Print & Creative Manager at Sappi North America, will receive PINE’s highest honor, the Industry Influencer Award, at the association’s annual Industry Awards Gala, on Tuesday, April 10 at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, MA. The Industry Influencer Award, sponsored by Heidelberg since 2003, honors the contributions of an individual whose vision and energy have impacted our industry in a profound and indelible way. It recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit and foresight to create new business models, develop market-shifting technologies and improve our industry in a permanent and sustained manner.