Canfor Corporation is pleased to announce it will invest approximately $210 million USD to build a new, state-of-the-art sawmill complex in southern Alabama. Using leading technology, the new sawmill will have an annual production capacity of 250 million board feet on a two-shift basis and will provide a new, modern work environment for the approximately 130 people who will be employed directly, in addition to supporting significant indirect jobs. In alignment with our sustainability goals and decarbonization targets, the facility design includes investment in a biomass-fueled lumber drying system. Startup of the facility is anticipated in the third quarter of 2024. “Building on Canfor’s proud operating history in Alabama, we are excited to invest in a new world-class facility that will ensure our long-term ability to operate competitively. In addition, the facility’s versatility and flexibility will enhance our ability to more closely align our production of high-quality products with market demand,” said Don Kayne, President and CEO, Canfor.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by 5 to 20 percent on all sizing product lines across the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions, effective immediately or as customer contracts allow. The price increase is necessary due to inflation and availability of raw materials used in manufacturing our sizing product line, elevated freight and energy costs and regulatory compliance requirements. “We are unable to absorb the impact of the increased costs that we are currently experiencing but we will continue to work in partnership with our customers to help mitigate the increases,” said Jose Santolaya, director, EMEA marketing and product management. “Solenis remains committed to controlling costs through process improvements to deliver high-value, innovative solutions that our customers have come to expect.”

The 19th edition of European Paper Week will mark CEPI’s 25th anniversary and takes place in the background of industry’s transformation towards a low-carbon, circular bioeconomy. As part of this year’s theme, attendees are invited to look forward and ‘Sense the Future’ by experiencing through the five senses the innovative, bio-based potential of the industry. “Industry transformation is gaining pace. This year’s European Paper Week provides an occasion to look forward at how we can, as the leading renewable and recyclable material industry, unleash the full potential of a circular bioeconomy,” says Sylvain Lhôte, Director General at the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). As part of the industry’s ambition to lead Europe’s bioeconomy transformation, this year’s event will play host to the inaugural Europe-only edition of the Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation Awards, where eight accomplished researchers will make the case for their industry-changing ideas. Click Read More below for additional information.