In a groundbreaking move to bolster America’s clean energy future, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains and the state of Michigan’s Competitiveness Fund have selected Mitra Chem, a leading innovator in battery materials, for up to $125 million in awards. This substantial funding, with additional funding anticipated from the state of Michigan, will support Mitra Chem to establish a cutting-edge battery material manufacturing facility in Muskegon, Michigan. The site will be the first mass production facility for lithium iron phosphate cathodes in North America, unlocking a domestic supply chain that strengthens U.S. national security and expands the domestic workforce. Mitra Chem is launching the American Production of Lithium Iron Phosphate and Future Innovation (AmPLIFI) project as a linchpin to building a robust domestic electric vehicle battery supply chain that is cleaner, safer, faster, more affordable, and independent of China. The grant, aligned with the goals of the Inflation Reduction Act, marks a significant step towards establishing the United States as a global leader in battery manufacturing for EVs, energy storage systems (ESS), and defense applications.

Stora Enso introduced NaturaFluff Eco to the market in 2021. This lower carbon footprint fluff pulp has now fulfilled the requirements and qualified for the Asthma Allergy Nordic label. Consumers are increasingly looking for products which are natural, safe to use and have a low environmental footprint. NaturaFluff Eco is an oxygen-delignified fluff pulp, which means that no bleaching chemicals are used in its production. As a result, the fluff pulp has a warm, natural beige colour and a more than 30% lower carbon footprint in comparison to traditional fluff pulp, without compromising on product performance. NaturaFluff Eco is perfectly suited for use in absorbent hygiene products, such as baby diapers, feminine hygiene, adult incontinence products, as well as in air-laid nonwoven materials such as napkins, table-tops and various pads.

Label and Graphic Materials: Reported sales increased 18% to $1.3 billion. Compared to prior year, sales were up 15% ex. currency (12% vs. 2019) and 14% on an organic basis (11% vs. 2019). Label and Packaging Materials sales were up approximately 15% from prior year on an organic basis, with strong growth in both the high value product categories and the base business. Sales increased by approximately 11% organically in the combined Graphics and Reflective Solutions businesses. Reported operating margin decreased 140 basis points to 13.7%. Retail Branding and Information Solutions: Reported sales increased 25% to $531 million. Compared to prior year, sales were up 22% ex. currency (29% vs. 2019) and 14% on an organic basis (9% vs. 2019), reflecting strong growth in both the high value product categories and the base business. Intelligent Labels was up approximately 15% organically (40% vs. 2019). Reported operating margin was flat to prior year at 11.0%. The Vestcom acquisition closed on August 31, 2021. Industrial and Healthcare Materials: Reported sales increased 24% to $195 million. Compared to prior year, sales were up 20% ex. currency (11% vs. 2019) and 15% on an organic basis (6% vs. 2019). Reported operating margin increased 170 basis points to 9.6%.