Hot Paper News

Hahnemühle & private investors take over business of M-real Zanders in Düren

European

February 1, 2012 -- Zanders Premium Papers -- 13 January 2012 – Walzmuehle AG of Dueren, Germany will buy the Dueren-based premium paper business of M-real-Zanders-GmbH. In the future, the division will operate under the name Reflex Premium Papier GmbH. With the sale, the previous Zanders business has found a midsized owner, of which 50 per cent belongs to Hahnemuehle FineArt GmbH of Dassel, Germany, with the remaining shares in the hands of Hahnemuehle management and other private investors. The new owners acquire the production facilities and trademark rights for Zanders-Premium Papers. Approximately 100 employees in Dueren will be taken over. Legal transfer will take place at the latest on 15 February 2012. Under Hahnemuehle FineArt’s leadership, the combination of Reflex-Premium Papier and Hahnemuehle’s Lana Papiers Spéciaux of Strasbourg, France creates a new alliance that is intended to become one of Europe’s leading premium paper manufacturers, with a product range including FineArt, security and technical specialty papers. Established in 1584, Hahnemuehle has subsidiaries in the most important global markets as well as a worldwide sales network for art, photography, graphic applications and technical specialty papers. Reflex Premium Papier will continue to sell its own products via fine paper merchants under the umbrella of “Zanders Premium Papiere”. The main points of the takeover were decided in consultation with the works council.

NEW SILKY SMOOTH SURFACE BOARD FOR THE PREMIUM SEGMENT

European

October 31, 2011 -- Korsnäs AB -- At Luxe Pack 2011 Korsnäs introduces Korsnäs Artisan, a new cartonboard grade with a silky smooth surface and excellent printing capabilities. The new board has a very interesting soft touch allowing for new unique packaging experiences. The product is a high-white, multi-layered board made of 100 % virgin fibre. The long, tough and resilient fibres make for an extremely strong and formable material and the single-coated, silky smooth surface offers excellent printing properties. The combination of outstanding shapeability and printability makes Korsnäs Artisan an ideal packaging material for luxury products such as cosmetics, perfume and exclusive confectionery. Korsnäs Artisan meets the strictest hygiene requirements and is approved for direct contact with food. Korsnäs Artisan is available in grammages from 270 to 390 gsm. The material is recyclable and made of compostable ingredients.

Savon Sellu celebrates the production of its 8th million ton

European

October 31, 2011 -- Powerflute Oyj -- September 15 we celebrated an important milestone at Savon Sellu; the production of the 8th million ton of fluting on our board machine which was started in 1968. To commemorate the occasion we organized a party for invited customers from all over the world. Participants arrived from as far as Argentina, China and the Philippines but of course also many from our closer European and Middle Eastern markets. The day included an extended mill visit, presentations, e.g. the introduction of our new quality specifications, a cruise on Lake Kallavesi and a dinner at the Kuopio Club. The next day a few brave golfers set off to master the spectacular Tahko New Course in chase of the Dermot F. Smurfit Invitational Trophy. The 8th million ton celebratory roll was presented by Dr. Dermot F. Smurfit to International Paper, specifically the Gandia plant. The roll was signed by representatives of International Paper, by Powerflute’s Chairman and CEO, by representatives of Savon Sellu’s management and workers and by our sales agent in Spain. The roll travelled the usual route from Kuopio to Gandia, standing out also in the ports and in the vessel as a very special roll! During the event we also showcased our latest major investment; our new fully automatic roll packaging line. This line allows us, as the first and only supplier of pure Nordic virgin fibre Semi-Chemical Fluting to fully serve the new generation of 3350 mm wide corrugators. The new line can handle rolls of up to 3600 mm and offers improved roll protection in the form of corrugated end-shields and tighter wrapping. In addition, we are introducing printed wrapping. We are convinced that tighter and printed wrapping will reduce roll damage along the transportation chain.

Powerflute now available as FSC Chain of Custody certified

European

October 31, 2011 -- Powerflute Oyj -- As further proof of Powerflute’s green credentials we are proud to announce the receipt of FSC Chain of Custody Certification by FSC for our wood sourcing. Harvestia, our subsidiary and exclusive sourcing agent for wood fibre, already has had both PEFC and FSC Chain of Custody certificates but now also the Savon Sellu mill has received its own CoC (CW) certificate from FSC. Increasing environmental awareness brings standardized certificates to the fore as a response to consumer concern. In the case of Finnish forests, where Savon Sellu sources almost all its wood requirements, it is however important to realize that sustainable practices have been enshrined in Finnish legislation since 1886. Effectively the receipt of this certificate entails no changes to our fibre sourcing practices. Powerflute welcomes an educated discussion on environmental issues as we are convinced that high quality packaging is of essential importance in limiting wastage of food, one of the most precious resources on our planet. It is also beyond doubt that fibre based packaging has superior environmental credentials over alternative packaging solutions, in particular those derived from petrochemical raw materials.

Mohawk Bravo Digital Substrates

North American

October 5, 2011 -- Mohawk Fine Papers Inc -- Mohawk Fine Papers Signs Letter of Intent to Buy Bravo Solutions - June 21, 2011 [Cohoes, NY] – Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. announced today that it has signed a non-binding letter of intent to buy the business of Bravo Solutions, Inc. of Elmira, New York. Bravo is a leading supplier of specialty synthetic and paper substrates for digital printing. The acquisition will include all brands and certain assets, including manufacturing capacity for converted products, which will remain in Elmira. Bravo substrates are designed and engineered for both toner and wet-ink printing systems. Mohawk plans to fully integrate the Bravo portfolio, including pressure sensitive, synthetic substrates, integrated products, embedded card sheets and magnetic materials, into the existing Mohawk digital product offering creating the most extensive portfolio of digital substrates in the world. According to Thomas D. O’Connor, Jr., Mohawk’s chairman and CEO, “An acquisition of Bravo will be a strategic opportunity for Mohawk and its customers. We are committed to expanding our offerings to the growing digital print market. These premium substrates represent high value, high volume opportunities for printers, merchants and their customers.” Following the acquisition, Ray Mahar, founder of Bravo, will join Mohawk as Director of Sales, Digital Specialty Substrates. In this new position, Ray will be responsible for business development and sales for both the current Bravo line and an expanded portfolio being developed by Mohawk. “I would be extremely pleased to join the Mohawk team,” said Mahar. “This venture will provide an expanded distribution network for Bravo products, as well as a platform to bring new application-specific products to digital printers that will enable them to leverage their investment in technology and grow their businesses.”

GPA ANNOUNCES NEW INCYCLE™ EXPANDED PET

North American

October 5, 2011 -- GPA, Specialty Substrate Solutions -- GPA proudly announces the latest addition to their product line: InCycle™ Expanded PET, the revolutionary, sustainable alternative to traditional films and synthetics. It offers durability, environmental benefits, and a feather-light weight one must feel to believe. Manufactured from recycled water bottles (25-50% post-consumer recycled PET), InCycle™ uses as little as one-fifth the raw materials of traditional synthetic films and weighs up to 80% less than other film products, offering significant savings on freight and shipping costs. Qualifying as a #1 recyclable plastic, this material is the most common and easiest type of plastic to recycle. This new product makes it easier than ever for customers to make sustainable business choices. By using an innovative new technology, InCycle™ is expanded by precisely distributing billions of microscopic bubbles beneath the solid skin surface. This engineered microstructure gives InCycle™ its characteristic light weight and superior thermal insulating properties. InCycle™ is also naturally bright white without the addition of pigments; this creates a crisp backdrop and remarkably smooth surface for vivid graphic reproduction. InCycle™ is perfect for a variety of applications, including: signage and displays, packaging and boxes, posters and menus, POP and shelf talkers, cups and containers, presentation folders, gift cards and durable brochures. It is also suitable for a wide variety of finishing processes, including die cutting, coating, foil stamping, folding, embossing and debossing, and thermoforming. InCycle™ Expanded PET is stocked in 28” x 40” sheets for offset and UV printing, with custom sizes and gauges up to 60 mil available. GPA is the premier source for specialty substrates and solutions for offset and digital printing. Products include coated and uncoated papers, pressure sensitive and specialty papers, synthetic films and substrates exclusively engineered for HP Indigo presses. GPA is an HP Indigo Preferred Partner and a Platinum Partner of Dscoop (Digital Solutions Cooperative). For more information on GPA or the products it offers, visit www.askgpa.com or contact GPA Customer Service at 800-395-9000.

GPA Announces New Silver Foil Board

North American

October 5, 2011 -- GPA, Specialty Substrate Solutions -- GPA is proud to introduce Ultra Digital® 10 pt. C1S Silver Foil Board for HP Indigo presses, an innovative new paper that lets you print metallic color effects without the added cost of special inks or foils. It offers a super smooth, transfer metalized surface in a glossy silver finish. This sheet is RIT and HP Indigo certified for flawless image reproduction, and is also acid free, pH neutral and recyclable. Ultra Digital® 10 pt. C1S Silver Foil Board lets you create true metallic effects in short runs, and gives a brand or message a premium feel, added dimension and extra attention, which translates to a competitive advantage. Now, you can achieve the illusion of metallic inks or foil stamping in virtually any color without added time, cost or equipment, and using only five colors (four color process plus white). This opens the door to automotive or industrial promotions with lifelike chrome, or beauty product packaging that showcases a shimmering palette of lustrous color. With Ultra Digital® 10 pt. C1S Silver Foil, the sky’s the limit for creating striking special effects. Ultra Digital® Silver Foil Board is excellent for packaging, promotional collateral, tags, invitations, greeting cards, certificates, menus, business cards, catalog covers and tickets, among many other possibilities. It’s also suitable for variety of finishing processes including laminating, die cutting, scoring, gluing, folding, embossing, debossing and UV coating. This sheet is stocked and readily available in an 18 x 12 sheet size. GPA is the premier source for specialty substrates and solutions for offset and digital printing. Products include coated and uncoated papers, pressure sensitive and specialty papers, synthetic films and substrates exclusively engineered for HP Indigo presses. GPA is an HP Indigo Preferred Partner and a Platinum Partner of Dscoop (Digital Solutions Cooperative). For more information on GPA or the products it offers, visit www.askgpa.com or contact GPA Customer Service at 800-395-9000.

CHIAMPO OBTAINs UNI EN 15593:2008 CERTIFICATION

European

July 27, 2011 -- Burgo Group Spa -- Chiampo is the second Burgo Group paper mill to have achieved UNI EN 15593:2008 certification for "Management of hygiene in the production of packaging for foodstuffs" related to manufacturing of coated and uncoated papers. This certification, which was achieved through the SGS certification agency, is further guarantee of the quality of the Group's management systems in the implementation of good manufacturing practices in the production of materials that come into contact with foods. The Chiampo paper mill can therefore guarantee, now thanks also to this certification, that its products comply with the legal requirements applicable for food safety, helping to protect the image of those who market food products, guaranteeing their safety even at this stage of the chain.

Torraspapel invests €23.3Million in environmental improvements

European

May 24, 2011 -- Torraspapel SA -- Torraspapel, part of the Lecta Group, Spain, reports that it has implemented an "ambitious" investment program at its Montañana (Zaragoza, Spain) mill. The EUR 23.3 million investment allocated to 13 projects will allow for emissions reductions, enhanced emissions quality, and odor elimination, in addition to enabling the plant to continue operating at current employment levels. The plan involves contracts for the supply, assembly, and startup of two electrofilters in the mill's recovery boilers. This first phase entails an investment of EUR 7.5 million and will reduce emissions levels of solid particles into the atmosphere by 40% compared with current levels. The two electrofilters will be started up in May 2012. The company explains that "this significant environmental investment plan is part of a clear and well-defined sustainability policy that Torraspapel has been developing for some time now, one that has established the company as an environmental leader, with environmental figures well above the limits set by current regulations. All of the group's mills hold the strictest environmental management certifications available, guaranteeing the sustainable origin of raw materials, particularly wood and cellulose. " In addition to the technological and environmental enhancements resulting from a more competitive mill, the plan entails maintaining current pulp and paper production levels, thereby preserving the direct employment of the more than 500 people currently working at the Zaragoza factory, plus its impact on indirect employment of more than an estimated 3,000 people. Torraspapel has seven mills in Spain, each of which specializes in specific product lines, thereby ensuring enhanced product knowledge, superior product quality, and a high degree of competitiveness.

New M.D. Appointed for Tullis Russel Paper Division

European

May 24, 2011 -- Tullis Russell Group Ltd -- Tullis Russel, U.K., a producer of paperboards for the cards, covers, and premium packaging markets, this week announced the appointment of Steve Moss as managing director of its Papermakers division based in Markinch Scotland. Mr Moss brings considerable senior experience to the role, having occupied similar positions in other U.K. manufacturing organizations including Mondi Packaging U.K. and the BPI Group. He will report to Group Chief Executive Chris Parr who previously held the same job within the employee-owned company. Commenting on the appointment, Parr noted that "Steve will be an extremely valuable addition to our established executive team and his experience will help us to drive through and deliver our clear and focused strategy. He is joining us following some of the most challenging times ever faced by the U.K. paper industry and, while there are many more challenges ahead, we face them with a firm idea of where we are going and a strong balance sheet to help us get there." The company is currently working in partnership with RWE npower renewables who will build and operate a £200 million biomass combined heat and power (CHP) plant at its Markinch mills. This will reduce the company's fossil fuel carbon emissions by around 250,000 metric tpy.