NOTIFICATION: The Technology Channels will be discontinued on July 31.
Click here to download complimentary copies of Fastmarkets RISI’s pulp and paper newsletters.

 

Environment

    BRUSSELS, June 30, 2020 (Press Release) -
  • Further protection for children, pregnant women and the elderly needed
  • Call for new provisions on endocrine disruptors for toys, food contact materials and cosmetics
  • Support green innovation and end toxic recycling

The upcoming new EU chemicals strategy for sustainability must better protect our health and the environment, says Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee.

On Monday, the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee adopted a resolution by 65 votes to 1 and 14 abstentions, calling on the Commission to come up with a new chemicals strategy for sustainability that effectively ensures a high level of protection of health and the environment, minimising exposure to hazardous chemicals. It also says that further regulatory measures are needed to adequately protect vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly.

The new chemicals strategy must fully reflect the precautionary principle and the polluter-pays principle, as well as being more transparent during the approval process. It should also encourage safe and sustainable alternatives to be developed in a competitive way, including through a clear commitment to securing funds for research.

MEPs believe there is a need to support the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle, to allow substances to be reviewed by only one EU agency to speed up and make chemicals regulation more consistent.

More to be done on endocrine disruptors and pesticides

The resolution calls for a comprehensive EU framework on endocrine disruptors (EDCs) to effectively minimise the extent to which humans and the environment are exposed to EDCs, and insert specific provisions into legislation on toys, food contact materials and cosmetics to treat EDCs like substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.

It also calls on the Commission to heed the various calls of the European Parliament to improve the EU’s authorisation procedure for pesticides and accelerate the transition towards low-risk pesticides.

Encourage green innovation and end toxic recycling

MEPs call on the Commission to develop EU criteria for Sustainable Chemicals to provide incentives for sustainable chemistry, materials and technologies, especially non-chemical alternatives that are safe.

MEPs also underline that there are harmful chemicals in recycled products and therefore call for the same rules that apply to new products to apply to recycled materials.

The EU must also minimise and progressively replace animal testing through expanded use of new approach methodologies and intelligent testing strategies.

Next steps

The resolution, which still has to be adopted by Plenary, is Parliament’s input to the upcoming EU chemicals strategy for sustainability foreseen to be presented by the Commission this autumn. A draft roadmap was open for feedback until 20 June. It is part of the European Green Deal.

An oral question to the Commission has also been adopted, asking what measures the Commission is intending to take under the chemicals strategy for sustainability and in particular, how the Commission intends to improve the functioning of REACH to close the regulatory gaps in EU legislation.

MEPs call on EU Commission to come up with new chemicals strategy for sustainability

Posted in: Environment 06/30/2020 - 03:11
    BRUSSELS, June 30, 2020 (Press Release) -
  • Further protection for children, pregnant women and the elderly needed
  • Call for new provisions on endocrine disruptors for toys, food contact materials and cosmetics
  • Support green innovation and end toxic recycling

The upcoming new EU chemicals strategy for sustainability must better protect our health and the environment, says Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee.

On Monday, the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee adopted a resolution by 65 votes to 1 and 14 abstentions, calling on the Commission to come up with a new chemicals strategy for sustainability that effectively ensures a high level of protection of health and the environment, minimising exposure to hazardous chemicals. It also says that further regulatory measures are needed to adequately protect vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly.

The new chemicals strategy must fully reflect the precautionary principle and the polluter-pays principle, as well as being more transparent during the approval process. It should also encourage safe and sustainable alternatives to be developed in a competitive way, including through a clear commitment to securing funds for research.

MEPs believe there is a need to support the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle, to allow substances to be reviewed by only one EU agency to speed up and make chemicals regulation more consistent.

More to be done on endocrine disruptors and pesticides

The resolution calls for a comprehensive EU framework on endocrine disruptors (EDCs) to effectively minimise the extent to which humans and the environment are exposed to EDCs, and insert specific provisions into legislation on toys, food contact materials and cosmetics to treat EDCs like substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.

It also calls on the Commission to heed the various calls of the European Parliament to improve the EU’s authorisation procedure for pesticides and accelerate the transition towards low-risk pesticides.

Encourage green innovation and end toxic recycling

MEPs call on the Commission to develop EU criteria for Sustainable Chemicals to provide incentives for sustainable chemistry, materials and technologies, especially non-chemical alternatives that are safe.

MEPs also underline that there are harmful chemicals in recycled products and therefore call for the same rules that apply to new products to apply to recycled materials.

The EU must also minimise and progressively replace animal testing through expanded use of new approach methodologies and intelligent testing strategies.

Next steps

The resolution, which still has to be adopted by Plenary, is Parliament’s input to the upcoming EU chemicals strategy for sustainability foreseen to be presented by the Commission this autumn. A draft roadmap was open for feedback until 20 June. It is part of the European Green Deal.

An oral question to the Commission has also been adopted, asking what measures the Commission is intending to take under the chemicals strategy for sustainability and in particular, how the Commission intends to improve the functioning of REACH to close the regulatory gaps in EU legislation.

Read more

STOCKHOLM, June 26, 2020 (Press Release) -A new sustainable industrial space spanning 10 000 m² has just been completed at Iggesund Mill. Similar hard surfaces are already being used at Braviken Sawmill and Paper Mill. There are several advantages. The surfaces are sustainable because they are made from recycled materials and they are very resilient to heavy traffic.

Various kinds of residual products arise in the manufacture of Holmen’s products. Holmen endeavours to minimise its quantity of waste and residual products and to recycle the highest proportion possible. The majority is recycled or sent for energy recovery, but waste is also turned into new products, such as material for making hard surfaces at mills and sawmills.

This has been done at Braviken Paper Mill and Braviken Sawmill and Iggesund Mill is now following suit. The company Econova is responsible for developing methods that enable surfaces to be made mainly from recycled materials.

“Naturally it’s really satisfying to give waste materials a new lease of life instead of them going to landfill,” says Jeanette Tretten, President and CEO of Econova, and former head of communications at Holmen Skog. “It’s particularly gratifying to be able to partner with Holmen, who are working on recycling in every respect. We both have sustainability ambitions in common!”

The hardstanding at Iggesund Mill is made from recycled ash from the biofuel boiler and will be used for drying water treatment sludge, and fibre sludge, a by- product from paperboard production. The method is called ECA, Econova’s Cement-stabilised Ash, which means that ash and bottom ash is recycled and replaces construction materials such as concrete and asphalt. Niklas Paulsson, project manager at Iggesund Mill is delighted:

“This hard surface means we can deal with residual products such as fibre sludge much more efficiently than before. The new surface also means lower fuel consumption for our machinery and an improved working environment as there’s less dust and smoother surfaces for drivers to work on.

“The whole concept fits very well with our environmental strategy of being able to use our waste for new products. Another example of this is the sludge from the water treatment process that we are now planning to dry on the new surface and then use as fuel in our biofuel boiler,” says Anna Mårtensson, environmental manager at Iggesund Mill.

An additional hard surface covering 36 500 m² is almost ready for use at the Braviken co-location. The first stage is already complete and the remainder will be ready in the autumn. The surface is beside the railway line where logs come into the sawmill and paper mill. A slightly different method is used here, with waste concrete instead of ash.

“The main aim is to improve safety and efficiency when loading and unloading incoming and outgoing raw materials,” says Mattias Brodén, head of business development at Braviken Paper Mill. “But we’ll also be using the surface to store fuel, such as bark.”

The ECA surface has been in use at Braviken Sawmill for a long time now. It is used as hardstanding for incoming logs and by the tent where treated wood is stored.

 

Holmen announces completion of new sustainable industrial space made of recycled materials at its mill in Iggesund, Sweden

Posted in: Environment 06/29/2020 - 08:05

STOCKHOLM, June 26, 2020 (Press Release) -A new sustainable industrial space spanning 10 000 m² has just been completed at Iggesund Mill. Similar hard surfaces are already being used at Braviken Sawmill and Paper Mill. There are several advantages. The surfaces are sustainable because they are made from recycled materials and they are very resilient to heavy traffic.

Various kinds of residual products arise in the manufacture of Holmen’s products. Holmen endeavours to minimise its quantity of waste and residual products and to recycle the highest proportion possible. The majority is recycled or sent for energy recovery, but waste is also turned into new products, such as material for making hard surfaces at mills and sawmills.

This has been done at Braviken Paper Mill and Braviken Sawmill and Iggesund Mill is now following suit. The company Econova is responsible for developing methods that enable surfaces to be made mainly from recycled materials.

“Naturally it’s really satisfying to give waste materials a new lease of life instead of them going to landfill,” says Jeanette Tretten, President and CEO of Econova, and former head of communications at Holmen Skog. “It’s particularly gratifying to be able to partner with Holmen, who are working on recycling in every respect. We both have sustainability ambitions in common!”

The hardstanding at Iggesund Mill is made from recycled ash from the biofuel boiler and will be used for drying water treatment sludge, and fibre sludge, a by- product from paperboard production. The method is called ECA, Econova’s Cement-stabilised Ash, which means that ash and bottom ash is recycled and replaces construction materials such as concrete and asphalt. Niklas Paulsson, project manager at Iggesund Mill is delighted:

“This hard surface means we can deal with residual products such as fibre sludge much more efficiently than before. The new surface also means lower fuel consumption for our machinery and an improved working environment as there’s less dust and smoother surfaces for drivers to work on.

“The whole concept fits very well with our environmental strategy of being able to use our waste for new products. Another example of this is the sludge from the water treatment process that we are now planning to dry on the new surface and then use as fuel in our biofuel boiler,” says Anna Mårtensson, environmental manager at Iggesund Mill.

An additional hard surface covering 36 500 m² is almost ready for use at the Braviken co-location. The first stage is already complete and the remainder will be ready in the autumn. The surface is beside the railway line where logs come into the sawmill and paper mill. A slightly different method is used here, with waste concrete instead of ash.

“The main aim is to improve safety and efficiency when loading and unloading incoming and outgoing raw materials,” says Mattias Brodén, head of business development at Braviken Paper Mill. “But we’ll also be using the surface to store fuel, such as bark.”

The ECA surface has been in use at Braviken Sawmill for a long time now. It is used as hardstanding for incoming logs and by the tent where treated wood is stored.

 
Read more

MILTON KEYNES, UK, June 27, 2020 (Press Release) -International waste-to-product company, Renewi plc, operating in the world’s most advanced circular economies, has announced its intention to increase its recycling rate by over 10% points, to 75% by 2025.

The company, already leading the field with a recycling rate of 64,7%, launched its new sustainability strategy today in which it also commits to significantly reduce the CO2 impact of it’s collection activities in The Netherlands and Belgium over the same period.

“Within five years 100% of our fleet of collection vehicles will be clean low emission EURO VI trucks. This will increase our carbon avoidance to over four million tonnes annually. We also intend to introduce 65 new electric trucks to our fleet. The first one will start services in the Amsterdam region in August 2020”, says Otto de Bont, CEO of Renewi. “The new sustainability strategy is linked to our refreshed business strategy and puts us in an excellent position to futher fulfill our purpose, to protect the world by giving new life to used materials. With our recently-launched strategy we will become a leader in the production of secondary raw materials by, amongst other things, encouraging manufacturing companies to replace the current use of primary raw materials. Going forward, we will also increase the volumes of secondary materials produced with new and innovative processing technology fivefold, from 200.000 tonnes to over one million tonnes.”

Sustainability is at the very heart of Renewi’s business. Particularly in terms of the amount of secondary raw materials and energy it produces. Over the past year, Renewi recycled or recovered a greater percentage of the waste than it handled, increasing its recycling and recovery rate to 90,8% which is the highest achieved by the company. Renewi adds value to its customers by improving the sustainability of their operations and maximising recycling. This will continue going forwards and, in parallel, Renewi will roll out programmes to further improve the sustainability of its own operations.

“Renewi’s activities are driven by its unifying purpose of giving new life to used materials,” adds de Bont. “This purpose places sustainability at the heart of what we do and positions us as a important link within the circular economy. Renewi has three clear areas of focus within our new sustainability strategy: to care for people, to enable the circular economy and to reduce carbon emissions and waste. This strategy, together with our values, serves as a guiding principle to help us realise our waste-to-product strategy.”

 

UK waste-to-product company Renewi announces its recycling rate to increase to 75% within 5 years

Posted in: Environment 06/29/2020 - 04:35

MILTON KEYNES, UK, June 27, 2020 (Press Release) -International waste-to-product company, Renewi plc, operating in the world’s most advanced circular economies, has announced its intention to increase its recycling rate by over 10% points, to 75% by 2025.

The company, already leading the field with a recycling rate of 64,7%, launched its new sustainability strategy today in which it also commits to significantly reduce the CO2 impact of it’s collection activities in The Netherlands and Belgium over the same period.

“Within five years 100% of our fleet of collection vehicles will be clean low emission EURO VI trucks. This will increase our carbon avoidance to over four million tonnes annually. We also intend to introduce 65 new electric trucks to our fleet. The first one will start services in the Amsterdam region in August 2020”, says Otto de Bont, CEO of Renewi. “The new sustainability strategy is linked to our refreshed business strategy and puts us in an excellent position to futher fulfill our purpose, to protect the world by giving new life to used materials. With our recently-launched strategy we will become a leader in the production of secondary raw materials by, amongst other things, encouraging manufacturing companies to replace the current use of primary raw materials. Going forward, we will also increase the volumes of secondary materials produced with new and innovative processing technology fivefold, from 200.000 tonnes to over one million tonnes.”

Sustainability is at the very heart of Renewi’s business. Particularly in terms of the amount of secondary raw materials and energy it produces. Over the past year, Renewi recycled or recovered a greater percentage of the waste than it handled, increasing its recycling and recovery rate to 90,8% which is the highest achieved by the company. Renewi adds value to its customers by improving the sustainability of their operations and maximising recycling. This will continue going forwards and, in parallel, Renewi will roll out programmes to further improve the sustainability of its own operations.

“Renewi’s activities are driven by its unifying purpose of giving new life to used materials,” adds de Bont. “This purpose places sustainability at the heart of what we do and positions us as a important link within the circular economy. Renewi has three clear areas of focus within our new sustainability strategy: to care for people, to enable the circular economy and to reduce carbon emissions and waste. This strategy, together with our values, serves as a guiding principle to help us realise our waste-to-product strategy.”

 
Read more

ESPOO, Finland, June 27, 2020 (Press Release) -Valmet will supply a complete plant for the production of district heat to Göteborg Energi AB in Gothenburg, Sweden. With the new hot water plant, fossil CO2 emissions will be reduced by 25,000 tons per year.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the second quarter 2020. The value of an order of this size and delivery scope is typically above EUR 40 million.

The new boiler plant will replace two old boilers originally designed for oil and coal but converted to run on wood pellets in 2003. Demolition of the existing plant will start in April 2021, and the new plant will be started up in December 2021. The new boiler will be 25 percent larger than the two old ones combined. It will also have a longer operating season. Since the number of operating hours on pellets will increase, the use of natural gas will decrease. The ash from the combustion will be returned to the forest.

“The goal of Göteborg Energi is that our production of district heat will emit zero CO2 by 2025. We have already taken many steps toward that goal, and I am very happy we are now also upgrading our Rya district heating plant. We will get a plant with modern technology that will serve us well for many years to come. Going forward, we will continue with our other planned steps toward a more sustainable city,” says Anna Svernlöv, Head of Production at Göteborg Energi.

“This is an important continuation of Valmet’s deliveries of pellet-fired plants, and the scope of the project is unique. The flue gas cleaning system will represent the best currently available technology, and the plant will be equipped with Valmet Industrial Internet solutions, too. This advanced technology will provide information on where maintenance is needed, enabling higher reliability and performance. This is an exciting project for Valmet, and we are looking forward to completing it together with Göteborg Energi,” says Mikael Barkar, Senior Sales Manager, Energy Sales and Services Operations, EMEA, Valmet.

Valmet will supply a complete plant for the production of district heat to Göteborg Energi AB in Gothenburg, Sweden. With the new hot water plant, fossil CO2 emissions will be reduced by 25,000 tons per year.

Information about Valmet’s delivery

Valmet will demolish the existing boiler plant and build the new one, including fuel preparation, ash handling and flue gas cleaning systems. The delivery also includes the installation, start-up and predictive maintenance for the boiler plant. The boiler will have a fuel capacity of 130 MW and will be based on Valmet’s technology for large pellet-fired boilers.

Information about the customer Göteborg Energi AB

Göteborg Energi AB is fully owned by the city of Gothenburg in Sweden. Besides developing and supplying new solutions within energy production and broadband connections, the company is also working toward a bigger goal – a sustainable Gothenburg. Göteborg Energi has almost 1,000 employees that work to make the city more sustainable going forward.

VALMET

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2019 were approximately EUR 3.5 billion. Our more than 13,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward – every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

 

Valmet to supply hot water plant to Göteborg Energi in Gothenburg, Sweden

Posted in: Environment 06/29/2020 - 04:30

ESPOO, Finland, June 27, 2020 (Press Release) -Valmet will supply a complete plant for the production of district heat to Göteborg Energi AB in Gothenburg, Sweden. With the new hot water plant, fossil CO2 emissions will be reduced by 25,000 tons per year.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received of the second quarter 2020. The value of an order of this size and delivery scope is typically above EUR 40 million.

The new boiler plant will replace two old boilers originally designed for oil and coal but converted to run on wood pellets in 2003. Demolition of the existing plant will start in April 2021, and the new plant will be started up in December 2021. The new boiler will be 25 percent larger than the two old ones combined. It will also have a longer operating season. Since the number of operating hours on pellets will increase, the use of natural gas will decrease. The ash from the combustion will be returned to the forest.

“The goal of Göteborg Energi is that our production of district heat will emit zero CO2 by 2025. We have already taken many steps toward that goal, and I am very happy we are now also upgrading our Rya district heating plant. We will get a plant with modern technology that will serve us well for many years to come. Going forward, we will continue with our other planned steps toward a more sustainable city,” says Anna Svernlöv, Head of Production at Göteborg Energi.

“This is an important continuation of Valmet’s deliveries of pellet-fired plants, and the scope of the project is unique. The flue gas cleaning system will represent the best currently available technology, and the plant will be equipped with Valmet Industrial Internet solutions, too. This advanced technology will provide information on where maintenance is needed, enabling higher reliability and performance. This is an exciting project for Valmet, and we are looking forward to completing it together with Göteborg Energi,” says Mikael Barkar, Senior Sales Manager, Energy Sales and Services Operations, EMEA, Valmet.

Valmet will supply a complete plant for the production of district heat to Göteborg Energi AB in Gothenburg, Sweden. With the new hot water plant, fossil CO2 emissions will be reduced by 25,000 tons per year.

Information about Valmet’s delivery

Valmet will demolish the existing boiler plant and build the new one, including fuel preparation, ash handling and flue gas cleaning systems. The delivery also includes the installation, start-up and predictive maintenance for the boiler plant. The boiler will have a fuel capacity of 130 MW and will be based on Valmet’s technology for large pellet-fired boilers.

Information about the customer Göteborg Energi AB

Göteborg Energi AB is fully owned by the city of Gothenburg in Sweden. Besides developing and supplying new solutions within energy production and broadband connections, the company is also working toward a bigger goal – a sustainable Gothenburg. Göteborg Energi has almost 1,000 employees that work to make the city more sustainable going forward.

VALMET

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.

Valmet's net sales in 2019 were approximately EUR 3.5 billion. Our more than 13,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward – every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.

 
Read more

HELSINKI, June 29, 2020 (Press Release) -As part of its continued focus on global sustainability leadership, Ahlstrom-Munksjöhas initiated its ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ campaign, highlighting first its new brand of CelluSnack snack packaging papers. 

“Our ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ campaign aims at raising awareness around the world regarding the possibility of fiber-based solutions as a renewable packaging option,” said Robyn Buss, Executive Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Food Packaging & Technical Solutions Business Area. “Consumers and brand owners are demanding more sustainable solutions that reduce their impact on the environment and also have a positive end-of-life story – anywhere from compostability and biodegradation to recyclability. By promoting the story of ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ we are encouraging food and industrial packaging producers globally to consider fiber and paper-based solutions as they innovate products for their customers.”

CelluSnack snack papers boast sustainable features and shelf presence, while offering grease and oil resistance with renewable properties. CelluSnack papers drive sustainable food packaging differentiation in today’s marketplace.

“When customers work with our global team at Ahlstrom-Munksjö, they experience our collaborative innovation process,” explained Jeff Murphy, Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Food Packaging Business Unit. “We help brand owners and packaging engineers create customized solutions combining an array of visual, functional, and sustainable benefits.” 

CelluSnack snack papers additionally offer heat sealing and other barrier coatings. To achieve high performing and eye-catching packaging, CelluSnack supporting brands of Cristal transparent papers and Gerstar glossy packaging (C1S glossy outer packaging) help packages capture consumer attention.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö in brief

Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Our mission is to expand the role of fiber-based solutions for sustainable everyday life. Our offering include filter materials, release liners, food and beverage processing materials, decor papers, abrasive and tape backings, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, medical fiber materials and solutions for diagnostics as well as a range of specialty papers for industrial and consumer end-uses. Our annual net sales is about EUR 3 billion and we employ some 8,000 people. The Ahlstrom-Munksjö share is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and Stockholm. Read more at www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com

 

Ahlstrom-Munksjö launches sustainable “from Plastic to Purpose” campaign with its new brand of CelluSnack snack packaging papers

Posted in: Environment 06/29/2020 - 03:04

HELSINKI, June 29, 2020 (Press Release) -As part of its continued focus on global sustainability leadership, Ahlstrom-Munksjöhas initiated its ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ campaign, highlighting first its new brand of CelluSnack snack packaging papers. 

“Our ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ campaign aims at raising awareness around the world regarding the possibility of fiber-based solutions as a renewable packaging option,” said Robyn Buss, Executive Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Food Packaging & Technical Solutions Business Area. “Consumers and brand owners are demanding more sustainable solutions that reduce their impact on the environment and also have a positive end-of-life story – anywhere from compostability and biodegradation to recyclability. By promoting the story of ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ we are encouraging food and industrial packaging producers globally to consider fiber and paper-based solutions as they innovate products for their customers.”

CelluSnack snack papers boast sustainable features and shelf presence, while offering grease and oil resistance with renewable properties. CelluSnack papers drive sustainable food packaging differentiation in today’s marketplace.

“When customers work with our global team at Ahlstrom-Munksjö, they experience our collaborative innovation process,” explained Jeff Murphy, Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Food Packaging Business Unit. “We help brand owners and packaging engineers create customized solutions combining an array of visual, functional, and sustainable benefits.” 

CelluSnack snack papers additionally offer heat sealing and other barrier coatings. To achieve high performing and eye-catching packaging, CelluSnack supporting brands of Cristal transparent papers and Gerstar glossy packaging (C1S glossy outer packaging) help packages capture consumer attention.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö in brief

Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Our mission is to expand the role of fiber-based solutions for sustainable everyday life. Our offering include filter materials, release liners, food and beverage processing materials, decor papers, abrasive and tape backings, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, medical fiber materials and solutions for diagnostics as well as a range of specialty papers for industrial and consumer end-uses. Our annual net sales is about EUR 3 billion and we employ some 8,000 people. The Ahlstrom-Munksjö share is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and Stockholm. Read more at www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com

 
Read more

KENDAL, UK, June 25, 2020 (Press Release) -For more and more brands, being able to demonstrate the social and environmental impact of their products is becoming a pre-requisite. With this in mind, specialist papermaker James Cropper has launched a new collection of papers for premium packaging, including an option with the ultimate 100% post-consumer waste recycled fibre.

The Rydal Packaging Collection, whose name is inspired by a small village and water in the Lake District, best known as the home of the poet William Wordsworth, addresses the need for sustainable papers for retail packaging that do not compromise quality or beauty. As well as offering 100% post-consumer waste recycled, the range also includes options for 40% post-consumer waste recycled and 100% fresh fibre from responsible forestry sources.

The recycled qualities in the collection include James Cropper’s innovative CupCycling fibre, sourced from used coffee cups. With 175 years of papermaking heritage, James Cropper created the world’s first technology to upcycle used coffee cups. This unique post-consumer fibre stream gives a second life to a valuable resource and is designed with circular economy principles at the core.

Tricia Hartmann, packaging lead at James Cropper comments, “While beauty and functionality have always been expected of luxury products, today’s consumers also insist they are environmentally and socially responsible.

“Those same high standards applied to the product itself, now also extend to the entire supply chain, including the packaging. The Rydal Packaging Collection was created to directly answer this need while safeguarding the beauty of premium paper and ensuring a variety of application possibilities for brands.”

Engineered to provide a natural and tactile feel, the new collection is suitable for folding boxes, shopping bags and box covering applications and ensures outstanding print performance and converting characteristics.

Currently available for production and to order in large format sheets for sample dummies and print tests, the collection includes three shades of white and three shades of black. There is also an option for bespoke colours and textural finishes as part of James Cropper’s Tailor Made service.

For those brands wanting the added assurance of antimicrobial product protection, James Cropper’s innovative PaperGard silver ion technology can be included for all Rydal packaging options.

About James Cropper 

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers.  

 Throughout 175 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour and fibre innovation.     

James Cropper launches new 100% recycled paper collection for premium packaging

Posted in: Environment 06/26/2020 - 10:26

KENDAL, UK, June 25, 2020 (Press Release) -For more and more brands, being able to demonstrate the social and environmental impact of their products is becoming a pre-requisite. With this in mind, specialist papermaker James Cropper has launched a new collection of papers for premium packaging, including an option with the ultimate 100% post-consumer waste recycled fibre.

The Rydal Packaging Collection, whose name is inspired by a small village and water in the Lake District, best known as the home of the poet William Wordsworth, addresses the need for sustainable papers for retail packaging that do not compromise quality or beauty. As well as offering 100% post-consumer waste recycled, the range also includes options for 40% post-consumer waste recycled and 100% fresh fibre from responsible forestry sources.

The recycled qualities in the collection include James Cropper’s innovative CupCycling fibre, sourced from used coffee cups. With 175 years of papermaking heritage, James Cropper created the world’s first technology to upcycle used coffee cups. This unique post-consumer fibre stream gives a second life to a valuable resource and is designed with circular economy principles at the core.

Tricia Hartmann, packaging lead at James Cropper comments, “While beauty and functionality have always been expected of luxury products, today’s consumers also insist they are environmentally and socially responsible.

“Those same high standards applied to the product itself, now also extend to the entire supply chain, including the packaging. The Rydal Packaging Collection was created to directly answer this need while safeguarding the beauty of premium paper and ensuring a variety of application possibilities for brands.”

Engineered to provide a natural and tactile feel, the new collection is suitable for folding boxes, shopping bags and box covering applications and ensures outstanding print performance and converting characteristics.

Currently available for production and to order in large format sheets for sample dummies and print tests, the collection includes three shades of white and three shades of black. There is also an option for bespoke colours and textural finishes as part of James Cropper’s Tailor Made service.

For those brands wanting the added assurance of antimicrobial product protection, James Cropper’s innovative PaperGard silver ion technology can be included for all Rydal packaging options.

About James Cropper 

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers.  

 Throughout 175 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour and fibre innovation.     

Read more

BRUSSELS, June 25, 2020 (Press Release) -International Paper, a leading producer of renewable, fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper, is excited to announce the launch of its innovative Space Divider series as some countries around the world lift COVID-related restrictions. The corrugated separators come in many different shapes and forms, enabling businesses, restaurants, schools and public administration offices to meet social distancing requirements to keep people safe and prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. Printable in full color, the separators can also serve to reinforce messages of care or applicable safety procedures in a visually appealing and memorable manner.

“Our corrugated space dividers are enjoying already great popularity in the region”, said Eric Chartrain, Vice President & General Manager of International Paper’s corrugated packaging in Europe, Middle East &Africa (EMEA). “The product gives customers more options to return safely and efficiently to the new normal of their business operations while at the same time contributing to the circular economy with an environmentally-friendly solution.”

Free-standing Corrugated Separator

The free standing corrugated separator is especially suitable for businesses operating production and assembly lines that require employees working closely to each other, for example in the food processing, fruit & vegetables, pharmaceuticals, hygiene and e-commerce sectors. It allows employees to carry out their jobs normally while being physically separated and maintaining a safe distance. Easy to assemble, it can be moved freely as needed while not requiring any additional support. This model is also suitable for use in hospitals and restaurants, as well as for any business dealing with waiting queues and limited space.

Desk Partition

The modular desk divider meets the special requirements of offices and education bodies. It can be easily adapted to any workplace or desk featuring two pre-cut openings enabling hassle-free passing of computer cables and free vision for the user towards for example white boards.

Sustainability

Unlike similar products using alternative materials, International Paper’s Space Dividers are made from renewable resources and can be fully recycled when disposed of. As dividers need frequent replacement for hygiene reasons, the product offers an excellent solution for environmentally conscious businesses.

About International Paper

International Paper is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, and Russia. We produce packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable world-wide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness; and papers that facilitate education and communication. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., employ more than 50,000 colleagues and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150 countries. Net sales for 2019 were $22 billion.

In Europe, Middle East, Africa & Russia (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of office papers and fiber-based packaging. We are a leading supplier of high-quality cutsize papers, coated and uncoated paperboard and corrugated containers for a wide range of applications, and employ approximately 10,000 people. Net sales for International Paper in EMEA were approximately $3.1 billion in 2019.

International Paper launches sustainable, innovative corrugated dividers to support COVID-19 de-escalation in Europe, Middle East and Africa

Posted in: Environment 06/26/2020 - 08:49

BRUSSELS, June 25, 2020 (Press Release) -International Paper, a leading producer of renewable, fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper, is excited to announce the launch of its innovative Space Divider series as some countries around the world lift COVID-related restrictions. The corrugated separators come in many different shapes and forms, enabling businesses, restaurants, schools and public administration offices to meet social distancing requirements to keep people safe and prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. Printable in full color, the separators can also serve to reinforce messages of care or applicable safety procedures in a visually appealing and memorable manner.

“Our corrugated space dividers are enjoying already great popularity in the region”, said Eric Chartrain, Vice President & General Manager of International Paper’s corrugated packaging in Europe, Middle East &Africa (EMEA). “The product gives customers more options to return safely and efficiently to the new normal of their business operations while at the same time contributing to the circular economy with an environmentally-friendly solution.”

Free-standing Corrugated Separator

The free standing corrugated separator is especially suitable for businesses operating production and assembly lines that require employees working closely to each other, for example in the food processing, fruit & vegetables, pharmaceuticals, hygiene and e-commerce sectors. It allows employees to carry out their jobs normally while being physically separated and maintaining a safe distance. Easy to assemble, it can be moved freely as needed while not requiring any additional support. This model is also suitable for use in hospitals and restaurants, as well as for any business dealing with waiting queues and limited space.

Desk Partition

The modular desk divider meets the special requirements of offices and education bodies. It can be easily adapted to any workplace or desk featuring two pre-cut openings enabling hassle-free passing of computer cables and free vision for the user towards for example white boards.

Sustainability

Unlike similar products using alternative materials, International Paper’s Space Dividers are made from renewable resources and can be fully recycled when disposed of. As dividers need frequent replacement for hygiene reasons, the product offers an excellent solution for environmentally conscious businesses.

About International Paper

International Paper is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, Europe, North Africa, and Russia. We produce packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable world-wide commerce; pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness; and papers that facilitate education and communication. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., employ more than 50,000 colleagues and serve more than 25,000 customers in 150 countries. Net sales for 2019 were $22 billion.

In Europe, Middle East, Africa & Russia (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of office papers and fiber-based packaging. We are a leading supplier of high-quality cutsize papers, coated and uncoated paperboard and corrugated containers for a wide range of applications, and employ approximately 10,000 people. Net sales for International Paper in EMEA were approximately $3.1 billion in 2019.

Read more

MONTREAL, June 25, 2020 (Press Release) -TC Transcontinental is proud to be named once again as one of Canada’s 50 best corporate citizens, placed in 10th position in the renowned Corporate Knights’ 2020 Best 50 Ranking. According to Corporate Knights, TC Transcontinental ranks among the Top 10, overall thanks namely to its high clean revenue score, strong gender diversity at the board and executive levels, its solid safety record, as well as its strong energy and water productivity.

“We are very proud to be in Corporate Knights’ prestigious Top Ten ranking for the second year in a row” said François Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. “This announcement comes at a time where the pandemic that hits our world reminds us more than ever, of the importance for all stakeholders across the value chain to act together to carry out responsible business strategies. Our Corporation continues to be deeply committed in demonstrating how our business practices can have a positive economic, social and environmental impact on both people and planet for generations to come."

Today’s announcement of TC Transcontinental’s tenth position in Corporate Knights’ ranking coincides with the release of its 2019 corporate social responsibility progress report. Since last year, TC Transcontinental’s teams have been involved in major projects around the 11 key objectives of its 2019-2021 Corporate social responsibility plan Acting Together in four main areas: our employees, our operations, our products and our communities. “The reported results are extremely encouraging, and we are proud of the progress achieved by our teams. Thanks to our robust strategy and its efficient execution by our employees, we have improved our performance in the areas of health and safety, talent development and gender diversity. We are also pursuing our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of our manufacturing operations and we have made great strides in our sustainable products’ portfolio, thanks to our R & D investments,” adds François Olivier.

“At TC Transcontinental, corporate social responsibility is fully embedded in our strategy and guides our business decisions and actions. We measure our performance annually and share results in our sustainability report, a document we have proudly published since 2010,” explains Magali Depras, Chief Strategy Officer of TC Transcontinental.

This year, the Corporation even took a step further to cement its commitment as a responsible corporate citizen. Last month, TC Transcontinental joined the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative through which signatory companies commit to aligning their approach to social responsibility with the universal principles of human rights, labour standards and environmental protection. “The Corporation’s targets of its three-year Acting Together plan and the policies referred to in its report are directly aligned with seven sustainable development goals defined by the Global Compact. TC Transcontinental’s endorsement of the United Nations' objectives further confirms our commitment to being a leader in social responsibility and its seamless integration into all our activities and our corporate culture,” explains Magali Depras.

Today, through meaningful actions and a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, the Corporation intends to lead the way and accelerate the creation of a circular economy for plastic, a model where plastic is better managed from sourcing to end-of-life. In 2019, TC Transcontinental was the first Canadian manufacturer to join the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. Setting out to build on its experience of being a key player in the creation of a circular economy for paper in Canada, TC Transcontinental also announced in early 2020 the creation of a new Recycling group within TC Transcontinental Packaging, marking yet another step towards the implementation of a circular economy strategy that supports the fulfillment of the Corporation’s objective as a signatory of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Global Commitment. More recently, the Recycling Group announced the acquisition of the assets of Enviroplast inc., a company dedicated to the recycling of flexible plastics in Quebec. The equipment acquired will be used to transform flexible plastics recovered from sorting facilities and other commercial, industrial and agricultural sources into recycled plastic granules.

Corporate Knights is a specialized media and research firm. Its annual ranking of corporate sustainability performance is based on key citizenship indicators such as resource, employee, financial management, clean revenue and supplier performance.

About TC Transcontinental

TC Transcontinental is a leader in flexible packaging in North America, and Canada’s largest printer. The Corporation is also positioned as the leading Canadian French-language educational publishing group. For over 40 years, TC Transcontinental's mission has been to create quality products and services that allow businesses to attract, reach, and retain their target customers.

Respect, teamwork, performance, and innovation are the strong values held by the Corporation and its employees. TC Transcontinental's commitment to its stakeholders is to pursue its business activities responsibly.

Transcontinental Inc., known as TC Transcontinental, has approximately 8,500 employees, the majority of which are based in Canada, the United States, and Latin America. TC Transcontinental had revenues of more than C$3.0 billion for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2019.

TC Transcontinental ranks 10th in Corporate Knights' 2020 annual ranking of best 50 corporate citizens in Canada

Posted in: Environment 06/26/2020 - 08:25

MONTREAL, June 25, 2020 (Press Release) -TC Transcontinental is proud to be named once again as one of Canada’s 50 best corporate citizens, placed in 10th position in the renowned Corporate Knights’ 2020 Best 50 Ranking. According to Corporate Knights, TC Transcontinental ranks among the Top 10, overall thanks namely to its high clean revenue score, strong gender diversity at the board and executive levels, its solid safety record, as well as its strong energy and water productivity.

“We are very proud to be in Corporate Knights’ prestigious Top Ten ranking for the second year in a row” said François Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer of TC Transcontinental. “This announcement comes at a time where the pandemic that hits our world reminds us more than ever, of the importance for all stakeholders across the value chain to act together to carry out responsible business strategies. Our Corporation continues to be deeply committed in demonstrating how our business practices can have a positive economic, social and environmental impact on both people and planet for generations to come."

Today’s announcement of TC Transcontinental’s tenth position in Corporate Knights’ ranking coincides with the release of its 2019 corporate social responsibility progress report. Since last year, TC Transcontinental’s teams have been involved in major projects around the 11 key objectives of its 2019-2021 Corporate social responsibility plan Acting Together in four main areas: our employees, our operations, our products and our communities. “The reported results are extremely encouraging, and we are proud of the progress achieved by our teams. Thanks to our robust strategy and its efficient execution by our employees, we have improved our performance in the areas of health and safety, talent development and gender diversity. We are also pursuing our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of our manufacturing operations and we have made great strides in our sustainable products’ portfolio, thanks to our R & D investments,” adds François Olivier.

“At TC Transcontinental, corporate social responsibility is fully embedded in our strategy and guides our business decisions and actions. We measure our performance annually and share results in our sustainability report, a document we have proudly published since 2010,” explains Magali Depras, Chief Strategy Officer of TC Transcontinental.

This year, the Corporation even took a step further to cement its commitment as a responsible corporate citizen. Last month, TC Transcontinental joined the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary initiative through which signatory companies commit to aligning their approach to social responsibility with the universal principles of human rights, labour standards and environmental protection. “The Corporation’s targets of its three-year Acting Together plan and the policies referred to in its report are directly aligned with seven sustainable development goals defined by the Global Compact. TC Transcontinental’s endorsement of the United Nations' objectives further confirms our commitment to being a leader in social responsibility and its seamless integration into all our activities and our corporate culture,” explains Magali Depras.

Today, through meaningful actions and a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders, the Corporation intends to lead the way and accelerate the creation of a circular economy for plastic, a model where plastic is better managed from sourcing to end-of-life. In 2019, TC Transcontinental was the first Canadian manufacturer to join the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. Setting out to build on its experience of being a key player in the creation of a circular economy for paper in Canada, TC Transcontinental also announced in early 2020 the creation of a new Recycling group within TC Transcontinental Packaging, marking yet another step towards the implementation of a circular economy strategy that supports the fulfillment of the Corporation’s objective as a signatory of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Global Commitment. More recently, the Recycling Group announced the acquisition of the assets of Enviroplast inc., a company dedicated to the recycling of flexible plastics in Quebec. The equipment acquired will be used to transform flexible plastics recovered from sorting facilities and other commercial, industrial and agricultural sources into recycled plastic granules.

Corporate Knights is a specialized media and research firm. Its annual ranking of corporate sustainability performance is based on key citizenship indicators such as resource, employee, financial management, clean revenue and supplier performance.

About TC Transcontinental

TC Transcontinental is a leader in flexible packaging in North America, and Canada’s largest printer. The Corporation is also positioned as the leading Canadian French-language educational publishing group. For over 40 years, TC Transcontinental's mission has been to create quality products and services that allow businesses to attract, reach, and retain their target customers.

Respect, teamwork, performance, and innovation are the strong values held by the Corporation and its employees. TC Transcontinental's commitment to its stakeholders is to pursue its business activities responsibly.

Transcontinental Inc., known as TC Transcontinental, has approximately 8,500 employees, the majority of which are based in Canada, the United States, and Latin America. TC Transcontinental had revenues of more than C$3.0 billion for the fiscal year ended October 27, 2019.

Read more

Pages

Copyright © 2020 RISI. All rights reserved.