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The PM40 closed Friday, 28 January 2022, at 4208.

Get the latest PM40 updates by listening to the weekly Nips show and the PM40 Daily Show on Pulp & Paper Radio International.

The PM40 closed 28 January 2022 up 18.7% from the 29 January 2021 level.

In this issue of Disconnected Comparisons, we evaluate International Paper and Graphic Packaging.

Reported insider trading since the last issue of PaperMoney.

This is "transportation month" on the Paperitalo Annual Editorial Calendar. I can't think of a timelier topic. You and I have watched over the last year as delivery times have gone from stretching to disappearing.

AFT recently had another successful refiner start-up with the BillerudKorsnäs group. Its new pulp mill reject refiner started-up in December at the 460,000 t/d Skärblacka mill in Sweden, designed to defiberize knots, shives and fiber bundles coming from pulp screening.

ANDRITZ has successfully started up state-of-the-art and environmentally leading pulp production and chemical recovery technologies for Klabin's Puma II line in Ortigueira, Paraná, Brazil.

The tissue machine (TM6) has a design speed of 2,000 m/min, a working width of 5.65 m and a capacity of 60,000 t/a, and it is equipped with energy-saving components (steel Yankee with head insulation, heat recovery system, Yankee Ecosteam system for re-evaporation). Forming fabrics and press felts by ANDRITZ Fabrics and Rolls were installed for optimum end-product quality.

The new line in visionary industrial design now produces high-quality white folding boxboard with a basis weight of 170 to 350 gsm and a wire width of 8,900 mm.

Conmark Systems Inc. announced a global strategic partnership with Radix, an engineering, automation, software, and ET/ OT/ IT consulting company. Both companies share a vision for advancing worldwide manufacturing solutions with innovative integrated technology and services, focused on the pulp & paper and other process industries.

A serious workplace accident occurred in Valmet's flash dryer installation project at SCA's Ortviken mill in Sweden on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. An employee of Valmet's subcontractor died as a result of the fall incident.

International technology group Andritz has received an order from Holmen Iggesund Paperboard Ltd. to supply a state-of-the art primary effluent and sludge treatment line for its mill in Workington, UK.

Kadant Solutions, a division of Kadant Inc., launched two new Yankee doctor maintenance kits for the tissue making industry. In keeping with the quality and integrity of the Kadant Solutions Genuine Parts program, each kit includes the necessary items needed to maintain a Yankee doctoring system efficiently and effectively.

International technology group Andritz has successfully started up state-of-the-art and environmentally leading pulp production and chemical recovery technologies for Klabin's Puma II line in Ortigueira, Paraná, Brazil.

Solenis, the Wilmington-headquartered global producer of specialty chemicals used in water-intensive industries, acquired a German product supply manufacturer for an industry it's targeting for growth.

Valmet will supply a board machine rebuild to Stora Enso's Skoghall mill in Sweden. The main goal of the project is to increase the production capacity of the board machine 8 (BM 8).

Mercer International and Valmet have signed a long-term agreement to accelerate Mercer's global digital transformation program.

Valmet will supply a board machine rebuild to Stora Enso's Skoghall mill in Sweden. The main goal of the project is to increase the production capacity of the board machine 8 (BM 8). The two-step project is planned to be completed at the second half of 2023.

Since 1 May 2020, a 70% of ELIN Motoren GmbH has been owned by Voith Group. The other 30% of the company remained with the long-standing Managing Director Franz Hrachowitz. At the end of 2021, the two parties agreed on the acquisition of the remaining stake.

Amcor has launched a new platform of paper-based packaging products: AmFiberTM. AmFiber innovations aim to redefine the capabilities of traditional paper packaging, providing a wider range of features and functional benefits to meet the changing needs of consumers.

In 2021, Appvion released its first sustainability report, highlighting many outstanding achievements, and now the Company is proud to launch its 2030 sustainability strategy and goals.

For the third consecutive year, Cascades has been recognized as one of the world's 100 most sustainable corporations, according to the prestigious Global 100 index, produced by media, research and financial information products company Corporate Knights. Cascades ranks 18th among the 6,914 public companies analyzed worldwide with more than $1 billion in revenues and first among the 34 other organizations in the Packaging category.

As an advanced manufacturer, Huhtamaki is at the center of the value chain. Our ambition drives us to become a proactive innovation catalyst for our customers and partners. We identify, enable, and monetize sustainable innovation - both upstream and downstream.

The CEI rates companies on detailed criteria, including non-discrimination policies across business entities, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families, supporting an inclusive culture, and corporate social responsibility.

The annual JUST 100 list recognizes U.S. corporations that outperform their peers on issues such as fair pay, worker health and safety, benefits and work-life balance, ethical leadership, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and producing sustainable products.

Mondi is making good progress in terms of integrating its new Turkish HD corrugated plants in Bursa, Corum and Gebze with its plants in Germany (Ansbach) and Poland (Simet), following the acquisition of Olmuksan in 2021.

Neenah, a leading global manufacturer of specialty materials, is announcing that it has joined the Soteria Battery Innovation Group (BIG), a consortium of 100+ companies representing different developers and users across the lithium-ion battery ecosystem.

Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and pulp, has been named a 2021 SEAL Sustainable Product Award winner for its Ultracast Viva® casting and release paper.

Smurfit Kappa has developed a new, entirely sustainable packaging solution for fast food following close collaboration with independent Packaging Consultant Juozas Baranauskas.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released a new report indicating that the vast majority of Americans, 94 percent, have access to community paper and paperboard recycling programs.

WestRock, a leading provider of differentiated, sustainable paper and packaging solutions, announced that it received a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the second consecutive year.

Essity is announcing price increases in all product categories and markets to compensate the substantially higher costs for raw materials, energy and distribution. The timing and degree of the price increases will be managed locally.

Greif, Inc., a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, announced that it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) and a minimum 6.0 percent increase on all tube and core and protective packaging products.

Sonoco announced it will raise the price for all paperboard tubes and cores by a minimum of 6 percent, effective with shipments in the United States and Canada, on or after March 1, 2022.

Sonoco announced it is implementing a $50 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning February 18, 2022.

Sonoco intends to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering, together with borrowings under a new term loan facility and its commercial paper program, to fund the $1.35 billion cash consideration payable in connection with its previously announced plans to acquire Ball Metalpack.

Sun Chemical will increase prices across its entire portfolio of packaging, commercial sheetfed and screen inks, coatings, consumables and adhesives in North America, effective immediately or as contracts allow.

Suzano SA has raised pulp prices for clients in Europe and North America effective next month, a source familiar with the matter said.

Global supply chain issues caused the company to announce a delay in the start-up of its new Uruguay pulp mill to the end of first quarter 2023 from the second half of 2022 and a 10% increase in the mill's investment costs.

Weyerhaeuser Company announced that its board of directors declared a supplemental dividend of $1.45 per share on the common stock of the company, payable in cash on February 28, 2022, to holders of record of such common stock as of the close of business on February 18, 2022.

Finnish plywood manufacturer Koskisen is the first company to start using the bio-based binder NeoLigno® by Stora Enso in its new sustainable product family. Koskisen and Stora Enso's co-operation has resulted in the world's first entirely bio-based furniture board, called Zero Furniture Board.

A First Nation in Manitoba says it has not been properly included in sustainable forest management practices and is asking for a judicial review into commercial logging in a provincial park.

Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. ("SWM" or "SWM International") and ConvaTec Ltd. ("ConvaTec") are pleased to announce that they have entered into a multi-year supply agreement in conjunction with their amicable resolution of pending litigation between the companies. Terms of the settlement and the commercial agreement were not disclosed.

Smurfit Kappa, one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging solutions in the world, has announced an investment of over USD33 million in Brazil to expand the capacity of its plant in Fortaleza to meet the growing demand for innovative and sustainable packaging.

Stora Enso will invest EUR 40 million in new technology and restructuring of its fluff pulp production site in Skutskär, Sweden. The objective is to increase cost efficiencies and further improve the site's climate footprint, thereby aligning with Stora Enso's goal to provide regenerative solutions.

R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. said a mystery bidder that has been circling the publishing company since at least November has raised its offer again.

At this time, the Company remains subject to the Chatham Merger Agreement and is complying with the terms and conditions of the Chatham Merger Agreement, which remain in effect unless and until the Chatham Merger Agreement is terminated.

Sonoco acquired Ball Metalpack for $1.35 billion in cash subject to customary adjustments, including for working capital, cash and indebtedness.

Verso Corporation announced the filing of a preliminary proxy statement for a special meeting of stockholders, at which Verso stockholders will consider and vote upon various items related to the proposed and previously announced transaction with BillerudKorsnäs AB. If approved, all Verso stockholders will receive $27.00 per share in cash upon closing of the transaction, representing immediate and certain value at a significant premium.

Appvion, LLC, a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital, L.P., announced that it has appointed Laurie D. Andriate as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding George Wurtz upon his retirement.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., a global leader in the production of high purity cellulose pulp, announced the introduction of a second generation (2G) bioethanol product for Europe's fast-growing biofuels market.

Two of the country's largest pulp and paper unions, Unifor and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), have reached a tentative deal with Canfor that establishes the pattern for Western Canadian forestry.

Supply chain issues

Amcor announced a further increase in its sustainability efforts by committing to science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Asia Pacific Resources International Limited (APRIL Group) recently reported significant progress with its long-term sustainability commitments in the year since its launch. The company, which has substantial plantation and manufacturing operations in Indonesia, has committed to achieving a range of ambitious targets by 2030.

DS Smith North America will participate in the acceleration of the reduction of carbon emissions for its operations, as well as those of its partners and suppliers, by committing to reducing its Scope 1, 2 and 3 Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 46% on an absolute basis by 2030, compared to 2019 levels.

A published article in local media states that Graphic Packaging did not place a cap on a clarifier that processes wastewater, per a report from 2020.

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, received the Cradle to Cradle certification at Bronze level for its uncoated fine papers produced in its mills in Austria, Slovakia and Russia.

Stora Enso and Tornator will restore 1,000 hectares of low forest cover peatland in eastern and southern Finland between 2022 and 2027. The land is owned by Tornator.

No one was hurt in a fire at the Port Townsend Paper Mill on Saturday afternoon, 22 January 2022.

Crews were called to a fire at Neenah Paper in the town of Brownville early Friday morning, 21 Jan 2022.

The Finnish Paperworkers' Union has issued a new strike announcement to UPM, declaring that their strike at UPM's Finnish mills will be extended by two weeks until 19 February 2022, unless new agreements are reached before that. The Paperworkers' Union's strike at UPM Pulp, UPM Biofuels, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers and UPM Raflatac units in Finland started 1 January 2022.

Four fire departments responded to a fire at the ND Paper mill Tuesday morning, Jan. 18.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. There were no injuries and the fire did not cause any business interruption to the paper mill.

A teenager was arrested on suspicion of arson after a huge fire broke out in Frogmore Paper Mill in Apsley on Saturday afternoon.

At this point, UPM does not disclose estimates of the economic impacts of the strikes or the blockade.