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

Quad/Graphics, Inc., announced it is enacting an immediate, temporary surcharge on its printing inks, UV coating and varnishes to help offset increasing costs impacting its ink manufacturing subsidiary Chemical Research/Technology (CR/T).

Georgia-Pacific will implement a price increase of 2.5% to 3.5%, effective May 18, 2026, on DensDeck®, DensDeck® Prime products and DensDeck® StormX™ Prime Roof Boards.

The packaging and tissue products company said Friday that U.S. weather disruptions and volatile swings in transportation and fuel surcharges pushed operating costs higher, while recent geopolitical tensions dampened consumer confidence and spending, leading to softer packaging volumes.

The Iran war has led to a surge in oil prices and driven up Suzano's costs of shipping, trucking, rail and chemicals.

The Trump administration moves toward lowering U.S. trade duties on most Canadian softwood lumber after a preliminary Commerce Department decision that would reduce the combined rate to 25% from about 35%.

The Annual General Meeting adopted the financial statements for 2025 and resolved on a dividend of €1.50 per share for the financial period 2025.

Sonoco S.a.r.l., a wholly owned unit of Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, announced it will raise prices by 80 Euro per ton for uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) grades and 8% on all tube and core products sold by the Company in the EMEA region.

The system is scheduled to start up in the Q2 2026.

Wuzhou Specialty Paper has successfully started up PM 19 at its mill in China, with the paper machine becoming the first worldwide to operate with a DuoCentri NipcoFlex press that includes a center belt.

The second-generation bioethanol plant, based on Valmet's fiberline, is planned to start-up in March 2028.

Södra has now completed the initial inventory after storm Dave and a first compilation shows that approximately 1 million m³fub of forest has been damaged on member land in Götaland. Västra Götaland County and parts of Jönköping County are the hardest hit areas.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency reports it has fined West Fraser Forest Products $24,750 for exceeding the total amount of hazardous air pollutants allowed by the air permit for the company's Solway facility from January 2024 to January 2025.

Abdulkarim, an employee of a third-party distributor of the Kimberly-Clark paper goods warehouse in Ontario, allegedly filmed himself lighting multiple pallets of toilet paper on fire inside the 1.2 million square foot building. It was destroyed last Tuesday as a result.

The fire destroyed some $500 million in paper products and destroyed the warehouse, valued at $150 million.

Premier David Eby told the annual gathering of the B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) on Friday, April 10, said that the government plans to ease industrial carbon prices for pulp mills as the province's forestry sector continues to struggle to remain competitive.

Investigation underway after fatal shooting at Mondi Richards Bay mill.

Rengo Co. has acquired an additional 29% of the issued shares of Murase Danboru Ltd., increasing its total ownership interest to 49%. The transaction builds on Rengo's initial investment in the corrugated packaging manufacturer in 2024, which had already led to collaboration in containerboard supply and contract manufacturing.

The packaging industry is facing increasing expectations related to recyclability, material efficiency and reduced reliance on fossil‑based materials, alongside brand owner climate commitments and evolving regulation.

Ahlstrom 226™ filter paper was selected as the substrate material for the dried urine strip design.

Joint venture with Indocement strengthens Mondi's paper bags footprint in a structurally growing Southeast Asian market.

Initiative integrates fragments of native forests in the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Amazon biomes, stimulating wildlife movement, the expansion of vegetation cover and the restoration of ecosystems.

The list of winners spans 23 industries and recognizes 700 leading companies that have demonstrated exceptional trustworthiness in the eyes of consumers, employees, and investors. Boise Cascade ranked in the Top 12 within its industry.

UPM Adhesive Materials, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, and Mark Andy, a leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, announce the renewal of their strategic partnership in the Americas for the seventh consecutive year.

These awards recognize Pregis channel partners for adopting product solutions that deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes during 2025.