European Demand for Uncoated Grades Falls

As reported by CEPIFINR, European coated woodfree (freesheet) paper shipments for November declined -1.2% as compared to the same month last year.  Demand was down -3.9% and exports fell -9.9%.  Year-to-date, shipments decreased -4.8% as compared to the same period in 2010, demand was down -6.8% and exports fell -7.8%.  Uncoated woodfree paper shipments for November declined -5.5%, demand decreased -6.6% and exports fell -7.3%.  Year-to-date, shipments were down -2.7%, and demand decreased -6.3%, but exports jumped +7.4%.

Verso Renewable Energy Project Completed

http://www.paperage.com/2012news/01_09_2012verso_paper_energy.html

Verso’s $45 million renewable energy project at its coated freesheet mill in Quinnesec, Michgan has been concluded.  The plan included design upgrades to the facility’s existing combination boiler, a new biomass handling system and a new turbine generator.  The project will now allow the mill to use renewable biofuel for more than 95% of its on-site electricity generation.

Canfor Reports Another Cut in NBSK Pulp Pricing

Canfor is lowering the price of January shipments of NBSK pulp in the U.S. by $20 per metric tonne.

Bowater Mersy Newsprint Mill Stays Closed

Bowater Mersey extends shut down until Jan 16:
Bowater Mersey had extended its shut down until January 16.
The Nova Scotia mill has been shut down since Christmas.

White Birch Paper Proposal to Union

White Birch Paper Company presents global proposal to union employees of idled Stadacona Mill:
White Birch Paper Company has announced that it has presented a global proposal to the employees of the idled Stadacona mill in Quebec City.

Following a thorough analysis of the mill’s cost structure, White Birch’s proposal represents the final opportunity to implement the savings necessary for Stadacona to avoid permanent closure in light of significant manufacturing cost disadvantages, as well as the ongoing deterioration of economic conditions in the newsprint industry.

Vistaprint Buying Webs, Inc.

Vistaprint Agrees to Acquire Webs, Inc.: Vistaprint N.V., a leading online provider of professional marketing products and services to micro businesses, and Webs, Inc., the popular, do-it-yourself suite of websites, Facebook Pages and mobile presence solutions for small businesses, today announced the companies have entered into a definitive agreement in which Vistaprint will acquire Webs for $117.5 million payable at closing. The consideration will be paid through a combination of cash and restricted shares.

USPS Gives New Payment Options to Major Direct Mailers

USPS to offer credit billing to direct mailers: Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Postal Service has been granted permission to allow postage credit billing to direct mailers rather than requiring postage prepayment.