Ian Melin-Jones
BASF declares Force Majeure on Plastomoll® DNA, Palatinol® N, Hexamoll® DINCH and selected Palamoll®grades
Due to a shortage of raw materials caused by an unforeseeable technical defect in its iso-Nonanol (INA) plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, BASF SEis currently unable to produce the plasticizers Plastomoll® DNA, Palatinol® N, Hexamoll® DINCH and selected Palamoll® grades (652, 654, 656 and 858). Therefore BASF is forced to declare a Force Majeure situation.
The INA plant is currently shut down to do the necessary repair work. To the current best knowledge BASF is expecting to restart production of INA in Ludwigshafen within the next 14 days.
About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €50 billion in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com
NASH 2BE4: New model range of liquid ring pumps for high volume flow rates
Gardner Denver Nash extends its expertise in the market for liquid ring pumps with high volume flow rates with the new NASH 2BE4 model. The NASH 2BE4 was adapted logically to suit the process industry’s diverse requirements. Ten sizes, as well as two material types, make it into an adaptable pump for high gas volume flow rates.
The NASH 2BE4 was developed from the proven NASH 2BE3, whose reliable performance was further improved. The development focused on optimizing the performance data, especially in vacuum below 500 mbar abs, and on increasing the pump’s service life.
This was achieved by modifying the shaft bearings and optimizing the port plates and the impeller. Improvements to internal flow channeling have reduced the energy requirements by 6 to 8% while the scavenge performance remains constant. Optimization of the shaft bearings has increased machine flexibility in the event of operational malfunctions and, in addition, has ensured better lubrication, which is positively reflected in the service life. An optional connection for flushing the housing is also available. This feature improves cleaning possibilities and, in the process, increases the service life.
The performance range of the NASH 2BE4 is unique within the market; it can be used as both vacuum pump and compressor. When used as a vacuum pump, volume flow rates of between 2,500 and 32,000 m³/h produce a vacuum of 160 mbar absolute; when used as compressor, 3,000 – 9,500 m³/h are possible and a compression pressure of up to 2.5 bar absolute can be achieved.
With regard to its external dimensions, the NASH 2BE4 model is identical to its predecessor the NASH 2BE3. As a consequence, exchanging or upgrading to a more efficient machine is possible without any problems.
The NASH 2BE4 model is available in nodular graphite iron and stainless steel. In this way, the model can be used for diverse applications in many industries: in chemical process technology, filter applications, the paper industry, power plant technology, refineries and in many more applications.
Reliability, efficiency and flexibility make the NASH 2BE4 an outstanding liquid ring pump for high volume flow rates.
About the Company:
Gardner Denver Nash is the Nash Division of Gardner Denver, Inc. Originating from nash_elmo Industries, the company is the world's leading manufacturer of liquid ring vacuum pumps, compressors and engineered systems. For more than 100 years, Gardner Denver Nash has engineered and produced liquid ring pumps and vacuum and compressor systems for the most demanding applications in a variety of fields and industries.
Contact:
Nash –Zweigniederlassung der Gardner Denver
Deutschland GmbH
Marketing
Wolfgang Kraft
Phone: +49 (0)911 / 1454-7771
Fax: +49 (0)911 / 1454-7777
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Team from Sweden's Blekinge Institute of Technology Wins Net Impact, International Paper and Staples Competition
Net Impact announced the winner for a case competition with International Paper (NYSE: IP), a global leader in the paper and packaging industry, and Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS), the world's largest office products company. After a competitive application process, three finalist teams created strategic plans for recovering more paper and packaging from underserved markets, including large, multi-tenant locations, company campuses and universities. Students from Blekinge Institute of Technology, located in Karlskrona, Sweden, submitted the winning strategic plan. The other finalist teams included Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the School of Natural Resources & Environment at the University of Michigan.
"We were very impressed by the high caliber work of all teams," said Liz Maw, executive director, Net Impact. "It's exciting to see bright students working together with today's corporate leaders to uncover significant environmental opportunities through the recovery of more paper and packaging."
Since February, the three finalist teams have been working with key leaders at International Paper and Staples to answer questions and review the progress of their strategic plans. The Blekinge team proposed solutions for increasing the efficiency of paper recovery, branding the program and communicating real-time recovery rates for the companies.
"The competition was a great way to practically apply the theories, frameworks and methodologies of our Master's program in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability," said Lea Thuot, a student at the Blekinge Institute of Technology and member of the winning team. "The program we presented to International Paper and Staples should allow them to increase the paper recycling in the U.S. and assist the paper industry to meet future targets for paper recovery."
The competition is a great example of effective cross-sector collaboration. International Paper and Staples were able to leverage the business expertise of top students in the Net Impact network.
"The student teams demonstrated great ideas in their proposed recycling plans," said Mark Buckley, vice president, Environmental Affairs, Staples. "It's this type of thinking that will help improve paper and packaging material recycling in the future."
"The students were quick studies of the challenges and opportunities for recycling in our industry," said David Kiser, IP's vice president, Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability. "Their proposal identified creative tools to track, monitor and promote a successful program."
Staples and International Paper are currently considering ways to integrate elements of the Blekinge team's plan into their existing program to recover more renewable paper products and put them back to use.
About Net Impact
Net Impact is a global organization of students and professionals using business to improve the world. We offer a portfolio of programs and initiatives to educate, equip and inspire more than 20,000 members to make a tangible difference through business. Spanning six continents, our membership is one of the most influential networks of students and professionals in existence today and includes current and emerging leaders in corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, international development and environmental sustainability. For more information, visit netimpact.org.
About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global paper and packaging company with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. Its businesses include uncoated papers, industrial and consumer packaging and distribution. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., the company employs about 60,000 people in more than 20 countries and serves customers worldwide. 2009 net sales were more than $23 billion. For more information about International Paper, its products and stewardship efforts, visit internationalpaper.com.
About Staples
Staples, the world's largest office products company is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2009 sales of $24 billion and 91,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 25 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples is available at staples.com/media.
SOURCE International Paper
Baby diapers acquisition strengthens SCA´s presence in Mexico and Central America
SCA is purchasing the Copamex baby diaper business in Mexico and Central America. The purchase price is equivalent to approximately USD 50m on a debt-free basis.
Copamex produces well-known baby diaper brands Dry Kids for the Mexican market and Tessy Babies for consumers in Central America. Sales in the acquired business was approximately USD 60m in 2009. Copamex holds a number three position in baby diapers in Mexico.
“The acquisition will strengthen SCA’s presence in Latin America, and creates a base for expansion of baby diapers in Mexico and Central America”, says CEO and President Jan Johansson.
The acquisition will add to SCA’s current portfolio of hygiene products in the region which now includes feminine care, incontinence care, consumer tissue, away from home tissue products and baby diapers.
The transaction is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2010, after necessary approvals from relevant authorities
For additional information, please contact
Pär Altan, Vice President Media Relations, +46 8 788 52 37
Johan Karlsson, Vice President Investor Relations, +46 8 788 51 30
Södra's Financial results January-June 2010
Generally improved volumes and market prices helped to ensure a strong result for the first six months of 2010. Operating profit increased to SEK 1,084 million (9) and return on capital employed amounted to 21 per cent (0).
Cyclically adjusted, a real productivity improvement of 2.9 per cent was achieved, equating on a yearly basis to SEK 284 million. Much of this positive result is being achieved from implementing suggestions for improvements made by Södra’s employees. Ideas were implemented at a record pace, and over the first six months of the year, 70 suggestions per week were being taken on board, saving SEK 70 million.
The timber market has been characterised by huge competition. Södra has now contracted timber for the rest of the year. The total cost for the raw timber is estimated to increase over the second half of the year by SEK 330 million.
"With historically high pulp prices in our order books, we are now expecting to see slightly higher stocks for the third quarter, which in seasonal terms is slightly weaker. Some of our traditional pulp customers have not yet been able to increase their end prices in line with the increase in pulp prices over the first six months of the year. Fairly weak deliveries to Asia in the first six months of the year have been fully compensated for by better volumes from our domestic market, Europe. We estimate that all our pulp units will deliver an operating profit for the year which is well in excess of the return requirements," said Leif Brodén, Södra's Group Chief Executive.
"Over the next twelve months, we are expecting to be able to start supplying sulphate pulp for textile purposes. At present only 2 per cent of the world's textile fibres are based on cellulose, which is equivalent to around 4 million tonnes of market pulp. We believe there is fast-growing, major potential in this product field which will replace volumes in traditional segments. Certified renewable forest raw materials have major opportunities for taking market shares from both synthetic and cotton-based alternatives," continued Brodén.
New construction activities in Europe and the USA remain at historically low levels. At the same time, the renovation rate is relatively high on a number of important timber markets. Production in Europe and Canada is being held back due to limited access to raw materials. This means that the timber market is in good balance, and further price increases are to be expected over the third quarter. There is a certain degree of uncertainty in the face of the fourth quarter concerning how the austerity packages now being implemented in Europe will affect the construction and renovation market. Demand for architect-designed personal houses is still high in Sweden. House manufacturer Trivselhus is again delivering positive results and has a strong order book equivalent to six months.
Work on production synergies and new products in the field of Interior Products is being intensified. The launch of new hardwood qualities is continuing throughout the year. The market is undergoing a consolidation phase in which Södra Interiör has been a driving force. Prospects are good for the rest of the year.
The biofuel market is still good, and there is development potential in a number of product areas. Södra believes it can achieve a total of 4 TWh in external biofuel deliveries over the year. Bioenergy deliveries, in a variety of forms, are becoming ever more important for Södra. In the fields of bioelectricity and district heating, 466 GWh (379) was supplied to outside sources over the first six months of the year, and during the year Södra Cell Värö became the world's first sulphate pulp mill to be free of fossil fuels for normal operation. Södra’s target is to convert all its mills to fossil-free operation by 2014.
For further information, please contact:
Leif Brodén, President and CEO, Södra
+46 (0) 705 58 94 26
Mikael Staffas, CFO
+46 (0) 705 11 64 97
Per Braconier, Director of Communications
+46 (0) 70 534 51 66
Domtar Corporation second quarter 2010 financial results
Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX: UFS) will release its second quarter 2010 financial results before markets open on Friday, July 30, 2010. A conference call will be held to discuss the results at 11:00 a.m. (ET) the same day.
Financial analysts are invited to participate in the call by dialing 1-866-321-8231 (North America) or 1-416-642-5213 (International). Media and other interested individuals are invited to listen to the live webcast at www.domtar.com. A replay will be available by dialing 1-888-203-1112 (North America) or 1-647-436-0148 (International) using access code 2755346 until August 14, 2010.
About Domtar
Domtar Corporation (NYSE/TSX:UFS) is the largest integrated manufacturer and marketer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America and the second largest in the world based on production capacity, and is also a manufacturer of papergrade, fluff and specialty pulp.
The Company designs, manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of business, commercial printing and publishing as well as converting and specialty papers including recognized brands such as Cougar®, Lynx® Opaque Ultra, Husky® Opaque Offset, First Choice® and Domtar EarthChoice® Office Paper, part of a family of environmentally and socially responsible papers.
Domtar owns and operates Domtar Distribution Group, an extensive network of strategically located paper distribution facilities. The Company employs over 9,000 people. To learn more, visit www.domtar.com.
WWF measures environmental footprint of world´s largest fine paper companies
WWF has launched a new voluntary rating tool for paper companies to report on their global ecological footprint. The Paper Company Environmental Index assesses key environmental criteria, such as use of recycled fibre or fibre coming from well-managed forests, energy use and CO2 emissions, water consumption and water pollution.
Five globally significant fine paper manufacturers — Domtar from North America, M-real, Stora Enso and UPM from Europe and Mondi Group from South Africa/Europe — have been the first to voluntarily disclose their environmental profiles on WWF´s new online Paper Company Index. Results and profiles can be found www.panda.org/PaperCompanyIndex. “WWF applauds these companies for their leadership and transparency,” says Harri Karjalainen, WWF’s Pulp and Paper Programme Manager. “They are the vanguard of a more sustainable paper industry.”
“Other fine paper and tissue companies, particularly those in North and South America and Asia, are invited to follow suit and show their boards of directors, business partners, shareholders, investors, paper buyers and communities what they have done to reduce their global ecological footprint,” says Karjalainen. “We hope this new online tool can promote some healthy competition within the paper industry. Who can achieve the lightest footprint?”
One of the participating companies, Mondi Group CEO, David Hathorn says: "We are pleased to have been part of the inaugural WWF Paper Company Environmental Index which assessed the efficient use of resources and environmental care. We hope that the index will attract many global paper companies as it provides an opportunity for participating companies to present progress made with reducing their environmental footprint.”
Fine papers have everyday uses including copier/printer paper, book paper, envelopes, forms, writing pads, high-quality magazines and brochures, catalogues and annual reports.
WWF has launched the Paper Company Environmental Index at a time when total paper consumption is expected to increase from today’s 400 million tons to 450-500 million tons by 20201 leaving an unacceptably large ecological footprint on the planet if the industry does not make significant improvements. Irresponsible pulpwood harvesting and expanding pulpwood plantations have the potential to threaten fragile ecosystems and create social concerns if not carried out responsibly. The pulp and paper industry is among the world’s largest users of energy and emitters of greenhouse gases, and a significant source of water pollution and landfill waste.
The Paper Company Environmental Index covers impacts on forest ecosystems from fibre sourcing (35% of the maximum 100 points), emissions from manufacturing process such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (35%), and corporate transparency (30%). The criteria apply to both policy and production, thus measuring each company´s targets and actual performance. The index also includes companies’ own operations as well as the supply chain; for example, market pulp bought for production of the end product.
The pulp and paper industry’s expansion is driven largely by emerging economies, in particular in Asia. Many global pulp and paper companies are moving their production to the Southern Hemisphere due to lower production costs. Pulpwood from the South is travelling longer distances to North American and European paper mills; approximately 80% of market pulp crosses an international border and 40% crosses an ocean to reach its market.
Sappi consolidates its Southern African paper and paper packaging businesses
Sappi Southern Africa today announced that it would be consolidating its paper divisions to strengthen its ability to meet customer requirements and develop new business opportunities.
Sappi Fine Paper South Africa and Sappi Kraft will merge to become Sappi Paper and Paper Packaging South Africa (SA). Jan Labuschagne, CEO of Sappi Southern Africa, will assume direct responsibility for the new division.
Albert Lubbe, will retire from his position as Managing Director of Sappi Kraft at the end of July 2010. He has served the group and industry with distinction since joining Sappi in 1997 as the Managing Director of Sappi Fine Paper South Africa and indeed can be credited with beginning the drive to bring Sappi closer to our customers. He has also served the industry as chairman of the Paper Manufacturers Association (PAMSA) for the past 10 years.
Dinga Mncube is appointed as the new Executive Director Marketing: Sappi Paper and Paper Packaging SA. He brings his extensive experience to this new role where he will be responsible for all sales and marketing activities related to paper and paper packaging in South Africa, as well as for new products and market development. He was previously the Managing Director of Sappi Forests and thereafter the Managing Director of Sappi Fine Paper South Africa. Dinga is also the current vice-chair of Forestry South Africa. He has been with Sappi for 17 years and holds an MSc (Forest Products) from the University of Idaho (USA) and an MCom from the University of Johannesburg.
Patrick (Pat) McGrady is appointed as Manufacturing Director: Sappi Paper and Paper Packaging South Africa (SA). The position will have primary responsibility for all paper and paper packaging operations in South Africa. Pat was previously the Regional Engineering Services Manager for Sappi Southern Africa. He holds a BSc Electrical Engineering degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
It also announced that Alan Tubb will be retiring as Managing Director of Sappi Saiccor at the end of December 2010 having served in this role for 14 years. He has been instrumental in establishing Sappi as a world leader in chemical cellulose and he recently oversaw the successful expansion of Sappi’s Saiccor Mill taking market volumes from some 600,000 tons to 800,000 tons per annum.
Gary Bowles will succeed Alan Tubb as Managing Director of the renamed Sappi Chemical Cellulose division. Gary is well qualified for this role and is currently the General Manager of the Sappi Saiccor Mill. He has been with Sappi since 1990 and holds a BSc Engineering degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He assumes his new position on 01 January 2011.
Commenting on the changes and appointments made, Sappi SA CEO Jan Labuschagne, said today:
“By consolidating our paper and paper packaging businesses we are ensuring that we remain well positioned to respond effectively to the requirements of our customers and to drive strongly the key message that paper and paper packaging have a strong future and remain the best choice for many applications. In this regard Dinga Mncube will play a critical role to lead and drive this initiative and focus for Sappi Southern Africa. In addition, he is also being tasked with the development of new products and markets.” He continued, “By putting in place early the succession plan for our chemical cellulose business we are ensuring that there will be no disruption in this important and growing segment of our business.”
Commenting on the announced changes in Sappi’s Southern African business, Ralph Boëttger, CEO of Sappi Limited, said: ”Our chemical cellulose business continues to grow in importance and the early announcement regarding succession in this division, will help to ensure the seamless transition from one leader to another.” He continued, “As to our paper businesses in Southern Africa, our global strategy and commitment is to move ever closer to our customers to ensure we better meet their requirements. Combining the paper and paper packaging businesses thus makes strategic sense and will contribute to the group delivering on its strategic priorities and profitability objectives.”
Please visit www.sappi.com
Mondi rated number one in new WWF Paper Company Environmental Index
Mondi was rated the number one company in the new WWF voluntary rating tool for paper companies to report on their global ecological footprint.
WWF assessed key environmental criteria, such as use of recycled fibre or fibre coming from well-managed forests, energy use and CO2emissions, water consumption and water pollution.
David Hathorn, Mondi Group CEO said, “We have a strong commitment to sustainable development and continuous improvement in reducing our environmental footprint. This is also evident in our Green Range of products which consist entirely of FSC certified office and printing paper from responsibly managed forests, chlorine-free paper or 100% recycled paper and ensures that our customers can conduct their business in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way.
We hope that the index will attract many global paper companies as it provides an opportunity for participating companies to present progress they continue to make in reducing the impact of their operations on the environment.”
WWF commended Mondi for its responsible procurement of wood, virgin fibre and biomass; its policy to eliminate all controversial timber supply sources and its current level of FSC-certified fibre content for fine paper production, which, at 43.2%, is the highest of the fine paper producers listed publicly.
Mondi strives to achieve a balance in terms of economic, social and environmental impacts of our business. In total, €9.3 million was spent in 2009 on initiatives across the healthcare, education, environment and cultural sectors. More information on Mondi’s sustainability commitments can be found on www.mondigroup.com/sustainability.
For more information on the Paper Company Environmental Index please see www.panda.org
Pulp and paper industry investment picking up
Ten new plants are due to be built in Brazil with and output likely to surpass 20 million tons by 2020. The industry's positive situation will have a favorable effect on ABTCP 2010, the event held by the Brazilian Pulp and Paper Technical Association
ABTCP 2010 - which includes the events ABTCP-TAPPI 2010- 43rd International Pulp and Paper Congress and Exhibition and ABTCP-TISSUE 2010 - 1st Latin American Tissue Symposium and Exhibition to be held October 4-6 in São Paulo, will be held in the context of booming investments in the sector.
Many projects had been put "on hold" due to the financial crisis, but now the market is favorable again and new players are coming to Brazil with plans for new plants that may well double pulp output by mid-2020.
Brazil will have 10 new plants by mid-2020 with an annual capacity of over 20 million tons, reports Carlos Farinha e Silva, one of Brazil's top pulp and paper specialists, vice president of Finnish consultants Pöyry, and ABTCP committee member. Brazil's economic development bank (BNDES) has announced R$ 19 billion in lending facilities for private-sector projects until the year 2013.
"All the investments that were postponed due the international economic crisis are starting to take shape and grow as of this year," he emphasized. "Brazil is doing very well and tracking the recovery trend in the world's pulp and paper industry, with the added advantage of having the world's best eucalyptus plantations." In addition to new projects underway, Brazil's output is due to rise between 2010 and 2011 on the basis of updating existing production lines.
With annual output at 14 million tons of pulp, Brazil is well placed to meet the growth in world demand - between 3 and 4% a year - and has already overtaken Sweden and Finland in volume terms.
Latin America's pulp output is expected to average 4% annual growth, with paper volume growing at an average 3.1%. Demand for paper is driven by the tissue (toilet) and packaging segment, in which Brazil's growth is likely to outstrip the world average with over 4% a year for a number of years.
Pulp prices on the international market are also positive factors. When plants in Chile shut down in February this year, due to the earthquake there, the market price per ton of pulp soared to over US$ 900 from US$ 450 in October of the previous year. Farinha adds that "with Chile's plants coming back to normal, prices may well steady at around US$ 800 per ton."
The favorable outlook for the sector includes around 2,000 new jobs, with another 10,000 outsourcers as construction work peaks. So this is the optimistic background for Latin America's top pulp and paper event, ABTCP 2010, which includes the events ABTCP-TAPPI 2010 - 43rd Pulp and Paper Congress and Exhibition, which ABTCP will be holding in partnership with TAPPI, its counterpart in the United States, and ABTCP-TISSUE 2010 -1st Latin American Tissue Symposium and Exhibition - focusing on production and distribution of tissue paper for sanitary purposes - to be held in São Paulo, October 4-6.
ABTCP 2010 will be drawing around 180 exhibitors and over 15,000 visitors, including pulp and paper manufacturers from all over the world, as well as manufacturing and packaging firms, in an environment conducive to new partnerships and access to the latest technology for the sector, as well as opportunities to exchange knowledge.