Paper and substrates

The EU competition authorities have cleared Sappi's proposed acquisition of M-real's coated graphic paper business.

PaperCo's newly appointed managing director Steve King has initiated a number of changes within the paper merchant's operating divisions and reduced the size of its top management board.

M-real and Stora Enso have announced their intention to increase paper prices, as the two paper giants report poor third quarter results.

Paper giant UPM has said the implementation of higher paper prices and stringent cost controls have positively impacted on its third quarter results.

Plans to build a 1bn integrated pulp and paper mill project have been scrapped due to a lack of funding.

Unite has hit out over International Paper's (IP) announcement that it may close its 371-staff Inverurie mill, as the Scottish government also pledges its support.

Antalis UK has bolstered its presence in the packaging market after it secured a two-year contract to supply all packaging materials to building and plumbing merchant Wolseley UK.

M-real has emphasised that the need for price increases in uncoated fine papers is great, as it announces its results for January to September 2008.

Weaker market conditions and high energy costs have impacted on DS Smith's packaging margins as the company implements a further price increase for corrugated products.

Almost 400 jobs are at risk following paper manufacturing giant International Paper's announcement that it has entered into consultation with staff at its Inverurie mill in Scotland.

Robert Horne has used Total Print! Expo (TPE) to announce it has become a UK dealer for the Mimaki CJV30 solvent inkjet printer/cutter.

Paper merchant Independent Paper, Denmaur Paper's subsidiary, has added its Amadeus brand to the group's 3R paper range.