+++ IMPORTANT +++ Pöyry: Civil and detail engineering contract for new UPM Biorefinery Pöyry's Industry business group has been awarded an engineering contract for detail engineering in the UPM Biorefinery project in Lappeenranta, Finland. The order has been booked in the second quarter order book. The parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the assignment. › more

+++ IMPORTANT +++ SCA: Accepting DS Smith's formal offer SCA has accepted DS Smith's formal offer to acquire the packaging operations in France following consultations with appropriate works councils. As a result, a sale and purchase agreement has been signed by both parties. › more

Mondi: Annoucing price increase for sack kraft grades Mondi has announced a price increase of 8 to 10 % for all unbleached and bleached sack kraft grades in Europe. › more

US: Direct mail is the top marketing priority for 2012 Direct mail is the top marketing priority for 2012 in the US according to the results of SourceLink's most recent client survey. The survey highlights key trends in marketing services and transactional document processing priorities, as well as challenges and direction for the future. › more

CEPI: Paper-based packaging recycling at 78% Paper is the most recycled packaging material in the EU with a recycling rate of 78% based on 2010 figures. The rate was announced by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), who used Eurostat data for their calculations. › more

CEPI: Supporting Italien Waste Shipment Law The recent Italian waste law amendment enforces good global environmental standards in recycling. According to the decree dated 4 April 2012, each international waste shipment must now be accompanied by a certificate issued by the authorities in the destination country confirming that the environmental standards applicable in that country are comparable to those prescribed in the EU. › more

ICFPA: Invitation to take part in “Forests: the Heart of a Green Economy” The International Council of Forests and Paper Associations invites all interested forest sector stakeholders to take part in “Forests: the Heart of a Green Economy”, a full day event on 18 June co-organized by FAO, ICFPA, BRACELPA, and other partners. › more

Innventia: Advanced lightweight material from forestry Promising research findings with carbon fibre from lignin are presented in a new doctoral thesis by Ida Norberg. On 20 April, Norberg defended her doctoral thesis “Carbon fibres from kraft lignin” at Innventia in Stockholm, Sweden. › more

UPM: Continuing co-operation with Monocle magazine UPM has partnered with Monocle – a leading global affairs magazine – to produce the Monocle Helsinki City Survey. The survey, printed on UPM Fine, provides its readers with engaging insight into Helsinki, the World Design Capital 2012. › more

Ahlstrom: Expanding release papers product range in South America Ahlstrom will extend the range of release papers produced at its Jacareì plant in Brazil with the introduction of calendered Ahlstrom SILCA™ Soft grades. › more

VTT presidents wants Finland to create a bioeconomy strategy Recently, during the VTT Bioeconomy Forum Finland event, the president and CEO of VTT opened discussion on bioeconomy strategy and establishing a various partnership networks. Erkki KM Leppävuori said: “Finland should create a national bioeconomy strategy as soon as possible!” › more

Cristini Diagnostic Systems: Introducing FiberScanFIX FiberScanFIX is the new, on-line microwave consistency meter, to measure drainage & consistency on any paper and pulp machine. It can be connected to multiple sensors, installed on various positions in the forming section. › more

Alier S.A.: Entrusting Voith with maintenance contract Spanish manufacturer of recycled paper Alier S.A. has contracted Voith to take over the complete maintenance of its stock preparation, paper machines, finishing and water treatment facilities at its Rosselló site, Spain, for a minimum of five years. › more