Ian Melin-Jones
Van Houtum signed C2C Organization Charter
On the 1st of October Michael Braungart and our Managing Director Henk van Houtum signed the “Cradle to Cradle Organization” Charter. ‘This is a confirmation of the road we’re on,’ explains Henk. ‘We want to be a company with a positive agenda.’
About a dozen companies worldwide are entitled to use the name “Cradle to Cradle Charter Organization”. This is a recognition of organizations which implement C2C design principles and practice in their products, services, operations and organizational change efforts.
‘Right now we have some products that are C2C certified,’ explains Henk. ‘But basically we are developing a roadmap for the future on all aspects of our business.’
Optimizing the good things
Michael Braungart – one of the founding fathers of the MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry) – states that people often concentrate on the wrong things. ‘Entrepreneurs have been trying to be “less bad” for so long. Why? Don’t be ashamed of your product and company! The challenge lies in optimizing the right things, in re-inventing and re-designing them. That is why the C2C Organization Charter is so important.
‘It’s all about eco-effectiveness,’ says Henk. ‘You need to do the right things right. Our company uses recycled paper for fourty-five years, which for us was nothing special. But actually it is quite innovative! In addition we have a low energy consumption as we produce energy ourselves. All of this is achieved in a natural way because of our deep respect for people and planet. It’s just our way of life.
The Challenge of Van Houtum:
• Helping its customers becoming sustainable with Satino Black;
• Being a vital and inspiring employer;
• Creating a fantastic and healthy environment for all its neighbours;
• Working CO2 positive;
• Increasing the use of local raw materials;
• Making cycles with its suppliers and customers.
Mondi is acknowledged for sustainable development and industry excellence
Mondi has received 6 PPI Award nominations for achievements in the pulp and paper industry and is up for a Green Business Award in the Carbon Emission Performance category
Mondi has been shortlisted for six of the twelve 2010 Pulp & Paper International Awards taking place on November 16th in Brussels. The PPI Awards are the only global awards dedicated to recognizing the achievements of companies, mills and individuals in the pulp and paper sector. The Green Business awards, held November 2nd in London, acknowledge excellence in green practice, strategy and products.
“We are extremely proud of all of our Mondi finalists and the fact that Mondi has been nominated for six out of 12 PPI prizes and a Green Business Award. It is rewarding to have our accomplishments recognized in this way, particularly with regard to Sustainable Development.,” says Peter J. Oswald, CEO of Mondi Europe & International.
PPI nominated Mondi for:
· Company Awards
o Uncoated Fine Paper´s Green Range for Promotional Campaign of the Year
o Mondi Group Austria for Environmental Strategy of the Year
· Mill Awards
o Mondi SCP Ruzomberok in Slovakia for Environmental Strategy of the Year
o Mondi Syktyvkar for Efficiency Improvements of the Year
· Individual Awards
o Maciej Kunda from Mondi Swiecie (Poland)for Mill Manager of the Year
o Andreas Kornherr, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper for Research Achievement of the Year
The Green Business awards seek out the most innovative, ambitious and effective initiatives for achieving environmental sustainability and implementing smart business practice. Mondi is among the finalists in the Carbon emission performance category, which is awarded to companies having shown leadership in realising absolute emissions reductions over the past 2 years.
Contact
Jolene Pozniak, Communications Manager, Uncoated Fine Paper
Tel: +43 (1) 79013 – 5663, e-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper Sales GmbH, Kelsenstraße 7, A-1032 Wien
About Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper
Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper is a business unit of Mondi, a leading international paper and packaging company. In 6 manufacturing facilities, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper produces office and printing papers with the environment in mind. It complies with the strictest international certification standards and regularly earns credits for this policy such as the #1 position in WWF’s 2010 paper company environmental index.
Its renowned brands such as Color Copy, IQ, MAESTRO®, Nautilus®, BIO TOP 3® or Snegurochka are used as office papers in laser or inkjet printers, and professional printers create brochures, folders, invitations, business cards, letterheads or other high-impact printouts on digital and offset printing presses.
About Mondi:
Mondi is an international paper and packaging company, with production operations across 31 countries and revenues of €5.3 billion in 2009. The Group’s key operations are located in Central Europe, Russia and South Africa and employed 31,000 people on average in 2009.
Mondi is fully integrated across the paper and packaging process, from the growing of wood and the manufacture of pulp and paper (including recycled paper), to the conversion of packaging papers into corrugated packaging and industrial bags.
The Group is principally involved in the manufacture of uncoated fine paper (UFP), packaging paper and converted packaging products, as well as speciality products.
Mondi is a dual listed company, with primary listings on the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges under the ticker codes MND (JSE) and MNDI (LSE) respectively. The Group has been recognised for its sustainability performance through its inclusion in the FTSE4Good UK, Europe and Global indices in 2008 and 2009 and the JSE’s Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Index in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Sale of Howe Sound Pulp and Paper completed
The sale of Howe Sound Pulp and Paper to Paper Excellence B.V., announced in July, is now complete.
Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Limited Partnership, jointly owned by Canfor Corp. and Oji Paper Co. Ltd. of Japan, has completed the sale of all its operating assets to Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Corporation, a newly formed subsidiary of Paper Excellence B.V.
The principal asset in the sale is the pulp and paper facility at Port Mellon, B.C., capable of producing 400,000 tonnes of NBSK pulp and 230,000 tonnes of mechanical paper.
ANDRITZ confirms long-term corporate goals at its Capital Market Day 2010
At the ANDRITZ Capital Market Day 2010, Wolfgang Leitner, President and CEO of ANDRITZ AG, today confirmed the international technology Group’s long-term goals. ‛The ANDRITZ GROUP’s financial goals are to achieve a sustained average EBITA margin of 7% over the cycle and Group sales of approximately 4.5 billion Euros by 2013/2014’, says Leitner and adds, ‛In the past ten years, ANDRITZ has increased Group sales by over 15% per annum, and the EBITA margin has risen from 4.7% in 2000 to 6.3% in the first half of 2010’.
The sales target for the ANDRITZ GROUP of around 4.5 billion Euros originally stated for 2008 was postponed last year until 2013/2014 as a result of the global financial and economic crisis. Above all, future development of the global economy will determine whether this goal is achievable or not. ‛From today’s point of view, we expect a slight recovery of the global economy over the next few years. Based on these expectations and in view of the cost reduction measures implemented last year as well as the solid order intake and order backlog for the first half of 2010, the achievement of our long-term sales and earnings targets by 2013/2014 is possible", Leitner substantiates.
Assuming Group sales of approximately 4.5 billion Euros, an EBITA margin of 7%, and a tax rate of 30%, earnings per share of around 4.15 EUR could be achieved in 2014 (2008: 2.73 EUR per share; 2009: 1.89 EUR per share). ANDRITZ has increased its earnings per share by an annual average of 17.3% since 2000.
ANDRITZ intends to continue its dividend policy focused on continuity. After increasing the dividend payout ratio to approximately 50% for the 2009 business year, ANDRITZ aims to increase this ratio gradually to around 60% over the next few years.
Acquisition of B-Pack Due
Amcor announces today the acquisition of B-Pack Due, a cast polypropylene (CPP) film manufacturer based in Italy.
1 October, 2010: The acquisition price is €43 million and represents an EBITDA multiple of 4.9 times annualised EBITDAi of €8.8m.The business had sales in CY2009 of €43 million.
B-Pack Due is a leading manufacturer of film for high performance applications using complimentary technology to Amcor’s existing platform. Key end markets are medical, pet food and other laminated food packaging. Amcor currently purchases approximately a third of B-Pack Due production.
As part of the acquisition of B-Pack Due, Amcor has also entered into an exclusive supply agreement with Colines S.p.A, a world leading manufacturer of extrusion lines, and supplier to B-Pack Due. The exclusivity agreement, which covers large capacity lines, provides Amcor with protected access to a world leading CPP manufacturing technology that will serve as a platform for anticipated further expansion in CPP films.
Amcor’s Managing Director and CEO, Ken MacKenzie said: “This acquisition is an important step in the overall film strategy for the flexibles business.
“B-Pack Due is a global leader in the production of cast polypropylene film and has a number of specialised products and unique process know-how.
“This acquisition is complementary to our existing operations as Amcor currently does not have a large position making these films.
“The acquisition price of 4.9 times EBITDA enables us to achieve very strong returns on our investment”.
i Annualised EBITDA is based on second quarter calendar year 2010 earnings. This is the first quarter that additional production from capacity commissioned in February 2010 was fully available for sale. Based on calendar year 2009 earnings, the EBITDA multiple is 5.3 times.
Commercial Property Insurer FM Global’s A+ (Superior) Financial Strength Rating Affirmed by A.M. Best
JOHNSTON, R.I., USA—Insurance ratings company A.M. Best has affirmed FM Global’s A+ (Superior) financial performance rating and “stable” rating outlook, citing the commercial property insurer’s “conservative underwriting leverage, solid earnings and strong cash flow.” An A+ rating is assigned to those insurers with “a very strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders,” according to A.M. Best.
A.M. Best noted that “the ratings affirmation reflects FM Global’s very strong capitalization, solid operating performance, benefits from its loss prevention technology and property conservation, and its market leadership position in the commercial property market.” A.M. Best added that the ratings outlook reflects its view that FM Global’s “capitalization will remain more than supportive of the current rating, growing through strong earnings and its leadership position in providing property coverage worldwide.”
The ratings company noted that FM Global is a “market leader” with “solid operating performance” that serves “a significant number of FORTUNE 1000 companies worldwide, many of which have been with FM Global for more than 25 years” and pointed to the company’s “ability to consistently retain more than 90 percent of its policyholders” as a result of its “stable capacity, unmatched (loss prevention) engineering, global reach, loss prevention technology, shared commitment with its policyholders to property preservation and the strategic use of membership credits” for its policyholders.
FM Global’s financial strength rating from A.M. Best is an independent opinion based on a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the company’s balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile.
For 175 years, many of the world’s largest organizations have turned to FM Global (www.fmglobal.com) to develop cost-effective property insurance and engineering solutions to protect their business operations from fire, natural disasters and other types of property risk. FM Global ranks #545 among FORTUNE magazine’s largest companies in America and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best and AA (Very Strong) by Fitch Ratings. The company has been named “Best Property Insurer in the World" by Euromoney magazine and “Best Global Property Insurer" by Global Finance magazine.
Previously announced Copamex acquisition completed
SCA’s acquisition of the Copamex baby diaper business in Mexico and Central America has now been completed. The purchase price is equivalent to approximately USD 50m on a debt-free basis.
SCA already holds several strong market positions within the hygiene products segment, with tissue, feminine and incontinence protection products. The acquisition adds baby diapers to SCA’s product portfolio in Mexico and Central America.
The finalizing of the transaction follows approval by the Mexican anti-trust authorities.
The first press release regarding the transaction was published on 21 July 2010.
For additional information, please contact
Petter Tiger, Press and Media Officer, +46 8 788 53 62
Metso to supply tissue line to ICT in France
Metso will supply a complete tissue production line to the Italian Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti group. The tissue line will be installed at Montargis in France. The line will be started up in the second quarter of 2011. The value of the order that was received in April will not be disclosed.
Metso's delivery will comprise a complete tissue production line with stock preparation equipment and an Advantage DCT 200 tissue machine including an OptiFlo II TIS multi-layer headbox, a Metso Yankee cylinder, an Advantage AirCap hood, an Advantage WetDust dust management system and an Advantage SoftReel reel. The production line will be optimized to enhance final product quality and save energy. The delivery will also comprise an extensive Metso automation package including metsoDNA machine, process and integrated drive controls, as well as a PaperIQ Select quality control system with an IQScanner-i scanner and an IQFibre sensor.
With a width of 5.6 m and an operating speed of 1900 m/min, the new production line will produce 60-70,000 tons/yr of high-quality facial, toilet and towel grades. The raw material for the new line will be virgin pulp.
Industrie Cartarie Tronchetti is headquartered in Lucca, Italy, and operates mills in Italy, Spain and Poland with a combined capacity of 400,000 tons a year, has a turnover of more than €500 million and around 1000 employees. The group has been present in France since 1999 through its sales organization based in Paris.
Sonoco to Host Third Quarter 2010 Investor Conference Call
Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, will host its regular quarterly investor conference call on Thursday, October 21, 2010, at 11 a.m. Eastern time, to review its financial results for the third quarter of 2010. Participants from Sonoco will include Harris E. DeLoach, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer, Charles J. Hupfer, senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Roger P. Schrum, vice president, investor relations and corporate affairs. Sonoco intends to issue a news release reporting its third quarter 2010 financial results at 7:30 a.m. Eastern time on October 21, 2010.
The live investor conference call webcast can be accessed via the Internet at http://www.sonoco.com, under the "Latest News" section. Those planning to participate should plan to connect to the live webcast at least ten minutes prior to the start. Those interested in participating in the live interactive call should contact Sonoco Investor Relations at +843/339-6748 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register. A telephonic replay of the call will be available starting at 2 p.m. Eastern time to U.S. callers at 888/286-8010 and international callers at +617/801-6888. The replay passcode for both U.S. and international calls is 65867347. The archived call will be available through October 28, 2010.
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $3.6 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information on the Company, visit our Web site at http://www.sonoco.com.
SOURCE: Sonoco
Sonoco
Roger Schrum, 843-339-6018
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Global Stakeholders to Comment on Canadian Forest Management Standards
PEFC Canada is seeking endorsement by PEFC International for its CSA Sustainable Forest Management(SFM) Programme and has submitted its two standards for independent assessment. Stakeholders globally are encouraged to participate in the public consultation, which is open until 1 Decemeber 2010.
The CSA SFM Programme consists of revised CAN/CSA-Z809-02 Sustainable Forest Management: Requirements, which embodies the most broadly accepted Canadian forest management values generated to date. Originally published in 1996, work on the third edition started in 2004 and includes requirements for public participation, performance, management systems, review of actions, monitoring of effectiveness, and continual improvement.
The second standard, CAN/CSA-Z804, is intended for use by private woodlot of up to 4,000 hectares and can be used for small forests that are owned by individuals, municipalities, foundations, religious or social organizations, Aboriginal communities or governments.
CSA requires extensive public participation in the development of its Standards. Both standards were developed in a consensus-based, multi-stakeholder process by the same CSA Technical Committee on Sustainable Forest Management and were approved as National Standards of Canada by the Standards Council of Canada.
The need for public participation is also strongly emphasized in this Standard, which requires organizations to seek comprehensive, continuing public participation and to work with Aboriginal Peoples at the community level.
"With the majority of Canada's forests being publicly owned, it is of vital importance that Canadian forest certification standards involve the public extensively in the forest management planning process," explained Paul Wooding, PEFC Canada National Secretary. "In response, the public participation requirements of these standards are among the most rigorous in certification standards in the world today."
Equally meticulous is the process that national forest certification systems must undertake to gain global recognition by PEFC International. Any system seeking to obtain PEFC endorsement or re-endorsement must submit to a comprehensive and thorough assessment process, including independent evaluation and public consultation. A full final report of this process is then made publicly available.
"This process designed to ensure that national standards comply with PEFC's Sustainability Benchmark and that all requirements are rigorously and consistently applied across all national certification systems," emphasized Ben Gunneberg, PEFC International General Secretary.
Further Information
Please submit your comments by 1 December, 2010, using PEFC's Online Consultation Tool.