But What Else Can NewPage Study For "US"?

After receiving $30 million in 2008, and another $20 million last year from the U.S. Department of Energy to study the feasibility to produce biodiesel fuel from waste residue at its Wisconsin Rapids mill, NewPage pulls the plug by determining "that the economics did not justify the company's continued participation with the project."  With diesel fuel prices near their 2008 all time highs, one wonders how high the price of diesel fuel would have to be to make the project viable?  Or just maybe NewPage (in Chapter 11) isn't willing to commit to making future mill waste at this location?

Scientists Create "Futuristic" Paper

Researchers at the Italian Institute of Technology reportedly have developed patents for a process that coats individual cellulose fibers with materials that make paper waterproof, or magnetic, or antimicrobial or a combination of features.  "What's cool is that even though the paper has taken on additional properties, in most instances it continues to feel and function like regular old paper."

The Watermill Group Vision

Continuing it strategic vision of recycling recycled paper mills, the Watermill Group acquires bankrupt Manistique Papers (which produces 100% recycled uncoated paper grades) to complement its 2009 acquisition of FutureMark Paper Company (which produces 100% recycled coated paper grades).  Both companies will share a common CEO but will operate separately while achieving economies of scale.  This 2011 article states that their "green" business strategy rewards the company with 2-5% above average industry prices.  No word though on how sister company MultiLayer Coating Technologies, LLC (acquired from Polaroid in 2006) is doing (other than they have some equipment for sale).

Mohawk Reinvents Itself

Fourth generation family owned Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. announces plans to go forth and streamline offerings and get closer to the consumer; says it will jettison 50% of its SKU's and 75% of the words in its name!

Crank UP The Impression!

Letterpress printing process gains new advocates in our digital age.  Go figure!