July 2024 Forest Industry and Resource Newsletter

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minnesota department of natural resources

July 2024 Forest Industry and Resource Newsletter

July 3, 2024

A paper box of Amazon packaging has paper filling inside

Amazon is shifting from the plastic air pillows used for packaging in North America to recycled paper. (Amazon)


Industry News

Federal Reserve rate stagnation impacts wood products markets

The ongoing Federal Reserve rate stagnation is having a ripple effect across the wood products market and the broader economy, affecting everything from homebuying to the lumber industry. Learn more.

United States asks EU to delay deforestation law, letter shows

The United States has asked the European Union to delay its upcoming ban on imports of soy, wood and other commodities linked to deforestation, a letter seen by Reuters shows, as U.S. exporters struggle to be ready in time. Read the article.

Forisk Market Bulletin: June 2024 Mill Update

Forest products manufacturers continue to complete capital projects and plan new investments, while some firms are closing lower performing mills. Most of the added capacity is in the U.S. South with only a few exceptions. Western Canada and the U.S. West remain the leading regions for new and expanded mass timber mills. See recent and active projects.


Products and Technology

Innovative sustainability measures by pulp and paper industry leaders

Every month, the pulp and paper industry garners attention with its dynamic partnerships, innovative product launches, and sustainability-focused initiatives. View a roundup of the most impactful recent headlines. 

Swedish company launches bio-based plastic derived from forest residues

Lignin Industries claims it has developed a way to end reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics by transforming lignin, an organic material, into ‘renewable, circular’ bioplastics. Lignin is an organic polymer most commonly found in trees. It provides structure and aids in water retention, while preventing toxins from entering. Read more about their new product. 

Stora invests €100 million in wood-based EV batteries, CEO says

Stora Enso Oyj is preparing to invest about €100 million ($110 million) in a pioneering project to use wood in electric vehicle batteries and offer an alternative to components currently made in China, according to its chief executive officer. Read more. 


General Information

Gov. Walz, Lt. Gov. Flanagan announce MFRC appointments

Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced the member appointments and reappointments to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) effective through Jan. 3, 2028. See MFRC newsletter for this article and more. 

Historic North American delegation visits Finland to explore forest industry innovations

Business Finland is hosting a visit from over 60 delegations from the North American forest and wood products industry to gain insights into the country's advanced forestry practices and innovative wood-based technologies. The delegates, from 9 U.S. states including Minnesota, will explore forestry management, wood construction, and logging practices across southern, central, western, and eastern Finland. The aim is to familiarize the North Americans with Finland's forest expertise, sustainable forest policies, carbon reduction strategies, and the diverse operations of the Finnish forest industry. Learn more.

Sappi Wins Telly and TITAN Awards for “The Power of Trees” Video

The video campaign showcases Sappi's dedication to responsible forestry management using recyclable wood fiber.  See the press release, including a link to the video. 

So long plastic air pillows: Amazon shifting to recycled paper filling for packages in North America

Amazon is shifting from the plastic air pillows used for packaging in North America to recycled paper because it’s more environmentally sound, and it says paper just works better. Learn more.