News Releases

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia – August 8, 2024 (Press Release) – Port Hawkesbury Paper, a leader in paper manufacturing and innovation in North America, announces the hiring of Eric Huard as the Director of Specialty Sales.

Eric received his bachelor’s in chemical engineering from Ecole Polytechnique (University of Montreal). He started his career with a leading paper machine clothing company, later acquired by Voith, as a technical support representative before moving into sales. His responsibilities included accounts in Eastern Canada and the Canadian Maritimes. In his role with Voith, Eric was involved with the start-up of PM 2 at the Port Hawkesbury mill.

In 2005, Eric joined MeadWestvaco in Chillicothe, Ohio, and was responsible for carbonless sales in Eastern Canada. The Chillicothe mill changed ownerships (NewPage, Glatfelter, and now Pixelle Specialty Solutions), and Eric’s responsibilities grew within the organization to sell book and specially engineered product grades.

“Throughout his career, Eric has developed solid business relationships with end-users in the markets Port Hawkesbury currently participates in,” states John Picklesimer, President of Sales for Port Hawkesbury Paper. We look forward to Eric leading our efforts in many of these markets, developing new areas of opportunity, and collaborating with our current sales team on targeted accounts.”

For information about Port Hawkesbury Paper, please visit our website (Port Hawkesbury Paper | Port Hawkesbury Paper).

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

Port Hawkesbury Paper is a forward-looking natural resources company committed to operating at the highest safety standard while caring for the environment and empowering our people to deliver top-quality products & customer service. We see integrity at the core of every relationship and a key principle as we strive for excellence in all we do in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in Thermal Mechanical Pulp and Supercalendered paper production in North America. Port Hawkesbury Paper’s approach to business and environmental sustainability creates an economic cornerstone for eastern Nova Scotia.

Port Hawkesbury Paper ships its products to customers throughout North America and worldwide. The mill produces the Artisan® (SCA++) and Prominence® Plus (SCA+), and now Altitude (80 bright SCA++) brands for use in retail inserts, catalogs, magazines, circulars, coupons, and specialty packaging applications.

For Sales Information, please contact:

John Picklesimer

john.picklesimer@porthawkesburypaper.com

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Port Hawkesbury Paper Launches Altitude – Setting a New Standard for Supercalendered Paper

2024-06-28 04:00:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia – June 28, 2024 (Press Release) – Port Hawkesbury Paper, a leader in paper manufacturing and innovation in North America, announces the release of our 80-bright supercalendered product, Altitude.

The Altitude SCA++ product line is a unique offering from Port Hawkesbury Paper with various characteristics that set it apart, including high brightness, optimal print surface, and exceptional formation. Available in 50#, 55#, and 60# basis weights, Altitude is a versatile choice for both the inside and cover of any catalog or publication. Not only does it reset the standard for premium supercalendered papers, but it also competes directly with coated groundwood sheets in quality and runnability.

“Brands, catalogers, printers and publishers are looking to market and promote their products using print but are also challenged with rising postage costs,” states John Picklesimer, President of Sales for Port Hawkesbury Paper. “We continue to look for ways to improve our supercalendered paper products to meet the high standards needed for quality printed materials, but also offer a cost-competitive option to offset some of the costs of printing and postage.”

Key Altitude Product Features Include:

High Brightness: With a brightness level of 80, Altitude ensures vibrant print images and sharp text.
Variety of Basis Weights: Options include 50#, 55#, and 60# basis weights to cater to different publishing needs.
Certified Sustainability: Available with FSC®, SFI®, or PEFC™ certification, supporting environmental stewardship.
Exceptional Print Quality: Ideal for various applications such as magazines, retail inserts, direct mail, and specialized print applications.
Superior Ink Holdout: Ensures high-quality print with unbeatable performance and a smooth surface.

Altitude is now available for order. For more details on Altitude and other Port Hawkesbury Paper products, please visit our website (Port Hawkesbury Paper | Port Hawkesbury Paper) or contact your sales representative or customer service at 1.800.989.3608 or email customerservice@porthawkesburypaper.com.

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

For further media information, please contact:

Jill Crossley

jill.crossley@porthawkesburypaper.com

For Sales Information, please contact:

John Picklesimer

john.picklesimer@porthawkesburypaper.com

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Port Hawkesbury Paper’s Sustainability Report highlights forest stewardship, wind farm

2023-08-08 08:00:00

August 8, 2023 (Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia) – Port Hawkesbury Paper has released its annual Sustainability Report. The report is an accounting of our efforts and results in environmental performance areas of energy management, waste reduction, water use, forest and indigenous lands stewardship, and community engagement.

In addition to a look at trends in these key areas, report highlights include:

Celebrating 15 years of Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C023189) certification and successfully transitioning from the FSC Maritime standard to the FSC National Forest Stewardship Standard of Canada.
The approval of PHP’s Goose Harbour Lake Wind Farm Project by the Minister of Environment, with construction to begin in 2024. The 130-megawatt wind farm will supply up to 40% of the facility's required electrical power and reduce its carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
Transitioning the Woodlands Department to a new forest management system and a 100-year plan, which collectively manages biodiversity conservation, multiple resource use, ecosystem functions, natural conditions, and increased fibre production objectives.

"We are proud to share our Sustainability Report, which serves as a testament to Port Hawkesbury Paper's ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement. This report underscores the work done by our employees to effectively innovate and improve our sustainable practices, as we strive to minimize our ecological footprint and bolster long-term growth," said Bevan Lock, Co-Mill Manager at Port Hawkesbury Paper.

Click to read or download the 2022 Port Hawkesbury Paper Sustainability Report.

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

Port Hawkesbury Paper is a forward-looking natural resource and manufacturing company committed to operating at the highest safety standard while caring for the environment and empowering our people to deliver top-quality products and customer service. We are a leader in Thermal Mechanical Pulp and Supercalendered paper production in North America. Port Hawkesbury Paper’s business and environmental sustainability approach creates an economic cornerstone for eastern Nova Scotia.

For more information, please contact:

Geoff Clarke

Director, Sustainability & Economic Development

geoffrey.clarke@porthawkesburypaper.com

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Nova Scotia Innovation Hub announces project to highlight Nova Scotia bioeconomy sector

2023-02-01 06:00:00

Release from Nova Scotia Innovation Hub (NSIH)

The Nova Scotia Innovation Hub (NSIH) is announcing the launch of a new initiative aimed at promoting Nova Scotia’s extensive bioeconomy infrastructure to audiences around the world. The Bioeconomy Sites Project showcases industrial sites across the province to national and international firms in the low-carbon renewable resource sector.

“Nova Scotia is uniquely positioned to support bioeconomy initiatives,” said Rod Badcock, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Innovation Hub. “The infrastructure, talent, and resources that already exist in this province give bioeconomy companies a head start, allowing them to grow and succeed more quickly and easily. The Bioeconomy Sites Project is part of our efforts to showcase to the world what Nova Scotia has to offer.”

As part of the rollout of the project, NSIH created the website nsbioeconomysites.com that highlights industrial sites across the province that can foster and support new initiatives or host existing businesses looking to expand. The site also includes resources for organizations looking to learn more about why Nova Scotia is well-positioned to be a leader in the transition to a low-carbon future.

“Nova Scotia’s vibrant renewable resource sectors make it an excellent location for biotechnology and bioresource firms,” says Geoffrey Clarke, Director of Business Development for Port Hawkesbury Paper, one of the locations profiled on the site. “This exciting new medium will showcase Nova Scotia to international investors and encourage innovation and collaboration within the province.”

As one of Canada’s leading regions for renewable resource innovation, Nova Scotia’s forestry, agriculture and ocean sectors generate by-products that can be harvested and processed to create innovative and sustainable products and processes, such as biodegradable plastics, biofuels, and wood fibre reinforced concrete. The success of Nova Scotia’s bioeconomy is driven by work done in the province’s rural regions, making rural areas the ideal location for organizations creating new sustainable uses for these by-products. Continued growth in this sector will help strengthen these rural communities for generations.

“The Nova Scotian bioeconomy is a strong sector that is advancing innovation each and every day,” says Mark Masotti, President and CEO of AlterBiota, a Sydney-based biotechnology company. “The AlterBiota team has worked with a local sawmill to test our technologies with great success. We’re eager to see future bioeconomy developments in the province.”

The Nova Scotia Innovation Hub works to accelerate the growth of Nova Scotia’s low carbon, bio-resource economy. NSIH facilitates best-in-class, investment-ready conditions for organizations looking to capitalize on the growing demand for low-carbon products and processes by developing sustainable uses for bioresources and biotechnology. By fostering collaboration among regional stakeholders and working to advance the efficiency of the renewable feedstock supply chain, Nova Scotia Innovation Hub promotes and supports innovation within Nova Scotia’s renewable resource sector.

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Media Contact

Emily Truesdale

etruesdale@national.ca

902-989-4159

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Port Hawkesbury Paper Releases Annual Sustainability Report

2022-06-30 08:00:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia – June 30, 2022 (Press Release) – Port Hawkesbury Paper has announced the release of its annual sustainability report. The report includes key measurements for 2021, such as water and fuel consumption, waste, energy use, and forest management and certification. This year, Port Hawkesbury Paper celebrates 10 years of investment, innovation and stewardship. The milestone is an opportunity to reflect on what the company has accomplished, while looking to future commitments to sustainability – from exploring alternative energy resources (wind power, green hydrogen) to providing ongoing protection for species at risk.

“Ultimately, sustainability is about building a business that provides jobs and grows the region’s economy, while reducing and transparently managing our resource use to be successful for the long term,” said Bevan Lock, Mill Co-Manager for Port Hawkesbury Paper. “We continue to significantly improve mill and woodland operations – impacting both sustainability results and costs.”

Some of the report highlights include the following achievements:

4% reduction in electricity use per tonne of paper produced
6% reduction in net steam per tonne of paper produced
5% reduction in effluent per tonne of paper produced
25% reduction in wet and 14% reduction in dry solid waste per ton of paper produced

Since 2001, the company has maintained forest management certification and is currently certified to the forest management standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®; FSC- C023189) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®). The company is also independently certified to the chain of custody standards of FSC (FSC-C112699), SFI, and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)

To download a PDF of the entire Sustainability Report, please visit our website:

Port Hawkesbury Paper Sustainability Report

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

Port Hawkesbury Paper ships its products to customers throughout North America and worldwide. The mill produces the Artisan® (SCA++) and Prominence® Plus (SCA+) brands for use in retail inserts, catalogs, magazines, circulars, coupons, and specialty packaging applications.

For further information, please contact:

Bevan Lock

Mill, Co-Manager

bevan.lock@porthawkesburypaper.com

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2022-06-21 09:08:00

CHARBONE HYDROGEN Corporation (TSXV:CH) (“Charbone”) is pleased to announce the execution, as of June 20, 2022, of a non-binding memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) between Charbone and Port Hawkesbury Paper, LP (“PHP”), pursuant to which the parties are entering into discussions and intend to develop a partnership for the establishment of Charbone’s first small-scale green hydrogen production facility in the Maritimes. The facility is expected to be located on the campus of PHP’s eco-industrial park in Richmond County, on the outskirts of the Town of Port Hawkesbury.

Read the full release here:

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/06/21/2466202/0/en/Charbone-Hydrogen-Announces-the-Execution-of-a-Memorandum-of-Understanding-with-Port-Hawkesbury-Paper-LP-to-Develop-and-Construct-the-First-Green-Hydrogen-Production-Facility-at-th.html

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Port Hawkesbury Paper Certifies to New Forest Stewardship Council® National Standard

2021-06-01 08:00:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia – June 1, 2021 (Press Release) – Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) has announced the successful transition of its Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) Maritime certification to the new FSC national standard for responsible forest management in Canada. The new national standard was developed to replace the four regional standards in Canada, which is considered more comprehensive and rigorous than the previous regional standards. Some main areas that are significantly different are:

Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) - new requirements for completing an FPIC process with Indigenous Peoples’ to ensure that forest management activities do not negatively impact their identified legal and customary rights upon which their cultures and livelihoods depend.
Stakeholder & culturally appropriate engagement – includes broader requirements around how to engage with stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples on our forest management planning, as well as the development of a dispute resolution process for complaints that may affect local communities and Indigenous Peoples.
Ecology & Forest Management – a requirement to develop a pre-industrial condition report or range of natural variation report as a benchmark for what the forest looked like before management so appropriate targets can be set to maintain or return the forest to a more natural condition.
Includes additional requirements around identifying a conservation area network and ecological gap analysis.

“Port Hawkesbury Paper is a company long committed to sustainable forest management, and our business is predicated upon responsible forestry practices,” states co-mill manager Bevan Lock. “We want to ensure accountability and transparency in our forest management efforts, so maintaining and complying to internationally recognized third-party certifications, like FSC, is critical for our business and our customers.”

The Crown lands licensed to PHP under the Forest Utilization License Agreement with the province of Nova Scotia have been certified to the FSC Maritime Standard for Best Forestry Practices since 2008. The transition to the new national standard for Canada will not interrupt PHP’s commitment and maintenance of its FSC certification for responsible forest management. The national standard certification process is ongoing, and various sections of the standard will be audited annually within the transition period allowed by FSC Canada. PHP is the only industrial company in the Maritimes that is independently certified to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) forest management and chain of custody standards, Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) forest management and chain of custody standards, and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™ (PEFC™) chain of custody standard.

About FSC

FSC has over 26 years of experience in setting the gold standard for sustainable forest management around the world. FSC’s unique democratic standard-setting process enables forest owners, communities and businesses to jointly make decisions on issues impacting forests today and in the future. This ensures inclusivity in finding the best solutions. Through our global standards, unrivaled stakeholder engagement and support from businesses and NGOs, FSC is the world’s most credible solution for sustainable forest management; trusted to secure better outcomes for the markets, communities and forests for today and future generations.

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

For more information, visit www.porthawkesburypaper.com

Or contact:

Andrea Doucette

Forest Sustainability Specialist

Port Hawkesbury Paper

E: andrea.doucette@porthawkesburypaper.com

C: 902-870-0708

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Port Hawkesbury Paper installs towers to monitor wind for a potential 112-megawatt wind farm in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia

2021-02-12 08:00:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, February 12, 2020 - Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) has taken another significant step in the development process for the 112- megawatt wind farm first announced in December 2019 by directly funding the installation of two meteorological towers on the proposed project site in Guysborough County, Nova Scotia.

These two towers will collect vital wind data over the next twelve months. As part of PHP’s due diligence process, the collected data will serve to verify the wind resource over the project site and facilitate project design in terms of potential turbine distribution and arrangement. Positive results from the due diligence process could enable construction to begin in 2022, subject to all appropriate legislative and regulatory requirements. When built, this project would be the largest wind farm in Nova Scotia and supply green power directly to PHP. Construction of the farm would generate local employment and significant ongoing tax revenues in the province.

The towers are a critical piece of the due diligence process PHP has been working on in collaboration with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to determine the proposed wind farm’s financial viability. This collaboration could lead to a CIB investment in the project, subject to all standard due diligence and decision making.

“We are excited about the potential of this project to contribute to our mission to make Port Hawkesbury Paper the highest quality and most competitive producer of supercalendered paper in North America while at the same time being a great place to work, environmentally responsible and a strong contributor to the province of Nova Scotia,” states Ron Stern, President Stern Partners.

PHP is the largest industrial employer in the region and the largest energy consumer on the Nova Scotia grid, representing 10% of the province’s demands. Development of the project would further enhance sustainable energy supply to Nova Scotian industry while also supporting provincial and federal environmental commitments. This project is just one of PHP’s ongoing commitments to build an environmentally sustainable business.

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

suppliers, and customers. Quality, reliability, and consistency of products and services deliver ultimate customer value. PHP is the only industrial company in the Maritimes that is independently certified to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) forest management and chain of custody standards, Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) forest management and chain of custody standards, and PEFC™ chain of custody standard.

For more information, visit www.porthawkesburypaper.com.

Contact:

Allan Eddy

Director of Business Development

Port Hawkesbury Paper

allan.eddy@porthawkesburypaper.com

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Port Hawkesbury Paper carries on a tradition of support for Strait Richmond Hospital

2020-12-11 08:00:00

December 11, 2020, Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia - 40 years after the Strait Richmond Hospital first opened with the help of a major gift from the employees of Port Hawkesbury’s Nova Scotia Pulp, the current owners of Port Hawkesbury Paper are continuing the tradition in support of the hospital’s major renovation project.

“In 1980, approximately 1100 employees invested in their health care future by contributing through a payroll deduction campaign to the building of the new hospital,” recalls D.R. MacDonald, who was Personnel Superintendent of Nova Scotia Pulp Limited, the name of the facility at the time.

“It mattered to many of us that we support a new hospital to serve our community. The nearest medical facilities at that time were either in Sydney or Antigonish, and we felt it was so important to have closer access to emergency and medical services,” says Mr. MacDonald, who served as a company representative on the community committee to establish the hospital.

This month, D. R. and his son Dean, were on hand to present a cheque for $100,000 to the members of the Strait Richmond Hospital Foundation. Dean MacDonald joined the mill in 1983 and has held varying roles over the years; he is currently Line Manager of Paper Machine 2.

“On behalf of Port Hawkesbury Paper, we are excited to be contributing to the hospital’s major renovation project,” says Dean MacDonald. The mill’s gift will go towards enhancing the emergency department and the creation of a new ambulatory care area.

“I’m proud to represent the mill and, with my father, represent two generations of supporters as well as two generations that have benefited from the hospital being there for us,” says Dean. “The Strait Richmond Hospital has been so important to the health of many in this region, and certainly to all the employees of the mill and their families. Everyone here has either needed the services of the hospital or has known someone who has, at one time or another.”

Mike Hartery and Bevan Lock, Co-Mill Managers, indicate that the gift will also recognize a former colleague, Marc Dube. A plaque commemorating Mr. Dube will be installed in the newly renovated area of the hospital.

“Marc worked for Ron Stern and partners, playing a key role in the re-opening of the mill eight years ago,” says Hartery. “Marc will always be remembered for his positive spirit and eagerness to work together, which was evident in everything he did until his time of passing in 2018.”

“Marc’s dedication to the success of Port Hawkesbury Paper and his focus on community engagement ensured that we have been able to contribute to our community’s sustainability in a meaningful way. He cared very much about this area and the broader region,” says Lock.

“We truly appreciate this donation from the mill,” says Aurine Richard, Fundraising Coordinator for the Strait Richmond Health Care Foundation. “The mill has been a strong supporter since the hospital’s beginning 40 years ago. We are thankful for the generosity and support the mill and its staff have shown the hospital over the years and look forward to the enhanced services this donation will help us provide at the hospital.

-end-

Contact: bevan.lock@porthawkesburypaper.com mike.hartery@porthawkesburypaper.com

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Port Hawkesbury Paper Celebrates 8 Years of Operation

2020-09-28 08:00:00

September 28, 2020, Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia – Today, Port Hawkesbury Paper LP (PHP) celebrates its 8th year of operation under the ownership of Stern Partners and Wayne Nystrom. Port Hawkesbury Paper has shown that it is a critical contributor to the economy of Nova Scotia by bringing well-paying jobs, tax revenues, provincial expenditures, quality products and sustainable forestry management to the region.

The Port Hawkesbury mill site has a long history of positive contribution to the region. The mill was first developed in 1962 as a sulfite pulp mill and expanded into manufacturing newsprint and pulp for the next three decades. In 1998, the Port Hawkesbury site expanded again by investing $850 million on a state-of-the-art supercalender (SC) paper machine. In 2012, the mill at Port Hawkesbury was reopened by Stern Partners as Port Hawkesbury Paper and today continues to operate as a world-class high-tech facility, manufacturing supercalendered paper that is sold throughout North America and around the world.

Over the past eight years, Port Hawkesbury Paper has delivered on its commitment to the region and continues to build a track record of sustainable performance. Based on a recent economic impact report, some of the critical indicators of the value of this business to the region include:

Over 1.4 billion dollars of provincial expenditures since start-up in 2012 – impacting virtually every part of the province with a supply chain that includes over 500 Nova Scotia companies
Creating an estimated 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs, with 325 at the mill and another 700 in spinoff activities
Provincial tax revenue of 24 million dollars per year
Inclusive relations with Mi’kmaq communities both in terms of forest management and manufacturing operations
Maintaining three international third-party audited forest management and chain-of-custody certifications (FSC®, SFI® and PEFC™)
Entering into an innovative and completely new 4-year agreement with Nova Scotia Power for the more efficient operation of the provincial grid and multi-million dollar savings for all electricity customers
Shipping over 2 million metric tonnes of paper since 2012, and becoming a leading worldwide supplier of high-quality SC paper

“The company has a deep history in eastern Nova Scotia and our business is integral to the region’s economic success,” says Allan Eddy, Director of Business Development for Port Hawkesbury Paper. “Over the past eight years, Port Hawkesbury Paper’s spending has reached virtually every part of the province, and the mill’s financial impact is critical to Nova Scotia and provides economic cohesion that stabilizes rural communities.”

The company's success and future growth will come through our highly skilled employees' continual innovation, focus on using all available assets at the mill and investing in research on value-add projects.

“We are very proud to be part of Port Hawkesbury Paper, states Ron Stern, founder and President of Stern Partners. “The Port Hawkesbury Paper team has done an exceptional job in improving our products, our operations and exceeding all of our social commitments in Nova Scotia.”

We thank our employees, customers, suppliers, community, and local and provincial governments for contributing to our success over the past eight years.

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

At Port Hawkesbury Paper, we are the leader in supercalendered paper manufacturing in North America. Our ownership focuses on building and investing for the long-term and is dedicated to developing a flexible and sustainable business. We believe that every employee’s actions make a difference and we rely on committed, skilled people to use leading-edge processes and technology to develop best-in-class products. The secret to our effectiveness is shown in our products' consistent and reliable quality and our open communication and problem-solving with our employees, suppliers, and customers. Quality, reliability, and consistency of products and services deliver ultimate customer value. PHP is the only industrial company in the Maritimes that is independently certified to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) forest management and chain of custody standards, Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) forest management and chain of custody standards, and PEFC™ chain of custody standard.

Contact:

Allan Eddy

Director of Business Development

Port Hawkesbury Paper

allan.eddy@porthawkesburypaper.com

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Nova Scotia chemists team up with mill to make N95 masks using pulp

2020-05-13 00:00:00

Michael Tutton

The Canadian PressStaff

Contact

Published Wednesday, May 13, 2020 5:15PM ADTLast Updated Wednesday, May 13, 2020 5:29PM ADT

HALIFAX -- A team of chemists at Saint Mary's University in Halifax is looking at methods to help East Coast mills produce pulp that can be used in the N95 respirator masks that have been in high demand during the global pandemic.

Christa Brosseau, the lead researcher on the project, says fresh methods are needed to manufacture a supply of the gear used to protect against COVID-19.

The professor is partnering with Port Hawkesbury Paper LP, based in Cape Breton, to determine how to use balsam fir and spruce fibre to produce the pulp needed for the masks.

The scientist says the current N95 masks are typically composed primarily of synthetic polymer materials with cellulose sometimes incorporated into one of the layers that make up the respirator.

Her research team, in collaboration with organic chemist Robert Singer, also of Saint Mary's University, are beginning work next month to come up with ways to allow fibre from the East Coast's softwood species to become the prime material to make the masks.

They envision adding a chemical step to the thermomechanical pulp production used in mills, which initially heats wood chips with steam and then grinds them before the fibre is pressed and bleached.

The Harmac Pacific mill near Nanaimo, B.C., currently makes medical grade pulp using red cedar wood fibre.

In Nova Scotia, the red cedar isn't available, meaning the mills will have to find a way to adapt the process to spruce and fir that dominate in the Acadian forest, said Brosseau.

"We want to make sure that any additives we explore are going to be sustainable, environmentally friendly, cost effective, and could be something that could be implemented into the mill process without gumming up the works," she said.

She says, if successful, the project could help meet the needs of health workers by supplying adequate protection equipment against COVID-19, while also supporting the struggling Nova Scotian pulp and paper industry.

After the recent shutdown of the Northern Pulp mill in Pictou County, there has been a large decline in the market for wood chips produced by the province's sawmills.

Brosseau said the researchers are looking to have some "potential ideas" for new processes to create medical pulp, including the potential of a mask made entirely of wood fibres, by this fall.

Asked if the process will produce effluent waste, she said, "we don't want to introduce anything into the stream that wouldn't be biodegradable or 100 per cent recovered." She said any additives would have to non-toxic.

A recent grant from Research Nova Scotia will provide about $72,000 to the project, primarily to hire research assistants.

The Port Hawkesbury Paper mill is providing samples of pulp for the chemists.

Andrew Fedora, the company's leader in sustainability and outreach, said that while the project is still in the early stages of research, it looks promising. The mill, which employs about 300 people, currently specializes in making high-quality paper for export.

"There seems to be shortages of various medical equipment with the panic over the shortage of N95 masks," he said in a telephone interview.

"From what I understand, there's more demand than there is capacity ... so, there is great opportunity."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2020.

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Canada Infrastructure Bank Signs Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Wind Energy Project in Nova Scotia

2019-12-17 09:44:00

POINT TUPPER – Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), Port Hawkesbury Paper and IFE Project Management Canada (IFE) announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing their collaboration on the potential Pirate Harbour Wind Farm in Nova Scotia.

The MOU confirms CIB will conduct due diligence work with Port Hawkesbury Paper and IFE during the project evaluation and planning phase. CIB’s work could lead to an investment in the project, subject to all standard due diligence and decision making.

With support from the Province of Nova Scotia, Port Hawkesbury Paper and IFE are evaluating the potential development of a 112 megawatt wind farm, comprised of 28 four megawatt wind turbines, 15 kilometres of overland transmission lines and two kilometres of subsea cables.

The wind farm would supply green energy to Port Hawkesbury Paper, the largest industrial employer in the region, with the goal of further enhancing sustainable energy supply to Nova Scotian industry. It also supports provincial and federal commitments to the environment and the Mill’s ongoing commitment to an environmentally sustainable business.

This is CIB’s first opportunity to partner on a project in Nova Scotia. CIB has specialized infrastructure expertise and the wind farm is consistent with one of its priority sectors – green infrastructure.
Quick Facts:

CIB is a Crown corporation mandated to invest $35 billion in federal funding and attract private sector investment into new revenue-generating infrastructure projects.
CIB is focused on transformational projects that are in the public interest. Public transit, trade and transportation, green infrastructure and broadband are priority sectors for investment.
The Pirate Harbour Wind Farm represents CIB’s eighth project in total and demonstrates CIB is advising on and investing in projects across sectors and regions.
The project will reduce the Mill’s reliance on fossil fuels for energy, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The project adds clean, renewable energy generation to the Province and will further increase the sustainability of the Mill’s paper production operations.
Port Hawkesbury Paper and IFE will lead the design, construction and financing of the wind farm.
This project is an example of how CIB can partner with the private sector and collaborate with the public sector on a project that is in the public interest. The potential wind farm will support environmental and green infrastructure objectives.

Quotes:
This announcement from the Canada Infrastructure Bank is in line with our Government’s commitment to making communities cleaner, healthier and better for Canadians. This project would reduce the Mill’s reliance on fossil fuels for energy, focusing instead on wind farming as a source of renewable energy. CIB’s expertise in green infrastructure will be an asset to this project during the planning phase.
Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

CIB is pleased to bring our infrastructure investment expertise to partner with Port Hawkesbury Paper and IFE. The Pirate Harbour Wind Farm is aligned with provincial, federal and CIB priorities in terms of green infrastructure investment, increased capacity in renewable energy generation and promoting economic development.
Pierre Lavallée, President and CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank

Nova Scotia is a national leader in fighting climate change, and we have reached this position while keeping electricity rates stable. Now, we have set the most ambitious emission reduction targets in the country. The potential of adding more clean, renewable wind energy to our province could help us achieve our goals, while supporting the future of one of the largest employers in rural Nova Scotia. That’s why we are pleased to see this project coming forward for consideration.
Derek Mombourquette, Nova Scotia Minister of Energy and Mines

This partnership has the potential to enable the production of clean energy for the area’s largest industrial employer, while helping the community of Point Tupper and the entire province, to diversify and become more sustainable.
Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

Port Hawkesbury Paper is excited to continue the evaluation of the Pirate Harbour Wind Farm with the assistance of the CIB and the support of the Province in order to help further governmental commitments on the environment and enhance long-term environmentally sustainable paper production at the Mill.
Bevan Lock, Co-Mill Manager, Port Hawkesbury Paper

IFE is very pleased to work with CIB and Port Hawkesbury Paper on the development of this green infrastructure project. A decision to build this wind farm will be a landmark in Atlantic Canada, as it will be the first time that a pulp and paper mill, or any large industrial facility, has chosen to work with a wind developer to purchase green energy to fuel its activities.
Keith Towse, CEO, IFE Project Management Canada Inc.

Learn More:

Canada Infrastructure Bank

Port Hawkesbury Paper

Contacts:
Terence Foran
Canada Infrastructure Bank

tforan@cib-bic.ca
416-847-7743

Allan Eddy
Manager Business Development

Port Hawkesbury Paper
allan.eddy@porthawkesburypaper.com

902-625-6145

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Update on Fire at Port Hawkesbury Paper

2019-06-21 10:53:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, June 21, 2019 - A fire in one of the wood chip silos on the Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) Mill site was discovered at approximately 7:20 PM (ADT) on Thursday, June 20th. The mill Emergency Response Team and the Louisdale Volunteer Fire Department responded to the initial call. The nature of the fire required additional resources, and firefighters from four local fire departments were brought in to assist.

Two Port Hawkesbury Paper employees and two volunteer firefighters were taken to hospital for treatment. Both PHP employees have been released along with one of the firefighters. We have been told the second firefighter is expected to be released later today.

The fire is under control, and the PHP response team are making progress toward extinguishing it completely. External fire department resources are no longer on site.

Port Hawkesbury Paper is extremely grateful for all those who responded to this incident. As a result of their professional actions, the mill's production has not and will not be impacted.

The mill is cooperating with the Department of Labour and Advanced Education in their incident investigation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the mill.

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John Picklesimer Named Interim President of Port Hawkesbury Paper Sales Services

2019-06-04 10:58:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, June 4, 2019 – Port Hawkesbury Paper (PHP) Sales Services (U.S.) LLC announced today that, due to the ongoing absence of Tom Gallagher for health reasons, John Picklesimer has been named PHP Sales Services’ Interim President. With John Picklesimer’s leadership, we will ensure that our customers continue to receive the service and quality that is expected of us, while we hope for Tom Gallagher’s speedy recovery.

Mr. Picklesimer will continue to handle accounts directly and will also have responsibility for Technical Field Service.

Since 2017, Mr. Picklesimer has held the position of VP, Corporate Accounts and International Sales with PHP and from 2012-2017 he held the role of Director, International Sales for the Port Hawkesbury Paper Mill.

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

At Port Hawkesbury Paper, we are the leader in supercalendered paper manufacturing in North America. We believe that every employee’s actions make a difference, and we rely on committed, skilled people to use leading-edge process and technology to develop best-in-class products. Port Hawkesbury Paper’s Artisan®, Prominence Plus®, Prominence® and Maritime® lines offer a wide selection of supercalendered options to publishers and printers who are looking for premium quality paper for use in retail inserts, catalogs, magazines, circulars and coupons. PHP is the only industrial company in the Maritimes that is independently certified to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) forest management and chain of custody standards, Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) forest management and chain of custody standards, and PEFC™ chain of custody standard.

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Economic Impact Report Outlines Port Hawkesbury Paper Mill's Financial Effect Across Rural Nova Scotia

2018-12-11 04:00:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, December 11, 2018 – 6 years after its re-opening, Port Hawkesbury Paper LP (PHP) continues to significantly contribute to the economy of Nova Scotia with total expenditures exceeding $1 billion since the mill was re-opened in 2012.

In the fall of 2018, PHP partnered with Gardner Pinfold to undertake an economic analysis and impact study. The results measured five indicators: the gross value of output, gross domestic product, employment, labour income, and taxes. This is the second economic impact study completed since the mill was purchased and reopened in October 2012.

The report confirms that the mill generates 325 direct full-time equivalent jobs and an estimated 700 indirect jobs for the region. The average income is 44% higher than the average industrial wage in Nova Scotia. In 2017, the annual mill spending in the province exceeded $170 million. Tax revenues of all types, from both direct and spinoff activities, amount to approximately $27 million annually. Tax revenues include personal income tax, taxes on products and production, and municipal taxes.

PHP’s successful restart and continued success have also brought confidence to supporting businesses in the region. The mill’s supply chain includes over 500 Nova Scotia companies with over $30 million spent on wood harvesting and operations alone.

“The latest report confirms the mill’s impact across many parts of Nova Scotia and that our business is integral to the economic success of the region,” says Allan Eddy, Director of Business Development for Port Hawkesbury Paper. “Port Hawkesbury Paper’s spending reaches virtually every part of the province, and the mill’s financial impact is critical to Nova Scotia and provides economic cohesion that stabilizes the community.”

Amanda Mombourquette, the Executive Director of the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, stated, “Business confidence in the Strait Area is high with PHP's presence in the region. We see new investments in a variety of industries from advanced manufacturing to tourism. PHP sets a great example for other growth-minded companies in the Strait Area with their commitment to industry and community partnerships, diversification and innovation.”

The PHP mill team continues to focus on using all available assets at the mill and investing in research and industry innovation on value-add projects. Most notably, PHP has made significant investments in the thermomechanical pulp (TMP) operations for improving paper production. Additionally, the Woodlands team is achieving the highest levels of international certification and management to ensure the long-term sustainability of the 523,000 hectares of mill managed Crown woodlands resources.

To download a summary of the report, please click here.

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

Port Hawkesbury Paper is the leading provider of supercalendered (SC) paper in North America and delivers the highest quality and most efficient paper production available. Port Hawkesbury Paper offers a wide selection of options to publishers and printers who are looking for premium quality paper for use in retail inserts, catalogs, magazines, circulars, and coupons. PHP is independently certified to three internationally recognized forestry certification standards. www.porthawkesburypaper.com

Contact:

Allan Eddy, Director of Business Development, Port Hawkesbury Paper allan.eddy@porthawkesburypaper.com

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Port Hawkesbury Paper Releases Sustainability Report

2018-05-07 00:00:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia – May 7, 2018 (Press Release) – Port Hawkesbury Paper has announced the release of its annual sustainability report. The report includes key measurements such as: water and fuel consumption, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and forestry certification with results measured from 2013 through 2017. Port Hawkesbury Paper is committed to sustainability issues and feels that the transparent and voluntary reporting of results supports consumer confidence in the company’s sustainability commitment and establishes a baseline for future sustainability efforts.

“At Port Hawkesbury Paper, we focus on innovation and research to develop new ways to reduce raw material consumption, energy use, and waste minimization or re-use,” said Marc Dube, Business Development Manager for Port Hawkesbury Paper. “We are proud of our accomplishments and have made some significant improvements in mill and woodland operations – impacting both sustainability results and costs.”

Some of the report highlights include the following achievements:

PHP is the only industrial company in the Maritimes that is independently certified to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) forest management and chain of custody standards, Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) forest management and chain of custody standards, and PEFC™ chain of custody standard
8% reduction in GHG emissions since 2013
21% decrease in raw water use since 2013
19% decrease in solid waste since 2013

To download a PDF of the entire Sustainability Report, please visit our web site at:

http://www.porthawkesburypaper.com/sustainability.html

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

Located on the shores of the Strait of Canso in Nova Scotia, Port Hawkesbury Paper is the leading provider of supercalendered (SC) paper in North America. The SC machine at Port Hawkesbury delivers the highest quality and most efficient paper production available. Port Hawkesbury Paper’s Artisan®, Prominence® Plus, Prominence® and Maritime® lines offer a wide selection of supercalendered options to publishers and printers who are looking for premium quality paper. All Port Hawkesbury papers are available as FSC® certified options and are used in retail inserts, catalogs, magazines, circulars and coupons.

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Port Hawkesbury mill surpasses milestone: marks two-plus years without a lost time injury

2014-10-31 15:31:00

For Immediate Release, October 31, 2014, Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia

Port Hawkesbury Mill recently celebrated two years in business, since restarting the mill in September 2012; and has surpassed the two year mark of zero lost time workplace injuries.

The company tracks this key metric on a daily basis; it is the measurement of lost time any employee experiences as a result of a workplace injury. This information is also shared daily within the mill, and tracked weekly as a KPI – Key Performance Indicator. In an industrial environment, employees are working in and around heavy and highly technical equipment, moving machinery, steam and electricity. All of these factors increase the level of risk and reinforces the importance of working safely.

As of today, October 31^st, 2014, PHP has achieved two years and one month lost time injury free; which has never been achieved in the history of mill at Port Hawkesbury (current and previous owners included).

“There are many benefits to achieving zero lost time and having a positive safety culture,” says Marc Dube, Development Manager, PHP. Most importantly, our employees go home safely to their families everyday.”

“We’re really proud of our employees. This milestone is significant in that it places the mill in high standing, not only in the region, but across the country, when compared to other large mills,” says Dube.

The Mill was also recently recognized by the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce with the 2014 Excellence in Safety Award.

Contact: Marc Dube, PHP Development Manager (902) 227-5299

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Port Hawkesbury Paper partners with Eastern Canada Stevedoring to increase wharf activity

2014-05-20 15:32:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia

(May 20, 2014) Port Hawkesbury Paper LP (PHP) and Eastern Canada Stevedoring (ECS) have partnered to expand business activities on a wharf that is owned by PHP.

The Maritime based stevedoring organization will serve as sole operator of the wharf.

"This partnership aligns with our focus on creating more opportunity to ensure long term sustainability for the mill," said Marc Dube, Development Manager, PHP, "Our goal is to significantly increase revenue sources for the mill and grow economic and employment opportunities for the local community."

The wharf is located on the shoreline of the mill's site in Port Hawkesbury on the Strait of Canso. The wharf boasts an 8-metre depth, ice-free conditions, warehouse facilities, external storage space and is assessable to the nearby Trans-Canada Highway and rail line.

"We're excited about this new partnership as it will help create new business opportunities for the region," said Donald Roy, General Manager, "We also see this as a way to promote the various infrastructures in Cape Breton."

ECS brings marketing strength and depth of experience in handling dry, liquid and break bulk in the region and across Canada. They have recently worked on such projects as the Exxon Hebron Project in 2013 where they loaded several supply vessels of specialized offshore cargo. In addition, Eastern Canada Stevedoring is a leader in handling all types of project cargo as well as forest products such as wood pellets, wood pulp, newsprint, lumber, etc.

The agreement was recently signed and the marketing team has begun outreach across Canada.

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Contact: Marc Dube, PHP Development Manager (902) 227-5299

About Port Hawkesbury Paper

Port Hawkesbury Paper LP (www.porthawkesburypaper.com) is a forestry operations and paper mill in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia. Port Hawkesbury Paper is one of the most competitive producers of super-calendared paper in North America and ships its products (retail inserts, catalogs, magazines, circulars and coupons) to customers throughout North America and around the world. Over the year, Port Hawkesbury Paper will invest approximately $160 million in Nova Scotia. Port Hawkesbury Paper employs over 300 individuals at the mill and over 400 individuals in the woodlands. Port Hawkesbury Paper forestry operations are the only large forest operations that are Forest Stewardship Council® certified in Atlantic Canada

About Eastern Canada Stevedoring

Eastern Canada Stevedoring is a subsidiary of the QSL Group which operates over twenty five port terminals along the Saint-Lawrence River, the Great Lakes and the Maritimes. For over 30 years the Quebec Stevedoring Group and its subsidiaries have been providing their clients with exceptional services tailored to their specific needs. The highly versatile network accommodates over twenty million tons of general, dry bulk and containerized cargo. Boasting an array of facilities, including interior and exterior storage space, along with and intermodal infrastructure already providing links to marine, rail and road transport.

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Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq and Port Hawkesbury Paper begin negotiations for an Impact Benefits Agreement

2013-07-29 15:33:00

Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia (July 29, 2013) – Port Hawkesbury Paper LP and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs are working together to negotiate an Impact Benefits Agreement (IBA) arising from the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by both parties in January 2013. The MOU is a commitment between the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia and Port Hawkesbury Paper to work together and develop a Socio-economic Benefits Agreement and an Environmental Agreement, ensuring meaningful Mi’kmaq participation in forestry operations and the paper mill.

“We understand how critical it is for us to work together to see that our resources are protected” said Chief Gerard Julian, Co-Chair of the Assembly. “Advancing discussions with Port Hawkesbury Paper is a way for us to have input into the Nova Scotia economy, while maintaining our way of life, culture and ensuring the well-being of future generations”.

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs and Port Hawkesbury Paper will negotiate an IBA which will include direction on shared priorities such as employment opportunities for the Mi’kmaq, preservation of the environment, and the protection of Mi’kmaq Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.

“We are so pleased to move forward with our negotiations for an IBA with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs” says Marc Dube, Development Manager. “Much like the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, Port Hawkesbury Paper is committed to ensuring a sustainable forestry sector, and we work hard every day to ensure we balance social, environmental and economic considerations in the day-to-day operations of our business”.

Port Hawkesbury Paper and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs will begin negotiating the IBA in early July and parties will finalize the agreement in 2014.

About Port Hawkesbury Paper LP:

Port Hawkesbury Paper LP is a forestry operations and paper mill in Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia. Port Hawkesbury Paper is the most competitive producer of super-calendared paper in North America and ships to customers throughout North America, South America, Asia and Europe. Over the past year, Port Hawkesbury Paper has invested approximately $100m in Nova Scotia. Port Hawkesbury Paper employs over 300 individuals at the mill and over 600 individuals in the woodlands. Port Hawkesbury Paper forestry operations are the only large forest operations that are Forest Stewardship Council® certified in Atlantic Canada.

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Port Hawkesbury Paper in full compliance with WTO rules

2013-03-29 15:34:00

March 28, 2013,- - Pacific West Commercial Corporation is responding to an inquiry by the U.S. Trade Representative, to determine whether the investments into the Port Hawkesbury Paper Mill in Nova Scotia may be in contravention of the World Trade Organization's rules.

"The claims we are hearing, specifically from members of congress from Maine, regarding our investment into Port Hawkesbury Paper are completely false. Pacific West received sound legal advice from specialized trade counsel on this transaction, and our investment is fully consistent with international trade rules" said Shawn Lewis, VP and General Counsel of Pacific West Commercial Corporation. "Unfortunately, some of the media reports regarding the reopening of the mill have contained exaggerated and erroneous information, which may have led to a significant misunderstanding of the investment."

The reopening of the mill was part of a normal statutory bankruptcy proceeding in the Canadian courts, in which all stakeholders, including those from the United States, were provided an equal opportunity to participate.

"It is also important to note that United States governments provide large amounts of assistance to the U.S. paper industry, including mills in Maine" added Mr. Lewis.

For further information please contact:

Shawn Lewis

VP & General Counsel

Pacific West Commercial Corporation

slewis@sternpartners.com

Marc Dube

Development Manager

Port Hawkesbury Paper

marc.dube@porthawkesburypaper.com

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